Rate Raw 05/23/2016

[Jacob Fox]

Hey everyone! Go ahead and rate Raw on a scale from 0 to 10 and make sure to leave your thoughts below

Spoiler: Raw Results for May 23

Opening

The show opened with Seth Rollins coming to the ring to a thunderous ovation. seth appeared to be enjoying the applause for once, but he then very quickly established himself as still a heel. He told the crowd he didn't need them and that he only cares about himself and he only needs himself. Roman Reigns then came out and Rollins left the ring. Then, as Seth was circling the ring, shane McMahon came to the ring and invited him back in. He announced at MITB that Roman Reigns would defend the title against Seth Rollins.

Sheamus vs Sami Zayn in a MITB Qualifying Match

Sami Zayn defeated Sheamus by pinfall after a Helluva kick to qualify and move on to the MITB ladder match.

The New Day vs the Social outcasts

The New Day came out to a cake to celebrate Raw's 1200th episode. They were attacked from behind by the Social outcasts. The New Day won when Kofi pinned Heath Slater. Aftwards Big E took a handful of cake and then grabbed Heath Slater and put him through the cake.

The Miz vs Cesaro in a MITB Qualifying Match

Cesaro pinned the Miz following a neutralizer to qualify for the MITB ladder match.

Seth Rollins Promo

Rollins was interviewed by Renee and gloated about his previous MITB win and Wrestlemania 31 win. He was then interupted by Stephanie McMahon. She welcoming him back but officially ended their business relationship.

Chris Jericho vs Apollo Crews in a MITB Qualifying Match

Chris Jericho defeated Apollo by pinfall after hitting a code breaker to qualify for the MITB ladder match.

All the while sheamus was watching behind the curtain. When Renee asked his opinion on what happened, Sheamus simply laughed and walked away.

Making Darren Young Great Again

Bob Backlund got mad at Darren Young for not memorizing information and then made him jump 200 jumping jacks for saying damn.

Baron Corbin was interviewed by Renee and defended himself for using a low blow against Dolph Ziggler in a no DQ match. Ziggler challenged Corbin to a technical wrestling match and told Corbin he was going to steal the show against Dean Ambrose later in the show.

Big Cass vs Bubba Ray Dudley

Big Cass came out alone but was shortly followed by Enzo to a surprise from the crowd. Cass defeated Dudley in a very quick and one sided match after hitting the empire elbow.


The State of the WWE's Women's Championship

Charlotte came out with Ric Flair and Dana Brooke. Flair fauned over Charlotte for a while. Charlotte began talking to Ric about him not being there when she was growing up but said she understands it now because she is the champion and is more powerful and confident than other. She said she finally has the courage to tell him what she wants to tell him and that is to get out of her ring. Ric didn't leave at first, so she continued to insult him. She insulted his generation for not wanting to leave the spotlight. She said she let him bask in her glory. She claimed she was no longer Ric Flair's daughter, he is Charlotte's dad. She made fun of Ric for crying and then told him she didn't need him anymore. She said that Ric is dead to her. Flair finally left the ring as Dana raised her hand.

Dolph Ziggler vs Dean Ambrose in a MITB Qualifying Match

Dean Ambrose defeated Dolph Ziggler by pinfall after hitting dirty deeds to qualify for the MITB ladder match.

Ric Flair left the arena, being comforted by Arn Anderson. when Renee tried to get him to respond, he shook his head and left.

AJ Styles vs Kevin Owens in a MITB Qualifying Match

AJ came out and complimented Reigns and then blamed his loss on Anderson and Gallows and the Usos. Anderson and Gallows then came to the ring. AJ told them that their friendship outside the ring cannot exist in the ring. He told Gallows and Anderson that they are brothers, but Anderson and Gallows refused this and terminated the brother relationship and the friendship. AJ then claimed the ring was his ring and he told them to leave. They left.

Kevin Owens defeated AJ Styles by pinfall following a pop up powerbomb to qualify for the MITB ladder match.

