Raw Review 01/15/2017

Tonight is the final episode before Raw’s 25th Anniversary next week. After attacking Asuka last week Nia Jax will get the chance to take her on one on one, can Nia break the unbeatable Asuka? Plus Seth Rollins and Jason Jordan learned they will defend their Tag Team Championships at the Royal Rumble but can the two get on the same page with the Rumble coming soon? What will be in store for The Miztourage after they attacked Roman Reigns last week at the end of Raw? Braun Strowman brought the ultimate destruction last week but will his actions have consequences and how will Lesnar and Kane react to almost being crushed at his hands? Bray Wyatt and “Woken” Matt Hardy have been at odds for quite some time but will tonight be the night they collide? Finally, Cedric Alexander took Enzo Amore to the limit in their championship match last week and with another re-match set is Cedric primed to be the next Cruiserweight Champion?

Raw is live tonight from the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas.

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

In Ring Segment: Braun Strowman
Braun tells that a Beast and a Machine met a Monster at the Royal Rumble and the last one standing was The Monster Among Men and he became the new Universal Champion. Outcomes Kurt Angle with Security.
Braun tells Angle he was telling them a story. Angle says he has a story to but it doesn’t have a happy ending. He tells Braun he put lives in danger last week and caused thousands of dollars of damage. Braun then tells him it could’ve been a lot worse. Angle says he is in charge of every superstar and every employee and asks what if they got caught in the crossfire. Braun says he did his job and Angle should do his job. Angle says his job is done in the ring. Braun tells him he does what he wants when he wants. He tells that at the Royal Rumble if he wants to be Universal Champion then he will. Angle tells him that he’s lucky Kane and Lesnar can compete but Braun won’t be. Angle then tells him he is fired. Angle walks up the ramp and Braun follows.
My Opinion:
Interesting choice having this kick off the show. I like the idea behind it, it’s definitely something that gets people talking. Braun not exploding on Angle was good too because now you sit and wonder what Braun will do next. It’s a good way to keep the story going and it’s a good twist. Nonetheless, I’m just really excited to see how this will play out.

Backstage Segment:
The Security tells Braun to leave. Braun tells them to make him leave. Braun is escorted to the door and told again he has to leave. Braun then tears apart the Security staff. He tosses them all around the backstage area. He says you fire me and I’ll wreck everyone in here. He says he’s not leaving until everyone gets these hands.

Match 1: The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro) vs
Titus Worldwide (Titus O’Neil & Apollo Crews w/ Dana Brooke)
Sheamus and Crews start off the match. Sheamus backs him in the corner and tags Cesaro. Cesaro tees off on Crews in the corner. He then tags Sheamus. The two try to double team him but Crews is able to reverse and land a big dropkick. Crews takes it to Sheamus in the corner and tags Titus. Titus comes in hot and lands a big shoulder tackle. Titus lands a big shot to Sheamus’s chest. Sheamus takes advantage of the distraction and tags in Cesaro. Cesaro lands a big uppercut and follows with a chop of his own. Titus comes back with big shots to Cesaro. The two then trade chops in the corner. Cesaro gets the upper hand but Titus comes right back with chops of his own. Crews gets the tag and lands a big slam followed by an elbow. Cesaro is able to make the tag and takes down Crews. Sheamus and Cesaro are in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Crews lands a big boot to Cesaro. Crews tries to fight out of the corner but is caught and backed into the corner. Sheamus gets the tag and he and Cesaro land a big double team move. Sheamus then works Crews on the mat. Crews is able to take Sheamus down to the mat and Titus gets the tag. Cesaro comes in but Titus is all over him and Titus lands huge right shots and follows with a huge splash. Titus lands a big slam but can’t get the three on the pin. Cesaro lands a big knee and Sheamus tags in. The two land big kicks to Titus. Cesaro takes out Crews on the outside. Sheamus lands a cheap shot and rolls up Titus but it is not enough. Cesaro is the legal man but misses on the Neutralizer. Crews gets the tag and lands a cross body but it’s not enough. Crews then lands a standing moonsault but Sheamus breaks the tag. Sheamus looks for white noise but outcomes Jason Jordan. Sheamus gets distracted and Crews rolls him up for the win. Rollins then comes out to ask Jordan what he was doing.
Winners: Titus Worldwide (Titus O’Neil & Apollo Crews w/ Dana Brooke)
My Opinion:
That was a really good match. I love that they allow Crews and Titus to really do some good offensive work and show what they can do. Even though they are pulling off upset victories it’s still a good streak for them and could be the start of a good run. I think now would be the time to capitalize on Crews and Titus. Sheamus and Cesaro have their own thing going on and they need to get focused. It definitely looks like Jordan is in their heads but Rollins needs to keep him in check. It’ll be interesting to see how the tag team picture keeps playing out and see who will get the advantage. Right now Crews and Titus are the hot team.

