Raw Review 10/01/2018

Tonight is the Go-Home Edition of Monday Night Raw before this Saturday’s Super Show-Down Event in Melbourne, Australia! Five days before Ronda Rousey teams up with The Bella Twins to take on the Riott Squad she takes on Ruby Riott one on one. Can Ronda gain momentum for her team or will Riott pick up the biggest win of her career? Plus, what will happen when “HBK” Shawn Michaels returns to Raw ahead of the epic showdown between Triple H and The Undertaker. After chaos in his match last week against Elias, Bobby Lashley will get his hands on Kevin Owens. Can Lashley gain an edge for him and John Cena or will Elias and Owens continue to be a force of chaos. Finally, Last week Braun Strowman, Dolph Ziggler, and Drew Mcintyre did all they could to get Dean Ambrose to turn on The Shield but he didn’t budge. This week can The shield continue to hold strong despite the mind games?

Raw comes to us from the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington.

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

In Ring Segment: Dean Ambrose
Charly brings up last week and tells how it was suggested last week that Ambrose was unhappy in The Shield and that they need him more then he needs them. Ambrose says there is a lot of truth to what those guys said. He tells how Seth and Roman are both champions and he has nothing. He then brings up how Seth replaced him very quickly after he went down with his injury. Charly asks if he ever thought leaving the Shield. He says sure he thinks about a lot of things, he says maybe he already did and turned in his black uniform. He said maybe his dog tags don’t mean as much to him anymore. Charly says she doesn’t know if he is being sarcastic but people are asking a lot of questions. Ambrose says how people ask if he is still in the Shield, if he is gonna turn his back, when he’s gonna snap. He says maybe people are thinking he is waiting for the perfect time when nobody is looking and nobody is watching and can slip the knife right in his back. Charly then shows the footage from last week where Ambrose sided with The Shield instead of turning. She asks what was going through his mind. Ambrose says he could be on SmackDown right now instead of being here cleaning up his brother’s messes. He says people probably think he is sick and tired of The Shield. He says how about everyone judge him based on his actions, standing up for his brother’s, his family. He says The shield is not a business, it is not a brand, it is a brotherhood and they will always stand together. Out comes Baron Corbin.
Corbin says that was a good story but all he hears is a bunch of whining. He asks if there is something wrong in that lunatic brain of his. Ambrose asks if he is a therapist now along with being the world’s biggest substitute teacher. He then asks if Corbin is just sick he can’t put The Shield down. Corbin admits he didn’t but says he kept them in line. Corbin then says let’s see where you stand and gives Ambrose three choices for matches tonight. Face Seth Rollins for the Intercontinental Championship, face Roman for the Universal Championship, or face Braun Strowman. Corbin says what’s it gonna be your brothers or your career. Ambrose says how about secret choice number 4 me versus you. Corbin says he’ll make the decision for him right now and says he will face Braun Strowman right now.
My Opinion:
This was an awesome way to kick off the show. There is a lot of questions people have for Ambrose so this was a perfect way to keep people guessing. I loved the choices Corbin gave Ambrose. It’ll be interesting to see how far he goes before Ambrose does finally crack. Ambrose stands with The Shield right now but once he gets back into the mix I think he’ll go stand on his own. Ambrose going heel could be what sends him back to the top.

