Welcome to the Raw Review for September 25, 2017. For both this and Smackdown, I will go over what the big talking points were, pick the match of the night, and look ahead to the next show.
Talking Points
Top Dawg in Search of Hounds
Roman Reigns opened the show, sitting down with the Miz. Reigns took a respectful tone toward John Cena. The Miz started off respectful, but quickly changed tactics and brought up that the Shield was lucky that the Mizterouge was not around at the same time. Reigns laughed at the idea, and challenged Miz to a fight. The match happened later and Reigns won. He was attacked after the match and could not fight off all three men. Two points of interest here: The Miz acted afraid of Reigns, selling the idea of Reigns as a conqueror . Second, by the middle of October, we should see the call sign being broadcast over the loud speakers once again.
Bliss and the Legend
Alexa Bliss should count her lucky starts that she is still the Raw Women’s Champion. With all of her, current, challengers behind her, Bliss decided that the WWE Universe was ungrateful for her victory. She ran down the crowd before Mickie James came out. What followed was a great promo, with both women knocking it out of the park. Bliss had said James was an old lady on the No Mercy after show, James responded by knocking her around. A new and very interesting feud just began and Asuka might have to wait.
Cruiser Weight Celebration
Enzo Amore requested and was granted a celebration for his Cruserweight Championship win. What followed was a very double turn. Amore played up his arrogant and loudmouth ways and bashed the assembled 205 roster. Neville was the crusader, protecting his division and angry that the title now is on the waist of a joke like Amore. If this angle brings a spotlight to the cruiser weight division, it will be worth it. One thing to note is tho Amore is now a heel, his words, especially that Neville never was in the main event of Raw while champion, are truth bombs that can not be so easily dismissed.
Match of the Night
Braun Strowman vs. Dean Ambrose (Strowman wins by pin fall)
Monster wrestlers like Braun Stowman have always had one problem: they can dish out punishment, but can they take it? The solution to this question is what happened on this show. After Strowman destroyed Curtis Hawkins, he demanded someone come out and fight him. Out walked Dean Ambrose, showing more of the lunatic then we have seen lately. What followed was beautiful, as Strowman was dominant, and still took punishment. Ambrose hit a very nasty DDT on the floor, and Strowman got back up. It’s matches like this, including Stowman’s wars with Reigns, that add more value to Strowman then any championship belt could.
Conclusion
The red brand is quickly moving up in regards to the stories we will see at TLC. Finn Balor made his intentions for the Universal Championship known, but Bray Wyatt will not go away. Strowman is looking for someone to fight. James and Bliss are heading for a showdown. Next week, the Intercontinental Championship is up for grabs as Reigns challenges The Miz.