12/7 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL’S Complete live report

The Road to TLC continued Monday night on Raw with Roman Reigns chasing  WWE World Hvt. champion Sheamus heading into the TLC PPV on Sunday night…

WWE Raw TV Report
December 7, 2015 – Episode #1,176
Live in N. Charleston, S.C.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

On the Raw Pre-Show, WWE announced Ric Flair appearing live on Raw in Flair Country. Flair will join his daughter, Divas champion Charlotte, on Miz TV. Plus, Rusev vs. Ryback in a singles re-match from last week’s Raw and IC champion Kevin Owens back in action against Dolph Ziggler in a non-title match.

Live Raw on USA Network

Raw opened with a video package recapping last week’s not-main event of Roman Reigns trying to beat Sheamus for the WWE World Title in 5:15, but the match ended in a DQ when Sheamus’s new faction, the League of Nations, interfered.

WWE cut live to the ring where Sheamus, Rusev, U.S. champion Alberto Del Rio, and King Barrett were standing by in the ring. Generic royalty music played in the background as Michael Cole introduced the show and plugged Sheamus vs. Reigns for the WWE World Title at TLC on Sunday.

Sheamus shot down a “You Look Stupid” chant by noting he is the WWE World Hvt. champion. Sheamus said he spent all day thinking about what he would say out here tonight. But, the truth is it was a waste of time because all you need to know about his feud with Reigns is 5:15 and the WWE Title.

Sheamus transitioned to announcing the “International Era,” drawing boos. Sheamus hyped Bulgaria for Rusev, Mexico for Del Rio (not Mex-America), England for Barrett, and — pause for “USA” chant. Sheamus said he hears them. After all, they tried to find someone from America, but no one was good enough. He then hyped Ireland for himself.

Another “you look stupid” chant broke out. He said the only ones who looked stupid are Roman Reigns, The Usos, and Dean Ambrose last week on Raw. He said there are not four men on this planet who can match them. “Because we’re the best of the best of the best of the best of the best,” he said.

Suddenly, the Wyatt theme interrupted. The Wyatts were in the ring back when the lights came back on for a heel vs. heel showdown. The crowd encouraged the heels to tear each other apart with “Yes!” chants before Bray Wyatt spoke. Bray said his name is Bray Wyatt, which drew some cheers, and these are his brothers. Bray said they don’t care about Sheamus’s nation because this is their world. He said they came out here for chaos.

Suddenly, the Dudley’s music interrupted. Out came Bubba Ray, Devon, and Tommy Dreamer on-stage. From the stage, Bubba told Bray to hold on a second. He said they will see his chaos and raise him to the extreme. Bray shouted over Bubba to behold a fool. He said apparently the message he’s trying to send him is not getting through. Bray told Bubba that he is out-manned and out-gunned. He told Bubba not to get in his way.

Devon responded that Bray is wrong because when you’re extreme, you don’t die, but multiply. Suddenly, theme music played to bring out Rhyno, who has made the jump from NXT to the main roster. Rhyno is booked for a charity wrestling show tomorrow night in Michigan, of note.

Before any fighting broke out, The Shield’s music played to bring out Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and The Usos through the crowd. Cole said it’s about to break loose as Raw faded to break.

[Commercial Break at 8:13]

[Q2] Back from break, a bell sounded and Cole read about a 20-word match announcement. So, it’s a 16-man, fatal four-way elimination match, which means four guys legal at the same time and a ton of people in the camera shot.

