Raw Review 01/21/2019
Tonight is the Go-Home Editon of Monday Night Raw before this Sunday’s Royal Rumble PPV! Finn Balor won the opportunity to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship but is he ready for The Beast? Also, who will win when Ronda Rousey and Natalya team up to take on Bayley and Sasha Banks? Plus, what will be next for Braun Strowman now that he is out of the Universal Championship Match? Finally, what will Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush do next now that Lashley is Intercontinental Champion?
Raw comes to us from the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Michael Cole, Renee Young, and Corey Graves
In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman
Heyman gives his normal opening spiel and then starts to talk about Finn Balor and how last week he pinned John Cena. Heyman says it was no fluke or controversy, Finn Balor stepped up and seized the moment. Heyman then tells how John Cena said that he believes in Finn Balor. Heyman then tells how the WWE Universe now believes in Finn Balor. Heyman says he believes in Finn Balor too. Heyman then brings up the Royal Rumble and tells how he trained for Braun Strowman and because of that Finn Balor believes he can win. Heyman says Balor is the voice that matters but his is the voice that martyrs. Heyman goes on and on about Finn Balor and tells of how he believes he can win. Heyman gives a spoiler alert and says even miracles fear Brock Lesnar. He says this Sunday night at Chase Field when Lesnar puts to bed this notion that Balor even believes he belongs in the ring with him, it’ll be Finn Balor on his back looking up saying I believe in Brock Lesnar. Out comes Mr. McMahon.
McMahon says Heyman came out here like an old school promoter. McMahon says this could truly be David and Goliath. He then tells the story of that and says David was re-born as Finn Balor. McMahon makes fun of the crowd for a moment but then out comes Braun Strowman.
Strowman says last week was the worst night of his life thanks to Baron Corbin. He tells Lesnar that was the best of his night. Strowman says somehow he will be waiting on the other side. Out comes Finn Balor.
Balor tells how he won his opportunity last week by beating Cena. Heyman tells again how Cena is the second greatest. Balor tells Vince he knows he doesn’t believe but the Balor Club does. Strowman says he knows he could beat Lesnar but tells Balor he doesn’t know if Balor can but tells him he better. Balor then goes back to the David and Goliath story. Balor tells how Goliath failed. Balor says no one was laughing then. McMahon then tells Lesnar to sit ringside and makes Balor and Strowman a match right now!
My Opinion:
This was an expected way to start Raw. Balor is definitely the underdog but they had to do their best to give that hope that he could win. Balor has to keep up that hope and maybe, just maybe he can get it done. I think if WWE is smart he will but we will see if the fans really get what they want.
Match 1: Finn Balor vs Braun Strowman
As Raw returns, Strowman is in control of Balor. Balor comes back and Strowman. Stroman grabs him and drives him down to the mat. Balor lands a kick but then gets swatted down by Strowman. Balor then is sent to the outside. Strowman meets him out there and runs him over with a huge tackle. Back in the ring, Strowman crushes Balor in the corner. Strowman lifts Balor but Balor fights off. Strowman quickly takes him down with a splash. Strowman tries a cover but Balor kicks out. Once again Strowman hits Balor and he goes to the outside. Strowman tries another tackle on the outside but Balor meets him with a sling blade taking him down. Balor tris to fight off Strowman but Strowman doesn’t give much and lifts Balor. Balor is able to counter and locks in a sleeper hold. Balor is able to bring him down to one knee but Strowman continues to fight. Balor is able to knock down Strowman and goes to the top. Strowman throws Balor to the outside and he is caught by Lesnar who suplexes him on the floor. Lesnar then gets on the apron but Balor drops him and drives him into the ring post. Balor then flies to the outside avoiding Strowman and taking out Lesnar. Back in the ring, Balor continues to try to hammer on Strowman. Balor hits a sling blade and then goes back after Lesnar. Strowman lifts Balor and tosses him across the ring. Balor is able o get out of the way and Strowman runs into the ring post shoulder first. Balor goes to the top after laying out Strowman and hits the Coupe de Grace. Lesnar comes in and hits an F5 on Balor.
Winner: Finn Balor: Via DQ
My Opinion:
Balor put up a good fight against Strowman and it did look like he was gonna win but of course, he couldn’t go over on Braun. Lesnar made his point but there definitely is fear in The Beast. Balor has to bring this fight this Sunday and he’s gonna have to stay on Lesnar and hope he hits that one big move he needs to get the win.
In Ring Segment: Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush
Rush tells that Lashley is better than Ambrose and Rollins and everyone in that locker room. Rush says Lashley is a professional fighter and they don’t do it for fun, they do it for the money. Rush says they wanted to celebrate and there is no better way to do that than for Lashley to show off his physique. They then hit the lights and Lashley poses. Out comes Apollo Crews.
