Raw Review 05/29/2017

This is the Go-Home Edition of Monday Night Raw as this Sunday is Extreme Rules. Tonight we will see Finn Balor in a Triple Threat Match against Samoa Joe and Bray Wyatt. Plus in store for tonight is Roman Reigns vs his longtime friend and rival Seth Rollins. We will also see if Bayley can gain an edge over Alexa Bliss. Can Bayley really get Extreme heading into this Sunday. Announced last week the Hardy’s decided to pick a steel cage for there stipulation as they face Sheamus and Cesaro. How will this decision impact the #1 Contender’s? Big Cass searches for answers tonight as last week Enzo was attacked backstage. Lastly The King of Cruiserweights Neville seems to have an edge over Austin Aries. Can Aries pull it together and be the men the WWE Universe expects him to be?

Raw is live tonight from the Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, SC

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

In Ring Segment: Miz TV
Miz welcomes everyone to Miz TV. He says the It Couple is feeling real good. He brings up this his match with Dean Ambrose this Sunday and says Ambrose stole his title. He talks about how he demanded another match and how he made sure the stipulation was if Ambrose gets disqualified he will lose his title. He welcomes his guests tonight Cesaro and Sheamus.
Miz thanks the two for being on Miz Tv. he says no two superstars in the WWE have worked harder than them and no two superstars besides him deserve to be champions more. Cesaro says it’s a shameful thing what the Hardy’s did. Sheamus mentions how the crowd turned their back on Cesaro when the Hardy’s showed up. Sheamus says the crowed has no loyalty and are all about the new thing. Sheamus says he and Cesaro will win back their Tag Team Championships. Miz says he too has been victimized by the people and they don’t see the greatness in the ring. Miz says he elevated the Intercontinental Championship. He says the title needs a comeback and after Extreme Rules the Miz as Intercontinental Champion Tour will begin. Out comes Dean Ambrose.
Ambrose says he doesn’t always make great decisions, but he just can’t help it. He says someone needed to come out here and shut their mouths. Miz tells Ambrose to do the math. He says Ambrose is either crazy or stupid. Ambrose says he can call him crazy, but he is not stupid. Out come the Hardy’s.
Ambrose and the Hardy’s storm the ring. Miz retreats as it is three on two. Sheamus and Cesaro are kicked out of the ring as the three champions stand tall.
My Opinion:
I loved that segment. Without the Universal Title on Raw the other Championships need to be held in high prestige. I don’t think the talking of the segment was really anything special, but the special moment came seeing Ambrose and The Hardy’s together. it ‘s a great way to kick off Raw especially since this something people want to see. It seems most everyone loves the hardy’s and Ambrose so what better way to kickoff a show than with them together. The only issue I see is the annoying people out there who will say that this was obvious. Maybe we saw this coming, but if you love pro wrestling this was a special thing.

