Raw Review 12/25/2017

On this special Holiday Edition of Monday Night Raw we will see the return of John Cena, what will Cena have in store for the WWE Universe? Plus how is the Women’s Division preparing as they’re set to make history with the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble Match this January? Last week it was announced that Braun Strowman and Kane will face off against Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship but what monster with gain an edge as they prepare for battle with The Beast? Dean Ambrose was taken out last week and is now sidelined with an injury but how will Rollins and Reigns get revenge for him? Finally s the clock ticks closer to the Royal Rumble who will be the next Superstars to declare for the match?

Raw is live tonight from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL.

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

In Ring Segment: John Cena
Cena starts the show by giving a young fan his new green shirt and hat in replace for the old orange shirt and hat. Cena tells that no matter what he does or where he goes that the WWE is his home and his family. He tells there’s been a lot of ups and downs but he loves seeing everyone come together on this special day. He says he couldn’t think of a better place to be but is cut off by Elias.
Elias tells Cena that WWE stands for Walk With Elias. Elias tells how he kept getting interrupted for months now and he’s done with that. Elias tells that fans no matter how much they want to chant he’s gonna still go on. Cena tries to help Elias but keeps getting interrupted. Cena grabs Elias a stool and allows him to start performing. Cena cuts him off mid-performance and tells him he wanted to warn him not to say anything bad about Chicago. Cena tells him that this is the place to be. He tells Elias that the crowds not the jerks he is the jerk. Elias tells Cena that he wants Chicago to give him a second chance. Cena tells him that Chicago is a tough city but tells him to hit it one more time. Cena joins in but Elias then turns and hits Cena with a right hand. Elias tells Cena and the crowd that he does not play for them and says Christmas is overrated and so is Chicago. Elias then turns back to Cena and hits him with a big kick. Elias says Santa didn’t visit him so he’s gonna give himself the gift of challenging Cena right now.
My Opinion:
I really liked the idea of Elias coming out and interrupting Cena. Although I wish Cena would have made some major announcement I think it’s great that they did this instead. Elias is very talented in the ring and if guys like Cena help sell him to the crowd he really could be something special. I like that Elias took matters into his own hands and made a statement.

Match 1: Elias vs John Cena
Elias hits Cena with a big right. He stomps on Cena and backs him in the corner. Elias hits him with big kicks and lefts hands. He gets Cena out of the corner and hits him with a huge right hand. Cena comes back with punches of his own. He hits a big hip toss and follows with a side headlock takedown. Elias battles back with more right hands. Elias goes to the outside and slams Cena on the apron. Elias then hits a big hip check on Cena. Elias hits a huge chop and throws Cena back in the ring. Elias goes for a cover but Cena kicks out. Elias tosses Cena across the ring but it’s still not enough to keep Cena down. Elias stays on Cena but Cena keeps kicking out. Elias ties up Cena in the corner and hammers away with kicks. Elias lands a huge stomp from the top rope but Cena kicks out at two on the pin. Elias works the arm of Cena but Cena gets to a vertical base. Cena comes at him with rights but runs into a boot from Elias. Elias ties up Cena in the corner again but misses on the stomp this time. Cena comes back with a big clothesline. Cena and Elias trade rights. Elias is able to get the advantage and slam Cena on his knee. Elias hits him with a right and Cena struggles to his feet. Elias gets Cena in the corner and hits big chops followed by big stomps. Elias goes to the top but Cena comes to life and puts him on his shoulders. Elias fights out and is able to turn it into a spin-out powerbomb. Elias goes for the cover but Cena kicks out and rolls to the outside. Cena just beats the count and is covered quickly but kicks out at two. Elias works Cena on the mat with a chin lock. Elias goes to a side headlock but Cena works to his feet. Cena comes back with a series of shoulder tackles. Cena looks for the five knuckle shuffle but Elias goes to the outside. Cena chases him and Elias catches him with a clothesline. Another cover but Cena fights out. Elias hits a knee to the spine but Cena kicks out again. Elias continues to wear down Cena but Cena kicks out of another cover. Cena is able to fight back and lock in the STF. Elias works to the ropes and Cena pulls him back to the middle. Elias comes back and hits him with a jumping knee strike. Cena hits him with a shoulder on the apron. Cena works Elias to the mat and locks in the STF once more. Elias crawls and gets to the ropes. Elias reverses Cena and lands a modified version of a swinging neck breaker. Cena again kicks out of the cover. Cena rolls Elias up but gets a two count. Cena comes back with a shoulder tackle and follows with slamming Elias to the mat. Cena hits the five knuckle shuffle and hits the AA for the win.
Winner: John Cena
My Opinion:
If people didn’t believe in Elias before I hope they do now. He proved a lot in that match to be able to manhandle Cena like that. Cena really had to work for that victory and even though Elias didn’t win he proved he can hang. Hopefully, he will get more opportunities like this and we will see him in a bigger role in the future.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins and Jordan come into Angle’s office. Rollins tells Angle that he wants Samoa Joe. Jordan says he’s been waiting patiently for him. Rollins doesn’t like that and starts arguing that he hasn’t been patient. Angle tells them that they need to get through The Bar first. Rollins and Jordan argue saying that they don’t want to team. Angle tells them that tonight they will be teaming up against Cesaro and Sheamus for the Raw Tag Team Championships. Reigns then comes in and Angle tells him that Samoa Joe is all his tonight and it will be a Championship match.

