The first Raw after Wrestlepalooza marked a turning point, leaving the event behind to focus on Crown Jewel, which will be held on October 11 in Perth, Australia.
Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins had a face-to-face encounter in front of the audience in Evansville, Indiana, intensifying the rivalry that will lead to 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 was announced, which will take place this Friday on SmackDown, and which will define her rival at Crown Jewel.
The main event of Raw, which captured everyone’s attention, was the match between Rhea Ripley and Asuka, two elite wrestlers who had not faced each other individually since December 2022. The competitive and exciting match could mark the beginning of a powerful alliance in the future.
Raw Results of September 22nd
Penta and War Raiders defeated Grayson Waller and The New Day.
Is Asuka’s betrayal the beginning of a new super team?
The Evansville crowd was enjoying the main event between Ripley and Asuka until Kairi Sane, a member of The Kabuki Warriors, tried to interfere on Asuka’s behalf. However, Asuka collided with Sane, allowing Ripley to achieve a surprise victory. After the match, Asuka reacted violently, spitting blue mist in Ripley’s face. Iyo Sky, an ally of The Kabuki Warriors, tried to defend her friend Ripley, but received a blow from Asuka. Asuka not only attacked Sky, but also forced Sane to join the attack.
Everything indicates that a confrontation is looming between Ripley and Iyo Sky against Asuka and Sane, 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 Raw highlights
Rhodes and Rollins engaged in a verbal exchange full of tension. Rollins, initially, seemed to question Rhodes, whether out of jealousy or insecurity. However, Rollins proclaimed himself the future of WWE, stating: “You can be the quarterback, Cody, but you are my quarterback.” Both will face each other at Crown Jewel for the championship.
Vaquer’s promo was emotional, the first since she was crowned WWE Women’s World Champion. Her father, Héctor, was present at the event, after having seen her compete live for the first time at Wrestlepalooza.
LA Knight might be going through a rough patch. Jey Uso prevailed over Knight, who may have had a bias towards The Vision in their tag team match against The Usos at Wrestlepalooza. Following Jey’s victory on Raw, Knight hasn’t won a televised singles match in almost two months.
Rusev is proving to be a formidable rival for Dominik Mysterio, while The Judgment Day continues to show cracks. Rusev defeated JD McDonagh, who was reluctant to help his Judgment Day teammate. When McDonagh needed help in the ring, Mysterio did not intervene. 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 after an Avalanche Mexican Destroyer that left everyone surprised. Penta continues to demonstrate his creativity week after week.
