Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Turns out that injuries don't always suddenly turn arrogant jerks into fan serving heroes. Who knew?
Seth Rollins Promises to Get Back His WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Overview: Seth Rollins came to the ring and made clear that he had envisioned his return for over 200 days, and now he was here. While he acknowledged the crowd cheers, he turned on the crowd quickly, showing that he was the same man he used to be. He disregarded the fan's love and told them all he cared about was getting back the WWE Championship he never lost.
This brought out Roman Reigns with Rollins choosing not to fight Reigns directly as he looked to leave. However, Shane McMahon came out and wanted to convince to two to speak man to man. He then announced officially that at Money in the Bank we'd see Roman Reigns face Seth Rollins for the World Title.
Analysis: The end results of this segment was expected, but this opening did work to show where WWE was going with the returned Seth Rollins. He is the same character as he was before, but he has no Authority anymore at his back. He is a heel who does not care about the crowd reaction.
I wouldn't bet on Rollins staying heel long term. The crowd reaction for him was crazy positive tonight even if he convinced them to boo him along the way. He also isn't exactly going to be booed when fighting Roman Reigns. The two are both sort of in tweener mode right now.
This brought out Roman Reigns with Rollins choosing not to fight Reigns directly as he looked to leave. However, Shane McMahon came out and wanted to convince to two to speak man to man. He then announced officially that at Money in the Bank we'd see Roman Reigns face Seth Rollins for the World Title.
Analysis: The end results of this segment was expected, but this opening did work to show where WWE was going with the returned Seth Rollins. He is the same character as he was before, but he has no Authority anymore at his back. He is a heel who does not care about the crowd reaction.
I wouldn't bet on Rollins staying heel long term. The crowd reaction for him was crazy positive tonight even if he convinced them to boo him along the way. He also isn't exactly going to be booed when fighting Roman Reigns. The two are both sort of in tweener mode right now.
Sheamus is fed up with a new era that thinks it can replace him with a smaller, more athletic, much tanner fellow ginger.
Sami Zayn def. Sheamus to Qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Overview: Sheamus' early overconfidence as he kept grounding Zayn turned on him as Zayn fought back with a heel kick. Sami sent him reeling to the outside with a hurricanrana with Zayn following and hitting a moonsault off the barricade. Sheamus fought back, finally taking Zayn seriously, slamming him repeatedly into the mat.
Sami fought Sheamus off the top rope but missed a move off the top, running right into a backbreaker. Zayn fought back with a vicious clothesline and a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. The two exchanged strikes, but Sheamus tripped him midway through an arm twist rope walk.
Zayn managed to barely dodge a Brogue Kick and send Sheamus reeling to the outside. He then ran right into a hard right from Sheamus but pulled out a sudden Helluva Kick for the win.
Analysis: This was a strong match as expected while being helped by the great decision to have qualifier matches for Money in the Bank this year. Sami Zayn and Sheamus have solid chemistry, but they also were wrestling for a huge opportunity which made the match bigger and better.
In the end, Zayn's win was expected given Sheamus' recent degradation of status, but it was cool to have them actually focus on Sheamus' anger as his character seems to be evolving to the new focus of the product. His best moments as a heel were when he went after the smaller wrestlers with an air of superiority. Now he can do that with the "new era".
Sami fought Sheamus off the top rope but missed a move off the top, running right into a backbreaker. Zayn fought back with a vicious clothesline and a Blue Thunder Bomb for two. The two exchanged strikes, but Sheamus tripped him midway through an arm twist rope walk.
Zayn managed to barely dodge a Brogue Kick and send Sheamus reeling to the outside. He then ran right into a hard right from Sheamus but pulled out a sudden Helluva Kick for the win.
Analysis: This was a strong match as expected while being helped by the great decision to have qualifier matches for Money in the Bank this year. Sami Zayn and Sheamus have solid chemistry, but they also were wrestling for a huge opportunity which made the match bigger and better.
