WWE Raw Results - Spoilers Ahead

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Tonight's WWE RAW opens with stills from Survivor Series with Roman Reigns winning the WWE World Heavyweight Title, his spear on Triple H and then Sheamus cashing in Money In the Bank to win the title. We go live from Nashville, Tennessee with Michael Cole, JBL and Byron Saxton.

- Triple H and Stephanie McMahon make their way to the ring as Lilian Garcia does the introduction. Cole plugs the #NewChampion hashtag for tonight.

Stephanie welcomes everyone to RAW. They talk about how Roman Reigns turned down their opportunity a few weeks back. Stephanie says opportunity knocked again for Reigns after the tournament when all Triple H was trying to do was be a good boss and offer his congratulations. Triple H says Reigns chose to cheap shot him and that's why he's not champion tonight. Triple H says people should learn that life is based on opportunities, the ones you seize and the ones you lose. He gives a big introduction to Sheamus and out comes the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Sheamus takes the mic and says it doesn't get better than this. He thanks everyone but they're booing him. He thanks Triple H for the introduction and the "you look stupid" chants start up. Sheamus says there's nothing fans can chant that will ruin his moment. He tells them to keep going but he won't let them stand in his way. He says Reigns made it to the top of the mountain last night but couldn't stay thee because he got Brogue kicked off. Sheamus laughs. He says the Roman Empire lasted 500 years but not this one, it lasted 5 minutes and 15 seconds. He told everyone that he was just one Brogue Kick away from winning gold and he proved that last night. Fans boo. Sheamus raises the title and asks who looks stupid now. He laughs and asks the crowd a few more times and they yell back at him, "you!" Triple H says he doesn't look stupid, he looks like the WWE World Heavyweight Champion. More boos. They both hug Sheamus and out comes Reigns to a big pop.

Reigns enters the ring and Sheamus calls him the former champion. Sheamus asks how that pride thing is working out for Reigns as Reigns comes face to face. Fans chant Reigns' name as he congratulates Sheamus. Reigns says he wants his rematch tonight and fans pop. Stephanie speaks up and says Reigns' chance to make demands with The Authority was lost last night when he speared her husband. She tells him to back up and get the hell out of her ring. Reigns asks Triple H if he's standing behind Stephanie because he's scared. Triple H steps up and they stare each other down for a few minutes. Triple H goes to speak but Reigns gets closer in his face to another pop. Triple H congratulates Reigns on spearing him last night and asks how it worked out because he doesn't have anything to show for it now. Triple H says Reigns will get his rematch when Triple H says so and it sure as hell won't be tonight. Triple H goes to leave and in comes a returning Rusev from behind with a big superkick on Reigns. Triple H and Stephanie are making their exit up the ramp now. Sheamus nails a Brogue Kick on Reigns. Rusev and Sheamus join Stephanie and Triple H on the stage as fans boo. Triple H says pride is a b---h and announces Reigns vs. Sheamus at TLC in a Tables, Ladders and Chairs Match. He also announces Reigns vs. Rusev for tonight.

- We get a look at Kane and The Undertaker defeating The Wyatt Family at Survivor Series.

- Still to come, The Dudley Boyz vs. Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper. We go to commercial.

The Dudley Boyz vs. Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper

Back from the break and out comes The Dudley Boyz. The Wyatt Family is out next with Bray Wyatt, Luke Harper, Erick Rowan and Braun Strowman. We get a video from earlier today where Wyatt said the Brothers of Destruction survived but The Dudleyz will pay for their sins tonight. Wyatt said they will break The Dudleyz in half and show their insides.

Fans start chanting for tables before the bell. Harper and Bubba Ray go at it to start. Bubba fights out of the corner but Harper drops him and claws at his face. Harper decks Devon on the apron but turns around to clotheslines from Bubba. Bubba with a big boot and a tag to Devon. They plant Harper on his face and look to put him away but Wyatt pulls him to safety as we go to commercial.

