Raw Review 10/22/2018

Tonight is the Go-Home Edition of Monday Night Raw before this Sunday’s Evolution PPV! After laying out Braun Strowman last week as Raw went off the air, did Drew Mcintyre start a war with the Monster Among Men? The Shield has been at odds as of late but can Reigns and Rollins pull Ambrose back in? After a war of words, last week will The Bella’s try to get one over on Ronda Rousey ahead of Evolution? Speaking of Evolution with the PPV less than a week away what new developments will come before the event? Plus, after trying to show up Finn Balor last week will Bobby Lashley have Balor coming after him? Finally, Apollo Crews stepped out on his own and showed up Elias last week, what will be next for Crews?

Raw comes to us from the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island.

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

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
Reigns says he feels like he owes everybody an apology. He says for months maybe even a year he’s come out here and spoke as Roman Reigns saying he was gonna be a fighting champion and workhorse but it’s all a lie. He says its a lie because the reality is his real name is Joe and he has been living with leukemia for 11 years. He says because of that he has to relinquish the title. He says he will take any prayers he can take. He says when he was 22 he was diagnosed and luckily he was able to put in remission very quickly. He says at that time WWE was the place that gave him the chance. He says when he was put on the road to be in front of the crowd they made his dreams come true. He says it didn’t matter if they cheered him or booed him they always reacted to him and made his dreams come true. He says life doesn’ always go your way but it’s time he goes home and takes care of his health. He says he’s gonna come back after he whips leukemias ass and when he comes back not just for titles but to show everyone when life throws a curve ball this way he will stand in the box and swing for the fences. He says he will beat this and be back very very soon. He says God bless and thanks the crowd telling them he loves them. Rollins and Ambrose meet him on the stage and give him a hug.
My Opinion:
Wow, I don’t even know what to say to this one. Sometimes life hits and the fantasy goes away. Reigns is one of the hardest working guys in the WWE. he will absolutely be missed and I hope he will be okay. Reigns is a fighter and I hope he can get through this.

Match 1: Finn Balor vs Bobby Lashley
Lashley knocks down Balor and toys with him. Lashley goes to working the shoulder of Balor. Lashley brings Balor to his feet but Balor fights him off and lands a dropkick. Rush runs the distraction and on the outside, Lashley knocks Balor to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Lashley is working the shoulder of Balor. Lashley hits Balor with a big right and drops Balor to the mat. Lashley lifts Balor but Balor fights off. Balor then is able to land a basement dropkick. Balor continues to hit Lashley but can’t bring him down. Balor finally brings him down and hits a stomp to the chest. Balor hits him with a chop in the corner but Lashley continues to fight. Balor is able to hit him with his boots but gets caught as he tries to fly. Lashley hits a Samoan drop and goes for the cover but Balor kicks out. Balor fights off the verticle suplex and lands the sling blade. Balor goes up top but Lashley gets to his feet. Lashley then runs him over bringing him back to the mat. Lashley lifts Balor but Balor fights off again and rolls him up. Balor gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winner: Finn Balor
My Opinion:
Good for Balor to pull out the win here. It’s no surprise Lashley was in control most of the match but Balor is ring smart and stayed the course. Lashley just couldn’t put him away as Balor continued to fight out of his moves. In this match Rush wasn’t much of a help so it’ll be interesting to see if Lashley starts to turn on him. As for Balor, he pulls out the big win and hopefully for him he’ll continue winning.

Backstage Segment:
Ziggler tells Mcintyre last week he appreciated him having his back but now every week have they have to look over his shoulder. Mcintyre tells Ziggler he knew Braun was coming for him and he had to kill or be killed. Ziggler says they need to focus on their tag team match and then brings up Crown Jewel. Mcintyre tells him that Braun needed them, and he is not afraid of Braun so he has nothing to worry about. Ziggler asks him where he’s going and McIntyre says monster hunting.

