Raw Review 10/03/2016

Monday, Monday, Monday, time for another Monday Night Raw! Tonight we are in Los Angeles for a star-studded show with special celebrity guest hosts Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson. Will these two make the “List of Jericho” when they show up tonight? Also we have a huge title match as “The Boss” Sasha Banks gets her one on one Women’s Championship match with Charlotte. Plus will Seth Rollins continue to go against GM Mick Foley? What will happen as Cesaro and Sheamus continue their tag quest? Not to mention the Cruiserweight’s will be shining bright tonight as Brian Kendrick gets another shot to go toe to toe with TJ Perkins. This and so much more live on Raw!

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Raw is live tonight from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, CA.
Raw kicks off with us being welcomed to the show by Michael Cole, Corey Graves & Byron Saxton.

In Ring Segment
Raw kicks off with Roman Reigns. Roman starts by saying his bloodline has been represented in the WWE for a long time and that he is the first to win the US Championship. He says that is because he is “The Guy.” He states he comes out on a nightly basis, but before he could complete his thought he is interrupted by Lana. Lana says she’s come out here to talk to Roman but Rusev doesn’t know. Roman says come on he knows where you are there’s like six cameras and you’re the only girl that gives him attention. She says very funny and it is good to have a sense of humor when you negotiate. Roman says we are negotiating? Lana says life is a negotiation and says Rusev wants a rematch for the United States Championship. Roman states it sounds like you do his dirty work and he hides behind your skirt. Lana says he is her family and Roman has zero respect for a family. How dare he come out and try to ruin their wedding celebration. She calls him a stupid boy and says to wipe his smile off his face. She claims it is not funny and Rusev will crush him in front of all these people, this country and his family. Roman tells her she is getting hot and that she needs to go to the back and cool down and give Rusev his Bulgarian balls back and have him come say it to his face. Lana says you do not say that and tells Roman to go to hell. Out comes Rusev.
A brawl breaks out between Rusev and Reigns as Reigns meets him on the outside. Roman throws him into the barricade the two trade shots and Roman is able to throw Rusev again. Roman throws Rusev into the ring and goes for a Superman Punch but is caught. Rusev puts Reigns in the corner and lands shoulders to his gut. Rusev goes for a big kick but roman lands with a right. Roman tries to jump off the ring onto Rusev but Rusev catches him with a kick. He then throws Reigns into the steps and then over the barricade. While Reigns is out Rusev goes to the ring and grabs the US Championship and walks away with it shouting “This Is Mine!” As rusev is at the top of the stage Reigns comes out of nowhere and lands a SuperMan Punch. Reigns grabs the title and says Lana “if you want me to go to hell I’m taking you both with me.” He says you’re going to get your rematch but it is going to be in a Hell In A Cell.
My Opinion:
This segment was very good. It feels like this rivalry is special and important. Roman is phenomenal and it is a shame he is not in the main event. A little odd as Rusev almost came off as the babyface. But Roman did well and stood tall. I wish we could see him later on the show but I guess they try to feed him to the fans early as that is the time the crowd is hottest.

-Raw is back and it is time for the Cruiserweights as we are set for Perkins vs Kendrick.

Match 1: TJ Perkins vs Brian Kendrick
Kendrick and Perkins shake hands and as the bell rings Perkins drop kicks Kendrick. Perkins takes it to Kendrick early. He hits a crossbody off the second rope and hammers on Kendrick. Perkins brings it to Kendrick and hits a corkscrew plunge over the top rope. As Perkins gets in the ring Kendrick is able to catch him with a boot . Kendrick uses the ring to his advantage and puts Perkins fingers in the steel part of the turnbuckle and steps on it crushing his fingers. Kendrick is in control as we head to break. We are back with Perkins in control but Kendrick side steps him. Kendrick though is quickly sent flying by Perkins with a hurricanrana. He plants Kendrick again with a standing hurricanrana. He goes for a cover but Kendrick kicks out. Perkins quickly locks in a Kneebar and Kendrick struggles but gets to the rope. Kendrick gets out and is able to hit Slice Bread. Perkins kicks out at two. Kendrick wasting little time locks in the Captain’s Hook. Perkins counters into a pin and Kendrick kicks out forcing a break. Perkins is able to hit a Wrecking Ball drop kick. As Perkins gets back in the ring Kendrick rakes the eyes and is able to lock in the Captain’s Hook again. Perkins has no choice but to tap out.
Winner: Brian Kendrick
My Opinion:
Last week we were told this was a title match and this week it wasn’t. That was odd but I liked Kendrick going over. He is the only one we are really developing a character. This should’ve been a championship match because what’s the point of him winning for no reason? I hope Kendrick will win the title soon as he looks to be the only point of focus. Tj did good again but he is plain and doesn’t have much to his character. To be honest he is a boring champ and there needs to be more emphasise on the cruiserweights.

-We return with a WWE exclusive as Michael Cole sits down with Seth Rollins.

WWE Exclusive Michael Cole with Seth Rollins:
Seth Rollins is backstage with Michael Cole for a sit-down interview.Coles asks about Rollins ribs. Rollins says it is what it is and he needs rest and they advised him not to come to raw but here he is rest not his thing. Cole asks about the Owens situation and Rollins says he deserves a rematch because Owens was literally handed the Universal Title by Triple H. Rollins says he’s going to cancel the “Kevin Owens show” and prove the world that he’s still the man.

-We are back with Braun Strowman coming out. Byron is in the ring with Chase Silver and asks him why would you sign up for this match? Silver says he just moved out to California from Idaho and he had a dream last night that he is going to beat up Braun Strowman. Byron says good luck and exits the ring

Match 2: Braun Strowman vs Chase Silver.
They start with a face off. Sliver takes the fight to Strowman and is thrown down. Strowman screams about competition and is hit from behind by Silver. He throws Silver into the corner and lands a splash on him. He tells Silver to get up and lands a hard shoulder tackle. Strowman picks up Silver on his shoulder and slams him down. 1,2,3 and Your winner Braun Strowman.
Winner: Braun Strowman
-Bryon comes back in the ring to interview Strowman. Byron says Braun you have left a trail of carnage since the brand extension so what’s next? Braun says he is the gift of destruction and they are wasting his talent on these fools week in and week out. He tells Byron to tell Foley to get him some real competition for next week or there might not be a next week.
My Opinion:
The jobber Chase Silver looked like the love child of Adam Cole and Chris Hero. They’re beating the jobber thing over our head. I get it Strowman is strong and can beat people up but it is time to get going. Strowman did well with the romo but what threat is he going to cause? We haven’t seen him beat actually superstars up in sometime. Let Strowman cut that when he goes 15 minutes and faces someone of value.

Backstage Segment
Sasha is in the back and is greeted by Bayley. Bayley says I can’t believe it you and Charlotte are in the main event for Raw. You guys are moving to Trish and Lita territory. Sasha says the 10-year-old girl inside of her is freaking out but she must stay focus. Sasha proclaims she can’t listen to the critics like how Forbes named Charlotte the greatest Women’s Champion in history. She says she wouldn’t be here if she listened to critics and wouldn’t have the opportunity to be the 2 time champion. Bayley says she isn’t going to lie and that she wishes it was going to be her. But she tells Sasha that it’s not and she couldn’t think of a more deserving person. Sasha says Charlotte will be on top of her game but she will take control.She states that Charlotte was born to the business but she was born to be champion.

– We are back and are Reminded that Hell In A Cell is three weeks away. We also learn that Reigns and Rusev the US Championship has been made official and will take place in a Hell In A Cell. Here comes Jericho and Owens.

In Ring Segment
Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho are out to the ring next. Owens tells Cole that he was terrible in his sit-down interview with Rollins, then starts cutting a promo on Rollins. Owens takes credit for injuring Rollins, then talks about how good of friends he is with Jericho. Owens says he asked Jericho to join him tonight because he wants him to be the special guest referee for his next match against Rollins. Jericho says Owens isn’t thinking about the big picture, and says that he and Owens are the best tag team in WWE and they should challenge the New Day for the tag titles. Owens says that sounds great, but Cesaro and Sheamus have a title shot next. Jericho says Cesaro and Sheamus aren’t best friends, so they should beat the New Day in a non-title match to earn their own title shot. Owens is hesitant, and Jericho says it’s not like he’s asking for an opportunity for the Universal Championship. Owens thinks it over, then agrees that they should go after The New Day. Team Kevin and Chris. The New Days is out next to interrupt.
Kofi says The New Day have the best friendship in WWE, not Owens and Jericho. Jericho puts Kofi on the list, then Big E makes fun of Jericho for being the only one of them without a championship belt and says he can’t be in the championship huddle. Big E has now made the list, and Xavier gets on the list for laughing. Owens says if The New Day won’t give them a title shot, they should get out of here. Owens says they jumped the shark seven months ago, and Xavier says by the looks of Owens he’s never jumped over anything. Jericho puts Xavier on the list a second time. The New Day accepts their challenge, and that match is coming up later tonight.
My Opinion:
Jericho was super funny in this. I like that there was some what of a rift between Jericho and Owens. It all made sense and they made magic again together. The New Day did the same thing but they sold it well with them.. It was interesting and in someway made The New Day look tough. Good challenge for them to step up to. I haven’t been the biggest fan of The New Day lately but this segment was great for them.

