Raw Review 09/17/2018

Tonight is the Fall-Out Edition of Monday Night Raw following last night’s Hell In A Cell PPV! After the match was called last night due to an attack by Brock Lesnar on both Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman, will Strowman get another shot or is The Beast back for his title? Plus, Ronda Rousey once again put away Alexa Bliss, so now the question is who will step up next? With Super Show-Down three weeks away what will The Undertaker have to say as he makes a rare appearance on Raw? Finally, Ambrose and Rollins failed in capturing the Raw Tag Team Championships but does that mean they’re done coming after Ziggler and McIntyre?

Raw comes to us from the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Renee Young

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
Reigns says last night was rough, brutal, and it didn’t really go to plan for him. He says the fact is he woke up this morning and he is still the Universal Champion. He says he knew Brock had his rematch but he didn’t think he was gonna attack him when he was down and out. He tells Lesnar if he wants his rematch he’s standing out here right now and tells him to come down here. Out comes Braun Strowman.
Braun says screw this crap, he tells Reigns he should be thankful Lesnar came down last night because he is the only reason he has the Universal Championship. Braun says this is the second time he got screwed by him and there won’t be a third. He says he is getting Lesnar first and then he is coming for him. Out comes Baron Corbin.
Corbin tells them they’re not doing this right now. He says last night was his PPV as acting GM. He says no one is more upset about what happened in their match than him. He says he talked to Stephanie trying to come up with a solution to fix this. He says November 2nd at an event called Crown Jewel Roman will defend the Universal Championship in a triple threat match. Bruan tells Corbin he sucks, he tells Reigns he sucks, the situation sucks, and everyone in the arena sucks. Out comes Paul Heyman.
Heyman says the bigger star you are, the more powerful you get, the bigger star you are in WWE the more money you get. The more money you get and the bigger star you are the more powerful you are in UFC and the more you get paid. He says nothing is more powerful than being the Universal Champion. Heyman says they were making all this money until the Monster and the Big Dog ganged up to steal the title from the Beast Incarnate. He says that’s why Lesnar came back last night and why he’ll go to Saudi Arabia to regain the Universal Champion. Corbin tells Reigns he knows he is banged up inside and calls him a whining hurting little puppy. He tells Reigns not to worry about the triple threat match because he might not be champion when they get there. He tells Reign she is defending the Universal Championship tonight against him.
My Opinion:
That was an okay opening but kind of confusing. They didn’t talk about the Crown Jewel event and then threw it in there. I like the triple threat idea but there is so much to keep up with right now with all these different shows. It’ll be interesting to see if Lesnar wins the title back at the event though as it would be huge for WWE to have Lesnar bring the title into UFC. either way, I’m excited to see how Cobrin can do tonight against Reigns. This will be a good test for him to show what he can do.

Match 1: Dean Ambrose vs Drew Mcintyre
Ambrose works a headlock on Mcintyre but Mcintyre fights out. Mcintyre works him in the corner but Ambrose fights out and works the knee of Mcintyre. Ambrose goes back to the knee and wraps it around the ring post twice. Mcintyre backs him into the barricade but Ambrose comes back driving him into the ring. Ambrose hits him with big rights but Mcintyre fights back with a big forearm. Mcintyre then tosses him into the barricade. Mcintyre tries a cover but Ambrose kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mcintyre works the shoulder of Ambrose. Ambrose is able to fight out and tries a roll-up but Mcintyre kicks out. Mcintyre is then sent off the ring. Mcintyre comes back in and slaps Ambrose. Ambrose is able to take him down with a series of clotheslines. Ambrose then grabs his hair and throws him down to the mat. Ambrose goes to a half crab but Mcintyre fights out and hits a huge headbutt. Mcintyre hits him with a chop. Up top Ambrose is able to knock down Mcintyre and gets him hung up. Mcintyre is able to reach up and flings Ambrose to the mat. Mcintyre misses on the Claymore and Ambrose tires Dirty Deeds but Mcintyre reverse. Ambrose rolls through and tries a cover but Mcintyre kicks out. Ambrose then goes to a cloverleaf. Mcintyre finally is able to get to the ropes. Ambrose hits a big knee and knocks Mcintyre to the outside. Ambrose then hits a suicide dive sending him into the barricade. Ambrose brings him back in the ring but Mcintyre rolls back out. Ambrose then goes to the top and flies to the outside but Mcintyre swats him away and he crashes and burns. Ambrose makes it back in the ring but he is met with the Claymore.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
Huge win for Mcintyre tonight. He looked so good against Ambrose and was able to weather a heavy storm brought by Ambrose. Mcintyre is vicious and all he needs is one move to end a match. Mcintyre gets more dangerous each week and it doesn’t seem like anyone can stop him. Mcintyre honestly is getting to the point where I’d love to see him get a shot at the Universal Title. As for Ambrose he had a good go and did very well with some impressive offensive moves. Ambrose will get himself back up and I’d love to see him get another shot at Mcintyre.

