Raw Review 12/03/2018

Tonight, what will happen with both Baron Corbin and Alexa Bliss in charge of Raw. Plus, will Seth Rollins gets his hands on Dean Ambrose as Ambrose is set to return to Raw tonight! Also set for tonight Ronda Rousey and Natalya will team up to take on Nia Jax and Tamina. Will Rousey make a statement ahead of TLC or will Nia Jax put fear in the champion. Finally, inside the ring will Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley, and Drew Mcintyre continue to take out the Raw locker room?

Raw comes to us from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

Raw kicks off with a Ten Bell Salute for George. H. W. Bush

Ronda Rousey & Natalya vs Nia Jax & Tamina
Before the match starts out comes The Riott Squad. Nia and Tamina take advantage and attack Natalya and Rousey. Rousey tries to fight back after Natalya is taken out but the two on one gets to her. The Riott Squad goes after Natalya as Nia and Tamaiina go after Rousey. Rousey continues to try to fight but she is taken down by Nia and hit with a leg drop. Natalya is then driven through a table by the Riott Squad.
My Opinion:
Interesting opening to Raw, it kinda all happened quickly but the point was made. Rousey and Natalya have their backs against the wall and will really need to fight if they plan to stay on top. Essentially even together it’d be 5 on 2 so there’s really no beating those odds. I’m surprised they advertised Rousey for a match and then had the attack happen. Yes, this kicks it off with a fast start but it could turn away viewers as well when they don’t get to watch Rousey.

Backstage Segment:
Ronda helps Natalya who is holding her arm. Natalya is then checked on while Ronda stands there looking angry.

In Ring Segment: Alexa Bliss
Alexa reminds how she was appointed to oversee the Women’s Divison. She says she promises to work hard every week to give the best. She says her forum last week did really work but she is gonna try again. She says again how this a chance for everyone to get to know Sasha and Bayley. Alexa then introduces them and out they come.
Alexa says this is an open forum so keep it honest and open. Bayley asks how many questions in until Alicia and Mickie and Dana come out. Alexa apologizes for that and says she has taken care of it. The first question is then asked which is how do they respond to all the comments that Sasha is using Bayley. Sasha says Bayle is her best friend and they’re gonna be tag team partners for life. The next question is if they could have a match with any female superstar from any area who would it be. They say Trish and Lita at WrestleMania. The next question is if they could have any superpower what would it be. Bayley says she would make things disappear and she would start with Alexa Bliss. Alexa says just when she thought they were getting someone Bayley aways disappoints her. Sasha says she agrees with Bayley. The next question is what changes will they bring to the Raw Women’s Divison. Bayley says they have done good on bringing big changes but for both of them, they want to be the first ever WWE Tag Team Champions. Out comes Dana, Alicia, and Mickie but Alexa stops them. She tells them since they tried to pull this stunt there will be a tag team match. Mickie and Alicia will face Sasha and Bayley right now.
My Opinion:
Sasha and Bayley held there own out there tonight, even though Alexa keeps prying at them they hold it together and they seem more united than ever. I love the idea they brought up about there being tag team titles for the women. I think this would be awesome and would add a whole new dynamic to the division!

Match 1: Sasha Banks & Bayley vs Mickie James & Alicia Fox w/ Dana Brooke
Bayley and Mickie start the match and Bayle unloads with rights and lefts. Mickie battles back and allows for Fox to take a cheap shot. Mickie then lands a big kick before bouncing Bayley off the turnbuckle. Fox gets the tag and lands a huge northern lights suplex but can’t get the three on the cover. Fox then locks in a chin lock on Bayley. Fox brings Bayley to her feet and once again Bayley is bounced off the turnbuckle. As James is tagged in she continues the assault with a huge boot. Mickie then locks in a chin lock of her own. Bayley is able to move out of an oncoming Alicia and Mickie ends up getting kicked. Banks gets the tag and lands a huge dropkick. Banks bring Fox to the center of the ring and locks in the Bank’s Statement but Mickie makes the save. Mickie tags in and kicks Banks. Banks fights back with big rights but Mickie again gets in control with big kicks. A pin from Mickie but Bayley breaks it up. Bayley comes in to help and suplexes Alicia and kicks Dana. mickie sends Bayley out of the ring and tries another cover but it doesn’t work. Banks tags Bayley and lands a backstabber. Bayley then hits the Bayley to Belly and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Baylye & Sasha Banks
My Opinion:
Big win for Sasha and Bayley tonight. Once again they rove how well they work as a team and are showed they are way better together than apart. As I said before I love the idea of tag team belts for the omen and these two would be perfect for the first champions. It’ll be interesting to see if Bayley and Sasha can start a trend a get a real women’s tag division going.

