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Monday Night Raw made a solid attempt at giving the fans of Memphis a few big matches and segments. That's probably because WWE is in a post-SummerSlam lull and has a full four weeks to go until No Mercy.
As for the good stuff, the night opened with a fun battle royal, closed with a solid Women's Championship Match, and featured a few decent bouts throughout the middle. The most can't miss moment of the night came in the form of an extended promo between John Cena and Roman Reigns. They both brought the fire.
Those were the highlights of the show, and now it's on to the other moments worth pointing out. In this article, we'll take a look at Big Show's new look, a wobbly neckbreaker by Mickie James and a suicide dive that Seth Rollins took a little too literally.
Also, John Cena was on another level of roasting during his promo tonight. One of the better digs at Roman Reigns is featured. The Big Dog might consider writing a note or two on his palms next time.
Kicking off the botchiest and most outrageous moments of the night is a near-collision that was averted by Jason Jordan. Let's get to it.
#5 Jason almost landed on Jeff
During the opening battle royal to determine The Miz's next challenger for his Intercontinental Championship, Kurt Angle's baby boy found himself figuratively directing traffic. The Miztourage ended up flipping Jason Jordan backward as they intended to dump him out of the ring, but he landed on his feet.
As this move was happening, Jeff Hardy mistakenly rolled himself in between the action and the area of the ropes needed for the upcoming eliminations. Jordan showed solid ring awareness here, nudging Hardy away from the action while he moved into position to launch both Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel out of the ring.
Jeff regained his composure, and in the end, he won this contest. He'll face The Miz next Monday night in a quest for singles gold.
#4 Looking years younger
Before moving on from the opening match, there was one extremely shocking visual to come out of that battle royal that needs addressing. It happened as the very first competitor made his way to the ring. At first glance, he might've been confused for a brand new face in the company.
The Big Show has worked hard to slim down over the past year and he's done well to transform his body. He's even taken pictures of himself sporting a near- Tony Nese quality six pack. However, extra body fat wasn't all that Big Show made disappear.
Big Show came to the ring completely hairless on his head and face. His formerly bushy beard is now no more. With his leaner look and cleanly shaven mug, Show now looks like a guy who's just been called up to the main roster.
#3 Dangerous Neckbreaker
As if a "Hashtag Match" wasn't outrageous enough, Mickie James gave Emma this Neckbreaker that featured a little too much action for Emma's neck. Emma already kicked out her legs and was in motion for her bump when some readjustment happened. She kicked out her right leg to compensate for this audible and it might've been this quick thinking or instinct or whatever it was that helped her avoid a serious injury.
As for the silly Twitter-themed match stipulation, Emma took to her account to send Mickie a few important messages in those precious 140 characters. The first was #ThankEmmaForTheRevolution, a movement she's hoping will catch fire. We'll see if James' influence can help get some of this trending.
#2 Seth landed on his head
Cesaro & Sheamus and Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose are currently feuding over the Raw Tag Team Titles. However, on this night, they paired off for a couple of back-to-back singles matches. Cesaro defeated Rollins in the first match, but that wasn't the last time they'd get physical.
Sheamus got on the mic after the first bout and immediately made the challenge for the second match. Near the end of Dean vs. Sheamus, Rollins performed this suicide dive that allowed for him to have such a bad ending. Cesaro tried to absorb the impact but Seth overshot him a little. This caused Rollins to hit the ground as well as the barricade, mostly head first.
One guy from each team scored a victory. The action is evened up as they march towards their eventual rematch.
#1 Cena called Roman out
John Cena and Roman Reigns wanted to make their upcoming match at No Mercy official, so they met inside the ring to sign a contract. There were moments of non-PG language, even to the point that the censors had to cut some brief dialogue from the live broadcast. There was even an off comment about a legend with a bad hip made by Cena. That's harsh for him to take a shot at the possibly retired Undertaker. Despite all of this, there was one line by Cena directed at Reigns that cut especially deep.
Roman made a very noticeable pause in the middle of their promo. It appeared as if he was deep in thought, possibly trying to remember what he was supposed to say next. Cena then stepped in before he could remember his lines to call him out for standing there dumbfounded. Reigns slowly bowed his head and smirked, understanding that John was right with those remarks.
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