Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
We once more reach the end of the year, and WWE has just one more Raw to finish out 2016. Usually this is a time where WWE sets up a big show to set the new year off on a high.
Last week, Raw began building up the Royal Rumble. With so much time before that show, it could be an opportunity for WWE to sit back. As a fan though, you always hope WWE is never taking a show off.
Last week, Raw began building up the Royal Rumble. With so much time before that show, it could be an opportunity for WWE to sit back. As a fan though, you always hope WWE is never taking a show off.
Stephanie is ready to make the new Shield great just like the Divas Revolution.
Stephanie McMahon Puts Reigns and Rollins to the Test
Overview: Stephanie McMahon announced Mick Foley was taking the night off before Seth Rollins interrupted. After he threw more insults at Triple H, Rollins demanded a match with Braun Strowman. This brought out Roman Reigns who also wanted Strowman.
Just as the two had decided to take justice in their own hands, Stephanie teased setting up a Shield reunion tonight. Instead, she made Rollins vs. Strowman and Reigns vs. an opponent for her choosing for the United States Championship.
Analysis: This was a whole lot of nothing to set up matches that could have just been announced earlier in the day. In other words, it was a classic Raw opening segment. The only fun part here was Stephanie trolling a Chicago crowd that needs to get over CM Punk one day.
Just as the two had decided to take justice in their own hands, Stephanie teased setting up a Shield reunion tonight. Instead, she made Rollins vs. Strowman and Reigns vs. an opponent for her choosing for the United States Championship.
Analysis: This was a whole lot of nothing to set up matches that could have just been announced earlier in the day. In other words, it was a classic Raw opening segment. The only fun part here was Stephanie trolling a Chicago crowd that needs to get over CM Punk one day.
New Day fell for the classic "not having Big E wrestler for them" which fails 100% of the time.
Cesaro and Sheamus def. The New Day's Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods to Retain the WWE Tag Team Championships
Overview: The New Day brought in their fastest pairing and came out swinging fast against the bigger men. This was a surprisingly dominant showing from Cesaro and Sheamus who showed complete cohesion. After Cesaro took out Kofi, Woods went for the Honor Roll right into a Brogue Kick for the loss.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a solid match and a great performance from Cesaro and Sheamus who continue to look better and better as their story shows them growing to appreciate one another. Hopefully they continue to use from double team moves going forward.
It will be interesting to see where New Day go from here. They've now lost their rematch clause, and we have seen enough of the trio clashing with Cesaro and Sheamus. Both teams will need a new story.
Highlights:
- Woods and Kofi came out fast with a series of kicks.
- Sheamus hit the Irish Curse backbreaker to set up Woods for a Cesaro diving knee.
- Woods rebounded outside into a tornado DDT on Cesaro.
- Kofi hit a somersault plancha onto Cesaro then ran back in for an SOS on Sheamus.
- After a pair of kicks from New Day, Woods hit a springboard diving elbow all the way to his own corner.
- Big E tried to distract Cesaro mid-swing, but Cesaro caught Kofi's Trouble in Paradise then threw him into Big E outside.
Analysis: This was a solid match and a great performance from Cesaro and Sheamus who continue to look better and better as their story shows them growing to appreciate one another. Hopefully they continue to use from double team moves going forward.
It will be interesting to see where New Day go from here. They've now lost their rematch clause, and we have seen enough of the trio clashing with Cesaro and Sheamus. Both teams will need a new story.
Well, she's no James Ellsworth.
Nia Jax def. Scarlett
Overview: The enhancement talent said that Sasha Banks was her role model before the match, and she took extra punishment against Nia Jax before she lost to a Samoan drop. Jax accentuated the win with a running leg drop after the match was over.
Analysis: This is a far better use of squash matches with Jax than the last month of his squashes, but this was still a fairly unnecessary win. It would have been more interesting to have someone claim support for Banks that is an actual Raw woman.