Crews congratulates him and tells him no one wants to see him pose, they want to see him compete. Crews then challenges him to a match. Rush asks why he is out here. He tells Crews if he can beat him in a pose-off he can have a match. Crews says he doesn’t know how. Rush tells him based on his track record he doesn’t know how to be a champion either. Lashley and Crews then have the pose off. Lashley tries to hit Crews but Crews is able to send him out of the ring and then takes out Rush as Raw goes to commercial.
My Opinion:
I give credit to crews for coming out and stepping up. Crews could be a champion but WWE really needs to get behind him. Crews and Lashley for sure can have a good rivalry but we will see. Crews has been teased for so long to have a push but I don’t think anyone is holding their breath on it.
Match 2: Apollo Crews vs Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush
As Raw returns, Lashley is in control of Crews. Crews tries o fight back but Lashley gets control working him in the corner. Crews comes back with a big kick knocking down Lashley. Crews continues on the offense and keeps Lashley on the mat. Crews goes to the top and flies but as to regroup as Lashley moves out of the way. Crews is able to lift Lashley and dump him on the mat. Crews shows more athleticism and then hits an enziguri. Crews lifts Rush as he tries to get involved and it allows Lashley to hit a spear. Lashley goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match out comes Seth Rollins for his match.
Winner: Bobby Lashley
My Opinion:
Crews were really impressive in this match. He showed he could take it to Lashley but we will see if he gets another shot. Rush is Lashley’s key to winning right now but I don’t think that’s smart. Lashley is supposed to dominate but now he has to have someone help him with it. Crews should’ve won but hopefully, he gets another shot.
Match 3: Seth Rollins vs Drew Mcintyre
As Raw returns, Rollins takes out Mcintyre on the outside. Back in the ring Rollins takes down Mcintyre and tries a cover but he kicks out. Rollins then is thrown across the ring. Rollins hits him with a back elbow and then sends him back to the outside. Rollins goes to the top and flies but misses and crashes into the barricade. Mcintyre uses the ring post to put more pressure on Rollins. Mcintyre then gets in control and works Rollins on the mat. Mcintyre stays on Rollins and tries to apply more punishment. Rollins fights back with rights but then is turned upside down by Mcintyre. Mcintyre tries another cover but still can’t get the win. Mcintyre throws Rollins and covers him again but once more Rollins kicks out. Mcintyre throws Rollins into the corner and then hits him with a kick. On the outside, Mcintyre hits Rollins with a chop and slams him face first ton the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rollins is able to hit a sling blade. Rollins lands a kick and follows with the blockbuster. Rollins goes for the cover but can’t get the three. Mcintyre takes down Rollins but Rollins continues to fight. Rollins finally hits a Falcon Arrow and goes for the cover but still, it’s not enough to put it away. Rollins lands a kick but then misses on the stomp. Rollins regains control and sends him into the corner. Rollins meets Mcintyre up top but is kicked down. Rollins comes from behind and lands a kick to the back. Mcintyre gets hung up but he jumps up and throws Rollins. Mcintyre looks for the Claymore but runs into a kick from Rollins. Rollins pins him but Mcintyre kicks out. Mcintyre lands a series of chops on Rollins and hits him with a Glasgow Kiss, both men are down. Mcintyre picks up Rollins and climbs up top with him. Mcintyre drops Rollins from the second rope and goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Mcintyre now tries a powerbomb but it’s still not enough. Rollins has fight left! Rollins works a roll-up and is able to get the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winner: Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
Rollins and Mcintyre took each other to the limit as they always do once again tonight. I like how the match ended. Rollins needs that win for momentum and I think for Mcintyre he needs the lose to fuel the fire. There is no doubt both guys are hungry and they are definitely in the top five of favorites to win the Rumble. I can’t wait to see what happens if they lock up in the match on Sunday.
Backstage Segment:
The Revival try to explain to Mr. McMahon about how they keep getting screwed over. They propose that they get another chance at the titles and have a special guest referee. Curt Hawkins comes up and McMahon tells him to find a new line of business. McMahon then proposes Hawkins be the ref for The Revival.
Backstage Segment:
Ambrose quotes Dr. King and says injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. He says him not being champion is an injustice. He tells how he is gonna come for Rollins and Lashley in the Royal Rumble. He says 2018 wasn’t his year but he owes it to himself to win the Royal Rumble. He says he owns The Road to WrestleMania and proclaims that come Sunday justice will be served.
