Reviews

The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 05/16/22 Review

By John Canton • Published 16th May 2022
wwe raw may 16

This week’s WWE Raw featured Bobby Lashley vs. Omos in a Steel Cage Match, Cody Rhodes addressing Seth Rollins, Riddle vs. Jimmy Uso and more.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1512 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Scope Arena in Norfolk, VA. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The opening video package focused on the rivalry between former WWE Champion Bobby Lashley and the big man Omos, who has MVP by his side. Lashley won at WrestleMania 38, Omos won the rematch at WrestleMania Backlash and now they have the Steel Cage Match on this week’s Raw.

The Steel Cage surrounded the ring as the commentary team of Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton were standing outside the cage while welcoming us to the show. They mentioned other stuff coming up. They even had a clock letting us know Cody Rhodes was going to be on Raw in 1 hour, 55 minutes from now meaning it will be at 10pm ET. I guess WWE feels like Cody is a big deal now so they are telling us when he is on. They did that last week too although they didn’t use the clock.

Omos made his entrance with MVP by his side. They introduced Omos as the “Nigerian Giant” and today is his 28th birthday, so Happy Birthday to Omos. The announcers didn’t mention his birthday.

MVP did a promo in the ring ripping on Bobby Lashley for thinking that he didn’t need MVP anymore. MVP said that Omos is the future of WWE that is also bigger, meaner and stronger than Lashley could ever be. MVP said he thinks Lashley will put up a fight, but MVP thinks that the outcome of the match is a foregone conclusion. MVP talked about how Omos could win by pinfall, submission or leave the cage to win. MVP said that he’s expecting the Nigerian Giant to brutalize Lashley even worse than he did at WrestleMania Backlash. MVP said that the All Mighty Era ends tonight and we’re all blessed to be witnessing Omos in action.

Bobby Lashley made his entrance with some pyro going off since he’s a babyface now. Lashley was attacked from behind by Cedric Alexander, who punched Lashley repeatedly. Omos left the cage to join in on the attack against Lashley. There were referees there to separate the wrestlers. Lashley went into the cage and wanted to start the match while Omos was on the floor. They went to break there.

Analysis: They could have started the show with the Steel Cage match right away. Instead, they took 13 minutes to do a video package, a promo and a brawl leading to the first break. It’s classic WWE filling time before getting to the match. I don’t mind it I guess, but I’m sure some fans are going to complain about it.

(Commercial)

Steel Cage Match: Bobby Lashley vs. Omos (w/MVP)

The only way to win is by pinfall, submission, escaping the cage or walking out the door.

Omos took control early by knocking Lashley down and stomping on the back. MVP did a cheap shot using his cane to hit Lashley. Omos wanted a two-handed choke, Lashley got out of it and got a sleeper briefly, but Omos broke free with a forearm to the chest. Omos hit a running back elbow in the corner and MVP did another cane shot to Lashley with the referee not seeing it. Omos lifted up Lashley on the shoulder leading to a snake eyes onto the top turnbuckle and a running boot. That’s a classic Kevin Nash spot. Omos charged with a running corner splash followed by forearms to the back. MVP tried reaching into the cage for a slap, but Lashley got a hold of his arm and rammed MVP’s arm into the cage. Lashley ran the ropes leading to a Spear for two. The crowd thought that was it. Lashley with a running forearm to the back of the head. Lashley tried to apply the Hurt Lock submission, but Omos backed his way out of it. Lashley knocked down Omos with a kick and he tried climbing up the cage, but Omos caught him by the throat. Lashley kicked Lashley down. Cedric Alexander climbed up the cage to keep Lashley from climbing out and Lashley slammed Alexander from the top of the cage into the ring. Lashley jumped onto Omos, who caught Lashley and threw Lashley into the cage. Lashley delivered several punches, but Omos stopped him with a boot to the face. Omos lifted Lashley over his shoulders, then he threw Lashley into the cage and the piece of the cage broke. Lashley landed on top of the broken cage, he got back up and put both feet on the ground, so Lashley won by exiting the cage. MVP was furious about it. This went about nine minutes.

