Raw Review 01/27/2020

RAW REVIEW 01/27/2020

Tonight is the Fall-Out Edition of Monday Night Raw following last night’s Royal Rumble PPV! Charlotte and Drew Mcintyre won their respective Rumble matches so who will each pick to go on to challenge at WrestleMania? Who they pick will also dictate what will be next for Becky Lynch and Brock Lesnar going forward! Plus, can Seth Rollins and Buddy Murphy retain the Raw Tag Team Championships as they defend against Kevin Owens and Samoa Joe? Also, what will Edge have to say when he returns to Raw tonight after making his shocking In-Ring return? On top of that, we will also see the return of MVP on Raw! Finally, can Humberto Carrillo defeat Andrade and win the United States Championship?

Raw comes to us from the San Antonio, TX at the AT&T Center.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Jerry “The King” Lawler and Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton.

In-Ring Segment: Drew Mcintyre (Royal Rumble Winner)
Mcintyre says he is convinced he has been dreaming for the past 24 hours. He says it feels so good to stand here and tell you that the winner of the 2020 Royal Rumble is Drew Mcintyre. He then tells how he is going to WrestleMania. He says a lot of guys like to play games and draw this out but that’s not his style. He then says it’s time to make an announcement and make a challenge. He then challenges Brock Lesnar. Mcintyre says most of the guys in the back are terrified of that man but not him. He says when he looked into his eyes last night he thought he can Claymore this man over the top rope and he did. He says he also knows he is going to beat Brock Lesnar for the WWE title at WrestleMania. He then says he feels like giving out some Claymore’s right now. He then asks who has the balls to fight Drew Mcintyre. Out comes Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson.
Anderson tells him it sounded like an open challenge. Mcintyre says that’s exactly what it was. Anderson accepts and says he will fight him tonight. Gallows says actually I accept and I will fight you tonight. Mcintyre asks the crowd if they’re thinking what he is thinking and says he will fight them both.

Match 1: Drew Mcintyre vs The O.C. (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson)
Anderson starts off the match with Mcintyre and gets dropped to the mat. Mcintyre stays on him and lays out Anderson forcing him to make a tag. Gallows comes in and is backed into the corner. Mcintyre unloads on him before Gallows fights out of the corner. Anderson tags in and they try a double team but Mcintyre fights it off. He hits a Glasgow Kiss on Anderson and continues to beat him down. Mcintyre goes up top and flies hitting Anderson with a big elbow. Gallows gets up and is hit with a Future Shock DDT. Mcintyre then hits Anderson with a big Claymore Kick before hitting Gallows with one as well. He covers them both and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Mcintyre throws Gallows over the top rope. He then throws Anderson over as well. Brock Lesnar comes from behind and hits Mcintyre with the F%. he then holds up the WWE Championship.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
First, I’m so happy Mcintyre won the Royal Rumble. Finally, he is getting what he has fought for and deserves and I can’t wait to see what he does now that they are running with him. I’m not shocked he picked Brock Lesnar because I think Mcintyre feels he has a lot to prove and who better to do that against than Lesnar. Of course, Mcintyre gets this huge win tonight and made it look easy against the former tag team champions. Mcintyre looks like he is on a roll but obviously got caught off guard by Lesnar. Lesnar gets the one up here but I think when they meet one on one Mcintyre will find a way to prevail and over the next few months he will put doubt in the head of The Beast.

