Raw Winners and Losers: SmackDown Women Invade

With Survivor Series approaching, Raw filled in the final pieces to one of WWE's original pay-per-views. The show was highlighted by an invasion.

It felt like Survivor Series came on in a hurry. In an almost scrambly-like way, Raw and SmackDown quickly constructed the respective teams and WWE rapidly shaped the event on the heels of Crown Jewel. Lesnar made an appearance to promote his match with AJ Styles, the Raw men's team filled out the remainder of their roster, the women's team took an interesting turn and then got laid out by the SmackDown Live women's squad.

There were pluses and minuses with a strong close. Here are your winners and losers for the go-home Survivor Series Raw, November 12, 2018.

Winner: The Show Opening

Raw opened in one of the more creative ways in a long time. What was supposed to be a tag team Battle Royal turned into the two biggest stars on Raw taking center stage. Strowman taking the show "hostage" was a creative way to keep the peace until after Survivor Series, the brand set up a future match between the Monster Among Men and the Beast Incarnate and Rousey got her two cents in, proving she's motivated.

In a matter of minutes, the opening of the show made two of the matches on Sunday more interesting and told the WWE Universe what was next for the champion.

Loser: Ember Moon

The match between Ember Moon and Tamina was ok for what it was, but the idea behind it was to set the stage for an eventual Moon versus Nia Jax confrontation. The only problem here is that Jax seems preoccupied with sticking her nose in Ronda Rousey's business.

This isn't exactly the best use for Moon but this sort of thing can happen around Survivor Series. The one-on-one feuds get overshadowed by the group matches or championship opportunities that come out of the pay-per-view. Such is the case here.

Winner: Dean Ambrose

This is the best promo Ambrose has delivered in recent memory. He was motivated, figuratively on fire and finally spoke with conviction before he set his old Shield vest literally on fire.

Last week fans wondered why Ambrose wouldn't say anything. If this week was an indication of what happens when Ambrose has time to think about what he wants to say, WWE needs to do more of this. The Lunatic Fringe hit all the right notes and when these two finally lock horns, it should be memorable.

Winner: Drew McIntyre

You can tell WWE is building something for McIntyre. This is the second week where he played a large role and one where he's venturing out on his own, not in the shadow of anyone. Last week, he embarrassed Kurt Angle and this week, he left his running-buddy Ziggler out to dry. While it will be interesting to watch where this partnership goes, this is a smart way to build his character over time.

McIntyre has all the tools to be a big star and WWE sees it. They're doing a much better job the second time around with him.

Winner: Ruby Riott

Riott got the benefit of double time on Raw. She was the focus of a feud with Natalya and then added to the Raw Women's Survivor Series team before the close of the show. Riott was strong on the mic and expressive in a way that will likely get her nothing but additional opportunities.

Loser: Raw Tag Battle Royal

This was filler but more disparaging is the fact that it showcased how weak the Raw Tag Team Division is right now. The fact that The Ascension and Roode/Gable were the final two teams is a telling fact that WWE has loaded SmackDown Live and is overlooking some of the better teams on the roster like The Revival.

No matter who the captain of this Raw team is, there's no way the red brand should win the matchup at Survivor Series. In fact, they shouldn't even be competitive. We'll overlook the fact a three-man team was allowed to take part.

Winner: Brock Lesnar

Still not sold on the fact that Lesnar is the Universal Champion, he was good here. The segment included a strong performance by Paul Heyman, a subtle performance by Lesnar and good use of Jinder Mahal who was originally set to face Lesnar prior to the last time AJ Styles took on the Beast Incarnate.

The beat-down wasn't even that bad for Mahal and his lackeys. This is the way WWE should be using him if they're not going to let him win.

Winner: Becky Lynch

Lynch once again stole the show and that she battled through what could be a broken nose only adds to her bada$$ persona. She is the first credible threat to Ronda's reign as a dominant female on the roster and with every week that passes, it's believable Lynch could pull off the upset.

The invasion was entertaining enough but the fact that it was led by Lynch is what sold it.

Next: WWE Cuts Matt Riddle From NXT TakeOver: WarGames