On the extremely anticipated Uncooked after WrestleMania 40, WWE seemed ahead to the brand new Paul Levesque period all through this April 8 episode.
Cody Rhodes opened the present, celebrated by Triple H earlier than The Rock confronted him. The Ultimate Boss left The American Nightmare with a foreboding promise for a future encounter, opening up Rhodes’ instant future as champion.
Damian Priest came upon the primary risk to his World Heavyweight Championship reign when Jey Uso gained a Deadly 4-Approach over Drew McIntyre, Ricochet and “Large” Bronson Reed.
The Scottish Warrior might have gained if CM Punk had not received concerned in his enterprise once more by stopping him from hitting the Claymore.
Jade Cargill picked up the second win of her WWE profession in lower than one minute over Chelsea Inexperienced to additional set up her dominance.
Ilja Dragunov and Roxanne Perez made their Uncooked debuts, defeating Shinsuke Nakamura and Indi Hartwell, respectively.
It was a giant evening for WWE, and moments from Monday evening promised to have long-lasting results on the purple model.
The Rock has seemingly left Cody Rhodes with a promise that won’t be fulfilled till the summer season no less than. That is lots of time to fill for the brand new undisputed WWE common champion.
The American Nightmare is the most popular star in WWE, and anybody who works with him might be elevated. This provides the corporate an opportunity to raise a heel who has wanted a giant story to realize relevance.
SmackDown particularly has a wealth of underused names who may gain advantage from getting an opportunity to take their shot at The American Nightmare.
Santos Escobar backed by Legado World Order, and Karrion Kross being pushed increased than he ever has been with assist from The Authors of Ache.
Whereas not a very contemporary identify, AJ Kinds—maybe helped by new members of The OC—may get again on monitor after a number of years out of the highlight.
If WWE will not be able to push considered one of these secure leaders to problem the face of the wrestling enterprise, he may assist set up Bron Breakker or Carmelo Hayes.
There are a number of thrilling choices, and WWE may promote anybody with the assistance of Rhodes. The Undisputed WWE Common Championship feels contemporary once more, and it is time to take benefit and set up some new names on the prime.
The Uncooked after WrestleMania usually options NXT call-ups, however that not often consists of the present NXT champion.
Bron Breakker did defeat Dolph Ziggler to regain the gold in 2022 with out getting a proper call-up, however that was an exception.
WWE intentionally highlighted each the NXT champion Ilja Dragunov and NXT girls’s champion Roxanne Perez in one-sided matches on Monday.
This might be an indication that the corporate is able to deliver each to the principle roster, however neither can totally acclimate with NXT gold in hand.
When the 2 drop the titles, although, they need to be instantly handled as prime names on the principle roster.
NXT has achieved vital work in elevating these two nice wrestlers. Any time they seem on Uncooked or SmackDown, they should hold trying this dominant.
Dragunov is without doubt one of the greatest wrestlers on this planet. He’s the uncommon man who has overwhelmed Gunther prior to now. His NXT Championship reign has solidified his legacy, and he must be seen as a right away world title challenger.
Perez was a prime identify when she first debuted for NXT, however she has discovered her character prior to now few months. She must be considered as a right away risk to Rhea Ripley or Bayley when the time is correct.
These are names who can outline this new period of WWE with the suitable backing.
Jade Cargill’s declare to fame in All Elite Wrestling was constructed on an outstanding streak. She gained 60 straight matches together with a 508-day reign as TBS champion.
This created an aura of invincibility round The Storm, making her stand out in a proficient roster.
Whereas WWE doesn’t must go fairly so far as AEW, it has an opportunity to construct her up for a brand new viewers with related dominant reserving.
Till the 31-year-old is able to go after gold, she may run over the competitors by defeating enhancement expertise and established names.
By WrestleMania 41, Cargill must be able to showcase what she will be able to do below the brightest highlight. If she went in undefeated and challenged Bianca Belair, who’s 4-0 at The Present of Exhibits, the battle of profitable runs would promote tickets.
That is a simple option to defend the newcomer, who can slowly enhance her in-ring time over the following 12 months, making a extra spectacular win streak after a summer season of studying by defeating greater names.
If WWE is totally on board with Cargill, she may win at WrestleMania and proceed her streak whereas capturing gold in 2025.
CM Punk has turn into a severe nuisance for Drew McIntyre, after costing him his World Heavyweight Championship and his first alternative to reclaim it.
Whereas The Scottish Warrior is getting his simply desserts for now, The Finest within the World tormenting him goes to develop tiring ultimately.
WWE should capitalize on the hype of McIntyre vs. Punk as quickly as doable, but it surely’s all right down to when the latter might be cleared for full motion.
Ideally, Punk can be cleared for Backlash France on Might 4, and McIntyre and Punk can have their heated battle at its hottest.
If it takes longer, although, WWE ought to make sure the match is introduced as quickly as it may be. This isn’t a contest that may watch for SummerSlam or Survivor Collection.
If Punk is not able to wrestle a full match till The Greatest Social gathering of the Summer time on August 3, he must be taken off TV to permit McIntyre to maneuver on for a time and rebuild his momentum.
Jey Uso deserves a significant highlight in 2024, but it surely was the incorrect time for him to problem Damian Priest and The Judgment Day once more.
The historical past between Jey and Priest may have been utilized to hype a significant premium dwell occasion months down the road.
The Uncooked after WrestleMania is a time to reestablish the hierarchy in WWE, and Ricochet was able to get the most important alternative of his profession.
The One and Solely stole the present along with his springboard 450 splash on Bronson Reed via the Spanish announce desk, however that’s not sufficient at this stage.
The story has been constructing for months with Ricochet. He wanted to win on this evening to get that post-WrestleMania crowd rub which may promote him as the person who may shock the world by dethroning The Punishment rapidly.
This story would additionally assist Priest construct credibility, combating somebody he can declare is decrease on the totem pole than him.
As a substitute, Uso is larger than Priest at this level and would invalidate the world heavyweight champion by beating him now. It is more durable to root for Jey at this level.