Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Baron Corbin was really hoping to escape all the internet vanilla midgets when he made the main roster leap.
Dolph Ziggler def. Baron Corbin
Overview: Baron Corbin and Dolph Ziggler began talking trash with Corbin pushing him which set Dolph off as he began swinging wildly at the bigger man, isolating him in the corner only to Irish whipped into the turnbuckle by his shoulder with a smack. Corbin kept stomping at the bad shoulder and had to be forced off by the referee.
Corbin slid outside and hit a big fist to the skull for two. Corbin kept striking viciously and stomping on Dolph. Ziggler tried to rally with rights but got thrown onto the top rope then smacked into the mat with a fist. Baron told Ziggler to stay down, but he kept rising and began throwing shoulders until he was again Irish whipped into the turnbuckle.
Corbin locked in a half nelson chinlock, but Ziggler threw elbows and headbutts to break it and finally gained an advantage with a sleeper hold. Corbin fought out of by sending Ziggler into the corner and whipping him off. Ziggler then hit a Famouser for two.
Corbin then rolled outside to regroup. Ziggler ran right off the steel steps into a big boot. He then set up a powerbomb but instead threw him backward into the steel post. Corbin spent far too much time gloating outside then stepped on Ziggler's head until the referee got him off. Corbin then was too slow to get Ziggler up who pulled out a sudden roll up for the victory.
Analysis: Similar to their first match, this was a hard hitting strong match with Ziggler pulling a little bit extra from Corbin then he got to show in NXT. Baron was great here particularly in setting the pace of the match. His every move felt brutal with Ziggler making Corbin's punches look like death.
Ultimately, the match will probably be remembered most for its finish which actually made a ton of sense based on the story. Corbin spent his first night on Raw assaulting Ziggler rather than winning than proceeded to avoid fighting Dolph at all times, getting cocky facing lesser competition.
Ziggler is still a multiple time World Heavyweight Champion and Intercontinental Champion, so Corbin straight up winning against him after all his diversions wouldn't have fit the story. While I would liked the match to be on the main show, this was a good match where Corbin should come back stronger and win in round two, no longer coming in cocky.
Corbin slid outside and hit a big fist to the skull for two. Corbin kept striking viciously and stomping on Dolph. Ziggler tried to rally with rights but got thrown onto the top rope then smacked into the mat with a fist. Baron told Ziggler to stay down, but he kept rising and began throwing shoulders until he was again Irish whipped into the turnbuckle.
Corbin locked in a half nelson chinlock, but Ziggler threw elbows and headbutts to break it and finally gained an advantage with a sleeper hold. Corbin fought out of by sending Ziggler into the corner and whipping him off. Ziggler then hit a Famouser for two.
Corbin then rolled outside to regroup. Ziggler ran right off the steel steps into a big boot. He then set up a powerbomb but instead threw him backward into the steel post. Corbin spent far too much time gloating outside then stepped on Ziggler's head until the referee got him off. Corbin then was too slow to get Ziggler up who pulled out a sudden roll up for the victory.
Analysis: Similar to their first match, this was a hard hitting strong match with Ziggler pulling a little bit extra from Corbin then he got to show in NXT. Baron was great here particularly in setting the pace of the match. His every move felt brutal with Ziggler making Corbin's punches look like death.
Ultimately, the match will probably be remembered most for its finish which actually made a ton of sense based on the story. Corbin spent his first night on Raw assaulting Ziggler rather than winning than proceeded to avoid fighting Dolph at all times, getting cocky facing lesser competition.
Ziggler is still a multiple time World Heavyweight Champion and Intercontinental Champion, so Corbin straight up winning against him after all his diversions wouldn't have fit the story. While I would liked the match to be on the main show, this was a good match where Corbin should come back stronger and win in round two, no longer coming in cocky.
Rating: 7.5/10
Kalisto is so unsure he's still US Champion that he holds the title upside down when displaying it.
Kalisto def. Ryback to Retain the United States Championship
Overview: Ryback attempted to shake hands with Kalisto, but Kalisto saw through the ruse only to get blasted in the face with a fist. Kalisto sent Ryback rolling outside and hit a suicide dive then a corkscrew plancha. Back in the ring, Ryback blocked an attack at his knees and threw Kalisto into the turnbuckle.
Ryback turned a tornado DDT into a vertical suplex. Ryback dominated and taunted Kalisto, throwing him around with ease. Ryback caught Kalisto trying to hit a hurricanrana before Kalisto turned it into a DDT. Kalisto hit a second huge DDT off the top rope onto the apron then hit a springboard crossbody but only for one.
Kalisto then hit a corkscrew for two. Kalisto blocked a powerbomb and turned it into a sunset flip. Kalisto kept rolling with a spikerana for two. Ryback went for the Shell Shocked, but Kalisto turned it into a roll up. Then Ryback fought through a spinebuster for two.
Ryback went to the top rope but was caught then took an enzuigiri. On the top rope, Ryback fought back and hit a military press slam off the top rope then missed with a diving splash before falling right into the Salida Del Sol for the win.
Analysis: This match was absolute quality. While it again felt too short, these guys used their minutes beautifully in the best worked match I may have seen from either man in WWE. The chemistry these guys have is palpable, and it is impossible to ignore. Why they were paired together then repeatedly shoved aside I have no idea.
This match deserved more of a feud behind it, more time to deliver, and to be on the main card. Still, it was special to see two underutilized guys with a chip on their shoulder show why they deserve more. Ryback in particular was wrestling in a higher gear against Kalisto. His top rope military press slam was one of the night's best spots.