Backstage Segment:
Ziggler tells him hell of a job you showed him who’s boss. Corbin tells him way to go and assures him tonight he’s gonna beat Roman Reigns and take the Universal Championship cause it deserves better. Corbin tells Ziggler he’ll give him a shot at Rollins and if he can’t compete he will strip the title and give it to Ziggler. Ziggler tells him to make the match. Corbin says he’s good at his job we could have two titles change hands.

Backstage Segment:
The Bellas and Natalya tell Ronda she did great last night. She asks them how championship open challenges work. Natalya questions her. Ronda says she is more than thinking about. Natalya tells her the guys just do it. Ronda asks if she just walks out there. Natalya says making the challenge is easy but anyone could accept. Ronda says she’s got two arms and that’s all she needs.

Match 2: Chad Gable w/ Bobby Roode vs Viktor w/ Konnor
Viktor works the arm of Gable but Gable is able to work out and bring him to the ground. Gable works a side headlock. Viktor gets out but Gable knocks him back down. Viktor lands a big chop in the corner but Gable is able to come back with a big forearm. Gable lands a butterfly suplex but it’s not enough to put Viktor away. Viktor works off the distraction and tries to put Gable away but can’t. Viktor lands a series of uppercase and stays on Gable. Viktor tries another cover but Gable kicks out. Viktor works a headlock and then hits Gable with big rights. Viktor bounces Gable off the turnbuckle and then hits a chop. Gable is able to work an armbar on the ropes. Gable comes back with a huge takedown off the ropes. Gable lands a series of suplexes and then hits a crossbody taking Viktor to the outside. Gable then flies off the apron taking him out. Back in the ring Gable hits a big dropkick. Gable hits a big german suplex and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Konnor takes out Gable and Roode.
Winner: Chad Gable
My Opinion:
Viktor was a tough challenge but Gable overcame the odds. Gable was so impressive with his athleticism and the way he was able to constantly fight back. Gable waited for his opening and ultimately it got him the big victory. Form the what happened after the match it seems this rivalry is far from over.

Backstage Segment:
Kayla Braxton informs Rollins that he has to defend the IC Title tonight and if he can’t compete he will be stripped of the title. He says he may be the GM but this is still Monday Night Rollins.

In Ring Segment: The Undertaker
Taker says delusion is the final recourse for the damned. No man can spin a web of lies like a man with a broken soul. He says no one has a broken soul like Triple H. Tells how Triple H came out and said he doesn’t have it anymore. He tells that delusion will be his downfall. He says there was a time with Triple when he was wicked, savage, and a warrior. He says these days he plays a more corporate game. He says his battlefield was the bored room. He says his life is so full of lies he can’t decipher truth. He says he can’t see the fear in his own friends eyes and he can’t see his own demise. He says he puts no stock in what any man thinks only in what he knows. He says when he faces Triple H for the last time the result will be like the last time. He says he will put him six-feet under, game over. He says Triple H will do everything he can to outrace the reaper. He says he will move heaven and earth and ven enlist his best friend Shawn Michaels. He says let Triple H have his deceit, his disillusion, and his best Friend Shawn Michaels. He says Shawn isn’t going to Australia to watch this fight, he’s gonna be in Triple H’s corner. Taker says he’s okay with that but standing in his corner will be his brother Kane. He says everyone knows he took Shawn’s career and he’s gonna do the same to Triple H. But he’s also gonna take his soul and put him down. He says at Super Show-Down with his Brother of Destruction watching his back Triple H will Rest In Peace.
My Opinion:
Wow, chilling words from Undertaker and what a huge announcement that Kane will be in his corner. I can’t wait to see this match and I think they will tear it down. Maybe this will be the start of a DX and Brother’s of Destruction rivalry and maybe we’ll see them face off at some point. Either way, this match will be huge and Taker is gunning for The Game!

Match 3: Bayley w/ Sasha Banks vs Dana Brooke
As Raw returns, Bayley works a side headlock. Dana works out and is able to come back with a big shoulder tackle. Dana then hits a back elbow on Bayley. Bayley tries a backslide but Dana kicks out. Dana throws Bayley into the corner but Bayley kicks out of the pin. Dana tries another cover but still, it’s not enough. Dana works a body scissors and puts the pressure on Bayley. Bayley breaks the hold but Dana stays on her. Bayley tries a roll-up but Dana kicks out. Bayley hangs Dana up on the second rope and goes to the top. Bayley rolls threw but Dana grabs her. Bayley fights off with a series of elbows and then hits a running knee. Bayley hits the Bayley to Belly and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Bayley
My Opinion:
Dana looked really good tonight but couldn’t put Bayley away. Dana is really good in the ring but she has to learn how to finish the match. Bayley picked her spot and ultimately got herself the victory. Going forward it’ll be interesting to see if Dana can find success on her own.

