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Wrestling With Maverick, Lexington, KY (2025)

08/12/2025

Celebrating my 6th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. I could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

It's Crazy 6 years from TGWP to Wrestling With Maverick to now The crossroads of Wrestling podcast

It's been ups and downs and everything in between

05/28/2025

memorial Day weekend Wrestling

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TNA: Under Siege 2025 – Analysis & Grade

Pre-Show:

Rosemary vs Xia Brookside (DQ finish): An odd choice to end with a DQ in a pre-show, but could plant seeds for a story.

Main Card Highlights:

Mike Santana vs KC Navarro: A strong opener with Santana continuing his momentum.

The Northern Armory vs The System: Emerging team beats a veteran stable—TNA seems serious about pushing new blood.

Ash & Heather by Elegance vs Spitfire (No DQ Knockouts Tag): Chaos and brutality; solid storytelling by allowing Elegance's team to cheat creatively and retain.

Order 4’s 6-person win: Pushing a dominant faction is smart; adding Indi Hartwell into the mix feels fresh.

Tessa Blanchard’s return win: If booked right, Tessa could become a major player again.

Masha Slamovich vs Victoria Crawford: A solid title defense that elevates Masha.

Nemeths retain vs Hardy & Slater: Great for long-term tag team division stability.

Main Event – Joe Hendry & Elijah vs Trick & Kazarian: Good but strange choice, as Trick is crowned TNA World Champion the next night at Battleground.

Grade: B

Strengths: Variety of styles, major title defenses, development of new and returning stars.

Weaknesses: Lack of a TNA World Title match hurt the prestige; main event seemed more transitional than climactic.

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NXT Battleground 2025 – Analysis & Grade

Highlights:

Trick Williams wins TNA World Heavyweight Championship: This is a massive crossover moment. If executed with proper storytelling (NXT x TNA synergy), it’s historic.

Oba Femi retains vs Myles Borne: Keeps Oba strong, but not much shock value.

Vaquer vs Jordynne Grace: Great interpromotional bout; Vaquer continues to prove she’s elite.

Sol Ruca retains vs Kelani Jordan: Good for developing the new North American Women’s title lineage.

Stacks vs Tony D’Angelo: Personal storytelling; a nice break from title matches.

Hank and Tank vs The Culling: Crowd-pleasing; keeps Hank & Tank on TV in fun fashion.

Grade: A-

Strengths: Historic title change, continued promotion of inter-brand matches (TNA/NXT synergy), and strong women’s division matches.

Weaknesses: A few undercard matches lacked high stakes or heat.

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WWE Saturday Night's Main Event (May 24, 2025) – Analysis & Grade

Highlights:

Cody Rhodes return & match setup with Cena/Logan: Big-time star power, crowd-popping moment.

Damian Priest vs McIntyre (Steel Cage): Violent, definitive win to solidify Priest.

Jey Uso vs Logan Paul: Smart booking to keep Jey strong as champ, beating a major name.

Cena retains using a low blow: Interesting heel tease, continues Cena's “dirty vet” phase.

Bronson Reed returns to join Rollins: A good addition to Rollins’ faction, adds size and credibility.

Rollins & Breakker win with help: Furthers faction dominance.

Zelina Vega retains: Safe and expected, but still gives the women’s U.S. Title credibility.

Grade: B+

Strengths: Major returns, strong title matches, and story advancement.

Weaknesses: A little overbooked with interference; some matches felt more like setup than payoff.

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AEW Double or Nothing 2025 – Analysis & Grade

Major Highlights:

Hangman Page wins Men’s Owen Hart Tournament: Huge moment for Hangman, a return to form.

Anarchy in the Arena: Delivered the chaotic, violent, multi-layered insanity expected. Top-tier spectacle.

Mercedes Moné wins Women’s Owen Tournament: Sets up a likely clash with Toni Storm; major moment.