Analysis: This is a far better use of squash matches with Jax than the last month of his squashes, but this was still a fairly unnecessary win. It would have been more interesting to have someone claim support for Banks that is an actual Raw woman.
"And I'm going to wrestle you again and again and again because that's what made my feud against Sasha Banks great... I think."
Charlotte Flair def. Bayley with Special Guest Referee Dana Brooke
Overview: Bayley made her claim for the number one contendership, and this brought out Charlotte who announced the loss last night had been expunged from the record book because Charlotte's shoulder was up. Charlotte then gave Bayley another match with Dana Brooke as referee.
Brooke showed all the leniency for Charlotte and none for Bayley until Brooke took a Bayley-to-Belly which brought in an impartial ref. Charlotte rebounded into a Bayley-to-Belly only for Brooke to pull the ref out of the ring then give Charlotte a quick roll up win with her feet on the ropes.
Analysis: They gave the top two women feuding right now three minutes one on one in a match that has now happened four times on TV and zero on pay-per-view. This is the opposite of building up a feud as a big deal. WWE is going to ruin what is a perfect blend of characters and talent.
Brooke showed all the leniency for Charlotte and none for Bayley until Brooke took a Bayley-to-Belly which brought in an impartial ref. Charlotte rebounded into a Bayley-to-Belly only for Brooke to pull the ref out of the ring then give Charlotte a quick roll up win with her feet on the ropes.
Analysis: They gave the top two women feuding right now three minutes one on one in a match that has now happened four times on TV and zero on pay-per-view. This is the opposite of building up a feud as a big deal. WWE is going to ruin what is a perfect blend of characters and talent.
He leaves bodies in his wake = he takes roll up wins with a handful of tights while ducking his opponent's moves.
Neville def. TJ Perkins
Overview: Perkins had the edge of Neville for a while even though Neville rarely left his feet. Neville took a Detonation Kick, but he then reversed a takedown for the kneebar into a roll up with a knee in the face and a handful of tights. Neville afterward was interviewed, promising to defeat Rich Swann at 205 Live tomorrow.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a solid match with a crowd that was actually generally invested, but it was over far too quick. It was also totally unnecessary to have the monster heel Neville win with a handful of tights. They need to give him legitimate dominant wins.
Highlights:
- TJP sent Neville to the outside then hit a corkscrew plancha.
- Neville caught TJP with an enzuigiri as he jumped onto the apron.
- Perkins caught Neville with a wrecking ball dropkick into a quick double chickenwing gutbuster.
Analysis: This was a solid match with a crowd that was actually generally invested, but it was over far too quick. It was also totally unnecessary to have the monster heel Neville win with a handful of tights. They need to give him legitimate dominant wins.
It is impressive how stupid all these plans are... yet always work.
Enzo and Cass Get Some Revenge with a Well-Laid Plan
Overview: In a wheelchair, Enzo came out talking down Rusev and Jinder Mahal with Cass then taking the mic to promise to put down Rusev next time they fought. Rusev came out with Jinder, and Enzo revealed he was just fine by taking out Jinder while Cass took out Rusev in the ring.
Analysis: I'm happy Jinder is getting a real storyline to work with as he has been underrated as an entertainer since his return. That is about all I'll say as this did nothing for this feud. Even when there seemed to be a sweet moment of Cass declaring he would always fight for Enzo, it was just a fakeout where Enzo was just fine.
Analysis: I'm happy Jinder is getting a real storyline to work with as he has been underrated as an entertainer since his return. That is about all I'll say as this did nothing for this feud. Even when there seemed to be a sweet moment of Cass declaring he would always fight for Enzo, it was just a fakeout where Enzo was just fine.
No one expects the surprise scarf attack, not with a scarf that stylish.
Darren Young and Bo Dallas vs. The Shining Stars Goes to No Contest Thanks to Braun Strowman; Seth Rollins vs. Braun Strowman Goes to No Contest Thanks to Sami Zayn
Overview: Bo Dallas and Darren Young seemed to have found a common accord to fight The Shining Stars, but Braun Strowman had different plans, invading and assaulting all four men. He took a steel chair shot without budging then threw the steel steps at all four men with ease.
