Written by: Kevin Berge (Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
In truth, Shane, according to the rules of wrestling, KO actually has more of a right to an IC Title match than you do control of Monday Night Raw.
Shane McMahon Changes the Formula of Raw By Forcing Everyone to Begin Earning Championship Shots
Overview: Shane McMahon came out and made clear that he was changing things up, announcing a Divas Championship match, the beginning of the tag team championship tournament, and a main event of AJ Styles vs. Sami Zayn with Zayn being offered a number one contendership for the WWE Championship if he won.
Kevin Owens interrupted Shane and found fault in Zayn getting a title opportunity. He then demanded an Intercontinental Championship match, but Shane told him he needed to earn that shot, throwing out the rematch clause, and making a number one contender match between Owens and Cesaro.
Analysis: While the logic of Shane McMahon being in charge has been incredibly poorly written, making the Undertaker match feel irrelevant, I absolutely want Shane to stay in control because it means WWE actually properly books its Raws. This was a fantastic way to sell a new viewpoint in WWE.
That said, with WWE suddenly booking shows properly, it is hard to look back on the past few months and question why. Why did WWE poorly book the Road to WrestleMania when this was always possible for them? Because The Authority can't be in charge of a good Raw?
I am very excited about a potential shift in WWE to more number one contender matches with wrestlers having to earn shots, maybe even completely throwing out the rematch clause. Plus tournaments are always welcome. Too bad Shane forgot to do anything with the US Championship.
Kevin Owens interrupted Shane and found fault in Zayn getting a title opportunity. He then demanded an Intercontinental Championship match, but Shane told him he needed to earn that shot, throwing out the rematch clause, and making a number one contender match between Owens and Cesaro.
Analysis: While the logic of Shane McMahon being in charge has been incredibly poorly written, making the Undertaker match feel irrelevant, I absolutely want Shane to stay in control because it means WWE actually properly books its Raws. This was a fantastic way to sell a new viewpoint in WWE.
That said, with WWE suddenly booking shows properly, it is hard to look back on the past few months and question why. Why did WWE poorly book the Road to WrestleMania when this was always possible for them? Because The Authority can't be in charge of a good Raw?
I am very excited about a potential shift in WWE to more number one contender matches with wrestlers having to earn shots, maybe even completely throwing out the rematch clause. Plus tournaments are always welcome. Too bad Shane forgot to do anything with the US Championship.
Ugh, all these indie hosses with their spot fest shenanigans.
Cesaro def. Kevin Owens to Become the New Number One Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Overview: Kevin Owens tried not to lock up with Cesaro early, and, when he did, he immediately had to roll away to take back control. Owens got back into it and got in a headlock that Cesaro reversed, frustrating KO again. When he rolled outside a third time, he assaulted the shoulder and began to take control.
Owens threw Cesaro shoulder first into the steel post then slammed and kicked it repeatedly. Owens though missed a shot in the corner and took repeated uppercuts in each corner back and forth. He then hit a dropkick for two. Cesaro tried to roll him up, but Owens kicked out and threw him outside by going shoulder first into the post.
Cesaro and Owens exchanged strikes in the middle of the ring. Cesaro hit a sudden double foot stomp then Owens threw Cesaro over the top rope but took a boot then a top rope crossbody. Owens turned it immediately into a crossface which Owens rolled back into the middle of the ring.
Cesaro tried to turn it into a roll up then turned it into a Sharpshooter. Owens barely got to the ropes. Owens hit the frog splash for a very near fall. Owens tried to hit the pump up powerbomb, but Cesaro turned it into a spinning uppercut.
Cesaro then hit the giant swing, but he struggled to keep it up with his bad arm. Owens almost hit the pump up powerbomb, but Cesaro rolled it through and hit the Neutralizer for the win. The Miz and Maryse were shown several times watching the match backstage.
Analysis: While not their most exciting match, this was my favorite match between Cesaro and Owens so far with the two finally taking the time to tell a story together rather than just go big consistently. Owens struggled to outwrestle Cesaro repeatedly, and it visibly frustrated him.
