Csonka’s WWE Raw Review 9.05.17

Csonka’s WWE Raw Review 9.05.17

OFFICIAL RESULTS
– John Cena defeated Jason Jordan @ 11:50 via pin [***]
– Sheamus & Cesaro defeated Rhyno and Slater @ 2:15 via pin [NR]
– IC Title Match: Champion The Miz defeated Jeff Hardy @ 13:05 via pin [***]
– Enzo Amore, Cedric Alexander, and Grand Metalik defeated Drew Gulak, Tony Nese, & Noam Dar @ 5:00 via pin [*½]
– Emma & Nia Jax defeated Sasha Banks & Alexa Bliss @ 8:45 via pin [**½]
– Non-Title Match: Champions Ambrose & Rollins defeated Anderson & Gallows @ 12:25 via pin [**¾]
– Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman defeated The Big Show @ 16:59 via pin [***½]

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– Follow all of my reviews at this link.

– My Mae Young Classic coverage below…

* Episode 1
* Episode 2
* Episode 3
* Episode 4
* Csonka’s Early Mae Young Classic Takes
* Episode 5
* Episode 6
* Episode 7
* Episode 8

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– We get highlights from last week’s show, focusing on the Reigns/Cena segment.

– Booker T is back this week.

John Cena vs. Jason Jordan: Holy shit, we’re starting Raw with an actual wrestling match? They of course play clips of Cena’s debut against Kurt Angle, since Jordan is “Angle’s son.” Jordan looks to ground things right away, going for quick covers. He hits an amateur takedown, Cena escapes, but gets taken down right away. Cena works back to his feet, but Jordan takes him back down, working a waist lock. Cena escapes, using elbows and strikes, and covering for 2. Cena follows with a suplex, and follows with rights. He follows with a hard Irish whip and covers for 2. Post break, they trade strikes and Jordan hits an overhead belly to belly. Cena fires up with shoulder blocks, but Jordan cuts him off with a dropkick. They trade strokes center ring, Cena counters with a sunset flip and proto bomb. The 5-knuckle shuffle connects. Cena looks for the AA, but Jordan escapes and counters into a roll up for 2. Cena counters into an STF, but Jordan escapes into a crossface and then into more of a side headlock. Cena powers to his feet, but Jordan hits rolling northern lights suplexes for the near fall. The straps are down, but Cena counters into an AA for the win. John Cena defeated Jason Jordan @ 11:50 via pin [***] This was a good match with a great second half. Jordan got a lot in before losing, putting in one of his best singles efforts so far. I keep thinking that him coming up short like this on a regular basis will setup a heel turn down the line. What’s killing Jordan is the “son of Kurt” storyline, and the fact that he has no charisma and can’t talk.

– Roman Reigns arrives, and after the commercial, he’s in the ring with Cena. Reigns asks Cena why it takes a 16-time champ 20-minutes (it wasn’t) to beat a rookie. He accuses Cena of dragging it out on purpose, and says Cena is not as fast, strong or good enough anymore, Cena is lying and is a fake ass little bitch. Cena has jokes, and says Reigns is doing the worst thing possible, trying to use his brain. Cena says Reigns will find out soon enough is he still has it. They joke about Reigns’ balls, and Cena says at No Mercy, he will beat him. Maybe he’s been waiting for the right time to chop Reigns down, and after No Mercy, all Reigns will ask is how did this happen. Cena calls Reigns a golden boy that needs to learn respect. Jordan, Gable and hell even the Miz fight for all they have and he can respect that. Cena doesn’t respect Reigns, and says Reigns is living a lie. No one agrees that Reigns is the guy or that this is his yard. Cena threatens to beat some sense into him and Reigns dares him to do so. Reigns tells him that this is his moment to back up his big mouth. Cena backs off and Reigns tells him that he’s all talk and that he doesn’t respect him. This was a good segment between the two, continuing the feud but doing so without them touching. Cena got the better of him again, making me think that a big beat down is coming Cena’s way sooner rather than later.

– Ambrose & Rollins join commentary.