I have no idea where Kalisto goes from here as this should probably end Ryback's chances at the gold, but I certainly wouldn't mind a properly built and highlighted final clash. If not, WWE needs to get Kalisto a rival they will build up soon. The guy again showed why he has that gold, making his repeated misuse even more upsetting.
Ryback turned a tornado DDT into a vertical suplex. Ryback dominated and taunted Kalisto, throwing him around with ease. Ryback caught Kalisto trying to hit a hurricanrana before Kalisto turned it into a DDT. Kalisto hit a second huge DDT off the top rope onto the apron then hit a springboard crossbody but only for one.
Kalisto then hit a corkscrew for two. Kalisto blocked a powerbomb and turned it into a sunset flip. Kalisto kept rolling with a spikerana for two. Ryback went for the Shell Shocked, but Kalisto turned it into a roll up. Then Ryback fought through a spinebuster for two.
Ryback went to the top rope but was caught then took an enzuigiri. On the top rope, Ryback fought back and hit a military press slam off the top rope then missed with a diving splash before falling right into the Salida Del Sol for the win.
Analysis: This match was absolute quality. While it again felt too short, these guys used their minutes beautifully in the best worked match I may have seen from either man in WWE. The chemistry these guys have is palpable, and it is impossible to ignore. Why they were paired together then repeatedly shoved aside I have no idea.
This match deserved more of a feud behind it, more time to deliver, and to be on the main card. Still, it was special to see two underutilized guys with a chip on their shoulder show why they deserve more. Ryback in particular was wrestling in a higher gear against Kalisto. His top rope military press slam was one of the night's best spots.
I have no idea where Kalisto goes from here as this should probably end Ryback's chances at the gold, but I certainly wouldn't mind a properly built and highlighted final clash. If not, WWE needs to get Kalisto a rival they will build up soon. The guy again showed why he has that gold, making his repeated misuse even more upsetting.
Rating: 8.5/10
Apparently WWE had enough space to give the tag team champions their own tournament but not enough cash to get them a few chairs to sit on.
The Vaudevillains vs. Enzo and Cass Goes to No Contest After Bad Spill For Enzo
Overview: The New Day started the night talking up the "new era" of the WWE and the match soon to come to crown a new number one contender in WWE. Enzo and Big Cass came out next to make clear their opponents were nothing compared to them, teasing the group.
Simon Gotch started off against Enzo with the two locking up and not letting go with Enzo flying around the ring latched onto Gotch before getting slammed hard by Gotch who wrenched at Enzo's arm. Simon hit two shoulder tackles, but Enzo fought back with a dropkick.
Aiden English got the tag and blocked a drop toehold only for Enzo to scurry to the tag to Cass. English could not do much to Big Cass who threw him around. With exchanged tags, Enzo then hit a series of assisted fists to the chest of English then was thrown into both Gotch and English in the corner by Cass. On the third tag, Cass threw Enzo into a lateral press on English for two.
Enzo blocked a Gotch interference but ran right into double knees by English. Gotch got the tag and threw Enzo head first into the ropes. He bounced right off the second rope and spilled hard onto the floor. After Enzo did not respond for several seconds, officials rushed to the ring to check on Enzo, and the match was called off.
Analysis: This was a very real and scary injury that almost derailed the whole pay-per-view from the outset. From the moment Enzo landed, it did not look good, but I don't think anyone immediately knew what had happened. It isn't often injuries in wrestling go this far which made it so frightening.
It's impossible to really talk about the match which was really only getting started. This quickly became all about the health of Enzo Amore. From later reports, Enzo has been responsive and is only expected to have a concussion. I wish him the best with his recovery and hope he makes it out better than ever. He'll be missed while he's gone recovering.
Simon Gotch started off against Enzo with the two locking up and not letting go with Enzo flying around the ring latched onto Gotch before getting slammed hard by Gotch who wrenched at Enzo's arm. Simon hit two shoulder tackles, but Enzo fought back with a dropkick.
Aiden English got the tag and blocked a drop toehold only for Enzo to scurry to the tag to Cass. English could not do much to Big Cass who threw him around. With exchanged tags, Enzo then hit a series of assisted fists to the chest of English then was thrown into both Gotch and English in the corner by Cass. On the third tag, Cass threw Enzo into a lateral press on English for two.
Enzo blocked a Gotch interference but ran right into double knees by English. Gotch got the tag and threw Enzo head first into the ropes. He bounced right off the second rope and spilled hard onto the floor. After Enzo did not respond for several seconds, officials rushed to the ring to check on Enzo, and the match was called off.
Analysis: This was a very real and scary injury that almost derailed the whole pay-per-view from the outset. From the moment Enzo landed, it did not look good, but I don't think anyone immediately knew what had happened. It isn't often injuries in wrestling go this far which made it so frightening.
It's impossible to really talk about the match which was really only getting started. This quickly became all about the health of Enzo Amore. From later reports, Enzo has been responsive and is only expected to have a concussion. I wish him the best with his recovery and hope he makes it out better than ever. He'll be missed while he's gone recovering.
Owens' regular greeting to Zayn nowadays is: "Go back to NXT". For some reason, Zayn never responds.
Kevin Owens def. Sami Zayn
Overview: Sami Zayn sent Kevin Owens reeling to the outside after an early exchange of forearms, hit a somersault plancha over the top rope, then threw Owens into the steel barricade. The two fought back to the ring and hit a series of forearms to keep Owens down. Zayn avoided a KO forearm and hit a hurricanrana.
Owens sent Zayn to the apron then kneed him the skull to stun him long enough to be sent face first into the apron. KO threw Zayn repeatedly into the steel steps then stomped on his hand on the steps. Back in the ring, Owens taunted and dominated Zayn.
