Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
We have gotten to that point in WWE already. WWE has overused a name for a special event so much that they had to subtitled it. This is what happens when you commit to two shows almost every month.
The road to Roadblock: End of the Line even just this last week has not been pretty, but the card looks strong. There was no reason when the power was back in the hands of the talent to just perform that this couldn't end the year on a high note.
The road to Roadblock: End of the Line even just this last week has not been pretty, but the card looks strong. There was no reason when the power was back in the hands of the talent to just perform that this couldn't end the year on a high note.
Looks like Rusev is really enjoying his new lot in life.
Rusev def. Big Cass By Count Out
Overview: Before the match, Enzo and Cass ran down Rusev and Lana. Cass then came in and firing off with rights. He seemed to have Rusev's number throughout until the two battled outside. Rusev used a distraction from Lana to blast Enzo which distracted Cass long enough to steal a count out.
Analysis: This was barely match for barely a rivalry that is barely worth my attention. I have no interest in mentioning any more here. Everyone here is being wasted.
Analysis: This was barely match for barely a rivalry that is barely worth my attention. I have no interest in mentioning any more here. Everyone here is being wasted.
Rating: 5/10
I'm still not sure who I'm supposed to be rooting for here, but I'm rooting for Sheamus anyway.
Cesaro and Sheamus def. The New Day's Kofi Kingston and Big E to Become the New Raw Tag Team Champions
Overview: Cesaro and Sheamus finally showed they had come up with a gameplan to match The New Day. They came out swinging hard and fast. Xavier Woods helped throughout to try and save the match, but even that wasn't enough.
Cesaro faked a tag, took a Trouble in Paradise, and allowed Sheamus to roll up Kofi for the win. Cesaro showed sportsmanship with New Day afterward while Sheamus tried to walk away and celebrate with both titles.
Highlights:
Analysis: While The New Day have grown a bit stale as characters, they have improved their match quality down the stretch. This was one of the best matches of their run though that may have been mainly on Cesaro and Sheamus who were fantastic.
The mindgames in this match were fantastic and made it clear how Cesaro and Sheamus could finally overcome the number's disadvantage where they failed before. I look forward to the heavyweight as tag team champions for a while.
Cesaro faked a tag, took a Trouble in Paradise, and allowed Sheamus to roll up Kofi for the win. Cesaro showed sportsmanship with New Day afterward while Sheamus tried to walk away and celebrate with both titles.
Highlights:
- Cesaro started with a dropkick, a series of uppercuts, then caught Kofi mid-air nearly for a backbreaker.
- Sheamus landed a rolling senton into Cesaro's double foot stomp shortly followed by the Battering Ram.
- Cesaro sent Kofi clean into the air to land on an uppercut.
- Kofi elbowed out of the Beats of the Bodhran then tagged in Big E for a shoulder tackle through the ropes to the outside.
- Sheamus and Cesaro hit a combination of the White Noise and diving neckbreaker.
- Big E threw Cesaro into an enzuigiri from Woods behind the referee's back into a Big Ending nearfall.
- Sheamus took out Big E outside for a Cesaro swing and Sharpshooter in the ring, but Woods distracted the referee from Kofi tapping out.
- Cesaro turned a roll up into a Neutralizer.
Analysis: While The New Day have grown a bit stale as characters, they have improved their match quality down the stretch. This was one of the best matches of their run though that may have been mainly on Cesaro and Sheamus who were fantastic.
The mindgames in this match were fantastic and made it clear how Cesaro and Sheamus could finally overcome the number's disadvantage where they failed before. I look forward to the heavyweight as tag team champions for a while.
Rating: 8.5/10
Enjoy this, Sami, this is as close as you'll ever get to true victory for Strowman.
Sami Zayn def. Braun Strowman by Surviving 10 Minutes
Overview: Sami Zayn tried to play it smart against Braun Strowman, but he was quickly overwhelmed. Mick Foley came out with a white towel, but Zayn refused to let him throw it in. Zayn came back in a flurry, avoiding Strowman's moves, then hit the Helluva Kick just as time expired to survive.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was almost exactly what it needed to be. It told the story of Zayn's resilience and fight as Foley almost gave up on him only for him to come back in a flurry. The finish though was not as perfect as everything else was.
