Raw Review 01/01/2018

On this first Raw of the New Year Brock Lesnar will be here live tonight! What will happen as Lesnar stands in the ring with Braun Strowman and Kane lurking in the back? Also, Roman Reigns will defend his Intercontinental Championship against Samoa Joe and if he is disqualified he will lose the championship. Plus Alexa Bliss is set to take on Asuka in a non-title match. Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins shocked the world last week winning the Raw Tag-Team Championships but what’s next for the makeshift team? Finally, who else will declare for the 2018 Royal Rumble?

Raw is live tonight from the American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida.

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

Backstage Segment:
Alexa asks Kurt what he was thinking putting her against Asuka. He tells her he was trying to put together a WrestleMania worthy match. Alexa pleads with him to call off the match. He tells her that if she has a problem with Asuka to settle it in the ring and adds that she is lucky this is not a championship match.

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle
Kurt Wishes everyone a Happy New Year and welcomes them to Raw. He tells that 2017 was one of the greatest years of his career but this year will be better. He tells about the Royal Rumble and how John Cena has claimed his spot in the match. He also reminds about the Women’s Royal Rumble. Kurt says he talked to Stephanie, Shane, and Daniel and they have decided the Women’s Royal Rumble will have the same rules as the guys. He says he expects Raw to win the matches and main event WrestleMania. Out comes Sheamus and Cesaro.
Sheamus tells him to stop talking about the Royal Rumble and instead talk about the travesty last week on Raw when they lost their tag team championships. Cesaro says they can’t stand favoritism. Cesaro says it was bad enough giving Jason Jordan Seth Rollins as a partner but what Kurt did after the match was too much. They tell Kurt they want their rematch tonight. Kurt tells them they will get the rematch when he says so. Outcomes Jason Jordan.
Jordan asks them what he’s doing with the belt if he didn’t deserve the opportunity at the titles. He says his opportunity was based on his track record. He says he and Seth earned the table and tells Cesaro he’s gonna earn another trip to the dentist if he keeps talking. Kurt stops them and says they settle their differences in the ring. Outcomes Seth Rollins.
Rollins tells him to not come out here outnumbered. He tells Jordan that what he does affects him now too and tells Jordan to stop being self-absorbed. He says he will be in Jordan’s corner tonight but he says he’s only out here to watch Jordan lose. Cesaro attacks Jordan from behind before the match starts.
My Opinion:
Not a bad way to start off the night. I like the ambition Jordan has, he goes out there and gets what he wants. I agree with what Seth said though he and Jordan do need to work as a team to keep the titles. I see Sheamus and Cesaro getting them back but if Rollins and Jordan want to keep them then they have to have each other’s backs. I was glad that Rollins came out and showed he does want to be there even though he’s using tough love on Jordan.

Match 1: Jason Jordan vs Cesaro
As Raw returns, Jordan works his way back in the match. He hits a big dropkick and lands big spears in the corner. Cesaro strikes Jordan is able to wear him down. Cesaro gets him on the mat and locks in a chin-lock. Jordan is able to come back and catches Cesaro. He then drives Cesaro into the corner. Jordan follows up by slamming Cesaro in the other corner followed by one more. Sheamus distracts Jordan and Cesaro takes advantage with a shot to the leg. Cesaro works his leg and follows with a big dropkick to the knees of Jordan. Cesaro continues to put the pressure on Jordan and works his leg more. Cesaro lands a big uppercut to the leg of Jordan and follows with an elbow drop. Jordan fights to his feet and the two trade blows. Jordan gets the advantage with a big clothesline. Jordan lands a back body drop and sends Cesaro to the floor. Cesaro goes after the leg of Jordan again and slams him on the apron as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Cesaro continues the attack on the leg of Jordan. Cesaro lands a big shot to Jordan. Cesaro locks in a half crab and keeps the pressure on the leg. Jordan uses his good leg to fight off Cesaro. Cesaro comes back with big rights. Jordan works him off of him but then runs into a series of uppercuts. Jordan continues to fight but can’t lift Cesaro. Jordan tries to build momentum and is able to throw Cesaro. Jordan gets a 2 count on the pin attempt. Jordan lands a huge suplex followed by another but gets a 2 count again. Cesaro uses the ropes to take the advantage on Jordan. Sheamus lands a cheap shot but it’s not enough to keep Jordan down. Cesaro takes a half crab and turns it into a full crab. Jordan fights to the ropes to break the hold. Rollins attacks Sheamus on the outside. In the ring, Jordan lands a huge suplex and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Jason Jordan
My Opinion:
Great win for Jordan, he really fought for that and didn’t give in. I think Jordan is really starting to prove he can get the job done. I love the support Rollins gave to him. It’s gonna have Jordan a lot to learn from Rollins and feed off of him. Cesaro showed no remorse but Sheamus and him need to learn Jordan shouldn’t be underestimated.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Roman how the match stipulation will affect his approach. Roman says he got what he deserved. He calls Joe a punk and says it will be ugly out there. He says he hopes he will stay within the rules.

