Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Backlash last night established a crazy new setting for SmackDown, demanding that Monday Night Raw respond. With Extreme Rules in 2 weeks, Raw has some time left to do so, but they must kick into high gear.
Last week's show took drastic steps to revamp the road to Extreme Rules with a Fatal 5-Way match announced for the event as well as many matches changed for the show. This led a wonky show that hurt Raw's momentum. This week was all about taking a step forward and creating new excitement for Raw's next pay-per-view.
Last week's show took drastic steps to revamp the road to Extreme Rules with a Fatal 5-Way match announced for the event as well as many matches changed for the show. This led a wonky show that hurt Raw's momentum. This week was all about taking a step forward and creating new excitement for Raw's next pay-per-view.
Oh great, this is what you've done to us, Strowman. We're back to Reigns vs. Wyatt.
Roman Reigns def. Bray Wyatt By Disqualification
Overview: Bray Wyatt opened the show and declared that he was assured to win at Extreme Rules and would soon save WWE from The Beast Brock Lesnar. He then began berating Roman Reigns who came out and demanded a match which Kurt Angle made official.
Samoa Joe interfered early and stuck Reigns in a Coquina Clutch then Joe caught Wyatt with one as well which brought out his rival Seth Rollins. Reigns and Rollins then cleared the ring together.
Highlights:
Analysis: This whole segment felt like a time waster to keep the top Raw stars in conflict. Wyatt called out Reigns in particular, but the match that followed was quickly squashed to set up a future tag team match. This was far too long to set up a main event.
Samoa Joe interfered early and stuck Reigns in a Coquina Clutch then Joe caught Wyatt with one as well which brought out his rival Seth Rollins. Reigns and Rollins then cleared the ring together.
Highlights:
- Wyatt nearly hit Sister Abigail, but Reigns fought out and big booted Wyatt.
- Reigns ran at Wyatt right into a running crossbody.
Analysis: This whole segment felt like a time waster to keep the top Raw stars in conflict. Wyatt called out Reigns in particular, but the match that followed was quickly squashed to set up a future tag team match. This was far too long to set up a main event.
Nothing says cruiserweight matter like giving one of your top CWs a diving senton as a finisher.
Akira Tozawa def. Ariya Daivari
Overview: Backstage, The Brian Kendrick watched this match and talked to commentary about Akira Tozawa still being a student. Tozawa's fast paced offense was too much for Ariya Daivari who only got in one good clothesline before running into a German suplex then a diving senton for the win.
Analysis: This match could have been longer, but it wasn't surprising for WWE to simply use this time to build Tozawa. Plus this allowed Tozawa to add a second finish to his offense even if it was a diving senton, not the most exciting new finisher. It was odd that Kendrick was almost on commentary yet watched backstage instead.
Analysis: This match could have been longer, but it wasn't surprising for WWE to simply use this time to build Tozawa. Plus this allowed Tozawa to add a second finish to his offense even if it was a diving senton, not the most exciting new finisher. It was odd that Kendrick was almost on commentary yet watched backstage instead.
Dean Ambrose does not know how to handle this odd performer who actually is driven to prove himself.
Elias Samson def. Dean Ambrose By Disqualification
Overview: Elias Samson surprisingly took over this match early with his size and power overmatching Dean Ambrose with The Miz pleased on commentary. Just as it looked like Ambrose was coming back in this match, Miz ran down to the ring and hit Samson to intentionally get Ambrose disqualified. Ambrose chased Miz but ran into a swinging neckbreaker from Samson.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was solid throughout and made The Drifter look better than he ever did in NXT. While Samson's gimmick likely does not have staying power, he has a great physique which might have gotten him the right attention. He's a bruiser who could add a solid player to the midcard if built this well going forward.
Highlights:
- Samson trapped Ambrose in the ropes and pulled him throat-first into the rope.
- Samson caught Ambrose with a back elbow bouncing off the ropes then continued the assault with a running knee to Ambrose hanging off the apron.
- Ambrose fought back with elbows then a swinging neckbreaker.
- Ambrose caught Samson with a series of running forearms then went for a diving elbow drop right into a jumping knee.
Analysis: This match was solid throughout and made The Drifter look better than he ever did in NXT. While Samson's gimmick likely does not have staying power, he has a great physique which might have gotten him the right attention. He's a bruiser who could add a solid player to the midcard if built this well going forward.