1 — Team Dudleys (BUBBA RAY & DEVON & TOMMY DREAMER & RHYNO) vs. The Shield 2.0 (ROMAN REIGNS & DEAN AMBROSE & THE USOS) vs. League of Nations (WWE World Hvt. champion SHEAMUS & U.S. champion ALBERTO DEL RIO & KING BARRETT & RUSEV) vs. The Wyatts (BRAY WYATT & BRAUN STROWMAN & LUKE HARPER & ERICK ROWAN) — 16-man, four-team elimination match

As the action unfolded, Cole said all of these men will be involved in matches Sunday at TLC. The match built to a one-on-one issue between Strowman and Rhyno, who welcomed the challenge. Strowman won, then knocked down Rusev. Strowman took out several more men while sporting a red dot on his nose. Apparently he scratched his nose and drew a little blood. Suddenly, Dreamer no-sold Strowman’s attack and hit a Dreamer DDT on Rowan. He pinned him for the first elimination. Cole said the entire team is eliminated as Raw cut to break. So, it’s not a Survivor Series match requiring every member to be eliminated.

*** Wyatts eliminated at 4:53 ***

[Commercial Break at 8:22]

Back from break, it was a three-team match with the League of Nations working over Dreamer while an Uso sold on the floor. Dreamer finally tagged in Bubba, who ran over Sheamus with trademark offense. Suddenly, chaos broke out with everyone in the ring. Referee Charles Robinson tried to restore order as bodies exited the ring.

Eventually, Reigns found himself alone in the ring with Rhyno. Cole called it the Spear vs. Gore battle. They backed away, then Rusev broke it up. Sheamus also entered the ring to attack Reigns. But, the Dudleys dropped Rusev with a 3D. Sheamus then blindsided Bubba Ray with a Brogue Kick to eliminate the Dudleys’s team.

*** Team Dudleys eliminated at 11:20 ***

The League of Nations picked Sheamus and The Shield picked Ambrose for the next phase of the fight. After careful thought, Sheamus opted out, tagging in Rusev to battle Ambrose. Ambrose won the initial exchange with Rusev as Raw cut to break with Ambrose hitting a Russian Legsweep.

[Q3] [Commercial Break at 8:30]

Back from break, the League worked over an Uso. Rusev politely whipped Jey Uso into the heel corner, then slapped on a bearhug. Uso broke free, then avoided a boot attack from Barrett. Hot tag to Reigns, who got a lot of shrieks upon his entrance. Boos trailed the shrieks. Reigns overpowered Alberto, then called for the Superman Punch. He re-directed toward Barrett, then dumped Alberto over the top rope and punched him off the ring apron.

Sheamus entered the ring, so Ambrose clotheslined him to the floor. All of the heels found themselves on the outside, so Ambrose took them out. Chaos everywhere on the floor as they crossed the 20-minute mark.

Back in the ring, Alberto went for the cross arm-breaker on Reigns, but Uso broke it up with a top-rope splash to Alberto. Sheamus then mocked Reigns’s Superman Punch set-up going for the Brogue Kick, but Reigns got up and smashed Sheamus with a spear. Reigns pinned Sheamus to win. “Reigns pinned the champion!” Cole repeated. The victorious team celebrated in the ring as the League retreated on the outside.

WINNERS: Team Shield 2.0 at 21:33. A long way to get to Reigns one-upping the champion, making it seem like Reigns’s title reign is in jeopardy at TLC on Sunday.

Backstage: Ric Flair and Divas champion Charlotte were shown talking backstage. Cole wondered if Charlotte is a bad, bad person following in her father’s footsteps after using heel tactics to beat her friend, Becky Lynch, last week on Raw. They might find out later tonight on Miz TV.

[Commercial Break at 8:40]

Backstage: Sheamus was shown hobbling around selling the effects of the spear from Roman Reigns. Renee Young asked Sheamus if this will be the same result Sunday at TLC. He said Reigns just got the closest he ever will get to winning this title. Sheamus vowed to smash Reigns’s face, grind his teeth down, and do it all in less than 5:15. Renee asked Sheamus if there’s a lesson to be learned from this tonight. “A lesson?” he snarled. Sheamus said the only lesson is a lesson he teaches Reigns later tonight.

[Q4] Somewhere: Stardust was in his lair sporting 3D glasses. Stardust rambled about heroes vs. villains, then vowed to eliminate All-American hero Jack Swagger. Suddenly, he smelled something foul. It was Titus O’Neil in a suit. Titus, apparently wearing cologne, ran down Stardust’s lair, then he yelled at Stardust that he needs to get himself some. Like, get out of his lair and read some books. Titus said he’ll see Stardust out there later tonight.

