Welcome to the Raw Review for October 16, 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
Back in Black
As Kurt Angle welcomed everyone to Raw, the familiar call signs echoed through the arena. The Shield, dressed in their SWAT gear, came out of the crowd as if they had never left. They teased attacking Angle before launching into a impassioned promo. Special attention must be given to Dean Ambrose, who looked dangerous and focused as he said he would fight four or even five guys (more on that later). This led to a Miz TV segment where Miz wanted a filth man to join his team. Angle agreed, but only if Braun Strowman won his match against Roman Regins in the main event. This whole sequence was laid out beautiful, building toward a main event that suddenly had real stakes.
Crusierweight Stories
If there has been one problem with 205, and the cruiserweight division, is that matches that take place on Raw feel like there is no story behind them. This was addressed, as a video package told the story about Jack Gallagher attacking Cedric Alexander over the past few weeks. This made their match more interesting, and the match looked like it belonged on Raw. Enzo Amore went completely to the dark side as he had Kalistio ambushed by a few fellow heels. Mustafa Ali tried to help Kalistio, but couldn’t overcome the numbers game. This is a crusierweight division that has more personality and makes me want to check out the show. Treat these guys like every other wrestler and you will have a great product
Seven Times
Mickie James continues to impress, as she and Bailey took on Emma and Alexia Bliss. Hard hitting, quick moving, and personality that shines, James was the star of that match. I noticed that the crowd was heavily invested in this match, being louder then most women’s matches. Bliss has found the perfect opponent, one who does not care about a gimmick, but cares about wrestling. The post match interview, where James talked about her son, felt real and not scripted. If James comes up short at TLC, I hope that she remains in the title hunt. The women’s division could really use her.
Match of the Night
Braun Stowman vs. Roman Reigns (Steel Cage Match) (Strowman wins by pin fall)
After Angle made the stipulation, I was almost positive Strowman was going to win this match. The question then became who would be the fifth man on the Miz’s team. Bo Dallas and even Brock Lesnar were people I was thinking could be it. This match was fantastic, showing that Reigns vs. Strowman might have locked down Feud of the Year, and that Strowman thrives in the steel cage. The supreplex from the top of the cage was awe inspiring. Reigns looked to have won, but then the arena turned red and familiar music began playing. Kane crawled out of the middle of the ring and secured Strowman’s victory. This was a genuine surprise and the Shield is going to have a huge task in front of them Sunday.
Conclusion
The last show before TLC saw some talking and some great matches. Finn Balor showed us that it will be the Demon against Sister Abigail. Alicia Fox has gone back to crazy, which she is great at, and will face Sasha Banks on the kickoff show. Time to get ready for Sunday which has a must see main event.