In Ring Segment:
Charly asks Brian Kendrick about his match with Hideo Itami. Kendrick says he and Jack Gallagher are two of the finest in the world and they wanted to find out if Hideo Itami is the real deal.

Match 2: Brian Kendrick vs Hideo Itami
Itami and Kendrick trade strikes as the match gets underway. Itami slams Kendrick to the mat and hits him with big kicks. Itami slams him again and lands another big kick. Kendrick takes advantage of the distraction from Gallagher and lands a kick of his own. Kendrick then hits Itami with big crossfaces. Kendrick gets Itami in the corner and drives his boot into his face. Kendrick goes for the cover but Itami kicks out. Kendrick locks in a submission but Itami tries fighting out. Kendrick slams him on the turnbuckle and stays on him but Itami fights back. Kendrick looks for a DDT but is hung up on the top rope. Itami comes at Kendrick and knocks him down to the mat. Itami lands big strikes and is in control. Itami comes with big fists and follows with a dropkick in the corner. Itami hits Kendrick with the GTS and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Hideo Itami
My Opinion:
Pretty good singles debut for Itami. I loved how composed he was and didn’t let Kendrick get the best of him. Itami is so good with his strikes and shows that he means business. I think Itami could become the face of 205 Live if he continues to wrestle like this. Itami seems like he’s here for one thing and that’s to win. I can’t wait to see more from him and see him face more Cruiserweights who have similar styles to his.

Backstage Segment:
The Miztourage wishes Mickie, Bayley, and Sasha a Merry Mizmas. They then sing a Miz Christmas song to them. The three tell them that they have a match and walk away confused.

Match 3: Absolution (Paige, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville) vs
Bayley & Sasha Banks & Mickie James
Sasha and Paige start off the match. Paige quickly tags in Rose. Sasha takes it to her and works her on the mat. She drags Rose to the corner and tags in Mickie. Mickie flies and stays on Rose. She slams her to the mat and goes for the cover but Rose kicks out. Rose fights back but is caught with big kicks. Mickie goes for another cover but Rose kicks out. Bayley gets the tag and lands a big clothesline. Rose is able to fight back and tag in Deville. Deville uses her MMA style to work Bayley on the mat. Bayley fights out and works to the corner to tag in Sasha. Sasha stays on her and Deville tires to escape. Sasha goes after Deville and is hit with a huge clothesline. Back in the ring, Deville hits Sasha with a big right. Paige gets the tag and hits Sasha with a high knee. She then drives her boot into Sasha in the corner. Rose then gets the tag and drives her knee into the back of Sasha’s neck. Rose locks in a modified stretch on Sasha. Sasha works for a cover but Rose kicks out and stays on her. Deville gets the tag and continues with big strikes. She then wraps herself around Sasha and chokes her. Sasha is able to lift her but Deville knocks her to the ground. Paige gets the tag and steps on the hair of Sasha. Paige then goes to the chin lock. Sasha fights back but is hit with a clothesline. Rose gets the tag and knocks Sasha to the mat hard. She then goes back to a modified stretch after a failed pin attempt. Sasha tries to get a tag but is thrown across the ring by Rose. Sasha sends Rose into Paige and tags Bayley. Bayley comes in and so does Paige. Bayley drops Paige and hammers away. Bayley hits another suplex and drives her shoulder into Paige in the corner. Paige comes back and bounces Bayley off the turnbuckle. Bayley hits the Bayley to Belly but Deville saves the match. The two teams then go at it on the outside. Bayley goes to the top but Paige knocks her off. Paige then hits Bayley with the Rampaige and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Absolution (Paige, Mandy Rose, Sonya Deville)
My Opinion:
Very physical tonight between these two teams. I was very impressed by Rose and Deville and how they were able to control the match. They showed a lot of great ring awareness and fought back. Absolution seems like they will continue to take over because they look very complete and locked in together. It will be interesting to see what happens especially in the Women’s Royal Rumble and if they will stick together or if Rose and Deville will go into business for themselves.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Joe if he has any remorse for what he did last week. Joe says absolutely not and says he did him a favor so he could be home with the ones he loves. He tells that he’s systematically taking out The Shield. Joe tells that tonight when he puts Reigns asleep he will wake to a nightmare of him standing there as the Intercontinental Champion.

