Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Following last week's edition of Monday Night Raw, the new top rivalries on Raw were set with The Miz earning a title shot against Dean Ambrose while Samoa Joe continued to torment Seth Rollins and Bray Wyatt made his intentions for Finn Balor for fully clear by costing him the title shot with a Sister Abigail.
Now, Raw is on the road, heading across the Europe with tonight's show in London, England. While Kurt Angle was not to be on the tour, he set many matches in motion including a huge tag team turmoil match between everyone in Raw's tag team division to determine the number one contenders to The Hardy Boyz.
Now, Raw is on the road, heading across the Europe with tonight's show in London, England. While Kurt Angle was not to be on the tour, he set many matches in motion including a huge tag team turmoil match between everyone in Raw's tag team division to determine the number one contenders to The Hardy Boyz.
You would think active wrestlers are never GMs because they would abuse that power then they get that power only to let themselves be beat up instead.
Dean Ambrose and The Miz Are Announced as Co-General Managers for the Night; Finn Balor def. The Miz
Overview: Dean Ambrose came out after getting a call from Kurt Angle, making him acting general manager. The Miz interrupted, announcing Stephanie McMahon made him co-GM for the night. As the two argued, Braun Strowman interrupted, coming out in a sling to demand another match against Roman Reigns when he is healthy as well as a shot at Brock Lesnar.
Kalisto was next to interrupt, saying he wasn't done with Strowman, with Ambrose declaring Kalisto vs. Strowman tonight even with Strowman fighting with one arm. Afterward, he announced Miz vs. Finn Balor to start the night. After Miz got Balor DQed by throwing him into the ref, Ambrose restarted the match with Balor winning easily.
Highlights:
Analysis: The opening segment was a bit of a mess with so many people and stories involved, but Ambrose and Miz were both good together, continuing their feud. Having two wrestlers in charge of the show changed the dynamic of the show in an interesting way. Miz and Balor were not as good together this week though as they were last week.
Kalisto was next to interrupt, saying he wasn't done with Strowman, with Ambrose declaring Kalisto vs. Strowman tonight even with Strowman fighting with one arm. Afterward, he announced Miz vs. Finn Balor to start the night. After Miz got Balor DQed by throwing him into the ref, Ambrose restarted the match with Balor winning easily.
Highlights:
- Balor clotheslined Miz to the outside then dropkicked him into the barricade.
- Balor turned the Skull Crushing Finale into a roll up but turned into a DDT.
- Miz big booted Balor into the ropes only for him to rebound into an overhead kick.
- Miz caught Balor running with a boot only to take an overhead kick that sent him over the top rope then took a baseball slide into a soccer kick off the apron.
- After the restart, Miz was thrown back in the ring then took a Slingblade into a corner dropkick followed by the Coup De Grace.
Analysis: The opening segment was a bit of a mess with so many people and stories involved, but Ambrose and Miz were both good together, continuing their feud. Having two wrestlers in charge of the show changed the dynamic of the show in an interesting way. Miz and Balor were not as good together this week though as they were last week.
SmackDown didn't take long to take over Raw's women's division.
Alexa Bliss def. Mickie James
Overview: Nia Jax came out to back the champion Alexa Bliss with Mickie James bringing her own help in Bayley. Bliss managed to take control once she started targeting the left arm of Mickie. As the veteran made her comeback, Jax caught Mickie climbing to the top rope to set up Bliss to knock her off the top with a forearm for the win.
Afterward, Bayley fought Bliss off Mickie and sent her running to the back, and Jax took advantage of Mickie, hitting her with a body avalanche and running elbow drop.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a sadly sloppy match with both women missing too many big moves. Mickie was primarily on offense, so it was more noticeable when she was not cleanly hitting moves like a flapjack. The finish only accentuated this with it hard to explain why a forearm was enough to make Mickie crumple as she did.
Afterward, Bayley fought Bliss off Mickie and sent her running to the back, and Jax took advantage of Mickie, hitting her with a body avalanche and running elbow drop.
Highlights:
- Bliss knocked Mickie down and taunted her, turning around into a bronco buster.
