WWE RAW - Best and Worst - Rhea Ripley walks away; former champion teases John Cena feud
The first episode of WWE RAW after Money in the Bank 2024 had some big moments. Now is the time for them, too, as SummerSlam is fast approaching. We saw several new storylines begin while a few current ones got a real shot in the arm.
The biggest may have involved Rhea Ripley, who is finally back. Seth Rollins, Sami Zayn, and others were also involved in exciting segments. So, let's get into the biggest positives and negatives from tonight's episode of WWE RAW. There was certainly way more good than bad.
#3. Best/Worst: What's next for Seth?
Seth Rollins had an interesting night on WWE RAW. He isn't the World Heavyweight Champion, following the shenanigans involving CM Punk and Drew McIntyre at Money in the Bank. The Visionary wasn't happy at all and interrupted Punk at the start of tonight's show.
They had an excellent promo that didn't feel overly scripted, with Rollins getting the better of The Second City Saint. There's just one problem, though. This match isn't happening anytime soon, with McIntyre next in line to face CM Punk. Adding Seth Rollins to their feud wouldn't be a wise decision.
WWE RAW teased another match for The Architect, with Damian Priest willing to give him another world title shot after SummerSlam. However, where does that leave Rollins now? He needs a program heading into The Biggest Party of the Summer, as it would be a shame if he misses it.
#2. Worst: Be careful, Uce!
Jey Uso got the better of Chad Gable on WWE RAW, winning their match after a distraction from The Wyatt Sicks. The YEET Master quickly got out of the way once the match ended, but not before having a little bit of fun.
From Yeet-ing in the darkness to jokingly hiding under the ring last week, it seems Uso has been seeing the funny side of Uncle Howdy's crew taking over WWE RAW. That needs to stop, even if The Wyatts Sicks keep on going after Gable.
Perhaps the meeting between Adam Pearce and Bo Dallas could force the roster to take them even more seriously. This includes Jey Uso, who could eventually be a target for The Wyatt Sicks.
#2. Best: A successful rehab for Bron Breakker
After losing to Sami Zayn at Money in the Bank, there were heavy concerns that Bron Breakker would lose his way at all. However, that doesn't seem to be the case following WWE RAW. The second-generation star ran through the Intercontinental Champion with a vicious spear on the outside.
Breakker even faced Ilja Dragunov and left him lying, following some great action. All signs point to a Triple Threat at SummerSlam, which could be where Zayn loses the IC Title. Bron Breakker needs to win it, especially after looking like a killer again.
#1. Worst: John Cena vs... Karrion Kross?!
While merely a passing mention, it could turn into something significant. Karrion Kross brought up John Cena's retirement during his promo vignette on Kofi Kingston on tonight's show, suggesting that the 16-time world champion knows his time is almost up.
It may have furthered the issue between The New Day and The Final Testament, but Triple H is all about subtly planting seeds. What if this was one of those seeds? With Cena retiring in 2025, he only has a limited number of matches left.
As a result, Kross shouldn't be among them, considering how many more superstars get better reactions than him on WWE RAW, SmackDown, and even NXT. While things could change in a year, a match between Karrion Kross and John Cena doesn't sound too exciting.
#1. Best: Mami's back on WWE RAW
Following three months away from WWE RAW, Rhea Ripley is back!
She returned with a vengeance following the mixed tag team main event, which saw Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio victorious. The two "lovebirds" were about to kiss in the middle of the ring, with Morgan seemingly winning over Dirty Dom by helping him pin Rey Mysterio.
However, Mami's music hit before they could pull the trigger, which prompted the Women's World Champion to run away through the crowd. Ripley then rejected a hug from Mysterio and walked away from him as WWE RAW ended.
This story just hit the next level. The dynamic between Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio will be interesting to follow, as is The Judgment Day's status as a whole. Where does everybody stand? Lots of questions. But for now, we can rejoice over Mami's big return!