Raw Review 01/09/2017

We have a huge Monday Night Raw coming live from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. Coming to Raw tonight is The Showstopper Shawn Michaels and the one and only Deadman The Undertaker. What will these two have in store for the WWE Universe. Plus another week of defending the United States Championship for Roman Reigns. Can he overcome the odds as he defends against both Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens. What will be next for Bayley now that she is the number one contender for the Raw Women’s Championship. The Royal Rumble is starting to take shape with the participants, who will declare for the Rumble tonight? After weeks of a wild streak is Neville getting closer to becoming the Cruiserweight Champion? All this and more on Monday Night Raw

---

Raw is live tonight from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, LA. .

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

Backstage Segment:
Stephanie says she is excited to give Mick his performance review. Steph says she wants to address the Undertaker rumor. Mick says he has a strong feeling he will appear. Seth Rollins comes in and says that he is entering in the Royal Rumble match. Strowman then comes in and says he wants Goldberg or Roman Reigns. Mick says Goldberg isn’t there and Roman has a match. Seth says he can help Braun and goes after him. Seth and Braun battle before being torn apart. Steph yells at mick to address the Undertaker rumors. Mick says he will be here.
Match 1: Roman Reigns vs Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens: United States Championship
After the introductions out comes Braun Strowman. Roman leaves the ring and goes after Braun. Roman goes back to the ring and goes at it with Owens and Jericho. Braun comes in and the three team up on Roman.
Out comes Seth Rollins with a steel chair. He takes it to Owens Jericho and Strowman. Roman grabs one himself and they take care of Strowman.
Out comes Stephanie. Stephanie says Raw won’t start this way. She says that she will give Roman time to rest up. She then says Seth has got his fight and will take on Braun next.
Winner: No Winner: Match will happen later tonight
My Opinion:
I like this opening. It gets the crowd hyped seeing Seth and Roman together. It also does good for braun as it keeps showing he will go and get what he wants. This is also a good way to keep people watching and don’t let a match like that start off the night. A little chaos is good for Raw as that is what people know it for. The beginning of Raw is definitely a fresher start then we are use to. There was a lot of action and that is how to start a show. Get the people excited and let them settle in.

Match 2: Braun Strowman vs Seth Rollins
Rollins starts with a dropkick and stays on Braun. Braun grabs Seth and throws him down. He tries to flip Seth but Seth lands on his feet. Braun realizes and lands a big blow to Seth’s neck. He runs Seth in the corner and lands a big kick. Braun then lands a big clothesline. He lands nasty cross faces to Seth. Seth fights but is stopped by more forearms. Braun lands a big elbow drop on Seth. Seth tries to fight back and grab the beard of Braun. Seth is able to build some space. He lands some clotheslines and kicks but is planted by Braun. Braun drives himself into Seth and sends him to the floor as Raw heads to break.
As we return Seth is trying to get on the offensive. He hits an enziguri and then hits a suicide dive. Braun misses with a right and Seth hits Braun in the side of the head. Seth lands another knee to the head but Braun is still on his feet. Seth goes to the top but is caught by Braun. Braun places Seth on the ropes but Seth is able to hit him with a boot. Seth goes for the blockbuster but is caught. Braun places him back up. He looks for a suplex but Seth lands on the apron and is able to land a kick. Seth is able to knock Braun from the top and land a frog splash. Braun is able to kick out at two. Seth lands a running knee and Braun is stunned. Seth goes to the top and launches himself. He crashes and burns on the barricade as Braun moves out of the way. Braun drives Seth over the barricade. Braun drags him but the two are counted out.
*** After the ,match Braun throws Seth in the ring. Braun grabs a chair and goes to the ring. Seth is able to catch Braun and send him to the floor. He sends Braun retreating as he stands with the equalizer in hands.
Winner: Double Count Out
My Opinion:
A good ending as it doesn’t hurt either superstar. It shows that they both can go and are evenly matched. It shows Braun can hang with the best and that Seth is the best. It keeps it interesting and makes you want more. This is how you want to build going into the Rumble. The more you make people want to see superstars go out, the more special it is at the Rumble. Now if Braun and seth end up in there together people will stop and watch to see how it unfolds.

