While SmackDown Live continues to deliver on PPV, Raw PPVs remain mediocre. Sure, Roadblock: End of the Line was a perfectly fine show, but it felt more like a glorified episode of Raw than a PPV event.
Every match on the card had already taken place before only a couple of weeks ago, and the lack of definite finishes, left fans disappointed rather than excited.
While there were some great moments, including Neville’s heel turn, Cesaro and Sheamus’ tag title win and Sami Zayn’s underdog fight against Braun Strowman; the PPV overall left fans unsatisfied. A weak show once again for the red brand, as Roadblock: End of the Line felt like just another episode of Raw when all was said and done.
So, which matches contributed to another mediocre PPV, and which were the diamond in the rough?
Let’s find out, as I analyse and grade each match from WWE Roadblock: End of the Line.
Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte (30-minute Iron Man Match, Raw Women’s Championship):
Result: Charlotte wins 3-2 after a submission win in sudden death overtime.
Grade: 7.5/10
This was a very good match once again from these two women, although it wasn’t the show-stealer many thought it would be. The Iron Man stipulation was used poorly here, as the first twenty minutes were left with no falls, and the match suffered due to this.
While the falls in the last ten minutes and in overtime was an improvement, the first half of the match was weak due to WWE’s poor use of the iron man stipulation. The in-ring action here was nothing special either, as we have seen it all before in their multiple clashes this year.
Still, they did well to harness some drama and emotion, as Banks fighting back as the babyface was a strong aspect of the match. However, once again, the title has switched hands in extremely quick succession. The hot potato game of the women’s title continues, and it has devalued both the title and the Banks/Charlotte rivalry.
While Michael Cole is saying that this feud is one of the ‘greatest in WWE history’, fans will look back at this as a poorly booked mess. Sasha Banks has barely had time to develop as a babyface champion, and her credibility has been especially harmed by this weak decision.
While Charlotte’s eventual loss on PPV will be excellent, another win here for her was another poor choice. Overall, a strong match and a good ending to the rivalry, but another pointless title change and an overexposed clash left this as just a good match, rather than the show-stealer it should have been.
New Day vs. Cesaro and Sheamus (Raw Tag Team Championships)
Result: Cesaro and Sheamus win the titles after Sheamus pins Kofi Kingston.
Grade: 8.5/10
This was a splendid match to open the PPV, with a hot crowd and fast-paced action leading to this being the match of the night. The near falls here were wonderful, with fans on the edge of their seats. Despite seeing this matchup multiple times, the in-ring action here was stellar, with big moves and high-octane action keeping fans invested.
New Day trying everything they could to retain the gold was great, and it only made Cesaro and Sheamus’ win even more exhilarating. Cesaro and Sheamus’ story of continued teamwork and tension was on full display in this matchup as well, which was a nice sub-plot.
Although a little more build would have been nice, it was still a huge moment when Cesaro and Sheamus captured the gold, as New Day’s record long reign finally came to an end. The finish was excellent as well, with Cesaro sacrificing himself for Sheamus to pick up the win for the team.
After such a long time with New Day as Champions, it will be a breath of fresh air with Cesaro and Sheamus on top. Overall, a great opener for the PPV, with the New Day finally losing the titles in excellent fashion.
Check out New Day’s reaction to losing the titles here:
Braun Strowman vs Sami Zayn
Result: Sami Zayn wins by surviving the 10-minute time limit.
Grade: 8/10
While the in-ring action here was nothing special, the storytelling in this bout was top-notch, and both Strowman and Zayn came out of this looking strong. Strowman came across as a relentless monster as he decimated Zayn, not pinning him despite being able to on multiple occasions.
Zayn was the never-say-die, underdog babyface who fought back against all the odds, refusing to give in despite Mick Foley begging to throw in the towel for the ‘Underdog from the Underground’. Zayn’s comeback as the time limit drew near was excellent, as he appeared to have Strowman beat until time ran out.
Surviving the time limit was still a great way to have Zayn gain some momentum, as he refused to quit despite being decimated by the monster Strowman. The next chapter in this rivalry will be very intriguing, as Zayn could either overcome the ‘Mountain of a Man’ or Strowman can finish Zayn off completely.
No matter what happens in the next few weeks, this match was a great first encounter, and both men came away looking great.
Seth Rollins vs. Chris Jericho
Result: Seth Rollins pins Chris Jericho after Kevin Owens accidentally distracted Y2J.
Grade: 7/10
This was a solid match, albeit nothing special. This didn’t possess the intensity it should have, with Rollins and Jericho wrestling a regular match rather than a heated battle. Considering Jericho has cost Rollins the Universal Title three times, Rollins wasn’t nearly as angry and aggressive as he should’ve been.
The in-ring action was decent, but we have seen the two clash on multiple occasions over the last couple of months; leaving fans uninvested in the story and action. The issues between Rollins and Jericho didn’t feel like the main focus, and that was especially true with the ending.
While Owens accidentally costing Y2J the win kept their growing tension at the forefront, it meant Rollins and Jericho’s personal feud ended on a whimper. Rollins’ issues with Triple H left fans pining for ‘The Game’ to make an appearance as well, but he never showed.
While the in-ring action was solid (and it was nice to see Rollins pick up the PPV win), this felt like an extended match from an episode of Raw. Overall, a decent bout, but not the gripping clash that could’ve been produced by Jericho and Rollins.
Rich Swann vs. TJ Perkins vs Brian Kendrick (Cruiserweight Championship)
Result: Rich Swann pins TJ Perkins to retain.
Grade: 7/10
While the in-ring action here was fine, it feels like a toned down version of what we could be seeing from the Cruiserweights. Instead of high-flying, intense action, this felt like just another match on the card, which is a definite problem.
The crowd was very quiet once again as well, with the Cruiserweight division continuing to falter from a lack of character development, even in the title scene. What was excellent here, however, was Neville’s return, and subsequent heel turn.
Making a huge statement by attacking TJ Perkins and Rich Swann, Neville immediately catapulted himself into the title scene and back into relevance. He is finally where he belongs in the Cruiserweight division, and he’s got a new heel persona to excel with.
After months of floundering, it was a wonderful surprise to see Neville propel himself back into relevance and into the Cruiserweight division. While the match here was only decent, the post-match return and heel turn here from Neville was one of the top highlights of the show.
Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns:
Result: Chris Jericho hits Kevin Owens with a Codebreaker for the DQ, leading to Owens retaining the title.
Grade: 7.5/10
This was another strong showing between these two, with great in-ring action and drama keeping fans invested. The frog splash announce table spot was especially awesome, and while we’ve seen the two clash before; this still felt fresh and exciting.
However, the finish left a lot to be desired. While it was great to see Jericho tease turning on Owens and then reuniting with the ‘Prizefighter’, a DQ finish is always a lacklustre way to end a PPV, and this was no different.
Sure, the Jericho/Owens story took another step forward, but this did little to satisfy fans to close the show, and this felt more like a finish to an episode of Raw rather than a PPV ending. The post-match announce table powerbombs to Jericho and Owens by Reigns and Rollins was entertaining, but fans were definitely expecting more from the ending.
Overall, a strong match, but a weak finish, as the show went off the air feeling more like an edition of Raw rather than a PPV.
Check out a section of the match here:
Overall Grade for Roadblock: End of the Line- 7.5/10
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