Two weeks ago, Smackdown presented Backlash and got a decent rating to boot, now it's RAW's turn to try and prove their apparent 'superiority' with a show of their own in Clash Of Champions.
With the large amount of titles now on the brand with the addition of the newly formed WWE Cruiserweight Championship, acquiring the Night Of Champions event seemed an obvious thing to do, but the name tweak to 'Clash' Of Champions doesn't feel right, neither does RAW either in its current shape. With the injury to Finn Balor resulting in the title being put on Kevin Owens, RAW has seemed creatively disjointed and difficult to watch at times, which might explain why SmackDown has been progressively getting closer to them in the TV ratings. With this event, and a roster of good talent, it's time for the RAW brand to put up or shut up with their first brand exclusive PPV event since 2007's New Years Revolution event and give us a show worthy of that talents qualities. With a number of potential title changes and upsets possible, it could lead to a very dramatic and entertaining night, or it couldn't. With this review, I'll be looking to see which of those statements rings out true, and decide an inaugural winner in the Brand versus Brand PPV offerings. Get ready to place your bets, this could get interesting.
SPOILER WARNING - IF YOU DON'T WANT THE RESULTS RUINED, DO NOT READ ON.
If you've never seen The CC Network's video reviews of WWE events before, my review system that I use for those as well as these blogs will be new to you. Matches are given star ratings in accordance with an average, accumulated score of five rating factors: Psychology (in-ring story), Move Variety, Crowd Reaction, Match Length and Pacing, as well as my overall enjoyment as a result of those factors.
THERE WILL BE NO ACCOMPANYING VIDEO DUE TO MY CURRENT HIATUS FROM UPLOADING NON-FRIDAY FLASHBACK REVIEWS TO THE CHANNEL.
Now time to get into the show. As I don't review the Pre-Show Match as part of the whole televised package, here's the result of that match:
Nia Jax def Alicia Fox (4:57)
Nia Jax def Alicia Fox (4:57)
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THE NEW DAY (c) def LUKE GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON TO RETAIN THE RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS (6:45)
PSYCHOLOGY: 2
TJ PERKINS (c) def BRIAN KENDRICK TO RETAIN THE WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10:31)
PSYCHOLOGY: 2
CESARO VS SHEAMUS DECLARED A DRAW, SERIES REMAINS AT 3-3 (17:04)
PSYCHOLOGY: 3.5
PSYCHOLOGY: 2
CHARLOTTE (c) def BAYLEY & SASHA BANKS TO RETAIN THE RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP (15:27)
PSYCHOLOGY: 3
PSYCHOLOGY: 2
THE NEW DAY (c) def LUKE GALLOWS & KARL ANDERSON TO RETAIN THE RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONSHIPS (6:45)
MOVE VARIETY: 1
CROWD REACTION: 2
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 2
MY ENJOYMENT: 2.5
CORRECT PREDICTION: NO
FINAL RATING: *1/2
The New Day have held the (RAW) Tag Team Titles for bang on 400 days as of today. The feat is extraordinary, and is beyond many superlatives, especially considering what the team were like when they first came in. However, with this record lasting and the amount of credible opponents decreasing, many, including myself thought RAW's first exclusive PPV would be a good time as any to allow a new team atop the mountain. While the match was seemingly going that way, it didn't quite go to plan, and for the first time in New Day's run, them retaining made no sense, in terms of result or the match itself.
Gallows & Anderson took control of the match from the bell, violently dispatching of Big E & Woods, leaving Kingston to be dissected. While New Day got some offence in, it came against the flow of the match, who's main job was to establish their challengers as an unstoppable force after months of poor comedy angles. The contest did just that, as Gallows & Anderson countered staple moves of New Day's arsenal, scouting them well and in a time of great need stopping a near fall right at the death to show that their endurance, kept thanks to their dominance early on would pay off. Sadly though, New Day somehow got the win, even if the balance of momentum and the physicality they endured was against them. They didn't sell the punishment despite being on the back foot from the start and won via a cheating trombone shot to the face. It was a result created primarily out of unpredictable nessecity rather than logic, and made no sense. While New Day as champions is still acceptable, the way this match went about it ruined what good it had created beforehand.
While the psychology built on the challengers physicality and aggression did most of the work, a fast but steady pace meant their typical slow and methodical pace was thrown aside to make Gallows & Anderson look more prepared and up for the fight, while momentum shifted well and kept the pace on to ensure the crowd started the PPV loud and proud, getting into this intense, fast contest. As a result this match was quite fun to watch, with the dominance of Gallows & Anderson being very fun to watch given the context of the feud, however the result neuters the match and leaves me questioning WWE's decision making here. Will Gallows & Anderson win the titles tonight on RAW to end The New Day's reign at 400 days or will we wait until Hell In A Cell next month to sort things out? Lord knows. All I know is that this result, while apparently good for WWE's merchandise sales, doesn't duo any favours for both teams going forward. The match may have been better than their SummerSlam match, but not by much as the finish makes the rating I've given look somewhat charitable given context.
