The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 06/19/23 Review
This week’s WWE Raw featured a six-man tag team main event, a Trish Stratus-Raquel Rodriguez MITB qualifier, Logan Paul’s return and plenty more.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1569 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Rocket Mortgage Field House in Cleveland, Ohio. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
Raw started with Seth “Freakin” Rollins making his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion with the fans cheering loudly as they sang Seth’s song. There were several ladders by the entrance area to promote Money in the Bank on July 1st. A referee was in the ring because Seth has an open challenge match. After Rollins got into the ring, he extended his arms, the spotlight was on him, the music stopped and the fans kept singing the song. Finn Balor attacked Rollins from behind to put a stop to that.
Balor went after Rollins outside the ring. Balor threw Rollins into the commentary table and sent Rollins into the steel steps. There were referees and WWE Officials that showed up to stop the fight. I hope WWE Official Jason Jordan wished Kurt Angle a Happy Father’s Day. Anyway, Balor jumped off the steel steps and did a double foot stomp (Coup de Grace) to Seth’s stomach. Balor jumped off the commentary table with another double foot stomp on Seth’s stomach. When Balor looked like he was about to leave, he ran around the ring and hit a double foot stomp on Rollins again. It was only five minutes into Raw and they went to break.
Analysis: It is rare for Raw to go to a commercial five minutes into the show, but it made sense in this case with Rollins down selling the three Coup de Grace attacks by Balor. I liked it as a show starting angle because Balor is facing Rollins at Money in the Bank and Balor was made to look like a fool by Rollins in their last promo exchange, so Balor being mad this week makes a lot of sense. I thought it was an effective opening segment. It turns out this start to the show was a Vince McMahon idea. I know a lot of fans seem to hate when Vince changes things, but in this instance, I thought it was a good idea because it makes Balor more of a threat against Rollins.
(Commercial)
There were replays of Balor attacking Rollins from before the break. The commentary team of Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves talked about all the chaos at ringside.
Seth Rollins was shown backstage with WWE officials, but Balor attacked Rollins again. Balor sent Rollins into some tables and equipment cases in the backstage area. Balor put his foot on Seth’s throat saying he has been waiting seven years for this and he’s going to be WWE World Champion.
Analysis: The intensity shown by Balor has been great to see. I don’t think Balor will beat Rollins for the World Title, but all of these attacks will make their match feel more personal.
The Miz was in the ring doing a promo saying he was going to accept Seth Rollins’ open challenge and be the new World Heavyweight Champion. Miz trashed Cleveland saying it was a hellhole (Miz grew up in the area) and the fans booed him for that. Miz said he was doing his own open challenge.
Tommaso Ciampa answered the open challenge making his return for the first time in about nine months after a long layoff from an injury that saw him have hip surgery. Miz was happy to see him as a former ally, but Ciampa punched Miz to start the match.
The Miz vs. Tommaso Ciampa
They started brawling outside the ring, Ciampa put the hood of the commentary table and Ciampa slammed Miz through it. Ciampa yelled at Miz about not contacting him for nine months. Back in the ring, Ciampa hit multiple running clotheslines to knock Miz down. Miz avoided a running knee attack and Miz hit a DDT for two. Ciampa went running into the ropes and Miz kicked him to knock him down. Miz sent Ciampa into the turnbuckle and hit the corner clothesline that he has been doing for about 15 years. Miz jumped off the top with a double axhandle, but Ciampa stopped that with a jumping knee. Ciampa hit the Fairytale Ending on Miz for the pinfall win after five minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Tommaso Ciampa
Analysis: **3/4 It was a solid match between two veterans with Ciampa getting the win in his return. The Miz loses nearly every match he has, so it’s not a surprise that he took the L here too. That jumping knee by Ciampa that knocked Miz down looked vicious, but he always does it in a safe way. Good to see the Fairytale Ending move again.
