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10 Takeaways From WWE RAW (10/23)

Robert Lentini
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10 Takeaways From WWE RAW (10/23)

WWE RAW aired live from the Resch Center in Green Bay, WI. It was the first episode of RAW following WWE TLC 2017 last night. Here are 10 takeaways from this week’s episode of WWE RAW:

Survivor Series’ Card Is Lackluster So Far

Survivor Series
WWE Survivor Series

RAW GM Kurt Angle came down to the ring to kick off this week’s episode of RAW. The crowd chanted “you still got it!”. Angle officially announced the following matches for Survivor Series:

  • WWE Champion Jinder Mahal vs Universal Champion Brock Lesnar
  • RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss vs SmackDown Women’s Champion Natalya
  • RAW Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose vs SmackDown Tag Team Champions The Usos
  • Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs United States Champion Baron Corbin

Survivor Series will be RAW vs SmackDown themed and I think that is something that has been missing from the WWE product recently. I enjoy when the brands are competing against each other and calling each other out on their respective shows. When Asuka announced that she was leaving NXT and heading to the main roster, NXT GM William Regal said that he had “begun negotiating with RAW GM Kurt Angle and SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan”. I would love to see storylines that feature RAW and SmackDown trying to lure Superstars to their brand.

As for Survivor Series’ card, there is not a lot that interests me so far. The Miz versus Baron Corbin is a bizarre matchup as they are both heels. The same can be said about Alexa Bliss versus Natalya. I would like to believe that Brock Lesnar will simply dismantle Jinder Mahal, but I’ve thought Mahal was going to lose every match and I’ve pretty much been incorrect about all of them. Out of the announced matches thus far, I’m most intrigued by Ambrose & Rollins versus The Usos. The Usos have been excellent on SmackDown as of late and I could see that match going either way.

AJ Styles Is WWE’s MVP

AJ Styles

Kurt Angle announced that SmackDown Superstar AJ Styles decided to stay another night on the RAW brand and will be teaming up with Ambrose and Rollings against The Miz and The Bar.

Match recap: The Bar isolated Ambrose in the ring to start off the match. Ambrose eventually escaped and tagged in Seth Rollins. The crowd chanted for AJ Styles and Rollins obliged and tagged AJ in. Styles booted Cesaro in the face and then hopped up on the ring apron. The Miz charged at Styles but AJ noticed him coming and Miz cowered away. Cesaro then used the distraction to his advantage and knocked AJ out of the ring. The action returned to the ring and Cesaro tagged in The Miz. The Miz took his time and started taunting AJ. Styles connected with a Jawbreaker onto Miz.

Sheamus and Cesaro sprinted across the ring and knocked Ambrose and Rollins off the ring apron. Ambrose, Rollins and Styles then cleaned house and leaped onto The Miz and The Bar as RAW went to a break. When RAW returned, The Bar were in control and teamed up and booted Ambrose in the midsection. The crowd chanted “you look stupid” at Sheamus as he had Ambrose in a Chin Lock. Dean battled to his feet but Sheamus stopped his momentum with a couple of knees to his ribs. Cesaro was then tagged in he quickly applied another Chin Lock to Ambrose. The resiliant Ambrose broke free and planted Cesaro with a Suplex. Cesaro ambled his way to the corner and tagged in Sheamus. Ambrose greeted Sheamus with a Lunatic Lariat and slowly made his way to the corner.

Seth Rollins was tagged in and he connected with a Slingblade to The Miz. Rollins then knocked Cesaro off the ring apron and followed it up with a Blockbuster off the second rope to Miz. Rollins hit the Falcon Arrow and then a brawl broke out in the ring. The Miz and Rollins were the two Superstars left in the ring and Miz hit a DDT as RAW once again went to a break. When RAW returned, the action had spilled out of the ring and Ambrose threw Sheamus into the crowd. Ambrose leaped off the barricade and cracked Sheamus in the face. Back in the ring, Cesaro tagged himself in and Rollins leaped across the ring to tag in Styles. AJ connected with an Ushigoroshi onto Cesaro for a two count.

The Miz tried to get back into the ring but Ambrose pulled him off the ring apron. Cesaro hit AJ with a massive uppercut but Rollins broke up the cover. Sheamus charged at Seth but Rollins dodged him and Sheamus crashed into the ring post. Rollins and Ambrose hit dueling Suicide Dives onto Sheamus and The Miz outside the ring. Back in the ring, AJ Styles connected with the Phenomenal Forearm to Cesaro for the pinfall victory. After the match, Kane came down to the ring and attacked Rollins and Ambrose. Kane then launched Styles out of the ring and The Bar and The Miz attacked Rollins and Ambrose from behind. The Miz and The Bar then exited the ring as Kane’s entrance music played and Kane stood tall in the ring. Winners: AJ Styles, Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins

I want to see AJ Styles versus Cesaro as soon as possible. We got a tiny glimpse of it tonight when the two Superstars went head-to-head during this bout. RAW’s roster is obviously down a few key Superstars due to illness, so it makes sense that AJ Styles stuck around for another night. This match was absolutely terrific and it cannot be overstated how valuable AJ Styles is to the WWE.

