Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Shane McMahon continues to blatantly ignore the rematch clause KO is entitled to because he has that right by virtue of... tricking Vince into giving him power he never won.
Shane and Stephanie Open Their First Raw In Power Together By Making a Number One Contender Match
Overview: Stephanie McMahon began the show only to be quickly interrupted by Shane McMahon. Stephanie gave Shane a new framed picture of the same photo that Vince stepped on a few months back. The two agreed to be happy as a unit, controlling Monday Night Raw.
Stephanie let Shane say his idea for the show, but Kevin Owens interrupted. Owens wanted his Intercontinental Championship match, the rematch he deserved by contract of being a former champion. Cesaro interrupted, making clear he was not happy about KO costing him his title shot.
While the two argued over who deserved the match, Shane interrupted and made Owens vs. Cesaro in a number one contender match to open the show.
Analysis: This segment didn't really sell the idea of this new interesting power dynamic. The two barely got anywhere before Owens and Cesaro interrupted to set up the same situation we had a few weeks ago. Usually an opening segment should be setting up the main event not an opening bout.
It is cool to see the story with Stephanie evolve as she suddenly is playing the smiling team player with Shane for whatever reason. You would expect this is all for a bigger story to come as Stephanie's true plan reveals itself.
Stephanie let Shane say his idea for the show, but Kevin Owens interrupted. Owens wanted his Intercontinental Championship match, the rematch he deserved by contract of being a former champion. Cesaro interrupted, making clear he was not happy about KO costing him his title shot.
While the two argued over who deserved the match, Shane interrupted and made Owens vs. Cesaro in a number one contender match to open the show.
Analysis: This segment didn't really sell the idea of this new interesting power dynamic. The two barely got anywhere before Owens and Cesaro interrupted to set up the same situation we had a few weeks ago. Usually an opening segment should be setting up the main event not an opening bout.
It is cool to see the story with Stephanie evolve as she suddenly is playing the smiling team player with Shane for whatever reason. You would expect this is all for a bigger story to come as Stephanie's true plan reveals itself.
The Miz and Kevin Owen's commentary feud is in full swing now, and it's glorious.
Cesaro def. Kevin Owens by Disqualification Due to Interference
Overview: The Miz came out to watch the match with Cesaro starting out hot, throwing repeated uppercuts as he whipped Owens between the corners then hit a full charge dropkick for one. KO immediately rolled out for a breather with Cesaro following and hitting a somersault senton off the barricade.
Back in the ring, Cesaro hit a diving crossbody for two. Owens whipped Cesaro into the corner but ran into an elbow only to hit a superkick for two. Owens began to dominate with stomps focused on the bad shoulder. He hit a big DDT for two.
Cesaro fought back in the corner with a foot and an uppercut but ran into a back elbow. Owens went for a frog splash, but he took an uppercut on the top rope. With an elbow, Owens knocked Cesaro off the top, but Cesaro bounced back with a dropkick and a super gutwrench suplex for two.
Owens hit the bad shoulder as the two fought to the apron then KO hit a frog splash on Cesaro onto the floor. Owens fought off a Cesaro uppercut rally then hit a big suplex followed by a cannonball for two. Cesaro hit a corkscrew uppercut then rolled outside to take a running uppercut right into the steel barricade. Owens fought back with an elbow and went to use Miz's championship as a weapon.
Miz grabbed back his title with Cesaro taking out Owens then blasting Miz as well. Back in the ring, Cesaro went for a giant swing, but Miz got involved and attacked Cesaro, causing a DQ. Afterward, Owens and Miz argued then beat down on Cesaro until Zayn made the save.
He hit an exploder suplex on Miz in the corner then a Helluva Kick on Owens. He went for a Helluva Kick on Miz, but Maryse saved her husband by pulling him out of the ring. Zayn then grabbed the Intercontinental Championship and raised it high to the cheers of the crowd.
Analysis: The excitement around the Intercontinental Championship right now is palpable, and that is really cool. All four men in this mix are so good at what they do that it's no wonder. I wasn't sure about Miz as champion at first, but, with Maryse, he's been great lately.
Then you have Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in the mix who are on fire right now. Owens is basically stealing every second of every show he's on. Zayn is wrestling like a fire cracker which has the crowd behind him more than almost anyone.
