Raw Review 09/25/2017

Tonight is the Fallout Edition of Monday Night Raw after last night’s No Mercy Pay Per View. Raw will kick off tonight with Miz TV and the guest is none other than Roman Reigns. What will Roman and the Miz for that matter have to say after both picked up huge wins last night. What will be next for Braun Strowman after his loss to Brock Lesnar? Alexa Bliss was able to escape last night with her title, but what will next for The Goddess? Enzo Amore won his first championship last night after defeating Neville, but is Enzo for real or will his title reign end as soon as it’s beginning? As noted Miz picked up the win last night and retained his Intercontinental Championship, after the match Jason Jordan declared that he would love a rematch, will he get a second chance?

Raw is live tonight from the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario, California

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

In Ring Segment: Miz TV with Roman Reigns
Miz tells that after last night tonight is a night of celebration. He says as soon as Miz TV is over he is going home to his wife to discuss his unborn child who he guarantees won’t be a loser like Kurt Angle’s son. He goes on to talk about his guest tonight and says he had an historic win over John Cena, he welcomes Roman Reigns.
Miz welcomes Roman, he goes over Roman’s accolades this year and brings up how Cena said last night was a passing of the torch moment and asks Roman how he feels about that. Roman says he respects Cena now and says Cena did everything he said he was going to. He says there’s no other guy who can say they held the fort down for 15 years. Roman tells the crowd to feel how they want, but he respects Cena. Roman then asks why he is here talking to an idiot like Miz. Miz says he forgot he’s talking to the guy, but the guy is the guy with the championship. He tells that he proved that Jason Jordan is a loser. Roman butts in and says Miz couldn’t beat Jordan one on one. Roman then pokes fun at the Miztourage and tells them to help him out by getting him a beer. Miz says it’s ironic because Roman use to ride the coattails of two superstars. Miz says no one would remember The Shield if The Miztourage was around. Roman says they would’v’e wiped their ass no problem. Roman then states you’re not gonna get it though because they are all doing their own things and he is going after the Universal Championship. Miz then questions Roman and ask about all the times he’s choked. Miz tells that Roman has never been Universal Champion and he’s the one who runs the show. Roman then challenges Miz to a fight. Miz doesn’t like the idea and says he has a suit on. Miz says he needs to get home to his wife, he thanks Roman and he leaves the ring. Out comes Kurt Angle.
Angle tells Miz to tell Maryse he’s gonna be home a little late because he loves the idea of the match against Roman Reigns and that will happen tonight. He tells The Miztourage to go nowhere because they will be facing Matt Hardy and Jason Jordan next.
My Opinion:
I really liked that segment. I enjoy the fact that they’re switching it up some and giving us fresh matches. Kicking off Raw like that is perfect in my eyes. We get match announcements and gives you something to look forward to. It will be interesting to see how the Miz and Reigns match goes. I think tonight would be a good night for Miz to prove that he can stand with the best of them still. I also like the unique team of Matt Hardy and Jason Jordan, that to me is exciting and a fresh way to start the night. Coming off of a great PPV they gotta keep tonight hot.