Backstage Segment:
Rousey tells Alexa The Riott Squad crossed the line. Alexa says she sent them home and will take care fo them next week. Rousey says she is gonna get to Nia and Tamina tonight. Alexa says she can’t let her do that but she can find her a new tag team partner. Rousey says she will find her own.

Backstage Segment:
Gable and Roode tell Corbin they want a match for the Raw Tag Team Championships. Corbin tells them they lost last week and they’re owned nothing. He says they can have another title match if Roode can beat Maverick tonight. He tells Gable that he and AOP are banned from ringside.

Match 2: Luch House Party (Lince Dorado & Kalisto & Gran Metalik) vs Scott Dawson w/ Dash Wilder
Dawson takes it to Metalik but Metalik is able to land a big dropkick and then a body slam. Kalisto comes in and he and Dorado double team Dawson. Kalisto tries a cover but Dawson kicks out. Dorado gets the tag and is taken down by a clothesline. Dawson takes it to him and tries a cover but Dorado kicks out. Dawson locks in a Gory Special and wrenches it in. Dorado fights out and Dawson is hit with a kick. Dorado takes out Wilder and Kalisto finishes him off. Dorado hits a crossbody and tags Kalisto. Kalisto lands a Salida del Sol. Metalik comes in and puts away Dawson 1 2 3.
Winners: Luch House Party (Lince Dorado & Kalisto & Gran Metalik)
My Opinion:
Another win for Lucha House Party but I just don’t get the point here. The Lucha rules are kinda getting out of hand and I think if they want to make a run at a solid tag team like The New Day they have to cut the act and start wrestling traditionally. Otherwise, it’ll be another one of those storylines that stop being entertaining and dies out.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin is brought a gift for Drew McIntyre. He tells the stagehand to go get ready for Drew Mcintyre Appreciation Night.

In Ring Segment: Drew Mcintyre Appreciation Night
Corbin talks about how when he wins at TLC he will be Raw’s permanent General Manager. He says what a journey it’s been and goes over the “highlights” of his career. He says through his journey he has had a few thorns in his side but thanks to one person it’s a little easier as of late. He says he is naming tonight Drew Mcintyre Appreciation Night. Corbin shows a video package of Mcintyre and then introduces him afterward.
Corbin thanks Mcintyre for all his hard work and his unwavering support. He tells him he has proven to be on the right side of history. He then presents to him a gift. Corbin says now that Mcintyre has ridden them of Kurt Angle Raw needs a new gold medalist. He awards him the Raw Gold Medal of Excellence. Mcintyre says it means the world to him but he was doing what nobody else was strong enough to do. He says 7 months gaon superstars had no fire or passion in their eyes and were happy to just collect a paycheck. He says they belonged in the audience, not on his damn roster. He says that way he redesigned Raw in his image. He says apparently he has done a very good job. He then brings up Finn Balor and says Balor like to think of himself as the voice of this pathetic people. He then calls Balor a boy in a man’s world. He then vows to hurt Balor at TLC. here comes Dolph Ziggler.
Ziggler says he thought he and Mcintyre had a deal and he doesn’t get what’s going on now. Mcintyre tells him the truth is he was never invited tonight. Mcintyre tells him he doesn’t meet the height requirement for one. He tells Ziggler he was always the brains and the muscle, he’s the whole damn package. He tells Ziggler their business relationship was working for him but not anymore. He says the goal was to get him in a prominent position and look at him now. He tells Ziggler he can leave anytime. He tells Ziggler he is the reason he became relevant for the first time in ten years. Ziggler then attacks Mcintyre and hits a Zig Zag. Corbin tells Ziggler he isn’t gonna ruin tonight and if he wants a fight he has it right now.
My Opinion:
I’m glad they brought Ziggler out to say something and didn’t just let him and McIntyre drift away without any explanation. Ziggler got a good shot in on Mcintyre but it could be a bad idea for him. Mcintyre is hungry and for the most part, he did carry that team. Ziggler might be biting off more than he can chew here.