The match here itself was fine. As he often does, Cesaro spent a bit too much time putting on a showcase rather than a match, and Owens didn't really slow him down this time to keep the story steady. Cesaro is fun to watch, but he's already becoming a bit of a one trick pony in the ring and as a character.
Back in the ring, Cesaro hit a diving crossbody for two. Owens whipped Cesaro into the corner but ran into an elbow only to hit a superkick for two. Owens began to dominate with stomps focused on the bad shoulder. He hit a big DDT for two.
Cesaro fought back in the corner with a foot and an uppercut but ran into a back elbow. Owens went for a frog splash, but he took an uppercut on the top rope. With an elbow, Owens knocked Cesaro off the top, but Cesaro bounced back with a dropkick and a super gutwrench suplex for two.
Owens hit the bad shoulder as the two fought to the apron then KO hit a frog splash on Cesaro onto the floor. Owens fought off a Cesaro uppercut rally then hit a big suplex followed by a cannonball for two. Cesaro hit a corkscrew uppercut then rolled outside to take a running uppercut right into the steel barricade. Owens fought back with an elbow and went to use Miz's championship as a weapon.
Miz grabbed back his title with Cesaro taking out Owens then blasting Miz as well. Back in the ring, Cesaro went for a giant swing, but Miz got involved and attacked Cesaro, causing a DQ. Afterward, Owens and Miz argued then beat down on Cesaro until Zayn made the save.
He hit an exploder suplex on Miz in the corner then a Helluva Kick on Owens. He went for a Helluva Kick on Miz, but Maryse saved her husband by pulling him out of the ring. Zayn then grabbed the Intercontinental Championship and raised it high to the cheers of the crowd.
Analysis: The excitement around the Intercontinental Championship right now is palpable, and that is really cool. All four men in this mix are so good at what they do that it's no wonder. I wasn't sure about Miz as champion at first, but, with Maryse, he's been great lately.
Then you have Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in the mix who are on fire right now. Owens is basically stealing every second of every show he's on. Zayn is wrestling like a fire cracker which has the crowd behind him more than almost anyone.
The match here itself was fine. As he often does, Cesaro spent a bit too much time putting on a showcase rather than a match, and Owens didn't really slow him down this time to keep the story steady. Cesaro is fun to watch, but he's already becoming a bit of a one trick pony in the ring and as a character.
Never have I seen such a cohesive team in the WWE.
Tyler Breeze def. Goldust
Overview: Tyler Breeze showed his unity as the match began by putting on a hair net. Goldust got distracted arguing with Truth, repeatedly not paying attention after he took down Breeze with punches. Tyler used this to tackle Goldust in the corner but then took a springboard elbow from Goldust.
Goldust then watched as Fandango and Truth danced outside in competition which allowed Breeze to roll up Dust for the win. Truth and Breeze gloated over their victory, and Goldust pouted in the ring.
Analysis: I am not wholly opposed to the way this story has developed. The matches have all been jokes, but the slow build story has been well done. It hasn't really stalled at all with new developments each week. It helps that Goldust and especially R-Truth are naturally funny plus this includes some talented, young, underused guys in Tyler Breeze and Fandango.
Ultimately, this should just be leading up to the Golden Truth becoming a team, and I hope it also leads to Tyler Breeze and Fandango teaming up as the two would be perfect together. In fact, I would be much more interested in Breezedango as a group in the division than I would Golden Truth.
Goldust then watched as Fandango and Truth danced outside in competition which allowed Breeze to roll up Dust for the win. Truth and Breeze gloated over their victory, and Goldust pouted in the ring.
Analysis: I am not wholly opposed to the way this story has developed. The matches have all been jokes, but the slow build story has been well done. It hasn't really stalled at all with new developments each week. It helps that Goldust and especially R-Truth are naturally funny plus this includes some talented, young, underused guys in Tyler Breeze and Fandango.
Ultimately, this should just be leading up to the Golden Truth becoming a team, and I hope it also leads to Tyler Breeze and Fandango teaming up as the two would be perfect together. In fact, I would be much more interested in Breezedango as a group in the division than I would Golden Truth.
With Enzo gone for a while, WWE has bumped up another fresh young team into the title picture... The Dudley Boyz!