A clip shows from earlier of Sheamus and Cesaro arguing as they arrived together arguing over getting bags and who was the reason for being late. Sheamus says he’s had enough of Cesaro and he is talking to Foley to short this out.

Match 3: Sami Zayn vs Titus O’Neil
Titus pushes Zayn into the corner. Zayn gets out and lands hard chops. Titus throws out Zayn but Zayn lands and comes back in. He runs the ropes but is caught. Titus drives his knee into Zayn’s ribs and whips Zayn into the corner. Titus Catches Zayn and wraps in a bear hug. Titus hits a nice back breaker on Zayn. Zayn is able to catch Titus with a clothesline. Zayn digs down and hits an exploder suplex in the corner. Zayn hits the Helluva kick and gets the cover for the win.
Winner: Sami Zayn
My Opinion:
Sami won but Titus was supposed to have a new gimmick? Titus went and owned Zayn but Zayn stepped up and won. Not surprising, it doesn’t seem like Titus means much. Zayn should be doing more, he was an NXT champion and in big matches but now he is just out there. They aren’t doing anything to get Zayn to the top-level.

Backstage Segment
In the locker room Cesaro and Sheamus are arguing still over the drive. Sheamus blames Cesaro for them being late. Cesaro blames Sheamus for getting lost. In comes Foley. He says he was thoroughly humbled by Stephanie last week. He says he has a lot to worry about with the ratings war with SmackDown and now he has a big threat from Strowman lingering. He says he does believe in them. Also that the two need to be cohesive in and out of the ring. He says it is about finding what makes each other tick. Cesaro says he is over-riding with someone who picks their nose. Sheamus gets mad but Mick yells and says stay focused you were good last week and now go be great. He reminds the two they have a title shot waiting. He tells them to Go out there and prove him right.

– Tom Phillips is backstage with The Club. They claim The new day have ruined the tag team division and they will take out all the freaks and push the clown car over the edge.

Match 4: The Club (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) vs The Golden Truth (R-Truth and Goldust)
Truth and Anderson start off. Truth and Goldust get in control. Goldust gets a right by Anderson but quickly gets back on the offensive and hits a deep arm drag into an armbar. Anderson gets out and throws Goldust into the corner. Gallows is in and drives elbows into the chest of Goldust. He gets Goldust into a nice headlock and Goldust gets out. He is thrown into the corner but hits a big boot on Gallows. He hits a nice scoop slam and looks for the tag. Back in is Truth and Anderson. Truth lands some nice offensive moves but the cover is broken up by Gallows. Gallows comes in and the two hit the Magic Killer on R Truth for the win. After the match Anderson and Gallows attack Goldust. They hit the Magic Killer on him as well.
Winners: The Club (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson)
My Opinion:
Finally The Club gets a win. They are the only dominant tag team that doesn’t joke. I guess they lost last week and now they start at the bottom again. I like that The Club didn’t just destroy them and they had some level of competition.

Backstage Segment
-Ashton Kutcher and Danny Masterson confront Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens backstage. Jericho says he’s going to put him on the list, then gets made fun of by Masterson for looking like Bon Jovi and losing to Fandango. Owens says That 70’s Show would have been better with him and Jericho. Kutcher says him and Masterson will be at ringside for Jericho and Owen’s match with The New Day. Jericho tells them to stay out of his business. Kutcher Tells Jericho they better do well.

In Ring Segment
-As we return Enzo and Big Cass are in the ring with Breast Cancer survivors. Cass says that him and Enzo are here tonight to talk about a real situation. He tells how this is the 5th year WWE and Susan G Koman have teamed up against breast cancer. Enzo says WWE and Susan Certified G Koman held a contest in May and winners were nominated. He says that over here we have a couple of winners and points to the women. Enzo says these women have already won their fight and they are champions. They honor the women with championship belts. Cass says these women are courageous and survivors and champions. Cass says there is one word that does not describe them SAWFT. The belts contributed to botching a lot of the moments.

-Raw is back for Owens and Jericho vs The New Day. Danny Masterson and Ashton Kutcher join commentary.

