Raw Review 11/28/2016

The Queen City plays host tonight as Raw comes to us from Charlotte, North Carolina. Tonight we will see The Queen Charlotte defend her Raw Women’s Championship against The Boss Sasha Banks. That’s not the only title match we will see as The New Day will defend their Tag Team Championships against The Club. What will be the consequences for Chris Jericho this week after defying the orders of GM Mick Foley? On that same note what kind of mood with Seth Rollins be in after being screwed again last week? How will Sami Zayn be this week after getting destroyed by Braun Strowman last week? Plus what is the mindset of Brian Kendrick as he is one day away from defending his Cruiserweight Championship against Rich Swann at the debut of 205 Live tomorrow night on the WWE Network.

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Raw is live tonight from the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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

Highlight Reel
Raw starts off with the Highlight Reel. Jericho’s guest is Kevin Owens. Owens says it is an honor to be on for the second week in a row. Owens and Jericho say making history is what they do. The two go on to make fun of Thanksgiving and Black Friday shopping. They say they are a superior breed Canadian. Owens says he is thankful for being the Universal Champion and being the face of Raw and that he is thankful for his best friend Jericho. Jericho agrees that he is thankful for Owens as well. He says he is also thankful for his scarf and for Seth Rollins proving what happens when pride and ego takes over your life and what it means to be a stupid idiot. Jericho says it wasn’t him wearing a Sin Cara mask, it was Sin Cara wearing a Chris Jericho mask. Owens says that after last week Rollins isn’t medically cleared to be here tonight. Out comes Roman Reigns.
Owens asks if they can help Roman. Roman says I don’t know why you guys stopped. Jericho says what do you think this is a joke? Owens stutters and Roman rips on him for it. Owens says the only joke he sees is when Roman calls himself the guy. Roman says around here Owens is just a guy who needs a lot of help. Owens questions his statement. Roman says Owens needs help for everything and that is why he keeps Jericho around. Jericho says he has had enough. Owens says he should powerbomb Reigns on the apron like he did to Rollins. Reigns says he wants to talk to Fight Owens Fight and fight him tonight. Reigns says if he wins tonight he wants a title shot at Roadblock. Owens says he is on. Roman says by the end of Raw he is going to be kicking Owens ass.
My Opinion:
Entertain as always I love Jericho and Owens together. I don’t like that they continue with the teases of the JeriKO break up because it will stop having meaning and mean nothing if it happens. Roman Reigns was really good, he had a good comebacks and was entertaining. It made me feel like Roman could be getting back to the top spot eventually. I like Roman vs Owens. It is fresh and they will do well working together.

Backstage Segment:
Jericho asks why Owens told him to shut up. Jericho says that everytime Owens needs him he is there. Owens says that Jericho thinks he is helping but he isn’t. Jericho says fine he doesn’t need Owens either. Foley intervenes and says Owens has his match tonight. Foley tells Jericho he can’t duck him. Jericho says he doesn’t need to he is out of there.

Match 1: R-Truth vs Braun Strowman
Truth throws shots at Strowman early but Strowman is too powerful. Strowman throws Truth down. Strowman hits a running powerslam and gets the win 1 2 3.
After the match Goldust jumps in and goes after strowman. Strowman gets Goldust in a bearhug but Sami Zayn attacks Strowman from behind. Sami tries to take it to Strowman but Strowman lands a big chop to Zayn’s chest and Zayn goes down. Strowman gets Zayn caught up in the corner but refs come out to stop him along with Mick Foley.
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
Strowman is just dominate. This wasn’t even a match but Strowman looked powerful as always. I know they are building up Strowman but I can’t wait until he gets in a real rivalry and we can see him get battle tested. I think Strowman is in a tough spot, we have seen these big guys come in like this and very few actually stick around. There were a lot of guys like that especially in the Ruthless Agression era there were gone before we even knew who they really were. Hopefully for Strowman’s sake, he can stick around and end up like a Big Show or a Kane.

In Ring Segment
As Raw returns Foley is getting interviewed by Byron. Foley says Sami needs to be saved from himself. Sami says he needs to be saved from Foley. He goes on to say that Foley gets his orders from above and forgot where he came from. Foley says he likes Zayn and tried to help him. He says he had to step in because Strowman is a monster. Zayn says how dare you. He says Foley is in his way and is taking away opportunities he once had for himself. Zayn says he is looking at a hypocrite.

Backstage Segment
Dana comes in to tell Charlotte about an after party for Charlotte’s homecoming celebration. Charlotte says tonight she cements herself as the greatest champ of all time. She says that tonight she ends the rivalry of her and Sasha and she will become the greatest thing to come out of this city.

