The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 10/23/23 Review

This week’s WWE Raw featured Drew McIntyre facing Sami Zayn, Damian Priest in singles action against Jey Uso, Logan Paul returns and more.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1587 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The opening video package showed highlights of last week’s Raw when Damian Priest & Finn Balor won back the WWE Tag Team Titles from Jey Uso & Cody Rhodes due to Jimmy Uso showing up to superkick brother Jey. Balor hit a Coup de Grace on Jey for the pinfall.

The Raw intro video “Feels Like Greatness” aired. No pyro to start the show. The commentary team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett welcomed us to the show.

Let’s Hear from The Judgment Day

The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor & Damian Priest entered as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. Priest is also Senor Money in the Bank. They were booed heavily by the crowd.

Balor welcomed us to Monday Night Raw while the fans booed them. Balor said “All Rise for The Judgment Day” like Priest does it. Priest said that the rest of the crew is in the clubhouse in the back. Priest said they are back on top…and here’s the interruption from Cody Rhodes.

Analysis: The Judgment Day usually interrupts babyface promos, so now a babyface gets to interrupt.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance to a big pop while wearing a suit as usual when he’s not in a match. Cody asked how it felt to get interrupted. Cody said that he had choice words for the “leader” of The Judgment Day, but he can see Rhea Ripley isn’t out there. Cody said that they would say that there is no leader in The Judgment Day, but Cody said Rhea is “your Mami too.” Cody said that Rhea is cutting all the deals including one with The Bloodline.

Cody spoke to Damian Priest specifically saying if you thought that low blow last week was the final shot in this fight, then you are wrong. Priest mentioned he put Cody through the table too. Priest said he was glad Cody found him because Priest was going to find him. Priest was glad that Cody mentioned The Bloodline and his story. Priest said that people involved in Cody’s story sent Jimmy Uso to Raw last week. Priest told Cody that his story failed. Cody teased wanting to fight. Priest said they have a big event coming up, so maybe it’s Cody Rhodes against Damian Priest at Crown Jewel. Cody: “I accept.”

Cody asked what should they do now? Cody suggested a preview of Crown Jewel right now. Priest said he liked that idea while Dominik Mysterio & Rhea Ripley ran out to ringside. Jey Uso ran out to hit Dominik from behind. Balor went after Jey while Cody fought with Priest at ringside. Cody wanted to put Priest through the table. JD McDonagh made the save with a chop block to Cody’s left leg. Priest shoved Cody into the steel steps. Priest put a chair against Cody’s left foot against the steel steps and Priest hit a chair that was against Cody’s left foot. Raw GM Adam Pearce ran out there along with WWE Officials and referees. Priest left with a smile on his face while the fans booed. Cody was down selling the left foot injury.

Analysis: That was a good segment that got some heat for The Judgment Day due to the numbers game advantage. Priest getting the heat on Cody going into their Crown Jewel match makes sense since they

This Friday on Smackdown on FS1: Roman Reigns and LA Knight have a Crown Jewel contract signing, plus Bianca Belair is back.

(Commercial)

A replay was shown of what happened to Cody Rhodes before the break. It’s official for WWE Crown Jewel on November 4th: Damian Priest vs. Cody Rhodes.

Cody Rhodes was backstage with Raw GM Adam Pearce and Jey Uso. Pearce was adamant that Cody go to the trainer’s room, so Jey helped his buddy get there.

Alpha Academy – Chad Gable & Otis (w/Maxxine Dupri & Akira Tozawa) vs. The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