Match 2: Rey Mysterio vs MVP
Mysterio works a headlock but MVP is able to break free. MVP is taken down by Mysterio but is able to kick out of the pin attempt. Mysterio gets around on him again but is then pushed off the ropes. MVP fights out of it again and then is able to land a big boot as Mysterio comes off the ropes. MVP covers but Mysterio kicks out. MVP stomps on Mysterio in the corner but he is then backed off. Mysterio hits a drop toe hold in the corner and then lands a kick to the neck. MVP rolls to the outside and Mysterio hits him with a hurricanranna sending him into the barricade as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, MVP bounces Mysterio of the turnbuckle. Mysterio fights back but is overpowered and thrown into the corner. Mysterio is placed on MVP’s shoulders and is able to fight back and send MVP into the second turnbuckle. Mysterio now comes off the ropes and again takes down MVP. Mysterio goes up top and lands a seated senton. He comes off the ropes and drops MVP down to the mat. A cover and a kick out by MVP. MVP catches Mysterio and plants him. MVP hits the Ballin’ elbow and covers but Mysterio is able to use the ropes to break the count. MVP lifts up Mysterio but Mysterio counters and sends him into the ropes. Mysterio hits a 619 of sorts and then flies onto the back of MVP. He covers and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
My Opinion:
It was very cool to see MVP back in a WWE ring, of course, this wasn’t his best match he has ever had but I liked the back and forth between the two. Mysterio definitely needed this win and this could spark something for him going forward. For MVP, it’s not certain what his plans will be going forward but I would love to see him stick around for a while and get a good moment to go out on in the WWE.

Match 3: Aleister Black vs Kenneth Johnson
Black corners Johnson and hits him with a kick. He hits another big kick and then gets around on Johnson to throw him down to the mat. He hits Black Mass and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
*** After the match, Black tells how last night he got eliminated in the Royal Rumble. He says before you think that Seth Rollins and Buddy Murphy are to blame don’t because the blame is on me. He says if he starts something and doesn’t finish it then the loss is on him. He tells how he has made the mistake of waiting for people to come to his door and pick a fight with him. He continues by saying that rule changes tonight because the Raw locker room is no longer the one who picks a fight with him. He says he will bring the fight to you.
Winner: Aleister Black
My Opinion:
Black once again proves how dangerous he is in the ring and how quickly he can end things in the ring. Black has shown time and time again how good he is and the high-quality matches he can be apart of. I hope this new attitude of him going and picking fights will lead to something meaningful for him. He is a guy I want to see on the WrestleMania card because you know whatever match he is in he always delivers.

In-Ring Segment: Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy (Raw Tag Team Champions)
Rollins tells how close he was last night to winning the Royal Rumble for the second year in a row. He tells that it was not in the cards and he was eliminated by the eventual winner Drew Mcintyre. He tells Drew to enjoy the cheers while they last because they will stab you in the back so fast. Rollins then tells how he eliminated Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens and neither of them are going on to WrestleMania. He tells that another positive is Buddy Murphy and how they went on to win the Raw Tag Team Championships against the undefeatable Viking Raiders. He then tells that because he is a benevolent leader he accepted the challenge of Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens tonight. He then tells them to come out here. Here comes Owens and Joe.
Owens tells Rollins that the past few months he has been an absolute jackass and that he sucks now. Rollins tells Owens to stop talking and to come down now and fight them for the Tag Team Titles. Joe tells how Owens has been coming out here for weeks looking for this fight but you haven’t so what is the difference about tonight. Owens then asks him where the AOP are right now. Rollins says he told them to stay in the back and put a camera on them to prove it. He then shows the AOP on the screen. Joe then says you could be running a scam. Rollins tells him to not call him a liar. Rollins then tells Akam to say something to Owens which he does. Joe says so the AOP is back there in your private dressing room. Rollins says yes they’re back there right now. Owens thanks him and says now we don’t have to look for them anymore. The Viking Raiders then attack them in the dressing room. Owens says now he can fight for the Tag Team Titles.
My Opinion:
I liked the back and forth here, I think it was good to have Owens and Joe call Rollins bluff and really added a sense of common sense which seems to lack at times. Joe and Owens have been doing great together and like I’ve been saying they’re doing even better now that they continue to find people to help them in this fight.

