Tonight on RAW: it will be a tale of two shows...
Basically, it'll be everything associated with the crowning of a new Universal Champion making up one chunk of delightful content, and then
several notches down, it'll be everything else sprinkled in as garnish...
The vacant title is up for grabs in a four-way, which already opens up myriad possibilities among Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Kevin Owens, and Big
Cass.... on top of that, it's a virtual lock that Chris Jericho and Enzo Amore will be at ringside, seconding their respective friends, and that
could get extremely interesting (especially considering the all-too-tenuous nature of Owens and Jericho's partnership)... Rusev could even be a
fringe player, given his current feud with Reigns (also, Rusev will likely miss a couple of upcoming weeks, as he and Lana are going to Bulgaria to
re-do their wedding vow's in front of Rusev's peeps, so some kind of angle -- either a suspension due to interference, or a significant
re-injury of his ribs, or whatever -- will be necessary to explain that)....
Rollins, with no actual clear cut rival/nemesis at this point, might not have to deal with any extracurriculars, so he'd be just as sensible a
storyline winner as he is a backstage common sense winner... I mean, Rollins is already well established as a bankable heel champ... only Owens makes
a strong case as a surprise winner, if you make it part of a face turn where he and Jericho split (Jericho is jealous of Owens' success), with
Jericho doing the honors on the way out to get back to Fozzy, with Rollins ready to step in as a more long-term challenger (taking us through to the
Rumble, even, before doing whatever WWE wants to do for WM33)... it's worth noting that the same scenario can play out, with Owens turning face
when Jericho splits, and then chasing champion Rollins... but neither Reigns (in a feud against Rusev, and not far enough along in his edgy
"retooling" process to suddenly piss all the fans off again by making the same mistake of shoving him down our throats) nor Cass (in a tag team, and
in need of more seasoning before you go that big with him) are really in the discussion, if you ask me...
Between ample promo time and backstage interactions/angles, and what should easily be a 25+ minute main event, this is a RAW that could easily see
these four guys (plus Jericho and Enzo) use up over 1/3rd of tonight's entire telecast... and that's a good thing...
The other main issues to be address during the other 2 hours of tonight's show from Houston, TX: Gallows & Anderson are still the #1 Contenders
to the tag team titles after getting a DQ win over the New Day at SummerSlam, with Big E's return being presented as shifting momentum back into
the New Day's favor.... not official, but just a matter of time, is Bayley being named #1 Contender to Charlotte's Women's Title; in
addition to being hyped as the hottest female free agent on the market, Bayley dispatched Dana Brooke last week, which should put her on a rocketship
to title contention... and as noted, the US Title is being contested between champion Rusev and challenger Reigns, but circumstances seem to be
dictating a little siesta there, and things will pick up in 3-4 weeks, in time for RAW's Clash PPV...
All that, plus Braun Strowmann briefly sucks all the fun and joy out of the show, tonight at 8pm, live, only on the USA Network!
The flOOr is yours, OO Nation. Don't wait till after 11pm to post, either. Pre-show previewing and prognosticating is certainly welcome.
So discuss, debate, and rate!
Not sure if this was already the case, but I guess the Universal Title match will be elimination style. Unless that's the standard for Fatal Fourways and I just wasnt aware. I feel like I'm going to irrationally get my hopes up too high that Owens walks out with the title. So long as Roman doesn't and this doesn't put him in the running I'll be fine with any other potential outcome.
quote:
Originally posted by CM Crunk
Not sure if this was already the case, but I guess the Universal Title match will be elimination style. Unless that's the standard for Fatal Fourways and I just wasnt aware.
wOOt! RAM is MAR!
quote:
Originally posted by OORick
Tonight on RAW: it will be a tale of two shows...
)... Rusev could even be a fringe player, given his current feud with Reigns (also, Rusev will likely miss a couple of upcoming weeks, as he and Lana are going to Bulgaria to re-do their wedding vow's in front of Rusev's peeps, so some kind of angle -- either a suspension due to interference, or a significant re-injury of his ribs, or whatever -- will be necessary to explain that)....
It's alright Kevin, I want you to be the WWE Universal Champion also.
Cass calls himself the big dog, Owens instantly points it out to Reigns. Owens is the best.
Don't know what was worse, Ion's back stage interview or her in ring appearance.
Go Roman!
Perky usually deserves to be crushed. Nice attempt by the crowd to get a "let's go, jobber!" chant going.
quote:Are you kidding??? Those moments both (sort of) were the highlight of that segment.
