Ups & Downs: WWE Raw Review (Feb 5)

Our WWE Raw review as Simon Miller recaps Cody Rhodes vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Kabuki Warriors vs. Katana Chance & Kayden Carter, Jey Uso challenging Gunther, The Miz vs. JD McDonagh, Nia Jax attacking Rhea Ripley, Ivar & Valhalla vs. Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri, Becky Lynch vs. Shayna Baszler, #DIY vs. The New Day, vs. The Creed Brothers vs. Imperium, Drew McIntyre calling out Cody and Seth Rollins and much more.
For more awesome content, check out: whatculture.com...
Listen to our free podcasts: www.whatculture...
Follow us!
Facebook: / whatculturewwe
Twitter: / whatculturewwe
Instagram: / whatculturewrestling

[@WhatCultureWrestling]

Come and see us at our live show in Philadelphia now! www.whatculture.com/tickets

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

St.Louis booed Dwayne

[@mlevo1011]

Yeah I'll have to pass and I can summarize it up in one word: SIDGEWICK 😊

[@bossman8461]

Where is vengeance day ups and downs?

[@charlesbuckley5615]

Let Roman finish his story

[@InYourWalls101]

Heel Drew is literally what people were hoping John Cena would become

[@Clyde-S-Wilcox]

And if you don't understand why Cena never became that you have no sense.

[@InYourWalls101]

@@Clyde-S-Wilcox not saying I don’t get it, I’m just saying this is what they were hoping for at the time, a guy dominant, still funny, but an asshole all the same

[@talemwakaheru5831]

​@@InYourWalls101 we got the Dr of thugganomics and that was it😟

[@wstine79]

I love Drew McIntyre's shirt, his crazy promo, and the office segment with Adam Pierce.

[@I-Am-Batman_1988]

I almost laughed myself out of my chair when I seen that shirt, especially since it's a Photoshop of The Flash. Originally it's Grant Gustin posing over Stephen Amell headstone.

[@ronaldsb3]

Sami Zayn comes off like a Mick Foley type of character 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@vb2806]

Sami Zayn comes off as "I am midcard forever" kind of guy

@vb2806he main evented wrestlemania😭🙏

[@paradoxr.n.o8688]

True

[@Willjelbert88]

But shit

[@SpammytheHedgehog]

Drew killed it on the Mic.

[@Sabbathbloodysabbath666]

No, he really didn’t

[@zackattck55]

Drew kills everything he touches they need to utilize him before he doesn’t resign

[@bastienclomesnil5655]

He is awesome lately

[@manen.1350]

Best character of his career, hope he wins the belt off Seth at mania

[@JangoMike]

This angle with Drew is great

[@spoof2062]

I like how drew is basically the IWC

[@irwincardozo6713]

Why did Drew feel like a bigger star when he was in the ring with Cody and Seth in that opening segment?

[@TheArdor]

It's the t shirt. Best t shirt of 2024

[@ellichrisott]

That’s just how the rub works

[@mikeleecruz4197]

fr ​@@TheArdor

[@allenshadrick22]

He's larger, I don't know about bigger.

[@xcwarrior]

Cause he is better than both of them in terms of wrestling and Mic skills?

[@keilow1977]

Drew was the MVP last night, he was the perfect person to come out and kept Cody from responding. 🔥🔥🔥

[@stevenhowse8477]

Triple H just retweeted an interview with a Superbowl TE saying make Rock the referee. All seems to be adding up to a pivot

[@seanblake7554]

Was it George Kittle?

[@SamuraiFoochs]

@@seanblake7554 Yes.

[@sammy.3152]

There’s only 1 way to improve the situation. Reigns vs R-truth . Make R-truth the Champion… no one would complain😂😂

[@xcwarrior]

HHH ain't that smart of a booker.