Match 1: Jason Jordan & Matt Hardy vs
The Miztourage (Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel)
Jordan and Dallas start off the match. Jordan quickly takes down Dallas and works him on the mat. Jordan gives Dallas no space and hits him with a clothesline. Axel gets the tag, but Jordan quickly drives him in the corner. Jordan drives him in another corner and hits a northern lights suplex. Matt gets the tag and he and Jordan double team Axel. Matt goes for a pin, but Axel kicks out. Matt works him with elbows and takes him to the mat with a side Russian leg sweep. Matt capitalizes with leg drops, but it’s not enough to keep Axel down. Matt works a side headlock, but Axel fights out. Matt comes back and hits a big tornado ddt. Dallas gets involved and Matt takes him down with a hip toss, Jordan follows with a dropkick sending Dallas to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Axel has a chin lock on Jordan. Jordan tries to fight back, but Axel keeps him grounded. Axel lands a big slam and tags in Dallas. Dallas comes in and hits Jordan with a knee. Axel gets the tag again and he continues to work Jordan. He gets Jordan down in the corner and tags Dallas. Dallas stomps on Jordan. He hammers on Jordan in the corner and back in is Axel. Axel and Dallas double team Jordan, but it’s not enough to keep him down. Axel wrenches on the face of Jordan and keeps the pressure on. Jordan is able to reverse and backs Axel. Axel is able to pull him away for a moment, but Jordan sends him to the outside. Axel is thrown back in the ring, but Jordan gets the tag. Matt unloads on the newly tagged in Dallas. Matt hits the running bulldog, but Dallas kicks out of the pin. Matt goes to the second rope and lands a huge elbow. He follows with a neck breaker, but gets another near fall on the pin. Dallas rolls up Matt, but he kicks out. Matt comes back with a side effect and goes for the pin, but in is Axel to break it up. Jordan comes in to take care of Axel. Matt hits the Twist of Fate on Dallas and gets the 1 2 3 on the pin.
Winners: Matt Hardy & Jason Jordan
My Opinion:
That was a great match to start off the night. Obviously it’s odd to see Matt tag with anyone other than Jeff, but he and Jordan worked well together. I liked that the match kept a good pace and no one person was isolated for too long. It was good to see both Matt and Jordan get all their stuff in. Jordan benefits greatly from this and I love seeing him keep learning. Jordan has bright things ahead and I will say I am always entertained with his matches.

Match 2: Elias vs Apollo Crews
Elias and Crews lock up. Crews backs him in the corner, but is backed up by the ref. Elias comes and tries for a headlock, but Crews escapes. Crews is able to overpower him and bring him to the mat. Elias tries to escape, but Crews holds strong. Elias fights to a vertical base and backs Crews to the ropes. Elias lands a big kick, but Crews uses his speed to come back. Crews picks up Elias and places him on the apron. Crews hits a huge enziguri and sends him to the outside. Crews launches himself and takes down Elias. Elias cheap shots Titus and Crews pounds on him for it Crews throws him in the ring, but gets distracted checking on Titus and Elias hits a huge kick. He follows with Drift Away and picks up the win.
*** After the match Elias tries to cheap shot Titus. Titus comes right back and hammers on him in the corner. Elias quickly gets out of the ring.
Winner: Elias
My Opinion:
I really love Apollo Crews so tonight to see this side of him was great. Crews has a ton of potential and so does Elias for that matter. These kind of matches really interest me because these guys go out there and give it their all to make a statement. I think a rivalry like this may not appeal to everyone, but given more time these guys could’ve had a killer match. I feel like they were just getting started when it finished. I really hope to see this grow into something and we can see what these guys can do.

Backstage Segment:
Charly welcomes Finn and congratulates him on last night. She asks what he has to say to Bray. Finn thanks Bray and says he pushed him to his limits and made him do things he didn’t think he could. He says he hopes that today Bray feels a sense of humility. Charly ask where he goes from here. Finn says he wants to reclaim the Universal Championship.

Curt Hawkins vs Braun Strowman
*** Before the match Hawkins runs into the crowd. Braun runs him down and puts him threw a table. Braun picks him up and throws him onto the stage. Braun picks him up and lands a running power slam throw the screens on the stage. Braun then makes a beeline for the ring.
Braun says after last night he is on a path of destruction and isn’t leaving until he gets a real fight. Out comes Dean Ambrose.