Match 2: Bray Wyatt vs Apollo Crews
The two lock up to start the match. Wyatt backs him in the corner and toys with Crews. Crews gets a side headlock and works Wyatt to one knee. Wyatt comes back with a huge shot and stays on Crews. Crews lands a big kick and drops the elbow on Wyatt. Crews goes back to the headlock and stays on Wyatt. Wyatt works out and sends Crews off the ropes hitting him with a huge headbutt. Wyatt works Crews on the ropes and comes at him with a big right hand. Crews is able to move out of the way of Wyatt and uses his quickness to hit a dropkick. Crews is sent to the apron but he catches Wyatt with a right. Crews goes to the top but is caught by Wyatt. Wyatt then lands a huge jawbreaker. Wyatt is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Wyatt hits Crews with a huge tackle launching himself at Crews. Wyatt works Crews in the corner but Crews comes back with a big kick to Wyatt. Crews lands a shot to the gut and stays hot with a quick clothesline. Crews lands a huge standing shooting star press but it’s not enough to put away Wyatt. Crews then hits Wyatt with a moonsault off the apron. Back in the ring, Wyatt hits him with a huge clothesline. Dana tries to cheer on Crews but is scared by Wyatt and takes out out Titus on the outside. Crews hits him with a big kick but Wyatt stays on him and hits Sister Abigail. Wyatt gets the win over Crews.
*** After the match Matt Hardy tells Wyatt he turned his fireflies into his Woken Warriors. He tells him he can not escape his Woken Wisdom for much longer. He says he is all around him and once Abigail’s powers are no more he will Delete him.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
My Opinion:
A very solid win for Wyatt. I love the way he worked the match tonight, he took everything Crews threw at him and took his time. Wyatt is such a good worker and knows how to wear down his opponents. Wyatt looks great going into this 2018 year but there’s no doubt Matt Hardy sent a message. It’s only a matter of time before these two have an epic clash.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa tells Nia she needs her in her corner tonight. Nia tells her that Enzo is sick with the flu and she’s gonna go tend to him. Alexa tells her that it’s him or her. Nia says she’s sorry but her chicken soup is getting cold.

