Photo Credit: WWE
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WWE delivered another explosive week as Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown built momentum toward Crown Jewel. Championship defenses, shocking attacks, and controversial victories dominated both shows. Meanwhile, several superstars strengthened their rivalries ahead of WWE’s November 7 premium live event.
Raw aired October 26 from Fresno, California, while SmackDown followed October 30 in Charleston, West Virginia. Both shows featured unexpected developments that could reshape WWE’s championship picture. Sami Zayn faced two challengers, while Liv Morgan narrowly escaped losing her championship. Additionally, Finn Bálor unleashed his demonic alter ego during SmackDown’s Halloween celebration.
WWE Raw: Championship Chaos Takes Center Stage
Monday Night Raw opened with General Manager Adam Pearce delivering unexpected news concerning the Women’s World Championship. Stephanie Vaquer lacked medical clearance, forcing WWE to change its scheduled number-one-contender match. Instead, Becky Lynch received an opportunity against reigning champion Liv Morgan.
However, Undisputed WWE Champion Sami Zayn quickly grabbed the spotlight. Zayn interrupted Pearce and expressed frustration over his upcoming Crown Jewel showdown against Roman Reigns. Je’Von Evans confronted the champion, prompting Pearce to arrange an immediate championship match. Evans showcased his athleticism and challenged Zayn throughout the contest. However, outside interference ultimately changed everything.
Penta appeared with his Money in the Bank briefcase, threatening a championship cash-in. Bron Breakker attacked Penta before he could capitalize on the opportunity. The distraction allowed Zayn to connect with the Helluva Kick and secure the victory. Afterward, Breakker and Bronson Reed attacked Evans and Penta. Pearce subsequently announced that Evans and Penta would challenge The Vision for the World Tag Team Championships at Crown Jewel. The controversial finish protected Zayn’s championship while adding another chapter to his increasingly aggressive personality.
Bayley and Lyra Valkyria Deliver a Brutal Battle
Elsewhere, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria settled their growing rivalry in a No Disqualification Match. Both competitors brought tremendous intensity into a contest featuring numerous weapons. Steel chairs, kendo sticks, tables, and trash cans became central parts of the action. Neither superstar showed much interest in backing down. Bayley eventually gained control after driving Valkyria through a ringside table with a flying elbow. She followed that punishment with a kendo stick-assisted crossface submission. Valkyria eventually tapped out, giving Bayley an impressive victory. The match demonstrated Bayley’s willingness to embrace a more ruthless approach. Meanwhile, Valkyria showed tremendous toughness despite suffering another frustrating defeat. WWE
IYO SKY Wins, Judgment Day Strikes Back
IYO SKY also delivered an impressive performance against Women’s Intercontinental Champion Raquel Rodriguez. SKY used her athleticism to counter Rodriguez’s Tejana Bomb and secure a pinfall victory. However, the celebration ended quickly. Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez attacked SKY following the match. Their actions continued The Judgment Day’s growing involvement throughout the women’s division.
Meanwhile, Ethan Page and Big Cass defeated Intercontinental Champion Chad Gable and Dragon Lee. Gable suffered punishment outside the ring, leaving Lee vulnerable against both opponents. Cass connected with a big boot before Page finished Lee with the Egoplex. Additionally, Solo Sikoa accepted Royce Keys’ challenge, adding another developing rivalry to Raw’s ongoing storylines.
Liv Morgan Escapes Becky Lynch and Tiffany Stratton
Raw’s main event featured Liv Morgan defending the Women’s World Championship against Becky Lynch. Lynch brought tremendous intensity and appeared close to capturing another championship. She eventually trapped Morgan in the Dis-arm-her submission. However, The Judgment Day interfered before Lynch could finish the champion.
Raquel Rodriguez and Roxanne Perez attacked Lynch, forcing the referee to call for a disqualification. Lynch technically won the match, but Morgan retained her championship. Chelsea Green and IYO SKY subsequently entered the ring to fight off The Judgment Day. Then, Tiffany Stratton appeared with her Money in the Bank briefcase. Stratton attacked Morgan and prepared to cash in her championship opportunity. However, Dominik Mysterio pulled Morgan away before the cash-in became official. Morgan escaped another dangerous situation, but her championship reign suddenly looked increasingly vulnerable.
WWE SmackDown: Sami Zayn Survives Another Challenge
Friday Night SmackDown continued WWE’s championship-heavy storytelling with another difficult night for Sami Zayn. This time, United States Champion Trick Williams challenged Zayn for the Undisputed WWE Championship. Williams brought confidence and physicality against a champion who had already survived Evans earlier that week. However, interference from Johnny Gargano, Candice LeRae, and Lil Yachty disrupted the contest.
