Sheamus Vs Cesaro - WWE Monday Night Raw (29/08/16)

We’re in Houston Texas for match #2 in the series.  There are a couple of interviews from both guys to give their thoughts on the series so far before this match starts; Nothing ground-breaking as you’d expect from these two on the mic, but I did have a wry smile at Sheamus saying Cesaro is just like Suicide Squad, a lot of hype and then he underdelivers.  If nothing else it’s a reference that lets you know we’re in the Summer of 2016.  If you would like another reference point, this is the Monday Night Raw episode where Kevin Owens wins the world title via Triple H assist. 

My interest in this match is seeing how they approach the 2^nd match of the series.  Do they just do a TV version of the match they had at Summerslam or attempt to put on something different?  That question is answered right from the off as they start the match quite differently to Summerslam with fast paced mat work with Cesaro going for some quicker pins – commentary declaring this is because he’s down in the series and needs the win more.  Sheamus takes a tumble out of the ring and lands elbow first on the apron and out of nowhere this match goes in another direction.  Cesaro now sees a new avenue for victory by targeting the elbow.  Cesaro works this over for a while, until unfortunately this story is rather forgotten about. 

The match for a bit then moves into more of a balanced affair that showcases the great chemistry between these guys.  The ducked Brogue Kick into the springboard uppercut spot was magnificent, as was the little details in how Cesaro escaped the Cloverleaf by using his strength to break the wrist grip of Sheamus.  Typically Cesaro's strength showcase spot comes in something flashier like the giant swing, but here he's calling on his muscles to get him out of submissions lying on his back.

Then we get to the finish which is the best thing about the match.  Both men are on the outside of the ring and Cesaro charges at Sheamus who counters with a backbody drop INTO the turnbuckle post and it’s an incredible bump for Cesaro to take spine first into the post.  Sheamus then rolls Cesaro into the ring, locks in the cloverleaf and Cesaro taps out immediately – whether that’s self preservation for the rest of the series or because his back is that fucked is up for speculation, but both scenarios absolutely work.  It’s both a very creative way to end a match, and a finish that starts a story that can develop through this series.  Not only is Cesaro 2-0 down, but now he has a back injury going forward.  

Overall I'm happy with the 2nd chapter of this series.  They worked a different style of match, they sowed seeds that may have consequences in the future and we got a memorable finish, much better than somebody else used the hammer this time.