Monday Night Raw was live last night in Providence, Rhode Island. With both WWE Crown Jewel and WWE Evolution right around the corner, Raw looks to be a Monday Night on the verge of mayhem.

   Raw kicks off with the Universal Champion Roman Reigns. He comes out not as Roman Reigns. He comes out himself, Joe Anoa’i. He apologizes to the WWE Universe because unfortunately, he has to relinquish the WWWE Universal Championship due to his recurring battle with leukemia, dating back to 2008.

   He states this is not a retirement speech but, a goodbye for now. He states he will kick cancer’s ass again and make his way back to WWE. Knowing how much this meant to Roman, my thoughts and prayers go to him for a speedy battle over this terrible disease.

Finn Balor v. Bobby Lashley

   With Roman in our thoughts, the show must go on. Lio Rush introduced his client, Bobby Lashley. The action kicks off with Finn Balor as he looks to settle the score with Bobby Lashley.

   In a very competitive match, Bobby looked to have the match in hand. He has it in his grasp until Finn was able to use his quickness to roll up Lashley for a huge win.

Sasha Banks v. Ruby Riott

   This Sunday, history will be made as WWE presents the first ever all women’s pay per view, Evolution. At the show, Sasha will team up with Bayley and Natalya to take on the three members of the Riott Squad. This match is a glimpse of the amount of action before Sunday.

   The match was back and forth, especially with the two teams at ringside. The Riott Squad at ringside attempt to get involved in the match, but Bayley and Natalya put a stop to it. However, the distraction led to Ruby to hit the Riott kick on Sasha for the win. They are the team taking momentum to  Evolution on Sunday.

DX Reunion

   At WWE Crown Jewel, for the first time ever, D-Generation X will reunite to take on the Brothers of Destruction. Over the last few weeks, idle threats and jabs have been thrown between the Brothers of Destruction and DX.

   Triple H and Shawn Michaels make rebuttals to the remarks left by The Undertaker and Kane last week. They state that they know they are not young. They are not who they used to be. However, they are still ass-kickers. These two have always been in the ring and building this army.

Paul Heyman Responds

   It was announced that due to the unfortunate circumstances regarding Roman Reigns, the now vacant Universal Championship will be defended at WWE Crown Jewel between Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar.

   Paul Heyman comes out and gives his respect to Roman Reigns. He states that Roman Reigns did what he did to be the very best on Raw. The Universal Championship is the title that shows the very best in WWE.

   After giving his respectful words to Roman, Paul states that Braun is not on the same level as his client, Brock Lesnar. He states Brock will reclaim his Universal Championship and take it to the octagon in UFC.

   Braun comes down and states that he will kick his ass all over Crown Jewel and bring the Universal Championship back to Monday Night Raw.

   After Braun calls out Lesnar, from behind Drew McIntyre levels Braun with a Claymore kick. Drew stated earlier in the night, he was going monster hunting, and he has delivered the first blow.

Elias v. Apollo Crews

   Elias comes out to perform to the WWE Universe. Right as he sets to begin, outcomes Apollo Crews. A match that was set up after the actions of last week.

   In a highly competitive match, Elias was able to capitalize on Apollo’s sole mistake, which led to Elias hitting the Drift Away for the win. A big win to begin momentum for Elias to hopefully something big down the road.

   After the match, he feels good about his win so much, he attempts to sing another song. Before it happens, Acting General Manager Baron Corbin halts it because it is taking up too much time on the show. Each throw jabs, especially when Baron threatens Elias to get off or get fired.

   Elias denies his threat and sings a song directed towards Baron. Baron dislikes Elias and cuts off his mic and guitar. Elias then walks off, or we think he walks off. Elias comes back and levels Baron with a guitar.

Ronda Rousey and Nikki Bella Contract Signing

   This Sunday, Ronda Rousey puts her Raw Women’s Championship on the line against Nikki Bella at WWE Evolution, Last week, this feud became personal after the heated words spoken towards each other. Can these two keep the hostility down until Sunday?

   Ronda states that she will keep her word and not harm the Bellas in any way for this contract signing. The Bellas reluctantly step back into the ring and she signs the contract. Ronda then signed the contract. Nikki however made comments regarding Ronda’s mother, her promises and failures. This culminates with her slapping Ronda. However, Ronda smiles and does not retaliate. All she says is that at Evolution, she will end Nikki Bella.

Nia Jax v. Ember Moon v. Tamina v. Dana Brooke

   In a very quick match, Ember Moon was able to hit the Eclipse on Tamina for the win. She now builds momentum for the battle royal Sunday at Evolution.

Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler v. Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins: Raw Tag Team Championships

   In honor of their Shield brother, Roman Reigns, Dean and Seth set their eyes on the Raw Tag Team Championships.

   These two teams gave every ounce, determined to call themselves Tag Team Champions.

   In the turning point of the match, Dolph and Drew seem to have the match at hand, until Braun Strowman made his way to the ring for payback on Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler. While in the ring, the referee is inadvertently knocked down. Which leads to Braun and Drew to brawl, which drags through the crowd.

   Drew’s brawling leaves Dolph all alone in the ring. Dolph tried to use the title and get an advantage, but it led to a Curb Stomp by Seth for the win. Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins have reclaimed the Raw Tag Team Championships. What a moment.

   Let the celebration begin. Until, Dean does the unthinkable and attacks Seth Rollins, laying out his tag team partner in a heap and mauling him all over the ring. The attack led to Dean to remove the padding ringside and hit Dirty Deeds on Seth on the concrete.

   Which leaves the question, why? Why on a night where your brother, Roman Reigns had to give up his dream to battle an illness, would you do this to your other Shield brother?

Overall

   It was an emotional Monday Night Raw. Starting with Roman Reigns having to give up the Universal Championship which left me without words; To trying to get back to business and continuing the show. The conclusion with Dean’s treacherous actions leaves me speechless.

David Jacobus
Contributing Writer