Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
WWE has gone all-in on this week's edition of Monday Night Raw. The Cruiserweight Division is debuting after an excellent Cruiserweight Classic Finale on Wednesday while Clash of Champions is this weekend.
Even for those who skip the filler weeks such as last week's show, this was a show that WWE really could not mess up. There was too much on the line as an introduction and go-home show. That made it an absolute must watch.
Even for those who skip the filler weeks such as last week's show, this was a show that WWE really could not mess up. There was too much on the line as an introduction and go-home show. That made it an absolute must watch.
Sometimes you got to wonder if Mick Foley spends more time preparing for Raw or just figuring out clever ways to get cheap pops.
Mick Foley Dishes Out Punishments for Last Week
Overview: An angry Roman Reigns was interrupted by Stephanie McMahon then Mick Foley who did not want Reigns to ruin the show by going on a path of destruction. Foley announced Rusev vs. Seth Rollins and that Reigns would face Rusev at Clash of Champions for the United States Championship.
Foley made sure to fully appease Reigns by also announcing the main event rematch of Reigns vs. KO. When KO came out to challenge the authority of such a match tonight before Clash of Champions, Foley revealed it would a steel cage match.
Analysis: This got done what it needed to, but there was no running logic here. Why should Rollins feel facing Rusev is a true punishment? Why are you having a match with no stakes inside a steel cage that could endanger two major contests for Sunday with an injury?
Only announcing Reigns vs. Rusev for the US Title made serious sense beyond scrutiny. Perhaps this is about showing Foley as an incompetent general manager which would be a shame as it just means we're heading to Stephanie and Triple H in charge again.
Foley made sure to fully appease Reigns by also announcing the main event rematch of Reigns vs. KO. When KO came out to challenge the authority of such a match tonight before Clash of Champions, Foley revealed it would a steel cage match.
Analysis: This got done what it needed to, but there was no running logic here. Why should Rollins feel facing Rusev is a true punishment? Why are you having a match with no stakes inside a steel cage that could endanger two major contests for Sunday with an injury?
Only announcing Reigns vs. Rusev for the US Title made serious sense beyond scrutiny. Perhaps this is about showing Foley as an incompetent general manager which would be a shame as it just means we're heading to Stephanie and Triple H in charge again.
That right there is the look of a man who really feels punished.
Seth Rollins vs. Rusev Goes to a Double Count Out
Overview: Rollins looked confident against Rusev until he got squashed early by Rusev's impressive strength. Rollins began fighting back slowly but surely until he had Rusev reeling. Rusev tried to walk out on the match, but Rollins followed him and they fought up the ramp.
After both were counted out, Rollins knocked Rusev down below the announce table and hit a diving crossbody onto Rusev off the announce table to show he was a man with nothing to lose anymore.
Highlights:
Analysis: Rollins finally showed us what it will look like to see him playing the babyface in the main event scene. He was wholly the underdog against Rusev, and it worked well. The two have interesting chemistry.
The double count out finish was odd as it led to WWE trying to make Rusev vs. Rollins feel more heated than it was. If anything, this was WWE trying to have a big moment for the sake of it with Rollins being the first to jump off the new placement of the announce table.
After both were counted out, Rollins knocked Rusev down below the announce table and hit a diving crossbody onto Rusev off the announce table to show he was a man with nothing to lose anymore.
Highlights:
- Rusev threw Rollins off him with just one arm.
- Rollins used an enzuigiri to barely gain separation and slowly build up a comeback.
- Rollins showed his power with a Falcon Arrow on Rusev.
- Rusev blocked Rollins and hit a side kick for a nearfall.
- Rollins nearly hit a frog splash with Rusev rolling away then followed him with a suicide dive.
Analysis: Rollins finally showed us what it will look like to see him playing the babyface in the main event scene. He was wholly the underdog against Rusev, and it worked well. The two have interesting chemistry.
The double count out finish was odd as it led to WWE trying to make Rusev vs. Rollins feel more heated than it was. If anything, this was WWE trying to have a big moment for the sake of it with Rollins being the first to jump off the new placement of the announce table.
Great start to the Cruiserweight Division!
