We’ve booed him. We’ve branded him as the guy Vince shoved down our throats.
I booed Roman Reigns the character, but tonight, I cheered for Roman Reigns, the person. The human. He stood up in front of a live crowd, in front of millions of fans worldwide, openly discussed his diagnosis of leukemia having returned.
This isn’t a cold or bronchitis. This isn’t an injury you spend time in PT for. This is leukemia. This is serious. Certainly started the show off on a somber note, but the show which followed was surprisingly solid, despite the emotional wind taken out of its sails.
The first match ends on a positive note as Finn Balor defeated Bobby Lashley. Lio Rush is very annoying. Bobby Lashley will benefit from a mouthpiece, I’m just not sure a stereotyped loon at ringside is going to be of much benefit. He’s Bill Alfonso but minus the promo skills.
Right up next, Ruby Riott defeated Sasha Banks. Good match, only interference towards the end of the match which saw a distraction allow Riott to hit her finisher and pin Banks.
The Brothers of Destruction have a pre-taped promo. Degeneration X, comes to the ring and cut a promo stating no fear and puts over NXT. The end of the promo is interrupted by a dark and promise of despair from The Undertaker and Kane.
Odd statement during the promo, when Triple H says that nostalgia means “old” but yet, maybe it means that “old” is “better.” Hmm.
Rabbi Paul Heyman cuts a promo in the ring. He looks emotional while putting over Roman Reigns and heavily applauds the decision to put health over wealth which should be a source of inspiration. He thanks Reigns while transitioning the promo to focus on the announcement where Braun Strowman will face Brock Lesnar for the vacant WWE Universal Championship. He heavily puts over Brock as a beast and Strowman a cheap monster who isn’t in Brock’s league. Strowman interrupts and cuts a fierce rebuttal, until Drew McIntrye clocks the big man with the Claymore.
Very intriguing.
Elias is the greatest. He defeats Apollo Crews. The crowd cheers. Elias then attempts a second performance, but is interrupted by #BaconRorbin. He tries to talk Elias into leaving, but Elias is getting tired of the Acting GM’s antics and starts singing about Stephanie McMahon’s hand being up Bacon’s WHOOPSIE. Bacon cuts the mic, and instead of leaving, Elias delivers the El-Kabong, which sends the crowd (and myself) into a cheering frenzy.
TV promo by Kurt Angle putting over the other contenders in the Crown Jewel World Cup Tournament. Then talks about his chance to relive the prime of his career.
Then I am reminded Randy Orton is involved. Yuck.
Contract signing with The Bellas and Ronda Rousey doesn’t go too awry. Rousey promises not to beat them up tonight, and will on Sunday. The Bellas attempt to infuriate Rousey who gave her word not to touch them tonight. Despite being antagonized, Rousey stated she will keep her word about ending them on Sunday at Evolution.
Rousey is getting better on her promos, and I think I will always hate the Bellas.
Quick fatal-four way match sees Ember Moon defeats Nia Jax, Tamina, and Dana Brooke. I was surprised Tamina was the one being pinned. Too short of a match to appreciate any of it. Announce team talked up how many “legends” were going to appear in the Battle Royal this Sunday. Then Corey Graves adds, “Mandy Rose.” Huh?
Titus O’Neal leads the segment featuring six women who survived Breast Cancer and announces the continued partnership between WWE and the Susan B. Komen foundation.
Backstage: An interview segment erupts into a brawl with Trish Stratus, Lita against Mickie James and Alicia Fox.
RAW Main Event: Incredible main event Tag Team Championship match between Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose vs. Dolph Ziggler & Drew McIntyre. Five-star match. Crazy exchanges until the ref takes a bump, cues Braun Strowman to arrive and brawl with McIntrye all the way out of the ringside area. In the ring, a kick to the midsection followed by a Curb Stomp nets the pin and win for The Shield, capturing the RAW Tag Team Championships.
Highlight #1 – McIntyre tossing Rollins with a second-rope German superplex.
Highlight #2 – When Ambrose turns on Rollins after winning the championships, planting him on the concrete at ringside. What a way to turn heel. Win titles, on the same night Reigns announced he is stepping away, and go to town on Rollins.
Certainly unexpected. I am intrigued where this goes from here.
