WWE Raw 1/29/18 Retro Review: Elimination Chamber, Ronda Rousey

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Fred Richani’s rapid recap of WWE Raw on Jan. 29, 2018, the night after the Royal Rumble, with two title matches, three Elimination Chamber qualifiers and news on Ronda Rousey.

Raw Review

Adapted from the episode and edited for clarity and brevity. Listen above for the full review.

ESPN confirmed Ronda Rousey signed a full-time deal with WWE. I doubt she’ll work house shows, and I think it would hurt her mystique if she did. She didn’t appear, but Stephanie McMahon announced the first women’s Elimination Chamber match, which T-Mobile telegraphed with a tweet about 12 superstars.

Asuka beat Sasha Banks with the Asuka Lock in probably Asuka’s best main roster match. My only complaints: some of Asuka’s stiff shots, and a dive where Sasha’s feet caught the rope and she landed head-first on the floor. She just turned 26, has a history of neck and back injuries, and we’re not far removed from Paige reportedly being forced to retire with a neck injury. Not every match needs a dive. Still, after back-to-back MVP performances, I want to see Sasha get a long title run instead of being a transitional champion.

Cesaro and Sheamus retained the tag team titles against Titus Worldwide in Titus Worldwide’s best match as a team, with Apollo Crews running wild. The Miz retained the Intercontinental title over Roman Reigns in another awesome TV match, rolling him up and holding the tights. Elias beat Woken Matt Hardy to qualify for the Chamber thanks to a Bray Wyatt distraction, and Braun Strowman beat Kane in a short last man standing match, tipping over the entire announce platform. Kane was taken to a “local medical facility,” because apparently WWE can’t say hospital.

Jonathan Coachman returned to commentary, and that ESPN experience brought some much-needed professionalism. Raw also debuted a new theme song and graphics. In the main event, John Cena beat Finn Balor with a super Attitude Adjustment to qualify. Cena stared down and mocked the crowd all match, the most heelish he’s been in years, which reminded me of The Rock in 2002 before his great 2003 heel run. But I wish WWE had qualified both men and saved this as a dream match. What’s next for Balor? He’s been more over than his push since his ill-timed injury. Also, The Dudley Boyz are going into the WWE Hall of Fame. Overall, one of the stronger Raws in a while. Thumbs up.