Welcome to another edition of Monday Night Raw as they hail from Montreal, Quebec, Canada–yes they’re north of the border and what should be a great crowd. Last week, was a pretty good Raw and with less than two weeks away from the Payback PPV let’s see how things will take shape. Let’s Get Started!!!
Good
Opening Segment: Randy Orton opened Raw cutting a promo about getting some Payback on Seth Rollins and threatened to take out Reigns of he got in the way. That brought out Reigns and they went back & forth with each other until New Day came out. After going cutting promos on each other it was determined that New Day would take on Roman Reigns & Randy Orton.
New Day vs. Randy Orton & Roman Reigns: This was a really good match between these 5 and surprisingly New Day picked up the win after Reigns accidentally speared Orton to cause Kingston to pick up the win. I like that decision because it causes issues between Orton & Reigns and gives New Day more heat. Kane came out afterwards to announce Reigns would face Orton in the main event. Really liking how things are working out for New Day also!!
Tyson Kidd & Cesaro vs. Ascension: This was actually a pretty good match and how impressive is Cesaro? I still think that the Ascension could be major players in the tag team division in the future.
Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose: Great match as expected between these two and I can’t wait until they feud again. Really glad Ambrose won the match to get added to the main event of Payback, now making it a Fatal 4-Way match. The crowd was definitely into the match, chanting This Is Awesome and Holy Shit!!!
Rusev vs. Fandango: This is good on the basis of seeing Lana Fandangoing to the delight of the crowd before being sent to the back by Rusev. Fandango hung in there longer than expected.
John Cena vs. Sami Zayn: Before Cena issued his U.S. Open Challenge he cut a promo about not quitting and asked the crowd if they wish he quit and they went nuts. He issued the challenge and out came the legendary Bret Hart. He came out to cut a promo but was interrupted by Heath Slater, who Bret knocked out with the mic before introducing the challenger being none other than NXT star, Sami Zayn which the crowd went nuts over as they were chanting his music when Cena came out. Cena and Zayn had a great match; hopefully the shoulder of Zayn isn’t as bad as expected because that match could catapult him to stardom on the main roster.
Naomi & Tamina Attacking the Bellas: I really like the new Naomi and adding Tamina Snuka to the act has some potential. Will they keep this up for the next few months until the Usos return, if so what happens?
Dolph Ziggler & Neville vs. Sheamus & Bad News Barrett: Pretty good tag match and it helps propel the issues between these four men.
Randy Orton vs. Roman Reigns: This had the potential to be a great main event, but it was just a set-up for them to get attacked by Rollins, Kane and J&J Security. They had Reigns & Orton beat down until Ambrose made the save. They cleared the ring and had Rollins cornered then he ran into a huge spear from Reigns. Orton hit Reigns with the RKO and Ambrose hit the Dirty Deeds on Orton to remain the last man standing.
Bad
Ryback/Bray Wyatt: Not really feeling this feud so far, but I’m skeptical things will pick up.
Stardust vs. R-Truth: No comment!!
Overall Rating: 8/10- I thought this was a really strong edition of Monday Night Raw with some strong segments and matches. Love seeing Sami Zayn debut on Monday Night Raw in his hometown and to be introduced by Hall-of-Famer Bret Hart was great. Cena and Zayn had a really good match, afterwards seeing the respect Cena gave Zayn was amazing and a testament to his character. The Opening segment was really good also, which lead to the match between Orton & Reigns taking on New Day. Speaking of New Day, man they have turned something that was going to be a dud to something really good because I like their gimmick. We also had our share of good matches like Rollins/Ambrose, Dolph/Neville/Barrett/Sheamus, and Orton/Reigns/New Day matches. I mention earlier the Zayn/Cena match and how about the pairing of Naomi & Tamina Snuka attacking the Bella Twins, things could get interesting. I’m glad they finally treated Ambrose like the main event caliber he is by adding him to the main event at Payback in the championship match by beating Seth Rollins. Overall a great edition of Monday Night Raw!!!!
Top 5 Happenings of Monday Night Raw:
1) Debut of Sami Zayn and match with John Cena
2) Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose
3) New Day vs. Orton & Reigns
4) Tyson Kidd & Cesaro vs. Ascension
5) Ending of Monday Night Raw
What did you think about this edition of Monday Night Raw? What were your highlights and lowlights of Monday Night Raw? What was your favorite match on Monday Night Raw? What do you think about Dean Ambrose being added to the main event at payback, making it a Fatal-4 Way match? Leave a comment in the section below and let me know about your feeling on this edition of Monday Night Raw?
