Raw Review 09/11/2017

As the road to No Mercy continues, we see two epic clashes tonight. First for the first time ever John Cena will take on Braun Strowman, will Strowman continue his dominance and defeat the legendary Cena? In the second match we will see Roman Reigns take on Jason Jordan, Jordan put up a good fight against John Cena last week, but can he do again against “The Guy” Roman Reigns? Also set for tonight Enzo Amore will join The Miz on Miz TV, what will Amore have to say tonight? Now that Alexa Bliss has to defend her title in a Fatal Four Way will she be able to retain or are her days numbered? Plus The Universal Champion Brock Lesnar will make an appearance to respond to Braun Strowman.

Raw is live tonight from the Honda Center in Anaheim, California

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

Match 1: Roman Reigns vs Jason Jordan
Reigns and Jordan lock up, neither can gain any ground. Jordan tries for a suplex, but Reigns stops him. Reigns hits Jordan with a series of right hands and throws him off the turnbuckles. Jordan and Reigns trade blows, but Reigns is able to drop Jordan to his knees. Reigns hammers on him in the corner, but Jordan comes back with a suplex. Jordan controls Reigns and wears him down in the corner. Jordan sends Reigns into the turnbuckle and continues to wear him down. Reigns comes back with an explosive clotheslines. Reigns hammers away with more clotheslines and hits a big boot. Reigns misses on the Superman Punch and Jordan locks in a crossface. Reigns makes it to the bottom rope, but Jordan stands tall as raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Reigns is in control of Jason Jordan. Jordan tries to battle back, but Reigns sends him to the mat. Jordan is thrown into the corner and struggles to make it to his feet. Reigns hits a suplex and tries for a pin, but only gets a two count. Reigns locks in a chinlock and tries to keep Jordan grounded. Jordan is able to fight to his feet, but Reigns hits a Samoan Drop and stops his momentum. Reigns goes back to chinlock on Jordan. Jordan fights back to his feet and backs Reigns into the corner. Jordan lifts Reigns and throws him over his head. Jordan throws Reigns into the corner and lands a huge clothesline. Jordan tries for a pin, but can’t get the three count. Jordan and Reigns trade blows. Jordan knocks over Reigns and follows up with a dropkick, Reigns still won’t stay down on Jordan’s pin attempt. Jordan continues to wear down Reigns. Reigns tries to fight back, but is taken down again with a suplex. Jordan is able to land a spear in the corner, he follows up with two Northern Lights Suplexes. Jordan goes for the cover and gets a two count. Jordan goes back to the crossface, but Reigns is able to get to the ropes. Reigns fights back with elbows. Jordan is sent shoulder first into the ring post. Reigns goes to the outside and hits a drive by. Reigns and Jordan make it back in the ring and Reigns hits the Superman Punch. Reigns follows up with a spear and gets the three count.
Winner: Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
A very good match to start off the night. I loved that they allowed Jordan to get over some and Roman didn’t just destroy him. I think every week Jordan is proving that he can go with the best of them. Every passing week Jordan is making his mark and that’s what counts. I think Jordan is getting to where he needs to be and he’s benefited greatly from these past two weeks. Hopefully he keeps getting opportunities and gets his own storylines because the past two weeks he’s seemed like more of just added content to the Reigns and Cena storyline.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks cena if he has anything to say about Reigns victory. Cena says he does but is gonna go say it to him.

In Ring Segment: John Cena vs Roman Reigns
Cena tells how Reigns came out last week and made fun of him, but this week he almost got beat by Jordan too. Reigns says he was out here having a great match and says Cena knows nothing about that. Cena says Reigns is burying himself. He says that Roman thinks he actually runs this place because no one has cut him down to size. Cena says he can’t spin anything, but instead he challenges himself everyday to try everything. Cena tells Reigns that when you think you made it it’s the beginning of the end. Cena says Reigns comes out every week and fails and fails and that is not what “The Guy” does. Cena tells Reigns that No Mercy is gonna be a cake walk. Reigns questions why Cena called him out and asks if it’s because he is selling the tickets that Cena can’t. Reigns tells Cena that WWE doesn’t need him, but Cena needs WWE. Cena tells Reigns to consider him like a drug test because he’s not getting passed him.
My Opinion:
I really love these guys promo’s. I love that they are actually getting real and saying the things we want to here. I think this week was better than last weeks for sure. Tonight Reigns actually made a lot of sense and both made their points of why they want to face one another. I think everything is out there now and these two just need to go and have a classic. It will be interesting to see if next week they talk or fight.

