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HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT
NOVEMBER 5, 2018
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND
AIRED ON USA NETWORK (ON DELAY)
Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young
[HOUR ONE]
-The show began with all of the Raw superstars positioned on the stage and security officials guarding the ring. Once Cole welcomed the audience to the show, Baron Corbin’s music hit and walked down the ramp and past the stars with a grin on his face. As he entered the ring, Cole suggested that the security may have been called by Corbin due to what happened in the Universal Championship match at Crown Jewel. As he said this, a recap video of that match aired.
Heydorn’s Analysis: No mention of the name Crown Jewel or Saudi Arabia by Cole. Cowardly in my opinion. If WWE is going to go over there for an event, they should own it. That said, it always feels a little goofy to me when the roster starts each show on the stage. In this instance though, I thought it conveyed Corbin’s heel ego effectively.
After the video, Corbin welcomed the fans to Raw and told them not to be alarmed by the added security. He said that when someone high profile like him in the ring it’s normal to have security guards. This got a very loud negative reaction. From there, Corbin said an exciting time of year was upon us. He said it wasn’t Thanksgiving, but Survivor Series. Corbin then went into the Raw vs. SmackDown verbiage and announced the high profile Raw vs. SmackDown matches. He also announced the traditional Survivor Series matches between Raw and SmackDown. Baron then addressed Shane McMahon stealing the World Cup trophy from Raw and said Stephanie McMahon would address it further. From there, Corbin continued and said he guaranteed that Raw would be dominant at Survivor Series. He said when they were, he would be come official GM rather than acting GM.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Corbin is better with a live mic than he is in recorded segments. His natural ability seems to pop a bit more and it so here.
To that note, Corbin announced that he would be the captain of the Raw team, but would not be competing. He then said he would be together a dominant team and announced Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre as Raw’s first two team members. He then said he’s chosen a third member, Braun Strowman. Corbin said he understands that Strowman may be upset with him, but would understand that what he did at Crown Jewel was about teaching the lesson of respecting authority. Corbin said once that gets in his head, he’ll be the team member that Raw needs.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Again, no mention of Crown Jewel. Corbin addressed Strowman in the most heelish way possible. He was conniving and arrogant, while being a cowardly chicken. A perfect combination and Corbin walked that line nicely. Well done.
From there, Corbin addressed the Raw women’s team and announced Alexa Bliss as the team captain. Bliss’s music then blared in the arena and she walked to the ring to a nice reaction from the crowd. Once she got there, Bliss grabbed a microphone and glowingly looked at Corbin. She thanked him and said she was honored to pick the Raw women’s team for Survivor Series. Bliss said she would follow in his footsteps and would not be competing, but given her success as a five time champion her team could learn from her. Bliss then addressed the ladies on the ramp and said she’d be watching them closely. She said they would not lose to the B show on her watch and then announced the Riott Squad vs. Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Natalya for later in the show. As Bliss was about to announce another match, Kurt Angle’s music hit and the audience roared loudly for him.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Watching Bliss rally her troops in the coming weeks will be something. She has a mean girl aura about her that is going to work nicely in her role as captain. Smart choice.
Corbin looked nervous as Angle walked out. From there, Angle spoke and said that competing in the World Cup lit a fire in him. He said that last year he led team Raw to a win at Survivor Series and that he wanted “in” again this year. Corbin said that last year was last year and that this year he made the decisions. Angle then said that when he was in charge, they settled things in the ring. He then suggested that he and Corbin have a match tonight with the Survivor Series captain role on the line. The audience chanted “yes” for that suggestion and even louder when Angle told Corbin he was an embarrassment to Monday Night Raw. Corbin then accepted the match as the crowd chanted “you suck” at them.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Not a bad promo from Angle. The aggressive champion Kurt Angle has been and still is the best Kurt Angle. He showed why here and got the reaction he wanted because of it. My advice to him and WWE – leave his goofy comedic stuff at the door and continue to feature him as the competitive champion that he is.
