With the draft looming and Battleground less than two weeks away, WWE rolled into Motown for this week's episode of Raw, live from the Historic Joe Louis Arena.
It was a night of storyline progression, surprise appearances and to kick things off, a battle royal! Let's go right into the final results, as well as the grades from this week's Monday Night RAW.
Darren Young wins Intercontinental Title number one contender battle royal
This was a nice way to kick things off, without having the normal opening promo, which often times drags out too long. It's good to see a fresh face in the Intercontinental title hunt as well.
The weekly segments with Young and Backlund were getting a little redundant, but it all paid off this week and it put a new, surprising contender in the spotlight to face The Miz at Battleground.
GRADE: B+
Sheamus def. Zack Ryder
This match was a prime example of what the landscape would look like after the brand split, if the WWE didn't have NXT to pull talent from.
Thankfully, both Raw and Smackdown will be able to keep a fairly level playing field. This just wasn't a very entertaining bout at all. There wasn't a true back story to build from with this one, but in the end, Ryder looked inferior to a much stronger Celtic Warrior.
GRADE: C
Breezango def. The Lucha Dragons
Surprisingly, this was a pretty good match. However, I will never agree with Tyler Breeze or Fandango being in a tag team.
Both just have entirely too money on the table as singles competitors and have proven to be more valuable in one on one competition. The upcoming draft may very well force the two to go their own respective ways.
GRADE: B-
The Rollins Report
This was an absolutely brilliant segment. If WWE officials are content with moving forward with Roman Reigns as a championship contender, there's no better course of action than to just address the situation head-on. And having Rollins approach it with this type of comedy relief, was a really good move.
Despite the disdain from the fans, this could be a great main event.
GRADE: A+
Kevin Owens def. Cesaro
Probably the best match of the night right here. Both Cesaro and Owens looked just like the top-notch performers they truly are. I love how Kevin Owens continues to show the world that you don't have to have a cookie-cutter, chiseled physique in order to succeed in this industry.
We also got some good post-match action between rivals Owens and Zayn, which is a fantastic feud in itself.
GRADE: A
Titus O'Neil def. Heath Slater
In an era where there really are no true jobbers left in wrestling and everyone is considered a "superstar," I just can't wrap my mind around why someone as talented as Slater is consistently relegated to what is nothing more than simply jobbing, match after match, night after night.
He's just another one I think will benefit from the brand-split.
GRADE: C-
The New Day visits The Wyatt Compound
I was initially concerned about this idea, mainly because of the recent Final Deletion angle on Impact Wrestling seeming to be so similar. However, I was pleasantly surprised at the production and the outcome.
The entire segment was great and flawlessly executed. The "fireflies" in the end literally sent chills up my spine. This was perfect and all parties involved, including WWE creative, should pat themselves on the back.
GRADE: A+
Enzo and Big Cass def. The Club via DQ
It's been a long time since Cena experienced a reception quite like that. The match at Battleground is shaping up to be an intriguing angle with the recent storyline progression. Cena has effectively put Enzo and Cass over, even more so than they already were. Overall, this was a pretty good match, with some great post-match action.
GRADE: B+
Sasha Banks def. Dana Brooke
Sasha Banks is in an entirely different world, in comparison to Brooke. Even with the improvement she's had, I still don't believe she was quite ready for the main roster. Nevertheless, Banks is certainly the top contender for Charlotte's title. It's beyond time for a Women's title change.
GRADE: C
Mr. McMahon names a commissioner for Smackdown and RAW
I think it's safe to say most people expected to see exactly what happened. Having Shane overseeing Smackdown and Stephanie leading Raw, it will provide for a compelling story. I honestly believe we will see a significant change for the better, from Smackdown.
Don't be surprised if the two hour Blue Brand gives Raw a run for its ratings supremacy.
GRADE: B-
Reflections
This week's Raw had heavy focus on the imminent draft and brand-split. Now isn't necessarily the time for new storyline builds, due to the current uncertainty as far as where everyone will land.
I think they played it safe this week, without compromising entertainment. The Wyatt Compound segment was nicely put together and perfectly executed. While some will argue that "WWE stole the idea from TNA," don't buy it.
This is a story they've been putting together for quite some time, it just so happens that the time line fell together closely as it did.
As far as the Battleground main event, I know many are upset with Roman Reigns being allowed to keep his spot in the match. But, when you look at the bigger picture, it's something that really must play out.
Having all three Shield members involved is a primary component to the angle, but I completely understand the backlash.
All in all, this week's Raw did what it was supposed to do. We got some quality action and more importantly, there was emphasis placed on the upcoming changes.
OVERALL GRADE: B