Match 2: Sasha Banks vs Emma
Sasha is able to get the advantage early. Emma fights back and stomps on Sasha in the corner. Sasha comes back and stays on Emma. Sasha tries for double knees, but misses. Sasha tries a backslide pin, but Emma kicks out. Emma hits a huge clothesline and Sasha goes down hard. As Raw goes to break Nia Jax comes out and joins Alexa Bliss at commentary.
As Raw returns Emma has Sasha in a full nelson. Emma stays on Sasha, but Sasha fights back. Emma is sent into the turnbuckle, and is hit with a series of clotheslines. Sasha is able to hit a drop kick and stays on her. Emma gets Sasha hung up in the corner and takes over on the offensive. Emma slams herself into Sasha in the corner. Emma waits to long and Sasha is able to lock in the Banks Statement. Emma taps.
Winner: Sasha Banks
My Opinion:
Not a bad match. I like that Emma got over some because she is the weakest link in the Fatal Four Way and they need to make her at least look like she has a chance. For me in watching this I want to some change in the Women’s division. It feels like we are getting a lot of the same and I think it’s time for a shake up of things. Hopefully Bayley can make it back soon and add another element to the division.

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman
Heyman retells how Lesnar will defend his championship against Braun Strowman. Heyman says the odds are against Lesnar. He tells how Strowman took it to Lesnar at SummerSlam and did the same thing the night after. Heyman asks if Strowman is badder than him though. He says that if you want the title you have to rip it off of him. Heyman mentions that Braun is gonna face Cena tonight and questions if Braun can take it to Cena. he asks if Braun is ready to go from Sports Entertainment to Suplex City. Heyman asks Brock if he is ready and challenges Braun to come to the ring. Out comes Braun.
Braun goes right after Lesnar. Lesnar hits a German suplex, but Braun gets right back up. Braun hits him with a choke-slam and finishes with a power-slam.
My Opinion:
I’m very interested to see this match. I was shocked that they put Braun over like that tonight. If he doesn’t win the title Braun still is gaining so much from this. He is no doubt being cemented as the monster of the WWE. I hope that Brock will put up a fight and the two will have a great match. I think this is what Brock needs though because he is always being the dominate one. This will be a challenge for him and he can actually go at it with Strowman until some of the guys he’s had to face.

Match 3: Bray Wyatt vs Goldust
Goldust tees off on Wyatt. He hits a boot to the face and Wyatt goes to the outside. Wyatt is able to come back and knock Goldust to the mat. Wyatt tees off with right hands and keeps on Goldust. Goldust is able to get out of the way of a senton and sends Wyatt over the ropes. Goldust comes off the apron to take out Wyatt. Goldust pounds on him and the two get back in the ring. Wyatt meets him at the apron and sends him spine first into the pot. Goldust fights back in and tries for a pin, but it is not enough. Wyatt is able to hit Sister Abigail and put away Goldust.
***After the match Wyatt wipes the paint off of Goldust’s face. Finn Balor comes out and Wyatt runs.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
My Opinion:
This match was alright for what it was. I liked the ending with Balor coming out and saving Goldust. I think Wyatt and Balor have a good rivalry going and Wyatt is keeping it interesting. I just wish Balor and Wyatt would have a bigger role, I just don’t know what these two will do after their rivalry is over, but for now they are doing a good job.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Sheamus and cesaro about their match at No Mercy. Sheamus and cesaro says they see Gallows and anderson as more of a threat than Rollins and Ambrose. Cesaro says at least Anderson and Gallows are a team. Sheamus says it’s easy to be a team when things go good. Cesaro says No Mercy will be the real test, Sheamus says all they will have is their instincts. Cesaro says that;s when they will lose. Sheamus says when they are at their lowest they will throw each other to the wolves.

Match 4: Cesaro & Sheamus vs The Club (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
*** Before the match Sheamus and Cesaro go after Rollins and Ambrose. The Club joins and all three teams go at it.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins tells Angle that they want a match with all of them tonight. Angle tells them he won’t do that this close to No Mercy, but if they find two partners they can have a 8 man tag tonight.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa asks Nia if she can believe Asuka is coming to Raw. Alexa tells her that they should be facing one on one at No Mercy. Alexa says she doesn’t think Angle appreciates that they are best friends. Nia says they are not best friends. Alexa asks her if they can drop all of this and go back to being best friends. Nia tells her maybe, but informs her that they will face one on one next week.

