-An absolute masterclass in presentation for Penta to start this week’s episode of Raw. A lot can and should be said about WWE creative as of late, but when they want to present someone as a star, nobody in the industry does it better. Penta got the giant recap video on his match with Roman Reigns last week, an epic entrance, and promo time to put out a babyface mission statement. Then, he cleared the ring of some pesky Judgment Day heels all on his own. It’s a presentation that tells the audience the guy matters. I wouldn’t say the big rocket is strapped on his back yet, but he’s clearly part of the plan moving forward.
Perez = MITB
-An excellent women’s triple threat Money in the Bank qualifying match this week. And like, what did you expect when you have Roxanne Perez, Iyo Sky, and La Catalina in the same match. Good action and a smart finish. Perez is on my short list to win Money in the Bank this year. With the briefcase, she gives WWE a plethora of potential storylines that could position her as a heel or babyface. Lots on the table if they drive down that street.
-Ok, let’s get this on the record. Jacob Fatu is going to join The 946. Fatu pumping the brakes on The Usos going after revenge on Royce Keys continues to feel odd to me. Something is afoot. You heard it here first.
-I don’t know that LA Knight can really cut a bad promo these days because of how over he is, but this was one of his worst in a while. Knight just kinda said the same thing over and over again and all of it was stuff we’ve heard from him before regarding Roman Reigns. Knight played the “Reigns hasn’t beat him by himself” card, so we know where this is going. Reigns will finally do just that and Knight will continue running the show at the upper part of the mid-card.
-Get used to really good Bron Breakker vs. Je’Von Evans matches. Mark my words, that will be a PLE main event at some point in the next three years. These guys both worked really hard and while there wasn’t a payoff in terms of a winner, the action set a good enough hook to want to see more. Evans and Breakker are the perfect opposites for one another. Evans the fighting underdog and Breakker the brutish bully. A very good match and they showed that with limited time this week.
Selling matters
-Oba Femi and Je’Von Evans vs. Bronson Reed and Bron Breakker is a Raw TV match to make right away. The table was set this week when Femi made the save for Evans. As usual, Femi looked like the biggest star on the show. Hat tip to Breakker and Reed for selling their asses off. They both bumped like maniacs for Femi and the segment popped because of it.
-Well, we’re finally there. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Liv Morgan vs. Becky Lynch in a triple threat match for the WWE Women’s World Heavyweight Championship. This has been in the works for weeks and it appears that’s the match if Adam Pearce agrees to Vaquer’s suggested title defense. The promo segment with the three women was fine, but nothing special. It’s bizarre to say, but Lynch feels like the odd-woman out right now and the third wheel. The story is mainly about Vaquer and Morgan. That’s a feud that will still feel unsettled even after this triple threat plays out.
-Lyra Valkyria defeated Bayley … fine. The match was ok, but they left third gear and fourth gear out there for whenever they have a blowoff match. Valkyria is better suited for this heel role than she was the babyface slot she occupied. Bayley needs to bring a little more fire to the dance. She has talked a big game about going to where she needs to go, but you don’t see it from her. She’s got to walk the walk.
An eye roll abduction
-An abudction angle? Really? I’ve been a fan of the 946 presentation because it’s got an entirely different look, feel, and vibe to it. The line gets drawn at kidnapping. Cops should be involved here … it’s too ridiculous.
-That being said, Solo Sikoa getting kidnapped by 946 opened the door for Penta to get in the Money in the Bank qualifying match. Then he won. A smart call. Ride the hot hand. Penta in the match will help generate audience investment. Like Perez, I’d put him on a short list to win the briefcase.
-Penta opening the show and then closing the show isn’t a detail to gloss over. He’s got momentum right now and WWE needs to continue feeding it.
What was your favorite part of this week’s episode of WWE Raw? Let us know in the comments!
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Penta bookending the show is WWE telling me without telling me that he's a main event player and is being treated as such. La Catalina working Raw after many years is a pretty big deal if you know her history. Roxy going over was the right move and I DO NOT WANT Liv to win the title again to justify Roxy cashing in her briefcase if she wins it.
The genie isn't going back into the bottle. I'd rather see Liv manipulating Roxy to hand her the briefcase only for her to turn around and say "No...you didn't earn this. I did". I want Roxy to go babyface so badly. Glad there wasn't any Judgment Day fuckery in the 3-way dance.
Jacob Fatu joining 946 would be a helluva twist.
Roxanne cash in on either Vaquer or Morgan works.