Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Last week's Monday Night Raw was defined by a huge main event where the women stole the show with ease. Now WWE needed to keep readjusting to their roster and set up a strong run toward Hell in a Cell to combat last night's No Mercy.
This week had no major match announces, but it was set up as a night of announcements. The Hell in a Cell main event scene needed to be set as well as addressing a potential conflict between Brock Lesnar and Goldberg.
How all these announcements would be delivered and received would ultimately define the effectiveness of this middle chapter for Raw.
This week had no major match announces, but it was set up as a night of announcements. The Hell in a Cell main event scene needed to be set as well as addressing a potential conflict between Brock Lesnar and Goldberg.
How all these announcements would be delivered and received would ultimately define the effectiveness of this middle chapter for Raw.
Rusev was not ready for the Social Justice Warriors.
Sasha Banks and Charlotte Take Another Step Forward for the Women's Evolution
Overview: Sasha Banks opened the show to celebrate her big main event win with her new WWE Women's Championship. She turned to her next challenge, wanting to bring up the stakes as she called out Charlotte to face her inside Hell in a Cell.
Charlotte came out only to be interrupted by Rusev and Lana who took offense to the women taking his spotlight. Together, Banks and Charlotte took out Lana and double dropkicked Rusev out of the ring with Roman Reigns coming out to stop Rusev from retaliating.
Analysis: This segment worked, but it was oddly structured. It felt like WWE was trying too hard to go full feminist here by having the misogynistic Rusev come out for no reason other than to get dropkicked by the women.
I am excited for the Hell in a Cell match between the women though I wouldn't expect them to go too heavily hardcore. The women will mainly use the Cell as a more physical weapon and just wrestle another great match.
Charlotte came out only to be interrupted by Rusev and Lana who took offense to the women taking his spotlight. Together, Banks and Charlotte took out Lana and double dropkicked Rusev out of the ring with Roman Reigns coming out to stop Rusev from retaliating.
Analysis: This segment worked, but it was oddly structured. It felt like WWE was trying too hard to go full feminist here by having the misogynistic Rusev come out for no reason other than to get dropkicked by the women.
I am excited for the Hell in a Cell match between the women though I wouldn't expect them to go too heavily hardcore. The women will mainly use the Cell as a more physical weapon and just wrestle another great match.
Kofi Kingston def. Cesaro
Overview: The New Day played to the crowd and then made fun of their next opponents, Cesaro and Sheamus, particularly calling Sheamus garbage. While Cesaro fought, Sheamus was on Facebook Live instead of focusing on the action.
The number games became an issue early as Cesaro couldn't follow Kofi outside the ring. As Cesaro set up the swing, Sheamus got in a fight with Big E and Xavier Woods outside which distracted Cesaro for a small package three count.
Highlights:
Analysis: The new developments with this Sheamus and Cesaro segment have been great. They are hilarious together. Sheamus Facebooking while Cesaro wrestled was a stroke of genius.
The match itself was solid though nothing too remarkable. It looked like Kofi failed on the crucial springboard, but they moved past it pretty quickly. I hope he didn't get hurt on that fall.
The number games became an issue early as Cesaro couldn't follow Kofi outside the ring. As Cesaro set up the swing, Sheamus got in a fight with Big E and Xavier Woods outside which distracted Cesaro for a small package three count.
Highlights:
- Cesaro sent Kofi reeling and ran a 619 in front of him with Kofi then sending him out and faking a suicide dive.
- Cesaro hit a nasty running uppercut on Kofi that flipped him.
- Cesaro ran the Uppercut Train then hit a running boot.
- Kofi springboarded poorly off the ropes and seemed to hurt his knee.
Analysis: The new developments with this Sheamus and Cesaro segment have been great. They are hilarious together. Sheamus Facebooking while Cesaro wrestled was a stroke of genius.
The match itself was solid though nothing too remarkable. It looked like Kofi failed on the crucial springboard, but they moved past it pretty quickly. I hope he didn't get hurt on that fall.
Aw man, now you made the wacky inflatable tube men depressed.
