19 Results and Review

Opening Segment

Monday Night RAW started with Sasha Banks coming to the ring. We were given a video package which reminded us of Banks’ return, attacking Natalya despite her emotional reminiscing about her late father, and beating up Becky Lynch who came in to save Natalya. The package made it obvious that Natalya is a stepping stone to get to Lynch. Back to the live feed, Banks said while she was gone and off TV all she heard was people talk about her. She talked about how she was frustrated over being in a Wrestlemania tag match while Lynch was in the main event. It’s interesting how she said Lynch main evented against Ronda Rousey, ignoring the fact that Charlotte Flair was also in the match. Banks said her return was the perfect timing. She took another cheap shot, mentioning Natalya’s father. Mid-promo, she was interrupted. Natalya came running down the ramp, brawling with her. They fought until they were pulled apart. The broadcast went to break after this. This was fine I guess. I still don’t like the digs Natalya’s father, and I don’t see myself coming around to liking it soon.

After the commercial break, The Street Profits were backstage hyping this episode of RAW. They talked about the King of the Ring matches and explained the tag team turmoil match which is happening later.

Match 1: Ricochet vs. Drew McIntyre (King of the Ring First Round Match)

The first match of the evening was Ricochet versus Drew McIntyre in a King of the Ring first round match. McIntyre was in control at the start, tossing Ricochet across the ring with a belly to belly german suplex. McIntyre was thrown outside the ring. Ricochet tried for a moonsault to the outside off the turnbuckles but McIntrye avoided it. McIntyre avoided a hurricanrana, throwing Ricochet onto the ringside barricade and then the ring apron before we went to commercials. When we came back, McIntyre had Ricochet in a submission hold in the ring. Ricochet started to make a comeback. After a few moves, Ricochet did a missile dropkick, sending McIntyre outside the out. He did a dive over all three ropes to McIntyre. Back in the ring, Ricochet tried to lift up McIntyre but couldn’t. He tried for an inverted huricanrana but couldn’t make McIntyre fly. McIntyre reversed by throwing Ricochet stomach first onto the mat for a two count. Ricochet was picked up and slapped. McIntyre dove into a corner but was caught by Ricochet. Ricochet did a northern lights suplex, but then his next move was reversed, getting tossed by McIntyre. Ricochet landed a kick and then an elbow off the top rope. He hit a standing shooting star press for a two count. Ricochet was on the ring apron and tried for a kick but it was caught, getting hit with a forearm that sent him out of the ring. Ricochet gave McIntyre a kick, then when Ricochet came flying at him, McIntyre countered by headbutting him. They went back in the ring where McIntyre had a Claymore Kick reversed by a superkick. Ricochet landed a few kicks but then was given a clothesline and a powerbomb for a close kickout. McIntyre went to the second rope, with Ricochet on his shoulders. Ricochet got out of the position, then landed a Recoil. Ricochet went to the top rope for a 630 to get the win. Fun match, and it was cool how they played up the size differential. He moves on and will face Samoa Joe next week.

Interview with Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman

In the next segment, we had an interview with Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins, who are the new RAW Tag Team Champions. The interview was recorded last week. Strowman, who is fixated on winning Rollins’ Universal Championship asked who he will face at Clash of Champions in a singles match. He challenged him for his Universal Championship at the PPV, to which Rollins accepted.

Match 2: The Miz vs. Baron Corbin (King of the Ring First Round Match)

The second match of the night was also a King of the Ring first round match. Before The Miz faced Baron Corbin, he cut a promo. The match started with Corbin distracting The Miz by throwing his button-up shirt at him, then punching and kicking him. The Miz gave Corbin a clothesline to outside the ring, then tried for a kick but Corbin avoided it, then landed a punch. So really, the same spot we saw at the start of the Ricochet and Drew McIntyre match too. Corbin ran Miz into a barricade then threw him back in the ring. Corbin did his run around the ringpost and then a clothesline before we went to break. Back from the break, Miz was starting to make a comeback. Miz did double knees in the corner to Corbin. Corbin hit a Deep Six for a two count. After a ton of counters, Miz tried for a roll-up but wasn’t successful. Miz got out of a Deep Six and landed a DDT for a close pin attempt. Miz did Yes Kicks, but Corbin dodged the final one, landing a roll-up. Corbin did his thing around the ring posts, but was hit with a Skull Crushing Finale when getting back in the ring. He kicked out at two. Miz threw Corbin into the barricade outside the ring and then put him back in the ring. Miz went off the top rope but Corbin avoided the move. Corbin hit an End of Days to win the match. This wasn’t an amazing match, but it was still pretty good. Corbin will face Cedric Alexander in the second round. After the match, Corbin put on the crown and sat on the throne on the stage. He cut a decent promo.

Match 3: Bayley vs. Nikki Cross

Before the next match, we were reminded that NXT is moving to USA on September 18th. We were also told that Rey Mysterio will return next week. Bayley faced Nikki Cross, since Bayley crashed Alexa Bliss’ show last week on Smackdown. I can’t say I completely understand this match, because while Bayley crashed the show, she was targeting Charlotte Flair, not Bliss or Cross. Plus people have crashed the show before and it didn’t really matter. Oh well. After a few minutes, Bayley did a sidewalk slam and then an elbow drop to win the match. Unintentional, but the referee sorta did Cross dirty with a quick count at the end.

