WWE celebrated the 30th anniversary of RAW in Philadelphia, PA, with a jam-packed show featuring legends and Hall of Famers. However, due to the packed lineup, the company didn’t deliver on an advertised match for the show. On this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, fans were treated to a nostalgic experience, especially for those who have been watching the flagship show since its inception.
The main event saw Bobby Lashley challenging Austin Theory for the United States Championship. The match took an unexpected turn when Brock Lesnar made a shocking return to WWE, destroying both Lashley and Theory and costing Lashley the match. This surprise move had a ripple effect, as it rendered the advertised dark match unnecessary. According to PW Insider, WWE failed to deliver on the Philly Street Fight between Seth Rollins and Austin Theory, which was previously advertised.
Austin Theory (Via WWE/Twitter)
With Lesnar’s appearance, there was no need to hype up the crowd further, and the company skipped the post-taping dark segment. The advertised match between Theory and Rollins in a Street Fight became void, rendered obsolete by Lesnar’s surprise entrance. It’s clear that WWE has big plans for Lesnar and Lashley, likely leading up to a feud at WrestleMania 39 in April. In the coming weeks, fans will have to wait and see how the company books their rivalry.
Despite the unexpected twist, the WWE faithful were treated to a memorable show that will be remembered for quite some time. The 30th anniversary of RAW served as a reminder of the company’s rich history and the many moments that have made it a staple of professional wrestling.
