Reviews

The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 08/14/23 Review

By John Canton • Published 14th August 2023
wwe raw august 14

This week’s WWE Raw saw Becky Lynch have a grudge match with Trish Stratus, plus Finn Balor facing Cody Rhodes in singles action.

The WWE Payback PLE is on September 2nd and nothing has been announced yet, so perhaps we’ll learn something about that show.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1577 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The Raw commentary team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show hyping up what’s coming. Big crowd in Winnipeg in my home country of Canada.

The Judgment Day’s Senor Money in the Bank Damian Priest, NXT North American Champion Dominik Mysterio and the newly engaged Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley made their entrance. No Finn Balor with them as we got highlights of Finn losing at SummerSlam and the J-Day men losing a six-man tag last week.

Let’s Hear from The Judgment Day

Rhea Ripley welcomed us to Raw. Priest said that Balor should have won at SummerSlam and The Judgment Day should have won last week on Raw too. Priest said as long as he’s Senor Money in the Bank they will always dictate what goes on around here. Priest said that Finn Balor will handle Cody Rhodes while telling us that Balor is not here. Priest said that Balor should be there.

JD McDonagh made his entrance with a microphone in his hand and he was in his wrestling gear. JD said he didn’t want to disrespect the most dominant faction in WWE, The Judgment Day. JD entered the ring with them. JD told them to worry about Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. JD claimed that somehow Zayn was cleared. Ripley said they don’t take orders from anybody, especially people not in The Judgment Day. Dominik spoke with the fans booing loudly as usual. Dominik said that Canada is part of North America, so he’s the champion of this dump. JD said he was just delivering a message. Ripley told JD to tell Finn that they need to talk.

Sami Zayn made his entrance for a match. Zayn is one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, but Zayn didn’t have the titles with them. Zayn went after JD and beat on him with punches. Zayn went on the apron and The Judgment Day backed away. JD grabbed Zayn’s left arm and rammed Zayn’s left arm into the ring post. JD threw Zayn’s left arm into the ring post again as the show went to break.

Analysis: It was a typical show opening promo where we hear from The Judgment Day. It feels like we get that as an opening segment nearly every week on Raw or nearly every week. JD being Finn’s friend and being able to communicate with him could be interesting. Maybe JD joins The Judgment Day some day, but I like it with four guys. JD attacked Zayn last week, so Zayn going for payback made sense.

(Commercial)

Sami Zayn vs. JD McDonagh

Zayn was in control with a hard whip into the turnbuckle and a back body drop. JD ran the ropes, Zayn ducked him and Zayn did a monkey flip sending JD into the ropes. JD took over by targeting Zayn’s left arm/elbow with stomps along with JD pulling on Zayn’s arm across the top rope. JD ripped off the protective elbow pad and pulled back on the left arm again. Zayn fired back with punches and a back body drop over the top to the floor while Zayn was selling the left arm injury. Zayn nailed JD with a clothesline on the floor. JD pulled on the arm again as he pulled the arm into the barricade. JD hit a knee drop on the left arm leading to a break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Zayn trying a move off the top rope, but JD hit a dropkick for a two count. Zayn avoided an attack by leaping over JD and hitting a clothesline. Zayn hit a Michinoku Driver with one arm for a two count. Zayn charged again leading to JD hitting a Spanish Fly slam for a two count. JD applied a Crossface submission that includes trapping the left arm and Zayn spun around to get his foot on the ropes to force a break. JD worked over Zayn with kicks to the left arm, but Zayn came back with an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Finn Balor showed up and ran toward the ring, but stopped before the apron. JD got a rollup for two. Zayn and JD did a headbutt collision spot. JD went up top, moonsault attempt and Zayn got the boots up. Zayn punched Balor off the apron. Zayn with a Helluva Kick for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn

Analysis: ***1/2 A very good technical wrestling match. I reviewed JD McDonagh matches during his NXT run and if there’s one thing you learn from watching him it’s that he is always going to work on body parts. He tells a story in a match. That’s what I like to see. Zayn is one of the better babyfaces in WWE in terms of selling an injury, so Zayn is the perfect guy to sell an arm injury throughout a match like that. It makes JD look like a skilled technical wrestler too. I liked the result with Zayn winning clean.

