Raw Review 10/09/2017

Tonight Miz will host Miz Tv and welcome his guests Sheamus and Cesaro. Plus what new develops will come from Bray Wyatt as last week he revealed that Sister Abigail is still alive. Mickie James has been granted a match against Alexa Bliss for the Raw Women’s Championship at TLC, how will Alexa respond to her new challenger? Plus we saw Kalisto make a huge impact last week as he debuted in the Cruiserweight Division, what will Kalisto do next as he is the lone challenger to Enzo Amore? Also tonight we will learn who will face Asuka in her debut at TLC.

Raw is live tonight from the Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana

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

In Ring Segment: Miz TV w/ Cesaro & Sheamus
Miz welcomes the crowd to the Mizzes part two. He tells how last week he went from the “A Lister” to the “The Guy”. He tells how he gives credit where credit is due and says he didn’t do it by himself he did with The Miztourage because they are family. He gives the first award to Curtis Axel for perseverance. Axel dedictaes the award to Bo Dallas. Miz says they are thinking of Bo and tells him to get better soon. Miz gives the next award for best supporting actor’s to Sheamus and Cesaro. Out come Sheamus and Cesaro.
Sheamus thanks Miz and says it’s an absolute honor. He tells that last week they brought the bar to new heights and proved they can go anywhere. Sheamus thanks Roman Reigns and says watching Roman struggle made him want to beat him down even more. Sheamus says yo Roman we did it. Cesaro tells Sheamus they forgot somebody and gives thanks to Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose. The two say they out them in their place, they don’t set the bar they are the bar. Miz says everyone wants them come out and bring back The Shield. He tells that it’s not going to happen because they couldn’t beat them, their time has come and gone and there is a greater force in the WWE. He tells that they did something no one else could do and that’s put an end to Roman Reigns. Miz tells that sometimes the good guys win and presents his final Mizzie to himself. Miz dedicates the Mizzie to his unborn child. Out comes Roman Reigns.
Miz says look who it is the quote on quote big dog standing all the way up there with his tail between his legs. Reigns says this is where you shut up and he’ll give them one chance to get out of his ring. Miz says Reigns is all about action and says he won’t do anything because there are four of them and one of him. Miz tells Reigns to go back into the locker room and get Dean and Seth and says the rumors of The Shield reuniting is nothing, but hype. Reigns questions this and says who said anything about rumors. Out comes Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins.
Rollins, Reigns, and Ambrose storm the ring and circle the ring in true Shield fashion. They rush the ring and they unload on Sheamus, Cesaro, Miz and Axel. Reigns connects with two Superman Punches. Rollins hits a big knee and The Shield clean house. The three get Miz into the ring and Ambrose hits him with Dirty Deeds. The Shield deliver the triple powerbomb on The Miz. The three give the signature fist bump.
My Opinion:
I love this so much! The crowd was electric, the feeling was there, this was the excitement they needed. No matter how many people expected this the moment was unreal and so awesome to see. I can’t wait for them to come together and wrestle a match again. They are gonna kill and it’s gonna be awesome. I hope they stick together, run through Sheamus, Cesaro, and Miz and stand tall together. Absolutely a perfect way to start off the night.

Match 1: Jason Jordan vs Karl Anderson
Jordan quickly takes Anderson to the mat with a fireman’s carry takedown. Jordan slams Anderson to the mat and doesn’t let go. Anderson uses the ropes to force the break. Jordan stays on Anderson, but Anderson keeps using the ropes to his advantage. Anderson hits him with a cheap slap and works him to the mat with headlock. Jordan fights out and is able to get a headlock of his own. Jordan catches Anderson in mid air and throws him to the mat. Gallows distracts Jordan and Anderson takes him out at the knees as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Anderson works the arm of Jordan and slams him to the mat. Jordan is able to kick Anderson, but runs into a spinebuster. Anderson keeps Jordan on the mat and works his arm more. Jordan gets to a vertical base and he and Jordan tee off with one another. Jordan takes Anderson to the mat and both look to fight back into the match. Jordan gets to his feet and lands a shoulder tackle. He drives Anderson into the turnbuckles and does it once more. Jordan lands a big spear in the corner. Gallows gives another distraction and Anderson hits him with a thumb in the eye. Jordan kicks out of the cover and Anderson gets hung up in the corner. Jordan lands a big neckbreaker and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Jason Jordan
My Opinion:
A pretty good matchup. Anderson knows how to work and he took it to Jordan. I see Jordan improving every week and he’s coming into his own being a singles wrestler. Seeing Jordan is always interesting because he keeps improving and he brings out the best in the people he’s facing. One thing I thought about was Anderson would be great as a singles wrestler. He really knows how to sell and work his opponents. The match had a good pace to it and nothing dragged on for too long. They kept it back and forth and I look forward to seeing Jordan face new challenges.

