Raw Review 10/24/2016

Hell In A Cell is this Sunday and we are in for a big night! The Beast is back as Raw is live from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Tonight we see Brock Lesnar return to address Goldberg’s statements from last week. What will the beast have to say about being next and Last? Also set for tonight is a huge triple threat match. Owens, Rollins, and Jericho. Will this be used to soften up Rollins or will the best friends seize to co-exist. Who will gain the momentum between Sasha Banks and Charlotte as we look forward to this Sundays first ever womens Hell In A Cell for the Raws Women’s Championship. Plus will Sami Zayn be able to rise to the challenge of Braun Strowman as Zayn acted boldly last week standing up to him. Finally how will Cesaro and Sheamus fair as they finally team up for some real competition against the Raw Tag Team Champions The New Day.

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Raw is live tonight from the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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

In Ring Segment
Here comes Jericho out to the ring to start the show. Jericho starts by saying he has some terrible news. He says the triple threat match has been canceled until further notice. He says something has happened that could ruin people’s life. He claims someone has stolen the list of Jericho. He says he will not leave the ring or have another match or anything to do with the company until he gets it back. Until somebody mans up and gives him the list he won’t leave the ring. Out comes Kevin Owens.
Jericho asks Owens if he has the list. He says he doesn’t and that he doesn’t care about the list. Owens says he will help Jericho find the list but after they take care of Rollins. Jericho says there will be no match until he gets the list because it is his most prized property. Out comes Stephanie. Stephanie says she will do everything in her power to make sure he gets the list. She says that Jericho needs to listen to Owens. She says they need to get back on the same page. Jericho says he wants the list and he is sick of people telling him what he needs and what they want.
Out comes Rollins. Jericho says that’s it right there you have the list. Rollins says I don’t know what you’re talking about. He then pulls it out and says I found the list. Stephanie tells Seth to bring the list down. Seth tells Stephanie that he is on the list. Owens says that he won’t get away with this one and that he knows Seth won’t survive the triple threat match. He tells Seth to come give the stupid list. Seth says well Owens you should she this my former best friend Kevin Owens. Jericho says you took it to far he would never be on the list. Stephanie says not me either. Jericho agrees and says he wants the list back. Seth says he will give the list but he needs to make a new list dedicated to Owens. Seth says it will be a list of all parts of Owens body that won’t be the same after this Sunday. Seth says Owens has no idea what the cell is like but he does. He says the first thing is Owens back and he will make sure Owens can’t walk around here because Seth is the only one who can walk around here as champ. Then he says I am going to put your mouth on there so you can’t kiss ass anymore. He then says Owens ego is last on the list and he will stop at nothing to take the title. Seth tells Jericho if he wants the list to come and get it.
My Opinion:
I liked the working elements of this segment. It was nice seeing Seth talk and stand up for himself. He could slow it down some and take it in a little more but he was very aggressive and that was a nice touch. I like the rift that continues to circulate between Jericho and Owens and it is just a matter of time before it comes to a head. It was an interesting way to start the show but didn’t deliver as much hype up for the main event tonight as I would’ve liked. Owens got walked on by Seth in this and his promo skills didn’t shine as bright as they could’ve.

Backstage Segment:
Seth is walking backstage and is stopped by Stephanie. She says that Jericho is looking for the list. Seth says what do you want to see the list and if your name is on there. She says no but the triple threat match is huge and Jericho won’t wrestle until he gets the list. Seth says to cut the crap and that he knows Steph just wants him not to make it to this Sunday. He then says that he doesn’t have the list anymore and he left it in the locker room.