The way Zayn ended up acting like survival was his only goal felt wrong. It was hurt even more by WWE calling survival a "win" for Zayn. The story made more sense ending with both men more angry and focused on fighting again than just making Strowman mad.
Highlights:
- Zayn slingshot to the outside on Strowman but was caught then slammed on the apron.
- After Strowman smacked Zayn to the mat, he faked a pin then let it up at just two to taunt Zayn.
- Strowman flipped Zayn with a short-arm lariat.
- Zayn avoided Strowman's charge and let him run face-first into the post then dodged a charge that sent Strowman into the timekeeper's area.
- Zayn sent Strowman shoulder-first into the post then landed a diving crossbody on Strowman.
Analysis: This was almost exactly what it needed to be. It told the story of Zayn's resilience and fight as Foley almost gave up on him only for him to come back in a flurry. The finish though was not as perfect as everything else was.
The way Zayn ended up acting like survival was his only goal felt wrong. It was hurt even more by WWE calling survival a "win" for Zayn. The story made more sense ending with both men more angry and focused on fighting again than just making Strowman mad.
Rating: 7.5/10
Wow, wow, wow, don't you be stealing one of Cesaro's very few moves.
Seth Rollins def. Chris Jericho
Overview: This was a fairly even match throughout with Jericho dominating early only for Rollins to fight back with explosive offense. Owens saw that Jericho was in trouble and ran out for the distraction which got him attacked by Rollins.
Jericho locked in a small package on Rollins, but the referee was distracted with Owens and took too long to count. Jericho fought off the Pedigree, but he then argued with Owens only to turn around into a jumping knee then a Pedigree for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: The matches between Rollins and Jericho have been extremely hit and miss, but this was quite solid. Both men knew how to keep the story pumping and build to the climax despite Jericho's limited moveset.
The main problem here was that we have seen these two so much and this finish in some way that it just felt like a Raw main event put on the bigger show rather than a top level showcase.
Jericho locked in a small package on Rollins, but the referee was distracted with Owens and took too long to count. Jericho fought off the Pedigree, but he then argued with Owens only to turn around into a jumping knee then a Pedigree for the win.
Highlights:
- Jericho tried to take a breather but took a knee off the apron and was thrown into the barricade.
- Jericho raked the eyes then landed a running axe handle.
- Jericho repeatedly slapped Rollins until Rollins woke up and began firing off only to take a knee.
- Rollins got his first nearfall off a blockbuster.
- Rollins dumped Rollins outside mid-Lionsault then connected with a suicide dive.
- Jericho locked Rollins in the Walls of Jericho for almost twenty seconds before Rollins made it to the ropes.
- Rollins countered a frog splash with a dropkick then took a Lionsault nearfall.
- Rollins broke the Walls with a small package.
- Rollins hit a kneeling superkick into a frog splash.
Analysis: The matches between Rollins and Jericho have been extremely hit and miss, but this was quite solid. Both men knew how to keep the story pumping and build to the climax despite Jericho's limited moveset.
The main problem here was that we have seen these two so much and this finish in some way that it just felt like a Raw main event put on the bigger show rather than a top level showcase.
Rating: 8/10
Neville worked very hard his months away on his evil facial hair.
Rich Swann def. TJ Perkins and The Brian Kendrick to Retain the WWE Cruiserweight Championship
Overview: This was back and forth throughout with Kendrick seemingly being injured early which allowed Perkins to take over control much of the match. Swann hit the Swann Kick on Kendrick then Perkins before taking the pinfall on Perkins.
Afterward, Neville came out and viciously assaulted Swann. When Perkins tried to save his friend, he got beat down and thrown into the barricade.
Highlights:
Analysis: It seemed that Kendrick was severely limited throughout, perhaps injured early on. That made this more of a one-on-one clash between Kendrick and Swann that didn't get enough time to stand out. It was fine, but nothing about it stood out.
Neville's arrival in the cruiserweight division though was special. His vicious assault on both men as a heel turn was perfect, and it made clear he'll be an integral part of the division for a long time to come as he should be.