Toni Storm retains vs Mina Shirakawa: Strong storytelling, with Mina's emotional arc in defeat.

Ricochet vs Mark Briscoe (Stretcher Match): Hard-hitting and unique stip; Ricochet looks like a star.

Kazuchika Okada retains vs Mike Bailey: Likely match of the night; Okada continues strong AEW run.

Don Callis Family vs Paragon: Continued Callis dominance; Tanahashi's return is a feel-good surprise.

FTR vs Daniel Garcia & Nigel McGuinness: McGuinness wrestling is a wild card; this was a surprise delight.

Zero Hour: Fast-paced, fun matches with strong indie energy.

Grade: A

Strengths: Massive star power, dream matches delivered, tournament prestige elevated, and strong women’s showing.

Weaknesses: Maybe a bit bloated, but AEW thrives on variety and depth.

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FINAL GRADES

Show Final Grade Summary

TNA: Under Siege B Solid show, great tag/title matches, but hurt by lack of main event world title defense.

NXT Battleground 2025 A- Major crossover moment with Trick Williams, strong interpromotional work.

WWE Saturday Night's Main Event B+ High drama and returns, good faction-building, setup for MITB.

AEW Double or Nothing 2025 A Tournament finals delivered, top-tier matches, strong storytelling across divisions.

04/06/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2025

Wrestling With Maverick: A Statement From Mike Maverick

To the Friends of the Media and the Internet Wrestling Community (IWC):

My name is Mike Maverick, and today, I’m here to finally set the record straight.

For over a year and a half, many have wondered why Wrestling With Maverick went dark—why the mic was silenced, the content dried up, and why someone who once lived and breathed pro wrestling simply stepped away.

Let me be honest with you: In 2022, a lot changed.

There were shake-ups behind the scenes. People left. Friendships ended. Battle lines were drawn that should’ve never been drawn, and the ripple effects hurt a lot of people. What was once a brotherhood, a family, became fractured. And in the eye of that storm… was me.

I let the success get to my head. The podcast, the networks, the merchandise—it all became bigger than the mission. I lost myself in the hype, and in doing so, I became someone I didn’t even recognize… someone I didn’t even want to be around. I was driven by ego, by bitterness, and by competition. I waged war when I should’ve extended a hand. I tried to tear down others when I should’ve built something greater with them.

I wanted to destroy someone else’s platform… and in the process, I diluted my own. That was never what Wrestling With Maverick was supposed to be.

This platform was created out of love—for the art, the storytelling, the passion, the community. For professional wrestling. And somewhere along the way, I lost sight of that. But over the past year, I’ve done the work. I’ve mended broken bridges. I’ve reflected. And I’ve healed.

Which brings me to this:
Effective immediately, Wrestling With Maverick will return.

But it won’t be Wrestling With Maverick anymore. Because wrestling isn’t just mine. It isn’t theirs.
It’s ours.

This next chapter is for everyone. I don’t know what the new name will be just yet—but the mission is crystal clear:
To unite. To heal. To talk wrestling, good, bad, and everything in between—with heart, honesty, and humility.

To every fan who stuck by me, who messaged me, who reminded me of why I started this in the first place—thank you. You helped bring me back. Let’s build something better, together.

Wrestling is for everyone.

Stay tuned.

— Mike Maverick

02/16/2025

From The Office of The Podfather
The (soon-to-be-reigning, defending, undisputed) Return of Wrestling with Maverick

February 16, 2025

Dear Wrestling Purists, Pretenders, and Paper Champions,

For too long, the so-called "wrestling podcast scene" has been infested with transitional champs, weak takes, and soft promos that wouldn’t even pop a bingo hall. Week after week, I’ve listened as the B-show broadcasters and indie-level talkers fumble through the business like they just took their first bump.

Well, the dark match era is over.

Wrestling with Maverick is making its long-awaited return in just four weeks.