The Judgment Day made their entrance for a promo after the break.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from The Judgment Day
The Judgment Day foursome of Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio and Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley were by the entrance doing a promo. Balor said that Seth Rollins’ open challenge was canceled because Balor is going to be the one to win the World Heavyweight Title. Balor said that if you like singing Seth’s song then you will sing it at his funeral.
Rhea Ripley spoke up saying that Balor will win the World Heavyweight Championship at Money in the Bank, she has the women’s division locked down and Damian Priest will win the Money in the Bank contract. Ripley said that Dom Dom is going to beat Cody Rhodes.
Damian Priest said that the Money in the Bank briefcase will come with him and the contract will have his name on it. Priest suggested to Cody Rhodes that he keeps Dom’s name out of his mouth or Cody won’t fight anyone ever again.
Dominik Mysterio was booed heavily as usual as he tried to do a promo. Dominik challenged Cody to a six-man tag team match against The Judgment Day. It was tough to hear Dominik because of how loud the crowd was booing Dominik.
Analysis: It was the usual promo from The Judgment Day about how they think they are going to win everything. They are prominently featured on Raw every week and that isn’t changing any time soon, which is fine because I like them. A six-man tag team match for later sounds good to me.
There was a video recap showing The Bloodline family drama on Smackdown last Friday. Roman Reigns tried to convince Jey Uso to stay loyal to The Bloodline, but Jey made his decision to join his brother Jimmy Uso against The Bloodline. Jey superkicked Roman Reigns to a huge pop. Jey and Jimmy reuniting against Roman and their younger brother Solo Sikoa drew a huge ovation from the crowd. The fans loved it. The way Roman Reigns sold the double superkick by The Usos was impressive too. Incredible TV main event segment.
All of this will lead to a “Bloodline Civil War” when The Usos face Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa at Money in the Bank on July 1st.
Analysis: I think that match might main event Money in the Bank. It could go either way. I’d like to see The Usos win, but it wouldn’t shock me if Reigns got the win since he lost with Solo at Night of Champions last month.
The WWE Tag Team Champions Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens were interviewed by Byron Saxton, who asked about The Bloodline. Owens said he was sick of The Bloodline questions every week. Zayn told Owens he’s a “rageaholic” with Owens asking him what is he talking about? Zayn said if Owens can go the rest of the night without a tantrum then Zayn won’t bring it up again, but if Owens does it then Kevin has to admit he has a problem. Zayn said it’s twenty years of this. Graves joked that it could be a Dr. Shelby situation.
Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green entered for a tag team match.
(Commercial)
There was a TikTok video that aired featuring some “Crazy Karen” Chelsea Green having meltdowns in various places. She had meltdowns in restaurants and a road rage incident with somebody as well. Green is quite skilled at the “Crazy Karen” gimmick.
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance vs. Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville
Carter & Chance were in control with a springboard attack on Deville. They kicked Green out of the ring after Green was in the ring. Chance went up top and Carter hit a neckbreaker into a 450 Splash by Carter for a double team move called the After Party. Carter pinned Deville to get the win. It was less than two minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance
Analysis: *1/4 Easy win for Carter & Chance to establish them as a united and talented team on Raw. It was quick.
Cody Rhodes was interviewed by Cathy Kelley by the entrance area as they stood in front of the crowd. Cody was in a suit as usual with a brace/cast on his hand/wrist area. Cody talked about how Cleveland was on fire and The Judgment Day has a lot of momentum as well. Cody talked about Dominik Mysterio issuing a challenge for a six-man tag team match. Cody said finding two guys won’t be hard for him, so he accepts the challenge for the six-man tag team match.
Analysis: A quick interview done in a unique spot in front of the crowd. I don’t mind trying out something different like that. They could have had Cody accept in a backstage interview, but I guess WWE wanted to put him out there in front of the crowd.
