Raw Review 01/07/2019

Tonight on the first edition of Raw of the new year the WWE mourns the loss of Gene Okerlund (Mean Gene) what will Immortal Hulk Hogan have to say when he pays tribute to his longtime friend? Also, what will happen when John Cena returns? Plus, as Alexa Bliss becomes the first female to host her own talk show what will happen when she welcomes her first guest Ronda Rousey? The Universal Champion Brock Lesnar is back on Raw but what will happen between himself and Braun Strowman with Royal Rumble only a few weeks away? The Revival gets another shot at the WWE Tag Team Championships but this time in a Lumberjack Match, can The Revival finally capture the gold or will Gable and Roode continue their successful run? Finally, after forcing Corbin to retreat last week what will happen when Elias gets Corbin one on one? Raw comes to us from the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida

Raw kicks off with a brawl between Lashley and Rollins.

Backstage Segment:
As Raw beings Rollins and Lashley brawl in the backstage area and out to the stage. Many superstars and personnel help to try to break it up but not before Lashley is pushed off the stage. Rollins then flies off the ramp to take down Lashley.

In Ring Segment: John Cena
Cena welcomes everyone to Raw and to the Roda to Wrestlemania. He says that is why Seth Rollins is fighting for his life. He says Wrestlemania you either step u or get left out. He says he knows how that feels and he doesn’t wanna get left out so he is gonna step up right now. He says there is one match where one superstar can grab that golden ticket and that is the Royal Rumble. He says in life nothing is given away and nothing is handed to you, you work hard and earn every inch. He says you work for that golden ticket and right now he is entering himself in the Royal Rumble match. Out comes Drew Mcintyre.
Mcintyre says he has waited years for this. He tells Cena he doesn’t care who he sleeps with in his bed, he doesn’t care about his haircut. He says he cares about his 16 championships, the Wrestlemania’s he’s main evented and that Vince McMahon has said he is the greatest of all time. Mcintyre says he agrees Cena is the greatest. Cena asks his point. Mcintyre says his point is he has a reputation of taking out the greats. He says maybe you can check with The Shield, nope because he took them out. He then mentions Dolph Ziggler and Kurt Angle. He says Angle will tell what he is cable of. He says he is the most dangerous man in WWE and tells Cena he is coming for him. Cena says the show started good and there is this and now he is sad. He tells Mcintyre he has heard the same thing every week from every superstar so much so he had to leave so they would shut their mouth and think of a different promo. He asks Mcintyre what makes him different than everyone else. Mcintyre says they were all talk, he’s gonna bloody show him. Lio Rush comes out and says Seth Rollins has gone crazy. He tells how Rollins attacked them and says if something with Rollins doesn’t get done they are gonna get a lawyer. Rush says the show is canceled until someone does something about Rollins. Rollins then comes from behind and attacks Lashley. Ambrose comes out and takes on Rollins. Cena and Mcintyre then join in. Finn Balor then comes out to take on Mcintyre. He hits Mcintyre with a sling blade and then flies taking everyone out.
My Opinion:
This was an awesome way to start out the night! First, I love the brawl to kick off the show. It’s good to keep it unpredictable and start the action hot. It also shows Rollins is ready to go, he’s listened to Triple H and he’s gonna go to that dark place to get back to where he needs to be. I also loved seeing John Cena, he is one of the greats and it’s awesome to see him make guys step up. I love the huge brawl that escalated and I hope this fast-paced action is a good indication of what is to come in 2019.

