WWE Raw Aug. 24 Review: 5 Ups & 4 Downs From a Chaotic Night in Ottawa

WWE Raw delivered another eventful episode on August 24, with the World Heavyweight Championship No. 1 Contender’s Tournament reaching its final stage, Stephanie Vaquer making her return to action, and a shocking new alliance crashing the main event.

The show also featured a major contract signing between Oba Femi and Bron Breakker, while LA Knight and Solo Sikoa continued their unlikely partnership against The Usos.

Here are the five biggest ups and four downs from the latest episode.

UPS

1. Rey Fenix and Dragon Lee Deliver

The strongest match of the night came from Rey Fenix and Dragon Lee in the World Heavyweight Championship No. 1 Contender’s Tournament semifinal.

Both luchadores brought tremendous athleticism and intensity to the contest, with the crowd becoming increasingly invested as the match progressed.

Fenix eventually secured the victory with the Mexican Muscle Buster, earning his place in the tournament final.

The result sets up a fascinating brother-versus-brother showdown, as Fenix will now face Penta for the right to challenge Roman Reigns.

2. Oba Femi Owns the Contract Signing

The contract signing between Oba Femi and Bron Breakker was another highlight.

While WWE contract signings can sometimes feel repetitive, this one succeeded because both men presented themselves as legitimate threats.

Femi's confidence stood out, while Breakker's frustration helped establish the intensity surrounding their upcoming match at Sunday Night's Main Event.

The segment eventually descended into chaos, with Austin Theory being put through a table during the confrontation.

3. Stephanie Vaquer Makes a Strong Return

Stephanie Vaquer returned to in-ring action against Roxanne Perez and immediately looked like someone WWE intends to keep near the top of the women's division.

The match became more complicated when Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez interfered, but Becky Lynch arrived to even the odds.

Vaquer then picked up the victory over Perez. WWE subsequently announced that Vaquer will receive another opportunity at the Women's World Championship.

4. The Lucha Brothers Are Heading for a Showdown

Penta also advanced to the tournament final after defeating La Parka.

Penta won with the Mexican Destroyer, setting up an intriguing final against his own brother, Rey Fenix.

The two shared a respectful face-off after their respective victories, but only one can earn the opportunity to challenge Roman Reigns.

The storyline gives WWE a chance to showcase the Lucha Brothers in a major singles match while simultaneously advancing the world-title picture.

5. Royce Keys and OTM Make a Statement

The biggest surprise came at the end of the show.

Just as LA Knight and Solo Sikoa were facing The Usos, Royce Keys and OTM stormed the ring and attacked everyone.

The arrival of OTM members Bronco Nima and Lucien Price on Raw, alongside Keys, immediately created a new faction and another potential threat to The Bloodline storyline.

It was an unexpected way to close the show and gives WWE a new direction heading into the next episode.

DOWNS

1. Stephanie Vaquer vs. Roxanne Perez Never Fully Clicked

Despite the talent involved, the opening match between Vaquer and Perez had some awkward moments.

The bout appeared to struggle for rhythm early on, with some exchanges lacking the smoothness expected from two highly regarded performers.

The interference and Becky Lynch's involvement helped the segment, but the match itself could have been stronger.

2. Big Cass Return Lacks Impact

Big Cass wrestled his first WWE match in eight years, defeating Je'Von Evans.

While the moment was significant on paper, the match did not generate the level of excitement WWE might have hoped for.

Evans showed plenty of energy, but the overall contest struggled to connect with the audience.

Cass's return still has potential, but WWE will need to give him a stronger storyline if the comeback is going to become meaningful.

3. Chad Gable Sends a Mixed Message

Chad Gable spoke about wanting to define his Intercontinental Championship reign by defending the title against the best competition.

But when Ethan Page confronted him, Gable refused to give him a title opportunity after Page's provocations.

That created an odd contradiction. If Gable genuinely wants to be a fighting champion, refusing Page's challenge makes the champion appear to be avoiding the very competition he claims to want.

The feud itself could become interesting, but Gable's motivation needs to be clearer.

4. The Main Event Ends Without a Finish

The biggest booking disappointment was the main event.

The Usos vs. LA Knight and Solo Sikoa had plenty of storyline potential, especially given the complicated Bloodline dynamics surrounding the four men.

Unfortunately, the match ended in a no contest after Royce Keys and OTM attacked everyone.

The surprise attack created a memorable closing image, but WWE sacrificed a potentially entertaining match to make the new faction's arrival.

Sevens Sports Arena Verdict

WWE Raw was another solid episode with several important developments, but it wasn't without problems.

The Rey Fenix vs. Dragon Lee semifinal was the standout match, while the Oba Femi-Bron Breakker confrontation successfully built anticipation for Sunday Night's Main Event.

The biggest talking point, however, was the shocking appearance of Royce Keys and OTM, which completely changed the direction of the closing segment.

The Lucha Brothers' upcoming final should also be must-see television, with either Penta or Fenix earning a shot at Roman Reigns.

Overall, Raw succeeded in moving several major storylines forward, even if some booking decisions — particularly the no-contest main event — left something to be desired.

Final Verdict: 7.5/10