RAW started off interesting. One cool thing John Cena did do was give a sick fan the shirt off his back before he opened the show. It was pretty cool.
Cena was in the ring doing his usual song and dance only to be interrupted by Elias. Elias decided it was his time to sing and do his weekly concert. Despite John Cena being in the ring addressing the WWE Universe. The ever charismatic Cena took it in stride though and allowed Elias to do what he does best...insult the crowd. But as he began to sing John stepped in. One thing I've learned about Elias, interrupting his impromptu concerts can have dangerous consequences.
When Cena noticed Elias was disrespecting the Chicago fans he cut everything. Cena wouldn't allow him to continue unless he was respectful to the fans. Elias asked for a second chance, changed the song and even had John Cena join in. Why? I don't know all I know is IT SUCKED.
But before Cena could even finish croaking out (and I do mean CROAKING OUT) his song he got sucker punched! It was funny and sad at the same time. I mean I saw it coming it was too obvious not to. Elias is a sensitive artist (lmao). It doesn't take much to cause an issue with him especially when it comes to his music. So I didn't expect him to "allow" Cena to tell him what he should and shouldn't sing. Although if you ask me he shouldn't sing at all.
This confrontation led to a match between Cena and Elias. Which for the most part of the match Elias dominated. But John Cena ultimately picked up the win. I don't know why they felt they needed John Cena on this Raw. For the 25th anniversary yes absolutely but for this episode honestly he could've stayed home with Nicki Bella. Now I don't think him being there was a bad idea but it was just SO WACK. I mean from his monologue to his interactions with Elias it was just blah! Even the match itself was slow, boring and had no energy at all.
I love John Cena. I've been a fan of his since I was 15 years old. But the days of his style of WWE wrestling are dying out and the new class is carving out a niche that is changing the landscape. It pains me to say this but John has fizzled out. It's time for him to move on and make occasional pop-ups like The Rock. There should not have been a match between Elias and John Cena. There should've been some words being thrown back and forth and John laid Elias out with an attitude adjustment. Boom segment over and no one would've lost 20 to 30 minutes of their lives that they can't get back. I'm still mad.
Match Grade:
Moving on...
After Cena's match they cut a promo highlighting Samoa Joe. I like Samoa Joe. He's different and I believe out of all the guys on the roster he's being utilized the best. After the promo ran Kurt Angle asked both Rollins and Jordan to come into his office. They both have a gripe with Joe and want their chance to get their hands on him. The GM agreed but explained that Sheamus and Cesaro are going to be in their way and the only way to get to Joe would be to go through them. So he made a match for the WWE RAW Tag Team Championships: Cesaro and Sheamus aka The Shower Rod Bros vs Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins.
Seconds after that announcement the man who wasn't on Raw last week Roman Reigns walks in looking like he was about to snatch someones head off. The GM left Samoa Joe to Reigns and made it an IC Championship match.
I just knew The Shower Rod Bros would weasel their way out of this match and Roman was going into 2018 with no IC Championship. I was absolutely sure of it! But I guess I was wrong!
Meanwhile in the Cruiserweight division,
Hideo Itami is shining like the STAR he is! And of course Kendrick and his Gentleman sidekick Gallagher are not impressed. Brian Kendrick volunteered to show Hideo Itami what a former cruiserweight champion is capable of and of course, Itami accepted.
Kendrick had some bright spots as well Hideo Itami. But it was Itami who ultimately would take the match and get the W. Itami uses the GTS (Go To Sleep) and with the way he utilizes it 's a nasty move. If executed properly you can break serious bones in the face. His knee is exposed and that in itself is dangerous. It looked devastating and if it wasn't Kendrick damn sure sold it. But from what I saw there was blood and according to the ring announcers Kendrick broke his nose and orbital bone socket and will be out for quite some time.
Now there is some controversy surrounding Hideo Itami and the GTS move. So the real deal is...the move is Hideo Itami's. It was invented by HIM and CM Punk made it famous. Scouts honor. Look don't argue with me lol. It's true. If you never heard of NJPW you probably like me thought the GTS was CM Punks. But no, it is Hideo Itami's.
