Opinion

The Good, Bad and Ugly: WWE Raw (12/10/18)

Published

7 years ago

December 11, 2018

Raw Drew McIntyre Dolph Ziggler Adam Pearce

After a somewhat better show than usual last week, we have TLC coming up making this a sendoff show for the Pay Per View. We will solidify story-lines, and possibly add some unexpected drama. With TLC looking like a decent card on paper, can Raw do its job tonight?

THE GOOD

WWE Raw Tag Team Championship Match (3 vs. 2) AOP w/ Drake Maverick (c) vs. Bobby Roode and Chad Gable

Bobby Roode is an incredible talent who could easily be carrying WWE on either brand. He is Champion caliber. Starting off strong, AOP looked good in there. Gable did his thing, and showed some decent work. AOP after isolating the smaller Gable broke him down, and kept him away from Roode. Once free, Roode came in hot and tore the house down, beating down AOP until they were legit destroyed. However it was short lived as AOP crushed both Roode and Gable down to nothing. Just when it seemed lost, Drake Maverick got the tag and before he could finish off Roode got pinned for the 1-2-3. New Champions! Roode and Gable! It was “Glorious.” Great move WWE!

Drew McIntyre vs. Dolph Ziggler

This is a great feud, with impeccable talent and potential all around. This is the type of match that can possibly turn things around for Raw. Drew McIntyre is of a bigger, better, class than most of the pack. He is refined and is growing into his role better every week. Although the promo in the beginning was unnecessary, McIntyre did well on the mic and got the crowd hot. McIntyre beat down on Ziggler,replaying their roles from last week, as big guy vs little guy. Drew McIntyre showed tremendous power, and looked sharp. Ziggler sells so well, and always looks good at what he does, putting over others. That high spot was brutal, and Ziggler landed horribly wrong but continued. After a close count out, both men were down. Ziggler looking for a super-kick but went down before connecting. McIntyre literally abused Ziggler but got hit with a “Zig-Zag” for a close 2 count. Ziggler went for a decisive “super-kick” again but got destroyed by a “Claymore Kick.” Drew McIntyre Wins! This was a Good Match again, showcasing some of the best on the Raw Brand. After the match McIntyre continued to destroy Ziggler, showing he has no remorse and previewing what may come to Finn Balor at TLC.

Elias vs. Lio Rush (w/ Bobby Lashley)

Babyface Elias is a Good Elias. Same exact character just now on the side of the fans. He has gotten better every week, gaining momentum just by doing his thing. That is a beautiful thing in wrestling. Elias is a star. Lio Rush from his time on 205 Live can definitely go. He is a tremendous talent. This match really had a lot of potential going into it. Heath Slater made his Referee Debut. Elias showcased his power throwing the much smaller Rush all around the ring. Lio Rush took one of the best corner bumps I have ever seen. It was completely unique. Of course Lashley and Elias got into it giving Rush an edge. Elias hit a“Last Ride Sitdown Powerbomb” until Lashley interfered for an obvious DQ. Heath Slater did not ring the bell allowing the interference. Lashley crushed a guitar over Elias. Slater still didn’t ring the bell. Lio Rush Wins! Decent match overall and Heath Slater allowing the craziness was unexpected. A Good unexpected twist.

TLC Intercontinental Championship Match: Seth Rollins (c) vs. GM-Elect Baron Corbin w/ Referee Heath Slater

This match is out of the ordinary especially with the Heath Slater story-line playing out. It really shows some guts before a PPV to have a match like this. So many X-Factor’s; Ambrose, Slater, and others that could come out and assist Corbin to win the title. A TLC Match for the IC Title as the Main Event is huge. Rollins came out on the offensive. The action looked Good. Rollins really can go, and puts it all out there. Corbin is tough to watch sometimes, but has his moments. Corbin bossing around Slater got old very quickly, and sometimes cheapened an otherwise decent match. Corbin really stiffed Rollins especially with the chair shots. Rollins really took an ass-kicking. Corbin pushed the limit the whole match. Even with his horrible gear and overrated appeal, he showed up tonight and put out some good work. Corbin hit a perfect “Deep Six” after a commercial break that looked solid. Even after Rollins got some offense he was greeted with a choke-slam through a table by Corbin after a failed 3^rd Suicide Dive. Rollins came back swinging hitting Slater with a chair. Rollins hit a sick frog splash through a table to the outside. Rollins had the victory until Slater knocked down Rollins on the ladder. Corbin climbed the ladder with Slater’s help but Rollins got revenge power-bombing Corbin through a table, super-kicking Slater, hitting a “Curb Stomp” on Corbin and climbing the ladder for the victory. Rollins “Burned it Down” and if the TLC Match is anything like this will be on fire.

