By Jason Powell, ProWrestling.net Editor (@prowrestlingnet)
WWE Raw (Episode 1,636)
Evansville, Indiana at Ford Center
Aired live September 30, 2024 on USA Network
[Hour One] Footage aired of fans waiting outside the venue to enter while Joe Tessitore checked in on commentary. CM Punk was shown walking backstage. A shot aired of Drew McIntyre arriving at the building. Braun Strowman was shown entering the building with a dog on a leash. Bronson Reed was shown exiting an elevator.
Tessitore and Wade Barrett stood in the ring. Barrett told the fans to enjoy the arena as it is because it would not be the same after the Last Monster Standing match. Barrett welcomed fans to Raw. Tessitore set up a video package that recapped Jey Uso beating Bron Breakker to win the Intercontinental Championship on last week’s Raw…
Jey Uso was shown walking with fans behind him in the concourse. Jey called for his music to play while standing with his son. Jey kissed the top of his son’s head and then made his entrance through the crowd.
Jey had a lengthy celebration and the fans chanted “you deserve it” once he was in the ring. Jey said he would fight every week for his title and would fight anyone who wants it. Jey told the fans he appreciated and loved them. He thanked them for having his back through all the years.
Jey said it was special for him to walk to the ring with his first singles championship with his son behind him. He recalled being just a twin and how people didn’t know him, but he said they know him now. Jey said his biggest fan is his mother. Jey said he spoke to her and she told him to go out and get it. “I got it and Mama we did it,” Jey said.
Bron Breakker’s entrance music interrupted Jey. Breakker came out and joined Jey inside the ring. Breakker said he wasn’t there to spoil the fun or crash the party. Breakker said he was there because of the respect he has for the championship. Breakker said the lineage of the title goes back a long way.
Breakker said that after battling with Jey last week, he has the same amount of respect for him. Breakker said Jey was the better man last Monday. Breakker said he wouldn’t spear Jey or attack him. Breakker said he felt he should be the first person to come out as a competitor and colleague to congratulate Jey.
Breakker offered a handshake. Jey apprehensively accepted the handshake. As Breakker was leaving, Jey said his name and then approached him. “There’s some dogs in Indiana, Uce,” Jey said with a smile. Breakker smiled back and then exited the ring…
Powell’s POV: A nice segment. There’s no telling whether Breakker is setting up Jey for a fall, but Jey’s celebration was cool and his exchange with Breakker was unexpectedly respectful and enjoyable.
Highlights aired of the backstage argument between Rey Mysterio and Xavier Woods that set up their match. Mysterio made his entrance and was introduced by ring announcer Samantha Irvin heading into a commercial break… [C]
Tessitore noted that Raw will be reverting to two hours next week and will start at the usual time…
Footage aired from earlier in the day of Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan hanging out by the lowrider. Dom got a phone call (he must not be a Verizon customer) from Finn Balor, who told him that he was having travel issues. Balor said Dom could tell Morgan that the business is taken care of. JD McDonagh and Carlito showed up and they all walked away from the lowrider…
Tessitore read an add for the “Lucha Lowrider” toy while a graphic was shown… Xavier Woods made his entrance…
1. Rey Mysterio vs. Xavier Woods. A graphic listed the broadcast team (the usual five members). Rey performed a head-scissors takedown and then threw a clunky kick that hit more ropes than Woods. Rey followed up with a seated senton on the floor heading into a break just over a minute into the match. [C]
Rey hit an Asai Moonsault on Woods and then rolled him back inside the ring. Rey went up top and hit another seated senton, then hit a springboard crossbody block for a two count. Woods avoided a 619 and then
Woods rolled up Rey and pinned him. Woods hoisted up Rey and the idea was that Rey slip behind him, but Woods fell down. When they stood up, Woods pulled Rey’s mask off. Woods looked horrified for a moment and then rolled up Rey and pinned him.
