Mitchell’s WWE Monday Night Raw Report! (8/28/17)
The Boss and the Goddess have their Women’s Championship rematch!

All images courtesy of the WWE’s official website and Twitter
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s 15 Man Battle Royal; Jeff Hardy wins and will face The Miz next week on Raw.
- Enzo Amore VS Noam Dar; Enzo wins.
- Seth Rollins w/Dean Ambrose VS Cesaro w/ Sheamus; Cesaro wins.
- Dean Ambrose w/ Seth Rollins VS Sheamus w/ Cesaro; Ambrose wins.
- Mickie James VS Emma; Emma wins.
- The Club VS Roman Reigns & John Cena; Reigns & Cena win.
- WWE Raw Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Alexa Bliss; Alexa wins and becomes the new Raw Women’s Champion.
PLAY BY PLAY
Memphis means the King, Jerry Lawler, joins commentary.
That, and we all hope that those living in the Houston area and all parts of Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey are safe and sound now, just as Booker T is with his family.
The Miztourage is already in the ring.

The Intercontinental Champion was going to speak on respect, but the Raw General Manager, Kurt Angle, interrupts!

Angle knows The Miz sees the Intercontinental Championship is being diminished. Yes, the title was not defended at Summerslam but it will be defended at No Mercy- Before the Miz was “so rudely interrupted”, he says that respect is defined as “a feeling of admiring someone or something that is good, that is valuable, that is important.” Miz recites that definition because Angle does not understand what respect means! It is disrespectful to interrupt The Miz, and it is disrespectful to the Intercontinental Champion for not giving him an opponent to face. Well now Angle is giving them both the respect he deserves. There is going to be a #1 contender’s Battle Royal right now!
Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s 15 Man Battle Royal!
The Big Show, both Matt and Jeff Hardy, Finn Balor, Jason Jordan, and even Bo Dallas and Curt Axel are just some among the competitors that could potentially move on to face The Miz for the prestigious Intercontinental Championship. Curt Hawkins brags to start, so he gets eliminated by everyone! The next target is the World’s Largest Athlete, and he welcomes it.

He takes the hammering to then explode and send everyone flying, hammering Kalisto down with one big hand. The Miztourage works together to dump Kalisto out! But then they get run over by Big Show. Signature open-hand chop for Bo as everyone else brawls and struggles against each other. Show gives a chop to Karl Anderson, then to Luke Gallows, then to Apollow Crews. The Hardys feed Elias to Show, Show gives the Drifter one, too! In fact, he gives him a second chop just because. The Miz tries to coach the Miztourage into this. The Club work on Big Show, including Finn!

Finn helped The Club! They stare each other down, Elias attacks Finn, ruining the beautiful moment. The Miztourage focuses on R-Truth now, The Hardys stave off elimination for the moment. Matt gives Gallows “DELETE DELETE DELETE” headbutts, Finn gives Elias a dropkick. The Miztourage toss out Truth, The Good Brothers go after the Hardys while Elias keeps himself from being eliminated. Goldust tries to dump out the Gold-Blooded JJ but can’t get rid of him. Finn is up against the Miztourage, Elias tries to help out, Finn slips under to survive. Everyone shifts around to new targets, but no one is eliminated just yet. The fans are on Balor’s side as he goes up against Elias again. The Miztourage have isolated Jordan while Goldust gets The Drifter in that signature powerslam. Neckbreaker from Anderson to Goldust, but almost gets himself eliminated. Yakuza Kick sends Goldust flying out, the battle royal continues as we go to break.
We return, Apollo Crews was eliminated by The Drifter thanks to high-risk going the wrong way. The Miztourage picks on Balor while the Club and Hardys are still fighting. Balor solos the Miztourage for a moment while the Hardys double suplex Gallows. Matt goes for a Twist, Gallows denies and hits an uppercut, but then he runs in and Matt dumps him out. Anderson tries to do the same to Matt, Matt survives and drags the Machine Gun up and over to join him. Anderson fights him off and they brawl, Matt wants a Twist of Fate, Anderson denies but he runs and is thrown into a post! Gallows drags Matt off, that eliminates Matt, and while the referees are distracted with their fighting, Miz helps save Bo! The Miztourage survives while Balor, Jeff and Elias are down. JJ goes after the Miztourage but that’s 2v1, unwise. Jeff fights Elias off as his brother is escorted out, The Miztourage picks away at JJ. The Miztourage split up, Balor swing kicks Axel away and then rallies with forearms. Balor gives a few forearms to Elias but is forearm’d away. Elas hps up, swing kick puts Elias on the apron! Bo goes after Balor, sunset flip to dropkick! Slingblade to JJ, and then Balor faces off with Jeff Hardy.

