The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 11/04/24 Review

It’s WWE Raw featuring a 4-way match for a shot at the World Title, plus a women’s battle royal for a Women’s World Title shot.

This episode of Raw followed the Crown Jewel PLE on Saturday in Saudi Arabia. I liked the show, but it was one of the weaker WWE PLE’s this year. It’s been a strong year for WWE shows. This Raw was taped on Sunday in Saudi Arabia so many of you probably know the results going into it.

I’m writing this on Tuesday morning because Monday, November 4th was my birthday. In honor of that, I want you guys to know I appreciate your support for all these years. Some of you have been with me for 15 years or more and I am grateful for your loyalty no matter how many years it has been. I don’t post much personal stuff, but I’m 44 years old and I still enjoy what I do. The fact that I turned this writing about wrestling hobby into a successful career is pretty cool. I’ve grown a lot as a person in these years as well. I’m proud of how far TJRWrestling has come even though I sold it over three years ago. I’m still a big part of it and will be for a long time. I’m in a good space mentally and doing well physically too. Career wise I still enjoy writing a ridiculous amount of words every week. I have no plans on stopping and as we head to 2025, I have visions of tackling bigger projects. Like a certain song says, the time is now.

I am proud to be the humble and hard working man that I am. My loved ones know I’m always here for them and I’ll continue to do my best every day to keep smiling. I’m taking a weeklong vacation in less than two weeks so I’m looking forward to that. Thank you to my LA Rams for winning an overtime thriller on Sunday to put me in a good mood. Three straight wins. Look out for the Rams, NFL fans. I’ll shut up now and get to the review.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1641 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Mohammed Abdo Arena in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The commentary team was Michael Cole and Corey Graves since this was taped on Sunday after the Crown Jewel PLE with them on commentary. They are usually the Smackdown team, but it makes sense to use them again. It’s the first Raw ever from Saudi Arabia. They have done Smackdown from there in the past.

A video package aired showing Crown Jewel highlights.

Let’s Hear From Liv Morgan And Friends

The Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan made her entrance joined by Raquel Rodriguez and Dominik Mysterio. Liv was also wearing the Crown Jewel Championship ring on her left ring finger. Liv welcomed us to Monday Night Morgan and she bragged about being the Crown Jewel Champion. Liv bragged about beating Tiffany Stratton, took out Rhea Ripley for the third time and she’s going to be gone for a very long time. Liv bragged about how she beat Nia Jax to be the new and only Women’s Crown Jewel Champion. Liv bragged about being the greatest Women’s Champion of all time. Dominik Mysterio tried to speak about winning the main event later, but here’s the interruption.

The Women’s Tag Team Championship duo of Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair entered to a big ovation. Belair said that Liv isn’t the only one to walk out of Crown Jewel without a title. Bianca mentioned their past confrontation. Jade said if you want a piece of the Tag Team Champions then here’s your chance. Liv wanted to know why they were all angry. Liv trashed Belair for thinking she’s the best because her tag team partner thinks the same thing about herself. Liv said that they can pretend that they get along, but everybody knows the only thing keeping Bianca & Jade together are those Tag Team Titles. Belair suggested they have the tag team match tonight. Raquel wasn’t sure about that.

Raw GM Adam Pearce showed up telling the ladies to calm down. Liv told Jade to watch out when Bianca stabs her in the back. Belair decked Liv with a hard slap to the face. Pearce told Liv and Raquel what they did to Rhea was disgusting. Pearce said that Liv will have a number one contender because they will have a battle royal and whoever wins will get a shot at Liv’s Women’s World Title. Pearce said that Bianca & Jade are in the battle royal too. Pearce said it starts right now.

Analysis: I thought Liv did a good job with that heel promo. Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill confronting Liv was fine because they are both popular babyfaces and the fans enjoyed it.

The Damage CTRL duo of Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane made their entrance.

(Commercial)

Women’s Battle Royal

The winner gets a Women’s World Title match. The 16 women in the battle royal are: Lyra Valkyria, Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, Kayden Carter, Katana Chance, Natalya, Sonya Deville, Alba Fyre, Maxxine Dupri, Ivy Nile, Zoey Stark, Zelina Vega, Shayna Baszler, Isla Dawn, Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane. All of the women are in outfits covering their bodies except for their heads and hands to honor the laws that are in Saudi Arabia.

