Raw Review 01/29/2018

Tonight is the Fall-Out Edition of Monday Night Raw as last night we witnessed a historic Royal Rumble. With Ronda Rousey make her debut last night, what will she have in store moving forward? Plus what will Asuka have to say after becoming the 1st ever Women’s Royal Rumble winner? After losing last night in his Triple Threat Match for the Universal Championship what destruction will Braun Strowman cause? Since Jason Jordan and Seth Rollins couldn’t retain their titles last night, will Rollins move on from Jordan or try to reclaim the gold? The Royal Rumble didn’t go as The Miz had planned but what will his WrestleMania plans look like now and will he still be Intercontinental Champion come April? Finally tonight we will see three qualifying matches for the Elimination Chamber and the winner of the Chamber will go on to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania.

Raw is live tonight from the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed to the show by Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and The Coach.

In Ring Segment: Stephanie McMahon
Stephanie welcomes everyone to Monday Night Raw. She tells how it’s been a historic week in WWE. She tells that tonight in Philly we kick off 25 more years of Raw. She then tells about the Women’s Royal Rumble from last night and all of the highlights from it. She then says the game changed when we had the surprise entrance of WWE’s newest superstar Rowdy Ronda Rousey. She says that was last night and tonight is about the winner of the match. She then welcomes Asuka.
Stephanie congratulates her and tells her she is going to WrestleMania. Stephanie tells her that she has the choice to decide who she faces. Stephanie then informs that she may want to wait because in four weeks Alexa Bliss will be defending her Women’s Championship in an Elimination Chamber Match! Asuka says at WrestleMania she will become the new champion because no one is ready for Asuka. Outcomes Sasha Banks. Sasha excuses herself for the interruption but says she needs to get things off her chest. Sasha tells Asuka that last night she got to share the ring with 29 other women and one of them was her. She then tells Asuka congratulations. She tells Asuka that last night she proved she can go the distance and she is ready for Asuka tonight. Stephanie then makes the match for later tonight.
My Opinion:
This wasn’t the best way to start Raw. First, we don’t know who Asuka is gonna face which is fine but we didn’t even really know anything of what she was saying. I like that we will be getting a Women’s Elimination Chamber, that’s another history-making match and I know they will kill it. I like Sasha coming out, Sasha has been on the back burner so I like that they keep her involved like this. Hopefully, we will get more answers soon. One more thing I think they missed the opportunity to bring out Rousey. Everyone was watching to see her kick off the show and I think they missed a shot at viewers by holding out.

Match 1: Braun Strowman vs Kane: Last Man Standing Match
(Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match)
As Raw returns, the match is underway and Kane drives Braun Strowman into the ring post. Kane battles Braun into the crowd. Braun lands big right hands and drives Kane off the barricade. Braun bounces him off the table and grabs a chair hitting Kane in the back. Braun then drives him into the barricade and crushes him against it with one of the production cases. Braun brings him to the announcer’s table area and lays him on the floor. Braun then flips the stage that the announcer’s table is on onto Kane. The ref then calls for the bell.
*** Corey Graves asks Braun what he just did. Braun says he did his job, Kurt Angle said the last man standing and well that’s what I do.
Winner: Braun Strowman:
(Qualified for the Elimination Chamber)
My Opinion:
What destruction caused by Braun again. I’m really loving the fact that they allow him to continue this every week. It makes it so interesting to tune in and see what he will do next. Braun definitely could be on his way to a title run very soon. I don’t know if we have ever witnessed someone like Strowman. This is the time to capitalize on him and I can not wait to see what he will do in the Elimination Chamber.

Backstage Segment:
Kane is being escorted through the back on a stretcher.

Backstage Segment:
Braun is approached by Kurt Angle and Angle asks him why do we have to do this again putting people in danger. He asks him if he can give him a break. Braun says he is right that he should’ve done more and he will win the Elimination Chamber and be standing over Brock Lesnar.

