Raw Review 12/17/2018

Tonight is the Fall-Out edition of Monday Night Raw following last night’s TLC PPV. As 2018 is coming to a close how will Raw and WWE as a whole change when Vince McMahon returns tonight to “Shake things up”? Plus, after a backstage attack last night can Finn Balor get revenge on Dolph Ziggler as the two go one on one? Also, what is next for Ronda Rousey after defeating Nia Jax last night and then taking out Charlotte and Becky later on in the night? Finally, after losing his Intercontinental Championship to Dean Ambrose last night how will Seth Rollins respond?

Raw comes to us from the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.

Raw kicks off with us with Seth Rollins!

In Ring Segment: Vince McMahon
Vince says he doesn’t wanna hear any boo’s and then says everyone wants to know what’s going on with Monday Night Raw. He tells Raw has been on the air for over 25 years and one of the reasons for that is it changes with the times and they need to change. He says despite one man’s brilliance, creativity, and vision he can’t do it all by himself that’s for sure. He tells the crowd he could do it without all of them though. Out comes Stephanie McMahon. Next here comes Triple H. Finally, here comes Shane McMahon!
Stephanie says they are out here tonight because they haven’t been doing a very good job for everyone lately. He says they haven’t been listening to the fans. She says everything is gonna change and that starts tonight. Triple H says as of now the four of them will be taking back Monday Night Raw. Shane says that goes for SmackDown Live too because the four of them are responsible to make the crowd happy. Stephanie says this is for them. Triple H says in the coming months you will see new superstars and new matchups. He tells the fans now they are the authority. Vince says as long as they give them more of what they do want and less of what they don’t then WWE will always be Then, Now, and Forever. Outcomes Baron Corbin. Corbin says no one is more excited for a fresh start than him. Stephanie says she doesn’t know if Baron can hear them but they’re saying boo. Corbin says they have no idea how excited he is that the entire McMahon family will run Raw. Corbin says there is one word they forgot to mention and that’s fair. He says what happened to him last night was not fair so they need to talk, just a conversation a simple conversation. Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin says the fans are a small group so it doesn’t mean they really feel this way. Corbin asks the crowd if they’re finished. Triple H says if he keeps doing that they won’t let you speak. He asks the crowd if they could stop so they can speak. Stephanie then entices the crowd to get louder. Corbin asks if the crowd has no respect. Corbin says every night he comes out here and does his absolute best. Vince tells him he has a microphone and they don’t. Corbin says he has been trying to motivate superstars and it is not his fault if they can’t live up to the challenge. He says last night he was not prepared for Braun or all the people he brought with him. He asks the crowd if they think it was fair and they chant yes. Triple H then steps in and tells Corbin he must be out here to ask hem to reconsider him for GM. Corbin says that’s right because he would’ve beat Braun Strowman if it wasn’t for the help he had. He asks if they are gonna let that travesty stand or overturn the ruling. He tells them to think of what they can accomplish with them backing him. They all then say no. Stephanie quotes her father’s entrance music and says she thinks there is no chance in hell. Vince says there might be away. Triple H says maybe they’re wrong. He says maybe Corbin deserves a chance. Corbin says all he needs is a chance. Triple H says they should give Baron Corbin that chance. Triple H says if Corbin can win his match right now he can become the permanent GM of Raw, all he has to do is beat this man. Outcomes Kurt Angle! Stephanie then says there is a special guest referee, outcomes Heath Slater.
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good way to start off the night. I think if you’re a fan of WWE then you love seeing these four together in the ring. I like the announcement to let the fans have more say. They do need to listen to the crowd more although wrestling was supposed to be special due to the surprise factor so I do wish the fans would let WWE do their jobs but they do need to change with the times. New superstars, fresh matches, and more opportunities will get them on the right track. We will see how much change will occur and how fast it actually happens.

