Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
WWE Payback 2017 is around the corner, Monday Night Raw's first pay-per-view post-WrestleMania with serious Mania fallout alongside the Superstar Shake-Up that has thrown both brand's major storylines into a mess with SmackDown wrestlers wrestling at the event to end vicious rivals.
Before that event, Raw has one last show where the wrestlers will have a chance to face down rivals they have been battling with for months now. The only promised match was Braun Strowman vs. Kalisto, but it was certain that the big rivalries would reach a boiling point.
Before that event, Raw has one last show where the wrestlers will have a chance to face down rivals they have been battling with for months now. The only promised match was Braun Strowman vs. Kalisto, but it was certain that the big rivalries would reach a boiling point.
Not quite $15,000 of value but Jericho loves it all the same.
Dean Ambrose Reconciles With Chris Jericho as The Miz Feels Wildly Disrespected as Talk Shows Shift
Overview: Chris Jericho opened the show with the Highlight Reel with himself as the guest, mocking Kevin Owens. The Miz interrupted and turned it into Miz TV before Dean Ambrose also arrived and turned the show into the Ambrose Asylum. While Ambrose gave Jericho a new light-up jacket to replace his old one, Miz was taken aback by the disrespect. Miz took a Dirty Deeds then Maryse was put on The List.
Analysis: Three charismatic wrestlers opening the show with an active concept of switching talk show sets was enough to make this opening segment work. It could have done more, but it was far more memorable than most openings to Raw over the past five years which have too often been a bland formula.
Analysis: Three charismatic wrestlers opening the show with an active concept of switching talk show sets was enough to make this opening segment work. It could have done more, but it was far more memorable than most openings to Raw over the past five years which have too often been a bland formula.
Have fun figuring out Matt Hardy's current character. Even he's confused.
Matt Hardy def. Sheamus
Overview: Matt Hardy and Sheamus went back and forth in a physical contest. Sheamus knocked down Jeff Hardy outside which frustrated Jeff who distracted Sheamus to walk into the Twist of Fate for the loss. Afterward, frustrations nearly boiled over with Sheamus calming Cesaro and offering handshakes.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a surprisingly solid match with Matt playing to Sheamus' physical style. The two hit many big offensive moves with the pacing solid. It felt a bit too short, but it showed potential in the matchup more so than Cesaro vs. Jeff which was the more natural fit.
Highlights:
- Matt caught Sheamus on the apron with a Side Effect.
- Sheamus hit the Beats of the Bodhran then snapped his neck off the ropes into a diving single axe handle.
- Matt battled out of White Noise then sent Sheamus shoulder-first into the turnbuckle to set up a tornado DDT off the second rope.
- Matt planted Sheamus with a bulldog then a diving elbow.
- Sheamus sent Matt outside with a bicycle knee then caught Matt with a rolling senton outside.
Analysis: This was a surprisingly solid match with Matt playing to Sheamus' physical style. The two hit many big offensive moves with the pacing solid. It felt a bit too short, but it showed potential in the matchup more so than Cesaro vs. Jeff which was the more natural fit.
Couldn't let all these talented performers get too much time over the 20 minute promo segments.
Austin Aries and Gentleman Jack Gallagher def. Neville and TJ Perkins
Overview: Austin Aries and Jack Gallagher were quick to begin brawling with Neville and TJ Perkins before the bell even rang. Aries looked fired up throughout this match, battling at a ferocious speed, once he got the hot tag from Gallagher. Gallagher took out Neville to set up the rolling elbow on Perkins for the definite win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was way too short, but each second felt well paced with a ton of action in a short time. The match also told a strong story with Aries and Gallagher simply seeming to outmatch the heels. They were fired and vicious that the overconfident heels had no ability to answer.
Highlights:
- Gallagher tripped Neville with a drop toe hold then launched Perkins into him in the corner with a headscissors.
- Aries caught Neville with an ear clap then hit a rolling senton before sending Neville and Perkins to the floor for a suicide dive.
- Aries isolated Perkins for the Last Chancery with Neville breaking it up.
- Neville landed a series of kicks on Gallagher but took a headbutt off the ropes.
Analysis: This was way too short, but each second felt well paced with a ton of action in a short time. The match also told a strong story with Aries and Gallagher simply seeming to outmatch the heels. They were fired and vicious that the overconfident heels had no ability to answer.
