The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 10/17/22 Review

This week’s WWE Raw featured an appearance from Brock Lesnar, The Miz facing Dexter Lumis, the return of Elias and Seth “Freakin” Rollins defending the US Title against Matt Riddle.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1534 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The show started with Bobby Lashley in the ring in his wrestling gear and he made it known that he wanted Brock Lesnar to face him right now.

Bobby Lashley – Brock Lesnar Confrontation

Brock Lesnar made his entrance, he was in the aisle in street clothes and Lashley went after him. Lesnar tackled Lashley into the ring apron. Lashley managed to shove Lesnar into the ring post. Lesnar was up against the barricade, so Lashley hit Lesnar with a Spear through the barricade at ringside. That led to several WWE officials, referees, security and members of the locker room all went out there to try to break it up.

Lashley broke free, charged at Lesnar and tackled Lesnar on the commentary table. Lashley went after Lesnar by the table. Lashley picked up Lesnar and gave him a spinebuster through the table. That was really impressive as the fans chanted “Bobby” for Lashley. Kevin Patrick mentioned there were about 20 men out there trying to stop Lashley. It may have been more than that. Lesnar was down by the table while Lashley was in the aisle. Lesnar was seated up against the barricade while Lashley was in the aisle. That led to a break.

Analysis: That was awesome. Exactly the right way to start the show because that attack by Lesnar last week on Raw was really cheap, so it makes sense that Lashley would want revenge. I thought that was exactly what it needed to be with Lashley getting the upper hand. This should set up a match at Crown Jewel between them, which should be a highly anticipated match that should be a lot better than what they did at the Royal Rumble back in January. This wasn’t a long segment, but that’s okay. It was fun to watch.

(Commercial)

They replayed the Lashley/Lesnar fight from before the break.

The commentary team of Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves were at ringside standing behind their broken table. They mentioned what’s coming up this week.

It was The OC trio of AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson up first. They showed the return of Gallows & Anderson from last week’s Raw as they helped Styles beat up The Judgment Day. Alpha Academy made their entrance with Graves mentioning that Gallows & Anderson have been picking up titles together and in singles, which is nice to hear an announcer mention.

The OC – Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (w/AJ Styles) vs. Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis)

Gable knocked over Anderson with a shoulder tackle, but Anderson came back with a clothesline. Anderson sent Gable into the top rope leading to Gallows tagging in against Otis. Gallows sent Otis into the turnbuckle followed by a running back splash and an uppercut. Otis hit a back elbow on Gallows, Otis focused on Anderson and Gallows hit a big boot. Anderson tagged in with an uppercut, Gable with a knee to Karl’s back that the referee didn’t and Otis splashed Anderson out of the ring. Gable hit a knee to Anderson’s back leading to Karl bumping into the ring post

(Commercial)

The match returned with Otis missing a splash attempt off the ropes because Anderson moved. Gallows tagged in against Gable with clotheslines, an uppercut and a jumping forearm. Gallows hit a boot to the head, then a superkick on Otis to knock him out of the ring and Gallows hit a pumphandle slam off the shoulders. Otis saved Gable from a Magic Killer attempt and clotheslined Gallows out of the ring. Gable with a Northern Lights Suplex since they were legal. Gallows sent Otis into the steel steps. Gable went up top, Anderson got a foot up to block a moonsault and Anderson hit a spinebuster. Gallows back in for the Magic Killer double team move for the pinfall win after eight minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The OC – Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

Analysis: **1/2 It was a decent match with a result that was predictable because it makes sense to put over Gallows & Anderson in their WWE return match after two years away. Gable & Otis didn’t really have much of a chance here. While I wouldn’t call Gallows/Anderson my favorite team, I do like them and I think they add depth to the tag team division. The Magic Killer is one of my favorite tag team finishers.

