Roman Reigns vs Big Show
Predictable and repetitive. Yes, I understand that WWE will pair Reigns with many of the heels in the business to try and force fans to cheer him. I almost wonder if Roman Reigns will end up being paired with The Authority. They can push him as much as they want, but the fans today would actually cheer him if he went heel. Similar to what his cousin did years ago at Survivor Series, this could help freshen up Roman Reigns.
This is no bash on Reigns, especially since I see so much star power in him, but it could ultimately have the opposite effect turning him heel to get cheered. Fans just hate this pairing tonight and it was nothing but very average.
Kevin Owens vs. Titus O’Neil
Once again, a pairing that was known who would win. Titus, albeit very entertaining and fun to watch in the ring, hasn’t done much in singles competition in his entire career. I like Titus, but not right now. O’Neil struggled to get out of the gate offensively, as Kevin Owens work a much slower and intelligent match. Titus would explode with some clotheslines, a back body drop and a splash into the corner. As he was setting up for a potential finisher, Owens surprised him with a pop-up powerbomb for the win.
Nice scripting of this match. I liked how Titus had to fight back, try to overcome the moves and try to force his will upon Owens. There was a nice dynamic between the two men throughout and I feel like Owens elevated Titus a bit tonight. He felt important and not used in another tag team match to enhance other teams. A predictable outcome, but a fresh pairing of talent tonight.