Never has a victory looked less impressive, and that's including a lot of Kelly Kelly matches.
Kalisto def. Braun Strowman in a Dumpster Match
Overview: This was a true David vs. Goliath clash as Kalisto fought hard to do anything to the near indestrucible Braun Strowman. Just as it seemed Kalisto had no chance, he tripped Strowman on the apron, knocking him into the dumpster. After the shocking win, Strowman went on a rampage, trapping Kalisto in the dumpster and shoving it off the ramp.
Highlights:
Analysis: Some will hate this segment for failing to put over Strowman or Kalisto enough, making both look bad, but I think it did just enough for the two. Kalisto came out in new gear with a new entrance theme, and he looked like the underdog finding every inch in an impossible battle.
His victory was not a true victory lap moment, but it proved that Strowman took Kalisto far too lightly and was punished for it. His destruction of Kalisto showed his dominance but also put over further how frustrating that loss was for Strowman. Kalisto may come back from this bigger than he's ever been.
Highlights:
- Kalisto landed an enzuigiri then a springboard missile dropkick followed by a jawbreaker that dazed Strowman.
- Strowman caught Kalisto mid-dive and threw him flat across the ring.
- Kalisto blocked the running powerslam into the dumpster and almost pulled Strowman over the ropes into the dumpster only to be tossed back in the ring.
- Strowman repeatedly clubbed at the chest of Kalisto.
Analysis: Some will hate this segment for failing to put over Strowman or Kalisto enough, making both look bad, but I think it did just enough for the two. Kalisto came out in new gear with a new entrance theme, and he looked like the underdog finding every inch in an impossible battle.
His victory was not a true victory lap moment, but it proved that Strowman took Kalisto far too lightly and was punished for it. His destruction of Kalisto showed his dominance but also put over further how frustrating that loss was for Strowman. Kalisto may come back from this bigger than he's ever been.
Wouldn't be surprised if Dana was even botching her own signature gesture.
Dana Brooke def. Alicia Fox
Overview: Emma came out during the match she had set up and watched as Dana Brooke fought back against the veteran Alicia Fox. Dana fought off an early flurry from Fox then hit a Michinoku driver for the win. Afterward, Emma got in the ring and hugged her former sidekick.
Analysis: Dana has shown some moments of potential, but she is not wrestling at a level that is acceptable in WWE today. She hit four moves that were all signature to her offense, and she could not hit a single one clean. Emma is wasted on trying to get Dana over.
Analysis: Dana has shown some moments of potential, but she is not wrestling at a level that is acceptable in WWE today. She hit four moves that were all signature to her offense, and she could not hit a single one clean. Emma is wasted on trying to get Dana over.
Either Finn Balor is still concussed and is just doing whatever Kurt Angle tells him to or he needed to get out some aggression after finding out Jinder Mahal got a WWE Title shot.
Seth Rollins, Finn Balor, and Big Cass def. Samoa Joe, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson
Overview: During Enzo and Cass's entrance, Samoa Joe pulled Big Cass into the crowd while Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson beat down on Enzo. Seth Rollins tried to make the save and finally got support from Cass to clear the ring. Enzo was hurt too badly to compete which forced Kurt Angle to bring in a new partner, Finn Balor.
The newly formed team was hard to stop though Joe frequently seemed dominant against anyone in this path. Luckily, Balor isolated Joe outside long enough for Rollins to get Anderson alone. He considered hitting the Pedigree but instead used a wristlock into a short arm high knee for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: Balor is truly treading water at this point, waiting for Bray Wyatt to finish his feud with Randy Orton. The rest of this match served its purpose with Joe looking monstrous even in defeat. He basically seemed unstoppable, only to held back by his partners. Since Joe vs. Rollins will likely not end at Payback, this was a fine way to set up their first clash.
The newly formed team was hard to stop though Joe frequently seemed dominant against anyone in this path. Luckily, Balor isolated Joe outside long enough for Rollins to get Anderson alone. He considered hitting the Pedigree but instead used a wristlock into a short arm high knee for the win.
Highlights:
- Cass hit a fallaway slam on Gallows then held him for a diving punch from Rollins.
- Joe grounded Balor quick with a running corner enzuigiri.
- Rollins got the hot tag and hit a blockbuster and Sling Blade on Anderson.
- Joe caught Anderson only for both to take a Rollins suicide dive.