Match 1: Dean Ambrose vs Braun Strowman
Ambrose lands a big dropkick to Strowman but Strowman comes back with a huge headbutt. Strowman then connects with a huge boot to the face. Strowman throws Ambrose into the corner and he crashes to the mat. Strowman then wrenches on the neck of Ambrose. Strowman hits Ambrose with huge strikes to the chest and goes back to the neck. Ambrose gets to his feet but Strowman hits his back and knocks Ambrose back to the mat. Strowman brings Ambrose to the corner and hits him with a big forearm. Strowman then connects with a huge splash. Strowman follows by going back to the neck. Ambrose tries to get out but Strowman keeps the hold and then picks him up and slams him. Strowman then connects with a slap. Ambrose gets up in the corner but Strowman throws him back down to the mat. Strowman stays on Ambrose with big boot shots. Ambrose finally gets some offense and locks in a guillotine. Strowman powers out but Ambrose stays on him and goes for his leg. Ambrose then hits him with big forearms in the corner. Strowman knocks Ambrose back down to the mat as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Strowman continues to work on the neck and then brings Ambrose to the corner. Ambrose is able to land a kick and then a series of forearms. Ambrose fights off Strowman with a big thumb to the eye. Ambrose misses on Dirty Deeds but is able to send Strowman to the floor. Ambrose is able to move out of the corner and Strowman crashes. Ambrose is able to drive Strowman to one knee but he is then caught. Strowman drives him to the mat. Ambrose is able to fight off Strowman and hits Dirty Deeds. Ambrose tries the cover but Strowman kicks out at two. Ambrose then hits a suicide dive on the outside driving Strowman into the barricade. Ambrose then is able to drive Strowman into the steps. Ambrose and Strowman gets back in the ring and Strowman hits a big power slam. On the outside Strowman hits Ambrose with a big shoulder and Ambrose crashes to the floor. Strowman then sends Ambrose into the barricade. Strowman then hits Ambrose with a power slam. Strowman goes for a second but out comes Roman Reigns. Reigns hits Strowman with a Superman Punch. Strowman is able to get him but Reigns fight off and hits him with a boot. Rollins comes out and then send Strowman to the floor.
*** Corbin comes out with Ziggler and Mcintyre. He tells them this isn’t The shield’s show this is his show. He tells Rollins he is gonna face Mcintyre later tonight and tells Reigns he is gonna face Ziggler right now.
Winner: Braun Strowman: Via DQ
My Opinion:
This was an okay match, I thought they did well keeping strowman looking strong but allowing Ambrose to show the fight he had. Ambrose gave it his best shot but obviously, Strowman was able to take over. I like Reigns and Rollins coming to help because it allows the story to go both ways. Ambrose can either be mad and say he didn’t need them or it can show they have his back.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins asks Ambrose if he is alright. Ambrose gets mad and says he is fine. Rollins says it’s about the war, not the battle. Ambrose says yeah he sure did. Ambrose tells Rollins it’s funny he could be Intercontinental Champion right now.

Match 2: Dolph Ziggler vs Roman Reigns
Ziggler goes right after Reigns and uses the ropes to get an advantage. Reigns fights back with a big right hand. Reigns grabs Ziggler but Ziggler hits him with big right hands. Ziggler tries a cover but Reigns kicks out. Ziggler then goes to a body lock. Ziggler stays on Reigns and tries another cover but Reigns kicks out again. Ziggler sends Reigns shoulder first into the ring post and Reigns goes to the floor. On the outside Reigns hits Ziggler with a big right hand. Ziggler fights back and lands a huge DDT. Ziggler brings Reigns into the ring and hits the Famouser but it’s not enough to put away Reigns as raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ziggler continues on the offensive. Ziggler is able to get to Reigns and locks in the sleeper. Reigns drives Ziggler into the corner to break the grip. Reigns tosses Ziggler and then hits him with a back elbow. Reigns hits him with a couple of clotheslines and takes Ziggler down. Reigns hits Ziggler with 10 big clotheslines in the corner. He then connects with a huge boot. Reigns misses on the Superman Punch and Ziggler turns it into a cover but Reigns kicks out. Ziggler rakes the eyes to avoid the Samoan Drop and hits the Zig Zag but Reigns kicks out at two and a half. Ziggler looks for the superkick but Reigns is able to turn it into the Superman Punch. Reigns goes for the cover but Ziggler kicks out. Reigns looks for the spear but Ziggler turns it into a pin. Reigns kicks out. Ziggler hits a headbutt but Reigns comes back with the spear and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
Wow, I’ll give it to Ziggler he put up one heck of a fight tonight. There many times I really thought he had this thing won. Good thing this wasn’t for the title because that may have given Ziggler exactly what he needed to put this match away. Reigns really had to fight for this one and considering Ziggler is the weakest member of him, Strowman, and Mcintyre and Reigns is the strongest of him, Rollins, and Ambrose it’s interesting they let Ziggler look that good. Even though Reigns won it seems like Ziggler has his number right now.

