Raw Review 12/19/2016

Raw is live tonight from the Schottenstein Centre in Columbus, OH we see the fallout from last night’s Roadblock: End of the Line pay per view. What is in store for Universal Champion Kevin Owens and his best friend Chris Jericho after Jericho’s interference allowed Owens to retain his title last night. Plus what is next for The Boss Sasha Banks after losing her Women’s Championship to The Queen Charlotte. How is The New Day feeling after their history making Tag Team Championship reign came to an end last night after being defeated by Cesaro and Sheamus? Also what will Seth Rollins do next after defeating Chris Jericho last night. An Sami Zayn was able to survive ten minutes with Braun Strowman last night which mean Strowman saw the taste of defeat. How will the monster of a man react to the loss? All this and more for the Christmas and Roadblock fallout edition of Monday Night Raw!

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Raw is live tonight from the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH.

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

In Ring Segment: Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho
Owens and Jericho are in the ring. Owens welcomes everyone to the Chris and Kevin show. He says that there is nothing he won’t do to keep the championship. Jericho tells the monkeys in the truck to show the footage from last night. Jericho calls last night beautiful. Owens tells Jericho that his planned worked perfectly and he shouldn’t have doubted Jericho’s friendship. Owens says what matters is that they stand in the ring together and the championship is where it belongs. Jericho said the Code Breaker hurt him but he had to make everyone believe. Jericho gives Owens the hug of Jericho. Jericho says he and Owens will be handing out payback. Jericho proceeds to put Santa on the list. Out comes Mick Foley.
Foley tells Jericho not to talk that way about Santa. He says That Jericho has been very naughty and hen shows the footage of Rollins and Reigns taking out Jericho and Owens last night after the Universal Championship match.Owens claims that could’ve ended his career and Foley adds that it was payback. Foley tells Jericho that he will show Jericho the worst thing he has ever seen. Foley announces that Reigns and Rollins will take on Jericho and Owens tonight in a tag team match. Jericho tells the crowd that Pittsburgh is better than Columbus. Owens states that he and Jericho will figure something out for tonight. Foley tells Owens that at the Royal Rumble the interference will stop. The small shark cage lowers and Foley says that Jericho will be suspended above the ring during Owens and Reigns title match at the Royal Rumble. Foley tells that Jericho that his safety will come first. Foley attempts to pull out the cage key form his fanny pack and struggles to find it. Foley states that he forgot the key to the cage. The cage starts to rise with Jericho inside. Foley tells Jericho to have a nice day.
My Opinion:
Chris and Kevin were funny as always. They didn’t say much that we haven’t heard before but there’s no denying they have great chemistry. I liked Foley tonight. He delivered some great humor and made some big announcements. Owens Jericho Rollins and Reigns are magic together so the main event tonight is huge. Plus it will be very interesting to see how the Universal Championship match at the Royal Rumble goes with Jericho being forced to be suspended above the ring. It is a unique concept and it is a good call to do.

Backstage Segment:
Jericho is backstage with an oxygen tank. Owens tells him that he has to get his head in the game for their tag team match tonight.

Match 1: Big Cass vs Rusev
Cass starts right away delivering punches to Rusev. He delivers a big forearm to Rusev in the corner. Cass continues to land vicious blows. Cass stomps on Rusev and beats on him. The ref calls for the bell. Cass doesn’t stop the beating after the bell. Rusev retreats after kicking Cass.
Winner: Rusev
My Opinion:
There wasn’t much to this but I loved seeing the aggressive side of Big Cass. I think Cass is a really great wrestler and if he was on his own he would be one of the top competitors. I liked seeing him break out and not just be the fun-loving Cass we have come to know. Seeing Rusev be manhandled was something we haven’t seen a lot of but I don’t think it hurts his credibility at all. Even The Beast Brock Lesnar as had it happen to him.

In Ring Segment: Sasha Banks
Sahs says that last night she laid it all on the line. She states that tapping out twice didn’t just almost break her leg but broke her heart. She claims that the better woman won. Sasha tells that she doesn’t feel like The Boss anymore. She asks Charlotte to come out so she can congratulate her. Instead out comes Nia Jax.
Nia says that She doesn’t know why Charlotte isn’t her and that she doesn’t care. She calls Sasha weak and says that she will never be the boss of her and states that Sasha is just a little girl. She then kicks Sasha’s crutch which knocks down Sasha. She tells Sasha that she is the boss and tosses her across the ring.
My Opinion:
I am not a big fan of Nia. I think this segment was somewhat useless. I just don’t see Nia as this scary figure and I don’t believe in it right now. Sasha is better than this and She still deserves to be the main event of the Women’s division and not have a feud with Nia at this point. I get trying to build up Nia but I don’t see how that really worked. It just seems forced when Nia talks and it just isn’t believable to me at the moment.