Backstage Segment:
Braun breaks down the door to Kurt Angle’s office. He then tears apart the office and leaves.

Backstage Segment:
Braun goes into the catering area and tears it apart. He takes out Curt Hawkins and then takes a piece of cake.

In Ring Segment:
Enzo says he’s doing better than Curt Hawkins. Enzo says Braun Strowman is a Monster Among Men but so is he. He says at the Royal Rumble he’s walking out as champion. Enzo says Cedric needs to get through Tony Nese first. Outcomes Goldust and Cedric.
Goldust tells Enzo if he was a film he’d go straight to DVD. He says Cedric is a box office smash. He tells Enzo that when Cedric beats him there will be only one word to describe him, champion. Cedric then tells Enzo he is SAWFT.

Backstage Segment:
Braun continues to throw stuff around backstage.

Match 2: Tony Nese w/ Enzo Amore vs Cedric Alexander w/ Goldust
As raw returns, Nese is in control working the arm of Alexander. Alexander battles back but is brought back to the mat by Nese. Nese works Alexander to the ropes but Alexander uses his quickness to flip Nese. Alexander lands a spear in the corner but is dropped by Nese. Nese picks him up and slams him to the mat. Nese taunts Alexander and lands big chops in the corner. Alexander sets him up in the corner and lands big knee strikes. Nese then works his abs stomping on Alexander. Nese goes for a cover but Alexander kicks out. Nese works his neck and slams Alexander back down to the mat. Nese goes back to his neck but gets distracted by Goldust. Alexander works to his feet and lands big rights. Nese then lands shots of his own and throws Alexander to the corner. Nese then misses in the corner and Alexander creates space and lands a huge kick. Alexander plants Nese. he’s sent to the apron but Alexander hangs on and flies to take down Nese. Alexander tries to lift Nese but is put in a side headlock. Alexander grabs the tights of Nese but is met with a big back elbow. Nese lands a big kick to the midsection but Alexandra lands a kick of his own. Alexander gets behind Nese and lands the Lumbar Check. 1 2 3 Cedric Alexander wins.
Winner: Cedric Alexander w/ Goldust
My Opinion:
Huge win for Cedric. I loved at the end Enzo had nothing to say because he knows Cedric’s worth. Cedric didn’t look the best out there but he made the big moves count. With Cedric, if he can make his moves mean something he can definitely become the new champion. Enzo may get on him but he saves his energy and waits for the right time he can take care of business.

Backstage Segment:
Angle stands in his office and says he’s never seen anything like this. He says the only option he has is to call in the swat team. Angle is then informed Braun is heading for the production trucks. Angle says oh no they’re worth 12 million dollars.

Backstage Segment:
Braun goes into the truck and asks if he smashes all the monitors will it shut the showdown. He then asks how to shut all the stuff off. He tells the staff in the truck to get out of there. Braun then exits the truck. Braun then takes the back off the truck and tries to lift it. Angle asks what the hell he is doing and tells him he called the cops and better get out of here. Braun then lifts the semi and tips it on its side. Braun keeps walking tells the people to get away from him. Braun goes back into the arena and goes towards the commentary table. Braun grabs Michael Cole and picks him up. Angle tells Braun to stop. Angle tells him he called off the cops and says Stephanie re-hired him and he’s back in the championship match just let Cole go. Braun then picks up Cole and throws him into the Security.
*** Tom Phillips comes out to replace Michael Cole

