Raw Review 09/04/2017

Tonight two monsters do battle as Big Show takes on Braun Strowman inside of a Steel Cage. What will happen as Strowman and Show are locked in together? Plus after earning a title match last week Jeff Hardy has the chance to become a Five-Time Intercontinental Champion as he challenges The Miz. Since returning Jeff has not competed for a singles championship, can he get back into old form and reign supreme? Alexa Bliss recaptured the Raw Women’s Championship last week, but what she did not expect was a turn coming from her best friend Nia Jax. Nia is expected to make a big statement regarding this tonight and it seems she has her sights set on Little Miss Bliss. After an epic confrontation between John Cena and Roman Reigns what can we expect next from these two as the look ahead to their one on one match at No Mercy.

Raw is live tonight from the Centurylink Center in Omaha, Nebraska

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

Match 1: Jason Jordan vs John Cena
Jordan takes Cena down and goes for a pin, but Cena kicks out. Cena again is taken down by Jordan, but escape another pin fall. Jordan slams Cena to the mat and keeps him grounded. Cena is able to break Jordan’s grip, but Jordan quickly slams him back down with a belly to back take down. Cena is able to fight out and give Jordan a hip toss. Jordan quickly comes back with a fireman’s carry and goes for the pin, but can’t get the three. Jordan goes back to the waist lock. Cena powers out and hits him with a right hand. Cena gets Jordan in a chin lock and stays on him. Cena pounds Jordan and hits him with a huge suplex. Cena hits Jordan with a series of rights and launches Jordan into the corner with an irish whip. Cena goes for the cover, but only gets a two as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Jordan and Cena trade rights. Jordan hits him with a belly to belly. Cena hits him with a series of shoulder tackles, but Jordan comes back with a drop kick. Cena and Jordan make it to their feet and tee off on one another. Jordan tries to pick up Cena, but Cena hits a sunset flip instead. Cena hits the five knuckle shuffle and tries for the attitude adjustment, but Jordan escapes. Jordan tries for a pin, but Cena kicks out. Cena locks in the stf. Jordan counters and locks in a cross face. Cena powers out of it and puts Jordan on his shoulders. Jordan is able to escape and hits two northern lights suplexes. Jordan goes for a pin, but cena kicks out. Jordan hits a huge spear in the corner. Cena comes back with a reversal and is able to hit the attitude adjustment. Cena gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: John Cena
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good match to kick off the night. I loved the unique match up between these two. I think this was a great opportunity for Jason Jordan and Cena made him look very good tonight. I think every week Jordan has improved and is becoming more and more impressive. To me Jordan is a guy who could have big matches in the future because he gets how to work. Cena also showed that he hasn’t missed a step and him being around is great for these young guys so they can learn from the best.

In Ring Segment: John Cena & Roman Reigns
Reigns asks Cena if he is what he says he is than why does it take a 16 time champ over twenty minutes to beat a rookie. Reigns continued to say that if Cena is as good as he says he would’ve beat him right away. Reigns then said Cena lied last week and ran his mouth as he always does and isn’t as great as he thinks. He says Cena proved him right that he is a lying fake ass little bitch. Cena says he’d say he’s happy to see Reigns, but he hates seeing his face. He tells Reigns to stay in his line. Cena mocks Reigns and tells him that at No Mercy he will get the answer to his questions. He tells Reigns that he is gonna get beat by a guy who lost a step or a guy who’s been stringing him along for years. Cena says that after No Mercy the only question Reigns will have is how the hell did this happen. Cena says Reigns will learn a lesson in respect. Cena tells reigns that he doesn’t respect him. He says he doesn’t respect what Reigns says and says Reigns is living a lie because the fans do not agree with what Reigns says. Cena asks Reigns if he has to beta some common sense into him. Reigns says now we are talking and tells Cena to do it. Reigns tells Cena this is his moment to back up his big mouth. Reigns tells him that he’s all talk and that’s why he doesn’t respect him.
My Opinion:
Not as good as last week. I feel like this was a stretch because it felt like they were trying to recreate that magic. I like what both guys said, but I feel this would’ve been better last week because this is more of a let down. All they did was repeat what they had already said and it felt forced. I think Cena is making hard for the story line to develop because of how much he is laying into Reigns and making people think he’s a joke. I think there is more they could’ve done then just go to the old I don’t respect you.