Backstage Segment:
Miz is receiving medical treatment in the back. Kurt asks Miz how he’s doing. Kurt tells him this is what happens when you provoke people. Kurt tells Miz that he’s getting the spotlight because at TLC he will team up with Sheamus and Cesaro to face The Shield in the main event in a Tables Ladders and Chairs match. Miz questions this and asks Kurt if he’s really gonna reward them for their behavior. Kurt says oh it’s true, it’s damn true.

Match 2: Elias vs Apollo Crews
As Raw the match is underway. Elias stomps on Crews in the corner. Elias goes to the outside and slams Crews arm against the apron. Elias gets back in the ring and lands a huge clothesline on Crews. Elias keeps working the arm of crews, he heads to the top rope and comes off the rope slamming down on crews arm. Crews is able to flip Elias and fights back with a series of kicks. Crews lands a big clothesline and follows with a standing moonsault. Crews goes for the cover, but Elias kicks out. Elias goes to the outside and Crews follows. Crews flies off the apron with a moonsault taking out Elias. Back in the ring Crews tees off on Elias. Elias is able to bounce Crews off the turnbuckle and hits Drift Away. Elias goes for the cover and picks up the win.
Winner: Elias
My Opinion:
I really enjoy watching these two. I am disappointed that that their match was cut so short. Those really did great with the time they had and deserved more time for that match. I truly believe they can do great things if given that time to do so. Both are so talented and just aren’t being used in the right ways.Hopefully at some point one of them with catch a break again and can actually truly show what they can do.

In Ring Segment: Enzo Amore
Enzo says there’s something he needs to make sense of and that’s the Raw General Manager. He tells how Angle gave him a no contact clause so no Cruiserweight could lay a hand on him and if they did they wouldn’t get a title shot and they’d get fired. He tells how Kalisto came out and assaulted him and that Angle rewarded him with a championship match at TLC. Enzo tells that he knows for a fact that right now Angle is doing nothing important and the most important thing he could do is join him in the ring right now. Out comes Kurt Angle.
Enzo brings the clause out and asks Kurt is this not your signature right here. Angle says it is. Enzo questions Kurt about what the clause says and asks why does Kalisto get a title opportunity when he assaulted him. Angle says he signed Kalisto after he signed the clause. Enzo says the impossible has happened because he’s been hustled. He tells angle to show him some respect. Enzo says he’s trying to understand why Kalisto is getting a title shot, and tells him that if he values his job he should stop hustling him and make him happy. Angle tells him that he does want to make him happy so forget about the match at TLC because he’s gonna put the title on the line tonight. Enzo tells Kurt that he is the realist champ in the room and he will defend the title only if it’s in the main event. Angle shakes his hand and agrees. Kurt tells Enzo that if he thinks about getting counted out or disqualified he can think again because the match is gonna be a Lumberjack Match.
My Opinion:
I like this segment a lot. I think Enzo is going a little over the top with the whole cocky attitude because it’s feeling repetitive, but he’s not wrong he is putting the division on the map. The Cruiserweight Division needed a spark and it’s got one now. The match tonight is a unique stipulation we haven’t seen In awhile and this a big chance for the division, they can prove their worth and hopefully it lives up to the hype. Enzo and Kalisto have a chance to make a statement tonight plain and simple.

