Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
The Royal Rumble was only 13 days away going into Monday Night Raw this week with Brock Lesnar set to return for the first time since his loss at Survivor Series and many wrestlers making final claims for the Rumble before WrestleMania.
After last week's show though, there was more added drama as Chris Jericho captured the United States Championship for the first time in his storied career in an unfair vicious handicap match with Roman Reigns certainly prepared to dish out punishment for his title being stolen from him.
After last week's show though, there was more added drama as Chris Jericho captured the United States Championship for the first time in his storied career in an unfair vicious handicap match with Roman Reigns certainly prepared to dish out punishment for his title being stolen from him.
And so Vince McMahon's perfect WrestleMania continues to form.
Brock Lesnar Gives the Raw Roster a Preview of the Royal Rumble
Overview: Reigns opened the night only to be interrupted by Paul Heyman who promised a storm was coming. Team Kevin and Chris, Seth Rollins, and Braun Strowman interrupted before Brock Lesnar came out with Sami Zayn attacked Strowman from behind, starting a furious brawl that Lesnar won.
Analysis: This was a fun brawl that sold the emotion and feeling of the Rumble though it was a bit odd to have this as the opening segment as it did not set a tone for the rest of the night. In fact, it felt quite a bit like a main event segment instead.
Analysis: This was a fun brawl that sold the emotion and feeling of the Rumble though it was a bit odd to have this as the opening segment as it did not set a tone for the rest of the night. In fact, it felt quite a bit like a main event segment instead.
Good of Enzo to come back and play the punching bag again. Cass needed that.
Enzo and Cass def. Rusev and Jinder Mahal
Overview: Enzo Amore made his return to the ring to compete with Big Cass, and the two showed their classic style once more with Enzo taking the beating only for a Cass hot tag to seal the win. Cass big booted Rusev off the apron to the floor then hit a big boot on Jinder Mahal in the ring to set up the Bada Boom Shakalaka.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was about as expected, a solid but unspectacular showing. Both teams did nothing out of the ordinary. They just followed the match as you would predict any match between these duos would go, proving this feud has reached its painful home stretch.
Highlights:
- Cass caught Jinder in a full nelson for Enzo to throw punches at him.
- Rusev let Enzo use him to stand before locking him in a bear hug.
- Enzo blocked Rusev's charge with a boot then hit a tornado DDT.
- Cass' hot tag included a fallaway slam, splash in the corner, and the Empire Elbow on Jinder.
Analysis: This was about as expected, a solid but unspectacular showing. Both teams did nothing out of the ordinary. They just followed the match as you would predict any match between these duos would go, proving this feud has reached its painful home stretch.
Whatever happened to Gran Metallik or even Sin Cara most week? Are we only allowed so many luchadors a week?
Ariya Daivari def. Lince Dorado
Overview: Jack Gallagher talked up how he was scouting the new vicious side of Ariya Daivari as Daivari was often distracted by his rival while performing. When he focused, Daivari destroyed Dorado, finishing it off with a Cobra Clutchfor the submission.
Highlights:
Analysis: Honestly, even with this match a little more relevant than usual, I still got bored quickly with this match as it continues to be the same thing every week. The cruiserweights have just enough time to hit a few signature moves each. At least it was fun to have Gallagher on commentary.
Highlights:
- Daivari attempted to isolate and stomp on Dorado in every corner in sequence until Dorado fought out with a bronco buster.
- Dorado hit a handspring springboard stunner.
- Daivari dodged a dive then hit a short-arm clothesline.
Analysis: Honestly, even with this match a little more relevant than usual, I still got bored quickly with this match as it continues to be the same thing every week. The cruiserweights have just enough time to hit a few signature moves each. At least it was fun to have Gallagher on commentary.
Three men who only know how to kick and Cesaro who only knows how to uppercut and dropkick. What a combo!
