RAW General Manager Kurt Angle kicked off this week’s episode of RAW and encouraged fans to chant “you suck!” as he made his way down the entrance ramp. Angle got to the ring and welcomed the San Jose crowd to Monday Night RAW. Angle stated that there are two matches that are WrestleMania worthy in six days at WWE No Mercy. Those two matches were Cena versus Reigns and Brock Lesnar versus Braun Strowman for the Universal Championship.
Intercontinental Champion The Miz stormed down to the ring with Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas by his side. Kurt Angle congratulated The Miz on becoming a father, but said he didn’t appreciate Miz’s snide comment he made about him last week in regards to his son, Jason Jordan.
The Miz interrupted Angle and complained that No Mercy will be the second PPV in a row that the Intercontinental Championship will not be defended. Angle announced that Jeff Hardy, Matt Hardy, Elias and Jason Jordan will compete in a Fatal 4-Way to determine who Miz will defend his title against at No Mercy. The Miz said that it was ridiculous that Jason Jordan was in the match and claimed Superstars like Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel deserve a match.
Angle said that he was sick of Miz’s attitude and hoped that fatherhood would change him. The Miz scolded Angle about not being there for Jason Jordan and said that he would be a better father than Angle ever was. The Miz also added that he is a better champion than Angle ever was. The Miz said that “you could always count on Kurt Angle to be a deadbeat” and Angle glared at him.
Jason Jordan then marched down to the ring. Jordan threatened The Miz and dared him to say one more thing about his father. Jordan offered Angle a suggestion and told him to put Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel in the match. Angle said that sounded good and turned the Fatal 4-Way into a Six-Pack Challenge. The Miz laughed and told Jordan that he just decreased his odds of winning the match now that more Superstars are involved.
The Miz stated that Jason Jordan was even more incompetent that his father. This finally set Jason Jordan off and he attacked The Miz. Jordan cleaned house and knocked everyone out of the ring as his theme music hit.
Jason Jordan was shown backstage with Kurt Angle. Jordan was frustrated about people talking about his father and giving him looks and whispers. Jordan said that he didn’t ask for this and didn’t know this was going to happen when Angle was announced as his father. Angle said that Jordan needs to step up and block out the noise. Angle advised Jordan to get back at The Miz by winning the match tonight and going on to face him for the Intercontinental Championship at No Mercy on Sunday.
Reaction: Jason Jordan has all the talent in the world when it comes to performing in the ring. However, he definitely cannot cut a promo right now to save his life. He only had a few lines here and you could just tell that he wasn’t confident in himself while delivering his lines. I hope that improves with repetition and getting more comfortable on the microphone. Jordan has already proven he can hang in the ring with the likes of Roman Reigns and John Cena on recent episodes of RAW. Time will tell if he will be able to take the next step and put everything together.
Nia Jax vs Alexa Bliss
Alexa spent the first few minutes of the match desperately trying to avoid Nia. Alexa hid behind the referee and then swung at Nia but Jax caught her and casually lifted her in the air. Bliss tried to escape out of the ring but Nia grabbed her. Alexa slapped Nia in the face and escaped out of the ring. Alexa started walking up the entrance ramp and Sasha Banks’ music hit. Alexa turned out on the entrance ramp and Nia Jax absolutely leveled her as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Nia Jax was still in control. Nia quickly planted Alexa Bliss with the Samoan Drop for the pinfall victory. After the match, Sasha Banks attacked Nia Jax from behind. Nia was unfazed and dropped Sasha Banks. Bayley them came down to the ring and her hometown crowd cheered. Bayley, Sasha Banks and Alexa Bliss then Speared Nia Jax and knocked her out of the ring.
Bayley and Sasha raised their hands in the ring and Alexa Bliss got in between them and tried to join in. Sasha booted Alexa in the midsection and then Bayley hit the Bayley to Belly to Alexa Bliss. Sasha and Bayley then celebrated in the ring.
Winner: Nia Jax
Reaction: They held on the Bayley and Sasha celebrating for a long time, I was waiting for attack to happen. In the end, nothing happened and the two just celebrated. It was later announced that Bayley has joined the RAW Women’s Championship match at WWE No Mercy.
Sheamus & Cesaro vs Gallows & Anderson vs Ambrose & Rollins
Before the match, Sheamus and Cesaro cut a promo. Sheamus stated that everything today is about nostalgia and that he is getting bored of it. Sheamus claimed that everyone likes escaping their harsh realities to try and live in the good old days. Sheamus boasted about destroying the Hardy Boyz. Cesaro vowed that they will recapture the RAW Tag Team Championships at No Mercy.
