The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 12/06/21 Review
This week’s Raw featured a Raw Women’s Title match with Becky Lynch defending her title against Liv Morgan along with Big E facing Kevin Owens in a Steel Cage match.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1489 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
They showed a replay of last week’s Raw when Kevin Owens beat Big E via disqualification due to Seth Rollins attacking Owens.
Seth Rollins did a promo about how he’s going to enjoy every single second of Owens facing Big E in a Steel Cage Match. Rollins said that on Day 1 he’s going to beat both Owens and Big E to reclaim his rightful place as the WWE Champion. Rollins told us to enjoy the show.
Big E said he’s been to hell and back as the WWE Champion. Big E said tonight he’s locked inside a Steel Cage with Owens and there’s no way out with Big E saying he’s going to punish him. Big E: “You’ve got to feel that, sucka.” Big E entered the steel cage.
Kevin Owens did a promo talking about how many days are left in the year and said that the countdown is on for him to become the WWE Champion. Owens made his entrance after that. The commentary team was Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton as usual.
Steel Cage Match: Big E vs. Kevin Owens
This is not for Big E’s WWE Championship. It’s a WWE cage match so you can win by pinfall, submission, escape the cage or go out the door.
Owens tried to escape right away, but Big E stopped that. Big E had Owens trapped between the ring and the cage with Big E sending him into the cage repeatedly. Owens knocked Big E down, Owens tried to climb out of the cage, Big E stopped that attempt and Big E hit a running Spear into the cage. Big E whipped Owens into the cage multiple times. Big E rammed the back of KO’s head into the cage and forearms to the face, but then Big E charged, Owens moved and Big E went crashing into the cage. Ouch.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Owens trying to climb out the cage and Owens hit a moonsault onto a standing Big E for a two count. Great move! Big E sent Owens into the steel cage for a two count. Big E called for the door to open, but Owens stopped that and stomped on Big E’s back. Owens tried to climb out, Big E met Owens there with punches to the back and Owens managed to send Big E into the cage repeatedly to knock Big E down. Owens tried to climb out, Big E went after him and Owens hit a sunset flip Powerbomb on Big E for a two count. Another great move there. Big E made his comeback with two overhead belly to belly suplexes and a belly to belly side slam. Big E wanted the splash, Owens avoided it and Owens with a superkick with Big E landing near the door, but Owens capitalized with a cannonball splash in the corner. Owens wanted the door open, Big E stopped an escape attempt and Owens applied a Boston Crab submission. Big E tried to crawl out the door with Owens near the door as well, but there was Seth Rollins to slam the door on both guys! Ouch. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Owens trying to climb out of the cage, but Big E stopped him again. Rollins was at ringside watching the match. Big E teased a Big Ending off the ropes, but Owens gouged the eyes to knock Big E down and Owens hit a Frog Splash off the top for a two count. Owens with a running attack, Big E with a back elbow to the face and then a uranage slam. Owens countered a Big E move and hit a Popup Powerbomb for a two count since that is no longer KO’s finisher due to his Stunner usage. Owens tried to climb out of the cage again, Owens had one leg over the top, but Big E stopped Owens again. Big E set up for the Big Ending with Big E on the middle rope while Owens was on the top and Big E hit the Big Ending! Big E did not cover Owens for some reason. Instead, Big E tried to crawl out the door, Owens tried to stop him and Big E kicked Owens away. Big E crawled out the door with his feet hitting the floor, so Big E won the match after 21 minutes.
Winner: Big E
Analysis: **** This was a great steel cage match like Big E beating Bobby Lashley in the cage a couple of months ago. It was a bit strange for Big E not to try to pin after the Big Ending off the ropes, but Big E did win shortly after that, so that made it fine because at least he won the match right after that finishing move. Owens got a lot of nearfalls, hit all of his big moves (except the Stunner) and it certainly felt like Owens had a shot here although I think it makes more sense for Big E to get the win. It’s good to keep the WWE Champion Big E strong and that’s what they did here. It wasn’t a loud crowd, but they did get into it by the end.