The Judgment Day interrupted with Finn Balor mocking them for the “too sweet” thing. Damian Priest spoke, so the crowd chanted “you suck” and Priest said they stopped giving a damn about the fans a long time ago. Priest said that The OC has guaranteed themselves a fight with The Judgment Day. Balor said that he’s the one that started that club (Bullet Club). Balor challenged them to a fight at Crown Jewel. Styles said they accept. Styles told them to do this right here, right now unless they have to ask their mother (Rhea Ripley) for permission. Dominik Mysterio cut off Balor and said that Styles should shut up unless he wants to be like his dad Rey, who went to the other brand. Styles said that Dominik is tough as long as he stands with The Judgment Day. Styles called Dominik trash, scum and a little punk. Styles challenged Dominik to a match. Ripley said that Dominik will rip AJ limb from limb. Dominik wasn’t sure, but then Rhea encouraged and Dominik said he’ll rip AJ limb from limb. Styles wanted a fight right now, but Dominik said he’s not ready right now. Dominik said he’ll be ready in about an hour or so. Styles said that he’s going to beat the piss out of Dominik like his father Rey Mysterio should have done. Styles said that will be too sweet.

Analysis: It makes sense for them to do a six-man tag team match at Crown Jewel. I could see either side getting the win, so that’s a good thing because it won’t be a predictable match. I liked the trash talk between the two sides with Styles trashing Dominik for what Dominik did to Rey Mysterio, which makes sense from Styles since he’s a dad and a friend of Rey. The interesting thing about Anderson being in the match is that he was scheduled to defend the NEVER Openweight Championship in Japan on the same day as Crown Jewel, so maybe that plan has changed.

Up next we’ll hear from Seth “Freakin” Rollins.

A commercial aired for NXT on Tuesday night.

(Commercial)

They showed a video package about how Seth “Freakin” Rollins beat Bobby Lashley to win the US Title after Lashley was attacked by Brock Lesnar. Rollins won in under three minutes.

Let’s Hear From Seth “Freakin” Rollins

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance wearing a red suit with the US Title around his waist along with some shades. The fans were singing along with the catching entrance song.

Rollins welcomed us to Monday Night Rollins while mentioning his nicknames about being a Visionary, a Revolutionary and he is Seth “Freakin” Rollins while adding he’s the new United States Champion. Rollins mentioned the haters that turned their back on him, the haters that counted him out, he said you can kiss his big red behind. (The suit is red, as I said.) Rollins said for the people that have believed in him, sing his song. The fans sang along with the song that wasn’t even playing. Rollins said it’s a historic night because it’s the first defense in what will become the greatest US Championship run of all time. Rollins said in the main event, he’s going to wipe this mat with Matt Riddle’s face. Rollins mentioned Extreme Rules, so the fans chanted “you tapped out” at Seth. Rollins said he may have tapped out when Riddle had him in the triangle sleeper with Rollins saying it was a strategic move because two days later he had to come to Raw to beat Bobby Lashley to become your US Champion. Rollins: “I tapped out for you. I did it for you.”

Analysis: That was a good promo from Rollins and an explanation at the end of it.

Mustafa Ali showed up for a promo congratulating Rollins on becoming US Champion and said he thought that Rollins would give a shutout to Brock Lesnar for the assist. Ali went into the ring saying that Lashley said that Ali would get a title shot. Ali said that the champion has changed, but Ali still wants to fight Rollins for that championship. Rollins asked if he looked like Lashley while laughing at him. Rollins told Ali to go to the back of the line because Rollins has to focus on Riddle. Rollins told Ali to party with him or get out of the ring because Ali doesn’t belong in the ring with Rollins, so Seth laughed in his face. Ali took off Seth’s shades, but Ali tossed him. Ali told Rollins he is staring at his next “freakin problem.” Ali said he’s not backing down or going anywhere because he wants a fight. Rollins appreciates what he’s trying to do while adding that he respects Ali. Rollins said that Ali is a great human being, he helps out guys in the back, he’s a great father and Rollins punched Ali. Rollins tossed Ali out of the ring while the fans booed. Rollins left the ring, put his title on his right shoulder and Ali attacked Rollins from behind. Rollins fought back with a shot to the throat and Rollins whipped Ali into the ring post with Ali taking a hard bump into the post. Ali was down selling the bump while Rollins left with a smile on his face.

Analysis: That was a random segment that I wasn’t expecting, but I thought Ali did a great job of standing up to Rollins, who didn’t want to deal with him. This should lead to a match between them soon although I doubt Ali will win it. They are both very talented in the ring, though, so it should be a competitive match.

There was a white limo that pulled up to the ring with the JBL license plate and the bull horns on the front.

