Raw July 25th 2016

Raw

The first Raw of the New Era brought many changes, and announcements. With a new stage, commentary team and theme song, Raw was now in the New.

Announcement 

The show started with Stephanie McMahon and Mick Foley in the ring. The two then welcomed the entire roster to come out on the stage, which they did. They talked about how there needs to be a Heavyweight Championship on Raw, and since Roman lost it for them they were making a new one called the WWE Universal Championship. The Inaugural Universal Champion would be decided at Summerslam where their number one draft pick Seth Rollins would face off against an opponent decided in a series of matches.

There would be two Fatal 4 Way matches on Raw. The two winners would face in the main event and the winner would go on to Summerslam to face Seth Rollins for the Universal Championship. I like that Seth Rollins is automatically in there and I like Fatal 4 Way matches so this was a win win.

First Fatal 4 Way: Finn Balor defeated Cesaro, Rusev, and Kevin Owens

Finn Balor was obviously the underdog but he ended up winning after hitting the Coup De Grace on Rusev and pinned the United States Champion. I'm ecstatic about that as Finn Balor was one of my favourites in NXT and I just really like him. 

Nia Jax defeated a jobber

I don't know the jobbers name but it was obvious Nia would destroy her as she did. After hitting one Leg Drop, Nia Jax broke up her own pin to perform a second Leg Drop and picked up the victory. This makes Nia Jax look like a tank but I'm predicting right off the bat that the same thing that happened in NXT will happen where she wins all but the big match until she eventually once again gets boring. 

Second Fatal 4 Way: Roman Reigns defeated Chris Jericho, Sheamus, and Sami Zayn

So one thing to note is that during the match there was a Roman chant...what? I thought those were extinct. Anyways as you guessed Roman Reigns won after hitting the Spear on Jericho because Roman wins everything...I hate Roman Reigns. Anyways that means the main event would be Finn Balor vs Roman Reigns.

The New Day Celebration

The New Day came out to celebrate their 337 day reign as the tag team champions, the longest reign in the history of the WWE. As they celebrated alongside a cool video package of highlights and a member of the crowd, who would interrupt? None other than Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. 

Luke and Karl attacked and destroyed all members of The New Day and I think this will lead to a match at Summerslam between the groups for the tag team championships. I wouldn't mind that however at the same time I wanted to see Enzo and Cass challenge The New Day for the titles. Gallows and Anderson are better than the Vaudevillains though that's for sure.

Neville defeated Curtis Axel

Neville made his in ring return on Raw against Mr. Irrelevant as they called Curtis Axel because he was Raw's last pick in the draft. However it was clear Neville was going to win from the get go and as expected he pinned him after hitting him with the Red Arrow. Everything seems good, Neville looks strong and healthy from injury and it's good to have him back.

Sasha Banks defeated Charlotte to become the new Women's Champion

What a fantastic match this was. First Sasha got Dana Brooke ejected after throwing her the belt and pretending to be knocked over when the ref wasn't looking, a tribute to her hero Eddie Guerrero. The referee then ejected Dana Brooke thinking she knocked down Sasha Banks. The match continued and it was amazing!

The match ending was really awesome. Both women on their knees, sweating and spent. Charlotte yells at Sasha "You will never beat me...EVER!". She swung at Sasha who ducked and put Charlotte in the Bank Statement. Charlotte tapped out and Sasha Banks won her first ever WWE Women's Championship. It was an amazing and emotional moment as Sasha couldn't help but cry as she held up her Women's Championship. This rivalry feels so special and I can't wait to see their Summerslam rematch. 

Braun Strowman defeated a jobber

This jobber was literally so small compared to Strowman holy man. Anyways this was Braun Strowman's singles in ring debut and he dominated the little jobber. Makes Braun look huge so like what more can you ask for.

Enzo and Cass defeated The Shining Stars

After The Golden Truth were searching for Pokemon through the ring Primo got distracted. Due to this Big Cass gave Primo a Big Boot and pinned him for the victory. Not a great match and didn't really advance anything, hopefully Enzo and Cass don't get caught in the mix of mid carders who have nothing to do.

Finn Balor defeated Roman Reigns

YES! This was not expected whatsoever but Roman Reigns lost clean to Finn Balor after Finn reversed the Spear in to a Swingblade and then hit him with the Shotgun Dropkick and Coup De Grace combo. He pinned Roman and it was awesome. Can't wait to see Rollins vs Balor at Summerslam.

Star Of The Night: Rollins vs Balor at Summerslam

This is a personal dream match for me. I love both of these competitors so much and I can't wait for their match for the Universal Championship I couldn't be more excited.

I think this was a pretty good start to the New Era, hopefully they keep this coming.

Until next time,

Devon Wizard