Match 1: Enzo vs Karl Anderson
Enzo comes to do his skit and is interrupted by Anderson and Gallows. They claim they are about getting paid. They claim they paid someone in the production truck to turn off their mics. The Club says the fun and games are over and their mics being turned off is music to their ears. Enzo then uses his microphone tattoo to finish his skit.
The match begins with a high elbow from Anderson. Enzo backs him into the corner and delivers punches to Anderson’s gut. Enzo goes to fly but is distracted by Gallows and is caught by Anderson and is met with a spinebuster. We are back and Anderson is in control. Anderson hits Enzo with a wicked kick to the side of the skull. Anderson goes for a cover but Enzo is out at 2. Anderson gets Enzo in a headlock but Enzo builds some separation. Enzo throws some left hands and hits a crossbody. He unloads on Anderson and irish whips him into the corner. Anderson gets in the ropes to counter the hold and he takes advantage. Anderson looks for a standing switch but the ref is distracted by Cass. Cass tells the ref that Gallows is trying to get involved. The ref then goes and gets distracted by Gallows and Cass hits Anderson with a boot. Enzo picks up the scraps and gets the win.
Winner: Enzo
My Opinion:
It was a quick match and Enzo got dominated most of it. It wasn’t highly contested and Enzo looked weak especially with Cass getting him the win. It wasn’t the best way to hype the teams match for this Sunday and doesn’t make you very interested. This rivalry is kinda pointless as these teams are thrown into it because they need to stay afloat but aren’t given title opportunities. It is sad to see two great teams just being time fillers. I feel one of these teams should’ve went to Smackdown and actually been in title consideration. On Raw The New Day just overshadows everyone and two great teams like this get lost in the shuffle.

-We see a previously recorded promo of Rusev. Rusev is shown hyping up his match with Roman. Rusev says sometimes he has trouble sleeping at night. He says that last night he slept like a baby because he knows Romans reign is coming to an end. He says Roman has done despicable things and now he will do despicable things to him. He says the cell is only as dangerous as your opponent. He says he doesn’t fear Roman and he will pay. He claims Roman will walk in as champion but will leave crushed.

Match 2: The New Day ( Big E and Kofi Kingston) vs Sheamus & Cesaro
Kofi and Cesaro start off the match. Cesaro gets Kofi in an armlock but Kofi is able to get out. Cesaro is able to hit and uppercut. He then lands a nice back breaker. Sheamus gets the tag and takes it to Kofi. Kofi is able to land a shoulder to the gut and hit a crossbody off the top rope. In comes Big E. Big E lands a big shoulder to the gut in the corner. He stomps on Sheamus and Sheamus rolls out of the ring as we go to break. We are back Cesaro and Kofi are in and Cesaro lands a big upper cut in the corner. In comes Sheamus and he lands some uppercuts of his own. Sheamus and Cesaro tag in and out until Sheamus stays in and hits a clothesline. Sheamus hits the 10 Beats of the Bodhran. Cesaro gets the tag and tries to get a quick pin but it isn’t enough. Cesaro rams his shoulder into the post after Kofi moves out-of-the-way. Sheamus and Big E get the tags. Big E hits some belly to bellies but Sheamus counters. Sheamus hits a high knee. He is then caught and quickly planted by Big E. Sheamus then shows some power of his own by taking down Big E. Kofi and Cesaro get the tags. Kofi comes in hot but his guillotine attempt is countered by a vertical suplex. Cesaro gets in control and goes for uppercuts. Kofi is able to counter and stack him up into the SOS. Kofi build space and in comes Big E. Big E goes for the Big Ending but Cesaro gets out. Cesaro gets taken down by Kofi. Sheamus comes in. He misses a Brogue kick but quickly gets on track. Kofi is taken out by Cesaro. Sheamus connects with the Brogue and gets the 1 2 3 for the win.
Winners: Sheamus & Cesaro
My Opinion:
A very highly contested match. It was great to see The New Day finally have some competition. Sheamus and Cesaro actually took it to them and the teams battled back and forth. It was a huge win for Sheamus and Cesaro and it really builds the hype for this Sunday. Now this match will be interesting. We see that these two can work together and that The New Day is beatable. It was about time that they lost because it becomes unbearable to watch them win over and over and over. It was a great change in pace and nice to see the tag champs humbled instead of having all momentum as always heading into title defenses.

Backstage Segment:
Jericho is backstage looking for the list. He is freaking out and is asked by the Shining Stars if he wants to buy a timeshare. He says he hates the Dominican and keeps looking. Jinder Mahal stops him and says he needs to find inner peace. Jericho says I want to find the list not breathing and continues to search as we go to break.

