WWE “Payback” Live Reaction and Report for 5/1/2016 – Control of Raw on the Line, Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles, Charlotte vs. Natalya, Zayn vs. Owens and More

WWE rolls into the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL tonight to usher in a “new era” with the first pay per view after Wrestlemania – Payback.  Roman Reigns will defend his WWE Championship against AJ Styles.  Will Gallows and Anderson cause something to happen, one way or the other, in this match?  Vince McMahon is going to tell us who is in control of Raw tonight.  Will it be Stephanie McMahon, or will it be Shane McMahon?  Will there be a brand split?  Will it be someone else?  But aside from Authority drama, tonight looks to be a good show and you know we thought that if you listened to our predictions and preview on Ring Rap Audio.  The card stacks up as follows:

• Kalisto (c) vs. Ryback; WWE United States Championship (pre-show match)
• Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady vs. The Vaudevillains; Winner becomes the new #1 Contender to the WWE Tag Team Championship
• Dolph Ziggler vs. Baron Corbin
• Dean Ambrose vs. Chris Jericho
• Sami Zayn vs. Kevin Owens
• The Miz (c, w/Maryse) vs. Cesaro; WWE Intercontinental Championship
• Charlotte (c, w/Ric Flair) vs. Natalya (w/Bret Hart); WWE Women’s Championship
• Roman Reigns (c) vs. AJ Styles; WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Pre-Show:

The panel checks in.  It’s Renee Young, Booker T, Jerry Lawler and Corey Graves.  Graves talks about the atmosphere and says it’s more electric than usual backstage.  He says we’re on the verge of something special.

Greg Hamilton checks in from the Social Media Lounge, and his guest will be Sami Zayn later on in the pre-show.  Graves cuts on Hamilton, saying he can’t wait til Tom Phillips returns.

The panel discusses the McMahon family drama and talks about who will end up in control of Raw.  They moved on to discuss Chris Jericho vs. Dean Ambrose and fed it to a video package.  The hosts then credit the artist who created the Payback theme.

They run a video package to hype up Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles.  Back with the panel, Booker calls it his “Shucky Ducky Quack Quack Moment,” then asks if he can deal with the destructive force of Roman Reigns.  Renee asks if this will be a one-on-one fight.  Graves says that Styles has Gallows and Anderson on his side and they’re working together.

Lawler says the match will be fun because it’s fun to boo Roman Reigns.  He says just listen to the crowd.  Booker praises Reigns for handling the boo-birds at Wrestlemania.  The panel makes predictions, with Booker T saying AJ will pull it off, but the others saying Reigns will retain.  They briefly hype Ryback vs. Kalisto for the pre-show, coming up next.

The panel discusses the tag team match between Enzo and Big Cass vs. The Vaudevillains before sending it to Mauro Ranallo and Byron Saxton to call the first match.  Surprisingly, it’s not Kalisto vs. Ryback but instead Ziggler vs. Corbin.  Corbin gets a nice reaction from the fans – and his entrance is great.  Ziggler gets a decent pop too as he comes to the ring.  We get a recap of their feud as Ziggler makes his way to the ring.

Match #1 – Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler;

Winner: Dolph Ziggler

The Summary:  The two jawjack as the bell rings before  some early striking from Ziggler.  Corbin throws him hard to the buckle to take over.   Corbin continues the slow, methodical assault on Ziggler.  He plays to the fans but takes a flurry of strikes from Ziggler.  Ziggler tries to hit his DDT but gets slingshot across the ropes instead.

Corbin keeps up the assault by working clubbing shots, focusing around the head and neck.  Ziggler throws a couple elbows but gets thrown chest-first to the buckle.  Corbin locks on a hold but Ziggler fights out with some strikes before locking on a sleeper.

Corbin squashes Ziggler in the corner to break the sleeper, but Ziggler tries a superkick.  Corbin blocks but eats a Fameasser for two.  Corbin rolls outside to regroup, but Ziggler tries to attack.   Corbin hits a big boot as Ziggler dives off the steps at him.  Corbin then runs him face first into the post with a catapult like move.

Corbin throws Ziggler in, then stands on his neck and plays to the fans.  Corbin sets up his next move but Ziggler rolls him up and grabs the win.