Bayley def. Cami Fields
Overview: Bayley dominated the local competitor throughout, hitting all her top moves on Cami Fields. However, Bayley missed a splash and took a series of shoulder tackles from Fields.
Bayley blocked a whip and hit the Bayley to Belly for the win. During Bayley's celebration, Dana Brooke attacked her from behind with a forearm to the neck.
Bayley blocked a whip and hit the Bayley to Belly for the win. During Bayley's celebration, Dana Brooke attacked her from behind with a forearm to the neck.
Everyone wants to welcome Sin Cara to the cruiserweight division where he'll get four minutes of screen time every three weeks. So no change.
Lince Dorado and Sin Cara def. Drew Gulak
Overview: This match started out all Dorado and Cara who used their speed advantage, but Gulak and Nese managed to slow the action and wear down the luchadors. Cara managed to get the advantage back then hit a suicide dive on Nese. This allowed Dorado to hit a spin kick into the shooting star press on Gulak for the victory.
Highlights:
Analysis: What has happened so quickly to the cruiserweights? As they get more comfortable, the show moves away from them. This match barely got any time with Nese doing basically nothing. I do like that Cara is now a part of the cruiserweight division though.
Highlights:
- Dorado flipped Cara in the air into Nese.
- Dorado hit a double foot stomp on the arm of Nese.
- Gulak locked in the Gory Special on Dorado.
- Dorado fought off both men with a handspring springboard double elbow.
- Cara hit a springboard moonsault on both men.
- Cara hit a dead lift powerbomb on Gulak.
Analysis: What has happened so quickly to the cruiserweights? As they get more comfortable, the show moves away from them. This match barely got any time with Nese doing basically nothing. I do like that Cara is now a part of the cruiserweight division though.
Stephanie, you can try your best, but you cannot outshine that terrible jacket.
Mick Foley Announces Two More Hell in a Cell Matches
Overview: Mick Foley came out to make his address after an introduction from Stephanie McMahon. It was announced that Banks vs. Charlotte and Kevin Owens vs. Seth Rollins would occur inside Hell in a Cell. This brought out an angry Owens and Chris Jericho.
Jericho put Foley on The List for his actions, but Stephanie stepped in with a new announcement. Tonight's main event would be Rollins vs. Jericho where, if Jericho won, he'd be added to the Universal Championship match at Hell in a Cell.
Analysis: WWE should know better than to have segments like this. It was classic Raw. The authority figures dominate screen time and tell us stuff we didn't really need to be told to know they'd happen. At least Team Chris and Kevin were hilarious as always.
Jericho put Foley on The List for his actions, but Stephanie stepped in with a new announcement. Tonight's main event would be Rollins vs. Jericho where, if Jericho won, he'd be added to the Universal Championship match at Hell in a Cell.
Analysis: WWE should know better than to have segments like this. It was classic Raw. The authority figures dominate screen time and tell us stuff we didn't really need to be told to know they'd happen. At least Team Chris and Kevin were hilarious as always.
Gallows and Anderson beat down their way to another feud that will likely make them out as jokes and lose constantly.
Gallows and Anderson Injure Enzo and Cass; Sami Zayn and Neville def. Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel
Overview: It was shown earlier in the day that Curtis Axel wanted to prove he Bo-lieved in Bo Dallas by competing with him in tag team action. While Enzo and Cass talked themselves up, Gallows and Anderson attacked them from behind and hit the Boot of Doom on Enzo and Magic Killer on Big Cass.
Axel demanded new opponents which brought out Sami Zayn and Neville. Dallas came out swinging on Zayn, having to be repeatedly pulled off by the ref. Axel took an exploder suplex into the corner from Zayn into a Helluva Kick and the Red Arrow for the win.
Analysis: It is good to see so many wrestlers with real stories developing even if the stories are not all where I would like the wrestlers to be. Gallows and Anderson are likely to lose their feud to Enzo and Cass even though they need a win, but the feud will be fun.
Meanwhile, Dallas continues to become an interesting potential heel star. They are finally fully committing to him. It would be fun to see Axel continue to try and prove he is friends with Dallas as Bo grows to the point of challenging for the US Championship.
