Raw Review 10/23/2017

Tonight is the Fallout Edition of Monday Night Raw after last night’s TLC PPV. Tonight Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman will be on Raw to respond to Jinder Mahal who challenged Lesnar to a match at Survivor Series. Last night Asuka debuted and was victorious over Emma, but what will be next for Asuka? Kane attacked Braun Strowman last night, but what we don’t know is the reason for it. Will The Big Red Machine give the WWE Universe answers tonight? If Enzo Amore learned anything during his first title run it’s that everyone is coming for you. With Enzo being a two-time champ now who will step up to be his next challenger? What’s next for Finn Balor as he defeated AJ Styles last night?

Raw is live tonight from the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin

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

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle
Kurt thanks the crowd and says it’s been a whirlwind. He says that last night he wrote a new chapter. He tells that last night when he competed in a WWE ring again it was like a dream come true. He says that was last night and tonight is a new night. He tells how Survivor Series will be Raw vs SmackDown. He says that Alexa Bliss will face Natalya, Miz will face Baron Corbin, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins will face The Uso’s, and Brock Lesnar will face Jinder Mahal. Kurt then informs that there will be a men’s and a women’s elimination match. Outcomes The Miz.
Miz says he is sick of hearing Angle. He tells that this is his show and Kurt is supposed to make the show better. He says Kurt should have done what was right and stayed out of it, but instead wanted the spotlight. Miz tells Kurt that it isn’t about him and he doesn’t deserve to be in a WWE ring and should resign immediately. Kurt says that’s not gonna happen and he’s gonna go to his office. Miz tells him he’s not going anywhere. Outcomes The Shield.
Miz tells Ambrose and Rollins they are sucking up to the management. Miz tells them to realize the odds aren’t in their favor. Kurt says he’s gonna schedule a match, Miz and Cesaro and Sheamus will face Ambrose, Rollins and AJ Styles.
My Opinion:
This was a good way to start off the night. We had some big match announcements and we get a great match to start off the night. I think they played off Kurt wrestling very well and it keeps it so the next time he does wrestle it will still be special. They gave the WWE Universe a little bit of everything with that segment.

Match 1: The Shield (Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose) & AJ Styles vs
Sheamus & Cesaro & The Miz
Rollins and Sheamus start off the match. Sheamus takes him down and works a headlock on the mat. Rollins tries to create space but is taken down by a shoulder tackle. Rollins comes back with a cross body. He builds momentum and tees off. Ambrose gets the tag and keeps on Sheamus. He lands a few big shots and works Sheamus in the corner where he comes hard with rights. Sheamus overpowers Ambrose and is able to tag Cesaro. Cesaro works the arm of Ambrose. Cesaro lands a huge slam and goes for the cover, but gets a two count. Ambrose comes back quickly and lands a big knee. He tags Rollins and Rollins works the arm of Cesaro now. Rollins tags Styles and he comes in hot with big chops to Cesaro. Styles goes for the pin, but Cesaro kicks out. Another pin and another kick out by Cesaro. Cesaro fights back but is met with a big kick. Styles goes to the apron and is sent to the floor by a big kick. Miz gets the tag and lands a big kick to the midsection of Styles. Styles is able to hang him up and tries for a tag, but Sheamus and Cesaro break it up. Ambrose and Rollins help out and the three stand tall after Miz, Sheamus, and Cesaro are sent to the outside. The three dive over the ropes and take them out on the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Cesaro has Ambrose down on the mat. Ambrose fights back, but Sheamus and Cesaro double team him. Sheamus lands a huge shot and goes back to working the arm of Ambrose. Cesaro gets the tag again and the two double team Ambrose once more. Ambrose tries to fight back, but Cesaro gives him no ground. Cesaro goes for a suplex, but Ambrose reverses it. Sheamus gets the tag and goes after Ambrose. Ambrose comes off the ropes and lands a big clothesline. Rollins gets the tag and flies to take out Miz who also got the tag. Rollins hits a sling blade and follows with a blockbuster. Rollins lands a falcon arrow, but the pin is broken up.Miz takes advantage of the commotion and lands a huge DDT. He goes for the cover, but Rollins kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Miz lands the It kicks on Rollins. Miz misses on the last kick and Rollins takes advantage with a roll up. Miz kicks out of the pin and throws Rollins out of the ring. Ambrose assists on the outside and takes out Sheamus. Rollins takes out Miz. Cesaro makes his own tag and goes after Rollins. Rollins escapes and tags Styles. Styles comes in hot. He lands a huge splash in the corner and slams Cesaro. Cesaro uses the ref to his advantage and lands a huge uppercut on Styles. Rollins takes out Sheamus and then he and Ambrose take out Miz. The two then fly to take Miz and Sheamus out on the outside. Styles flies and lands a Phenomenal Forearm to Cesaro and gets the 1 2 3.
*** The three celebrate their win, but out comes Kane. Kane takes out all three and Miz, Sheamus, and Cesaro come in take their cheap shots. Kane lands a huge chokeslam on Rollins. He throws Ambrose out of the ring and stands tall.
Winners: The Shield (Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose) & AJ Styles
My Opinion:
What an awesome match to start off the night. I loved seeing AJ on Raw and having him team with The Shield was even better. I’m glad they give this match the amount of time it deserved. They put on a show and they looked like they could’ve gone all night long. I loved how Styles worked with Rollins and Ambrose. It was interesting to see the similar styles that Rollins and Aj have, I’d definitely love to see those two face off sometime. I also liked the ending with Kane. I think it’s awesome to see Kane in old form and just causing destruction.