After the match, Rollins hit Big E with a running forearm to the back of the head. Rollins went into the ring (the cage was raised) and Rollins worked over Owens with punches. Rollins set up for The Stomp, but Big E was back in with a belly to belly suplex on Rollins. Big E picked up Owens again and hit the Big Ending to KO for the second time. Big E posed with the WWE Championship with the crowd cheering him on.
Analysis: That was a strong start for the first 30 minutes of Raw. I like the way this feud has been going.
(Commercial)
When the show returned, Big E was down along with Rollins and Owens. They showed highlights during the break when Bobby Lashley showed up to attack Owens, Rollins and Big E with Lashley hitting all of his big moves on all three guys.
Analysis: It shows that Lashley wants to get back into the mix with good reason since he’s a former WWE Champion. It’s possible that Lashley gets added to the match as well. It wouldn’t shock me if they did that. I think a triple threat is fine how it is.
Still to come: Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan, Miz TV with Edge as the guest and the “RK-Bro-Nament” with four teams in a mini-tournament to earn a Tag Team Title match.
The Women’s Tag Team Championship duo of Queen Zelina Vega and Carmella entered with Vega mixing in her fake British accent along with some Spanish lingo and I think a New York accent thrown in. I’ve seen people complain about it. I think she does it to get heat and that’s really it. Nikki A.S.H. was accompanied by Rhea Ripley for this match.
Nikki A.S.H. (Rhea Ripley) vs. Queen Zelina Vega (w/Carmella)
Nikki tried to do a move off the ropes, Vega tripped her up and did some hair pulling. Vega with a running knee and they each got some pin attempts. Nikki with a running clothesline followed by a corner splash, a bulldog and Vega avoided a move. Vega tried a pin with feet on the ropes, but Nikki got out of that and Nikki hit a neckbreaker. Nikki jumped off with a cross body block, Vega moved and Vega hit the Code Red sunset flip into a pin for the victory after about two minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Queen Zelina Vega
Analysis: * A short match to put over Vega to give her positive momentum while Nikki continues her losing ways. Nikki really hasn’t been booked well at all for a while now.
Randy Orton and Riddle were shown backstage talking with Riddle wearing a jacket that had a WWE logo on it. They were interviewed by Kevin Patrick leading to some dialogue by Orton and Riddle where they argued about things. Orton mentioned how Riddle claimed that Home Alone changed Riddle’s life and Riddle said he told him that in confidence. Riddle said that they were going to host and interview wrestlers in the tournament. Riddle wanted Orton to wear a brown blazer and the fans cheered when Riddle mentioned it. Riddle had an earpiece on saying he was told to tell Randy to put on the blazer. Randy was reluctant to do it, but then Orton put the brown blazer on top of his gear.
Randy Orton and Riddle entered as the Raw Tag Team Champions as the tag team “tournament” was about to begin.
(Commercial)
They showed Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H. backstage. Ripley told Nikki not to worry about it and said that they will get them next time. A random woman asked for an autograph, Nikki thought it was for her, but it was Jerry “The King” Lawler, who is a huge legend in Memphis. Jerry offered to give Nikki an autograph too, but she left angrily without saying anything.
Randy Orton and Riddle were at ringside watching the RK-Bro-Nament first round match, which is also a semifinal match since there are only four teams in the tournament. Riddle was on commentary while Orton was not, but both guys had jackets on.
AJ Styles & Omos vs. The Street Profits (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins)
Ford hit a sweet dropkick on Styles followed by a whip into the turnbuckle. Dawkins tagged in with his own dropkick, he slammed Ford onto Styles and Dawkins hit a splash. Dawkins hit a spinning splash on Styles against the turnbuckle. Dawkins ran the ropes, Omos pulled the rope down and Dawkins bumped to the floor. Styles knocked Ford off the apron. Styles jumped over the top to hit Dawkins with a forearm.