Axel demanded new opponents which brought out Sami Zayn and Neville. Dallas came out swinging on Zayn, having to be repeatedly pulled off by the ref. Axel took an exploder suplex into the corner from Zayn into a Helluva Kick and the Red Arrow for the win.
Analysis: It is good to see so many wrestlers with real stories developing even if the stories are not all where I would like the wrestlers to be. Gallows and Anderson are likely to lose their feud to Enzo and Cass even though they need a win, but the feud will be fun.
Meanwhile, Dallas continues to become an interesting potential heel star. They are finally fully committing to him. It would be fun to see Axel continue to try and prove he is friends with Dallas as Bo grows to the point of challenging for the US Championship.
Titus sits back and wonder what ever happened to his career.
R-Truth def. Titus O'Neil
Overview: R-Truth came out in a flurry against Titus O'Neil until he ran into a big boot from Titus. Titus repeatedly kneed the side of Truth, but, as Goldust tried to help Truth rally, he distracted Titus for a Truth roll up for the victory.
Analysis: I really like the idea of the Titus Brand gimmick, and Titus is doing the best he can with it. He just isn't a good enough wrestler or talker to get it over. It won't help him that he is also repeatedly losing either. Maybe they're setting him up for a manager who helps him get wins.
Analysis: I really like the idea of the Titus Brand gimmick, and Titus is doing the best he can with it. He just isn't a good enough wrestler or talker to get it over. It won't help him that he is also repeatedly losing either. Maybe they're setting him up for a manager who helps him get wins.
Sign the Splash Brothers! We'll never have greater hair than this.
Braun Strowman def. Steven and Clay Splash
Overview: Before the match, the Splash Brothers promised to make a splash. Both men tried to knock down Strowman, but he didn't even move as he splashed one with the other on his shoulders.
He ended the match with a double dropkick, running powerslam, and reverse chokeslam to pin both men on top of one another.Afterward, Braun Strowman ran off Byron Saxton and demanded real wrestlers next week.
He ended the match with a double dropkick, running powerslam, and reverse chokeslam to pin both men on top of one another.Afterward, Braun Strowman ran off Byron Saxton and demanded real wrestlers next week.
Roman Reigns does all the work. Sasha Banks wins and of course she gets the "you deserve it" chant.
Roman Reigns and Sasha Banks def. Rusev and Charlotte
Overview: Charlotte tagged herself in to start then Rusev tagged himself back in. The faces showed their dominance early until Rusev hit repeated strong strikes on Reigns to ground him.
Reigns struggled to fight back but eventually got the tag to Banks who just rolled, turning a roll up into the Bank Statement. As Charlotte tried to fight out, Rusev Speared Rusev to stop him breaking up the move, and Charlotte tapped out.
Highlights:
Analysis: As you would expect from two pairs with such strong chemistry, this was a solid match though it was oddly paced. It was never shown how Rusev gained control of the contest, and Banks absolutely dominated Charlotte when they fought.
It needs to be said though that the finish was quality even if it was expected. Banks showed off her rolling confidence while Rusev got some more comeuppance for his actions to start the show.
Reigns struggled to fight back but eventually got the tag to Banks who just rolled, turning a roll up into the Bank Statement. As Charlotte tried to fight out, Rusev Speared Rusev to stop him breaking up the move, and Charlotte tapped out.
Highlights:
- Rusev stopped Rusev in his tracks with a jumping lariat.
- Charlotte grabbed Reigns' leg for the distraction which caused Banks to take her out with a forearm and Reigns to send Rusev outside with a clothesline to join her.
- Reigns Irish whipped Reigns into the corner only for him to bounce off for a Superman Punch.
- Banks rolled over Charlotte after the hot tag, hitting the running double knees and double knees in the corner.
Analysis: As you would expect from two pairs with such strong chemistry, this was a solid match though it was oddly paced. It was never shown how Rusev gained control of the contest, and Banks absolutely dominated Charlotte when they fought.
It needs to be said though that the finish was quality even if it was expected. Banks showed off her rolling confidence while Rusev got some more comeuppance for his actions to start the show.
