Raw Review 01/06/2020

RAW REVIEW 01/06/2020

On the first Raw of 2020 what will happen when the WWE Champion Brock Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman return to Raw? Also, will Rey Mysterio be able to win back the United States Championship when he goes one on one against Andrade? Plus, after Liv Morgan and Rusev crashed the wedding of Lana and Bobby Lashley what will be the fallout? Finally, who will walk out the Raw Tag Team Champions as The Viking Raiders defend against The Street Profits and The O.C.?

Raw comes to us from the Chesapeake Energy Center in Oklahoma City.

Raw kicks off with a look back at Bobby Lashey and Lana’s wedding from last week.

In-Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar (WWE Champion) w/ Paul Heyman
Heyman starts by telling the crowd Happy New Year to you too bitches. He then introduces himself and Brock Lesnar as he always does. Heyman says let’s kick off the new decade by making history. He tells how Lesnar makes history and tells how Lesnar said to him how he is wondering who is going to challenge him for the WWE Title at the Royal Rumble. Heyman tells how he asked him who he thinks is worthy to step in the ring with him. He says Lesnar’s answer was that there is not one single member of the Raw, SmackDown, or NXT roster worthy or man enough to step in the ring and share the spotlight with him. He tells the crowd not to boo Lesnar, not when he is about to do something that can be advertised as the first time ever. He brings up how Undertaker couldn’t be beaten but Lesnar conquered that. He then continues to list the accolades of Lesnar. He says so now a universe Brock Lesnar has not yet conquered, so how about every single solitary challenger who wants Brock Lesnar can have Brock Lesnar. He says Brock Lesnar hereby enters the Royal Rumble Match, not just enters the Royal Rumble Match first. That means if Roman Reigns enters first its Lesnar vs Reigns, or someone like Seth Rollins. Any single person who enters will go face to face with Lesnar. He tells how Lesnar will be standing in the ring last. He tells how Lesnar will conquer the Royal Rumble and win after entering first, that’s not just a prediction it’s a spoiler.
My Opinion:
This was a big announcement from Heyman, I’m very interested to see how far Brock can go starting at number one. Although it’d be nice to see the title defended it’s not as much needed with two Royal Rumbles and other title matches on the card. I think having him in there can really boost somebody up if and when they do eliminate him. This also keeps people away from Lesnar for now and allow a star to rise to face him at WrestleMania.

Backstage Segment:
Sarah asks Rey Mysterio how much this U.S. title match means to him. He says it means everything not only because he will become champion again but because at this point he doesn’t have years left in his career but days left. He thanks his son and then tells how Andrade doesn’t deserve to represent Latino’s and tonight he is taking his championship back.