Match 3: Nia Jax vs Asuka
Asuka is able to duck Nia and lands big kicks to Nia’s legs. Nia is able to throw Asuka across the ring. Asuka tried for an armbar but Nia throws her off. Asuka gets on her back and locks in the armbar. Nia is able to out of the hold but Asuka lands another kick. Nia then comes at her with a backbreaker. Nia again launches Asuka across the ring. Nia throws Asuka off the ropes and lands a huge clothesline. Asuka is able to use her legs to bring Nia to the mat and lock in the armbar. Nia gets to her feet and heaves Asuka into the corner. Nia is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Nia has Asuka in a bearhug. Asuka tries to fight out with elbow shots but Nia hangs on. Asuka slips off and goes for the sunset flip but can’t hit. Nia tries to drop on Asuka but she moves out of the way. Asuka lands a huge kick and Nia is down. Asuka hits a series of back fists and kicks. Asuka goes for the cover but Nia is quickly out. Asuka is lifted by Nia and planted on the mat. Nia goes for a cover but Asuka kicks out. Asuka is able to counter Nia and locks in a kneebar. Nia crawls to the ropes and gets it. Asuka is then thrown to the outside by Nia. Asuka goes for a kick but Nia slams her against the apron. Asuka lands a kick and sends Nia crashing onto the steps. Nia beats the ten count after getting her leg caught in the steps. The ref then calls for the bell due to injury.
Winner: Asuka
My Opinion:
I think this was a good choice, tonight was not the night for Asuka to lose. You can’t have Nia or Asuka looking bad so this was a good finish to give the people what they want without giving too much. Overall I think they had a great match and really told a good story. Asuka will have to lose at some point but for now, keep the excitement with her heading into the Royal Rumble undefeated.

Backstage Segment:
Jordan tells Angle thank you for believing in me. Angle tells him he’s welcome. Jordan tells Angle he’s been behind him the whole night. Jordan says he and Rollins are ready to defend at the Rumble. He says tonight he wants to help his partner out. Angle asks who they want to face. Jordan says he could use some singles competition. Jordan then recommends Finn Balor. Angle agrees to make the match.
*** Update: Michael Cole is said to be very shaken up.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa tells Nia she’s sorry she got her into this. She says she thought she would destroy Asuka but she was wrong. Enzo comes in and asks how she’s doing. Nia says she’s fine and asks about his ankle. Enzo says he’s fine and tells Alexa he’s got this. Alexa argues but Nia says Bliss he’s got this.

Match 4: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder) vs Jobbers
Dawson goes after the jobber and slams him to the mat. Dawson works him on the mat and tags Wilder. Wilder works him and allows the tag to be made. Wilder lands a huge backbreaker and tags in Dawson. The two land a gore buster and then slaps the other member of the team. Dawson and Wilder land the Shatter Machine and gets the 1 2 3.
*** Dawson asks Charly if she finally wants to give The Revival a mic on live tv. Dawson says you just witnessed a clinic of tag team wrestling. He says other teams are running around but he and Dash are students of the game and they are worried about punishing opponents, mastering holds, and winning matches. Charly then asks what legends they are excited to meet next week. Wilder says there is nothing old school about those guys. He says those guys are made a mockery of the business. He says they are not entertainers they are pro wrestlers. Dawson says they won’t change who they are and this is their Universe. Dawson says there’s only one team that will set the tone for Raw for the next 25 years and you’re looking at them.
Winners: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
My Opinion:
I really like the promo they cut at the end. The Revival is that smash mouth team and they definitely could set a tone for the division. Tonight they got their moves in but they need to get back into the mix. I think their words are good but they need something more than just the tough guy attack, there have been a lot of teams like that and a lot of them didn’t last. The Revival needs more than just a promo they need a spotlight. We will see if this sets up for them to make a big impact next week at the expense of the legends.

In Ring Segment:
Elias sings his song about wanting to eliminate John Cena and then introduces The Miz and The Miztourage as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Miz says he was the spark missing from Raw. He tells how he was granted his Intercontinental Championship Match. He says it was an unforgettable moment and it’s kinda what he does. He then tells about how USA Network has asked him and his wife to star in their own series. He then tells Reigns that the title is his. He says he will walk into the Barclays Center next week and win the Intercontinental Championship and that’s gonna feel awesome. Outcomes Roman Reigns.