In Ring Segment:
Kane says he heard the stories how he wanted competition. He tells about Strowman and the things he’s done. He says he liked what he heard about Strowman, but had to see it for himself. He says he saw nothing but a pile of trash. Kane says last night he saw fear in Strowman’s eyes that no man had ever been able to instill. He says he is and will always be Raw’s only monster. Kane says with Braun gone he wants competition or else. Out comes Finn Balor.
My Opinion:
I like Kane being back. I have no problem with him being thrown into the mix if they keep letting him be the monster that he is. I hope Kane will continue on and will dominate for a while and actually gets involved in a good storyline.

Match 2: Kane vs Finn Balor
Finn tests Kane but quickly gets out of the ring. He gets back in and Kane takes it to him in the corner. Balor kicks Kane is able to catch him with another kick from the apron. Balor gets back in the ring and is hit with a big boot. Kane alms Balor and gets a two count on the pin. Kane gets a chin lock and Balor struggles to his feet. Kane throws Balor out of the ring. Balor lands two kicks on Kane as he heads to the outside. Kane comes back and catches Balor and slams him into the barricade and then the ring. Kane toys with Balor and lands a huge side slam. Balor hits with rights, but Kane just tosses Balor. Kane gives no ground and continues to hammer on Balor. He drives his knee into the spine of Balor and bends Balor’s back. Balor comes back and lands a drop toe hold sending Kane into the steps. Kan tries to get back in the ring, but Balor hammers on him. Balor is able to land a sling blade and drives Kane into the corner. Balor goes to the top, but Kane stands up and pulls Balor off the top. Kane drives Balor into the mat and his another huge chokeslam and one more to follow. Kane goes for the cover and gets the win.
Winner: Kane
My Opinion:
I loved the fight in Balor, but Kane was dominating. He’s still got it and he did a good job of selling for Balor. I also liked that it was Balor that Kane faced. The best way to work him back in is to treat him like he never left and give him the best competition.

Backstage Segment:
Shane Mcmahon enters Kurt’s office. Kurt asks how he is and Shane says he’s not feeling that great. Kurt thanks Shane for AJ coming and helping out on Raw. Kurt tells Shane about how good Raw is and says don’t be to embarrassed when Raw beats you. Shane tells Kurt he’s getting a little out of line. Shane then tells Kurt SmackDown is gonna annihilate Raw.

Match 3: Asuka vs Emma
Emma and Asuka lock up. Emma takes a cheap shot, but Asuka comes back with big kicks. Asuka goes for an armbar, but Emma forces the break. Emma gets on the apron and Asuka knocks her to the floor. Emma is able to come back after sending Asuka into the ring post. In the ring, Emma hammers on Asuka. Emma lands a big suplex and goes for the cover, but Asuka kicks out. Emma gets a chin lock in, but Asuka fights out. Asuka lands a backslide, but Emma kicks out. Emma comes back and sends Asuka to the mat. Asuka kicks out on the pin attempt. Emma sends Asuka into the corner and does it once more. Emma lands a big forearm but is taken out bug a missile dropkick. Asuka lands big strikes to Emma and follows with a German suplex. Asuka tries for a kick but is sent into the turnbuckle. Asuka gets works Emma on the mat and gets the Asuka lock-in. Emma taps.
Winner: Asuka
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good match. Emma looked really good tonight. I was very impressed with how she hung with Asuka, not just tonight but last night. It will be interesting to see who will be next for Asuka and if it will be bigger competition than Emma.