The only real question here is why isn't Paul Heyman already managing Finn Balor? The guy sounds like a robot on his own.
Finn Balor def. Karl Anderson
Overview: Finn Balor talked before his match only to be interrupted by Paul Heyman who made clear he was here to scout potential victims for Lesnar. He turned to Finn Balor though with more respect, wishing him luck. Karl Anderson finally interrupted with Luke Gallows for their scheduled match.
While Anderson looked good especially with the help of Gallows frequently in this match, Balor took out Gallows and managed to hit a corner dropkick into the Coup De Grace for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: Heyman's return was welcome, signaling that Lesnar is paying attention, with Heyman also focusing on Balor perhaps because he's the smallest and the one coming off injury. This may be the best that Anderson has ever looked one-on-one in WWE. This isn't surprising given that Balor is friends with Anderson and would want to help him.
While Anderson looked good especially with the help of Gallows frequently in this match, Balor took out Gallows and managed to hit a corner dropkick into the Coup De Grace for the win.
Highlights:
- Balor caught Anderson out of a roll with a dropkick then repeatedly dropped knees on Anderson from the ropes.
- A distraction from Gallows allowed Anderson to hit an elbow then clothesline.
- Balor caught Anderson with an overhead kick then a series of strikes ending in a dropkick followed by a series of chops in the corner before sending Balor to the floor off the top rope with an enzuigiri.
- Balor made sure to take out Gallows with a dropkick and soccer kick off the apron.
- Gallows avoided the Coup De Grace attempt then hit a spinebuster.
- Balor connected with a double foot stomp into a somersault plancha on both partners then hit the Slingblade back in the ring.
Analysis: Heyman's return was welcome, signaling that Lesnar is paying attention, with Heyman also focusing on Balor perhaps because he's the smallest and the one coming off injury. This may be the best that Anderson has ever looked one-on-one in WWE. This isn't surprising given that Balor is friends with Anderson and would want to help him.
Sasha Banks could not be happier about going from main eventing with Charlotte to feuding with Alicia Fox.
Sasha Banks def. Alicia Fox
Overview: Alicia Fox needed Noam Dar to frequently distract Sasha Banks to find any opening against a driven Sasha Banks who was still too much. Banks took the win clearly with a double knee drop in the corner. Afterward, Dar got in the ring and slapped, distracting Banks long enough to take a scissors kick from Fox.
Highlights:
Analysis: If WWE really wants to build this feud up, why are they getting three minutes to perform? Banks basically squashed Fox here despite frequent interference from Dar. The only interesting thing that came out of this was the tease we could get Banks vs. Dar which might be a quality encounter if WWE is willing to have an intergender match.
Highlights:
- Banks quickly caught Fox with the Bank Statement then, when she rolled outside, hit her with a baseball slide.
- Dar distracted Banks to allow Fox to big boot Banks who was on the apron.
Analysis: If WWE really wants to build this feud up, why are they getting three minutes to perform? Banks basically squashed Fox here despite frequent interference from Dar. The only interesting thing that came out of this was the tease we could get Banks vs. Dar which might be a quality encounter if WWE is willing to have an intergender match.
It's like Rey Mysterio vs. Shelton Benjamin for a modern age if WWE never wanted either man to succeed.
Kalisto def. Apollo Crews
Overview: Titus O'Neil coached Apollo Crews as he fought his friend Kalisto but seemed mostly to be a distraction. When Kalisto nearly rolled up Crews, Titus began freaking out, yelling at Crews which distracted him right into a Salida Del Sol for the loss.
Highlights:
Analysis: This is a matchup with potential, but Crews is clearly not being set up as a guy who will have long matches. The two were just getting moving when Kalisto took the win. Kalisto continues to build momentum on Raw and has been the biggest beneficiary of the move to Raw as he was doing nothing on SmackDown.
Highlights:
- Kalisto sent Crews to the floor with a headscissors but then ran right into Crews' dropkick when going for a suicide dive.
- Crews caught Kalisto running with an enzuigiri.
Analysis: This is a matchup with potential, but Crews is clearly not being set up as a guy who will have long matches. The two were just getting moving when Kalisto took the win. Kalisto continues to build momentum on Raw and has been the biggest beneficiary of the move to Raw as he was doing nothing on SmackDown.