Match 4: Kane vs Heath Slater
Kane pushes him into the corner but Slater is able to escape. Kane drives him in the corner again and lands a big chop. Kane then lands a big sidewalk slam. Slater goes to the outside to regroup. Kane quickly sends him back to the floor. Slater is able to hang up Kane on the ropes and comes hard with strikes. Kane comes back with a big strike of his own and follows with the chokeslam. Kane goes for the cover and gets the win.
*** After the match Kane goes after Rhyno. Rhyno fights back and is able to hit a big spear in the corner. Kane quickly comes to and lands a big chokeslam.
Winner: Kane
My Opinion:
Kane looked very focused tonight. He seemed like he wanted to make a statement and he did. Even though Slater isn’t the toughest opponent Kane still dominated and looks like he’s locked in. It’ll be interesting to see how Kane will fair when he’s in there with Lesnar and Strowman. My money’s not on Kane for that match but hopefully, he can give once last great showing in that monster of a match.

Match 5: Curt Hawkins vs Finn Balor
Hawkins gets him in the corner quickly but Balor gets him with a big boot. Hawkins comes back and rolls him up but Balor kicks out. Another cover but Balor kicks out again. Balor comes back with a double stomp and then hits the sling blade. Balor drives Hawkins in the corner. Balor goes to the top and hits the Coupe de Grace for the win.
Winner: Finn Balor
My Opinion:
I feel so bad for Balor, I’m tired of seeing him in matches like this. This is a guy who could carry the company but he’s treated like this. I hope something with change for Balor in the near future because his talents are being wasted right now. Hopefully, they’ll move him to SmackDown or wake up and realize Balor is one of the top superstars.

Backstage Segment:
Axel and Dallas approach Goldust and sing him a Mizmas Carol. They give him a Santa’s little Helper starring The Miz. Goldust then stops Titus Worldwide and gives him the DVD.

Backstage Segment:
Bray Wyatt says she always hated this time of year and tells that she loathed it most because it reminded her of someone like Matt Hardy. He tells that Hardy is using everyone for his own personal gain. He tells the Woken Warriors that they are surrounded by the darkness and his fireflies. He says you are surrounded by her. He tells Chicago he’s here.

In Ring Segment:
Matt Hardy attacks Bray Wyatt from behind. Hardy looks for the Twist of Fate but Wyatt hightails it out of the ring. Matt grabs the mic and starts laughing.

Backstage Segment:
Sheamus complains that they have to defend their titles. Cesaro tells him they should be grateful. Sheamus says Angle might not appreciate them but he appreciates Cesaro as his tag team partner. Sheamus gives him a gift. Cesaro opens it up and it’s a Dean Ambrose action figure with a missing arm. Cesaro then gives Sheamus a gift which is a Seth Rollins action figure. Sheamus says he can’t wait to break it just like he’s gonna break the real one tonight. Cesaro gives him another gift which is a Jason Jordan action figure. Sheamus says he doesn’t want this one, Cesaro says neither does Angle or Rollins.

Match 6: Cedric Alexander & Mustafa Ali & Akira Tozawa vs
Enzo Amore & Drew Gulak & Ariya Daivari: Miracle on 34th Street Fight
Daivari and Alexander start the match. Daivari takes it to Alexander but Alexander battles back and is able to send Daivari to the outside. Tozawa comes in and he and Ali fly to take out Gulak and Daivari on the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Daivari slams Tozawa threw a Christmas present box. Enzo gets the tag and throws Tozawa into a Christmas tree in the corner. Enzo then goes to a chin lock on the mat. Enzo makes the ag to Daivari and Ali gets the tag as well. Ali hits a big dropkick and then sidesteps him in the corner. Ali hits a big kick and then goes to the top landing a moonsault. Gulak comes in and hits Ali with a cookie sheet. Alexander comes in with Enzo, Enzo gets out of the ring and Gulak steps in. Alexander hits Gulak with a candy cane stick sending him out of the ring. Daivari comes in and Alexander hits him with the Lumbar Check to get the win.
Winners: Cedric Alexander & Mustafa Ali & Akira Tozawa
My Opinion:
I love these holiday type matches, I think they’re a lot of fun but Cedric Alexander looked focused for next week. Cedric showed tonight he can get the job done and if he hits the Lumbar Check next week I think he could be the new Cruiserweight Champion. Hopefully, Cedric can get the win because he really deserves a shot to be the leader of 205 Live. One thing I did like in this match though was Mustafa Ali, he’s so quick and can change a match in an instant.