Xavier Woods defeated Rey Mysterio in 8:00.
Powell’s POV: There were a couple of clunky spots in the match, but I liked the finish and how it works for what they’ve been doing with Woods. Tessitore conveyed a good amount of shock over the mask coming off, and Barrett was in heel mode by defending Woods.
Backstage, Lyra Valkyria was in her locker room when she was approached by Sonya Deville and Shayna Baszler. Deville mentioned Valkyria had a tough match with Zoey Stark and would be out there all alone. Deville said she wouldn’t be alone because both she and Baszler would be there… [C]
A brief video with a stone and a fire symbol were shown (the symbol was shown previously)…
Backstage, Kofi Kingston asked Xavier Woods if he intentionally removed Rey’s mask. Woods got defensive and said he would never do that. Kingston said Jey Uso offered him an Intercontinental Title shot. Woods said he’d be by Kingston’s side while he climbs the mountain again. Kingston said he actually told Jey that Woods deserves the match and Jey agreed. Woods went from mopey to happy and said he wanted to be in Kingston’s corner for his match later in the show. Karrion Kross could be seen in the background for a portion of this exchange…
2. Zoey Stark (w/Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler) vs. Lyra Valkyria. Both entrances were televised. Valkyria was on the offensive heading into an early break. [C] Valkyria rolled Stark and had her pinned, but the referee was distracted by Baszler. Deville hit Valkyria with a knee strike on the apron. Stark followed up with Z360 and scored the pin.
Zoey Stark defeated Lyra Valkyria in 7:15.
After the match, Kayden Carter and Katana Chance ran out and helped Valkyria. Carter and Chance hit their Keg Stand finisher on Deville and Baszler…
Powell’s POV: So Carter and Chance could have been in Valkyria’s corner, but they waited until she lost the match to save her. Thanks? And what’s the point of putting heat on the heels just to erase it seconds later? Let me guess, a six-woman tag match is coming soon?
The Godzilla vs. King Kong style video package for Bronson Reed vs. Braun Strowman aired…
Backstage, Adam Pearce was lecturing security guards about containing CM Punk and Drew McIntyre. Punk walked by dressed in white and looked moody…
An ad for Friday’s Smackdown hyped the return of AJ Styles, and the Triple Threat ladder match for the WWE Tag Team Titles… [C]
Highlights aired of the NXT car performing in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Ethan Page and Kelani Jordan were also shown at the race holding up their title belts…
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviewed Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter, and Katana Chance. Carter, who wore a face shield, said the Pure Fusion Collective broke her face. Chance said the days of her, Carter, and Valkyria being known as the nice guys were finished and they would be going after the tag titles. Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn showed up and bickered with the babyfaces…
The Hell in a Cell was lowered around the ring while the cage lowering music played. Adam Pearce stood inside the ring with security guards.
[Hour Two] Pearce said part of his responsibilities are the delivering of main events and special attractions. Pearce said he plans to deliver one hell of a special attraction at Bad Blood. Pearce said the war between CM Punk and Drew McIntyre would be over after HIAC. Pearce said they needed to get through the night. He said there would be no physicality between Punk and McIntyre tonight, which drew boos from the crowd.
CM Punk was introduced and made his entrance. Punk checked out the HIAC structure. Pearce introduced Drew McIntyre, who made his entrance dressed in a black suit and joined them inside the HIAC structure. Pearce asked the wrestlers if they had any final words before HIAC.
McIntyre said he would go first. Security guards stood in the middle of the ring between the two wrestlers. McIntyre said he wore black out of respect for Punk’s wife because she will need to feed and bathe Punk, and will probably leave him after HIAC. McIntyre said Punk wouldn’t come back this time.
Punk glared at McIntyre, who said he could talk all day if Punk didn’t want to speak. McIntyre took issue with fans chanting Punk’s name, which led to a brief Punk chant. McIntyre said Punk taught him how to hate. McIntyre said it’s a powerful weapon if you use it correctly, but it’s dangerous if it stays with you long term. McIntyre said the hate will die with Punk at Bad Blood. McIntyre exited the ring, but stopped on the apron when Punk raised his microphone.
