WWE Raw – November 25, 2019 (Review)

In spite of the logical flaws, the inconsistent character motivations and the ever-diminishing returns of NXT’s sputtering “takeover”, Survivor Series was a wildly fun ride.

Every time I was tempted to ask inane questions about how Candice LeRae and Io Shirai – despite their heated personal rivalry – could execute a flawless, synchronised distraction finish, or why Ciampa so easily turned on the man who saved his bacon just one night earlier, I would immediately be satiated by the madness of the night. In a good way.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B5SyO8YjM8Z/

It was the kind of undiluted, sugar-fuelled shot of adrenaline that I normally only get from peppermint mochas or Fast and the Furious sequels. Except this involved more bodies, more tables and a borderline embarrassing amount of eliminations. It turns out then, that five-on-five-on-five really can be a success.

So, congratulations to all involved, for a show that truly exceeded expectations. And to NXT’s overwhelming victory. Because if there’s one lesson we can take away from this Survivor Series, it’s that black-and-gold is this season’s red. And that Vince McMahon hates to lose… even to a “pissant company” that only airs on Wednesday nights.

Turning to Raw though, and the immediate question is: Where to from here?

With myriad possibilities for new rivalries coming out of Sunday’s sheer mass of humanity, the answer isn’t immediately clear. So Raw certainly had a lot of scope, both to continue existing animosities but also to explore new ones. Starting with Charlotte.

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The multi-time former Women’s Champion is a constant focal point for whichever brand she happens to be gracing. And following her run-in with Asuka on Sunday, she would be given a shot at the ‘Empress of Tomorrow’ in what should be a cracking affair.

On the men’s side, Humberto Carrillo was promised another opportunity at AJ Styles’ United States Championship. Meaning he’s now only two title shots away from being able to decline a trip to Saudi Arabia! That’s how WWE’s loyalty programme works, right?

But that’s it! That’s all that was on the agenda for another three-hour instalment of Raw. So, with plenty of time to fill, and even more talent chomping at the bit, this promised to be a fun episode of the red brand. So let’s find out how it stacked up.

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The Best of Raw

Seth Rollins Being His Best Self

Seth Rollins took to the ring to address the Raw roster, which was respectfully assembled around ringside. He was there as the anointed “locker room leader” to publicly speak about the brand’s shortcomings at Survivor Series in a Town Hall meeting.

Before he could even get a word out, the crowd erupted in a “CM Punk” chant. Not a great start.

I have no idea why all the show’s heels would stand by so calmly while Seth preached his corporate nonsense to them. Nor why no-one took a stand when Seth told them that they “all sucked”.

Drawing no reaction from his compatriots, Seth turned to the old motivational strategy of hurling insults at his colleagues. He must’ve learnt that at the ‘Corey Graves Institute of Business’. Rollins called Randy Orton the “weak link“, dismissed AOP as “not needed” and branded Rey Mysterio the night’s “biggest disappointment“.

"This is gonna be harsh, but it's gotta be said. Last night at #SurvivorSeries, YOU ALL SUCKED." – @WWERollins #RAW pic.twitter.com/kkHNsMiLzP

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) November 26, 2019

After each insult, members of the Raw roster turned their back on Rollins and wandered up the ramp… until only Kevin Owens remained. Seth raged on about how much he loved Raw, while questioning Owens’ passion and commitment. He was about to launch into KO further, when Owens instead delivered a Stunner and marched away.

This was a masterful heel turn, as Seth finally embraced the pompous, self-righteous douchebag he’s inhabited on social media of late. Unlike many things WWE does, this was understated, demonstrating real restraint and respect for its audience. We could all see what was going on here. We didn’t need it rammed down our throats.

Backstage, a recovered Rollins challenged Owens to a match later in the night. A truly excellent start!

Rusev and Lashley on Diverging Paths

Prior to Bobby Lashley’s match against Titus O’Neill, a package was played showing Rusev being served another temporary restraining order, presumably meaning that he can’t come within 90 days of the state of Illinois.