The action ramped up repeatedly as the two went from basic wrestling to big exchanges. There was a lot of sloppy wrestling throughout though with multiple spots that seemed several steps away from what was intended. Still, it was really strong and well wrestled in a way that wasn't a spot fest.
I do feel bad for Zack Ryder who went from champion to not in the conversation within a week. He was never going to be that big a star, but it would have been nice for the guy to get some recognition for this week rather than just be shuffled off as the shocker of Mania to be quickly forgotten.
Owens threw Cesaro shoulder first into the steel post then slammed and kicked it repeatedly. Owens though missed a shot in the corner and took repeated uppercuts in each corner back and forth. He then hit a dropkick for two. Cesaro tried to roll him up, but Owens kicked out and threw him outside by going shoulder first into the post.
Cesaro and Owens exchanged strikes in the middle of the ring. Cesaro hit a sudden double foot stomp then Owens threw Cesaro over the top rope but took a boot then a top rope crossbody. Owens turned it immediately into a crossface which Owens rolled back into the middle of the ring.
Cesaro tried to turn it into a roll up then turned it into a Sharpshooter. Owens barely got to the ropes. Owens hit the frog splash for a very near fall. Owens tried to hit the pump up powerbomb, but Cesaro turned it into a spinning uppercut.
Cesaro then hit the giant swing, but he struggled to keep it up with his bad arm. Owens almost hit the pump up powerbomb, but Cesaro rolled it through and hit the Neutralizer for the win. The Miz and Maryse were shown several times watching the match backstage.
Analysis: While not their most exciting match, this was my favorite match between Cesaro and Owens so far with the two finally taking the time to tell a story together rather than just go big consistently. Owens struggled to outwrestle Cesaro repeatedly, and it visibly frustrated him.
The action ramped up repeatedly as the two went from basic wrestling to big exchanges. There was a lot of sloppy wrestling throughout though with multiple spots that seemed several steps away from what was intended. Still, it was really strong and well wrestled in a way that wasn't a spot fest.
I do feel bad for Zack Ryder who went from champion to not in the conversation within a week. He was never going to be that big a star, but it would have been nice for the guy to get some recognition for this week rather than just be shuffled off as the shocker of Mania to be quickly forgotten.
And still your United States Champion... Kalisto.
The Dudley Boyz def. Lucha Dragons to Advance in the WWE Tag Team Championships Tournament
Overview: The New Day introduced the bracket for the tag team title tournament and dissed all the competitors, saying none could possible beat them. Early in this match, The Dudley Boyz threw Kalisto to the outside, and the champion got hurt. The two dominated Sin Cara who finally got some offense rolling on his own.
Despite Cara getting a nearfall off a rebound flying elbow, The Dudley Boyz hit the 3D on Cara for the win. Enzo and Big Cass came out and made fun of The Dudley Boyz again with the two saying the new stars were only here because of their impact. The two stars replied by saying the two needed to now step out of the way.
Analysis: The best explanation I have for all of this was that Kalisto likely got legitimately hurt in this match. It was made stranger by The Dudley Boyz making their entrance and the match starting during the commercial break. By the time the show returned, Kalisto was hurt, and Cara was getting destroyed. It was very oddly presented.
I hope Kalisto is fine, and I hope we can stop putting Kalisto in tag team matches and start booking him defending his title again. He does not need these losses on his resume just because WWE needed an eighth team for their tournament.
Enzo and Big Cass are top notch already, fitting right in with the WWE stars given their charisma that shines through in the raucous ovations they keep getting from crowds. They also bring out the more vicious and efficient side of The Dudley Boyz who really seem to speak best with these wild faces teasing them.
Despite Cara getting a nearfall off a rebound flying elbow, The Dudley Boyz hit the 3D on Cara for the win. Enzo and Big Cass came out and made fun of The Dudley Boyz again with the two saying the new stars were only here because of their impact. The two stars replied by saying the two needed to now step out of the way.
Analysis: The best explanation I have for all of this was that Kalisto likely got legitimately hurt in this match. It was made stranger by The Dudley Boyz making their entrance and the match starting during the commercial break. By the time the show returned, Kalisto was hurt, and Cara was getting destroyed. It was very oddly presented.