Match 4: Ivar and Erik (The Viking Raiders) vs. Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas (The B Team) vs. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (The OC) vs. Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler vs. Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik w/ Kalisto (Lucha House Party) vs. Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder (The Revival) vs. Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder vs. Tucker and Otis (Heavy Machinery) (Tag Team Turmoil Match) (RAW Tag Team Championships #1 Contender Match)

The next match was a “tag team turmoil” to decide the #1 contenders for the RAW tag team championship match. To explain the match, two teams face each other, and when one loses another comes out until all eight have come out and the final team has been pinned. The match started with The Viking Raiders and The B Team. The team hit the Viking Experience powerslam to eliminate The B Team. Next came out Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. One of the Viking Raiders did a dive to the outside, which took out his partner and Karl Anderson. After they all brawled in the ring, both teams got disqualified. Well, that’s a way to speed it up. The next two teams were Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler and Lucha House Party. Ziggler gave Metalik a kick to the back of the head to score a pinfall. The Revival were next. The Revival had a near fall, doing a leg drop double team move on Ziggler. They kept Ziggler isolated in their corner of the ring. Roode gave Dawson the Glorious DDT to eliminate The Revival. After a break, Curt Hawkins and Zack Ryder were eliminated. The final team was Heavy Machinery. Roode called a timeout, but Tucker didn’t respect it. Otis got his hot tag and did his caterpillar elbow drop. Roode tried for a roll-up on Otis but it didn’t work. Tucker was tagged in, and they were going to do a double team move but Ziggler disrupted it. He took out Tucket, then gate Otis, who was holding Roode, a ZigZag, onto Tucker. That was a really good move. Roode gave Tucker a Glorious DDT to win the match. Obviously, the crowd had no reaction to a newly made tag team beating Heavy Machinery.

Match 5: Sasha Banks vs. Natalya

In the next match, Sasha Banks faced Natalya. This was the in-ring return for Banks. Natalya gave Banks a good german suplex for a two count. Outside the ring, Natalya was thrown into an office chair and a ringpost. Banks put in a Banks Statement which Natalya tried to fight out of but eventually tapped out of. After the match, Banks left but came back to put in the Banks Statement yet again. What a heel.

Cedric Alexander vs. Cesaro

The next match was between Cedric Alexander and Cesaro. Early on in the fight Alexander tried for a dive but was hit with an uppercut. Cool spot, but that’s the third time tonight that the first dive of the night was reversed. Later on, Alexander landed a dive over the top rope, then did an elbow off the top rope back into the ring. Cesaro did a superplex off of the second rope a few minutes later. After Alexander kicked out, Cesaro transitioned into a half crab. Cesaro tried for an ankle lock, which Alexander got out of, launching Cesaro out of the ring. Cesaro got back in and was given a lumbar check to finish the match. This was a real good match, which should come as no shock to anyone.

AJ Styles vs. Braun Strowman (United States Championship Match)

The main event of the night was AJ Styles facing Braun Strowman in a match for Styles’ United States Championship. Right off the bat, Stowman threw Styles over the top rope and then rap through him with two shoulder tackles. Styles went off the top but was hit with a chokeslam. Styles avoided a pinfall, putting a leg on the bottom rope. Strowman gave Styles a big boot to knock him off the apron. After a break, Styles put in a calf crusher which Strowman escaped. He headbutted Styles for a two count. Stroman tried for a running powerslam, but Styles avoided and went into a ringpost. The referee dodged it by getting onto the ring apron, and then stayed there for a few moments, talking to Strowman for some reason. No surprise, he was knocked off the apron. Styles gave Strowman a low blow and then used a steel chair. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson came out and attacked Strowman. He fought back, and then used a steel chair on them. The referee turned around as Strowman was holding the steel chair, making him ring the bell, thinking he hit Styles with it. After losing, Strowman used the chair against all three members of The OC. The show ended with Strowman standing over everyone else.

Smackdown Live 8/20/19 Results and Review

Last week, Smackdown Live ended with Daniel Bryan saying he will reveal the culprit in the attack against Roman Reigns next week. From Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA, a very suspenseful Smackdown Live show started with Randy Orton.

Kofi Kingston Confronts Randy Orton

The evening began with Randy Orton coming to the ring. On the previous night at RAW, Orton interfered in a New Day tag match, taking out the trio with the help of The Revival. We were told by the commentary team that Xavier Woods is not present at tonight’s show. Speaking of the commentary, David Otunga was replacing Corey Graves this week. He talked about how Kingston dodged their championship match at Summerslam. He then bragged about his attack on Monday, continuing with the “Kofi is stupid” tagline he’s been running with for a while. New Day music hit as his promo was wrapping up. In very Orton-like fashion, Kingston came from the crowd and gave Orton a Trouble In Paradise out of nowhere. When you thought Kingston was leaving, he took a steel chair and wedged an ankle of Orton between it. He went to the second rope but got distracted by The Revival, who came down to the ring. He teed off on Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson with a chair while Orton got away. The commentary described this segment like we’ve never seen Kingston like this, although isn’t that what we got at Summerslam when he snapped? It was an okay segment though.

Before the break, we saw a video package the recent situation between Roman Reigns, Daniel Bryan and Rowan. We were reminded that Bryan said he would come forward with the attacker this week. Honestly, this has been an interesting storyline so far. It’s had a legitimate cliffhanger for a week that I’ve been interested to find out about

Andrade w/ Zelina Vega vs. Apollo Crews (King of the Ring Tournament First Round Match)

In the first of two King of the Ring matches on this episode, Andrade faced Apollo Crews. Before the match, we were given the first televised announcement that NXT is moving to the USA Network on Wednesdays soon. The idea from people within the business was that it would be announced on Monday, and really that seems like the logical way to announce it, but whatever. Before the match, we saw Kevin Owens talking with Shane McMahon backstage. Owens was still torn apart about the 100k dollar fine he was given last week. Owens asked him to reconsider, to which McMahon said he will think about.

