Raw Review 12/31/2018

Tonight on this New Year’s Eve Editon of Monday Night Raw what will happen when former allies Dolph Ziggler and Drew Mcintyre meet inside a steel cage? Plus, after a loss to Elias, last week can Bobby Lashley bounce back as he takes on the former Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins? Also, featured tonight we will see Bayley, Sasha Banks, and Ember Moon team up to take on The Riott Squad after The Riott Squad attacked them last week. We will see a battle royal to determine a #1 Contender for the Intercontinental Championship and the winner will face Dean Ambrose later in the night. Finally, after facing for the Raw Women’s Championship last week Ronda Rousey and Natalya are back together as they take on Tamina and Nia Jax in the main event!

Raw comes to us from the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Raw kicks off with being welcomed by Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Renee Young

Match 1: Drew Mcintyre vs Dolph Ziggler: Steel Cage Match
Ziggler starts early with an uppercut and then tries to escape but Mcintyre stops him. Mcintyre is able to pull him down and then lands a huge chop on him. Mcintyre wrestles him on the mat and then lifts Ziggler to hit him with a huge verticle suplex. Mcintyre lands a huge slap and then taunts Ziggler. Ziggler tries to fight back but then gets crushed in the corner. Ziggler is put on the top rope and is hit with another huge chop. Ziggler fights back with a right hand and then a huge chop. Ziggler then lands a huge DDT. Mcintyre fights back with a huge right hand but Ziggler continues to fight. Mcintyre stops his momentum with a big Glasgow kiss. Mcintyre tries to escape but Ziggler grabs his leg and is able to stop him. Ziggler and Mcintyre fight on the top rope trading blows. Ziggler is able to bounce Mcintyre off the cage but Mcintyre lands a devasting blow to Ziggler’s leg. The two are at a stalemate as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mcintyre taunts Ziggler. Mcintyre throws Ziggler into the corner. Ziggler fights back and tries a cover but Mcintyre is able to kick out. Mcintyre tries to slam Ziggler but he fights off. Ziggler is able to regain control and throws Mcintyre into te cage. Ziggler follows up by doing it again. Ziggler then hits a superkick and tries a cover but Mcintyre kicks out. Ziggler tries to escape through the door but Mcintyre stops him and drags him back in before Ziggler lands a headbutt and both are down again. Ziggler once again tries to escape but he is stopped again. Ziggler then uses the door to knock down Mcintyre but both men are down once again. Ziggler hits the Famouser and tries another cover but Mcintyre kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mcintyre has to pull Ziggler back in the ring and he does so by landing a suplex. Mcintyre gets to his feet and lifts Ziggler. He then throws him into the cage. He then throws him into the cage again. Ziggler out of nowhere hits the Zig Zag. he tries the cover again but Mcintyre kicks out. Mcintyre then hits a HUGE Claymore kick. Mcintyre hits one more and gets the 1 2 3.
***After the match Mcintyre came right back and crushed Ziggler’s head between the cage and the chair with a Claymore kick. Mcintyre then declared himself for the Royal Rumble. Mcintyre walked away before hitting Ziggler with one more Claymore kick.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
It took Mcintyre two Claymore kicks at the end to get the victory but he finally put away Ziggler. The attack after the match is the aggression Mcintyre needs. If he’s gonna be a main eventer he has to show he’ll do whatever it takes to only win but prove that he is not someone to mess with. Mcintyre is out to prove a point and 2019 could definitely be a big year for him, he’s gotta be a favorite to win this year’s rumble.

Backstage Segment:
Triple H and Shane Mcmahon have arrived at Raw!

