The January 1st, 2018 episode of WWE RAW took place at the American Airlines Arena in Miami, FL. Here are 6 takeaways from this week’s edition of WWE RAW:
6The Crowd Still Isn’t Buying Jason Jordan
Alexa Bliss was shown storming around backstage looking for RAW GM Kurt Angle. Bliss was mad at Angle for putting her in a match with Asuka tonight. Bliss tried to convince Angle to cancel the match. Angle told Bliss that she was lucky that tonight’s match wasn’t for the RAW Women’s Championship.
Kurt Angle came down to the ring and wished everyone a Happy New Year. Angle stated that 2017 was one of the greatest years of his career. Angle added that RAW will celebrate it’s 25th year anniversary in three weeks. Angle announced that the rules for the women’s Royal Rumble match will be the same as the men’s Royal Rumble match.
Sheamus & Cesaro interrupted and claimed that they were robbed of the RAW Tag Team Championships last week. The crowd greeted The Bar with a “you look stupid chant” as the team entered the ring with Angle. Sheamus & Cesaro accused Angle of favoritism for giving his son a title match and gifting him Rollins as his partner. They then rolled footage of Kurt Angle embracing his son after his victory.
The Bar asked for their rematch and Angle responded by telling him that they will get their rematch when he says so. Jason Jordan came down to the ring and stated that his opportunity last week was earned. Jordan and Cesaro started barking at each other and Angle announced that they would face each other right now.
Seth Rollins came down to the entrance ramp and stated that Jason Jordan has a lot to learn about being in a team. Rollins told Jordan to stop being so self-absorbed. Rollins added that he will be in his corner tonight but as far as he is concerned, he is only out here to watch him lose.
Jordan took exception to Rollins’ comment and started yelling at him while Rollins was on the ring apron. Cesaro struck Jordan from behind and Jason tumbled out of the ring as RAW went to a a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Cesaro was still in control of the match and connected with a series of uppercuts. Jordan battled back and drove Cesaro into the turnbuckle. Sheamus hopped up on the ring apron and distracted Jordan. Cesaro took advantage and delivered a chop block to the back of Jordan’s leg. Cesaro continued to attack Jordan’s leg as RAW went to another commercial break.
When RAW returned, Cesaro had Jordan locked in the Half Crab in the middle of the ring. Jordan broke free and connected with a couple of Belly to Belly Suplexes for a two count. Jordan hit Cesaro with another two Suplexes and went for the cover but Cesaro kicked out at two. Sheamus hit Jordan with a cheap shot and Cesaro locked in the Boston Crag in the middle of the ring. Jordan battled through the pain and reached the bottom rope.Rollins took out Sheamus ringside and Jordan planted Cesaro in the ring for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Jordan raised Rollins’ hand and shouted with excitement on the entrance ramp. Rollins looked on with a smirk on his face and then clapped for Jordan.
You simply CAN'T deny just how skilled #RAW #TagTeamChampion @JasonJordanJJ is in the squared circle! pic.twitter.com/VEUisyu87C
— WWE (@WWE) January 2, 2018
Jordan received chants of “daddy’s boy” and “you still suck” tonight on RAW from the crowd. WWE is fighting an uphill battle trying to get the crowd to be on Jordan’s side after their terrible execution of the Jordan/Kurt Angle storyline. Aligning him with Rollins will help for now, but eventually Jordan has to connect with the audience on his own. Promos are not Jordan’s strength so he is going to have to continue to do it with his work in the ring.
