By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Raw (Episode 1,580)
Charlotte, North Carolina at Spectrum Center
Aired live September 4, 2023 on USA Network
[Hour One] Raw opened with a WWE Payback recap video… Pyro shot off on the stage. Michael Cole and Wade Barrett were on commentary. They hyped the Intercontinental Championship as the main event, and also hyped that Judgment Day would appear. Cole said they would show the footage of Shinsuke Nakamura attacking Seth Rollins after Payback went off the air…
Jey Uso was introduced as the newest member of the Raw roster by ring announcer Samantha Irvin. Jey made his entrance through the crowd (the old Shield entrance area). Jey hopped the barricade and entered the ring. Jey said he always wanted to do this part, then welcomed viewers to Monday Night Raw. An “Uso” chant followed.
Jey said he’d been gone two or three weeks, but it felt longer than that. He spoke of fighting his family on television. He said Cody Rhodes called him unexpectedly. Jey said he did some things in the past and may have created some enemies backstage, but they know where to find him.
Sami Zayn made his entrance and walked to the ring. Barrett said it had been a while since Zayn was in Jey’s corner and added that Jey may need to make a couple of apologies. Zayn said it was pretty crazy to see Jey standing there. Zayn said there will be a lot of people in the locker room who will have a problem with Jey being there.
Zayn said that he and Kevin Owens haven’t always seen eye to eye on Jey. He mentioned that Owens was not in the building. Zayn said he wanted to be the first person that Jey saw on Raw so that he could tell him straight that “I am happy that you are here.”
Zayn praised Jey for breaking free of The Bloodline and said he truly is “Main Event” Jey Uso. Zayn said they have history and he didn’t expect to be buddies overnight. Zayn said he’s proud of Jey and offered him a handshake, but Jey didn’t accept the handshake. Zayn told Jey that he would be there when Jey is ready to talk.
“Hey, Sami, now that wasn’t very Ucey of me, was it,” Jey said before extending his hand. Zayn walked over and hugged Jey. Zayn left the ring and Jey played to the crowd for a bit.
Drew McIntyre made his entrance while Jey was heading toward the back. They had a staredown on the stage while Cole recalled The Bloodline costing McIntyre the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at the Clash at the Castle event. Zayn stepped between McIntyre and Jey and said it was Jey’s first night. McIntyre headed to the ring. Matt Riddle made his entrance and had a brief staredown with Jey before heading to the ring…
A video package featured Shinsuke Nakamura speaking while subtitles were used and footage aired from his post match attack at WWE Payback. Nakamura said he may have underestimated Rollins’ grip on the World Heavyweight Championship. Nakamura vowed to win the championship…
Adam Pearce was talking with Ricochet in the backstage area. He stopped when he spotted Seth Rollins and asked him what he was doing there. Rollins said he’s the champion and he was where he was supposed to be. Pearce said the medical team said Rollins shouldn’t be there. Rollins said he was fine. Ricochet told Rollins that he doesn’t have to carry the show by himself. Rollins reiterated that he was fine… [C]
Powell’s POV: It didn’t take long for Jey and Sami to get back on the stage page, but I like that victims of Jey’s past are still holding a grudge.
The Viking Raiders made their entrance coming out of the first break…
1. Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle vs. “The Viking Raiders” Erik and Ivar (w/Valhalla) in a tornado tag match. Cole said Xavier Woods was not at Raw because he had a cervical issue caused by the chair that McIntyre threw last week. Riddle shoved McIntyre and told him to get the tables. McIntyre pushed Riddle to the mat and told him to get the tables. Riddle went to ringside heading into a picture-in-picture break. [C]
McIntyre suplexed Erik at ringside. Ivar jumped off the broadcast table and splashed McIntyre on the floor. The Viking Raiders set up to put McIntyre through a table, but Riddle stopped them. Riddle set up a table in the ring and then placed Erik on top of it. Riddle went to the ropes, but he was distracted by Valhalla. Ivar kicked Riddle. Erik and Ivar set up for Ragnarok.
Kofi Kingston ran out and stopped the Viking Raiders and attacked them both. Kingston accidentally caught Riddle with a kick. The Viking Raiders took out Kingston and then put Riddle through a table with their Ragnarok finisher. Erik covered Riddle and got the three count.
“The Viking Raiders” Erik and Ivar defeated Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle in 9:50 in a tornado tag match.
After the match, McIntyre looked upset while Kingston was apologetic…
Powell’s POV: The Viking Raiders got the win, but the real story is the ongoing issues between McIntyre and Riddle with the New Day duo. It’s encouraging in that it seems like Kingston and Woods will be involved in something that isn’t just lighthearted comedy.
