The first Raw episode after Wrestlepalooza marked a turning point, leaving the event behind and focusing on building towards the Crown Jewel event in Perth, Australia, on October 11.
Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins had a face-to-face encounter in front of the audience in Evansville, Indiana, intensifying their rivalry at the top of WWE, anticipating their championship match at Crown Jewel.
The newly crowned women’s world champion, Stephanie Vaquer, the first South American woman to hold a WWE title, delivered an emotional promo after her match against the winner of the triple threat between Tiffany Stratton, Jade Cargill, and Nia Jax on SmackDown, for Crown Jewel, was announced.
Raw Highlights
The main event of Raw, starring Rhea Ripley and Asuka, two renowned wrestlers who hadn’t faced each other individually since December 2022, was a competitive and captivating encounter, which could be the start of a powerful future team.
Raw Results (September 22)
- Penta and War Raiders vs. Grayson Waller and The New Day
- Bayley defeated Roxanne Perez
- Rusev defeated JD McDonagh
- Jey Uso defeated LA Knight
- Rhea Ripley defeated Asuka
Asuka’s Betrayal, the Start of a New Super Team?
The Evansville audience was enjoying the main event between Ripley and Asuka until Kairi Sane, Asuka’s partner in The Kabuki Warriors, tried to interfere, distracting Ripley. However, Asuka accidentally collided with Sane, allowing Ripley to achieve victory. After the match, Asuka reacted violently, spitting blue mist in Ripley’s face. Iyo Sky, an ally of The Kabuki Warriors, tried to stop the attack, but received a blow from Asuka. Asuka not only betrayed Sky, but also forced Sane to do the same.
Everything indicates that we are on the path to a Ripley and Sky vs. Asuka and Sane confrontation, especially after the announcement that the winner of the triple threat match between Stratton, Cargill, and Jax on SmackDown will face Stephanie Vaquer at Crown Jewel.
Other key points of Raw
Rhodes and Rollins starred in a very tense encounter. Rollins initially seemed to question Rhodes, whether out of jealousy or insecurity, but then proclaimed himself the future of WWE, saying: “You can be the quarterback, Cody, but you are my quarterback.” Both will face each other for the championship at Crown Jewel.
Vaquer offered an emotional promo, the first since she became the WWE Women’s World Champion. Her father, Héctor, was present, after seeing his daughter compete live for the first time at Wrestlepalooza.
LA Knight might be going through a rough patch. Jey Uso got revenge on Knight, who might have had a bias towards The Vision in his match at Wrestlepalooza. Knight hasn’t won a televised singles match in almost two months.
Rusev proved to be a strong opponent for Dominik Mysterio, while The Judgment Day continues to show cracks. Rusev defeated JD McDonagh, who was reluctant to help his Judgment Day teammate. Mysterio refused to intervene when McDonagh needed help in the ring. Rusev will have his opportunity for the intercontinental title against Mysterio on next week’s Raw.
Bayley continues to display a dual personality, similar to Mankind in 1996, shifting from joy to violence. Lyra Valkyria tried to hug Bayley after her victory over Roxanne Perez, but was pushed away. Bayley walked through the hallways, holding her temples.
Grayson Waller was defeated with an Avalanche Mexican Destroyer. Penta continues to amaze with his creativity every week.
