WWE Monday Night RAW - Live coverage and results - 27th October, 2014

Sandow and Miz have been the best performers on RAW in recent weeks

Hello and welcome to WWE Monday Night RAW. Tonight, John Cena will confront Paul Heyman for the first time after becoming the No.1 contender for the WWE Heavyweight title. Also, we can expect a couple of matches to be booked for the upcoming Survivor Series PPV in November.

In – ring promo with The Authority

This week’s show opened with The Authority in the ring. Stephanie talked about the HIAC PPV and put over the show. Triple H spoke next, and he put Seth Rollins over. Triple H then called out Seth, who came to the ring along with Joey and Jamie. The Authority gave him a round of applause, and Stephanie asked the fans to cheer him on, as the fans started a big “You sold out” chant. Rollins then took the mic, and said he was happy that Ambrose was finally out of his hair. He said he finally conquered the lunatic fringe, and took credit for beating Ambrose. Seth then said that he was going after John Cena next, as the fans started the dueling “Let’s go Cena/Cena sucks” chant. Rollins mocked the fans, and said that he would see Cena later on tonight, as The Authority celebrated.

Orton interrupted The Authority, and said he was ticked off. Orton said he had issues with Rollins calling himself the future of the WWE, and said he didn’t forget Rollins curb stomping him last week. Orton then said that he might have to check himself back into anger management class, and said that if Authority wasn’t going to deal with Rollins, then he would, and attacked Seth! Triple H got in between the two, and said that it wasn’t going to happen tonight. Triple H tried to calm Orton down, who RKO’d Seth out of nowhere! Triple H was ticked off as Orton left the ring. Joey and Jamie helped Rollins back to his feet, who wanted to go after Randy, as WWE went into commercial.

Analysis: That was a great way to kick things off on RAW. For weeks, we’ve been hearing about Orton turning face, and although Orton is great is a heel, it’s about time WWE changed his character. We might now get to see Orton taking on Rollins and The Authority, which will be interesting.

Rollins vs. Cena was announced for later tonight, as Hulk Hogan was also advertised.

Mark Henry and Big Show vs. Goldust and Stardust for the WWE Tag Team championship

The fans chanted for USA, and were behind the team of Henry and Show, who were recently involved in an angle with Rusev. Good back and forth action between the two teams, as the challengers were in control for the first half of the match. Show then tagged Henry in, who complained about the tag hurting, as WWE went into commercial.

Back from the break, and Goldust was in control of the match. More back and forth action, as the champs work over Mark Henry. Show tagged himself in and took out Stardust and tossed Goldust over the ropes, as Henry came into the ring and delivered the WSS on The Big Show! Stardust covered Show to pick up the victory and retain the titles.

Winners and still the WWE Tag Team champions: Goldust and Stardust

Rating: ** ¼

Post – match, Henry attacked Show, delivering two more WSS on Show. Henry then splashed Show as the crowd booed Henry. Henry then talked trash and left to the back.

Analysis: Honestly, I could see this coming from a mile. Henry and Show have turned heel and face so many times that it doesn’t even make a difference anymore. But this would also indicate a new feud for Rusev, which is a welcoming change.

Back from the break and Renee caught up with Henry, who said Show was jealous of him and still is.

Roman Reigns’ promo

Roman Reigns then cut a promo via satellite, and said that it isn’t easy to be on the sidelines. He was then asked about Rollins vs. Ambrose, and he said that he knew Ambrose was going to bring it to Rollins. Roman called Rollins a weasel, and said that he might call himself the future, but when Roman returns, he will make him the past.

AJ Lee vs. Alicia Fox for the WWE Divas championship

Paige was on commentary, and put Fox over. Fox worked over the champ, and was in control for most of the match. AJ tried to turn things around, but Fox stopped her with a huge tilt – a – whirl backbreaker, as Paige kicked Fox in the back and yelled at her to win. AJ took advantage of it and rolled Fox up to pick up the victory.

Winner and still the WWE Divas champion: AJ Lee

Rating: * ¾

Analysis: That was your typical divas match, but it looks like the AJ – Paige feud has ended. I don’t know who will step up next to challenge AJ, but Paige deserved to win the title at the HIAC PPV.