Match 5: Elias vs Kalisto
Kalisto catches him with a kick. Elias quickly overpowers him. Kalisto flies from the top and takes him down. Kalisto is able to send him over the top rope. Kalisto flies to take him out on the outside. Elias quickly comes back and sends Kalisto crashing to the apron. Elias stomps on Kalisto in the corner and has to be backed up. Elias continues to manhandle Kalisto, but can’t get a three on the pin. Elias works the arm of Kalisto. Elias lift Kalisto and throws him to the mat continuing working his arm. Kalisto is able to counter, but only for a moment. Kalisto comes back and catches him on the jaw. A tornado ddt form Kalisto, but it’s not enough to keep Elias down. Elias is able to hit a huge powerbomb, he follows with Drift Away and picks up the win.
Winner: Elias
My Opinion:
I’m really liking Elias, he’s starting to rack up the wins and I think he;s showing a lot. I have no doubt that Elias could be a key player if given the chance. Hopefully he’ll be worked into something because they really are making him look dominate and something is gonna have to give at some point. With the fans though I don’t know if Elias is completely clicking yet.

Match 6: Braun Strowman vs John Cena
Braun quickly shows his power shoving Cena out of the ring. Cena tries a headlock, but braun quickly takes him off and hits him with a clothesline. Braun knocks Cena down and continues to the pressure on him. Cena can’t gain any ground and Braun continues the assault. Cena hits a dropkick, but Braun hits one of his own. Braun hits a big splash in the corner and lets Cena get nowhere. Braun throws Cena down, but Cena continues to fight. Cena is taken down by a blow from Braun. Braun catches Cena and hits a fallaway slam sending Cena to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Cena sends Braun over the top rope. Cena goes after him, but braun continues to pound him down. Cena is able to drop Braun on the bottom rope. Cena looks for the AA, but he can’t lift Braun. Cena moves out of the way and Braun is sent into the ring post. Cena hits a suplex and tries to build momentum. Braun quickly gets to his feet and hits a spine-buster. Cena finally gets up and is able to hit the AA and Braun rolls out of the ring. Cena tries to meet Braun on the outside and Braun hits him with the steel steps. Braun brings the steps in the ring and slams Cena on them. Cena wins via DQ.
Winner: John Cena: Via DQ
My Opinion:
Braun is awesome. I love this guy so much and everything that he is doing. This man is really a monster and I’m glad they are getting behind him. I think he’s improved so much and he deserves this. We’ll see what happens at No Mercy, but I will says Braun is just about the hottest thing going today. Braun shows it’s not always about the wins, but about the domination.

Backstage Segment:
Chalry asks Roman his reaction to Cena and Braun. Roman says the monster didn’t show him mercy and neither will he.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins and Ambrose search to find their partners for the night. They come across the Hardy’s and dean asks them if they are doing anything tonight. Matt laughs and nods his head yes.

In Ring Segment: Miz TV
Miz welcomes everyone to the show. He says he and Maryse have something to announce and Maryse tells the crowd that they are having a baby! Miz says he has a speech to commemorate the moment, but is interrupted by Enzo.
Miz tells Enzo that he just interrupted his moment. Enzo says it was great news and wanted to celebrate. Miz tells Enzo that he doesn’t think. He tells him that he doesn’t know when to shut his mouth. Miz tells him that he was kicked out of the tour bus and locker room for a reason. He says he had to go to 205 live because there was nowhere else for him to go. Miz says he earned the respect he got. Miz says he sees so much talent in Enzo, but he keeps making mistakes. Miz says all Enzo cares about is hanging out with third rate rappers. Enzo says he and Miz have been in similar situations. He says Miz copied guys, but he is original. Enzo says he’s going to No Mercy to beat Neville. He calls Miz a paper champion and Miz questions this. Miz mocks Enzo for losing his best friend. Enzo challenges Miz. Miz accepts.
My Opinion:
I enjoyed this a lot. First a big congrats to Miz and Maryse. Miz was very real tonight and said the things that we are all thinking. I think Enzo did well and had some good fire on the mic. Enzo is a guy that I like, but I’ve seen better men than him get less chances and I think he needs to shape up.

