So, how did the WWE do in their first Broadcast of the New Year?
Did RAW Fail . . . again?
Did SD LIVE Thrive . . . again?
Let’s find out, right now . . . in the first ever edition of:
MAIN ROSTER MANIA!
MONDAY NIGHT RAW
January 1st, 2018 – New Year’s Day.
I’ll give it up for, to start of the New Year, they did go all out. They even delivered a near ‘guy cry’ moment, a moment we can only hope wasn’t a one off.
THE ANGLES:
ANGLE #1
Once again, we started RAW off with an overlong filler promo that seems designed to just waste time. Once again, Angle is out to say something, gets interrupted and ONCE AGAIN Jason Jordan sticks his nose where he doesn’t belong and beats his chest.
This time it is The Bar interrupting Angle demanding a rematch for their titles, out comes Jason acting like he is ready to take both Cesaro and Sheamus on. Cue, Seth Rollins, not out to back up his new tag team champion partner, but to scold Jason for not being a team player.
All this resulted in a sudden match that saw Cesaro job out to Jordan.
Really? I’m sick of this Jason Jordan angle. I’m sick of him saying he is the only guy who can beat someone when he rarely wins. I was hoping it would end soon, but with Jordan replacing the injured Ambrose that doesn’t seem likely.
We all know how this story will eventually end: either Angle and Jordan turn heel, or Jordan turns heel and reveals Angle isn’t his father – leading to a match.
Right now, Jordan is taking up to much time on RAW and it isn’t adding to the show. RAW is become the Jason Jordan Show. Which, any time he is on the air, is becoming a great moment to get a snack.
It wouldn’t be such a bad thing if Jordan wasn’t a CRY BABY.
ANGLE #2
Alexa Bliss is scheduled for a Non-Title match against Asuka – much to her chagrin. She doesn’t want in. She spends her time on RAW leading up to the match first trying to get Angel to cancel it, then unsuccessfully trying to get Nia Jax to be ring side. Sorry Alexa. Good luck.
ANGLE #3
Leading into Roman Reigns’ match with Samoa Joe, he and Seth talk about Joe. Cue Jason Jordan again butting it. Yikes.
ANGLE #4
In the back, Kane approaches Strowman with an idea: They team up at the Rumble to take out Brock. Good Idea. Problem: Strowman says NO.
ANGLE #5
The Show closed out with Brock in ring and Heyman mouthing off as usually – with the claim that Brock is the devil’s favorite, not Kane. Kane didn’t like this, and made Brock pay with a chokeslam. Brock would sit up, and clothesline Kane of the ring.
Then the locker room emptied to separate the two. Credits rolled with Kane being forced to the back, and Brock bouncing around ring side.
A nice segment to end the show and set up the match. Braun Strowman NOT involved made it even better, selling that he doesn’t care about either one.
It was a little odd though, as it seemed to me the boys from the back came out a little too early.
THE MATCHES
MATCH #1
Cesaro versus Jason Jordan
This come out of the opening Promo Segment. It was an average match at best, both guys showcased what they can do. Cesaro showed his ring savvy and experience far outmatched anything Jordan could do physically. In the end though, Jordan gain the upset victory.
MATCH #2
Bray Wyatt versus Apollo Crews
Why? Why? Apollo Crews is far better than what they are doing with him. In this throw away match, Bray dominated and beat Crews rather easily, even with Titus World Wide at Ring Side.
Then Hardy appeared on the Titan Tron, seemingly freaking out Bray. (Can I wake up now?)
MATCH #3
Alexa Bliss versus Asuka (Non-Title)
For the majority of this match, Bliss stayed in avoidance mode, or was getting completely dominated. When Bliss tried to fight, we saw glimpses of what could be a good match. In the end though, Bliss wasn’t just ‘Not Ready For Asuka’ she didn’t want any part of Asuka.
Asuka wins via tap out.
MATCH #5
Strowman versus Rhyno, then Slater
Wow. In Rhyno’s attempt to toughing up Slater all he achieved was both of them getting squashed by Strowman. And a bloodthirsty crowd calling for Strowman to do it ‘on more time.’