After the chants subsided, Corbin told Bliss to finish her announcement, but Braun Strowman’s music hit. Strowman decimated the security guards and chased Corbin around the ringside area. Strowman then brawled with the superstars on the stage before chasing Corbin to the backstage area. From there, the show went to commercial break. (c)
Heydorn’s Analysis: That segment was long and drawn out. Pieces of it worked, but the entire thing as a whole left you wondering a bit. Strowman got a nice pop and destroyed the security guards like only Braun can. In the end though, his beef is with Baron Corbin and Corbin represents a threat worth almost nothing. Because of that lack of credibility, the story suffers.
-Out of the commercial break, Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Nattie were interviewed backstage. Bayley said the outcome of their match wouldn’t be different than the last time before Banks said it would be a little different because of what Nattie brought to the ring. Nattie said that she was dedicating the match to her Dad and that she would be wearing his sunglasses to the ring.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Oh boy. All attention on those glasses huh? I’d like to think WWE just wouldn’t go there, because, why? But, we know WWE right? This is inevitable.
(1) SASHA BANKS, BAYLEY, & NATALYA vs. THE RIOTT SQUAD
Nattie hit the ring first with the sunglasses on and was followed by Sasha and Bayley. They walked to the ring together as the announce team hyped other matches on the show. Riott Squad walked out next. Once they got to the ring, the bell rang and the match began. As soon as the bell rang, all six women fought each other in the ring until the Riott Squad got the upperhand. From there, Nattie battled all three of her opponents alone. Riott worked to hit her Riott Kick out of the gate, but Nattie countered it into the Sharpshooter but Sarah Logan broke the hold with a kick to Nattie’s face. From there, Riott made a cover, but Nattie kicked out at two. From there, it was all Riott Squad. They beat up Nattie on the outside of the ring and each tagged in and out to stay fresh. (c)
Out of the break, Nattie was still getting dominated in the ring. This time, by Liv Morgan. Finally, Nattie was able to crawl through Morgan’s legs to make the tag to Banks. Once Sasha hit the ring, she cleaned house and connected with her high knee and the Meteora on Morgan and Logan. After, she hit a second Meteora on Morgan in the ring. After, Sasha hit the backstabber into the Bank Statement on Morgan, but the hold was halted by Sarah Logan.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Really good fire from Sasha Banks out of the hot tag. She has an intensity about her that is heads above the rest of the women in this match.
As the action continued, Cole and the announce team mentioned that Alexa Bliss was watching the match to determine whether or not these women would be fit to be on her team. Back in the ring, Bayley tagged into the match and took over momentum on Ruby Riott. Eventually, the tide turned and Riott assumed control. She made a quick two count cover on Bayley, but Bayley’s adoring fans will her to kick out. Out of the kick out, Riott kept her offense up and locked in a sleeper hold. After getting beat up by each member of the Riott Squad, Bayley made the tag to Nattie. Nattie fired up well and cleared the ring before hitting a German Suplex on Sarah Logan. Nattie then connected with another suplex before going in for a pin, but Logan was saved at the count of two. Out of the pin, Nattie locked in the Sharpshooter on Logan, but was distracted by Ruby Riott at ringside. Riott had Nattie’s father’s glasses in her hand and threatened to break them. The distraction caused Nattie to break the hold, but Riott snapped them in half anyway. Riott then stomped on them as Natalya cried in the ring. From there, the Riott Squad walked off as Bayley and Banks consoled the crying Natalya.
WINNER: No contest
Heydorn’s Analysis: First off, did they forget about the finish here? The angle with the glasses was contrived and over acted on Natalya’s part. A little insensitive and cheap too. That said, if you are going to do it, it should effect the finish and allow for the heel Riott Squad to get the cheap win and therefore even more heat. They missed on that note.