Arm Wrestling Contest: Bayley vs Dana Brooke
Dana says hold on one second.  Dana claims that the WWE Universe said her victory last week was an upset. Brooke continues to say that her winning over someone like Bayley is an upset isn’t an upset. Dana says she was nice enough to get a rematch but says it isn’t any old rematch. It in fact is an arm wrestling contest.The two do the contest and Dana dominates and quickly wins as Bayley used her bad arm. Dana says they can do the other arm. They go and Bayley starts to win. Dana then hits her with a cheap shot. Dana goes after her and works Bayley’s injured shoulder. Bayley is able to hit a Bayley to Belly and Dana gets out of the ring quickly

Backstage segment:
Jericho is backstage and tells Stephanie she needs to help him find the list. She says what will you do Chris put me on the list. Jericho says I would never put you on that. Stephanie says that Jericho needs to get focused because Rollins doesn’t want him in the match and she has to much to worry about. Jericho says he is standing his ground and won’t compete without the list. Stephanie says if he doesn’t she will make an example of him and he will be suspended.

Match 3: Bo Dallas vs Curtis Axel
Curtis Axel is in the ring and says he really did Bolieve but last week he left him lying in the ring. He says he had to go back to what he believed in. He says that he had to go back to his roots. He says he carries the legacy of his grandfather and his father. He claims that when Bo attacked him he attacked everything he stood for. He says he won’t let it happen especially not in his hometown.
Dallas slaps Axel and Axel lands a right. Axel is though taken down by a blow to the back of the neck. Axel hits a Perfect Plex but Bo kicks out. Bo rolls out of the ring. Axel tries to bring him in but Bo counters. Bo comes in the ring and blasts through Axel. Bo grounds Axel with a headlock. Axel gets up and lands some nice right hands. He follows up with some big clotheslines and then a back elbow. He hits a snap near and takes it to Bo. A momentary hesitation by Axel and Bo is able to roll him up for the win.
Winner: Bo Dallas
My Opinion:
Not a bad match between these two. They went back and forth and they both looked focus. Remember Axel is a former Intercontinental Champion and has a lot of fight in him. Both men come from wrestling families and can do great things. It is great to see them in a competitive match and even though it is a time filler it was entertaining. It is nice seeing this new fighting streak and hopefully they continue to go upwards. If they continue this they could have a nice rivalry that could bring entertaining matches if given enough time in the match to do so.

Backstage Segment:
Jericho is stopped backstage and told they think he saw someone with the list. Jericho turns the corner and Braun Strowman has the list. Jericho asks if he can give him the list. Strowman says say please. Jericho says please. Strowman says I don’t see Sami Zayn’s name on the list. Jericho says it is on page 4. As Strowman walks away Jericho says you just made the list.
– We see a promo of Roman Reigns on his match with Rusev. Roman says that Rusev has never been in Hell In A Cell. He has though, and that Rusev doesn’t know what it is like to win in there but he does. Roman says he hasn’t made it personal yet. He claims that in the cell it is about one thing and that is the United States Championship. He finishes by saying see you in hell.

Match 4: The Golden Truth (Goldust & R-Truth) accompanied by Mark Henry vs The Shining Stars (Primo & Epico) accompanied by Titus O’neil
Goldust starts off with Epico. He takes it to him. He hits an inverted atomic drop and lands a big boot. Epico is able to gain control and tags in Primo. Primo takes it to Goldust. He chokes him on the ropes and throws him to the ground. Goldust is on top for a moment but Primo is able to regain control and in comes Epico. Epic whips Goldust into the corner but Goldust counters with a scoop slam. R Truth gets the tag and so does Primo. Truth comes in hot. Truth goes to bounce off the ropes but Titus pulls down the rope and sends him flying. Mark Henry sends Titus into the ring post. In the ring Primo is sent flying by Goldust and R Truth gets the cover for the win.
Winner: The Golden Truth (Goldust & R-Truth)
My Opinion:
The teams hit their spots but there isn’t a point to the match. Yeah the two teams try to sell their gimmicks and be entertaining but it isn’t. The wrestling is not bad but the teams are stale. They aren’t going anywhere and it just isn’t funny. These are 2 talented teams but it just doesn’t mix. They wrestle well against each other but it isn’t the most exciting. This is a match for Superstars and to be honest there are guys in NXT that should be up and filling this spot.