Match 1: John Cena & Finn Balor & Seth Rollins vs Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush & Drew Mcintyre & Dean Ambrose
Cena goes after Lashley as Raw returns. Balor gets the tag but doesn’t have the same luck as Lashley wears him down. Ambrose gets the tag and beats on Balor in the corner. Balor is able to last a series of deep arm drags and gets in control for a moment.s Ambrose lands a series of right hands but Balor comes back with a basement dropkick. Balor tries a cover but can’t get the three. Ambrose fights back and tags Mcintyre. Mcintyre takes it to Balor in the corner and then drops him with a suplex. Mcintyre goes for the cover but can’t get the three. Mcintyre stays on Balor and brings him to the corner. Lasley gets the tag and drops Balor. Lashley then works him with a chin lock. Balor tries to get to his feet but Lashley knocks him back down. Finally, Balor gets to his feet and tries to get a tag but he gets held back. Balor fights out of the corner but is caught by Lashley and driven into the corner. Ambrose gets the tag once again and stomps on Balor. He continues to wear down Balor in the corner. Balor hits him with double boots but then runs into a forearm. Balor gets back into it with an overhead kick. Cena gets the tag and lands a couple shoulder tackles he then hits the 5 Knuckle Shuffle. Mcintyre is able to make a tag as Cena lands the AA. Mcintyre lands the Glasgow Kiss but can’t get the three as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Cena hits a dropkick on Ambrose and both men are down. Mcintyre tags in and toys with Cena Cena fights back with a serious of rights. Mcintyre gets back in control and Lashley gets the tag. Lashley is able to work Cena and tries a cover but Cena kicks out. Lashley is hit with an AA after Lashley showboats. Ambrose gets the tag and prevents Cena from getting the tag. Ambrose then works a sleeper hold and works Cena to the mat. Cena works to his feet and looks to create separation. Ambrose stops the momentum of Cena with a knee to the gut. Cena then goes to the outside. Ambrose meets him out there and sends Cena into the steps as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ambrose works Cena with a choke hold but Cena is able to get to his feet with Ambrose on his back. Ambrose rakes the eyes as Cena tries to get a tag. Both men go down to the mat. Balor gets the tag and hits Ambrose with a huge kick. He then takes down Ambrose. Balor counters Ambrose and lands a stomp the chest. He then drives Ambrose into the corner. Balor goes to the top and hits the Coupe de Grace. Mcintyre comes in a meets Balor with a Claymore Kick. Rollins gets back to the apron after being taken out by Ambrose. Rollins and Mcintyre gets the tags. Rollins takes him down and stays hot. He lands an enziguri and then after being sent to the apron hits a moonsault to the outside. Rollins hits a falcon arrow on Mcintyre after getting back in the ring. Rollins gets the cover but Mcintyre kicks out. Mcintyre gets back in control but Cena comes in and hits an AA on him. Lashley takes out Cena but Rollins takes out Lashley. He then catches Mcintyre with a huge kick. Rollins tries a frog splash but Mcintyre rolls out of the way. Ambrose gets the tag but can’t hit Rollins with the Dirty Deeds. Rollins hits a stomp on Ambrose and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winners:  John Cena & Finn Balor & Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
This was an incredible match to start off the night! Talk about a star-studded match, we got a little bit out of everyone and that was a hard fought battle. Cena looked great without really ring rust at all. Rollins showed he is the top guy and took control of this match. I love seeing Balor and Rollins do well and obviously, Cena made it that much better. I’d love to see this match again!

Backstage Segment:
Rollins tells Triple H he wants Dean Ambrose and the Intercontinental title tonight. Triple H tells him he’s got him tonight. In a Falls Count Anywhere Match.

In Ring Segment: Hulk Hogan
Hogan tells how Mean Gene loved entertaining more than anything and presents a tribute package showcasing just that. Hogan says he was one of a kind and says he can speak for the WWE Universe, all the superstars, and anyone who’s ever watched Mean Gene we love you brother. He says Mene Gene is in our hearts and says he misses him. Hogan says let me tell you something Mene Gene, I know you’re up there and all those angles are singing frooty tooty on those clouds. He then tells of all things he thinks Mene Gene is doing up there. He then asks watcha gonna do when Mene Gene O’ Mania runs wild on you.
My Opinion:
This was a really nice tribute from Hogan. I think this was very much needed after such a heartbreaking loss. Hogan loved Mean Gene and it was very fitting for him to give this send off. I think for Hogan this was needed and it was a good way to allow Hogan to be in front of the WWE Universe in a good light.