I hope Kalisto is fine, and I hope we can stop putting Kalisto in tag team matches and start booking him defending his title again. He does not need these losses on his resume just because WWE needed an eighth team for their tournament.
Enzo and Big Cass are top notch already, fitting right in with the WWE stars given their charisma that shines through in the raucous ovations they keep getting from crowds. They also bring out the more vicious and efficient side of The Dudley Boyz who really seem to speak best with these wild faces teasing them.
Either Rusev trying out his angry face or he just fell asleep again standing up.
Roman Reigns Finds an Unlikely Ally in The Wyatt Family
Overview: Roman Reigns began again with his "the guy" speech. He started to put over AJ Styles and a potential challenger in Sami Zayn, but he was interrupted by the League of Nations who tried to intimidate Reigns. When they were ready to assault Roman, The Wyatt Family appeared and cleared the ring with Reigns' help.
Shane then interrupted and made a match for later: Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt teaming up to face two members of The League of Nations with tension between Reigns and his potential partner.
Analysis: This was an interesting segment as it immediately put two potentially turning wrestlers in the same space. Roman Reigns' "not a good guy, not a bad guy, just the guy" line is already old and should not be a staple catchphrase like WWE wants it to be. The promo itself was too short to say anything about.
While it was odd to pair Reigns again with The League of Nations who were the worst thing to happen to Roman's face run, it can all be forgiven by the unique idea of pairing Bray Wyatt and Reigns for a night. I wasn't on board for this at first, but it grew on me with the presentation.
Shane then interrupted and made a match for later: Roman Reigns and Bray Wyatt teaming up to face two members of The League of Nations with tension between Reigns and his potential partner.
Analysis: This was an interesting segment as it immediately put two potentially turning wrestlers in the same space. Roman Reigns' "not a good guy, not a bad guy, just the guy" line is already old and should not be a staple catchphrase like WWE wants it to be. The promo itself was too short to say anything about.
While it was odd to pair Reigns again with The League of Nations who were the worst thing to happen to Roman's face run, it can all be forgiven by the unique idea of pairing Bray Wyatt and Reigns for a night. I wasn't on board for this at first, but it grew on me with the presentation.
Everyone must earn their championship shots... except Natalya because Shane is a Bret Hart mark.
Natalya def. Charlotte by Disqualification, Charlotte Retains the WWE Women's Championship
Overview: Charlotte and Natalya locked up on the floor early with Natalya trying to get in the Sharpshooter. Charlotte pulled out a spinebuster but was quickly locked in an armbreaker which Charlotte barely blocked and rolled away. Charlotte tried to kick Natalya, but she caught the leg and slammed her on her face.
With an unintentional referee distraction, Charlotte got the advantage back with a chop and neckbreaker. She then took down the knee pad and began repeatedly kneeing her opponent. Using a leg headlock, Charlotte slammed Natalya's face into the mat. Charlotte turned it into a figure four, but Natalya reversed the pressure to force a break.
Charlotte tried to start a chop exchange, but Natalya just went off right forearms then hit a German suplex. Natalya then hit a spinning lariat which, on the cover, Charlotte turned it into a roll up. Charlotte hit a big boot and began repeatedly going for covers.
Charlotte hit a snap suplex but missed the moonsault. Natalya locked in the sharpshooter with Ric Flair pulling the referee out of the ring which caused a disqualification just as Charlotte was tapping out behind the referee's back.
Analysis: This was a pretty solid title match. Charlotte pulled out a lot of physical offense to match up with Natalya with the two really working hard to differentiate this match from their past contests. It was really well worked besides Charlotte very noticeably failing to sell at crucial moments.
I don't like fakeout finishes in wrestling, and they are happening far too often these days. Having Natalya seem to win but end up having it be by DQ just made Charlotte look worse as she stays champion by the closest of calls. At this point, Charlotte has gone from dominant to cheat at every turn thanks to Ric which got old a month in to her heel run.
I have no idea what the point of Dr. Phil was in this segment. I guess they had to fit him somewhere, and it might add eyes for the women. He really did nothing, barely even talked. Instead of being on commentary, he was interviewed before and after the match.
