WWE Raw
November 13, 2023 | Capitol One Arena, Washington, DC
The show opened with a highlight package with Raw GM Adam Pearce announcing the Men’s WarGames match.
The music played as Cody Rhodes came out to a great reaction and nice firework display. The WOAHHH are getting louder and louder. Huge Cody chants from the crowd. Cody asked the crowd what they wanted to talk about? They all cheered. Cody wanted to talk about the great memories in the arena. Cody want create more memories in this arena. Cody vowed he and Jey Uso would win the Undisputed Tag Team Champions. He turned his attention to the Men’s WarGames and introduced his team. Jey Uso received a great reaction. Sami Zayn came out next to a great reaction. The crowd began singing as WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins came out to a great reaction. Cody spoke about them being inside the ring for Judgement Day. Cody spoke about getting along with Sami, recently getting along with Jey. Cody was about to speak about his history with Rollins. The crowd popped as Cody and Rollins went face-to-face.
The music played as Judgment Day came out. Balor made fun of Cody’s team for not getting along. Balor teased tension noting Rollins is World Champion but couldn’t beat Cody. Priest noted Cody beat everyone on his team but still isn’t champion. Balor spoke about Sami being a World Title calibre wrestler. Balor called Sami a loser for losing last week Priest wondered if Cody’s team could trust Jey? The crowd booed as Dominik tried to speak. Sami noted nobody wanted to hear Judgement Day speak. Sami hyped the WarGames match. Cody was shocked Judgment Day came out with Rhea Ripley. Cody asked if Ripley was the leader? Priest said no. Cody wondered who’s leader of Judgment Day? Priest said he’s the leader. Rollins was tired of everyone speaking. Rollins and Sami challenged Dominik & JD McDonagh to a match. Priest accepted the match.
Amin’s Thoughts: I really liked the interaction with both sides. The heels tried to create a wedge between the babyface team. I like how this played out with the Cody outsmarting the heels causing more friction between Judgement Day. This was pretty interesting with Priest says he’s the leader of Judgment Day. We are seeing small signs every week leading to a split within Judgment Day. Good stuff here to build the Men’s WarGames match.
Seth Rollins & Sami Zayn vs. Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh
Rollins went for a Pedigree but Dominik pulled McDonagh out of the ring. Sami rocked Dominik with corner punches. Sami connected with a flying elbow drop. The heels got the advantage back on Rollins. The crowd booed as Dominik went for the 3 Amigos. Rollins countered launching Dominik with an overhead suplex. Sami launched Dominik with an Exploder Suplex. Sami called for the Helluva Kick but Dominik rolled out of the ring. Rollins and Sami delivered stereo dives to the floor.
Sami catapulted McDonagh into the ring post as we returned from break. Rollins ran wild catching Dominik with a Slingblade. Rollins planted Dominik with a gut buster. Rollins went for a Buckle Bomb but McDonaugh made the save. Dominik went for a 619 but Rollins intercepted with a Superkick. Rollins connected with a Buckle Bomb. Rollins called for the Curb Stomp. Balor and Priest attacked Rollins for the DQ.
WINNER: Seth Rollins & Sami Zayn via Disqualification
Amin’s Thoughts: Both teams were having a pretty solid tag team match till the DQ finish. I understand you don’t want to beat anyone from either team before the WarGames match. The DQ finish was just lame.
–The crowd cheered as Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso ran down to make the save. WWE officials ran down to pull everyone apart. McDonagh shoved Priest out of the way. Jey delivered a spear to McDonagh. Pearce was irate because another finish to a match was ruined. Pearce announced everyone who’s part of the Men’s WarGames match is banned from the building. Ripley began arguing with Pearce. They went to commercial break.
Amin’s Thoughts: They gave you a clue that someone else might be getting involved in the main event match.
We returned from commercial break with Ripley and Pearce were still inside the ring. Ripley didn’t Pearce decision. Peace told Ripley that Judgement Day doesn’t run Raw. Zoey Stark made her way to the ring. Pearce told Stark he already has lots going on. Ripley told Pearce it’s fine because she wanted to hear what Stark had to say. Stark spoke about Ripley being focused on other things.