Women’s Championship Contract Signing:
Mick Foley is in the ring. Foley says you never know when a moment with be immortalized. He says you never know when someone will become a legend. He says this Sunday with be historic with the first ever women’s Hell In A Cell. He then introduces the women. Mick says since the moment you two arrived you’ve been breaking through the glass ceiling and shattered the expectations of women’s wrestling. He says some will say that the cell match is to barbaric for women. He says that this is a new era though. He says he has the contract but once signed there is no turning back and everything that comes with the match will happen. Charlotte says where do I sign so the title can come home to where it belongs. She says Mick give me the contract. Mick refuses and says it is time you hear me. He says he doesn’t think they know what they are getting involved with. Sasha says she does. Mick says no you don’t you have no idea. He says it will haunt your days and it will make you cry and sneak up behind you. He says the cell is an opponent in itself. Charlotte says she has conquered everything she has ever faced and that the title will come back to her because she is the only reason the title means anything. She claims she will go to hell in back and risk it all to win it. She says that Sasha will look into her eyes after she wins and learn respect because she will respect her queen. Sasha says she is no queen and there is no queen in WWE but there is a Boss. She claims she will be the greatest women’s champion of all time. She says the only thing that matters is the championship. Charlotte says that Sasha is weak. Sasha im weak yet i’m walking in as championship. She says she has always gotten up and she isn’t afraid to step in there. Charlotte says neither am I. Mick says you should be. Look at me and look at the pain I have it hurts. He says there is nothing he can do and he suffers because of the decisions he has made. He says that when they look at him they are looking at their future. Mick says the women’s revolution reminded him why he loved the WWE. He says they need to let him know that they know the risks. Charlotte signs and says see you in Boston. Sasha signs and says I will see you in hell.
My Opinion:
Awesome Segment. Classic Foley. I loved how emotional he was and how unintimidated the women were. They said the perfect amount and Mick sold his fear well. Mick talking about it could send chills down your spine. It hypes you up so much for this match and this match will steal the show. These women are going to make history and they know it. They both look ready and every match between them can be considered classics. Only time will tell as we approach Hell In A Cell this Sunday.

Match 5: Brian Kendrick vs Rich Swann
Kendrick locks in a side headlock. He takes down Swann with a shoulder tackle. Swann is able to stun Kendrick with a dropkick. Swann then hits some deep arm drags. Swann sends Kendrick out of the ring and Swann flies from the top to the outside to take out Kendrick. Back with Kendrick in control. Kendrick has Swann in a chin lock but Swann battles out with shots to the gut. Swann lands some rights and takes down Kendrick. Swann hits a hurricanrana from the top rope and goes for the pin but it isn’t enough. Swann counters Slice Bread and gets a nice under hook. He goes for a jackknife cover but it isn’t enough. Kendrick hits a nice knee to the midsection but it isn’t enough to put Swann away. Swann catches Kendrick with a nice forearm. Kendrick looks for the Captain’s Hook but Swann rolls up Kendrick from behind and gets the win.
Winner: Rich Swann
My Opinion:
I don’t like how Kendrick got so dominated. It would be a better hype if Kendrick was hot and proved to Perkins he is ready. Now he has no momentum and this match won’t be looked at as exciting. They didn’t do much to hype the match and I don’t know if people realize it is on the show at this point. As for Swann he does great work in there. His move set is great and he continues to put it on the line and it was a big win for him and a proving match.

Backstage Interview with Kevin Owens:
Tom Phillips is backstage with Kevin Owens. He asks how the triple threat match will play out. Owens says the match won’t affect him and Jericho and they will break Rollins. Owens says he has been waiting for the moment to be in a Hell In A Cell. He says he wanted to be apart of it and it is very exciting. He says after Sunday everyone will see what happens to Rollins. He says he will put Rollins through the hell that people talk about 20 years from now. Owens says the only thing that matters is his championship and there is nothing he won’t do to keep his championship.

Braun Strowman vs Sami Zayn
Before the match was scheduled to start Strowman grabs the mic and says he wanted competition and right now he doesn’t see any real competition. Zayn slaps Strowman and Strowman chases Zayn. Zayn gets back into the ring and hits Strowman who is on the outside a couple of times. Strowman catches him and slams him into the barricade. Strowman then leaves.

Backstage Segment
Kendrick says i’m not here to start trouble but I need help. Perkins says go ask one of your friends. Kendrick says if he loses this Sunday that’s it and if he loses he can’t feed his family. Perkins says I knew who you were and I don’t know if I can help this Kendrick. He says if you need it so bad try to win. Kendrick says trying isn’t good enough.