RUSEV CRUSH!!!#RAW #WWERaw @RusevBUL pic.twitter.com/RgdoPICIyu

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2019

But then, after a few minutes of Lashley dominating Titus, the angry Bulgarian flew into the ring in clear violation of the court order. His rage boiled over as he set about clobbering Lashley, all while Lana screamed from the sidelines. Eventually the police showed up to arrest Rusev. But not before he shoulder charged Lashley off the stage and tipped a massive stack of trussing on top of his foe.

During the commercial break, Lashley was stretchered out of the arena and driven to a “nearby medical facility”, while Rusev headed to jail. Dispensing with the overt silliness of recent weeks, this storyline has suddenly become somewhat intriguing.

Later in the night, Lana was interviewed by Charley Caruso. She said that Rusev’s attack demonstrated why WWE needed to “fire that animal and send him back to Bulgeria“. Ah, a bit of anti-immigrant rhetoric. I should’ve known it was only a matter of time.

The Authors of Pain… Are Back

AOP made their long-awaited return to Raw, after months of injuries followed by months of meandering promos.

It's #Thanksgiving week and all, but not sure how @ZackRyder & @TheCurtHawkins will be grateful after this.#AOP @Akam_WWE & @Rezar_WWE just DOMINATED the competition on #RAW! #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/YmxAa8YmYW

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2019

They absolutely flattened Hawkins and Ryder, in the kind of hyper-violent, dominating performance you don’t often see on Monday nights. Although Jerry Lawler remained wholly unimpressed. Upon being asked when he had last seen such utter destruction, Lawler cooly responded: “Last night. By NXT.” Oh, brother.

Andrade Keeps Rolling

The night’s first real match saw Andrade clash with Akira Tozawa. The Mexican was rarely troubled, as he easily defeated Tozawa.

AH! AH! AH! AH!@TozawaAkira is FIRED UP for this one! #RAW #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/iNZaWNFcVE

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) November 26, 2019

But the story of the match was generally more positive than the action indicated. It was reassuring to see Andrade win a match without having to rely on the help of Zelina Vega. Hopefully he can start competing at a higher level some time soon.

Matt Hardy… Is Back

Aleister Black delivered an ominous warning to Buddy Murphy from his elusive lair – which we now know is just a repurposed broom closet backstage.

And then, Matt Hardy returned! Admittedly it was that weird combination of the ‘Team Xtreme’ and ‘Broken’ versions of his character, but it was nevertheless exciting to see him back after a long absence.

Matt took on Buddy Murphy and surprisingly took most of the match until he attempted a Twist of Fate. Murphy spun out of the move and delivered three brutal V-Triggers in quick succession, leaving Hardy unconscious.

He got the job done against @MATTHARDYBRAND, but @WWEAleister is an entirely different animal. #RAW #WWERaw @WWE_Murphy pic.twitter.com/vAp5fA2nPm

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2019

In the aftermath, Murphy called out Aleister Black, who obliged and started beating the hell out of the Australian. In two short backstage promos and a ten-second confrontation, Raw has set the scene for one of the best matches of the year.

A United States Swerve

As Humberto Carrillo was making his way to the ring to take on AJ Styles, he was jumped by Gallows and Anderson. They savaged Carrillo, tossing him into the ring post and slamming him on the stairs.

Completely uncalled for. #RAW #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/BMpkPfG7qb

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) November 26, 2019

By the time Ricochet came out to help his fellow highflier, it was already too late. Carrillo had died. No, not really. But he wasn’t able to compete.

So Ricochet challenged Styles to a match for his title instead. The Champion, however, wasn’t dumb enough to be suckered into a match he wasn’t ready for. When Randy Orton came out, Styles gave him the same answer. AJ had beaten them both previously and had nothing to prove.

Enter Drew McIntyre, who pointed out that Styles had never beaten him. And, if that wasn’t convincing enough, he also happened to be tall, dark, handsome, and have a sexy accent. But AJ was nursing a sore shoulder, which prevented him from competing. When Rey Mysterio came out to throw his hat in the ring, he too was turned down by the Champ. AJ was excellent here.

Let the fighting commence.@RandyOrton @reymysterio @KingRicochet and @DMcIntyreWWE are about to duke it out for a #USTitle opportunity TONIGHT against @AJStylesOrg! #RAW #WWERaw #Fatal4Way pic.twitter.com/WTacC5kydM

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2019

So, Ricochet proposed a Fatal Fourway match to determine a number one contender to face Styles for the title. Suddenly, a fairly mundane rehash of a tired match between Styles and Carrillo became a mouthwatering fourway between some of Raw’s finest!

