The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 11/01/21 Review
The month of November is here with the first Raw of the new month set to feature Becky Lynch defending the Raw Women’s Title against Bianca Belair. Earlier on Monday, WWE announced that match would open the show.
Last week’s Raw featured a four-way Ladder Match main event that earned Seth Rollins a future WWE Championship against Big E. As a reminder, the next WWE pay-per-view is Survivor Series coming up in less than three weeks on November 21. After this week’s Raw, most of the crew is going to England for four live events before returning to the US for Raw next Monday in Louisville, Kentucky.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1483 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Dunkin Donuts Center in Providence, Rhode Island. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
The opening video package showed some of the history between Becky Lynch and Bianca Belair leading to their title match on this week’s show.
Bianca Belair was shown getting ready behind the curtain with Sarah Schreiber showing up for an interview. Belair said she wasn’t ready for Becky Lynch at SummerSlam. Belair thought it was cool, let’s do it, but 26 seconds later she was without a championship. Belair said she will never regret mistakes because they are opportunities to make her stronger. Belair said that Becky tries to downplay her accomplishments while Belair mentioned winning the Royal Rumble and at WrestleMania. Belair said tonight’s a big match because there’s no match bigger than a match for the Raw Women’s Championship.
Belair made her entrance first as the challenger. The announce team of Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton were shown at ringside to call the action for Raw as usual.
Becky Lynch was also interviewed behind the curtain. Lynch admitted that Belair was impressive, but that’s because Lynch wasn’t around. Lynch said that the day after she gave birth she did 24 push-ups. Lynch said people don’t understand how tough it is to be her and she has even noticed a few boos, but that’s alright because it motivates her.
Becky Lynch made her entrance as the Raw Women’s Champion with a mix of cheers and boos. They stood in the ring for Mike Rome to do the championship introductions for the superstars.
Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Bianca Belair
They got into a shoving match of sorts, then Belair came back with a slap to the face and she told Belair about the hard work she put into this. Belair got a waistlock takedown. Belair with a slap to the face and a shoulder tackle. Belair with a cartwheel into the ropes leading to a moonsault for a two count. Lynch to the floor, Belair followed and Lynch hit a jawbreaker. Belair sent Lynch into the ring post and Belair hit a suplex on the floor. They went to break a few minutes into the match.
(Commercial)
Lynch hit a reverse DDT for a two count. Lynch with some light slaps to the face, Belair wanted a kick, block by Lynch and Lynch went for an armbar pulling back on both arms. Belair went for a suplex, but Lynch countered to an inside cradle for two. Lynch with a jumping leg lariat for two. Lynch missed a leg drop when Belair moved, Belair backflipped into a shoulder tackle and two dropkicks. Belair with a floatover suplex into a delayed vertical suplex for two. Lynch charged, Belair moved and Lynch got a rollup, but Belair kicked Lynch into the turnbuckle. Belair with a spinning gutbuster for two. They did a couple of pin attempts for two count. Lynch went for an armbar, but Belair lifted the leg and they went tumbling over the top to the floor.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Belair going for another suplex, Lynch got out of it and went for an armbar, but Belair powered out of it. Lynch with a headscissors, then she sat on top for a pin and Belair with a Powerbomb counter for a two count. They fought by the turnbuckle where Belair rocked Lynch with a forearm. Belair with a press slam above her head and a slam into the mat. Belair with a moonsault into the knees of Lynch. Lynch hit the Manhandle Slam, but they were near the ropes and Belair got her left foot on the bottom rope to break the count. Lynch did not hook either of the legs on the pin attempt. Lynch went for a sliding dropkick, Belair caught Lynch and sent Lynch into the hood of the announce table. Belair sent Lynch back into the ring for a two count. Lynch to the apron, Lynch with two kicks, Lynch off the top, Belair moved and Belair rolled through into a Glam Slam for a two count. Belair up top, jumped off with nothing because Lynch moved and Belair caught Lynch’s kick attempt. Belair wanted a KOD slam, but then Lynch pulled the turnbuckle pad off. Lynch shoved Belair into the exposed steel and did the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! with a handful of tights for the pinfall win after 19 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Becky Lynch
Analysis: **** This was a terrific match. They have worked together a lot at live events as well as their other televised matches, so they have developed a strong chemistry together. It showed in this match. I really liked how they showcased Belair’s power throughout the match. Lynch sold really well and made Belair look dominant while Lynch was crafty as a veteran heel that was relentless with her arm attacks. The match was very even with both women getting believable nearfalls while Lynch kept going for the armbar and Belair kept finding ways to get out of it. I thought a title change was possible here, but instead, they went with the cheap finish with Lynch using the exposed steel turnbuckle to her advantage and then the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! while holding tights. It protects Belair because it’s not a clean loss for Belair while furthering Lynch’s role as a heelish character. I don’t think Belair is hurt by the loss. She’ll get the title at some point in 2022 most likely.
