The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 05/29/23 Review
This week’s WWE Raw featured Seth Rollins celebrating his new World Title, plus Money in the Bank qualifiers begin.
It’s the first Raw since Night of Champions this past Saturday. Next up on the Premium Live Event calendar is Money in the Bank on July 1st.
I am also celebrating 14 years of doing the WWE Raw Deal review going back to May 2009. I did start writing about wrestling about a decade before that, but that May 2009 timeline is when I really went after this as a career and turned it into that in the years that followed. Later that same year I started a blog, then we launched TJRWrestling as a website and look at where we are now as one of the biggest wrestling sites there is with a whole team behind the site and a staff of writers. It’s wild thinking about the journey we have been on. I thank you for your support whether it’s been longer than 14 years, a decade, five years, one year or even less. I have no plans on slowing down any time soon. I turned a hobby into a career and I’m proud of that. You are all awesome and I’m grateful for you. Let’s keep it going.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1566 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the MVP Arena in Albany, New York. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
The opening video package showed highlights of the Night of Champions PLE from Saturday.
Let’s Celebrate With Seth “Freakin” Rollins
The new WWE World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance from the stairs in the back part of the arena like a classic entrance from about a decade ago when he was with The Shield. Rollins had the new World Heavyweight Title around his waist as he went down the steps, went all around the ring and waited in the ring as the fans sang his song. There was a red carpet in the ring along with some streamers/confetti filling the ring as well. Rollins still had the gold fingernail polish on his hands too.
Seth welcomed us to “Monday Night Rollins” while going over his nicknames and his name. The fans chanted “you deserve it” for him. Rollins: “And I am World Heavyweight Champion.” Rollins said it’s been a long road to get here with lots of lows and lots of highs. Seth said it just feels right.
Rollins said that he wants to focus on the future because finally Raw has a champion that wants to be here, that is going to be here and a champion that is ready for a fight. Rollins said he wants all the fights. Rollins said if you step up to him, the result will be the same and that is Rollins with the World Heavyweight Title around his waist and the world singing his song. The crowd sang the song right on cue.
AJ Styles, who is a Smackdown wrestler that Rollins beat in the World Title tournament finals, made his entrance in street clothes. Styles joined Rollins in the ring.
Styles said he knows he was drafted to Smackdown, but he couldn’t resist coming to Monday Night Raw to say congratulations. Styles said he gave it all in the ring and it’s almost like Seth knew what Styles was going to do. Styles said the WWE Universe likes to say “you deserve it” but AJ doesn’t think Seth deserves anything. Styles: “You EARNED the right to be World Heavyweight Champion.”
Rollins told Styles he’s not too good at these things, but after the beating Rollins gave him at Night of Champions, Styles earned this…a handshake. Rollins extended his hand, Styles shook it and they spoke without microphones.
The Judgment Day interrupted with Finn Balor speaking first. Balor asked Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio if it made them feel sick. Balor said that this makes him want to puke. They reminded us that they run Monday Night Raw. Priest said after The Bloodline imploded at Night of Champions, it’s clear that they run WWE. Balor mentioned that they beat the Tag Team Champions, which Roman Reigns can’t even do. Rhea Ripley said that one of them will take that title from Rollins. Balor and Priest think either of them could do it while Ripley mentioned Dominik could do it, which drew boos. Rollins laughed about it. Dominik mentioned that he beat Styles. Balor said we saw them beat eachother at Night of Champions and Dominik said that The Judgment Day will finish the job tonight. Styles said they challenged us. Rollins said they accept the challenge. Rollins said any two of them against the two of them (Rollins & Styles) in the main event of Seth’s show. Seth’s music played to end it.
Analysis: A good opening promo that was also lengthy with Seth Rollins taking his time getting through it. The fans love Seth and they love chanting his song, so there was a lot of singing in the segment. I think having AJ Styles come out to congratulate Rollins as a sign of respect is a cool thing just to show that Styles is in babyface mode these days and doing the right thing. Having them face off against The Judgment Day is a fresh tag team match for later.
The Raw commentary team of Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves welcomed us to the show. They plugged some of the things coming up on Raw this week.
Ricochet made his entrance for a Money in the Bank qualifying match.