Match 2: Chad Gable & Bobby Roode (c) vs The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder): Lumberjack Match for the Raw Tag Team Championships
Roode and Wilder start the match and Wilder gets the early advantage taking down Roode. After a failed pin attempt Roode works a headlock but Wilder fights out. Wilder backs Roode into the corner after he enters the ring. Roode hits a deep arm drag and then works his arm before tagging Gable. Dawson is able to wrap up Gable and work a headlock but Gable continues to fight. After a lateral press Gable tries a cover but Dawson kicks out. Wilder and Dawson are dropped with back body drops simultaneously. Gable and Roode then send them to the outside. Roode then launches Gable to the outside to take The Revival out. Roode pins Wilder but he kicks out. Dawson and Wilder get back in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns,  Gable and hits an arm drag on Wilder. Wilder pulls gable from his corner but Gable continues to fight and finally tags in Roode. Roode takes it to Wilder and then to Dawson. He then plants Wilder once more before focusing on Dawson in the corner. Dawson is sent to the outside and then brought back in. Roode lands a spine buster and goes for the cover but Dawson kicks out, Gable comes in and holds up Dawson as Roode assists in a German suplex. After failed pin attempt The Revival gets back in control. Gable comes back with a cross-body but Dawson rolls through. Gable is able to kick out. Gable hits another German but Wilder lands a splash. Wilder goes for the cover but Gable kicks out. Dawson comes in and tries a sunset flip but Gabe hangs on but not for long. Dawson continues to battle Gable but Gable continues to fight. Dawson tries an interesting pin attempt but Gable keeps fighting. Gable works an inside cradle and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover even though Dawson’s foot was on the ropes.
Winners: Chad Gable & Bobby Roode: Still Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
Once again The Revival gets screwed, I’m actually surprised by this because I felt like eventually, they have to stop ragging on The Revival but their time just hasn’t come. I don’t get why but hopefully they will get a shot to be the top team at some point. You have to believe they will get another chance but who knows when. This was an excellent match and the Raw tag divison seems to be in good shape but I belive another team coming from NXT could be the spark to get the divison back to the top. Time will tell who will change the game but for now Roode and Gable run the division and we’ll see what they continue to do with it.

Match 3: Elias vs Baron Corbin
Elias gets around on Corbin but then gets backed into the corner. Elias comes right back hitting Corbin with big chops. Corbin is sent to the outside and Elias drives him into the barricade with a kick. Elias then flies to the outside taking out Corbin as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin hits Elias with a knee to the mid-section. Corbin stays on Elias and then sends him to the outside. Corbin meets him out there and slams Elias into the barricade. Corbin brings him back into the ring but Elias gets in control with a series of chops. Corbin goes to the outside and comes right back in knocking Elias down. Corbin tries a cover but can’t get the three. Corbin then hits Elias with big right hands. Corbin goes to the second rope and flies but he’s met with a knee from Elias. Elias works Corbin and tries a cover but Corbin kicks out. Elias goes to the top and flies but as to land on his feet as Corbin moves. Corbin hits him with a right and then sends him into the post. Corbin hits Elias with End of Days and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Baron Corbin
My Opinion:
Wow, big win for Corbin tonight. Knocking off Elias is no easy task, especially after the roll Elias, has been on. It’ll be interesting to see if Corbin has a push after this or if this is just engaging a long rivalry between these two. One thing is for sure with Royal Rumble on the horizon this is a meaningful win for Corbin, we’ll see though on the other hand if it is impactful.

Backstage Segment:
Ambrose asks what this world is coming to. He says he is the only man he trusts. Ambrose asks if they think he’s having fun. He says he did what he had to do to bring balance back to WWE. he says if Rollins gets his hands on this title it won’t be good. He says he’ll beat him wherever he has to and he’s gonna burn him down.

In Ring Segment: Braun Strowman & Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman Strowman grabs a mic but then hands it back and rips off his shirt saying Brock Lesnar come on! Heyman and Lesnar come on the titantron and Heyman says a monster standing in the ring looking for a face to face confrontation. He says he knows Strowman was brought up as a monster and he knows how much money they put into Lesnar and Strowman having a face to face but the card is subject to change. He tells Strowman it is for his benefit because if Lesnar came out he wouldn’t have an opponent anymore but instead a victim looking up at him. Heyman tells Strowman there is no reason to thank him. Strowman tells Lesnar he is waiting for him. He asks Lesnar if he is gonna hide behind his advocate. He asks Lesnar to come get in his ring like his advocate said he would do. Heyman asks if that is the best he’s got. Strowman aks Lesnar is he thinks his advocate’s ass ever gets jealous of all the crap that comes out of his mouth. Strowman says all he hears is Lesnar is afraid of him. He says Lesnar is hiding up there like a coward and says if he comes out here right now he won’t make it to the rumble. He says everyone knows what happens when you get these hands. Lesnar tells Heyman lets go see what he has to say. Heyman tries to stop him. Out comes Lesnar.
Lesnar circles the ring but then starts back up the ramp. Strowman tells him to turn around. Strowman tells him at the Royal Rumble they will crown him new Universal Champion.
My Opinion:
Kinda disappointed these two didn’t go at it but I get it because we are still weeks away from the rumble and these two are just getting started. Tonight was phase one, the mind games. Lesnar did his best to get in the head of Strowman, Strowman has to just shake this off and stay ready for The Beast. I think in the next couple weeks we will see them go at it to hype their match but for now its a stalemate. Does Strowman have what it takes to beat Lesnar? Absolutely, but is history on the side of Lesnar to win? Definitely.