After the Bell:  Ziggler rolls to ringside as Corbin stares at him.  The announcers recap the finish sequence.  The panel hypes up Kalisto vs. Ryback, yet to come.  Corey Graves hypes up the Social Media Lounge segment with Sami Zayn, next.

What Worked:  A good match that the live crowd reacted to, especially down the stretch.

What Didn’t:  Honestly, I didn’t want Corbin to lose here.  I don’t know that this loss hurts him all that much, but I think a win makes a lot more sense.  He’ll get his win back, probably on Raw, but man, why not keep him as an undefeated monster by chewing through people until someone stops him?   Especially losing to Ziggler, who has been booked down so far from his championship days.

Back with the panel, they set up a video package to highlight the feud between Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.  They go right to the Social Media Lounge, where Greg Hamilton asks Sami Zayn several questions from fans, mostly themed around Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.

Match #2 – Kalisto (c) vs. Ryback; WWE United States Championship;

Winner:  Kalisto to retain the WWE United States Championship

The Summary:  Kalisto gets a nice reaction for his entrance, while Ryback gets some heat.  Ranallo hypes that Ryback hasn’t been beaten since losing at Wrestlemania.  Ryback mocks CM Punk’s entrance to get some heat while Ranallo recaps the history of the US Championship.

Goldberg chants for Ryback as the early action gets underway.  Ryback dominates until Kalisto hits a suicide dive then a sloppy corkscrew plancha.  Kalisto tries for a wheelbarrow DDT but Ryback shoves him face first to the corner.  Kalisto tries for a tornado DDT but Ryback counters and hits a suplex for two.  We get a commercial for Camp WWE.

Ryback controls Kalisto, throwing him to the post, then into the corner again like a bowling ball.  Ryback wipes his hands as if it’s over then kind of boots Kalisto around with his boots.  Kalisto boots Ryback in the face then hits some quick offense with a tornado DDT.

Ryback teases a suplex to the floor but Kalisto counters, then hits a springboard DDT on the apron.  Kalisto comes back with a springboard cross body for one, then a corkscrew elbow for two.  Ryback looks for a powerbomb but Kalisto turns it into a sunset flip.  A bit later Kalisto hits a short-rana for a two count.

Kalisto looks for the Salida Del Sol, but Ryback counters and tries for Shellshocked but Kalisto slips out and rolls him up.  Ryback comes back with a spinebuster then goes top rope.  Kalisto gets up and jumps up for a kick then goes up top with him.  Ryback hits a big top rope military press.  Ryback goes up for another move, but Kalisto avoids it and hits Salida Del Sol to win.

After the Bell:  We get a recap of the finish as Kalisto plays to the fans.  The panel checks in to tell us there are moments left until the main card as they show Vince’s locker room.  They say Vince has a big decision to make.  The announcers for the main card make their entrance as we get some final sell.

What Worked:  Aside from a sloppy spot here or there, the match was good.

What Didn’t:  Not really ‘didn’t work’ but they need to get serious about Kalisto.  Either make him a star and push him with the title on him, or pull the title for someone else.  He loses far more matches than he wins, and they’re failing to add to the title as Rusev and John Cena did.

WWE “Payback” Pay Per View, Live from the Allstate Arena in Chicago, IL

We get New Day bellowing out right off the bat, and they get a good reaction from the Chicago fans.  They head to the ring to cut their show opening promo.  They say they want a front row seat to see who their next contenders are, and they’ll sip some lemonade.

We get the Payback show opening promo package, which focuses on Shane and Stephanie McMahon and AJ Styles and Roman Reigns.

Enzo and Cass come out to a great reaction and do their entrance gimmick to a great pop.  Enzo tells them to get in their Delorian and go back to the future.  He adds that there is no elevator to success, but he takes the escalator.  He says that they need to tie their shoes because they got stuck at the bottom.  Cass tells them the Vaudevillains are S-A-W-F-T…Sawwwwffft!  The Vaudevillains don’t get much reaction as they come to the ring.

Match #1 – The Vaudevillains vs. Enzo Amore and Colin Cassady; Winner is the new #1 Contender to the WWE Tag Team Championship;

Winner:  No Contest – Injury Stoppage

The Summary:  Gotch and Enzo start off in a test of strength, with Enzo hitting a monkey flip into a cover.  New Day was shown eating pizza and watching on from ringside.  Cass and Enzo team up and do some double team splashes on both of the Vaudevillains.