Match 2: Sasha Banks w/ Natalya & Bayley vs  Ruby Riott w/ Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan
Riott tries a clothesline but misses. The two then lock up and Riott backs her to the ropes. Banks get around on her and throws her off the ropes. Riott though is able to knock Banks down. Riott works a side headlock but Banks fights out. Banks then hits a shoulder tackle and follows with a drop toe hold. Banks then hits the Meteora but it’s not enough to put away Riott. Riott fights back and gets in control. Riott tries a cover but Banks kicks out. Riott toys with Banks and then uses the ropes to choke her. Banks hits a deep arm drag but then gets hit with an elbow to the face. Banks tries to fly to take out Riott on the outside but Riott gets saved. Banks brings her back in the ring but Riott lands a big kick sending Banks to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Riott lands big kicks to Banks. Riott lifts her to her feet and Banks fights out with punches to the gut. Banks comes off the ropes and Riott hits her with the STO. Still, Banks won’t stay down. Riott works the neck of Banks and stays on her. Banks fights out and is able to send Riott face first into the turnbuckle. Banks takes down Riott and starts to build momentum. Banks hits the Meteora and then hits the backstabber into the Banks Statement. The Riott Squad tries to get involved but Bayley and Natalya stop them. Banks comes out and takes down Logan and Morgan. Riott takes advantage and hits the Riott kick. Riott goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Ruby Riott
My Opinion:
Big win for Riott tonight ahead of Evolution on Sunday. Riott really took it to Banks and Banks just couldn’t find her footing tonight it seemed. The Riott Squad once again remains enough to keep getting Ruby wins. This Sunday the Riott Squad have the chance to show they’re the best group in the Women’s Division and the way they’re going I think they’ll prove just that.

In Ring Segment: DX
Triple H says there are a lot of big words being thrown around lately and one of those is fear. He tells how Taker and Kane said it was fear that kept Triple H form taking off the suit and it was fear that kept Michaels retired. Triple H says it’s gonna take more than that to put fear into them. Michaels says neither one of them is running for mayor. Michaels talks about the word nostalgia and says it’s just a really polite way of saying old. Triple H says then again there is a movie out right now that came out 40 years that is #1 right now. He then brings up Super ShowDown and how they packed the place to see him. He says maybe old is the polite way of saying they’re better. Triple H says they’ve been running the X for years, he says when you saw it you knew they were better than everyone else. He says maybe this X is in the past but there is another X that says they’re better and it says the future is now and they’re running that too. Triple H says if they bring this X to Crown Jewel they’re not coming for nostalgia they’re coming to kick their ass. Undertakers music then hits.
On the titantron is Kane and Undertaker in a graveyard. Taker says pride goes before destruction. Kane says arrogance proceeds the fall. Undertaker says they will unleash their utter contempt. Kane tells Triple H he should’ve stayed away and Michaels should’ve stayed retired. He tells them they can’t turn back the clock, run form the reappear or beat the Brothers Of Destruction. Taker says they will take them down and they will own their souls for eternity. Kane says they will be tormented by their failure. Undertaker says they will never Rest In Peace.
My Opinion:
Taker and Kane continue to throw threats DX’s way, I believe them but if DX becomes that of old they can win this match. DX will have to do whatever it takes to win and I think they’ll do that. Taker and Kane have the momentum going in but Michaels and Triple H look ready and I can’t wait for this match.

*** At Crown Jewel Braun Strowman will face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship

In Ring Segment: Paul Heyman
Heyman says his thoughts and prayers are with a champion of a man you know as Roman Reigns. Heyman says it is humbling to be amongst the members of the locker room tonight and to be in the presence of such courage and greatness. He says when he explains this to his children is what they witnessed was sacrificed. He says Reigns sacrificed tonight because he couldn’t fulfill the obligations of being the champion. He says the championship deserves the best that someone has to offer it. He says you should point at the champion and say that’s the best, that’ the best this industry has to offer, that’s number one. He said until 8:05 tonight we were able to brag the champion was the best, he says Reigns wouldn’t want this to stop and say the show must go on. He tells that Brock Lesnar and Bruan Strowman will meet to decide who will carry on Reigns legacy and says I am worthy of being the champion. He says that won’t be Braun Strowman. He says Lesnar is the one worthy. He says Lesnar is a beast and Braun Strowman isn’t in his league. He says Bruan can’t compare to him, he’s not even in the same species. Out comes Braun Strowman.
Braun tells Heyman the only words he needs to say is to tell Lesnar he is gonna beat his ass all over Crown Jewel. He says he will bring the title back to Raw and not just when he wants to but every Monday. He says they may have had their differences but when Reigns beat Leukemia he will be the first to get an opportunity. He says for right now Brock Lesnar is gonna get these hands. Mcintyre then comes from behind and hits Braun with a Claymore.
My Opinion:
This will be a showdown between Lesnar and Braun. These two will go at it but I do hope Bruan walks away with the title. Braun deserves the chance to run with the title and right now he is the best choice. McIntyre continues to walk down a bad road provoking Braun by attacking him. I think that right there could be a great rivalry. Mcintyre is another guy who could be the champ right now.

