On Monday night’s WWE RAW, Gunther secured a clever victory over AJ Styles, outwitting his opponent with a rare and calculated finish. The main event unfolded in front of an engaged audience, continuing their recent intense rivalry with a focus on Styles’ attempts to force a tap-out and Gunther’s targeted leg injury. This AJ Styles Gunther match drew attention for its strategic pacing and the use of a unique ending that promises further developments in the feud.
Underwhelming Opening Segment Fails to Energize Crowd
The show began with a parade of challengers segment meant to build toward a triple threat contest for the Tag Team Titles, following Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky’s championship win the previous week. However, the segment did little to excite fans, as the three teams involved struggled to leave a memorable impression. While the setup for the later match was clear, the execution felt routine and failed to generate significant enthusiasm.
Mixed Responses to Midcard Matches Highlight WWE’s Booking Choices
The midcard bouts produced varied reactions. The match between Je’von Evans and Dante Bravo was serviceable but limited by the comedic Los Americanos faction’s gimmick, which detracted from Evans’ potential serious character work. Michael Cole’s repetitive commentary, especially his frequent use of the word “bouncy,” further diminished the match’s tone.
The anticipated CM Punk versus Finn Balor segment did not fully convince audiences. Balor’s sudden rise to number one contender status, simply by issuing a challenge, seemed rushed and lacked narrative depth. Despite strong delivery from both competitors during their interaction, the build-up felt predictable and did not elevate the stakes as expected for a World Title showdown.
Triple Threat Women’s Tag Match Supports New Contenders Effectively
The triple threat tag match featuring the Kabuki Warriors, Judgment Day, and the team of Bayley & Valkyria delivered solid in-ring action. The unique rule allowing one woman from each team to compete simultaneously added clarity to the dynamic. Liv Morgan’s clean victory by executing her finisher and securing the pin stood out, strengthening her position alongside Roxanne Perez as credible challengers for the titles at Saturday Night’s Main Event. This booking choice avoided the common pitfall of inconclusive finishes in multi-team matches.
Intercontinental Title Announcement Draws Criticism
WWE announced another Intercontinental Title contest between Becky Lynch and Maxxine Dupri for next week’s RAW. Critics expressed disapproval of Dupri’s character portrayal, particularly a backstage segment with Otis and Tozawa that left her alignment unclear. The segment suggested she might be a heel, but the lack of consistency made her motivations and role confusing. The involvement of Otis and Tozawa as potential challengers for The Usos was also questioned, as storyline progression toward that goal appeared weak.
Women’s Title Rivalry Continues with Heated Confrontations
The ongoing feud for the Women’s Championship gained momentum during an interview segment with Raquel Rodriguez, which was interrupted by Stephanie Vaquer. Vaquer responded with fiery intensity, despite suffering further injury to her leg after a physical attack by Rodriguez. This development contributed to Vaquer’s vulnerability leading up to their upcoming title clash, adding dramatic tension to the storyline.
Tag Team Match Ends with Dramatic Interference
The tag match pitting Dragon Lee and Penta against Austin Theory and Bronson Reed ended in a disqualification after Bron Breakker unexpectedly entered the ring and speared Dragon Lee. Although disqualification finishes often disappoint viewers, this particular instance was praised because it advanced the broader storyline, reflecting Breakker’s frustration following a previous loss to Punk. The aftermath, including Reed’s opportunistic move on Penta and the suspension story involving Adam Pearce and Paul Heyman’s reaction, further enriched the narrative complexity.
Gunther’s Strategic Victory Marks a New Phase in His Feud with Styles
The main event between Gunther and AJ Styles was shaped by a clever narrative focusing on Gunther’s injured leg and Styles’ attempts to wear him down. Multiple applications of calf crushers created a compelling storytelling element that elevated the match beyond mere power moves. Gunther’s ability to fake a submission tap-out and then strike decisively highlighted his cunning, adding layers to his usual dominant in-ring persona. This finish, uncommon in WWE programming, not only allowed Gunther to overpower his opponent physically but also to outthink him, setting the stage for ongoing tension and rivalry.
Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this feud will evolve, with Gunther’s victory giving him both a psychological and narrative edge over Styles. The progression promises further high-stakes encounters and potential shifts in RAW’s competitive landscape.
RAW’s Mixed Night Reflects WWE’s Current Creative Directions
Overall, WWE RAW presented a blend of solid in-ring performances and moments of questionable creative decisions. While some matches and segments effectively pushed storylines forward, others relied on familiar tropes or inconsistent character development. The AJ Styles Gunther match stood out as a highlight, showcasing the value of innovative finishes and detailed storytelling in enhancing audience investment. As RAW moves toward future events, it remains to be seen which storylines will flourish and which will require recalibration to maintain fan engagement.