In Ring Segment: Seth Rollins
Rollins says he’s not too big on New Year’s resolutions because things move to fast here in WWE. he’s every day here is a chance for a fresh start. He says he has himself a rematch for the Intercontinental Championship and he wants that match right now. Out comes Triple H!
Triple H says everyday you wake up you have a fresh start. He says now in WWE nothing will be handed and there will be no automatic anything. He tells Rollins his automatic rematch is not gonna happen. Triple H says he doesn’t think Rollins deserves it, anyone, he says he doesn’t take pleasure in that because he believed in Rollins. Rollins says to cut the crap. Triple H tells him he believed in him because Rollins made him believe that. He says Rollins made him believe he would be the face of Raw and says Rollins took everything he wanted. He says when he didn’t believe in him Rollins took him to Mania and kicked his ass until he believed in him again. He says all he sees is a shell of what he use to see asking for stuff. Rollins says he has been caring Raw on his back for the last year. He says when Lesnar wasn’t here he was in this ring turning out classics with Balor, Ziggler, and Mojo Rawley of all people. He says he wants to earn his opportunities. He asks Triple H if he wants that ruthless bastard that will do whatever it takes. Triple H says yes that’s what I want and tells Rollins to burn it all down. He says it starts when Rollins faces Bobby Lashley. Rollins says he will burn him down and he will take down anyone that gets in his way. He tells Triple H he’ll take down his whole family if they get in his way. Out comes Shane McMahon.
Shane tells Triple H to stop amping Rollins up before he burns this whole place down. McMahon says Rollins needs to go get ready for his match. He then says there will be a battle royal and the winner will face Dean Ambrose for the Interconitnal Championship later tonight.
My Opinion:
This is good for Seth Rollins I think, the height of his career came when he was under Triple H’s guidance so if he can find the Seth Rollins of old he can find that success again. Rollins doesn’t need to be going for the Intercontinental Championship at this point and with the reception his match with Ambrose got it’s good to keep those two apart for now. Rollins needs to work on getting back to that top spot and showing he still can be the man

Match 2: Battle Royal to determine the #1 Contender for the Intercontinental Championship
Everyone goes at it as the battle royal begins. Balor and Titus try to eliminate Corbin but he hangs on. Corbin tries to get rid of Balor but fails. Balor goes back after Corbin in the corner. Crews lifts Now Way Jose and throws him over the top rope and then follows by eliminating Viktor. Crews lands a huge dropkick to Konnor and then works on eliminating him. Dallas and Axel try to team up and eliminate Balor but Balor hangs on. Cobrin then helps out the B Team with Balor. Kalisto and Lince Dorado work together to eliminate Hawkins but can’t. Titus tries to eliminate Kalisto but he then gets triple teamed by Lucha House Party and is eliminate as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Balor eliminates Gran Metalik. Kalisto is then eliminated and Balor then eliminates Dorado as well. Crews tries to get rid of Dallas but Axel prevents it. Crews fights back and eliminates both members of the B team. Konor then eliminates himself. Crews follows up by eliminating Rawley and then Breeze. Corbin then hits Crews. Balor gets in the mix and takes out everyone. Corbin then eliminates Balor. Ryder then tries to take control but it doesn’t last long before he is eliminated. Hawkins tries to eliminate Corbin but he hangs and eliminates Hawkins. Crews goes to the top but has to roll through as he lands. Crews takes it to Corbin and hits him with a step-up enziguri and one more to follow to eliminate Corbin.
Winner: Apollo Crews
My Opinion:
This is a huge win for Crews and it gives him an amazing opportunity. Crews took out 8 superstars, wow, what a showing he had. As of late, it seems they have a lot of confidence in Crews and we will see what he will do with it. Being picked to win over guys like Balor and Corbin says a lot of what they think of Crews and shows WWE is trying to shake things up. I don’t think Crews will beat Ambrose but a match for the title gives Crews a spotlight to showcase what he can do.
I

Backstage Segment:
Natalya talks about this year and talks about the ups and downs form this year. She says 2019 could be her year. Nia Jax then comes over and asks her what if something comes and derails her plans. Natalya is then attacked by Tamina and Nia. they asks where her best friend is now.