Photos of legendary Intercontinental Champions were shown. Barrett questioned whether Gunther would pass them all and become the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion by beating Chad Gable in the main event…
World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins made his entrance… [C] Rollins delivered an in-ring promo. He said Nakamura did everything he said he was going to do. Rollins said there were points in the match when he didn’t know if he would be able to get up. Rollins showed off his title belt and said he’s still the champion. Rollins called out Nakamura for a match.
Shinsuke Nakamura made his entrance with a microphone in hand and stopped on the stage. Rollins urged Nakamura to come to the ring. Nakamura spoke in Japanese. Rollins said he wouldn’t pretend to understand what he said, but he assumed Nakamura was accepting his challenge to a match and called for him to come to the ring.
Nakamura said no. Rollins said he was confused and asked if they were going to have a championship rematch. Nakamura said no again. Rollins left the ring and fought with Nakamura. Security quickly ran out and pulled them apart. Nakamura broke free and delivered kicks and knees to the back of Rollins. Ricochet ran out to help Rollins… [C]
Powell’s POV: I assume they are saving the Rollins vs. Nakamura rematch for Fastlane.
Rollins barked at Pearce, who told Rollins that he was running at a pace that no one ever has. Pearce said he was trying to save Rollins from himself. Rollins said that doesn’t work for him…
Powell’s POV: If they wanted to play up the idea that Rollins is going at a pace that no one ever has, then they really should have had him make frequent Raw title defenses. From what the television viewers see, he’s not working more than any other full-timer and they only see him defend his title at premium live events and perhaps if they attend a live event.
2. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Ricochet. Nakamura put Ricochet down heading into an early PIP break. [C] Ricochet missed a corner splash. Nakamura caught him with a knee, causing Ricochet to fall to the apron. Ricochet avoided a knee and then performed a cannonball dive on the floor.
[Hour Two] Nakamura drove Ricochet’s back into the ring post. Nakamura charged Ricochet, who dumped him into the timekeeper’s area. Nakamura caught Ricochet with a kick and then slammed a chair over his back for the DQ.
Ricochet defeated Shinsuke Nakamura by disqualification in 9:35.
After the match, Nakamura brought Ricochet back to the ring and wrapped a chair around his neck. Seth Rollins ran out and attacked Nakamura. Security ran out and separated them. Rollins tossed two security guards over the top rope and then performed a flip dive onto Nakamura and additional security guards. Nakamura came back by driving Rollins’ back into the ring steps. Ricochet ran off Nakamura with a chair…
Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley were shown watching everything play out on a backstage monitor. Ripley said not tonight to Priest, who was holding the Money in the Bank briefcase…
Powell’s POV: While I’d prefer to see Nakamura racking up decisive wins, the DQ finish did reinforce that he’s more ruthless. I really liked the way they showed Priest keeping an eye on things for a potential MITB cash-in.
The broadcast team narrated highlights of Becky Lynch beating Trish Stratus in a cage match at WWE Payback followed by Zoey Stark taking out Stratus with a post match Z360…
Jackie Redmond interviewed Zoey Stark on the backstage ring set and asked if her partnership with Stratus was over. Stark said Stratus is one of the greatest of all-time, but nobody pushes her. Shayna Baszler showed up and said she was wondering when Stark was going to get rid of the deadweight. Stark said they had unfinished business and challenged Baszler to a match, which Baszler accepted…
Judgment Day members Daman Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio, and Finn Balor made their entrance… An ad for Smackdown hyped AJ Styles vs. Jimmy Uso… [C]
Judgment Day delivered an in-ring promo. Dom was booed loudly when he boasted that they took home more gold at Payback. Balor congratulated Dom on his one-year anniversary of joining Judgment Day. Balor thanked Ripley for being such a great voice of reason.
Balor said he and Priest have had their ups and downs, but now they are the tag team champions. Priest put his arm around Balor, who then gave a shout out to JD McDonagh for having his back the last twenty years. Balor also thanked himself for reaching the career milestone of becoming a grand slam champion. A “you deserve it” chant broke out.
Ripley recalled giving Priest and Balor an ultimatum and said the pressure was on. She said they really rose to the occasion and showed everyone that they are truly brothers and Judgment Day is a family.
Ripley said there was one thing that was bothering her. She said the focus should be on their accomplishments, but people are talking about Jey Uso coming to Raw and what that means for The Bloodline. Ripley said the Bloodline has fallen and Judgment Day is the most dominant faction in WWE. Priest was going to speak, but he was interrupted.