[@daneconner3132]

YES he cashes in Damian Priests briefcase pins Rocky in the main event. 🤣

[@nickbrooks4993]

Better than seth and roman they boring af I agree with rtruth

[@Bman32x]

The 1st black NWA heavyweight champion? Nooooo that’s too silly.

[@daniel.s.ferreira]

Love that DIY gets recognized as a hashtag to the videos.

[@johnsullivan3069]

Golden up for the shad Gaspard shirt 👆

[@WolfsSuperiorSandwiches]

Drew needs to be the raw champ now. I really hope that the "attack" on cody wasn't an injury write-off to give mania to the rock

[@inspiredbyzane]

Mr Simon Miller, where is the Vengence Day Ups and Downs??

[@rjgoodman4056]

Even if this is a work, it's not a good look for Dwayne. Even in kafabe, he looks like a corporate guy coming in and taking an opportunity from someone who's earned it.

[@mine_all_the_time0793]

Logan Paul did that at money in the bank and it was considered a heel move

[@waywardgun]

Imagine the chaos if they do give us the Cody/ Roman match, Cody finally finishes the story, then Wrestlemania weekend closes out with Priest booting his head off and succesfully cashing in. I think the internet would explode

[@waynegoodier]

Remember when he said when his dad won it and had it ripped out of his hands? Cody’s title reign will last seconds 😂😂😂 looking forward to Roman v Rock! Cody is only loved now because he was hated at AEW, personally I like him in both companies but he is well over rated!

[@mirzarizwanbaig9449]

@@waynegoodier Roman was hated 2015-2020 (6 years) so relax 😌

[@i077]

Maximum chaos would be Cody vs Rock. Icon vs Icon II. Do it Rock. Did he not remember what great piece of wrestling/business that was. They don't need build, no belt, no flashy spots, just two of the best putting a whole stadium in their palms.

[@jeritobabilla3843]

The weird thing is usually the mitb winner has until WrestleMania to cash in if I’m not mistaken. He hasn’t made a move in a while.

[@EliasRoy]

@@mirzarizwanbaig9449 own him

[@Codester1222]

I'm surprised you think Beck and Rhea should main event night one. In my opinion Bayley deserves it. She's the workhorse out of all the women. Damage Control was her idea. She elevated Iyo and Dakota. Iyo got her championship run because of it and is a star now. Asuka and Kairi hold the tag titles as well because of Damage Control. And the slow build to them finally turning on her after all the support she gave them for so long was so good. It was great storytelling. Bayley deserves that main event on night one in my opinion. It's had such a better and bigger and build and just awesome storytelling compared to Becky and Rhea.

[@ChrisLT]

Bayley and Iyo's build is better overall, but Becky and Rhea are the bigger names.

[@tiffanystewart7159]

Becky and Rhea are easily going to put on a 5 star match, with a good build. Into and bailey won't put on nearly the same quality of match.

[@Actionbraxtonjordan]

Also just a side note bayley is the only one of the four horsewomen who hasn’t mainevented wrestleMania and to me she’s the most deserving

[@tompatchak8706]

@@largebig79 no the Royal rumble winner doesn’t mean event wrestlemania the Royal rumble winner takes on the champion or a champion at wrestlemania

[@sujiks9517]

@@tiffanystewart7159 Rhea gonna carry Becky into a 5 star match

[@michaelmartinez3893]

Drew McIntyre is my favorite wrestler right now.

[@SpammytheHedgehog]

I wish R-Truth would hand me money.

[@brandonrout5394]

No Ups and Downs for the NXT show Sunday? I read the article on the website and it was not the same. Simon is the best!!

[@michaelskatharoudis9201]

If it’s called Vengeance Day because it happens on Valentine’s day, it’s a play on words, why did it happen before valentine’s day?

[@dirtymcnuggets9933]

For a guy apparently on his way out, they are Booking Drew very well this year.