The New Day have held the (RAW) Tag Team Titles for bang on 400 days as of today. The feat is extraordinary, and is beyond many superlatives, especially considering what the team were like when they first came in. However, with this record lasting and the amount of credible opponents decreasing, many, including myself thought RAW's first exclusive PPV would be a good time as any to allow a new team atop the mountain. While the match was seemingly going that way, it didn't quite go to plan, and for the first time in New Day's run, them retaining made no sense, in terms of result or the match itself.
Gallows & Anderson took control of the match from the bell, violently dispatching of Big E & Woods, leaving Kingston to be dissected. While New Day got some offence in, it came against the flow of the match, who's main job was to establish their challengers as an unstoppable force after months of poor comedy angles. The contest did just that, as Gallows & Anderson countered staple moves of New Day's arsenal, scouting them well and in a time of great need stopping a near fall right at the death to show that their endurance, kept thanks to their dominance early on would pay off. Sadly though, New Day somehow got the win, even if the balance of momentum and the physicality they endured was against them. They didn't sell the punishment despite being on the back foot from the start and won via a cheating trombone shot to the face. It was a result created primarily out of unpredictable nessecity rather than logic, and made no sense. While New Day as champions is still acceptable, the way this match went about it ruined what good it had created beforehand.
While the psychology built on the challengers physicality and aggression did most of the work, a fast but steady pace meant their typical slow and methodical pace was thrown aside to make Gallows & Anderson look more prepared and up for the fight, while momentum shifted well and kept the pace on to ensure the crowd started the PPV loud and proud, getting into this intense, fast contest. As a result this match was quite fun to watch, with the dominance of Gallows & Anderson being very fun to watch given the context of the feud, however the result neuters the match and leaves me questioning WWE's decision making here. Will Gallows & Anderson win the titles tonight on RAW to end The New Day's reign at 400 days or will we wait until Hell In A Cell next month to sort things out? Lord knows. All I know is that this result, while apparently good for WWE's merchandise sales, doesn't duo any favours for both teams going forward. The match may have been better than their SummerSlam match, but not by much as the finish makes the rating I've given look somewhat charitable given context.
TJ PERKINS (c) def BRIAN KENDRICK TO RETAIN THE WWE CRUISERWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP (10:31)
MOVE VARIETY: 2.5
CROWD REACTION: 3
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 3
MY ENJOYMENT: 3
CORRECT PREDICTION: YES
FINAL RATING: **3/4
The Cruiserweight's debut on RAW last week while fun to watch was done with honestly LITTLE fanfare despite Mick Foley's best efforts, and while the contest was a nice exhibition of some of the talents that lit up the CWC over the last few months, we knew we'd have to wait for this match to see whether it could still grab attention under a more neutered and brighter banner. Well, I can say after the match last night, we were given a good kickstart to build upon.
With Kendrick & Perkins' history being noted by the commentators, making the aggression and desperation by the former WWE Tag Team Champion feel warranted, the match, while fast and fluid felt more intense than expected, with Kendrick using his grounded, physical offence to slow down the speedy style of Perkins, who used his pace in a multitude of spots while both men put together some submissions not usually seen under the WWE banner. Perkins had his neck targeted after hurting it on the apron early on and while he occasionally forgot to sell it, Kendrick's working of it more than made up for Perkin's faux pas as the incumbent champion spent the rest of the match fighting against the bite of Kendrick's bark, with the match last just enough time and containing enough substance to keep the crowd invested, which subsequently got louder as the match reached its climax and the respect of both men was thoroughly earned.
This match was a fun exercise in fluid, crisp and well executed wrestling, with just enough backstory and in-match psychology to make it as full-fleshed as it could be in only ten minutes. It introduced the Cruiserweights to a casual audience in a way as to not overwhelm them but give them a taster of what's to come. With Kendrick head butting Perkins afterwards, the feud isn't over by a long shot. This match could've lasted longer, slowed down more and had more body selling from Perkins (with fewer kickouts), this match could've been just a bit better. It was still great, but after the CWC wowed us, this didn't quite live up to the par despite the praise this match gets.
The Cruiserweight's debut on RAW last week while fun to watch was done with honestly LITTLE fanfare despite Mick Foley's best efforts, and while the contest was a nice exhibition of some of the talents that lit up the CWC over the last few months, we knew we'd have to wait for this match to see whether it could still grab attention under a more neutered and brighter banner. Well, I can say after the match last night, we were given a good kickstart to build upon.
