WWE RAW - Best and Worst - Unfortunate news for CM Punk fans; Rhea Ripley's replacement revealed
WWE RAW was taped a day in advance, with the post-Crown Jewel episode taking place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Despite not being live, it was a solid show.
Multiple big matches have been set up, including the culmination of the Bloodline saga. There's still a way to go, but the finish line can be seen following this week's show. So, without further ado, let's get into the biggest positives and negatives from WWE RAW.
#3. Best: SKY's the limit
Following Rhea Ripley's legitimate injury, plans seemingly had to be completely changed. Liv Morgan finally has a new challenger for the Women's World Championship now, with a battle royal on WWE RAW determining her next opponent.
IYO SKY won the match and is set to challenge Morgan for the title. The Damage CTRL member is among the best female in-ring performers in the world, so WWE RAW will only benefit from it. Multiple matches were teased for the Women's World Champion, though.
It seems like Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez will challenge Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill for the Women's Tag Team Titles soon, based on what happened during the match. This might lead to the champions' eventual split.
#2. Worst: WWE RAW's biggest missed opportunity
For someone who dumped the lovable Alpha Academy for a stronger group, Chad Gable has failed in his pursuit of success. He is so far removed from the heights of a potential premium live event title win.
Gable has continued to impress over time, including during WWE RAW against Dragon Lee. However, he lost. Yet again. Even though it wasn't entirely clean, that's not ideal. All we can hope is the ex-Olympian defeats Rey Mysterio.
However, for now, Chad Gable is lost in the shuffle, as is his American Made faction. This wasn't supposed to happen after the promise shown at the start of his heel run in the spring.
#2. Best: Sami Uso
Starting his promo in Arabic, Sami Zayn was among the biggest crowd favorites on WWE RAW. The former Intercontinental Champion revealed that he only helped the OG Bloodline at Crown Jewel because of Jey Uso.
The Usos had differing opinions on Zayn's involvement, with Jimmy claiming he kicked Roman Reigns on purpose. The former Honorary Uce then cut a passionate speech to defend himself, before declaring he was done with the Bloodline saga.
Not so fast, though. Before Sami Zayn could leave the arena, Jey Uso invited him to SmackDown to talk it out with Big Jim and The OTC. The YEET Master then called him Sami Uso. And just like that, we are off on the road to WarGames, thanks to that heartfelt segment.
#1. Best/Worst: Gunther vs. Priest at Survivor Series?
The main event of WWE RAW saw Gunther find out his next challenger. Damian Priest won a very good fatal four-way to earn his rematch for the World Heavyweight Championship, pinning Dominik Mysterio. Bronson Reed invaded the match and took out the field, but that didn't stop The Punisher.
Priest is set to face The Ring General potentially at Survivor Series. A match that big will likely take place at the premium live event, or at least in the same week. This essentially guarantees CM Punk's rumored match against Gunther isn't happening any time soon.
A lot of us were hoping to see him return and challenge for the World Heavyweight Title at Survivor Series. That still would've been possible if Dominik Mysterio won tonight, as he is more suited to a one-week build to a world title match than Damian Priest is.
Either way, the former Judgment Day member will be the biggest babyface on WWE RAW at least until Survivor Series. Punk might yet be away for some more time.