Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Last week was not the best showing for Monday Night Raw. They didn't do a great job selling the road to Hell in a Cell, focusing much more on Goldberg and an angle toward Survivor Series.
Raw was in need of a rebound here with the go-home show for Hell in a Cell especially when they tried to sell the show as having three "main events" which is not technically possible by definition.
Raw was in need of a rebound here with the go-home show for Hell in a Cell especially when they tried to sell the show as having three "main events" which is not technically possible by definition.
Seth Rollins should be in jail. How can he get away with such heinous thievery?
Chris Jericho Loses The List
Overview: Chris Jericho came out to start the night unscheduled and said that the main event triple threat was cancelled indefinitely as Jericho has lost The List. Kevin Owens then Stephanie McMahon came out to promise they'd get The List back but implored him to compete tonight.
Seth Rollins arrived, showing he had stolen The List and played up the possibilities on The List. In the end, Rollins promised that he would hurt KO and make sure he struggled to walk again after they fought inside Hell in a Cell.
Analysis: This was hilarious yet stupid in equal measure. I don't know what to make of a burgeoning face Jericho whose character is basically just a man-baby. He was surprisingly sympathetic here for no logical reason.
The problem with the segment was it was far too silly for a World Championship feud. KO played it up as ridiculous, and Rollins got serious. Still, there needs to be more focus on the serious stakes between these two right now.
Seth Rollins arrived, showing he had stolen The List and played up the possibilities on The List. In the end, Rollins promised that he would hurt KO and make sure he struggled to walk again after they fought inside Hell in a Cell.
Analysis: This was hilarious yet stupid in equal measure. I don't know what to make of a burgeoning face Jericho whose character is basically just a man-baby. He was surprisingly sympathetic here for no logical reason.
The problem with the segment was it was far too silly for a World Championship feud. KO played it up as ridiculous, and Rollins got serious. Still, there needs to be more focus on the serious stakes between these two right now.
Enzo may be half their size, but even he's laughing at Gallows & Anderson as threats.
Enzo Amore def. Karl Anderson
Overview: Enzo Amore and Big Cass had their mics cut by someone paid off backstage by Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, but Enzo and Cass still did their intro open with the crowd who followed along intently.
In their match, Anderson dominated until Enzo began to rally. Both Cass and Gallows tried to get involved with Cass hitting a big boot which allowed Enzo to steal the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This is just getting to the point of parody. Anderson actually got to wrestle a decent match, but then it abruptly ended with another loss for Anderson. This guy is way too talented to be used like this. Even in small bouts, you can see his talent.
In their match, Anderson dominated until Enzo began to rally. Both Cass and Gallows tried to get involved with Cass hitting a big boot which allowed Enzo to steal the win.
Highlights:
- A distraction from Gallows allows Anderson to catch Enzo mid-air for a spinebuster.
- Anderson hit two vicious running leaping kicks to the skull then a third in the middle of the ring for a nearfall.
- Enzo fired back with a flurry with wild forearms.
- After Anderson wrapped himself in the ropes, ref had to force Enzo off, allowing Anderson to knock Enzo into the second turnbuckle.
Analysis: This is just getting to the point of parody. Anderson actually got to wrestle a decent match, but then it abruptly ended with another loss for Anderson. This guy is way too talented to be used like this. Even in small bouts, you can see his talent.
Cesaro is teaching Sheamus the fundamental lesson of his WWE career: just throw uppercuts.
Cesaro and Sheamus def. The New Day's Big E and Kofi Kingston
Overview: Before their match, The New Day made clear they were ashamed that Sheamus continued to allowed to wrestling in WWE when he was so disliked. Cesaro and Sheamus were shown backstage talking about how they'd love to win the tag titles with anyone but each other.