Backstage Segment:
Bayley asks about Sasha’s knee. She says don’t worry about it. Bayley says she is excited for her match and knows she can win. Sasha says you know what is next, a little Bayley Boss action. Charlotte interrupts. She says that it is crazy for Sasha to think that people believe that Sasha cares about Bayley and that she can help Bayley beat her. Nia Jax jumps in and her and Charlotte take out Sasha and Bayley. Nia turns on Charlotte and pushes her up against the equipment boxes in the back.

Match 3: Jack Gallagher vs Drew Gulak
The two lock up and Gulak is able to take down Gallagher. Gallagher locks up Gulak with his legs and takes him down. Gulak sends Gallagher flying up against the ropes. Ulak lands a high impact clothesline but only gets a two count. Gulak chokes Gallagher with a cross arm choke. Gallagher is able to power his way out of it. Gallagher is able to hold himself on the ropes. He sends Gulak flying across the ring. He stuns Gulak with a headbutt and follows up with a running dropkick for the win.
*** Charly asks Gallagher about Divari. Gallagher says he is in the rights to give Davari a thrashing. He says he invites Davari to meet him on 205 Live to sit down and talk terms of agreement.
Winner: Jack Gallagher
My Opinion:
I am not the biggest fan of The Jack Gallagher character but his in ring work is very impressive. He is super strong and agile. He has an interesting moveset. His running dropkick is a thing of beauty and he can make an match look good. Gulak in his own right is very impressive. He is super strong and commands control. He is quick with his moves and makes every move look torturous. Both are making a name for themselves and are making their way up the division. The only problem is there is one title so no matter how impressive they are not everyone can be the man.

Backstage Segment
Mick is walking backstage trying to find the Undertaker. He tells Steph that he will be here. Steph says that she needs facts. She says she wants the Undertaker in the middle of the ring and Mick has one hour.

In Ring Segment: Shawn Michaels
Shawn says he has missed the Universe and misses coming out there. He says that in January things start to pick up a little bit. He says that this year it is in his hometown. He talks about the Rumble from 20 years ago where he won the WWE Championship there. He says the Rumble this year will be something to remember. The crowd chants one more match. Shawn says he is here to talk about his new movie. He says that next Friday his move comes out. He says he enjoyed the Hollywood thing. He is interrupted by Rusev.
Rusev tells him to shut up. Rusev says that Lana needs to be in it to be successful. Shawn says that he is not the biggest movie guy but it is already done. Rusev says he doesn’t care. The crowd chants Sweet Chin Music. Rusev says the point is Lana needs to be in the movie. Out comes Enzo and Big Cass.
Enzo says the realest guy in the room is HBK. Enzo asks what do we got over here? Shawn says haters. Enzo says that Lana is a phenomenal actress. She has to wake up every morning and act like she is not repulsed. Rusev calls them American pigs. Rusev says he will put Shawn and Cass in a wheelchair. Cass calls out Rusev and says they can solve their problem right no one on one right now. Rusev says he has a match against Jinder Mahal.
My Opinion:
Always fun with HBK out there. Him and Enzo and Cass are a perfect mix. It was funny and refreshing and a good way for Shawn to promote his movie. Of course people will want to see one more match but as long as we get appearances here and there it is good enough. I was really hoping at some point Shawn would come back but I understand it.