Becky Lynch celebrated with her title while Belair was heartbroken and pointing at the exposed steel turnbuckle.
Analysis: That’s likely the end of Belair getting title shots for now. Belair will probably be on the Raw Survivor Series team and I can see her winning for her side.
Rey Mysterio and Dominik were interviewed before Rey’s match. Rey talked about Austin Theory saying he was disrespectful, Theory said he’ll get a photo with Rey after he beats him like Austin beat Dominik last week. Dominik told Austin to respect Rey. Rey talked about how he’s lasted a long time while others have faded away.
Rey and Dominik Mysterio made their entrance for Rey’s singles match.
(Commercial)
Austin Theory entered with his cell phone since he’s a guy that takes selfies a lot, so they showed some photos he has taken during matches.
Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio) vs. Austin Theory
Theory with a running shoulder tackle that knocked Rey out of the ring followed by an Eddie Guerrero shake that the fans booed. Rey went after Theory with punches, Rey hit a headscissors and did his own Eddie shake. Rey with a headscissors again, but then Theory used his power to hit a knee to the ribs. Theory slammed Rey, then a stomp to the chest and a suplex for two. Theory held Rey on his back in a torture rack and dropped down with a backbreaker while Theory taunted Dominik at ringside. Theory with a roll through into a dropkick (with double leg slap) for two. Rey sent Theory out of the ring, but Theory came back with a hard whip into the barricade. Dominik checked on his dad, so Theory shoved Dominik. Theory picked up Rey, then Dominik swung his father’s legs and Rey hit a DDT on the floor.
(Commercial)
Theory was in control with a backbreaker. Theory set up Mysterio on the top rope, he wanted a superplex, Rey fought out of that and Rey tripped up Theory to send him into the turnbuckle. Rey with a headscissors into the ring post. Rey jumped off the top with a seated senton and a springboard cross body block off the ropes for a two count. Theory with a dropkick, Rey bounced off the ropes and hit his own dropkick. Theory countered a Rey move with a belly to back suplex. Theory with a dropkick on Dominik at ringside. Rey sent Theory into ropes, Dominik slapped Theory in the face and Rey hit a 619 kick on Theory against the ropes. Rey hit a splash over the ropes, but the referee saw the slap so he called for the DQ after about ten minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Austin Theory
Analysis: *** I liked the match right up until the finish. I get what they were going for since Theory did the cheap shot to Dominik on the floor, so Dominik came back with a shot to Theory and that ended up costing Rey the match. Rey can carry anybody to a good match as we have seen many times for the last 25 years, but Theory certainly wasn’t carried because he did very well for himself. Lots of good counter wrestling by both guys. Anyway, since we know WWE loves rematches, I would expect them to do Rey vs. Theory next week unless they opt to go with Theory vs. Dominik again.
Post match, Rey and Dominik complained about the referee’s decision, but it was the right call by the referee as the announcers pointed out.
There were highlights shown of the Fatal 4-Way Ladder Match that main evented Raw last week. Seth Rollins was the winner of that great match. After the match, Seth got in the face of the WWE Champion Big E to end the show.