Post – match, Paige apologized to Fox, and offered to help, but kicked Fox in the gut. She then laid into a vicious attack on Fox, ramming her into the barricade multiple times. She called Fox a bad best friend and threw her jacket at her. Lawler got up to protect Fox, as Paige left to the back.

Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro was hyped up for later on the show.

In – ring promo with John Cena, Stephanie McMahon and Triple H

John Cena made his way out to a very mixed reaction. Cena cut a promo about earning the right to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE World Heavyweight championship. He put over his match with Orton at HIAC PPV, and said that he was fighting every night while Lesnar was back home. He said he will win their next encounter, and said he will send Lesnar a message from now on, and shifted his focus to Rollins. He had some threatening words for Rollins, and said he would stop him as Stephanie McMahon made her way out.

Stephanie congratulated Cena on his win, and put over the upcoming PPV Survivor Series. She said she had a business proposition, and laid into the fans for wanting to see Cena bleed and tear himself apart in the ring. She asked Cena why he does what he does. She then offered Cena the opportunity to join The Authority, and said it might guarantee him the chance of winning the WWE World Heavyweight title. Cena turned it down, and said he would never join them. Triple H then made his way out, and said “I told ya so” to Stephanie. Triple H then cut a promo about the longevity in the business, and went on about how Cena was burying his own grave. He then announced a traditional Survivor Series match for the PPV, with Team Authority taking on Team Cena.

Analysis: They had to put over the main event of Survivor Series, and it is now going to be Team Cena vs. Team Authority. Cena is once again back in the main event scene, which once again continues the tradition of him headlining the major PPVs. It’ll be interesting to see who joins Team Cena in the coming weeks.

The Usos vs. The Miz and Mizdow

The fans chanted for Sandow, as Jey and Miz started things off. Good back and forth action between the two teams, as Sandow got the tag. The Usos took out Miz and Mizdow, and came down with the top rope planchas on the two as WWE went into commercial.

Back from the break, and Miz was in control, ramming Uso into the apron. More back and forth action as Uso nailed a crossbody from the top rope for a nearfall. Miz blocked a superkick and went for the SCF, but Uso blocked it. Sandow tried to interfere, as The Usos switched places, and Miz was rolled up as The Usos picked up the victory.

Winners: The Usos

Rating: **

Analysis: That was your typical tag team match, and the fans wanted to see Sandow. Sandow has been the best part of the alliance between Miz and Mizdow, and I hope he gets to have a singles run soon.

Post – match, Miz and Mizdow threw a fit in the ring.

Kane confronted Ziggler backstage, and said he shouldn’t be talking to Cena. He then told him that he’d see him in the ring later on the show.

In – ring segment with Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan made his way out, and gave props to John Cena for turning down The Authority’s offer. He then plugged in Susan G. Komen, and brought in some of the breast cancer survivors in the arena to celebrate with him in the ring.

Bo Dallas came to the ring, and wanted to see who would face him, as Ryback made his return!

Bo Dallas vs. Ryback

The fans chanted “Feed me more” as Ryback threw him around the ring, and delivered a spinebuster. Ryback then delivered the meat hook clothesline and then the Shell Shocked to pick up the easy victory.

Winner: Ryback

Rating: ¼ *

Analysis: Ryback finally returned, and the WWE made the right decision by turning him face, and giving him his old character. He was over with the fans, and this move might also revive his career.

Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro

Ambrose cut a promo before the match, and said he loved going to hell last night. He said he didn’t know how or why Wyatt did what he did, and he doesn’t care. He said you don’t screw with Ambrose, and attacked Cesaro with the microphone! The match didn’t even start, as Ambrose pounded on Cesaro with the microphone, and then challenged Bray Wyatt to come down to the ring.

Winner: No Contest

Bray Wyatt then cut a promo, telling Ambrose that he reminds Bray of himself. He told Ambrose that he was coming for him, and asked Dean Ambrose to run!

Analysis: I cannot wait for this feud to kick off! Their promos will be insanely intense, and these two can deliver in the ring as well.

Nikki Bella (With Brie) vs. Naomi

Naomi started aggressively, going right after Nikki. Nikki turned things around with an Alabama slam, and she covered Naomi for a one count. She thrust her shoulders into Naomi’s gut, and attacked Naomi. Nikki then went for a chinlock, and dropped Naomi by pulling her hair. Naomi made a comeback with a dropkick and kicks and knees to the head for a nearfall. Brie interfered by holding Naomi’s leg, leading to Nikki hitting the Rack Attack on Naomi to pick up the victory.

