The 10/22/18 edition of WWE Raw, out of the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island, just wrapped up. We’ve got the WWE Raw results, as well as our overall thoughts on the show, for you to check out below. Let us know what you thought about episode #1326 of WWE Raw by tweeting us, @TheRumbleRamble.
This is Not a Retirement Speech
There’s no brotherhood greater.#Raw @WWERomanReigns @TheDeanAmbrose @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/QHFemFd9A5
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
Roman Reigns made his entrance to kick-off the show, looking unusually somber – and we quickly discovered why. Roman said that behind the character, he is just a guy named Joe. And he has been battling leukemia for the past 11 years. He made it clear that his speech was not one of retirement, but he would have to relinquish the Universal Championship while going through treatment.
On his way to the back, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose met him on the stage and all three men cried while holding each other. This was probably the most heartbreaking thing we’ve ever seen on an episode of WWE TV – all of our good thoughts are with Joseph Anoaʻi as he makes his way toward recovery.
Finn Bálor vs. Bobby Lashley
No surprise that @fightbobby is off to a DOMINANT start…#RAW @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/JbQNsqWLGi
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 23, 2018
With his personal hype man, Lio Rush, cheering him on (constantly) from ringside, Bobby Lashley went to work against Finn Bálor. The extra love appeared to work in Lashley’s favor, as he kept Bálor down for the vast majority of the match. Unfortunately for Lashley and Rush, Bálor came back with a last-minute victory via roll-up.
Winner: Finn Bálor
Sasha Banks vs. Ruby Riott
All it takes is ONE kick…#RAW @RubyRiottWWE pic.twitter.com/jiTGuCixI0
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 23, 2018
In preparation for the 6-woman tag match at Evolution this Sunday (Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Natalya vs. The Riott Squad), Sasha Banks and Ruby Riott scouted out the competition by going one-on-one. If the match at Evolution is anything like this one, we couldn’t be more excited to see it. Banks and Riott are two insanely talented individuals, it is always a pleasure to watch them in the ring.
Winner: Ruby Riott
The Brothers of Destruction are Coming for DX
“Your first match against us will be your last match against anybody.”
😱 #RAW pic.twitter.com/JoVmFn2ZDG
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 23, 2018
D-Generation X, Triple H and Shawn Michaels, came to the ring to address both Kane and Undertaker’s threats and recent comments from the fans. To The Brothers of Destruction – DX will not be intimidated. And to the fans – “old” is just a synonym for “better.”
The Brothers of Destruction then appeared on the big screen. Standing in a graveyard, they continued to threaten DX, saying they would bury them in the deepest pits of hell before revealing that the gravestones they stood in front of were already engraved with Triple H and Shawn Michaels’ names, birthdates, and deaths – dated November 2nd, 2018 (the date of the Crown Jewel pay-per-view).
Paul Heyman Cuts a Promo
“It is humbling to be amongst the members of that locker room tonight and to have been in the presence of such courage and such greatness.”@HeymanHustle‘s thoughts are with @WWERomanReigns tonight. #RAW pic.twitter.com/5Xncn4wp2U
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
In a way that only Paul Heyman can, the advocate eloquently wove together heartfelt sentiment toward Roman Reigns, verbal jabs toward Braun Strowman, and vehement admiration toward Brock Lesnar. Strowman did not appreciate hearing that he was not in Lesnar’s league and came out to tell Heyman so. Just as he had reached peak Braun Strowman, however, eyes bulging, spit flying, he was hit with a violent Claymore by the monster hunter, Drew McIntyre.
Backstage, McIntyre confidently told Charly Caruso that he was not afraid of Strowman, and now that he had gotten the monster out of the way, he could focus on defending the tag championships against Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose.
Elias vs. Apollo Crews
He’s broken out from #TitusWorldwide, and now he’s out to impress on #RAW! @WWEApollo pic.twitter.com/XDTSrglBky
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 23, 2018
Apollo Crews has had enough of sitting at catering and began his journey to the top with a match against Elias. Crews did not have quite the dominant showing that he had probably hoped for, but he held his own right up until the end when Elias took the win with his Drift Away.
Post-match, Elias came back to the stage to play a song in celebration of his victory but was interrupted by acting General Manager, Baron Corbin. Corbin demanded that Elias leave the stage so the show could continue, and when Elias declined, Corbin cut his mic. The Drifter walked backstage, but quickly returned to the stage to smash his guitar over Corbin’s back. It’s probably safe to say Elias is a good guy now.
Winner: Elias
Contract Signing: Nikki Bella vs. Ronda Rousey
Grab your 🍿. This just happened.#RAW #WWEEvolution pic.twitter.com/Cf3tS1JvbF
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
The Bellas appeared ready for the meeting with Rowdy Ronda; that is until Ronda actually got in the ring, at which point the twins promptly jumped out. Rousey gave them her word that she wouldn’t lay a hand on them, she was simply there to sign the contract.
After hearing this, Nikki and Brie got back in the ring and immediately began insulting Ronda, telling Rousey that her mother was undoubtedly ashamed of her. Nikki then signed the contract but smacked Ronda in the face when she was done. Ronda kept her word and left without hurting either Bella, but promised to tear Nikki apart at Evolution.
Nia Jax vs. Ember Moon vs. Tamina vs. Dana Brooke
This #Fatal4Way has been ECLIPSED, because @WWEEmberMoon just picked up some HUGE momentum heading toward #WWEEvolution! #RAW pic.twitter.com/sdIKyxVyxM
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
Following a quick match, Ember Moon snagged the victory by pinning Tamina after landing an Eclipse. Ember Moon continues to be one of our favorites, we can’t wait to see what the future holds for the Shenom.
Winner: Ember Moon
Evolution Promotion
The AMBUSH is on backstage as @AliciaFoxy and @MickieJames look to take @trishstratuscom & @AmyDumas out of the game ahead of #WWEEvolution! #RAW pic.twitter.com/5at7u6foZ3
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) October 23, 2018
Trish Stratus and Lita were backstage promoting Evolution (while putting themselves over), when they were ambushed by Alicia Fox and Mickie James. It appeared Fox and James had taken over the interview, but Lita and Trish came back for revenge. The brawl continued until Trish and Lita were left standing tall, ready for their tag match this Sunday.
Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Wait… WHAT?!#RAW @TheDeanAmbrose pic.twitter.com/yyXBvTVHPN
— WWE (@WWE) October 23, 2018
Earlier in the evening, Rollins and Ambrose dedicated the match to their brother, Roman Reigns, promising to make him proud. After making their Shield entrance, complete with combat gear, Rollins and Ambrose started things off hot. It wasn’t long until McIntyre and Ziggler cut the ring in half, however, successfully keeping Rollins from his corner for much of the action.
Ambrose finally tagged in and evened the score, allowing Rollins to get a near fall against McIntyre, and then another against Ziggler moments later. The two teams seemed to be at an impasse when Braun Strowman made his way to the ring. The referee was out of commission just long enough for Strowman to chase McIntyre into the crowd. Ziggler attempted to make a run for it but was stopped by Dean Ambrose and subsequently defeated by Seth Rollins.
A happy ending seemed to be in store for this harrowing episode of Raw, but Dean Ambrose had other plans. He savagely attacked Rollins, first inside, then outside the ring, eventually pulling back the padding on the floor and slamming Rollins into the concrete with a Dirty Deeds before leaving through the crowd.
Winner: Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins
What letter grade would you give tonight’s show? #RAW
— Rumble Ramble (@TheRumbleRamble) October 23, 2018
