6 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE Raw (17 Aug - Results & Review)
3. Women’s Title Scene In Good Health
If you asked fans about the Women’s World Championship title picture a month ago, they would likely say that it was nonexistent, a massive disappointment that belied the talent in the division.
Fast-forward to Monday night, and it’s clear that WWE realizes they have a rejuvenated title scene on their hands, as they chose to open Raw with an all-hands promo segment.
Stephanie Vaquer opened the show by noting that wrestling is her first language and immediately called out Liv Morgan, who arrived with her Judgment Day compatriots. Morgan turned the annoying dial up to 11 as she grated on about not caring about allegations she was taking the women’s division backward – she’s champion for herself, not the fans and not for any other wrestlers.
Things naturally broke down into a three-on-one assault, but Becky Lynch made the save. Some incidental contact with La Primera led to a heated exchange between the two faces, and Judgment Day managed to exploit that and leave Becky and Stephanie lying.
Later in the evening backstage, Lynch confronted Vaquer, mocking her for accepting a challenge against Roxanne Perez next week. Both women continued to posture and jockey for position as Liv’s next challenger, but it’s clear they’re going to have to set their differences aside at some point to deal with the Judgment Day.
This continues to be a solid story, with multiple permutations of matches before either Vaquer or Lynch gets their hands on Morgan for the title. They could always pull a third, such as Iyo Sky, into the mix for a six-woman tag as well. The tension between Becky and Stephanie also continues to be measured well, with neither betraying their characters or their goals, and both continuing to be cheered.
Having Roxanne and Raquel Rodriguez run interference against two viable challengers also makes Liv’s status as a champ who never defends her title stand out even more – this time for the right reasons.