Raw Review 09/09/2019

RAW REVIEW 09/09/2019

Tonight is the Go-Home Edition of Monday Night Raw before this Sunday’s Clash Of Champions PPV! As Raw comes to us from the legendary MSG the legend himself Stone Cold Steve Austin returns to moderate the Universal Championship contract signing! Plus, as the King Of The Ring Tournament continues on who will advance to the finals as Samoa Joe, Baron Corbin, and Ricochet face off in a Triple Threat Match? Also set for tonight is a huge Women’s Tag Team Match as Bayley and Sasha Banks take on Charlotte and Becky Lynch. Which side of the Four Horse Women will walk away with the victory and bragging rights? Finally, can Rey Mysterio pick up a win in his in-ring return as he takes on Gran Metalik?

Raw comes to us from Madison Square Garden in New York City!

Raw kicks off with Stone Cold Steve Austin!

In-Ring Segment: Universal Championship Contract Signing
Stone Cold tells how it’s good to back at Madison Square Garden. He talks about the contract signing and but then goes down memory lane about working at the Garden and talks about facing Bret Hart at Survivor Series and talks about how it was a heavy-duty moment in his career. He then says how WWE was worried about his neck and Vince came to try to serenade him and he instead hit him with the Stunner for the first time. He then talks about his match at Summer Slam with The Undertaker at the Garden. He tells how he kicked him and Taker responded and knocked him out. He says Earl Hebner looked down and asked if he was okay and he asked where am I? Hebner said damn boy you’re in the Garden. He then goes back to the contract signing and says they needed a real son of a bitch in here to mediate this thing. He then introduces Braun Strowman. Strowman offers his hand and Stone Cold doesn’t accept and instead brings out Seth Fricken Rollins!
Stone Cold says we have business to take care of and tells them there has been difficulty signing this but he is here to get this damn thing done so the people can watch them get it on. Rollins says they are in NYC and we have Stone Cold and this is what he calls Burn It Down. He then brings up how Strowman thinks he and Austin have it out for him. Stone Cold tells him they need to sign the contract. Rollins tells Strowman no one is stabbing anyone in the back, he is the best wrestler on the planet and after Clash Of Champions he is still going to be the best Wrestler on the planet and the Universal Champion. Rollins then signs the contract. Strowman says he has nothing but respect for Austin but a Rattlesnake is still a Rattlesnake. He then tells Rollins he won’t turn on him because he likes being tag champions but he is going to love being Universal Champion. Strowman then says he is going to open a can of whoop-ass and Rollins is going to get these hands. Out comes The O.C.
Styles says oh boys what a moment we have in the ring. He then tells Stone Cold they don’t want none. He then mocks him. He then asks if anyone really cares about Austin anymore. He then tells Stone Cold to sit this play out or he might get hurt. The crowd chants WHAT and Styles tells Stone Cold this is all his fault. He then tells him this is none of his business and this is between them and Rollins and Strowman. Styles tells that those two didn’t even give the boys a rematch for the titles. Stone Cold tells styles he has about 18,000 people calling him an asshole. The O.C. then gets on the apron and styles tells Stone Cold in his old age he has turned into a real asshole. Styles then asks Austin if he knows where he is coming from when he says he’s mad about Strowman getting a title shot by looking at the title. Stone Cold says he doesn’t know where he is coming from but he knows where he is coming. Rollins and Strowman then take it to The O.C. Strowman takes out Gallows and Anderson on the outside. Rollins then goes for a Stomp but Styles then sends him over the ropes. Styles turns his back and when he turns around he is hit with a Stunner!!!!
My Opinion:
Wow, what a moment having Stone cold back! This was another one to remember and it never gets old seeing him do his thing in that ring. Plus, we finally got the contract sign and we will get Rollins and Strowman at Clash Of Champions! This match is going to be a good one and it’s a huge opportunity for Strowman as he finally is getting another title shot. For The O.C. this didn’t go as well as last week but I know this won’t sit well and it’ll be interesting how much they turn it up to right this lackluster outcome.

