WWE Raw preview (Oct. 10, 2016): Make it a win

We’re still a ways away from the next pay-per-view (PPV), but we seem close to WWE revealing more of that card. Here’s what we’re looking for in terms of Hell in a Cell build when the red brand hits our screens tonight from Oakland, California.

The Headliner

They main evented last week, and crowned a new Women’s champion, so it doesn’t feel like a stretch to call the Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte the top feud on Raw right now.

And that’s as cool as it is weird.

The Boss joined the Nature Girl as a two-time champ on the main roster, but the company’s hype machine is focused on Charlotte’s quest to be a three-time champion, so don’t expect this program to go anywhere*. In fact, there are rumors their issues will require a steel cage to resolve - and that they could not only be the first women’s Hell in a Cell match on Oct. 30, but that that match could main event the PPV!

While even the possibility of that history is wonderful, there is a downside. With all the attention on Banks & Charlotte, the entire Women’s scene on Raw has been a bit neglected. We’ll discuss addressing that in a bit. But for now, let’s tip our cap to this half of the Four Horsewomen as we watch for Sasha’s celebration, and the Dirtiest Player in the Game’s next move.

* While there was no mention of a Cell, WWE did reveal the rematch will happen at Hell in a Cell during last night’s SmackDown-brand PPV.

The Title Scene

The ladies weren’t the only ones who got their title match announced via commercial. Universal champ Kevin Owens learned he’d again face Seth Rollins in Boston just under three weeks from now. Rollins has made enemies of KO’s entire camp - which includes both Chris Jericho and Stephanie McMahon. Though that seemingly stacks the odds against the Architect, it at least keeps him the star of the story - unlike the Prizefighter, who feels like a supporting player despite wearing the strap.

Roman Reigns first PPV defense of the United States title was booked last week, and will presumably be the last battle in his war with Rusev. It’s also the only of the three bouts revealed during No Mercy which we officially know will be contested in the match-type which gives Hell in a Cell its name.

After picking, then winning, a fight with JeriKO last week, you W-W-E tag team champions should probably fix their attention on Cesaro & Sheamus, who were granted a title shot by General Manager Mick Foley - provided they can refrain from killing each other first.

Brian Kendrick pulled off the “beat the champ” part of “beat the champ, earn a title shot” when he got Cruiserweight titleholder TJ Perkins to submit to the Captain’s Hook last Monday. Will Foley & Steph give the veteran another opportunity, or offer it to one of the myriad of other guys who’ve recently made their Raw debuts as part of the division?

Other stuff to keep an eye on:

- Braun Strowman wants real competition. RAWR!

- So does Nia Jax. Or, she at least wants to move her story close to that of the four women who get the bulk of the TV time.

- While it doesn’t help Nia, Bayley and Dana Brooke may have started a program when Brooke laid hands on the Hugster before last week’s main event, and Bayles left her laying.

- WWE wants you to think of Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows as a threat, despite their numerous tag title losses.

- Titus O’Neil wants you to attend his press conference, and even after a loss, make it a win.

Three weeks until Hell in a Cell!

What will you be looking for on Raw tonight?