Match 2: Cedric Alexander vs Tony Nese
Cedric gets Nese in a nice wrist lock. Nese reverses it but cedric rolls out of it. Cedric lands a nice backflip and catches Nese with a hurricanrana. He follows it up with a drop kick. Nese lands a beautiful moonsault off the second rope but Cedric is able to kick out at 2. Nese keeps on Cedric and gets him in a body scissors. He takes the move into a headlock but Cedric is able to fight out. Cedric lands a nice shot to nese’s face and follows it up with a big kick. Cedric stays on Nese and lands a shot t Nese’s jaw with his shin. Off the distraction of Gulak Nese is able to hit a pumphandle on Cedric for the win.
Winner: Tony Nese
My Opinion:
Although this was just a match that we would expect from the Cruiserweights I will say these two are at top of the division. Both men did well as always but if you watch they are so smooth with the moves they do. They show the true definition of athleticism.The other thing I love especially with Cedric is take with his kicks you don’t just hear them you can almost feel them. They make it seem effortless and I believe these two will help carry the division especially on 205 Live which airs tomorrow on the WWE Network after SmackDown Live.

Backstage Segment:
Jericho is stopped by Charley and she asks if this argument tonight is serious since last week’s was a joke. Jericho says yes it is serious. He says he isn’t sure if Owens is his friend and if Owens doesn’t need him then he doesn’t need Owens. Jericho goes to his limo and he is attacked from behind. Rollins lays out Jericho and just misses hitting Jericho with a barricade. Rollins lands a Pedigree on the roof of a car.

Match 3: Charlotte vs Sasha Banks:
WWE Raw Women’s Championship Match
Charlotte takes Sasha off her feet to start. Sasha quickly tries to lock in the Banks Statement but Charlotte gets to the ropes. Sasha throws Dana into the steps in an effort to take her out of the question. Charlotte is able to send Sasha out to apron and sends her to the floor with a forearm. Sasha meets Charlotte on the outside and takes it to Charlotte. Charlotte regains the upper hand and sends Sasha ribs first into the barricade twice. Charlotte keeps taking it to Sasha with chops and throwing her into the barricade. Both women are counted out. Out comes Foley. Foley says he is not going to allow this rivalry to end like this. He says these two have transcended the women’s division. Foley says he wants these two to take a rest and later tonight this match will restart and this match will be a Falls Count Anywhere match.
My Opinion:
Great call by Foley. These two set the bar for the women’s division and they deserve a match like this to shine. This gave us a nice tease of what’s to come and we will have to wait until a little bit later to see the conclusion of this rivalry.

Match 4: Rusev vs Enzo
Rusev takes Enzo down with a devastating clothesline. Rusev screams at Enzo and then low blows him. Enzo wins via disqualification.
Winner: Enzo
My Opinion:
This wasn’t even a match but I don’t know what they are trying to do here. You have Rusev who should be in a good rivalry and be fighting at least for the US title and then you have Enzo a tag team wrestler. I don’t know what they are trying to accomplish but it isn’t working for me. Enzo comes off as dumb and weak and Rusev doesn’t really come off as dominate this week. He just seems fed up which in reality he should be fed up. This isn’t what Rusev should be doing. It is a waste of talent on both ends. It still blows my mind that Enzo and Big Cass haven’t been tag champs yet. I just don’t get what they are doing with these guys. It’s not fresh or original. It almost makes you feel like they need to have another mini draft to shake up the landscape more. Maybe back in the attitude era of Raw this could mean something but not in this era.

Backstage Segment:
Charley is interviewing Mark Henry about his new movie. Henry is interrupted by Titus O’neil. Titus claims that Henry stole the roll from him. Henry yells at Titus and sends him to the floor in fear.

Match 5: Rich Swann vs Noam Dar
Dar is able to get Swann in a wrist lock. Swann fights back and pushes Dar back to the ropes. Swann is able to land a nice kick on Dar to take him down. Dar comes back with a soccer style kick to Swann’s leg to take him down. Dar gets a two count on Swann and stays atop of him. Dar locks in a chin lock but Swann lands punches and elbows to his gut but he isn’t able to fight Dar off. Swann Is finally able to land a roll up and follows it with a kick to the back of the head. Swann goes for the rolling thunder but is caught by Dar. Swann lands a hard and devastating super kick to Dar’s face for the win.
Corey asks Swann how it feels to be 24 hours away from a potentially life altering opportunity. Swann takes the mic and ask Kendrick what he is doing out here. Swann says he knows what it is, Kendrick is doubting himself because he beat him twice already. Swann says tomorrow night the third time will be that much sweeter because he will be coming home the Cruiserweight Champ because he can’t handle this.
Winner: Rich Swann
My Opinion:
Dar really looked good in this match but when Swann landed his shots he really landed them. It was simple to the point but I liked it. Swann’s kick at the end was devastating and awesome. Swann looks like he is having fun in there and always does great things. His promos wasn’t great at first but he was able to wrap it up and finish strong. It will be interesting to see how 205 Live goes.

