Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Two weeks ago, SmackDown put on the first clash of champions at WWE Backlash with every champion being crowned or defended their gold. Now it's Raw's turn with all their champions defended their gold.
Raw has more to prove now after that excellent show and consistent underperformance of the weekly episodes. Even this week's go-home show was not as excellent a final showing as it should have been.
However, the card for Clash of Champions was hard not to get excited about. Kevin Owens was set to face Seth Rollins for the first time. Three of the Four Horsewomen were going at it while Roman Reigns was finally getting his hands on Rusev. It was a card loaded with talent.
Raw has more to prove now after that excellent show and consistent underperformance of the weekly episodes. Even this week's go-home show was not as excellent a final showing as it should have been.
However, the card for Clash of Champions was hard not to get excited about. Kevin Owens was set to face Seth Rollins for the first time. Three of the Four Horsewomen were going at it while Roman Reigns was finally getting his hands on Rusev. It was a card loaded with talent.
The question isn't if Alicia Fox is regretting this match, it's when she started regretting.
Nia Jax def. Alicia Fox
Overview: Alicia Fox came out swinging and refused to quit as Nia Jax kept throwing her around and smashing her. Fox managed to hit a diving crossbody then the scissors kick but only for one. Jax then hit a body block, hip attack in the corner, then a Samoan drop for the victory.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was vital to Jax's development as we saw how she handles adversity, dominating Fox even as the veteran got in real offense throughout. It was the first time since she debuted she's had a real match.
It was still a squash in the end though. Fox did make some of those throws look impressive to the point where Jax came out looking even more dangerous than when she came in. Now Jax needs a real rival.
Highlights:
- Fox started off with a dropkick and low kicks to the knee.
- Fox uses her long legs to kick forehead of Jax out of a chin lock.
- Jax flips Fox into the air when she tries to get separation.
- Jax throws Fox outside but then gets bounced off the ropes.
Analysis: This match was vital to Jax's development as we saw how she handles adversity, dominating Fox even as the veteran got in real offense throughout. It was the first time since she debuted she's had a real match.
It was still a squash in the end though. Fox did make some of those throws look impressive to the point where Jax came out looking even more dangerous than when she came in. Now Jax needs a real rival.
Rating: 6.5/10
RIP Gallows and Anderson. You're missed in Japan.
The New Day def. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson to Retain the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships
Overview: Before the match, The New Day introduced the night and made fun of their opponents. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson seemed to have the champions' number throughout , blocking all potential rallies with surprising ease.
However, Kofi fought out of the Magic Killer then hit the Trouble in Paradise into a Big Ending on Anderson that Gallows had to break up the cover for. After Kofi dived on Gallows, Woods hit Anderson with Francesca to set up the Midnight Hour for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: These guys have had better and worse matches than this, but the real problem here was that it was oddly short. In many ways, this felt like an insult to a stacked tag team division with very little respect given to them as a quickly done opening bout.
The team that really was disrespected here were Gallows and Anderson who needed to win here. They have an "out" in that The New Day cheated here, but there is no way they win the titles anymore. This was their last real chance. All the failed segments were for nothing.
However, Kofi fought out of the Magic Killer then hit the Trouble in Paradise into a Big Ending on Anderson that Gallows had to break up the cover for. After Kofi dived on Gallows, Woods hit Anderson with Francesca to set up the Midnight Hour for the win.
Highlights:
- Gallows immediately booted Big E and Woods out of the equation.
- Anderson hit a running Liger bomb for an early nearfall.
- Big E's hot tag included three belly to bellies then a splash.
- Big E took the Boot of Doom.
- Kofi's hot tag is immediately stopped by an Anderson spinebuster.
- Anderson reverses the SOS into a chokeslam.
Analysis: These guys have had better and worse matches than this, but the real problem here was that it was oddly short. In many ways, this felt like an insult to a stacked tag team division with very little respect given to them as a quickly done opening bout.
