On the Road to WrestleMania, WWE decided to use Raw as a Rest Area.
Raw Thoughts (Written on 2/18/19 as Raw Aired)
- Triple H comes out and puts over the feeling of the Road to WrestleMania. He reviews some of the bigger matches from last night's Elimination Chamber Match. He then transitions to the Rousey-Becky-Charlotte segment from last night. Professionally, he'll sue and prosecute her. Personally, he thought it was cool.
Then, he talks about the announcement that DX will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He talks about pouring gas on the fire. He oversees NXT as well as Raw and SmackDown. Good NXT chant. He announces the people who will be making their debuts tonight from NXT: Ricochet, Aleister Black, Johnny Gargano, and Tommaso Ciampa. Triple H then announces the next match... A Tables Match between Braun Strowman and Baron Corbin.
(Good segment to start the show, I suppose. It gets the audience caught up on what happened, and it sets up the big events of the night. I'm a bit mixed on bringing NXT talent up considering WWE hasn't exactly hit a home run with the way the latest call-ups have been portrayed on TV. Here's hoping for the best. You only get one chance at a first impression.)
- Speaking of someone who needs to make a good impression, Braun Strowman faces Baron Corbin in a Tables Match to start the show. Corbin walks confidently around the ring and picks up ring steps to mock Braun as we go to commercial. The match starts after the break and quickly spills to the floor. Strowman sells the ribs from last night's Triple Powerbomb spot. Corbin is able to take advantage of that at multiple times in the match. They fight up to the stage. Strowman clears off the announce table. Corbin drives Strowman ribs first into the announce table which takes us to the commercial break.
We return to see both men in the ring with a table set up in the corner. They fight each other toying being put through the table. Then they go back to work around the floor. Corbin gets out the Kendo Stick and starts using it against Strowman's ribs. Corbin dives off the apron at Braun, but Strowman gets the steel stairs up into the chest of Corbin. The stairs are rammed several times into Corbin. Both men go back into the ring. Strowman catches Corbin running at him and powerslams him through the table to win the match.
(50/50 booking here. Where were McIntyre and Lashley in all this? There was no mention about them being "barred from ringside" or "locked in a room." This makes less and less sense the more you think about it. Strowman gets his win back, but we're still stuck in this program.)
Paul Heyman comes out on stage while Braun is walking backstage. Strowman puts his hand on Heyman's collar and chokes him. I guess a Heyman promo is next.
- Heyman introduces a video promo to "ed-U-cate" us on the history of Brock Lesnar including his upbringing, first WWE run, UFC run, and return to WWE. Paul tells the crowd that there's not enough fire in Seth Rollins' soul to burn down Suplex City. Finn Balor comes out to interrupt Paul Heyman. (How come I have a feeling that false narrative of "taking Brock Lesnar to the limit" is about to rear its ugly head again?) Thankfully, we go to commercial break before that can be said by Balor himself.
- Balor talks about holding a title for the first time in a while. He puts over the legacy of the Intercontinental Championship. He plans to defend... Lio Rush interrupts. He tells Finn that he doesn't deserve to be Intercontinental Champion: Bobby Lashley does. Lashley jumps Finn Balor from behind. Lashley and Rush beat the hell out of Balor. (I want to count down all the times Finn Balor has been left laying on Raw in the last year. I'm pretty sure it'll be 4/5 of the time at least.) Ricochet runs down and hits some of his offensive moves to chase off Lashley and Rush. (I smell a Tag Team Match. Holla.)
- Ricochet and Finn Balor face Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley. (No Teddy Long, sadly.) Ricochet and Rush have a really fun exchange of back and forth, quick-paced action. Lashley gets tagged in and beats the tar out of Ricochet. Lashley gets sent to the floor, and Ricochet does a pose to cause Lashley to get frustrated. Lio Rush gets tagged in. Rush wants Balor in the match. And that's exactly what happens. (I mean, let's be real: Finn does a great job getting beaten down. So, it's natural he takes that role in this match.) Rush tags in Lashley who starts the assault. Balor tries to fight back, but Lashley again just overpowers Balor. Tag to Rush who continues the work on Balor.