General Manager Nick Aldis eventually cleared ringside and restarted the match under No Disqualification rules. Both competitors utilized weapons, including steel chairs, trash cans, and Trick Sticks. Zayn eventually exploited the stipulation to his advantage. He positioned himself behind the referee before delivering a low blow to Williams. Zayn followed with a championship-belt strike and secured another controversial victory. The result ensured Zayn would enter Crown Jewel as Undisputed WWE Champion. However, his increasingly questionable tactics raised serious concerns about his championship reign.
Chelsea Green Defends Against Nikki Bella
SmackDown also featured Chelsea Green defending the WWE Women’s Championship against Hall of Famer Nikki Bella. Bella demonstrated her experience and nearly captured the championship after connecting with the Rack Attack. However, Green positioned her leg through the ropes, preventing the pinfall. Moments later, Green surprised Bella with a roll-up and retained her championship. The victory preserved Green’s upcoming Crown Jewel championship showdown against Liv Morgan. However, the post-match celebration quickly turned chaotic. Morgan appeared and confronted Green before Tiffany Stratton entered the situation.
The Judgment Day attacked Stratton, but Green responded by hitting Morgan with the Un-Pretty-Her. Stratton then struck Rodriguez and Perez with her briefcase before delivering the Prettiest Moonsault Ever to Morgan. Another cash-in appeared imminent. However, Rodriguez and Perez attacked Green and Stratton before the attempt became official. IYO SKY eventually entered the ring to help stop the assault. For the second time that week, Morgan survived a dangerous Money in the Bank situation.
Rey Fenix Retains, Jade Cargill Wins
Rey Fenix defended the AAA World Cruiserweight Championship against Ricky Saints in another important SmackDown contest. Both competitors showcased their athletic abilities throughout the championship encounter. However, Fenix eventually connected with the Mexican Muscle Buster to secure the victory. The result allowed Fenix to continue his championship reign while strengthening his position within WWE’s cruiserweight landscape.
Meanwhile, Jade Cargill faced Tatum Paxley in another women’s division matchup. An argument involving Alexa Bliss and Women’s Tag Team Champions Michin and B-Fab created a ringside distraction. Cargill capitalized immediately. She connected with a pump kick before delivering Jaded to secure the victory. The finish highlighted the continuing tension surrounding WWE’s women’s tag team division.
The Demon Returns During Halloween SmackDown
One of the week’s biggest surprises occurred during Danhausen’s Halloween-themed SmackDown presentation. Danhausen attempted to showcase one of his unusual experiments before Gunther interrupted the proceedings. However, the situation quickly turned against Gunther. Danhausen summoned Finn Bálor’s terrifying Demon persona, creating one of the night’s most memorable moments. Bálor attacked Gunther and climbed a ladder positioned near the announce table.
He then delivered a devastating Coup de Grace, driving Gunther through the table. The shocking attack immediately created questions about Gunther’s next move. Meanwhile, Cody Rhodes delivered a strong warning to Randy Orton ahead of their Crown Jewel confrontation. Rhodes promised to target Orton’s head during their upcoming Last Man Standing Match. The heated rivalry continued building toward what could become one of Crown Jewel’s most physical encounters.
WWE Crown Jewel Storylines Continue Heating Up
Both Raw and SmackDown accomplished their primary objective by creating anticipation for Crown Jewel. Sami Zayn survived two championship challenges, although questionable tactics overshadowed both victories. Meanwhile, Liv Morgan escaped Becky Lynch and avoided two potential Money in the Bank cash-ins. Chelsea Green maintained her championship, setting up another important confrontation with Morgan. Additionally, Bayley strengthened her momentum, while Finn Bálor’s Demon persona created another major storyline.
Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton also continued building toward their increasingly personal showdown. Perhaps the week’s biggest theme involved champions doing whatever necessary to protect their titles. Zayn relied on controversial finishes, while Morgan benefited from repeated interference. Those developments created compelling questions ahead of Crown Jewel. Can Zayn overcome Roman Reigns without outside distractions? Will Morgan finally loses her championship after repeatedly escaping danger. Furthermore, will Cody Rhodes settle his rivalry with Randy Orton during their Last Man Standing Match? WWE provided plenty of action, controversy, and surprises throughout both shows. Now, the company must turn those developing storylines into memorable matches when Crown Jewel arrives November 7.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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