Roman Reigns defeated Kofi Kingston
In the first of four matches to determine who will main event in a Fatal Four Way match later to decide who faces Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Kofi put on a great match. I really have missed Kofi Kingston in singles action. He gets onto the offensive early and hits some big moves, including an axe hammer smash from the top and then tripping Roman up on the mat. He slowed things down, but Reigns fired back pretty quickly and ended up hitting Big E with the Superman Punch. Soon after, Reigns connected with a Spear and picks up the win.
We will always remember how good Kofi can be because of his stellar offense. He is simply amazing in terms of athleticism and speed, which really helped Roman Reigns look even better than he is. It was a predictable win, but a good win and a fun match to kick off Raw tonight. It makes Kofi Kingston so much more entertaining in the ring when he has an actual character aside from a happy and fun face.
Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens
Cesaro rolls him up a few times and gets a few two counts. Cesaro and Owens exchange pins back and forth until Cesaro hits some punches and a few chops. A clothesline gives Cesaro the upper hand and Owens heads to the outside and Owens gets a few kicks and punches himself. Cesaro hits a stalling suplex, but Owens catches him with a few elbows back and forth and both men barely make the ten count.
Cesaro hits multiple running European Uppercuts and Owens spills to the outside again. Cesaro hits another running uppercut and then a sunset flip from the apron. A crossbody gives Cesaro a two count. Owens reverses and hits a DDT for two. Owens plays a good heel tactic and uses the ropes. Owens kicks Cesaro and hits the pop-up powerbomb to steal the win.
Smart and old school. Cesaro dominated the match, but came up short. I love how Cesaro explodes his offense at the snap of his fingers. I get it, if Cesaro wins the fans will boo Roman Reigns. Since Kevin Owens beat a big face, he will get booed in the main event. Kudos to both guys on work an excellent match with so much chemistry and fluent offense.
