7 Ups & 3 Downs From WWE Raw (Results & Review - 16 Oct)

Ups...

7. Sami Zayn = Solo Superstar

Boy-oh-boy, that was a solid opening promo from Sami Zayn.

He was in a tougher spot than some might imagine. Kevin Owens bolted to SmackDown as Nick Aldis' first signing last Friday, and that left ol' Sam Zayn seeking something new to do. In one speech, Zayn expertly put across how keen he is to chase his own goals. Fans were right there with him throughout.

Judgment Day emerging to interrupt was as predictable as they come, but it was logical. Jey Uso making the save to stop Sami from suffering a gang beatdown at the hands of Bálor, Priest, Ripley and Dominik Mysterio also worked. Yes, it was a formulaic opening, but one that seemed essential given KO's departure and Sami going solo yet again.

Zayn was the right kind of guy to kick things off here, and his passion took fans back in time to that Bloodline exit and subsequent (albeit brief) main event push as a singles wrestler. Perhaps more of that is on the cards before 2023 ends?