Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
It's Independence Day, the Fourth of July, the day where everyone in the United States of America goes full patriotic. Therefore, this week's Raw theme is obviously American patroitism, written entirely as if the show should only be about vindicating the greatness of the USA.
As with every good national holiday, often people get extremely invested in the narrow idea of what the holiday represents. WWE has never been subtle in its own patriotism, so it seems only right that this week this review follow WWE's own statements on US greatness.
As with every good national holiday, often people get extremely invested in the narrow idea of what the holiday represents. WWE has never been subtle in its own patriotism, so it seems only right that this week this review follow WWE's own statements on US greatness.
Get Americaed, Rusev!
Rusev def. Titus O'Neil to Retain the United States Championship
Overview: Titus O'Neil came out for this match in full American flag attire. The two heavyweights locked up quickly with O'Neil dodging Rusev and hitting a body slam followed by a big throw. With Rusev stuck in the corner, Titus hit a few chops only to be thrown to the outside by Rusev.
The two fought back to the ring with Rusev hitting a dropkick for the first pin attempt. Titus fought out of a sleeper and hit a series of strikes, beginning a back and forth of forearms which Titus ended with a big shoulder tackle. He followed that with a big boot then a splash in the corner.
Rusev blocked a Razor's Edge but hit a body slam instead then the Clash of the Titus for a near fall. Rusev then hit a series of side kicks when the referee forced Titus to give Rusev separation. Rusev then locked in The Accolade with Titus finally tapping out. Rusev then made sure to start a USA chant of his own to celebrate.
Analysis: Titus O'Neil came out ready to defend the United States against a tyrant of a heel who has misappropriated the US of A as his own property. Rusev should just be honored to wrestle in a WWE ring rather than being stuck fighting in Bulgaria with no exposure.
I cannot believe on America's day, following a food fight and the National Anthem, a foreign wrestler with no respect was allowed to defeat a man who clearly believed in everything that the US is all about. This is atrocious.
The two fought back to the ring with Rusev hitting a dropkick for the first pin attempt. Titus fought out of a sleeper and hit a series of strikes, beginning a back and forth of forearms which Titus ended with a big shoulder tackle. He followed that with a big boot then a splash in the corner.
Rusev blocked a Razor's Edge but hit a body slam instead then the Clash of the Titus for a near fall. Rusev then hit a series of side kicks when the referee forced Titus to give Rusev separation. Rusev then locked in The Accolade with Titus finally tapping out. Rusev then made sure to start a USA chant of his own to celebrate.
Analysis: Titus O'Neil came out ready to defend the United States against a tyrant of a heel who has misappropriated the US of A as his own property. Rusev should just be honored to wrestle in a WWE ring rather than being stuck fighting in Bulgaria with no exposure.
I cannot believe on America's day, following a food fight and the National Anthem, a foreign wrestler with no respect was allowed to defeat a man who clearly believed in everything that the US is all about. This is atrocious.
Pretty sure the minutemen weren't the ones who made that kind of hand sign.
Enzo and Cass def. The Social Outcasts' Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel
Overview: The Social Outcasts came out dressed as minutemen with Heath Slater wearing a cast from his earlier chokeslam through a table shown backstage, but, before they could explain the significance of their outfits, Enzo and Cass interrupted. They talked down the SO with Enzo even listing off every single presidential candidate.
Bo Dallas started the match beating down on Enzo then double teamed him with Curtis Axel. Big Cass got the tag and ran over a freshly tagged in Bo Dallas. He then threw Curtis Axel into Heath Slater outside. Cas then hit the big boot followed by the Boom Shaka Laka with Enzo for the win.
Analysis: It's hard to say if this match up was supposed to say something of America. The Social Outcasts supposedly were honoring America by wearing minutemen gear, but they got squashed by Enzo and Cass who showed their patriotism by listing all the presidents.
The truth is the better performers are the true representations of US greatness. Therefore, this was one big win for America as Enzo and Cass destroyed their competition and proved themselves worthy of this country.