With Kendrick & Perkins' history being noted by the commentators, making the aggression and desperation by the former WWE Tag Team Champion feel warranted, the match, while fast and fluid felt more intense than expected, with Kendrick using his grounded, physical offence to slow down the speedy style of Perkins, who used his pace in a multitude of spots while both men put together some submissions not usually seen under the WWE banner. Perkins had his neck targeted after hurting it on the apron early on and while he occasionally forgot to sell it, Kendrick's working of it more than made up for Perkin's faux pas as the incumbent champion spent the rest of the match fighting against the bite of Kendrick's bark, with the match last just enough time and containing enough substance to keep the crowd invested, which subsequently got louder as the match reached its climax and the respect of both men was thoroughly earned.
This match was a fun exercise in fluid, crisp and well executed wrestling, with just enough backstory and in-match psychology to make it as full-fleshed as it could be in only ten minutes. It introduced the Cruiserweights to a casual audience in a way as to not overwhelm them but give them a taster of what's to come. With Kendrick head butting Perkins afterwards, the feud isn't over by a long shot. This match could've lasted longer, slowed down more and had more body selling from Perkins (with fewer kickouts), this match could've been just a bit better. It was still great, but after the CWC wowed us, this didn't quite live up to the par despite the praise this match gets.
CESARO VS SHEAMUS DECLARED A DRAW, SERIES REMAINS AT 3-3 (17:04)
MOVE VARIETY: 2
CROWD REACTION: 3
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 2.5
MY ENJOYMENT: 3.5
CORRECT PREDICTION: NO
FINAL RATING: ***1/4
The old saying states "They Always Save The Best 'Til Last". In the case of Sheamus and Cesaro, they most certainly did. It was a physical, intense and at times frightening contest to watch as both men pulled figurative rabbits out of the hat to try and best each other, with a controversial ending that just like New Day's victory earlier, made absolutely no sense, but unlike the tag team championship match is understandable to a degree.
Sheamus spent pretty much the entire match targeting Cesaro's injured back while occasionally going for the surgically repaired shoulder too, with Cesaro selling very well. The intensity built as both men showed increased desire for the rich prize looming ahead of them wanting to continue the punishment at whatever cost, which included them doing moves no one expected with The Celtic Warrior pulling of a running Windmill Kick and Cesaro, defying all logic pulling off a 619. Yes, you read that right, Cesaro pulled off Rey Mysterio's iconic finisher, it wasn't pretty but it was incredible to see. The crowd started apathetic to it all, as they'd done in most of the six prior matches beforehand, but as they saw the sheer magnitude of the beating these guys were giving to each other and the closeness of the near falls, they got into it and if it weren't for the ending, they wouldn't been even louder. The match started off fast, and surprisingly stayed that way throughout its long seventeen minute time, while there were some slow moments, these two were running on adrenaline surpluses for sure as they pulled off near fall after near fall and still couldn't put each other away, and after Cesaro's near neck breaking Suicide Dive made everyone catch their bated breath, the match just kept chugging along at the same insane pace while another psychological element was added.
The finish of the match, much like the earlier tag team match is what ruins its final rating somewhat, but I can understand it. With both men fighting so hard, to have them both be declared unable to compete and leave the battle for supremacy open was a nice way of not making either man look weak, however, it robbed the crowd and the wrestlers of a rub, and stopped the match dead in its tracks as it was progressing to its magnificent climax. It leaves the future of the series up in the air, giving me more a reason to tune into RAW but it ended the match on a dull note that while easy to see why it happened, still leaves me dumbfounded and leaves the match stuck in good territory when it could've been great. If you couple it in with the lack of pace fluctuation, a lack of major spots and the slow start of the crowd, it takes away from a possible four star match that this event needed. That being said, it was still the best match of the series for sure and gave a mid card match on this card some serious credibility, boosting what quality both men bring to the brand. Lets hope that ending comes to a good conclusion in its own right, or this effort displayed in this match would've all been for nothing.
CHRIS JERICHO def SAMI ZAYN (15:24)The old saying states "They Always Save The Best 'Til Last". In the case of Sheamus and Cesaro, they most certainly did. It was a physical, intense and at times frightening contest to watch as both men pulled figurative rabbits out of the hat to try and best each other, with a controversial ending that just like New Day's victory earlier, made absolutely no sense, but unlike the tag team championship match is understandable to a degree.
Sheamus spent pretty much the entire match targeting Cesaro's injured back while occasionally going for the surgically repaired shoulder too, with Cesaro selling very well. The intensity built as both men showed increased desire for the rich prize looming ahead of them wanting to continue the punishment at whatever cost, which included them doing moves no one expected with The Celtic Warrior pulling of a running Windmill Kick and Cesaro, defying all logic pulling off a 619. Yes, you read that right, Cesaro pulled off Rey Mysterio's iconic finisher, it wasn't pretty but it was incredible to see. The crowd started apathetic to it all, as they'd done in most of the six prior matches beforehand, but as they saw the sheer magnitude of the beating these guys were giving to each other and the closeness of the near falls, they got into it and if it weren't for the ending, they wouldn't been even louder. The match started off fast, and surprisingly stayed that way throughout its long seventeen minute time, while there were some slow moments, these two were running on adrenaline surpluses for sure as they pulled off near fall after near fall and still couldn't put each other away, and after Cesaro's near neck breaking Suicide Dive made everyone catch their bated breath, the match just kept chugging along at the same insane pace while another psychological element was added.