Match 2: Elias vs “Woken” Matt Hardy:
(Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match)
The two lock up to start the match. Hardy backs him in the corner and is backed off by the ref. Elias tries a cheap shot but Hardy comes hard with forearms. Elias is able to work Hardy and land a side headlock takedown. Hardy works to his feet but Elias keeps the headlock. Hardy finally fights him off and brings him to the mat. Elias comes back and gets hardy in the corner but again is taken back by big chops from Hardy. Hardy grabs the head of Elias and works him to the mat. Elias uses a big right to the gut to create space. Hardy again comes back but this Elias takes him down viciously. Elias hammers away on Hardy in the corner. Elias goes to the outside and crushes hardy’s shoulder on the ring post. Elias then does that again to Hardy’s shoulder as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Elias works the left arm of Hardy. Elias then puts pressure on the ribs of Hardy. Hardy is able to land a kick and he and Elias trade shots. Hardy lands a big headbutt and catches Elias with an elbow. Hardy then lands a side Russian leg sweep and goes for the cover but gets a two count. Hardy looks to rally and hammers on Elias in the corner. Hardy then lands a big kick. Hardy reverse Elias in the corner and then lands a big elbow. Hardy lands the side effect and goes for the cover but gets another near fall. Bray Wyatt plays mind games with Hardy and gets him distracted. Elias lands a big kick and hits Drift Away to get the win.
***Wyatt comes on the titantron and laughs at Hrady.
Winner: Elias
(Qualified for the Elimination Chamber)
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good match between these two. I like the hard-hitting styles clashing. I’m okay with Elias going to the chamber. I think this is a good chance to finally get him moved to the next level. This is a big opportunity for Elias and he needs to run with it. I think what Hardy and Wyatt have going on is great but they definitely need to get some substance to their story to keep it hot.

Backstage Segment:
Miz says Roman Reigns is owed an Intercontinental Championship Match. Miz then asks what about what he’s owed. He says when he graces everyone with his words he is owed complete and utter silence. He then says when he wins his Intercontinental Championship he deserves a standing ovation much like Tom Brady is going to get when he crushes the Eagles.

Match 3: The Miz (c) vs Roman Reigns:
Intercontinental Championship Match
Reigns hits Miz with a big right hand to start the match. Reigns gets Miz in the corner and lands another shot. Miz crawls to another corner but Reigns stays on him. Miz tries to chop Reigns but reigns gets more fired up. Reigns then connects with another right hand. Reigns follows up by sending Miz out to the floor. Reigns then drives Miz in the steps. Miz makes his way back into the ring but Reigns once again sends him to the floor. Reigns goes to the outside and grabs a chair. Reigns goes after The Miztourage and they run up the ramp. Reigns throws down the chair but is sent face first into the ring post by Miz.
As Raw returns Miz has Reigns grounded in a chinlock. Reigns fights to his feet and is able to hit Miz with a Samoan Drop. Miz lands a big right but so does Reigns. The two trade blows and but Reigns gets the last laugh with a huge clothesline. Reigns builds momentum and drives into Miz in the corner. Reigns hits a big boot to the face and looks for the Superman Punch. Miz is able to counter with a big chop block. Miz then hits the IT Kicks on Reigns. Reigns is able to catch him and lits Miz but Miz rolls through and locks in the Figure Four. Reigns is able to reverse the hold and put the pressure on Miz. Miz finally is able to make it to the ropes. Miz goes right back to the knee of Reigns. Reigns is able to counter the roll up and is able to land a sit down powerbomb on Miz. Reigns goes for the cover but Miz kicks out at 2. Reigns goes after Miz in the corner but Miz is able to land a thumb to the eye. Miz hits the Skull Crushing Finale but Reigns kicks out at 2 ½. Miz then tries for it again but Reigns drives him into the corner and delivers a back elbow. Reigns then connects with the Superman Punch but Miz kicks out of the cover. The Miztourage comes back out and provides a distraction. Reigns goes to the outside and catches Miz with right hands. Dallas gets involved in Reigns throws him in the ring. He then hits the Superman Punch on Axel. Reigns hits the spear on Dallas but is then rolled up by Miz. Miz gets the 1 2 3 and steals the win.
Winner: The Miz:
Still Intercontinental Champion
My Opinion:
This was a really good match. I liked the way Miz really worked Reigns tonight. I thought the chop block Miz landed was very good offense. Miz looks so much more confident and is getting really good in the ring with working his style and at his pace. Even though Reigns is in a rut right now it’s good that he didn’t lose cleanly. Reigns obviously has big plans going forward so this was a good way to get him away from the IC title. As for Miz, I’m very excited to see who he will have a rivalry with next because he can go with anyone.

Match 4: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder) vs
Rhyno & Heath Slater
As Raw returns, Rhyno and Slater are in control. Slater works the arm of Wilder. Wilder lands a big knee but Slater comes back with a forearm in the corner. Wilder goes to the outside and regroups. Dawson lands a cheap shot and Wilder goes after the arm of Slater. Dawson gets the tag and stomps on the arm of Slater. Dawson lands a big knee and tags in Wilder. Wilder flies off the second rope hitting Slatter with an ax handle to the arm. Wilder lands a big knee but Slater is able to counter. Rhyno gets the tag and comes in hot. Dawson gets the tag and Rhyno takes advantage. Rhyno flies off the second rope and takes down Dawson. Rhyno lands a belly to belly. Rhyno is hit with a chop block to the knee and The Revival hit the Shatter Machine to get the win.
*** Dawson tells how they just beat the first ever SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions. They then ask Charly how they compare to the Graham Brothers. Charly says she is not familiar. Wilder says she is just like the fans who don’t care. Wilder says the crowd is just trying to get over and they learn from the past but these people live in it.
Winners: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
My Opinion:
The Revival looked good tonight. I like the teamwork they have and they really know how to be a team. Rhyno and Slater did their best but they don’t have the tools The Revival has. I don’t know how over these guys are so I think The Revival needs some changes to their characters. Right now they’re all about the wrestling but the personalities have to get better. They had the chance to do a post-match interview and with that, they needed to connect more. It’s good to draw some heat but The Revival just needs more to get taken seriously.

