5 WWE Superstars who will suffer when RAW becomes a 2-hour show for the rest of 2024
WWE recently announced on X (Twitter) that Monday Night RAW would be a two-hour show, beginning with the October 7th edition of the company's flagship show. The two-hour format will continue for the rest of 2024.
Monday Night RAW will air on the USA Network from 8 PM to 10 p.m. EST slot, with an hour cut from the usual broadcast that runs until 11 PM.
While a two-hour telecast fits with Triple H's quality-over-quantity approach, several Superstars will likely suffer when the red brand becomes a two-hour show from October 7 to December 30, 2024:
#5 and #4. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods will no longer be regulars on Monday Night RAW
The New Day, even minus Big E, is one of the most decorated and prolific stables of the modern era. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods are multi-time Tag Team Champions, and the two veterans are consistent on the mic and in the ring.
However, in recent years, the popular duo has stepped away from the Tag Team Championship scene. As such, they have missed out on significant Premium Live Events. Nonetheless, The New Day still managed to appear consistently on TV as part of television feuds with lower-card tandems.
Unfortunately, removing an hour from RAW between October 7 and December 30 means that WWE will have to prioritize PLE-worthy storylines, and The New Day hasn't had such meaningful programs in a while. Furthermore, they have shifted down the company's priority list, suggesting their fate is unlikely to change.
Therefore, Kingston and Woods will struggle for TV time, appearing a couple of times a month. The company may choose to use them for promotional work outside the ring, but their role in programming will be limited.
#3. and #2. R-Truth and The Miz (Awesome Truth)
Awesome Truth, the entertaining veteran duo of The Miz and R-Truth, is one of Monday Night RAW's most revered and beloved acts. Truth is universally loved for his comedy, and The A-Lister has earned the respect of the fan base through his humility.
Considering that both men are at advanced stages of their careers, their prospects are limited. Pairing them together was a smart idea, but they are less likely to be utilized in meaningful roles. However, the leverage of RAW running for three hours allowed The Miz and Truth to get TV time.
Truth was often given a segment or two to give fans a laugh and break from the serious programming of the show. His iconic storyline with The Judgment Day was built on this dynamic. The Miz, on the other hand, received regular chances to host his TV show.
With RAW reverting to two hours for the rest of the year from next month, WWE may not have enough time to squeeze in a comedic R-Truth segment. Furthermore, Miz TV will not occur with the same frequency as it did in the past.
#1. Ludwig Kaiser
Soon after WrestleMania XL, Ludwig Kaiser attacked Giovanni Vinci, reducing Imperium to a two-member group. Kaiser soon embarked on a mini-singles run that saw him excel in short feuds with prominent names like Sheamus. However, an injury derailed his push.
Kaiser recently returned to challenge for LA Knight's US Championship and introduced Gunther to the German crowd at Bash in Berlin. Unfortunately, Triple H hasn't given much attention to the singles push the 34-year-old received before his ill-timed injury.
The former NXT UK Tag Team Champion is more than Gunther's sidekick and could be used in more meaningful roles as a singles star. With RAW down to a two-hour telecast from October 7 to December 30, 2024, the creative team may not have much time to invest in the talented star.