Raw Review 10/15/2018

Last week DX returned and challenged The Brothers Of Destruction to a match at Crown Jewel which was accepted. Tonight, will The Brothers OF Destruction respond? Also, after being attacked by The Bella Twins last week what will happen when Ronda Rousey addresses them tonight? Plus, who will qualify for the WWE World Cup as Dean Ambrose takes on Dolph Ziggler in a qualifying match and Seth Rollins takes on Drew Mcintyre? Finally, we saw a change in Bobby Lashley last week as he was much more aggressive and not playing around anymore, will this continue and if so what will be next for him?

Raw comes to us from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Renee Young

In Ring Segment: Braun Strowman & Dolph Ziggler & Drew Mcintyre
Ziggler says you are looking at the greatest three-man group in WWE history. Mcintyre says they didn’t need a catchy nickname or matching tactical ear to do it. Braun says they proved is last week and they will prove anytime against anyone. Ziggler then brings up last week. Mcintyre then says I hate to say I told you so but I told you so, they didn’t just beat The shield but they broke The Shield. He says he can only imagine where that lunatic’s mind is trying to figure out where he fits into The Shield. He says his eyes have been open and now The Shield has been shattered. Braun says at this rate they won’t be around to watch his back when he slays the Big Dog and takes the Universal Championship. Mcintyre says as for the World Cup he will mow through the competition and prove he is the best in the world. Ziggler says he also has a qualifying match and if he wins they might go head to head in the finals. Mcintyre says that’d be a shame, he says Ziggler is very good but he is no Drew Mcintyre. Ziggler laughs and says they will get to it when they get to it. Braun says at Crown Jewel Lesnar and Reigns are both gonna get these hands. Here comes The Shield but it’s just Rollins and Reigns.
Rollins says The shield isn’t broken they are alive and well. Rollins says as far as the best in the world is he is gonna beat Drew and prove what everyone knows Seth Rollins is the best in the world. Ziggler asks where their brother Dean Ambrose is. Ziggler says now Ambrose has opened his eyes and if he’s not here he’ll take a forfeit tonight. Rollins says Ambrose always shows up. Reigns says the funny part is you worried about Dean when you should be used to these titles. Reigns takes it back and says Dolph and Drew won’t get close to these titles and when Braun loses he goes to the back of the line. Rollins says he has always loved Philadelphia cause Philly is a fighting town. He tells Drew they should have their qualifying match right here right now.
My Opinion:
This was a good way to start Raw tonight. The Shield wasn’t all together but Rollins and Reigns seemed confident nonetheless. Drew, Braun, and Dolph have gotten to them but The Shield needs to do is go out and win their matches tonight. To kickoff Raw Rollins needs to win and prove he is the best, the only way they get the edge again is by winning and putting up.

Match 1: Seth Rollins vs Drew McIntyre: WWE World Cup Qualifier
Mcintyre backs Rollins into the corner but is backed off by the ref. Rollins tries to get around on Mcintyre but he works a side headlock instead. Rollins tries to fight out but Mcintyre continues the pressure. Mcintyre continues to put the pressure on but Rollins gets to a vertical base and tries to fight out. Rollins gets out and works the arm of Mcintyre but Mcintyre gets back on the offensive with a right hand. Mcintyre gets a headlock and then hits a shoulder tackle. Rollins fights back but Mcintyre stays on him. Rollins is able to hit a hurricanrana and sends Mcintyre to the outside. Rollins flies with a suicide dive but is stopped and is slammed with a belly to belly by Mcintyre. Mcintyre goes to the outside and exposes the steal barrier under the ring. Rollins reverses and sends Mcintyre into the steal and then into the barricade. Rollins grabs Mcintyre but here comes Dolph Ziggler. Rollins gets distracted and it allows Mcintyre to gain the advantage and send Rollins into the exposed steal as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mcintyre works the shoulder of Rollins. Rollins hits a slap and then hits a superkick out of the corner. Rollins then leaps over the top and regains his composure to hit the sling blade. Mcintyre tries a slam but Rollins turns it into a cover. Mcintyre kicks out. Rollins then sends him into the ring post. Rollins hits the blockbuster but it’s still not enough to get the win. Rollins goes to the top but Mcintyre drops him with a right hand. Mcintyre then hits a chop and meets him up there. Rollins fights off and hits him with a kick hanging Mcintyre up on the turnbuckle. Mcintyre hangs on and grabs Rollins sending him flying to the mat. Mcintyre goes to the top but Rollins jumps up there and hits the suplex. He then tries to roll thru but Mcintyre reverses and hits a falcon arrow. Mcintyre lands big kicks and chops but misses on the Claymore kick. Rollins hits the step up enziguri and then lands a big kick. Ziggler provides the distraction but Mcintyre can’t take advantage. Rollins hits a suicide die to take out Ziggler and then one to take out Mcintyre. Rollins hits a kick to the mid-section but Ziggler pulls him out. Ambrose comes out the even the odds. Mcintyre then takes out Ambrose but Rollins comes over and hits the stomp. Rollins beats the 10 count and Rollins wins.
Winner: Seth Rollins: Via Count Out
My Opinion:
This was a huge win for Rollins and I like the way he won here. Mcintyre is awesome and I hope for big things for him in the future so not having him lose cleanly is smart. This keeps Mcintyre looking tough but it also allows Rollins to move on. Rollins is the right choice for this tournament as he is one of the best right now. I also liked Ambrose coming out, it helps sell the point that he does what he wants when he wants.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins says he knew Ambrose would show up, he’s on lunatic time. Ambrose asked what he just called him. Ambrose says that’s all I am to you guys, I’m just good for a few laughs until you need bailing out. Ambrose says no I got what you meant. Ambrose walks away and Rollins and Reigns just look at each other and Rollins says all he did was say he was on lunatic time.