Match 5: The Miztourage (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) vs Roman Reigns:
1 on 2 Handicap Match
Reigns lands a big eight to Axel and takes care of Dallas as well. Reigns goes to the outside and stares down Miz. Reigns is able to land a big right to Dallas. Axel then comes from behind and takes down Reigns. Reigns is then sent into the steel steps. Axel goes for the cover but Reigns kicks out. Axel stomps on Reigns and tags Dallas. Dallas comes in and he then stomps on Reigns. Axel and Dallas then trade tags and take their shots. Dallas the legal man again goes for a cover on Reigns but he kicks out. Dallas then works Reigns on the mat. Reigns works to his feet but Dallas lands big knee strikes. Dallas looks for a suplex but Reigns is able to reverse for a moment. Dallas lands another kick and follows with a ddt. Reigns is able to kick out on the pin attempt. Reigns prevents Dallas from making the tag but Dallas fires at him with elbows. Reigns hits rights of his own but Axel tags in. Axel is thrown off the ropes and Reigns hits him with the Samoan Drop. Reigns drives Axel into the turnbuckle to prevent the tag. Axel is able to hit him with a boot but Reigns fires up. Reigns takes out Dallas and hits Axel with a series of clotheslines. Reigns is able to take out both axel and Dallas in the middle of the ring. Reigns looks for the Superman Punch but Miz gets involved. Reigns sends Dallas to the floor and hits Axel with the Superman Punch. Reigns then goes to the outside and hits Dallas with one. Reigns then grabs Miz and brings him into the ring. Axel is able to roll up Reigns but he kicks out. Reigns hits the spear and gets the win.
Winner: Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
Reigns looked very good tonight. I like that he allowed them to make their own mistakes and capitalize. Reigns showed his power and his smarts. He did well in picking his spots and seems very focused on Miz. Reigns made a statement that he can handle them all at once. Heading into next week Reigns is looking really good and Miz missed a huge opportunity to bring down The Big Dog.

Match 6: Sasha Banks w/ Mickie James & Bayley vs
Sonya Deville w/ Paige & Mandy Rose
Deville gets around on Sasha but Sasha fights her off quickly. Sasha tries for the Banks statement but Deville slips out. Rose cause a distraction and Deville takes advantage. Sasha tries to fight back but Deville hits her with big knee shots. Deville wraps up Sasha and tries to choke her out. Sasha is able to lift her and tries to slam her in the corner. Finally, Sasha is able to get her off and hit her with a big right. Sasha lands a huge dropkick and gets Deville in the corner. Sasha hits double knees twice and goes to the top. She flies but Deville hits her with a huge kick to the ribs. Deville goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Sonya Deville w/ Paige & Mandy Rose
My Opinion:
That’s a huge win for Deville. That right there shows she can get the job done on her own and she can strike at any time. She stuck with it and really needed no help. Sasha did well but Deville is no joke. I could definitely see her making a good singles run at some point. Deville was compared to Ken Shamrock tonight and I think that’s a good comparison of what she’s trying to do. Deville has a good shot to be a star and with that win, she has put herself on the map.

Backstage Segment:
Jordan asks Rollins if he’s ready. Rollins says he’s always ready and tells Jordan he has to stop stepping out on his own. Jordan says he thought Rollins would want to fight him but he can get the match canceled. Rollins tells him no and says he does have unfinished business. He tells Jordan that he’s not his spokesperson he’s his tag team partner. He tells Jordan he doesn’t have a problem with what he did but how he did it.