A bit later, Enzo gets tossed to the ropes, and he hits his face against the rope.  The match grinds to a halt while the doctors tend to him.  The official eventually calls for the bell, and this is a no-contest.

After the Bell:  The announcers talk quietly and there’s a hush over the arena.  Medics tend to Amore, and the commentary team sends it to the video package for the Kevin Owens/Sami Zayn feud.

What Worked:  It’s hard to evaluate this in light of the situation.  Amore took a brutal shot off the ropes – probably something he did a hundred times before – and just went limp.  It’s a scary moment and it clearly deflated the crowd, to be expected.

Match #2 – Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn;

Winner:  Kevin Owens

The Summary:  Kevin Owens gets his entrance first, then Zayn.  The crowd pops back up a little for both men, singing along with Zayn’s entrance.  The two jawjack early, then lock up and exchange strikes.  Zayn dumps Owens to ringside then hits a plancha dive.  Outside the ring, Zayn dumps Owens into the barrier twice.  Back in the ring, Owens drapes Zayn across the rope.  Zayn comes back with a heel kick.

Zayn stays in control, hitting a head scissor takedown before things spill to ringside again.  Owens throws Zayn into the steps.  Cole gives us an update, saying that Enzo is talking and moving his extremities.  Good news.  Owens continues to dominate the match, standing on Zayn’s wrist on the steps then kicking him in the face.

A bit later, Owens drapes Zayn stomach-first over the ropes then hits a back senton for two.  Owens stands Zayn up and jaws, but Zayn lands a few strikes.  He eats an elbow from Owens then comes right back with a clothesline.   Zayn turns Owens inside out with a clothesline, then mounts for corner punches.  Owens throws boot to the face but takes a sit-out slam for two.  He comes back with a Blue Thunder Bomb for two.

Owens comes back with some offense, getting a good near fall.  Shocked, Owens goes top rope for a frog splash for a good near fall again.  Owens comes back with a big running clothesline then a cannonball in the corner.  He hits a second before setting up a pop up powerbomb.  Zayn counters with a drop kick, followed with a double underhook suplex.  Owens fires back with a big clothesline that draws a cheer from the fans.

The fans think this is awesome, and it is.  Strike exchange, then Owens throws Zayn to the ropes for the pop up powerbomb, but this time Zayn counters with a victory roll for two.  Zayn runs the ropes for a tornado DDT but Owens counters by dropping to a knee and putting Zayn on his knee.

Out on the apron, Owens tells Zayn he should have stayed down.  The two exchange strikes on the apron.  Owens teases a powerbomb on the apron, but Zayn counters with a backdrop on the apron.  Ouch.  Owens has a little blood on his face.  Zayn does his through-the-ropes into a tornado DDT on the floor.

Back in the ring, Zayn sets up for the Helluva Kick, but eats a superkick instead.  Owens follows with the pop-up powerbomb for the win.

After the Bell:  JBL yells to call the Chicago PD because these boys just stole the show.  They go into a recap of the finish.  Owens slaps Zayn then throws him to ringside.  He taunts Saxton and tells him to get a mic and get in the ring.  Saxton does so, reluctantly.  Owens demands him to ask about beating Sami Zayn.

Saxton says “do you think this is the end of the rivalry with Sami Zayn.”  Owens gets upset and says that he beat Sami Zayn, and he’s the better man.   He demands that Saxton ask a second question, and stops him.  He says he can refocus on regaining his Intercontinental Championship.  Saxton asks him if Miz will retain, and Owens says he doesn’t care.  Owens says that he will sit in on commentary for the match, up next.

What Worked:  A great match with the right result.  You want to build up to the moment when Zayn gets his win over Owens, and this works to get that story on the path to that point.  Also, the two men were put in a tough spot and delivered getting the crowd re-engaged early on.

What Didn’t:  Nothing.

Match #3 – The Miz (c) vs. Cesaro; WWE Intercontinental Championship:

Winner:  The Miz to retain the Intercontinental Championship

The Summary:  Maryse gets involved early, grabbing Miz’s leg at one point to prevent Cesaro from delivering a suplex.  Miz locks on a sleeper a bit later.  Cesaro slides himself into a guard position, then stands up and delivers a suplex.  Nice spot.

Cesaro starts to throw uppercuts, and it’s time to get on the Uppercut Train as we go corner to corner with uppercut shots.  He finishes it off with a nice running drop kick.  Cesaro throws a suplex off the apron for two.