It started with Kayden Carter and Katana Chance each hitting cross body blocks off the top. Fyre suplexed Chance onto Carter. Chance sent Dawn over the top and Carter kicked Dawn off the apron to the floor. Baszler choked out Carter on the apron and then Deville hit Carter with a knee to eliminate her. Dupri splashed Deville against the turnbuckle. Dupri hit her inverted Worm move and an elbow drop. Fyre put Dupri over the top on the apron and Nile kicked her former friend Dupri off the apron to the floor. Vega sent Nile over the top to the apron and Vega hit a 619 kick on Nile to eliminate her.

(Commercial)

The team of Sky and Sane hit a double dropkick on Natalya. They showed eliminations during the break of Vega and Fyre. Chance did a handstand to get back on the apron, but then Sky dropkicked Chance out. Sane went for a move on Natalya by the ropes, but Belair hit Sane with a forearm to eliminate Sane. Natalya tried to fight Deville, but Baszler hit Natalya with a knee to eliminate her. Bianca and Jade dumped Deville and Baszler out.

The final four were Belair, Jade, Sky and Lyra. Jade saved Belair from being eliminated and Jade hit Lyra with a forearm smash. Belair and Jade suplexed Lyra. Sky was swung into the middle turnbuckle by the Tag Team Champions. Belair and Jade each nearly eliminated Sky and Lyra, but they both held on. Belair and Jade had a staredown while the fans were getting into it. Belair hit Lyra with KOD and Jade hit Jaded on Sky. Belair tried to eliminate Lyra, but Raquel Rodriguez held onto Belair’s hair. Morgan pulled Jade over the top (while Jade was trying to help Belair) and that led to Belair & Jade going over the top to the floor so they were eliminated.

Sky and Lyra were the final two women in the match. Lyra sent Sky to the apron. Sky lifted Lyra over the top to the apron. They were both on the apron doing battle as Sky kicked Lyra to knock her down. Lyra pushed Sky and kicked Sky into the turnbuckle. Sky punched Lyra in the gut followed by Sky hitting a German Suplex on the apron. Lyra bumped to the floor, so Sky got the win. It went 13 minutes.

Winner: Iyo Sky

Analysis: ***1/4 There is no Rhea Ripley for a few months at least due to an orbital bone injury, so it was a smart way to build up a new contender by having Iyo Sky win that battle royal. I liked the Belair & Jade story where they teased fighting eachother, but it didn’t happen yet. Raquel & Liv cost Belair & Jade to continue that tag team feud, so that should lead to a title match. Sky getting the win is certainly fine with me.

The New Day’s Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston were interviewed by Cathy Kelley. They argued about losing last week. Woods blamed Kofi for losing, which Kofi didn’t like. Woods said that Kofi dropped the ball and Kofi asked how and Woods said Kofi got beat. Kofi pointed out there is video footage. Their argument was interrupted by the Wyatt Sicks VHS feed.

A Wyatt Sicks video showed that Bo Dallas aka Uncle Howdy had abducted The Miz. Clips were shown of Miz ordering Bo Dallas (and Curtis Axel) around in the past. Miz said he was not with The Final Testament group and he’s willing to forget about all of it. Bo said they wanted him, not the Final Testament. Bo put tape on Miz’s mouth. The feed cut out.

Analysis: Poor Miz. Somebody let Maryse know. I would be happy too. I like Maryse more than Miz.

(Commercial)

A clip aired of Goldberg announcing that in 2025, he will have his retirement match in WWE. Cole said that a match hasn’t been announced, but a deal has been made.

The War Raiders – Erik & Ivar vs. The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

The War Raiders won a triple threat tag match last week on Raw to earn a World Tag Team Title shot.