Sheamus and Cesaro
Sheamus is at the bar and is met by Cesaro. Cesaro says he is celebrating them never having to tag again. Sheamus says what was Foley thinking putting them together. Cesaro then calls Sheamus a hot head. Sheamus says if Cesaro didn’t worry about the Cesaro section they would have won. Sheamus says that his best chance at winning the titles was with Cesaro. Sheamus and Cesaro are met by fans that start making fun of them. Cesaro and Sheamus team up and take out the disgruntled fans in the bar.

Match 6: Kevin Owens vs Roman Reigns: If Roman wins he gets a Universal Championship match at Roadblock
Owens gets cheap shots into start the match. He lands punches and knees to Reigns face. Owens lands a big boot to Roman’s head and sends him out of the ring. Roman meets him on the outside and lands punches of his own. He throws Owens into the barricade and tries again but Owens reverse it and sends Roman into the steps. They get back into the ring and Owens lands a running senton but Roman is able to kick out on the cover as we go to break.
We are back from the break as Roman starts battling back. Roman had to stop himself as the ref was in the way. Owens takes advantage and lands a ddt but it isn’t enough to keep Roman down. Owens is able to hit with Cannon Ball but that only leads to another 2 count for Owens. Owens locks in a tight headlock on Roman. He wears Roman down to the mat but Roman won’t give up. Owens gets frustrated and let’s go to land a senton to the spine of Roman. It isn’t enough with another 2 count and Owens goes back to the headlock. Owens goes for another senton but Roman gets his knees up to buy himself some time. Roman lands big clotheslines in the corner and capitalizes with a big kick. Roman goes for the Samoan Drop but Owens catches him with a right. The two go back and forth but Owens catches him with a high knee. Roman fights back and is able to hit the Samoan drop. Owens kicks out at 2. Roman loads up for the Superman Punch but owens rolls out. Roman then lands the drive by. Owens regains control with a knee and a kick but gain Roman is able to kick out. Owens goes to the top but Roman meets him with a right and one more to follow. Roman tries for a suplex but Owens fights back and knocks him off. Owens goes to jump and Roman catches him with a Superman Punch that knocks Owens out of the way. Roman meets Owens on the outside and hits a Superman Punch off the steps. Owens is sent flying head first into the apron. Roman goes for the spear but Owens catches him. Roman then is able to connect with the spear. Roman gets the win 1 2 3 and is the new #1 contender.
Winner: Roman Reigns:
The new # 1 contender for the Universal Championship at Roadblock
My Opinion:
A great match between the two. They hit their spots and did well. I like Roman being in the title picture because he deserves it. Roman is a main eventer. Owens is very awesome to watch. He is so athletic and hit everything perfectly. It was fresh and makes you intrigued to see where it all will end up by the time Wrestlemania season comes.

Backstage Segment:
Charley tries to interview Owens. Owens says are you really trying to interview? He says he sees what happens to people who get interviewed by her. Owens calls her a heartless robot. He goes on to say that his head wasn’t in the match and that is why he lost. He claims he was worried about Jericho.

Paul Heyman Interview:
Cole asks Heyman what happened. Heyman says they screwed up and there is no getting around that. He says they took Goldberg lightly. He says it was a video game. He states that they thought it would have been the easiest payday of Brock’s career. Cole asks how Brock is feeling about all this. Heyman says the broken ribs are part of the game but the humiliation and the embarrassment, there are no excuses for it. He says it is part of Brock’s legacy. He states that this is embarrassing and that Brock is in the mindset that he has something to prove. Heyman says the moment can make you or destroy you. He claims he is scared to see what a Brock with something to prove will do. Cole asks what is next for Brock. Heyman states that Brock will be in the Royal Rumble match. He proclaims that there will be 28 losers and 1 victim Goldberg.

