10/24 WWE RAW TV RESULTS: Doucette’s “alt perspective” report on Bayley facing Belair in non-title match, Anderson vs. Balor, and more

WWE RAW TV REPORT
OCTOBER 24, 2022
CHARLOTTE, N.C. AT SPECTRUM CENTER
AIRED ON USA
REPORT BY DANNY DOUCETTE, PWTORCH CONTRIBUTOR

Commentators: Kevin Patrick, Corey Graves

Ring Announcer: Mike Rome

[HOUR ONE]

-The show opened with the “Then. Now. Forever. Together” signature. The Raw intro then played, followed by a shot inside the arena of pyro blasting at the top of the stage.

-The Judgment Day’s music hit to a chorus of boos from the crowd. Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Ripley, and Damian Priest stood atop the stage and looked out at the crowd intensely. The group made their way to the ring as a picture-in-picture recap aired showing Dominik’s win over A.J Styles last week. Graves hyped Judgment Day taking on The O.C. at Crown Jewel.

Ripley said that Styles found out last week that they run Monday Night Raw. Ripley also said that Dominik is all man. Balor called the match “one of the greatest of all-time”. Balor said Styles crumbled to Dominik and called him legendary. Priest told the crowd to rise repeatedly, but they booed him. Priest told the fans to show respect to the greatest luchador, Dominik. Dominik attempted to speak, but was drowned out by boos a couple of times. Dominik said Judgment Day were the only ones who believed in him. Dominik said he proved his doubters wrong by beating Styles. Dominik gloated and said he’s built differently. Dominik then said he’s this generation’s Eddie Guerrero. Dominik then corrected himself saying Guerrero was his generation’s Dominik Mysterio.

The O.C.’s music interrupted as Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson came down to the ring. Styles had a microphone and told Dominik to shut up. Styles balked at Dominik’s claim of being this generation’s Guerrero. Styles called Dominik this generation’s James Ellsworth. The crowd laughed. Gallows called Ellsworth “Jimmy no-chin”. Styles accused Dominik of hiding behind Judgment Day. Balor interrupted and accused Styles and The O.C. of piggybacking off of his creation and legacy. Balor told them if they step up, they’ll get put down. Anderson told Balor to stop talking. Anderson said he’s the toughest man in the building and challenged Balor to have their match immediately.

(Doucette’s Analysis: The Judgment Day continues to get some nice heel heat from the crowd. Dominik seems more comfortable leaning into being hated. His comments about Eddie Guerrero were so preposterous that it was perfect for his scumbag character.)

(1) FINN BALOR (w/Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, & Rhea Ripley) vs. KARL ANDERSON (w/A.J. Styles & Luke Gallows)

Balor and Anderson locked up and Balor took control with a shoulder block. Balor gloated and Anderson hit him with an uppercut. After a few strikes, Anderson hit Balor with a jumping calf kick. Balor retreated from the ring to join his Judgment Day stablemates at ringside. [c]

Balor was hitting Anderson with shoulderblocks to the gut as the show returned from commercial break. Anderson rebounded from an Irish whip by nailing Balor in the knee with a dropkick. Anderson worked on Balor’s knee for a bit, but Balor regained control. Balor got a two count from a neckbreaker and began to wear down Anderson. The crowd rallied behind Anderson as he started to make a comeback. Anderson nailed Balor with a spinebuster for a nearfall. [c]

Balor was giving Anderson some mounted punches in the corner out of the break. Anderson countered into a running sitout powerbomb for a nearfall. Balor got a nearfall from a reverse facelock neckbreaker for a two count. Anderson bounced back with a flying necbreaker from the second rope. Anderson pinned Balor for a two count. Balor quickly recovered with a Sling Blade and a Shotgun Dropkick. Balor went for the Coup de Gras, but Anderson stopped him. Anderson executed a superplex on Balor, but Dominik distracted the referee. Styles began beating on Dominik and Priest attacked Styles and threw him over the announce table. Gallows then hit Priest with a big boot. Ripley shoved Gallows into the ring post and bodyslammed him. Dominik was able to distract the referee again as Anderson had Balor in a fireman’s carry. Ripley hit Anderson with a low blow and Balor pinned Anderson for the win.

WINNER: Balor in 17:00.

-Judgment Day celebrated as Styles, Gallows, and Anderson looked on angrily.

