Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Last week WWE made the most of Survivor Series and pushed forward quickly toward Roadblock with a ton of strong matches while setting up future contests.
Now WWE must continue that momentum because they really haven't had it lately. This stall before the Road to WrestleMania kicks off has been hard to deal with, and, as a reviewer, I could really use a few good moments. Please.
Now WWE must continue that momentum because they really haven't had it lately. This stall before the Road to WrestleMania kicks off has been hard to deal with, and, as a reviewer, I could really use a few good moments. Please.
KO is going above and beyond in his heeldom, telling Jericho of all people to shut up.
Roman Reigns Ruins A Second Straight Highlight Reel with Kevin Owens
Overview: The Highlight Reel with Kevin Owens turned sour when Roman Reigns interrupted. As Reigns taunted Owens, saying he couldn't win without Chris Jericho, Owens lost it and agreed to a match against Reigns with a Universal Championship shot on the line.
Analysis: I really am looking forward to Owens and Jericho blowing up as the two just go off together on the mic. However, everything else goes quickly sour. The feud between Owens and Reigns does not actually feel right now like a main event-caliber rivalry.
Analysis: I really am looking forward to Owens and Jericho blowing up as the two just go off together on the mic. However, everything else goes quickly sour. The feud between Owens and Reigns does not actually feel right now like a main event-caliber rivalry.
At least you tried, Truth. At least you tried.
Braun Strowman def. R-Truth
Overview: Barely taking the time to enjoy it, Braun Strowman splashed R-Truth in the corner then hit a running powerslam for the win. Afterward, Goldust tried to attack Strowman for what he did to Truth but got taken out instead.
Sami Zayn ran in for the save but was cleaned out, took a Yokosuka cutter, and was placed in the tree of woe again. Luckily, Mick Foley brought out officials to pull off Strowman. Zayn then berated Foley for taking away his opportunities by being overly protective.
Analysis: Once more, the Strowman vs. Zayn feud went to another level. Zayn and Foley got in each other's faces, showing that Foley is uncertain about his ability against Strowman. The way this is heading, Zayn will most certainly take a victory down the line, and it will be a huge moment.
Sami Zayn ran in for the save but was cleaned out, took a Yokosuka cutter, and was placed in the tree of woe again. Luckily, Mick Foley brought out officials to pull off Strowman. Zayn then berated Foley for taking away his opportunities by being overly protective.
Analysis: Once more, the Strowman vs. Zayn feud went to another level. Zayn and Foley got in each other's faces, showing that Foley is uncertain about his ability against Strowman. The way this is heading, Zayn will most certainly take a victory down the line, and it will be a huge moment.
Nese may have won a match, but Alexander may be going out with Alicia Fox so who really wins?
Tony Nese (w/ Drew Gulak) def. Cedric Alexander
Overview: Being coached by friend Drew Gulak, Tony Nese began dominating early. After it was shown Alicia Fox was shown watching Alexander intently backstage, Cedric Alexander came back swinging only to be distracted by Gulak on the apron and walk right into a pumphandle slam for the victory.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was far too short, but at least it showed some individuality coming out among the cruiserweights. The heels are getting some momentum as a duo, and Alexander seems to have a story growing with Fox that could help him.
Highlights:
- Alexander hit a sudden hurricanrana into a dropkick.
- Gulak distracted Alexander to allow Nese to trip Alexander then land a springboard moonsault.
- Alexander hit a step-up enzuigiri off the apron on Nese then a springboard forearm onto Gulak.
Analysis: This was far too short, but at least it showed some individuality coming out among the cruiserweights. The heels are getting some momentum as a duo, and Alexander seems to have a story growing with Fox that could help him.
Nobody appreciates the referee who just made the longest ten count in history before the count out.
Charlotte vs. Sasha Banks for the Raw Women's Championship Ends in Double Count Out
Overview: The two women fought to the outside early with repeated chops until Charlotte threw Sasha Banks into the barricade repeatedly until they both got counted out. Foley came out to restart the match for later as a Falls Count Anywhere match.
Analysis: It makes the most sense to just wait to analyze this in the follow up section later.
Analysis: It makes the most sense to just wait to analyze this in the follow up section later.
Ah, this women's revolution where Lana is slut-shamed for being good looking.
