Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
This week on WWE spins its wheels until the talent they built up years ago return, we're already near the Royal Rumble which means this go-home show was the last chance for WWE to build up the show which also meant Goldberg would appear (which was what really mattered to WWE).
Much like last week, it was a show with very little announced ahead of time besides the simple fact that this would be the last stop before the Rumble thus making it an important show that WWE rarely messes up.
Much like last week, it was a show with very little announced ahead of time besides the simple fact that this would be the last stop before the Rumble thus making it an important show that WWE rarely messes up.
While John Cena and AJ Styles fight over a mutual begrudging respect and underlying hatred, Roman Reigns and Kevin Owens fight over friendship and a fear of heights. Raw is truly pushing SmackDown in this brand war.
Roman Reigns Books Himself Into a US Title Rematch
Overview: Roman Reigns came out with the shark cage in the ring and claimed he would be Universal Champion by the end of the Royal Rumble. Team Kevin and Chris interrupted, leading to KO accepting a United States Championship match for Jericho against Reigns tonight.
Analysis: This was the bland opening segment we come to expect of Raw, hurt a bit more by Reigns being forced to go most of it alone against a hostile crowd. When Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho got involved, they really could not do anything here to help the situation with fairly bland back and forth that did not feel main event worthy.
Analysis: This was the bland opening segment we come to expect of Raw, hurt a bit more by Reigns being forced to go most of it alone against a hostile crowd. When Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho got involved, they really could not do anything here to help the situation with fairly bland back and forth that did not feel main event worthy.
The last time Luke Gallows won a single match on Raw... well, I can't recall the last time and it may not be on record.
Luke Gallows def. Cesaro
Overview: This match was all Cesaro until Karl Anderson interfered. While Sheamus chased off Anderson after, the damage allowed Luke Gallows to control the action for a while. Anderson returned late to dropkick Sheamus then distracted the referee from Gallows tapping out, allowing Gallows to hit a big boot into a fireman's carry flapjack.
Highlights:
Analysis: Much like what can be expected of their match at the Rumble, this was a bit overshadowed by shenanigans with the partners of each man getting involved too often. Cesaro and Gallows are an interesting combination, but there was no real time to see what they could do with a one-dimensional clash.
Highlights:
- Cesaro hit a flurry of uppercuts into a tornado DDT.
- Cesaro big booted Gallows off the apron to allow Sheamus then distracted the referee for Sheamus to clothesline Gallows.
Analysis: Much like what can be expected of their match at the Rumble, this was a bit overshadowed by shenanigans with the partners of each man getting involved too often. Cesaro and Gallows are an interesting combination, but there was no real time to see what they could do with a one-dimensional clash.
What a silly match. People actually earned their way to a Rumble spot? How daft!
Sami Zayn def. Seth Rollins to Take His Spot in the Royal Rumble
Overview: This was a competitive back and forth contest throughout. Zayn managed a sudden exploder suplex, but Rollins slipped to the apron before an Helluva Kick which allowed him to low kick the knee of Zayn into a Pedigree on the apron. Triple H's music then hit which distracted Rollins long enough for Zayn to recover for a small package for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: Sami Zayn does it again with the second great Raw match of 2017, this time in a more traditional WWE wrestling match. Both men worked a match that built to its climax with many huge teases for finishes. It proved the two could end up having an incredible match together with time and spotlight.
Highlights:
- Rollins hit an enzuigiri off the apron, but Zayn dodged his springboard knee and landed an immediate Blue Thunder Bomb.
- Zayn caught Rollins with a sudden Michinoku Driver.
- Zayn fought off a superplex but then missed his dive, taking a quick blockbuster.
- Rollins nearly took the win with a superkick to a kneeling Zayn.
- Rollins ended a series of forearms with a rebound high knee into a Slingblade.
- Zayn countered the Pedigree into a tornado DDT Helluva Kick miss Pedigree counter dumped to the outside.
- Zayn fought off a super Pedigree into a sunset flip powerbomb.
Analysis: Sami Zayn does it again with the second great Raw match of 2017, this time in a more traditional WWE wrestling match. Both men worked a match that built to its climax with many huge teases for finishes. It proved the two could end up having an incredible match together with time and spotlight.
I guess Ariya Daivari only forfeited his rivalry with Jack Gallagher on 205 Live.
Mustafa Ali, TJ Perkins, and Jack Gallagher def. Ariya Daivari, Tony Nese, and Drew Gulak
Overview: In this match of exciting high fliers battling ground and pound talent, the heels failed to keep the faces down for long with each getting in explosive offense. Mustafa Ali ended up fighting Drew Gulak alone after the ring was cleared, hitting him with a reverse 450 splash.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was about as expected. The match served to have a few solid spots and introduce Ali to the fans who don't watch 205 Live. It succeeded in its function though felt like a giant waste of talent particularly Gallagher and Perkins who just did a few spots and moved aside.