Match 3: Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan vs Ronda Rousey w/ Brie Bella & Nikki Bella
Riott and Rousey lock up and Rousey is able to bring her to the mat. Rousey stays on her and Riott has to go to the outside. Riott comes back into the ring and hits Rousey with a big knee. Rousey is able to come back with a big takedown. Riott goes to the outside but Rousey brings her right back in. Riott kicks Rousey and keeps her on the outside. Riott sends her into the barricade and then tries a cover in the ring but Rousey kicks out. Riott stays on Rousey and once again Rousey is sent to the outside. Riott bounces Rousey off of the apron and then tries another cover but Rousey kicks out. Riott grinds Rousey’s face in the mat and then hits a knee to her arm. Another cover but another kick out by Rousey. Riott uses the ropes to do more punishment to Rousey. Riott stays on her and then hits her with a huge right. Riott tries the cover but Rousey once again kicks out. Rousey cannot gain any offense and Riott slams Rousey to the mat using her hair. Riott tries the cover again but still can’t put her away. Riott hits a headbutt and then slams her back down to the mat. Rousey has to power out of the cover. Riott toys with her with kicks to the face. Rousey is able to intercept the Riott Kick and she tosses Riott. Rousey hits her with big uppercuts. Rousey gets a gut wrench and slams Riott. Rousey then hits a dropkick to Logan. Riott rolls her up on the distraction but gets a near fall. Rousey comes back and slams Riott. Rousey gets the armbar and Riott taps.
Winner: Ronda Rousey
My Opinion:
Riott was so impressive tonight with the way she dominated most of this match. Rousey isn’t someone who needs a lot of moves to win but still I was shocked Riott got this much offense on her. I like this though because it not only keeps Riott looking like a top superstar but it shows Rousey is human which she needs to fit in. Rousey can always be overpowering and dominating, sometimes he has to step back and tonight she did that. The point still remains though if Rousey picks her spot it’s over.

Match 4: Bobby Roode w/ Chad Gable vs Konnor w/ Viktor
Roode hits Konnor with big kicks to the legs but Konnor gets him in the corner. Roode moves out of the way and lands a chop of his own. Roode lands another chop and brings Konnor down. Konnor comes back and drops Roode as he comes off the ropes. Konnor then stomps on Roode in the corner. Konnor then plants Roode with a huge elbow. Konnor then wrenches on the neck of Roode. Konnor goes to a chinlock and keeps Roode on the mat. Konnor tries an elbow but Roode moves out of the way. Roode is able to land a drop toe hold and into the turnbuckle. Roode goes to the top and lands a big clothesline. Roode hits him a clothesline in the corner. Konnor is able to reverse Roode and send him into the corner but Roode hits him with his boots. Roode then hits the blockbuster. Viktor takes out Gable on the outside. Roode takes out Viktor but this allows Konnor to take advantage. Konnor locks in the gut wrench and plants Roode. Konnor goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Konnor
My Opinion:
Konnor does it again! Another big singles victory and it leaves me wondering will this lead to anything? Konnor is awesome in the ring but obviously, he isn’t a singles competitor. Either way, he’s looking great and he could be in a position now to do something big. The way they are working with The Accession it feels like they are building them up and not Roode and Gable. If they are building up The Ascension I say send them to SmackDown because there they could be Tag Team Champions for sure.

Match 5: B-Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) vs The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
As Raw returns, Wilder works out of the ring and tags Dawson. Dawson hits a bulldog and tries a cover but Axel kicks out. Dawson stays on Axel and prevents him from getting the tag. Wilder gets the tag and works the arm of Axel. Wilder lands a drop toes hold and prevents Axel from getting the tag. Wilder then goes to work on Axel’s shoulder. Axel is able to send Wilder into the turnbuckle and breaks the hold. Dawson gets the tag but so does Dallas. Dallas knocks Dawson and stays on him but Dawson gets back in control. Wilder comes in and gets tripped up. Dallas is able to get his knees up and gets the 1 2 3 on Wilder.
***After the match AOP comes out and attacks Dallas and Axel. they then go and hit the Super Collider on The Revival.
Winners: B-Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas)
My Opinion:
It was good to see The B-Team again. They were a big part of Raw for awhile there so it’s been weird not seeing them. Kinda surprised they beat The Revival tonight being that they had such a good showing against Ziggler and Mcintyre last week. This to me is why The Revival can’t pick up steam cause when they give them an inch they take it right back. I liked AOP coming out at the end. They’re starting to become the top team and they deserve it. They can run the division and they need to keep up the destruction!

Backstage Segment:
Reigns asks Ambrose if he is alright. Ambrose says he’s fine. Ambrose says he had him out there and could’ve put him away. Reigns says yeah but you could’ve also gotten hurt and we need you in Australia. Ambrose says if he wasn’t such a nice guy he might be Universal Champion right now.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin tells AOP that’s how it’s down, way to leave your mark. He tells AOP he likes it and enjoys every second of it. He tells them to keep getting it done.

