WWE Raw Live Review: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for September 11

Reigns and Jordan. Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Roman Reigns vs. Jason Jordan

Result: Roman Reigns defeated Jason Jordan via pinfall

Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Last week, Reigns ridiculed John Cena for taking so long to defeat a “rookie.” After all, Cena is a 16 time world champion. Surely, he should be able to make short work of a relative newcomer to singles competition.

This week, Jordan took it to the Big Dog in the early going. Clearly, it was no fluke that Jordan gave Cena a run for his money. Reigns looked like he was in disbelief at how Jordan was handling him. Big suplexes, a crossface submission (that looked a lot better than last week), and a tenacious attitude kept Jordan in competition.

Corey Graves deserves every accolade known to man for his commentary in this one. He was the only one to point out that Cena sees Reigns as Reigns sees Jordan – as the up and comer who wants to prove himself to the top dog ahead of him. It’s a brilliant point that really hammers home the Reigns/Cena beef. Plus, it makes it seem like this is all part of a bigger story. That never happens on Raw, you know?

The second half of the match was so so so good, with Jordan dominating with suplex after suplex. Problem is, I kept getting distracted and worried by Jordan’s untied shoelace. Visions of twisted ankles and worse were dancing through my head.

Of course, Reigns picks up the victory with a Superman punch and a spear. He’s got a match coming up with John Cena at No Mercy, can’t look weak headed into that. But it’s okay, because just like last week, Jordan looks like a million bucks after a defeat. He even gets a handshake from the Big Dog after the match.

Backstage, John Cena was watching, and he tells Charly Caruso that he’s going to share his thoughts with Reigns in the ring.