In the end, Zayn's win was expected given Sheamus' recent degradation of status, but it was cool to have them actually focus on Sheamus' anger as his character seems to be evolving to the new focus of the product. His best moments as a heel were when he went after the smaller wrestlers with an air of superiority. Now he can do that with the "new era".
Honestly, they should just let Big E eat the cake already. He's looking at it like it's the first food he's seen in a decade.
The New Day def. The Social Outcasts in a Six Man Tag Team Match
Overview: The New Day celebrated the Monday Night Raw 1200th episode with a cake, but, while they were having fun, the Social Outcasts assaulted them from behind ahead of their scheduled six man tag team match. While the Social Outcasts began dominating, they couldn't do so for long as Heath Slater got isolated in the New Day corner.
The New Day saved Slater from his isolated dominance, but their Bo-Train was interrupted by an Xavier Woods front somersault over the top rope. He then threw Slater back in the ring to get taken out for the three count. Afterward, The New Day threw their cake into Slater's face.
Analysis: This was not the best of segments. It almost felt like an outright burial of the Social Outcasts with them just getting destroyed by The New Day who barely took them seriously. I have no idea what to make of the point of this segment. Was it just to keep New Day on TV until more worthy competitors (Enzo and Cass) return?
When a six man tag match was announced, I expected The Vaudevillains would be involved. For some reason, they didn't even appear tonight on the show. The two have been briskly shuffled off to the side with the tag team division so wholly shallow right now despite the number of teams on the roster.
The New Day saved Slater from his isolated dominance, but their Bo-Train was interrupted by an Xavier Woods front somersault over the top rope. He then threw Slater back in the ring to get taken out for the three count. Afterward, The New Day threw their cake into Slater's face.
Analysis: This was not the best of segments. It almost felt like an outright burial of the Social Outcasts with them just getting destroyed by The New Day who barely took them seriously. I have no idea what to make of the point of this segment. Was it just to keep New Day on TV until more worthy competitors (Enzo and Cass) return?
When a six man tag match was announced, I expected The Vaudevillains would be involved. For some reason, they didn't even appear tonight on the show. The two have been briskly shuffled off to the side with the tag team division so wholly shallow right now despite the number of teams on the roster.
Even if he hadn't injured the arm already, Miz would still be targeting the shoulder because, like the rest of us, he's just sick of all the uppercuts.
Cesaro def. The Miz to Qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Overview: The Miz made sure to praise his own victory highly before his match before making clear he was ready to become Mr. Money in the Bank as well. Miz had no answer to Cesaro early as he began rolling with uppercuts then followed Miz as Miz tried to roll outside to safety. Cesaro brought him back in the ring to hit a vertical suplex for two, but his offense sent Miz reeling outside again quickly.
Miz fought back and managed to gain some control. He went after the injured shoulder of Cesaro even nearly hit the Skull Crushing Finale in the assault, but Cesaro dodged it. Miz stalked Cesaro but ran right into an uppercut which began a Cesaro flurry that Miz barely slowed.
When Miz went to the top rope, he got dropkicked out of the ring with Cesaro sending him further into the timekeeper's area with an uppercut. He then hit a crossbody for two. Cesaro's attempt at a giant swing was stopped the first time, but he got it the second time with his shoulder giving out.
Miz tried his best to cripple Cesaro with his assault on the shoulder, but he fell into a European uppercut right into the Gotch Neutralizer for the win.
Analysis: I am not a big fan of having champions lose non-title matches, but this one worked as it was Cesaro who beat him, his current rival who has proven the better man often. This not only gave Cesaro a shot at Money in the Bank but also kept up the Intercontinental Championship rivalry.
Miz and Cesaro don't quite click as well with each other as they do with others, but their story keeps solidly developing. It was a bit of a foregone conclusion here that Cesaro would win. Cesaro will add an extra element to the ladder match with heavy hitting style.
I have to wonder where Miz goes while Cesaro is busy in the IC Title match. He could have a detour with AJ Styles, but otherwise there may be no one available.