[@rjgoodman4056]

Probably because he's might not actually be on his way out

[@tompatchak8706]

Yeah, like if he was on his way out we wouldn’t be seeing him in main events like this he would be doing dance shows or whatever but I think he’s going to re-sign just based on this

[@sujiks9517]

Kevin Owens actually had a situation like this

[@AwesomeNuke]

​@tompatchak8706 Run-ins after main events isn't the same as actually being in main events though..

[@derrickd111]

On another podcast,, they showed some post TV footage of Sami confronting Cody about the WM match (the main event) and told him everyone was disappointed by him giving Rocky the match, but Cody never really gave any solid opinion on it. Still though WWE should have shown it.

[@CJApps87]

Jey Uso should definitely not be the man to dethrone Gunther. He is not even remotely on the same level as a singles wrestler.

[@allenshadrick22]

So...... no yeet???

[@GoatmanBDX]

@@allenshadrick22 Legendary. 😂

[@allenshadrick22]

@@GoatmanBDX Yeet

[@CoreyDunmore]

Raw was trash! Only best thing was Uso going for the IC belt. Rerun matches and same story line.. time to switch it up

[@VitorSalvan]

No Ups And Downs for NXT Vengeance Day?

[@calumhoey6764]

Was thinking the same

[@NationalSportsEntertainmentNSE]

St Louis deserves a Golden Up

[@BlaxkSun]

And imma be real, it’s good to not know what goes on. Wrestling is at its best when it’s a surprise and not a forgone conclusion.

[@stuntmanpatalexander4093]

Bro. Gunther effin cooked on the mic last night! He had me laughing out loud!

[@kuroyasha_ryu1353]

Ups and downs for nxt vengeance day please

[@davidcoombsbestmegadethalb9780]

this isnt NXT GET OVER IT ALREADY

[@TheGladds4life]

Gunther just continues to get better and better on the mic!

[@joshmatlock1020]

Drew is doing fantastic as a heel and I really want him to get the WWE HWT from Seth.

[@sujiks9517]

Then Damian could cash in on drew

[@Mr_NANT]

i completely forgot about jimmy most likely costing jey the title and i can’t wait for that. jimmy vs jey is gonna be fire

[@jacobandrews5368]

How come we aren’t getting ups and downs for NXT events? Makes me so sad.

[@babyshak98]

nobody watches

[@jacobandrews5368]

@@babyshak98 it’s a shame. Trick/Ilja was one of the best matches of the new decade hands down, but if we get ups and downs for the regular show why stop at the PLE?

[@scottyjeff39]

Simon, I'm from the STL, and a few people said all nite that crowd was wild. During almost every match We Want Cody and Rocky sux chant were heard. WWE turned down the crowd on TV.

[@johndoiron9615]

How come there was no Vengeance Day ups and downs? I wanted to hear your take on Melo's heel turn!

[@calumhoey6764]

Yeah was waiting for this one

[@davidcoombsbestmegadethalb9780]

no one watched it thats why

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

All eyes are now on the press conference Thursday. I guess that's what they wanted in the first place.

[@craighaley1658]

Cole was off by a year. The "die Rocky die" chants didn't start until '97. Having only debuted at Survivor Series in late November of '96, the crowd didn't have enough time to turn on him in '96.

[@ToonAlphaUnit]

Off Air Sami saved Cody from Drew and Shinsuke. Hope we get that Tag Match next week!

[@charlesbuckley5615]

Let Roman finish his story

[@georgefeliu2383]

Did I miss the Vengeance Day Ups and Downs?

[@joshacox3110]

I thought it was clobberin’ time when you started tapping your wrist.

[@calumhoey6764]

No vengeance day ups and downs ?

[@dionshare7103]

Simon you make a great point about Shayna Baszler beating Ronda Rousey pretty much be ignored.

