The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 10/12/15
Live from Chicago, Illinois this is the Raw Deal for episode #1168. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport.
Last week I was fortunate enough to go to Orlando and attend the NXT Takeover Respect event as well as the taping next night. You can read my full review right here and also my live perspective blog from Thursday morning. Long story short, it was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had as a wrestling fan and loved being there.
To start Raw, Kane was talking to The Authority’s Triple H and Stephanie McMahon on the phone. They had travel trouble because they’re idiots, so they told Kane he is in charge. Hunter told Kane to be a professional and Kane said he’ll be an absolute professional. Kane told the woman that’s the stage manager (she walked into the picture) that Seth Rollins will face Kane in a Lumberjack Match.
Analysis: This is supposed to excite viewers? Tune in for Kane, who has been on TV for nearly 20 years. Sounds fresh? No.
Dean Ambrose entered for a promo. The announce team of Michael Cole, John Bradshaw Layfield and Byron Saxton welcomed us to the show. Ambrose welcomed us to Raw. He said he wasn’t there to talk a lot and bore us because he’s there for a fight.
Randy Orton interrupted Ambrose. He said he loved Chicago and that after they’re done, he’s got a four hour drive back to St. Louis to sleep in his own bed. It was mentioned by Orton that Orton and Ambrose will team up together against Luke Harper and Braun Strowman. Orton says that if there’s anybody in the locker room he can see eye to eye with then it’s Ambrose. Orton told Ambrose to follow his lead. Ambrose said he’s not good at taking direction. Ambrose isn’t sure if he can trust Orton and then Orton said he isn’t sure if he can trust himself.
The New Day interrupted with Big E telling them to eel the power. Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods with trombone entered for a promo. Kofi said they should be talking about The New Day with Woods saying they took out Dolph Ziggler, the Dudley Boyz and John Cena. Big E said they *could* see Cena last week when he was laid out by The New Day. They taunted them about their groups saying that The Shield never did that with Ambrose. Then they mentioned Orton’s groups The Authority, Evolution and Legacy – Woods asked how many groups he’s been in and Kofi said he gave a new meaning to the word groupie. Orton was cracking up at one point.
Kane showed up on the big screen. He set up a tag team match with The New Day against Dean Ambrose and Randy Orton.
Analysis: It took a while to get to the point and set up the eventual tag match, but they got there. Some great lines by The New Day.
Dean Ambrose & Randy Orton vs. The New Day’s Kofi Kingston v& Big E (w/Xavier Woods)
This is not for the tag team titles. They worked for about one minute, Kingston went to the floor and it’s time for a break.
(Commercial)
Back from break, Orton was in control for a bit and then E pounded him down with fists in the corner while Woods played the trombone. Orton came back with a clothesline. Ambrose got in some offense on Big E including a missile dropkick for two. There was a point where Orton was in the ring, Ambrose tagged himself in and then Orton tagged himself back in. They both stomped away on E as if they were competing against eachother. Kingston tagged in, so the faces tossed him over the top to the floor and it’s another commercial.
(Commercial)
The heels were in control as they dominated Orton in their corner. Woods was playing the trombone to celebrate. When Big E hit a back elbow, Woods got into his “tricep meat” yelling. Big E tried to do a spear with Orton on the apron, but Orton moved and E went crashing to the floor. Hot tag to Ambrose, who was on fire with a corner splash as well as a running bulldog and then a dive to take out Kingston. Ambrose hit a suicide dive to take out both guys followed by a flying elbow attack on E for a two count. Woods distracted Ambrose, so E nailed a belly to belly on Ambrose. Orton and Kingston tagged in with Orton nailing a powerslam. Orton nailed the DDT off the ropes. Ambrose was in the ring with E, so Kingston shoved Orton into Ambrose and then Kingston gave Orton the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall win after 18 minutes. That’s usually a finish to diva matches.
Winners by pinfall: The New Day
Post match, Orton and Ambrose looked frustrated in the ring while The New Day celebrated with the trombone on the ramp.
Analysis: **3/4 It was a good match that was given a lot of time with a bit of a surprising finish. Orton losing via rollup is pretty rare. Kingston didn’t even grab the tights or do anything heelish. It was just a clean rollup to get the victory. The idea is that Ambrose and Orton have communication problems, which could cost them in their tag match at the HIAC PPV in a few weeks. What I’m most pleased about is that champions won a non-title match, which is pretty rare in today’s WWE. I’m glad to see The New Day booked that way.