Back from the break and The Wyatts are in control after stopping the big "what's up!" headbutt during the commercial. Harper works Devon over and tags Wyatt back in. Wyatt with a big chop and a snap suplex. Wyatt misses the senton as Devon rolls out of the way. Bubba and Harper tag in. They go at it and Bubba hits a big backdrop. Bubba with clotheslines and right hands. Bubba with a big slam. He taunts Wyatt and turns around to a huge clothesline from Harper for the win.

Winners: Luke Harper and Bray Wyatt

- After the match, Rowan comes in and slams Devon. Strowman scoops Bubba Ray in the bear hug and leaves him laying. Fans boo as The Wyatt Family stands tall. Bray turns upside down in the corner and hits Sister Abigail on Devon. The Wyatts pose over Devon as we go to commercial.

- Back from the break and we get talk on The Undertaker, including a video from "Legends with JBL" featuring Shawn Michaels, Triple H and Steve Austin.

Sasha Banks vs. Becky Lynch

We go to the ring and out comes Sasha Banks with Tamina Snuka and Naomi. Back to commercial.

Back from the break and Becky Lynch is making her entrance. She's alone tonight. They lock up and go at it. Sasha mounts Becky with her face in the mat. Becky fights back with stiff shots. Sasha hits the knees in the corner for a 2 count as Team BAD cheers her on. Sasha keeps control and works Becky over with kicks in the corner. Fans do dueling chants for both. Tamina gets a cheap shot in on Becky and Sasha covers for a 2 count.

Becky makes a quick comeback and rolls Sasha up for 2. Sasha goes face first into the ropes hard. They trade shots and Becky hits clotheslines. Becky with more offense and a suplex but Sasha keeps fighting back. Becky gets the Disarm-Her applied but Tamina distracts the referee while Naomi pulls Sasha's leg under the rope to break the hold. This leads to Sasha rolling Becky up for the win.

Winner: Sasha Banks

- The announcers are talking about how fans want to see Sasha vs. WWE Divas Champion Charlotte when Paige appears on the big screen. She says she's still in line for a title shot and calls Charlotte a cheater. She yells at Cole and shows end the of the match at Survivor Series with Charlotte's arm under the bottom rope as she had Paige in the Figure Eight. Paige says she's a dirty player just like her dad Ric Flair. Paige says she's about to show everyone Charlotte is nothing, jut like her daddy.

- Still to come, WWE Tag Team Champions The New Day will celebrate their one year anniversary with a title match Open Challenge and a Country Music Jamboree in the ring. Back to commercial.

- Back from the break and out come WWE Tag Team Champions with broomstick unicorns. Big E is wearing a cowboy hat and bandana. Kofi Kingston talks about how it's their one-year anniversary. Xavier Woods is disgusted that they have to celebrate in the home of country music. Kofi says they're all about the power of positivity but country music sucks. Big E says it's awful. They go on knocking country music.

They want to show the world what country music should sound like. They mock "Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys," replacing cowboys with booty, and say that's enough county music. They talk about issuing an open challenge for the WWE Tag Team Titles and out come The Lucha Dragons. Kalisto and Sin Cara both cut quick promos and hit the ring. Before a match can begin, out come The Usos. Woods says they have no business being out here and have no right to a title shot. Sin Cara says they were out here first but more is better. He proposes a Triple Threat and The Usos hit the ring. The New Day isn't happy. Big E says they have ruined the Jamboree. They're not giving anyone a title shot. Woods officially cancels the open challenge. The Usos and The Lucha Dragons attack The New Day and clear the ring. The Usos music hits as The New Day retreats.

- Still to come, Reigns vs. Rusev with Sheamus. Also, Paige will get her rematch against Charlotte tonight. Back to commercial.

- We come back to Renee Young backstage with Charlotte. Renee asks about Paige accusing Charlotte of cheating. Charlotte says she always has and will respect Paige as a competitor but she knows what kind of person she is, whether her hand was under the rope or not. Charlotte knows it's not over and she will be facing Paige tonight.

Mark Henry vs. Neville

We go to the ring and out comes Mark Henry. Neville is out next.