Punk said people have called him Best in the World, Second City Saint, and Voice of the Voiceless. He said he was voiceless tonight because he has noting to say to a piece of garbage like McIntyre. Punk said he is filled with so much rage that he can’t go home. Punk said he’s been living in a hotel for four weeks because he can’t subject his wife to the man that McIntyre turned him into.
Punk said McIntyre turned him into the boogeyman that his harshest critics made him out to be and that’s who he needs to be to send McIntyre back to Scotland in a box. Punk said he wants McIntyre to remember that he prayed for all of this when they are locked in HIAC and Punk has taken everything from him.
Punk said McIntyre will crawl and beg and then see him once he wipes the blood from his eyes. Punk said it’s not a god or the devil that McIntyre will pray to, he’ll be praying to CM Punk. Punk said he would see McIntyre in hell. Punk tossed the mic…
Powell’s POV: Obviously, I was mistaken earlier about McIntyre’s instructions to security being about Reed and Strowman, but I changed it above to avoid further confusion. This was a good final segment with both men showing good intensity. They’ve found the right tone for the HIAC match and have really played it up as a feud ending match and a potential career ending match. It will be interesting to see if the loser disappears for a bit to sell the danger of the match.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviewed Braun Strowman, who said he was not nervous and would remind the world why he is the Monster of all Monsters. The Miz tried to speak to Strowman, but R-Truth interrupted them. Strowman said he didn’t expect to see Truth because he was hit with five Tsunamis. Truth said he didn’t remember that. Miz questioned why Truth didn’t tell him he was coming. Truth said he didn’t know. Truth informed Miz that he got them a match against AI. Miz figured out that Truth was referring to AOP…
The Judgment Day minus Finn Balor made their entrance for a six-man tag match… [C]
A shot aired of Lucas Oil Stadium while Tessitore hyped the venue hosting the Royal Rumble in January and the upcoming ticket release date… Tessitore hyped Cody Rhodes appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday at 11CT/12ET on ESPN…
Backstage, Cathy Kelley asked Sami Zayn what he thinks it will take to get a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Zayn took issue with the disrespect that Gunther has shown him. Zayn said you’d think it wouldn’t bother him by now, but it does. Someone was standing in the background, it it was tough to make out the identity of the person. Zayn said he wouldn’t quit until he gets his title shot…
Tessitore mentioned that there is toilet paper with Dominik Mysterio’s face on it that can be purchased on the WWE website. The broadcast team hyped Finn Balor vs. Damian Priest, and Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley for the Women’s World Championship with Dominik Mysterio in as shark cage… The LWO members made their entrance…
3. Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, and Carlito (w/Liv Morgan) vs. Dragon Lee, Joaquin Wilde, and Cruz Del Toro. Del Toro hit a top rope crossbody block on McDonagh during the opening minute. Wilde tagged in. The babyfaces hit rope dives on the heels with Wilde capping it off with a 450 splash on Carlito for a near fall. [C]
The babyfaces hit dives from the ring onto the heels at ringside. Morgan distracted the referee while Wilde went up top. Finn Balor showed up and shoved Wilde down. McDonagh hit Wilde with The Devil Inside and scored the pin.
Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, and Carlito beat Dragon Lee, Joaquin Wilde, and Cruz Del Toro in 8:30.
Balor joined the other Judgment Day members in the ring for the post match celebration… [C]
Powell’s POV: The crowd was quiet during the babyface entrance and once the match started, but the flashy dives woke them up and had them popping by the end. I wasn’t crazy about seeing a 450 splash result in a throwaway pre-commercial near fall, but it was fun otherwise. Tessitore does a nice job of expressing outrage when the heels cheat to win.
