This was a fun show without question, any time a show scores in the 3's you can bet it is an entertaining one. The two categories that were marked down were matches and show structure. Unfortunately, despite some outstanding in ring action tonight, no match earned the 4.25 stars necessary for the quarter star boost in that category. For show structure, I couldn't confidently say I was not bored during any part of the show and that is why it was marked down. The atmosphere in the crowd was better than expected, especially given the fact it was the fallout show after Survivor Series. Speaking of Survivor Series, there was plenty of recaps from Survivor Series/WarGames but tonights card was really solid. Austin Theory and Seth Rollins' story is clearly far from over, as they had an awesome back and forth promo segment. The same can be said about Kevin Owens and The Bloodline as well. He and Sami traded barbs on the microphone before KO and Jey Uso traded fists in what turned out to be a very exciting main event. The Bloodline and Kevin Owens definitely provided the biggest highlight in the storytelling category, but that isn't the only reason that category received high marks. The Street Profits made their return tonight in a win against Alpha Academy. Dexter Lumis beat The Miz and is now an official WWE superstar. Oh yeah, and Becky Lynch fought all of Damage Cntrl in the crowd to start the show.
It’s the Survivor Series fallout on this week’s edition of WWE Monday Night Raw.
GREAT Becky Lynch Promo:
It is Becky Lynch to open the show here on Monday Night Raw, and the crowd loves her as usual. She greets a bunch of fans and then takes the microphone to discuss her early return from injury. After making sure to mention the spot where she flew off the cage from Saturday, she’s interrupted by Bayley. They go back and forth on the microphone and Becky Lynch is in the crowd as this is happening. In the end Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai are both there to confront her. They fight through the crowd and Becky Lynch stands tall to end the segment.
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 3.50 Stars
Mia Yim vs. Rhea Ripley:
This match went on for a few minutes until Dominik Mysterio got involved and then the OC ran down to end the match via disqualification. This was too short to rate but there is an 8 person tag match up next.
GOOD Judgement Day vs. The OC, 8 Person Tag Match:
This match starts quickly and after a brief back and forth between all 6 of the men involved, both Mia Yim and Rhea Ripley are tagged in. They exchange moves for a bit before the match starts to really get going. In the end it is Mia Yim and Rhea Ripley who steal the show in this one. Ripley hits Riptide on Yim to pick up the victory for her side.
Result: Rhea Ripley by Pinfall via Riptide
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
AMAZING The Bloodline Promo:
After WarGames this weekend, The Bloodline appears to be as unified of a front as ever, and Sami Zayn makes sure to drive that home as he begins his promo. After nearly an entire group hug, Kevin Owens interrupts the party. He takes the microphone and addresses not only Sami but the entire Bloodline. While it gets personal between him and Zayn briefly, this seems to be setting up for a much deeper story than just the one between Kevin and Sami. It gets especially personal when Owens explains that Sami will never truly be a part of their family. Jey Uso interrupts to bail Sami out and the segment ends with him and Owens booking a match against each other. This was one of the best promo segments I have seen on Raw in a long long time.
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 4.25 Stars
GREAT The Street Profits vs. Alpha Academy:
The Street Profits are back on Monday Night Raw and the crowd is happy to have them back for that matter. Gable and Otis look awesome as a team as usual and have put on excellent tag matches week in and week out for quite some time now. The fans were especially hot for this one and both sides delivered without question. In the end Montez was able to pick up the win for his side with a Splash from The Heavens.
Result: Street Profits by pinfall via Frog Splash
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 3.75 Stars
GREAT Austin Theory Promo:
The new United States Champion is on the microphone and while he’s being viewed in a much different light than he was a few weeks ago, it is difficult to tell what this crowd truly thinks of him. Seth Rollins interrupts wearing what is easily the most ridiculous outfit he has worn on television to date. He eventually challenges Austin to a match tonight but Theory kind of wishy washy accepts but not for tonight.
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 3.50 Stars
GOOD The Miz vs. Dexter Lumis, Anything Goes Match:
If Lumis can win he will get a WWE contract. That is exactly what happens in this shenanigan filled match. Lumis wins with his Silence submission. After the match Miz tries to exact revenge but he’s met by Johnny Gargano at the top of the ramp and Dexter Lumis is officially a WWE Superstar once again.
Result: Dexter Lumis by Submission via Silence
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 3.00 Stars
GOOD Candice LaRae vs. Dakota Kai:
This is a relatively long match given its spot on the card. Both women are extremely talented performers and the match is without question entertaining. In the end Candice is able to hit her patented Swinging Neckbreaker off the middle rope to pick up the win.
Result: Candice LaRae by Pinfall via Second Rope Swinging Neckbreaker
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 3.25 Stars
GREAT Kevin Owens vs. Jey Uso:
KO and Jey is the main event and they don’t literally fight forever but this is a long one. Owens and Jey battle while Sami watches on the outside and the crowd is into this one throughout. Back and forth they go and Solo Sikoa is the first to involve himself in this match in favor of Jey as the referee is distracted. In the end Jey nearly has a chance to win with a Splash but KO has it scouted. Owens hits a Stunner to pick up the win. It is interesting to note that Sami did not interfere in this one at any point.
Result: Kevin Owens by Pinfall via Stunner
Clark Taylor’s WR Star Rating – 3.75 Stars
Overall: This was a fun show without question, any time a show scores in the 3’s you can bet it is an entertaining one. The two categories that were marked down were matches and show structure. Unfortunately, despite some outstanding in ring action tonight, no match earned the 4.25 stars necessary for the quarter star boost in that category. For show structure, I couldn’t confidently say I was not bored during any part of the show and that is why it was marked down. The atmosphere in the crowd was better than expected, especially given the fact it was the fallout show after Survivor Series. Speaking of Survivor Series, there was plenty of recaps from Survivor Series/WarGames but tonights card was really solid. Austin Theory and Seth Rollins’ story is clearly far from over, as they had an awesome back and forth promo segment. The same can be said about Kevin Owens and The Bloodline as well. He and Sami traded barbs on the microphone before KO and Jey Uso traded fists in what turned out to be a very exciting main event. The Bloodline and Kevin Owens definitely provided the biggest highlight in the storytelling category, but that isn’t the only reason that category received high marks. The Street Profits made their return tonight in a win against Alpha Academy. Dexter Lumis beat The Miz and is now an official WWE superstar. Oh yeah, and Becky Lynch fought all of Damage Cntrl in the crowd to start the show.
Matches: 0.50/1 Stars
Show Structure: 0.50/1 Stars
Atmosphere: 0.75/1 Stars
Storytelling: 0.75/1 Stars
Production/Theme: 0.75/1 Stars
Overall Rating. 3.25/5 Stars
Photo Credit: WWE.com
For inquiries about the rating criteria check out the article announcing the new system here:
