11th Jan2023

‘WWE Raw’ Review (Jan 9th 2023)

by Phil Wheat

Welcome to this review of this past Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, right here on Nerdly… Let’s see what went down this week ON THE SHOW… because we all can only speculate, given this past week’s news, what bodes for the WWE’s year ahead!

Match #1: Kevin Owens def. Baron Corbin

The following is courtesy of wwe.com:

After a confrontation with Baron Corbin and JBL, Kevin Owens was ready for a fight. KO lit up Corbin with his unique offense, hitting a cannonball and a swanton bomb before attempting a Pop-up Powerbomb. Corbin tried to get back into the match, but Owens dropped him with a win-clinching Stunner.

My Score: 2 out of 5

Match #2: Bayley def. Michin

The following is courtesy of wwe.com:

In a message to Becky Lynch, Bayley decided to face Michin without the backup of Dakota Kai and IYO SKY. Michin took it to Bayley, executing a superb dive that rocked the former Raw Women’s Champion. Bayley’s attempt at playing fair was to no avail, as she stole the win with a rollup while her feet were on the ropes.

My Score: 2 out of 5

Match #3: Rhea Ripley def. Candice LeRae

The following is courtesy of wwe.com:

Confronted earlier in the evening by The Nightmare, Candice LeRae went toe-to-toe with Rhea Ripley. Buoyed by the release of Dominik Mysterio from prison, “Mami” took care of business, dominating the match and dispatching LeRae with the Riptide.

My Score: 2 out of 5

Match #4: Solo Sikoa def. Dolph Ziggler

The following is courtesy of wwe.com:

Ziggler attempted to gain retribution after being taken out a few weeks ago by The Bloodline by facing Solo Sikoa. Sikoa started the match strong, but Ziggler used his speed and cunning in an attempt to ground the enforcer, even connecting with a Zig Zag. Sikoa shrugged off the onslaught and clobbered Ziggler with the Samoan Spike to win the match.

My Score: 2 out of 5

Match #5: Tag Team Turmoil

The following is courtesy of wwe.com:

The Judgment Day def. The O.C. – The Judgment Day got rolling by dispatching The O.C., who put up a good fight even without AJ Styles backing them up. The O.C. fell to a surprise rollup by The Prince after Dominik pulled the legs out from under Luke Gallows.

The Judgment Day def. Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin – Teaming together for the first time since February of last year, Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin paired up to face The Judgment Day in Tag Team Turmoil. Alexander and Benjamin looked like they hadn’t missed a beat, starting the match with a bang as they hit multiple tandem moves on Bálor and Priest. However, The Judgment Day moved on to the next team, taking out the former Hurt Business members with a Coup de Grace on Alexander.

The Judgment Day def. Alpha Academy – With the Judgment Day having already competed in two grueling matches, their resolve was wearing thin. Alpha Academy looked to take advantage of this, and they nearly did so after Otis hit a Caterpillar on Priest. Otis followed up with a huge splash on Bálor with Chad Gable on top that knocked the wind out of The Prince. Priest squeaked out the win with a wicked clothesline on Otis to keep Judgment Day alive.

The Judgment Day def. The Street Profits – Before the match, WWE Official Adam Pearce announced that Dominik Mysterio would take the place of Finn Bálor after Otis had damaged The Prince’s ribs. The Street Profits were rolling, showcasing their athleticism with Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins flying high. Dominik showcased his “prison grit,” surviving every attempt The Street Profits made to pin him. Ford nearly had the win after a huge 450 Splash, but Priest saved Dominik from eating the pin. The Street Profits succumbed to The Judgment Day as Dominik rolled up Dawkins for the huge victory.

My Score: 3 out of 5

Final Verdict: 2.5/5

What a weak episode of Raw this was! Apparently, according to what I’ve read elsewhere, this was a filler week as Raw was up against a National Championship game?! Whatever the case, this entire thing was decidedly average and for a week of “news” regarding the WWE, that last thing you want is weak TV really…

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