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

Raw, September 11, 2017. (Source: WWE.com)

Follow along with our live Raw review.

Previously on WWE Raw, Braun Strowman once again topped himself. No ring explosion, no ambulance flipping. Just throwing a 400 pound man through a steel cage to the floor. You know, the usual.

This week, there’s a lot in store. Strowman will be in action against the Raw brand’s newest superstar: John Cena. Last week, the 16-time world champion knocked off Jason Jordan. After the match, Cena continued his war of words with Roman Reigns. Will Strowman silence the words with devastation? Or will Cena show up Reigns by taking down the monster?

Speaking of The Big Dog, he’ll also be in action this week. His opponent? None other than Jason Jordan. Last week, Jordan took John Cena to the limit. Surely Roman will be looking to one up his newest rival. Will Jordan rise to the occasion like last week?

There’s also a big edition of Miz TV this week. The A-Lister will open his velvet ropes for Enzo Amore. Last week on 205 Live, Enzo “won” a five way elimination match to become the next challenger for Neville and the Cruiserweight Championship. Enzo’s bread and butter is his ability to talk. Going up against The Miz in a talk show segment should prove to be interesting.

Brock Lesnar is likely paying very close attention to the actions of Braun Strowman lately. Before Strowman threw Big Show through the cage last week, he called out the Universal Champion. With a huge main event title match coming up at No Mercy, will Lesnar respond to Strowman this week?

Finally, Alexa Bliss has found herself in quite a pickle. She went from defending the Raw Women’s Championship in a singles match to a fatal four way at No Mercy. Her challengers include Nia Jax, who has made a habit of knocking her apparently former friend down. What’s next for Bliss?

Related Story: Should Finn Balor Finally Form The Balor Club?

Please follow our live Raw review right here, starting at 8pm EDT.

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.

Cena confronts Reigns. Source: WWE.com via Twitter

We’ve Worked Ourselves Into A Shoot, Brother

I don’t care what anyone says about this rivalry. This is the best thing in WWE not named “Braun Strowman” by far. Like, a country mile far.

Every time you think the limit has been reached between these two, someone crosses another line. Nothing – and I mean nothing – has been off limits here. And the entire program is better for it.

There’s two sides here, and neither one is truly good or bad. You can either back the legendary veteran who has a reputation for burying anyone about to equal him. Or you can support the new blood, even though he’s the corporate choice for success over the actual fan favorites. Talk about a rock and a hard place.

But then both guys are dropping bombs on the mic like no one’s business. Reigns rips on Cena’s Hollywood career, telling him if he needs help he “knows a guy.” Pretty sure Cena knows The Rock too, buddy. Then Cena comes back with the drug test reference. The entire feud so far has been straight fire.

And you know what? The way Cena has been talking so far, I want Roman to annihilate him at No Mercy. I’m talking Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam 2014 whipping Cena from pillar to post. That’s the Roman I want to see – pure viciousness.

Emma vs. Sasha (Source: WWE.com via Twitter)

Sasha Banks vs. Emma

Result: Sasha Banks defeated Emma via submission

Rating: 2.25 out of 5 stars

Alexa Bliss joined the commentary team for this matchup. Early on, both Emma and Sasha showed a ruthless side. Emma, especially, hit a nasty looking clothesline to create separation.

But before too much really got going, Nia Jax came down to join Alexa at the announce booth. Makes sense, since there’s a fatal four way to build to. The best part? Nia sitting all up in Alexa’s personal space like it’s no big deal. Talk about mind games…

Anyway, the remainder of the match was pretty even right up until the end. Emma hit the Emmamite Sandwich in the corner (does she even still call it that?), but Sasha was able to trap her in the Banks Statement for a submission victory. Michael Cole is quick to point out that “IF THAT HAPPENS AT NO MERCY, ALEXA, YOU’LL LOSE THE TITLE!” because he is the master of subtlety.