Match 3: Dean Ambrose vs Braun Strowman
Ambrose uses his quickness to get away from Braun. Ambrose hammers away, but is thrown to the mat. Braun throws him in the corner and sends him crashing to the mat. Braun hits Ambrose’s shoulder and continues to work it. Braun drives Ambrose into the corner. Ambrose lands a slap, but falls to the mat. Braun continues the attack, he lifts Ambrose, but Ambrose gets a sleeper locked in. Braun drives him in the corner and puts a stop to it. Braun toys with him and lands a headbutt and follows with another one. Braun goes for the pin, but Ambrose kicks out. Braun works the injured shoulder of Ambrose, but Ambrose fights out. Ambrose gets a moment of momentum, but bounces out of the ring off of Braun. Braun meets him on the outside and throws him into the barricade. Ambrose pokes him in the eye and drives Braun into the ring post. Back in the ring Ambrose tries to pound on Braun. He backs him in the corner and hammers on him. Braun throws him away. Ambrose is able to send Braun to the outside. Ambrose tries to fly, but is caught and driven into the floor. Ambrose keeps up the fight and is able to take Braun to the mat. Ambrose hits him with a clothesline, he side steps Braun and sends him into the ring post. Ambrose goes to the top and flies, but is caught. Braun hits the power slam and picks up the win.
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
I enjoyed the match and loved the fight that Dean gave to Braun. The one thing I don’t like is that for a month Braun was unstoppable, but now he’s beatable. I think Braun is gonna become more human and will start to have losses at some point. Overall though I like this match and like that you don’t have to a huge monster to take it to Braun anymore. Eventually Braun will have to have more matches like this if he’s ever gonna be champion because if he’s unstoppable forever then he’d never lose it.

Backstage Segment:
Angle tells the ref to keep his eyes on The Miztourage. Enzo comes in and Kurt gives him a congratulations. Enzo asks Kurt how big he wants to make Raw and proposes a championship celebration. Kurt says he doesn’t know if the win was worth the celebration. Enzo pleads and Kurt gives in. Kurt offers advice, but Enzo says he’s good.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins brings Ambrose ice and ask if he could start to curve his self destructive habits. Ambrose says it’s improvement. Rollins agrees, but says they need each other. Rollins tells him to think a little bit more and consult with him. Ambrose tells him to stop being predictable. Rollins says he’s gonna go talk to Angle and demand a match with Braun next week. Ambrose says he wasn’t expecting that.

In Ring Segment: Alexa Bliss
Alexa tells that crowd that she has always considered them her friends and says she likes to think they think the same way. Alexa says sometimes you have to tell your friends the truth and says she is very disappointed in them. Alexa tells that she didn’t get a congrats, but instead it was nonsense and gossip. Alexa asks what is wrong with everyone and says everyone is so fascinated with what will happen tomorrow that they don’t appreciate when they are in the presence of a Goddess. She says she cleaned out the entire women’s division. Out comes Mickie James.
Mickie questions this and says she wasn’t in the match. She tells Alexa that she didn’t beat her. Mickie tells how Alexa went on Raw talk and talked trash about her. Alexa says she respects her and calls her one of her favorites. Mickie asks Alexa if she’s scared. Alexa says she thinks Mickie has a lot to offer to WWE and tells Mickie that she still has a couple fans who think she’s still got it. Alexa says she doesn’t want to see Mickie break a hip. Mickie says the last thing she needs is for Alexa to tell her what she can and can’t do. Mickie tells that she is a 6 times women’s champion and she has broken down barriers for women in WWE all before Alexa was wearing a training bra. She asks Alexa to repeat what she said last night on Raw talk. She says the ring is no place for a coward. Alexa says Mickie is an old lady and Mickie slaps her. Mickie gets the better of Alexa and sends her to the outside.
My Opinion:
I have mixed feelings about that segment. I feel like Mickie is forgotten about and she should be used more before she’s gone. On the other hand there should’ve been a lot more to that segment. I don’t like how the Women are still swept under the rug like their matches don’t really matter. The fact is it shouldn’t have been Mickie out there it should’ve been some of the women from last night calling out Alexa. I think it’s a shame that the women still only get very little time. Maybe some people think it’s great, but I’d like them to have a more predominate role on the show.