Match 4: Big Cass Vs Jinder Mahal
Big Cass takes it to Mahal. He lands big rights and drives him into the corner. He takes Mahal down with a shoulder tackle. Mahal is able to get on the offensive and land a big knee to Cass. He gets Cass in a chin lock but Cass is able to fight out. Cass flips Mahal and lands a splash to Mahal. Rusev distracts Cass and Mahal gets the upper hand. HBK hits a sweet chin music to Rusev on the outside. Cass hits the Empire Elbow for the win.
Winner: Big Cass
My Opinion:
Cass looked great. He could do a great run as a singles competitor but everyone loves him and Enzo. I really don’t think Jinder is bad he just hasn’t had the best chances. We will see how long he rides out this run with Rusev. It was nice seeing a sweet chin music from the master of it. HBK added a good vibe to this match.

Match 5: Neville vs Lince Dorado
Dorado starts with a dropkick. He flips off the ropes and lands a springboard stunner. Neville is sent out of the ring and Dorado flies to outside to take him out. The two come back in and Dorado lands a crossbody off the top rope. Neville kicks out at two. Neville lands a cheap shot and stomps on Dorado. Neville gets Dorado’s arm locked and wrenches on it. He slams Dorado down. He stomps on Dorado. He lands a suplex and doesn’t let go of Dorado’s arm. Neville lands a hip to the gut. Dorado gets caught by Neville and Neville sends him face first into the mat. He locks in the rings of saturn and Dorado taps.
*** Neville lands a cheap shot on Dorado after the match. He goes back to the rings of saturn. Out comes Rich Swann. Neville gets on the attack but Swann fires back with rights and lefts. Neville goes down and Swann lands a big kick. Swann goes for a spinning kick but neville rolls out of the ring and retreats.
Winner: Neville
My Opinion:
Neville is looking dominate. I love watching Neville and always have. His new aggressive attitude is exactly what the division needed and it is getting over big time. He makes it seem like they are competitors and are not just a side act. I liked Swann coming out hot. It builds his rivalry and it will implode when they do collide for the title.

Backstage Segment:
Sasha and Bayley tell steph that they want Charlotte and Nia. Steph says that she is the only boss in the room. Steph says that she is to be addressed as Ms Mcmahon. She tells them that the match is not next week and it will be tonight. She tells them to get the hell out of her office.

Match 6: Luke Gallows vs Sheamus
The two lock up. Sheamus gets a side headlock and lkads a shoulder tackle. Gallows gets Sheamus in the corner and lands big rights. Sheamus lands a spin kick and then a battering ram. Sheamus gets gallows up and lands a rolling senton. And then a running knee. Gallows rolls out of the ring. Gallows takes it to Sheamus as he tries to meet him on the outside. Sheamus goes to the top and is caught by a boot from Gallows as we head to break.
As we return Gallows is in control. He has a chin lock locked in. Sheamus fights out with headbuts. Gallows and Sheamus exchange rights. Gallows lands a big knee. Sheamus follows up with a knee of his own. Sheamus lands Ten Beats of the Borhden. Sheamus then lands a drop kick to the back of neck of Gallows. Sheamus lands a diving clothesline but Gallows is out at two. Gallows lands a kick to the back of the neck of Sheamus. Gallows gets Sheamus up but Sheamus gets down. Sheamus slams Gallows but it gets him another near fall. Anderson takes Cesaro out at the announce table. Gallows takes advantage but Sheamus kicks out. Sheamus is able to hit the Brogue off the Cesaro distraction and pick up the win.
Winner: Sheamus
My Opinion:
I like the rivalry between these two teams. They are doing a slow build up to the match but it is coming. These two teams can really throw down and when it happens for the titles it will be a brawl. Sheamus and gallows stood toe to toe and that is what The Club needs. Gallows needs to look strong like he did tonight. He didn’t need the win he just needed to prove he could hang and he did. Anderson last week did need the win. He needed to prove he two can hang and now the playing field is even.

Backstage Segment:
Charky asks if Roman if he is ready for his match. Roman says it doesn’t matter how many people he has to face. Tonight will be no different.

