Next Monday (July 22), WWE is bringing back as many of the stars of yesteryear as they can for “the biggest reunion in Monday Night Raw history”.
Whether this leads to a good three hour wrestling show is to be determined. It will probably get some fans who haven’t watched Raw in a while to tune... word is, USA Network execs pitched the idea to address WWE’s recent ratings slump.
Getting lapsed fans to watch requires they’re enticed to in advance. Which is why we’re getting a bunch of names in advance. The list of reunion attendees grew on Raw last night (July 15), adding these former Superstars and talent:
- Mark Henry
- Mick Foley
- Pat Patterson
- Gerald Brisco
- Lilian Garcia
- Alundra Blayze
- Kelly Kelly
- Rikishi
- Ron Simmons
- The Godfather
- Road Dogg
- Sid
They join the initial group revealed when the Reunion was announced during Extreme Rules:
- Steve Austin
- Hulk Hogan
- Ric Flair
- Shawn Michaels
- Razor Ramon
- Diesel
- Kurt Angle
- Sgt. Slaughter
- Christian
- Ted DiBiase
- Eric Bischoff
- The Boogeyman
- Jimmy Hart
- The Hurricane
- Santino Marella
- Jerry Lawler
- D-Von Dudley
- Booker T
- X-Pac
A couple big names we haven’t seen? John Cena and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Cena is technically still active, so WWE may not want to paint him with the alumni brush just yet. Dave Meltzer said on the latest Wrestling Observer Radio that Johnson will not be there next Monday.
Something else to consider - the show is taking place in Tampa, Florida, which also happens to be the home of WrestleMania 36.
Will anything meaningful happen, or is this just a trip down memory lane to pop a Nielson number?
We’ll find out on July 22.