With an unintentional referee distraction, Charlotte got the advantage back with a chop and neckbreaker. She then took down the knee pad and began repeatedly kneeing her opponent. Using a leg headlock, Charlotte slammed Natalya's face into the mat. Charlotte turned it into a figure four, but Natalya reversed the pressure to force a break.
Charlotte tried to start a chop exchange, but Natalya just went off right forearms then hit a German suplex. Natalya then hit a spinning lariat which, on the cover, Charlotte turned it into a roll up. Charlotte hit a big boot and began repeatedly going for covers.
Charlotte hit a snap suplex but missed the moonsault. Natalya locked in the sharpshooter with Ric Flair pulling the referee out of the ring which caused a disqualification just as Charlotte was tapping out behind the referee's back.
Analysis: This was a pretty solid title match. Charlotte pulled out a lot of physical offense to match up with Natalya with the two really working hard to differentiate this match from their past contests. It was really well worked besides Charlotte very noticeably failing to sell at crucial moments.
I don't like fakeout finishes in wrestling, and they are happening far too often these days. Having Natalya seem to win but end up having it be by DQ just made Charlotte look worse as she stays champion by the closest of calls. At this point, Charlotte has gone from dominant to cheat at every turn thanks to Ric which got old a month in to her heel run.
I have no idea what the point of Dr. Phil was in this segment. I guess they had to fit him somewhere, and it might add eyes for the women. He really did nothing, barely even talked. Instead of being on commentary, he was interviewed before and after the match.
That's right, folks. Festus' full transformation is complete, and he's here to dominate WWE with his bro Karl.
The Usos def. The Social Outcasts' Curtis Axel and Heath Slater to Advance in the WWE Tag Team Championships Tournament
Overview: Curtis Axel tried to gain control early by ran right into forearms from both of The Usos until Curtis hit a big running knee to isolate Jey Uso. The two stomped on Jey then Curtis grounded him with a tight headlock with Jey fighting out into an Axel dropkick. Curtis threw Jey into a high kick from Slater which began an SO victory lap.
Jimmy got the tag and managed to get the roll up for the win. The Usos got no time to celebrate as Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson assaulted them and were forced to leave slowly by officials.
Analysis: The Usos were always going to win, and the match was never going to be that great. However, there was one massive surprise in store in this segment. WWE has finally debuted the two signees of Bullet Club, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson.
Their assault on The Usos was brutal and effective, feeling like The Outsiders or The Shield making a statement beatdown. It felt like they were an outside presence making their mark, and they did so in emphatic fashion. Now the question is: what is their goal? Nothing is clear yet, and they debuted without Finn Balor or AJ Styles which means they could still be affiliated with either.
With them debuting though, it is hard to get very excited about the current tag team tournament crop as Gallows and Anderson are easily the biggest tag team in the company now next to New Day.
Jimmy got the tag and managed to get the roll up for the win. The Usos got no time to celebrate as Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson assaulted them and were forced to leave slowly by officials.
Analysis: The Usos were always going to win, and the match was never going to be that great. However, there was one massive surprise in store in this segment. WWE has finally debuted the two signees of Bullet Club, Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson.
Their assault on The Usos was brutal and effective, feeling like The Outsiders or The Shield making a statement beatdown. It felt like they were an outside presence making their mark, and they did so in emphatic fashion. Now the question is: what is their goal? Nothing is clear yet, and they debuted without Finn Balor or AJ Styles which means they could still be affiliated with either.
With them debuting though, it is hard to get very excited about the current tag team tournament crop as Gallows and Anderson are easily the biggest tag team in the company now next to New Day.
AJ, I'm really trying to enjoy this match, but your hair... seriously, your hair!
AJ Styles def. Sami Zayn
Overview: The two men locked up with both wrenching at the other man's hand briefly, showing their experience to work their way out of each move. On a second exchange, Zayn tried to repeatedly roll up Styles unsuccessfully. On the third exchange, the two fought to the corner.
Finally, the tempo began to pick up with a series of arm drags with a forced break up in the corner by the referee. Zayn threw a chop which got both men rolling with Zayn running full force into a dropkick. Styles hit a snap suplex for one with Sami forced to the outside.
