Monday Night Raw TV Report for November 30th, 2015 – “A Chance With ‘A New League’”

Introduction Segment: Welcoming and Arena Promo

Michael Cole salutes us from Pittsburgh as confetti drops from the ceiling. Tag-Team Champions The New Day are out to celebrate a birthday; but first they make fun of Pittsburgh’s NFL football team, The Steelers. Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston, and Big E. reveal that it is Sheamus’ birthday, and want him to join them.

The WWE World Heavyweight Champion walks out, donned in a suit and his mohawk slicked back. He is overjoyed with New Day’s props, thanking them as well as The Authority for giving him the chance. He also acknowledges Roman Reigns for not siding with Triple H, as if that had happened, Sheamus says that him being WWE World Heavyweight Champion “may not have happened.”

The party continues as they all dance around and make fun of Reigns’ short championship holding at Survivor Series, lasting only five minutes and fifteen seconds. Sheamus declares a new phrase, “Sheamus 5:15 says ‘I just kicked your arse!’” His music plays and he continues to be proud with pyro going off, but as he turns around from the turnbuckle, Sheamus is given a Superman Punch by a run-in from Roman, who then walks away with the title and holds it up on the stage!

Commercials.

Segment #2: Backstage Promo

Roman Reigns, still with the WWE Title, The Usos, and Dean Ambrose are discussing his move. Triple H and Stephanie walk up and demand him to return the championship. He does hand it over, but warns them to inform Sheamus that he’ll get it again at TLC on December 13th. “The Game” tells Reigns that Sheamus actually wants to face him tonight, for the Championship, so that will happen! Stephanie puts the stipulation on it though; Reigns has to win in less than 5:15.

Match #1: Single – Tyler Breeze (with Summer Rae) VS. Dolph Ziggler

Dolph trips up Tyler and they trade amateur holds and runs. Breeze hits a nice dropkick and begins to take over. He clamps on a grounding front-facelock, but Ziggler works his way out, however Tyler slams his had to the mat. Dolph counters with a roll-up, but Tyler catches a superkick and tries a roll-up of his own for two! Dolph runs into the corner, but misses and hits the post, tumbling to the floor.

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Breeze has gone back to the grounding front-facelock, but Dolph again gets out of it. He runs at him with a couple clotheslines, then drops an elbow. He goes for his version of “Sweet Chin Music” (Superkick) but Tyler counters and moves. They switch a couple more roll-throughs and Breeze snaps Dolph back with a bow-and-arrow backbreaker.

Ziggler kicks him off, but Breeze dropkicks Dolph’s knee. They go back-and-forth with more pin combos, then Ziggler hits the Superkick and covers to get the hard-wrestled victory!

Winner via Pinfall: Dolph Ziggler

Up next, MizTV is back with Rusev and Lana, who are apparently together again.

Commercials.

Segment #3: Arena Promo

The Miz is in the ring with Rusev, who doesn’t get much talking in as Rusev unleashes his feelings over the last month of being injured. The fans start to chant “we want Lana,” which Rusev says cannot happen, as she is his spouse. He says that during his time out-of-action, it was only Lana who comforted him back to health.

Upon his request, Lana walks out all smiles and hugs him in the ring. Miz recaps their “tumultuous” history, and cannot seem to grasp their reconciliation. Lana declares that it was love that conquered, and says “I never went all the way with Dolph.” (The fans call out “yes you did…!”) She calls him her “Bulgarian Sunshine,” and Rusev also says he “did not go all the way with Summer either.” (Not much of a response from the crowd on that one.) He proclaims his love and then they make-out until Ryback interrupts.

He stands in the aisle and laughs, poking fun at the pair in the ring. He wants to go against Rusev now, which he will!

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Match #2: Single – Rusev (with Lana) VS. Ryback

Rusev is dominating, ramming Ryback’s head into the turnbuckle multiple times and his shoulder into “The Big Guy’s” gut. Ryback counters a run with a Lou Thesz Press, then shoulder-rams him too and dives off the middle turnbuckle with a dropkick! They battle on the outside, with Ryback shoving Rusev into both the corner barricade and steps. The stairs ended up hitting Lana, who goes to the floor. The referee starts the count, and Rusev chooses to help his fiancé instead.

Winner via Count-Out: Ryback

Post-match, Rusev walks Lana gingerly and yells at Ryback for hurting her.