Match 4: Seth Rollins vs Sheamus
Sheamus goes right after Rollins. He backs him in the corner and hammers with rights. Rollins is able to sidestep him and send him shoulder first into the post. Sheamus goes to the outside and Rollins hits him with a suicide dive. Sheamus comes back and catches him with an Irish curse back breaker. Sheamus keeps the pressure and lands a big suplex, but it’s not enough. Sheamus on the second rope comes down on Rollins with a knee. Sheamus locks in a submission, but Rollins powers through for a moment. Sheamus gets back in control with a power bomb. Sheamus locks in the clover leaf and maintains the pressure on Rollins. Rollins gets to the ropes and slowly gets to his feet. Rollins sends Sheamus to the outside again. Sheamus gets back on the apron and hangs up Rollins. Sheamus lands a huge knee, but it’s not enough to keep Rollins down. Rollins ducks a Brogue and is able to catch Sheamus coming off the ropes. Rollins lands a knee to the face and picks up the win.
Winner: Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
That was a pretty good match, but a little underwhelming after last night. Sheamus was on tonight and really showed a lot in the match. I loved the huge knee he gave to Rollins and he really showed the different moves in his arsenal. Rollins looked good to, but I wish he wouldn’t had a little more excitement tonight, I felt like he never really got going. I was hoping we’d see a better finish though because last night was so good, but nonetheless this wasn’t bad and you know they will see each other again in the near future which is why tonight wasn’t bad. You have to leave people wanting more.

Backstage Segment:
Balor asks Goldust what’s going on. Goldust says he knows Balor is extraordinary, but asks Balor what gives him the right to take shots at his expense. He tells Balor he doesn’t need his help and can do it by himself. Balor apologizes to him for offending him. Goldust says maybe he’s right and says he’s sorry. Goldust then attacks Balor and tells him to keep his friends close and bring his enemies closer.

Match 5: Roman Reigns vs The Miz
Miz pleds with Roman that they don’t have to this, but instead of listening Roman hits him with a big right sending Miz to the outside. Miz refuses to get in the ring and Roman goes out after him. Miz traps him and gets him in a headlock inside the ring. Roman fights out and gets a headlock of his own. Roman hits a shoulder tackle, but favors his back. Dallas cheap shots Roman and Miz takes advantage with a huge kick. Roman kicks out of the pin and Miz goes to elbowing him. Miz gets a chin lock in on Roman and continues the pressure. Roman overpowers him and lands a big right hand. Miz sends Roman out of the ring and The Miztourage takes advantage. Miz meets him on the outside and brings him back in the ring. Miz goes for the cover, but Roman kicks out. Miz gets him in the corner and lands a series of huge drop kicks. Miz goes for a third, but Roman catches him and lands Samoan drop. Miz kicks out of the pin. Roman comes at him with huge clotheslines. He continues them in the corner and has to break them. Roman hits Miz with a big boot and looks for the Superman punch. Roman gets distracted by Axel and Miz takes a cheap shot. Miz then lands the it kicks. Roman catches him on the last kick and lifts him up, but Miz fights out. Roman quickly turns it around hits Miz with a Superman punch. Roman hits one on Axel and Dallas too. Miz is able to come back on another distraction and hits a ddt, but Roman is able to kick out. Miz looks to finish, but Roman counters and hits Miz with a spear. Roman goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match The Miztourage comes in and attacks Roman. Dallas and Axel stomp on him. Roman fights back and takes out The Miztourage. He hits Miz with a Superman punch and taunts him. Axel and Dallas come in from behind and hit Roman with steel chairs. Miz finishes with the Skull Crushing Finale. Miz and The Miztourage comes back to the ring and Miz crushes Roman with a steel chair. He hits another Skull Crushing Finale on the chair. Miz follows up with one last chair shot. Miz and The Miztourage come together to fist bump and Shield fashion.
Winner: Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
I enjoyed that match. I think it spoke to true form of The Miz. It definitely made The Miztourage and Miz look a lot stronger. Tonight was a statement and Miz made his point. I really hope this rivalry will continue and maybe we will see The Shield reunite at some point for one night. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next, but Miz has momentum right now and they need to keep him hot. Roman will come back stronger and will show them up. All and all I think Miz had a good showing with Roman and they did a good job not overusing Roman tonight as he definitely wasn’t 100%. All in all Miz continues to make statements and proving that he is one of the top guys.