Starting off the match quickly, Crews gave Andrade a clothesline for a kickout. Isn’t that how a King of the Ring match started on Monday? Just like Monday, we got a replay of it seconds later as well. Andrade did double knees in the corner for a two count. Crews went for a rollup pin for a two count. Andrade did a hold while on the ropes. He went to the top rope but was hit with a dropkick on the way down. Crews caught Andrade outside the ring, but Andrade turned it into a huricanrana into a steel staircase as we went to break. I really liked that spot. Back from the break, Crews caught a crossbody. Crews hit a double knees for a two count. They traded strikes when they got back up. Crews did a jumping-clotheslines. Crews hit an Olympic Slam for another kickout. Andrade landed a boot after countering a move. He went to the second rope but was hit with a dropkick. Crews picked up Andrade but dropped him due to a hurt hand. Crews was thrown into a corner. Andrade tried for another double knees but Crews avoided it. Crews did a standing shooting star press after a few moves by both fighters. Crews tried picking up Andrade, but Zelina Vega held onto him from outside the ring. When they separated, Andrade hit a spinning back elbow. Andrade hit his Hammerlock DDT for the win. It’s weird how the commentators tout how good Andrade is (referencing how he made Rey Mysterio contemplate retirement), but don’t call out how he cheats to win. Even after the match they praised him.

Backstage, we saw Daniel Bryan and Rowan carry someone into a room with a towel over their head. After that, we saw Elias spot an undercover referee backstage. The referee told him that Drake Maverick was in a container. He made Maverick read a statement from Shane McMahon that suspended the 24/7 Championship for the night so that Elias could focus on his match.

A Moment of Bliss w/ Charlotte Flair

Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross hosted A Moment of Bliss with their special guest this week being Charlotte Flair. Bliss said that Flair asked to be on the show. Flair said she is the “Queen of all eras” and the “face of the Smackdown women’s brand.” Bliss claimed that “some would say” Bayley is the current face. After Flair explained why she thinks she’s better, Bayley came out to confront her. Bayley said Flair is angry that she isn’t the champ. Flair said she will restore the belt’s value when she beats her at Clash of Champions. Bayley accepts the challenge to face her at the PPV. She pushed Flair off of her chair and then left. Wow, easy night for Bliss and Cross. I don’t like Bayley being this very cocky character. It just doesn’t feel right on her, especially because of her track record as not being a super cocky character.

Daniel Bryan w/ Rowan vs. Buddy Murphy

Backstage we saw Roman Reigns confront Buddy Murphy. Murphy said he thought it was Rowan who attacked him. Reigns said he will beat him up if he lies again. A week after he faced Reigns, Buddy Murphy faced Daniel Bryan this week. Before the match, Bryan called him a liar. Similar to Bryan’s Wrestlemania 28 match, he was distracted when the bell rang, and was hit right of the bat. Murphy hit a flying knee for a two count. He gave Bryan landed tons of kicks in the corner. Later, Murphy sent Bryan outside the ring with a clothesline then landed a dive over the top rope as we went to commercials. Back from the break, Murphy landed a dropkick off the second rope. He went to the top rope again, landing a double knees this time. Bryan put in a Lebell Lock and then transitioned into a Rings of Saturn. Going back to the Lebell Lock, Murphy put a foot on the ropes to save himself. Bryan started doing Yes Kicks. Murphy avoided a kick and landed one of this own. Murphy was hung upside down in the ropes and was given a dropkick to the head. Bryan put Murphy on the top rope and did a belly-to-back superplex for a two count. He did kicks to Murphy in the corner while screaming “Liar! Liar!” Murphy reversed a move, doing a superkick in the corner and a running powerbomb for a close kickout. They got up and traded punches. Bryan tried for a move but was reversed into a rollup. Murphy did a brainbuster after a few strikes, but Bryan put his foot on the rope to kick out. Rowan got on the apron. Murphy got distracted by Rowan. Bryan tried for a rollup but was thrown off and into Rowan. Murphy tried for a superkick but hit Rowan. Bryan tried for a roll-up but couldn’t get it. Murphy landed a knee and then a Murphy’s Law to win the match.

This was a very good match. I have no real issues with it. Maybe a few too many pin attempts, but the match was great overall. It wasn’t really clear why Rowan stayed on the apron for so long, or got on it in the first place. Maybe he just wanted a better view.

After the break, Buddy Murphy was going to get interviewed backstage. He was jumped before the interview got off the ground, with Rowan beating him up. Bryan screamed at him about being a liar the whole time.

Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder (The Revival) vs. Otis & Tucker (Heavy Machinery)

The Revival came out and challenged The New Day to a Championship match. Their promo was cut off by their opponents for this week, Heavy Machinery. Both Revival members had wrapping around their mid-section due to the steel chair attack earlier. Tucker and Wilder started the bout. Tucker put Wilder in a bear hug. He tagged in Otis, and passed Wilder to him, where he continued the bear hug. Tucker got tagged back in. They did dual vertical suplexes, holding their opponents high for a long time. We went to break after that spot. After the break, Wilder and Tucker were back in the ring. Wilder did a bulldog off a corner for a two count. Dawson got tagged in and tried for a senton but Tucker avoided it. Otis got the hot tag against Dawson. He spun around Wilder before doing a slam. He did a splash in a corner, and then did his famous caterpillar elbow drop. Otis tried for a compactor but got it broken up. Tucker took down Dawson but Wilder went for a rollup to get the win because of the predicament. It was a decent match but the finish made it fall flat.