Match 2: Cesaro & Sheamus vs Rhyno & Heath Slater
Slater rolls up Cesaro right off the bat, but Cesaro kicks out. Cesaro gets in control and quickly tags Sheamus. Sheamus comes in and stomps on Slater. Cesaro gets the tag and the two double team Slater. Cesaro works Slater’s arm, but Slater is able to send him out of the ring. Cesaro prevents a tag, but is hits with a kick from Slater. Rhyno gets the tag and takes out cesaro and Sheamus. Rhyno sends Sheamus face first and goes for a pin, but it is broken up. Sheamus comes back and hits a Brogue kick on Rhyno and is able to pick up the win.
Winners: Sheamus & Cesaro.
My Opinion:
Sheamus and Cesaro look great as a team. There’s no doubt they can win against anyone, but I hope Ambrose and Rollins will keep the titles. I think Sheamus and Cesaro deserve to be on top, but at the same time we need a break from I think. Their gimmick has just been so overdone these past few months that they just need to reinvent themselves a little bit and stay fresh.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Jeff Hardy for his approach tonight. Jeff says tonight is more than an opportunity to be champion and more about rebirth. Jeff says he lives for the moment. Matt agrees and tells the Miztourage to not get involved or they’ll meet their fate.

Match 3: Jeff Hardy vs The Miz:
Intercontinental Championship Match
Jeff tries to roll him up quickly, but Miz kicks out. Jeff hits a shoulder tackle and gets Miz in a backslide, but Miz kicks out. Jeff tries for another pin, but Miz is out and goes towards the ropes. Jeff sends Miz to the outside. Miz catches his breath as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Jeff sends Miz to the mat. Jeff fires with rights and knocks Miz down. Jeff sends Miz face first to the mat again, but Miz kicks out of the cover. Jeff hits the whisper in the wind and goes for the cover, but Miz is out again. Jeff looks to fly, but is taken down by Axel. Matt tries to even the score on the outside. The ref throws out the Miztourage and Matt. Jeff hits a side russian leg sweep. He hits an atomic drop and pins Miz, but Miz kicks out. Miz comes back and counters Jeff. Miz hits a big ddt, but Jeff doesn’t stay down. Jeff rolls up Miz, but another near fall. Miz counters Jeff again and hits him with a running knee strike. Miz hits the it kicks, but misses on the last one. Jeff comes back and sends both feet into the sternum of Miz. Jeff tries to fly from the apron, but Miz sends him to the floor. Miz locks in the figure four and continues to put on the pressure. Jeff makes it to the ropes and breaks the hold. Jeff takes Miz down again, but this time it’s Miz that makes it to the bottom rope. Jeff sends Miz into the barricade with poetry in motion on the outside. Jeff rolls Miz into the ring and goes for the swanton, but misses. Jeff tries for the twist of fate, but it’s countered and Miz hits the skull crushing finale and picks up the win.
Winner: The Miz:
Still Intercontinental Champion
My Opinion:
If nothing else tonight showed that Miz can go. He and Jeff put on a great match and I think that’s what Miz needs. Miz has truth behind his words and truthfully if he wants to prove himself then he needs more matches like this. I like Jeff Hardy and it would’ve been cool to see him win, but Miz deserves the title. If you think about it Miz puts on great matches and at this point he’s what’s best for business. I hope Miz does get more spotlight and can continue to shine. Unique match ups like this will keep the IC championship relevant and bring the excitement back to the title.

Backstage Segment:
Nia asks Kurt why Sasha got a shot at the title before her and asked Kurt if he saw that last week. Kurt says that it’s in the contract and she has to earn opportunities. Emma comes in and says the world was buzzing last week about her. She pitches an idea to Kurt, but Nia tells her she better get out of there. Kurt tells them that they have to earn their opportunities. He tells them that tonight Emma and Nia will face Sasha and Alexa. If Sasha and Alexa win then the match stays the same, but if they lose it will become a fatal four-way.

Match 4: Enzo & Cedric Alexander & Gran Metalik vs
Noam Dar & Tony Nese & Drew Gulak
As Raw returns Nese and Alexander go at it. Alexander is able to get away from Nese and send him to the mat. Enzo tags himself in and goes after Nese. Enzo gets Nese in a headlock and Nese works him to the corner. Nese drops Enzo on his neck and in comes Gulak. Gulak comes in and works the body of Enzo. Enzo hammers away and tries to get the tag, but is thrown by Gulak. Dar comes in and continues to work the arm of Enzo. Nese comes back in and gets Enzo on his shoulders. Enzo fights him off, but is again thrown into the opposite corner. Gulake and Nese work together, but Enzo is able to escape and looks for a tag. Alexander gets the tag and hits Gulak with a huge elbow. Alexander lands a big kick, but the cover is broken up. Metalik comes in and helps Alexander as the two fly to take out Nese and Dar. Enzo tags himself in and hits a thumb to the eye to Gulak. Enzo finishes off Gulak and gets the win for his team.
Winners: Enzo & Cedric Alexander & Gran Metalik
My Opinion:
Not a bad match, I liked seeing guys we don’t see often on Raw anymore like Gulak and Nese. I think Enzo has been a good addition to the division in the sense that people are talking and it brings more of a spotlight. I think Enzo has to resort to these dirty tactics though because he can’t keep up. Either way I think it’s working and if anything else it’s just something new to the division. All I hope is that they keep bringing unique matches and ultimately keep the division fresh.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa tells Sasha she doesn’t like this anymore than she does. She tells Sasha that she thinks they are just jealous. Sasha tells Alexa that she needs her. Alexa tells her to check her ego. Sasha says they will be victorious tonight, but tells Alexa that at No Mercy she will make her scream.

