The Rock’s Return Salvages Raw From Disaster
By seanmeyers
@sdmeyers1
Facebook WWE
Nearly two hours into Monday night’s episode of WWE Raw, the show appeared destined to be one of the worst in recent memory. The lively crowd in Brooklyn voiced its displeasure with several failed segments and underwhelming matches. Everything changed, however, when The Rock returned.
Arguably the most charismatic superstar in WWE history, The Rock instantly electrified the live crowd and millions of television viewers from the moment he stepped through the curtain. He interrupted Lana and Rusev, who were denigrating America in favor of their beloved Russia. Within minutes of his appearance, the Rock had the crowd chanting for Derek Jeter. He prompted the phrase “Russian streetwalker” to trend on Twitter, and he mixed it up physically with one of the WWE’s fastest-rising stars.
In the wrestling industry today, very few moments come as a complete surprise to the vast majority of the fans. The return of The Rock, though, caught even the most rabid fans off guard.
The result was a segment that had viewers telling their friends to tune in, and a moment that will live on in highlight reels for years to come. In less than 15 minutes, The Rock nullified more than two hours of awful WWE programming that preceded his appearance.
The guest appearance by talk show personalities Kathie Lee and Hoda early in the show produced one of the most bizarre Raw moments in recent memory, as the women uncomfortably tried to please the WWE Universe by drinking, dancing and hitting each other with wine bottles. Just prior to The Rock’s return, El Torito and Hornswoggle, who was dressed as a miniature alligator, competed in a match that was intended to produce comedy. The result of that match, though, was the WWE Universe collectively chanting “this is stupid.”
Raw has been disappointing in recent weeks, and some of the episodes have been downright terrible. Last night, however, The Rock completely changed the complexion of the show, and reminded so many fans why Raw is can’t-miss television. He may have been back for one night only, but the buzz he generated should help grow the audience for weeks to come. Raw can be maddeningly frustrating for hours at a time, but that one special moment like the one witnessed on Monday Night can overshadow all of the poor decisions and disappointing performances.
At least for one night, The Rock saved Raw, and gave the WWE fans an incredible moment they truly deserved.
Sean Meyers is a professional wrestling writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and “Like” him on Facebook.
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