This match started off strong for Sheamus and Cesaro who seemed to be working well together. The New Day fought back as this swung back and forth. Big E catapulted Kofi outside, but he took an uppercut mid-air. Back in the ring, Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick on Big E for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match went about as expected. It was good, but the teams were holding back for Sunday. The victory was even obvious as WWE wanted to make sure fans could believe Cesaro and Sheamus had a chance to defeat The New Day.
They don't even though they've been great so far as a team. WWE is heavily teasing New Day surpassing the record of Demolition. They will at least allow the trio to get close before taking the title off of them.
This match started off strong for Sheamus and Cesaro who seemed to be working well together. The New Day fought back as this swung back and forth. Big E catapulted Kofi outside, but he took an uppercut mid-air. Back in the ring, Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick on Big E for the win.
Highlights:
- Cesaro and Sheamus' first team move was a double elbow to Kofi.
- Cesaro and Sheamus traded tags and uppercuts in the corner.
- Big E's triple belly to bellies did not end in a running splash when Sheamus caught him for an Irish Curse backbreaker.
- Cesaro catches Kofi's guillotine and turns it into a vertical suplex.
- Kofi turns the uppercut train into the SOS.
- Cesaro blocked the Midnight then caught Kofi's crossbody and threw him into the corner.
Analysis: This match went about as expected. It was good, but the teams were holding back for Sunday. The victory was even obvious as WWE wanted to make sure fans could believe Cesaro and Sheamus had a chance to defeat The New Day.
They don't even though they've been great so far as a team. WWE is heavily teasing New Day surpassing the record of Demolition. They will at least allow the trio to get close before taking the title off of them.
Legendary arm wrestling showdowns flash before me as this struggle is set up.
Dana Brooke def. Bayley in Arm Wrestling Contest
Overview: Dana Brooke demanded a rematch with Bayley after her loss was called an upset, but the rematch was an arm wrestling match despite Bayley injuring her right arm. She forced Bayley to compete with the bad arm and won easily.
When Bayley almost won with the left arm, Brooke cheap shot her and attacked Bayley, going after the bad shoulder. While she smacked the right shoulder onto the arm wrestling table, she quickly got Bayley to Bellied out of the ring.
Analysis: I disagree with the sentiment of the Minnesota crowd despite being a native Minnesotan. I did not find this segment boring. It moved quickly and told an effective story. Brooke continues to bully and damage Bayley but also fail to get the last laugh.
In some ways, this is a waste of Bayley, but it seems more like she is just playing a veteran role early in her career, helping develop and improve Brooke who needs the solo assist right now. It's not as though Bayley would be used otherwise with Charlotte and Sasha Banks dominating the title scene.
When Bayley almost won with the left arm, Brooke cheap shot her and attacked Bayley, going after the bad shoulder. While she smacked the right shoulder onto the arm wrestling table, she quickly got Bayley to Bellied out of the ring.
Analysis: I disagree with the sentiment of the Minnesota crowd despite being a native Minnesotan. I did not find this segment boring. It moved quickly and told an effective story. Brooke continues to bully and damage Bayley but also fail to get the last laugh.
In some ways, this is a waste of Bayley, but it seems more like she is just playing a veteran role early in her career, helping develop and improve Brooke who needs the solo assist right now. It's not as though Bayley would be used otherwise with Charlotte and Sasha Banks dominating the title scene.
I can feel that Minnesota pride, Axel.
Bo Dallas def. Curtis Axel
Overview: Curtis Axel came out angry, demanding retribution in his home state of Minnesota. Showing his own aggression, Axel came out swinging against Bo Dallas even countering the rolling cutter into the Perfect-Plex for a nearfall.
Bo though tripped him up and trapped him under the apron for repeated strikes. Axel rallied back with a hot crowd behind him but got rolled up for three with Bo realizing he was in trouble otherwise.
Analysis: This was a one segment match, but it was really solid throughout, telling a strong story with Axel keeping the pace rolling. It was great to see two men so focused on working heated and aggressive. This feud is doing wonders for both men.
