Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
The war has begun. SmackDown Live opened the floodgates with a vicious attack on the Raw roster to end last week's show, leaving the brand so shell-shocked they couldn't even respond the next night. Now it is time for Raw to decide how they wish to react.
It sounds exciting at first, but brand warfare is just about WWE's worst area of storytelling despite them frequently returning to it. The Survivor Series card already looks off, and we must continue to wonder if WWE can sell this war as more than petty and unnecessary.
Last Week's Monday Night Raw Review
It sounds exciting at first, but brand warfare is just about WWE's worst area of storytelling despite them frequently returning to it. The Survivor Series card already looks off, and we must continue to wonder if WWE can sell this war as more than petty and unnecessary.
Last Week's Monday Night Raw Review
WWE has such a short attention span they have Seth Rollins and Stephanie McMahon pass each other without reaction as if Rollins wasn't the one who sidelined her.
Stephanie McMahon Demands Victory or Consequences At Survivor Series
Overview: Kurt Angle opened the show with the entire roster standing on the stage as he apologized to them. Stephanie McMahon interrupted, making her return to declare that Monday Night Raw had become a joke. She named Angle the team captain for Raw and demanded victory; otherwise, she would fire Angle.
Analysis: While I would like to see as little McMahon overbearing in WWE as possible, Stephanie making clear Raw has a reason they need to win was welcome. That said, Stephanie declared there would be consequences last year, and it ended up amounting to nothing.
Analysis: While I would like to see as little McMahon overbearing in WWE as possible, Stephanie making clear Raw has a reason they need to win was welcome. That said, Stephanie declared there would be consequences last year, and it ended up amounting to nothing.
Nia Jax def. Bayley
Overview: Alicia Fox came out as a ship captain and made clear she was taking her duties very seriously and would not be wrestling. Instead, she had found a replacement in the returning Nia Jax. While Bayley gave her a good fight, Jax dominated, winning with a rolling senton then running leg drop for the win. Fox then announced Jax as a member of Team Raw.
Highlights:
Analysis: It was good to have Jax back and looking dominant. She clearly benefited from the weeks off, looking fresh. While Bayley should be treated better in general, Jax dominating everyone on the roster only makes sense. It is also possible she convinced officials to finally give her the title reigns she was seemingly being built up for.
Highlights:
- Bayley caught Jax on the top rope then dumped her over the ropes followed by a diving forearm off the apron then caught her in the ropes with a running knee and a stunner.
- Jax powered out of a guillotine choke and dumped Bayley to the mat.
Analysis: It was good to have Jax back and looking dominant. She clearly benefited from the weeks off, looking fresh. While Bayley should be treated better in general, Jax dominating everyone on the roster only makes sense. It is also possible she convinced officials to finally give her the title reigns she was seemingly being built up for.
That's the face of a man who was told his debut would be wasted on Apollo Crews.
Samoa Joe def. Apollo Crews
Overview: Samoa Joe made his surprise return and quickly made clear he was still a heel by refusing to accept the fan excitement. He then laid a challenge to anyone with Apollo Crews coming out. Joe made fairly quick work of Crews, ending it with a Coquina Clutch, then gave Titus O'Neil one after he entered the ring to check on his client.
Highlights:
Analysis: Another returning star who Raw desperately needed, Joe looked great here, faster than I can remember him looking in a while. He should be a major factor on a somewhat lessened Raw roster and hopefully is one of the men on Team Raw at Survivor Series.
Highlights:
- Crews caught Joe with a side kick only to run right into a scoop slam.
- Crews hit Joe with two enzuigiris then went for his finishers only to be tossed aside with Crews going after him in the corner only to take a uranage.
Analysis: Another returning star who Raw desperately needed, Joe looked great here, faster than I can remember him looking in a while. He should be a major factor on a somewhat lessened Raw roster and hopefully is one of the men on Team Raw at Survivor Series.
The Miz def. Matt Hardy to Retain the WWE United States Championship
Overview: The Miz's mystery challenger for the United States Championship tonight was revealed to be Matt Hardy. Matt had Miz's number throughout the match, but he was not able to keep Miz down. Matt nearly took the win but got outmaneuvered into a Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was surprisingly strong despite Matt looking sloppy early. Miz made him look good and let him do what he does best with a lot of his signature moves in sequence. It was easily the best Matt has looked one-on-one since returning to WWE.