[@The_Gamers_Gamer]

WWE wins again. It's all a work. Cody has become a martyr to the WWE marks ala Bryan. Which was the plan. Roman finally won't be booed out the building at mania because Uncle Dwayne will. Which was probably the plan. Interest and ratings are up, so business is up. Which was the plan. Nobody's talking about Vince anymore and that was definitely the plan. Good job IWC. You fell for it hook, line and sinker like you always do. From kayfabe/storyline perspective it made no sense. Yet IRL business terms it's genius and that's all that matters cause they know their fanbase is gonna keep tuning in regardless while they also bring in more eyes. Again, WWE wins again.

[@ungartothemax20166]

What about an NXT Vengeance Day Ups and Downs Video!

[@Gravewhisper]

Loved Drew's new shirt! You just know that in another company that would've caused a backstage brawl. :D

[@tompatchak8706]

You don’t think he and punk talked about this? Like there was some pre-planning or planning after he got hurt like, how do I Berry you punk?

[@Gravewhisper]

@@tompatchak8706 The guy freaked out over someone using glass in a spot in their own match that had nothing to do with him. I doubt he'd be cool with this.

[@FL-Sports_Camaros_WWE]

Never thought I would hear an Elder Scrolls reference. You rock, Simon!

[@Kevmaster2000]

WWE better not backpedal out of this dream match with Rock and Roman because of some toxic “fans” whining like.5 year olds. We already had Cody and Roman, get over it.

[@BattleofYT]

Culture never disappoints us, he's an incredible Content Creator and always creates masterpieces. His content is amazing hg

[@barrysmith4610]

Props to that women tag teams match. It was fun and Kayden is just Amazing

[@holdupthatsjay6355]

In the main event, they censored more “rocky sucks” chants from the crowd. That’s why the crowd seemed dead by the main event

[@thomasofone]

Someone needs to let some air out of JDs head. That thing is too damn funny looking on that cartoon body he has.

[@4dfloyd]

At this point they might as well put Nikki Cross with the Viking Raiders, so she can form a creepy crazy tag team with Valhalla

[@Dr_1212]

Seems like after the first segment Raw went down down

[@Deltrottersvan]

But WWE continues 😎 F the haters👍🏿?

[@ourladyofguadalupebotanica6732]

Wrestling is all about emotions - WWE is pulling your strings with all of this. Wrestling is best when reality and the stage blur. Well, love Cody, but he was a bit stale before this. Hopefully it is a good ride.

[@davidcoombsbestmegadethalb9780]

wrestling fans are too sensitive especially in wwe

Rhea Ripley vs Nia Jax. Australian vs Australian in Australia.

[@MrTommygunz0482]

I think Jimmy vs Jey would be better with Jey holding a belt.

[@Lance-wn9dc]

You didn't do Up and Down for NXT Vengeance Day

[@totttrax]

Dwayne is another self centered rich guy who thinks he is holier than thou...he will ruin it just like black Adam

[@craighaley1658]

I don't know if Maxine should be free from being dunked on for not being a good wrestler. I mean, she is being paid good money to wrestle on a professional wrestling program on worldwide television; A show that thousands of women far more talented and dedicated to the craft than her would kill to be on.

[@alexrobaczewski1861]

Maxxine Dupri’s gimmick is literally her learning how to wrestle from Chad Gable. Who deserves a push btw. Idk understand how people can even critique her wrestling when she’s literally trying to learn.

[@allenshadrick22]

That's terrible, they should be nice! I love Maxine dupreeeèe ❤

[@ronald-xs7sp]

Good morning, Simon!

[@elkennedy1472]

No Vengeance Day Ups and Downs?

[@JTAYLIVV]

Dude I think we got worked so fucking hard 😭

[@lesunshineworshiper11]

God I hope so 😭

[@daneconner3132]

If they double swerve us I’ll have meltdown 😂

[@mikesforza7991]

I look forward to watching Ups and Downs 10 years from now and Simon still pretending to correct himself after he says Pay Per View.

[@kcalexander1995]

I watch Up and Downs every week. It’s must watch tv

[@Kant3n]

What's with pretty much every Alpha Academy match being a variation of Maxxine and Tozawa? My boys Chad and Otis barely getting to do anything whatsoever this year.

