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HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT
AUGUST 26, 2019
NEW ORLEANS, LA
AIRED ON USA NETWORK
Announcers: Michael Cole, Corey Graves, Renee Young
[HOUR ONE]
-The show began with Sasha Bank’s music blaring in the arena. Cole called it boss time and Sasha walked to the ring without her patented pose at the top of the ramp. From there, Banks strutted to the ring without interacting with fans along the way. She didn’t hit her typical pose in the ring either. Once she made it in, Cole and the announce team cued up highlights that showcased how Banks vs. Natalya came to be and that the match would take place later in the evening.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Not that there was much of a gray area anyway, but if you thought Banks was still sticking in the babyface lane, this entrance told a different story. Smartly, Banks eliminated the babyface elements of her entrance. She’s in full heel mode now. If done properly and completely, this should be quite the sight to see.
When the highlight video ended, Banks stood in the ring and stared at the hard camera. As she stared the audience booed until she spoke. When she did, Banks said that everyone wanted to know “why” and “where has Sasha Banks been?” Banks said that for four months she’s been gone and not talking to anyone. She said that all she heard about was “Sasha Bank.” The audience chanted Becky. Banks said that all she heard was how Sasha Banks threw a fit, was seen crying at WrestleMania, and took her ball and went home. In response to that, Banks said “you damn right I did.” From there, Banks said she was relegated to a meaningless tag match at WrestleMania while Becky was in the main event against Rhonda Rousey. Banks said she used her WrestleMania check to go on a couple nice vacations, but that her pay was significantly less than Becky’s. The audience booed. Banks then said she returned with a plan and that plan started with Natalya with the end goal being to get to Becky Lynch. Banks said that now all of the attention was on her like it should be. She said she is the women’s division and the talk of the women’s division. She said she deserved all her glory.
Heydorn’s Analysis: A good promo and one that properly showcased Banks as a heel. In addition to that, she took the fans down her path and explained not just how, but why she was now acting the way that she was. Banks had a good cadence and though she stumbled a bit on some words, it worked and worked well to lay a foundation for her character as well as a match with Becky Lynch. Well done.
At that point, Nattie’s music hit and she hit the ring with fire to attack Banks. Sasha jumped out of the ring to meet her and the two brawled around the ringside area. Eventually, they were separated by WWE officials as the announce team hyped up their match for later in the evening. The show then went to break. (c)
-Out of the break, the Street Profits hyped upcoming events on tonight’s show. The hype included explaining the rules of a tag team turmoil match taking place later in the evening that would decide the number one contenders to the WWE Raw Tag Team Champions. From there, they ran through the tag teams that would be in the match.
Heydorn’s Analysis: I can appreciate the hype that the Street Profits put on different parts of the show. Aren’t they upset that they aren’t in the tag team turmoil match though? The fact that they don’t even address it snatches away competitive credibility that they may have.
They then sang as the action returned to the ring where Ricochet was making his entrance. As he did, a pre-taped Ricochet promo aired. He talked about how he looked up to past KOTR winners and said that he was willing to do anything in order to win the KOTR tournament. From there, Drew McIntyre hit the ring and a pre-taped promo aired from him as well. In it, he called past winners of the KOTR disappointments. He then said that he would exile all from his kingdom once he becomes king. Once Drew got into the ring, the bell rang, and the match began.
(1) DREW MCINTYRE vs. RICOCHET – First round King Of The Ring tournament match
Out of the gate, Drew McIntyre controlled the match with a handful of dominant offense. Ricochet knocked Drew out of the ring and attempted a moonsault, but Drew dodged it. From there, McIntyre lifted Ricochet into a sidewalk slam position and dropped him on the guardrail and the steel steps. He celebrated and gloated as the show went to break. (c)
Heydorn’s Analysis: Ok, I’m still thinking about it. Did Michael Cole hype Ricochet by saying he always wanted to be a real life superhero? I truly hope I’m wrong there, but I’m worried. Good grief.
