Welcome to the Raw Review for November 13, 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
Game On
It seems that Stephanie’s appearance was not a one-time thing. Returning to confront Kurt Angle, Stephanie was interrupted by the Shield. The vote of confidence by the Hounds of Justice was followed by asking for a match against The New Day at Survivor Series. Angle’s night went downhill as Jason Jordan was injured by a returning Bray Wyatt. This led to the announcement that Jordan would be replaced by Triple H at Survivor Series. Could these chain of events turn Jordan heel? And how will Angle and Triple H get along after The Game pedigreed Angle’s son?
Huggers Always Win
Mickie James, Dana Brook, and Bayley fought in a Triple Threat match for the final spot on the women’s team. Of all three women, Brook looked a lot better as she kept pace with James and Bayley. Her mistake was attacking Askua midway through the match. In the end, it was Bayley who finally had her moment to shine. Of both teams, Smackdown has the talent, while Raw has the power and speed. Their match on Sunday should be very good and we will see if Askua can go through the blue brand like a hot knife through butter.
Real Life Rocky
It might be hard to sell a match that changed a week before the pay-per-view, but not when you have Paul Heyman on the microphone. Comparing AJ Styles to Rocky, Heyman gave another masterful promo that built Styles up while still promising a Brock Lesnar victory. I agree with everything he said, especially that this match alone is going to be worth the price of a WWE Network subscription. Heyman was interrupted by a proposal and did a little friendly teardown of the happy couple. You don’t spend a good part of your professional career in ECW and not learn how to deal with interruptions.
Match of the Night
Finn Balor & Samoa Joe vs. Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows (Balor & Joe win by pin fall)
I love when two guys who don’t like each other are put into a tag team. They might not get along, but they will still beat you senseless. Finn Balor and Samoa Joe spent the beginning part of the match yelling at each other and then proceeded to knock the Good Brothers around the ring. Joe took the role of the big brother, saving Balor and looking annoyed doing so. Joe might be a heel, but the reaction from the crowd was babyface all the way
Conclusion
A red-hot show from the red band. Braun Strowman and Kane fought each other until Strowman powerslammed him through the ring. The “true” Shield got the win over Miz and The Bar. Roman Reigns was cheered the whole time. How will Shane and Smackdown react to the announcement that Triple H is now on the Raw team?