The team that really was disrespected here were Gallows and Anderson who needed to win here. They have an "out" in that The New Day cheated here, but there is no way they win the titles anymore. This was their last real chance. All the failed segments were for nothing.
Rating: 7.5/10
Over/under on how long the cruiserweight division lasts before Vince turns on it is set at 3 months. Taking all bets.
TJ Perkins def. The Brian Kendrick to Retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Overview: This was a submission war from the start as Brian Kendrick immediately targeted the neck while Perkins went after the knee. Perkins got on a big role against Kendrick, refusing to slow down until Kendrick managed to nearly lock in the Captain's Hook.
Kendrick hit Sliced Bread #2 and locked in the Captain's Hook with Perkins fighting out, hitting the Detonation Kick, and then locking in the kneebar for the submission. Afterward, Perkins was interviewed, only for Kendrick to break it up, feigning sportmanship then delivering a headbutt.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was begging for the atmosphere of the Cruiserweight Classic. It was a slower technical bout where the crowd seemed uncertain to latch onto the action until late. Luckily the two built to a strong climax with very few missteps.
As an introduction to the cruiserweights on a bigger stage, this worked, but it also showed some flaws in the transition. It will take a while for these more casual audiences to get excited about these competitors no matter how good they are.
Kendrick hit Sliced Bread #2 and locked in the Captain's Hook with Perkins fighting out, hitting the Detonation Kick, and then locking in the kneebar for the submission. Afterward, Perkins was interviewed, only for Kendrick to break it up, feigning sportmanship then delivering a headbutt.
Highlights:
- The match began with a series of traded takedown from back body to headscissors to headlock.
- Kendrick caught Perkins in a springboard and trapped him in the apron to wail on him with forearms.
- Perkins looked in a pendulum lock right to a Muta lock.
- Perkins is thrown at the ropes but catches himself, sitting in them, then sends Kendrick to the floor.
- Perkins goes on a flurry with a jumping headscissors to an atomic drop to a heel kick into a neckbreaker to a double chickenwing atomic drop then a series of suplexes.
- Perkins hits Kendrick with a Frankensteiner to the floor.
- Perkins blocks Sliced Bread #2 then hits a wrecking ball dropkick.
- Kendrick dodges a 450 Splash then locks in the Captain's Hook which Perkins reverses into the kneebar.
Analysis: This match was begging for the atmosphere of the Cruiserweight Classic. It was a slower technical bout where the crowd seemed uncertain to latch onto the action until late. Luckily the two built to a strong climax with very few missteps.
As an introduction to the cruiserweights on a bigger stage, this worked, but it also showed some flaws in the transition. It will take a while for these more casual audiences to get excited about these competitors no matter how good they are.
Rating: 8.25/10
Glad Cesaro's back is feeling good enough that he can waste time in an important match swinging Sheamus around.
Cesaro vs. Sheamus Goes to a No Contest in Match Seven of the Best of Seven Series
Overview: This match started similarly to the past few as one mistake allowed Sheamus to target the back repeatedly. The two though began to ramp up the risks they would take to win, leading to both taking finishers and kicking out.
The two fought to the outside with Sheamus diving into an uppercut then Sheamus hit a White Noise on the floor only to be clotheslined over the steel barricade. Both men were unable to move on the outside, and the referee called off the match despite both wanting to continue.
Highlights:
Analysis: The Best of Seven series between Cesaro and Sheamus was not always top notch. In fact, it was dragging on for a while. This match though made up for the lackluster middle section of the series as it was one of if not the best showing between these two.
Cesaro and Sheamus threw out everything they had and more with a few unnecessary dangerous close calls that ended up doing a great job selling the heart of this match. The finish was a bit odd, but it does finish the series on a fascinating note.
The two fought to the outside with Sheamus diving into an uppercut then Sheamus hit a White Noise on the floor only to be clotheslined over the steel barricade. Both men were unable to move on the outside, and the referee called off the match despite both wanting to continue.
Highlights:
- Cesaro hit a 619.
