A solid show that brought the Survivor Series lineup into focus. The in-ring action was good with Breakker and Sheamus being the standout match, but The War Raiders and The Judgement Day was entertaining as well. Other than the setup for the women’s Wargames match, everything made sense.

The women’s Wargames match is a convoluted mess. Liv and Rhea have been feuding for the entire year, but none of the rest of these women have been involved in a long-term feud that requires a blowoff match. If there was not an obvious matchup for the women, why not just have the men’s Wargames? Why water down the concept even more just to have a women’s version?

 

Recap:

WWE Raw was pre-taped from Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Show open

Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez sauntered out to the ring. Morgan called out Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and Candace LeRae. Nia then proceeded to tell Liv and Raquel that she did not think of them at all. Okay.

She does think about Jade and Bianca, though. On cue, Jade and Bianca come out with Naomi. They also have Iyo Sky with them. Liv points out that is only four partners. Did Sky drop Damage CTRL?

Instead, Rhea Ripley makes her return. She yells, “Wargames!” Then headbutts Liv, which is what caused her injury to begin with. All ten women brawl. That is your Wargames match. No Bayley, no Damage CTRL? This does not make sense.

LWO vs. American Made

This was a mixed tag match with Zelina and Rey vs. Gable and Nile. At one point in this match, Gable had to sell for Zelina’s kick. Later, he took a Hurricanrana from her as well. His career has really taken off after that Wyatt feud.

Winners: LWO

Afterwards, American Made tried to cheer Gable up. He slapped one of the Creed Brothers, who then began pushing each other. This went on and on. The crowd started booing. Bizarre.

Miz and Karrion Kross did a promo about beating up the Wyatts. I cannot believe I am saying this, but Miz and Kross had good chemistry here. I liked this.

Gunther spoke to Ludwig Kaiser backstage. He said Kaiser needs to make a name for himself. Part of the promo was in Austrian as well. Gunther asked Ludwig if he still sees the old Ring General in front of him. Kaiser hesitantly said yes. Gunther suckered Priest, but Damien turned the tide and left Gunther laying.

Sheamus vs. Bron Breakker

This was a hard-hitting match as we have come to expect from these two. The crowd was really into it by the end. Bron leaped off the top rope to the floor and either did not rotate enough or something, but he was headed straight down to the floor when Sheamus redirected him.

After some hot near falls, Kaiser interrupted and took both Bron and Sheamus out. He told Sheamus he would not stop until Sheamus was gone for good.

Winner: No contest

The OG Bloodline, minus Roman, tried to convince Seth Rollins to join them for Wargames. He adamantly refused to team with Roman, but said he would take out Bronson Reed tonight.

The War Raiders vs. The Judgement Day

There is nothing better than a big boy tag team. The War Raiders offense, and this is a compliment, consists of then throwing their opponents or running into them. Nothing fancy and there should not be. The Raiders were dominant here, until that dastardly Dominik used his underhanded tricks to get the advantage.

The War Raiders regained control and won the match. They looked good here and the crowd, with some prompting, started chanting “War! War!”

Winners: The War Raiders

The rest of Judgement Day attacked and went after Eric’s injured neck.

A Wyatt promo aired. I had to do a double take when Bo came on screen. He looked so much like Bray here. The video was well-done, but it is still impossible to understand what he is talking about.

Bronson Reed vs. Seth Rollins

Both versions of the Bloodline came out and brawled around the ringside. Eventually they fought off and the match began.

After some back-and-forth action, Solo distracted Seth. Bronson took advantage of it and won the match.

Winner: Bronson Reed