Match 1: Cedric Alexander vs AJ Styles
Alexander backs him in the corner and hammers away with right hands. He then stomps out Styles. On the outside, he knocks down Styles and continues to punish him. Alexander lands a huge chop and brings Styles back into the ring. Alexander again gets him in the corner and hits Styles with shoulder shots to the gut. Alexander is able to catch Styles and send him flying. He lands a dropkick to the knee and then hits Styles in the face. Alexander goes for a few covers but Styles is able to kick out of both. Styles fights back with a shot to the chest and then lands a kick. Styles lifts him and hits a chop on the ropes. More strikes from Styles but as Styles sends him off the ropes this allows Alexander to land an enziguri. Alexander then flies over the ropes to take out Styles who rolled to the outside. Back in the ring, Styles takes control as he hangs up the ar of Alexander on the ropes. He then focuses the attack on the damaged shoulder of Alexander as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, alexander fights back with right hands to Styles but again Styles hits him in the shoulder and Alexander goes down. Alexander fights out of the corner with big chops. Styles though catches him with a kick to the neck. Alexander again comes back this time with the Michinoku Driver! Alexander goes for the cover but Styles kicks out. Alexander stays on him and hits a kick from the apron. Alexander looks to fly but Anderson comes from out of nowhere and pulls him down. Anderson and Gallows then hammer away on him. The three on one assault begins in the ring. Out comes The Viking Raiders who clean house!
Winner: Cedric Alexander: Via DQ
My Opinion:
Cedric looked awesome in this match and really held his own. Styles came back hammering on that injured shoulder but if not for that Cedric could have run away with this one. Of course, The O.C. had to get invovled but it’s smart since Styles will have to defend his title this Sunday and presumingly it should be Cedric who gets this shot. Luckily for Cedric, if he does it seems he has some nice back up in The Viking Raiders and you can’t go wrong with them. They came out and totally saved Cedric and absolutely dominated! It was a much better use of showing off what they can do rather than just another “squash” match.

Backstage Segment: Bayley & Sasha Banks
Sasha says she heard Charlotte and Becky were walking around all mad after last week but they should be mad. Bayley says there is no stronger connection then they have right here. Sasha says they are bringing that to the ring and you can take that to the bank!

Backstage Segment: Charlotte Flair & Becky Lynch
Charlotte and Becky are shown talking over strategy before their match tonight!

*** New Firefly Fun House tonight!

Roman Reigns: In Support Of Connor’s Cure
Reigns tells how almost a year ago he made his announcement his leukemia returned and says through all the love and support he got the strength to health. He says his goals were about the ring but he wanted to use this platform to pay it forward and create the momentum for others. He tells how he has been able to visit pediatric hospitals and says the kids in the NYC one were awesome. He tells that with the two nights here he decided to bring the kids to us. He says they are going to highlight their stories and they are all here from NYC and New Jersey. The kids are then announced and brought out. Reigns say these little warriors have been through the biggest fights of their lives and they are still standing here. He asks for everyone to join and support tomorrow’s superstars today!