Tozawa is with Alpha Academy as an “apprentice” of sorts. Woods and Gable did some mat wrestling leading to Woods hitting a clothesline. Kofi tagged in for some double team offense with Woods including a splash off the ropes. Gable did a cross body block to send Kofi and himself over the top to the floor. Woods went after Gable, but Otis was there to knock Woods down. Otis gave Kofi a back body drop on the floor as well.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Kofi avoiding an Otis splash. Woods tagged in against Gable with a jumping side kick. Woods hit a forearm to the head along with a side Russian legsweep and a senton splash. Gable came back with a rollup for two. Woods put Gable on his shoulders leading to a powerslam for two. Cool move there. Woods went for the Honor Roll, but Gable avoided it and hit three straight German Suplexes for a two count. Otis tagged in, he put Woods on his shoulders and Gable hit a bulldog off the top for a two count because Kofi made the save. Kofi kicked Gable out of the ring and Otis splashed Kofi against the turnbuckle. Otis did the Caterpillar leading to the elbow drop on Kofi. Woods was legal with a superkick on Otis, but Otis hit a headbutt. Otis missed a charge and hit the ring post. Gable made the tag without Woods seeing it. Woods did a reverse Caterpillar, but Gable caught Woods with an Ankle Lock submission. Woods countered it and pinned Gable for a two count. Otis was back in, Woods kicked Otis, Kofi tagged in and hit a double axhandle. New Day hit a double superkick on Otis. Kofi hit Trouble in Paradise on Otis. Kofi did a somersault dive over the top onto Gable on the floor. Woods was legal with the top rope elbow drop on Otis for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

Analysis: ***1/4 That was a pretty good match with a lot of action and some creative tag team moves. I loved that double team bulldog spot by Gable & Otis. That’s a Steiner Brothers move that works as a finisher, but obviously it was just a two count in this match. Kofi & Woods getting the win gives them some momentum that could lead to them getting a title shot soon, which is certainly fine with me because they are a great team. The fans were really into the match too, so that helps a lot.

Becky Lynch was interviewed by Jackie Redmond, who asked Lynch why she wanted to defend the title on back to back nights. Lynch said that Indi Hartwell never did lose the NXT Women’s Title so now she will get a chance to get it back. Xia Li was in the background while Lynch was talking. Lynch said that Indi wanted this opportunity, so welcome to the big time.

A commercial aired for WWE Crown Jewel promoting Seth “Freakin” Rollins defending the World Heavyweight Title against Drew McIntyre.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Ivar the viking surrounded by other vikings. When a warrior has proven his worth, he becomes a God among men. Valhalla spoke saying now is the time for Ivar to lead them into the future. Ivar did some yelling.

Analysis: I have enjoyed the singles run of Ivar while Erik is out of action. Ivar is a good worker.

They showed highlights of Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre having a promo exchange last week on Raw.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins was shown walking backstage with the World Heavyweight Title when Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley approached him. Rollins said you’re in the wrong place if you’re looking for Drew McIntyre. Ripley said she knows that The Judgment Day respected Rollins while talking about how they tried to take that title off him, but Seth held onto it. Ripley pointed out now Rollins has Drew McIntyre coming after him. Ripley suggested that Rollins needs insurance – The Judgment Day. Rollins took that to mean that Ripley doesn’t think Priest will take the World Title from Rollins. Seth wondered what he would want with her? Seth said “yuck.” Ripley said that Rollins needs her saying that he was a World Champion, but he could be THE World Champion. Ripley said that if Rollins joined them, then Damian Priest can cash-in on somebody else. Ripley said without them, she doesn’t know if Seth can accomplish what Roman Reigns has done with over 1,000 days as champion. Ripley mentioned Seth having a bad back as well. Ripley said that The Judgment Day would have Seth’s back and make people acknowledge Seth. Rollins said if there’s one thing he doesn’t want it’s to be anything like Roman Reigns. Ripley: “That wasn’t a no. Think about it.” Ripley left.

Analysis: Interesting chat. They got a lot of time for a backstage discussion with Rhea Ripley suggesting The Judgment Day as allies for Seth Rollins, but we know Seth is enjoying being a babyface these days.

Indi Hartwell was backstage with Candice LeRae. Natalya walked in supporting Indi. Candice asked about Tegan Nox and Natalya said she got hurt a bit, but she’ll be back soon. Natalya said if you need anything from her, let her know. They thanked Natalya, who left.

Becky Lynch made her entrance as the NXT Women’s Champion.

(Commercial)

A video aired about a movie called Five Nights at Freddy’s out in theatres and also on Peacock.

Lyra Valkyria of NXT was ringside watching the match. I think that was Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks behind her.

Analysis: Lyra faces the NXT Women’s Champion on NXT this Tuesday.