Seth Rollins made his entrance in a suit with a WWE Championship contract in his hands. Graves pointed out that it’s not a Money in the Bank contract, but it’s still a WWE Title contract. Rollins gets some promo time after a break.
Analysis: Rollins lost the Hell in a Cell match to Edge a couple of weeks ago at Crown Jewel and now Rollins has already bounced back by getting the next WWE Title match.
A commercial aired for WWE Tribute to the Troops airing on Fox on Sunday, November 14. Check your local listings for the time in your area.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins
Seth Rollins said he was there with a purpose and then said he was on top of the world. Rollins said that he defeated three former top-tier World Champions to earn this opportunity at the WWE Championship. Rollins said that it feels right since this is Monday Night Rollins and he was drafted there to be the face of Monday nights. Rollins said that the only thing that’s missing is that WWE Title around his waist. Rollins claimed that this contract means that you are looking at the next WWE Champion. Rollins opened the contract to look at the fine print…but here comes Big E.
The WWE Champion Big E made his entrance in his wrestling gear, robe and the WWE Title around his waist. Big E said last week he came out there to congratulate Rollins on winning one heck of a ladder match, but instead, Rollins laughed and slinked off like he was the Pink Panther. Big E got into the ring with Rollins. Big E did an impression from one of his aunts talking about how Rollins has something messed up in his mind.
Rollins said he remembers challenging Big E for the WWE Championship and Big E told him to prove himself as if he wasn’t talking to Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Seth said that he lost respect for Big E last week when he didn’t shake his hand. Rollins spoke about how Big E has had quality wins over Bobby Lashley and Drew McIntyre while noting he’s a big fan of a Money in the Bank cash in. Rollins to Big E: “You are not on my level.” Rollins said that he means no disrespect, but sooner or later, they will fight for that title. Rollins told Big E he can take that title and Big E can be a joke with his friends. Rollins laughed at King Woods and laughed at KofiMania.
Big E told Rollins to respect the king and didn’t like Rollins disrespecting one of the greatest moments in WWE history, KofiMania. Big E said that he’ll offer Rollins everything that he claims to want. Big E suggested Seth Rollins vs. Big E for the WWE Championship tonight…but Rollins stopped that. The fans cheered Big E’s idea. Rollins told Big E to think about this for a minute and told the people they do not want to see it. Rollins asked if they really want to see Big E defend that title against Seth Rollins right here tonight? The fans cheered loudly. Rollins yelled that they know that he is not 100% after the Ladder Match last week and the Hell in a Cell match before that. Rollins said that they do it on his terms, when he says and when he is 100% healthy.
Kevin Owens joined the promo party to a pretty good pop from the crowd. Owens said he doesn’t care if Seth is mad about Rollins interrupting. Owens said he heard both guys talking about who the face of Raw is and he called Big E a great champion. Owens said that Rollins thinks he’s the face of Monday nights because he’s a delusional dumbass and the proof is that suit. Owens said that Bianca Belair said she’s the face of Raw, then Becky Lynch called her the face of Raw and Seth knows her. Owens said his face is the face of Raw saying he’s a face full of charm and integrity. Owens gave Rollins credit for winning the number one contender after winning the Ladder Match, but Owens said what people were talking about was KO and his performance in that match. Owens said he leaves everything he has in that ring because he gives his absolute best. Owens said he can’t remember when things worked out for him. Owens said telling people to “just keep fighting” is what he believes. Owens said he will show up week after week and just keep fighting. Owens said it might be three more months or three more years, so he’s going to give it all he’s got. Owens said if Rollins isn’t going to fight Big E tonight then maybe they should have a match tonight for the first time. Rollins said that’s a great idea and Owens said that nobody wants to hear Rollins. Big E told Owens they have never done this before. Big E said: “It’s on, sucka!” Rollins was happy about it too. Big E and Owens talked about it to end it.