Ripley mentioned she not overlooking Stark. Ripley spoke about Stark work in NXT. Ripley spoke about sending Trish Stratus packing and beating Becky Lynch. Ripley predicted Stark will be a champion but on the other brand because Mami is always on top. Ripley said she can handle everything on her plate. Ripley told Stark to leave her ring. Stark said she will beat Ripley and become champion at Survivor Series. Ripley went for a cheap shot but Stark saw it coming. Stark went for a dive but Ripley moved.
Amin’s Thoughts: I thought Ripley did well putting over Stark a strong challenger. The problem is crowd didn’t react to Stark. Ripley just comes off as the much bigger star. I don’t think Stark will win the Women’s World Title at Survivor Series but having a strong competitive match with Ripley at Survivor Series will help her a lot.
Ripley is right next to Becky Lynch as the biggest star in the WWE Women’s division.
They aired a Shinsuke Nakamura vignette with English Subtitles speaking about still waiting for someone.
Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn were chatting backstage. Cody Rhodes appeared and said he wanted to speak with Rollins alone. Sami left. Cody spoke needing Rollins help to beat Judgment Day at WarGames. Rollins spoke about him not liking Cody. Rollins said he’s respects Cody and will be his teammate at WarGames. Rollins told Cody to win the tag titles. Cody smiled.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Otis (w/Alpha Academy)
Otis took control early launching Nakamura with an overhead suplex. Otis sent out some Good Vibrations. Otis called for the Caterpillar but Nakamura rolled out of the ring. Otis rocked Nakamura with a lariat on the floor. Nakamura rocked Otis with combination kick as we returned from break. Otis responded catching Nakamura with a Powerbomb. Otis made a comeback rocking Nakamura with a pair of spinning back elbows.
The crowd popped as Otis hit the Caterpillar for a two count. Nakamura responded catching Otis with a spin kick. Nakamura called for the Kinshasa but Otis hit a World Strongest Slam for a close two count. Otis went for a Vader Bomb but Nakamura got his knees up. Nakamura rocked Otis with a flying kick. Nakamura rocked Otis with a Kinshasa to the back. Nakamura followed with a second Kinshasa for the win.
WINNER: Shinsuke Nakamura
Amin’s Thoughts: A very fun match. The wrestling was good as both Nakamura and Otis worked well together. Nakamura looked great getting another strong clean win. Very interested to see what the payoff will be the opponent Nakamura has been teasing.
–Nakamura taunted Chad Gable after the match. Alpha Academy held Gable back.
They aired a highlight package of WarGames,
Drew McIntyre approached Seth Rollins backstage. McIntyre told Rollins that losing at Crown Jewel would change his thinking. McIntyre told Rollins he was right that he had nobody else to blame but himself for losing at Crown Jewel. McIntyre also said it was the best thing that could happen to him. McIntyre said he wanted to give Rollins something since last Saturday. McIntyre offered a handshake. Rollins accepted. McIntyre told Rollins he represents the World Title well. McIntyre told Rollins he’s going to work his way up and get a rematch for the World Title. Rollins told McIntyre to do that. They focused on Rollins as he was slowly walking off.
Amin’s Thoughts: This was very interesting because McIntyre was leaning very heavy towards playing babyface. This was probably another clue leading you to think something might happen in the main event.
They aired a highlight package on Tegan Nox who spoke about making a comeback from her ACL injury. Nox spoke about making her way back to Raw.
Piper Niven (with Chelsea Green) vs. Tegan Nox (with Natalya)
Nox started quickly rocking Niven with strikes right way. Nox connected with a cannonball for a near fall. Niven responded catching Nox with a suplex. Niven took the lead hitting a back senton for a two count. Nox went for a running crossbody but Niven caught her with a shoulder breaker for a two count. Niven called for the Glam Slam but Nox reversed into a Victory Roll for a two count. Nox rocked Niven with a knee strike for a two count. Green distracted Nox. Natalya yanked Green off the ring apron. Niven went for a sliding crossbody but Nox moved. Nox rocked Niven with the Shiniest Wizard. Niven placed her foot on the ropes. Nox caught Niven with a Crucifix Pin for the win.