Match 4: Jinder Mahal & Alicia Fox w/ The Singh Brothers vs Apollo Crews & Ember Moon
Crews and Mahal lock up and Crews is backed into the corner with Mahal delivering big strikes. Crews uses his quickness to gets back into it. Crews hits a cross-body but it doesn’t keep Mahal down. Crews continues the fast-paced offense with a high elbow. Crews uses his power but Mahal works away from him and Fox tags in. Moon comes out hot after Crews takes out Mahal and The Singh Brothers. Moon hits her with a right hand and hits the Eclipse. Moon gets the 1 2 3 on the pin.
Winners: Apollo Crews & Ember Moon
My Opinion:
A very quick match but no surprise with Crews and Moon on the same team. Both have been on tremendous rolls and proved tonight how fats they can get the job done. They showed it only takes a few moves for them to get the job done. They are off to a fast start in 2019 and I think big things are in store for both of them. Moon and Crews could take over their respective decisions but we’ll see how they keep their momentum rolling.

On Stage Segment: A Moment Of BlissBliss thanks Orlando and says she knows they don’t have a lot going for it as a city but that will change tonight as they are the host city of the premiere of A Moment Of Bliss. Bliss orders coffee be brought to her and then shows a package of the year Ronda Rousey had. Bliss then welcomes Rousey.
Bliss asks Ronda to tell about her exceptional year and what’s next for her. Rousey says this year has been extraordinary but as the champion, she wants to look forward and not back and she wants to be a champion everyone can be proud of. She then brings up Sasha Banks and says nothing but great things about Banks. Bliss questions this and says I thought you were gonna talk about me. Nia Jax comes out and says Ronda has unfinished business with her. She says she is entitled to her rematch and asks when she is gonna get it. Out comes Sasha Banks.
Banks says she is honored for the kind words and tells Rousey she would love to beat her for the Raw Women’s Championship because it would be her honor to beat her and teach her how to lose with class. Jax tells Banks to get back in line. Banks says bitch what line, she tells Nia there is a ring right here, the winner will win face Ronda. Nia says I’m not a bitch I’m the bitch.
My Opinion:
So this wasn’t exactly what I thought would come of this segment but I loved it. I think a lot of people wanted to see Sasha win a couple weeks ago and face Rousey. Rousey gave Banks some big compliments and they definitely should have a match. I’m a big fan of Rousey and I think for her to get vindication as champion she has to keep going down the line and beating everyone. If Banks is next in line then Rousey has a big challenge in her way. As far as Nia Jax goes, her attitude is getting old. It’s not very much entertaining and she should move to the back of the line especially if there are no handouts anymore.

Match 5: Sasha Banks w/ Bayley vs Nia Jax w/ Tamina: Winner faces Ronda Rousey at Royal Rumble
Banks and Nia start off testing each other. Banks goes under the ring on the outside but then gets caught by Nia. Banks takes it to Nia with a dropkick and stays on her as Nia tries to enter the ring. Banks tries a cover but Nia kicks out. Banks tries a choke hold but Nia uses her power to fight out and land a verticle suplex. Nia throws Banks into the corner and then lands a big splash. Nia picks up Banks and puts her in the corner once again. Nia tries another splash but Banks moves out of the way. Banks is sent to the apron but she hits Nia with a knee. Nia then sends Banks to the outside. Tamaina tries to get involved but Bayley stops it. Tamina then takes out Bayley. Nia comes out and lifts Banks and tosses her on an equipment case. Banks makes it back to the ring just barely. Nia hits a sit down powerbomb but Banks stays alive as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Banks tries to wear down Nia. Banks comes off the ropes and is able to plant Nia face first. Banks tries a cover but Nia kicks out. Banks hits a running knee but still, Nia stays in this. Banks hits the Meteora but it’s still not enough. Banks tries to lock in the Banks Statement but Nia does everything to fight it. Nia misses on a right hand but comes back lifting Banks on her shoulders and hitting a Samoan Drop. Nia goes for the cover but Banks is able to get her foot on the rope. Nia crushes Banks in the corner after being thrown around. Nia lifts Banks and goes to the second rope. Banks fights off but Nia kicks her away. Banks continues to comes at Nia meeting her up top. Nia grabs Banks and drops Banks on the top rope. Nia goes for the cover but Banks kicks out. Nia hits Banks with a headbutt and tries a leg drop but Banks rolls out of the way. Banks lands a huge kick and then moves out of the corner sending Nia into the turnbuckle shoulder first. Bayley takes out Tamina after she tries to get involved. On the apron Banks side steps Nia and she runs into the post. Banks tries a hurricanranna but is dropped to the floor. Banks locks in the Banks Statement and Nia taps.
Winner: Sasha Banks: Will face Ronda Rousey at the Royal Rumble
My Opinion:
I don’t know what happened towards the end of this match but it looked like both women got very tired. Nonetheless huge win for Sasha Banks tonight. It has been a long while since we’ve seen Banks in the championship picture so finally, she is back. Banks and Rousey are gonna have a great match and I’m so excited for this. This will be another test for Rousey as we know Banks has what it takes to get the job done.

