Raw Review 12/18/2017

Tonight Brock Lesnar returns but who will his opponent be at The Royal Rumble? Plus after grueling matches the past several weeks who will be next to face Roman Reigns for the Intercontinental Championship? Cedric Alexander won a second chance Fatal Four Way last week but will he be able to capitalize and beat Drew Gulak to become the new #1 Contender for the Cruiserweight Championship? The Women’s locker room stood up to the new power group Absolution last week but how will Paige, Mandy Rose, and Sonya Deville respond? Finally, announced for tonight we will see Seth Rollins take on Samoa Joe.

Raw is live tonight from the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, RI.

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

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle
Kurt welcomes everyone and reminds of last weeks main event where Braun Strowman and Kane were both counted out. He tells that Brock Lesnar is here tonight and by the end of the night he will determine who will face him. Outcomes Braun Strowman.
Braun tells Kurt that he earned the opportunity to face Brock Lesnar. He reminds that last week he was the only one left standing and that’s why he should be picked to face Lesnar. Out comes Kane.
Kane says he’s caused more destruction in WWE more than anyone for 20 years. He says that no one is stepping in front of him. He says that Lesnar’s list is impressive and even though it includes his brother of destruction it does not include him. He says he’ll get his shot at Royal Rumble unless Braun is man enough to stop him. Out comes Paul Heyman.
Heyman says they are not gonna have this discussion without the champs opinion. Out comes Brock Lesnar. Kurt says before things get out of hand he needs to make his announcement, he tells that at Royal Rumble it will be a Triple Threat match Lesnar vs Kane vs Strowman. Braun goes after the two men but is sent out of the ring. Lesnar takes it to Kane and lands an F5.
My Opinion:
This was a good way to start Raw. Although it felt a little rushed I liked how Angle sold it at the end by hightailing it out of there. This match is going to be a collision and I can’t wait for it. I’m glad that Kane is gonna get one more shot to shine. I think these three can create magic out there. It’ll be interesting to see how this plays out in the coming weeks and who will actually get the edge over the other two.

In Ring Segment:
Seth Rollins makes his way to the ring to face Samoa Joe. Before the match outcomes Jason Jordan. Jordan says he knows he’s not the guy Seth wants to see but he’s not the only one who wants Samoa Joe. He tells he’s been asking for Samoa Joe and he’s done asking. He tells Seth he’s gonna have to pick the bones when he’s done with him. Seth Says he understands that there’s a lot of pressure on him but this isn’t his big opportunity. Out comes Samoa Joe.
Joe says he has a simple solution since both of them want to get their hands on him. He offers that Rollins should face Jordan and the winner can get beat down by him. Rollins says the match has already been made and Joe needs to get down to the ring. He tells Jordan to go get his daddy’s approval somewhere else. Jason Jordan then pushes down Rollins. Rollins then agrees to have the match.