Woods and Kofi hit some tag team moves on Ivar after making a quick tag. Kofi dropkicked Erik, who went into the ring illegally. Woods tried jumping onto Ivar, who caught Woods and sent Woods into the apron. Erik gave Kofi a full nelson slam into the knee against the back of the neck. The War Raiders were in control as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Ivar was in control of Woods with a spin kick. Erik tagged in and slammed Ivar onto Woods for a two count. Ivar was back in, Woods hit him with an enziguri kick and Woods hit a superkick. Kofi tagged in with a springboard clothesline on Erik followed by strikes along with a dropkick. Kofi jumped off the top with a cross body block. Kofi hit an SOS on Erik and Ivar broke up in the pin. Kofi sent Ivar out of the ring followed by Kofi hitting a somersault over the top on Ivar. Kofi hit a jumping clothesline on Erik along with a Boom Drop leg drop. Woods tagged in while Kofi was setting up for Trouble in Paradise so Kofi wasn’t happy about it. Erik knocked Kofi down with a forearm. Erik gave Woods a spinebuster. Ivar tagged in leading to a double team clothesline/German Suplex on Woods called the War Machine for the pinfall win after nine minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The War Raiders – Erik & Ivar

Analysis: *** It was a pretty good tag team match. The story was that Woods took control by tagging in when Kofi wanted to hit Trouble in Paradise, but Woods decided it was time to go in and that was a mistake because the War Raiders were on offense for the win. The War Raiders getting the win makes sense because they earned a World Tag Team Title match already, so it’s smart to give them momentum.

After the match, Kofi looked frustrated on the floor. The War Raiders celebrated the win while Woods looked at Kofi wondering what went wrong.

Sami Zayn was shown walking backstage for a promo up next.

(Commercial)

A commercial aired about WWE going to Europe in March in nine countries in 11 cities over 18 days. It’s called the Road to WrestleMania Europe 25. We have the story with the details on TJRWrestling here.

Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn and The Usos

Sami Zayn got a big ovation from the crowd as he entered for a promo. Zayn spoke in Arabic to the fans, so they cheered for him a lot. Zayn said he was proud to come out there in front of his people and speak “our language” on WWE TV. Zayn said he wanted to explain what happened with him, Roman Reigns and The Bloodline at Crown Jewel.

Jey Uso made his entrance to a huge ovation. Jey walked down the aisle looking serious rather than the usual Jey who swings his arms with the fans. The fans were doing it, but Jey was more serious. Jey told Zayn thank you for having his back at Crown Jewel. Jey said he watched the footage when Sami kicked Roman in the face. Jey asked Zayn if that was an accident? Jimmy Uso made his entrance before Sami could speak.

Jimmy Uso joined his twin brother Jey and Zayn in the ring. Jimmy doesn’t like Zayn as much as Jey. Jimmy asked Jey what was wrong with him? Jimmy said that everybody saw Zayn kick OTC (Reigns) dead in the face on purpose. Jimmy said that they are all pissed and they can’t trust Zayn.

Zayn said that before it was Zayn and Jey, Jimmy was the one who brought Zayn into the family first. Zayn said that when things got bad, Jimmy kicked Zayn in the face. Zayn said then they kicked Roman in the face and then Jimmy kicked Jey in the face. Jimmy said he didn’t owe Zayn an explanation. The fans chanted “Sami Uso” for Zayn.

Zayn said that Jimmy might not believe it, but Sami said he didn’t hate him and he never did. Zayn said he never had a problem with Jimmy, but Jimmy makes bad decisions. Zayn said that he went there to make sure Jey was okay. Zayn said for a minute there, it felt like old times and it felt pretty damn special. Zayn said it fell apart every single time. Zayn said he loves Jey, but he can’t do this again. Zayn told Jey he was out. The fans chanted “no” to that.

After Zayn left the ring, Jey asked Sami to come to Smackdown so the four of them could talk like family do. Jimmy said he ain’t family. Jey said he was wrong. Jey said that just because he’s not blood-related, that don’t make him family, but he is family. Jey said that he sees Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso and he sees Sami Uso. The fans were chanting “Sami Uso” so they knew what was coming. Good job by the fans. Zayn had a smile on his face while Jey told Zayn he hoped to see him Friday on Smackdown. Zayn left without saying anything.

Analysis: I enjoyed that. I think as viewers we all know it’s Survivor Series WarGames on November 30th and that’s where it is leading, but it’s important to tell the story that they had issues. You can’t just ignore the past, so I think WWE is doing a nice job with this story. It makes us want to tune into Smackdown to see the four guys reunite.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins was interviewed backstage by Jackie Redmond. Rollins said that what earned him a spot in this match is his resume over the last 20 years. Rollins said that Bronson Reed is as advertised because he kept getting up and asked for more. Rollins said he knows he’ll do that dance again with Reed. Rollins said he’s got gold on his mind because three of the best in the world…and Dominik Mysterio will duke it out for a shot at Gunther’s World Heavyweight Title for the title that Rollins put on the map. Rollins said that after Crown Jewel, he knows who he is while mentioning his nicknames and his Seth “Freakin” Rollins name.

