WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for October 2

Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Elias vs. Titus O’Neil (w/ Apollo Crews)

Result: Elias defeated Titus O’Neil via pinfall

Rating: 2.75 out of 5 stars

Much of this match was more centered around the beef between Elias and Crews than the actual match. Not saying I’m opposed to Elias and Crews getting more opportunities to tie up, since their match on the No Mercy Kickoff Show was pretty good. Just saying that if you’re putting two superstars in a match, let the focus be on those two. Why is that so hard for WWE to grasp?

Anyway, Elias dominates for much of the match. Titus gets a smattering of offense throughout, but his best opportunity comes at the end of the contest. Unfortunately for him, he wasn’t quite able to make it a win.

With Elias on the outside, he took a shot at Crews. Apollo was smart enough not to retaliate and get his buddy DQed. But the distraction – that Elias caused himself – was enough to give Titus an opening.

But just as quickly as that opening came, Elias closed it up. Back in the ring, he immediately regained control and hit Drift Away for the win. Meanwhile, Crews stood watch over Titus to prevent a further beatdown before Elias left the ring.

You know what? Raw could use more feuds like this. Relatively low stakes, decent enough characters, completely serviceable in-ring action. It’s better to fill three hours with stuff like this as opposed to interminable promos all the time.