RAW In A Nutshell: Where There Is Fire, There Is Smoke

Last week on RAW, we saw Seth Rollins burn the Firefly Funhouse down. Well, where there is fire, there is smoke-and in this case, the smoke refers to a recent addition to RAW, the Street Profits. As in, on this week’s edition of RAW, we can expect the former NXT Tag Team Champions to make their in ring red brand debuts. Last week, the duo had their first feud kicked off, as The OC gave Dawkins and Ford an unpleasant welcome to RAW. Of course, the show isn’t all Rollins and Profits. There is plenty to get to within the three hours, and Crown Jewel is just over a week away. Let’s crack open this Nutshell and see what else is in store for us!

Best Match of the night:

I have to go with the main event, for a number of reasons.

For one, we finally got to see the Street Profits in a match on RAW. And wow, what a huge opportunity! I have to think this is a reflection of the faith that some behind the scenes have in them…I mean…RAW debut as half of the main event.

And then, we got Kevin Owens making his return to RAW, backing up the Profits and aiding them in getting the win in their debut.

Worst match of the night:

I won’t say worst…how about match I was into the least? In that case, I really wasn’t into Andrade and Sin Cara…perhaps because I think that, while showcasing the lucha style can be great…I hope it doesn’t mean WWE is pigeon-holing Andrade.

Star of the Night

I have to give this one to the Street Profits for their successful RAW debut.

I could also say that Humberto Carillo looked great in his debut as well, given a great opportunity against Universal Champion Seth Rollins.

Spot of the Night:

Nothing in particular stood out. Some nice action out of the Carillo/Rollins match, and it was kind of neat seeing Cain Velasquez shut down Shelton Benjamin.

Jobber of the Night:

That poor local guy fed to Aleister Black

Holy Sh** Moment of the Night:

Was a nice surprise to see the Street Profits win in their main event debut.

Kevin Owens had a nice debut

Drew McIntyre as the last member of Team Flair makes a lot of sense.

Botch of the night:

Humberto Carillo’s interview in the back was just…bad. I don’t know if it was a language barrier or nerves or what, but his delivery was lacking…fumbled on some words and was just…bad. It did lead to a match with Rollins, however, so it wasn’t all that bad.

Noteworthy Moment:

Maybe this was a reflection on the lack of women’s matches at Crown Jewel…but there wasn’t a single women’s match on RAW. That’s shocking and disappointing.

Drew McIntyre returned, becoming the final member of Team Flair.

Overall lowlights:

I really can’t believe–and do not like–that WWE is continuing with the Rusev-Lana-Lashley angle. It’s cringe-worthy, in my opinion, and a waste of time. In ring bits are fine enough, but the overly staged diner scenes are just absurd.

Overall highlights:

Nice showings from the new blood, for the most part.

Enjoyed the Carillo-Rollins match.

Great showing out of Street Profits

Kevin Owens may have just re-ignited a feud with AJ Styles in a major way.

After the final bell:

Solid show. The highs were, I think, enough to outweigh any lows…though not having a women’s match on the show was a bad move, even if it was dictated by Crown Jewel.