Chad Gable cut a promo backstage about being called an underdog in the King of the Ring tournament. Behind him, his opponent Shelton Benjamin put a sign on a door. The sign said “You must be at least this tall to participate in the King of the Ring Tournament.” He didn’t find that too funny.

MizTV w/ Sami Zayn

We were given another reminder that NXT is moving to Wednesdays. In the next segment, The Miz hosted another episode of MizTV with Sami Zayn. In a two-hour show, two of these talk show segments feels like too much. Zayn admits early that he only wanted to be on this show so he could get TV time. He said there is people on Smackdown who needs his help. He brought Shinsuke Nakamura out. Nakamura said Zayn speaks for him. Nakamura kicked Miz in the groin, then did tons of knees. He did a kick in the corner and a Kinshasa to end the brawl. So I guess Nakamura is a follower of Zayn now, which is weird since Nakamura has a belt and Zayn is on a losing streak.

Elias vs. Kevin Owens (King of the Ring Tournament First Round Match)

We saw Daniel Bryan and Rowan backstage again. They went into the room where the disguised attacker was. They said Roman Reigns was on the way. Shane McMahon brought Kevin Owens back into the room. McMahon asked for an apology for laying his hands on him last week. Without hesitation, he apologized. McMahon said if Owens ever touches another WWE official he will be fired. McMahon refused a handshake before Owens walked off.

In the final match of the night, Kevin Owens faced Elias in the first round of the King of the Ring. Elias landed a shoulder tackle early on. Owens send Elias over the ropes, but avoided doing a dive as Elias ran out of the way. Elias threw Owens into a barricade before throwing him back in the ring. Owens did a cannonball in the corner of the ring for a two count. After this, Shane McMahon’s music hit and he sat at ringside. Owens did a frogsplash onto the floor during the commercial break. Later on, Owens did a dropkick off the second rope and then a senton. He tried for a pop-up powerbomb but Elias reversed it. Owens went to the second rope, but Elias put him on his shoulders and landed a powerbomb for a kickout. Both on the top rope, Elias was knocked onto the canvas. Owens tried for a Shooting Star Press but Elias put his knees up. Owens sent Elias outside the ring and then did a cannonball off the apron. Outside the ring, McMahon interfered. He took off his shirt and revealed his referee shirt. Owens was back in the ring and distracted, getting attacked by Elias. Owens tried for a stunner but was almost thrown into Shane. Elias went for a roll-up, with McMahon giving him a fast count to end it. Well, I guess that’s better than being fired.

The Attacker Is Revealed

Backstage, we saw Roman Reigns arrive in the room backstage. They unmasked the person, who looked like a Rowan lookalike. Apart from balding grey hair, he had a similar face and the long ginger beard. All three of them stared at a confused Reigns as the show ended. So, quite a way to end it. Um, I guess Reigns’ emotion at the ended conveys mine as well: pure confusion. Going into next week it’s not as intriguing, but I’ll still be interested to see where they go from here.

This show had some pretty good matches. The best was easily Daniel Bryan versus Buddy Murphy and Andrade versus Apollo Crews. While this show had it’s flaws, it flew by pretty quickly.

WWE RAW 2/18/19 Results and Review

Let’s look at the RAW that happened the night after the 2019 Elimination Chamber PPV.

Opening Segment

Before RAW started, we saw a photo remembering Pedro Morales. Monday Night RAW started with Triple H in the ring. He talked about the Elimination Chamber, which was last night. HHH mentioned how the first members of the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2019 is D-Generation X. He then dropped an even bigger announcement, saying that NXT wrestlers will be debuting tonight. The wrestlers that debuted were Ricochet, Aleister Black, Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa. Gargano and Ciampa are both champions in NXT currently.

Braun Stroman vs. Baron Corbin (Tables Match)

Braun Stroman faced Baron Corbin in the first match, with the stipulation being a tables match. This comes after Stroman was Triple Powerbombed through two tables on the night before. At the start of the match, both guys fought extensively outside of the ring. They made their way to the announce table but were back in the ring when we came back from commercials. Corbin went off the apron at one point and was met with steel stairs from Stroman. Corbin did a move where he went outside the ring, around a ringpost and back in, but when he went back in he was caught for a Running Powerslam through a table to end the match. I love when we get stipulation matches on TV, but this wasn’t the best match. It felt like 90% of it was outside the ring, which was a little too much for me. As Stroman was leaving, Paul Heyman was on the ramp. Stroman grabbed onto Heyman but didn’t do anything to him.

Paul Heyman Talking

Heyman had a microphone but struggled to speak. After a break, he was more able to speak. He talked about Brock Lesnar, and then a video package played that featured him. It included footage of his college wrestling and his earlier years of wrestling, and MMA photos.

Finn Balor & Ricochet vs. Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush

Finn Balor came into the ring in the next segment and talked. He was giving a generic story about representing the title or whatever until Lio Rush came out. Rush said that Bobby Lashley deserves to be the champion. Lashley came from behind and jumped Balor. Both guys picked on Balor until Ricochet came out. Ricochet saved Balor, and then after a break, we got a match. After Balor was in the ring for a long time, he started to tease tagging in Ricochet. Ricochet eventually got tagged in and went wild on everyone. Ricochet did a back 450 Splash to end the match. Ricochet didn’t get a ton of time in the ring, but showed off his skills in the time he had.

Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik) w/ Kalisto vs. Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder

The next match was Lucha House Party versus Hawkins and Ryder. A week or so ago there was a segment where Ryder told Hawkins that he will get him out of his losing streak. Hawkins seemed to be somewhat in control of this match but then lost it all after Metalik on the apron distracting him, making him get put into a roll-up to end the match. Curt’s losing streak continues, but he seems to be improving.