Originally posted by merc
Don't know what was worse, Ion's back stage interview or her in ring appearance.
Go Roman!
That finish from Nia was so ugly. I can see her becoming one of those notoriously dangerous workers.
Sami Zayn vs Jinder Mahal --- This is the "Canadian Content" segment mandated by the CRTC, and also so they can get away with not paying the Tim
Horton Tax north of the border.
Mahal seems taller to me
What bunch of huggers.
Bayley and New Day is the best thing ever.
That is all.
quote:
Originally posted by The Hitcher
Bayley and New Day is the best thing ever.
That is all.
Not a fan of illogical mix tags.
There is a strategy ignored in how/when to tag. Roooons it fer me
The pants come off and that is a man who is down. to. fuck.
quote:
Originally posted by Paddlefoot
The pants come off and that is a man who is down. to. fuck.
quote:
Originally posted by janerd75
quote:
Originally posted by Paddlefoot
The pants come off and that is a man who is down. to. fuck.
False. My pants are off and nothing is happening. My folks are here though. *siiiiigh* Rules are rules, I suppose. Mom, Dad, I'm afraid I've got some baaaad news for you.
Run Americo Run!
I wish he had stuck with the "count again" thing from last week. That felt like the Bundy 5 count.
[Edited on 8-30-2016 by merc]
"Because Broad Storkmint."
Learn it. Love it. BRAAAAAUOOOOOOOORRRRRRRRRRR it.
quote:
Originally posted by bigfatgoalie
quote:
Originally posted by janerd75
quote:
Originally posted by Paddlefoot
The pants come off and that is a man who is down. to. fuck.
False. My pants are off and nothing is happening. My folks are here though. *siiiiigh* Rules are rules, I suppose. Mom, Dad, I'm afraid I've got some baaaad news for you.
Did janerd just imply he was going to make his dad treat him like Tator Tot???
Don't most-to-all "best of x" series go to x matches? Has there been a major one that hasn't?
They haven't had anyone rally back from an 0-3 deficit to win the series, not that I can ever recall.
Have there been a lot of best of 7's?
I can only think of two, and this is one.
Cesaro should just lace one of Sheamus' post-match victory Guinness' with some Shredz.
The one's I can remember (vaguely) were Booker vs Benoit and Booker vs Bret(?) and I'm partially certain both of those went the full
seven.
Backlund always has the same look on his face like a small dog in the middle of a frenetic release activity period. Just BAM! and the mind goes into
full AAAHHHHH! mode before it starts running in circles all over the living room.
Why can't they be PTP with Backlund as their manager?
Fuck's sake that was horribad with a side of screamingly silent crowd apathy.
Also, ol' Bob is in better shape than me.
That Young bump was insane.
Looked like the post match power bomb caught Backlund's left arm.
Fuck it. I'm going with the Diesel theory. Big Cass FTW!
Crowd's hot for him...
I suck at picking, but gonna go Roman, because his talent is so much better than the rookie, jobber and lose performer.
Goddamn that big boot to the outside was nice.
Piss.
I think Cass should've stayed, maybe been the second elimination, to act as the underdog. He was getting a great reaction. Knew he wasn't winning it, but a little bummed to see him go first. At least he had a good showing.
quote:
Originally posted by janerd75
Piss.
Uhhh disregard my Big Cass dark horse theory. 
quote:
Originally posted by The Hitcher
quote:
Originally posted by janerd75
Piss.
Quick, pick Roman.
Or at least his fist!
quote:
Originally posted by The Hitcher
Quick, pick Roman.
SHOCKING SWERVE! All hail Triple H, in his infinite wisdom. Also Owens.
That sucked
BEST. RAW. EVER.
Looooootta fuckery with that ending. 
Was hoping it'd go the distance without wizardry and shenanigans.
However, K fucking O is The Man now. GOLLY!
I don't care if that was the dustiest of finishes: Fucking awesome.
It's always nice to get a RAM/SmackDown title win at the end of an episode that has a decent amount of energy behind it.
Owens is the man, Seth will be the number 1 face going forward?
Fine by me. Owens / Seth, Owens / Zayn, Owens / Balor as title matches this year and early next are nothing but, nothing but right.
Also- that puts Reigns and Rollins on the face side, both being screwed by HHH. Ambrose is also a face. Let the shield reunion talk begin...