Miz tries to land a big boot on a seated Cesaro, but he ducks and follows with a spinning corkscrew uppercut.  Cesaro tries to get the swing but Miz kicks him in the shoulder.  Cesaro hits a pop-up uppercut for two.

Miz throws Cesaro to the corner and hits the Skull Crushing Finale.  Cesaro kicks out.  Out of nowhere, Sami Zayn jumps over the announce position and the fight is on again.  They tumble to the timekeeper’s area.  In the ring, Cesaro hits Miz with the Swing.  He locks in the crossface but Zayn and Owens fight onto the apron.

The official tends to Zayn and Owens, but Miz is tapping out.  Cesaro runs over and takes them out, and that lets Miz roll up Cesaro for the win.

After the Bell:  Cesaro grabs Miz and throws him back in the ring.  He hits the Neutralizer, only to take a kick from Owens.  Zayn charges the ring and they start fighting again.  Owens hits him with a pop up powerbomb.  He sets Miz up for one too, but Maryse pulls him to safety.  Owens taunts with the Intercontinental Championship belt, saying that it’s his.

What Worked:  Kevin Owens on commentary was gold, and he definitely added to the match.  The match was fine, and the finish clearly points to a future fatal four way match, probably at Extreme Rules.  I think it might have been too soon to give Cesaro the win.  A creative way to get to another match between all parties involved.

What Didn’t:

They show Stephanie McMahon talking to Apollo Crews backstage, hyping that Vince McMahon will make a decision regarding who will control Raw later.  They move on into a video package hyping the feud between Ambrose and Jericho.

Match #4 – Chris Jericho vs. Dean Ambrose:

Winner:  Dean Ambrose

The Summary:  Jericho gets his entrance as they introduce other foreign announce teams.  Ambrose gets a good reaction for his entrance.  They update us on Enzo Amore, saying he can communicate with medical staff as well as being able to move his extremities.  He’s  undergoing further testing.

Split crowd reaction as Ambrose gets some early shoulder blocks and elbow shots.  Jericho controls the early action between the two men.

Jericho mocks the crowd with “Let’s go Ambrose” chants then slingshots Ambrose into the rope.  He stretches Ambrose out in the ring.  Jericho tries for a running bulldog but Ambrose shoves him off into the buckle.  Ambrose starts to fire back with chops and strikes.  Ambrose hits a tornado DDT for two.

Ambrose tries a suplex that gets countered, then they do some go-behind switches.  Jericho hits a double axe handle off the ropes then tries for the Walls.  Ambrose counters, following up with a swinging neckbreaker for two.  He follows with a corner shot and a running bulldog for two.

Ambrose goes top rope and looks for his elbow, but Jericho sidesteps and locks on the Walls.  Ambrose gets to the ropes to break it, then sends Jericho to ringside.  Announce tables come apart, then Ambrose teases hitting Dirty Deeds.  Jericho counters and slingshots him over into the timekeeper area.  Ambrose just beats the count back in.

Jericho tries the Codebreaker but Ambrose counters.  He hits his WackyLine for two, then goes top rope.  Jericho counters then tries a springboard drop kick but Ambrose counters.  Ambrose back to the top and hits his elbow for a good two.

Jericho tries a superplex, but Ambrose headbutts his way out.  Jericho jumps but takes a boot, and Ambrose tries Dirty Deeds.  Jericho counters to the Walls.  Ambrose tries to drag himself to the ropes, then counters out by rolling through Jericho’s legs.  Small package gets him two.

Jericho hits an enzugiri for two, screaming at the official afterward.  Knee to the back only gets Jericho two again.  Ambrose fires back with slaps and chops after Jericho taunts.  Jericho tries for the Lionsault only to eat Ambrose’s knees.  Ambrose comes back with Dirty Deeds to get the win.

After the Bell:  Jericho throws a fit after losing, throwing papers and yelling at the official.  Ambrose plays to the fans.

What Worked:  That was a win Ambrose needed.  He lost to Lesnar at Wrestlemania and Triple H at RoadBlock in good, solid matches.  He needed to get a credible victory and this was one that made sense.

What Didn’t:  There were a few clunky spots along the way, and it seems at times the crowd wasn’t real excited about it at times.  We’ll see if they set up a match for Extreme Rules.

