Written by: Kevin Berge
It has been a fairly strong few weeks for Monday Night Raw as they have built toward a climax with Hell in a Cell. Three Hell in a Cell matches meant three major stories building from Raw.
Tonight was a night of rising action with Goldberg appearing to potentially accept a challenge from Brock Lesnar, Sasha Banks and Charlotte were both interviewed about fighting inside Hell in a Cell, and Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens needed to deal with their tension.
In order for this show to succeed, all it needed to do was keep the focus forward on the coming pay-per-view event.
Tonight was a night of rising action with Goldberg appearing to potentially accept a challenge from Brock Lesnar, Sasha Banks and Charlotte were both interviewed about fighting inside Hell in a Cell, and Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens needed to deal with their tension.
In order for this show to succeed, all it needed to do was keep the focus forward on the coming pay-per-view event.
I like you, Owens, but your behavior is getting very close to List territory when it comes to your mistreatment of Chris Jericho.
Seth Rollins def. Chris Jericho
Overview: Chris and Kevin came out to start the night with Owens decrying his Hell in a Cell match against Seth Rollins which could shorten his career. Rollins came out to make fun of the two and their friendship until Jericho accepted a rematch against Rollins without KO at ringside.
Jericho struggled against Rollins early but managed to ground Rollins for a while. The two traded explosive shots until Rollins nearly had the win. Owens came out to try and make the save, but, after Rollins broke the Walls and blocked the Codebreaker, he hit a Pedigree for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: WWE needs to put more separation between the clashes between these two. After their strong main event showing, they failed to deliver here with a sloppy encounter that had no rhythm. It was as if the two just wanted to change it up and couldn't figure out what to do.
I still like the three men involved, but some element needs to be added here. This was a waste of a week here beyond some of the development between Owens and Jericho.
Jericho struggled against Rollins early but managed to ground Rollins for a while. The two traded explosive shots until Rollins nearly had the win. Owens came out to try and make the save, but, after Rollins broke the Walls and blocked the Codebreaker, he hit a Pedigree for the win.
Highlights:
- Jericho landed a double underhook backbreaker.
- Rollins went for an early Pedigree, but Jericho reversed it only to be immediately hit with a sunset flip.
- Rollins hit a top rope somersault neckbreaker.
- A second Pedigree attempt sent Rollins to the floor then walked back onto the apron into a springboard dropkick.
- Rollins smacked Jericho's head into the second turnbuckle then hit the Slingblade.
- Jericho actually hit a Lionsault but only for a nearfall.
- Rollins landed a high knee into a Falcon Arrow.
- KO came out for the distraction, allowing Jericho to lock in the Walls of Jericho with KO pulling away the ropes until he was caught by the referee.
Analysis: WWE needs to put more separation between the clashes between these two. After their strong main event showing, they failed to deliver here with a sloppy encounter that had no rhythm. It was as if the two just wanted to change it up and couldn't figure out what to do.
I still like the three men involved, but some element needs to be added here. This was a waste of a week here beyond some of the development between Owens and Jericho.
Don't worry, Titus, if you keep at it, one day you can be a part of the random veteran team that kill off the momentum of the young talent.
The Golden Truth and Mark Henry def. The Shining Stars and Titus O'Neil
Overview: It was shown earlier that Titus and The Shining Stars had teamed up and made a deal with R-Truth that he would have to buy all their watches if they lost this match. The heels began dominating on Goldust.
Goldust fought out of the corner and got the hot tag to R-Truth. This caused chaos with the heels being cleared out then Mark Henry getting an effortless win on Titus with the World's Strongest Slam.
Highlights:
Analysis: I like the idea of all the heels trying to scam people with rebranding being paired together, but Titus and Shining Stars just are not interesting enough to make this work against veterans on their last leg particularly when they lose the match in three minutes.
Goldust fought out of the corner and got the hot tag to R-Truth. This caused chaos with the heels being cleared out then Mark Henry getting an effortless win on Titus with the World's Strongest Slam.
Highlights:
- Goldust fought out of the heel corner with a snap suplex.
- Truth hit a heel kick, low kick, then scissor kick on Titus.
- Goldust stopped a Primo interruption with a spinebuster.
Analysis: I like the idea of all the heels trying to scam people with rebranding being paired together, but Titus and Shining Stars just are not interesting enough to make this work against veterans on their last leg particularly when they lose the match in three minutes.
All Sheamus does is be funny, great in the ring, and charismatic, yet he just gets only hate from robotic unfunny wrestlers.
