Raw Thread

Alberto Del Rio defeats Kalisto, Kalisto fights off Del Rio as long as he can but eventually falls to the Tree of Woe Double Stomp.

So for the semi-finals it will be Del Rio vs Reigns & the 2 CZW alumni in Ambrose vs Owens

Stephanie gloated about Roman Reigns letting opportunity slip right through his hands. Why? Hunter said two weeks ago he offered Reigns an opportunity that virtually guaranteed he would leave Survivor Series as WWE champion. All Reigns had to do was shake his hand and thank the company that had faith in him. But, Reigns told him to shove it.

Stephanie said Reigns even had a second chance when Hunter came into the ring to offer his congratulations. Hunter said he wasn’t upset when Reigns turned him down the first time. No, no, no, he was proud of Reigns going through the tournament all by himself to become WWE World champion. So, he offered his hand and opportunity again. Instead, Reigns “cheap-shot me,” Hunter said, drawing cheers. He said that cheap-shot is why Reigns is no longer WWE World Hvt. champion. Some boos.

Hunter told the crowd to understand this life lesson on your life being defined by opportunities seized and missed. Here is one man who seized an opportunity – “the Celtic Warrior, Sheamus!”

Sheamus walked out to the ring with the WWE Title belt around his waist. Boos for Sheamus. “Oh, what a moment!” Sheamus gloated. Sheamus thanked the quiet crowd for their love. He then thanked Hunter for the top-class introduction. “You look stupid,” chant from the crowd. Sheamus laughed it off, saying nothing can ruin his moment right now.

Sheamus reinforced the point that Reigns made it to the top of the mountain last night, but he Brogue-Kicked him right off the top. Sheamus said the Roman Empire lasted 500 years, but this Roman Empire lasted five minutes and 15 seconds. Sheamus then mocked Reigns for looking sad afterwards.

Sheamus said he has just one question for the entire audience. After holding up the title belt, Sheamus gloated, “Who looks stupid now?! Haha!” Hunter said Sheamus doesn’t look stupid. No, the WWE World Hvt. champion. Sheamus hugged Hunter and Stephanie.

And, cue up The Shield’s theme music to bring out Roman Reigns through the crowd. The first shot was Reigns smiling, apparently not that upset by the events. Reigns came down to ringside looking more determined as Hunter, Steph, and Sheamus sneered at him from inside the ring.

As Reigns entered the ring, Sheamus said here’s someone who looks stupid. Reigns walked up to Sheamus nodding his head like Sheamus can’t back up what he’s talking about. Reigns told Nashville that he wants his re-match … tonight. The crowd popped for a potential WWE Title match. Then, “Yes!” chants for the second night in a row.

Steph mocked the chants, then stepped in to ask Reigns how it feels like to want. He said Reigns’s chance to make demands was lost last night when he speared Hunter. So, what she wants is for Reigns to back up and get out of her ring. Reigns looked like he smelled something foul. He asked “H” if he’s standing behind Stephanie because he’s scared of him. Steph stepped away, so Hunter and Reigns came face-to-face. Long stare down.

Hunter said something off-mic as he raised the mic, then Reigns came closer to Hunter’s face. Hunter told Reigns that he speared him last night, sure. How’d that work out? Hunter told Reigns he has nothing to show for it. As for Reigns’s re-match, Hunter said he will get his re-match when he says so. And it won’t be tonight, Hunter growled.

Hunter and Stephanie backed away, then Rusev suddenly returned and blind-sided Reigns with a kick to the head. Hunter and Steph left the ring as Sheamus lined up Reigns for a Brogue Kick to the face. Rusev, talked trash to Reigns before leaving the ring with Sheamus. (I thought Rusev was injured, but it is good to see him back)

As Reigns recovered in the ring, Hunter, Steph, Sheamus, and Rusev stood together on the stage for Hunter to offer one last dig toward Reigns. He told Reigns that he will get his re-match in three weeks at the TLC PPV in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match.

Steph chimed in. She said the closest Reigns will come to the WWE Title tonight is Sheamus standing in the corner of Reigns’s opponent tonight, Rusev.

