Shane’s Mad
Basically Shane McMahon accused Roman Reigns of being so scared that he phoned in Undertaker to help. Sure, Jan. It sort of makes sense since Taker passed him the torch to look over the yard and McMahon is constantly trying to disrespect it.
Not Graded
What happened on Raw?
This promo itself wasn’t bad as he hit the major points: telling us what happened on Raw, making the champion even more sympathetic as a babyface, and hyping up an upcoming pay-per-view match. Again, it wasn’t bad but Dolph Ziggler was randomly thrust into the title picture pretty much because neither Daniel Bryan nor Kevin Owens wanted to go to Saudi Arabia and it feels like he’s just a placeholder contender.
Grade: B
Hello, there’s Elias
Elias was speaking for the people when he told Miz that he needs to end the feud with Shane McMahon.
Not Graded
Daniel Bryan and Rowan vs Big E and Xavier Woods
I think I’ve mentioned this before, but I really like that they are giving the other two members of New Day something to do while Kofi Kingston is champion instead of just letting them be cheerleaders. The tag division is also in need of some attention as referenced by Bryan several times. This was a good match to put that attention on the division. Woods getting the pin on Daniel Bryan helps elevate him. Maybe these two are in for a possible title shot. It’d be cool to see all three members of the New Day with titles.
Winner: Big E and Xavier Woods
Grade: B+
New Day and Heavy Machinery vs Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, Daniel Bryan, and Rowan
This match came about as the result of a post-match fight. It was rather short, but a nice follow up to the fight. I guess Owens and Zayn are officially part of the tag team division now?
Winner: New Day and Heavy Machinery
Grade: C+
Recaps
For some reason, Alexa Bliss gets a rematch if Nikki Cross beats Bayley. Ali is a superhero. Noted.
Not Graded
The Miz vs Elias-2 out of 3 Falls Match
This was the first of the 2 out of 3 falls matches on the show. Of course Shane McMahon got involved, which actually gave Miz the second fall via disqualification. The match itself was okay, just super long (especially for a 2-hour show) and had too much nonsense in it.
Winner: Elias
Grade: C+
Hey look, it’s Finn!
Finn Balor is back from wherever (home, by the looks of his social media) and Shinsuke Nakamura arrived to tease the next feud. I just hope there’s no nut-shots involved in this feud.
Not Graded
Bayley vs Nikki Cross-Alexa Bliss’s Rematch on the Line
I really like the chaotic way Cross moves in the ring; it’s so fitting to her twisted sister character. Cross and Bayley had a decent match and the end result played up the current Cross/Bliss story that’s happening. My only issue is that this seems to be mostly benefiting Cross and Bliss and sacrificing the champion to do so.
Winner: Nikki Cross
Grade: C+
24/7 Title Shenanigans
R-Truth and the 24/7 Title continue to be one of the most entertaining things in WWE. Truth even said he loves the title more than Drake Maverick loves his wife. Savage!
Grade: B+
Sonya Deville vs Ember Moon
This match was ridiculously short and Deville pinned Moon in about 2 minutes after she hit the ring post. Since when is the ring post enough to knock someone out for the three-count? Also there was a weird post-match moment where Deville lovingly stroked Mandy Rose’s hair. I need more of this feud, but the romantic angle better not be a thing. Rose is straight and Deville has a girlfriend.
Winner: Sonya Deville
Grade: D
Rambling Aleister
Aleister Black was still waiting in his little room, rambling to himself. However someone did knock on the door but we didn’t see who it is. Also Black was one of the best evil smiles I’ve seen.
Grade: C
Kofi Kingston vs Dolph Ziggler-2 out of 3 Falls Match
This was the second 2 out of 3 falls match of the night and it was better than the first. Ziggler is fantastic at being dramatic and it showed here. Kingston also displayed his ability to turn it up a notch as well as that funny/serious switch he has. Kingston won, keeping him looking strong as a champion and also keeping the upcoming title match against Samoa Joe as a one-on-one match.
Winner: Kofi Kingston
Grade: B+
Final Thoughts
I didn’t care for having two 2/3 falls matches on one show. I thought that was a bit much on a two-hour episode. The wild card rule is a whole mess and we should just admit the brand split is over. It would make so much more sense.
Overall Grade: C+