Match 3: Matt Hardy vs Braun Strowman
Braun quickly throws Hardy to the mat. Hardy tries to gain offense, but Braun throws him down again. Hardy is able to kick Braun and tries to tee off, but Braun keeps fighting him off. Hardy tries for a side effect, but Braun heaves him across the ring. Braun hits Hardy with a shoulder tackle and Hardy goes to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Braun has Hardy in a chinlock. Hardy is able to fight out. Hardy gets in the corner and is able to sidestep Braun sending him into the ring post and to the outside. Hardy uses kicks and right hands to fight off Braun, but Braun throws him again. Hardy fights him off and is able to hit a tornado ddt. Hardy hits the Twist of Fate and goes for the cover, but gets a one count. Hardy tries for another Twist of Fate, but Braun counters and hits a chokeslam. Braun fight off Hardy and hits him with the running powerslam. Braun gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Braun throws Hardy out of the ring. Braun puts Hardy on his shoulder and carries him up the ramp. The Shield comes and stand face to face with Braun. Braun grabs Reigns, but Rollins and ambrose fight him off. They hold Braun and Reigns hits a big spear sending Braun crashing to the stage. The Shield stomp on Braun. Rollins and Ambrose take apart the announcer’s table and The Shield hit the triple powerbomb through the table on Braun!
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
First off not a bad match for what it was. I like how they’re putting Braun against veteran wrestlers and they are letting him have real matches instead of squash matches. Hardy did well, but ultimately Braun’s power overtook him. It’s important when doing these matches to not make the talent look weak and let them get their stuff in, but also let Braun show that power and ultimately be too much for them to defeat. After the match that was just awesome. I love this so much! The Shield is back and they are taking over and bringing justice back to Raw! Even if this is for a limited time, it’s still making a huge impact and it’s freakin sweet!

Backstage Segment:
Rollins cuts off Charly and tells her they are back and stronger than ever. Ambrose says they are gonna destroy everything in their path. Reigns says they are taking over and if you want to step up they are the three workhorses in the business now.

In Ring Segment: Mickie James
Mickie says that ever since she returned she felt like she didn’t belong and they didn’t quite get her. She said she realizes that she has one person to thank for feeling this way and that’s Alexa Bliss. She tells that ever since Alexa realized she can’t manipulate someone like her she’s done everything to take cheap shots at her behind her back. Mickie tells how last week Alexa ran and hide behind her bodyguard. She tells how she was about to beat her best friend and Alexa came and attacked her from behind. Mickie tells that Alexa needs to put on her big girl pants because she is a real women and Alexa can’t say the same. Mickie says age is just a number and and the only number she cares about is 7 because at TLC she will become a 7 time Women’s Champion. Out comes Alexa Bliss.
Alexa says she isn’t here to cause trouble, she just wants to say sorry. She tells Mickie that she is so sorry that she spent the week putting together a tribute for Mickie. (The video makes fun of Mickie’s age and how long she has been in the business). Alexa tells her to go home and get rest because she is gonna run circles around her at TLC. Mickie says maybe it’s her age but she can’t quite hear her and tells Alexa to bring herself down to the ring. Alexa tells Mickie if she really wants to do this let’s do this right now. Alexa walks to the ring and says yeah right that move is as old as you are. Mickie storms out of the ring and grabs Alexa. She throws her in the ring and hammers on Alexa. Alexa slips away from Mickie and quickly gets out of the ring.
My Opinion:
This feud isn’t my favorite from a promo standpoint, but still Alexa has a lot to gain from this. Mickie is a veteran of the ring and Alexa will learn so much from facing her. I wish there was more of a story than just making fun of Mickie’s age, but I guess that’s the best thing to run with. Alexa and Mickie I think will do their best talking at TLC when they face off against each other.

Backstage Segment:
Angle tells Bayley that Asuka is electric. Bayley tells Kurt to let her volunteer to face her. Sasha steps in and says her versus Asuka at TLC is legit. Alicia Fox comes in and tells that she wants the opportunity. She’s been here twelve years and doesn’t even have a t-shirt. Dana Brooke steps in and says she feels like sometimes she doesn’t even exist. Emma comes in and says she started the Women’s Revolution and it should be her. Kurt tells the five that they will face tonight in a fatal five way tonight and the winner will face Asuka.

Match 4: Cedric Alexander & Mustafa Ali vs Brian Kendrick & Jack Gallagher
Kendrick hammers on Alexander off the distraction on the outside From Gallagher and throws him into the corner. Gallagher gets the tag and throws Alexander to the mat. Gallagher works a chinlock and Alexander works to his feet. Gallagher takes Alexander to the mat with a drop kick and tags in Kendrick. Kendrick hits a big butterfly suplex and goes for the pin, but Alexander kicks out. Kendrick works him to the corner and Gallagher gets the tag. Gallagher keeps Alexander on the mat, but Alexander works to vertical base and fights off Gallagher. Alexander hits an enzuigiri and Ali gets the tag. Ali comes in and takes it to Gallagher. Kendrick comes in and Ali lands a big kick on Kendrick, but Gallagher breaks up the cover. Ali goes to the outside to fight off Gallagher and Kendrick takes advantage and tries for a roll up. Ali kicks out, but Kendrick stays on him and hits Slice Bread and picks up the win for his team.
Winners: Brian Kendrick & Jack Gallagher
My Opinion:
This was a decent match. I like Kendrick and Gallagher going over, they got a good thing going right now on 205 Live and they need to keep the edge. Although a quick match they made the most of their time and it was entertaining. I think doing this match is important, people need to see what’s going on and see the rivalries and hopefully they will watch 205 Live and give it a chance.

