Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Kevin Owens is the new WWE Universal Champion. For the first time since the WWE draft, Monday Night Raw had a healthy world champion at the helm going into the show, and it wasn't Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins who has dominated Raw for years now.
The one thing that made this new champion like the old champions in WWE was the returning presence of Triple H who screwed both Reigns and Rollins to help crown KO.
These two factors blended together to set up an interesting if frighteningly familiar scenario that Raw needed to capitalize upon properly to continue the momentum of last week's show.
The one thing that made this new champion like the old champions in WWE was the returning presence of Triple H who screwed both Reigns and Rollins to help crown KO.
These two factors blended together to set up an interesting if frighteningly familiar scenario that Raw needed to capitalize upon properly to continue the momentum of last week's show.
He may still need to wrestle in a T-shirt, but Kevin Owens sure fills out a tux.
Seth Rollins Ruins the First Night of the Kevin Owens Show
Overview: Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley argued before the show about Triple H with Stephanie denying any support of Triple H. Owens came out to balloons falling from the top of the arena and gloated over his victory, merely calling HHH's help a nudge.
Seth Rollins came out, demanded justice until KO teased him into attacking him. Stephanie tried to suspend Rollins, but Foley overturned it and made the main event of Clash of Champions: KO vs. Rollins.
Analysis: This was a fantastic opening. We got Kevin Owens in a tuxedo gloating without changing his story at all. We also got a fired up Seth Rollins cutting a promo that was both verging on a turn and still totally in character. His dynamic with KO just works.
Mick Foley also showed his value to Raw, talking with Stephanie McMahon. He seemed truly distressed and perhaps betrayed by Stephanie's hints of manipulation. Hopefully this stays complex and doesn't devolve into The Authority returning.
Seth Rollins came out, demanded justice until KO teased him into attacking him. Stephanie tried to suspend Rollins, but Foley overturned it and made the main event of Clash of Champions: KO vs. Rollins.
Analysis: This was a fantastic opening. We got Kevin Owens in a tuxedo gloating without changing his story at all. We also got a fired up Seth Rollins cutting a promo that was both verging on a turn and still totally in character. His dynamic with KO just works.
Mick Foley also showed his value to Raw, talking with Stephanie McMahon. He seemed truly distressed and perhaps betrayed by Stephanie's hints of manipulation. Hopefully this stays complex and doesn't devolve into The Authority returning.
I hope you liked your weeks on top, Bayley. Someone is coming back.
Bayley def. Charlotte
Overview: Bayley seemed unstoppable until she came up limping on a dive under the turnbuckle which allowed Charlotte to begin dominating. It became almost hard to watch as Charlotte isolated and viciously assaulted the left knee.
Barely able to walk, Bayley fought back with a big series of moves. Luckily for Charlotte, Dana Brooke distracted Bayley, allowing a roll up for Charlotte to almost win the match, but Bayley kicked out, sending Charlotte head to head into Brooke which set up a Bayley-to-Belly for the win.
Highlights: It's amazing how quickly Bayley can get the fans on her side. She got them popping big for a series of forearms, a crossbody, and her full comeback late. The selling by Bayley was also excellent with Charlotte doing a great job attacking the leg in various ways.
Analysis: The psychology on display in this match put many male wrestlers in WWE to shame. The combined attack by Charlotte and selling from Bayley throughout made this match special. It showed these two can steal the show at Clash of Champions with more time.
Speaking of the upcoming pay-per-view, there was no reason for Charlotte to face Bayley tonight. This should have been a match saved for Clash. The match was great, but this was unnecessary overuse of a special clash because WWE is afraid of using their other women.
Barely able to walk, Bayley fought back with a big series of moves. Luckily for Charlotte, Dana Brooke distracted Bayley, allowing a roll up for Charlotte to almost win the match, but Bayley kicked out, sending Charlotte head to head into Brooke which set up a Bayley-to-Belly for the win.
Highlights: It's amazing how quickly Bayley can get the fans on her side. She got them popping big for a series of forearms, a crossbody, and her full comeback late. The selling by Bayley was also excellent with Charlotte doing a great job attacking the leg in various ways.
Analysis: The psychology on display in this match put many male wrestlers in WWE to shame. The combined attack by Charlotte and selling from Bayley throughout made this match special. It showed these two can steal the show at Clash of Champions with more time.