Styles hit a knee off the apron on Zayn that nearly knocked out Sami. The two exchanged near suplexes with Zayn dropping the rope to send AJ falling outside. Sami then hit a suicide somersault senton. The two men exchanged strikes in the middle of the ring with Styles getting the advantage.
AJ then hit a fireman slam on his knee with Zayn reversing a Styles Clash into a DDT and a quick small package for a very nearfall. Sami then hit a flying crossbody for two. Zayn hit a spinning springboard DDT on Styles. The two fought back and forth with Zayn hitting a Blue Thunder Bomb for a crazy nearfall.
Zayn could not believe it and took too long to grab AJ, falling right into a Calf Crusher which he barely broke up by getting to the bottom rope. Styles went to the top rope but was caught by Zayn who went for a superplex which turned into a sunset powerbomb.
Midair, Zayn fought out and hit a low dropkick to set up the Helluva Kick which Styles dodged and hit the Phenomenal Forearm for the win.
Analysis: What a match. These two started out slow, and they did so to lead into some crazy action with great storytelling throughout. It was clear how trained and experienced Styles and Zayn were as they grappled, flew, and brawled around the ring throughout the match.
Similar to Owens/Cesaro earlier, there were quite a few botched spots particularly a baffling looking sequence near the end that made no sense, but it never felt like the two were just testing their limits. They had a plan that just wasn't one hundred percent together that night.
It is a shame this wasn't the main event. It felt like one with the stakes involved and the match quality. It was also a shame we got no interaction between Reigns and Styles tonight who both had their own side stories this week.
Finally, the tempo began to pick up with a series of arm drags with a forced break up in the corner by the referee. Zayn threw a chop which got both men rolling with Zayn running full force into a dropkick. Styles hit a snap suplex for one with Sami forced to the outside.
Styles hit a knee off the apron on Zayn that nearly knocked out Sami. The two exchanged near suplexes with Zayn dropping the rope to send AJ falling outside. Sami then hit a suicide somersault senton. The two men exchanged strikes in the middle of the ring with Styles getting the advantage.
AJ then hit a fireman slam on his knee with Zayn reversing a Styles Clash into a DDT and a quick small package for a very nearfall. Sami then hit a flying crossbody for two. Zayn hit a spinning springboard DDT on Styles. The two fought back and forth with Zayn hitting a Blue Thunder Bomb for a crazy nearfall.
Zayn could not believe it and took too long to grab AJ, falling right into a Calf Crusher which he barely broke up by getting to the bottom rope. Styles went to the top rope but was caught by Zayn who went for a superplex which turned into a sunset powerbomb.
Midair, Zayn fought out and hit a low dropkick to set up the Helluva Kick which Styles dodged and hit the Phenomenal Forearm for the win.
Analysis: What a match. These two started out slow, and they did so to lead into some crazy action with great storytelling throughout. It was clear how trained and experienced Styles and Zayn were as they grappled, flew, and brawled around the ring throughout the match.
Similar to Owens/Cesaro earlier, there were quite a few botched spots particularly a baffling looking sequence near the end that made no sense, but it never felt like the two were just testing their limits. They had a plan that just wasn't one hundred percent together that night.
It is a shame this wasn't the main event. It felt like one with the stakes involved and the match quality. It was also a shame we got no interaction between Reigns and Styles tonight who both had their own side stories this week.
Dean Ambrose, the ultimate gentleman, has brought Chris Jericho a new potted plant to replace the old dead one Reigns gave him a few months back.
Dean Ambrose Cancels the Highlight Reel
Overview: Chris Jericho announced his biggest Highlight Reel of all time with his guest Jericho with Y2J promising to tell the fans more than they ever knew about Chris before. The back and forth interviewing of himself led him to talking about how he gave everyone the gift of Jericho.
Jericho made clear he didn't believe anyone could match him, and Dean Ambrose interrupted with a new potted plant which was for his new set for the Ambrose Asylum which, by decree of Shane McMahon, was Ambrose's new replacement hosting segment instead of the Highlight Reel.
Jericho didn't find it funny and threatened to bury Ambrose, but Dean just took out Chris and celebrated his new talk show.