Out of the break, the action continued with McIntyre firmly in control via a submission. Drew flipped that submission into a cover, but Ricochet kicked out at two. Finally, Ricochet changed momentum after connecting with an enziguri. After the move, Ricochet hit a dropkick to the knees. From there, he hit a missile dropkick which caused Drew to roll out of the ring. Seeing this, Ricochet connected with a corkscrew dive out of the ring before rolling drew back inside. Ricochet then tried to lift Drew on his shoulders, but couldn’t because of Drew’s size. He went for a reverse hurricanrana instead, but Drew countered it into a reverse Alabama Slam. Drew then made a cover, but only got a two count. Out of the pin, Drew slapped Ricochet in a disrespectful way before pressing him over his head. Ricochet countered whatever move was coming and then hit Drew with a Northern Lights suplex. Ricochet tried for a second, but Drew countered into a release vertical suplex.
Heydorn’s Analysis: A proper usage of Drew’s strength and size. He doesn’t have enough of these spots in his matches. They set him apart from everyone else on the roster and showcase something he can do that nobody else can. More please, WWE.
Out of that move, Ricochet took momentum back and connected with a springboard clothesline. He followed with a standing moonsault and made the cover, but only got a two count. Out of the pin, Ricochet climbed to the top rope, but Drew viciously knocked him off with a punch. This caused him to fall to the outside of the ring. Both men brawled on the outside, with Ricochet gaining a quick upper hand. He then went for a running move off of the steps, but Drew countered with his headbutt and crushed Ricochet in mid-air.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Heck of a spot. Something like this needs perfect timing and both guy executed to a “T.” Good stuff.
From there, Drew tossed Ricochet back into the ring and attempted the Claymore. Ricochet countered with a superkick and then kicked Drew’s knees again. He worked to continue momentum, but Drew countered with a clothesline and then hit Ricochet with a sit down powerbomb. McIntyre covered right away, but only got a two count. Out of that pin, Drew lifted Ricochet on his shoulders and climbed to the top rope. Eventually, Ricochet knocked Drew off and leapt off to hit the Recoil. After, he hit the 630 and covered for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Ricochet via pinfall
Heydorn’s Analysis: Really good match. Both men looked good within their respective roles, but this match was for Ricochet. He sold well for sympathy, but also looked the part of a big time star as he hit his key offensive moves. As for Drew, one has to wonder what this type of loss within this type of tournament means for him long term. The commentary around the win for Ricochet is curious. Why position him as a bracket buster? It tells the audience that it wasn’t supposed to happen and neutralizes the impact it could have for Ricochet as a star.
-After the match, Ricochet celebrated the win as the show went to break. (c)
-Out of the break, Cole cued up highlights that showcased last week’s tag team championship win by Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins. After it, Strowman and Rollins were interviewed. Strowman and Rollins entered the shot and once they did, Rollins addressed the fact that he would need to defend both his titles at Clash Of Champions. Rollins said he and Strowman would take on any challengers. Rollins asked Strowman if he agreed and all Strowman did was stare at the Universal Championship. From there, Strowman asked Seth who was challenging him for the Universal Title. Rollins answered and started to talk about all challengers, but said that Strowman didn’t care about that. He then asked Strowman if he wanted a shot. Strowman joked and said he just wanted to get on the same page with his partner. He then said that “of course” he wanted a shot at the title. In response, Rollins said that it wouldn’t feel good for him, but that he was a champion that took on all comers. He then accepted Strowman’s challenge. At that point, Cole announced that the match was official for Clash Of Champions and that it would be the first time ever that tag team partners would fight for their tag titles before wrestling for a singles title.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Simple stuff, and while that worked, this felt rushed. The money in Strowman vs. Rollins is in the build and within the ups and downs of them as a team. Part of that story is left on the table now that they went to the big match this quick.
-The Miz made his entrance as the show went to commercial break. (c)
-Out of the break, Miz spoke on the mic and ran down his accomplishments in the WWE. He then said he always gets asked what he wants next. His answer was “it all.” From there, he said he would win the KOTR tournament and become King Awesome. When he was finished, his opponent, Baron Corbin hit the ring. Once he got in, the bell rang, and the match began.