One of several NXT on The CW commercials aired coming out of the break…
The Judgment Day members were still in the ring and had a group chat amongst themselves for a moment. Balor said he heard Damian Priest state last week that he intended to rip out his heart. Balor said he doesn’t have a heart. Balor said he will prove that Judgment Day never needed Priest.
Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan said she would prove that she is a home wrecking, man stealing, heartbreaking, title taking, greatest women’s champion of all-time. Morgan was interrupted by entrance music.
Rhea Ripley walked onto the stage. Ripley said she was with Dom for a long time and knows about all of his dirty little secrets. Ripley asked the crew to bring out the shark cage for dramatic effect. The shark cage was wheeled out next to Ripley, who said Dom is extremely claustrophobic. Ripley said Dom would have the best seat in the house to watch his girlfriend realize that she’s just not as good as her.
Damian Priest showed up in the ring and tossed Carlito to the floor and then knocked McDonagh down. Balor stepped up while Dom and Morgan headed to ringside. Priest got the better of Balor. Ripley headbutted Morgan and then tossed Dom into the barricade. Priest turned McDonagh inside out with a clothesline.
Ripley took Dom to the stage and ran him into the shark cage twice. Morgan went after Ripley and stopped when Ripley saw her coming. Ripley scared Morgan, who headed to the back. Ripley opened the shark cage door and tossed Dom inside. Morgan returned and attacked Ripley from behind. Ripley and Morgan fought on the stage.
In the ring, Priest set up McDonagh for a chokeslam, but Balor cut him off. Balor, McDonagh, and Carlito ganged up on Priest while Dom returned to the ring. Balor dropkicked Priest in the corner and then hit him with his Coup de Grace finisher three times. The male Judgment Day members stood over Priest…
Powell’s POV: A good heat generating segment for Balor. They also introduced the idea of Dom being claustrophobic heading into his stay in the shark cage.
Sheamus was featured in a video package promo. Sheamus called for one final banger with Pete Dunne in the form of a Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook match…
“American Made” Chad Gable, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, and Ivy Nile made their entrance for Gable’s match against Kofi Kingston.
The broadcast team was shown at their desk while acknowledging the death of baseball great Pete Rose at age 83. Tessitore mentioned Rose’s involvement in WWE and that he’s a WWE Hall of Famer… [C]
Powell’s POV: As I tweeted earlier, Kane is finally safe. RIP Pete Rose.
A video promo package aired featuring Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane. They spoke about winning their match last week and challenged Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles. Sky said Damage CTRL hasn’t been the same and the only way it can be is to regain the titles. She said she is living rent free in Belair’s head…
Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods made their entrance…
4. Chad Gable (w/Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, Ivy Nile) vs. Kofi Kingston (w/Xavier Woods). Gable, who had a small cut on his forehead, was dropkicked and splashed for a two count. Gable rolled to the floor. Kingston went for a suicide dive, but Gable punched him from ringside and then hit him with a German Suplex on the floor. [C]
Gable went for Chaos Theory, but Kingston countered into a pin for a two count. Gable reversed it for a two count of his own.
[Hour Three] They traded more near falls and eventually Gable impressively bridged to his feet. Gable hoisted up Kingston his shoulder and slammed him face first to the mat before covering him for another two count.
Kingston caught a charging Gable with a kick. Kingston went for a top rope move, but Gable caught him in the ankle lock when he landed. Kingston rolled Gable into a pin for another two count. Kingston went for Trouble in Paradise, but Gable caught him in the ankle lock again. Kingston came right back with SOS and had the pin until Gable grabbed the bottom rope.
Gable rolled to the floor. Kingston followed and dove onto Gable and the Creeds from the ring steps. Kingston rolled Gable back inside the ring and ducked a swing from Julius, who was then tackled by Woods. Back in the ring, Kingston shot Gable into the ropes and went for Trouble in Paradise while Nile distracted the referee. Woods tripped Gable, causing Kingston to crash and burn. Gable hit Chaos Theory and scored the pin.