Match 1: Dean Ambrose & The Hardy Boyz vs The Miz & Sheamus & Cesaro
Matt has cesaro reeling as Raw returns. Jeff gets the tag and The Hardy’s double team Cesaro. Jeff works the arm of Cesaro and tags Matt back in. Matt goes to the arm of Cesaro. Cesaro hits an uppercut and sends Matt into the opposite corner. Miz gets the tag and he and Cesaro double team Matt. Sheamus gets the tag and takes it to Matt. sheamus gets a chinlock in. Matt fights back, but is stopped by a knee to the gut. Sheamus hits 10 Beats of the Bodhran on Matt. Cesaro gets the tag and sends Matt back into the ring. Cesaro comes off the ropes and lands hard on Matt. Matt fights back, but Cesaro sends him down and knocks Jeff off the apron. Matt is able to take down Cesaro and Ambrose gets the tag. Ambrose comes in hot and takes down Cesaro. He takes Miz out and takes a shot at Sheamus. Sheamus makes the tag and Ambrose sends him to the floor. Cesaro tries to get involved, but Jeff breaks it up. Ambrose goes to the top, but is take out by a high knee.
As Raw returns Miz has Ambrose on the mat. He kicks Ambrose and toys with him. Miz continues with his versions of Daniel Bryan’s kicks. Ambrose gets a quick roll up, but Miz kicks out. Miz gets a cover of his own, but it is not enough. Cesaro gets the tag. He tries to land an uppercut in the corner, but Ambrose moves and Cesaro flips out of the ring. Miz comes to the outside to take out Matt and Jeff to prevent an Ambrose tag. Cesaro and Sheamus double team Ambrose. Ambrose kicks out on the pin attempt. Sheamus places Ambrose on the top rope and looks for White Noise. Ambrose fights out and sends Sheamus to the mat. Ambrose flies and hits an elbow. Cesaro gets the tag and stops Ambrose from making a tag. Ambrose comes off the ropes and hits a clothesline. Ambrose tags Jeff and Miz gets the tag as well. Jeff hits an inverted atomic drop. He lands a nice clothesline. Matt tags in and he and Jeff htis Poetry in Motion. Matt hits the side effect, but Sheamus breaks up the cover. Miz gets the tag. Miz hits the Twist of Fate as Sheamus and Cesaro have been taken out thanks to Ambrose. Jeff gets the tag and hits the Swanton Bomb to pick up the win for his team.
Winners: Dean Ambrose & The Hardy Boyz
My Opinion:
A fantastic match between the two teams. There was a lot of great tag work and big moves out of the teams. Ambrose and The Hardy’s showed they won’t give up and they will fight until the end. It will be interesting to see how long The Hardy’s stay hot for. They seem to win every week, but at some point you have to expect it to end. It seems with Ambrose and The Hardy’s it’s just week to week to see how hot they will stay. No doubt Extreme Rules will be interesting. Even though The Hardy’s keep winning WWE has done a great job explaining that this match isn’t in The Hardy’s favor. On the same not they’ve done great keeping us guessing as to what tricks The Miz has up his sleeve. Overall this was a great match to kick off the night.
*** After the match Corey graves gets up and leaves the commentary table. We also see that Alexa Bliss will host Bayley this is your life.

Backstage Segment:
Angle reads a text from Corey Graves phone that says he was disgrace to the WWE. Corey Graves comes in and says he thinks Angle is doing a great job. Angle asks graves how he got this. Graves says people just tell him things, but he is on Angle’s side and will help in any way that he can. Ange says this could ruin him.

Match 2: Elias Sampson vs Zac Evens
Elias hits a knee to the mid-section. Elias takes Evens to the mat and twist his arm. Evens tries to land chops, but Elias hits a headbutt sending him to the mat. Elias pounds on Evens on the ropes. Elias throws Evens into the corner. He goes to the outside and slams Evens head on the mat. Elias twist Evens around the ring post. Elias punches Evens. Elias hits the swinging neckbreaker and picks up the win.
Winner: Elias Sampson
My Opinion:
Elias is very impressive. He showed what he can do and makes me excited to see him versus real competition. From what we have seen from him he is very good in the ring. He definitely can make an impact if they use him right. I see Elias as a heel Dean Ambrose.I just wish Elias had somewhat of a better gimmick because with what he has I can’t see him being a World Champion, but he definitely could be Intercontinental Champion with where he is at. I kinda wish he could’ve gone to SmackDown to help them out and to give him more of a chance.

Backstage Segment:
Samoa Joe is backstage and looks on at a Finn balor entrance. Joe is asked how he can prepare for his match tonight. Joe says he is learning how to better hurt Balor. Joe says he know Balor very well. He says he will break Balor. He brings up Wyatt, but Wyatt cuts in. Wyatt says he is the devil you don’t know. He calls Joe blind and says his eyes are wide open. He says he sees the future and sees a Beast of evil. He says he can see a world where a Beast screams and only one can defeat the Beast, he is the Eater of Worlds. He says he is prepared to wage war until the end of time. Wyatt says he will stand up. He tells Joe and the others to give in to their fears and run.