 

[Roadster]

WWE is making a horrible mistake by turning Seth Rollins heel, again. The fans are obviously clamoring for him to pull through and win the WWE title, but they gave him the heel shtick again. It's one thing to give Reigns the title, but to forcefully put more popular superstars in a bad light is just stupid. Seth Rollins should be a face, or a tweener of sorts. Reigns and Rollins should be equals, and the question should be; should they trust eachother. If you want to turn Rollins heel down the line, go ahead, but now isn't the time.

This RAW had the best matches, in a long time. The qualifiers were given adequate time and each had a stacked set of spots. I found it hard to predict who would come out on, top. They had some questionable choices, but I guess we will just have to wait and see. I think Apollo Crews should've gotten into the ladder match. He's a guy that can do flips and spots. Have him do a couple of his crazy moves and it will get him over with the fans a bit more. I just want Apollo Crews to turn out good, unlike Neville.

Charlotte pulled some amazing heel work. She is my favorite wrestler in the womens division, right now. She knows how to really get a crowd to hate her, but I think they pushed this angle way too fast. If they had drawn it out, over a few weeks time, it would've been good. It was too fast of jump for her, but I guess we can wait and see how this plays out. But it was really good.

The overall show was good enough to warrant a watch, but I wouldn't recommend it to someone who wants something really special.

 

[Jacob Fox]

I rated it an 8. I think it was a VERY solid show.

I liked: Seth Rollins return and the amazing fan reaction he got from it.

Sheamus vs Sami Zayn in a MITB Qualifying Match **1/2 A solid Raw match which was entertaining.

The New Day vs the Social outcasts ** I didn't love or hate this...at least it was quick.

The Miz vs Cesaro in a MITB Qualifying Match *** Very solid match and the right guy won.

Chris Jericho vs Apollo Crews in a MITB Qualifying Match **1/2 Another solid Raw match

Big Cass vs Bubba Ray Dudley **1/2 I just love Enzo's energy and nice to know he is back... Cass just obliterated Bubba though.. they are pushing him pretty hard as a dominant big man.

The State of the WWE's Women's Championship I didn't think I'd like this but WOW Charlotte really, really made herself hateful tonight. It was a great job by her and she is really going to be so much more despised after tonight. She sold it better than Ric, who didn't fake crying very well.

Dolph Ziggler vs Dean Ambrose in a MITB Qualifying Match **1/2 Another solid match.

AJ Styles vs Kevin Owens in a MITB Qualifying Match *** Tied with Miz and Cesaro for match of the night. Was interesting seeing all of the interaction with Gallows and Anderson. I think with Styles losing that here is so much ore to this and it'll probably be Styles at the head of the Club eventually. This is an attempt at a swerve IMO.

I didn't like:

Them making Rollins a heel. After that ovation, after all of that they could use, the are making him the heel in this match. They had so much to work with, so much to grow with and they screwed it all up to continue trying to push Reigns. Pure and utter stupidity.

Darren Young and Bob Backlund. These are not funny or entertaining in any way.

Pretty great show all around. If they hadn't kept Rollins as a heel, I may have rated it a 9 or even a 10. It's been the best Raw in a really long time... the matches were all solid and a few were really good. The promos were good. But they really screwed up Rollins in my opinion. Words cannot describe how stupid I think this was for them to do.

 

[Rogue]

Ambrose is gonna win the MITB, but as much as I like him I don't think he should. Everything he's done lately has just felt so phoned in. Most of the stuff he's been given he's made work, but it really doesn't seem like he's trying anymore.

Whereas Cesaro and Owens have put in so much lately, they've been two of the brightest spots in WWE as of late. Alongside Reigns & Miz. If anyone should win it should be one of them, moreso Owens though.

I just know that's why they kept Rollins as a heel, for Ambrose to be the face when he enters the fray. But it would've been so much better, and just so refreshing had they made Rollins the face in this feud. The eventual triple threat itself will be good no about it, but the journey could've started off a tad better.

Didn't know where to put this rant, so I figured I'd do it here. Skipped out on Raw after the opening, but I'll probably skim through it later. Definitely looks good on paper.

 

[Zany Clowny]

I skipped it. Why did they turn Sethgod heel again? Does Vince not like over babyfaces who can sell t shirts and toaster ovens?

