WWE Raw video highlights: Bayley joins the show

WWE Raw Video Highlights —

Finn Balor relinquishes the WWE Universal Championship due to injury

Shortly before Raw went on the air, it was announced that Finn Balor would have to relinquish his Universal Championship only hours after winning the title. Balor suffered a shoulder injury that is feared to be a labrum tear after Seth Rollins powerbombed him into the barricade at SummerSlam.

Raw opened with Balor addressing the crowd about his injury status. He said the championship represented a lifetime of sacrifice, but his injury forces him to vacate the title. He vowed that it would be the first thing he comes for once he returns to the ring.

A series of matches was made for Raw, with the winners advancing to a fatal four-way that would crown the new WWE Universal Champion next week.

Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins

The first in a series of matches to determine who would advance to next week’s four-way for the title saw Rollins take on Sami Zayn. Rollins picked up the win with a pedigree after Zayn suffered a storyline ankle injury during the match.

Seth Rollins addresses Finn Balor’s injury

Rollins addressed the crowd during a commercial break, running down the audience for being concerned about what the Universal title looked like at SummerSlam. He said Balor won the battle but didn’t win the war, then mocked Zayn after their match. 

Neville vs. Kevin Owens

The second match to determine who would advance to next week pitted Neville against Kevin Owens, and it was Owens who advanced after receiving some help from Chris Jericho.

The New Day celebrate their SummerSlam victory

After The New Day retained their WWE Tag Team Championship at SummerSlam, the trio celebrated their now year-long reign. But their issues with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows weren’t over, as The Club interrupted their celebration.

Big E vs. Karl Anderson

Big E made his official return to the ring after a lengthy absence with a storyline groin injury. Big E picked up the win over Anderson in his return match after Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods stopped Gallows from interfering.

Titus O’Neil lays out Darren Young and Bob Backlund

Titus O’Neil delivered a long promo targeted at Bob Backlund and Darren Young. Backlund interrupted the promo, but it only led to O’Neil laying out both Backlund and Young.

Big Cass vs. Rusev

Big Cass was the third participant to advance to next week’s match to crown the next Universal Champion after Rusev walked out of their match still selling the beating he took from Roman Reigns at SummerSlam.

Bayley joins the show

Bayley was finally called up to the main roster and joined Raw’s women’s division. Mick Foley announced her addition to the roster, calling Bayley the hottest free agent in the division.

Bayley immediately challenged WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte to a match, but Charlotte offered Dana Brooke as a replacement instead.

Bayley vs. Dana Brooke

Bayley picked up her first main roster singles win, defeating Brooke with the Bayley-to-Belly suplex.

The cruiserweight division gets a debut date

Raw’s cruiserweight division will officially be debuting on September 19th. Rich Swann, Noam Dar, Brian Kendrick, and TJ Perkins were highlighted in the video hyping the division.

Braun Strowman destroys another victim

Braun Strowman again made quick work of a local competitor, this time squashing Johnny Knockout.

The Club interrupt The Dudley Boyz

The Dudley Boyz teased earlier in the day that they would be saying goodbye to the WWE Universe on Raw. The veteran team tried to do so, but were interrupted by both The Shining Stars and The Club.

The Dudley Boyz say goodbye

After being beaten down by Anderson and Gallows, the Dudleyz received a strong ovation from the crowd as they seem to be leaving WWE.

Roman Reigns vs. Chris Jericho

Reigns faced Jericho in the show’s main event to determine the final participant in next week’s Universal Championship match. After a long match and attempted interference from Owens, Reigns came out on top after hitting the spear.

Raw fallout: Bayley reflects on finally being called up

Bayley was interviewed after her Raw debut, saying that it was crazier than she could have ever imagined and was everything she’s dreamt of since she was 10 years old.

She noted that she won the NXT Women’s Championship in the Barclays Center last year, and now made her debut in the same building on the anniversary of that win.

Raw fallout: Cesaro gets frustrated

After not appearing on Raw, Cesaro vented his frustrations about getting moved to the kickoff show on SummerSlam and not being given a chance to become the next Universal Champion.