(Commercial)

The Women’s Tag Team Champions Dakota Kai & IYO SKY entered for tag team action. They showed Candice LeRae getting an upset win over Bayley on Raw last week. That led to Bianca Belair trying to help, but Damage CTRL beat up Belair and LeRae, so that led to this tag team match.

Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai & IYO SKY) vs. Candice LeRae & Bianca Belair

Bayley was on commentary. LeRae with two arm drags on Sky followed by a headscissors, but Sky landed on her feet. LeRae with a dropkick. Belair tagged in with a standing moonsault off the ropes onto Sky. Kai tagged in leading to Belair running her over with a shoulder tackle. Belair broke free from a double team attack, LeRae tagged in for a double dropkick and Belair swung LeRae around using her feet as a weapon. LeRae dove onto Sky on the floor while Belair sent Kai over the top to the floor. LeRae jumped onto Sky/Kai on the floor leading to a break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with the heels in control as they tried to isolate Belair. Sky grabbed LeRae’s leg at ringside, but Belair was able to break free and bring her partner in. LeRae worked over Kai and Sky with punches along with a corner splash. LeRae did a step up senton on Sky. Kai charged at LeRae, then Sky got involved and Kai worked over LeRae with punches. Sky hit double knees onto LeRae in the corner. Kai continued to work over LeRae in the corner, then LeRae got an inside cradle for two and LeRae hit an enziguri kick. Belair got the hot tag leading to clotheslines on Sky, then a dropkick and Belair hit a gutbuster on Kai. Belair with a back body drop on Sky, then some corner punches and LeRae tagged in. Belair held up Sky for a suplex leading to LeRae hitting a dropkick. That was nearly a rough landing, but Belair protected Sky on the landing. Kai sent Belair to the apron and hit a pump kick. LeRae with a Codebreaker double knees on Kai. Bayley left commentary, she grabbed a kendo stick under the ring and Belair tackled Bayley over the commentary table. Sky hit a slam off the back and Kai/Sky hit a double lifting slam on LeRae for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai & IYO SKY)

Analysis: **3/4 This was just an average match. The finish fell flat because it wasn’t an emphatic move, but I am glad that the champions won rather than seeing them lose a non-title match. Belair was preoccupied with Bayley on the floor, so that left Candice alone and cost the team the win. The heels Sky & Kai won due to the numbers game, but not necessarily because of interference. It was more about because Belair was concerned with Bayley too much.

Matt Riddle was interviewed by Cathy Kelley saying that Seth can make any excuse he wants. Riddle said he already beat him in the Fight Pit and he’s going to beat him to become the US Champion. Riddle walked over to Ali saying that if he wins the title, he’ll give Ali the title opportunity he deserves. They showed The Miz backstage grabbing his left knee faking an injury. Miz claimed he fell and that he thinks he has a Torn ACL. Miz told Ali and Riddle to get him some help.

Analysis: That’s some bad acting. Anyway, it’s obvious that Miz is faking due to not wanting to face Lumis.

(Commercial)

The Judgment Day group was shown backstage with Cora Jade going up to them. Jade talked to Rhea Ripley to see if Ripley would go to NXT to face Roxanne Perez on Tuesday night as part of the Pick Your Poison concept they have going on NXT. Rhea said she’s in.

Let’s Hear from John Bradshaw Layfield

The WWE Hall of Famer John Bradshaw Layfield made his entrance in a suit while wearing a white hat. He did not enter the arena in a limo. JBL trashed Oklahoma and the people that live there while mocking them for losing to Texas in college football. JBL said he honestly wants to stay out there all night to trash Oklahoma. JBL ripped on Rey Mysterio for being a terrible dad, but he said that Rey moving to Smackdown has led to this trade. JBL introduced the greatest addition to Monday Night Raw in history…Mr. Baron Corbin.

It’s back to the Baron Corbin name for the guy that used to be known as Happy Corbin. The bald-headed Corbin made his entrance with some new wrestling gear, new music and a lot of support from Corey Graves welcoming Corbin to Raw. JBL trashed Corbin’s opponent Dolph Ziggler saying he has been stealing money for 15 years. JBL said that Ziggler wouldn’t have made it in the Attitude Era. JBL said that today starts the Monday Night Raw emergence of the “Modern Day Wrestling God” and he pointed at Corbin.

