Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Last week, Monday Night Raw put together a fairly solid show as they enter into the new year. Sami Zayn battled and was destroyed by Braun Strowman with the heavyweight then making clear his next goal was the Royal Rumble.
Roman Reigns has warred on against Team Kevin and Chris with it now announced that Reigns would have to defend his United States Championship against both men in a handicap match. It was set to be a night of building toward the Rumble.
Roman Reigns has warred on against Team Kevin and Chris with it now announced that Reigns would have to defend his United States Championship against both men in a handicap match. It was set to be a night of building toward the Rumble.
Maybe Strowman's true weakness is his beard. That things so massive you could probably keep him down just by wrenching on it.
Braun Strowman vs. Seth Rollins Goes to a Double Count Out
Overview: The night was supposed to start with Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho, but Braun Strowman interfered, going after Reigns. Seth Rollins made the save, and Reigns and Rollins brought down Strowman with a series of steel chair shots. Stephanie McMahon came out and made Rollins vs. Strowman.
Rollins showed some impressive planning to get some small shots on Strowman, but he was continually blasted back for his efforts. Rollins seemed to have Strowman reeling late, but Strowman dodged Rollins desperate shot and threw him around until both got counted out. Afterward, Rollins sent Strowman reeling with a chair in hand.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a quality match that showed off what Strowman can do in the main event scene. He did not have a lot of big moves here, but he was great at transitioning around Rollins' moveset to make a quality encounter.
It is clear that WWE is setting up for a Strowman vs. Reigns match down the line, and it is smart to keep them separate for as long as possible. It could be special if they battle for the US Title at WrestleMania this year.
Rollins showed some impressive planning to get some small shots on Strowman, but he was continually blasted back for his efforts. Rollins seemed to have Strowman reeling late, but Strowman dodged Rollins desperate shot and threw him around until both got counted out. Afterward, Rollins sent Strowman reeling with a chair in hand.
Highlights:
- Rollins bounced off the ropes into a chokeslam.
- Strowman shouldered Rollins right off the apron.
- Strowman pulled Rollins outside then took an enzuigiri followed by a suicide dive.
- Rollins got Strowman to a knee then hit a running knee followed by a low superkick.
- Rollins caught Strowman on the second rope with a kick then booted him to the mat followed by a frog splash.
- Rollins dived outside off the top rope right into the barricade.
Analysis: This was a quality match that showed off what Strowman can do in the main event scene. He did not have a lot of big moves here, but he was great at transitioning around Rollins' moveset to make a quality encounter.
It is clear that WWE is setting up for a Strowman vs. Reigns match down the line, and it is smart to keep them separate for as long as possible. It could be special if they battle for the US Title at WrestleMania this year.
What does WWE see when they see Drew Gulak? Maybe I don't want to know based on his booking.
Jack Gallagher def. Drew Gulak
Overview: This was a battle of technicians as each man showed his ability to twist and wrench the other. However, Gulak was no match when Gallagher showed his striking and athletic ability, winning with a vicious headbutt then a running dropkick in the corner.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was one of the best cruiserweight matches on Raw over these first few months of the division simply because Gallagher gave it so much energy. The two deserved so much more time to work together than they got, but it was a delight to watch from start to finish.
Highlights:
- Gallagher trapped Gulak's legs and tripped him into the mat.
- Gulak trapped Gallagher in a straitjacket hold.
- Gallagher caught himself upside down on the turnbuckle then blocked Gulak's charges with extended legs.
Analysis: This was one of the best cruiserweight matches on Raw over these first few months of the division simply because Gallagher gave it so much energy. The two deserved so much more time to work together than they got, but it was a delight to watch from start to finish.
We have actually gotten to the point in history where Shawn Michaels looks awkward in a WWE ring.