Dragon Lee of the LWO made his entrance joined by Zelina Vega.

(Commercial)

Chad Gable (w/Ivy Nyle) vs. Dragon Lee (w/Zelina Vega)

The fans were chanting “you suck” at Gable to start the match and also some “Dragon Lee” chants. Gable took down Lee followed by some light head slapping. Lee was holding Gables singlet a few times to frustrated Gable, which was followed by Lee hitting a hurricanrana. Lee kicked Gable in the head followed by cross body block off the top. They were on the apron where Lee hit a rising knee to Gable’s head. Lee charged and gave Lee a back body drop off the apron to the floor. Great bump by Lee.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Lee in control as he hit a double foot stomp off the top onto an upside down Gable. Lee charged and Gable gave Lee a belly to belly suplex into the turnbuckle. Gable hit a back body drop for two. Lee dropkicked Gable’s knee to send Gable into the turnbuckle. Lee hit a running forearm leading to a kick to the face when Gable was against the turnbuckle. Lee jumped over the top with a dropkick. Lee hit a running dropkick against the turnbuckle for a two count. Gable and Lee exchanged forearms. Lee hit a German Suplex, Gable was back up as if it was nothing and Gable hit a German Suplex of his own. Lee was back up quickly leading to Gable hitting two more German Suplexes. Lee broke free with a rising knee. Lee hit a sitout Powerbomb for two. Lee went up top, Gable jumped up to the top and hit an overhead superplex. Gable hit a Cliffhanger DDT for two because Vega pushed Gable’s legs when Gable had his legs on the ropes. Nile choked out Vega with a Dragon Sleeper submission. Rey Mysterio of the LWO went down to the ring to check on Vega. Gable grabbed Rey Mysterio’s mask, Rey hit a jumping kick on Gable and Nile was on the apron arguing with the referee so the referee never saw it. Lee hit the Operation Dragon slam on Gable for the win. It went 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Dragon Lee

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a very good match. These guys haven’t been featured in singles matches much of late, so it was nice to see them get time. Gable has also lost way too many matches recently and I would have liked to see him win here, but at least Gable has an excuse since Rey got involved. Lee took some crazy bumps in this match. The finish was a bit confusing because Nile being on the apron cost Gable the match instead of helping him.

Jackie Redmond interviewed Gunther, the World Heavyweight Champion, and his buddy Ludwig Kaiser. Kaiser claimed Cody got lucky at Crown Jewel. Gunther said that it wasn’t lucky and Cody was the better man. Gunther said that there are three very capable performers and Dominik Mysterio. Gunther said that Seth Rollins, Damian Priest and Sheamus are all tough. Gunther looked at Kaiser about not taking care of Sheamus. Gunther said that after Saturday, it’s on him to do better and he said that they both have to do better.

Analysis: Gunther is not the type of heel that makes excuses or blames things. If he loses, he says it’s on him. There aren’t many heels like that in wrestling because most of them act like cowards who blame other things rather than themselves.

Damian Priest made his entrance for the main event.

(Commercial)

This Friday on Smackdown: What’s next for Crown Jewel Champion Cody Rhodes and on the heels of their loss to The Bloodline, how will Roman Reigns handle the aftermath? Find out on Smackdown.

The rest of the main eventers made their entrance with Dominik Mysterio getting booed, Sheamus was cheered and the fans sang the Seth Rollins song.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Damian Priest vs. Sheamus

There are no disqualifications and no countouts in a four-way match. I almost wrote Seth “Franklin” Rollins. Fellow Jim Cornette listeners know. The winner gets a shot at the World Heavyweight Title.

The match started with the three babyfaces picking on Dominik, who tried to run away. Sheamus hit Dominik with the ten forearms to the chest, but he did more than ten of them. Rollins rolled up Priest for two. The trio of Priest, Rollins and Sheamus exchanged strikes. Rollins hit a suicide dive on Priest and Sheamus at the same time. Rollins hit a suicide dive on Dominik as well. Rollins hit another suicide dive on Priest and Sheamus, which led to a break.

