Welcome one and all to the RAW RECAP presented by THE REVELLEUTION! Last week Nia Jax made her claim to being the next Raw Women’s Champion, with confrontations with Asuka and attacking Kairi Sane. But the WWE announced that Jax must earn that title shot, as she faces NXT Women’s Champion Charlotte Flair and Natalya (even though she’s been on a losing streak). Who will come out on top of this Triple Threat match? Is the answer that obvious? Let’s get into it, and find out…
NXT Superstars such as Indy Hartwell, Shotzi Blackhart and many more acted as the crowd for Raw.
ASUKA was the guest on the Kevin Owens Show. Recaps shown of the attacks by Asuka and Nia Jax but as Asuka was ranting CHARLOTTE FLAIR came out to interrupt. Flair claiming she should have been handed the women’s title before NATALYA storms out. Owens mocking Natalya for her ranting last week when she broke the set. Natalya actually saying sorry for the rampage last week, which Flair mocked her for. NIA JAX was next out and said she’d bulldoze over Asuka. A brawl kicked off as once again Asuka disposed of Jax, making her flee while Natalya and Flair brawled to the floor.
KAYLA BRAXTON and CHARLY CARUSO handled interview duties on the showm including a short interview with Flair.
ZELINA VEGA accompanied her client Andrade as he finally lost his United States title to Apollo Crews. Despite distraction attempts that led to Vega getting knocked off the apron but Vega refused to leave ringside.
THE IICONICS came to the ring. Both saying sorry to one another for last week. The IIconics claimed the tag titles were theirs and took shots at the tag champs, including calling Bliss ‘the office’s favourite blonde’. ALEXA BLISS and NIKKI CROSS made an appearence as Bliss stated that The IIconics just blew their chances. The IIconics stirred the pot, telling Cross to be silence and just stand and look thankful. Cross snapped at that remark, ranting in defiance. The IIconics just attacked, wiping out Cross with a Royce roundhouse before working over Bliss. Then hitting their modified Magic Killer finisher to lay out Cross. Standing tall over their rivals to make a major statement.
LANA was blown off backstage by her husband’s new manager MVP.
Natalya lost an interview chance, taking a phonecall from husband TJ about her breakdowns as of late.
Number One Contendership Triple Threat Match
NIA JAX defeated NXT Women’s Champion CHARLOTTE FLAIR and NATALYA
Asuka was doing guest commentary for the match. Jax showed off her power early, slamming Flair then slamming Natalya into Flair but a Legdrop on both missed. Jax got sent into the ringpost much to Asuka’s delight before Flair worked over Natalya. “Boooooo Charlotte!” Asuka yelled on commentary. Jax tried to get back in but Flair knocked her down, but later on Jax decked Flair with a Clothesline on the floor. Rearranging the table but Flair used the hood of the announce table to attack only to be shoved back into the apron.
Jax took chops on the apron, and tried for a Samoan Drop off the apron. Holding Jax from the apron, the women managed to lift Jax to carry and the Double Team Powerbomb Jax through the announce table at ringside. After the break Flair and Natalya collided with double Crossbodies. Asuka however tossed Jax back into the ring, seemingly wanting her to win and be faced at Backlash. Natalya tried for an armbar, but Jax powered up and dropped Natalya with a Powerbomb that Flair almost stole the win off of.
Flair hit a Moonsault on Jax but only got a two count. Natalya with a Crossbody off the top of all things for a near fall. Jax taking out both opponents with Clotheslines, then squashing both in the far corner. Trying for a double Samoan Drop but it didn’t work. Flair hit a Knee Drop to Nia’s leg in the corner, then applying the Figure Eight but Natalya broke it up with a Dropkick. Locking the Sharpshooter on Flair but Jax broke it up. Flair nailed a Big Boot for a near fall as Natalya broke it up.
Flair went up again for the Moonsault but was distacted knocking Natalya down. Leading to a Tower of Doom as Jax hit a Superplex on Flair and Natalya a poweromb to Jax. Natalya only got two counts on both opponents. She went for the Sharpshooter on Jax but Flair rolled her up, applying the Figure Eight but Jax hit a legdrop to Flair. The finally hitting a Samoan Drop to pin Natalya and win. “OK! OK! OK!” Asuka yelled, getting her chance at rival Jax.
LIV MORGAN cut another promo similar to last week. Maybe we can let her wrestle again on Raw sometime soon, right?
FINAL THOUGHTS:
A tremendous matchup between Flair, Natalya and Jax even when the outcome was never in doubt. Asuka also didn’t too much hijack things with her commentary but still provided good moments and reactions. Natalya’s frustration storyline could be interesting but they need to show clearly what, if anything, this would lead to because it’s not clear right now.
The segment with The IIconics and Bliss/Cross was perfect. Getting heat back onto the heels and letting Cross get fired up to blast haters who have claimed she only has a spotlight thanks to teaming with Bliss. It’s great to see the agressive side of Kay and Royce making statements alongside their comedic antics. They’ve never looked better since they’ve come back to action.
That’s your lot for this week! Be sure to stop by in seven days time and we’ll have all the coverage with the next edition of the RAW RECAP! See you then!