Finn Balor Can Defeat AJ Styles, But He Cannot Defeat A 50-Year-Old Kane

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Kane cut a promo on Braun Strowman after he beatdown Styles, Rollins and Ambrose. During the promo, Michael Cole announced that Braun Strowman will be out for some time after

Promo: Kane said that he has heard about all of Strowman’s accomplishments and said that he had to see it for himself. Kane stated that what he saw was a pile of trash. He added that he put Strowman where he belonged last night in the back of a garbage truck. Kane said that he saw fear in Strowman’s eyes and stated that he has and will always be RAW’s only monster. Kane mocked Strowman and said that he wanted competition or else. Finn Balor answered the challenge and came down to the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

Match recap: Balor connected with a flurry of kicks to start off the match but Kane shrugged them off and knocked Finn out of the ring. Finn got back into the ring and was sent into the turnbuckle by Kane. Balor escaped to the ring apron and connected with a kick to Kane’s face. Kane responded by delivering a boot to Finn’s chin and Balor crashed to the canvas.

Kane persisted with his attack and connected with a Body Slam a two count. Balor knocked Kane out of the ring and punted his head from the ring apron. Kane was unfazed and lifted up Balor and drove him into the ring apron. The action returned to the ring and Kane hit a massive Side Slam but Balor kicked out at two. Finn battled to his feet but Kane launched him into the turnbuckle. Kane hit a Backbreaker and then bent Balor’s body over his knee.

Finn escaped and rolled out of the ring but Kane followed him out there. Balor tripped up Kane and Kane fell face-first onto the steel steps. Back in the ring, Balor connected with a Slingblade and then Dropkicked Kane into the corner. Finn went for the Coup de Grace but Kane got up and grabbed Balor by the throat. Kane delivered a massive Chokeslam and then grabbed Finn by the throat once again. Kane delivered two more Chokeslams for the pinfall victory. Winner: Kane

I’m having a hard time seeing Kane as this dominant monster once again. The last thing I remember about Kane is him dominating “The Milkman” on SmackDown.

It also hasn’t been explained why Kane is all of the sudden on the RAW roster even though he was drafted to the blue brand. I find it extremely inconsistent that Balor defeated AJ Styles last night at TLC, only to lose to a 50-year-old Kane tonight on RAW. I also thought Braun Strowman was passed facing older Superstars on the main roster. He defeated the Big Show in their feud, why does he now have to go through Kane? That is if Braun Strowman even returns on RAW soon. The announcers made it seem like Strowman will be gone for a long time after being compacted in a garbage truck.

WWE Is Booking Asuka Incorrectly

Asuka made her main-roster debut last night at WWE TLC 2017 and faced Emma. Many were shocked that Asuka didn’t dominate the match. Emma faced Asuka again tonight on RAW.

Match recap: Emma completely dominated Asuka for the first several minutes of the match again. Asuka finally fought back and connected with a Dropkick off the second rope. Asuka then connected with a series of strikes and followed it up with a release German Suplex. Asuka then connected with the Hip Attack for a two count. Emma booted Asuka into the turnbuckle and then went for a roll-up but Asuka reversed it into the Asuka Lock for the submission victory. Winner: Asuka

I don’t understand what WWE is doing with Asuka on the main roster. They are making her seem beatable. The majority of the people that watch WWE RAW do not tune into NXT on Wednesday nights. They keep mentioning Asuka’s undefeated streak, but they are not booking her as dominant on RAW. Yes, she has defeated Emma twice in a row, but they shouldn’t have been competitive matches. Emma has been wasting away on RAW for a long time now, it simply does not make sense for her to be a challenge for Asuka right now.

Alexa Bliss Got What She Deserved

Alexa Bliss picked up a victory over Mickie James last night at TLC and came down to the ring for a promo. Alexa dissed Mickie James again and said that she felt disrespected by the fans. Bliss said that Balor and Styles can stare into each other’s eyes for “like 10 minutes” and the crowd eats up. Alexa asked why the fans don’t give her enough credit and wondered if it because she was not old like Mickie James. Alexa then called the crowd sheep and said that she is going to say a chant slowly so the crowd can repeat it back to her. Alexa chanted “you deserve it!” and the crowd booed. Alexa once again demanded respect from the crowd but the y continued booing. Mickie James came down to the ring with a smile on her face as Alexa looked pissed off in the ring. Mickie then booted Alexa in the face and connected with a DDT. Mickie then grabbed the microphone and said “Alexa, you do deserve it”.

