WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for October 23

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Kane vs. Finn Balor

Result: Kane defeated Finn Balor via pinfall

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

This is exactly the kind of match Balor needs to follow up with his instant classic at TLC against AJ Styles. Balor has been kind of treading water for months, ever since he returned from injury in April. Lest we forget, Balor was the inaugural Universal Champion. By showing his intestinal fortitude and accepting Kane’s challenge, Finn could be trying to leapfrog himself back to world championship contention.

(Let’s not pretend that this isn’t an upgrade from the Balor-Wyatt rivalry, either.)

Balor got off to a quick start, but Kane quickly used his power to slow down the smaller challenger. It may seem strange for me to say this, but seeing Balor get overpowered is a great way to build Finn up. Wait, what? It will lead to him needing to find a way to power up to get retribution – whether Demon, or possibly finding some allies, who knows?

For what this was, it was excellent. Kane did enough to really put a hurting on Balor, but Balor got enough offense in to show that he can possibly maybe hang with much larger opponents. When Finn started his comeback, I really thought he may have a chance to pull this one out, but clearly Kane is the focal point here (boy, is that weird to write in 2017) to lead to the Strowman blowoff.

I wish Kane would have used the chokeslam from the top rope as a finish, but I guess three regular old chokeslams are good enough. And before anyone goes too crazy, FINN BALOR IS NOT GETTING BURIED, FOLKS.

Shane McMahon Stops By

Man, Shane-O-Mac looks AWFUL. Maybe he’ll stop jumping off really tall things, because he’s a broken, beaten man.

He and Angle discuss the upcoming Survivor Series matches, with both (predictably) stating their teams would reign supreme. And Angle tries to steal Styles to Raw but Shane ain’t buying. Nice try, Kurt.