Winner by escaping the cage: Bobby Lashley

Analysis: **1/2 It was just an average cage match with Lashley getting the win by doing a finish that has happened many times in the past. I can remember Steve Austin beating Vince McMahon at St. Valentine’s Day Massacre 1999 when the debuting Big Show threw Austin into the cage, the cage broke open and Austin won. They did it with Roman/Brock in a cage match, but that one didn’t have a winner. It’s a way to protect a big guy like Omos by having him avoid being pinned while also giving Lashley the win. Most of the work in the match was basic with Omos doing his big man offense and Lashley fighting back. I’m glad that Lashley won, but it’s probably not the end of this rivalry.

Lashley was announced as the winner of the match with the crowd cheering. MVP and Omos were furious about it, but it was the right call.

A replay was shown from last week when guest referee The Miz screwed over Mustafa Ali in Ali’s match against Ciampa, who won thanks to a fast count from Miz.

Theory, the US Champion, made his entrance for a match after a break.

(Commercial)

Mustafa Ali was in the ring for the match. Theory said that he can’t figure out why Ali thinks this is going to happen. Theory talked about how he can’t go through with it unless somebody is going to call it down the middle and can be trusted 100%, so The Miz will be the special guest referee. The Miz walked out there with a referee’s outfit for the second week in a row and the assigned referee left the ring.

Theory said that something doesn’t seem right. Theory said he is Mr. McMahon’s protégé, he’s the youngest US Champion ever and it’s not fair to Ali to have a match against the champion. Theory told Ali to expect the unexpected, so Ali has to face Veer Mahaan instead.

Veer Mahaan vs. Mustafa Ali

Ali hit two running dropkicks, but then Veer came back with a leaping body attack. Veer tossed Ali into the turnbuckle, Ali flipped out of the corner and hit some punches while Miz pulled him off. Ali charged, but Veer stopped that with a boot to the face. Veer slammed Ali face first onto the mat followed by an elbow drop. Veer pressed Ali over his head, Ali landed on his feet and Ali ran the ropes with Theory tripping him up. Miz acted as if he didn’t see it. Ali managed to send Veer out of the ring, Ali with a dropkick while Veer was on the apron. Miz stood in front of Ali while Ali was trying to do a dive. Ali shoved Miz in the face, then Veer was back in the ring and Veer hit a lefty clothesline. Veer applied the Cervical Clutch submission leading to Ali tapping out after three minutes. It went about three minutes.

Winner by submission: Veer Mahaan

Analysis: *1/2 A dominant win for Veer thanks to help from Miz and Theory, which protects Ali because it wasn’t a clean loss. Veer has been dominant in every match he’s had since returning/debuting last month, so that continued for him. Eventually, they’ll get to Ali earning a shot at Theory’s title, but it might be a while until it happens.

Post match, Theory wanted Veer to apply the Cervical Clutch on Ali again, so Theory and Miz joined the photo so that Theory could take some selfie photos.

Veer wanted to put Ali through the commentary table, but Rey & Dominik Mysterio made their return. Dominik jumped onto Veer, who caught Dominik and Rey jumped onto Veer to knock down Veer on the floor. Veer was alone on the floor and he stayed there while the Mysterios were in the ring.

Analysis: Welcome back to The Mysterios, who were taken out by Veer a few weeks back. It’s good to have somebody helping Ali in that situation too.

Becky Lynch was shown backstage talking to WWE Official Adam Pearce. Lynch was complaining about something as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

They showed a video about Asuka being back in action on Raw.

Becky Lynch complained about how the six-pack challenge shouldn’t happen and she believes that she should get a rematch for the Raw Women’s Title. Lynch mentioned Sasha Banks and Naomi walking out of the building. Pearce said that Lynch can’t just get a title match. Pearce said he needs a main event for tonight. Pearce told Lynch that she’ll face Asuka with the winner challenging Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Title and it’s official.

Analysis: They advertised a six-pack challenge match and then changed it to Lynch vs. Asuka as a singles match.

They showed clips from Smackdown of Randy Orton and Riddle interacting with The Usos and Roman Reigns to set up the Tag Team Title unification match on Smackdown this week. During the segment, Riddle hit Roman Reigns with a jumping knee to the face.

Riddle made his entrance for singles action as one half of the Raw Tag Team Champions. No Randy Orton with him this week.

(Commercial)

The Usos, who are the Smackdown Tag Team Champions, made their entrance. This match has happened recently, but they are doing it again.

Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso) vs. Riddle

Jey with a distraction, so Jimmy hit a cheap shot to the back. Riddle came back with a jumping kick followed by a gutwrench suplex. Jimmy hit an uppercut followed by some choking against the ropes, which led to a cheap shot with Jey punching Riddle. Jimmy tried another punch, but Riddle used his legs to flip Jimmy over the top to the floor. Riddle kicked Jey on the floor, then Jimmy punched Riddle off the ropes to the floor and Jimmy hit a suicide dive on the floor. Jimmy whipped Riddle into the steel steps. Jey celebrated with the tag team titles as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Jimmy hitting a spin kick to knock Riddle down. Jimmy with a running hip attack in the corner for two. Jimmy with a chinlock, Riddle broke free with punches and an overhead kick to the head. Riddle with two running forearms along with an exploder suplex. Riddle went for a broton splash, but Jimmy got his knees up to block. Jimmy sent Riddle into the ropes for a popup Samoan Drop for a two count. Jimmy went up top, Riddle jumped up there with him, Jimmy fought off an RKO attempt, Jimmy with a headbutt. Jimmy jumped off the top going for a splash, but Riddle got the knees up to block that move. Both guys were down selling for a few moments. Riddle knocked down Jimmy, then Jey with a cheap shot and Jimmy tried a rollup with Jey assisting on the pin attempt, but the referee saw it. Jey was ejected from ringside. Jimmy argued with the referee and Riddle got an inside cradle for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Riddle

Analysis: ***1/4 A good match with Riddle fighting back against both Usos with Jey cheating a lot until the referee saw it. They went right to the finish from there with Riddle getting the inside cradle for the win. Nice job of booking a finish that will make the fans happy with Riddle finding a way to win. Jimmy did a good job throughout the match, but it’s smart to have Riddle get the win there.

They showed clips of the Judgment Day group causing problems for Liv Morgan, Finn Balor and AJ Styles last week.

Liv Morgan was interviewed by Kevin Patrick earlier in the day. Morgan said that Rhea Ripley is never going to get away with this. Los Lotharios showed up saying they are gentlemen. They suggested putting Liv on the Kiss Cam, but Liv was not interested in that. AJ Styles and Finn Balor walked up to them telling Los Lotharios to get out of there. Styles and Balor told Liv that they have to work together to fight Judgment Day. Balor invited Morgan to join them at ringside and Live said she’ll think about it.

Analysis: It’s good to see babyfaces wanting to work together to fight against the heels that are causing them problems. It’s a logical thing to see.

Edge was shown sitting on his throne with Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley at his side.

Still to come: Asuka vs. Becky Lynch in a match where the winner faces Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship.

This Friday on Smackdown: The Usos vs. RK-Bro in a Tag Team Championship Unification Match. It’s a big match.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from The Judgment Day

The Judgment Day trio of Edge (seated on his throne), Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley were shown backstage somewhere for a promo. Priest said that they do what they want to whoever they want and if any of your precious heroes want to step to them, they will face nothing but punishment. Ripley said that they are done being everything that you all wanted them to be. Ripley said there is nothing holding her back, so now it’s time for complete and utter eradication. Edge said that there are some of you that are tired of pretending. Edge said that you are angry and wondered how can blame you? Edge said that Judgment Day equals power, so accept this gift or you can see what they have done to your favorites. Edge said that more people will join while adding that his arms are open to welcome anybody that wants to join them. Edge said that they can use AJ Styles’ athleticism, leadership and tenacity. Edge talked about how he used to think their adulation mattered, but it ended up leading to a shortened career. Edge said that AJ can join them at the top of the mountain. Edge told Finn, Liv and AJ that the choice is theirs where they can stand by their side or laying at their feet.

Analysis: Good promo work from The Judgment Day group with Edge making it known he is happy to welcome more people in his group. I think Ciampa is going to be one of those people as has been rumored in the past. I don’t know who else might join the group. I think they’ll keep AJ Styles in the face role rather than have him join. Maybe Finn Balor could turn at some point, but I like him as a face too.

Liv Morgan made her entrance to appear at ringside for the tag team match. Finn Balor was up next and he was joined by AJ Styles.

A video aired about WWE’s work with the Special Olympics and the USA Games leading to this year’s games in Orlando.

(Commercial)

In an update on the women’s main event match coming up later, PWInsider reported that Sasha Banks and Naomi were legitimately upset about whatever WWE had planned for the main event. Banks left the building and Naomi went with her. That’s why the match changed.