Bo Dallas started the match beating down on Enzo then double teamed him with Curtis Axel. Big Cass got the tag and ran over a freshly tagged in Bo Dallas. He then threw Curtis Axel into Heath Slater outside. Cas then hit the big boot followed by the Boom Shaka Laka with Enzo for the win.
Analysis: It's hard to say if this match up was supposed to say something of America. The Social Outcasts supposedly were honoring America by wearing minutemen gear, but they got squashed by Enzo and Cass who showed their patriotism by listing all the presidents.
The truth is the better performers are the true representations of US greatness. Therefore, this was one big win for America as Enzo and Cass destroyed their competition and proved themselves worthy of this country.
Dana Brooke's gimmick has actually just become the girl who poses behind Charlotte and saves her from attacks.
Sasha Banks Declares Charlotte's Title Reign Over
Overview: Charlotte began a rant on Sasha Banks in the middle of the ring by saying that everyone around her was always jealous of her greatness including Banks. She even called the "We Want Sasha" chants jealousy of her which brought out Sasha who laughed at the idea of her being jealous of Charlotte.
Sasha made clear that, for all Charlotte's accomplishments, she had never beaten Banks. The two fought over titles with Banks making clear Charlotte's greatness did not make her a boss because she hid and never fought. She promised that Charlotte's reign was soon over.
Dana Brooke attacked Sasha Banks but got rolled over. The distraction though allowed Charlotte to hit a big boot on Sasha. As Charlotte taunted Sasha, she fell right into a Bank Statement with Dana having to pull her to safety.
Analysis: Charlotte and Sasha Banks have always been solid talkers though they can't quite carry a segment. Their feud need more of a story, and this segment gave them that spotlight. It was a bit generic with a script that felt far too one dimensional for the modern WWE, but it got across that Charlotte is not entirely confident in fighting Sasha and will do anything to get an advantage.
It was odd though that on America's greatest day these women said nothing about the country that allows them to stand equal with the men in this business. It isn't many sports that allow women to be on the same roster as men and build themselves up on the mic with obviously equivalent treatment.
Sasha made clear that, for all Charlotte's accomplishments, she had never beaten Banks. The two fought over titles with Banks making clear Charlotte's greatness did not make her a boss because she hid and never fought. She promised that Charlotte's reign was soon over.
Dana Brooke attacked Sasha Banks but got rolled over. The distraction though allowed Charlotte to hit a big boot on Sasha. As Charlotte taunted Sasha, she fell right into a Bank Statement with Dana having to pull her to safety.
Analysis: Charlotte and Sasha Banks have always been solid talkers though they can't quite carry a segment. Their feud need more of a story, and this segment gave them that spotlight. It was a bit generic with a script that felt far too one dimensional for the modern WWE, but it got across that Charlotte is not entirely confident in fighting Sasha and will do anything to get an advantage.
It was odd though that on America's greatest day these women said nothing about the country that allows them to stand equal with the men in this business. It isn't many sports that allow women to be on the same roster as men and build themselves up on the mic with obviously equivalent treatment.
A true champion sells everything, even The Miz's attempt at a figure four leg lock.
Dean Ambrose def. The Miz in a Champion vs. Champion Match
Overview: The Miz made sure to put over his French Canadian wife before the match. The two locked up with Miz shoulder tackling Ambrose only to get body slammed twice after bouncing off the ropes. Ambrose took a boot to the face but then clotheslined Miz to the outside, following quickly.
Miz sent Ambrose into the timekeeper's area after a distraction from Maryse. Miz dominated with a technical wearing down. He targeted Ambrose's left leg using the ropes which led into a figure four leg lock which Dean broke with the ropes. Ambrose then sent Miz tumbling to the floor.
Back in the ring, Ambrose just began swinging with punches then tackles followed by a clothesline. Ambrose placed Miz on the top rope but sent Ambrose reeling. Ambrose blocked a double axe handle with a kick and near Dirty Deeds. He then turned a figure four leg lock attempt into a small package for two.