Match 2: Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair vs Bayley & Sasha Banks
Charlotte and Becky go right after Bayley and Sasha before the match begins. Bayley and Sasha are able to take them down and send Charlotte to the floor. Lynch fights back and finally is able to get Banks in the ring. She unloads on her but Bayley comes in and takes it to Becky. Charlotte comes in with a chair and Bayley and Sasha flee to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, the match begins and Lynch quickly backs Banks into the corner. Lynch is backed out and this allows for Banks to tag in Bayley. Lynch takes down Bayley and lands big shots in the corner. She bounces her off the turnbuckle and Bayley goes to the outside. Lynch meets her and sends her into the barricade. She then does it once more. In the ring, Lynch tries a cover but Bayley kicks out. Charlotte tags in and stomps away on Bayley. She then gains control in the corner. Charlotte lands a big chop and then lifts Bayley but Bayley fights off and pulls Charlotte to the mat. Banks tags in and stomps away on Charlotte in the corner. Banks stays on her and tags Bayley. They work Charlotte down and Bayley goes for the cover but Charlotte kicks out. Back in control, Charlotte gets Bayley in the corner. Lynch tags in but is Irish whipped into the corner. She fights out but can’t gain much ground. Lynch fights off Bayley and then sends Banks to the outside. Bayley hangs her up and Lynch falls to the floor. Banks then takes a cheap shot. Bayley bounces Lynch off the apron and then brings her in the ring. Banks tries a cover but Lynch kicks out. Banks then hits a suplex and tries another cover but again Lynch kicks out. Again Lynch is brought into the corner and in comes Bayley. Bayley doesn’t keep control for long as she is planted by Lynch. Charlotte and Banks then tag in. Banks is taken down and then hit with a series of chops. Charlotte lands a big boot to Bayley. She then misses in the corner but she comes back with a backbreaker and then sends Banks itno the turnbuckle. Charlotte then counters Banks and hits a neck breaker. Charlotte goes for the cover but Banks kicks out. Banks is able to work Charlotte to the mat and she looks for the Bank’s Statement. Charlotte fights out and locks in the Figure 8. Lynch comes in to stop Bayley and Lynch is thrown into Charlotte. All four women are down. Banks gets to her feet and lands the Meteora as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Banks has control of Charlotte with a crossed arm submission. Charlotte gets to her feet and tries to fight out. Banks lets go and sends her into the turnbuckles. She then hits double knees. A snap mare and a cover but Charlotte kicks out. Bayley tags in and works a headlock on Charlotte. Bayle gets her into the corner and lands a kick to the midsection. She then drives her shoulder into the gut. Charlotte fights back and finally tags Lynch. She takes out Banks and then hits Bayley with a kick. Another kick to Bayley and Lynch follows flying off the ropes to take her down. She hits Banks with the becksploder and then sends her to the floor with a baseball slide. Lynch fights off Bayley. She looks for the Disarmher but Banks hits her with a backstabber. Charlotte then comes in to hit her with a boot. Charlotte ducks Banks and Bayley and this allows Lynch to hit a double missile dropkick. Charlotte tags in and lands a leg drop on Bayley. She then hits a moonsault but Banks breaks up the cover. Lynch brings Banks to the floor and hits her with an uppercut. She then puts her in the Disarmher. Bayley breaks it up and sends Lynch into the barricade with the Bayley to Belly. She then lays out Charlotte as well.in the ring, Bayley looks for the elbow but Charlotte gets her knees up. Banks gets involved again but Charlotte hits her with a right. Bayley rolls her up but Charlotte kicks out. Charlotte hits Natural Selection and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winners: Becky Lynch & Charlotte Flair
My Opinion:
What a match between these two teams! These four know each other so well and it showed tonight the way they battled and went back and forth. An absolute impressive victory for Charlotte and Becky in a match that could have gone either way. This was a huge momentum-building win for these two and going into Sunday this is huge. This is definitely going to leave Bayley and Banks searching for answers so I’m very interested to see how the response is tomorrow. None the less this was awesome and it always is with these four!

Backstage Segment: The O.C. & Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
The O.C. is stopped and Styles is asked about the contract signing and his match tonight. Styles stops Sarah and says what you think we will pack our bags and go home? He says they run the place but they are then stopped by Roode and Ziggler. They joke around with them and Roode and Ziggler then tells them they need to enlist the help of them because they have common enemies they need to take care of tonight. The O.C. accepts.