Gallows and Anderson def. Sheamus and Cesaro by Disqualification; Sheamus and Cesaro Retain the Raw Tag Team Championships
Overview: This was a hard-hitting back and forth match between two teams both hellbent on holding the Raw Tag Team Championships. Emotions rose to dangerous heights late in the match. Sheamus accidentally knocked down the referee which allowed Gallows and Anderson to take him out of the way for a Magic Killer on Cesaro.
A new ref counted the three and awarded the win to Gallows and Anderson before the original ref changed the decision and disqualified Sheamus and Cesaro, allowing them to retain the titles. Gallows and Anderson destroyed the champs afterward in frustration.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was all kinds of poorly conceived. They wasted a great matchup on Raw then proceeded to let the match to hit a high before pulling the rug out from under the four. The finish was illogical and another case of WWE trying too hard to extend a rivalry unnaturally rather than just letting it build slowly.
The match really was quite good though. These four heavyweights are fantastic rivals for one another with Sheamus and Cesaro having the potential to truly bring out the best in Gallows and Anderson.
A new ref counted the three and awarded the win to Gallows and Anderson before the original ref changed the decision and disqualified Sheamus and Cesaro, allowing them to retain the titles. Gallows and Anderson destroyed the champs afterward in frustration.
Highlights:
- Anderson hit a backbreaker to set up a Gallows elevated elbow drop.
- Sheamus hit a running shoulder in the corner then a spin kick followed by a diving forearm.
- Anderson dropkicked Sheamus on the apron in the knee as Sheamus held Gallows to set up a Gallows big boot to the floor.
- Gallows stopped the giant swing on Anderson only to be dropkicked out of the ring with Cesaro then tripping Anderson for a 619.
- Cesaro hit the giant swing into a sharpshooter but took a Gallows side kick.
- Gallows side kick, thrown into the steel post, Magic Killer on Cesaro
Analysis: This was all kinds of poorly conceived. They wasted a great matchup on Raw then proceeded to let the match to hit a high before pulling the rug out from under the four. The finish was illogical and another case of WWE trying too hard to extend a rivalry unnaturally rather than just letting it build slowly.
The match really was quite good though. These four heavyweights are fantastic rivals for one another with Sheamus and Cesaro having the potential to truly bring out the best in Gallows and Anderson.
And here we see Neville and Nese begin their merging process.
Neville Make a Statement By Breaking Up Rich Swann vs. Tony Nese
Overview: Before Rich Swann vs. Tony Nese could begin, Neville assaulted and stomped Swann into the mat, causing a brawl between the two as Swann fought back. Nese tried to get in his own shots on the champion but got thrown out by Neville. Neville's assault ended with him standing over Swann.
Analysis: This was a perfect use of the cruiserweights two minutes. It leaves a match like Swann vs. Nese for 205 Live where it will get its proper spotlight, and it allows Neville to look like an absolute beast, making his mark ahead of the Royal Rumble clash between Neville and Swann.
Analysis: This was a perfect use of the cruiserweights two minutes. It leaves a match like Swann vs. Nese for 205 Live where it will get its proper spotlight, and it allows Neville to look like an absolute beast, making his mark ahead of the Royal Rumble clash between Neville and Swann.
You know, this looks like another great Vince McMahon Mania match. More hosses!
Big E def. Titus O'Neil to Retain His Spot in the Royal Rumble
Overview: The New Day talked up the Royal Rumble before Titus O'Neil came out asking for one of their three Rumble spots with Big E accepting a match with Titus where Titus had to leave them alone if he won but would take Big E's spot if he won. Titus seemed to have an edge but ran right into a flurry, ending with a Big Ending.
Highlights:
Analysis: I have no idea how this helps anyone. These Titus matches have just been used to make Titus look silly even though The New Day have done a good job in the ring putting him over a performer. The mic work before just buries Titus too far for the matches he still loses to matter.
Highlights:
- Titus whipped Big E into the corner only for him bounce out with a shoulder.
- Titus knocked down Woods, distracting Big E for a big boot back in the ring.
- Titus landed a crucifix slam on Big E.
