Every Match Ranked & Reviewed

Following up on last week’s SmackDown, the September 14 edition of Monday Night RAW saw WWE take over the Arena Ciudad de Mexico in Mexico City. It was a huge edition of the red brand, headlined by a major World Heavyweight Championship clash between Roman Reigns and Penta, along with more Money In The Bank qualifiers and an Intercontinental Title clash between Chad Gable and Dragon Lee.

TheSportster’s rating system will take a look across the entire episode of Monday Night RAW in Mexico to determine the best match of the night, the weakest on the card, and how everything else stacked up in between too.

5

El Grande Americano & Stephanie Vaquer Vs. Dominik Mytserio & Liv Morgan

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 6/10

After both El Grande Americano & Stephanie Vaquer defeated Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan for titles over the last week, fans were treated to an impromptu mixed tag team match to kick off Monday Night RAW in Mexico. A red hot crowd elevated the action here, which was sloppy in places and quite simple in terms of layout and structure – and it is hard to deny that it did run too long and overstay its welcome.

Despite a great atmosphere and a good performance from new champions Vaquer & Americano, the match came to an unfortunate disqualification end thanks to the arrival of the Judgment Day, finishing this matchup with a dud.

4

Raquel Rodriguez Vs. Lola Vice Vs. Kelani Jordan (Money In The Bank Qualifier)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 6.25/10

The reigning Intercontinental Champion Raquel Rodriguez needed to contend with two names from NXT in Lola Vice and Kelani Jordan on RAW in Mexico, with the three battling it out to earn a spot in the Money In The Bank ladder match. Despite the talent of those involved, much of this match failed to truly click, starting off slowly in the opening stages and developing without too much pace or excitement.

There were still some pretty decent sequences throughout the course of the match and this bout provided a good showcase of the talents of both Vice & Jordan. The finish of the bout was somewhat weak, ending with Vice rolling up Rodriguez to escape with a victory.

3

Big Cass Vs. Je’Von Evans Vs. Austin Theory (Money In The Bank Qualifier)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 6.25/10

Big Cass, Je’Von Evans & Austin Theory sought to join Bron Breakker in the men’s Money In The Bank ladder match in this triple threat qualifier on RAW, bringing together three very different styles. It was certainly an odd combination of competitors, and it did feel that way throughout, but everyone in the match put in a decent performance to keep the action flowing and produce some enjoyable moments, such as Cass chokeslamming Evans into the timekeeper’s area, Theory hitting an impressive Torture Rack powerbomb on Cass, and more.

Although some of the focus did lean on the bad blood between Evans & Cass, this match did lack storytelling and a definitive structure, but it wasn’t bad by any means. Evans got some revenge on Cass by pinning him with an OG Cutter.

2

Roman Reigns Vs. Penta (World Heavyweight Championship)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 8.75/10

The main event of Monday Night RAW saw Roman Reigns compete in a rare television match, defending the World Heavyweight Title against Penta in the latter’s home country of Mexico. From the opening moments to the final bell, this match carried a “big fight feel” in front of an electric audience who were thunderous behind Penta. The in-ring work was solid throughout, though sometimes slowed down a little too much throughout Reigns’ dominant spells (but he managed to make his offense engaging with good character and crowd work).

The big moments were all built up perfectly, rising in intensity as it progressed, leading to some incredible near-falls in which Penta almost caused a huge upset, notably after a Penta Driver and Mexican Destroyer. In the latter stages, Penta would kick out of a spear, prompting Reigns to grab a mic and demand the crowd acknowledge him, leading to a springboard Mexican Destroyer that once again only led to a thrilling two-count. After back-and-forth strikes in the final moments, Reigns caught Penta mid-air with a Superman Punch, before dishing out a heartbreaking spear to defeat the challenger, continuing his reign which began back at WrestleMania.

1

Chad Gable Vs. Dragon Lee (Intercontinental Championship)

Overall Rating From TheSportster: 9/10

Chad Gable’s Intercontinental Title reign has seen him overcome a selection of luchadors, this time stepping up to defend his title against Dragon Lee in Mexico. The pair engaged in a feeling out process with each other, before delving into strong technical work, high-flying action, and lucha libre exchanges, before elevating in intensity with Lee’s now signature dive over the announce table. The crowd grew with the action as Gable & Lee had some tremendous sequences, brutal strike exchanges, and traded near-falls, giving this a strong atmosphere.

Gable would focus on Lee’s leg throughout, softening him up for the ankle lock, which added a good narrative to the action. The final minutes saw an incredible struggle as Lee fought with all his might to try and escape, but he ultimately succumbed to Gable’s ankle lock.