Match 3: Rey Mysterio vs Gran Metalik
The two lock up and Mysterio works the arm of Metalik. Metalik counters and trips up Mysterio. The two trade holds and are at a standoff. Metalik works a side headlock. Mysterio fights out and works a cover but he kicks out. Another missed cover and Mysterio goes back in control. Mysterio lands a hurricanrana and sends Metalik tot he mat. Metalik fights back and is sent into the ropes. A try for the 619 but Metalik ducks. He tries a cover but Mysterio kicks out. Mysterio fights back and sends Metalik to the floor. Mysterio misses and Metalik follows with a huge kick. Metalik then flies and connects taking Mysterio out. Back in the ring, Metalik flies and hits the senton. Another cover but Mysterio again kicks out. Metalik then turns to a chin lock. Metalik lands a chop but Mysterio comes back and sends Metalik into the turnbuckles. Mysterio lands a senton and then a crossbody. Metalik fights back and lands a dropkick. Mysterio is placed on the top rope and Metalik meets him up there. He lands a slap but Metalik comes back with a headbutt. He then hits a chop before hitting a hurricanranna. He goes for the cover but Mysterio kicks out. Mysterio then lands a sunset bomb off the counter and goes for the cover, Metalik kicks out. Mysterio again gets him in position for the 619 and this time he hits! He then lands the frog splash. A cover and a 1 2 3 for Mysterio. The two then share a handshake after the match.
Winner: Rey Mysterio
My Opinion:
A big and much-needed win for Mysterio in his return. There is no doubt that Metalik was game tonight and gave Mysterio a fight but he just couldn’t capitalize when he hit some devastating moves. This was a somewhat slower pace then I expected but it really did seem like Mysterio was taking a beating out there. Either way, he gets the win and hopefully, this will lead him in the right direction as he tries to get back on track. For Metalik this was a huge opportunity and I hope he can get more of these because he has a lot of talent to offer.

Backstage Segment: Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman & Cedric Alexander
Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman talk things over with Cedric Alexander presumably about the meeting between Roode, Ziggler, and The O.C.

*** Tonight we will get a 10 Man Tag Match: Rollins, Strowman, The Viking Raiders, and Cedric Alexander facing The O.C., Ziggler, and Roode.

Backstage Segment: The Street Profits
The Street Profits rave about the main event tonight and then hype up the KOTR match coming up. They then hype up Clash Of Champions and says Charlotte got the win tonight and at Clash Of Champions you now she wants to run that back. They then tell how Lynch will face off against Banks. Dawkins says he has to roll with The Boss and then tells Sasha she was right, blue is your color. They then tell how stone Cold finally got the contract signed and we will finally get Seth Rollins facing off against Braun Strowman. They then turn to Rowen and Reigns facing off at Clash Of Champions.

Match 4: Samoa Joe vs Ricochet vs Baron Corbin: King Of The Ring Triple Threat Semi-Finals Match
Ricochet hits Corbin and then Joe. Joe quickly takes him down. Ricochet avoids him in the corner and then sends Joe flying. Corbin comes back in and hits Ricochet with a shoulder tackle. Corbin keeps on Ricochet and then bounces him off the turnbuckle. Ricochet fights back and flies off the ropes to take Corbin down. He then hits him with a standing shooting star but can’t put him away. Ricochet takes out Joe and then flies over the ropes on the other side of the ring to take out Corbin as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ricochet kicks Corbin. Ricochet then flies off the apron but gets caught and he is sent face-first into the ring post. Joe flies through the ropes and runs over Corbin taking him down on the outside. Joe then sends Ricochet off the ring post. Joe takes it to Corbin in the ring but Corbin fights back. He is able to land a series of body shots but misses on the last one and Joe turns the tables. Joe lands an inverted atomic drop and then sends Corbin down with a big boot. A senton from Joe and a cover but Ricochet breaks it up. Ricochet chops away at Joe but Joe answers with one of his own and Ricochet goes down. Ricochet knocks Joe towards the ropes but Joe answers with a powerslam. A cover from Joe and a kick out by Ricochet. Joe brings Ricochet to the top and meets him up there. Joe looks for a suplex but Ricochet continues to fight. Corbin comes in and tries to slam both but he is stopped by a right from Joe. Corbin stays with it and turns Ricochet inside out with a clothesline. Joe then hits Corbin with a huge kick. Ricochet fights back and this time he is able to take down Joe. Ricochet gets to his feet and hits Corbin with a forearm. Ricochet stays on him and hammers with chops. Corbin comes off the ropes and lands a huge boot to the face of Ricochet. Corbin grabs looks for a chokeslam but Ricochet is able to turn it into a pin. He goes for the cover but Corbin gets out of it. Corin hits Deep 6 and goes for the cover but Joe breaks it up. On the outside, Joe gets Corbin in the Coquina Clutch. Corbin tries to fight out but Joe brings him to the floor. Ricochet flies off the apron and hits a shooting star landing on Joe and breaking the hold. Ricochet brings Joe into the ring and then goes to the top. Ricochet goes for the 630 but has to roll through as Joe moves. Joe locks in the clutch but Ricochet fights out and hits the recoil. Ricochet goes up top and hits the 630. Corbin grabs Ricochet and sends him over the barricade into the crowd. Corbin gets back itno the ring and pins Joe for the 1 2 3.
Winner: Baron Corbin: Advances to the Finals of KOTR
My Opinion:
Wow-what an opportunist Corbin is, that was a brilliant move for him at the end and when you’re fighting to get to the finals of the KOTR you do whatever it takes just like that. These three hit hard in this one and it was an awesome triple threat. The back and forth was so good and you could see how well these three scouted each other. Corbin knows how to get it done and tonight was no different. I’m glad they’re not giving up on Corbin as I really think he has a ton to give. He is impressive in the ring and pulls out new moves a lot. He is a great heel and knows how to play to the crowd. There was no better way for him to win this one and the way he picks his spots I won’t be shocked if Corbin wins his whole thing!