Match 7: The Miz vs Enzo Amore
Miz and Enzo lock up. Enoz is backed in the corner, but escapes. Enzo rolls out of the ring and grabs the mic. Enzo tells him that his wrestling is going straight to WWE. Miz meets him on the outside and hits him with a clothesline. Miz bounces Enzo off the apron and gets him back in the ring. Miz goes to the top, but is knocked off. Miz goes off on Enzo, after Enzo questions if Miz is the dad of the baby or not. The Miztourage gets involved and the ref calls for the bell.
Winner: Enzo: Via DQ
My Opinion:
I like the aggressive side of the Miz. I think this match was awesome and fast and it had a lot of action. It was entertainment at its finest. I honestly wouldn’t mind to see these two in a rivalry, but obviously they are on different paths.

Backstage Segment:
Neville stares at Enzo and laughs at him.

Match 8: The Hardy Boyz (Matt & Jeff) & Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose vs
The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) & Cesaro & Sheamus
Jeff starts off with cesaro. Jeff takes him down and lands an atomic drop. Matt gets the tag and two double team Cesaro. Matt goes for the cover and gets a one count. Cesaro lands an uppercut and tags Sheamus. Matt tries to build momentum and sends Sheamus over the top rope. Matt sends Cesaro to the outside and tags Jeff in. Jeff and Matt connect with Poetry in Motion as Raw goes to break.
As raw returns Ambrose and Anderson go at it. Ambrose takes it to Anderson, but Anderson is able to create space and tag Gallows. Ambrose tries to take it to him, but is sent to the apron. Gallows sends him to the floor with a kick. Gallows brings Ambrose back in the ring and catches him with a strike. Sheamus gets the tag and he then tags Cesaro. The two double team Ambrose. Sheamus gets a chin-lock in, but Ambrose battles back. Sheamus sends him back to the mat and tags in Gallows. Gallows lands a splash and tags in Anderson. Anderson comes in and keeps the pressure on Ambrose. He gets a chin lock in and works Ambrose. Anderson lands a kick to the gut and Cesaro and Sheamus come in. A quick double team and cesaro goes back to staying on Ambrose. Cesaro lands a huge uppercut, Ambrose comes back, but Cesaro doesn’t let him escape. Matt comes in and tries to help, but is sent into the barricade. Cesaro works Ambrose and in comes Anderson. Ambrose is able to reverse a suplex. Ambrose stays on Anderson and is able to hit a neck-breaker. Ambrose is able to hit a big clothesline on Gallows. Sheamus comes in, but Ambrose creates space. Sheamus runs into the ring post and Ambrose looks for the tag. Ambrose sends Cesaro over the top and Rollins gets the tag. Rollins comes in hot and takes out Anderson. Rollins flies and takes out Gallows. Rollins hits a flying clothesline on Anderson. Rollins hits a kick and Jeff and Matt come in to even the odds. Rollins hits Anderson with a knee, Ambrose follows with Dirty Deeds and Rollins hits the pin to pick up the win.
Winners: The Hardy Boyz (Matt & Jeff) &
Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose
My Opinion:
A killer main event tonight. These teams are all so good in their own ways and tonight it showed. I really love that The Hardy’s always get to put on a show. I’ll say this run that they are having is becoming very memorable. I love that these guys all push each other to the next level and create magic out there. I think at times tonight the match went a little slow, but they brought it back together and ended well. At some point I would love to see all of them go at it in a match again.

Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this Raw, there were a lot of great matches and talking segments. It started off with a bang with Reigns and Jordan. I think Jordan is becoming very good and I hope he continues to get these opportunities so he can become that star they want him to be. Reigns and Cena were awesome on the mic as well. Cena really laid it down for Reigns and this weeks talking segment was a lot better than last weeks. We saw Braun and Cena go at it tonight which was another good match. Braun showed tonight in the match and when he came out and beat up Lesnar that he is The Monster of the WWE and he’s here to stay, I hope they keep running with Braun and don’t slow that momentum because he’s come just to far. Miz and Enzo were awesome as well. I think Miz spoke a lot of truth and said things that we were all thinking. Their match wasn’t bad either. They really went at it and it was very entertaining. The show closed with a great match. Throwing all the teams together was a good idea. All those elements just clicked and killed it.
Overall Rating: 7/10