Match 1: Andrade (C) w/ Zelina Vega vs Rey Mysterio: United States Championship Match
Andrade goes right after Mysterio and hammers on him backing him in the corner. Mysterio comes back and lands a takedown. He then takes out Andrade on the floor. Back in the ring, he tries a cover but Andrade kicks out at one. Mysterio is hit in the gut and falls to a knee. Andrade sends him off the ropes but is hit with a big kick. Mysterio is on the shoulders of Andrade and the two go to the floor. Mysterio rolls through and sends him into the steel steps. In the ring, Mysterio flies off the ropes but is hit with a big dropkick as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mysterio and Andrade are both down. Andrade goes to throw a right but is caught and Mysterio hits three of his own. Mysterio then hits a hurricanrana. Mysterio keeps fighting him off and finally hits a huge DDT after being caught in mid-air. He covers but Andrade kicks out. Mysterio lands a kick in the corner. With Mysterio up top Andrade goes and meets him. He hits Mysterio and goes for the double stomp but Mysterio is able to move out of the way. Andrade crashes to the floor. Mysterio flies to the outside but Andrade rolls through and hits the double knees. Andrade goes up and over and then tries a cover but Mysterio kicks out at two. Andrade hits a suplex, then another but misses on the third. Mysterio works an inside cradle but again Andrade kicks out. Andrade escapes the 619 attempt and hits a big boot. He covers but Mysterio kicks out. Mysterio comes back and lays out Andrade. He covers and gets the 3 but Andrade had his foot on the rope thanks to Vega. the ref then calls to restart the match as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mysterio sends Andrade to the outside. Mysterio then launches Andrade into the barricade. In the ring, Mysterio grabs Andrade on the apron but he is hit in the midsection. The two exchange blows before Mysterio sends Andrade spine first into the ring post. In the ring, Mysterio comes off the ropes to a hit a leg drop. He covers but Andrade again just kicks out. Mysterio goes to the second turnbuckle and flies but he gets caught and is planted. Andrade covers but Mysterio kicks out. Andrade sets up Mysterio in the corner. He looks for the knees but Mysterio moves. He comes off the top ropes and flies sending Andrade into the ropes. He hits the 619 and then goes to the top. Vega pulls Andrade out of the ring. Mysterio flies onto Andrade but Andrade then sends Mysterio into Vega. Andrade grabs him and sends him into the steel steps. In the ring, the ref sends Mysterio back to the outside as there is a concern for injury. Mysterio comes back into the ring and he is caught by Andrade who hits him with the Hammerlock DDT. He covers and gets the 1 2 3. Andrade then rips off the mask off Mysterio and takes the mask as a prize.
Winner: Andrade: Still United States Champion
My Opinion:
This first title defense was huge for Andrade and now having beat Mysterio twice he is really proving himself with a bigger opportunity. Of course, he had help from Zelina but that again is the danger of facing Andrade. Someone like Mysterio who has been around for so long should know something like this but he didn’t and was ill-prepared for Vega at ringside. Andrade is definitely on a roll right now and I’m very excited to see where they go with this title run. I think he could be a very dominant champion with all he has going for him and whoever he faces next better study up.

Backstage Segment: Samoa Joe & Kevin Owens
Charly tells Joe and Owens how Seth Rollins is going to divide and conquer because he believes they are individualist. Owens says it is true he doesn’t play well with others but he needs Joe as much as Joe needs him. Joe agrees and says tonight he challenges the three of them against the three of us. Owens asks about the third and says I’m assuming not as three (as in joe, him, and Charly). Joe tells Owens he’s got a guy don’t worry.

Backstage Segment: Seth Rollins & AOP
Charly tells Rollins and AOP how Joe issued a challenge. Rollins says they don’t need to be briefed on the challenge because they live for them. He says the challenge he is most concerned about right now is taking Monday Night Raw to the next level. He says the WWE Universe has made him the chosen one and he has sacrificed everything for that. He tells how no one stands by KO or Samoa Joe. He tells that they are a united front and no one stands up to them. He says the messiah and The AOP will take care of that.