Match 4: Lucha House Party vs Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers Mahal takes it to Dorado but Dorado fights back with big kicks. Mahal gets him back on the mat and works a chin lock. The Singh Brothers trade tags but Dorado handles both of them. Kalisto gets the tag and he and Dorado work a double team. Kalisto goes for the cover but can’t get the three on Sunil. Kalisto lands a deep arm drag and gets in control. Mahal comes back in and takes it to Kalisto. Kalisto tries to fight off Sunil but Sunil stays on him. Kalisto is finally able to take him down and tag Metalik. Metlaik comes in hot and takes down Sunil. Metalik lands a knee to the spine and gets the 1 2 3 on Sunil.
Winners: Lucha House Party
My Opinion:
Good win for Lucha House Party. Metalik came in and took care of business. As a trio, those three work great together and we will see if they can find top-level success at some point. For now, they continue to work well as a team and continue to build up victories.
In Ring Segment: Elias
Elias says 2019 is gonna be an incredible year. He says even after he wins the Royal Rumble it won’t be an easy road but there will always be a universal truth that WWE stands for Walk With Elias. Elias says tonight he has written a song and it might be his finest one yet. Out comes Baron Corbin.
Corbin tells him to please stop talking and then tells the crowd they can shut up too. He tells Elias that last week he ratted him out and almost got him killed. Corbin tells the crowd that Vince was right when he said there was a bunch of Hillbillies in Oklahoma. Corbin then tells Elias he is gonna come put him in his place. Elias tells him he can’t do that and says he is gonna sing his song. Corin tells him he’s not. Elias then calls for his mic to be cut. Elias then changes his song and sings about Corbin. Corbin tries a cheap shot but Elias backs him up after swinging the guitar at him.
Match 5: Elias vs Baron Corbin
Elias is able to counter Corbin. Elias stays on him but as the two work out to the apron Elias is pushed into the ring post and drops to the floor. Back in the ring Corbin hits Elias with big right hands. Corbin is able to land a big clothesline and stays on Elias. Elias fights back with shoulders to the midsection and then is able to land a huge knee. Elias hits a swinging neck breaker and goes for the cover but Corbin kicks out. Elias then unloads in the corner. Elias tries to pull Corbin but he hangs on to the ropes and comes back with a right hand. Corbin hits End of Days and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winner: Baron Corbin
My Opinion:
Huge win for Baron Corbin tonight. I thought Elias was coming back and would put this away but Corbin stayed on him and didn’t give. Heading into Sunday this is a huge win for Corbin and gives him a lot of momentum. Corbin needs it since everyone is against him. For Elias, this puts his momentum at a halt but Elias does have a good track record in the Royal Rumble.
A Moment Of Bliss: Royal Rumble Edition
Bliss goes over the Royal Rumble this Sunday and then shows some of the Women’s participants for this Sunday. Bliss then welcomes out Nia Jax. Bliss asks Nia who she would pick to win. Out comes Ember Moon.
Moon says she wasn’t gonna wait for an invite and says she is gonna win the Rumble. Alicia Fox comes out and says she is the captain of the division and says she is gonna go to WrestleMania and it starts on Sunday. Mickie James comes out and says she has stolen the show at WrestleMania and she is gonna do it again. The Riott Squad and a few other Women come out. Bliss tells them they are running her reputation as a host here. Bliss tells them all to calm down but the women all go at it. The women then fight into the backstage area. Bliss calls the women passionate and then Bliss announces she is competing on Sunday! Lacey Evens then comes out and proclaims she will win on Sunday.
Match 6: The Ascension vs Heavy Machinery
Otis and Viktor start off the match and Viktor takes it to him in the corner. Otis fights out and uses his power to fight off Viktor. Otis slams him and tags in Tucker Knight. Knight stays on Viktor after a series of chops and takes him down with a lateral press. Otis comes in and they double team Viktor and then take out Konnor. Ottis then hits a huge elbow on Konnor and then aback elbow on Viktor. Otis hits the caterpillar and then tags in Knight. They double team Viktor and get the 1 2 3.
Winner: Heavy Machinery
My Opinion:
Big win for Heavy Machinery in their debut. Both men looked very impressive and looked ready for the big stage. They work very well as a team and they can make a big impact in the tag division if they continue to work like this. I hope they don’t fall to the NXT curse and get filled with squash matches for a long time. Hopefully, they get worked right in and are able to really make their mark.