Ambrose sent Miz reeling outside and hit a suicide dive. Ambrose dodged a Skull Crushing Finale into another small package for two. Miz hit a big boot to Dean then set up a second one that Ambrose rolled through into a Dirty Deeds for the victory.
Analysis: Every time a red blooded American ignores his great American roots to talk up another nationality, he deserves a loss in his life, and that came to pass. Dean Ambrose proved himself the true American champion with his victory. JBL may not like Ambrose representing WWE, but he's certainly a great representative of America.
The match here wasn't as good as it could have been, feeling a bit sloppy, but it was still good. Mainly it seems like Ambrose and Miz lack the necessary chemistry to make a feud work.
Miz sent Ambrose into the timekeeper's area after a distraction from Maryse. Miz dominated with a technical wearing down. He targeted Ambrose's left leg using the ropes which led into a figure four leg lock which Dean broke with the ropes. Ambrose then sent Miz tumbling to the floor.
Back in the ring, Ambrose just began swinging with punches then tackles followed by a clothesline. Ambrose placed Miz on the top rope but sent Ambrose reeling. Ambrose blocked a double axe handle with a kick and near Dirty Deeds. He then turned a figure four leg lock attempt into a small package for two.
Ambrose sent Miz reeling outside and hit a suicide dive. Ambrose dodged a Skull Crushing Finale into another small package for two. Miz hit a big boot to Dean then set up a second one that Ambrose rolled through into a Dirty Deeds for the victory.
Analysis: Every time a red blooded American ignores his great American roots to talk up another nationality, he deserves a loss in his life, and that came to pass. Dean Ambrose proved himself the true American champion with his victory. JBL may not like Ambrose representing WWE, but he's certainly a great representative of America.
The match here wasn't as good as it could have been, feeling a bit sloppy, but it was still good. Mainly it seems like Ambrose and Miz lack the necessary chemistry to make a feud work.
Does Dolph Ziggler just beg his opponents to kick him in the head? It's a wonder he doesn't have more concussions.
Seth Rollins def. Dolph Ziggler
Overview: Seth Rollins came out after Ambrose's match, and it seemed like Dean was going to walk off. Instead, Ambrose decided to do commentary for Rollins' match on the Spanish announce table. He ended up moving over to the American announce table as the match began.
Dolph Ziggler began trying to roll up Seth Rollins which sent Rollins reeling. Their second exchange again led to a near roll up win which caused Rollins to take another breather. Seth found his opening finally and began stomping on Dolph. Ziggler tried to fight back but took an enzuigiri that sent him falling to the floor outside.
Rollins went to the top rope but took a sudden facebuster off the top for two. The two recovered at the same time with Ziggler having to block a powerbomb to begin rolling. He hit a neckbreaker then a jumping elbow drop for two. Ziggler set up a superkick but got blocked by Rollins with a series of kicks that led to a Ziggler quick roll up for two.
Rollins finally hit a big standing side kick for a near fall then missed the springboard knee. The two traded near finishers into a roll up into a superkick for a very near fall. Ziggler dodged a roundhouse then hit a jumping DDT. Rollins barely blocked the Zig Zag and hit the Pedigree for the victory.
Afterward, Rollins stepped up on the announce table and talked down Roman Reigns again, demanding he be taken out of the WWE Championship match and the WWE draft. Rollins used it to talk down the crowd which brought Ambrose to stand up and begin a brawl that led to a Dirty Deeds on the Spanish announce table.
Analysis: Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler do some great work together due to their comparable styles. Ziggler as always sold with fervor, and the two moved at a lightning pace. Still, this was not quite as strong as the two have done previously with very little in terms of storytelling.
Seth Rollins was certainly right about one thing tonight; Roman Reigns' actions are not properly representative of America. For him to be fighting against two hard working stars like Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins in the main event after his actions just feels wrong.