- Mickie connected with a snapmare takedown into a running low-angle side knee.
- Mickie dodged a double leg drop on the left arm then made her comeback with a series of forearms and clotheslines.
- Mickie connected with a flapjack to set up for her to head to the top rope.
Analysis: This was a sadly sloppy match with both women missing too many big moves. Mickie was primarily on offense, so it was more noticeable when she was not cleanly hitting moves like a flapjack. The finish only accentuated this with it hard to explain why a forearm was enough to make Mickie crumple as she did.
How WWE builds stars: make fun of them for being small and say they have no chance of beating actual talent.
Braun Strowman (with One Arm in a Sling) def. Kalisto By Disqualification After Roman Reigns Assault
Overview: Braun Strowman seemed to be calling off this match, but he began assaulting Kalisto as the bell rang with his boot. Roman Reigns came out quickly at Strowman's further insults. Reigns hit Strowman with three Superman Punches, focused mostly on the elbow.
Strowman stopped Reigns mid-Spear with a big boot to the mat, but Reigns then dodged Strowman's charge and ripped up the sling. He smacked the arm repeatedly into the post and apron then targeted the arm with a steel chair.
Analysis: This was the official set-up to explain Strowman's absence as he will be having shoulder surgery that will keep him out until around Extreme Rules time. He will be missed as he has been so good for a while. Hopefully, he will be healthy by the time he fights Reigns for the final time.
Strowman stopped Reigns mid-Spear with a big boot to the mat, but Reigns then dodged Strowman's charge and ripped up the sling. He smacked the arm repeatedly into the post and apron then targeted the arm with a steel chair.
Analysis: This was the official set-up to explain Strowman's absence as he will be having shoulder surgery that will keep him out until around Extreme Rules time. He will be missed as he has been so good for a while. Hopefully, he will be healthy by the time he fights Reigns for the final time.
Oh no! Poor Sheamus is going to lose after all the hard work he did to the dastardly Golden Truth.
Sheamus and Cesaro Win Tag Team Turmoil Match to Become New Number One Contenders to the Raw Tag Team Championships
Overview: Enzo and Big Cass started the match against Sheamus and Cesaro with the two isolating Enzo Amore and getting him to tap out to the Sharpshooter. They brought the fight to number two, Heath Slater and Rhyno, managing to isolate Slater with Cesaro holding him to take a Brogue Kick for the elimination.
The early dominance shifted to Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson who grounded the tired heavyweights. Cesaro pushed Sheamus out of the Magic Killer to set up a Brogue Kick on Gallows for the elimination. Truth missed a stinger splash in the corner and was rolled up with a handful of tights by Cesaro for three. Afterward, Sheamus and Cesaro beat the veterans down until The Hardy Boyz arrived, sending them retreating.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a great match with Sheamus and Cesaro showing their chemistry with every team on Raw. However, it was surprising that they had Sheamus and Cesaro take the long route as the heels rather than the sympathetic Golden Truth. The whole story would have had more poignancy if the heels stole the win from the veterans rather than surviving them.
The early dominance shifted to Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson who grounded the tired heavyweights. Cesaro pushed Sheamus out of the Magic Killer to set up a Brogue Kick on Gallows for the elimination. Truth missed a stinger splash in the corner and was rolled up with a handful of tights by Cesaro for three. Afterward, Sheamus and Cesaro beat the veterans down until The Hardy Boyz arrived, sending them retreating.
Highlights:
- Cass pelted Sheamus with strikes in the corner then whipped him across the ring before a body slam and the Empire Elbow.
- Cesaro distracted Enzo to set up for an Irish Curse backbreaker.
- Slater fought out of the corner with a leg lariat to Cesaro but was quickly grounded and took a diving clothesline.
- Anderson held Cesaro on his knee to set up a running elbow drop by Gallows.
- Gallows grounded Sheamus with a big boot then took a springboard corkscrew uppercut from Cesaro followed quickly by an Anderson spinebuster on Cesaro.
- Goldust hit repeated strikes in the corner on Sheamus then sent him across the ring right back into a scoop slam.
