Raw Review 11/26/2018

Tonight, what will happen when Seth Rollins issues an Open Challenge for the Intercontinental Championship? Can Rollins retain the title no matter who comes out to the ring? Plus, in another title match, The Authors Of Pain will defend the Raw Tag Team Championships against Bobby Roode and Chad Gable? Also, a rivalry is renewed when Baron Corbin takes on Finn Balor. Which one of these two will walk away from the victory and one up the other? Elias has come alive as of late and tonight he has another big test as he takes on Bobby Lashley. Will Elias retain his momentum or will Lashley silence him? Finally, how will Ronda Rousey continue to respond as Nia Jax awaits her?

Raw comes to us from the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

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

In-Ring Segment: Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley & Drew McIntyre
Corbin starts by making fun of the crowd of over eating on Thanksgiving. He says they don’t eat that garbage and keep their bodies ready for top physical performance. Corbin then says he is thankful for the job he has been doing as Raw acting GM. Lashley says he’s thankful for getting up every morning and taking what he wants. Mcintyre says he is thankful for the brutal, savage, well-deserved beating they gave to Braun Strowman. Corbin says that is a moment in time that will love forever. He then calls for it on the titantron. Corbin says he knows what everyone is thinking, after a brutal attack like that you won’t be seeing Braun Strowman’s face for a long, long, long time. Corbin then shows a video of Braun being prepped before surgery. Braun shows his elbow which looks huge. He says he would rather be in Milwaukee where Raw is. He says he will be back 100% and he says what happened to him will seem like paper cuts compared what he will do to those three. He says when he gets back all three of them are gonna “Get These Hands”. Corbin says they get it. He then announces that their match is still on at TLC and when Braun doesn’t show up he will win by forfeit. Corbin then tells the locker room to pick a side and says start calling him GM-Elect. The lights then go out and appear is Elias. Elias says he couldn’t sit back there and listen to Corbin’s annoying voice. He says he has been all around the world and says for some reason these three can’t get it through their thick skulls that WWE stands for “Walk With Elias”. Elias tells Corbin anyone would be better than Corbin as a GM. Elias says tonight he has to deal with Bobby Lashley. Elias then sings his new song which talks about how Bobby Lashley sucks.
My Opinion:
It’ll be interesting to see how long Braun will be out. If he can’t make it to TLC Corbin will get what he wants but I feel like Braun will be there someway somehow. I really like where Elias is at right now, I’m glad he didn’t get cut off and was actually able to get himself some spotlight this week. Elias has a big opportunity next facing Lashley.

Match 1: Elias vs Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush & Baron Corbin & Drew McIntyre
Elias and Lashley lock up and Elias is backed into the corner. Elias comes back with big chops. Lashley is able to knock him back down and gets him in the corner where he drives his shoulder into the gut of Elias. Lashley gets Elias on the mat and locks in a chin lock. Lashley then lands a waist lock takedown and stomps on Elias. Lashley then goes back to the chin lock. Elias lands a big kick and gets back in the match. After Lashley is on the outside Elias lands a huge dropkick through the ropes. Lashley gets back in the ring and is able to hang up Elias on the ropes. Lashley continues to stay into control and reigns on Elias with big right hands. Lashley then knocks down Elias and tries a cover but Elias kicks out. Lashley then goes back to the chin lock. Elias gets to his feet but Lashley hits him with a knee. Elias is thrown into the corner but is able to hit Lashley with a big elbow. He then drives Lashley into the corner and is able to hit him with big chops. Elias now on the outside gets stared down by Mcintyre. Elias tries to get back on the ring but is hit on the apron as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Elias lands a huge mule kick. Elias kicks him in the corner and then tees off with rights. Elias connects with a huge knee and goes to the top. Elias flies and hits the elbow. Elias goes for the cover but Rush pulls the ref out of the ring. The ref rings the bell. Corbin grabs a mic and says this is now a no DQ match.
Lashley attacks Elias and gets him down in the corner. Lashley then picks up Elias bu Elias reverses with a back body drop. Elias then has to fend off the guys on the outside. Elias grabs his guitar but Corbin attacks him from behind. Lashley then breaks the guitar, Corbin gets ahold of a steel chair and tees off on Elias. Mcintyre then throws off the barricade. Lashley throws him off the apron and the Corbin does the same. Mcintyre then hits him with a Claymore Kick. they then lift up Elias and bounce him off the barricade again. Mcintyre then slams Elias on the steps. Lashley then runs around the ring and delivers a spear to Elias. Lashley gets him back in the ring and wrestles him down. He then covers Elias with his knee and Lashley wins.
Winners: Bobby Lashley
My Opinion:
Elias looked amazing in this match but it’s too bad the numbers game caught up to him. Corbin, Lashley, and Mcintyre have no give. They are there to destroy and tonight Elias was another victim. At least this makes Elias look good as he should’ve won the match. I have a feeling Elias will want revenge very soon. We will see how Finn Balor fairs later tonight against this group.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin yells at a stagehand for turning off the lights and fires him. Alexa Bliss comes up and says that was impressive. She tells him he is doing an amazing job and offers help. Corbin then asks Alexa to oversee the entire women’s division.