One thing I want to point put about tonight’s episode of Raw? By starting with a big match, tying the show opening promo to the end of it, and following the promo with another match, the show seems to be going pretty quickly. Maybe it’s just me, I don’t know. But the constant action seems to make the time fly.

Cage Match Recap

Apparently, Big Show needs to have surgery after his flight to the floor, with a layover in the cage wall. Hopefully pointing out “he needs surgery” isn’t code for “he’s retiring, say goodbye.”

Strowman stands tall (Source: WWE.com via Twitter)

Brock and Roll, Boys

Indulge me for a moment as I tell a story in the middle of my Raw review here. Recently, I returned to teaching after a three year hiatus. For all intents and purposes, teaching is just public speaking. I’m pretty good at it.

But if I had a quarter of the public speaking ability that Paul Heyman has, I’d be the world’s greatest teacher. And as good as Heyman is at speaking, he’s just as good at nonverbal communication.

You don’t mess with success, and Heyman’s formula is tried and true. Fire, passion, and emotion are the main ingredients in a promo designed to sell Brock Lesnar as the most dangerous man in WWE.

This week, though, the Heyman promo, as good as it was, wasn’t even the highlight of the segment. No, that would be when Braun Strowman immediately answered the challenge to fight and DESTROYED the Universal Champion.

I mean, this was unreal. The no-sell of the suplex was awe-inspiring. Heyman’s face when he realized the plan backfired – and then Brock’s slow realization of the same – was priceless. And the sheer destruction of The Beast Incarnate at the hands of Strowman? *kisses fingers*

I didn’t think it was possible to be looking forward to this match any more than I already was. Heyman was right – he was in the ring to sell something that should already be sold. But damned if he, along with Brock and Braun, didn’t sell it even more.

Wyatt (Source: WWE.com via Twitter)

Goldust vs. Bray Wyatt

Result: Bray Wyatt defeated Goldust via pinfall

Rating: 2.25 out of 5 stars

Before the match, Bray Wyatt tells us what we’re all thinking: the reason for this very odd match is because Goldust wears face paint like Finn Balor. Okaaaaaaaaay. So let’s all hope that The Ascension stays on SmackDown Live to avoid getting fed to The Eater of Worlds.

The match itself is perfectly fine, but that’s it. It’s not spectacular. And it’s not awful. It’s just a match. We’re at the point in the cycle where Wyatt gets to look tough ahead of a match that he is most certainly going to lose.

Goldust looked pretty good for most of the match. His cannonball senton from the apron to the floor looked smooth as silk. The only question mark was his first offensive move of the match, where a kick to the face was really a kick to the tips of Bray’s dreadlocks. Missed him by a mile, Goldie.

But as I mentioned above, this is where Wyatt looks tough. So a running splash followed by Sister Abigail puts Goldust away. After the match, Wyatt grabs a towel to wipe away Goldust’s face paint. Not cool, bro.

Finn Balor runs in to make the save, but the damage is done: we see Goldust as Dustin Rhodes, the same guy he tweets as constantly.

Sheamus and Cesaro Backstage

The Bar proclaim that Gallows and Anderson are the tougher challenge than Rollins and Ambrose simply because the Good Brothers are really a team. Sheamus and Cesaro are confident that eventually, instinct will take over, and the partners who begrudgingly won the tag titles together will lose the championships to the partners who begrudgingly won the tag titles together first.

Tag Champs feel effects of brawl. Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson vs. Sheamus & Cesaro

Result: No contest; match never began

Rating: N/A

Prior to the match, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins came down to the booth for commentary. Immediately, flags should be rising and alarms should be sounding.

Rollins tries to prove he can be just as wacky as Ambrose. The tag champs have a pair of binoculars to watch thew action. Ho ho, they’re so crazy! And they’re sharing the binoculars! Using them at the same time! What cards, these two!

Gallows and Anderson make their entrance, looking back at the goofy champs. They’re probably thinking, “We left New Japan for this nonsense?” They’re followed by Sheamus and Cesaro, who never even make it to the ring. Ambrose and Rollins got up and went after their No Mercy opponents right on the stage.

