WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from September 7

Monday was Labor Day in the United States, and no one had worked harder leading into the September 7 episode of WWE Raw than Randy Orton, who earned his way to Clash of Champions and a shot at the WWE Championship by defeating Keith Lee and Seth Rollins in a Triple Threat Match a week ago.

What awaited The Viper and his tyrannical run on the flagship as Raw hit the USA Network Monday night for an episode devoted to the continued march to the September 21 pay-per-view extravaganza?

Did Drew McIntyre make his presence felt, or would the third-generation star continue to punish any and all who stood in the way of his ascension to the top of the card?

Find out now with this recap of this week's show.

Is Randy Orton Unstoppable?

Details surrounding the Labor Day episode of WWE Raw were scarce, but the company was heavily promoting Randy Orton and his seemingly unstoppable roll heading into Clash of Champions.

Would The Viper continue ruling over the Raw brand by introducing another top star to his devastating running punt, or would WWE champion Drew McIntyre make his return, avenging the three kicks that fractured his jaw and forced him to miss a week of television?

Announced for tonight's show, less than 90 minutes before airtime:

• Keith Lee vs. Orton
• Dominik Mysterio vs. Murphy
• Kevin Owens vs. Aleister Black in Raw Underground

Would You Look at That...Randy Orton's Here

Credit: WWE.com

Randy Orton kicked off this week's show and warned Keith Lee, his opponent for the night, that the more they cross paths, the more likely it is he gets kicked in the head.

Orton recapped the three punt kicks he unleashed on Drew McIntyre and suggested the WWE champion hand over the title. A siren sounded, interrupting The Viper's promo. McIntyre emerged from an ambulance and blasted Orton with a Claymore.

Referees pulled him off the No. 1 contender, and McIntyre stood menacingly over his Clash of Champions opponent.

Grade

D

Analysis

WWE has this ridiculous need to recap segments of previous television shows as if its core audience isn't watching from week to week. That was the entire premise of this segment. There was literally nothing else to it, outside of McIntyre's anticlimactic return.

For a guy fueled by revenge, he sure had no problem meekly stopping his attack on Orton when a few referees ran to the ring and wagged their fingers at him.

As for McIntyre driving the ambulance into the ring, it would seem to suggest an ambulance match between the two at Clash of Champions. Those matches are rarely any good and, worse, give WWE an excuse to book McIntyre to lose without actually losing.

The laziness of the booking in this opening segment did not at all inspire any hope that this show would be a can't-miss holiday broadcast.

Apollo Crews, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander vs. The Hurt Business

Credit: WWE.com

The Hurt Business attacked Cedric Alexander as he made his entrance for a big six-man tag team match pitting MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin against him, Apollo Crews and Ricochet.

The heels worked over former United States champion Crews, cutting him off from his corner in the process. As Apollo created separation and inched toward his corner, Alexander pulled Ricochet off the ring apron and threw him into the guardrail.

From there, he delivered the Lumbar Check to Crews, allowing Benjamin to score the win for the heels with Paydirt.

Alexander flashed a vibrant smile at The Hurt Business while the commentary team questioned whether he had officially joined MVP and Co. The former cruiserweight champion remained noncommital, neither joining nor denouncing the heels to close the segment.

Result

The Hurt Business defeated Alexander, Crews and Ricochet

Grade

A

Analysis

On the surface, this looked like another effortless booking by the creative team, only to evolve into a breakout moment for Alexander.

The immensely talented performer has been so wasted in his role that even the slightest bit of TV was welcomed with open arms by diehard fans who recognize his abilities. This heel turn and teased entry into The Hurt Business is a step up and a sign of bigger and hopefully better things to come for the competitor.

Of interest was the fact that he just smiled, never really standing alongside MVP, Lashley and Benjamin despite the creative team's insistence that he had aligned with them. It will be interesting to see if that is indeed the case or if he is simply choosing to go it alone, but not before sending a message to his former friends.

The Street Profits vs. Andrade and Angel Garza and Unexpected Visitors

Credit: WWE.com

Tensions ran high between Angel Garza, Andrade and Zelina Vega a week after the Latin Lothario left El Idolo and La Muneca to be attacked by Retribution. Monday, Garza and Andrade battled familiar foes The Street Profits.

