Raw Review 02/06/2017

Samoa Joe laid waste to Seth Rollins last week. Rollins was left battered bruised and injured. Tonight we will see Samoa Joe sign his contract to be apart of Monday Night Raw. On that same note we will be receiving an injury report on Seth Rollins. Plus tonight Goldberg is back to respond to the challenge put down by Brock Lesnar and his advocate Paul Heyman to see a final battle between the two at Wrestlemania. Also tonight is a Raw Tag Team Championship match as The Club Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson defend against Sheamus and Cesaro. We have seen a lot of destruction the past few weeks from Nia Jax, what will she do next? There is a mad Monster Among Men, will we see Braun Strowman seek major retribution against Roman Reigns after Roman cost him the Universal Championship last week?

Raw is live tonight from the Moda Center in Portland, OR.

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

In Ring Segment: Samoa Joe Contract Signing
Mick welcomes everyone to /raw and introduces Samoa Joe. Stephanie introduces Samoa joe as the hottest free agent of the new era and soon to be newest member of the Raw roster. Mick says let’s get on with it. Steph asks why Mick isn’t doing this with his enthusiasm. She asks if he is upset or mad because she had to do his job for him. Mick says he doesn’t care for how joe got here. Joe says 18 years one man gave him an an opportunity and if he had to put Rollins on the shelf then that’s what he has to do. Joe then puts the locker room on notice and says the destroyer has arrived and there’s nothing you can do about it. Joe goes to sign and Roman Reigns music hits.
Reigns says he is out here now threaten him. Roman introduces himself to Joe and says he is the baddest man to step foot in WWE and he is in his yard when he signs that contract. He tells Joe to shut his mouth or he i going to cave it in. Mick says hold on, he is the general manager. He says as long as he is general manager he is making the matches. He says Joe will face Roman tonight.
My Opinion:
A huge match for sure. Roman vs Joe is something new that we haven’t seen. I thought this segment would have longer and some more hype to it. I think it shows their faith in Samoa Joe that he doesn’t need it and people already know about him. I feel that may be true but at the same time I think there should have been some more build up of his character. The segment was super fast when all day they were calling this huge but it really wasn’t.

Match 1: Bayley vs Nia Jax
Bayley kicks Nia and throws punches. Nia tries to squash Bayley in the corner but Bayley moves. Nia gets back on the offensive with a headbutt and drives Bayley into the second rope. Nia hits bayley and Bayley hits her with an elbow. Nia puts her back down with a power slam. Nia hits an open hand strike and toys with her. Nia tries to pull Bayley back up from the apron and Bayley hangs her up on the second rope. Nia is able to regain control and throws Bayley into the corner as Raw goes to break.
As we return nia has Bayley in a half nelson. Bayley catches Nia with a forearm but Nia quickly sends Bayley across the ring and then squashes her in the corner again. Bayley is able to kick Nia and get to her feet. Bayley backs Nia into the corner and hits her with elbows. Bayley goes for a back elbow but Nia catches her and gets her in a bear hug. Nia takes out Bayley and knocks her to the outside. Nia runs into the post after Bayley gets out of the way and Bayley sends her into it again. Bayley gets back into the ring. Out comes Charlotte. Charlotte distracts bayley and the ref stopping the count. Bayley takes down Charlotte but in comes Nia and she hits a Samoan Drop for the win.
Winner: Nia Jax
My Opinion:
Not to special of a match but not bad. Nia did a good job tonight as well as Bayley. I liked the ending keeping the rivalry between Bayley and Charlotte hot. As we saw before the match bayley will face Charlotte for the title next week. I don’t think Bayley has all the momentum yet and this match didn’t hurt her but it doesn’t help. I see the rivalry between Sasha and Charlotte and that was a very fast and action filled. This between bayley and Charlotte feels long and drawn out and doesn’t give me the feeling of a conclusion anytime soon.

Match 2: Braun Strowman vs Jobbers: 4 on 1
Braun takes out all four men. He takes one down with a chop and squashes two of them in the corners. One of the men runs out of the ring. Braun takes one of them and tosses them. He sends another to the ground and lands massive hits on him. Braun picks one up and lands a running power slam. He throws the three remaining men on top of each other and picks up the win.
*** Braun gets on the mic and says Foley this is what you call competition. He says I warned you and I am coming to find you.
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
Not much to say, Braun destroyed as always. He is a monster but I do agree with him that he needs more competition. People want to see Braun but I think before he can have normal matches all the time he has to be a monster and a superstar that can be beat. He has to be kept building up but I think at FastLane it will be a great test to see what he can do and also what direction they are heading with him. If not in WWE I could see Braun as a main eventer but right now he doesn’t have the star power yet.

Backstage Segment:
Braun tells Foley his idea of competition is a joke. Braun says he wants everyone. Foley says he will put Braun in a match at FastLane against Roman Reigns.