After a decisive ruling by my booking committee (99-1, for those keeping track), I am officially making the announcement:
I’m stepping back in the ring, I’m grabbing the brass ring, and I’m taking back the main event spot.

Under Article 4:20 of the Podcast Wrestling Code—because it's time to smoke the competition—I am officially declaring that Wrestling with Maverick will once again be the only five-star podcast in the business.

To my loyal listeners, get ready. The real wrestling conversation is coming back, and it’s coming back stiff. To the rest of the so-called “wrestling media,” consider this your final warning:
You have a week left in your main event run—because when I’m back, you’re all getting sent back to the prelims.

See you in Week Be ready.

Sincerely,
The Podfather

01/31/2025

Men's Royal Rumble match 30-man Royal Rumble match for a world championship match at WrestleMania 41

2 Women's Royal Rumble match 30-woman Royal Rumble match for a women's world championship match at WrestleMania 41

3 Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens Ladder match for the Undisputed WWE Championship
The "Undisputed" and "Winged Eagle" championship belts will be suspended above the ring.

4 (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) (c) vs. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin) Two out of three falls match for the WWE Tag Team Championship

Match card so far what are you looking forward to

All Sports All Plays ASAP Network
Wrestling With Maverick

01/17/2025

With Mike Keaton – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

01/16/2025

The history of Pentagón and Octagón, their female counterparts, and the feud between them

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Pentagón and Octagón: Origins and Feud

Octagón:
Octagón debuted in the late 1980s, primarily in the Mexican lucha libre promotion AAA. His character was inspired by martial arts and Eastern themes, portraying a heroic and honorable luchador. Octagón quickly rose to prominence as a fan-favorite técnico (hero).

Pentagón:
The character of Pentagón was introduced in the 1990s as Octagón’s nemesis, a rudo (villain) representing darkness and evil. His persona and mask were designed to be the antithesis of Octagón, creating a dynamic clash of good versus evil.

Key Rivalry:

The feud between Octagón and Pentagón revolved around their opposing ideologies, often leading to high-stakes matches such as mask vs. mask bouts. Their matches were dramatic, with storylines emphasizing honor, betrayal, and personal grudges.

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Female Counterparts

Octagoncita:
As Octagón's female counterpart, Octagoncita embodied the same heroic and virtuous qualities. She participated in mini-estrellas and women's divisions, representing the legacy of Octagón while expanding his influence to a new demographic.

Pentagoncita:
Similarly, Pentagoncita was introduced as the female version of Pentagón. She adopted the dark, villainous traits of Pentagón, often feuding with Octagoncita in matches that mirrored the rivalry of their male counterparts.

Feud Between Female Counterparts:

The rivalry between Octagoncita and Pentagoncita mirrored the epic feud between Octagón and Pentagón. Their matches were often part of tag team or mixed-gender events, showcasing their technical abilities and continuing the symbolic battle of light versus darkness.

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Analysis of the Feud

Cultural Impact:

The feud between Pentagón and Octagón is one of the most enduring rivalries in lucha libre history. It symbolizes the eternal battle between good and evil, with the masks and personas adding layers of mystique and tradition.

Legacy:

1. Elevating Lucha Libre:
Their rivalry helped popularize lucha libre globally, with the characters’ masks and storytelling resonating with audiences.

2. Inspiration for Future Generations:
The introduction of female counterparts like Octagoncita and Pentagoncita showcased the inclusivity and adaptability of lucha libre storytelling.

Modern Influence:

Pentagón Jr. (later Penta El Zero Miedo) continues the legacy of Pentagón, while Octagón remains a revered legend. Though their female counterparts didn’t achieve the same fame, they played a crucial role in expanding the feud’s reach.

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Conclusion

The feud between Pentagón and Octagón, and their female counterparts, represents a timeless clash of values, with rich storytelling and high-stakes drama. It remains a cornerstone of lucha libre, inspiring modern wrestlers to draw from its legacy.