 

[Majour]

Glad to see Enzo back on screen.
The matches were all pretty good. Can't grumble about the people who qualified for MITB either.

The women are back to getting almost nothing, the status quo has been resumed. Whilst the Flair segment was decent- Charlotte is better as heel, I expected more than just a segment.
Now I know there are a fair few injuries in the division: Emma, Sasha, Naomi, Tamina . But there are still women available who could have a match.


Despite being irked by no women's matches, I'll give it a solid 7.

 

[Stopspot]

I skipped it. Why did they turn Sethgod heel again? Does Vince not like over babyfaces who can sell t shirts and toaster ovens?

Too soon to turn him face. With the level of heel that he was, that bit needs closure. His turn can't just be pedigreeing Roman. There needs to be a character arc to establish him as a good guy. All in due time.

 

[Gman003]

I gave it an 8.

The opening segment was predictable though. I had a feeling they'd keep him heel. As much as I dislike it, I get it. And I thought do they add sound effects in the arenas to que reactions. Like boos for rollins when he was doing his heel work? And it sounded like a loud initial screaming reaction when reigns music hit, but that was about it lol. I don't know I wouldn't doubt it though.

Glad it was mostly about the MITB qualifying with a big Cass match in there. Not gonna lie I was bummed when just he came out at first. But was so happy when he pointed and there comes Enzo! Fuckin guy is on coke or something holy crap lol. Love his energy though.

I was surprised that Jericho picked up the win. I really thought it had Apollo written all over that one.

Charlotte's promo was ok. Definitely a little long. And I'm not too familiar with Dana brooks. But man, that chest...

I know I've missed some parts, can't remember everything it was last night lol but all in all I enjoyed the show, and as always lately, looking forward to next week.

 

[C.M. Shaddix]

Raw gets an 8 this week

-Sounds like Rollins character isn't changing at all, he's just the heel running away from fights.
-Charlotte ditching Flair for a new distraction Dana Brooke was a great segment
-Great Money in the Bank ladder match participants so far
-The backstage segment between Baron Corbin and Ziggler was really good
-Sheamus is giving Crews a feud
-Enzo has returned!!!
-The most shocking thing was Kevin Owens won CLEAN against AJ, you can't be mad because it's KO. Hope he wins at Money In the Bank
-It's obvious AJ didn't win the match because a feud is gonna happen between him and both Gallows and Anderson, but something tells me another man is gonna show up as make things a little tougher for AJ...
-Lastly the funniest part of the show, when Raw hit 11 and Cole did the usual speal, Owens screamed "Shut up Cole I can hear you from here!" Owens is now instant GOAT

 

[Zany Clowny]

Too soon to turn him face. With the level of heel that he was, that bit needs closure. His turn can't just be pedigreeing Roman. There needs to be a character arc to establish him as a good guy. All in due time.

The crowd will just see it as keeping Reigns babyface though. Seriously, Seth has a flippy shit, pop orientated offense. He is born to be a face.

 

[Stopspot]

The crowd will just see it as keeping Reigns babyface though. Seriously, Seth has a flippy shit, pop orientated offense. He is born to be a face.

And it is the end goal. Wrestling is a story based product. You don't just turn people willy nilly, there has to be a story behind it to make the turn good. Same reason they have not turned Roman heel or Cena heel just because there are large portions of the crowd booing, the story needs to make sense and work.

Seth will be face in due time. They just need the arc to take its time.

Example: Daniel Bryan did not go heel out of nowhere when he won the world title, it was a slow process of him turning more and more week by week. Same needs to happen to Seth. He needs to have his ass handed to him at MITB and then start his climb back. The seeds were already planted in the segment with Stephanie on RAW.

 

[DK JAMES]

Gave it a 6/10 this week but it was still enjoyable.