Low Dropkick by Balor to Rush. Balor holds on to Rush's leg and starts the attack on Rush. Chop by Balor to Rush. More heavy chops by Balor to Rush running the corners to hit them. Sling Blade. Dropkick. Lashley prevents the Coup de Grace. Kick to the back of the knee by Rush. Finn falls to the floor holding onto the knee. Lashley beats up on Balor on the floor, sending him into the barricade. Lashley is apparently legal as he continues the assault of Balor in the ring. Lashley avoids the Sunset Flip and slams Balor as we go to commercial break.
We return to see Lashley still working on Balor in the ring. Lashley and Finn tease the tag to Ricochet, with Finn being "fingertips away." Rush gets tagged in and continues the beatdown of Finn. He slaps and beats down on Finn. Finn gets a Reverse DDT on Rush. Rush stops the tag (even though Balor could have easily had it if he actually wanted to tag). Lashley tags in and powers up Finn. Finn avoids the Dominator and gets the Double Stomp. Tag to Ricochet. Big ovation. Rush gets annihilated by Ricochet's fast aerial attacks. Dropkicks for Rush and Lashley. A big dive onto Rush. Balor and Ricochet work together to knock Lashley into the barricade. Ricochet hits his finisher on Rush off the top rope. 1-2-3.
(A great debut for Ricochet who you have to figure will be a permanent addition to the WWE Main Roster before too long {if these guys aren't permanent already after this}. A good TV match that could have probably been cut down a few minutes. They milked the Finn comeback a little too much between the breaks for my taste. Still a good TV match.)
Backstage, Drew McIntyre talks with Triple H. McIntyre told Triple H that he wants Seth Rollins. Dean Ambrose comes up from behind. Dean says he wants McIntyre. He slaps McIntyre. Triple H asks what Drew wants. Drew now wants Dean.
(Dean may get written off tonight.)
- The Lucha House Party come out while the Rousey-Charlotte-Becky segment from last week is replayed along with the chaos that happened over the weekend. The announce team reviews the charges that will face Becky Lynch if she interferes again.
The match is Luchas (Metalik and Dorado) vs. Hawkins and Ryder. Luchas take advantage early on, beating down on Zack Ryder for a few minutes. Tag to Hawkins by Ryder. Hawkins fights off both Luchas. They tease the end of the losing streak a couple times. But Hawkins gets caught in a hurricanrana for the win.
(The story of Hawkins' losing streak continues. Ryder and Hawkins may not win a match until WrestleMania.)
- Heavy Machinery are interviewed on the stage. Steaks and Weights are said again. They say they are ready for anyone. Lacey Evans comes out, dressed fancy. She struts down the aisle and back up. Heavy Machinery do a Bushwhacker impersonation while impersonating her walk. (Yeah. That was a waste.)
- Gargano and Ciampa are backstage. Roode and Gable are mad about them getting a match against The Revival. Gargano say they are there to take over. The Revival come in and talk about their tag team title victory. They say they don't need luck.
- The Revival take on the former DIY (Ciampa and Gargano) next. Thankfully, Corey puts over the fact that Gargano and Ciampa are not exactly best friends going into this match. The bell rings. Gargano and Ciampa have the advantage early on. You can tell the 4 decided to kick up the intensity as a switch is thrown in this match. The hits start coming in harder, and the level of competition jumps up. Gargano sends The Revival to the floor. Suicide Dive by Gargano to The Revival. Gargano and Ciampa kick Wilder like Ping Pong back and forth on the floor. Commercial break.
We return to see Gargano getting worked over by The Revival. Johnny Wrestling however plants Wilder with a DDT to get out of the problem. He crawls over to Ciampa and makes the tag. Ciampa hits a running knee on Dawson after three German Suplexes. 2 count only. The Revival get the tag. Back elbow into a German Suplex. 2 count only for Wilder. Tag again by The Revival. Big strikes by Ciampa. Shatter Machine is avoided. Hip Toss into the corner by Ciampa. DDT over the Ropes by Gargano. 2 count. Gargano fights with Wilder in the ring. He dives through the ropes and gets caught with a knee. Steiner Finisher (Doomsday Bulldog)! 1-2-CIAMPA BREAKS IT UP! It's Dawson and Gargano in the ring. Dawson goes to suplex Gargano on the floor. Gargano avoids it. SPEAR THROUGH THE ROPES. Tag to Ciampa. DIY SPECIAL! CIAMPA gets the pin! After the match, Gargano keeps his distance from Ciampa while Ciampa continues trying to win over Gargano.
