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WWE RAW REPORT
SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
PORTLAND, OREG. at MODA CENTER
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
Commentators: Joe Tessitore, Wade Barrett
Ring Announcer: Samantha Irvin
Attendance: WrestleTix reported earlier that 9,693 tickets had been distributed; arena is set up for 10,295. More tickets have been sold since then. Subscribe to WrestleTix on Patreon for detailed up-to-date information. The arena has a capacity of 19,393 spectators when configured for basketball.
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[HOUR ONE]
-After “Then, Now, Together, Forever,” they cut to an aerial view of Portland. Joe Tessitore introduced the show as they showed scenes of wrestlers arriving at the arena as he hyped scheduled matches and segments. C.M. Punk was the last one to be shown arriving in an unassuming, unpretentious Chevy SUV. The camera followed him to the ring (as we’ve to believe he arrived just in time to walk to the ring at the start of the show).
-Punk made his entrance to “Cult of Personality” sternly looking like he had a lot on his mind. As Punk was handed a mic, they cut to ringside where Wade Barrett and Tessitore were discussing what Drew McIntyre said last week about Punk. The camera zoomed in on Punk who was hanging his head. He said softly, “I’m at the point in my career where people as me how many matches do I have left in these old bones. Depending on how you feel about me, the answer is either wildly disappointing or it makes you tremendously happy because the answer is way more than you think.” Fans cheered.
He said that when he made it clear he didn’t come back to WWE to make friends, he didn’t intend to make a mortal enemy. He said the only way to solve his issue with Drew is inside the Hell in a Cell. He said maybe Drew was a little naive for thinking it was over after the four corners match since Drew attackedhim in Chicago months ago and “tried to drag his wife and dog into this mess.” He said it probably should have stopped the second time Drew sent him to a hospital two weeks ago. “But I’m just too damn stubborn,” he said as he snarled. He said Drew’s mistake in all this is not getting the job done.
He said people can ask him how many HIAC matches does he have left him in, and the honest answer is zero. He said his little sister and wife asked him not to do it. His voice quivered as he said the angel on his shoulder begged him not to do it. “So, armed with all the information, please allow me to tell you exactly why I am going to do this.” A “C.M. Punk!” broke out.
He said the last time he was in Portland he told Drew that if he pushes him hard enough, he can become the Devil himself. He said the only way this ends is in Hell in a Cell. He looked into the camera and promised he was going to make him bleed. “I promise you are going to have to kill me because I am prepared to die, I am prepared for this heart to stop beating, I am prepared for all of this to be over with,” he said. “I’ve had a great career; if this is the end, so be it.” He said he’s prepared for this to be the end of Punk and if Drew is prepared for it to be the end of Drew, “then I will see you in hell.” He snarled and dropped the mic and left.
(Keller’s Analysis: He struck a tone that felt appropriate for the length and intensity of his rivalry with Drew. I could’ve done without the talk of being prepared to die. He didn’t need to go that far. This also felt perhaps like a reaction to people belittling this feud having the friendship bracelet as a key plot-point along the way. Punk’s never had trapezius muscles like he has now.)
-They went to Barrett and Tessitore at ringside who reacted to Punk. Tessitore recapped some of the key things Punk said. Then he pivoted to the Sheamus-Pete Dunne situation as clips aired of Dunne attacking Sheamus two weeks ago and then Sheamus attacking Dunne last week.
-Cathy Kelley interviewed Sheamus backstage. He said he taught Dunne too well. He said Dunne took away his dream to become a Grand Slam Champion. He said Dunne doesn’t like to be called “Butch.” He said tonight, Dunne “becomes my butch.” (No, that doesn’t reset the meter.) Sheamus turned and headed to the ring. [c]
(1) SHEAMUS vs. PETE DUNNE
The bell rang 21 minutes into the hour. As the match began, a graphic showed photos and names of the two commentators, two interviewers, and ring announcer. (We’ve come a long way since Vince McMahon and Kevin Dunn rarely acknowledged the names of the interviewers and even more rarely put their names on the screen.) Dunne took control at 2:00 and stomped on Sheamus’s hand on the ringside steps. Sheamus fired back by slamming Dunn onto the announce desk. They cut to a break. [c]
When they returned from the break, Dunne had taken control. Sheamus made a comeback at 8:00. He landed a top rope kneedrop onto Dunne’s chest for a near fall. Sheamus bent Dunne over the top rope and bashed his chest to a crowd count that hit 17 before Sheamus was forced to step back. Sheamus grabbed a shillelagh. The ref took it from him. Dunne then hit Sheamus with a cricket bat from ringside. He re-entered the ring and covered Sheamus. The ref turned around and counted three.