Match 6: Finn Balor vs Goldust
Balor goes right after Goldust. Goldust tries to counter, but is thrown to the outside. Balor meets him on the outside and lands a huge drop kick. Balor then drives him into the other barricade and does it again. Balor brings him back in the ring, but Goldust catches him in the shoulder and sends him crashing to the outside. Goldust meets him out there and drops him on the barricade as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Goldust is in control. Balor works to a vertical base and fights out of the hold of Goldust. He works Goldust in the corner and hits with hard elbows. Goldust comes back and hits him in the ribs. Goldust hits a spine buster, but Balor kicks out of the pin. Goldust brings Balor to his feet, but Balor counters momentarily. Goldust tries to take advantage, but is hit with an overhead kick. Balor stomps on Goldust and follows with a sling blade. Balor dropkicks him into the corner. Balor goes to the top and hits the Coupe de Grace. Balor goes for the cover and gets the three.
*** After the match Wyatt plays mind games with Balor as the lights go out and we here “He’s got the whole world in his hands.”
Winner: Finn Balor
My Opinion:
I really have enjoyed seeing Goldust used like this. He’s been around so long and I want his last run memorable. I think he and Balor did well and really took it to each other. Balor has a new edge to him and I hope that he keeps the edge. I like the rivalry with Wyatt, but if they keep it going they have to to keep it fresh. They can’t just continue to do the same thing so they have to be smart in how they play this. To me though Balor deserves more and I really wanna see him in title contention again.
Bayley asks Sasha if she got her text. Bayley tells her it was every women for themselves out there. Sasha says she was so close to getting her title back. Bayley says so was she. Sasha tells her to forget and worry about tonight. Bayley says for the past month all she’s thought about his her shoulder popping and Nia laughing and claims that tonight she will make Nia feel her pain.

Backstage Segment:
Angle says The Miz and The Miztourage are out of control. Enzo approaches him and tells him that people are jealous and he needs a no contact clause so if anyone touches him they forfeit any chance at the title. Angle says he’s got it, but he’s annoying as hell.

Match 7: Nia Jax & Emma vs Sasha Banks & Bayley
Bayley and Nia start off the match. Bayley lands a good kick and lands a series of rights, but Nia goes right after Bayley’s shoulder. Nia takes out Sasha on the apron and clotheslines Bayley. Nia sends Bayley to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Emma is in control of Bayley. Bayley fights to her feet and tries for a tag, but is hit with a clothesline. Bayley kicks out of the pin attempt and Nia gets the tag. Nia toys with Bayley. Bayley tries to escape, but Nia keeps on her. Bayley continues to fight, but Nia goes right back to the shoulder driving her weight onto it. Nia drives Bayley in the corner and Emma gets the tag. Emma stomps away, but Bayley fights back with elbows and a big kick. Bayley tries for a tag and is able to push Emma off of her. Sasha gets the tag and comes in with a huge drop kick. Sasha works Emma and tries to knock Nia off the apron. Sasha sends Emma to the mat hard, but Nia comes to break up the pin. Bayley gets involved and is driven to the outside. Sasha flies and takes down Nia. Bayley drives Nia into the post. Sasha gets back in the ring and gets rolled up by Emma, but is able to kick out. Bayley tags herself in and hits a big knee. Bayley comes at Emma and hits Bayley to Belly to get the win.
Winners: Sasha Banks & Bayley
My Opinion:
Bayley and Sasha worked well together. I love seeing these two together, but every time I do I can’t help but wonder when Sasha will turn on her. I commented early about the women not getting enough time and I still see that as true, but it was good to see them be the last match of the night. It will be interesting to see how the division will play out. One thing I want to see from the women is more diversity in their style. I think tonight was very much like any other match they have had and they need to find different ways to do the same thing. One thing I would love to see from the Women is a rivalry between two of them that’s not for the title, but just about the rivalry and the wrestling. That’s something that can bring the full potential out of them.

*** Next week we will see Seth Rollins face off against Braun Strowman. Also announced Roman Reigns will face The Miz for the Intercontinental Championship.

