This week’s RAW was a good showing for the women’s division. A total of four matches were on display. Although we do not know any matches just yet officially for Clash of Champions that will take place later on this month, we received a title match set for next week. Mickie James will go one on one against Asuka for the RAW Women’s Title on the Sept. 14 episode of RAW. This week? The two had to be on the same side of the ring as they took on the team of Nataly and Lana.
The matches on this week’s show were as follows:
Peyton Royce vs. Billie Kay
Mickie James & Asuka vs. Natalya & Lana
The Riott Squad vs. Shayna Baszler – 2 on 1 Handicap Match
The Riott Squad vs. Nia Jax – 2 on 1 Handicap Match
The first match was between the two former teammates. The IIconics were forced to break up last week following their loss to The Riott Squad. Now we have new entrances, new music, and two singles competitors in that of Peyton Royce and Billie Kay.
The two would face each other as the rest of us awkwardly looked on. There would be a hint of animosity as Royce blamed Kay for their break up. As expected due to a constant rumor that Royce was seen as high on Vince McMahon’s list, she would come out with the win.
After the match, Royce would help up Kay and hug her.
Initial thoughts:
Both of their new music is rather generic. I did enjoy the graphics for Billie though and her gear, it set her apart some from The IIconics. Peyton, however, for the one they seem to want to push more had the same gear she has been wearing. The match was okay, but I know they could have gone harder. Generally in my opinion, good friends can put on high caliber matches.
I could be wrong, but this seems to be a one-off match as the hug signified the end of the duo. As I half expected Peyton to attack Billie after the match, she didn’t.
Next up we had the tag team match between Mickie James and Asuka as they face Lana and Natalya. James and Asuka played up the tension between the two with them tagging themselves in. Asuka steals the win from James at the end of the match as a result. She gets the win via submission via the Asuka Lock on Lana. James kept Natalya from saving Lana by delivering a Mick Kick on the outside.
Initial Thoughts:
It was a solid match – good storytelling between Mickie and Asuka. Seeing as they are both technically babyface, the build-up needs that much more effort. I am really enjoying the team of Lana and Natalya and I am glad Lana is getting back in the ring more. Assuming Lana and Natalya will likely cost Mickie her title match next Monday, this will lead up to what the Clash of Champions match will be for the RAW Women’s Title.
Lastly, we have two matches that involve The Riott Squad. First, we had Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott having to face Shayna Baszler in a 2-on-1 Handicap Match. The dynamic between Baszler and Nia Jax as tag team champions continue to show that they are far from friends. Baszler arguing with Jax who was at ringside would ultimately do her in. Morgan would secure a win on Baszler for The Riott Squad as they go up 1-0 for the night.
The second match was the second 2-on-1 Handicap Match as The Riott Squad faced Nia Jax. Morgan and Riott did a fantastic job through the match with constant tags in order to keep Jax down as much as possible. The duo knew that they had to focus on keeping Jax off her feet if they wanted to pick up this win.
The Riott Squad was close to another victory as the lights started to flicker and go out signaling the emergence of RETRIBUTION. Morgan went for the pin on Jax and at the count of two the lights went out and the RETRIBUTION stable had their first promo. So that being said, the match ended without a result.
Initial Thoughts:
Personally, I do not like handicap matches. I think they show little creativity and are pointless. These two matches, however, I understood the point. With Shayna and Nia still not fully on the same page, and how they took out Sasha Banks and Bayley – this made sense. Shayna beat both Sasha and Bayley to win the titles and Nia pinned both of them in order to retain the titles.
I wish the second match had a result and wasn’t interrupted by RETRIBUTION, but that gives Nia a leg to stand on saying she wasn’t “defeated.”
As far as RETRIBUTION, the women of the stable didn’t say anything in the promo. However, I am convinced that the two women in the group are Mia Yim and Vanessa Borne.
Let’s get into the Winners & Losers of the week:
WINNER: Liv Morgan
Liv getting a pin on Shayna was a nice surprise. These handicap matches were tricky, but it did make more sense for Shayna to lose. I am happy that the Riott Squad are back together, and Liv is continuing to shine as a result.
WINNER: Peyton Royce
Peyton is clearly the one receiving the push out of the artists formerly known as The IIconics. Her new music and entrance however I feel was way less impressive than Billie’s. I can only assume that Peyton may end up going to SmackDown though. Her going after the SmackDown Women’s Title just makes more sense.
WINNER: Asuka
Asuka was able to still squeak out a win even while being on a team with Mickie who is gunning for her. The way she won as well is reminding me of her initial heel turn, so she may end up being the heel in this scenario between the two. Her getting the win continues to make her look strong.
LOSER: Billie Kay
Unfortunately for Billie, Peyton’s win solidifies that she is favored as rumored. Personally I am worried about what is next for Billie. I wouldn’t mind a nice feud between the two, but with this randomness that was their break-up, I can see them now being on different brands. I just feel that Billie is going to get lost in the shuffle and not used.
What did you think of this week’s RAW? Who were your Winners & Losers? Leave your thoughts in the comment section below!!
