I’m consistently frustrated by promo segments where multiple wrestlers come out one after another to interrupt each other. Tonight’s event surrounding Sami Zayn’s Undisputed WWE Championship and the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match felt especially premature, with talent from “WWE Raw” joining in before the last competitor had even qualified.
I’m not a big fan of Zayn’s character right now, even though I’m glad he holds the title. The segment began with him before Je’Von Evans interrupted. It was interesting seeing Evans face off with the champion, but their exchange was predictable. Then Penta appeared, receiving a huge reaction from the crowd that somewhat overshadowed Evans. His promo was fairly typical for a pre-MITB build-up, basically warning Evans that if he wanted the contract, he’d have to go through him. Next, Williams made his lengthy entrance, and I half-expected a commercial break during this drawn-out sequence. He expressed respect for Penta and Evans but reminded them they belong on “Raw,” which was underscored by Evans’ amused nod.
Williams proceeded to insult Zayn relentlessly, recycling the same jabs from their previous feud, dragging the segment out with nothing fresh to add. Just when you thought it was over, Finn Balor confronted Zayn on the stage and exchanged words before GUNTHER attacked both of them. Oddly, Balor and GUNTHER aren’t even part of the Money in the Bank ladder match since they lost their qualifiers, yet they remain involved in the title scene. This segment would have been better served as a backstage confrontation to add some variety.
Tonight’s promo overload felt excessive and, unfortunately, this kind of segment is likely to happen again — either men’s or women’s versions — on Monday’s “Raw” and again the week before the next “SmackDown.” Since tonight’s promos took up so much time, I’m already dreading next week. WWE probably won’t add anything new or exciting, and the wrestlers might simply talk at each other on ladders or brawl aimlessly. I’ll endure all this just to reach the actual Money in the Bank ladder match at the premium live event, which is what I’m really eager to see.
Written by Daisy Ruth
Fan Take: This buildup matters to wrestling fans because it sets the stage for what promises to be a highly competitive Money in the Bank ladder match, a key moment in WWE’s calendar. However, the over-reliance on repetitive promos risks dulling fan excitement and undermining the star power, which could affect overall engagement and the sport’s entertainment value.
Source: www.wrestlinginc.com
