Raw Review 08/21/2017

Tonight we see the fallout from SummerSlam. After retaining his Universal Championship will Brock Lesnar appear? Plus what will “The Boss” Sasha Banks have to say after becoming a 4 time Raw Women’s Champion last night. Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose shocked the world by winning the Raw Tag-Team Championships last night, but will they be able to stay unified to keep them? What’s next for Finn Balor as he “The Demon King” defeated “The New Face of Fear” Bray Wyatt last night? Also “The King of the Cruiserweights” Neville recaptured his gold, will Titus get Tozawa a rematch quick or keep Neville waiting? Lastly what is the next move for Big Cass after beating Big Show?

Raw is live tonight from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.

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

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman
Heyman talks about how Lesnar was carted off last night for the first time ever. He goes on about how the three men tried to take him out, but Lesnar refused medical attention and came back to the ring. Heyman tells that Lesnar came back to conquer or to be conquered. He then speaks on Lesnar pinning Roman Reigns. Heyman says from this moment forward if there is beating, victimization, and conquering to be accomplished it will be done by Brock Lesnar. Out comes Braun Strowman.
Strowman and Lesnar stare each other down. Strowman tries for a chokeslam, but he’s countered. Strowman comes back with a big boot and hits Lesnar with two big powerslams. Strowman picks up the title and walks around the ring as Lesnar is down on the mat.
My Opinion:
I think if anyone is gonna beat Brock it should be Braun. Braun has worked so hard to become the monster that we know today. When it comes to these two it’s not about talking, it’s about action and Braun took action. I think the biggest thing in all of this is what is Lesnar gonna do because if his heart isn’t in WWE then the title should be given to someone else. If Brock wants to stick out his contract and stay until WrestleMania then maybe the title change should be saved for Survivor Series or something bigger than No Mercy.

Match 1: Big Cass vs Enzo:
Brooklyn Street Fight
As the match starts Enzo tries to throw weapons at Cass as he walks up the stage. Cass takes him down and drives a shopping cart into Enzo. Cass then drives Enzo into the barricade. Cass grabs a chair form the shopping cart and hands it to Enzo telling him to bring it. Enzo picks up the chair and is leveled by a Big Cass boot as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Cass brings Enzo in the corner and hits him with a big right hand. Enzo comes back by hanging up Cass. Cass comes right back and toys with Enzo. Cass hits a big splash in the corner and stands tall. A right hand stuns Cass, but not for long as he hammers away sending Enzo to the outside. Enzo is able to send Cass over the ropes and to the floor. Enzo tries to grab the chair, but Cass gets back in the ring and puts a stop to it immediately. Cass lands another power slam, but as he tries for the Empire Elbow his knee gives out. Enzo struggles to his feet and grabs a chair. The ref holds Enzo back and calls for the bell. Cass can’t continue the match due to injury. Enzo gets the win.
Winner: Enzo : Via forfit due to injury
My Opinion:
No matter what this was a big victory for Enzo. this definitely keeps Enzo in the mix of things, but hopefully Cass isn’t hurt. I was hoping tonight would be the night that Cass would break away from Enzo. Now I don’t see this ending just yet. Honestly those two working together may be the best thing until there are set plans for their future. I think at least together it makes sense and Cass doesn’t have to work jobbers or anything like that.

Backstage Segment:
Emma says she is sick of hearing about Sasha Banks and it should’ve be her as the champion. Dana reminds her that she tapped out. Emma goes on about Nia and Mickie and says watch what she does to Nia tonight. Nia stands behind her and hears it all. She tells Emma that after their match the trend on twitter will be give Emma CPR.

Match 2: Nia Jax vs Emma
Emma slaps Nia right away. Emma tries to gain more offense, but is run over by Nia. Nia throws Emma in the corner and hits a big clothesline. Nia tries for another splash, but runs into the corner as Emma moves out of the way. Emma doesn’t keep up the pace long as Nia hits a Samoan Drop and puts her away.
Winner: Nia Jax
My Opinion:
I really enjoy Nia. I think she is getting so good not only in the ring, but with her character as a whole. I really wish Nia was on SmackDown because truthfully she deserves a run with a title. As for Emma I just don’t see her going anywhere. I think Emma had her time to be the next big thing and it just didn’t work. I think Emma is entertaining, but just isn’t to that next level.

Match 3: R-Truth vs Elias
Truth and Elias lockup to start. Truth is backed into the corner, but comes right back with right hands. Truth hits a big spine buster and continues to stay on Elias. Elias is able to hit a big elbow, but is taken back down with a heel kick. Truth tees off in the corner, but Elias hits him with a kick. Elias is able to land a big blow to the spine. Elias hits Drift Away and picks up the victory.
Winner: Elias
My Opinion:
I kinda wish Elias would’ve been the one dominating the match, but at least he won. I hope that Truth isn’t gonna be his rival because I don’t see it helping Elias too much. Given a better gimmick and given better opponents Elias could be something. Elias was doing good about Ambrose, but obviously they stopped that. I think he should be moved to SmackDown and given more options.

