Welcome to the Raw Review for September 18, 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
Hug Life Returns
Alexia Bliss had the daunting task of taking on Nia Jax one week from their part in the Raw Women’s Championship at No Mercy . Bliss looked to be very intelligent as she wanted no part of Jax. Sasha Banks appeared, making Bliss head back to the ring to get utterly destroyed by Jax. After the bell, Banks tried to attack Jax, but looked to be in trouble until some very familiar music played. Bayley returned to a loud ovation and helped Bliss and Banks finally take down Jax. Bliss attempted to celebrate, but was met by both ladies finishing moves. The big news was that Bayley has now been added to the match on Sunday. The odds of Bliss retaining just went down significantly.
Brother vs. Bar vs Nerds
If there was ever a case for the Gallows Brothers to be in the Tag Team Title hunt, this match was a compelling argument. Against Sheamus and Cesaro, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose, the Gallows were hard hitting and got the crowd into this match. This is to take nothing from the other four men, who helped put on a great match. The Gallows seemed to be clicking on all gears and they should challenge the winners of Sunday’s match. just a word of advice for the good brothers: Don’t ever call Ambrose a nerd.
“See You Sunday, Movie Star”
Roman Reigns came out to a mostly positive response as he addressed the WWE Universe and John Cena ahead of No Mercy. This was the edgiest Reigns has bee, having the first few seconds of his promo bleeped for general audience. Using Cena as a standard that no wrestler should aspire to, this was a Reigns who felt comfortable on the microphone. And what was Cena’s response? There was none, as Cena was supporting Nikki Bella on her first night with Dancing with the Stars. That made the clip that Reigns showed, about Cena berating the Rock for this same behavior, much more devastating. The time for talk is over, and a potential Match of the Year candidate is all that is left.
Match of the Night
Jason Jordan vs. Matt Hardy vs. Jeff Hardy vs Elias vs. Bo Dallas vs Curtis Axel (Jordan wins by pinfall to become the #1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship)
Jason Jordan and The Miz were always going to collide. Instead of rushing it, WWE has taken the time to allow the story to grow naturally. This match , which would determine who would face Miz at No Mercy, showed off some of the talent that is sometimes overlooked. Elias looked very strong, having no allegiances and taking on all comers. The Hardy’s were their usual DELIGHTFUL self’s, even if a few times it looked like they might come to blows. Jordan took the win, and the beat down by the Miz and the Mizterouge that followed. Miz capped it off by telling Jordan that he would still be Champ and that Jordan will still be a bastard. This rivalry has reached the boiling point and now Miz faces someone who wants to tear him apart.
Conclusion
Nothing left but No Mercy on Sunday. While there was a lot more talking then I usually like, the matches for the pay-per-view don’t need any more action to sell them. This show has the potential to be can’t-miss, with a monster of a main event. It might be fall, but it feels like Wreslemania season and I have not been this excited for a show in a long time. Also, Bobby “The Brain” Heenan passed away over the weekend and our thoughts and prayers go out to his loved ones. If you have the WWE Network, watch some classic Heenan moments. It will take awhile, there are a lot.