WINNER: Dunne in 11:00.
-Tessitore, still referring to his notes, threw to a video package on the Damien Priest angle with The Judgment Day last week including Rhea Ripley and Jey Uso making saves.
-Backstage, as Priest was chatting with Ripley, Jey walked up to him and said he’ll have eyes on his match later. Xavier Woods walked in and said he and Kofi Kingston have a chance to win the tag titles tonight. He said they want to go it alone, so he told them to stay back. Priest said he respects that and he told them to beat their asses and take the titles. As Jey walked off, Rhea smiled at him as she was a bit smitten.
-Barrett hyped Priest vs. Mysterio. [c]
-Miz wished Braun Strowman luck. Braun showed off his bruised bicep. Miz asked what he meant when he said he was no match for Bronson Reed. Strowman told him not to take that in any kind of context and he didn’t mean any disrespect. Miz began listing his accomplishments. Braun said sometimes it takes a monster to beat a monster. Miz said he understood, but he seemed perhaps to be harboring ill feelings.
(2) NATALYA (w/Lyra Valkyria, Zelina Vega) vs. ZOEY STARK (w/Shayna Baszler, Sonya Deville)
The bell rang 43 minutes into the hour. Stark landed a top rope dropkick at 1:00 and they cut to a break. [c]
Fast-paced action continued. Natalya went for a sharpshooter. Stark blocked it and went for a jackknife cover. They reversed each other’s pin attempts for the next 20 seconds, with Natalya eventually getting a three count.
WINNER: Natalya in 7:00.
-Kelley interviewed Rhea Ripley backstage and asked her how her knee was feeling. Finn Balor intruded and said he’s been meaning to catch up with her for a while. He said he feels like she is just as bad as Priest. He said she acted like she cared about the family, but all she cared about was herself. He said she and Priest are the reason for all of the issues with The Judgment Day.
Ripley said she won’t let him rewrite history because of his ego problems. She emphatically said she loved her family and tried to create opportunities for everyone every week. She said he and his cohorts will find out how bad they can truly be. Balor nodded and said, “Okay, there is one other thing I was going to tell you.” Balor said he was the devil on Dom’s shoulder who advised him to go with Liv Morgan and forget about her. “It was me!” he said.
Jey Uso walked in as Rhea stared him down. “Do we have a problem here,” Jey said. Balor said it’s just two friends catching up. He said he should focus on the IC Title because Rhea is out of his league. Balor walked away. Rhea thanked Jey and said Balor is right that he should be focused on his match. [c]
-As they showed aerial scenes of Portland, Tessitore noted that Portlanders like say, “Keep Portland weird.” Barrett reacted like he hadn’t heard that. Tessitore plugged the USA Network finale of Raw on Dec 30 saying would be two hours. Jey Uso made his ring entrance. Tessitore held up a fan sign that said, “Keep Portland Yeet!” The announcers plugged the IC Title match between Bron Breakker and Jey next Monday on Raw.
[HOUR TWO]
-Jey stood in the ring and said, “Main Event Jey Uso is now in your city!” Breakker interrupted Jey and marched to the ring. Barrett said he is the future of the industry, then augmented that to saying he is the current. Bron asked if there are any dogs barking in Portland. He told Jey that he told him to stay away, yet there he is with his relentless pursuit of his title. He said he’s trying to prove he can be a singles star by himself.
Breakker said Jey has been around 14 years and there’s no doubt he’s a big star. He said fans like him. He said he managed to do more as a singles wrestler in six months than Jey has done in his whole career. Fans booed. He said he did it without his father and uncle. “I didn’t need the name,” he said. “I did it all by myself.” He said the title is what he fights for and it fights for him. “I’m a dog; that’s what I do,” he said. He said he’ll expose him because he nothing without his family.