In Ring Segment: Baron Corbin
Corbin says what happened wasn’t fair and he should’ve won because no one deserves afresh start more than him. He says he always tried to please everyone and he deserves an award. Elias then appears. Elias says it was Corbin’s plane to never bring Raw to a city like Detroit but he got on the phone with Kid Rock and they agreed Corbin running his mouth was no way to spend New Year’s. He says this city is on the rise. He then sings a song about Elias being a terrible GM and how he’s not entertaining. Corbin and Elias the go at it and fight into the crowd. Elias is able to get the upper hand and Corbin retreats.
My Opinion:
I’m seriously waiting for something big to happen with Elias. As of late he’s always getting over he’s always standing tall and the fans are behind him. I really think Elias can do great things but they really need to get the confidence in him and just let him run with this.

Match 3: Bayley & Sasha Banks & Ember Moon vs The Riott Squad
Bayley goes right after Morgan as the match begins. Morgan gets back in control and tags in Logan. Bayley fights out after an attempted double team and tags in Banks. Banks takes it to Logan and stomps on her in the corner. Logan is able to land a huge right a hand. Banks fights back and bounces Logan off the turnbuckle before tagging Bayley. Bayley hits a sliding clothesline and goes for the cover but Logan is able to kick out. Moon and Riott get the tag and the two go at it. Moon takes it to Riott and tries a cove but can’t get the three. Moon works a side headlock but Riott fights out. After being bounced off the ropes Riott tags in Morgan. Morgan hammer son Moon and gets her in the corner before tagging Logan. Logan stomps on Moon and then tags in Riott who does the same. The Riott Squad trade tags and works a triple team. The teams fight on the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Bayley works the arm of Riott after a deep arm drag. Bayley tries a hip toss but it is prevented and Riott works Bayley to the mat. Riott is able to tag Morgan and Morgan is hit with an arm drag as she enters. Banks gets the tag and then tags in Moon and the three triple team Morgan. Banks gets the tag again and takes it to Morgan. Morgan lands an elbow but continues to fight. Riott assists and Morgan gets in control. Morgan tries a cover but can’t get the three. Riott gets the tag and works Banks. Riott gets Banks in a full nelson but Banks is able to fight to her feet. Banks works a takedown into a cover but Riott kicks out. Riott hits an elbow and goes for the cover but Banks kicks out. Logan gets the tag and takes it to Banks before trying a cover of her own but she can’t put her away. Logan stays on her before hitting a running knee but can’t keep Banks down. Morgan gets the tag and lands a huge knee to Banks but Banks keeps kicking out pinfall after pinfall. Banks works a backslide but can’t keep Morgan down. Logan gets the tag and stops Banks for a moment. Logan is able to land a headbutt and the takes a cheap shot on Moon. The Riott Squad works a double team but it’s not enough for the win. Moon helps out and it allows Banks to work Logan but Logan stays in the match. Bayley makes a tag and hits an elbow after the backstabber by Banks. Bayley goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Bayley & Sasha Banks & Ember Moon
My Opinion:
This was a good back and forth match at the end but I’m a little confused with the outcome. They make The Riott Squad out to be this dominant force but then have them lose tonight. I think they should’ve won and they need to run with this group. The Riott Squad is perfect because not only do they get it done in the ring but they also stick together out of the ring so you really see this group believes in one another and actually has each other’s back. I think they deserved better than a loss tonight.

