In the latest episode of WWE RAW, the build-up to Bad Blood 2024 intensified as The Judgment Day took center stage once again. Comprising Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, Carlito, Dominik Mysterio, and Liv Morgan, The Judgment Day left their mark by securing a key victory over the Latino World Order and setting the stage for the upcoming pay-per-view. However, one moment in particular drew the ire of wrestling veteran Vince Russo, who believes WWE might want to rethink how they approach these segments.
Finn Balor’s Promo Interrupted: A Familiar Storyline?
During the post-match celebration, Finn Balor took the microphone and began delivering a promo aimed squarely at his upcoming opponent, Damian Priest. It was a standard promo segment until The Terror Twins interrupted, leading to a familiar scene that longtime fans of WWE have seen time and again.
Vince Russo, speaking on Sportskeeda Wrestling‘s Legion of RAW podcast, noted how The Judgment Day, particularly Finn Balor, reacted to the interruption with exaggerated facial expressions and shock. For Russo, this reaction has become stale and overly predictable.
“So, you’ve got Finn Balor in there, bro, and first of all, he is snarling. Can I ask you this question, bro? Why are wrestlers surprised every single time when somebody’s music interrupts their promos? Bro, is anybody not going to be surprised when somebody’s music hits, bro? (laughs) They are so over-the-top freaking ridiculous. It’s comical. It’s play-wrestling, bro, they are play-wrestling,” Russo commented.
This moment highlights a larger issue in WWE, where wrestler reactions during promo interruptions have become formulaic. According to Russo, this predictable pattern is detracting from the drama and authenticity that fans crave in these high-stakes moments.
The Judgment Day’s Dominance on Display
Despite the critique, The Judgment Day’s segment was crucial in driving the storyline forward for Bad Blood 2024. Finn Balor’s clash with Damian Priest is one of the most anticipated matches on the card. As the leader of The Judgment Day, Balor’s rivalry with Priest has been brewing for months, and their upcoming one-on-one encounter promises to be a brutal affair.
But it wasn’t just Balor who had something to say. Liv Morgan also took to the microphone, sending a direct message to Rhea Ripley, who she will face at Bad Blood 2024 in what’s expected to be a show-stealing bout. The intensity between the two Superstars has been palpable, with Morgan aiming to dethrone Ripley, who has dominated the women’s division.
The Build-Up to Bad Blood 2024
With Bad Blood 2024 right around the corner, WWE has kept fans on the edge of their seats with compelling storylines and intense rivalries. The go-home edition of RAW was crucial in setting the tone for the upcoming event, which features five high-stakes matches, including two major singles bouts: Rhea Ripley vs. Liv Morgan and Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest.
Adding to the drama, Dirty Dom will be suspended in a shark cage during the Ripley-Morgan match, ensuring that the bout remains a fair fight. Fans are eager to see how this stipulation will play out and whether it will have any unforeseen consequences during the match.
Russo’s Criticism: A Fair Point?
While Vince Russo’s critique of WWE’s repetitive segment format is valid, it remains to be seen if WWE will take note. Russo has never shied away from calling out the company for what he sees as over-the-top theatrics or poorly executed storylines. In this case, his observation that wrestlers are continuously surprised by the same trope — an interruption during promos — certainly has merit. But WWE has always been about spectacle, and for some fans, these larger-than-life reactions are part of the show’s charm.
As the road to Bad Blood 2024 continues, WWE will likely continue to lean on these tried-and-true storytelling techniques. However, it will be interesting to see if they shake things up in response to the mounting criticism.
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