Sheamus stated that both Ambrose and Rollins are using each other for their own selfish needs. The crowd chanted “what?!” and Sheamus repeated “their own selfish needs” several times. Sheamus said that Ambrose and Rollins’ friendship is fragile and that he and Cesaro trust each other. Ambrose and Rollins then came down to the entrance ramp with microphones in their hands.
Rollins said that Sheamus and Cesaro looked like “a taxi driver had a weird disgusting baby with Braveheart with your little kilts”. Ambrose and Rollins got into the ring. Dean continued to poke fun at Sheamus and Cesaro’s kilts and Gallows and Anderson interrupted.
Gallows and Anderson called Sheamus & Cesaro “not good brothers” for walking out on them last week. Anderson stated that Rollins and Ambrose took advantage of their disadvantage and that makes them “not good brothers” as well. Gallows then called Rollins and Ambrose a couple of nerds. Dean Ambrose then got pissed off and shouted “nobody calls me a nerd!” and a brawl broke out. Rollins and Ambrose cleared the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, the match was underway. Sheamus and Rollins were the two Superstars in the ring. Seth connected with a Dropkick and followed it up with a couple of chops to Sheamus’ chest. Ambrose was then tagged and was launched into the corner. Gallows tagged himself in and booted Sheamus in the chest.
Gallows and Sheamus traded shots in the middle of the ring. Sheamus shoved Gallows into the corner and Cesaro was tagged in. Cesaro hit an uppercut and tagged Sheamus back in. Sheamus connected with an uppercut of his own and then threw Gallows into the turnbuckle. Sheamus then hit a knee to the face and went for another one but got a boot in the face instead from Gallows.
Rollins was tagged in and hit a springboard Clothesline for a one count. Ambrose was tagged in and he hit a double Suplex with Rollins on Sheamus. Ambrose continued the attack and elbowed Sheamus in the face. Ambrose delivered a missile Dropkick off the second rope for a two count.
Seth was tagged in and he connected with a kick for a two count. Dean was tagged in as Rollins held Sheamus up. Ambrose hit an elbow off the top rope and then charged at Sheamus but Sheamus was ready and knocked Dean to the mat. Ambrose elbowed Cesaro off the ring apron and then tried to leap onto him but Cesaro caught him. Cesaro then hit the Cesaro Swing and launched Ambrose into the barricade surrounding the ring.
Back in the ring, Sheamus tagged in Cesaro and he continued the beatdown of Dean Ambrose. Anderson tagged himself in and unloaded several right hands to Ambrose’s face for a one count. Anderson applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring but Dean quickly battled to his feet. Anderson planted Ambrose with a Spinebuster for a two count.
Gallows was tagged in and connected with a vertical Suplex to Ambrose in the middle of the ring Gallows then hit three elbows in a row and went for a fourth but Ambrose rolled out of the way. Ambrose finally tagged Rollins in and Cesaro was tagged in at the same time. Rollins planted Cesaro with a Slingblade and then knocked Sheamus off the apron. Seth then connected with a Blockbuster off the second rope onto Cesaro for a two count.
Rollins climbed up to the top rope but Cesaro greeted him with an uppercut. Rollins escaped off the turnbuckle and Powerbombed Cesaro into the turnbuckle on the opposite side of the ring. Rollins went for the pinfall but Sheamus broke it up and stomped on Rollins. Sheamus was then tagged in as Ambrose and Cesaro Clotheslined each other out of the ring.
Gallows was tagged in and he sent Sheamus out of the ring. Anderson and Gallows hit the Magic Killer onto Rollins and went for the cover but Ambrose broke it up. Sheamus and Cesaro then brought Ambrose out of the ring and threw him into the barricade as RAW went to another commercial break.
When RAW returned, Sheamus and Cesaro were the two legal Superstars in the ring. Cesaro was quickly tagged in and he blasted Rollins off the ring apron and Seth slammed into the barricade. Cesaro got out of the ring and casually lifted Rollins up like he was nothing and brought him back into the ring. Sheamus and Cesaro took turns beating down Rollins for a minute and took a break to pose for the crowd.
Rollins tried to work his way to Ambrose in the corner and eventually tagged in Ambrose but the referee didn’t see it. Sheamus then lifted Rollins in the air and Cesaro connected with a move similar to the 3D but Anderson ran into the ring to break up the cover. Cesaro knocked Gallows and Anderson off the ring apron.
