WWE Raw Results: Shawn Michaels in-Ring Return Teased and Top Takeaways

Returning icons could not save what was largely a lackluster episode of Raw that left many scratching their heads as to what direction WWE was taking with its hottest babyface act, The Shield. 

The trio's use was questionable, as was the overall quality of the entire show, which followed on the heels of a massive weekend in professional wrestling.

Why was the show so underwhelming, though, and was there anything worth being invested in?

Undertaker and Shawn Michaels Thrill Fans, Tease One More Match

Credit: WWE.com

Shawn Michaels returned to television Monday night and was confronted by The Undertaker. As the two have done throughout their careers, they proceeded to create magic.

Michaels proudly reminded fans and The Deadman that he honored his promise to retire from the squared circle after losing their match at WrestleMania 26. He explained he did it out of respect for the fans and, more importantly, Undertaker himself.

But Undertaker said Michaels only stayed retired because he knew The Phenom would put him back down if he ever returned.

The exchange ended when Undertaker left Michaels in the ring to think about everything he had just said...and fans to dream of one last showdown between the industry icons.

WWE teased a match it knew it would never deliver to simply to gauge the fans' reactions before. Michaels throwing out there how important it was to him and everyone else to stay retired seems to suggest he is not about to go back on his word and step back in the ring anytime soon.

If ever.

But for a split second on Monday night, he had fans asking the question louder than they have since 2010.

On a night of disappointing creative effort, the old gunslingers brought must-see television back to Raw.

Bella Twins Inch Closer to Heel Turn on Ronda Rousey

Credit: WWE.com

From the moment The Bella Twins returned at SummerSlam to mooch some of Ronda Rousey's heat following her Raw Women's Championship victory over Alexa Bliss, it has felt like Brie and Nikki are waiting for the opportune time to turn on the UFC Hall of Famer and target her title.

After defeating The Riott Squad's Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan in tag team action earlier in the night, The Bellas approached Rousey backstage and tried everything to worm their way into Rousey's inner-circle.

They were rebuffed by the champ, who favored Natalya instead, but she did take their offer into consideration.

The Bellas' general tone was disingenuous, and their eagerness to get close to Rousey stinks of a heel turn, most likely to occur at Super Show-Down, when they team with Rowdy against The Riott Squad in a Six-Woman Tag Team match.

The Misuse of Finn Balor Continues

Credit: WWE.com

Try as they may, the Raw writing team has no idea the value they have in Finn Balor.

Despite every loss that should not have been, despite every poor excuse for a storyline it has written for him, the leader of Balor Club remains one of the most over competitors on the red brand.

Monday's episode made it look like the creative team is sabotaging Balor.

A week after he lost to Baron Corbin, despite demolishing him as The Demon at SummerSlam, he asked for yet another match with the interim Raw general manager. When that didn't happen, he was "gifted" a match with Braun Strowman.

He was obliterated by The Monster Among Men in another not-so-subtle reminder that Balor is not at the level of Strowman, The Shield or other top-shelf performers.

Of all the Superstars who could most benefit from switching brands, the always-over Irishman is top of the list.

Hopefully he either experiences a creative rejuvenation or heads to SmackDown sooner than later.

WWE Presents Lackluster Episode of Raw on Heels of Acclaimed "All In" PPV

Credit: WWE.com

Saturday night, Cody Rhodes and The Young Bucks presented the critically acclaimed All In on pay-per-view and had fans raving about the bright future of professional wrestling.

WWE should have been motivated by the kick in the ass and delivered an explosive episode of Raw.

Instead, it provided fans with a lackluster broadcast that, were it not for the returns of Shawn Michaels, Undertaker and The Bella Twins, would have registered as one of the most underwhelming in recent months.

The Shield's arrest and subsequent return, which saw them beaten down by the heel roster, was an intelligence-insulting attempt at a big angle. No courtrooms were open for Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns to be arraigned; putting them against the heel roster at the order of Baron Corbin isn't going to make them more or less popular than they already are. 

So what's the point, beyond them obliterating every potential opponent at one time?

Throw in the fact that the most interesting element of the entire show featured two guys who will never wrestle each other again and you have a broadcast that failed to capitalize on the buzz around pro wrestling sparked by All In.