Match 4: Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy (c) vs Kevin Owens & Samoa Joe:
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Rollins and Joe lock up but Rollins is able to get the early advantage working the arm of Joe. Joe fights out and hits Rollins with a big strike. Rollins goes to the outside and Murphy checks on him. Murphy tags in and gets around on Joe with a waist lock. Joe fights out and works the wrist of Murphy sending him to the mat. Joe hits him with a chop and stays in control. Joe then stomps on hi in the corner. He gets Murphy to his feet and hits him with a big right hand. Joe then hits a shoulder tackle. Owens tags in and hits Murphy with big right hands to the gut. Owens brings Murphy to the corner and hits him with an elbow. He covers but Murphy kicks out. Joe tags in and lands a snap mare before landing big shots to the back of Murphy. Owens tags in and stays in control sending Murphy into the corner. Joe comes back in and hits Murphy in the back. Joe works the arm of Murphy and then hits a side Russian leg sweep. Owens comes back in and hits Murphy with a right. He hits a backbreaker and covers but Murphy kicks out. Joe tags in and hits a big chop. Finally, Rollins tags in and the two work a two on one on Joe. Rollins works Joe in the corner and stomps him down. Rollins tags in Murphy and the two send Joe into the corner. Joe fights back and sends Rollins to the outside. He then sidesteps Murphy and sends him crashing to the mat. Joe sends Murphy to the outside and then flies through the ropes to drive him into the barricade as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Murphy and Rollins double team Owens as Joe was taken to the back due to injury. Murphy now works a chin lock and keeps Owens grounded on the mat. Owens works to his feet and fights off Murphy. He catches him and hits Murphy with a DDT. Rollins tags in and Owens avoids him in the corner. Owens hits the frog splash and covers but Rollins kicks out. Murphy tags in and grabs Owens but Owens fights him off for a moment. Murphy comes back with a big kick and covers but again Owens kicks out. Murphy bounces Owens off the turnbuckle and tags in Rollins. Rollins hammers on Owens with big right hands. Owens comes back with a pop-up powerbomb and covers but Rollins kicks out. Murphy tags in and Murphy goes for a big kick but Owens keeps fighting. Murphy stays with it and meets Owens up top. Murphy looks for a suplex but Owens hangs on. Owens headbutts Murphy and then sends him face-first to the mat. Owens hits the senton and covers but Rollins breaks it up. Owens now hits a senton on Rollins dropping him to the floor. Back in the ring, Murphy hits him with a big knee. Owens gets up and fights off Rollins again. He looks for a Stunner but has to stop and hits a Stunner on Rollins instead. Murphy comes from behind and is able to roll up Owens to steal the victory.
Winners: Seth Rollins & Buddy Murphy: Still Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
This was a great match between these two teams and even when Joe was taken out of the match Owens continued to fight and showed how bad he wanted to beat these two. Since Joe didn’t get to finish the match I can imagine they could get another shot at the titles because with Joe out there I think they could have easily pulled this one-off. Rollins and Murphy slip by this time but again a lot of the times it is about getting by and not always dominating.

Backstage Segment: Becky Lynch
Charly welcomes Becky Lynch and asks if she feels like her win accomplished what she wanted it to. She says it did something better and showed what kind of champion she is. She says she looked at her title and it hit her that she really is in a whole different league than the rest of those dopes. She tells how she has beaten them all so now that every debt has been collected she is going to fight because she wants to and not have to. Charly then asks her what if Charlotte challenges you. Lynch says it won’t be the first time but it will damn sure be the last time. She then shows the back of her jacket which has GOAT on it.

