Welcome to Monday Night Raw, just 24 hours removed from a historic Survivor Series!
Team Raw defeated Team SmackDown Live last night, in no small part thanks to Triple H. Team Raw was cruising to a 3-1 win over SmackDown Live, largely because of Braun Strowman, but just as Kurt Angle was about to snap Shane McMahon’s ankle, The Game stepped-in and hit the Raw GM with a Pedigree. HHH then helped Shane cover Angle to take the standings to 2-on-1, only to hit Shane with a Pedigree and score the overall win for Monday Night Raw. Strowman stood on the apron, as confused by the proceedings as everyone else. The Game celebrated his win and attempted to include Strowman in his victory, however Braun choked Triple H and told him never to cross him again. Sadly, Triple H didn’t listen and attempted to Pedigree Braun, which earned him two running powerslams. Where does the Raw team go from here? Kurt Angle will want answers from The Game for attacking him, and will HHH be pissed about the attack from Strowman? There are a lot of new questions that we’re excited to see unfold tonight and beyond!
Also at last night’s Survivor Series, Team Raw’s ladies defeated SmackDown Live’s best women. It was a hard-fought match that ultimately came down to Natalya and Tamina versus Asuka, and it was the Empress of Tomorrow who stood tall at the end of the night, retaining her undefeated streak and looking fairly unstoppable! This has to have sky-rocketed Asuka to the top of the food chain, where Champion Alexa Bliss is on shaky ground after losing to SmackDown’s Champion, Charlotte. Will Asuka be the next challenger to Bliss’ Championship, or will she have to prove herself over a big opponent like Sasha Banks or Nia Jax? Hopefully we get an idea of the new direction tonight.
The next Raw PPV isn’t until the Royal Rumble in January, so the red brand has a long time to build stories. One such story will be the next opponent for the Beast Incarnate, the WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar. At Survivor Series, Lesnar had one of his best ever matches against the Phenomenal AJ Styles and prevailed once again. Lesnar is now in need of a new opponent as we head into the Royal Rumble but it’s unclear who that challenger may be. Finn Balor may be next in line to challenge Lesnar, although I wouldn’t expect to see Lesnar back in a WWE ring for a number of weeks. Let us know who you want to see face the Beast!
There was so much more that happened last night, like The Bar losing to The Uso’s, and you can expect to see a ton of fallout tonight. Remember to download the free Ringside Talk app and enjoy the show!
Monday Night Raw opens with Stephanie McMahon coming to the ring. Stephanie welcomes us to Raw, which she says is now without any doubt the A-show. She then introduces to the man who led Team Raw to their victory last night…
We see still photos of last night’s main event as Triple H makes his way to the ring. The Game poses for the fans in the ring but he’s interrupted by Kurt Angle! The two come face-to-face in the ring and Angle says that this isn’t the General Manager of Raw speaking, it’s the Olympic Gold Medallist, and if Triple H ever attacks him again he can shove his job because he will be coming for him. Stephanie intervenes and tells Angle that he can’t talk to HHH that way because he’s the COO of the company. Just then, Jason Jordan makes his way to the ring.
Jordan comes face to face with Triple H and demands to have a match with him tonight. Stephanie says that Kurt doesn’t have the authority to make that match, so Jordan asks The Game if he’s a coward. Just then Braun Strowman’s music hits and out comes the monster among men. Strowman walks right up to Triple H and stands nose-to-nose. The Game eventually backs down and leaves the ring with Stephanie. Outside the ring, Steph says if the guys are so bloodthirsty tonight, it will be Jason Jordan Vs. Braun Strowman!
We see Finn Balor and Samoa Joe making their way ringside for a match, following their triumphant win at last night’s Survivor Series.
*Commercial Break*
Finn Balor makes his way to the ring to a great reception, followed by his opponent, Samoa Joe.
Samoa Joe Vs. Finn Balor
The bell rings, and Joe immediately floors him with a right hand. Joe jabs him down in the corner before picking him up and kneeing him in the midsection. Joe hits the ropes, but Balor takes him down with a dropkick. Joe gets to his feet, and Balor punches and kicks him in the corner. Joe quickly pops out with a big back elbow to take him down. Joe chops the shoulders of Balor before applying a nerve hold. Balor fights up, but Joe takes him down.
Balor fights up again, but Joe chops the back. Balor reverses a whip to the corner, but Joe boots him in the face. Joe goes to the second rope, but Balor kicks him in the head to send him crashing and burning to ringside. Balor then floors him with an impressive summersault plancha.
*Commercial Break*
We return to see Joe stretching Finn in a submission. Balor gets free and nails him with an overhead kick. It takes a moment for both men to get to their feet. Finn starts to build some momentum as he runs through his signatures moves. Joe trips him on the apron and Finn crashes down to the floor.
Samoe Joe hits a massive suicide dive before bringing Balor back in the ring for an STO. Finn takes him down with a sling blade, but Joe avoids a dropkick and hits a senton for a near fall. The Demon counters the Coquina Clutch and sets up Joe for the Coup de Grace. The big man cuts him off and pulls him down into the Coquina Clutch again. The ref calls for the bell after Balor passes out.
Winner: Samoa Joe
We see a WrestleMania New Orleans promo, with fans buying the first set of tickets.
Later tonight, Roman Reigns will be a guest on Miz TV. We’ll take a look at Brock Lesnar versus AJ Styles from last night’s Survivor Series next.
*Commercial Break*
Gallows and Anderson do a promo for WWE Shop’s Christmas sale. Gallows does such a good Steve Austin impression, which you might have heard on the Talk IsJericho Podcast.
We get a video package for the match between Brock Lesnar and AJ Styles, with still photos.
Kurt Angle is walking backstage when Jason Jordan walks up to him. Jordan asks if he’s going to let this match with Braun Strowman go through. Jordan says he’s hurt. Angle can’t believe it and asks why he said he’s 100%. Jordan says he only did that because Triple H was out there. Angle says it would look bad if he canceled the match. Jordan says he’ll go through with it since he’s the only one on the roster that can beat Strowman. Jordan says he’s not afraid of Strowman. At the end of the night, Strowman will be telling horror stories about him. Good luck kid.
Asuka makes her entrance. She’ll be in action, next.
*Commercial Break*
We return and out comes Dana Brooke. We see a video of Brooke cutting a promo earlier today.
Asuka Vs. Dana Brooke
Both women circle the ring as the bell rings, then Asuka kicks her before Brooke tries to reverse a whip, but Asuka doesn’t budge. Asuka blocks a kick, takes her down, and kicks her in the back. Asuka hits some knees to the face before kicking her twice in the spine. Asuka then stretches her out on the ropes. Asuka is just toying with her. Brooke gets up on the apron, and Asuka knocks her to the floor with a running hip attack.
Asuka dances around in the ring and mocks Dana Brooke. Brooke tries to take her down, but Asuka doesn’t go down. Asuka digs her foot into the face, but Brooke pulls her into the ropes. Brooke kicks her in the knee to take her down to a knee. Brooke slaps her in the face. Asuka smiles and slaps away at her before elbowing her in the face. Asuka then floors her with a spinning head kick. Asuka kicks her in the face again for another comfortable win.
Winner: Asuka
Asuka celebrates her win after the match and Corey Graves reiterates, “nobody is ready for Asuka.”
Roman Reigns will be on Miz TV after the break.
*Commercial Break*
We return from the break and The Miz is in the ring, with Dallas and Axel in tow. The Miz welcomes us to his show and congratulates Baron Corbin on beating him last night. He says he gave Corbin his biggest night but his brush with greatness is over. His guest tonight is the man who led The Shield to victory over The New Day, Roman Reigns!
There’s no sign of Roman and Miz says this is unprofessional. He laments the lack of respect because Reigns is a no-show. He says his name again and waits, and after a while the music does hit but it’s all three members of The Shield!
They slowly get in the ring. The Miz and the Miztourage back up. Miz says Reigns is supposed to be his guest, not the entire Shield. Dean Ambrose says they’re feeling really good because they proved to The New Day and the entire world that they haven’t missed a step. Seth Rollins says they’re the most dominant three-man team in the history of WWE. The three of them standing out here are pretty much unstoppable. Miz disingenuously gives them props before saying something is bothering him. Miz hasn’t heard a “thank you.”
Reigns says there will never be a situation in this world where The Shield thanks The Miz. Miz says they need to understand that this reunion happened because of him. Miz puts his hand up, so in theory the crowd’s mouths should go shut, but that once again doesn’t work. If it weren’t for him, they would have never set aside their macho pride. The least he deserves is a “Thank you, Miz.” The Shield laughs while the crowd chants, “Thank you, Miz.” Miz says he needs to hear it from The Shield. Miz also deserves a check on the residuals for The Shield’s merchandise. A “YES” chant picks up. Rollins says Ambrose doesn’t have his checkbook on him. A loud “Miz is awesome” chant picks up, and Miz looks surprised. Reigns says he’s been all over the world and has never heard that chant before. Miz looks pleased. Reigns says Miz should be thanking Houston. Miz says he refuses to thank the crowd, and the lights go out. The power must have gotten knocked out but Miz shouts to put a spotlight on him. It isn’t long before it’s back on.
Miz says The Shield is ungrateful, but Reigns says they won last night. If anyone should be ungrateful, it should be the guy who lost last night. Miz says he’s the only who is a champion in the ring. Rollins says it’s only a matter of time before they get their hands on the RAW Tag Team Titles. Reigns says if they have the Tag Titles, he doesn’t want to be the only guy without a title in The Shield. Rollins says they’re not leaving him out since Miz has a title. A huge “YES” chant picks up. Reigns says he likes the title and asks for a title match. Reigns asks Houston how they feel, and they loudly cheer. Bo Dallas takes the microphone and says Reigns can’t just come on Miz TV and challenge the champ. If they want Miz, they have to go through them.
Ambrose says they totally forgot they have to go through The Miztourage. Reigns punches Dallas down, and Miz immediately runs away. Curtis Axel looks terrified in his neck brace. Axel begs them off, but Ambrose takes him down with Dirty Deeds. They then triple-team Dallas and hit a Triple Powerbomb. Miz just stands on the stage watching and looking scared.
We see a replay of earlier tonight when Kurt Angle interrupted Triple H and Stepahnie, which led to a match between Jason Jordan and Braun Strowman tonight.
Charly Caruso is backstage and she interviews Braun Strowman. She asks Braun what he has to say in regards to Jason Jordan saying he isn’t scared of him. Braun says good, because that makes Jordan different from everyone else. Including Triple H. Braun walks off.
*Commercial Break*
We return and it’s been made official, Roman Reigns will challenge Miz or the Intercontinental Championship tonight!
Dean Ambrose and Rollins are still in the ring, and it’s time for some one-on-one action.
Dean Ambrose W/Seth Rollins Vs. Sheamus W/Cesaro
They lock up, and Sheamus powers him to the corner. Ambrose shoves him, but Sheamus takes him down. Ambrose hooks a hammerlock on, but Sheamus twists out and applies a side headlock. Ambrose twists out, but Sheamus sends him to the ropes. Ambrose slides off a slam and hits an arm drag. Ambrose takes him down and stomps on the arm.
Sheamus quickly knees and clubs him down. Ambrose blocks the 10 Beats of the Bodhrán and hits it on Sheamus. Ambrose sends him to the ropes, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. Ambrose goes for a Lunatic Lariat, but Sheamus big boots him to the floor.
*Commercial Break*
We come back from the break to see Sheamus sidestep a dropkick and apply a stretch muffler. Sheamus then powers him up for a powerbomb. Sheamus applies an arm bar. Ambrose twists out and kicks him away, but Sheamus clotheslines him down. Sheamus then hits a release suplex for a two count. Sheamus kicks him and hits another release suplex. Ambrose gets up in the corner, elbows him, boots him back, and sidesteps him to send him into the ring post. Ambrose goes for Dirty Deeds, but Sheamus fights out.
Ambrose punches and knees him before hitting a pair of running clotheslines. Ambrose slams him down by the hair. Sheamus gets up in the corner and boots him back. Sheamus goes to the top rope, and Ambrose forearms him to the floor. Ambrose then goes for a suicide dive, but Sheamus forearms him. Sheamus goes for a Brogue Kick, but Ambrose sidesteps him and clotheslines him out of the ring.