Match 1: Baron Corbin vs  Kurt Angle & Chad Gable & Bobby Roode & Apollo Crews:
4 on 1 Handicap with no Disqualifications:
If Corbin wins he becomes Permanent Raw GM
Angle takes it to Corbin early and stomps on him in the corner. Angle throws him into the corner and then hits him with a German Suplex as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin hits Angle with a big right. Triple H then comes out and says this is a handicap match. Outcomes Roode, Gable, and Apollo Crews. Corbin meets the three on the ramp and they hammer on him bringing him back to ringside. They then throw Corbin back in the ring where Angle hits a German Suplex and two more to follow. Gabe then hits one of his own. Roode comes in and they double team, Corbin. Crews comes in and hits a step-up enziguri. Corbin tries to escape from the crowd but is stopped. Back in the ring, the four men surround Corbin and stomp on him. Shane then comes out and says this match is no disqualification. Slater stomps on Corbin as the four grab steel chairs. Each man takes a turn hitting Corbin. Roode and Gabe then double team Corbin with the neck breaker moonsault. Crews then flies and lands a big splash on Corbin. Corbin then hits the Angle Slam and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
*** After the match, they put Corbin through a table.
Winners: Kurt Angle & Chad Gable & Bobby Roode & Apollo Crews
My Opinion:
This was a good match to finally put Corbin out of power. It was awesome seeing Angle and each man got their payback on Corbin including Heath Slater. Corbin played a good role but the fans obviously are sick of it. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next not only with Corbin but with who could be next for GM of Raw. I did like that when the crowd chanted for tables they got on out and used it after the match. This isn’t a huge deal but its a start in the right direction to really give the fans what they want.

Match 2: Finn Balor vs Dolph Ziggler
The two lock up to start the match and Ziggler backs Balor to the ropes. Ziggler works a side headlock and brings Balor to the mat. Ziggler wrenches in the hold deeper and keeps Balor grounded. Balor fights out and lands a series of deep arm drags. Balor lands a big shot to the gut and then kicks Ziggler in the back. Balor then sends Ziggler across the ring and hits a dropkick. Balor is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Balor lands a huge basement dropkick. Balor hits Ziggler with his boots and then lands a big right hand and chop to follow. Ziggler throws Balor off the ropes but Balor flies and hits a crossbody. Balor knocks down Ziggler and goes for a sling blade but Ziggler counters with a pin. Balor is able to kick out. Balor comes back after countering Ziggler and hits an elbow to the chest. Balor goes for a cover but Ziggler kicks out. Balor hits a sling blade on Ziggler. Ziggler fights back and hits a huge DDT. Balor is able to land a huge kick on the apron. Balor goes to the top but Ziggler knocks him down. Ziggler hits him with a kick to the leg and hits the Zig Zag. Ziggler goes for the cove but Balor kicks out. Mcintyre comes out to the ring but Ziggler knocks him to the floor. Ziggler then goes after him on the floor. Balor flies and takes out Mcintyre. Ziggler hits the famouser and goes for the cover but Balor kicks out. Balor is able to counter a superkick attempt and hits the sling blade. Mcintyre gets involved and hits take out Balor. He then hits the Glasgow Kiss on Ziggler. Mcintyre then hits Ziggler with a Claymore and then hits Balor with one as well.
Winner: Finn Balor: Via DQ
My Opinion:
This was a good back and forth match between Ziggler and Balor. Mcintyre getting involved was okay to me. I liked that all three men were for themselves and Mcintyre just went out to take care of business. These are three guys who definitely deserve a shot to be the guy so it’ll be interesting to see this rivalry build and see who gets the spotlight.

In Ring Segment: Dean Ambrose
Ambrose says the more things change the more they stay the same and tells the crowd to show him some respect. He says they should be sitting on their fat little hooves and bow down to him. He says last night everything happened like he said it would happen. He says Rollins lost control and failed the people and himself. He says he doesn’t need respect or anything because he has the title now. He says now Rollins has no titles and he’s not done he’s just getting started. He says when he is done Rollins will have nothing left. He says he will take his career and drag it through the mud and put in the garbage. He says he has an obligation the do the right thing. He says he has the option to bring out Rollins and have Rollins tell him face to face in front of everyone that he was right and Rollins was wrong. Ambrose tries to lure him with an open challenge but not for the Intercontinental Championship because he doesn’ deserve that. He tells Rollins to come out and take out his rage and anger on him. Ambrose says this show Rollins is not the man they thought. He says he is a selfish whiner who falls apart when things don’t go his way. He says Rollins lost and now can’t even show his face. Ambrose says since Rollins won’t come out he will have an open challenge for the title for anyone who is not Seth Rollins. Outcomes Tyler Breeze.
My Opinion:
I like the mind games with Ambrose and Rollins. Unfortunately, last night their match did not go as expected and the crowd wasn’t into it. With this rivalry continuing on they will have to find some way to really make it mean something. These two have to get on to an even playing for and have more to fight for. Rollins and Ambrose are arguably the top guys right and they have to step up. With Ambrose, I feel they need to tone down the character, his quest to be heel is turning into a cheesy mockery of a heel. Ambrose needs to be himself again.