Miz fought back and managed to gain some control. He went after the injured shoulder of Cesaro even nearly hit the Skull Crushing Finale in the assault, but Cesaro dodged it. Miz stalked Cesaro but ran right into an uppercut which began a Cesaro flurry that Miz barely slowed.
When Miz went to the top rope, he got dropkicked out of the ring with Cesaro sending him further into the timekeeper's area with an uppercut. He then hit a crossbody for two. Cesaro's attempt at a giant swing was stopped the first time, but he got it the second time with his shoulder giving out.
Miz tried his best to cripple Cesaro with his assault on the shoulder, but he fell into a European uppercut right into the Gotch Neutralizer for the win.
Analysis: I am not a big fan of having champions lose non-title matches, but this one worked as it was Cesaro who beat him, his current rival who has proven the better man often. This not only gave Cesaro a shot at Money in the Bank but also kept up the Intercontinental Championship rivalry.
Miz and Cesaro don't quite click as well with each other as they do with others, but their story keeps solidly developing. It was a bit of a foregone conclusion here that Cesaro would win. Cesaro will add an extra element to the ladder match with heavy hitting style.
I have to wonder where Miz goes while Cesaro is busy in the IC Title match. He could have a detour with AJ Styles, but otherwise there may be no one available.
Chris Jericho is suddenly regretting saying he was more athletic even at 45 than Apollo Crews is.
Chris Jericho def. Apollo Crews to Qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Overview: Chris Jericho blinded Apollo Crews when he threw a shirt into Crews' face, but his dominant start was stopped by a Crews dropkick. Crews showed his smarts as he threw punches at the injured back of Jericho, but Jericho's own intelligence showed as he used the referee to get separation and cheap shot Apollo.
He hit a snap suplex and low dropkick for two, but Jericho's taunting only fueled Crews who fought back with a dropkick. Crews hit a series of clothesline then a corkscrew elbow. Apollo sent Jericho to the outside then dodged a rally, hitting a powerslam. Jericho fought back and locked Crews in the Walls of Jericho with Crews making it to the ropes.
Jericho dodged another dropkick then hit a Lionsault on Crews mid-kip up. Crews turned a Walls of Jericho into a small package for nearly three but then stood up right into a Codebreaker for the win.
Analysis: We got our first chance to see Apollo Crews in a competitive match, and it was not the greatest opening showing. Crews' botches and lack of selling showed full force as he just seemed uncomfortable despite wrestling with a veteran. Jericho should have been able to bring more out of Crews, but Apollo seemed uncomfortable.
I don't blame Crews on this. He's not ready yet. Even though I'm excited at the prospect of Crews facing Sheamus, the feud being set up is too early for Crews just like his rise from developmental was too early. Hopefully he can learn on the fly and find his confidence.
As a whole, this was just about Jericho getting into the Money in the Bank. He is getting on the older side for a match like this, but he's always been good in ladder matches as a whole.
He hit a snap suplex and low dropkick for two, but Jericho's taunting only fueled Crews who fought back with a dropkick. Crews hit a series of clothesline then a corkscrew elbow. Apollo sent Jericho to the outside then dodged a rally, hitting a powerslam. Jericho fought back and locked Crews in the Walls of Jericho with Crews making it to the ropes.
Jericho dodged another dropkick then hit a Lionsault on Crews mid-kip up. Crews turned a Walls of Jericho into a small package for nearly three but then stood up right into a Codebreaker for the win.
Analysis: We got our first chance to see Apollo Crews in a competitive match, and it was not the greatest opening showing. Crews' botches and lack of selling showed full force as he just seemed uncomfortable despite wrestling with a veteran. Jericho should have been able to bring more out of Crews, but Apollo seemed uncomfortable.
I don't blame Crews on this. He's not ready yet. Even though I'm excited at the prospect of Crews facing Sheamus, the feud being set up is too early for Crews just like his rise from developmental was too early. Hopefully he can learn on the fly and find his confidence.
As a whole, this was just about Jericho getting into the Money in the Bank. He is getting on the older side for a match like this, but he's always been good in ladder matches as a whole.