Sami fought out of a chinlock but took a kick to the gut and was bounced off the ropes. He then hit a running senton for two. Sami fought back with forearms then a loud clothesline. Zayn took a kick to the face but quickly hit another big clothesline. Owens tried to escape but got trapped in the corner and took a series of punches.
Owens ran right into a Blue Thunder Bomb for two then went for a second Blue Thunder Bomb which he barely managed to hit for nearfall. KO fought back slamming Zayn into his knee for two then hit a frog splash for a very nearfall. A frustrated Owens threw Zayn into the corner and hit back to back cannonballs.
Owens tried to seal it with the pump up powerbomb, but Zayn hit a dropkick then a double underhook suplex which Owens rebounded off of for a big clothesline that left both grounded. The two got up and hit back to back simultaneous rights. Owens then caught Sami with a knee and went for the pump up powerbomb which Zayn turned into a roll up for two.
Sami went for an arm twist rope walk DDT, but Owens turned it midair into a backbreaker. The two exchanged rights on the apron with Zayn running into a kick to the gut. Owens went for a powerbomb, but Zayn countered it into a back body drop. Zayn then hit the running DDT through the turnbuckle.
Sending Owens back in the ring, Zayn seemed poised for the win with a Helluva Kick, but Owens countered that into a superkick then hit the pump up powerbomb for the victory. After the match, Owens stepped over Zayn then threw Sami outside, asking Byron Saxton to interview him. He said he was now officially the "better man" and would now sit in on the Intercontinental Championship match as he wanted his gold back.
Analysis: For an opening act for this feud on the main roster, this match was pretty near perfect. The story told was never lost at any point. The two repeatedly showed their disdain for one another especially in the sequences where they rose, staring each other down. Each exchange of strikes was just oozing with heat.
These two had to follow a terrible situation and did with perfect precision, going off quickly and never letting up. Where Zayn shines is when he plays the fiery underdog which was on full display against Owens as he sent him reeling every chance he could swing a punch but also had to fight through KO's superior strength.
This match made both men look great without resorting to face-heel tricks to get both men over. Owens won clean, but he chose to gloat over it instead of take it in stride which gives rise to future conflict. When Zayn gets his definitive win over Owens, it's going to be a great moment.
Owens sent Zayn to the apron then kneed him the skull to stun him long enough to be sent face first into the apron. KO threw Zayn repeatedly into the steel steps then stomped on his hand on the steps. Back in the ring, Owens taunted and dominated Zayn.
Sami fought out of a chinlock but took a kick to the gut and was bounced off the ropes. He then hit a running senton for two. Sami fought back with forearms then a loud clothesline. Zayn took a kick to the face but quickly hit another big clothesline. Owens tried to escape but got trapped in the corner and took a series of punches.
Owens ran right into a Blue Thunder Bomb for two then went for a second Blue Thunder Bomb which he barely managed to hit for nearfall. KO fought back slamming Zayn into his knee for two then hit a frog splash for a very nearfall. A frustrated Owens threw Zayn into the corner and hit back to back cannonballs.
Owens tried to seal it with the pump up powerbomb, but Zayn hit a dropkick then a double underhook suplex which Owens rebounded off of for a big clothesline that left both grounded. The two got up and hit back to back simultaneous rights. Owens then caught Sami with a knee and went for the pump up powerbomb which Zayn turned into a roll up for two.
Sami went for an arm twist rope walk DDT, but Owens turned it midair into a backbreaker. The two exchanged rights on the apron with Zayn running into a kick to the gut. Owens went for a powerbomb, but Zayn countered it into a back body drop. Zayn then hit the running DDT through the turnbuckle.
Sending Owens back in the ring, Zayn seemed poised for the win with a Helluva Kick, but Owens countered that into a superkick then hit the pump up powerbomb for the victory. After the match, Owens stepped over Zayn then threw Sami outside, asking Byron Saxton to interview him. He said he was now officially the "better man" and would now sit in on the Intercontinental Championship match as he wanted his gold back.
Analysis: For an opening act for this feud on the main roster, this match was pretty near perfect. The story told was never lost at any point. The two repeatedly showed their disdain for one another especially in the sequences where they rose, staring each other down. Each exchange of strikes was just oozing with heat.
These two had to follow a terrible situation and did with perfect precision, going off quickly and never letting up. Where Zayn shines is when he plays the fiery underdog which was on full display against Owens as he sent him reeling every chance he could swing a punch but also had to fight through KO's superior strength.
This match made both men look great without resorting to face-heel tricks to get both men over. Owens won clean, but he chose to gloat over it instead of take it in stride which gives rise to future conflict. When Zayn gets his definitive win over Owens, it's going to be a great moment.
Rating: 9.5/10
Cesaro was told recently if he could hit 1000 uppercuts he would get a World Title match though only if he did them from at least 200 unique positions. Wait until you see his submission uppercuts.
The Miz def. Cesaro to Retain the Intercontinental Championship
Overview: Cesaro tried to lock up with The Miz early on with Miz going after the bad shoulder. On the second lock up, Miz locked in an arm bar which Cesaro fought out with a series of kip ups and an arm drag, rolling into a crucifix for two. Cesaro hit a delayed gut wrench suplex for two. Cesaro caught The Miz mid-leap frog and hit a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for two.
Cesaro caught Miz and put him on the top rope before hitting a dropkick that sent Miz to the apron. Maryse saved her husband from a dead lift suplex over the ropes, and Miz tripped up Cesaro on the top. Miz hit a diving double axe handle then a strong boot to the sitting Cesaro for two.
