Review by @McIverTheMark
Kevin Owens vs Chris Jericho – WWE United States Championship Match
Prediction: Owens
Result: Jericho wins the US Title as Owens taps out
Grade: A
Thoughts: Well…who could have predicted that?! Literally everyone had predicted Owens due to the fact we knew Jericho is leaving soon to tour with his band Fozzy but…wow! A truly fantastic match- the storytelling was exquisite; Owens used the same way to stay in the match as he did at Mania so Jericho took out that aspect by targeting his hand. Owens looked dominant and calculating for most of the match; exactly the type of character he should be. Jericho looked 26- not 46 as he flew about the ring making everything he did look effortless. The crowd was so far behind Chris that it made him winning even better. A true joy to watch and a brilliant start to the night.
Neville vs Austin Aries – WWE Cruiserweight Title Match
Prediction: Austin Aries
Result: Neville wins by DQ by grabbing the referee
Grade: C+
Thoughts: Shame about that finish. The match itself was a really, really fun experience that perfectly showcased how good the Cruiserweight division can be. A Double is really exciting and likeable whereas Neville is the dickhead, cocky heel who thinks he’s above everyone and everything. Both guys have great chemistry together which has been evident over the past few months but…the finish hurt it. If you didn’t want to have Neville lose the title- there are many other better ways to achieve that. Additionally, many people won’t remember the match but just the finish so…it’s sad but hopefully people will remember how good the match itself was.
The Hardy Boyz vs Sheamus and Cesaro – WWE Raw Tag Team Title Match
Prediction: Hardy Boyz
Result: Jeff and Matt retain the titles after Sheamus is pinned
Grade: A-
Thoughts: After a brilliant first hour of wrestling; the match of night so far as I write this happened. All four guys have outstanding chemistry with each other, Matt and Jeff were insanely over; so much so that Cesaro was getting booed throughout the match. The brilliant action was exhilarating to watch and the battle scars showed; Jeff lost a tooth halfway through the match and Matt was bloody during the pinfall. The finish was well crafted and made everyone feel satisfied. Then…the turn happened. It was one of those moments where you feel it in your gut- it made you angry that Matt and Jeff were being targeted after they had won after a hard-fought, great match. Sheamus and Cesaro have already been fantastic as faces but they have MASSIVE potential as heels. It really does make you want to tune into Raw tomorrow night to see what comes of this. Hats off to all four involved.
Bayley vs Alexa Bliss- WWE Raw Woman’s Title Match
Prediction: Bayley
Result: Alexa pins Bayley after a DDT after Bayley hit the metal post head-first
Grade: B+
Thoughts: As I write this, we are halfway through the pay-per-view and there hasn’t been a bad match yet. This was, without a shadow of a doubt, the best match of Alexa Bliss’ main roster career. The hometown girl who the entire crowd wanted to win in Bayley felt real and raw whereas the evil, dismissive heel in Alexa made you want Bayley to win more and more. The action was crisp- there were some beautifully technical spots whilst also being brutal and hard hitting- aka the spot where Bayley’s head hit hard against the steel post. Bliss winning here was the correct decision; She gets to make history and with Little Miss Bliss as the figurehead of the division; it helps create a much more varied landscape. Like the match prior, my hat is tipped to both women.