The August 17th episode of WWE Raw, broadcast on Netflix, showcased a diverse range of matches and segments, each contributing to the ongoing storylines and tournament builds. The tournament to determine the No. 1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship and a date with Roman Reigns on September 14 in Mexico City continued, with AAA Cruiserweight Champion Rey Fenix battling El Fiscal and Dragon Lee squaring off with El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.. The show also featured a solid segment involving Stephanie Vaquer, Je'Von Evans vs. JD McDonagh, Sol Ruca vs. Lyra Valkyria, Bron Breakker vs. Oba Femi, Rey Mysterio vs. Chad Gable, and The Bloodline delivering Solo Sikoa to Roman Reigns.
Key Matches and Segments
Rey Fenix vs. El Fiscal: A slower-paced match that showcased Fenix's resilience and highlighted the underutilized champion. The match received a grade of C+.
Sol Ruca vs. Lyra Valkyria: A competitive match that highlighted Ruca's potential and Valkyria's strengths. It was considered Ruca's finest match on the main roster, earning an A grade.
Dragon Lee vs. El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.: A good match where Wagner Jr. shone in defeat. The match received a B+ grade.
Rey Mysterio vs. Chad Gable: A back-and-forth match that had the crowd popping. Mysterio made a strong case for his inclusion on the 'greatest of all time' lists, and Gable was outstanding, earning an A+ grade.
The Bloodline delivering Solo Sikoa to Roman Reigns: An excellent segment that showcased the crowd's reaction and the potential for Sikoa to become a breakout star. The segment received an A grade.
Personal Commentary and Analysis
Rey Fenix vs. El Fiscal: While the match was solid, the lack of background on El Fiscal was a missed opportunity. However, the crowd's investment in Fenix was evident, and the match served its purpose in the tournament.
Sol Ruca vs. Lyra Valkyria: The match was great, but the decision to have Ruca win after Valkyria's impressive performance may have been a mistake. Valkyria's commitment to her character has been extraordinary, and her win over Bayley was a career-defining moment.
Dragon Lee vs. El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr.: Lee's consistent performance and potential as a future star are undeniable. It's surprising that he hasn't been better positioned given WWE's age issues at the top.
Rey Mysterio vs. Chad Gable: Mysterio's match against Gable was a TV Match of the Year contender. His in-ring prowess and ability to keep the crowd invested are remarkable, and he continues to justify the hype surrounding him.
The Bloodline delivering Solo Sikoa to Roman Reigns: The segment showcased the dynamic within The Bloodline, with Fatu's defiant listening to orders. Sikoa's emerging personality and potential as a breakout star are evident, and the segment received high praise.
Overall Show and MVP
The episode of Raw was focused and had a clear direction, with strong in-ring content and a clear direction. The show felt like a return to the 2024 broadcasts that earned Triple H and the creative team rave reviews. The MVP of the night was Rey Mysterio, who delivered a banger against Gable and continues to showcase his greatness.
Future Directions and Speculation
The show's momentum and the potential for building on this broadcast are promising. However, the fall and winter months are typically a challenge for WWE, and it remains to be seen if the company can capitalize on this positive start.
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