Sheamus & Cesaro vs. Rhyno and Slater: Slater gets a roll up at the bell, but that leads to Sheamus & Cesaro kicking the shit out of him. They ground him and keep him on their side of the ring. Slater hits a leg lariat, tags in Rhyno and he runs wild on the former champions, hitting a TKO on Sheamus for 2. Sheamus hits the brogue kick, and that’s that. Sheamus & Cesaro defeated Rhyno and Slater @ 2:15 via pin [NR] This was a fine squash for Sheamus & Cesaro, giving them momentum and keeping them away from Ambrose & Rollins.

Find out how you can help those affected by Hurricane Harvey on https://t.co/t91PwNed7T. #RAW pic.twitter.com/CVZB95R1dV

— WWE (@WWE) September 5, 2017

– The Hardys cut a promo, taking about Jeff winning the IC Title later tonight. They live for the moment, and wrestle every match as if it is their last.

IC Title Match: Champion The Miz vs. Jeff Hardy: Jeff won a battle royal last week to get this chance. Dallas, Axel, Maryse and Matt are all at ringside. They work some basic back and forth, with Jeff going for quick pins. Jeff sends Miz to the floor, teases a dive, but Axel and Dallas pull Miz away. Post break, Jeff hits a jawbreaker, maintaining control. Jeff follows with the gut buster suplex, covering for 2. Jeff then hits whisper in the wind for the near fall. Jeff back up top, Dallas takes the ref allowing Axel to get involved. Matt fights off the Miztourage, and the ref tosses all three of them to the back. Jeff rolls up Miz for 2, hits a Russian leg sweep and variation on the prawn hold, covering for 2. Miz makes the comeback, hitting the short DDT for 2. Jeff keeps fighting, getting a cradle for 2. He avoids the clothesline; Miz counters the corner dropkick and hits a running knee strike for 2. Miz lays in kicks, but Jeff fights back and hits the corner dropkick, covering for 2. Miz to the floor, Jeff looks to attack off the apron, but Miz trips him up and Jeff crashes to the floor. Back in and Miz locks in the figure four, but Jeff fights and makes the ropes. Jeff sends Miz to the floor, and hits poetry in motion off the steps. Back in the ring, Jeff up top but Maryse pulls Miz out of the way, and Jeff crashes and burns on the swanton. Miz counters the twist of fate, hitting the skull-crushing finale, and he retains the title. Champion The Miz defeated Jeff Hardy @ 13:05 via pin [***] This was a good match, despite the predictable Maryse involvement once Dallas & Axel were tossed. But it was good, and seeing Miz get a strong win was a nice change of pace.

– We see clips of banks losing the women’s title last week as well as Jax’s attack on both Banks & Bliss. Sasha Banks gets her rematch at No Mercy.

– Kurt Angle is on the phone, checking on other possible illegitimate children. Nia Jax arrived, wondering why Banks gets a title shot. Emma arrives, talks about Twitter, and does her women’s revolution gimmick. She wants a title shot, and Jax threatens to kill her. Angle books them as a team, vs. Bliss and Banks. If they win, they get added to the No Mercy title match. If Banks & Bliss win, the match stays one on one.

– We get highlights of the last time Show and Braun faced off, the time they destroyed the ring.

– Enzo cuts his usual promo, and then talks about cheating to win last week. He then says he wants to work smarter than the guys on 205 live. He calls Metalik different kinds of cheese, and again calls Gulak captain Underpants; all repeats from last week’s 205 Live, just like the match.

Drew Gulak, Tony Nese, & Noam Dar vs. Enzo Amore, Cedric Alexander, and Grand Metalik: This was a rematch from last week’s 205 Live, where Enzo cheated to win. JIP as Alexander works over Nese. Enzo tags in once Alexander had control. He then dances around like a fucking idiot. Nese finally cuts that bullshit off, tagging in Gulak. Gulak grounds the action, before he, Nese and Dar work quick tags. Enzo avoids charges, the heels play Keystone cops and fall allover themselves and to the floor. Alexander tags in, runs wild and Metalik is as well. He and Alexander clear the ring, hit stereo dives, and Enzo blind tags in. Eye poke to Gulak, hits eat defeat hits and Enzo wins. Enzo Amore, Cedric Alexander, and Grand Metalik defeated Drew Gulak, Tony Nese, & Noam Dar @ 5:00 via pin [*½] So just like on last week’s 205 Live, no one likes Enzo, he’s not good, and has to cheat to win to have any chance. It’s nice to see some reality based booking. The match existed.