(Good match. They've had much better matches obviously in the past, but this was good for two teams that haven't faced each other in 2 years. I like how the problems between Gargano and Ciampa were referenced and not just swept under the rug.)
Backstage, we see Finn and Ricochet together. Finn gives Ricochet the time to be interviewed. Ricochet promises that he's only beginning.
- We get another Kevin Owens promo. This "everyman" thing is not working for me. Owens' son shows up on screen. He admonishes him for not using the money wisely in terms of getting food. He's eating fast food on camera.
- The Boss and Hug Connection come out with their newly won Women's Tag Team Championships. They take their good time getting to the ring. "You Deserve It" chants once the music dies down. They talk about doing everything together. Sasha says they were born to do this. They plan on defending the titles against anyone, anywhere, on any brand. There is no stronger connection than The Boss and Hug Connection. Bank on that.
And here come The Samoan Slaughterhouse of Tamina and Nia Jax. Nia is sickened by what she's hearing. Jax: "Sasha Banks only cares about Sasha Banks. And she loses her title on her first title defense." Nia and Tamina charge the ring. Sasha and Bayley fight them off away from the ring.
- We get the DX Hall of Fame video.
- Dean Ambrose takes on Drew McIntyre next. McIntyre wastes no time getting to the ring. The fight starts as soon as the bell rings. Glasgow Kiss to Ambrose knocks him down on the mat. Dean starts getting momentum with a Suicide Dive to the floor. But he soon falls prey to the Claymore Kick. McIntyre doesn't cover him immediately. He nails another one. 1-2-3. This match lasted about 2 minutes at most.
(Drew McIntyre gets another win, this time at the expense of Dean Ambrose. This is Ambrose doing the honors on his way out of the company. Notice that EC3 has not been on this show. He loses to Ambrose one week and is off TV the next.)
- We get the 2nd Half of the Lesnar story, including the Cena SummerSlam 2014 domination through now. Seth is interviewed afterwards. Seth accepts his fate. Brock needs to accept his. His reign of terror is over. Seth's fate is to win the Universal Champion whether he leaves on his own 2 feet or on a stretcher. Dean Ambrose is right next to Seth Rollins. He asks Seth where he was. Rollins asks if he has completely lost his mind. Dean says "Eh..." and walks off.
- Hello. He is Elias. He refuses to play his guitar tonight. He goes off about how he has been mistreated by the fans and the WWE. He puts down the local town. He is interrupted despite being a musical genius. He's going to sing a song for himself to hopefully forget anyone else exists. Aleister Black's theme plays. The announcers put over how dangerous Black is, with Renee saying "Elias get out of there!" Black's entrance looks even better on the main roster stage than it does on NXT. Black gets a mic. Aleister promises to help Elias find silence and peace by helping him fade to black. Black vs. Elias is now.
Elias gets thrown out of the ring while Black does his leaping seated taunt to signal our commercial break. We return to see Elias beat up on Black in the ring. Corey helps explains how dangerous Black is even while a drifter beats him up in the ring. Black starts fighting back and gets his Asai Moonsault on Elias. Strikes by both men. Black leaps into the jumping knee of Elias for a 2 count. Elias puts down the crowd. Elias talks smack to Black. Black Mass Kick connects. 1-2-3. And just like that, Elias has faded to black.
(Of the three NXT related matches, this was definitely the worst. I don't think it's Elias or Black's fault. The other two matches just came off much better than this one did. Black wasn't able to showcase a lot of what he can do with a performer like Elias. Elias is very good at what he does on the mic, but no one will ever call him an elite wrestler. Still, the Black Mass should be the KO move that fans should know is the end on NXT and in WWE.)
- Ronda Rousey faces Ruby Riott once again for the Raw Women's Championship. Ruby Riott gets the job... I mean enhancement talent.... entrance when we return from break. Ronda Rousey gets her superstar entrance. (Give Rousey this: She works TV and PPV a lot. No one can accuse her of being Brock Lesnar, even if that would have been smarter.)
The bell rings. Judo Throws to Riott. Riott goes to the floor surrounded by her Riott Squad teammates. Riott comes back in and drops Ronda on the back of her head. Riott officially gets more offense than she did last night. Riott Monkey Flips Rousey over, but Rousey almost gets the armbar in. Riott takes a roll to the floor as we go to commercial break. We return to see Riott with the advantage, thanks to The Riott Squad's interference during the break. Ruby spears Ronda. 2.5 count. "We Want Becky" chant from the crowd.