Big E def. Sheamus
Overview: Cesaro came out already streaming on Facebook Live during Sheamus' entrance then New Day made fun of the pair as terrible partners. Sheamus was dominating but lost focus, stealing Cesaro's phone. When he got back into the ring, Big E had recovered, hitting a splash in the corner and roll up for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: I love how Cesaro and Sheamus are playing off one another with WWE going all in on the Facebook Live streaming with multiple showings of the view from Cesaro's phone. It really made this otherwise average match unique.
I am still not certain about The New Day as of late, but they have had decent material with the on-fire Cesaro and Sheamus.
Highlights:
- Big E fought off the Beats of the Bodhran, hit a short arm clothesline, and a splash on the apron.
- Sheamus flipped to the top rope but dived into a belly to belly suplex that was the first of a trio.
- Sheamus blocked a splash with his knees, tried to roll him up, and then hit an Irish Curse backbreaker.
- Sheamus jumped right into a powerbomb.
- Sheamus hit a running knee and White Noise.
Analysis: I love how Cesaro and Sheamus are playing off one another with WWE going all in on the Facebook Live streaming with multiple showings of the view from Cesaro's phone. It really made this otherwise average match unique.
I am still not certain about The New Day as of late, but they have had decent material with the on-fire Cesaro and Sheamus.
Bo is having some real NXT flashbacks here, fueling his rise to glory.
Bo Dallas def. Neville
Overview: Bo Dallas came out swinging against Neville with vicious short arm strikes while Curtis Axel watched from ringside. Neville though fought out of Dallas' grip, hitting an enzuigiri then moonsault off the apron.
Dallas tripped Neville off the apron when going for a Red Arrow then hit the rolling cutter for the win. When Axel tried to celebrate with Bo, he got assaulted by Dallas, finished with a running knee into the barricade.
Analysis: I am really enjoying the build up of Bo who is only now coming off as a serious threat in WWE. His striking style looks vicious and dangerous. It is a shame it comes at the expense of Neville though particularly in such a short match.
It will be interesting to see how Axel ends up fitting in here. Does he turn face to feud with Bo? If he does, how do they book it? It's difficult to build up Axel as a face and continue this rebuilding of Bo as a dominant heel.
Dallas tripped Neville off the apron when going for a Red Arrow then hit the rolling cutter for the win. When Axel tried to celebrate with Bo, he got assaulted by Dallas, finished with a running knee into the barricade.
Analysis: I am really enjoying the build up of Bo who is only now coming off as a serious threat in WWE. His striking style looks vicious and dangerous. It is a shame it comes at the expense of Neville though particularly in such a short match.
It will be interesting to see how Axel ends up fitting in here. Does he turn face to feud with Bo? If he does, how do they book it? It's difficult to build up Axel as a face and continue this rebuilding of Bo as a dominant heel.
On the plus side, Bayley, while you are stuck feuding with a woman who needed another year in development but beat you to the main roster, you are at least getting regular TV time unlike most of the women's roster on Raw.
Bayley def. Dana Brooke
Overview: Dana Brooke seemed to be trying to find an opening early against Bayley and finally got it using her strength. Bayley refused to stay down, continuing to rally with explosive offense. Brooke caught Bayley off the top rope and slammed her shoulder-first into the steel post to take the win on an apparently hurting Bayley.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match seemed perfectly set. Bayley and Brooke have a rivalry building, and this was supposed to be a big moment. Bayley had Brooke looking good for a time then things got sloppy particularly the rotten finish which look all kinds of wrong unless Bayley was legitimately hurt.
While Brooke winning was the smart result for this feud, the finish put to question whether she deserves to even be in a feud with a wrestler the caliber of Bayley.
Highlights:
- Brooke tried to outrun Bayley early but got caught in the ropes then took a bulldog.
- Brooke choked out Bayley with a handstand boot.
- Bayley tried to rally with a clothesline but also took a clothesline.
- Bayley hit a jumping elbow then baseball slide on Brooke as she tried to escape.
Analysis: This match seemed perfectly set. Bayley and Brooke have a rivalry building, and this was supposed to be a big moment. Bayley had Brooke looking good for a time then things got sloppy particularly the rotten finish which look all kinds of wrong unless Bayley was legitimately hurt.
While Brooke winning was the smart result for this feud, the finish put to question whether she deserves to even be in a feud with a wrestler the caliber of Bayley.
