There’s a lot to like and admire about WWE’s handling of The Judgement Day saga since WrestleMania . Capitalizing on the freak accident of Liv Morgan legitimately injuring Rhea Ripley, I would argue WWE’s interweaving of multiple layers of character development, motivation, and intrigue in a faction storyline has outshined the latest chapter of The Bloodline. The Bloodline’s cinema focuses on the trope of (at times toxic) masculinity, power, and fragility (which you can read about here ).
The Judgement Day also orbits around the paradox of when/how they will eventually split/fragment. Yet each member has their own story and elements of character progression. Although, as I discussed in part one , weaved into these layers are issues with misogyny.
Ripley and Morgan are sexualized and the biggest woman’s championship match revolves around who Dominik Mysterio wants to have relations with. Plus, the wider issues of the women’s division across the rest of the card. It’s complicated and, honestly, I know many will take the stance that my points in the first article are irrelevant.
This counterargument is about discussing why, for some, these flaws can be ignored. It’s not about bashing anyone’s enjoyment of the storyline. Equally, it’s not about excusing or justifying the points about misogyny I highlight in part one.
This storyline pleases viewers in other ways beyond sexual titillation. Although some things seem to be steps back, especially for the women, the.