-After the match, Braun Strowman was shown looking for Baron Corbin backstage. Strowman destroyed various furniture in different rooms including bathroom doors. He found a stagehand, but not Corbin as the show went to break. (c)
(2) JINDER MAHAL vs. APOLLO CREWS
Out of the break, Mahal was in the middle of his entrance. As he walked down the ramp, Michael Cole and the announce team introduced a recap video on Undertaker/Kane vs. DX at Crown Jewel.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Mention the event already!
After the video, Apollo walked to the ring to a very small reaction from the audience. While he walked, he cut a selfie promo and said that he with a win he would prove why he’s Raw’s human highlight reel.
Heydorn’s Analysis: That’s his thing now? Eye roll.
As soon as Crews got to the ring, the bell rang, and the match began. Out of the gate, Crews dominated and nailed Mahal with a dropkick before making a cover. Jinder kicked out at two. After the pin, Crews was distracted by Sunil Singh at ringside which allowed for Mahal to get the upperhand. In the end, Crews took momentum back after a step up enziguri and hit his standing moonsault for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Crews via pinfall
Heydorn’s Analysis: Pretty much a squash win for Crews when you take into account the commentary that he received. Both Graves and Cole raved about his performance and said that something clicked inside him. All signs point for to a Crews push here. Who knows how long it will last, but for now, it’s on.
-After the match, Seth Rollins was shown walking backstage with both tag team championship belts as the show went to break. (c)
-Out of the break, Seth Rollins hit he ring to a loud “Burn It Down” chant. As he walked to the ring, the announce team cued up a recap video that highlighted Dean Ambrose turning on him moments after they won the tag team titles. Back in the ring, Rollins grabbed a microphone and paused as the audience chanted “Burn It Down.”
[HOUR TWO]
Eventually, Rollins spoke and admitted defeat in the World Cup tournament at Crown Jewel. Rollins then addressed Baron Corbin helping Brock Lesnar win the Universal Title and said that him doing so was a slap in the face to Roman Reigns. Rollins said it was a slap in the face to Reigns, himself, everyone in the locker room, and every person in the arena. From there, Rollins said he would tell that to Brock’s face, but Brock wasn’t at the show.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Really good babyface promo from Rollins. Sounds like they are setting up a Lesnar/Rollins match with the Reigns title story in the background of it.
Rollins said that Dean Ambrose was there tonight. He said that just a few weeks ago the Shield was on top of the world and that Ambrose was gutless for not giving him an explanation as to why he stabbed him in the back. From there, Rollins said he would call out Ambrose again, but he didn’t want to waste the audiences time. Instead, Rollins addressed the tag team championships that were draped on his shoulders. He said it’s almost impossible for him to defend two titles at the same time. This prompted Baron Corbin to appear on the big screen. Corbin yelled at his security to barricade the door and told Seth that he can defend two titles and he would do so right now. Corbin the announced AOP as the official opponent.
(3) AOP vs. SETH ROLLINS – WWE Raw Tag Team Championship
Once Corbin made the announcement, AOP walked to the ring with Drake Maverick as Maverick pumped them up. When they got to the ring, official announcements were made, and the match got underway.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Effective commentary from Cole and company regarding Rollins. They set him up perfectly as the fighting babyface while laying on sympathy by detailing the fact that his partner had abandoned him. Good stuff.
AOP took over early, but Seth battled to take momentum with a flurry of punches. AOP then hit a double team clothesline on Rollins which dropped him as the show went to break. (c)
Out of the break, AOP still was in full control of Seth Rollins. They tagged in and out of the match while working to ground Rollins with a sleeper hold. Rollins eventually fought out of the hold, but got whipped into the turnbuckle instead. After, Akim went for a cover, but Rollins kicked out at two. Eventually, Rollins fought out of a double team and connected with a flying suicide dive through the ropes. He then hit a second one before rolling his opponent back into the ring. From there, he hit a springboard clothesline and followed that with a Sling Blade. After, he connected with a Blockbuster and covered, but only got a two count. Rollins then cued up the Stomp, but was tripped up after Maverick’s distraction. Rollins then hit a flurry of superkicks before hitting a frog splash. Right after, he went for a pin, but only got a count of two. In the end, AOP countered the Stomp into their finish and covered for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: AOP via pinfall
Heydorn’s Analysis: That worked really well. AOP got the tag team championships and because Ambrose didn’t help Rollins defend, their feud got turned up to a new level. Good stuff all around and a win-win.