(Commercial)
Omos was in control of Dawkins with a whip into the turnbuckle and a body slam. Dawkins with a jawbreaker, but then Omos decked him with a clothesline. Styles tagged in, Dawkins avoided a corner attack and Ford tagged in with excitement leading to an elbow smash followed by a rollup. Ford with kicks to the body along with an enziguri kick. Ford ran the ropes leading to a clothesline. Ford tossed his glove into the crowd and then slapped Omos in the face. Dawkins in illegally with a punch and a double dropkick knocked Omos off the apron to the floor. Styles knocked Dawkins out of the ring. Styles with an enziguri kick, then a Pele kick and a brainbuster on Ford. Styles wanted the Phenomenal Forearm, Omos tagged himself in, Dawkins pulled Styles out of the ring and hit a clothesline. Ford jumped onto Omos, who caught him and Omos put Ford on the apron with Ford going back in the ring. Omos sent Dawkins into the barricade. The referee was counting to ten, Omos did not get back in and that meant the Profits won by countout. It went about ten minutes.
Winners by countout: The Street Profits
Analysis: **1/4 A decent match with a weak finish, but it did tell a story of Omos getting careless and losing the match. Since Omos has never been pinned, they aren’t going to have him lose that way. In this case, Omos lost because he was too aggressive in beating up The Street Profits and it ended up costing Omos the match. Ford and Dawkins did a good job as always while Styles was sharp as usual.
Post match, Styles told Omos that he had to listen to Styles and said that is how this team works. Omos walked to the back on his own.
Analysis: The split is coming soon. That’s fine with me. I’m ready for AJ as a singles guy again while I’m sure WWE will book Omos strong in squash singles matches.
Riddle tried to turn into an announcer getting an interview with Styles. AJ asked Riddle if he should be interviewing the winners of the match. Riddle said that this was the biggest story and that the Street Profits were way too fast. Styles: “What is this, Dateline?” Styles said it was a miscommunication and a disagreement between a great tag team. Styles threatened Riddle, so Styles left. Styles said that it was an exclusive start to the RK-Bro-Nament. Riddle asked Orton if there was anything he would like to add, which led to “Randy” chants. Orton: “Nope.” That was it. Riddle: “Back to you, Jimbo Slice.” That’s Jimmy Smith.
Analysis: Good work by Riddle. He makes me laugh, so it works.
Becky Lynch, the Raw Women’s Champion, was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Becky said it’s a big match for Liv Morgan and the biggest match of her career. Becky said that Liv has never been hotter and the Liv Morgan train is rolling. Becky said that the real battle for Liv will be in her heart. Lynch said if you do well enough then they cheer you, but if you do too well then they turn on you. Lynch said that she’s the biggest star there is and it’s just another Monday for Big Time Becks.
Analysis: Strong interview from Becky as usual. I liked the line about “if you do well enough then they cheer you, but if you do too well then they turn on you.” In Becky’s case, she turned on the fans, but it’s not like they are going to say that.
Damian Priest entered for his US Title Open Challenge match.
(Commercial)
Riddle and Randy Orton were shown talking backstage with Riddle telling Orton that the crowd went wild when Orton said “nope” earlier. Orton said that his broadcasting career is over for the moment at least and put the jacket on Riddle.
United States Championship: Damian Priest vs. Robert Roode (w/Dolph Ziggler)
Priest worked over Roode with punches to the body, Roode with kick and then Priest hit a headbutt. Priest sent Roode into the turnbuckle. Priest with a whip into the ropes leading to a jumping elbow. Priest missed a corner attack, Priest with a boot to the jaw and Ziggler distracted Priest, so Roode hit a forearm to the back sending Priest into the steel steps. Roode tossed Priest over the barricade leading to a break.
(Commercial)
Roode was in control with a Blockbuster neckbreaker off the ropes for a two count. The crowd wasn’t reacting to it much at all. Priest worked over Roode with punches, then a slam into the mat and a corner elbow. Priest bounced off the ropes with a clothesline. Priest with a Broken Arrow slam that is a nearfall spot for a two count. Roode avoided a clothesline and hit a backstabber for a two count. They exchanged shots to the body, then Priest with kicks including a kick to the head. Priest went for a move off the ropes, but Roode caught him with a spinebuster for two. They each countered some moves, Roode with a rollup with tights for two. Priest back up with The Reckoning for the pinfall win after ten minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Damian Priest
Analysis: **1/2 It was okay as a cold match with no storyline. Roode is fine as a technical wrestler that knows what he is doing in there, so it’s a way to have a solid match. The problem is the crowd didn’t care even though they like Priest. It’s clear that Priest needs a new rivalry.
