Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly WWE RAW hits and misses series.
Last night’s episode of RAW went down at Amica Mutual Pavillion in Providence, R.I. CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, The Judgment Day, Braun Strowman, and The Miz worked the show this week.
Here’s what went down on 8/26 Monday Night RAW.
Hit – Eight-man tag team action on WWE RAW
Judgment Day kicked off RAW. The group cut a promo on Terror Twins ahead of the mixed tag team match at Bash in Berlin. The lWO interrupted The Judgment Day to set up their eight-man tag team match. Liv Morgan helped Dominik Mysterio evade a frog splash from Rey Mysterio allowing JD to pick up the win over lWO. Priest and Ripley showed up after the match to take out Carlito and McDonagh as the rest of Judgment Day watched in shock.
Judgment Day’s promo was bad. The match wasn’t. Both teams delivered a fast-paced match-up to set the tone for the rest of the night. Joaquin Wilde had his springboard splash moment. Dragon Lee was as reliable as ever. JD continues to showcase his selling abilities. Dominik was seen gripping his head after the sunset flip, it must’ve been a whiplash. He did complete the match and worked the post-match angle.
Miss – Damage CTRL vs. Pure Fusion Collective
Kairi Sane and IYO Sane collided with Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark in tag team action. Zelina Vega returned during the closing moments of the match to take out Sonya Deville. Damage CTRL picked up the win due to the distraction.
With Dakota Kai out of action, Zelina can potentially sub for her in Damage CTRL. That said, the match was too short. Still, all four women made the most out of what they were given. Women’s tag team wrestling really needs more TV time to tell their story.
Hit – CM Punk whips Drew McIntyre on WWE RAW
Drew McIntyre came down to the ring. McIntyre mocked Punk by sitting cross-legged in the ring. Punk’s music hit and he attacked McIntyre from behind. Punk whipped McIntyre all the way to the announce table but security caught him, only for Punk to whip them inside the ring.
A solid final encounter between McIntyre and Punk before their Strap Match at Bash in Berlin. Punk livestreamed himself from underneath the ring before jumping McIntyre. He won’t stop till he gets his prized bracelet back. I’m looking forward to this match come Saturday.
Miss – Jey Uso vs. Karrion Kross vs. Kofi Kingston
Jey Uso, Karrion Kross and Kofi Kingston collided in the number one contender’s tournament for the Intercontinental Championship. Jey and Kingston worked together against Kross in the early goings of the match. Kofi hit Jey with a trouble in paradise meant for Kross. Jey hit Kross with a spear, followed by a frogsplash for the win.
This match could’ve been better. It seems Kofi and Kross had some communication problems during the match. Kingston’s dropkick on Kross didn’t connect in the early goings of the match. Jey was the obvious pick for the winner. Kofi and Kross aren’t done with each other. Let’s see how their feud goes.
Hit – Bronson Reed destroys Braun Strowman on WWE RAW
Bronson Reed took on Braun Strowman in a battle of the behemoths. Both men beat the hell out of each other. Reed got out of the ring to escape. Strowman caught him from behind. The Monster Among Men tossed two poor security guys aside. The fight reached the RAW parking lot. Reed hit a huge Tsunami on Strowman while he was flattened on a rental.
This was a war in every sense of the word. Strowman and Reed just battered each other inside the ring. Reed sold like a cruiserweight for Strowman. They really did a fantastic job of giving the match a no contest ending. Reed’s tsunami may be the most dangerous move on RAW. I hope Triple H books a Street Fight between these two monsters.
Miss – Chad Gable loses to Uncle Howdy
Uncle Howdy made his singles debut against Chad Gable. The Olympian outwrestled Howdy and gained momentum after planting him with an Olympic Slam on the broadcast table. The Creeds interfered by attacking Howdy. Rest of the Wyatts showed up to disperse the siblings. Howdy took advantage of the distraction to plant Gable with a Sister Abigail for the win.
Gable made Dallas look like a million bucks. They couldn’t have picked any one better for Howdy’s in-ring debut. Having said that, I really this is the end of the feud between Wyatts and American Made. The Wyatts shouldn’t have been babyfaces to begin with, but fan reception may have caused WWE to pull the trigger.
Honorable Mentions
- Randy Orton cut a great promo on Gunther ahead of their match at Bash in Berlin. The Viper acknowledged the home town advantage for the World Heavyweight Champion. He talked briefly about his illustrious history. I hope they have a better match than King of the Ring.
- Pete Dunne defeated The Miz and Xavier Woods to advance in the Intercontinental Championship tournament. All three men were solid in the ring. Dunne nailed Miz with a Bitter End for the win.
- WWE aired a beautiful tribute for Sid Eudy in the aftermath of his passing. Sid had a great career. His matches against Bret Hart and Shawn Michaels are some of my favorites. Rest in peace, big man!
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