Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
It must be hard to be in charge of WWE today. You have some of the best talent the company has seen top to bottom with a wealth of veterans around to help keep the machine going. Match quality has never been higher with it just common place now to see a three star-plus match every other week on television.
WWE has to put on a real impressive showing to make all this talent look bad on a weekly basis. Each week, it must be a real struggle to put so little effort in while the wrestlers are breaking themselves in half and powering through buzzword promos.
Then of course they have to deal with people like me on their computers, dissecting their half-baked work as if I know what is best for me. How can I not understand the difficulty of doing a job adequately for the sake of talent who will almost make the work look better than it actually is?
WWE has to put on a real impressive showing to make all this talent look bad on a weekly basis. Each week, it must be a real struggle to put so little effort in while the wrestlers are breaking themselves in half and powering through buzzword promos.
Then of course they have to deal with people like me on their computers, dissecting their half-baked work as if I know what is best for me. How can I not understand the difficulty of doing a job adequately for the sake of talent who will almost make the work look better than it actually is?
Heath Slater is still building up his long anticipated clash with Brock Lesnar.
Samoa Joe and Brock Lesnar Can Barely Be Contained
Overview: Paul Heyman came out flanked by Brock Lesnar and quickly ran down Samoa Joe, saying he wasn't man enough to lock Lesnar in the Coquina Clutch. This brought out Joe who quickly began brawling with The Beast only for the whole locker room to file out and break the two up.
Analysis: This was perfect, exactly what I wanted from the monsters' first clash. It was similar to Lesnar and The Undertaker's segment a few years back, showing how much Lesnar refuses to play around with Joe and how clear it is that Joe is unafraid of The Beast. In the end, both came out looking as strong as ever.
Analysis: This was perfect, exactly what I wanted from the monsters' first clash. It was similar to Lesnar and The Undertaker's segment a few years back, showing how much Lesnar refuses to play around with Joe and how clear it is that Joe is unafraid of The Beast. In the end, both came out looking as strong as ever.
Samson has now officially become a member of the main roster, having to deal with repeatedly salvaging Dean Ambrose's suicide dives.
Elias Samson def. Dean Ambrose
Overview: Before the match, Elias Samson ran down the audience and Dean Ambrose in a song before Ambrose interrupted to set up the match. The Miz got involved but could not quite allow Samson to steal the win with Ambrose then going after Miz, barely making it back to the ring right into a jumping double knee drop and a swinging neckbreaker for the loss.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a surprise even if the result was always possible. Giving Samson another victory over Ambrose truly builds him up as a competitor even with the help from Miz. Eventually, Ambrose will get his revenge, but it hopefully take away all the momentum that Samson has gained.
Highlights:
- Ambrose grounded Samson with a clothesline then hit a fisherman's suplex.
- Samson landed a big boot but was then tripped over the top rope followed by a suicide dive.
- Miz distracted Ambrose on the top rope and almost got rolled up before hitting a rebound clothesline.
Analysis: This was a surprise even if the result was always possible. Giving Samson another victory over Ambrose truly builds him up as a competitor even with the help from Miz. Eventually, Ambrose will get his revenge, but it hopefully take away all the momentum that Samson has gained.
Cedric Alexander suddenly wonders if returning was worth this segment.
Cedric Alexander def. Noam Dar
Overview: Noam Dar walked to the ring trying to talk to Alicia Fox on FaceTime, and she refused to hang up. When Dar set the phone down, the bell rang, and he walked right into a Lumbar Check for the quick loss. Afterward, he tried to calm down an angry Fox as Alexander stood victorious.
Analysis: If this FaceTime gimmick is going to continue, it will need to be changed because it was hard to listen to Fox throughout this segment. The nagging grew tiring quickly and became actively painful to listen to before the match happened. Hopefully Alexander moves past this now as he could be a title contender soon.
Analysis: If this FaceTime gimmick is going to continue, it will need to be changed because it was hard to listen to Fox throughout this segment. The nagging grew tiring quickly and became actively painful to listen to before the match happened. Hopefully Alexander moves past this now as he could be a title contender soon.
How dare Seth Rollins insinuate that Bray Wyatt's promises are always false. That's only 99% true.