Neville strikes first with a kick and is keeping his distance. He ducks a big shot and lands another kick. Henry catches Neville and takes him to the corner, beating him down with headbutts. Neville fights back but Henry shoves him back into the corner. Henry tosses Neville across the ring and to the floor he goes. Neville comes back in and goes to the top for a big crossbody. Henry catches him in mid-air. Neville slides out of World's Strongest Slam and lands a kick to the head in the corner to take Henry down. We see The Miz looking on. Neville hits Red Arrow for the win and can't believe it.

Winner: Neville

- After the bell, Neville quickly goes to the floor and has his hand raised. He slaps hands with fans and is stopped by Henry on the floor. Henry extends his hand for a shake and tells Neville he has a bright future.

- Stardust is backstage doing a promo when Titus O'Neil appears. Titus apologizes for making a wrong turn and comments on how nice Stardust's room is. Titus barks and plays a joke on Stardust before walking off. Still to come, Goldust and The Prime Time Players vs. The Ascension and Stardust. Back to commercial.

Goldust and The Prime Time Players vs. The Ascension and Stardust

Back from the break and out comes Stardust, Konnor and Viktor. Goldust is out next for his RAW return, followed by Titus O'Neil and Darren Young.

Goldust and Stardust look to start off but Stardust immediately tags in Konnor. He tags in Viktor and they go at it. Back and forth until Young tags in and works over Viktor for a 2 count. Titus tags in and suplexes Young onto Viktor. Young comes back in and Stardust gets a tag. Young catches him in a throw and a 2 count. Viktor pulls Stardust to safety and decks Young for a 2 count. Konnor tags in for some big double teaming and a 2 count. Konnor drops elbows for another 2 count. Konnor with a headlock now.

Stardust comes back in and they keep Young in their corner. Titus finally gets the tag and unloads on everyone. Chaos breaks out as Goldust sends Stardust flying. The end comes when Titus hits Clash of the Titus on Konnor for the win.

Winners: Goldust and The Prime Time Players

- After the match, Goldust, Young and Titus dance together.

- Still to come, Alberto Del Rio and Zeb Colter's State of MexAmerica Address. Back to commercial.

- Back from the break and out comes WWE United States Champion Alberto Del Rio with Zeb Colter.

Zeb takes the mic and says just because Del Rio was unsuccessful in his attempt to become WWE Wold Heavyweight Champion last night, that doesn't mean MexAmerica is a failure. He says young nations experience growing pains. Zeb knocks the fans for complaining on social media. Del Rio cuts a promo in Spanish. Zeb translates and says they tried to teach everyone values but they didn't listen and their charity is now canceled. Del Rio says the borders of MexAmerica are now closed forever. Zeb goes on insulting the fans when Jack Swagger's music hits and out he comes in jeans.

Fans chant USA as Swagger takes the mic. He says Zeb used to put his hand over his heart and stand for something. Swagger calls Zeb old, out of touch and bitter. Del Rio yells at Swagger not to talk to Zeb like that. This leads to Swagger walking to the ring for a fight. He enters the ring and Del Rio steps up but raises the title and backs out of the ring. Fans boo as Zeb and Del Rio leave with Swagger staring them down. Swagger tells Zeb to stop and listen as he tells the fans to give a big "We The People!" and his music his again.

- Still to come, Reigns vs. Rusev with Sheamus. Also, Paige vs. Charlotte with the title on the line. Back to commercial.

WWE Divas Title Match: Paige vs. Charlotte

Back from the break and out comes Paige first. WWE Divas Champion Charlotte is out next as we get formal ring introductions from Lilian Garcia.

The bell rings and they lock up going at it. They end up trading a bunch of big slaps early on. Charlotte takes Paige to the mat and works on the arm as she screams in pain. Paige gets to the rope and breaks the hold. Paige stalls on coming back in the ring so Charlotte pulls her back in by her head. Charlotte with offense and the Ric Flair strut for a 2 count. Charlotte with a head scissors. Charlotte tosses Paige around the ring with her legs. Charlotte misses in the corner but boots Paige and goes to the top. Paige pulls her legs out and Charlotte lands on her neck for a 2 count. Paige turns it around and unloads on Charlotte in the corner now. Paige with a submission.