(Doucette’s Analysis: This match was unexpectedly good. I didn’t expect the positive level of crowd engagement. Ripley also continues to prove that she is the star of this group. That bodyslam on Gallows will probably be apart of her career highlight package one day.)

-The commentators recapped The Miz and Dexter Lumis’ feud and Johnny Gargano’s involvement. Gargano was walking backstage with a whistle and he was approached by Miz. Miz asked Gargano what he thinks he knows. Gargano and Miz had a “comedic” back and forth about what he does or doesn’t know. Miz accused Gargano of being like an internet troll. The two argued and Miz said he would go out and tell the truth. Miz walked from backstage out to the ring as Patrick and Graves wondered what Miz was going to reveal. [c]

(Doucette’s Analysis: Not a good attempt at comedy here at all.)

-Dale Earnhardt Jr. was shown at ringside as Miz yelled to get the camera off of Earnhardt. Miz said he could beat Earnhardt Jr. in a race in his Tesla. Miz ran down the situation between he and Lumis. Miz also acknowledged that Tommaso Ciampa has been missing. Miz said people think that Lumis is targeting him because of his celebrity status or boyish good looks. Miz said no, Lumis is targeting him because of his mind. Miz said Lumis was jealous that he chose Ciampa as his protege. Miz said he doesn’t want Ciampa to know that he is the cause of this situation, because Ciampa is his best friend. Gargano came down to interrupt Miz. Gargano said Miz is lying and that he texted Ciampa and confirmed that he is injured, not missing. Gargano if Miz wants Lumis out of his life, to tell the truth. Gargano threatened to blow the whistle on him. Gargano teased actually blowing the whistle around his neck. The crowd seemed excited for him to do so. Miz yelled about telling the truth and then R-Truth’s music hit.

Truth came out in a Charlotte Hornets jersey and rapped his theme song. Truth said that Miz wanted to “tell to the truth”, so now he is here. Miz was confused and insulted the food in North Carolina for clouding his brains. Truth took offense to Miz trashing his hometown. Truth asked the fans if he should whoop Miz’s butt, and they cheered. Miz said he didn’t want to fight Truth. Gargano said he knew Lumis deflated Miz’s balls, but didn’t know Miz had none at all. Truth and Gargano laughed at and mocked Miz. Miz then accepted the challenged and said he wants Truth. Truth and Gargano both said “you can’t handle the truth” at the same time and then said “jinx”. Miz looked on agitated. [c]

(2) THE MIZ vs. R-TRUTH

Miz and Truth both separately played to the fans, but then Miz attacked Truth. Truth came back and used John Cena’s flying shoulderblocks and tried to do the Five Knuckle Shuffle, but Miz kicked him. Miz signaled for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Miz spotted someone in a black hoodie in the crowd. Truth rolled up Miz for the surprise win.

WINNER: Truth in 3:00.

-The person in the crowd took off the hoodie. It was Gargano. Gargano laughed as Miz looked on vengefully.

(Doucette’s Analysis: Well that was pretty obvious. I always like seeing R-Truth as he is always entertaining. They seem to be trying a bit too hard to make Gargano a “funny” character.)

-Cathy Kelley interviewed Candace LeRae backstage. Kelley asked LeRae if her comeback has been everything she expected. LeRae excitedly recounted her and Gargano’s return to wrestling after being gone. LeRae commented how many superstars have been supportive of her. LeRae specifically mentioned Alexa Bliss, Asuka, and Bianca Belair. Bayley, Dakota Kai, and Iyo Sky interrupted and ran off Kelley. Bayley said Belair sucks and bragged that they ran off Asuka and Bliss. Bayley also referee to Kai and Sky taking care of Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez on Smackdown. LeRae stood her ground and asked what this was all about. LeRae said they want to prove they’re in control, but have only proved that Sky is still untrustworthy, Kai is still spiteful, and Bayley is still not the Raw champion. Bayley got agitated and got into LeRae’s face. Bayley said if she doesn’t think they’re in control, she should look around and see she doesn’t have any friends to help her. Bayley then shoved the cameraperson over out of view. Only the wheel of a cart could be seen as commotion could be heard in the background. [c]

(Doucette’s Analysis: I liked LeRae’s portrayal here. She stood tall and threw good insults at the heels. Damage CTRL still reeks of trying to be a NWO or Shield-level trio when it’s nowhere near that.)