JD McDonagh made his entrance and had something in his hand. Priest said a small part of him was starting to like McDonagh. Priest said it better be good. McDonagh said it was good and entered the ring. McDonagh said Priest’s briefcase has to go. McDonagh unveiled a purple and silver custom MITB briefcase. Priest was a fan of it. Priest started to talk, but he was interrupted again.
Sami Zayn walked out with a mic and said it took all five of them to beat him and Kevin Owens. Zayn said he didn’t see five champions, he saw five championship stealing turds. Zayn said a very special beating is owed to Dom for costing him and Owens the tag titles. Zayn asked Dom if he wanted to face him.
McDonagh stepped up and said Dom wasn’t fighting anyone. McDonagh said Dom wasn’t the only one who screwed them and then told Zayn to fight him. Zayn said he was happy that McDonagh opened his mouth because he would get the ass kicking he deserved…
Powell’s POV: I dig the back and forth saga of McDonagh irritating Priest, Ripley, and Dom one week, only to do something to score points with them the next. And let the record show that purple is always better than green and gold.
Another batch of photos of past Intercontinental Champions was shown…
Gunther stood in front of white backdrop and said Chad Gable thinks he can stand in the way of him and his legacy. Gunther said history would be made and someone like Gable does not belong in the history books. Gunther said Gable’s fairytale is temporary, whereas his legacy is forever. Gunther said he would go down in the history books as the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in history…
Shayna Baszler made her entrance for her match against Zoey Stark… [C]
Backstage, Raquel Rodriguez spoke with Adam Pearce, who said that he would make whatever they spoke about official. Chelsea Green showed up as Rodriguez made her exit. She said she shouldn’t have to wait in line behind Sasquatches like Rodriguez.
Pearce mentioned that Piper Niven was not medically cleared. Green asked if he was talking about how people say the women’s tag team titles are cursed. Pearce wondered if it ever occurred to her that it’s not the titles that are cursed. Green started going off about Rodriguez and called her a loser, only to babyface her once she realized Rodriguez was standing behind her. Pearce booked them in a match…
Zoey Stark made her entrance to no reaction from the live crowd…
3. Shayna Baszler vs. Zoey Stark. Baszler caught Stark in a Kirifuda Clutch at ringside. Stark drove her into the apron and then the broadcast table to break it. Stark returned to the ring and dove over the top rope onto Baszler on the floor heading into another PIP break. [C]
Stark was in control coming out of the break. Baszler avoided her finisher and rolled to the floor. Stark went to the apron and splashed Baszler on the floor. Stark sent Baszler back inside the ring and then went for a move, but Baszler caught her in the Kirifuda Clutch. Stark got back to her feet, but Baszler reapplied the hold. Stark got back to her feet again and then dropped to her knees and the referee called for the bell.
Shayna Baszler beat Zoey Stark in 8:50.
Afterward, Baszler celebrated her win and then approached Stark and told her that she gave her a better fight than Ronda Rousey did. Stark said Baszler gave her a better fight than Trish Stratus did. They bumped fists…
Powell’s POV: The crowd was nearly silent for most of the match, but there were some cheers for the fist bump. I like the idea of aligning Baszler and Stark. Just keep them away from those cursed tag titles. It’s seriously time to launch those damn belts into space.
Backstage, Priest, Ripley, Dom, and Balor spoke about McDonagh. Balor said it might be time to bring him into the group officially. Priest said he thinks he still needs to prove himself. Balor said they might not be tag team champions if it wasn’t for McDonagh. Dom said he would be cool with whatever the others decided. Ripley said they should wait and see how he would do against Zayn. Priest and Balor left. Ripley told Dom that she needed him to make sure that everything would go according to plan with McDonagh…
Raquel Rodriguez made her entrance… [C] Highlights aired of Ripley beating Rodriguez to retain the Women’s World Championship at WWE Payback… Chelsea Green made her entrance…
4. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Chelsea Green. Green tried to leave when the bell rang, but Rodriguez caught her before should could escape the ring. Green got a shot in on Rodriguez’s injured knee, but Rodriguez came right back with a big boot. Green clotheslined Rodriguez over the top rope. Green went up top for a crossbody block, but Rodriguez caught her. Green slapped Rodriguez, who came right back with a big clothesline. Rodriguez put Green away with the Tejana Bomb…
Raquel Rodriguez beat Chelsea Green in 1:40.
After the match, Rodriguez took the mic and said she spoke with Adam Pearce about the actions of Ripley and Dom at Payback. She said she was getting her rematch and Dom would be barred from ringside. Rodriguez said she would see Ripley next week for the championship…
Powell’s POV: It won’t happen, but I would crack up if Ripley’s response to Dom being barred from ringside is to have Balor, Priest, and even McDonagh at ringside with her next week.