Miz began his assault on the injured shoulder, slamming it against the mat then kicked it before slamming it against his shoulder. He hit a suplex for two then locked in an arm bar. Miz hit an inverted facelock backbreaker right into a neckbreaker slam for two.
The two fought to the apron with Cesaro fighting back with a shoulder to the gut and hit a springboard sunset flip for two. Cesaro hit a series of forearms but fell right into a headlock from The Miz that turned into a locked in sleeper hold. Cesaro fell to the mat and struggled to make it to the ropes. Cesaro eventually flipped it into a front guard then a vertical suplex.
Cesaro hit a series of uppercuts then a fully charged running dropkick for two. Cesaro then hit another uppercut to Miz on the apron then hit a dead lift suplex over the ropes for a nearfall. Cesaro ducked a running boot and got a quick roll up for two. Cesaro then bounced off the ropes to hit a springboard corkscrew uppercut.
Miz blocked the giant swing but then was thrown right into a European uppercut, barely getting his foot on the bottom rope to break up the pin. Cesaro then got a backslide for another nearfall. Cesaro went bad shoulder first into the steel post and fell right into the Skull Crushing Finale for a crazy nearfall.
As the match continued, Sami Zayn came flying in, assaulting Kevin Owens on commentary. The two fought around the ring with Zayn clotheslining KO into the timekeeper's area. A slightly distracted Miz then fell right into a giant swing. After sixteen revolutions, he locked in the crossface. Owens and Zayn fought into the ring which distracted the ref from Miz tapping out.
Cesaro broke the hold and blasted both men off the apron only to get rolled up with a hand full of tights by Miz for three. After the match, Cesaro uppercut Miz then hit the Neutralizer. Owens superkicked Cesaro then pump up powerbombed Zayn. Maryse saved her husband from a pump up powerbomb, but Owens kept the title, raising it high at the champion.
Analysis: This was pretty quality bout all around. Cesaro has a tendency to just do whatever looks cool rather than let the match flow, but Miz was a good opponent generally to keep him grounded. While both have been better, it was a match that impressed me with some very exciting near falls.
Ultimately, I am glad that WWE is letting Miz keep the title a while longer and setting up a big Extreme Rules fatal four way that will likely exceed this match significantly with more interesting clashes of styles. There is so much to explore here, and the IC Title is really benefiting from booking right now.
Owens on commentary on this match actually elevated a bit. He was hilarious and effective in quietly but clearly putting over both men despite putting them down on the surface. He also added a welcome wild factor to a bland regular table of commentators.
Cesaro caught Miz and put him on the top rope before hitting a dropkick that sent Miz to the apron. Maryse saved her husband from a dead lift suplex over the ropes, and Miz tripped up Cesaro on the top. Miz hit a diving double axe handle then a strong boot to the sitting Cesaro for two.
Miz began his assault on the injured shoulder, slamming it against the mat then kicked it before slamming it against his shoulder. He hit a suplex for two then locked in an arm bar. Miz hit an inverted facelock backbreaker right into a neckbreaker slam for two.
The two fought to the apron with Cesaro fighting back with a shoulder to the gut and hit a springboard sunset flip for two. Cesaro hit a series of forearms but fell right into a headlock from The Miz that turned into a locked in sleeper hold. Cesaro fell to the mat and struggled to make it to the ropes. Cesaro eventually flipped it into a front guard then a vertical suplex.
Cesaro hit a series of uppercuts then a fully charged running dropkick for two. Cesaro then hit another uppercut to Miz on the apron then hit a dead lift suplex over the ropes for a nearfall. Cesaro ducked a running boot and got a quick roll up for two. Cesaro then bounced off the ropes to hit a springboard corkscrew uppercut.
Miz blocked the giant swing but then was thrown right into a European uppercut, barely getting his foot on the bottom rope to break up the pin. Cesaro then got a backslide for another nearfall. Cesaro went bad shoulder first into the steel post and fell right into the Skull Crushing Finale for a crazy nearfall.
As the match continued, Sami Zayn came flying in, assaulting Kevin Owens on commentary. The two fought around the ring with Zayn clotheslining KO into the timekeeper's area. A slightly distracted Miz then fell right into a giant swing. After sixteen revolutions, he locked in the crossface. Owens and Zayn fought into the ring which distracted the ref from Miz tapping out.
Cesaro broke the hold and blasted both men off the apron only to get rolled up with a hand full of tights by Miz for three. After the match, Cesaro uppercut Miz then hit the Neutralizer. Owens superkicked Cesaro then pump up powerbombed Zayn. Maryse saved her husband from a pump up powerbomb, but Owens kept the title, raising it high at the champion.
Analysis: This was pretty quality bout all around. Cesaro has a tendency to just do whatever looks cool rather than let the match flow, but Miz was a good opponent generally to keep him grounded. While both have been better, it was a match that impressed me with some very exciting near falls.
Ultimately, I am glad that WWE is letting Miz keep the title a while longer and setting up a big Extreme Rules fatal four way that will likely exceed this match significantly with more interesting clashes of styles. There is so much to explore here, and the IC Title is really benefiting from booking right now.
Owens on commentary on this match actually elevated a bit. He was hilarious and effective in quietly but clearly putting over both men despite putting them down on the surface. He also added a welcome wild factor to a bland regular table of commentators.
Rating: 8/10
Remind me never to insult Dean Ambrose's hosting or even remotely disturb his potted plant. This guy takes this stuff very seriously.
Dean Ambrose def. Chris Jericho
Overview: Chris Jericho tried to get separation and pick his spot against Dean Ambrose, but Dean just began throwing forearms immediately. He sent Jericho into the corner and hit a series of elbows then hit a series of chops. Jericho rolled to the outside with Ambrose immediately running him down and hitting a crossbody.
