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In the aftermath of Crown Jewel, WWE witnessed a new era for its promotions. This past week, RAW strolled into Providence, Rhode Island, advertising Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair for the RAW Women's Title. Meanwhile, SmackDown headed to Evansville, IL, with Roman Reigns' return.
WWE entered the penultimate month of the year as the rosters are still dealing with the draft changes. Many superstars are still finding their feet, and some are already excelling.
That being said, let's take a look at three WWE Superstars who impressed this week and two who flopped.
#3 Impressed on WWE RAW: Queen Zelina & Carmella
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WWE Queen's Crown tournament winner Queen Zelina and Carmella made quite the impression this week on RAW. After teaming up on SmackDown before, they finally put their alliance to good use on the Red Brand.
Queen Zelina and Carmella faced WWE Women's Tag Team Champions Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H after a backstage altercation. The match was dubbed a Championship Contender's match, meaning they would become No.1 contenders if they won.
Before the match got underway, Carmella pulled out her mask to keep her face protected. Backstage, several superstars watched the match underway.
Zelina and Carmella sealed the win while the latter was on the apron, distracting Nikki A.S.H. The Queen delivered a Sunset Bomb to score the pinfall.
Behind the scenes, Zelina is on the good books of Vince McMahon. She told Sports Illustrated of the encounter she had with the WWE Chairman following her Queen's Crown victory:
"Vince [McMahon] walked up to me after the match in the back and said, ‘You walked in here queen, and now it’s official. I almost lost it. This is finally my time to show out to everyone who I am. I’m not in anyone’s shadow. This is my time to show why I am a star. Queen Zelina, it feels so incredible to say that. I’m bringing it to Spanish, too—La Reina, that’s me. It feels absolutely right to say that," Queen Zelina said. (h/t The Sports Rush)
Momentum is in Queen Zelina's favor right now. With Carmella as her tag team partner, the duo could undoubtedly take the Women's Tag Team Titles.
#2 Unimpressive on WWE SmackDown: Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn claims he is the leader of the WWE SmackDown locker room. This week, he tried to give pep talks to newcomers Aliyah and Hit Row. A backstage discussion ended with the latter convincing Sami Zayn to show them a "proper entrance."
The former Intercontinental Champion did just that. Although, Hit Row then talked them down to the ring, saying that Sami Zayn sucked. The latter said he was just trying to help, and the group blocked his exit. They eventually let him through, but it was infuriating for him.
A special mention goes to Sonya Deville, who is still causing all sorts of problems for Naomi. Come on, Sonya, give her a break.
#2 Impressed on WWE SmackDown: Drew McIntyre
WWE has been treating Drew McIntyre well since he moved to SmackDown in the draft. The Scottish Warrior delivered some impressive performances with some open challenges on the Blue Brand.
Ricochet answered his call this week. He even slapped Drew to fire him up before their match got underway. McIntyre delivered a Claymore while Ricochet was mid-air, performing a moonsault from the top rope. He extended his hand to Ricochet after the match to show his admiration but was shunned. Hence, the match might lead to a new rivalry as well.
#1 Unimpressive on WWE RAW: Dominik Mysterio
Austin Theory has been disrespecting the Mysterios but managed to defeat Dominik last week on WWE RAW. He faced Rey Mysterio this week.
Dominik remained ringside as the two battled but couldn't help his anger towards Theory. Later in the match, Austin Theory was set up for 619, but Dominik slapped him. After the referee saw it, he disqualified Rey.
The match result could have favored the Mysterios had the slap not been executed. Theory scored yet another victory, even if it was via disqualification.
#1 Impressed on RAW: Big E
Big E has been on a mighty run ever since he cashed in his Money in the Bank briefcase. This week, he was tested on RAW in a triple threat match against Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens on the main event.
Rollins struck Big E in the match as he was lying on the ropes following a collision with Owens. While KO tried to take advantage and pin Big E, the latter rolled him up to secure the pinfall. Kevin Owens tried to apologize after the match, but Big E gave him his Big Ending finisher. The Champion reigned supreme once again.