Strowman dominated Rollins throughout, barely fazed by Rollins' flurries of offense. Sami Zayn interrupted and attacked Strowman, causing a disqualification. With Strowman and Zayn fighting to the back, Chris Jericho then Codebreakered Rollins followed by a second.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a perfect showcase of Strowman that actually helped legitimize Zayn as a rival to Strowman. With Strowman dominating real top contenders, Zayn looks all the better for standing up to him first and without any fear.
This was also a great way to continue the feud between Rollins and Jericho. The Codebreaker was the first time Jericho looked like a real dominant nasty heel in this rivalry.
Strowman dominated Rollins throughout, barely fazed by Rollins' flurries of offense. Sami Zayn interrupted and attacked Strowman, causing a disqualification. With Strowman and Zayn fighting to the back, Chris Jericho then Codebreakered Rollins followed by a second.
Highlights:
- Strowman started his match throwing Rollins across the ring.
- Rollins landed two springboard knees but then dived into a shoulder that sent him into the corner.
- Rollins landed a big blockbuster, but his Pedigree turned into a back body drop to the outside.
Analysis: This was a perfect showcase of Strowman that actually helped legitimize Zayn as a rival to Strowman. With Strowman dominating real top contenders, Zayn looks all the better for standing up to him first and without any fear.
This was also a great way to continue the feud between Rollins and Jericho. The Codebreaker was the first time Jericho looked like a real dominant nasty heel in this rivalry.
"This is what I got in the best shape of my life for."
Gallows and Anderson def. The Golden Truth
Overview: Goldust came out immediately swinging then threw Karl Anderson back-first into the corner. The heavyweights got back into when they isolated Truth, but Goldust got a vicious hot tag roll only stopped by a quick roll up from Anderson for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was helped by a small backstage segment that gave an emotional edge here. Gallows and Anderson got Goldust fired up, and he came out swinging. It made this short match fun and memorable. I wouldn't mind more of these four with real stories behind the matches.
Highlights:
- Goldust whipped Truth into Anderson for a jumping body avalanche.
- Anderson got to Gallows who changed the pace with a big boot then a high side kick to Truth.
- Truth bounced off the ropes right into a rebound single leg front dropkick from Anderson.
Analysis: This was helped by a small backstage segment that gave an emotional edge here. Gallows and Anderson got Goldust fired up, and he came out swinging. It made this short match fun and memorable. I wouldn't mind more of these four with real stories behind the matches.
Neville has it all: the physique, the athleticism, the fire. Okay, not everything... his face is kinda scary.
Rich Swann def. Ariya Daivari
Overview: This match seemed all for Daivari who came out aggressive and vicious, but Swann got on a roll late to fight back and take out Daivari with a Swann kick. Afterward, Swann announced he had accepted Neville's challenge in an interview only to be attacked from behind by Neville.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a solid, too short match (feel like I write this every week of cruiserweight matches on Raw), but it felt a bit sloppy from Swann who also was uncomfortable on the mic with odd intonation and a lack of focus. The cruiserweight champion is a ball of energy but has a ways to go as he improves.
Highlights:
- Daivari punched and stomped Swann into the corner.
- Daivari swatted away a dropkick then hit a suplex.
- Swann dodged the frog splash then went on a run ending with a double foot stomp to the back.
Analysis: This was a solid, too short match (feel like I write this every week of cruiserweight matches on Raw), but it felt a bit sloppy from Swann who also was uncomfortable on the mic with odd intonation and a lack of focus. The cruiserweight champion is a ball of energy but has a ways to go as he improves.
It's not a Reigns v Owens match without a 3 minute headlock.
Roman Reigns def. Kevin Owens to Retain the WWE United States Championship
Overview: This was a close back-and-forth encounter throughout with Jericho playing a key role throughout. After a close fall with Jericho nearly costing Reigns the match, Rollins ran down to the ring and attacked Jericho. The distraction allowed Reigns to Spear KO for the win.