Rousey starts fighting back. A wild punch misses that Riott sells. (Not quite a Jinder Mahal/Jeff Hardy situation, but still bad.) Riott does a reverse splash off the corner on Rousey on the mat. 2.5 count again. Riott sets up for her Riott Kick. RIOTT KICK! Rousey kicks out at 2.5. Gutwrench Powerbomb by Rousey. Rousey climbs the corner. Morgan and Logan cause a distraction. ANOTHER RIOTT KICK! 1-2-KICKOUT! Riott goes to the corner and climbs up. She dives off, but Rousey grabs her. She goes for the armbar, but The Riott Squad save her. Rousey dives off the corner onto The Riott Squad on the floor. Rousey slingshots Riott over her head into the turnbuckle. Armbar! Riott taps out.
After the match, Rousey beats up on Morgan and Logan as they run into the ring. The show ends here.
(For those of you complaining about Elimination Chamber, this was for you. Thankfully, WWE used The Riott Squad to explain how Ruby was able to hang in with Ronda Rousey. I know most of you liked this, but I actually enjoyed Elimination Chamber's match better for a simple reason: it was more realistic. There's only so much I can buy as a wrestling fan. Ruby Riott lasting longer than 2 minutes with Ronda Rousey is stretching it for me.)
Overall, I thought this was a mixed episode of Raw. On one hand, the NXT stars looked at least good if not great in their matches. But there was a little too much talking for my taste. Also, while I liked the tag team matches during this show, I wasn't a fan of how long some of these matches were (in particular the Corbin-Strowman and Lashley/Rush vs. Ricochet/Balor matches). Long matches for the sake of long matches gets boring. With the amount of talent that Raw has, there's no excuse why there can't be more matches and more talent exposed over the 3 hours. I felt like Raw just somewhat stayed in neutral tonight instead of making any noteworthy advances on the Road to WrestleMania. Raw felt like a wasted opportunity softened only by NXT talent providing adrenaline to the show.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. Spread some awesomeness.
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WWE Raw 2/18/19
WWE; USA
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Raw Thoughts (Written on 2/18/19 as Raw Aired)
- Triple H comes out and puts over the feeling of the Road to WrestleMania. He reviews some of the bigger matches from last night's Elimination Chamber Match. He then transitions to the Rousey-Becky-Charlotte segment from last night. Professionally, he'll sue and prosecute her. Personally, he thought it was cool.
Then, he talks about the announcement that DX will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He talks about pouring gas on the fire. He oversees NXT as well as Raw and SmackDown. Good NXT chant. He announces the people who will be making their debuts tonight from NXT: Ricochet, Aleister Black, Johnny Gargano, and Tommaso Ciampa. Triple H then announces the next match... A Tables Match between Braun Strowman and Baron Corbin.
(Good segment to start the show, I suppose. It gets the audience caught up on what happened, and it sets up the big events of the night. I'm a bit mixed on bringing NXT talent up considering WWE hasn't exactly hit a home run with the way the latest call-ups have been portrayed on TV. Here's hoping for the best. You only get one chance at a first impression.)
- Speaking of someone who needs to make a good impression, Braun Strowman faces Baron Corbin in a Tables Match to start the show. Corbin walks confidently around the ring and picks up ring steps to mock Braun as we go to commercial. The match starts after the break and quickly spills to the floor. Strowman sells the ribs from last night's Triple Powerbomb spot. Corbin is able to take advantage of that at multiple times in the match. They fight up to the stage. Strowman clears off the announce table. Corbin drives Strowman ribs first into the announce table which takes us to the commercial break.
We return to see both men in the ring with a table set up in the corner. They fight each other toying being put through the table. Then they go back to work around the floor. Corbin gets out the Kendo Stick and starts using it against Strowman's ribs. Corbin dives off the apron at Braun, but Strowman gets the steel stairs up into the chest of Corbin. The stairs are rammed several times into Corbin. Both men go back into the ring. Strowman catches Corbin running at him and powerslams him through the table to win the match.
(50/50 booking here. Where were McIntyre and Lashley in all this? There was no mention about them being "barred from ringside" or "locked in a room." This makes less and less sense the more you think about it. Strowman gets his win back, but we're still stuck in this program.)
