Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Last night at Clash of Champions, only one championship changed hands, but there were a host of controversial finishes that set up this show tonight to be driven by a host of major developments.
That meant two championship match rematches were already announced with decisions still needing to be made about the finish of the Best of Seven series between Sheamus and Cesaro and the interference of Chris Jericho in the main event.
All of this was necessary hype to try and get people watching Monday Night Raw instead of Monday Night Football or the first Presidential Debate. WWE knew it was up against big competition to have a major show this week.
That meant two championship match rematches were already announced with decisions still needing to be made about the finish of the Best of Seven series between Sheamus and Cesaro and the interference of Chris Jericho in the main event.
All of this was necessary hype to try and get people watching Monday Night Raw instead of Monday Night Football or the first Presidential Debate. WWE knew it was up against big competition to have a major show this week.
Rusev and Reigns are really getting things off to a hot start.
Roman Reigns vs. Rusev Goes to Double Count Out; Reigns Retains the WWE United States Championship
Overview: This match started slow with both grappling. Rusev slowly but surely assaulted Roman Reigns' back until he was struggling to hit big moves. A desperate flurry of forearms pulled Reigns back into the match. Rusev threw out a series of nearfall kicks, but Reigns wouldn't stay down.
Reigns began a rally late with Lana's distraction not enough to slow down Reigns. Rusev decided to bail on the match late with Reigns following. They both got counted out as the two brawled with Reigns eventually Spearing Rusev and hitting him with a steel chair.
Highlights:
Analysis: There is a reason you want a fast start to a show. The crowd needs to be warmed up. This match was worked like a main event showing, slow and methodical, which led to a lack of energy from the crowd until they got going late.
The match was really good though with a steady pace throughout. It should not have been as long, but it was well done. The count out worked to set up a final bout likely inside Hell in a Cell. I do question making Rusev look like a chump.
Reigns began a rally late with Lana's distraction not enough to slow down Reigns. Rusev decided to bail on the match late with Reigns following. They both got counted out as the two brawled with Reigns eventually Spearing Rusev and hitting him with a steel chair.
Highlights:
- Rusev targeted Reigns' back with forearms until he ran into a straight right hand from Reigns.
- Reigns was unable to pull off a deadlift on Rusev due to his back.
- Rusev hit a fallaway slam that sends Reigns to the floor.
- Rusev hit two gutwrench suplexes to keep Reigns grounded.
- Reigns exploded off the turnbuckle with a lariat.
- Rusev caught Reigns mid-Superman Punch and threw them both over the top to the floor.
- Reigns fought off a superplex and hit a diving clothesline.
- Reigns failed a powerbomb attempt and took a spinning heel kick.
- Reigns uppercut Rusev off the top to the floor then brought him back to the ring just to take a roundhouse kick.
- Reigns blocked a superkick then missed a Superman Punch only to run right into a superkick nearfall.
Analysis: There is a reason you want a fast start to a show. The crowd needs to be warmed up. This match was worked like a main event showing, slow and methodical, which led to a lack of energy from the crowd until they got going late.
The match was really good though with a steady pace throughout. It should not have been as long, but it was well done. The count out worked to set up a final bout likely inside Hell in a Cell. I do question making Rusev look like a chump.
It's almost like Cesaro and Sheamus think Mick Foley might be an incompetent GM.
Sheamus and Cesaro Are Given Future Tag Team Championship Opportunity For Their Best of Seven Series
Overview: Mick Foley called out Sheamus and Cesaro to address the draw at the end of the Best of Seven series. Immediately the two men argued over who earned their championship opportunity.
Foley ended up announcing that they would both get a WWE Raw Tag Team Championship opportunity together if they agreed to work together. They were frustrated, but they had no chance for rebuttal as The New Day were brought out for their match.
Analysis: A Sheamus/Cesaro team could be really good. This was not the right way to set it up though. The Best of Seven series was a huge time sink just to pair these guys as a team. It's rare that wrestlers earn championship opportunities, and it should have been taken more seriously.
Foley ended up announcing that they would both get a WWE Raw Tag Team Championship opportunity together if they agreed to work together. They were frustrated, but they had no chance for rebuttal as The New Day were brought out for their match.
Analysis: A Sheamus/Cesaro team could be really good. This was not the right way to set it up though. The Best of Seven series was a huge time sink just to pair these guys as a team. It's rare that wrestlers earn championship opportunities, and it should have been taken more seriously.