Match 3: Dean Ambrose (c) vs Tyler Breeze:
Intercontinental Championship Match
Breeze hits Ambrose with big right hands and then hits Ambrose with boots to the gut in the corner. Breeze then sends Ambrose to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ambrose works Breeze into a submission on the mat. Back on his feet, Breeze is hit with a big back elbow. Ambrose goes for the cover but Breeze kicks out. Ambrose then goes to a chin lock on Breeze. Breeze works to his feet but Ambrose slams him back down to the mat. Ambrose then goes back to the chin lock. Ambrose lets go of the hold and tries a body slam but Breeze counters with a step-up enziguri. Breeze tries a cover but Ambrose kicks out. Ambrose goes into the post shoulder first and Breeze tries another cover but Ambrose kicks out. Breeze hits the Beauty Shot and then goes to the top. Breeze hits the cross body and goes for the cove but Ambrose kicks out. Breeze then hits another kick but again Ambrose kicks out. Ambrose counters Breeze and hits Dirty Deeds. Ambrose goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
***Ambrose says that was a performance of a champion. He says Rollins would never show his face but then Rollins music hits. Rollins was dressed as one of Ambrose Swat team members and attacks Ambrose. The actual Swat team tries to take him down but Rollins takes them out. Ambrose retreats.
Winner: Dean Ambrose: Still Intercontinental Champion
My Opinion:
Ambrose survives tonight against a very game Tyler Breeze. Ambrose had to fight for this one but for the most part, he was in control. There is no doubt Ambrose can be a fighting champion. Rollins attacking Ambrose was good. I like the way they’re keeping this going and hopefully, Rollins and Ambrose will have their re-match soon.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Shane McMahon what this announcement will mean. Shane says new superstars and new matches and more opportunities. Maverick comes to Shane and introduces AOP. he says their titles were stolen from them. He then asks them for the mandatory re-match clause. Shane says Corbin handed them the titles so they can get an opportunity. Shane says they can have an opportunity as they take on The B-Team, The Revival, and Lucha House Party in a Fatal Four Way match. He says the winner will have a future title match.

In Ring Segment: Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush
Rush and Lashley make fun of Elias and says the sweetest sound Elias has heard was the guitar breaking over his back. Rush says no one came here to hear Elias play a boring song. He says they came here to see a true work of art and that’s what the almighty Bobby Lashley will give. Rush then tells Lashley different poses to give the crowd. He says comparing Lashley’s physique to Elias is like comparing the Warriors and the Kings. Lashley then hits his glut pose. Elias then comes from behind and breaks the guitar over Lashley’s back. Lashley gets on his feet and Elias gets out of the ring.
My Opinion:
Elias and Lashley have had a fun rivalry so far but obviously, eventually, it will run its course. I hope with the new way of change Elias gets more opportunities and Lashley will get to accomplish what he came back to do. Either way, these two have helped each other and we will see where this goes next.

Match 4: Authors Of Pain (Akam & Rezar w/ Drake Maverick) vs Lucha House Party (Kalisto & Lince Dorado w/ Gran Metalik) vs The B-Team ( Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) vs The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder): Winner gets a future Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Dorado and Axel start the match. Dorado hits a big dropkick and tags Kalisto. They double team Axel and Dawson tags in. Dawson hits a cheap shot and then is hits with big forearms but Kalisto. Dawson works his arm and then hits him with a big body shot. Dawson hits Kaliston with a chop in the corner. Dawson then hits a snap suplex and follows with an elbow. Wilder comes in and Kalisto takes he and Dawson out. Dorado comes in and he and Kalisto double team The Revival. Dorado tries a cover but can’t get the three. AOP comes in and takes it to Dorado as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Wilder has Dorado in a Gory Special. Dorado lands an arm drag and it allows Axel to tag in. Dorado hits Axel with a springboard stunner. Dallas comes in and so does Kalisto. Kalisto hits a cross body and then a springboard. Kalisto then plants Axel with a DDT and goes back to Dallas. Dawson makes a tag and sends Kalisto to the outside. Dallas takes it to Dawson And then flattens him. Dallas plants Dawson and goes for the cover but Wilder breaks it up. Kalisto is able to take out Wilder and then Axel. Dallas and Dawson then work together to take out AOP. Kalisto and Dorado are then launched over the ropes and onto AOP. Dallas gets a cover but Dawson kicks out. Dallas tries an inside cradle but still can’t get the three. Dallas tries again but still can’t get the three. Wilder comes in and they hit The Shatter Machine. The Revival gets the victory.
Winners: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder):
Will have a future Raw Tag Team Championship Match
My Opinion:
Good for The Revival, once again they gain this opportunity and they need o make this happen. They are a great tag team who have never been given the right opportunities on the main roster. The Revival controlled this match and to me, they are the most complete team. The Revival could win the titles and it would be a good step in the right direction. The Revival embodies tag team wrestling and could get this Raw division back to where it needs to be.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Rollins about last night. Rollins says last night was a disaster. He says he let Ambrose get in his head and take his championship. He says he heard the crowd and it’s on him and he has to own that and move forward. He says this is his life and this is what he loves and everything he’s dedicated everything to. He says it’s gone off the rails but he’s gonna right this ship and it starts with ending Dean Ambrose. Corbin comes up to Rollins and says everyone thought he was doing a good job until he said something. Corbin blames Rollins for everything that has happened to him. Corbin says all the things Dean said are true. He then mocks Rollins for losing his title. Rollins hits Corbin with a big right hand knocking him to the ground.