Heavy Machinery & Lacey Evans Segment

Heavy Machinery was brought out to be interviewed. They talked about how they get the job done. During the interview, Lacey Evans walked up and down the ramp and then left, similarly to what she did the night before. Heavy Machinery walked down the ramp after, doing a chest bump at one point. They did a Bushwacker march around Evans.

The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder) vs. #DIY (Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano)

The Revival fought Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano in the next match. Fun fact, all members of this match currently hold championship belts. #DIY won the match with a double team move onto Scott Dawson where Gargano did a Superkick while Ciampa did a running knee. This felt like a tough match because no matter who wins you’re making someone who should be treated important lose. We saw another promo with Kevin Owens this week. He nearly dropped his phone but picked it up. These videos feel so weird. Like, what are they getting at with this goofier Owens.

Sasha Banks and Bayley Celebrate Their Win

Sasha Banks and Bayley, who are the first women’s tag team champions, made an appearance. They both talked about their win. As they finished their segment, Nia Jax and Tamina came out. They tried to storm Banks and Bayley but were unsuccessful. The crowd went mild. Before the next segment, we saw a video package promoting DX being inducted into the Hall of Fame. We were told that the tickets for the Hall of Fame Ceremony go on-sale on Friday.

Dean Ambrose vs. Drew McIntyre

The next match was Dean Ambrose versus Drew McIntyre. Ambrose got McIntyre outside the ring an then did a dive. Back in the ring Ambrose landed a Neckbreaker. McIntyre dodged a move and then hit a Claymore Kick. Korakuen Hall crowd right now. He landed another to end the match. It’s like they’re playing a game of which WWE writer can bury Ambrose the most. We saw another video package about Brock Lesnar.

Elias vs. Aleister Black

Elias came out for a performance. Before he got to start his song, Aleister Black came out. They had their scheduled match after. Black won the match with a Black Mass Kick. This match was short but made Aleister look good. We were reminded that next week will be the Birthday Celebration for Ric Flair, live from Atlanta, GA.

Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan vs. Ronda Rousey (WWE RAW Women’s Championship Match)

The main event of RAW was a rematch from last night. I’m sorry, why? Riott got beat pretty decisively the night before. Riott turned a Triangle Choke into a pin attempt which made Ronda let go of it. This match went way longer than their PPV match, with Riott actually getting quite a bit of moves in. Riott tried for a move off the top rope but Rousey tried turning it into an Armbar. Riott’s buddies dragged her out but ate a Crossbody off the top rope to the outside because of it. Riott tried for a Reverse Huricanrana but got thrown into a corner instead. Rousey put in the Armbar to win the match and retain her Championship.

This was an interesting RAW. No storylines moved forward, but it wasn’t a bad episode either.

WWE RAW 2/4/19 Results and Review

Live from Portland, Oregon, RAW started with Stephanie McMahon in the ring. Before she could introduce whoever she would bring out, Becky Lynch came out. Stephanie got her introduction out after Becky came out. She played a video of when Becky confronted Rousey on RAW last week. It was pointed out that Becky was wearing a knee brace tonight. Stephanie pleaded Becky to get a medical evaluation. Remember that Becky drove away from Smackdown last week because she feared she would have to be sidelined again. Stephanie said that she won’t let her compete unless she is cleared by the staff. Lynch started to talk about struggle, saying that Stephanie has never had to struggle in her life. She continued by saying that nobody will stop her. Stephanie says that if Becky doesn’t see the doctor, she will be suspended. Becky didn’t let up, so she was officially suspended.

Once Stephanie turned around, she got attacked by Becky. Becky tried putting on the Disarmer, but couldn’t. While limping she beat up some security guards. Poor Stephanie seems to get put in a submission move by every top women’s wrestler. First Ronda and now Becky. After the break we saw Lynch getting escorted out of the building. She stopped walking, seeing Ronda Rousey. Rousey was angry that Lynch threw away their Wrestlemania main event. Personally I actually really enjoyed this segment. They are making it obvious that Lynch is a anti-authority, and a go by the beat of her own drum type of character. Rousey’s promo backstage was also very well done.

Liv Morgan w/ Sarah Logan & Ruby Riott vs. Ronda Rousey

The first match of RAW this week was LIv Morgan versus Ronda Rousey. As the bell rang Morgan immediately ran out of the ring. After more tomfoolery, Rousey put in an Armbar to win the match. Right after, Rousey called out anyone else who wanted to fight her.

Sarah Logan w/ Liv Morgan & Ruby Riott vs. Ronda Rousey

Sarah Logan came in, and another match happened. Logan was put in an Armbar, but escaped as her two friends dragged her to the ropes. This fight went through the commercials, but Rousey won with an Armbar eventually. Ruby Riott considered fighting Ronda, but didn’t. Good, because I wouldn’t want to see a third match. It would just get too grating at that point.

Heavy Machinery (Otis Dozovic & Tucker Knight) vs. Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik) vs. The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder) vs. The B-Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) (WWE RAW Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Match)

The next match was a four corner survival match, with the winning team getting a tag team title shot. Otis did a great move where he did the dance move The Worm, and then a standing Elbow Drop. The Revival landed a Shatter Machine to win the match. Backstage we saw a backstage segment between Zack Ryder and Curt Hawkins. Ryder said that they will end Curt’s multi-year losing streak as a team.