NXT Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Indi Hartwell

Indi was aggressive with strikes, so Lynch regrouped on the floor. Lynch connected with a couple of kicks. Indi tripped up Lynch as they showed Candice LeRae watching on a TV backstage. Indi hit a sidewalk slam for two. They left the ring where Indi got a hold of Lynch and swung her into the barricade.

(Commercial)

Lynch set up for a move on the apron, but Indi kicked Lynch to knock her down. Indi hit an elbow drop to Lynch’s back for a two count. Lynch came back with a cradle for a two count. Lynch hit a reverse DDT for two. Indi hit a boot to the face for a two count. Indi went to the turnbuckle, Lynch went after her there and Lynch hit a superplex while standing on the middle rope. Lynch went for the armbar, Indi turned it over and Indi hit a Powerbomb for a two count. Lynch sent Indi throat first into the middle rope, but Indi came back with a spinebuster. They each got nearfalls. Lynch took down Indi by the left arm leading to the Disarm-her armbar and Indi tapped out. It went about nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Becky Lynch

Analysis: **3/4 A good match with Lynch finding a way to put away Hartwell after Indi got plenty of offense in the match. Lynch is using this NXT Women’s Title to give different people on the roster title matches and deliver good matches all the time. It’s like John Cena doing it with the US Title in the past. More time would have been nice here, but I also believe in putting over Lynch decisively too. I think Indi had a good showing here, even in defeat.

Post match, Lynch shook hands with Hartwell. Lynch also had a staredown with Lyra Valkyria, who was in the crowd. The Lynch/Lyra match is on NXT this Tuesday.

They showed Candice LeRae backstage watching the TV. Xia Li went up to her and punched Candice in the jaw.

Analysis: Li wants a title shot against Lynch, so she’s angry about everything.

The Raw GM Adam Pearce was in his office with Smackdown GM Nick Aldis going up to him. Nick said he takes full responsibility for having Pearce escorted from Smackdown last week. Aldis said he was just trying to assert his authority as the new GM of Smackdown. Aldis said he wants healthy competition between the brands. Aldis wanted to know if Pearce would accept his sincere apology. Pearce said he knows what it’s like to be the new guy and Pearce said it was water under the bridge. Pearce invited Nick to stay and watch how Raw operates. They shook hands. A referee walked in, so Pearce told him to double the amount of security they had planned.

Analysis: A civil discussion to show that things are cool between Aldis and Pearce. It may not last long, but for now, they are respectful General Managers.

A commercial aired for Crown Jewel promoting the Rey Mysterio US Title defense against Logan Paul.

(Commercial)

Women’s World Title Match Contract Signing

At WWE Crown Jewel, Rhea Ripley will defend the Women’s World Title against Raquel Rodriguez, Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark & Nic Jax. Raw GM Adam Pearce was in the ring to host the contract signing. They didn’t have chairs or a table. They had security guys all around the ring. Raquel Rodriguez was introduced first, Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark. Nia Jax was a bit reluctant so Pearce said that Ripley would sign it later. The four challengers signed the contract when they got into the ring.

Rhea Ripley made her entrance as the Women’s World Champion with the fans cheering for her since they see her as a big star. Ripley said she got a little bit impatient while saying she had something to get off her chest. Ripley said that she could beat every one of these women individually, but Pearce did this to set her up. Ripley said she’ll make Pearce’s life a living hell. Ripley said that he’ll have four fewer women in her division by the end of it. Ripley said she’ll be the most dominant woman because “Mami is always on top.”

Nia Jax spoke with the fans booing her loudly. Jax thinks that Ripley wanted Jax to squash everybody to help Ripley. Jax insulted Raquel because she’s from Texas. Raquel didn’t like Jax’s comments, so Raquel hit her with forearms. The four women in the ring got into a brawl while security guards tried to separate the women. Ripley never got into the ring. The women got rid of the security guys leading to the four women fighting in the ring again. Raquel nailed Baszler with a boot and Jax headbutted Stark. Ripley was laughing about it while she stood in the aisle. Raquel and Jax got into a slugfest, but a bunch of security guys went into the ring to break it up. Jax and Raquel broke free leading to Jax hitting Raquel with a Samoan Drop. Jax had a staredown with Ripley, who was in the aisle and Ripley was laughing.

