WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from Nov. 3
The Nov. 3 edition of Raw crafted its share of powerful images: blood upon a predator's brow, a fearful, desperate Triple H and Mark Henry placing a T-shirt over Big Show's head like a funeral shroud.
Shorthanded or not, Monday's Raw delivered. With no Brock Lesnar and no John Cena, Henry, Seth Rollins and Randy Orton made it easy to forget that those men weren't around.
Of course, there are things to nitpick about the show from Buffalo, New York, but minimal filler and a lot of wrestling was a successful formula. There were but a few clunkers on the night. After action that ranged from solid to very good, Orton's exit provided the headline-generating scene.
Survivor Series found itself boosted by the dependable narrative device that is raising the stakes, but what folks will be talking about post-Raw is Rollins vs. Orton and the mayhem that followed it.
Vince McMahon Makes a Big Announcement
1 of 12Vince McMahon sauntered out to the ring with The Authority. He reminded fans that the WWE Network would be free throughout November.
Reflecting on his battles with the government, WCW and God, he said that Survivor Series' stakes needed to be raised. He announced that if Team Authority lost at the pay-per-view, they would no longer be in power.
Backstage, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon assured the chairman that they had everything in control.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
"Have you missed me?"—McMahon to the fans.
"Honestly, with you, nothing surprises me."—Triple H to McMahon.
Grade
B+
Analysis
In and of itself, the segment wasn't especially entertaining. It was fun having Mr. McMahon back, though.
In an era of Internet speculation and backstage rumblings spreading like poison ivy, a good surprise is always welcome.
The big news here is the added stipulation for the Survivor Series match. It elevates the bout. Suddenly Triple H and company will be desperate to win.
Team Cena's potential win is vastly more significant now.
Cesaro vs. Dean Ambrose
2 of 12The latest showdown between Cesaro and Dean Ambrose began with mat wrestling and soon devolved into brawling.
They traded jabs in the corner, and Ambrose smashed Cesaro's head on the security barricade. In the process, Cesaro's head was busted open.
Bray Wyatt sat on the entrance ramp, watching on.
Ambrose hit a hard clothesline after springing from the ropes. Cesaro soon responded with one of his famous uppercuts.
Even distracted by Wyatt's presence, Ambrose was able to fend off The King of Swing's best shots. He slipped out of a backslide and hit Dirty Deeds for the three-count.
Result
Ambrose wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Ambrose leaps off the barricade with a flying elbow smash.
Blood slides down the side of Cesaro's head.
Cesaro throws Ambrose into the air and hits him with an uppercut.
Grade
B-
Analysis
Ambrose and Cesaro put on a solid match, though not nearly as intense and captivating as some of their previous work together.
Wyatt's presence didn't add anything to the action mostly because we don't know what he's up to. His reasons for going after Ambrose are too cryptic. He's just a creepy guy in a rocking chair right now as opposed to a predator eyeing his prey.
WWE cutting to commercial just before Wyatt appeared didn't help either.
The Miz vs. Jimmy Uso
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As The Miz suffered a kick to the gut and Jimmy Uso wrenched his arm, Damien Mizdow aped his every move. Jey Uso got in the act as well, mirroring his brother's moves.
A kick of his own earned The Miz control. He had Jimmy reeling in the corner, coming at him with a clothesline and a double-ax handle.
The two foes headed back in the ring after a brief brawl outside, but Mizdow distracted Jimmy. That was enough for The Miz to get a cheap, roll-up pin.
Result
The Miz wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
"We want Sandow!"—the fans.
Mizdow tries to enter the ring behind The Miz, but takes a superkick instead.
Grade
B-
Analysis
In what is becoming the norm, Miz's antics outdid the in-ring action. He remains one of the more entertaining elements of WWE.
Miz vs. Jimmy didn't produce many eye-catching moments. It was clearly just a way to further this burgeoning feud.