01/15/2025

ECW Battle of the Belts 2000

Date: March 12, 2000
Location: ECW Arena, Philadelphia, PA

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Match 1: ECW Tag Team Championship

The Dudley Boyz (c) vs. The Impact Players (Lance Storm & Justin Credible w/ Jason)
The Dudley Boyz start strong, bringing their signature hardcore style. The Impact Players rely on teamwork and Jason’s interference to keep themselves in the match. Late in the bout, Bubba Ray sets up a table, but Jason distracts the referee. Lance Storm hits Bubba with a superkick, and Justin Credible follows with That's Incredible on D-Von for the pinfall.
Winners and NEW ECW Tag Team Champions: The Impact Players

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Match 2: EZ Money vs. Kid Kash

A fast-paced, high-flying encounter where both competitors wow the crowd. EZ Money shows off his flashy offense, but Kid Kash’s resilience keeps him in the fight. After a series of counters, Kash nails a Tornado DDT followed by a Top Rope Moonsault for the win.
Winner: Kid Kash

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Match 3: #1 Contender’s Match for the ECW Tag Team Titles

Tommy Dreamer & Raven vs. Danny Doring & Roadkill
Dreamer and Raven, an uneasy alliance, work surprisingly well together despite their past. Doring and Roadkill bring their underdog spirit, but Dreamer and Raven’s experience prevails. The finish comes when Raven hits a Raven Effect DDT on Doring, and Dreamer takes out Roadkill with a chair shot. Post-match, Dreamer and Raven exchange heated words but leave the ring together.
Winners: Tommy Dreamer & Raven

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Match 4: Super Crazy vs. Little Guido (w/ The FBI)

A showcase of technical wrestling and lucha libre, with Guido using the FBI’s interference to gain an edge. Super Crazy eventually fights off the FBI and hits a Moonsault Trio to pin Guido in an exciting bout.
Winner: Super Crazy

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Match 5: Ultimate Opportunity Match

Kid Kash vs. Johnny Sw***er vs. Rhyno vs. Mikey Whipwreck
This chaotic match sees each competitor bring their unique style. Sw***er uses underhanded tactics, Mikey Whipwreck brings the unpredictability, and Kid Kash showcases his high-flying arsenal. However, Rhyno’s power dominates. After goring Sw***er and Mikey, Rhyno hits a devastating Piledriver on Kash to secure the win.
Winner: Rhyno

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Main Event: Title Unification Match

ECW World Champion Mike Awesome vs. ECW TV Champion Rob Van Dam
This highly anticipated match delivers as both men showcase their unique strengths—Awesome’s power and RVD’s high-flying athleticism. In a dramatic finish, both men hit simultaneous pinning maneuvers, and the referee counts three for both. The crowd erupts in confusion as the match is declared a draw.
Result: Double Pin; Mike Awesome retains the ECW World Championship, and Rob Van Dam retains the ECW TV Championship.

As RVD argue with the referee, Rhyno hits the Ring and Gores him
And Grabs the Mic and says now

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Match 6: ECW TV Championship

Rhyno vs. Rob Van Dam (c)
Rhyno immediately attacks RVD, taking advantage of his exhaustion. Despite a spirited comeback from RVD, Rhyno’s relentless assault is too much. Rhyno hits two Gores, but RVD kicks out, rallying the crowd. Rhyno hits a third Gore, followed by a Piledriver, to finally secure the win and the ECW TV Championship.
Winner and NEW ECW TV Champion: Rhyno

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Closing Segment:

Rhyno stands over a fallen RVD, holding the TV Championship high. He screams, “I’m the future of ECW!” as the crowd boos. The show ends with Rhyno’s dominance firmly established, and the ECW locker room looking shaken.

01/15/2025

Rebooking the Nexus (2010-2011)

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Debut: The Nexus Invades Raw

The Nexus' iconic debut on Raw remains unchanged. Wade Barrett leads the group of NXT rookies in an unprecedented assault on John Cena, CM Punk, the announce team, and the ring itself, leaving a trail of destruction and sending shockwaves through WWE.