Braun Strowman def. Sin Cara
Overview: Sin Cara began throwing kicks until he got smacked to the floor by Braun Strowman. Strowman splashed Cara in the corner then threw him to the outside. He followed Cara only to take a kick and a suicide dive from Cara. Strowman though caught a springboard moonsault from Cara and hit a running powerslam for the win.
Analysis: I'm all for Strowman being challenged by his competitors, but this wasn't much for than his previous squashes. This "feud" with a member of the actual roster has no steam. They need to get somebody fighting Strowman soon who at least takes him off his feet.
Analysis: I'm all for Strowman being challenged by his competitors, but this wasn't much for than his previous squashes. This "feud" with a member of the actual roster has no steam. They need to get somebody fighting Strowman soon who at least takes him off his feet.
WWE always planned to have this triple threat at Clash of Champions. They just wanted to announce it in the most ineffective way possible.
Charlotte and Dana Brooke def. Sasha Banks and Bayley
Overview: Dana Brooke and Charlotte were quickly frustrated by Bayley's resilience. Bayley was almost isolated in the heel corner until she flurried to the tag. Charlotte targeted the bad back of Banks with Brooke following suit.
Banks got the hot tag to Banks who rolled all over Charlotte, but, just as she was ready to hit the Bayley to Belly, Brooke grabbed the leg of Charlotte which stopped the move and distracted Bayley, causing her to walk into a big boot for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a fairly solid match with a standard tag team story as the heels did a great job targeting Banks' back in creative ways. Bayley is a fantastic hot tag though the finish felt abrupt off the hot tag especially given that this Charlotte's first time winning with a big boot.
We continue to see the hints of a slow burn heel turn for Banks. Hopefully they build it up over a while to give it more weight when it occurs. Banks vs. Bayley as heel vs. face could be a WrestleMania quality clash as proven in NXT.
Banks got the hot tag to Banks who rolled all over Charlotte, but, just as she was ready to hit the Bayley to Belly, Brooke grabbed the leg of Charlotte which stopped the move and distracted Bayley, causing her to walk into a big boot for the win.
Highlights:
- Bayley threw Charlotte repeatedly into the turnbuckle then into Brooke before throwing Brooke to the floor.
- Brooke use several handstand splashes as dominating strikes.
- Bayley flurried with an arm drag and clothesline to get the tag to Banks with the two hitting a double suplex on Charlotte.
- Charlotte wrapped Banks' bad back around the steel post.
- Bayley's flurry ended in a discus elbow off the second turnbuckle.
Analysis: This was a fairly solid match with a standard tag team story as the heels did a great job targeting Banks' back in creative ways. Bayley is a fantastic hot tag though the finish felt abrupt off the hot tag especially given that this Charlotte's first time winning with a big boot.
We continue to see the hints of a slow burn heel turn for Banks. Hopefully they build it up over a while to give it more weight when it occurs. Banks vs. Bayley as heel vs. face could be a WrestleMania quality clash as proven in NXT.
Gary Graham thought he could Bo-lieve. Now he just wishes he could leave. Please for Gary Graham, won't you grieve.
Bo Dallas def. Gary Graham
Overview: Bo Dallas used a new poem to make clear he still was the only who could Bo-lieve. Gary Graham nearly rolled up an aggressive Dallas for the win, but, when that failed, Dallas relentlessly destroyed the local competitor and hit a rolling cutter for the win.
Analysis: I'm not big on squash matches long terms, but Dallas' new attitude is making them fun. His furious aggression is enthralling. I hope that this leads somewhere as Dallas finally feels like the NXT star who was one of the biggest highlights of the early developmental brand.
Analysis: I'm not big on squash matches long terms, but Dallas' new attitude is making them fun. His furious aggression is enthralling. I hope that this leads somewhere as Dallas finally feels like the NXT star who was one of the biggest highlights of the early developmental brand.
For a guy with a back injury in a desperate position in this series, Cesaro sure tries hard to come off as a prick.
Cesaro def. Sheamus to Get Back to 3-3 in the Best-Of-Seven Series
Overview: Sheamus brutally began striking the back of Cesaro with forearms with Cesaro fighting back with uppercuts. The two went back and forth even as every Sheamus move targeted the back.