Speaking of the upcoming pay-per-view, there was no reason for Charlotte to face Bayley tonight. This should have been a match saved for Clash. The match was great, but this was unnecessary overuse of a special clash because WWE is afraid of using their other women.
Drunk arrest and all, I'd vote Bo.
Bo Dallas def. Kyle Roberts
Overview: Bo Dallas recited a poem about his greatness before his match. He viciously assaulted his opponent at the bell then hit an easy rolling cutter for the victory. He then made sure to do a victory lap with his Bo-Lieve in Bo sign.
Analysis: I guess we're only adding more squash matches with local competitors. I like Bo Dallas, and I am glad he is getting another serious chance to succeed. However, I really don't need anybody besides Braun Strowman and Nia Jax destroying random people.
Analysis: I guess we're only adding more squash matches with local competitors. I like Bo Dallas, and I am glad he is getting another serious chance to succeed. However, I really don't need anybody besides Braun Strowman and Nia Jax destroying random people.
The Chris Jericho of old is back! The Chris Jericho who won't let those youngin's make him look old and slow.
Seth Rollins def. Chris Jericho
Overview: A frustrated Seth Rollins treated Chris Jericho like a punching bag from the outset, throwing him around and beating him down especially on the outside. Jericho used the referee for separation to finally get offense, a springboard dropkick to the floor.
The two men exchanged big shots throughout the match with Jericho keeping up with Rollins move for move. However, Jericho bounced off the ropes right into a Pedigree for the victory.
Highlights: This was more a traditional move for move athletic showcase than it probably should have been given Jericho's age, but the homestretch was great. Jericho actually hit a Lionsault then the two traded kicks, leading to a Codebreaker attempt into an enzuigiri that led to Jericho bouncing right off the ropes into a Pedigree.
Analysis: Chris Jericho is at his best when he goes minimalist in his promos and matches. He can get anything over nowadays, and he can trash talk with the best of them. He should not be trying to jump, fly, and kick with Rollins.
It will be interesting to see what Rollins does going forward. He was not playing the face here which made sense, but he was the one getting beaten down for some of the match. He could be transitioning quickly.
The two men exchanged big shots throughout the match with Jericho keeping up with Rollins move for move. However, Jericho bounced off the ropes right into a Pedigree for the victory.
Highlights: This was more a traditional move for move athletic showcase than it probably should have been given Jericho's age, but the homestretch was great. Jericho actually hit a Lionsault then the two traded kicks, leading to a Codebreaker attempt into an enzuigiri that led to Jericho bouncing right off the ropes into a Pedigree.
Analysis: Chris Jericho is at his best when he goes minimalist in his promos and matches. He can get anything over nowadays, and he can trash talk with the best of them. He should not be trying to jump, fly, and kick with Rollins.
It will be interesting to see what Rollins does going forward. He was not playing the face here which made sense, but he was the one getting beaten down for some of the match. He could be transitioning quickly.
Turns out you can't throw nearly as many strong uppercuts with a bad back.
Sheamus def. Cesaro to Go Up 3-0 in the Best-of-Seven Series
Overview: Sheamus and Cesaro came out quickly with attempted pinfalls. Sheamus made Cesaro land on his back early, beginning an assault that seemed to cripple Cesaro with repeated backbreakers. Sheamus turned a High Cross into a backbreaker that seemed to be too much for Cesaro who chose to continue only to take a Brogue Kick and lose.
Analysis: This wasn't really a match but a segment, selling how bad Cesaro's back really is right now kayfabe. It was really good for that. Cesaro was great selling the back injury, and Sheamus' attack on the back was more pointed than most wrestlers seem to be willing to go these days.
I mentioned two matches back that Cesaro/Sheamus got screwed on the Raw rewrite because they couldn't face off in a decider at Clash of Champions. WWE realized this, and now Cesaro will begin his comeback at a live event. They still got screwed clearly.
Analysis: This wasn't really a match but a segment, selling how bad Cesaro's back really is right now kayfabe. It was really good for that. Cesaro was great selling the back injury, and Sheamus' attack on the back was more pointed than most wrestlers seem to be willing to go these days.
