WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for August 21

Jason Jordan vs. Finn Balor

Result: Finn Balor defeated Jason Jordan via pinfall

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

Earlier in the night, Jordan asked his proud papa for a match tonight. Angle thought he wanted The Miz after last night’s empty arena bout, but Jordan said he wanted to face Balor. Okay, sport, go get him, tiger!

Going into this one, I felt if the match got more than three minutes, it could have been insane. Jordan is supremely athletic, and Balor is no slouch in the ring. But when the match had a commercial break, and I realized how long it was going, it seemed like they were holding back a little.

Psychology wise, the first part of the match was terrific. Jordan aimed to utilize his considerable size advantage. Balor wanted to keep things quick. When Finn hit a stiff dropkick, Jordan looked for a handshake as a sign of respect. Balor’s refusal and kick to the gut had me thinking “HERE COMES BALOR’S HEEL TURN AND TEAM UP WITH GALLOWS AND ANDERSON!” But I’m stubborn and suffer from wishful thinking.

Balor’s look when Jordan rolled into the ring to avoid the penalty kick on the apron was one of sheer disbelief. It was like Finn didn’t think it was possible for someone to come up with that as an escape.

Of course, all of this didn’t matter to the crowd, who was playing with multiple beach balls, and chanting for the damn things. Jordan had the best singles match of his young career, Balor picks up another victory, and all anyone cares about is a $2.50 piece of plastic. It’s absurd, and I’d be furious if I was either competitor.