So far, the rivalry between these two teams hasn't had much spark. The Usos have won a few times with "twin magic" and now The Miz counters with a fluky win. WWE is going to have to find a way to get the audience more invested as this rolls on.
For now, it's pedestrian.
Sheamus vs. Tyson Kidd
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Early on, Sheamus made Tyson Kidd regret coming to Raw. He pounded on him in the corner with stiff strikes.
Kidd managed to get the big man down and came flying in with dropkicks before peppering him with rapid-fire punches. Kidd slowed The Celtic Warrior with a chinlock, but the U.S. champ battled back.
The match spilled outside the ropes, and Kidd pulled Natalya in front of him as Sheamus attacked. That allowed the speedster to slip back in the ring to beat the referee's 10-count.
Sheamus cracked him with a post-match Brogue Kick.
Result
Kidd wins via count-out.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
"Nattie's husband has quick feet."—JBL.
Kidd sends Sheamus flying out of the ring with a dropkick.
Sheamus had a rolling senton outside the ring.
Grade
B+
Analysis
It's great to see Kidd on Raw, a rare sight. The crowd wasn't into this, though, which isn't going to help convince WWE to trot him out there again.
The fresh matchup featured good chemistry with an intriguing blend of styles.
WWE announced that Rusev would get a title shot against Sheamus, immediately following Raw on the WWE Network.
Kidd deserves a championship opportunity as well, but not just yet. He gained most of his momentum at NXT, not the main roster. He has a way to go to translate that.
The Authority Confronts Dolph Ziggler
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The Authority faction followed Dolph Ziggler to the ring.
Stephanie McMahon announced that Kane, Seth Rollins and Randy Orton would be on Team Authority at Survivor Series. Triple H tried to convince Ziggler not to join John Cena. He talked about how Cena takes all the credit and how Ziggler has failed in the big moments.
The COO said that he could have anything he wanted if he didn't join Cena.
The Showoff seemed torn. He looked as he might take the offer, but instead told Triple H he wanted him out of power.
Triple H demanded that Ziggler defend the Intercontinental Championship against Rollins.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
"Let's say Team Cena loses. Who takes that heat, huh? John Cena going to take the heat for that loss?"—Triple H.
"You bust your ass probably harder than anyone in the back."—Triple H to Ziggler.
"I want you gone. I want your wife gone. I want your corporate goon gone. I want the sellout gone. I want these two jabronis gone."—Ziggler to Triple H.
Grade
A
Analysis
This is how you boost the upcoming Survivor Series match. Ziggler isn't going just be filler in that bout; he's going to provide a key subplot.
It makes perfect sense that Ziggler would have issues with The Authority with as few opportunities as he had earlier in the year. WWE is doing a good job blending fans' real-life frustrations with booking with The Authority storyline.
Plus, midcard title defenses always make for good TV.
Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler (Intercontinental Championship)
6 of 12To the sound of "You sold out!" chants, Seth Rollins clamped a headlock on Dolph Ziggler and cackled. Rollins dominated in a match with a grinding pace.
Ziggler fought back but struggled to string together offense.
The Showoff charged at Rollins in the corner, but his foe caught him. Rollins hit a reverse STO into the turnbuckle, gaining control once more.
On the second attempt, Ziggler hit a Fameasser for a near fall. Rollins answered with swift kicks.
Jamie Noble took a cheap shot, setting Ziggler up for the Curb Stomp. Just as a grinning Rollins looked to be to a sure winner, Randy Orton dove in the ring and RKO'ed his supposed comrade.
Result
Ziggler loses via disqualification.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
"Why use a big word when you can use a diminutive one?"—Jerry Lawler.
Rollins flings Ziggler into the ring apron.
Grade
A-
Analysis
A familiar matchup had added instant intrigue with the title being on the line. Ziggler and Rollins have great chemistry, which was on display once more.
The commentators hampered the action, though. They didn't call the match enough. Plugging the WWE Network was the clear priority here.