Big Cass def. Jinder Mahal
Overview: Shawn Michaels came out and shilled his movie The Resurrection of Gavin Stone until Rusev, Lana, and Jinder Mahal interrupted with Rusev demanding Lana be added to the movie. Enzo and Cass came out and set up a match between Cass and Jinder.
Jinder showed his striking ability early, but Rusev had to get involved multiple times to help Jinder keep his momentum. HBK then superkicked Rusev which distracted Jinder for the East River Crossing and the Empire Elbow for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was just as awkward as you would expect with Shawn not there with much energy. HBK looked awkward and out of place next to Enzo and Cass, and it was not helped by him being connected with a terrible feud.
Jinder showed his striking ability early, but Rusev had to get involved multiple times to help Jinder keep his momentum. HBK then superkicked Rusev which distracted Jinder for the East River Crossing and the Empire Elbow for the win.
Highlights:
- Jinder hit a running low dropkick on Cass.
- Jinder stomped Cass into the corner but then ran right into a big boot followed by a splash in the corner.
Analysis: This was just as awkward as you would expect with Shawn not there with much energy. HBK looked awkward and out of place next to Enzo and Cass, and it was not helped by him being connected with a terrible feud.
If you're going to emulate anyone, why not the great Perry Saturn? That'll make you a true heel legend.
Neville def. Lince Dorado
Overview: Neville refused to shake hands with Lince Dorado which set off Dorado who came off striking early. Neville found his opening though and came out viciously swinging, finishing it with The Rings of Saturn. Afteward, Neville locked the hold back in until Rich Swann made the save that sent Neville reeling.
Highlights:
Analysis: Neville is also one of the few who can make the few minutes cruiserweights get work with his destructive and explosive style. He is using power moves I barely even recognized to destroy his opponents. He was made for this role.
Highlights:
- Dorado hit a springboard stunner then sent Neville outside with a headscissors before hitting a suicide dive.
- Neville targeted the arm of Dorado with Olympic shoulder slams which was accentuated by an arm-trap Northern Lights Suplex.
- Neville caught Dorado off the ropes and deadlifted him onto his shoulders for a spin-out fireman's carry facebuster.
Analysis: Neville is also one of the few who can make the few minutes cruiserweights get work with his destructive and explosive style. He is using power moves I barely even recognized to destroy his opponents. He was made for this role.
For shame! What has WWE come to when two hosses at war like this is a tag team feud filler match and not the main event?
Sheamus def. Luke Gallows
Overview: Cesaro budged in on commentary even though Karl Anderson was supposed to have his own solo time with the commentary team. This match went back and forth until Anderson attacked Cesaro with a bottle. Cesaro fought back with a swing which distracted Gallows for a Brogue Kick.
Highlights:
Analysis: Every time I watch Gallows or Anderson work one on one matches, they absolutely come off as upper midcard level talent. This is a duo that really should look this dominant all the time. Their feud with Sheamus and Cesaro has been a good sign for them both so far.
Highlights:
- Sheamus hit a running spin kick into the corner followed by the Battering Ram.
- Gallows clotheslined Sheamus right into the floor.
- Gallows big booted Sheamus off the top floor to the floor.
- Gallows sent Sheamus into the turnbuckle followed by a side kick to the back.
- Anderson hit a running jumping punch off the table to Cesaro.
Analysis: Every time I watch Gallows or Anderson work one on one matches, they absolutely come off as upper midcard level talent. This is a duo that really should look this dominant all the time. Their feud with Sheamus and Cesaro has been a good sign for them both so far.
Welcome to the New Era where we hype up our Royal Rumble by announcing relics of a past era Goldberg, Brock Lesnar, and The Undertaker as the headliners of the match.
The Undertaker Announces His Entry Into the Royal Rumble
Overview: Mick Foley begged The Undertaker to come out with Stephanie coming out instead. She seemed ready to fire Foley for not producing Taker until The Deadman came out, stating he would win the Royal Rumble and head back to the main event of WrestleMania.