Kane was shown in his office. Reigns vs. Strowman later. A Lesnar/Undertaker preview is up next.
(Commercial)
There was a long video package about Brock Lesnar vs. The Undertaker to set up the October 25 Hell in a Cell match at the HIAC PPV. It showed clips of previous matches like Lesnar’s win at WrestleMania 30 and then The Undertaker’s controversial win at SummerSlam. They are calling it “The Final Chapter” and that it’s their last match against each other.
Analysis: As always, it was an excellent video that did a great job of getting fans excited about that match. Both guys are on Raw next week.
Nikki Bella walked out with Team Bella.
(Commercial)
Prior to the divas match, they showed a video package about the Bayley/Sasha Banks Ironman Match from last Wednesday that I was fortunate enough to attend. You can read my full review right here. Fans were cheering for Banks and then the match began.
Nikki Bella (w/Brie Bella & Tamina) vs. Naomi (w/Sasha Banks & Tamina)
The fans were chanting “we want Sasha” early in the match. More chants for Banks as Nikki hit a spinebuster for a two count. Nikki nailed a suplex, which led to the announcers to go back to the usual argument about who started the divas revolution as if that matters. There’s Brie will the familiar “Come on Nikki” phrase that is annoying and repetitive because she says it so many times. Naomi started a comeback with a dropkick. With Nikki on the floor, Naomi jumped over the top and took out Nikki/Alicia on the floor. Brie grabbed the microphone to start a “we want Sasha” chant. Banks tripped her up when she was on the table. That whole thing distracted Naomi, so Nikki nailed a forearm shot (not called by the announcers) and Nikki hit the Rack Attack for the win.
Winner by pinfall: Nikki Bella
Post match, Cole put over the Bellas being smart and said that’s the reason why they’ve been on top for so long. Actually, they barely did anything for about five years, then Nikki started dating John Cena and then things got better in the last few years. Just saying. Yes they worked hard to get there, but it’s not like they dominated the division for a decade.
Analysis: *1/4 The match was about putting over Nikki leading into the Divas Title match against Charlotte at Hell in a Cell. It seems like the story is going to be that the fans love Sasha and the other girls in her group are going to be jealous. That’s why Brie did what she did. This could lead to Banks becoming a top babyface diva, which is perfectly fine with me because I think she’s the best diva in WWE.
Kane vs. Rollins later.
(Commercial)
They did some spot where Byron Saxton asked fans who the most unconventional star in WWE is. Most of them said Paige.
Then they did an “earlier today” interview with Saxton telling Paige she has been named the most unconventional diva. It was sponsored by the candy bar Payday, which she stole from Byron’s jacket.
Analysis: It was just a commercial for Payday.
The US Champion John Cena entered to a loud reaction filled with “John Cena suuuuuucks” song and he was even dancing a bit with some fans.
Cena: “I love this place.” He said in his heart of hearts there is only one Allstate Arena and he had his first WWE match in that building. He went on to say he’s been a part of historic matches in that arena. What makes the building special is the people that fill the arena. Cena sucked up to the fans some more saying that Chicago’s the place to be and regardless of public opinion, John Cena is the man to beat. He issued the US Title open challenge right now.
Dolph Ziggler answered the challenge. He answered it last week, but was attacked by The New Day, so it makes sense that it would be Ziggler this week.
United States Championship: John Cena vs. Dolph Ziggler
The announcers talked about how Cena could be tired after doing a WWE tour in Saudi Arabia. Early in the match, there was a moment where Ziggler bailed to the floor and Cena grabbed the microphone. He pointed out a guy in the crowd with a sign saying “she said yes” so Cena did a promo saying there was a marriage proposal. Crowd chanted “she said yes” after that. That was pretty funny. Back to the match, Ziggler had an armbar and they went to break.