Match 3: Akira Tozawa vs Drew Gulak
The two lock up and Gulak gets a side headlock. The two exchange holds and Gulak goes back to the side headlock. Tozawa is knocked down and then into a bridge cover but kicks out. Tozawa lands elbows and drops Gulak with a right hand. He goes for a cover but Gulak kicks out. Gulak knocks Tozawa out of the ring. Gulak goes for the cover but only gets a two count. Tozawa lands a enziguri and lands a forearm that knocks Gulak to the floor. He then takes Gulak out with a suicide dive and a head butt into the chest of Gulak. He takes Gulak out with a drop kick to his knee. He hits the Shining Wizard but it isn’t enough. He lands more kicks and a devastating German Suplex to Gulak for the win.
Winner: Akira Tozawa
My Opinion:
A good debut for him but it wasn’t anything that made me to crazy. He has some nice moves but i think they hold these guys back for what they able to do. No doubt Tozawa is great but it wasn’t a lot of time for him to shine and these guys can shine on 205 Live but to people who just watch Raw it doesn’t mean anything. They just see these quick matches and don’t really experience what they are all about.

In Ring Segment: JeriKO
Owens tells how last week he said he has been proving people wrong his entire career. He says he did it again because nobody gave him a fighting chance against Strowman. Jericho says Owens looks great and that tonight he will still be the United states Champion and the greatest of all time. Jericho then brings up Tom Brady and puts him on the list. Jericho says Orton will go on to face for the WWE Championship match but he has a better idea for the Universal Championship which would see him vs Owens at Wrestlemania. Owens says he is right and it is the biggest main event in Wrestlemania history. Owens says he is not sure he can fight his best friend. Goldberg’s music hits!
Goldberg tells them they have two choices. Step to the side and live or take him on two on one. Goldberg addresses Lesnar and Heyman’s challenge at Wrestlemania. Goldberg says he has never turned down a fight and he accepts. Owens says wow what an announcement. Owens says he thinks Goldbergs acceptance is a great choice and it will be a perfect undercard match for KO Mania. He tells Jericho he is right and him and Jericho are the main event. Owens asks Goldberg why he is the longest reigning Universal Champion of all time. Goldberg says it is because he hasn’t faced him and then challenges owens to a match at FastLane. Jericho tells Goldberg he can’t do that and asks if he knows what happens to guys who make their own matches. Goldberg takes the list and signs his name to it. Jericho yells and says that is not how it works. Jericho tells Goldberg he has a match at FastLane and he will get Owens for the Universal Championship. Goldberg says Owens and his title is next.
My Opinion:
Hopefully the match is made. That is huge but I think we know where it will lead. I see Goldberg taking the title and Owens and Jericho starting a feud between each other. Again I don’t know what it is about tonight but even this segment didn’t have the excitement you would think. I feel like it is the rut time of WWE where everyone is think ahead two months and it doesn’t give the excitement yet because of how far away it is. I feel it is hard for people to lock in to the moment because it easy to think ahead and WWE shows their cards to easily and they need that surprise back.

Backstage Segment:
Owens asks Jericho how he could do that to him. Jericho says he has always had his back and no matter what he has his back. Owens says accepting that match is not having his back.

Match 4: Sheamus & Cesaro vs The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson)(c): Raw Tag Team Championships
Sheamus backs Anderson into the corner. He takes Anderson down with a slam. He is able to hit double knees but can’t get the three count off of it. Cesaro gets the tag but Anderson takes it to him. Gallows gets the tag and lands some forearm shots but Cesaro gets back on the offensive with uppercuts and Sheamus gets the tag. Gallows takes it to Sheamus and backs him into the corner. Anderson gets the tag but Sheamus quickly gets on the offensive and gets a tag to Cesaro. They double team Anderson but cesaro can’t get the three count. Anderson takes advantage of the distraction and takes out cesaro. Cesaro goes to the outside and gets taken out by a big boot from Gallows as Raw goes to break.
Anderson is in control of Cesaro but cesaro fights back. Cesaro fights off Anderson and Gallows but Anderson capitalizes with a spinebuster. Cesaro hits him an uppercut and sides steps anderson sending him into the second turnbuckle. Sheamus gets the tag and hits a spear in the corner. Sheamus goes to the top and hits a clothesline. Anderson kicks out at tw on the pin attempt. Sheamus sends anderson over the top rope and hits the Ten Beats of the Bodhran. Cesaro gets the tag and goes for a pin but gallows breaks it up. Cesaro hits uppercuts on Gallows and sends him over the top rope. On the outside Enzo and Cass kick Gallows. The ref calls for the bell and The Club retains.
Winners: The Club (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows) via DQ: Still Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
A good match between these two teams. A normal one though I would say. There wasn’t anything special in it and I think the ending wasn’t the best. I don’t see why Enzo and Cass should have been out there when they haven’t done much to earn the spot of next in line. It is to bad because these teams have the ability to have that huge match and this one didn’t click. I think again it falls into the category of predictable and we knew there wouldn’t be a title change. Another time of WWE showing their cards because why else would Cass and Enzo really be out there.

