Raw Review 12/02/2019

RAW REVIEW 12/02/2019

Tonight after ripping into the Raw locker room last week after their Survivor Series performance, what will Seth Rollins say in his apology? Plus, can Charlotte pick up a big victory as she takes on The Kabuki Warriors in a 2 on 1 Handicap Match? Also, who will be coming for Rey Mysterio now that he is United States Champion? Finally, is Kevin Owens the new face of Raw?

Raw comes to us from the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN.

Raw kicks off with the arrival of the Authors Of Pain.

Backstage Segment: AOP
Akam and Rear pull up and Charly asks AOP why they attacked Kevin Owens. They respond but Charly doesn’t understand as they’re not speaking English. Charly says she doesn’t understand their languages. They respond in English and say she looks lovely tonight. AOP then heads into the arena.

In-Ring Segment: Seth Rollins
Rollins tells reiterates how last week he told the roster they all sucked. He says it came from a good place, his heart. He tells that this isn’t just his job but his life. He tells how those in the locker room is his family. He says as the head of the family he feels it’s his responsibility to motivate the locker room and get the best out of every superstar. He says he may have gone overboard, he thought about it all week, and he would like to apologize. He apologizes to the fans, the entire locker room, and then Kevin Owens. He then asks Kevin Owens to come down to the ring so he can apologize man to man. Out comes KO!
Owens says it smells like when the rodeo comes to Nashville. He says he thinks it’s because of what Rollins just said. He then questions Rollins about AOP. Rollins says he had nothing to do with AOP. Owens says the smell he was referring to was, bullshit. Out comes AOP.
Rezar issues a challenge for the two of them versus Rollins and Owens here tonight. Rollins tells Owens if you’re in I’m in. Owens says that can end with the three of them beating the crap out of him. He says if that’s what it’s gonna be let’s do it right now. Rollins says I tried but now do it on your own. Rollins goes up the ramp and stress them down but then walks by. Owens tells them to come down preferable one at a time. He says come on let’s have some fun boys. AOP decides to walk away instead. Owens says he guesses it won’t be Seth or AOP ut he is in the middle of the ring and all taped up, and he thinks Nashville wants a fight. He tells someone to come out and fight him. Lashley and Lana are shown walking in the back as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, here comes Lana. Lana says she doesn’t want to make it all about her but it’s all about her. Owens says no one cares. Lana says I’m not done talking. Owens says no one cares. Lana says she will let him know when I’m done talking. Lana says your beloved Rusev day is not going to be here tonight. She says she had to file a restraining order again today in the state of Tennessee. She says he is a danger to all of you and society and if he shows up today he is going to go to jail for a very long time. Owens says tells her that on the inside she is absolutely repulsive. Lana says her hot hot boyfriend is going to come out here and finish him. Owens says let’s get to it.
My Opinion:
The story of Rollins continues and it’s becoming very intriguing. You can tell something is off but it’s only a matter of time before we find out what that is. I think Rollins being more of a bad guy is where he shines and with that, it can elevate AOP and Kevin Owens. This time of the year is always somewhat slow until we get to the new year so this story could really keep things interesting going forward and lead to something major in the coming months! As for the Rusev and Lana story, it’s still not the best but we are seeing signs of what it is going to lead to and that’s a bigger spotlight for Rusev.

Match 1: Kevin Owens vs Bobby Lashley w/ Lana
Owens is able to hit him with big forearms but Lashley turns it around and knocks Owens to the mat. Lashley works him in the corner but here comes Owens, for a moment. Lashley turns it around with a spinebuster and plants him. Owens on the outside is able to get Lashley with a big right hand. Owens then flies off the apron to take down Lashley as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Owens tries a cover but Lashley kicks out. Owens tries a moonsault but crashes and burns. Lashley lands a huge clothesline and Owens is turned inside out. Lashley hits Owens with big right hands and then lands a big stomp. Lashley then wrenches on the face of Owens. Lashley turns Owens over and brings him to his feet. With Owens in the corner, Lashley lands a big spear. He then lands a big right hand. Owens comes back with a huge superkick. Lashley counters the Stunner and is able to hit a big neck breaker. He goes for the cover but Owens kicks out. Lashley drops Owens face first and covers but Owens again kicks out. Lashley looks for the full nelson but Owens blocks. He is then able to hit the huge pop up powerbomb. Akam and Rezar then charge the ring and attack Owens. Owens is beat down and the attack is on. They bring Owens to the outside and drop him to the floor. Owens is thrown into the barricade and he then tries to get away but AOP stays on him and continues the beat down. They then drag Owens to the back as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Charly is in the ring and asks Lashley about AOP’s attack on Owens. He says he knows nothing about that but he knows he was about to beat Owens again. He says all he cared about was keeping Lana safe. Lana then tells how she had to hire detectives to keep them safe. Out of the crowd is Rusev. He lays out Lashley and then runs back into the crowd as the detectives try to come into the ring. Lashley tells the detectives they had one job. The detective tells him they do things differently here. He then puts his hands on one of them and gets arrested. Lana tells them they should be arresting Rusev. Lana then slaps one of them. She apologized but she’s then handcuffed and arrested as Raw goes to break.
Winner: Kevin Owens: Via DQ
My Opinion:
Owens and Lashey really were having a great back and forth tonight. Lashley definitely seemed like he was trying to dish out punishment but Owens just keeps fighting and fighting. These two really know how to throw down together and it showed tonight after they had a great match last night as well. I’m glad though AOP is in the spotlight like this. It shows how strong they are and how important they are to Raw. I think the sky’s the limit for them and it’s interesting to me how they are becoming the tag team of Raw and are more featured now than even the Raw Tag Team Champions. Also, I’m glad Rusev got his tonight and the karma came back to get Lashley and Lana for once.