Sasha Banks defeats Becky Lynch, Lynch with an Exploder Suplex sends Sasha into the corner, Banks takes Becky down but Lynch counters into the Dis-Arm-Her, Tamina with a distraction as Naomi drags Banks to the ropes, this distracts Becky allowing Banks to Roll Up Lynch & grab the tights for extra leverage to get the pin

Cole talked about Sasha perhaps being in-line for a Divas Title shot following her victory. Suddenly, Paige interrupted Cole’s post-match commentary from somewhere backstage. Paige accused Charlotte of being a cheater. Cole interrupted that he has no idea what Paige is talking about. Paige yelled at Cole for interrupting her. See, Charlotte cheated.

Paige went to the footage from Survivor Series. It showed Charlotte’s right elbow kind of near the ropes on the figure-eight leglock as Paige tapped out, the idea being Charlotte’s elbow “broke the plane of the ropes” Paige yelled at Charlotte being a nobody. She said Charlotte is just like her dad – a dirty player. Paige said Charlotte is an embarrassment, just like her daddy

Renee Young brought in Divas champion Charlotte to address Paige’s claims of being a cheater. Charlotte said she respects Paige as a competitor, but it’s typical of Paige to moan, cry, and politic. She said she does not mind facing her tonight

Neville defeats Mark Henry with The Red Arrow (this was kind of weird as Henry kicks out right at 3, but they still give Neville the win)

Neville celebrated on the outside. Henry then stopped Neville in his tracks. Henry extended his hand and Neville shook. “I respect you, you've got a bright future kid” Henry told Neville

Stardust talked to himself about Cesaro. And now his brother has returned. Suddenly, Titus O’Neil walked into the shot. He made a wrong turn somewhere. Titus admired Star’s set-up with the planets and stars in his room. Titus saw a Florida Gator head in the galaxy, which Stardust did not appreciate it. Titus dog-barked in Star’s ear, then ran off

Alberto Del Rio’s music played to bring out Alberto and Zeb Colter on his scooter. JBL noted that Del Rio pinned John Cena for the U.S. Title around his waist. Del Rio and Zeb stopped in front of the announce table for their speech.

Zeb said that just because Alberto did not win the WWE World Title last night does not mean Mex-America is unsuccessful. Zeb said it’s part of a young country going through ups and downs. He said they left the invitation open to everyone to leave a sinking country like America and join their country. Instead, Americans went to social media to moan and complain.

Alberto spoke in Spanish as Zeb nodded along with full understanding. Zeb translated that they tried to teach the audience values, but they rejected them. So, Zeb said, they are hereby terminating their offer. Alberto said the borders of Mex-America are closed. Zeb continued that he doesn’t see a lot of brave people out here tonight

Suddenly, Jack Swagger’s music interrupted. Swagger walked out on-stage and said he cannot believe what he is hearing. He said Zeb used to put his hand over his heart and stand for something. Xenophobia? Swagger said he looked up to Zeb. Now he’s turned his back on the country and these people. Swagger tried to make it personal, but Del Rio yelled at him. “You don’t talk to him like that, you stupid American!” Del Rio shouted.

Swagger said he has vowed to protect this country against all enemies, both foreign and domestic. And if Del Rio doesn’t like what he has to say, then do something about it. Swagger marched down to the ring as Alberto held out the U.S. Title belt. Swagger, dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, entered the ring and went face-to-face with Alberto. But, Del Rio backed out of the ring to boos, not wanting to fight tonight.

Swagger wasn’t done. He called after Zeb to listen as he and the crowd declare, “We The People!” On the stage, Zeb muttered to himself as he scooted away, not wanting to hear it

Heath Slater returned to Raw TV tonight. Slater was in the ring with a guitar and micstand. Slater said there’s way too much country going around here, which is why the one-man band decided to bring some rock ‘n roll to Nashville. Slater said he’s not talking about Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, or Dierks Bentley. And definitely not Johnny Cash. “Easy,” JBL said on commentary.

Slater told the silent crowd to sit down and be quiet while he clears his singing pipes. Slater did some noises, then lowered his shades to sing a tune. Before he could hit the guitar, Ryback’s music played. Ryback marched into the ring, then Slater with the El Kabong to the back slamming the faux guitar over Ryback, who no-sold. (Apparently Heath didn't go to the Honky Tonk Man/Jeff Jarrett/New Jack school of using acoustic equalizers) Ryback turned around and glared at Slater before bodyslamming him. Ryback nailed the Meathook Lariat, then finished off Slater with Shellshock