Knockout News Digest
Gunther recently broke The Honky Tonk Man’s long-standing record to become the longest-reigning intercontinental champion of all time, prompting Imperium to host a commemorative event this week. The occasion was marked with the presence of Cody Rhodes, and saw Rhea Ripley defending her Women’s World Championship against the equally powerful Raquel Rodriguez. Let’s delve into the details of this week’s WWE Raw episode.
Jey Uso vs. Kevin Owens and Judgment Day
Jey Uso initiated the events, but was soon interrupted by Kevin Owens (KO) making his way into the ring. Despite their past disputes, KO proposed teaming up with Uso to take on Judgment Day. However, their lack of chemistry was evident throughout the match, culminating in Uso inadvertently striking Owens, a misstep that ultimately led to their defeat.
Winners: Judgment Day
Grade: B-
Observations:
- Uso’s wardrobe shift to blue is a discernible attempt to distinguish himself from The Bloodline and its red theme.
- WWE needs to curtail the amplification of crowd reactions during Dom’s segments, allowing for a more natural audience response.
The Miz vs. Akira Tozawa
Seeking vengeance for a recent loss, The Miz faced Tozawa in a bout where he leveraged his size and power advantage to secure a clean victory.
Winner: The Miz
Grade: C
Observations:
- WWE’s 9/11 video package was, as always, excellently crafted.
- Bryan Danielson’s departure possibly affected the reaction to The It Kicks.
Gunther’s Record-breaking Celebration
Joined by friends Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci, Gunther celebrated his record-breaking IC title tenure. Chad Gable stepped forward to challenge Gunther for the title, sparking a brawl that was joined by Otis.
Grade: C
Observations:
- Gable’s plea invoking his daughter did not resonate with the audience.
Drew McIntyre vs. Xavier Woods
After a series of misunderstandings, McIntyre and Woods faced off in a singles match. Although the contest began amicably, it escalated into a fierce battle, with McIntyre emerging victorious, yet hinting that their rivalry is far from over.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
Grade: B+
Observations:
- Xavier Woods’ exceptional selling skills were on full display.
- The absence of Matt Riddle and Kofi Kingston was notable.
Chelsea Green vs. Shayna Baszler
A confrontation in the backstage led to this match, which was more notable for the post-match fracas involving Niven and Zoey Stark, teasing a potential tag title feud.
Winner: Shayna Baszler
Grade: C-
Observations:
- WWE seems to be contemplating a face turn for Stark and Baszler.
Tommaso Ciampa and Alpha Academy vs. Imperium
After Seth Rollins’ impassioned monologue, this six-man tag match unfolded with a series of high-octane maneuvers. The face team managed to secure a victory, hinting at further developments in this narrative.
Winners: Ciampa and Alpha Academy
Grade: C+
Observations:
- The collaboration of Ciampa and Alpha Academy felt a bit disjointed.
Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez
In a hotly contested main event, Ripley and Rodriguez showcased a powerhouse performance. However, the match ended in chaos as Nia Jax returned to the ring, attacking Rodriguez and later, Ripley.
Winner: Rhea Ripley
Grade: B
Observations:
- The duo brought out the best in each other, offering an electric performance.
- Nia Jax’s return showcased her impressive fitness transformation.
Overall, while this edition of Raw featured spectacular moments, it felt largely ephemeral. Despite showcasing few matches, the prolonged runtime included excessive non-wrestling segments, slightly hampering the show’s pace.
The episode could benefit from a more condensed format, focusing on delivering a higher number of engaging matches rather than over-relying on interviews and promos. The main event and six-man tag match stood out, presenting a rich narrative and intense in-ring action. More such captivating match-ups could elevate the future installments of WWE Raw.