Back in the ring, Chris quickly backdropped Ambrose to the outside. The two fought on the outside with Ambrose hitting the rebound clothesline. Chris reversed both a Dirty Deeds and rebound clothesline to bounce Ambrose off the top rope following it with a running dropkick. After a suplex, Jericho repeatedly slapped Dean on the mat.
A series of rights helped Dean rally only to rebound into a dropkick. Jericho chopped Ambrose into the corner then Ambrose reversed a running bulldog by throwing Jericho the steel post. Dean missed a running bulldog but hit the tornado DDT off the top rope.
Ambrose blocked a Jericho rally by throwing him to the apron but fell into a diving double axe handle. Ambrose blocked the Walls of Jericho and got a near fall. He then hit a running bulldog for two. Dean fell right into the Walls of Jericho and just made it to the ropes.
A frustrated Jericho threw kicks but was then thrown through the second rope. Ambrose then hit a suicide dive onto the German announce table which he then set up for a Dirty Deeds through the table. Jericho fought back and sent Ambrose all the way into the timekeeper's area.
Jericho desperately asked for a faster count with Ambrose making it back just before 10. Jericho went for the Codebreaker which Dean blocked, hitting the rebound clothesline for two. Chris met Dean on the top rope and slammed him into the apron. Dean stopped a Jericho dropkick then hit a diving elbow for two.
The two men fought again on the top rope with both falling to the mat. Ambrose tried for the Dirty Deeds, but Jericho turned it into a roll up then locked in the Walls again. Dean barely turned the Walls into a roll up for two with Chris immediately hitting an enzuigiri for two.
A frustrated Jericho knocked Ambrose into his knee, but his taunting took too long as Dean rallied with chops and forearms. Ambrose blocked the Lionsault with knees then went for the Dirty Deeds which he hit with some effort for the win. A frustrated Jericho lost it on the outside, not sure how to take the big loss.
Analysis: This match was extremely sloppy, and it almost made it seem like neither man knew the word ring psychology. However, it was an extremely entertaining match to watch with really impressive consistent storytelling. The main issue here was that both men clearly just threw out the window their wrestling basics.
Ambrose in particular was sluggish early on, not quite showing energy, though that changed as the match amped up. Jericho meanwhile was the storyteller of the duo, focused on keeping the pace and development tight as the two went bigger and bigger.
I've always appreciated storytelling in wrestling more than anything, so I really did enjoy the aggressive and focused Ambrose against a calculating, verging on cocky Jericho duking it out. I just know these two can do so much more together than they did.
Back in the ring, Chris quickly backdropped Ambrose to the outside. The two fought on the outside with Ambrose hitting the rebound clothesline. Chris reversed both a Dirty Deeds and rebound clothesline to bounce Ambrose off the top rope following it with a running dropkick. After a suplex, Jericho repeatedly slapped Dean on the mat.
A series of rights helped Dean rally only to rebound into a dropkick. Jericho chopped Ambrose into the corner then Ambrose reversed a running bulldog by throwing Jericho the steel post. Dean missed a running bulldog but hit the tornado DDT off the top rope.
Ambrose blocked a Jericho rally by throwing him to the apron but fell into a diving double axe handle. Ambrose blocked the Walls of Jericho and got a near fall. He then hit a running bulldog for two. Dean fell right into the Walls of Jericho and just made it to the ropes.
A frustrated Jericho threw kicks but was then thrown through the second rope. Ambrose then hit a suicide dive onto the German announce table which he then set up for a Dirty Deeds through the table. Jericho fought back and sent Ambrose all the way into the timekeeper's area.
Jericho desperately asked for a faster count with Ambrose making it back just before 10. Jericho went for the Codebreaker which Dean blocked, hitting the rebound clothesline for two. Chris met Dean on the top rope and slammed him into the apron. Dean stopped a Jericho dropkick then hit a diving elbow for two.
The two men fought again on the top rope with both falling to the mat. Ambrose tried for the Dirty Deeds, but Jericho turned it into a roll up then locked in the Walls again. Dean barely turned the Walls into a roll up for two with Chris immediately hitting an enzuigiri for two.
A frustrated Jericho knocked Ambrose into his knee, but his taunting took too long as Dean rallied with chops and forearms. Ambrose blocked the Lionsault with knees then went for the Dirty Deeds which he hit with some effort for the win. A frustrated Jericho lost it on the outside, not sure how to take the big loss.
Analysis: This match was extremely sloppy, and it almost made it seem like neither man knew the word ring psychology. However, it was an extremely entertaining match to watch with really impressive consistent storytelling. The main issue here was that both men clearly just threw out the window their wrestling basics.
Ambrose in particular was sluggish early on, not quite showing energy, though that changed as the match amped up. Jericho meanwhile was the storyteller of the duo, focused on keeping the pace and development tight as the two went bigger and bigger.
I've always appreciated storytelling in wrestling more than anything, so I really did enjoy the aggressive and focused Ambrose against a calculating, verging on cocky Jericho duking it out. I just know these two can do so much more together than they did.
Rating: 7.75/10
Bret Hart has asked that all pictures used for tonight's show not include him as he did not want to be considered involved with a product he just finished rating a solid 4.5 out of 10 (the extra .5 for the fact that he made a brief appearance).
Charlotte (w/ Ric Flair) def. Natalya (w/ Bret Hart) to Retain the WWE Women's Championship
Overview: Ric Flair and Bret Hart each came out to back their young family members. Natalya almost immediately went for the Sharpshooter in this match which sent Charlotte reeling. Charlotte repeatedly slapped Natalya only to get sent to the mat. The two each hit shoulder tackles on the other. Charlotte leap frogged Natalya and taunted her, nearly falling into the Sharpshooter.