*** 2018 Hall of Fame Inductees The Dudley Boyz

Backstage Segment:
Anderson tells that Balor lasted 57 minutes and 38 seconds. Balor says he fought all the superstars fighting for the same thing. He says it was the promise of the opportunity for the championship. Balor says it was all great until John Cena ruined it. Balor then vows to beat Cena tonight.

Backstage Segment:
Renee reminds Sasha of her accomplishments last night. Sasha says tonight she is on her way to beat Asuka. She says that last night Asuka made history but tonight she will.

Match 5: Sasha Banks vs Asuka
Asuka and Sasha lock up. Sasha backs her in the corner and quickly rolls her up but Asuka kicks out. Asuka is able to land an arm drag but Sasha is able to work the arm of Asuka. Sasha gets her in the corner and unloads on her. Asuka sends her to the apron and lands a big kick. Asuka then hits a rear view sending Sasha to the floor. Asuka kicks Sasha and then drives her foot into her in the corner. Asuka then goes back to the arm of Sasha. Sasha is able to catch Asuka and lands a kick of her own. Sasha goes for the cover but Asuka kicks out. Sasha is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Sasha is able to land double knees to Asuka. Sasha goes for the cover but Asuka kicks out. Sasha drives her knee into the back of Asuka and wrenches on her arms. Sasha lands a snap mare and follows with a huge slap. Asuka fires away with shots of her own. Sasha is able to counter her and lock in the Bank’s Statement. Sasha flies through the second rope but Asuka hits her and drops her to the floor viciously. Asuka then lands a knee to the face followed by a forearm and a knee. Asuka goes to the top and lands a missile dropkick. Asuka goes for the cover but Sasha kicks out. Sasha tries a roll-up but Asuka kicks out. Asuka locks in the armbar but Sasha is able to roll up for a pin. Asuka kicks out and tries for the rear view but crashes to the floor as Sasha moves out of the way. Sasha lands double knees and goes for the cover but Asuka kicks out. Sasha drives Asuka into the corner and is able to get the Bank’s Statement locked in. Asuka fights to the ropes but Sasha drags her back to the middle of the ring. Asuka reverse and locks in the Asuka Lock. Sasha kicks out.
Winner: Asuka
My Opinion:
Wow, what a match between these two. Asuka is very hard hitting and I really like her style. I love her use of forearms and knee strikes. Sasha battled and took a nasty fall but she prevailed. I don’t mind Asuka continuing to win as long as she has matches like this. The wins are a big thing but having an amazing match is everything. I’m really proud of both them. They both took huge chances and crashed and burned but they fought and fought. I loved the anticipation and the back and forth. This very well can be considered a classic Raw match.

Backstage Segment:
Cena says we are all on the road to WrestleMania and there are only two people who know how they’re getting there. Cena says the rest of them are wondering how to get there. Cena says if he can beat Balor and then win the Elimination Chamber and go to Wrestlemania. He says this is his chance to prove he’s just getting started.

Match 6: The Bar (Cesaro & Sheamus) (c) vs Titus Worldwide (Titus O’Neil & Apollo Crews w/ Dana Brooke):
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Crews tries a roll up right away but Sheamus kicks out at 2. Sheamus regroups and then pounds on Crews. Crews gets caught with a big elbow. Sheamus hits him with a shoulder tackle but Crews comes at him with a big dropkick. Titus gets the tag and the two double team Sheamus. Sheamus backs Titus in the corner and lands a big shot. Titus reverses and lands big rights of his own. Cesaro gets the tag and lands a shot to the midsection. Titus drives Cesaro into the corner and lands vicious chops. Titus then throws Cesaro. Sheamus gets the tag and stomps on Titus sending him out of the ring as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Cesaro is on the back of Titus. Titus lands a back body drop but Sheamus gets the tag and knocks Crews off the apron. Sheamus then takes down Titus and tags Cesaro. The two double team Titus and Cesaro works the neck of Titus. Sheamus gets the tag and more double team occurs. Cesaro tries a cheap shot but is taken down by a boot from Titus. Titus hits Sheamus with huge right hands. Titus is then met with a knee as he enters the ring. Titus comes back and connects with a clothesline on Sheamus. Cesaro and Crews then gets the tags and Crews unloads on Cesaro. Crews hits a huge knee and is able to hang on the apron. Crews goes to the top and hits a crossbody. Crews and Cesaro trade moves and Crews takes him down. Crews hits a moonsault but it’s not enough. Sheamus gets the tag and the two do more double teaming. Crews is hit with a big powerbomb. Sheamus tries to roll him up but he kicks out. Crews fights him off but Sheamus is able to get the tag. Crews tries to roll up Cesaro but Cesaro is able to send him into the ring post. Sheamus and Cesaro double team one more time and Cesaro gets the 1 2 3 for The Bar.
Winners: The Bar (Sheamus & Cesaro):
Still the Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good match. I love that Titus Worldwide finally got to have a high caliber match. They looked really good and almost good enough to win. I couldn’t believe how hard-hitting this match was. For being considered a joke Crews and Titus really took it to the champs and I wouldn’t mind seeing this match again. Hopefully, Titus Worldwide will continue getting shots and continue to prove their worth.

