Raw Review 09/26/2016

It’s Monday so that means it’s time for another Monday Night RAW! Tonight we see the fallout from last night’s Clash of Champions. Hopefully we have some light shed on some lingering questions from last night. Who will be the next man to step up to challenge Kevin Owens? What’s next for Seth Rollins? What does Mick Foley have to say to Stephanie about Triple H? Also what kind of retribution will Rusev be seeking after losing his United States Championship to Roman Reigns last night? Will there be a resolution to the best of 7 Series between Cesaro and Sheamus? What matches will we see announced for Hell In a cell? Plus so much more live on Raw!

---

Raw is live tonight from the US Bank arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed to the show by Michael Cole, Corey Graves & Byron Saxton.

Out first we see Roman Reigns with his new United States Championship. It is time for Reigns vs Rusev with Rusev already in the ring roaring to go. We are told Rusev won’t talk to anyone but Lana and we see an angrier side of him if there was any. We take a look back at last night’s match between the two. We see the grueling battle; these two took each other to the limit. We witness how Lana was ejected from the match and see the finish that Saw Roman powering out of the Accolade and hitting a devastating spear to capture his first US Championship. We are informed that Rusev had demanded his automatic rematch prior to RAW. Rusev is in a bad mood as expected and Reigns comes out savoring the moment.

Match 1: Roman Reigns (C) vs Rusev: Rematch for the United States Championship
We have a stare down between the two. Rusev starts off grounding Reigns trying to use his size advantage. He doesn’t seem to be looking for a fist fight with Roman. Reigns is able to get a hammerlock and get in control and hit a couple shoulder tackles. Rusev uses his legs to choke Reigns. Both men work each other very slow and diligently. Rusev lands a nice belly to back suplex that stuns Reigns. Rusev covers after another suplex but a kick out at 1. Rusev works Roman’s lower back with punches and a headbutt but Reigns quickly surprises Rusev with a nice right. A quick roll up by Reigns but Rusev is out at 2. Reigns tries to pick up Rusev for a slam but is unable to due to his back. Rusev hits a fallaway slam and Reigns is out of the ring. As we return from the commercial break Rusev is in control, landing some nice punches to Reigns. He continues the attack on Reign’s back with a tightly locked bear hug. Reigns powers out and creates separation but Rusev comes back and stunts Reigns momentum with a beautiful dropkick. Rusev tosses around Reigns but gets two near falls in a row. Rusev goes back into a waist lock after crushing Reigns back on the ropes. Reigns fights back and hits an explosive clothesline. Reigns is back on the offensive and drops Rusev with a big boot. Rusev catches Reigns as he goes for the Super Man Punch and both men are dumped over the ropes. As they land Reigns lands hard on Rusev’s head. We return with Rusev back in control, during the break Rusev drove Reigns into the ring post. Reigns counters Rusev as he went for a suplex; Reigns comes off the second rope with a much-needed clothesline to try to regain control. Reigns hits a Samoan drop but it isn’t a enough to get the win. Reigns is unable to lift Rusev for a powerbomb and Rusev gets in control with a spin kick. Another kick out by Reigns and Rusev gets knocked off the top rope by Reigns. Reigns goes after Rusev and throws him in the ring. Rusev meets him with a nice kick to Reigns head but he still is able to kick out. Rusev hits another kick but Reigns kicks out again. Rusev is frustrated at this point and can’t keep Reigns down even with being a step ahead. Reigns catches Rusev’s leg and is able to get to his feet for a Super Man Punch. Rusev kicks out and a desperate Reigns looks for a spear but Lana gets on the ring to distract. Reigns has none of it and hits a drive by on Rusev. The two are on the outside now as Reigns throws Rusev over the barricade and the men start fighting in the crowd. Neither men makes it back to the ring and are counted out. Reigns retains the title due to double count out.
Winner:
Roman Reigns retains due to double count out.
My Opinion:
The match started out very very slow. It’s tough between these two to have fresh matches since they’ve faced each other so much. After the slow start the match came back round and did well showcasing each man’s resilience. Overall the finish did some good for both as they were able to show they are powerhouses and won’t go down easy. I really think the world of Rusev and think he is the one true heel right now. Plus now it sets up another possible rematch for the two maybe at Hell In A Cell.