(Commercial)
Indus Sher – Veer & Sanga (w/Jinder Mahal) vs. Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander
Indus Sher attacked Shelton & Cedric two weeks ago before the scheduled match could happen, so now they get to have the match. Benjamin hit a jumping knee on Sanga off the apron. Alexander and Benjamin did running strikes on Veer. Alexander jumped onto Sanga, who caught Cedric and Benjamin hit a Blockbuster neckbreaker on Sanga on the floor. Back in the ring, Veer hit a jumping attack on Benjamin. Sanga launched Alexander onto the top of the barricade. Veer with a double chop to the throat. Sanga tagged in with a running kick on Benjamin. Veer tagged in for an elbow drop/sidewalk slam combo and Veer pinned Benjamin for the pinfall win after three minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Indus Sher – Veer & Sanga
Analysis: *1/2 A squash match for Indus Sher. I don’t think it’s a great move to schedule a second short tag team match when that was the first match of the show already. Indus Sher continues to look dominant. With WWE heading to India in September, it’s not a surprise that they are going to keep them strong.
Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens were walking backstage with a random guy spilling a glass of water onto Owens. Instead of freaking out as usual, Owens remained calm. Matt Riddle was standing there, so Zayn encouraged Riddle to do his thing telling stories, Riddle mentioned some movies and Owens was about to freak out, but then he calmed down by saying they were great movies. Owens left and Zayn told Riddle that Owens was going through something. Riddle faces Ludwig Kaiser later on Raw.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Logan Paul
Logan Paul was seated on top of a ladder under the two Money in the Bank briefcases. Logan is from the Cleveland area, so he was sucking up to the crowd at the start, but then he turned it into a heel promo. Logan Paul said that the best thing he did was leave Cleveland for Hollywood. Logan trashed Cleveland for being losers. Logan said that because he can, he talked to the right people and he announced that he will be in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Ricochet walked out saying that at the Royal Rumble, Ricochet made Logan Paul go viral.
Shinsuke Nakamura was up next to say that he will be the next Mr. Money in the Bank.
LA Knight, who is from Smackdown, got a huge pop from the crowd. Knight trashed Logan Paul for making YouTube videos for teenagers. Knight plugged Logan Paul’s Prime drink and told him to shove it up his ass.
Santos Escobar, also from Smackdown, joined the promo party to welcome Logan to the party. Santos said that the man standing tall will be him because he represents the LWO.
Butch is also from Smackdown and he made his way down to the ring with Logan saying he didn’t know who that guy was.
Butch went right after Logan Paul with punches while the others were fighting on the floor. Paul punched Butch out of the ring. Paul did a somersault dive over the top rope and landed on top of two guys on the floor. Paul climbed the ladder and put his hands on the green Money in the Bank briefcase.
Analysis: It was the usual promo party featuring Money in the Bank participants including the Smackdown guys. The only guy missing was Damian Priest, who decided not to join them in the ring. Clearly, the goal here was to make Logan Paul look like a threat by having him dominate the segment with the punch to Butch and the dive on two guys on the floor. My pick for Money in the Bank was LA Knight as the winner, but I think Paul winning is a possibility.
There was another replay of the Seth Rollins-Finn Balor fight from earlier with Balor injuring Rollins.
Matt Riddle entered the ring for singles action.
This Friday on Smackdown: The Bloodline civil war continues, plus Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler vs. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn to unify the WWE and NXT Women’s Tag Team Titles.
(Commercial)
Imperium’s Ludwig Kaiser and the Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER made their entrance. Riddle “injured” Giovanni Vinci two weeks ago on Raw. GUNTHER beat up Riddle last week on Raw.
Ludwig Kaiser (w/GUNTHER) vs. Matt Riddle
Riddle tripped up Kaiser going for an ankle lock, but Kaiser got out of it. Kaiser trapped Riddle against the ropes leading to a dropkick to the body. Riddle hit two gutwrench suplexes along with a broton splash. Kaiser to the floor, so Riddle did a running kick to the chest. Riddle was distracted by GUNTHER’s presence, so Kaiser did a chop block on the apron. Kaiser suplexed Riddle on the floor.