Ambrose then flies through the air with a suicide dive onto Sheamus. Cesaro goes for a distraction, but Rollins backs him off. Cesaro then attacks Rollins. Sheamus rolls him up for a near fall. Sheamus kicks Ambrose in the face, and he rebounds with a roll-up for a two count. Ambrose gives him a drop-toe-hold into the ropes and goes to the top rope. Cesaro gets on the apron, but Ambrose boots him off. Sheamus then attacks him and hits a rolling senton off the second rope for a near fall. Cesaro removes his sunglasses in disbelief.
Sheamus prepares himself in the corner for a Brogue Kick. Rollins runs into the ring and connects with a suicide dive through to the other side on Cesaro. Ambrose capitalizes on the distraction to pick up the win via Dirty Deeds.
Winner: Dean Ambrose
Matt Hardy is in his locker room when Jason Jordan comes up to him. Jordan asks Hardy for any pointers on facing Braun Strowman. Hardy says he’s faced Mark Henry, Big Show, and Brock Lesnar, but they were men. Strowman is the “Monster Among Men.” It’s not a nickname; it’s a fact. Strowman’s strength is inhuman. It’s a humbling experience. Some nights just aren’t your night. Jordan wasn’t happy with that advice.
*Commercial Break*
Alexa Bliss comes to the ring and we see a clip of her last night, from after her loss to Charlotte, when she looked very disappointed.
She says she saw everyone’s Tweets last night but she doesn’t want their pity, or short jokes. She says she knows how well she performed and she took Charlotte to her limit. Survivor Series may have not been her night but 2017 has been her year. She’s still the Goddess of WWE and there isn’t a woman on the planet who can hold a candle to her. Or is there…
Mickie calls Alexa biscuit butt and makes fun of her for the loss. Mickie doesn’t get to say much until Bayley’s music hits, and she comes out. There’s a smattering of boos for her. Bayley says she agrees with Alexa Bliss for the first time ever. 2017 has been Bliss’ year, but she’s not the same woman Bliss beat for the title. That championship belongs to her. Sasha Banks comes out and says the “A” show needs a Boss to represent it, and not a little “B” like Bliss. Alicia Fox then comes out acting quite bizarre. Fox says if RAW needs a boss as champion, maybe the “boss” of Team RAW should have that opportunity. RAW never would have defeated SmackDown Live two years in a row without her guidance. Bliss calls her “Captain Delusional.” Bliss says none of them deserve an opportunity and walks off.
Kurt Angle comes out to the stage and tells her to hold on. Angle says SmackDown proved they are not the “B” show last night, but RAW proved they are the show. She’ll prove herself as champion against the winner of a Fatal 4-Way match, which starts right now!
*Commercial Break*
Sasha Banks Vs. Bayley Vs. Alicia Fox Vs. Mickie James
We join this match with Bayley and Banks fighting in the ring, while James and Fox are down at ringside. Bayley rolls her up for a two count. Banks forearms her back, but Bayley quickly tackles her to the corner. Banks boots her back, but Bayley makes a comeback with a back suplex. Mickie James breaks up the pin. James kicks Bayley in the head. Fox dropkicks James and goes for a Scissor Kick on Banks, but Banks sidesteps it and applies the Bank Statement. Bayley breaks up the pin.
Fox blocks a kick from Bayley and kicks her out of the ring. James hits a neckbreaker on Banks for a two count. Fox slides through a suplex. James avoids a Bank Statement, and they take one another out with a double clothesline. Out of nowhere…
Paige’s music hits, and she walks out to the stage to a huge reception. Everyone in the ring is stunned. Paige has a microphone. Paige asks if they missed her, and a loud “YES” chant fires up. Paige says she didn’t mean to interrupt their business. She just wanted to say something to them and everyone else: “I’m back!” Paige says the crowd isn’t loud enough and needs to make more noise, which they do. A “Welcome back” chant fires up. Paige says she didn’t come alone and she starts walking to the ring. From behind the ring, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville from NXT run in and attack Mickie James.