Kurt Angle Tries To Retire

Kurt Angle came to the ring to address his future. He talked about how he has had success over the course of his career, but recently has had trouble. He said that there is one opponent that he can not defeat. “That opponent is father time.” Before he finished what people thought was his retirement speech, Baron Corbin cut him off. After Corbin insulted him, Angle said he could break his ankle in two. Well, he had the chance to last time they fought. Drew McIntyre, someone else who break Angle, came out too. McIntyre said that they will put out Angle for good. They then charged towards the ring, but were distracted by Braun’s music hitting. Braun made the save, making Corbin and McIntyre leave. Man, could you make Angle look any more weak? At one point McIntyre made a pretty good observation, mentioning how Angle wanted to retire but then wanted to fight again only minutes later when Corbin came out. It was announced later that Angle will tag with Stroman.

Sasha Banks & Bayley vs. Alicia Fox & Nikki Cross (WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Qualifying Match)

The next match was scheduled to be Bayley and Sasha Banks versus Alicia Fox and Nikki Cross. As Banks’ music hit before the match, we saw that they got jumped on the ramp. A brawl broke out between the four wrestlers. Even though Banks and Bayley seemed pretty laid out from the attack, when we came back from the break the match was underway. The winning team of this match would be added to the Elimination Chamber match for the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Fox landed a Scissor Kick for a two count. Bayley won the match with a roll-up, which is lame but whatever.

Jeff Jarrett vs. Elias

Road Dogg introduced Jeff Jarrett. They both sang a song together. After too much singing, Elias finally cut them off. Elias said he turned down the Super Bowl, and went to a city where there isn’t even a football team. Jarrett had heard enough, saying “Don’t sing it, bring it.” Their match started after this. Elias won his match but was attacked by Road Dogg afterwards. The legends made a comeback, and Jarrett hit Elias in the back with a guitar. The guitar did not break. I just didn’t have interest in any of this. Jarrett was a cool Rumble surprise entrant, but what made it cool was that it would most likely just be a one night return. Backstage we saw Dana Brooke apologize to Natalya for costing her their tag match last week. After being ignored, Brooke decided to book a match against Nattie. Cool.

Finn Balor vs. Lio Rush w/ Bobby Lashley

Before Finn Balor’s match, he did an interview where he admitted that an arm of his is still injured from the Kimura that Brock Lesnar put him in last week. When Balor’s opponent, Bobby Lashley came out he and his assistant Lio Rush cut a promo. Lashley claimed he is better than Brock Lesnar. Since Lashley thought Finn should fight people his own size, he’s going to fight Lio Rush tonight. If he entertains Lashley, he could get a Intercontinental Title shot down the line. Lashley attacked Balor before the bell. Lashley was banned from ringside early on. Balor tired for a Coup de Grace but Rush stopped it before it happened. Rush kept Balor at the top rope and did a Huricanrana. Balor landed a Swingblade and then tried for something else but Rush reversed it into a roll-up. Rush tried for a Frogsplash but Balor dodged. He was positioned up and given the Coup de Grace to end the match. Lashley stormed the ring afterwards but Balor escaped.

“A Moment of Bliss” With EC3

Paige made a special appearance right after the match. She told everyone about her upcoming move “Fighting With My Family.” A trailer then played. After the break, Alexa Bliss had another episode of “A Moment of Bliss.” Her guest this week was EC3. Nia Jax and Tamina came out as the interview was just starting. Dean Ambrose also interrupted. Ambrose said that Nia has a huge crush on him. When Ambrose asked who EC3 was he knocked his microphone out of his hand. Dean absolutely went in on EC3, and then got punched in the face. EC3 went the whole segment without talking.

EC3 vs. Dean Ambrose

After the break we saw Ambrose versus EC3. EC3 won the match in short time after reversing a move into a Jackknife Pinfall. That makes it another match that Ambrose has lost. Ambrose’s stock is dropping by the second. People question if Ambrose’s contract expiring in April is true, and personally I think it is. It wasn’t mentioned at all on this show, so I don’t see why it would be a part of a storyline. But we’ll have to wait and see.

Drew McIntyre & Baron Corbin vs. Braun Stroman & Kurt Angle

The main event of the show was Braun Stroman and Kurt Angle versus Drew McIntyre and Baron Corbin. Late in the match Angle got a hot tag, giving McIntyre and Corbin German Suplexes. The match was thrown out after Stroman attacked Corbin. Stroman wasn’t the legal competitor. Like, can they even tell this story with honesty? Because illegal members attacking legal members is a huge part of tag team matches. Corbin and McIntyre attacked Angle. They put a steel staircase in the ring and set up for a move, but Stroman came in to end stop them and use the staircase himself. This match being the main event showed how little the show mattered this week. This was a real boring episode where nothing happened besides Becky Lynch being suspended.

Smackdown Live 1/29/19 Results and Review

This week Smackdown Live started with a recap of Becky Lynch’s Royal Rumble win, and her confrontation with Ronda Rousey on Monday. When we went to the live arena we saw Becky Lynch come to the ring. The crowd had paper signs that said “The Man,” similar to last night. I think this is one of those things that the WWE production hands out to the crowd. After Becky did a short promo Charlotte Flair came out. Flair taunted her, saying that she finally made it off the kickoff show. I thought Charlotte didn’t come off as a believable heel in this scene. Just the way she delivered lines, I guess. After Charlotte finished talked she got punched in the face. Lynch walked away confidently but then got hit from behind on the ramp. They brawled until it was broken up. This was a good way to start the show. I wished that they had some sort of lead into what was happening in the next segment. Like when the brawl was being broken up they could have made someone have their entrance.

