Kickoff Show:
Elias vs Apollo Crews
The match started out back and forth. Apollo Crews connected with a Dropkick and applied a Chin Lock as Titus O’Neil cheered him on from ringside. Elias knocked Crews out of the ring as the Kickoff Show went to a commercial break. When the Kickoff Show returned, Elias was still control and connected with a kick to Crews’ face for a two count.
Crews hit a Suplex and followed it up with a series of Clotheslines. Apollo connected with an awesome standing Moonsault for a two count. Crews connected with an Enziguri and Elias fell out of the ring. Apollo quickly brought him back to the ring but it backfired as Elias smashed Crews’ face off the top turnbuckle. Elias then hit the Drift Away for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Elias stomped on Crews a couple of times. Titus O’Neil hopped in the ring and Elias retreated with a smile on his face.
Winner: Elias
Main Card:
Intercontinental Championship: The Miz (c) vs Jason Jordan
Jordan and The Miz locked up to start off the match. Jordan broke free and leveled Miz for a one count. The Miz rolled to the ring apron to regroup but Jordan brought him right back in the ring. Jordan then held up Miz in a vertical Suplex for several seconds before mercilessly slamming him to the canvas for a two count.
Jordan hit a Northern Lights Suplex for a two count and Miz rolled out of the ring. Jason threw Jordan back into the ring as The Miztourage surrounded Jordan outside the ring. Jordan was distracted for a moment and Miz capitalized by hitting a Dropkick. The Miz then slammed Jordan into the barricade and brought him back into the ring.
The Miz connected with a kick to the midsection and then followed it up with a DDT for a two count. Miz remained on the attack and hit a couple of left hands as the Staples Center chanted “who’s your daddy?” in reference to the segment The Miz had with Enzo Amore a couple of weeks back.
The action spilled outside the ring once again and this time Jason Jordan threw Miz into the barricade. Back in the ring, Jordan connected with a Clothesline off the top rope for a two count. Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas taunted Jordan from ringside as Miz hit a series of kicks (It Kicks). Miz went for a final kick but Jason caught him and launched Miz across the ring.
Jordan got fired up and slammed Miz into the turnbuckle. Jordan planted Miz with a Side Slam for a two count. Miz went for the Skull Crushing Finale but Jordan reversed it into a roll-up for a two count. Jordan followed it up with two Northern Lights Suplexes in a row but Miz kicked out at two.
The Miz regrouped with the Miztourage outside the ring. Jordan hit a Dropkick through the ropes and then hit a Belly to Belly to Bo Dallas that sent Bo flying into both Miz and Axel. Jordan brought Miz back into the ring and applied a Crossface. The Miz made his way to the bottom rope to break up the hold.
Jordan charged at Miz in the corner but Miz moved and Jordan hit shoulder-first into the second turnbuckle. Both Superstars slowly made their way back to their feet. Miz went for a Clothesline but Jordan caught him and hit a Belly to Belly Suplex. Bo Dallas then got into the ring and distracted the referee while Jordan had The Miz rolled up. Curtis Axel hit Jordan with a cheap shot and then Miz hit the Skull Crushing Finale for the pinfall victory.
Jordan was interviewed after the match as the crowd booed. Jordan said that he was disappointed that he couldn’t overcome the odds. Jordan said that he still doesn’t respect The Miz and wants a rematch. Jordan added that the fans lovingly chant “you suck” when Kurt Angle comes down to the ring. He then said “Miz, you really do suck” and exited the ring.
Winner & Still Intercontinental Champion: The Miz
Reaction: The Miz and Jason Jordan put on a very solid match to start off No Mercy. I figured something like this would happen. Jordan should have won the match but The Miztourage screwed him over. Jordan said he wanted a rematch and I’m guessing his storyline father RAW GM Kurt Angle will grant him one. It all makes sense, but I just don’t know if this storyline is going to work.
Jordan is a perfect example of a Superstar that needs a manager. His promo tonight was short, but it was painfully obvious that he was uncomfortable. The crowd ate him alive and it’s not going to get any better going forward unless he is able to change their minds. The only way he is going to do that is if he wins them over with a promo. It doesn’t seem like he is capable of doing that on his own right now. I don’t dislike Jordan at all, I just think he has been given a terrible storyline. The crowd is already getting tired of his promos and will most likely cheer The Miz in this feud going forward.
