Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
No Mercy 2017 this Sunday honestly has an under-the-radar stacked card, headlined by a dual main event that could have easily headlined WrestleMania. Brock Lesnar vs. Braun Strowman is a battle of power that is the only time other than Lesnar's feud with Goldberg that The Beast Incarnate looks like a true underdog.
John Cena vs. Roman Reigns has the potential to be a changing of the card classic, a match that has been long awaited and will almost certainly steal the show with both men clearly invested fully in the action. That all leads to this go-home show where WWE has one chance to prove No Mercy was worthy of these matches.
Of course there's the minor issue that WWE has completely lost the art of the go-home show lately, not putting a good one in years, so it was going to be an uphill battle.
Last Week's Monday Night Raw Review
John Cena vs. Roman Reigns has the potential to be a changing of the card classic, a match that has been long awaited and will almost certainly steal the show with both men clearly invested fully in the action. That all leads to this go-home show where WWE has one chance to prove No Mercy was worthy of these matches.
Of course there's the minor issue that WWE has completely lost the art of the go-home show lately, not putting a good one in years, so it was going to be an uphill battle.
Last Week's Monday Night Raw Review
How could you not instantly add Bo Dallas to the No. 1 contender match when you saw him?
Kurt Angle Announces a Six Pack Challenge to Find the Number One Contender to The Miz's Intercontinental Championship
Overview: General Manager Kurt Angle opened the show to talk up No Mercy before The Miz interrupted with The Miztourage. Miz demanded a match for No Mercy, and Angle announced he had already decided there would be a Fatal 4-Way match tonight to determine the No. 1 contender between The Hardy Boyz, Elias, and Jason Jordan.
Angry about Jordan being included, the two got into an argument over fatherhood. Jordan walked to the ring to defend his father before asking for the match to become a Six Pack Challenge to prove himself by defeating The Miztourage as well. A brawl ensued with Jordan clearing out everyone.
Analysis: This feud between Miz and Jordan was a bit sidelined, but Jordan's recent performances have actually improved the standing of the rivalry. I have no idea what WWE is doing with Angle and Jordan, but Miz continues to add more to the story than anyone and make the potential match with Jordan enticing.
Angry about Jordan being included, the two got into an argument over fatherhood. Jordan walked to the ring to defend his father before asking for the match to become a Six Pack Challenge to prove himself by defeating The Miztourage as well. A brawl ensued with Jordan clearing out everyone.
Analysis: This feud between Miz and Jordan was a bit sidelined, but Jordan's recent performances have actually improved the standing of the rivalry. I have no idea what WWE is doing with Angle and Jordan, but Miz continues to add more to the story than anyone and make the potential match with Jordan enticing.
Nia Jax def. Alexa Bliss
Overview: Alexa Bliss immediately looked scared in this match and tried her best to get away until Sasha Banks manned the exit, sending Bliss scurrying back into Jax. Jax caught Bliss diving off the top rope with a Samoan drop for the victory. Banks tried to attack Jax but was knocked off.
Jax stood tall before Bayley made a surprise return, and the three smaller women speared Jax out of the ring together. Bliss tried to buddy up to the other two only to be taken out as well.
Highlights:
Analysis: It is rare you see a champion get this completely dominated, and it feels perfectly appropriate. Jax has been the women's division's indomitable force and should not lose to anyone one-on-one right now. Bayley is the only one who can convincingly beat her, and it was good to see her back though bringing her in and adding her to the title match felt unnecessarily early.
Jax stood tall before Bayley made a surprise return, and the three smaller women speared Jax out of the ring together. Bliss tried to buddy up to the other two only to be taken out as well.
Highlights:
- Bliss grabbed Jax and refused to let go until Jax flipped her off with her hips.
- Bliss slapped Jax off the apron and tried to escape but turned back around into a body avalanche from Jax.
- Jax missed a shoulder tackle into the post then took a running knee from Bliss.
