A New Era for WWE Raw on Netflix
When Monday Night Raw made its debut on Netflix, the WWE pulled out all the stops to mark this significant transition. The event was not just a shift in broadcasting but a new chapter for the wrestling industry. To celebrate, WWE brought out their biggest star, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, not once but twice. The Rock made appearances on both the Red Brand and NXT the following night. However, instead of returning as The Final Boss, Johnson appeared in a non-kayfabe role as the WWE Executive Brand Ambassador. While this move initially generated buzz, it left many fans craving more traditional WWE storylines and interactions. The Road to Wrestlemania 41 is already underway, and the timing of these events has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing storylines. With less than two months until the big event, the lack of a clear opponent for Universal Champion Cody Rhodes has left many fans feeling unmoored.
Cody Rhodes: A Champion in Limbo
Cody Rhodes, the current Undisputed WWE Champion, finds himself in a peculiar situation. Despite his dominant reign, the identity of his Wrestlemania 41 opponent remains unknown. This has led to a rather haphazard booking of his matches and promos. The WWE is banking on the upcoming Elimination Chamber PLE to provide some clarity, where Rhodes will face the winner of the event. For now, any potential rematches with The Rock or Roman Reigns will have to wait until after Wrestlemania. Fans are eagerly awaiting Friday night’s show, hoping for some revealing announcements and matches that could set the stage for a memorable Wrestlemania.
The Road to Wrestlemania 41
The buildup to Wrestlemania 41 has been a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected turns. With the title matches and rivalries still in flux, the WWE has a lot of ground to cover in the coming weeks. One of the key matches on Friday night’s card is the WWE Tag Team Championship bout between DIY (Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano) and Pretty Deadly (Kit Wilson and Elton Prince). This title defense will be crucial in determining the future of these teams. Additionally, Jimmy Uso will face Drew McIntyre, a bout that promises to be a highlight of the event. The Women’s Division is also heating up, with Tiffany Stratton defending her WWE Women’s Championship against Candice LaRae, and Nia Jax making her presence felt in the background.
Notable Matches and Promos
Friday night’s card is packed with exciting matches and promos. In the opening match, Jimmy Uso will face Drew McIntyre. Uso, known for his underdog charm, will need to bring his A-game to stand a chance against the formidable McIntyre. Another highlight is the WWE Tag Team Championship match, where DIY will defend their titles against Pretty Deadly. The Street Profits, who have been playing both sides of the aisle, are expected to make a significant impact by interfering in the match. Kevin Owens, always a master of the promo, will deliver a pre-taped segment advertising their Unsanctioned match at Elimination Chamber. His feud with Sami Zayn continues to be one of the most compelling storylines, with Owens filming his promo from outside Zayn’s house, adding a new level of intensity to their rivalry.
Cody Rhodes and The Rock: A Meeting of Legends
The highlight of the evening is likely to be the meeting between Cody Rhodes and The Rock. After his appearances on Raw and NXT, The Rock’s role in the WWE has been a subject of much speculation. During a sit-down interview, The Rock announced that Wrestlemania 42 will be held in New Orleans, adding to the excitement surrounding the event. He then brought out Cody Rhodes and revealed an unexpected twist. The Rock declared that he wants Rhodes to be more than just the champion; he wants him to be "his" champion, representing the Rock’s own brand of stardom. The Rock’s cryptic message, pointing to Rhodes’ shoulder and then saying, "I want that" before clarifying that he wants Rhodes’ soul, has left fans speculating about the implications of this new partnership. This moment could set the stage for a major storyline leading into Wrestlemania.
Looking Forward to Wrestlemania 41
As the road to Wrestlemania 41 continues, the WWE has a lot of work to do to ensure that the event lives up to the hype. The appearance of The Rock and the introduction of new storylines have injected new energy into the brand. Fans are hoping for a clearer picture of the main event matches, especially the identity of Cody Rhodes’ Wrestlemania opponent. The WWE has the talent and the resources to deliver a memorable event, and the coming weeks will be crucial in shaping the narrative. Friday night’s show is a step in the right direction, with exciting matches and promos that promise to keep fans engaged and excited for what’s to come.