The finish of the match, much like the earlier tag team match is what ruins its final rating somewhat, but I can understand it. With both men fighting so hard, to have them both be declared unable to compete and leave the battle for supremacy open was a nice way of not making either man look weak, however, it robbed the crowd and the wrestlers of a rub, and stopped the match dead in its tracks as it was progressing to its magnificent climax. It leaves the future of the series up in the air, giving me more a reason to tune into RAW but it ended the match on a dull note that while easy to see why it happened, still leaves me dumbfounded and leaves the match stuck in good territory when it could've been great. If you couple it in with the lack of pace fluctuation, a lack of major spots and the slow start of the crowd, it takes away from a possible four star match that this event needed. That being said, it was still the best match of the series for sure and gave a mid card match on this card some serious credibility, boosting what quality both men bring to the brand. Lets hope that ending comes to a good conclusion in its own right, or this effort displayed in this match would've all been for nothing.
MOVE VARIETY: 1.5
CROWD REACTION: 2
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 2
MY ENJOYMENT: 1.5
CORRECT PREDICTION: NO
FINAL RATING: *1/4
Chris Jericho and Sami Zayn's feud has been built of an intense dislike and the friendship histories of the Universal Champion. While that is the case, and has made for some great promo segments, the potential of a match between them while feeling exciting, doesn't seem that interesting when you realise that the whole feud doesn't necessarily revolve around each other. When you play that into a match that didn't do enough to substantiate itself, it comes across as mighty disappointing considering the talent involved.
It started off promising though, as Zayn aggressively laid into Jericho after the legend taunted the Ole chant and threw his expensive scarf in his face, allowing for Zayn's fast and varied moveset to come to the forefront and showcase how up for the fight he is. However, once Jericho got control, the match seemed to last for an age as Zayn occasionally fought back. No matter what Zayn threw at Jericho, possibly thanks to Owens' insight, the Ayatollah of Rock N Rollah got the best of the Underdog of the Underground at almost every step and didn't allow for much breathing room, even using the referee to stop any momentum dead in its tracks. The crowd while hot for its beginning were quiet by it send, despite some attempts from Zayn to revive interest. The match in my opinion just went on too long and didn't develop smoothly, and while it made Jericho's eventual win look justified given the state of play, it didn't paint for the most entreating of contests despite the occasional good move or intense moment of psychology displayed by Zayn as he tried to get one over on Y2J.
This match was more a vehicle for Jericho than it was for Zayn, playing up on Y2J's wildly acclaimed heel persona and making him retain his credibility going into what occurred later on in the evening and his prominence on the card. For Zayn, this match gave us what we expect from him but his lack of ability to finish it off. It should've been the match to make Zayn look good, something that Jericho has become known for against young talents, but this didn't accomplish its intended goal if anything, with the result being a primary example of it. Where does Zayn go from here? God only knows, as he slowly turns into the Bray Wyatt of RAW by losing all momentum every time he fails on the big stage. Overall, this match went at a slow pace and for too long, with the match not being able to keep the crowd invested for long and even with the occasional move and bit of story building psychology, it just felt disappointing to watch. It did just enough to get above one star on base value alone, but considering these two's talents, I was expecting a lot more. The match went in an unexpected turn, much like the opener and the Best Of Seven Series finale, which again highlights its issues, this recurring theme doesn't hold well for the rest of the card.
Chris Jericho and Sami Zayn's feud has been built of an intense dislike and the friendship histories of the Universal Champion. While that is the case, and has made for some great promo segments, the potential of a match between them while feeling exciting, doesn't seem that interesting when you realise that the whole feud doesn't necessarily revolve around each other. When you play that into a match that didn't do enough to substantiate itself, it comes across as mighty disappointing considering the talent involved.
It started off promising though, as Zayn aggressively laid into Jericho after the legend taunted the Ole chant and threw his expensive scarf in his face, allowing for Zayn's fast and varied moveset to come to the forefront and showcase how up for the fight he is. However, once Jericho got control, the match seemed to last for an age as Zayn occasionally fought back. No matter what Zayn threw at Jericho, possibly thanks to Owens' insight, the Ayatollah of Rock N Rollah got the best of the Underdog of the Underground at almost every step and didn't allow for much breathing room, even using the referee to stop any momentum dead in its tracks. The crowd while hot for its beginning were quiet by it send, despite some attempts from Zayn to revive interest. The match in my opinion just went on too long and didn't develop smoothly, and while it made Jericho's eventual win look justified given the state of play, it didn't paint for the most entreating of contests despite the occasional good move or intense moment of psychology displayed by Zayn as he tried to get one over on Y2J.