Backstage Segment:
Nia wishes Enzo a Merry Christmas. He says it’s been a rough day. The two stand under a mistletoe and Enzo tells Nia I think you know what that means. The two go for a kiss but Alexa Bliss cuts in and tells Nia she really needs to talk to her about the Women’s Royal Rumble Match.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Roman Reigns his thoughts on Samoa Joe’s comments from earlier. He says he doesn’t care about what he says and tells he’s leaving tonight with the Championship. He says tonight he’s sending a message to Joe that if you hurt one of his brothers he’s gonna hurt you.

Match 7: Roman Reigns (c) vs Samoa Joe:
Intercontinental Championship Match
Reigns hits Joe with a huge clothesline. Reigns tees off on Joe but Joe comes back with rights of his own. Reigns hits him with a huge right but Joe again comes with jabs. Reigns is able to hang him up on the second rope. Reigns goes to the outside and hits the drive by. Joe comes back after catching Reigns with a right. Joe chops away in the corner and then hits a back body drop. Joe goes for the cover but Reigns kicks out. Joe goes back to the right hands in the corner and follows with chops and forearms. Joe sends him off the ropes but Reigns explodes off and hits a clothesline. Reigns back him in the corner and hits him with more clotheslines. Reigns hits a big boot and looks for the Superman Punch but Joe gets to the ropes. Joe takes advantage and backs Reigns into the corner. Joe hits him with big strikes but hits him with a huge kick. Joe is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Reigns hits Joe with a Samoan drop. Joe is able to kick out of the cover. Reigns tries lifting Joe but hits aback drop. Reigns hangs on and gets a pin but Joe kicks out. Joe hits Reigns with knees and tries for a senton but Reigns moves out of the way. Reigns hits him with the Superman Punch but it’s not enough to put away Joe. Reigns looks for the spear but Joe hits him with a big kick and follows with the uranage. Joe goes for the cover but Reigns kicks out. Reigns goes to the apron and is able to hang up Joe. Reigns gets back in the ring and is caught by Joe with the Coquina Clutch. Reigns is able to make it to ropes after Joe tries to adjust the moves. Reigns goes to the outside but Joe gives him no space as he hits a suicide dive. Joe brings him in the ring and goes after the injured arm of Reigns. Reigns hits Joe with big headbutts followed by right hands. Reigns shoves the official and the ref calls for the bell.
*** After the match Reigns hits Joe with a Superman Punch. Reigns goes to the outside and flies off of the stairs hitting another Superman Punch. Reigns then throws Joe into the ring post and follows with doing it again. Reigns grabs the steps and hits Joe with them multiple times. Reigns then grabs a chair but misses and the refs grab the chair form him.
Winner: Samoa Joe: Via DQ:
Roman Reigns is still Intercontinental Champion
My Opinion:
A pretty awesome match between these two. I loved the aggression that Reigns showed. This is the Reigns I want to see. Reigns is a fighter and finally, they’re letting him show that. I was tired of watching him getting walked over the past few weeks. Reigns showed he can battle with Joe. Joe is amazing and definitely deserves another shot but tonight Reigns got the better of him.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins tells Jordan that if he came in to tell them that they need to fight together to save it. He tells Jordan that he’s doing it as a favor for his dad. Jordan tells Rollins that he has to admit he’s a good replacement for Ambrose. Rollins tells him that he’ll never be Dean Ambrose. Jordan says you’re right I’ll be better.

In Ring Segment: Miztourage
Axel tells the crowd that they’re excited because Angle told them they have a secret Santa match. Axel and Dallas then do a Mizmas Carol. Outcomes Braun Strowman.

Match 8: Braun Strowman vs The Miztourage (Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel)
Strowman catches Dallas in the early going. Strowman hits him with a huge clothesline. He then tosses Dallas across the ring and does the same to Axel. Strowman hits the running power slam on Dallas and gets the victory.
*** After the match Strowman hits a running power slam on Axel. he then hits one on Dallas and one more on Axel.
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
Strowman is just pure dominance. I really like Strowman’s chances at the Rumble. I think it’s gonna be hard to stop him especially with so much on the line. Strowman’s got no quit and his power is unreal. Strowman is the real monster.