Afterward, Neville came out and viciously assaulted Swann. When Perkins tried to save his friend, he got beat down and thrown into the barricade.
Highlights:
- Swann hit a double hurricanrana.
- Swann flipped over Perkins then walked into a Kendrick big boot.
- Swann hit a missile dropkick but was quickly locked in the Captain's hook with Perkins breaking by locking Kendrick in the kneebar before Swann broke that with a splash.
- Swann lasted over half a minute in the kneebar before getting to the ropes with Perkins choosing to break the hold.
Analysis: It seemed that Kendrick was severely limited throughout, perhaps injured early on. That made this more of a one-on-one clash between Kendrick and Swann that didn't get enough time to stand out. It was fine, but nothing about it stood out.
Neville's arrival in the cruiserweight division though was special. His vicious assault on both men as a heel turn was perfect, and it made clear he'll be an integral part of the division for a long time to come as he should be.
Rating: 7.5/10
Honestly, we all should have seen this coming. WWE doesn't know to break up trends.
Charlotte Flair def. Sasha Banks by 3-2 in Overtime in an Iron Man Match to Become the New Raw Women's Champion
Overview: This started off as an even affair with no falls for the first 15 minutes. First fall (0-1): Sasha Banks fought off a moonsault then went for a superplex only to take a top rope Natural Selection from Charlotte Flair. Second fall (1-1): Banks stole a pin with a sudden roll up.
Third fall (2-1): Banks trapped Charlotte in the Bank Statement and repeatedly blocked her from making it to the ropes. Fourth fall (2-2): Charlotte injured Banks' knee and locked her in the figure four then, after a battle of power, locked in the figure eight with a submission just before time expired.
This led to overtime where Charlotte assaulted the knee of Banks viciously. Banks almost got a few roll up victories, but Charlotte survived. She then reversed the Bank Statement into a figure four then figure eight for the win with Banks tapping with blood in her mouth.
Highlights:
Analysis: As far as pure wrestling goes, this was the best we have seen from Banks and Charlotte. They built to the climax throughout with vicious physicality and storytelling that built on the foundations of what came before.
Still, there were booking issues that made sure this wasn't a perfect close to this feud. First WWE had the result set up for Banks to lead until the last second only to lose it in the last second by submission. Then of course she lost in the same way in overtime.
This imperfection encapsulated the feud's flaws. Charlotte once more extended her artificial undefeated streak on pay-per-view, and Banks lost the title again, faster than her previous two reigns. This was a well told story but entirely unsatisfying because of the lead-in parallels.
Third fall (2-1): Banks trapped Charlotte in the Bank Statement and repeatedly blocked her from making it to the ropes. Fourth fall (2-2): Charlotte injured Banks' knee and locked her in the figure four then, after a battle of power, locked in the figure eight with a submission just before time expired.
This led to overtime where Charlotte assaulted the knee of Banks viciously. Banks almost got a few roll up victories, but Charlotte survived. She then reversed the Bank Statement into a figure four then figure eight for the win with Banks tapping with blood in her mouth.
Highlights:
- Charlotte slipped outside to escape the Bank Statement.
- Banks mocked Charlotte and set her off with a series of boots.
- Banks landed with double knees off the apron.
- Banks caught Charlotte in a straitjacket hold until Charlotte powered out.
- Charlotte tripped Banks off the apron, and Banks landed face-first on the steps.
- Charlotte connected with a backbreaker into a neckbreaker into a running knee drop.
- Banks missed a crossbody then took a Natural Selection nearfall.
- Banks survived a big boot then dodged a moonsault.
- Charlotte viciously injured Banks' knee with knees in the corners then torqued the knee to weaken her.
- Banks landed the backstabber then locked in the Bank Statement only for Charlotte to turn it into a figure four.
Analysis: As far as pure wrestling goes, this was the best we have seen from Banks and Charlotte. They built to the climax throughout with vicious physicality and storytelling that built on the foundations of what came before.
Still, there were booking issues that made sure this wasn't a perfect close to this feud. First WWE had the result set up for Banks to lead until the last second only to lose it in the last second by submission. Then of course she lost in the same way in overtime.