(Commercial)

Dirty Dom was on offense with a slingshot senton from the apron onto Priest for a two count. Dominik hit a Tornado DDT on Priest for a two count. Priest tried to come back with punches, but Dominik kicked him in the gut and Dom hit a neckbreaker for two. Priest made the comeback with punches along with a facebuster into the mat and a punch combo after that. Priest hit a running back elbow smash along with an elevated flatliner. Sheamus was back in the ring to knock Dominik down and Sheamus gave Priest a backbreaker. Sheamus hit a backbreaker on Rollins and Sheamus hit a backbreaker on Dom too. The fans were chanting “Let’s go Sheamus” as Sheamus jumped off the top with a knee drop on Dom, but Rollins broke it up with a senton off the ropes. Priest kicked Rollins, who hit a jumping kick of his own and Prest bounced off the ropes with a clothesline. All four guys were down as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Sheamus and Rollins exchanged strikes. Priest hit Rollins with a roundhouse kick and Sheamus clotheslined Rollins out of the ring. Priest did the bell clap to Sheamus’ head, but Sheamus came back with a knee lift. Sheamus hit the White Noise slam on Priest for two. Dominik dropkicked Sheamus into the ropes, but Sheamus came back with a powerslam. The crowd came alive for Sheamus. Rollins got back in there to superkick Sheamus out of the ring. Dominik rolled up Rollins with a tight grab for two. Rollins hit a Pedigree on Dominik. Bronson Reed showed up to attack Sheamus and Priest while Rollins was in control of the match. Reed sent Sheamus and Priest into the ring post. Rollins went after Reed, who nailed Rollins with a clothesline. Reed cleared off the commentary table. Priest punched Reed and Sheamus hit a knee on Reed. Back in the ring, Reed clotheslined Sheamus. Reed also hit Death Valley Driver slams on Priest and Sheamus. Reed hit a Tsunami splash off top onto Priest. Reed went up top and hit a Tsunami splash on Sheamus while Dominik hid outside the ring. Reed jumped off the barricade and gave Rollins a Tsunami splash through the commentary table. After Reed left, Dominik tried to pin Sheamus after a Frog Splash off the top, but Priest broke up the pin. Dominik hit a 619 kick on Priest. Dominik jumped off the top, Priest caught him and Priest hit South of Heaven on Dominik for the pinfall win. It went 18 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Damian Priest

Analysis: ***3/4 It was a great match that was very entertaining from start to finish. The presence of Reed cost Rollins, so that continues that rivalry while Priest was able to make the comeback on Dominik to beat him for the win. They got plenty of time, there were a lot of fun moments and the fans were engaged for the whole thing. The fans absolutely loved Sheamus and wanted him to win, but it wasn’t his time. Most WWE main event matches are great and this one was too.

As a result of that victory, Damian Priest will challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Title.

After showing replays, the World Heavyweight Champion Gunther appeared in the ring and had a staredown with Priest.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Damian Priest, Seth Rollins, Sheamus & Dominik Mysterio
2. Iyo Sky
3. Dragon Lee & Chad Gable

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The Scoreboard

7.75 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2024 Average: 7.59

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

I thought it was very good episode of Raw thanks to the great main event and the other matches were fun too. Damian Priest getting the win was fine with me because he’s a good babyface opponent for Gunther. They gave Seth Rollins an out by having Bronson Reed cost him the match too. I liked that match a lot.

The women’s battle royal was done well while furthering the Belair/Cargill and Morgan/Rodriguez story. Iyo Sky getting the win is cool with me. That Dragon Lee-Chad Gable was an example of how if most of these wrestlers get the time, they’re going to put on an entertaining match. The New Day losing to The War Raiders continues that angle of New Day having problems, so I’m interested to see what happens next.

That talking segment with Sami Zayn and The Usos was also an entertaining promo exchange. Jey Uso is the middle man while Sami and Jimmy Uso clearly have issues that need to be worked through. They set it up so that we have to tune into Smackdown to see what’s going to happen next. I enjoyed this episode of Raw.

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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 & Toronto Maple Leafs. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter/X @johnreport