Top three things we loved and hated about WWE RAW (June 17, 2024)

We got to see some surprising returns this week on Raw.

In the wake of Clash at the Castle, WWE RAW aired an episode that laid the groundwork for Money in the Bank on July 6 and the road to SummerSlam four weeks later. The first Money in the Bank ladder match qualifiers and the fallout from the Glasgow event dominated the show. However, the action wasn’t confined to just these events; there were significant storylines and character developments that kept fans on the edge of their seats.

This episode of WWE RAW saw the much-anticipated return of Seth Rollins, whose reappearance immediately injected fresh energy into the title scene. Meanwhile, Drew McIntyre’s shocking decision to quit WWE added an unexpected twist, leaving fans speculating about his future. The arrival of a new faction led by Uncle Howdy, teased through months of cryptic QR codes and ominous warnings, culminated in a dramatic reveal that promises to shake up the WWE landscape.

Alongside these major developments, other matches and segments contributed to the overall narrative, with some delivering satisfying payoffs and others falling short. Chad Gable’s ongoing struggle to secure a win, Sheamus and Bron Breakker’s unresolved clash, and the overcomplicated nature of certain segments all added layers of complexity to the episode.

Here are the three things we loved and hated about this week’s WWE RAW.

Loved: Seth Rollins returning to Monday Night Raw

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made a triumphant return to RAW, marking his first appearance since losing the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania XL. Rollins wasted no time establishing his motivation for his comeback: a shot at the title he helped establish.

The current champion, Damian Priest, interrupted and issued a challenge for the gold at Money in the Bank on July 6 in Toronto. This unexpected twist diverted from the predictable path of Priest vs. Gunther, adding an element of unpredictability that will make WWE programming a must-see in the coming weeks.

Rollins’ return without any unnecessary fanfare was a great reintroduction, highlighting his established main event status. His presence was sorely missed over the last three months, and his comeback adds significant intrigue to the title scene.

Hated: Chad Gable losing again

Raw General Manager Adam Pearce denied Chad Gable’s request for a sixth Intercontinental Championship match, instead booking him against Braun Strowman. Gable performed well but ultimately succumbed to Strowman’s running power slam.

After the match, Gable berated Akira Tozawa, leading to Otis finally lashing out at his longtime tag team partner. While this segment had the potential for a big moment, it felt rather tame compared to the anticipated blowoff. Gable’s continuous losses have diminished his credibility, and it would be beneficial for WWE to rebuild his momentum.

Loved: Drew McIntyre Quitting WWE

Drew McIntyre, frustrated after CM Punk screwed him out of the World Heavyweight Championship at Clash at the Castle, abruptly quit WWE. Despite Triple H and Adam Pearce’s insistence that he reconsider, McIntyre walked out.

This storyline twist adds significant drama and intrigue, particularly with SmackDown scheduled in Chicago, Punk’s hometown. The potential for McIntyre to confront Punk in his backyard is an exciting prospect, setting the stage for a heated rivalry.

Hated: Sheamus vs Bron Breakker ending in no contest

Sheamus and Bron Breakker battled to establish the next No. 1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship. The match ended in a disqualification when Ludwig Kaiser pulled Sheamus to the floor, preventing a decisive conclusion.

While the match itself was intense, the non-finish was disappointing. Breakker’s post-match attack on Sheamus and Kaiser was impressive, but a clear winner would have provided more satisfaction. WWE often relies on non-finishes to extend storylines, but this can sometimes detract from the excitement of the matches.

Loved: Uncle Howdy returns

After months of mysterious QR codes and ominous warnings, the arrival of a new force born from the legacy of Bray Wyatt captivated fans. The show concluded with the dramatic return of the as-of-yet-unnamed Uncle Howdy-led faction.

Security, wrestlers, and crew members were shown beaten and battered, leading to the introduction of Nikki Cross, Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, and Joe Gacy as part of the group. Uncle Howdy’s appearance and the group’s presence in the arena created a memorable cliffhanger, demanding viewers to tune in next week.

Hated: Overcomplicated Dragon Lee vs Carlito segment

Dragon Lee squared off against Carlito, seeking revenge for a pre-WrestleMania attack. The match saw interference from Dominik Mysterio and involvement from Liv Morgan, Zelina Vega, and JD McDonagh, leading to a chaotic finish.

While the segment added to ongoing storylines, the overcomplicated nature of the interference detracted from the focus, simplifying such segments would enhance the overall impact and keep the audience more engaged.

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