WWE Raw Review: Results, Analysis and Grades for Post-Survivor Series Show

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Rusev vs. Roman Reigns

Result: Reigns wins via DQ

Rating: 3.1 out of 5 stars

Sheamus sat ringside for the main event. Reigns started by attacking Rusev until Rusev wrestled Reigns to the mat. Reigns powered out, whipped Rusev into the ropes and then connected with a clothesline. Rusev would escape a Samoan Drop attempt by Reigns, but Reigns would follow up with a neckbreaker.

Reigns caught Rusev in the corner and climbed the turnbuckle to land some punches. Rusev snuck out of it and brought Reigns back down to the mat. Rusev took control, getting a few shots in on Reigns, but again Roman fought out of it. The fight spilled to the outside. Reigns threw Rusev into the barricade, and while Rusev was down, Reigns stared at Sheamus. Commercial break.

Back from break and Rusev had Reigns down on the mat in what had to be the one hundredth headlock of the night. Reigns tried to Hulk out of it, but Rusev tossed Reigns out of the ring. Rusev kept the ref distracted so that Sheamus could get a cheap shot in on Reigns.

Rusev threw Reigns back into the ring and worked on Reigns with some kicks. Rusev focused his attack on Reigns’ lower back, most likely to soften him up for the Accolade.

The crowd started rallying behind Roman, and Reigns channeled that energy to fight back. Reigns picked up some steam running toward the ropes, but Sheamus tripped him up. The ref got suspicious and, as a result, ejected Sheamus from ringside.

Reigns all the while hit a Samoan drop, leaving both himself and Rusev on the mat. Both men simultaneously got back on their feet and engaged in some punches. Reigns got the upper hand and hit a jumping clothesline. Reigns continued to build momentum, but Rusev shut it down with a heel kick to the face.

Stepping out of his comfort zone, Rusev went to the top rope. Reigns stopped him, though, and tried to set Rusev up for the superplex. Rusev fought out of it, tossed Reigns back down to the mat and hit the flying headbutt. He went for the pin, but Reigns kicked out. Rusev signaled for the Accolade, but Roman powered out before Rusev could lock it in. Rusev then went for a superkick, and Reigns reversed with a Superman punch.

Reigns went for the pin; Rusev kicked out. Reigns psyched himself up and called for the spear. Rusev rolled out of the ring to avoid it. Reigns gave chase, but Rusev caught Reigns on the chin with another superkick. Rusev threw Reigns into the barricade and then bounced his head off the table multiple times.

Rusev rolled Reigns back into the ring, but before Rusev could climb back in, Reigns caught him on the apron and delivered a series of knees. Reigns followed that up with a Superman punch, and Rusev fell to the floor. Reigns followed and hit Rusev with the Drive-By on the outside. Then King Barrett appeared out of nowhere and caught Reigns with the Bull Hammer.

Barrett rolled Reigns into the ring, along with a chair, but Reigns managed to fight out of it. Rusev tried to quell Reigns; however, Reigns picked up the chair and took Rusev out as well. Next, Sheamus ran to the ring, also to get hit with the chair.

Next: WWE TLC: Updated Match Card and Speculation

The show ended shortly after with Reigns standing tall, while Sheamus retreated up the ramp.

Eugene’s note: A pretty forgettable ending to a pretty forgettable Raw. The most promise coming out of tonight is the potential for the Authority to expand with the inclusion of Rusev and Barrett, but their involvement could just as easily have been a one-night thing.

The only certainty right now is that the WWE needs to step their game up if they want TLC to be remotely exciting.