Raw Review 05/08/2017

Monday Night Raw comes to us from London. Tonight the Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss takes on Mickie James. Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns rivalry isn’t over, but tonight Braun has a new challenge as he takes on Kalisto with one arm tied behind his back. We will also see a tag team turmoil match to determine the new Number One Contenders. The teams include the likes of Sheamus and Cesaro, Enzo and Cass, and The Golden Truth. How will The A Lister Miz continue his success tonight after becoming the new Number One Contender for the Intercontinental Championship. Lastly will Seth Rollins continue on his path of revenge against Samoa Joe?

Raw is live tonight from the O2 Arena, London.

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

Backstage Segment:
Dean Ambrose gets a call from Kurt Angle. He agrees to something Kurt says and heads for the ring to make an announcement.

In Ring Segment: Dean Ambrose
Deans informs that Kurt won’t be here tonight. He announces that tonight he is acting General Manager. Dean says on his show it’s about action. He is interrupted by The Miz.
Miz says Raw is going to total chaos tonight with Ambrose in control. Dean says he has a very good plan for tonight. Miz tells Dean that he received a phone call from Stephanie Mcmahon. He says that Stephanie knows that if Dean ran Raw it could be the last episode of Raw. He states that she has appointed him as he co-GM. Dean tells Miz to enjoy it now because at Extreme Rules he is going to put a beat down on him. Miz reminds Ambrose of his win last week. Ambrose congratulates Miz and asks him to shake his hand. Out comes Braun Strowman.
Braun says he doesn’t care who’s in charge, he’s going to get what he wants. Braun says as long as Roman can still walk he’s not finished with him. He tells that when his arm is healed he is going to end Roman. He states that he wants Brock when he’s finished with Roman. Out comes Kaliso.
Kalisto says that he is not done with Braun. Kalisto reminds everyone that he beat Braun. Kaliso says that nobody treats him like garbage. He tells Dean that he wants a match with Braun tonight. Braun says he could beat him with one arm. Dean announces that Braun will face Kalisto. Dean announces that the first match of the night will be Miz vs Finn Balor.
My Opinion:
Miz and Dean together are very entertaining. I feel like right off the bat that have shown that this Raw isn’t the most important. This Raw seems like it is going to be simple and fun, but maybe it’s better this way. It’s great to go 100 miles per hour sometimes, but other times you just have to coast and try to have good matches and make it just about the wrestling.

Match 1: The Miz vs Finn Balor:
Miz goes out of the ring right away. Balor wraps up Miz and takes him down. Balor goes for the cover but Miz kicks out. Miz gets in control with a couple of shots. Balor is able to roll through and kick Miz. Balor lands a huge drop kick, but it is not enough to put Miz away. Balor knocks Miz over the top rope and goes to the outside to launch himself in Miz and send him into the barricade. Maryse helps Miz out of the ring as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Miz in control. Balor battles back, but Miz is able to hit a neckbreaker. Balor is able to reverse Miz’s finisher and goes for a cover, but it is not enough. Balor lands big right hand shots. Miz gets back on the offensive flipping balor of his knee. Balor battles back with elbows to the gut of Miz. Balor hits an overhead kick to bring Miz to the mat. Balor catches him with a forearm. He is caught by a boot from Miz. Balor catches him with a shot to his head. Balor runs across the apron and lands a huge kick to Miz. Miz sends Balor into the ref. Miz goes to the outside and says he cannot allow a WWE Superstar to put his hands on a ref. The ref calls for the bell. Out comes Ambrose. Ambrose says the match is going to start again right now and Maryse is banned from ringside.
Balor runs up the apron to take it to Miz. Balor brings him into the ring and hits the sling blade. He hits the Coup de Grace to pick up the win.
Winner: Finn Balor
My Opinion:
A pretty good match between these two. I love the energy Balor brings to the ring. I really hope Balor will get into a big rivalry soon. He is so good, if not the best on Raw and deserves a lot more. Him facing Miz helps because he is building back up that credibility. The Miz is no joke even though people see him like that. I give credit to Dean and Miz for keeping their feud fresh and entertaining.

Backstage Segment:
Nia asks Alexa if she meant what she said about her last week. Alexa says of course she did. Nia says if she meant it then she gets the next title opportunity. Alexa says she doesn’t make matches, Kurt does. Nia says until she does she just got herself a new best friend.