(Commercial)
Riddle got some offense going with a superplex off the top rope. They exchanged strikes, Riddle with an up kick and a running forearm. Riddle hit an overhead belly-to-belly suplex and Kaiser blocked a broton splash by getting the knees up. Riddle to the apron led to a headscissors that sent Kaiser out of the ring. Riddle hit a Floating Bro splash off the ropes onto Kaiser on the floor for two. Riddle with a Fisherman’s Buster on Kaiser for two. Kaiser hit a jumping kick to the head. Riddle came back with a kick to the head and a knee. Riddle went for a springboard attack, but Kaiser caught him in on his shoulders and hit a rolling senton slam for a two count. Kaiser with a suplex. Kaiser went for an uppercut, but Riddle caught him and hit a suplex. Riddle hit the Bro Derek slam for the pinfall win after nine minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Matt Riddle
Analysis: *** A good match between two talented athletes. Unfortunately for Kaiser, when he’s in singles matches it usually means he is going to lose because it’s a way to build up an opponent for GUNTHER. They worked well together with some crafty counter moves throughout the match. Some replays would have been nice. Anyway, Riddle winning clean with the Bro Derek slam was the right way to end it to build up as a title contender against GUNTHER soon.
Post match, GUNTHER went into the ring with Riddle fighting him off, but then GUNTHER kicked the leg to knock Riddle down. Kaiser held Riddle down by holding his arms, so Gunther did a knee drop and stomp on the lower left leg of Riddle, who was screaming in pain. Imperium left while the crowd booed them.
Analysis: A cheap 2-on-1 attack by Imperium on Riddle. GUNTHER got some revenge for Vinci being taken out because he went after Riddle’s leg.
(Commercial)
Matt Riddle was shown with two indy wrestlers wearing WWE Medical shirts trying to help Riddle walk. That’s because Riddle was selling the left leg injury.
Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens were talking backstage with GUNTHER & Ludwig Kaiser walking up to them. Kaiser wondered if they saw what happened to Matt Riddle out there while warning them as well. Owens yelled at Kaiser for being too long-winded when he spoke. Sami got a text and said they had to go.
Analysis: The text likely has to do with Cody Rhodes looking for tag team partners.
Alpha Academy made their entrance. They showed an Alpha Academy training session with Chad Gable coaching Maxxine Dupri. Gable was teaching Dupri how to do a suplex.
Alpha Academy – Chad Gable & Otis (w/Maxxine Dupri) vs. Viking Raiders – Erik & Ivar (w/Valhalla)
Gable hit a suplex on Erik. Otis tagged in against Ivar with Otis hitting a shoulder tackle and corner splash. Erik provided a distraction, so Ivar hit a spin kick to Otis. Ivar hit some forearms to the body, but then Otis came back with a suplex. Gable faced Erik again with Gable hitting a rolling neckbreaker. Gable clotheslined Ivar out of the ring and Gable hit an Exploder Suplex on Erik. Gable hit a moonsault off the top onto both Raiders on the floor. Impressive move. Back in the ring, Gable hit a diving headbutt off the top for two. Valhalla was on the apron, so Dupri tripped her up and Dupri hit a suplex on the floor wit the fans popping for it. Back in the ring, Erik lifted Gable and hit a knee to the back for the pinfall win after about five minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Viking Raiders – Erik & Ivar
Analysis: **1/2 A decent match for the time given with the women having the key spot of the match because the fans popped big for Dupri hitting a suplex on Valhalla. Gable is so talented and capable of doing so much in the ring. I don’t mind a Viking Raiders win because they needed it.
The Judgment Day was shown talking backstage behind the curtain. Rhea Ripley wanted to make sure they’re on the same page. Finn Balor and Damian Priest both admitted they are fine.
Rhea Ripley made her entrance as the Women’s World Champion for a match against Natalya.
(Commercial)
Natalya was interviewed by Cathy Kelley with Natalya saying she gets a second chance against Rhea Ripley to prove that she still belongs.