- Cesaro slammed the right leg of Goldust into the barricade then targeted the leg repeatedly with Sheamus trapping him in a Boston crab then Cesaro trapped him in the Sharpshooter which Truth broke up.
- Truth landed the scissor kick on Cesaro for a nearfall.
Analysis: This was a great match with Sheamus and Cesaro showing their chemistry with every team on Raw. However, it was surprising that they had Sheamus and Cesaro take the long route as the heels rather than the sympathetic Golden Truth. The whole story would have had more poignancy if the heels stole the win from the veterans rather than surviving them.
It's good that Rollins' knee is healthy enough he can do his signature moves. What would he do without more suicide dives in WWE?
Seth Rollins def. Samoa Joe By Disqualification
Overview: Seth Rollins brought the fight to Samoa Joe even as the monster once more went after his knee. Rollins accidentally opened the turnbuckle with Joe whipping him into the exposed steel. When Joe saw the opening to hurt Rollins, he gave up on the match and sent him into the turnbuckle multiple times then locked him in the Coquina Clutch.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was another showcase of the true chemistry between these two. Rollins and Joe know how to concoct a complete story together with Joe fully going off with an opponent like Rollins to work with. The weak finish was smart to keep the build going and showcase that this match is not about winning but true heat.
Highlights:
- Rollins bounced off the ropes right into a back elbow.
- Rollins attempted to hit the Falcon Arrow on Joe and had it turned into a suplex.
- Joe caught Rollins on the apron with a drop toe hold that sent him to the floor.
- Rollins fought off a Coquina Clutch with a jaw breaker then sent him reeling outside right into a suicide dive.
- Rollins fought off a powerbomb and connected with the Falcon Arrow.
- Rollins slipped out of another Clutch then hit an enzuigiri.
Analysis: This was another showcase of the true chemistry between these two. Rollins and Joe know how to concoct a complete story together with Joe fully going off with an opponent like Rollins to work with. The weak finish was smart to keep the build going and showcase that this match is not about winning but true heat.
TJ Perkins def. Gentleman Jack Gallagher
Overview: TJ Perkins fought Jack Gallagher with Neville promising him a title opportunity if he won. TJP nearly caught Gallagher with the Detonation Kick but was sent into the corner followed by a sudden roll up with Perkins turning it into his own roll up with a handful of tights. Afterward, TJP assaulted Gallagher's knee and locked him in the kneebar before an injured Austin Aries sent him reeling.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was over far too quick, but TJP has been phenomenal lately in even small matches. The growing animosity among the three top cruiserweights seem to be building toward a triple threat that could be phenomenal. Aries has great chemistry with both men as well as quality stories with the duo.
Highlights:
- After back and forth taunting, TJP walked into a sudden headbutt nearfall.
- TJP sent Gallagher into the steel steps with a drop toe hold then returned him to the ring for a slingshot senton.
Analysis: This match was over far too quick, but TJP has been phenomenal lately in even small matches. The growing animosity among the three top cruiserweights seem to be building toward a triple threat that could be phenomenal. Aries has great chemistry with both men as well as quality stories with the duo.
Meanwhile, this is the top feud between women who have been a part of the Raw roster since the draft.
Sasha Banks def. Alicia Fox
Overview: This match started out with vicious back-and-forth slaps before Alicia Fox managed to ground Sasha Banks. The two women fought to the corner where Sasha caught Fox with a diving double knee drop for the win with it seeming that Fox got her shoulder up before three.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a fine mini-match with both women getting physical in their few minutes. The crowd decided this was the one match to ignore for obvious reasons, but this match showed slight potential in a rivalry between these two if they are going to get real time to deliver soon.
Highlights:
- Sasha reversed a tilt-a-whirl into a vertical press.
- Sahsa dodged the scissor kick and tried to hit the backstabber only to be sent hard into the corner by Fox.
Analysis: This was a fine mini-match with both women getting physical in their few minutes. The crowd decided this was the one match to ignore for obvious reasons, but this match showed slight potential in a rivalry between these two if they are going to get real time to deliver soon.