Bo though tripped him up and trapped him under the apron for repeated strikes. Axel rallied back with a hot crowd behind him but got rolled up for three with Bo realizing he was in trouble otherwise.
Analysis: This was a one segment match, but it was really solid throughout, telling a strong story with Axel keeping the pace rolling. It was great to see two men so focused on working heated and aggressive. This feud is doing wonders for both men.
Epico is now fondly remembering the days he wasn't on TV but getting a paycheck anyway.
The Golden Truth w/ Mark Henry def. The Shining Stars w/ Titus O'Neil
Overview: The heels used cheap tags to take the early advantage in the match which set off the faces who ended up getting rolling. They took out the heels with The Golden Truth then hitting a lifted Lie Detector on Primo for the victory.
Highlights:
Analysis: Why should I care about this rivalry? I appreciate WWE using its roster regularly, but you need to make them matter. This feud has no real story. It is just a conflict for the sake of conflict. WWE has to make us see why we should care who wins between these two trios.
Highlights:
- Goldust hit an atomic drop and running boot on Epico.
- Epico dropkicked Goldust onto the second rope then Primo hit a leapfrog body guillotine before Epico hit a slingshot senton.
- The Shining Stars hit double dropkicks on the seated Goldust.
- Titus lowered the ropes for R-Truth to fall to the floor which angered Mark Henry who threw Titus into the steel post.
Analysis: Why should I care about this rivalry? I appreciate WWE using its roster regularly, but you need to make them matter. This feud has no real story. It is just a conflict for the sake of conflict. WWE has to make us see why we should care who wins between these two trios.
You women should listen to Mick Foley. He is a man after all which gives him invaluable experience over you. Lessons of the women's revolution.
Charlotte and Sasha Banks Sign The Contract for Hell in a Cell Despite Warnings From Mick Foley
Overview: Mick Foley introduced the two women about to step inside Hell in a Cell for the first time, Charlotte and Sasha Banks. Foley refused to let them speak with confidence as he warned them that their careers could forever change inside the Cell.
Both acknowledged the threat of the match, but they both cared too much about being Women's Champion to back down.
Analysis: Every year or so, we have Foley come in and talk up the dangers of Hell in a Cell. This time, it was easy given his general manager role. He has a great dynamic with the women given his clear admiration for both as athletes.
Sasha Banks was clearly the weakest talker in that ring, and it wasn't close. Her accent holds her back far too much, extending her words in odd ways. Still, she was clearly emotional and focused. Charlotte was great especially when she stopped trying to get over the line about being queen.
Both acknowledged the threat of the match, but they both cared too much about being Women's Champion to back down.
Analysis: Every year or so, we have Foley come in and talk up the dangers of Hell in a Cell. This time, it was easy given his general manager role. He has a great dynamic with the women given his clear admiration for both as athletes.
Sasha Banks was clearly the weakest talker in that ring, and it wasn't close. Her accent holds her back far too much, extending her words in odd ways. Still, she was clearly emotional and focused. Charlotte was great especially when she stopped trying to get over the line about being queen.
Why would anyone want to see all this? Cut to commercial!
Rich Swann def. The Brian Kendrick
Overview: TJ Perkins watched on commentary, talking about how Kendrick had changed, to watch as his friend Swann got Kendrick off balance early. Clearly Kendrick was fazed by Swann who blocked the Captain's Hook into a small package for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was one of the better cruiserweight clashes on Raw because it was allowed to be focused and had two of the best on the roster from the division. Still, it needed to not be cut into by a commercial so early as is frequent with the cruiserweights.
Swann winning likely signals that WWE will be moving past Kendrick in the title scene after Hell in a Cell. This gives Swann an in for the Cruiserweight Championship later.
Highlights:
- The two moved back and forth along the ropes with Swann doing a complete flip over Kendrick and hitting a dropkick.
- Swann knocked Kendrick outside then hit a corkscrew senton off the second turnbuckle.
