WWE RAW went down in Belfast, Northern Ireland this week with two major title matches on the card.
Let’s get into the results:
Women’s Intercontinental title: Becky Lynch (c) def. Maxxine Dupri
Penta, Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio def. The Vision (Bronson Reed, Logan Paul and Austin Theory)
El Grande Americano def. Je’Von Evans via doctor’s stoppage
WWE World Heavyweight title: CM Punk (c) def. Finn Balor
Notes:
AJ Styles will put his career on the line against Gunther at the Royal Rumble in Saudi Arabia.
Natalya turned heel on Maxxine Dupri, costing her the match against Becky Lynch.
Jey Uso delcared himself for the Rumble.
Je’Von Evans appeared to suffer a concussion during his match and the referee promptly stopped it.
Analysis:
Finn Balor reminded everyone just what a valuable top singles stat he is for WWE. His Judgement Day sabbatical has been valuable on many levels and the heel turn was probably overdue in some regards. But now? People are ready to have that main event talent back in the mix and tonight proved it.
Interesting heel turn from Natalya. I mean, it’s not interesting in the sense it was immediately telegraphed when she turned up and the fact that she has flip-flopped quite reguarly in recent years. But, if she morphs into the character we saw her portray in Bloodsport, then we are in for a treat.
PWInsider is reporting that Je’Von Evans is OK and that’s awesome news. Would have sucked for him to go down so soon after his call-up and in WrestleMania season.
Austin Theory ate the pin for The Vision tonight. Just saying.
AJ Styles risking his career against Gunther is semi-painful for this writer. Every spidey sense tells me Gunther is going to beat him and we only have a few weeks of AJ left. This Royal Rumble will mark 10 years almost to the day in the company for the TNA legend.
Also, Gunther has retired Goldberg and Cena in the past year, no way do WWE relent that gimmick now, especially since Styles has been begging to retire for so long.
A very good RAW – the best in a while – that has suitably set-up the Royal Rumble well.