Analysis: This went about as expected when Taker was announced for the night. WWE wants to give Taker one last run, and it makes sense to continue that by having him be one of the headliners of the Rumble this year. Hopefully, this begins the set up for Taker vs. John Cena, the last match Taker still needs to have.
Analysis: This went about as expected when Taker was announced for the night. WWE wants to give Taker one last run, and it makes sense to continue that by having him be one of the headliners of the Rumble this year. Hopefully, this begins the set up for Taker vs. John Cena, the last match Taker still needs to have.
WWE was considering having a women's Royal Rumble this year, but they scrapped the idea because it wouldn't involve Charlotte and Charlotte must break all boundaries for women.
Charlotte and Nia Jax def. Bayley and Sasha Banks
Overview: Banks started this match off strong but then injured herself which left Bayley fighting all on her own. Bayley missed a tag out by Charlotte and tried to roll her up only to take a body avalanche into a running leg drop for the victory.
Highlights:
Analysis: The more this story develops, the more likely it seems we're headed for a fatal four way between these women at WrestleMania given how dominant Jax has looked on repeat. That could be fun, but hopefully Charlotte vs. Bayley gets the time it deserves first at the Royal Rumble.
Highlights:
- Charlotte dodged the double knees in the corner, leading to Banks injuring her knee again with contact with the mat.
- Charlotte sent Bayley into the turnbuckle then hit her with a big boot off the rebound.
- Jax hit a vicious Snake Eyes into a splash and throw across the ring into the heel corner.
Analysis: The more this story develops, the more likely it seems we're headed for a fatal four way between these women at WrestleMania given how dominant Jax has looked on repeat. That could be fun, but hopefully Charlotte vs. Bayley gets the time it deserves first at the Royal Rumble.
Of all the NXT segments to retread... I just hope SmackDown follows suit and Fandango accidentally uses chloroform on somebody tomorrow.
Kofi Kingston def. Titus O'Neil
Overview: The New Day gave Titus O'Neil another chance at impressing them by digging up old NXT history by asking him to redeem himself, giving him a jug of booty juice. He had the time easily but then dropped the jug before the finish line.
This led to a match between Titus and Kofi Kingston with Titus absolutely dominating throughout. After Titus was distracted by Xavier Woods though, he threw Kofi outside only to have Kofi return with a Trouble in Paradise for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: When Titus is on, few are more impressive with his power and speed combination. Here he was absolutely on with a series of impressive power counters and a dominant showing. Still, it was nothing compared to the terrible segment that preceded.
This led to a match between Titus and Kofi Kingston with Titus absolutely dominating throughout. After Titus was distracted by Xavier Woods though, he threw Kofi outside only to have Kofi return with a Trouble in Paradise for the win.
Highlights:
- Titus flipped Kofi's SOS into a crucifix slam.
- Titus brushed off the strikes of Kofi for a bodyslam then turned Kofi's next strike flurry into a big boot.
- Titus caught Kofi's crossbody into a series of rib breakers.
Analysis: When Titus is on, few are more impressive with his power and speed combination. Here he was absolutely on with a series of impressive power counters and a dominant showing. Still, it was nothing compared to the terrible segment that preceded.
And for the first time ever, two men are co-double champions as the best of friends should be.
Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens def. Roman Reigns with Jericho Becoming the New WWE United States Champion
Overview: Before this could start, Reigns went after Team Kevin and Chris, trying to trap Jericho in the shark cage at ringside only to be beating up by both men, thrown into the cage and steel steps. Reigns fought valiantly with a flurry of offense, going for broke at every moment.
However, the offense grew more and more vicious to the point of devastation as Reigns could not keep up with the vicious blows, ending with Owens throwing Reigns into a Codebreaker for the pinfall victory for Jericho with Chris winning the United States Championship.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a great handicap match as it got brutal early with Reigns going for broke until it was clear Reigns really had no chance at all. The way the match built to Reigns having nothing left was excellent storytelling.