There wasn't much to the match besides in-fighting between the heels. Garza walked out on Andrade and Vega, leaving the former NXT and United States champion to eat a frog splash from Montez Ford as The Street Profits rolled to victory.

After the match, SmackDown Tag Team champions Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro arrived as part of the brand-to-brand initiative, staring down Ford and Angelo Dawkins heading into the break.

Following the commercial, the blue brand champs criticized The Street Profits for their antics outside the ring before issuing a challenge for next week's show. The red brand reps accepted.

Result

The Street Profits defeated Garza and Andrade

Grade

C

Analysis

Some might look at Street Profits vs. Cesaro and Nakamura as an opportunity at a fresh match, but what this did, above all else, was spotlight how bare the Raw tag team division is right now. With no other obvious contenders for the gold outside of The Hurt Business, the writing team has to revert to bringing Cesaro and Nakamura over for next week's show.

Odds are this leads to a match on pay-per-view, as WWE has never met a match it did not want to exploit until fans could not possibly care less about it anymore.

Case in point: Street Profits vs. Andrade and Garza.

Speaking of the heels, Garza going his own way and even igniting a rivalry with Andrade is hardly the worst use of him. Hopefully, there is a plan of some substance for all involved because that particular trio, Vega included, is far too talented to waste.

Billie Kay vs. Peyton Royce

Credit: WWE.com

In a breakup more devastating than even that of The Mega Powers, Billie Kay and Peyton Royce battled in singles competition as The IIconics exploded!

Some early arguing gave way to Royce downing Kay and working her over with a sleeper. Kay fought out and drove her opponent into the corner. A big suplex followed for two.

Royce answered with a big kick and neckbreaker for the win.

After the match, Royce helped her former partner to her feet and then embraced her as the commentary team put over the friendship that still exists despite the team going its separate ways.

Result

Royce defeated Kay

Grade

D

Analysis

Well, that was underwhelming.

Why even book the match if it was going to be shortchanged time and any sort of creative development?

There was nothing to this, a paint-by-numbers wrestling match with the bare minimum from a physicality standpoint. Neither woman really took an aggressive approach, and there was no sense of urgency. It was a match for the sake of a match, rather than the last dance between two women who have been a part of each other's lives forever.

And therein lies its biggest failure.

Dominik Mysterio and Murphy Electrify on the Mic (or Not)

Credit: WWE.com

Charly Caruso introduced the Mysterio family for a special in-ring promo.

Rey discussed the pride he has in his son Dominik, stating that the second-generation star knows what he must do to pick up the win tonight against Murphy.

The Disciple interrupted the proceedings and placed the blame for Seth Rollins berating and betraying him on Dominik. "Dom has a bright future here in WWE, but the ultimate sacrifice would be to end it before it ever gets started."

Murphy challenged Dominik to a street fight, a match that the rookie accepted.

Grade

C-

Analysis

Congratulations to WWE for booking a promo segment featuring Superstars who are far from confident talkers. Their lack of comfort was apparent, and the result was a segment that failed to build excitement for the actual match it was setting up.

With that said, a street fight between the biggest hidden gem in WWE in Murphy and a rookie better than his experience would suggest should be damn fun if given time, so at least there's that.

Asuka and Mickie James vs. Natalya and Lana

Credit: WWE.com

With a championship match booked for next week, Raw women's titleholder Asuka teamed with top contender Mickie James for a tag team showdown against Natalya and Lana.

Nattie and Lana dominated the action against James, even scoring a near-fall that Asuka had to break up. After several moments spent on the defensive, Mickie created separation and looked to make the tag.

With Asuka knocked off the apron, she prepared to climb the ropes, only for The Empress to reappear, make the tag and tap out Lana with the Asuka Lock.

The champion celebrated the victory as James looked on, a half-smile on her face, seemingly unamused by the developments.

Result

Asuka and James defeated Natalya and Lana

Grade

C

Analysis

Natalya and Lana got entirely too much offense in on James here, especially considering Mickie just came back to TV and is supposed to be a believable challenger to Asuka's title.

