Reviews

The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 05/23/22 Review

By John Canton • Published 23rd May 2022
wwe raw deal may 22

This week’s WWE Raw featured Cody Rhodes facing The Miz in singles action while Bobby Lashley had an “All Mighty Challenge” for his rivals Omos and MVP. Also, Asuka faced Becky Lynch in a rematch from last week.

It’s the 13-year anniversary of my Raw Deal reviews as mentioned on the banner above. That means if you consider 52 episodes of Raw per year over 13 years, I’ve reviewed over 670 episodes. I think I missed a few along the way, but it’s really only two or three episodes. The 13 years also represent how long I have been writing on a full-time basis where I turned a hobby into a career. I started writing about a decade before that, but it wasn’t really something that I thought could turn into my career. I have no plans of slowing down. In fact, I’m writing more than ever.

I do have some news to share because I’m currently working on my second book. The first book is close. We’re hoping it’s ready in July. You should be able to get a physical copy if you want or an online version. The second book is going to take some time to write, but I’d love to be able to get it out there before the end of the year or at least early next year. After that, I plan on constantly writing books so that there are a few coming per year. The first book covers the first ten years of WWE PPV events and then there will be other books that follow covering five-year intervals. The second book is continuing a series that some friends stopped doing, so I am more than happy to pick it up. I’ll keep that topic quiet for now. I’ll let you know more details in the weeks ahead. I’m so motivated and excited about these book projects. Writing about the five WWE & AEW TV shows every week is fine as well as PPV previews/reviews, but it gets repetitive sometimes too. Tackling these books feels fresh to me. I’m thrilled about the opportunity because I have always wanted to write books about WWE and now that is happening.

Lastly, I just want to thank you all for being on this journey with me whether you’ve read 600+ Raw reviews or six of them. I appreciate you all.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1513 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

The opening video package showed highlights from Smackdown last week when The Usos beat RK-Bro to become the undisputed Unified Tag Team Champions as the holders of the Raw & Smackdown Tag Team Titles. After the match, The Bloodline beat up Riddle and Orton.

Let’s Hear from Riddle

Riddle made his entrance for a show opening promo saying he was there with a heavy heart. Riddle said that Randy Orton was his best friend, his mentor, his dude and Riddle was emotional saying Randy was his bro. Riddle talked about how the last couple of years have been hard for Randy while talking about how in the last few months, Randy has been dealing with a back injury. Riddle said that Randy could barely walk last week while adding that Randy wasn’t going to let Riddle down because he knew how much it meant to him and Randy knew how much it meant to the fans. Riddle gave credit to The Usos for winning, but he didn’t like how they won and called Roman Reigns a “Tribal Piece of Trash.” Riddle said that he assures us that he’ll get his vengeance on Reigns, Jimmy and Jey while adding he’ll get his vengeance before the end of his career. Riddle said he swears he would get his vengeance. Riddle told Randy that he’s done more for him than anybody else and told Randy that he loved him. Riddle said to be honest, he doesn’t know what the future holds for RK-Bro and if he doesn’t know if RK-Bro will ever be a thing again. Riddle wanted the fans to chant “RK-Bro” so the fans did it as Riddle’s message to Randy at home. There’s a six-man tag team match after the break.

Analysis: I thought it was a solid promo from Riddle. He doesn’t get that many chances to do promos on his own like that, but he spoke with confidence and made it clear he was coming for The Bloodline after their cheap attack last week at the end of Smackdown. The rumor is that Riddle will get a title shot against Roman Reigns at Money in the Bank in early July, so if that’s the case then WWE will want to build up Riddle strong leading into that match. As for Orton, it sounds like he’ll be on a bit of break, which is okay. I think he’s earned it.

(Commercial)

The commentary team of Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton did a rundown of what’s coming up during the show. The Cody Rhodes countdown clock was back noting that his match was scheduled for around 10pm ET again.

Riddle had his ribs taped up. The Street Profits made their entrance as Riddle’s tag team partners. Sami Zayn was up next wearing The Bloodline shirt even though he’s from Smackdown. The Usos did a quick promo backstage to remind us that they’re The Ones. They were introduced as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions and had the Raw & Smackdown Tag Team Titles with them. Zayn did some awkward dancing with them.