Match 3: Finn Balor vs Samoa Joe vs Bray Wyatt
Wyatt rolls out of the ring as the match starts. Balor goes right after Joe. Joe fights back with right hands. He gets Balor into the corner and chops him. Balor uses his speed to land a chop on Joe. Joe goes to the outside and sends Wyatt back into the ring. Balor goes at Wyatt. Wyatt brings Balor to his knees and hammers on him. Balor gets up and uses kick and punches to get Wyatt into the corner. Balor kicks Wyatt and sends him to the mat. Balor goes for the cover, but in comes Joe to break it up. Joe lands vicious knee strikes on Balor. Balor comes from behind and hammers on Joe. Wyatt gets to his feet and sends Balor to the floor. Wyatt toys with Joe, but here comes Balor to hammer on Wyatt. Wyatt tries to fight back and launches himself into Balor. Wyatt lands a big right hand and continues to slap Balor. Balor is placed on the top, but Balor fights back. Wyatt is taken out of the ring by Joe. Joe lands a huge shot on Balor and looks for a suplex. Back in is Wyatt and he powerbombs both men. Wyatt looks for Sister Abigail. Joe comes in and breaks it up getting Wyatt in the Coquina Clutch. Balor comes in and breaks it up. Balor sends both men to the floor. Balor then flies over the top rope to take out both men.
As Raw returns Joe and Wyatt work together to take Balor down. Joe lands a big kick on Joe. joe uses the ropes to choke Balor. Wyatt comes over and does the same. Joe punches Balor, but Balor fights back. He lands big elbows to Joe’s head, but Wyatt blasts him from behind. Joe lands a huge splash to Balor. Joe holds Balor so Wyatt can do the same. Baloror comes back to life again and punches both men. Wyatt and Joe quickly takes him to the ground. Wyatt turns his back on Joe and sends him to the floor. Wyatt takes Balor, but Balor fights out and hits an overhead kick.Balor lands an elbow to the face and follows with a drop kick. Balor turns around and is hit with a clothesline by Joe. Joe is sent through the second rope. Balor hits a running knee on Joe. Balor comes around the ring and drives Wyatt into the barricade. Balor then comes back to do the same to Joe. Balor Chops Joe as the two are back in the ring. Joe quickly plants Balor. Joe looks for the Coquina Clutch. Balor counters and hits a double stomp to the gut. Wyatt comes in and looks for Sister Abigail. Balor gets out and sends Wyatt to the mat. Balor looks for the slingblade, but he is caught by Joe and slammed down. Wyatt gets Joe in the Sister Abigail and hits it. Balor comes from behind and takes down Wyatt. Balor hits the slingblade on Wyatt. He lands a drop kick and hits the Coupe de Grace on Wyatt. Joe sends Balor into the post and pins Wyatt to get the win.
Winner: Samoa Joe
My Opinion:
A great Triple Threat match. I loved that three men really showed the unique qualities of a multi man match. Joe needed that win because heading into Sunday he is the least favorite. This shows us that Joe can find a way to win. If this match is any indication to this Sunday we are in for a treat. I loved that Balor kept fighting, but kept been taken down. Balor seems to be the favorite and has to continue to have that fighting spirit. Sunday has so many possibilities and these men showcased it.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins is asked about his match with Reigns. Rollins says if there’s anyone he is more familiar with it’s Reigns. He says they have a complicated history. Rollins says it is a war when they are in the ring together because they both want to be the best. Rollins says he owns Reigns and tonight will be no different. He says he is no stranger to changing the course of WWE History and at Extreme Rules he is primed to do it again.

Match 4: Noam Dar w/ Alicia Fox vs Rich Swann w/ Sasha Banks
Dar comes from behind and takes down Swann. Swann comes back and kicks Dar. Dar swings Swann and sends him to the mat. Dar hits an uppercut and wrenches on the face of Swann. Dar twist the wrist of Swann. Dar goes for the cover, but can’t get the win. Dar bends the arm of Swann and works his wrist. Dar backs Swann into the corner and lands nice shots. Swann hits Dar and lands a drop toe hold. Swann with huge kicks to Dar. Swann flips and lands a huge leg drop to Dar’s neck. Swann goes to the top as Sasha takes out Alicia Fox. Swann lands a Phoenix Splash to pick up the win.
Winner: Rich Swann
My Opinion:
A pretty decent match. My problem comes from the fact again that if you don’t watch 205 Live you don’t really understand the rivalry between Swann and Dar. It’s tough to try to bring one show’s problems onto another. Hopefully this Sunday will help The Cruiserweights. I think it’s very smart to bring Sasha into it, it helps bring interest to the matter. If Sasha is in the match people may actually watch and learn a little bit about the Cruiserweights. Even though the announce team helped in recapping the rivalry, I think seeing actions speak louder than just words. Although what is Sasha really doing involved in this. I mean look at what Sasha was and look where she is now. Would they do this to Charlotte? No chance that they would, so why do it to Sasha. It makes it feel like everything Sasha fought for was for nothing.