In Ring Segment: Finn Balor
Balor talks about Bray Wyatt and tells how he appeared last week in the battle royal and cost i’m an opportunity. He says that a guy like Bray never goes away. He tells him that the next time he appears he will be ready. He tells Bray that if he wants to continue to play games let’s play.
Bray Wyatt appears and talks about how hunting became too easy for him. He says he put his weapon down and used his bare hands instead and they judged them all. He says he showed them no mercy and in the moments he made a choice. He tells Balor that he wasn’t victorious the Demon was. He tells Balor to put down his weapon and defy his legacy. Balor tells him that he’s made his choice. He says he is Finn Balor. Wyatt laughs and asks if Balor will be like everyone else and run.
My Opinion:
I enjoyed how they did that. Wyatt is awesome with his promo’s and can make anything great. I like that Wyatt doesn’t repeat himself, but keeps his story’s going. Balor wasn’t at his best tonight, but I don’t think he has to be with Wyatt. This is an awesome feud because Balor brings that excitement in the ring and Wyatt brings the hype to it.

Match 5: Alexa Bliss & Sasha Banks vs Nia Jax & Emma:
If Emma and Nia win the Women’s Championship Match will be a Fatal Four Way
As Raw returns Sasha tries to bring Nia down, but is thrown to the mat. Sasha tries an arm drag, but Nia comes back and slams her to the mat. Emma tags herself in and backs Sasha in the corner hammering away. Emma tries for a cover, but Sasha kicks out. Emma hits a big kick, but it doesn’t keep Sasha down. Sasha rolls up Emma, but Emma kicks out this time. The tow trade covers and neither can keep the other down. Emma locks in a full nelson and works Sasha on the mat. Sasha fights to her feet and is able to escape. Sasha is able to connect with a suplex and tags Alexa. Alexa kicks Emma in the corner and hits her with a forearm. Emma kicks her, but Alexa comes right back and unloads on her. Sasha gets the tag and continues hammering on Emma. Sasha lands double knees, but it’s not enough. Sasha drives her knee in the back of Emma. Sasha hammers away with forearms, but is hit with one. Emma tries to make it the corner and Sasha prevents it. Alexa gets the tag and the two double team Emma. Alexa steps on her hair and pulls. Alexa uses the ropes to choke Emma. Alexa keeps her from getting a tag and locks in a chin lock. Emma fights back, but is slammed to the mat. Alexa goes to the top, but Emma rolls out of the way. Emma creates separation and tags Nia. Alexa slaps Nia and Nia comes back with a clothesline. Nia lands a big splash and throws her across the ring. Alexa slaps her again, but Nia hits her with a Samoan drop. Alexa lands a huge kick and is able to tag in Sasha. Sasha goes to the top and looks for the cross body, but can’t connect. Sasha is able to the hit the shining wizard, but Nia doesn’t stay down/. Nia gets out of the bank’s statement attempt. Emma tags herself in and pins Sasha after Nia hit a leg drop.
Winners: Emma & Nia Jax:
The Women’s Championship match at No Mercy will now be a Fatal Four Way
My Opinion:
I like this decision. I feel on Raw the women’s division is run by a few women and the rest don’t get chances. This allows for more of a chance and it creates a unique situation. This is the type of excitement that they need and gives them way more options to run with.

Backstage Segment:
Renee welcomes Braun and asks what he’s thinking heading into tonight. Braun questions what Kurt is thinking this close to his title match. Braun says tonight is a recipe for destruction. He declares that he is gonna destroy the Big Show tonight. He says he is taking this as an opportunity to send a message that no matter where he goes destruction follows.

