Grading This Week's Episode of Monday Night Raw (9/24/18)

This week on Raw, The Shield faced Baron Corbin & AOP in the main event. The Raw Tag Team Titles were also on the line when Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler defended their titles against The Revival. The likes of Bobby Lashley, Elias, The Bella Twins, & Finn Balor were in action as well.

Follow Sportskeeda for the latest WWE news, rumors and all other wrestling news.

#1 Finn Balor (w./Bayley) vs Jinder Mahal (w./Sunil Singh & Alicia Fox)

This match showcased the Mixed Match Challenge.

Result: Finn Balor defeated Jinder Mahal via pinfall with a school boy roll up.

Grade: C+

Analysis: It is nice to see that WWE is showcasing the Mixed Match Challenge (it's also nice to see Finn Balor actually appear on Monday Night Raw). However, this was a pretty mediocre match. While Finn Balor tried his best to get something acceptable out of Jinder Mahal, Jinder Mahal kept lessening the quality of the match. It would be nice if he stopped relying on rest holds.

Thankfully, Jinder Mahal did not defeat Finn Balor because that would just be inexcusable. It was also nice that Bayley showed some fire. She took out Jinder Mahal, Sunil Singh, & Alicia Fox. However, would it be too much to ask for a clean victory for Finn? Hopefully, Bayley & Finn Balor will continue to gain momentum in the future.

#2 The Bella Twins & Natalya vs The Riott Squad

Brie Bella gave Liv Morgan a concussion!

Result: The Riott Squad defeated The Bella Twins & Natalya when Ruby Riott pinned Natalya with the Riott Kick.

Grade: C-

Analysis: The match itself was fine. This was a pretty good match that highlighted all 6 competitors well. It is also nice that the Riott Squad were able to get some momentum before the Super Showdown. However, it is completely unacceptable that Brie Bella gave Liv Morgan a concussion by simply hitting the Yes Kicks. Liv Morgan was defenseless so this was unfortunately completely Brie's fault.

While all of the criticism that the Bella Twins receive is kind of harsh and unwarranted, it doesn't make it easy to defend them when they do things such as this. Hopefully, Liv Morgan will be fine and will be able to compete at the Super Showdown at Evolution.

#3 Chad Gable (w./Bobby Roode) vs Konnor (w./Viktor)

This rivalry is continuing.

Result: Konnor defeated Chad Gable via pinfall with the Dominator.

Grade: D+

Analysis: How on earth is this constructive booking? WWE have been building up Chad Gable & Bobby Roode as a tag team for the past 3 weeks. Why on earth would they have him lose out of the blue to Konnor (who hasn't won a televised match since 2017)? This is not helpful for Chad Gable who is still trying to gain momentum on Monday Night Raw. What's even worse is that this feud is still going on?

This feud has been going on for weeks and this continues to prove that WWE (Raw in particular) has a problem with having feuds last for too long (we're looking at you Finn Balor vs Baron Corbin). This feud should've ended weeks ago but will hopefully end soon.

#4 Raw Tag Team Championships: Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre (c) vs The Revival

The Revival finally got a Raw Tag Team Title match.

Result: Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre defeated the Revival via pinfall with the Claymore/Zig Zag combo to retain the Raw Tag Team Titles.

Grade: A

Analysis: This was the best match that the Revival has had since joining the main roster. They proved that if they are turning face, they are more than ready to thrive in that role. The Revival took Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre to the limit as they hit unique tandem offense that showed off what excellent tag team wrestlers they are.

They had the crowd in the palm of their hands and it really seemed like the Revival could get the upset win. Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre also did great as the dominant champs. It is also interesting how Drew McIntyre almost immediately got his team the win when he was tagged in. It really showed that Dolph Ziggler is indeed in control of the match.

#5 Bobby Lashley (w./Lio Rush) vs Elias (w./Kevin Owens)

The buildup to the Super Showdown continued.

Result: Bobby Lashley defeated Elias via disqualification after Kevin Owens attacked him.

Grade: B-

Analysis: This was just like the match that we saw last week. While there was nothing wrong with the match, nothing new developed. It was nice to see Lio Rush show off his natural athleticism once again. It is also interesting that Lio Rush was able to outsmart Kevin Owens & Elias to get Bobby Roode the disqualification win. Bobby Lashley vs Kevin Owens next week should be a much better match.

#6 Alicia Fox (w./Mickie James & Alexa Bliss) vs Nia Jax (w./Ember Moon)

Nia Jax had her first singles match since July.

Result: Nia Jax defeated Alicia Fox via pinfall with the Samoan Drop.

Grade: B-

Analysis: This match worked perfectly fine. A dominant competitor such as Nia Jax should not be taking too much offense from Alicia Fox. Alicia Fox took advantage of distractions from Mickie James & Alexa Bliss to take advantage. Nia Jax then quickly put her in her place. It is great to see Nia Jax back on WWE television. Hopefully, with all these tag teams in the women's division, we will see Women's Tag Team Titles announced soon.

#7 AOP & Baron Corbin (w./Drake Maverick) vs The Shield

The Authors of Pain competed in the main event!

Result: The Shield defeated Baron Corbin & AOP when Roman Reigns pinned Baron Corbin with the Shield.

Grade: A-

Analysis: This was a great 6-man tag team match. The AOP really took advantage of this opportunity. They looked great when in control against Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, & Dean Ambrose. They also were protected as they weren't pinned in the matchup. It was also interesting to see the tease of a Dean Ambrose heel turn. However, he stood with his brothers in the end. It will be interesting to see if he will continue to do so. This also showed that we can be in for something special at the Super Showdown when the Shield faces off with Dolph Ziggler, Drew McIntyre, & Braun Strowman (who were all at ringside).