Sheamus already taking notes from our WWE Champion.
Matt Hardy def. Sheamus to Earn the Right to Make The Tag Team Title Match a Steel Cage Match
Overview: Sheamus weathered the early momentum of Matt Hardy and ground him down. However, frequent conflicts between Jeff Hardy and Cesaro swung the momentum until Sheamus ran into a Twist of Fate for the loss. Afterward, Matt announced their match would be inside a steel cage.
Highlights:
Analysis: Again, Sheamus and Matt show solid chemistry with a stronger match this time around. Matt's limited offense was hidden by Sheamus' extensive moveset, leading to a physical battle. A steel cage match between these teams should be even more physical and have all four battling at once which could easily steal the show at Extreme Rules.
Highlights:
- Matt sent Sheamus to the floor with Sheamus returning only to nearly take a Twist of Fate and running back outside.
- Sheamus landed the Beats of the Bodhran then ran Matt off the apron into the barricade with a shoulder tackle.
- Matt sidestepped Sheamus then repeatedly smacked his head into each turnbuckle only to be caught on the top rope and take a rolling senton.
- Sheamus caught Matt with White Noise with Sheamus then distracted outside to set up a tornado DDT by Matt.
- Matt missed the bulldog but then hit the Side Effect with Sheamus blocking a Twist of Fate and Side Effect and land a bicycle high knee.
Analysis: Again, Sheamus and Matt show solid chemistry with a stronger match this time around. Matt's limited offense was hidden by Sheamus' extensive moveset, leading to a physical battle. A steel cage match between these teams should be even more physical and have all four battling at once which could easily steal the show at Extreme Rules.
I want to make a joke, but I'm just in awe of the pure muscle count in the ring right now.
Austin Aries def. Tony Nese
Overview: Austin Aries was distracted by Neville watching at ringside allowing Tony Nese to kick him down, focusing on the bandaged left knee. As Nese tried to dominate Aries, he wasn't ready for Aries' savvy as the veteran turned a guillotine into the Last Chancery for a quick tapout. Neville then locked Nese in the Rings of Saturn, staring at AA.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a solid match that never truly felt out of hand for Aries. It told the right story though as Aries battled through his injury and showed that he can find ways to work through the pain and is a master of submissions going into a submission match. This was a strong story building moment for a feud that has stalled a bit.
Highlights:
- Aries landed a corkscrew diving back elbow on the neck of Nese.
- Nese ducked out just in time to avoid the Last Chancery only to take a plancha.
- Aries dived right into a jumping elbow smash.
- Aries turned a vertical suplex into a guillotine choke.
Analysis: This was a solid match that never truly felt out of hand for Aries. It told the right story though as Aries battled through his injury and showed that he can find ways to work through the pain and is a master of submissions going into a submission match. This was a strong story building moment for a feud that has stalled a bit.
Only in the women's division could a 5'1" wrestler be the striker that can knock you out with one shot.
Alexa Bliss def. Mickie James
Overview: Mickie James dominated this match from the outset, seeming to have Alexa Bliss outmatched. However, one straight right to the face knocked out Mickie cold into a DDT for the win. Afterward, Bliss smacked Mickie with a kendo stick which sent out Bayley who tripped Bliss and stole the kendo stick which sent Bliss running.
Highlights:
Analysis: Bliss vs. Mickie was an exciting prospect at one point, but Mickie continues to be dominated by Bliss who wins with little offense. It looks as if Bliss's straight right is becoming a finisher just as much as the DDT, but it often feels like too little from Bliss to take wins as she's not a large competitor. I also wonder where Nia Jax is in all this.
Highlights:
- Mickie landed a roundhouse to the gut then a step-up snap kick followed by running forearms and a neckbreaker.
- Mickie connected with a snapmare into a dropkick.
- Bliss blocked the headscissors out of the corner then landed a straight right.
Analysis: Bliss vs. Mickie was an exciting prospect at one point, but Mickie continues to be dominated by Bliss who wins with little offense. It looks as if Bliss's straight right is becoming a finisher just as much as the DDT, but it often feels like too little from Bliss to take wins as she's not a large competitor. I also wonder where Nia Jax is in all this.
It must be tough for all this talent to be on a show with no world champion.
