Tonight, the Superstars of the World Wrestling Federation invade Fresno, California, for another action-packed edition of Monday Night RAW! With Crown Jewel less than two weeks away, championship opportunities are hanging in the balance, personal rivalries are reaching their boiling points, and some of the biggest names in professional wrestling are preparing to settle their differences inside the squared circle!
And before we get started, ladies and gentlemen, I owe you an apology for getting this preview out a little later than usual.
You see, Titanquisitor Hall has been a complete madhouse today. Thalia has been running around screaming about Nightmare Sisters, sacred bathtubs, and chainsaw hookers, while Patriot has suddenly reappeared after months of absence, apparently expecting everyone to drop what they’re doing and welcome him home.
Between the two of them, I’m beginning to wonder if there’s a single sane person left in this building.
And before anybody suggests otherwise, NO, THALIA, THE SACRED BATHTUB IS NOT A WRESTLING STIPULATION!
Now, where was I?
Oh, yes. Professional wrestling.
Before we get into tonight’s action, be sure to check out our inaugural Weekly Wrestling Wrap-Up, where we revisit the biggest stories, matches, and championship developments from the past seven days across WWF, AEW, NXT, TNA, and AAA. It’s a brand-new Sunday tradition here at Titanquisitor, complete with the first installment of Deadly Venom!
Now let’s head to Fresno and see what’s on tap for tonight’s RAW.
Becky Lynch vs. Stephanie Vaquer — Women’s World Championship No. 1 Contender’s Match
One of the evening’s most anticipated matches will see Becky Lynch square off against Stephanie Vaquer, with the winner earning an opportunity to challenge Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship.
Both women have unfinished business following Money in the Bank, where Morgan emerged victorious in their Triple Threat Match to reclaim the championship. Neither Lynch nor Vaquer has forgotten what happened that evening, and both believe they deserve another opportunity at the gold.
Vaquer has also been recovering from an ankle injury, making tonight’s contest her first match since receiving medical clearance.
Becky, meanwhile, has hardly been shy about expressing her opinions concerning Vaquer, and the two have exchanged plenty of words leading into tonight’s confrontation.
Stinger’s View: This is an excellent match to advertise, and I appreciate that the winner has something meaningful waiting on the other side.
Becky Lynch is one of the most accomplished women in wrestling, while Stephanie Vaquer has quickly established herself as a major talent. Putting them together should produce an outstanding contest, especially with a championship opportunity at stake.
I’m particularly interested in seeing how Vaquer performs following her injury. Assuming she’s fully recovered, she has the ability to give Becky all she can handle.
As for my prediction, I’m leaning toward Stephanie Vaquer. Becky certainly has the experience advantage, but Vaquer getting another opportunity against Liv Morgan feels like the more interesting direction.
Hopefully, we get a decisive finish without somebody from The Judgment Day deciding to interfere.
I know. I’m asking a lot.
Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria — No Disqualification Match
The increasingly bitter rivalry between Bayley and Lyra Valkyria will continue tonight, with the former friends meeting in a No Disqualification Match.
Their relationship has deteriorated considerably over recent weeks, with Bayley becoming increasingly obsessed with getting the better of her former partner. After suffering consecutive defeats against Valkyria, Bayley has refused to let the issue go, and their problems have spilled into other matches and confrontations.
Now they’ll have an opportunity to settle things without the normal restrictions of a traditional wrestling match.
No disqualifications. No excuses.
And, presumably, no reason for the referee to stand around looking confused when somebody introduces a steel chair.
Stinger’s View: This is another match I’m genuinely looking forward to.
Bayley and Valkyria are both excellent wrestlers, and their personal rivalry provides a legitimate reason for the stipulation. That’s something I always appreciate.
A No Disqualification Match should feel like the culmination of a heated feud, not something randomly announced because the booking committee couldn’t think of anything else.
My hope is that these two deliver a physical, emotional contest that finally brings their rivalry to a satisfying conclusion.
Prediction: Lyra Valkyria. Bayley’s obsession has increasingly become her own worst enemy, and I suspect that will ultimately cost her tonight.
Although with no disqualifications, I suppose there’s nothing stopping Thalia from running in with a chainsaw.
Actually, somebody please make sure she doesn’t hear about this match.
Raquel Rodriguez vs. IYO SKY
Women’s Intercontinental Champion Raquel Rodriguez will face IYO SKY in another potentially significant encounter for the women’s division.
SKY pinned Rodriguez during tag team action last Monday, giving her a legitimate claim to a future championship opportunity. General Manager Adam Pearce subsequently announced tonight’s singles match, with the possibility of a title shot hanging over the proceedings.
There has been some confusion over whether the championship itself will be defended tonight, with different announcements describing the contest differently. Regardless, a victory over the reigning champion would certainly strengthen SKY’s position.
Stinger’s View: I like this matchup quite a bit.