Analysis: It’s a new character for Corbin with the same bald look he had in the past, but it’s better for him to use the Corbin name again. JBL did a great job with the promo as usual because he’s always been an terrific promo guy. The fans hate Corbin, so adding JBL to the act as a manager is just another way to add to the heat.

Dolph Ziggler made his entrance as Corbin’s opponent.

(Commercial)

Baron Corbin (w/John Bradshaw Layfield) vs. Dolph Ziggler

JBL was on commentary. Corbin was in control after bouncing off the ropes with a boot to the face. Corbin’s ring gear was better than it was in the past. Corbin beat up Ziggler with punches along with Corbin stepping on the throat. Ziggler charged leading to Corbin hitting a running back elbow. Ziggler got some offense going with punches, then a back elbow and a jumping DDT for two. Ziggler worked over Corbin with kicks/punches in the corner. Corbin got some offense going with a reverse suplex into the mat as JBL put it over as “God-given strength” from Corbin. Corbin did his slide out of the ring and back in with a clothesline. Ziggler left the ring, so Corbin did too and Corbin sent Ziggler into the steel steps leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Corbin was in full control with punches. The fans were chanting “Bum Ass Corbin” at Corbin, who wasn’t happy about it. Ziggler ducked a charging Corbin, Ziggler with two clotheslines and a neckbreaker out of the corner. Ziggler hit an elbow drop to the chest for two. JBL said he wasn’t nervous because he’s confident in Corbin. That led to Corbin catching Ziggler and hitting a fallaway slam (a move JBL did in his career) for a two count. Ziggler avoided a move leading to a Fameasser for two, which is common for that move. They exchanged punches, Ziggler with a headbutt, Corbin held onto the ropes to block a move and Corbin hit the Deep Six Slam for two, which is also common for that move. The fans chanted “Bum Ass Corbin” again as JBL called the Irish announcer Patrick “Shamrock” as a nickname. Ziggler jumped off the ropes, Corbin caught him, Ziggler hit a dropkick and a Zig Zag for two. That’s also common when Ziggler hits that move because it’s not his finisher anymore. Ziggler wanted a superkick, Corbin caught the foot and Corbin hit the End of Days slam for the pinfall win after 14 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Baron Corbin

Analysis: ***1/4 This was pretty good since they got a lot of time with a bunch of nearfalls. Corbin winning was the obvious result since they brought him back after a long break. Ziggler doesn’t win a lot on television these days, but he does have a lot of moves that he’s been doing for a decade-plus, so the fans react to the nearfalls. The End of Days is still a great finishing move.

The Miz was shown in the trainer’s room with Byron Saxton showing up for an interview. Saxton said that the custodial staff saw Miz stage this whole accident slipping on water backstage. Miz said he was not faking it to avoid facing Dexter Lumis. Miz claimed he was very, very injured and said of course they’re going to say he staged it. Johnny Gargano was in the hallway shouting as if he saw Dexter Lumis, so Miz got off the trainer’s table and Gargano laughed on it saying it was a mistake. It showed he was just fine. Miz said Lumis is going to be the one that is injured tonight. Miz walked off.

Analysis: It was a way to show Miz is a coward that was scared of facing Lumis. The phony injury strategy was lame. I’m guessing even a child could tell it was just Miz faking it because he was afraid of Lumis.

The return of Bray Wyatt on Smackdown was next.

(Commercial)

They showed Omos with MVP in a backstage segment as they looked down on a camera. MVP talked about Braun Strowman’s size and ferocity while saying that Strowman strikes fear in ordinary men. MVP said that Omos is extraordinary. MVP said this Friday they’ll go to Smackdown, Omos will look down at Strowman and make Strowman understand that Omos fears no man. MVP said that monsters are not real, but giants are. Omos did some mean mugging for the camera and that was it.

Analysis: It should set up a Strowman vs. Omos match at Crown Jewel in a battle of the giants.

They showed highlights of Bray Wyatt’s promo from Smackdown when Bray spoke from the heart saying that the fans saved his life. The promo was interrupted by a mysterious figure saying that “you have no idea who you’re dealing with, but you will.” That’s how Smackdown ended.