Analysis: It is rare you see a champion get this completely dominated, and it feels perfectly appropriate. Jax has been the women's division's indomitable force and should not lose to anyone one-on-one right now. Bayley is the only one who can convincingly beat her, and it was good to see her back though bringing her in and adding her to the title match felt unnecessarily early.
Nice of Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson to play cannonfodder in this feud.
Cesaro & Sheamus def. Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins and Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
Overview: Cesaro and Sheamus called Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins a nostalgia act that will break the moment the friends lose their titles. This brought out the tag team champions who made fun of them until Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson came out to get their own shots in with Ambrose causing a brawl after being called a nerd.
This caused Angle to announce a triple threat tag match in which all three teams got in their shots, fighting as if the titles were on the line. While Ambrose and Rollins got rolling, Ambrose was thrown outside after a Dirty Deeds to Anderson by Sheamus who stole the pinfall and the victory.
Highlights:
Analysis: This segment and match took up a ton of airtime which was surprising. I have mentioned multiple times that it seemed like Gallows and Anderson were being added to the feud for a triple threat, but we got the triple threat here instead with all the time to deliver. It was a great match though an odd use of time right before No Mercy.
This caused Angle to announce a triple threat tag match in which all three teams got in their shots, fighting as if the titles were on the line. While Ambrose and Rollins got rolling, Ambrose was thrown outside after a Dirty Deeds to Anderson by Sheamus who stole the pinfall and the victory.
Highlights:
- Gallows and Sheamus repeatedly traded forearms before Sheamus pulled Gallows to his corner to take a running uppercut from Cesaro.
- Rollins and Ambrose hit the running knee and elbow combo on Sheamus as well as back-to-back dropkicks into the ropes.
- Ambrose fought out of White Noise but was forced to the apron before Cesaro swung him right into the barricade.
- Anderson planted Ambrose with a spinebuster then Gallows hit him with a delayed vertical suplex and a series of standing elbow drops, missing the fourth.
- Rollins got the hot tag then hit Cesaro with the Slingblade into a blockbuster.
- Sheamus broke up the pin after a buckle bomb to Cesaro which started a flurry with Gallows and Anderson sneaking in a Magic Killer on Rollins.
- Sheamus hit Rollins with the Beats of the Bodhran then Cesaro blasted Rollins off the apron into the barricade.
- Ambrose off the hot tag hit Anderson with a swinging neckbreaker and superplex into a diving elbow.
- Ambrose and Rollins sent both teams outside then hit suicide dives in parallel to each side, trading sides for a second shot.
Analysis: This segment and match took up a ton of airtime which was surprising. I have mentioned multiple times that it seemed like Gallows and Anderson were being added to the feud for a triple threat, but we got the triple threat here instead with all the time to deliver. It was a great match though an odd use of time right before No Mercy.
Apollo Crews def. Curt Hawkins
Overview: Curt Hawkins closed his star factory and promised to end his epically long losing streak against his next opponent, whoever answered his challenge. Apollo Crews with Titus O'Neil came out with Crews running all over Hawkins before Hawkins showed some impressive counters only to take an enzuigiri into a spin-out powerbomb for the win.
Analysis: Having Hawkins acknowledge his losing streak is interesting as it adds another wrinkle to his once-a-month jobber appearances. Heath Slater has had similar stories in the past that got him over if WWE ends up having Hawkins get desperate and perhaps even be forced to put his career on the line.
Analysis: Having Hawkins acknowledge his losing streak is interesting as it adds another wrinkle to his once-a-month jobber appearances. Heath Slater has had similar stories in the past that got him over if WWE ends up having Hawkins get desperate and perhaps even be forced to put his career on the line.
"They know I'm not that great of a talker, so they're throwing me out here each week until you forget, somehow."
Roman Reigns Calls Out John Cena For Not Being in the Building
Overview: Roman Reigns called out John Cena for his hypocrisy, even mentioning how he buried Alex Riley, before he brought up a clip of Cena criticizing The Rock for never showing up. He then announced Cena was not in the building tonight.
Analysis: This was simple and effective, not an overly memorable promo but one that Reigns sold well. He got the point across and worked the crowd. It was disappointing that this was all that WWE had for a final moment in Reigns vs. Cena before No Mercy no matter how good Reigns was.