Match 1: Seth Rollins vs Jason Jordan:
Winner will face Samoa Joe in the future
Jordan quickly gets on Rollins and lands a couple nice takedowns. Jordan then moves to a side headlock. Rollins fights out and lands a big kick to the midsection. Rollins then sends Jordan over the top rope as raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rollins lands a big kick. Rollins again sends Jordan over the top rope. Rollins goes on the apron but is caught by Jordan and is driven into the barricade. Jordan goes for a cover but gets a two count. Jordan lands big shots in the corner and throws Rollins into another corner. Another pinfall but Rollins kicks out. Rollins is driven again into the turnbuckles. Rollins lands big chops but Jordan drops to the mat and backs Rollins into the corner. Jordan then works a side headlock. Jordan continues with driving Rollins into the corner and lands a huge spear. Jordan lands a big right hand and follows with a big backbreaker. Jordan then goes to a chin lock. Rollins fights to his feet and is able to reverse Jordan bringing him to the mat. Jordan goes face first into the turnbuckle but Jordan comes right back with a big slam as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Rollins hits a sling blade. Rollins lands a knee on the apron and flies off the top rope delivering a big clothesline. Jordan is able to kick out of the cover at two. Rollins lands a big forearm in the corner. Jordan is able to catch Rollins and throw him on his shoulder. Jordan goes for a cover but again Rollins kicks out. Rollins is able to escape Jordan and send him to the outside. Rollins lands a big kick and then flies through the ropes landing a big suicide dive. Rollins lands a kick on the apron. Rollins looks to fly but is caught by Jordan. Jordan lands a series of northern lights suplexes but still, Rollins kicks out of the pin. Jordan meets Rollins on the top rope and is sent back to the mat. Rollins lands a big frog splash but Jordan kicks out at two and a half. Rollins flies from the apron and lands a huge knee. On the outside, Rollins sends Jordan into Joe and then hits him with a superkick. Jordan tries to steal a cover but Rollins kicks out. Rollins hits Jordan with the knee and gets the 1 2 3.
***After the match Joe goes after Rollins but Rollins fight back. Joe is able to land a big jab and follow it with the urinage. Joe then unloads on Rollins. Joe then takes a cheap shot on Jordan.
Winner: Seth Rollins:
Will face Samoa Joe in the future
My Opinion:
Not a bad match, Jordan did well but I will say I would like to see him have more diversity with his moves. I think he should a lot of heart tonight and proved that he won’t give up but Rollins experienced shined. It’ll be interesting to see where this will all go. I am disappointed that Joe and Rollins didn’t face but they will soon. Jordan just needs to keep having matches like this and keep developing. If anything a good way to go may be to let Jordan and Joe feud because that would give Jordan something he could sink his teeth into and really create a rivalry. Plus Joe would be a great teacher for Jordan since their styles are similar.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins tells Angle that he wants Joe tonight. Ambrose says he’s looking for a shot at him too. Jordan then comes in and asks Angle if he saw what he just did. Angle says they will all get their shot tonight in a 6 man tag match where Ambrose, Rollins, and Jordan will face Joe, Sheamus, and Cesaro.

Backstage Segment:
Wyatt talks about Hardy and the words he speaks and his childish laugh. He mocks the faces Hardy makes and says it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt. He says he will make sure the right people get hurt. He says the right people are Matt Hardy and all of you. He says if Hardy wants to continue the chess match he will play. He says he’s all around and he can see clearly. He tells Hardy to Run.

Match 2: Finn Balor vs The Miztourage (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas):
2 on 1 Handicap Match
Balor starts off with Dallas but Dallas quickly moves away from him. Dallas tries to pull Balor into their corner but it doesn’t work. Axel gets the tag and is able to get around on Balor. He tries out power Balor but Balor is able to shove him away. Axel catches Balor with a big elbow and follows with big shoulder shots. Dallas gets the tag and stomps away on Balor. Axel tags in and continues with the stomps. Balor fights out and is able to use his quickness to land a big double kick to Axel. axel backs Balor to the ropes. Balor takes out Dallas but Axel takes advantage. Axel throws Balor into the corner and tags Dallas. Dallas hammers away on Balor and follows with a clothesline. Balor kicks out of the pin attempt. Dallas then goes to a chin lock. Balor fights to his feet and is able to fight off Balor. Balor lands a big clothesline and follows with a double stomp. Balor goes for the cover but Axel breaks it up. Axel then takes cheap shots on Balor. Axel tags in and brings Balor to the top rope. Balor tries for the Coupe de Grace but Dallas comes in and takes it to Balor. Dallas and Axel beat down Balor and the ref calls for the bell. The two take it to Balor but outcomes Hideo Itami. Hideo lands a big kick to Axel and Dallas.
Winner: Finn Balor: Via DQ
My Opinion:
Balor put on a good showing. I like Dallas and Axel together if they actually let them go out there and just show their skills they could actually be something. I liked that Balor didn’t go over clean and instead the two just took it to him. This was a good way to introduce Hideo Itami to the main roster and give him a moment people would remember. I’m still hoping for bigger things in the future for Balor, this is disappointing to see this is the match he was in this week. There’s so much more he can do and they’re not doing anything good for him right now. In terms of him staying in WWE I think the best thing would be to move him to SmackDown and have him start a rivalry with AJ Styles. Then you can bring up Adam Cole to compete with them and you have a Triple Threat Match for the WWE Championship between three former Bullet Club members.

