Kevin BergeJanuary 14, 2025
- Penta made his much anticipated debut in WWE, defeating Chad Gable in a memorable match.Credit: WWE.com.
- The January 13 edition of Monday Night Raw delivered strong action and moments for the second week on Netflix.
- Penta made his WWE debut in the match of the night, bringing the fight against Chad Gable. He was put over big including Rey Mysterio talking him up as the next top luchador.
- Damian Priest defeated Finn Bálor in a Steel Fight that should put the Judgment Day behind him for good.
- Lyra Valkyria completed her journey to history, capturing the Women’s Intercontinental Championship in a competitive battle with Dakota Kai.
- Jey Uso set a challenge to Gunther for a World Heavyweight Championship match at Saturday Night’s Main Event.
- CM Punk, Seth “Freakin” Rollins and Drew McIntyre all declared for the men’s Royal Rumble, setting up a variety of interesting favorites for a huge match in 2025.
- This was a night that set a stronger foundation for the future of WWE on Netflix.
- Penta has arrived in WWE, and he did so in emphatic fashion, defeating Chad Gable in a show-stealer.
- It was a great effort that was desperately needed to sell Cero Miedo to a new WWE audience. That audience saw how good he is in the ring.
- His charisma got him over quickly with a new audience, regardless of how much some may be familiar with his work in All Elite Wrestling.
- The goal with Penta will be to establish him as a significant performer beyond the stories of others luchadors on the roster. He is a different wrestler than Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee.
- With the right focus, his gear, especially his mask, will sell big in WWE. His style is signature, especially his Cero Miedo taunt and technical offensive focus.
- His brother Rey Fenix will not likely appear in WWE until 2026, so there is plenty of time for Penta to establish himself as his own star.
- WWE’s championship scene looked all-time great in 2024, highlighted by world champions Cody Rhodes and Gunther.
- However, while The American Nightmare remains WWE’s strongest character, The Ring General is losing steam quickly, particularly in a new environment on Netflix.
- This does not have to inevitably end in a lackluster finish to Gunther’s title reign. WWE must make a change though to get back on track.
- First and foremost, it is time to move away from Gunther’s usual rivals. He has already fought Jey Uso, Sami Zayn and Damian Priest multiple times.
- A rematch with Jey at Saturday Night’s Main Event for the World Heavyweight Championship is not an exciting option on paper, especially given their past in-ring work.
- CM Punk and Seth “Freakin” Rollins both feel like fresh challengers, but they are not the only interesting options.
- SmackDown also has plenty of interesting options that could come over to Raw including Kevin Owens, LA Knight, Solo Sikoa, Andrade, Carmelo Hayes and Braun Strowman.
- It is time to tell fresh stories with exciting matches and stories that are build over months to sell the challenge of overcoming a top star like The Ring General in 2025.
- He was at his best as Intercontinental champion when everyone was gunning for him. It was clear how many stars wanted the opportunity but also knew how difficult it would be to topple him.
- Lyra Valkyria’s journey to the Women’s Intercontinental Championship was a welcome change of pace for The Valkyrie.
- Since moving up from NXT, she has not looked like a top star until this championship tournament.
- However, her work throughout the tournament has emphasized her strengths, elevating her competition and outshining her competition.
- She should keep that focus as champion, defending her championship regularly against a variety of opponents.
- She can serve as the central champion for Pure Fusion Collective, Damage CTRL and others to challenge.
- Matches with Shayna Baszler, Sonya Deville, Zelina Vega, Ivy Nile, Kairi Sane and more could help elevate those competitors beyond their current role.
- Valkyria has the talent and endurance to be a true workhorse champion, establishing her title at a similar level to the one Bron Breakker holds.
- Damian Priest has defeated Finn Bálor once again, and this time it looks final. He dominated The Judgment Day and established that his journey goes beyond The Prince.
- The Punishment elevated his game with the World Heavyweight Championship, but he still was always tied to the legacy of Judgment Day.
- Priest was the first man to join Judgment Day after Edge formed the group in 2022, so his legacy will forever be tied to this stable. He has simply grown past it.
- He cannot be a top star in WWE if The Prince or “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio is a higher priority to him than winning championship gold.
- With this win, he can focus on trying to win the men’s Royal Rumble match. Beyond that opportunity, he could be a strong challenger for Bron Breakker by WrestleMania time.
- The Raw on Netflix premiere was a controversial show, receiving serious criticism for its pacing and lack of in-ring action.
- WWE answered those criticisms with more consistent second week of action on Netflix, focusing on the current roster and delivering multiple great matches.
- Penta vs. Chad Gable and Damian Priest vs. Finn Bálor were both great matches, highlighting potential top stars in 2025.
- Lyra Valkyria’s Women’s Intercontinental Championship victory was a satisfying end to a history-making moment in the women’s division.
- CM Punk opened the show followed by Seth “Freakin” Rollins and Drew McIntyre, who all sold the important of the upcoming men’s Royal Rumble match.
- The show delivered quality action over two-and-a-half hours, never needing to overstay its welcome to get to three hours.
