Winners And Grades On Season Premiere

WWE Raw’s season premiere advertised Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso defending the WWE Undisputed Tag Team Championships against the Judgment Day. Raw also advertised Shayna Baszler against Rhea Ripley and GUNTHER putting his historic Intercontinental Title reign on the line against Bronson Reed.

Last week’s broadcast of Raw garnered 1.56 million viewers.

WWE Raw Results on October 16, 2023

• Shinsuke Nakamura def. Ricochet | Falls Count Anywhere
• Piper Niven def. Natalya
• Ludwig Kaiser def. Johnny Gargano
• Rhea Ripley and Shayna Baszler Battle to a No Contest
• GUNTHER def. Bronson Reed | WWE Intercontinental Title
• Cody Rhodes and Jey Uso vs. Judgment Day | WWE Undisputed Tag Titles

WWE Raw Ratings

• October 9, 2023 | 1.56 million
• October 2, 2023 | 1.51 million
• September 25, 2023 | 1.47 million
• September 18, 2023 | 1.33 million
• September 11, 2023 | 1.353 million

• WWE Raw Venue: Paycom Center (Oklahoma City, OK)
• WWE Raw Tickets Distributed: 7,283
• WWE Raw Tickets Available: 302

WWE Raw Winners And Grades

Sami Zayn Opens WWE Raw

Sami Zayn wore a Kevin Owens t-shirt, and really came off like a man without a country.

Jey Uso chased off the Judgment Day and helped Sami hold them off with steel chairs. But the best part of this segment happened backstage when Sami Zayn admitted he was equally happy for Jey and also furious with Jey. Jey gets to thrive with his friend (Cody Rhodes) while Sami Zayn’s best friend is on SmackDown because of Jey. Intricate storytelling like this will continue to convince me that Vince McMahon has no more influence on creative.

WWE Raw Opening Segment Grade: B

Shinsuke Nakamura Def. Ricochet

All this talk of Michael Cole only missing two shows and the man took a personal day today.

When Raw came back from break, Ricochet used a fan’s hand to maintain his balance and hit a shooting star off the barricade.

Shinsuke Nakamura once again hit the GTS, which was not called the GTS but Wade Barrett did mention it was “bedtime.”

Nunchuck Nakamura has the potential of being as potent as Triple H with a sledgehammer.

Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Ricochet Grade: A-

Piper Niven Def. Natalya

In the “I’m still here” department, Nikki Cross was looming backstage on a merchandise chest during an argument between Chelsea Green and Tegan Nox.

Natalya is still very much committed to this seemingly duplicitous babyface run. Even the announcers seem to be buying it.

Natalya and Piper Niven were on two entirely different pages throughout this match.

Tegan Nox made the save for Natalya and Natalya went yet another week without turning on Tegan.

Piper Niven vs. Natalya Grade: C-

Seth Rollins Confronts Drew McIntyre

Seth Rollins acknowledged last week’s Raw season finale. I was not aware WWE had season finales, I always assumed seasons never ended, they just began in the fall when WWE needs a ratings bump.

Seth Rollins revealed footage of Drew McIntyre speaking with Rhea Ripley, though McIntyre claims Rhea approached him.

Like Bret Hart in 1997 just before his heel turn, McIntyre was whiny (particularly about the Bloodline) but also had a legitimate gripe.

Drew McIntyre called out Rollins for having over 50 reinventions. Rollins said he knew exactly what Drew McIntyre was going through, and had to fight for four years to get back on top. This was a reference to Rollins’ career stalling out after the ref stoppage fiasco, but without mentioning the late great Bray Wyatt.

This was one of Seth Rollins’ best talking segments since his character change. I simply cannot wait for this match.

Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre Segment Grade: A

Ludwig Kaiser Def. Johnny Gargano

Johnny Gargano was all alone for his return since Tommaso Ciampa was not cleared to compete.

Ludwig Kaiser rudely dismissed Giovanni Vinci as Vinci tried to help him. Kaiser ultimately won the match with Vinci’s help.

GUNTHER feels so much more like a final boss when WWE books Kaiser to be strong.

Rhea Ripley Vs. Shayna Baszler Ends In No Contest

Despite Rhea Ripley being a full-fledged heel, she’s a babyface any time she’s in the ring with Nia Jax.

This ultimately turned itno a showdown to see who is the “biggest badass” in the women’s division between Zoey Stark, Shayna Baszler, Rhea Ripley and Nia Jax. As a result, all four will be in a Fatal 4-Way match at WWE Crown Jewel.

This week’s Jade Cargill cameo came opposite Becky Lynch.

Rhea Ripley vs. Nia Jax Grade: C

GUNTHER Def. Bronson Reed

This was everything “Big Meaty Men Slapping Meat” should be.

Fans were worked into a fever pitch by the end of this match, particularly when Bronson Reed hit an enormous superplex on GUNTHER.

Fans lost their minds when Reed kicked out of a splash from GUNTHER. GUNTHER needed a power bomb for the win.

I don’t now when Chad Gable is going to beat GUNTHER, but if possible, WWE should stretch it out to WrestleMania.

GUNTHER vs. Bronson Reed Grade: A

Cody Rhodes And Jey Uso Vs. The Judgment Day

“Yeet” is becoming the most over chant in WWE, and Roman Reigns cannot stand it.

Cody Rhodes hit a whole Pedigree on Damian Priest to a big pop.

Jimmy Uso made a surprise appearance to cost Cody and Jey the tag titles, which have been hot-potatoed after being built up for well over a year.

WWE Raw Main Event Grade: B-