Match 5: Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho vs The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods)
Jericho starts off with Woods. Jericho backs Woods into the corner and lands some chops. Owens is in and slams woods. He tries to hit a Senton but Woods rolls away. Owens gets him into the corner but Woods fights out only to be thrown back. Jericho comes in. he tries to land some elbows but misses. Woods hits a boot to get on the offensive. Jericho tags in Owens and Woods tags in Big E. Big E takes it to Owens but Owens counters and tags in Jericho. Jericho lands punches to Big E in the corner. Jericho lands a nice dropkick to Big E. Jericho still takes it to Big E. Jericho jobs off the second rope but gets hit but Big E. In comes Owens and hits a Cannonball to Big E. Owens hits Senton but Big E kicks out. Raw returns and Owens and Big E are both down. Woods is back in and hits knee to Owens face. Owens is able to hit a gut buster. Woods kicks out and Owens lands a nice kick to his back. Owens show boats some and continues the pressure to Woods with a headlock. Woods fights out with some gut punches but Owens picks him up and hits a big clothesline. In comes Jericho. Jericho drives Woods head into the corner and continues the offensive. Jericho goes for a suplex off the top rope but Woods counters and hits a crossbody into the pin but Jericho kicks out. Woods is unable to get the tag and Owens come in and hits a DDT. Rollins comes out and distracts Owens. Woods hits an enziguri off the distraction. In comes Big E and Jericho. Big E hits to big belly to bellies. Big E hits a third belly to belly. Owens comes in with a kick but is thrown out and meet by a flying Woods. Big E slams Jericho and tags in Woods. Owens takes out Big E but Woods takes out Big E. Rollins comes to distract Jericho. Big E comes in and hits the Midnight Hour for the win.
Winners: The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods)
-After the Match Rollins comes in and hits a pedigree to Jericho as Owens watches from the stage.
My Opinion:
It was a great match between the two teams. Kutcher and Masterson added a good level of entertainment to this. The teams did well going back and forth and helped show The New Day is a good team. Plus it was a good spot for Seth. It didn’t hurt anyone or help anyone but for a safe match it wasn’t bad. I still like the rift getting created with Jericho and Owens. It is just a subtle thing but it puts it in the back of your head.

– Tom Phillips with Dana Brooke and Charlotte. He asks Charlotte if she has butterflies. She says when she talks about being the most genetically superior women it is a fact and the championship proves it. Says she is the only reason Sasha is in the main event. She was born for these moments. She is going to expose her and knock her off her pedestal and prove she has no equal. She says Sasha won’t be making history she will be history.

Backstage Segment
– Raw is back and Seth is walking in the back. He is stopped by Stephanie. Stephanies says Seth what are you doing out there putting yourself in jeopardy. He says you can’t tell me what to do and Jericho and Owens won’t have a fairytale ending. Stephanie says you are all alone Seth and now you don’t stand a chance. He will find out that he is replaceable. Rollins says you can’t tell me what to do around here anymore and they haven’t been able to since Triple H made the second worst decision of his life stabbing him in the back. He says that Triple H’s first worse decision was marrying Steph. He says that they will give him his title match or he will make their lives a living hell and take Jericho and Owens with him.

Match 6: Rich Swann vs Tony Nese
The two shake hands and the match is underway. Swann locks in a side headlock and Nese gets out. Nese hits a nice shoulder tackle. The two exchange leap frogs and Swann is able to hit a dropkick. Nese lands nice kicks on Swann and hits a nice leg sweep. The cover is not enough though. Swann counters a suplex and is able to hit a hurricanrana. Nese lands a nice kick to the back of the head as Swann backed off. Nese lands some brutal cross faces and goes for a pin but Swann kicks out. Nese has a body lock on Swann and turns it into a headlock. Swann fights out but is whipped into the corner. As nese is on the top rope Swann lands a hurricanrana and sends Nese flying. He lands a nice clothesline and then double boots to Nese. Swann slips on the top rope and Nese lands a pump handle slam on Swann and covers for the win.
Winner: Tony Nese
My Opinion:
The in ring wrestling was great and we had some fancy moves as always. We’ve seen these two a couple of times now but we don’t know them that well. They need character. It isn’t all their fault they can only do what they are given. They make the most of their matches but I just don’t feel these cruiserweight matches are to be taken seriously because there isn’t much character development for the stars of the division. The commentators don’t do enough to give them character like Mike Tenay would back in the WCW during the Monday Night Wars.

-As we go to break we see Sheamus and cesaro heading to the ring and still arguing.