Match 2: Alexa Bliss w/ Nia Jax vs Mickie James w/ Bayley
Mickie and Alexa lock up and Mickie is backed into the corner. Mickie is able to take down Alexa. The two lock up again and Mickie is now taken down. Alexa tries to use the ref to hid, but has none of it. Mickie lands a neckbreaker and goes for a cover, but Alexa kicks out. Mickie takes Alexa to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Alexa is in control. Alexa wrenches on the arm of Mickie. Alexa continues on Mickie’s arm and gets her in an arm lock. Mickie is able to hit a hurricanrana. Alexa quickly comes back as Mickie can’t hit the irish whip. Mickie fights back with a forearm and hits a clothesline. She hits a kick to the midsection and takes down Alexa. Mickie sends Alexa face first to the mat. Mickie tries to go to the top, but is stopped by Nia. Alexa is able to the knock Mickie off due to the distraction of Nia.
*** Alexa tries to go after Mickie after the match. Bayley comes in to take out Alexa and the two fight to the back. Nia gets in the ring and flattens Mickie. She then hits an elbow and leaves Mickie in the ring.
Winner: Alexa Bliss
My Opinion:
Alexa continued to kill it tonight. She is very talented and I loved this match. Mickie is one of the best to ever do it and brings the experience and enthusiasm the Women’s Division needs. I think they did a great job getting Nia and Bayley involved. The more we see of all of the Women, the more meaning they will have an impact they will have. It’s nice seeing a shake up with having Alexa and Mickie because for awhile on Raw we saw the same two running it for months.

Backstage Segment:
Miz comes up to Dean and asks what he was doing out there. Dean says he runs a clean show. Dean says he made most of the show. Dean tells Miz that he can just go home. Dean tells him to cancel. Miz informs Dean that he will be in action tonight against Bray Wyatt.

Backstage Segment:
Charly brings in Samoa Joe as his guest. Samoa Joe tells that Rollins slayed nothing at PayBack. Joe says that Seth now lives his life on his terms and he is not through with him. He tells that he is going to amp it up. Rollins comes out of nowhere and attacks Joe. The two battle in until they are broken up.

Match 3: Braun Strowman vs Kalisto
*** Braun calls out Roman before the match.
Braun hits Kaliso with a boot. He stomps on Kalisto in the corner. Out comes Roman. Roman gets in the ring and goes after Braun. Roman lands a series of Superman Punches and takes Braun down. Braun goes to the outside and Roman goes after him, but he is taken out by a boot from Braun. Roman sends Braun into the post and wraps Braun’s arm around the post wrenching on it. Roman grabs a chair and takes on Braun. Braun retreats.
Winner: No Contest
My Opinion:
I like the move tonight to put Roman over. No matter how people feel Roman deserves respect for what he does. Whether people like it or not Roman is here and is here to stay. I like that Roman is put over and they’re not giving in to the crowd.

Backstage Segment:
Goldust asks R-Truth if he is ready. Goldust says he enjoys teaming with him. He reminds Truth of their win loss record. He reminds that they haven’t won a title together. He tells R-Truth that they need to go out there and prove that The Hardy’s aren’t the only ones who can turn the clock back.

