WWE Raw Results, Grades: Keith Lee, Drew McIntyre thwarted once more

Randy Orton makes his presence known against the WWE Champion.

With Clash of Champions: Gold Rush on the horizon, rivals stake their claims while others finally get a chance to settle the score on WWE Raw. Retribution has their first official contest against the Hurt Business.

Seth Rollins and Murphy Vs. Andrade and Angel Garza Vs. Dominik Mysterio and Humberto Carrillo

Grade: B

The first match of the evening featured some of Raw’s most prominent stars in competition for a Raw Tag Team Championship shot. Humberto Carrillo and Buddy Murphy started the contest in a test of technical dominance, only for the pace to pick up once Andrade entered the fray. El Idolo continued to hold his own against the combined efforts of Carrillo, Murphy, and Dominik for the duration.

In the climax of the contest, Murphy was abandoned by Seth Rollins, allowing Angel Garza to hit the Wingclipper for the pinfall.

This match was Andrade and Angel Garza’s for the taking, using their incredible abilities to withstand their dangerous opposition. Despite some disagreements in the past, they must maintain a strong focus on the tag gold.

Drew McIntyre Vs. Keith Lee

Grade: C

Next up was WWE Champion Drew McIntyre battling the “Limitless” Keith Lee with Clash of Champions implications. McIntyre’s failed Claymore attempt led to Lee locking up the champion in the early moments, only for the momentum to shift in an instant. Drew eventually hit a devastating slam on the announcer’s table, helping him to dominate most of the contest.

Towards the conclusion, Randy Orton hit Drew McIntyre with a steel chair to force a disqualification. He would then punt Keith Lee in a display of dominance.

Keith Lee and Drew McIntyre kept a methodical pace during the contest, with both unable to gain a proper advantage due to their preexisting injuries. A chance to settle their differences was halted by the vicious interference of the Viper.

Zelina Vega Vs. Mickie James

Grade: B

Zelina Vega locked up with Mickie James with a Raw Women’s Championship match hanging in the balance. Vega immediately went after James with turnbuckle shots, only for James to briefly assume control with her own series of moves. She would continue to show her strength until Mickie unleashed a significant rally.

Towards the conclusion, a failed high flying maneuver allowed Zelina to hit the Backstabber for the win.

Zelina proved to be extremely determined in this encounter, keeping Mickie James on edge with submissions and quick moves. She will face her first true test in the form of Asuka this Sunday.

Cedric Alexander Vs. Apollo Crews

Grade: B

Apollo Crews blindsided Cedric in the early moments, leading MVP to interrupt on his ally’s behalf. Alexander gained the advantage not too long after by placing his opponent in constricting holds. A misstep allowed Crews to utilize a significant momentum boost, although this would not last long.

In the climax of the match, Apollo took advantage of some ringside confusion to rollup Alexander for the win.

Cedric Alexander looked to decimate his former ally with some technical maneuvers, yet was unable to answer for Crews’ tremendous offense. The war between the two seems to be far from over as the Hurt Business makes their mark on the Raw brand.

Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler Vs. Natalya and Lana

Grade: C

The Women’s Tag Team Champions sought to put an end to Natalya and Lana’s interference. Natalya began the match facing Nia, only to instantly tag Lana. Jax then manhandled her adversary, later allowing Shayna to utilize the Kirifuda Clutch for the victory.

A short match between the harsh rivals was quickly overshadowed by Nia’s tremendous Samoan Drop on the announcer’s table. Nia and Shayna’s chemistry as a team will continue to be put into question this Sunday.

Asuka Vs. Peyton Royce

Grade: B

Asuka began the match with a quick and devastating assault on Royce, only for her to gain substantial offense in the latter moments. The two then maintained a fluid pace as the match continued. Peyton would even keep the champ on her guard in a surprising show of determination and grace.

In the closing moments, Asuka’s attempt to utilize the Asuka Lock was halted as Zelina Vega made a sudden interference.

Peyton Royce held her own against the devastating Raw Women’s Champion, using hard-hitting kicks and submissions to keep the advantage. Her chance at a clean victory was all for naught thanks to the efforts of Vega.

The Hurt Business Vs. Retribution

Grade: C

Retribution made their in-ring debut against the dominant and vicious Hurt Business. Bobby Lashley slugged at the member known as “Mace” before “T-Bar” made a failed attempt to even the odds until Cedric Alexander entered the match. Mace eventually resurfaced to assault Shelton Benjamin and give his teammates a shot at dominance, leading to Bobby Lashley’s force of strength with the Hurt Lock.

In the climax of the match, Lashley and his members were assaulted by Retribution to gain a disqualification. The group continued to destroy them until a massive group of superstars arrived to settle the score. Once the chaos cleared, Randy Orton appeared to give Drew an RKO and stand tall.

The Hurt Business gave Retribution a run for the money in their debut match, with Lashley especially dismantling the group with his well-known strength. The villainous group may have met their match as Raw’s roster takes a stand.

September 21st Raw Results

• Andrade and Angel Garza defeated Seth Rollins and Murphy and Dominik Mysterio and Humberto Carrillo via pinfall
• Keith Lee defeated Drew McIntyre via disqualification
• Zelina Vega defeated Mickie James via pinfall
• Apollo Crews defeated Cedric Alexander via pinfall
• Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler defeated Natalya and Lana via submission
• Asuka defeated Peyton Royce via disqualification
• Retribution vs the Hurt Business ended in a no contest