Analysis: It's not often that WWE comedy hits, but, as ridiculous as this all was, I enjoyed it immensely. Dean Ambrose is hit or miss as the wacky face, but he was perfect playing off the egotistical heel Jericho. The two just meshed so well, and the segment quickly emphasized their conflict.
This was always going to be a feud at some point. The two still had a beef to settle which likely was originally a Mania plan before things changed with Ambrose and Brock Lesnar. Now they get their feud going into Payback which should be a fun, light hearted feud that Ambrose can win confidently to gain some forward momentum.
Jericho made clear he didn't believe anyone could match him, and Dean Ambrose interrupted with a new potted plant which was for his new set for the Ambrose Asylum which, by decree of Shane McMahon, was Ambrose's new replacement hosting segment instead of the Highlight Reel.
Jericho didn't find it funny and threatened to bury Ambrose, but Dean just took out Chris and celebrated his new talk show.
Analysis: It's not often that WWE comedy hits, but, as ridiculous as this all was, I enjoyed it immensely. Dean Ambrose is hit or miss as the wacky face, but he was perfect playing off the egotistical heel Jericho. The two just meshed so well, and the segment quickly emphasized their conflict.
This was always going to be a feud at some point. The two still had a beef to settle which likely was originally a Mania plan before things changed with Ambrose and Brock Lesnar. Now they get their feud going into Payback which should be a fun, light hearted feud that Ambrose can win confidently to gain some forward momentum.
If you look real closely, you can almost tell that Crews has some personality.
Apollo Crews def. Adam Rose
Overview: Apollo Crews immediately smacked Adam Rose into the mat, hit a dropkick, then clotheslined him to the outside. Back in the ring, Rose locked up with Rose then hit a cheap shot on Crews to begin grounding him. Rose used the corners to beat down Crews then lock in a headlock.
Crews fought back to his feet and began throwing punches but grounded by a running knee. Rose tried to hit a suplex which Crews turned into a vertical suplex and began rolling. Bo Dallas tried to get the distraction in, but Crews blocked a Rose kick, hit an enzuigiri and spin-out sitout powerbomb.
Analysis: Last week, I openly hoped that Apollo Crews was only making a one week special appearance and not a debut, and this week was a large reason why. While the match was fine and Crews is always athletically impressive, there was no energy here.
Crews called a clunky, slow match that did not flow while the crowd seemed to be falling asleep. There's no reason to care about Crews because he has no character. He's just really impressive to watch. There are too many human highlight reels in WWE today to just be excited about the next one.
To be fair, Crews is just about the craziest freak of nature ever seen in WWE. His size and speed is beyond unreal, but you can't get away with just being that. Crews needed time in NXT to develop a real character and find his voice on the mic. Right now, he seems dead on arrival with a crowd that doesn't care.
Crews fought back to his feet and began throwing punches but grounded by a running knee. Rose tried to hit a suplex which Crews turned into a vertical suplex and began rolling. Bo Dallas tried to get the distraction in, but Crews blocked a Rose kick, hit an enzuigiri and spin-out sitout powerbomb.
Analysis: Last week, I openly hoped that Apollo Crews was only making a one week special appearance and not a debut, and this week was a large reason why. While the match was fine and Crews is always athletically impressive, there was no energy here.
Crews called a clunky, slow match that did not flow while the crowd seemed to be falling asleep. There's no reason to care about Crews because he has no character. He's just really impressive to watch. There are too many human highlight reels in WWE today to just be excited about the next one.
To be fair, Crews is just about the craziest freak of nature ever seen in WWE. His size and speed is beyond unreal, but you can't get away with just being that. Crews needed time in NXT to develop a real character and find his voice on the mic. Right now, he seems dead on arrival with a crowd that doesn't care.
"I hate you, Roman, but I have to team with you tonight because Shane said so. Because I just really like Shane and don't want to disappoint him."
Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns def. The League of Nations' Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio
Overview: Before he made his entrance, Bray Wyatt admitted he still hated Roman Reigns but could trust him tonight. Wyatt convinced Reigns to let him start the match withe Wyatt dominating even scaring Sheamus with the crab walk. Reigns tagged himself in, and the two beat down on Sheamus with Bray then tagging himself back in.