Chad Gable delivered a backstage promo while Otis and Maxxine Dupri stood by. Gable recalled Gunther said that he didn’t belong in the history books. Gable said he’s already there as an Olympian and a tag team champion. Gable said Gunther’s desire to keep the title is nothing compared to his desire to take it from him…
The Miz made his entrance… [C] Charlotte imagery was shown… The broadcast team recapped the tornado tag match from earlier in the show…
[Hour Three] Drew McIntyre was shown calling for Kofi Kingston in the backstage area. Matt Riddle told McIntyre to calm down. McIntyre vented about Jey Uso showing up. He said he would give him a pass, but he would be watching and if he screws up, he’ll take it up with Cody Rhodes, who brought Jey to Raw.
Kingston showed up and apologized for costing McIntyre and Riddle the tornado tag match. McIntyre didn’t think it was a coincidence that Kingston took out Riddle a week after he accidentally took out Xavier Woods. McIntyre said he would keep his eyes open just in case anymore accidents happened. Kingston told Riddle to talk to his boy…
The Miz stood in the ring and said he didn’t lose, he exposed LA Knight for exactly who he is. Miz introduced John Cena as his guest for Miz TV. Cena’s music played, but he didn’t come out. Cole asked what was happening. “I can’t see him,” Cole said. Funny.
Miz acted like Cena was in the ring and spoke to an empty chair. Miz said Cena screwed him over. Miz said it felt weird. He asked the fans if they could see Cena. “You can’t see him?” Miz asked. “You can’t see John Cena? He’s sitting right here.”
Miz said he’s been able to see Cena and see right through Cena for the last 18 years. Miz said Cena was sitting in the chair and he would translate for him. Miz asked if LA Knight paid him or offered him a job during these hard times. Miz asked if Cena conspired with LA Knight. The crowd did the “yeah” bit, which Miz scolded them over.
Miz acted like Cena told him that he conspired with Knight. Miz said Knight’s victory should be thrown out. Miz acted like he was ordering Cena to leave his ring. A “tiny balls” chant broke out. Miz acted like he slapped Cena across the face. Miz took a step back like Cena returned the favor. Miz removed his jacket while a “holy shit” chant started. Miz simulated performing a Skull Crushing Finale.
Miz said there was nothing invisible or imaginary about what happened to him at WWE Payback. Miz said he challenged Knight to a one-on-one match with no special referees or surprises. Miz said the chants would end and Knight would fade away…
Powell’s POV:
A video package aired on the Gunther and Chad Gable feud… Sami Zayn made his entrance for his match against JD McDonagh… [C]
Powell’s POV: You can’t see my last POV?
Jey Uso was shown walking backstage. Akira Tozawa crossed paths with him, looked nervous, and walked away. Adam Pearce told Jey that Smackdown will be getting compensation for him and it might piss some people off. After Jey made his exit, Tommaso Ciampa asked Pearce if they could talk… JD McDonagh made his entrance…
5. Sami Zayn vs. JD McDonagh. Zayn was the early aggressor and the fans chanted his name. Barrett argued on commentary that McDonagh should be in Judgment Day given everything he’s done for them. McDonagh clotheslined Zayn over the top rope and went on the offensive. Moments later, McDonagh ran Zayn into the ring post. [C]
Late in the match, Zayn set up for his finisher, but Dominik Mysterio showed up and pulled McDonagh out of the ring. Zayn left the ring and attacked Dom at ringside. Zayn threw McDonagh back inside the ring and followed. Dom climbed on the apron and distracted Zayn, allowing McDonagh to roll him up for the three count…
JD McDonagh defeated Sami Zayn in 8:05.
After the match, Zayn attacked Dom again. Dom tried to escape the ring, but Zayn caught him. McDonagh motioned for Dom to join him from a distance. Zayn set up for his finisher, but McDonagh pulled him to the floor. McDonagh entered the ring and told Dom to leave the ring. Zayn gave McDonagh an exploder suplex in the corner. Zayn hit the Helluva Kick after Dom was shown walking toward the back…
Powell’s POV: An interesting situation. Ripley indicated that there was a plan. Dom helped McDonagh win the match, but then McDonagh left him hanging for a moment before saving him, only to have Dom leave him hanging.