Riddle attacked The Usos in the aisle while The Street Profits also attacked. Several referees went out there to try to break it up. The wrestlers were separated a bit as the show went to break.

Analysis: Two commercials in the first 20 minutes of Raw is rare. They likely did it to try to show that Riddle wanted to get his hands on The Usos and he couldn’t wait to do it.

(Commercial)

Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso & Sami Zayn vs. Riddle, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins

Dawkins ran over Zayn with a shoulder tackle along with a dropkick. Dawkins hit a corner splash. Ford tagged in with a dropkick for two. Riddle tagged in going right after The Usos, so Zayn hit Riddle in the lower back where Riddle had tape around his ribs. Zayn applied a body scissors around Riddle’s ribs. Jey tagged in, Riddle was fired up and drove Jey to the corner followed by a barrage of kicks. Riddle with a Fisherman’s suplex for two. Ford tagged in with a running clothesline, a kick to the gut and Jimmy tagged in while pulling down the top rope so that Ford bumped to the floor. Jimmy sent Ford into the steel steps followed by a superkick. Ford was down as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Zayn had Ford isolated with a headlock, Ford nearly got to the ropes and Zayn slammed him down. Ford countered a Zayn move leading to a belly to back suplex. Zayn knocked Dawkins off the apron while Jey pulled Riddle off the apron. Jey suplexed Riddle onto the top of the barricade. Ford got an inside cradle on Zayn for two, so Zayn got back up with a clothesline. Jey tagged in to work over Ford a bit, but Ford came back with an impressive enziguri kick. Riddle tagged in against Zayn with Riddle hitting a jumping kick, a ripcord knee to Jimmy and Riddle hit forearms on Jimmy & Zayn. Riddle with overhead suplexes on Jimmy & Zayn along with senton splashes. Dawkins back in with an uppercut, a flying elbow and Ford hit a somersault dive over the top onto The Usos on the floor. Riddle hit a draping DDT off the ropes on Zayn. The fans loved that Orton-style move. Riddle set up for the RKO, The Usos were on the apron and then they walked away. Zayn was left alone in the ring as Riddle hit an RKO for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Riddle, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins

Analysis: ***1/4 A fun opening tag team match with Riddle showing a lot of energy with the fans getting behind him. Since The Usos walked out on Zayn, it didn’t really hurt The Usos that much. It also showed that Zayn is more loyal to The Bloodline than they are loyal to him. It fits Sami’s gimmick as a guy that thinks he’s a part of The Bloodline, but is he really? No. Anyway, I mentioned earlier that Riddle is likely getting pushed to a title match against Roman Reigns, so it’s smart to give him the win here.

They showed highlights of last week’s Raw when Bobby Lashley beat MVP in a Steel Cage Match. Lashley won when Omos threw Lashley into the cage, which broke and Lashley was able to walk out of the cage for the win.

The “All Mighty” Bobby Lashley made his entrance in his wrestling gear with the fans cheering him.

(Commercial)

It was announced that Bobby Lashley will face Omos again at Hell in a Cell. Jimmy Smith said maybe a cell will settle the rivalry and you could see Corey Graves signaling to Smith that it’s not a Hell in a Cell match.

Bobby Lashley’s “All Mighty Challenge”

Bobby Lashley did a promo talking about his match with Omos last week in the Steel Cage Match and he’s not surprised that they will do it again at Hell in a Cell. Lashley invited Omos and MVP to come out there to learn about what the All Mighty Challenge is.

Omos and MVP appeared wearing suits. MVP said that the whole world saw Omos beat Lashley all over that cage last week. MVP said if it wasn’t for some faulty equipment, we would have had a different outcome. Lashley told MVP to shut his mouth. Lashley said it’s obvious that a regular match will not be enough to finish what they have. Lashley said that he wants a match tonight and the winner will pick the stipulations between Omos and Lashley. Lashley said he has Omos at Hell in a Cell, but tonight he has unfinished business with MVP. Lashley wanted to face MVP tonight and the winner will face the pick the stipulations between Omos and Lashley at Hell in a Cell. Lashley accepted the challenge while adding that he’ll pick a stipulation that not even the All Mighty cannot overcome. Lashley asked when the last time MVP won a match around here. Lashley said he made MVP while adding that he’ll beat Omos at Hell in a Cell and he’ll put MVP in the Hurt Lock tonight. MVP whispered something to Omos.