Backstage Segment:
The Revival tells that soon enough the top guys will be back on Raw. They are questioned about Enzo’s attack last week. They say they haven’t be here in six week. They are put in their place by when Charly says that they have been at Raw just not in action. They say of course they were here, they do work here. They say that they’re not wasting their time on Enzo, they are top guys.
*** Cass comes out and confronts Graves for his comments about the Enzo investigation. Cass asks what kind of man Graves thinks he is. Graves says he was just saying their is an investigation. Cass cools off and shakes his hand and walks away.
My Opinion:
Usually I don’t talk about little segments, but I love that WWE is using Corey Graves so much tonight. Graves is is a fan favorite and constantly connected with the WWE Universe. He definitely can get involved in a storyline and be very vital. Graves could be the one who starts all the drama on Raw. Though he can’t wrestle he could be used in a job is on the line storyline where he brings in a heavy to do his bidding. Or do what Lucha Underground did and have him be the master behind a superstar.

Match 5: Kalisto vs Titus O’Neil w/ Apollo Crews
Titus tries to throw Kalisto, but he bounces off the ropes and kicks Titus. Kalisto lands a drop kick and brings Titus to his knees. Kalisto sends Titus face first into the mat. Titus lands a boot and rolls up Kalisto grabbing the tights. Titus picks up the win.
Winner: Titus O’Neil
My Opinion:
There is something about Titus that is special. Even though this was just a quick thing Titus showed he is a dirty player and will do anything to win. Maybe at some point he and Apollo can be a tag team. I think these two as a team on SmackDown could do well. I kind of looks at them as a early Sheamus and Cesaro. Apollo is along for the ride and letting Titus do what he has to do and that actually works well. Apollo does a lot of the offense and Titus comes from behind and steals a win for them.

In Ring Segment: Bayley “This is your life”
Alexa tells about her match with Bayley. She says the first women to grab the kendo stick can use it on their opponent. Alexa says there is no way Bayley can use it. Alexa says that if she really wanted to understand Bayley she had to dig into her past. Alexa shows Bayley’s first ever doll that she has had since she was two years old. She shows a trophy that says best in sportsmanship. Alexa goes throw the line of Bayley artifacts. She grabs Bayley’s yearbook and reads Bayley is most likely to apologize. She then turns to her guests in the ring. Alexa introduces bayley’s fourth grade teacher. Alexa asks what Bayley was like as a student. Ms. Flapper says Bayley was a perfect student. She says she always sat in the front row next to her father. Alexa asks about this. Ms. Flapper says she couldn’t be away from him that long or she would cry. Alexa introduces Bayley’s best friend Tracy. Tracy says Bayley use to do everyone’s homework and take the blame for things. She says no one actually wanted to be Bayley’s friend. Tracy tells that Bayley never wanted to do anything and just wanted to watch wrestling. Alexa says we are all sick and tired of hearing how bayley’s childhood dream was being a wrestler. Alexa then introduces Bayley’s ex boyfriend. Alexa asks what it was like being her boyfriend. Phil tells that the first date was okay, but she always brought her dad along. He tells that they almost kissed, but nothing happened because her father came in. He tells that he only dated Bayley because he wanted to get close to Tracy. He then kisses Tracy. Alexa says see Bayley this is your life. Out comes Bayley.
Byley charges the ring, but Alexa stomps on her. Bayley turns the table and takes it to Alexa. Alexa lands a big right hand, but Bayley lands a big suplex. Bayley goes to grab the kendo stick, but Alexa knocks her off. Alexa grabs a kendo stick from under the table and hits Bayley. Bayley rolls out of the ring in pain.
My Opinion:
Tonight was too much of a reach for me. It has been pounded on for so long about Bayley being a child at heart. Who really cares anymore. The WWE needs to get more material for making fun of Bayley. I think Alexa ruined this formerly popular segment. It was not believable and the whole in ring action between Bayley and Alexa wasn’t to good. She landed one shot on Bayley and that was it. I guess I wanted more out of them tonight. I don’t feel this really hyped the match well. I guess I mis Charlotte and Sasha and what they did. They main evented, could Alexa and Bayley main event? Maybe, but not like this. We felt a real rivalry between Charlotte and Sasha but with Bayley and Alexa it just feels to staged.