-After the match, Dean Ambrose walked to the ring through the crowd. He stared Rollins down as the audience booed him. From there, he got into the ring as the audience chanted “you sold out.” Ambrose knelt down beside Rollins and teased telling Rollins why he did what he did, but shook his head and hit Dirty Deeds on Rollins instead.
Heydorn’s Analysis: A good continuation of the story. Not explaining himself is increasing the heat on Dean Ambrose. It’s a smart way to write the early part of the story as it avoids people cheering the cool new Ambrose. Rollins is perfect in showcasing his desperation to find out the why. It just loads up the sympathy for him. Great stuff.
-The announce team showed highlights of Becky Lynch addressing Ronda Rousey last week on SmackDown Live. (c)
-After the commercials, the announce team recapped what happened at Crown Jewel between Baron Corbin and Braun Strowman. They then aired highlights of what happened between both men to start the show. From there, Corbin was shown backstage. Corbin said he didn’t run from Braun Strowman and that he wasn’t afraid of him. Corbin said if Braun wanted to have a wrestling match, he’d be glad to do so. Corbin said Strowman didn’t want to wrestle and that he only wanted to destroy him. From there, Charly Caruso asked Corbin why he setup a makeshift office in the storage closet if wasn’t afraid. Corbin rolled his eyes as Strowman yelled Corbin’s name and broke into the closet. In there, Strowman destroyed the security team once again before pursing Corbin through the arena.
Heydorn’s Analysis: It’s simplistic in nature, but I like that Strowman chasing Corbin has been the story woven throughout the show. It should payoff nicely in the end, but also highlights how upset Strowman is that Corbin cost him the title.
-When the broadcast cut back to the ring, Dolph Ziggler made his entrance. As he did, the announce team talked about what happened to Dolph at Crown Jewel and talked down Shane McMahon for doing what he did. When Ziggler got to the ring, he picked up a microphone and said that despite how things ended in the World Cup tournament, Shane McMahon was not the best in the world. Ziggler then talked about his efforts in the finals and highlighted why it was conspiracy against him. As he kept going, he was interuppted by Elias.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Huge pop for Elias. Refreshing to see him be able to work with the audience and that reaction as a babyface.
From there, Elias strummed the guitar for a bit as the audience chanted his catch phrase to the beat of the song. Elias then addressed Ziggler and called him a loser. Elias then said that he played his song about Dolph Ziggler to both members of Oasis. He said that they vowed to reunite if he played it live. Elias then told Ziggler to shut his mouth and then began to play. Eventually, Ziggler stopped him and challenged him to a match. Elias quickly accepted and walked to the ring. (c)
Heydorn’s Analysis: This will be fun. Elias works infinitely better as a babyface and Ziggler should be able to pull a decent match out of him. A smart pairing for Elias this early in his turn.
-After the commercial break, a hype video aired for the Lucha House Party. Next, the Revival cut a promo and said the tag team division wasn’t a joke. They then addressed the lucha house party and said they bring masks and pinatas to tag team wrestling while they bring a wealth of knowledge and skill. They then said there wasn’t a place for them in the Raw tag team division and said they’d send them back to 205 Live where they belong.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Of course, this isn’t main event level material, but it works in the lower mid card. Both teams need something to do and they should get good matches out of each other too.