Backstage Segment
Mick says he can’t help but feel proud for Cesaro and Sheamus. He tells them that they have changed the face of the tag team division. Mick then unveils the new Raw Tag Team Championships. Sheamus and cesaro argue over the color of the titles. A ref comes in and tells Mick it is an emergency.
Mick comes out of the office and sees Braun Strowman destroying the back area. Braun tells Foley to give him Zayn or else. Mick asks him to take the night off. Braun tells him or else.

Match 2: Cedric Alexander vs Noam Dar
Dar tries to kick Cedric but Cedric catches it and lands a big forearm. Cedric sends Dar out of the ring as we go to break.
As we return Dar is in control. He looks to fly but misses. Cedric knocks down Dar and then blasts Dar. Cedric lands a big clothesline off the springboard off the top rope. Cedric hits the Lumbar Check for the win.
*** After the match Dar congratulates Cedric. Dar says they are not even because Alexander has what he wants. Alicia Fox. He calls Alicia the real prize and tells her all he wants for christmas is her.
Winner: Cedric Alexander
My Opinion:
A lot of the match took place during the break but what we did see was the usual. Obviously it is still impressive and these two put on great matches. They are at top f the division and the growing rivalry seems to be a good way to go. They have great chemistry in the ring and it will be interesting to see how this plays out. We haven’t seen a girl be in the middle of two superstars in quite some time so at least this is a good change of pace.

In Ring Segment: The New Day
The New Day says they can’t become three time champs without losing the titles. They says how Ric Flair had to lose 15 times to become the 16 time champion. They talk about getting the titles back and then Sheamus and cesaro come out.
Sheamus tries to mock The New Day and cesaro tells him not to. The New day congratulate Cesaro but not Sheamus. Sheamus goes on to say that if The New Day can hold the titles as long as they did then he can hold them for 20 years.
Out comes The Club They call The new Day and Sheamus and cesaro nerds. Anderson say that Cesaro and Sheamus wouldn’t be standing there as champions if not for them. Out comes The Shining Stars.
Primo says it is the holidays no one should be fighting. The Shining Stars say everyone needs to stay at their hotel and enjoy a relaxing vacation. All the teams start going at it.
My Opinion:
We see the same 4 teams over and over. The talking segments get old because these teams same the same things. There is nothing new here just the same old same old. It is boring now because we have seen it so much and it didn’t interest me.

Match 3: Sheamus and Cesaro & The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston) vs The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) & The Shining Stars (Epico & Primo)
Primo and Kofi start off the match. Kofi takes it to Primo. Epico gets the tag. Epico launches Kofi out of the ring. Anderson gets the tag. Anderson goes for the cover but Kofi kicks out. Anderson lands a big kick to Kofi but Kofi kicks out again. Gallows gets the tag and lands a big shot of his own. He goes for the cover but Kofi kicks out again. Gallows lands a headbutt and then tags in Anderson. Anderson gets Kofi in a chin lock and then catches Kofi with a heel kick. Gallows gets the tag and lands a big punch to Kofi. Gallows looks for and elbow but misses. He is able to connect with a big kick to Kofi. Kofi is caught by Gallows and is slammed down as we go to break.
Kofi is still in there with Anderson. Anderson tries to slam Kofi but Kofi lands on his feet. Anderson gets back on Kofi and lands a big punch to him. Kofi lands a big ddt but Anderson gets gallows in the match. They take out Kofi’s partners so Kofi can’t make the tag. Kofi is finally able to tag in Big E. big E takes out Anderson and sheamus tags himself in. Sheamus lands the 10 beats of the Bodhran. Epico tries to roll up Sheamus but sheamus gets out. Cesaro gets the tag. Sheamus lands a Brogue kick and is then kicked by Gallows. Big E sends Gallows out but is then hit by a running knee by Anderson. Cesaro lands a big uppercut and sends Epico swinging. Cesaro locks in the Sharpshooter for the win.
Winners: Sheamus and Cesaro & The New Day (Big E & Kofi Kingston)
My Opinion:
A good match between the teams but it is all the same. I feel like i just keep watching the same moves and same things over and over again. It just doesn’t work for me only having these four teams as the Raw tag teams. It isn’t what it use to be. It’s not that these teams aren’t excellent but they lose the originality after a while. I love The Club but it is the same stuff over and over and the same can be said for the other teams. Sheamus and Cesaro are my favorites right now and they are deserving of being the tag team champs. I just want things shaken up for the tag team division and have things get back to the way it was.