Not wanting to be left out, Gallows and Anderson ran up to take out the champs. Of course, once Ambrose and Rollins seemed to be incapacitated, the Good Brothers turned their attention to The Bar.

After the brawl, Rollins and Ambrose go up to Kurt Angle for a match with both teams. The GM wisely refuses to put his tag champs in a compromising situation. But if they can find two partners for an eight man tag match, that would be acceptable. Sadly, Angle won’t allow Batman or Mickey Mouse, because the partners have to be “real.”

Asuka To Raw

We wrote about this earlier today, but Asuka is heading to Raw once she is cleared from injury. Here’s to The Empress of Tomorrow kicking people’s faces off on every Monday night until the end of time.

Nia Jax Has a Surprise for Alexa Bliss

Alexa and Nia are complaining (kind of) about Asuka’s impending arrival. After Bliss mentions something about their “friendship,” Nia drops the bombshell that next week we get a singles match between Jax and Bliss.

Elias ready to perform. Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Elias vs. Kalisto

Result: Elias defeated Kalisto via pinfall

Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars

First things first: Did anyone else get confused and think Asuka was coming down to kick Elias in the face? I totally forgot that Kalisto’s music started with a similar synth sound. I also forgot Kalisto was a thing since he hasn’t  been around in a million years.

As far as the world premiere performance, I loved it. It still boggles my mind just how far Elias has come since joining the Raw roster. A mere two years ago, he was the “merch line” match at an NXT Live Event in Albany. You know, the guy who you hated so much you’d rather stand in the merch line for 15 minutes than watch him work. Now, you can’t miss him.

The match against Kalisto was a perfect match for what it needed to be. Kalisto was able to put up some form of offense for a little bit. But Elias dominated – he’s bigger, stronger, hits harder. A Drift Away sealed the victory for the Drifter.

Hopefully, Elias will get some bigger storyline after No Mercy. He’s been a heat magnet for the past several months. And he’s proven he’s capable in the ring. Aside from a prolonged feud with Finn Balor some months back, Elias hasn’t had much opportunity. That should change heading into the next pay per view cycle.

Strowman and Cena face off. Source: WWE.com via Twitter

John Cena vs. Braun Strowman

Result: John Cena defeated Braun Strowman via disqualification

Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars

Not gonna lie, at the beginning of the match I thought we were setting up for a Super Cena comeback. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a good unrealistic “overcoming the odds” from the leader of the Cenation.

But just look at the start of the match. Cena goes for a dropkick and misses, Strowman counters with a big dropkick of his own. Hmmmmmm.

Cena gets a little bit of offense in and goes for the AA, but he can’t lift Strowman. Well, we’ve seen him lift Big Show, Mark Henry, and other guys bigger and heavier than Strowman. So of course he can lift him. We just need more drama first.

I have expected the return from commercial to be the turning point of the match, like Cena would be on top by then. Thankfully, Braun was still firmly in control at that point. Eventually, though, Cena did manage to hit the AA – only for Strowman to wisely roll out of the ring.

On the arena floor, Strowman turned up the ruthless factor. He used the ring steps to incapacitate Cena – though somehow avoiding a DQ. Braun would toss Cena into the ring – along with the ring steps – and nail a running powerslam on top of them. It’s really the only way Strowman should be losing any matches nowadays – he truly is the most imposing force in WWE.

Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Ambrose & Rollins Find Their Partners

I don’t know, man, Dean Malenko in 2017 >>> Matt Hardy 2005, so I don’t agree with this at all.

Kidding aside, The Hardy Boyz are the last team on the roster without being named “Heath Slater and Rhyno.” It had to be them.

Miz TV. Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Miz TV

I don’t know whose idea it was to blend the lines between kayfabe and reality so much. But whoever it is, I applaud him or her.