No Contest
Mandy clotheslines Sasha Banks. Bayley attacks them, but Paige gets in the ring and kicks her down. Fox just runs away. Mandy hits James with Angel’s Wings. Deville hits Banks with a roundhouse kick. Paige then hits Bayley with the Ram-Paige!
*Commercial Break*
We return to see Paige, Rose and Deville walking backstage. Renee Young appears and says it’s good to see Paige back, to which Paige thanks her but then Alexa Bliss walks-up and says Paige doesn’t need to explain herself to Renee or anyone else. Renee leaves and Alexa thanks them for giving the others what they deserve. Paige introduces the others to Alexa, but they don’t speak, then attack her! The three beat Alexa around backstage, throwing her into everything before walking off smiling.
Braun Strowman makes his way to the ring for his match with Jason Jordan. The youngster makes his way to the ring second and he really doesn’t seem intimidated by Braun.
Braun Strowman Vs. Jason Jordan
The bell rings and Jordan circles Strowman, seemingly looking for an opening. He stops and squares-up to Braun, before slapping him in the face. The crowd ooohs, then Braun makes a go for Jordan, who slides from the ring.
Jordan comes back into the ring after a few seconds. Jordan avoids a slam in the corner from Braun and picks him up, tries to run with him to the corner but his back gives out. Strowman takes the advantage and throws Jordan across the ring with a biel. Jordan rolls from the ring, holding his leg, when suddenly Kane slides in and smacks Braun with a chair in the back!
Winner By Disqualification: Braun Strowman
Kane beats Braun around the ring with a chair and the big man rolls from the ring. Kane follows Strowman and beats him around ringside with the steel chair. Kane puts the chair to Brauns throat and slams it into the steel steps! Braun falls to one knee and can’t breathe. Kane leaves but a host of referee’s try to help Strowman who is dry-heaving and refusing help.
*Commercial Break*
We return and Enzo Amore comes out with Noam Dar, Tony Nese, Ariya Daivari, and Drew Gulak make their way to the ring. Enzo is in a ridiculous boxing robe. They’re members of the Zo-Train. Enzo talks about how these men are doing better with him.
Rich Swann, Akira Tozawa, Cedric Alexander, and Mustafa Ali make their way to the ring. Enzo says they’re got a cuppa hatas here. Alexander says they’re not here to join the Zo-Train. They’re here for the same reason everyone else is — they want an opportunity for the Cruiserweight Title, but they’re willing to earn it unlike his gang of suck-ups. Enzo says Kalisto must have spoiled their brains. The Zo-Train is the only way to the top of 205 Live. The guy at the top of that mountain didn’t fall there. They better get out of his way. Swann tells him to make them, but he can’t because without his boys, he’s nothing but a catchphrase and a t-shirt. A brawl breaks out, and Enzo stands outside smiling.
*Commercial Break*
Akira Tozawa, Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander & Mustafa Ali Vs. Drew Gulak, Noam Dar, Tony Nese & Ariya Daivari
We join the match in progress. Enzo Amore, who is at ringside, makes his presence known by irritating everyone. Rich Swann does a whole bunch of flips over Drew Gulak, but he’s eventually taken down. Daivari and Dar whip Swann hard into the corner before Swann makes a comeback.
Tony Nese pulls Swann out of the ring, but he’s kicked away. Gulak tries to help, but he winds up accidentally hitting Nese. Alexander gets the “hot” tag, and Tozawa hits Gulak with a suicide dive. Dar elbows Alexander back, and Ali blind tags in. Alexander kicks him in the head. Nese tries to save Day, but Alexander hits him with a Lumbar Check. Ali then hits Day with an inverted 450 for the win!
Winners: Tozawa, Swann, Alexander & Ali
We see replays of Kane and Braun Strowman’s match from last week, which finished with Strowman powerslamming Kane through the ring! Then we see earlier tonight, when Kane attacked Braun with a chair.
Renee Young is backstage, outside the trainer’s room, and she’s looking for a medical update. Kurt Angle walks in and he tells her that Strowman refused help and left the building. Angle walks into the room to check on Jason Jordan, whose screaming in pain from his knee. The Miz walks in and complains about tonight’s match, saying Roman Reigns has done nothing to earn a title match. Angle tells Miz to leave. Angle then turns to Jordan and tells him he didn’t disappoint him, Jordan simply says that Matt Hardy was right; Braun is a monster among men.