Backstage Segment:
Enzo tells Cass that he is getting out of hand. Cass tells him to calm down and Rusev got what he deserved. Enzo tells him that he doesn’t understand how he feels. Enzo gets a letter that says he has to attend sensitivity training tonight for exposing himself at the workplace

In Ring Segment: Neville
Neville states that last night he destroyed Rich Swann and Tj Perkins. He tells how the people cheered him for it. Neville says it has been a long time since he has been cheered for. He states that he is only cheered for when they think he is small and vulnerable. He tells the crowd to take their cheers and stick them. He claims this is a warning and that he is going to obliterate the division. Out comes Rich Swann.
Swann asks what happened to Neville. Neville tells him to shut up and asks where his respect is. He asks where the respect is for the true king of the Cruiserweights. Swann tells Neville that he can call himself whatever he wants but as long as he holds the title he is the very best. Out comes Kendrick.
Kendrick asks where his respect is. Kendrick says how could you start the Cruiserweight division without Neville. He states that if he wasn’t for him or Neville the cruiserweight division wouldn’t exist. Neville Swann needs to learn his place. Neville and Kendrick go after Swann. Out comes Tj Perkins. Neville catches Perkins as soon as he entered the ring. Kendrick and Neville lay waste to the two. Kendrick finishes with Slice Bread to Perkins.
My Opinion:
I love that we have heels now in the cruiserweight division. The division is really starting to take shape. I love Neville being heel and I think him and Kendrick add a special touch to the division. I am definitely excited to see 205 Live and see where this all leads to. Neville would be champion at some point and hope when he does he faces Kendrick because that would make entertaining television.

Backstage Segment:
Enzo enters his sensitivity training. Enzo introduces himself and says he is here because he was locked out of his locker room without clothes. Enzo is told to take a seat. He picks up the chair and says I took it. Jinder Mahal introduces himself and when asked to spell his name Enzo cuts in and says SAWFT.

Match 4: Titus O’Neil vs Sin Cara
Sin Cara lands right hands to Titus. Sin Cara lands a flying crossbody and out comes Braun Strowman. Strowman takes out both Titus and Sin Cara. Braun slams Titus into the barricade and slams Sin Cara on the floor. Braun carries Sin Cara up the stage and is stopped by Mick Foley. He tells Foley that he told him or else. Braun throws sin Cara off the stage and destroys the stage decorations.
Winner: No Winner
My Opinion:
I really am starting to buy into Braun. He is doing a great job as being the new monster of the WWE. He is simple and to the point. He destroys everything and everyone. It gives you a feeling we haven’t had in quite some time. Now we have a new monster and Braun and really coming into his own.

Backstage Segment:
Owens tells Jericho that he needs to calm down and focus on the match. Jericho tells Owens that he doesn’t like heights. Owens says that he is Chris Jericho and that tonight that they have a match to win. Jericho says that Rollins and Reigns are going to get it.
In Ring Segment: Charlotte
Charlotte tells everyone to bow down to their queen. Charlotte says there was a reason Sasha was easy pickings for Nia. Charlotte states that she is the greatest superstar the WWE has ever seen. She claims that in any era she would have dominated. She tells how she is the queen of the pay per view. She proclaims that she is a guaranteed winner. She says that no one is on her level. Out comes Bayley.
Charlotte asks Bayley why she is interrupting her. Bayley says she is not her to interrupt her but here to congratulate her. Bayley says in her opinion Sasha vs Charlotte will go down as the greatest rivalry in history. Charlotte tells Bayley that she doesn’t belong in the ring. Bayley says that it is time for the Bayley and Charlotte rivalry to begin. Bayley states that she hasn’t forgotten what Charlotte did to her at Survivor Series. Charlotte tells her that she has always been number 4. She claims that Bayley has never been good enough. Bayley challenges Charlotte. Charlotte says to bring out a ref.
My Opinion:
Finally Bayley is getting a shot to be at the top of the division. I love Charlotte’s work as a heel especially on the mic. Her facing Bayley is the perfect storm. They are the complete opposites of each other. I liked their talking segment because it is so different. It sells and is believable. They fed off of each other and it meshes well. It is also a nice change of pace.