Sure, this made sense within the context WWE Creative was trying to tell on this given night, but that does not mean it was the right story to tell.

At least Asuka vs. Mickie will be a proverbial barnburner if it is given enough time next Monday night.

Cedric Alexander on 'The VIP Lounge'

Credit: WWE.com

Less than an hour after Cedric Alexander's shocking betrayal of Ricochet and Apollo Crews, he joined MVP, Shelton Benjamin and United States champion Bobby Lashley on "The VIP Lounge."

Benjamin expressed skepticism before Alexander laid out his explanation for his actions, including his desire to earn money and enjoy professional growth.

The Viking Raiders interrupted the promo, followed by Crews and Ricochet.

The babyfaces rushed the ring as an eight-man brawl ensued. The hodgepodge of good guys cleared the heels from the ring heading into the break.

Grade

C+

Analysis

At least Alexander's reasoning made sense and his delivery on the mic was infinitely better than you would expect from a guy who hasn't had a ton of opportunities to express himself on WWE TV.

We have seen Ivar and Erik team with Alexander in the past, so their involvement here made sense, even if the inevitable multi-man tag match this is going to set up after the break does not.

Again, WWE rushes through weeks of matches and angles in one night.

Eight Man Tag Match: Apollo Crews, Ricochet and Viking Raiders vs. Hurt Business

Credit: WWE.com

Oh look, an eight-man tag team match.

Ricochet, Crews, Ivar and Erik battled MVP, Lashley, Benjamin and Alexander in a match set up by the pre-break events. The heels isolated and worked over Crews for the second time this night, attacking his midsection.

Crews escaped Lashley's Dominator and tagged Erik into the match. The explosive big man wiped out the competition until Lashley turned him inside out with a spear. The heels again gained control of the bout, working the smaller Viking Raider over until Erik rocked Benjamin with a big knee.

Erik tagged Ricochet, who exploded into the match, his lightning-quick speed catching the heels off guard. A springboard moonsault nearly put MVP away, but a momentary distraction by Alexander allowed the veteran competitor to attack The One and Only from behind.

Alexander delivered the Neuralyzer kick to Ricochet but only scored a two-count.

Action broke down, every competitor hitting his trademark stuff en route to Alexander delivering the Michinoku Driver for a botched fall.

After the match, Michael Cole and the production team revealed the count was botched and that Ricochet counted two. He also revealed that the medical team was checking on Ivar, who landed hard during a tope suicida.

Result

The Hurt Business defeated Ricochet, Crews and The Viking Raiders

Grade

B-

Analysis

The flubbed finish was really unfortunate because this was a fun match up to that point.

Alexander was spotlighted, everyone looked great and the right team went over. It just would have been better if, you know, Alexander actually won the match with a three-count rather than whatever the hell actually happened in the closing seconds.

The Hurt Business continues to be one of the great success stories of WWE in 2020, and the introduction of Alexander only strengthens the faction.

Now imagine if WWE Creative had let the heel turn from earlier in the night breathe a little rather than rushing through three weeks of television (easily) in one night.

Keith Lee vs. Randy Orton

Credit: WWE.com

For the third time in two weeks, Keith Lee and Randy Orton shared the ring in a high-profile match as WWE Creative continued to prove it has never met a match it didn't love to overexpose.

Lee dominated early, but an ill-advised blind charge on the floor saw The Limitless One crash into the guardrail as Orton evaded. Back in the ring, The Legend Killer delivered The Orton Stomp and applied a big headlock.

Lee fought out and flattened Orton with a powerslam. He set Orton up for the Spirit Bomb, but Orton escaped and delivered an RKO.

Despite being banned from the arena by Adam Pearce earlier in the night, Drew McIntyre came from out of nowhere with a Claymore, drawing the disqualification. "I want you to see me in your dreams," he said.

Pearce again ordered McIntyre out of the arena as Orton nursed his jaw.

Result

Orton defeated Lee by disqualification

Grade

C

Analysis

There was not much to this one. Lee vs. Orton was a one-dimensional match that existed seemingly solely to get to the McIntyre spot.

Has anyone lost more momentum since Payback than Lee?

