Monday Night Raw was live last night in Seattle, Washington. This Saturday, WWE goes down under to Australia for WWE Super Showdown. Who sends the last message before the big event on Saturday?
Raw kicks off with Dean Ambrose. Last week, concern surrounded the Lunatic Fringe because Dean feels like the spare tire of The Shield. Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns have reached tons of success as singles competitors. Dean on the other hand, since returning to Raw has been just the one who is just there.
Commentator Charly Caruso tried to drive a knife in The Shield by showing the examples of Dean conflicting to leave and stab his brothers in the back. Dean retracts and states that The Shield is a brotherhood who stands together. Dean says that he will put all those rumors to rest Saturday in Australia.
Acting General Manager Baron Corbin then came out and gave a try of his own to divide The Shield. He offered Dean opportunities to leave The Shield and cash in on either an opportunity at either Seth’s Intercontinental Championship or Roman’s Universal Championship. However, Dean turned both down and wanted a piece of Corbin. Corbin gave him competition, but it was in the form of the Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman.
Braun Strowman v. Dean Ambrose
Dean knew it was not about winning, but about surviving. Braun overpowered Dean all throughout the match. Dean gave all of his heart, but it was no answer to the power of The Monster. Braun set out to destroy Dean until his brothers came in to the ring, stopping the mauling.
Baron Corbin did not like The Shield saving Dean and not letting him fight his own battles. That is why Corbin set up two matches for the evening. Drew McIntyre versus Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns versus Dolph Ziggler which started right then and there.
Roman Reigns v. Dolph Ziggler
What a match by these two. Roman and Dolph slugged it out to try to send a message to their upcoming 6 man tag team match at Super Showdown. Dolph brought his A game, but it was not enough as Roman was able to capitalize and hit the spear for the win. Message sent loud and clear to Dolph, Drew and Braun.
Ronda Rousey v. Ruby Riott
This Saturday, Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey teams up with The Bella Twins as they take on the Riott Squad at Super Showdown. But that is Saturday. Ruby tried to get the one up and hand Ronda the first loss of her WWE career.
In a highly competitive match, Ronda was able to overcome near defeat to lock in the armbar for the win. Will the result be the same this Saturday at Super Showdown?
Konnor v. Bobby Roode
Last week, Konnor beat Chad Gable in an impressive victory. Can he do the same to The Glorious One?
In a decent match, Konnor was able to pick up another win, beating Bobby Roode with a dominator. What happened to Bobby Roode? He went from being one of the biggest signings to WWE and being a former NXT Champion. He then went to being United States Champion, to a nothing mid-carder. Losing to Konnor is the nail in the coffin of the hype of Bobby Roode. This is not Glorious.
Moment of Bliss
On October 28, Alexa Bliss takes on the 7 time Women’s Champion and Hall of Famer Trish Stratus at the first ever all Women’s Pay Per View, Evolution. Alexa’s Moment of Bliss shared a memory of Alexa’s childhood. Alexa states how she idolized Trish growing up. Then, finally meeting her and attempting to get her autograph.
But, Alexa was heartbroken by Trish’s actions when she met her. Alexa states that Trish burped in her face and ripped her autograph book in her face. Alexa states that Trish is not the hero that she is portrayed to be. That is why she will show why the Goddess is the true hero of this story.
B-Team (Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel) v. The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
Remember when these two were supposed to fight for the Raw Tag Team Championships? These two teams finally now face off. The B-Team was able to win with an innovative roll-up. However, the celebration was cut short when the Authors of Pain ambushed the B-Team. They picked apart and quickly made a statement on the Raw Tag Team Division.
Seth Rollins v. Drew McIntyre
Before the match, backstage Braun, Drew and Dolph tried to find a plan not only for Saturday, but for the upcoming match between Drew and Dolph. In their discussion, there seemed to be dissension in the Dogs of War. Braun stated there is no room for weak links. Can Drew prove that he is not a weak link?
In a highly competitive match, these two are a couple of the best on the roster. This could be a great feud if given the opportunity. Seth seemed to be closing in on the win, when Dolph Ziggler came out to intervene, but never touch Seth. This led to Drew hitting the Claymore for the win. After the match, The Shield and The Dogs of War collided, but The Dogs of War got the last message. They laid out The Shield sending a message to Australia. Which team will stand tall at Super Showdown?
Elias & Kevin Owens
Saturday, Kevin Owens and Elias team up to take on the team of John Cena and Bobby Lashley. Elias and Kevin Owens spoke against their opponents Saturday which led to a comment about the city of Seattle. Elias made a comment about the former NBA team, the Seattle SuperSonics which sent the crowd into a frenzy. It has been a long time since I have heard a crowd boo that loudly and for that long over a small comment about Seattle.
This continued, until Lio Rush brought out his main man Bobby Lashley to take on Kevin Owens.
Bobby Lashley v. Kevin Owens
In a back and forth match, Elias was able to finally get a hold of Lio Rush, which distracted Bobby Lashley long enough to allow Kevin Owens to roll up Bobby for the win. After the match, Kevin and Elias beat down Bobby and Lio, sending a message to John Cena and Bobby before their tag team match Saturday in Australia.
Bayley v. Alicia Fox
To promote their upcoming matchup in the Mixed Match Challenge, Bayley looks to gain momentum over Alicia Fox. In a pretty quick match, Bayley was unstoppable, hitting a Bayley to Belly on Alicia for the pin and the win.
Last Message before the Last Time Ever
This Saturday, Triple H takes on The Undertaker for the last time ever at Super Showdown. Over the past few months, the lines have been drawn preparing for this war in Australia. Triple H will have his best friend Shawn Michaels in his corner while The Undertaker will have his Brother of Destruction Kane in his.
Shawn Michaels made a special appearance in Seattle promoting this upcoming match. This match has become personal. Each man has respect for each other but the personal boundary has been crossed. Shawn continued until Kane interrupted and from out of nowhere attacked Shawn Michaels, leading to The Undertaker to stand alongside his brother to attack Shawn. This continued until Triple H came down to make the save. However, it was not enough as The Brothers of Destruction laid out Shawn Michaels and Triple H. Who wins the Last Time Ever match?
Overall
It was a pretty good episode of Raw. Kinda dragged on for a bit. However, towards the end, it got really good. Elias triggering the entire city of Seattle with a comment about the SuperSonics was classic. Then, The Brothers of Destruction going head to head with Shawn Michaels and Triple H brought back memories. All the feuds heading towards Australia are set and messages have been sent. Now it is time to battle in the Land Down Under.
David Jacobus
Contributing Writer