WWE Raw: Results, Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for January 15
By Bryan Heaton
Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter
Nia Jax vs. Asuka
Result: Asuka defeated Nia Jax via referee stoppage due to injury
Rating: 2.0 out of 5 stars
Now seems like a good time for my periodic “CAN WE BE RID OF BOOKER T YET” rant. He’s just bad, there’s no two ways about it. He’s a Hall of Fame competitor, multiple time world champion, instructor, coach, trainer, and so on. How does he not know what the octopus stretch is? “Uh, you know, uh, when Asuka had that, uh, spider hold locked in right there…” NO. BAD BOOKER T.
The #IrresistibleForce meets The #EmpressOfTomorrow. Who will be the first to fall? #RAW @WWEAsuka @NiaJaxWWE pic.twitter.com/jeMBOGebkX
— WWE (@WWE) January 16, 2018
He was pretty garbage earlier on, too; he completely contradicted himself during the Bar/Titus Worldwide match. In the same breath, he warned Titus about “blowing up” and going too hard, then chastised him for “giving Cesaro a chance to recover.” YOU CAN’T HAVE IT BOTH WAYS, BOOK.
Anyway, I like the way most of the Jax/Asuka match was laid out. This is really Asuka’s biggest test in her three-plus year undefeated streak – at least since the last time she faced Nia Jax. But in theory, Jax has improved since then, so besides the size and strength advantage there’s experience at play.
Yep, this is DEFINITELY an opponent the likes of which @WWEAsuka hasn't encountered before... #RAW pic.twitter.com/h5X2N7uXpw
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) January 16, 2018
But Asuka tried to use her usual game plan to no avail – Jax countered because she’s seen it before. So Asuka breaks out something new – the octopus stretch – and forces Jax to think on her feet. Asuka’s submission proficiency became her saving grace, because she was able to systematically wear down Jax.
I really thought we were getting a cop-out count-out finish to this one after the kick on the steps. Instead, we got the cop-out referee stoppage finish! Apparently, Asuka can’t lose, Jax can’t be pinned, and this is what everyone came up with. Ugh. Out comes Alexa Bliss, Asuka’s biggest rival – but nothing happens. It was just very strange.
Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter
Family Time
Jason Jordan enters Kurt Angle’s ransacked office to thank him for “believing in him” a few weeks back. Jordan proclaims readiness for the Rumble, and asks for a match tonight. Kurt thinks of tag teams to put up against Jordan and Seth Rollins, but Jordan says Seth could use a singles match. Jordan then suggests Finn Balor as a suitable opponent, and the match is on.