Match 2: The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford) vs The O.C. (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) (c): Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Anderson gets the early advantage but Erik turns it around and is able to quickly take him down. Ivar tags in and continues to take Anderson down. He tries a cover but Anderson kicks out. Erik tags in and hammers on Anderson in the corner. Ivar comes back in and wears down Anderson. Dawkins tags in and works a side headlock. He then hits a big dropkick. Ford tags in and hits a dropkick of his own. Ivar tags in now and Ford works a headlock. Ivar is able to catch him for a moment. Ford uses his quickness and stays away from Ivar. Ivar and Ford then trade counters. Anderson and Gallows come in and hits Ivar and Ford. Gallows tags in and hits Ford with big rights and lefts in the corner. He then hits a big uppercut. Anderson tags in and hits Ford in the corner. Anderson grabs him by the ears and keeps control in the corner. Gallows tags in and he tosses Ford. he covers but Ford kicks out. Gallows then unloads with elbow strikes Gallows turns to a chin lock and keeps him on the mat. Anderson tags in and tries a cover but Dawkins breaks it up. Anderson then shoves Dawkins to the outside. Gallows tags in and tries to take it to Ford but he escapes and tags in Erik. Erik takes control and lays out everyone. Erik picks up Ivar and slams him on Dawkins. Ivar drops Gallows in the corner and Erik then drives him into Gallows. Erik and Ivar hit the Viking Experience on Ford and Ivar goes for the cover but Anderson breaks it up. Ivar then takes out Ford and Anderson on the outside. On the other side of the ring, Gallows sends Erik over the barricade as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Anderson tries to beat down Erik on the mat. He gets him in the corner and continues to hammer on him. Erik fights back but Anderson keeps control. Anderson continues to go after the body and then tags back in Anderson. Anderson works a chin lock and keeps Erik grounded. Ivar tags in and slams Anderson. He then lands a big splash. Anderson fights back but Ivar takes him down and sends him to the outside. Gallows comes in and is hit with a clothesline. Dawkins tags in and so does Erik. Dawkins hits him with a right and then he slams Ivar. Dawkins takes out Gallows and then lands a bulldog on Erik. Ford tags in and is sent into Erik but he is sent to the apron. Dawkins takes down Erik and Ford hits a frog splash. Anderson had tagged in and comes in to try to steal one but Ivar breaks it up. Ford comes back in to hit a dropkick. He is then sent to the outside where he takes out Dawkins and Gallows. Erik hits a powerbomb on Anderson. Ivar then hits a big splash and covers to get the 1 2 3.
Winners: The Viking Raiders: Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
That was an awesome match between these three teams, you really saw their best efforts and really it was anyone’s match. The Viking Raiders retain and get the huge win when the odds were against them. I think the tag division on Raw is a little stale right now and if The Street Profits won it could have given a nice spark. The Viking Raiders are phenomenal but I feel like they are being held back from their full potential.

Backstage Segment: Samoa Joe & Kevin Owens
Charly asks Joe who his third person is. Joe says I’m sure you are eager and so is the WWE Universe and our little messiah. Owens comes up bringing up he hasn’t gotten a long with everyone since being here and says he’d like to know who Joe us talking about so he can prepare. Joe asks if it’d make him feel better if he showed him. Owens says yeah it would. The two then walk off with Charly following behind.

Backstage Segment: Samoa Joe & Kevin Owens
Owens and Joe walk up to a door and he tells Owens to go look. Owens looks and Joe says are we good. Owens says we’re good but no Seth and AOP. Charly asks who’s in there but they won’t tell.

In-Ring Segment: Becky Lynch
Lynch says she has been walking for months wondering what kind of a champion she is. She tells she has let the doubters get to her and she forced the powers that be to give her a rematch against Asuka at the Royal Rumble. She tells that she is doubting her wisdom on that one. She says she got time to think about what it meant to be The Man and wonder if she should be content with all she has and with all the people who are looking out for her and avoid the one woman she can’t seem to beat. They then show highlights from Lynch versus Asuka from the Royal Rumble last year and then Lynch and Asuka facing off 2 months ago in a tag team match. Lynch says what she figured out in all of this is. She is then caught off and out comes Asuka.
Asuka comes out screaming at her and cutting a promo in Japanese. Asuka gets in the ring and Lynch drops her with a huge right hand.
My Opinion:
I think this will be a great match between these two and hopefully, this helps Lynch out a lot. She hasn’t been used the best lately and it would be great to see the Man get her swagger back. They haven’t given her many hot storylines as of late so I hope she can go win and then go on to WrestleMania with something big. It feels the Women’s Division has somewhat been forgotten again and they really need to build up more stars because that’s what seems to be lacking for Lynch on Raw.

Backstage Segment: Mojo Rawley & Erick Rowan
Mojo stops Erick Rowan and asks him if he can take one look at what’s inside that cage. Rowan says help yourself but don’t tell anybody. Mojo screams and jumps back. He says what the hell is wrong with you man, what the hell.