Sheamus fought back with Del Rio getting the tag, hitting a double foot stomp with Sheamus holding Wyatt, then frustrating Reigns by knocking him off the apron. The League of Nations kept dominating until Wyatt threw Sheamus over the top and got the hot tag to Reigns.
Roman got the tag and hit repeated clotheslines to ground Sheamus then a big boot. Sheamus rolled to the outside to avoid a Superman punch, and outside Del Rio distracted Reigns so that Sheamus could throw him into the steel post. Reigns tried to block the Beats of the Bodhran with Del Rio kicking Reigns to keep him down.
Del Rio then hit a running enzuigiri for a nearfall. Roman was trapped in the tree of woe and managed to throw Del Rio to the mat. Sheamus stopped a tag to Wyatt, but he fell into a Reigns Samoan drop which allowed the hot tag. Wyatt began rolling over Del Rio and took out Sheamus. Bray hit a uranage then went for a Sister Abigail which ADR blocked but still ran into a running elbow for a nearfall that Sheamus had to break up.
Reigns knocked Sheamus outside, but he was thrown into the steel steps by Sheamus. Rusev hit a kick to Wyatt with ADR then hitting a backbreaker which Wyatt barely kicked out of. The Wyatt Family attacked Rusev to even the odds with Del Rio going back to the ring just in time to have a Cross Armbeaker turned into a Sister Abigail.
Sheamus tried to save his partner, but Reigns hit a Spear on Sheamus. This allowed the three count and the win. Reigns and Wyatt then stared each other down to end the show.
Analysis: I was not sure about any of this going in, but we finally got the answer to last week's question about Bray Wyatt. It seems that The League of Nations has officially helped turn The Wyatt Family face. Wyatt was playing full face in this match, and the crowd was eating it up.
While the logic here is all off as the turn has no backing, it was good to see Wyatt continue to acknowledge his hatred for Reigns. This wasn't just Wyatt suddenly agreeing to work with Roman because they're both faces. This was Bray accepting the connection he has with Roman and holding off on targeting the champ for now.
The reactions for Reigns continue to be noticeably and widely negative. This never felt like a face vs. heel match with Reigns in the ring. He was clearly not even remotely a fan favorite this week, and that probably is just one more sign that Roman can't go back. He's all in on a tweener or heel run just as Wyatt as gone all face which may make for a fascinating new angle to that feud soon enough.
Sheamus fought back with Del Rio getting the tag, hitting a double foot stomp with Sheamus holding Wyatt, then frustrating Reigns by knocking him off the apron. The League of Nations kept dominating until Wyatt threw Sheamus over the top and got the hot tag to Reigns.
Roman got the tag and hit repeated clotheslines to ground Sheamus then a big boot. Sheamus rolled to the outside to avoid a Superman punch, and outside Del Rio distracted Reigns so that Sheamus could throw him into the steel post. Reigns tried to block the Beats of the Bodhran with Del Rio kicking Reigns to keep him down.
Del Rio then hit a running enzuigiri for a nearfall. Roman was trapped in the tree of woe and managed to throw Del Rio to the mat. Sheamus stopped a tag to Wyatt, but he fell into a Reigns Samoan drop which allowed the hot tag. Wyatt began rolling over Del Rio and took out Sheamus. Bray hit a uranage then went for a Sister Abigail which ADR blocked but still ran into a running elbow for a nearfall that Sheamus had to break up.
Reigns knocked Sheamus outside, but he was thrown into the steel steps by Sheamus. Rusev hit a kick to Wyatt with ADR then hitting a backbreaker which Wyatt barely kicked out of. The Wyatt Family attacked Rusev to even the odds with Del Rio going back to the ring just in time to have a Cross Armbeaker turned into a Sister Abigail.
Sheamus tried to save his partner, but Reigns hit a Spear on Sheamus. This allowed the three count and the win. Reigns and Wyatt then stared each other down to end the show.
Analysis: I was not sure about any of this going in, but we finally got the answer to last week's question about Bray Wyatt. It seems that The League of Nations has officially helped turn The Wyatt Family face. Wyatt was playing full face in this match, and the crowd was eating it up.