Analysis: It sets up a fresh match for later with Big E taking on Owens in non-title action. When Owens mentioned three more months or three more years he was likely referring to his WWE contract status because there have been reports about his deal expiring early next year. For all we know, he could re-sign with WWE or maybe he has already, but if he chooses to leave then there could only be a few more months for Owens in WWE. Big E even mentioned “Mount Rushmore” in the promo, which is a reference to Kevin Owens naming his group with Adam Cole and The Young Bucks as “Mount Rushmore” in the past. Anyway, I think all three guys are very good talkers so even though it was a bit long of a promo, I enjoyed most of this.
There was an “Earlier Today” video. Queen Zelina Vega was shown walking backstage with Carmella sporting her new engagement ring. Zelina had a fake British accent now. Vega and Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H. were standing there. Vega talked about Nikki’s mask, then walked away and ripped on Nikki’s stupid-looking mask. Rhea and Nikki went up to them, the teams exchanged more scripted dialogue leading to a match.
Nikki A.S.H. and Rhea Ripley entered as the Women’s Tag Team Champions for tag team action up next.
A commercial aired about Smackdown showing when New Day pinned The Usos last week, so can the Bloodline maintain their dominance over the new era of Smackdown? They didn’t advertise anything specific.
(Commercial)
It’s official for later on Raw: Big E vs. Kevin Owens.
Queen Zelina Vega & Carmella vs. Rhea Ripley & Nikki A.S.H.
This is not a title match. Graves was going crazy for Carmella in a match since they are now an engaged couple. Carmella had the ladies at ringside put her mask on. Ripley overpowered Vega with a shoulder tackle. Carmella tagged in with a slap to Ripley’s face, so Ripley delivered a headbutt, forearm and a dropkick to the back. They showed other Raw women like Dana Brooke, Tamina, Liv Morgan and Doudrop watching on a TV backstage. Nikki tagged in with a dropkick and both heels were on the floor, so Nikki hit a cross body block off the apron onto Carmella/Vega on the floor.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Carmella applying a chinlock on Ripley, who powered Carmella back into the turnbuckle. Vega held Ripley’s leg so Carmella kicked Ripley down. Vega tagged in, jumped on Ripley’s back and Ripley powered out of that. Nikki tagged in with a clothesline, she knocked Carmella off the apron and Niki hit a dropkick. Nikki worked over Vega with punches followed by a twisting neckbreaker for two because Carmella broke it up with a superkick. Ripley got a hold of Carmella on the floor, but Carmella shoved Ripley into the ring post and into the barricade. Nikki dealt with Carmella on the apron, so Vega hit a Sunset Bomb on Nikki for the pinfall win after about nine minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Queen Zelina Vega & Carmella
Analysis: **1/4 It was an average tag team match with the heel side outsmarting the champions tog et the win. Carmella took out Ripley on the floor, Nikki was distracted by that and Vega continued her winning ways with the Sunset Bomb for the win. The result should lead to a Women’s Tag Team Title match. The same booking we always saw with Natalya & Tamina losing non-title matches repeatedly. It’s how WWE loves to book those titles. Do I like this booking pattern? Nope. It’s awful and tiresome.
After the match, Vega and Carmella celebrated the win with Graves screaming about how great they are.
The announcers (or at least Jimmy and Byron) encouraged people to vote for The Miz on Dancing with the Stars on ABC to keep him off Raw.
Update: The Miz was eliminated from Dancing with the Stars this week, so I guess he’ll be on Raw next week.
Big E was shown backstage with Chad Gable & Otis going up to him. Gable wanted to offer Big E some advice, but Big E wanted nothing to do with him and insulted Gable for whatever he did to Otis. Gable said he just graduated from Full Sail University with a Master’s Degree and was valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. Gable said that Otis is a competitor, not just an entertainer. Gable told Big E to watch what happens when the “Master” Chad Gable turns the “Prince” Finn Balor into a peasant. Gable left, Otis stared at Big E and Big E to Otis: “What did they do to your face?” Ouch. No comment from Otis.
Analysis: What Gable said in that promo is true about getting a Master of Fine Arts Degree in Media Design at Full Sail University. He mentioned it on Twitter a few days ago. Congrats to Gable, who did all that while being on the road and being a married father with three kids.
