'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
It was the RAW before Hell in a Cell, which means that we're just six days away from the pay-per-view. Next week's episode of the red brand will begin the official build to WWE Money in the Bank 2021, but let's not go that far.
RAW was interesting this week, but perhaps not the strongest of the four episodes leading up to Hell in a Cell. Here were the ups and downs of RAW.
#3 Best: Nikki Cross' unexpected winning streak on RAW
Before May, Nikki Cross was arguably one of the most underutilized female superstars on RAW. She struggled to get TV time, but post-WrestleMania Backlash, she has gotten all of it and more.
It's a bit odd because the primary RAW Women's Championship storyline is centered around Rhea Ripley and Charlotte Flair. Asuka has taken an obvious step back, but Nikki Cross' presence remains surprising four weeks later.
It all started with two consecutive weeks where Nikki Cross "defeated" Rhea Ripley and then Charlotte Flair after the two top-tier women couldn't finish her in two minutes.
The following week on RAW, she pinned the Champion Rhea Ripley thanks to chaos between the latter and Charlotte Flair, instantly setting her up for a future title shot. On tonight's episode, she faced Charlotte Flair once again, with Rhea Ripley at ringside.
Throughout all this time, Nikki Cross has only been winning. Sure, this week's victory against Charlotte Flair was a count-out, and only one of those four victories was a pinfall, but it's clear that she's getting a RAW Women's title shot soon.
It's a fun injection into an otherwise average storyline between two top women. Rhea Ripley faced Asuka once again and put her away. The Japanese star has dominated the RAW Women's title picture for nearly a full year, which is why she deserves some time away.
The big issue is the lack of depth in the RAW Women's division. That's why Asuka is still looming around even though she has little to no chance of competing for the title anytime soon.
Either way, Nikki Cross' overall involvement and the bizarre streak will lead to a title shot. She isn't going to win, but it's a good way to utilize her. She's been the highlight of the Charlotte Flair-Rhea Ripley feud.
#2 Worst: Alexa Bliss' story on RAW
Ahead of her Hell in a Cell clash against Shayna Baszler, Alexa Bliss faced Nia Jax in a WrestleMania 34 rematch on RAW. It ended in a DQ after Reginald interfered. Alexa Bliss would proceed to hypnotize Reginald on RAW, implying that he will play a role in her match against Shayna Baszler this Sunday.
The story didn't play out well, and the match was slightly underwhelming. Hopefully, Hell in a Cell starts a more interesting direction for Alexa Bliss on RAW.
#2 Best: Eva Marie and Piper Niven
The EVA-LUTION officially began on RAW, and it wasn't Eva Marie who faced Naomi as advertised. Instead, she brought out the experienced Piper Niven, who made her WWE main roster debut on RAW from NXT: UK.
There were rumors that Piper Niven was a name being considered for Eva Marie to manage, and it's perhaps the best use of her.
Niven squashed Naomi with ease, and a new partnership has been established. It's the freshness that was needed in the RAW Women's division.
#1 Worst: Making the main RAW feud result obvious
Drew McIntyre originally faced AJ Styles in the main event of RAW, but things broke down as Bobby Lashley, Omos, and eventually, The Viking Raiders got involved.
It turned into a six-man tag team match on RAW in an obvious move, where Drew McIntyre pinned Bobby Lashley to pick up the victory. We're not big on this finish because it spoils the result for Hell in a Cell.
Bobby Lashley is expected to retain the WWE title at Hell in a Cell, and it seems even more obvious now.
#1 Best: RK-Bro and the aftermath for Kofi Kingston
RK-Bro continues to grow in momentum on RAW. Who would have imagined even two months ago that Randy Orton and Riddle would have incredible chemistry? They fit perfectly well together, and this week, they defeated The New Day after Randy Orton pinned Xavier Woods.
Later on RAW, MVP once again confronted Kofi Kingston, who assured him that he won't turn on his brother Xavier Woods. Even in defeat, Kofi Kingston is being utilized well, and we're interested to see where this story goes.
