The latest WWE RAW weekly hits and misses began with Seth Rollins’ questionable decision to fake an injury before attempting to cash in his Money in the Bank contract on C.M. Punk, fresh off a grueling victory over Gunther at SummerSlam. Many viewers found it unclear how this ploy gave Rollins any real advantage since Punk was visibly fatigued. Critics felt Rollins could have simply struck Punk in the ring with the briefcase and followed up with his signature stomp to secure the title quickly, as many others have done in past cash-ins.
While the segment set the stage for further storyline development, it lacked a meaningful explanation for the fake injury tactic. However, the interruption from L.A. Knight provided a logical buildup leading to the main event, and Bronson Reed’s new nickname, the Tribal Thief, was praised as a highlight of this opening scene.
Rusev and Sheamus Deliver Intense Physical Brawl with Double Countout Finish
The match between Rusev and Sheamus emerged as a standout moment in the episode, despite ending in a double countout. The hard-hitting contest lasted several minutes and effectively intensified the animosity built over their previous two encounters. Their ongoing feud, marked by physicality and raw emotion, continued beyond the ring as they brawled backstage, disrupting other segments throughout the show. This conclusion was welcomed by fans, as it avoided feeling like a convenient cop-out and instead deepened the narrative between the two rivals.
Penta Earns a Convincing Victory Against Grayson Waller
In another highlight, Penta secured a strong win over Grayson Waller, reinforcing his momentum as he vies to join The New Day under the new moniker Big G. While The New Day’s current heel persona relies heavily on comedic elements that have received mixed reactions, moments like Xavier Woods sporting an oversized hat—and Penta interacting with it afterward—added a lighthearted touch to the segment. This match furthered Penta’s push and built anticipation around his potential role in the faction.
Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss’ Dynamic Overshadowed by Awkward Dialogue
Although the team of Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss recently captured the Tag Team Championship at SummerSlam, their on-screen interaction during a promo segment felt strained. While their alliance has proven beneficial, especially for Charlotte, the conversation struggled under overly cautious language as they danced around calling themselves true friends. This PG-rated hesitation contrasted sharply with the previous night’s broadcast, which saw commentator Michael Cole exclaim “Holy shit!” During the segment, this overly polite tone came across as too cute and artificial for the setting.
Tag Team Rematch Brings Solid Action from Charlotte and Bliss
Thankfully, the subsequent tag team rematch involving Charlotte & Alexa Bliss against Perez & Rodriguez was a definite hit. Fans enjoyed the chemistry between the pairs, which carried over from their SummerSlam encounter. While this feud still has potential, it seems wise to allow Judgment Day’s storyline to develop away from championship contention before revisiting these teams for another title clash.
Seth Rollins vs. L.A. Knight and the Questionable Endgame
The clash between Seth Rollins and L.A. Knight was technically sound but left much to be desired regarding outcome. Despite Rollins being the reigning World Champion, allowing Knight, who is not currently viewed as a credible title contender, to challenge him led to a confusing narrative. After Knight’s loss, C.M. Punk rushed in, sparking a chaotic scene climaxing with The Vision’s appearance and Roman Reigns taking a beating. This marked another instance of Roman suffering in the ring, losing his shoes to the Tribal Chief once again.
The closing moments offered a positive note with Bron Breakker showing good mobility after concerns from the previous Saturday about a potential leg injury. However, the absence of Jey Uso raised questions, especially considering speculation that Breakker and Bronson Reed may have taken him out earlier. With no definitive winner in the main event, the segment qualified as a hit for its excitement but fell short of expectations for a World Title match.
Anticipation Builds for Future Story Developments and Matches
This episode of WWE RAW balanced compelling in-ring action and evolving storylines, though some creative choices sparked debate. Seth Rollins’ fake injury angle remained polarizing, while the Rusev versus Sheamus rivalry continued to captivate fans with its intense physicality. The emphasis on character development, notably through Bronson Reed’s Tribal Thief persona and Penta’s bid to join The New Day, added layers to the week’s programming.
Looking ahead, anticipation is high for clarifications surrounding Jey Uso’s absence and the potential formation of a triple threat match involving Rollins, Knight, and Punk. The continued evolution of these storylines will likely shape upcoming RAW episodes and impact future championship prospects.