In Ring Segment:
The beast is here. Heyman says the Goldberg chants are starting to piss Brock Lesnar off. He says when fantasy warfare meets the reality all the chants in the world won’t be able to put Goldberg back together. Heyman tells everyone who chants Goldberg to refrain from doing so before Lesnar takes matters into his own hands. The crowd breaks out in a Goldberg sucks chant. The two leave the ring.
My Opinion:
Are you serious? I don’t know what happened but that was not good. Heyman sucked on the mic tonight. He tried getting the crowd to chant Goldberg but it didn’t work. They were in Lesnar’s hometown and it would’ve been perfected for a Lesnar rally to hype up the beast. They severally dropped the ball and it was a waste of time. There was no point to it and it just sucked. Bad bad bad, I don’t know what else to say because all Heyman did was fail on the mic and when has that ever happened?

Backstage Segment:
Jericho sees Owens and Owens says you ready now. Jericho says yeah but our friendship matters to you. Owens says we are bestfriends. Jericho says no matter what happens tonight in this match we will still be best friends.

Match 6: Seth Rollins vs Chris Jericho vs Kevin Owens
Rollins takes out Owens and then takes out Jericho. Owens comes in but Rollins lands shots on him. Owens grabs Rollins and drives him into the barricade. Rollins gets in control and bounces Owens off the barricade a few times. Jericho comes to help and dumps Rollins over the barricade. Rollins gets up and takes out both men. Rollins throws Owens into the ring and Send Jericho over the barricade. Rollins is met by a clothesline by Owens in the ring. Owens hits a big clothesline in the corner and drops Rollins. Owens goes for a cannon ball but Rollins gets out of the way. Rollins connects with a knee from the top rope but it isn’t enough to put away Owens. Rollins looks for a pedigree but in comes Jericho. Rollins looks for one on Jericho but Jericho counters. Jericho looks for the walls but Rollins Counters. Jericho goes for a Lionsault but Rollins gets his knees up. Rollins goes for another Pedigree but Owens breaks it up. Owens hits a senton on Rollins chest. On the outside Owens and Jericho double team Rollins. Jericho throws Rollins in the ring and he is met with a big kick from Owens. Owens and Jericho unload on Rollins. Owens goes for a Pop Up Powerbomb but Rollins covers. Rollins takes out Owens on the outside. Rollins gets up and goes for a splash on Jericho but he rolls out of the way. Jericho hits the Codebreaker but it is not enough. Owens comes in and delivers the cannon ball to Rollins. Jericho and Owens go for the double suplex but Rollins counters and rolls both of them and pins them for the win. After the match Jericho and Owens assault Rollins. They throw him face first into the steps and celebrate. Rollins gets up and runs after Owens and attacks him on the stage. Owens heads towards the ring and Rollins chases and takes him down. Owens takes down Rollins and fires shots. Owens hits a powerbomb onto the apron and lays out Rollins.
Winner: Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
I wish the match had more length to it. It was mostly a one-sided affair in favor of Owens and Jericho. Rollins fought hard but numbers caught up to him. The match itself wasn’t the best as it was an assault. There were some good counters thrown in but nothing too fancy. The finish was a little sloppy and by the end Rollins looked spent. The best part was after the match and it was nice to see Rollins and Owens go at it. It felt like a Raw of old as they assaulted each other and you’re left questioning if Rollins will even make it to this Sunday.

Final Thoughts:
It wasn’t the best Raw it should’ve been. First the Lesnar segment bit the dust. I don’t understand where the disconnect was but Heyman was not on tonight. The Universal Championship hype was good as Rollins and Owens really went at it. There wasn’t much hype in the other matches. The WWE Women’s Championship contract signing was really good. We didn’t see any of Foley tonight besides this and he really drove home the point of how demonic the Hell In A Cell is. The Cruiserweight hype was dead. It doesn’t even feel like that match means anything to this Sunday. We saw an arm wrestling contest that just was a mess. Somehow tonight they were able to get bayley booed. That pretty much sums up this Raw. Other matches were just there to be there like always and nothing was a stand out. The US title match only got a second’s glance tonight which I didn’t like. Nothing shined and it was safe and I don’t think it really drove Hell In A Cell home. I hope that with this Sunday and then a Halloween special next week it could get back on track. Hopefully with Goldberg back next week we can get Lesnar vs Goldberg rolling again and we will have answers to lingering questions.
Overall Rating: 6/10