TheWWEjust had itsRaw on Netflix debutand it was noteworthy for many reasons. Its groundbreaking presentation, incredible cinematography, and riveting storylines markeda huge step forward for the promotion. The organization made a statement - not just on a historical level, but on an entertainment and pop culture one as well.
Withappearances by The Rock, The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, and other legends - as well as the showdown between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa - the inaugural episode was loaded with twists, turns, and surprises. But perhaps the most anticipated moment of the night wasthe main event battle between Seth Rollins and CM Punk.
It was a war of words that led up to this point. Rollins portrays himself as a wrestler who stayed with WWE through thick and thin, while Punk fled the company for years. The two men have a long history together in pro wrestling, both in and out of the ring. So, it only made sense that the Second City Saint would counter Rollins' remarks with a few history lessons, which extended all the way to the match’s ending.
CM Punk Blurs Real-Life Drama With Televised Fiction
Hints at His Controversial Past Have Been a Recurring Part of the Story
As many wrestling fans know, Punk unceremoniously exited the company right after the 2014 Royal Rumble. He would later appear on a podcast where he ripped into WWE management, then tried to become a UFC fighter (going winless in two career bouts), before finally returning to the squared circle.He signed with All Elite Wrestling- WWE’s closest rival at the time - and continued to trash his former employers.
That didn’t last long, as Punk had two separate confrontations backstage with his fellow performers. Most notably, it was his blowup and physical altercation with Jack Perry (son of the late actor Luke Perry) that eventually led to him returning to WWE triumphantly at last year’s Survivor Series. The prodigal son had finally come back home.
“The Shoot from the Work”: Triple H Just Broke Every Wrestling Taboo in Raw’s New Netflix Cold Open
In WWE’s first cold open for RAW on Netflix, Triple H shatters all prejudices and taboos about wrestling, ushering in a truly new era.
Immediately, he was targeted by Rollins, who also had some very real bitterness over Punk’s initial departure.The two have been able to meld that combination of facts, feelings, and fiction to weave a terrific tale.Particularly after Punk finished his remarkable feud with Drew McIntyre, he and Roolins were able to still cross paths and work together to make everything seem ‘more real’.
And it wasn’t just on a verbal level. There were a lot of physical cues that this angle is blurring the lines of reality in such a compelling manner. As some eagle-eyed viewers noticed on Monday Night: Punk wore the same Ring of Honor-homage jacket he wore when he choked out Perry in almost a wink and nod tothe entire All In fiasco.
The Raw Netflix Debut Main Event Revealed a Lot
Punk vs. Rollins' Finish Mirrored Punk vs. Moxley in 2022
Whether it’s valid or not, some fans online have even noticed that the Punk-Rollins match was very similar to a match that ‘The Best in the World’ had at AEW with Jon Moxley at All Out 2022. The finish of Punk’s opponent eating a GTS to bounce off the ropes and then fall on Punk’s shoulder, allowing him to hit another GTS, was exactly the same.
Famously, that match was followed by the most infamous media scrum in history, where Punk aired his dirty laundry about his relationship with other AEW talent, which led to an altercation backstage with the Young Bucks and Adam Page. Was this callout then a vindictive move on Punk’s part? Possibly. While they aren’t identically staged - frame by frame - the action was close enough that the audience definitely took note of it. It very well could have been another peek behind the curtain for the die-hard fans. One has to wonder if Rollins was in on the joke, or he simply had no idea of how Punk’s 2022 match ended.
Chief Content OfficerPaul ‘Triple H’ Levesque said in the video packageto kick off the Netflix Era, that WWE is embracing the idea of focusing on being a more well-rounded entertainment company. Gone are the days of kayfabe, and the modern product seems to be evolving quickly. Much of that coming tidal wave of change has been displayed in the feud betweenCM Punk and Seth Rollins. This callout is just another example of why, at 46, CM Punk continues to be at the very top of any company he decides to work for.
WWE Raw
Cast
WWE Raw is a live weekly television program that began airing in 1993, showcasing a rotating cast of WWE Superstars. Known for its dramatic storylines and athletic matches, it has become a cornerstone of professional wrestling entertainment on Monday nights.