Enzo Amore def. Rusev by Disqualification
Overview: Before this match, Enzo Amore again made fun of Rusev and Lana which set off Rusev. Rusev didn't even care about the match afterward, kicking Enzo into the mat then hitting a low blow that caused a disqualification.
Analysis: This feud is honestly the worst, and the payoff seems to be a match between Rusev and Cass that will probably be only all right. I can't even tell what I am supposed to be rooting for right now as WWE too often has used insulting Rusev and his wife as a story.
Analysis: This feud is honestly the worst, and the payoff seems to be a match between Rusev and Cass that will probably be only all right. I can't even tell what I am supposed to be rooting for right now as WWE too often has used insulting Rusev and his wife as a story.
Wait, who is allowing the cruiserweights to talk? This is a revolution.
Rich Swann def. Noam Dar
Overview: The Brian Kendrick watched on commentary as Noam Dar slowed this match quickly. Dar seemed to have Rich Swann's number until Swann just came out of nowhere with a Swann Kick for the victory. Afterward, Corey Graves interviewed Swann with Swann taking the mic quickly and making fun of Kendrick.
Analysis: This was again way too short, but it was nice to hear both men soon to fight at 205 Live get mic time. Kendrick sounded truly spirited on commentary especially when his morality was questioned. Swann showed he is just as fun on the mic as he can be in the ring.
Analysis: This was again way too short, but it was nice to hear both men soon to fight at 205 Live get mic time. Kendrick sounded truly spirited on commentary especially when his morality was questioned. Swann showed he is just as fun on the mic as he can be in the ring.
What a shocking result!
Roman Reigns def. Kevin Owens to Earn a Universal Championship Match at WWE Roadblock
Overview: Owens assaulted Reigns before the bell then continued the beatdown post-bell ring. These two heavyweights went back and forth until Reigns got viciously rolling. Owens seemed to catch the Spear with a knee, but Reigns rebounded into a Spear for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a good match but also one that has room for growth. I expect their match at Roadblock to be great even if it is ridiculous that Reigns is fighting for the Universal Championship after winning the United States Championship only a few months ago.
Highlights:
- Owens used the referee as a distraction to then hit a snap DDT.
- Owens held in a headlock on Reigns long enough for Reigns to almost pass out from the pressure, keeping it in with a senton.
- Owens and Reigns traded a flurry of strikes, ducking and dodging as they could, ending in a Reigns Samoan drop.
- Owens stopped momentum of Reigns with a knee and superkick.
- Reigns met Owens top rope, going for a superplex then hitting a Superman Punch then another outside off the steps.
Analysis: This was a good match but also one that has room for growth. I expect their match at Roadblock to be great even if it is ridiculous that Reigns is fighting for the Universal Championship after winning the United States Championship only a few months ago.
These are the men who will soon to be more dominant than Demolition.
The New Day's Big E and Xavier Woods def. Gallows and Anderson to Retain the Raw Tag Team Championships
Overview: The New Day's entrance promo was cut short by Gallows and Anderson who started off hot against the tag team champions. The heavyweights absolutely dominated, isolating Woods only for Woods to roll up Anderson with a handful of tights for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: It was rare in their rivalry that we got a match this good between these two. Finally the two teams got time, and Gallows and Anderson looked consistently strong throughout. Woods also is the ideal comeback kid for Gallows and Anderson.
All in all, I am glad WWE is making these final few weeks for New Day breaking the record a big deal. If Enzo and Cass weren't stuck in another feud, I would have them be New Day's last obstacle in two weeks.
Highlights:
- Anderson hit a running powerbomb early.
- Kofi's distraction allowed Woods to hit a desperate enzuigiri.
- Anderson reversed the Big Ending into a running single leg dropkick but quickly took a Big E spear through the ropes.
- Anderson turned a dive from Woods into a spinebuster.
- Gallows and Anderson planted Woods with a powerbomb and diving neckbreaker combo.
- Big E broke up the Magic Killer but took a Gallows chokebomb.
Analysis: It was rare in their rivalry that we got a match this good between these two. Finally the two teams got time, and Gallows and Anderson looked consistently strong throughout. Woods also is the ideal comeback kid for Gallows and Anderson.
