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This week’s episode of WWE RAW had its fair share of highs and lows. While some of the matches were extremely entertaining, the others were somewhat disappointing. But it is safe to say that the show got progressively better. Tonight we saw Alexa Bliss show a massive transformation in her character and embrace more of ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt’s madness on WWE RAW.
Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler successfully defended their titles whereas The Hurt Business defeated The New Day. We also saw Braun Strowman join the official men’s team that will represent WWE RAW at Survivor Series. To top it all, we saw The Miz attempting to cash-in his Money in the Bank contract, but he met with an unfortunate hurdle.
In this article, we will take a look at three Superstars who managed to impress us on WWE RAW this week and three who failed. So, without further ado, let’s begin.
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#3 Flopped on WWE RAW: Nia Jax
This week’s WWE RAW did absolutely nothing to establish Nia Jax as a credible champion. She looked like the weakest competitor in a match that featured Dana Brooke. Tonight, we saw Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax put their WWE Tag Team Championships on the line against the team of Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke.
The match started with Jax and Brooke exchanging blows inside the squared circle. Surprisingly, Brooke managed to push Jax into the corner multiple times and even used the turnbuckles to keep the champion out of the equation. Following that, Rose tagged herself in and continued doing the same to Jax.
Soon after that, Rose managed to take Jax to the ringside while Brooke battled Baszler in between the ropes. A little distraction from Lana helped Brooke in momentarily getting the upper hand, but Baszler quickly reversed the situation. She then went on to pin her opponent to successfully retain the Women’s Tag Team Championships on WWE RAW.
Later in the night, Nia Jax faced Lana in a singles match and picked an easy win. But let’s be honest, that does nothing for her overall credibility. It is high time to accept that putting a Superstar like Lana through the table for seven consecutive episodes doesn’t necessarily make someone look strong. It would be safe to say that Baszler carried this entire match and it does not reflect very well on the women’s division of WWE RAW.
#3 Impressed on WWE RAW: Braun Strowman
This week’s WWE RAW marked the return of Braun Strowman. The Monster Among Men has been at his best self lately. He is now more agile inside the ring and is evidently allowed to talk more naturally during his promos. Tonight, was no different as Strowman locked horns with Keith Lee and Sheamus in a brilliant triple-threat match.
This encounter was booked with a stipulation that Strowman’s victory would ensure a spot for him in WWE RAW’s men’s team for Survivor Series. This battle of giants looked epic inside the ring. Keith Lee attempted a risky spot that sent WWE Universe into a frenzy. Sheamus looked like his prime self, and above all, Braun Strowman looked like a monster.
All the three Superstars looked great inside the ring, which made Strowman’s victory at the end look even more exciting. The world wouldn’t seem right if Braun Strowman didn’t represent WWE RAW in the five-on-five match at Survivor Series. It will now be interesting to see him rampage through SmackDown when the brand invasions begin.
#2 Flopped on WWE RAW: Elias
WWE RAW featured a 'Guitar on a Pole' match between Elias and Jeff Hardy. The two have been feuding ever since Elias returned and attacked The Charismatic Enigma for ‘running him over with a car’. Anyway, the two Superstars locked horns in an underwhelming encounter this week, and it was Elias who came out looking weaker than ever.
The match started with Elias running for the pole, but he was immediately stopped by Jeff Hardy. Then their roles reversed, and that literally continued for the rest of their short encounter. The only highlight of their match was Elias throwing a tool on Jeff Hady. The closing moments of this match on WWE RAW saw Hardy climb the pole to take the guitar, and then come back to pin Elias in order to pick his victory.
Firstly, if one needs to pin their opponent in order to win this kind of match, what is even the point of keeping an object on the pole. Secondly, this is a feud that has a lot of potential on WWE RAW. The creative need to ensure that they capitalise on a good storyline before it becomes stale – a risk that they can’t avoid for long. After all, it would be a shame to let a good rivalry go to complete waste, especially when it features on a three-hour-long show.
#2 Impressed on WWE RAW: AJ Styles
Once in a blue moon, someone manages to impress the entire WWE Universe without lifting a finger. AJ Styles was that person on WWE RAW this week. The self-proclaimed captain of the Red brand’s team served as a commentator for the triple threat-match between Braun Strowman, Sheamus, and Keith Lee.
After the match, Styles took it upon himself to restore the peace between all the three competitors in order to keep the entire WWE RAW team on the same page. That led to a hilarious post-match segment that was carried very well by Styles. The latter insisted that all the other three members of the team should shake hands and show a sign of respect. Strowman and Lee obliged.
Sheamus then took it to a whole new level and hugged Strowman. But The Celtic Warrior quickly followed it with a Brogue Kick that caused Strowman to roll out of the ring. Keith Lee then kicked Sheamus outside the ring, and a frustrated AJ Styles did the same to Lee. The latter then dramatically sank to his knees as he wondered how he would get establish harmony amidst all the members of WWE RAW’s team. As long as it is as entertaining as tonight’s segment, the fans will be excited to watch what Styles has on his mind.
#1 Flopped on WWE RAW: The Miz
As much as this author enjoys watching an angry Miz rant on WWE RAW alongside the best-hype-man-of-all-time, this week felt different. For someone experienced like The Miz, running to the ring with an intention to cash-in his MITB contract without bringing a referee was a rookie mistake. Even the contenders for the 24/7 Championship don’t do that.
Moments later, Drew McIntyre walked inside the ring and threw both Miz and his friend, John Morrison outside the ring. The duo then went on to challenge McIntyre for a two-on-one match. While it was an interesting encounter, McIntyre single-handedly mauled through both Miz and Morrison.
WWE are probably looking to book Miz as an opportunist who has no problem in sneaking away with a surprise victory over an unexpecting champion. Therefore, we might see his portrayal from today turn him into a huge turning point in the biggest title feud on WWE RAW. Will the Money in the Bank contract make him a WWE Champion again?
#1 Impressed on WWE RAW: Drew McIntyre
While it was Randy Orton who kickstarted this week’s WWE RAW with a fiery promo, it was Drew McIntyre who stole the show. The Viper was interrupted by Alexa Bliss who teased ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt’s return. But the paranoid champion was shockingly attacked by McIntyre who was also lurking in the dark.
Not just that, almost immediately afterwards we saw The Miz and John Morrison rush to the ring as the Money in the Bank holder intended to cash-in his contract on WWE RAW. However, he was unsuccessful as McIntyre came back and threw both Miz and Morrison out of the ring. He made it clear that he wants Randy Orton and his WWE Championship all to himself.
Later in the night, McIntyre destroyed Miz and Morrison in a two-on-one Handicap match that accounted for a fantastic main event. But even he was subjected to a brutal RKO as Randy Orton looked to make a strong statement in the closing moments of the show.
It is also interesting to note that Sheamus asked McIntyre to become the fifth member of WWE RAW's Survivor Series team. The latter looked enticed with the idea and could represent the Red brand at the upcoming WWE pay-per-view.
Ex WWE writer blasts Liv Morgan HERE