After the match, Balor went into the ring to go after Zayn, but Zayn left the ring and Balor stayed in the ring with McDonagh. The announcers put over Zayn for the gutsy performance.

Chelsea Green was backstage with the Women’s Tag Team Titles talking to WWE Official Adam Pearce. While Pearce summarized the situation with Sonya Deville injured with a Torn ACL, Pearce sounded like he was going to tell her to vacate the titles. Deville wanted to call his manager, then she suggested holding auditions for a partner. Kayden Carter & Kacy Catanzaro walked in to suggest they should face Sonya when she has a partner. Piper Niven walked into the picture to deck Kayden & Kacy. Piper walked over to Green saying that she will be Green’s partner. Green tried to get out of it, but Piper grabbed a title and that was it.

Analysis: That’s a unique way to pick a new tag team partner. Good for Piper Niven, who hasn’t been used much of late.

Imperium’s Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER, Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci made their entrance. A video package aired about the group as well.

(Commercial)

Cody Rhodes was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton. Cody said that he admired Finn Balor, who was a leader in Ireland, Japan and now in WWE as The Judgment Day. Cody said that Balor isn’t the only leader in that group while mentioning the others. Cody said they are dangerous. Cody said he’ll be ready for Finn Balor. Cody said he hasn’t wrestled in Winnipeg for years, Cody said he has friends there, he’ll be ready for Finn and ready for The Judgment Day.

Analysis: A good babyface promo from Cody as usual as he meets a fresh opponent later in the show.

Let’s Hear from GUNTHER

GUNTHER was on the commentary table with Cole noting that Gunther was 25 days away from the record-longest Intercontinental Title reign. They showed highlights of Chad Gable winning last week on Raw to earn an Intercontinental Title match. Gunther said that The Ring General has arrived in Winnipeg. Gunther said as a European he’s always looked forward to Canada and now he understands why this place is called the “armpit of Canada.” The fans booed. Gunther said he was there to address his next challenger for the IC Title, Chad Gable. Gunther credited Gable for his impressive win and called him a great athlete. Gunther said he’s achieved more in a year than he has in his whole career. Gunther said that it’s ridiculous to think that Gable will dethrone him.

Chad Gable did a “SHOOSH” and “Thank you” to interrupt. Gable spoke about how he lasted over five minutes with Gable and beat him at his own game. Gable said that Gunther is just weeks away from setting the all-time record for longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion. Gable said that he is standing in Gable’s way since Chad has been waiting for ten years. Gable said he’s coming to take that IC Title. Gable said tonight he gets to face Giovanni Vinci.

Ludwig Kaiser and Vinci walked into the ring with Kaiser saying that Vinci will embarrass him. Kaiser said just like he embarrassed “freak” Otis last week. Kaiser said eventually “Madame” Maxxine will learn that she should surround herself with European Elegance. Kaiser said together they are “A+ Aesthetics.” Kaiser said that the Alpha Academy are a sinking ship. Kaiser said he can save her or the 360-pound anchor (Otis) will drag her down and she can be an “absolute embarrassment” like them. Maxxine slapped Kaiser and Gable shouted “Thank You” to end it.

Analysis: It was fine as an exchange of promos. They keep giving Kaiser more promo time and that’s fine with me because he’s got a unique promo style. Nice slap by Maxxine too.

(Commercial)

Chad Gable (w/Otis & Maxxine Dupri) vs. Giovanni Vinci (w/GUNTHER & Ludwig Kaiser)

Vinci was working over Gable’s back/neck in the first couple of minutes. Vinci got a backbreaker for two. Vinci dropped Gable with a hard chop. Gable grabbed the left arm and pulled it across the top rope. Gable delivered a release German Suplex with Vinci doing a flip bump. Gable kicked the knee followed by flipping neckbreaker. Vinci avoided a top rope move by Gable, then Vinci hit a rolling senton and a moonsault off the middle turnbuckle for two. Gable caught Vinci with the Chaos Theory into a bridging German Suplex for the pinfall win after about five minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Chad Gable

Analysis: ** A quality win for Gable to build him up for the IC Title match against Gunther. No surprise by the result of Gable winning.

Post match, Gunther was angry about what happened so he challenged Otis to a match right now.

