WWE Raw
November 6, 2023 | Mohegan Sun Arena, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania
The show opened with a long recap showcasing highlights from the WWE Crown Jewel show.
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins came out to a big reaction. Rollins welcomed everyone to Raw. Rollins noted he was still the World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins wanted to thank two people. Rollins wanted to thank Drew McIntyre which got a mixed reaction. Rollins spoke about his great match with McIntyre. Rollins gave credit for McIntyre for Judgment Day not getting involved. Rollins spoke about Damian Priest trying to cash the Money in the Bank contract. Rollins wanted thanked Sami Zayn in person. The crowd cheered as Zayn came out to a great reaction.
Rollins thought Zayn would come out with Priest briefcase. Rollins guessed that Adam Pearce told Zayn to return Priest’s briefcase back. Zayn noted Rollins was correct with his guess. Rollins noted he could or couldn’t have handled Priest on his own. Zayn stopped Rollins. Zayn noted he’s been dealing with Judgment Day for months on Raw. Zayn noted Judgment Day have all the titles expect for the World Title. Zayn claimed if Priest won the World Title. They would be dealing with Bloodline 2.0. The crowd booed this. Zayn cut a passionate promo about wanting to beat Judgment Day.
Rollins appreciated Zayn for standing what he believes in. Rollins noted people like Zayn something don’t get what they deserve. Rollins noted Judgment Day don’t run Raw. Rollins noted he runs Raw. Rollins noted he spoke about to Pearce to offer Zayn a World Title match. The crowd cheered. Zayn spoke about how hard it is to get a World Title match. The crowd cheered as Zayn vowed to one day win the World Heavyweight Title. Zayn wanted to beat a champion who’s not compromised. Zayn told Rollins he’s not 100%. Rollins took his sunglass off and got serious. Rollins noted WWE wrestlers aren’t 100% but always give 100%. Rollins offered Zayn the match. The crowd cheered as Zayn asked for the match on Raw. The crowd cheered as they shook hands.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a pretty big having a World Heavyweight Title match announced for Raw. Nice to see WWE give some explanation to why Zayn didn’t come out with the Money in the Bank briefcase. The promos between Rollins and Zayn were great to set up the World Title match. Zayn got the title match for Raw. They are clearly going to tell the long story with Zayn going through different challengers before he eventually win the World Title.
The Judgment Day were shown in their locker room. Dominik Mysterio gloated about Logan Paul’s win over his father. Damian Priest stormed into the locker room and spoke about getting his briefcase back from Pearce. Priest wasn’t glad Zayn was getting a World Title match. JD McDonagh spoke about things not going Priest way. Priest yelled at McDonagh and noticed he was wearing his shirt. Rhea Ripley calmed things down noting Priest had this. Finn Balor and Priest wowed to take care of New Day in their tag team match.
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Judgment Day (Damian Priest & Finn Balor) vs. The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) – Non-Title Match
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods received a solid reaction from the crowd. Kingston and Woods shined early delivering a series of combination moves to Balor for a near fall. Kingston and Woods delivered stereo Tope Con Hilo to Balor and Priest onto the floor. Woods rocked Priest with a rolling clothesline for two. Woods caught Balor with a missile dropkick as we returned from break.
Kingston ran wild rocking Priest with a flying axe handle smash. Kingston followed with a flying crossbody for two. Kingston delivered a Boom Drop. The crowd chanted for New Day as Kingston called for Trouble in Paradise. Priest stopped Kingston’s momentum rocking him with a lariat. Kingston moved as Priest bumped into Balor. Kingston delivered a Superplex to Balor. Woods followed with a flying elbow drop to Balor but Pirest made the save.
The action broke down as Priest planted Kingston with an elevated flatliner onto the announcers table. The referee didn’t see Priest nail Woods with a cheap shot. Balor delivered a Slingblade to Woods. Priest followed with South of Heaven. Balor delivered Coup de Grace to Woods for the win.
WINNER: Damian Priest & Finn Balor
Amin’s Thoughts: I really enjoyed the match. The pacing was great as both teams worked a fun action packed match. Nice to see champions getting clean wins on the show. A strong win for especially for Priest who’s coming off a loss to Cody Rhodes at the Crown Jewel show.