Fourway for the Title Shot

God, this was electric! Rey and Ricochet started by jetting all over the place, both inside the ring and its surrounds. Soon Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre realised that they needed to combine their might to ground the two flyers.

But with Ricochet and Mysterio temporarily out of the picture, friends became foes. McIntyre chopped Orton’s lungs out of his body. Randy responded with a beautifully misdirected thumb to the eye. It was possibly the best eye poke of the last ten years, no exaggeration.

The man is a superhero. Simple as that.#RAW #WWERaw @KingRicochet pic.twitter.com/DCZMnXKFC1

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) November 26, 2019

Then Ricochet and Drew started getting into it. McIntyre cracked Ricochet, only to get hit with an RKO… out of nowhere! Anderson and Gallows at ringside pulled Orton out of the pin (presumably because they wanted the competitors to beat each other up some more).

To close, Ricochet caught an attempted moonsault by Mysterio, but Rey cleverly shifted his weight to roll up Ricochet for the win. On the outside, AJ and his cronies looked quite pleased with the outcome.

AJ Defends His Belt – For Real This Time

With Rey severely compromised following gruelling matches against Brock Lesnar on Sunday and three other men in the fourway, AJ Styles took the early control.

The exceedingly confident Champion was content simply to wear the challenger down with a series of chokes and headlocks. Rey had a brief moment of hope snuffed out by interference by The OC. The referee responded by booting the two henchmen from ringside.

In the very same arena 13 years ago, @reymysterio BEAT @RandyOrton and @RealKurtAngle to become World Heavyweight Champion.

Tonight, #TheViper provides the assist for Rey to capture the #USTitle! #RAW #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Cm7MAxqPtW

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2019

Suddenly slightly vulnerable, AJ showed a bit more urgency. But that led to a crucial mistake, allowing Rey to shift gears to a cheering crowd. There were near falls galore as both men executed perfect reversals.

But after Mysterio hit a 619, Styles tumbled into the referee, who was apparently made of glass because he instantly shattered into 1,000 pieces and couldn’t count the pin. Sensing opportunity, The O.C. again got involved. Just as things looked grimmest though, Randy Orton ran down! He delivered another RKO to AJ and Mysterio landed the frog splash for the win. As Rey celebrated becoming the new United States Champion, Dominik joined him to soak in the adulation.

Kevin Owens vs. The Corporation

In the headlining moment set up at the beginning of the show, Seth Rollins took on Kevin Owens. This match, aside from being great, could potentially cement Rollins as the brand’s top heel.

In the ring, on the floor, it doesn't matter.@FightOwensFight WILL find a way to hurt you. #RAW #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/XkQUeKJkUu

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2019

Seth was relentless here and decidedly more aggressive, delivering repeated chops to KO and stomping him in the corner. Owens by contrast was clearly the babyface, bolting from post to post, only pausing to hit cannonballs and a big frog splash.

But Rollins kicked out and quickly turned the tables, with a Blockbuster into a Falcon Arrow. An attempted Stomp was countered into a pop-up powerbomb for another two-count. The pair then exchanged superkicks, before KO finally landed the Stunner on the third time of asking.

Before any more could happen though, AOP strolled to the ring, dressed impeccably. They lorded over both Seth and Owens briefly, before attacking KO. They repeatedly drove him into the ring post, while Seth looked on motionless.

#AOP are back, and they just RUINED this main event!#RAW #WWERaw @Akam_WWE @Rezar_WWE pic.twitter.com/iBVPVNMiKI

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2019

Razar and Akam did eventually turn to the ‘Architect’. Seth dragged himself to his feet, defiantly yelling at AOP to attack him. The behemoths instead rolled out of the ring without laying a hand on Rollins. Seth then hit two Stomps on KO, while the crowd booed loudly.

This was really interesting. Seth’s alliance with AOP was far from confirmed here, but he certainly didn’t lift a finger to aid Owens. In fact, Seth only continued the attack after the match had been thrown out. Congratulations Raw, you’ve got me interested in Seth Rollins again.