(4) ELIAS vs. DOLPH ZIGGLER
Right out of the selfie promo, the bell rang for Elias vs. Ziggler. To start, Elias stared down Ziggler as the audience chanted for him. Ziggler got a quick roll up out of the gate, but Elias kicked out at two. Out of the pin, Ziggler locked in a headlock before connecting with a dropkick. Eventually, Elias countered Ziggler and locked in a headlock of his own. Eventually, Ziggler hit Elias with a neckbreaker and took the momentum back. Ziggler proceeded to lock in another head lock and used his legs to crush Elias’s midsection. From there, Elias took momentum back and attempted a high risk elbow drop from the top rope. Ziggler saw this and rolled out of the way to counter the move as the show went to break. (c)
Heydorn’s Analysis: Very slow paced to start things off. Most of it is Ziggler dominating which makes sense, but aside from the chants, the audience seems disengaged.
When the show returned from break, Ziggler still had control in the match and the audience was in full chant mode. Ziggler crushed Elias with strikes until Elias fought back with his own. In the end and after back and forth offense that included high impact moves from both guys, Elias nailed Ziggler with the Drifter for the 1,2,3 win. (c)
WINNER: Elias via pinfall
Heydorn’s Analysis: The exchange of offense at the end of the match was effective and entertaining, but overall it lumbered on a bit too much. Elias is getting a tremendous babyface reaction, but needs to learn to harness it in the ring like he does on the microphone.
-Out of the break, Kurt Angle was interviewed backstage. Angle said that Baron Corbin was very dangerous, but that he knew how to beat him. Angle said it was time for him to go to Survivor Series as the Raw team captain before looking at the camera and saying “it’s true, it’s damn true.”
Heydorn’s Analysis: Again, a seriousness Kurt Angle is a more effective Kurt Angle. Period. Well done.
-After the interview, Ronda Rousey’s music hit to a large ovation from the audience. Rousey waved and walked to the ring while slapping the hands of fans along the ramp.
[HOUR THREE]
From there, Rousey entered the ring and held her championship belt up high as Michael Cole promoted her upcoming match with Becky Lynch at Survivor Series. As the audience cheered for her, Rousey paused to soak it in. Rousey then spoke and said that it was cute that Becky Lynch thought she could rip her arm off. Ronda said it was easy to see how everyone loved Becky Lynch as the audience chanted “Becky.” Ronda acknowledged the chants and held her microphone out to the fans.
Heydorn’s Analysis: That’s a veteran move. Not only did it make sense for Rousey to address the cheers, she did it in a way that was authentic and respectful of the passion that fans have for Lynch.
Ronda continued and said that she respects Becky for persevering and reclaiming the championship. She said that at Evolution, Becky put on a performance of a lifetime. Ronda then said not to mistake her respect for weakness. She said she was the last woman on earth she’d want to provoke. Rousey then compared their pasts and noted that while Becky Lynch was serving snacks as a stewardess, she was in the middle of the most dominant run the sport of MMA had ever seen. Ronda then called herself a natural born killer and said that in two weeks she wanted Becky Lynch to bring her rage to Survivor Series because she wants a challenge. Ronda finished by saying that Becky may think she’s “the man,” but she’s the baddest bitch on the planet.
Heydorn’s Analysis: And Ronda Rousey continues to progress. Like previous promos, some of her words seemed “out there,” but the overall, it was a job well done. Rousey was able to hype the match and effectively held off the Becky supporters. Most importantly, she looked and was presented as the biggest star on the show.
As Ronda was about to leave the ring, Nia Jax walked out to confront her. Jax entered the ring with Rousey and told her she knew that she wouldn’t let Raw down at Survivor Series. From there, Jax said that after Survivor Series, she’d be waiting.
Heydorn’s Analysis: I can’t stand Jax’s non-nonchalance in her promos. She comes off as not truly caring about her championship opportunity due to the tone of voice as mannerisms she uses.