Backstage Segment:
Match 3: Finn Balor & Hideo Itami vs The Miztourage (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas)
During the break, Balor and Itami take it to Dallas and Axel. Dallas takes a cheap shot and lands a clothesline on Balor. Axel tags in and stays on Balor. Axel lands a big backbreaker and goes for the pin but Balor kicks out. Axel keeps the pressure on Balor and lands a big knee. Axel works Balor on the mat and backs him in the corner. Dallas gets the tag and the two double team Balor but can’t put him away. Axel comes back in and goes to a chin lock on the mat. Balor is able to roll out-of-the-way of axel and get the tag to Itami. Itami brings Axel to the corner and flies connecting with a big clothesline. Itami lands a huge kick and lands more big strikes. Itami lands a bicycle knee and takes down Axel. Balor lands a sling blade on Dallas and sends him to the floor. Balor drives Dallas into the barricade on the outside. Itami in the ring lands a GTS on Axel and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Finn Balor & Hideo Itami
My Opinion:
I like Balor and Itami as a team. This was only a taste of Itami but he can do so much more. I’m excited to see where he will go. Axel and Dallas still didn’t look bad out there. I wish this match would’ve started after the break because I don’t think we go the full experience. Nonetheless glad Balor ends on a high note tonight.

Backstage Segment:
Renee welcomes Cedric Alexander. Renee asks if Cedric is concerned that he’s overlooking Drew Gulak. Cedric says he wants to beat Enzo and wants to represent the Division. He says he has a second chance and is gonna take advantage. He says the only time he will overlook Gulak is when he’s standing over him looking for his Cruiserweight Championship Match.

Match 4: Drew Gulak vs Cedric Alexander:
#1 Contender’s Match for the Cruiserweight Championship
Cedric backs Gulak into the corner to start the match. Gulak takes down Alexander but Alexander fights back and gets a side headlock. Gulak throws him off the ropes but Alexander is able to land a big hurricanrana and sends Gulak out of the ring. Alexander then flies over the ropes taking out Gulak. Alexander lands a big shot on Gulak in the corner. Alexander keeps the pressure on Gulak. Alexander and Gulak stay on each other and both tumble out of the ring and hit the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Gulak is in control. Gulak sends Alexander into the corner and lands a big clothesline. Gulak hits a chop on Alexander and throws him in the corner. Alexander tries to fight back but is turned inside out by a clothesline from Gulak. Gulak drives his knee into Alexander and pulls on his arms. Alexander catches him with a big forearm. Alexander fights back and lands a running clothesline followed by a forearm. Gulak goes for a roll up but can’t get the three. The two trade pins momentarily. Alexander comes off the ropes and turns Gulak inside out. Alexander catches him with an uppercut and big kick. Gulak gets back on the offensive and locks in a submission. Alexander fights for the ropes and finally gets the break. Gulak gets distracted by a leaving Enzo and gets caught by Alexander. Alexander lands a back elbow and the two trade blows. Alexander flies form the ropes and lands a big clothesline. Alexander lands the Lumbar Check and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Cedric Alexander:
New #1 Contender for the Cruiserweight Championship
My Opinion:
Finally! Huge win for Cedric and I really hope they capitalize on this now. I don’t know if Cedric will win but at least he’s finally getting a shot. Gulak was also very impressive, I didn’t expect him to have such a good showing. They really took it to each other and it was a hard-hitting battle. I can’t wait to see Cedric’s title match and see where the Cruiserweight division will go next.

Backstage Segment:
Enzo tells Nia he got her DM. she says she thought they could finish their conversation from last week unless he needs to check on his friend Drew. He says Drew just works for him. Drew then comes up and tells Enzo he’s sorry and tells him he lost to Cedric. Drew says it’s not okay and he let him down and the ZO Train down and they need to talk about it. Nia tells him she’s gonna let him handle it and they’ll talk another time. Drew says he thinks he knows what went wrong. Enzo tells him he did a lot of things wrong.

