Gunther Advances Beyond John Cena in WWE ‘Raw’ Highlights
The first episode of WWE ‘Raw’ after the departure of John Cena took place in Hershey, Pennsylvania, delivering memorable moments for the fans. Gunther, fresh off his victory over Cena, entered the ring amid loud boos from an audience eager to express their disdain. His victory marked a significant point in his career, and he embraced his role as a heel, starting the night with a provocative promo.
Highlights from WWE ‘Raw’
The Usos Return
The show commenced with The Usos, Jey and Jimmy Uso, returning to the tag team division. They faced The New Day, marking their 45th encounter as per WWE records. The Usos secured a pinfall victory, re-establishing themselves in the tag team scene.
Women’s Championship Matches
- Maxxine Dupri retained the Women’s Intercontinental Championship by defeating Ivy Nile via submission.
- The matchup between Stephanie Vaquer and Raquel Rodriguez for the WWE Women’s World Championship ended in a no-contest.
Logan Paul vs. Rey Mysterio
Logan Paul also had a standout moment, defeating Rey Mysterio with a pinfall. This win added to his growing reputation in the ring.
Gunther’s Arc in the Post-Cena Era
The reactions during Gunther’s promo highlighted the WWE universe’s feelings towards him following his controversial victory over Cena. Each time he attempted to speak, the Hershey crowd responded with jeers. His ability to draw this reaction is known as “heat” in wrestling, and he has successfully embraced his heel persona.
Even after being ejected from the arena by Raw General Manager Adam Pearce for his disrespectful comments, Gunther left defiantly, showcasing a dismissive attitude towards the rules. This attitude positions him as a potential force in WWE akin to legends like Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns, having already retired both Goldberg and Cena from in-ring competition.
Upcoming Feuds and Surprises
As the evening progressed, intrigue brewed around CM Punk and Bron Breakker’s upcoming title clash. Punk delivered a riveting promo, raising the stakes for their match scheduled for January 5. Breakker capitalized on the night with a spear, setting the tone for what promises to be an intense rivalry.
Mystery Revealed
The show concluded with the unmasking of a mysterious figure, later identified as Austin Theory. Theory’s return after an injury layoff since July adds another layer to WWE’s storylines. His prior connection with Logan Paul may indicate strategic alliances moving forward, particularly under Paul Heyman’s guidance.
The Future of The Usos
The Usos’ direction remains uncertain. As they vie for tag team championship opportunities, speculation abounds regarding potential internal conflicts that could arise. Their history of tumultuous matches could lead to exciting possibilities for the future.
The first ‘Raw’ post-Cena certainly set the tone for high-stakes drama in WWE, leaving fans eager for more developments as the year progresses.