Footage aired of the Becky Lynch and Tiffany Stratton verbal exchange at WWE Payback. Cole hyped Stratton vs. Kiana James for the NXT Women’s Championship for Tuesday’s NXT show…
Another batch of former Intercontinental Champions were shown… Cole hyped the main event… [C]
Powell’s POV: Have they left out any notable former IC Champions? I’m just trying to prepare myself for whatever tomorrow’s angry Twitter stupidity will be.
Dom and McDonagh joined the rest of Judgment Day. Balor said McDonagh had an impressive win and asked Priest what he thought. Priest said he did all right. Dom left the group to talk with Jey Uso, who was standing nearby. Dom said they both come from messed up families with Hall of Fame fathers.
Dom said he knows what Jey is going through. Dom said Jey comes from a broken family and now has no family. Dom said no one likes Jey, just like no one likes him. Dom said there are no leaders in Judgment Day and there would be open arms for Jey in the faction. Dom told Jey to think about it and thanked him for his time…
The following matches were announced for WWE Raw in Norfolk, Virginia: Rhea Ripley vs. Raquel Rodriguez for the Women’s World Championship with Dominik Mysterio barred from ringside, and Cody Rhodes returns to Raw (following a one-week break)…
Alpha Academy made their entrance. Chad Gable headed to the ring while Otis and Maxxine Dupri headed to the back. Gable stopped at ringside and kissed his son while Cole noted that Gable’s family was in attendance. Imperium made their entrance. Gunther headed to the ring without Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci…
6. Gunther vs. Chad Gable for the Intercontinental Championship. Samantha Irvin delivered in-ring introductions for the title match. Gunther tossed Gable to the mat to start the match. Gable avoided a chop and went to ringside. Gunther chased him. Gable returned to the ring and dropkicked Gunther off the apron twice heading into a PIP break. [C]
Gable was dominant during the break, but Gable caught him with a dragon screw leg whip and then applied a leg loc over the middle rope. Gable chop blocked the bad leg. Gunther put Gable down with a boot to the face and covered him for a two count. Gable fired up a short time later and lowered the straps on his singlet. Gunther put Gable over the top turnbuckle and chopped him. Gunther dumped Gable to the floor heading into yet another PIP break. [C]
Gable caught Gunther up top and superplexed him. Gable went right back up top and hit Gunther with a top rope headbutt for a good near fall. Gable applied the ankle lock. Gunther rolled out of it and kicked Gable away. Gable went for the Chaos Theory, but Gunther stuffed it. Gable stuffed a powerbomb attempt and then executed a back suplex.
Gable looked to the crowd and put his singlet straps up and then took them down again and performed his Chaos Theory for a great near fall. Gable’s family was shown watching. Gable went for a moonsault. Gunther put his feet up, but Gable landed on his feet.
Gable applied the ankle lock. Gunther tried to roll out of it, but Gable maintained the hold. Gunther kicked his way free and then caught Gable in a rear naked choke. A “Gable” chant broke out. Gable got back to his feet, but Gunther pulled him back down, only to have Gable bridge into a pin for a two count. Gunther performed a wicked suplex, a powerbomb, and a lariat clothesline before getting the three count.
Gunther defeated Chad Gable in 15:50 to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
They cut to a shot of Gable’s family and one of his daughters started crying. Cole said Gunther would pass Honky Tonk Man and become the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in history. They cut back to Gable’s crying daughter. A graphic for Raw Talk listed Shayna Baszler, JD McDonagh and Finn Balor, and The Viking Raiders as the guests…
Powell’s POV: Don’t cry, little Gable, your dad had a hell of a match. As much as I hate to see a little girl cry, that certainly added to the moment of Gable coming so close only to lose clean in the end. Crying aside, it was a nice touch to have Gable’s family in attendance, as it had to make some viewers wonder if he would pull off the upset.
Overall, this was a good episode and they did a great job of making Gunther breaking the record for longest Intercontinental Title reign feel special. I will have a lot more to say about the show in my weekly same night audio review for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let me know what you thought of Raw by grading the show below.
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” And let the record show that purple is always better than green and gold.” Cheap pop, Jason. Time will tell
While I certainly agree that purple is better than green and gold; for better or worse, I wish the colors had been blue and orange
Jericho,Christian,Ambrose,Jarrett,Punk..
All left out for some reason.lol
I havent been able to watch the show yet, but I’m willing to bet they forgot about Benoit too
Oh really? You’d take that bet, huh? Well, I’m willing to bet that Aaron Hernandez isn’t gonna make the pro football hall of fame. We must both be clairvoyant.
Cena’s new gear looks like something you’d get free with an 8 gallon fill up at your local Gulf station.
Purple will always be inferior to the Green and Gold. GO PACK GO!!