Jey took off his sunglasses and said he sees that dog in him. He promised Bron he won’t take him lightly. Jey said he’s been on the roster for 14 years winning championships “when you were in diapers.” He said he’s going to dog walk his ass. “We’ll see what you’re made of and we’ll see how long this lasts,” Jey said. “It could end up short and sweet, just like your NFL career.” Fans “oooh’d.”
Bron’s eyes bulged. Tessitore said Bron tried out for the Baltimore Ravens and didn’t make the team, but added that he was a great football player. Bron punched Jey and then went for a spear, but Jey surprised Bron with a spear instead. Fans chanted “Yeet!” Tessitore said that’s the first time Breakker has taken a spear. Breakker retreated to the floor and gasped for air. Tessitore touted the intensity between those two.
-They showed Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill backstage when Iyo Sky walked in and ranted about Kairi Sane having an injured eye. “You coward!” she yelled. Belair said she didn’t challenge anyone, rather she was booked to face Kairi. She when called on, she steps up. Belair suggested Iyo take Kairi’s place, though. Iyo accepted.
-The New Day made their way to the ring. [c]
(3) FINN BALOR & J.D. MCDONAGH vs. THE NEW DAY (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) – WWE Tag Team Title match
Tessitore said New Day haven’t held the tag titles in WWE for over there years. A clip aired of Balor vs. Rey Mysterio last week on Raw. Barrett said they’re still awaiting an update on Rey’s condition after Balor’s post-match attack did damage. The bell rang 17 minutes into the hour. Tessitore said this is the first defense by Balor & McDonagh since winning the tag title 71 days ago. Tessitore said Xavier asked on social media if that stat was real. They cut to a very early break. [c]
Back from the break, Xavier landed a sitout powerbomb for a near fall at 7:00. Carlito, Liv, and Dom walked out. The LWO ran out and jumped Carlito and Dom. McDonagh rolled up a distracted Xavier for a two count. Kofi leaped off the top rope onto a crowd below including Dom and LWO members. Xavier landed a top rope elbow, but the ref was at ringside. Xavier was upset and yanked the ref around and said he had a three count. Fans chanted, “Ref, you suck!” Xavier rolled up McDonagh, but Balor had blind-tagged in and he landed a Coup de Grace and scored a three count.
WINNERS: Balor & McDonagh in 9:00 to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles.
-Xavier stood and yelled at Kofi angrily, “Every time?! Every time?!” He pulled himself away from Kofi consoling him. Xavier left the ring alone, despondent and frustrated. Kofi pleaded with him to calm down. Xavier said things have to change.
-They showed a split screen of Belair and Sky. [c]
-A Wyatt Sicks vignette aired. A message said “You Speak, We Follow” with a QR Code.
-Kelley approached Kofi backstage for a comment. Kofi said he had to find Xavier. Xavier was yelling at the LWO. Kofi said he told them to be there for them. Xavier told the LWO, “You cost us the titles!” Kofi asked what would’ve happened if they didn’t show up after Dom and Carlito did. Xavier asked why they need help. Kofi said it’s just them whereas in the past they had Big E. Xavier angrily asked if Kofi thinks they’re not enough. He asked how the LWO knew their tag team title match plan and not him. “You are leaving me in the dark and I have no idea what’s going on anymore,” said Xavier. He stormed off.
-Barrett said maybe things will cool off over time. Tessitore said this is the first they’ve seen of dissension after ten years of New Day together.
-A vignette aired on Bronson Reed and then Reed made his ring entrance. [c]
–Before the bell rang, when Strowman entered the ring, Reed charged at him. Strowman moved. Reed came down with the top turnbuckle in his grip. Tessitore said, “We don’t have a top rope!” Strowman went on the attack and kicked Reed to the floor. Strowman signaled for his “freight train” spot at ringside, but someone leaped off the ringside barricade and tackled Strowman. Tessitore said Reed reached into the front row and threw someone at Strowman. Tessitore’s words got muted due to a “Holy shit!” chant.
