Away from the drama of Daniel Bryan’s relinquishing of the Intercontinental title, this week’s Monday Night RAW was a mediocre one that set up this weekend’s PayBack PPV, but just barely.
Don’t let the show’s massive and interference-ridden card fool you, there wasn’t much special here.
Pitiful that by the end of the show that the return of the Elimination Chamber was more important than the set up for the one just a few days away.
Matches:
Joey Mercury and Jamie Noble vs. Dean Ambrose: Although J & J Security hit some offense on Ambrose, “The Lunatic Fringe†got the win via the Dirty Deeds on Noble, igniting the hometown crowd.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Wade Barrett: Ziggler was in control until Sheamus interfered, allowing Barrett to win with the Bullhammer Elbow. After the match, Sheamus nailed Ziggler with the Brogue Kick.
Erick Rowan w/Luke Harper vs. Fandango: 37 seconds, Spinning Wheel Kick and a Full Nelson Slam earned Rowan the win. After the match, Harper hit the Discus Clothesline on Fandango.
United States Champion John Cena vs. Adrian Neville: Another solid match from the both of these guys with plenty of offense and counters. Neville never looked weak, countering Cena, at times at will, but Cena’s expanded offense, with the Michinoku Driver and vicious strikes, looked in control. However, after a Powerbomb variation, Neville hit the Red Arrow and looked primed for the win, but interference from Rusec got the match thrown out. Russell then wasted no time hitting a Super Kick and latching on the Accolade.
Kane vs. Roman Reigns: The match never took place. Instead the two fought on the outside and Reigns got the better of Kane with a Spear on the announce table.
Brie Bella w/Divas Champion Nikki Bella vs. Tamina Snuka w/Naomi: Although Nikki had her moments, Snuka got the clean win with a nasty Super Kick.
Curtis Axel vs. Damien Sandow: Sandow was garbed on Macho Man attire and just before he was set to hit the Elbow Drop, but The Ascension hit the ring and all of a sudden, Sandow and Axel were on the same team, fighting the former NXT Tag Team Champions.
Cesar w/Tyson Kidd and Natty Neidhart vs. WWE Tag Team Champion Big E. Langston w/Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods: Even with the numbers game, Cesaro was able to turn the tables and get the win over Langston, using his athleticism and strength throughout the entire match.
WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth Rollins vs. Randy Orton: A lengthy and solid encounter, but nothing you haven’t seen before. Just when it appeared there was going to be a finish, J & J security hit the ring to get the match thrown out, before Kane, Reigns and Ambrose added more spice. Ambrose then hit the Dirty Deeds on Rollins, while Kane watched on the outside with a chair. Reigns then added the Spear on Rollins, before Orton finished him off with the RKO. However, Reigns then turned on Orton hitting the Spear on him, before Ambrose nailed his friend Reigns with the Dirty Deeds to end the show.
Leave a Reply