– After the match the brawl continues as Rusev keeps bringing it to Reigns throwing him into the barricade. Reigns fights back and reverses throwing Rusev into the barricade. Reigns looks to jump off the steps but is met with a chair to the gut. Rusev hits Roman in the back with the chair and continues the assault. Reigns is thrown back in the ring and Rusev waits for Reigns with the chair. As Rusev tries to hit Roman, Roman connects with a spear to counter. Instead of hitting Rusev with the chair Reigns sits in it and holds up the title. As Rusev goes to crawl out of the ring Reigns stands up and hits Rusev in the back with the chair. The rivalry is far from over.

In Ring Segment:
We return to Raw with Mick Foley in the ring to address the ending to Sheamus and Cesaro’s Best of 7 Series match 7 finish. Foley says both men delivered in a thrilling match but the match was ended due to medical reasons and the series ended in a draw. He then invites both men out to the ring. Out first comes Sheamus and we see Cesaro right there after. Mick goes to speak but is interrupted by Sheamus.
Sheamus mentions how Mick said the man who was more dominant and proved to be better would get a title shot at the end of the series. Sheamus say to the crowd to shut their mouths. Cesaro fires at him saying if you want them to be quite tell them a funny irish joke. Sheamus doesn’t take kindly but goes back to Foley claiming that if he isn’t the dominate man then he doesn’t know what Foley has been watching. Cesaro Stops Sheamus saying he was actually ready to fight and all Sheamus did was scurry away. Sheamus states he didn’t scurry away and that he is the tougher man. Cesaro reverses the statement stating that in fact he is the tougher man. Sheamus doesn’t take it lightly and simply states that he is better and he is through with Cesaro. Cesaro agrees and says he is done with his ugly mouth. Foley says Sheamus is right, actually that both men are right. Mick says he has come to a decision and announces both men will get title opportunities. He says both men will get the same title opportunity and compete together for the WWE Tag Team Championships. The two argue with Foley but he has none of it. Foley tells them that they don’t have to like it but if they want the chance they’ll face the winner of the next match.

Out next is The New Day who are set to defend their championships against The Club in a Clash of Champions rematch. Sheamus and Cesaro don’t seem to like the idea of teaming together and walk up the ramp as Gallows and Anderson come out. The four men share a stare off. We are told Gallows and Anderson get the opportunity tonight due to Wood’s involvement last night and ultimately costing The Club the titles after hitting gallows with Francesca.

Match 2: The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E) (C) vs The Club (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson): WWE Tag Team Championships
We return to see Kofi and Anderson starting the match. Kofi takes out Gallows and gets in control of Anderson. Big E comes in and continues stomping on Anderson. Gallows pulls out Big E and hits a big boot. He then takes out Kofi with a clothesline. Anderson hits kofi with a nice boot and gets him back in the ring. Gallows is back in with Kofi and lands some nice right hands. Kofi goes for a springboard off the second rope but is caught by Gallows and is planted with a chokeslam. Kofi is able to kick out. As Raw returns Kofi is still struggling to make a tag. Anderson hits a big powerbomb but it isn’t enough to take out Kofi. Back in comes Gallows and he continues the assault. Anderson gets the tag but misses a double knees to Kofi’s face. In comes Big E and starts with his power offense by hitting a belly to belly. Anderson throws Big E into the ring post but it is not enough for the win. Anderson is sent through the second rope and onto the apron. Big E then hits a spear through the second rope to Anderson. The New Day hits the Midnight Hour but Gallows breaks up the pin. Kofi goes to fly but is pulled out by Gallows and thrown into the steps. Anderson hits a neckbreaker off the top rope to Big E. Anderson and Gallows hit the Magic Killer on Big E but Kofi breaks it up. Kofi hits Trouble in Paradise and pins Anderson for the win. For 400 days now, The New Days have been champs.
Winner:
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E)
 My Opinion:
It was a good match for both teams but to be honest The New Day needs to lose the titles soon. They are over with the crowds and don’t need the titles to stay afloat. The Club however is losing steam. They are supposed to be tough guys and yet they lose more than they win and haven’t gotten over like they should. I feel it could’ve been great if they won tonight and went on to face Sheamus and Cesaro. Now who knows what will happen with them in a weak tag team division.