In Ring Segment:
Kurt Angle tells that he promised a surprise tonight and brings out John Cena!
Cena makes his way to the ring and opens by playing with the crowd. Cena then questions why he’s here. He tells that he saw Angle at SummerSlam and was asked to come to Raw. He says that he immediately said yes because for a long time he wanted to back on Raw and be face to face with a certain WWE Superstar. Out comes Roman Reigns.
Cena says this exactly who I was looking for. Reigns says he only looks for him on twitter. He asks Cena if he is gonna run his mouth to his face. Cena says he didn’t come here to talk and drops the mic. As the two stare each other down The Miztourage arrives.
Miz says this is what a sold out Barclays looks like. Cena makes fun of Miz for stuttering. Miz apologizes for interrupting the moment and mocks the two. Miz questions how many moments Reigns and Cena will get. Miz says he is sick of waiting for his moment while those two continue to get them. Miz tells that Angle seems to think that Raw needs an addition while he rides the pine at SummerSlam. He asks the crowd if Raw needs Cena and gets a big no from the crowd. Cena tries to step out of the ring, but is stopped by Miz. Miz proclaims to Reigns that this is his show. He tells how the crowd doesn’t know whether to cheer or boo. He says he is sick of no respect and says he has earned it for twelve years. Cena gives the idea of him and reigns teaming up to take on Miz and Axel or Dallas. Miz mocks the idea and says he is much smarter. Out comes Samoa Joe.
Joe says he has a strong opinion about this situation and says if anyone is gonna be Miz’s partner it’s gonna be him. Joe tells that he is sick and tired of Reigns saying this is his yard and tells him that he owns him. He goes to Cena and gives him a right hand. Reigns picks apart the Miztourage as Cena takes it to Joe. Joe locks in the Coquina Clutch, but is sent out of the ring by a Superman Punch.
My Opinion:
This was awesome! I loved seeing Cena and I hope he stays on Raw for awhile. I think a rivalry between him and Roman is perfect because who’s the two hardest workers in WWE? I’d give it to these two right now, a clash between “The Guys” is perfect. I liked what they did tonight having the two be together, I think this was a really entertaining segment and it’s the surprise factor that Raw needs.

Match 4: Gran Metalik & Rich Swann & Cedric Alexander Mustafa Ali vs Tony Nese & Drew Gulak & Ariya Daivari & Noam Dar
Metalik and Gulak start off the mach. Matelik is able to gain an advantage. Daivari and Ali gets the tags. Ali takes it to Davari. He works him on the mat. Swann gets the tag and so does Nese. Swann is able to take it to Nese, but Nese comes right back sending him to the mat as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Gulak keeps Swann form getting the tag. Swann tries to break away, but Gulak stays right on him. Swann uses rights and lefts to try to create space. Gulak is hit with a big kick from Swann and both men are down. Swann tags Cedric and he comes in hot. Cedric takes everyone out and takes it to the now legal man Tony Nese. Cedric goes for a cover, but Gulak breaks it up. Metalik flies to take out Gulak and Daivari on the outside. In the ring Cedric hits a big kick and follows with the Lumbar Check. Cedric goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Gran Metalik & Rich Swann & Cedric Alexander Mustafa Ali
My Opinion:
This match was a good way to showcase the Cruiserweights. I think very highly of Cedric and think he should be champion in the near future. If they keep doing matches like this people will definitely get intrigued by the Cruiserweights.

Backstage Segment:
Charly welcomes Neville and tells about the shock from Neville winning last night. Neville questions what people were expecting. Neville tells that where he comes from, but he is interrupted by Titus and Tozawa. Titus says words can’t hurt them and tells that Tozawa has a rematch tomorrow night on 205 Live.

Backstage Segment:
Angle tells Jordan that he is very proud of what he’s done. Jordan tells that he wants to compete tonight. Angle tells him that Miz has a match already. Jordan requests to face Finn Balor. Angle questions this, but says he’s got it.