Highlights:
- Matt caught Miz with a backslide into a quick right hand then a back elbow into a standing elbow drop.
- Miz tripped Matt, sending him outside, but missed a baseball slide.
- Miz dumped Matt to the mat off the top rope with a neckbreaker.
- Miz slammed Matt's throat onto the apron then hit a running high knee.
- Miz hit repeated corner dropkicks then had his diving double axe handle nearly turned into a Side Effect with Miz reversing but running leg first into the post.
- Matt hit a corner clothesline into the running bulldog then connected with back-to-back diving elbow drops.
- Miz countered a Twist of Fate into a Skull Crushing Finale with Matt turning it into a Side Effect.
- Matt knocked out Miz with a boot then connected with a moonsault.
- Matt hit the Twist of Fate, but Miz slipped to the apron and goozled Matt on the top rope.
Analysis: This match was surprisingly strong despite Matt looking sloppy early. Miz made him look good and let him do what he does best with a lot of his signature moves in sequence. It was easily the best Matt has looked one-on-one since returning to WWE.
"They replaced Emma with this? This?!"
Asuka def. Stacie Cullen
Overview: Asuka quickly stomped her local competition into the mat using a vicious sequence of kicks and hip attacks. When Asuka finally decided it was time to end it, she looked Stacie Cullen in the Asuka Lock for a dominant victory.
Analysis: This is how Asuka should have debuted. She was completely dominant, and it sold what she can do best. I was surprised she wasn't also immediately announced for Team Raw after this.
Analysis: This is how Asuka should have debuted. She was completely dominant, and it sold what she can do best. I was surprised she wasn't also immediately announced for Team Raw after this.
Finn Balor def. Cesaro
Overview: Finn Balor began to gain an edge in this match before Sheamus grabbed his leg to allow Cesaro to send him into the barricade and take over. The interferences continued whenever Balor got rolling, but he eventually was taken out followed by Balor hitting the Coup De Grace to Cesaro as he tried to rise for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: Cesaro and Balor are fun to watch work off each other. It would be cool to see what they could do together on pay-per-view one on one some day. For now, we have these fun athletic diversions between the two that make for solid use of both men.
Highlights:
- Cesaro caught Balor running with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker.
- Cesaro ran into double boots from Balor with Balor then dumping him outside into a suicide dive and the apron soccer kick.
- Sheamus distracted Balor again to set up a pop-up European uppercut nearfall.
- Balor blocked the giant swing by making it to the ropes but was then pulled to the corner for a deadlift superplex.
- Cesaro locked in the Sharpshooter which Cesaro switched into a crossface only for Balor to roll through and hit a standing double foot stomp.
- Balor hit the Slingblade into the corner dropkick and was going to hit the Coup De Grace with Sheamus interfering to take an enzuigiri followed by Balor dumping Cesaro outside for a somersault plancha.
Analysis: Cesaro and Balor are fun to watch work off each other. It would be cool to see what they could do together on pay-per-view one on one some day. For now, we have these fun athletic diversions between the two that make for solid use of both men.
Kane just loves being in the ring right now. You can see it in his eyes.
Kane def. Seth Rollins
Overview: As Balor was walking out victorious, Kane appeared and Tombstone Piledrivered Balor on the stage. Kane dominated his match with Seth Rollins, but Rollins got a head of steam only to distracted by a brawl outside between Dean Ambrose and Sheamus & Cesaro only to springboard into a chokeslam for the loss.
Afterward, Kane tried to Tombstone Rollins with Ambrose breaking it up and hitting Dirty Deeds on Kane. Sheamus & Cesaro got involved followed by Kane Tombstoning both healthy members of The Shield.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was fine but nothing special. What is interesting is Kane's booking. He has looked indomitable, rolling through everyone. It has been a while since Kane has been booked simply as a monster which is the best way possible to use him. He should be well positioned for his match with Braun Strowman at Survivor Series.
Afterward, Kane tried to Tombstone Rollins with Ambrose breaking it up and hitting Dirty Deeds on Kane. Sheamus & Cesaro got involved followed by Kane Tombstoning both healthy members of The Shield.
Highlights:
- Kane whipped Rollins toward the steps, but Rollins jumped up the steps back into the ring followed by dropkicks then went for a suicide dive that was stopped by a right hand from Kane.
- Kane caught Rollins with a body avalanche into a side slam.