In Ring Segment:
Foley says he and Undertaker have gone to hell together. He says he is calling for The Undertaker now for one more encounter on Raw. Foley says he needs him to take a trip from the darkside and be here. Foley says he has been doing this for 32 years and has felt no greater honor than hearing The Undertaker’s music. The lights go out but instead Stephanie’s music hits.
Steph says she apologizes for Mick’s inability to produce The undertaker. She says she has no choice but to give him his performance evaluation live. She says that Mick had his successes. She goes on to list them and says that with one step forward Mick takes two steps back. Mick says he is sorry and The Undertaker’s music hits.
Undertaker says he is back and is entering the Royal Rumble. He says he answers to no one. He goes where he wants and does what he wants and no one controls The Undertaker. He says his journey continues to the Royal Rumble. He says he has dug 29 holes for 29 souls. He says he will return to the main event of Wrestlemania and if anyone stands in his way they will Rest In Peace!
My Opinion:
Oh My! What a Rumble this is going to be. It was chilling seeing The undertaker back and now that he is in the rumble it is a whole new ball game. I can not wait for this match and the event as a whole. If they wanted a big show they got it now. Goldberg, Lesnar, Taker!

Backstage Segment:
Cahrly asks JeriKo their thoughts on Raw. Owens says it makes him angry people just showing up. He says that they will take it out on Roman tonight and take his title. Jericho says maybe it is time for two Canadians to be the face of Raw and America.

Match 7: Bayley & Sasha Banks vs Charlotte & Nia Jax
Charlotte goes right after Sasha’s leg. Sasha takes down Charlotte and provokes Nia as we go to break.
As we return Sasha is on the offensive. She tries to hit Charlotte but she goes for the leg and Sasha goes down. Sasha makes the tag and bayley comes in and goes after Charlotte. She hammers on her and lands a diving clothesline. Bayley tries to land a back elbow and gets hit with a big boot. Charlotte slams Bayley on the mat multiple times. Nia gets the tag and throw Bayley into the corner. Nia holds Bayley and Charlotte lands a chop on her. She locks in a chin lock on Bayley. Nia comes in and slams Bayley. She then knocks Sasha off the apron. Charlotte gets the tag and throws Bayley. Bayley goes for a roll up but Nia made the tag. Nia blasts Bayley and lands a leg drop for the win.
Winners: Charlotte & Nia Jax
My Opinion:
The match was boring to me. It was basically just Bayley and Sasha getting squashed and it didn’t entertain me. I am over the Nia thing. I am just not a fan and I don’t like seeing her in these matches. It is just old to me and not catching on for me.

Backstage Segment:
Dar stops Alicia Fox and says Alicia can slap him. Alicia grabs him and kisses him instead.

In Ring Segment: The New Day
Titus apologizes for his actions last week. Xavier says he knows that. Titus says it goes down in the dm’s. Titus asks for a chance. Kofi says they get it and they have done research. They show a video of Titus on NXT and tripping over himself. Big E says he needs to worry about a chance at redemption. They bring out a keg for Titus to try the challenge he couldn’t complete on NXT in 2010. He beats it but the ref says he dropped it before the line. Titus pushes Kofi. Kofi says Titus will have to fight his way in.
My Opinion:
I have always liked Titus and just feel he hasn’t been given his chance to make a good run. He is funny and that is mainly his character so this thing with The New Day works. The new Day need this as well. They need to stay relevant but lay low. They need to cruise the next couple months and wait for their chances to get the titles back. Maybe at Wrestlemania. For now they need to just let the dust settle from the loss and be The New Day and let people enjoy them for them and not the titles.