The Vaudevillains Claimed Their Shot at The Tag Titles and Met Many Challengers; The New Day and Big Cass def. The Vaudevillains and The Dudley Boyz
Overview: The New Day talked about Enzo's injury and happily reported that he was doing well now after being sent to the hospital. They tried to keep the crowd positive until The Vaudevillains interrupted and made clear they didn't think Enzo was tough. They were the "real men" who would have gotten back up and kept fighting.
The Dudley Boyz interrupted the group and made clear they thought the tag team tournament needed to be restarted since no one won the final. Cass came out and made clear he was not happy with The Vaudevillains insulting his family. He got in the ring, and a fight broke out.
An eight man tag match began with The New Day dominating early with Cass showing his power on Simon Gotch and eventually facilitated a Unicorn Stampede on Gotch. Bubba Ray got the tag and began trying to teach their younger partners, dominating Xavier Woods with Devon continuing the assault. They told The Vaudevillains to do something with a tag to Aiden English.
Bubba got the next tag, but he fell right into an Xavier dropkick, planting Bubba. Bubba grabbed Woods in time and tagged in Devon to keep up the pressure. Kofi finally got the hot tag and hit the Boom Drop on Devon. Aiden English lured Kofi outside and smacked him into the steel post.
The domination continued on Kofi from there with him isolated in the heel corner. Devon hit a big corkscrew elbow when Kofi showed a moment of life. Aiden kept Kofi barely away from his corner with a grapevine into a tag to Devon who suplexed Kofi into the mat.
The Vaudevillains both got in the ring to double team Kofi then knock the rest of The New Day off the apron. However, Kofi took them both out, and Cass got the got tag. Cass cleared out everyone, leaving him with English. He hit a fallaway slam, big boot, then the Empire Elbow which Bubba broke up.
This caused a mad flurry of offense between the competitors. The Dudley Boyz were left together against Cass, but, as they went for a 3D, Kofi cleared out Bubba, allowing Cass to hit the East River Crossing for the win.
Analysis: This was a pretty long sequence of segments that didn't amount to much, but they were quality overall. The Dudley Boyz random insertion felt a bit sudden, but this is likely because they were originally supposed to keep feuding with Enzo and Cass before Enzo's injury.
With Enzo injured, it was cool to have Cass get the feel good big win here. The final sequence of this match was really well done and made Cass look like a beast. I have seen no word on how long Enzo will be out, but I would hope that Cass gets solo time to shine rather than disappearing if Enzo is gone for any good length of time.
Meanwhile, we now have a New Day vs. Vaudevillains feud which should be fun. The main issue here is that the heel have so little heat with the crowd. Even using Enzo's injury for heat didn't get too much of a reaction from the crowd. This is an issue battling a team so over like The New Day.
The Dudley Boyz interrupted the group and made clear they thought the tag team tournament needed to be restarted since no one won the final. Cass came out and made clear he was not happy with The Vaudevillains insulting his family. He got in the ring, and a fight broke out.
An eight man tag match began with The New Day dominating early with Cass showing his power on Simon Gotch and eventually facilitated a Unicorn Stampede on Gotch. Bubba Ray got the tag and began trying to teach their younger partners, dominating Xavier Woods with Devon continuing the assault. They told The Vaudevillains to do something with a tag to Aiden English.
Bubba got the next tag, but he fell right into an Xavier dropkick, planting Bubba. Bubba grabbed Woods in time and tagged in Devon to keep up the pressure. Kofi finally got the hot tag and hit the Boom Drop on Devon. Aiden English lured Kofi outside and smacked him into the steel post.
The domination continued on Kofi from there with him isolated in the heel corner. Devon hit a big corkscrew elbow when Kofi showed a moment of life. Aiden kept Kofi barely away from his corner with a grapevine into a tag to Devon who suplexed Kofi into the mat.
The Vaudevillains both got in the ring to double team Kofi then knock the rest of The New Day off the apron. However, Kofi took them both out, and Cass got the got tag. Cass cleared out everyone, leaving him with English. He hit a fallaway slam, big boot, then the Empire Elbow which Bubba broke up.
This caused a mad flurry of offense between the competitors. The Dudley Boyz were left together against Cass, but, as they went for a 3D, Kofi cleared out Bubba, allowing Cass to hit the East River Crossing for the win.