Finn Balor made his entrance to a good pop as usual from the fans that always like him.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Veer showing him in action delivering moves. His name is now Veer Mahaan and he’s coming to Raw soon.
Finn Balor vs. Chad Gable (w/Otis)
They started with some mat wrestling while exchanging some holds and Gable delivering a chop to the chest. Balor with a running dropkick followed by an armbar. Balor came back with a knee drops to the left knee and wrenched on the left leg. Balor hit a double stomp and a Slingblade. Gable was able to counter Balor and hit an Ankle Lock, Balor into an armbar and Gable with another Ankle Lock. Balor did another double foot stomp while selling the left leg injury. Gable with a Northern Lights Suplex and transitioned into a bridging German Suplex for a two count. Gable went up top, went for a moonsault off the top, but Balor got the knees up to block. Balor with a running dropkick that sent Gable down in the corner. Balor went up top slowly while favoring the left leg injury. Balor took a long time to get up top, so Gable popped up and hit a superplex, but Balor was able to get a hold of Gable’s legs with an inside cradle for the pinfall win after five minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Finn Balor
Analysis: *** That was really good for the five minutes they got. I wish they got more time. These guys are awesome in-ring performers and just didn’t have enough time to show what they can do. Balor’s the bigger star, so of course he got the win, but I’m glad that Gable got plenty of offense and it was a close finish where Balor did a counter to win instead of Balor winning in a dominant fashion. I hope Gable/Otis get booked well on Raw.
A replay was shown from last week’s Raw when Randy Orton & Riddle pinned Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode to keep the Raw Tag Team Titles.
Riddle was shown backstage on his scooter with Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode were standing there. Riddle kept talking about dogs since the yare the Dirty Dawgs, so Riddle rambled on and Roode told him to shut up. Ziggler said they have a match with the Street Profits tonight. Ziggler said he knows Riddle will be on commentary, so he wants him to pay attention. Ziggler said that last week, Riddle’s team got lucky. Roode said that they will beat The Street Profits again and Riddle/Randy can kiss those titles goodbye. Ziggler and Roode did the Street Profits line and left.
The Street Profits made their entrance for tag team action.
A commercial aired for NXT 2.0 on Tuesday night. Thanks for the Toxic Attraction clips. They are wonderful. Read my review on TJRWrestling after the show.
(Commercial)
There was a school named after WWE’s Titus O’Neil due to all of his great charity work. That’s awesome.
RK-Bro made their entrance to a remixed version of their theme songs with Randy Orton pointing to his ear about the new song while Riddle was on his scooter.
Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) vs. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
Randy Orton and Riddle joined commentary for this match. Ford with multiple leapfrogs on Roode and a hiptoss. Dawkins tagged in with a shoulder tackle and then Dawkins tossed Ford onto Roode for a two count. Ziggler tagged in with a rollup into a pin attempt followed by a dropkick. Riddle let Orton know about the chants for Orton. Roode went for a DDT off the ropes like Orton, but Dawkins hit a back body drop over the top to the floor. Ford with a clothesline off the steps onto Ziggler. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
The show returned with Roode hitting a neckbreaker. Ziggler tagged in to work over Dawkins a bit with a boot to the throat while Roode did some choking while the referee wasn’t looking. Ziggler with a corner splash followed by Roode tagging in with a neckbreaker for two. Ziggler wanted a superkick, Dawkins caught the foot and hit a double underhook suplex called the Silencer. Roode prevented a tag from Dawkins, but then Dawkins hit a suplex and Ford tagged in. Ford hot a cross body block off the top on Roode. Ford with a leaping clothesline, then push-ups and Ford delivered multiple kicks including a kick to the head. Ford with a blockbuster neckbreaker for two. Ford tossed Ziggler out of the ring, Ford kicked out of a Roode pin attempt, then Ford with a pin for two and Ziggler tagged in. Roode launched Ford into a DDT by Ziggler for two with Dawkins making the save. Dawkins decked Roode with a punch and tossed Ziggler out of the ring. Ziggler and Roode tossed Dawkins into the ring post, so Ford jumped over the ring post with a somersault dive onto both heels on the floor! Here comes Omos with his theme music playing. Ford was looking at Omos walking down the aisle, so Ziggler hit a superkick on Ford and got the pinfall win. It went 11 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode
Analysis: *** A good tag team match as usual between teams this talented, but I don’t like that kind of finish. I hate when wrestlers are distracted by theme music playing during the match and a wrestler walking down to the ring leading right into the finish. It makes the wrestlers in the ring look so dumb to be distracted by that. Anyway, Ziggler and Roode pick up the win while the Street Profits continue to lose and have to deal with Omos again.
