Best and Worst of Raw- 3rd October, 2016

Monday nights haven’t been as exciting as Tuesday nights recently because Smackdown Live has been destroying Raw on a weekly basis. Last week, Raw did abysmal numbers because of the Presidential Debate and Monday Night Football. All eyes were on Raw this week, to show us how they’d bounce back (and if they would at all).

While this wasn’t the best Raw we’ve seen this year, there was enough on today’s show to keep us hooked. Live from the Staples Center, in Los Angeles, CA; this was a show with more hits than misses. So let’s go and revisit the highlights of this star-studded show.

THE BEST: Here’s what we liked about Raw tonight

1- A great main event

Sasha and Charlotte recreated the magic of Trish Stratus and Lita

For once, WWE did a main event right. This wasn’t a meaningless Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens steel cage match. This was a Women’s Championship match to close the show, with both competitors looking equally passionate and realizing that it’s not an everyday incident that women close the show on the flagship brand. Bayley and Dana Brooke played their part perfectly as well.

The lead-up to the match was excellent, and the moves were spectacular (although they looked scary at times). Charlotte on the ramp, screaming ‘It’s mine!’ after losing her title, is a sight we will not forget very soon.

2- JeriKO stole the show, once again

We drank it in, mannnn

Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens are by far the best thing about Monday Night Raw. As always, their banter was amazing, be it against The New Day, or against celebrities from ‘That 70s Show’. Even the match between them and The New Day was a sight to behold, with all of them working really well against one another.

How often is it, in a non-Roman Reigns match that the crowd chants for the heels over the babyfaces? There was even a tease of Jericho wrestling Owens at Hell in a Cell for the WWE Championship, and if rumors are to be believed, that’s the direction that the company will head in come the PPV. Once again we beg you, Mr. Jericho, never retire.

3- The Cesaro-Sheamus dynamic is interesting

Probably the best spot of the night

This is not the first time we’re seeing an odd couple tag team unit. But bear in mind that Cesaro and Sheamus are two of the best workers in history, who put on 7 incredible matches for our viewing pleasure. The way they work off each other, to put away their opponents, is a sight to behold.

Did anyone see Cesaro spring off Sheamus’ back and deliver that DDT? Now, THAT is awesome! Let’s see how this goes.

4- The Cruiserweights finally caught on with the Raw crowd

These men are the best kind of filler

Last week, the crowd began chanting for C.M. Punk and Randy Savage during their bouts. This time, they actually got into the matches and realized the genius of these men, who risk life and limb for our entertainment.

Looks like Brian Kendrick’s going to have a title match against T.J. Perkins at the next PPV, if not sooner. We’re glad there are storylines in the Cruiserweight Division as well, to make it more palatable for the crowd.

5- Progress in the Braun Strowman storyline

The last jobber match for Strowman ?

When Chase Silver stepped into the squared circle to realize his dreams, little did he know how easily they’d be crushed by Braun Strowman. Not only did the monster look dominant, he literally begged Mick Foley for a non-jobber match. Looks like we’re going to see some progress on this front soon. And boy, Braun

Looks like we’re going to see some progress on this front soon. And boy, Braun Strowman did cut a pretty good promo as well.

THE BAD: Here’s what we did not enjoy about today's show

1- No storyline for Sami Zayn, yet again

Zayn’s wrestling meaningless matches of no consequence

He’s a man who’s been in multiple ‘Match of the Year’ candidates. And as always, because he’s not built like a giant, there’s really no place for him in the roster. He defeated the ‘repackaged’ Titus O’Neil today, but what is the point of such a match, anyway?

Same thing with The Club, who’re beating their opponents, but with no storyline in sight, right now.

2- Too many advertisements – A big mistake

Just one spot into the Women’s Championship Bout, we went into a break

Watching 3 hours of content is a chore anyway. But watching 3 hours of wrestling, interrupted by almost 2-3 ads a match, at critical moments is cumbersome indeed. We really hope WWE does something about this because this is definitely driving away television viewers.

IN CONCLUSION, this wasn’t a bad show at all. Let’s end with this beautiful moment :

We love you to death, Sasha Banks

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