Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Last night, six wrestlers entered Hell in a Cell and went to battle in brutal showdowns. This week, the fallout from those showdowns and more will happen on Monday Night Raw.
Last week's Raw was not fantastic, but it at least kept a decent pace throughout. With all of this as the background, this show was obviously meant to be all about one thing: Halloween.
Yep, WWE is having Monday Night Raw on Halloween, and that meant WWE was obviously required to have a lot of people dressed up randomly and be quite spooky.
Last week's Raw was not fantastic, but it at least kept a decent pace throughout. With all of this as the background, this show was obviously meant to be all about one thing: Halloween.
Yep, WWE is having Monday Night Raw on Halloween, and that meant WWE was obviously required to have a lot of people dressed up randomly and be quite spooky.
Not sure if I'm supposed to be intimidated or sad this is what Goldberg has become with age.
Goldberg Shows He Can Still Hit His Best Shots
Overview: Goldberg came out and soaked in the chants as Paul Heyman interrupted and warned the crowd they were pissing him and Brock Lesnar off. Heyman teased Lesnar coming out tonight, but, even as Lesnar's music played, no one came out.
Heyman made fun of Goldberg and his son which annoyed Goldberg who backed Heyman into a corner. Rusev interrupted and made fun of Goldberg and his growing age. Rusev punched Goldberg and got a Jackhammer for his effort followed by a Spear to Heyman.
Analysis: Obviously, the next part of Goldberg's story had to be him showing what he can still do, but this did him little favors. Goldberg was sweating after hitting his two finishers, and he slipped over himself trying to hit the Jackhammer on Rusev while barely connecting with the Spear. Rusev continues to play beatdown target for old veterans.
Heyman made fun of Goldberg and his son which annoyed Goldberg who backed Heyman into a corner. Rusev interrupted and made fun of Goldberg and his growing age. Rusev punched Goldberg and got a Jackhammer for his effort followed by a Spear to Heyman.
Analysis: Obviously, the next part of Goldberg's story had to be him showing what he can still do, but this did him little favors. Goldberg was sweating after hitting his two finishers, and he slipped over himself trying to hit the Jackhammer on Rusev while barely connecting with the Spear. Rusev continues to play beatdown target for old veterans.
No one should EVER have to lose to someone dressed like this.
Enzo Amore def. Luke Gallows in a Trick or Street Fight
Overview: Enzo came out swinging and used the props around the ring to get some advantage over Gallows. He had no chance though long term to keep up with Gallows' strength. Enzo had to pull out fast tricks with any opening.
Anderson tried to get involved but got a pumpkin pie to the face then took a Cass big boot off the apron through a table. Enzo low blowed Gallows then DDTGed Gallows into the mat with a pumpkin on Gallows' head placed by Cass.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was fun enough and memorable, but it was not much in terms of wrestling. Enzo spent almost the entire match just swinging away with weapons to avoid hitting anything real. The match stipulation also led to too much silliness.
Anderson tried to get involved but got a pumpkin pie to the face then took a Cass big boot off the apron through a table. Enzo low blowed Gallows then DDTGed Gallows into the mat with a pumpkin on Gallows' head placed by Cass.
Highlights:
- Enzo's running crossbody was blocked by Gallows' shoulder.
- Gallows threw Enzo right into the cameraman.
- Gallows hit a short arm clothesline then kendo stick smacked a picket fence into Enzo's gut.
- Enzo threw a ton of pumpkins at Gallows' head but then took a sweeping kendo stick swing to the skull.
Analysis: This match was fun enough and memorable, but it was not much in terms of wrestling. Enzo spent almost the entire match just swinging away with weapons to avoid hitting anything real. The match stipulation also led to too much silliness.
Look at TJ Perkins having no character like every other babyface and not being affected by last night.
TJ Perkins def. The Brian Kendrick by Count Out; Kendrick Retains the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Overview: Before his match, Kendrick put over his own intelligence in their match last night. This sent TJP off who hit an immediate Detonation Kick for a nearfall to start. That aggression continued with TJP hitting a Frankensteiner outside.
