‘WWE Raw’ Review (Oct 31st 2022)
Welcome to this review of this past Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, right here on Nerdly. The build to Crown Jewel – which takes place this weekend – continues on this show, so let’s see what went down this week!
Match #1: Bianca Belair def. Nikki Cross
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After Nikki Cross caused Bianca Belair to lose to Bayley last week, The EST got a piece of the new and vicious Cross, who was more vindictive and unpredictable than ever. Bayley tried to get involved and send Belair to a second straight loss, shoving Belair into the post. The attempt backfired, however, as Cross pushed Bayley to the floor, taking out Dakota Kai and IYO SKY as well. Cross’ banishment of Damage CTRL led to Belair planting Cross with the K.O.D. for the win. Following the match, Damage CTRL put the boots to Belair, but the Raw Women’s Champion was saved by the returning Alexa Bliss & Asuka.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #2: Seth “Freakin” Rollins def. Austin Theory
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Mr. Money in the Bank went up against a former Money in the Bank winner in United States Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Rocking his old blonde highlights, Rollins had the full support of the WWE Universe, who serenaded him with his theme song. Rollins attempted a trio of dives to the outside but was thwarted before the third attempt, with Theory trying an offense maneuver of his own before Rollins countered with the falcon arrow. The Visionary and Mr. Money in the Bank traded multiple pinfall attempts, and a standing Blockbuster by Theory to Rollins almost sealed the deal. As Theory tried to take out Rollins with the Pedigree, The Visionary countered and gave Theory the Stomp, earning the hard-fought win.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #3: Karl Anderson def. Damian Priest
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The O.C’s Karl Anderson took on a second member of The Judgment Day in as many weeks, facing the aptly named Damian Priest on this Halloween edition of Raw. Anderson emulated his idol Arn Anderson, executing a superb spinebuster. In a shocker, Anderson countered Priest and rolled him up for the win. After the match, The Judgment Day took advantage of the numbers game as Rhea Ripley hit Gallows below the belt.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #4: Trick or Street Fight – Matt Riddle def. Otis
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Spooky season ended with a bang as Matt Riddle, gloriously dressed as Ezekiel, took on Otis, also gloriously dressed as a Chippendale from a legendary SNL sketch. Otis threw it back old school, hitting the Caterpillar before being sent into a steel chair that was set up between the ropes. The scary weapons came out in full force with Kendo sticks, skeletons and tables being used horrifyingly to incapacitate each Superstar. Elias took out Chad Gable at ringside with the help of a table. Elias placed a pumpkin on Otis’ head, and Riddle claimed the win with an RKO.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #5: Mustafa Ali def. The Miz
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The Miz tried his best to get out of his match with Mustafa Ali after being Superman-Punched to oblivion by Roman Reigns, but Ali insisted and goaded The Awesome One into the ring. Dexter Lumis once again spooked The Miz and attempted to abduct him. The Miz got away but was met in the ring by Ali, who stunned him and nailed the 450 Splash for a huge win.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Match #6: WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship – Alexa Bliss & Asuka def. Damage CTRL
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Moments after making their grand return, Alexa Bliss and Asuka called their shot, challenging Damage CTRL for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. The WWE Universe became unglued when Asuka and IYO SKY squared off in the ring, with Asuka getting the better of the exchange. SKY perfectly used the heights of the top rope before being stopped by Asuka after going up one too many times. SKY soon tapped out to the Asuka Lock, but Bayley distracted the referee, who did not see the submission. Asuka and Kai then engaged in a kick-off of sorts with Kai hitting a brutal kick to win the exchange. Bayley hit a tremendous Bayley-to-Belly to smash Bianca Belair through tables in a production area at ringside. SKY’s Over the Moonsault did not connect, and Bliss took advantage, hitting the Twisted Bliss on SKY to capture the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles for herself and The Empress of Tomorrow!
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
This was an average episode of Raw that was elevated by a few decent matches and a great promo from Roman Reigns (though not as good as the Smackdown “Bloodlines” one last week). Though some of the stuff this week – namely JBL and Corbin and Gargano segments were pretty much a waste of airtime IMHO.