Strowman doesn't need to be an indie midget to fly.
Braun Strowman def. The Mile High Trio
Overview: The Mile High Trio made clear that they were used to the climate in Denver while they were sure Braun Strowman would get winded quickly. Strowman threw all three men out of the ring then double dropkicked two of them.
When one tried to run off, he got run down then reverse chokeslammed on his friend for the win. Afterward, Strowman demanded a mic and was ready to go after Mick Foley, but Sami Zayn came out. Strowman threw him down, but he got back up as Strowman walked off.
Analysis: I am all for this Zayn vs. Strowman feud as long as the two are given a fair shake. If Strowman just destroys Zayn, then it's a waste. The idea of Zayn challenging a man who no one else wanted to face is great, showing Zayn's fearlessness.
When one tried to run off, he got run down then reverse chokeslammed on his friend for the win. Afterward, Strowman demanded a mic and was ready to go after Mick Foley, but Sami Zayn came out. Strowman threw him down, but he got back up as Strowman walked off.
Analysis: I am all for this Zayn vs. Strowman feud as long as the two are given a fair shake. If Strowman just destroys Zayn, then it's a waste. The idea of Zayn challenging a man who no one else wanted to face is great, showing Zayn's fearlessness.
Aw, isn't it great to see real pride shown in family?
Rusev Introduces His Family
Overview: Rusev and Lana introduced the Rusev family. The mother was a rowing champion, and his father served in the military. His brother owned a successful restaurant. Even the dog was an award-winning star.
Roman Reigns interrupted to make fun of Rusev which set off Rusev who side kicked Reigns out of the ring then began dominating him, slamming him into the barricade. He stopped a Reigns rally, slammed him into the steel steps, and locked him in The Accolade on the steps.
Analysis: In a feud that has been extremely hit and miss, this was awful with a terrible concept from the start and Rusev just not able to keep it rolling. If it did anything properly, it did get the crowd all behind Reigns who was the only relief from more Rusev family.
Roman Reigns interrupted to make fun of Rusev which set off Rusev who side kicked Reigns out of the ring then began dominating him, slamming him into the barricade. He stopped a Reigns rally, slammed him into the steel steps, and locked him in The Accolade on the steps.
Analysis: In a feud that has been extremely hit and miss, this was awful with a terrible concept from the start and Rusev just not able to keep it rolling. If it did anything properly, it did get the crowd all behind Reigns who was the only relief from more Rusev family.
Still not wishing you stayed in Japan, Karl?
Big Cass def. Karl Anderson
Overview: Enzo and Cass came out angry for Big Cass' revenge match against Karl Anderson. It showed in their aggression as Cass threw immediate forearms and a fallaway slam. Enzo took out Luke Gallows outside with Cass running into a step-up enzuigiri but coming back quickly with the East River Crossing for the win.
Analysis: Are you kidding me? Gallows and Anderson are on the edge of a razor blade right now, and they need big credibility boosts to survive. Instead Anderson' singles matches continue to be squashes. While I can appreciate the story here of Enzo and Cass coming out extra motivated, they did not need to win that dominantly.
Analysis: Are you kidding me? Gallows and Anderson are on the edge of a razor blade right now, and they need big credibility boosts to survive. Instead Anderson' singles matches continue to be squashes. While I can appreciate the story here of Enzo and Cass coming out extra motivated, they did not need to win that dominantly.
And the crowd almost goes mild.
The Brian Kendrick, Tony Nese, and Drew Gulak def. TJ Perkins, Rich Swann, and Cedric Alexander
Overview: After a fast moving start, the heels managed to isolate Cedric Alexander until he got the hot tag to Rich Swann. After the ring was cleared, Tony Nese hit a 450 Splash on Swann then tagged in Brian Kendrick to lock in the Captain's Hook for the submission with Nese and Drew Gulak holding TJ Perkins back from the save.
Highlights:
Analysis: As is becoming a sad trend in WWE, this cruiserweight match happened mostly during the commercial break. Almost all the action was highlight worthy, but there was so little flow when we just saw the beginning and the end.
This is just a microcosm for what the cruiserweight division has become in WWE. Beyond the excellently told story of Perkins and Kendrick, no one has any momentum or character because they are just in these random matches that don't even get TV time.
Highlights:
- Nese caught Perkins on a top rope DDT and hit a suplex.
- Kendrick tried to take out Perkins thanks to the assault of his partners but instead was caught by the kneebar.