R-Truth vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (United States Championship Match)

After the break R-Truth and Carmella came out to the ring. R-Truth was angry about how his #30 Royal Rumble spot was robbed by Nia Jax. To make up for this, he was granted a United States Championship match. After a commercial break there was a confusion as R-Truth did a roll-up pin where Shinsuke kicked out but the ref counted three. There was a pause, and then R-Truth was declared the new champion. After that Rusev came out with Lana. Rusev challenged him to a match, whatever the reason was I didn’t catch cause my feed cut out for a minute. Carmella shoved Lana which made her fall over, and then my feed cut out again, and then after the break we came back to a match. My feed cut out again, and apparently R-Truth beat Rusev. That seems hard to believe, and if it was true seems sad. Rusev lost clean to R-Truth? Also, was Rusev the heel in this? Because he certainly wasn’t a heel on Sunday. Truth was jumped after the match by Nakamura and Rusev. Backstage we saw Becky Lynch leaving the venue. When asked why she wouldn’t let the doctors evaluate her, she said she’s done being sidelined.

Andrade Attacks Rey Mysterio

Rey Mysterio came out for a match. Before his opponent came out, Zelina Vega said that she knew Mysterio orchestrated her getting banned from ringside with the last match between Mysterio and Andrade. Andrade tried for a Three Amigos but Mysterio escaped the third one and tried for a 619. The 619 was blocked, with Andrade landing his Hammerlock DDT to finish off Mysterio. I hope that these two guys get built for a PPV match because they deserve that sort of a stage for this.

The Miz and Shane McMahon Celebrate Their Title Victory

The Miz and Shane McMahon came out to celebrate their tag team Championship victory. As a present for The Miz, Shane showed a video package on the team’s journey to becoming champions. Shane then brought out The Miz’s father. On a mic, Miz’s dad said he loves him and is proud of him. Backstage we saw Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose declare themselves for the Elimination Chamber Tag Team Championship match. So people on RAW have to win a match to qualify, and they just get the walk into it? Mandy Rose showed a clip from 2015 on the show Tough Enough, showing Naomi criticize Rose, which is apparently why Rose has held a grudge against her. This felt dumb since the Tough Enough clip at hand was people taking wrestling moves and having no reaction to them.

The Usos vs. The New Day vs. The Bar vs. Heavy Machinery (Elimination Tag Team Match)

We had a fatal-four-way elimination tag team match next with Heavy Machinery’s first match on Smackdown. They beat The Ascension last week on RAW. The two big guys in this match were Otis Dozivic and Big E, who faced off for some time in this match. The commentary team continued to talk about Mandy Rose minutes into the match. Kofi was the first elimination as Heavy Machinery gave them their double team move “The Compactor.” Before a commercial break The Usos were planning to do double dives to the outside, but only one of them dove since the other one was distracted that they got tagged out by Sheamus. Because of this, the one that dove got picked on outside the ring. Sheamus gave Tucker Knight a Brouge Kick to eliminate Heavy Machinery. Right after that Jimmy Uso gave both Sheamus and Cesaro a Superkick, dove to the outside to take out Cesaro, and then Jey did a Frogsplash to win the match.

Closing Segment

Daniel Bryan came out to the ring to cut a promo on his WWE Championship win on Sunday. He said that this win was a win for everyone. He then introduced Erick Rowan, his new henchman. Bryan talked about how he is a hypocrite for carrying around the WWE Championship. He talked about the cow that was killed to make the belt, calling it Daisy. He threw it in the garbage and then unveiled a new belt that was made of rocks, wood and hemp. While talking about the belt he was interrupted by AJ Styles. Randy Orton came out as we went to a commercial break. After the break all of the sudden Jeff Hardy is in the ring, and Mustafa Ali is coming to the ring. Samoa Joe came out right after, and everyone was talking trash to each other. After Joe mentioned Styles’ wife, everyone started brawling. As Bryan is on top of the announce table saying that he won’t let any of them fight him, Triple H appears on the big screen and says that Bryan will defend his belt in an Elimination Chamber match. This was such a poorly constructed ending to the show. There was explainable reason why so many people came out at the end.

WWE RAW 1/21/19 Results and Review

Monday Night RAW began this week with a tribute to Martin Luther King since today is Martin Luther King Day in the United States. MLK was given a 10 bell salute. After this, Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman came to the ring. Heyman talked about how Finn Balor pinned John Cena last week. Heyman said that Lesnar trained for Braun Stroman but will be fighting Balor, who is a completely different style. He said that Balor will be a martyr when he faces Lesnar. This was a good promo from Heyman. After Heyman finished his promo, Vince McMahon came out. Vince told Heyman that he should promote the fight as more of a David vs. Goliath story, but doesn’t believe that Finn can actually defeat Brock. Braun Stroman came out shortly after as well.

Of course, McMahon and Stroman are still on bad terms because Stroman flipped his limousine last week. Stroman says that once Brock defends his belt he will be ready to rip him apart like one of Vince’s limos. The talk of the town, Finn Balor, finally came out after this. Finn reminded us that he earned his title match by beating three people last week. After Finn says he will beat Brock Lesnar, Brock left to the ramp. To finally end the segment, Vince booked Braun Stroman vs. Finn Balor for after the break.

This was one of those straining 25-minute openings for RAW. This felt like a step backwards after what was a pretty good opening last week. It’s good that Stroman is still involved in these segments since he is most likely the Wrestlemania program against Lesnar.

Braun Stroman vs. Finn Balor

Brock Lesnar was sitting at ringside for this match. The match was nearing its end when Balor headed to the top rope for the Coup de Grace. Instead, Stroman shoved him off the ropes and sent him to the outside where he was caught and thrown down by Lensar. For some reason, the match didn’t end via DQ, with Balor diving to the outside onto Lesnar on two different occasions, and then reversing Stroman’s momentum for a Coup de Grace. Lesnar came in the ring and landed an F5. The match ended via DQ this time. So, I’m sorry, is Balor so good that he nearly beat Stroman, the original #1 contender, while fighting off the champion Brock Lesnar?