Highlights:
- TJ Perkins fought off Tony Nese and Ariya Daivari on the apron but was then tripped on the top rope into a gutbuster by Nese.
- Nese slipped Perkins' knees then missed a springboard moonsault.
- Ali hit an enzuigiri into a jumping neckbreaker on Gulak.
Analysis: This was about as expected. The match served to have a few solid spots and introduce Ali to the fans who don't watch 205 Live. It succeeded in its function though felt like a giant waste of talent particularly Gallagher and Perkins who just did a few spots and moved aside.
Braun Strowman, Titus O'Neil, Rusev, and Jinder Mahal def. The New Day and Enzo and Cass
Overview: Enzo and Cass interrupted The New Day with Big Cass announcing he was entering the Rumble. Rusev taunted them all and announced he was in the Rumble. Then Titus O'Neil came out to introduce this sudden eight man tag team match with Braun Strowman coming out as the last heel.
This was a competitive back and forth showing until everyone was taken out outside. Strowman was left alone with Enzo who he quickly dominated, ending in a running powerbomb. Afterward, Big Show came out to stare down Strowman who backed off.
Highlights:
Analysis: The segment that preceded the match was fairly funny particularly thanks to Rusev. The match that followed was fast paced enough to ignore how generic it was. It felt like Strowman was misplaced, but it was just a set up for another Show return (who hopefully is officially back just to stop these random sudden appearances).
This was a competitive back and forth showing until everyone was taken out outside. Strowman was left alone with Enzo who he quickly dominated, ending in a running powerbomb. Afterward, Big Show came out to stare down Strowman who backed off.
Highlights:
- Titus locked in a bearhug which Kofi fought off with headbutts before taking a crucifix slam.
- Big Cass hit a flurry with a big boot followed by the Bada Boom Shakalaka on Jinder with the save by Titus.
- Almost everyone was dumped outside then took a Kofi corkscrew plancha.
- Enzo immediately ran into an effortless Strowman shoulder tackle.
Analysis: The segment that preceded the match was fairly funny particularly thanks to Rusev. The match that followed was fast paced enough to ignore how generic it was. It felt like Strowman was misplaced, but it was just a set up for another Show return (who hopefully is officially back just to stop these random sudden appearances).
Chris Jericho's face is going to get stuck like that one day.
Roman Reigns def. Chris Jericho By Disqualification; Chris Jericho Retain the WWE United States Championship
Overview: Reigns came out swinging, throwing Jericho into the barricade and hitting a Drive By. Once Jericho gained control, KO jumped on commentary. However, as the tide turned and Reigns hit a Superman Punch, KO attacked Reigns with punches to cause a disqualification.
The two tried to lock Reigns in the cage with Reigns fighting them both off and locking Owens in instead. Jericho took a Superman Punch midair as he tried to pull the cage back down. When Owens was sent back down, KO was told his match on Sunday was now a No Disqualification match.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was one of the two's weakest despite a solid and unique aggressive start. It ultimately boiled down to the same back and forth as usual with this duo who do not have the chemistry to keep having this same match. It is wasting both men. Hopefully, this is their last encounter.
The two tried to lock Reigns in the cage with Reigns fighting them both off and locking Owens in instead. Jericho took a Superman Punch midair as he tried to pull the cage back down. When Owens was sent back down, KO was told his match on Sunday was now a No Disqualification match.
Highlights:
- Jericho whipped Reigns into the ropes into a short dropkick off the rebound.
- Jericho repeatedly slapped Reigns until Reigns flurried with right hands including catching Jericho with one diving off the top.
- Jericho countered the Superman Punch with a dropkick.
- Reigns blocked a Codebreaker then caught him the corner for a running sit-out powerbomb.
Analysis: This match was one of the two's weakest despite a solid and unique aggressive start. It ultimately boiled down to the same back and forth as usual with this duo who do not have the chemistry to keep having this same match. It is wasting both men. Hopefully, this is their last encounter.
Sasha Banks doesn't sell her kayfabe injuries because she doesn't even know how to protect herself with real injuries.
Nia Jax def. Ray Lyn
Overview: This match lasted less than ten seconds with Nia Jax throwing the local competitor into the corner then landing a second rope corner seated senton for the win. Afterward, Jax tributed her match to the dead career of Sasha Banks who came out and attacked Jax with her crutch, sending Jax reeling after double knees to the outside.
Analysis: This worked for what it was though having Banks play off that she was injured then no-sell her own injury in her attack was odd. The feud is building well and should lead to a great match in the near future. They are set to fight on the Kickoff which seems a bit unnecessary when they could've kept building this up.
Analysis: This worked for what it was though having Banks play off that she was injured then no-sell her own injury in her attack was odd. The feud is building well and should lead to a great match in the near future. They are set to fight on the Kickoff which seems a bit unnecessary when they could've kept building this up.
If I were a heel WWE cruiserweight, I'm not sure I'd ever want a spot on Raw.