In Ring Segment: Alexa Bliss
Alexa tells about her victory over Mickie James last night. She moves on to Survivor Series and says you all get to witness her dismantle Natalya. Alexa proclaims that she prove to everyone that there is one Goddess. Alexa says she feels underappreciated and says it feels like the crowd hands out chants like Halloween candy. She asks where her chants are. Alexa claims that everyone is jealous of her. Alexa tells the crowd to say the chant “you deserve it”. She tells them she is The Goddess of WWE and they will chant it. Outcomes Mickie James.
Mickie gets in the ring and lands a big kick and follows with a DDT. Mickie tells Alexa she does deserve it.
My Opinion:
I love Alexa, but seriously someone helps her on the mic. It feels like she is uncomfortable out there and repeats a lot of the same stuff every week. I think she needs to get a good rivalry going that is new and fresh so maybe her facing Natalya will be good so it’s not the same stuff every week. I liked Mickie coming out during this. Mickie is still having fun and that’s awesome to see.

Backstage Segment:
Bayley and Sasha tell Kurt he was on fire last night. Kurt tells them that he wants them, to be captains of team Raw. Alicia interrupts and says she should be captain. Kurt tells them tonight they will have a triple threat match and the winner will be team captain of the Raw Women’s team.

Match 4: Elias vs. Jason Jordan
Elias goes right after Jordan. Elias stomps on Jordan and lands a huge elbow. Elias locks in a chin lock and keeps Jordan on the mat. Jordan gets to a vertical base and lands a big suplex. Jordan lands a few shots, but Elias comes back. Jordan sends Elias out of the ring and goes to the outside. Jordan drives Elias into the barricade and continues to pound Elias. Elias grabs his guitar and hits Jordan with it. Jordan wins via DQ.
Winner: Jason Jordan: Via DQ
My Opinion:
This was a good match, I think both of them are really good in the ring and I wish things didn’t end this way. I was starting to get really into the match right when it ended. I hope they continue their rivalry because these two can go. I don’t know how WWE doesn’t see the full potential in these two and run with it.

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar w/ Paul Heyman
Heyman tells how someone has a problem with the word undisputed. He tells how this someone barely survived the title challenge of Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura. He tells about Lesnar and the dominance he’s had. Heyman says no one wants to give props and just wants to give insults. Heyman calls himself the king of the trash talk but says he won’t trash talk Lesnar’s opponents because they must be a real man. Heyman makes fun of Mahal and tells Mahal is not Lesnar’s equal and isn’t worthy of being champion. Heyman says when you think of champions you don’t think of Jinder Mahal. He calls Mahal a consolation prize for SmackDown. Heyman says the brand that has Lesnar is the number one brand and the place to be in WWE. Heyman tells Mahal that at Survivor Series he’s going to Suplex City. Heyman then goes on and says that the last time a SmackDown superstar stepped in the ring with Lesnar the match had to be stopped. Heyman tells Mahal that his challenge is accepted by the Undisputed Beast, the reigning defending Universal Champion Brock Lesnar.
My Opinion:
I’m very curious to see how this match will play out. I liked how Heyman hyped it up because it’s true who would give Mahal a shot in this. It’ll be interesting to see if Lesnar runs him over or if they actually have a good match. Mahal has worked hard and done very well, it’s just I’d rather see Lesnar face a huge name at a PPV as big as Survivor Series.
Charly asks Kalisto how he’s doing. Kalisto says physically he’s fine, but tonight is about familia. He is joined by Alexander, Swann. Metalik, and Ali and tells them they will all get a piece of Enzo.