Charlotte fights back but Paige beats her down. Paige with a bunch of knees on the apron. Paige with a running knee for a pair of 2 counts. Paige with a scissors of her own now. Paige keeps control and suplexes Charlotte onto the ropes. Paige with a big slap and kick to the face for another close 2 count. Paige with another suplex onto the ropes. Charlotte tackles her but Paige turns it around. Charlotte looks to finally make a comeback but they both collide with big kicks and go down. Back to commercial.

Back from the break and they're still going at it. Charlotte ends up taking Paige to the mat with a submission but Paige beaks it with the bottom rope. Charlotte spears Paige and they both land out on the floor. Charlotte tries to climb back in the ring but Paige pulls her back into the barrier. They both get counted out.

Double Count Out

- After the match, they go at it and Paige sends Charlotte into the steel steps hard. Paige clears the announce table and takes Charlotte on top. Paige applies the PTO until referees break it. She stomps on Charlotte's back and screams about her house. She stomps Charlotte again before leaving her on the table. Paige leaves as officials help Charlotte up.

- We get a look back at the opening segment with The Authority, Roman Reigns, Sheamus and Rusev. Still to come, Reigns vs. Rusev in the main event. Back to commercial.

Ryback vs. Heath Slater

Back from the break and Heath Slater is in the ring with a guitar and a microphone stand. He starts running down country music singers until Ryback interrupts for his entrance. He comes in the ring and Slater smashes the guitar over his back. This leads to Ryback squashing him for the win.

Winner: Ryback

- Still to come, Ambrose and Ziggler vs. Breeze and Owens. Back to commercial.

Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose vs. Tyler Breeze and Kevin Owens

Back from the break and Tyler Breeze, WWE Intercontinental Champion Kevin Owens and Dolph Ziggler wait in the ring as Dean Ambrose makes his way out. Ziggler and Breeze start things off as Summer Rae looks on. Owens comes in and works Ziggler over as a big "fight Owens fight" chant breaks out. Ambrose tags in and Owens tags out. Ambrose and Ziggler take turns on Breeze. Ziggler with two splashes. Ziggler misses Owens and turns around to a big kick from Breeze. Owens tags in with stomps on Ziggler. Owens keeps control and hits the senton for a 2 count. Owens talks trash to Owens. Breeze tags in and beats Ziggler down in the corner.

Owens with a headlock on Ziggler now. Ziggler fights out and hits Breeze a few times. Owens stops a tag and Ziggler dropkicks him. Ambrose and Breeze tag in at the same time. Ambrose unloads and clotheslines Breeze out to the floor. Ambrose runs the ropes and dives out onto him. Ambrose brings it back in and hits a swinging neckbreaker. Ambrose goes to the top for a missile dropkick on Breeze. Owens distracts Ambrose and Breeze rolls him up for 2. Owens and Ziggler get involved and go to the floor to fight. Ambrose counters Breeze and hits Dirty Deeds for the win as Owens looks on from ringside.

Winners: Dolph Ziggler and Dean Ambrose

- After the match, Ziggler hits the ring to stand with Ambrose as the referee checks on Breeze.

- Still to come, Reigns vs. Rusev with Sheamus. Back to commercial.

- Back from the break and Cole shows us a segment with JBL, El Torito and Mark Henry debating what they're going to have for lunch. Apparently this was to promote a new Hardee's burger.

- We get a look back at the end of the WWE World Heavyweight Title tournament at Survivor Series last night. Cole plugs Reigns vs. Sheamus in a TLC Match at TLC on December 13th.

Rusev vs. Roman Reigns

We go to the ring and out comes Rusev for his return match. New WWE World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus is out next to watch the match from ringside. We go to commercial.

Back from the break and out comes Reigns through the crowd. They go at it to start. Back and forth early on. Reigns hits a neckbreaker for a 2 count as we see Sheamus looking on from ringside. Reigns with a big thrust and right hands as fans count along in the corner. Rusev turns it around and drops Reigns' face on the turnbuckle. Rusev with kicks in the corner now. They end up on the floor and Reigns sends Rusev flying into the barrier. Reigns stares Sheamus down and they have words as we go to commercial.