-Elias was seen walking backstage with his guitar and ran into Matt Riddle. Riddle was playing his bongos. Elias said he wanted to clear the air about last week. Riddle said there was no need and said he’s been practicing the help Elias with his music. Elias said he’s a serious artist and the people want to hear him again. Elias said he was tired of being interrupted that he made a vow to do something about it. Elias said that since Ezekiel and Riddle were so close, he will let it slide. Riddle played the bongos as Elias subtly held his guitar as if he was going to hit Riddle with it. Elias stopped as Alpha Academy walked up and insulted them. Chad Gable asked if their band name was “Blink-One Eighty Shooosh”. Gable told Elias to shave his beard and pretend to be “that moron” Ezekiel.  Elias said that he and Riddle were not a band and not to insult his brother. Elias challenged Gable to a match and Gable accepted. Gable said Otis eats pieces of crap like him for breakfast. Riddle chuckled saying that they eat pieces of crap.

(Doucette’s Analysis: Riddle’s slowly back to being annoyingly dopey with no direction. He’s above an Elias partnership and/or feud. Riddle will be popular regardless, but he was more engaging in his personal feuds with Reigns and Rollins.)

[HOUR TWO]

-Austin Theory’s music hit and he made his way down to the ring. A picture-in-picture promo aired of Theory from earlier in the day. Theory ran down Mustafa Ali in the promo and mocked him for not getting a U.S. title shot. Theory told Ali not to cry after going A-Town down. As Ali made his entrance, a picture-in-picture recap aired of Ali and Seth Rollins’ confrontation last week. Before the match could start, Rollins’ music hit and he danced his way down the aisle. Rollins then joined the commentary team.

(3) AUSTIN THEORY vs. MUSTAFA ALI

Theory and Ali locked up, but Theory overpowered Ali and shoved him into the corner. Rollins gloated on commentary and the crowd chanted, “We want Seth” at one point. Ali caught Theory coming off the ropes with a dropkick. Theory rolled to the outside of the ring to recover. Ali followed Theory out and Theory tripped him up on the apron. Theory hit Ali with a neckbreaker from the apron to the ringside floor. Rollins cackled as Ali grabbed the back of his head in pain. [c]

Theory was in control of the match and went to take a selfie on the apron. Ali dropkicked Theory off the apron before he could do so. Ali then hit Theory with a 450 splash to the outside. Ali tried another Tornado DDT, but Theory countered into a backbreaker for a nearfall. Theory went for A-Town Down, but Ali grabbed the ropes. Ali hit Theory with a Backstabber and went to the top rope. Rollins jumped into the ring and distracted the referee. Theory tripped up Ali on the ropes and hit A-Town Down for the win.

WINNER: Theory in 13:00.

(Doucette’s Analysis: Good match, but Rollins completely overshadowed it. Ali should’ve gotten the win here to build him up further. Poor Theory has just seemed like a background character since winning Money in the Bank. I thought he would get a much stronger run like Rollins in 2014.)

-Rollins congratulated Theory after the win and began to attack Ali. Rollins tossed Ali into the timekeeper’s area and into a chair in the crowd. Rollins walked up the stage, but Ali came back and attacked Rollins. Rollins and Ali brawled up the stage. Rollins tried to throw Ali into the LED board, but Ali reversed and threw Rollins into it instead. Referee separated the two and Rollins retreated. Ali yelled that he was not going anywhere.

-Gargano was walking through the backstage area and was approached by Miz. Gargano told him not now as he had to go check on LeRae. Miz complained that Gargano deceived him by dressing up as Lumis. Gargano countered that Miz has been deceiving everyone as well. Miz got frustrated and walked away. Gargano ran into JBL and Baron Corbin. JBL mocked Gargano for being an “independent darling”. JBL told Gargano to introduce himself to a legend and said in the Attitude Era he’d be carrying his bags. Gargano introduced himself to JBL and called him “M.C. Hammer Pants”, mocking his suit. Gargano said he would introduce himself to Corbin, but doesn’t know who he is because he keeps changing his name. JBL challenged Gargano on Corbin’s behalf. Gargano accepted.