Match 7: The Revival vs Chad Gable & Bobby Roode (c): Raw Tag Team Championship Match w/ Special Guest Referee Curt Hawkins
able locks up Wilder but Wilder fights out and quickly controls Gable’s arm. Gable is able to work a takedown and works the arm of Wilder. Dawson gets the tag after Wilder fights back and Dawson takes it to Gable bouncing him off the turnbuckle. Gable tries to stand up and fight with Dawson but once again he drops him. Gable and Roode work together to take out The Revival. Gable takes out Wilder on the outside with an assist from Roode. Dawson then takes out Gable as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Gable and Dawson both look for tags. Wider does get the tag and stops Gable for a moment. Gable is able to break free and tags Roode. Roode takes out Wilder and then plants Dawson. Roode hits Wilder with a shoulder and then knocks Dawson to the floor. Rode hits a spine buster on Wilder. Wilder is able to come over the ropes and take down Roode. Dawson tries to cheat but Hawkins stops him. Wilder tries a cover after a cheap shot form Dawson but Hawkins catches Wilder with his foot on the ropes. Gable gets a tag after Dawson does. Dawson goes for a cover but has the tights and Hawkins calls it off. The Revival once again try to cheat but Gable fights off of it and is able to work a cover of his own and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match The Revival attacks Hawkins. Zack Ryder comes out and helps out Hawkins.
Winners: Chad Gable & Bobby Roode: Still Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
This was a good match for what it was but I feel bad for The Revival that right now it’s all about how will lose this time. It’s to bad for them and I wouldn’t blame them if they’re getting sick of it. I liked Ryder helping out Hawkins at the end, this would be a good tag team to fire back up again. I think even Hawkins gets some wins again that’s okay because a gimmick where one just loses doesn’t work for me.
Backstage Segment:
Ronda is asked what she would say to Sasha if she was in front of her. Ronda says she was trying to think of a reason why she owes Sasha Banks an apology but she says she doesn’t owe her a damn thing. She tells how she tried to talk up Sasha and then Sasha insulted her. She says she has always been respectful to Sasha but she has always been hostile. Ronda says she is too busy trying to be a Boss then to be a champion. She says she is gonna make the Boss answer to here at the Royal Rumble.
Match 8: Ronda Rousey & Natalya vs Sasha Banks & Bayley
Banks starts with a cheap shot on Rousey. Banks then goes to work on Natalya and controls her on the mat. Banks bring her to her feet and to her corner to tag Bayley. Bayley comes in and takes down Natalya. Natalya is worked again in the corner after a failed pin and Banks comes in again. Rousey gets herself in the mix and takes down Banks and Bayley as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Natalya holds up Bayley and Ronda hits a clothesline. Natalya comes in the ring and stops Bayley from getting a tag. Natalya is able to hit a huge suplex and goes for the cover but Bayley kicks out. Bayley gets in control getting Natalya back to her corner. Banks gets the tag and comes in hitting Natalya with double knees. Natalya is put up top and Bayley comes in and throws her to the mat. Banks comes in and hits the Meteora but Natalya kicks out. Ronda gets the tag and takes down Banks. Banks fights back with elbows. Banks lands a kick and gets her into the Banks Statement. Natalya comes in and breaks it up. Ronda tries a cover after Banks throws Natalya to the floor. Ronda is hit with a boot and Bayley comes in. Ronda takes down Bayley and tries a cover but Bayley kicks out. Ronda hits Bayley with huge knees and then a big front kick. Ronda hammers on Bayley with the rights and lefts. Bayley is able to trip up Ronda and drags her to the corner. Banks lands a double ax handle but Ronda fights back and works an armbar. Natalya comes in off the tag and lands a suplex. She then hits a basement dropkick and then locks in the sharpshooter. Bayley has to break it up. She then takes out Ronda. Natalya then comes back and takes out Bayley. Banks lands a knee to Natalya and then hits the backstabber. Banks locks in the Banks Statment and Natalya taps.
Winners: Sasha Banks & Bayley
My Opinion:
Banks made a huge statement making Natalya tap. Ronda and Banks are doing a great job building up this rivalry and I loved how throughout the match they really were heated with each other. I can’t wait to see what happens when they finally lock up on Sunday. I think this rivalry goes beyond a championship and this is definitely personal.
Final Thoughts:
Tonight was an okay Raw but I feel like they could’ve done more for the Rumble. They hype for Sunday just didn’t hit for me. The matches tonight were okay but even they were weird as the first four started before the commercial break was over. It didn’t feel rushed tonight but it didn’t feel like a lot of stuff hit its mark. I will say I think Brock Lesnar made his point tonight laying out Balor. Balor is gonna bring his A-Game but Brock just needs one move to end the whole thing. I also feel Seth Rollins made a statement tonight. It wasn’t his most dominating win but he did knock off Mcintyre and that helps to build momentum for Sunday. Baron Corbin was another guy who had a huge win tonight. We will see if Corbin can do something big on Sunday. Finally, I liked how they built up Rousey and Banks at the end of the night. You really feel like these two hate each other and it’s awesome. I can’ wait to see them lock up on Sunday and throw down. This is gonna get heated. I hope everyone enjoys TakeOver and the Rumble this weekend!
Overall Rating: 5/10
