WWE Raw Results, Grades: Braun Strowman, Keith Lee go to war

Braun Strowman faces Keith Lee in a contest for the ages.

On the October 19th season premiere of WWE Raw, champions put their titles on the line while others collide for the first time ever. The Hurt Business finally gets their hands on the chaotic and unforgiving Retribution in a eight man tag team encounter.

The Hurt Business Vs. Retribution

Grade: B

The first match of the evening featured the Hurt Business against Retribution. Following a major standoff, Bobby Lashley slugged on T-Bar with clotheslines and manhandled Slapjack once he entered the contest. Cedric Alexander continued the punishment with corner attacks until a distraction allowed a tag to Mustafa Ali. Ali maintained the momentum by preventing Alexander from going to the top rope and using the barricade as a weapon.

Towards the conclusion, Bobby Lashley would use the Hurt Lock to submit T-Bar and win the match for his team.  After the contest, the Fiend resurfaced to take out Retribution.

The Hurt Business used their dynamic chemistry to full effect, utilizing frequent tags and devastating moves to swiftly dismantle each member of the chaotic group. This may be only the beginning of their hard-hitting encounters heading into Hell in a Cell. 

Matt Riddle Vs. AJ Styles

Grade: B

Next up was AJ Styles against Matt Riddle, with the imposing Jordan Omogbehin at ringside. Styles slugged on Riddle to begin the contest, only for the latter to quickly gain the advantage with gutwrench powerbombs. Styles used Omogbehin as a distraction to assume control with quick moves and a backbreaker.

In the climax of the match, the Phenomenal One hit the Styles Clash for the victory.

Styles and Riddle kept a brisk pace throughout the match, looking to outdo each other with mat moves and heavy strikes. Riddle’s attempts to finish off his adversary were constantly hindered by Jordan’s massive presence. AJ’s campaign to rule the brand may become a reality sooner rather than later.

Asuka Vs. Lana

Grade: C

Raw Women’s Champion Asuka put her title on the line against the “Ravishing Russian”, Lana. Asuka began the match with a hip attack and Asuka Lock attempt, only for Lana to wriggle out of the offense. She would continue to dodge kicks and gained an advantage in the corner, although this would not last long.

Towards the conclusion, Asuka utilized the Asuka Lock for a swift victory. Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler appeared after the match in an unsuccessful attempt at overwhelming the champion.

This match was relatively brief, attributed to Asuka’s vicious offense and playing mind games with her opponent. With the list of opponents growing thin, who will truly be ready for the Empress of Tomorrow?

Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke Vs. The Riott Squad Vs. Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax Vs. Lacey Evans and Peyton Royce

Grade: C

An impromptu 4 way tag match took place with odd pairings, an established duo, and the women’s tag team champions, Shayna Baszler and Nia Jax. Despite some brief in-ring action at the beginning, the action spilled to the outside as the competitors dived on one another. The dysfunctional team of Royce and Evans were unable to withstand the Riott Squad’s fluid offense. Once Nia Jax entered the fray, she manhandled Dana Brooke and Mandy Rose for a short bit.

Towards the conclusion, Jax hit a Samoan drop for the pinfall victory.

While occasionally convoluted, the Riott Squad managed to control the flow of the match and hold a substantial advantage for the duration. In the end, Nia’s dominant onslaught and Shayna’s attacks at ringside secured the win for the champions.

Kofi Kingston Vs. Sheamus

Grade: A

Sheamus returns to Raw with a match against Raw Tag Team Champion, Kofi Kingston. Kingston held the Celtic Warrior in headlocks and targeted the torso, negating any possible chance for him to gain the advantage. He continued to maintain control until Sheamus unleashed a vicious ring apron slam at ringside.

In the climax of the match, Kingston hit the Trouble in Paradise for the win.

Kofi was a man possessed during this contest, refusing to submit to Sheamus’ constant attacks on the torso and taking to the air for major moves. They would also lean on the support of former member Big E to give them the usual boost of positivity.

Tucker and El Grangordo Vs. John Morrison and The Miz

Grade: C

Tucker and his new tag partner “El Grangordo” took on John Morrison and The Miz. Morrison began the match by taking out Tucker with kicks and exchanging tags with his partner. He continued to take a methodical approach to wearing him down until Tucker tagged Grandgordo for a quick rally.

Towards the end, distractions from R-Truth and Lucha House Party allowed Grandgordo to hit the Worm and a splash for the win.

John Morrison displayed a different side to his offense in this match, using technical moves and assistance from The Miz to keep their opponents guessing. It’s unknown whether their constant disputes regarding the MITB briefcase will reach a definitive conclusion.

Keith Lee Vs. Braun Strowman

Grade: C

The main event of the evening featured a clash of the titans in Braun Strowman and Keith Lee. Strowman started the match with heavy elbow strikes and corner strikes, but a quick transition allowed Lee to target Braun’s injured ribs. Once on the ground, Strowman used a hidden low blow and a powerslam to gain an advantage and pin Keith for the win.

This short contest gave both competitors an opportunity to weaken each other with significant slams and dangerous attacks. While Lee looked to take advantage of Braun’s injuries, the Monster Among Men took the easy way out to gain the victory.

October 19th Raw Results

• The Hurt Business defeated Retribution via submission
• AJ Styles defeated Matt Riddle via pinfall
• Asuka defeated Lana to retain the Raw Women’s Championship via submission
• Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler defeated Mandy Rose and Dana Brooke, the Riott Squad, and Lacey Evans and Peyton Royce via pinfall
• Kofi Kingston defeated Sheamus via pinfall
• El Grangordo and Tucker defeated John Morrison and The Miz via pinfall
• Braun Strowman defeated Keith Lee via pinfall