Match 4: Seth Rollins vs Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush
Rollins goes right after Lashley with a huge dropkick in the corner. Lashley fights back using his power to land a high impact waist lock takeover. Lashley gets Rollins in the corner and toys with him. He then hits him with a spear. Lashley then stomps on the back of Rollins. Lashley tries to lift him but Rollins fights off and lands huge chops to him. Lashey is sent to the floor and Rollins launches himself over the top rope to take out Lashley. Rollins comes off the ropes but he is caught and slammed by Lashley. Lashley goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Lashley then uses a vice grip to keep Rollins grounded. Rollins gets to his feet but is knocked back down by a shoulder tackle. Rollins is then dumped out of the ring. Rush gets involved on the outside and sends Rollins into the ring post as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Lashley works Rollins on the mat. Rollins fights back with a series of chops. Lashley comes back and sends Rollins upside down into the corner. Lashley toys with Rollins and continues to hammer on him. Lashley goes for a suplex but Rollins fights off and then lands a big boot into the corner. He follows with big chops and an elbow. Rollins hits a sling blade and then sends Lashley over the top rope. Rollins then hits a suicide dive and one more to follow. Rollins comes off the top rope and lands a huge clothesline. Rollins lands a kick to the mid-section but Rush gets involved again. Lashley lands a spine buster and goes for the cover but Rollins stays in it. Lashley lifts Rollins but Rollins fights out and works a cover. Lashley kicks out. Rollins lands a kick and goes to the top. Rollins goes after Rush after he distracts him again. Rollins finally catches Rush with a clothesline on the outside. Rollins bounces him off the barricade but then gets hit from behind by Lashley. Rolins grabs a chair and hits Lashley with it. He then attacks Rush as well. He then hits Rush with a stomp.
Winner: Bobby Lashley: Via DQ
My Opinion:
Well, we got a different side out of Rollins tonight. It’s not to often you’ll see Rollins lose due to DQ but this is exactly the aggression that brought him to the top in the first place. If this is a new side of Rollins let’s see how his matches go from here on out. If he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win he’ll be unstoppable. But, they have to be careful since he is a babyface. You gotta be able to blur the lines between babyface and heel and make Rollins more of I’ll do whatever it takes cause I love this and want this, not because he just can do it like a Drew Mcintyre.

Match 5: Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers vs Rhyno & Heath Slater:
2 on 3 Handicap Match
Slater and Mahal start off the match and Mahal gets the advantage. Slater fights back and lands right hands on Mahal. Mahal lands a huge clothesline and stays on Slater. Mahal gets him in the corner and hammers on him. The Singh Brothers tag in and out trading blows on Slater. They double team him and Slater is down. Slater fights back with a huge kick and Rhyno gets the tag. Rhyno tags down Sunil and then Samir. Rhyno then lands a belly to belly on both Singh Brothers. Rhyno lands a spine buster on Mahal but then gets distracted. Mahal lands a kick to Rhyno and then lands the Collous. Mahal goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3 for his team.
Winners: Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers
My Opinion:
There isn’t a whole lot to be said about this match as it doesn’t really affect anything but it was cool to see Rhyno back in the ring and in front of his hometown. I think Rhyno and Slater should have won after all they’ve been through the past few weeks but nonetheless, it’s a good win for Mahal and the Singh’s.B

Backstage Segment:
Ambrose says he doesn’t need a fresh start but Rollins does. He says he feels sorry for him. He says he has an obligation to take everything Rollins holds dear and burn it down. He says he will make it his personal duty that Apollo Crews fresh start has a rotten end.

Match 6: Dean Ambrose vs Apollo Crews: Intercontinental Championship Match
Crews goes right after Ambrose and hammers on him in the corner. Ambrose throws him into the corner but crews works right out. Ambrose lands a chop but Crews works a cover but can’t get the three. Crews tries another cover but still can’t get the win. Crews sends Ambrose to the outside and knocks him down with a moonsault. Ambrose has to retreat as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ambrose stomps on Crews. Ambrose wrenchs on the neck of Crews and keeps him grounded on the mat. Crews fights out and works to his feet but is met with a kick. Ambrose is dumped to the outside by Crews out of desperation. Crews lands an inside cradle but Ambrose kicks out. Both men are down. Ambrose misses his offensive attempt and Crews takes him down. Crews goes for the cover but Ambrose kicks out. Crews lands an elbow and goes to the top. Crews lands a cross body and goes for the cover but once again he kicks out. Crews lands a shooting star press but still, it’s not enough. Ambrose lands a boot in the corner but Crews comes back by throwing Ambrose across the ring. Ambrose rakes the eyes of Crews. Ambrose goes for Dirty Deeds but is hit with an enziguri. Crews lands the powerbomb but Ambrose kicks out of the cover. Crews flies over the ropes and takes out Ambrose on the outside. Crews tries for a frog splash but Ambrose moves out of the way. Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Dean Ambrose: Still Intercontinental Champion
My Opinion:
Ambrose retains but once again he kinda has a slower type of match and I don’t know how people will take to it. I mean Ambrose, when he came back he was over and now it just seems like he’s boring in a way. Ambrose is amazing on the mic and in the ring but I think they’re killing him with his character. Hopefully, we can see him go back to doing what he does best and he can have a more memorable run with the Intercontinental Championship.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa Bliss announces next week she will begin her own talk show next week called A Moment Of Bliss with her first guest Ronda Rousey!