AJ Styles, Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows showed up with Cameron Grimes from NXT showing up to talk to them. Grimes asked if they could be his partners on NXT. When The OC guys mentioned that Grimes was rich (that was Cameron’s gimmick in NXT) they suddenly seemed interested. Gallows & Anderson said that he’s got it. Styles walked away with Gallows & Anderson for AJ’s match up next.

Analysis: That means Grimes, Gallows & Anderson will face Joe Gacy and The Dyad in tag team action on NXT.

(Commercial)

The announcers talked about Roman Reigns defending the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship against Logan Paul at Crown Jewel. They also mentioned Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley at Crown Jewel.

AJ Styles made his entrance with Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson. They showed the graphic for the Crown Jewel match with The OC facing The Judgment Day. That was followed by The Judgment Day making their entrance. This was the start of the third hour.

Dominik Mysterio (w/Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley) vs. AJ Styles (w/Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson)

Styles hit Dominik with a backbreaker two times in a row. Styles hit a suplex, then a chop, Dom with a kick and Styles hit a jumping kick to the head. Styles worked over Dom with punches, so Dom went to the floor. Styles sent Dom back into the ring, Ripley dared Styles to her, Styles wouldn’t do it and that allowed Dom to jump over the top onto Styles on the floor. Back in the ring, Dom punched Styles repeatedly along with some choking across the middle rope. Dom with a senton over the top onto Styles in the ring, which was an Eddie Guerrero move. Styles came back with strikes followed by a clothesline. Dom went to the floor, so Styles jumped over the top with a forearm to knock down Dom on the floor. Styles tossed Dom over the barricade at ringside leading to a break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Styles going to the top rope, there was a distraction by the heels out of the ring and Styles was crotched on the top rope. The referee didn’t see it as Dom took over. Dom with a clothesline in the corner along with some stomps to the chest. Dom hit the Three Amigos vertical suplexes for a two count. Styles with a boot to the face followed by two clotheslines and a running forearm on a seated Dom. Styles with a pumphandle into a gutbuster for two. Dom went for a DDT out of the corner, Styles blocked it and Dom hit a punch followed by a DDT off the ropes for two. Styles avoided a 619 attempt leading to Styles doing the Calf Crusher submission, but Dom managed to get his hand on the bottom rope to break it. Dom to the floor, Styles punched him and referee Eddie Orengo tried to keep the guys from fighting on the floor. Ripley grabbed AJ’s foot while he was on the apron, so when AJ went back into the ring and Dom hit the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall win.

Winner by pinfall: Dominik Mysterio

Analysis: *** A cheap win to put over Dominik thanks to the assist from Ripley. It doesn’t make that much sense that the referee was on the floor trying to prevent a fight between guys that were not the legal men, but it was done that way to set up Ripley to interfere to help Dominik get the win. This crowd didn’t react to Dominik as much as some other crowds in other weeks. Styles losing to the dreaded ROLLUP OF DEATH~! is a bit of a surprise, but it also wasn’t clean, so AJ should be fine. AJ is about 20 years older than Dom and put him over clean, which just shows how much of a true pro that Styles is.

The Judgment Day celebrated with Graves correctly calling it the biggest win of Dom’s career.

They showed The Miz warming up backstage with Johnny Gargano going up to him noting they are both Clevelanders. Gargano said that he knows the “real story” between Miz and Lumis. Gargano told Miz to tell everyone the truth. Miz said he’s been victimized by a demented stalker. Miz said after he beats Dexter it means Dexter will be banned forever. Miz said when he’s done with Lumis, maybe he has a score to settle with Gargano and Johnny said okay, but don’t say anything more. Gargano told Miz that the knee looks great. That Miz match was up next.

(Commercial)

They showed highlights of the Lashley-Lesnar fight to open the show. They will face off at Crown Jewel as expected.

Dexter Lumis made his entrance, but before he could get very far, The Miz attacked Lumis from behind with repeated chair shots to the back. You could tell Miz was barely touching Lumis with the chair by hitting the top of the chair onto the steel entrance to make a noise. Miz gave Lumis a Skull Crushing Finale on the chair. Referees checked on Lumis. There was no match.