Fuuuuuck yeah.
Curious what the implications are for Trips' actions. Stephanie didn't look to thrilled with him. Was this a face or heel turn for *anybody*
involved?
quote:
Originally posted by janerd75
Why can't they be PTP with Backlund as their manager?
Fuck's sake that was horribad with a side of screamingly silent crowd apathy.
Gotta disagree with that alignment...
In the heat of the moment, I'm just all "holy shit that was an awesome main event."
But once you get past that, is not the more sensible arrangement (based on overwhelming crowd reaction):
Triple H (face) vs. Rollins (heel) [with drama over whether Steph and HHH are on the same page]
Owens (face) vs. Jericho (heel) [when Jericho gets all jealous of Owens' success and his new powerful friends]
Reigns ("face") vs. Rusev ("heel") [because Reigns is nothing but a prop, here]
I really can't see them continuing to spin Owens as a straight heel after this. A split with Jericho is inevitable, and after that, you can sort
of just let Owens be Owens (a dick who gets a lot of cheers, but cheers vary based on opponent), which is mostly a babyface. Rollins (mostly a heel)
is the perfect long term rival for that title, but HHH is definitely in the short term mix.
Once in a blue moon, McMahon Family Drama is actually compelling, and we might be hitting one of those phases.... Steph had two separate compelling
interactions tonight: the one where Heyman seemed to think he got one over on her, and the one where she seemed to disagree with HHH's actions.
With Shane/Orton and interbrand issues woven in, this could set up a pretty decent Survivor Series cross-brand PPV 5-on-5.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. Loved that main event. Love that Owens won. Love the options going forward....
Rick
quote:
Originally posted by CM Crunk
Fuuuuuck yeah.
Curious what the implications are for Trips' actions. Stephanie didn't look to thrilled with him. Was this a face or heel turn for *anybody* involved?
I mentioned in my initial post tonight about how there weren't any main event-level faces on RAW outside of Reigns, so I guess the solution to
that is turning Rollins face.
And despite the shenanigans at the end, I loved the main event and the finish. I'll be curious to see if this is a genuine alliance between Owens
and Triple H or if it was more about Triple H wanting to dick over Rollins, and Owens just happened to be the guy who got to reap the rewards. Next
week is gonna be interesting, as there's a whole multitude of new story developments coming out of tonight.
Also, I already can't wait to see the interactions between Owens and Jericho now that Owens is champ.
Really? People are down on that ending?
How is Triple H turning on Seth Rollins an attempt to get sympathy for Roman Reigns?
How is Kevin Owens, arguably the best performer in the whole damn company, becoming the Universal Champion, heel or face, not one of the most awesome
things this year?
Triple H's return is an absolute wildcard, especially with the idea that not even Stephanie was in on it (and, as someone for whom their rivalry
is one of my all time favorites, seeing him get in Mick's face made me happy).
The very chaos of not knowing who's heel, who's face, what happened - that's part of what's fun about it, what gets you to watch
next week to find out some answers. I don't really have any idea where they're going and that's a very good thing.
I remember when I first saw Owens in action during my first live ROH show all the way back in 2007. Right from the first match that I saw him have, I
was just hooked and basically just said to myself, "This guy's gotta make it to the WWE someday."
Next show I saw him in was a year later at their Eye of The Storm show, and it was at that time I was hoping so much that he'd one day become the
ROH World Champion, and eventually move on to the WWE and become their World champ there.
Well, its taken 9 years, but I finally got my wish. Thanks WWE. 
From this old awesome promo:
Yes you are! pic.twitter.com/jz4zutIkK1
— The Young Bucks (@NickJacksonYB) August 30, 2016
Looks like Kevin Owens broke the internet tonight.
[Edited on 8-30-2016 by CellMates]
Kevin Owens needs to ride by himself in the most decked-out Cadillac back to his home in Canada whilst listening to "Pink Cadillac" and wearing his
ring gear, get into his home, kiss his undefeated child goodnight, and then lay his wife down for some loving, leave his house with the title around
his waist, get in his car, brag to everyone at every stop light he comes to en route to the central highway system that takes him back to America, and
then tell the border patrol that's he's hauling ass to Lullapalooza en route to Titan Towers, listening to Chris Hero's theme song the
entire way, thinking about how awesome their match at Kurt Russellreunion 2 was.
That is all.
KO is the best. First social media post "I win."