(Commercial)
There was a backstage segment with WWE Official Adam Pearce talking to Seth Rollins and AJ Styles about the tag team match. AJ and Seth both wanted the match, so Pearce said he would make it official.
Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: The Miz vs. Ricochet
The two Money in the Bank briefcases were above the ring. Ricochet delivered a jumping kick to the head while Miz bumped to the floor. Ricochet with a kick while on the apron and hit a moonsault onto a standing Miz on the floor. Back in the ring, Miz hit a headscissors along with a boot to the head. Ricochet was out of the ring, so Miz slammed him into the commentary table. Back in the ring, Miz hit a double axhandle off the top for a two count.
(Commercial)
The Miz avoided an attack from Ricochet, Miz with a kick and Miz hit a springboard cross body block for two. The Miz shouted “I springboarded” while yelling about who it was only a two count. Ricochet came back with a running forearm. Ricochet hit a running headbutt to the ribs, then a jumping kick and Ricochet tried a leaping attack, but Miz shoved him into the turnbuckle. Miz kicked Ricochet by the ropes, double knees to the ribs and Miz hit the DDT for a two count. Miz was stunned the DDT didn’t get him the win even though that move has got him a two count for about 15 years or even longer. Ricochet countered a move with a two count, Miz got a two count with tights and Ricochet hit a spin kick to the jaw. Ricochet with a neckbreaker. Ricochet went up top and he hit a Shooting Star Press for the pinfall win after about ten minutes. Ring announcer Samantha Irvin loves announcing Ricochet as a winner since they are engaged. It went about ten minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Ricochet
Analysis: *** I thought it was a good match with The Miz showing a lot of effort with some moves he doesn’t always do like a springboard cross body block. Ricochet managed to slow it down, stun him with the kick, and then the SSP finished Miz off. Ricochet is booked well with Triple H in charge and the fans like Ricochet, so I’m happy with that result.
The win by Ricochet means that he’s going to be in the Men’s Money in the Bank ladder match. The graphic they have for MITB makes it look like there will be six competitors in the match.
A recap was shown of Trish Stratus beating Becky Lynch at Night of Champions thanks to Zoey Stark attacking Lynch to help Stratus win.
Trish Stratus, the WWE Hall of Famer, made her entrance for a promo.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark
Trish Stratus was wearing the outfit that she wore at Night of Champions, but it’s zipped down more in the front. Trish had a visible bruise on the left side of her jaw. Trish didn’t care about the fan saying “thank you Trish” at her. Trish bragged saying “I told you so” about what happened at Night of Champions where she beat Becky Lynch just like that. Trish said this is what you do when you’re the greatest of all time, number one and when you’re it. Trish said that Becky can crawl back in her hole and go through her stuff. Trish said that real superstars can have a shot at the big time like the superstar that had her back at Night of Champions because she wanted to help. Trish said she had attitude, aggression and ruthlessness and reminds Trish of herself – it’s Zoey Stark.
Zoey Stark made her entrance wearing a “Thank You Trish” shirt. The two ladies hugged in the ring while the fans booed. Stark said she is in WWE to be the best and make a statement. Stark said there is nobody better to learn from than Trish. Stark said she could have taken the long road, or she can be smart and be led by Trish. Stark put over Trish for being so humble and so kind. Stark: “Thank you Trish.” The fans booed. Stark mentioned the bruise on Trish’s face, so Trish warned Lynch about what will happen if she shows up.
Becky Lynch was dressed in yellow like at Night of Champions. Lynch said they are still in their gear so maybe they can restart that match and finish it right now.
Stark went after Lynch, who punched Stark and Lynch sent Stark into the barricade. Lynch got into the ring, she hit Trish wit ha forearm and Stark was on the apron, so Lynch knocked her down. Lynch tackled Trish followed by punches. Stark got back into the ring to attack Lynch with strikes. Trish joined in on the attack. Stark hit Lynch with the Z360 knee to Lynch. Stratus punched Lynch with the right hand that Trish’s Hall of Fame ring was on. Stark put her “Thank You Trish” shirt on Lynch (Stark had another shirt on). Trish and Stark celebrated while Lynch was against the turnbuckle and nobody was around to help Lynch.