Chad Gable beat Kofi Kingston in 9:35.
Woods acted horrified that tripping Gable backfired and then tried to explain himself to Kingston…
Powell’s POV: Another fine finish that plays into the question of whether Woods’s antics are intentional or accidental.
The broadcast team narrated footage of Seth Rollins appearing in Baltimore for the Ravens vs. Bills game on Sunday night. They also showed footage of Sheamus appearing at the Notre Dame win over Louisville, and Pat McAfee, Drew McIntyre, and Liv Morgan at the Indianapolis Colts game…
Backstage, Bronson Reed was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Reed congratulated Rollins and said he hopes he’s coming back after he took months off his career. Reed said he’ll take years off his life. Reed apologized to Strowman for exposing him and said he would be the last monster standing…
A smirking Gunther walked by Adam Pearce, who was giving instructions to referees and security…
A Wyatt Sicks video aired. A computer screen listed “We See Your Intent” and “Anger Festering Into Rage” and “Do Not Go Down This Path” and “It Ends In Your Demise” and “You Know Better” along with “Heed Our Admonition”… [C]
World Heavyweight Champion Gunther made his entrance in non-wrestling attire.
Footage aired of Gunther working over Ilja Dragunov during a match on Saturday in Columbus, Georgia. Tessitore said Dragunov likely has a torn ACL and would miss six to nine months if that’s the case.
In the ring, Gunther complained about Sami Zayn being an annoyance. Sami Zayn made his entrance in non-wrestling attire. Zayn spoke as he walked to the ring and said that if Gunther is so annoyed, there’s an easy way for him to put an end to it once and for all. Zayn entered the ring and said all Gunther has to do is put his title on the line against him.
Zayn said Gunther won’t do it and they both know why. Zayn told Gunther to admit why he won’t do it. Gunther said Zayn isn’t on his level. Zayn asked him to explain why he beat him at WrestleMania. Zayn said Gunther thinks he’s better than him and that’s why it drives him crazy. Zayn accused Gunther of being afraid that it will happen again.
Gunther said he’s afraid, but it’s not of Zayn. Gunther said he’s afraid for his reputation. He said losing to a better man wouldn’t have been a problem, but losing the Intercontinental Title to Zayn was the biggest embarrassment of his career.
Gunther said he also flew his family in for their WrestleMania match, but he didn’t parade them around like Zayn did. Gunther said he had to look his father in the eye afterward. Gunther said his father said he came all the way from Vienna to Philadelphia just to see him lose to a bum in Zayn.
Gunther said his family expects everything from him because he’s the golden goose and he’s special. Gunther said he’s something Zayn will never be, the World Heavyweight Champion. Zayn said his family has watched him lose, but he picks himself up and he keeps moving forward.
Zayn said Gunther crumbled when he lost in front of his family. He said Gunther never asked for a rematch and disappeared from WWE television for months. Zayn said it was all because Gunther’s father made him feel like a loser. Zayn said Gunther was shown him now that he’s also a coward.
Gunther clotheslined Zayn and kicked him. Gunther removed his jacket. Zayn blocked a punch and hit an exploder suplex. Zayn went for a Helluva Kick but Gunther caught him in a sleeper. Gunther released the hold and then powerbombed Zayn. Gunther picked up the mic and told Zayn that he has his match…
Powell’s POV: They saved the best exchange between Gunther and Zayn for last. that was really well done, but they did not mention when the match will take place. On a side note, that’s disappointing news regarding Dragunov. Here’s wishing him the best in his recovery.