Ambrose and Rollins' feud wasn't about America, but only in America can you see such great talents clashing every week who continue to steal the show.
Dolph Ziggler began trying to roll up Seth Rollins which sent Rollins reeling. Their second exchange again led to a near roll up win which caused Rollins to take another breather. Seth found his opening finally and began stomping on Dolph. Ziggler tried to fight back but took an enzuigiri that sent him falling to the floor outside.
Rollins went to the top rope but took a sudden facebuster off the top for two. The two recovered at the same time with Ziggler having to block a powerbomb to begin rolling. He hit a neckbreaker then a jumping elbow drop for two. Ziggler set up a superkick but got blocked by Rollins with a series of kicks that led to a Ziggler quick roll up for two.
Rollins finally hit a big standing side kick for a near fall then missed the springboard knee. The two traded near finishers into a roll up into a superkick for a very near fall. Ziggler dodged a roundhouse then hit a jumping DDT. Rollins barely blocked the Zig Zag and hit the Pedigree for the victory.
Afterward, Rollins stepped up on the announce table and talked down Roman Reigns again, demanding he be taken out of the WWE Championship match and the WWE draft. Rollins used it to talk down the crowd which brought Ambrose to stand up and begin a brawl that led to a Dirty Deeds on the Spanish announce table.
Analysis: Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler do some great work together due to their comparable styles. Ziggler as always sold with fervor, and the two moved at a lightning pace. Still, this was not quite as strong as the two have done previously with very little in terms of storytelling.
Seth Rollins was certainly right about one thing tonight; Roman Reigns' actions are not properly representative of America. For him to be fighting against two hard working stars like Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins in the main event after his actions just feels wrong.
Ambrose and Rollins' feud wasn't about America, but only in America can you see such great talents clashing every week who continue to steal the show.
I hope you enjoyed your time in the sun, Vaudevillains.
The Golden Truth def. The Vaudevillains
Overview: The Golden Truth revealed their new sing along entrance before the match. Goldust began dominating this match early, and the Vaudevillains just couldn't stop him. He dumped Simon Gotch to the outside then tagged in R-Truth to hit a powerbomb/side slam combo finisher for the victory while Breezango watched from the VIP lounge.
Analysis: I am starting legitimately wonder if Goldust/R-Truth have just gotten too old to wrestle competitive matches. They haven't gone five minutes in the ring in over a year. Even against The Vaudevillains who were competing for the WWE Tag Team Championship a month ago, The Golden Truth squashed them.
There is nothing American about veterans being thrown on TV after they can't compete anymore rather than trusting in the younger talent. Meanwhile, Breezango are sitting at ringside waiting to be used when they could easily go 15 minutes in wins or losses.
Analysis: I am starting legitimately wonder if Goldust/R-Truth have just gotten too old to wrestle competitive matches. They haven't gone five minutes in the ring in over a year. Even against The Vaudevillains who were competing for the WWE Tag Team Championship a month ago, The Golden Truth squashed them.
There is nothing American about veterans being thrown on TV after they can't compete anymore rather than trusting in the younger talent. Meanwhile, Breezango are sitting at ringside waiting to be used when they could easily go 15 minutes in wins or losses.
This is the oddest combo of incredible amounts of charisma ever assembled, and isn't that what America is all about?
John Cena Finds Allies In His Fight With The Club In Enzo and Cass
Overview: John Cena came out and got the crowd rolling before he talked up how The Club had made this a one on three issue unlike AJ Styles had promised a month back. Cena said he couldn't focus on the 4th of July because he was always watching his back from The Club's attacks.
The Club came out, and AJ Styles lamented Cena not celebrating Independence Day with great patriotism. Styles was frustrated with all the continued celebration of Cena as the face of WWE. He even said Cena's attitude was the reason he was alone in all this as the WWE superstars just related to The Club more.