In-ring: Dolph Ziggler was introduced to the ring for the next match. Suddenly, Tyler Breeze’s music played to bring out Breeze and Summer Rae to sit ringside at the VIP lounge “observing” Ziggler’s match against IC champion Kevin Owens up next.

[Commercial Break at 8:50]

Back from break, WWE and USA announced the Slammys Award show edition of Raw in two weeks. Coca-Cola is sponsoring the Slammys.

Back in the arena, IC champion Kevin Owens was introduced to the ring, returning to Raw after missing last week’s show due to a reported illness. Cole plugged Owens vs. Ambrose for the IC Title at TLC on Sunday before the bell sounded.

2 — DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. IC champion KEVIN OWENS — non-title match

Lock-up and Owens pushed down Ziggler before starting the trash-talking. Meanwhile, Ambrose was backstage watching the match with a cola and popcorn. Owens went to work on Ziggler leading to the top of the hour.

[Q5 — second hour] Owens lit up Ambrose with a clubbing forearm, drawing a Vader reference from JBL. JBL also told viewers to look up Vader vs. Cactus Jack on WWE Network. The action then spilled to the floor, where Owens slammed Ziggler into the guardrail. Breeze and Summer were shown unimpressed by this brutish man’s actions.

Back in the ring, Owens continued to beat down Ziggler. Breeze quietly enjoyed the beat down on Dolph, who continued to take punishment and verbal attacks. Ziggler finally fought back with jabs, but Owens cut him off again. A “Fight Owens Fight” chant broke out, then Owens cockily went for a butt splash, but Ziggler moved in time. Owens regrouped and ran Ziggler shoulder-first into the ringpost. Ziggler spilled to the outside selling the effects as Owens hoped for a count-out victory. Breeze stood up to watch as Dolph struggled to get back in the ring. Eight, nine, and back in before ten. So, this time Owens landed the flying butt splash, but only got a two count.

At 10:00, Ziggler rolled out of the ring and sold the shoulder some more heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:06]

Back from break, Owens was still controlling Ziggler. Owens landed a big clothesline, but Ziggler kicked out before two. “Dammit!” Owens shouted. Back to Ambrose, who was half-way through his tub of popcorn watching backstage. Ziggler suddenly made a comeback, but Owens dumped him to the floor again. Ziggler sold the shoulder, luring in Owens to take a snap DDT on the floor right in front of the announce table.

Back in the ring, Ziggler missed with the Fameasser and took a big German Suplex from Owens. Owens wanted a cannonball splash in the corner, but Ziggler moved, came to his feet, and hit the Fameasser for a two count. Ziggler and Owens then came to their feet and exchanged superkicks. Ziggler got the second one and only got a two count on a pin attempt.

Reset at 18:45. Ziggler went for a right hand, but re-injured himself in the process. Owens then pushed Ziggler off the ropes and caught Ziggler with a surprise pop-up powerbomb. Owens pinned Ziggler for the win.

WINNER: Owens at 19:11. The crowd needed a lot of time to warm up to a lengthy singles match after the chaos of the 16-person sensory overload opening match. It also seems the audience has lost faith in Ziggler, not buying all-in for his comebacks and nearfalls. Overall, it’s interesting that WWE has dramatically shifted from short matches last week to the first two matches averaging 20 minutes tonight.

[Q6] Post-match, Ambrose’s music played instead of Owens’s. Ambrose walked out still eating his popcorn and clutching his drink. “Where’s my damn music?!” Owens growled as Ambrose slowly walked into the ring. Ambrose walked up to Owens, who shouted that he wants his music to play. Ambrose smirked, then tossed the popcorn and soda in Owens’s face. Ambrose then left the ring as Owens checked his eyes. JBL said that’s not right. It did seem childish from one of the only babyfaces on the roster who is (a) over and (b) popular with all sections of the audience.