Analysis: This was a pretty long sequence of segments that didn't amount to much, but they were quality overall. The Dudley Boyz random insertion felt a bit sudden, but this is likely because they were originally supposed to keep feuding with Enzo and Cass before Enzo's injury.
With Enzo injured, it was cool to have Cass get the feel good big win here. The final sequence of this match was really well done and made Cass look like a beast. I have seen no word on how long Enzo will be out, but I would hope that Cass gets solo time to shine rather than disappearing if Enzo is gone for any good length of time.
Meanwhile, we now have a New Day vs. Vaudevillains feud which should be fun. The main issue here is that the heel have so little heat with the crowd. Even using Enzo's injury for heat didn't get too much of a reaction from the crowd. This is an issue battling a team so over like The New Day.
Becky Lynch clearly back too soon from her "horrific" black eye after WrestleMania.
Emma def. Becky Lynch
Overview: Emma and Becky Lynch got into a collar and elbow tie up until they fought into the corner with Emma slapping Becky. This set Lynch off who threw a series of arm drags and sent Emma rolling outside to recoup. Back in the ring, Emma hit a headbutt then tripped Becky off the top rope to begin dominating Becky.
Emma threw forearms at Becky's back then slammed her into the mat for two. She then locked in a full nelson with Becky getting to her feet and hitting a jawbreaker to break it. Emma hit a running knee for two then slammed her into the ropes with her foot.
Emma then bounced Becky off the bottom turnbuckle and then a Emma-mite Sandwich in the corner for two. Becky fought back with a series of clothesline and a heel kick. She hit a splash then Irish whipped Emma into the corner. She then hit the Bexplex for two.
Emma barely rolled to the ropes avoid the Dis-arm-her. As the referee tried to separate the two, Emma hit a thumb to the eye on Lynch to allow Emma to hit a Michinoku driver for the victory.
Analysis: Emma and Becky Lynch's Raw Fallout feud has been poorly built so far, but at least it led to them finally facing on television to jump start the feud. The two have solid chemistry and are great competitors. Emma winning as she did also makes sure this is the beginning not a blow off match for the feud.
The match was too short to be good, but it was solid overall. I can't wait to see more, and I would hope the two can get a spot at Extreme Rules in three weeks even if it is just the Kickoff. WWE needs to show off the women's division by having more than one feud in the division going on at any given time.
Emma threw forearms at Becky's back then slammed her into the mat for two. She then locked in a full nelson with Becky getting to her feet and hitting a jawbreaker to break it. Emma hit a running knee for two then slammed her into the ropes with her foot.
Emma then bounced Becky off the bottom turnbuckle and then a Emma-mite Sandwich in the corner for two. Becky fought back with a series of clothesline and a heel kick. She hit a splash then Irish whipped Emma into the corner. She then hit the Bexplex for two.
Emma barely rolled to the ropes avoid the Dis-arm-her. As the referee tried to separate the two, Emma hit a thumb to the eye on Lynch to allow Emma to hit a Michinoku driver for the victory.
Analysis: Emma and Becky Lynch's Raw Fallout feud has been poorly built so far, but at least it led to them finally facing on television to jump start the feud. The two have solid chemistry and are great competitors. Emma winning as she did also makes sure this is the beginning not a blow off match for the feud.
The match was too short to be good, but it was solid overall. I can't wait to see more, and I would hope the two can get a spot at Extreme Rules in three weeks even if it is just the Kickoff. WWE needs to show off the women's division by having more than one feud in the division going on at any given time.
Chris Jericho has done many heinous things in his life, but none so heinous as killing poor Mitch.
Dean Ambrose Pushes Stephanie McMahon's Buttons Until She Cancels the Ambrose Asylum and Reinstates the Highlight Reel
Overview: Dean Ambrose introduced his guest for the Ambrose Asylum tonight, the co-GM of Monday Night Raw Stephanie McMahon. Dean immediately questioned the fake smile of Steph's face. He nagged at Stephanie about taking a Spear at WrestleMania which Stephanie brushed off.
He then talked about how Stephanie spent so much time putting in time with WWE, and Shane just barged in on her work. Stephanie did not appreciate this and cancelled the Ambrose Asylum with Dean taking his plant Mitch, walking out.