Dean Ambrose Exclusive:
Ambrose asks if they think he’d really expose himself at Raw tonight. He says he knows Rollins is relieved he’s not there and that’s why he issued his Open Challenge. He promises to be at Raw next week. He then calls the WWE Universe vermin. Eh then says he won’t come to Raw without his flu shot. He tells Rollins there is no medicine to cure the sickness in his soul. Ambrose says he is gonna do the merciful thing and put Rollins out of his misery.

Match 2: Lucha House Party (Kalisto & Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik) vs  The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
Metalik takes down Wilder but Wilder is able to reverse. Wilder misses on the hip toss and arm drag and Metalik lands the dropkick. Kalisto comes in and lands a splash off the assist form Dorado. Dorado takes a shot at Wilder. Dawson comes in and bends Kalisto. Dawson then lands a big leg drop and then an elbow. Dawson stays on him and then tags in wilder. Wilder locks in the gory special. Kalisto lands an arm drag but Dawson gets the tag. The Revival double team Kalisto but he is able to escape. Metalik lands a big move and then Dorado follows. Metlaik hits a senton and then Dorado flies to out away Dawson.
Winners: Lucha House Party (Kalisto & Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik)
My Opinion:
Lucha House Party picks up another big win. It’s fun to see them in the ring but they can’t continue on forever with the Lucha Rules. We’ll see what they do next but it’s tough to watch The Revival fall to them again. They definitely deserve better but are stuck right now.

In Ring Segment:
Nia says she knows the Raw roster is thankful for her. Nia says she was the soul Survivor at Survivor Series. She says she is also thankful for breaking Becky Lynch’s face. Nia says the man was no match for the face breaker. Nia says she took that natch away from Ronda and come TLC she is gonna take her title. She says ever since Ronda stepped in the ring with her Ronda has been in a downward spiral. Nia then shows that match and then brings up Survivor Series. Nia then makes fun of Ronda’s promo from last week. Nia proclaims the top of the mountain belongs to her. Out comes Ronda Rousey.
Ronda gives Nia credit for winning the battle royal and says it wasn’t luck. She then says she is lucky that one punch from her could be heard around the world. She says she is lucky that one punch made her the face breaker. She says Nia’s luck has run out cause she is at the top of the mountain and after she beats her she is gonna punch Charlotte. Ronda asks Nia to go right now. Nia says they’re not gonna do it that way. She tells Ronda she could beat her right here right now but she just got finished washing off Becky Lynch’s blood from her hand. Natalya comes out to help Ronda against Tamina and Nia. Natalya then gets attacked by the Riott Squad. Ronda comes out to assist and sends them back up the ramp.
My Opinion:
Ronda looks ready for Nia and with how relaxed Nia is asking I think Ronda has a great chance to beat her. I’m not a fan of Nia right now and I don’t like how she is at the top but hopefully, Ronda will beat her and put an end to that. It’s too bad Nia didn’t wanna fight tonight.

