WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for January 9

Luke Gallows versus Sheamus

Result: Sheamus wins via pinfall

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

Before the match took place, Bayley and Sasha Banks went into Stephanie McMahon’s office and demanded a match with Charlotte and Nia Jax next week. Angered by this demand, Stephanie told Banks that SHE was the boss on RAW, and that if they wanted their tag match it was only being offered tonight. Despite not being at 100%, both of the women accepted the match for later.

As Gallows and Sheamus competed inside of the ring, Cesaro and Karl Anderson decided to grace the RAW commentary table. While they traded jabs against one another on their headsets, Gallows and Sheamus delivered a hard-hitting encounter. Each man was given an ample chance to shine, and during the closing moments of the match, it seemed as though Sheamus had the match won. Anderson chose this moment to attack Cesaro and attempt to distract Sheamus, which allowed Gallows to take the advantage. A near fall quickly followed, and then both Cesaro and Sheamus came back, and the Celtic Warrior managed to hit a Brogue Kick to score the win.

Although Gallows could’ve benefitted from a victory here tonight, Sheamus scoring the win is also a logical step. Now these teams each have a win in singles action, and with a tag title match on the horizon both teams look to rise above the other. Because of their misuse over the past year, Anderson and Gallows need the win more, but it’s likely the Cesaro and Sheamus tag team will continue.