Match 6: Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose vs
The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson)
Rollins and Anderson start off the match. Anderson back him in the corner, but Rollins counters. Rollins stomps away on him and has to be backed up. Anderson comes back with rights. Rollins uses his speed to send Anderson to the mat with an elbow. Ambrose gets the tag and the two double team Anderson. Ambrose lands big chops in the corner. Anderson tries to reverse, but runs into a boot. Ambrose hits a huge elbow, but only gets a two count. Gallows gets the tag and steps to Rollins. Gallows sends Rollins and Ambrose to the mat. Gallows fights off Ambrose, but Ambrose comes back and Rollins gets the tag. Anderson Tries to get involved, but the two are sent to the outside. Rollins and Ambrose fly to take out The Club as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Ambrose tries to fight off Gallows. Gallows sends him to the mat with a big slam. Gallows tags in Anderson and the two double team Ambrose. Anderson lands big knees to Ambrose, but can’t put him away. Ambrose fights to his feet and fights off The Club for a moment, but Anderson hits a clothesline. Gallows lands a big splash and Anderson tags in and the two double team him again. Anderson looks for a suplex, but Ambrose fights him off. Gallows comes in and is hit with a drop kick. Ambrose hits back and lands a lariat. Rollins comes in hot. He hits the blockbuster and follows with a sling blade. Ambrose takes out Gallows and Rollins connects with a hurricanrana. Rollins rolls up Anderson and picks up the win.
Winners: Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
A pretty good match between these two teams. I think throughout the match there were times that it dragged on some, but for the most part it was exciting. I’d love to see more tag teams coming in the mix. I think sometimes WWE runs with the same guys for too long and we need a change. I feel like the tag team division needs some high profile stipulation matches that could mix things up because at the end of the day there’s only so many times people can face each other. I’d love to see a ladder match or something like that just to mix things up.

Backstage Segment:
Enzo tells Cedric and Metalik that he’s taking them out tonight. Neville comes in and tells them bravo. He tells them that the three of them have qualified for a five way elimination match tomorrow for a shot at the Cruiserweight Championship at No Mercy.

Backstage Segment:
Charly ask John Cone about the night Braun faced Big Show. he says that night it was more than he bargained for. She asks how he is preparing for tonight. He tells that the ring is double reinforced, but he has no idea what to expect and is gonna stay out of the way.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Show if he has any last minute thoughts. Show says he has had a lot of big matches, but never faced someone like Braun. He says he has had more steel cage matches than Braun has had matches. Show tells what he’s gonna do to Braun and says Braun doesn’t respect him. He tells that no one has ever broken him and says that he is the world’s largest athlete.

Match 7: Braun Strowman vs Big Show:
Steel Cage Match
Braun starts with a huge boot. Braun backs him against the cage and lands a huge splash. Braun continues to flatten him against the steel. Show catches him with a huge right hand as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Show is in control of Braun. He knocks him to the mat and then drives him into the cage. Show toys with Braun and then drives him in the cage again. Show looks to climb out of the cage, but is stopped by Braun. Braun and Show exchange blows up top and Show is sent onto the ropes, but so is Braun. Show again tries to climb, but turns around. Show kicks Braun to the mat and flies from the top hitting a huge elbow. Show goes for the cover, but Braun kicks out. Show tries to escape, but Braun stops him by slamming the door in his face. Braun tries to escape, but this time he is hit with the door. Show looks for the choke slam, but Braun reverse and hits a ddt. Braun tries for a cover and gets a two count. Braun hits Show with a big headbutt, but Show comes at him with a choke slam. Braun kicks out of the pin. Braun ducks a punch, but Show throws him into the cage. Show tries to escape again and again Braun stops him. Show is able to slam Braun off the cage and send him back down to the mat. Show hesitates and is ripped down by Braun. Braun drives him into the cage and both men struggle to gain composure. Braun continues to fight off Show. Show is able to send him back to the mat again with a headbutt. Braun goes to the top and hits a suplex on Show and both men crash to the mat. Braun picks up Show and hits a power slam to pick up the win.
*** Braun gets on the mic and says do you see what I did to the so called giant. He tells Lesnar that this is his future and he is gonna become the new Universal Champion. Braun then picks up Show and sends him through the cage.
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
This was a very exciting match, but it never got to the level I was expecting. They hyped this up so much that I kept waiting for the omg moment, but it never really came. I liked the build up this match had, but it set them up for something that just wasn’t there. I thought the ending definitely could’ve had more of excitement to it. I fell what they did after the match should’ve been more of how it ended. Overall all though not a bad way to end the night. It was a match that should’ve got people watching.

Final Thoughts:
Tonight wasn’t my favorite Raw. I felt some things were overdone and somethings just didn’t click. I liked the opening match a lot. I thought Jordan and Cena was interesting and very entertaining. Jordan has a bright future and showed tonight he can stand toe to toe with the best. After that with the Reigns and Cena promo it felt like they were trying to recreate the magic from last week and because of that it felt silly to me. They never caught their stride and it just didn’t land. The Intercontinental Championship match was a good match as well. Miz really can go and tonight it was very unique with him facing Jeff hardy. If anything we knew Jeff wouldn’t win, but Miz showed that he is to be taken serious and can deliver those championship caliber matches. I like the decision to make the Women’s match at No Mercy a Fatal Four Way. I think this adds more to the match and it’s not the same old one on one match that we’ve already seen. The main event was pretty good as well. I think that too could’ve been more exciting, but it did the job. Overall Braun looked like the monster and that was the whole point.
Overall Rating:7 /10