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Build to SummerSlam 2010

The Nexus establishes dominance over Raw, attacking superstars weekly and asserting their control. Wade Barrett cuts fiery promos, claiming the Nexus is here to take over WWE. Despite several failed attempts to unite the locker room, Team WWE forms to challenge the Nexus at SummerSlam.

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SummerSlam 2010: Team WWE vs. The Nexus

The Nexus defeats Team WWE in a high-stakes elimination match. The final sequence sees John Cena battling a two-on-one disadvantage against Wade Barrett and David Otunga. After a brutal beatdown, Barrett pins Cena to cement Nexus’ supremacy. The Nexus celebrates their victory, declaring that no one is safe from their wrath.

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Hell in a Cell 2010: Wade Barrett vs. John Cena

Wade Barrett faces John Cena in a grudge match inside Hell in a Cell. Despite Cena’s best efforts, Barrett proves he’s a calculating leader and secures a decisive victory.

The loss shakes Cena to his core, and he leaves WWE, citing that he needs time to rediscover himself. The Nexus gloats, claiming they’ve run Cena out of WWE.

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Survivor Series 2010: Wade Barrett vs. Randy Orton (WWE Championship)

Wade Barrett challenges Randy Orton for the WWE Championship. The match is a hard-fought battle, but just as Orton is poised to hit the RKO, a hooded figure appears and takes Orton out with a steel chair. Barrett capitalizes and pins Orton to win the WWE Championship.

After the match, the hooded figure removes their hood, revealing John Cena. Cena stands alongside Barrett, puts on a Nexus armband, and smirks as the crowd erupts in shock.

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John Cena Joins the Nexus

Cena’s shocking heel turn sends shockwaves through WWE. He explains that he joined the Nexus because he realized he couldn’t beat them, so he decided to lead them instead. Barrett, while initially pleased, grows uneasy as Cena’s influence within the group increases.

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The Power Struggle

In the weeks leading to Royal Rumble 2011, tension builds between Cena and Barrett. Cena subtly undermines Barrett’s leadership, while Barrett tries to keep the group under his control. Barrett accuses Cena of plotting to take over, and Cena remains noncommittal when asked if he’ll lay down for Barrett should they face off.

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Royal Rumble 2011: Wade Barrett vs. John Cena (WWE Championship)

The WWE Championship match between Barrett and Cena is filled with drama. Barrett demands Cena lay down, screaming at him to follow orders. Cena initially teases compliance, lying down on the mat. But just as the referee goes to count, Cena kicks out at two and throws his Nexus armband to the ground. The crowd erupts as Cena fights back against Barrett.

The match becomes an intense back-and-forth brawl. As the Nexus interferes, Barrett orders Michael Tarver to hit Cena. When Tarver hesitates, Barrett slaps him, igniting Tarver’s fury. Tarver punches Barrett, leaving him vulnerable to Cena’s Attitude Adjustment. Cena pins Barrett to win the WWE Championship and solidify his coup.

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Aftermath: Cena Leads the Nexus

With Cena now as the WWE Champion and the leader of the Nexus, he reshapes the group in his image. The Nexus becomes even more dominant under Cena’s leadership, but fractures remain within the group as Barrett, now sidelined, vows to take back what he built.

This rebooking elevates the Nexus, provides a shocking heel turn for Cena, and creates a compelling long-term story of betrayal, redemption, and dominance.

01/07/2025

This is the last time I say this it will all be done in time thank you very much and when I post something please keep the comments to what is posted or you will be blocked immediately

01/07/2025

Breakdown and Analysis of WWE Raw (January 6, 2025)

The historic debut of Monday Night Raw on Netflix combined world-class wrestling with groundbreaking production, creating an unparalleled fan experience.