Analysis: It was okay for a contract signing. It was designed to make Nia Jax look strong and as a threat to take the Women’s World Title from Rhea Ripley. I don’t see that happening.

Giovanni Vinci was backstage with Ludwig Kaiser, who said he needed Vinci to take Johnny Gargano out. Kaiser said that Vinci’s performance reflects on him. Bronson Reed walked in saying that Kaiser’s boss gave him a hell of a fight last week and if he wants a fight, he can do it any time. Kaiser told Reed to tell him himself. Akira Tozawa walked in saying he wanted a match with Reed. Reed turned it down. Tozawa chopped Reed, so Reed accepted the match. Maxxine Dupri walked out telling Tozawa you shouldn’t challenge somebody like him.

Johnny Gargano entered for singles action.

(Commercial)

Giovanni Vinci (w/Ludwig Kaiser) vs. Johnny Gargano

Vinci hit Gargano with a forearm to the back along with two backbreakers and a fallaway slam. Gargano was on the apron, Vinci kicked him in the face and then Gargano came back with a slingshot Spear. Gargano ran the ropes a bit, he stopped when he saw Kaiser and Vinci hit Gargano in the back with a forearm. Gargano hit a superkick to knock Vinci down. Kaiser was on the apron, so Tommaso Ciampa showed up and attacked Kaiser. Ciampa sent Kaiser into the ring post. Kaiser ran away through the crowd. Gargano kicked Vinci and Gargano hit the One Final Beat DDT on Vinci for the pinfall win after about three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Johnny Gargano

Analysis: ** A decisive win by Gargano in a short match. Vinci rarely wins any matches, especially in singles, so the result wasn’t a surprise at all.

After the match, Ciampa and Gargano hugged as Cole referenced their #DIY tag team name.

Analysis: I am ready for #DIY to be unleashed as a tag team. It will be a lot of fun.

Shinsuke Nakamura was featured in a video speaking in Japanese. Nakamura bragged about beating Ricochet last week. Nakamura spoke about wanting to find a new opponent and wondered who was worthy enough to set him free.

Logan Paul made his entrance for a promo.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Logan Paul

Logan Paul was in the ring doing promo saying he was a free agent in WWE. Paul said that when he beats Rey Mysterio to become US Champion he’s going to give us something to talk about. Paul said that when he wins his title, he might come back to Raw to defend his title.

Dominik Mysterio, the NXT North American Champion, walked into the ring saying that he can’t wait for Logan to beat Dominik’s deadbeat dad. Logan said that Dominik grew up with a deadbeat dad and still became a champion of an entire continent. Logan talked about how he changed the landscape of sports and entertainment, so the only person that needed humbling was Rey.

Dominik tried to speak over the booing crowd saying that he would be the only Mysterio with a title. Logan said he can’t wait for the ring announcement with Logan as the new US Champion.

Logan said now that he’s on Raw that means he’s in the ring with his favorite ring announcer, Samantha Irvin. Logan wanted Samantha to come into the ring and said that Samantha deserves to be praised for all she does for this company. Samantha Irvin slowly got into the ring with Logan and Dominik.

Logan said he knows that it was hard for Samantha to announce Logan as the winner over her fiancé Ricochet at SummerSlam. Logan wanted a preview of Crown Jewel and announce Logan as the new United States Champion. Ricochet ran into the ring and went after Paul with a takedown leading to punches. Ricochet punched Dominik to knock him down. Ricochet hit a jumping knee on Dominik. Ricochet went up top for a Shooting Star Press, but Logan pulled Dominik out of the way. Ricochet did his SSP flip and landed on his feet. The heels retreated. Ricochet checked on Samantha and gave her a hug at ringside.

Analysis: This seemed to be about building a potential alliance between Logan Paul and Dominik Mysterio. Perhaps we see something happen at Crown Jewel where Dominik helps Logan beat Rey Mysterio for the US Title. I certainly think that Paul could leave with the title in that match. Anyway, it was nice of Ricochet to save his fiancée Samantha in that spot. This could lead to a Ricochet match with Dominik soon.