Backstage Segment:.

Match 4: Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar w/ Drake Maverick) vs Gregory James & Barrett Brown
Akam take sout James and pulls Brown into the ring. Rezar takes it to Brown and then slams James in the corner. AOP hits the Super Collider and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar w/ Drake Maverick)
My Opinion:
AOP looked so good tonight. They made quick work of the local talent and looked impressive doing it. I really wanna see them in bigger matches though. They’ve been up long enough and it’s time they get a shot to run with the division on Raw. these are two guys who easily can be champions.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin tells Ziggler there is no way Rollins can compete. He says Ambrose already lost, he is gonna beat Reigns, and he can beat Rollins. Rollins comes in and tells Ziggler to finish what he was saying. Ziggler tells him he can back out. Rollins says he’s not backing out he’s ready for a fight.

Match 5: Seth Rollins (c) vs Dolph Ziggler:
Intercontinental Championship Match
Rollins tries a headlock but Ziggler gets out. Rollins gets back on him and throws him in the corner. Ziggler comes back and does the same to him. Rollins is able to throw Ziggler to the floor. Rollins goes to the outside and chases Ziggler. Ziggler hangs him up on the ropes. Ziggler then hits a baseball slide sending Rollins into the barricade as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ziggler toys with Rollins. Rollins comes back with a kick and hits a series of back elbows. Ziggler gets Rollins in the corner but he fights him off. Rollins hits the blockbuster and both men are down. Rollins hits Ziggler with a big forearm but Ziggler is able to lock in the sleeper hold. Ziggler continues the hold and brings Rollins to the mat. Rollins gets to a vertical base and flips Ziggler off of him. Rollins blocks a superkick and hits the ripcord knee. Rollins tries a cover but Ziggler kicks out. Rollins goes to the top but Ziggler knocks him down. Ziggler hits him with a big right and meets him up there. Rollins fights off and drops Ziggler on the turnbuckle. Rollins goes back up but Ziggler knocks him to the mat. Rollins gets back up there and hits a suplex. He misses on the falcon arrow and Ziggler tries the cover but Rollins kicks out. Rollins hits the stomp and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
Once again these two men have an awesome match. Rollins and Ziggler bring out the best in each other and I love this rivalry. I could watch them wrestle again and again. I liked that they had less time because it showed that they still can put on a great match even without a ton of time to work with. Rollins is a fighting champ and I don’t see him losing the title just yet. I can’t wait to see them go at it again!

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Reigns what he thinks of people saying he’s an underdog. Reigns say she doesn’t think he is. He says maybe against Braun or Brock but tonight he is gonna be he Big Dog so that means he will still be the Universal Champion at the end of the night.

In Ring Segment: Ronda Rousey
Ronda starts by congratulating Alexa Bliss. She says last night was the best she’s seen from her and she didn’t think she could fight at that level. She says she showed her that she is more of a champion than she thought she could be. She says that’s what she wants to be is the best like Bret Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin, and Ric Flair. She says if any of the women have the gumption to come out and take the challenge. Natalya’s music hits but she doesn’t come out. The Riott Squad then drags her out. Ruby tells her what they did to Nattie is her fault. She tells Ronda they don’t dislike her but she doesn’t like her either. Ronda pops Riott and then takes down Logan and Morgan. The numbers game catches up but Ronda is able to take down Logan again. Riott hits a spear and they gang up on Ronda. The Bella Twins come out to even the odds. Ronda takes out Riott while the Bellas take out Morgan and Logan.
My Opinion:
I really loved this segment, the Riott Squad is awesome and ti love they get to go against The Bellas and Ronda. They definitely deserve it but tonight they bit off more than they could handle. The Bellas and Ronda took it to them and showed them who’s boss. When the match comes at Super Show-Down though I think we will see a battle.

Backstage Segment:
Braun tells Corbin he hopes he wins cause he sucks and he knows he can kill him.

Match 6: Elias vs Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush
As Raw returns, Elias works a headlock on Lashley. Elias hits a big knee and then hits him with a chop. Lashley lands a shot but Elias fights back. Lashley hits a clothesline and then buries him with a shoulder. Lashley drops Elias and tries a cover but Elias kicks out. Lashley hits a back elbow and goes to the top. Lashley flies but Elias catches him with a knee in mid-air. Out comes Kevin Owens. He goes after Rush and Rush gets away. He’s able to jump over Elias and hits him with a kick. Lashley saves him and then uses Lio to take out Owens and Elias by throwing him over the ropes.
Winner: Elias: Via DQ
My Opinion:
I love the pairing of Lashley and Rush together. I think they have great chemistry and I love seeing Rush on Raw. Elias and Lashley took it to each other tonight and I can’t wait to see them go at it again at Super Show-Down.