– Banks and Bliss meet about their tag match tonight. Bliss tries to play mind games, but Banks tells her that she needs her. Banks says if it is just them one on one, she will win the title back. They get catty, yell at eat other and Banks promises to make Bliss tap at No Mercy.

Finn Balor Talks: v says that the NXT & Universal title looked great on his waist, and that the IC title would have looked great around him if Wyatt hadn’t cost him his chance. He doesn’t run from his demons, because sometimes he becomes one. Bray appears on the tron, trying to use words and telling stories about hunting with his bare hands. Wyatt says Balor didn’t beat him at Summerslam, the demon did, because the demon is Balor’s weapon. Wyatt wants to face him man to man, and Balor accepts the match at No Mercy. Wyatt says Balor is a mere mortal, facing off with God. And so it continues, and I am still way past it. The feud hasn’t been good, filled with poor promos and mostly average wrestling. I hope they can finish it at No Mercy on a good note and then move on.

Emma & Nia Jax vs. Sasha Banks & Alexa Bliss: . If Jax & Emma win, they get added to the No Mercy title match. If Banks & Bliss win, the match stays one on one. JIP as Banks attacks Jax, she tries the lucha arm drag but Jax cuts her off and slams her down. Emma tags in, working over Banks in the corner and making repeated covers. Banks fights back, both got for repeated pinning attempts, but Emma cuts her off and works a grounded full nelson. Banks escapes and tags in Bliss, who woks over Emma and Banks tags herself back in. She takes control, working over Emma center ring. Emma fights, looks for a tag, but Banks cuts that off and tags Bliss back in. They work double teams, scoring a near fall on Emma. Bliss chokes her out in the ropes, lays in the boots and tries to ground Emma. Bliss then slams her down, heads up top and Emma rolls away. Bliss drops down, Emma hits the jawbreaker an tags in Jax. Bliss slaps her and then tries to run, but Jax works her over, tossing her around; Bliss goes for a DT, Jax hits the Samoan drop but Banks makes the save. Banks gets the tag, the high cross is caught, but escapes and hits the running knee strike for 2. Banks looks for the Banks statement, but Jax escapes and runs her over. The leg drop follows, Emma tags on and picks up the win. Emma & Nia Jax defeated Sasha Banks & Alexa Bliss @ 8:45 via pin [**½] The recent trend of WWE booking multi-person matches continues. The match was perfectly solid, and at least it’s a fresh match.

– Post match, Jax lays out Emma and stands tall.

– Renee interviews Braun. Braun promises destruction and plans to slam Show and pick up the win after destroying him. Tonight he sends a message to Angle, Show and Lesnar.

– Rollins & Ambrose run into the Drifter backstage as they walk.

– Cesaro & Sheamus arrive and have words with Anderson & Gallows.

Champions Ambrose & Rollins vs. Anderson & Gallows: Anderson and Rollins to begin, Ambrose tags in and takes control. He hits the uppercut off the ropes, and Gallows gets the tag as Cesaro & Sheamus watch on from ringside. Gallows takes control until the champions work double teams and clear the ring. They hit dives as we take a break. Post break, gallows has control, working the heat on Ambrose. The tree slam follows for 2. Anderson tags in, keeping control for his team. He hits the lariat and then tags in Gallows, who sends Rollins to the floor. Rollins returns to make the save, but Anderson takes Ambrose up top, Ambrose fights him off and then fights off Gallows and hits the jawbreaker lariat. Rollins gets the hot tag, hits the blockbuster and then a plancha. A sling blade follows, and Ambrose hits a suicide dive. Rollins hits a RANA off the top onto Anderson, Sheamus & Cesaro try to get involved, but fail as Rollins gets a roll up for the win. Champions Ambrose & Rollins defeated Anderson & Gallows @ 12:25 via pin [**¾] This was a pretty good match, with Anderson & Gallows getting to work a full match instead of a 3-4 minute squash. The match also furthered the feud between Sheamus & Cesaro vs. the champions. Not a bad segment overall.