While the logic here is all off as the turn has no backing, it was good to see Wyatt continue to acknowledge his hatred for Reigns. This wasn't just Wyatt suddenly agreeing to work with Roman because they're both faces. This was Bray accepting the connection he has with Roman and holding off on targeting the champ for now.
The reactions for Reigns continue to be noticeably and widely negative. This never felt like a face vs. heel match with Reigns in the ring. He was clearly not even remotely a fan favorite this week, and that probably is just one more sign that Roman can't go back. He's all in on a tweener or heel run just as Wyatt as gone all face which may make for a fascinating new angle to that feud soon enough.
And the moral of the story is if you try hard enough, sometimes you win in spirit which I guess counts enough as winning in Vince McMahon's book.
Final Notes: Charlotte and Ric Flair complained backstage about being in a title match tonight with Dr. Phil appearing and telling Charlotte that Flair was pulling her down. In an interview, Sami Zayn made clear that he would prove himself tonight, and AJ Styles interrupted to give Zayn credit but also say he would not lose.
Kevin Owens found Shane and told him he was going to make Zayn suffer for him getting screwed, and Shane told KO he needed to leave because he wasn't allowed to ruin the main event. Owens was later escorted out of the building by security. Shane later congratulated Styles and Zayn on their match.
The Miz was backstage resting while Maryse berated a backstage official and tried to stop Jojo from interviewing Miz, but he made brief statements about how he was not happy with Cesaro and Zack Ryder being talked about in the same sentence as him. Cesaro interrupted and warned Miz he was after the gold.
Goldust freaked out backstage on R-Truth about being forced to tag with Truth and Dr. Phil being unable to possibly help either wrestler. There were multiple video packages for the new Primo and Epico gimmick. A Baron Corbin video package was shown before the main event.
Conclusion: There were not a lot of big moments this week, but this all felt relatively perfect. Raw was action packed with several big matches and a flow to the show that never slowed. Everything on the show mattered with a focus on developing title rivalries and giving wrestlers time to compete.
For one of the middle Raws with Payback several weeks away and WrestleMania now behind us, this was a show that just needed to be fun and fast paced which is exactly what it was. It was easy to just enjoy the spectacle of a show that really felt like it needed to be three hours.
I don't expect this to continue for long, but this was easily one of the best Raws in a while. Shane McMahon being in charge (as a character) has allowed the writing staff to actually intelligently book their shows for whatever reason which should hopefully not wane too much in the coming weeks.
The road to Payback has been made so perfectly clear that it was almost like WWE were more excited to book the WrestleMania follow up shows more than they were their biggest show of the year.
Kevin Owens found Shane and told him he was going to make Zayn suffer for him getting screwed, and Shane told KO he needed to leave because he wasn't allowed to ruin the main event. Owens was later escorted out of the building by security. Shane later congratulated Styles and Zayn on their match.
The Miz was backstage resting while Maryse berated a backstage official and tried to stop Jojo from interviewing Miz, but he made brief statements about how he was not happy with Cesaro and Zack Ryder being talked about in the same sentence as him. Cesaro interrupted and warned Miz he was after the gold.
Goldust freaked out backstage on R-Truth about being forced to tag with Truth and Dr. Phil being unable to possibly help either wrestler. There were multiple video packages for the new Primo and Epico gimmick. A Baron Corbin video package was shown before the main event.
Conclusion: There were not a lot of big moments this week, but this all felt relatively perfect. Raw was action packed with several big matches and a flow to the show that never slowed. Everything on the show mattered with a focus on developing title rivalries and giving wrestlers time to compete.
For one of the middle Raws with Payback several weeks away and WrestleMania now behind us, this was a show that just needed to be fun and fast paced which is exactly what it was. It was easy to just enjoy the spectacle of a show that really felt like it needed to be three hours.
I don't expect this to continue for long, but this was easily one of the best Raws in a while. Shane McMahon being in charge (as a character) has allowed the writing staff to actually intelligently book their shows for whatever reason which should hopefully not wane too much in the coming weeks.
The road to Payback has been made so perfectly clear that it was almost like WWE were more excited to book the WrestleMania follow up shows more than they were their biggest show of the year.