WWE Raw opened this week with CM Punk, fresh off his Hell in a Cell victory over Drew McIntyre at Bad Blood. He announced that he is banged up and does not know when he will be back. Seth Rollins came out and told him to get well soon so he can be the one to retire him before moving on to his own promo. He then challenged Bronson Reed, who has been on a rampage as of late, including Seth in his path.
The VISIONARY wants some PAYBACK!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/MbEaCWNC7c
— WWE (@WWE) October 8, 2024
The first match of the night was for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, as Xavier Woods challenged Jey Uso. Jey won in fairly unimpressive fashion, with limited reversals and false finishes. After the match, Jey went to shake his hand, but Xavier Woods refused, walking away in a huff. As Woods walked up the ramp, Bron Breakker blindsided the celebrating Jey Uso with a spear. Kofi Kingston left Xavier Woods’ side to help but was also speared for his troubles. Woods checked on Kingston on the floor, but Breakker then included him in his rampage.
It's BRON O'CLOCK! 👊👊#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/lfal63rWFr
— WWE (@WWE) October 8, 2024
The next match was a good old-fashioned donnybrook match between Sheamus and Pete Dunne. This was a stiff one from the jump. It also included a table spot off stacked whiskey barrels. At one point, Dunne would handcuff Sheamus with zip ties behind his back, only for Sheamus to hit a Brogue Kick with his hands tied behind his back to win the match. The match felt a little short but was great nonetheless.
LOOK FELLA! NO HANDS!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/TrPjiJNQUF
— WWE (@WWE) October 8, 2024
Next, we would get a 10-woman tag team match seeing Unholy Union and Pure Fusion Collective team up to take on Zelina Vega, Katana Chance, Kayden Carter, Natalya, and Lyra Valkyria. This match was pretty much each woman rolling out so the next could hit a spot, taking turns until Lyra ultimately got the pinfall.
PURE. FUSION. COLLECTIVE. pic.twitter.com/MlzxWb877P
— WWE (@WWE) October 8, 2024
The main event of Raw would see Sami Zayn finally have Gunther grant his request for a World Heavyweight Championship opportunity. Gunther controlled the pace and was dominant early on. Eventually, Sami was able to hit some big reversals into his signature moveset. The pace really picked up in this one, with both men having exciting false finishes. Gunther would prove to be too much, ultimately putting Sami to sleep.
🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/YjeT9qY0gq
— WWE (@WWE) October 8, 2024
That wraps up WWE Raw for this week. Stay tuned to Greenville Sports Media for more of my regular wrestling articles.
Howe Fresh
for Greenville Sports Media
and check out my weekly opinionated podcast “The Wrasslin Corner”