Home News 7 Takeaways From WWE RAW (11/20)

7 Takeaways From WWE RAW (11/20)

Robert Lentini
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7 Takeaways From WWE RAW (11/20)

The November 20th episode of WWE RAW aired live from Houston, Texas. It was the first episode of RAW following WWE Survivor Series 2017. Here are 7 takeaways from this week’s episode of RAW:

Triple H Backed Down From Strowman

RAW kicked off this week with Stephanie McMahon bragging about RAW’s victory last night at Survivor Series. Stephanie issued Kurt Angle that he will keep his job and then introduced her husband, Triple H. Last night at Survivor Series, Triple H Pedigreed Kurt Angle, but still won the 5-on-5 Elimination match for Team RAW.

Triple H posed in the ring for a moment but RAW GM Kurt Angle immediately interrupted and stormed down to the ring. Angle got right in Triple H’s face and told him to take this job and shove it if he ever attacks him from behind again. Angle told Triple H that he will be coming after him.

Jason Jordan then came down to the ring and challenged Triple H to a match. Stephanie McMahon said that Triple H would make a mockery of Jason Jordan and added that Triple H does not fear anyone in the locker room. Braun Strowman’s music hit and he marched to the ring and got right in Triple H’s face.

Triple H backed away and exited the ring as the crowd chanted “you’re a coward!”. Stephanie McMahon announced that Jason Jordan and Braun Strowman will have a match tonight and Strowman approached Jason Jordan but Kurt Angle separated the two Superstars.

I am already dreading RAW starting off with Stephanie McMahon and Kurt Angle every week while this storyline develops. I thought Jason Jordan would show up at Survivor Series and attack Triple H, instead he waited until the night after to challenge him. I’m fully expecting Jason Jordan to get absolutely destroyed by Braun Strowman tonight, unless someone shows up and ruins it.

Balor & Joe Need Something To Fight For

Samoa Joe and Finn Balor wrestled each other again tonight on RAW. Balor controlled the match early and connected with a flip onto Joe outside the ring as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Joe was in control and hit Balor with a massive right hand.

Balor responded with an overhead kick and both Superstars fell to the canvas. Finn connected with a Dropkick and then threw Joe out of the ring. Balor followed it up with a Dropkick in between the ropes and then tried to kick Joe in the face on the ring apron but Joe caught his foot and slammed him face-first to the ring apron. Joe then sprinted and leaped through the ropes and connected with a right hand.

The action returned to the ring and Joe hit Balor with a chop. Finn connected with a Slingblade and went for a Dropkick but Joe avoided it and hit Balor with a Senton for a two count. Joe applied the Coquina Clutch but Balor rolled through and hit a Dropkick on Joe in the corner. Balor then climbed to the top rope but Joe grabbed him and locked in the Coquina Clutch in the middle of the ring. Finn Balor refused to tap out but wound up passing out to the Coquina Clutch.

Balor and Joe had a very good match tonight, but the crowd wasn’t all that into it. These two Superstars obviously have unreal chemistry in the ring, so why not give them something to fight for? The Intercontinental Championship wound up being a prominent part of tonight’s show. I wouldn’t mind seeing Balor and Joe in the hunt for that title in the near future.

Asuka Dominated Again

Dana Brooke had a vignette before her match with Asuka. Brooke claimed that Asuka had holes in her game, even though Asuka hasn’t lost a match in two years. Asuka tied Brooke up on the ropes and then knocked her to the floor.

Asuka mocked Dana Brooke’s poses in the ring and Dana got pissed off. Dana slammed on the ring apron and then charged towards Asuka. Dana got in some offense and started mocking Asuka. Dana slapped Asuka in the face and that caused Asuka to go crazy. Asuka connected with a flurry of kicks and then booted Brooke in the face for the pinfall victory.

Asuka once again dominated on RAW after leading the women’s team to victory last night at Survivor Series. It makes you wonder why WWE didn’t book Asuka like this initially. She really struggled with Emma originally and then WWE released Emma from the company. Asuka’s main roster debut was underwhelming but I’ve enjoyed how she is being booked recently. She should continue to win matches easily until a legitimate opponent arrives.