Backstage Segment:
Ziggler tells Mcintyre that’s what he’s talking about. Charly asks Mcintyre if he’s afraid of the repercussions. Mcintyre says the roster isn’t willing to do what it takes to get the job done but he is. Mcintyre says what just happened is Bruan Strowman received a swift kick of reality and when he comes to he will know the truth that he needed them. He says ow they can focus on defending their tag team championships.

Match 3: Apollo Crews vs Elias
Crews works a side headlock and takes down Elias. Crews continues to pick up the pace and hits Elis with a dropkick. Elias throws Crews off the ropes but he hangs on. Elias is sent to the outside. Crews hits Elias with an elbow on the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Elias gets in control and works a chin lock on the mat. Crews flips Elias but he keeps the hold locked in. Finally, Crews breaks the hold. Crews hits a series of right hands and then hits a step-up enziguri, Crews comes with big kicks and then a jumping clothesline. Crews then hits a standing moonsault but Elias kicks out of the cover. Crews tries another cover but Elias kicks out. Elias hangs onto the top rope and sends Crews to the floor. Elias hits a huge knee as Crews renters the ring. He then hits Drift Away and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Elias
My Opinion:
Finally, Elias picks up a win and wasn’t just used to try to get someone else over. Elias showed tonight he can dominate and can weather the storm of his opponent. I think this is a good rivalry for him that can bring out the best in Elias but I hope someday we will see Elias in a much bigger role.

On Stage Segment:
Elias comes back out but is interrupted by Baron Corbin. Corbin tells him he is sorry to interrupt but he has to keep the show going. Elias says Stephanie wants to walk with Elias. Corbin says that may be true but what he has to say is far more important than his little performance. Corbin tells him to stop looking at him like that because he works for him and if Stephanie didn’t like him he’d fire him. He tells Elias to get off the stage. Elias then tries to go on with his performance before Corbin tells them to cut his mic and guitar. Corbin tells Elias again that he works for him and to get off the stage. Elias leaves but then comes back out and hits Corbin with the guitar in the back.

In Ring Segment: Raw Women’s Championship Contract Signing
Michale Cole says this Sunday we make history with the first ever Women’s PPV. he says one of those matches will be for the Raw Women’s Championship. He then introduces Nikki Bella. Cole then welcomes the champion, Ronda Rousey. Nikki and Brie get out of the ring as Ronda enters. Ronda says she didn’t come here to beat her up tonight she came to sing the contract so she can do it on Sunday. Ronda says her word is her bond and nothing will make her break her promise. She tells them if either of them could hurt her with her hands behind her back her mother would be ashamed of her. Nikki says wow Ronda gave us her word. Nikki says were not in danger because the one and only Ronda Rousey gave us her word. She then calls out Ronda and says didn’t you promise your mother you’d win the Olympics and win the championships like she did. She then asks Ronda didn’t you promise your mother you would retire UFC undefeated. Nikki tells Ronda to imagine what her mother will think when a diva beats her for her title. Nikki then slaps Ronda. Ronda smiles and signs the contract. Ronda tells her come Sunday she will end her. Ronda gives Nikki her word.
My Opinion:
I’m not the biggest fan of the Bellas so I really hope Ronda runs through Nikki on Sunday. Ronda has come a long way and I can’t see her going down like that. Ronda will walk through Nikki and be onto the next opponent. Nikki can put up a fight but I don’t think it will be anywhere close to enough to beat Ronda.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Seth and Dean if they can put into words the emotions of tonight. Ambrose says there aren’t words to describe the ride they have been on for six years. He says there aren’t words to describe the up and downs. Ambrose says when you don’t know what to say you just gotta do what you always do and tonight they’re gonna do that and win. Rollins says there are no words, he says tonight they will channel their emotions and beat Drew and Dolph and become the new tag team champions.

Match 4: Nia Jax vs Dana Brooke vs Tamina vs Ember Moon
Jax throws around Moon and Brooke to start. Brooke and Moon come and take it to Jax and Tamina. Brooke tries to steal one but Moon kicks out. Brooke continues to fight but Jax slams her. Jax gets Tamina in the corner and hits with shoulder shots. Tamina lands a big kick and takes it to Jax. Jax lifts Tamina but she fights off and hits Jax with a superkick. Moon comes from the top and hits the eclipse on Tamina. Moon gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Ember Moon
My Opinion:
Big win for Moon over these 3 women. Moon hung in there and picked her spot and if she wants to win on Sunday she will have to do just that. Nia and Tamina have to be two of the favorites in the battle royal but maybe kike tonight they’ll get in each other’s way. I could definitely see Moon pulling out the victory on Sunday.

