Vince Russo, a former WWE head writer known for his outspoken opinions, has raised concerns about the perceived lack of star power when The Judgment Day faction opened Monday Night RAW. Comprising the Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley, JD McDonagh, and Dominik Mysterio, The Judgment Day took the lead in the show, celebrating their dominance on the red brand and promising to continue their reign of terror at the upcoming Crown Jewel event.
In a recent episode of the Legion of RAW, Russo’s observations led to a discussion about the changing dynamics of RAW’s opening acts over the years. He expressed a belief that the current state of WWE programming lacked the larger-than-life superstars who used to kick off every episode of the flagship show. Russo’s critique highlighted the challenge WWE faces in finding the right balance between showcasing emerging talent and relying on established names to draw viewers.
“I’m sorry man. I come from an era when there were mega, mega, mega superstars. When you got Rhea Ripley, JD McDonagh, and Dominik Mysterio opening RAW, that’s awful. That is God-awful. Where they were and where they are when you have these three people come out at the top of the show prime time, that says it all. That literally says it all… That’s what this company is right now.” Russo pointed out.
Russo’s comments reflect his concern that the current wrestling landscape may not be meeting the expectations of long-time fans who have witnessed WWE’s evolution over the years. He suggested that opening RAW with more established stars could potentially enhance the show’s appeal and viewership.
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In addition to critiquing the opening act, Russo also delved into the issue of WWE’s struggle against college football. He pointed out that WWE’s creative team often relied on repetitive formats, presenting similar shows week after week, which might lead to viewer fatigue. In contrast, college football offers a fresh and distinct experience with each game, providing a level of unpredictability that captivates fans. This observation underscores the importance of diversifying WWE’s programming to engage and retain its audience.
“Maybe it has to do with you watching the same exact show on wrestling every single week, and the college football game is different every single week. That might have something to do with it.”
The ongoing debate about the opening acts on RAW and the need for creativity, star power, and variety in wrestling programming continues to be a topic of discussion within the wrestling community. The opinions and insights shared by individuals like Vince Russo contribute to the broader conversation about the evolving dynamics of professional wrestling in today’s competitive entertainment landscape.