Match 5: Andrade (c) w/ Zelina Vega vs Humberto Carrillo: United States Championship Match
Carrillo starts the match hot and takes it to Andrade to the corner. He then stomps on him and Andrade goes to the outside. He meets him out there and stays on him. He then sends him into the barricade. Andrade fights back and sends Carrillo into the ring post. Back in the ring, Andrade hits a big knee in the corner. Andrade tries a cover but Carrillo kicks out fast. Andrade gets him in the corner and stomps on him. Andrade hits him with big forearms. Andrade gets him on the ropes and drives his knee into the back of his neck. Andrade lands a kick in the corner and stays in control. Andrade sends him into the corner. Carrillo fights back and sends him to the outside. Carrillo stays on him and then flies to the outside to lay out Andrade as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Carrillo lands a big kick. He comes off the ropes but Andrade plants him on the mat. Andrade now works the leg of Carrillo and works into a submission. Andrade keeps the stretch on and then lifts him to drop him for a powerbomb. Andrade hits him with a forearm and then tries the double knees but Carrillo is able to move out of the way. Andrade comes back and hits him in the back. Andrade stays with it and slams him to the mat. Carrillo comes off the ropes and hits a crossbody. Carrillo comes back with a big kick to the face. He then hits a moonsault and covers but Andrade kicks out. Carrillo tries to come off the ropes but Andrade kicks them out from under him. He tries to put him away but Carrillo kicks out. Carrillo fights way from Andrade and hits on an enziguri. Carrillo goes up top and hits another moonsault. Vega comes in and breaks up the over which calls for the disqualification.
*** After the match Carrillo unloads on Andrade and sends him to the outside. He meets him out there and sends him into the steps. He then lifts up the mat on the floor and drags Andrade over to the exposed floor. Carrillo then hits him with a DDT on the concrete.
Winner: Humberto Carrillo: Via DQ
***Andrade Still United States Champion
My Opinion:
This was an awesome match between these two and I loved the fight Carrillo had to stay in this match and almost work a win. This didn’t go his way but he sent a huge message to Andrade and got him back for taking him out for a month. Carrillo has such a bright future and if he continues to fight at this high volume he will be a champion in the near future. Andrade retains but obviously now recovering from that DDT will be his biggest concern going forward.

In-Ring Segment: Charlotte Flair (Royal Rumble Winner)
Charlotte first tells how she won the Royal Rumble last night. She tells that she did something she said she was going to do. She says she doesn’t want to brag but that’s who she is, she’s Charlotte Flair. She then tells the crowd to indulge her and shows the highlights from the match last night. Charlotte tells how she outlasted 29 other women. She tells how in 10 weeks she gets to face the Champion of her choice at WrestleMania and she doesn’t take this decision lightly because it means a lot to her. She says at WrestleMania she going to challenge for a Championship because she is still thinking about it. Out comes Asuka and Kairi Sane.
Asuka tells her she doesn’t think so. Charlotte asks Asuka if she wants to celebrate with her. Asuka says if she was in the Royal Rumble she would have won. Charlotte asks if she is challenging her. Sane and Asuka then attack her.
My Opinion:
I don’t mind the decision by Charlotte to wait on picking her opponent. I think whoever she picks she will go on to have an amazing match and no matter what she has a great chance of winning. I don’t think she was everyone’s popular choice to win the rumble but then again she is so good in the ring that she someone you want and need to have in those championship matches at Mania. I think this too gives the element of surprise and now we can wait and wonder for a while.

Match 6: Charlotte Flair vs Asuka w/ Kairi Sane
The two lock up and neither get the early advantage. Charlotte brings her to the corner but the two continue to stay on each other. Charlotte breaks away and lands a series of big chops. Charlotte brings her to her feet and slams her back down to the mat. Charlotte lands an elbow to the chest and wears down Asuka. Charlotte goes to the arm and keeps Asuka grounded on the mat. Asuka comes back with a big kick and covers Charlotte but she kicks out. Asuka lands a series of kicks and then comes off the ropes for the rearview but misses. Charlotte comes out of the corner and lands a clothesline. Charlotte gets her in the corner and hits her with a forearm. Asuka looks for a bulldog but Charlotte throws her off. Charlotte stomps on the leg of Asuka and then uses the ropes to manipulate the ankle. Asuka comes back with a suplex and takes a breather. Asuka goes up top and flies to hit a dropkick. She covers but Charlotte kicks out. Asuka now locks in the octopus and wrenches on Charlotte. Charlotte fights back and hits a chop and then hits even more in the corner. She places Asuka up top and meets her up there. Sane works a distraction and it allows Asuka to push Charlotte to the floor a sRaw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Charlotte looks to fight back but Asuka stays strong hitting a bulldog out of the corner. Asuka tries to put her away but Charlotte stays in it. Asuka goes up top but Charlotte is able to get the better of her, Charlotte hits a dropkick and works a breather. Asua is able to hang her up on the ropes and creates separation. Charlotte comes back with a boot but Asuka kicks out of the cover. Asuka gets back in control and works another version of the octopus. Charlotte tries to fight and even works a pin but Asuka kicks out. Charlotte lifts her up and slams her to the mat. She covers but Asuka kicks out. Asuka lands double knees and covers but Charlotte kicks out. Charlotte is able to work a cover but Asuka kicks out. Charlotte hits a spear and covers but again Asuka kicks out. Charlotte now works the Figure Four, Charlotte then bridges into the Figure 8. Sane then interferes with the Insane Elbow from the top.
*** After the match Sane stays on her but Charlotte fights her off and throws her into the corner. She then hits her with a big boot. Asuka pulls her out of the ring and Charlotte stands tall.
Winner: Charlotte Flair: Via DQ
My Opinion:
This was a very competitive match which is expected with these two. They definitely delivered and it was awesome seeing this high quality of match on Raw. I’m not sure what this will lead to but I’m a fan of getting to Asuka in these big matches. This match may have ended in a DQ but I hope to see this one again soon.