Match 2: Ember Moon & Nia Jax vs Dana Brooke & Tamina
Moon and Brooke start the match and lock up. Brooke backs her in the corner and takes it to her. Moon gets around on her but Brooke reverses. Moon fights out but Brooke is able to drop her back to the mat. Moon sweeps the legs on Brooke and tries a cover but she kicks out. Tamina gets the tag and takes it to Moon. Tamina then gets her in a side headlock. Tamina then works the shoulders of Moon. Moon is able to land an arm drag but Tamina gets back into control with a clothesline. Tamina then throws Moon across the ring. Nia gets the tag and Tamina unloads with right hands. Nia fights back and flattens Tamina. Tamina is able to move out of the way in the corner and land a big boot. Tamina lands a big headbutt and another to follow. Tamina tries the superkick but Nia gets her on her shoulders. Tamina fights off and lands a kick to the knee. Tamina is able to lift Nia and lands a big Samoan Drop. Brooke tags in and takes it to Nia with rights. Nia throws her and lands a big splash. Moon gets the tag and hits the Eclipse. Moon goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Tamina drops Nia with a superkick. Moon and Tamina then drop Nia over the top rope. Moon then tries to eliminate Tamina but can’t. Tamina then grabs Moon and tries to eliminate her but can’t. Brooke comes over and dumps both of them over the ropes.
Winners: Ember Moon & Nia Jax
My Opinion:
Big win for Moon and Nia tonight but the big story was Tamina returning. Tamina looked awesome and stronger than ever. The way she was able to lift Nia and then drop her with that superkick was awesome. With the Battle Royal coming up at Evolution there is no doubt all these women will be looking for an advantage. Tamina right now seems like she has a ton of momentum and it’ll be interesting to see how they continue to build her as we get closer to the event.

In Ring Segment: Ronda Rousey
Ronda says she is sure everyone knows that last week The Bella Twins betrayed her in front of the whole world. She then says they at least owe her an explanation so come out and tell her why. Here come The Bella Twins.
Nikki says no one here paid to see you, Ronda, they aid to see The Bella Twins. Brie says this is show business not show friends. Brie says Ronda disrespected them and all they did for this business. Nikki says Ronda is the reason they came back because it made them cringe watching her at the front. Nikki says she is just a loser who didn’t deserve a title match. Nikki says they make the word Diva mean something. She says their hit reality shows put more little girls in that crowd. She says they made people want to see women’s wrestling more. Nikki says she has done more in that ring than Ronda will ever do and reminds she is the longest Divas Champion of all time. She says the title Ronda has right now wouldn’t be anything without what they did. Ronda says she tries her best to respect and not be disrespectful even though everything the Diva era stood for made her sick to her stomach. She says when they came running up to her after Wrestlemania she thought they really could be sister soldiers and pursue the same goal and be driving forces. She says that was her mistake and she was too naive and see they were nothing but a stereotype. She says they were there cause there was a camera and she has never seen such desperation. She says the only thing that impressed her was how far they went without talent. She tells them they leaned off the name of their men. She says they plagiarise their movesets. She says she is gonna break their arms and beat them with them. She says even the refs can’t hold her back. She says she is more than a pretty face with a deadly body and she will ruin them. Brie calls Ronda jealous. Nikki says they are barrier breakers who knock down doors. Ronda says her entire career she has broken down doors, in judo, in Strikeforce, in UFC, and now in the WWE. She tells Nikki the only door she broke down was the door to John Cena’s bedroom and he eventually threw you out of the same door. She then asks them if they’re gonna come down and catch the ass whooping they deserve or will she have to come up there and hand it to them. The Bellas start to walk down but bring out security to walk in front of them. Ronda then starts taking them out one by one. The Bellas then take off.
My Opinion:
I like this rivalry that’s starting here, this tonight pushed Rhonda with her promos and she didn’t do too bad. She struggled at points but Ronda made some good point and had some harsh words. No doubt Ronda can rip The Bellas apart and I don’t think Nikki has much of a chance against her. To sell this match though it’s gonna come down to the promos cause physically they are no match for Ronda.

