November 2, 2015
From the Pepsi Center in Denver, CO
Your hosts are Byron Saxton, JBL, and Michael Cole
The show starts with Roman Reigns coming out to the ring through the crowd as the announcers put him over for being crowned the #1 contender to Seth Rollins’ WWE World Title last week on RAW after he defeated Alberto Del Rio, Kevin Owens, and Dolph Ziggler in a fatal our-way match. Reigns gets a solid response from the crowd here. He then states he is proud to be in Denver based off of the crowd’s “energy” and because he is the number one contender for the WWE World Title. Reigns says that Rollins is as good at ass-kissing as he is at wrestling then promises there is not a “force on earth” that can prevent him from being the next champion. He delivered that awkwardly. After that, Rollins comes out and laughs at Reigns for thinking he can take his title. Rollins puts over Reigns and says he never would have recruited him for the Shield if he was not good then rubs in the fact he lost his chance at the title at WrestleMania. Rollins also reminds us that he pinned Reigns after cashing in his Money in the Bank title shot. Rollins tells Reigns he will be second best as long as he is around and will just be remembered as he guy who carried his bags. Reigns then tells Rollins to get into the ring as Rollins teases entering before heading down then gets interrupted when the Authority comes out. Steph asks the crowd if they want to see these two fight as they all cheer. She then asks them if they want to see the match for the title as they go nuts but says it will not happen tonight. HHH makes a joke about being high, referencing the altitude, then Steph mocks Denver briefly before saying this match will take place in two weeks at the 29th annual Survivor Series. HHH then says we will have a traditional 5 vs. 5 Survivor Series match take place tonight as Rollins’ team will face the team lead by Reigns as they are now left to pick their partners. The segment was fine, if not predictable, and they have a main event to build on during the show.
Later tonight, Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch vs. Paige vs. Brie Bella will face off to become the #1 Contender to Charlotte’s WWE Divas Title.
Dolph Ziggler vs. Kevin Owens
Before the match, Cole notes how Tyler Breeze made his debut on Smackdown over a week ago and has been a thorn in Ziggler’s side. We are also shown an insert promo by Owens, saying he proves that he is the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all-time whenever he wrestles and if you do not like that, then he does not like you. Owens immediately attacks the injured knee of Ziggler, courtesy of Breeze. Ziggler tries to fight back but Owens knocks him back down then works him over in the corner. Ziggler’s leg gives out after he gets Irish whipped but he shoves off Owens, only to miss a splash in the corner. Owens mocks Ziggler for being “so close” then misses a senton before Ziggler hits him with a DDT as Owens rolls outside. Tyler Breeze then comes out with Summer Rae, who is holding the selfie stick, as we head to commercial break. We return with Owens working a headlock in the middle of the ring as Cole notes how Summer is live streaming herself on Breeze’s Facebook page. Owens now works a chinlock but Dolph fights back. He hits a neckbreaker following a corner splash. Ziggler gets a nearfall with an elbow drop. Owens blocks a Fameasser but ends up getting two with a victory roll. However, Owens follows with a release German suplex. Owens misses a cannonball in the corner as Ziggler covers for two. Breeze is then shown taking a selfie with both guys in the background and sits their forever until Ziggler goes after him. Ziggler misses then turns around and walks into the Pop-up Powerbomb as Owens gets the win (9:44) **1/4. After the match, Breeze attempts to take a selfie with Ziggler on the mat but gets decked. Ziggler tries to get up but Breeze hits him with the Beauty Shot then poses with Summer as they take a selfie, while Ziggler is out cold on the mat.
Thoughts: The match was wrestled like a house show match but at least told a story as Ziggler sold his injured knee. However, the finish was moronic and only made Ziggler look like a dope for going after someone who was on the floor and not even attempting to interfere.
We are shown a clip of the first Survivor Series PPV, which took place in 1987, as we see Randy Savage’s team against the Honky Tonk Man’s team. You can read my review of that show here
Backstage, Rollins runs into Owens. Rollins puts him over for his win and being the IC Champ as Owens wants to know where this is going. Rollins says that if they faced off at WrestleMania, champion vs. champion, it would be huge. Rollins asks Owens if he will be part of his team and Owens agrees, but tells Rollins that he “owes him one” while he tosses his wrist tape behind him and walks away. Nice interaction between the two as it sets up for a potential alliance and for a conflict down the road.