All in all, I am glad WWE is making these final few weeks for New Day breaking the record a big deal. If Enzo and Cass weren't stuck in another feud, I would have them be New Day's last obstacle in two weeks.
Charlotte really should stop letting her title be defended on TV. No one else has to this often.
Sasha Banks def. Charlotte to Become the New Raw Women's Champion in a Falls Count Anywhere Match
Overview: This match started off where the two women left off, going brutal. Banks and Charlotte fought up the ramp, going bigger and bolder with each spot. The two fought into the crowd with Banks catching Charlotte in the guard rail for a Bank Statement submission.
Afterward, Ric Flair came out to congratulate and endorse Banks as the new Raw Women's Champion in Ric's hometown.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was completely different than their previous matches as they once more made the most of their stipulation, building and building to the big moments. It was an excellent contest that was a good closer to the feud.
It is just getting silly that WWE is booking this feud this way. Banks will probably drop the title again at Roadblock. If she doesn't (hopefully), it is time to build her up as champion and set up for a huge Banks vs. Bayley match.
Afterward, Ric Flair came out to congratulate and endorse Banks as the new Raw Women's Champion in Ric's hometown.
Highlights:
- Banks hit a running crossbody through the ropes then a suplex on the outside.
- The two collided on clothesline on the floor.
- Charlotte and Banks fought with chops on the apron until Banks took a big boot to the floor.
- Charlotte landed the Natural Selection off the steel steps.
- Banks swung wildly with a kendo stick until it was booted away.
- Banks fought off the figure eight outside with the kendo stick.
- Charlotte connected with a moonsault off the announce table.
- Banks slammed Charlotte with the double knees off the barricade.
Analysis: This match was completely different than their previous matches as they once more made the most of their stipulation, building and building to the big moments. It was an excellent contest that was a good closer to the feud.
It is just getting silly that WWE is booking this feud this way. Banks will probably drop the title again at Roadblock. If she doesn't (hopefully), it is time to build her up as champion and set up for a huge Banks vs. Bayley match.
Apparently we still live in a USA where a whole bar can make fun of Europeans for not looking like Americans.
Final Notes: Jericho argued with Owens backstage until Jericho denounced their friendship with Foley interrupting only to be told Jericho had no intention of interfering tonight. Dana Brooke promised a huge celebration for Charlotte in her locker room after her win tonight.
Jericho brushed off an interview as he was trying to leave only to be assaulted by Seth Rollins who was not supposed to be medically cleared, hitting him with a Pedigree on the roof of a car. Owens freaked out after losing, blaming his loss on his focus being on Jericho.
Cesaro and Sheamus talked at a bar then beat up on the patrons after they made fun of them. Paul Heyman talked about Brock Lesnar's loss with Heyman breaking down over this embarrassment. Sasha Banks told Bayley she was dedicating this win tonight to Ric Flair.
Conclusion: This show ended huge with a string of strong matches, but the first two hours were a mess of wasted matches that were far too short. It felt like WWE lost track of what they were doing well the previous weeks by having too many segments again.
Still, I cannot hate on a show with so much strong wrestling in its last hour. If WWE had cut two segments and given that time to the matches instead, this could have been a perfect show.
The real test comes next as WWE can't just put a bunch of big matches on the show and hope they carry. It's likely that Raw next week will return to the mean, but it was nice to have some standout moments before that.
Jericho brushed off an interview as he was trying to leave only to be assaulted by Seth Rollins who was not supposed to be medically cleared, hitting him with a Pedigree on the roof of a car. Owens freaked out after losing, blaming his loss on his focus being on Jericho.
Cesaro and Sheamus talked at a bar then beat up on the patrons after they made fun of them. Paul Heyman talked about Brock Lesnar's loss with Heyman breaking down over this embarrassment. Sasha Banks told Bayley she was dedicating this win tonight to Ric Flair.
Conclusion: This show ended huge with a string of strong matches, but the first two hours were a mess of wasted matches that were far too short. It felt like WWE lost track of what they were doing well the previous weeks by having too many segments again.
Still, I cannot hate on a show with so much strong wrestling in its last hour. If WWE had cut two segments and given that time to the matches instead, this could have been a perfect show.
The real test comes next as WWE can't just put a bunch of big matches on the show and hope they carry. It's likely that Raw next week will return to the mean, but it was nice to have some standout moments before that.