Styles promised to week after week beat up Cena because it would be fun and necessary for this company. In fact, they said it was time to beat up John Cena to celebrate the 4th of July. The three easily began beating on Cena with Enzo and Big Cass finally deciding enough was enough and coming out to even the odds.
The two helped Cena clear the ring and stood tall in the middle of the ring.
Analysis: The John Cena and The Club feud has repeatedly stolen the show, and this was another standout segment even though it was just one more promo segment between the two sides. The Club's promise to beat up Cena every night added to the feud while leading well into Cena gaining some new allies.
Of all the teams in WWE, Enzo and Cass were the perfect team to pair with Cena while also setting up a tag team feud that should be fun. Enzo and Cass are the most over act in WWE, and they needed a proper feud. They should mesh well with the obviously charismatic John Cena.
I was severely disappointed in John Cena's lack of overwhelming patriotism in this segment. If there was anything we could count on from Cena, it was always that he talks on repeat about this great country. That was truly missed here as AJ Styles pointed out perfectly.
The Club came out, and AJ Styles lamented Cena not celebrating Independence Day with great patriotism. Styles was frustrated with all the continued celebration of Cena as the face of WWE. He even said Cena's attitude was the reason he was alone in all this as the WWE superstars just related to The Club more.
Styles promised to week after week beat up Cena because it would be fun and necessary for this company. In fact, they said it was time to beat up John Cena to celebrate the 4th of July. The three easily began beating on Cena with Enzo and Big Cass finally deciding enough was enough and coming out to even the odds.
The two helped Cena clear the ring and stood tall in the middle of the ring.
Analysis: The John Cena and The Club feud has repeatedly stolen the show, and this was another standout segment even though it was just one more promo segment between the two sides. The Club's promise to beat up Cena every night added to the feud while leading well into Cena gaining some new allies.
Of all the teams in WWE, Enzo and Cass were the perfect team to pair with Cena while also setting up a tag team feud that should be fun. Enzo and Cass are the most over act in WWE, and they needed a proper feud. They should mesh well with the obviously charismatic John Cena.
I was severely disappointed in John Cena's lack of overwhelming patriotism in this segment. If there was anything we could count on from Cena, it was always that he talks on repeat about this great country. That was truly missed here as AJ Styles pointed out perfectly.
Summer Rae should probably be wrestling a bit more than she is because she seems to have forgotten how to suplex and gotten really really angry.
Becky Lynch def. Summer Rae
Overview: The two began with an exchange of forearms then Becky Lynch sent Summer Rae reeling. Summer quickly fought back, using the ropes to grind down Becky. Summer locked in a headlock which Becky fought of only to take a DDT for two.
Lynch began rallying back with a series of clotheslines then a Bexploder for two. Summer missed a side kick on the apron and ran right into the Dis-arm-her for the submission victory. Natalya looked on at the finish from a monitor backstage.
Analysis: This was about the standard enhancement match. Summer Rae did badly botch a suplex, but it was fairly standard otherwise. Becky Lynch got beat down then made her comeback for the easy win. It was a fine segment to continue the story going for Becky Lynch vs. Natalya who watched backstage.
Lynch vs. Natalya is a feud between two women, a Irishwoman and Canadian. Only in America can you have such great diversity in talent and gender in conflict.
Lynch began rallying back with a series of clotheslines then a Bexploder for two. Summer missed a side kick on the apron and ran right into the Dis-arm-her for the submission victory. Natalya looked on at the finish from a monitor backstage.
Analysis: This was about the standard enhancement match. Summer Rae did badly botch a suplex, but it was fairly standard otherwise. Becky Lynch got beat down then made her comeback for the easy win. It was a fine segment to continue the story going for Becky Lynch vs. Natalya who watched backstage.
Lynch vs. Natalya is a feud between two women, a Irishwoman and Canadian. Only in America can you have such great diversity in talent and gender in conflict.
Ah, the Wyatt Compound, the once in a blue moon location that really should matter more.