Heyman is trying SO hard to make people care about a long over-the-hill performer.
Paul Heyman Issues Brock Lesnar's Challenge to Goldberg
Overview: Paul Heyman put over the legacy of Goldberg even calling Goldberg the blemish on Brock Lesnar's career. He then declared that Lesnar was issuing a challenge to Goldberg for a match any time anywhere.
Analysis: I could care no less about Lesnar vs. Goldberg than I do now. Why would I want to watch a powerhouse who was not good in the ring when he was in shape get back in the ring with the man who gave him his worst match and has turned his moveset into three moves?
Analysis: I could care no less about Lesnar vs. Goldberg than I do now. Why would I want to watch a powerhouse who was not good in the ring when he was in shape get back in the ring with the man who gave him his worst match and has turned his moveset into three moves?
Ariya Daivari didn't make it out of the first round, but he still beat many CWC favorites to the spot of weekly jobber to Perkins.
TJ Perkins def. Ariya Daivari
Overview: The Brian Kendrick watched on commentary and said his attack on Perkins were to make sure he used his time wisely. Daivari also cut a pretaped interview on Perkins, promising to prove himself. Perkins seemed to struggle against Daivari's striking.
Perkins managed to get back rolling with a series of close strikes, but it took a dodge of a frog splash to find his opening. Perkins hit a wrecking ball dropkick right into the kneebar for the submission.
Highlights:
Analysis: Daivari's debut on the main roster was not overly impressive but effective as he had one of the best crafted cruiserweight matches yet on the main roster. The two traded big shots with Daivari seeming to have the champion's number.
This match was also helped immensely by quality commentary from Kendrick who has been absolutely fantastic lately. He cuts quality promos on repeat, and the way he sold his lines about needing success came off both as sincere and threatening.
Perkins managed to get back rolling with a series of close strikes, but it took a dodge of a frog splash to find his opening. Perkins hit a wrecking ball dropkick right into the kneebar for the submission.
Highlights:
- Daivari caught Perkins mid-run with a double forearm.
- Perkins pulled out the kneebar early.
- Daivari hit a neckbreaker on Perkins.
- Perkins came back with a wheelbarrow bulldog.
- Perkins hit a neckbreaker out of the corner then Dynamite Kick.
- Daivari caught Perkins with a rolling elbow and superkick.
Analysis: Daivari's debut on the main roster was not overly impressive but effective as he had one of the best crafted cruiserweight matches yet on the main roster. The two traded big shots with Daivari seeming to have the champion's number.
This match was also helped immensely by quality commentary from Kendrick who has been absolutely fantastic lately. He cuts quality promos on repeat, and the way he sold his lines about needing success came off both as sincere and threatening.
Chris Jericho is going to a new stage in his development as a performer. He's becoming Kevin Owens. Be truly scared.
Seth Rollins def. Chris Jericho to Keep Jericho Out of Hell in a Cell
Overview: Chris Jericho slapped Seth Rollins to start the match which set him off. Rollins had Jericho's number when Owens came out for the distraction to allow Jericho strike back and focus on Rollins' ribs. He even teased Owens' Argentine neckbreaker which originally hurt Rollins.
Owens teased Rollins and got a kick for his trouble, but this again allowed Jericho to catch Rollins, locking in the Walls of Jericho. After breaking it with the ropes, Owens superkicked Rollins.
That still wasn't enough with Rollins blocking a double axe handle with a side kick then, after Jericho blocked the Pedigree, he tried to lock in the Walls but instead got rolled up for three. Afterward, Rollins Pedigreed Jericho again.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was the best match we have seen between Rollins and Jericho so far with clear storytelling throughout. Jericho targeted the ribs of Rollins that Owens hurt recently with full focus, and Owens helped him along the way to get close to the victory.
It was nice that Rollins looked resilient but not invincible. He had to take a roll up victory with Jericho having an answer for his best shots, and he always made sure to avoid the Codebreaker. It was quality TV wrestling.
Owens teased Rollins and got a kick for his trouble, but this again allowed Jericho to catch Rollins, locking in the Walls of Jericho. After breaking it with the ropes, Owens superkicked Rollins.