Match 3: Dolph Ziggler vs Drew McIntyre
As Raw returns, Ziggler tries to fight back but Mcintyre stays in control. Mcintyre works Ziggler to the mat and then sends him off the ring post. Mcintyre goes to the outside and works Ziggler before picking him up and tossing him back in the ring on the apron. Mcintyre then goes to work on the arm of Ziggler. He works an arm lock and keeps Ziggler grounded. Ziggler tries to fight out but is slammed back to the mat as Mcintyre grabs his hair. Ziggler fights out of the submission hold and lands big right hands. Ziggler comes off the ropes but is caught and thrown to the mat. Mcintyre then lands a vicious chop that sends Ziggler to the floor. Mcintyre grabs a microphone and says maybe he still has a soft spot for Dolph and says he’s going easy. He says he’s gonna pretend he’s someone he doesn’t like, Finn Balor. Mcintyre then bounces Ziggler off the apron and the barricade. Back in the ring, Mcintyre taunts Ziggler. Mcintyre lands a huge chop that sends Ziggler to the mat. Here comes Finn Balor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mcintyre continues with the onslaught of Ziggler. Ziggler is able to land an elbow and continues to stick and run. Mcintyre catches him in the corner and hits an Alabama Slam. Mcintyre goes for the cover but Ziggler kicks out at two. Mcintyre places Ziggler on the top rope and meets him up there. Mcintyre hits a chop and goes back down to the mat. Mcintyre then looks for s suplex but Ziggler blocks. Ziggler fights with big forearms to the back. Ziggler flies but gets caught for a moment until Ziggler turns it into a DDT. Ziggler goes for the cover but can’t get the three. Ziggler hits a big elbow and then sends Mcintyre to the floor. Ziggler flies off the apron and takes out Mcintyre. Ziggler bounces Mcintyre off the barricade and then hits him with a chop. Once again Ziggler bounces him off the barricade. Mcintyre comes back with a Glasgow Kiss. Mcintyre then drops Ziggler on the barricade. Mcintyre sends Ziggler into the ring and it allows Balor to drive Mcintyre into the barricade with a dropkick. Mcintyre beats the ten count but Ziggler hits him with a superkick. Ziggler goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
My Opinion:
Thanks to Finn Balor, Ziggler picks up a big win. I don’t really like this decision, they’re trying to build up Mcintyre as this monster and to have him lose to Ziggler just to hype a mediocre storyline just wasn’t the best. Mcintyre did dominate the entire match but the end result has him losing which isn’t what he needs. Mcintyre will bounce back and for Balor, I think he’s poking the wrong guy cause at TLC you know Mcintyre is gonna bring his best shot.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Mcintyre if it’s a smart idea to shun Ziggler when he has people targeting him. Mcintyre says they were never friends and now he is an enemy. He says Ziggler isn’t celebrating he’s in fear cause he knows what he is capable of. He then tells that he is the top of the mountain and he’s gonna send him crashing down. Mcintyre finishes saying Finn Balor is a marked man.

In Ring Segment: Elias
Elias says he’s been looking for Bobby Lashley but he’s harder to find than Carmelo Anthony. He tells that Bobby Lashley walks around with fear but at TLC he will find out what everyone already knows and that is WWE stands for Walk With Elias. Elias says despite all of that he has a song to sing tonight. Elias is then interrupted by Lio Rush and Bobby Lashley. Rush says the spotlight tonight belongs to the all mighty Bobby Lashley, he says Elias felt the power Lashley and at TLC he will feel it again and again. He then compliments Lashley’s muscle and tells him to hit him with poses. Elias then comes up the ramp with his guitar in hand. Lashley lands a big kick and hammers down on Elias. Elias reverses Lashley and drives him into the screen. Elias then chases Rush with his guitar. Elias then goes after Lashley but Lashley retreats. Rush is thrown back on the stage by Finn Balor and Elias hits him with the guitar.
My Opinion:
This was a good segment for Elias, once again it allows him to get over. With the story going where Balor and Elias are trying to defend against Lashley and Mcintyre they’re playing it smart. Balor and Elias most likely wouldn’t win straight up so it’s smart to have them attack strategically. Elias gets the upper hand and right now Balor has definitely made his mark.

Backstage Segment:
Mahal tells Corbin to not stress out and says he has done a great job. Mahal says at TLC Corbin will put an end to Braun Strowman. Mahal then asks Corbin to let him take care of Finn Balor. Corbin says he would love that. Slater and Rhyno come in and Corbin tells them that there is only enough room of Raw for them. Corbin tells them one of them can quit and save the other’s job. Slater says he can’t quit he has kids. Rhyno says he can’t just quit. Corbin tells them they have a match against each other and the winner stays on Raw while the other is fired.