The broadcast team commented on various fan signs that were held up during the show…
The Miz and R-Truth rapped their way to the ring… [C] A portion of The Final Testament’s entrance aired while the broadcast team plugged a fast food chain…
5. “Awesome Truth” The Miz and R-Truth vs. “AOP” Akam and Rezar (w/Karrion Kross, Scarlett, and Paul Ellering). Truth was roughed up and made a hot tag. The Miz fired up and then turned around and booted Truth in the head. The Miz left the ring and tore off his Awesome Truth t-shirt. AOP hit their What A Rush finisher on Truth and then Rezar pinned him…
“AOP” Akam and Rezar defeated “Awesome Truth” The Miz and R-Truth in 3:00.
Powell’s POV: Be honest, can you really blame The Miz? By the way, the babyfaces have gone 0-5 in matches tonight.
The broadcast team ran through the Bad Blood lineup. They did not add Gunther vs. Zayn to the card… A tale of the tape was shown for the main event… [C]
Backstage, Gunther spoke with Cathy Kelley and conceded that he let Zayn get to him. Bron Breakker showed up and eyed Gunther’s title belt and told him that he’d see him sooner than he thinks…
The following matches were listed for next week’s Raw in St. Louis: Gunther vs. Sami Zayn for the World Heavyweight Championship, Sheamus vs. Pete Dunne in a Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook match, and Jey Uso vs. Xavier Woods for the Intercontinental Championship…
Powell’s POV: That’s a big main television main event. I wouldn’t object if they gave Gunther and Zayn the majority of one of the two hours of next week’s Raw.
Entrances for the main event took place…
6. Bronson Reed vs. Braun Strowman. Tessitore noted that Strowman is 4-0 in Last Man Standing matches. Strowman clotheslined Reed and then the bell rang to start the match. The wrestlers ended up at ringside where Strowman battered Reed with the top piece of the ring steps. Strowman chokeslammed Reed through the broadcast table. Reed got to his feet at the referee’s six count. [C]
The wrestlers fought to the stage area. Reed performed a Death Valley Driver off a production crate that led to both men crashing through two tables. Both men beat the referee’s count. Strowman shoved Reed over the barricade and back to ringside. [C]
Reed shoulder blocked Strowman through the flimsy barricade in front of the timekeepers area. Once Strowman beat the count, Reed speared him through the back wall of the timekeepers area. Adam Pearce, referees, security, and producers ran out and checked on the fans in the area.
Reed went up top and hit a Tsunami. The referee was still at ringside. Reed hit another Tsunami. Reed went to ringside and tossed the referee to the ground. Pearce got in the face of Reed, who grabbed him by his jacket. Security ran over and waited while Strowman set up on the top rope and then dove onto all of them below.
Both men got up. Strowman rolled Reed back inside the ring and went up top. Reed launched a chair at Strowman that appeared to hit his shoulder. Reed superplexed Strowman. The referee counted.
Seth Rollins ran out and stomped Reed’s head onto a piece of the ring steps that were in the collapsed ring. Strowman got to his feet before the ten count and was named the winner. Strowman fell over again. Rollins was jawing at the fallen Reed to end the show…
Braun Strowman defeated Bronson Reed in 19:15 in a Last Monster Standing match.
Powell’s POV: I expected more fanfare for the Seth Rollins return, but that actually worked out nicely. Braun Strowman got a surprise win, and the loss did zero damage to Bronson Reed. And the live crowd actually got to see one babyface go over tonight! This was an over the top spectacle and a lot of fun. The company cleared out most of that area behind the timekeeper. There were some fans near the collapsed barricade who looked a little distraught, so hopefully they were plants.
Overall, an enjoyable three-hour show, though I won’t miss the third hour over the next three months. The best segment actually set up next week’s World Heavyweight Championship as opposed to something related to Saturday’s Bad Blood, but the Punk and McIntyre segment was also strong. I will be back shortly with my weekly same night audio review of Raw for Dot Net Members (including our Patreon patrons). Let me know what you thought of Raw by grading the show below.
Join me on Saturday for my live review of WWE Bad Blood.
Was that Alexa Bliss at the end of the Wyatt video?