TJP made it back to the ring, but Kendrick chose not to and got counted out. Perkins lost it on Kendrick afterward and locked Kendrick in the kneebar on the ramp.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a great segment, not as much the match which was over far too quick. TJP wrestled perhaps at his best clip so far, coming out fiery and focused. Meanwhile, Kendrick continues to be better on the mic and in the ring with each outing. Together they tell a great story each week.
TJP made it back to the ring, but Kendrick chose not to and got counted out. Perkins lost it on Kendrick afterward and locked Kendrick in the kneebar on the ramp.
Highlights:
- TJP flip out of Kendrick's grip and hit a dropkick.
- TJP hit a pinpoint diving dropkick then double chickenwing gutbuster right into a kneebar.
Analysis: This was a great segment, not as much the match which was over far too quick. TJP wrestled perhaps at his best clip so far, coming out fiery and focused. Meanwhile, Kendrick continues to be better on the mic and in the ring with each outing. Together they tell a great story each week.
Based on how good the List of Jericho looks, maybe it should be the championship not that thing on Owens' shoulder.
Mick Foley Announced Kevin Owens, Chris Jericho, and Roman Reigns for Team Raw at Survivor Series
Overview: Mick Foley came out to address Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens' actions at Hell in a Cell, but they interrupted immediately. Foley told them he needed them both to beat SmackDown but also needed Roman Reigns who came out. After back and forth, Foley made Reigns vs. Jericho for the United States Championship.
Analysis: You know a segment is quality when even Reigns' jokes hit. All four men worked well off each other with Foley at his best angry and Jericho hilarious throughout. I am not sure how WWE will fill out Survivor Series as whole though with all this top talent in the elimination matches.
Analysis: You know a segment is quality when even Reigns' jokes hit. All four men worked well off each other with Foley at his best angry and Jericho hilarious throughout. I am not sure how WWE will fill out Survivor Series as whole though with all this top talent in the elimination matches.
Braun Strowman did the unthinkable. He won a battle royal in which he should always be the favorite.
Braun Strowman Wins a Battle Royal to Earn a Spot on Team Raw at Survivor Series, Last Eliminating Sami Zayn
Overview: Braun Strowman dominated this match early but was eventually teamed up upon by the whole group, taking a Helluva Kick and Brogue Kick that sent him over the second rope. Eventually, this match came down to Cesaro, Sheamus, Neville, Strowman, and Sami Zayn.
Cesaro took out his own partner but then was immediately taken out by Strowman. Strowman then took out and eliminated Neville as well. Zayn dodged a splash and began swinging wildly at the big man but took a clothesline.
After a splash, Strowman tried to dump him out but got caught in the ropes by Zayn who almost pulled out Strowman with Strowman barely catching himself using his strength and eliminating Zayn.
Analysis: This was perfectly booked, showing off several strong stories on Raw. It's a shame that some wrestlers were so quickly dismissed such as Bo Dallas. On the other hand, it was great to see Neville last so long. Now get the guy a real story to work with.
The highlight of the battle royal was Strowman vs. Zayn as Strowman dominated, but Zayn again refused to be intimated by the big man. In a move that put over both men, Zayn barely failed to get Strowman over and was eliminated.
Cesaro took out his own partner but then was immediately taken out by Strowman. Strowman then took out and eliminated Neville as well. Zayn dodged a splash and began swinging wildly at the big man but took a clothesline.
After a splash, Strowman tried to dump him out but got caught in the ropes by Zayn who almost pulled out Strowman with Strowman barely catching himself using his strength and eliminating Zayn.
Analysis: This was perfectly booked, showing off several strong stories on Raw. It's a shame that some wrestlers were so quickly dismissed such as Bo Dallas. On the other hand, it was great to see Neville last so long. Now get the guy a real story to work with.
The highlight of the battle royal was Strowman vs. Zayn as Strowman dominated, but Zayn again refused to be intimated by the big man. In a move that put over both men, Zayn barely failed to get Strowman over and was eliminated.
Alexander has gone from match of the year contender to using four moves each game. What an evolution!
Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander, and Lince Dorado def. Tony Nese, Drew Gulak, and Ariya Daivari
Overview: This match was always on the edge of breaking down until a Swann hot tag set off the heels who got involved only to be dumped outside and take double suicide dives. Swann took the win after a Swann Kick into a jackknife cover on Nese for the victory.