Longtime fans may have seen Orton's attack coming, but it didn't make it any less exciting. His rage spilling over continues to be a compelling story.
Ryback vs. Titus O'Neil
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Titus O'Neil laid out why The Authority should add him to its Survivor Series team. He only got a few words out before Ryback entered.
O'Neil clobbered Ryback in the opening moments. He hit him a backbreaker before barking to the crowd. He managed to keep The Big Guy down until a clothesline took him off his feet.
Ryback hit Shell Shocked and O'Neil couldn't kick out.
Result
Ryback wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
"Feed me more!" chants fill the arena.
O'Neil mocks Ryback as he stomped on him.
The Authority watches the match on a monitor backstage.
Grade
C+
Analysis
While not exactly a squash match because of how much offense O'Neil got in, this was just over two minutes, leaving little time for highlights.
Having Ryback experience a restart is smart. Having it not be the exact same story as last time is a good move as well.
There will be far more memorable matches than this one on his journey, though.
Big Show vs. Mark Henry
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Renee Young interviewed Big Show backstage before the match. He said he would be honored to join Team Cena.
He talked of how hurt he was by Mark Henry betraying him.
The World's Largest Athlete seethed as he clubbed Henry. His former tag team partner tagged him back with hard shots. The battle soon moved to the outside where Henry forced the big man spine's into the ring post.
The behemoths fought on, Big Show driving a succession of elbows into Henry's back. Big Show continued the punishment, chopping and standing on Henry's chest.
Henry grew more aggressive as the night went on. It was as if Big Show's attack pulled the monster out of him. He drove Big Show into the ring steps and then used them to clock him in the head.
For a finale, he hit the World's Strongest Slam onto those steps.
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon asked Kane to gauge Henry's interest in joining Team Authority.
Result
Big Show wins via disqualification.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
"This is a man who has been to my house, ate at my kitchen table, rode in my bus. Blood, sweat and tears."—Big Show on Henry.
Big Show hits a superkick on Henry's chin.
Henry throws Big Show off the top rope.
Henry places his T-shirt over Big Show's face while he's out cold.
Grade
A-
Analysis
The two bosses surprised with a standout performance. At this stage in their careers, we're not used to seeing great in-ring work from either man.
This story seems to have energized both of them. Henry looks much like that devourer he was in 2011. Big Show's rage powered him to one of his best TV matches in a long while.
Chances are, they'll meet again in Survivor Series' main event. That should be a slobberknocker within a slobberknocker.
Nikki Bella vs. Emma
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Brie Bella tried to give an interview backstage, but her sister told her she wasn't allowed to. Renee Young spoke with Erick Rowan instead. He only said "Pretty" as creepily as humanly possible.
AJ Lee then sat in on commentary as Nikki attacked Emma. Nikki dominated, but Emma fought back with the Dil-Emma.
A dropkick and a Rack Attack ended that flurry, though. It was plenty to get the three-count.
Nikki then ordered her sister to smack AJ in the mouth. The Divas champ chased after Nikki, only to watch her scurry away.
Result
Nikki wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
"You think she's going to stroke my hair and call me pretty?"—AJ about Nikki.
Nikki hits a dropkick as Emma goes for the Emma Sandwich.
Grade
C+
Analysis
A basic match designed to propel Nikki forward. Emma got just enough offense to prevent it from being completely one-sided.
Brie slapping AJ is the best uses of the personal assistant storyline so far. The more scenes like this WWE gives the Bellas and the less talking they ask them to do, the better.
Zack Ryder vs. Rusev
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Zack Ryder's smirk didn't last long. Rusev smashed him up against the ropes, bullying him in this blip of a match. Ryder could only take but one or two swings at The Bulgarian Brute before falling.
Rusev forced him to tap out with The Accolade.