Chelsea Green and Piper Niven made their entrance as the Women’s Tag Team Champions. They’re in a match against Natalya and a partner after a break.

(Commercial)

Natalya & Nikki Cross vs. Chelsea Green & Piper Niven

This was not for the Women’s Tag Team Titles held by Green & Niven. Cross walked out with a focused, intense look.

Natalya started with Green by getting a rollup and jackknife cover for two counts. Cross stood on the apron like she was in a trance. Natalya knocked Green down with an elbow, Niven distracted and Green kicked Natalya down. Niven jumped on Natalya’s back. Piper with a clothesline on Natalya. Cross went off the apron and walked towards the back like she was in a trance. Natalya hit a release German Suplex on Green. Natalya hit a running dropkick on Green. Natalya knocked Niven off the apron and a clothesline on Green got two. Niven made the tag, Natalya didn’t see it and Green hit an Unpetti-her on Natalya while Niven hit a running cross body block on Natalya for the pinfall win after three minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Chelsea Green & Piper Niven

Analysis: * It was an angle to show that Nikki Cross is in some weird trance these days. I don’t know where it’s leading. Natalya did a nice job of fighting for herself in the match, but then she wasn’t able to overcome the double team moves. The crowd was quiet for this match.

A replay was shown of Damian Priest attacking Cody Rhodes’ left ankle earlier in the show.

Jey Uso was shown getting ready backstage with Drew McIntyre walking up to him. Drew mentioned that Jey was screwed out of a title last week because of The Bloodline and Drew knows what that is like. Drew told Jey that his match with Sami Zayn is happening because of Jey and whatever happens is on Jey. Drew left while Jey didn’t say much.

Sami Zayn made his entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

The Miz was shown backstage complaining to Raw GM Adam Pearce about how it’s been weeks since he has had anything worthwhile to do on the show. The Miz bragged about his history in WWE. The Miz said that Nick Aldis knows that. Rhea Ripley walked in to sign her contract, she handed it to Pearce and she kept the pen. The camera left with Ripley, who checked on Dominik and said they should get some ice on his chin.

Analysis: The Miz complaining about not being booked and how the Smackdown GM Nick Aldis appreciates him more could lead to an interesting story. However, it’s also The Miz. He’s just a role player who loses a lot.

Drew McIntyre vs. Sami Zayn

Zayn tried to knock down Drew with shoulder tackles, but he could barely move the Scottish Warrior. Zayn chopped Drew, so Drew knocked him down with a shoulder tackle. Zayn delivered three hard chops to the chest leading to Zayn going to the floor. Zayn pulled Drew out of the ring, Zayn went up to the barricade and Zayn hit a moonsault onto a standing Drew on the floor. Back in the ring, Drew caught a charging Zayn and hit a suplex. Drew knocked Zayn down again with a hard chop. Zayn did a leapfrog over Drew followed by a clothesline. Zayn worked over Drew with forearms and Zayn sent Drew over the top. Zayn jumped over the top, Drew caught him and Drew tossed Zayn over the commentary table. Nice power shown by McIntyre there.

(Commercial)

Drew went for a suplex, Zayn landed on his feet and a charging Drew hit the ring post. Zayn came back with a suplex. Zayn clotheslined Drew over the top to the floor followed by Zayn hitting an impressive somersault dive over the top onto Drew on the floor. Zayn went up top, Drew went after him and Zayn countered a Drew slam attempt into a Sunset Flip Powerbomb for two! Great nearfall and execution of the move. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. Drew powered out of a Blue Thunder Bomb leading to Drew’s Glasgow Kiss headbutt. Zayn hit a charging Drew with a boot to the face and Zayn hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for two as usual for that move. The fans bought it as a nearfall even though the BTB usually just gets a two count. Drew blocked a suplex attempt leading to Drew hitting two belly-to-belly overhead suplexes. Drew hit a neckbreaker leading to the kip-up back to his feet. Rhea Ripley’s music hit (I hate that during a match) as Ripley made her way to ringside. Zayn got a cradle on Drew for two. Zayn with an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn set up for the Helluva Kick, Ripley went on the apron, Zayn was distracted by that and when Zayn turned around…Drew hit him with a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win. The angle where they shot it from showed Drew kicked Sami’s hand which was used to block his head, but Zayn sold it well. It went 15 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Drew McIntyre

