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Remember how RAW was a taped show on Christmas Eve, last week? This week coincides with New Year's Eve, and WWE wanted to give their hard-working Superstars some time off, to spend with their families. Therefore, RAW was taped from Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit, Michigan on Friday, December 28th. Here are 5 spoilers from the show that transpired.
Once again, here is a disclaimer. If you wish to avoid spoilers at all and enjoy the show on your TV sets, avoid this article by all means. I completely understand if you want RAW to be fresh and unspoiled.
If you don't, I'm here to give you the lowdown on 5 critical developments from this episode. Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think of the same, especially as it pertains to the whole Royal Rumble build.
I'm intrigued to hear what you guys have to say.
#5 Seth Rollins removed from the Intercontinental Championship picture
Remember how every Superstar used to get a contractual rematch the moment they lost their previously held Championships? Seth Rollins came out on RAW and demanded that he get an opportunity at the title he lost from Dean Ambrose. Triple H came out and informed him that he would have to earn his opportunity once again.
This led to a match between Rollins and Lashley. If Rollins were to win the match, he would get a shot at the title that Dean Ambrose now holds so proudly. Triple H even told Rollins that he wants the old Rollins to return.
Rollins used a chair during the match and thereby reverted to his old persona. In doing so, he disqualified himself and cost himself a shot at the Intercontinental Championship.
#4 Apollo Crews became the Number 1 contender for the Intercontinental Championship
Remember how the McMahons promised fresh faces and fresh opportunities to deserving contenders? Well, Shane McMahon announced what was called a 'Fresh Start' Battle Royal on this week's episode of RAW. The winner would effectively get a shot at Dean Ambrose's Intercontinental Championship, on the very same show.
The participants in the Battle Royal were the following men: Zack Ryder, Curt Hawkins, Lucha House Party, Titus O'Neil, Tyler Breeze, B-Team, Ascension, Apollo, Mojo Rawley. They were followed by Finn Balor, No Way Jose and Baron Corbin. When Balor got eliminated from the match, the entire crowd started booing loudly.
Apollo Crews won the Battle Royal by eliminating Baron Corbin, who did not seem happy at all. He earned himself a big Intercontinental Championship opportunity. Would he become the next Intercontinental Champion?
#3 Dean Ambrose defeated Apollo Crews to remain Champion
So, the match was made earlier in the night. Apollo Crews was being given a singles push, after his short-lived run with Titus Worldwide. He was getting a chance to take on the Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose in a title match. The two men went at it.
We saw how Ambrose put away Tyler Breeze, who'd posed a threat to his Championship. He did much the same with Apollo Crews, as he demolished him with a Dirty Deeds. Ambrose is still your reigning and defending Intercontinental Champion.
I really wonder who will step up to Dean Ambrose next and actually get into a full-fledged program with the former Shield member for the Intercontinental Championship. From the looks of it, it certainly will not be Seth Rollins.
Rollins and Lashley have unfinished business.
#2 Rousey and Natalya teamed up in the main event
Ronda Rousey took on Natalya for the RAW Women's Championship last week. Natalya earned a shot at her best friend by winning an hour-long Gauntlet match, the week prior. As one would expect, the two women took each other to the limit, but Ronda Rousey stood tall.
This week, Ronda Rousey and Natalya actually teamed up to take on Nia Jax and Tamina Snuka. This was the main event of the evening, and unfortunately, does not seem like a very main event worthy match at all. Nothing of note happened and the babyfaces defeated the heels quite comprehensively indeed.
What is far more noteworthy from the show is that Alexa Bliss announced that she will host her own talk show called 'Moment Of Bliss' from next week. Ronda Rousey was announced as her very first guest.
#1 Huge steel cage match to open the show
Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre were announced for a steel cage grudge match on last week's show. The former best friends had now become bitter adversaries. The two men took each other on in the opening contest. As one would expect from the two men, it was quite a thrilling affair indeed.
Drew McIntyre would win the match, as one would expect as he's the company's next chosen big star. The crowd was firmly in Dolph Ziggler's corner for the duration of the said contest. McIntyre delivered two impressive Claymore kicks to pick up the win.
I would like to thank NoDQ for their ongoing coverage of the event that helped me with the spoilers I've mentioned here. And now let me ask you a question, dear WWE Universe!
Do the spoilers make you want to watch RAW this week or not?
Bayley gives us a HUGE update on a top Superstar's upcoming return RIGHT HERE.