Paul Heyman comes out on stage while Braun is walking backstage. Strowman puts his hand on Heyman's collar and chokes him. I guess a Heyman promo is next.
- Heyman introduces a video promo to "ed-U-cate" us on the history of Brock Lesnar including his upbringing, first WWE run, UFC run, and return to WWE. Paul tells the crowd that there's not enough fire in Seth Rollins' soul to burn down Suplex City. Finn Balor comes out to interrupt Paul Heyman. (How come I have a feeling that false narrative of "taking Brock Lesnar to the limit" is about to rear its ugly head again?) Thankfully, we go to commercial break before that can be said by Balor himself.
- Balor talks about holding a title for the first time in a while. He puts over the legacy of the Intercontinental Championship. He plans to defend... Lio Rush interrupts. He tells Finn that he doesn't deserve to be Intercontinental Champion: Bobby Lashley does. Lashley jumps Finn Balor from behind. Lashley and Rush beat the hell out of Balor. (I want to count down all the times Finn Balor has been left laying on Raw in the last year. I'm pretty sure it'll be 4/5 of the time at least.) Ricochet runs down and hits some of his offensive moves to chase off Lashley and Rush. (I smell a Tag Team Match. Holla.)
- Ricochet and Finn Balor face Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley. (No Teddy Long, sadly.) Ricochet and Rush have a really fun exchange of back and forth, quick-paced action. Lashley gets tagged in and beats the tar out of Ricochet. Lashley gets sent to the floor, and Ricochet does a pose to cause Lashley to get frustrated. Lio Rush gets tagged in. Rush wants Balor in the match. And that's exactly what happens. (I mean, let's be real: Finn does a great job getting beaten down. So, it's natural he takes that role in this match.) Rush tags in Lashley who starts the assault. Balor tries to fight back, but Lashley again just overpowers Balor. Tag to Rush who continues the work on Balor.
Low Dropkick by Balor to Rush. Balor holds on to Rush's leg and starts the attack on Rush. Chop by Balor to Rush. More heavy chops by Balor to Rush running the corners to hit them. Sling Blade. Dropkick. Lashley prevents the Coup de Grace. Kick to the back of the knee by Rush. Finn falls to the floor holding onto the knee. Lashley beats up on Balor on the floor, sending him into the barricade. Lashley is apparently legal as he continues the assault of Balor in the ring. Lashley avoids the Sunset Flip and slams Balor as we go to commercial break.
We return to see Lashley still working on Balor in the ring. Lashley and Finn tease the tag to Ricochet, with Finn being "fingertips away." Rush gets tagged in and continues the beatdown of Finn. He slaps and beats down on Finn. Finn gets a Reverse DDT on Rush. Rush stops the tag (even though Balor could have easily had it if he actually wanted to tag). Lashley tags in and powers up Finn. Finn avoids the Dominator and gets the Double Stomp. Tag to Ricochet. Big ovation. Rush gets annihilated by Ricochet's fast aerial attacks. Dropkicks for Rush and Lashley. A big dive onto Rush. Balor and Ricochet work together to knock Lashley into the barricade. Ricochet hits his finisher on Rush off the top rope. 1-2-3.
(A great debut for Ricochet who you have to figure will be a permanent addition to the WWE Main Roster before too long {if these guys aren't permanent already after this}. A good TV match that could have probably been cut down a few minutes. They milked the Finn comeback a little too much between the breaks for my taste. Still a good TV match.)
Backstage, Drew McIntyre talks with Triple H. McIntyre told Triple H that he wants Seth Rollins. Dean Ambrose comes up from behind. Dean says he wants McIntyre. He slaps McIntyre. Triple H asks what Drew wants. Drew now wants Dean.
(Dean may get written off tonight.)
- The Lucha House Party come out while the Rousey-Charlotte-Becky segment from last week is replayed along with the chaos that happened over the weekend. The announce team reviews the charges that will face Becky Lynch if she interferes again.
The match is Luchas (Metalik and Dorado) vs. Hawkins and Ryder. Luchas take advantage early on, beating down on Zack Ryder for a few minutes. Tag to Hawkins by Ryder. Hawkins fights off both Luchas. They tease the end of the losing streak a couple times. But Hawkins gets caught in a hurricanrana for the win.
