WWE Raw Recap: Showdowns, Surprises, and Notable Moments - August 14

Welcome to the Don't Say The F Word Podcast's comprehensive recap of WWE Raw on August 14th. From explosive showdowns to unexpected surprises, this episode had fans on the edge of their seats.

Sami Zayn vs. JD McDonagh: High-Octane Opener

The show kicked off with a bang as The Judgment Day set the tone. Sami Zayn's hard-fought victory over JD McDonagh took center stage, highlighting their ongoing feud. Zayn overcame an injured elbow to secure a well-deserved win, exhibiting resilience and determination.

Notable Moments and Observations: From Sami Zayn's relentless fight to technical difficulties during replays, this segment showcased the dedication of the performers despite unexpected challenges.

Action: 4/5

Storytelling: 3/5

Atmosphere: 3/5

Innovation: 3/5

Overall Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 16/25

Grade: B

Alpha Academy vs. Imperium: Unexpected Highlights

Among the standout moments of the night was the captivating feud between Alpha Academy and Imperium. Chad Gable's Intercontinental title bout against Gunther and the Gable vs. Vinci match were both engaging spectacles. These encounters showcased the wrestlers' incredible athleticism and captivating performance skills, proving their ability to entertain the audience.

Otis, too, made his presence felt with a mix of comedic moves and raw power, further solidifying his status as a formidable competitor.

Action: 4/5

Storytelling: 4/5

Atmosphere: 3/5

Innovation: 3/5

Overall Enjoyment: 4/5

Overall Rating: 18/25

Grade: B+

Matt Riddle and Drew McIntyre vs. Viking Raiders: Tag Team Tussle

Matt Riddle and Drew McIntyre joined forces to take on The Viking Raiders in a tag team clash. While the match followed a standard tag team format, the chemistry between the wrestlers and their energy kept the fans engaged. McIntyre's powerful Claymore sealed the deal, delivering an entertaining spectacle.

Action: 3/5

Storytelling: 3/5

Atmosphere: 3/5

Innovation: 2/5

Overall Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 14/25

Grade: B-

Indi Hartwell vs. Rhea Ripley: Setting the Stage

Indi Hartwell faced Rhea Ripley in a non-title match, setting the stage for a potential title feud. Ripley's dominance was evident as she dispatched Hartwell with the Riptide. While the match wasn't the focus of the night, it effectively built anticipation for future developments.

Action: 3/5

Storytelling: 2/5

Atmosphere: 2/5

Innovation: 2/5

Overall Enjoyment: 2/5

Overall Rating: 11/25

Grade: C

Shinsuke Nakamura gave an interview with Michael Cole to explain why he attacked Seth Rollins. The Visionary came out and ended up granting him a title shot with no arguments.

The segment ended with Nakamura laying the world heavyweight champion out with a Kinshasa again.

Whatever Nakamura whispered to Rollins really seemed to mess him up.

Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus: A Clash Delayed No More

In a long-anticipated clash, Becky Lynch and Trish Stratus finally locked horns after their SummerSlam encounter was delayed. The match was intense from the start, with both women struggling for control. Stratus utilized cunning tactics, but Lynch remained focused, seizing every opportunity.

Although Stratus exhibited moments of showboating, Lynch kept her eyes on the prize. The bout ended in a double count-out as the action spilled into the crowd. Zoey Stark intervened, helping Stratus to her feet and potentially extending this gripping feud.

Action: 3/5

Storytelling: 3/5

Atmosphere: 3/5

Innovation: 2/5

Overall Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 14/25

Grade: C+

Cody Rhodes vs. Finn Bálor: Personal Vendetta

The main event featured Finn Bálor taking on Cody Rhodes in a personal showdown. The match, while solid, was overshadowed by the ongoing Judgment Day storyline. The interference and distractions involving The Judgment Day added an element of repetition to the proceedings.

Action: 3/5

Storytelling: 2/5

Atmosphere: 3/5

Innovation: 2/5

Overall Enjoyment: 3/5

Overall Rating: 13/25

Grade: B

Notable Moments and Observations: From the backstage interviewer's sudden disappearance during Riddle's entrance to the intriguing interactions between the wrestlers, the show was filled with small yet significant details.

Final Verdict: A Balanced Mix of Action and Progression

In this week's Raw, the WWE Universe witnessed a balance of action-packed matches and storyline progression. Notable moments, such as Piper Niven's return and Imperium's rising prominence, added depth to the episode. While some feuds appeared to prolong, there were also thrilling encounters that kept the audience engaged.

**Rating System for Pro Wrestling Matches**

Here at the Don't Say The F Word Podcast, we use a unique and comprehensive rating system to evaluate the wrestling matches we cover. This rating system takes into account various factors that contribute to the overall quality of a match, providing a more detailed and nuanced assessment. Let's break down our rating system and see how the matches from WWE Raw on August 14 fare:

**Action** (Score: 4/5)

The action in these matches was undeniably captivating. From hard-hitting moves to impressive high-flying maneuvers, the wrestlers brought an exciting energy to the ring, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.

**Storytelling** (Score: 4/5)

The storytelling in the matches was well-executed, with wrestlers showcasing good chemistry and making us care about the outcomes. Feuds were escalated, motivations were clear, and the back-and-forth struggles added depth to the action.

**Atmosphere** (Score: 3/5)

While the crowd was engaged, the atmosphere didn't always reach the highest levels of excitement. Despite this, the big-fight feel was present, contributing to the overall experience.

**Innovation** (Score: 3/5)

The matches had moments of innovation, with some unique moves and sequences showcased. While not groundbreaking, these moments added variety to the action.

**Overall Enjoyment** (Score: 4/5)

The matches provided an enjoyable viewing experience. Engaging storylines, impressive action, and the wrestlers' dedication to their craft left us wanting more.

**Overall Rating** (Score: 18/25)

Taking into account all the factors, the matches from WWE Raw on August 14 received an overall rating of 18 out of 25. This indicates a solid showing with a mix of strong elements and room for improvement.

Grade: B-

Our rating system goes beyond traditional approaches, allowing us to analyze matches in a more detailed manner. As always, we encourage our listeners to embrace this unique perspective and keep the conversation going. For more updates and to catch all the exciting episodes of the Don't Say The F Word Podcast, don't forget to follow us on Instagram and subscribe on Spotify and Rumble!

Remember, the ratings reflect our opinions, and we encourage you to engage with us and share your own thoughts on the matches we cover.