Suddenly, the Wyatt theme played. From a dark room, Bray Wyatt talked about four blind men being lost. He said it’s up to them to decide the fate of these men. Braun Strowman removed his dark sheep mask to note that he has a dream. His dream is bringing Tommy Dreamer to the edge of death. “Run!” Braun shouted. Apparently Dreamer is facing Strowman later tonight.

In-ring: Team B.A.D. was introduced for the next match.

[Commercial Break at 9:19]

Locker Room: Neville was shown standing at his stall getting ready for a match, perhaps. Suddenly, The Miz walked in with his latest sales pitch to endorse Neville. Miz then welcomed in Donny Deutsch from the USA Network show, “Donny.” Donny, playing his TV show character, wanted Neville on his “show.” Miz tried to take the booking instead, but Donny handed his card to Neville.

Back in the arena, Team B.A.D. was still standing by. In an inset promo, they talked about whipping Team Bella with “unity” tonight. The Bellas’s music played to bring out Brie Bella and Alicia Fox for a heel vs. heel match-up.

3 — TEAM B.A.D. (NAOMI & SASHA BANKS w/Tamina) vs. TEAM BELLAS (BRIE BELLA & ALICIA FOX)

Sasha dominated Alicia early on. Suddenly, the screen went black. Apparently Sasha had a malfunction, as she quickly scampered to her corner to tag in Naomi. Naomi stomped away on Alicia while Tamina talked trash from the outside. The heels continued to work on Alicia as the crowd sat quietly.

[Q7] Brie finally got a hot tag and landed her husband’s Yes! Kicks. Brie cleared Sasha from the ring, but Naomi snuck up behind her to hit Rear View for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Team B.A.D. at 5:27.

Post-match, New Day interrupted as Team B.A.D. hung out in the ring. Big E.’s voice brought out the tag champs as the announcers relayed some sort of competition between the trios on social media. In any event, New Day handed over unicorn horns to Team B.A.D. to make peace and form an alliance. Cole said tonight’s theme is “unity.” Big E., Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston, Sasha Banks, Naomi, and Tamina danced in the ring heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:34]

Back from break, The Usos’s music was playing. They were ringside for commentary on the next match. And, New Day was still in the ring, now without Team B.A.D. Xavier Woods said they are very generous, even giving the League of Nations a donation. In current events, they even handed out baby names to Kanye West & Kim. Free of charge. But, they do not think Tag Title shots should be handed out so generously. And, they should not have to compete in a Ladder match to defend the Tag Titles. After all, they are not painters or firefighters rescuing cats. They did a skit where Big E. played a tree, Kofi played a kitten stuck on Big E., and Xavier lured the cat down. Unfortunately, the skit failed without props such as a can of wet food or bag of treats. Kofi eventually just climbed down from Big E., which was the fakest thing ever on a wrestling show since no cat just willingly climbs down from a tree.

In any event, Lucha Dragons’s music interrupted to bring out New Day’s opponents. Before the bell sounded, Cole read a plug for John Cena appearing on Jimmy Fallon tomorrow night. Thousands of viewers just wondered why WWE hasn’t bothered to update them on Cena’s Raw whereabouts.

4 — WWE tag champions NEW DAY (BIG E. & KOFI KINGSTON w/Xavier Woods) vs. LUCHA DRAGONS (SIN CARA y KALISTO) — non-title match

New Day dominated Lucha Dragons heading to a quick break 50 seconds into the match.

[Q8] [Commercial Break at 9:45]

Back from break, Big E. smashed Kalisto on the outside, then did a booty dance while Xavier worked the trombone. Xavier then brought his trombone playing over to the Usos and made awful farting noises in the Usos’s faces with his musical instrument. The Usos had enough and beat down Xavier, then took his trombone. The distraction allowed Sin Cara to roll up Kofi in the ring for a quick three count.

WINNERS: Lucha Dragons at 7:12.

Earlier Tonight: Roman Reigns pinned WWE World Hvt. champion Sheamus to win a 16-man, four-team match.