Match 3: Alexa Bliss vs Asuka
Alexa does her best to stay away from Asuka in the early going. Asuka grabs her arm and goes for spinning back fists but Alexa is able to get to the ropes. Alexa gets around on Asuka but Asuka quickly comes back working her arm. Alexa goes back to the arm Asuka. Asuka then reverses into a hammerlock. Asuka works Alexa to the mat and gets a kneebar locked in. Alexa is able to create separation but Asuka stays on her with a side headlock. Alexa lands a cheap shot but Asuka gets back to her feet and goes right back after Alexa. Asuka lands a big shoulder tackle and then is able to hit a rear view. Alexa goes to the outside to create space. Alexa gets back in the ring but ducks under the bottom rope again as Asuka approached. Alexa gets back in the ring and immediately is taken to the mat. Asuka lands a huge kick and stays on Alexa. Alexa again goes to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Alexa is in control after landing a huge kick to Asuka. Alexa has Asuka locked in a body scissors. Asuka counters into an ankle lock. Alexa is able to get the ropes and send Asuka into them. Alexa uses the ring post to bend Asuka. Alexa gets in the ring and hammers away. Alexa goes for a cover but Asuka kicks out. Asuka misses on a kick and Alexa is able to land a backbreaker. Alexa tees off on Asuka and goes for the cover but gets a 2 count. Alexa then goes back to the body scissors. Asuka tries to fight out but Alexa locks in a modified guillotine. Asuka finally does counter but Alexa gets to the ropes. Alexa lands huge kicks in the corner. Alexa lands a huge slap on Asuka but Asuka lands one of her own. The two then trade blows and Asuka gets the advantage with a series of dropkicks. Another missile dropkick from Asuka. Asuka then hits the rear view once more. Alexa is able to hit with an elbow but Asuka catches her with a big knee. Asuka isn’t able to put Alexa away on the pin. Alexa comes back and drives Asuka out of the ring. Asuka comes back in and lands a huge kick. Asuka lands another kick and locks in an armbar. Alexa taps.
Winner: Asuka
My Opinion:
A great match between these two. Alexa fought as hard as she could but Asuka just gets more intense as the match goes on. Asuka is very dangerous and I love that she can strike at any time. I did find it odd that they let this go to a finish, I think at some point Asuka is gonna have to lose cause the whole dominate winning streak only goes so far. Asuka is special but I want to see what happens when she has to face someone like Nia Jax.

Backstage Segment:
Joe says he will beat Roman Reigns. He tells Renee he owns Reigns, he’s broken him, and he’s exposed him. He says because of him The Shield will never be champions together. He says because of him dean Ambrose is now a stay at home husband living out off his wife’s paycheck. He says Reigns has run out of options and times. He says when he wins tonight Reigns will understand it may be his yard but it’s Joe’s world.

Match 4: Braun Strowman vs Rhyno
Strowman backs Rhyno in the corner to start. The two lock up and again Rhyno is sent into the corner. Rhyno gets a side headlock but is quickly taken down by a shoulder tackle. Strowman goes to the outside and grabs a microphone. He tells Slater to stand on the floor or to get in the ring and get these hands. Rhyno comes from behind but Strowman hits him with a headbutt. Slater and Rhyno double team Strowman. Strowman shoves Slater away and crushes Rhyno in the corner. Strowman hits the running power slam on Rhyno to the get the win.
*** After the match Strowman hits a big running power slam on Slater. He then hits another on Rhyno, one more on Slater, and one more for Rhyno for good measure. Strowman then lifts Slater and hits him again with the power slam.
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
I really think this year could be huge for Strowman. This man is so dominate and he can run with anyone. Strowman has become a top star and I can’t wait to see what he does next. He has a great shot to become the Universal Champion and is proving that one man or two men or however many he’s always ready. I don’t know who can stop Strowman but I can see him running Raw this year.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins tells Reigns he wanted to make sure he’s keeping his cool. Reigns says Joe is a joke and he hopes the whole world is watching because you don’t mess with their brother. Jordan comes in and says he and Rollins are focused on The Bar and if they try to interfere they will take them out, believed that.

Backstage Segment:
Kane tells Strowman that he wants to talk about Brock Lesnar. He tells Brun they are the alpha monsters and together they can tame The Beast, he says he has a plan and all it takes is them being on the same page. Strowman says he is the only alpha monster and when he takes down Lesnar he’s gonna do it on his own terms.

Backstage Segment:
Finn Balor tells Angle that he’s entering the Royal Rumble. Angle says he knows he’ll represent Raw well. Kurt then asks Balor if he’s found some partners for his match tonight. The Club comes in. Balor says he’s stood with these guys and he wouldn’t want anyone else by his side.