Paige Returned With Some Friends From NXT

RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss came down to the ring and said that she has been reading all the tweets from fans saying that she had a great match last night with Charlotte. Bliss claimed that the only reason Charlotte won is because she got lucky.

Bliss stated that 2017 has been the year of Alexa Bliss and added that she is still the Goddess of WWE. Mickie James then came down to the ring and once again referred to Bliss as “biscuit butt”. Mickie added that she wants the RAW Women’s Championship and Bliss laughed in her face.

Bayley then interrupted and said that she agreed with Alexa about this being her year. Bayley claimed that she was going to take the RAW Women’s Championship from Bliss. Sasha Banks and Alicia Fox also interrupted and said that they deserved a shot at the RAW Women’s Championship.

Alexa stated that not one of them deserve a shot at the RAW Women’s Championship and started walking away. Kurt Angle announced that a Fatal 4-Way would take place to determine the next #1 contender between Mickie James, Bayley, Sasha Banks and Alicia Fox.

Paige finally made her return and the crowd chanted “welcome back!”. Paige said that she didn’t come alone and Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville attacked Sasha Banks from behind. Paige, Rose and Deville then beatdown Bayley and Mickie James. Alicia Fox ran away. Paige then planted Bayley in the ring and posed with Mandy Rose and Deville.

Paige, Rose and Deville were then interviewed backstage. RAW Women’s Alexa Bliss interrupted and congratulated them. Bliss introduced herself to Deville and Rose. They didn’t respond and then Paige kicked Bliss in the mid-section. The trio beatdown Bliss and left her laying on the concrete backstage.

It is great to see Paige back in the WWE, but I thought was underwhelming. I’ll give it time and see how it works out, but I would have rather seen Billie Kay and Peyton Royce join the main roster with Paige. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville just seem completely random. The RAW women’s division has been stale for some time, so I’m glad some new talent has joined the roster. I just think there are some better options in NXT to comprise Paige’s entourage.

The Shield Want To Become Champions Again

The Miz came down to the ring and jokingly congratulated Baron Corbin on his victory last night at Survivor Series. The Miz introduced Roman Reigns but Roman’s music didn’t hit. The Miz tried it again and once again nothing. The Shield’s music hit and Reigns, Rollins and Ambrose made their way to the ring through the crowd.

The Shield bragged about their victory over New Day last night at Survivor Series. The Miz complained about not receiving a “thank you” from The Shield. The Miz said that he was the only reason that The Shield reunion tour started. The crowd jokingly chanted “thank you Miz”.

The Miz added that he deserves a check from some of that new Shield merch. Houston then chanted “Miz is awesome” and Reigns commented that he had never heard that chant before. The lights in the arena went out for a moment and then quickly came back on. Reigns pointed out that The Miz should be grateful for The Shield because they won their match last night.

Rollins and Ambrose stated that it is only a matter of time before they get their hands back on the RAW Tag Team Championships. Reigns said that he didn’t want to be the only member of The Shield without a title. Reigns then challenged Reigns for the IC Title. Bo Dallas and Axel said that The Shield needed to go through them first before they get a shot at The Miz. The Shield dismantled Dallas and Axel as The Miz watched on in horror on the entrance ramp. It was then announced that Reigns will face The Miz for the IC Title later tonight.

Ambrose had a great match against Sheamus tonight on RAW and picked up the victory. Rollins and Ambrose will certainly getting their rematch for the RAW Tag Team Championships in the near future and I wouldn’t be surprised if they take them back from The Bar. If Reigns wins the IC Title tonight, that would mean everyone in the group will be a champion and The Shield would once again be a dominant force in WWE.

Kane Rescued Jason Jordan From Braun Strowman

Jason Jordan approached RAW GM Kurt Angle backstage and asked if he was really going to allow the match with Braun Strowman to take place tonight. Jordan said that he was injured and Angle replied that he thought Jordan said he was healthy and that it would look bad if Angle removed him from the match. Jordan ultimately agreed with Angle and stated “I am the only man that can beat Braun Strowman”. You could actually hear the collective laughter in the crowd after Jordan said that.

Braun Strowman was interviewed backstage. He was asked his thoughts on Jason Jordan claiming that he was not afraid of Strowman. Braun said “Good. That makes him different from everyone else, including Triple H” and then walked away.