Stephanie then announced the return of the Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho who came out and got in Ambrose's face. The two began brawling at ringside with Ambrose hitting a rebound clothesline before fighting in the ring and going for the Dirty Deeds just to have it turned into a Codebreaker.
Jericho threw out all the set of the Asylum then took Mitch and blasted Ambrose with him in the back of the head.
Analysis: I wasn't sure what to expect with this segment given that Chris Jericho has recently seemed to announce on Twitter that he was done with his latest run in WWE. Apparently that was a swerve because it led to Jericho's big return and a great final brawl.
This was easily the best we've seen from this feud so far. Jericho's seething assault felt earned this time, and the use of the potted plant was both humorous and effectively dramatic. It put the exclamation mark on this feud turning truly heated.
He then talked about how Stephanie spent so much time putting in time with WWE, and Shane just barged in on her work. Stephanie did not appreciate this and cancelled the Ambrose Asylum with Dean taking his plant Mitch, walking out.
Stephanie then announced the return of the Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho who came out and got in Ambrose's face. The two began brawling at ringside with Ambrose hitting a rebound clothesline before fighting in the ring and going for the Dirty Deeds just to have it turned into a Codebreaker.
Jericho threw out all the set of the Asylum then took Mitch and blasted Ambrose with him in the back of the head.
Analysis: I wasn't sure what to expect with this segment given that Chris Jericho has recently seemed to announce on Twitter that he was done with his latest run in WWE. Apparently that was a swerve because it led to Jericho's big return and a great final brawl.
This was easily the best we've seen from this feud so far. Jericho's seething assault felt earned this time, and the use of the potted plant was both humorous and effectively dramatic. It put the exclamation mark on this feud turning truly heated.
Zack Ryder is back... to getting beat down and losing in impressive fashion.
Rusev Wins the United States Championship Number One Contender Battle Royal, Last Eliminating Zack Ryder
Overview: Kalisto watched the battle royal on commentary. The returning Titus O'Neil eliminated Viktor immediately with Damien Sandow the second eliminated man. Apollo Crews eliminated Stardust while The Social Outcasts took out Darren Young. Sheamus Brogue Kicked Crews out of the match.
Dolph Ziggler then dropkicked Baron Corbin out of the match who immediately pulled Dolph out and attacked him. Corbin then gave Rusev Ziggler to eliminate him as Corbin watched on smiling. Sheamus suplexed Titus out of the match. Rusev then took out Curtis Axel.
Sin Cara managed to take out Bo Dallas. This left Cara and Zack Ryder against the three former members of the League of Nations, Sheamus, Rusev, and Alberto Del Rio. Cara hit a springboard rebound elbow on Rusev then a springboard moonsault on Del Rio and Sheamus.
Still, the former LoN dominated with Ryder falling into a Sheamus backbreaker. Del Rio then took out Cara after just barely avoiding falling off the apron. Sheamus threw Ryder into the center of the three heels who stomped on Zack repeatedly.
As they tried to eliminate Ryder, Sheamus slipped in and threw Del Rio onto the apron. He almost did it to Rusev too, but Del Rio hit Sheamus with a backstabber. Ryder hit ADR with a Rough Ryder. A Rusev superkick followed by a Del Rio superkick took out Sheamus. Rusev then took out ADR with a series of kicks.
This left Rusev and Ryder who threw a series of strikes then a diving dropkick. Ryder hit a big Broski Boot, but Rusev reversed pressure as Ryder tried to throw him out and managed to send Zack over the top rope to the floor for the win.
Analysis: This was a surprisingly well done battle royal. We got continuation for the Baron Corbin and Dolph Ziggler feud with a great vicious streak from Corbin. They also put the next stamp on the League of Nations disintegration with the three remaining members all showing one last moment of solidarity before all stabbing each other in the back.
The best part of the battle royal was the hints of Sin Cara potentially winning then Zack Ryder's ride to a near win. Both would have been interesting winners even though Sheamus and Rusev were always going to be the favorites in this match.
Ultimately, we have now set up the beginning of a Kalisto vs. Rusev feud which was a feud I expected for Mania. Now it doesn't involved the League of Nations which is even better. The two can have a straight forward battle of big man vs. little man, and it should be a really strong match.
Dolph Ziggler then dropkicked Baron Corbin out of the match who immediately pulled Dolph out and attacked him. Corbin then gave Rusev Ziggler to eliminate him as Corbin watched on smiling. Sheamus suplexed Titus out of the match. Rusev then took out Curtis Axel.