Match 7: John Cena vs Finn Balor:
(Elimination Chamber Qualifying Match)
Balor and Cena lock up to start the match. Balor is backed into the corner and the two separate. Balor tires to get around on Cena but Cena is able to work his arm. Cena then takes Balor down to the mat. Balor then hits an arm drag armbar on Cena. Cena tries to fight to his feet and backs Balor to the ropes. Balor the is able to bring Cena back to the mat controlling his arm still. Balor Cena works to his feet and gets a side headlock on Balor. Cena keeps the headlock and brings Balor to the mat. Cena then heads to the floor to regroup. Cena gets back in the ring and the two lock up for a test of strength. Cena brings Balor to his knees. Balor fights back and is able to roll up Cena but he kicks out. Cena lands a big right hand as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Cena slams Balor. Cena throws Balor into the corner and Balor crashes to the mat. Cena throws Balor into the ring and Balor crashes to the mat once again. Cena throws him in the corner once more but Balor catches him with a big kick. Balor gets him in the corner but Cena hits him with a shoulder tackle. Cena looks for the five knuckle shuffle but misses. Balor then taunts Cena and plants him. Balor goes for the cover but Cena kicks out. Cena comes back and tries for the AA but Balor fights off and the two trade blows. Cena then connects with the five knuckle shuffle. Cena looks for the AA but Balor lands the overhead kick. Balor covers him but Cena kicks out. Balor hits the sling blade but then gets caught by a clothesline. Cena runs into the boots of Balor but he’s able to catch him and put him on his shoulders. Cena hits the AA and goes for the cover but Balor kicks out. Cena goes to the outside and goes to the second rope but Balor gets up and hits a kick. Balor drives Cena into the corner and goes to the top rope. Balor misses on the Coupe de Grace. Cena then locks in the STF but Balor is able to escape. Cena catches Balor and brings him to the second rope. Cena hits the AA and gets the
1 2 3.
Winner: John Cena
(Qualified for the Elimination Chamber Match)
My Opinion:
An awesome main event between these two. I’m happy Cena won, I really wanna see Cena have one more really good year before he is done. Balor is amazing and he deserves big opportunities so maybe they could work him into the chamber as well. Either way, they went toe to toe and we got to see a great wrestling match. I loved how Cena was in control the whole time and you can see where Balor still needs to learn. Either way, the chamber is shaping up to be something huge.

Final Thoughts:
This was an okay Raw for me. The start of the show I thought could have been better. I was really hoping they’d start off with a bang sense so many people were talking about WWE last night but I think they missed the mark. I did enjoy the announcement about the first ever Women’s Elimination Chamber Match, I’m so proud of how far they’re coming. I really did enjoy Asuka versus Sasha Banks, they took it to each other and took some nasty falls. They fought so hard and even though some may be tired of Asuka winning I think it’s fine if we are going to get performances like that. I loved the destruction of Braun Strowman tonight, I think it’s awesome that we never what to expect with him now. Braun is going to be a monster in the Elimination Chamber. On the same note, I was happy to see Elias finally get his shot to make a name for himself. I really hope he shows up at the chamber and shows the world what he can do. Titus Worldwide also put up an amazing fight against The Bar. I think it was much better than people expected and I’d like to see it again. Also big congrats to The Dudley Boyz on getting into the Hall of Fame, this year is shaping up to be a special class. Finally closing the show Cena and Balor killed it, that was an amazing match to close the night. I believe in Balor I think he deserves to do big things this year but you can’t have a big match without Cena. I hope to see Cena continue the success and go on to have a great 2018. This was one hard-hitting show and we are definitely on the road to WrestleMania
Overall Rating: 6.5/10