(2) BARON CORBIN vs. THE MIZ – First round King Of The Ring tournament match
Corbin owned the first part of the match. He decimated Miz with a handful of strikes and attempted pin attempts after each. With Miz down, the show went to commercial break. (c)
Out of the break, Corbin was in control, but Miz countered out of it and into his own run of offense. Miz hit Corbin with a flying clothesline in the corner. Out of that, he attempted the figure four, but Corbin kicked Miz off as a counter. From there, Miz ran at him, but Corbin lifted him and dropped him with Deep Six. After hitting the move, he made the cover, but only got a two count. After the pin attempt, Corbin argued with the referee. Eventually, Corbin stopped arguing and tried to hit Miz with a Choke Slam. Miz countered and tried to get away, but Corbin attempted End Of Days. Miz countered that too, but this time hit Corbin with a DDT. After, he went for the pin, but only got a two count. Out of the pin, Miz hit his Miz Kicks but Corbin countered them into the rollup at the end. Out of that pin attempt, Miz connected with the Skull Crushing Finale and covered, but Corbin kicked out at two. After the pin, Corbin rolled out of the ring.
[HOUR TWO]
Miz met him on the outside and tossed him back into the ring. From there, Miz jumped onto the rope for a springboard clothesline, but Corbin caught him in mid air. Corbin then hit Miz with End Of Days before covering for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Corbin via pinfall
Heydorn’s Analysis: Not as good as Ricochet vs. McIntyre, but good enough for TV and above my expectations for these two. The audience was with them for the near-falls which made for exciting in-match moments. Good stuff.
-After the match, Corbin slowly walked up the ramp and looked at the KOTR thrown. He then picked up the crown and put it on his head as the audience booed. From there, he sat on the throne and talked to the crowd. Corbin said that the audience wants anyone to win the KOTR tournament but him. He said that the good thing is that he doesn’t care about the audience and that the audience couldn’t accomplish anything that he has. He said that he is where he is because of him alone. To finish he said when he wins KOTR, everyone will hail King Corbin.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Corbin was looking for heat and he got it. Picking up the crown and wearing it ahead of winning the tournament is heel 101 stuff. Right now, Corbin’s heat is thick, but only relevant in the middle of the card. After being defined down as a viable competitive threat in the ring, putting together a string of wins within this tournament and beyond will start to lift him up the card where that heat could be realized in a more effective way.
-Gallows and Anderson were interviewed backstage. They mocked Strowman and Rollins for how they earned a title shot last week and complained that they had a tougher hoop to jump through in the turmoil match later in the night. From there, they said they would rewrite those wrongs and become number one contenders. The action then spilled back by the ring where Bayley made her entrance. As she did, the show went to break. (c)
-After the commercials, Cole recapped the events from last week involving Rey Mysterio and Dominic. After the hype video, the announce team debated whether or not Mysterio staying active is the right choice. They then said that Mysterio would return to the ring next week on Raw.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Enough of a follow-up and one that leaves the audience wanting more. Stretching it a week gives fans a reason to tune in. Sure, the story may not be a page turner by any means, but the promotional timeline is a smart one to get from point A to point B.
-With Bayley in the ring, Nikki Cross made her entrance. Once they got to the ring, the bell rang, and the match began.
(3) NIKKI CROSS vs. BAYLEY
Bayley had some momentum to start the match, but Cross eventually took over. She locked Bayley in leg scissor submission and then slammed her to the mat with a body slam before covering for a two count. As this beating happened, the announce team discussed Bayley and Graves said she was acting too big for her britches.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Is Graves getting heat there or telling the truth? As the audience, if we’re asking, something is wrong with the character and narrative.