Analysis: The story between Lumis and Miz has seen Lumis attack Miz repeatedly for two months while making Miz look a fool, so it makes sense for Miz to get the upper hand this time. They can do the match another time.

Damage CTRL was interviewed by Byron Saxton. They bragged about getting rid of Alexa Bliss and Asuka. Bayley said she hopes Raquel & Shotzi were watching because they don’t stand a chance against Kai & SKY on Smackdown. Bayley said next week she’s going to show Bianca Belair next week when she’s in control.

Next Monday on Raw:

* Bianca Belair vs. Bayley. It was not announced as a title match.

Elias is back on Raw up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired promoting the WWE NXT Halloween Havoc Premium Live Event this Saturday. I’ll have a preview on Friday and a live review on Saturday night. Go Mandy Rose.

The Miz was shown backstage with Johnny Gargano telling Miz that was a bad move and he should give Lumis what he promised. Miz yelled about how he didn’t know what Gargano was talking about. Gargano was wearing a whistle, then Gargano told Miz or he will blow the whistle on Miz.

Analysis: I don’t know where this is going, but at least there seems to be a story.

Let’s Hear from Elias

Elias was in the ring with a keyboard and two guitars. Elias said that his brother’s career was cut short, but they had a saying in the family that the show must go on. Elias asked: “Who wants to walk with Elias?” the fans cheered. Elias said he had a special song from the heart, so he asked the fans to silence your cell phones, hold your applause and wait until after he’s done because he doesn’t want to get choked up. Before Elias could play anything, Matt Riddle made his entrance with bongos.

Riddle joined Elias, who said it was his first night back and wondered what Riddle was doing there. Riddle said that he was a huge Elias saying that he freakin’ rocks. Riddle brought bongos, so he asked “do you want to hit my bong?” Elias said that’s not really his thing. Riddle said that there’s one truth that WWE stands for “Walk With Elias” so the fans did it although it wasn’t that loud. Elias said he appreciates all his fans. Elias said that Riddle can take a front row seat because Elias has a song that will put everybody in a good mood. Riddle asked if maybe one day they can play together. Elias said one day they will play together, so Riddle told him he was the best. Riddle told Elias if he needs anything, Riddle is right there. Riddle sat in the ring with his bongos. Elias played the keyboard for about ten seconds until the “Burn it Down” music of Seth “Freakin” Rollins hit as the US Champion made his entrance.

As Rollins made his way down to the ring, the crowd sang along with the Rollins song. Elias looked angry about being interrupted. Rollins was laughing about the interruption as the crowd continued to sing the song. Rollins said that was a real song and that main event match was up next.

Analysis: Poor Elias kept getting interrupted as usual. While Elias didn’t do the “WWE stands for Walk With Elias” bit, Riddle was there to do it. That involvement by Riddle made it seem like Elias was a face now even though he was a heel in the past, but that may change as the story progresses. It should lead to something because they made a big deal about his return and then it ended up being nothing. There was more with Elias to come.

(Commercial)

Rollins and Riddle were in the ring for the championship announcement from ring announcer Mike Rome. Elias remained at ringside to watch the match.

United States Championship: Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Matt Riddle

Riddle went for the Triangle Choke right away, but Rollins got to the ropes to force a break. Nice start because that’s how the Extreme Rules match ended. After Rollins did some stalling, Riddle got a hold of him with a gutwrench suplex. Rollins fought back with a shot to the throat along with a hard whip into the turnbuckle. Riddle and Rollins exchanged punches leading to Rollins hitting a suplex. Rollins with chops to the chest, then Rollins charged, and Riddle used his feet to pull Rollins over the top to the floor. Rollins avoided an attack on the floor, the referee was keeping Riddle back and Rollins shoved Elias because Elias was laughing at Rollins. That led to Elias hitting a jumping knee to Rollins leading to a break.