Backstage: Renee Young asked Roman Reigns about Sheamus vowing to teach him a lesson tonight. “What is he a professor now?” Reigns rhetorically asked. Reigns said he doesn’t want the lesson from Sheamus. He said he can teach Sheamus a lesson of his own when he blasts him with chair shots, sends him through tables, and takes the WWE World Title from him. But, as for tonight, they’ll find out who goes to school.

Announcers: Cole, JBL, and Byron Saxton reacted to the WWE Title picture. Cole then went to the Divas Division situation involving Charlotte, Paige, and Becky Lynch.

Up Next: Miz TV with Charlotte and Ric Flair.

[Commercial Break at 9:55]

Miz TV

The Miz was standing by in the ring back from break. Miz quickly got down to business by bringing out Ric Flair and Divas champion Charlotte, whose music played. Flair strutted while walking down to the ring on Charlotte’s arm. Cole confirmed it will be Charlotte vs. Paige for the Divas Title at TLC on Sunday.

[Q9 — third hour] Charlotte scorned Miz for not having a proper introduction for her dad, Ric Flair. She said he is a 16-time World champion, two-time WWE Hall of Famer, and greatest competitor ever in this ring. Miz ran down Charlotte for becoming so arrogant, so Ric must be so proud. Ric smirked at Miz, saying she is just gaining confidence. He said he plans to watch Charlotte retain the Divas Title this Sunday at TLC.

Miz said the rumor mill is buzzing about Charlotte’s new attitude, saying she is self-serving, egoistical, and ruthless. Why are you attacking me? She said she’s doing whatever it takes to be the best, like her dad. Charlotte said is it because she’s not a man? Miz did not reply. She said she feels sorry for Miz’s wife. Miz removed his sunglasses and smirked as he stood up. Miz told her not to change the subject.

Miz said ever since Paige questioned Charlotte’s title retention, she’s changed and become a different person. So, what do you have to say about that? Charlotte said she’ll do the talking on Sunday and started to leave. But, Miz told Charlotte to use this forum to clear the air about her friendship with Becky Lynch and what she really thinks about Paige.

Miz tried to use Paige’s heelish comments to rile up Flair and Charlotte, who yelled back at Miz that Paige is trash and she won’t be able to step back into the ring again after Sunday. Charlotte said she’s glad Paige isn’t here. Miz said that’s funny she said that because he has a surprise. Out came Paige. Why would Paige not be at the building? Weird set-up for a “surprise” appearance.

Paige came to the ring looking to fight, including running down Charlotte and Flair. Ric told Charlotte not to take the bait. Charlotte bailed from the ring, then Paige mocked Flair’s strut before slapping him across the face. Flair leaned against the ropes, checked his jaw, and said into the mic: “Get her.” Charlotte charged the ring and a fight was on. Paige eventually scrambled out of the ring as Charlotte recovered and stood with Ric. No one came out of this likable or worth rooting for on Sunday.

Announcers: JBL did the flashcards for TLC prices on the Network vs. PPV.

Up Next: Ryback vs. Rusev.

Plug: Tribute to the Troops airs Wednesday, December 23 sponsored by Coca Cola with Howie Mandel guest-starring and Train performing live.

[Commercial Break at 10:11]

[Q10] Back from break, Ryback was standing by to face Rusev. Rusev was out next with Lana, now sporting different hair as part of her transformation. In an inset promo, Rusev and Lana smooched, then Lana said she forgives Ryback for what happened last week when she got knocked down on the outside. Lana said Rusev might not agree, but she does not want to have hate in her heart.

5 — RYBACK vs. RUSEV (w/Lana)

Rusev stalled on the outside for the first 30 seconds or so, stretching his back and pacing ringside before getting back in the ring at an eight count. They eventually locked up, then Ryback knocked Rusev out of the ring. Suddenly, Ryback went flying over the top rope with a twisting splash that freaked out the announcers.