(Doucette’s Analysis: It’s good that they tried to acknowledge Gargano rushing his wife’s aid, but he seemed to forget halfway through the segment. Not to mention it took him like 45 minutes after the attack to go check on her. It’s also funny how JBL brings up the Attitude Era like he was Steve Austin-level, not a midcard tag wrestler.)

-The commentator’s hyped Omos in action as his confrontation with Braun Strowman from Smackdown was shown. [c]

-A promo aired highlighting Belair and Bayley’s rivalry.

-Omos and M.V.P. made their way to the ring. More footage of the Omos-Strowman confrontation aired. Omos versus Strowman at Crown Jewel was announced as being official. Omos and M.V.P. were in the ring opposite of four local competitors as M.V.P. praised Omos for getting the better of Strowman in their confrontation. M.V.P. asked the local competitors if they thought it was a good idea to face Omos. Omos compared his hand to one of the competitor’s head. M.V.P. asked the competitors if their health insurance was paid up and said let the carnage begin.

(Doucette’s Analysis: This was actually a pretty funny promo from M.V.P. I am surprised that the Strowman-Omos is happening at Crown Jewel. While it likely will be a bad match, I think it will be a WrestleMania-worthy spectacle.)

(4) OMOS (w/M.V.P.) vs. FOUR LOCAL COMPETITORS

Omos dominated chokeslammed one of the competitors. Omos stacked two of them and won the match with a one-foot pin.

WINNER: Omos in 2:00.

-Elias was shown walking through the backstage area as his match with Gable was coming up. [c]

(5) CHAD GABLE (w/Otis) vs. ELIAS

Gable started by using some amateur wrestling moves on Elias. Elias then gained the upper hand and got a couple of nearfalls on a backslide and a suplex. Elias ran the ropes, but fell out when Otis grabbed the rope as Gable had the referee distracted. [c]

Gable hit a diving headbutt on Elias after the commercial break. However, Elias recovered quickly with an explosion of offense. Otis briefly distracted Elias which allowed Gable catch Elias in an ankle lock. Elias rolled up Gable for a two count to get out of it. Gable tried a moonsault, but Elias hit him with a knee strike mid-air for a two count. Otis tried to attack Elias again, but Elias moved and Otis crashed into the ringpost. Elias hit a corkscrew suplex on Gable for the win.

WINNER: Elias in 9:00.

(Doucette’s Analysis: This was pretty bland. Elias still doesn’t do it for me in the ring. Even Gable couldn’t get anything special out of him. Maybe it is the jeans? Ezekiel was a little bit more interesting in-ring for some reason.)

-Otis and Gable attacked Elias after the match, but Riddle came out for the save. Riddle took out Alpha Academy with a Bro 2 Sleep and a Floating Bro. Riddle and Elias celebrated in the ring.

-Graves and Patrick recapped the Anderson-Balor match from earlier in the night.

-Styles, Gallows, and Anderson were backstage in the trainer’s room. Anderson had an ice pack on his groin. Styles said they have a “Rhea problem”. Gallows said he has a “Rhea-loution”. Gallows said he is the best with women out of the three of them. Styles said she bodyslammed him and Gallows replied that bodyslams are his love language. Gallows said he would handle Ripley and walked off. Anderson and Styles said that Gallows isn’t good with women.

-JBL made a solo entrance in preparation for the Gargano-Corbin match. [c]

-Styles and Anderson were still in the trainer’s room. Gallows came back holding his groin. Styles asked if Ripley got him too. Gallows said that Ripley got him too.

(Doucette’s Analysis: The interactions between Styles, Gallows, and Anderson have been pretty amusing. Styles has seemed rejuvenated since they’ve come back and they have a fun dynamic.)

[HOUR THREE]

-JBL blamed millennials for creating a society full of mediocrity. JBL continued and insulted Baker Mayfield and the Carolina Panthers, Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets, and called the fans hillbillies. JBL introduced Corbin, who was wearing an even worse outfit than last week to the ring. Corbin even got pyro in his entrance.