Segment #4: Office Promo

Triple H is texting on his phone when Dean Ambrose walks up. He applauds “The Lunatic Fringe” for winning the #1 Contender’s Spot to Kevin Owens’ Intercontinental Championship; the two will square off at T.L.C. HHH informs Ambrose that if Roman Reigns doesn’t win his bout tonight, then both Reigns and Ambrose himself will have their title opportunities at TLC taken away.

The Dudley Boyz make their entrance, grasping tables. Cole speculates why, which we should find out after the break!

Commercials.

Segment #5: Arena Promo

Bubba Ray and D-Von are in the ring amidst more cloth-covered tables. They address The Wyatt Family for trying to take them out, but cannot give them proper recognition, since they didn’t take them completely out. The “brothers” take the cloths off the tables which shows each of the Wyatt Family’s names on them. They challenge the four to fight; The Wyatt Family appears on stage and Bray accepts for all. He only sends down Harper, Rowan, and Strowman, though; but Bubba and D-Von match them! The tag-team talk about family, and introduce the return of one of theirs: Tommy Dreamer!

The ECW original walks through the fans to a major pop, carrying a trashcan full of foreign objects with him. He enters the ring and the seven men face-off, with loud calls of “this is awesome!” from the fans.

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Match #3: Six-Man Tag-Team – The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von) and Tommy Dreamer VS. The Wyatt Family (Braun Strowman, Erik Rowan, and Luke Harper) (with Wyatt Family member Bray Wyatt)

Luke is dominating until Tommy gets the tag; he almost gets his DDT in, but Harper counters then switches with Braun. “The Black Sheep” kick at then smacks Dreamer, then Rowan presses his closed fists against Tommy’s head. “The Innovator Of Violence” moves from a running-senton by Rowan and high-fives Ray for the hot-tag!

Bubba is all over Luke until this breaks down, with all six going at it and forcing the referee to call for the bell, signaling a double-sq.

Winners: None due to Double-Disqualification

Post-match, The Wyatt Family gets the better, and Strowman sets up a table in the corner. Bray is standing on the apron, but then is pushed through a table on the outside by Bubba! The Dudleyz and Dreamer back up the aisle as Strowman, Harper, and Rowan help their leader.

Commercials.

Match #4: Single – Goldust VS. United States Champion Alberto Del Rio (with Zeb Colter)

Prior to the contest, Zeb and Del Rio cut another promo dismissing the fans and Goldust. “The Bizarre One” takes exception and slaps Alberto hard. Charles Robinson, the referee, rings the bell and Del Rio fires back with punches. Goldust gears up with a big powerslam and tries to run the United States Champ into the corner, but is shoved. Alberto climbs the turnbuckle and jumps off with a double-stomp, taking this one!

Winner via Pinfall: United States Champion Alberto Del Rio (with Zeb Colter)

Post-match, Alberto continues with the attack, locking on the Cross-Armbreaker. Jack Swagger charges out and makes the save, running Del Rio and Colter off. Loud “USA” and “We The People” chants are ring out.

Segment #6: Backstage Promo

Charlotte is looking at her Divas Championship when Becky Lynch walks up. She tells Charlotte to forget about Paige, and the way to do that is to wrestler her, like they used to in NXT. Charlotte reminds Lynch to not let Paige mess around with her, and Lynch does admit that Paige talked to her earlier, but she really wants to wrestle Charlotte just for fun; even in a non-title match. Charlotte agrees, as long as her father, Ric Flair can join as a manager. Of course, Becky gives approval, then the “Nature Boy” himself shows up and is happy with his daughter.

The Lucha Dragons enter the arena and will take on The Usos to see who will go against The New Day for the Tag Team Titles!

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Match #5: Tag-Team to determine the #1 Contenders for the Tag Team Championship – The Lucha Dragons (Kalisto and Sin Cara) VS. The Usos (Jimmy and Jey)

(Note: Tag Team Champions The New Day are on commentary.) Kalisto and one Uso begin quickly, then the other Uso is tagged in and they double-team the Lucha. Kalisto comes back and tags in Cara, who helps Kalisto with a monkey-flip splash! Kalisto is back, giving the Uso twin a tornado headscissors. Unfortunately, The New Day interject themselves shortly after and cause a double-sq.

Winners: No Contest due to Interference

Team B.A.D. are shown walking through the halls as up next, Brie Bella will take on Sasha Banks!

Commercials.