Match 4: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable vs Authors Of Pain (Akam & Rezar & Drake Maverick):
If Roode wins he and Chad Gable get a Raw Tag Team Championship Match
As the match starts Maverick throws his vest at Roode but then runs into a right hand. Roode pounds on Maverick in the corner. On the titantron Gable is getting attacked by AOP. Corbin tells them it’s now a 3 on 2 handicap match and it starts now. Roode continues to hammer on Maverick and hits him with the Glorious DDT but the cover is broken up by Akam and Rezar. Roode is then driven into the ring post. Rezar then hits Roode with a series of hammer fists. Akam comes in and they double team, Roode. Akam hammers on him with right hands. Akam hits Roode with a big knee. Here comes Gable. Rezar grabs him and pulls Gable into the ring. Gable tries t fight them off but is hit with an atomic drop. They then double team Gable. Rezar hits Gable with a big shot in the corner. They then hit the Supr Collider. Maverick gets the tag and gets the 1 2 3 on Roode.
Winners: Authors Of Pain (Akam & Rezar &Drake Maverick):
My Opinion:
This was a dominant showing from AOP, but I really wanna see them do more. They are the tag champs and I think they need to get into a higher profiled rivalry. I know Gable and Roode are trying to get built up as a team but right now it seems like the titles are kinda jokes. The Raw tag division has run dry for a while now so I really think a good AOP rivalry with a team as tough of them would be really good and exactly the breathe of fresh air the division needs.

In Ring Segment: Dean Ambrose
Ambrose says he apologizes for the swat team and the gas masks but you can’t be too safe in a dangerous place like Houston, Texas. He says he needs the measure to protect him from the madman Seth Rollins. He says last time he was in the ring he was attacked by Rollins. He says he was a bit surprised that the man whole is always in control of himself it was easy to rile him up. He asks the crowd if they know what it’s like to love with someone who always has to be in control. He says that person could be next to you and if you had any guts you reach across and slap that person in the mouth. He tells the crowd they have no guts and they have a weak character. He says he used to be proud of The shield but after while Rollins and Reigns only cared about being role models and sucking up. The crowd chants they want Rollins but Ambrose says you don’t always get what you want. He then tells he has never changed and he is the only one with integrity. He tells he is proud to stand alone as the moral compass of WWE. he says at TLC he could take the title by force but that’d be too easy. Ambrose tells Rollins he is gonna slip up and finally he will lose control of himself and his emotions and the situation and control of the Intercontinental Championship. Ambrose says it will fall safely into his hands. Here comes Rollins.
Rollins comes from the crowd and sends Ambrose out to the floor. Rollins then cleans the ring of the swat team members. Ambrose runs from Rollins but Rollins chases him. He and Ambrose collide and fight out in the crowd. Ambrose brings him back to ringside but Rollins jumps the barricade and takes him down. Rollins throws Ambrose to ringside but Ambrose hits him with a gas mask to the face. He then continues to attack him with it. Ambrose then hits Dirty Deeds on the floor. The swat team sends Rollins back into the ring. Ambrose then hits another Dirty Deeds.
My Opinion:
Ambrose continues to get more and more strange and continues t get farther into the mind of Seth Rollins. Rollins is someone who can usually keep his cool but if he continues to act without thinking Ambrose definitely could win this battle. Rollins needs to slow his game back down, let Ambrose play his game and be ready for TLC. If Ambrose gets too far into the head of Rollins then he has the upper hand. Rollins only hope is to channel his anger and find a way to be the Architect.

Charly asks Nia and Tamina their thoughts on Ronda teaming up with Ember Moon tonight. Nia says that shame and says they were hoping Charly would be Ronda’s partner tonight and that’s ridiculous but it’s just as ridiculous as anyone being Ronda’s partner tonight. She says Tamina jumps her from behind because they don’t wanna see her face. She says they’re gonna have to rearrange Ember’s face as she did to Becky. She says what the do to Ronda tonight is just a preview what they will do on her path to reclaim what’s rightfully hers, the Raw Women’s Championship.

Match 5: Rhyno vs Heath Slater: Loser Is Fired
Rhyno hits Slater with a right and then hammers on him in the corner. Rhyno then hits him with a big clothesline. Rhyno hits Slater with a chop in the corner and then throws him in the opposite corner. Rhyno then hits him with a shoulder to the mid-section. Slater is able to hit Rhyno and gets the cover, Slater gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Heath Slater: Rhyno is fired from Raw
My Opinion:
I don’t really get the point of this unless Rhyno is actually done. This was very random so it’ll be interesting to see what the word is on Rhyno in the coming days.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin tells Slater he is glad to have him on Raw. Slater asks if he can do anything for Rhyno. Corbin tells him he can do his job and hands him a ref shirt. Corbin says his days as a competitor are over but he could have a long career as a ref.