Match 5: Asuka vs Alicia Fox
Alicia and Asuka feel each other in the early goings. Asuka catches her and works a side headlock. Asuka lands a big shoulder tackle on Alicia. Asuka then toys with her and goes for the Asuka Lock but Alicia rolls through. Alicia is able to land a big kick but it’s not enough to beat Asuka/ Alicia goes for the northern lights suplex and connects. Another pin attempt but Asuka kicks out. Alicia locks in a chin lock but Asuka fights out. Alicia hits her with a right hand but here comes Asuka with rights of her own. Asuka lands a missile dropkick and drives herself into Alicia in the corner. Asuka lands a snap mare and big kick to follow. Asuka locks in the Asuka Lock and Alicia taps.
Winner: Asuka
My Opinion:
Asuka impressive again. Alicia did well for a minute there but Asuka is just too good. I’m interested to see when Asuka will get a title shot and what they’ll do with her going forward. I really wanna see Asuka in a big-time match that she can really show her skills in. For now, these matches are okay but Asuka definitely has bigger things ahead.

Match 6: Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose & Jason Jordan vs
Sheamus & Cesaro & Samoa Joe
Sheamus and Rollins start off the match. Jason Jordan quickly tags himself in. Jordan takes a cheap shot on Joe. Sheamus backs him in the corner and Jordan takes a cheap shot on Cesaro. Sheamus lands a big lariat on Jordan and tags in Joe. Joe comes in and hammers on Jordan. Cesaro tags in and lands a big uppercut. He backs Jordan in the corner and tags in Sheamus. Sheamus stomps on Jordan and lands a big knee following cheap shots from his teammates. Cesaro comes in and lands a big kick. Cesaro goes for a cover but Jordan kicks out. Cesaro then moves to a modified chin lock on Jordan. Jordan is able to create space between him and Cesaro. Rollins gets the tag and takes down Cesaro. He then takes down Sheamus. Rollins lands a sling blade and stays on Cesaro. Rolins is able to drop Cesaro to the floor and then flies over the top rope to take him out as raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Sheamus is in control of Rollins. Joe gets the tag and hammers on Rollins. Joe lands big knee strikes and backs him in the corner. More strikes from Joe and goes back to a submission on the mat. Joe hits a big back elbow and Sheamus gets the tag. Sheamus lands a few shots of his before tagging in Cesaro. The bar lands a big double team on Rollins. Sheamus lands a cheap shot on Rollins but Cesaro can’t get the three. Rollins fights off Cesaro and Sheamus but Sheamus comes back with a backbreaker. Rollins fights back and lands a huge DDT. Joe gets the tag and prevents Rollins from making one of his own. Joe stays on Rollins but in comes Jordan. Jordan is thrown out of the ring by Sheamus. Sheamus looks for white noise but Rollins slips out. Rollins is able to send Sheamus into the ring post. Cesaro gets the tag and quickly stops Rollins from getting the tag. Cesaro keeps on Rollins but Rollins fights forward. Cesaro then decides to throw him out of the ring. Joe and Sheamus beat on him on the outside but here comes Ambrose and Jordan to provide some help. Ambrose takes out Joe and he and Rollins work together to take out Cesaro. Rollins is thrown back in the ring by Ambrose. Cesaro comes in and takes out Ambrose. Rollins sends Cesaro out of the ring and then does the same to Joe. Rollins then hits a suicide dive taking out everyone. Rollins gets back in the ring and is hit with a Brogue kick. The ref counts the 1 2 3.
Winners: Sheamus & Cesaro & Samoa Joe
My Opinion:
First and foremost I really hope Ambrose is okay. He took a big spill there so hopefully, he’ll be alright. Either way, this was an okay match. I don’t get why Jordan didn’t get more time. For the most part, Ambrose Rollins and Jordan didn’t get to do much. I think this match definitely could’ve been reworked and done better but nonetheless, it was good. Definitely, some scary moments though throughout the match, it wasn’t the most solid match, but hopefully all will walk away without too much injury.

Backstage Segment:
In the back, Stephanie McMahon arrives in a limo.

Backstage Segment:
Woken Matt Hardy is playing chess in the back. He says the forces have been eradicated, he says we live and we learn. Hardy talks to Napoleon the Goldfish and says one wrong move could lead to utter annihilation. Hardy says the new battlefield has been set and he will stand side by side with his woken warriors against Bray Wyatt and Sister Abigail. He says they must be DELETED!

Backstage Segment:
Rollins is attacked by Joe, Cesaro, and Sheamus. They then turn to Ambrose and throw a crate down on his arm.

