It was a big show, but what was the backstage reception of RAW XXX? And back during their time in WWE, FTR refused to do an angle with Randy Orton.
Backstage Reception Of RAW XXX
While many fans enjoyed the anniversary show, what was the backstage reception of the special RAW XXX from this week?
The show did have some negative reactions by fans and WWE alums, but what about the backstage reception from say…company executives?
Per Fightful, the reception of RAW XXX was overwhelmingly positive.
Yes, there were some issues. Hulk Hogan opened the show with a malfunctioning microphone…but that may not have been so bad.
Fans were not thrilled that the Bayley-Becky Lynch cage match was basically scrapped, even if it was done in a way that just builds toward something bigger.
There was also the complaint that there wasn’t enough female representation on RAW XXX.
source: @tripleh, twitter, screenshot
While we saw Medusa/Alundra Blaze, there was no sign of favorites like Trish Stratus or Lita or anyone else.
So upset were fans, that mood got it’s own hashtag.
Triple H you should be ashamed for that horrible RAW XXX with only one women legend and no respect for the women’s #WWEWomenDeserveBetter
— S (@s_oxnm) January 25, 2023
That being said, I’ve heard that some of those primo female legends and Hall of Famers were potentially held off of RAW because the Royal Rumble is Saturday.
Which, I get, but in that case, it just kind of emphasizes the timing of RAW being…odd. Yes, it’s close to it’s actual 30th anniversary, but since they arbitrarily moved it…they had options.
But ignoring fan sentiment for a moment, because we, as fans, will almost always find something to complain about.
Backstage reception from those important within the company? Word is it was very well received, which is what matters.
FTR Refused Angle
Their podcast is quickly becoming “can’t miss”, and in a recent show, we’ve heard about how FTR refused to do one angle.
Specifically, during their run in WWE, they were supposed to turn on Randy Orton, but the duo refused.
According to Dax Harwood, it seems like the refusal was as much due to how the team found out about the plans as anything else.
As the story goes, FTR had just returned from a world tour, having them on the road for quite some time.
source: @randyorton, twitter, screenshot
When they got home, someone handling WWE travel arrangements called them to tell them they had to come to RAW.
But, more than that, the person explained that they would be used to turn on Orton.
Dax said they called up Paul Heyman, who was running things at the time.
Heyman explained the plan a bit better, but the pair still refused to do it.
Between not likely wanting to turn on Orton (or, as the plan called for, having Orton saved by some from NXT), and being tired from a long road trip, I don’t blame them.
Then again, refusing that angle is funny to me, considering what the pair endured with Jimmy and Jey Uso.
