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HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT
OCTOBER 15, 2018
PHILADELPHIA, PA
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young
[HOUR ONE]
-The show began with Braun Strowman’s music blaring within the arena speakers. He received a nice negative reaction and was accompanied by both Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler. As they walked to the ring, Michael Cole plugged Strowman’s upcoming Universal Championship match at Crown Jewel.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Zero mention of Saudi Arabia within the Crown Jewel hype. Clearly WWE has changed their tune a bit regarding how they’re presenting the show, but it doesn’t appear that they’ve cancelled it outright at this point.
As the three men climbed into the ring, the announce team highlighted the World Cup Qualifying matches tonight between Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose. Back in the ring, Ziggler kicked things off and said that they were the greatest three men group in WWE history. Drew chimed in next and said that they didn’t need a nickname or matching vests to prove it. From there, Strowman said they proved it last week when they beat the Shield and that they’d prove it against anyone at anytime. Ziggler then cued up a video that highlighted them defeating the Shield last week on the show. The video included Ambrose walking off. After the video, McIntyre said that they broke the Shield and he couldn’t imagine what Ambrose’s mindset was after the events of last week. He then continued to drive a wedge between the Shield by echoing their points on Shield dissension.
Heydorn’s Analysis: All three men got good heel heat from the audience. That’s a win for WWE. Especially on the Braun Strowman end. Since he’s matched with Reigns in all this, him getting over the heel hump was a larger challenge than the other two who were already established as heels. This response is a big step in the right direction. Not only for him, but for Roman Reigns as well.
Strowman then said that the Shield simply would not be around to save Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel when he beats Reigns to become Universal Champion. From there, Ziggler and McIntyre discussed their World Cup qualifier matches and how they may have to face each other. They complimented each other, but said they would each beat the other as well.
Heydorn’s Analysis: More seeds planted for an eventual McIntyre/Ziggler confrontation. I like how they aren’t beating the audience over the head with these clues, but laying them in gingerly instead. Good stuff.
After, the Shield’s music hit which prompted Reigns and Rollins to walk onto the ramp. Rollins said that the Shield was alive and well. Rollins said he would beat McIntyre in their match and prove to him that Seth Rollins is the real best in the world. Ziggler then proceeded to point out that Dean Ambrose did not accompany them to the ramp. Rollins answered by saying that Ambrose runs on Ambrose time and that he’d show up when he wants. Then, Roman Reigns started talking and got booed by the audience. He said that they shouldn’t be worried about Ambrose, but about the championships he and Rollins hold. Reigns said that he’d beat Braun Strowman at Crown Jewel and that he’d have to go to the back of the line. In the end, Rollins said that he loved Philly because they were a fighting town. He then called for his match to start the show immediatley. (c)
Heydorn’s Analysis: Overall, that worked fine. Even though it worked, the segment didn’t add any fire to the overall feud between the six guys. Yes, the Ambrose angle is playing out, but it feels as if the audience is simply going along with the story being told instead of actually buying into the story and truly believing that Ambrose may leave the Shield.
(1) DREW MCINTYRE vs. SETH ROLLINS – World Cup Qualifier Match
Out of the break, the bell rang and the match began. Out of the gate, McIntyre took control and locked Rollins in a headlock. Each time Rollins attempted to escape, McIntyre kept the hold on and squeezed the neck of Rollins even tighter. Eventually, Rollins did escape and tried to work over Drew’s shoulder, but it was quickly countered by a McIntyre right hand. From there, McIntyre went for another headlock, but Rollins countered. The two proceeded to exchange offense until Rollins nailed McIntyre out of the ring with a hurricanrana. Rollins looked to follow-up with a flying suicide dive, but Drew caught him in mid air and connected with a belly to back suplex on the outside mat. McIntyre went to work from there and beat Rollins up around the ringside area as the audience chanted “let’s go Rollins.” In response, Rollins slammed McIntyre into the ring apron and through him into the outside guardrail. As this happened, Dolph Ziggler ran out which distracted Rollins. As this happened, McIntyre rolled under the ring after he lifted up the apron while beating up Rollins. When Seth stopped being distracted by Ziggler, he went to pick McIntyre up, but Drew nailed him with a foreign object from under the ring. The show then went to commercial break. (c)
Heydorn’s Analysis: Good action thus far and great heel tactics from McIntyre. McIntyre really understands what his role is out there and it makes his performances better. He’s becoming very in tune with who he is as a character and that will only help him as he moves up the card.
