WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for August 21

Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins vs. The Hardy Boyz (Matt & Jeff)

Result: Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins defeated The Hardy Boyz via pinfall

Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars

Right off the bat, Rollins took a double-team slam that looked really painful. Like, the slow-mo replay made it look a billion times worse, and it already looked bad at full speed. He seemed fine, but he’s gonna feel it tomorrow.

Considering most of the matches to this point were not great, this one seemed like Omega/Okada by comparison. Lots of great teamwork on both sides, but especially Rollins and Ambrose. The Hart Attack/Sling Blade is a great tandem move, for example. Clearly, that’s the story with them, and their union will work better as they improve their chemistry.

The spot towards the middle of the match where Rollins pulled Ambrose out of the way was a great touch. I also feel like it proves my point of Ambrose being the backstabber when the team runs its course. I don’t see Dean pulling Seth out of the way of any big moves, you know?

The worst part of the match is the willful ignorance of the commentary team. Apparently, Rollins and Ambrose have only been a team for 24 hours. I guess that two-on-three handicap match where they faced Miz/Dallas/Axel a few weeks ago never happened, right? That’s kinda where this whole thing got started, If I remember correctly.

For a while there, I thought we were going to get a “THE HARDY BOYZ HAVE DEFEATED THE TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS” finish. It would have killed the Ambrose/Rollins reign, but it’s such a WWE thing to do. Thankfully, the new champs earned a victory built on impressive teamwork. Good start to their reign.

Samoa Joe, Master Strategist

Solid gameplan there, Joe.