There was a plug for the Clash at the Castle Premium Live Event in September in Wales. Tickets are on sale this Friday.

Los Lotharios made their entrance as they did the Kiss Cam on the way to the ring. They are normally on Smackdown, but here they are on Raw. They found a pretty girl at ringside and kissed her on the cheek.

AJ Styles & Finn Balor (w/Liv Morgan) vs. Los Lotharios (Angel & Humberto)

Styles and Balor made a quick tag leading to Styles hitting a kick to the leg and Balor hit a dropkick to Humberto. Styles was back in to send Humberto into the turnbuckle, but then Humberto sent Styles into the turnbuckle. Angel worked over AJ’s ribs with punches, Humberto was in for a bit, Angel tagged in again and Styles fought off both guys. Balor tagged in with a double clothesline sending Angel out of the ring. Styles with a back body drop on Humberto over the top to the floor. Styles and Balor each jumped over the top onto both Lotharios on the floor.

(Commercial)

Humberto had Styles grounded in a half crab submission. They showed a spot from the break when Angel hit an impressive kick on Styles to give Los Lotharios control. Angel tagged in with a half crab submission. Styles broke free, Humberto tagged in and Styles kicked him down. Balor got the hot tag with a running forearm on Angel, who was legal, a double stomp on Humberto and Balor hit a Russian legsweep on Angel. Angel got an inside cradle for two, Angel with a knee to Balor and Angel knocked Styles off the apron. Balor came back with a Slingblade neckbreaker, but then Finn charged right into a superkick by Angel. Humberto tagged in with a moonsault off the top, but Balor got his feet up to block. Balor with a shotgun dropkick to send Humberto into the corner. Styles with a Phenomenal Forearm to Angel. Balor up top and he jumped off the top with a Coup de Grace double foot stomp for the pinfall win after nine minutes.

Winners by pinfall: AJ Styles & Finn Balor

Analysis: *** A good match that was one of those stories where you know who the winners were going to be because they were the bigger names and Los Lotharios had no chance to win here. Balor and Styles worked very well together. The fans are always going to rally behind them as two popular faces with a common enemy at this point.

Post match, Balor and Styles did the “Too Sweet” hand gesture with Liv Morgan joining in. The fans loved it.

Kevin Owens was backstage wearing a “Sami Zayn forever” shirt. Chad Gable & Otis had a folder with DNA test results to see if Ezekiel is really Elias. Owens said that the DNA results were contaminated with barbecue sauce. Owens ripped on Otis for that. Owens ranted, Gable did his “SHOOSH” thing to quiet Owens and Gable said he was going to beat the truth out of Ezekiel. Chad did his “thank you” bit with Owens saying “you’re welcome” to him.

Analysis: These guys make me laugh when they’re together, so I like their segments. Owens is great for wearing a Sami Zayn shirt.

A clip was shown of last week when WWE Official Adam Pearce told Sonya Deville she was terminated as a WWE Official, but Sonya is still a wrestler. Alexa Bliss returned and beat Deville easily in a short match.

Alexa Bliss made her entrance with her theme song. Bliss had Lilly the doll with her, but she’s not crazy in this current incarnation of her character. Bliss faces Deville for the second week in a row.

(Commercial)

Sonya Deville made her entrance. They had the Cody Rhodes clock on again letting us know he’s about 14 minutes away.

Alexa Bliss vs. Sonya Deville

Bliss with a shoulder tackle, a dropkick and a leg trip takedown. Bliss hit knees to the body, then she tried a splash with the knees, but Deville moved and hit a running knee. Deville sent Bliss face first into the mat. Deville sent Bliss into the ropes leading to a clothesline. Deville with a chinlock, Bliss elbowed her way out of that, then a jawbreaker and Deville hit a knee to the body. Deville bounced off the ropes with a running knee for two. Deville tried to take the turnbuckle pad off, the referee stopped that and Deville hit a spinebuster for two because the referee wasn’t there to count it right away. Bliss with a punch to the face followed by a DDT for the pinfall win after five minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Alexa Bliss

Analysis: ** It was an even matchup most of the way with Sonya thinking she would have won after the spinebuster, but the referee was fixing the turnbuckle. Bliss came back to get the pinfall win after that. It’s good to see Bliss picking up wins since coming back. The fans like her, so keep booking her to get more wins.