This match was more a vehicle for Jericho than it was for Zayn, playing up on Y2J's wildly acclaimed heel persona and making him retain his credibility going into what occurred later on in the evening and his prominence on the card. For Zayn, this match gave us what we expect from him but his lack of ability to finish it off. It should've been the match to make Zayn look good, something that Jericho has become known for against young talents, but this didn't accomplish its intended goal if anything, with the result being a primary example of it. Where does Zayn go from here? God only knows, as he slowly turns into the Bray Wyatt of RAW by losing all momentum every time he fails on the big stage. Overall, this match went at a slow pace and for too long, with the match not being able to keep the crowd invested for long and even with the occasional move and bit of story building psychology, it just felt disappointing to watch. It did just enough to get above one star on base value alone, but considering these two's talents, I was expecting a lot more. The match went in an unexpected turn, much like the opener and the Best Of Seven Series finale, which again highlights its issues, this recurring theme doesn't hold well for the rest of the card.
CHARLOTTE (c) def BAYLEY & SASHA BANKS TO RETAIN THE RAW WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP (15:27)
MOVE VARIETY: 1.5
CROWD REACTION: 3
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 2.5
MY ENJOYMENT: 3
CORRECT PREDICTION: NO
FINAL RATING: **3/4
A match featuring the three best women in the company sparring off for the richest prize in their division? What's not to love? Knowing the talent of these three, having this match hold a lynchpin on RAW programming and be given a prime place on the card was a worthy reward. The match itself took its time to get going, however once it did, it was on its way to greatness, only like many on this card, to be stopped dead in its tracks by an ending which made the contest look non-consequential.
This match despite have another woman in Bayley be part of proceedings, the match played out like a typical Charlotte match, where she retains control and implements a devastating physical offence that works on another wrestlers injured body part. That body part in question was Sasha Banks back, which was sold and worked to perfection throughout. Dana Brooke saved Charlotte multiple times, despite their tumultuous relationship, and in a bit of brilliant storytelling both Sasha and Charlotte exchanged counters to highlight how well they know each others moves and their executions of them, including when all three women tried to dropkick each other simultaneously. The pace mediated to allow them all to get some semblance of offence around Charlotte's controlling of of momentum, with Sasha showing her desire to fight through the pain and Bayley's quirky yet high flying moves added pace to a match that lacked it throughout. That pace was substituted with momentum shifting as near falls came from every feasible direction, where even a picture perfect double moonsault couldn't get the win, with Brooke helping the match continue on longer than it rightfully should have.
The crowd took their time, much like the Best Of Seven Series finale, to get into the flow of the match, with only Bayley getting consistent cheers. However, thanks to the consistent work rate and near falls on show, with the occasional big move, they got invested as it reached its underwhelming climax with Sasha & Bayley bumping into each other resulting a boot combo for Charlotte's unlikely victory to be assured. The match went along steadily, exciting periodically and delivering on story for the most part, with the crowd involved. However the match went too long and didn't get out of it's mediated gear and it made all the intense action seem for nothing, when you count in the ineffectiveness of Bayley, the lack of major spots and the lacklustre finish, this match loses the shine it needed to get it into a three star rating. Which is sad, however for what it's worth, this match did what it could to keep the consistent, above average quality of most of the Women's matches on PPV in 2016 alive. Which is a massive positive as far as I'm concerned, despite the match not reaching the levels of Sasha & Charlotte's war last month or the Triple Threat at WrestleMania. To see these women keep the form up is nice, but the match needed a little more substance to get to a higher echelon, lets hope next time they can make it.
ROMAN REIGNS def RUSEV (c) TO WIN THE WWE UNITED STATES CHAMPIONSHIP (17:07)A match featuring the three best women in the company sparring off for the richest prize in their division? What's not to love? Knowing the talent of these three, having this match hold a lynchpin on RAW programming and be given a prime place on the card was a worthy reward. The match itself took its time to get going, however once it did, it was on its way to greatness, only like many on this card, to be stopped dead in its tracks by an ending which made the contest look non-consequential.
This match despite have another woman in Bayley be part of proceedings, the match played out like a typical Charlotte match, where she retains control and implements a devastating physical offence that works on another wrestlers injured body part. That body part in question was Sasha Banks back, which was sold and worked to perfection throughout. Dana Brooke saved Charlotte multiple times, despite their tumultuous relationship, and in a bit of brilliant storytelling both Sasha and Charlotte exchanged counters to highlight how well they know each others moves and their executions of them, including when all three women tried to dropkick each other simultaneously. The pace mediated to allow them all to get some semblance of offence around Charlotte's controlling of of momentum, with Sasha showing her desire to fight through the pain and Bayley's quirky yet high flying moves added pace to a match that lacked it throughout. That pace was substituted with momentum shifting as near falls came from every feasible direction, where even a picture perfect double moonsault couldn't get the win, with Brooke helping the match continue on longer than it rightfully should have.