It’s a tough spot to be in. WWE clearly believes in Jordan, but he has to command the audience’s respect and capture their attention. Stuttering and uncomfortable promos won’t get it done and I don’t think this bodes well for Jordan unless he improves on the microphone overnight.
Bray Wyatt vs Finn Balor
Bray Wyatt attacked Balor before the match started and knocked him outside the ring. Wyatt bounced Finn’s head off the announce table and then slammed him on top of the table. Several WWE officials came down to check on Balor as Wyatt posed in the ring. Balor grabbed his ribs and slowly made his way to his feet as Bray sat in the ring and smiled.
Balor made his way up the entrance ramp and Bray Wyatt grabbed a microphone. Wyatt told Balor to run away and called him a coward. Bray referred to himself as a god and said “you ain’t no demon, you ain’t even a man, you are a coward” to Balor. Finn took off his jacket and ignored the officials and made his way to the ring.
Balor got back into the ring and the match officially started. Bray went for Sister Abigail but Finn countered it and tossed Bray out of the ring. Balor hit a Dropkick through the ropes, but clutched at his ribs in pain. Balor battled through the agony and connected with a Dropkick that sent Bray flying into the barricade. Back in the ring, Balor climbed up to the top rope but Wyatt greeted him with a right hand.
Bray joined Balor on the top rope and connected with a headbutt. Wyatt then planted Finn with a Superplex and Balor grabbed his ribs in pain. Bray hit another headbutted and then posed in the ring with a giant smile on his face. Bray and Finn were on the ring apron and Wyatt grabbed Finn’s head and said “hey look at him! look at him!” before punching Balor in the face. Bray then slammed Finn shoulder-first onto the ring apron.
Wyatt threw Balor back into the ring and applied a Chin Lock. Finn broke the hold with a Jawbreaker and connected with a Clothesline. Bray connected with a kick and then threw Finn out of the ring. Balor trapped Bray in between the ring skirt and apron and connected with a series of kicks. Balor then punted Bray’s head and Wyatt crashed to the floor outside the ring.
Finn remained on the attack and bounced Bray’s face off the announce table several times. Balor rolled Bray back into the ring and climbed to the top rope. Bray popped up and spider-walked for a moment. Balor froze on the top rope for a moment but hopped down and hit a Slingblade. Wyatt fought back and hit a Uranage and followed it up with a running Senton for a two count.
Balor and Wyatt traded shots. Balor got the upper-hand and hit a Double Stomp to Bray’s midsection. Wyatt battled back and connected with a massive Clothesline for a two count. Bray lifted Finn up for a Suplex but decided to throw him across the ring instead. Bray then had a pissed off look on his face as he jumped up to the second rope.
Finn got back to his feet and kicked Bray in the face. Balor then joined Bray on the second rope but Bray knocked him down. Bray dropped down but was Dropkicked twice into the turnbuckle. Finn then climbed to the top rope and hit the Coupe de Grace for the pinfall victory.
Winner: Finn Balor
Reaction: I didn’t enjoy this feud at all. I feel like both Balor and Wyatt should have more prominent roles on RAW and I don’t think this feud helped either of them. Balor won it as he defeated Bray Wyatt as The Demon King and as himself. Hopefully that means that this feud can come to an end now. I honestly remain mystified as to what the hell WWE is doing with Bray Wyatt. I could just be overrating him, but I just think he is way more talented than this.
His WWE Championship run was horribly booked and now he seems to be just wasting away. It has gotten to the point where it really doesn’t even mean anything that Balor defeated Wyatt. Everybody defeats Bray Wyatt. I guess the point of this feud was to prove that Balor can win matches without face paint on. I’m not sure who was questioning if he was capable of that, but those folks now have their answer.
RAW Tag Team Championship: Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins (c) vs Sheamus & Cesaro
Ambrose knocked Sheamus out of the ring at the beginning of the match. Sheamus launched Rollins into the barricade and then Ambrose chased after him. Sheamus and Cesaro then threw Ambrose into the barricade. Cesaro then hit the Cesaro Swing and Ambrose hit the steel steps shoulder-first.