Match 7: Cesaro and Sheamus vs Raul White and Mark Carradine
Raw is back and it is time to see Cesaro and Sheamus team up again. Cesaro starts in the ring and shows off some power. Sheamus tags himself in and lands some shops followed by a suplex. Sheamus lands a shoulder in the corner and Cesaro tags himself in. Cesaro lands a stomp on the chest and Sheamus tags himself in. He hit s the Irish Curse backbreaker. Cesaro launches himself off Sheamus as he was going for the Cloverleaf and lands a DDT. Sheamus hits a Brogue Kick for the win.
Winners: Cesaro and Sheamus
My Opinion:
I think the pairing is a good odd couple. They should be the best tag team out there. They are two main event guys out there, that having nothing there for them creatively in the main event picture. I get they want to keep these guys afloat but they should be doing more. Let them fight someone. Take on maybe The Club, which would benefit both teams. That would be hard-hitting and solid match between four tough guys. I hope they come together as a team and they will be a threat like they are saying.

-We see Charlotte and Dana walking to the ring for the main event. Charlotte stops and tells bayley to go find a seat and watch her main event. She says it is okay one day she will grow up. Bayley says not to be to cocky. Charolette said her title is talking to loud and she needs to go main event. Dana tells Bayley not to cry when Charlotte breaks Sasha again. Dana pushes Bayley and Bayley pushes her back and throws her into a production box.

Match 8: Charlotte ( C) vs Sasha Banks: WWE Women’s Championship
Charlotte comes out lone as Dana is getting medical attention to her knee. The two lock up and Charlotte throw Sasha down. Sasha throws Charlotte out and goes for a suicide dive but is blocked. Sasha quickly goes for another suicide dive and this time lands and takes out Charolette as we go to break. As we return Charlotte is in control with a knee to Sasha’s back stretching it. Sasha tries to fight out but Charlotte grabs her hair and throws her down. Charlotte continues to work Sasha’s back. Quick covers by Charlotte but it is not enough. Sasha fights out of back bend. Charlotte lands a back breaker and throws Sasha into the corner. Sasha is able to move out-of-the-way but can’t capitalize. A mistake by Charlotte and Sasha is fighting back. She hits a double knees but Charlotte kicks out. Sasha sends Charlotte outside again and lands a baseball slide to take her out. Sasha gets on the apron and is caught by Charlotte into a backbreaker. She is tossed back in and Charlotte goes back on the offensive. Sasha ducks under the boot. And Slams Charlotte into the corner. She goes up top but Charlotte takes advantage pulls her down lands a kick to the back and lands a big boot. A quick pin but Sasha kicks out. Charlotte picks up Sasha and slaps her a couple of times. She takes her up top and goes for a suplex. Sasha blocks twice and fights out and drops her with a headbutt. Sasha hits a double knees off the top rope and goes for a cover but Charlotte kicks out. Charlotte throws Sasha threw the second rope and lands a corkscrew moonsault off the top rope on the outside. Charlotte takes it back in the ring and hits the Natural Selection but Sasha kicks out at two. Charlotte is frustrated and tells Sasha to stay down. She throws Sasha off the ropes and Sasha counters into the Banks Statement. Charlotte tries to counter but Sasha locks it back in. Charlotte taps and we have a new champion!
Winner: Sasha Banks: New Women’s Champion
My Opinion:
What a match. This is how you close Raw. This was the first time in 12 years that the women were the main event of Raw and only the third time ever in Raw’s entire existence. They both made this match count and the title change added a great change of pace. Both women deserved it tonight. I can’t praise Charlotte enough for her work as a heel. Good lord, that corkscrew moonsault she delivered was a thing of beauty. This is a rivalry that never gets old as they always find new ways to keep it fresh. I loved the ending because I think a submission adds so much. It shows you’ve really worn down your opponent. They put their bodies on the line and had the match of the night. Two thumbs up for the Sasha and Charlotte.

Final Thoughts:
I personally really liked tonight show. Jericho was super funny and even The New Day was on tonight. The women stole the show and the title change was awesome to witness. The cruiserweights did well as always but were safe matches. Although Kendrick winning was a great finish. There was storyline progression in the Reigns/Rusev and Rollins/Owens feuds. Kutcher and Masterson were on the show, but didn’t get too involved. They had their segment with Jericho, did a good job on commentary, promoted their show and all was good. There were some things that weren’t that great but overall I think it was a good change of pace. I liked that they kept everything moving along tonight and had a lot of content. A very solid Raw to kick off October.
Overall Rating: 8/10