Gallows and Anderson lose clean, and they broke open Kofi so they may get fined as well. Great day!
The New Day def. Gallows and Anderson to Retain the WWE Tag Team Championships
Overview: Kofi Kingston took out Luke Gallows to start the match, allowing the faces to beat down on Karl Anderson until Gallows returned and took out Kofi and Big E. Kofi was isolated away from Big E for a while until Kofi dodged an Anderson knee to get Big E the hot tag.
Big E hit a running spear through the second rope then hit the Midnight Hour on Anderson with Gallows breaking up the pinfall. Big E then took the Magic Killer with Kofi breaking the pin up. Kofi then DDTs Anderson, kicks Gallows to the outside, then hits Trouble in Paradise on Anderson for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was closer to the match we should have gotten at Clash of Champions. This still moved too quickly with everything feeling rushed, but the match was much stronger as both teams got in offense and the finish was built up.
Again Gallows and Anderson put on a strong performance, but they lose. Now it really is time to move on from this feud as Gallows and Anderson need to start winning again and avoid more jokes.
Big E hit a running spear through the second rope then hit the Midnight Hour on Anderson with Gallows breaking up the pinfall. Big E then took the Magic Killer with Kofi breaking the pin up. Kofi then DDTs Anderson, kicks Gallows to the outside, then hits Trouble in Paradise on Anderson for the win.
Highlights:
- Gallows superkicks Big E then clotheslines Kofi, setting up an Anderson running boot on the outside on Kofi.
- Kofi springboards right into a Gallows chokeslam.
- Gallows tried to block a Big E splash but got clothesline to the outside with Kofi then diving onto Gallows.
- Anderson smacked Big E's head into the steel post then hit a running boot.
- Anderson hit a diving neckbreaker on Big E.
- Kofi gets broken open late in the match but keeps fighting.
Analysis: This was closer to the match we should have gotten at Clash of Champions. This still moved too quickly with everything feeling rushed, but the match was much stronger as both teams got in offense and the finish was built up.
Again Gallows and Anderson put on a strong performance, but they lose. Now it really is time to move on from this feud as Gallows and Anderson need to start winning again and avoid more jokes.
Bayley hug!
Bayley def. Anna Fields
Overview: The local competitor came out aggressive against Bayley, taking her down, but Bayley found her focus rolling over Anna Fields with a huge series of moves, ending with a back elbow in the corner and the Bayley to Belly. Afterward, Bayley was interviewed, promising she would go after the Women's Championship again.
All these cruiserweights and their synchronized dancing. Can't they learn to hit like real men?
Rich Swann and Cedric Alexander def. Drew Gulak and Lince Dorado
Overview: Rich Swann and Cedric Alexander has a pre-taped interview, talking up partying and winning. Drew Gulak and Lince Dorado also got video packages to put them over before their debuts. Swann was isolated until Alexander got the hot tag, running over Gulak.
Alexander hit the lumbar check on Dorado but then took an inverted Northern Lights Suplex from Gulak that sent Alexander far enough to barely tag in Swann. Swann then hit a Rich Kick into a bridge for the pinfall on Gulak.
Highlights:
Analysis: After an opening week that felt noticeably hesitant from the cruiserweights, this was the first time the cruiserweights felt genuinely a part of the roster. It was a great match with Swann and Dorado starting it off hot while Gulak and Alexander got explosive late.
It was also just great to see the cruiserweights on TV in multiple matches. This got to be the crowd developing high energy opener while Perkins faced off later in the more technical bout.
Alexander hit the lumbar check on Dorado but then took an inverted Northern Lights Suplex from Gulak that sent Alexander far enough to barely tag in Swann. Swann then hit a Rich Kick into a bridge for the pinfall on Gulak.
Highlights:
- Swann and Dorado traded headscissors and arm drags with neither falling to start.
- Dorado hit a back stretch spin-out slam into a cover which Alexander had to break up.
- With everyone outside, Dorado hit them with a moonsault.
- Alexander hit a handspring springboard heel kick, a running enzuigiri, and a springboard forearm.
Analysis: After an opening week that felt noticeably hesitant from the cruiserweights, this was the first time the cruiserweights felt genuinely a part of the roster. It was a great match with Swann and Dorado starting it off hot while Gulak and Alexander got explosive late.
It was also just great to see the cruiserweights on TV in multiple matches. This got to be the crowd developing high energy opener while Perkins faced off later in the more technical bout.