Jackie Redmond caught up with Drew McIntyre who was arriving to the arena. McIntyre didn’t give Redmond a response following his Crown Jewel loss. McIntyre drove away from the arena.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Akira Tozawa (with Alpha Academy)
There was a funny moment as Tozawa mocked Nakamura’s signature pose. Tozawa surpassed Nakamura catching him with a German Suplex. Tozawa followed with a tope to the floor. Nakamura stopped Tozawa from climbing the ropes. Nakamura took control rocking Tozawa with a running knee strike. There was a light CM Punk chant as Nakamura climbed the ropes.
Tozawa caught Nakamura with a Super Hurricanrana for two. Tozawa went for his flying senton splash but Nakamura got his knees up. Nakamura called for the Kinshasa but Tozawa countered with a Victory Roll for two. Tozawa applied Circus Hurricanrana for a close two count. Nakamura caught Tozawa with a mid kick. Nakamura followed with a Kinshasa for the win.
WINNER: Shinsuke Nakamura
Amin’s Thoughts: A quick little match. The action was fun as both Nakamura and Tozawa worked great together. They are keeping Nakamura strong for this person who eventually challenges him.
—The crowd cheered as Otis entered the ring and challenged Nakamura after the match. The crowd booed as Nakamura left the ring.
Amin’s Thoughts: Nakamura and Otis could have a fun match. That can’t be the payoff for Nakamura’s challenger. Survivor Series is taking place in Chicago. CM Punk being Nakamura’s eventual challenger would be awesome but don’t think that will happen at Survivor Series.
We saw a highlight package showing Natalya’s accomplishments throughout her WWE career.
Adam Pearce spoke about Gunther historic record setting reign as WWE Intercontinental Champion. Pearce hyped up the Fatal-4-Way Number One Contender’s Match between Bronson Reed vs. Ricochet vs. Ivar vs. The Miz.
We saw Adam Pearce approaching Seth Rollins backstage. Pearce asked Rollins if he was ready to go for his World Title match against Sami Zayn. Rollins told Pearce he appreciated his concern. Rollins noted he’s ready to go.
Fatal-4-Way Number One Contender Match: Bronson Reed vs. Ricochet vs. Ivar vs. The Miz
Ricochet caught Miz with a handstand head scissors. Ricochet followed rocking Reed with a springboard dropkick. Ivar appeared nailing Ricochet with a spin kick for two. Ivar caught Ricochet with a corner seated senton. We saw Gunther watching backstage. There was a neat spot as Reed launched Ricochet who caught Ivar with a Hurricanrana. Miz rocked Ivar with a wrecking ball dropkick. Ricochet went for a dive to the floor. Ivar and Reed caught Ricochet and launched him onto Miz. Ivar crushed Miz with a sliding crossbody against the barricade. Ivar and Reed delivered a stereo crossbody on the floor.
The crowd was buzzing as we returned from break. Ivar was setting Reed up for a Superplex. This led to a huge Tower of Doom Superplex/Powerbomb spot involving everyone. Miz went for a cover but Ricochet stopped him. The crowd cheered for Miz as he delivered a springboard crossbody to Reed. Miz caught Ivar with a Tornado DDT. The crowd cheered as Miz roared. Miz caught Ricochet with a corner lung blower. Miz maintained control delivering a DDT to Ricochet for a two count. The crowd chanted Let’s Go Miz as he went for the Skull Crushing Finale. Ricochet countered catching Miz with a Recoil. Ricochet went for a cover on Miz but Ivar stopped him with a splash.
Ivar rocked Ricochet with a lariat for a two count. Ivar caught Reed with a springboard clothesline for a two count. Miz and Ricochet exchanged stereo boots as they fell to the mat. There was a great spot as Ivar and Reed stared at each other as they climbed the ropes at the same time. Ivar delivered a Flying Moonsault to Ricochet. Miz avoided the Tsunami from Reed. Miz covered Reed. Ivar covered Ricochet. The referee counted at the same time. There was confusion as the referee stopped his count. The referee then counted three. Miz won the match.