Backstage, Mauro Ranallo interviews AJ Styles.  He mentions Gallows and Anderson helping him out along the way, and Styles says what we’ll see tonight is him having the match of his life and winning on his own.  He admits that Gallows and Anderson are his friends, but tonight is all about him.  He says he will beat Roman in a one on one match and show him why he’s phenomenal.

They show Sasha Banks talking to Shane McMahon, then thank Andy Black for the (terrible) theme music for the event.

Match #5 – Charlotte (c, w/Ric Flair) vs. Natalya (w/Bret Hart); WWE Women’s Championship

Winner:  Charlotte to retain the WWE Women’s Championship

The Summary:  They recap the match a couple of weeks ago on Raw where Natalya got the tap out, but Ric pulled the referee out of the ring, causing a disqualification.  Natalya waits for Bret Hart to make that walk to the ring.  Big reaction for Bret when he’s introduced.  In-Ring introductions for this title match.

Natalya goes for an early Sharpshooter that Charlotte counters.  Natalya works at the legs early on as JBL taunts about how Charlotte is changing the game for the women.  Natalya hits a shoulder tackle, springs over Charlotte, then tries to step through again for the Sharpshooter.

A short chase around the ring leads back into the ring.  Charlotte kicks the wrong rope as Natalya gets in the ring, then follows with a swinging neckbreaker to take control of the match.  Charlotte slaps Natalya in the face at ringside.  Natalya comes back with a release German for two, then a low drop kick.

Charlotte draws Natalya in and drops her to the corner buckle, then drops Natalya on her knee.  She starts to focus her offense on the leg.  A  bit later, Charlotte throws a suplex that sends Natalya into the ropes leg first.  Charlotte goes up top for a moonsault but Natalya shoves her off to the floor.

Charlotte sells the leg, and Natalya gives chase.  In a clunky spot, Natalya counters an attempted powerbomb into a huracanrana.   Natalya stares at Flair before getting in the ring to take a big boot for a two count.

On one leg, Natalya looks to lock on the Sharpshooter.  Charlotte counters, following with Natural Selection for a good near fall.  She lands some forearm shots for another two count.   Charlotte goes top rope and hits her moonsault for two.  Charlotte is shocked.

Charlotte locks on the Figure Four, and Natalya rolls it over but Charlotte gets into the ropes to break it.  Charlotte goes to the Sharpshooter, and the bell rings almost immediately.  “What the hell?!”  We’re re-living Montreal yet again.  They announce Charlotte as the winner.

After the Bell:  Bret and Natalya lock on simultaneous Sharpshooters on Flair and Charlotte after the match and stand tall.

What Worked:  It was a good match, all the way to the finish.  They kept the shenanigans to a minimum between Bret and Ric, and left it ultimately between the women in the ring.  The action was fine, although it seemed like the crowd didn’t get totally into it.

What Didn’t:  Boy did I hate that finish.  Pretty much a “Fuck you” to the legacy of Bret Hart, and it’s tired.  19 years ago, we saw that finish in Montreal.  Let it go, WWE.  I guess it’s how they get to a rematch in three weeks.

In-Ring Segment:

Eden Stiles introduces Vince McMahon to a big reaction.  He struts to the ring as the fans sing along with his music.  JBL creams himself, saying Vince will make the right decision (hinting he wants the return of the Authority).  Chicago turns on him, chanting “CM PUNK!”

Vince talks about how Raw has been the longest running shows on television, and says it has been so successful because it has been able to morph and evolve.  CM Punk chants take over the promo segment and he asks how long they can go with it.  He goes back to talking about the decision, saying they need a leader with business acumen, ethic, and vision.

He introduces Stephanie first, to a chorus of boos.  Vince puts over her for being beautiful, then she says she would like to thank everyone for their care and concern when she got speared by Roman Reigns.  Vince gets upset at them booing her heartily, but she tells them it’s okay because she doesn’t want their support or sympathy.  She says she would rather be feared or respected than felt sorry for.

Stephanie runs down the accomplishments of the Authority, saying they brought us talent like Sasha Banks, Kevin Owens, The Shield, Roman Reigns, and AJ Styles.  She focuses on WWE Network, promoting its value to fans and hyping the subscriber count.