-After the match we are shown the Universal Championship match from last night and we see how Kevin Owen’s was able to retain the title due to a questionable finish and interference by Chris Jericho. Its followed by the wwe.com exclusive with Stephanie McMahon from last night. Stephanie is asked if she has any comments about the main event and she says it was an incredible show and congrats to Kevin Owens. Then we are seen her greeted by her husband Triple H and the two take off. After they show the injury to Rollins ribs last right and we are told Rollins has damage to his ribs and isn’t medically cleared to compete tonight.

-As we return Sheamus and Cesaro are in the locker room arguing before they are interrupted by Foley. When he enters Sheamus says Mick you can change your mind and give me a title shot. Foley stops him and gets emotional about last night. He states how he had tears in his eyes watching their match last night. He was so proud that they proved everyone wrong and him right. He says he knew they could steal the show and that he can’t afford putting them out there against each other again and risk losing one of them. He calls both me the two greatest he’s seen and states again he can’t lose one of them. He then goes on to say that if he puts them together they can change the face of tag team wrestling. He tells them to trust him enough to try and if they do he will put them out there tonight and show the WWE Universe what he’s thought all along that they are amazing.

Match 3: Bayley vs Anna Fields
Its Bayley versus a jobber named Anna Fields. Anna takes it to Bayley early knocking her down and choking her with the ropes. She backs Bayley into the corner and connects with forearms and chokes her with her long leg. She gets a nice headlock on Bayley but Bayley feels the crowd and is able to throw Anna into the corner. Bayley slams Anna’s head into the turnbuckle over and over. Bayley hits a running clothesline and gains momentum. She connects with the Bayley to belly for the win.
Winner:
Bayley
My Opinion:
It did well in introducing Bayley as a character and it gives her a win. Although this match should have happened sooner as Bayley has faced tough competition before this and doing this sooner would have helped developed the character more. Overall a good win and a good way to just showcase Bayley.

– After the match Tom Phillips is in the ring with Bayley. He asks how Bayley is feeling after last night’s match. She says last night Sasha and Charlotte proved they are the top two women in the business today. She says that they hold the measuring stick for everyone else. She proclaims they have another thing coming if they think that’s the last they will see of her. She says she feels her and the WWE Universe are on the journey together and it’s just getting started. She states she won’t stop until she is hugging the WWE Women’s Championship

– We head backstage to see Stephanie in her office. Foley comes in and starts questioning her about the main event from last night. He claimed it was wrong how Jericho interfered and how it was convenient that she found a ref just in time for Owens to pick up the win. Foley continues with saying how it was fishy her leaving with Triple H like that. Steph states that Triple H just came to pick her up and he didn’t get to see the show and she told him it went great for Raw’s first Pay Per View. Steph starts getting angry and defensive towards Foley telling him it is his job protect the main event. Stephanie says he is the GM and he shouldn’t have been checking on Cesaro and Sheamus; they have doctors for that and it is not his job. Steph says she did not hire him to check on injuries. Stephanie tells him she needs him to think and not let his ego get in the way and how dare he accuse her of not doing her job. He backs off and says he was out of line and he wants to be the GM. Steph says he better prove it like a businessman and he can start tonight because it is his job to protector Seth tonight and to be the man she hired him to be. Stephanie reminds Foley that she hired him and she leaves.