Backstage Segment:
Gable and Roode welcome back Angle and he says the vacation was much needed. Roode tells Angle his Hawaiian shirt is Glorious. Angle then jokes around as No Way Jose walks by. Corbin comes out and tells Angle he hopes he knows how stacked the World Cup is. Corbin asks Angle how long its been since he wrestled a single match. Angle says about 12 years. Corbin tells him tonight he will have a handicap match against AOP.

Match 3: Dean Ambrose vs Dolph Ziggler: WWE World Cup Qualifier
The two lock up and Ambrose works the arm of Ziggler and turns it into a side headlock. Ambrose works it on the mat but Ziggler gets to his feet. Ambrose takes him back down with a shoulder tackle. Ambrose works a couple cross faces and then tries a cover but Ziggler kicks out. Ambrose then hits a snap suplex and tries another cover but it’s still not enough. Ziggler hits a neckbreaker and tries a cover of his own but Ambrose kicks out. Ziggler and then goes to a chin lock. Ambrose fights back and lands a fallaway slam sending Ziggler the outside. Ambrose goes after him and throws him into the barricade then does it again. Back in the ring, Ziggler fights back but Ambrose gets control of him. Ambrose goes to the top but Ziggler meets him up there and slams himself and Ambrose to the mat as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ziggler is in control. Ziggler tries a superkick but it’s blocked and Ambrose launches him off the post. Ambrose then hits a big blow to the back of Ziggler and then hits a clothesline. Ambrose hits a high elbow and then works Ziggler on the mat. Ziggler fights back with an elbow but Ambrose still fights back. Ambrose then locks in a cloverleaf. Ziggler fights out and then tries a splash in the corner but misses. Ambrose is able to plant Ziggler but he kicks out of the cover. Ambrose goes to the top but is knocked down by Ziggler. Mcintyre meets him up there and tries a suplex but Ambrose sends him to the mat. Mcintyre gets involved but Rollins comes out to help. Ambrose flies off the top rope and takes out Mcintyre. There’s a mix up on the outside and Ambrose shoves Rollins to the floor. Back in the ring Ziggler hits the superkick and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Ambrose pushes Rollins out of the way and walks out of the ring. Rollins goes after him and asks him what his problem is. The two sound off at each other and Reigns comes out to separate them. Corbin comes out and asks them if they’re still having problems. Corbin tells them they will have a shot to redeem themselves in a rematch from last week. He says it will be The Shield versus Ziggler, Mcintyre, and Braun later tonight.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
My Opinion:
This was a pretty decent match between these two. Ambrose looked very good but ultimately couldn’t get the job done. It seems like Ambrose is in his own head and is ruining things for himself. Maybe Ambrose does need to go on his own so he can get together and focus on himself. It’ll be interesting to see if The Shield can coexist tonight in the main event.

Backstage Segment:
Ziggler says they got them right where we want them. Mcintyre says tonight is their night. He tells Braun tonight’s the night to crush Reigns. Braun says he has them where he wants them. He tells them if either one of them screws up they’re gonna get these hands.

Match 4: Finn Balor w/ Bayley vs Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil & Samir Singh & Alicia Fox
Mahal takes down Balor and tries a cover but it doesn’t work. Mahal stays on him and locks in a chin lock keeping Balor grounded on the mat. Balor gets to his feet and takes down Mahal with a basement dropkick. Balor lands a big kick and follows with a sling blade. Balor continues the offensive and goes to the top. Balor hits the Coupe de Grace and gets the 1 2 3.
***After the match Lashley and rush come out. Rush tells Balor he wishes he could look like the big man. Lashley then poses on the second turnbuckle.
Winner: Finn Balor
My Opinion:
Good win for Balor in this quick match. This has become quite the rivalry but overall I think Balor has Mahal’s number. This isn’t exactly what I want to see Balor doing but for now, it works.