Back in the ring, Rusev took control after taking Ryback’s best shot. Rusev continued to sell his back heading to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:20]

Back from break, Rusev was still in control. Ryback made a comeback with clotheslines, then came off the second rope with a dropkick – another uncharacteristic high-flying move. Rusev rolled to the outside to recover, then Ryback chased after him. Ryback seemed to run into Lana, but Rusev blocked the camera shot. Ryback tried to check on Lana, but Rusev attacked him from behind.

Rusev then put Ryback in The Accolade on the floor as the bell sounded. Lana shook off the “injury” and smiled as Rusev continued to crush Ryback. Talk about not selling the back injury from earlier in the match. The same ref from last week tried to break up the hold, but Rusev squeezed and squeezed until he had enough. Rusev and Lana smooched, then WWE found another angle on the collision making it seem like Lana tripped herself on Ryback.

WINNER: No Announcement; presumably a double count-out at 10:12.

[Q11] [Commercial Break at 10:29]

Back from break, a match was randomly in progress…

6 — JACK SWAGGER vs. STARDUST

Titus O’Neil was on commentary as Swagger put Stardust in the Anklelock. Suddenly, U.S. champion Alberto Del Rio’s music played. Out came Del Rio with Zeb Colter following slowly behind on his scooter. They eventually came to ringside for a closer look at Stardust working over a distracted Swagger. Swagger came back with the Anklelock for the win.

Immediately after the bell sounded, Del Rio attacked Swagger with a chair shot to the back. Well, that must mean … a chair match at TLC? Del Rio then blasted Stardust with a chair because he could. Del Rio tried to finish off Swagger at ringside, but Swagger popped to his feet with chair in-hand. Swagger smashed Del Rio’s chair, sending Del Rio running away. Swagger then yelled at Zeb Colter, wondering why he forgot about “We the People.” Zeb brushed him off, then comically scooted away like George Costanza, not wanting to hear Swagger’s questions.

WINNER: Swagger via submission at 2:38 of what was shown.

Announcers: Cole threw to another edition of Adam Rose’s new gossip segment.

The Rosebush: Adam Rose wondered why The Miz is trying to recruit Neville for a movie. Word is Miz wants to cast Neville in a re-make of Dumbo. He then ran down Tommy Dreamer and Rhyno. Specifically Dreamer for his tan returning to TV last week.

Hallway: Del Rio and Zeb Colter were already backstage regrouping. Del Rio yelled at Colter for making people laugh at him because of his scooter. Del Rio told Zeb to stay away from him from now on. “Because I don’t need you,” Del Rio said. Zeb told Del Rio to calm down and not be such a hot-head. He reminded Del Rio that he would not be U.S. champion if not for him. Del Rio yelled at him, not wanting to hear it. Del Rio vowed to use a chair on Zeb, just like he’s going to do to Swagger on Sunday. Zeb casually scooted away, not wanting to be physically attacked.

[Commercial Break at 10:41]

Smackdown announcement: IC Title contract signing for Ambrose and Owens heading into TLC.

[Q12] In-ring: Back from break, Tommy Dreamer’s new music played to bring out Dreamer, the Dudleys, and Rhyno for the default main event of the show. The Wyatts’s theme then produced Bray Wyatt and the henchmen. Cole announced these two teams in a tag team elimination tables match at TLC on Sunday. They’ve added the tables element to differentiate it from last month’s Survivor Series PPV.

7 — TOMMY DREAMER (w/the Dudleys and Rhyno) vs. BRAUN STROWMAN (w/The Wyatts)

Silence in the arena for the opening bell. Strowman picked apart Dreamer as the Wyatts hung back on the stage and the Dudleys unit tried to encourage Dreamer from ringside. Strowman delivered a scoopslam, then stood over Dreamer to silence. He followed with the big bearhug submission and the bell sounded.

Post-match, the Dudleys checked on Dreamer as the Wyatts gloated down at ringside. Bray called it just a taste of things to come.