Cesaro brought Ambrose into the ring and quickly tagged in Sheamus. Sheamus hit a knee to Dean’s head and then slammed his head off the top turnbuckle. Cesaro got back into the match and continued to beatdown Ambrose in the corner. The referee separated Cesaro from Ambrose and checked on Dean. Ambrose said he was ready to got and was greeted with a boot to the face from Cesaro for a two count.
Sheamus was tagged in and connected with a double Clothesline to Ambrose with Cesaro. Sheamus continued to attack Ambrose’s shoulder as Rollins pleaded for a tag on the ring apron. Sheamus sent Ambrose back to the corner and tagged in Cesaro. Cesaro hit a headbutt for a two count and then applied an Arm Bar in the middle of the ring.
Ambrose finally battled back and catapulted Cesaro into the ring post. Rollins was tagged in and hit a Clothesline off the top rope onto Cesaro. Rollins then hit a Blockbuster off the second rope onto Cesaro and then leaped onto Sheamus outside the ring. Back in the ring, Rollins hit a Slingblade and then a kick to Cesaro’s face for a two count.
Sheamus Clotheslined Rollins on the ring apron as the official was distracted with Cesaro. Sheamus was tagged in and he stomped on Rollins several times. Sheamus planted Rollins with three Irish Curse Backbreakers in a row for a two count. Cesaro apparently slammed into the ring post very hard during the catapult earlier and lost several of his front teeth. Cesaro received medical attention ringside and then hopped back up on the ring apron.
Cesaro had blood all over his mouth as he hit Rollins with an uppercut. Sheamus went for the pin but Rollins kicked out at two. Sheamus charged at Rollins in the corner but Seth moved and Sheamus crashed into the ring post. Rollins launched Cesaro out of the ring. Back in the ring, Sheamus and Ambrose were tagged in.
Ambrose hit an elbow and then stomped on Sheamus in the corner. Ambrose Clotheslined Sheamus out of the ring and then hit him with a Suicide Dive. Sheamus and Ambrose battled on the top rope. Dean hit a headbutt and knocked Sheamus to the mat. Ambrose then hit an elbow off the top rope but Cesaro broke up the pinfall.
Cesaro was tagged in and Sheamus booted Rollins in the face and Seth fell out of the ring. Cesaro locked in the Sharpshooter on Ambrose but Dean made his way towards the bottom rope. Cesaro quickly locked in the Crossface but Ambrose was still able to reach the bottom rope.
Cesaro and Ambrose traded punches. Dean got the last laugh and connected with the Lunatic Lariat and both Superstars crashed to the canvas. Ambroke looked for the tag but Rollins wasn’t on the ring apron. Sheamus hit the White Noise onto Ambrose and Cesaro Powerbombed Seth onto Ambrose in the ring. Cesaro then went for the cover but Dean somehow kicked out at two. The crowd erupted when Dean kicked out.
Sheamus was tagged in. Cesaro hit a Double Stomp onto Rollins on the ring apron. Cesaro held Rollins’ head up to make him watch Sheamus give a Brogue Kick to Ambrose. Dean fell before Sheamus could kick him. Sheamus chuckled and then went to grab Dean but Ambrose countered it into a roll-up. Rollins then knocked Cesaro off the ring apron, got into the ring and kneed Sheamus in the face. Ambrose then planted Sheamus with the Dirty Deeds for the victory.
Winners & Still Tag Team Champions: Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins
Reaction: This match was very entertaining. I thought Rollins accidentally kicked Cesaro in the face, but Cesaro actually launched himself into the ring post. With blood all over his face and down a couple of teeth, Cesaro was still able to deliver a great performance. Everyone in this match killed it and the crowd was into it. Both of these teams work great together and I am looking forward to seeing what the RAW tag division has planned for next month’s TLC PPV.
RAW Women’s Championship: Alexa Bliss (c) vs Sasha Banks vs Bayley vs Nia Jax vs Emma
All five Superstars brawled during the beginning of the match. Nia hit a Splash onto Alexa and then Sasha and Bayley Dropkicked Nia out of the ring. Emma, Bayley and Sasha then locked up in the ring. Emma booted Bayley in the midsection, but Sasha immediately knocked Emma to the mat. Bayley then booted Emma out of the ring and locked up with Sasha.