Segment #6: Backstage Promo

Usos and Luchas are arguing around Stephanie and she finally understands what they want. She gives The Luchas a spot to wrestle The New Day at T.L.C. for the Tag-Team Championship, and is willing to do the same for the Twins, only if their family, Roman Reigns, wins tonight.

Match #6: Single – Brie Bella (with Team Bella partner Alicia Fox) VS. Sasha Banks (with Team B.A.D. members Tamina and Naomi)

They start out even until Sasha gets the better. She mocks Brie, and Naomi and Tamina put Alicia to the floor on the outside. Sasha continues to control with mud-hole stomps, and she wears down Brie with a surfboard stretch a bit later. She places Bella atop the turnbuckle, but Brie hits back and jumps off the middle turnbuckle with a missile dropkick. She kicks away repeatedly at Banks’ chest, but is distracted by Naomi and Tamina. Sasha grabs her from behind and snaps her with the Bank Statement, forcing her to tap to the Crossface.

Winner via Submission: Sasha Banks (with Team B.A.D. members Tamina and Naomi)

Roman Reigns is warming up when The Usos and Dean Ambrose help him hype for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match, which is surprisingly next!

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Match #7: Single for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship – Roman Reigns (Challenger) VS. Sheamus (Champion) (Stipulation: Roman must win in five minutes and fifteen seconds, or he, Dean Ambrose, and The Usos loser their championship matches at Tables, Ladders, and Chairs.)

Roman quickly rolls up Sheamus a few times, but Sheamus soon governs after running Reigns into the ring post. Sheamus works over Roman with a grounding rear chinlock, but Reigns battles out. he hits another clothesline and a big boot for two! Sheamus goes to the outside, but Roman follows and tosses him back in the ring.

Reigns gives the WWE World Heavyweight Champion a Samoan Drop! 1 – 2 – Sheamus kicks out! Roman gears up for the Superman Punch, but Sheamus breaks to the floor. He hurls Reigns over the commentator’s table, but Roman shoves Sheamus into the ring post. He puts him back inside the squared circle with under a minute to go!

He signals for another Superman Punch, but Rusev yanks him out of the ring, causing a DQ!

Winner via Disqualification but NOT WWE World Heavyweight Champion: Roman Reigns

Post-match, Sheamus revels in his keeping of the WWE Title, and then announces his new group, The League Of Nations, made up of United States Champion Alberto Del Rio, King Barrett, and Rusev.

Commercials.

The announcer’s let us know that tonight’s main-event is now an Eight-Man Tag-Team with Reigns, Ambrose, and The Usos wrestling The League Of Nations.

Match #8: Single – Divas Champion Charlotte (with Ric Flair) VS. Becky Lynch (Non-Title)

(Note: Paige is on commentary.) an elbow/collar tie-up begins, and they trade wristlocks. Lynch turns hers into an armlock, but Charlotte sweeps her down. She leapfrogs Becky, but Lynch turns it into a side headlock takedown and kicks off a Figure-4 attempt.

Charlotte grabs Lynch with a waistlock and trips her face-first, then the two switch around holds and pin combos. Charlotte chops Becky and slams her over with a Figure-4 Necklock. She chops again but Lynch uppercuts back a few times. She hits Charlotte with a springboard kick, but is spider-web rolled for a two-count!

Lynch whips Charlotte into the corner, but the Divas Champ hops over her; she lands on her feet, but appears to have hurt her knee. Ric climbs on the apron, talks to Becky, but Charlotte kips-up and spider-web rolls her again to finish this!

Winner via Pinfall: Divas Champion Charlotte

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Segment #7: Backstage Promo

Becky runs after Charlotte and inquires why she ended the match like that. Charlotte tells Lynch she was trying to make her known to how things really work at Raw, compared to NXT; she also promises they are still friends.

Paige then walks up and teases Becky about not losing their relationship.

Segment #8: Video Promo

Adam Rose has a new storyline, where he dishes his opinion on the “controversies” of WWE; this week is about the reuniting Lana and Rusev, despite their summer soap involving Dolph and Summer too.

Segment #9: Video Promo

Stardust is talking about the Christmas season and asks for The Ascension, but Titus O’Neil appears behind him instead and spooks him off after telling Stardust to enjoy this time of year.

Up next is our main-event!

Commercials.

Match #9: Eight-Man Tag Team – Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) VS. The League Of Nations (WWE World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, King Barrett, United States Champion Alberto Del Rio, and Rusev)

Just before this begins, Tag-Team Champions The New Day strut out and disclose that The Authority has now made this a Seven-On-Four Match, as they are involved!