Backstage Segment:
Enzo is laid out again. Cass tells Kurt that it was The Revival. Kurt says they left the building. Cass says that means nothing. Kurt tells Cass to go cool off, but Cass says he is not leaving his side again.

Match 6: Austin Aries & Jack Gallagher vs TJP & Neville
Aries starts off the match with TJ. Aries kicks TJ in the mid-section and backs him into the corner. Gallagher gets the tag, but TJ gets the advantage. He twists the arm of Gallagher and gets a side headlock in. Gallagher is able to get some offense, but TJ quickly backs him in the corner. Neville gets the tag. Gallagher is able to land a boot and gets a side headlock takedown. Aries gets the tag, but Neville retreats to the outside.
As Raw returns Neville as Gallagher on the mat. He brings him up and drives him into the corner. Neville flips Gallagher and lands a huge drop kick. Neville drives his knee into the face of Gallagher. Gallagher lands a headbutt and tries to make a tag. Neville pulls him back and drives Gallagher face first into the mat. Neville kicks Gallagher in the head and toys with the crowd. Neville grabs Gallagher and tags TJ in. TJ uses the ropes to launch himself onto Gallaher. TJ works the arm of Gallagher. Gallaher fights back, but TJ sends him back to the mat. Gallagher gets the crowd behind him and fights off TJ for a moment. TJ flips Gallagher with his knee. TJ lands a cheap shot on Aries. TJ uses the ref’s distraction of Aries to land a cheap shot a Gallagher. TJ pulls on the hair of Gallagher. Gallagher lands a headbutt sending both men to the mat. Gallagher gets the tag and so does Neville. Aries lands nice shots and takes down Neville with a back elbow. Neville land s kick to the mids-section. Aries battle back and hits a shin breaker. Aries lands a big left hand. TJ gets involved and takes down aries. Gallagher takes out TJ. Neville is sent to the outside and aries takes out him and TJ with a DIVE! Aries goes to the top rope, but misses a missle drop kick. Aries is able to come back and lock in The Last Chancery.
Winners: Austin Aries & Jack Gallagher
My Opinion:
A great match between the teams. First of all TJP really showed how great of a wrestler he is tonight. He used very unique holds to wear down Gallagher. I loved Arias getting the win over Neville. This shows that it can be down. This I believe is Neville’s first tap out since joining the division. Neville can comeback pissed or be be very startled. This could set up two things, Aries getting the huge win or Aries not being able to get it done in big situation. Either way I think these four men are top of the division and even though Aries vs Neville is a great match, I wouldn’t mind seeing these four in a fatal four way. There is hope for the division if they can keep having matches like this. They just have to leave the showcasing of the division on Raw to these kind of guys who can show the truly great wrestling these men are capable of. These guys will make you want to watch 205 Live and then the rest of the division can get their chance to shine.

Backstage Segment:
Roman says there is no man who owns him. He says he only cares to show everyone why he is the big dog and why this is his yard.

Backstage Segment:
Neville is asked if he is concerned heading into this Sunday. An irate Neville walks away.

Backstage Segment:
Goldust quotes the movie Psycho. He says he reached his breaking point, but he is back in the director’s chair. He says R-Truth knew the truth that a star like him couldn’t be held back. Goldust says R-Truth wanted the spotlight. Goldust states their ending will be golden.