Jeff kicks first, atomic drop to leg-splitting legdrop and dropkick! Jeff stands tall as he calls for the Twist, Balor pushes Jeff away, Slingblade! Bo gets blasted with a dropkick, Balor gives Jeff one as well! But then, BRAY WYATT APPEARS! And he eliminates Balor!

Bray disappears, so there’s nothing Balor can do to get retribution! The Miztourage and Elias go after JJ and Jeff, but JJ takes care of all three, and then an overhead for Jeff, too! The Miztourage clubbers JJ down, they lift JJ up, but JJ uses ropes to get away. JJ dumps them BOTH out! The Miz is in shock as JJ takes Elias out, but the Jeff takes JJ out! Jeff Hardy will face The Miz at No Mercy, can he stop The Miz’s Comeback Tour?
Backstage interview with Alexa Bliss.
The Goddess of Raw looks to regain her title, and all she plans to do is win. How great is Sasha Banks, really? She always loses the title after winning it. In other words, Sasha has “never, ever successfully defended the Raw Women’s Championship”, so history will repeat itself. The “Legit Boss” is actually just a “Legit Loser”, Alexa is going to prove it. There’s something in the air, Alexa can feel it. The WWE Universe shall worship and praise their Goddess once again.
Enzo Amore VS Noam Dar!

The Certified G is a Bonafide 205 now, so why not join the Cruiserweight Division? He did take out the 7 Foot Bully, but is the Realest Guy in the Room ready for the Scottish Supernova! Or is Enzo gonna prove Noam is S A W F T? The fans cheer for Enzo, Dar gets him in a waistlock and floatos all over before messing up the hair. Dar mocks the fast feet of Enzo, then puts him in a wristlock. Enzo gets to the ropes, Dar honors the break. They tie up again, waistlock standing switch but Dar gets the wristlock again, Enzo shows his agility but then gets a stiff right from Dar. Enzo swings, they run, Dar sweeps the legs. Dar mocks the “How You Doin’?” as Neville watches backstage. Dar gives Enzo a shoulder breaker, then hammerlock as he hooks the face and messes with the hair again. Cover, Enzo kicks out, Dar gives Enzo left hands in the corner. Dar backs off and shows the claws, Enzo put Dar in the corner and throws bodyshots. The ref backs Enzo up, Enzo reasons with him, Dar draws Enzo into the buckles. Enzo is dazed while Dar gets up and drags him over. Dar kicks at Enzo then reels him in, Enzo makes Dar Eat DaFeet! Enzo wins! The Certified G shocks the Cruiserweight Division with that one.
Backstage interview with Neville.
What is the King of the Cruiserweight’s reaction to Enzo Amore joining the Division and winning his first match? Enzo is no competition, Neville vows to be champion “forever and ever and ever. How You Doin?” Neville laughs Enzo off, will his arrogance be his downfall?
The Beast is in Memphis!
“Ladies and Gentleman, my name is Paul Heyman.” He as the Advocate for the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Champion” must let the fans hoping they’d sing the Braun Strowman Blues that they’ll in stead sing Braun Strowman’s praises. Strowman is “the most worthy contender for Brock Lesnar’s Universal Title in all of WWE”. Summerslam, that was a historic night for Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman. Strowman “monsterhandled” Lesnar and powerslam’d Lesnar through two different announce tables and placed a third atop Lesnar. Strowman asserted himself on Summerslam Sunday and last week’s Monday Night Raw. Are monsters for real? Take it from Heyman, Strowman is certainly real. Strowman raised that belt last week but he’ll only earn that right when he beats Brock Lesnar. The Pay-per-view of No Mercy is an apt place for Strowman to challenge Lesnar. An attack was not needed, Lesnar does not duck a challenge. Lesnar doesn’t duck anyone, but he does hunt people. Lesnar wants Strowman so much, he’s going to speak for himself! “What he’s trying to say is: Suplex City, bitch.” Lesnar is focused, Strowman is dangerous, who comes out of No Mercy the Universal Champion?
Seth Rollins w/Dean Ambrose VS Cesaro w/ Sheamus!
The new Raw Tag Team Champions prepare for their rematch with the previous champions by having The Architect go 1v1 with the Swiss Cyborg, and solidarity is shown as the Lunatic Fringe hangs out ringside as well as the “loser” Celtic Gladiator. Cesaro and Rollins tie up, Rollins powers out of the headlock but gets shouldered down, Cesaro shows Rollins that’s what happens going against “The Bar”. Headlock again, Rollins powers out, things speed up, monkey flip sends Cesaro flying!