Omos and MVP walked towards the ring. MVP still had a metal cane with him, MVP went on the apron and Lashley punched MVP off the apron. Omos left ringside. The fans chanted “Bobby” while MVP said that he’ll be responsible for Lashley’s downfall.

Analysis: A promo to set up a match for later. It was fine as a promo from Lashley although maybe it went on a bit too long. I think Lashley having a match with MVP makes sense while picking a stipulation for the next Lashley-Omos match is a logical move as well.

They showed some highlights of The Judgment Day group over the last couple of weeks.

Edge led his Judgment Day group out to the ring with Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley joining him.

(Commercial)

It was announced that WWE Crown Jewel will take place on Saturday, November 5 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. It’s the day after my birthday. That means there’s no October PPV this year. Survivor Series is three weeks later on Saturday, November 26th.

They showed highlights from last week’s Raw when Asuka beat Becky Lynch in a singles match when Asuka spit the dreaded green mist in the face and delivered a roundhouse kick for the win. Asuka’s win means she will challenge Bianca Belair for the Raw Women’s Title at Hell in a Cell.

Dana Brooke, the 24/7 Champion, told Adam Pearce that she wanted to face her in a match. Becky Lynch walked into the room where she bumped into Dana Brooke, who was leaving. Lynch complained about what Asuka did to her last week, so Pearce said he’ll give Lynch another match against Asuka. If Lynch wins then she will make it a triple threat match at Hell in a Cell. Lynch was wearing a puffy shirt like Jerry Seinfeld famously did on Seinfeld about 30 years ago.

Let’s Hear from Judgment Day

Judgment Day was in the ring with Priest yelling at the crowd to rise to show respect for them. Priest said that last week Edge offered anybody an opportunity to follow their mission statement and join The Judgment Day. Priest said that Edge showed them the way while setting them free. Priest called the fans sheep while adding that the superstars in the back wait to be told what to do. Priest said that they are missing courage, accept who you are and be proud of who you are. Priest said that the fans don’t have that courage. Priest said that they can help you, but first, you have to help yourself. Ripley told Liv Morgan to stop listening to the people on Twitter and the people in attendance. Ripley told Morgan to save herself by joining The Judgment Day.

Edge said that The Judgment Day is a truth that you’re afraid to see. Edge said that The Judgment Day is power while adding that it’s mental power. Edge said it’s an opportunity to join them, recreate yourself and re-write your career. Edge said that you can watch every ounce of sweat that Edge puts in to be the best. Edge said it would be like Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky or Michael Jordan offering this olive branch. Edge said he was not handpicked like John Cena, he was about hard work and success. Edge ripped on lazy asses eating Cheeto’s in a cubicle. Edge said that they are not afraid to grab life by the throat because they offer a mentality and if you accept it then you’ll wake up. Edge said that it will allow superstars to headbutt glass ceilings to bits. The fans chanted “you suck” at Edge, so Edge told them to look in the mirror. Edge said that somebody will be smart enough and savvy enough to understand. Edge wondered if it could be Tommaso Ciampa, Corey Graves, Alexa Bliss, Drew McIntyre, Liv Morgan, Finn Balor and what about AJ Styles? Edge said that AJ should realize that standing with them is better than being against them. Edge said after this, maybe AJ’s kiddos can call him “Uncle Edge.” Edge told Styles to choose wisely.

Analysis: It was the usual promo from The Judgment Day as they continue to try to recruit people to join them. Ciampa seems like the next logical choice.

Liv Morgan was up first for the babyface team. AJ Styles was next. No sign of Finn Balor this week.