In Ring Segment: Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins
Rollins says it feels good standing in the ring with Ambrose and holding up the tag titles. Rollins says they go back together, they run the show, and now they are the new Raw Tag Team Champions. Ambrose agrees that it’s felt really good. Rollins says there was a point where he believed this would never happen. Ambrose tells that they know a rematch is coming soon, but says they will take on anyone anytime anywhere. Out comes The Hardy Boyz.
Jeff says they don’t want to ruin the party, they just wanted to say congratulations. Matt says they know that sometimes brothers fight, but when they come together it’s a beautiful thing. Matt then challenges them to a match. Seth tells that they grew up idolizing them. Matt says they chant because for a quarter of a century they have revolutionized the tag division and says they want to do it again tonight. Rollins agrees to the match.
My Opinion:
The right move was made last night, Rollins and Ambrose as champs is awesome. I think they work so well together and these are two guys that fit. Tonight will be a big test facing The hardy’s, but I think they go this. If they win and can continue to win they can be very dominate. I don’t know how long they will keep the titles, but I hope they keep getting high quality matches like this to make their run memorable.

Match 5: The Hardy Boyz vs Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose
Matt and Ambrose start the match. Matt works the arm of Ambrose and lands a big shot before tagging in Jeff. Jeff comes in hot and works the arm of Ambrose. Rollins gets the tag and Jeff keeps on him. Matt gets the tag and the two double team Rollins. Matt brings Rollins to the mat and gets a side headlock in. Rollins tries to fight and is able to get space. Ambrose gets the tag and takes it to Matt. Rollins and Jeff get the tags. The two teams stare down and then break out into a brawl. Jeff is able to send Rollins to the outside and Jeff flies to the outside to take out Rollins as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Ambrose tags Rollins and Matt gets the tag. Rollins and Ambrose are both sent to the outside. Jeff gets the tag and flies with poetry in motion. Jeff lands a big splash in the corner to the Ambrose. Jeff looks for whisper in the wind, but Rollins saves Ambrose. Rollins gets the tag and he keeps Jeff on the mat to prevent the tag. Rollins lands a big suplex and tags Ambrose. Ambrose works the legs and arm of Jeff. Jeff works Ambrose’s mid-section, but Ambrose brings him back to the mat. Rollins gets the tag and the two double team Jeff. Rollins works a headlock on Jeff. He lets go and tags Ambrose. Ambrose prevents the tag and brings Jeff back to their corner. Rollins tags in. Jeff is able to take out both men with whisper in the wind. Matt gets the tag and comes in hot with rapid fire turnbuckle strikes. Matt is able to take it to Rollins and land a big elbow. Rollins is able to fight back and tag Ambrose. Matt is hit with an elevated slingblade, but Jeff breaks up the count. Jeff and Matt take it to the tag champs. Ambrose and Rollins send Jeff and Matt to the floor. Both men hit a suicide dive to take out The Hardy’s. Matt is able to hang up Ambrose and hits the side effect to Rollins on the apron. Back in the ring Matt hits the side effect on Ambrose, but can’t get a three count. Matt tries to go up top, but he is caught by Ambrose. Ambrose goes to the top and sends Matt back to the mat. Jeff gets the tag and tries for a swanton, but it’s countered by Ambrose after Rollins interference gave him enough time to recover. Ambrose hits dirty deeds on Jeff and Rollins gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose
My Opinion:
An excellent match between the two teams. I love the way Ambrose and Rollins were working together. I think they should that they can be a very good tag team and could hold the titles for a long time. I am glad that nothing dumb happened like them losing the titles. I think is Ambrose and Rollins stick together they could be one of the most dominate teams in some time. The Hardy’s are great, but I think they gotta wait and bite their time before they take get another title run.

Backstage Segment:
Miz tells Joe that he always knew their was something special about him. Miz claims to have Cena’s number and goes on about it. Joe tells him to shut up, he tells Axle and Dallas to stay a constant presence on the outside and tells Miz to do what he does.

In Ring Segment: Sasha Banks
Sasha says she might be from Boston, but for the last three years she has left her heart in NYC. She tells that the world doesn’t need a wannabe goddess and says she is gonna defend the title the right way. Out comes Alexa Bliss.
Alexa questions this and tells Sasha that she has never successfully defended the title. Sasha tells alexa that every time she’s wrestled her she has either run away or tapped out. She challenges Alexa to use her rematch right now. Alexa ponders it, but tells her no. She says no Brooklyn fanboys deserve to see her celebration. She tells Sasha that next week she wants her rematch.
My Opinion:
I love Sasha getting the title back. Sasha and Alexa have a great rivalry going and I’m glad they are stretching it out. I think a rematch tonight would have been to quick. The best thing they can do is hype the match and get people talking. There is no reason her and Alexa can’t tear the house down.