Match 5: Sasha Banks vs Bayley vs Alicia Fox:
Winner will be the Captain of the Raw Women’s Survivor Series Team
Alicia goes after Sasha and Bayley. Sasha goes after Alicia but is thrown to the mat. Alicia lands a northern lights suplex on Bayley and then one on Sasha. Alicia gets a chin lock on Sasha, but Sasha works to a vertical base. Alicia hits her with a forearm, but here comes Bayley. Alicia fends her off quickly and sends her out of the ring. Alicia keeps on Sasha, but Sasha catches her with a kick. Bayley and Sasha work together to send Alicia to the outside. Alicia comes back in the ring but is sent back out quickly. Bayley and Sasha both land a baseball slide to keep Alicia out of the ring as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Alicia has Sasha on the mat and Bayley is on the outside. Sasha lands a big spinning head scissors. Sasha goes to the top, but Alicia knocks her down. Alicia slaps Sasha and meets her up there. Bayley comes back in the ring and powerbombs Sasha and Alicia. Bayley tries for a pin, but Alicia kicks out. Bayley lands big knees and elbows to Alicia and hits a DDT. Alicia comes back with a big elbow and follows with a big boot. Alicia goes to the outside and rings the bell. Alicia kicks Sasha and Bayley tries for a roll up, but Alicia kicks out. Bayley hits a Bayley to belly, but Sasha breaks up the pin.Sasha goes after Bayley and lands a big kick. Bayley comes right back and lands a big right and sends Sasha to the mat. Alicia takes out Bayle with a Bayley to belly. Sasha comes back and ducks a scissors kick. Sasha gets the Banks Statement locked in. Alicia fights her off and sends Sasha into Bayley. Alicia pins Bayley and wins the match.
Winner: Alicia Fox: now Captain of the Raw Women’s Survivor Series Team
My Opinion:
I’m not too surprised by this. Alicia has been doing well as of late and it makes for interesting tv. She’s definitely owing her character very well. The match wasn’t bad even though most of it was the dominance of Alicia, but she did well with it. It’ll be interesting to see how she picks the team cause with her attitude she’d probably wanna do it all by herself, so we will see how it goes.

Match 6: Enzo Amore & Drew Gulak & Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari & Noam Dar vs Kalisto & Rich Swann & Cedric Alexander & Gran Metalik & Mustafa Ali
Kalisto and Daivari start off the match. Kalisto lands a big kick and incomes Nese. Kalisto takes it to him and tags Metalik. Metalik throws Nese and lands a huge dropkick. Kalisto and his team stand tall in the ring. Gulak is taken out by a big kick and Team Lucha stands tall as Raw goes to break.
Gulak takes it to Swann, he mocks him and tags Daivari. Davari comes in and goes after Swann. They have a huge collision and both are down. On the outside, the two teams go at it. In the ring, Daivari is taken down by a big kick from Swann. Enzo gets tagged and so does Kalisto. Kalisto lands a series of kicks and throws him in the corner. Kalisto lands a big knee and follows with a kick to the face. Enzo tries for a pin, but the pin is broken up. Alexander and Ali fly to the outside. Swann and Metalik do the same. Kalisto lands a Salina del Sol and pins Enzo to get the win for his team.
Winners: Kalisto & Rich Swann & Cedric Alexander & Gran Metalik & Mustafa Ali
My Opinion:
This was a very entertaining match. There was a lot to keep up with, but they all did well. I thought it was a great way to show off 205 Live. Hopefully, people will tune in tomorrow and see the title match. Kalisto looked like he had a lot to prove and I think he and Enzo will put on a show.

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle
Angle says they can’t wait for Survivor Series. He tells that this is the one night Raw goes head to head with SmackDown. Kurt goes to announce the first competitor, but outcomes Shane Mcmahon with the SmackDown Live roster.
Shane tells Kurt under siege. Shane tells his roster to get them. In the back, the SmackDown roster goes after Titus and Apollo Crews. They destroy the Raw teleprompter and continue on. Goldust, Rhyno, Axel, and Hawkins jump in but are taken down. They then go after Jordan and Hardy. They enter another locker room and continue to go after Raw superstars. The Women of SmackDown take it to Bayley, Sasha, Mickie, and Alicia. Rollins and Ambrose come in with chairs, but they are outnumbered. Corbin and Rusev come back with Kurt Angle and escort him out to the ring. Shane tells Kurt that at Survivor Series he wants him to bring his gold medal and the rest of his roster and they are gonna finish what they started.
My Opinion:
That was awesome. I’m all about team Raw, but I liked how they came and took over like that. It was unique and definitely a great way to start the hype for Survivor Series. That’s one of those endings that you remember and makes you want to see what’s next. It’ll be interesting to see how Raw responds and maybe we will see Angle vs McMahon?

Final Thoughts:
I really liked this Raw. It started off great, I liked the in-ring segment and thought it was a good way to get people excited early. The opening 6 man tag match killed it. Those guys went a long time and it was a great way to start the night. I liked Kane tonight as well. I think it’s cool having him back and adds a new element. Another thing for me tonight was Jordan and Elias continued to impress me. I wasn’t the biggest fan of Alexa Bliss’s promo tonight, I think they definitely gotta help her out a little bit with those. The way Raw ended was pretty cool, I think it takes you back to old days where it really felt like Raw vs SmackDown. It was a very memorable ending for me and I can’t wait to see what happens next. I hope it stays hot and Survivor Series gets the big build up that it deserves.
Overall Rating: 7/10