Clearly Enzo's injury didn't help fix his sense of fashion.
Enzo Amore Returns; Colin Cassidy def. Bubba Ray Dudley
Overview: Big Cass came out and set up for the return of Enzo who came out and went crazy on the mic, talking about how he always gets back up after getting knocked down. The two turned to The Dudley Boyz and insulted them once more with Big Cass promising to take out Bubba Ray Dudley.
Bubba tried to bully Cass early, but Big Cass just got angrier with each attempt, knocking Bubba around. D-Von attacked Enzo outside which distracted Big Cass, allowing Bubba to knocked him down. However, Cass fought back with a clothesline and shoulder tackles.
Bubba had to escape outside after a splash with Enzo taking out D-Von as well. Cass caught Bubba on the top rope and press slammed him to the floor before hitting a big boot and the Empire Elbow for the win.
Analysis: It was so great to see Enzo back. His high energy is infectious. While Cass was fine on his own, he just seemed uncomfortable talking and performing without Enzo around. He spoke with so much more authority with Enzo next to him. The two are the best thing going in the tag team division, and, while Enzo's injury was tragic, it should actually give them more momentum now.
Their feud with The Dudley Boyz hasn't really ever gotten off the ground. Cass has beaten them too much at every turn. Enzo almost seemed liked he might be a hindrance rather than a help to the dominance of Cass. It also felt a bit weird that Enzo was focused on The Dudley Boyz not The Vaudevillains who injured Enzo.
Bubba tried to bully Cass early, but Big Cass just got angrier with each attempt, knocking Bubba around. D-Von attacked Enzo outside which distracted Big Cass, allowing Bubba to knocked him down. However, Cass fought back with a clothesline and shoulder tackles.
Bubba had to escape outside after a splash with Enzo taking out D-Von as well. Cass caught Bubba on the top rope and press slammed him to the floor before hitting a big boot and the Empire Elbow for the win.
Analysis: It was so great to see Enzo back. His high energy is infectious. While Cass was fine on his own, he just seemed uncomfortable talking and performing without Enzo around. He spoke with so much more authority with Enzo next to him. The two are the best thing going in the tag team division, and, while Enzo's injury was tragic, it should actually give them more momentum now.
Their feud with The Dudley Boyz hasn't really ever gotten off the ground. Cass has beaten them too much at every turn. Enzo almost seemed liked he might be a hindrance rather than a help to the dominance of Cass. It also felt a bit weird that Enzo was focused on The Dudley Boyz not The Vaudevillains who injured Enzo.
How despicable of Charlotte to find the strength of will to renounce her womanizing estranged father who suddenly returned to support her once she was already a woman.
Charlotte Disowns Ric Flair and Forces Him To Leave Her Ring
Overview: Ric Flair started by making clear how proud he was of Charlotte before turning the mic over to Charlotte who thanked herself for her victory and success and gave a small aside to Dana Brooke who was honored to be standing next to a legend like Flair. Charlotte felt the power of being the best and finally found the strength to tell her absentee father to leave.
While he begged her to reconsider, Charlotte only got more aggressive, talking down Flair and telling him he needed to leave and go watch her on TV like she used to for him. Eventually Flair left crying while Charlotte stood tall with her new enforcer Dana Brooke.
Analysis: This was a hard segment to pin down. Charlotte's promo shifted in radical directions. With the crowd a bit too loud, she had to yell too often which hurt the honesty of her speech. She struggled to act confident and brash her as she said she was. All of this made it a hard segment to watch.
At the same time, it was a tough ask of a promo for Charlotte, and there were honest moments of greatness from Charlotte as well particularly when she didn't have to yell. While we are supposed to be behind Ric Flair here, Charlotte turning on her father and telling him to leave for all the years he left her alone was a very morally gray situation.
Charlotte has needed to lose the crutch of Flair for so long. Having her honestly turn on him due to the strength she finally felt as being a top champion was great storytelling. Too bad she has just replaced one crutch with another by using Dana Brooke instead. This would have been even better if Charlotte won clean on Sunday then chose to dump Flair on her own.