Match 3: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable vs  AOP (Rezar & Akam w/ Drake Maverick):
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Roode gets kicked by Akam. Akam hammers on him in the corner and then throws him in the other. Akam lifts Roode and throws him in the corner again but is caught with an elbow. Akam catches Roode and takes control. Rezar gets the tag and takes it to Gable but Gable is able to lock in an armbar. Roode and Gable try a double team but Rezar counters. Roode gets distracted Maverick as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rezar brings Gable back in the ring but Gable is able to land a DDT. Roode comes in and goes after Akam. Roode lands big chops and is able to catch Akam in the knees. He lands a big shoulder in the corner but Akam fights back. Roode tries a blockbuster but gets caught. Roode tries to get in control but once again is distracted by Maverick who is peeing on his robe. Rezar hits Roode and Gable from behind. Akam and Rezar double team Roode and Akam gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winners: AOP (Akam & Rezar): Still Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
I’m glad AOP retained tonight, the way they won made them look at little weak but they still are champs and that’s what counts. AOP is dominate and I bet they will continue this run for a while. Roode and Gable may get another shot but I can’t see them winning the titles anytime soon.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa tells Sasha and Bayley she wouldn’t be in this new role if it wasn’t for them. She says they never even got to know each other. Sasha tells her to oversee herself out of their faces. Alexa says she doesn’t always need to be Raw. Alexa then tells Bayley and, Sasha, she has something planned that will allow the WWE Universe to get to know her better.

Match 4: Ember Moon w/ Curt Hawkins vs Alicia Fox w/ Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brother’s
Fox lands a big boot right away and stays on Moon. Fox is able to land a swinging neck breaker and tries a cover but Moon kick out. Fox then locks in a chin lock and keeps Moon grounded. Fox jumps on the back of Moon and Moon slams her down to break the hold. Moon lands a big forearm and another to follow. Moon is able to land a big suplex on Fox. Moon goes to the top and lands The Eclipse. Moon goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Ember Moon
My Opinion:
Ember Moon gains a lot of momentum for her and Curt Hawkins tomorrow. With Hawkins as a partner, it already puts Moon at a disadvantage since he always loses. Moon at least is in the head of Fox and I think she will have to take control to give her team the win tomorrow night.

Match 5: No Way Jose vs Jinder Mahal
Mahal lands a huge kick and gets Jose in the corner where he hits him with big right hands. Mahal knocks down Jose and continues to hammer on him in the corner. Jose tries a roll-up but Mahal kicks out. Mahal stays on Jose and wrenches on his face. Mahal hits Jose in the back and then keeps him grounded on the mat. Mahal lands a big kick to Jose and then wrenches on the side of his face with his knee. Mahal lands a snap suplex and then goes for the cover but Jose kicks out. Mahal lands an elbow and then hits Jose with a big knee. Mahal then goes to a chin lock. Jose tries to work to his feet but Mahal takes him down. Mahal keeps the chin lock locked in. Jose hits Mahal with a cross body from the second rope. Jose hits a clothesline and then an arm drag. Mahal fights back and hits Jose. He then hits him with the Koloss and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Jinder Mahal
My Opinion:
Mahal picks up a good win here even though it’s over Jose who isn’t around much anymore. Mahal was dominating and didn’t give an inch. Jose tried to fight back but Mahal was too much for him tonight. I think if Mahal gets ahold of Hawkins tomorrow he will put it away for his team.