I’ve really enjoyed this feud so far and I thought Mickie and Alexa had one of the better matches at WWE TLC 2017 last night. Bliss taunted the crowd and Mickie James and got a DDT for her troubles. Survivor Series is four weeks away, so I’m guessing this feud will continue for a bit and I’m absolutely fine with that.

The Feud Between Jason Jordan & Elias Is Uninteresting 

Elias performed a song but was interrupted by persistent scratching noises. Elias thought it was technical difficulties, but it turned out to be Jason Jordan. Jason interrupted Elias’ concert several times last night at TLC and then defeated him via a roll-up in their match last night. Elias got his rematch with Jordan tonight on RAW.

Match recap: Elias controlled the first few minutes of the match before RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Elias was still in control but Jordan quickly captured the momentum. Jordan knocked Elias out of the ring and charged at him near the timekeeper’s area. Elias grabbed his guitar and smashed him over the arm with it and was disqualified. Winner via DQ: Jason Jordan

I didn’t find it funny when Jason Jordan interrupted Elias’ concert last night by throwing groceries at him twice. The crowd gave a decent reaction when Elias hit Jordan with the guitar tonight, but the fact remains that there are no stakes at all in this feud. They are just fighting because neither Superstar has anything else to do right now and it is nearly impossible to get invested in this feud. The guitar shot was stiff as hell and Jordan’s arm looked a bit messed up after he was hit by it.

Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman Laughed At Jinder Mahal

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman came down to the ring to address Jinder Mahal challenging Lesnar to a match at Survivor Series. Heyman said that Mahal has barely survived his matches against Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura. Heyman noted that Mahal is also up all night worrying about AJ Styles coming to take his title.

Heyman boasted about Lesnar’s domination on the RAW brand and how he has run through all of his opponents since capturing the Universal Championship. Heyman said that he doesn’t trash-talk Lesnar’s opponents because you have to be a real man to challenge Brock Lesnar. Heyman poked fun at Mahal and the Singh Brothers and said that Mahal isn’t a worthy champion.

Paul Heyman said that Lesnar isn’t defending the honor of RAW at Survivor Series. Heyman added that “any brand that brags Brock Lesnar is the flagship brand and the number one place to be in WWE”. Heyman claimed that Brock Lesnar was going to take Jinder Mahal to Suplex City at Survivor Series and accepted the challenge on Lesnar’s behalf. Heyman and Brock Lesnar then exited the ring and made their way backstage.

This was an excellent promo by Paul Heyman here. I was hoping that Heyman would tear down Jinder Mahal and that is exactly what happened tonight. The only issue I have is that there is no way Jinder Mahal can provide an adequate response tomorrow night on SmackDown because he is so terrible at promos.

Alicia Fox Is The Captain Of The RAW Women’s Team At Survivor Series

WWE Superstar Alicia Fox

RAW GM Kurt Angle announced that Alicia Fox, Sasha Banks and Bayley will compete in a match to determine the captain for the RAW Women’s team at Survivor Series.

Match recap: Fox controlled the match early and knocked Bayley out of the ring. Sasha conncted with a kick to Fox’s face and Bayley came back int he ring. Bayley got back into the ring and connected with a double Dropkick that knocked Alicia out of the ring. Fox got back into the ring and Bayley and Sasha once again teamed up and knocked her out of the ring. Alicia once again tried to get in the ring but Bayley and Sasha Dropkicked her back to the floor as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Sasha Banks was in control and launched Alicia Fox into the turnbuckle as Bayley was on the floor outside the ring. Banks climbed up to the top turnbuckle but Fox got back to her feet and slapped Sasha in the face. Bayley got back in the ring as Fox was setting Banks up for the Superplex. Bayley then Powerbombed Fox as she hit the Superplex onto Banks off the top rope.

Fox booted Bayley in the face for a two count. Alicia then shouted “I don’t want to play this game” and then grabbed the bell and started ringing it. The referee told her that Alicia cannot just end the match whenever she wants and Fox got back in the ring. Bayley hit her with the Bayley to Belly but Banks broke up the pinfall.

Bayley then knocked Alicia out of the ring and slammed Sasha to the mat. Fox then hit Bayley with Bayley to Belly and then booted Bayley out of the ring. Alicia then charged at Sasha but Sasha countered it into the Bank Statement. Alicia broke free and then threw Sasha into Bayley who was standing on the ring apron. Fox then pinned Sasha Banks for the victory and is now the captain of the RAW Women’s Team at WWE Survivor Series. Alicia Fox then celebrated with members of the Green Bay Packers that were sitting ringside.  Winner: Alicia Fox

This match was solid and this will definitely be interesting as we head towards Survivor Series in four weeks. Crazy Alicia Fox is entertaining, and both Bayley and Sasha Banks aren’t exactly electric when it comes to cutting a promo. I think that this may lead to some funny segments with Alicia Fox as the team leader on the next few episodes of RAW. Having said that, it could just as easily wind up being a train wreck.