Backstage Segment:
During the commercial Lashley and Lana are shown being taken away. She tells them how this is wrong and she is going to sue for this. The Street Profits and R-Truth are then shown looking at the situation and laughing that those two.

Match 2: Drew Mcintyre vs Akira Tozawa
Mcintyre gets around on Tozawa and is able to lift and throw him to the mat. He gets on his knees and taunts him. Tozawa doesn’t head Mcintyre’s advice to leave and hits him with a basement dropkick. He stays on him and sends him to the outside. He then flies through the ropes and hits Mcintyre. Mcintyre comes back and drops Tozawa face-first on the floor. He then lifts him and throws him back in the ring. Mcintyre meets him in the ring and locks in a camel clutch. He then turns to a chin lock. Mcintyre hits him with a chop and then lands a big overhead toss. Mcintyre then rains down with big right hands. He goes to a submission hold and continues the beatdown. Mcintyre sends him into the corner but Tozawa is able to land a kick to the knee. He lands a kick on the apron and then goes up top to land a huge missile dropkick. Mcintyre looks to slam him but Tozawa rolls through and looks for the pin. Mcintyre kicks out and then loads up and hits the Claymore kick. He covers and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
This was a dominating performance for Mcintyre and ultimately got the point across he is here to destroy and punish his opponents. He and Tozawa really did well given the size difference. Tozawa gave the best fight he could but he just couldn’t match up to Mcintyre. Hopefully, Mcintyre gets a big-time rivalry going again soon and can show what he really can do.

In-Ring Segment: Drew Mcintyre & Randy Orton
Mcintyre tells the crowd that was fun. He tells how if people have an issue today they go on social media and start complaining. He then calls the guys in the locker room bloody cowards. He then tells Randy Orton he had a problem with him and tells him to get to the ring right now so they can talk about it.
As Raw returns, Mcintyre tells Orton apparently he has forgotten why he has a problem with him and shows the footage from last week’s Fatal Four Way. Mcintyre then calls what happened stupid, stupid, stupid. He then tells Orton to get his ass out here. Here comes Orton!
Mcintyre asks him how those chops felt. Orton asked him if that’s why he brought him out here. Mcintyre tells him not to turn his back on him and disrespect him, he tells him to look at him when he’s talking to him. Mcintyre tells Orton he walks around like he owns the place and he ignores the rules. He says he gets it and tells Orton he is the man but asks him if that gives him the right to speak to him like he is a child. He tells Orton in 2019 the only thing he is most ferocious at is posting on social media. He tells Orton he is bigger and stronger than him and he is the most ferocious man in WWE today. He tells Orton past, future. RKO out of nowhere gone, Claymore Kick out of nowhere in. Orton says he thinks there is a Drew Mcintyre and a reality problem. He tells him he has earned the right to do what he wants when he wants and tells Drew he hasn’t earned a damn thing. Orton tells him they’re good but if he still has a problem they can solve it right now. Out comes The O.C.
Gallows tells Mcintyre Orton is an unapologetic jerk and he ruins lives. Anderson tells Orton he ruined uncle Allen’s life and that he is solely responsible for Styles losing the United States Championship. Styles says what would make it better is if he gets his hands on Randy Orton tonight. Drew Mcintyre says this seems more like Randy Orton and O.C.’s problem. He then leaves the ring. The O.C. jumps him in the ring and Orton tries to fight back but he is beaten down and the 3 on 1 catches up to him. Out comes Ricochet. Ricochet goes after Anderson but now the 3 on 1 catches up to him. Now here comes Humberto Carrillo. He tries to even it up but the numbers continue to catch up. Now it’s Mysterio who’s out to help. Styles is sent to the floor and then Gallows is. Anderson is then taken out as well.
My Opinion:
Mcintyre versus Orton would be a very interesting and awesome matchup. The rivalry these two could have would be epic but who knows if it will happen. I did like Mcintyre taking his shot though and I hope that continues on. For The O.C., they tried to get to Orton but the problem is they are creating too many enemies. They only have three guys so they really need to be careful and pick their battles because right now they are biting off more than they can chew.