Out of the break, McIntyre was firmly in control of the bout, but Rollins quickly reversed his fortunes. Rollins connected with a Sling Blade and then eventually hit a top rope neck breaker as well. Right after the neck breaker, Rollins attempted a pin, but Drew kicked out at two. Out of the pin, Rollins climbed to the top rope, but was stopped due to vicious chops from McIntyre. Drew knocked Rollins off the top rope, but Rollins caught himself and hit McIntyre with a step up enziguri. From there, Rollins went back to the top rope for a move, but McIntyre countered and sent Rollins crashing down to the mat. With both men in pain, Rollins woke first and jumped to the top rope to hit McIntyre with a superplex. Right after the superplex, Rollins hit the Falcon Arrow and covered, but McIntyre kicked out at two. Out of the pin, McIntyre tried for a Claymore Kick, but Rollins countered with a second step up enziguri. He then connected with two suicide dives – one on Ziggler and one on McIntyre. After the one on Drew, Rollins rolled him back into the ring and tried for the Stomp. As he did, Ziggler got involved which prompted Dean Ambrose’s music to hit.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Big pop for Ambrose that made me think of a potential heel run if/when it happens for him. Serious Dean regularly has the audience in the palm of his hand and having that audience as a bad guy will be something to see.
Dean ran down for the rescue and destroyed Ziggler around the ringside area. McIntyre rolled out of the ring to help and Rollins nailed him with a Stomp while he was on the outside of the ring. The ref had his count started and Rollins made it back in at 9 before McIntyre was counted out at 10.
WINNER: Rollins via pinfall
Heydorn’s Analysis: Good match, but again, where is the fire? At this point, the audience should be able to feel the all out disdain that both sides have for each other. That feeling is missing. All of this is just kind of fine, but it’s stuck in 2nd gear right now.
-After the match, the Bellas were shown walking backstage and checking their backs as they did. Lita and Trish Stratus were then shown backstage as Bayley hugged them. The show then went to break. (c)
-Out of the break, the Shield was shown walking backstage. They were talking about Ambrose time and Dean appeared to get angry with Seth for calling him a lunatic. Ambrose questioned them and asked if all he was good for was a laugh until they needed to be bailed out. Ambrose then walked off and said that he needed to get ready for his match.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Once again, I’m just not buying this wedge between these guys. Ambrose doesn’t like Rollins calling him a lunatic? That’s how he introduced him when Ambrose returned from injury. It’s plastered on all of his shirts as well. I think there is a way to tell this story of a wedge between Ambrose and the Shield, but build it around the championships they have – something real that the audience can truly believe.
-A recap video aired that highlighted the events and reuniting of DX from last week on the show. From there, Undertaker and Kane were shown in a backstage pretape. They addressed “respect” and said the reuniting of DX was build on a bed of lies. They said that fear kept Shawn Michaels away, not respect. They said that they have their own three words … Rest. In. Peace. Out of the video, Michael Cole said that their match would take place in three weeks as the Crown Jewel graphic hit.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Again, no mention of Saudi Arabia.
-Ember Moon walked out and then waited on the ramp for her partner Nia Jax. The two walked to the ring as the show went to commercial break. (c)
(2) NIA JAX & EMBER MOON vs. DANA BROOKE & TAMINA
Right out of the break, the match was underway. Moon and Brooke were doing battle in the ring before Brooke got the upper hand. As soon as she did she made the tag to Tamina who owned the match as well. She laid her offense in stiff and tossed Moon around the ring. She then locked in a sleeper hold and as she did, Michael Cole ran down some of the combatants in the Women’s Battle Royal at Evolution. When Cole was done, Tamina tossed Moon toward her corner which prompted Jax to tag in. This got a nice reaction from the audience and the announce team played up the fact that both female powerhouses were about to fight.
Heydorn’s Analysis: The announcers made this moment feel big and both women reacted perfectly toward each other and received a good response because of it.
Both women fought and exchanged offense. They each tried to lift each other for Samoan Drops and Tamina eventually accomplished that feat on Jax. Graves said that Jax had never been handled the way she just was with that big power move. After the move, Tamina tagged Brooke into the ring and Jax fought her off before tagging Moon back in. Moon entered by nailing Brooke with the Eclipse and making the cover for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Moon and Jax via pinfall
-After the match, Tamina stared down Jax as Moon tried to mediate. Tamina pushed Moon aside and super kicked Jax in the face. Jax fell backward and sold before Moon and Tamina caught eyes and tossed her over the top rope. Then as Tamina taunted her, Moon tried to throw her out. In the end, Brooke tossed both Moon and Tamina out.