Sheamus charged at Rollins in the corner but Seth got out of the way and Sheamus crashed into the turnbuckle. Rollins then hit Cesaro with a Tornado DDT and tagged in Ambrose. Dean leveled Anderson with a Clothesline and delivered another to Gallows. Ambrose then planted Cesaro with a Neckbreaker and connected with a Splash in the corner.
Ambrose perched Anderson up on the top rope and delivered a Superplex. Ambrose then quickly climbed up the turnbuckle and hit an elbow but Sheamus broke up the cover. A brawl broke out but Ambrose and Rollins quickly cleaned house. Rollins and Ambrose hit Suicide Dives onto Gallows, Anderson, Sheamus and Cesaro.
Ambrose brought Anderson back into the ring as Rollins climbed up the turnbuckle. Gallows hopped up on the ring apron and shoved Rollins. Ambrose knocked Gallows off the ring apron and Anderson tried to roll him up but Ambrose kicked out. Sheamus tagged himself in as Dean was going for the Lunatic Lariat. Ambrose then planted Anderson with the Dirty Deeds but Sheamus threw Dean out of the ring and stole the pinfall victory.
Winners: Sheamus & Cesaro
Reaction: This was one hell of a match for an episode of RAW. It was given substantial time and all the Superstars delivered in the ring. Tag team wrestling is highly entertaining when done right and this match was a great example of that.
The Miz, Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel were backstage. The Miz started rambling about Kurt Angle and Jason Jordan. Bo and Axel interrupted and both vowed to win tonight’s match. Axel said that he wouldn’t take it easy on The Miz at No Mercy if he wins tonight. Bo stated that he cannot wait to steal the show with The Miz this Sunday. The Miz told them both to take things one step at a time and not forget what is important tonight. The Miz said that Jason Jordan does not deserve the spotlight and that Bo and Axel do. Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel nodded in agreement as RAW went to a break.
A video was shown to hype up the match between Roman Reigns and John Cena this Sunday at WWE No Mercy.
Goldust was shown backstage with Kurt Angle. Goldust didn’t have his face paint on and demanded a second match against Bray Wyatt. Goldust said that he was asking as the man behind the paint, Dustin Rhodes. Goldust asked Angle as a man and a friend to give him a chance to show Bray Wyatt that he is not a pawn in his twisted game against Finn Balor. Kurt Angle reluctantly agreed to make the match. Goldust then said that “tonight Bray Wyatt will never forget the name of Dustin Rhodes”.
Curt Hawkins cut a promo in the ring and said that his star factory was officially closed. Hawkins said that the “history machine” will take it’s place. Hawkins said that tonight his 114 match losing streak will come to an end tonight. Hawkins asked “who wants to make history?” and Apollo Crews came down to the ring with Titus O’Neil.
Curt Hawkins vs Apollo Crews
Apollo Crews controlled the match early. Hawkins connected with a kick and applied a Chin Lock. Crews broke free with a Jawbreaker but Hawkins hit him with a Spinebuster for a two count. Crews connected with a kick but Hawkins went for a roll-up and grabbed the tights for leverage. Crews kicked out and planted him with a Powerbomb for the victory.
Winner: Apollo Crews
Reaction: Curt Hawkins’ losing streak is now at 115 as Apollo Crews picked up the easy victory. Crews will now use the momentum gained from this victory to carry him back to catering and will most likely not be seen on RAW for another month.
Michael Cole interviewed Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar while they were in separate rooms. Heyman said that Braun Strowman will be conquered at No Mercy, just like Lesnar conquered The Undertaker. Strowman said that his actions speak for his words and he has beaten down Lesnar for the weeks now. Strowman stated that he is the only man that can keep Brock Lesnar down for good.
Heyman said that there is no one like Strowman and called him the most capable opponent that Lesnar has defended his Universal Championship against. Heyman said that doesn’t mean that Srowman can survive Suplex City and Braun quickly interrupted and vowed to stomp Suplex City to the ground. Heyman responded by stating that Brock Lesnar understands that he is going to have to beat Strowman within an inch of his life to keep his title. Strowman said that Heyman can run his mouth all he wants, it is not going to change what is going to happen on Sunday.