Backstage Segment: Randy Orton
Orton tells Mysterio, Ricochet, and Carrillo he appreciates the assistance but just so they’re clear he didn’t need it.

Match 3: Aleister Black vs Tony Nese
Nese gets around on Black but Black gets back in control and works his arm. Nese reverses but Black is able to throw him off. Black takes him off the ropes but Nese takes him down and tries a dropkick but no one is there. Nese works a side headlock but Black fights him off. Black lands a beautiful takedown and Nese is sent outside. Black looks to fly but flips off the ropes and takes a seat instead. Nese tells him to get up and then tries a kick. Black comes back and lands a big strike to the knee. Nese lands a big shot of his own and continues to work on Black. He hits Black with big shots to the body. Nese runs Black into the ropes and leaps to the outside. Nese looks for a moonsault but Black gets him knees up. Black now connects with huge knee strikes and finishes with a jumping knee. Black brings Nese up and hits Black Mass. The cover and the 1 2 3.
Winner: Aleister Black
My Opinion:
What a striking contest between these two. Nese impressed me and showed the aggression he can bring but he definitely was overly confident when he didn’t need to be and that’s dangerous when you’re facing someone as calculated as Black. Black picked his spots and when he strikes he makes it count. He is a guy you definitely don’t want a fight with because along with the in-ring skill the mind games he has will throw off any opponent.

Backstage Segment: Buddy Murphy
Charly asks Buddy Murphy if he regrets knocking on Aleister’s door. Murphy says he is still feeling the effects but he did it to expose him for what he is, a man who takes himself too seriously. He says he is calm and collective and Black is a hothead. He says Aleister needs to calm down and if he doesn’t want to, then he’ll be the one who calms him down.

Match 4: Andrade w/ Zelina Vega vs Eric Young
Andrade is able to get the early advantage and works the arm of Young. Young turns it around with a wrist lock but Andrade lands a takedown and gets back in control. Young comes back and gets him in the corner but Andrade fights out with a big knee. He lands a knee and then a jumping knee in the corner. Andrade lands a chop and meets Young up top. Young lands a right hand and then hits another. He hits the elbow drop and goes for the cover but Andrade kicks out. Young brings Andrade to the corner and starts to climb but Andrade pulls him down to the mat. Andrade hits a low dropkick and then goes for the cover but Young kicks out. Young fights back and hits a huge clothesline. Andrade is able to land a shot to the face. He runs after him but Young connects with the neck breaker. Young can’t put him away so he tries to go up top once more. Andrade gets to his feet and knocks him down in the corner. Andrade hits double knees and then looks for the Hammerlock DDT. He connects and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match R-Truth runs to ringside. Kyle Bush helps out Truth but then turns on him and pins him to win the 24/7 Championship.
Winner: Andrade
My Opinion:
Another big win for Andrade tonight as he continues to impress. His opponents each week are giving him a run for his money but ultimately he knows when to pick his spots and strike. He allows his opponents to get just enough and then takes it all away from them. He hits hard and gets the job done, night in and night out. Plus, as I’ve said with Zelina in his corner he can beat anyone. I really think it’s a matter of time before he is one of the top guys with the streak he is on.

Backstage Segment: Seth Rollins
Charly asks Rollins why he wouldn’t help Kevin Owens when he was attacked by AOP. Rollins says he tried and offered his help but Owens didn’t want his help. Rollins tells Charly how this is a no-win situation, he’s always the bad guy and he is damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t. He says everyone’s a critic but not everyone has the guts to be a leader.

Backstage Segment: Erick Rowan
Rowan tells the “pet” in the cage that Daddy loves you and won’t let anything happen to you.