Miz might as well be saying "Hey, look at me, hey, I'm distracting you."
Bray Wyatt def. Dean Ambrose
Overview: For a while, The Miz watched Dean Ambrose battle Bray Wyatt from commentary before heading to ringside. Ambrose was distracted by Miz showing off his Intercontinental Championship at ringside, diving at Miz then taking the title to the back of his head. Wyatt quickly took advantage with a Sister Abigail.
Afterward, Miz mocked Ambrose then began beating down on him. He took a microphone and made clear next week he would be champion once more before dropping the title back onto Ambrose and walking out on top.
Highlights:
Analysis: Ambrose and Wyatt are fine rivals, but they have never had a match that truly was worth its spotlight. This was no exception. There was a lot of fast and physical action along the way, but the end result was a forgettable encounter. Having Miz stand tall and gloat was great for the IC Title rivalry, but Wyatt felt far too secondary with no progress in his feud against Balor.
Afterward, Miz mocked Ambrose then began beating down on him. He took a microphone and made clear next week he would be champion once more before dropping the title back onto Ambrose and walking out on top.
Highlights:
- Wyatt caught Ambrose on the ropes and smashed him into the floor with a suplex.
- Ambrose went for the rebound clothesline right into a clothesline.
- Wyatt missed a diving senton, beginning Ambrose's comeback with running clotheslines then a diving elbow to the floor.
- Wyatt nearly hit the Sister Abigail only for it be turned into a roll up with Wyatt kicking out with authority quickly into a uranage.
- Ambrose sent Wyatt to the floor with headbutts then dived into a right hand only to connect quickly with a rebound clothesline.
Analysis: Ambrose and Wyatt are fine rivals, but they have never had a match that truly was worth its spotlight. This was no exception. There was a lot of fast and physical action along the way, but the end result was a forgettable encounter. Having Miz stand tall and gloat was great for the IC Title rivalry, but Wyatt felt far too secondary with no progress in his feud against Balor.
It's good Kurt Angle could take the week off to allow such a generic show to be booked by rivals who barely disagreed.
Final Notes: Jax agreed to be Bliss's best friend until she got the title shot she rightly deserved. In an interview, Joe said that Rollins was living his life on Joe's terms, promising to break his every bone, before Rollins jumped on him, starting a brawl through the backstage area.
Goldust tried to convince R-Truth to take this title shot seriously as he felt this might be his last chance at success. Ambrose and Miz argued backstage over booking the show only for Miz to make the main event with Ambrose vs. Wyatt.
Conclusion: As far as wrestling is concerned, this was a fine show, but it never felt like more than a glorified house show as the matches were slapped together and given extra time each to pad three hours. The only real storyline that developed tonight was the tag team title feud.
There is nothing wrong with a solid night of pure wrestling, but WWE can do better than this with presentation. It was a half-hearted show with a main event that was slapped together and a bunch of matches that accomplished little along the way.
Miz and Ambrose as GMs was a fascinating idea that was woefully underutilized. These rivals have been the stars of the show for a few weeks now, but it feels too much like WWE is acting out of necessity rather than respect for the talent. Injuries and time off have left Raw woefully short on main event talent and stories.
Goldust tried to convince R-Truth to take this title shot seriously as he felt this might be his last chance at success. Ambrose and Miz argued backstage over booking the show only for Miz to make the main event with Ambrose vs. Wyatt.
Conclusion: As far as wrestling is concerned, this was a fine show, but it never felt like more than a glorified house show as the matches were slapped together and given extra time each to pad three hours. The only real storyline that developed tonight was the tag team title feud.
There is nothing wrong with a solid night of pure wrestling, but WWE can do better than this with presentation. It was a half-hearted show with a main event that was slapped together and a bunch of matches that accomplished little along the way.
Miz and Ambrose as GMs was a fascinating idea that was woefully underutilized. These rivals have been the stars of the show for a few weeks now, but it feels too much like WWE is acting out of necessity rather than respect for the talent. Injuries and time off have left Raw woefully short on main event talent and stories.