WWE Raw had its moments this week, but by the time the show ended, it felt like another episode that spent far too much time trying to entertain everyone except wrestling fans.
SummerSlam Night One delivered a little bit of everything—from outstanding championship wrestling to memorable returns and the potential birth of WWE’s next dominant superstar. While not every match reached its full potential, the Women’s World Championship stole the show, Brock Lesnar and Oba Femi delivered a brutal Hell in a Cell classic, and Randy Orton’s return immediately reshaped the WWE Championship picture. These are my thoughts on the night’s biggest matches, moments, and talking points.
This opinion piece examines why AEW has yet to become WWE's first true long-term rival despite having the talent, television exposure, and financial backing to do so. From relying too heavily on former WWE stars to creating secondary championships without distinct identities, it explores the strategic decisions that have limited AEW's growth—and argues that meaningful competition with WWE will require building a unique identity rather than following WWE's blueprint.
Saturday Night’s Main Event delivered some strong in-ring action, particularly Lyra Valkyria vs. Bayley, but WWE once again relied too heavily on celebrity appearances and NBA players instead of showcasing its own roster. While the wrestling itself was generally solid, questionable finishes, inconsistent storytelling, and an overreliance on promos and outside involvement kept the show from reaching its full potential. With SummerSlam approaching, WWE has the talent to let the wrestling speak for itself—it simply needs to stop getting in its own way.