Match 5: Lacey Evans vs Natalya
Evans locks up with Natalya and is able to back her into the corner. Natalya comes out after Evans is backed off and takes it to her. She takes shots at Evans in the corner but she is then backed off. She lands a big suplex and then goes after the legs of Evans. Natalya then locks up the legs of Evans and wrenches on her. Natalya lands a discus clothesline and then looks for the SharpShooter but Evans goes to the floor. Natalya goes to meet her and Evans lands a big boot. She then bounces her off the apron and then wrenches on Natalya’s arm. She then uses the apron to continue the punishment. Evans lands an elbow and goes for the cover but again Natalya kicks out. She then stomps on Natalya in the corner. Evans comes off the ropes and lands a big bronco buster. Another cover and another kick out by Natalya. Natalya tries to fight back but Evans again knocks her down. Evans looks for the moonsault but nobody is home. Evans catches her with a kick and continues on the offensive. Evans looks for another bronco buster but Natalya catches her with a boot. Natalya locks in the SharpShooter and Evans taps.
Winner: Natalya
My Opinion:
Not the best showing for Natalya but nonetheless she gets one back on Evans. Evans controlled a lot of this match but inexperience showed as she couldn’t put Natalya away. It was a lot of moves after moves but nothing that was really finishing. Natalya didn’t get much in but being the veteran that she is she picked her spot and put the match away. I did love the aggression in Natalya when she was laying in the offense and I hope to see that continue.
*** New Firefly Fun House

