The Madison Square Garden: A Magical Stage for Wrestling
The Madison Square Garden, an emblematic venue, has always been a key place for professional wrestling. Historically, it was the base of operations for the World Wide Wrestling Federation, especially in the northeastern United States, under the old regional territorial system. Currently, WWE elevates its spectacle when it performs at the “World’s Most Famous Arena”.
The November 17th episode of “Raw” already had that special magic, as it marked John Cena’s last night as an active competitor. That alone was enough to sell out the MSG. In addition, the fans witnessed a significant title change, the announcement of a featured match at Survivor Series: WarGames, and the return of three surprise names that left their mark.
Results for “Raw” (November 17th)
- John Cena, Rey Mysterio, and Sheamus defeated The Judgement Day (Dominik Mysterio, Finn Balor, and JD McDonagh)
- Solo Sikoa defeated Dolph Ziggler
- Maxxine Dupri defeated Becky Lynch to win the Women’s Intercontinental Championship
- Gunther overcame Je’Von Evans
The Last Cena Fight on “Raw” Surpassed Expectations
Cena seemed to enjoy teaming up with Sheamus and Rey Mysterio in an Australian tag team match against The Judgement Day to the fullest. The joy was evident on their faces as they executed their signature moves, including a triple Five Knuckle Shuffle. In addition, the audience witnessed a 30 Beats of the Bodhran and a double 619 from Mysterio.
We know that Cena will defend the Intercontinental Championship against Dominik Mysterio at Survivor Series: WarGames, in Dom’s hometown, San Diego. This evokes the “home and away” series of John Cena against Edge from 2006. On that occasion, Cena won the title in his hometown, Boston, and Dom will likely regain it in San Diego.
Initially, the idea of an Australian tag team match for Cena’s last match on “Raw” didn’t convince me, but the joy and fun that this match brought to the participants changed my opinion.
More Details of “Raw”
The MSG was the perfect setting to see Brock Lesnar and Roman Reigns face off, closing the show. With these two wrestlers completing the WarGames teams, the match becomes even more stellar and interesting. There are many possibilities for the development of the match, with interesting combinations of wrestlers in the ring. I think The Vision’s team (Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed), Logan Paul, Drew McIntyre, and Lesnar will be victorious, preparing future rivalries and world championship challenges against the “face” team of CM Punk, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and Reigns.
NXT star Je’Von Evans continued to impress in his Last Time Is Now tournament match against Gunther. Evans, only 21 years old, already demonstrates exceptional talent. He seemed to defy gravity with his moves in the ring.
It was also gratifying to see Gunther back. With his victory over Evans, he seems on his way to winning the tournament.
Maxxine Dupri had a great “moment at MSG” by defeating Becky Lynch for the Intercontinental title, thanks to a distraction from AJ Lee, who seems to have a match against Lynch in the near future. Rhea Ripley asked for alone time with Lee backstage, suggesting that Lee could join Survivor Series.
Welcome back, Dolph Ziggler! The former world champion was a surprise in the Last Time Is Now tournament against Solo Sikoa, who won the match. I’ve never seen the Samoan Spike look so lethal as when it hit Dolph. Ziggler is a machine and hasn’t missed a beat. Could we see him more often alongside Zack Ryder, who joined “SmackDown” last Friday?