Bray Wyatt Picks a Fight with Seth Rollins for Blasphemy
Overview: Bray Wyatt talked himself up before making his way to the ring. In the ring, Wyatt focused directly on Seth Rollins who he said had blasphemed him. This brought out Rollins who was frustrated with Wyatt but was not backing down from his statements that Wyatt was full of himself. Wyatt disappeared then told Rollins he could slay kings but not a god.
Analysis: This feud has potential with a solid story as the basis. Rollins is calling out Wyatt for his own arrogance with Wyatt angry that Rollins would ever question him. The question here is the end goal. Rollins can't just win and make Wyatt look silly. We have seen that far too often.
Analysis: This feud has potential with a solid story as the basis. Rollins is calling out Wyatt for his own arrogance with Wyatt angry that Rollins would ever question him. The question here is the end goal. Rollins can't just win and make Wyatt look silly. We have seen that far too often.
Who wants to see this athleticism? Get back to the backstage interviews!
Apollo Crews def. Kalisto
Overview: As Titus O'Neil was busy talking to Akira Tozawa in the front row, watching the match, Apollo Crews and Kalisto fought. Crews caught Kalisto in a clean finish with the sit-out powerbomb. Afterward, Titus almost dragged Tozawa into the ring to celebrate.
Highlights:
Analysis: I've said this before. This story could be interesting and fun, but it never gets time. Kalisto has looked impressive at times then he loses in a minute. Clearly the story here was that Crews won because Titus didn't do anything, too distracted elsewhere, but it still needed to be much longer.
Highlights:
- Kalisto caught Crews with a step-up enzuigiri then a springboard headscissors.
Analysis: I've said this before. This story could be interesting and fun, but it never gets time. Kalisto has looked impressive at times then he loses in a minute. Clearly the story here was that Crews won because Titus didn't do anything, too distracted elsewhere, but it still needed to be much longer.
Glad we're keeping Alexa Bliss strong. Bayley must be so pleased.
Sasha Banks, Mickie James, and Dana Brooke def. Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, and Emma
Overview: Alexa Bliss talked up how she was still still Raw Women's Champion until Nia Jax interrupted with Bliss quickly trying to calm her down. Mickie James and Dana Brooke came out to aggravate Jax into attacking Bliss before Emma made her return, followed quickly by Sasha Banks which started a brawl.
This set up a match in which Bliss quickly walked out on her partners. After that, the heels were left in trouble with Banks reversing a roll up into a Bank Statement on Emma for the submission.
Highlights:
Analysis: If the plan here was to set up a Bliss vs. Banks feud, it could have done more particularly with Banks talking little here. It is hard to say the full purpose here as the whole women's division just sort of talked in circles then fought in a short bout. At least Emma is back as Raw needs talent right now in the division.
This set up a match in which Bliss quickly walked out on her partners. After that, the heels were left in trouble with Banks reversing a roll up into a Bank Statement on Emma for the submission.
Highlights:
- Banks got the hot tag and ran over Emma with clotheslines before throwing her right into Jax.
- Mickie caught Jax in a sleeper hold only to be thrown off followed by a Mick Kick to Jax followed by a crossbody to the floor on Jax.
Analysis: If the plan here was to set up a Bliss vs. Banks feud, it could have done more particularly with Banks talking little here. It is hard to say the full purpose here as the whole women's division just sort of talked in circles then fought in a short bout. At least Emma is back as Raw needs talent right now in the division.
I think we found the one true opponent if Daniel Bryan ever returns to the ring.
Heath Slater and Rhyno def. The Miz and The Miz Bear
Overview: The Miz Bear came out as Miz's secret partner for this tag team match with Miz immediately certain it was Ambrose behind the mask. Miz attacked the bear only to find someone else under the mask. Miz then ran into a Slater leg lariat only for the bear to hit Slater with Dirty Deeds then Ambrose to appear as another bear.
In the confusion, Miz accidentally knocked down Maryse off the apron then took a Dirty Deeds with Miz then pulling Slater over for the cover. Afterward, Ambrose put the bear head on Miz.
