Controversial Ending in 4Way Intercontinental Title #1 Contender's Match Raises Concerns
ICARO Media Group
In a surprising turn of events on Monday Night Raw, the 4Way Intercontinental title #1 contender's match concluded with a controversial ending that left both fans and wrestling insiders perplexed. According to a report by Dave Meltzer from Wrestling Observer, it appears that the outcome of the match did not go according to plan, resulting in confusion among viewers.
The pivotal moment came when Ricochet, one of the competitors in the match, kicked out of a moonsault by Ivar when he was not supposed to. The intended finish was a simultaneous double pin, lending to the awkwardness witnessed on television. Meltzer's report suggested that Ricochet may have been disoriented earlier in the match, possibly due to an impact that caused his head to hit the mat.
Video evidence supports this claim as the usual cues for a double pin were observed by Ivar, the referee, and the announce team of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett, implying that Ricochet was expected to stay down for the three-count. The unexpected turn of events raised questions about the continuity and execution of the match.
Regarding the aftermath, it remains unclear whether Ivar's subsequent attack on The Miz, who had pinned Bronson Reed while Ricochet kicked out, was part of the original plan or an audible decision. WWE has already announced a singles match between Miz and Ivar for next week's episode of Raw, leaving fans wondering if this is an attempt to rectify the situation or establish a new storyline heading into Survivor Series.
While the speculation surrounding the match's outcome persists, the focus has shifted to Ricochet's well-being. During a discussion with Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio, Bryan Alvarez disclosed that Ricochet had suffered a concussion from his head hitting the mat earlier in the bout. As a result, WWE's medical team will need to clear Ricochet before he can compete again.
This latest incident highlights the concerning issue of wrestlers continuing to perform after sustaining brain injuries. Even though addressing in-match concussions poses challenges, it is imperative for the wrestling industry to prioritize the well-being of its performers and improve the handling of such situations. With recent kayfabe knockouts and implications for championship matches, the need for better protocols and safeguards becomes ever more apparent.
As the wrestling community awaits further updates, it is hoped that steps will be taken to prevent such occurrences in the future. The health and safety of the performers should always take precedence over the scripted outcomes, for the sake of both the athletes and the sport itself.