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The RAW after a big pay-per-view always brings excitement and it was not different this week. Following an astounding show on Sunday, the Red Brand managed to continue the momentum. The show had some impressive matches and segments this week.
After slaying The Beast at SummerSlam, Seth Rollins opened the show but he was confronted by the US Champion AJ Styles. Subsequently, the two men main-evented the show. Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross retained the Women's Tag Team Titles against The Kabuki Warriors.
Andrade and Rey Mysterio crossed paths again this week, while Ricochet fought Elias. Sasha Banks made her long-awaited return on the Red Brand and Stone Cold Steve Austin praised the incredible performance of Seth Rollins at SummerSlam as the Texas Rattlesnake appeared on a video call.
The Red Brand had some amazing moments this week but some things could have been better. Let's analyze two things WWE got right and two blunders they made on RAW this week.
#2 Blunder: Rey Mysterio lost to Andrade yet again
Rey Mysterio's booking lately has been underwhelming and the trend continued this week. The former WWE Champion didn't have a match at SummerSlam but he fought Andrade on the Red Brand. The two men locked horns in a 2-out-of-3 Falls Match when the former NXT Champion picked up an easy victory. As a matter of fact, it was a clean sweep for Andrade.
Earlier this year, Andrade and Mysterio had a feud but it restarted from the Gauntlet Match two weeks ago. The two men also crossed paths last week when Mysterio was pinned. It is understandable that Mysterio is putting over Andrade who is immensely talented but the former is losing his credibility. The three-time world champion is still agile in the ring and he is competent enough to produce extraordinary matches.
#2 Got right: The spectacular match between Cedric Alexander and Drew McIntyre
The Paul Heyman effect was certainly visible on Monday Night RAW this week. There is no denying that the quality of the product has improved lately and the company is offering stupendous matches every week. While some noteworthy bouts took place on the Red Brand this week, the match between Cedric Alexander and Drew McIntyre stood out from the rest.
McIntyre and Alexander have an ongoing rivalry but they were not part of SummerSlam. The former Cruiserweight Champion picked up a shocking win against McIntyre a few weeks ago. Following the loss, the Scottish Psychopath was furious as he decimated Alexander at RAW Reunion, however, he never got the opportunity to have a rematch until this week.
Considering both McIntyre and Alexander are exceptional performers, they showed their dexterity in the ring. Despite being a heavyweight, McIntyre was moving like a Cruiserweight and he went toe-to-toe with Alexander. While Cedric Alexander came close to pinning McIntyre, he couldn't get the job done this time. Finally, a vicious Claymore Kick knocked out Alexander and McIntyre avenged his previous defeat.
#1 Blunder: The Kabuki Warriors lost and Kairi Sane got pinned
Last week, the Women's Tag Team Titles changed hands on RAW. The team of Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross won the twin belts. Following the loss last week, The IIconics got a rematch at SummerSlam but they failed to regain the belts. The Kabuki Warriors, who were part of the Fatal 4-Way Tag Team Match, faced the champions on the Red Brand this week.
While Alexa Bliss pinned Kairi Sane to win the titles for her team, the scenario didn't alter this week. It was a decent match but the Kabuki Warriors lost the match. Sane, who is a former NXT Women's Champion, got pinned for two consecutive weeks.
When Kairi Sane and Asuka teamed up to form the Kabuki Warriors, the expectations were sky-high from the Japanese duo. Initially, they dominated the Women's Tag Team Division but they have lost their momentum after losing two consecutive matches. Both Sane and Asuka are incredible performers. In my opinion, WWE should have saved the match for Clash of Champions.
#1 Got right: Sasha Banks' return and the heel turn
Without a shadow of a doubt, Sasha Banks' return was the highlight of RAW this week. Following a loss at SummerSlam, Natalya was in the ring with her injured arm. When Sasha Banks' music hit, the fans were awestruck in the arena and The Boss gave a hug to the Queen of Harts. However, Banks didn't take long to turn heel as she viciously attacked Natalya and her injured arm.
The RAW Women's Champion Becky Lynch came out to fight Sasha but the latter dominated the brawl. The Man was suspected to some vicious chair shots by The Boss. Judging by the segment, it is clear that Banks will be going for the most coveted women's prize of the Red Brand as she has held the title four times in the past.
Therefore, Banks is expected to rejuvenate herself after the return and we could see an awesome feud between Banks and Lynch.