That still wasn't enough with Rollins blocking a double axe handle with a side kick then, after Jericho blocked the Pedigree, he tried to lock in the Walls but instead got rolled up for three. Afterward, Rollins Pedigreed Jericho again.
Highlights:
- Jericho hugged the referee just to get some relief from Rollins.
- Rollins hit a double axe handle off the apron then threw Jericho into the steel steps.
- Owens' distraction allowed Jericho to kick Rollins in the knee then drop Rollins ribs first onto the ropes.
- Jericho continued his assault on the ribs with an abdominal stretch, repeatedly striking the ribs with fists.
- Rollins stunned Jericho with an enzuigiri then hit a series of running forearms in the corner into a Slingblade.
- Rollins fought off a superplex but dived into a dropkick.
- Rollins blocked the Codebreaker then hit a superkick.
- Rollins dodged the springboard dropkick, sending Jericho outside, then hit a suicide dive on Owens.
- Rollins hit an enzuigiri then a full weight springboard knee.
- Rollins missed the frog splash then took a Lionsault.
Analysis: This was the best match we have seen between Rollins and Jericho so far with clear storytelling throughout. Jericho targeted the ribs of Rollins that Owens hurt recently with full focus, and Owens helped him along the way to get close to the victory.
It was nice that Rollins looked resilient but not invincible. He had to take a roll up victory with Jericho having an answer for his best shots, and he always made sure to avoid the Codebreaker. It was quality TV wrestling.
I love video games as much as the next guy, TJP, but you are really pushing that gamer lingo.
Final Notes: R-Truth finds Jericho complaining backstage and offers him a Payday candy bar. Stephanie McMahon caught Mick Foley backstage just before his Hell in a Cell address and asked to join him out there for the address.
After the announcement of Rollins vs. Jericho later, Rollins promised in an interview to dominate Jericho. Lana confronted Charlotte backstage and told her to stay out of Rusev's way in their match. Reigns found Banks backstage and tried to warn Banks about HIAC with her refusing to listen.
TJ Perkins found Brian Kendrick backstage and tried to convince him to stop taking shortcuts only for Kendrick to attempt to sneak attack him with Perkins knocking him down.
Jericho and Owens refused to listen to Tom Phillips questions and promised they were both champion if one was champion. Later Stephanie made sure Jericho knew the opportunity he had in front of him before the main event.
Conclusion: This was a fairly strong showing from Raw who kept things pushing forward. The segments had purpose and drive with reveals throughout for Hell in a Cell that now looks like a stacked show especially if Raw keeps the stories moving.
We got more escalation between Banks and Charlotte. Rollins, Owens, and Jericho finally moves forward again. The wrestlers on the roster feel like they are really being used again with nice stories developing even for guys like Strowman and Dallas.
With SmackDown potentially showing faltering signs, Raw could take back the reigns with continued solid shows like this where the focus is primarily on the stories and characters.
After the announcement of Rollins vs. Jericho later, Rollins promised in an interview to dominate Jericho. Lana confronted Charlotte backstage and told her to stay out of Rusev's way in their match. Reigns found Banks backstage and tried to warn Banks about HIAC with her refusing to listen.
TJ Perkins found Brian Kendrick backstage and tried to convince him to stop taking shortcuts only for Kendrick to attempt to sneak attack him with Perkins knocking him down.
Jericho and Owens refused to listen to Tom Phillips questions and promised they were both champion if one was champion. Later Stephanie made sure Jericho knew the opportunity he had in front of him before the main event.
Conclusion: This was a fairly strong showing from Raw who kept things pushing forward. The segments had purpose and drive with reveals throughout for Hell in a Cell that now looks like a stacked show especially if Raw keeps the stories moving.
We got more escalation between Banks and Charlotte. Rollins, Owens, and Jericho finally moves forward again. The wrestlers on the roster feel like they are really being used again with nice stories developing even for guys like Strowman and Dallas.
With SmackDown potentially showing faltering signs, Raw could take back the reigns with continued solid shows like this where the focus is primarily on the stories and characters.