Backstage Segment:
Ziggler says he saw the look in Ambrose’s eyes, he says he feels like he is starting to change. Braun says Ambrose is a tough bastard and if it wasn’t against him he would’ve won tonight. He says they need winners here and tells Mcintyre to go out and win. Braun looks at Ziggler and says we don’t need any weka links.

Match 6: Seth Rollins vs Drew Mcintyre
Mcintyre backs Rollins into the corner and is backed off by the ref. Rollins gets Mcintyre in the corner and hammers on him. Rollins uses his quickness to evade Mcintyre and send him to the outside. Rollins flies to the outside and drives Mcintyre into the barricade. Mcintyre misses with the boot back in the ring. Rollins hits Mcintyre with big chops. Rollins goes off the turnbuckle and Mcintyre hits him with a big boot. Mcintyre drops Rollins and works his arm. Rollins is able to fight off Mcintyre and send him through the second rope. On the apron, Mcintyre sends Rollins off of the post and Rollins goes to the floor. Mcintyre moves the stairs and uses them as a launching board to slam Rollins on the apron as Raw goes to break.
As Raw goes to break, Rollins hits the sling blade. Rollins follows with the blockbuster but it’s not enough to put away Mcintyre. Rollins hits a step up enzuigiri and then launches himself off the ropes landing on the neck of Mcintyre again. Rollins goes for the cover but can’t get the three. Mcintyre grabs Rollins but Rollins is able to roll through and tries the cover but Mcintyre kicks out. Rollins counters Mcintyre and hits the Falcon Arrow but once again Mcintyre kicks out. Rollins goes to the top but Mcintyre drops him. Mcintyre hits him with a chop and meets him up top. Mcintyre Puts him on his back but Rollins fights off and turns it into a buckle bomb. Rollins lands a big kick and locks for the superkick but out comes Ziggler. Ziggler distracts him and it allows Mcintyre to hit the Claymore. Mcintyre gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Ziggler and Mcintyre attack Rollins. Reigns comes out to help. Braun then comes out. Mcintyre and Ziggler flatten Reigns. Ambrose then comes out with an ax handle and take out Braun, Dolph, and Drew. Ambrose goes to the outside but runs into Braun. Rollins tries to help but Ziggler hits him with a superman kick, Ambrose tries to fight but he gets beaten down. Mcintyre and Ziggler hits the Zig Zag and the Claymore on Ambrose. Strowman then hits a power slam on Reigns.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
This was an awesome match between these two. Rollins did so well in fighting off Mcintyre. Mcintyre is so powerful and it showed tonight but he really had to work for this. Rollins had this won if not for Ziggler. Rollins showed a lot of heart tonight and that’s why he is one of the best. It’s interesting to see Braun, Dolph and Drew go over on The Shield tonight. I think heading into this Saturday the odds are even and The Shield now have more fuel to the fire.

Backstage Segment:
Owens asks Elias what they got her. Elias says they have their triangle of water, his mince, and his spinach. Owens ask about the cashew. Elias says he does like them and throws them at one of the backstage hands. Owens then asks if he can take a water. Elias tells him to take whatever he needs.

Match 7: Kevin Owens w/ Elias vs Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush
As the match begins Owens goes to the outside. Owens applies a waist lock but Lashley powers out. Owens gets Lashley on the mat and works a side headlock. Lashley gets to his feet and drops Owens with a shoulder tackle. Lashley grabs Owens and drops him to the mat. Lashley gets Owens in the corner and hits him with big rights. He continues to drive Owens into the corners. Ow B-Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas)esn tries to block but once again Owens is slammed into the corner. Lashley hits him with a right and for a moment Owens fights back but Lashley continues to hammer with the rights. Owens gets caught and Lashley lands a power slam. Lashley puts Owens on his shoulders but Owens fights it off and Lashley is sent shoulder first into the ring post. Lashley is then sent into the ring post again as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Owens slams Lashley’s arm off the steps. Back in the ring, Owens hits the senton but Lashley kicks out of the cover. Owens then goes to work on the shoulder of Lashley. Owens keeps the pressure on as Lashley tries to fight out. Lashley is able to get to his feet and off the leapfrog, he lands a big clothesline. Lashley lands a hammer fist to the back and then another clothesline, Lashley then slams Owens on the mat face first. Lashley hits the spinebuster on Owens. Rush gets grabbed by Elias on the outside. Lashley gets distracted and Owens rolls him up for the 1 2 3. Lashley pulls Elias in the ring and then tees off on Owens. Elias and Owens are able to get the edge and they tee off on Lashley. Rush tries to fly but Elias swats him down. Elias sends Lashley into Owens and Owens hits the pop up powerbomb.
Winner: Kevin Owens
My Opinion:
Owens doesn’t pick up the cleanest victory but he gets the win nonetheless. Owens and Elias have proven they are a true team and have shown how well they can work together. The point made tonight is for this tag team match Lashley has been left alone without any help from his partner this Saturday John Cena. Cena may be the best but to show up and make a perfect team will be hard. Elias and Owens have a lot to prove and if they’re looking to make the claim they’re the best on Raw then this is a must-win match for them on Saturday.

