Welcome to the WWE Raw Review for September 17, 2018. For both this and Smackdown, I will go over what the big talking points were, pick the match of the night, and look ahead to the next show.
Three
Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns had unfinished business after the ending of Hell in A Cell. The two wanted to go right right at the beginning of Raw, but Baron Corbin stopped the rematch from happening. He announced that at a new event in Saudi Arabia, Crown Jewel, Reign would defend against Strowman and Brock Lesnar. No one was happy about this, but Paul Heyman came out to say that WWE lost something when Lesnar lost the title. Paul had to make a quick exit as Strowman marched after him. Lesnar is not done with the WWE yet and will he make more appearances before his title match?
Broken Soul
The Undertaker came out to give his thoughts about Triple H after last week. Speaking in one of his old school promos, Taker talked about how Triple H has lost something when he became an executive. He knew that Shawn Michaels would be in his corner, but the Deadman had a surprise of his own. Kane would be coming to Melbourne to stand with his brother. Some people didn’t quite get this promo, but this was when the Undertaker spoke about Hell and mystical forces. Truly great stuff.
The Women
The women had a pretty strong presence all night. Bayley took on Dana Brooke with Sasha in her corner. Rhonda Rousey issues a open challenge, and it looked like the Riott Squad would answer until help came from the Bella Twins. Ember Moon made a return to her hometown, along with Nia Jax. Just a good showing from the women’s division as we continue to build toward Evolution.
Match of the Night
Dean Ambrose vs. Drew McIntyre (McIntyre wins by pinfall)
The two men who were on the cell last night but did not go through tables was the first and best of the night. Drew McIntyre is just something special, the way he moves and the way he sells things. Dean Ambrose has become a completely different wrestler, doing power moves into submission moves. These two were on fire and the six men tag in Australia could be match of the year.
Conclusion
The Authors of Pain beat some local talent. Bayley beat Dana. Nia Jax and Ember Moon beat Mickie James and Alicia Fox. Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley are a thing now. Seth Rollins beat Dolph Ziggler.