Omos was at ringside, so Dawkins tried to fight him and Omos threw him into the barricade. Ford jumped over the top, Omos caught him and Omos tossed Ford into the barricade. Officials like Shawn Daivari and Jamie Noble along with referees were at ringside to try to stop Omos. Riddle jumped onto Omos, but that failed, Omos got Riddle and slammed him on the ring apron. Orton stayed at ringside saying he wasn’t mad at Omos. Orton teased fighting, but then the scene ended.
Analysis: It was another week where Omos was dominant without AJ Styles around. It’s likely setting up Omos & Styles vs. Street Profits soon whenever Styles is back.
Damian Priest was interviewed by Kevin Patrick. Priest talked about how the angry side of him came out last week because T-Bar threw a chair at him because he disrespected him. Priest said if you disrespect him, Priest will take you to a dark place. Priest said that now they have a No Disqualification match, so T-Bar can learn about the Damian in him.
Damian Priest entered as the United States Champion for a match after the break.
(Commercial)
T-Bar entered for singles action and they played a pre-tape promo from him.
No Disqualification Match: Damian Priest vs. T-Bar
This was not for Priest’s US Title. Priest with a clothesline over the top to the floor. T-Bar sent Priest into the hood of the announce table. Priest whipped T-Bar into the barricade. Priest brought a table into the ring and then T-Bar met Priest with a boot to the head. T-Bart tossed Priest into the barricade. T-Bar set up a table on the floor near the apron. Priest hit a running body attack on the floor. Priest wanted a Chokeslam, T-Bar with forearms to the back and Priest avoided a Powerbomb, but then T-Bar sent Priest into the ring post. T-Bar went for a kick while Priest was on the apron, Priest avoided it and Priest hit a kick to the head. Priest up top, but then T-Bar stopped that with a kick while Priest was on the top. T-Bar delivered a Samoan Drop off the middle rope. They went to break.
(Commercial)
Priest worked over T-Bar with punches as well as a jumping enziguri kick to the head. Priest with a corner splash and a spinning heel kick. Priest with a Broken Arrow slam for two. T-Bar got a hold of Priest and hit a Chokeslam into a backbreaker for two. T-Bar tied up Priest in the ropes, T-Bar with a boot to the face and T-Bar tossed some chairs into the ring along with a kendo stick. T-bar attacked Priest with multiple kendo stick shots to the body and broke the kendo stick. Priest with a boot to the face followed by a running clothesline with T-Bar doing a flip bump. Priest got a hold of a steel chair leading to some crazy eyes and Priest hit T-Bar with about six chair shots to the body. Priest gave T-Bar a Chokeslam off the apron onto the table that was on the floor. The fans loved that. Priest lifted up T-Bar in the ring and hit The Reckoning neckbreaker for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Damian Priest
Analysis: ***1/4 This was a physical match between two talented big guys. I still don’t like the T-Bar name, but it was nice to see him bust out some of the moves he liked to do in the Dijakovic days. The fans really reacted well when Priest did the crazy eyes along with weapons being used, so maybe WWE has got something there with Priest. Fans like seeing Priest showing that kind of intensity. I thought T-Bar should have got some nearfalls at least because he didn’t get that many chances to look like he might win.
Apollo Crews and Commander Azeez appeared with Crews introducing himself. Crews said that they are there to breathe new life into Raw. Crews said he’ll be closely acquainted soon enough with Priest having the privilege to face Crews in a match and lose the United States Champion.