WINNER: The Miz
Amin’s Thoughts: A very fun action packed match with everyone getting a chance to a shine. The only nitpick was the complicating finish with the referee going for a double pin. The replay cleared showed Miz won the show. The crowd firmly behind The Miz as they wanted to see him win. Miz winning was the right choice especially for the angle last week on Raw with Imperium. The announcer really put Miz over as he was working very hard. Glad to see Gunther will be defending the Intercontinental Title at Survivor Series. Gunther is a tremendous wrestler and he Miz should have a good match.
—They showed a replay after the match. Ricochet kicked out at two. Miz covered Reed for the three count. Ivar attacked Miz after the match. Ivar delivered a Flying Moonsault to Miz. The crowd chanted You Suck at Ivar.
Alpha Academy was backstage with Akira Tozawa. Tozawa was upset over his loss to Shinsuke Nakamura. Chad Gable told Tozawa he had a great performance. Gable noted he and Otis will be in Tozawa’s corner for his Heritage Cup Championship match on NXT. Tozawa was excited as he danced away. Maxxine Durpi appeared noted she’s ready for the Number One Contender Women’s Battle Royal.
They aired a highlight package of The Creed Brothers defeating Alpha Academy in their debut match last week on Raw.
The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile were shown singing their Raw contracts. Pearce made a joke about SmackDown. DIY appeared and loved what The Creeds did on NXT. They challenged The Creeds to a match. This was funny as everyone looked at Nile thinking she would make the match. Pearce made the match for Raw.
DIY (Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa) vs. The Creed Brothers (Brutus & Julius Creed)
Ciampa and Julius began the match with some mat wrestling. Julius went for a seated suplex but Gargano escaped. DIY went for stereo Slingshot Plancha but The Creeds caught them. The Creed went for Stereo Moonsaults but DIY moved. Gargano went for a dive but Julius caught him with a forearm smash. Ciampa rocked Julius with a knee strike. Brutus caught Ciampa with a flying Brutus Ball to the floor. Brutus and Ciampa made stereo tags as we returned from break.
Ciampa rocked The Creeds with a double clothesline. Ciampa and Gargano delivered a running clothesline/backdrop suplex combo to Brutus for a two count. Gargano called for One Final Beat DDT but Brutus caught him. The Creeds delivered stereo Moonaults to Gargano but Ciampa made the save. The Creeds called for a Super Doomsday Brutus Ball. Ciampa pulled Brutus to the floor.
Gargano caught Brutus with a Poisonrana. Ciampa rocked Julius with a knee strike. Ciampa delivered Willows Bell to Brutus. Ciampa delivered Fairytale Ending but Julius kicked out at two. The crowd cheered as DIY called for Meeting in the Middle. Brutus pulled Ciampa to the floor. Ludwig Kaiser appeared rocking Gargano with a cheap shot. The Creed Brothers delivered a Super Doomsday Brutus Ball to Gargano for the win.
WINNER: The Creed Brothers
Amin’s Thoughts: This wasn’t as a good as The Creeds debut match against Alpha Academy. This was still a very fun tag team match. The action was great as both teams worked well together. The distraction finish worked for this match. They protected DIY with the finish with Kaiser getting involved. The Creeds are the new fresh team on Raw and it was nice to see them keep their winning streak going.
Sami Zayn was shown watching highlights from the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Roman Reigns in his hometown at the Elimination Chamber show. Jey approached Zayn in his locker room. Jey told Zayn he felt bad about the finish of the Elimination Chamber match. Zayn told Jey to forget about that. Jey told Zayn to show everyone who he is and become World Heavyweight Champion. Jey went to leave. Zayn asked Jey if he spoke to Pearce? Jey said he and Cody Rhodes will challenge Judgment Day to an Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship match next week on Raw. Jey said maybe next week he and Zayn will both be champions.