Both Sasha and Bayley were knocked out of the ring by Nia. Nia then hit a Spinebuster on Emma and went for the cover. Alexa broke it up and tried to hit Nia with a DDT but Jax slammed Bliss to the mat. Nia then hit a Splash onto Emma and Alexa in opposite corners of the ring.
Bliss charged at Nia but Jax caught her and lifted her onto her shoulders. Nia then picked up Sasha as well and hit a double Samoan Drop onto both of them. Nia tried to pin Alexa but Bayley broke it up. Nia went for a Suplex but Bayley locked in a Guillotine. All four Superstars briefly teamed up and knocked Nia out of the ring.
Emma Suplexed Sasha and Bliss shoved Emma away and tried to steal the win. Emma slapped Alexa and followed it up with a Dropkick for a two count. Nia got back on the ring apron and headbutted Emma. Bayley and Emma tried to Powerbomb Nia off the ring apron but they couldn’t do it. Sasha and Alexa then booted Nia and she fell, allowing Bayley and Emma to Powerbomb her to the floor outside the ring.
Back in the ring, Emma planted Bayley with a Butterfly Suplex and then hit a Splash onto both Bayley and Alexa in the corner. Sasha got back into the ring and booted Emma in the midsection. Banks followed it up with a Bulldog and then a running knee but Bliss broke up her pinfall attempt.
Bliss hit Sasha with a right hand and went for another but Sasha reversed it into the Bank Statement. Bayley broke it up and kicked Sasha in the face. Bayley then hit Bayley to Belly onto Alexa but Banks broke up the cover. Nia got back into the ring and slammed Bayley into the turnbuckle. Nia then hit a Leg Drop onto Sasha but Emma broke up the pinfall. Nia then charged at Bliss in the corner but Alexa dodged it and Nia slammed into the ring post. Nia fell out of the ring and Bliss hit a DDT onto Bayley for the victory.
Alexa Bliss was interviewed after the match and she said that she was the only true goddess in WWE.
Winner & Still RAW Women’s Champion: Alexa Bliss
Reaction: I enjoyed this match much more than I thought I would. Nia Jax shined during this match. The double Samoan Drop was awesome and she also was on the receiving end of an great looking Powerbomb off the ring apron. I’m glad that WWE didn’t take the title off of Alexa Bliss. There was no real reason to. I’m not entirely sure why Bayley was randomly added to this match only to take the pinfall. It wouldn’t have made that much of a difference to me if she just returned tomorrow night on RAW.
John Cena vs Roman Reigns
Reigns hit a shoulder tackle early but Cena quickly got back to his feet. The crowd started chanting “you both suck!” as Cena smiled in the ring. Cena then left the ring and started walking up the ramp. Reigns got out of the ring and chased after him. Reigns hit a right hand and knocked Cena back towards the ring.
Back in the ring, Reigns hit another right hand. Cena blocked a right hand, but Reigns slammed him to the mat for a two count. The crowd started to chant “Roman sucks!” as Reigns stomped on Cena in the corner. The action spilled outside the ring and Cena launched Roman into the steel steps. Reigns responded by throwing Cena into the steel steps on the opposite side of the ring.
Cena got back to his feet but was quickly knocked back to the floor as Reigns connected with a Drive By. Roman brought Cena back into the ring and went for the cover but Cena kicked out at two. Reigns punched Cena in the face and John fell to the canvas. Reigns applied a Chin Lock as the crowd chanted “boring”.
John battled to his feet and connected with a shoulder tackle. Cena went for another one but Reigns blocked it. Cena then hit two shoulder tackles in a row and slammed him to the mat. Cena grinned and went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle but Reigns hopped up and hit a Samoan Drop.
Cena finally was able to hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle and then went for the Attitude Adjustment but Reigns blocked it. Reigns booted Cena in the face and then geared up in the corner. Roman went for the Superman Punch but Cena ducked it and locked in the STF in the middle of the ring.
Reigns made his way towards the ropes but Cena dragged him back to the center of the ring. Reigns broke the hold by connecting with a Powerbomb for a two count. Both Superstars got back to their feet and traded punches. Cena lifted Reigns onto his shoulders and connected with the Attitude Adjustment for a two count.
Cena then climbed to the top rope and went for a Leg Drop but Roman caught him and planted Cena with a Powerbomb for a two count. Reigns followed it up with the Superman Punch but Cena kicked out at two. The crowd booed as Reigns geared up in the corner and waited for Cena to make his way back to his feet. Reigns went for the Spear but Cena jumped out of the way and Reigns crashed into the ring post.
Cena perched Reigns up on the second rope and lifted him onto his shoulders. Cena then hit the Attitude Adjustment off the second rope but Roman Reigns kicked out. Cena was in disbelief and asked the referee if he was sure that wasn’t a three count. The crowd chanted “one more time” as Cena got to his feet. Cena shook his head and then got out of the ring and cleared off an announce table as the crowd erupted.
Cena then cleared off a second announce table and placed Roman on top of one of them. Cena lifted Reigns up but Roman escaped and hit a Spear through the other announce table. Both Superstars landed hard and it looked like Reigns landed on the top of his head. Reigns brought Cena back into the ring and went for the cover but Cena kicked out at two.
Reigns then geared up in the corner and went for another Spear but Cena caught him and hit an Attitude Adjustment. Cena then rolled through and hit another Attitude Adjustment but Reigns kicked out again. Reigns then hit a Superman Punch and followed it up with a Spear for the victory.
After the match, Cena and Reigns stared at each other in the ring. Cena raised Reigns’ hand and the crowd booed. After the match, Cena waved as the crowd chanted “thank you Cena”. Cena then gave his armband to a kid sitting ringside and headed backstage as his theme song played. Cena then saluted the crowd and posed on the entrance ramp before leaving.
Winner: Roman Reigns
Reaction: This match started off ridiculously slow. It built up during the final few minutes and the crowd got back into it. In my opinion, it was overkill that Reigns kicked out four Attitude Adjustments. At SummerSlam, Reigns is the one getting pinned and now tonight he could have been hit by a truck and still gotten back up. Overall, this match was good but I was still a bit disappointed by it. I thought it would have been better.
I think that can be attributed to the slow start that took the crowd out of it. I still wish that this match went down at WrestleMania. The atmosphere would have been better with 70,000 people watching it. It makes sense that Reigns won, but WWE is beating their collective heads against a wall here. The majority of the crowd will never accept Reigns as “the guy” no matter how many top-level Superstars he defeats.
The Miz and Miztourage interrupted Kurt Angle backstage. The Miz boasted about defeating Kurt Angle’s son Jason Jordan earlier in the evening. The Miz proposed a special edition of Miz TV tomorrow night on RAW. The Miz said that Reigns’ victory over Cena tonight was the equivalent of Reigns retiring The Undertaker. Kurt Angle said that sounds like a great idea and announced that the segment will kick off tomorrow night’s episode of RAW.
Cruiserweight Championship: Neville (c) vs Enzo Amore
Enzo cut a promo and poked fun at Neville being ugly before the match. Neville wrestled Enzo to the mat and shouted “this is too easy!”. Neville focused his attack on Amore’s arm as Enzo tried to reach the rope. Enzo finally reached the ropes but Neville booted Enzo in the leg and Amore fell out of the ring.
Enzo got back in the ring and traded punches with Neville as the crowd was completely silent. Amore jumped off the second rope but Neville caught him and drove him into the turnbuckle. Neville stomped on Amore several times and the referee finally broke it up. Neville then hit a Dropkick to Enzo in the corner and then shoved Amore out of the ring.
Neville followed Enzo out of the ring and slammed him into the barricade. Neville got back in the ring and Enzo slid onto the apron to break the count at nine. The crowd let out a moan because the match had to continue. Neville threw Enzo over the ropes but Amore held on. Neville then connected with a Superkick for a two count.
The crowd chanted “this is boring!” as Neville booted Amore in the face. Neville then mocked the crowd and taunted Enzo. Neville connected with a few kicks to Enzo’s body and then booted him in the face. Neville climbed up to the top rope but elected to not go for the Red Arrow. Neville then went for the Phoenix Splash off the second rope but too much time had elapsed and Enzo was able to get out of the way. Amore then leaped off the top rope and connected with a DDT for a two count.