[@manny9385]

Apparently the cash falling was a sign for Okada👀

[@mr.mimikyu2342]

I dont want cody 😂 I'd rather him not be near any championship

[@gregking7215]

Not gonna watch mAnia if vody dooesnt fight roman

[@TheScott689]

Finally, the people’s champ has come back to St Louis! The Rock says know your damn role…..

[@PsychoLe5]

06:05 & 12:31 you're missing up counts and the final spinning at 19:58 😅

[@kennyhall9117]

SIMON IS THE BEST, SIMON NUMBER ONE 👏👏

[@princedevitt7716]

Please, don't let Jey be the one to dethrone Gunther. Bron Brekker can do it.

[@canoilas7894]

We need a “x amount of days since Nakamura won a match” counter

[@LFAUSJ]

I like drew T-shirt hehe

[@chrissullivan63]

R Truth is pure gold!!!! R Truth for president yup yup!!!!!

[@skimgettinkindamoney]

Drew a wild dude mo 😂 mans made that T-shirt at the local mall before the show

[@eddiehancockii]

"What an amazing mouth you have" *adds that to the list of things i never expected simon to say but should have because he's bonkers in the most fun way possible.*

[@Aqwtiny]

If we are being worked, I feel like CM punk was supposed to win the rumble and they had to pivot and give it to Cody. Just doesn’t make sense to give Cody the rumble win and still try the underdog storyline.

[@Scotch1927]

Rocky sucks!

[@citizensane4387]

JD McDonough made it rain! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@chriscaine1776]

This episode of RAW made me realize that WWE personnel 100% watches the busted open podcast everytime Bully Ray is on with Dave

[@thealexrodgers1770]

2024 is so crazy Simon Miller is using Skyrim to exemplify wrestling... wild

[@Matucks]

At this point they need to unify the World Heavyweight Championship and Universal Championship, after both promos last RAW and Smackdown Seth's belt has barely any credit imo. Drew is killing it btw

[@anthonysantos9325]

JD McDonut for life😂

[@Mahasdev]

Drew is absolutely great on mic. And i think something is gonna happen on the Press Event coming this Thursday.

[@BranniganCarter]

Drew needs to win against Seth at Wrestlemania only to have Damien cash in and take it. Imagine a Drew that had that belt for only 2 minutes. He would wreck EVERYTHING

[@pandemic5705]

Is it really that weird that people are booing The Rock? It's 2024, quite a lot of people in the crowd and online have not seen Dwayne at his best in WWE. I'm 25 and my first time seeing Dwayne was in the build to WM 27 lmao

[@chrisdaly9863]

Editor missing multiple ups

[@jamisonmanning9560]

Love you Simon. You look amazing, love the beard.

[@kevinborders4387]

Im totally buying drews new shirt 😆 🤣 😂

[@addicus92]

Did anyone notice the amount of TV time for our Japanese stars? They were all featured today with some solid TV time. Okada incoming, perhaps!?

[@taifunkchichris]

I would quite happily have RomanVs The Dwayne if they inserted Cody Vs Okada into the WM card

[@LFAUSJ]

2+2=potato

[@starshipfame1]

@6:15 did an UP not show?

[@sergio.h1985]

Drew should absolutely fight Seth for the title and Mania and win it. It's long overdue. Seth can get a break, Drew goes on an amazing heel champion run and then when Punk heals and returns, he can challenge him. It's just perfectly set up, fkn do it!

[@yellowsnowman9157]

Cody not calling out Rock = down

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the review Simon ❤

[@DJDoubleCee]

The press conference on Thursday is gonna be interesting to see. I wonder if the fans will riot if they make Rock vs. Reigns official for WrestleMania.

[@mr.mimikyu2342]

I hope its rock roman

[@brandonking3477]

I think we all can say we rather have r truth than the rock!