Raquel has the obvious size and power advantage, while IYO brings tremendous speed, agility, and creativity to the ring. Their contrasting styles should make for an entertaining contest.
And I particularly appreciate the idea of SKY earning a championship opportunity by defeating the champion. It’s a straightforward wrestling concept that gives the match a meaningful purpose.
My only complaint is that I wish the championship situation had been communicated more clearly.
Is the title on the line? Is SKY competing to earn a future title shot? Either approach is perfectly reasonable, but the audience shouldn’t have to play detective to figure out what’s at stake.
Prediction: IYO SKY, setting up a championship confrontation down the road.
And if the title actually is on the line tonight, well, things could get considerably more interesting.
Chad Gable & Dragon Lee vs. Ethan Page & Big Cass
Intercontinental Champion Chad Gable will join forces with Dragon Lee tonight to face Ethan Page and Big Cass in tag team action.
The match follows last week’s Intercontinental Championship Triple Threat Match, where Gable successfully defended his title against Dragon Lee and Rey Mysterio.
Following the contest, Page and Cass attacked the competitors, making their intentions toward Gable and his championship abundantly clear.
Now Gable and Lee will put their recent rivalry aside to seek a little revenge.
Stinger’s View: This is an interesting pairing, particularly because Gable and Dragon Lee were competing against each other just seven days ago.
Both men are excellent technical performers, although they’ll face a considerable size disadvantage against Big Cass.
Page has also become increasingly determined to get his hands on the Intercontinental Championship, and I wouldn’t be surprised if tonight’s match helps establish him as Gable’s next challenger.
I’m predicting Ethan Page and Big Cass to steal a victory, possibly with Page pinning Dragon Lee to strengthen his claim to a championship opportunity.
That would allow Gable to remain protected while giving the villains some momentum.
Of course, I’d prefer to see the match end without another ringside distraction, but professional wrestling promoters apparently consider that an unreasonable request these days.
The Bloodline and 946: The War Continues
Last week’s RAW concluded with Roman Reigns joining the Usos and Solo Sikoa in their ongoing battle against the faction known as 946.
For once, the Bloodline managed to gain the upper hand, sending their enemies retreating after weeks of escalating confrontations.
But the 946 have already made it clear that they aren’t finished.
With the faction advertised for tonight’s show, another confrontation seems entirely possible.
Stinger’s View: Roman Reigns becoming directly involved gives this rivalry considerably more importance, and I like seeing the Bloodline finally demonstrate some unity against a common enemy.
That said, I’d like to see the story develop beyond the familiar pattern of one group attacking the other, followed by another group returning the favor the following week.
The 946 have plenty of talent, and their motivations need to remain clear if this is going to become a major storyline.
With Crown Jewel approaching, tonight would be a good opportunity to establish exactly where this conflict is heading.
Crown Jewel Is Getting Closer
We’re now less than two weeks away from Crown Jewel on November 7, and several important rivalries are approaching their next major confrontations.
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton are preparing for their Last Man Standing Match, while the Women’s World Championship picture could change considerably depending on the outcome of Becky Lynch against Stephanie Vaquer.
Meanwhile, Penta continues carrying the Money in the Bank briefcase, giving him the opportunity to create chaos whenever a championship match presents the right opening.
With so many developments still unfolding, tonight’s RAW could play an important role in determining how the Crown Jewel card takes shape.
Stinger’s Final View: A Promising Night for the Women’s Division
I’ll give the WWF credit for something right away: three women’s matches have been announced in advance for tonight’s RAW.
And not just three matches thrown together to fill television time, either.
We’ve got a No. 1 Contender’s Match, a heated personal rivalry culminating in a No Disqualification Match, and an intriguing encounter involving the Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
That’s a strong lineup, and exactly the sort of advance promotion I’d like to see more often.
Becky Lynch against Stephanie Vaquer is my pick for the evening’s most anticipated contest, although Bayley and Lyra Valkyria could easily steal the show if they’re given enough time.
The tag team match involving Chad Gable, Dragon Lee, Ethan Page, and Big Cass should also be entertaining, particularly with the Intercontinental Championship picture continuing to develop.
And, naturally, we’ll be keeping an eye on the Bloodline and 946.
Most Anticipated Match: Becky Lynch vs. Stephanie Vaquer
Potential Show-Stealer: Bayley vs. Lyra Valkyria
Biggest Question: Who will emerge as Liv Morgan’s next challenger?
Stinger’s Prediction: Stephanie Vaquer earns another shot at the Women’s World Championship.
Monday Night RAW airs tonight at 7 PM Central on Netflix, live from the Save Mart Center in Fresno, California.
Until next time, this is Stinger, signing off from the rafters of Titanquisitor Hall.
Making Internet Fun Again — One Three-Count at a Time!
P.S. If anybody sees Thalia carrying a chainsaw toward the wrestling department, please notify security immediately.