Highlights:
Analysis: This wasn't much of a match, but the segment was solid. The comedy with the bear didn't completely hit but was successful as a showcase of Ambrose's mindgames without being too outrageous. The mix of silliness and building heat here has been great.
In the confusion, Miz accidentally knocked down Maryse off the apron then took a Dirty Deeds with Miz then pulling Slater over for the cover. Afterward, Ambrose put the bear head on Miz.
Highlights:
- Rhyno held Miz for a diving axe handle to the side of Miz.
- The Miz Bear landed multiple palm shots to the face of Slater then locked in the bear hug which Rhyno broke up.
Analysis: This wasn't much of a match, but the segment was solid. The comedy with the bear didn't completely hit but was successful as a showcase of Ambrose's mindgames without being too outrageous. The mix of silliness and building heat here has been great.
That is the face of a man you don't ever mess with or talk to for that matter.
Neville Refuses to Fight Rich Swann and Challenges Akira Tozawa
Overview: Neville never let the bell ring, assaulting Rich Swann as he entered the ring. He stomped on Swann then locked him in the Rings of Saturn. Neville knocked Swann out of the ring and said he was done with pretenders and called out Akira Tozawa in particular because of a Titus tweet about making Tozawa champion.
Analysis: Neville vs. Tozawa was the next logical move for the cruiserweight division, but I am surprised that it happened with Tozawa heavily being used in the Titus story. Perhaps it is temporary with Tozawa set to get beat down for Titus' quick words. The story of Neville running out of challengers is the best line for him before someone shocks him and takes his title as the underdog.
Analysis: Neville vs. Tozawa was the next logical move for the cruiserweight division, but I am surprised that it happened with Tozawa heavily being used in the Titus story. Perhaps it is temporary with Tozawa set to get beat down for Titus' quick words. The story of Neville running out of challengers is the best line for him before someone shocks him and takes his title as the underdog.
Even the greatest assassin couldn't catch a person by surprise this often who is looking for him.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson def. Enzo and Big Cass
Overview: Big Cass was again found knocked out backstage after a hard hit to the back of the head with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson laughing at them as they limped to the ring. Cass tried to start the match but was quickly rendered useless, leaving Enzo to get stomped then take the Magic Killer. Afterward, Big Show broke up the Gallows and Anderson attempt to further hurt Enzo with Cass jealous.
Highlights:
Analysis: Big Show is the diversion in this story, causing drama with Cass. I still have no idea where the story will end, but it has a lot of potential especially in establishing a new star and changing the dynamic of Enzo and Cass. Knowing WWE, it will all just be forgotten soon.
Highlights:
- Cass was hurt as he whipped Anderson into the corner then hit a side slam and the Empire Elbow.
- Enzo repeatedly struck Anderson with punches then a high knee but, after knocking down Gallows, he walked into a running single-leg dropkick.
- Enzo dodged Gallows repeatedly but dived into a big boot.
Analysis: Big Show is the diversion in this story, causing drama with Cass. I still have no idea where the story will end, but it has a lot of potential especially in establishing a new star and changing the dynamic of Enzo and Cass. Knowing WWE, it will all just be forgotten soon.
The tag division is finally main eventing... and now they never will again.
Sheamus and Cesaro vs. The Hardy Boyz Goes to a Draw in a Two-out-of-Three Falls Match; Sheamus and Cesaro Retain the Raw Tag Team Championships
Overview: Sheamus took the first fall within the first minute or so when he landed a vicious Brogue Kick to the chest of Jeff Hardy as he was bouncing off the top turnbuckle. Matt isolated Cesaro and hit the Twist of Fate to take the second fall. The two teams continued to brawl outside the ring until both legal men were counted out, causing a draw with The Hardys standing tall without the titles.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was messy from the start, and it was hard to tell how the two teams wanted this to go. There were some fun sequences, but no one was on teh same page with the first two falls just coming out of nowhere. Then it ended in a draw which should never happen in a two-out-of-three falls match.
Highlights:
- Matt started off quick with a bulldog on Sheamus followed by Poetry in Motion into a Side Effect and splash from Jeff.
- Jeff knocked Sheamus out of the ring with a kick then kicked Sheamus off him again with a mule kick to get the tag to Matt.
