Last week’s conclusion could have altered the ending of this past Monday’s "WWE Raw," but I wouldn’t have noticed any difference.
The rivalry between Roman Reigns and Jay Uso against Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker is generating buzz leading up to WWE Summerslam, but don’t be misled; the excitement isn’t rooted in the feud’s structure. If it weren’t for the star power of those involved, this storyline would fall flat. How can you build a lasting rivalry alongside such uninspired action? All we see is a post-match brawl and an unapproved assault.
In Monday’s main event, Reed and Uso were gearing up for a New Jersey tag match, which ultimately felt predictable and lacked significance. Although the performers put on a solid show, the match only served as a vehicle for the familiar post-match fight that is sustaining this feud. It mirrored last week’s conclusion exactly: Reed and Breakker behaved like troublemakers, followed by a predictable run-in where Reigns entered the ring with the same stoic look, accusing Reed and Breakker before delivering his finishing move to cap it off. The minute differences don’t change the fact that this cycle of unauthorized violence feels like a back-and-forth exchange. Honestly, you could splice together moments from this feud, and I wouldn’t be able to identify their sequence.
This indicates that the essence of this feud is not just repetitive but lacks any sense of direction. If there were real progress in the storyline, it could be engaging. You might have multiple post-match brawls weekly, but things need to undergo actual development. It’s not just about reusing the same plot; that’s the definition of madness. The material feels stale at this point. For headline stars like Reigns and rising talents like Uso, Reed, and Breakker, a more varied approach could attract more viewers. Sticking to the same gimmicks and relying solely on star power won’t hold the attention of fans for long; it risks becoming a mere source for social media highlights.
The only redeeming aspect of this main event was Shoe Beat. I didn’t understand Reed’s decision to take that ruler’s shoes, but it was amusing to see "Executive Producer: Paul Levesque" painted on them. That little twist nearly salvaged the show for me. If the booking behind this feud had been as inventive each week, it could have made a significant impact.
Regrettably, creativity is lacking, both in this feud and in the overall show as we approach Summerslam.
Written by Angeline Phu
Fan Take: This repetitive booking could alienate fans who crave originality and meaningful narratives in wrestling. If WWE doesn’t evolve these storylines, it risks losing viewership and enthusiasm leading up to major events like Summerslam.
