I usually reserve this space for big angles or bigger matches. And yes, Raw’s main event was huge. But I want to really talk about the crowd because. as the commentary team noted, Mexico City was the third member of the crew this week.
A good wrestling crowd gives energy. A great one helps tell the story. Raw’s audience was firmly the latter. Especially for the main event.
Penta came into the arena on a horse. Not quite Zorro but not far off from The Fox either. He looked like a conquering hero amongst his people. That carried into the match with Roman Reigns as he donned Mexican headgear and looked fantastic. The presentation, along with the announcers telling his rags-to-riches story, gave me a little bit of hope that he might win. Just a little bit.
The crowd was with this match every step of the way. Those cheers for Penta turned to acidic boos for Roman. The champion worked this match as a heel, as he should, but never resorted to anything underhanded. That made Roman a man of his word in a way. He told Penta he respected him and his journey to get here. Why not reward that respect with a fair match? No ref bumps, no Bloodline interference. Just these two going blow for blow.
Penta wrestled his style but at a slower pace. He adapted to Roman while Roman sold every big move beautifully. None of that works without the emotion around the match. They made Mexico City believe Penta had a shot at winning, which made his eventual loss heartbreaking.
This is a crowd that hung on every move and every near fall. Penta kicked out of a Spear and a Superman Punch. The crowd came alive when he showed no fear but plenty of fight. Their love wasn’t enough in the end but it showed just how important a crowd is to an entire event.
Roman vs. Penta wasn’t the only match this week that tore down the house, nor was it the best. But it best encapsulated how a hot audience can make a good match better.
Raw was excellent. Top to bottom, this show rocked. We got two incredible matches and an intense crowd. Penta didn’t walk away with the title but he showed he’s worthy of a big title. Will they give hi the chance?
What say you, Cagesiders?