In Ring Segment: Enzo Amore
Enzo comes in and tells how he is the new Cruiserweight Champion. Enzo tells this morning he woke up in his California king bed and says the most beautiful women looking back at him (Cruiserweight Championship). Enzo tells that all the scrutiny he’s gotten comes from jealousy. He questions Big Cass and says from the looks of it he was the one holding him up. Enzo then speaks on those who says he can’t wrestle and tells that other like Batista and The Rock have been told the same thing. Enzo unveils a Certified G jersey and says it should be retired. He then says he made 205 relevant and the stats don’t lie. Out comes the Cruiserweight Division.
Enzo questions there appearance on stage and asks what do we got over here a cuppa haters. Enzo picks on Swann and tells how he danced his way to being a champion to being irrelevant. He tell Cedric that charisma forgot him. He goes on to Gran Metalik and tells him that with a guy like that someone needs to bring a scale out here because he is not 205. He goes on to Gulak, Gallagher and Noam, but out comes Neville.
Enzo says look who decided to show up. He tells Neville he looks terrible and asks where’s his crown, but says that’s right it’s on a real man. He tells Neville he can see his pain because the truth hurts. Neville tells Enzo that he’s right the truth is brutal. Neville says that Enzo is such an unbearable and toxic individual that he becime alienated by anyone he comes in contact with. Neville tells that Enzo was dumped on their doorstep because no one wanted him. He tells how the rest of the division wanted Enzo to have an opportunity. Neville asks if this is how he repays them. Enzo says he repays them by getting eyes on them. Neville tells that Enzo has done nothing, but make a joke out of everything. Neville says that on behalf of the Cruiserweight Division he is here to end him. Enzo tells him to back up because he has this clause and he’ll never touch the title if he touches him. Enzo tells him that this is the last hour of Raw and Neville never even sniffed it as champion. He tells how he gets more money in royalties than anyone of them. Enzo tells him to go home, but neville has had enough. Neville sends Enzo into his jersey. He brings him to the outside and throws him into the barricade repeatedly. Enzo tries to walk away, but is stopped by the rest of the division. Neville brings him in the ring and makes him eat the clause he was holding. Neville hits him with a huge kick and finishes with the Red Arrow.
My Opinion:
I can’t believe the Cruiserweights closed the show, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t like it. I honestly loved all of that. I think Enzo is truthful in his words he has brought relevance to the division and there’s no doubt about that. Now people want to see this, they want to see what he will say next or what he will do next. I think this could potentially skyrocket this division as long as they don’t screw up the momentum. Truth be told Enzo was the shot in the arm that the division needed. I don’t know how everyone else will feel, but I know for myself I’m excited.

Final Thoughts:
To some tonight was a bust and I get that, to me it was a hit. What I saw tonight was a wrestling show. Tonight had nothing to do with flashy things, but all to do with what pro wrestling is. They started off the night on a good note and then we got unique tag match with Jordan and Hardy facing The Miztourage. That match was really good in my opinion and thought it started the show very well. You go through some of the other matches like Elias and Apollo crews, that may not be exciting to some but they showed me that they can do this and do it at a high level, they left me wanting more and that’s key. Other matches were awesome as well like Ambrose and Strowman, Rollins and Sheamus, and Miz and Reigns. Interesting and intriguing matches and they all delivered. The Women came out and even though Alexa’s segment wasn’t the best the tag match later on made up for it and gave the women more spotlight which they rightfully deserve. Even Balor and Goldust did well tonight, they brought something out of each other that you just wouldn’t expect seeing that on paper. Then with the Cruiserweights closing the show it was unique and really good. Now I get that they were on last because of the fact that less people are watching the last hour of Raw, but nonetheless they took the shot and it worked. Enzo went out there and killed it on the mic, plus Neville got over tonight and it put the division in a spotlight it hasn’t had in awhile. Mainly what I saw tonight was creativity, these were well thought out matches and segments for the most part and I can say I enjoyed tonight more than last week. There was a lot of wrestling and a lot of relevant mic time and I hope this trend continues. At the end of the day WWE needs to stick true to what is and that’s a wrestling company. If they put together creative matches and segments all the other stuff will fall into place.
Overall Rating: 7/10