Sin Cara managed to take out Bo Dallas. This left Cara and Zack Ryder against the three former members of the League of Nations, Sheamus, Rusev, and Alberto Del Rio. Cara hit a springboard rebound elbow on Rusev then a springboard moonsault on Del Rio and Sheamus.
Still, the former LoN dominated with Ryder falling into a Sheamus backbreaker. Del Rio then took out Cara after just barely avoiding falling off the apron. Sheamus threw Ryder into the center of the three heels who stomped on Zack repeatedly.
As they tried to eliminate Ryder, Sheamus slipped in and threw Del Rio onto the apron. He almost did it to Rusev too, but Del Rio hit Sheamus with a backstabber. Ryder hit ADR with a Rough Ryder. A Rusev superkick followed by a Del Rio superkick took out Sheamus. Rusev then took out ADR with a series of kicks.
This left Rusev and Ryder who threw a series of strikes then a diving dropkick. Ryder hit a big Broski Boot, but Rusev reversed pressure as Ryder tried to throw him out and managed to send Zack over the top rope to the floor for the win.
Analysis: This was a surprisingly well done battle royal. We got continuation for the Baron Corbin and Dolph Ziggler feud with a great vicious streak from Corbin. They also put the next stamp on the League of Nations disintegration with the three remaining members all showing one last moment of solidarity before all stabbing each other in the back.
The best part of the battle royal was the hints of Sin Cara potentially winning then Zack Ryder's ride to a near win. Both would have been interesting winners even though Sheamus and Rusev were always going to be the favorites in this match.
Ultimately, we have now set up the beginning of a Kalisto vs. Rusev feud which was a feud I expected for Mania. Now it doesn't involved the League of Nations which is even better. The two can have a straight forward battle of big man vs. little man, and it should be a really strong match.
I didn't know I needed Ric Flair calling Charles Robinson "Lil Naitch" in my life until it happened.
Charles Robinson Refuses to Admit to Screwing Natalya And Natalya Makes Flair Pay
Overview: Charlotte made clear she had won clearly against Natalya and Bret Hart, but she couldn't stand for an controversy. Thus, she brought out the referee Charles Robinson. He made clear that, while Natalya did not physically tap out, she verbally submitted. Robinson also made clear his decision had nothing to do with his admiration of Flair.
The crowd began a flurry of "cheater" chants with Charlotte only concerned that the result on Sunday was final. Natalya interrupted and was not happy about being clearly screwed. Charlotte tried to attack Natalya but got fought off. Natalya then slapped Flair and locked him in the Sharpshooter until Charlotte pulled her father out of the ring.
Analysis: This segment went just as expected. Robinson spoke for a few moments, showed a clear disingenuous smile and left. Hopefully, this is the last we hear about the terrible screwjob finish. I did find it a bit silly how Bret Hart's whole appearance was basically brushed aside to be forgotten.
I didn't really need to see Natalya attacking Ric at all. It was good that Ric got his comeuppance, but it is just uncomfortable watching Flair get physical nowadays especially against women given his history. Luckily, he shouldn't get involved in the women's rubber match at Extreme Rules.
The crowd began a flurry of "cheater" chants with Charlotte only concerned that the result on Sunday was final. Natalya interrupted and was not happy about being clearly screwed. Charlotte tried to attack Natalya but got fought off. Natalya then slapped Flair and locked him in the Sharpshooter until Charlotte pulled her father out of the ring.
Analysis: This segment went just as expected. Robinson spoke for a few moments, showed a clear disingenuous smile and left. Hopefully, this is the last we hear about the terrible screwjob finish. I did find it a bit silly how Bret Hart's whole appearance was basically brushed aside to be forgotten.
I didn't really need to see Natalya attacking Ric at all. It was good that Ric got his comeuppance, but it is just uncomfortable watching Flair get physical nowadays especially against women given his history. Luckily, he shouldn't get involved in the women's rubber match at Extreme Rules.
Roman Reigns, the hero who destroys a man for defending himself.
AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson def. Roman Reigns and The Usos
Overview: AJ Styles and Roman Reigns stared each other down immediately and chose to start the match. They locked up with Reigns forcing him into the corner. Reigns used his power to send Styles reeling with Gallows tagging himself in to fight Reigns which AJ was not too happy about.