The New Day Accept An Invitation to the Wyatt Family Compound Despite Xavier Woods' Fear
Overview: The New Day came out joking about The Wyatt Family again, only to be interrupted by The Wyatt Family who once more made their invitation clear. They wanted The New Day to come to their compound. Kofi Kingston formally accepted the invitation with Big E laughing along.
Xavier Woods finally spoke up and made clear he was done making jokes with The Wyatt Family. He spoke in fear, telling them to take The Wyatts seriously, because The New Day will be destroyed if they act lightly. Xavier Woods walked out on his friends to make his point clear.
Analysis: The New Day vs. The Wyatt Family was not a feud I ever wanted. The two sides seemed too off kilter to make a compelling story, but WWE has gone overdrive with the writing for this feud. Whoever is involving in writing up this story deserves a ton of credit as they have added real dynamics and drama to the proceedings you rarely see in WWE.
This had nothing to do with the USA, but it was like top notch American television which we all know is the best kind of TV. Only Americans could make a feud of unicorn horns vs. sheep masks great.
Xavier Woods finally spoke up and made clear he was done making jokes with The Wyatt Family. He spoke in fear, telling them to take The Wyatts seriously, because The New Day will be destroyed if they act lightly. Xavier Woods walked out on his friends to make his point clear.
Analysis: The New Day vs. The Wyatt Family was not a feud I ever wanted. The two sides seemed too off kilter to make a compelling story, but WWE has gone overdrive with the writing for this feud. Whoever is involving in writing up this story deserves a ton of credit as they have added real dynamics and drama to the proceedings you rarely see in WWE.
This had nothing to do with the USA, but it was like top notch American television which we all know is the best kind of TV. Only Americans could make a feud of unicorn horns vs. sheep masks great.
I can just hear the American music ringing as I look at this beautiful picture of true American triumph.
Team USA def. Team Multi-National Alliance in a 16-Man Elimination Match With Big Show and Zack Ryder the Survivors
Overview: Kevin Owens dominated Zack Ryder in anger immediately, hitting a cannonball and nearly a pump up powerbomb if not for a save by a tag to D-Von. Sin Cara kept up the pressure until D-Von slipped a tag to Bubba, and the two hit a 3D on Cara for the elimination. Sheamus then Brogue Kicked Bubba followed by a Kalisto splash for an elimination of Bubba Ray.
D-Von fought off a Cesaro swing only to take an uppercut then a certain giant swing into a Sharpshooter for the submission elimination. Jack Swagger and Cesaro shared a flashback to the Real Americans with a We The People before they started brawling. Swagger managed to lock Cesaro in the Patriot Lock with Cesaro slipping out and tagging in Chris Jericho.
Swagger and Jericho went back and forth with Jericho blocking a Swagger Bomb and hitting a Codebreaker for the elimination. Jericho nearly taunted right into a Kane chokeslam, but he was saved by chaos as both remaining members of the teams began brawling.
Mark Henry got into the action and showed off his strength when he caught Kalisto midair for a World's Strongest Slam for an elimination. Kevin Owens ran in for a surprise pump up powerbomb on Henry for the elimination. Owens then kept dominating as Zack Ryder ran in.
KO decided to throw Ryder into Zayn which started a brawl between Owens and Zayn. Owens decided to hit Zayn with a steel chair, getting him disqualified. Kane also got a chair shot which angered Kane who hit Owens with the chair, getting DQed. Kane then took out Zayn, allowing Apollo Crews to eliminate Zayn.
Sheamus ran in and Brogue Kicked Crews for the elimination, leaving it at 4 on 2. Zack Ryder was dominated by the Multi-National Alliance until Cesaro began arguing with Chris Jericho. The four men began fighting amongst themselves as Cesaro went on an Uppercut Train on his partners.