(Commercial)
Ziggler was in control after the break with the corner splash as well as the neckbreaker. Cena nailed his spinning suplex, but Ziggler came back with a dropkick. Cole mentioned Cena’s first match in this arena against Kurt Angle on Smackdown in 2002. An Angle reference makes me excited. Cena applied the STF, but Ziggler turned it into a sleeper. Cena got to his feet, hit the Attitude Adjustment and Ziggler rolled out to the floor while Cena was too tired to get him back in the ring to cover. Cena brought Ziggler back in the ring for a two count. Cena went to the turnbuckle, but Ziggler fought out of it and nailed an awesome looking DDT fort two. That looked awesome. Ziggler did a HBK-like tune up of the band, but Cena countered it with a hard clothesline. Ziggler dropkick, but then Cena caught him on a splash attempt and Ziggler countered an Attitude Adjustment attempt into a Fameasser for two! Wow. That was an incredible spot. Cena applied the STF again. I thought that was too soon for Cena to be on offense after Ziggler hit such a big move. Ziggler got back to his feet, knocked Cena off the ropes and went for a crossbody. Cena wanted the AA, but Ziggler raked the eyes (heel move!) and nailed a superkick for two. Wow! Another awesome nearfall. They exchanged fists. Ziggler nailed Cena with a stiff looking headbutt and then hit the Zig Zag for one…two…no. That was another outstanding nearfall. Both guys struggled to their feet, then Ziggler walked right into the Attitude Adjustment and that was enough for the pinfall win after 18 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: John Cena
Post match, Cena had the US Title in his hands and had a look of respect for Ziggler.
Analysis: ***3/4 Fantastic wrestling match. They were given nearly 20 minutes and they made the most of it. The appreciative Chicago crowd was chanting “Cena sucks” at times yet they also appreciated how awesome the match was. I don’t think I’ve ever seen somebody counter the AA with the Fameasser the way that Ziggler did. That was one of the best counters I’ve ever seen in a Cena match. I really got into that match. I didn’t love the finish just because I think they shouldn’t have had Cena win right away with the AA after he kicked out of Ziggler’s finisher. It makes Ziggler look weak to have him lose to the AA like that. I get that WWE doesn’t want guys kicking out of finishers that much as a way to protect those moves, but I feel like Ziggler could have kicked out there (or got a foot on the ropes) leading to Cena hitting another one to win. I also hope the rumors are true that Ziggler’s going to turn heel and win the US Title from Cena because I fully support more matches between them.
Kane was in the office talking to Hunter on the speaker phone. Hunter said there was bad turbulence and then Stephanie was yelling at somebody on the plane. Hunter said he’d call back later.
Reigns vs. Strowman later.
A commercial aired for the new Sting DVD that comes out today. There’s a preview on WWE Network as well.
(Commercial)
The Dudley Boyz vs. The Ascension
The heels worked over Devon in their corner. He made the hot tag to Bubba after about two months. Bubba nailed a boot to the face to Viktor, then a clothesline and the elbow combo. Bubba put Viktor on his shoulders and Devon hit the clothesline off the top like the Legion of Doom. The 3D followed for the win after about three minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Dudley Boyz
Analysis: * A short match to put over the Dudleys prior to their title match at Hell in a Cell. Nothing wrong with that.
Rollins vs. Kane later.
(Commercial)
Neville & Cesaro vs. Sheamus & King Barrett
European tag teams running wild, brother. Cesaro and Sheamus exchanged power shots with Cesaro nailing running uppercuts as well as a dropkick. When Sheamus tried his battering ram shoulder tackle, Cesaro nailed him with an uppercut. With Sheamus and Barrett outside the ring, Cesaro picked up Neville and tossed him onto Sheamus/Barrett to knock them down. Neville was legal in the ring, Sheamus kicked out of a pinfall and Barrett nailed a Bull Hammer elbow shot on Neville (the ref didn’t see it) that allowed Sheamus to win. It went about four minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Sheamus & King Barrett
Analysis: *1/2 The match felt rushed. They worked at a really fast pace because they tried to fit in as much as they could within the five minutes they were given, but when you rush things sometimes it hurts the match. I like the idea of Barrett and Sheamus forming a regular tag team although I’m not sure if that’s going to be the direction for them. I just think that’s a good fit.
There was a video package showing Braun Strowman’s impact in WWE since debuting a few months ago. His match against Reigns is coming back.
(Commercial)
PLUG TIME: The TJRWrestling Podcast debuts this Wednesday. Why? Because the world needs more wrestling podcasts! Okay so maybe not, but I’ve enjoyed doing radio shows in the past and I really wanted to get back into doing weekly podcasts. It will be on TJRWrestling, iTunes and Soundcloud. Go to TJRWrestling.net for all the details.
They plugged the Payday candy bar again to mention Xavier Woods’ UpUpDownDown Youtube channel dedicated to video games.