Match 4: Rich Swann & Cedric Alexander vs Drew Gulak and Lince Dorado
Swann starts off with Dorado. The two share some quick moves and both are able to land on their feet after two hurricanranas. Dorado is able to the gain the upper hand and stretch Swann. He turns the stretch into a slam and plants Swann face first. He goes for a quick roll up cover but it is broken up by Alexander with a devastating kick to Dorado’s face. Swann, Alexander, and Gulake end up outside the ring and Dorado goes to the top to land a moonsault to take out all three men on the outside. As we return Gulak has Swann in a nice headlock. Dorado comes in as the men attempt to isolate Swann. Swann is able to get out-of-the-way as Dorado tried to slam into him in the corner. In comes Alexander and Gulake. Alexander lands a nice clothesline off the top rope. Alexander lands a lumbar check on Dorado who tried to get involved. Swann is back in with Gulake. Swann lands a Rich kick to Gulakes face and lands a bridge cover for the win.
Winners:
Rich Swann and Cedric Alexander
My Opinion:
It was an exciting match. They had a lot of great spots and it highlighted their move sets. However, these superstars characters need to be developed more. A quick promo before each match doesn’t tell us much. It is great in ring stuff and if i’m focusing on the match and the moves it was great but it’d be better if these matches start meaning something.

Match 5: Sheamus & Cesaro vs Nick Cutler and Willis Williams
Cesaro starts with Cutler and shows off some to Sheamus. Cesaro slams Cutler and then slaps Sheamus hard for the tag. Sheamus chops hard on Cutler’s chest. He throws some looks to Cesaro and in comes Williams. Sheamus takes down Williams with a big boot. Cesaro is in with Williams. Williams tries to take it to Cesaro and tags in Cutler. Willis and Cutler work Cesaro’s shoulder but Cesaro hits an uppercut to Williams. Sheamus comes in and lays out both men with a brogue kick each. Cesaro picks up the pieces and pins Cutler for the win.
Winner:
Sheamus and Cesaro
My Opinion:
Just a squash match for these two to test the waters as a team. These are two credible superstars so I don’t see why they couldn’t have at least faced The Shining Stars. It dull and didn’t mean anything towards them being able to work together. Hopefully if this continues we see them perform with actual competition sooner than later.

– In the back Tom Phillips is standing by with Cruiserweight champion TJ Perkins. He congratulates Perkins on his win last night and asks how he feels heading into his RAW debut. Perkins says it is a dream come true and he never thought it would happen.He claims it has been his dream since he started in 98. He is then interrupted by Brian Kendrick. Kendrick questions him and asks does it feel good to have your dream come true and have what is mine? He tells Perkins he owes him for his career. TJ fires back and says he owes him for that headbutt last night after the match. Kendrick says soak up the last drop of the spotlight because he is taking the title.

In Ring Segment:
We are back and here comes Charlotte to celebrate her victory from last night. She is 12-0 when defending her title at Pay Per Views. Charlotte says Clash of Champions was once again her night and she once again defended her championship and proved why she is the queen of women’s division. She states she defied the odds and defeated two of the greatest in the women’s division today. She says she doesn’t just talk the talk but walks the walk. She proclaims she disappoints everyone who thinks someone can dethrone her. She says she is the money-maker and the face of the division. This brings out Sasha Banks
Sasha says she needs to check herself and that it is still her title. Banks says she pinned Bayley and not her. Sasha reminds Charlotte that she is still owed her one on one match re-match.
Charlotte calls the crowd peasant and tells them to be quite. She tells Sasha she needs to learn she is better than her. But she says she has earned it and she’ll give her what she wants and she will give her the title match. Next week that is. Flair goes on to say if she didn’t give her the match Sasha would just whine to Mick anyway. Charlotte says she’ll give it to Sasha she gives her credit for getting back up over and over.
Sasha says she promises she will show she is the face of the division. Banks then slaps Charlotte and locks Dana in the Bank’s Statement. The Boss throws both out of them out of the ring and is left standing tall. If made official by Foley we will have a title match next week.
My Opinion:
Charlotte’s promos continue to excel. Flair did great on the mic and continues to be a dominate heel. It was a great way to keep the feud hot and show Sasha will stand up for what she wants. Definitely will be a key point of next Monday’s Raw. Maybe possibly if the feud continues we could see a first ever women’s Hell in a Cell match. If not that, maybe next week will be the first time the women main event Raw in over a decade.