Match 5: Bayley vs Charlotte
Bayley works Charlotte’s arm but Charlotte counters. Bayley is able to reverse it into a wrist lock. Bayley knocks down Charlotte. Charlotte tells her that it is going to take more than that. Charlotte lands a snapmare takedown. Bayley works Charlotte’s wrist again and gets her in a headlock. Bayley catches Charlotte with a high elbow. She goes on the attack of Charlotte’s arm. Charlotte gets Baylye in a chin lock. Bayley fights back and flips Charlotte. She follows it up with a crossbody. Bayley then lands a drop toe hold. Bayley goes for a series of covers but charlotte kicks out. Charlotte rolls out of the ring as we go to break.
Charlotte is in control as we return. Charlotte uses her legs to choke Bayley. Bayley pushes Charlotte down. She throws her into the corner and lands a big chop. Charlotte then moves to the chin lock. Bayley lands an arm drag but Charlotte is right back on her. Charlotte tries to bounce Bayley off the turnbuckle but Bayley reverses it and bounces her off the turnbuckle instead. Charlotte and Bayley exchange forearms. Bayley lands a big elbow to the back of Charlotte’s neck. She is able to land a running diving clothesline. Bayley lands a running back elbow. She looks to go to the second rope but Charlotte knocks her down. Charlotte lands the moonsault but Bayley kicks out. Bayley rolls up Charlotte but Charlotte is able to kick out. Bayley looks for the backslide and Bayley and gets the win.
Winner: Bayley
My Opinion:
A huge win for Bayley. I am so happy to see the direction this is heading. I hope Bayley will eventually end up with the title because she deserves it. Her and Charlotte had a great match and I don’t see any reason why these two can’t pick up where Sasha and Charlotte have left off. All though a little controversy at the end of the match it was a great one. I hope this feud continues and we see these two go on to have a long rivalry.

Backstage Segment:
The teacher tells Bo that he needs to learn boundaries. Bob Backlund and Darren Young mimic each other. Enzo then mocks Jinder. Jinder says that Enzo has little man syndrome and over compensates with his big mouth. Enzo says he is learning from the class because he won’t slap the taste out of Jinder’s mouth.

Backstage Segment
Bo says he will stop forcing his Boliefs onto others. Bob and Darren say they will be more supportive of each other. Jinder says that he will think before he acts out. Enzo is attacked by Jinder and Rusev after the class.

Match 6: Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho vs Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns
Jericho and Owens take it to Rollins early in the match. Exchanging stomps and tags. Rollins is doubled team but fights back. Rollins chops Jericho and stomps on him. Roman gets the tag. Roman lands a big elbow to Jericho. Owens gets the tag. Roman lands a huge right hand to Roman. Roman lands a another big right hand after catching a kick by Owens. Jericho gets the tag. Jericho is saved by Owens and the two walk up the stage. Rollins and Reigns meet them on the outside and attack them. Rollins and Reigns work together to take down Jericho. We head to break with Rollins and Reigns on top.
Reigns lands huge clothes as we return. Owens pulls Reigns to the outside but Reigns sends him to the barricade. Reigns lands big clotheslines in the corner and lands a big right to Jericho as he tries to get involved. Owens takes advantage and takes down Reigns. Owens brings reigns into the corner and Jericho gets the tag. Jericho gets Roman in a chin lock and lands a big drop kick before tagging in Owens. Owens stomps on Reigns and mocks him. Jericho gets the tag again. Jericho chokes Reigns on the ropes. Owens takes a cheap shot but it isn’t enough for Jericho to put him away. Reigns lands a huge right to Jericho but Jericho follows up with an enziguri. Owens gets the tag and lands big shots to Reigns. He gets Reigns into a chinlock. Reigns is able to land a samoan drop to Owens. Reigns tags in Rollins. Rollins a blockbuster on Owens and Jericho. He then lands a neckbreaker and a ddt. Rollins lands a big kick to Jericho’s midsection but Jericho follow-up with an elbow. He goes for a lionsault but misses. Rollins takes both men out with a suicide dive. Reigns helps out Rollins delivering a Superman Punch. Braun Strowman comes out and lays out Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins. Jerich and Owens watch as the destruction happened.
Winners: Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins via DQ
My Opinion:
A very competitive match. Although this isn’t the best main event we’ve seen recently it still delivered. I loved Braun coming out at the end. It really helps his character because he is really going after everyone. Jericho and Owens sold it perfectly and continue to have their great chemistry. I hope that things get shaken up like this over the next weeks because Royal Rumble is still over a month away and we can’t just have these four men going at it for that long.

Final Thoughts:
Not a very entertaining Raw. for the most part everything was the same as usual. I was very happy to see Bayley getting to be in the ring with Charlotte. Those two had a very competitive match and I am excited to see where it leads to. I loved Neville and Kendrick tonight. It was a breath of fresh air for the Cruiserweight division. Those two definitely are leading it right now. I also thought Braun Strowman was awesome tonight. He was destructive and was really selling the monster gimmick. The main event was good as always. These four men are the top of Raw and it shows. They all work so well in the ring together. I think what they did at the end with Braun coming out was perfect. Put him out there going after the top guys because that is what will make him one. The more he gets shots like this the more his credibility goes up and the faster he is a main event superstar.
Overall Rating: 6/10