While he begged her to reconsider, Charlotte only got more aggressive, talking down Flair and telling him he needed to leave and go watch her on TV like she used to for him. Eventually Flair left crying while Charlotte stood tall with her new enforcer Dana Brooke.
Analysis: This was a hard segment to pin down. Charlotte's promo shifted in radical directions. With the crowd a bit too loud, she had to yell too often which hurt the honesty of her speech. She struggled to act confident and brash her as she said she was. All of this made it a hard segment to watch.
At the same time, it was a tough ask of a promo for Charlotte, and there were honest moments of greatness from Charlotte as well particularly when she didn't have to yell. While we are supposed to be behind Ric Flair here, Charlotte turning on her father and telling him to leave for all the years he left her alone was a very morally gray situation.
Charlotte has needed to lose the crutch of Flair for so long. Having her honestly turn on him due to the strength she finally felt as being a top champion was great storytelling. Too bad she has just replaced one crutch with another by using Dana Brooke instead. This would have been even better if Charlotte won clean on Sunday then chose to dump Flair on her own.
Once this was a great showing of two young, fiery athletes, now it is a mid-air slap fight of tired veterans.
Dean Ambrose def. Dolph Ziggler to Qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Overview: This began as an amateur grappling exchange as the two tried to gain some measure of advantage, but Ziggler gained control with a dropkick. When Ambrose tried to get back up, he took a headlock takedown to the mat again. Ambrose fought back and hit a body slam for one. The two men exchanged roll ups with Ambrose sending Ziggler outside.
Ambrose went for a suicide dive, but Dolph dodged before Ambrose could jump. The two fought to the top rope with Ziggler trying to stop a superplex but takinga double chickenwing superplex instead. Ambrose then battled off a Ziggler rally and sent him over the top rope and hit a suicide dive.
Ambrose fought off a top rope facebuster and hit a diving elbow drop which was turned into a roll up for two then a famouser for another two. The two exchanged blows with Ambrose falling into a superkick but immediately hit a rebound clothesline for two.
Ziggler hit a mid-air dropkick on Dean for a near fall. Ziggler rolled into a series of elbows on Ambrose in the corner, but Ambrose fought him off. Dean then blocked a Zig Zag and hit the Dirty Deeds for the victory.
Analysis: At times, this match was solid, but we've seen far better from both men even one on one against each other. For some reason, this didn't quite click. I would primarily blame both being in position now that they don't seem to be wholly wrestling 100%, particularly Ambrose lately.
It was the right decision to have Dean win who has to be the favorite for right now in Money in the Bank with the potential for a Shield triple threat in the near future if he won the briefcase. Still, if he doesn't bring up his work rate, he doesn't really deserve that case over guys like Zayn or Owens.
Ambrose went for a suicide dive, but Dolph dodged before Ambrose could jump. The two fought to the top rope with Ziggler trying to stop a superplex but takinga double chickenwing superplex instead. Ambrose then battled off a Ziggler rally and sent him over the top rope and hit a suicide dive.
Ambrose fought off a top rope facebuster and hit a diving elbow drop which was turned into a roll up for two then a famouser for another two. The two exchanged blows with Ambrose falling into a superkick but immediately hit a rebound clothesline for two.
Ziggler hit a mid-air dropkick on Dean for a near fall. Ziggler rolled into a series of elbows on Ambrose in the corner, but Ambrose fought him off. Dean then blocked a Zig Zag and hit the Dirty Deeds for the victory.
Analysis: At times, this match was solid, but we've seen far better from both men even one on one against each other. For some reason, this didn't quite click. I would primarily blame both being in position now that they don't seem to be wholly wrestling 100%, particularly Ambrose lately.
It was the right decision to have Dean win who has to be the favorite for right now in Money in the Bank with the potential for a Shield triple threat in the near future if he won the briefcase. Still, if he doesn't bring up his work rate, he doesn't really deserve that case over guys like Zayn or Owens.
