WWE Raw from Columbus, Ohio, showcased a high-stakes slate of matches and finishes heading into Night of Champions. The science will be broken down into a grading system below. Here’s the breakdown of scores:
1. Seth Rollins Promo— B + The night was inaugurated by Seth Rollins with Paul Heyman and Bron Breakker, and Bronson Reed respectively. His emotional preamble set the tone for the character, who introduced himself as the endgame over other champions. The audience’s response suggests that Rollins’ swagger is resonating with fans.
2. Bron Breakker def. Penta El Zero Miedo— B A tight match that saw Breakker pass Penta with a powerful spear after a tense battle. Both wrestlers had stellar chemistry, and the frantic near-falls laid a solid foundation for a future rivalry.
3. Cody Rhodes def. Jey Uso—King of the Ring Semifinal – A A gripping match that ended with Cody emerging victorious after a Springboard Cross Rhodes. Both fighters put on a terrific performance, and the fans responded enthusiastically.
4. Main Event Overview – While the principal event was already set for Night of Champions, John Cena vs. CM Punk at Cena is setting the stage in Saudi Arabia; the fight’s echoes reverberated on Raw.
5. Overall Show— B as Erik Beaston of Bleacher Report puts it, the work was terrific overall, with some solid bouts and engaging promos. However, it missed the spark of an undercard classic.
Key Takeaways Going into Saturday
- Rollins promo establishes him as a frightful presence and potential game-changer for more than just Cena vs. Punk
- Breakker vs. Penta was the finest match of the night and a potential contender for future championship opportunities.
- Cody Rhodes is one of Columbus’ top-ranked competitors and could be on the verge of a game-changing moment.
Final Verdict
Raw did a terrific job establishing momentum for Saturday with two standout matches and rubs finishing. Rollins, Breakker, and Rhodes were all instrumental in the show’s success.