(Commercial)

GUNTHER (w/Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci) vs. Otis (w/Chad Gable & Maxxine Dupri)

Gunther was dominating the first couple of minutes including multiple elbow smashes to the nose. Gunther delivered chops, Otis no sold them and Otis fought back with punches. Gunther charged right into an elbow smash from Otis. They exchanged clotheslines, Otis rocked Gunther and Otis caught Gunther with a fallaway slam across the ring. Otis tried to do the Caterpillar, but Gunther stopped that with a dropkick. Gunther delivered a kick to the head. Gunther hit an impressive Powerbomb on Otis for the pinfall win after about five minutes.

Winner by pinfall: GUNTHER

Analysis: ** There aren’t a lot of guys that can hit a Powerbomb on Otis, so that was pretty cool to see. Once again, it was another match with a predictable finish. Gunther continues to look strong.

Post match, Chad Gable went into the ring and hit Gunther with a German Suplex. Gunther left with his IC Title.

The Judgment Day was shown backstage for a promo. Damian Priest and Finn Balor were arguing backstage, so Rhea Ripley stopped them and talked about how they are running WWE as the most successful group in the company. JD McDonagh walked into the screen, Balor said he’ll talk to him later and Balor said that tonight they can prove just how dominant they are. Balor said that he’ll show it to Cody Rhodes and they were all hyped up about it.

Analysis: I like how Rhea Ripley constantly is the one that is level headed and tries to calm down the guys with logical points. It makes Ripley come across as the leader even though there isn’t a clear leader in the group.

Coming up is a look at the main event of Smackdown with Jey Uso quitting WWE to end the show.

This Friday on Smackdown it’s a 25-year celebration of Edge in Toronto. Edge also faces Sheamus for the first time ever.

(Commercial)

A lengthy video package aired about the Smackdown main event last Friday involving The Bloodline. Jey Uso beat up Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso. After that was done, Jey Uso said he quit WWE. That ended Smackdown. Barrett mentioned that Jey was moved to the Alumni Section on WWE.com as well.

Drew McIntyre was interviewed earlier today by Jackie Redmond. Before Drew could answer what’s next, Matt Riddle interrupted and said he had an idea to start a new tag team. Riddle asked Drew to team up against The Viking Raiders. Drew said if you can’t find a tag team partner, I’ll consider it. Riddle: “So you’re telling me there’s a chance.” Nice ending.

Analysis: Drew McIntyre seemed annoyed by Riddle there. I wonder if we’ll see Drew turn heel soon. I wouldn’t mind it.

Matt Riddle made his entrance for tag team action.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Indi Hartwell showing some of her success in NXT saying she came here for this moment right here, right now. Indi faces Rhea Ripley tonight on Raw.

Matt Riddle & Drew McIntyre vs. The Viking Raiders – Erik & Ivar (w/Valhalla)

When coming up with a name for the team, Cole suggested the Scottish Highlanders since Riddle likes to get high. Riddle was fighting out of the heel corner with a jumping kick, forearm and overhead suplex. Riddle kneed legal man Ivar out of the ring. Erik blocked a Riddle kick and Ivar jumped onto Riddle’s chest to put him down on the floor.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Erik slamming Riddle with a spinebuster for a two count. Ivar tagged in with repeated elbows to Riddle’s head. Erik was back in with a knee to the head with a hard leg slap. Riddle hit a Fisherman’s Suplex to create some space. Drew got the tag for the first time with Drew hitting a shoulder tackle, two clotheslines, a suplex to Erik across the ring and neckbreakers for both Raiders. Drew wanted the Future Shock DDT, Ivar broke free and Drew came back with a Michinoku Driver on Ivar for two. Drew clotheslined Ivar out of the ring and Erik was legal, so Drew tossed him into the ring. Drew punched Ivar on the apron, Erik did a knee lift (with leg slap again) and Riddle was back in. Viking Raiders hit a double team clothesline/German Suplex for a two count for Ivar on Riddle. Riddle with a knee on Erik, Drew tagged in and headbutted Ivar out of the ring. Erik suplexed Drew. Riddle sent Erik out of the ring and Riddle hit a Floating Bro on Ivar on the floor. Erik knocked Riddle down on the floor. Erik was back in the ring, Drew ran the ropes and Drew hit a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win after 10 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Drew McIntyre & Matt Riddle

Analysis: *** It was a pretty good tag team match. They worked well together by telling the story that Drew wasn’t in the ring in the first half of the match, but then when Drew got the tag, they were able to get a lot of momentum and finish off the Viking Raiders. I don’t know when Drew will turn heel or if it will happen at all, but I hope there’s something interesting for Drew soon.