Match 5: Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush vs Tyler Breeze
Lashley shows off with poses to start the match. He then backs Breeze into the corner and has to be backed off. Lashley misses with a clothesline but pushes Breeze to the ground. Breeze hits an enziguri but Lashley gets right back into control Lashley hits the vertical suplex on Breeze. Lashley manhandles Breeze and then crushes him with a spear in the corner. Breeze fights back with a right and then a dropkick. Lashley comes back with a power slam. Lashley then lifts Breeze and slams him face first into the mat. Lashley gets the win on the cover.
Winner: Bobby Lashley
My Opinion:
This new Lashley is impressive but I think it’s something that’ll only last for a time. Rush is gonna get old with this and Lashley will have to find a new thing to run with. Hopefully, he can get his feet on the ground before it runs stale and he’ll have a clear path to the top. Lashley should be a world champion but he’s gonna have to fo more than just beat Tyler Breeze. If they want Lashley to be on top it’s gonna take some high profile matches but I hope they haven’t backed him in a spot he can’t get out of.

In Ring Segment: Trish Stratus & Lita
Lita says it is my old friend Philadelphia and ask them what’s up. She says it is good to be back home. She tells how one week from Sunday is Evolution. Out comes Alexa Bliss and Mickie James.
Alexa says she’s got this and mocks Lita. Mickie then joins in and mocks Trish. Alexa tells her she does Trish better than Trish does Trish. They mock the point that Trish does when she comes to the ring. Mickie says let’s face facts you haven’t been in the ring in a long time and while they’ve been kicking back they’ve been kicking back. Alexa says if they think they can come in and beat the two best women on the roster then Evolution will be a cakewalk. Mickie says they compete every night. Alexa tells them to go home and dust off the box that says wrestling gear. Mickie says if they think they’re gonna just step off the couch and step in with them they’re mistaken. Trish says at evolution they as women have a chance to make history and they’re out here talking about practice. Lita says they could make their career beating them but they’re gonna talk about practice. Lita says maybe they’re right maybe they do need practice. She tells them let’s have some practice right now. Alexa tells them they practice how they play and walk to the ring but then turn around.
My Opinion:
We’ll see if Lita and Trish are ready for this match, Mickie and Alexa weren’t wrong they have been here competing and those two haven’t. I think though Lita and Trish have enough experience and know what they’re getting into. This match should be pretty good but if Mickie and Alexa work them it will be hard. It’s not always about knowing the moves the biggest thing will come down to fatigue for Trish and Lita. they’re gonna have to be ready to go if they’re gonna win this.

Match 6: Kurt Angle vs Authors Of Pain (Akam & Rezar w/ Drake Maverick): Two On One Handicap Match
Akam hits Angle with an elbow after reversing the German. Rezar comes in and hits a big kick. Rezar continues to run through him and tags in Akam. Akam and Rezar work him and Akam gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
*** After the match the mask is ripped off and it’s not Angle. Angle comes from behind and slams Corbin on the stage!
Winners: Authors Of Pain (Akam & Rezar w/ Drake Maverick)
My Opinion:
You had to figure they weren’t gonna put Angle into the match against those two. I like what they did with this, Angle got some revenge on Corbin which was good. For AOP this wasn’t what I wanted them to be doing because it didn’t show them off but at least they’re going strong. It’ll be interesting though to see if Angle and Corbin face off down the road, I think that’d be a pretty good match and it’d make a lot of sense.