- Alexander fought of the heel corner with a handspring back elbow and back body drop.
- Swann hit an effortless Frankensteiner on Nese.
- Perkins hit a wrecking ball dropkick on Gulak.
Analysis: As is becoming a sad trend in WWE, this cruiserweight match happened mostly during the commercial break. Almost all the action was highlight worthy, but there was so little flow when we just saw the beginning and the end.
This is just a microcosm for what the cruiserweight division has become in WWE. Beyond the excellently told story of Perkins and Kendrick, no one has any momentum or character because they are just in these random matches that don't even get TV time.
The WWE fans would like you to know they would rather see over-the-hill never-good wrestlers rather than accomplished athletes in their wrestling main events.
Goldberg Announce Brock Lesnar As His Last Opponent
Overview: Goldberg made his return to WWE to an excited crowd that held a Goldberg chant for minutes on end. He finally was given the microphone and said he wanted one more time to be a superhero for the kids. With much thought, he said he believed he had one last match in him against Lesnar.
Analysis: I am no Goldberg fan though that may come from him being before my time. He is an exciting presence and not much else, but there is something to be said for just how much presence he has. This promo though was outstanding by Goldberg who put over the whole story of his match with Lesnar in a few minutes.
With the crowd so invested in Goldberg, it was easy to get caught up in the moment. Goldberg was clearly loving the energy and the chance to be a star once more, and it showed. This still likely won't make the coming Survivor Series match any good.
Analysis: I am no Goldberg fan though that may come from him being before my time. He is an exciting presence and not much else, but there is something to be said for just how much presence he has. This promo though was outstanding by Goldberg who put over the whole story of his match with Lesnar in a few minutes.
With the crowd so invested in Goldberg, it was easy to get caught up in the moment. Goldberg was clearly loving the energy and the chance to be a star once more, and it showed. This still likely won't make the coming Survivor Series match any good.
I hope you enjoyed your brief run in WWE, Sami. You've reached the final stage in your career: playing lovable loser to the (literally) bigger stars.
Final Notes: Lita conducted interviews with Charlotte and Sasha Banks where Charlotte showed her confidence due to her dominance and Banks made clear Hell in a Cell would be her night. When asked why Zayn challenged Strowman, he said he needed to because no one else would.
Jericho found KO backstage and nearly called him a stupid idiots for interfering in his match after he told him not to, but Stephanie McMahon got involved and told them to get back on the same page as she needed them in the Survivor Series matches vs. SmackDown.
Throughout the night, highlights of Goldberg's career were shown. Paul Heyman was also interview before Goldberg appeared, saying he knew the legend would accept the challenge from Lesnar but told him to rethink that idea.
Before their six-man tag team match, Kendrick tried to make sure Gulak and Nese were on the same page with him. Perkins interrupted and was almost ambushed before his partners Swann and Alexander showed up to even the odds. Foley and Stephanie announced KO v Y2J v Rollins main event for next week.
Conclusion: Ugh, this was bad. The booking was rotten. The show had no flow. There weren't even any strong individual segments beyond the main event which didn't have anything to do with the present build toward Hell in a Cell.
The show started off with its main eventers, ended with a returning legend who will probably make two more appearances ever in WWE, and drudged along in-between.
It was one of those Raws where it was more exciting to check the time every half hour than watch the show has it rolled on. If you missed this show, you did not miss much of anything.
Jericho found KO backstage and nearly called him a stupid idiots for interfering in his match after he told him not to, but Stephanie McMahon got involved and told them to get back on the same page as she needed them in the Survivor Series matches vs. SmackDown.
Throughout the night, highlights of Goldberg's career were shown. Paul Heyman was also interview before Goldberg appeared, saying he knew the legend would accept the challenge from Lesnar but told him to rethink that idea.
Before their six-man tag team match, Kendrick tried to make sure Gulak and Nese were on the same page with him. Perkins interrupted and was almost ambushed before his partners Swann and Alexander showed up to even the odds. Foley and Stephanie announced KO v Y2J v Rollins main event for next week.
Conclusion: Ugh, this was bad. The booking was rotten. The show had no flow. There weren't even any strong individual segments beyond the main event which didn't have anything to do with the present build toward Hell in a Cell.
The show started off with its main eventers, ended with a returning legend who will probably make two more appearances ever in WWE, and drudged along in-between.
It was one of those Raws where it was more exciting to check the time every half hour than watch the show has it rolled on. If you missed this show, you did not miss much of anything.