A night removed from Hell in a Cell, RAW hit to our screens with fallout from the pay-per-view, some new angles and a notable return.
While it may not have been the barnstorming show we would have wanted on the back of a high-profile event, there was enough to keep appetites whetted.
We also had the announcement of a return to Saudi Arabia in November – with the new Crown Jewel show.
Here are the best bits from Monday night…..
Braun and Roman want Brock (video above)
After the shenanigans of Hell in a Cell, it was no surprise to see Roman Reigns kicking things off on RAW, and it was even less of a surprise to see Braun Strowman too.
Both men felt the wrath of Brock Lesnar the night before and are keen for retribution – especially Strowman who had sacrificed his Money in the Bank briefcase.
We were never likely to see Brock, but news of an appearance as late as November is something of a shock.
After appearing in a UFC Octagon last month, for promo purposes, and dropping his title at SummerSlam it appeared the die may have been cast on Brock’s time in the WWE.
However, his reappearance last night has sparked interest in the Beast Incarnate – especially as it was announced he will be in a Triple-Threat with Reigns and Strowman in Saudi Arabia – what could be his final time in a WWE ring.
Again, it was nice to see Baron Corbin inserting himself into proceedings, announcing he would face Reigns later in the night.
Ronda Rousey issues an open challenge
After defeating Alexa Bliss at Hell in a Cell it is now time for Ronda to move on – and what better way than with an open challenge?
None, until your best friend’s music hits.
However instead of seeing Natalya stride to the ring to face the Rowdy one, she was dragged onto the ramp by the Riott Squad.
It was a nice was of introducing a new feud but you do wonder how long this is going to last.
With the Riott Suqad turning their attentions to Rousey, only for the Bella Twins to make the save the transition was made ahead of their six-woman tag at the Super ShowDown.
Whether Ruby is quite ready for a singles run with Rousey is questionable – a strong campaign with an experienced star, possibly Natalya, would put her in a much better position to go for the title.
For Rousey, there was one option but that may have been squashed somewhat, which leads us to…..
Nia Jax returns
Now, in the grand scheme of things, a Nia Jax return is not the biggest of news. Handled right, it could have been.
The stage was set perfectly to put her back into the title picture and a run against Rousey. Jax could have re-entered the scene in full heel mode, back at her destructive best, and looking like a real challenge to Ronda.
Remember, Money in the Bank? Their match wasn’t allowed to reach a natural conclusion because of Alexa Bliss’s cash-in, so there is a perfect opening to re-new the rivalry.
As it happens however, Nia returns as a face in a nondescript tag match alongside Ember Moon.
Meh.
Seth Rollins retains his IC title against Dolph Ziggler
Quite how these two were on the bill is something in itself.
While playing the injured line well, the two were noticeably slower than their usual selves, but that didn’t detract from the story being told.
Rollins retaining should put an end to this feud with Dolph, but a tag-team run alongside Ambrose and McIntyre is still a possible.
Undertaker has a corner-man
The Undertaker/Triple H match at Super Showdown has the air of a match where the build up will be better than the main event.
As it well it may, neither man is in the prime of their career to say the least, but even the promo for this is feeling a little forced.
The showdown with Shawn Michaels was brilliant, but the same couldn’t be said for The Game the following week.
On Monday, it was Taker’s turn to take the mic individually – and, as expected, it was a little underwhelming.
Taker’s presence alone is something to send a shiver down the spine, as are his face-offs. Taker on the mic? Not so much.
The payoff line this time around was the announcement of his brother Kane being is his corner in Melbourne. Cool.
This could have been saved by an appearance from the Big Red Machine, but he’s probably a little tied up right now with his mayoral duties.
Roman Reigns and Constable Corbin
A heel GM has every right to insert himself into matches, and Corbin should be doing more of it.
Given the build-up to this one, it was never going to be a one-on-one fight, and when the Constable changed the rules to a no DQ midway through the match, the floodgates were opened.
Cue Strowman, Ziggler, McIntrye, Rollins and Ambrose all joining they ruck, with the ensuing chaos creating enough time for Reigns to get the win.
The best of the rest….
Dean Ambrose looked good in his match with an equally impressive Drew McIntyre. Giving the bog Scot the win was a smart move here.
Elsewhere, Bayley picked up a singles win against Dana Brooke.
The Super ShowDown match between Kevin Owen and Elias v Bobby Lashley and John Cena saw a little momentum built.
AOP squashed a couple of guys a quarter of their size.
And Chad Gable defeated Viktor.
Let’s see what happens on Smackdown.
