Sheamus vs. Ryback
Raw kicks off with these two men announced in the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. They end up facing off and Ryback hits a Lou Theis press and slams Sheamus on the mat. Ryback is driven into the barricade, ribs first. Sheamus gets on the attack and throws him around the outside. Sheamus takes control offensively, even though Ryback gets some offense in and tries to hit his finisher. Sheamus distracts Ryback and hits Ryback with a Brogue Kick for the win.
Another solid outing from both men in the ring. The physicality and strength was on display, albeit to the dismay of some offensive speed. Ryback picks up another loss, even though I do think he needs a championship more than Sheamus right now. Either way, I do think this was a great way to kick off Raw. Spotlight the championship that is vacant and was previously held by one of the biggest stars in the company.
Neville Speaks To The WWE Universe
Neville and Renee Young talks about being in the WWE, saying he loves to prove doubters wrong and he says he is 10 foot tall and invincible. Young talks to being the NXT Champion and then getting on the WWE roster. Bo Dallas comes out and interrupts Neville.
Dallas says he has so much optimism and talks about Neville as the little engine that couldn’t. Neville talks about beating Bo in NXT, as both men go at it. Neville tosses him to the outside and King Barrett comes out. This starts a match between the two. Neville grounds him early and Barrett kicks out of a roll-up. Barrett throws him in the corner and kicks away. He targets the knee of Neville.
After some more ground and pound action from the King, Neville is able to get it into high gear. Continuing to sell the knee injury, he falls off the rope and Barrett hits a Bullhammer for the win.
A simple and logical way for Barrett to pick up a win and target an “injury.” I am not sure why WWE threw Bo Dallas out there, aside from his history, but Neville has moved onto bigger and better things. Bo Dallas gets a small rub here, but doesn’t it look like a demotion for Neville? Does this help him get over even more? No.