Match 4: The Golden Truth (Goldust & R-Truth) vs Enzo & Cass vs Sheamus & Cesaro vs Heath Slater & Rhyno vs The Club (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows): Number One Contender’s Match for the Raw Tag Team Championship
Sheamus and Cass start it off. Cass backs Sheamus up to the ropes. Sheamus tries to whip Cass, but can’t pull him. Cass unloads on Sheamus and hits a big splash. Cass hits the Empire elbow. Sheamus battles back. Enzo gets the tag and Cass sends him flying onto Sheamus. Sheamus kicks out on the pin attempt.
Cesaro stomps on Enzo as Raw returns. Cesaro gets a chinlock in and Enzo tries to battle back. Enzo is able to get out of the way and Cesaro goes shoulder first into the post. He then sends Sheamus out of the ring. Enzo hits an enziguri and tries to tag Cass but Sheamus pulls him off the apron. Cesaro locks in the sharpshooter and Enzo taps out. Out come Slater and Rhyno.
Sheamus and Cesaro go right after Slater and Rhyno. They work on Rhyno after taking out Slater. They send Rhyno into the steps and then send Slater onto the barricade. Sheamus throws Slater into the ring. Cesaro works the arm of Slater. Slater is able to fight back with a kick. Cesaro pulls Slater back to the corner and Sheamus catches Sleater with a clothesline. Sheamus lands a big right to Slater. Sheamus locks in a chinlock, but Slater fights back. Cesaro comes in and hits an uppercut. Sheamus hits a Brogue kick to put Slater away. Next out is The Club.
Cesaro has control over Anderson. Anderson fights back and tags Gallows. Gallows hammers away with elbows on Cesaro. He gets a chinlock on Cesaro. Cesaro is able to counter him and hit a vertical suplex. Sheamus gets the tag and the two take Gallows to the mat. Gallows fights back with punches. Sheamus is able to land a huge kick. He knocks off Anderson and goes to the top. Gallows catches him with a boot. Anderson gets the tag. Sheamus takes control, but Gallows breaks it up. Cesaro comes in and evens the odds. Sheamus hits white noise, but Gallows kicks out on the pin attempt.
The Club is in control as Raw returns. Cesaro takes out Anderson. Sheamus is able to take out Gallows to eliminate them. Out is The Golden Truth. The come in hot and send Cesaro to the outside. Truth and Goldust double team Sheamus. Goldust hits a bulldog and hammers on Sheamus. Goldust hits a scoop slam. He knocks Cesaro out of the ring, but Sheamus sends Goldust to the outside as well. Cesaro gets the tag and wrenches on the leg of Goldust. Sheamus comes in and continues to work on the knee of Goldust. Cesaro gets the tag and stops Goldust from making a tag. Cesaro mocks Goldust. Goldust looks for a slam, but can’t get it. Goldust is able to tag Truth. Truth takes out Sheamus and continues on Cesaro. Truth looks for the victory, but cesaro kicks out of the pin. Cesaro is able to roll up Truth to pick up the win.
*** After the match Sheamus and Cesaro take out Goldust and R-Truth. The Hardy’s come out and storm the ring. Sheamus and Cesaro retreat.
Winners: Sheamus & Cesaro:
New Number One Contenders
My Opinion:
A good match, but I was hoping for more of a shake-up. Having Sheamus and Cesaro win was to obvious. It doesn’t do much for me unless there will be a stipulation added to the match. The Hardy’s and Sheamus and Cesaro have proven they can put on great matches together, but when a rivalry drags on and on there has to be some stipulation match added in to keep it interesting. Once a team has gone at for too long it’s dull and not that interesting.

Match 5: Seth Rollins vs Samoa Joe
Rollins and Joe trade blows to start off the match. Joe lands a big headbutt and hammer away on Rollins in the corner. Rollins is able to send Joe face first into the turnbuckle. Rollins and Joe go the outside and Rollins lands right hands to Joe, but he is then wiped into the barricade. Joe lands big kicks to the chest of Rollins. He continues to back Rollins into the corner. Rollins is able to land a boot to the face and hit the slingblade. Joe uses the ropes to break up the pin. Joe hits a big elbow to Rollins. Joe pulls on Rollins hair and headbutts him. Rollins hammers back with right hands. Joe blocks Rollins and hits a suplex. Joe continues to stomp on Rollins. Rollins reverses with a high elbow. He hits the blockbuster. Joe sends Rollins to the apron. Rollins fights back, but Joe sends him to the floor as he wraps up his leg.
Joe lands another headbutt. Rollins fights back with chops, but Joe lands high knees. He hits a big chop and drops the elbow on Rollins. Joe stares at Rollins. He taunts him and punches him. Rollins is able to break up Joe’s submission attempt. Rollins hits a suicide dive not once but twice. Rollins gets a near fall on the pin. Rollins is stopped in his tracks with chop. He hits him with a powerslam and drives Rollins into the mat. Joe hits an inverted atomic drop. He lands a senton, but gets a near fall on the pin. Rollins tries for a suplex, but Joe fights it. Rollins regroups and hits a falcon arrow. Rollins catches him with an enziguri. Joe tries to fight back and hit him in the corner, but Rollins catches him with a boot. Joe sends Rollins into the exposed turnbuckle. Joe pushes the ref out of the way and throws the turnbuckle pad. Joe drives Rollins into the exposed steel and is disqualified.
*** After the match Joe sends Rollins into the exposed turnbuckle and locks in the Cocida Clutch.
Winner: Seth Rollins via DQ
My Opinion:
A good brawl between these two. This one of those great storylines that is all about the battle. These are two of the top guys and they show it. Rollins and Joe could have even closed the show. The only thing I want is more incentive. I want more of a storyline then just Joe going after Rollins for Triple H.