Back in the ring, Cross slammed Bayley into the ring post and covered again for a two count. After the pin, both women exchanged punches until Bayley rolled Cross up for a two count. Out of that pin, Bayley connected with a vertical suplex and followed that by dropping Cross onto the ring ropes. From there, she went for a pin, but only got a two count. Out of that pin, Bayley hit Cross with a top rope elbow drop and covered for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Bayley via pinfall
Heydorn’s Analysis: And that purpose of this was what exactly? It was short and not all that sweet. It felt disjointed from the start and featured Corey Graves forcing the audience to question Bayley as a decent person. She’s booked as a babyface through and through, but this commentary ran counter to that.
-After the match, Bayley celebrated in the ring as Corey Graves hyped other upcoming segments on the show.
-Braun Strowman was interviewed again backstage. He said that Clash Of Champions would be a busy one for him and a historic one. He said that he and Seth would defend their tag belts and then he would go on to beat Seth for the Universal Championship. Strowman didn’t stop there and said he would win the US Championship from A.J. Styles and defend that too. From there, he said that Styles would get these hands.
Heydorn’s Analysis: That’s quite a declaration from Strowman. Three title defenses? Typically, babyfaces need to make good on these claims to be taken seriously. If Strowman is claiming this now, I’m in the camp of someone, possibly Rollins, preventing him from making good on his claim. Would certainly drive a wedge between the two. Time will tell.
-When the interview ended, The Viking Raiders made their way to the ring for Tag Team Turmoil. Graves said it was the biggest Tag Team Turmoil match in WWE history as the show went to break. (c)
(4) TAG TEAM TURMOIL NUMBER ONE CONTENDER MATCH
(4a) THE VIKING RAIDERS vs. THE B TEAM
The Viking Raiders dominated the match out of the gate. They quickly hit the Viking Experience and made the cover for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Viking Raiders via pinfall
(4b) THE VIKING RAIDERS vs. LUKE GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON
Right after B team took the pin, Gallows and Anderson hit the ring. One they got in, Gallows started things off against Erick and beat him out of the ring. From there, both Gallows and Anderson turned their attention to Ivar and assaulted him as well. Eventually, Ivar hit a suicide dive through the ropes and took out both Gallows, Anderson, and Erick. The brawl continued with the referee unable to get control. Finally, the referee rang the bell and eliminated both teams from the match.
WINNER: No contest due to disqualification
Heydorn’s Analysis: I get it, WWE needs to protect both teams. They don’t need to put them against each other though. Simply book a different path through the turmoil that gets around this match. It’s not an impossible feat.
-After the match, Robert Roode made his entrance to a very small reaction from the audience. As he did, the announce team talked up Roode and Dolph Ziggler as a viable new tag team. As they did, Ziggler’s music hit and he and Roode made their way to the ring together. The show then went to commercial break. (c)
Heydorn’s Analysis: More back and forth booking for Ziggler. That said, if you’re going to randomly team him with Roode, having the announcers discuss why they could be successful as a team is an important step in helping them potentially get over. That step was taken during their entrances. Well done.
(4c) DOLPH ZIGGLER & ROBERT ROODE vs. GRAN METALIK & LINCE DORADO
Out of the break, the match was underway. Metalik took momentum early after connecting with a springboard back elbow. From there, Metalik hit a flying dropkick before tagging Dorado into the match. Dorado looked to maintain momentum but was knocked off of the top rope. Eventually, Gran Metalik entered the match again and tried for a second springboard maneuver. This time, Ziggler countered with a superkick and made the cover for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Ziggler and Roode via pinfall
-Immediatley after the match, The Revival made their way to the ring.
(4d) DOLPH ZIGGLER & ROBERT ROODE vs. THE REVIVAL
Dawson and Ziggler tied up and chain wrestled to start things off. Eventually, Dawson rolled into the ropes which forced a break. From there, they tied up again with Ziggler putting Dawson into a headlock. Ziggler kept the headlock on and made the tag to Roode. Roode hit Dawson with chop, but Dawson countered and connected with his own. He then bounced off of the ropes, but Roode hit him with a back body drop. From there, Ziggler tagged back in whipped Dawson into the ropes. Dash made a blind tag into the match and proceeded to crush Ziggler with a clothesline. From there, he and Dawson cut the ring in half and destroyed Ziggler with offense near their corner. Both men tagged in and out to stay fresh until Dash got in for a while longer and locked in a bear hug submission.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Some very nice Graves commentary as soon as the Revival took over momentum. He discussed the strategy of cutting the ring in half and made if feel important that the Revival made that happen. Maybe more importantly, he defined why it was such a let down for Ziggler to let that happen. All in all, effective commentary that puts over the stars in the match while helping the narrative of the match itself.