(Commercial)

Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley vs. AJ Styles & Liv Morgan

Priest ran over Styles with a shoulder tackle followed by an armbar. Styles delivered strikes, then rolled through and hit a dropkick. Ripley tagged in, so Styles lifted Morgan right into a hurricanrana on Ripley. Morgan with a dropkick along with a corner splash. Ripley with a headbutt followed by a toss across the ring. Morgan kicked Ripley, then she tried a leap off the ropes, but Ripley caught Morgan. Ripley wanted a suplex, Morgan slipped out and hit a backstabber. Ripley to the floor, so Morgan hit a suicide dive on Ripley. Styles with a running knee to Priest while he was on the apron. Back in the ring, Morgan charged and Ripley hit a roundhouse kick to the head. Ripley hit a delayed vertical suplex for two. Morgan jumped off the ropes with a hurricanrana for a two count. Styles tagged in, so Priest was legal as Styles hit a jumping corner clothesline. Priest to the floor, Styles was distracted by Ripley and Priest knocked Styles out of the ring. Priest dropped Styles onto the apron leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Styles was in there with Priest, Styles missed a kick and then connected with a punch. Styles hit a Pele Kick on Priest to knock him off the apron. Morgan tagged in, so that meant Ripley was legal as Morgan hit a step up knee on Ripley. Morgan hit a missile dropkick off the ropes. Morgan jumped off the ropes with double knees to the face for two as Edge put Ripley’s foot on the bottom rope. The referee never saw it, but it was a two count. Styles went after Edge on the floor, then back into the ring and Styles clotheslined Priest out of the ring. Morgan tried the Oblivion off the ropes, but Edge held onto Ripley’s back and stopped the move. Ripley covered Morgan for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley

Analysis: *** A pretty good match. These mixed tags are difficult sometimes since it has to be men vs. men and women vs. women, but I think they did a nice job of building to the tagging spots. Edge cheating to win for his team was the right way to book the finish because it puts over the extra man being at ringside and that’s why Ripley beat Morgan. I’m really impressed by Liv’s offense. She has improved a lot in the last two years. Priest and Styles always work well together.

Post match, Styles tried to go after Edge, but Priest saved Edge from that attack. Edge hit a Spear on Styles. Ripley gave Morgan the Riptide slam as Judgment Day stood tall.

Analysis: More dominance from The Judgment Day group. I was anticipating Finn Balor there, but he wasn’t there.

The Miz was interviewed by Kevin Patrick with Miz saying he was sick of Cody Rhodes. Miz talked about how you can’t trust a man with a neck tattoo. Miz said that Cody’s ego is out of control since he’s got more pyro of than the Fourth of July. Miz claimed he doesn’t need a countdown clock because they will wait to see him. Miz said that he’ll take Cody down a peg or two and nobody will be able to ignore him.

The legendary Jerry “The King” Lawler made his entrance to host his King’s Court talk show.

(Commercial)

King’s Court with Veer Mahaan

Jerry Lawler was in the ring to host the King’s Court talk show in the ring. Lawler introduced his special guest that has left his opponent trembling and shaking in their boots. Lawler introduced Veer Mahaan.

Veer Mahaan made his entrance with the fans booing him. They showed a clip from last month when Veer beat up Rey & Dominik Mysterio. Last Monday on Raw, Rey & Dominik returned to get some revenge as they worked together to take out Veer on the floor.

Lawler asked Veer for the secret to his amazing success so far in WWE. No response. Lawler asked Veer why he’s targeted The Mysterios, which led to no response again. Lawler did some jokes about how hairy Veer is. Veer said he’s not here to joke around. Veer said that Rey Mysterio is a legend, but he’s too busy worrying about his little boy Dominik and that made him weak, so Veer took both of them out. Veer asked if he smelled fear on Jerry? Lawler said it’s just his cheap cologne. Veer said enough of the jokes. Veer threatened to beat up Lawler, so the Mysterios music played.

Rey and Dominik Mysterio went after Veer at ringside. Veer shoved Dominik down and Veer press slammed Rey into the ring. Veer sent Dominik into the ring as well. Rey and Dominik each hit dropkicks. Dominik hit a springboard dropkick, Rey hit a 619 variation. Veer was on the apron, he was shouting at them and then Veer left.