Analysis: This was simple and effective, not an overly memorable promo but one that Reigns sold well. He got the point across and worked the crowd. It was disappointing that this was all that WWE had for a final moment in Reigns vs. Cena before No Mercy no matter how good Reigns was.
Bray Wyatt def. Dustin Rhodes
Overview: Dustin Rhodes came out fiery in this match, dominating Bray Wyatt and throwing him around outside. However, he was caught suddenly with a Sister Abigail for the victory. Afterward, Finn Balor appeared on the titantron, telling him a story of how he created The Demon and asking which was truly more dangerous: the Demon or the man who created him.
Highlights:
Analysis: I still hate how Goldust/Dustin was turned into a figure for a feud, killing his story. The match here was hardly worth it as Dustin looked good for a minute only to get taken out quickly. Balor's promo was well-written and made the right point, selling Balor as a performer beyond The Demon, but Balor is not a strong enough talker to sell it.
Highlights:
- Dustin whipped Wyatt right over the steel steps then hit him with a bulldog off the steps before pounding on him with fists only to be caught with a headbutt.
- Dustin caught the legs of Wyatt in the ropes with kicks.
Analysis: I still hate how Goldust/Dustin was turned into a figure for a feud, killing his story. The match here was hardly worth it as Dustin looked good for a minute only to get taken out quickly. Balor's promo was well-written and made the right point, selling Balor as a performer beyond The Demon, but Balor is not a strong enough talker to sell it.
Lesson #1: Never ever get on the bad side of EVERYONE backstage.
Enzo Amore Takes the Aggression of Braun Strowman; Neville def. Gran Metalik
Overview: Enzo Amore was assaulted from behind by Braun Strowman and thrown into the ring before taking a running powerslam. Neville walked out and added further injury with a Red Arrow to Enzo. Neville then aggresively took apart Gran Metalik in a match after the luchador caught him off guard early, winning with the Rings of Saturn.
Highlights:
Analysis: I understand that people backstage hate Enzo, but these burials are so ill-timed. His feud with Neville has been a mess because WWE is more focused on making Enzo look silly. The match that followed reminded everyone how good Neville is, but it was too little for too long with Neville.
Highlights:
- An overconfident Neville took a headscissors and dropkick from Metalik.
- Neville dodged a baseball slide then set Metalik on the apron for an enzuigiri.
- Neville ripped the mask of Metalik only to set him off with him attacking Neville and hitting him with a springboard somersault plancha.
Analysis: I understand that people backstage hate Enzo, but these burials are so ill-timed. His feud with Neville has been a mess because WWE is more focused on making Enzo look silly. The match that followed reminded everyone how good Neville is, but it was too little for too long with Neville.
Jason Jordan def. Elias, The Hardy Boyz, and The Miztourage to Become the New Number One Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WWE No Mercy
Overview: Elias had a song for his opponents tonight before The Hardy Boyz interrupted the song to bring everyone else out for the match. The Miz managed to take out Jordan and throw him into the crowd.
However, Jordan returned after Miz broke up a pin by Jeff Hardy with Axel hitting Jeff with Turning Heads only to walk into the pop-up neckbreaker for the loss. Miz attacked Jordan afterward with the help of The Miztourage, hitting him with the Skull Crushing Finale and then promising to still be champion after Sunday.
Highlights:
Analysis: I hate Six Pack Challenges. They are too cluttered and never put anyone over. If anyone came out looking better here, it was Elias who showed impressive athleticism at times before he disappeared from the closing stretch. Jordan's win was expected, but the story here just didn't feel as strong as it needed to. Jordan barely "earned" this.
However, Jordan returned after Miz broke up a pin by Jeff Hardy with Axel hitting Jeff with Turning Heads only to walk into the pop-up neckbreaker for the loss. Miz attacked Jordan afterward with the help of The Miztourage, hitting him with the Skull Crushing Finale and then promising to still be champion after Sunday.