I mentioned two matches back that Cesaro/Sheamus got screwed on the Raw rewrite because they couldn't face off in a decider at Clash of Champions. WWE realized this, and now Cesaro will begin his comeback at a live event. They still got screwed clearly.
Why does Enzo even put his body on the line like this? He should know all that matters is the Big Cass hot tag.
The Shining Stars def. Enzo and Cass
Overview: Enzo and Cass interrupted the Shining Stars' Puerto Rico pitch and made fun of them. The Shining Stars dominated this match early against Enzo until Epico got stuck by his leg in the turnbuckle.
Big Cass then got the hot tag and set up the Bada Boom Shakalaka. Primo ran interference though to break it up. While Cass took out Primo, Epico rolled up Enzo for three.
Analysis: While Enzo's labor joke was really weird and unnecessary, the match was solid overall. We finally got to see Epico and Primo wrestle who haven't done anything but get squashed or squash opponents since when they were still Los Matadores.
The Shining Stars even got a good win for once, but it was a fluky situation WWE gives to guys they want to win just to set up a rematch where they lose. Enzo and Cass need something to do, and they got it even if it is proof how sparse this tag team division is.
Big Cass then got the hot tag and set up the Bada Boom Shakalaka. Primo ran interference though to break it up. While Cass took out Primo, Epico rolled up Enzo for three.
Analysis: While Enzo's labor joke was really weird and unnecessary, the match was solid overall. We finally got to see Epico and Primo wrestle who haven't done anything but get squashed or squash opponents since when they were still Los Matadores.
The Shining Stars even got a good win for once, but it was a fluky situation WWE gives to guys they want to win just to set up a rematch where they lose. Enzo and Cass need something to do, and they got it even if it is proof how sparse this tag team division is.
Nia Jax confused by inability to breathe. Why is gnat fighting?
Nia Jax def. Ann Esposito
Overview: The local competitor was shown before the match to be good friends with Alicia Fox, but Nia Jax showed no mercy as she threw around Esposito by her leg. Anna managed to fight back, hitting a series of kicks to the leg, and lock in a sleeper hold.
Jax fought her off by sending her repeatedly into the turnbuckle. Jax seemed aggravated by the resistance she faced, so she punished her opponent before hitting a falling powerslam for the win.
Analysis: It was good to see Nia Jax face adversity in this match, raising her match quality. WWE also smartly sold Ann's friendship with Alicia Fox to set up a feud with a real competitor in the division. Fox has really needed to be used more in a shallow division
Jax fought her off by sending her repeatedly into the turnbuckle. Jax seemed aggravated by the resistance she faced, so she punished her opponent before hitting a falling powerslam for the win.
Analysis: It was good to see Nia Jax face adversity in this match, raising her match quality. WWE also smartly sold Ann's friendship with Alicia Fox to set up a feud with a real competitor in the division. Fox has really needed to be used more in a shallow division
No really, I'm just movin' on.
The New Day Destroy The Old Day
Overview: As a part of their new retirement initiative, Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson brought out "The Old Day". The imposter New Day from the future said they were sent into a spiral by a loss at Clash of Champions. This brought out The New Day who sent Gallows and Anderson running then destroyed "The Old Day".
Analysis: I am already trying to wipe this segment from my memory. I can't afford to delve into its awfulness.
Analysis: I am already trying to wipe this segment from my memory. I can't afford to delve into its awfulness.
Titus O'Neil was just shocked Jinder Mahal lasted 3 minutes.
Darren Young def. Jinder Mahal
Overview: Jinder Mahal began rolling early, dominating Darren Young early until Young came storming back with a huge suplex. Titus O'Neil who was watching on commentary came storming down to the ring to try and distract Young who still hit the Gut Check for the win.
Afterward, O'Neil nearly attacked Bob Backlund which set off Young who wailed on O'Neil until he was forced off by officials.
Analysis: This feud has been fairly one dimensional, but Young is always better when he is losing control trying to protect his life coach. This was one of the first segments between Young and O'Neil that worked even if it was still a bit boring.
Afterward, O'Neil nearly attacked Bob Backlund which set off Young who wailed on O'Neil until he was forced off by officials.
Analysis: This feud has been fairly one dimensional, but Young is always better when he is losing control trying to protect his life coach. This was one of the first segments between Young and O'Neil that worked even if it was still a bit boring.
