5 Biggest Winners & Losers From WWE Raw (29 Aug)

Kevin Owens: Universal Champion? Surely not...

Kevin Owens Triple H
WWE.com

Let it never be said that there are no surprises left in professional wrestling.

For all the (valid) criticisms levied at WWE in 2016, the company continually finds new ways to shock, amaze and strike awe into its fanbase. Wrestling thrives on unpredictability, and the New Era is far from perfect, but WWE have delivered three major swerves in recent months, and their main event scene hasn’t felt this exciting in years.

It started with Dean Ambrose’s Money in the Bank cash-in, continued with Finn Balor’s rapid ascent and escalated with Kevin Owens becoming WWE Universal Champion. After close to two years of endless Roman Reigns feuds, WWE’s title scene is rejuvenated, and Owens’ victory capped-off another successful night of Raw action.

Last night’s show was as inconsistent as ever, but the highs were stunning and the lows relatively forgettable. Owens’ victory washed away many of the show’s problems, but he was far from the night’s only star, and Raw’s four-man main event advanced stories for each of its participants (along with the returning Triple H).

WWE are still learning how to work with their new rosters, but last night’s Raw was the most enjoyable Monday night show since the Brand Split’s first week. There were some problems, and there are a number of worrying patterns emerging in the midcard, but the four longer matches delivered, and the fans were sent home happy.

Going beyond straightforward match results, here are the 5 biggest winners and losers from WWE Raw.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.