Clips of Paige attacking Charlotte and Becky Lynch on RAW last week.
Renee Young is backstage with Becky Lynch, who was sarcastically offended by Young referring to her as the “B” in Team PCB. Becky says that there is only one “B” in the team and that is Paige. Brie Bella interrupts and tells Becky dont worry about facing off against her friend because she will be winning the match and not the “doormat of a sister” of Nikki Bella. Brie storms off as Becky and Renee fist bump as Becky is squealing in excitement. Despite given lousy material, Becky came off well in this segment. The actually let her show some personality. And Brie showed signs that she is human here and not a robot.
Cesaro heads to the ring for his match as Cole brings up the “Cesaro Section” as we see the camera show a group holding up the signs before heading to break.
Cesaro vs. The Miz
Cole brings up the RAW Preshow where Miz offered Cesaro a spot in his stable as Cesaro declined, noting he is a wrestler while Miz is an entertainer. Stardust and the Ascension are shown in the crowd as they created there own “Stardust Section.” Cesaro keeps kipping up as Miz works the arm then yanks Miz to the mat. Miz comes back with a forearm to the face as a chant for Cesaro breaks out. Cesaro catches Miz with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker then hits a few European uppercuts before Miz bails. Cesaro steps out on the apron as Miz yanks him into the post then works a chinlock in the middle of the ring. Cesaro eventually breaks the hold but gets hit with a corner clothesline. Miz hits a flying double axe handle then taunts the crowd as Cole claims Cesaro has been on a role lately. At what, the blackjack table? Miz attempts the Skull Crushing Finale but Cesaro counters that with a fireman’s carry before hitting the giant swing with 25 revolutions. Cesaro then locks on a sharpshooter for the win (4:55) *1/2
Thoughts: After weeks of losing, it seems like they are gearing up Cesaro for a mini-push with a feud against Stardust. The announcers really put over the “Cesaro Section” as well as Cesaro’s strength. The crowd was into some of this but they have cooled off Cesaro so many times the past two years that it will take some time before they buy a serious push of him.
The Wyatt Family heads down to the ring. Bray tells us that while every night is special, tonight he wants to give us something they will never forget. He puts over how they took out the Undertaker and Kane but after a while, a body becomes disposable then useless. However, a soul lives forever, unless it is consumed by a higher power. Bray himself proclaims that he has become a higher power then tells us that they have harvested the souls of the Undertaker and Kane and the power feels really, really good. He then summons “thunder and lightning” as we get sound effects of this then he yells some more and drops to a knee as we get career highlight packages on both Kane and the Undertaker. The highlights end as Wyatt smiles while lifting up his head before yelling “follow the buzzards.” I thought this served zero purpose as it was too hokey and the fact Bray loses every feud he is its tough to make you think he has a realistic shot against the Undertaker & Kane.
We get a video package of the Lucha Dragons.
Lucha Dragons vs. King Barrett & Sheamus
Sheamus mocks Kalisto, who lands a bunch of kicks. Kalisto uses his speed to his advantage until he runs into a shoulderblock. Barrett tags and beats on Kalisto in the corner. Sin Cara makes a blind tag then hits a slignshot senton before tagging Kalisto back in and assisting with a 450 splash. We return from break with Sheamus in control until Sin Cara makes the tag. He runs wild and even takes Barrett out with a tope. Sin Cara climbs up top but Sheamus cuts him off after kicking the ropes. Sin Cara gets shove outside as Barrett tags then goes outside to inflict more punishment on Sin Cara. Back inside, Barrett works a chinlock as the crowd starts a “let’s go lucha” chant. Sheamus taunts the crowd then kicks Sin Cara, who tries to fight back. Sheamus gets two with the Irish Curse then yells at the referee. Barrett tags and beats the crap out of Sin Cara before mocking the lucha chants by yelling “Eu-ro.” Sheamus is back in but Sin Cara hits a DDT as both men are down. Sin Cara makes the tag as Kalisto runs wild on Barrett. He almost gets the win with a rana as Sheamus breaks it up. Sheamus and Sin Cara spill outside as Barett sets up for the Bullhammer but Kalisto ducks and hits the Salida del Sol for the win (13:21) ***.