*Commercial Break*
We return and Elias is in the ring to sing us a song. He tries to sing, but the crowd chants, “Let’s go Astros.” Elias reminds them that the season is over. Elias sings about the great night RAW had last night and how he beat Matt Hardy. Matt Hardy’s music interrupts him, and he comes down to the ring. They get into a brawl, and Elias quickly retreats up the ramp.
Coming up next, Roman Reigns faces The Miz for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
*Commercial Break*
The Miz makes his way to the ring, with no Axel or Dallas by his side! The challenger, Roman Reigns, is out second and he too is by himself. There will be no distractions in this one! Miz looks at his title as Roman makes his way to the ring. We get ring introductions for both men.
WWE Intercontiental Championship Match
(C) The Miz Vs. Roman Reigns
The bell rings and Miz bails from the ring as Roman looks for a lock-up. Miz leans on the barricade and rather than play this game, Roman chases after him. Miz slides back in and tries to clothesline Roman when he returns but The Big Dog ducks and clocks the Champion with a right hand that floors him.
The Miz rolls to the apron and Roman tries to pull him back inside but Miz yanks him down onto the top rope. Miz tries to take advantage of the cheap move but Roman retaliates with a huge sit-out powerbomb for a near-fall an Miz rolls out again as we head to a break.
*Commercial Break*
We come back from the break to see both men down on the mat. Moments before we come back from commercial, Reigns connected with a suplex. Reigns clotheslines Miz twice before having a whip reversed, but Reigns comes right back with a third clothesline. A loud “Roman” chant picks up. Reigns clubs Miz in the corner before big booting him down. Reigns sets up for a Superman Punch in the corner, and Miz quickly bails out of the ring. Reigns goes outside and leaps off the steps, but Miz kicks him and DDT’s him on the floor!
Miz is looking for a count-out, but Reigns gets in at nine and a half! Miz quickly hits a kneeling DDT for a near fall. Miz elbows away at Reigns and applies a chin lock. Reigns fights up and punches out. Miz counters back with a Reality Check for a near fall. Miz argues with the referee over the count. Miz chokes him on the middle rope and splashes him against it. Miz gets him to his feet, and Reigns sends him stumbling to the corner with a punch. Miz sidesteps an avalanche and starts the Daniel Bryan corner dropkicks. Reigns counters a third with a Samoan Drop attempt, but he slides off and rolls him up for a two count. Reigns throws him out of the ring. Miz quickly gets in and eats a right hand. Miz gets Reigns into the corner and goes for his patented corner clothesline, but Reigns sidesteps him.
They trade punches before Miz turns him inside out with a knee to the midsection. Miz starts the IT Kicks, but Reigns ducks the kick to the head. Reigns then floors him with a Samoan Drop for a near fall. Reigns slowly gets up and goes for a Superman Punch, but Miz counters into a Skull Crushing Finale attempt. Reigns throws him off and charges for a Spear, but Miz clips the knee before kicking him in the head for a close near fall! Miz wildly stomps away at him before choking him with his boot. Miz connects with his patented corner clothesline. Miz goes to the top rope and jumps into a Superman Punch. Reigns sets up for a Spear.
All of a sudden, Sheamus and Cesaro run down to distract Reigns. Reigns scares them away, and Miz catches him with a Skull Crushing Finale for a near fall! Ambrose and Rollins run down to take Sheamus and Cesaro out. Rollins gives Cesaro a back body drop on the floor. Ambrose and Rollins then clothesline Sheamus into the crowd. In the ring, Reigns hits The Miz with a Spear to score the huge win!
Winner and New Intercontinental Champion: Roman Reigns
Reigns celebrates his first-ever IC title win after the match with Rollins and Ambrose. This win makes Roman Reigns a Grand Slam Champion! Reigns kisses the title as we see replays of the action that just unfolded. Roman holds the title high and looks genuinely happy as the show comes to a close.
That’s it for this week’s Raw, and remember to come back tomorrow night for SmackDown Live and 205 Live! Safe travels!