Seth Rollins Update:
Seth released a statement saying that he won’t stop until he fights Triple H

Match 5: The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) vs The Shining Stars (Epico & Primo)
As raw returns Big E slams Epico. Woods gets the tag and the two double team Epico. Primo gets the tag and the two double team Woods. Primo gets a chinlock on and takes Woods to the ground. Woods hits a sunset flip but can’t take Primo down. Epico gets the tag and suplexes Woods.Woods tries to create separation but can’t. Primo gets the tag and takes it to Woods. The two are on the top rope and Woods able to take Primo down. Woods hits a missile drop kick and tags Big E. Epico comes in as well and Big E hits three belly to bellies. He follows up with a big splash. Primo is met with a boot and a ddt. Woods gets the tag and The New Day hits The Midnight Hour and pick up the win.
Winners: The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods)
My Opinion:
Not very exciting. It was what it was. The New Day is good but they shouldn’t be facing The Shining Stars. The Shining Stars have become some short of jobbers with their lack of appearances on Raw. They gave a more competitive match than expected but the competition just isn’t there.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Jericho if his relationship with Owens right now will distract him in his match tonight. Jericho says he won’t lose to Zayn twice and that best friends fight. Owens approaches and says he knows Jericho has his back and he will beat Goldberg. He tells Jericho that he has his back tonight and he will beat zayn.
Hall of Fame Announcement: The Rock ‘N’ Roll Express

Match 6: Sami Zayn vs Chris Jericho (c) :
Unites States Championship Match
Zayn lands an arm drag early and stares down Jericho. Jericho gets a wrist lock but Zayn is able to fight out. Zayn hits two deep arm drags and gets an armbar locked in. He goes for the pin but jericho kicks out at two. Jericho goes to the outside and Zayn goes after him. Jericho goes back into the ring and meets Zayn with a drop kick. He lands a chop and drives his knee into the face of Zayn. Zayn hits a high elbow and hits a crossbody into the lateral press but Jericho kicks out again on the pin attempt. Zayn hits a dropkick and looks for the Helluva kick but Jericho ducks out of the way. Zayn launches himself over the top rope to take Jericho out on the outside.
Jericho is back on the offensive as we return. Zayn looks to fight back and hits big chops on Jericho. Jericho is able to quickly regain control and hits the lionsault. Jericho goes for the codebreaker but Zayn counters and hits the exploder suplex. Zayn goes for the Helluva kick but Jericho gets out of the way. Zayn hits the blue thunder bomb but again Jericho is out at two. Zayn goes for the ddt but Jericho gets out of it and locks in the walls. Zayn is able to make it to the ropes. Jericho distracts the ref and Owens kicks zayn in the face. Jericho hits the codebreaker and retains the title.
Winner: Chris Jericho: Still United States Champion
My Opinion:
Another great match between these two. I think Zayn will get this big win he is seeking sooner rather than later but for now he needs to do this. Zayn is a veteran and knows how to work. It shows and he excels. He should get more shots like this and I think WWE should use him better than he is. Overall I think Zayn is next in line for the title.

Backstage Segment:
Sasha is in the trainer’s room and is approached by Charlotte. Charlotte says that they use to equal and it must eat Sasha alive for what is happening. Charlotte says she hopes Sasha can see her destroy Bayley next week and put her next to her. She says that she thought Roadblock End of the Line was just the name of the pay per view not the end of her career.

In Ring Segment: Austin Aries interviews Neville
Aries thanks him for the interview and says that Swann is hurt from last week. Aries says that tomorrow night there will be a fatal five way elimination match to determine the number one contender at FastLane. He asks which competitor sacres him the most. Neville says he must be delusional if he thinks anyone scares him. Neville says tomorrow is irrelevant and that no matter who it is they will be forced to bend the knee and respect the king. Out comes cedric Alexander. Next comes Noam Dar.
Dar says he was thinking what a good idea it would be to steal the championship. Out comes Jack Gallagher. Jack says he felt to compelled to say that if their is going to be a king it should be a gentleman. Out comes Tony Nese and then TJ Perkins. Perkins says he was the Champion and the first one and he knows what it takes to win the title and he will do it again. He tells Neville that they have unfinished business. He then goes after Nese and everyone goes at it. Gallagher is left in the ring with neville and takes him out. Dar pulls out gallagher and Perkins takes them out Cedric takes all of them out by launching himself over the top rope. Neville gloats in the ring as the rest are out on the outside.
My Opinion:
I don’t think people really care about this to much. Another thing that I don’t like is that they have people such as Kendrick and Tajari that people would like to see but we don’t see them on Raw. Also Aries is someone who could add life and I think it would have been a big reaction if he would have said he was going to enter the match tomorrow.