Analysis: It was okay. It felt like they had the fake crowd noise machine working again for the start of Trish’s promo. I thought Trish put over Stark well and Stark made her point clearly saying that she wanted to work with Trish to get to the top faster, so that makes sense from a heel’s point of view. Lynch wanting to fight is fitting for her, but she was outnumbered here. I thought it was an effective segment overall.
Indus Sher was shown walking backstage.
(Commercial)
Indus Sher – Veer & Sanga (w/Jinder Mahal) vs. Javier Bernal & Some Guy With No Chance
Javy is from NXT. Veer threw Javy into the turnbuckle and hit a splash. Veer stomped on Javy and brought in Sanga, who hit a running boot to the head. Sanga suplexed the other guy into the ring. Sanga gave Javy a Chokeslam onto his partner. Veer tagged in leading to a sidewalk slam/elbow drop combo move. It went two minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Indus Sher – Veer & Sanga
Analysis: 1/2* A squash to put over Indus Sher. I don’t know when they’ll actually have a feud, but for now it’s just winning squash matches for them.
Still to come is a look at The Bloodline’s problems at Night of Champions.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn were shown walking backstage.
This Tuesday on NXT will see Jacy Jayne face Gigi Dolin in a Weaponized Steel Cage match.
(Commercial)
There was a replay of the Night of Champions main event with Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens beating Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa to retain the WWE Tag Team Titles. It was a chaotic scene as The Usos accidentally superkicked Solo Sikoa. Jimmy Uso also superkicked Reigns twice while the referee was down. Zayn and Owens capitalized to beat Solo. Great image to end it with Zayn posing with his titles over a frustrated Reigns, who was on the floor. Michael Cole: “Has The Bloodline finally imploded?”
This Friday on Smackdown: Roman Reigns celebrates 1000 days as champion. That’s the Universal Title, but they just write “Champion” on the graphic.
Let’s Hear from Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn made their entrance as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions to a big pop from the crowd. They went into the ring for a promo with the fans singing along with Sami’s song.
Sami Zayn said obviously they are feeling pretty good because at Night of Champions, they won. Zayn said that we didn’t just defend the Tag Team Titles, they wanted The Bloodline crumble, it was the worst night of Roman Reigns’ life and Roman deserves everything he got. Zayn said that Reigns might be the greatest of all time, he might hold the title for another 1,000 days, he might headline five more WrestleManias, but Reigns can always look at these faces and know that “we won.”
The Imperium trio of GUNTHER, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci made their entrance. Kaiser said it was an impressive victory at Night of Champions, but it was not as impressive as Gunther extended his Intercontinental Championship reign.
Owens asked why are they here? Owens said you had to wait until somebody calls you out and KO ranted about why they came out there. Zayn calmed Owens down. Zayn said there is an unwritten rule about not hearing your name. Zayn reminded them that with Matt Riddle, the three of them embarrassed Imperium. Zayn mentioned Imperium had a match against Alpha Academy. Kaiser said that Riddle is an embarrassment. Kaiser said that Zayn/Owens holding those titles are an embarrassment. Kaiser said they are not worthy holding those championships and representing Raw. Owens we always wonder from slender man Kaiser, sometimes the one with the ears (Gunther) talks, but we never hear from baldy (Vinci) and that led to a “baldy” chant. Kaiser said nobody disrespects them.
Chad Gable interrupted with a “SHOOSH” to annoy Imperium. Gable was with Otis and Maxxine Dupri, who had a “SHOOSH” style outfit. Owens called for Gable to do his thing to end it and then Gable shouted “Thank You” with Owens saying that’s it. That tag team match is next.
Analysis: I really like what Sami Zayn said about The Bloodline losing and how Roman Reigns had the worst day of his life because of what happened. It was well done in terms of putting over how important that win was for Sami & Kevin and how significant of a loss it was for Reigns & Solo as well. The Imperium guys interrupting was a bit of a surprise, but then it worked out fine since Sami & Kevin got to have fun with it and that brought out the AA guys, who are in a face role now.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Kayden Carter and Katana Chance being on Raw. They haven’t been used on Raw yet.