Post match, Ziggler went into the ring and hit Priest with a superkick. Ziggler left before Priest could get back up.
Analysis: I guess we can pencil in Priest over Ziggler next week.
They showed some past issues between Doudrop and Bianca Belair leading to their match this week.
Bianca Belair made her entrance for singles action, but then Doudrop attacked Belair from behind in the aisle. Doudrop hit her with a forearm to the back and then the match was ready to begin after a break.
(Commercial)
There was a “This Week In History” trying to tell us that Lita and Trish Stratus was the first-ever women’s main event of Raw on December 6 (same date), 2004. It’s not really the first-ever because Lita and Stephanie McMahon main evented Raw on August 21, 2000, yet WWE chooses to ignore it. Also, Alundra Blayze beat Bertha Faye on the October 23, 1995 Raw. It was followed by a sitdown interview with Shawn Michaels that ran for about three minutes, but most people would consider that Blayze/Faye match to be the main event because the interview was a pre-tape that was brief. Anyway, they showed Lita beating Trish to win the Women’s Title.
They showed Liv Morgan tweeted a test message from Trish Stratus supporting Liv and that Lynch/Morgan match is still to come.
Bianca Belair vs. Doudrop
Belair tried a spinebuster, but Doudrop was too heavy for her and Doudrop sent Belair into the turnbuckle. Belair with a forearm to the chest followed by kicks to the gut. Belair did her ass slapping taunt along with some dancing to show off her agility. Belair went for a dropkick, Doudrop moved and Doudrop hit a senton splash for two. Doudrop applied a submission holding on the arms, Belair broke free and then Doudrop hit a clothesline. Belair with kicks, but Doudrop hit another clothesline for two. Doudrop grounded Belair with a headlock, Doudrop sent Belair to the apron and Doudrop slapped her in the face. Belair with punches, then a headstand into the ropes to knock Doudrop to the floor. Doudrop pulled Belair out of the ring and drove Belair back first into the apron. Doudrop with a splash on the floor.
(Commercial)
Belair was fighting back with punches and a dropkick that didn’t knock Doudrop down. Belair sent Doudrop into the ropes leading to Belair hitting a spinebuster, so there’s a big power move. Belair with corner punches followed by Belair hitting a cross body block off the middle rope for two. Doudrop blocked a sunset flip attempt by sitting on Belair. Doudrop hit a Vader Bomb splash off the middle rope for a two count. Doudrop ripped out some of Belair’s hair or some of the things in her hair and Doudrop hit a headbutt. Doudrop went for a corner splash, Belair tried to pick her up and Belair couldn’t lift up Doudrop for the KOD, so Doudrop rolled out to the floor. Doudrop walked to the back for the countout loss after 13 minutes.
Winner by countout: Bianca Belair
Analysis: **3/4 It was average most of the way and then it was more interesting once Belair got some offense going. I think Doudrop is more comfortable as a heel because then the size advantage comes into play more and Belair sold everything well. They tried hard and it was nice to see Belair show off some of her power as usual. It’s also another lame countout finish where a heel walks away instead of doing something better creatively. I hate those kinds of endings. I’m more upset with the creative team being lame instead of the wrestler leaving the ring.
After she lost the match, Doudrop slapped her own butt the way that Belair does.
Analysis: There will probably be a rematch next week. That’s how WWE tends to book these things.
They showed Austin Theory backstage with WWE Chairman & CEO Vince McMahon. Theory was asked how he was doing and Vince reminded Theory that people don’t really care how you are doing when they ask that. Vince asked Theory if he wanted to be put in a match, Theory was excited, then Vince asked Theory if he expected to be put in a match, Theory said he was surprised and Vince was frustrated by his response after what Vince tried to teach him last week.
The Miz entered in a suit for his talk show segment.