– Before we go to commercial we see Rollins is there at Raw

– As Raw returns Seth is stopped by Mick in the back. He asks how he is feelings and Rollins says he will be fine soon enough but he is going out for the Highlight Reel. Mick says he can’t tonight. Seth says screw your rules and he won’t listen to Owens brag about last night. Mick tries to stop him and Rollins Says Mick I see your lips moving but hear Stephanie’s words coming out.

– Next we head back to the ring for TJ Perkins Raw debut. As Perkins comes out we see next week Kendrick will get a rematch for the title next week in Los Angeles.

Match 6: TJ Perkins vs Tony Nese
The two lock up and Nese shows his strength right off the bat backing up Perkins into the corner and then throwing him down. Perkins tries to build momentum but Nese pulls him down on the apron. Nese does a cart-wheel off the apron and turns it into a solid kick to Perkins face. Nese flies over the ropes lands on Perkins throws him back in the ring and goes for a cover but Perkins kicks out. We are back and Perkins is still down to Nese. Perkins hits an inverted atomic drop and hits a spinning kick to the face. He hits a gutbuster but it is not enough to keep Nese down. Nese rolls and slaps Perkins in the face as he was perched on the top rope. Perkins goes for a tornado ddt but is blocked by Nese. Perkins fights out and hits a wrecking ball drop kick. He sets up for the kneebar on Nese and Nese taps out.
Winner:
TJ Perkins
My Opinion:
It was a good match between the two. One thing I want to point out is that Tony Nese shined more than Perkins and looked more like a star out there. Nese showed his moves really well and capitalized on the opportunity. I feel he even brought more out in Perkins tonight then his match last night. This is definitely something that could turn into a good rivalry being that Perkins develops a better character. What I was almost a man versus a kid out there but in terms of wrestling it was safe but showed off the two well.

-Raw returns from break and it is official next week Charlotte will defend the WWE Women’s Championship against Sasha.

In Ring Segment (The Highlight Reel)
It is time for the Highlight Reel. Jericho starts off playing to the crowd doing his quite bit. He says tonight is the most anticipated highlight reel in history. He starts by addressing Danny Masterson and Ashton Kutcher saying how dare you say you two are better friends than me and Kevin Owens. Stating no one is better friends than him and KO and if they show up to Raw next week he will put them on the list of Jericho. He tells the cameraman he made the list for shooting from the wrong side. Then he focuses on Seth Rollins saying he is on the list because poor Seth got hurt again. He says he has been there for 17 years and has never been hurt but Seth is once again. He says the good news is his guest put him on the injured list. That his guest is his best friend and the longest reigning Universal Champion in history. He welcomes Owens. Jericho says last night you proved what real excellence is when you showed how a champion should be and a man he is proud to call his best friend.
Owens says he won’t wear suit for a city like Cincinnati. Owens says he proved to the world he is exactly what he says. That he should’ve been the number one pick for Raw. He is the main event and he is the man because not only did he beat Seth but he hurt Seth and put him on the injured list. He says it was karma what happened to Seth for injuring so many people. He claims he took out the most dangerous man in WWE so now he is the most dangerous man in WWE. Que Seth Rollins.
Seth comes out and he is being stopped by security and WWE officials and Foley. Kevin says Foley don’t listen to the people don’t let him fight take him to the back it is my time. He tells Seth to go redesign rebuild reclaim his couch LOL. Jericho fires saying you didn’t like that. You wanted to see Seth come beat us up. Here comes Enzo and Big Cass. Jericho responds to Enzo’s usual skit and says they are doing fine and why wouldn’t they be they are best friends, they are on top of the world, and they are the WWE Universal Champion. He then tells them that they are on the list. Enzo and Cass have fun and ask if Jericho is Santa Claus. Jericho says maybe I am maybe I’ll come sit on your lap. Cass responds saying what did you say. Jericho says he didn’t say anything. Cass says you said you were going to come sit on my lap and Jericho says nope I said I would punch you in the face. Cass says no and he will prove it and asks the crowd. The crowd breaks out in a yes chant. Owens says it doesn’t matter he will punch him in the mouth and Jericho says sorry we don’t have a match with you idiots. Cass responds and says actually we do we just talked to Mick about it and it is against you two right here in Cincinnati.
My Opinion:
Owens did well in ripping into Seth but could’ve elaborated more on Seth. Chris did ell doing his same stuff it’s still funny for now. Rollins shouldn’t have come out. I lost a little credibility in him because he didn’t even try to fight he just walked away with his tail between his legs. Enzo and Cass did their same stuff but they should be the top tag team right now and I don’t see why they aren’t. They work well with Jericho and do well in main event segments.