Jason Jordan was shown later in the night seeking advice from Matt Hardy backstage. Hardy had been in the ring with Strowman before and claimed that Strowman was inhuman. Matt stated that some nights are just not your night and patted Jordan on the back.

Jordan and Braun Strowman had their match at the beginning of the third hour of RAW. Jordan slapped Strowman in the face and then ran away from him. Jordan tweaked his knee injury and Strowman launched him across the ring. Jordan rolled out of the ring and started limping towards the entrance ramp.

Kane then appeared from behind Strowman with a chair and attacked him. Kane bashed Strowman against the steel steps with the chair up against Braun’s throat. Kane exited backstage and Strowman eventually hobbled up the entrance ramp while having difficulty breathing from the chair strike.

RAW GM Kurt Angle checked on his son following the match. The Miz interrupted and begged Angle to cancel his title defense against Roman Reigns. Kurt Angle declined and told The Miz to head to the ring. Jordan said that he felt like he let his father down tonight. Angle said that Jordan didn’t and Jordan added that Matt Hardy was right, Braun Strowman is a monster among men.

Well, this was completely predictable. Jason Jordan tried to escape up the entrance ramp and Kane attacked Braun Strowman from behind. I can’t get into a feud between Kane and Strowman. It does nothing for Strowman to pick up a victory over Kane right now. I just hope they have a match soon and get this feud over with.

Roman Reigns Won The Intercontinental Championship

The Miz defended his Intercontinental Championship against Roman Reigns in the main event of this week’s episode of RAW. Cole, Booker T and Graves pumped up the fact that Reigns has never held the Intercontinental Championship in his career.

The Miz rolled out of the ring right when the bell rung. Reigns waited for The Miz in the ring as Miz leaned up against the barricade. Reigns chased Miz back into the ring and bashed him in the face with a right hand. Reigns connected with a Powerbomb for a two count as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, The Miz was in control of the match. Reigns quickly battled back and connected with three Clotheslines in a row. The crowd chanted “Roman!” as Reigns beatdown The Miz in the corner. Reigns leveled Miz with a big boot and geared up for the Superman Punch in the corner.

The Miz once again rolled out of the ring and Reigns chased him. Roman went for the Superman Punch off the steel steps but Miz was ready for it. Miz booted Reigns in the midsection and then planted him with a DDT. The Miz got back into the ring and Reigns leaped into the ring at the last second. Miz hit another DDT for a two count.

Reigns battled out of a Chin Lock and connected with a big right hand. Miz hit a Neckbreaker and went for the cover but Roman kicked out at two. The Miz hit two Dropkicks in a row and went for a third but Reigns caught him. The Miz went for a roll-up but Reigns kicked out at two. The Miz charged at Reigns in the corner but Roman got out of the way and Miz crashed into the second turnbuckle before falling to the mat.

The Miz once again knocked Reigns to the canvas and connected with the It Kicks. Reigns ducked under one of the kicks and planted Miz with a Samoan Drop for a two count. Roman went for the Superman Punch but Miz tripped up Reigns and then booted him in the face for a two count.

Miz stomped on Reigns in the corner and then shoved his boot in Roman’s face. The Miz connected with a Clothesline and then made his way up to the top rope. The Miz leaped towards Reigns and Roman connected with the Superman Punch while Miz was in midair for a two count. Sheamus and Cesaro then ran towards the ring and distracted Reigns. The Miz planted Reigns with the Skull Crushing Finale for a two count.

Ambrose and Rollins sprinted down to the ring and beatdown Sheamus and Cesaro. Reigns then connected with the Spear for the pinfall victory. Roman Reigns is your new Intercontinental Champion. Ambrose and Rollins got into the ring and celebrated with Roman Reigns in the ring.

The Miz hasn’t done much with the Intercontinental Championship recently, so I guess this will make the title more interesting. I don’t think Reigns will hold onto the title for long, as he is rumored to be facing Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania next year. I would have preferred to see the title go on a Superstar that the title could elevate. I would have also liked to see an actual feud that led up to the title change, instead of just giving it to Reigns on an episode of RAW.

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