Rollins then made sure to end the night with a Pedigree on both Jericho and Owens with Reigns also Spearing Jericho outside.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was less than what we have seen from these two in the past with too much focus on who was getting involved. The action never hit the third gear that has sold these as great matches in the past.
It was a shame Rollins had to get involved as it took away the fire from Jericho's attack earlier. He was made to once more look useless against Rollins who barely sold his injuries from before.
Rollins then made sure to end the night with a Pedigree on both Jericho and Owens with Reigns also Spearing Jericho outside.
Highlights:
- Jericho ran down to the ring to allow KO to hit a DDT and senton with nearfalls off both.
- Reigns hit a big boot into a Samoan drop.
- Owens caught Reigns with a backstabber.
- Reigns landed a huge powerbomb to reverse momentum.
- KO barely kicked out of the Superman Punch.
- A distraction from Jericho set up a KO Codebreaker.
Analysis: This match was less than what we have seen from these two in the past with too much focus on who was getting involved. The action never hit the third gear that has sold these as great matches in the past.
It was a shame Rollins had to get involved as it took away the fire from Jericho's attack earlier. He was made to once more look useless against Rollins who barely sold his injuries from before.
No, Bo Dallas, Darren Young, and Shining Stars, you're not allowed to genuinely get over by wrestling. You're just here to get destroyed.
Final Notes: Video packages were shown for Brock Lesnar and Goldberg, promising they would bring destruction at the Royal Rumble. Team Kevin and Chris found Strowman and seemed to successfully goad him into doing more damage to Rollins and Reigns.
Bayley gave Goldust a special Dusty-themed Bayley Bear only for Gallows and Anderson to rip it in half after she left. Stephanie was seen shaking hands with Charlotte before Team Kevin and Chris came in complaining about Foley with Stephanie officially making KO Reigns' opponent tonight.
Stephanie found Strowman backstage and calmed him down, promising him a Last Man Standing match against Sami Zayn next week. KO was interviewed about his Reigns' match but instead laughed at what Jericho did to Rollins with the two hugging.
Daivari was interviewed backstage before being interrupted by Jack Gallagher who was offended and challenged Daivari to a duel.
Conclusion: While I give this show credit for flying by, this felt so artificial. So much of what happened tonight was WWE just throwing big matches at the fans to make sure Raw feels important. It was the opposite of the build up for SmackDown Live this week.
Until Raw can take a more honest approach to setting up their shows, this will be one of the more common feelings to come out of Raw. If we're getting KO vs. Reigns, Charlotte vs. Bayley, and New Day vs. Cesaro and Sheamus again, set it up first.
This was a quality edition of Raw, but I can't shake the feeling that it could have been an all time great show if this had been built up first instead of thrown together the night of.
Bayley gave Goldust a special Dusty-themed Bayley Bear only for Gallows and Anderson to rip it in half after she left. Stephanie was seen shaking hands with Charlotte before Team Kevin and Chris came in complaining about Foley with Stephanie officially making KO Reigns' opponent tonight.
Stephanie found Strowman backstage and calmed him down, promising him a Last Man Standing match against Sami Zayn next week. KO was interviewed about his Reigns' match but instead laughed at what Jericho did to Rollins with the two hugging.
Daivari was interviewed backstage before being interrupted by Jack Gallagher who was offended and challenged Daivari to a duel.
Conclusion: While I give this show credit for flying by, this felt so artificial. So much of what happened tonight was WWE just throwing big matches at the fans to make sure Raw feels important. It was the opposite of the build up for SmackDown Live this week.
Until Raw can take a more honest approach to setting up their shows, this will be one of the more common feelings to come out of Raw. If we're getting KO vs. Reigns, Charlotte vs. Bayley, and New Day vs. Cesaro and Sheamus again, set it up first.
This was a quality edition of Raw, but I can't shake the feeling that it could have been an all time great show if this had been built up first instead of thrown together the night of.