In Ring Segment: Ronda Rousey
Ronda says she told Nia Jax she could kiss that right hand she is so proud of goodbye. She says she told Charlotte she would write the next chapter of their story and she told Becky she was the last person on earth she should provoke. Ronda says she didn’t come here to justify her actions, she came here to show what a real champion is. She says a real champion is so much more than a name on a title or something in your hand. She says it’s more than just winning a match. She says a real champion represents the best of the best she says they are the best the human race has to offer and that’s why she is here tonight. Ronda says after every PPV the champion should show up in good or bad condition and defend their title. She says she came here for a fight right here, right now so who wants to fight the champ. All the women are arguing for the chance. Stephanie brings them out and says she is gonna give everyone the chance to earn one. She says Ronda will face the winner of the 8 woman gauntlet match next week and that match starts now. She announces Bayley and Alicia Fox will start off the match.
My Opinion:
I’m surprised the crowd is turning on Ronda like this. I thought Ronda has been doing amazing in the ring and on the mic. Ronda is an elite athlete and represents the division well. She is what they need to set forth what it means to be a champion and a fighting one. I like Stephanie giving everyone the chance to get the title. It shows how hungry everyone is and gives each woman a chance to show what they can. This will be a huge title match next week for the special Christmas Eve episode.

Match 5: 8 Women Gauntlet Match: Winner will face Ronda Rousey
Bayley takes down Fox and works her arm. Bayley tries a cover but Fox kicks out. Fox hits Bayley with a big kick and then an uppercut. Fox bounces Bayley off the turnbuckle and then lands a big kick. Fox tries a cover but Bayley kicks out. Fox works a chin lock but Bayley gets to her feet. Bayley lands a suplex but Fox kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Fox hits Bayley with a kick to the ribs. Bayley hits Fox and tries a pin but Fox kicks out. Fox uses the ropes to hang up Bayley but has to break the hold. Fox lands a big right but Bayley fights back. Fox takes down Bayley and tries a cover but again Bayley kicks out. Fox then slaps Bayley in the corner. Bayley is able to get out the way and Fox crashes into the turnbuckle. Bayley twerks her knee and it allows Fox to land a kick. Fox tries a cover but Bayley counters and gets the 1 2 3. Outcomes, Dana Brooke.
Brooke hurries to the ring and hits an enziguri. She tries a couple quick covers but Bayley kicks out. Brooke then locks in a body scissors. Bayley tries a cover but Brooke kicks out. Brooke then hits a chop block to the knee of Bayley. Brooke throws Bayley to the mat and tries another but Bayley kicks out. Brooke then goes to the chin lock. Brooke continues trying to get quick covers but Bayley continues to kick out. Brooke slaps Bayley but Bayley hits the Bayley to Belly and gets the 1 2 3 as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mickie James is in control of Bayley. Bayley is able to land a kick but James comes back with a neck breaker. James then uses the ropes as leverage as she drives her knee into the neck of Bayley. Bayley is able to avoid James and it creates space. James is able to and big kicks but Bayley comes back and tried a cover. James fights back and kicks up. James goes to the top and takes down Bayley. James lands a kick to the face but Bayley kicks out. James lands a kick but Bayley comes back with the back suplex. Bayley gets kicked by James and is driven out of the ring. James goes for a baseball slide but gets caught and Bayley connects with a knee. Bayley goes to the second rope and hits a cross body. Bayley goes to the top rope and hits the elbow. Bayley goes for the cover but James grabs the second rope. Bayley then hangs up James on the second rope. James catches her with an elbow. Bayley tries to fight but James stays on her. James hits the DDT and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover. Outcomes Ember Moon.
Moon is knocked down by a dropkick as she enters the ring. James then drives her boot into Moon’s face in the corner. Moon is able to land a deep arm drag and then a leg sweep. James lands a kick but Moon is able to avoid her and hits a cross body on off the ropes. Moon goes for the cover but James kicks out. James is able to fight off Moon and slams her on the apron as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Moon plants James. Moon hits a big right and another to follow. Moon hits a big kick and tries a cover but can’t get the three. James tries a cover and tries to use the ropes for leverage but the ref catches her. James goes to the top but gets caught by Moon who hits her with double knees to the face. Moon goes to the top and flies hitting the Eclipse. Moon gets the 1 2 3. Outcomes, Natalya.