This imperfection encapsulated the feud's flaws. Charlotte once more extended her artificial undefeated streak on pay-per-view, and Banks lost the title again, faster than her previous two reigns. This was a well told story but entirely unsatisfying because of the lead-in parallels.
Rating: 9.75/10
How could you be so mean, Reigns? You're trying to break up one of the greatest of friendships.
Kevin Owens def. Roman Reigns by Disqualification to Retain the WWE Universal Championship
Overview: This was an absolute showcase from Owens who viciously debilitated Reigns early, leaving him injured. Owens caught Reigns for a pump-up powerbomb but only got a nearfall. Owens brought the Universal Championship into the ring only to take a sudden Spear.
With both men down, Jericho ran to the ring and Codebreakered Owens. This caused a disqualification win for Owens with Jericho then revealing himself as still KO's friend. This brought out Rollins with the former Shield partners double powerbombing both men through announce tables.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was going so well then it just ended. I have no idea why this match was given so little time as the main event. Owens and Reigns looked like they could have gone another ten minutes. It was nice though to see a truly vicious side back from KO.
The ending and aftermath was a mess that made little sense. Jericho chose intentionally to give Owens the win by DQ when it wasn't needed then Reigns and Rollins got to stand tall for the hundredth time. It was not the way you end a major show.
With both men down, Jericho ran to the ring and Codebreakered Owens. This caused a disqualification win for Owens with Jericho then revealing himself as still KO's friend. This brought out Rollins with the former Shield partners double powerbombing both men through announce tables.
Highlights:
- Owens landed a cannonball off the steel steps onto the floor.
- Owens hit a front flip leg drop on Reigns.
- The two landed back and forth forearms off the ropes then KO fought off a Samoan drop then hit a suplex only for Reigns to block his cannonball and hit a Samoan drop.
- Owens turned a Superman Punch into a DDT.
- Owens countered a superplex into a swinging fisherman suplex off the top rope.
- Owens turned the Drive By into a superkick then added another.
- Owens frog splashed Reigns through the announce table on his second splash with Reigns barely making it back then taking another frog splash.
Analysis: This match was going so well then it just ended. I have no idea why this match was given so little time as the main event. Owens and Reigns looked like they could have gone another ten minutes. It was nice though to see a truly vicious side back from KO.
The ending and aftermath was a mess that made little sense. Jericho chose intentionally to give Owens the win by DQ when it wasn't needed then Reigns and Rollins got to stand tall for the hundredth time. It was not the way you end a major show.
Rating: 8.75/10
The biggest winner of the night was Kevin Owens because Chris Jericho gave him back the greatest gift of all for Christmas, friendship.
Final Notes: Owens spent the night backstage trying to get on Jericho's good side, but he was rejected at every turn. He ignored an interview to give Jericho a scarf then stood outside Jericho's locker room pleading but being ignored.
Conclusion: There was some good wrestling tonight, but only one match will stand up past the end of the year with even that loaded with weird booking decisions. It was a very Raw show which seemed only appropriate if obviously unsatisfying.
We got into the new year much as we could have months back. Owens and Jericho vs. Rollins and Reigns is still the star feud of the show. Charlotte is still champion but only now moving past Banks. Only the tag team and cruiserweight divisions got a fresh shakeup.
I didn't mind sitting back and watching this show. It's a shame that it couldn't be more than it was. WWE left much of its talent out to dry with decisions that don't tell a complete and affecting story as they could. Perhaps I'm just expecting too much of WWE these days.
Conclusion: There was some good wrestling tonight, but only one match will stand up past the end of the year with even that loaded with weird booking decisions. It was a very Raw show which seemed only appropriate if obviously unsatisfying.
We got into the new year much as we could have months back. Owens and Jericho vs. Rollins and Reigns is still the star feud of the show. Charlotte is still champion but only now moving past Banks. Only the tag team and cruiserweight divisions got a fresh shakeup.
I didn't mind sitting back and watching this show. It's a shame that it couldn't be more than it was. WWE left much of its talent out to dry with decisions that don't tell a complete and affecting story as they could. Perhaps I'm just expecting too much of WWE these days.