Cesaro then went for a Neutralizer only to get rolled into a jacknife cover for the elimination by Ryder. Zack fought back and hit a neckbreaker on Sheamus to get the hot tag to Big Show. He took out Jericho and Alberto Del Rio at the same time. Show then hit a Knockout Punch on Jericho for the elimination.
Del Rio blocked a chokeslam then went for a superkick only to get caught for a chokeslam for the elimination. That left Sheamus alone against Show and Ryder. Sheamus was forced back into the ring and was hit repeatedly with chops by Show then took a splash. Sheamus dodged a chokeslam and cut Show off at the knee.
Ryder got the tag and got taken out by Sheamus only for Sheamus to walk right into the clutches of Show who threw Sheamus right into a Rough Ryder for the final elimination and victory.
Analysis: Of course America won. America is all about winning. If the Multi-National Alliance won, they would only proven themselves the truer representatives of America. In the end, Zack Ryder and Big Show won by overcoming a four on two deficit because all Americans overcome adversity.
Certainly we saw some of the Americans fall including the Dudley Boyz and All-American athletes, but the truth of the match was in how Team America found common ground even in a group of heels and faces. They never faltered or fought amongst themselves. They rose and fell together.
Zack Ryder winning was a cool moment even if this match didn't really need to as long and full scale as it was. Obviously it helped show America's greatness, but it didn't really have lasting stakes which hurt the match which felt a bit like a wild house show affair instead of a true TV main event.
D-Von fought off a Cesaro swing only to take an uppercut then a certain giant swing into a Sharpshooter for the submission elimination. Jack Swagger and Cesaro shared a flashback to the Real Americans with a We The People before they started brawling. Swagger managed to lock Cesaro in the Patriot Lock with Cesaro slipping out and tagging in Chris Jericho.
Swagger and Jericho went back and forth with Jericho blocking a Swagger Bomb and hitting a Codebreaker for the elimination. Jericho nearly taunted right into a Kane chokeslam, but he was saved by chaos as both remaining members of the teams began brawling.
Mark Henry got into the action and showed off his strength when he caught Kalisto midair for a World's Strongest Slam for an elimination. Kevin Owens ran in for a surprise pump up powerbomb on Henry for the elimination. Owens then kept dominating as Zack Ryder ran in.
KO decided to throw Ryder into Zayn which started a brawl between Owens and Zayn. Owens decided to hit Zayn with a steel chair, getting him disqualified. Kane also got a chair shot which angered Kane who hit Owens with the chair, getting DQed. Kane then took out Zayn, allowing Apollo Crews to eliminate Zayn.
Sheamus ran in and Brogue Kicked Crews for the elimination, leaving it at 4 on 2. Zack Ryder was dominated by the Multi-National Alliance until Cesaro began arguing with Chris Jericho. The four men began fighting amongst themselves as Cesaro went on an Uppercut Train on his partners.
Cesaro then went for a Neutralizer only to get rolled into a jacknife cover for the elimination by Ryder. Zack fought back and hit a neckbreaker on Sheamus to get the hot tag to Big Show. He took out Jericho and Alberto Del Rio at the same time. Show then hit a Knockout Punch on Jericho for the elimination.
Del Rio blocked a chokeslam then went for a superkick only to get caught for a chokeslam for the elimination. That left Sheamus alone against Show and Ryder. Sheamus was forced back into the ring and was hit repeatedly with chops by Show then took a splash. Sheamus dodged a chokeslam and cut Show off at the knee.
Ryder got the tag and got taken out by Sheamus only for Sheamus to walk right into the clutches of Show who threw Sheamus right into a Rough Ryder for the final elimination and victory.
Analysis: Of course America won. America is all about winning. If the Multi-National Alliance won, they would only proven themselves the truer representatives of America. In the end, Zack Ryder and Big Show won by overcoming a four on two deficit because all Americans overcome adversity.
Certainly we saw some of the Americans fall including the Dudley Boyz and All-American athletes, but the truth of the match was in how Team America found common ground even in a group of heels and faces. They never faltered or fought amongst themselves. They rose and fell together.