Sheamus got frustrated when he was unable to get a roll up with feet on the ropes. Cesaro dodged a Brogue Kick with Sheamus falling to the outside with Cesaro catching him back in the ring for the Neutralizer.
Highlights:
Analysis: I really want to praise this match given how good these two are, but this is getting too repetitive. The only thing that is changing now are the finishes. Sheamus and Cesaro have not branched out as this series has evolved. We got the expected result and hopefully a better match seven.
Sheamus got frustrated when he was unable to get a roll up with feet on the ropes. Cesaro dodged a Brogue Kick with Sheamus falling to the outside with Cesaro catching him back in the ring for the Neutralizer.
Highlights:
- Cesaro reversed a tilt-a-whirl into a Neutralizer attempt into both running the ropes into a close Cesaro uppercut.
- Cesaro stopped a top rope rolling fireman's carry and hit a jumping dropkick to the floor.
- Sheamus hit the White Noise on the apron.
- Sheamus locked in the Celtic Cross only for it to turn into an elevated backbreaker.
- Cesaro barely rolled through the Cloverleaf into a small package.
Analysis: I really want to praise this match given how good these two are, but this is getting too repetitive. The only thing that is changing now are the finishes. Sheamus and Cesaro have not branched out as this series has evolved. We got the expected result and hopefully a better match seven.
Nice of the entire tag team division to play second fiddle to the build of Jericho vs. Zayn.
The New Day, Enzo and Cass, and Sami Zayn def. Gallows and Anderson, The Shining Stars, and Chris Jericho
Overview: Chris Jericho came to the ring, beginning to list off the List of Jericho. When someone in the crowd annoyed him, he added him to the list. After he promised to strike Sami Zayn off the list at Clash of Champions, Enzo and Cass came out with Enzo making fun of Jericho.
The Shining Stars, The New Day, and Gallows and Anderson all interrupted proceedings before Jericho began a new list of stupid idiots with Sami Zayn coming out to beat up Jericho and start a brawl between everyone.
The match was mostly dominated by the heels until Cass got the hot tag. This caused chaos that led to Zayn hitting the Helluva Kick on Primo into the Bada Boom Shakalaka for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was extremely randomly orchestrated to get the Clash of Champions opponents all in the ring against each other to save time. It is odd WWE couldn't just better balance them out. Jericho was hilarious here, echoing his old 1004 holds promo.
The match was nothing much, going along far too fast. The biggest moment was the brief glimpse of Jericho v Zayn that should be really good. The New Day vs. Gallows and Anderson, the tag title feud, felt like a complete afterthought in all this.
The Shining Stars, The New Day, and Gallows and Anderson all interrupted proceedings before Jericho began a new list of stupid idiots with Sami Zayn coming out to beat up Jericho and start a brawl between everyone.
The match was mostly dominated by the heels until Cass got the hot tag. This caused chaos that led to Zayn hitting the Helluva Kick on Primo into the Bada Boom Shakalaka for the win.
Highlights:
- Karl Anderson hit a delayed spinebuster on Kofi.
- Big Cass ran over Primo ending the hot tag with the Empire Elbow.
- Epico makes fun of Enzo until he takes a Cass big boot to the floor.
- Zayn and Jericho went off the walls when they clashed with Zayn hitting a rope walk DDT but Jericho dodging the Helluva Kick.
Analysis: This was extremely randomly orchestrated to get the Clash of Champions opponents all in the ring against each other to save time. It is odd WWE couldn't just better balance them out. Jericho was hilarious here, echoing his old 1004 holds promo.
The match was nothing much, going along far too fast. The biggest moment was the brief glimpse of Jericho v Zayn that should be really good. The New Day vs. Gallows and Anderson, the tag title feud, felt like a complete afterthought in all this.
The Brain Kendrick is the anti-old man Chris Jericho. He doesn't care about any of your flips. He'll just rip your hair out instead.
