The December 23rd episode of RAW on Monday was taped last week at the Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA. Here are 5 takeaways from the show:
Rollins & AOP Beat Kevin Owens Down Again
Kevin Owens kicked off this week’s show and was about to cut a promo but was interrupted by Mojo Rawley. Mojo said that Owens better have an explanation for that nonsense with the steel pipe and that he needs a reality check. Owens noted that they have a No DQ match next and he cannot wait to kick his ass. Rawley added that everyone is tough with a steel pipe in their hands and that it isn’t going to be a Merry Christmas for Owens following the match.
Owens dominated the match early and took out a table from under the ring. Rawley grabbed a steel chair and hit Owens in the back. Mojo set up a bunch of chairs and slammed Owens on top of them for a two count. Rawley beat Owens down in the corner of the ring with the steel chair and taunted him while doing so.
Mojo perched Owens up on the top turnbuckle and went for a Superplex but Owens blocked it. Rawley then launched Owens off the top rope onto the chairs for another near fall. Owens battled back and hit a Swanton Bomb off the top rope for a two count. Owens connected with the Stunner and followed it up with a Pop-Up Powerbomb through a table for the pinfall victory.
After the match, Owens demanded that Rollins and AOP come down to the ring. Rollins got into the ring iwth Owens as Akam and Rezar stood on the outside. Rollins told Owens that they are even and that it is time for him to come over to the right side of history. Seth told Owens that he forgives him and wanted to shake his hand. Owens leveled Rollins with a Superkick but AOP quickly hopped into the ring and beat him down. Rollins joined in on the attack and went for The Stomp but Owens dodged it and knocked Seth to the canvas. AOP once again beat Owens down and Seth hit him with The Stomp.
Lana & Lashley Are Getting Married Next Week
Bobby Lashley defeated Cedric Alexander tonight on RAW. In the middle of the match, Lana announced that their wedding will be on next week’s episode of RAW and told Lashley to be careful.
Later on the show, Rusev defeated No Way Jose in a quick match. Before the match, Rusev stated that he was screwed over at TLC and that he was upset about it. Rusev then vowed to do something about it.
Rusev brought up Lana and Lashley getting married next week and claimed that it was going to the greatest day of his life. He claimed that getting married to Lana is a punishment and Lana’s wedding day is still going to be Rusev Day.
Becky Vowed To Put The Title On The Line Against Asuka
RAW Women’s Champion Becky Lynch came down to the ring to a great reaction from the crowd. Becky said that she has become the face of WWE and that the company is trying to protect her.
Lynch claimed that she has stayed quiet for too long and that she needs to face Asuka and she is not taking no for answer. Becky noted that Asuka is the one woman to ever beat her fair and square.
Women’s Tag Team Champions Asuka & Kairi Sane came down to the entrance. Asuka boasted about The Kabuki Warriors beating Charlotte and Becky at WWE TLC. Asuka referred to herself as “Asuka Two Belts” and Becky offered to put her title on the line. Becky then spoke Japanese to Asuka and the two trash-talked as Becky’s music played.
AJ Styles Pinned Randy Orton
The OC battled Randy Orton and The Viking Raiders tonight on RAW. Viking Raiders controlled the match early and took turns beating the hell out of Karl Anderson. Gallows tagged in and leveled Erik with a kick to the head.
AJ Styles hit Erik with a cheap shot as the referee was distracted. Anderson tagged in and planted Erik with a Spinebuster for a two count. AJ tagged in and walked into a massive forearm to the face from Erik.
Orton and Gallows tagged in and Randy connected with a Clothesline. Gallows sent Orton to the outside with a Back Body Drop and Randy sold a knee injury. The OC then spent the next few minutes focusing their attack on Orton’s knee.
Randy battled back and planted Styles with a Suplex. Viking Raiders hit the Viking Experience on Anderson and went for the cover but Gallows broke it up. AJ hit Ivar with the Pele Kick and followed it up with an Enziguri to Erik.
Orton tagged himself in and AJ didn’t realize. Orton went for the RKO but AJ blocked it. Randy hit Anderson with an RKO and then went for one on Gallows but his knee gave out. AJ then leveled Orton with the Phenomenal Forearm for the pinfall victory.
Rollins & AOP Sent A Message To Samoa Joe & Mysterio
Rey Mysterio defended the United States Championship against Seth Rollins in the main event of this week’s RAW. Akam and Rezar were ringside for the match. Seth controlled the match early and hit a Slingblade for a near fall. Rollins hit Rey with a forearm to the face and slammed his face into the turnbuckle.
Mysterio booted Seth in the face and went for the 619 but Rollins got out of the way. Seth launched Rey into the ring post and then threw him out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Rollins was still in control and sent Mysterio into the turnbuckle once again. Seth connected with a Backbreaker and went for the cover but Rey was able to kick out at two. Mysterio battled back and connected with a Sunset Flip Powerbomb that sent Seth flying into the barricade.
Back in the ring, Rey connected with a DDT for a near fall. Mysterio went for a Crossbody but Rollins caught him and hit a Buckle Bomb for a near fall. Rey hit the 619 and made his way to the top rope. AOP attacked Rey Mysterio and the match ended in a DQ. Rollins ordered AOP to teach Rey a lesson and they dragged him up the entrance ramp.
Akam and Rezar cleared off the announce table but Samoa Joe wouldn’t move. Joe stated that if he gets up it is not to move, it will be both of their asses. Rollins got in the way and told Joe that their beef is not with him. Seth then told AOP to finish him and they attacked Joe. Seth hit Mysterio with The Stomp an AOP slammed Joe through the announce table to end the show.
RAW was a throwaway show tonight. There weren’t too many exciting moments throughout the entire night. I’m looking forward to seeing Samoa Joe get back in the ring but that is the only positive I can take from this week’s episode.
