The WWE's Parisian Spectacle: Beyond the Ring, A Deeper Dive
The Accor Arena in Paris recently played host to a WWE Raw event that was more than just a showcase of athleticism—it was a statement. As someone who’s watched wrestling evolve over decades, I can’t help but feel that this particular show was a microcosm of where WWE stands today: ambitious, flawed, and utterly fascinating. Let’s break it down.
Penta’s Rise: A Luchador’s Journey to WWE Greatness
Penta’s defense of the Intercontinental Championship against Rey Mysterio wasn’t just a match; it was a symbol of his ascent. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how Penta has transcended his AEW roots. When he first joined WWE in 2025, many wondered if his style would translate. Fast forward to now, and he’s not just a champion—he’s a household name. What many people don’t realize is that his success isn’t just about his in-ring ability; it’s about how he’s bridged the gap between lucha libre and WWE’s global audience. His limited English could have been a barrier, but instead, it’s become part of his charm. If you take a step back and think about it, Penta’s rise is a testament to WWE’s ability to adapt and elevate talent from diverse backgrounds.
The Roster Imbalance: Raw’s Dominance and SmackDown’s Struggle
The King and Queen of the Ring tournament has exposed a glaring issue: Raw’s roster is miles ahead of SmackDown’s. In my opinion, this isn’t just about star power—it’s about depth. Raw has Liv Morgan, Je’Von Evans, and a slew of other top-tier talent, while SmackDown feels like it’s relying on names without the same credibility. What this really suggests is that WWE might need to reconsider its drafting strategy. From my perspective, a draft could breathe new life into SmackDown, giving Raw’s underutilized stars a chance to shine. It’s not just about balancing the rosters; it’s about creating opportunities for new stars to emerge.
Liv Morgan’s Queen of the Ring Run: A Missed Opportunity?
Liv Morgan’s participation in the Queen of the Ring tournament feels like a misstep. Don’t get me wrong, she’s a phenomenal talent, but her dominance raises questions. Why hasn’t she defended her Women’s World Championship since WrestleMania? What makes this particularly frustrating is that WWE has a stacked women’s division—names like Lash Legend, Giulia, and Blake Monroe are waiting in the wings. If Liv wins and unifies the titles, it could overshadow the very talent WWE should be pushing. Personally, I think this is a missed opportunity to elevate the undercard and create new storylines.
Sol Ruca’s Evolution: From Nerves to Stardom
Sol Ruca’s journey is one of the most compelling stories in WWE right now. When she debuted, the hype was palpable—Triple H’s endorsement set the bar sky-high. But let’s be honest, those early nerves were noticeable. What’s impressive is how she’s turned it around. Her recent matches, especially against Lyra Valkyria, have shown that she’s not just a champion but a future cornerstone of the women’s division. One thing that immediately stands out is her resilience. In an industry where expectations can crush careers, Ruca has thrived. I wouldn’t be surprised if she’s challenging for the world title by 2027.
Chad Gable’s Inevitable Rise: The IC Title and Beyond
Chad Gable’s career has been a masterclass in perseverance. He’s been a tag team champion, an Olympic medalist, and yet, the Intercontinental Championship has eluded him. But here’s the thing: his time is now. Penta’s reign has been stellar, but Gable’s pursuit of the title feels inevitable. What many people don’t realize is that Gable’s journey isn’t just about winning a title—it’s about cementing his legacy. If he wins the IC title, it’s not just a career highlight; it’s a stepping stone to bigger things. Could we see Gable challenging for the world title in 2027? I wouldn’t bet against it.
The Bigger Picture: WWE’s Future and Its Challenges
If you take a step back and think about it, this Raw event in Paris wasn’t just a show—it was a reflection of WWE’s current state. The company is at a crossroads. On one hand, it’s delivering some of the best in-ring action in years; on the other, it’s struggling with roster balance and storytelling consistency. What this really suggests is that WWE needs to rethink its approach. The draft, the women’s division, the push for new stars—these are all pieces of a larger puzzle. Personally, I think WWE has the talent and the platform to dominate, but it needs to be bolder in its decisions.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on the Paris event, I’m reminded of why I fell in love with wrestling in the first place: it’s unpredictable, emotional, and endlessly entertaining. WWE has the tools to create something truly special, but it needs to address its imbalances and take risks. From Penta’s rise to Gable’s inevitable title win, the future is bright—if WWE plays its cards right. What makes this particularly fascinating is that the company is at a point where every decision matters. Here’s hoping they make the right ones.