It was a little odd to see this match be so one-sided but with no one coming to his aid. Foley never even explained why Reigns was being so thoroughly punished. Jericho deserves this win regardless as one of the highlights of WWE in 2016, now finally capturing the one title that had eluded him.
However, the offense grew more and more vicious to the point of devastation as Reigns could not keep up with the vicious blows, ending with Owens throwing Reigns into a Codebreaker for the pinfall victory for Jericho with Chris winning the United States Championship.
Highlights:
- Jericho dived right into an uppercut from Reigns.
- Reigns threw Jericho mid-bulldog into KO in the corner.
- Jericho threw Reigns' Superman Punch out of the way into the right of KO followed by a Lionsault.
- KO superkicked Reigns then went for the pump up Codebreaker, but Reigns fought it off then Superman Punched Owens away.
- Jericho's Codebreaker was nearly turned into a sit-out powerbomb with Jericho countering it only to take a spear.
- Reigns countered the springboard dropkick into a Superman Punch.
- KO held Reigns' leg for a Codebreaker in the ropes followed by an immediate powerbomb onto the apron.
Analysis: This was a great handicap match as it got brutal early with Reigns going for broke until it was clear Reigns really had no chance at all. The way the match built to Reigns having nothing left was excellent storytelling.
It was a little odd to see this match be so one-sided but with no one coming to his aid. Foley never even explained why Reigns was being so thoroughly punished. Jericho deserves this win regardless as one of the highlights of WWE in 2016, now finally capturing the one title that had eluded him.
They really seem to like having two people embarrass Strowman together, don't they?
Final Notes: Stephanie was beginning a performance review for Mick Foley when Seth Rollins and Strowman both came in demanding things only to get in a brawl backstage. Foley continued his search for Taker backstage with Stephanie uncertain, saying he needed to produce Taker to pass his performance review.
Sasha Banks talked about giving Bayley pointers with Charlotte interrupting and helping in an attack on both faces with Nia Jax. They then asked Stephanie for a match against the two with her making it for tonight despite them being still injured.
Reigns was interviewed and made clear he would win no matter what. Team Kevin and Chris were interviewed and promised to become the new United States Champion. Alicia Fox snuck up on Noam Dar to get him then insult him for not being able to give a good kiss.
Conclusion: This was a fairly tight show, but there were too many bad segments to call this a good Raw. The matches all worked out well enough even if many needed more time. It was the right step, proving WWE is continuing to make the right moves with Raw but not going all the way.
It is starting to become clear WWE's direction. They are relying heavily on their former heavy hitters which is not sustainable but does lead to some interesting fresh situations. Who knows what will happen next with Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, and Undertaker all looking for rivals?
Monday Night Raw can be so much better, but at least the episodes felt well built for once. Another step from that, and Raw may finally challenge SmackDown Live again.
Sasha Banks talked about giving Bayley pointers with Charlotte interrupting and helping in an attack on both faces with Nia Jax. They then asked Stephanie for a match against the two with her making it for tonight despite them being still injured.
Reigns was interviewed and made clear he would win no matter what. Team Kevin and Chris were interviewed and promised to become the new United States Champion. Alicia Fox snuck up on Noam Dar to get him then insult him for not being able to give a good kiss.
Conclusion: This was a fairly tight show, but there were too many bad segments to call this a good Raw. The matches all worked out well enough even if many needed more time. It was the right step, proving WWE is continuing to make the right moves with Raw but not going all the way.
It is starting to become clear WWE's direction. They are relying heavily on their former heavy hitters which is not sustainable but does lead to some interesting fresh situations. Who knows what will happen next with Brock Lesnar, Goldberg, and Undertaker all looking for rivals?
Monday Night Raw can be so much better, but at least the episodes felt well built for once. Another step from that, and Raw may finally challenge SmackDown Live again.