Match 7: Natalya w/ Bayley & Sasha Banks vs Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan
Natalya attacks Riott to start and is backed off. Riott hits a kick to the midsection and slams Natalya to the mat. Riott tries a cover but Natalya kicks out. Riott goes to a chinlock and keeps her grounded on the mat. Natalya gets to her feet but is slammed to the mat. Riott tries another but still can’t keep her down. Riott catches her with elbows and tries once more with the cover but still, Natalya kicks out. Natalya tries to fight back but is caught and again slammed to the mat. Riott once again though gets the near fall. Riott then his her with shoulders to the gut in the corner. Natalya buys time by dumping Riott on the outside. Riott gets back in and continues to punish her. Natalya lands a double leg takedown and locks in the Sharpshooter. Logan comes in and hits the leg of Natalya.
*** After the match the six women then go at it but the Riott Squad takes out Bayley and Sasha. They go after Natalya but back in are Sasha and Bayley taking them out. Natalya hits a suplex to Riott and the three stand tall.
Winner: Natalya: Via DQ
My Opinion:
The Riott Squad still looks strong even after this tonight. You see the loyalty they all have for each other and they weren’t gonna let Ruby go down like that. Ruby pretty much dominated the match and I think for The Riott Squad it’s a matter of time before they completely run things. I think having them been taken out tonight wasn’t the best way to go. They have a lot of momentum so it would’ve been smart to have them on top.

In Ring Segment: Elias
Elias comes out and makes fun of Philly as he usually does with cities. Apollo Crews then comes out and says he figured it was his turn to come out and interrupt him. Elias tells him tonight is not the night he makes a star out of him. Crews says he’s not really like him but it doesn’t matter in the ring. The two go back and forth before Elias tries a cheap shot but Crews catches him. Crews presses him and slams him to the mat.

Match 8: The Shield (Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns) vs Drew Mcintyre & Dolph Ziggler & Braun Strowman
Ziggler and Rollins lock up and Ziggler is able to work a side headlock. Rollins fights out and is able to get to Ambrose. Ambrose fights Ziggler and continues to keep him grounded. Rollins tags and the two double team Ziggler. Reigns comes in but has to get in between Rollins and Ambrose. Braun tags in and takes advantage and takes them all out Braun is on top as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ziggler works Reigns arm on the mat. Reigns gets to his feet and fights off Ziggler. Reigns hits a series of clotheslines but can’t get the tag before Mcintyre tags in and stops him. Reigns fights back and takes down Mcintyre off the ropes. Braun gets the tag and stops Reigns. He then hits a splash in the corner. Mcintyre tags in and stomps on Reigns. Braun then tags in and hits a headbutt. He then throws Reigns into the corner but is hit with a boot. Braun then hits the post and Reigns is able to hit the Samoan Drop. Reigns gets the tag and The shield finally get back into it. Rollins and Ambrose both hits a suicide dive and to Ziggler and Mcintyre. They try it on Braun but it doesn’t work. Reigns comes and assist with the Superman Punch. In the ring, Mcintyre hits a kick but Ambrose is able to try a cover. Ziggler breaks it up. Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds and tries the cover but once again Ziggler breaks it up sending Rollins into Ambrose. Ambrose and Rollins start going at each other and this allows Ziggler to come from behind and hit the Zig Zag. Ambrose is able to kick out of the cover. Reigns comes in and hits Ziggler and Mcintyre with Superman Punches. Ruan comes in but Reigns fights him off. Reigns moves out of the way and Mcintyre hits Braun with the Claymore. Reigns then hits Mcintyre with the spear. Ziggler tries the Zig Zag but Reins hangs on. The Shield then hits the triple powerbomb on Ziggler and get the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Ziggler is power slammed by Strowan. Mcintyre then hits Strowman with the Claymore.
Winners: The Shield (Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns)
My Opinion:
This was one heck of a main event. I love the controversy throughout the match and how you never knew if The Shield was gonna unfold. Ultimately they looked really good together and got the job done as they do. I loved the ending tonight with Mcintyre taking out Braun. Braun to me has gotten a little old but going back to just running by himself will do him someone good. I think he and Mcintyre could have one heck of a rivalry and I can’t wait to see where it goes.

Final Thoughts:
Not a bad Raw tonight, I thought the night started off well with the controversy of The shield. I really loved how that carried on throughout the night and made you think. That’s classic Raw style where there is a build up throughout the night that’s the stuff that keeps it interesting and keeps you guessing. The World Cup Qualifying matches were really good tonight, I think this was an awesome idea to do and all those qualifying matches have been awesome so far. I loved what Ronda had to say to The Bellas, physically Ronda will run through Nikki but as I said it’s gonna be the promos that hype it up and keep you buying into it. The main event was awesome too and beyond that, I like how the night ended with Drew Mcintyre on top. Mcintyre to me is a top guy and should be champion at some point. him putting down Bruan could be a step in the right direction and I hope he’ll have his moment. I think overall we’re at a good point on Raw, everything keeps moving in the right direction. With Evolution and Crown Jewel inching closer you have imagined the next few weeks will be action packed and I can’t wait!
Overall Rating: 6/10