AJ Styles has faced many challenges, but he was not ready for the HEADLOCK MASTER!
AJ Styles Renounces Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson; Kevin Owens def. AJ Styles to Qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Overview: AJ Styles admitted that he lost to a great competitor in Roman Reigns, but he believed that Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, and The Usos all got involved and ruined his chance at becoming champion. Styles said he was ready to become champion with the Money in the Bank briefcase, but Gallows and Anderson came out, not happy with being blamed.
Styles continued to say he never wanted the help of anyone with Gallows and Anderson becoming increasingly angry with their friend. Styles professionally wanted separation from his friends with them eventually disowning him as a friend with him telling them to leave his ring which they did.
AJ Styles and Kevin Owens began exchanging blows repeatedly back and forth with Style eventually sending KO outside and following him only to get tripped face first onto the apron. Owens teased a suicide dive but ended up diving under the ropes and hitting a clothesline.
Styles fought back with a forearm then whipped Owens into the steel stairs. KO began to dominate after catching AJ flying off the stairs and smacking him into the apron again. Styles barely dodged a powerbomb onto the stairs and began fighting back in the ring with strikes.
Styles hit a spinout facebuster for two but quickly took a KO back body drop, German suplex, then cannonball. Styles fought back with his own German suplex, an enzuigiri, and a knee to the neck for a near fall. With a fisherman neckbreaker, Owens got a near fall of his own.
Owens blocked a Styles superplex then missed a moonsault, taking a springboard 450 splash for a very near fall. Owens then rolled outside to save himself. Styles hit a running knee, but he immediately fell into a powerbomb onto the steel steps. Styles barely made it back at nine.
Styles avoided a pump up powerbomb and hit a pele kick for a near fall. Styles went for a Phenomenal Forearm, but Owens tripped him off the ropes with a superkick then hit a pump up powerbomb for the victory.
Analysis: This was a great main event as expected though the finish was a bit surprising. While Owens was expected to win given Zayn also won, I would have expected him to win by nefarious means, perhaps thanks to a distraction by Gallows and Anderson. Instead we actually saw a competitive contests with the heel winning clean.
Of course Styles took a beating and a half on top of his Extreme Rules match last night. This is the proper way to protect a face without making them look invincible. Styles can certainly lose, but he never goes down easily. In fact, Styles needs to be convinced to take a bit less punishment each match. The guy's going to get injured.
The Gallows/Anderson talk beforehand was also a big deal. Styles needs a story with him being out of the title picture and the Money in the Bank ladder match. Now that he's officially upset two of the biggest and meanest men in WWE, he has a direct story to focus upon though we still are waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Styles continued to say he never wanted the help of anyone with Gallows and Anderson becoming increasingly angry with their friend. Styles professionally wanted separation from his friends with them eventually disowning him as a friend with him telling them to leave his ring which they did.
AJ Styles and Kevin Owens began exchanging blows repeatedly back and forth with Style eventually sending KO outside and following him only to get tripped face first onto the apron. Owens teased a suicide dive but ended up diving under the ropes and hitting a clothesline.
Styles fought back with a forearm then whipped Owens into the steel stairs. KO began to dominate after catching AJ flying off the stairs and smacking him into the apron again. Styles barely dodged a powerbomb onto the stairs and began fighting back in the ring with strikes.
Styles hit a spinout facebuster for two but quickly took a KO back body drop, German suplex, then cannonball. Styles fought back with his own German suplex, an enzuigiri, and a knee to the neck for a near fall. With a fisherman neckbreaker, Owens got a near fall of his own.
Owens blocked a Styles superplex then missed a moonsault, taking a springboard 450 splash for a very near fall. Owens then rolled outside to save himself. Styles hit a running knee, but he immediately fell into a powerbomb onto the steel steps. Styles barely made it back at nine.
Styles avoided a pump up powerbomb and hit a pele kick for a near fall. Styles went for a Phenomenal Forearm, but Owens tripped him off the ropes with a superkick then hit a pump up powerbomb for the victory.