Backstage Segment: Andrade & Zelina Vega
Sarah asks Andrade if he crossed the line with Rey Mysterio. Andrade laughs and says crossed the line. He then starts speaking in Spanish but Rey comes from behind and attacks him. Vega yells for him to get off but Mysterio keeps hammering on him. The two then have to be separated.

Match 3: Erick Rowan vs Local Competitor.
Before the match he grabs his opponent and tells him if he wants to see what’s in there he’ll show him. He then brings him to the outside. The guy gets away from Rowan and back in the ring. Rowan asks if he wants to fight.
The match starts and Rowan hits him with a big boot. He stays on him before hitting him with the Iron Claw. he pins him and gets the 1 2 3.
After the match, he brings the guy back over to the cage and makes him look. He then screams and scampers away.
Winner: Erick Rowan
My Opinion:
Rowan was dominant again and finally, we get something more with the cage. Obviously now they have people reacting to what’s in there so hopefully, we will see sometime soon. It better be good with reactions like that!

Match 4: AJ Styles & Akira Tozawa
Tozawa takes it to Styles and hammers on him in the ring. Styles comes back and hits a Phenomenal Forearm. He covers but then picks up Tozawa and breaks the cover. Styles looks for the Styles Clash but then brings him to the ropes and hits the DDT Randy Orton style. Styles then hits an RKO. Styles finally pins Tozawa and pins him for the 1 2 3.
Winner: AJ Styles
My Opinion:
This was short but the message was sent. I like the cockiness in Styles and him continuing to poke at Orton. These two are recreating a great feud and I can’t wait to see when they will finally face off again. Orton is only going to be more riled up by this and I cannot wait to see what he brings when he finally gets his hands on Styles. Overall their back and forth is great and I love having two quote on quote bad guys going at one another.

In-Ring Segment: Bobby Lashley & Lana
Lana says for all of you that didn’t want us to get married last week that is too damn bad. Lana tells that they are going to get married right here, right now. The priest says now that we have heard enough objections, he goes on and pronounces them husband and wife. He tells Bobby he may now kiss the bride. Lana tells the priest he is so boring. She says she is supposed to feel so so happy, this is supposed to be the happiest day of her but she doesn’t feel happy. She says she feels extremely sad but is has nothing to do with her or Bobby, it has to do with everyone in the world who doesn’t want to see this ring on her finger. She tells the crowd she hopes they taking a long hard look at this because they are basic civilians who should be happy to be in her presence. She says her exes and all these people jealous of their lives should be ashamed of themselves. Bobby says the most miserable of them all is Lana’s sorry excuse of an ex-husband. He asks what Rusev did it for, so he and these idiots could have a laugh or hide the fact he wasn’t man enough to keep his wife. Rusev comes on the screen and says it seems like you two are more miserable than everyone in the arena. He tells them since they didn’t want to take their honeymoon he took one instead. He says he wanted to give them a present and tells them he put together a Lana and Bob wedding album. The pictures play and it’s the destruction from their wedding last week. Lana says I hate you, I hate you, I hate you Rusev so much I can’t stand it. She keeps on going and Lashley says shut up. Bobby tells Rusev he use to be a man but it seems his ex-wife ripped him of his manhood. He then challenges him to show up to Raw next week so he can shove them down his throat. Rusev says next week is the return of the Bulgarian Brute and if there is anything left of Bobby it will be all Lana’s.
My Opinion:
That segment was okay but hopefully next week there will be something big for Rusev. This has dragged on and although last week was interesting this week was kind of a drag. I think that’s been the problem with the story as a whole that it keeps going up and down in terms of interest. Like I said I hope next week something good comes out of it and this picks up more steam.