Backstage Segment:
Miz comes in and Kurt tells him that he is not calling off the match. Miz says they would love to face The Shield, but they need to keep true to their word and Ambrose said they could take on 4,5, or 6 guys and he wants to find another partner. Kurt says he can find another partner. Miz says he found one and in comes Braun Strowman.

In Ring Segment: Finn Balor
Balor says this is Balor Club right here in Indianapolis. Balor tells how Wyatt introduced the world to Sister abigail last week. Balor says Wyatt is poison, he’s like a virus that keeps mutating. He tells that Wyatt is desperate for attention and to instill fear and to have the WWE Universe listen to his garbage. Balor proclaims that he is not afraid, the WWE Universe is not afraid and The Demon is not afraid. He tells him to bring it on. Wyatt comes on the titantron.
Wyatt says you may not be afraid of me, but you will be afraid of her. He tells that she knew the truth and they turned her into a monster. Wyatt says he was there when she took her final breath and she chose him. He says the season of the witch is upon him and says she’s here. Wyatt appears with face paint and a women’s sounding voice. Sister Abigail tells that Bray is special and she taught him that the world is a dangerous place, she promised him that she would always be by his side. She is rising from the ashes. Her sweet innocent Bray wouldn’t harm a fly, but you hurt him and lied to him. She must punish him and hurt him. She says she knows about demons and she could turn a demon into a dandelion. She tells that she is worst than anything Balor has ever dreamed of and that her touch could have saved him, but her kiss will burn it to the ground. She tells Balor to Run. Wyatt appears as normal and laughs.
My Opinion:
Very odd and erry, but I like it. I like that Sister Abigail is his inner demon because having someone debut as her just wouldn’t have made sense. I think what they are doing is perfect and adds a new exciting element. I think if Wyatt comes as Sister Abigail he needs to win and go over. Wyatt is getting to the point where his words are becoming meaningless because he never wins the big matches. I hope they turn Wyatt around and a win at TLC could do just that. They have saved Sister Abigail for too long for Wyatt to just lose to Balor. They have to make it memorable.

Match 5: Bayley vs Sasha Banks vs Emma vs Alicia Fox vs Dana Brooke:
Winner faces Asuka in her debut at TLC
Dana goes right after Sasha. Bayley goes after Alicia. Dana takes Sasha out of the ring and beats on Sasha. Alicia takes it to Emma in the ring and in comes Dana. Dana and Emma stomp on Alicia in the corner. Dana hits Emma and throws her in the corner. Dana lands a big back elbow and lands one on Alicia. Bayley comes in and hits Dana with big rights. Dana is able to flip Bayley and lands a big splash. Bayley kicks out of the cover. Dana picks up Bayley, but Bayley turns it around with a Bayley to Belly. Dana is eliminated. Sasha comes in and tries to pin Bayley, but Bayley kicks out. Bayley comes at Sasha and the two exchange blows. Alicia throws Sasha and Bayley to the mat. Alicia lands a huge kick and eliminates Bayley as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Alicia and Emma take it to Sasha. Emma tries to steal one on Alicia, but she kicks out. Alicia kicks Emma. Emma throws her in the corner, but catches an elbow. Emma kicks out of the pin. Sasha comes back and takes down Alicia. Sasha send Alicia flying. Sasha slaps Emma and Alicia rolls her up, but Sasha kicks out. Sasha lands the backstabber and gets Alicia in the Banks Statement. Alicia taps and is eliminated. Emma comes from behind and pins Sasha. Emma is going to TLC.
Winner: Emma:
Emma will face Asuka in her debut at TLC
My Opinion:
I’m really not surprised by this decision. I think again we will see Asuka dominate and it makes more sense for her to do that against Emma than against a Sahsa or a Bayley. We will see if Emma keeps the spot leading up to TLC. as for now I’m not that excited to see this debut, I think if Emma stays her opponent it tells to much and gives away the match. I’d say maybe keep Nia off of tv next week and maybe have her attack Asuka at TLC to make the point that this isn’t NXT and she isn’t the top dog up here in the big leagues.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Finn’s reaction to Sister Abigail. Finn says he assumed last week that Bray had lost his mind. He tells that when he saw and heard her it echoed in his head and he felt pure evil. He says he also felt that he knew what he has to do.
*** Breaking News: Roman Reigns will face Braun Strowman in a Steel Cage Match