Match 5: Samoa Joe vs Roman Reigns (c) :
Intercontinental Championship Match: If Reigns is Disqualified he loses the title.
Joe starts with huge right hands. Joe gets Reigns in the corner and continues with huge strikes. Reigns comes back with a right of his own and stomps on Joe in the corner. Reigns continues with the right hands on Joe. Joe comes from behind and slams Reigns to the mat. Joe hits Reigns and lands a snap suplex. Reigns goes to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Joe hits Reigns with a running back elbow. Joe goes for a cover but gets a 2 count. Joe hits Reigns with knees and jabs. Reigns counters Joe and hits a suplex. Reigns is sidestepped in the corner and collides with the ring post. Joe then works Reigns on the mat. He goes to the right arm of Reigns and wrenches on it. Reigns gets to a vertical base and hits Joe with a big right. Reigns goes to the clotheslines and follows with a huge kick. Joe comes back and takes it to Reigns laying him out on the mat. Joe bounces Reigns off the turnbuckle and comes with a combination of elbows and rights. Joe then heaves Reigns across the ring into the corner. Joe then follows that with doing it again. Joe hits a snap mare and goes back to work on the arm of Reigns. Reigns gets to his feet and tries to fight back but Joe goes back to the midsection. Joe brings Reigns into the corner again but this time Reigns explodes out of the corner with a huge clothesline to take down Joe. Reigns then hits a series of clotheslines in the corner. Reigns then drives Joe out of the ring. Reigns goes to the outside and hits Joe with the drive by. Reigns brings him back in the ring and goes for the cover but can’t get the 3. Reigns pounds on Joe in the corner but is sent to the apron. Joe then blasts Reigns into the barricade and flies through the ropes hitting a suicide dive. Both men beat the ten count as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Joe is in control. Joe hits a huge headbutt and sends Reigns to the mat. Joe pounds on Reigns and taunts him. Reigns gets fired up and hits Joe with big forearms. Joe comes back with some of his own but Reigns is able to turn it into the Samoan drop. Reigns goes for the cover but Joe kicks out at 2. Reigns looks for the Superman Punch but Joe rolls out of the way. Reigns meets him on the outside by Reigns is caught by a big shot from Joe. Joe then bounces Reigns off the steps. Reigns is able to fight off Joe but still suffers the effects. Reigns grabs the steps but the ref stops him. Joe takes advantage with a right hand. Reigns comes out of nowhere with the Superman Punch. Back in the ring Reigns hits it once more but Joe kicks out at 2. Reigns goes for the spear but is caught by a kick. Reigns is able to counter Joe but Joe sends Reigns into the ref. Reigns side steps Joe but Joe catches him and hits the Uranage. Joe goes for the cover but this he gets a 2 count. Reigns hits him with a big right but Joe locks in the Coquina Clutch. Reigns fights out and hits the spear. 1 2 3 Reigns retains!
Winner: Roman Reigns:
Still Intercontinental Champion
My Opinion:
One heck of a match these two had. I loved the back and forth and how they threw everything they could at each other. Reigns impresses me because he can hang so long. Joe did everything he could but Reigns waits for that last second to capitalize. Reigns showed tonight he can win and can win big. Kicks off the year Reigns just gained big momentum but I’m looking forward to seeing if he and Joe lock up in the future. Even though they’ve gone at it a lot I still feel like there is unfinished business at the end of this.

Backstage Segment:
Heyman tells Angle that is Braun Strowman and Kane gang up on Lesnar then he will be proactive. He tells Angle that 2018 shall be the year of The Beast.

In Ring Segment: Drew Gulak & Ariya Daivari
Gulak says he’s been sent here to deliver a message form, Enzo Amore. Gulak tells that Enzo is sick with the flu and won’t be defending his championship tonight on Raw. He continues and tells that Enzo said if he was here he would have wiped the floor with Cedric Alexander. Outcomes Cedric Alexander.
Cedric says he came here for competition. He asks Daivari and Gulak which one of them is gonna step up in Enzo’s place. Gulak said they would oblige but in a tag team match against him and anyone who walks down the ramp. They tell Cedric good luck on someone coming out. Outcomes Goldust.
Goldust says he’s got some friends in low places but says none are lower than Gulak and Daivari. Goldust then asks Cedric if he wants to be friends.