Natalya was on the apron after making her entrance. Ripley hit Natalya with a forearm to the back. Ripley whipped Natalya into the barricade, steel steps and the side of the ring apron. Ripley headbutted Natalya. They went into the ring and Ripley hit the Riptide slam. There were referees and WWE Officials that went into the ring to try to stop Ripley. Ripley walked away with her title and a smirk on her face.
Analysis: No match. It was Ripley beating up Natalya like at Night of Champions. I hope it leads to something positive for Natalya.
Raquel Rodriguez was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Raquel said that what Ripley did was not okay. Ripley walked through the curtain asking what was that? Raquel told Ripley that she better hope that Raquel doesn’t win because Ripley isn’t ready for her.
Analysis: That’s going to be a meaningful title feud at some point this year, I think. Ripley has said in interviews that Raquel was her best friend in WWE, so they are close.
Raquel Rodriguez entered for singles action.
(Commercial)
Cody Rhodes was getting ready for his match with Akira Tozawa walking up saying he will team with Cody if he needs it. Cody shook his hand, but Cody didn’t really accept it. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens walked up with Sami saying he got Cody’s text about teaming up in the main event tag team match. Owens was excited about it because he gets to punch The Judgment Day in the face. Cody and Sami said they’d see eachother in the main event.
Oh it’s time to rock n roll because Trish Stratus made her entrance joined by Zoey Stark. There was a pre-tape promo from Trish talking about how she was going to win.
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Trish Stratus (w/Zoey Stark) vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Trish tried to attack with strikes, but Raquel caught her and slammed Trish. Raquel delivered a body slam. Trish delivered some elbows along with a slap to the face. Raquel delivered shoulder tackles while against the turnbuckle. Raquel went for a running corner attack, Trish moved and Raquel hit the turnbuckle. Trish hit an impressive DDT off the turnbuckle for two. Trish delivered a running kick to the ribs. When Trish tried a headlock, Raquel powered out of it and Trish delivered a shoulder tackle. Raquel went for a running Powerbomb, but Trish countered with a headscissors into the turnbuckle. Trish punched Raquel with a punch to the jaw while wearing her WWE Hall of Fame ring. Trish applied a Camel Clutch, then Trish pulled on Raquel’s mouth and Raquel powered out of it. Raquel hit a corner clothesline and Raquel sent Trish face-first into the top turnbuckle. Raquel with a big lefty clothesline followed by a fallaway slam. Trish went to the floor, then Raquel sent Trish back in and Stark tripped up Raquel on the apron. Trish sent Raquel into the turnbuckle and got a two count. Lynch sent Stark into the barricade. Trish went after Lynch on the floor, but then Lynch made the mistake of sending Trish into the barricade. The referee saw it, so that meant Trish wins by disqualified because Lynch put her hands on Trish. It went about eight minutes.
Winner by disqualification: Trish Stratus
Analysis: **1/2 That result surprised me because I thought Raquel would win even though I’m obviously a big Trish fan too. I just figured Raquel would be in the match as a big threat to win. Perhaps there will be a twist to get Raquel into the MITB match too. Trish can also say that it was her strategy to get Lynch to attack her because it worked and Trish got into MITB without getting a pinfall or submission win. I’m happy for Trish getting to compete in a MITB match for the first time.
UH. OH. 😳😳😳@trishstratuscom just qualified for the Women's #MITB Ladder Match … thanks to @BeckyLynchWWE!#WWERawpic.twitter.com/4nJlIwW5pr
— WWE (@WWE) June 20, 2023
The win means that Trish has qualified for the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
Post match, Trish celebrated the win with Zoey while Raquel was upset with Lynch for costing Raquel the match.
Analysis: Good for Raquel being mad about it. They need to continue that story because she was dominating the match, did nothing wrong and lost by DQ because of Lynch.
This Tuesday on NXT will see Seth “Freakin” Rollins defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Bron Breakker.