- Rollins caught Kane with a boot then dodged a Kane big boot followed by an enzuigiri then a second on the apron into a blockbuster and double suicide dives as Kane tried to take a breather.
- Rollins hit a springboard clothesline then a second with Kane remaining on his feet followed by a superkick.
Analysis: This match was fine but nothing special. What is interesting is Kane's booking. He has looked indomitable, rolling through everyone. It has been a while since Kane has been booked simply as a monster which is the best way possible to use him. He should be well positioned for his match with Braun Strowman at Survivor Series.
Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson def. Heath Slater and Rhyno in a Trick or Street Fight
Overview: Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson dressed as Tex Ferguson and Chad 2 Badd with Heath Slater and Rhyno dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause went to battle in a Trick or Street Fight. After Gallows and Anderson put pumpkins on their heads with Gallows putting his on backward, Rhyno spinebustered Anderson through a table and won.
Highlights:
Analysis: The commentators refused to even consider this funny, admitting it was a horrible idea from the start. I cannot imagine why they had this unless they think the only reason it was bad was the talent which is silly. WWE still amazes with its failures at comedy.
Highlights:
- Gallows and Anderson forced Slater to bob for apples before Rhyno trapped Gallows' head in a pumpkin and headbutt him.
- Gallows crushed Slater with pumpkin guts then went for an assisted corner dropkick only for Anderson to go crotch first into the corner.
- Rhyno flashed Gallows then hit him in the face with a pie.
- Slater went after both heels with candy corn kendo sticks before running into a boot from Gallows.
Analysis: The commentators refused to even consider this funny, admitting it was a horrible idea from the start. I cannot imagine why they had this unless they think the only reason it was bad was the talent which is silly. WWE still amazes with its failures at comedy.
Aw man, that was Elias's 576th favorite guitar.
Elias Loses Another Guitar to Jason Jordan
Overview: Elias sang a song for Jason Jordan, taunting him and his expected injury after the guitar shot he took last week. Jordan interrupted, coming out and running Elias off. He then stomping apart Elias's guitar as Elias watched on the ramp frustrated.
Analysis: WWE must get those guitars cheap because they are destroying them by the dozen with Elias around. Elias and Jordan's feud is actually shaping up well so far and has especially helped revitalize Jordan and may be even getting him over with the fans.
Analysis: WWE must get those guitars cheap because they are destroying them by the dozen with Elias around. Elias and Jordan's feud is actually shaping up well so far and has especially helped revitalize Jordan and may be even getting him over with the fans.
Kalisto def. Drew Gulak
Overview: Enzo Amore came out to hype up his friend Drew Gulak who then ran down Kalisto in intellectual fashion with the two also both insulting GM Angle. Kalisto looked fired up from the start and ran over Gulak in less than a minute, hitting the Salida Del Sol for the win. Enzo ran in after and took out Kalisto with Jawdonzo.
Analysis: The match was nothing to write home about, but Gulak again was hilarious as the intellectual partner to Enzo. The two are just amazing opposites that it makes every moment great. It's about time someone spelled out soft correctly.
Analysis: The match was nothing to write home about, but Gulak again was hilarious as the intellectual partner to Enzo. The two are just amazing opposites that it makes every moment great. It's about time someone spelled out soft correctly.
What title match? You didn't come here to see a title match. You came for Curtis Axel.
Alexa Bliss def. Mickie James to Retain the Raw Women's Championship
Overview: Mickie James was completely dominant in this match, sending Alexa Bliss running around the ring to get a breather. However, Bliss managed to catch Mickie almost out of nowhere with a straight right hand that knocked Mickie out for the three count.
Afterward, Miz tried to leave Raw quickly only for Strowman to emerge from a garbage truck and chase Miz back to the ring, destroying The Miztourage and trying to take out Miz in the ring only for Curtis Axel to pull him away and take six running powerslams as Miz escaped then hit one more through the announce table.
Highlights:
Analysis: Bliss and Mickie had a good match even if it felt a bit low energy. The finish also felt abrupt though that has always been true to Bliss's right hand finisher. I honestly hope this is the end of the story between Bliss and Mickie with the pairing feeling a bit played out at this point.
Much of Strowman's return was sold in backstage segments, but the finish was cool. Strowman is now clearly a face. It is a shame his path of destruction is likely to be truncated by Survivor Series build up. Miz has to get some story building with Baron Corbin going, and Strowman has to focus on Kane soon.