Analysis: ***3/4 A great match as expected by two top guys on Raw. They don’t like booking clean finishes that much on TV, so of course it had a shady ending. Ripley helped McIntyre win this match, which is how it looked, but it doesn’t mean Drew wanted her to do that. It pushes the idea that Drew could be aligned with The Judgment Day. Anyway, I really liked the match. I would love to see a Sami Zayn singles push as a babyface, but obviously, Drew winning makes sense since he’s going for the World Title at Crown Jewel. The win was a bit tainted because of Ripley getting involved, but it does push the story that Drew benefitted from the help even though he didn’t want the help.

After the match, Drew walked right by Ripley while Ripley had a smirk on her face.

Katana Chance and Kayden Carter were shown backstage talking to Smackdown GM Nick Aldis, who told them their whole energy was just fantastic. Nick said they can be big box office. Adam Pearce interrupted and said he didn’t want Nick talking to Pearce’s superstars. Nick said it was a friendly conversation. Nick said he’ll take off, they shook hands and Pearce thanked Nick for coming. Nick left. Nikki Cross walked into the screen in trance mode. Pearce: “I need a drink.” I always do.

It was “Big” Bronson Reed making his entrance for a match up next.

(Commercial)

Akira Tozawa (w/Maxxine Dupri) vs. “Big” Bronson Reed

Tozawa is trying to impress the Alpha Academy group. Reed ran over Tozawa with a running body attack. Reed splashed Tozawa against the turnbuckle along with a belly-to-belly suplex. The fans were chanting “Astros suck” about the baseball game that the Texas Rangers won. Tozawa got a spin kick to the head along with a headscissors that sent Reed into the ropes. Tozawa jumped off the top, Reed with a Death Valley Driver and a senton splash. Reed went up top leading to the TSUNAMI~! splash for the pinfall win after three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: “Big” Bronson Reed

Analysis: * Easy win for Reed as expected. Reed gets a win after losing a great match to Gunther last week. Tozawa is an entertaining character, but it’s hard to take him seriously in a spot like this. Reed’s Tsunami splash is great, especially with Wade Barrett on commentary and yelling it out with enthusiasm.

The Jey Uso-Damian Priest match was coming up.

(Commercial)

Alpha Academy and The New Day were backstage looking at WWE’s Dallas Cowboys title. Tozawa walked in with an ice pack. Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano walked in saying for the first time in three years, they are back. Tozawa did his “dance” with the title.

Drew McIntyre walked up to World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins backstage. Rollins congratulated Drew for his first win as a member of The Judgment Day. Drew said that Rhea distracted him. Drew said he saw Rollins talk to Rhea and he didn’t say no to her offer. Rollins said he didn’t need The Judgment Day not now, not ever. Drew said he didn’t need them either. Rollins said “may the best man win” and Drew said, “he will.”

Analysis: Both guys are confident. Both guys also think the other guy has help from The Judgment Day. Interesting story.

Next week on Raw on October 30th there will be a Halloween theme:

* Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. JD McDonagh

* Candice LeRae vs. Xia Li

* #DIY – Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa vs. Imperium – Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci

* Ricochet vs. “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio

Jey Uso made his entrance for the main event. The fans love Jey and do the arm swing up & down for him.

(Commercial)

Damian Priest, who is one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions and Senor Money in the Bank, made his entrance for the main event.

Jey Uso vs. Damian Priest

Jey worked over Priest with punches to the ribs, but Priest came back with a jumping elbow smash. Priest with a headbutt followed by a punch to the jaw. Priest went for a corner splash, Jey avoided it and Jey hit a dropkick. Jey clotheslined Priest out of the ring followed by a suicide dive onto Priest on the floor.