Shane McMahon gets his entrance, to a big reaction.  Stephanie says that Shane is pandering, and to pay him no mind as that is what he does best.  “What’s up Chicago?” Shane asks.  He asks Stephanie what headlines she and Hunter have made since running Raw.  He runs down a series of headlines all over social media sites for his work on Raw the past several weeks.

Shane says that the Network is the brainchild of Vince, and Stephanie is trying to take credit for the subscriber count.  Only the subscribers can take that credit.  Shane says there was a jump at Wrestlemania time, and one match had fans extra interested in, and one of the participants is in the ring.

Shane talks about his departure, saying Stephanie doesn’t know a lot about it.  Shane says that his voice wasn’t being heard, and that created irreconcilable differences that left him to leave.  He says that Stephanie and Hunter, rather than giving them new matches and new stars, they put their poison all over the product because it was a huge ego trip.

Shane says the Authority nearly burned the thing to the ground, and Shane came back to ensure the company is around for future generations.  “So dad, I ask that you listen to me,” but added that Vince didn’t have to listen because the fans speak for him.  He plays to the fans, holding up the mic to a big reaction.

“Enough of this crap! Stop it!”  Shane calls for a vote, and of course gets the resounding cheers over Stephanie.  Vince actually casts a vote for himself and gets booed too.   Stephanie admits that Shane is popular, but business is not about likeability.

Vince admits that Stephanie has good points and Shane shouldn’t even be in the ring because he lost to Undertaker.  Vince recounts the path that Raw took by Shane being a bigger man and coming out to say goodbye.  He talks about how he let Shane run the show that night, and he did alright.  So he gave him another week, and that week was better.

Vince says that Shane wants to listen to the fans, and the media.  “I don’t listen to anybody but me.”  He says it’s about  what he wants.  “Figuratively speaking, I want blood.  I want to see you both slit each others’ throats.”  He continued, saying that it could be a collaborative effort.  He says they will both have equal say and told them to figure it out.  Vince left the ring, and Shane extends his hand to Stephanie.  After tentative moments, Stephanie shakes his hand.  They exit.

What Didn’t Work;  Great.  It’s 2016, and WWE Raw will be about the McMahon Family Saga, just like in 2000, just like in so many other times.  It’s not new.  It’s not fresh.  Sigh.

Cole sends it up to the panel, where Renee runs down the folks that are present.  They chat about the non-decision decision then the various matches that have already taken place on the show.  The announce team helps recap the various matches from the kickoff show.

They pimp Camp WWE, and Saxton reminds us that the WWE Network has parental controls and that the show will have some mature themes.  Cole assures us that Raw, Smackdown, and pay per view events will remain family friendly.

We get an update on Enzo Amore, with Cole telling us that he has a concussion but all other tests came back negative.  A best-possible case for Enzo on that bump, which was just wicked.

They run a video package to set up the main event between Roman Reigns and AJ Styles, including the drama with Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows.

Match #6 – Roman Reigns (c) vs. AJ Styles; WWE World Heavyweight Championship

Winner:  Roman Reigns to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship

The Summary:  Styles gets a hero’s welcome from Chicago, while Reigns gets booed out of the building.  JBL is key to mention that everyone’s on their feet reacting and no matter what fans think of him he gets them to respond.  After the in-ring introduction, the two stalk each other.

The early action sees fans chanting for Styles, booing Reigns, and Styles selling back issues.  Reigns even gets a “you can’t wrestle” chant.  AJ sets up a German suplex but Reigns elbows out.  They run the ropes and Reigns turns Styles inside out with a clothesline.  Moments later, Reigns rolls Styles up then picks him up for a powerbomb.  He hits a sit-out powerbomb for two.  Reigns shakes his head as AJ sells.

Reigns sets up the Superman Punch but  AJ lands an enzugiri to counter.  AJ fires off quick shots, a snapmare takedown, then a running forearm into a two count.  Styles hoists Reigns up on his back and hits a driver onto his knee for another two count.

Moments later, AJ sets up a springboard but Reigns catches him.  AJ knees his way out then slips into a Calf Crusher.  Reigns struggles to the ropes but does get there to break it.  Styles hits a forearm shot to send Reigns to the floor.  Styles hits a Phenomenal Forearm to send Reigns through the announce position.  Big shot right there.

The count begins, and Styles tries to move Reigns into the ring.  That doesn’t work, so AJ rolls in.  He wins the match by a count-out.  Cue Shane McMahon’s music.  “That may be how things ended in the old era, but that’s not how a championship match ends in this era.  Ring the bell, because this match will not have any count-outs.”