Eventually, Ziggler made the tag to Roode. Roode hit the ring with fire, but was quiet in his offense. Dawson got distracted by Dolph Ziggler which allowed Roode to hook him from behind for the Glorious DDT. Dawson countered at first, but Roode countered the counter and hit it for the 1,2,3 win. The show then went to break. (c)
WINNER: Ziggler and Roode via pinfall
Heydorn’s Analysis: Plain and simple, Ziggler and Roode just aren’t over enough to get a win like this over a made team like the Revival. How could they be? This is their first night as a team. Big wins are important, but this too out of the blue and hot-shotted to realize full impact. Rushed, rushed, rushed.
(4e) DOLPH ZIGGLER & ROBERT ROODE vs. ZACK RYDER & CURT HAWKINS
Ziggler and Roode took over out of the gate and ended the match in seconds to continue their run.
WINNER: Ziggler and Roode via pinfall
-Right after their win, Heavy Machinery made their way to the ring.
(4f) DOLPH ZIGGLER & ROBERT ROODE vs. HEAVY MACHINERY
As Heavy Machinery made their way into the ring, Roode and Ziggler campaigned for a timeout. They didn’t get one and Heavy Machinery took advantage and attacked them. They tossed Ziggler and Roode back into the ring and the match began. Heavy Machinery hit some offense out of the gate, but their momentum was eventually squashed. At that point, Robert Roode took over and beat on Tucker with a series of strikes including a precise knee drop to his face. After, Roode went for a pin, but only got a two count. Out of the pin, Roode tagged Ziggler into the match. Ziggler kept momentum and tried for his own pin, but only got a two count. Out of the pin, Ziggler looked to maintain momentum, but Tucker battled to even the momentum. From there, both men tagged their partner into the match. Roode and Otis went head to head and Otis got the upper hand. He went for the Worm, but it was stopped by Ziggler. After, Otis took care of Ziggler and hit a running splash on both in the corner. After, he connected with the Caterpillar and covered for a two count.
[HOUR THREE]
In the end, Heavy Machinery went for the Compacter. Ziggler countered it into the Zig Zag and covered, but only got a two count. From there, Roode hit his Glorious DDT on Tucker and made the final cover for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Ziggler and Roode via pinfall
TURMOIL MATCH WINNER: Ziggler and Roode
Heydorn’s Analysis: Much to random for me. Starting a new team off with four major wins gives them instant credibility in one sense, but with both Ziggler and Roode, there is repairing that needs to be done. Those repairs in the form of storytelling along with wins gives their team important investment from the audience. Now, they feel like a team put together to job to Strowman and Rollins.
-After the match, the announce team cued up highlights and recaps regarding the Roman Reigns mystery. When the highlights ended, the show went to break. (c)
-Out of the break, Sasha Banks made her entrance. This time, with the babyface poses.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Well, that was short-lived. Maybe it’s old school, but if you’re a heel, take things out of your act that make audiences like you. Period. That pose, done differently, could be heelish. This execution was the same old same old.
-As Banks walked to the ring, the announce team recapped the events from earlier in the evening between her and Natalya. Once she got to the ring, Natalya walked out and made a B-line for Banks. The referee separated both and then rang the bell for the match to begin.
(5) SASHA BANKS vs. NATALYA
The match started aggressively with back and forth action between both women. The action spilled to the outside of the ring and then back in where Nattie took control. She hit Banks with a flurry of offense and tried to cover, but only got two counts. Finally, Sasha took control of the match and worked over the injured arm of Natalya. As she did, Graves discussed that that type of ruthlessness is what made Banks a great star.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Smart commentary, especially from a “heel” announcer. Paints Banks as the new heel she’s trying to be.