Match 6: Finn Balor vs Jinder Mahal w/ The Singh Brothers (Sunil & Samir)
Jinder Mahal grabs Balor and brings him to the corner striking him with his shoulder. Balor hits Mahal with a kick and then locks in a side headlock. Mahal is able to fight him off. Mahal then goes to a side headlock on the mat. Mahal then tosses Balor off the ropes. Mahal is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mahal had a chin lock in on Balor. Balor fights out and comes out of the corner with a big kick to Mahal. Balor is able to land a takedown and hits a stomp to the chest. Balor hits a step up enziguri and then a sling blade. Balor goes to the top but the Singh Brothers get involved. Out comes Apollo Crews who takes out the Singh Brothers. Mahal comes to the outside and kicks Crews. Balor flies over the ropes and takes out Mahal. Back in the ring, Balor drives Mahal into the corner. He then hits the Coupe de Grace and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winner: Finn Balor
My Opinion:
As Balor continues his quest to defend himself against Corbin and his allies he’s done a good job tonight. Balor had the upper hand all night and I think really got to Corbin. As next will be the last Raw before TLC it’ll be interesting to see what Drew Mcintyre will have in store for Balor. Sur Balor stands tall tonight ut how long will it last?

Backstage Segment:
Charly tells Balor he’s had a hell of a night. As Balor goes to answer Mcintyre attacks him and then ask Balor if he thought he’d just get away with it.

Match 7: Ronda Rousey & Ember Moon vs Nia Jax & Tamina
As Ember is about to make her way to the ring Tamina and Nia attack Ronda. Ember comes to the ring and takes it to Nia and Tamina. Ember and Ronda fly taking out Tamina and Nia.
As Raw returns, Nia and Tamina are in control. Tamina gets the tag and hits Ember with big right hands. Ember lands a nice deep arm drag and then is able to tag Ronda. Ronda flips Tamina and hits her with a knee. Ember comes in and slams Tamina face first. Ember tries a cover but Tamina kicks out. Nia works a distraction and Tamina hits Ember with a big kick. Tamina tries a cover but Ember kicks out. Tamina gets Ember in the corner and tags Nia. Nia hits Ember with a big right hand to the gut. Nia then hits Ember with a headbutt. Ember hangs up Nia but Nia grabs her and lifts her. Ember is able to send Nia flying but Nia fights back and then takes a cheap shot on Ronda. Tamina works cheap shots of her own on Ember. Tamina gets the tag and hits Ember in the corner. Tamina takes down Ember and then throws her into the corner. Nia is then knocked off the apron by accident and Ember creates space with an enziguri. Rida hits a series of clotheslines and drives Tamina into the corner with strikes. Tamina then tags in Nia. Tamina is then tagged back in. Rinda though pulls Nia into the ring. Ronda backs Tamina into the corner with rights and lefts and then hits her with an elbow. Ronda then lands a big takedown. Nia breaks the cover. Ember comes in and takes it to Nia. Ronda then lands a kick. Ronda flips Tamina and Ember then lands the Eclipse. Ronda gets Tamina in the armbar and Tamina taps.
Winners: Ronda Rousey & Ember Moon
My Opinion:
This was a good way to end the night, Ronda showed how good she can be in this match and it looks like she put some fear into Tamina and Nia. Ronda has to stick to her game and she will be fine against Nia. Tonight Ronda was focused and ready and if she’s like this she’s unstoppable. It may also be a good idea for Rousey to enlist the help of Ember to have her back at TLC. Either way, Rousey looks ready!

Final Thoughts:
Tonight wasn’t the best Raw, I thought it started off kind of weak with the attacks on Rousey and Natalya. I know they have to move the Natalya and Riott Squad story and I know it set up for Ronda to be in the main event but I just don’t think this started the night with the bang they were hoping. Also tonight, Ambrose continues to be even more odd than before, I like what they are doing with him and Rolins but I feel they’re trying way too hard to make Ambrose character unhinged. Right now though Ambrose definitely has the upper hand so Rollins really needs to lock. Some things I didn’t like that much was Rhyno getting fired, that kind of came out of left field. Also, I don’t like how they’re using AOP right now. They’re the tag champs and it doesn’t seem like that’s important right now and it’s a shame cause AOP could really have a good running rivalry. I liked how they built up Balor tonight and then had Mcintyre attack him. It continues to tell the story that even if Balor gets ahead Mcintyre is the top and will be there to end it. I liked the way the night ended with Ronda on top. Rona showed what she can do tonight and if she maintains this focus she can beat Nia at TLC!
Overall Rating: 5/10