By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Raw Hits
The Bloodline and The 946 set up their WarGames match: Anyone complaining that this was too easy to see coming really needs to go back and look at the way most of the modern WarGames matches were set up. Whereas most feel thrown together at the last minute despite being calendar events, WWE actually told a long story that included the formation of the 946 faction and their beef with the Bloodline. Yes, it felt predictable, which can’t be avoided as long as WWE insists upon making this a calendar event. But it was also predictable because they told a good story and this was the logical direction. That’s not a negative. Anyway, Jacob Fatu’s return went well. And it was good to see that Cruz Montana was the person who slowed down Reigns rather than just being manhandled by him. They have a good thing going. They better not blow it by having Roman ruin the 946 like John Cena ruined the Nexus.
Cody Rhodes and Rey Mysterio: A solid segment to establish Cody as the captain for Team USA, while Rey will captain Team Mexico. Wade Barrett channeling Bobby Heenan by asking, “But which side is he on?” regarding Dominik Mysterio’s possible involvement in the match was hilarious. CM Punk joining Team USA was a good move, and I also like the idea of having the new World Tag Team Champions Penta and Je’Von Evans on opposite sides. It will be interesting to see how they fill out the rest of Team Mexico and whether it measures up to Team USA in terms of star power.
Iyo Sky and Becky Lynch vs. Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez: I could have done without Lynch being advertised as a mystery partner. Lynch is great, but it hasn’t been that long since her last appearance, and this likely led some fans to hope that Rhea Ripley was finally returning. But the actual match was entertaining, and Lynch cut a quality post-match promo on Liv Morgan to set up their Women’s World Championship match for Survivor Series.
Ethan Page’s first appearance as the new Intercontinental Champion: Page walking to the ring with four attractive women was an attention-grabbing moment. I doubt the ladies will become a regular part of Page’s act, but hopefully he’ll still dress like a star, because it helped him stand out. The segment quickly settled into a standard routine of a new champion being confronted by multiple challengers to set up a No. 1 contender’s match.
Rey Fenix vs. Chad Gable vs. Big Cass in a Triple Threat to become No. 1 contender to the Intercontinental Title: A good three-way match with Fenix going over to earn the title shot. I wasn’t crazy about the 946 attacking all three wrestlers afterward. I may feel differently if Fenix, Gable, and Cass actually attempt to avenge the beatdown. Perhaps Fenix and Gable will, but seeing is believing on fellow heel Cass.
Oba Femi vs. Bron Breakker: A soft Hit. I came away with mixed feelings about giving this match away on television without advertising it in advance. First off, the advertising for this show in general was suspect, as they didn’t bother to announce anything until mid-afternoon. I get that they don’t advertise some matches if they have weak finishes planned, but that doesn’t stop them from advertising most television main events with unsatisfying endings. Ultimately, the match landed in the Hit section because it left me wanting more, unlike their first match on Sunday Night’s Main Event.
WWE Raw Misses
Bayley vs. Michin: A minor Miss for a well-worked match that felt like it went a bit longer than necessary. The post-match angle with Jade Cargill’s crew joining forces with Fatal Influence felt way too convenient. While the company earned praise for taking the time to tell a story that set up the men’s WarGames match, the apparent women’s version feels thrown together. It seems like WWE and AEW feel obligated to have men’s and women’s WarGames and Blood & Guts matches, yet can’t actually be bothered to tell good stories that build to the women’s matches.
The Judgment Day: Do something with this faction or put it to rest. They’ve teased that Liv Morgan had major tension with Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez at times, but nothing came of it. Dom was the hottest heel in the company, and now he’s joined JD McDonagh as borderline jobber fodder. Fans were clearly hungry for a change when many rooted for Perez to win the Money in the Bank match, but she lost the match and went right back to the same henchwoman role she’s played for far too long. Rodriguez is the Women’s Intercontinental Champion, but it’s hard to take her seriously when her only televised title defense came back in August. Does this faction exist only because of the company’s fondness for lazy interference and distraction finishes?
(Jason Powell, founder and editor of ProWrestling.net, has covered pro wrestling full-time since 1997. He hosts the weekly podcast, Pro Wrestling Boom, and appears regularly on the Wade Keller Pro Wrestling Podcast. Reach him via email at dotnetjason@gmail.com and on social media via @prowrestlingnet.bsky.social or x.com/prowrestlingnet. For his full bio and information on this website, click here.)