Analysis: It furthered their story a bit. I don’t expect Veer to lose a match any time soon. I’m also glad that they didn’t book Lawler to take a bump. He’s too old for that.

Alexa Bliss was interviewed by Sarah Scriber, who said it was great being back on Raw. Bliss suggested therapy for Sonya Deville. Bliss said tonight she gets to face her former tag team partner Nikki A.S.H. while adding that Bliss gets to be best friends with a doll while Nikki dresses like a superhero.

Alexa Bliss made her entrance with Lilly the doll in her hands.

(Commercial)

Nikki A.S.H. had her new friend Doudrop with her. Bliss and Nikki were two-time Women’s Tag Team Champions. Graves commented that Sasha Banks and Naomi were indefinitely suspended by walking out of WWE last week.

Alexa Bliss vs. Nikki A.S.H. (w/Doudrop)

Nikki knocked Bliss down with a punch, but then Bliss came back with two punches. Nikki came back with punches along with a whip into the corner. Nikki applied an aggressive chinlock, so Bliss got out of it with a jawbreaker and a jawbreaker. Bliss with a flipping slam. Bliss wanted a DDT, Nikki drove Bliss into the turnbuckle and they battled on the turnbuckle with Bliss punching Nikki down. Bliss with boots to knock Nikki down. Bliss went up top and hit the Twisted Bliss splash on Nikki for the pinfall win after three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Alexa Bliss

Analysis: *1/4 Bliss continues to rack up the wins since coming back while Nikki has no momentum as this superhero gimmick. They need to dump that gimmick and try something else.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins was interviewed by Kevin Patrick. Rollins said that they used to sing his song every night in every city and now all he hears is “Cody” repeatedly. Rollins said it makes him physically ill to hear that name. Rollins complained about how there’s even a countdown clock for Cody Rhodes. Seth said there’s a countdown clock in his head ticking away second by second, but what happens when the clock strikes zero? Rollins laughed.

Cody Rhodes made his entrance with the fans cheering him along with some pyro going off. Cody handed his leather belt to a young fan at ringside. More pyro for Cody when he got to the ring. Cody’s match was up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Asuka’s career promoting her success in WWE over the last several years. She’s won all the titles on the main roster, plus the Royal Rumble and Money in the Bank in her career.

Asuka was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber with Asuka saying that Lynch was not ready for Asuka because Becky was too busy crying. Asuka said that she’ll beat Lynch again and turn her into “Big Time Baby” because nobody is ready for Asuka.

The Miz made his entrance to face Cody. They wrestled on April 11 with Cody getting the win there.

Cody Rhodes vs. The Miz

There were “Cody” chants to start the match. They fought over a side headlock takedown with Graves whining about Miz deserves proper respect from the fans. Cody ran off the ropes leading to Miz hitting a back elbow. Cody with a dropkick that sent Miz out of the ring, but then Miz came back with a punch to block a suicide dive attempt. Miz jumped the top, Cody with a punch to the gut and a delayed front suplex. Cody applied a surfboard submission briefly. Miz got a sunset flip for two. This part was a bit sloppy. They were off a bit. Cody with multiple knees to the ribs along with a running knee for two Cody charged, Miz lifted him to the top turnbuckle and crotch Cody across the top. Miz hit a running boot to knock Cody off the apron to the floor.

(Commercial)

Miz charged at Cody in the corner leading to Miz hitting the turnbuckle after Cody moved. Cody with a forearm followed by a powerslam, Cody with a kick and Cody jumped off the ropes with a Cody Cutter. Cody applied a Figure Four Leglock submission in the middle of the ring until Miz got to the ropes to break the hold. Miz was on the floor, so Cody went up top, but that’s when Seth Rollins showed up to shove Cody to the floor for a DQ finish. It went about eight minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Cody Rhodes

Analysis: **1/2 It was fun while it lasted, but they opted for the DQ rather than giving Cody a pinfall win. As I noted, they had a sloppy sequence in the match. I wasn’t that surprised by that kind of ending due to Rollins being a cheap heel that wants to do attacks like that. I don’t think Miz needs to be protected in a match like this. I would have given Cody the pinfall win.