Raquel Rodriguez was shown talking to Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae were in the locker room. Raquel said they won’t clear her for her knee injury. Candice assured Raquel she’ll get her chance soon. Raquel wished Indi good luck in her match.

The Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley entered for her match with Dominik Mysterio with “Mami” Ripley as usual.

(Commercial)

Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle were shown walking backstage with Riddle saying he thinks they’re going to win the WWE Tag Team Titles. The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods arrived with steel chairs with Woods mentioning Kofi’s birthday. Kofi said they (Drew and Riddle) aren’t even friends. Woods spoke about how they are gone for months and then all this craziness happens. Kofi challenged them to a tag team match next week. Riddle accepted while Drew didn’t say a word.

Analysis: The more we see Matt Riddle try to speak for Drew McIntyre in situations like this, the more it makes me think Drew is turning heel soon.

Indi Hartwell (w/Candice LeRae) vs. Rhea Ripley (w/Dominik Mysterio)

It’s a battle of Australians. Ripley suplexed Indi across the ring followed by punches. Ripley hit a running shoulder tackle against the turnbuckle. Ripley charged, Indi moved and Ripley hit the turnbuckle. Indi came back with a spinebuster. Indi hit an uppercut along with a boot knocking Ripley out of the ring. Indi followed Ripley there, so Ripley shoved Indi into the ring post. Ripley drove Indi spine-first into the ring post. Ripley decked LeRae with a forearm smash just for fun. Indi got a rollup for two. Ripley with a headbutt and a Riptide slam for the pinfall win in about three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Rhea Ripley

Analysis: *1/2 Easy win for Ripley over Indi, who barely got any offense. Ripley was dominant as usual.

After the match, Candice LeRae went after Ripley with punches. Ripley fought back, Indi hit a flatliner and LeRae hit a senton splash to the back. Indi and Candice left.

Analysis: That should lead to Ripley beating Candice next week.

A video aired showing the end of last week’s Raw when Shinsuke Nakamura decked World Champion Seth Rollins with a Kinshasa knee strike to end Raw.

Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance in dress clothes for a promo.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Shinsuke Nakamura…and Seth Rollins

Shinsuke Nakamura was interviewed in the ring by Michael Cole, who asked why Nakamura attacked Rollins last week. Nakamura spoke in Japanese, so the fans shouted “WHAT” at him. Nakamura said in English that he wanted the World Title. Cole asked if Nakamura really had to kick him in the head. Nakamura said he’ll win the World Title…and here comes Rollins.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion wearing some white lace attire along with sunglasses.

Seth welcomed us to “Monday Night Rollins” as the fans sang Seth’s song even though it stopped playing. Seth said that last week, Nakamura set up Rollins and knocked Seth out. Rollins said he’s not a hard man to find because he’s out there every week with the World Title around his waist while the entire world sings his song. The fans sang Seth’s song as usual. Rollins said he’s a fighting champion. Rollins said he respected Nakamura, so all he had to do was ask if he wanted a shot at the World Title. Rollins said he’s concerned with how he can get even.

Rollins told Nakamura he had a surprise for him. Rollins said that Nakamura wins because the best way for Rollins to get what he wants is to give Nakamura what he wants. Rollins said he accepted Nakamura’s challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins told Nakamura to name the time and place because Seth will be there to kick his ass. Rollins told Nakamura to shake Seth’s hand, then leave the ring and let Winnipeg sing Seth’s song. When they shook hands, Nakamura said something into Seth’s ear and Seth was shocked by it. After it looked like Nakamura was leaving, Nakamura dropped Rollins with a Kinshasa to knock Rollins down.

Analysis: There really wasn’t much of an explanation about why Nakamura attacked Rollins other than saying he wanted a shot at the World Heavyweight Title. That’s a simple way of explaining it. Rollins was confident as usual, but I like that Nakamura got the upper hand again.