Backstage Segment: The Street Profits
The Street Profits highlights some of the big moments from tonight. They then talk about Edge but stop as Kelly Kelly comes up to them. Dawkins introduces himself to her and does his best to talk himself up. Ford then talks about WrestleMania being less than 70 Days away. He then tells how the 24/7 Championship is up next.

Match 7: Mojo Rawley w/ Riddick Moss vs No Way Jose
*** Before the match, Rawley tells how he isn’t running and hiding with this title. He tells how anyone can get it anytime and anyplace. He says like any franchise quarterback knows you need a strong offensive lineman to watch your blindside. He then introduces Riddick Moss. he says anyone who wants to take this from him to know that they’re about to get blocked. Out comes No Way Jose.
Rawley lands a chop block and then hits a big right hand in the corner. Rawley lifts him on his shoulders and throws him down to the mat. Rawley covers him and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match, one of the conga line members comes in the ring and pins Rawley to win the title. This turns out to be R-Truth. Truth celebrates but then is caught and planted face-first on the mat. Rawley covers and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Still 24/7 Champion Mojo Rawley
My Opinion:
Rawley is doing his best to bring eyes to the 24/7 title but he has a long way to go. I think if they are trying to get the title over like this it needs to be with someone who has a little more credibility with the fans. Rawley doesn’t seem to connect as well but maybe given the chance to do this each week he will be able to get this over the way he is trying to.

Match 8: Lana vs Liv Morgan
Rusev & Bobby Lashley Banned From Ringside
Liv backs Lana to the ropes but has to let go of the hold. She is able to hit Lana in the corner and then land a snap mare followed by a big kick. Lana comes back and sends Liv to the outside. Lana brings her back in the ring and Liv fights back. Lana though stays in control and hits a big kick. She covers but Liv kicks out. Lana works a chin lock and keeps her grounded on the mat. Liv works an arm drag and follows up with big clotheslines. Liv hits a stomp in the corner and then goes for the cover but Lana kicks out. Another cover and another kick out. Liv then hits the flatliner from the ropes and gets the 1 2 3 on the pin.
Winner: Liv Morgan
My Opinion:
Liv looked good this one and really dominated in her return. This wasn’t a long match by any means but it got the point across that Liv is back. I liked her move at the end and I think with this new attitude she could do big things on Raw. this story seems far from over but it’s clear she got some retribution tonight against Lana. I’m sure Lana will have something to say about this and we will continue to watch this unfold until we get a definitive ending to this one.

Match 9: Erick Rowan vs Branden Vice
Rowan immediately knocks Vice down and to the outside. He meets him out there and hits him with a crossbody dropping him to the floor. In the ring, Rowan lifts him up and slams him with the vertical suplex. He covers but lifts the head of Vice avoiding the three. He then hits him with the Iron Claw and now pins him for the 1 2 3.
Winner: Erick Rowan
My Opinion:
Rowan continues to dominate but when it counts they aren’t letting him do much. He didn’t have a good showing in the rumble last night and tonight he is back to facing local competitors. I think we all get what he can do against guys like that but the only thing that is going to give him that believability will be to face guys that have a name. All we see from him is carrying around the cage and as I’ve been saying they need to do something soon because even though he is on tv he is still fading away from what we know he is and can do.