- Titus copied Big E's taunts/moveset as he dominated with a running leg drop instead of splash then an abdominal stretch.
Analysis: I have no idea how this helps anyone. These Titus matches have just been used to make Titus look silly even though The New Day have done a good job in the ring putting him over a performer. The mic work before just buries Titus too far for the matches he still loses to matter.
WWE wants you to know your love of pro wrestling is a joke, making you childish. As if we didn't already know that.
Bayley Refuses to Be Ashamed Of Her Love of WWE
Overview: Charlotte called Bayley average, like the fans, before showing her many pictures with WWE wrestlers when she was younger as well as poems about wrestling. Charlotte said she didn't spend time with dreams instead becoming a superior athlete. Finally, Bayley interrupted and ran off Charlotte, saying she wasn't ashamed of her passion.
Analysis: This feud needs more segments like this rather than the unnecessary overdone non-title matches between the two women. Bayley does not have great mic skills, but she still sold her story well as did Charlotte. Finally we saw Charlotte and Bayley draw the line in the sand that defines their antagonism.
Analysis: This feud needs more segments like this rather than the unnecessary overdone non-title matches between the two women. Bayley does not have great mic skills, but she still sold her story well as did Charlotte. Finally we saw Charlotte and Bayley draw the line in the sand that defines their antagonism.
I'm sure this will all lead to Fox valeting for Kendrick by mid-April.
Cedric Alexander def. The Brian Kendrick
Overview: This was a back and forth contest until Kendrick's under handed tactics got the best of Alexander. Alicia Fox ran to the ring to push the ropes toward Alexander to help him break the Captain's Hook then Fox distracted Kendrick to set up a Lumbar Check for the Alexander win. Afterward, Alexander left Fox alone in the ring.
Highlights:
Analysis: It took three cruiserweight segments for us to get one decent out of the division, but it was a quality showing with Alexander showing the skill that should eventually make him a top wrestler in the division. He and Kendrick worked well together. It's just a shame it was overshadowed by this weird Fox relationship angle.
Highlights:
- Alexander hit a handstand headscissors into a dropkick into a springboard slingshot moonsault to the outside.
- Kendrick blinded Alexander into a side kick followed by a low full nelson.
- Kendrick absolutely stopped Alexander's momentum with a running elbow.
- Alexander answered with his own elbow into a shoulder in the corner followed by a spin kick and diving crossbody.
- Kendrick pulled the nose and face of Kendirkc into a headlock takedown to transition into the Captain's Hook.
Analysis: It took three cruiserweight segments for us to get one decent out of the division, but it was a quality showing with Alexander showing the skill that should eventually make him a top wrestler in the division. He and Kendrick worked well together. It's just a shame it was overshadowed by this weird Fox relationship angle.
Enjoy these last few weeks of Team Kevin and Chris on top. The Reigns Empire is done letting other people be entertaining.
Team Kevin and Chris and Braun Strowman def. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Sami Zayn
Overview: Zayn set this match off by attacking Strowman, beginning a full brawl with Strowman throwing all the faces over the top rope and standing tall. The faces managed to gang up late to almost get Strowman down, but Zayn's Helluva Kick was countered into a running clothesline and running powerslam for the Strowman win.
Afterward, Strowman looked to destroy Zayn through the announce table, but Rollins and Reigns made the save and fought off Strowman with a steel chair. Team Kevin and Chris almost powerbombed Reigns through the announce table before Jericho took a Pedigree and Owens stood tall over everyone with steel chair shots and a powerbomb through the table to Reigns.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a solid match that continued all the stories going into the Rumble without doing too much for anyone. The real highlight here was after the match was over as Owens looked like a monster, destroying everyone and finally getting revenge for Roadblock on Reigns. This vicious destructive side of KO has been too infrequent.
Strowman of course was the star of the match in that he was always the force that no one could stop. He truly is on a momentum tear like no other. This obviously means he won't win the Rumble (WWE love Opposite Momentum), but it does make him a major player going into WrestleMania.