Match 7: Mickie James & Alicia Fox w/Alexa Bliss vs Ember Moon & Nia Jax
Moon and Fox start the match. Fox hits a tackle but Moon gets right back up. Moon takes her down and tries a cover but Fox kicks out. Fox gets back in control and throws her into the corner. James gets the cover and lands a big dropkick. James tries a cover but Moon kicks out. Moon comes back and sends James out of the ring. Moon then flies and takes out James and Fox on the outside. James lands a big kick back in the ring and tries a cover again but Moon kicks out. Fox flips Moon and goes to a headlock. James gets the tag again and lands another kick to Moon. James tries the cover but Moon kicks out. Moon fights back and lands an arm drag takedown. James gets back in control and in comes Fox. Fox land a big boot and tries the cover but Moon kicks out. Another attempt and another kick out by Moon. Jx gets the tag and takes out Foxx. she then takes out James. Jax throws Fox and does it again. Jax is hit with an elbow but comes right back. Jax bulldozes threw Fox but James saves the match. Jax grabs James and Ember takes her out with the Eclipse. Jax grabs Fox and hits the Samoan Drop. Jax gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Ember Moon & Nia Jax
My Opinion:
So glad to see Nia back! She looked better than ever and took care of business. I give Ember a lot of credit for hanging in there and keeping her team in the match. Ember is a fighter and didn’t let them get the better of her. I can’t wait to see what Jax does next.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin tells the ref to call the match evenly tonight right down the middle.

Match 8: Baron Corbin vs Roman Reigns (c): Universal Championship Match
The two lock up to start the match and Corbin lands big right hands. Corbin tries a cover but Reigns kicks out. Corbin tries two more pins but still can’t get the three. Corbin tries a right hand but Reigns ducks and sends him to the floor. Reigns goes to the outside and hits the drive by. Reigns brings him back in the ring but Reigns goes shoulder first into the post. Corbin hits a huge clothesline and tries a cover but Reigns kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin has Reigns in a modified half nelson. Corbin hits a chokeslam backbreaker and tries a cover but Reigns kicks out. Corbin hits Reigns with a big elbow and goes back to the half nelson. Reigns gets to his feet and hits a big right hand. Reigns knocks him down and does it again. Reigns his him with big clotheslines in the corner. Reigns comes off the ropes and hits the big boot. Corbin rolls to the outside to by time. Reigns hits the Samoan Drop and goes for the cover but Corbin kicks out. Reigns looks for the Superman Punch but Corbin rolls out of the ring. Reigns meets him out there and hits him with one on the outside. Reigns goes to the outside and runs towards Corbin but Corbin throws a chair at him. The match then gets restarted as a no DQ match. Corbin brings the chair into the ring and Reigns hits a Superman Punch. Reigns goes for the cover but Corbin kicks out. Reigns grabs the chair but out comes Braun Strowman. Corbin hits Reigns from behind. Strowman gets in the ring and headbutts Reigns. He then crushes him in the corner. Reigns fights off and Braun goes shoulder first into the post. Corbin hits Reigns from behind. He hits the Deep 6 but it’s not enough for the three. Ziggler and Mcintyre now come out. Here comes Rollins and Ambrose going at them. Reigns hits Braun with a Superman Punch. Ambrose and Rollins fly taking out Braun, Dolph, and Mcintyre. Reigns then tries to fly but is hit with a big right hand. Corbin gets in the ring and is hit with the spear. Reigns gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Roman Reigns: Still Universal Champion
My Opinion:
This was an awesome main event. Corbin really took it to Reigns and I love the controversy throughout the match. Reigns really had to fight for this one and it was crazy how close Corbin came to winning. This rivalry between The Shield and Braun, Dolph, and Drew is getting so good. It’s amazing to me they’ve been able to keep this rivalry so good for so long now but they have and I love it. I can’t wait to see the next chapter in it!

Final Thoughts:
Tonight was a pretty good Raw. the show started pretty good with the huge announcement of Reigns versus Strowman versus Lesnar at Crown Jewel. I loved the match between Ziggler and Rollins tonight. Those two always bring the best out in each other and created magic once again. It was awesome seeing Nia Jax back tonight. She looked so good and I can’t wait to see what comes next. The main event tonight was awesome. It was so back and forth and Corbin really had a good shot at winning. I love they keep the rivalry of The Shield and “the Dogs of War” so good. Sometimes things lose steam but they’re doing different things and each match is better and better.
Overall Rating: 6/10