- Swann hits a Frankensteiner for a nearfall.
- Swann hit a double underhook powerbomb into a jackknife nearfall.
- Swann's standing moonsault went right into the knees of Kendrick.
- Kendrick caught Swann on his shoulders with a facebuster.
Analysis: This was one of the better cruiserweight clashes on Raw because it was allowed to be focused and had two of the best on the roster from the division. Still, it needed to not be cut into by a commercial so early as is frequent with the cruiserweights.
Swann winning likely signals that WWE will be moving past Kendrick in the title scene after Hell in a Cell. This gives Swann an in for the Cruiserweight Championship later.
Sami Zayn just saw his life flash before his eyes and is regretting asking for a real story for the first time in months.
Braun Strowman Refuses to Compete Against Sami Zayn
Overview: Braun Strowman said Sami Zayn was not competition before their match and got attacked by an angry Zayn from behind. Zayn sent him after him outside then repeatedly dropkicked him outside before jumping onto him only to be thrown into the barricade.
As Strowman walked off, Zayn got back up even while injured, calling for the big man to return, but he left instead of competing.
Analysis: The story had been really well told so far. It was easy to root for Sami Zayn here as he played it smart and was still fiery and resilient. Meanwhile, Strowman refuses to take him seriously with the underlying idea that he might fear Zayn. There's real potential here.
As Strowman walked off, Zayn got back up even while injured, calling for the big man to return, but he left instead of competing.
Analysis: The story had been really well told so far. It was easy to root for Sami Zayn here as he played it smart and was still fiery and resilient. Meanwhile, Strowman refuses to take him seriously with the underlying idea that he might fear Zayn. There's real potential here.
"Oh please don't chant 'Goldberg'. I beg you! Don't say it exactly like 'Gold-berg Gold-berg'."
Paul Heyman Blames Goldberg for Ruining Brock Lesnar's Return
Overview: Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar came out to address the Minnesota crowd, but Heyman noticed some people chanting for Goldberg. This angered Heyman who said it especially angered Lesnar. In the end, they got the crowd chanting "Goldberg sucks".
Analysis: This was all kinds of bad, a poorly conceived concept that even Heyman could not make work. By the end, Heyman was begging the hometown crowd to turn against their favorite son to root for Goldberg, and it just would not work.
Analysis: This was all kinds of bad, a poorly conceived concept that even Heyman could not make work. By the end, Heyman was begging the hometown crowd to turn against their favorite son to root for Goldberg, and it just would not work.
Don't worry, fans. The move that took out Zayn for a month will only cost Rollins a few days. He'll still win on Sunday with superhuman resilience.
Seth Rollins def. Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho
Overview: Kevin Owens rolled out to start with Chris Jericho rolling out as well to tell what the strategy was. Seth Rollins tried to get them to fight but failed. He tried to isolated them next but eventually got teamed up on by the team.
Jericho lost it after he couldn't get the win off a Codebreaker. The teammates continued to team up on Rollins but got double rolled up for the Rollins pinfall win. KO and Jericho beat down on Rollins after then Rollins began a solo brawl with Owens that ended with a powerbomb on the apron.
Highlights:
Analysis: As a pure wrestling match, this was easily the strongest showing of the night. The storytelling was great, and the moments were plenty. I just cannot get over how WWE is booking Rollins lately. He is Super Rollins working like Cena once did in his prime.
If Rollins can beat Jericho and Owens at the same time simultaneously, why should I care to see what he can do solo against KO? The post-match beatdown worked well, but this all just left a bad taste in my mouth.
Jericho lost it after he couldn't get the win off a Codebreaker. The teammates continued to team up on Rollins but got double rolled up for the Rollins pinfall win. KO and Jericho beat down on Rollins after then Rollins began a solo brawl with Owens that ended with a powerbomb on the apron.
Highlights:
- Rollins attacked Owens on the barricade until Jericho dumped him into the crowd then Rollins came back with a crossbody.