Bray Wyatt and Samoa Joe def. Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns
Overview: Bray Wyatt and Samoa Joe showed impressive teamwork together which was too much for Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns who were at odds. Reigns went for the Superman Punch on Joe but was sent into Rollins, causing conflict that allowed Wyatt to pull Reigns outside then Joe to lock Rollins in the Coquina Clutch with Rollins passing out.
Highlights:
Analysis: Main event tag team matches are all basically the same with little attempt to make them great matches. This was a fine clash between talented stars and showed some potential in a team of Joe and Wyatt down the line. It just didn't have much of a running thread to make it impactful.
Highlights:
- On the apron, Rollins jumped over a charging strike from Joe but then took a forearm from Wyatt then sent him into the barricade.
- Wyatt landed a body avalanche to the back of Reigns after Joe distracted him then sent him outside for Joe to throw him into the barricade.
- Joe reversed a Reigns whip, sending Reigns into the corner followed by a running back elbow into an enzuigiri.
- With the hot tag, Rollins hit Joe with a springboard clothesline then a blockbuster and Slinglade before a suicide dive on Joe and Wyatt.
- Joe and Wyatt went for a double superplex on Rollins, but he knocked off both then hit a crossbody on both.
- Rollins went for his finisher but was struck from behind by Wyatt with Wyatt going for Sister Abigail only to be knocked outside.
Analysis: Main event tag team matches are all basically the same with little attempt to make them great matches. This was a fine clash between talented stars and showed some potential in a team of Joe and Wyatt down the line. It just didn't have much of a running thread to make it impactful.
Just a reminder to buy your stock in the Titus brand today. I hear Drax from Guardians of the Galaxy is an investor.
Final Notes: Kurt Angle found Rollins and Reigns arguing and declared the tag team main event with Elias Samson drifting in only for Angle to make The Drifter vs. Ambrose for later. Banks was interviewed and promised to get out of this mess with Fox and Dar after a win, but the two interrupted with Banks scaring Dar silent.
Kalisto questioned Crews' actions over the past few months which brought over Titus O'Neil who booked the two to fight tonight. Shattered Dream Productions presented a Goldust promo where he said he was ready to shine alone as the sole director of his career.
Bliss was interviewed and said she was not sorry for the damage she did to Bayley before promising to turn her dreams to nightmares as she would Mickie tonight. After the main event, Balor found Angle and asked to be in the main event next week with Angle announcing Balor vs. Wyatt vs. Joe and Reigns vs. Rollins next week.
Conclusion: This was a solid show overall but nothing special with a steady stream of wrestling matches that had a purpose. I still miss the time that the three hours of Raw were used to have a couple great matches rather than a whole bunch of all right ones, but the main concern is solid pacing and segments that matter.
This had just that. Extreme Rules looks far better after this week than last week with actual stipulations added to more matches. In a few weeks, the whole show will be forgotten, but it may be the important building block that helps make Extreme Rules one of the best shows of 2017.
I still have low expectations for Raw in the coming weeks, but this was far from the trudge that usually begins at this time of the year. Next week should be an even better show with two great matches already announced and final build up before Extreme Rules.
Kalisto questioned Crews' actions over the past few months which brought over Titus O'Neil who booked the two to fight tonight. Shattered Dream Productions presented a Goldust promo where he said he was ready to shine alone as the sole director of his career.
Bliss was interviewed and said she was not sorry for the damage she did to Bayley before promising to turn her dreams to nightmares as she would Mickie tonight. After the main event, Balor found Angle and asked to be in the main event next week with Angle announcing Balor vs. Wyatt vs. Joe and Reigns vs. Rollins next week.
Conclusion: This was a solid show overall but nothing special with a steady stream of wrestling matches that had a purpose. I still miss the time that the three hours of Raw were used to have a couple great matches rather than a whole bunch of all right ones, but the main concern is solid pacing and segments that matter.
This had just that. Extreme Rules looks far better after this week than last week with actual stipulations added to more matches. In a few weeks, the whole show will be forgotten, but it may be the important building block that helps make Extreme Rules one of the best shows of 2017.
I still have low expectations for Raw in the coming weeks, but this was far from the trudge that usually begins at this time of the year. Next week should be an even better show with two great matches already announced and final build up before Extreme Rules.