Cesaro gets out of the ring and regroups with Sheamus, hotshot to Rollins. Rollins sees Cesaro coming, though and gives him chops, Rollins reverses the whip to snapmare and kick Cesaro, standing moonsault, TWO. Rollins gives more chops and body shots, backs off but takes a flapjack to the buckles. Cesaro gives Rollins a body shot, then throws him out of the ring, the ref keeps Cesaro from going out but Ambrose keeps Sheamus from attacking. Cesaro comes up and around, jumps in but Rollins sees that coming so he gives Cesaro a body shot, the “Brothers in Arms” back Sheamus down more. Rollins reenters and goes right after Cesaro with corner punches, then a mule kick. Rollins runs, tilt-o-whirl backbreaker from Cesaro! Cesaro is in control as we go to break.
We return and Rollins fights his way out of the chinlock with a jawbreaker. Rollins chops Cesaro, but Cesaro’s trophy lift and drop leads to a legdrop!

TWO! Cesaro deadlifts and gutwrenches Rollins once, then again, TWO! Cesaro shows a little frustration, but Sheamus helps keep him focused. Cesaro drags Rollins up and reels him into a clothesline, then another, and another. Rollins kicks out at one, Cesaro is getting a bit annoyed. Ambrose paces, Rollins is whipped to a corner, Rollins elbows back. Rollins backs Cesaro down with right hands, but he gets a scoop slam, and Cesaro climbs up, flying crossbody! Rollins rolls through, TWO, enziguri rocks Cesaro down to a knee. Ambrose and Sheamus both coach their teammates, Rollins throws more hands and chops on Cesaro. Whip but reversed, Rollins dodges to hit a Slingblade! Rollins takes aim and goes corner to corner for a forearm, then another, and on the third time, Cesaro puts Rollins up top, flying blockbuster! The Architect is fired up as he climbs up, Cesaro gets him with a European Uppercut. Cesaro gives Rollins another right hand, then climbs up high, Rollins slips down and gives Cesaro a buckle bomb! Rollins climbs up, Sheamus distracts so Ambrose goes right after him! EuroUpper from Cesaro, cover, Cesaro snags the win!
The Bar celebrates, can they use misdirection like that to win those titles back? Sheamus grabs a mic to rub it in, this night isn’t over because now we switch partners! Challenge accepted, we get going right away!
Dean Ambrose w/ Seth Rollins VS Sheamus w/ Cesaro!
Ambrose and Sheamus brawl, Sheamus whips Ambrose to a corner but Ambrose boots back, Ambrose gives Sheamus chops in the corner. Ambrose stomps, Sheamus shoves him away, then Sheamus whips Ambrose again but Ambrose clotheslines Sheamus and himself out of the ring! Rollins keeps Cesaro back, Ambrose and Sheamus go into barriers as we go to break.
We return, Ambrose climbing up but Sheamus stops him with a right hand. Sheamus climbs up, clubs Ambrose, but Ambrose still resists. Ambrose gives body shots and headbutts to send Sheamus down, flying Lunatic flies into the Irish Curse backbreaker! TWO! Cesaro is upset for Sheamus, the fans cheer for Ambrose. Sheamus grabs Ambrose’s leg, stretch muffler!

