WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for September 4

WWE Raw (Source: WWE.com via Twitter)

WWE Intercontinental Championship Match

The Miz (c) (w/ Maryse, Bo Dallas, & Curtis Axel) vs. Jeff Hardy (w/ Matt Hardy)

Result: The Miz defeated Jeff Hardy via pinfall to retain the Intercontinental Championship

Rating: 2.75 out of 5 stars

In the early stages of the match, it was basically a feeling out process. Nothing too crazy before the first commercial break. The Miz showed off his sense of self preservation, wisely moving out of the way so Jeff couldn’t utilize a plancha attack.

Back from the ad break, Hardy looked like he was about to mount a comeback. Jeff hit a Whisper in the Wind to incapacitate Miz. But as he climbed the top rope, Bo Dallas provided a distraction to the official so Curtis Axel could knock Jeff down. Matt evened the score, but the referee sent all three superstars back to the locker room.

With the numbers (mostly) even, Miz looked to take charge again. He made the most of the offense he stole from his NXT Rookie Daniel Bryan, with the running knee and Yes kicks.

Eventually, Jeff came back himself, fighting out of a Figure Four Leg Lock to hit Poetry in Motion outside the ring. Back inside, he went for a Swanton, but Maryse “encouraged” Miz to move out of the way. Jeff then went for a Twist of Fate, but Miz reversed it into a Skull Crushing Finale for a victory.

My big problem with this match is that at this stage of his career, Jeff Hardy should really be a tag team wrestler. It’s not that he can’t hack it as a singles wrestler, but he’s got a lot of wear and tear on his body by now. He moves a lot slower than he used to, and he seems to have less stamina than he used to – who among us doesn’t?

More Title Opportunities

Nia Jax complains to Kurt Angle about not getting her shot at the Women’s Championship. She kind of has a point, though Sasha is entitled to a rematch. Angle and Jax are interrupted by Emma, who also wants a title match. Showing wisdom beyond his years, Angle comes up with a solution. Emma and Nia will team up to face Sasha and Alexa BLiss. If Emma nad Nia win, they’re are added to the championship match at No MErcy, making it a fatal four way. If they lose, it remains a singles match. I like it!