Afterward, Miz tried to leave Raw quickly only for Strowman to emerge from a garbage truck and chase Miz back to the ring, destroying The Miztourage and trying to take out Miz in the ring only for Curtis Axel to pull him away and take six running powerslams as Miz escaped then hit one more through the announce table.
Highlights:
- Mickie hit a running low snap kick then turned a furious comeback from Bliss in the corner into an elevated headscissors takedown that sent Bliss to the floor.
- Bliss headbutt Mickie on the apron then sent her headfirst into the steel post.
- Bliss caught Mickie on the top rope, slamming her to the mat only to be caught with a step-up enzuigiri that sent her to the floor.
- Mickie connected with a diving seated senton then Bliss tried to escape outside with Mickie pulling her back in and nearly rolling her up three times.
Analysis: Bliss and Mickie had a good match even if it felt a bit low energy. The finish also felt abrupt though that has always been true to Bliss's right hand finisher. I honestly hope this is the end of the story between Bliss and Mickie with the pairing feeling a bit played out at this point.
Much of Strowman's return was sold in backstage segments, but the finish was cool. Strowman is now clearly a face. It is a shame his path of destruction is likely to be truncated by Survivor Series build up. Miz has to get some story building with Baron Corbin going, and Strowman has to focus on Kane soon.
Final Notes: GM Angle walked Stephanie to her car as she left before Miz arrived to be told he would be defending his US Title against a mystery opponent. Bliss tried to talk her way into better treatment on Raw only to have Angle declare she would defend her title against Mickie tonight.
Daniel Bryan appeared and tried to calm down Angle, apologizing for what happened, with Angle not listening and declaring he would bring Raw's best down upon SmackDown. Bryan was left alone in the GM office with the lights going out with Kane then chokeslamming him.
A video package was shown to recap Brock Lesnar and Jinder Mahal's segments, addressing one another. Miz found a bag of garbage in his locker room and blamed Strowman with The Miztourage promising to protect him. He found Kane later with Miz trying to get help from him only for Kane to tell him he was on his own.
Sheamus & Cesaro tried to convince Miz to calm down and relax before revealing they were no longer actually a part of a team with Miz. Miz tried to escape and run out on Raw with Angle demanding they stay. Miz made sure the driver was called and made certain to start the car running, so he could bolt the moment the show ended.
Conclusion: This show started off strong but ended up messy. The closing hour just felt like time filler. Even the main event, a title match, was just secondary to the Strowman return which also felt underdeveloped. It was as if WWE was just haphazardly writing this show after figuring out the bullet points late.
From moment to moment this night, I enjoyed the show, but I cannot forgive the pacing. Moreover, this show continues to fail in the simple storytelling of developing Survivor Series. Why should I care about the entirety of the card when the real stories are between people on the same roster?
I really struggled to care about this show even when it was good because it was a mess. As the Raw roster improves with returning talent, it should get better, but I'm pretty sure the writers are the same ones every week and they aren't getting better.
Daniel Bryan appeared and tried to calm down Angle, apologizing for what happened, with Angle not listening and declaring he would bring Raw's best down upon SmackDown. Bryan was left alone in the GM office with the lights going out with Kane then chokeslamming him.
A video package was shown to recap Brock Lesnar and Jinder Mahal's segments, addressing one another. Miz found a bag of garbage in his locker room and blamed Strowman with The Miztourage promising to protect him. He found Kane later with Miz trying to get help from him only for Kane to tell him he was on his own.
Sheamus & Cesaro tried to convince Miz to calm down and relax before revealing they were no longer actually a part of a team with Miz. Miz tried to escape and run out on Raw with Angle demanding they stay. Miz made sure the driver was called and made certain to start the car running, so he could bolt the moment the show ended.
Conclusion: This show started off strong but ended up messy. The closing hour just felt like time filler. Even the main event, a title match, was just secondary to the Strowman return which also felt underdeveloped. It was as if WWE was just haphazardly writing this show after figuring out the bullet points late.
From moment to moment this night, I enjoyed the show, but I cannot forgive the pacing. Moreover, this show continues to fail in the simple storytelling of developing Survivor Series. Why should I care about the entirety of the card when the real stories are between people on the same roster?
I really struggled to care about this show even when it was good because it was a mess. As the Raw roster improves with returning talent, it should get better, but I'm pretty sure the writers are the same ones every week and they aren't getting better.