- Rollins tried to Pedigree KO, but Jericho ran in, almost got Pedigreed, then almost took the Walls but got thrown off.
- Jericho hit a stiff elbow but Lionsaulted into Rollins' knees.
- KO lost it on Rollins with strikes then hit a top rope senton.
- Rollins blocked a pump up powerbomb, sent KO to the outside, superkicked Jericho, then suicide dived onto KO.
- Rollins missed a frog splash then took a Codebreaker nearfall.
- Jericho whipped KO into a faster cannonball.
Analysis: As a pure wrestling match, this was easily the strongest showing of the night. The storytelling was great, and the moments were plenty. I just cannot get over how WWE is booking Rollins lately. He is Super Rollins working like Cena once did in his prime.
If Rollins can beat Jericho and Owens at the same time simultaneously, why should I care to see what he can do solo against KO? The post-match beatdown worked well, but this all just left a bad taste in my mouth.
Kendrick is 37! How could he ever recover from a loss now? He's almost as old as Titus!
Final Notes: Stephanie found Rollins and demanded he return The List, but he said he didn't have it, just using it to make his "handicap match" tonight more fair. Jericho tore through the locker room for The List but was met by The Shining Stars, Titus O'Neil, and Jinder Mahal instead.
Rusev cut a pre-taped promo where he promised to do despicable things to Roman Reigns while he was unafraid of what Reigns could do to him inside the Cell. Reigns invited Rusev to the Cell as he was already familiar with the Cell after his win with Bray Wyatt.
Stephanie threatened to suspend Jericho if he did not compete even if he couldn't find The List. He later found it in the hands of Braun Strowman who gave it back after a "please" and put the big man on The List. KO was interviewed and promised to hurt Rollins badly Sunday.
Kendrick begged TJP to throw their match on Sunday because Kendrick did not believe he could win but also felt he needed the victory for his family, but TJP would not even listen after everything Kendrick had done.
Conclusion: This show was fairly solid. Beyond one dud of a useless segment, this show moved throughout with strong individuals segments and matches. If not for some odd booking particularly around the World Championship, this would have been a truly quality Raw.
As always, I like Raw when it feels like it is pushing forward, and this was a night that just kept going. Three hours are tough if the show is poorly paced.
Here we got several undercard feuds really making an impact, but the main stars fell short. The main event was silly just like the opening segment, and Lesnar and Heyman were wasted on a bad concept.
Tonight it was proven that the women deserve to main event Hell in a Cell, and I don't mean being a headline match like WWE. I mean they need to close the show because they are easily telling the best story for the PPV.
Rusev cut a pre-taped promo where he promised to do despicable things to Roman Reigns while he was unafraid of what Reigns could do to him inside the Cell. Reigns invited Rusev to the Cell as he was already familiar with the Cell after his win with Bray Wyatt.
Stephanie threatened to suspend Jericho if he did not compete even if he couldn't find The List. He later found it in the hands of Braun Strowman who gave it back after a "please" and put the big man on The List. KO was interviewed and promised to hurt Rollins badly Sunday.
Kendrick begged TJP to throw their match on Sunday because Kendrick did not believe he could win but also felt he needed the victory for his family, but TJP would not even listen after everything Kendrick had done.
Conclusion: This show was fairly solid. Beyond one dud of a useless segment, this show moved throughout with strong individuals segments and matches. If not for some odd booking particularly around the World Championship, this would have been a truly quality Raw.
As always, I like Raw when it feels like it is pushing forward, and this was a night that just kept going. Three hours are tough if the show is poorly paced.
Here we got several undercard feuds really making an impact, but the main stars fell short. The main event was silly just like the opening segment, and Lesnar and Heyman were wasted on a bad concept.
Tonight it was proven that the women deserve to main event Hell in a Cell, and I don't mean being a headline match like WWE. I mean they need to close the show because they are easily telling the best story for the PPV.