(Commercial)
They showed the Smackdown Breakdown with highlights from last Friday’s Smackdown with Brock Lesnar beating up Sami Zayn, who lost the Universal Title matcha against Roman Reigns because of Brock’s attack.
Miz TV with Edge
The Miz said he was in the ring in a suit saying his lovely wife Maryse doesn’t come to a place like Memphis, so that drew boos. Miz said that last week on Raw he had a confrontation with Edge and he was speechless because Edge actually complimented Miz. Miz said he’s known Edge for 15 years, so maybe he’s a shell of his former self.
The WWE Hall of Famer Edge made his entrance to a huge pop and he was full of energy as usual. Edge joined Miz in the ring for this talk show segment.
Edge said that he meant Miz the compliments that he said last week. Miz said that he thinks that the Rated R Superstar has lost his edge. Miz said that the old Edge would have speared Miz out of his $9,000 shoes and he said this Edge can get around in the ring, but mentally he sounds weak. Edge ripped on Miz for spending $9.000 for those ugly ass shoes and noted that his Jordan 3’s are way cooler. That drew a pop. Edge said don’t mistake Edge’s kindness for weakness. Edge wondered what is going on with Miz?
Miz said he needed Edge’s kindness in WWE when he started in 2006 when he was walking on eggshells, when he was kicked out of the locker room and he reminded us that he didn’t fit the mold. Miz said that everybody was so busy keeping him down even though he was more famous than 90% of the locker room. Miz said he didn’t want it or need it. Edge said that it was in this arena where Edge gave him some advice that he was going to be just fine. Edge claimed that Miz brushed him off. Edge said he went through the same things just like Miz did seven years before. Edge told Miz he didn’t think he was more important than anybody else. Edge said he doesn’t hold people down, he sees a new opportunity. Edge said Miz should look in the mirror and that mirror will tell him that: “Miz, you’re an ass.”
Miz called Edge a hypocrite that is vulnerable. Miz claimed that 2022 is going to be the Year of Miz and he wants to usher it in by beating Edge at January 1 (that would be Day 1). Edge said that you’re on. Edge stared at Miz suggesting they get into a fight right now, the fans wanted it and Miz said “no.” Miz said he wasn’t afraid or scared, Edge just took a step towards him and Miz bumped. Edge commented that Miz was afraid and left.
Analysis: That was some strong promo work from two of the best talkers on the show. Miz said January 1 instead of the PPV named Day 1, so he messed up a bit there. Edge usually has long-term feuds, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they got more than one PPV match out of this rivalry. My preferred WrestleMania opponent for Edge is AJ Styles.
Liv Morgan was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Morgan said that people are watching because they believe there’s a chance that Liv can win. Liv said she’ll do everything in her power to get what she wants and what she wants in the Raw Women’s Championship.
Rey & Dominik Mysterio entered for tag team action.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Veer Mahaan coming to Raw. It’s been nearly two months of this.
Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. Alpha Academy (Chad Gable & Otis)
Riddle was on commentary again in a brown WWE suit jacket. Gable started with Dominik, who couldn’t get the advantage and wanted to bring Rey in, so Gable slapped Dominik to prevent a tag. Gable with a suplex, Dominik back up and Dominik slapped Gable in the face. Dominik countered a takedown attempt followed by a dropkick. Gable came back with a belly to belly suplex on Dominik. Gable applied a single leg crab submission on Dominik, but Dom turned it into a two count. Dominik with an enziguri kick to the head. Every time Gable tried to tag out, Dominik stopped it. Gable with a leg whip off the ropes, but Dominik avoided it and used the momentum to get a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! with Dominik putting his whole body on top with a stack pin for the victory after three minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Rey & Dominik Mysterio
Analysis: *1/2 A short match that told the story of how smart the Mysterios were to avoid facing Otis since he never tagged into the match, so Rey/Dominik beat Gable to win the match. Rey didn’t even tag in either.
That means The Street Profits will face Rey & Dominik Mysterio in the finals of the RK-Bro-Nament to earn a title shot against Randy Orton & Riddle. That match is next week.