Cole went to ask Strowman another question but Heyman interrupted and said that Brock Lesnar is still the story here. Heyman listed off Lesnar’s accomplishments. Lesnar then leaned towards the camera and thanked Strowman for backing him into this corner. Lesnar said that he is at his best when he is challenged and said that he will see Strowman Sunday. Lesnar went to get up but stared directly into the camera again and added “Suplex City bitch”. Strowman grinned as Lesnar stared into the camera.
Reaction: I am already sold on this match as I’ve stated several times. This promo was decent, but obviously I would have preferred another confrontation in the ring. We will just have to wait until Sunday at No Mercy. I am expecting an extremely physical match on Sunday and I cannot wait to see it.
Roman Reigns came down to the ring to his usual negative reaction from the WWE Universe. Reigns stated that Cena sometimes says stupid sh*t like that he wants to be the next John Cena. Reigns poked fun at Cena’s appearance and said that if he looked like him, he wouldn’t have a career in WWE. Reigns then said if you don’t believe him, ask Alex Riley about that. Reigns called Cena the “biggest hypocrite to ever set foot in a WWE ring”.
Reigns rolled footage of Cena cutting a promo on The Rock in February of 2012. Cena stated during the promo that he had a beef with The Rock for not showing up every week and that the WWE was not a movie promotion for him. Cena said at the end of the promo “I’ll see you next week movie star” and then blew The Rock a kiss.
Reigns asked the crowd if they should bring Cena out and then stated that is not possible because Cena is not here. Roman said that the result will be the same as that year’s WrestleMania, only this time Cena will lose to a different samoan. Reigns then looked into the camera and said to Cena “I’ll see you this Sunday, movie star”.
Reaction: The Alex Riley line was the best part of this promo. Other than that, this promo was boring. Cena has already admitted that he was wrong about The Rock pursuing opportunities outside of WWE, so the insults feel kind of late. This promo would have been electric a couple of years ago, it just came off as lame now. The match between Reigns and Cena at No Mercy this Sunday is still must-see television.
The Hardy Boyz were interviewed backstage. Matt and Jeff talked about the battles they had with each other making them stronger. Jeff said that he was going to seize the moment at No Mercy. Matt said that he is going to have to make it to No Mercy first and that he plans on winning the Six-Pack Challenge tonight. Jeff said “may the best Hardy win” and the two shook hands.
Dustin Rhodes vs Bray Wyatt
Bray started off the match in control and knocked Dustin out of the ring. Wyatt slammed Dustin into the barricade. Dustin battled back and sent Bray flying over the steel steps. Dustin then leaped off the steps and hit a Bulldog on Wyatt. Rhodes punched Wyatt in the face a few times but Bray connected with a headbutt that knocked Dustin to the floor.
The action returned to the ring and Rhodes perched Wyatt up in the corner and connected with Shattered Dreams. Dustin charged at Bray but Wyatt countered and planted Rhodes with the Sister Abigail for the victory.
Finn Balor appeared on the jumbotron and told Wyatt a story about a shy little boy that wanted to be something great. Eventually the boy became a man and as a man he discovered a way to control the anger inside of him. This man created a demon. Balor asked Wyatt “if the demon is a creation of the man, which one is more dangerous?”. Balor then said that Wyatt will find out this Sunday at No Mercy.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
Reaction: I can’t get into this feud at all. I’m sure Wyatt and Balor will have a solid match this Sunday, but the storyline hasn’t interested me since before SummerSlam.
A tribute to the late Bobby Heenan was shown.
Enzo Amore started cutting a promo about his Cruiserweight Championship match against Neville at No Mercy. Braun Strowman interrupted and proceeded to beat the hell out of Amore. Strowman brought Enzo to the ring as the crowd chanted “thank you Strowman”. Braun lifted Enzo up with ease and Chokeslammed him to the mat. Braun picked him back up and planted Enzo with a Running Powerslam. Strowman then posed in the ring and walked up the entrance ramp.
Neville then showed up on the entrance ramp and got out of Strowman’s way. Neville marched towards the ring and climbed to the top rope. Neville hit the Red Arrow and then demanded the microphone. Neville mocked Enzo’s dance and shouted “how you doin?” and then cackled into the microphone.
Reaction: Enzo has been made to look like an asshat for two weeks in a row. He is either in WWE’s doghouse or they are just making it seem as unlikely as possible that he will become Cruiserweight Champion at No Mercy. I really hope that Neville retains on Sunday. Neville has essentially run through the entire Cruiserweight division in dominant fashion. In my opinion, that would be trivialized if he drops the title to a Superstar as limited in the ring as Enzo Amore.