*** Next week it will be Bobby Lashley vs Rusev

Backstage Segment: R-Truth
Charly asks R-Truth what’s in store for his 2020. Liv Morgan comes up before Truth can talk. She congratulates Truth on his record and then says she couldn’t help but overhear that Rusev will face Lashley next week. She says Lana will be Lashley’s corner and Rusev will need someone in his corner and that is a moment she Liv’s for.

Charlotte Flair vs Sarah Logan
Logan attacks Charlotte before the bell. She beats on her and sends her to the outside. She then hits her with a huge knee and continues to beat her down. Charlotte turns it around and sends her into the barricade. Charlotte stays on her and then takes her over the barricade. The two make it back to ringside and Logan gets the upper hand. Logan gets back in the ring and grabs the rope of Charlotte. She then throws it around and wipes her feet on it before throwing it to the outside. Logan goes back to the outside and Charlotte hits her with a spear. She then sends her into the barricade. Charlotte stays on her and suplexes her now into the barricade. Logan is then sent into the ring post. Logan fights back and now sends Charlotte into the ring post. Charlotte comes back with a big boot and lays her out. Charlotte then has the ref get her robe. She puts the robe back on and walks off.
My Opinion:
I liked the new side of Sarah Logan and hopefully, for her, it will eventually lead to something but ultimately she couldn’t match up to Charlotte. She poked the wrong person tonight and Charlotte showed her why she is the best today. Charlotte seems more focused than ever and knows she has a huge target on her heading into the Royal Rumble. I cannot wait to see Charlotte in there and on her road to that match you can expect more actions like this as she prepares for one of the biggest matches of her career.

Backstage Segment: Drew Mcintyre
Mcintyre heads to the ring as he is in action next!

Match 5: No Way Jose vs Drew Mcintyre
Before the match begins Mcintyre headbutts one of the conga line members. The match begins and Jose does his best to take it to Mcintyre but can’t. Mcintyre gets the upper hand and takes him down. He then goes to the outside and chops one of the conga line members before sending him face-first into the led board on the ring. Joe tries to take it to Mcintyre as he enters the ring but Mcintyre stays on him. He hits him with a kick in the corner. Jose tries a cover but Mcintyre kicks out and hits him with a Future Shock DDT. He then hits him with the Claymore Kick and gets the 1 2 3.
After the match, Mcintyre launches Jose over the top rope and into the members of the conga line. Mcintyre grabs the mic and asks the crowd who dares him to do one more Claymore. He then asks who double dares him to do one more Claymore. They cheer for him loudly. Joe is brought back in the ring Mcintyre hits one more Claymore. He says don’t expect an apology he’s always hated conga lines except for the cheeseburger he seems like a nice guy. He then tells how he has never gotten an opportunity for the world title. He says since everyone seems to scared to fight him he needs to put himself in the Royal Rumble. He says when it is all said and done there can only be 3, 2, 1.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
Another big win for Mcintyre and right now he seems so confident and in control which is dangerous for everyone else. I hope he puts on a great showing in the Royal Rumble and wins the whole thing or comes close to it. He is ready to be champion and it shows. Anywhere else this guy would be on top so it is time for them to capitalize on him and let him show the world what he is capable of. I love Mcintyre and hope he stays this focused because when he is he is unstoppable.

Backstage Segment: Aleister Black
Aleister Black heads to the ring for his match, next!