The Brain Kendrick def. Cedric Alexander, Gran Metalik, and Rich Swann to Become the New Number One Contender to the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Overview: Mick Foley introduced the four cruiserweights here tonight for the beginning of the division. When Rich Swann, Gran Metalik, Cedric Alexander, and The Brain Kendrick came out, they were told they were competing tonight in a fatal four way to determine the number one contender to TJ Perkins' Cruiserweight Championship at Clash of Champions.
The cruiserweights built toward a game of one-upsmanship while Kendrick snuck in shots as he could find them. The match began to close as Swann hit a standing 450 saved by Kendrick who locked in the Captain's Hook on Alexander.
Metalik broke it up with a foot stomp, but Alexander hit the lumbar check on Metalik only to be rolled through into the Captain's Hook again for the submission.
Highlights:
Analysis: While it would have been nice to actually have TJ Perkins appear, this was a pretty quality opening for the Cruiserweight Division. The match sold the personalities of the performers who got a languid crowd popping by the end. The only issue was some nervousness by the young wrestlers who lost their pacing at times.
The best performers in the match were Kendrick and Alexander who both stood out in their own ways. Alexander was the highlight reel of the match while Kendrick was the psychological veteran who refused to play to the game of the youngsters.
Kendrick is the perfect wrestler to start off feuding with TJP because they're the veterans of the group who won't need time to adjust to the spotlight. Together they can do it all, and they both may be the best storytellers of the bunch as well.
The cruiserweights built toward a game of one-upsmanship while Kendrick snuck in shots as he could find them. The match began to close as Swann hit a standing 450 saved by Kendrick who locked in the Captain's Hook on Alexander.
Metalik broke it up with a foot stomp, but Alexander hit the lumbar check on Metalik only to be rolled through into the Captain's Hook again for the submission.
Highlights:
- Metalik and Swann ran the ropes ending in a Swann dropkick.
- Swann danced right into a Kendrick dropkick.
- Alexander landed into a handspring off a tilt-a-whirl headscissors, but he ran right into a stiff right from Swann.
- Alexander hit a somersault senton to the outside while landing on his feet but took a springboard somersault senton from Metalik.
- Kendrick caught Metalik mid-springboard, ripping him to the floor.
- Swann stopped Kendrick from getting in the ring, but Kendrick caught Swann's foot in the steel steps and kicked him repeatedly.
- Metalik hit a rope walk diving elbow on Kendrick.
- Metalik hit a standing shoot star but then moonsaulted into the knees of Swann.
- Alexander hit a handspring springboard enzuigiri on Swann.
- Metalik caught Kendrick mid-Slice Bread #2 on Swann but took an immediate Kendrick DDT.
Analysis: While it would have been nice to actually have TJ Perkins appear, this was a pretty quality opening for the Cruiserweight Division. The match sold the personalities of the performers who got a languid crowd popping by the end. The only issue was some nervousness by the young wrestlers who lost their pacing at times.
The best performers in the match were Kendrick and Alexander who both stood out in their own ways. Alexander was the highlight reel of the match while Kendrick was the psychological veteran who refused to play to the game of the youngsters.
Kendrick is the perfect wrestler to start off feuding with TJP because they're the veterans of the group who won't need time to adjust to the spotlight. Together they can do it all, and they both may be the best storytellers of the bunch as well.
This is what you get Roman for winning a match with no stakes by jumping to the floor of a cage.
Roman Reigns def. Kevin Owens in a Non-Title Steel Cage Match
Overview: Kevin Owens tried to escape early but was caught by the power of Reigns who seemed made for these close quarters. Owens fought back, grinding Reigns down, but he just couldn't slow Reigns for long. KO rarely seemed concerned with pinfalls, always after escape.
Owens only went for a cover after hitting a sudden pump up powerbomb with Reigns kicking out. The two fought to the steel cage wall, and both fell hard. Both tried to escape after that with Reigns falling to the floor before KO could escape.
Rusev went for the post-match attack on Reigns, locking him back in the steel cage, and locking him in The Accolade until Rollins came to make the save. Rollins then hit a top of the cage crossbody on both heels.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a strong main event where Reigns and KO continue to show just how good they can be together. The match sparked particularly when Owens and Reigns were just wailing on each other. This was a pure striking fest at its best.