Enzo was interviewed backstage. Amore had an ice pack on his stomach and vowed to take Neville’s Cruiserweight Championship at No Mercy.
Gran Metalik vs Neville
Metalik connected with a Dropkick off the second rope and Neville rolled out of the ring. Metalik chased after him and Neville dropped him with a boot to the chest. Neville ripped Metalik’s mask in half. Metalik got pissed off and connected with a flurry of right hands. The action returned to the ring and Metalik hit another Dropkick. Neville once again rolled out of the ring and Metalik connected with a Moonsault.
Metalik brought Neville back into the ring and hit a Crossbody for a two count. Metalik quickly went for a Moonsault off the top rope but Neville got his feet up to counter the move. Neville then applied the Rings of Saturn for the submission victory.
Winner: Neville
https://twitter.com/WWE205Live/status/909971097545711618
Six-Pack Challenge To Determine #1 Contender For IC Championship: Elias vs Jason Jordan vs Matt Hardy vs Jeff Hardy vs Bo Dallas vs Curtis Axel
Elias performed a song before the match. Elias singled out a kid in the crowd who was looking at him funny and said that he was going to have he and his mom kicked out of San Jose if he looked at him that way again. The Hardy Boyz interrupted Elias’ brilliant performance and made their way to the ring.
The rest of the Superstars in the match made their way to the ring and The Miz took a seat ringside in a director’s chair. Jeff Hardy tried to roll-up Matt early but Matt kicked off. RAW went to a commercial break with Matt and Jeff arguing in the ring.
When RAW returned, Matt planted Bo Dallas with a Neckbreaker for a two count. Elias connected with a Backbreaker to Jason Jordan. Elias then attacked Axel from behind and leveled him with a Clothesline. Elias perched Jason Jordan up on the top rope and chopped him across the chest.
Elias displayed insane athleticism leaped to the top rope to join Jordan but the Miztourage shoved him to the outside the ring. The Miztourage went to Superplex Jordan, but the Hardy’s Powerbombed Bo and Axel as they Superplexed Jordan and everyone crashed to the canvas. Matt hit Jeff Hardy with the Side Effect but Bo Dallas broke up the pinfall.
Bo and Axel then drove Matt Hardy shoulder-first into the ring post and Matt fell out of the ring. Jordan hit Bo with a Belly to Belly and then delivered one to Curtis Axel. Jordan took down his singlet straps, screamed and hit Axel with two Northern Lights Suplexes in a row. Bo threw Jordan out of the ring and The Miz hopped out of his fancy chair and slammed Jordan into the barricade.
Back in the ring, Matt hit Bo Dallas with the Twist of Fate but Elias broke up the pinfall. Elias then planted Matt with the Drift Away but Jeff broke up the cover. Jeff hit the inverted Atomic Drop and then followed it up with a Leg Drop. Jeff connected with a Neckbreaker to Curtis Axel and followed it up with a Swanton Bomb. Jeff went for the cover but The Miz ran into the ring and broke it up. Jeff threw Miz out of the ring but Axel slammed him to the mat. Jason Jordan got back into the ring and hit a Neckbreaker for the victory.
After the match, The Miz tried to attack Jordan but Jason connected with a couple of Belly to Belly Suplexes. The Miztourage got back into the ring and attacked Jordan. The Miz then planted Jordan with the Skull Crushing Finale and grabbed a microphone. The Miz stated that he will still be the Intercontinental Champion after No Mercy and Kurt Angle be a terrible father. The Miz then said that Jason Jordan will still be a bastard and raised the title over Jordan as RAW went off the air.
Winner: Jason Jordan
Reaction: Jason Jordan was really the only Superstar that made sense to win the Six-Pack Challenge tonight. I thought that this match would happen at SummerSlam, but it is happening this Sunday at No Mercy. This is a hard one to predict, because I could see it going either way. I could see Jordan becoming the Intercontinental Champion Sunday, but I could just as easily see The Miztourage costing him the match.
Either way, Jason Jordan is most likely going to win the Intercontinental Championship in the near future. He has the talent as an in-ring performer, time will tell if he can put everything together and become a star. Overall, tonight’s episode of RAW was decent. I didn’t need much to sell me on Sunday’s PPV. I am really looking forward to No Mercy and I hope it isn’t a letdown.
What did you think of this week’s episode of RAW? Let us know in the comments below.