Charlotte retreated again and was chased by Natalya. Charlotte managed to ground Natalya back in the ring and hit a series of knees after dropping the knee pad. Charlotte slapped Natalya again and continued to strut. Back in the ring, she hit a series of chops only to take a chop from Natalya and a German suplex.
Natalya hit a low dropkick but was quickly thrown into the corner. Charlotte went after Natalya's leg repeatedly, but a figure four attempt was turned into a roll up for two. This angered Charlotte who locked in a single leg Boston crab. Natalya managed to slip right into a submission which Charlotte quickly broke by putting her feet on the ropes.
Charlotte continued her assault of the leg and hit a suplex. Charlotte set up a moonsault, but Natalya dumped her to the outside. Outside, Charlotte almost hit a powerbomb, but Natalya turned it into a hurricanrana on the floor. Natalya went for a discus clothesline but ran right into a side kick for two.
Charlotte nearly locked in the figure eight. but Natalya hit a big chop then hit the discus clothesline. She went for the Sharpshooter, but Charlotte fought out and hit the Natural Selection for a huge nearfall. Charlotte went to the top rope and hit the moonsault for two.
Charlotte finally locked in the figure four, but Natalya reversed it, forcing Charlotte to get to the ropes. As she looked at Bret, Charlotte locked Natalya in the Sharpshooter, and referee Charles Robinson called for the bell despite Natalya never tapping. Afterward, Bret and Natalya locked Ric and Charlotte in Sharpshooters with both tapping out.
Analysis: As a match itself, this was physical, intense, and quality all around. It was neither the two's best or worst bout together. However, the ending of this match was so reprehensibly bad that it brought down the match significantly.
I usually try to look at a match as a whole rather than grading on the lasting impression. Often a contest is far more than just a bad finish. However, this might just be one of the most incomprehensible, rushed, and botched finishes I've seen in a while.
Bret Hart did nothing in this whole match. Neither did Ric Flair really basically making the "hook" of this match irrelevant. They were both there just for the finish which was an incomprehensible screw job finish that made no sense. There was no build to it, and it made no sense besides it calling back to the only thing WWE seems to harp on in Bret's career.
Charlotte retreated again and was chased by Natalya. Charlotte managed to ground Natalya back in the ring and hit a series of knees after dropping the knee pad. Charlotte slapped Natalya again and continued to strut. Back in the ring, she hit a series of chops only to take a chop from Natalya and a German suplex.
Natalya hit a low dropkick but was quickly thrown into the corner. Charlotte went after Natalya's leg repeatedly, but a figure four attempt was turned into a roll up for two. This angered Charlotte who locked in a single leg Boston crab. Natalya managed to slip right into a submission which Charlotte quickly broke by putting her feet on the ropes.
Charlotte continued her assault of the leg and hit a suplex. Charlotte set up a moonsault, but Natalya dumped her to the outside. Outside, Charlotte almost hit a powerbomb, but Natalya turned it into a hurricanrana on the floor. Natalya went for a discus clothesline but ran right into a side kick for two.
Charlotte nearly locked in the figure eight. but Natalya hit a big chop then hit the discus clothesline. She went for the Sharpshooter, but Charlotte fought out and hit the Natural Selection for a huge nearfall. Charlotte went to the top rope and hit the moonsault for two.
Charlotte finally locked in the figure four, but Natalya reversed it, forcing Charlotte to get to the ropes. As she looked at Bret, Charlotte locked Natalya in the Sharpshooter, and referee Charles Robinson called for the bell despite Natalya never tapping. Afterward, Bret and Natalya locked Ric and Charlotte in Sharpshooters with both tapping out.
Analysis: As a match itself, this was physical, intense, and quality all around. It was neither the two's best or worst bout together. However, the ending of this match was so reprehensibly bad that it brought down the match significantly.
I usually try to look at a match as a whole rather than grading on the lasting impression. Often a contest is far more than just a bad finish. However, this might just be one of the most incomprehensible, rushed, and botched finishes I've seen in a while.
Bret Hart did nothing in this whole match. Neither did Ric Flair really basically making the "hook" of this match irrelevant. They were both there just for the finish which was an incomprehensible screw job finish that made no sense. There was no build to it, and it made no sense besides it calling back to the only thing WWE seems to harp on in Bret's career.
Rating: 7.5/10
Stephanie may have won with her misogynist argument if her father was listening in that moment instead of paying attention to how beautiful he thought his daughter looked.
Vince McMahon Announced Shane and Stephanie McMahon Will Now Jointly Run Monday Night Raw
Overview: Vince McMahon demanded energy from the crowd, teasing their CM Punk chant. Vince talked about how WWE was on the verge of a new era and needed a strong leader for the time. He introduced Stephanie McMahon who made clear she didn't care about the crowd booing her despite it angering Vince.
Stephanie made clear how great the product had become, and she gave herself credit for the talent and changes in WWE. Shane McMahon interrupted and made clear how well received his run has been as Raw GM and that he was clearly a fan favorite.
Vince made clear he didn't care what anyone else wanted. He just wanted to do what he wanted which meant he was going to have fun watching Shane and Stephanie both in charge of Raw. After Vince left, the two managed to shake hands.
Analysis: This show was largely quality in terms of wrestling and pacing particularly dealing with the unfortunate opening. Then this segment happened and lasted at least ten minutes too long. There were two masters on the mic in the ring with Vince and Stephanie, and Shane isn't too bad himself.