Bron Breakker was interviewed backstage by Cathy Kelley, who said it’s not known if Seth can face Bron on NXT. Bron said that Seth talks such a big game about being the World Heavyweight Champion. Bron said he’s been waiting for this opportunity. Bron said he’s going to hurt Seth really freakin’ bad. Bron said get used to seeing his face more on Monday nights because he’ll become the new World Heavyweight Champion.
Analysis: The story with Rollins-Balor certainly helped that story, but also the Rollins-Breakker match with more fans likely to watch NXT to see what happens next.
Shinsuke Nakamura entered for singles action.
(Commercial)
Becky Lynch was interviewed backstage by Byron Saxton. Lynch spoke about having a lot of enemies in the Money in the Bank ladder match. Lynch said she can either win or go down in a blaze of glory.
Bronson Reed vs. Shinsuke Nakamura
Nakamura hit a running kick to the body followed by a snapmare and a knee drop. Reed came back with a running body attack followed by an elbow drop. Reed delivered a hard chop to knock Nakamura down. Nakamura hit a jumping kick, then Nakamura caught against the ropes and Nakamura hit a sliding German Suplex. Ricochet made his way down to ringside to watch the match.
(Commercial)
Reed was in control with a forearm and a chop. Nakamura came back with a jumping knee strike off the turnbuckle for a two count. Reed hit a ripcord powerslam for two. Nakamura went for an armbar on the left arm, but Reed countered it with a sitout Powerbomb for two. Reed punched Nakamura off the apron to the floor. Reed hit a shoulder tackle on Nakamura on the floor. Reed tried throwing Nakamura into Ricochet, but Ricochet avoided it. Reed hit Nakamura with a forearm and back into the ring. Reed threw Ricochet into the steel steps. Nakamura with a kick on Reed. Nakamura charged, Reed avoided it and sent Nakamura into Ricochet on the apron. Nakamura hit a belly-to-back suplex followed by Reed going up top and hitting the Tsunami splash off the top. It went about ten minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Bronson Reed
Analysis: **3/4 There was Reed getting his win back against Nakamura as this three-way rivalry continued. Reed avoided a charging Nakamura, who hit Ricochet off the apron and Reed capitalized to win. I don’t know where it’s going other than likely doing a triple threat match next week.
The Judgment Day was shown talking strategy.
(Commercial)
They showed a video with Seth “Freakin” Rollins saying he didn’t care what the doctors tell him. Seth said he doesn’t make excuses. Seth told Bron Breakker that he’ll be at NXT tomorrow with the World Title on the line. Seth said that was the Finn Balor that beat him seven years ago and welcome back. Seth said MITB can’t come soon enough.
Analysis: It’s a smart move to have Seth confirm he’s going to be on NXT on Tuesday night.
It was main event time with the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens introduced first. Cody Rhodes got a huge ovation from the crowd as usual. The “WHOA-OH” parts of The Kingdom song continue to get a huge ovation. That six man tag team match main event was next.
(Commercial)
They announced that Seth “Freakin” Rollins will be on the Pat McAfee Show on Youtube on Tuesday afternoon at around 12:20 p.m. ET so check that out.
The Judgment Day made their entrance for the main event.
Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. The Judgment Day – Finn Balor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio (w/Rhea Ripley)
It looked like Dominik would start for the team, but then he brought in Balor instead. Balor and Cody exchanged holds leading to Cody hitting a backbreaker with Balor on his back. Balor drove Cody into the turnbuckle, so Dominik tagged in and Dominik slapped Cody hard in the back. Dominik left the ring, then went back in and brought in Priest. Priest worked over Zayn with punches, Zayn hit a back elbow and an elbow smash off the turnbuckle. Dominik tagged in with Zayn countering a suplex into a suplex of his own. Zayn kicked Dominik to knock him down, the referee was looking at Dominik and Ripley clotheslined Zayn without the referee looking. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
Zayn was the face in peril as Judgment Day made quick tags to hit some big moves on Sami. Priest hit a leg drop on Zayn. When Sami nearly tagged out, Dominik tagged in and knocked Cody off the apron while preventing Zayn from tagging out. Zayn hit a clothesline on Balor and Owens tagged in. It was Owens against Dominik with KO unleashing with punches. Owens hit a running clothesline on Dominik on the floor. Back in the ring, Owens hit a superkick followed by a cannonball splash for two. Balor made a blind tag and hit a reverse DDT on Owens for two. Balor hit a Slingblade neckbreaker on Owens. KO was back up with a superkick on Balor. Cody tagged in against Priest with Cody hitting a forearm, an uppercut and a powerslam. Cody hit a springboard Disaster Kick for two. After Ripley provided a distraction, Priest hit a South of Heaven chokeslam on Cody for two as Zayn made the save. Zayn knocked Dominik off the apron and Dominik went into Ripely’s arms. Zayn hit a somersault dive over the top onto Dominik on the floor. Cody hit a Cody Cutter on Priest for two. Priest was back up with a rollup for two. Priest tried to for an attack off the ropes, but Cody hit Priest with the cast/brace. Dominik sent Owens out of the ring. Dominik ran the ropes, Zayn clotheslined him and Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on Dominik. Owens hit a Stunner on Dominik as well. Cody grabbed Priest and hit Cross Rhodes for the pinfall win after 13 minutes. Big pop for the win.
Winners by pinfall: Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
Analysis: ***1/2 A very good main event tag team match. They obviously know how to do matches like this in terms of the format. Five of the guys are very experienced while Dominik was the youngest guy that knows his role out there too. It was Sami as the face, then Kevin’s turn as the face in peril and then Cody got the hot tag with a few minutes left to bring it home. It sucks for Priest to have to do the job, but somebody must lose a match like that. I thought they could have had some more moments in the match where it looked like Judgment Day could win because it was obvious they had no shot. Overall, I was pretty entertained and the fans were into it, so that always helps.
The trio of Cody, Kevin and Sami celebrated the win. End show.
--132d6f8b9c68cac46b88767584f4346e.jpg)
===
Three Stars of the Show
- Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn
- Matt Riddle
- Tommaso Ciampa
===
The Scoreboard
7.25 out of 10
Last week: 7.5
2023 Average: 7.23
===
Final Thoughts
It was good overall, but not really great at any point. I liked the main event a lot and thought it was easily the best match on the show with Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens & Sami. Matt Riddle’s win over Ludwig Kaiser was fun to watch. Most of the other matches were just okay with some interesting finishes.
The return of Tommaso Ciampa was booked well with a dominant win over The Miz, who loses nearly every match he has. Logan Paul adding himself to Money in the Bank without winning a qualifying match makes the other full-time wrestlers look inferior, but I guess that’s the point to get heat on Logan.
I didn’t love the Trish-Raquel ending with Becky Lynch attacking Trish to accidentally put Trish in the Money in the Bank match. I get why it was done to give Trish a win while protecting Raquel. However, I think Raquel needs to show some emotion and be angry about it because she was screwed out of a spot in the match. I did enjoy Finn Balor’s attack on Seth Rollins to start the show. It put over Balor as an intense heel that really wants to beat Seth, so that helps their match by making it a more personal story going into it.
The next WWE Premium Live Event is Money in the Bank on Saturday, July 1st in London, England. Here’s what we know so far:
* Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa vs. The Usos (Jimmy & Jey Uso)
* Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: LA Knight vs. Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Ricochet vs. Butch vs. Santos Escobar vs. Damian Priest vs. Logan Paul
* World Heavyweight Championship: Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Finn Balor
* Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match: Bayley vs. Zelina Vega vs. Becky Lynch vs. Zoey Stark vs. IYO SKY vs. Trish Stratus
* Cody Rhodes vs. Dominik Mysterio
You can watch WWE Money in the Bank on Saturday, July 1 at a special start time of 3 p.m. ET/12 p.m. PT, streaming live exclusively on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else.
===
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