Match 6: Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman & Cedric Alexander & The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs The O.C. ( AJ Styles & Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)& Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode: 10 Man Tag Match
Rollins works the arm of Ziggler and is able to bring him to his knees with a wrist lock. Ziggler fights back but can’t land any offense and this allows Rollins to his a hip toss. Rollins goes back to the arm and tags Ivar. Ziggler is hit with a knee and Erik is then tagged in. Erik slams Ivar on Ziggler and Erik goes for the cover but Ziggler kicks out. Chaos breaks out and everyone is going at it. Strowman grabs Ziggler and lands a huge chokeslam as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Styles lays in with big boots to Alexander. Styles picks him up and sends him tot he apron. Alexander comes back in and is able to plant Styles face-first. Styles comes back and drives the shoulder of Alexander into the mat. Gallows gets the tag and lands big body shots to Alexander in the corner. Gallows then plants Alexander and puts more damage on his shoulder. Roode comes in and stomps away. Roode works the arm of alexander and keeps him grounded on the mat. Alexander gets his feet but Roode stays in control and plants him. Roode goes for the cover but can’t get the three. He tries two more but still can’t put him away. Alexander finally fights back with a huge back elbow. Roode tags in Anderson and alexander tags in Rollins. Rollins takes it to Anderson and lands a sling blade. He then lands an enziguri on Gallows. Rollins hits a Falcon Arrow and goes for the cover but it is broken up by Roode. Alexander comes back in but Ziggler hits him with a superkick. Erik then drops Ziggler. Ivar comes in but is taken out. Rollins lands a superkick on Styles. Strowman takes out Gallows out on the outside as Rollins takes out Anderson with a tope suicida. Rollins gets pushed into Strowman as he tries to make a pin. The two argue as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ziggler brings Rollins to the corner. Anderson comes in and stomps on Rollins. Anderson then brings him to his feet to knock him down to the mat. A cover and a kick out from Rollins. Anderson then goes to a chin lock. Rollins breaks the hold and tries to make a tag but he is caught and planted with a spinebuster. A cover from Anderson and a kick out from Rollins. Rollins is able to fight Anderson off the second rope and then fights off the newly tagged Roode with a blockbuster. Ziggler comes in and he is hit with a buckle bomb. Ziggler tries to stop Rollins. Styles is tagged and he stops Rollins. Rollins rolls throuhg and tags Strowman. He hits styles with big shoulder tackles and a boot. He takes out Gallows and then splashes Styles. Styles moves in the corner and Strowman crashes into the ring post. Erik comes in and takes it to Erik. Styles fights off with a paylay kick. Ivar is in now and he lays out Styles. Ivar then takes out everyone who was on the floor as he flies throuhg the air. Alexander catches Styles in the ring and hits the Lumbar check. He pins Styles and gets the 1 2 3. Here comes Stone Cold! Stone Cold comes to the ring and shares a cold beer with the winning team tonight!
Winners: Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman & Cedric Alexander & The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar)
My Opinion:
That was a really great main event for the fact that we don’t see that big of tag matches too often on tv. There was a lot of action and a lot to keep up with but ultimately the good guys come out on top. For Cedric Alexander, this was a huge moment and he proved he can beat Styles. I was also excited to see The Viking Raiders get in on this match and they delivered as they always do. For Rollins and Strowman they worked well together but wow is Sunday going to be tricky. There was a lot of momentum built with this win and the finish with Stone Cold coming and toasting them was awesome! There’s really not a better way to finish then with Stone Cold!

Final Thoughts:
An awesome night coming from MSG, first off you can’t go wrong with kicking the show off with Stone Cold Steve Austin and seeing him do his thing. He took care of business not only delivering an epic Stunner but getting the contract signed so we are ensured to get Rollins and Strowman this Sunday! Next, I loved the women’s tag match tonight! Bayley, Sasha, Charlotte, and Becky all know each other so well and like I said it’s magic when they get in the ring. Tonight was no different and Charlotte and Becky picking up that victory was huge for them! It gives them a lot of momentum going into Sunday unless Bayley and Sasha do something to slow it down tomorrow night. We also had the KOTR Semi-Finals match and those boys delivered. Corbin comes out on top because he knows how to pick his spots and he looks poised to go finish the job on Sunday. I was also glad to see Rey Mysterio back tonight, it wasn’t his best showing but I’m glad to see him back and I hope he can find his groove again. The Firefly Fun House segment was awesome as usual tonight and man do I love Bray Wyatt, he is the man and I hope The Fiend is a champion soon! Finally, the 10 man tag match to close the show was awesome I was glad to see the opportunities given and to see Cedric Alexander finally put away Styles. It was a chaotic match and it delivered! Also, like I said ending the night with Stone Cold was the best and I loved it! Ultimately this was a great night and I’m super excited going itno Clash Of Champions. Reading into things it seems there are some amazing things on the horizon and I can’t wait to see what Clash Of Champions sets us up for heading into a very exciting time in Professional Wrestling!
Overall Rating: 5.5/10