Thoughts: Fun match. It also appears that they are giving the Lucha Dragons a chance to do something and they should, considering what little depth they have in the tag team ranks. Sin Cara had a good night and the crowd was digging him.
Backstage, Jack Swagger walks into Zeb Colter’s office. Swagger is sporting a beard, slicked-back hair and a leather jacket. Swagger notes his flag, which is a combination of Mexican and American, as Colter notes that he is part of MexAmerica and its time to reunite the great people and resources of both countries. Swagger isnt buying this but Del Rio comes in and tells Swagger to stay out of his business. Swagger wants to know what is going on as Colter tells him he already has while Del Rio says “Viva, MexAmeica” before walking out. Nice to see Swagger back but I dont think anyone needs to see another Del Rio/Swagger feud anytime soon. At least this makes sense they would have conflict with each other.
Alberto Del Rio w/ Zeb Colter vs. R-Truth
Del Rio beats on R-Truth in the corner. Truth fights back until Del Rio works a hanging cross armbreaker. Truth comes back with a heel kick and a pair of clotheslines. Spinning elbow gets two as Cole messes up and yells “what a win for R-Truth.” Del Rio comes back with a running kick then a back suplex. Truth is in the tree-of-woe as Del Rio kicks him a few times before stomping him down for the win (3:19) 1/2*.
Thoughts: Dull and the crowd was not into this at all. Colter did nothing at ringside here and is limited in his mobility while confined to the motorized scooter.
We get a clip of the 2005 Survivor Series and the RAW vs. Smackdown match.
Back from break, the New Day run into Seth Rollins and ask him about joining his team. Rollins says they need one more guy as Woods is not there as Big E and Kofi think until we hear the trombone as Woods comes back, saying he has returned. Hilarious segment and Rollins played a great straight man here.
Sasha Banks is getting ready backstage as Jojo comes in to ask if she is anxious about tonight’s match. Sasha thinks that is cute and asks if she has a real question. Jojo then asks her about the “we want Sasha” chants as Sasha makes a comment about how everyone wants her and tells Jojo that Halloween has ended. Sasha came off as a total heel here. She did fine.
Divas Title #1 Contender Match: Becky Lynch vs. Sasha Banks vs. Brie Bella vs. Paige
Becky works over the arm of Sasha to start. Brie comes in but Sasha tosses her in the corner. Becky rolls up Sasha a few times but cannot put her away. Brie takes them both out with a missile dropkick then Paige takes her out. Becky attacks Paige and roughs her up outside of the ring. Paige comes back and sends Becky into the stairs as Sasha beats on Brie inside the ring. Brie comes back after tossing Sasha off of the middle rope then gets two with a bulldog. Brie tries another missile dropkick but Sasha ducks then Paige gets two off of a pin as we go to break. We return with Brie hitting the Yes kicks on Becky and Sasha until Paige rolls her up for two. Brie comes back and hits the kicks to Paige. She then hits Becky with a facebuster but Paige breaks up the pin and hits her with a knee smash in the corner then they all work a tower of doom spot as everyone is down and the crowd applauds, even starting a “this is awesome” chant. Becky is up first and runs wild. She puts Brie in the Disarmer until Sasha breaks up the hold. Becky and Sasha go back-and-forth until Sasha hits the Banks Statement until Paige breaks that up. Paige shoves Sasha into the post before hitting Becky with the Rampage for the win (13:23) ***. After the match, Byron asks Paige about being happy. Paige calls her opponents losers and that if anyone cheers them on they are losers as well. And if you cheer on Charlotte, you are a loser too because this is her house. Paige orders Byron away as the taunts the crowd then heads up the ramp.
Thoughts: Good match. Becky looked great and really carried things. Brie even looked okay. Paige vs. Charlotte makes a lot of sense for the belt.
Now, we are shown clips of last year’s Survivor Series match as John Cena’s team went up against the Authority.