- Cesaro countered the running bulldog but took a tornado DDT from Matt then Matt stopped a Sheamus apron attack with a Side Effect.
- Cesaro blocked Twist of Fate then caught Matt diving with a European uppercut.
- Sheamus kicked Matt in the chest followed by a bicycle knee.
- Matt blocked the Neutralizer but was rolled into the Sharpshooter.
- Cesaro barely saved Sheamus after he took Jeff's Twist of Fate.
- Cesaro again pulled Sheamus to safety after taking a Swanton Bomb then Jeff dived onto Cesaro outside.
Analysis: This match was messy from the start, and it was hard to tell how the two teams wanted this to go. There were some fun sequences, but no one was on teh same page with the first two falls just coming out of nowhere. Then it ended in a draw which should never happen in a two-out-of-three falls match.
Only in WWE could an idea like this get past the concept stage. Even in WWE, I'm shocked it made it to the first draft of the script for the night.
Final Notes: In another Shattered Dream Production promo, Goldust stated that R-Truth was jealous of him and perhaps uncomfortable around him. R-Truth refused to forgive and forget. The Hardy Boyz made clear that they would break the bar to reclaim their tag team championships. Sheamus and Cesaro stated they were ready to inspire fans with a dominant victory.
Kurt Angle called out Miz after interfering in Ambrose's match with Angle telling him to deal with his issues with Ambrose as a wrestler would. Miz later tried to convince Slater to join his side, but Rhyno instead set up a match with Slater and Rhyno vs. Miz and a partner if he could find one.
Alexander confronted Dar who was FaceTiming with Alicia Fox, recovering from a neck injury, and he made clear tonight he ended all this drama for good. A Roman Reigns hype video was shown with an announcement he would make clear his plans for SummerSlam next week. A Finn Balor promo package was also shown.
In an interview, Bayley stated that she was not here to truly hurt people to win which was why she hesitated in her match with Bliss. After he saved Enzo again, Enzo found Show backstage and asked Show if he knew anything about the attacks with Show insulted, calling Cass sawft. In an interview, Joe said his plan was working as he had gotten in Lesnar's head.
Conclusion: What really happened on this episode? The opening segment was great, but, from there, it felt like the show was just gliding along with no direction. Take this show on its own, and every story feels off.
Suddenly, Heath Slater as well as Elias Samson are involved in the Intercontinental Championship feud. Meanwhile, Tozawa is going corporate to get a title shot. I suppose Banks vs. Bliss is the plan. Maybe we'll get an even more definitive solution some time to the tag team title feud.
The matches were largely lackluster, and again WWE spent too much time telling stories backstage and not giving time to the in-ring work. The main event should have been better, and, because it wasn't, you could skip the entire show after the opening ten minutes.
Kurt Angle called out Miz after interfering in Ambrose's match with Angle telling him to deal with his issues with Ambrose as a wrestler would. Miz later tried to convince Slater to join his side, but Rhyno instead set up a match with Slater and Rhyno vs. Miz and a partner if he could find one.
Alexander confronted Dar who was FaceTiming with Alicia Fox, recovering from a neck injury, and he made clear tonight he ended all this drama for good. A Roman Reigns hype video was shown with an announcement he would make clear his plans for SummerSlam next week. A Finn Balor promo package was also shown.
In an interview, Bayley stated that she was not here to truly hurt people to win which was why she hesitated in her match with Bliss. After he saved Enzo again, Enzo found Show backstage and asked Show if he knew anything about the attacks with Show insulted, calling Cass sawft. In an interview, Joe said his plan was working as he had gotten in Lesnar's head.
Conclusion: What really happened on this episode? The opening segment was great, but, from there, it felt like the show was just gliding along with no direction. Take this show on its own, and every story feels off.
Suddenly, Heath Slater as well as Elias Samson are involved in the Intercontinental Championship feud. Meanwhile, Tozawa is going corporate to get a title shot. I suppose Banks vs. Bliss is the plan. Maybe we'll get an even more definitive solution some time to the tag team title feud.
The matches were largely lackluster, and again WWE spent too much time telling stories backstage and not giving time to the in-ring work. The main event should have been better, and, because it wasn't, you could skip the entire show after the opening ten minutes.