Match 6: Dean Ambrose (c) vs Seth Rollins:
Falls Count Anywhere Match for the Intercontinental Championship
Rollins attacks Ambrose on the stage and brings him to ringside. Rollins takes it to Ambrose on the outside and then hits him with a suicide dive. Rollins tries a cover but Ambrose kicks out. Rollins then sends Ambrose into the crowd. Rollins goes after him and bounces him off the equipment cases. Ambrose Continues to run throwing things in the way of Rollins. Rollins follows and the two are now backstage. Rollins hammers on Ambrose and throws him off ladders in the back. Rollins grabs a shovel and goes after Ambrose. Ambrose tries to run but Rollins stays on him. Rollins tries to crush Ambrose but he escapes. Ambrose keeps fighting and the two battle on more equipment. Rollins looks for a powerbomb and but Ambrose fights out and sends Rollins down hard on the equipment case. Ambrose tries a cover but Rollins kicks out. Ambrose uses a ladder as a weapon but Rollins kicks out of the cover as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ambrose and Rollins are back in the crowd. Ambrose uses the railings to wrench on Rollins. Rollins hits him with a chop and more to follow. Rollins then hits him with a right hand and stays on him. Rollins flies from the crowd and takes down Ambrose on the floor. Rollins goes for the cover but Ambrose kicks out. Rollins sends Ambrose into the steels guard rails and then hits him with a right. Rollins brings Ambrose back to ringside and dumps him on the floor. Rollins then sends Ambrose into the barricade. Ambrose fights back and shoves Rollins to the floor. Ambrose grabs a chair and hits Rollins with it. Ambrose goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Ambrose then starts to peel back the padding at ringside. Ambrose gets on Rollins and hammers with right hands over and over and over again. Ambrose lifts Rollins and looks for Dirty Deeds. Rollins reverses and hits a back body drop on the concrete. Ambrose hits Rollins with a thumb to the eye. Ambrose goes to the top but Rollins meets him and hits him with a suplex. Rollins rolls through and hits the buckle bomb followed by a kick to the face. Rollins hits the stomp and goes for the cover but is pulled out of the ring by Bobby Lashley. Lashley shoves Rollins into the barricade and then throws him to the floor. Lashley brings him into the ring and drops him. Lashley finishes Rollins off with a spear. Ambrose crawls over to Rollins and pins him and gets the 1 2 3.
*** Afer the match Lio Rush brings a table in the ring. Lashley then puts Rollins through the table.
Winner: Dean Ambrose: Still Intercontinental Champion
My Opinion:
This was a really good main event to end the night. I know a lot of people like just the traditional wrestling match but I think sometimes especially in a personal rivalry you have to have these all out brawls. This the kind of match I think people wanted them to have at TLC. For Rollins, he had this match won but Lashley ruined that. This is good though, this gest Rollins away from Ambrose for awhile and they can let the rivalry breathe until a later date. Also, for Rollins, it adds more fuel to the fire and gives his rivalry with Lashey momentum. For Ambrose, this allows him to focus on a new opponent and continue his run as champ.

Final Thoughts:
I’d say this was a very solid Raw to start off the new year. First, the show started with a hot start having Rollins attack Lashley. We had a huge 6 man match to start the night and we got to see John Cena which was awesome. Also, I was so excited for Sasha Banks to get her shot at Ronda Rousey. Like I said this will be another test for Rousey and I think her and Banks will have a great match. I was happy with how a lot of storylines developed. Braun and Brock stayed away from each other which is good cause the confirmation can be saved for a couple week. I also liked the main event tonight moving Rollins away from Ambrose and now giving Rollins the chance to fight for the top. I thought overall there was a lot of good matches, good segments and I think WWE is delivering trying to give the fans what they want. You can see the effort and hopefully, people take to this well. I always get excited for this time of year in WWE and it’s off to a hot start as it should be!
Overall Rating: 6.7/10