Winner: Nikki Bella

Rating: ½ *

Analysis: Brie reminds me of how badly WWE needs Daniel Bryan. I don’t know where this angle is going, and I honestly am not invested in it.

Kane vs. Dolph Ziggler

Dolph started off aggressively, but Kane dropped him with a shoulder block. Kane went on the offensive, and dropped Dolph on his back, and locked him in a necklock, as the crowd chanted for Ziggler. Ziggler tried to make a comeback, but Kane dropped him with a knee to the gut. Dolph dropped Kane with a jawbreaker, and then a big dropkick to send Kane to the outside as WWE went into commercial.

Back from commercial and Kane was in control, but Dolph face planted Kane. Dolph drilled him with some rights, but Kane dropped him with a huge uppercut for a 2 count. Kane worked on Dolph some more, and clotheslined Dolph. Ziggler came back with an elbow and a swinging neckbreaker. Kane caught Dolph with a sidewalk slam for a nearfall, but missed with a clothesline from the top, as Dolph nailed him with the fame – asser for a nearfall. Ziggler nailed him with the superkick, but Kane caught him with a big boot for a nearfall. Dolph rolled him up out of nowhere to pick up the victory.

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

Rating: ** ¾

Post – match, Seth Rollins attacked Ziggler, and Kane caught him with a clothesline. Cena ran in to make the save, as he threw Kane out of the ring as Rollins and his stooges retreated.

Analysis: That was a decent match, and it looks like Ziggler will join Cena’s team come Survivor Series. It would also mean that the Intercontinental title will not be defended at the PPV, which once again gives us an idea of how it has lost its importance.

John Cena vs. Seth Rollins (With Noble and Mercury)

Cena started things off aggressively, hip tossing Seth, whose mid section was heavily taped. Cena dragged Rollins around the ring side area, but Seth turned the tables, and rammed Cena into the ring apron. Seth dropped Cena for a nearfall, as Mercury and Noble delivered some cheap shots to Cena. Rollins drilled Cena with a suplex on the floor, and worked on Cena’s midsection. Cena tried to make a comeback, but Rollins dropped him with a neckbreaker as WWE went into the final commercial of the night.

Back from the break and Cena drilled Noble, but was sent through the steel steps. Rollins kept up the attack with a reverse chinlock, and came down with a huge suicide dive! Cena came down with a huge crossbody for a nearfall, but Rollins countered it into a DDT for a nearfall of his own. Rollins threw Cena into the barricade, and connected with an elbow from the top for yet another nearfall. Cena countered a submission hold, but Rollins reversed it into a dropkick. Cena just beat the 10 count, as Rollins laid into Cena. Cena came back with his usual offense, and threw Rollins onto Joey and Jamie.

Back in the ring, Seth drilled Cena with a huge kick for a nearfall. Cena managed to get his knees right into the injured ribs of Rollins followed by a tornado DDT for a nearfall! Rollins countered an AA and planted Cena for a nearfall as the crowd started a “This is awesome” chant. Rollins powerbombed Cena into the turnbuckles for yet another nearfall. Cena caught Rollins in the STF, but Kane made the save.

Winner by DQ: John Cena

Rating: ****

Post – match, Ziggler tried to make the save for Cena, but the entire locker room came out to cause a huge melee. Cena cleared the ring by delivering an AA to Slater and Bo. The show went off the air with Cena standing tall, as Seth and The Authority watched from the entrance area.

Analysis: That was an outstanding main event! 24 hours after going through an intense bout with Ambrose, Rollins delivered yet again. Although the match ended with Kane making the save, it is clear that Rollins is the future of the WWE, and I can’t wait to see when he finally cashes in his MiTB contract.

Over – all rating of the show: *** ½ (Out of 5 stars)

There were a lot of interesting things happening, from Ryback’s return to yet another outstanding main event. Also, WWE announced the main event for the Survivor Series PPV, and the Ambrose – Bray feud promises to be a cracker! That does it for this week’s review, and we hope you’ve enjoyed the show.