Lana told fans that her directive was to bring back the United States Championship to Russia. Sheamus soon came out to defend the U.S. and said that Rusev was in for the fight of his life when they collided on the WWE Network later that night.
Result
Rusev wins via submission.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
"You will hurt. You will beg and suffer. You will be annihilated."—Rusev to Sheamus.
Grade
B-
Analysis
The post-match happenings were far more entertaining than the match itself. Ryder's fate was obvious from the get-go.
Lana was succinct and to the point about Rusev's goals. The same is true for Sheamus.
There were no jokes, no silly banter. He just stood up for America and promised resistance in Rusev's journey to gold.
The segment did well to sell this match, making it feeling like it is part of a pay-per-view.
Fernando vs. Stardust
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The Miz and Damien Mizdow provided guest commentary as Stardust grounded Fernando.
Chaos come early with El Torito getting involved and The Miz and Mizdow jawing with Goldust. Fernando took advantage of Stardust being distracted, hitting a backstabber for the win.
Result
Fernando wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
Stardust hisses at The Miz as he swats away JBL's hat.
"That was too much to be able to follow there."—Jerry Lawler.
Grade
D-
Analysis
The tag team division produced the kind of hurried, jumbled mess normally reserved for the Divas. For such a short match, WWE tried to cram too many elements into this.
In the end, it was neither comic relief nor good wrestling. It only served to tell us that Los Matadores are actually in line for a full-fledged feud with the tag champs.
The Miz and Mizdow may make it a three-team dance later on. That's miles away from how good the tag division was when Stardust was Cody Rhodes.
Randy Orton vs. Seth Rollins
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Backstage, Triple H calmed an enraged Randy Orton. He gave him the match he wanted against Seth Rollins, but he said that it was only to get over his issues with Mr. Money in the Bank.
He said that he needed him to be The Viper at Survivor Series in order for them to win.
Triple H and Stephanie McMahon then sat at ringside as Rollins and Orton went to battle. Orton pounced on his foe, throwing him into the barricade outside the ring and rattling him with clotheslines.
Rollins managed to eventually get going, slowing the match down. His time on top didn't last, though.
The Apex Predator suplexed Rollins onto the announcer's table before the fight moved back into the ring. Rollins shifted the action back outside with a stunning dive through the ropes.
The match's pace picked up, each man going for his biggest moves, only to see them countered. Rollins managed to get Orton down for three with a backslide.
Orton paced around the ring for a moment. He shook Kane, Jamie Noble and Joey Mercury's hands. When he reached Rollins, he turned what looked to be brotherly embrace into an RKO.
He tossed everyone out of the ring, gearing up for a punt attempt before Triple H stopped him. The COO took a right hand to the chin before The Authority ganged up on Orton.
Triple H ordered his lackeys to finish Orton. Another Curb Stomp, this time onto the ring steps, did Rollins in.
Result
Rollins wins via pinfall.
Memorable Moments and Quotes
"If I burn, you burn, we all burn."—Triple H.
"I need the guy that for 12 years I have done battle with, face to face, side to side, back to back. We've gone up against them all."—Triple H.
Rollins misses a dive outside the ring.
Orton angrily yanks the monitors and wires from the announcer's table.
Rollins lands on his feet on a backdrop attempt.
Orton hits a powerslam as Rollins tries to hit Curb Stomp.
Rollins rams Orton's face into the announcer's desk with a Curb Stomp, busting his head open.
Grade
A+
Analysis
An intense, passionate promo by Triple H preceded the clear match of the night.
Rollins and Orton delivered a bout that felt like it belonged on a pay-per-view. Their styles meshed well together, and the escalating aggression made it seem that chaos was charging around the corner.
It was.
WWE hit a home run with how it wrote Orton off TV so he can go shoot his movie. The violent scene drained every drop of potential drama out of the situation.
A feud with either Rollins or the entire Authority is coming. Either way, this version of Orton is fascinating, and the next leg of his journey will be fun to watch.
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