THE BAD

Opening Segment w/ Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins looking to “Burn It Down” at TLC this Sunday opened the show with some cheap pop. Unexpectedly,Rollins poked at Baron Corbin who no doubt obliged. Rollins planned on burying Raw’s mistakes and telling Corbin where he is lacking at his job. Rollins made it about protecting his brand “Monday Night Rollins” with the crowd expressing their gratitude with “Corbin Sucks,” and he does. So did this segment. The crowd loved it but I believe this was horrible. The blatant “shooting” was so obvious. It was almost like Rollins was just reading “mean tweets” to the crowd. It was a bold move, but cheap. No you are not CM Punk, and no this isn’t working. Please just wrestle, that is what you do best. Until then, this is just Bad. This set up a TLC Match with Rollins vs. Corbin later in the show surprisingly for the Intercontinental Championship saving it from the Ugly treatment.

Bayley (w/ Sasha Banks) vs. Alicia Fox (w/ the Singh Brothers and Jinder Mahal)

More Bayley almost always should be a Good thing, however overall this wasn’t a Good match. Alicia Fox is extremely awkward, and oversells like crazy. Of course there was some very predictable outside interference from Mahal and company leading to Apollo Crews running down for the save. Sasha Banks and Crews took care of the heels leading to a “Bayley to Belly” on Fox. Bayley Wins a Bad Match! Once Bayley and the Boss get into this Tag Team Gimmick more, we will have some Good things to watch. Recycling Fox every week is not the right move and hurts an otherwise decent match.

Dean Ambrose Backstage Promo

The new Dean Ambrose is Good, but that promo was out of place and completely weird. It would have had a lot more impact if he would have just done a run in during the TLC IC Title Match later in the night. Instead we had a typical promo that accomplished nothing. It’s Bad because of the wasted potential and shear overkill. Dean Ambrose is amazing,but this was Bad.

Alexa Bliss’ Promo w/ Nia Jax and Raw Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey

Tamina Snuka can ruin anything, luckily this had failure written all over it well in advance. Tamina has the charisma of a flagpole, and Nia Jax is unforgivably bad on the mic. Rousey came marching down with her angry face of course. Outnumbered, Ember Moon runs down before anything went down. This was such crap, however it was effective setting up a match that hasno potential to be Good. Ember Moon vs the Heat Killer, Tamina.

Ember Moon vs. Tamina Snuka

Ember Moon is a fantastic talent and a treat to watch. Unfortunately Tamina just shouldn’t be in there. She is the worst talent in WWE, and drags down the people around her. It’stoo Bad that Ember Moon isn’t working someone that can showcase her great skill and hunger. This match was Bad in all possible ways, which literally pushed this show over the edge from bearable, too,hard to watch. After Rousey took care of Nia Jax outside, Ember hits the “Eclipse”for the victory. Ember Moon’s performance was stellar as always, however this just wasn’t a Good match. It left the room with a “who cares” feeling. What Ember provided though was Bad but not Ugly. Although this may have been the best Tamina has ever done, the match just wasn’t Good.

THE UGLY

Natalya Promo

This was a horrendous promo. Natalya is cringe worthy on the mic. She really lays on the “Hart Cheap Pop” every chance she gets. Her Dad was incredible,her Uncles incredible, her not so much. This was a crap promo, and a total waste of time. A match dedication? That is where we are at? I cannot bury this enough, but looks like Natalya did all the burying it needed. On the bright side, more Ruby Riott and The Riott Squad is an awesome thing. We have some great talent there. The match on Sunday at TLC should be a Good one, but until then, it is really Ugly to watch, or should I say,listen too.

FINAL TALLY

Good: 4
Bad: 6
Ugly: 1

Overall: Bad

The tally doesn’t lie, and neither do I. We had a Bad show even with the strong ending. Unlike last week, where the promos carried the weight, it was the action that carried the bulk of the Good this time around. However, we had a lot of not so Good moments. The Women’s Division unfortunately didn’t deliver their usual save this week. Tamina and Natayla were the main culprits of this Bad night. We had a few decent spots in the ring tonight though. Far from a total loss. Hopefully we will have a Good SmackDown to take the Bad taste out of our mouths before a stacked TLC on Sunday.

Let us know what you think on social media @theCHAIRSHOTcom and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

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Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

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THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

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Classic POD is WAR

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Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

1 month ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

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CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

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About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

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SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

2 months ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1