Post match, Rollins attacked Rhodes, but Cody fought back with punches. Miz attacked Cody from behind. Rollins and Miz picked up Cody and stomped on him repeatedly. Rollins and Miz sent Cody knee first into the steel steps at ringside. Rollins walked over to the kid that had the leather belt and took it from him. Rollins hit Cody in the back with the leather belt. Rollins left the belt with Cody while Rollins walked to the back.

Cody struggled to get back up as he gave the leather belt back to the kid at ringside. Cody was helped to the back by the referee. The fans cheered for Cody.

Analysis: Nice job of selling by Cody. The leather belt shot to the back was treated like a big deal. I would expect to see it again in their Hell in a Cell back with Cody getting payback on Rollins in that match.

(Commercial)

Ezekiel vs. Chad Gable (w/Otis & Kevin Owens)

Owens was seated at ringside screaming about how Elias was spreading lies. Gable with a drop toe hold into an armbar. Ezekiel chopped Gable a few times, Ezekiel went off the ropes and kicked him in the chest. Otis tripped up Ezekiel leading to Gable going for two leg lock takedowns. Gable wrenched on the left leg a bit. Gable hit a Northern Lights suplex for two. Gable up top, Ezekiel got the feet up and Ezekiel hit a spinebuster. Ezekiel kicked Gable down along with a corner splash. Otis decked Ezekiel with a clothesline while on the apron so the referee ejected Otis from ringside. Owens went into the ring, but the referee stopped him before he could do anything and the referee tossed Owens from ringside. Ezekiel got a rollup where he sat on top for the pinfall win after four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Ezekiel

Analysis: *3/4 It was decent for a short match. The chaos of two guys getting ejected took away from the match, but it was smart to keep Ezekiel’s momentum going with a win like that.

Post match, Ezekiel went up into the crowd and celebrated with the fans.

Owens did a promo saying he wanted to beat the hell out of him, so he challenged Ezekiel to a match at Hell in a Cell. It seemed like Ezekiel accepted the challenge.

Analysis: I hope Owens wins that match. He needs it.

They replayed the Cody Rhodes/Seth Rollins situation from earlier.

Cody Rhodes was interviewed by Kevin Patrick with Cody saying he’s banged up, but he’s going to be okay. Cody said that Seth Rollins knows he’s about to be 0-3 against Cody and if Rollins wants to finish the job, Cody will be right there waiting.

Bobby Lashley made his entrance for singles action.

(Commercial)

MVP made his entrance with Omos. This was MVP’s first televised match since last September, so it’s been a long time for him.

Bobby Lashley vs. Montel Vontavious Porter (w/Omos)

MVP did some stalling after the bell rang with MVP going to the floor multiple times to avoid fighting Lashley in the ring. MVP faked a knee injury in the ring while the referee looked at him and that led to Omos hitting a clothesline on the floor. MVP hit the running boot in the corner. MVP told Lashley “I made you” repeatedly. Lashley got a hold of MVP leading to a flatliner into the mat. Lashley delivered a clothesline that sent MVP over the top to the floor. Lashley put MVP on the shoulders leading to Lashley running MVP into the ring post. Omos went after Lashley on the floor, so Lashley fought him with punches and that led to a countout because the referee was counting. MVP won by countout after four minutes. Omos didn’t hit Lashley there, so that’s why it was a countout instead of a disqualification.

Winner by countout: MVP

Analysis: *1/4 A cheap win for MVP because Lashley was consumed with fighting Omos on the floor. It’s not like they would book Lashley to be pinned by MVP, so if you’re going to have Lashley lose, it should be by countout like that. I don’t love the finish, but I get why they did it.

The win by MVP means that he gets to pick the stipulation for Lashey’s match against Omos at Hell in a Cell.

Post match, Lashley got his hands on MVP and gave him the Hurt Lock submission.

Analysis: That’s what Lashley wanted to do the most, so he got to do it even though he lost the match.