Analysis: Crews is a former Intercontinental and United States Champion so he’s a worthy challenger, but I doubt he takes the US Title from Priest.
John Morrison was backstage sitting on some equipment boxes, Reggie asked how he was doing and Morrison said he was close to achieving his goal. Reggie the 24/7 Champion was grabbed by R-Truth, then Reggie ran away and did a backflip off some apparatus. Morrison told Truth and Tozawa to align their bodies with their minds to attain their goals. Truth and Tozawa complained to Drake Maverick that the plan isn’t working, so the wrestlers left.
Analysis: If the 24/7 Title went away, would anybody care or notice? I wouldn’t notice.
(Commercial)
A video aired showing highlights from last Friday’s Smackdown episode.
They showed highlights of Becky Lynch beating Bianca Belair in a controversial fashion earlier in the show.
Becky Lynch was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber backstage with Becky wearing some ridiculously large sunglasses. Sarah referenced Becky’s nefarious tactics that she used to win earlier. Becky said even though she tore the house down tonight, half the audience was booing her. Becky said that the fans don’t know what it’s like to be a success and there’s nothing wrong with doing what you can to stay as a champion. Lynch told Bianca to go to the back of the line and make way for somebody new to come along. Liv Morgan walked up to Lynch, so Becky shrugged and left.
Analysis: I like Liv, but they need to use her better. You can’t say she’s the next title contender when she lost to Carmella in the Queen’s Crown tournament a few weeks ago. Get Live some wins, build her up and then get the match against Lynch. That’s fine with me.
Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins spoke in a hallway. Rollins suggested working with Owens to win this match with Rollins wanting them to work together. Owens said if you want to see why Owens should be the Face of Raw then that’s fine, but Owens warned Rollins about interjecting himself. Rollins mocked Owens for not faring well on Smackdown and losing last week. Rollins said Owens says “just keep fighting” while Owens will just keep winning. Rollins laughed and left.
Big E entered as the WWE Champion for the main event.
(Commercial)
The guests on Raw Talk this week were Becky Lynch Finn Balor, Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode.
Kevin Owens made his entrance for the main event with Graves saying it was a re-invigorated Owens.
Big E vs. Kevin Owens
They slapped hands out of respect to start the match. Owens got a rollup for two and then a headlock. Big E ran the ropes leading to Owens hitting a back elbow with Owens saying he was the face of Raw. Big E knocked down Owens with a back elbow of his own and said that he was the face of Raw. Owens got out of a Big Ending attempt leading to a reverse DDT for two. Big E sent Owens into the turnbuckle, Owens got a boot up and Owens hit a dropkick off the middle rope. Owens charged, but Big E was back up with two belly to belly suplexes. Owens blocked a third belly to belly, Big E shoved Owens to the ropes, Owens avoided a charging Big E, who went over the top to the floor. Big E tripped Owens by the apron leading to Big E going for the running splash on the apron, but Owens moved and Owens hit a somersault dive off the apron on Big E on the floor. Owens with a senton splash on Big E on the floor. The music of Seth Rollins started up leading to Rollins appearing to start the match.
Analysis: I still don’t like another wrestler’s music playing during a match, but at least in this case they kept on going instead of going to the finish right away.