Charly welcomes Trish Stratus and Lita. charly asks their feeling son how Mickie and Alexa are taking two Attitude Era stars so lightly. Trish says their actions are not what Evolution is about. Lita says they are ready for this. Trish says they have proven they bring out the best in each other. Lita says they’re gonna do it again at Evolution. Alicia Fox comes in and says Mickie and Alxea will beat them and send them packing home where they belong. Alicia and Mickie then attack Lita and Trish. Mickie says that is how they do it around here these days. Lita and Trish the go after them. Trish says that’s how they do it in the Attitude Ear, Lita says see you Sunday.

Match 5: Drew Mcintyre & Dolph Ziggler (C) vs Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose:
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Mcintyre goes after Ambrose but Ambrose fights it off and Rollins gets the tag, Rollins and Ambrose double team Mcintyre and then Ziggler. They stand tall as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ambrose lands a big knee to the gut. Ambrose catches Ziggler and hangs him up on the top rope. Rollins gets the tag and lands a sling blade. Rollins hits a suicide dive on Mcintyre and then sends Ziggler to the outside. Rollins flies again and takes out both Ziggler and Mcintyre this time. Mcintyre comes from behind and knocks Rollins off the top rope. Ziggler hits the famouser but Rollins kicks out of the cover. Mcintyre comes in and punishes Rollins. Ziggler tags back in and they double team, Rollins. Ziggler then goes to a chin lock and wears down Rollins. Ziggler wraps his legs around Rollins but Rollins lifts him and lands a belly to back suplex. Mcintyre gets the tag and prevents Rollins from getting one. Rollins hits him with a series of chops and then hits a step-up enziguri. Ziggler gets involved and Mcintyre gets back into it. Rollins is able to land a superkick and send him to the outside. Ambrose is then pulled off the apron by Ziggler and Ambrose is taken out by Mcintyre. Rollins drops Mcintyre but he gets right back up and hits an Alabama Slam on Rollins. Rollins kicks out of the cover as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ambrose goes after Mcintyre on the top rope. Mcintyre knocks him down but misses as he flies. Rollins comes in and hits the frog splash as Ambrose takes out Ziggler but Rollins can’t get the 3 count. Rollins goes to the top but is knocked down by Mcintyre. Rollins tries to fight back as Mcintyre gets hung up. Mcintyre lifts himself and is able to throw Rollins. Ziggler goes to the top and this time Rollins gets up there and hits the suplex followed by the Falcon Arrow. Rollins goes for the cover but can’t keep Ziggler down. Rollins lands a big kick but misses on the stomp. Rollins throws Ziggler into Mcintyre but Mcintyre comes back with a Clymore to Ambrose. Ziggler hits the Zig Zag on Rollins but can’t get the win on the pin. Ambrose gets involved and pulls Mcintyre out of the ring. Out comes Braun Strowman. Rollins tries to roll him up but Ziggler kicks out. Ziggler and Rollins then accidentally take out the ref. Braun goes after Mcintyre and he knocks him to the floor. Braun and Mcintyre fight out into the crowd. Mcintyre tries to fight back but Braun takes it to him. Ziggler grabs the title to hit Rollins but Ambrose takes it away. Rollins hits the stomp and goes for the cover. Rollins gets the 1 2 3. We have new champions!!!!
*** After the match Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds on Rollins. He then kicks him and unloads with punches. Ambrose brings Rollins to the outside and removes the padding on the floor. Ambrose then hits Dirty Deeds.
Winners: Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins: New Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
When Ambrose and Rollins won I thought it was amazing but I don’t know what to think now after Ambrose doing that. I guess if you’re gonna turn him heel tonight is a night that would draw the most heat. I don’t think it’s the best decision right now, I think considering what happened tonight they should’ve had just had that heartfelt moment. Instead of that emotional powerful ending, it’s now a confusing one. No doubt this is what wrestling is about but at the same time to me was not the night for this.

Final Thoughts:
For me tonight this was a very emotional and unforgettable Raw. the way the night started with Roman Reigns relinquishing the title because he has leukemia was very surreal. Wrestling is supposed to be an escape from reality and reality took over tonight. For Reigns, I hope the best for him and I can’t wait to see him come back better than ever. With a situation like this, it’s hard to figure out how to go on with the night but they did it very well, however the ending of tonight’s Raw I didn’t agree with very much. No doubt the show must go on and yes stories need to continue but tonight should’ve been a special one for Roman. As for this Sunday Evolution is shaping up to be special. First, Trish and Lita look ready for Alexa and Mickie. As for the Raw Women’s Championship Match Ronda Rousey looks like she is ready for the Bellas. I hope Ronda runs through them this Sunday and moves on to the next one!
Overall Rating: 7/10