Banks kept up her attack and finally locked the Banks Statement in. Nattie almost got to the ropes, but Banks stopped her and choked her with her bad arm. That pain forced Nattie to submit almost immediatley.
WINNER: Banks via submission
-After the match, Banks arrogantly celebrated in the ring as the doctors checked on Natalya. She left the ring, but then returned to continue her submission on Nattie. Banks locked in the hold and smiled before breaking it.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Not much of a match, but successful in that it showcased the new heel Sasha Banks. Banks was aggressive and vicious with her offense in the match and continued that with her post-match beatdown. Banks used good facial expressions and well-timed smiles to show a different and darker side. Well done.
-A.J. Styles was interviewed backstage. He called his night a bunch of B.S. He said that Gallows and Anderson were cheated out of their titles and then said he shouldn’t have to defend his belt against Braun Strowman. He said that people must have forgotten how phenomenal he was and that he would give Braun Strowman exactly what he deserved – nothing. From there, the show went to break. (c)
-After the break, Cedric Alexander made his way to the ring to a decent pop from the New Orleans audience. As he walked to the ring, the announcers plugged next week’s King Of The Ring matches. When they finished, Cesaro made his entrance.
(6) CESARO vs. CEDRIC ALEXANDER
The match began at a quick pace with Alexander taking control. Eventually, Cesaro halted that momentum after crushing Cedric with a European uppercut to counter a suicide dive. Cesaro kept control from there until Alexander countered Cesaro offense in a way that sent him to the outside of the ring. Seeing this, Alexander nailed Cesaro with a flipping suicide dive over the top rope. From there, he rolled Cesaro back into the ring as the show went to break. (c)
Out of the break, Cesaro retook control of the match. Cesaro decimated Alexander’s knee and as he did, Michael Cole drew attention to the fact that this knee work could seriously hinder Alexander’s chances next week in the KOTR tournament. Eventually, Alexander countered Cesaro into the Michinoku Driver. After, he went for a pin, but only got a two count. From there, he tried for his springboard clothesline, but couldn’t because of his injured leg. Instead, he climbed to the top rope, but Cesaro climbed with him and lifted him off and to the mat with a superplex.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Great selling by Alexander. He’s working the injured knee authentically into his spots and it’s helping him build sympathy with the audience.
Right out of that move, Cesaro put Alexander in the Half Crab. Alexander got to the ropes, forced a break, and then connected with a standing Spanish Fly. This got a big reaction from the crowd and he used it to try and secure a pin, but only got a two count. Out of the pin, Alexander attempted to lift Cesaro for a move, but his knee gave way. This allowed Cesaro to lock in the Half Crab again. Cedric continued to sell his knee and eventually dodged a Cesaro dive which sent Cesaro crashing to the outside of the ring. Cesaro dove back in, but Alexander grabbed him and connected with the Lumbar Check. He then made the cover for the 1,2,3 win.
WINNER: Alexander via pinfall
Heydorn’s Analysis: Good match. It showcased Alexander in a positive light and at a high level while starting a narrative for his match next week. The knee injury is a piece that Cedric and Corbin can and should use in their match to keep sympathy with Alexander. I liked the commentary team connecting those dots for the audience too. Well done.
-After the match, A.J. Styles was shown warming up backstage as the show went to commercial break. (c)
-Out of the break, Cole and the announce team recapped this weekend’s happenings surround the WWE 24-7 Championship. This included clips of Truth winning the title at Fox’s big event including on Fox’s NFL stage.
Heydorn’s Analysis: Funny, but not an effective example of the pro wrestling FOX bought with SmackDown Live. Or is it?
-When the highlights ended, Ziggler and Roode were interviewed backstage. Ziggler and Roode discussed how they came together and Ziggler said that Roode just wants it more than anyone else – like he does. From there, Ziggler called himself and Roode the real main eventers in WWE. Roode chimed in and said it was destiny for he and Ziggler to partner together. He said they were the best looking team in WWE and that at Clash Of Champions the would win the tag team titles. They then said that that would be “absolutley glorious.”
