Roman and Rusev Enter Hell
Roman Reigns kicks off RAW, but Lana interrupts him quickly and talks about her husband. Roman cracks a few jokes and upsets the Ravishing Russian. Rusev makes his way to the ring and attacks Roman Reigns. Both men brawl, with Rusev kicking Reigns and then another big kick to send him into the crowd. He takes the WWE United States Championship and walks up the ramp. Roman Reigns surprises him from behind and hits a Superman Punch. He gives Rusev the rematch and says it will be inside Hell in a Cell.
This match NEEDED the stipulation for many reasons. You cannot immediately throw Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins inside the cell because of how Rollins has been banged up in recent weeks. You need to protect him as much as possible, as he is one of your best work horses on RAW. Second, Roman and Rusev have been feuding since late July and now we are getting into the October month. There needed to be something to spice it up, something to make the fans NEED to see it. I really liked them kicking off the show once again and felt like it started the night off on a positive note in Los Angeles. This will be a hard hitting contest in the ring and will not need the big “splash” moves we have seen in past to make it important and entertaining. I can see it being booked similar to Triple H and Batista from years past.
The Brian Kendrick defeated TJ Perkins
Cruiserweight action on RAW featured the champion and his challenger. Perkins and Kendrick work quick and effective. It was all about timing, with Perkins springboarding off the ropes and landing on Kendrick on the outside. Perkins is able to get in control with a dropkick to the head while Kendrick is caught between the ropes. A corkscrew plancha after scaling the ropes from Perkins and then another big move from the top rope. Kendrick hits the Sliced Bread #2 for a near fall and then locks in the Captain’s hook, but TJP reverses it into a pin. TJP trips Kendrick into the ropes and hits the wrecking ball dropkick. He tries to connect with a fireman’s carry, but Kendrick grabs the eyes and nose of Perkins. Kendrick locks in the Captain’s Hook once again and makes the champion tap out.
An extremely smart booked match tonight. Brian Kendrick needed to pick up the win to make himself legit in the Cruiserweight Division. He needed a big win in front of a big crowd. No title was needed because their story is just so logical and simple. With a win tonight, Kendrick should get another week or two of action before his match with Perkins. While they book this, they need to make sure both men come out looking strong and have both men make a really detailed progression in their paths. Kendrick is known. Perkins is really not…yet. Make sure every crowd, from LA to Little Rock, know who your Cruiserweight Champion is. Video packages are a great way to enhance both men to the general audience.