- Sheamus repeatedly hit Irish Curse backbreakers then couldn't get the three count.
- Cesaro dodged a Brogue Kick and locked in the giant swing into a sharpshooter.
- Cesaro stopped White Noise on apron and hit scary suicide dive.
- The bad fall off the suicide dive leads to Brogue Kick nearfall.
- Cesaro answered with sudden Neutralizer nearfall.
- Cesaro showed his continued fight with flurry of uppercuts.
- Sheamus diving clothesline lands right on a Cesaro uppercut.
Analysis: The Best of Seven series between Cesaro and Sheamus was not always top notch. In fact, it was dragging on for a while. This match though made up for the lackluster middle section of the series as it was one of if not the best showing between these two.
Cesaro and Sheamus threw out everything they had and more with a few unnecessary dangerous close calls that ended up doing a great job selling the heart of this match. The finish was a bit odd, but it does finish the series on a fascinating note.
Rating: 9/10
Remember when Chris Jericho would have lost this match 10 times out of 10? It actually wasn't that long ago.
Chris Jericho def. Sami Zayn
Overview: Chris Jericho used veteran wherewithal to gain the advantage over a driven Sami Zayn early. Zayn reversed a running bulldog to begin a furious rally with Jericho struggling to slow Zayn at all from that point on as he continually nearly hit the Helluva Kick.
After Zayn's Helluva Kick turned into the Walls of Jericho, Zayn fought out with a small package. He then hit a Blue Thunder Bomb but then leaned right into a Codebreaker for the loss.
Highlights:
Analysis: Chris Jericho is not exactly the money match guy anymore, but he seems to know what he can and cannot do these days. He was the master here in a match that did not break any boundaries but told a strong story throughout.
The finisher was a bit abrupt and surprising though as Zayn seemed to be tearing through Jericho but then just took the out-of-nowhere Codebreaker. This clean finish hopefully won't end a feud that has long legs with the right booking.
After Zayn's Helluva Kick turned into the Walls of Jericho, Zayn fought out with a small package. He then hit a Blue Thunder Bomb but then leaned right into a Codebreaker for the loss.
Highlights:
- Jericho used the referee repeatedly to gain advantages, using him to hit a fierce cheap shot then later a springboard dropkick.
- Jericho hit a diving spinning back elbow.
- Zayn turns superplex into a facebuster then misses a dive with Jericho failing to lock in the Walls but hit a step-up enzuigiri.
- Zayn dived between the corner of the ropes to hit a DDT into the announce table.
- Zayn blocked a Codebreaker into an exploder but missed on the Helluva kick follow up.
Analysis: Chris Jericho is not exactly the money match guy anymore, but he seems to know what he can and cannot do these days. He was the master here in a match that did not break any boundaries but told a strong story throughout.
The finisher was a bit abrupt and surprising though as Zayn seemed to be tearing through Jericho but then just took the out-of-nowhere Codebreaker. This clean finish hopefully won't end a feud that has long legs with the right booking.
Rating: 8.25/10
Well done, girls. You got that synchronized jumping down for the next Olympics.
Charlotte def. Sasha Banks and Bayley to Retain the WWE Raw Women's Championship
Overview: Sasha Banks and Charlotte immediately began brawling with Bayley unsure what to do. In the end, she took out Charlotte and argued with Banks, realizing she was all on her own. Dana Brooke helped take out Bayley, and Charlotte dominated the back of Banks.
Banks began a furious attempt to take the win with three Bank Statements each broken up by someone else. Banks was then thrown into the barricade, coming back just in time for Bayley to be big booted into her with Charlotte hitting a second big boot for the win on Bayley.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a fantastic clash between the women with a lot of creativity throughout. Charlotte led the pack this time with a hoss-like performance where she beat down and beat up the smaller women throughout. It was clear she was the pace setter.
Banks and Bayley kept the contest moving with a lot of creative moves while the crowd was popping for everything. In many ways, this rivaled the triple threat at WrestleMania with very little time wasted. It's likely we're far from done seeing this trio clash.