Match 6: TJ Perkins vs Jack Gallagher
Gallagher quickly startles TJ with a headbutt. TJ is able to battle back and send Gallagher into the steps. Back in the ring Tj gets an arm lock in. Gallagher fights back and hits TJ with a boot. TJ is able to roll up Gallagher and pick up the win.
*** TJ gets back in the ring and goes after Gallagher. Aries comes out and takes out TJP.
Winner: TJ Perkins
My Opinion:
I like the new TJP. I hope eventually he gets back in the title hunt. I hope the division gets a shake up soon and it stops being these four. At least tonight we didn’t have too much Cruiserweight action. This was the perfect amount.

Match 7: Sasha Banks vs Alicia Fox
Alicia slaps Sasha. The two hammer away on each other and the ref breaks it up. Alicia lands a cheap shot and a beautiful suplex. Alicia gets a chinlock in on Sasha. Sasha fights back to her feet and is able to reverse Alicia’s slam attempt. Sasha hits double knees in the corner. Alicia drives Sasha back into the corner. Sasha fights back and is able to take out Alicia to pick up the win.
Winner: Sasha Banks
My Opinion:
A very competitive match. Alicia was very impressive tonight. She really showed up and showed the skill she has. I think this match should’ve gone first and the other Women’s match be in this slot, but they didn’t disappoint. I’m glad Sasha still gets her shots at tv time and at least they’re shaking up the matches.

Match 8: Dean Ambrose vs Bray Wyatt
Wyatt backs Ambrose into the corner. Ambrose fights out. He is able to send Wyatt into the corner. He lights him up with chops, but Wyatt comes back on the offensive. Ambrose is able to send Wyatt to the floor. Ambrose greets him with a suicide dive. Wyatt hits a suplex on the outside. He hammers on Ambrose as the Raw goes to break.
Wyatt goes for a cover as Raw returns. Ambrose is able to kick out, but Wyatt comes back with an elbow. Ambrose fights back, but is brought back down to the mat. Wyatt gets a choke hold in. Ambrose fights out and they trade blows. Wyatt gets the upperhand with a clothesline. Wyatt goes to the second rope, but misses as Ambrose rolls out of the way. Ambrose fires up with a few shoulder tackles. He takes down Wyatt and fights back. Ambrose goes to the top, but Wyatt rolls out of the ring. Ambrose turns and dives to the outside to take out Wyatt. Wyatt takes out Ambrose as they enter back into the ring. Ambrose gets distracted, but doesn’t let Wyatt get the advantage. Wyatt goes to the top, but Ambrose fights him off. Ambrose looks for dirty deeds but is sent out of the ring by Wyatt. Ambrose takes out Miz. Wyatt meets him on the outside. The two go at it and Ambrose is taken out by The Miz. Wyatt and Ambrose go back into the ring. Wyatt hits Sister Abigail for the win.
*** Miz attacks Ambrose after the match
Winner: Bray Wyatt
My Opinion:
A good match to close the show. I think they need this because the IC Title is the primary title since Brock isn’t around all the time. Building up this storyline is something that needs to happen. Wyatt is great, but hopefully they don’t waste him and he’ll get a good story soon.

Final Thoughts:
A pretty good Raw. It was good paced and there wasn’t too much of things we don’t want to see. The women got two matches tonight which I think is great. The Cruiserweights weren’t shoved down our throats. The main event was good and the storylines that needed to be advanced were. The only thing I would’ve done different is to see how the tag team title match could be more interesting. Hopefully once the ball gets rolling again we will see more storylines developing. I hope that Finn and Bray will do something against each other. They have more talent then they know how to use right now and hopefully they figure it out.
Overall Rating:7/10