There was no reason this had to go so long and drone on. It turned into a weird political spoof as Shane and Stephanie gave their political speeches about why Vince should vote for them. Then Vince just threw all logic out the window and said he just wanted to see his children tear each other apart.
As if the logic of Shane having power wasn't already flawed, now Vince cares so little about his own product and family that he's using the power structure of the company for his own amusement. It is bizarre and makes no sense to the characters pre-WrestleMania. At least the idea of the two in charge should be good television.
Stephanie made clear how great the product had become, and she gave herself credit for the talent and changes in WWE. Shane McMahon interrupted and made clear how well received his run has been as Raw GM and that he was clearly a fan favorite.
Vince made clear he didn't care what anyone else wanted. He just wanted to do what he wanted which meant he was going to have fun watching Shane and Stephanie both in charge of Raw. After Vince left, the two managed to shake hands.
Analysis: This show was largely quality in terms of wrestling and pacing particularly dealing with the unfortunate opening. Then this segment happened and lasted at least ten minutes too long. There were two masters on the mic in the ring with Vince and Stephanie, and Shane isn't too bad himself.
There was no reason this had to go so long and drone on. It turned into a weird political spoof as Shane and Stephanie gave their political speeches about why Vince should vote for them. Then Vince just threw all logic out the window and said he just wanted to see his children tear each other apart.
As if the logic of Shane having power wasn't already flawed, now Vince cares so little about his own product and family that he's using the power structure of the company for his own amusement. It is bizarre and makes no sense to the characters pre-WrestleMania. At least the idea of the two in charge should be good television.
Everyone was blinded by shock in this moment when they finally saw a Phenomenal Forearm worthy of being a finisher.
Roman Reigns def. AJ Styles to Retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship
Overview: The two circled the ring and then had a collar and elbow tie up which Reigns won, sending Styles reeling. AJ went for a headlock takeover and was thrown off. On the third exchange, Reigns had to retreat before Styles grounded him. Styles then began assaulting the leg of Reigns with kicks before locking in an arm bar which Reigns powered out of.
Styles sent Reigns rolling outside to protect his limbs from Styles' strikes. Roman slowly walked back into the ring. Reigns nearly isolated Styles in the corner, but AJ dodged the fists and rolled outside. Styles suckered Reigns in and hit a series of strikes but was sent flying outside by Roman.
Back in the ring once more, Styles threw a series of kicks to the leg, but Reigns threw his own strikes that grounded AJ. Styles hit a series of forearms, but Reigns blocked a German suplex and destroyed Styles with a clothesline. Roman blocked a Styles rally and hit a big single arm powerbomb then a sit out powerbomb for two.
Reigns watched Styles rise and went for a Spear but ran right into an enzuigiri. Styles hit a series of strikes then a snapmare and a running forearm for two. He then slammed Reigns' neck onto his knee for two. Mid-springboard, Reigns caught Styles, but AJ fought out and nearly locked in the Calf Crusher with Roman making it to the ropes quickly.
Reigns rolled to the apron with Styles knocking him off then hitting the Phenomenal Forearm into Reigns right through the announce table. Styles couldn't get Reigns back in the ring in time and had to take a count out win. Afterward, Shane McMahon came out and restarted with no count outs.
After the restart, Reigns hit a jawbreaker, but Styles kept striking including a pele kick then went to the top rope. Reigns got the knees up to block a 450 splash for a close two. Styles went for a diving axe handle and fell right into a fist that accidentally went too low, causing a DQ. Stephanie McMahon came out and restarted the match again as no disqualification.
After the second reset, Reigns hit a devastating fist that sent AJ to the floor. The two men fought into the crowd with Reigns clearly in control. Styles hit a jumping clothesline to Reigns then kneed him into the announce table. Styles put Reigns back in the ring. Mid-air, Reigns then reversed a Phenomenal Forearm into a Superman Punch for a very nearfall.
Reigns hit a second Superman Punch then set up the Spear. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson came out to roll Styles outside before assaulting Reigns. They left both men struggling to rise with Styles hitting a Phenomenal Forearm with Reigns barely getting his foot on the bottom rope.
The Usos came out to even the odds with Styles going to the top rope only for Reigns to toss AJ outside into all four men. Reigns then hit a suicide dive on all the men only to fall right into a Styles Phenomenal Forearm off the barricade. Styles then hit the 450 in the ring for a crazy nearfall.
Styles went for the Styles Clash, but Roman struggled out of it with Styles rolling to the apron. Reigns went for a Superman Punch, but Styles bounced his face off the ropes. Reigns then barely ducked the Phenomenal Forearm and hit the Spear for the victory. Afterward, Shane and Stephanie backstage with Vince made an Extreme Rules rematch at Extreme Rules between Reigns and Styles.
Analysis: As expected, Reigns and Styles clicked in the ring together from the outset. They slow built their match with quite a bit of feeling out then burst out with big moments. The Phenomenal Forearm through the table was the spot of the night for sure. Unfortunately, the opening act between these two lacked in pacing.
With two false finishes/restarts, the match lost its drive. It was so well wrestled and orchestrated up to that point that it was weird to overbook so heavily, setting up the two teams getting involved as expected. That said, the final few minutes were also extremely exciting and effective with big spots.
If this match had gotten a bit more time and avoided the double false finishes, it would have been up there with my favorite matches so far this year. I expect round two will be more chaotic, but hopefully it will build more naturally to its finish next time around.
Styles sent Reigns rolling outside to protect his limbs from Styles' strikes. Roman slowly walked back into the ring. Reigns nearly isolated Styles in the corner, but AJ dodged the fists and rolled outside. Styles suckered Reigns in and hit a series of strikes but was sent flying outside by Roman.