The crowd took their time, much like the Best Of Seven Series finale, to get into the flow of the match, with only Bayley getting consistent cheers. However, thanks to the consistent work rate and near falls on show, with the occasional big move, they got invested as it reached its underwhelming climax with Sasha & Bayley bumping into each other resulting a boot combo for Charlotte's unlikely victory to be assured. The match went along steadily, exciting periodically and delivering on story for the most part, with the crowd involved. However the match went too long and didn't get out of it's mediated gear and it made all the intense action seem for nothing, when you count in the ineffectiveness of Bayley, the lack of major spots and the lacklustre finish, this match loses the shine it needed to get it into a three star rating. Which is sad, however for what it's worth, this match did what it could to keep the consistent, above average quality of most of the Women's matches on PPV in 2016 alive. Which is a massive positive as far as I'm concerned, despite the match not reaching the levels of Sasha & Charlotte's war last month or the Triple Threat at WrestleMania. To see these women keep the form up is nice, but the match needed a little more substance to get to a higher echelon, lets hope next time they can make it.
MOVE VARIETY: 1
CROWD REACTION: 1.5
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 2
MY ENJOYMENT: 1.5
CORRECT PREDICTION: YES
FINAL RATING: *
Did this match really last seventeen minutes? It didn't feel like it. Considering the Best Of Seven Series Finale had more going on to justify that timing, Roman Reigns and Rusev, despite having a very intense feud going into the match failed to replicate it once it got to an official bout. As a result, we got a match that delivered the sole title change of the evening and for many, was way below expectations.
With a crowd split between supporting and booing Rusev, and actively booing Reigns whatever the shot, the match started out quick but as Rusev took control it slowed. This is about where the good of the match ended as Reigns fought back and went all guns blazing in an accelerated pace despite having his back and chest targeted with all Rusev's offence readying for The Accolade, he sold it well but with the chest protector and how quickly he recovered it wasn't done convincingly. Lana distracted Reigns and then pulled the referee, getting sent to the back in the process, giving this match an injection of life, but outside of Roman's dominance not much was truly gained from it. Reigns fought out of the Accolade, hit a Spear and won. Simple as that. Reigns looked strong and Rusev had something to complain about, leading toThe match did little to excite and to have it last for as long as it did was overkill. While I'm one for believing that WWE would want the match to reflect the feud going in as a physical and intense match, unfortunately, Cesaro and Sheamus did it better. What Rusev and Reigns did here was okay, but for a title match on second to last at the first big PPV of RAW's 'New Era', it didn't feel like it should've. I can blame under booking the match for that, as it needed much more to live up to what it promised.
KEVIN OWENS (c) def SETH ROLLINS TO RETAIN THE WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP (25:07)
PSYCHOLOGY: 3
Did this match really last seventeen minutes? It didn't feel like it. Considering the Best Of Seven Series Finale had more going on to justify that timing, Roman Reigns and Rusev, despite having a very intense feud going into the match failed to replicate it once it got to an official bout. As a result, we got a match that delivered the sole title change of the evening and for many, was way below expectations.
With a crowd split between supporting and booing Rusev, and actively booing Reigns whatever the shot, the match started out quick but as Rusev took control it slowed. This is about where the good of the match ended as Reigns fought back and went all guns blazing in an accelerated pace despite having his back and chest targeted with all Rusev's offence readying for The Accolade, he sold it well but with the chest protector and how quickly he recovered it wasn't done convincingly. Lana distracted Reigns and then pulled the referee, getting sent to the back in the process, giving this match an injection of life, but outside of Roman's dominance not much was truly gained from it. Reigns fought out of the Accolade, hit a Spear and won. Simple as that. Reigns looked strong and Rusev had something to complain about, leading toThe match did little to excite and to have it last for as long as it did was overkill. While I'm one for believing that WWE would want the match to reflect the feud going in as a physical and intense match, unfortunately, Cesaro and Sheamus did it better. What Rusev and Reigns did here was okay, but for a title match on second to last at the first big PPV of RAW's 'New Era', it didn't feel like it should've. I can blame under booking the match for that, as it needed much more to live up to what it promised.
KEVIN OWENS (c) def SETH ROLLINS TO RETAIN THE WWE UNIVERSAL CHAMPIONSHIP (25:07)
MOVE VARIETY: 1
CROWD REACTION: 2
MATCH LENGTH AND PACING: 2.5
MY ENJOYMENT: 2.5
CORRECT PREDICTION: YES
FINAL RATING: **1/4
When you have the talents of Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins in the ring, you'd think we'd have a potential classic on our hands. A titles on the line and both men had something to prove in storyline to the fans and the authority figures of their respective brand. Considering how popular they are and how good they are in-ring, why did this match, despite its good qualities, fall flat?