Heydorn’s Analysis: The match was what it was, but did a good job in establishing Tamina as a threat. As for the post match antics … eye roll. First of all, Ember Moon, the babyface, shouldn’t be siding with a the heel that was just so well established in the match. Second, what is the purpose of showing Jax she can be tossed over the top rope? This was done for the sake of doing it and lent nothing to anything aside from that.
-A video aired that recapped The Bellas turning on Ronda Rousey last week. The show then went to break. (c)
-Out of the break, Ronda Rousey hit the ring to a really nice pop from the audience.
[HOUR TWO]
She did her usual smile and then held up her title to a cheering crowd once she got to the ring. Before Rousey spoke, Cole hyped her Evolution match with Nikki Bella.
Heydorn’s Analysis: The Bellas laid a good foundation for this feud last week and Rousey sold it well. Ronda needs to step up and carry this now as it’s her turn to shine.
In the ring, Rousey paused as the crowd chanted her name. She said that last week the Bella twins betrayed her in front of the whole world. From there, Ronda said all she wanted was an explanation and demanded that Brie and Nikki come out to deliver that for her. The Bellas walked out and said that nobody in the arena paid to see Ronda Rousey and that they paid to see them instead. They said that they just don’t owe her an explanation though. From there, they gave her one anyway and said they couldn’t watch Ronda at the forefront of the WWE Women’s Revolution. They said that Ronda didn’t deserve a title match and didn’t deserve to be a champion. Nikki said that she deserved it because they made the word “Diva” mean something. She said that they alone made people want to see women’s wrestling and that Ronda walked into an evolution that they started. From there, Nikki proceeded to say that the championship wouldn’t exist without them.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Really good stuff from Nikki and Brie. They are natural heels and they used that authenticity here. You could sense that they obnoxiously felt that they were above Rousey. In addition, they hit all the key counterpoints to Rousey including the word Diva. This sets up Ronda great. Hopefully she’s ready to deliver a good response.
In response, Ronda said that she tried as the audience chanted “Break Her Arm.” She said she tried to be respectful and that she knew it was their territory first. She said she worked to be respectful even though that everything the Divas Era stood for made her sick. Rousey then detailed how she hoped they could work together, but that she was naive. She said she realized that the Bellas were around her because there were cameras pointed at her and they wanted their time in the spotlight. Rousey said that she was surprised as to how far they got in their career and that they leeched off the success of their men. From there, Rousey said that the only thing that could stop her at Evolution was the referee and that they don’t have a good track record in stopping her.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Just great stuff from Rousey. The perfect response in almost every way. The writing was a bit clunky, but Rousey delivered it in a way that was effective and exactly in line with her character. She seemed serious and lethal, but also likable in telling the world how she worked to get along with Nikki and Brie. This was her best moment to date on the mic and a really big step for her career in WWE. Tremendous.
To that, Nikki and Brie said Ronda was jealous and that they’ve broken down more doors than she has. Rousey then proceeded to detail how that wasn’t the case and that the only door Nikki knocked down was the door to John Cena’s bedroom and that he then threw her out of that exact same door. In closing, Rousey asked if they would walk down and get the ass kicking they deserved. Nikki teased she would walk down, but then brought out their own security instead. Rousey then dismantled the security team as Nikki and Brie ran away. To end it, Rousey stood in the ring and yelled as the audience cheered her on.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Wow. So they went there huh? Yes, that type of line is taylor-made for a big pop regardless of who says it. At the same time, Rousey saying it gives it significantly more credibility and makes this feud personal. Well done and well timed on the part of WWE.
-After the segment, the announce team recapped how Kurt Angle won entry into the World Cup tournament at Crown Jewel. Angle was then shown backstage with Chad Gable and Bobby Roode. Angle said he was so happy to be on vacation as Gable called his shirt Glorious. Angle then danced with No Way Jose until he was confronted by Baron Corbin. Corbin said that he stacked the World Cup tournament and then asked Angle when his last WWE singles match was. Angle said it was 12 years ago and Corbin responded by saying that he would have a tune up match tonight. A handicap match against AOP. Hearing this appeared to have worried Angle as Corbin walked out of the shot.