Back in the ring once more, Styles threw a series of kicks to the leg, but Reigns threw his own strikes that grounded AJ. Styles hit a series of forearms, but Reigns blocked a German suplex and destroyed Styles with a clothesline. Roman blocked a Styles rally and hit a big single arm powerbomb then a sit out powerbomb for two.
Reigns watched Styles rise and went for a Spear but ran right into an enzuigiri. Styles hit a series of strikes then a snapmare and a running forearm for two. He then slammed Reigns' neck onto his knee for two. Mid-springboard, Reigns caught Styles, but AJ fought out and nearly locked in the Calf Crusher with Roman making it to the ropes quickly.
Reigns rolled to the apron with Styles knocking him off then hitting the Phenomenal Forearm into Reigns right through the announce table. Styles couldn't get Reigns back in the ring in time and had to take a count out win. Afterward, Shane McMahon came out and restarted with no count outs.
After the restart, Reigns hit a jawbreaker, but Styles kept striking including a pele kick then went to the top rope. Reigns got the knees up to block a 450 splash for a close two. Styles went for a diving axe handle and fell right into a fist that accidentally went too low, causing a DQ. Stephanie McMahon came out and restarted the match again as no disqualification.
After the second reset, Reigns hit a devastating fist that sent AJ to the floor. The two men fought into the crowd with Reigns clearly in control. Styles hit a jumping clothesline to Reigns then kneed him into the announce table. Styles put Reigns back in the ring. Mid-air, Reigns then reversed a Phenomenal Forearm into a Superman Punch for a very nearfall.
Reigns hit a second Superman Punch then set up the Spear. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson came out to roll Styles outside before assaulting Reigns. They left both men struggling to rise with Styles hitting a Phenomenal Forearm with Reigns barely getting his foot on the bottom rope.
The Usos came out to even the odds with Styles going to the top rope only for Reigns to toss AJ outside into all four men. Reigns then hit a suicide dive on all the men only to fall right into a Styles Phenomenal Forearm off the barricade. Styles then hit the 450 in the ring for a crazy nearfall.
Styles went for the Styles Clash, but Roman struggled out of it with Styles rolling to the apron. Reigns went for a Superman Punch, but Styles bounced his face off the ropes. Reigns then barely ducked the Phenomenal Forearm and hit the Spear for the victory. Afterward, Shane and Stephanie backstage with Vince made an Extreme Rules rematch at Extreme Rules between Reigns and Styles.
Analysis: As expected, Reigns and Styles clicked in the ring together from the outset. They slow built their match with quite a bit of feeling out then burst out with big moments. The Phenomenal Forearm through the table was the spot of the night for sure. Unfortunately, the opening act between these two lacked in pacing.
With two false finishes/restarts, the match lost its drive. It was so well wrestled and orchestrated up to that point that it was weird to overbook so heavily, setting up the two teams getting involved as expected. That said, the final few minutes were also extremely exciting and effective with big spots.
If this match had gotten a bit more time and avoided the double false finishes, it would have been up there with my favorite matches so far this year. I expect round two will be more chaotic, but hopefully it will build more naturally to its finish next time around.
Rating: 8.75/10
Roman Reigns was distraught after this match to find out you can not in fact indiscriminately punch everything and win matches.
Final Notes: Mauro Ranallo interviewed AJ Styles about tonight with Styles saying he would win tonight on his own. He didn't care tonight about Gallows and Anderson, just wanting to focus on the match and winning gold. Before the announcement by Vince, Stephanie and Shane were shown backstage speaking with different talent on the roster.
The crowd in Chicago was loud and noticeable this year as they always are. It was a great boost to the show with them even avoiding hijacking the show though that is probably because they had no bad matches to affect. They did have their "CM Punk" moment, but luckily it was only at Vince McMahon.
Conclusion: Payback was an impressive show for a number of reasons. There was not a single poorly wrestled match on the card. On pure wrestling, the quality was near premium. This may be because there were so few full matches on the card, but that helped each match get its time for the most part.
It was also impressive the show managed to not get derailed but the untimely injury of Enzo. I'm sure everyone wishes him a speedy recovery, and it sounds like he's all right. However, injuries like that can destroy the mood of a building. It can be hard to concentrate on anything.
The talent delivered once more, and the booking, while still questionable at times, delivered enough to let the talent shine. This certainly could have been a better show with much better pacing, but it was a show with very few dull moments and a crowd that was into everything.
Ultimately, this was a bit of a filler show. Most of the matches set up immediately rematches for Extreme Rules. The show even ended setting up the ER main event. However, it was such an enjoyable show that it didn't matter.
The crowd in Chicago was loud and noticeable this year as they always are. It was a great boost to the show with them even avoiding hijacking the show though that is probably because they had no bad matches to affect. They did have their "CM Punk" moment, but luckily it was only at Vince McMahon.
Conclusion: Payback was an impressive show for a number of reasons. There was not a single poorly wrestled match on the card. On pure wrestling, the quality was near premium. This may be because there were so few full matches on the card, but that helped each match get its time for the most part.
It was also impressive the show managed to not get derailed but the untimely injury of Enzo. I'm sure everyone wishes him a speedy recovery, and it sounds like he's all right. However, injuries like that can destroy the mood of a building. It can be hard to concentrate on anything.
The talent delivered once more, and the booking, while still questionable at times, delivered enough to let the talent shine. This certainly could have been a better show with much better pacing, but it was a show with very few dull moments and a crowd that was into everything.
Ultimately, this was a bit of a filler show. Most of the matches set up immediately rematches for Extreme Rules. The show even ended setting up the ER main event. However, it was such an enjoyable show that it didn't matter.