Ambrose hangs upside-down whiel Sheamus works on the knee, Ambrose pulls himself up and gives hands, but Sheamus powerbombs Ambrose down! TWO, Sheamus goes right back to the legs with the Cloverleaf! Ambrose endures, he reaches for ropes as fans rally for him, ropebreak! Sheamus lets go quickly, Ambrose gets to the apron and ROllins keeps an eye on Cesaro. Sheamus grabs Ambrose in the Bodhrain and hammers away, until the fans count. Sheamus drags Ambrose up into a foreman’s carry but Ambrose fights back, tornado DDT! Both men down, the fans rally as each tag partner tries to coach up their teammate. Ambrose and Sheamus get up, Ambrose throws jabs and chops but Sheamus gives one body shot. They both run, double clothesline! They both get up, Ambrose gets moving corner to corner but takes a boot, he still swings Sheamus to the neckbreaker, TWO! Ambrose gets Sheamus up, Sheamus denies the suplex, he gives body shots to that lower back. Sheamus runs, Ambrose gives a knee. Ambrose runs in, Sheamus dodges, back to the Bodhrain, but Amrose catches an arm and hotshots Sheamus back. Ambrose climbs up again, Cesaro tries to distract but Rollins keeps him away again. Sheamus climbs up, grabs Ambrose, fireman’s carry into the SUPER Rolling Senton! TWO, Sheamus and Cesaro can’t believe it. The fans and Rollins cheer Ambrose on, Sheamus gets up first. Sheamus calls for it, he takes aim at Ambrose, Ambrose ducks the Brogue and goes for Dirty Deeds, high knee activates the Lunatic Lariat! Ambrose wills himself to get up, Rollins sees Cesaro at work so he trips him up! Rollins gets in the ring, Cesaro falls for the trick! The ref is busy with Cesaro while Sheamus picks Ambrose up, Rollins springboards into the knee strike! Then he DIVES on Cesaro!

Dirty Deeds! Ambrose wins! The tag team champions split it 1–1 with “The Bar”, it looks like the tag titles will have to be the tiebreaker.

Emma bets #WeWantEmma will be world-trending.
She lost to Nia Jax, sure, but guess whose name was in the top-trending hashtags? Does Mickie James follow her? No, and on purpose. Is Emma serious? Is she delusional? Nia destroyed Emma, and the hashtag was #GiveEmmaCPR. Kinda funny, Emma is proud when she fails. Emma is proud of starting the women’s revolution! Everyone should #ThankEmma! Or, maybe after their match, if Emma wins, Mickie will tweet out whatever Emma wants. But if Emma loses Emma can NEVER take credit for the revolution? Follow? #MickieisMean…
Mickie James VS Emma!

So technically this is a Hashtag Match? The two tie up, Mickie puts Emma against ropes but Emma turns it around to wrench Mickie’s arm. Mickie cartwheels out but Emma throws her down again, so Mickie trips Emma and gets rallying with clotheslines. Back kick, pump kick, and another clothesline, Mickie gets the fans fired up. Emma elbows Mickie back, runs but is put in a neckbreaker, TWO. Mickie and Emma brawl, Mickie backs Emma down and whips but is reversed, Mickie reverses that to kick Emma. Sunset flit sat on, Emma wins! Emma knew she would win, and now she tells Mickie that “I started the Women’s Revolution!” Emma won’t stop taking credit, because in her mind #EmmaStartedtheWomensRevolution! Will Emma ever be forced to #FaceReality?

Kurt Angle returns to the ring to preside over a contract signing.