Ok, now that that's cleared up. We're going to move on.
Match Grade:
Next up: Absolution vs Bayley, Sasha Banks, & Mickie James
I'm sorry BUT I AM SICK AND TIRED OF THIS GOT DAMN MATCH! FOR 3 WEEKS THEY'VE BEEN MAKING THEM WRESTLE EACH OTHER. AND EVERY SINGLE TIME ABSOLUTION CHEATS. I AM DONE WITH THIS. SOMEONE, PLEASE EXPLAIN THEIR END GAME. THEY'VE ATTACKED ALEXA BLISS ONCE! NEVER WENT AFTER NIA. MADE SASHA, BAYLEY, AND MICKIE THEIR MAIN TARGETS. NONE OF THESE WOMEN HAVE BELTS OR ANY MOMENTUM TO GET ONE. SO AGAIN I ASK WHATS THE END GAME. MAKE IT WORTHWHILE. DOMINATE EVERYONE NOT JUST A SELECT FEW. I HATE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS STORYLINE IT IRRITATES MY SOUL.
*Clears throat* My apologies I had to get that out. Anyway, let's review this match! In the beginning, Sasha, Bayley, and Mickie did a good tagging and keeping the momentum in their favor. But the tide changed when Sonya Deville hit Sasha with a VICIOUS CLOTHESLINE. I have to admit it was devastating and Sasha definitely sold it to perfection. Sasha became the target and Absolution pounced. They kept her in the ring for the majority of the match. She took the brunt of the punishment. But she was able to tag Bayley and get a reprieve. Bayley did a good job quickening the pace of the match and almost got the win but Mandy and Sonya saved their leader before the 3rd count. Frustrated and fed up Sasha and Mickie attack and pretty much an all-out brawl ensued on the outside of the ring. Bayley still in control took a little too much time giving Paige the opportunity to recover and capitalize. Paige hits the RamPaige and gets the win.
This was a good match. Tempo was quick when it started, slowed down but still interesting in the middle, and ended with the match picking the tempo back up. It was fun to watch. I know I know I ranted and bitched before but I can give props when props are due. It was a good match. It was the best match they've had since these 6 women have been coming in contact with each other. So for me as of right now this was the best match of the night.
Match Grade:
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Next Match...filler: Heath Slater vs Kane
If you're looking for a competitive match that gave an amazing display of athletic ability and competition then you're looking at the wrong match. See the previous match with Absolution vs James Banks and Bayley and you'll get your fill of quality wrestling. This match between Kane and Slater was nowhere near that kind of match but it wasn't bad either. This storyline for Slater and Rhyno is eerily similar to the storyline of The Ascension and Breezango. Friends throwing their friends in the path a dangerous entity. Kane being Slater's danger and The Bludgeon Bros being Breezango's.
Now having said that last week Rhyno said he had a plan to toughen up Heath. Although reluctant he agreed and went along with Rhyno's plan sight unseen. Not a wise choice considering the man uses self-tanner like lotion and continuously eats cheez whiz with crackers all the time. But nonetheless Rhyno setup a match between Heath and Kane.
Heath, of course, was afraid yet he still competed. Heath put up a small fight and got gassed up by the WWE Universe and Rhyno. But it was all for naught. He ended up being choke slammed by the Big Red Machine. Kane picks up the win. And his trusty friend Rhyno also got a chokeslam.
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Another filler: Curtis Hawkins vs Finn Balor (Poor Balor you deserve better than this)
Curtis Hawkins has a losing record that is both impressive and extremely sad. Hawkins has lost 146 matches in a row. I would be so upset if I had to be that guy but if my paycheck was nice I'd allow the humiliation. I need to be paid to be humiliated like that. This is worse than Santino Marella's 1 sec entry in the Royal Rumble a while back.