MATCH #6
Intercontinental Championship Match: Roman Reigns versus Samoa Joe
I have only two things to say about this match: Match of the Night; Wrestlers of the Night.
If you want, you can skip the rest of the show and just watch this match. I am not even a Roman fan, and I will admit he was great here. He might finally be getting better.
MATCH #7
Drew Gulak and Divari versus Cedric Alexander and . . .
Drew Gulak started out by read a statement from Enzo – who can’t defend the title due to the flu. Best part of this, Drew correcting Enzo bad grammar.
Instead we get a tag match. Cedric’s partner: GOLDUST!!!
Cedric and Goldust go on to win a short but entertaining match.
Elias, Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel in a six-man tag match against . . . The (Bullet) CLUB. Yes, you read that right.
Elias, Dallas, Axel versus Fin Balor, Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. Forget about the squash match, it was awesome seeming these three together.
Cole even mention their time in Japan together, but not by name.
The Highlights:
- Goldust
- Intercontinental Championship Match
- The Club! This is the near Guy Cry moment. Please WWE let this guy stay a group, give us something to really go for.
Final Thoughts:
I’ve written for almost two years now: RW BAD, SD LIVE GOOD. Maybe not tonight.
Tonight I felt RAW delivered an above average show which I enjoyed. I loved seeing The Club together, Alexa being the cowardly heel was nice, Enzo not on the show was great and the IC Title match Rocked.
Lowlight of the Night: No Cruiserweight title match
Highlight of the Night: The ‘Club’ Reunion
Match of the Night: Intercontinental Championship Match: Roman Reigns defends against Samoa Joe
Wrestlers of the Night: Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe.
Rating: 6.5
SMACKDOWN LIVE
January 2ND, 2018
THE ANGELS:
ANGEL #1
I wish I could say we started out hot, instead PROMO Time.
Styles hits the ring, talking about Owens, Zayn and the thought that Bryan is showing them favoritism. Styles calls Bryan out to let him know if Owens will be ringside for the Styles/Zayn main event.
Bryan makes his way down to YES, YES, YES chants, followed directly by Shane McMahon. Shane steals the segment, never lets Bryan talk and again accuses him of favoritism to Owens/Zayn. He announces that if Owens will be ring side, so will he.
Bryan then speaks, saying that if Owens will be ring side, Shane will be ring side, then he will be ring side. This sets up a stacked Main Event: Styles and Zayn in ring, McMahon, Bryan and Owens ring side.
In truth the Shane versus Owens/Zayn angle has run thin, adding Bryan and Styles (and by default the World Title to the mix) spices things up. Still, this is going into overkill fast.
Why it hasn’t reached overkill just yet and still works is for two reasons: The building tension between Bryan and Shane – where is this going to go?; The great dynamic and personalities of Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.
ANGEL #2
In the back The New Day is celebrating the New Year in a way odd even for them. Then comes RUSEV DAY to save everything – complete with Aiden singing, and Rusev calling them children. This is all a promo leading up to the English versus Woods US Title Tournament Match.
I love everyone involved. Nice bit.
THE MATCHES:
MATCH #1
Smackdown Tag Team Title Match: The Usos versus Gable and Benjamin
This was a fantastic tag team match that saw NEW Tag Team Champions for about the length of a commercial break. Jimmy complains that he was legal, but Jay was pinned by Gable. Another ref hit the ring and it turns out: Jay was illegal, Gable was illegal – Match Restarted!
Usos win and retain. Fantastic match and a great twist and call. The right call.
I wish moment like this would happen more often. Instant Replay please!!
MATCH #2
Breezango versus the Bludgeon Brothers
Uh, why? Maybe it’s because I love seeing Breezango get tortured like this – and I am a big fan.
There is something I have to write – which I never thought I ever would, or would want to: Let The Bludgeoning Begin. Which, yeah, is what this match was. Double time. The Ascension hit the ring early this time, or for a Bludgeoning themselves.