History is being made at No Mercy as The Big Dog and the Face that Runs the Place face off 1v1 in a dream match. Angle welcomes out John Cena.
Cena is ready, this is happening! “This is the reason I came to Monday Night Raw!” Cena wanted to take on the man who “runs the Yard”, who is “The Guy”. Just ask Roman and he’ll tell you. Ever since Roman Reigns appeared in the WWE, he is the most protected blue chip prospect in the WWE! “And then there’s me.” Yet there’s no protection against Cena, so that’s why he wants this fight: because Roman doesn’t want this fight. Cena signs, and out comes Roman Reigns himself.
Roman looks at the contract, looks around, and then looks at Cena. Roman responds by asking, “I’m scared to fight you? That’s what’s in your head?” Cena probably doesn’t get it, maybe no one told him, but Cena’s not that big of a deal. The fact is, Roman doesn’t care what Cena’s done or will do, Roman did what Cena never will. Roman retired the Undertaker at Wrestlemania. It’s not that Roman doesn’t want to fight Cena, it’s that he doesn’t need to. Cena understands that, he is “The Big Dog”. The roster knows it, the fans are trying to learn it. There are fans that cheer Cena and fans that boo Cena, and those that want Cean to do a “Heel Turn.” With Roman, it’s somehow different. If someone hasn’t told Roman this, Cena will say it: the fans go back and forth with Roman. WHen they see Roman, they see “a cheap ass, corporately created bootleg John Cena”. And the fans confirm! Roman isn’t “The Guy”, he’s “A Guy” trying to fill shoes he never will. Listen up, Cena is not the Undertaker, he’s not a battered veteran with a bad hip at the end of his career. Cena is “the fastest, strongest and hungriest” that he’s ever been. Roman won’t sign, because it means his “Roman Empire” blows away like dust. The fans get behind Cena strongly right here. But Roman knows Cena is the king of spin. It blows Roman’s mind that Cena runs his mouth about booing and making Cena a bad guy. No, they boo Cena because Cena sucks. Secondly… Go ahead, Cena will wait. “It’s called a promo, kid, and if you want to be ‘the big dog’ you’re gonna have to learn how to do it.” “See ya, fourth wall!” No, they boo because they see through the phony Yes Man who can become anything. “You’re just a fake bitch.” Oh it’s on now. “Worse than that, he’s a part-time fake ass bitch.” And Roman will be damned if he busts his ass every week so Cena can go on the Today Show and then maybe go to a WWE Show if it pays enough. Is Cena gonna get off the bus with the shovel and “bury as much young talent” as he can? That’s what Cena does, right? That’s how Cena stays on top. Cena will do anything, “a back-stabbing shark” doesn’t like Roman because Roman can’t be buried. Roman is the one guy here, that John Cena can’t see. Why would Roman want to lessen himself to be the “next John Cena” when he’s the one and only Roman Reigns? You done? “Roman Reign is a damned fool.” Roman of all people, waltz down here and use the same excuses everyone else uses, with all Roman’s gifts and opportunities, have the gall to blame Cena. Fine, it took you five years to get a half-decent promo but now Cena’s gonna cut you down to size. His “golden shovel” and “magical powers”? Are you blind or stupid? It’s the fans, they always had and always will have that power. But blame Cena, sure fine, it’s been 10 years and it hasn’t done a thing to Cena. Roman believes Cena is some kind of shark? Cena hasn’t main-evented Wrestlemania in five years, opened Summerslam this year, and used the United States Champion to introduce the newest stars. While Roman took the US Title as a demotion. Yet you blame Cena? Cena blames Roman for not being able to do his job. In this “Yard”, Roman hasn’t learned the rule: step up or step aside. Cena hears about “The Guy”, sees this guy and listened to him, “you should be ashamed I’m a part-timer.” Cena does part-time what Roman can’t do full-time. The fans are again on Cena’s side! Roman takes the pen, and signs the contract. It is official, but it isn’t really over until they fight!

Roman tips the table, only for The Club’s Gallows and Anderson to come out.
All these egos, is there enough room in the arena? These two are NOT Good Brothers. Time to teach them a lesson! The Club heads right on down and vows to beat up some “NERDS!” Angle sees everyone is eager for a fight, and makes it official!
The Club VS Roman Reigns & John Cena!

How are Roman and Cena supposed to coexist after the verbal war that just wrapped up?! That doesn’t really matter as Gallows whips Cena corner to corner and crushes him with a clothesline. Gallows whips Cena again, Cena gets out of the way, then gets rolling with the shoulder tackles. Spin-out Powerbomb, “You Can’t See Me!” Five Knuckle Shuffle, Anderosn comes in and takes the Spin-out, YAKUZA KICK! Roman laughs at the foolishness of Cena, The Club isolates Cena in their corner and stomps a mudhole in him. Anderson gets a cheap shot, raking the eyes, Gallows drags Cena up and suplexes him. Leg drop, cover, TWO. Roman halfheartedly cheers for Cena, Cena reaches for the tag, Roman makes it look like he’s reaching. The fans duel, Gallows backs Cena down and clobbers him with a lariat. Tag to Anderson, Anderson drops knees, chinlock. Roman reaches for the tag as Cena fights out again, fireman’s carry but Anderson fights his way out, Spinebuster! TWO, Roman sarcastically compliments Cena’s effort. Tag to Gallows, a kick and a few elbow drops, but Cena dodges the last one. Roman wants the tag, maybe. Cena and Gallows crawl, tags to Roman and Anderson! Roman rallies on the Machine Gun, whip reversed but he keeps hitting. Gallows takes a clothesline, too, Roman gives Anderson the close-range clotheslines. Roman goes out, shows Cena the Drive-By to Gallows.

