WWE Raw featured two major matches that helped shape ongoing rivalries. Intercontinental Champion Penta secured a hard-won win against Rusev in a non-title, but significant, match, while Rey Mysterio triumphed over El Grande Americano in a quick-paced lucha libre match with interference and post-match mayhem.
Both matches were packed with emotion and athleticism, while also setting the stage for new rivalries heading into upcoming episodes of WWE Raw.
Penta Beats Rusev
Intercontinental Champion Penta was tested in the ring as he took on Rusev. While no title was at stake, the match was significant because of the bad blood between the two wrestlers. Rusev dominated the opening stages of the match with his approach. He dominated Penta in a series of exchanges and slammed the world champion into the announce table and ringside steps.
Rusev’s early aggression put Penta on the defensive, but the champion gradually fought his way back against him. He took advantage of his quickness and unpredictability to turn the tide with an outside Tope Con Hilo. Once back in the ring, Penta followed with a quick backstabber and a clean enzuigiri that rocked Rusev. The momentum had definitely shifted as the crowd cheered on its champion.
Clever Finish Changes the Rivalry
When the match was about to close, Rusev looked ready to secure victory by locking in the Accolade submission hold, although Penta escaped at the right moment and caught his opponent off guard with a quick roll-up pin. The sudden finish gave Penta an important win and shifted momentum in the rivalry. It also defines that the Intercontinental Champion could overcome one of Raw’s most dangerous powerhouses.
Post-Match Attack Sparks Rescue
Penta’s celebration did not last long. Moments after the bell, Rusev attacked the champion from behind in frustration. “All Ego” Ethan Page, who had been watching the match from ringside, initially hesitated before joining Rusev in a two-on-one assault.
The numbers advantage left Penta vulnerable until Je’Von Evans rushed to the ring. Evans quickly evened the odds by taking out Page before dropping Rusev with an OG Cutter. His arrival ended the beatdown and gave Penta valuable support heading into future confrontations.
Rey Mysterio Defeats El Grande Americano
Later in the night, Rey Mysterio battled El Grande Americano, portrayed by Ludwig Kaiser, in one of the fastest matches of the evening. The match opened with fast-paced technical exchanges and classic lucha libre counters. One standout sequence saw Mysterio reverse a moonsault attempt into a Tornado DDT, drawing a strong reaction from the crowd. But there was soon external interference.
Rayo Americano and Bravo Americano continually interfered with the match and assisted Kaiser to get the edge. Bravo caused Mysterio to fall as he was setting up the 619, while Rayo tried to give him a plate that could be concealed within the mask.
The Return Of Chad Gable and Mayhem
The match was changed by the return of the first El Grande Americano, Chad Gable, who stole the steel plate. Mysterio was able to take advantage of the chaos. He landed the 619 and then dropped the “Dime” to win the match. In the aftermath, there was a brawl between Gable and Kaiser at ringside. The duo was subsequently broken up by security and officials, further setting up their Mask vs. Mask clash in Monterrey, Mexico.
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