Anywho Curtis decided that he had to fact check himself. This was his final shot to obtain one win this year. He said he was in the giving mood. So to get himself on track for 2018, Hawkins issued yet another open challenge. And Finn Balor answered. Once Finn's music hit I was sure Hawkins was losing this match and I was right! Finn Balor hits the Coup de Grace and gets the win.
The match wasn't terrible it was just pathetic and a little messed up for Balor. It's like they don't have a viable rivalry for him so he's just floating around. He's just getting crumbs and I don't like it. Why can't he be the IC Champion? No disrespect to Roman but I think he would fair better at holding the title. I just don't get why he's so underutilized. You got a great competitor in Finn Balor: He is great in the ring, decent on the mic, he has an alternate persona that is AHMAZING TO SEE, and he's easy on the eyes. Plus WWE fans including myself absolutely LOVE HIM! What more can you ask for in top WWE talent? Sigh...I guess we'll have to see what they have in store for Balor in 2018. And if its more of THIS, I don't think Finn will be able to hold his place in WWE much longer.
As far as Hawkins goes...I'm not surprised. I expect more losses in the year 2018. LMAO
Match Grade:
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It's TIME for the forces of Light and Dark to FINALLY FINALLY FINALLY COLLIDE! The Great War will have its first CLASH!
Bray Wyatt spoke briefly in his normal format and then made his way to the ring. OMG, I thought we would never see Bray in the ring again! Jeez! Bray Wyatt tried to call out Matt Hardy but was thwarted by Woken Matt before he could even open his mouth!
I'm here for this I just wish this would've happened a while ago. Woken Matt was given a huge boost. The crowd loved his interaction with Bray Wyatt. I'm curious as to how this will play out. The crowd absolutely loved it. When the segment ended and moved into Sheamus and Cesaro they were still chanting for Matt Hardy. Next week they should definitely take this rivalry to the next step.
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The Shower Rod Bros are up next and of course their not happy about having to defend their titles against Rollins and Jordan. But they were in the Christmas spirit and decided to exchange gifts. They gifted each other dolls of their opponents. A one-armed Dean Ambrose (which I thought was distasteful), a Rollins doll, and a Jason Jordan doll. To which they made the point that no one wants him including his father and his tag team partner Seth Rollins.
I had mixed feelings about this segment. The crowd was completely enamored with Matt and Bray. The Bar was completely ignored and overshadowed by Bray Wyatt and Woken Matt's interaction. They paid Sheamus and Cesaro absolutely no mind until the very end of the segment. Which leads me to believe that Cesaro and Sheamus are on their last legs. I like them as a duo. Oddly enough they work but it's getting ready to be 2018 and we need variety. With The Revival on the horizon and Jordan & Rollins on their heels. I don't foresee The Shower Rod Bros holding the belts into the new year.
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Moving on...
The Cruiserweights had another segment Monday with a Miracle on 34th Street Fight. Enzo Amore and Zo Train vs Cedric Alexander (I Love Cedric), Mustafa Ali, and Akira Tozawa. It was a fun campy match. Ali and Tozawa went flying it was AWESOME! There were Christmas trees and candy canes flying everywhere. But in the end, Cedric Alexander hit the lumbar check and picked up the win for his team. This match was fun to watch. Although watching Enzo beg another man wasn't attractive lmao it still was a fun match to watch.
I love the cruiserweights. I feel like if they give them proper storylines and a decent 2-hour show it can be an even better brand. You need guys like Enzo and Brian Kendrick to stir up the pot. I just wish there was more validity to the brand if that makes sense?
Match Grade:
Match Grade:
Speaking of Enzo...we all know that according to the storyline (honestly I don't think Enzo would be Nia's type in real life) Nia Jax is really feeling Enzo. However everytime they get the conversation going they are interrupted. Case in point, Nia approached Enzo and they were conversing. They were under the mistletoe and it took them 2 and half minutes to almost kiss. Only to be interrupted by Alexa Bliss saying how she needed Nia's help and it involved the Women's, Royal Rumble. Nia left leaving Enzo under the mistletoe alone.