Boot to Anderson! The fans fire up as Roman locks and loads, Gallows grabs Roman, roll up from Anderson, TWO, SUPERMAN PUNCH! SUPERMAN PUNCH for Gallows, Gallows ends up in a fireman’s carry, AA and Spear!

Roman and Cena win! But then they stare each other down, back to being enemies. As strong as their words were, their hits will be even stronger at No Mercy.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias.”
The Drifter is back and blames the fans for his battle royal failure. Dusty Rhodes used to call Elias the “Elvis of the WWE”. Elias has a new song after walking around in Memphis, please silence phones and hold applause until after. “Memphis ain’t nothing but a bad town, people lyin’ all the time. The King is gone but not forgotten, doesn’t change the fact y’all’re rotten.” Speaking of Memphis and kings, Jerry “The King” Lawler speaks up now.
Elias, let’s be honest. Elias isn’t horrible, but he clearly can’t relate to his audiences. The WWE Universe in Memphis don’t like his lyrics. Jerry will bring out someone who can help. All the way from Southpaw Regional Wrestling, it’s Pelvis Wesley!

(Aka Heath Slater) Pelvis shows Elias some of his dance moves, Elias tries them on. Then he kicks Pelvis in the pelvis. And then in the head. The fans realize it’s just Heath, but the beg Elias go easy, Heath’s got kids. Nope, Drift Away neckbreaker! Elias moves on, when will he learn?
Backstage interview with The Miz.
How does he feel about facing Jeff Hardy for the title? So it takes only one match to earn being #1 contender? Well, Jeff outlasted 14 other superstars. Yeah but he didn’t pin them. But, Angle is giving The Miz what he wanted. It’s a bigger spotlight for him and the title. No comment after that, is the Miz ready for the Charismatic Enigma?
Backstage interview with Sasha Banks.
How does the Legit Boss feel about Alexa Bliss’ comments? Alexa talks big but that won’t make her a champion. Sasha may not have successfully defended the title, but she’ll end that tonight. Alexa can bring the talk, but Sasha brings the fight, and Sasha will make Alexa feel the Bank Statement, and fans will chant “You Tapped Out!”
WWE Raw Women’s Championship: Sasha Banks VS Alexa Bliss!

The Boss may not have the best track record with defending the title, but perhaps this will be the one! The two circle, Alexa rolls Sasha, TWO. Alexa goes after Sasha for another pin, TWO, another pin, TWO, Bank Statement but Alexa slips away. Alexa needs time, Sasha doesn’t give her it. Alexa goes to drag Sasha into buckles but Sasha turns that around to put Alexa into buckles and then stomps away on the Five Foot Fury. Sasha gives a shoulder breaker and into an armbar, Alexa gets up but gets another arm wrench and takedown. Sasha puts the arm in a hammerlock and drops a knee on it, then goes after the arm with another high-angle armbar. Alexa fights back, Sasha whips her, Alexa kicks Sasha away but misses the forearm, Sasha hits a dropkick. Alexa gets out of the ring, Sasha gives her time to return. Sasha elbows Alexa in the back then throws her down, Alexa fights back again, Sasha whips Alexa but Alexa slips out of the ring. Sasha pursues this time, flying knees from the apron!

The Boss is all fired up as we go to break.
We return and now Alexa has control as she keeps Sasha down in a seated abdominal stretch. Sasha fights out and gets running, but she gets yanked into a backbreaker!