Kalisto Got Some Revenge On Enzo

Enzo Amore came down to the ring with Drew Gulak, Ariya Daivari, Noam Dar and Tony Nese. All five Superstars danced with Enzo on the entrance ramp. Drew Gulak grabbed the microphone while holding a clipboard. Gulak said that he had a prepared statement on behalf of Enzo Amore because Enzo has lost his voice. Gulak said that Kalisto was a bigger letdown than the Green Bay Packers and the crowd booed and then broke out in a “Go Pack Go!” chant.

Enzo, Gulak, Nese, Daivari and Dar then faced Kalisto, Gran Metalik, Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali.

Match recap: Kalisto wanted Enzo to get in the ring to start off the match. Enzo didn’t accept the challenge and avoided get in the ring. “Team Lucha” cleaned house and knocked “Team Zo Train” out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Team Zo Train was in control and had Rich Swann isolated in the corner.

Swann and Daivari battled in the ring as a brawl broke out ringside between the rest of the Superstars in the match. Enzo avoided the brawl and started shouting at his teammates to get up. Daivari tagged in Enzo and then Kalisto was tagged in. Enzo tried to avoid him but Kalisto caught him with a kick. Kalisto went for the cover but Gulak and Nese broke it up. Enzo then connected with a DDT off the second rope but the cover was once again broken up. Alexander and Ali leaped onto Nese and Gulak outside the ring. Metalik and Ali then leaped onto Dar and Daivari. Back in the ring, Kalisto connected with the Salida del Sol on Enzo for the victory. Winners: Kalisto, Mustafa Ali, Gran Metalik, Rich Swann & Cedric Alexander

Kalisto will get his rematch for the Cruiserweight Championship tomorrow night on 205 Live. I think WWE is committed to making Enzo as annoying as possible so people tune into 205 Live. I doubt that it will work, but I don’t see Kalisto winning the Cruiserweight Championship back tomorrow night. This match was entertaining for what it was, but I am beyond tired of the constant 6+ man tag matches on RAW with the Cruiserweight division. It is not building up any of the Superstars and allowing the WWE Universe to see their personalities and become invested in them.

SmackDown Fired The First Shot At RAW Ahead Of Survivor Series

RAW GM Kurt Angle came down to the ring to announce the RAW Men’s Team for WWE Survivor Series. Before Angle could make his announcement, SmackDown GM Shane McMahon interrupted and came through the crowd with members of the SmackDown roster and surrounded Kurt Angle outside the ring.

Shane McMahon entered the ring and grabbed a microphone as the crowd chanted “Nakamura!”. Kurt Angle stared at Shane with a bewildered look on his face as Shane walked towards him. Shane said “under siege” and dropped the microphone. Angle then left the ring and walked backstage. Shane then instructed the blue team to “go get him” and the SmackDown roster headed backstage.

The SmackDown roster then attacked Apollo Crews and Titus O’Neil backstage and beat them down. Baron Corbin then attacked a helpless intern as the SmackDown roster cheered him on. Goldust, Rhyno and poor Curt Hawkins were next to suffer the wrath of the SmackDown roster. Jason Jordan and Matt Hardy then got their asses kicked by the SmackDown roster.

Gallows and Anderson and Elias were the next victims as they were attacked out of nowhere in their locker room. Bayley, Sasha, Mickie and Alicia were then attacked by the SmackDown women’s division. Charlotte was not present during the attack. The camera then cut back to Shane McMahon who was being booed by the crowd.

Rollins and Ambrose attacked members of the SmackDown roster with chairs but they were vastly outnumbered and promptly got their asses kicked. Corbin and Rusev then dragged Kurt Angle back to the ring. Shane McMahon had a menacing look on his face as he once again stared at Kurt Angle. Shane said that he wanted Angle to bring his gold medal and what is left of the RAW roster and they are going to finish what they started. Shane added “oh it’s true, it’s damn true” and then exited with his troops through the crowd.

I thought this was great. It will make the next few weeks of RAW and SmackDown very interesting heading into Survivor Series. I’m not sold on many of the matches on the card right now, but the 5v5 matches between the men and women of both brands should be great. I hope that RAW responds tomorrow night on SmackDown and we get a terrific build to Survivor Series last month. WWE has had a problem with building up their PPVs, but they are off to a great start with Survivor Series in my opinion.

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