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Next Match...
Roman Reigns vs Samoa Joe for the InterContinental Championship
Earlier in the night Samoa Joe (my favorite Heel) made it very clear that he is proud of his actions on Dean Ambrose a week ago. What made it even more sinister was that he was saying all these horrible things to Dean Ambrose's wife and WWE commentator Renee Young. That was messed up. But after the night went on right before his match with Joe, Roman was asked what he felt about Joe's comments. He said he didn't care what Joe said or thinks. Tonight was about Dean Ambrose and sending a message. The message is if you hurt one of my brothers I'm gonna hurt you.
So now its time for the match. At first, it started off normal. Samoa Joe came down to the ring smug, angry and confident. But when Roman came down to the ring it was different. I'd seen that look before. It was the exact same look Roman had when he fought Bray Wyatt in a steel cage match and the same look he had when he had that rivalry with Triple H. Pure anger non stop until revenge was sought. That Roman Reigns is dangerous and real talk I kind of wish he was like that all the time! Anyway Roman went ham. He took it to him right from the beginning. He hit Joe with a driveby that was insane. Joe eventually recovered and took over. It was a vicious and I liked every moment of it.
But it didn't end with a proper winner. Joe tried to take out Roman's arm same as he did to Ambrose. For the most part, it was working. Until the tide changed. Roman got disqualified after shoving the official during an onslaught of stomps and kicks. He let his emotions get the best of him. He launched a vicious assault on Samoa Joe. Attacking his arm the same way Joe and The Shower Rod bros attacked Dean Ambrose. Roman beat the hell outta Joe before he could scurry away holding his arm. I mean steel steps to his arm at least twice, almost got hit with a steel chair!! Oh, it looked brutal. I like the focused, brutality that Roman Reigns exhibits. It makes for damn good tv!
Side Note: Booker T is an idiot. A Righthanded Southpaw jab? Bruh smdh. His commentary is annoyingly stupid sometimes. He cannot possibly believe what he says. But given the fact that per the rumor Vince sometimes tells them what to say...I'm not surprised his commentary is beyond idiotic at times.
Match Grade:
via GIPHY
Good Ole Seth Rollins was smiling in approval of the beatdown Roman gave Joe. In walks Jason Jordan cocky and arrogant.
Good Ole Seth Rollins was smiling in approval of the beatdown Roman gave Joe. In walks Jason Jordan cocky and arrogant.
Clearly, Jordan is beyond ready for the clash with the Shower Rod Bros. He said that he doesn't wish anyone hurt but Rollins had to admit that he was a great "REPLACEMENT" as a tag team partner. Rollins made it very clear that no matter how good he thinks he is he will never be Dean Ambrose. His rebuttal: No....I'll be better.
Yes, Jordan your in-ring capability is awesome but you have no charisma and no personality. And in this business, your persona must be worthy. And right now treading on the career of your so-called father is not enough. You definitely need to focus on developing a character worth hating or loving. Honestly, people just hate you. No reason other than your annoying as hell. Begging crying and bullshitting. Get it together Jordan if you're going to hang with the big dogs you have to be able to hunt on your own!
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Moving On...
MizTourage was granted a match against an opponent of the GM's choosing. Well before the opponent was announced they decided to sing another carol. Ugh...it was bad. Just B.A.D. About 5 seconds into their song Braun Strowman's music hit and of course it was HE, THE MONSTER AMONG MEN who would be their opponent. I laughed my ass off because I knew this match would be quick. And it was. Really there is nothing else to say about if you want to see watch for yourself below..
Match Grade:
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Alexa Bliss made a small appearance Monday night. She boasted and bragged as she usually does. Claiming that Women's Royal Rumble came about because of her and her achievements. Uh, no biscuit butt it isn't because of you. You were apart of it but not one of the defining superstars. Paige, Sasha Banks, Charlotte Flair, Becky Lynch, and Bayley all ushered in a new era in the WWE for women. I won't take nothing from you. You are one of the best on the mic to ever do it. Your good. But you are not as good in the ring as your counterparts. Realistically I thought it would be a while before you became champion.
To continue my issue with Alexa I have a few questions: Why is she not in a feud with anyone? Alexa hasn't had a feud since before Survivor Series. No rivalry, no nothing. Alexa hasn't been in action since Absolution has debuted. I'm sorry but her holding that title hostage is getting on my damn nerves. It hasn't been defended and she hasn't had a proper feud with ANYONE on the roster except for Sasha Banks and Bayley. And those were earlier in the year.
But I digress back to Monday night... Asuka interrupted her little party and declared that she would be entering into the Women's Royal Rumble. Then she kicked Bliss dead in the face and danced off. Lmao. I like Asuka. She's cool and something the WWE needed: DIVERSITY.
This seemed like an unnecessary segment though. I don't understand why this was even put on tv. Asuka could've been put in a match and then make her declaration after the match was over. And then another thing: Why did you say you needed Nia Jax interrupt her and Zo only for her not to be seen for the rest of the night? Like she wasn't laying in wait for you or nothing? Bruh, whats good?
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Final Match & Main Event: Rollins & Jordan vs The Shower Rod Bros aka The BAR.
Started off great. Jordan and Rollins seem to work well with each other. But when dealing with a seasoned team like The Bar, you are going to have to fight them and their chemistry. They work together like a well-oiled machine. Each man clearly able to be a singles competitor but together their dangerous. It was difficult for me to see how Rollins and Jordan, two men who clearly have no love lost for each other would be able to fight through that.
The duration of the match Rollins was left at the mercy of the champs. Constant tagging they really worked Rollins over. Rollins kept looking for the tag but was pulled too many times to count. It took a lot of effort but once Jordan got in it the tempo sped up. It was great watching him in the ring. He also had some tough moments. Rollins saved Jordan's ass from submission to signature move. EVERY single time he got in trouble Rollins was there to bail him out. Long story short Jordan and Rollins were able to push through and become the new tag team champions.
Match Grade:
via GIPHY
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Overall...
The show was entertaining. Each match that meant something was worthy of airtime.
Best Matches of the Night
Jason Jordan & Seth Rollins vs The BAR aka The Shower Rod
Say what you want about Jason Jordan but he's great in the ring. If only they could get his character together. I don't like the sneaky grimy fake innocent I love my new dad bullshit. Give him something concrete. Something that will make him POP!
This match was awesome and there was no tell sign as to which way it was going to go which is a good thing.
Samoa Joe vs Roman Reigns
This match went the distance and I'm a little sad that it didn't get a definitive winner. But it did allow Roman to bring out his vicious side which I love. Samoa Joe is the prime time all day! Without him, there would be a major hole in the WWE. He's smart, cunning, charismatic, arrogant, and ferocious. He has unwavering confidence and strength that is unmatched. He and Roman in the ring are always at their best. I loved the match as a whole. I hope and suspect that this was only part one and a match for IC Championship will be set for the Royal Rumble.
Absolution vs Bayley, Sasha Banks & Mickie James
They finally got this match right. After weeks of this match breaking down each competitor was able to have time to fight and showcase their wrestling chops. I just don't want this to become a pattern. There needs to be something to this storyline with Absolution an end game. A goal. We all knew The Shield, DX and Evolution's end game. Hold titles, dominate and shake up the authority. But the only thing I see absolution doing is fizzling out after Paige holds the title.
Those were my favorite matches of the night. I enjoyed the show. I thought it flowed nicely and had some funny moments. Good job for the last show of the year.
UPDATE:
The first match of 2018 RAW Roman Reigns vs Samoa Joe for the InterContinental Championship if Roman is DQ'd he will lose his IC Championship. Sportskeeda.com
Now with this stipulation added I can imagine how this will play out. This is quite interesting...
I am so sorry for my lateness. I am working on being quicker and more consistent with my content. Until next time folks...Look out for my SDLive review!
Source: WWE YouTube, WWE.com & Sportskeeda.com
