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4 Takeaways From WWE RAW (12/31)

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Robert Lentini

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The New Year’s Eve edition of RAW was taped last Friday night at the Little Caesars arena in Detroit, MI. Here are 4 takeaways from the show:

Drew McIntyre Brutally Beat Down Dolph Ziggler

Drew McIntyre faced Dolph Ziggler in a Steel Cage match tonight on RAW. McIntyre started off the match in control and planted Ziggler with a Suplex. McIntyre tried to escape out of the cage but Ziggler dragged him back inside the ring.

Dolph connected with the Fameasser and went for the cover but McIntyre kicked out at two. Ziggler climbed to the top of the cage but McIntyre caught up to him and hit a giant Superplex.

McIntyre launched Ziggler face-first into the steel cage and began taunting him. Ziggler hit a Zig Zag out of nowhere and went for the cover but McIntyre kicked out at the last second. Dolph went for a Superkick but McIntyre countered with an awesome Claymore Kick. McIntyre followed that up with an even better Claymore Kick for the pinfall victory.

After the match, Ziggler shouted at McIntyre “is that all you got?”. McIntyre grabbed a steel chair and returned to the ring to beat him down. Drew placed the chair on Ziggler’s head and delivered another devastating Claymore Kick.

McIntyre then cut a promo and vowed to win the Royal Rumble and become Universal Champion. Drew returned to the ring once again and hit Ziggler with a fourth Claymore Kick.

This would have been a great match to have at TLC, instead of on a pre-taped episode of RAW that hardly anyone is going to watch. I’m hoping we get to see McIntyre become Universal Champion in 2019.

Triple H Challenged Seth Rollins To Be More Aggressive

Seth Rollins came down to the ring and announced that he wanted his rematch for the Intercontinental Championship right now. Triple H interrupted and came down to the ring to confront Rollins.

Triple H stated that nothing is going to be handed to anyone anymore and that there will be no more automatic rematches. Triple H told Rollins that he is not getting his rematch tonight and added that he is not sure Seth deserves a rematch.

Triple H said that he believed that Rollins was going to be the face of RAW after he beat him at WrestleMania. Rollins shouted that he has been carrying RAW for the past year while Brock Lesnar was up in the mountains or doing whatever the hell he does. Triple H said he wants Seth to become ruthless once again, starting tonight when he faces Bobby Lashley.

Rollins lost to Lashley via DQ after striking him with a steel chair. Seth then beat the hell out of Lio Rush with the steel chair and hit him with The Stomp.

Seth Rollins absolutely did carry RAW in 2018 and he is likely in for an epic 2019 as well. There have been rumors that Rollins will challenge Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania. Rollins has taken a few shots at Lesnar during his promos and he slipped another one during tonight’s promo. I always become disinterested when Bobby Lashley is involved in a match on RAW, but at least the ending to this match was interesting.

Dean Ambrose Retained The IC Title

Shane McMahon announced a “Fresh Start Battle Royal” would take place on tonight’s show. The winner of the Battle Royal would get a shot at the Intercontinental Championship tonight. Finn Balor, Zack Ryder, Titus O’Neil, Curt Hawkins, Kalisto, Lince Dorado, Gran Metalik, Mojo Rawley, Konnor, Viktor, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel, No Way Jose, and Baron Corbin competed in the match.

Apollo Crews and Baron Corbin were the final two Superstars in the Battle Royal. Crews connected with an Enziguri that sent Corbin tumbling over the top rope and to the floor. Crews battled Dean Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship later on the show.

Crews controlled the majority of the match but could not find a way to keep Ambrose down for a three count. Crews connected with a Crossbody off the top rope and followed it up with a Shooting Star Press but Ambrose was able to kick out at two.

Crews then hit Ambrose with a Powerbomb and went for the cover but Ambrose grabbed the bottom rope to break up the pinfall. Apollo went for a Frog Splash but Dean got out of the way at the last second. Ambrose quickly planted Crews with the Dirty Deeds to retain the title.

Crews had a good match tonight against Ambrose, but it is hard to believe this is going to lead to something for Crews going forward. Apollo has the in-ring talent to be a star in WWE, he is just not a good promo at all and has never resonated with the crowd. I felt the same way about Cesaro and was excited when he was briefly paired with Paul Heyman. I’d like to see Crews team up with a Superstar (not named Titus O’Neil) to form a legit team or be given a manager to get him over.

Rousey & Natalya Picked Up A Win

Natalya was interviewed backstage during RAW about her loss against Ronda Rousey last week. Tamina and Nia Jax showed up and attacked Natalya. Tamina and Jax then faced Ronda Rousey and Natalya in the main event of this week’s RAW. Rousey and Natalya controlled the match early and knocked Tamina and Jax to the outside. Ronda made her way to the top rope and took them out with a Crossbody.

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Jax and Tamina isolated Natalya in the ring and took turns beating her down for a few minutes. Natalya finally was able to escape and tag Ronda Rousey into the match. Rousey went for a forearm to the face but Nia countered by lifting Ronda up and dropping her face-first to the canvas for a two count.

Nia went for the Samoan Drop off the second rope but Rousey broke free and escaped back to the mat. Tamina quickly tagged in and hit Ronda with a Superkick for a two count. Ronda locked in the Arm Bar but Nia broke it up with a Leg Drop. Natalya knocked Jax out of the ring as Tamina went up to the top rope for a Splash. Rousey got her knees up and then locked in the Arm Bar again for the submission victory.

Universal Champion Brock Lesnar will be returning to RAW next week, as well as Braun Strowman. Alexa Bliss will be hosting a segment with Ronda Rousey and John Cena will appear on the show as well.The Revival is getting another shot at the RAW Tag Team Championships next week too. As for tonight’s show, it wasn’t anything special but that is to be expected for a holiday show. I’m hoping we start seeing better shows, starting next week, as WWE builds towards Royal Rumble and then WrestleMania.

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