Rich Swann def. Noam Dar
Overview: Alicia Fox came out to support Noam Dar as he battled the Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann. Swann won with a Swann Kick then immediately called out Neville. Neville attempted to taunt Swann but was attacked by Swann viciously before Neville could get away.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was so comical in its presentation that it had to be a joke with the match occurring more on the commercial than on TV. The post-match brawl was strong though with Swann showing how much Neville's antics had gotten under his skin. This truly sold their potential showstealer for Sunday.
Highlights:
- Fox saved Dar from a suicide dive then took a Swann back kick off the apron.
- Dar caught Swann with a low dropkick in the ropes.
Analysis: This match was so comical in its presentation that it had to be a joke with the match occurring more on the commercial than on TV. The post-match brawl was strong though with Swann showing how much Neville's antics had gotten under his skin. This truly sold their potential showstealer for Sunday.
Nothing hypes up a new era Royal Rumble like three aging wrinkling old men staring at each other until the show ends because they can't get physically involved without someone pulling something.
Goldberg's Declaration of Dominance Was Interrupted by Brock Lesnar and The Undertaker
Overview: Goldberg came out flustered and bleeding from his forehead for some reason and proceeded to struggle with his script. Paul Heyman interrupted and made clear all that mattered was that Goldberg would be conquered by Brock Lesnar who then walked out.
Goldberg incited Lesnar who stepped into the ring before The Undertaker hit the ring. A face off between the three men halted to a standstill as the show ended.
Analysis: This likely excited many fans for the Royal Rumble, but I wasn't among that number. After Goldberg came out in some kind of satirical haze with no one telling him he was bleeding, he was followed by two men who were both showing the signs of their age on their faces.
It was meant to be some grand statement of how massive this Rumble was, to have these legends all fighting for the glory of a WrestleMania main event. Instead, all I could see was three men past their prime looking confused before the lights went out.
Goldberg incited Lesnar who stepped into the ring before The Undertaker hit the ring. A face off between the three men halted to a standstill as the show ended.
Analysis: This likely excited many fans for the Royal Rumble, but I wasn't among that number. After Goldberg came out in some kind of satirical haze with no one telling him he was bleeding, he was followed by two men who were both showing the signs of their age on their faces.
It was meant to be some grand statement of how massive this Rumble was, to have these legends all fighting for the glory of a WrestleMania main event. Instead, all I could see was three men past their prime looking confused before the lights went out.
Triple H finally got a week off from promoting NXT to come to Raw, and Seth Rollins is upset he answered Rollins' challenge? Such saddening ignorance.
Final Notes: Bayley was interviewed by Corey Graves and talked up how special this whole experience was for her. She still felt deep down like that fan she grew up as, but the crowd always helped her become a superstar. Charlotte was also interviewed and talked about how Bayley had insulted her by putting herself on Charlotte's level.
Sami Zayn came to Mick Foley looking for a spot in the Royal Rumble. Instead, Stephanie on a call with Foley announced that zayn would have to earn his spot vs. Seth Rollins with Foley later finding Rollins to tell him he would lose his spot if Zayn beat him.
After Rollins was cost the match, he lost it backstage with Foley promising to figure this all out. Cedric Alexander wrote off his relationship with Alicia Fox
Conclusion: This show moved along decent enough, but it hit its climax early on and fell apart thereafter. It was as if WWE just had no idea how to hype up their pay-per-view. The usual go-home sense of urgency was gone, only sold by Zayn vs. Rollins. Even the KO vs. Reigns segments were just jokey nonsense.
This was a real shame as these are supposed to be the shows that WWE brings its A-game for. Instead they didn't seem capable of putting together a competent show, still struggling I supposed with how to book the Rumble on Sunday.
If this proved anything tonight, it is that WWE has lost its way in booking Raw just as they were beginning to show they knew what they were doing by pulling back the number of segments and raising the time given to each. Now they just haphazardly throw things together and hope they stick in some kind of sequence.
Sami Zayn came to Mick Foley looking for a spot in the Royal Rumble. Instead, Stephanie on a call with Foley announced that zayn would have to earn his spot vs. Seth Rollins with Foley later finding Rollins to tell him he would lose his spot if Zayn beat him.
After Rollins was cost the match, he lost it backstage with Foley promising to figure this all out. Cedric Alexander wrote off his relationship with Alicia Fox
Conclusion: This show moved along decent enough, but it hit its climax early on and fell apart thereafter. It was as if WWE just had no idea how to hype up their pay-per-view. The usual go-home sense of urgency was gone, only sold by Zayn vs. Rollins. Even the KO vs. Reigns segments were just jokey nonsense.
This was a real shame as these are supposed to be the shows that WWE brings its A-game for. Instead they didn't seem capable of putting together a competent show, still struggling I supposed with how to book the Rumble on Sunday.
If this proved anything tonight, it is that WWE has lost its way in booking Raw just as they were beginning to show they knew what they were doing by pulling back the number of segments and raising the time given to each. Now they just haphazardly throw things together and hope they stick in some kind of sequence.