Bobby Lashley’s Championship Celebration

The next segment on RAW was Bobby Lashley’s Intercontinental Championship celebration. Lio Rush wore the title and talked for Lashley. Lashley got on a pedestal and got the championship put on him. His posing session was interrupted by Apollo Crews. Crews was challenged to a pose-off. He took the challenge. Both guys took turns posing, with Apollo’s last pause being broken up by Lashley jumping him. Lashley got taken out of the ring, and then caught Rush, who was thrown.

Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush vs. Apollo Crews

After a commercial break, we came back to Lashley versus Crews, which was already underway. As Crews was ahead in the match, Lio Rush got on the apron. Rush was brought into the ring and picked up by Crews. While still holding Rush, Crews got speared by Lashley to end the match. After the match commentator Michael Cole said: “a lot of leeway given by the referee” as if the first match didn’t let a DQ slide.

Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre

Before the next match, it was announced that the Bella Twins will be on Jimmy Fallon on Friday. Seth Rollins was in the ring and talked about how we could learn a lot from Martin Luther King. He someone tied MLK into his own situation. Seth says that the Rumble this weekend will be a longshot, but his whole life has been a longshot. He cut a pretty good promo. I don’t know if comparing himself to Martin Luther King was the best thing to do though. Drew McIntyre came out and cut a promo of his own after. These two fought an already scheduled match after a commercial break. Late in the match, Rollins tried for a Draping Double Stomp but was thrown off the ropes. McIntyre was hit with a Superkick for a two count. Both wrestlers traded chops, with McIntyre winning the exchange because of a headbutt. McIntyre gave Rollins a Samoan Drop off the second rope but Rollins kicked out. He was given a Powerbomb and kicked out again. Wow, McIntyre must be weak. McIntyre picked up Rollins for a Clothesline but Rollins reversed it into a roll-up for the win. Felt odd to finish a move-heavy match like that with a roll-up.

Backstage we saw Vince McMahon talking The Revival and Curt Hawkins. The Revival was asking for a guest referee for a match. Vince decides to make Hawkins the guest referee for The Revival’s match.

Jinder Mahal & The Singh Brothers vs. Lucha House Party

After the break, we saw a promo from Dean Ambrose, who also quoted MLK and then compared the quote to his situation. Our next match was a six-man tag match with The Singh Brothers and Jinder Mahal facing Lucha House Party. I don’t know the last time I saw the brothers compete, but it was a nice surprise. During this match Corey Graves was in full banter mode, telling people that Kalisto’s mask is fused to his head. Gran Metalik pinned a Singh Brother after a Tilt-A-Whirl Backbreaker. Someone was coming in for a pin but seemingly didn’t get there in time, and that was the finish. I think this was a genuine mistake. You could hear a sense of shock in the commentators after this happened. After this, we saw a video package for EC3 and then saw him talking to Dana Brooke backstage.

Elias vs. Baron Corbin

In the next segment, Elias performed in the ring. Before Elias got to perform a song he was cut off by Baron Corbin. Corbin is no longer in a position of power, but this was yet another week where he came out in formal clothing. Elias got Corbin’s mic cut, and then made a song about him. Corbin eventually charged the ring and dodged a swing of a guitar. Corbin put away Elias with an End of Days.

“A Moment of Bliss” Women’s Royal Rumble Edition

We had another “Moment of Bliss” segment this week. Alexa Bliss announced a list of women’s wrestlers who will be in the Rumble. Her guest this week was Nia Jax. Before Nia got a sentence in, Ember Moon came out to say that she would win the rumble. Then came Alicia Fox, Mickie James, The Riott Squad, Nikki Cross and Tamina. Bliss got fed up with all of the run-ins and stood on her chair and listed reasons as to why they shouldn’t brawl. Of course, they all brawled to the backstage. This left just Bliss, who said that the women in the Rumble are passionate. She then announces that she will also be performing in the Royal Rumble match. Lacey Evans came out, took Bliss’ mic and said that she will win the match. “A Moment of Bliss’ goes 0 for 3.

The Ascension vs. Heavy Machinery

The next match was a quick squash match for Heavy Machinery. The team did a pretty cool finishing move. Otis Doszovic did the worm during the match as well.

The Revival vs. Bobby Roode & Chad Gable (WWE RAW Tag Team Championship Match) (Curt Hawkins Guest Referee Match)

The next tag team match was for the tag championship. Roode was on a roll late into this match but got a move reversed into a Crossbody by Hawkins. During a pin attempt, Dawson was pinning down Roode’s feet. Hawkins caught this. During another pin attempt later, Hawkins had his feet on the ropes. Hawkins saw this as well. Dawson reversed a Crossbody into a roll-up but the pinfall was stopped due to Dawson pulling the tights. Gable won off of a roll-up after Hawkins broke up another cheating attempt from The Revival. It looks like Curt Hawkins is the best referee in WWE history. Hawkins was attacked after the match, which made Zack Ryder come out to help out Hawkins.

Ronda Rousey & Natalya vs. Sasha Banks & Bayley

The main event was a four-woman tag match to promote the women’s tag match. Before this match, Ronda cut a promo backstage where it was hard to understand what kind of tone she was trying to convey. The rivalry between Banks and Ronda is the big story in this. Ronda put Banks in an Armbar but Banks rolled to the ropes. Natalya was tagged in and did a Sharpshooter, but Bayley broke it up. Bayley took Ronda off the apron and then got hit with a Clothesline by Natalya. Banks put Natty into a Banks Statement to end the match. This match was lame for the most part but had a pretty good ending sequence.