The answer to that question lies in the Indianapolis crowd, who up until Owens' missed Table Senton spot were unusually quiet. Sure they piped up with some Pro-Owens chants but Owens' traditional heel offence while fun for a person like me to watch, drew a faint boring chant. Rollins actually got booed, which is crazy considering he's the good guy in all this. Up until the table spot coming into play, the match, while having some fast sections was mostly slow with Owens' in control, which didn't seem to go with the crowd who saw traditional yet hard hitting matches all night. Following said spot and interference by Chris Jericho, the match finally picked up some steam which at just after the twenty minute mark, was too late to recover in the eyes of those who turned up. Thankfully, for those who were watching at home, we had quite a fun time, with Seth seemingly injuring his leg and ribs thanks to some great working by Owens, who in his dominance of proceedings routinely slagged The Architect off with vigour saying that for an architect he had no foundation... priceless. The punishment continued, including a sick gutbuster off the top rope which look to have legit taken the wind out of Rollins, from there and subsequent counters and momentum shifts, got back in the game, only for a ref bump and an interfering Chris Jericho to change the course of the match against him.
While I can praise the match for having a story and sticking to it, going the distance and pulling the fan interest in at a pivotal time, it wasn't the sublime technical and varied contest many expected, primarily thanks to a lack of crowd intrigue and a slow pace that prevented it from going where it wanted to go. Are they saving this for Hell In A Cell next month, or waiting until Survivor Series for a satisfying blow-off? While it's unclear, this match, while asserting Owens' dominance, also played against him having Jericho help the victory when he could've easily won it on his own. Then again in a match with little flare and a disinterested audience, maybe the help was for the best in a match that was enjoyable, but in my opinion falling just below average. I could be just like Owens' and tell that ending, like many tonight to 'suck it', however this one worked in its' favour and leaves me asking what Rollins will do tonight on RAW, which I guess with its falling ratings is the goal WWE wanted after all.
In this SmackDown versus RAW battle, both brands through WWE's writing will take a scalp when they can. While Backlash wasn't the rousing success that many will call it, it still did enough to give itself vigour throughout the show. I can't say the same for Clash Of Champions, despite it occasionally surprising because against good logic, WWE threw in too many twists and unexpected results that in the end soured many of its matches and made the event feel contrived and lacking progress going forward. It effects it to where the quality of the event itself can be called into question despite the obvious positives that could be drawn.
With only one title change on the card being the one that many fans wanted, coupled with finishes that felt clumsy, unessecary and downright infuriating in one case made it feel like RAW's writing team didn't give the matches breathing room to achieve their potential. While Cesaro VS Sheamus managed to exceeding it's goals, the finish neutered any possible good venture that could come from it. New Days victory made no sense, as did Jericho's and Charlotte retaining the way she did considering the flow of the match was just choppy and poor. Perkins and Kendrick were restricted by management to not 'overshadow the main talent' but still put on a steller match regardless, and while Roman won his title the way he did it and the fact he did it anyway, will not rest easy with many fans. When the dust settles at the end of the day, only the finish to Owens VS Rollins makes sense and that's just because Jericho has Owens' back and it gave the crowd a shot in the arm. It's a bit perplexing and makes this event hard to rate.
When you have matches that for the most part rested in the mid to high two stars all night, then it reflects as a solid PPV in all fairness. However those finishes and the painfully long time that some of these contests went makes me really wonder if it's worth the five out of ten I'm likely to give it? It was a solid night of wrestling but I'm left baffled by the decisions made by the writing team and bookers here. To add more fuel to the fire, the event could've used Enzo & Cass VS The Shining Stars to ensure some of the longer matches went shorter, give Enzo & Cass a rub after two losses in a row and re-energise the crowd after some long contests wore them out. The flow of this night was weird and despite some decent wrestling on show, it felt less like a PPV and more like a 'pre-show' to leave us with many questions to tune into RAW the next night. To me, that isn't the goal of a PPV, a PPV is meant to feel like its own unique entity that either ends storylines or leaves JUST ENOUGH breathing room to continue them for the next one. Backlash had those qualities, while Clash Of Champions is left pondering how it let that slip as it seemed NONE of the storylines here got given what they deserved: good progression.
Backlash finishes above Clash of Champions, and while the difference in 0.5 of a rating may not seem like much, trust me when I say that sometimes the smallest gaps have the biggest gulfs, all from the most minute of details. While RAW managed to match SmackDown in consistent wrestling quality on their opening individual PPV events, in terms of construction and progression, SmackDown wins the first round by a much larger margin than you can see in numbers.
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When you have the talents of Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins in the ring, you'd think we'd have a potential classic on our hands. A titles on the line and both men had something to prove in storyline to the fans and the authority figures of their respective brand. Considering how popular they are and how good they are in-ring, why did this match, despite its good qualities, fall flat?
