3 clear missed opportunities during WWE's Jan. 5 RAW Netflix special

In many ways, the first WWE Monday Night Raw of the New Year is meant to serve as a reset for the company. Either closing out storylines that rolled over from the previous year, establishing new feuds, or using the show as a crutch for a surprise return. With three championship matches on the card for last night's episode, the expectation was that WWE would make headlines after the show.

If not for the matches or a potential championship change, then for the rumored return of Chris Jericho.

Instead, all that WWE fans got on Monday was an episode dedicated to showing props from "Stranger Things", and beyond that, more of the same confusing booking choices.

3 clear missed opportunities during WWE's Jan. 5 RAW Netflix special

The episode certainly did have some bright spots, highlighted by the fact that they seem to be going in the right direction with Gunther after his retirement of John Cena. But, while that was a step forward for Triple H and Co., the rest of the episode was a failure.

Stranger Things Crossover falls flat

To be clear, the stage design for the crossover with Stranger Things was well done. Between the props seen near the entrance and backstage, it was impressive.

The issue is that it is where the crossover stopped. It's a small detail, and certainly one that doesn't impact the product moving forward, but it would have been nice to see some actors from the show make an appearance.

No Chris Jericho return

Whether intentional or not, WWE leaned into the speculation that Chris Jericho might be returning for the first episode of the New Year. Instead, hours before the show started, a report emerged from Fightful Select, suggesting there may not be a resolution with Jericho's status with AEW.

It remains possible that Jericho's first appearance back with the company could be at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia, but clarification on his contract with AEW is needed first.

The finish to CM Punk - Bron Breakker

With CM Punk and Bronn Breakker being given nearly 30 minutes for the main event, the expectation was that we would get shenanigans. To be fair, we did get shenanigans, just not what anyone anticipated.

The Vision made an appearance to cause chaos, but instead of Jericho, or the surprise return of LA Knight or Roman Reigns, their efforts were thwarted by Penta, Dragon Lee, and Rey Mysterio.

Add the fact that Punk won the match with a clean pinfall over Breakker, and WWE clearly missed the mark. There isn't a sense of finality when it comes to Punk's storyline with the vision, and despite Monday night being an obvious moment, the company decided the timing wasn't right to officially usher in Breakker as the top guy for their flagship program.

If anything, Monday night was more confirmation that WWE may not be headed in the best of directions unless there is a dramatic change to their creative process.