Jackie Redmond interviewed Becky Lynch backstage. Lynch noted she’s looking for a fight and got one against the whole roster. Lynch noted everyone wants to see her face Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Title at the Survivor Series show. Redmond pointed as Nia Jax was standing behind. Lynch wondered why Jax was standing behind her. Jax noted she was waiting for Lynch to be done. Jax noted nobody is throwing her out of the battle royal. Jax spoke about her favourite moment which was breaking Lynch’s nose. Lynch spoke about winning the WrestleMania main event after that happened. Lynch noted Jax highlight was getting fired from WWE.
Byron Saxton interviewed the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Chelsea Green & Piper Niven backstage. Green spoke about a bunch of women not deserving to be in the match. Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark appeared together. Baszler gave Green a warning saying she would destroy anyone who comes in her way. Green wanted Niven to stand up for her. Niven noted it’s every woman for herself. Green stared as Baszler and Stark before leaving. Stark told Baszler it’s indeed everyone woman for herself. Baszler told Stark she would be the one to get her hand raised.
Becky Lynch received an awesome reaction from the crowd. Xia Li came out attacking Lynch before the match began. Li rocked Lynch with a Corkscrew Kick. WWE officials came out to check on Lynch. Li went to enter the ring. Pearce told Li she wasn’t entering the match. WWE medical staff were checking on Lynch as we returned from break.
Amin’s Thoughts: They gave Xia Li a big spot by taking Lynch out of the Battle Royal. I didn’t mind Lynch not being part of the match. They are clearly saving Lynch vs. Ripley for the WrestleMania.
Number One Contender’s Women’s Battle Royal
The participants included Nia Jax, Raquel Rodriguez, Nikki Cross, Tegan Nox, Natalya, Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, Tegan Nox, Indi Hartwell, Ivy Nile, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Chelsea Green & Piper Niven.
Cross was standing inside the ring with her same catatonic state. Jax and Rodriguez lifted Cross and eliminated her. Cross stood on the floor in her same catatonic state. Dupri caught Niven with an arm bar against the ropes. Nox eliminated Niven. Jax appeared from behind to eliminate Dupri. Carter and Chance rocked Jax with a double superkick. Chance caught Rodriguez with a Codebreaker. Carter delivered an assisted Hurricanrana sending Stark onto Rodriguez.
Nile delivered a running mid kick to eliminate Carter. Nile pressed Chance and tossed her onto Carter on the floor. Green tried to eliminate both Natalya and Rodriguez. Rodriguez eliminated Green. Natalya avoided a running boot from Hartwell and eliminated her. Nile eliminated Natalya from the match. The crowd booed as Jax eliminated Nox. The crowd cheered as everyone worked together and eliminated Jax. The crowd booed as Jax pulled Nile to the floor eliminated her.
We were down to Baszler, Rodriguez and Baszler. Baszler and Stark worked together to eliminate Rodriguez. Baszler placed Stark in a Kiridguda Clutch against the ropes. Baszler released the hold knowing she would be eliminated. Stark rocked Baszler with a series of Superkicks. Stark delivered a DDT onto the ring apron to eliminate Baszler and win the match.
WINNER: Zoey Stark
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a pretty standard battle royal for the most part. Nile had a pretty nice debut and it seems like WWE really wants to focus on her. Jax winning wouldn’t have surprised me. Judgment Day is the top heel faction on Raw. The crowd would most definitely cheer for Ripley if she faces Jax at Survivor Series. That’s probably something they don’t want right now. Stark winning was a nice surprise to give Ripley a new fresh challenger for the Women’s World Title.
We saw a WWE Tribute to the Troops highlight package.
Jackie Redmond interviewed WWE Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley backstage. Ripley told Redmond she will handle her business. Zoey Stark appeared and told Ripley the focus should be on her. Stark told Ripley she had the World Title won at Crown Jewel if it wasn’t for Jax. Ripley notes she hasn’t forgetten about Stark. Ripley told Stark she gave her an Avalanche RipTide at Crown Jewel. Stark noted she hasn’t forgotten about that either. Stark vowed to beat Ripley and win the title at Survivor Series.
They aired a highlight package of Solo Sikoa defeating John Cena at WWE Crown Jewel. They showed the crowd giving Cena a standing ovation after the match.
WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match: Seth Rollins [c] vs. Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn received a great reaction from the crowd. Seth Rollins received a great reaction from the crowd. The crowd was also loudly singing along to Rollins theme. The crowd started singing the Ole Song as well. They went back to singing Rollins theme. Zayn called for Blue Thunder Bomb but Rollins escaped. Zayn used Rollins momentum sending him to the floor. Zayn teased a dive but Rollins moved. The crowd cheered as Rollins and Sami had a stare down.
Rollins rocked Zayn with huge chops as we returned from break. The action moved to the floor as Zayn leaped off the barricade catching Rollins with a Flying Moonsault. The intensity picked up as Rollins and Zayn exchanged big strikes. Zayn caught Rollins with a flying elbow drop for a near fall. Rollins responded rocking Zayn with combination strikes. Rollins connected with a tope to the floor. Rollins sent Zayn into the ring. Zayn caught Rollins with a Tope Con Hilo to the floor. Rollins responded hitting a Slingblade.
Rollins caught with a pair of running forearm. Zayn tried to hit a misdirection Helluva Kick but Rollins moved. Rollins connected with a Slingshot Senton. Rollins followed with a Springboard Moonsault for two. Rollins went for a Pedigree on the ring apron. Zayn countered dropping Rollins with a backdrop onto the ring apron. Rollins and Zayn exchanged strikes as we returned from break.
Rollins fired up hitting a Buckle Bomb. Rollins called for the Curb Stomp but Zayn escaped. Zayn caught Rollins with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a good two count. Zayn caught Rollins with an Exploder Suplex against the ropes. Zan called for the Helluva Kick. Rollins intercepted with a Superkick. Rollins delivered a Pedigree but Zayn kicked out for another good two count. This is Awesome chants from the crowd. Rollins called for the Curb Stomp. Zayn countered catching Rollins in a Boston Crab. Rollins reversed the hold catching Zayn with a rollup for the win.
WINNER: Seth Rollins retained the WWE World Heavyweight Title
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a really solid main event. The wrestling was great as both Rollins and Zayn worked great together. The match not ended with some sort of interference from the Judgement Day was nice to see. The finish was great with Rollins using a rollup as he’s still finding way to retain his World Title while still telling the story of fighting through the injured back. A great match.
—Zayn had a disappointed look after the match. Rollins offered Zayn a handshake. Zayn was hesitate but accepted the handshake. Zayn left the ring. Judgment Day ran down and attacked Zayn. Rollins delivered a dive onto all members of Judgment Day. Judgment Day had the numbers advantage. The crowd cheered as Jey Uso received a huge reaction. Judgement Day got the numbers advantage on Jey. The crowd went wild as Cody Rhodes ran down to a massive reaction to make the save. Adam Pearce along with a bunch of WWE officials ran down to pull everyone apart. Pearce delivered a promo saying we’ve been seeing everyone brawling on Raw for the past several months. Pearce noted both sides wanted to play games. The crowd began cheering as they were ready to hear the WarGames announcement. Pearce announced they will play games at Survivor Series. Pearce announced the WarGames match which got a huge reaction from the crowd. Both sides began brawling again. Cody delivered a huge dive onto Judgement Day and a bunch of security guards on the floor. Both sides continued brawling as the show ended.
Amin’s Thoughts: You knew Judgment Day would make their presence felt at some point in the main event. Was glad to see they didn’t get involved in the World Title match. The show closing brawl was awesome. You can tell the crowd was just waiting for the WarGames announcement. Pearce doing his best William Regal to announce WarGames was awesome. Right now the match seems to be four vs. four. WarGames is usually a traditional five vs. five match. Drew McIntyre reluctantly joining the Judgment Day side could very likely happen to set up a rematch with Rollins for the World Title. Randy Orton making his return being the fifth member for Rhodes team would be awesome.
Overall Thoughts: This was a very strong episode of Raw. There was lots of good and interesting stuff to keep you invested into the show for three hours. We had lots of good wrestling matches on the show. The most important thing was setting the stage for the Survivor Series show. We already got three matches announced for the show. The WarGames match between Rhodes’ team against Judgment Day feels like a really big match. Overall, a very enjoyable show and strong start towards Survivor Series which is shaping up to be a pretty big show.
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