Heydorn’s Analysis: These women set the table nicely last week and hit a grand slam this week. What they have now is the hottest feud in WWE. Really good stuff.
-Dean Ambrose’s music hit and Dean walked to the ring for his World Cup Qualifier Match as the show went to break. (c)
(3) DOLPH ZIGGLER vs. DEAN AMBROSE – World Cup Qualifier Match
Out of the break, Ziggler wrapped up his entrance and the bell rang for the match to begin. Ambrose took over out of the gate and connected with a snap suplex before making a quick one count cover. He continued to beat on Ziggler until Dolph turned the tides. Eventually, Ziggler hit Ambrose with a top rope suplex as the show went to commercial break. (c)
After the commercials, Ambrose was back on top in the match. He nailed Ziggler with a series of clotheslines before dropping Ziggler onto the top rope. From there, Ambrose attempted a Chicken Wing submission, but Ziggler countered. Instead, Ambrose locked in the Texas Cloverleaf submission as Ziggler writhed in pain. Ziggler eventually made it to the ropes for a break.
Heydorn’s Analysis: The Cloverleaf is a nice move that compliments the more serious Ambrose character.
In the end, Drew McIntyre ran out to interfere in the match while Ambrose was on the top rope. Seth Rollins ran out to make the save and Ambrose dove off the top rope onto McIntyre. As Rollins tried to help him up, a dazed Ambrose pushed Rollins to the ground. Ambrose then rolled into the ring and got super kicked in the face before Ziggler pinned him 1,2,3 for the win.
WINNER: Ziggler via pinfall
-After the match, Rollins confronted Ambrose and attempted to encourage him. Ambrose brushed him off and walked through him, but Rollins chased him down. The two then pushed each other and argued until Roman Reigns tried to break them up. The audience booed as this happened. From there, Baron Corbin walked out and asked if they were still having problems. He said the last thing he wanted was the Shield to dissolve on his watch. He then announced the Shield vs. the Dogs Of War in a match tonight. Hearing this, Ambrose walked off and left Reigns and Rollins alone on the ramp.
Heydorn’s Analysis: The match served its purpose to highlight the wedge between the Shield. Just not sure what a third match between these six men does at this point. We’ll see.
-Finn Balor made his entrance to a nice pop ahead of his match with Jinder Mahal. (c)
-Out of the break, the Dogs Of War talked about their main event match. McIntyre said that he wanted Strowman to break Rollins and Ambrose while Reigns watched. Strowman then said that if they screw up, they’d “get these hands.”
(4) FINN BALOR w/ Bayley vs. JINDER MAHAL w/ Alicia Fox & Sunil Singh
After the backstage promo, the match began and it was a quick one. In the end, Balor easily hit the Coup De Gras for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Balor via pinfall
-After the match, Bobby Lashley interuppted with Lio Rush. As they walked to the ring, the announce team noted that Bobby Lashley put Kevin Owens on the shelf due to knee surgery after their attack last week. Rush told Balor that he wished he looked like Lashley. Lashley then posed on the apron as Rush said he looked and smelled like money. The show then went to break. (c)
Heydorn’s Analysis: Well, if there was any question as to whether or not Bobby Lashley was a heel, this answered it. The commentary, Rush and Lashley’s actions in the ring, as well as the fact that he interuppted Balor all indicate that Lashley has joined the heel side of things full on. It’s a much needed shift. Good for him.
(5) BOBBY LASHLEY w/ Lio Rush vs. TYLER BREEZE
Out of the break, Rush halted the match from starting and told Lashley to pose instead. This got boos from the audience. After the posing, the match started. Breeze got a bit of offense in, but was then dominated by Lashley. Lashley crushed Breeze with his delayed vertical suplex and then manhandled Breeze with a full nelson. In the end and after a very one sided match, Lashley covered Breeze for the win. (c)
WINNER: Lashley via pinfall
Heydorn’s Analysis: Proper use of the squash match to be sure. The posing and Rush on the mic got some heat, but also started to get annoying – the bad kind of annoying. WWE can’t overdo it with Rush talking and ranting during Lashley matches. It worked night one to facilitate the heel turn. Tonight, I’ll give to them since the turn is new. Eventually, they’ll have to lean on themselves as a heel act to get a crowd reaction though. That time is coming sooner than later.