Highlights:
Analysis: Is it possible for WWE to change up the formula at this point? Even with Swann in the place of Cara, this was quite similar to the matches we have seen before. There's no progression here. The six-man tags are getting to feel like filler.
Highlights:
- Dorado caught Daivari with a spinning heel kick.
- Anderson hit a handspring headscissors into a dropkick on Gulak.
- Daivari distracted Alexander to allow Nese to knock him outside and hit a wheelbarrow slam on the steel barricade.
- Daivari threw Alexander into the ropes just to take a springboard handspring kick.
- Alexander fought out of the corner with a huge back body drop.
- Swann hit a Frankensteiner then the Rolling Thunder.
Analysis: Is it possible for WWE to change up the formula at this point? Even with Swann in the place of Cara, this was quite similar to the matches we have seen before. There's no progression here. The six-man tags are getting to feel like filler.
How could Bayley ever beat Nia Jax? Except all the times she did in NXT.
Nia Jax def. Bayley
Overview: Charlotte was carried to the ring in a litter and put over her win against Sasha Banks. She then turned to Survivor Series and promised that her team would dominate Nikki Bella's. She then brought out the "weak link" of her team, Bayley, who she then challenged to prove herself against another member of the team, Nia Jax.
While Charlotte watched on commentary, Bayley gave Jax easily her toughest challenge in a tough fight, but she was dumped outside late then took a vicious rebound Samoan drop for the victory.
Highlights:
Analysis: Charlotte continues to improve her mic skills on the fly, and she may be closing in on the title of being the best female talker. The match that followed worked for its story, but Bayley did not click with Jax as she did in NXT with tons of sloppy connections.
While Charlotte watched on commentary, Bayley gave Jax easily her toughest challenge in a tough fight, but she was dumped outside late then took a vicious rebound Samoan drop for the victory.
Highlights:
- Jax hit a shoulderbreaker on Bayley.
- Jax splashed Bayley in the corner but was then fought off with boots then slammed into the turnbuckle repeatedly.
- Jax ragdolled Bayley in a bear hug which Bayley almost turned into a guillotine then got slammed into the corner.
- Bayley repeatedly dropkicked Jax until she got her to a knee for a bulldog.
- Bayley set up a splash but took a clothesline.
- Bayley tried to catch Jax for a superplex but was dumped outside instead by Jax who then splashed her on the barricade.
Analysis: Charlotte continues to improve her mic skills on the fly, and she may be closing in on the title of being the best female talker. The match that followed worked for its story, but Bayley did not click with Jax as she did in NXT with tons of sloppy connections.
Is it really a win against The Shining Stars? I mean no one could possibly remember it.
Cesaro and Sheamus def. The Shining Stars
Overview: Disagreements between Sheamus and Cesaro allowed Cesaro to be isolated by The Shining Stars. When Sheamus got the hot tag, he came in angry. He locked Epico in the Cloverleaf with Cesaro stopping Primo from breaking it up with a mid-air uppercut, forcing Epico to tap out.
Highlights:
Analysis: There's no doubt at this point that WWE has not plans for The Shining Stars. Cesaro and Sheamus barely had to try to win here and after they already competed earlier. At least Cesaro and Sheamus continue to make every segment fun.
Highlights:
- Sheamus hit a rolling senton into a Cesaro double foot stomp.
- Epico hit a slingshot senton on Cesaro then repeated strikes before letting Primo hit a body guillotine.
- The Shining Stars hit a double low dropkick on Cesaro.
- Sheamus aggressively hit the Beats of the Bodhran on Epico.
Analysis: There's no doubt at this point that WWE has not plans for The Shining Stars. Cesaro and Sheamus barely had to try to win here and after they already competed earlier. At least Cesaro and Sheamus continue to make every segment fun.
Team Kevin and Chris are so doomed. The Rollins and Reigns superteam is coming.
Roman Reigns def. Chris Jericho by Disqualification to Retain the WWE United States Championship
Overview: Chris Jericho used his scarf as a distraction to get an early advantage, but Roman Reigns fought back only for KO to slip in an attack on Reigns, knocking him into the steel post. This allowed Jericho to dominate.
