6 Ups & 5 Downs From Last Night's WWE Raw (Nov 27)

3. Kill, Joe, Kill

Titus O'Neil Samoa Joe
WWE.com

He hasn't tasted championship gold, and he's probably going to job to Roman Reigns next week, but Samoa Joe is having one hell of a year on the main roster.

The former NXT Champion carries himself like no one else. Nobody feels as ruthless or dangerous, even Braun Strowman, and his aura is now so strong that he can absorb the occasional clean loss without losing momentum. This is primarily down to the man's exquisite character work, but also the way he's been booked during his more dominant phases, with last night's offerings a sterling example.

Joe fought Titus O'Neil one-on-one, and while he probably absorbed a little too much offence, he was still able to put the cumbersome oaf away in just over two minutes. Titus succumbed to the Coquina Clutch, and Apollo Crews was next to the slaughter. The former Uhaa Nation made the mistake of getting in Joe's face, and soon, he too had been choked out.

The theme continued later in the night, with Joe laying Roman Reigns out following his win over Elias. Sure, it was all designed to heat 'The Destroyer' up ahead of an Intercontinental Title loss, but who cares? The man's on fire, and watching him choke guys out is glorious.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.