Next week: Lacey Evans returns to action.

Bianca Belair, the Raw Women’s Champion, made her entrance to watch the main event for the second week in a row.

(Commercial)

The three guests on Raw Talk this week were Alexa Bliss, Jerry Lawler and Ezekiel. I don’t watch it.

It was time for the mina event with Asuka making her entrance while Bianca Belair watched on from ringside. Becky Lynch made her entrance as the opponent with Graves screaming about how Lynch deserved this opportunity.

Asuka vs. Becky Lynch

If Becky Lynch wins the match, she will be added to the Raw Women’s Championship match at Hell in a Cell.

Asuka ran over Lynch with a running shoulder tackle. Lynch came back with a slap, so Asuka drove Lynch into the turnbuckle. Lynch with some kicks to the body, then Asuka caught the foot and tripped up Lynch. Asuka applied an armbar to the left arm, but Lynch got her foot on the bottom rope. Asuka kicked Lynch to the floor. They battled on the apron, Lynch avoided a move and sent Asuka back first into the ring post. They went to break there.

(Commercial)

The match continued with about eight minutes left in the show with Asuka on the floor while Lynch was in the ring. When Asuka went back into the ring, Lynch kicked her out to the floor and whipped Asuka into the barricade. Lynch tossed Asuka out of the ring again followed by a forearm to the chest. Lynch whipped Asuka into the steel steps. Lynch to the middle rope with a leg drop for two. They did a double clothesline spot to knock both women down. Asuka with a German Suplex, then some strikes and a running knee on Lynch for two. Lynch tried getting the pin using the ropes for leverage, but Asuka kicked out. Lynch jumped off the ropes, but Asuka stopped her with a cross armbreaker submission until Lynch made it to the ropes to break free. Lynch went up top, Asuka stopped her with punches and Asuka hit a superplex off the middle ropes for a two count. Lynch avoided a move by the ropes, Asuka was caught in the ropes and Lynch applied the Disarmher in the ropes. Asuka came back with a hip attack that knocked Lynch off the apron to the floor. Asuka kicked Lynch. Asuka with a rising knee to the face while Lynch landed on Belair. Asuka with a kick, Lynch moved and Asuka hit Belair with a kick by accident. Asuka went back into the ring to beat the ten count, but Lynch was ready with a sunset flip pin for the win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Becky Lynch

Analysis: *** It was the usual good match between them. The crowd wasn’t into it like you might think probably because we saw it last week, so it’s not a fresh matchup. Lynch winning is what I expected since they like doing triple threat sometimes and she’s had such a long rivalry with Asuka. They might as well involve Belair in the match. My early prediction is that Belair retains her title.

The win by Lynch means that the Raw Women’s Championship match at Hell in a Cell is Belair vs. Asuka vs. Lynch.

Becky Lynch celebrated the win while Belair was still down on the floor while Asuka was frustrated in the ring. Lynch was happy to have a chance to win her title back. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: Cool stat alert. This was the fourth straight week that women main evented Raw and Asuka was in all four of those matches.

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Riddle
  2. Asuka/Becky Lynch
  3. Cody Rhodes

The Scoreboard

6.25 out of 10

Last week: 6

Final Thoughts

It felt like an average Raw this week. They are furthering certain storylines well, but it just doesn’t feel that exciting overall. I also think it was heavy in terms of promos while not really delivering that many interesting matches. They also do DQ or countout finishes so much that it’s tough to be invested in the matches when you know a weak finish is probably going to happen.

I liked the first part of the show with Riddle’s promo along with his work in the six-man tag team match that opened the show. Other than that, there wasn’t anything that interesting. Lots of stuff is fine like the Cody Rhodes-Miz match, but then they do the cheap attack by Rollins, which is fine, but it was so predictable. Lynch and Asuka had their usual good match in the main event.

I guess if there’s something positive to take from the show it’s that there weren’t any goofy 24/7 Title skits. Thanks for that.

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

wwe hell in a cell 2022 cody rhodes seth rollins

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

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

Bobby Lashley vs. Omos

Kevin Owens vs. Ezekiel

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