Backstage Segment:
R-Truth quotes Pulp Fiction. Truth says movies were an escape. He says he took a lot of inspiration from characters. He says he will shut Goldust’s mouth because he is coming from him. He tells him he is gonna get got.

Match 7: Seth Rollins vs Roman Reigns
The two lock up to start. Reigns pushes Rollins away. Rollins locks Reigns up and rolls him up. But Reigns kicks out. Rollins works the wrist of Reigns, but reigns reverses. Rollins rolls out and sends Reigns to the mat. Rollins lands a standing moonsault. A pin, but Reigns is out. Reigns goes to the outside to regroup. Rollins gets a side headlock. Reigns throws him off the ropes, but Rollins slips away. Rollins fights out of a Samoan Drop, but Reigns lands a huge right hand. Rollins goes to the outside and Reigns follows. Reigns throws Rollins into the barricade. Reigns is able to hit the drive by and it drives Rollins into the ring post. Reigns looks for a spear, but Rollins lands a big knee. Rollins sends Reigns over the top rope and he launches himself onto Reigns.
As Raw returns Reigns drives Rollins into the barricade. Reigns brings Rollins back in the ring and throws him into the corner dropping Rollins to the mat. Reigns lands huge clotheslines in the corner as Rollins fades. Reigns comes off the ropes with a big boot to Rollins. Reigns gears up for the Superman Punch, but Rollins lands a huge kick. Rollins is able to land a sling blade. Rollins hits Reigns with a running forearm. He comes back at Reigns with another forearm. Rollins is able to drive reigns outside of the ring. Rollins hits a suicide dive. Rollins brings Reigns back in the ring and looks to fly. Rollins is hit with a Superman Punch in mid-air. Reigns looks for the spear, but Rollins side steps. Rollins hits a kick to the jaw, but Reigns gets the shoulder up on the pin. Reigns catches Rollins with a right hand. Rollins drives Reigns into the corner, but Reigns bounces out of the corner and hits a Superman Punch. Rollins falls to the outside. Reigns comes to the outside and runs towards Rollins. Rollins side steps and Reigns goes into the steps. Rollins and Reigns get back in the ring. Rollins hits the blockbuster, but can’t get the three on the pin. Rollins goes to the top again and hits a frog splash. Reigns kicks out again on the pin. Rollins goes to the top again, but misses the Phoenix Splash. Reigns is able to hit the spear and puts away Rollins.
Winner: Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
What a main event. Rollins and Reigns showed why they are the top guys on Raw. You take what these two did and you take the triple threat match and put them together and it’s magic. Roman showed tonight he is still a favorite to win. He and Rollins battled tonight. I think the eyes are on them as they have run Raw for so long. This doesn’t hurt Rollins in anyway, it just shows that Reigns is going to be dominate and it’s gonna take more than Rollins to stop him.

Final Thoughts:
Overall this was a great Raw. I loved the pace of the show. You don’t want it dragging on, you want people to sit back and say wow I can’t believe it’s over. This leaves them wanting more. Rollins, Reigns, Balor, Joe, and Wyatt all put on a show tonight. I think each menb proved they can be dominate. It doesn’t always take a big brawl between all the men to hype a match. Sometimes it just takes people showing what they can do and making you want to see the styles all clash. One disappointment tonight was the Women. I believe Bayley and Alexa needed more than just the same old thing. Bayley and Alexa are great, but I don’t believe this match is to looked forward to. Hopefully once this match is over they can move on and put on a better rivalry. The Cruiserweights shined tonight. Definitely showed the people great mat wrestling and gave people a reason to get excited. I think this Sunday will help show people why to watch 205 Live. One high point was how Raw kicked off. The hardy’s with Dean Ambrose was a dream come true. They came out on top, but it was perfect because it still felt like they have an uphill battle. Overall tonight everything looks even going into Sunday. I love the unexpected and nothing is too obvious. It’s anyones ballgame and it’s gonna be time to get Extreme!
Overall Rating: 7/10