Match 6: Drew Gulak & Ariya Daivari vs Cedric Alexander & Goldust
Alexander and Daivari start the match. Alexander works Daivari and sends Daivari flying. Alexander follows with a dropkick. Daivari fights back and sends Alexander into the turnbuckle. Daivari locks in a chin-lock and works Alexander on the mat. Daivari viciously sends Alexander to the mat. Alexander comes back with a huge back elbow. Goldust and Gulak get the tags. Goldust lands big rights and works Gulak in the corner. Goldust lands huge uppercuts and follows with a right. Goldust sends Gulak to the mat. Goldust goes to the top rope and flies with a cross body taking out Gulak and Daivari. Alexander gets the tag and flies off the top rope. Alexander hits the Lumbar Check on Gulak and gets the win for his team.
Winners: Cedric Alexander & Goldust
My Opinion:
Pretty cool to see Goldust mixed up in this. The match was short and run by Goldust and Alexander but I thought it was fun. I think one thing that disappointed me though was we expected a championship match and with that being said they should’ve had another big match lined up to take its place. Either way it is what it is, the Cruiserweights didn’t get a good showing tonight but nonetheless, Goldust made the segment and the match memorable. Hopefully, Cedric will get his shot soon and can capture the title.

Match 7: Finn Balor & The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs
The Miztourage (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) & Elias
As Raw returns, Balor battles back against Axel. Axel backs him in the corner and lands big shoulder shots. Axel is able to tag Elias and Elias land a cheap shot. Balor lands a shot of his own but Elias comes back quickly and stomps on Balor. Balor catches him but is sent back to the mat. Elias controls Balor and works his arm. Balor works to his feet and takes down Elias. Balor lands a double stomp and tags Gallows. Dallas gets the tag but Gallows takes him down with a big boot. Gallows land a huge splash and follows with another boot. Gallows hits a splash again but Elias breaks up the cover. Gallows lands a big right on Dallas and tags in Anderson. The tow hit the Magic Killer and Balor gets the tag. Balor flies from the top and hits the Coupe de Grace to get the 1 2 3.
Winners: Finn Balor & The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson)
My Opinion:
It was awesome to see these guys back together. I was super excited to see gallows going strong and showing the powerhouse he can be. I really would love to see Balor back with them and have his old group back together. Even though the match was short lived you could see the connection they had and how well they work as a team. I think putting Gallows and Anderson with Balor would do all three some good.
*** The Miz will return next week.

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar
Heyman says it seems that WWE again is trying to stack the deck against Brock Lesnar. Heyman questions why Lesnar has to face challengers again instead of just one challenger. Heyman points out the important fact of how Lesnar doesn’t need to be pinned to lose his title. Heyman proclaims that Lesnar will successfully defend the title. Heyman tells it doesn’t matter how you stack the deck Lesnar will always win. Heyman says Lesnar fears no challenge, no challenger, and no challengers. The two go to exit the ring but here comes Kane.
Kane grabs Lesnar and hits a chokeslam on him. Lesnar then sits up and sends Kane over the top rope. The locker room comes out to break up the fight. Lesnar stands tall as Kane is escorted to the back.
My Opinion:
I thought this segment definitely could’ve had more to it. It’s all the same when Heyman comes out to speak now. I like Lesnar and Kane going at it but still, Strowman should’ve been out there because he loves a good fight. This to me was a waste of an appearance by Lesnar and it didn’t capitalize like it should’ve to close the show.

Final Thoughts:
Not a bad Raw to kick off the year. First off Jason Jordan looked great against Cesaro. He really showed that he can go and proved that he can get the job done. If Rollins takes him seriously and sticks by his side they could really dominate as a team. Asuka had a great showing tonight. Alexa fought hard and I think proved why she is champion but Asuka was just too good. Asuka has something special and it’s gonna be exciting to see what she will accomplish this year. Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe battled tonight. They put on one heck of a match but Reigns just never quits. It seemed like Joe did everything he could but Reigns proved that no matter the circumstances he waits for that perfect moment and strikes. It was disappointing to see Enzo was sick but Goldust definitely added life to the Cruiserweight Division for the night. Like I said hopefully Cedric will get his shot soon and can prove he’s one of the best today. One thing I did like was Finn Balor being back with The club, I think this is a great idea and it was an unexpected awesome sight to see tonight. Finally, the ending for tonight feel flat in my eyes but the point was there. You know all three are coming for a fight at the Rumble but Lesnar definitely looked focused and who knows who will be able to dethrone The Beast this year.
Overall Rating: 6.8/10