Zack Ryder winning was a cool moment even if this match didn't really need to as long and full scale as it was. Obviously it helped show America's greatness, but it didn't really have lasting stakes which hurt the match which felt a bit like a wild house show affair instead of a true TV main event.
WWE could really use more well mannered individuals like Vickie Guerrero in position of power. Real shame to see her so hatefully shunned.
Final Notes: As the show began, a 4th of July party was shown from earlier today. A food fight began after The Vaudevillains and The Miz both tried to take control of the mic in the party. The Social Outcasts tried to make the most of the havoc, but Bo Dallas got punch dumped on him and Heath Slater got chokeslammed through a table causing everyone to leave. Kevin Owens then got a pie thrown in his face and lost it.
We also got the National Anthem sung by Lillian Garcia on live TV to start the show. A Wyatt Family promo aired where Bray Wyatt spoke from the Wyatt compound, saying his world existed while The New Day's world certainly did not exist. Wyatt invited New Day to his home.
A Baron Corbin promo package was aired to remind us of his first promo and his Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal win. Team USA had a rallying segment backstage led by Big Show. Dolph Ziggler made sure to help Vickie Guerrero be escorted out of the building after she made an attempt on the stage of getting control of SmackDown.
In the continued attempts to "Make Darren Young Great Again", Bob Backlund gave Darren Young his crossface chickenwing as a finisher. The Shining Stars made clear that only in Puerto Rico could you celebrate Independence Day properly. Chris Jericho tried to rally the Multi-National Alliance which caused issues with Kevin Owens yelling at them with the faces then promising to do their best once the heels walked off.
Conclusion: America is a great nation, and it deserved a great show to represent it. Instead, too much time was spent honoring America with fluff than having the true quality matches that should have occurred on such a monumental day. There were solid moments, but the filler was heavy this week.
The main event itself was too long and uneventful without stakes in play. Too much time was spent on gags that didn't elicit a chuckle. The show felt too oddly paced between quality build up for Battleground and honoring of the USA.
For a night with a championship contest between rivals who had truly won me over, a champion vs. champion match, and a huge 30 minute elimination contest, this night was only sold by the direct selling of stories for Battleground with the promo segments between rivals.
It was as if Independence Day was an excuse for cheap writing rather than being used as a night for bigger moments particularly with very little TV competition to deal with.
We also got the National Anthem sung by Lillian Garcia on live TV to start the show. A Wyatt Family promo aired where Bray Wyatt spoke from the Wyatt compound, saying his world existed while The New Day's world certainly did not exist. Wyatt invited New Day to his home.
A Baron Corbin promo package was aired to remind us of his first promo and his Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal win. Team USA had a rallying segment backstage led by Big Show. Dolph Ziggler made sure to help Vickie Guerrero be escorted out of the building after she made an attempt on the stage of getting control of SmackDown.
In the continued attempts to "Make Darren Young Great Again", Bob Backlund gave Darren Young his crossface chickenwing as a finisher. The Shining Stars made clear that only in Puerto Rico could you celebrate Independence Day properly. Chris Jericho tried to rally the Multi-National Alliance which caused issues with Kevin Owens yelling at them with the faces then promising to do their best once the heels walked off.
Conclusion: America is a great nation, and it deserved a great show to represent it. Instead, too much time was spent honoring America with fluff than having the true quality matches that should have occurred on such a monumental day. There were solid moments, but the filler was heavy this week.
The main event itself was too long and uneventful without stakes in play. Too much time was spent on gags that didn't elicit a chuckle. The show felt too oddly paced between quality build up for Battleground and honoring of the USA.
For a night with a championship contest between rivals who had truly won me over, a champion vs. champion match, and a huge 30 minute elimination contest, this night was only sold by the direct selling of stories for Battleground with the promo segments between rivals.
It was as if Independence Day was an excuse for cheap writing rather than being used as a night for bigger moments particularly with very little TV competition to deal with.