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Wrestling Side Analysis

1. Rhea Ripley Regains Women’s Championship

Match Quality (9/10): Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan was a standout match, blending technical prowess with emotional storytelling. Liv’s underdog fire meshed well with Rhea’s dominant physicality, producing a hard-hitting contest that kept fans invested until the final moments.

Narrative Impact: Rhea’s win reestablishes her as the cornerstone of the Women’s division while Liv exits looking strong, setting the stage for future rivalries.

2. John Cena Announces Royal Rumble Entry

Promo Effectiveness (10/10): Cena’s announcement was masterfully delivered, leaning into his iconic charisma to build anticipation for the 2026 Royal Rumble. His mention of chasing a record-breaking championship reign resonated with long-time fans, cementing this as a pivotal moment.

Future Implications: Cena’s involvement raises the stakes for the Rumble, ensuring global intrigue and high viewership.

3. Jey Uso Defeats Drew McIntyre

Match Quality (8.5/10): A compelling bout that showcased Jey Uso’s evolution as a credible singles competitor. Drew McIntyre brought intensity, and Jey’s strategic pacing allowed him to secure a well-earned victory.

Character Progression: Jey’s rise in the singles ranks adds layers to his ongoing narrative, especially in the shadow of Roman Reigns and The Bloodline saga.

4. CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins

Match Quality (10/10): This was the match of the night, seamlessly combining technical wrestling, storytelling, and crowd engagement. Punk’s ring psychology and Rollins’ athleticism produced a classic encounter.

Historical Relevance: Punk’s first Raw match in over a decade was a defining moment. The chemistry between him and Rollins hints at an extended feud with tremendous potential.

5. Roman Reigns vs. Solo Sikoa (Tribal Combat)

Match Quality (9.5/10): A brutal, emotionally charged match steeped in the rich lore of The Bloodline. Roman’s dominance paired with Solo’s defiance made for compelling storytelling, amplified by the match’s stipulation.

Post-Match Segment: The Rock’s appearance elevated the stakes, symbolizing Roman’s ultimate recognition as the Tribal Chief while leaving the door open for future clashes within the family.

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Production Side Analysis

1. Drone Shots

Arena Presentation: Drone footage gave the event a cinematic feel, capturing the grandeur of the Netflix debut. Sweeping shots of the arena highlighted the energy of the live crowd, immersing viewers in the spectacle.

Entrances: Wrestlers like Rhea Ripley and Roman Reigns had enhanced entrances, with drones following them from backstage, adding a dynamic, movie-like element to their personas.

Match Action: Aerial views during ringside brawls and key sequences, particularly in Roman vs. Solo, added depth to the visual storytelling.

2. Camera Angles

Innovative Perspectives:

Ring-post cameras offered unique angles during high-impact moves, such as Rollins’ springboard attack and Rhea’s Riptide.

Close-ups during emotional moments, like Punk’s post-match celebration or The Rock presenting the ‘ula fala, enhanced the connection between wrestlers and the audience.

Slow-Motion Replays: Key sequences, such as Roman’s decisive Superman Punch or Punk’s GTS, were replayed in slow motion, emphasizing their significance.

3. Netflix-Specific Features

4K Ultra HD: The superior picture quality brought every detail to life, from facial expressions to intricate costume designs.

Interactive Options: Fans could select alternate angles or access behind-the-scenes features, adding a layer of interactivity unmatched by traditional broadcasts.

Seamless Streaming: Netflix’s technology ensured zero lag, maintaining the high-energy flow of the show.

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Final Rating

Match Quality: 9/10
The wrestling delivered on all fronts, with a mix of technical excellence, emotional storytelling, and star power. Punk vs. Rollins and Roman vs. Solo were standout matches that elevated the overall card.

Experience Quality: 10/10
The production innovations, including drone shots and cinematic camera work, redefined how wrestling is presented. Netflix’s platform allowed for unparalleled quality and interactive features, ensuring an immersive viewing experience.