Match 6: Aleister Black vs Shelton Benjamin
Black catches a kick early on. The two have a standoff before Benjamin gets around on him. Black hits a roll through and covers but Benjamin kicks out. Benjamin slides down but Black escapes his hold. Black looks for a submission but Benjamin continues to fight it off. Benjamin works out and lifts up Black before slamming him down. Black lands a kick and then a kick to the gut. Benjamin comes back with a forearm. Benjamin sends him off the ropes but Black hits a springboard and lands on his feet. He hits massive strikes to the body before hitting a sharp elbow. Black hits a jumping knee and then lifts up Benjamin for the Black Mass. he connects and covers for the 1 2 3.
After the match, Buddy Murphy comes out of nowhere and attacks Black. Black is sent to the outside and Murphy stays on him sending him into the barricade. Murphy throws him into the timekeeper’s area and stays on him. Murphy then hits him with another huge knee. Murphy grabs a chair and then brings Black up to his knees. He then connects with a shot with the chair.
Winner: Aleister Black
My Opinion:
Black was very impressive against a very game Shelton Benjamin. Given the track record of Benjamin Black actually made very quick work of him. He continues to be a dominant force in the ring and he’s one of those guys who creates magic in the ring. Murphy attacking him was perfect and I love that this rivalry will live on. Murphy did what he had to do and made a statement but if he gets another shot at Black he better make the most of it and he better win this one.

Match 7: Samoa Joe & Kevin Owens & Big Show vs Seth Rollins & AOP (Akam & Rezar)
Before the match, Rollins says he has been chosen to lead Monday Night Raw to the promised land. He tells the crowd they did this, he gave them Monday Night Rollins and it wasn’t good enough. He says he knows what is good for them and what is best for them. He says what’s best for them is to eliminate people who impede progress and tonight that is Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe, and whoever decided to join arms with them. He then tells them to come out here and meet their fate at the hands of the AOP and the Monday Night Messiah.
Big Show starts with Akam and quickly sends him to the outside. He then takes it to Rezar before bringing in Rollins. He hits Rollins with a big chop and he is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Owens tries a cover on Rollins but he kicks out. Owens hits a backbreaker and tries another cover but Rollins kicks out again. Rollins fights back and finally tags in Rezar. Rezar takes it to Owens on the outside and brings him back into the ring. Rezar stays on Owens and backs him into the corner. Akam comes in and continues to beat him down on the mat. Rollins tags in and hits a huge knee. He covers but again Owens kicks out. Rollins then goes to a front face lock. Owens is brought to his feet and again brought to the corner. Akam beats on Owens but Owens finally fights out. He then hits a superkick on Rezar. He finally takes him down with a clothesline. Big Show tags in and knocks down Rollins. He then crushes him in the corner before connecting with a clothesline. On the outside, AOP sends Joe into the steel steps. AOP distracts Big Show as Rollins looks to fly. Big Show catches him. He then lets him go and catches AOP. Rollins then comes in and hits him with a chair. Rollins looks for a stomp but Owens prevents him. Big Show then hits Rollins with a knockout punch!
Winners: Big Show, Samoa Joe and Kevin Owens

*** Next week Buddy Murphy will face Aleister Black

*** Next week Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman will be live

*** Next week AOP & Seth Rollins will face Samoa Joe & Kevin Owens & a partner to be named in a Fist Fight

Final Thoughts:
This was a decent Raw for the most part but I thought it could have been a little bit bigger since it was the first Raw of the new year but the return of Big Show was awesome! To start the night I liked the Brock Lesnar announcement although I’m sure it wasn’t what people were expecting. This is different for a champion to enter the Royal Rumble like this so it is something different and exciting. On that note, I was happy to hear Drew Mcintyre declare his entry. He had another dominating performance tonight and I think in the rumble he can really shine and show what he is made of. The Lana and Lashley segment wasn’t the most exciting tonight but I hope that will pick up next week with the Rusev match and having Liv in Rusev’s corner. I thought Rey and Andrade had a great match tonight. Although Rey got screwed over he got his and I loved his attack on Andrade. The tag title match was also a good contest but again they need to hype up the tag division. It just felt flat when it should have been much more exciting. Finally, with the main event tonight as I said the return of Big Show was amazing! That was unexpected and took a somewhat lackluster show into something to talk about. The match itself wasn’t too bad and there is definitely a lot of unfinished business so I cannot wait to see the fistfight next week! Overall there are a lot of exciting things to look forward to and next week’s Raw is shaping up to be a good one!!!!
Overall Rating: 6/10