A replay was shown from last week when LA Knight and The Miz had a promo exchange that was very entertaining. Knight dropped Miz with the BFT into the mat.

The Miz was interviewed by Byron Saxton with Miz saying that LA Knight does not deserve to shake Miz’s hand. Miz asked Saxton if he thought Knight was great and Saxton said “yeah” so Miz yelled at him. Miz said he’ll beat somebody bigger than LA Knight has ever beaten. Miz said maybe he’ll be on Smackdown, but maybe not.

Trish Stratus made her entrance looking spectacular in the white & red of Canada on her gear. Trish had the facemask covering her nose.

(Commercial)

Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus

It has been known that Zoey Stark was banned from ringside. They started out brawling by exchanging punches. Lynch sent Trish into the turnbuckle two times. Trish worked over Lynch with a chops, then some punches and Lynch avoided a kick leading to Lynch hitting a Bexploder Suplex. Trish on the floor, so Lynch hit her with a baseball slide dropkick. Lynch knocked Trish down on the floor with a punch. Trish ran around the ring and decked Lynch with a clothesline. They went to the turnbuckle with Trish hitting a hurricanrana takedown. They left the ring where Trish sent Lynch into the steel steps. Trish took off her mask to show that her nose was perfect. Lynch grabbed Trish, who came back with a punch and a kick that sent Lynch into the turnbuckle. Trish celebrated as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Lynch was in control with a clothesline and a leg lariat. Lynch delivered kicks to the body along with a leg drop off the turnbuckle for two. That didn’t really connect very well. Trish did an impressive rollup for two. Trish sent Lynch into the ropes followed by a Spear from Trish for two. Trish went for a Tornado DDT off the turnbuckle, Lynch blocked that and set up Trish on the top rope. Lynch hit a superplex off the middle rope for two. Trish tried to run away, Lynch went after her and they went fighting into the crowd. The referee counted to ten so it was a countout finish. I think it went around 12 minutes.

Match Result: Double Countout

Analysis: **3/4 An enjoyable match between two of my favorite women in WWE. I thought that either Lynch would win clean or they’d do a screwy finish to set up a PLE match, so that’s what we’ll get. Lynch and Trish both showed intensity throughout the match. I know nobody likes double countout wins, but if it can add to the story leading to a grudge match then that’s okay with me. I will say that perhaps the feud has dragged on a bit too much, but getting four months for a storyline is also rare, so I don’t mind it.

The fighting continued after the match with Trish and Lynch going up the steps and making their way onto the concourse.

Lynch and Trish were shown fighting in the concourse area. Lynch sent Trish into the wall and also into the side of the merchandise stand area. They were fighting on top of the merchandise stand, so Zoey Stark showed up to attack Lynch. With Lynch fighting off Stark, Trish capitalized with Trish Kick.

Analysis: This will likely set up a match at the Payback PLE with a gimmick/stipulation for it. It was announced a Steel Cage Match later in the show, but they didn’t announce when it would happen.

Cody Rhodes was shown getting ready backstage. That main event match is up next.

(Commercial)

Imperium was in a backstage segment with Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER saying that Giovanni Vinci hasn’t been focused on Raw. Gunther talked about how Ludwig Kaiser is focused on that girl. Kaiser suggested a match and Gunther said if Chad Gable wants his title then he’ll have to take it off Gunther next week.

Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark were shown walking backstage. Adam Pearce, the WWE Official, interrupted before an interview could happen. Pearce complained about Trish getting out of this match multiple times. Pearce said that they’ll do this Lynch-Stratus match one more time in a Steel Cage. Trish wasn’t happy about that.

Analysis: That’s a good way to end this story. Lynch should win. Trish did an interview recently talking about how she never got to have a Steel Cage match in her career, so now she gets it.

Cody Rhodes entered for the main event with the fans cheering loudly and doing the “WHOA-OH” parts of the song as usual.

(Commercial)

Next Monday on Raw: GUNTHER defends the Intercontinental Title against Chad Gable. Plus, The New Day facing Matt Riddle & Drew McIntyre as we found out earlier.