Braun Strowman angry because masked man not let himself be thrown around.
Braun Strowman def. Sin Cara
Overview: Sin Cara said before the match that he chose to fight Braun Strowman because he disrespected a fellow luchador last week. Cara came out kicking against Strowman, and he kept Strowman off balance throughout.
However, Strowman's strength just punished Cara too much. He ended up catching Cara and smacking him into the steel barricade then took a count out. Afterward, he kept assaulting Cara to make clear he would not be challenged.
Analysis: It was great to see Strowman facing an actual main roster competitor. Cara gave him a fight, and we saw Strowman wrestle a real if short match. Finally we see that Strowman considers everyone the same in his need to show it is his ring alone.
This should lead to real excitement when someone major steps up to the bat against Strowman even if Braun can't keep up still. Oh and they changed Sin Cara's music... to something far more generic. Poor guy.
However, Strowman's strength just punished Cara too much. He ended up catching Cara and smacking him into the steel barricade then took a count out. Afterward, he kept assaulting Cara to make clear he would not be challenged.
Analysis: It was great to see Strowman facing an actual main roster competitor. Cara gave him a fight, and we saw Strowman wrestle a real if short match. Finally we see that Strowman considers everyone the same in his need to show it is his ring alone.
This should lead to real excitement when someone major steps up to the bat against Strowman even if Braun can't keep up still. Oh and they changed Sin Cara's music... to something far more generic. Poor guy.
Move over Bayley! It's a new Sasha Banks day tonight!
Sasha Banks Delivers the Bad News for Charlotte
Overview: Sasha Banks came out and put over the impact this past year has had for women and for her career. She seemed to be on the verge of tears as she announced some bad news only for Dana Brooke to interfere.
Brooke tried to attack Banks but took a backstabber and Banks Statement with Banks announcing her bad news was for Charlotte as she was back and challenging Charlotte for the title at Clash of Champions.
Analysis: This was a really good promo by Sasha Banks who sold the fakeout perfectly, milking her own tears and honestly talking up her emotions as a wrestler. You can't do fakeouts like this too often; otherwise, it loses its meaning.
However, Mark Henry proved how effective these type of segments can be. It is cool to see Banks is back and healed up though it might have been best for her to wait a few more weeks as this now muddies the Raw Women's Championship scene unnecessarily.
Brooke tried to attack Banks but took a backstabber and Banks Statement with Banks announcing her bad news was for Charlotte as she was back and challenging Charlotte for the title at Clash of Champions.
Analysis: This was a really good promo by Sasha Banks who sold the fakeout perfectly, milking her own tears and honestly talking up her emotions as a wrestler. You can't do fakeouts like this too often; otherwise, it loses its meaning.
However, Mark Henry proved how effective these type of segments can be. It is cool to see Banks is back and healed up though it might have been best for her to wait a few more weeks as this now muddies the Raw Women's Championship scene unnecessarily.
Roman Reigns had big plans to challenge Kevin Owens early in the night then he fell asleep. He woke up just in time for the end of the show.
Kevin Owens def. Sami Zayn; Mick Foley Makes Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns for Next Week
Overview: Sami Zayn sent Kevin Owens reeling early, but Owens pulled out a superkick to gain back momentum. A slap to the face of Zayn set off Sami who repeatedly dived onto KO. Zayn had the upperhand as long as he avoided Owens' pump up powerbomb.
Owens though dropped Zayn on his sore ankle which Owens saw as a bull's eye. Zayn's ankle gave out on a Helluva Kick, and he limped right into a powerbomb for the victory.
Afterward, Roman Reigns came out to challenge KO with Chris Jericho unevening the odds by coming out. Mick Foley relaxed the tensions by announcing KO vs. Reigns next week where a win by Roman would put Reigns in the title match at Clash. Jericho then took a Spear.
Highlights: The storytelling was top notch in this match. We got both men showing their dominant side early until Owens' arrogance set off Zayn who just flurried from there. KO seemed unsure of how to handle Zayn's anger which made for a unique dynamic.
The two had a great fight on the apron though with no payoff. Zayn's sell of his ankle into a surprise exploder suplex outside was top notch. The finish also was strong in that WWE keeps using that ankle as an excuse to protect Zayn until he heals up (assuming it is kayfabe).
