Welcome one and all to the RAW RECAP presented by THE REVELLEUTION! Fastlane continues to approach but there’s been no sign of the Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley since the unwelcome return of Nia Jax a few weeks ago. Will that change this week? And what will happen with Tegan Nox now that, due to an arm injury at NXT No Mercy, it appears that successfully retaining Champion Becky Lynch isn’t cleared to compete this week for their planned NXT Women’s Championship match? Let’s get into it, and find out…
Raw started off with a ‘cold open’ as NIA JAX and SHAYNA BASZLER were brawling in the entranceway as Raw opened up, ahead of the advertised match between the two that the announcers claimed was going to kick off the show. The brawl went into the ring as Baszler applied a choke but Jax backed up into a corner to break it. RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ made her return and went after Jax, but accidentally decked Baszler with a Big Boot, leaving her open for a cheap shot from behind by Jax.
It then became a four-way brawl when RHEA RIPLEY made her return and stormed the ring, tackling Jax down with ease and getting soem shots in before Rodriguez shoved her off so she and Ripley could go at it while Baszler came back to get body shots in on Jax. Security came out to seperate as Jax cowardly fled the ring when Ripley broke free. Ripley decked a couple of guards and hit one with a Riptide while Jax and Baszler brawled in the aisle. The rest of the women were escorted to the back (or more fled in Jax’s case) but Ripley stayed in the ring and demanded the rest of The Judgement Day came out.
Damien Priest and Dominik Mysterio (who lost the NXT North American title at NXT No Mercy) answered the call. Ripley reading a riot act and blaming Priest for not following ‘her’ plans and that’s why Mysterio lost his title at the weekend. When Priest pointed out that Mysterio lost on his own, Ripley threatened Mysterio by telling him that if he doesn’t win back his title at NXT tomorrow, then he shouldn’t come home at all. Jey Uso came out, messing with The Judgement Day as he sweet talked Ripley. The segment set up a future men’s Tag Team Title Match between The Judgement Day against Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes.
MAXXINE DUPRI accompanied Alpha Academy as they lost to Imperium. Dupri again didn’t look too happy by yet another loss for her men.
TEGAN NOX was in Adam Pearce’s office as it was confirmed the NXT Women’s Title match was postponed due to Becky Lynch’s arm injury. CHELSEA GREEN interrupted things and mocked Nox saying she should wish the match was cancelled so she wouldn’t have to lose to Lynch. After Green mocked that Nox wasn’t Championship material Nox then suggested a match between her and Green, and it was made official.
Backstage BECKY LYNCH with her arm in a sling warned Tegan Nox that once she was cleared Nox would be in for a fight. There was a brief stare-off between Lynch and NATALYA before Natalya gave some apparent praise to Nox after their match from last week (but was it sincere or not?).
Singles Match
TEGAN NOX defeated Women’s Tag Team Champion CHELSEA GREEN w/h PIPER NIVEN
Green decked Nox with a Big Boot right off the bell, and got Niven to give a reluctant high five from it. Nox got a two count from a Small Package and seconds later a Back Elbow got another near fall. Green avoided a Knee Strike and used a Roll-Up to send Nox into position for a slap, but took too long trying to get Niven’s attention as Nox countered the I’m Prettier to turn Green around for a Headbutt. Green answered with a Superkick that sent Nox to the floor.
Green tried to get Niven to attack Nox but Niven just barked orders instead. Nox slid back in as Green tried for a Baseball Slide and when Green got to the apron to block a dive attempt, Nox just levelled her with a Punch to send Green into Niven’s arms. Nox hit a Con Hilo from the apron to wipe out Green before sending her back into the ring. Nox went up top but Niven distracted. This brought out Natalya who stormed down and made Niven back away.
All as Nox countered a Superplex attempt to send Green down with a Gordbuster. The Molly-Go-Round followed then the Shiniest Wizard for the win. Natalya raised Nox’s arm in victory after the match but Nox seemed a little apprehensive about it all.
JACKIE REDMOND handled interview duties. Including when Rhea Ripley and The Judgement Day interrupted Trick William’s interview to warn him that Dominik Mysterio wouldn’t be coming alone for his title match at NXT.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
A solid return that showed Nia Jax is in trouble now that her enemies are stacking up. Perhaps a prelude for a Triple Threat Match or perhaps more in the future when Rhea Ripley next defends. Nox got another win here but will that momentum last when she ends up losing to Becky Lynch? And will Natalya be a predictable back stabbing here with Nox or was this just a brief moment since the title match was put off for Nox? It’s quite a mess for the women of Raw and with no Women’s title matches, tag or singles, for the women for Fastlane it’s not quite a good sign as we head towards Survivor Series and the new year.
That’s your lot for this week. Be sure to stop by in seven days’ time for the next edition of the RAW RECAP! See you then!