In Ring Segment: Alexa Bliss
Alexa wishes everyone a Merry Blissmas. She says she is giving everyone the gift of The Goddess. Alexa says she’d like to take this time to reflect and tells that 2017 was the year of Alexa Bliss. She says every obstacle she has overcome like a Jedi from Star Wars. She tells she pushed through the glass ceiling this year but tells the moment of the year came last week when Stephanie McMahon announced the first ever Women’s Royal Rumble. Alexa says she still gets chills hearing Stephanie announce that. She tells everyone they’re welcome and says this match is happening because of her. She tells she’ll be watching the match to see who her opponent will be. Outcomes Asuka.
Asuka announces she is entering the Royal Rumble match and she will win because nobody is ready for Asuka. Asuka then lays out Alexa with a huge kick.
My Opinion:
Asuka made a statement tonight. I like what Cole said next year very well could be the year of Asuka. I love Alexa though so I hope she continues to reign supreme but she’s definitely been put on notice now.

*** Brock Lesnar will be on Raw next week

Match 9: The Bar (Cesaro & Sheamus) (c) vs
Seth Rollins & Jason Jordan: Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Jordan and Sheamus lock up and Jordan quickly takes him to the mat. Jordan goes for a cover but Sheamus kicks out. Sheamus backs him to the ropes and hits him with a back elbow. Cesaro takes a cheap shot and Sheamus stomps away. Cesaro gets the tag and the two double team Jordan. Rollins comes in and sends the champs to the floor. Rollins flies through the ropes and hits a suicide dive on the outside as raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Sheamus is in control of Rollins. Cesaro gets the tag and the two throw Rollins into the corner following with two big kicks. Cesaro gets Rollins in a chin lock and works him on the mat. Rollins fights to his feet and carries Cesaro on his back. Cesaro pulls him back and tags Sheamus. Sheamus chops away on Rollins but Rollins fights back. Rollins goes for the tag but Sheamus stops him. Cesaro gets the tag and hits a leg drop. Cesaro goes back to the chin lock and then tags Sheamus. Another double team from The Bar but it’s not enough to keep Rollins down. Sheamus throws Rollins to the outside and Cesaro hits him with a clothesline. Sheamus hits Jordan from behind and The Bar sends him into the barricade. Rollins reverses Sheamus and plants him with a DDT. Cesaro comes in and hits an uppercut. Sheamus hits him with an Irish curse backbreaker on his way out. Cesaro hits Rollins hard but Rollins kicks out of the pin. Sheamus and Cesaro double team Rollins but Rollins kicks out again. Rollins fights out of the double team. Jordan comes in the ring and takes out Sheamus with a spear. Rollins is able to push off Cesaro and tag Jordan. Jordan and Sheamus now enter the match and Jordan takes over. He hits a big dropkick and takes it to Sheamus in the corner. Jordan hits a big spear and follows with a big throw to Sheamus. Sheamus rolls up Jordan but Jordan kicks out. Sheamus and Cesaro double team Jordan but Jordan kicks out of the pin. Cesaro locks in the sharpshooter but Rollins comes in to break it up. Jordan rolls up Cesaro but gets a two count. Cesaro muscles him down and tags Sheamus. The two double team Jordan but in comes Rollins. Rollins is hit with a Brogue kick and sent to the outside. Sheamus then locks in the cloverleaf. Sheamus hits white noise and in comes Cesaro. Sheamus is sent into the steps by Rollins. Cesaro catches Rollins with an uppercut. Cesaro gets back in the ring and Jordan hits a neckbreaker on Cesaro and gets the 1 2 3! New Champions!!!
Winners: Seth Rollins & Jason Jordan:
New Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
Omg! I can’t believe that just happened. I’m happy with this move, this is how you shake things up. Jordan and Rollins had to grind out that match and Sheamus and Cesaro hit them with everything they could. I don’t know if this run with the titles will last long but finally, Jordan will get some good spotlight. Rollins and Jordan make a good team, it’s an interesting dynamic and I’m excited to see what they have to say about this huge win.

Final Thoughts:
A pretty good Raw to close off the year. It was great to Cena back, I’m glad they used him the way they did because it gave Elias a platform to again prove himself. Elias did just that and took it to Cena that whole match. I loved the aggression we saw out of Roman Reigns tonight. He and Samoa Joe had a great match but Reigns was in a different zone at the end and this is the Reigns I want to see. Asuka made a big statement as well tonight after declaring for the Women’s Royal Rumble. She’s very dominant and gonna be one of the favorites to win. Jordan and Rollins winning the titles at the end of the night was awesome. It was unexpected and I love that they’re taking this risk. Even if it doesn’t last long their win shows what makes Pro Wrestling fun and it’s the fact that you never know what’s going to happen.
Overall Rating: 7/10