The crowd hummed a bit after Jax spoke, but Ember Moon’s music cut them off. Moon proceeded to walk to the ring and Michael Cole cued up a video package for Girl Up as she did. The show then went to commercial break. (c)
(5) EMBER MOON vs. NIA JAX
Out of the commercial break, the match began. Moon hit her stride early, but was quickly tossed out of the ring by Nia Jax. Jax then rolled Moon back into the ring but was kicked by Moon for her troubles. From there, Moon connected with a dropkick and followed that with her flipping forearm to the face. Moon worked to maintain control, but Jax countered her cross body with a sidewalk slam. It was all Jax from there. Eventually, Moon fully battled to get control back after connecting with various strikes. After that series, she covered Jax, but Nia kicked out at two. Immediatley after the pin, Moon crushed Jax with a running discus forearm. After, Moon covered again, but again, Jax kicked out. Out of that pin, Moon climbed to the top rope for a tornado DDT, but Jax shoved her off to counter. Moon then hit the ropes for a move, but Jax countered it into a Samoan Drop. Jax then made the cover for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Jax via pinfall
-After the match, Tamina walked out to the ring to confront Jax. After staring down Jax, Tamina lifted Moon to her feet and delivered a Samoan Drop as Jax looked on in disbelief. Tamina then locked in a Boston Crab on Moon while Jax demolished her with leg drops. Jax and Tamina then embraced as the audience booed.
Heydorn’s Analysis: The match was what it was, but the post-match beating was intriguing. Yes, Jax has turned more times than we all can remember, but given that they are setting up Rousey vs. Jax again down the road, having Tamina as added muscle for Jax is going to help Rousey’s story in the long run. Further, if women’s tag team titles are on the horizon, the team of Tamina and Jax is a formidable one.
-Backstage, Finn Balor was interviewed. Balor said that Lashley is the most powerful man he’s ever been in the ring with. Balor called Rush a runt and said that it didn’t feel good when he got slapped by him while in the Lashley full nelson. From there, Balor said he’d unify Manchester because Balor Club was for everyone. (c)
Heydorn’s Analysis: Ugh, what happened to this guy? Fluff, fluff, fluff. Balor was embarrassed last week by both Rush and Lashley. You’d think he’d be furious about it and want revenge. You didn’t get that from this promo at all. Weak is a understatement here.
-Out of the break, Corbin was shown getting into a car backstage. He was annoyed that Caruso was interviewing him and said that he had to get to an emergency appointment. Because of that appointment he said that Kurt Angle would not be competing against him. Instead, Corbin said that Angle would face Drew McIntyre. As Corbin got into his car, Braun Strowman stormed outside and ran the car down as it sped away.
-From there, the show went back into the arena as Bobby Lashley made his entrance with Lio Rush at his side. The audience was quiet for Lashley and as they walked to the ring, the announcers talked about how grateful they were that Rush didn’t have a microphone. Once they got to the ring, Rush picked up a microphone and told the audience that “the big man, was here.” From there, Rush said he wished they were in Liverpool and told the audience to look at Bobby’s physical attributes. Rush then told Bobby to pose to the crowd and Lashley bent over to show the crowd his butt. As the audience booed, Rush said that they made Lashley upset. Rush said that when he beats up Balor it would be like he was beating up every single person booing in the crowd. This prompted Balor to hit the ring to a large reaction. Balor walked to the ring as the show went to break. (c)
(6) BOBBY LASHLEY w/ Lio Rush vs. FINN BALOR
After the break, the match was underway. Lashley took control early and decimated Balor with punches before choking him in the corner. From there, Lashley stomped Balor and followed those with a fisherman suplex. Balor hit a dropkick to shift momentum, but as he hit the ropes for a suicide dive, Rush tripped him up to give Lashley the upperhand again.
Heydorn’s Analysis: No microphone for Rush tonight thank goodness. That gimmick did its job and ran its course, but Rush getting himself involved in his client’s matches is a way to build off of it. In doing so, he remains a pain for babyfaces and sets up Lashley for big time heat. Good stuff.