Sheamus and Cesaro are so gracious they don't even sell for the local guys.
Sheamus and Cesaro def. Nick Cutler and Willis Williams
Overview: Cesaro dominated the local competitor, but Sheamus refused to tag in with Cesaro forcing the tag. Sheamus dominated until Cesaro then forced a tag back in to beat up on the other man.
The local competitors managed to team up on Cesaro's bad arm, but they were sent flying with Cesaro trying to hit the Neutralizer. Sheamus though ran in and hit Brogue Kicks on both men with Cesaro reluctantly taking the pin.
Analysis: There's not much usually to say of squash matches like this, but this was really well done with an entertaining clash between Cesaro and Sheamus while the local competitors just looked completely ineffective in their multiple offensive moves.
The local competitors managed to team up on Cesaro's bad arm, but they were sent flying with Cesaro trying to hit the Neutralizer. Sheamus though ran in and hit Brogue Kicks on both men with Cesaro reluctantly taking the pin.
Analysis: There's not much usually to say of squash matches like this, but this was really well done with an entertaining clash between Cesaro and Sheamus while the local competitors just looked completely ineffective in their multiple offensive moves.
Charlotte continues to scour Ric Flair's far too expansive wardrobe.
Charlotte and Sasha Banks Book Their Title Rematch for Next Week
Overview: Charlotte put over her win until Sasha Banks came out to lay claim to her championship. Banks demanded her rematch to come right now. Charlotte accepted her rematch because she knew Foley would eventually give her that match, but she would only do it next week.
Banks interrupted Charlotte and promised that she would prove herself as the true face of the women's division. A brawl began with Banks taking out both Charlotte and Dana Brooke.
Analysis: This was a solid segment even though Charlotte came off early as robotic. She got into her speech once Banks came out with both feeling fired up. This set up an exciting match for next week which should honestly be the main event of Raw.
Banks interrupted Charlotte and promised that she would prove herself as the true face of the women's division. A brawl began with Banks taking out both Charlotte and Dana Brooke.
Analysis: This was a solid segment even though Charlotte came off early as robotic. She got into her speech once Banks came out with both feeling fired up. This set up an exciting match for next week which should honestly be the main event of Raw.
The crowd seems confused. They seem to have forgotten CM Punk couldn't jump that high in his entire life.
TJ Perkins def. Tony Nese
Overview: Tony Nese's strength dominated TJ Perkins from the start while keeping up with his speed. Despite Nese's dominance throughout, Perkins would not quite which allowed him to trip Nese on the ropes and hit a wrecking ball dropkick to set up the Detonation Kick into the kneebar submission finish.
Highlights:
Analysis: While the crowd somehow got restless during this electric explosive match, this was a really fun contest from start to finish. Nese was a highlight reel throughout with crazy strength and athleticism. Perkins also looked more comfortable facing a more explosive adversary.
In the end, the only problem with this match was the odd crowd reaction. This was a great debut Raw match for Perkins that also helped show off more of the cruiserweights. It was cool to have Gulak and Nese make surprise debuts on Raw.
Highlights:
- Perkins nearly locked in the kneebar early.
- Nese tripped Perkins off the apron then cartwheeled on the apron into a superkick then a corkscrew suicide dive.
- Nese reversed an octopus lock into an inverted gutwrench suplex.
- Perkins hit a neckbreaker into a double chickenwing gutbuster.
- A DDT by Perkins was blocked, slamming him on the ropes and hitting a running knee.
Analysis: While the crowd somehow got restless during this electric explosive match, this was a really fun contest from start to finish. Nese was a highlight reel throughout with crazy strength and athleticism. Perkins also looked more comfortable facing a more explosive adversary.
In the end, the only problem with this match was the odd crowd reaction. This was a great debut Raw match for Perkins that also helped show off more of the cruiserweights. It was cool to have Gulak and Nese make surprise debuts on Raw.
Best friends and it feels so good.
Seth Rollins Is Barred from The Highlight Reel; Jeri-KO def. Enzo and Cass
Overview: Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson promised to be at Raw next week after Jericho's insult of them. Jericho told them they would be on The List if they did arrive next week. After putting a cameraman on The List, he brought out Kevin Owens.
Owens called Seth Rollins the most dangerous man in WWE, and, since he injured Rollins, that made him the most dangerous man in WWE. This brought out Rollins who had to be stopped by officials. Enzo and Cass immediately came out and challenged Jeri-KO to a match.