Alpha Academy – Chad Gable & Otis (w/Maxxine Dupri) vs. Imperium – Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn were on commentary. Kaiser got a side headlock takedown on Gable, who countered a move into a pin attempt. Gable with an armdrag and a headscissors takedown. Gable did a monkey flip to Kaiser. Valhalla showed up at ringside to go after Dupri, who avoided an attack and Dupri kicked Valhalla. That led to Dupri running to the back while Valhalla chased her to the back. Kaiser took over by sending Gable into the turnbuckle. Imperium set up Gable by the ropes and Kaiser/Vinci each hit running dropkicks on Gable at the same time. There were some “baldy” chants for Vinci, but it wasn’t that loud. Vinci bodyslammed Gable so his legs hit the ropes. Gable grabbed Kaiser by the arm for a takedown. Gable cleared both opponents from the ring and Otis got the tag to a big pop. Otis tagged in with two clotheslines, a front powerslam on Vinci and a splash on Kaiser. Otis did a Caterpillar into an elbow drop on Kaiser, but Vinci broke up that pin. Otis tossed Vinci out of the ring. Otis ran the ropes, Vinci sent Otis out of the ring and Kaiser got a rollup on Gable for two. Vinci tagged in with a spinebuster, Kaiser with a kick and Imperium hit an Imperial Bomb (Powerbomb/uppercut combo) on Gable for the pinfall win after about five minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Imperium – Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci
Analysis: **1/2 It was okay with Imperium working well as a team to pick up the win. It’s important for heel teams like Imperium to pick up wins to build contenders against Zayn & Owens, so having Imperium win makes a lot of sense. I liked the move that Imperium did sending Otis out of the ring so they could isolate Gable and then the Imperium Bomb got the win.
They showed a replay from three weeks ago when Liv Morgan injured her shoulder and had to vacate the titles with Raquel Rodriguez.
Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi were interviewed by Cathy Kelley while Bayley & IYO SKY showed up to interrupt with some trash talk. Raquel said that Bayley is the only member of Damage CTRL who hasn’t held gold since she started the group and said maybe Bayley should look in the mirror when she loses.
Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi entered first for the match for the Women’s Tag Team Titles. Shotzi entered on her tank. They pressed a button leading to some pyro as part of the entrance. That title match was up next.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Candice LeRae, who explained the fairy wings are because she believes fairytales are real since she is living one. They showed clips of her with her husband Johnny Gargano and their son pushing the idea that she is living her dreams because pro wrestling helped her meet Johnny and have their son. Candice said if you believe then anything is possible.
For the Vacant Women’s Tag Team Titles: Damage CTRL – Bayley & IYO SKY vs. Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi vs. Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville vs. Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler
The Women’s Tag Team Titles were at ringside. They will go to the winners of this match. Two women are legal while the others have to wait on the apron. The first fall wins.
Rousey doesn’t have a brace on her left arm at all, so she might be healed from the injury that she was dealing with for a few months. Raquel ran over Bayley with a shoulder tackle. Sky with a headscissors followed by a series of forearms on Raquel. Bayley tagged in leading to Raquel slamming her down. Bayley tagged in Green, who didn’t want to go in and Raquel slammed Green, who tried to tag out. Raquel tossed Green into Baszler and Raquel kicked Deville. Raquel knocked Sky off the apron. Shotzi tagged in with a suicide dive on three women on the floor. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
Baszler was in control of Shotzi for a bit until Shotzi hit a neckbreaker. Raquel tagged with shoulder tackles and clotheslines for Baszler. Raquel with a fallaway slam on Baszler two times leading to Rouse tagging in. Raquel decked Rousey with a lefty clothesline and Baszler saved Rousey from a big move. Raquel slammed Baszler with a Texana Bomb. Rousey applied an armbar to the right arm, but Bayley broke that up with an elbow drop to Rousey. Green tagged in and sent Rousey into the post while Deville kicked Rousey into the post. Green hit a Killswitch on Raquel and Deville hit a running knee on Raquel for two. Green tagged in, but Sky tagged herself in and Sky hit a double dropkick on Raquel & Sonya. Sky with an uppercut on Raquel followed by the double knees for two. Shotzi tossed Bayley out of the ring and Shotzi hit a suicide dive on Bayley on the floor. Shotzi tagged in leading to a spinning slam onto her knee. Shotzi hit a Tiger Suplex on Sky, but Sky came back with a flapjack. Rousey tagged Sky to become legal and Shotzi did a Tower of Doom spot with Sky on Rousey. Baszler tried to stop Shotzi, but Shotzi knocked Baszler down. Shotzi jumped off the top, Rousey avoided it and Rousey applied an armbar leading to Shotzi tapping out quickly. Rousey & Baszler are the new Women’s Tag Team Champions. It went about 12 minutes.