Match 8: Bayley w/Finn Balor vs Alicia Fox w/ Jinder Mahal & Sunil Singh
Fox backs Bayley into the corner but Fox is backed off. Bayley gets Fox into the corner and hammers on her. Fox is able to get the upper hand and drop Bayley to the mat. Fox tries a cover but Bayley kicks out. Bayley hammers on Fox but Fox is able to drop Bayley sending her into the corner. Bayley fights back and lands a leaping elbow but it’s not enough to keep Fox down. Fox lands a big knee and then hits a northern lights suplex. Fox tires the cover but Bayley kicks out. Fox then goes to a chinlock. Fox sends Bayley into the corner and then does it again.. Bayley is able to grab her and catches her up on the second rope. Bayley lands a series of clotheslines and then hangs up Fox on the ropes. Bayley is able to land a dropkick on Fox. she then hits one on Mahal after he tries to get involved. Balor takes him out with the sling blade. Bayley is able to land the Bayley to Belly and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Bayley
My Opinion:
Bayley picks up the big win tonight. She and Balor look like they are gonna make a great team and I can’t wait to see them compete together tomorrow night. Balor comes and helped when she needed and it helped Bayley win. Together these two have what it takes to win and tonight Bayley gets the momentum for her and Balor.

In Ring Segment: “HBK” Shawn Michaels
HBK tells the crowd they make it feel good to come home again. He says you have to imagine what it’s like just how intense this event is gonna be when before it happens you can feel that emotion. He says in the past several weeks he has felt all the emotions but now it is time this Saturday the last time ever. He says the first time he heard about this match he went and booked his ticket because he knew it would be a historic event and he wanted to be there to witness it as a fan up until a couple weeks ago. He says Taker made it personal with him. He tells that Taker made him make a choice between him and Triple H of who he stood behind. He says he has the most respect for Taker but any day of the week and twice on Sunday he will pick his best friend over anyone. He says Taker made it personal and now it is, he has Kane in his corner and now Triple H has his brother in his corner. He tells Kane if he or anyone tries to crowd the ring he’ll brush him back with some Sweet Chin Music. Kanes Music hits.
Kane is behind HBK and hits him with a big right hand. Undertaker’s music hits and the lights go out. He’s then in the ring next to Kane. Taker picks up HBK but here comes Triple H! Taker and Triple H trade rights. Kane joins but Triple H fight him off. HBK gets to his feet and tries to help. Taker and Kane grab them and hit a double chokeslam! Taker then hits the Tombstone on Triple H!
My Opinion:
This was an awesome way to end Raw! What an iconic moment seeing The Brothers of Destruction do what they do best. Taker seems to be ready for Triple H and Kane showed tonight he has no problem getting in there and mixing it up. As much as Triple H may think he’s ready I don’t think he can prepare for this. Kane and Taker are a force like no other. Even with HBK to help I think the odds are too high. Taker and Kane are on their way to Melbourne to cause destruction!

Final Thoughts:
Tonight was a good Raw heading into Super Show-Down. I liked the tension between Dean Ambrose and The Shield. Ambrose definitely could turn on them the question will just be when is the right time. I like how they keep making it seem like he will but at the end of the day, he continues to have their back. With The Shield left down and out tonight it’ll be interesting to see how they bounce back this Saturday. I loved Ruby Riott and Ronda Rousey’s match. Riott proved so much tonight and showed she is one of the top superstars. Rousey had to fight for this victory but as I said Rousey continues to show she just needs to pick her spots and she can end any match in a blink of an eye. I loved AOP coming and causing destruction taking out The B-Team and The Revival. It’s about time those boys get to run the show and run through the division all the way to the top. Finally, it was awesome seeing The Brothers of Destruction standing tall as Raw went off the air. They look ready for this Saturday and I don’t think Triple H and HBK are ready for them. One thing is for sure this Saturday will be amazing!!!!
Overall Rating: 7/10