– Post match, Sheamus & Cesaro take out the good brothers and stand tall.

– We get a Connor’s Cure video package.

– Can Goldust please reveal his masterpiece soon? I wrote a column looking at the possible candidates for Goldust’s newest masterpiece at this link.

– We get highlights of Enzo’s shitty win from earlier tonight. He meets with Metalik & Alexander backstage. Neville arrives and is not impressed. Tomorrow night, Enzo, Alexander, and Metalik are in a fatal five way tomorrow night for a shot at the cruiserweight title at No Mercy.

– We see stagehands reinforcing the ring. We get comments from the ref that went flying when Show & Braun broke the ring in their last meeting. He’s selling the reinforcement of the ring big time.

– Renee interviews Big Show. I am not a fan of clean-shaven Show. Show does a good hard sell for the match, which likely should have happened in hour one. If Braun wants to put him out to pasture, he’ll have to break him, but no one’s been able to do that in the last 23-years.

– Brian Kendrick, Tony Nese, Enzo Amore, Cedric Alexander, and Grand Metalik will compete in tomorrow’s #1 contender’s match on 205 Live.

Steel Cage Match: Braun Strowman vs. The Big Show: Strowman attacks at the bell, trapping Show between the ropes and cage. He hits repeated attacks until Show hits a desperation KO punch, and we take a break. Post break, both men are down. Show takes control, repeatedly slamming Strowman to the cage. Show climbs the cage, but Strowman fights to his feet and climbs to stop him. They battle up top, and Show gets crotched. Strowman then gets crotched. Show again tries to climb, he fights off Strowman and then Show delivers the big elbow drop. The crowd loves this now as Show covers for 2. Show crawls to the door, but Strowman slams the door into his face to put a stop to that. Strowman tries to escape, but Show slams the door into his face. They then collide like a pair of rams center ring, and both men are down. Show looks for a chokeslam, but Strowman counters into a DDT and covers for 2. They trade strikes and chops from their knees, but Show hits the chokeslam. Strowman kicks out and says not today old man. Show calls for the KO, but Strowman counters only to be sent into the cage. Show tries to escape once again, but Strowman stops that and follows him up top. Show sends Strowman to the mat, Show starts to climb over the top but Strowman stops that and smashes him against the cage. They battle back up top and tease the superplex spot, Show keeps fighting off Strowman and sends him to the mat. Strowman fights back up top and hits the big superplex and the ring survives. Strowman hits the big powerslam and Show is done. Braun Strowman defeated The Big Show @ 16:59 via pin [***½] I think that Big Show really needs to get some appreciation for the evolution of Braun Strowman. He worked with him a lot on the road to get him ready to take over as the new WWE giant, and has had good matches with him on TV, putting him over big time. This cage match was a very good hoss match, nothing fancy, just two beasts trying to hurt each other in a brutal looking match. Show did everything he could to make Strowman look great ahead of his match with Lesnar, Strowman delivered again and not only win, but seemingly put the old giant out to pasture.

– Braun says he killed the giant and says at No Mercy, this right here, is your future. BUT BRAUN ISN’T FINISHED WITH BIG SHOW YET… SO HE HOISTS HIM UP AND THROWS HIM THROUH THE CAGE, THE PANEL BREAKS AND SHOW FALLS TO THE FLOOR… HE’S DEAD JIM!

– End scene.

– Thanks for reading.

~GLORIOUS~

6.4

The final score: review Average

The 411

I thought tonight’s Raw was a really solid show, continuing the build to Reigns vs. Cena, setting up Braun as a legit threat to Lesnar, adding more matches to No Mercy while also giving us some good wrestling.