As Reed celebrated, Strowman got up and tackled Reed into the time keeper’s area. The ref called for help. Strowman re-entered the ring. Reed walked to the back. Barrett said it was the greatest 60 seconds in the history of their industry. Strowman pursued Reed, who was mouthing off at him from afar. Strowman checked Reed into some equipment. Officials pulled Strowman away. Reed jumped Strowman. They brawled in the back hall. Strowman tossed security aside violently. He then tipped over a golf cart. Strowamn turned around and Reed leaped off a platform onto Strowman, crashing through two tables. Strowamn got up and tackled Reed through a sheet rock wall that was pretty obviously set up just for that spot. Then apparatus dropped from above. They cut to a break.
(Keller’s Analysis: The sheet rock set piece prop at the end was unneeded, but the rest was a blast. The muting of “Holy shit” chants is making WWE TV almost unbearable and so much key commentary is missed.) [c]
-They showed medical personnel checking on Strowman and Reed who were still down.
-Ludwig Kaiser approached Adam Pearce backstage and asked if he has found an adequate opponent for Gunther. Pearce said he was dealing with a catastrophe. He said he thinks Sami Zayn qualifies as a worthy challenger. Kaiser disagreed. The screen behind them showed Sami’s ring entrance beginning.
-Sami Zayn made his entrance. He saluted the crowd cheering his theme song. They went to a wide shot of the crowd. Sami talked about being inspired by Bret Hart talking about what it meant for him to be a champion. He said Gunther has been ducking him because he says he’s not on his level. Sami said he doesn’t believe it and he doesn’t think Gunther does, either. He said he thinks Gunther remembers what happened at WrestleMania earlier this year. He said Gunther knows he has beaten him before and he can beat him again. He said Gunther’s scared. Kaiser’s music interrupted.
Kaiser said WrestleMania was the greatest night of Sami’s career. He said it was the first time he saw his family looking up at him instead of down on him. He told Sami to take it and run with it and enjoy it because it will never, ever happen again. Sami scratched his beard and rubbed his temple and chuckled.
[HOUR THREE]
Sami said Gunther doesn’t need him to speak for him or for anything else. “I don’t think you need Gunther, either,” Sami said. He said he can see Kaiser has a desire to stand on his own two feet and show the world what he’s capable of. He asked if he thinks he’s going to win respect as Gunther’s mouthpiece. Gunther’s music played and he walked out. Barrett said you don’t hand out title shots like candy.
Gunther entered the ring and told Sami he would address his challenge in a second. He turned to Kaiser and asked if he has anything to tell him. Kaiser hung his head and clenched his jaw anxiously. Kaiser said there is something he’s been trying to get off his chest for a very, very long time. He turned and punched Sami. He then gave him a face plant.
Gunther then told Sami, as Kaiser held him up, “The answer is and will remain, no.” He threw down the mic and then Kaiser discarded him to the mat. Kaiser and Gunther hugged and smiled. Gunther left the ring. Sami grabbed Kaiser’s leg. Kaiser took him lightly and smiled. Sami gave him a back suplex. Sami then landed a Helluva kick. Sami’s music played and he yelled at Gunther who observed from the stage.
(Keller’s Analysis: Really good segment. By having Gunther refuse to give Sami a shot, it’s making it feel like Sami deserves it all the more and it’ll be a big moment when it finally gets officially booked somehow. Ludwig was good there, too. All three were.)
-Kelley interviewed Priest about facing Dom later. Liv interrupted and told Kelley to get out of her face. Kelley frowned and left. She told Priest it wasn’t hard for The Judgment Day to choose her and Dom over Rhea and Priest. She said they’re now lonely desperate losers. She said they should hear what Judgment Day says about them now that they’re gone. Priest told her to go find Dom and give him a kiss goodbye because he’s putting him down later.
-Belair made her ring entrance. [c]
(4) BIANCA BELAIR (w/Jade Cargil) vs. IYO SKY (w/Kairi Sane)
The bell rang 14 minutes into the hour. They cut to a break at 2:00 after Belair avoided a charging Sky and then gave her a suplex after jogging in place. [c]
At 11:00, the fans chanted, “This is awesome!” Sky leaped through the ropes and landed a bodypress on Belair. Belair lifted Sky for a vertical suplex and carried her up the steps and dumped her into the ring. Tessitore went bonkers. Belair leaped off the top rope with a 450 splash attempt, but Sky lifted her knees. Sky then climbed to the top rope, but Belair lifted her and set up a KOD. Sky small packaged Belair for the three count. “What a thriller!” exclaimed Tessitore.