(Commercial)

There were about ten minutes left as Rollins hit a superkick for a two count, so he was doing fine after Elias knocked him down on the floor. Riddle came back with an up kick on Rollins, then a running forearm smash and an overhead suplex. Riddle wanted a broton, Rollins got the knees up and Rollins charged right into an elbow smash. Riddle hit a Floating Bro onto Rollins for a two count. They did moves including a forearm by Rollins, they countered eachother and Riddle hit a knee to the jaw. Riddle hit a Bro Derek slam for two. That used to Riddle’s finisher. Patrick didn’t say the move’s name, but Graves did. Riddle went up top, Rollins hit him with a forearm and they were on the top rope. Riddle was standing on the ring post, so Rollins hit a reverse superplex. Rollins hit a Falcon Arrow slam for a two count. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. Rollins jumped off the top rope, Riddle caught him in a Triangle Choke, Rollins got a slam to get out of it and Rollins drove Riddle into the turnbuckle. Rollins hit a sitout Powerbomb for two while Riddle kept going for the submission, but Rollins got his left foot on the bottom rope. Rollins was on the floor right where Elias was, so Rollins told Elias to hit him. Elias didn’t do it, so Rollins hit Elias with a superkick. Riddle with a kick to the chest. Back in the ring, Riddle with an Orton-like powerslam and an Orton-like DDT off the ropes. Riddle set up for the RKO, Rollins avoided it, Rollins shoved Riddle into Elias, who got into the ring and Elias bumped to the floor. Rollins hit The Stomp on Riddle for the pinfall win. It went 15 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Seth “Freakin” Rollins

Analysis: ***1/2 The usual great match between these guys. They have been working together at live events for about three months while also having multiple TV matches, so you can see the chemistry between Rollins and Riddle every time they wrestle. The finish was tainted a bit due to the Elias spot, but it’s a crafty way to book with Rollins capitalizing on the situation to get the win. Since Rollins won the title last week, it would have been foolish to the title off him already. Due to the Elias involvement, Riddle can say that Elias cost him the win.

After the bell rang, Elias went back into the ring and Rollins hit The Stomp on Elias again. Rollins went for The Stomp on Riddle again, but Mustafa Ali showed up to tackle Rollins followed by punches. Ali hit a spin kick on Rollins to knock Seth out of the ring. Ali hit a dive onto Rollins on the floor. Ali clotheslined Rollins over the barricade. Rollins ran away through the crowd while Ali stood on the barricade. Ali shouted that he is Seth’s problem while Rollins celebrated with the US Title in the crowd. End show.

Analysis: It seems like they will put the focus on Ali going after Rollins next, perhaps even leading to a match at Crown Jewel. I doubt Ali is going to win the US Title, but it would be a high-profile match for him as a Muslim wrestler that will get cheered even more in Saudi Arabia. I also think this will lead to Elias feuding with Riddle because even though Elias was babyface-like in some ways, he is probably going to be a heel again with Riddle blaming Elias for that match. It’s an easy way to set up a feud I think while the Rollins-Riddle story has come to an end.

Three Stars of the Show

1. Bobby Lashley/Brock Lesnar
2. Seth “Freakin” Rollins
3. AJ Styles

The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 7.75

Final Thoughts

The show was good for the most part, but I don’t think the in-ring action was as good as the better Raw shows of late. Some story advancement was okay while other parts felt just average to me. The best part of the show was easily the Bobby Lashley-Brock Lesnar brawling segment to start the show. Lashley was impressive hitting his power moves on Lesnar, who sold everything so well. That Lashley spinebuster on Lesnar through the table was great. They have done an incredible job of building to Lashley-Lesnar at Crown Jewel, which is official now.

Best match honors go to Seth Rollins and Matt Riddle as usual because they always have great matches together. I like how they also used the Rollins segment/match to start a rivalry with Mustafa Ali, who should do well against Rollins in what will be Ali’s biggest feud in WWE. Even though Elias was nice to Riddle, I think they’ll end up having issues since Elias cost Riddle the US Title match in a way.

All of the stuff with The OC and The Judgment Day was pretty good as they furthered that story leading to a match at Crown Jewel. Bringing back Baron Corbin with JBL as his manager is fine with me because it’s different for Corbin. At least his ring gear looked better. There was no Miz/Lumis match due to a Miz attack, so they can do it another time.

The next WWE Premium Live Event is Crown Jewel from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Saturday, November 5th. Here’s what we know so far.

* Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Logan Paul

* Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley

* The OC – AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. The Judgment Day – Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio (w/Rhea Ripley)

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Thanks for reading.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter: @johnreport