In-Ring Segment: “The Rated R Superstar” Edge
Edge soaks in the moment as the crowd goes crazy for him. He says as a performer, as an athlete, as an artist the reaction you gave you have no idea what it means to me. He tells us that it is why they do this. They chant you still got it and says you’re damn right I do. He then addresses how he is standing here. He tells that 9 years ago he was medically disqualified from doing this again. He then tells how he refuses to live with what if ‘s. He tells that over the years he started to feel pretty good and he asked what if I came back home? He then tells how he then got to work. He tells how he got a second neck surgery and then busted his ass. He tells how he got in the best shape of his life at 46 so he could step back in here and end this on his terms. He then tells that he stepped back in the rumble and saw familiar faces and new faces, Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, AJ Styles. He tells that the list goes on and on and tells them he hopes he sees them down the road. He tells that he doesn’t know how long this will last but he hopes everyone will join him on this ride. Edge says he is a little older and a little bit grayer, he knows he has some crows feet but it’s the road map that got him here and he has one thing that you can’t fabricate, fake, forced down someone’s throat, and what you can’t know unless you look someone in the eye. Grit. he tells that if you knock him down he gets back up. Out comes Randy Orton.
Orton comes up to Edge and gives him a hug. Orton tells him it is no secret he somewhat of a self-destructive personality years ago and when he’d dig himself in a hole too deep to get out of one guy would pull him out and that was Edge. He then welcomes him home and tells him he is a brother and family to him. He says feeling the energy and chemistry last night was special. He then says he has a what-if for him and asks what if Rated RKO got back together one more time. Orton then hits him with an RKO. Orton then grabs a chair and crushes Edge’s neck with it. Orton then throws down the chair and goes to the corner. He grabs the chair again and places Edge’s head in it. He then goes to the second turnbuckle but eventually gets off. Orton takes the chair and moves Edge’s head out from it. He then exits the ring. Orton grabs another chair and goes back into the ring to place the second chair under Edge’s head. He grabs the other chair and slams it on Edge’s head. Orton stars down Edge as Raw goes off the air.
My Opinion:
First, it was amazing to see Edge back and get to watch him in the ring again. I think his message was clear that this ride could end anytime but he is here and is going to give it a go and for me seeing Edge do it even one more time will be amazing. I think tonight will set up for a major Mania match between him and Orton and this is far from over.

Final Thoughts:
This was a great night on Raw, it had a really good pace to it and yes we had a lot of matches but some were quick and the ones that were longer delivered! First, I loved the choice by Mcintyre to face Brock Lesnar at Mania. This is going to be an epic clash and I cannot wait to see the build-up to this. This is the biggest opportunity Mcintyre has gotten and I think he is going to thrive with this! Also, I loved seeing MVP back in a WWE ring tonight. He and Mysterio did the best they could and like I said I hope MVP sticks around for a while and gets one more meaningful run in the WWE. I liked the Tag Team Championship match tonight as well, I think both teams gave their all and Owens continued to fight his heart out even when he was on his own. This is one I hope to see again and I think this rivalry can really give a lot of meaning back to the Raw Tag Team Championships. With that, the United States Championship match was also an amazing contest. Those two battled and I loved the back and forth. It was one of those where either man could win and unfortunately, Carrillo got robbed but he sent a message and like I said I can see him being in the title picture for a long time with his talents. It was a nostalgic feeling and then a somber ending tonight. It was amazing seeing Edge back but then Orton spoiled the return. Even though it was tough to watch I think this will lead to a major match at Mania and I’m excited to see this play out, the good part is Edge is back! Overall it was a solid night after the Rumble at this time of year things will only continue to get better as we head towards WrestleMania!!!!
Overall Rating: 7/10