Winners by submission AND NEW Women’s Tag Team Champions: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler
Analysis: ***1/4 This was pretty good with some chaotic moments in the match. When there are eight women in the match that’s going to happen. I thought Rousey was going to dominate this match, but she really didn’t get much offense in the match. Shotzi jumped off the top, Rousey avoided it and Rousey applied the armbar for the easy win. Raquel was booked very strongly as usual. I liked the nearfall for the Green/Deville team too.
Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler celebrated as the new Women’s Tag Team Champions. There was a pyro display for them as well.
Analysis: It was expected that Rousey & Baszler would get those titles. It was probably going to happen a few months back, but Rousey was dealing with an arm injury. I think Rousey & Baszler will be dominant champions.
A video aired about Seth Rollins winning the World Heavyweight Title at Night of Champions.
They showed AJ Styles & Seth Rollins talking strategy in the locker room ahead of their tag team match.
Dolph Ziggler entered for singles action.
This Friday on Smackdown: Roman Reigns celebrates 1,000 days as the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion (actually just the Universal Title but that’s what they said) and we’ll find out what happens next with The Bloodline as well.
(Commercial)
JD McDonagh vs. Dolph Ziggler
Ziggler attacked JD with punches and attack in the corner. JD avoided a move leading to JD snapping the top rope into Ziggler’s throat. JD hit a snap suplex that caused a hard landing for Ziggler. They left the ring with JD sending Ziggler into the commentary table and JD whipped Ziggler into the steel steps. The referee called for the bell so it was a double countout after one minute.
Match Result: Double countout
Analysis: No rating here. The match didn’t matter. It was about the angle putting over JD’s aggressiveness.
After the bell rang, JD stomped on Ziggler’s head while on the steel steps. JD put his boot on Ziggler’s throat as well. JD finally stopped to end it.
Analysis: That whole thing felt rushed. It accomplished the goal of putting over JD as an aggressive heel, which was the character he portrayed in NXT as well. Since Ziggler is barely used on television, it makes sense to have JD feud with him as JD’s first rivalry on Raw.
Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage with his left arm in a sling.
A video aired about WWE supporting the National Medal of Honor award winners.
(Commercial)
There was a video of the Night of Champions match between Brock Lesnar and Cody Rhodes, who wrestled the match with a cast on his “broken” left arm. Lesnar made Cody pass out in the Kimura Lock submission, so Lesnar got the win.
Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes made his entrance wearing a suit while his left arm was in a sling. It is the third babyface promo at the top of an hour with Seth Rollins starting the show, Kevin Owens/Sami Zayn at the top of the second hour and here is Cody at the top of the third hour. The fans love the “WHOA-OH” part of the song as usual. There was a loud ovation before Cody spoke.
Cody: “So Albany, New York, what do you want to talk about?” Cody said due to referee stoppage, he lost his match against Brock Lesnar. Cody said that people thought he was foolish to fight Lesnar and crazy not to tap out. Cody said it was excruciating pain. Cody said that he did not tap out because that was not the man that he wants to be. Cody said some days you know that second chances don’t come. Cody talked about how there was a wildly popular superstar that said “never give up” referencing John Cena. Cody said that he had a question for Lesnar and spoke into the camera because Lesnar is not there. Cody said that he assumes Lesnar has taken his annual vacation. Cody asked if Lesnar is satisfied that this is done. Cody said that he is not done because he wants Brock to consider this an open challenge. Cody said he’ll post his schedule where he will be like he always does. Cody said that if he is standing in a ring he is ready to fight Lesnar.
Cody said tonight he wants to make it the last time he rattles off all of Lesnar’s accomplishments. Cody would then go on to list some of Lesnar’s accomplishments. Cody said that Lesnar is beast enough to break Cody’s arm, but not man enough to make Cody tap out. Cody said if Lesnar doesn’t accept the challenge then Lesnar is afraid of Cody Rhodes. Cody dropped the microphone to end it.