Eventually, Balor battled back by connecting with a series of running forearms that he followed with a standing stomp to Lashley’s chest. From there, Balor connected with a thunderous chop before hitting a Sling Blade. Balor then went for his running dropkick, but it was countered by a Lashley clothesline. Lashley proceeded to own the match from there until Balor tossed him out of the ring. With Lashley on the outside Balor had the opportunity to attack Lio Rush and took full advantage by slamming him into the ring barrier. As Balor tried to continue his attack, he was stopped by Lashley. From there, Lashley rolled him into the ring for his finisher and nailed it before covering for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Lashley via pinfall
Heydorn’s Analysis: Not only was this the third week in a row that we saw this match, it was literally the same match as last week. I’m willing to give WWE a pass on that for a good story, but tonight didn’t display that either. So Balor gets embarrassed last week and then just beaten right back down this week without any signs of what’s next? Balor is over with the audience. No argument to be made there. This type of booking though is how his level of “over” could start to fade.
-After the match Drew McIntyre walked out to the ring for his main event match with Kurt Angle. When he got to the ring, he backed down Bobby Lashley. Drew dared him to make a move which caused Lashley to bow out and leave the ring. McIntyre then helped Balor to his feet before crushing him with the Claymore. (c)
Heydorn’s Analysis: McIntyre is and has been a heel. If you listen carefully though as he’s helping Balor up, there are some cheering fans in the audience. That is Drew’s future in my eyes.
-Out of the break, the announce team hyped events for next week’s Raw including the return of Stephanie McMahon and Brock Lesnar.
-With McIntyre already in the ring for the main event, Kurt Angle walked out to a loud “you suck” singalong.
(7) DREW MCINTYRE vs. KURT ANGLE
As soon as Angle got to the ring, he attacked McIntyre. The crowd roared as he did so. From there, the ref gained control of the match and rang the bell for it to officially begin. From there, Angle got some offense in but was then grounded by a McIntyre headbutt. McIntyre owned the match from that point forward. He nailed Angle with stomps and chops before locking in a reverse arm bar. Eventually, Angle connected with his Angle Slam, but the impact caused McIntyre to roll out of the ring. As this happened, the show went to commercial break. (c)
Heydorn’s Analysis: McIntyre looks like a star. He has the size and overall performance ability to really make people believe what he’s doing in that ring. Angle selling for him helps, but this is all Drew.
[OVERRUN]
Out of the break, McIntyre had regained momentum in the match once again. He nailed Angle with a slam and then locked in his reverse arm bar again as the audience clapped for Angle to escape. McIntyre then hit a belly to belly suplex before making a cover, but Angle kicked out. Out of the pin, McIntyre decimated Angle with strikes in the corner before once again locking in his reverse arm bar. Eventually, Angle battled out and attempted a second Angle Slam. McIntyre reversed it though and nailed him with a Claymore Kick. From there, McIntyre held off on the pin and stalked Angle instead. The audience commented that he could have won the match 30 seconds ago. In the end, McIntyre taunted Angle by holding both of his arms behind his back. This prompted Angle to try and take McIntyre down, but Drew blocked it. McIntyre continued to taunt Angle, but each time Angle stepped up, Drew sent him back down. Finally, McIntyre lifted Angle up and talked trash to his face. In response, Angle stepped up again and got the Ankle Lock locked in. McIntyre quickly countered it and crushed Angle with an Angle Slam. From there, McIntyre locked in the Ankle Lock on Kurt which caused Angle to tap out.
WINNER: McIntyre via submission
Heydorn’s Analysis: I figured McIntyre would win this match, but the Kurt Angle embarrassment angle was out of left field. Especially given the promos he cut earlier in the night. That said, I’ll take it. It’s clear that Drew McIntyre is going to be (and deserves to be) in the middle of the main event picture for the foreseeable future. Angle using his stock to get someone like McIntyre over and up to the next level is an effective move.
NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S REPORT: HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT 10/29: Alt Perspective coverage of the live show including Evolution fallout, final hype for Crown Jewel, and more
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