Heydorn’s Analysis: Low bar analysis here, but I’m pleasantly surprised that Roode and Ziggler even got promo time. This promo wasn’t ground breaking, but it progressed their rushed story. Baby steps …
-The Street Profits hyped the events of Raw and joked about partying on Bourbon Street. Then out of nowhere, Braun Strowman appeared. At that point, the camera followed Strowman as he walked down the hall. The show then went to break. (c)
-Out of the break, the announce team cued up hype videos on the history of the new Bray Wyatt, the Firefly Funhouse, and The Fiend.
-When the videos ended, A.J. Styles made his entrance. As he did, the announce team recapped the history of how Rollins and Strowman started their relationship as tag team partners. After, Braun Strowman made his entrance. Strowman did his roar with his tag team title belt and walked down his ramp. As he did, Cole and the announce team discussed the matches involving Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman at Clash Of Champions. Graves said that Rollins doesn’t want to defend his title against Strowman, but would because he wants to take on all challengers. Once Strowman got into the ring, official introductions were made, and the match began.
(7) A.J. STYLES vs. BRAUN STROWMAN – WWE United States Championship Match
Styles attempted to tie up to start things off, but Strowman launched him over the top rope. From there, Strowman connected with consecutive running shoulder tackles that sent Styles into the guardrail. After, Strowman tossed Styles back into the ring. He went for a running splash, but Styles countered with a boot to the face. He then went for a springboard clothesline, but Strowman countered it into a choke slam. With Styles down, the show went to commercial break. (c)
Out of the break, the action continued. Styles locked a sleeper hold on Strowman and dropped him down to one knee. Strowman lifted Styles back into the air and drove him back into the ring corner. With both men uneasy, Styles connected with a dropkick to Braun’s leg to keep him down. From there, Styles kept his attack up with strategic shots to Braun’s hurt leg. He continued with a springboard moonsault on to Braun and followed with a cover for a two count. Out of the pin attempt, Styles locked in the Calf Crusher which caused Strowman to scream in pain. Eventually, Strowman broke out of the hold on his own without the ropes.
Heydorn’s Analysis:
Because of the break, Strowman connected with a headbutt and then attempted to get back to his feet. Strowman got to his feet first and crushed Styles with a series of shoulder tackles. From there, Strowman lifted Styles for the Power Slam, but the move was countered. Instead, Strowman went for a third shoulder tackle, but Styles dodged it which sent Braun crashing into the ring post. After, Strowman looked to continue his offense, but as he did, the referee was accidentally knocked out of the ring. Without a referee, Styles raked Strowman’s eyes, hit him with a low blow, and utilized a steel chair. Finally, Strowman dodged a chair shot and hit Styles with the Power Slam. He made the cover, but there wasn’t a referee in the ring to count the pin. At this point, Gallows and Anderson hit the ring to help Styles. They attacked Strowman for a bit, but eventually Braun battled back and decimated them with chairs. As this happened, the referee came to and disqualified for Strowman for using the chair on Styles. Strowman argued that he used it on Gallows and Anderson, but not Styles. The referee did not change his decision.
WINNER: Styles via disqualification
-After the match, Strowman decimated The OC with the steel chair and posed with the United States Championship as the show faded to black.
Heydorn’s Analysis: A fun match to watch given the heel was A.J. Styles and he’s significantly smaller than Braun Strowman. They were effective in building heat on Styles even with that size difference. A shenanigan ending was forecasted here given all that is already happening with Strowman. That said, Braun looked the part of a star as he crushed the OC to close the show. He was intense and aggressive, but in a likable way. If nothing else, that presentation of Strowman heading into a big title match made this match successful.
NOW CHECK OUT LAST WEEK’S REPORT: HEYDORN’S WWE RAW REPORT 8/19: Alt Perspective coverage of the live show including the start of the King Of The Ring tournament, Strowman vs. Styles, and more
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