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First off, before Enzo comes down, we learn that Miz and Maryse are expecting. Mazel tov, you wonderful kids. But before Miz can address his future child, Enzo interrupts. And that’s where things go off.

Miz taps into his Talking Smack persona and just lays into Enzo, holding nothing back. It’s almost painful to watch. But knowing that Enzo is basically universally hated backstage, it’s basically wrestler’s court in front of a live audience.

Before all is said and done, Miz decides to teach Enzo a lesson in a match. It makes sense, because most people are familiar with the story of Miz being in Enzo’s shoes – universally hated by the locker room. But Miz worked his way into everyone’s good grace4s, while Enzo seems to be working his way to the unemployment line.

Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Enzo Amore vs. The Miz (w/ Maryse, Curtis Axel, & Bo Dallas)

Result: Enzo Amore defeated The Miz via disqualification

Rating: 2.25 out of 5 stars

The best highlight of this impromptu match? Both wrestlers doing their own commentary. They’re known for their mic skills, so why wouldn’t Miz and Enzo cut promos mid-match? Frankly, it’s something that could stand to happen even more than it does.

Early on, Enzo questions Miz’s acting career and makes a “straight to DVD” joke. Miz counters by asking “How you doin’?” and smashing his head into the apron. It’s effective, for the most part.

But Enzo makes the mistake of verbally attacking Miz’s unborn child. Go figure, Enzo makes a mistake! But when saying the baby will need to be asked, “Who’s your daddy,” Enzo awakens the beast within Miz.

From that point on, there’s no letting up. Miz and the Miztourage stomp, kick, punch the Smacktalker Skywalker, leading to the DQ.

After the match, Enzo is walking around groggy backstage. He runs into Neville. The Cruiserweight Champion literally just laughs in his face and walks away. It’s the best way to deal with Enzo these days.

Despite how good some of this segment and match were, it’s a shame that this was the sole representation of 205 Live on Raw this week. I mean, Drew Gulak has a wonderful PowerPoint presentation to share with us! Such a travesty.

Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, & The Hardy Boyz vs. Sheamus, Cesaro, Luke Gallows, & Karl Anderson

Result: Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, & The Hardy Boyz defeated Sheamus, Cesaro, Luke Gallows, & Karl Anderson

Rating: 2.75 out of 5 stars

Ah, a good old atomicos match. None of the eight men in this match are a scrub, it’s all tremendous talent here. The only issue is the way Gallows and Anderson have been booked, so they’re perceived as less talented than the rest. Not the case at all.

Early on, Jeff Hardy worked his usual magic. Last week, I mentioned that I thought he works best as a tag wrestler these days. It’s because he seems to have slowed down in his singles matches – he doesn’t have the stamina he used to, so he has to conserve. Look at the difference this week, when he can tag in and out. He seemed like a new man, almost.

But after the commercial break, Ambrose was in the ring being worn down by double teams and other good teamwork. But towards the 11:00 hour, things started getting sloppy.

First, Sheamus and Cesaro went for the assisted White Noise. This time, Cesaro used the ropes themselves as a springboard rather than the turnbuckles. He’s done this a million times before, but the stupid lucha ropes got him and he almost slipped.

Less than thirty seconds later, Matt Hardy went to break up a pin. There were two problems, though. To start, he waited waaaaaaaaaay too long to even jump into the ring. In addition, he tripped over the bottom rope and wiped out in the ring. Once again, every broadcasting accolade to Corey Graves for being quick on his feet to save things – claiming the referee saw Matt out of the corner of his eye and stopped the count means the referee is absolved from fans wondering why he stopped a count when Ambrose failed to kick out.

Dissension from the heels led to their downfall in this one, likely setting up another future match between the teams. Hey, maybe this time it’ll actually happen! But with Gallows and Anderson distracted by their partners bailing, the Raw Tag Team Champs hit their finishers to earn a victory.

Next: 25 Greatest WWE Entrance Themes of All Time

What did you think of this week’s episode of WWE Raw?