Match #9: Seven-On-Four Tag Team – Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose, and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey) VS. The League Of Nations (WWE World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus, King Barrett, United States Champion Alberto Del Rio, and Rusev) and Tag-Team Champions The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods, and Big E.)

Kofi and Dean start, with Dean giving a flurry of firsts and chops to Kingston in the corner. He throws him to the other corner and then clotheslines and scoop-slams him. Ambrose tags in an Uso, who headbutts Kofi and then tags in his cousin. Reigns drops an elbow on the Tag-Team Champions, then switches with his other cousin Jimmy.

Kofi manages to tag in Xavier, who punches Jimmy in the corner. Jimmy rolls through on a whip and hits Woods down, then all four faces mudhole-stomp Xavier. On the outside, the rest of The League Of Nations drag Woods away for a break.

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Del Rio and Jey are wrestling, and he drags the Uso twin to the heel corner. Woods is back but is double-teamed by the Twins. Jimmy boots Xavier out of the corner and leaps over him and lands on his feet, but his knee appears to be injured. The League work him over for a while until Reigns runs in and hammers Sheamus. Referee Robinson forces Reigns back and The League continue to govern.

Kofi soars off the top with an axe-handle but Jimmy counters with an uppercut. He plants him with a Samoan Drop and goes to run at him in the corner, but Xavier distracts Robinson and Rusev clotheslines him! Jimmy is focused on by his teammates on the outside as he has seemingly hurt his knee.

Commercials.

Jimmy was dragged away by referees, so now it is just Roman, Dean, and Jey to face The New Day and The League Of Nations. The heels continue to dominate over Jey for a while. Uso manages to make the hot-tag to Reigns, who cleans house on League and New Day. He runs after Sheamus on the outside, and delivers the Drive-By running front-dropkick to both Kofi and Xavier! He is thrown into the steps though and rolled back into the ring by Rusev.

Del Rio is in for a bit, but misses a front-dropkick through the ropes, and Roman tags in Ambrose! “The Lunatic Fringe” cleans house on his opponents, particularly Sheamus. He gives the WWE World Heavyweight Champion a bulldog out of the corner, then counters and hits a clothesline. He rockets off the top turnbuckle to the rest of Sheamus’ partners on the outside, then tosses Sheamus to the outside and runs himself through the ropes! He throws Sheamus back in the ring and dives off the top with an elbow-clothesline for a near-fall!

This breaks down again, and Ambrose fights off Xavier and Barrett, but turns around into a Brogue Kick! Sheamus covers and receives the victory!

Winners via Pinfall: The League Of Nations and The New Day

Post-match, League Of Nations and New Day continue to beat down their rivals until Reigns makes the save. However, the two factions are too strong and Sheamus Brogue Kicks Roman. He is held up over their shoulders to close the show.

End Of Raw.

Reporter’s Rumblings

This was a confusing Raw! It had some great wrestling, but storyline-wise, the show seemed very mixed-up! Onto my analysis for the details:

Excellence: wrestling between Ziggler/Breeze, Brie/Sasha, and Lynch/Charlotte.

LOVED the return of Tommy Dreamer; he was a true surprise, even though my Dad and I were expecting Spike. While I thought that The Wyatts should’ve split after getting defeated by ‘Taker and Kane at Survivor Series, I am liking their new feud with The Dudleyz and Dreamer, as it should be very physical and brutal!

Bogus: lack-of-continuity. To start, when did Lana and Rusev suddenly make-up and why? (I know they’re a couple in real-life, but this should’ve been played out more on TV, not just an out-of-nowhere reuniting.

All night, Roman Reigns had the deck stacked against him all night, but comes out on top in a stupid, non-suspenseful way. Firstly, the match/stipulation shouldn’t have happened to begin with, but since it did, I at least would’ve Roman to win by DQ with a few seconds left, not over 30, for drama!

Where was I.C. Champ Kevin Owens? Truly missed his presence tonight!

I’m liking that Charlotte may start to become more like her daddy in the ring, but I feel her interaction/attitude with Becky after the match was also too sudden; it would’ve been better if it was a simple “I’m sorry, I just needed to get the win.” The arrogant side was too much too soon.

Until Smackdown!, when hopefully some of the above issues are cleared up, Be Excellent Wrestling-Online Readers and Fans!