Analysis: This was a great main event as expected though the finish was a bit surprising. While Owens was expected to win given Zayn also won, I would have expected him to win by nefarious means, perhaps thanks to a distraction by Gallows and Anderson. Instead we actually saw a competitive contests with the heel winning clean.
Of course Styles took a beating and a half on top of his Extreme Rules match last night. This is the proper way to protect a face without making them look invincible. Styles can certainly lose, but he never goes down easily. In fact, Styles needs to be convinced to take a bit less punishment each match. The guy's going to get injured.
The Gallows/Anderson talk beforehand was also a big deal. Styles needs a story with him being out of the title picture and the Money in the Bank ladder match. Now that he's officially upset two of the biggest and meanest men in WWE, he has a direct story to focus upon though we still are waiting for the other shoe to drop.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson just wanted to go party with their friend AJ Styles throughout the US, but he's gone all business now. Truly a sad story for the ages.
Final Notes: Sheamus was interviewed before his match against Sami Zayn, making clear he had no respect for Zayn and would make him suffer for getting in Sheamus' way. Apollo Crews was talking up how Chris Jericho was likely hurting after last night, and he wouldn't miss the opportunity to beat the veteran when Sheamus ran in and assaulted him after the frustration of losing to Zayn.
Seth Rollins was being interviewed about Roman Reigns when Stephanie McMahon met him backstage and made clear that their business relationship had changed. Sheamus was interviewed about Crews' loss but just laughed and walked away. The Shining Stars also cut a quick promo to remind us they exist.
Baron Corbin was interviewed, but Dolph Ziggler interrupted and challenged him to a match next week which Corbin accepted. Ric Flair was shown crying, walking out, and had nothing to say in his defense when Renee Young tried to interview him.
Conclusion: This was a solid episode of Monday Night Raw all around. Every match was strong with real consequences in the mix. Nothing stood out as spectacular, but there were no glaringly bad segments either. The main issue tonight was the myriad of interview segments.
Backstage segments in general break up the show fairly heavily, and this week it felt like everyone was getting interviewed. It was particularly egregious as the interviews rarely actually accomplished much. The only real stand out of the night was the introduction of a Sheamus vs. Apollo Crews feud.
Overall, this show just proved how much better weekly programming is when there are qualifying matches to be had. If not for the New Day segment, there wouldn't have really been a segment tonight that had no purpose which is rare for Raw.
With progression forward toward Money in the Bank, things should only pick particularly given that MITB has almost been a Big Four show for WWE over the recent years. Two main event matches are already basically set which both should be top notch, and more will likely be quickly added.
Seth Rollins was being interviewed about Roman Reigns when Stephanie McMahon met him backstage and made clear that their business relationship had changed. Sheamus was interviewed about Crews' loss but just laughed and walked away. The Shining Stars also cut a quick promo to remind us they exist.
Baron Corbin was interviewed, but Dolph Ziggler interrupted and challenged him to a match next week which Corbin accepted. Ric Flair was shown crying, walking out, and had nothing to say in his defense when Renee Young tried to interview him.
Conclusion: This was a solid episode of Monday Night Raw all around. Every match was strong with real consequences in the mix. Nothing stood out as spectacular, but there were no glaringly bad segments either. The main issue tonight was the myriad of interview segments.
Backstage segments in general break up the show fairly heavily, and this week it felt like everyone was getting interviewed. It was particularly egregious as the interviews rarely actually accomplished much. The only real stand out of the night was the introduction of a Sheamus vs. Apollo Crews feud.
Overall, this show just proved how much better weekly programming is when there are qualifying matches to be had. If not for the New Day segment, there wouldn't have really been a segment tonight that had no purpose which is rare for Raw.
With progression forward toward Money in the Bank, things should only pick particularly given that MITB has almost been a Big Four show for WWE over the recent years. Two main event matches are already basically set which both should be top notch, and more will likely be quickly added.