It kinda just dawned on me that Kevin fucking Steen is holding what might be the marquee title in WWE. Just let that sink in for a minute.
Awesome RAW. I don't get the hating on the "enhancement talent" squashes, there are far too few these days.
But yeah, great ending. My impression was that HHH was just looking after his brand.
quote:
Originally posted by CM Crunk
It kinda just dawned on me that Kevin fucking Steen is holding what might be the marquee title in WWE. Just let that sink in for a minute.
quote:
Originally posted by GodEatGod
Really? People are down on that ending?
How is Triple H turning on Seth Rollins an attempt to get sympathy for Roman Reigns?
How is Kevin Owens, arguably the best performer in the whole damn company, becoming the Universal Champion, heel or face, not one of the most awesome things this year?
Triple H's return is an absolute wildcard, especially with the idea that not even Stephanie was in on it (and, as someone for whom their rivalry is one of my all time favorites, seeing him get in Mick's face made me happy).
The very chaos of not knowing who's heel, who's face, what happened - that's part of what's fun about it, what gets you to watch next week to find out some answers. I don't really have any idea where they're going and that's a very good thing.
quote:
Originally posted by bigfatgoalie
Did janerd just imply he was going to make his dad treat him like Tator Tot???
So Monday nights have officially become the "Kevin Owens Show"? Count me in!! That was all sorts of greatness. Just Owens expressions alone sold
the moment for me. This is going to be a fun ride with him as champion.
Seth Rollins has clearly been the best heel in the company, but everyone knows that when the time came to turn him face, that he would knock it out of
the park. The guy is absolute money and he will really shine in his new role. With Balor going down, it was the right move at the right time.
quote:
Originally posted by bigfatgoalie
Did janerd just imply he was going to make his dad treat him like Tator Tot???
I like Hunter. Always have, always will. As such I'm not pissed off in the slightest at what he did last night. All in all it was the absolutely
perfect that-son-of-a-bitch! (as per JR) thing to do. It spun off at least two, possibly three, major new storylines to lead into Survivor Series and
on into next year. It helped take more attention off of the bad handling of Reigns. And, most of all, it elevated one of the most popular real
wrestlers and indy heart-and-soul performers in KO to the level of the business elite. That it did it in a dirty way is absolutely perfect for someone
who's been having so much fun for the last couple of years being one of the dirtiest players in the game. For all of this I can easily put up
with some Authority shenanigans for a while. Great crowd, a smart yet not smarky crowd, with a perfect ending. Anyone complaining about seeing
something that much fun happening, and just all-around big, outside of a PPV is really just working overtime to find something to complain about.
Lookit, Jericho's already having fun with the whole thing. 
Congratulations to my best friend @FightOwensFight for winning the #WWEUniversalTitle! We are going to be a great champion!
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) August 30, 2016
Big Cass "And Seth, just so you know it, size does matter." Or something to that affect but just as funny either way.
I felt bad for Finn Balor last night, since Stephanie twice (in two separate segments!) said they were going to crown the "first ever Universal Champion." Barely been a week and she's already forgotten about him.
I'm glad you caught that. The first time she said it I rewound the DVR thinking I hadn't heard it right, but damn if she didn't. Mick
should have jumped in and clarified, oh wait, you don't correct the boss.
quote:
Originally posted by punkerhardcore
I felt bad for Finn Balor last night, since Stephanie twice (in two separate segments!) said they were going to crown the "first ever Universal Champion." Barely been a week and she's already forgotten about him.
quote:
Originally posted by Caesar guy
Big Cass "And Seth, just so you know it, size does matter." Or something to that affect but just as funny either way.
quote:Complete bullshit. Reigns was never getting the title. They still have the Rusev thing to tie up. Plus, Rollins was the one who got screwed, not Reigns. HHH doing what he did was to get Reigns out of the match without being a clean job. In no way was that a attempt to get Reigns sympathy. It was to turn Rollins face and get HIM sympathy.
Originally posted by bigfatgoalie
But yeah...this was mostly just another attempt to get sympathy for Roman.
quote:The key for me is that Stephanie and HHH are NOT on the same side. HHH vs. Steph and Mick would be intriguing. HHH & Stephanie on the same side would be nothing more than same old, same old with Owens playing the role of Rollins.