Backstage Segment:
Chalry asks Kalisto how he feels heading into his match next. Kalisto says when he was little guys like Mysterio and Guerrero inspired him to travel the world and make his dream a reality, he says he saw a guy like Enzo and he had to do something because it was a slap in the face to him and to them. He declares he will be WWE Cruiserweight Champion.

Match 6: Enzo Amore (c) vs Kalisto:
Lumberjack Match for the Cruiserweight championship
Enzo kicks Kalisto after a short test of strength. Enzo gets a side headlock and doesn’t let Kalisto get too far before getting another one locked in. Kalisto punches Enzo in the gut, but Enzo sends him to the mat. Enzo is able to escape Kalisto. Enzo goes to the outside and gets back in the ring. Kalisto dropkicks him and sends him outside again, but Enzo return untouched again. Kalisto works Enzo and hits a drop toe hold as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Enzo sounds off to the guys on the outside. Enzo slaps Kalisto and lands a big kick to the ribs. Enzo goes for the cover, but Kalisto kicks out. Enzo throws Kalisto to the apron and Kalisto catches him with a kick. Kalisto comes off the top rope with a crossbody and Enzo hits hard. Enzo kicks out at two and a half. Enzo gets thrown in the ring. Enzo sends Kalisto into the turnbuckle hard. Kalisto is thrown to the outside and the lumberjacks stomp on him. Enzo stomps on Kalisto as he is thrown back in the ring. Enzo goes for a cover, but Kalisto kicks out. Enzo gets a chinlock on Kalisto and works him on the mat. Kalisto tries to counter, but Enzo keeps it locked in. Enzo drops Kalisto and takes a break. Enzo looks for a big kick, but Kalisto catches him and lands a huge spinning kick. Kalisto sneds Enzo face first to the mat. Kalisto goes for a cover, but Enzo kicks out at two. Enzo is able to send Kalisto back to the mat and shoves him to the apron. The lumberjacks start to fight on the outside. Kalisto takes advantage of the distraction and kicks Enzo on the top rope. Kalisto takes Enzo and suplexes him into the Cruiserweights. Kalisto and Enzo make it back in the ring. Enzo counters Kalisto and kicks Kalisto. Mustafa Ali pulls Enzo out of the ring as he goes for the cover. Enzo hits a big clothesline on Ali. Enzo catches Kalisto on the top rope. Kalisto fights him off and a Salida del sol form the top rope. Kalisto goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3. We have a new Champion!
Winner: Kalisto 
New Cruiserweight Champion
My Opinion:
A very exciting main event. From a wrestling standpoint it wasn’t the greatest match of all time, but it kept you on the edge of your seat, Kalisto took risks and they really hammered on each other. It leaves me excited to see what’s next for Enzo and for the division as a whole. It makes a lot of sense for Kalisto to win and it’s awesome to see him with a title again. Still the one thing in my mind is I want Johnny Gargano up to main roster at some point and have him shakeup the division.

Final Thoughts:
Awesome Raw! I loved this week so much. How much better does it get than The Shield returning and returning to make an impact. I am so excited for TLC to see them in a match again. Tonight had drama and action and everything in between. I loved the Sister Abigail segment, I thought that is a great new element to the Bray Wyatt character. I liked the main event tonight as well Kalisto deserved that win and he definitely earned it. I think some things like the Alexa and Mickie in ring segment could have been better, and the women’s fatal five way could’ve been better as well. Either way the points were made and it leaves you excited to see next week. There is real excitement on Raw. The one thing that disappoints me though is if The Universal Championship was there and we had a program with that on top of all this, Raw would absolutely be crushing it. Nonetheless my hat is off to them tonight and I loved this week. Team Raw killed it!
Overall Rating: 8/10