(The story of Hawkins' losing streak continues. Ryder and Hawkins may not win a match until WrestleMania.)
- Heavy Machinery are interviewed on the stage. Steaks and Weights are said again. They say they are ready for anyone. Lacey Evans comes out, dressed fancy. She struts down the aisle and back up. Heavy Machinery do a Bushwhacker impersonation while impersonating her walk. (Yeah. That was a waste.)
- Gargano and Ciampa are backstage. Roode and Gable are mad about them getting a match against The Revival. Gargano say they are there to take over. The Revival come in and talk about their tag team title victory. They say they don't need luck.
- The Revival take on the former DIY (Ciampa and Gargano) next. Thankfully, Corey puts over the fact that Gargano and Ciampa are not exactly best friends going into this match. The bell rings. Gargano and Ciampa have the advantage early on. You can tell the 4 decided to kick up the intensity as a switch is thrown in this match. The hits start coming in harder, and the level of competition jumps up. Gargano sends The Revival to the floor. Suicide Dive by Gargano to The Revival. Gargano and Ciampa kick Wilder like Ping Pong back and forth on the floor. Commercial break.
We return to see Gargano getting worked over by The Revival. Johnny Wrestling however plants Wilder with a DDT to get out of the problem. He crawls over to Ciampa and makes the tag. Ciampa hits a running knee on Dawson after three German Suplexes. 2 count only. The Revival get the tag. Back elbow into a German Suplex. 2 count only for Wilder. Tag again by The Revival. Big strikes by Ciampa. Shatter Machine is avoided. Hip Toss into the corner by Ciampa. DDT over the Ropes by Gargano. 2 count. Gargano fights with Wilder in the ring. He dives through the ropes and gets caught with a knee. Steiner Finisher (Doomsday Bulldog)! 1-2-CIAMPA BREAKS IT UP! It's Dawson and Gargano in the ring. Dawson goes to suplex Gargano on the floor. Gargano avoids it. SPEAR THROUGH THE ROPES. Tag to Ciampa. DIY SPECIAL! CIAMPA gets the pin! After the match, Gargano keeps his distance from Ciampa while Ciampa continues trying to win over Gargano.
(Good match. They've had much better matches obviously in the past, but this was good for two teams that haven't faced each other in 2 years. I like how the problems between Gargano and Ciampa were referenced and not just swept under the rug.)
Backstage, we see Finn and Ricochet together. Finn gives Ricochet the time to be interviewed. Ricochet promises that he's only beginning.
- We get another Kevin Owens promo. This "everyman" thing is not working for me. Owens' son shows up on screen. He admonishes him for not using the money wisely in terms of getting food. He's eating fast food on camera.
- The Boss and Hug Connection come out with their newly won Women's Tag Team Championships. They take their good time getting to the ring. "You Deserve It" chants once the music dies down. They talk about doing everything together. Sasha says they were born to do this. They plan on defending the titles against anyone, anywhere, on any brand. There is no stronger connection than The Boss and Hug Connection. Bank on that.
And here come The Samoan Slaughterhouse of Tamina and Nia Jax. Nia is sickened by what she's hearing. Jax: "Sasha Banks only cares about Sasha Banks. And she loses her title on her first title defense." Nia and Tamina charge the ring. Sasha and Bayley fight them off away from the ring.
- We get the DX Hall of Fame video.
- Dean Ambrose takes on Drew McIntyre next. McIntyre wastes no time getting to the ring. The fight starts as soon as the bell rings. Glasgow Kiss to Ambrose knocks him down on the mat. Dean starts getting momentum with a Suicide Dive to the floor. But he soon falls prey to the Claymore Kick. McIntyre doesn't cover him immediately. He nails another one. 1-2-3. This match lasted about 2 minutes at most.
(Drew McIntyre gets another win, this time at the expense of Dean Ambrose. This is Ambrose doing the honors on his way out of the company. Notice that EC3 has not been on this show. He loses to Ambrose one week and is off TV the next.)
- We get the 2nd Half of the Lesnar story, including the Cena SummerSlam 2014 domination through now. Seth is interviewed afterwards. Seth accepts his fate. Brock needs to accept his. His reign of terror is over. Seth's fate is to win the Universal Champion whether he leaves on his own 2 feet or on a stretcher. Dean Ambrose is right next to Seth Rollins. He asks Seth where he was. Rollins asks if he has completely lost his mind. Dean says "Eh..." and walks off.
