WWE has reportedly scrapped Raw Underground for the foreseeable future.
The shoot-style illegal underground fighting ring was first introduced by a newly returned Shane McMahon on the August 3 episode of Raw this year. The debut of the new concept saw the son of Vince McMahon return to WWE television for the first time since being “fired” from WWE last October after losing a ladder match to Kevin Owens on the FOX debut of SmackDown.
Dave Meltzer reported in the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter that Raw Underground “is considered done” for right now. Meltzer’s report noted that WWE is concerned about having another COVID outbreak and due to that, they aren’t comfortable having a large crowd of talent together without masks. WWE often featured Superstars from Raw alongside Performance Center trainees and outside extras during Shane’s Raw Underground segments.
Many fans have been extremely critical of Raw Underground, as well as the new faction RETRIBUTION. 16-time WWE World Championturned Hollywood actor John Cena called the new concept an “opportunity.”
“[RAW Underground] is an opportunity,” said Cena. “I think any paradigm shift, any big announcement, anything in that world that is ever-changing, constantly-pivoting, there is always a search for growth. It’s an opportunity, that’s exactly what it is. So, I think it needs a little bit of time to find itself. And in all things if it lacks creative definition from the top, I really hope performers embrace the unknown and they define it.”
Raw Underground lasted for exactly eight weeks on Raw, debuting August 3 and was last seen September 21. The last match held pitted Braun Strowman against Dabba-Kato.
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