Welcome one and all to the RAW RECAP presented by THE REVELLEUTION! Last week saw a non-finish as Alexa Bliss went ‘Fiendish’ in her title match against Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair. The non-contest meaning that while retaining the title, Belair was far from the victor. What will the fallout be from that? What’s next between Becky Lynch and Bayley as their issues continue? And will see a potential frontrunner emerge as we head towards the Royal Rumble Match in a couple of weeks? Let’s get into it, and find out…
ALEXA BLISS hijacked the show just after the announcers claimed Belair was only out of action with ‘multiple stitches. Climbing up on the announce table as Bliss bragged that she might not be champion but she was the only one here. Accusing Belair of running and hiding from her, before declaring herself as ‘The New Face of Evil’. Bliss began ranting in an unhinged way and even used a line of ‘I’ve got the whole world in my hands’, a reference to the song associated with Bray Wyatt. The segment ended with an Uncle Howdy flasher image package, showing off the previous ‘Playmate’ insane era of Alexa Bliss before ‘Uncle Howdy’ himself appeared, seemingly mocking bliss from afar while Bliss glared back in fury.
Women’s Singles Match
BAYLEY w/h DAKOTA KAI & IYO SKY defeated MICHIN
The WWE can’t decide what Michin’s name is, as both the ring announcer and the commentators referred to her as Mia Yim at points but the tron and TV graphics just said Michin. Bayley got a mic before the bell, saying she was going to send a message to Becky Lynch, mocking her for losing last week. Showing arrogance as she told Kai and Sky that they had the night off, sending them away and telling Lynch to watch what she was going to do to Michin.
Bayley got a cheap shot in early to get control and clobber away at Michin. Michin came back with a boot counter to set up a Running style Neckbreaker. Moments later Michin using the ropes for a spider grab counter, luring Bayley in to send her through the ropes to the floor. Bayley managed to race back in to avoid Michin going for a dive, but Michin went to the other apron as Bayley bailed to the floor, catching the Role Model with a kick from the apron.
After a commercial break, Bayley was in control with a rest hold before sending Michin through the ropes to hit the Stunner spot there. Mocking the fans by clapping and faking like she was going to do a dive, instead just sliding out to the floor, hooking Michin onto the apron and hitting a nice Suplex to the floor from it. Getting a two count back in the ring. Moments later Bayley tried for another Stunner through the ropes but this time with her on the apron, but Michin shoved Bayley down to the floor and followed up with a Suicide Dive.
Michin kept control in the ring with several strikes then a German Suplex. Moments later Michin went for the rope-hung Headscissors Driver we saw weeks back but she didn’t get all of it. Bayley kicked out at two. A Cannonball in the corner by Michin missed, before Michin countered the Bayley-to-Belly, trying for a Roll-up. More counters followed before Bayley broke free of another German Suplex attempt, sneaking out through the legs and shoving Michin into the corner. Using a Backslide to trap the shoulders down and getting her feet on the ropes to steal the win over Michin.
CATHY KELLEY interviewed CANDICE LERAE as she gave an update on her husband’s injury before boasting about dreaming of winning the Women’s Royal Rumble. RHEA RIPLEY emerged from the shadows, objecting to the announcement. A little insult trading before LeAre challenged Ripley to face her tonight, and Ripley accepted.
Women’s Singles Match
RHEA RIPLEY defeated CANDICE LERAE
LeRae surprised Ripley early with strikes, before avoiding a Big Boot to sneak a Roll-up for a near fall. Moments later Ripley used her strength to block a Tornado DDT attempt, just driving Lerae down almost Press Slam-style for a two count. Roughing up LaRae with a hard corner whip then Shoulder Thrusts to another corner. A couple tosses across the ring led to more Shoulder Thrusts by Ripley.
Ripley took too much time toying with LeRae, setting her up on top but LeRae managed to slip down to avoid a Suplexplex attempt. Avoiding a punch down before racing up and sending Ripley from the corner with a Super Release German Suplex! LeRae managed to send Ripley to the floor as she avoided a charge, but going for a Suicide Dive Ripley caught her in mid-air, swinging LeRae into the crowd barrier. Locking the Prysm Trap not LeRaer on the floor and using it to swing LKeRae again into the barricade.
Back in the ring Ripley easily hit the Riptide to get the pin for a rather dominating victory.
Damage CTRL were interviewed backstage as Bayley bragged about having sent a message with her recent victories. Michin barged in, rightly calling Baykley out for cheating earlier. Bayley insisted that she was just someone who wasn’t afraid to accept some help. Only for all of Damage CTRL to attack Michin, easily decking her as Bayley warned Michin not to fight for someone who wasn’t going to be there for her.
Rhea Ripley accompanied Dominick Mysterio along with the rest of The Judgement Day as he was interviewed on Miz TV about his ‘jail time’. Ripley would stay ringside as The Judgement Day impressively, even with outside interference, ran the gauntlet to win Tag Team Turmoil. Ripley provided the asset at the end to hold Mysterio’s feet on the ropes to steal the final match.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
What seemed very surprising to me was the very casual references that the Royal Rumble Matches are actually happening. According to the WWE website, only one female Superstar so far – Liv Morgan – has been officially confirmed for the women’s match. I know some of the fun of Royal Rumbles in the past is the surprise of who comes out next, but even this is surprising to not know who will be at least confirmed for some of the entrants. We’ll see if that strategy of ‘no hype’ pays off when the Rumble happens.
There were two fine, painless matches on the show. Candice LeRae gets squashed to give Ripley a showcase victory. I’ve been critical of LeRae’s in-ring performances in the past but she was solid tonight, but then again she also was taking the loss and didn’t get too many moves in. Michin also took another straight loss this week, even with the slight protection of a dirty pin. Is Michin being lined up for a tag title shot somehow? Or just being used to pad time before Lynch returns to take on Bayley again? There’s quite the staggering difference in how women are treated when Becky Lynch can seemingly fend off three-on-one attacks with ease but Michin gets beaten down hard by the same odds.
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!