MATCH #3
US Title Tournament Match: Aiden English versus Xavier Woods
We start the match with Rusev signing! Please put Aiden back on the mic. NOW!
The match between Aiden and Xavier was really good. Aiden showed his mat skills and ‘manly’ style, while Woods’ agility always amazes. This was a good, hard fought match that Woods eventually won and moved on in the Tournament.
Woods will next face Jinder Mahal.
MATCH #4
The Welcoming Committee is back! Natalya, Carmella and Tamina versus the Riott Squad.
This was a decent woman’s match more designed to promote the Royal Rumble, then be a match. Sara Logan was the star here.
Afterwards, Ruby cut a promo renaming the Royal Rumble the Royal Riott, until she was interrupted by Charlotte and Naomi . . . and a PISSED BECKY LYNCH. Yes, the Lass Kicker is back!
MATCH #5
Main Event Time!
AJ Styles versus Sami Zayn – with Kevin Owens, Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan Ring Side.
This match was a Match, an Angle and a lead in to the Royal Rumble all in one. All the main players in SD Live’s top angel where here, and it further this story.
It showcased AJ’s frustration with the Kevin and Sami Show. It pushed Shane vendetta against the Kevin and Sami Show.
However, the biggest moment in all this was Daniel Bryan throwing Shane McMahon out of the arena, after McMahon had Owens thrown out. That was followed by Bryan announcing that AJ Style ill defend the World Title against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a handicap match at the Rumble!
Is this favoritism from Daniel Bryan?
Lost in all this was a damn good match that saw Zayn pin the champ.
The Highlights:
- The Kevin and Sami Show
- Rusev calling The New Day Children
- The Tag Team Title Match.
Final Thoughts:
Smackdown didn’t try to go all out like RAW did. They did what they seem to focus on – putting on the best show they can. And they did just that, with good promos and solid matches around. Over all a good, entertaining show. Even if the main angel is starting to wear thin.
Lowlight of the Night: N/A
Highlight of the Night: Rusev calling The New Day Children
Match of the Night: Smackdown Tag Team Title Match: The Usos versus Gable and Benjamin
Wrestler of the Night: Xavier Woods
Rating: 7
COMPARISION
MONDAY NIGHT RAW VERSUS SMACKDOWN LIVE
THE ANGELS:
MONDAY NIGHT RAW – Top Angel: The Jason Jordan show.
SMACKDOWN LIVE – Top Angel: The Kevin and Sami Show.
Both Angels are start to wear thin and drag on, but Kevin and Sami have such great dynamic they make it work. Sami seems to be having a lot of fun.
ADVANTAGE: SMACKDOWN LIVE
THE HIGHLIGHTS:
MONDAY NIGHT RAW – Top Highlight: The Club Reunion.
SMACKDOWN LIVE – Top Angel: Rusev calling the New Day children.
There is no comparison: The Club.
ADVANTAGE: MONDAY NIGHT RAW.
THE MATCHES OF THE NIGHT:
MONDAY NIGHT RAW – Intercontinental Championship Match: Roman Reigns versus Samoa Joe
SMACKDOWN LIVE – Smackdown Tag Team Title Match: The Usos versus Gable and Benjamin
ADVANTAGE: TIE
THE WRESTLER OF THE NIGHT:
MONDAY NIGHT RAW – Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe
SMACKDOWN LIVE – Xavier Woods
Woods and Aiden put on a good show, but the IC Title match saw Roman up his game big time.
ADVANATGE: MONDAY NIGHT RAW
FINAL THOUGHTS:
When it comes to comparing my big points: Angel, Highlight, Match and Wrestler, RAW barely comes out ahead. However I rated RAW 6.5 overall, with SD Live gaining a 7.
What pushes SD Live to a 7 l is three good matches and the Kevin and Sami Show.
So even though I give RAW the advantage in Match, Highlight and Wrestler, SD Live still comes out ahead, but just barely this time.
WINNER: SMACKDOWN LIVE!