-After the commercial break, Trish Stratus walked out to a decent crowd response and was followed by Lita. Lita got the bigger reaction by far. As both women walked to the ring, the announce team discussed the memories they have together and then plugged their tag team match against Alexa Bliss and Mickie James at Evolution.
[HOUR THREE]
In the ring, Lita said it was good to be home. She then hyped the first ever all women’s PPV as the audience cheered. She attempted to continue, but was then interuppted by Alexa Bliss as Cole said Bliss needed to make it all about herself.
Heydorn’s Analysis: A job well done by the announce team as Bliss walked out. Cole laid in a key line that positioned Bliss as the obvious heel. Not that it needed to be said, but the announcing in WWE can combat stories or help them. This was the latter.
Bliss said that she would take it from there. Bliss called herself a future hall of famer and said she knew what Lita would say. Bliss proceeded to say that Lita was essentially afraid of her. From there, James acted like Trish Stratus and said that she’d take her out at Evolution too. Then, the duo made fun of Lita and Trish before saying that while they were kicking back, their duo was kicking butt. They called their Evolution match “easy” and said that they were mistaken if they truly thought they would be competitive without practice. Trish then talked and said that at Evolution, they would make history. Lita and Trish then played off of the Allen Iverson “practice” speech.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Not sure people knew what to make of “practice” stuff when it started. By the end, Lita and Trish seemed to get it over. Over or not, it was strange and awkward.
After doing the speech, Trish thought they could use some practice and told Bliss and James to walk down. Bliss teased it, but then walked back as the audience booed.
Heydorn’s Analysis: All four women need something to spark this feud. Bliss is a fine heel and is getting the heat, but there is no intensity on either side as to why either side wants to win. Physicality between the four ahead of the match would do the trick. Bliss and James could get more heat and a beat down on Lita and Trish would give them the reason they need outside of “making history” to win their return match.
-After the segment, Bayley was shown walking backstage. She was confronted by the Riott Squad and they made fun of her for hugging and running away from a fight. They then laughed at her and walked off as Bayley looked on and looked sad. (c)
(6) AOP w/ Drake Maverick vs. CONQUISTADOR (Kurt Angle)
With Baron Corbin watching on the ramp, AOP decimated Conquistador and won the match easily after a handful of power moves.
WINNER: AOP via pinfall
-After the match, it was revealed that Conquistador wasn’t Kurt Angle. As this happened, Angle hit the stage and nailed Corbin with the Angle Slam.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Overall, a nothing segment, but a fun one at that. Seeing Angle finally look like a smart babyface is refreshing. Angle is playing his role well within this story. The real question is are we headed for an Angle/Corbin match? The story appears to be heading there, but Corbin vs. Angle on the surface defines Angle down a bit doesn’t it?
-The Riott Squad was shown spraying ketchup and mustard on Nattie’s locker room door. (c)
-After the break, the Riott Squad made their entrance and were followed by Nattie. Nattie said she brought backup with her and introduced Bayley and Sasha Banks.
(7) RUBY RIOTT w/ Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan vs. NATALYA w/ Sasha Banks & Bayley
The match started with Natalya furiously attacking Riott. This caused Riott to hide in the ropes. From there, Riott gained momentum in the match. Eventually, Nattie locked the Sharpshooter on Riott. With Riott about to tap out, Sarah Logan interfered and took out Nattie’s knees.
WINNER: Nattie via disqualification
-After the match, Banks and Bayley dove into the ring to make the save. They proceeded to even the odds and eventually cleared the ring.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Good to see Sasha back I suppose, but to what end? Even after being off TV for weeks she still feels stale.
-Elias ran down a stagehand for not giving him his green pick as the show went to commercial break. (c)
-Out of the break, Elias was introduced and he strummed his guitar in the middle of the ring. Elias did his usual routine and then told a story about having lunch with Carson Wentz. This led to Elias making fun of Philadelphia and the Eagles mascot. From there, Apollo Crews interuppted. He said he figured it was his turn to do so. Elias said he was the best thing going and that Crews better be careful when confronting him. Crews said he didn’t sing or play the guitar, but that none of that mattered once he stepped in the ring. Elias responded by saying that he heard Crews was good, but had never seen it. Crews then said he was sick of getting passed by by guys like Elias. Elias then laughed it off and tried a surprise attack on Elias. Seeing this, Crews caught him and lifted him up over his head for a slam. Crews hit the slam which caused Elias to roll out of the ring.