Post match, Sonya Deville argued with the referee Danilo Anfibio and slapped him in the face. He bumped to the mat (he’s a former wrestler by the way) and Deville left. The announcers questioned why Sonya would do that.

A video package aired about Cody Rhodes’ ongoing issues with Seth “Freakin” Rollins, who attacked Cody last week. Cody was in a US Title match against Theory, then Rollins attacked and Seth gave Cody The Stomp onto the commentary table.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance wearing a maroon-colored suit for some promo time after a break. The crowd was singing along with some of the Kingdom song, so that’s cool.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

Cody started by saying that he heard that Seth Rollins wasn’t there. Cody said that he wanted to move forward, but then Seth took it upon himself to attack Cody during Cody’s match. Cody mentioned that Seth yelled about how Cody took something from him while Cody wonders what he took from him. Cody mentioned he beat Seth twice, but he didn’t take anything away from Seth.

Cody talked about how in 2012, Seth Rollins showed up as part of The Shield and Cody was one of the bitter boys in the locker room. Cody said that Rollins won his way to the top of WWE. Cody’s story was different because he didn’t win, he painted his face and he looked up at the lights most nights, but he endured. Cody talked about how you learn so much from loss and how to re-invent yourself. Cody talked about how the number one thing that he learned is that he’s never going to be the American Dream, so why not embrace the “nightmare.” Cody said that everyone here tonight knows what it’s like to get a second chance – you don’t take it for granted. Cody told Seth “you’re going to have to kill me” if you want to try to stop Cody’s second chance.

Cody said that they should play for keeps by doing Rollins vs. Rhodes for the third time, but this time it will be inside Hell in a Cell. The fans cheered that.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins appeared on the video screen in the backstage area. Seth said that Cody trying to steal Seth’s spotlight wasn’t enough and Cody cheated to win at WrestleMania Backlash, but now Cody is begging for a match with Rollins after one stomp on the commentary table. Rollins told Cody that anybody that has ever stepped in that cell with Rollins is changed forever. Rollins told Cody that he already knows his answer. Rollins said that he’ll expose Cody for the fraud that he is. Seth: “Rollins vs. Rhodes 3 – I accept.” Cody said that there’s nothing left to say other than: “I’ll see you in hell.” That was it. The fans cheered.

Analysis: Great promo from Cody with Rollins doing his usual laughing gimmick and showing a lot of confidence. Rollins did a nice job of pointing out that Cody cheated at WrestleMania Backlash (he won by grabbing the tights), so that’s why Rollins did the attack last week. The Hell in a Cell match will likely be outstanding. I have high expectations for it just based on the previous two matches they have had and we know how great Rollins is in Hell in Cell matches. Last year when Rollins lost to Edge in a Hell in a Cell match, I rated it five stars and was one of the best WWE matches of the year. Cody and Seth inside the cell is going to be a lot of fun to watch.

Asuka was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Asuka mocked Becky for crying like a baby. Asuka said that she’s ready for the Raw Women’s Championship and Becky Lynch is not ready for Asuka.

Corey Graves talked about how Sasha Banks and Naomi unprofessionally walked out of Raw, so now it’s not a Six-Pack challenge, it’s Asuka vs. Becky Lynch in a singles match.

The trio of Kevin Owens, Chad Gable and Otis made their entrance for Chad’s match.

(Commercial)

It’s official for the WWE Hell in a Cell – Cody Rhodes vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins in a Hell in a Cell match.

Ezekiel made his entrance while Kevin Owens was on commentary saying that it’s really Elias. They showed a photo of Ezekiel and Elias side by side with Owens saying it was an edited photo, which was true.