Roman Reigns made his entrance. He said it felt good to be in Chicago. Reigns said that this thing with Bray Wyatt has to do with the WWE Championship and the crowd was chanting “what” at him when he mentioned Wyatt attacking him at the Money in the Bank PPV. He said “y’all can’t hear me or something” to reply to the “what” chants. He continued to tell the story of how he and Ambrose beat the Wyatt Family at Summerslam, but then the next night the Wyatt Family got bigger (Strowman debuted). Reigns said the “anyone but you” thing got to him, so the crowd chanted “boring” and Reigns said this is real life. Sure it is. Anyway, he said he does things for his family and how he’s going to rip apart Wyatt at Hell in a Cell.
Analysis: That was too long and the crowd hated it. WWE has to remember that the fans aren’t going to love a long Reigns promo. We don’t need a long promo to summarize the history of Reigns with Wyatt. Run a video package. Do something else. This kind of thing does more harm than good. Reigns should be an ass kicker that doesn’t talk a lot. This promo was a bad idea and a mistake by the creative team.
Bray Wyatt showed up with Luke Harper and Braun Strowman. Wyatt said there’s a massacre waiting for Reigns at Hell in a Cell. Reigns said that when they lock that cell, Reigns said that Wyatt will wish he was trapped in there with anybody but him (Reigns). At least that line was good. Strowman walked to the ring to face Reigns.
(Commercial)
This week on Smackdown it’s the Dudley Boyz and Dean Ambrose against all three members of The New Day.
Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman (w/Bray Wyatt & Luke Harper)
Let it be known that my favorite Stroman is Marcus Stroman of my Toronto Blue Jays, who pitches the pivotal game five matchup in the ALDS on Wednesday afternoon. Reigns tried to weaken Strowman, but it didn’t work. Running clothesline by Strowman. There was a body slam by Strowman that was replayed because body slams are apparently replay worthy in WWE these days. Rest hold time with Strowman grabbing the trapezius muscle of Reigns. Reigns fought back with clotheslines, a boot to the face and a leaping clothesline that stunned Strowman although Strowman knocked down Reigns again. Reigns was able to weaken Strowman by the ropes, which led to Reigns hitting the Drive By dropkick. Hey kids, don’t ask your folks where the name for that move comes from. When Reigns tried it again, Strowman nailed a clothesline. Reigns nailed Strowman with punches outside the ring. Then Reigns nailed a Superman Punch on Harper. Reigns also hit a Superman Punch on Strowman, who landed by the announcers. Reigns rolled back into the ring for the countout win after eight minutes.
Winner by countout: Roman Reigns
Analysis: 1/2* Bad match that followed a poor promo. I know that WWE is trying to put over Strowman as this big monster, but his offense is the most basic stuff like body slams, kicks and punches. It’s just a case of the announcers trying to put over the idea that this guy is more dangerous than anybody. I think it was a bad idea to have Strowman lose. I know it was only by countout, but I wouldn’t have Strowman lose at all.
Post match, the Wyatt Family tried to attack. Reigns bailed to the floor. Of course The Wyatt Family didn’t follow because if somebody leaves the ring that usually ends things. Some fans were chanting “Husky Harris” at Wyatt. That’s just stupid. Wyatt posed by the ropes, so Reigns punched him and left.
Analysis: If you combine the promo and match, I don’t think it was very effective. The idea is that Reigns got the upperhand, but this whole thing didn’t work that well in my opinion. Also the “Husky Harris” chants are dumb. Wyatt’s a great performer that has done very well. Leave his past in the past.
Kane was in the office on the phone again. Hunter called again. He said the reception is bad. Hunter asked what the main event is, so Kane told him it was a Lumberjack Match against him. Hunter kept asking who Seth was facing. Kane said “me” and Hunter was all confused saying he knew it was Kane. Then there was a dial tone, so that was it.
Analysis: I guess we’re supposed to be happy about seeing Kane in a main event match? I can’t say I am.
There was a commercial for the Stone Cold podcast with Brock Lesnar on WWE Network following next Monday’s Raw. Lesnar will be on Raw next week. Apparently Austin won’t be on Raw even though he was originally advertised for it.
(Commercial)
Rusev and Ryback were in the ring for their match. A clip aired of Summer proposing to Rusev last week on Raw. Then the announcers mentioned Rusev got engaged to Lana, which is legit and happened a few weeks ago. It got picked up by TMZ, so WWE must have decided they had to mention it on their show.