- Hello. He is Elias. He refuses to play his guitar tonight. He goes off about how he has been mistreated by the fans and the WWE. He puts down the local town. He is interrupted despite being a musical genius. He's going to sing a song for himself to hopefully forget anyone else exists. Aleister Black's theme plays. The announcers put over how dangerous Black is, with Renee saying "Elias get out of there!" Black's entrance looks even better on the main roster stage than it does on NXT. Black gets a mic. Aleister promises to help Elias find silence and peace by helping him fade to black. Black vs. Elias is now.
Elias gets thrown out of the ring while Black does his leaping seated taunt to signal our commercial break. We return to see Elias beat up on Black in the ring. Corey helps explains how dangerous Black is even while a drifter beats him up in the ring. Black starts fighting back and gets his Asai Moonsault on Elias. Strikes by both men. Black leaps into the jumping knee of Elias for a 2 count. Elias puts down the crowd. Elias talks smack to Black. Black Mass Kick connects. 1-2-3. And just like that, Elias has faded to black.
(Of the three NXT related matches, this was definitely the worst. I don't think it's Elias or Black's fault. The other two matches just came off much better than this one did. Black wasn't able to showcase a lot of what he can do with a performer like Elias. Elias is very good at what he does on the mic, but no one will ever call him an elite wrestler. Still, the Black Mass should be the KO move that fans should know is the end on NXT and in WWE.)
- Ronda Rousey faces Ruby Riott once again for the Raw Women's Championship. Ruby Riott gets the job... I mean enhancement talent.... entrance when we return from break. Ronda Rousey gets her superstar entrance. (Give Rousey this: She works TV and PPV a lot. No one can accuse her of being Brock Lesnar, even if that would have been smarter.)
The bell rings. Judo Throws to Riott. Riott goes to the floor surrounded by her Riott Squad teammates. Riott comes back in and drops Ronda on the back of her head. Riott officially gets more offense than she did last night. Riott Monkey Flips Rousey over, but Rousey almost gets the armbar in. Riott takes a roll to the floor as we go to commercial break. We return to see Riott with the advantage, thanks to The Riott Squad's interference during the break. Ruby spears Ronda. 2.5 count. "We Want Becky" chant from the crowd.
Rousey starts fighting back. A wild punch misses that Riott sells. (Not quite a Jinder Mahal/Jeff Hardy situation, but still bad.) Riott does a reverse splash off the corner on Rousey on the mat. 2.5 count again. Riott sets up for her Riott Kick. RIOTT KICK! Rousey kicks out at 2.5. Gutwrench Powerbomb by Rousey. Rousey climbs the corner. Morgan and Logan cause a distraction. ANOTHER RIOTT KICK! 1-2-KICKOUT! Riott goes to the corner and climbs up. She dives off, but Rousey grabs her. She goes for the armbar, but The Riott Squad save her. Rousey dives off the corner onto The Riott Squad on the floor. Rousey slingshots Riott over her head into the turnbuckle. Armbar! Riott taps out.
After the match, Rousey beats up on Morgan and Logan as they run into the ring. The show ends here.
(For those of you complaining about Elimination Chamber, this was for you. Thankfully, WWE used The Riott Squad to explain how Ruby was able to hang in with Ronda Rousey. I know most of you liked this, but I actually enjoyed Elimination Chamber's match better for a simple reason: it was more realistic. There's only so much I can buy as a wrestling fan. Ruby Riott lasting longer than 2 minutes with Ronda Rousey is stretching it for me.)
Overall, I thought this was a mixed episode of Raw. On one hand, the NXT stars looked at least good if not great in their matches. But there was a little too much talking for my taste. Also, while I liked the tag team matches during this show, I wasn't a fan of how long some of these matches were (in particular the Corbin-Strowman and Lashley/Rush vs. Ricochet/Balor matches). Long matches for the sake of long matches gets boring. With the amount of talent that Raw has, there's no excuse why there can't be more matches and more talent exposed over the 3 hours. I felt like Raw just somewhat stayed in neutral tonight instead of making any noteworthy advances on the Road to WrestleMania. Raw felt like a wasted opportunity softened only by NXT talent providing adrenaline to the show.
Until next time, take care of yourselves. Spread some awesomeness.
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