Match 7: “Woken” Matt Hardy vs Heath Slater
As Raw returns, Hardy takes it to Slater. Hardy hammers away on his back and gives Slater no space. He backs him in the corner and laughs at him. Slater backs away but Hardy continues to hit him with right hands. Slater goes to the outside and Rhyno tells him to go get him. Slater gets in the ring and hits Hardy with big rights of his own. Slater then works the arm of Hardy. Hardy bites Slater to break the hold. Hardy then suplexes Slater into the corner. Hardy then unloads on Slater. Hardy hits the side effect but Slater kicks out of the pin. Hardy bounces Slater off the turnbuckles. Hardy follows with a neckbreaker. Hardy says it’s over and hits the Twist of Fate. Hardy goes for the pin and gets the win over Slater.
Winner: “Woken” Matt Hardy
My Opinion:
Hardy is looking so good with this persona. Hardy is taking this very seriously and is doing very well. He makes a match with Heath Slater exciting and that says a lot. His character though needs to be used right. If they let him use this but the amounts to nothing but the mid-card then this is a waste of time. Hopefully, he will go on to get a title run or have Jeff come back and join his “Woken Universe.”

*** Goldberg is the 1st Inductee of the 2018 WWE Hall Of Fame Class.

Match 8: Finn Balor w/ The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs
Seth Rollins w/ Jason Jordan
Rollins starts off with a headlock on Balor. Balor is able to escape and goes to work on Rollins arm. Rollins backs Balor to the ropes and takes Balor to the mat. Rollins then lands a big kick and backs Balor into the corner. Rollins tees off on Balor and goes to the chin lock on the mat. Balor is able to reverse Rollins and land a dropkick. Rollins is sent to the floor and Balor hits him with a huge kick as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rollins works on Balor. Rollins is able to land the blockbuster but hits his knee on the landing. Rollins is able to send Balor out of the ring and flies hitting a suicide dive. Rollins lands a neckbreaker but it’s not enough for the win. Rollins works Balor to the mat and goes back to choke hold. Rollins connects with a big elbow and Balor is down. Balor comes back with an elbow. Rollins tries for a suplex but Balor counters for a moment until he’s hit with an elbow. Balor fights out of the corner and is able to hit a double stomp on Rollins. Balor is able to sidestep Rollins in the corner and lands a big kick on Balor. Balor tries for the sling blade but Rollins counters and hits one of his own. Rollins gets him in the corner and comes with huge elbows. Balor fights back with a sling blade. Rollins is then able to land a superkick but Balor kicks out of the pin. Balor hits Rollins with an elbow as both men get to their feet. Rollins and Balor trade shots but Balor gets the advantage. Rollins answers Balor with an enziguri of his own. Rollins goes to the top rope but misses on the Phoenix Splash. Balor then goes to the top but is met by Rollins. Rollins hits the suplex and follows with the Falcon Arrow. Rollins goes for the pin but Balor kicks out. Balor is able to takedown Rollins but Rollins kicks out at two and a half. Outcomes The Bar. They go after The Club on the outside. Balor then flies to take them all out. Balor lands a kick to Rollins and goes to the top. He misses on the Coupe de Grace and then gets tripped by Jordan. Rollins curbstomps him into the canvas and gets the 1 2 3 on the pin.
Winner: Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
What a match between these two. These are two of the best going today and there’s no doubt about that. Both had answers for each and neither stayed down. This was an amazing wrestling match and I really liked that both got their best shots in. The controversy in the match was good as well. I think Rollins and Balor should face off again because they only seem to get better and better. Rollins proved tonight even on his own he’s still got it.

Final Thoughts:
This was an okay Raw, I liked it but it definitely was kept very safe tonight. The Braun segment with him being fired and causing all that destruction was pretty good I thought. This was a good chance for them to really get Braun over tonight and show he is the real monster. I liked Nia Jax and Asuka’s match tonight, I thought it was great how both were able to look good without a clean finish. It sets up for bigger and better things in the future and this was a good set up for that. Cedric Alexander stood out to me a lot, I really thought he did well with making his shots count and took calculated risks. I really think with Cedric we could be looking at the next Cruiserweight Champion. Sonya Deville was another person who impressed me, she stood on her own and it only took her one shot to take down The Boss. Roman Reigns was awesome in his match, he took out the whole Mizoturage and Miz himself and Reigns looks ready for next week. As I said I think Miz missed a big shot to get the advantage on Reigns tonight. The main event was a great way to end the show. Rollins and Balor had a back and forth classic tonight. I really hope they will face off again and they can keep pushing each other to the limit. Overall this was a safe Raw but I’m very excited and ready for next week’s 25 Year Anniversary Show!
Overall Rating: 6.7/10