-Seth opening the show was dope. Very good return promo and I'm glad they're not turning him face right away but I hope they do by the end of summer.
-Glad to see Crews and Sheamus both getting some screen time now with what looks like to be a new feud. Hopefully it'll be pretty good.
-Miz promo was A1, real good stuff from the champ. Good match with Cesaro.
-Enjoyed the Ziggler/Corbin thing backstage. Didn't like the feud at first but I'm enjoyin it now.
-ENNNNNNNNNNNNNNZZZZOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
-Once again I say FUCK Dana Brooke and fuck this storyline. Charlotte's ight but this whole Ric Flair/Dana shit with the Natalya screwjobs is horrible.
-Club segment was cool. Glad to see them parting ways, now bring in Finn.

 

[Prince Bálor]

This week's RAW was a good follow-up to Extreme Rules. 7/10

Sure, the show had its ups and downs, but the good outweighed the bad and more importantly, the matches felt important and overall, this was a nice way to start the MITB build-up.

Positives:
- I liked the opening segment. It's so awesome to see Rollins back. It's a shame he's positioned as a heel, though, but I guess that chapter needs a proper ending.

- Sami Zayn vs Sheamus was rock solid. Also, WTF was up with Sheamus insulting Zayn because "he’s not even from this country."? lmao

- The New Day vs Social Outcasts was okay for what it was. The hilarious bit, though, was when they were going for a Bo Train, but Slater just collapsed. 1:

- Cesaro vs The Miz was good and enjoyable, as well as the pre-match stuff with The Miz/Maryse.

- Enzo & Cass. Enzo is back, baybay! That's awesome. Now, Enzo telling concussion jokes was a bit weird, but funny, I guess. And the hard sneeze into a dab part was great.

- Ambrose vs DZ was solid.

- The Club segment was fine. They're done and we all know where this is going. Now enter: Finn Bálor.

- KO vs AJ Styles was pretty darn good and MOTN.

Negatives:
- Y2J vs Crews was meh, boring.

- The "Make Darren Young Great Again" BS.

- I really don't care about this whole Charlotte/Ric/Dana storyline.

 

[alexb]

As most oof our fellow members already pointed out above, indeed a pretty solid show overall last night and a well deserved 7/10...Notes/thoughts:

- So they didn't waste any time at all with Seth, did they? While opinions do vary on this face or heel situation and both sides make strong points, I feel Stopspot put it best, for one, plus there's always the issue of very few credible heels around these days that we've discussed before so, looking at the bigger picture, I feel it was the right move.

Now, this could also be an issue of WWE thinking that a heel Seth Rollins will get the crowd (finally) behind Roman Reigns, to which I respond...:smirk2:


- Back to basics: You want a shot at the money in the bank briefcase? Well, earn it. Simple stuff making all these matches last night all that more interesting and meaningful rather than random garbage that noone would give a shit about...

- As far as the qualifiers are concerned so far, I feel in all situations the right guy won. Now, there could be an argument regarding Apollo Crews but with the apparent feud with Sheamus starting, I figured as much that Y2J would pick up the win so no surprise really there. At least now Crews has a good opponent to work with for the next few weeks cause you knew he couldn't be doing any more squash matches with the Adam Roses or Stardusts that, by the way, unfortunately are not with us anymore. Speaking of, side note, good for you Cody. Good for you man and best of luck for whatever is next...

- I feel I have a pretty good idea how the whole Money in the Bank situation will play out at the PPV but I'll leave it for when the lineup is completed before I rush into any discussion.

- Charlotte promo was :damn:, as well as nasty. Now, while it did get the job done, I still have kind of a problem with it. Like many of you, I too was sick and tired of the Ric Flair shenanigans each and every time (literally) and wished Charlotte would at least get a few clean wins every now and then, you know, just to prove that she is indeed that good and doesn't necessarily need help every time to do so. But this? Getting rid of Ric is one thing, but if this simply him being replaced by this blond bimbo and we get the rediculous interferences every time, what was the point?

- The promo right before the main event was quite good and you know that obviously something's...cooking. Will the "Club" become "Balor Club"? That's kind of the first thing I thought of while watching it but won't rush to any conclusions just yet. Let's just wait and see how it plays out...


- Figured we would at least get a glimpse of Rusev and Lana at least cutting a promo but...guess that was too good for Raw so they went ahead with a rematch with Kalisto on Smackdown...

- No womens match at all, just a week after the womens title was featured on the main event slot?

 

[Prince Bálor]