Match 5: Erick Rowan vs No Way Jose
As the match begins one of the members of the conga line tries to look into the cage and Rowan attacks him. Jose tries to help them out but Rowan beats him down. On the outside, Rowan runs around the side of the sing and lands a huge tackle. He brings Jose in the ring and lands a huge kick. Rowan grabs him by the face and lifts Jose to plant him down to the mat. He covers and gets 1 before lifting up Jose. He lands a second slam and now gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Erick Rowan
My Opinion:
We continue to wonder what exactly Rowan has in that box because again he seems awfully protective of it. He definitely made an example out of Jose tonight but I hope to see Rowan doing more in the future. He had a hot run and it’s been taken away. Hopefully, whatever is under there will have some kind of payoff and not become one of those unanswered WWE questions.

Backstage Segment: The Kabuki Warriors
Asuka and Kairi Sane prepare for their match against Charlotte Flair, next!

*** Seth Rollins will be on WWE Backstage this week!

Backstage Segment: Erick Rowan
Sarah asks Erick what’s in the cage. He stares at her but doesn’t answer. She asks again, no answer. One more time and he finally walks away.

Match 6: Charlotte Flair vs The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane): 2 on 1 Handicap Match
***Before the match begins Sane and Asuka attack Charlotte. The ref finally backs them off but Charlotte is hurting.
The match begins and Flair goes right after Asuka. He gets her in the corner but this allows Asuka to make the tag. Sane comes in and hammers on Flair in the corner. Flair can’t gain any ground as the tag champs continue to trade tags. Flair fights back but once again the numbers game catches up and she is taken down. Fakir catches Asuka in the corner and drops her to the mat. She sends her to the outside and Flair is then able to take out both of them with a dropkick through the ropes. Sane and Asuka come right back using the number game. Flair is able to run Sane into the barricade and land a big slap. Asuka grabs Flair and hits her with big kicks in the ring. Flair counters Asuka and Asuka runs into Sane. With both of them on the outside Flair catapults over the ropes and takes them out with a crossbody.
As Raw returns, Asuka takes Flair into the corner. Sane tags in and beats down Flair. She lands a running clothesline and covers but Flair kicks out. Sane works a front face lock and brings her to the corner. Asuka tags in and lands a big kick to the back. Flair fights back with a big forearm. Flair rallies and is able to take down the tag champs. She lays them down in the corner and goes up top. Flair flies for the moonsault but both women get their knees up. Flair is able to catch Sane and turns her over locking in the Boston Crab. Asuka is able to hit her with a kick and then connects with a missile dropkick from the top. She covers and Flair is able to kick out. Asuka lands a kick and tries for another but Flair catches her. She hits her with a forearm and then pushes her down to the mat. She looks for the Boston Crab again but Asuka fights it off. Asuka is able to get her into the armbar but Flair keeps fighting. Flair is able to lift Asuka and slam her to the mat. Flair continues to fight and is able to get Asuka and Sane up top. She looks for a double suplex but instead is driven down to the mat. Sane flies and lands a stomp to Flair. Flair is able to stay in the match and avoid a double knee collision. She lands a double spar and goes for the cover but can’t get the 3. Flair hits Asuka with big knee strikes and then knocks Sane down to the floor. Flair spears Asuka but Sane is the legal woman. Flair works the Figure 8 but Sane flies and lands the Insane Elbow. The cover and the 1 2 3.
Winner: The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
My Opinion:
Wow, what a fight from Charlotte tonight. She gave that everything she had and really if not for a blind tag she would have been to pull this off. She is amazing in that ring but Sane and Asuka are tag champs for a reason and with two people of that caliber it’s hard to beat them by yourself. Flair, unfortunately, didn’t get the job done and now it seems like she really needs a partner to help fight this fight. Either way, this rivalry seems far from over.

Backstage Segment: The Viking Raiders
The Viking Raiders prepare for their match, next!

Backstage Segment: Charlotte Flair
Sarah asks Charlotte if she regrets challenging The Kabuki Warriors. Charlotte simply answers, no.

Match 7: The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs Mark Sterling & Mitchell Lyons
Erik starts with a huge takedown and he lays out Sterling. Ivar then slams Lyons on the outside. Erik throws Sterling in the corner and then Ivar slams into him, with Erik hitting double knees. They hit the Viking Experience and get the 1 2 3.
Winners: The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar)
My Opinion:
A dominating performance for the tag champs but again it’s against people who they should beat anyway. It sucks that they aren’t getting the big spotlight like they should as champs. They have so much to offer but they’re stuck right now and cannot show fully what they are capable of. I hope this changes because those titles need to mean so much more.

Backstage Segment: Ricochet & Rey Mysterio & Humberto Carrillo
Ricochet tells Mysterio and Carrillo how he’s tried to prove that superheroes can be real. He says they have to push that to the side because this is about showing The O.C. up and shutting them up. Carrillo says The O.C. has tried to ruin him but it’s not going to happen tonight. Mysterio tells them they both have been killing it and then says what Styles did as the U.S. champ was unacceptable but now the title is on their side. He tells The O.C. they will shut them down and shut them up. Get ready for the future and the legend.