Afterward, Strowman looked to destroy Zayn through the announce table, but Rollins and Reigns made the save and fought off Strowman with a steel chair. Team Kevin and Chris almost powerbombed Reigns through the announce table before Jericho took a Pedigree and Owens stood tall over everyone with steel chair shots and a powerbomb through the table to Reigns.
Highlights:
- Zayn hit a standing moonsault on Jericho.
- Jericho landed a clothesline in the corner, but his diving axe handle was countered by an axe handle to the chest.
- KO mocked Reigns and Rollins only to hit a running senton into Zayn's knees.
- Jericho grabbed Reigns' leg to save KO from a Superman Punch which started a brawl outside until Strowman caught Reigns and threw him into a KO superkick.
- Zayn and Rollins hit back-to-back suicide dives on the opposite sides of the ring.
- Zayn saved Rollins from Strowman for a moment only to get smacked down with Strowman going right back to dominating Rollins before Reigns took him down followed by a Rollins knee and Zayn crossbody for a nearfall.
- Zayn set up the Helluva Kick but ran right into a running clothesline.
Analysis: This was a solid match that continued all the stories going into the Rumble without doing too much for anyone. The real highlight here was after the match was over as Owens looked like a monster, destroying everyone and finally getting revenge for Roadblock on Reigns. This vicious destructive side of KO has been too infrequent.
Strowman of course was the star of the match in that he was always the force that no one could stop. He truly is on a momentum tear like no other. This obviously means he won't win the Rumble (WWE love Opposite Momentum), but it does make him a major player going into WrestleMania.
Just a reminder it is Martin Luther King Day.
Final Notes: Sasha Banks was shown working on her knee at the Performance Center before Nia Jax attacked her. Later, Jax gloated in an interview about breaking The Boss. Neville was interviewed about his assault, stating he was making him pay for last week. Alicia Fox yelled at an interviewer rather than talk about her current issues.
Much like how Zayn has been said to talk when laying out a match, Zayn went on a flurry when talking about the main event six-man tag with Rollins and Reigns until he annoyed them into walking off. Team Kevin and Chris attempted to get Strowman to destroy their opponents tonight with Strowman not caring what they had to say.
It was officially confirmed with a video package that Kurt Angle would be the first inductee into the 2017 WWE Hall of Fame.
Conclusion: It was very much a filler week as WWE kept stories going for the most part with very few major moments. Other than the flawed Charlotte and Bayley segment and the tag title match with its terrible finish, this show could be skipped with how little it added to the feuds going into the huge pay-per-view.
This was sadly particularly shown by Raw spending three segments of a nine segment Raw on the cruiserweights, just spending too much time developing a side group of talent that will likely not do much at the Rumble beyond Neville vs. Swann.
This did not make this a bad show. In fact, it was quite solid overall, but there is no reason this much of a three-hour show should ever be this inconsequential. Next week at least promises to be huge as WWE has to build majorly to the Rumble on the go-home show.
Much like how Zayn has been said to talk when laying out a match, Zayn went on a flurry when talking about the main event six-man tag with Rollins and Reigns until he annoyed them into walking off. Team Kevin and Chris attempted to get Strowman to destroy their opponents tonight with Strowman not caring what they had to say.
It was officially confirmed with a video package that Kurt Angle would be the first inductee into the 2017 WWE Hall of Fame.
Conclusion: It was very much a filler week as WWE kept stories going for the most part with very few major moments. Other than the flawed Charlotte and Bayley segment and the tag title match with its terrible finish, this show could be skipped with how little it added to the feuds going into the huge pay-per-view.
This was sadly particularly shown by Raw spending three segments of a nine segment Raw on the cruiserweights, just spending too much time developing a side group of talent that will likely not do much at the Rumble beyond Neville vs. Swann.
This did not make this a bad show. In fact, it was quite solid overall, but there is no reason this much of a three-hour show should ever be this inconsequential. Next week at least promises to be huge as WWE has to build majorly to the Rumble on the go-home show.