Enzo and Cass dominated Jeri-KO early with explosive offense. Cass eventually got isolated with Enzo getting the hot tag only to get double teamed. While Cass seemed to get a late roll, Jericho took Cass out allowing an Owens powerbomb on Enzo for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was well done throughout. Jericho was hilarious throughout while Rollins got to appear even while hurt. This didn't really evolve the main event feud, but it told a strong story. Enzo and Cass' inclusion was random and likely just set up because Rollins couldn't compete tonight.
The match paled in comparison to some of the rest of the night, but it was still solid. Owens and Jericho's mannerisms were top notch while Enzo and Cass were explosive throughout. This was the continuation of a feud that deserved more time but got thrown out by new plans.
Owens called Seth Rollins the most dangerous man in WWE, and, since he injured Rollins, that made him the most dangerous man in WWE. This brought out Rollins who had to be stopped by officials. Enzo and Cass immediately came out and challenged Jeri-KO to a match.
Enzo and Cass dominated Jeri-KO early with explosive offense. Cass eventually got isolated with Enzo getting the hot tag only to get double teamed. While Cass seemed to get a late roll, Jericho took Cass out allowing an Owens powerbomb on Enzo for the win.
Highlights:
- Owens throws away Jericho's scarf after he gives it to him gingerly.
- Enzo flurried with strikes in the corner on Jericho.
- Owens grabbed Enzo's legs to set up a springboard dropkick.
- Enzo fought off a superplex but then dived into a Jericho dropkick.
- Enzo got separation by getting the knees up on a Lionsault.
- Cass splashed Owens then immediately big booted Jericho out of the air.
- Cass took a superkick but fired back with a big boot.
- Jericho stopped the Bada Boom Shaka Laka by slapping Cass.
Analysis: This was well done throughout. Jericho was hilarious throughout while Rollins got to appear even while hurt. This didn't really evolve the main event feud, but it told a strong story. Enzo and Cass' inclusion was random and likely just set up because Rollins couldn't compete tonight.
The match paled in comparison to some of the rest of the night, but it was still solid. Owens and Jericho's mannerisms were top notch while Enzo and Cass were explosive throughout. This was the continuation of a feud that deserved more time but got thrown out by new plans.
Did I mention I still can't get over the crowd ruining this match?
Final Notes: A medical update was done for Rollins, saying he was not physically cleared to compete tonight on Raw. Foley found Sheamus and Cesaro still fighting backstage and said they were magic as a team waiting to be set loose which quieted the rivals.
Foley questioned Stephanie McMahon backstage about her actions in the main event last night including talking to Triple H, but Stephanie turned the questioning around, blaming Foley for the breakdown.
Perkins was interviewed about making his Raw debut with Kendrick interrupting and telling Perkins he owed him with Perkins making up for what he owes the next time they face. Foley found Rollins and told him he had to calm down, but Rollins refused to listen.
Conclusion: This was an excellent if disjointed Raw. If you reorder the night a bit with the cruiserweights opening and Reigns vs. Rusev closing, this would have been a perfect edition of Raw. It flew by after the opening match and just never let up.
While most people probably missed this while watching the Presidential Debate or even the NFL, WWE absolutely delivered throughout the night, answering questions and setting up future stories.
If Raw could do this every week, flowing with good segments, they would not have a problem. In fact, beyond reordering, there were very few parts of this show that had real issues. Just have strong matches, compelling stories, and keep things moving.
Foley questioned Stephanie McMahon backstage about her actions in the main event last night including talking to Triple H, but Stephanie turned the questioning around, blaming Foley for the breakdown.
Perkins was interviewed about making his Raw debut with Kendrick interrupting and telling Perkins he owed him with Perkins making up for what he owes the next time they face. Foley found Rollins and told him he had to calm down, but Rollins refused to listen.
Conclusion: This was an excellent if disjointed Raw. If you reorder the night a bit with the cruiserweights opening and Reigns vs. Rusev closing, this would have been a perfect edition of Raw. It flew by after the opening match and just never let up.
While most people probably missed this while watching the Presidential Debate or even the NFL, WWE absolutely delivered throughout the night, answering questions and setting up future stories.
If Raw could do this every week, flowing with good segments, they would not have a problem. In fact, beyond reordering, there were very few parts of this show that had real issues. Just have strong matches, compelling stories, and keep things moving.