Post match, Riddle tried an interview with the losers, but Otis dropped him with a powerslam.
Vince McMahon was in the office with Austin Theory with Vince informing him that he’s not having a match. Vince told Theory to find some other way to impress him. Theory did some jumping jacks, Vince told him to stop and told Theory to find another way to impress him – use your brains. Theory left.
Finn Balor entered for a singles match.
(Commercial)
Finn Balor vs. T-Bar
Balor ran the ropes for a cross body block, T-Bar caught him with a knee to the ribs and spinning slam across the ring. T-Bar worked over Balor in the corner by putting his foot on the throat followed by a backbreaker. T-Bar with a headlock, then a knee to the ribs and Balor came back with punches. T-Bar went for a power move, but Balor countered it into a forward roll for two. Balor with a double leg takedown followed by a double foot stomp. T-Bar with a boot to the face for two. Balor with a Slingblade neckbreaker takedown. Balor went up top, but T-Bar stopped him there and Balor elbowed him down. Balor up top, he jumped with the Coup de Grace double foot stomp for the pinfall win after four minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Finn Balor
Analysis: ** It was good for a short match. T-Bar has a horrible name, but he’s very good in the ring when he gets the chance to show it. Balor always sells well, makes his opponent look good and then the fans get behind Balor for his comeback. No surprise by this result.
Post match, Austin Theory hit Balor from behind. Theory hit the ATL slam off the shoulders onto his knee. Theory took a selfie with a fallen Balor.
Analysis: Theory was told by Vince McMahon to impress him, so that’s what Theory did. It’s a fresh rivalry for both guys. Balor’s got over 20 years of experience while Theory is in his mid-20s, so Theory can learn and get better from working with Balor.
Dana Brooke was shown with the 24/7 Title backstage while avoiding challengers like R-Truth and Akira Tozawa. Truth said that they had to read the 24/7 Title rulebook to see if he could pin her. Reggie congratulated Dana on the move she used to win the title. Tamina tried to attack Dana, Reggie stood in her way and Brooke left.
Analysis: Yawn. The 24/7 Title is rarely that interesting. The creative team could come up with better segments than this or just get rid of it. I doubt most people would notice if it was gone.
The Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch entered for the main event to a bit of a mixed reaction.
(Commercial)
They showed highlights of Bobby Lashley’s attacks earlier in the show.
Bobby Lashley and MVP were interviewed by Kevin Patrick. MVP said that it was disrespectful to announce a WWE Title match without Lashley and those are the consequences. Lashley told Kevin that’s what happens when you disrespect him.
A video aired about Liv Morgan’s upbringing and the hard worker that she is. She grew up a WWE fan. That’s cool.
Liv Morgan got a pretty good pop from the crowd although this crowd wasn’t that loud for most of the show.
(Commercial)
Raw Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch vs. Liv Morgan
Morgan was aggressive, Lynch to the floor and made Morgan go back. Morgan bounced off the ropes with a shoulder tackle. When Morgan went for a leapfrog, Lynch avoided and grabbed the ankle. Morgan with a pin attempt, but Lynch bridged out of it. Morgan with a cradle for two and another pin attempt, but Lynch powered out of it. Morgan with a backslide pin for two. Lynch decked Morgan with punches and kicks. Lynch charged, Morgan with a back elbow followed by a missile dropkick. Lynch with a kick to the body sent Morgan to the floor. Lynch to the floor, Morgan avoided a move and Lynch hit a double knee attack to the face. Morgan hit a suicide dive onto Lynch with a landing like a cross body block on the floor. Morgan was selling a left arm injury on the landing and back in the ring, Morgan got the two count. Morgan went to the turnbuckle, Lynch met her there and Lynch hit a superplex. They went to a break.