Match 8: Ricochet & Rey Mysterio & Humberto Carrillo vs The O.C. (AJ Styles & Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson)
Carrillo is able to fight off Anderson and hit him with an enziguri. Carrillo works his arm and tags in Ricochet. The two double team Anderson. Ricochet stays on him and tries a cover but Anderson kicks out. Carrillo tags in and Anderson takes over. He drives him into the corner and tags in Styles. Carrillo fights him off with a kick. He comes off the top rope and lands a modified crossbody. Styles takes a cheap shot but Carrillo comes back with an elbow. Styles takes advantage of the distraction and Carrillo goes to the floor. Gallows then takes a cheap shot on him. Styles bounces him off the barricade and then brings him in the ring. Gallows takes in and lands a running elbow. Gallows tries a cover but Carrillo kicks out. Gallows then rains down elbows to the trap of Carrillo. He then goes to a chin lock. Mysterio finally gets and goes after Anderson. Mysterio lands big kicks and then a hurricanranna. He takes it to Gallows next and then Styles. Styles is able to catch him but Mysterio gets him on the ropes. Mysterio looks for the 619 but Anderson grabs him and rams him into the ring post as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Gallows holds Mysterio and lands a big suplex. Gallows covers but Mysterio kicks out. Gallows works a chin lock but Mysterio fights to his feet. Gallows comes back and lands a big boot. Anderson tags in and continues to work on the face of Mysterio. Anderson now goes to a chin lock and keeps Mysterio on the mat. Mysterio lands a back elbow and is able to send Anderson into the turnbuckle. Ricochet comes in and is able to land a big head scissors takedown on Styles. He spears him in corner and lands a huge kick. He lands a clothesline and then a standing shooting star. He covers but Styles kicks out. Anderson provides a distraction but he is hit with a kick. Styles tries to take advantage and eventually does planting Ricochet on the mat. Ricochet keeps fighting and hits the recoil. Anderson breaks up the cover, Mysterio gets Anderson on the ropes and hits the 619. Carrillo helps out as well and takes out Gallows on the floor. Ricochet tries a cover but Styles kicks out. Styles lands a pay lay kick and then brings Ricochet up top. He meets him up there but Ricochet keeps on fighting. Ricochet lands a huge right hand and then fights off Anderson. He lays him out with a moonsault. Ricochet meets him up there and looks to sends him to the mat but Styles turns it into the Styles Clash. He goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Randy Orton gets in the ring and hits Styles with the RKO!
Winners: The O.C. (AJ Styles & Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
My Opinion:
What an awesome main event tonight! That was an insane 6-man and the two teams delivered big time. I loved the back and forth and how they really capitalized on their hot tags and made their moves count. This was fast-paced but it flowed seamlessly. The O.C. got the much-needed win, they have been faltering lately and they needed this to get them back on track. However, Orton got the last laugh and like I said when you’re The O.C. and you’ve created many enemies you have to have eyes in the back of your head.

Final Thoughts:
I liked the way things are developing now, tonight they really focused on building up SuperStars and planting the seeds for big stories and rivalries to come in the future. There definitely is a lot to look forward to on Raw and it’s exciting since big things will start happening as we get closer to the new year. First, I have to say huge props to Drew Mcintyre tonight on the mic. He did have a great match but the way he talked with such conviction was awesome. I loved every second and I want to see him take the next step to being a champion. On that note, I thought Andrade out on a great match tonight with Eric Young. Andrade is doing big things right now and the sky’s the limit for him. I loved the continued build with Seth Rollins, he’s turning and it’s much needed for him because that’s where he shines. For AOP they continue to be a dominant force and it’ll be interesting to see what they did with Kevin Owens. I liked Rusev being able to come in tonight and get his once more. The tables turned on Lana and Lashley and this tory is finally making sense and taking shape. I thought Charlotte put up a heck against the Kabuki Warriors. Of course, it was a seemingly impossible task to beat both of them but she almost did it. With a good partner by her side, there is no doubt she will get the job done. Finally, the main event was amazing. They utilized everyone well and kept the match exciting and the energy very high. The O.C. needed that win and ultimately they were able to beat down and break down and get the W. like I mentioned The O.C. does have to be careful about how many fights they pick or they will have more than they can handle. Overall I enjoyed Raw and each week I think we expect more and more things to make sense and take shape with WrestleMania season right around the corner!
Overall Rating: 6/10