Banks began a furious attempt to take the win with three Bank Statements each broken up by someone else. Banks was then thrown into the barricade, coming back just in time for Bayley to be big booted into her with Charlotte hitting a second big boot for the win on Bayley.
Highlights:
- All three women attempt a dropkick at the same time.
- Bayley hits Charlotte stuck in the tree of woe with a springboard diving elbow.
- Charlotte boots Banks head first into the turnbuckle.
- Bayley returns to the action with a diving crossbody on both.
- Banks attempts to hit the double knees on both women but Charlotte escapes then has to break up the pinfall.
- Charlotte hits a backbreaker-side slam combo on Banks.
- Banks kicks Charlotte off from a figure four attempt right into a Bayley to Belly.
- With all three on their knees, Charlotte chops both women until they fight back with a flurry of rights.
- Banks breaks up a Natural Selection pinfall with the Bank Statement which Brooke has to break up.
- When Banks locks in the Banks Statement again, she kicks Brooke out of the way but has it broken up by Bayley.
- Charlotte uses Banks' hair to save her from falling into a pinfall.
Analysis: This was a fantastic clash between the women with a lot of creativity throughout. Charlotte led the pack this time with a hoss-like performance where she beat down and beat up the smaller women throughout. It was clear she was the pace setter.
Banks and Bayley kept the contest moving with a lot of creative moves while the crowd was popping for everything. In many ways, this rivaled the triple threat at WrestleMania with very little time wasted. It's likely we're far from done seeing this trio clash.
Rating: 9/10
And so Roman Reigns completed his quest to become the new John Cena officially.
Roman Reigns def. Rusev to Become the New WWE United States Champion
Overview: Rusev seemed fazed early by Roman Reigns until Rusev hit a big roundhouse to begin dominating and wearing down Reigns. When Reigns tried to rally, he was thrown repeatedly into steel. Lana distracted Reigns to set up huge superkick nearfall.
When Reigns blocked The Accolade and hit the spear, Lana pulled the ref out, trying to get a disqualification. He threw her out instead with Reigns taking another superkick but powering out of The Accolade and hitting another spear for the victory.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a physical affair between two heavyweights. These two would not stop throwing punches and kicks which almost the entirety of the offense of the rivals. Unfortunately, there was a bit too much use of Lana here that hurt the match and Rusev's credibility.
Reigns as United States Champion could work, but they really need to ride with him and the title. It can't just be about Reigns being around. He needs to treat the championship with the respect that John Cena did during his run. Open challenge aren't necessary but would be appreciated.
When Reigns blocked The Accolade and hit the spear, Lana pulled the ref out, trying to get a disqualification. He threw her out instead with Reigns taking another superkick but powering out of The Accolade and hitting another spear for the victory.
Highlights:
- Reigns almost immediately sends Rusev to the outside.
- Rusev gains the edge with a running spinning heel kick.
- Rusev throws Reigns into the steel post shoulder-first then does the same on two separate steel steps.
- Reigns later returns the favor, throwing Rusev into the barricade and the steps.
- Reigns stops charging Rusev with Superman Punch.
- Reigns hits the Drive By then a second off the announce table.
Analysis: This was a physical affair between two heavyweights. These two would not stop throwing punches and kicks which almost the entirety of the offense of the rivals. Unfortunately, there was a bit too much use of Lana here that hurt the match and Rusev's credibility.
Reigns as United States Champion could work, but they really need to ride with him and the title. It can't just be about Reigns being around. He needs to treat the championship with the respect that John Cena did during his run. Open challenge aren't necessary but would be appreciated.
Rating: 8.5/10
I would be excited for the package piledriver tease that will never be, but then I had to see the package side slam which was... messy.
Kevin Owens def. Seth Rollins to Retain the WWE Universal Championship
Overview: Kevin Owens tried to slow the pace off the bat by rolling outside, but Seth Rollins followed him. Rollins was dominating until Owens targeted the back of the knee with kicks that caused Rollins to begin limping.