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The Worst of Raw

Charlotte is a Bore

Charlotte was interviewed ahead of her match against Asuka. In unbelievably boring terms, she spoke about how painful the green mist that Asuka spat in her face was. Also, it was a heinous act.

#TheQueen @MsCharlotteWWE is looking to make @WrestleMania history repeat itself when she takes on @WWEAsuka TONIGHT on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/N5GtqMKo9M

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2019

Which I don’t disagree with. But Charlotte is just such an uninspiring figure. She flip-flops between babyface and heel so often that her character has lost all identity. The ‘Queen’ is ostensibly a face now, but I certainly don’t root for her.

Queen vs. Empress

As great as Charlotte and Asuka are, the energy had just been sucked from the arena after the incredible events leading to Mysterio winning the United States Title. In the result, the crowd was absolutely dead for, what was in fairness, a fairly decent bout.

One step ahead…@MsCharlotteWWE just chased @KairiSaneWWE away from the action! #RAW #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/cdx5yPn7rF

— WWE (@WWE) November 26, 2019

Asuka’s strikes look unbelievably impactful and Charlotte is, despite her character shortcomings, still one of the best wrestlers in the world. Kairi Sane got involved occasionally, at least until Charlotte chased her through the crowd and away from the immediate vicinity. I’m not sure how she avoided being counted out.

However, it was around then that things picked up marginally. Charlotte rolled through an Asuka Lock and set up for the moonsault. A series of two-counts ensued, mostly to begrudging indifference from the crowd.

Charlotte missed a Natural Selection, which Asuka transitioned into an armbar. Charlotte was able to manoeuvre herself into a Boston crab, but Asuka crawled to the ropes. A spear still wasn’t enough to secure the pin, as Kairi Sane returned to ringside, only to get clobbered by Charlotte.

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But, as the ‘Queen’ slid back into the ring, Asuka spat a proverbial waterfall of green mist into Charlotte’s eyes. Honestly, it was an insane amount, which was oddly – and rather distractingly – aided by Charlotte pulling her hair back just at the moment the mist came. Blinded by the cascade of green, Charlotte was helpless against the Asuka’s devastating rollup.

Rowan, Local Enhancement Talent and His Mystery Pet

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Erick Rowan pummelled a local competitor, with his cloth-covered pet cage on the ringside step. It’s a tale as old as time. And by that, of course I mean that it’s been done for three weeks now.

How dare you?#RAW #WWERaw @ERICKROWAN pic.twitter.com/in2ZVzW9Zr

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) November 26, 2019

The enhancement talent tried to steal a look under the tarp covering Rowan’s pet, and the giant, bearded man did not at all take kindly to that. Unfortunately, none of this represents progression. We’re just spinning our wheels here.

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Overall Rating for the Show (From best to worst: RawSome, Cor, AvRAWge, Poor and RawFul)

I’m going to make two rogue statements right off the bat. One, this was the best episode of Raw this year. And two, Seth Rollins is interesting again.

I knew you had it in you Seth

— WYATT 6 (@Windham6) November 26, 2019

For two hours, Raw was in top form, providing equal parts intrigue, superb wrestling and crowd-pleasing moments. Rusev was arrested following a violent attack on Bobby Lashley. Seth Rollins called a town hall meeting, which rapidly devolved into a giant roast of the roster. And Rey Mysterio ran the gauntlet to claim the United States Title in thrilling fashion.

Had the show ended there, it might’ve been the best edition of the red brand in a long time. But unfortunately third hour fatigue remained inescapable, on this occasion headlined by an overlong and rather lacklustre encounter between Charlotte and Asuka.

But by the time Seth and Kevin Owens reached their finale, I was once again invested. Rollins has clearly transitioned into a heel role (finally!), and his potential allegiance with AOP could be tasty. Moreover, it’s the kind of formidable villainous stable that should provide exactly the kind of obstacle Kevin Owens needs to re-establish himself as the brand’s top babyface. It’s a hell of a lot better than Shane McMahon.

Overall, I’m more optimistic about the main roster’s future than I’ve been in a long time. Famous last words, I know. But as of right now, we’re on an interesting path. Raw last night was RawSome.

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