Match 8: Kofi Kingston vs Titus O’Neil
Titus tosses Kofi. Titus sends Kofi off the ropes but Kofi catches im with a kick. Titus slings Kofi to the mat. He stomps on Kofi and lands a big right hand and a chop. He goes for another chop but misses and Kofi comes back with chops of his own. Titus regains control with a big slam. Kofi lands punches to the gut but Titus lands a big boot. Titus picks up another near fall. Titus tries to toss up kofi but Kofi slips out. Titus this time doesn’t lose focus and goes back on Kofi. Kofi tries to go to the top but is caught and Titus lands a knee to the spine. Titus tosses Kofi out to the other members. Kofi lands Trouble in paradise for the win.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
My Opinion:
Yes Kofi won but this match showed what Titus can do. He is so powerful and really could do something big. He went out there and dominated. I get why Kofi won but i think Titus shinned. No he isn’t the big name superstar like The New Day members are but still Titus delivered. I enjoyed the match. Sure it was a little slow for this point in the show but still in all it worked for me.

Match 9: Roman Reigns vs Chris Jericho & Kevin Owens: United States Championship
Roman goes to the outside to go after Owens and Jericho. Roman tries to lock Jericho in the shark cage but Owens gets to him before he can lock it.They bounce Roman off the cage and bring him down to the ring. They drive Roman into the steps and bring him into the ring. Owens lands punches and drives his knee into Roman as he is in the corner. He lands more punches to Roman. Jericho gets the tag and lands a shoulder tackle to Roman.Jericho lands an elbow and gets a chin lock on Roman. Roman tries to get on the offensive but Jericho lands a kick. Roman is able to land a punch to Jericho. Owens gets the tag and Roman takes it to him. Jericho comes in and looks for a bulldog but is sent into Owens. Roman lands a samoan drop and then clotheslines to Owens in the corner. Roman tries to get the Superman Punch but is sent into a right by Owens. Jericho hits a lionsault but Roman is able to kick out. Owens tries to send Roman up but Roman is able to comes down with a Superman punch to jericho and then one to Owens. Jericho looks for the Codebreaker but Roman is able to take him out. Roman is pulled off the cover by Owens. Roman misses the drive by and Owens lands a kick. Owens looks for the pop up powerbomb on the outside but Roman is able to reverse. Roman finally lands the drive by on Owens. Jericho lands the Codebreaker and owens follows up with a powerbomb on the apron. Owens and jericho get Roman back into the ring. Owens punches Roman and Jericho tells Owens to get him up. Jericho hits the Codebreaker and gets the 1 2 3. Jericho is the new United States Champion.
Winner: Chris Jericho
My Opinion:
Surprising to me that they let Roman get so beat. I know he has kept fighting them off and that eventually he would have to lose but I didn’t think it would happen this close to the Rumble. I would think Roman would keep being built up but I am not complaining. It gives us something new and fresh and Jericho deserves it. He has stuck around for us fans and it is time he gets a little something for it. JeriKo now hold the gold and they deserve it for all they have done over past few months.

Final Thoughts:
A decent Raw. Some big announcements made and it was an exciting episode for the hype of the Royal Rumble. Seeing The Undertaker is priceless and for him to come out and announce he was going to be in the rumble was insane. I still can’t believe it and I just can’t wait to see this Rumble. We also learned that seth Rollins will be in the Rumble. This is really turning into something special. I enjoyed Stephanie tonight. She is her Daddy’s girl and that McMahon fire in her is really starting to shine. We also learned that next week Brock Lesnar will be on Raw. Raw is always presenting something or someone exciting and I love it. I have really enjoyed watching braun Strowman grow. He is turning into exactly what we want him to be and that is a monster. His interruptions and matches are really working for him. I wish tonight we would have had more excitement from the Women. I know this Royal Rumble is suppose to be huge and I want Charlotte vs Bayley to be built up as big as Charlotte and Sasha was. It was also very cool to see HBK. Like I said we all want another match but seeing him occasionally is better than not at all. I was surprised that Roman lost his title but I will says jericho and Owens deserve it. They have done everything to help keep Raw the top show. They have busted their butts and Jericho deserved the title. After the career he has had to let him win the one title he was missing is great for him. Roman will recuperate and I believe he will win the Universal Championship, Believe That!
Overall Rating: 7/10