Rollins dodged Owens running senton through the table, giving Rollins the momentum back. However, Jericho got involved, saving Owens off a Pedigree. The ref went down, and, despite a valiant rally by Rollins, he was too distracted to avoid a pump up powerbomb for the loss.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was going well for a while though it didn't quite hit its top gear. Then the finishing sequence happen which bungled a great match. It is one thing to have Jericho come down, but, when he leads to a ref bump and gets physically involved with Rollins still nearly winning, it's just ridiculous.
This was a glimpse of a potential Super Rollins in the vein of other overbooked faces in WWE, and it wasn't a pleasant sight. Still, the match was strong between two guys who can do even better with round two. Triple H not making an appearance was surprising.
Rollins dodged Owens running senton through the table, giving Rollins the momentum back. However, Jericho got involved, saving Owens off a Pedigree. The ref went down, and, despite a valiant rally by Rollins, he was too distracted to avoid a pump up powerbomb for the loss.
Highlights:
- Owens kicks the back of the knee then hits a snap DDT.
- Owens sends Rollins to the floor and hits apron elbow drop.
- Rollins flips off throw into turnbuckle with a rebound clothesline.
- Rollins and Owens trade near moves, dodging everything until Owens hits a superkick.
- Owens catches Rollins mid-springboard knee for a fisherman's backbreaker.
- Owens hits a belly to back gutbuster off the top rope then a frog splash but still only gets a nearfall.
- Rollins hits the diving knee then the frog splash.
- Jericho's distraction sets up a package side slam for a nearfall.
- Rollins blocks more pump up powerbomb attempts and hits suicide dives on Jericho on one side and Owens on the other.
Analysis: This match was going well for a while though it didn't quite hit its top gear. Then the finishing sequence happen which bungled a great match. It is one thing to have Jericho come down, but, when he leads to a ref bump and gets physically involved with Rollins still nearly winning, it's just ridiculous.
This was a glimpse of a potential Super Rollins in the vein of other overbooked faces in WWE, and it wasn't a pleasant sight. Still, the match was strong between two guys who can do even better with round two. Triple H not making an appearance was surprising.
Rating: 8.5/10
Would everyone please stop doing tributes to Eddie Guerrero? There are other wrestlers!
Final Notes: TJ Perkins was interviewed ahead of his main roster debut Bayley and Charlotte talked backstage as Charlotte berated Bayley until Bayley made clear she was not intimidated.
Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley put over Owens representing them, but Owens had none of it, angry at Foley. Stephanie and Foley also showed their excitement for the main event with Rollins who said they would all regret betting against him and choosing Owens as the new golden boy.
Conclusion: The booking of this show really held it back. At least half the matches got downgraded by poor finishes that left more uncertainty than excitement. While Backlash was tight and gave time to the competitors, this felt loose and more of a set-up show.
There were strong matches, but the standouts were not the matches that should have defined this card. Instead the best work came around the mid-point of the show. It was a shame to see the main events so hampered.
This show was indicative of the problem on Raw right now. WWE is not really interested in the present. They don't want to maximize now but the future. They'll have the wow moments, often underdeveloped, to keep people around until they hit the major shows with real development.
Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley put over Owens representing them, but Owens had none of it, angry at Foley. Stephanie and Foley also showed their excitement for the main event with Rollins who said they would all regret betting against him and choosing Owens as the new golden boy.
Conclusion: The booking of this show really held it back. At least half the matches got downgraded by poor finishes that left more uncertainty than excitement. While Backlash was tight and gave time to the competitors, this felt loose and more of a set-up show.
There were strong matches, but the standouts were not the matches that should have defined this card. Instead the best work came around the mid-point of the show. It was a shame to see the main events so hampered.
This show was indicative of the problem on Raw right now. WWE is not really interested in the present. They don't want to maximize now but the future. They'll have the wow moments, often underdeveloped, to keep people around until they hit the major shows with real development.