(Commercial)
Rollins was watching at ringside. Owens hit a superplex off the middle rope with Rollins getting excited about it. Owens and Big E exchanged strikes a bit, Owens went for a clothesline, no sold by Big E and they got in eachother’s faces. They each hit a clothesline at the same time, Big E avoided a stunner and hit a clothesline. Big E with a side belly to belly slam, but the splash missed because Owens moved. Owens with a superkick, Big E to the apron and Owens hit a superkick. Owens went up top and hit a Senton Bomb for two. Rollins was shocked that he kicked out. Big E avoided a Powerbomb, he sent Owens to the apron, Owens got a knee up to block a charging Big E and then Big E hit a uranage slam for two. They battled on the turnbuckle, Owens knocked Big E down and Owens went for a twisting splash, but Bunny got the knees up to block. Ouch for Owens. Big E gave Owens a Spear through the middle ropes onto the floor. Back in the ring, Big E wanted a Big Ending and then Owens shoved Big E into the turnbuckle. Owens and Big E banged heads in a planned spot. The referee checked Owens, Rollins punched Big E, Owens saw it and was hesitant to cover. Owens did go for a cover, Big E kicked out and hooked the arms for a crucifix pin. It went 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Big E
Analysis: ***1/2 It’s nice having a champion that can win non-title matches instead of losing them to build up contenders. This was a very good match with a lot of offense for both, Owens doing some big spots and Big E showing off his power. It wasn’t a cheap ending, but a bit of interference caused by Seth Rollins, which led to Owens not being sure if he should try to cover, then Owens eventually did it and then Big E was ready with the crucifix pin. The right guy won while also involving Rollins although only in a minor role. I liked Big E and Owens working together. They are bigger guys that are hard hitters, so their chemistry was clearly there.
Post match, Kevin Owens said he knows how that looked. Owens said he didn’t know what happened when Rollins hit Big E. Owens said he couldn’t tell if Rollins hit Big E. Rollins said that this is all Seth’s fault and called him a “stupid son of a bitch.” Owens challenged Rollins to a match next week: “How about you and me one on one next week. We’ll see who’s laughing then, bitch.” Owens apologized to Big E and Big E said that Owens saw Rollins hit Big E. Owens said he was really truly sorry. Owens said he apologized, but Big E picked up Owens and hit the Big Ending on Owens. Big E said he knew about Owens. Big E trash-talked Rollins from a distance. Graves said that Owens offered Big E a “shallow apology.” Big E continued to celebrate. That ended the show.
Analysis: I wonder if this is going to heel Owens. I hope so. I think Owens has been fine as a face for a few years now, but if he’s going to stick around in WWE with a new contract then they are going to push him most likely and if that’s the case then Owens will probably be turning heel soon. In this case, Owens can say that he didn’t know what Rollins did to Big E, but the reality is that he did know and he was lying to Big E, who saw right through it, which is why Big E hit Owens with a Big Ending. Owens also turned on New Day (when Big E was out) a couple of years ago, so you can say Big E doesn’t trust Owens at all. Anyway, I think Big E dropping Owens with a Big Ending here is likely going to lead to Owens hitting Big E with a Stunner very soon.
As I alluded to earlier, Owens has a contract running out in a few months. I hope he stays, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he goes to AEW. It’s up to him. I’ll support him with whatever he does next.
Three Stars of the Show
- Becky Lynch
- Bianca Belair
- Big E/Kevin Owens
The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7
2021 Average: 6.12
Final Thoughts
It was a very good Raw this week due to the in-ring performances of several wrestlers. The Becky/Bianca match was outstanding similar to the Ladder Match in terms of giving us a four star level match. Getting matches that are this good every week is going to help Raw become a better show. Becky and Bianca are awesome together. They proved it again.
All of the matches were pretty good at worst or great in some cases. They didn’t do any of the two-minute squash matches this week. Even that short match with Balor/Gable was fun to watch. I liked the Priest/T-Bar brawl as well as the Street Profits match with Roode/Ziggler and then Theory/Rey had a nice story to go with the match.
As for the main event with Big E/Owens, I enjoyed the match and I think there are possibilities to build off it. I don’t know what the future of Kevin Owens is or how long he might be in WWE, but I think there’s a possibility that him losing matches, getting frustrated and things like that could lead to heel Owens again. Seth Rollins played a key role in that too.
It is strange how they didn’t push the fact that Survivor Series is taking place on November 21. It was mentioned briefly in passing, but not much. You would think they would have pushed the title vs. title matches as well as the men’s and women’s elimination tag team matches (while having people argue about who the captain is), but with only two more Raw’s before Survivor Series, they barely mentioned the PPV during Raw at all.
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Thanks for reading.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter: @johnreport