Luke fell right into a Samoan drop with Reigns then tagging in Jimmy Uso who used his speed against Gallows. Jimmy hit an enzuigiri then tagged in Jey for a splash. Gallows caught Jey midair with a big boot then threw Jey outside with the two teams making sure of no foul play outside.
Jey was isolated and dominated by Gallows and Anderson with Anderson keeping Jey down with a strong spinebuster. Styles got the tag and threw Jey into the corner before hitting a jumping forearm for two. Gallows ran into the ring to take out Jimmy and make sure Jey didn't get a tag which distracted Styles who took a kick to the face that grounded both men.
Reigns got the hot tag and went off, hitting Gallows with a Drive By then slamming Anderson into the mat. Styles barely got the tag in to save Anderson. Reigns dodged a Phenomenal Forearm, but Styles then blocked a Spear. Jimmy got the tag and hit a diving crossbody for two.
Reigns cleared the ring only to get teamed up on by Anderson and Gallows who hit Roman with the Boot of Doom into the timekeeper's area. Styles then hit the Phenomenal Forearm on Jimmy for the win. Afterward, Anderson and Gallows dragged Roman to the ring and told Styles to bash Reigns with a steel chair.
Styles refused to do the deed, and the two men began assaulting Reigns on their own. Jimmy came in and smashed Styles with a steel chair with a brawl breaking out with AJ taking out The Usos with a steel chair. Reigns lost it, hit a Superman Punch on AJ, then went outside to throw AJ into the barricade.
Roman then destroyed an announce table and hit Styles with a powerbomb through the table. He stood tall over Styles to end the night.
Analysis: This was a pretty good main event though the action only reached its second gear by the finish. Reigns' hot tag could have been the jumping off point. Instead it was sort of the match finish as it caused the quick chaos and close to the contest. Still, it was solid.
The post-match chaos was basically another part of the match though, and that was brilliant. I'm finally convinced I see the picture being painted here. Anderson and Gallows are legitimately trying to recruit AJ to their side. They want him to destroy Reigns and take the gold.
AJ is absolutely the face, and he wants no part of Anderson and Gallows' assaults despite seeing them as friends. Unfortunately, he is still seen as the enemy by Reigns and The Usos which leads to them attacking him which sets him off. Here Reigns misunderstood the fair exchange of chair shots as a cheap attack and lost it.
The question here is: what is the end game? I can see it going one of two ways. 1. AJ loses it because no one will believe him, and they keep going after him. Thus, Styles turns heel and joins the group out of frustration. 2. Styles refuses to give in, and Anderson and Gallows turn on him for being weak, costing him the title. They then likely team up with a debuting Finn Balor.
No matter what, I am fully invested in this storytelling. It is deeper than WWE usually goes with a set up twist coming that should have real build up and strong consequences going forward.
Luke fell right into a Samoan drop with Reigns then tagging in Jimmy Uso who used his speed against Gallows. Jimmy hit an enzuigiri then tagged in Jey for a splash. Gallows caught Jey midair with a big boot then threw Jey outside with the two teams making sure of no foul play outside.
Jey was isolated and dominated by Gallows and Anderson with Anderson keeping Jey down with a strong spinebuster. Styles got the tag and threw Jey into the corner before hitting a jumping forearm for two. Gallows ran into the ring to take out Jimmy and make sure Jey didn't get a tag which distracted Styles who took a kick to the face that grounded both men.
Reigns got the hot tag and went off, hitting Gallows with a Drive By then slamming Anderson into the mat. Styles barely got the tag in to save Anderson. Reigns dodged a Phenomenal Forearm, but Styles then blocked a Spear. Jimmy got the tag and hit a diving crossbody for two.
Reigns cleared the ring only to get teamed up on by Anderson and Gallows who hit Roman with the Boot of Doom into the timekeeper's area. Styles then hit the Phenomenal Forearm on Jimmy for the win. Afterward, Anderson and Gallows dragged Roman to the ring and told Styles to bash Reigns with a steel chair.
Styles refused to do the deed, and the two men began assaulting Reigns on their own. Jimmy came in and smashed Styles with a steel chair with a brawl breaking out with AJ taking out The Usos with a steel chair. Reigns lost it, hit a Superman Punch on AJ, then went outside to throw AJ into the barricade.