Analysis: I don’t know when the next Cody-Lesnar match will be or how they will have Cody wrestle with his worked arm injury. Perhaps Lesnar will be off of Money in the Bank, so the Cody-Lesnar match could happen at SummerSlam as the blow off for their feud. That would make sense. Anyway, it was the usual great babyface promo from Cody, who is one of the best talkers in all of WWE.
Matt Riddle was interviewed by Cathy Kelley, who mentioned Riddle will have the chance to compete for the Money in the Bank briefcase. Riddle talked about possibly winning the briefcase. GUNTHER, the Intercontinental Champion, interrupted the interview saying that he wants Riddle to win Money in the Bank and try to cash in on Gunther. Gunther said that humiliating him would be fun for Gunther. Riddle looked confused by it all, which his also Riddle’s normal expression.
Analysis: There was a report that there would be a GUNTHER-Riddle feud. Gunther just planted the seed for it there, but obviously Riddle doesn’t have to win Money in the Bank to get there.
Shinsuke Nakamura entered for singles action.
A commercial aired for Money in the Bank on Saturday, July 1st in London, England. It’s also Canada Day for me.
(Commercial)
The Undertaker is bringing his 1 Deadman Show to the UK for four shows from July 1st to July 4th. More details on WWE.com if you’re interested.
Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler were interviewed as the Women’s Tag Team Champions with Cathy Kelley doing the interview. Cathy misspoke saying they were champions again with Rousey saying it was her first time while Baszler is now a three-time Women’s Tag Team Champion. Baszler said that they are finally the champions. Rousey said that these titles prove they are the best.
Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bronson Reed
Reed was aggressive with a corner splash and body slam. Nakamura tried some punches, Reed no sold and Reed did a body attack. Reed with an elbow drop followed by a running steamroller attack. Reed sent Nakamura hard into the turnbuckle. Nakamura got an elbow to the head along with a jumping kick to the head. Nakamura tried a sliding German Suplex, but Reed was too big. Nakamura tripped up Reed on the apron, then Nakamura with a knee strike and a knee drop leading to a break.
(Commercial)
Nakamura applied an armbar, but Reed got out of it. Reed with a headbutt along with a running clothesline for two. Nakamura hit a spinning kick to the head. Nakamura hit a sliding German Suplex after failing to do it the first time. Reed caught Nakamura with a Samoan Drop along with a senton splash. Reed went up top, Nakamura stopped him with a kick and a knee to the ribs. Reed with a superkick to the body followed by a powerslam. Reed went up top and Reed jumped off with the Tsunami splash attempt, but Nakamura moved out of the way. Nakamura hit a knee to the back of the head. Nakamura hit Kinshasa, but Reed bumped out of the ring to the floor. Reed jumped off the steps with a kick to knock Reed down. Back in the ring, Nakamura hit another Kinshasa knee to put Reed down for the pinfall win. It went about ten minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Shinsuke Nakamura
Analysis: *** A competitive match with Nakamura needing to hit more of his knee strike offense to put the big man away. I actually thought Reed was going to win this match just because he has been booked strongly on Raw. That’s nothing against Nakamura, who I like a lot. It’s also a good thing to have an unpredictable match like that because when you don’t know who is winning, that makes it more interesting.
That means Nakamura joins Ricochet in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match on July 1st.
There was a replay of Rhea Ripley beating Natalya at Night of Champions in just over one minute.
The Judgment Day was interviewed by Byron Saxton, who congratulated Ripley on her win at Night of Champions. Ripley said she destroyed Natalya while mentioning that Natalya wasn’t there this week. Dominik said that Natalya should think twice before stepping up to Ripley. Saxton asked them who is wrestling tonight against Styles & Rollins. Balor & Priest didn’t want to tell him, so they told Saxton to leave.
Analysis: Based on what happened at Night of Champions and how this promo went, I assume we will see Natalya step up to try to face Ripley again.
(Commercial)
There was a video honoring the brave men and women who have fought for our freedom since it was Memorial Day in the United States.
Next Monday on Raw: Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Matches: Becky Lynch vs. Sonya Deville and Natalya vs. Zoey Stark.
Analysis: I think we’ll see Lynch and Stark pick up wins in those matches. Lynch can be in the Women’s Money in the Bank match leading to Trish Stratus costing Lynch the win.
AJ Styles was up first followed by the new World Heavyweight Champion Seth “Freakin” Rollins. That main event tag team match was up next.