Rusev (w/Summer Rae) vs. Ryback
The announcers were wondering what was going on here. It’s called awful booking mixed with reality. Rusev was on offense for a bit. Ryback made a comeback with a back suplex. Ryback with the Meat Hook Clothesline. Rusev nailed a superkick for a two count. A corner splash by Rusev missed, so Ryback hit Shellshock for the win after three minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ryback
Analysis: * A short match to put over Ryback, who gets a rematch against Kevin Owens for the Intercontinental Title. Remember when Rusev was booked like an unbeatable monster? Not anymore. There’s a rumor that Rusev lost in three minutes as punishment for getting engaged to Lana. Weird, right? That’s pro wrestling. It messed up the storyline big time, but I think it’s wrong to have Rusev job in three minutes because of it. The guy loves his girlfriend and wanted to propose so he did. It’s not like he has to wait until the WWE story dictates the right time to ask Lana to marry him. Good for them, by the way. Score one for the chubby, hairy European guys.
Post match, Summer Rae did a promo calling him “Ru-Ru” again. She said she wanted to know the real man that she is to him. She showed a picture of TMZ reporting that Rusev and Lana were engaged. She was mad that she had to find out online. She called him a “wimp’s little boy” and a narcissistic, lying, cheating bastard. Then she slapped him in the face and left.
Analysis: I’m not sure if this is going to turn Rusev into a face with Lana or get him back to being a heel monster. That’s the end of this angle, though, which is fine with me.
Kane vs. Rollins later.
(Commercial)
Kevin Owens vs. Kalisto (w/Sin Cara)
This is not for the IC Title. Owens nailed a running senton to a nice ovation because the smart crowd loves this guy. Owens with a back body drop sent Kalisto over the top to the floor. Owens ran the ropes, then went under the bottom rope and hit a forearm shot to the back. Kalisto did this spot where he jumped over the top rope, then jumped off the middle rope (very tough to do the way he did it) and went for an attack although Owens knocked him down. Kalisto hit a kick to the head and a cross body block for a two count. Kalisto with another kick, then a spike hurricanrana and a DDT for two. Kalisto jumped off the ropes, Owens caught him and nailed him with a stiff Powerbomb for the pinfall win after four minutes. It wasn’t a Popup Powerbomb, but it worked just as well.
Winner by pinfall: Kevin Owens
Analysis: * Another short match on a show with several of them. Simple booking to put over Owens leading up to his IC Title against Ryback at HIAC in two weeks.
(Commercial)
The divas were in the ring. Nobody got televised intros. A graphic reminded us about Charlotte vs. Nikki Bella at Hell in a Cell. Paige is on commentary saying PCB is not over now.
Charlotte & Becky Lynch (w/Natalya) vs. Alicia Fox & Brie Bella (w/Nikki)
It feels like we’ve seen this match before probably because we have due to all the diva tag matches in the last few months. The faces were in control with Charlotte nailing Brie with chops, then a neckbreaker and a Spear. When Charlotte wanted the Figure Eight, the others distracted her and Brie got a rollup for two. Natalya got in the face of Nikki and Alicia, so Paige shoved her. Brie kicked Natalya to knock her down. The ref was all distracted, which led to Nikki nailing Charlotte with a forearm shot (the announcers missed it) and then Brie hit a missile dropkick off the middle rope for the pinfall win after three minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Alicia Fox & Brie Bella
Analysis: *1/4 A three minute divas match. Just like old times. Fox didn’t do much in the match. Another champion getting pinned in a match.
Back to the office with Kane. Hunter was on the phone again. Kane said that he was the one facing Rollins. Hunter and Stephanie were both mad. Stephanie said that Kane was supposed to be professional. Hunter told him not to face Rollins and pick somebody else. Kane just walked away. What were the fans chanting? CM Punk.
Analysis: The fans were bored. I don’t blame them. I’m bored watching this.
(Commercial)
The WWE Champion Seth Rollins was backstage talking to Big Show. He tried to suck up to Show by saying they are friends, but that didn’t work because Show walked away. Kane showed up in his suit to say he’s not going to face Seth, but he’ll find a suitable replacement.
The Lesnar/Undertaker video package aired. It was the same one that was shown earlier in the show.
As the lumberjacks came out, The New Day walked right behind Big Show with Big E actually imitating him. That was hilarious. Love The New Day. Then they did a fist bump with Show at ringside. Other wrestlers surrounded the ring as well. It’s a mix of heels and faces.
(Commercial)
There was a plug for Brock Lesnar, The Undertaker, Ric Flair and Shawn Michaels on next week’s Raw in Dallas. Steve Austin was originally advertised on Raw, but he has said on Twitter that he’s just doing the podcast with Lesnar.
