WWE Monday Night RAW: Review and results - September 2, 2014
As we get closer to the Night of Champions PPV, the anticipation builds among the WWE Universe. This week, RAW rolled out of Des Moines, and the show kicked off with the Highlight Reel.
Highlight Reel with Chris Jericho and The Authority
Jericho stood in the ring with the ring set up for the Highlight Reel segment. Jericho went to introduce Orton, but The Authority made their way out. Triple H and Jericho took shots at each other on the mic, and Triple H plugged in the WWE Network. Triple H said he has been watching Lesnar – Cena at SummerSlam, and said maybe they needed a new #1 contender. Orton took the mic and said only he can beat Lesnar, while Kane said maybe a demon should take care of business. Rollins said the future has arrived, as he got a big pop from the fans in his home state. Jericho also threw his name into the mix, and out came Cena to a mixed reaction.
Cena threatened to sue Triple H and get him fired. Triple H laughed at that, and said Cena’s career ending at NOC isn’t best for business. Rollins threatened to cash in after the match, and Orton reminded everyone that he was due for a rematch after WrestleMania 30. Jericho brought up Reigns, and Orton called him a piece of crap. He said he would drop Reigns if he was in the ring as Jericho and Orton came face – to – face. Reigns music interrupted as he made his way out! Reigns mocked Orton and said he was all talk. He threatened Kane and Rollins, and said they have some unfinished business. Reigns said he wanted a shot at the title as well. Triple H then made a huge six man tag team match, with Roman, Jericho and Cena taking on Rollins, Kane and Orton later on in the show!
Analysis: That was a good opening segment, and it was refreshing to see Jericho back in the mix. He had yet another good verbal joust with Triple H, and with others in the mix for the title, things can get very interesting.
Cesaro and The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler and Sheamus
Miz was out along with his stunt double, Mizdow. Good back and forth action as Cesaro started things off with Dolph, and when Sheamus took out Cesaro to the floor, Dolph nearly landed the fame – asser on Miz, but Mizdow came in as Dolph dropped him with the Zig Zag. Miz came from behind and planted him with the SCF to pick up the victory.
Winners: The Miz and Cesaro
Rating: * ¾
Analysis: Cesaro finally won a match! That in itself is big, although it’s sad to see what WWE has done with Sandow, who is a former MiTB winner. How many of us remember that?
Nikki then cut a promo about how Brie stole her high school crush during her prom, and made out with him. Just when you thought this couldn’t get any more clichéd!
Cameron, Eva Marie and Rosa Mendes vs. Layla, Naomi and Summer Rae
Not long after the match starts, a big brawl breaks out between all the divas. The faces cleared the ring of the heels.
Winner: NA
Rating: Dud
Analysis: Why was this match even made? Layla botched a few moves, Eva is still as green as The Hulk in the ring, and this was just a waste of air time.
Mark Henry and Big Show vs. Luke Harper and Erick Rowan
Henry and Rowan started things off, as both of them got their offenses in. Harper then made his way into the ring, but got a big boot from Henry. Lana and Rusev appeared at the top of the ramp as the heels were in control. The Wyatts worked on Show, but Show finally turned it around with a DDT, and tagged in Henry. Henry disposed off Rowan and went for the WSS on Harper, but Rusev superkicked him to cause the DQ!
Winners by DQ: Big Show and Mark Henry
Rating: * ½
Post match, Wyatts tried to attack Henry and Show, but Show punched Harper through a steel chair. Show guarded Henry as the Wyatts backed off.
Analysis: It’s frustrating to see what the WWE is doing with the Wyatts, who were once the most indestructible force in the company. Harper and Rowan have become nothing more than a joke now, with Cena easily disposing them off last week. This will also lead to a program between Mark Henry and Rusev, with WWE finally pulling the trigger this week.
Nikki once again appeared and talked about how Brie wrecked her car. She said Brie failed her driving test, and gave Nikki’s license to the police. Like Cole once said, “Stop the pain!”