I've hit a wall with Monday Night Raw.

The past few weeks, I've turned it on and just felt a vague sense of disinterest. Some of that feeling is on me, but some of it is the result of the weekly program. I'll take responsibility for my mood going into it. If I watch it reluctantly, it's not going to be a good time. If I, instead, just relax and let the show wash over me, it's usually a success.

RAW is responsible for its rigid structure, however, one of my main turnoffs. The opening scene this week between Sami Zayn and CM Punk felt ill-conceived and forced. I couldn't help but see parallels between AEW's A-story and WWE's A-story. Both involve champions holding a title "hostage" as a collection of benevolent characters endeavor to "rescue" said title. Sami interrupted Punk to give him a little more than a pep talk, explaining why he needed to win his MITB qualifying match. It didn't feel like a natural interaction between these characters. The pair had to thread a fairly convoluted needle; Sami, dejected from losing his MITB qualifying match last week, interrupted Punk in an effort to inspire him to win. Reason being, if Rollins won, that would spell doom for the WWE.

JOURNAL ENTRIESTim KailJune 2, 2025raw, dynamite, John cena, wwe, aew

Tim Kail's Wrestling Journal, 4/18/25

Hello there, dear reader. How are you?

It feels like it's been a while, though it's only been a few weeks since I wrote my last RAW REVIEW. I don't regret not reviewing the latest episodes in the slightest, but I do miss the weekly interaction with you (hence this journal entry).

I'm overjoyed CM Punk will be main-eventing night one of WrestleMania. There's a lot of pressure on this match - at least, I know I'm putting pressure on it. I want it to steal the weekend, a clash of styles and an intricate contest of wills. I predict Roman Reigns will win it, and I'm fine with that. A case could be made for each participant, though, which makes the match more difficult to figure out. And how will Paul Heyman factor into things - where does his loyalty lie?

Tim Kail's Wrestling Journal, 3/13/25

I'm bursting with excitement. As I write this, tomorrow I'll be a guest on NPR affiliate CT Public radio's The Colin McEnroe show. I'm nervous, psyching myself up to make the most of this opportunity. I had a pre-interview call on Tuesday to prepare me for the interview. I love talking about wrestling as an art particularly with people who don't know much about wrestling but are curious.

This interview has activated my imagination.

Maybe if I do well I'll get some new listeners and readers.

Maybe if I do really well NPR will offer me a job.

The Writings