Analysis: I would have loved to see Austin on Raw. He hasn’t been on the show in such a long time.
As Seth Rollins walked out to the ring, it was announced that Seth Rollins will be on ESPN Sportscenter with Jonathon Coachman at 9pmET. The New Day were marking out for Rollins. Demon Kane walked out as the opponent. Cole was shocked by it. Of course he was.
Lumberjack Match: Seth Rollins vs. Kane
This is not for the WWE Title. There was barely a reaction for Demon Kane, yet he’s pushed like the top babyface. Kane tossed Rollins out of the ring a few times and then the lumberjacks tossed him back in. Rollins went for a dive outside the ring, but Kane caught him. Rollins tried to escape through the crowd. Cesaro brought him back in. Rollins nailed a kick to the head as well as a clothesline over the top. Kane punched all three New Day guys. Kane confronted Big Show and Kane nailed an uppercut on him. The Ascension went after him, so Show nailed Kane with a KO Punch. Show walked up the ramp. The heels rolled Kane into the ring and Rollins covered for two. No reaction. Rollins nailed another kick and a flying knee attack off the top rope for two. Once again no reaction for the nearfall. Rollins nailed a picture perfect Frog Splash for a two count. Fans chanted “Eddie” for that. Kane hit a superplex off the middle rope. The New Day yanked Kane out of the ring, so then all the lumberjacks were all fighting on the floor. Then the heel lumberjacks went into the ring to attack Kane. When Big E tried a running splash, Kane sat up and the face lumberjacks went into the ring so that everybody could brawl. Kane with a Chokeslam on Stardust and then a Chokeslam for Woods. Apparently the match is still going on. Rollins wanted a Pedigree, Kane backed out of it and Kane nailed a Tombstone for the win after nine minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kane
Analysis: ** Another unnecessary clean loss for the WWE Champion, who has barely won any matches in the last few months. It’s terrible booking. Listen to the crowd. They barely reacted to anything that Kane did. I know that their history necessitated a feud, but it’s not like Kane was on fire as a face and that people are clamoring for him. The crowd reaction for Kane was weak throughout the match. WWE thinks that booking Rollins to lose all the time is a way to make fans think that Rollins can lose the WWE Title at any time. What it also does is make fans think the champion is a loser, so why should they care if he wins or loses? It’s a stupid way to book the champ.
The show ended with Kane standing over a fallen Rollins with the arena lights in red for Kane.
Three Stars of the Show
1. John Cena
2. Dolph Ziggler
3. The New Day – I know that putting them here means it is five stars, but it’s my column and these guys deserve the praise.
The Scoreboard
4.5 out of 10
Last week: 4
Last 5 Weeks: 4, 3.5, 5, 5.5, 4.5
2015 Average: 5.73
2015 High: 9 (May 4)
2015 Low: 3.5 (September 28)
Final Thoughts
I’m giving it a 4.5 out of 10. That’s six straight below average scores. Not a good sign.
– A slight upgrade from the last two weeks mainly because of the awesome Cena/Ziggler match although it was still a boring show that was below average.
– Speaking of Cena/Ziggler, it was an outstanding match. If you missed it, make sure you take some time to check it out because I loved it.
– Those office scenes with Kane on the phone were terrible. Does anybody really care if Hunter/Steph are at Raw or not? No. Move on.
– Rusev has been booked so poorly for so long. Tonight may have been the worst booking of him.
– Too many rushed matches. That shouldn’t be a problem on a three hour show, but it is.
– The Reigns/Wyatt feud wasn’t really helped by the events from this show.
– Both divas matches were booked the same with distractions leading to the finishes. That’s a common theme that does more harm than good.
– It would have been nice if the Neville/Cesaro vs. Sheamus/Barrett match had more time because they could have had a great match.
– Congrats to the dude that did the marriage proposal in the crowd. That was unique. I wish them all the best in their marriage endeavors. Yeah I said it.
—
That’s all for this week.
Remember that the TJRWrestling Podcast debuts this Wednesday. Why? Because the world needs more wrestling podcasts! Okay so maybe not, but I’ve enjoyed doing radio shows in the past and I really wanted to get back into doing weekly podcasts. It will be on TJRWrestling, iTunes and Soundcloud. Go to TJRWrestling.net for all the details.
Thanks for reading. Go Toronto Blue Jays. Go St. Louis Rams.
John Canton –mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter@johnreport