WINNER: Strowman via choke-out at 2:45. This made it seem like there is no hope for the Dudleys’s unit, making them seem like half-wits compared to the Wyatts, who were half-wits last month against The Undertaker & Kane. Apparently the idea is rebuilding the Wyatts by having them squash an even lesser unit.

Backstage: Sheamus was shown walking down the hallway. He’s up next having an informal chat with Roman Reigns.

[Commercial Break at 10:53]

Of note, no Triple H and Stephanie McMahon from The Authority tonight.

Sheamus-Reigns Final PPV Sales Pitch

Back from break, Roman Reigns made his way down to ringside and entered the ring, where a ladder was waiting. Reigns said he’s here for his lesson. “Where you at, man?” Reigns said Sheamus called him out, but he’s the only guy who showed up. Reigns suddenly spotted a ladder standing in front of him.

Reigns said this ladder reminds him of his first day on the job. His first match with The Shield was a TLC match and they earned a spot. That spot was at the bottom of the ladder, but then he started climbing the ladder and lost friends while gaining enemies. He then got to the top of the ladder and won the WWE World Title at Survivor Series. But, that lasted 5:15 and he ended up at the bottom of the ladder again.

[Q13 — over-run] Reigns told Sheamus that he will win back the WWE Title at TLC on Sunday. But, as for tonight, he will tear down the arena with every single *toy* available to him. Sheamus’s music played and Reigns slowly climbed down the ladder to anticipate Sheamus’s arrival.

Sheamus walked out on-stage to mock congratulate Reigns on his story and title quest. Reigns tried to call Sheamus down to the ring, but Sheamus said he’ll come down there when he’s good and ready. Reigns offered some overly-scripted lines about the Irish liking to fight. Sheamus said he’ll fight him, but not tonight. This was amateur hour going back and forth about talk and no fight. Reigns chuckled to himself with a potatoes line, then Sheamus jogged down to the ring, but stopped himself and laughed. Reigns told Sheamus to man up and show him how to fight in the ring.

“You think I’m a fool?” Sheamus said. He said if he enters the ring, Reigns is going to hit him with a chair. Reigns tossed the chair and told “tater-tot” to get in the ring. Reigns said he does want to powerbomb Sheamus through a table, but he’ll ditch the table anyways. The crowd, desperate for something to invest in, chanted “tater-tot” for a few seconds.

Sheamus noted there’s a giant ladder in the ring, too. He told Reigns to drop the ladder outside the ring and maybe he’ll enter the ring. Reigns obliged, teasing chucking the ladder over the ropes onto Sheamus, who ran away. Reigns cackled to himself, then chucked the ladder anyways. Sheamus sold concern as Reigns paced the ring.

Reigns yelled down at Sheamus that he doesn’t get it. If he doesn’t come fight him, he will go through him like a tornado and rip off his “dumbass shirt.” Sheamus eventually hit the ring and the fight was on. Reigns knocked Sheamus to the floor, then cleared the announce table. Sheamus reversed momentum, then tossed Reigns into the crowd. A yellow trashcan came into play, then a gray one. Reigns dragged Sheamus through the crowd and smashed him into another yellow trashcan.

The fight moved down the floor toward the staging area. Reigns dragged Sheamus onto the stage, but Sheamus reversed momentum and whipped Reigns into the TLC props on the stage. Sheamus then bashed a chair over Reigns’s back. Reigns got up selling like he just strained to get a poop out. And, the fight moved down the ramp to the ringside area. Back at the announce position, Reigns went for a spear, but Sheamus moved and Reigns crashed into the announce table. Sheamus triumphantly raised his arms, but Reigns suddenly popped up and speared Sheamus through a table. Reigns slowly got up to “Roman, Roman” chants before The Shield’s music played. Cole wondered if this will be the scene on Sunday. JBL yelled over Cole trying to add to the final sales pitch as Raw signed off 14 minutes past the top of the hour.

Overall, an excruciatingly long promo exchange exposing Reigns’s weaknesses and masking his strengths to get to physicality, which seemed to cross over from a “sample of the TLC action” to basically a free meal.

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