WINNER: Tegan Nox
Amin’s Thoughts: I give Natalya credit for trying to get people into the match. It’s going to take time to get the crowd to react to new talent who’s been off WWE TV for so many months. I liked the match. I like how they are adding new people onto the show to give fans fresh matches on TV. Nice to see Nox get the win. The win should likely set up Nox and Natalya challenging Green and Niven for the WWE Women Tag Team Titles.
Jackie Redmond interviewed The Miz backstage. Miz spoke getting respect if he beats Gunther. Ivar appeared and called Miz a joke. Bronson Reed appeared and not Miz was lucky to be standing. Ivar spoke about Reed having his chance but losing to Gunther. Miz left. Ivar and Reed began arguing with each other. Valhalla stood in Reed’s way.
Tommaso Ciampa (w/Johnny Gargano) vs. Ludwig Kaiser (w/Giovanni Vinci)
Kaiser took control early rocking Ciampa with strikes. Kaiser distracted the referee as Vinci held onto Ciampa’s leg. Kaiser rocked Ciampa with a Discus Lariat. The referee sent Vinci to the back. Kaiser was in control planning Ciampa in a sleeper hold as we returned from break. Ciampa battled back planting Kaiser with a Reverse DDT for a two count. Ciampa went for a knee strike but Kaiser caught him with a right hand. Kaiser connected with a rolling senton. Kaiser followed with a PK for a two count.
Kaiser went for the Deadfall DDT but Ciampa broke free. Ciampa and Kaiser exchanged strikes. Ciampa went for an Avalanche Air Raid Crash but Kaiser broke free. Ciampa caught Kaiser flying with a knee strike. Ciampa called for the Fairytale Ending. Vinci returned rocking Gargano with a running boot. Kaiser applied a rollup grabbing a handful of tights for the win.
WINNER: Ludwig Kaiser
Amin’s Thoughts: I thought Ciampa and Kaiser were having a good match. The enjoyment of the match was taken down because of another distraction finish. The worse part was Vinci who got kicked from the match just returned and helped Kaiser get the win.
Judgment Day had a meeting backstage. Ripley spoke to Dominik about Priest calling himself the leader. Priest spoke about being hot in the moment. Ripley suggested Priest should be the leader for the WarGames match. Balor and Dominik agreed. Balor spoke about Judgment Day having something else to deal with. Ripley grabbed a duffle bag and told Priest to make JD McDonagh an official member of Judgment Day. Priest wasn’t onboard with this idea. Ripley spoke about McDonagh being in the trainers room after helping Priest out. Priest took the bag saying he would take care of this himself.
Indi Hartwell (w/Candice LeRae) vs. Xia Li
Li took control early running Hartwell into the ring steps. Li connected with a suplex for a near fall. Hartwell moved as Li charged into the turnbuckle. Hartwell made a comeback hitting a Spinebuster for a two count. Li responded catching Hartwell with a spin kick. Hartwell was dazed as she fell to the ropes. The referee called for the stoppage.
WINNER: Xia Li
Amin’s Thoughts: This was all about getting Li another quick win while showcasing her spinning kick finisher. The stoppage finish just hasn’t clicked.
–The music played as Becky Lynch came out to a big reaction. Lynch said she’s not waiting for Li to pick the time for the match. Lynch wanted the match now. Lynch went for the Manhandle Slam but Li left the ring. Becky told Xi she will face her next week on Raw. Becky welcomed Li to the big time.