(Commercial)
There were about eight minutes left in the show with setting up Morgan across the middle rope and Lynch hit a leg drop off the middle rope to the back for a two count. Morgan battled back with punches, Lynch with a trip and Lynch hit a reverse DDT for two. Lynch charged, Morgan moved and Lynch hit the turnbuckle. Morgan went to the middle turnbuckle, but Lynch pulled her leg to take her down. Lynch went for a move off the top, Morgan avoided the charge and Morgan hit a step-up enziguri to the head. Both women were down selling with a few minutes left. Morgan with a kick to the chest, then a Thesz Press leading to punches and Morgan hit a backsplash against the turnbuckle. Morgan with a knee to the face. Morgan with a boot to the head and Morgan bounced off the ropes with a double knee attack for two. Lynch charged, Morgan with a headscissors to send Lynch to the apron. Morgan with a double foot stomp to Lynch’s back on the apron. The referee was talking to both women likely to tell them how much time was left. Morgan with a missile dropkick for two. Morgan with the Rings of Saturn arm submission, but Lynch got out of it and went for the Disarm-her, but Morgan got to the ropes. Morgan with an inside cradle for two. Lynch wanted a Manhandle Slam, Morgan countered into a cradle for two. Lynch countered Lynch into a pin attempt with Lynch sitting on top and holding the bottom rope for the three count! Lynch cheated to win again! It went about 15 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Becky Lynch
Analysis: ***1/2 The usual very good match that Lynch always has when she’s given time and I think Morgan showed she’s plenty capable of being a champion. This crowd wasn’t that loud for most of the match, so I think that hurt the women a bit just because there was less drama than you would expect in a match like that. The fans should have got behind Liv more during some of those nearfalls. Lynch won by holding the ropes just like she did over Charlotte Flair over Survivor Series, so it’s a tactic that has worked twice for Lynch. That should play into a finish in the future where it doesn’t work and a referee actually catches it before Lynch loses the title. I’m sure some people will be mad that Liv lost, but I think if there’s a good long term story then most people are going to forget about the December 6 Raw Women’s Title match.
They showed this little girl in the crowd looking sad. Morgan tweeted about it.
I love her https://t.co/5MhIDi4VvI
— LIV Morgan (@YaOnlyLivvOnce) December 7, 2021
Lynch left with her title while Morgan shouted at her that she cheated. The announcers talked over the replay of Lynch holding the bottom rope to get the cheap pinfall win. Lynch celebrated by the entrance area while Morgan was angry in the ring. That was the end of Raw.
Analysis: The cheap ending is a way to keep the story going. Morgan could get a title shot at Day 1 or Royal Rumble and maybe Liv will win at one of those shows. I think they might do the longer-term story where Morgan wins the Royal Rumble, challenges Lynch at WrestleMania and wins the title there. I have a hard time believing that WWE is going to take the title off Lynch before WrestleMania and then not have her be in a huge match at that show. Anyway, that makes Morgan a big time Royal Rumble favorite along with Raquel Gonzalez if she’s in it and Bayley if she’s healthy enough to be back, but I’m not sure if she is. Morgan winning the Rumble would build her up even more by giving her some positive momentum and hopefully leads to Liv getting the title.
Three Stars of the Show
- Big E
- Kevin Owens
- Becky Lynch/Liv Morgan
The Scoreboard
7 out of 10
Last week: 7
2021 Average: 6.16
Final Thoughts
A good show with a strong opening 30 minutes involving the Big E/Owens Steel Cage Match and the aftermath. It was tough for the other stuff to follow. Lynch and Morgan had a very entertaining main event match. It wasn’t great, but still pretty good. Maybe Morgan could have won here, but Lynch’s title run is going to continue.
I think Raw has done a better job of utilizing most of the roster nearly every week since the draft took place. It’s not all great, but they are having matches and segments to utilize more people. I like the potential of a rivalry between Balor/Theory as well. That’s what we need more of on all WWE shows. Fresh stories and feuds like that.
The next WWE pay-per-view is called Day 1 on January 1 in Atlanta. Here’s what we know so far:
WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Brock Lesnar
WWE Championship: Big E (c) vs. Seth Rollins vs. Kevin Owens
Smackdown Tag Team Championships: The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso) (c) vs. The New Day (King Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston)
The Miz vs. Edge
You can watch WWE Day 1 streaming LIVE on New Year’s Day, Saturday Jan. 1 at 8 ET / 5 PT on WWE Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else.
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John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter: @johnreport