Roman then destroyed an announce table and hit Styles with a powerbomb through the table. He stood tall over Styles to end the night.
Analysis: This was a pretty good main event though the action only reached its second gear by the finish. Reigns' hot tag could have been the jumping off point. Instead it was sort of the match finish as it caused the quick chaos and close to the contest. Still, it was solid.
The post-match chaos was basically another part of the match though, and that was brilliant. I'm finally convinced I see the picture being painted here. Anderson and Gallows are legitimately trying to recruit AJ to their side. They want him to destroy Reigns and take the gold.
AJ is absolutely the face, and he wants no part of Anderson and Gallows' assaults despite seeing them as friends. Unfortunately, he is still seen as the enemy by Reigns and The Usos which leads to them attacking him which sets him off. Here Reigns misunderstood the fair exchange of chair shots as a cheap attack and lost it.
The question here is: what is the end game? I can see it going one of two ways. 1. AJ loses it because no one will believe him, and they keep going after him. Thus, Styles turns heel and joins the group out of frustration. 2. Styles refuses to give in, and Anderson and Gallows turn on him for being weak, costing him the title. They then likely team up with a debuting Finn Balor.
No matter what, I am fully invested in this storytelling. It is deeper than WWE usually goes with a set up twist coming that should have real build up and strong consequences going forward.
RIP Ambrose Asylum, a true high quality production.
Final Notes: Dean Ambrose met Stephanie McMahon backstage with Dean saying he didn't believe the facade Stephanie was putting on, so she agreed to be a guest on the Ambrose Asylum for the night and would take an questions. Roman Reigns found AJ Styles with Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson backstage and challenged them to a match with him and The Usos.
R-Truth talked to his new partner Tyler Breeze who wasn't paying attention until Goldust came in and called his looks average. Fandango slipped in and interrupted Goldust with both groups not quite showing unity.
Stephanie McMahon found Ric Flair and Charlotte backstage and was so distraught by the way the Flairs looked, now embarrassed. She announced a submission match at Extreme Rules between Charlotte and Natalya with Ric banned from ringside.
Conclusion: This Raw was fast paced and focused with fewer segments than usual and a lot more focus on building up quickly to the next big show with Extreme Rules. I am all for all of that honestly. WWE should always be looking immediately or exceedingly forward. When it's not doing either, that is when the show drags.
This show had a number of solid matches with story behind them. Even the less impressive contests had build. The promos were not long winded with a few brawls tonight that were exceedingly strong and developed the big matches for Extreme Rules.
It is a little silly that WWE keeps harping on this being a new era, but it is clearly the truth in how different the roster looks now. More than that, the shows are finally moving at a pace consistently that almost makes three hours feel correct for Raw.
While the week to week quality will probably falter over time, I would hope that this pacing and use of fresh talent continues for the long haul especially if it includes continual forward thinking that focuses on the next PPV. This was an example of what a regular Raw in this "new era" should look like.
R-Truth talked to his new partner Tyler Breeze who wasn't paying attention until Goldust came in and called his looks average. Fandango slipped in and interrupted Goldust with both groups not quite showing unity.
Stephanie McMahon found Ric Flair and Charlotte backstage and was so distraught by the way the Flairs looked, now embarrassed. She announced a submission match at Extreme Rules between Charlotte and Natalya with Ric banned from ringside.
Conclusion: This Raw was fast paced and focused with fewer segments than usual and a lot more focus on building up quickly to the next big show with Extreme Rules. I am all for all of that honestly. WWE should always be looking immediately or exceedingly forward. When it's not doing either, that is when the show drags.
This show had a number of solid matches with story behind them. Even the less impressive contests had build. The promos were not long winded with a few brawls tonight that were exceedingly strong and developed the big matches for Extreme Rules.
It is a little silly that WWE keeps harping on this being a new era, but it is clearly the truth in how different the roster looks now. More than that, the shows are finally moving at a pace consistently that almost makes three hours feel correct for Raw.
While the week to week quality will probably falter over time, I would hope that this pacing and use of fresh talent continues for the long haul especially if it includes continual forward thinking that focuses on the next PPV. This was an example of what a regular Raw in this "new era" should look like.