Originally posted by Paddlefoot
I like Hunter. Always have, always will. As such I'm not pissed off in the slightest at what he did last night. All in all it was the absolutely perfect that-son-of-a-bitch! (as per JR) thing to do. It spun off at least two, possibly three, major new storylines to lead into Survivor Series and on into next year. It helped take more attention off of the bad handling of Reigns. And, most of all, it elevated one of the most popular real wrestlers and indy heart-and-soul performers in KO to the level of the business elite. That it did it in a dirty way is absolutely perfect for someone who's been having so much fun for the last couple of years being one of the dirtiest players in the game. For all of this I can easily put up with some Authority shenanigans for a while. Great crowd, a smart yet not smarky crowd, with a perfect ending. Anyone complaining about seeing something that much fun happening, and just all-around big, outside of a PPV is really just working overtime to find something to complain about.
Lookit, Jericho's already having fun with the whole thing.
Congratulations to my best friend @FightOwensFight for winning the #WWEUniversalTitle! We are going to be a great champion!
— Chris Jericho (@IAmJericho) August 30, 2016
[Edited on 8/30/2016 by Paddlefoot]
quote:
Originally posted by merc
For no pre-established reason he takes out Rollins. No build, no hint last week, month or year. ZERO logic. FUCK WHOEVER THOUGHT THAT WAS COOL IN THE ASS WITH SAID DONKEY DONG.
YOU STOLE MY PEDIGREE!!!!
There - plenty to feud about.
quote:
Originally posted by merc
then Jean-Paul appears. buzz killed. OK maybe, I think, this is just to lay Roman down because creative likes him and they want to protect him- a COWARDS BOOKING if ever there was one, but at least we finish with Rollins-Owens.
then Jean-Paul climbs into the ring and bleeds right through the tampon.
For no pre-established reason he takes out Rollins. No build, no hint last week, month or year. ZERO logic. FUCK WHOEVER THOUGHT THAT WAS COOL IN THE ASS WITH SAID DONKEY DONG.
I'm really happy for Owens - to me, he's one of the best performers in the company and has been since day one. I'm not too upset with
the Triple H shenanigans either, since the backstabbing advances more storylines than a clean win would have, and Rollins can always win back the
belt.
Honestly, this is where they should have gone all along. I like Balor a lot, but hotshotting him to the title was a bad idea,, and honestly I think
Owens is a more complete wrestler and deserves it more than Balor at this point.
Count me in on the love for the ending/Owens winning, etc. but I just hope they didn't wait too long to pull the trigger on the Rollins face turn. I understand that they wanted to slow burn it with the crowd when he first came back and was blowing the roof off the place with cheers before he'd turn on them but I feel like he's lost a bit of momentum of late (probably starting with the bizarre crowd reaction to him and Balor at Summerslam). Hopefully this will be an excellent reset as this feud could be fucking amazing.
* Bayley fitting right in with that great skit with New Day.
* We need to get this over with and just pair Nia Jax with Braun Strowman.
* Gallows & Anderson videos are becoming one of my favorite things.
* If you don't like Bayley, you cannot be my friend.
* I'm glad Foley added the title shot to the best of 7... that wasn't clear initially.
* Steph & Paul.� Hope this is fun.
* Boy, Paul did a great job of realizing he had Steph by the corporate grapefruits and switched from brazen advocate to humble employee and back again
brilliantly.� Steph was fantastic, too.
* Get your camera, take a picture!� Titus is a good trash-talker.
* No surprise Cass out first.
* Well, that was... interesting. Certainly made you want to hear an explanation so tune in next week!
I'm not getting the whole Rollins face turn thing at all. HHH is very clearly the face here, if there has to be one.
quote:
Originally posted by SpiNNeR72
I'm not getting the whole Rollins face turn thing at all. HHH is very clearly the face here, if there has to be one.
quote:
Originally posted by G. Jonah Jameson
quote:
Originally posted by SpiNNeR72
I'm not getting the whole Rollins face turn thing at all. HHH is very clearly the face here, if there has to be one.
First Triple H cost Roman Reigns, RAW's nominal top babyface, the match. Then he handed the belt to an unquestionable heel in Kevin Owens. How does that not make him clearly the heel?
Yeah, the pop Trips got was more for OMG SURPRISE and KEVIN OWENS RULES, more than any sort of kayfabe face turn. Rollins may have been a heel, yes, but HHH is the one betraying a longtime alliance. Of course, good for the goose, good for the gander, and knowing how it feels to be betrayed now is a good way for Seth Rollins to turn face, as he understands just what he did to his Shield brothers and how much it hurts.