Heydorn’s Analysis: I liked this promo from Crews. Where has that been since his call up? Good stuff. At the same time, Crews looked out of league in there with Elias. The fact that out of nowhere Crews got the upper hand on him was confusing more than it was effective.
-After the segment, Ambrose was shown talking strategy with Roman Reigns. From there, the show went to commercial break. (c)
-Out of the break, Braun Strowman’s music hit and the Dogs Of War walked to the ring. The announce team discussed the fact that Ziggler and McIntyre had already been in matches. From there, the Shield’s music played and all three members of the Shield walked to the ring through the crowd. During their entrance, Cole and company plugged the World Cup tournament and Roman Reigns’s title defense at Crown Jewel.
(8) THE SHIELD vs. DOGS OF WAR
Before the match began, Graves said he sent a text to Baron Corbin telling him how much he loved this main event. This prompted discussion regarding what Corbin’s true intentions were for making this happen.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Really good commentary here. When Corbin announced this match, he didn’t connect the dots well enough or act well enough to show the audience the true reason he wanted to make this match (to end the Shield.) Cole and company did a nice job of connecting those dots for him and it gave some sensible direction to the match.
In the ring, Rollins and Ziggler started things off by tying up in the middle of the ring. The two wrestled around until Rollins eventually landed a body slam. Rollins then tagged Ambrose into the match and Ambrose kept up momentum by connecting with an elbow drop. Ambrose then tagged Rollins in again and Rollins accidentally bumped him once again. The two then jawed at each other until Strowman nailed them both with a running splash in the corner. The show then went to a commercial break. (c)
Out of the break, the Dogs Of War were firmly in control of the match. McIntyre almost got a pinfall on Reigns before he tagged Ziggler into the match. When Ziggler entered, he locked in a sleeper on Roman. From there, the fans chanted “Roman” which prompted Reigns to break free. He almost made the tag, but Ziggler made it first which brought Strowman into the ring. Strowman destroyed Reigns and then made a hard tag to McIntyre before yelling that “that’s how you get things done.”
Heydorn’s Analysis: A Roman chant? That’s like seeing a unicorn fly across the sky. Who would have thought?
Eventually, Strowman tagged back into the match and did battle with Reigns. Reigns caught Braun with a few strikes before he lifted him up and nailed him with a Samoan Drop. Reigns then tried to make the tag again, but Ziggler and McIntyre knocked the other members of the Shield off of the ring. They then hit the Claymore on Reigns and went for the pin, but Rollins and Ambrose broke it up. Finally, Reigns made the tag to Rollins and Rollins worked to clear the ring. After doing so, he tagged Ambrose in as well and they hit stereo suicide dives on Drew, Dolph, and Strowman. As they hit Strowman, Braun caught them. Instead of hitting a move on them, he was nailed with a Superman Punch.
Heydorn’s Analysis: An effective hot tag to Rollins and then Ambrose. They lit the ring on fire and took the match into a higher gear. Good stuff.
From there, a melee ensued. Ambrose hit McIntyre with Dirty Deeds, but as he covered, Ziggler pushed Rollins into them to break the pin.
[OVERRUN]
Ambrose and Rollins argued after and Ambrose almost nailed Rollins with Dirty Deeds. Because of their dissension, Ziggler was able to hit the Zig Zag and cover, but Ambrose kicked out at two. Out of the pin, the fight continued. Reigns hit a Superman Punch on Strowman and then dodged a Claymore Kick from McIntyre which hit Strowman as well. In the end, the Shield connected with their Triple Powerbomb for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: The Shield via pinfall
-After the match, the Shield celebrated and walked to the back. In the ring, Braun Strowman hit Ziggler with a Power Slam and McIntyre hit Strowman with a Claymore Kick. The show ended as McIntyre and Strowman stared each other down.
Heydorn’s Analysis: In the end, the match itself was a means to an end. It existed to tell the stories between the men within their teams. In that vein, this was more confusing than anything else. First off, you have the Rollins and Ambrose dissension in the match. They nearly came to blows and by the end of the match, there was no mention of that happening. As for the Strowman and Drew, is Braun a babyface for dismantling Dolph Ziggler? Is McIntyre a babyface for taking a shot at Strowman? Questions galore, but they aren’t intriguing questions that force another watch. They are tiresome questions that stem from inconsistencies within the writing.
NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S REPORT: HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT 10/8: Alt Perspective coverage of the live show including Super Show-down fallout, the build to Evolution, and more
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