Chad Gable vs. Ezekiel

Ezekiel hit a running shoulder tackle, Gable avoided a slam attempt and got an armbar takedown. Ezekiel got a side headlock, Gable sent Ezekiel into the ropes and Ezekiel got a headlock takedown. Gable hit a belly-to-back suplex along with a running knee to the ribs. Ezekiel got a hold of Gable on his back for a Gory Special submission hold. Gable got out of that, Ezekiel went for a leglock submission, Gable to the ropes and Ezekiel sent Gable into the edge of the ring apron. Ezekiel choked Gable across the top rope, the referee was checking on Gable and Otis hit a running body attack on Ezekiel on the floor. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Gable was in control as he worked over Ezekiel’s arm with a knee drop followed by a Northern Lights suplex for two. Gable applied an armbar, then a whip into the turnbuckle and Gable hit a German Suplex for a two count. Owens complained about the graphic saying Ezekiel instead of Elias. Gable up top, he jumped off with a moonsault, Gable moved and Ezekiel hit a spinebuster for a two count. Ezekiel set up Gable on the top rope for a superplex, Gable knocked Ezekiel down and Gable jumped off the top leading to Ezekiel hitting a jumping knee for a two count. Owens said that was an Elias move. Gable knocked Ezekiel down with a clothesline followed by a moonsault off the top for two. Ezekiel with a kick that knocked Gable down with a kick, then a corner splash and Ezekiel hit Otis with a knee to knock him off the apron. Gable went for the pin attempt, Ezekiel countered it and sat on top for the pinfall win after ten minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Ezekiel

Analysis: *** A good match that is the usual any time Gable is in a match that gets around ten minutes. Gable doesn’t win a lot of singles matches, but he’ll always put on an impressive performance. Ezekiel wrestles a more exciting style than when he was Elias, so I don’t mind his matches. I assume it leads to Ezekiel facing Owens again.

They showed R-Truth and Tamina walking in the backstage area. Truth had divorce papers, Tamina was mad that Tozawa didn’t have the divorce papers yet, so Truth gave Tozawa the papers while he was in a trash can for some reason. Dana Brooke, the 24/7 Title, thanked Truth for serving Reggie with divorce papers. Truth wanted the 24/7 Title back, Dana shoved him and Dana went running down the hallway. Carmella was shown looking in a mirror while trashing Dana, Carmella put over how her husband Corey Graves can’t get enough of her and Carmella ripped on Dana for already getting divorced. Dana told Carmella she hasn’t been relevant since the chinless guy was around (a James Ellsworth reference) and Dana ran away when she heard Truth chasing her. Truth wanted Carmella to help since they used to be allies, but Carmella she’ll help only when she can get her hands on Dana too.

Analysis: It’s the usual boring 24/7 Title segment, but now they have Carmella involved since she has nothing else to do.

Lacey Evans made her entrance for a promo after a break.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Lacey Evans

Lacey Evans did a promo saying she respects the Armed Forces and wanted the crowd to give them a round of applause with her. Evans said that she thanked the fans for the warm welcome she got on Raw. Evans noted there were some servicemen and servicewomen in attendance, so Evans thanked them for their service. Evans said that fighting in the service is hard. Evans said that we all have what it takes that you can break the cycle. Evans said that we have what it takes to wake up and win. Evans said that she may not be better than the women in the Raw Women’s locker room, but they damn sure are not better than her…Lacey Evans.

Analysis: It was a babyface promo from Evans. I know there have been reports that she might be a heel moving forward, but this was more of a face promo.

A replay was shown of Riddle beating Jimmy Uso earlier in the show.

Riddle did a backstage promo saying that nothing is going to stop Riddle and Randy from coming to Smackdown to unify those tag team championships. Riddle ended it saying that RK-4:20 said they just smoked their ass.

The Usos did a backstage promo saying that on Smackdown it’s one and done because The Bloodline are going to be dripping in all the gold. Jey said that they’re the best team and they are The Ones.

This Friday on Smackdown: RK-Bro vs. The Usos in a Winners Take All Tag Team Championship Unification Match.

Analysis: My prediction is a disqualification finish leading to nobody being crowned as unified champions.

Bianca Belair made her entrance as the Raw Women’s Champion to watch the main event.

(Commercial)

A replay was shown of Bobby Lashley beating Omos in the Steel Cage Match earlier in the show.

Next week on Raw: Bobby Lashley’s All Mighty Challenge for MVP and Omos.

Asuka made her entrance first for the main event followed by Becky Lynch. The winner gets to challenge Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Title at Hell in a Cell.

Becky Lynch vs. Asuka

Lynch sent Asuka to the apron and kicked Asuka into the barricade. Asuka set up Lynch on the apron leading to a running hip attack. Asuka kicked Lynch in the ribs. Asuka charged, Lynch caught her and Lynch hit an Exploder Suplex into the barricade. They went to break one minute into the match.