Reigns showed the effects of last night, but he kept exploding back, blocking Jericho's best. Another KO distraction almost allowed Jericho to get the roll up with a handful of tights, but Reigns kicked out. Jericho springboarded into a Superman Punch then took a Spear.
KO ran in and attacked Reigns for the DQ with the two teaming up on Reigns, hitting a pop-up Codebreaker. Seth Rollins came out for the save and took out both men with a suicide dive on KO then springboard knee, superkick, and almost Pedigree on Jericho with KO saving him.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a fairly tame finish to the show. The match felt a bit off as if Reigns was truly being slowed by his match last night. He clearly was not wholly in sink with Jericho as the two missed the timing of several spots and had awkward pauses.
I am not sure if Reigns is being set up as a direct rival for Owens or they're just filling time until past Survivor Series. As I've said before, Owens vs. Reigns is an exciting idea for the future, but that would be a waste of the US Title.
Reigns showed the effects of last night, but he kept exploding back, blocking Jericho's best. Another KO distraction almost allowed Jericho to get the roll up with a handful of tights, but Reigns kicked out. Jericho springboarded into a Superman Punch then took a Spear.
KO ran in and attacked Reigns for the DQ with the two teaming up on Reigns, hitting a pop-up Codebreaker. Seth Rollins came out for the save and took out both men with a suicide dive on KO then springboard knee, superkick, and almost Pedigree on Jericho with KO saving him.
Highlights:
- Reigns bounced off the ropes right into a dropkick.
- Reigns dumped Jericho to the outside with a clothesline then threw him into the barricade.
- Reigns hit two clothesline then a jumping lariat.
- Jericho dived right into an uppercut then took the Drive By.
- Reigns kicked Jericho off him when trying for the Walls of Jericho then blocked a Lionsault with the knees.
- Reigns blocked the Codebreaker with full strength, but then Jericho rolled into the Walls.
- Jericho was cut in the corner for a powerbomb serious nearfall.
Analysis: This was a fairly tame finish to the show. The match felt a bit off as if Reigns was truly being slowed by his match last night. He clearly was not wholly in sink with Jericho as the two missed the timing of several spots and had awkward pauses.
I am not sure if Reigns is being set up as a direct rival for Owens or they're just filling time until past Survivor Series. As I've said before, Owens vs. Reigns is an exciting idea for the future, but that would be a waste of the US Title.
Goldberg already with the times playing the douche face by putting Heyman in the hospital.
Final Notes: Strowman found Foley and demanded a spot on the Raw side vs. Team SmackDown at Survivor Series. Instead Foley gave him a chance to earn it in a battle royal. Kevin Owens promised to help Chris Jericho win the US Title, the one title he has never won.
The New Day talked backstage about Survivor Series, announcing they were Raw captains for the Tag Team Elimination Match, promising their team would overcome. Golden Truth went to a haunted house with Goldust seemed to be excited but ultimately being the scared one.
Conclusion: This show worked because it was tightly constructed. It had only nine unique segments throughout. Most of the segments worked more than they were great, but it was one of those WWE shows that made certain the three hours were utilized properly.
It was worrisome how little heat there was in this show, hurt by a focus on brand on brand rivalry. Unless WWE has Raw and SmackDown invade at certain points, the passive aggressive promos between brands will get tiresome quickly.
The talent were actually the ones who failed to deliver this week as WWE successfully set up a tight show only for the matches to mostly underdeliver. The show was easy to watch, but it could have been much stronger.
The New Day talked backstage about Survivor Series, announcing they were Raw captains for the Tag Team Elimination Match, promising their team would overcome. Golden Truth went to a haunted house with Goldust seemed to be excited but ultimately being the scared one.
Conclusion: This show worked because it was tightly constructed. It had only nine unique segments throughout. Most of the segments worked more than they were great, but it was one of those WWE shows that made certain the three hours were utilized properly.
It was worrisome how little heat there was in this show, hurt by a focus on brand on brand rivalry. Unless WWE has Raw and SmackDown invade at certain points, the passive aggressive promos between brands will get tiresome quickly.
The talent were actually the ones who failed to deliver this week as WWE successfully set up a tight show only for the matches to mostly underdeliver. The show was easy to watch, but it could have been much stronger.