The answer to that question lies in the Indianapolis crowd, who up until Owens' missed Table Senton spot were unusually quiet. Sure they piped up with some Pro-Owens chants but Owens' traditional heel offence while fun for a person like me to watch, drew a faint boring chant. Rollins actually got booed, which is crazy considering he's the good guy in all this. Up until the table spot coming into play, the match, while having some fast sections was mostly slow with Owens' in control, which didn't seem to go with the crowd who saw traditional yet hard hitting matches all night. Following said spot and interference by Chris Jericho, the match finally picked up some steam which at just after the twenty minute mark, was too late to recover in the eyes of those who turned up. Thankfully, for those who were watching at home, we had quite a fun time, with Seth seemingly injuring his leg and ribs thanks to some great working by Owens, who in his dominance of proceedings routinely slagged The Architect off with vigour saying that for an architect he had no foundation... priceless. The punishment continued, including a sick gutbuster off the top rope which look to have legit taken the wind out of Rollins, from there and subsequent counters and momentum shifts, got back in the game, only for a ref bump and an interfering Chris Jericho to change the course of the match against him.
While I can praise the match for having a story and sticking to it, going the distance and pulling the fan interest in at a pivotal time, it wasn't the sublime technical and varied contest many expected, primarily thanks to a lack of crowd intrigue and a slow pace that prevented it from going where it wanted to go. Are they saving this for Hell In A Cell next month, or waiting until Survivor Series for a satisfying blow-off? While it's unclear, this match, while asserting Owens' dominance, also played against him having Jericho help the victory when he could've easily won it on his own. Then again in a match with little flare and a disinterested audience, maybe the help was for the best in a match that was enjoyable, but in my opinion falling just below average. I could be just like Owens' and tell that ending, like many tonight to 'suck it', however this one worked in its' favour and leaves me asking what Rollins will do tonight on RAW, which I guess with its falling ratings is the goal WWE wanted after all.
FINAL THOUGHTS
With only one title change on the card being the one that many fans wanted, coupled with finishes that felt clumsy, unessecary and downright infuriating in one case made it feel like RAW's writing team didn't give the matches breathing room to achieve their potential. While Cesaro VS Sheamus managed to exceeding it's goals, the finish neutered any possible good venture that could come from it. New Days victory made no sense, as did Jericho's and Charlotte retaining the way she did considering the flow of the match was just choppy and poor. Perkins and Kendrick were restricted by management to not 'overshadow the main talent' but still put on a steller match regardless, and while Roman won his title the way he did it and the fact he did it anyway, will not rest easy with many fans. When the dust settles at the end of the day, only the finish to Owens VS Rollins makes sense and that's just because Jericho has Owens' back and it gave the crowd a shot in the arm. It's a bit perplexing and makes this event hard to rate.
When you have matches that for the most part rested in the mid to high two stars all night, then it reflects as a solid PPV in all fairness. However those finishes and the painfully long time that some of these contests went makes me really wonder if it's worth the five out of ten I'm likely to give it? It was a solid night of wrestling but I'm left baffled by the decisions made by the writing team and bookers here. To add more fuel to the fire, the event could've used Enzo & Cass VS The Shining Stars to ensure some of the longer matches went shorter, give Enzo & Cass a rub after two losses in a row and re-energise the crowd after some long contests wore them out. The flow of this night was weird and despite some decent wrestling on show, it felt less like a PPV and more like a 'pre-show' to leave us with many questions to tune into RAW the next night. To me, that isn't the goal of a PPV, a PPV is meant to feel like its own unique entity that either ends storylines or leaves JUST ENOUGH breathing room to continue them for the next one. Backlash had those qualities, while Clash Of Champions is left pondering how it let that slip as it seemed NONE of the storylines here got given what they deserved: good progression.
Backlash finishes above Clash of Champions, and while the difference in 0.5 of a rating may not seem like much, trust me when I say that sometimes the smallest gaps have the biggest gulfs, all from the most minute of details. While RAW managed to match SmackDown in consistent wrestling quality on their opening individual PPV events, in terms of construction and progression, SmackDown wins the first round by a much larger margin than you can see in numbers.
CLASH OF CHAMPIONS 2016 GETS A 5.25 OUT OF 10
In relation to other 2016 events, it lines up as follows:
Payback: 7.75/10
Royal Rumble: 6/10
Battleground: 6/10
WrestleMania 32: 6/10
Backlash: 5.75/10
SummerSlam: 5.5/10
Clash Of Champions: 5.25/10
Extreme Rules: 4.75/10
Money In The Bank: 4.5/10
Fastlane: 4.25/10
In relation to other 2016 events, it lines up as follows:
Payback: 7.75/10
Royal Rumble: 6/10
Battleground: 6/10
WrestleMania 32: 6/10
Backlash: 5.75/10
SummerSlam: 5.5/10
Clash Of Champions: 5.25/10
Extreme Rules: 4.75/10
Money In The Bank: 4.5/10
Fastlane: 4.25/10
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I've been Freddy Thomas, you've been people reading. This has been the Clash Of Champions 2016 Review for The CC Network Blog and I'll see you all next time.
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