(Commercial)

The show returned with about seven minutes left. Asuka got a backslide for two along with a rollup for two. Asuka with a roundhouse kick for two. Belair was watching on a chair at ringside. Asuka exchanged strikes with Lynch, Asuka with a spinning back fist and kick. Asuka with a hip attack in the corner. Asuka with a knee to the jaw followed by a German Suplex and a running knee for two. Lynch got a rollup for two. Asuka countered the Manhandle Slam attempt by Lynch, but then Lynch managed to get control with a kick to the body. Lynch jumped off the middle rope with a leg drop to Asuka’s back for a two count. Lynch went for an armbar, but Asuka got a rollup for two. Lynch went for a pin attempt, Asuka slipped out and applied the Asuka Lock submission, but Lynch flipped out of it and got a two count. Asuka sent Lynch to the apron, Lynch with kicks to the face and Lynch went up top. Lynch jumped off the top, Asuka moved and Asuka applied an armbar on the right arm, but Lynch rolled to the ropes to break free. Lynch with a neckbreaker across the top rope. Lynch left the ring to get in Belair’s face. Lynch wanted Belair to hit her, but there was Asuka to hit Lynch in the back. Lynch grabbed a hold of Asuka and tossed her into Belair, who was on the chair. Lynch taunted Belair again. Belair to the apron, Lynch grabbed Asuka’s umbrella, but Asuka sprayed some DREADED~! green mist into Becky’s face. Asuka with a roundhouse kick and she covered Lynch for the pinfall win after about ten minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Asuka

Analysis: ***1/4 It was the usual good match between Asuka and Lynch although it felt a bit rushed since they only had about ten minutes to have a match that also included a commercial. They went with the unique finish with Asuka getting the win due to the green mist blinding Lynch leading to Asuka hitting a roundhouse kick for the win. Lynch has a valid complaint due to what Asuka did, but I doubt it’s going to change the result. They will probably go back to Lynch challenging Belair later in the year, but it doesn’t have to happen now. It’s Asuka’s turn for a title shot.

The win by Asuka means she’ll challenge Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Championship at Hell in a Cell on June 5th.

Asuka celebrated the win while Lynch had a towel to help her clean her face after the green mist was sprayed on her. Lynch was freaking out about what happened. That’s how Raw ended.

Analysis: I doubt Asuka beats Belair for the Raw Women’s Title. I think Belair is going to have a very long reign as champion.

Regarding the Sasha Banks/Naomi situation mentioned earlier, WWE issued this statement while Raw was going on. It’s also on WWE.com now:

“When Sasha Banks and Naomi arrived at the arena this afternoon, they were informed of their participation in the main event of tonight’s Monday Night Raw.”

“During the broadcast, they walked into WWE Head of Talent Relations John Laurinaitis’ office with their suitcases in hand, placed their tag team championship belts on his desk and walked out.”

“They claimed they weren’t respected enough as tag team champions. And even though they had eight hours to rehearse and construct their match, they claimed they were uncomfortable in the ring with two of their opponents — even though they’d had matches with those individuals in the past with no consequence.”

“Monday Night Raw is a scripted live TV show, whose characters are expected to perform the requirements of their contract.”

“We regret we were unable to deliver, as advertised, tonight’s main event.”

What a bizarre situation. I’m sure there will be more to the story in the days ahead.

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Asuka
  2. Riddle
  3. Bobby Lashley

The Scoreboard

6 out of 10

Last week: 6.75

Final Thoughts

The show was solid this week. I think the in-ring action was fine for the most part, but not necessarily an exciting show. The first hour wasn’t that interesting. It did get better after that at least.

The real-life situation with Sasha Banks & Naomi walking out due to being unhappy creatively is a bigger story than what happened on Raw.

Some good matches helped the show for sure. I’m glad to see Asuka picking up a big win along with some of the other matches. A bunch of three-star level matches for the most part.

The next WWE Premium Live Event is Hell in a Cell on Sunday, June 5th. Here’s what we know so far.

Hell in a Cell Match: Cody Rhodes vs. Seth Rollins

Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair (c) vs. Asuka

You can watch WWE Hell in a Cell, streaming live Sunday, June 5, at 8 ET/5 PT on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

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Check out the WWE PPV Review archive right here. You can contact me using any of the methods below. Go Toronto Blue Jays. Be safe and smart out there.

Thanks for reading.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter: @johnreport