Match 7: The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) vs
The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson): Raw Tag Team championship
Anderson lands a big clothesline on Woods as gallows lands a big kick to Kofi. Gallows comes in and lands a big shot on Woods. He goes for a pin but Woods kicks out. Anderson comes back in and takes it to Woods. Anderson is sent over the ropes but gallows comes in and lands a big kick to the back of Woods’s head as we go to break.
We are back and Big E comes in and lands a big slam to Anderson. Gallows tries to distract but Big E sends him over the ropes. Anderson takes advantage. Big E is able to send himself and Anderson through the ropes. Woods is the legal man and Anderson comes back in to and a spinebuster for the near fall. Gallows gets the tag and him and Anderson double team Woods. Anderson lands a neck break from the top rope. Gallows goes for the pin but Woods kicks out. They look for Magic Killer but big E breaks it up. Woods fights back and lands big rights and a rolling elbow. Anderson is able to land an uppercut and tries to roll up Woods. Woods reverses and rolls up Anderson for the win.
Winners: The New Day (Big E & Xavier Woods) :
Still the Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
I enjoyed The Club in this match. They really dominated in this one. It was a different feel from them and it seemed like they really wanted it. Of course The New Day picks up another win. Another win that comes by a questionable pinfall. The one thing I liked though was that they took the shortcut to win but they did it because The club tried it first. That makes it work better because they didn’t cheat but they did cheat. I think The New Day will break the record but if they don’t I can’t see who would beat them. I feel like if they lose the titles it has to be to someone meaningful or it makes their reign as champion mean nothing. As much as I don’t like it I think The New Day should keep the titles until they can drop it at a main event to a deserving team.

Backstage Segment:
Bayley tells Sasha that she knows that Sasha can win tonight. Sasha says it isn’t about you or me but it is about the championship. Sasha says that this town needs a real champion and that tonight she is going to dedicate her victory to the Nature boy.

Match 8: Charlotte vs Sasha Banks:
Falls Count Anywhere Match for the WWE Raw Women’s Championship
The two start off with a lock up. The two make it to the outside and Sasha lands a suplex to Charlotte. Sasha goes for the pin but Charlotte kicks out. Both Women are down after a double clothesline as we head to break.
As we return Charlotte has Sasha in a head scissors. Charlotte gets Sasha into another choke hold while driving her knee into Sasha’s back. Charlotte looks for the Figure 8 but Sasha pushes her off. Sasha is able to hit double knees on Charlotte. Sasha connects with the running knees again, this time in the corner. Sasha goes for the knees again but Charlotte gets out-of-the-way and lands a kick to the midsection. The two go on to exchange chops on the apron. Charlotte is able to land a big kick to Sasha. Sasha hits her head on the apron on her way to the floor. Charlotte goes for the pin on the outside but Sasha kicks out. Charlotte lands Natural Selection but again Sasha stays in it. Sasha grabs a kendo stick and takes it to Charlotte. Charlotte kicks Sasha down. Charlotte is able to kick the kendo stick out of Sasha’s hands. Charlotte lands a neck breaker on the outside. Charlotte locks in the Figure 8. Sasha uses the kendo stick to break the hold. Charlotte and Sasha ensue the battle on the ramp up to the stage. Charlotte throws Sasha down on the stage and goes to the announce table. Sasha and Charlotte exchange shots but Charlotte throws Sasha onto the table. Sasha rolls to the floor. Charlotte then lands a moonsault from the announce table on the stage to the floor. Sasha is able to keep kicking out after two covers by Charlotte. Sasha drives Charlotte into the post and then into the barricade.Sasha is able to connect with a back body drop. Sasha lands double knees from the barricade but Charlotte is able to kick out at 2 on the cover. Sasha goes back to using the kendo stick. They goes back into the crowd and Charlotte connects with rights. The women battle on the stairs. Sasha locks in the Banks Statement through the railing on the stairs. Charlotte taps out. Sasha wins!
*** After the match The Nature Boy comes out to raise the hand of Sasha.
Winner: Sasha Banks:
New Raw Women’s Champion
My Opinion:
This was a great main event. I love that they keep making it fresh and giving us something new every time these two face. The ending was unique and entertaining. I thought this was probably the best match they have had so far. It had a big fight feel especially with The Nature Boy coming out at the end. Every match these two do are important and are main event matches. They are so impressive as female wrestlers. Charlotte has emerged as what I’d say the best female wrestler we have seen. These two are the staple of the Women’s division and they continue to amaze.

Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this Raw. it was interesting and fast paced. They shook up the show and did a lot of backstage segments that helped out. Everyone did well in their matches and even on the mic. The women tore the house down and ended Raw on an amazing note. Roman and Owens battled and had a very entertaining match. The tag team match was good as well. I liked that they had a big fight feel tonight with two title matches and the Roman going for the #1 contendership. I hope they will continue to shake it up with backstage segments and interesting interviews like the Paul Heyman one. Overall i am very pleased.
Overall Rating: 8.5/10