- Joe went after the knee of Rollins on the apron before Balor made the save with a running dropkick.
Analysis: Balor is truly treading water at this point, waiting for Bray Wyatt to finish his feud with Randy Orton. The rest of this match served its purpose with Joe looking monstrous even in defeat. He basically seemed unstoppable, only to held back by his partners. Since Joe vs. Rollins will likely not end at Payback, this was a fine way to set up their first clash.
Why wouldn't Sasha roll her eyes at Alexa? She thinks that it's pronounced "me" not "me-a".
Sasha Banks def. Alexa Bliss By Count Out
Overview: Alexa Bliss came out to mock Bayley and how childish she seems which brought out the Raw Women's Champion. Bliss loved to hear that she would be taking the title off Bayley in her hometown before Sasha Banks came out and ruined Bliss's glee. Bliss tried to back out of a match with Banks but got planted by a forearm.
This match started off back and forth, but Bliss was quickly overwhelmed by Sasha Banks. Instead of regrouping though, Bliss walked out on the match she never wanted. Afterward, Bayley tried to throw Bliss back in the ring but got floored by Bliss for her efforts with Banks unable to save her friend.
Analysis: This did its job, but it did highlight Bayley's weaknesses on the mic. Bliss just makes the rest of the division look silly in comparison. She basically sat back and let Bliss roll over her verbally. The post-match situation was also awkward, making it clear WWE was most concerned with Bliss vs. Banks going forward rather than the Payback title match.
This match started off back and forth, but Bliss was quickly overwhelmed by Sasha Banks. Instead of regrouping though, Bliss walked out on the match she never wanted. Afterward, Bayley tried to throw Bliss back in the ring but got floored by Bliss for her efforts with Banks unable to save her friend.
Analysis: This did its job, but it did highlight Bayley's weaknesses on the mic. Bliss just makes the rest of the division look silly in comparison. She basically sat back and let Bliss roll over her verbally. The post-match situation was also awkward, making it clear WWE was most concerned with Bliss vs. Banks going forward rather than the Payback title match.
Never has great athleticism been more universally sighed at.
Apollo Crews def. Curt Hawkins
Overview: Curt Hawkins again bragged about his star factory, offering a chance to anyone. This time, a former rival Apollo Crews answered the call. While Hawkins challenged Crews at times, he was quickly overwhelmed by the explosiveness of Crews who hit the spin-out powerbomb for the win. Afterward, Titus O'Neil came out to raise the hand of Crews.
Analysis: There's not much to say here. Hawkins has taken up residence as the jobber of Raw, giving somebody an easy victory each week. It is sort of funny, but it is already fairly dull a few weeks in. Crews needs more than a squash match to get over on the new brand.
Analysis: There's not much to say here. Hawkins has taken up residence as the jobber of Raw, giving somebody an easy victory each week. It is sort of funny, but it is already fairly dull a few weeks in. Crews needs more than a squash match to get over on the new brand.
And suddenly the greatest tag team ever was born.
Dean Ambrose and Chris Jericho def. The Miz By Count Out
Overview: The Miz tried to introduce his partner, but no one came out. The Miz tried to leave but was told by Angle he would wrestle with or without help. Miz took a beating and failed to convince his opponents to show him mercy. Miz eventually tried to escape with Ambrose beating Miz down then trying to send him through the announce table.
Suddenly, Bray Wyatt appeared and took out Ambrose. He then helped Miz send Jericho back into the ring. While Jericho landed the Codebreaker on Miz, he took a Sister Abigail. Miz then tried to celebrate with Wyatt only to also be taken out by a Sister Abigail with gloating over everyone.
Highlights:
Analysis: I have no idea what the point of all this was. Clearly WWE has big plans for Wyatt on Raw as they had for a short time on SmackDown. He got to roll over everyone and come out on top, but he had no relevance to the storylines on display. In fact, he was supposed to be focused on Orton then likely Balor.
This set up felt like a situation that could foster some huge moment. Have Miz suffer before the surprising return or debut of a major heel who takes out Jericho and helps the heels stand tall over the Intercontinental Champion. It could have even led to a shocking heel turn by Ambrose, proving he was aligned with Miz.
The segment worked just fine, but WWE made the key mistake of setting the stage then falling massively short. With Miz and Ambrose not even competing on Sunday and Wyatt's rival on another brand, nothing here felt like a set up for Sunday.