(Commercial)

Priest was in control with a splash against the turnbuckle followed by a Broken Arrow slam. Jey worked over Priest with punches. Priest went for a boot, Jey went to the apron and Jey hit a jumping kick. Jey went up top and hit a cross body block for two. Priest came back with a punch followed by a clothesline that Jey sold really well with a flip bump. Jey came back with punches of his own along with a Samoan Drop for two. Jey hit a suicide dive onto Priest, but Priest caught him and gave Jey a flatliner onto the hood of the commentary table. It wasn’t enough to break the table. Back in the ring, Priest with an enziguri kick, Jey with an enziguri kick of his own and Priest hit a lifting flatliner for two. Jey came back with a Spear. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash, but here’s Finn Balor to stop the referee from counting. Jey punched Balor off the apron and Jey hit a suicide dive onto Balor on the floor. Jey was in the ropes, Priest punched him, the referee pushed Priest back and Balor pulled on Jey’s leg to crotch him across the middle rope, so it’s like a low blow. Priest hit the Sout of Heaven sitout Chokeslam for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Damian Priest

Analysis: ***1/4 A good main event match with a cheap finish yet again, which is fitting for The Judgment Day. Jey had the match won with the Uso Splash, but no referee to count because of Balor. That was followed by Balor doing the low blow to Jey, which staggered him and led to Priest hitting his finish for the pinfall win. A cheap win for The Judgment Day as usual.

After the match, Finn Balor went into the ring to beat up Jey with punches. Balor jumped off the top with the Coup de Grace double foot stomp on Jey. Priest and Balor wanted to do more damage, so Balor brought two steel chairs into the ring.

Cody Rhodes made the save while limping to the ring with a taped up left foot. Cody sent Balor into the barricade. Cody punched Priest and hit a chop block to the left knee. Cody hit Priest with two chair shots to the ribs and back. Cody punched Priest. Cody set up a chair on Priest’s foot, but when Cody went to get another chair, Balor pulled Priest out of the ring. Jey Uso went into the ring to stand beside Cody. Cody & Jey had a staredown with Priest & Balor. Cody was limping around the ring to end the show.

Analysis: A fine ending to the show to show that Cody Rhodes is hurt, but he’s a fighter. That’s what we want to see in our babyfaces.

===

Three Stars of the Show

1. Drew McIntyre
2. Sami Zayn
3. Jey Uso/Damian Priest

===

The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 8

2023 Average: 7.36

===

Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

A good show overall, but last week was better. I think the last hour was strong with the Zayn-McIntyre and Priest-Jey matches. Both of them had tainted finishes because Triple H likes booking those kinds of match endings. I get why it’s done because it protects the loser, but sometimes they overdo it and when you see it twice in big singles matches in the same hour it feels like a lot. They really focus on The Judgment Day a lot. It’s always about people possibly joining the group and thinking that people are aligned with them. Clearly, Triple H loves that group.

The middle hour was weak with only two matches, both of them were short and it had long talking segments. The Women’s World Title contract segment wasn’t that interesting to me. I guess it builds Nia Jax as a threat. I just don’t think the angle is that great. This whole story is building Rhea Ripley as a babyface, yet she’s the “leader” of the top heel group, so the booking is weird. The Logan Paul/Dominik Mysterio segment was very average. It just didn’t work that well.

There was a lot of focus on The Judgment Day as usual. I liked the Cody Rhodes-Damian Priest story where they exchanged words leading to a Crown Jewel match. That led to Priest injuring Cody’s left ankle, so Cody will be selling that injury like he sold the arm injury when he feuded with Brock Lesnar earlier in the year and we will have to see if the babyface hero can overcome this. Of course he will. Anyway, I like how it was booked.

The next WWE PLE is Crown Jewel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, November 4th (Happy Birthday to me). Here’s the lineup so far:

* Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. LA Knight

* World Heavyweight Championship: Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Drew McIntyre

* Women’s World Championship: Rhea Ripley (c) vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Nia Jax vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Zoey Stark

* United States Championship: Rey Mysterio (c) vs. Logan Paul

* Cody Rhodes vs. Damian Priest

WWE Crown Jewel airs on Saturday, November 4th, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT, streaming live from Riyadh, exclusively on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Los Angeles Rams, Toronto Raptors and Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X @johnreport