It was surprising to see Reigns get the win even if it was close to save the champ, but this may be to set up a future title match for these two. In the end, this was about showing off Rollins again who did another unnecessary high spots to get a pop that had nothing to do with Owens v Rollins as a match on Sunday.
Owens only went for a cover after hitting a sudden pump up powerbomb with Reigns kicking out. The two fought to the steel cage wall, and both fell hard. Both tried to escape after that with Reigns falling to the floor before KO could escape.
Rusev went for the post-match attack on Reigns, locking him back in the steel cage, and locking him in The Accolade until Rollins came to make the save. Rollins then hit a top of the cage crossbody on both heels.
Highlights:
- Owens sent Reigns into the steel cage then hit a superkick.
- Owens and Reigns fought atop the ropes, blasting each other against the steel, before Reigns fell and Owens was crotched.
- Reigns ran right into a German suplex then the cannonball.
- Owens and Reigns went through a long series of exchanges forearms with KO winning it with a superkick.
- KO's pump up powerbomb turned into a Superman Punch.
Analysis: This was a strong main event where Reigns and KO continue to show just how good they can be together. The match sparked particularly when Owens and Reigns were just wailing on each other. This was a pure striking fest at its best.
It was surprising to see Reigns get the win even if it was close to save the champ, but this may be to set up a future title match for these two. In the end, this was about showing off Rollins again who did another unnecessary high spots to get a pop that had nothing to do with Owens v Rollins as a match on Sunday.
I am being told my review is now on The List for again implying Chris Jericho cannot do anything and everything in the ring.
Final Notes: Rusev found Stephanie and Foley and insulted Foley for making unfair decisions involving him particularly forcing him to face Reigns again. Chris Jericho promised to show Foley "it" for the unfair way he was treating Kevin Owens.
Charlotte and Dana showed Foley footage of the double pin by both Banks and Bayley last week. They wanted Foley to throw out the match and have Banks and Bayley fight again tonight. Instead, he announced a triple threat, thanking Dana for the idea which led to Charlotte knocking her to the floor.
Stephanie disliked Rollins' tone with her with her still saying she had nothing to do with Triple H's actions. In the end, Stephanie made clear she believed Owens was now better than Rollins. Chris Jericho found Foley and made sure he knew he would read The List of Jericho later with all his grievances against Foley.
Video packages were shown for the Cruiserweight Division, showing off all four men who debuted tonight and champion TJ Perkins. An Eddie Guerrero tribute video package was shown to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Conclusion: This show flew by well despite not having many standout segments. The cruiserweights were great, and the main event segments worked even if they seemed to be done just to get people talking and excited rather than being logically built.
Basically all of Clash of Champions was accounted for here. It would have been nice to see more balanced time given to each match rather a bunch being lumped together, but this did help the show flow quickly tonight.
As a whole, the night could have certainly been better, but it proved that Raw is now in a much healthier spot than it was a week ago with more wrestlers to work with. Hopefully they learn to balance the stars properly and get better with time.
Charlotte and Dana showed Foley footage of the double pin by both Banks and Bayley last week. They wanted Foley to throw out the match and have Banks and Bayley fight again tonight. Instead, he announced a triple threat, thanking Dana for the idea which led to Charlotte knocking her to the floor.
Stephanie disliked Rollins' tone with her with her still saying she had nothing to do with Triple H's actions. In the end, Stephanie made clear she believed Owens was now better than Rollins. Chris Jericho found Foley and made sure he knew he would read The List of Jericho later with all his grievances against Foley.
Video packages were shown for the Cruiserweight Division, showing off all four men who debuted tonight and champion TJ Perkins. An Eddie Guerrero tribute video package was shown to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month.
Conclusion: This show flew by well despite not having many standout segments. The cruiserweights were great, and the main event segments worked even if they seemed to be done just to get people talking and excited rather than being logically built.
Basically all of Clash of Champions was accounted for here. It would have been nice to see more balanced time given to each match rather a bunch being lumped together, but this did help the show flow quickly tonight.
As a whole, the night could have certainly been better, but it proved that Raw is now in a much healthier spot than it was a week ago with more wrestlers to work with. Hopefully they learn to balance the stars properly and get better with time.