Styles drags Reigns in and goes top rope, but Reigns crawls away.  The two exchange strikes, then AJ hits the Pele.   He sets Reigns up and goes for the 450 but Reigns gets the knees up.  Good near fall.  A bit later, Reigns ends up hitting a low blow, which ends the  match yet again.

Not to be outdone by Shane, cue Stephanie McMahon.  She makes the  match a no-disqualification match and orders a second re-start.  Reigns and Styles exchange strikes, and this match spills to ringside.  Styles throws a springboard clothesline that turns Reigns inside out, then follows it with a knee drop.

The match falls back into the ring, and Styles tries for the Phenomenal Forearm.  Reigns counters with the Superman Punch for a near fall.   Reigns hits a second Superman Punch, and Reigns sets up for the Spear.  Anderson and Gallows hit the ring.  They drag Styles out to protect him.

Reigns stares at the pair, and they hit the ring to attack him.  They beat him up and hit the Boot of Doom.  Styles drags himself up to the apron to see Reigns laid out.  Reigns struggles to his feet, as does Styles.  Styles hits the Phenomenal Forearm and gets a good near fall when Reigns gets his foot up on the ropes.

The Usos hit the ringside area to even the numbers.  Anderson and Gallows and The Usos brawl.  AJ goes top rope and Reigns throws him out on the pile.  Reigns sells in the ring then hits his own big dive out onto the group.  Styles was clear of the group, so he hits the Phenomenal Forearm from the barrier.  He follows in the ring with a springboard 450 for a good near fall.

Styles gets Reigns up for the Styles Clash but Reigns escapes.  AJ ends up on the apron, hanging up Reigns over the ropes when he tries for a Superman Punch.  He tries for the Forearm again but Reigns ducks under.  He hits the spear and rolls over to cover AJ for the win.

After the Bell:  They recap the highlights of the match.  The announcers put Styles over for proving himself phenomenal but Reigns ended up being “the guy.”  Reigns holds up the belt to a strongly mixed reaction.  Backstage, Vince talks to Stephanie and Shane about the match.  He congratulates both of them for a great match and asks what should be next.  Shane says they should have an Extreme Rules match at Extreme Rules in 3 weeks.  Stephanie agrees.  Vince says “we’ll see you tomorrow night at Raw.”  Steph tells Shane she supports his decision.  Back in the ring, Reigns continues to sell as Cole sends the show off the air.

What Worked:  If you get beyond the false finishes and restarts, this was a really good match.  Reigns doesn’t get enough credit for being able to work, which he can especially when he has a solid dance partner like Styles is.  AJ walks away looking strong and yet protected because of the restarts and all of the other things, and Reigns gets a clean title defense, ultimately.

What Didn’t:  They got a bit too cute with the interruptions and false finishes.  I didn’t personally care for that at all.  I would loved to have seen a big storyline development with Gallows and Anderson, but maybe that’s me rushing things instead of letting them take a natural progression.

Final Show Thoughts:  So good to hear that Enzo only has a concussion – serious enough in its own right – in a situation that could have been much, much worse.  So let’s get that one out of the way first.

All in all, the show was solid throughout and I thought it delivered in a number of ways but under-delivered in others.  Here’s where I felt they missed the mark:

• I felt like the main event was force-feeding the McMahons into a place where they didn’t need to be.  Gallows and Anderson could have had their involvement, and I’d have been fine with that.  Hell, I’d have been fine with AJ losing clean in a well-fought match.
• The McMahon segment was flat and such a cluster.  I hated that.
• The women’s championship match finish sucked.  I can’t say that enough.  Just awful.

Those things aside, there was a lot of good on the event.  Zayn vs. Owens was hot and got the crowd back into it after that really unfortunate tag team match moment.  Charlotte and Natalya had a good match til the finish, Miz vs. Cesaro wasn’t bad and got us some logical future storytelling.  All in all, the good outweighed the bad here and I thought the show was solid.  If you missed it live, go back and watch on demand on the Network, even if all you watch are a couple of the matches I highlighted above.

Drew has your WWE Raw coverage tomorrow night, and I’ll be back with Ring of Honor coverage on Wednesday as well as on Ring Rap Audio.  See you then!