Highlights:
- The Miztourage knocked Elias to the floor then went for a double superplex on Jordan only for The Hardy Boyz to sneak in and slam the whole tower down.
- Matt Hardy caught Jeff with the Side Effect with The Miztourage breaking it up and sending Matt shoulder-first into the post.
- Jordan hit Bo Dallas with a belly-to-belly suplex then corner shoulder tackle before doing the same to Curtis Axel followed by a double Northern Lights suplex.
- Elias caught Matt with the Drift Away before Jeff dropkicked Elias then hit him with the inverted atomic drop and double leg drop, turning to Axel with a Twist of Fate into a Swanton Bomb with Miz getting involved to break up the pinfall.
Analysis: I hate Six Pack Challenges. They are too cluttered and never put anyone over. If anyone came out looking better here, it was Elias who showed impressive athleticism at times before he disappeared from the closing stretch. Jordan's win was expected, but the story here just didn't feel as strong as it needed to. Jordan barely "earned" this.
Hey, Bayley's here! ...But where's Emma? She's in the match too, right?
Final Notes: Bobby Heenan tributes were shown throughout the night. Jordan angrily talked to Angle about all the people talking down about Angle with Angle trying to calm him down, telling him to focus on what he can control, winning tonight and against Miz on Sunday.
A video package for Strowman and Lesnar was shown that paralleled their careers with Reigns and Cena's careers later paralleled in another package. Miz talked up Axel and Dallas with both men excitedly awaiting their title shot. The Hardy Boyz were interviewed about the main event promising the best Hardy would win.
Goldust without his makeup asked (as Dustin) for a match against Wyatt once more with Angle obliging him. Lesnar and Strowman had a split-screen interview with Michael Cole with Paul Heyman verbally sparing for The Beast against The Monster's confidence.
Another promo package was shown for Asuka, showcasing her as being on another level of competition to her competitors. Enzo was frustrated with being attacked by The Monster but still promised to take the title from Neville come Sunday.
Conclusion: There was nothing egregious on this show, but this was such a catastrophe of a go-home show because it completely failed to build the pay-per-view. No Mercy is defined by two huge matches and a barely noticeable undercard, yet absolutely nothing stood out by the end of the show.
This came off as a building show rather than a final showcase. Two of the wrestlers in the big matches, Cena and Lesnar, were not in the building, leading to two promo segments that barely sold the two-sided heat of the rivalries. Meanwhile, the main event was for a match that has not been built up more for almost a month.
Was there a single moment in this show that made anyone more excited for No Mercy than they were before the show? I honestly might be less excited than I was despite some solid wrestling which still was lower quality as a whole than past weeks that seemed to show WWE turning over a new leaf with Raw's construction.
A video package for Strowman and Lesnar was shown that paralleled their careers with Reigns and Cena's careers later paralleled in another package. Miz talked up Axel and Dallas with both men excitedly awaiting their title shot. The Hardy Boyz were interviewed about the main event promising the best Hardy would win.
Goldust without his makeup asked (as Dustin) for a match against Wyatt once more with Angle obliging him. Lesnar and Strowman had a split-screen interview with Michael Cole with Paul Heyman verbally sparing for The Beast against The Monster's confidence.
Another promo package was shown for Asuka, showcasing her as being on another level of competition to her competitors. Enzo was frustrated with being attacked by The Monster but still promised to take the title from Neville come Sunday.
Conclusion: There was nothing egregious on this show, but this was such a catastrophe of a go-home show because it completely failed to build the pay-per-view. No Mercy is defined by two huge matches and a barely noticeable undercard, yet absolutely nothing stood out by the end of the show.
This came off as a building show rather than a final showcase. Two of the wrestlers in the big matches, Cena and Lesnar, were not in the building, leading to two promo segments that barely sold the two-sided heat of the rivalries. Meanwhile, the main event was for a match that has not been built up more for almost a month.
Was there a single moment in this show that made anyone more excited for No Mercy than they were before the show? I honestly might be less excited than I was despite some solid wrestling which still was lower quality as a whole than past weeks that seemed to show WWE turning over a new leaf with Raw's construction.