Match 6: Jason Jordan vs Finn Balor
Jordan is able to send Balor to the mat. Jordan works his neck and goes for a quick pin, but balor kicks out. Balor and Jordan exchange positions and Jordan again brings him to the mat. Balor gets to the ropes to break the hold. Jordan gets a side headlock, but Balor gets out and catches him with a drop kick. Balor hits him with a right and goes for a cover, but Jordan is out at two. Balor works a chinlock, but Jordan once again is able to counter. Balor comes off the ropes, but is caught and slammed to the mat. Jordan is sent to the outside by Balor. Jordan quickly gets back into the ring to prevent any more offense from Balor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Balor kicks the leg of Jordan. Jordan is able to get to his feet and land a big clothesline. Jordan hits a waist lock take down and goes for a cover, but Balor kicks out. Jordan lands a huge butterfly suplex, but again Balor stays in the match. Jordan gets a butterfly lock in and hods Balor to the mat. Balor continues to fight. He lands a big kick and big chops. Jordan is sent to the outside and Balor lands a big drop kick. Jordan gets back in the fight and lands a big suplex. Jordan drives his shoulder into Balor. Balor is able to counter Jordan. Jordan lands a big forearm, but Balor hits an overhead kick. Jordan backs balor to the corner and slams him. Jordan is caught by a boot and Balor hits the slingblade. Balor follows with a big drop kick and goes to the top rope. Balor hits the Coupe de Grace and picks up the win.
Winner: Finn Balor
My Opinion:
A great match between these two. Jordan really proved himself out there. He is such a good wrestler and he showed he can hang. I think giving Jordan more matches like this is the way to go. Next week he can request someone else and keep getting better and better. Balor did a great job as well and I think he and Jordan should go again to keep giving Jordan that experience. The way Jordan wrestlers is amazing and he can definitely be a singles champion sometime very soon.

Match 7: John Cena & Roman Reigns vs Miz & Samoa Joe
As Raw returns cena hits a running bulldog on Miz. Miz makes the tag and in comes Samoa Joe. Joe lands a big chop and pounds on him in the corner. Miz tags in and stomps on Cena. Miz uses a big right to knock down Cena. Miz lands a running kick and taunts Reigns. Another running kick from Miz, but as he tries for a third Cena hits a big clothesline. As Cena plays with the crowd, Miz takes him out at the knee and hits a big ddt. Cena kicks out on the pin, but Miz stays on him. Joe gets the tag and throws Cena to the mat. Joe lands a big right and tags Miz. Miz goes to the top and lands a big axe handle. Cena is able to hang up Miz and tags Reigns. Reigns takes down Joe as he enters. Reigns hammers Joe with clotheslines in the corner. Reigns lands a big boot and looks for the Superman Punch. Joe counters and plants Reigns. Miz gets the tag and Miz chokes Reigns on the ropes. Reigns is sent to the outside and is hit by Bo Dallas. Miz rolls Reigns into the ring, but can’t get the three count. Miz goes for the Miz kicks, but takes too much time and misses on the last one. Reigns picks up Miz with one arm and slams him to the mat. Joe gets the tag and stops Reigns from getting the tag. Joe stomps on Reigns and hits him with big chops. Joe works the neck of Reigns, but Reigns gets out of hit with a big right hand. Joe counters Reigns and sends him in the corner. Joe hits a big kick and tags Miz. Miz lands a big strike to Reigns and follows with another one. Miz sends Reigns to the outside. The Miztourage tries to get involved, but Reigns takes them out. Reigns takes out Miz and gets the tag to Cena. Cena lands big shoulder tackles and goes for the five knuckle shuffle, but Joe blocks it. Joe lands the Coquina Clutch. Reigns hits a Superman Punch, but it’s on Cena not Joe. Joe is caught by Reigns and Miz gets back in the ring. Miz misses on the skull crushing finale and Cena hits the AA for the win.
Winners: John Cena & Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
Awesome main event. These are the type of matches that I love. This was exciting and we got to see unique pairings. It was awesome seeing Cena with Reigns, but I can’t wait to see them feud. I think Cena and Reigns together is good, but against each other is great.

Final Thoughts:
A pretty solid Raw tonight. First I am really excited to see Braun Strowman face Brock Lesnar. Braun has earned the spot and he really makes you believe he can beat Lesnar. I’m also really excited to see Sasha vs Alexa next week. It was smart what they did by waiting until next week. This gives the two time to really hype it up and be able to create magic next week. Also Rollins and Ambrose looked great tonight. I love that the two worked together and really acted as a team instead of two individuals. I liked how Cesaro and Sheamus didn’t appear, this keeps everyone guessing when they will show up and want that rematch. I hope if it’s a long run for Rollins and Ambrose it’s at least a memorable one. I was really impressed by Jason Jordan tonight. He really held his own against Balor and I wouldn’t mind seeing them face again. Jordan needs these kind of matches to keep building that experience. This could be a new challenge for him every week. Lastly the return of John Cena was something special. I think Monday night’s is where he belongs and I can’t wait to see him face Reigns. They worked well together in the main event, but I think they’ll be even better one on one. I think tonight’s Raw had a lot of excitement and for once you could understand why things were happening the way they were.
Overall Rating: 7/10