Finn Balor vs. Cody Rhodes

Balor delivered a hip toss to start the match. Cody grabbed an armbar, so Balor elbowed him in the head. Cody hit a delayed vertical front suplex. Cody had Balor on his shoulders, Balor did an eye gouge and tried to toss Cody out, but Cody was back in with a legsweep for two. Cody went for a sunset flip, but Balor rolled through and hit a basement dropkick. Balor with a snapmare followed by a running dropkick on a seated Cody. After a Balor chinlock, Cody hit him with a knee to the ribs, a kick to the stomach and Balor kicked Cody out of the ring. Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley showed up at ringside to support Balor as Cody lifted Dominik for a suplex, but Balor did a baseball slide dropkick to the ribs. The the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Balor was in control with a chinlock. Cody fought back with punches. Cody hit a running forearm followed by a powerslam. Cody jumped off the ropes with a Disaster Kick for two. Damian Priest showed up at ringside. Cody and Balor exchanged some moves with Balor dropkicking Cody into the turnbuckle. Balor jumped off the top with Coup de Graces, Cody moved and Cody hit a Cody Cutter. Cody ran the ropes, Priest grabbed Cody’s leg and Balor went for an attack, so Cody sent him to the floor. Cody hit a suicide dive on Balor & Priest on the floor. Cody went up top, Ripley with a referee distraction and Ripley crotched Cody on the top turnbuckle. Balor capitalized with a superplex for two. Dominik sent a steel chair into the ring, the referee Rod Zapata stopped Balor from using that and Ripley was on the apron. Priest sent the Money in the Bank briefcase into the ring, but Priest slid it too far. Cody hit Balor with the MITB briefcase and hit Priest too. Cody hit Cross Rhodes on Balor for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Cody Rhodes

Analysis: ***1/4 A good match with Cody taking advantage of the MITB briefcase error by Priest to beat Balor with the Cross Rhodes that Balor sold very well. I like that Cody keeps his momentum, but there was plenty after the match to put The Judgment Day over strong too.

After the match, The Judgment Day attacked Cody Rhodes. Sami Zayn made the save with a steel chair. JD McDonagh ran into the ring and knocked down Zayn. Prest hit a South of Heaven slam on Cody. Balor hit a Coup de Grace double foot stomp on Zayn. Dominik beat up Zayn on the floor. Balor hit a double foot stomp off the steps onto Zayn on the floor. Priest cleared off the commentary table and Priest gave Zayn a Razor’s Edge onto the commentary table, which broke the table. Priest stood tall over Zayn. Back in the ring, Balor hit another Coup de Grace double foot stomp on Cody in the ring. Balor sat on Cody with a flex.

The Judgment Day celebrated with Balor and Priest hugging in the middle of the ring. The Judgment Day continued to celebrate with a hug. The Judgment Day had their hands raised in the air while JD McDonagh was shown at ringside. The Judgment Day continued to celebrate. End show.

Analysis: It seems like we get this kind of ending once or twice a month with The Judgment Day getting attacked due to the numbers game. Apparently, the other babyfaces on Raw don’t care about Cody and Sami enough to help them. JD McDonagh’s attack was the difference because it stopped Sami’s momentum and led to The Judgment Day dominating the rest of the segment. I don’t know if JD is joining the J-Day group. I thought it was booked well to show that The Judgment Day are still a cohesive unit.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. Cody Rhodes/Sami Zayn
  2. The Judgment Day
  3. GUNTHER

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The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 8

2023 Average: 7.28

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Final Thoughts

It was a solid show overall with some pretty good matches for the ones that went over ten minutes. I did rate last week’s episode higher. The other matches that were shorter had obvious results. The Trish-Becky match ending in a double countout will upset some fans that wanted more of a decisive result, but I think announcing a Steel Cage Match is smart. I assume Becky wins that to put an end to the rivalry.

The Judgment Day was featured heavily as usual since they had the opening segment and the main event. This week, it was all about showing they are stronger than ever even though Cody Rhodes beat Finn Balor in the main event due to Damian Priest’s error. The GUNTHER-Chad Gable IC Title match should be a lot of fun next week. GUNTHER’s Powerbomb on Otis was an impressive visual.

There are still no matches announced for Payback coming out of this show, but obviously Seth Rollins vs. Shinsuke Nakamura makes sense there along with a few other things they have been building. Based on The Judgment Day beating up Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn post match, I can see that lead to a match or two at Payback too.

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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter aka X (I guess) @johnreport