On that night, he was the hottest star on the Raw brand. Since then, he has lost a Triple Threat match and here was but an afterthought in the continued escalation of the McIntyre-Orton feud.

This was a wholly unnecessary match that did more to hurt Lee than anything worthwhile on the march to Clash of Champions and the latest match between McIntyre and Orton.

Raw Underground, Handicap Matches and McIntyre Attacks Again...OH MY!

Credit: WWE.com

Kevin Owens and Aleister Black fought for approximately 20 seconds on Raw Underground before the commercial break.

A week after the reunited Riott Squad of Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan necessitated the breakup of The IIconics, they battled women's tag champion Shayna Baszler in a two-on-one handicap match set up by The Queen of Spades' own partner, Nia Jax.

Morgan rolled up Baszler for the win after Jax's trash talk from ringside provided a distraction.

After the break, Owens and Black's Raw Underground battled resumed. Black tried for an armbar, but Owens broke it by slamming his opponent into the wall. A brawl with other Underground competitors ensued before we headed back to the ThunderDome.

In the second two-on-one handicap match of the night, Riott and Morgan battled Jax.

Jax tried to take a page out of Baszler's playbook but missed, sparking a babyface comeback. Before Morgan and Riott could earn the win, the lights flickered and went out. A "Retribution" logo appeared, and the faction cut a promo for the first time, the voices distorted.

The handicap match came to an abrupt and indecisive end.

Result

Morgan and Riott defeated Baszler; they fought Jax to a no-contest

Grade

D

Analysis

One of the three matches that took place in this mangled mess of television actually had a finish.

It wasn't a good one, but it had a finish.

Baszler losing to Morgan, only for Jax to be protected, made little sense and further weakened her credibility, just a week removed from a badass finish to the Payback tag title match.

Retribution having a logo makes no sense unless we believe the group thought it massively important to spread its message by hiring a graphic designer. Furthermore, the leader sounds like he rifled through Vinnie Mac's office desk drawer and found the voice distorter they used for Nailz and thought it would be apropos.

The breakneck pace of the third hour continued after the break as Owens and Black again resumed their fight on Raw Underground, only to have Dabba-Kato attack both and lay them out. From there, McIntyre attacked Orton backstage, delivering a third Claymore to really stick it to Randy.

Because repetition definitely hasn't been an issue with the WWE title program.

Street Fight: Dominik Mysterio vs. Murphy

Credit: WWE.com

The street fight between Dominik Mysterio and Murphy headlined Monday's show. Rey Mysterio, daughter Aalyah and wife Angie accompanied the rookie, all armed with kendo sticks.

Murphy attacked from the opening bell, catching Dominik with a big knee before throwing him over the announce table. Dominik fought back, showing the fearlessness that defined his father. He jumped off the Raw stage screens and onto Murphy heading into the break.

Murphy seized control after the break and teased shoving Dominik's eye into the steel steps but opted to hang him up on the barricade, injuring his ribs instead. Driven by his desire to get back into the good graces of Seth Rollins, Murphy brutalized Dominik with a chair.

Dominik fought out of an abdominal stretch and sent Murphy out of the ring. The Disciple recovered and sent Dominik shoulder-first into the post three times while his family watched.

In a cool spot, Murphy looked under the ring, allowing Aalyah and Angie to free Dominik from the ropes. The rookie delivered a beautiful sunset flip bomb through a table. A frog splash earned Dominik a two-count before he teamed with his father to unload on Murphy with kendo sticks.

"Payback is a b---h!" Mysterio exclaimed, talking right to Rollins.

Rey invited his wife and daughter into the ring and both unloaded on Murphy, who tapped as the referee called for the bell.

The Mysterios stood tall to close out the show pummeling Murphy with the sticks.

Result

Dominik defeated Murphy

Grade

B

Analysis

Please, please, please let this be the end of the story.

It was as effective and appropriate an end as possible, with the Mysterio family finally getting one over on at least one of their tormentors.

Murphy was great here, carrying Dominik to a solid match and bumping around for him. He took some wicked cane shots, too, paying off that portion of the story.

Who really knows what awaits Dominik and his family next, but hopefully it doesn't involve Murphy or Rollins, as this one has run its course.