Back from the break and Reigns is trying to fight out of a headlock. Rusev dumps him to the floor and distracts the referee, allowing Sheamus to drop Reigns with a cheap shot. Rusev thanks Sheamus and brings Reigns back in for more offense. Rusev works Reigns over and shows off some as Sheamus looks on.

Rusev with more kicks and a 2 count. Rusev keeps Reigns grounded again. Fans chant for Reigns as he fights to his feet and rocks Rusev with rights. Rusev kicks him in the gut. Reigns goes to run the ropes but Sheamus grabs his foot and they have words. Rusev nails Reigns from behind. Sheamus gets ejected by the referee and he's not happy. Rusev also throws a fit. Reigns with a 2 count from behind on Rusev. Reigns with a Samoan Drop and they're both down as the referee counts. They both get up and trade big shots around the ring. Reigns gets the upperhand and hits a huge flying shot to a pop. Reigns with clotheslines in the corner but he gets caught with a big heel kick from Rusev for a close 2 count.

Rusev goes to the top but Reigns rocks him with a right, and another. Reigns climbs up and Rusev fights him off, shoving him to the mat. Rusev nails a flying headbutt for a 2 count. Rusev goes on and stomps Reigns in the back. He goes for The Accolade but Reigns fights him off. Rusev stomps some more. He gets caught with a big Superman punch out of nowhere for a 2 count. They're both down as the referee counts again. Reigns jumps to his feet and gets fired up. He calls for a Superman punch but Rusev rolls to the floor. Reigns follows but runs into a superkick. Rusev sends Reigns into the barrier. Rusev continues the assault and rolls Reigns back in. Reigns meets him coming in and hits a bunch of knees and a kick to the face. Reigns with a Superman punch that knocks Rusev off the apron, landing hard on the floor. Reigns runs around and hits a Drive By. Reigns turns around to a big Bullhammer from King Barrett for the disqualification.

Winner by DQ: Roman Reigns

- After the bell, Barrett rolls Reigns in and slides a steel chair in. Reigns gets the chair and nails Barrett with it. Rusev recovers and beats Reigns down. Reigns blocks a chair shot with a right hand and hits Rusev with the chair several times in the back. Sheamus runs in and Reigns hits him twice with the chair. Fans pop as Sheamus goes right back out of the ring and Reigns' music hits. Sheamus backs up the ramp as Reigns motions for him to come back to the ring. RAW goes off the air with Reigns standing tall with a chair and talking trash to Sheamus.

Is the money they get really worth taking such a beating on their flagship show? Surely if the ratings go down so does the money for advertising?

You'd think a 2 hour show watched by 5m people would bring in more money than a 3 hour show seen by <3m.

Prometheus wrote:

Crimey wrote:

Prometheus wrote:One of the common complaints about Raw is that it is too long at 3 hours.  And the hourly figures above support that.  So, the Hulu 90 minute show seems appealing to me.  Why not push a 90 minute show on YouTube.  Or a 90 minute show on a non-cable TV like ABC, NBC or CBS?  Why not use FB advertising, Twitter advertising to draw viewers in a targeted way rather than hoping people flick through a cable TV show, stay with it and get hooked enough to spend big.

Because they get an hours extra money from advertisers? The advert money for Twitter and Facebook is considerably lower than what they get for a good TV slot like they have right now. They're not in the same league.

To be pedantic, WWE doesn't sell its advertising.  But it does get paid more in for a 3 hour slow.  However, how much will that TV deal be the next time it is renegotiated and the viewing figures are low.  It will almost certainly not be in the same league.  

That's not including the advertising during the show of things like Rolaids and the sponsors of certain segments, 3 hours gives them more time for things like that. As well as obviously giving them more time to advertise their own things. 

Let's not pretend either that Raw was significantly better at 2 hours, it was just as bad, if not worse before the change anyway.