5 YRS AGO RAW POST-SHOW: Asuka and Ripley sign contract for match at Mania, Hurt Business breaks up, Lashley tries to take out McIntyre

The Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Post-show commemorates the pivotal events of March 29, 2021, five years later, delivering a comprehensive analysis of Raw’s transformative night. Hosts Zach Haydorn and Bruce Hazelwood dissect the dramatic breakup of The Hurt Business, framing it as a strategic long-term move tied to Baron Corbin’s heel turn and the evolving rivalry between Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre. They critique WWE’s overreliance on gimmicky segments—such as The Miz and Morrison’s rap act, The New Day’s game show, and Braun Strowman’s train sound effects—for undermining storytelling and diluting the impact of key matches. While lamenting the problematic 'coexist' angle between Rhea Ripley and Asuka, which weakened the women’s championship build, they praise Ripley’s rise as a top star and highlight Sheamus, Ricochet, and Mustafa Ali as consistent performers who elevate the main roster. The discussion turns to the WrestleMania build, where the hosts express cautious optimism about the Lashley vs. McIntyre clash, advocating for a strong go-home promo to fuel momentum, while cautioning against overusing Charlotte Flair in last-minute storylines that risk damaging her credibility. Despite inconsistent recent episodes, they believe the core narratives still hold potential if streamlined and focused. The final segment shifts to a promotional tone, with hosts Wade Keller and Nick Barbati championing the PW Torch VIP membership. They highlight the benefits of commercial-free listening, access to exclusive podcasts like The Nicky's Club, and a vast archive of wrestling history dating back to the late 1980s. Emphasis is placed on the authenticity and depth of the content, free from AI, clickbait, or misinformation, with listeners encouraged to support the show via Patreon or direct sign-up at pwtorch.com/govip. The episode concludes with a call to rate the podcast five stars to boost visibility. Overall, the discussion balances sharp critique of WWE’s booking flaws with genuine enthusiasm for the potential of top-tier storytelling, especially in the main event landscape.