(Commercial)
The Judgment Day foursome entered together for the main event.
Seth “Freakin” Rollins & AJ Styles vs. The Judgment Day – Damian Priest & Finn Balor (w/Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio)
Since The Judgment Day didn’t announce who was on the team, they teased Dominik in the match at first and then Balor attacked Rollins so Balor was in the match instead of Dominik. Priest took over on Rollins with punches along with some stomps to the chest. Priest hit a jumping back elbow on Rollins for two. Rollins broke free to bring in Styles, who hit a running clothesline on Priest and a clothesline on Balor, who was legal. Styles with a forearm followed by a backbreaker. All four guys were in the ring with Rollins hitting Priest with a knee to the back and Balor hit a Slingblade on Rollins. Priest tagged in, Dominik tripped up Styles on the apron and when Styles went after Dominik, Priest ran at Styles with a running shoulder tackle knocking Styles over the commentary table. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
The match returned with about seven minutes left. Styles was the face in peril, Priest sent Styles out of the ring and Ripley grabbed Styles. Rollins punched Dominik and threw him into the ring to hit the referee. The referee ejected Dominik and Ripley from ringside. Priest got a rollup for two. Styles hit a Pele Kick on Priest. Rollins got the tag against Balor with Rollins hitting some kicks and a flatliner into the turnbuckle. Rollins with a jumping knee onto Priest on the floor. Back in the ring, Rollins with a knee to Balor and a superkick for two. Rollins went for a move, but Balor countered with a cradle for two. Balor with an elbow drop reverse DDT for two. Priest tagged in with a punch for Styles on the apron. Priest went for a big move, Rollins avoided it and Priest bounced off the ropes with lariat for two. Rollins and Priest battled on the turnbuckle with Rollins hitting a superplex and Priest hit a Broken Arrow while Balor made the tag moments earlier. Balor jumped off the top with Coup de Grace, Rollins avoided it and Rollins hit a superkick. Styles got the tag against Priest with AJ hitting an enziguri kick. Styles with a slam onto his knee. Styles with a forearm on Priest, then a sliding knee on Balor and Rollins hit a suicide dive on Balor. Styles jumped off the ropes, Priest avoided it and Priest hit a Razor’s Edge for two because Rollins stopped that with The Stomp on Priest. Rollins tagged in with The Stomp on Priest again for the pinfall win after about 14 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Seth “Freakin” Rollins & AJ Styles
Analysis: ***1/2 A very good main event tag team match between four talented veterans that know what they are doing out there. I thought it was cool how Rollins broke up the pin by hitting The Stomp while Priest was trying to cover Styles and after Seth got the tag, he hit The Stomp again to win the match. That’s a unique way to book the end of the math. I don’t think The Judgment Day will be hurt by the loss because they are still featured prominently every week. I wonder if AJ Styles will be a challenger for Roman Reigns on Smackdown soon because it’s been a long time since they wrestled, so it might be AJ’s turn to challenge Reigns. Anyway, it was an enjoyable main event tag team match.
Seth Rollins and AJ Styles celebrated the win together while the fans were singing along with Seth’s song. Rollins posed with his World Heavyweight Title on the turnbuckle. End show.
===
Three Stars of the Show
- Seth “Freakin” Rollins/AJ Styles
- Ricochet
- Shinsuke Nakamura, Ronda Rousey/Shayna Baszler
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The Scoreboard
7 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2023 Average: 7.18
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Final Thoughts
A good show overall with a nice mix of quality matches and entertaining promos. I noted in the review that the first, second and third hours all started with babyface promos (Rollins, Owens/Zayn and Rhodes), so they featured the top faces on the brand. They advanced the Trish/Stark and Lynch story as well.
I think the two MITB qualifying matches were good. Ricochet beating Miz was obvious while Nakamura beating Reed surprised me a bit, but that’s fine. I liked the main event tag team match with Rollins/Styles beating Priest/Balor. The Women’s Tag Team Title match was a bit chaotic, but ended up as expected with Rousey/Baszler winning the titles. That would have happened months ago if Rousey was healthy, but she is healthy now.
Since Money in the Bank is on July 1, they didn’t have to rush to try to announce matches for that show. June might be a bit of a slow month in WWE land.
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Thanks for reading.
John Canton
Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com
Twitter: @johnreport