Match 7: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder) vs
Rhyno & Heath Slater
Wilder starts off against Rhyno. Rhyno lands a big shoulder tackle and tags in Slater. Slater goes for the cover but Wilder kicks out. Dawson gets the tag and Slater stays on him. Dawson lands a huge clothesline turning Slater inside out. Wilder gets the tag and stays on Slater. He goes for the cover but Slater kicks out. Wilder lands a big chop and locks in a chin lock. Dawson gets the tag but gets caught by Slater. Dawson is able to prevent the tag. Wilder goes to the outside to pull Rhyno off the apron. Dawson and Slater trade blows. Wilder gets the tag and The Revival hit The Shatter Machine to get the win.
Winners: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
My Opinion:
Awesome to see The Revival back. I can’t wait to see them get into the mix and see where they will go. I think they have a bright future and can make an immediate impact. They were in sync tonight and showed they veterans of tag team wrestling. Hopefully, they will get worked in the mix because I think they could have great matches with some of these tag teams on Raw.

Backstage Segment:
Angle tells Rhyno and Slater they had a tough loss but he appreciates the efforts. He tells them they need to shape up for the new year. Slater asks if they’re gonna get fired. Rhyno says they need to change their attitudes. Rhyno tells him he needs to toughen up.

In Ring Segment: Elias
Elias does his schtick and tears down the city. Elias starts to sing his song but is interrupted by Sasha. Elias tells her thanks for joining and now watch him do his thing. Mickie comes out next interrupting his song. Elias tells them both to join in and glad they want to walk with Elias. Bayley comes out next and Elias just decides to leave frustrated with these interruptions.

Match 8: Sasha Banks & Bayley & Mickie James vs
Absolution (Paige & Sonya Deville & Mandy Rose)
Mickie and Paige start off the match. Mickie lands a big kick and flies to send Paige to the mat. Sasha gets the tag and the two suplex Paige. Paige fights back but Sasha lands a huge kick. Paige takes down Sasha but can’t get the three. Paige brings her to the corner and tags in Mandy. Mandy stomps on her and then tags in Sonya. Sonya hammers away before tagging in Paige. Paige lays out Sasha but Sasha kicks out of the cover. Paige stomps away on Sasha in the corner and is backed off. Sonya and Mandy take cheap shots on Sasha. Mandy and Sonya take it to Bayley and Mickie on the outside. Sasha flies from the top rope and takes down Paige. Mandy and Sonya come in the ring and attack Sasha. The ref calls for the bell. Outcomes Nia Jax.
The three go after Nia but Nia lands a big kick. She hits a headbutt on Sonya and throws Mandy. Nia puts both of them on her shoulders and lands a big Samoan Drop. Paige comes from behind and takes a cheap shot on Nia. The three then stomp on Nia. Out comes the rest of the locker room to take on Absolution. Out comes Stephanie McMahon.
Stephanie says three years ago a revolution started in the WWE. She says they took a revolution and turned it into an evolution. She lists off the accomplishments the Women have made of the past few years. She tells how Alexa and Sasha made history last week and how they inspire people all around the world. She tells the ladies they’re gonna make history again. She says that on January 28th at the Royal Rumble we will have the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble match.
Winners: Sasha Banks & Bayley & Mickie James:
Via DQ
My Opinion:
Awesome announcement! I am so glad to see this finally happen and so proud of all of the women who get to be apart of this moment of history. It is so amazing to see where the Women have gone and where they can go from here. I can’t wait for this match. NXT has been amazing for the division and has led to so much new talent. It’s amazing that they are finally respected as wrestlers and I know they will shine at the Royal Rumble. This is only the begging and on the January 28th, one Woman will make history!

Final Thoughts:
A pretty good Raw tonight. I am so happy with the announcement made at the end. The Women deserve this and the sky’s the limit for them. Like I said on January 28th one of them will make history and I can’t wait to see what history they can make in the future. Other than that matches were pretty good tonight. I’m glad that Cedric finally will get a fair shot at the Cruiserweight Championship. Also tonight the Tag Team division got a boost with the return of The Revival. The only question I have is where was Roman, I’m disappointed because those Intercontinental Championship matches he was having were awesome. Nonetheless still a good show and one more huge announcement with Brock Lesnar facing Kane and Braun Strowman at the Royal Rumble, it will be awesome!
Overall Rating: 7/10