(5) BARON CORBIN (w/JBL) vs. JOHNNY GARGANO

After a better look at the logo on Corbin’s attire, it looks like he is sponsored by Squarespace. Corbin dominated Gargano as the fans chanted “bum-ass Corbin”. Gargano tried to leap on Corbin from the apron, but Corbin slammed him on the announce table and high-fived JBL. [c]

Corbin continued to be in control, but Gargano tried fighting back various times. Corbin hit Deep Six on for a two count. Gargano fought back and hit Corbin with a superkick for a nearfall. The two competitors fought outside, where Gargano evaded a charge from Corbin. Corbin then crashed into the ring stairs. Gargano stole JBL’s hat and pretended to be a cowboy. Gargano hit a Tornado DDT off the announce desk with the hat on. Gargano faked giving the hat back to JBL, so JBL tripped Gargano on the apron. The referee didn’t see the interference. Corbin hit End of Days for the win.

WINNER: Corbin in 14:00.

(Doucette’s Analysis: There were some okay moments in the match, but Corbin beating Gargano is just unnecessary. I get that they want to push Corbin, but why at Gargano’s expense? He still has hope as a top character. Ziggler was also a bad choice, but more because of presentation than status on the card. I am fairly confident that this renewed Corbin push will not set the world on fire. I think he was about as high on the card as “Happy” or “Constable” than he’ll get with JBL. Most of the act’s focus seems to be on JBL who’s been retired for almost 15 years and probably won’t stick around as a manager long-term. I don’t get it at all.)

-Kelley interviewed Belair backstage and asked her what the match with Bayley means for her. Belair said it’s about payback against Bayley and won’t stop until she is left with nothing.

-Graves hyped a recap of the rivalry between Bobby Lashley and Brock Lesnar. [c]

-Gargano was walking backstage looking hurt and he was approached by Miz. Miz said he and Maryse got LeRae a get-well card. Gargano said that was nice and Miz tried to persuade Gargano to talk out their problems. Gargano told Miz to tell the truth or he will next well. Gargano then walked off saying that they didn’t even sign the card and since they’re rich they could’ve put money in it.

(Doucette’s Analysis: This shows that Gargano is so much better at off-the-cuff humor sprinkled into his promos than the forced humor shown in the R-Truth segment.)

-A video package hyping the Lashley-Lesnar match at Crown Jewel was shown.

-Bayley and her Damage CTRL stablemates made their entrance as Patrick hyped Raw in Dallas next week. [c]

-Graves hyped a Lesnar appearance for Raw next week.

-Belair made her entrance as Patrick and Graves played up how much Bayley needs to win the match.

(6) BAYLEY (w/Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai) vs. BIANCA BELAIR

Belair hit Bayley with a plancha at ringside as Sky and Kai looked on concerned. [c]

Bayley was briefly in control after the commercial break until Belair made a comeback. Belair tried a standing moonsault, but Bayley got her knees up. Bayley tried an elbow drop, but Belair also got her knees up. Belair landed a successful standing moonsault for a two count. Bayley rolled outside of the ring and Belair followed. Belair charged, but Bayley flipped up into the timekeeper’s area. Bayley hit Belair with an armbreaker from the barricade onto the floor. [c]

Bayley tried to use a K.O.D. on Belair, but Belair countered with a Bayley-to-Belly for a nearfall. Belair tried a spinebuster for another two count. Belair went to the top rope, but Sky jumped onto the apron and for the distraction. Bayley hit the Bayley-to-Belly off the ropes for a nearfall. Sky and Kai readied the announce table, but Belair powerbombed Bayley onto it. Sky and Kai attacked Belair and the referee saw it. The referee attempted to eject Kai and Sky, but someone jumped off the top rope and hit Kai, Sky, and the referee with a flying bodypress. It was Nikki Cross. Belair hit Bayley with the K.O.D., but the referee was down. Cross rammed Belair into the ringpost and hit her with a spinning Fisherman Buster. Bayley draped an arm over Belair as another referee ran in and made the three count.

WINNER: Bayley in 24:00.

-Nikki attacked Bayley after the bell and stood tall to end the show.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Another okay episode of Raw overall. I feel like things are not as hot as they were a few months back. However, the product always tends to cool around this time. There is better storytelling and continuity at times, so that is always appreciated from me. The beginning of the show was quite good because of the Judgment Day promo, the middle dragged, and the end brought me back in. I like that Nikki Cross finally dropped the superhero gimmick and is a threat again. Since she attacked both Bayley and Belair, I am interested to see how she is presented going forward. I felt that not much else happened on the show, but it being bookended by two strong segments helped make it interesting. Survivor Series is near and with War Games headlining, I hope for strong episodes over the next month to build to it.