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With SummerSlam in the rear-view, WWE marched forward with another episode of Raw. The fallout episode of Raw had to be an intriguing one. We expected absent stars to return, champions to find new challengers, and the start of new rivalries in the wake of the "biggest party of the summer".
Also, Miz vs. Ziggler had already been set up less than 24 hours after the latter's embarrassing loss to Goldberg. The biggest question now was who do WWE choose as the new number one contenders for the Universal and Raw Women's Championships
When the show materialized, it was good and brisk. Though a little underwhelming, the show was fun. A return shocked everyone! In this article, we present 5 things WWE got absolutely correct on the Raw after SummerSlam.
#5 Ricochet and Elias' booking
Elias suddenly got the hang of things.
He has realized that superstars like to interrupt his songs. He decided to skip the procedure on Raw, calling out that someone who'd have wanted to interrupt him. The answer came from Ricochet.
'The One and Only' and The Drifter' fought a quick match that Ricochet won via pinfall. However, Elias' shoulder wasn't on the mat. The referee didn't see it.
Also, Ricochet appeared again later in the night to save Rollins from the OC. Now, teaming up with Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins will always be good for Ricochet. On the other hand, Elias pinned R Truth to become the new 24/7 Champion. Elias could be really entertaining there.
However, WWE should think seriously about revisiting this matchup soon again. It'd be a good thing for both men. Especially Elias who has just been Shane McMahon's sidekick, as he will benefit from a feud where he takes center stage.
WWE will not only get to test waters with Elias' in-ring work against one of the most breathtaking workers inside the ring, but also Ricochet's mic-work against a man who sets the gold-standard on the mic.
We hope WWE sees money in this rivalry.
See WWE RAW Results, Highlights of event, & more on WWE RAW Results page
#4 Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler got decimated by Goldberg at SummerSlam. However, spears were not the most notable thing in the whole segment. The memorable part was Ziggler's illusionary outlook about himself.
Ziggler's story isn't only about an arrogant heel anymore. He's not just one loudmouth bad guy. Instead, he refuses to stay down and believe he is second-best.
At SummerSlam, it took 3 spears to quiet Dolph Ziggler, to stop him from asking for the mic. On Raw, Miz had to finish-off Ziggler to quiet him for the night. Also, Ziggler didn't easily tap out to the Figure-4.
Ziggler is a heel, but there's uncanny heroism in his stubbornness to prove himself. We all do agree that Ziggler is much more than a Shawn Michaels want-to-be, don't we? We do want to see the veteran get his dues.
WWE might have quietly given themselves a chance to generate sympathy for one of the most underrated show-stealers in WWE history.
#3 Andrade's push
WWE revisited the Rey Mysterio-Andrade rivalry on Monday night. The Master of 619 fought El Idolo in a 2-out-of-3 Falls match. Andrade (and Zelina Vega) used the ring ropes to get the first pinfall early. The second fall came decisively a few minutes later.
While it'd have been great to have Andrade and Mysterio tear the house down, it could only be good that the younger star won so impressively. Andrade has now pinned the future Hall of Famer 4-times in three weeks. Now, this should lead to a push for Andrade.
The "King of the Ring" tournament will start next week, and it'd make sense for a heel to win that tournament. WWE should consider Andrade as the winner of the tournament.
With Zelina Vega by his side, Andrade could benefit immensely from the title. Perhaps only Elias could be more entertaining in the King gimmick.
Who do you think should win the tournament?
#2 Drew McIntyre vs. Cedric Alexander
A rivalry probably concluded on Monday as McIntyre pinned Alexander in the middle of the ring. However, it wasn't easy. Cedric Alexander didn't lose anything in defeat. The former 205 Live Superstar pushed McIntyre to the limit, displaying his skill, athleticism, and resilience. It was only a Claymore Kick that saved the day for McIntyre.
Now, this rivalry wouldn't need to go any further. These two men have punished each other every week, and have got a definite finish in a solid contest. McIntyre can't afford to lose, and any more losses for Alexander too would hurt his credibility.
While Drew with all his ego and credibility would be a strong contender to win the "King of the Ring", Alexander should find another mid-card rival in the coming weeks. Also, he'd get a US Championship shot at some point. His booking has been good till now, and things were not different on Raw.
#1 Sasha Banks' return
Savage. Brutal. Relentless.
Natalya was in the middle of sharing her emotional dream of her father when Sasha Banks' music hit, and she proved Corey Graves was true all along. She turned on Natalya after hugging the Queen of Harts, mercilessly attacking the injured woman
Becky Lynch appeared to make the save, but she got a worse beating. Banks made a maddening and scintillating steel chair assault unlike we have ever seen women make in WWE.
It was the Banks' statement, literally. There was nothing strange about the segment except an audibly expressive guy mesmerized to see Sasha Banks in the building.
In Banks, WWE now has a challenger for Lynch who knows a thing or two about winning the Women's Championship. She's going to be Lynch's toughest obstacle yet. Moreover, Lynch vs. Banks can main-event pay-per-views.
This rivalry has kicked off with a loud thud. Now, WWE just needs to keep it simple and let the two women fight.
It was a night of rights, except I'd love to have seen Samoa Joe take a different route. What are your thoughts?