WWE Intercontinental Champion Gunther approached The Miz backstage. Gunther congratulated Miz on becoming the rightful challenger for the Intercontinental Title while mocking him for his win. Miz told Gunther to watch his match because he does whatever it takes to win. Miz told Gunther he will show him the difference between the longest and greatest IC Champion. Gunther told Miz the fun and games are over. Gunther told Miz he will give him the biggest beatdown of his career at Survivor Series. Nikki Cross was shown watching in the background.
They showed highlight of Zoey Stark winning the Women’s Battle Royal last week.
Zoey Stark spoke to Shayna Baszler backstage. Baszler spoke about how she could easily be champion right now. Baszler admitted she’s looking forward to seeing Stark beating Ripley. Stark was happy. Raquel Rodriguez walked in. Rodriguez wasn’t happy about Baszler and Stark eliminated her last week in the battle royal. Rodriguez wished Stark luck in the match. Nia Jax appeared and mocked out. Jax spoke about everyone teaming up to eliminate her. Jax mentioned nobody could beat in a one-on-one match. Rodriguez got in Jax face and wondered why she wasn’t champion. Rodriguez said she would beat Jax if given the opportunity. Jax left.
The Miz vs. Ivar (with Valhalla)
Ivar took control early rocking Miz with a series of back elbow. Miz responded catching Ivar with a Flying Hurricanrana. Miz clotheslined Ivar to the floor. Ivar responded running Miz into the ring apron. Ivar took over crushing Miz with a running crossbody against the ring apron. Miz responded catching Ivar with a Tornado DDT for a two count. Miz called for the Skull Crossing Finale but Ivar broke free. Miz charged into a spinning slam for Ivar for a two count. Bronson Reed came out. Miz caught Ivar with a flying bulldog for a two count.
The crowd chanted Let’s Go Miz. Ivar caught Miz with a corner seated senton. Reed took a seat at ringside. Ivar caught Miz with a Sit-Out Powerbomb for a two count as we returned from break. Miz moved as Ivar charged into the turnbuckle. Miz connected with a Snap DDT for a two count. Miz fired up rocking Ivar with YES Kicks. Valhalla caused a distraction. Ivar rocked Miz with a spin kick for a two count. Miz went for a Super Skull Crushing Finale but Ivar stopped him. Ivar delivered a Super Worlds Strongest Slam for a good two count. Reed stared at Ivar as he went to climb the ropes. Miz caught Ivar with a Corner Powerbomb. Miz placed his foot on the ropes applying a leverage pin for the win.
WINNER: The Miz
Amin’s Thoughts: A very fun match. I gotta say seeing Miz work a babyface style has been pretty enjoyable to watch. This was a pretty enjoyable match as both Ivar and Miz worked well together. Miz needed the win because he’s going to face Gunther for the Intercontinental Title at Survivor Series. Was glad to see they protected Ivar with the finish keeping him as a key player on Raw.
–Reed rocked Ivar with a running splash. Reed climb the ropes and delivered the Tsunami Splash to Ivar.
They aired a highlight package explaining the rules for the WarGames match.
Damian Priest approached JD McDonagh backstage. Priest spoke about him not being able to stand McDonagh. Priest spoke about McDonagh taking the spear for him. Priest appreciated that and noted that’s someone who he can go to war with. The crowd cheered as Priest welcomed McDonagh into the Judgment Day. Finn Balor appeared and congratulated McDonagh on the news. Balor told McDonagh they will celebrate after retaining the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles. Balor and Priest hyped each other up.
Imperium were backstage. Gunther praised Giovanni Vinci for helping Ludwig Kaiser to get the win. Kaiser began gloating about his win. Gunther told Kaiser he wasn’t taking about him. Gunther congratulated Vinci again. Gunther had an intense stare down with Kaiser before leaving. Vinci smiled at Kaiser before leaving. Jinder Mahal and Indus Sher appeared. Mahal told Kaiser to pick his next move wisely.