Match 7: Enzo & Big Cass vs Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens
Jericho and Enzo start off. Jericho gets caught with a drop kick by Enzo. Enzo throws Jericho into the corner but he is stopped by owens before he hits and in comes Owens. Owens says he wants the big one and in comes Cass. Cass throws Owens in the corner and back in comes Enzo. Big Cass then launches Enzo into the corner onto Owens. Jericho comes in to interfere but is sent over the top rope. Owens is also then thrown over the top. Enzo then is thrown over the tope rope by Big Cass and goes Air Enzo onto the two. Cass is back in now this time he is faced with Jericho. Cass hits a side-walk slam on Jericho and then on Owens as he came in trying to interfere. Cass goes for a big boot but is sent over the rope by Jericho. Owens gets the tag and goes to the outsides. He drives Cass’s head into the ring post as Raw goes to commercial. We return and Cass is looking for a tag. He makes the tag to Enzo and back in comes Jericho. Enzo use his scrappy offense to fight off Jericho. Enzo hits a nice cross body on Jericho but it is not enough to put him away. Enzo goes up again but is knocked off by Ownes. Owens and Cass double team Enzo and regain control. Owens is back in and stomps away on Enzo. Owens mocks Enzo and gloats as Enzo is isolated in Owens and Jericho’s corner. Jericho comes back in and hits a vertical suplex on Enzo. Jericho goes for a suplex off the top rope but Enzo blocks and knocks Jericho off. Enzo flies but gets caught by a Jericho drop kick. Owens comes back in and slams Enzo and hits a senton but it isn’t enough to put him away. Jericho comes in to continue the assault and Enzo still fights back but he is floored by an elbow. Enzo gets some separation but is hit by a clothesline. Jericho goes for a lionsault but is met by Enzo’s knees. He now gets a tag and Cass comes in hot taking out both men. Jericho goes to the top and is met by a big boot. Cass takes out Owens and hits an Empire Elbow. Owens is back in and in control until Cass hits another big boot. Jericho comes in to stop the bada boom shakalaka. Enzo is the legal man and hits a ddt off the top rope but Owens kicks out. Owens turns Enzo inside out with a wicked clothesline. He then hits the pop up powerbomb for the win.
Winners:
Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho
My Opinion:
This match did well showing Owens do what he does and Chris actually surprised me with some of his moves tonight. Enzo and Big Cass shouldn’t have to be in this match, I don’t see them being utilized in the right way. The 4 worked well together and kept everything safe for the week.

Final Thoughts:
It was a safe show. The matches meant nothing, guys were just thrown out there just to be out there and a lot of things didn’t make sense. You saw champions getting outshined and saw people losing their credibility. It felt like the show was made for only 50 people to watch. If anything it felt like they were building up to next weeks Raw in LA, as if it’s a big event. There were some highlights but most of the highlights were promo’s and some flips. I wasn’t very impressed this week so I hope next week is better.
Overall Rating: 6/10