Match 7: Ronda Rousey & Natalya vs Tamina & Nia Jax
Rousey and Natalya go right after Jax and Tamina. Rousey goes right after Tamina and takes her down. She throws her tells her to tag Jax. she takes down Jax and Jax has to fight out. Jax is able to get back into it and throws Rousey. She then hits her with a big splash. Jax then tries a senton but Rousey moves out of the way. Natalya and Tamina get the tags. Natalya hits her with a shoulder and then a dropkick. Natalya then hits a snap suplex. Natalya goes for the cover but Tamina kicks out. Natalya drives her shoulder into Tamina’s mid-section. Natalya is able to land a huge slam. Natalya goes for the cover but can’t get the three. Jax has to drag Tamina out of the ring. Natalya takes her down with a baseball slide. Rousey gets the tag and takes them out with a crossbody as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Jax is in control of Natalya. Jax lands a headbutt and hammers on Natalya. Tamina tags in and stomps on her in the corner. Jax tags back in and Natalya is able to work some offense but Jax uses her power to fight off Natalya. Tamina comes in and lands a snap mare takedown and goes to a chin lock. Natalya is able to escape and both women take each other out. Rousey gets the tag and so does Jax. Rousey hits her with rights and lefts. Rousey doesn’t give. Rousey lands a running knee and then a takedown cover but Jax kicks out. Rousey and then hits her with a huge right. Rousey goes for the cover but again Jax kicks out. Nia drops Rousey and after toying with her tags Tamina. Tamina lands a kick and goes for the cover but Rousey kicks out. Tamina lands a headbutt and tries another but Rousey fights back. Rousey looks for the armbar but Nia breaks it with a leg drop. Natalya comes in to help but is hit with a superkick by Tamina. Tamina tries a cover but Rousey kicks out. Rousey fights back and works the armbar on Tamina and gets her to tap.
Winners: Ronda Rousey & Natalya
My Opinion:
This was a good victory for Rousey and Natalya. The best friends are back together tonight on the same side and they took care of business. Rousey looked really good tonight and I love that she picked up the victory. They have to continue to keep Rousey looking as dominant as possible and keep people behind her. For me, Rousey is the perfect champ to lead the Raw Women’s Division into 2019 and I think Rousey will keep the title at least until WrestleMania, it’s hard right to even pick someone who could beat Rousey because she still toes the line between looking at her as Ronda Rousey and as a WWE superstar who can take a loss.

Final Thoughts:
Honestly, to finish the year this was a really good Raw. I loved that we had so much action tonight and there was a little bit of everything from a steel cage, to a championship match, to a battle royal. I think WWE is on a good path to getting back on track, the main thing is to keep the show exciting and keep it unpredictable. I think superstars such as Seth Rollins and Drew Mcintyre made steps in the right direction tonight as they aim to be the top guys. I enjoyed the main event we had with Ronda Rousey and Natalya teaming up. It’s awesome that Ronda has stuck to her word and she’s wrestling all the time now. Some things I would’ve done different tonight like if they’re pushing Finn Balor he could’ve won that battle royal but I’m not complaining. I think the future ahead is bright and hopefully, they kick 2019 off with a bang next week!
Overall Rating: 6.7/10