Natalya gets caught early by Moon. Natalya trie a sharpshooter but Moon is able to hit her with a discus clothesline. Moon works a chin lock but Natalya stays on her feet. Natalya tries to lift her but Moon fights off. Natalya tries a suplex but Moon counters and hits one of her own. Moon goes for the cover but Natalya kicks out. Moon goes to the top but Natalya ducks. Natalya hits a clothesline and goes for the cover but Moon kicks out. Natalya is able to land a roll up and gets the 1 2 3. Outcomes Ruby Riott as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Riott has Natalya in a body scissors. Riott then locks the head of Natalya. Natalya lifts her and slams her to the mat. Riott though is able to fight back and plant Natalya. Riott lands a big kick to the mid-section and stays on Natalya. Riott gets her in the corner and stomps on her. Natalya tries a roll-up but Riott kicks out. Riott then flattens Natalya with a clothesline and then goes for a cover and gets the 1 2 3. Riott then continues to work the neck of Natalya. Natalya lands a big takedown but Riott comes back with a big knee. Riott tries the cover but Natalya kicks out. Natalya lands a huge slap on Riott. Riott tries a roll-up but Natalya kicks out. Natalya then lands a big kick. Riott is able to counter Natalya into a pin but can’t get the 3. Natalya then hits a dropkick. Natalya lands a snap suplex and another to follow. Natalya throws Riott into the corner but gets caught and planted on the mat. Riott tries to land a reverse senton but Natalya moves. Natalya goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3. Outcomes, Sasha Banks.
Banks comes in hot but Natalya fights back and drives her shoulder into banks gut. Banks fights back and is able to land a huge DDT. Banks tries a cover but Natalya kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Natalya slams Banks face first on the mat. Natalya then hits a low basement dropkick. Banks pushes off Natalya. After a couple failed covers Natalya comes back and hits a huge elbow. Natalya goes for the cover but Banks kicks out. Natalya locks in the sharpshooter on Banks. Banks is able to roll through and sends Natalya into the turnbuckle. Banks is able to counter Natalya and lock in a half crab submission. Natalya tries to fight but Banks turns the move around and tries a cover. Natalya kicks out. Banks then locks in the Banks Statement. Natalya tries to fight out and is able to lift Banks. Natalya then hits a suplex on Banks. Banks is able to land a big elbow and then hits the Meteora. Banks goes for the cover but Natalya kicks out. Natalya is able to counter Banks and plants her face first. Natalya goes back to the sharpshooter and Banks taps.
*** after the match Ronda Rousey comes out and holds up the arm of Natalya. The two then shake hands and hug.
Winner: Natalya: Will Face Ronda Rousey Next Week
My Opinion:
This was an amazing match to end the night. Every woman in this match gave everything they had and fought so hard. Natalya definitely deserved this opportunity and she showed the world tonight that she is that good. Nattie has been on a roll as of late and after everything that has happened to her this year, this is a huge moment for her. I don’t know id Natalya can beat Ronda but this will be one heck of a fight and since they know each other so well and have trained together I think Natalya will bring the best in Ronda in the ring.

Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this Raw tonight. First, I loved how it started with all three McMahon’s and Triple H out in the ring. They didn’t make a huge announcement but the fact is they said they’re gonna start listening to the fans and that’s a good thing. I think they should be able to run their own show and the fans could just enjoy what they get but at the end of the day, the fans make the show so it’s only right their voices should be heard. Also, it was good to see Kurt Angle wrestle and I think the match Corbin had was a good way to officially write him out of power. I liked The Revival getting a future shot at the tag team titles, they are a very good team and it’s about time they get a run with the titles. One thing I really liked was Seth Rollins owning up to last night and saying he heard the crowd and that’s on him. This is the reality era and it’s important to address issues head on so I thought this was a good way to do just that. Finally, that was a heck of a main event tonight. Each of the women gave it their all and showed how important the opportunity to be champion is. Natalya winning was a good call, she has been on a roll and has the hearts of the fans. You know next week friends or not Natalya is coming to win and like I said since she and Ronda know each other so well I expect this match to amazing!!!
Overall Rating: 6/10