Match 7: Jack Gallagher & Cedric Alexander & TJ Perkins vs Tony Nese & Neville & Noam Dar
Neville gets the tag and takes it to Gallagher. Neville crushes Gallagher in the corner and Dar gets the tag. Dar goes for a cover but only gets two. He sends Gallagher to the mat but gets a two count again. Nese gets the cover and slams Gallagher. Nese sends gallagher into the corner hard and goes to the mat for a front facelock. Nese knocks Alexander off the apron and Gallagher capitalizes with a headbutt. Nese tags in Dar. Gallagher gets the tag to Perkins. Perkins takes out Dar and slams into him in the corner. Dar is able to connect with the drop kick. Dar goes to tag Neville but Neville drops and walks away. Perkins rolls up Dar but nese breaks up the cover. Perkins hits the destination kick to Nese. Alexander gets the tag and picks up the win for his team.
Winners: Jack Gallagher & Cedric Alexander & Tj Perkins
My Opinion:
A good match for the division. There was a lot of talent showcased and it showed what they could do. I don’t know if it will make people tune in tomorrow night but it wasn;t a bad match. I am looking forward to see what those five will do and who will face Neville.

Backstage Segment:
Jericho tells Owens they need to show the world how huge their friendship is. He says they need a festival. He says it is the festival of friendship. Jericho says next week is perfect because Raw is live from Vegas. He says next week it will be the biggest celebration in WWE history.

Match 8: Roman Reigns vs Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe attacks Reigns before the match. He sends reigns into the barricade and clotheslines him. He sends Reigns post Reigns is still on the outside and Joe kicks him and leaves Reigns on the floor and stands tall in the ring as we go to break.
The match is underway as we return. Joe backs Reigns into the corner and beats him down. Reigns sends Joe to the outside and meets him out there with right hands. He drives Joe into the barricade He sends him back into the ring and kicks him in the corner. Joe gets back on the offensive and slams into him in the corner and lands a huge kick. Joe lands somes chops and collides with Reigns. Joe lands a chop to the back on the neck and kicks Reigns again. Joe lands a headbutt and rights to Reigns face. He lands a suplex to Reign and goes for the cover but Reigns kicks out. He stretches Reigns. Reign gets back to his feet and lands a right. The two trade shots and brawl. Joe hits knee to the gut but Reigns hits and elbow. Reigns hits a right. Joe sends him off the ropes but Reigns takes him down with a clothesline. Reigns side steps Jo and hits clotheslines in the corner. Reigns hits him with a right but Joe catches but and takes him down with a big boot. He follows up with a senton but Reigns kicks out at two. Joe hits Reigns with short jabs in the corner. Reigns gets back to his feet and hits a samoan drop. Joe kicks out at two on the attempt. Reigns looks for the superman punch but Joe rolls out of the ring. Reigns meets him and hits the drive by. Reigns connects with the superman punch. Out comes Braun Strowman. Reigns meets him with a right and then a superman punch. Joe lands a kick from behind. He is able to pick up the win off the distraction.
*** Braun takes out Roman with a running powerslam. Reigns tries to fight off Strowman on the outside but Strowman lands a big blow. He takes the steps and bounces it off the face of Reigns. Strowman then drives Reigns through the barricade.
Winner: Samoa Joe
My Opinion:
A great first night for Samoa Joe. This was the highlight of the night for me. Samoa Joe is so good in the ring. I can’t wait to see him face more of the top stars on this big stage. Him and Roman battled and that could be a good rivalry down the road. It was a special moment seeing these two go at. I liked Braun coming out. Even though it is getting old he dominated and took it to Roman and backed him into the position where Roman shines best and that is to overcome and rise.

Final Thoughts:
A safe show with not much action. The segments were not very exciting. Things I thought would be huge were short and predictable. I feel even Goldberg there tonight didn’t add the spark they hoped for. The opening segment was being built up all day to be huge and it was very quick and not that great. We didn’t even get to much of an update on Seth Rollins. Nothing from Triple H. The matches didn’t have much meaning and were predictable. I will say Zayn and Jericho was good but everyone knew what would happen. Samoa Joe had a great debut match. Him and Roman battled and it could be the start of something great between these two brawlers. I hop Joe’s momentum continues and he will work a good program at Wrestlemania. Braun’s attack at the end was awesome and reminded me of an old Kane who laid waste to what was in front of him. They keep beating on Reigns but he shines best with his back against the wall.
Overall Rating: 6/10