Alpha Academy were backstage. Gable told Otis to not worry about his match with Nakamura. Gable spoke about facing Nakamura next week. The Creed Brothers appeared and suggested Alpha Academy needed a training partner. Gable in a comedic way said “No Thank You” because he’s not going to abandon the Gable method. Brutus spoke about The Creed Brothers being undefeated. The Creeds suggested going after the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles. The New Day walked in and spoke about the Tag Team Titles as well. Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri were both impressed over each other performance in the Women’s Battle Royal. There was a tease of Durpi and Nile becoming a team. Akira Tozawa was holding the Washington Commander title belt and said he wanted to be a tag team champion. Tozawa did his dance. This skit was pretty funny.
Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championship Match: Judgement Day (Finn Balor & Damian Priest) [c] vs. Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso
Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso both received awesome reactions from the crowd. The match began with both teams exchanging strikes. Cody planted Balor with a stalling suplex for a near fall. Balor responded running Jey into their corner. Priest stomped away at Jey in the corner. Balor connected with a Scissors Kick to Jey for a two count. Another brawl broke out with both teams exchanging strikes. Jey got Cody the hot tag as we returned from break. Priest distracted the referee as Balor raked Cody in the eyes. Priest caught Cody with a modified Tombstone Flatliner for a two count. Cody avoided a Priest as Jey got the tag.
The crowd chanted YEET as Jey ran wild rocking Priest with strikes. Balor made the tag as he yanked Jey to the mat. Balor rocked Jey with a lariat on the floor. Cody ran wild planting Balor with a snap powerslam. Cody rocked Balor with a Disaster Kick. Cody rocked Priest with a Bionic Elbow. Cody called for Cross Rhodes but Balor escaped. Jey tagged into the match. Jey caught Priest with a flying crossbody for a two count. Jey rocked Balor and Priest with a pair of Superkicks. Jey connected with an Uso Splash but Priest kicked out for a good two count. Jey went for a spear but Priest stopped him.
The action broke down as Cody caught Priest with a Cross Rhodes. Jey rocked Balor with a spear. Cody and Balor delivered a Cody Cutter/1D Combo to Balor but Priest made the save. Priest rammed Cody into the ring post which broke. Priest planted Cody with a South of Heaven Chokeslam onto the ring apron. Jey delivered a Tope Con Hilo onto Balor and Priest on the floor. Jey sent Balor into the ring. Jey turned around and had a shocked look. Drew McIntyre was standing ringside. McIntyre rocked Jey with a Claymore Kick. Balor covered Jey for the win.
WINNER: Finn Balor & Damian Priest retained the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Titles
Amin’s Thoughts: This was a very fun match as both teams worked great together. Cody and Jey aren’t a regular tag team so they shouldn’t be winning back the tag team titles. This match was the perfect example where interference in the match actually works. The goal of this match was to start Drew McIntyre heel turn. The layout was perfect with McIntyre costing Jey the match. That’s key because McIntyre wasn’t happy with Cody for bringing Jey to Raw because The Bloodline cost him the Undisputed WWE Universal Title at Clash of the Castle. The heel turn was really well done. This opens the door to someone joining the babyface side for the WarGames team.
–Drew McIntyre left and walked up the entrance ramp. McIntyre smiled as Rhea Ripley came out. McIntyre and Ripley shook hands. The show came to a close.
Amin’s Thoughts: The Drew McIntyre heel turns looks to be finally complete. Balor and Priest reaction were awesome as they seemed to have no idea what was going on. They continue to tease dissension between Judgment Day will Rhea Ripley who’s the real leader and pulling the strings in the group. Looks like they are setting up Randy Orton’s big return to help Cody Rhodes team in the WarGames match. A strong closing angle to end Raw.
Overall Thoughts: This show was all about pushing the Men’s WarGames match for Survivor Series. We got another big angle with Drew McIntyre turning heel. This will now create buzz to see who will join the babyface team for WarGames. Raw is always going to feel long at three hours. The rest of the show was solid. I really liked how they are putting focus trying to feature new fresh faces on the main roster. There was a solid push to build the undercard title matches. Overall, a fine episode of Raw heading towards Survivor Series.