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Overall Summary

The January 6, 2025, episode of Raw was a game-changer, blending exceptional wrestling with revolutionary production techniques. It marked the dawn of a new era for WWE, demonstrating the synergy between sports entertainment and modern streaming capabilities. A must-watch episode that will be remembered as a milestone in WWE history.

01/07/2025

The evolution of WWE's Raw main events across different networks reflects not just changes in the wrestling product but also shifts in audience expectations, storytelling priorities, and the broader media landscape. Here’s a detailed breakdown and analysis of the differences between the first Raw main events on USA Network, TNN, and Netflix:

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1st Raw Main Event on USA Network (January 11, 1993): The Undertaker vs. Damien Demento

Match Overview:

A showcase for The Undertaker, one of WWE's most unique and marketable stars at the time.

Damien Demento was a midcard wrestler whose role was to put over Undertaker's dominance.

The match was straightforward and focused on character establishment rather than competitive storytelling.

Significance of the Network:

USA Network, at the time, was a cable channel looking to expand its audience with innovative live programming.

WWE used the platform to introduce Monday Night Raw as a more intimate and gritty alternative to its previous taped shows like Superstars or Wrestling Challenge.

The network valued episodic storytelling, making WWE’s live and unpredictable nature a perfect fit.

Main Event Style:

Simple and character-driven, reflecting the early days of Raw, where the focus was more on establishing stars and their personas rather than delivering in-ring classics.

The Manhattan Center’s smaller venue highlighted a more personal connection with fans.

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1st Raw Main Event on TNN (September 25, 2000): The Hardy Boyz vs. Edge & Christian (Ladder Match for the WWF Tag Team Titles)

Match Overview:

A fast-paced, high-risk ladder match that showcased the innovative and daredevil styles of the Hardys and Edge & Christian.

Both teams were at the forefront of WWE’s burgeoning tag team division, with a strong fan following.

Significance of the Network:

TNN (later Spike TV) aimed to attract a younger, edgier demographic, making the Attitude Era style of Raw a perfect match.

The network move was a sign of WWE’s growing mainstream appeal during the height of the Monday Night Wars.

WWE leveraged the move to TNN to showcase marquee, high-stakes matches, emphasizing athleticism and action over character-building.

Main Event Style:

Athletic and stunt-heavy, reflective of the Attitude Era’s emphasis on spectacle and extreme physicality.

Positioned tag team wrestling as a main-event attraction, which was rare at the time but fitting given the audience’s appetite for innovation.

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1st Raw Main Event on Netflix (January 6, 2025): CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins

Match Overview:

A long-awaited singles match between two of WWE’s most polarizing and celebrated stars.

CM Punk’s first Raw match since 2014 carried immense hype, and Seth Rollins’ status as a top-tier competitor added to the stakes.

A narrative-heavy bout that combined athleticism, storytelling, and real-world tension between the two performers.

Significance of the Network:

Netflix, as a global streaming giant, represents WWE's pivot from traditional TV to on-demand digital platforms.

The match catered to a global audience with built-in star power and a match that would generate buzz across social media and streaming metrics.

Netflix's partnership allows WWE to experiment with episodic and binge-worthy storytelling, elevating the stakes of every segment.

Main Event Style:

A blend of technical wrestling, emotional storytelling, and real-life drama, appealing to hardcore fans and casual viewers alike.

Unlike the prior main events, the Netflix debut prioritized match quality and narrative depth, reflecting the modern fan's expectation for compelling content.

Conclusion:

Each of these main events reflects a distinct era in WWE’s evolution. The USA Network debut was about setting the tone for Raw, TNN showcased the Attitude Era's innovation and risk-taking, and Netflix’s debut highlighted WWE's adaptability to modern media trends. Together, they demonstrate how WWE has tailored its product to fit the platforms and audiences of different eras, solidifying Raw as a cornerstone of sports entertainment.

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