Renee Young is with Charlotte and asks her about facing Paige at Survivor Series. Charlotte said she is glad that Paige won as she will do anything to win, like herself, and how she knows her opponents strengths and weaknesses. She then takes offense to those saying she is only the champion due to being Ric Flair’s daughter and how she earned the Divas Title and it only makes her work even harder. This was starting off as a disaster but Charlotte recovered at the end. Still, she needs a lot of work on her character and promos. And just her presence in general.
The New Day come out and make a lot of puns about being the “survivor” then vow to lead Team Rollins to victory as they make a unicorn and chant “New Day rocks.”
Team Rollins (Seth Rollins & Kevin Owens & New Day) vs. Team Reigns (Roman Reigns & The Usos & Ryback & Dean Ambrose)
Woods asks to start and runs right into a super kick by Jimmy then Jey puts him away with a splash as it is 5 vs. 4 heading into break. We return with Team Rollins beating on Jey as Cole lets us know that Randy Orton suffered a shoulder injury and will be out for “some time.” Jey comes back and tags Jimmy, who runs wild on Kofi. Big E runs in but Jey pulls down the ropes and spills outside as the Usos take out the New Day with stereo topes. Not much crowd reaction for the Usos here. Back inside, Kofi gets rolled inside as Jimmy puts him away with a frog splash as Team Reigns is up 5-3. Big E then attacks Jey and shortly after that puts him away with the Big Ending as its now 4-3. Jimmy charges at Owens and gets hit with the Pop-up Powerbomb and eliminated as its tied 3-3. Reigns comes in and beats on Owens. Rollins taunts Reigns on the apron as Ambrose knocks him off then flies outside for a tope. Reigns sets up for the Superman Punch but Rollins distracts him then Owens connects with a super kick as we head to break.
After the commercial, Team Rollins takes turns beating on Reigns. Rollins almost puts him away with a DDT then puts him in a chinlock. They continue to neutralize Reigns until he breaks free and tags the Ryback, who destroys Big E. Ryback catches Big E. with a clothesline after getting knocked down. Ambrose knocks Owens outside and tries a tope but gets caught and pushed as Ambrose rebounds off of the ropes and hits a clothesline. In the ring, Big E tries the Big Ending but that fails and Ryback hits the Shellshock for the pin as it is 3-2. However, Rollins sneaks in to hit Ryback with a Pedigree as its tied up at 2. Owens roughs up Ambrose then rolls him inside. Rollins tries a Pedigree but Ambrose counters then tries to make a tag. Rollins knocks Reigns off of the apron but Ambrose hammers away. He gets two with a flying elbow smash. Owens provides a distraction as Rollins hits an enziguiri. Reigns breaks up the pin but Ambrose is now getting beaten on by Owens, who is mocking both guys as well as the crowd. Owens holds up Ambrose for Rollins, who hits a flying knee smash for a nearfall. Ambrose fights back but runs into a super kick from Owens. Rollins comes in with a flying knee but Ambrose ducks and he hits Owens. Ambrose clears Rollins from the ring then hits Owens with the Dirty Deeds for the pin as its 2-1 for Team Reigns.
The crowd starts a “you sold out” chant aimed at Rollins, who tries to retreat but fails as he gets dragged back into the ring each time. Reigns takes Rollins off of the announcers table with the Drive-By then beats him down in the corner. Reigns beats Rollins in the corner then puts him on his shoulders as Ambrose climbs up top but Rollins uses an eye rake to escape then retreats outside. Ambrose follows him out as Rollins hits him with a chair for the DQ (30:15) ***1/2. Rollins also hit Reigns and is pissed about the match then inflicts more punishment on Reigns with the chair and rolls him back inside. Rollins brings the chair with him but Reigns pops up to hit the Superman Punch as Rollins retreats up the ramp with his title.
Thoughts: Good match that was just about all action for the most part. The end also makes you want to see Reigns vs. Rollins at the Survivor Series and sold that match well. Plus, they can accelerate the conflict between Owens and Rollins if needed due to the mishap. Just a fun way to close the show.
Final Thoughts: Solid show tonight. There was minimal time-wasting segments and a few solid matches. Not everything worked but the good outweighed the bad (which there wasnt really anything actively bad, just a few dull things) plus they are shaping things up for Survivor Series and starting to actually push newer acts and position guys at the top of the card instead of a majority of the roster just trading wins.