Analysis: As you would expect, Zayn and Owens had a great match, the best of the night. They had a good back and forth showing with neither man truly dominating as is often the go-to for TV matches. It was a unique contest where both men were protected in the finish.
I would prefer they didn't waste Owens/Zayn on Raw when it could be a PPV main event for the title later this year, but at least this match didn't affect that dynamic too much.
Reigns' use here was odd with him waiting all night to make his challenge. I hope this is setting up Rusev returning and costing Reigns as that story shouldn't be forgotten.
Owens though dropped Zayn on his sore ankle which Owens saw as a bull's eye. Zayn's ankle gave out on a Helluva Kick, and he limped right into a powerbomb for the victory.
Afterward, Roman Reigns came out to challenge KO with Chris Jericho unevening the odds by coming out. Mick Foley relaxed the tensions by announcing KO vs. Reigns next week where a win by Roman would put Reigns in the title match at Clash. Jericho then took a Spear.
Highlights: The storytelling was top notch in this match. We got both men showing their dominant side early until Owens' arrogance set off Zayn who just flurried from there. KO seemed unsure of how to handle Zayn's anger which made for a unique dynamic.
The two had a great fight on the apron though with no payoff. Zayn's sell of his ankle into a surprise exploder suplex outside was top notch. The finish also was strong in that WWE keeps using that ankle as an excuse to protect Zayn until he heals up (assuming it is kayfabe).
Analysis: As you would expect, Zayn and Owens had a great match, the best of the night. They had a good back and forth showing with neither man truly dominating as is often the go-to for TV matches. It was a unique contest where both men were protected in the finish.
I would prefer they didn't waste Owens/Zayn on Raw when it could be a PPV main event for the title later this year, but at least this match didn't affect that dynamic too much.
Reigns' use here was odd with him waiting all night to make his challenge. I hope this is setting up Rusev returning and costing Reigns as that story shouldn't be forgotten.
What a bro Chris Jericho is. Puts over his friend. Attacks his challengers. Takes all their finishers. All to protect Jeri-KO.
Final Notes: Stephanie and Foley kept fighting backstage with Owens interrupting and demanded respect. He responded by making KO vs. Zayn tonight. Jericho interrupted only to get booked against Rollins tonight. Later Jeri-KO talked up their greatness before Jericho fought Rollins.
Sami Zayn was interviewed about his main event against Owens, and KO interrupted to gloat over reaching the mountain top. Zayn promised to also win the Universal Championship but do it without help.
Nia Jax found Alicia Fox backstage and made fun of her friend who she hurt earlier in the night which set off Fox in a crazy tirade with Jax walking away before anything could happen.
Conclusion: This was a strong show overall. The first two hours went by fast. Unfortunately, before the main event, the third hour was fairly slow. The whole show needed more real matches and less squashes though I appreciated almost every segment mattering.
Finally we are seeing stories develop beyond their foundations. Strowman and Jax have main roster guys coming after them. Clash of Champions is being quickly developed as a card. Everything is lining up with interesting feuds.
This show had pros and cons, but it was overall a tight show. It was odd that Triple H didn't appear, but that was for the best as there was already too much Stephanie and Foley for my taste. This was about the wrestlers even if the matches were too one-sided this week.
Sami Zayn was interviewed about his main event against Owens, and KO interrupted to gloat over reaching the mountain top. Zayn promised to also win the Universal Championship but do it without help.
Nia Jax found Alicia Fox backstage and made fun of her friend who she hurt earlier in the night which set off Fox in a crazy tirade with Jax walking away before anything could happen.
Conclusion: This was a strong show overall. The first two hours went by fast. Unfortunately, before the main event, the third hour was fairly slow. The whole show needed more real matches and less squashes though I appreciated almost every segment mattering.
Finally we are seeing stories develop beyond their foundations. Strowman and Jax have main roster guys coming after them. Clash of Champions is being quickly developed as a card. Everything is lining up with interesting feuds.
This show had pros and cons, but it was overall a tight show. It was odd that Triple H didn't appear, but that was for the best as there was already too much Stephanie and Foley for my taste. This was about the wrestlers even if the matches were too one-sided this week.