6 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (Nov 20)

2. Choked Out

Samoa Joe Finn Balor
WWE.com

Raw's first match saw former NXT Champions Finn Bálor and Samoa Joe revisit the developmental rivalry that saw the latter shoot to WWE prominence in the first place. Their matches together were among the best either have had in the company, and while this modest TV opener was never going to hit the same level, it was everything it needed to be, and Joe once again came across like a killer.

Joe dominated at points, positioning Bálor in an enforced underdog role. He fought valiantly, escaping multiple Coquina Clutch attempts, but flubbed his lines when it counted, with Joe crotching him as he attempted the Coup de Grace. This resulted in the bruiser finally trapping his opponent in the submission hold, and the referee calling for the bell as Bálor passed out within Joe's grasp.

The former TNA man has lost several steps athletically, but he's as imposing as anyone else on the roster. Moments like this are why his aura endures while others falter. Joe is a ruthless, brutal villain, whose only goal is destruction, and his booking is robust enough to keep him strong even when he loses.

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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.