WWE Raw: Seven things we learnt heading into Clash Of Champions – including WWE is not behind Kevin Owens
Six days before WWE’s Clash of Champions pay-per-view, we take a look at the big events from last night's Raw
SIX days before WWE’s Clash of Champions pay-per-view, we take a look at the big events from last night's Monday Night Raw.
What it could mean for Raw’s top superstars heading into Clash of Champions this Sunday.
WWE Could be Lining Up Sasha v Bayley
Charlotte and Dana Brooke defeated Bayley and Sasha in a decent tag match, but the big news is that Bayley will be added to the Women’s Championship match this Sunday – which could be a show stealer. After more bullying from Charlotte, Dana is sure to turn and cost her tormentor the title, which means either Sasha and Bayley should walk out as champ.
And with obvious dissention between them following last night’s loss, are we about to see a bitter rivalry erupt between the best friends? It seemed like WWE would keep that for WrestleMania, but it could pull the trigger early.
The Best of Seven Series Will Finally End
Cesaro defeated Sheamus is a serviceable match, evening their series to 3-3. Fans will be relieved to see the end of it. The two superstars have worked hard to make each match interesting but it’s been a dull waste of them both – especially Cesaro, who is rumoured to be leaving WWE later this year. Will WWE try to change his mind by making him the overall winner at this Sunday’s Clash of Champions. WWE’s track record with the “Swiss Superman” suggests not.
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Sami Zayn Finally Has A Feud
It’s been eight weeks since Zayn beat Kevin Owens at Battleground – and the “Underdog from the Underground” has been treading water ever since. But he attacked Chris Jericho last night while Y2J read out his hilarious List of Jericho (a collection of grievances against other superstars, including Mick Foley – “stealing catchphrases”). They were then added to a throwaway ten-man tag match, with Zayn joining Enzo and Cass and The New Day against Jericho, The Shining Stars and Gallows and Anderson. It was lazy booking for the tag division – but a step forward at least for Zayn, who gets a match with Y2J at Clash of Champions.
We Still Don’t Know Why Triple H Screwed Rollins
Three weeks ago Triple H made his surprise return and hit Rollins with the Pedigree – allowing Kevin Owens to make the pin and become Universal Champion. Fans had expected and explanation by now – or for Triple H to be in Owens’ corner – but he’s yet to reappear. Stephanie continued to deny any knowledge of her husband Triple H’s actions last night on Raw (presumably she hasn’t got round to asking him at home). It was a further disappointment that Trips wasn’t announced for Clash of Champions to explain his actions.
It’s Not About Size
The cruiserweight division made its much-anticipated debut with a stellar fatal four-way match between Gran Metalik, Cedric Alexander, Rich Swann and The Brian Kendrick. It wasn’t the high-speed aerial display that causal fans might have been expecting, but was packed with incredible moves – including the “Lumbar Check” back breaker from Alexander and a jaw-dropping standing 450 splash from Swann. Veteran superstar Kendrick won with his bully choke, clinching a title shot against Cruiserweight Classic winner and champ TJ Perkins at Clash of Champions.
WWE Is Not Behind Kevin Owens
It was welcome surprise when Owens won the Universal Championship. He’s one of the best all-round performers in WWE and long overdue a main event push – but it’s clear WWE is committed to him as a real “top guy”. He needed interference twice last week to defeat Roman Reigns and then lost to Reigns in a cage match last night. It was only after Rusev ran down post-match that Owens managed to overpower Reigns – Vince McMahon’s real “chosen one”.
Seth Rollins Is Now “The Guy”
After weeks of uncertainty about where Rollins stood – good guy, bad guy, or somewhere in between – he finally cemented his babyface status this week. He battled to a double count-out with Rusev, which he ended with a crowd pleasing dive onto the “Bulgarian Brute” from the stage – then saved Roman Reigns in the show’s closing moments, leaping from the top of the cage onto Rusev and Kevin Owens. Making the save for his former Shield teammate and longtime rival is a turning point for Rollins, who will likely walk out of Clash of Champions as Universal Champion – unless Triple H does finally return to stop him.
Watch Clash of Champions on the WWE Network Sunday September 25