6 Ups & 4 Downs For WWE Raw (13 Oct - Results & Review)

5. Penta, Dominik Dial It Up

WWE matches have a distinct feel and pacing, a house style that permeates most in-ring action. Whenever they diverge from that standard, it’s immediately noticeable.

Penta and Dominik Mysterio came out of the gates swinging in Monday’s Intercontinental Championship match, trading chops and thrust kicks before heading outside for Penta to backdrop Mysterio onto the announce desk. They settled into more of a normal rhythm when returning from commercial, with Dominik being cheered despite taking shortcuts wherever possible.

Dirty Dom would finally put Penta away by retrieving his IC title and the ring bell hammer, using the belt as a decoy and walloping Penta with the hammer, then putting it in his boot and using it for a 619. One frogsplash later, and Mysterio had retained his Intercontinental Championship.

Despite Rusev providing the distraction to give Penta some cover for the loss, the match was good fun and well-structured. Dominik is getting better week by week at channeling his Uncle Eddie Guerrero’s cheating to win. It makes his matches more entertaining, and it’s going to be what ultimately turns him face when he breaks out from the Judgment Day.