Simple theme this RAW In A Nutshell…there is title excitement in San Jose.
Now, that could mean many things…and it does mean at least a couple things this week.
There are title matches to be set up and hyped for Fastlane, which in case you hadn’t noticed, happens Saturday.
Then, we have a title match contract signing, and we know how much fun those can become.
This time around, the match is pitting GUNTHER against Tommaso Ciampa. Part of me cannot help but think that the Imperium numbers game sets the table for the long awaited, much desired return of The Way.
Nia Jax will probably be here, but can anyone step up and slow her down, much less stop her?
See, there is a lot to get into on this fine first Monday in October, so let’s get into it…
Title Excitement In San Jose : RAW In A Nutshell
Let’s crack open this Nutshell and find out!
Best Match of the night:
What we thought would be a Fastlane match, happened on RAW.
Whether this was pushed up because the Saturday card was getting packed, or because we weren’t getting Becky and Tegan, or for any number of reasons…it was a banger and it was a main event worthy of the spot.
I didn’t yet expect GUNTHER to lose, but the championship certainly felt more in jeopardy than some expected maybe, Even if that ending did seem a bit abrupt.
However, Gargano’s return was worth it…I think.
Worst match of the night:
On one hand, I give them credit for pivoting on short notice. However, on the other hand, WWE likely knew late on Saturday or early Sunday that RAW plans would have to change.
Meaning, instead of getting Becky Lynch versus Tegan Nox for the title, we just got Nox against Chelsea Green.
And, it could have been really good…but it was a bummer.
Crowd Chants of the Night:
The usual ones…plenty of heat for Miz and Dom.
Star of the Night
I mean, I am sure there’s more to it…but Becky using her NXT title win to get women like Indi and Tegan some shine is good.
And though she did beat Tiffany Stratton…she also had a hand in Stratton’s best match ever.
Spot of the Night:
This has to be a contender…
I feel like we will see a title change on Saturday…but it may involve a briefcase.
This was pretty epic too…
Jobber of the Night:
Chelsea Green. I mean, she’s a hit, but she is also a champion and deserves a win, no?
Upset of the Night:
Me, because just as we were witnessing Gargano and Ciampa teaming up…the show went off air.
Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:
Mami is back, and she dropped an ultimatum to Dom.
Bring back the North American Championship…or don’t come home.
Botch of the night:
Who on Earth does that to us!? DIY reunion in full effect…and….gone.
Commentary of the night:
Not a comment, but think about how crazy it is for Cole to miss but 2 shows in 26 years.
Like, yes, I am sure that some shows were recorded so he had time off…but that is insane.
As a teen, I saw Joey Styles and Jim Ross as the gold standards. It seems safe to say, Cole has passed them both…and more.
LOL Moment of the night:
Noteworthy Moment:
Should be get a heel turn for Drew…or an Austin-esque character enhancement?
Because he’s more antihero than heel. Nothing he’s saying, calling out the other faces, is wrong or bad…and it isn’t that different from Kevin Owens and his distrust of Jey Uso.
But as long as Drew tells Miz to shut up, he remains a face.
Overall lowlights:
On one hand, happy that Becky’s injury didn’t mean no Tegan at all. However…Nox and anyone could have gotten a few more minutes and done more. Especially if you are building Tegan up for a push.
Overall highlights:
She may still be in Judgement Day, but fans are warming up to her….face turn coming eventually?
Jey and Cody is new and different. But, having said that…really want to see some of the legit established tag teams get gold over mash-up teams.
Like…The Viking Raiders (once not dealing with injuries)…Pretty Deadly…the rumored-to-have-re-signed Authors Of Pain…LWO…Street Profits…you get the idea.
After the final bell:
I loved DIY in NXT. And sure, Ciampa and Gargano had some amazing battles too…but I am happy that this happened.
Hopefully we see Dexter and the gang too. Could be a Survivor Series match there.
Otherwise, really good show for a go home edition.
Rollins looks to be on thin ice, either because of Shinsuke or because of the briefcase.
NXT looks to be can’t miss, with Mami laying down a major ultimatum to Dirty Dom.
It’s going to be a good week…