TWO, Alexa is getting frustrated. Alexa stands on Sasha for the skateboard stomps, then another round, TWO. Alexa chokes Sasha on the ropes, Sasha tries to kick back but Alexa stomps her in the corner. TWO, so Alexa stretches and bends Sasha in a Bow ’n’ Arrow lock. Sasha endures, refusing to give up. Sasha reaches for ropes, but instead twists and kicks Alexa in the mouth. Alexa gets angrier and puts Sasha in a corner for more stomping. Sasha kicks and elbows back, then reels Alexa into buckles. Sasha rallies on Alexa, runs in for double knees! She goes for another, but Alexa dodges and Sasha hits buckles. Alexa sees Sasha’s in place, she climbs up top and takes aim but Sasha springs up to stop her. Alexa hits back, jumps but misses! Sasha Oklahoma rolls, TWO, sunset flip but Alexa sits down, TWO. Choke grip, but Sasha slips down to victory roll, TWO, stiff right elbow from Alexa rocks Sasha, rolling destroyer! TWO! Alexa throws a tantrum! Alexa throws hands on Sasha, knee drop one but the second miss, Shining Wizard from Sasha! TWO! Sasha is feeling the frustration, but she gets up and Alexa, powering Alexa to a corner to throw furious forearms! ALexa gets an elbow, Sasha gives her a stiff knee. Sasha runs in, double knees! She rolls Alexa out, climbs up top, Alexa stops her now. They brawl as Alexa climbs up, Alexa bumps Sasha’s head on the buckle. Alexa climbs up again, SUPERPLEX!

Both women take damage from that fall, Alexa can’t make a cover here. The fans cheer Sasha on as Alexa crawls towards her, cover but into Bank STatement crossface! Alexa reaches, crawls, endures, but Sasha rolls it, it’s a pin, TWO! Alexa resists the hold, Sasha gets yanked into ropes, DDT! Alexa wins!
History repeats itself as Sasha loses the title! And Alexa’s BFF, Nia Jax comes out to celebrate.

When Sasha gets up, Nia annihilates her with a corner splash! Nia lets Alexa climb up to hold up the title, Nia puts Alexa on her shoulder, to DROP HER DOWN!! The Brutal Beauty has betrayed Goddess Bliss! Nia wants the gold for her own! When will she get it?


My Thoughts:
Another wacky Raw right here, with both good, bad and confusing things. What was confusing and/or bad was the filler things like Elias beating up “Pelvis Wesley” just because, and Emma beating Mickie James quickly just so she could insist she started the WWE Women’s Revolution all by herself as some kind of revisionist history gimmick. They don’t really do much to forward any of the talent involved, though maybe it’s a way to get Southpaw Regional Wrestling crossover with the main roster. And, perhaps a roundabout way of getting Paige back on TV? In contrast, Lesnar calling out Strowman was short, sweet, to the point and therefore very good, can’t wait to see that match.
Then there was confusing/bad things mixed in with the stuff that was actually good. Opening the night with a battle royal to determine who faces Miz next week for the title: good. Elias interrupting a Balor Club reunion: trolling, but still good. Bray Wyatt interfering to make sure Balor doesn’t win: confusing, bad, and practically the opposite of what fans wanted. But Jeff Hardy getting the win was surprising, intriguing, I look forward to the match itself, no idea if he’ll win. Enzo winning his Cruiserweight Division debut was fine, not sure how they decided who would face him because if the Realest Guy Heat is real, I don’t know if any of them wanted to be fed to Enzo. It’s still too soon to write Enzo off, he is admittedly giving the Division/205 Live spotlight. Doing both of the tag team singles matches in one night is good, no need to drag things out, and both matches (Rollins-Cesaro, Sheamus-Ambrose) were solid quality. Their tag team rematch should be just as good as the first one, who knows who will win but it’ll be good for No Mercy. The Cena-Reigns contract signing promos were all solid, the meta was strong and entertaining, but it is admittedly a shame that Cena once again gets the last word. At the same time, it was a shame that in the “impromptu tag match” against Gallows & Anderson didn’t end because Roman abandoned Cena, it seemed like a logical move that would make things even more personal than what was said. However, it seems the WWE doesn’t want Roman to be the Heel, they’re trying to keep things seemingly Face VS Face and let fans decide, but it just feeds into the meta that was said, Roman is protected. No idea how their match will turn out, but maybe, just maybe that will be when Roman goes Heel any number of ways before, during or after the match. Then in the main event, what was confusing/bad was that the part before break was a bit subdued and boring, but the good came in after the break as Sasha and Alexa both got more aggressive and into the groove. Confusing returned when Sasha lost again, but then good came right back as Nia swerved Alexa hard. This makes for a possible triple threat at No Mercy, or more Sasha-Nia matches on the road to it, let’s expect the next few Raws to be just as jumbled or uncertain as tonight’s.
My Score: 7.5/10
