As always, WWE produces a ton of content every week and we are here to preview every in-ring show that WWE has to offer. This week features No Mercy, which has some of the biggest matches of the year, as well as the four usual weekly shows (Raw, Smackdown, 205 Live, and NXT).
Monday Night Raw (9.18.17)
Tonight’s episode of Monday Night Raw is the “go-home show” for No Mercy taking place this Sunday (more on that later). There is only one match advertised for WWE’s flagship show, with a first time ever match between Raw Women’s Championship Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax, who challenges for the title along with Emma and Sasha Banks on Sunday. Their unusual friendship might play a role in the match, but one thing for sure is that Bliss does not want to make Jax angry.
There is a chance that John Cena might miss the last chance at ripping into Roman Reigns before their clash due to a WWE Live Event appearance in Shenzhen, China yesterday. If Cena can get back in time for the show he will probably be there, but Reigns might have the last word tonight.
The rest of the show will probably just on building towards No Mercy. Enzo Amore and Neville have barely interacted before their title match (Amore has feuded with The Miz more than Neville recently), Brock Lesnar still needs to show that he can topple Braun Strowman, and the Raw Tag Team Championship feud needs to start getting interesting.
SmackDown Live (9.19.17)
There is no possible way that SmackDown Live this week can be bigger than last week’s episode; there were three championship matches and Kevin Owens assaulted Vince McMahon. However, this is a very good opportunity for the blue brand to build stories and get fans invested in the upcoming Hell in a Cell Pay-Per-View.
Even though AJ Styles just defended the United States Championship last week against Tye Dillinger, he will put the title on the line again this week against the Lone Wolf, Baron Corbin. This could possibly be Corbin’s last chance to build some momentum for himself after failing to successfully cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase and squandering almost every other opportunity he has gotten.
Since the New Day regained the SmackDown Live tag team championships, their eternal feud with The Usos continues, and it is rumored to lead to a Hell in a Cell match. Natalya, however, kept her SmackDown Women’s Championship when she defeated Naomi, so now a new challenger awaits.
205 Live (9.19.17)
Last week, Gentleman Jack Gallagher did the unthinkable and joined forces with The Brian Kendrick. He will probably explain himself this week, or perhaps he will keep things a mystery. Also, this is Enzo Amore’s last chance to prove that he can win a match without cheating before taking on one of the best wrestlers in the world in Neville.
WWE NXT (9.20.17)
After defeating Riddick Moss last week, Johnny Gargano now has a chance to defeat Moss’ tag team partner, Tino Sabbatelli, in his push to become a singles star. Also, Aleister Black is going to cut a promo for the first time in his NXT career. During his entire NXT run, he has not spoken a single word.
WWE No Mercy (9.24.17)
Monday Night Raw presents No Mercy this Sunday and this seemingly throw-away Pay-Per-View has two WrestleMania caliber matches that might make this one of the best events of the year. There will be a more detailed post on the event (with predictions, of course) later in the week, but as of this writing, here is the match card:
- Bray Wyatt vs. Finn Balor (No Demon Allowed)
- John Cena vs. Roman Reigns
- Neville (c) vs. Enzo Amore – WWE Cruiserweight Championship
- Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose (c) vs. Sheamus & Cesaro – Raw Tag Team Championships
- Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax vs. Emma – Raw Women’s Championship
- Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Braun Strowman – WWE Universal Championship
