The awaited match between Becky Lynch and Tegan Nox finally took place for the NXT women’s title after a brief postponement. Meanwhile, Nia Jax clashed with the powerful Raquel Rodriguez, showcasing a battle of brute strength.
Kofi Kingston went toe-to-toe with Ivar under Viking Rules, aiming to end the ongoing feud between New Day and Viking Raiders.
Here’s a rundown of the events from WWE Raw’s Monday episode:
The Visionary Challenges the Scottish Warrior
Raw set the stage with a recap of Saturday’s Fastlane event. Seth Rollins, sporting a flamboyant fur coat, shared his pride in being the world champion and hinted at an injury, making the audience cheer even louder. Drew McIntyre, without any ado, challenged Rollins for the title at Crown Jewel. However, before things could proceed smoothly, Damian Priest ambushed Rollins, hinting at a potential MITB cash-in.
Grade: B
Highlights:
- John Cena being referred to as the “Greatest of all time”.
- Rollins’ exquisite jacket.
Ivar vs. Kofi Kingston – Viking Rules Match
The duel between Ivar and Kingston began with an explosive start. An array of weapons was used, showcasing their intense rivalry. While Kingston had the upper hand at one point, Valhalla intervened, leading Ivar to claim victory.
Grade: B+
Highlights:
- Ivar’s impressive kick.
- Kingston’s clever use of Ivar’s beard.
Nia Jax vs. Raquel Rodriguez
The two powerhouses of WWE, Jax and Rodriguez, locked horns in a fierce encounter. Their raw power was evident throughout the bout. However, the match concluded in a chaotic manner with Rhea Ripley causing a disqualification.
Grade: C+
Highlights:
- Rodriguez’s impactful collision with the ring post.
- Shayna Baszler’s brutal knee strike.
The New Tag Champs Address Their Reign
The new tag team champions, Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes, shared their journey and future plans, only to be interrupted by Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens demanding a title shot. A match was set.
Grade: B-
Highlights:
- Jey and Cody’s hilarious appearance at Fastlane.
- Nakamura’s surprise attack on Ricochet.
Triple Threat: Ricochet vs. Bronson Reed vs. Chad Gable
Three distinct styles clashed in the ring with Reed’s power, Gable’s technique, and Ricochet’s agility. The match was a rollercoaster, ending with Reed’s victory.
Grade: A-
Highlights:
- Reed’s innovative double takedown.
- Gable’s display of raw strength.
Drew McIntyre vs. JD McDonagh
In a bout that showcased McIntyre’s dominance, McDonagh, despite his efforts and some external interference, couldn’t overpower The Scottish Warrior.
Grade: C+
Highlights:
- McIntyre’s astounding backbody drop.
Becky Lynch vs. Tegan Nox – NXT Women’s Title Match
The much-anticipated match between Lynch and Nox saw a display of technical prowess, culminating in Lynch retaining her title.
Grade: B+
Highlights:
- A surprise attack on Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa.
- Lynch’s post-match Twitter update on her injury.
Tag Team Main Event: Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso vs. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens
This bout offered everything one expects from a main event. Despite a minor mishap involving Rhodes, the champions emerged victorious.
Grade: B+
Highlights:
- Kaiser’s amusing video package.
- Rhodes’ and Uso’s superkick sequence.
Conclusion
Post-PPV episodes can be tricky, but this edition of Raw maintained a perfect balance between storyline progression and action-packed matches, setting the stage for upcoming events.