Enzo then danced in the ring and charged at Neville on the ring apron but Neville was ready and booted him in the face. Neville then threw Enzo into the timekeeper’s area and got back into the ring as the referee started counting. Enzo grabbed the Cruiserweight Championship and leaned up against the barricade while raising the title. Neville chased him around and the two Superstars returned to the ring. Enzo held the title and the referee demanded that he give it to him. The ref then brought the Cruiserweight Championship to the ring apron and Enzo hit a low-blow. Enzo then rolled up Neville for the victory.
Winner & New Cruiserweight Champion: Enzo Amore
Reaction: This is my nightmare. Enzo Amore is the Cruiserweight Champion and he won it in a match that lasted far too long. The entire crowd just went silent for this match and it was difficult to watch. The fact is that this match absolutely sucked and we have to see it again because Neville will get his rematch.
Neville mowed through the entire Cruiserweight division, only to meaninglessly drop the title to Akira Tozawa last month. He then won the title back six days later at SummerSlam. Now, he lost to Enzo Amore because he didn’t want to hit the Red Arrow because the crowd would enjoy it. I don’t see too many people caring enough about Enzo being Cruiserweight Champion that they are going to tune into 205 Live. Enzo is the champ because WWE has failed to build up anyone in that division.
Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs Braun Strowman
Lesnar and Strowman got in each other’s face before the match started. Paul Heyman grabbed the microphone from JoJo to introduce Brock Lesnar. Strowman threw Lesnar to the mat right when the bell rung. Lesnar went for a takedown but Braun lifted him up and threw him across the ring.
Lesnar hit a German Suplex but Braun got back up and hit him with a Chokeslam. Strowman connected with the Running Powerslam for a two count. Strowman Clotheslined Brock in the corner and then posed in the ring. Strowman clubbed Lesnar in the back of the head and then beat him down in the corner.
Brock went for another German Suplex but Braun blocked it and headbutted Lesnar to his knees. Lesnar went for an F-5 but Brock’s back gave out and Strowman knocked Lesnar out of the ring. Strowman followed Brock out of the ring and slammed him into the ring post. The action returned to the ring with Strowman in complete control.
Strowman lifted Lesnar up and sprinted across the ring to slam him into the turnbuckle. Braun charged at Lesnar in the corner but Brock got out of the way and Strowman slammed into the turnbuckle. Brock applied the Kimura Lock and Strowman screamed in pain. Braun was able to reach the bottom rope to break the hold.
Strowman got right back to his feet and connected with a Spinebuster to Lesnar for a two count. Braun was bleeding below his eye as both Superstars got back to their feet. Brock then took Strowman to Suplex City and connected with three German Suplexes. Lesnar then screamed as he got to his feet and delivered a fourth German Suplex.
Lesnar hit a fifth German Suplex in a row but Brock still made his way to his feet. Brock went for the F-5 but Braun escaped and hit the Running Powerslam. Braun couldn’t capitalize and go for the cover. Both Superstars got back up and Braun immediately hit another Running Powerslam but once again he couldn’t cover him right away due to his arm being in pain from the Kimura Lock. Strowman eventually did cover him but Lesnar kicked out at two. Lesnar then immediately hit the F-5 for the pinfall victory.
Winner & Still Universal Champion: Brock Lesnar
Reaction: WWE No Mercy started off awesome and I thought it was going to be an incredible PPV. Unfortunately, I thought both main events were underwhelming and disappointing. There really wasn’t a memorable moment during the main event. It was a physical match, but there was nothing special about it.
The crowd was hot the entire night, but they cooled down during the Cena and Reigns match. They then had to sit through the Enzo and Neville match that went on much longer than I thought it would. By the time the main event came around, they weren’t as into the show and Lesnar and Strowman put on an okay match. The show was also way too predictable. A moron like me shouldn’t be able to predict every match correctly earlier in the week. I was expecting a surprise or two thrown in but that was not the case. Overall, I still thought No Mercy was a solid show. It had the potential to be a terrific PPV but ultimately fell apart in the final hour.
What did you think of WWE No Mercy 2017? Let us know in the comments below.