Suddenly, Bray Wyatt appeared and took out Ambrose. He then helped Miz send Jericho back into the ring. While Jericho landed the Codebreaker on Miz, he took a Sister Abigail. Miz then tried to celebrate with Wyatt only to also be taken out by a Sister Abigail with gloating over everyone.
Highlights:
- Miz threw Maryse in Ambrose's way to set up a big boot on Ambrose before throwing him into the steel barricade.
- Miz hit a Daniel Bryan side kicks then missed the final roundhouse, being almost rolled up then taking a rebound clothesline.
- Miz sent Jericho to the apron who then hit a diving double axe handle into a bulldog and the Lionsault.
Analysis: I have no idea what the point of all this was. Clearly WWE has big plans for Wyatt on Raw as they had for a short time on SmackDown. He got to roll over everyone and come out on top, but he had no relevance to the storylines on display. In fact, he was supposed to be focused on Orton then likely Balor.
This set up felt like a situation that could foster some huge moment. Have Miz suffer before the surprising return or debut of a major heel who takes out Jericho and helps the heels stand tall over the Intercontinental Champion. It could have even led to a shocking heel turn by Ambrose, proving he was aligned with Miz.
The segment worked just fine, but WWE made the key mistake of setting the stage then falling massively short. With Miz and Ambrose not even competing on Sunday and Wyatt's rival on another brand, nothing here felt like a set up for Sunday.
Braun stares at this week's Raw and questions why he couldn't just have been drafted to SmackDown.
Final Notes: Miz called out GM Angle in his office, demanding that Chris Jericho and Dean Ambrose be punished with Angle setting up a tag team match with Miz forced to find a partner. Video packages for both Roman Reigns and Strowman were shown, highlighting their rivalry.
Kalisto was shown being stretchered into an ambulance after the vicious assault of Strowman. Wyatt promised in a message to Orton that his House of Horrors would destroy Orton beyond recognition. The team of Gallows & Anderson and Joe were interviewed before their match, promising domination.
Dean Ambrose managed to convince Chris Jericho to take him off The List only to annoy him enough that, once he left, he was added back on The List. The Miz offered to tag with Curtis Axel or Heath Slater who dismissed him only for Miz to get a note from someone ready to tag with him. After Aries talked to Angle about a special main event on 205 Live, Angle found Miz and was unsure Miz had a great partner.
Conclusion: After a three strong shows in a row following WrestleMania, WWE didn't just fumble the ball. They managed to somehow drop it off a cliff. I have no idea what this accomplished in pushing forward Payback. In fact, the show was structured as though there were another two weeks before the pay-per-view.
None of the matches were all that strong with the Strowman segment with Kalisto the only thing that really stuck. The haphazard matches with mixes of wrestlers competing never felt well constructed. It was as if this week WWE's writers threw darts to decide who on the roster would be wrestling who.
This is not the way to set up a major event such as Payback which is serving as Raw's post-Mania show. Usually, the PPV after Mania is among the best of the year, and the card has serious potential. You wouldn't know it from this slapped together mess of a show.
Kalisto was shown being stretchered into an ambulance after the vicious assault of Strowman. Wyatt promised in a message to Orton that his House of Horrors would destroy Orton beyond recognition. The team of Gallows & Anderson and Joe were interviewed before their match, promising domination.
Dean Ambrose managed to convince Chris Jericho to take him off The List only to annoy him enough that, once he left, he was added back on The List. The Miz offered to tag with Curtis Axel or Heath Slater who dismissed him only for Miz to get a note from someone ready to tag with him. After Aries talked to Angle about a special main event on 205 Live, Angle found Miz and was unsure Miz had a great partner.
Conclusion: After a three strong shows in a row following WrestleMania, WWE didn't just fumble the ball. They managed to somehow drop it off a cliff. I have no idea what this accomplished in pushing forward Payback. In fact, the show was structured as though there were another two weeks before the pay-per-view.
None of the matches were all that strong with the Strowman segment with Kalisto the only thing that really stuck. The haphazard matches with mixes of wrestlers competing never felt well constructed. It was as if this week WWE's writers threw darts to decide who on the roster would be wrestling who.
This is not the way to set up a major event such as Payback which is serving as Raw's post-Mania show. Usually, the PPV after Mania is among the best of the year, and the card has serious potential. You wouldn't know it from this slapped together mess of a show.