WINNER: Sky in 12:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good match that the crowd got increasingly into as it progressed.)
-Ripley told Priest to tear Dom apart. [c]
-A vignette aired with The American Males mocking The Wyatt Sicks with Chad Gable saying they don’t quit or surrender. “We don’t run from history; we make history!” he said.
-Kelley interviewed Kaiser and said it looked like what Sami was saying resonated with him. Kaiser didn’t deny it, he just said it didn’t matter. He called out Sami Zayn for his lack of loyalty to Kevin Owens. He said they turn on each other any time the other experiences any success. He said he’s nothing but a sad, bitter man, jealous of his best friend.
(Keller’s Analysis: Kaiser is really good. I’m intrigued with how they portray him as they head toward a possible break-up with Gunther. If he’s going to be the babyface, does he take a path like Priest where he shows signs of being a stand-up guy who isn’t all that bad to pay the ground work for being cheered?)
-Tessitore and Barrett hyped next week’s Raw: Sami vs. Kaiser, a Drew promo next week, and Breakker vs. Jey for the IC Title.
-Ilja Dragunov wished Jey luck next week. Jey offered a fist bump and a Yeet. Dragunov smiled. The Judgment Day walked up to Dragunov and said they noticed he’s getting friendly with Jey. Balor told him to think a little more about who he chooses as his friends. Dragunov said “friend” is a strong word, but he respects Damien, Jey, and Rhea. He said that’s more than he can say about them. Balor said the next time they deliver a message, it won’t be so friendly.
-The Judgement Day made their entrance. [c]
(5) DAMIEN PRIEST (w/Rhea Ripley) vs. DOMINIK MYSTERIO (w/Finn Balor, J.D. McDonagh, Liv Morgan, Carlito)
The bell rang 45 minutes into the hour. Priest charged at Dom when the bell rang and checked him hard to the mat. Priest choked Dom over the middle rope right in front of Liv. Priest set up a Razor’s Edge, but Balor reached into the ring. Priest lunged at him. Dom retreated to ringside to catch his breath. Priest went after Dom and dropped him over the edge of the ring apron. Priest backed Carlito away, then went back on the attack against Dom. Priest punched Carlito as he approached and then threw Dom back into the ring. Balor shoved Priest into the ringpost. Dom leaped through the ropes and knocked Priest into the announce desk. They cut to a break at 4:00. [c]
Dom controlled the match after the break. Priest made a comeback at 9:00. Priest rallied. He had to fend off Balor. Dom rolled up Priest from behind. Priest then gave Dom a Broken Arrow; Liv put Dom’s boot on the bottom rope. Ripley tackled Liv and then tumbled over the desk into Barrett. Priest shoved Carlito into Balor at ringside, then superkicked Carlito. Fans cheered. Dom attacked Priest when he re-entered the ring and then hit a 619. Priest avoided Dom’s top rope splash and then clotheslined him. Priest dropped his straps and then delivered a South of Heaven for the win.
WINNER: Priest in 12:00.
-The Judgment Day swarmed Priest right afterward. Liv threw Ripley into the ringside steps. Jey came out for the save. Breaker speared him at ringside. The beatdown on Priest and Ripley continued. “This is disgusting!” said Tessitore.
(Keller’s Analysis: Good angle. Tessitore, by the way, had a really good third week. An absence of irritants plus just a continuation of his great call of the main event last week.)
JOIN US LIVE ON YOUTUBE TONIGHT FOR THE VIDEO-FORMAT OF OUR LIVE POST-SHOWS…
PWTorch editor Wade Keller is joined by PWTorch’s Kelly Wells to review WWE Raw LIVE tonight right after Dynamite. Join us and let us know your thoughts on Raw during the show.
Email our post-show at wadekellerpodcast@gmail.com with your comments and questions about Dynamite. We’ll read your emails live during the post-show.
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