Quick RAW Review – 8th September 2014

I’m not going to go into detail about every single match/segment, just all of the aspects that stuck out to me on this “Season Premiere” episode of Raw (someone remind me when WWE even has an off season?...)

Raw opened BIG, with a cage match featuring Bray Wyatt and Chris Jericho, this was better than any of their past matches imo, there was a lot of physicality involved and with WWE having to go up against Football, they had to open with something massive, and they sure did deliver. There was no lack-luster, drawn-out promo, just a WRESTLING match on a WRESTLING show. So I do not have anything to complain about here. Jericho’s dive off of the top of the cage looked brutal and the landing made me cringe but it was a great visual (as dive’s like that always are). He sold a knee injury while both men scurried to try and get out of the cage door, Wyatt fell out first picking up the victory. The finish to the match looked odd but once watching it back, I did like it, it felt like a struggle to the finish line. Wyatt went back into the cage, and Sister Abigailed Jericho head first into the matt. This made him seem vicious and I did enjoy it. The entire Wyatt family have become stale over the past few months, I really hope WWE build them back up…maybe I’m hoping for too much. Anyway, I’m assuming this was Jericho’s last appearance on WWE TV for a while so it will be interesting to see where Wyatt goes from here. A nice, different opening to Raw.

The Bella Twins/Jerry Springer segment stuck out to me, but not for the positives. The acting was simply awful. It’s a struggle to watch these segments and there really is no real basis to the storyline - just a petty, jealous-sister argument, with no real depth or direction to it. To put it plainly, we do not care. Fans are not invested in this at all. I can’t wait till it’s over. I would like it if WWE put this much time into a legitimate Divas Title feud because all this is, is simply one big plug for Total Divas. Although, it was funny seeing Jerry selling a leg injury or whatever that was…

Paul Heyman’s promo was incredible. Can this man do any wrong on the mic? He can completely captivate you and draw you in through his words.  The way he was manipulating Cena and making him question himself was great. Cena’s words to finish off were okay… I did not like how he brought up all of the charity work he has done with kids etc. though. To me, that is irrelevant, I don’t want to know that, I care about what happens in the ring when it comes to a feud.

If you haven’t seen this, check it out. I can’t praise Heyman’s performance enough. It definitely added a very different, interesting dynamic to the feud. I am VERY interested in seeing how this match is booked, but I do not see Lesnar losing the title…at least I hope not. Cena will most likely have a lot more offence in this match however.

My favourite part of Raw was the NXT match. I “MARKED” out. I don’t remember the last time I was that excited for anything on this show, and I know that it seriously made a lot of people happy. Sami Zayn/Adrian Neville Vs. Tyler Breeze/Tyson Kidd was something new, fresh and different to see on Raw, I loved it. As JR would say, they “maximised” their minutes. Seeing this match on the flagship show was worth staying up so late for. NXT Takeover will be live this Thursday on the WWE Network, and I’m glad WWE used the main show to promote it. Rather than plugging away with the 9.99 jokes, it was great to see some legitimate promotion for the Network with an actual match. It simply showed that, if you are not watching NXT, you’re missing out, so buy the Network.
Zayn and Neville picked up the win, with Neville hitting the red arrow. I loved the crowd’s reaction to his finisher. They all proved why they deserve to be on the main roster. Watch NXT, people! And watch NXT Takeover on Thursday 11^th September! I can’t recommend it enough.

The main event was Orton Vs. Reigns. I was not looking forward to this match at all, which is why I fell asleep before it (staying up till past 4am every Monday catches up on you). However, I was looking forward to the finish of the match and in all honesty, I was not disappointed. The match in general was better than their SummerSlam match imo, although I am still waiting to see something new from Reigns, I am a fan of his but I just want to see him mix it up a bit. He was beaten down to end the show, by Orton, Rollins and of course everyone’s favourite, Kane (sense my sarcasm). They lowered the cage, so he could not escape, with Rollins cross-bodying Reigns from the top of the cage. Rollins is just an exciting performer, every time he has a match or is in the ring, I have to pay attention, he is without a doubt a very captivating athlete and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for the guy. Also, did anyone see where Rollins nearly got stabbed by the fricken’ cage??? Dangerous stuff WWE… good thing he looked up when he did or it could have ended in a disaster. Anyway, Reigns was chokeslammed/hit countless of times with a steel chair and to end the show, was curbstomped onto the chair by his former brother.

I am curious to see where this rivalry goes and what exact match is made for NoC… I love the Ambrose/Rollins rivalry but now that Reigns is involved, it will be interesting to see how this dynamic plays out. I hate that WWE made Reigns initially careless about The Shield breakup and his former partner stabbing him in the back and then launching him into the World Title picture. For a team that constantly spoke about brotherhood and their bond, it just made no sense, but then again, when does WWE ever fully make sense?

I do hope that Ambrose/Rollins have their re-match once Ambrose is back – inside HIAC is where I want to see the pay off but I highly doubt we will get that. Ambrose NEEDS to get a clean win over Rollins.

WWE also have a massive opportunity with Dean’s return, to make it as impactful as possible and BIG. I hope they capitalise on this, as Ambrose is an amazing performer and can turn anything into a masterpiece.

Is anyone else also having Dean Ambrose withdrawal symptoms??? He adds so much to the show…looking forward to what he gets up to when he returns. DON’T SCREW THIS UP WWE.

What did you guys think of this weeks Raw? What stuck out for you? Did you enjoy it or was it still lacking like the past 2 weeks? Tweet me at @WrestlingMenu and let me know!

- Zara