In Ring Segment: Seth Rollins
Rollins welcome everyone to Monday Night Rollins. He tells how last week Ambrose made him feel like he was the lunatic. He says he needs to get back to what he does best. He says he is done chasing Ambrose around and says no immunization can make him immune to Seth Rollins. He tells how Ambrose will be here next week but not tonight. He says Ambrose could be lurking around her but he doesn’ care. He then calls for the start fo the Open Challenge. Out comes Dolph Ziggler.
Ziggler tells Rollins his head hasn’t been in it since Dean stabbed him in the back. Ziggler tells him he’s gonna do what he does best and that’s lose to him. Ziggler says tonight he is not just the best in the world but he is gonna go back to being Intercontinental Champion.

Match 6: Seth Rollins: Intercontinental Championship Open Challenge
Rollins quickly takes it to Ziggler but Ziggler regroups. Rollins works a submission hold but Ziggler fights out and counters with a side headlock. Rollins breaks the hold and is able to land a hip toss. Rollins is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ziggler is in control. Ziggler wrenches on the face of Rollins using the rope for leverage. Ziggler hits the neck breaker and goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Ziggler then goes to a chin lock. Rollins gets to his feet but is brought right back to the mat. Rollins breaks free but is then hit with a dropkick. Ziggler tries a cover but Rollins kicks out. Ziggler uses the ropes to do more damage to Rollins face. Ziggler then bounces Rollins off the turnbuckle. Ziggler gets a body lock and keeps Rollins on the ground. Rollins fights to his feet but Ziggler gives no give. Ziggler takes down Rollins with an elbow. Ziggler then goes to the chin lock. Rollins fights out but Ziggler lands on his feet and sends Rollins crashing to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rollins and Ziggler continue to battle back and forth. Rollins is able to hit an enziguri and builds momentum. Rollins catches Ziggler with a right and then flies off the top rope to take him down. Rollins goes for the cover but can’t get the three. Rollins goes to the top but is knocked down by Ziggler. Ziggler goes to the top and looks for the suplex but Rollins blocks and shoves him to the mat. Ziggler tries again but Rollins knocks him down. Rollins flies but is caught and hits with the Famouser. Ziggler goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Rollins blocks the Zig Zag and then catches Ziggler. Ziggler tries a roll-up but Rollins kicks out. Ziggler then locks in a sleeper hold. Rollins is able to drop Ziggler and then hits him with a huge kick. Rollins goes for the cover but Ziggler kicks out. Rollins hits a kick in the stomach and then tries The Stomp but Ziggler avoids it twice. Ziggler hits the Zig Zag and goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Ziggler looks for a superkick but Rollins can’t even stand. Rollins hits an inside cradle but Ziggler kicks out. Ziggler hits a DDT and then goes up top. Rollins meets him up here and hits a suplex. Rollins then hits the Falcon Arrow and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winner: Seth Rollins: Still Intercontinental Championship
My Opinion:
Big win for Rollins tonight in this very exciting and competitive match. Ziggler came so close to winning a number of times tonight but Rollins showed his toughness and willingness to prevail. Rollins needs to keep this mental toughness with TLC coming up soon. Ambrose is gonna come at him hard so Rollins better be ready for this battle.

In Ring Segment: Alexa Bliss & Sasha Banks & Bayley
Bliss once again announces how she is overseeing the Raw Women’s Divison. She tells tonight that the audience will be able to ask any questions to Sasha and Bayley because she wants people to get to know the superstars. She then tells how Charly is at ringside to get the questions. Bliss then introduces the two.
Bliss then asks the crowd who has a question. The first question is how Bayley and Sasha would change the Raw Women’s Divison if they could. Bayley says she is proud of the division so she wouldn’t change anything, but hopes they keep getting opportunities. Sasha then says if she could change anything she would ship Bliss back to SmackDown. Bliss then asks Sasha about her tag team with Bayley. Sahsa say they are a team and they are good friends. Bayley says she wouldn’t ship Bliss back to SmackDown, she’d ship her back to hell. Mickie James, Dana Brooke, and Alicia Fox then attack Sasha and Bayley. Sasha and Bayley clean house and stand tall.
My Opinion:
This did seem like a set up by Bliss but Banks and Bayley fought hard and didn’t allow the sneak attack to stop them. Bayley and Sasha are great as a team together and I think they should give some idea for the Women to have Tag Team Championships. Bayley and Sasha continue to stay by each other’s side and they seem better together than apart.

Match 7: Finn Balor vs Baron Corbin
Balor comes out hot as he backs Corbin into the corner. Corbin barrels out of the corner and hammers on Balor. Corbin goes to a modified half nelson and keeps Balor on the mat. Balor tires to fight to his feet but can’t. Corbin continues to put the pressure on Balor but Balor finally gets to his feet. Corbin takes a shot to the mid-section of Balor but Balor is able to take him down. Balor uses his speed to hang u Corbin the corner and then again lands a big kick. Balor takes it to Corbin and runs on the apron to hit Corbin with a big kick as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin takes it to Balor as Balor is on the outside. Corbin then drives Balor into the barricade. Corbin once again slams Balor into the barricade. Corbin then continues to take shots at Balor. Balor gets back into the ring but Corbin meets him with a flurry of kicks. Balor lands a shot to the mid-section and tires to fly using the ropes but he is met with a huge right hand. Corbin goes for the cover but Balor kicks out. Corbin then hits Balor with twelve six elbows. Corbin goes back to the wrenching on the neck of Balor. Balor fights out but Corbin stays in control after hitting a huge clothesline. Corbin goes for the cover but Balor kicks out. Corbin hits Balor with a big kick to the back and another one to follow. Corbin doesn’t allow Balor to make it to his feet. Corbin then goes to a standing chokehold and continues to put the pressure on Balor. Balor hits Corbin with a right and then hits him with double boots. Corbin stays in control with a kick to the gut. Balor is able to land a double leg takedown and hits the big double kick to Corbin. Balor takes down Corbin with rights and lefts. Balor is able to stay in control but Corbin battles back and hits Deep Six. Corbin goes for the cover but Balor kicks out. Balor is able to plant Corbin and then he drives him into the corner. Balor goes to the top and goes for the Coupe de, Grace but Corbin rolls out of the way. Corbin grabs a mic and tells Balor this match is now a 2 on 1 handicap match. He says it’ll be Finn Balor versus him and Drew Mcintyre. Balor hits Corbin with a kick and flies through the ropes to take down Mcintyre. He then flies to take out Corbin. Mcintyre comes from behind and drops Balor. He then slams Balor on the barricade. Mcintyre is able to hit the Claymore Kick and gets the 1 2 3 for him and Corbin.
*** After the match out comes Bobby Lashley. Lashley slams Balor to the mat. He then picks him up and allows Corbin to hit him with End of Days. Mcintyre then directs traffic telling Corbin and Lashley to pick him up. Once again Mcintyre hits Balor with the Claymore Kick.
Winners: Baron Corbin & Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
Balor put up one heck of a fight for the odds that were thrown at him. Corbin, Lashley, and Mcintyre really are running the show right now. It’ll be interesting to see next week who they go after or if anyone will try to put a stop to them. Right now I don’t know if anyone can stop them though as they all seem bound by a common goal. Balor and Elias definitely need to regroup after tonight and maybe work together to try to take out these three.

Final Thoughts:
This was an okay Raw tonight, first I really liked the match between Rollins and Ziggler. They tore the house down as they usually do and this was a good test for Rollins as Ambrose awaits. I wasn’t a fan of Nia Jax tonight, I think her character is just getting annoying and it’s not entertaining to me. I’m glad Ronda shut her up and I hope Ronda will be ready for Nia at TLC. Nia seems way to cocky right now. I was glad to see AOP retain the tag titles tonight but I didn’t like the way they won, I wish they would just dominate and run the show. Finally, I loved Corbin, Mcintyre, and Lashley. Right now they are running the show and it doesn’t look like anyone can stop them. I can’t wait to see what comes next but they better watch for when Braun Strowman comes back. Eventually, the superstars are gonna fight back so they have to really pick their spots.
Overall Rating: 6/10