The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 06/27/22 Review

This week’s WWE Raw featured John Cena celebrating 20 years since he started his WWE career. Plus, it was the last Raw before Saturday’s Money in the Bank event.

To begin this week, just a note saying I will be on vacation starting next Monday, July 4th. I know it’s a holiday in the US that day. Here in Canada, it’s July 1 as our birthday. Anyway, I’m going to be off for a week. That means no reviews of Raw, NXT, Smackdown, Dynamite or Rampage next week. I’ll be back ready to write for the July 11th edition of Raw. I will most likely do condensed reviews for the shows I miss because I want to get them all done. Anyway, I haven’t really taken a full week off in a few years, so I look forward to a wrestling break. I know our news and feature writing team will keep the content coming on TJRWrestling without me, so keep supporting the site and we will continue to cover the wacky world of pro wrestling as best we can.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1518 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Sames Auto Arena in Laredo, Texas. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Thanks to my good friend Melo Man for the cool Cena banner up top. Let’s get to it.

The show started with John Cena shown walking backstage wearing a shirt celebrating his 20 years in WWE. It was from “Earlier Today” where Cena was walking in the backstage area where he was greeted by wrestlers, behind-the-scenes people, announcers and others. They were all greeting Cena with hugs, handshakes and applause. That was a cool way to start the show.

Battle Royal for Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualification

There were Raw and Smackdown wrestlers in the ring. The winner gets to be in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

They didn’t state how many people were in there, but it was around 20 guys including some of them that lost MITB qualifying matches. Veer tried eliminating Riddle, but Riddle held on. Veer got a hold of Akira Tozawa and tossed Tozawa out. Veer also dumped Shelton Benjamin out of the ring. Mustafa Ali dropkicked Veer in the back leading to Rey and Dominik doing the 619 on Veer. That led to both Mysterios and Ali dumping Veer over the top to the floor. R-Truth was dancing with Shanky in the middle of the ring until Jinder Mahal attacked Truth and then Jinder/Shanky eliminated Truth. Mahal followed that up by eliminating his former friend Shanky. AJ Styles with a clothesline that eliminated Mahal. T-Bar launched Reggie over the top to the floor to eliminate him. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

The action continued as they showed Ciampa eliminating Mustafa Ali during the break. Jimmy Smith stated that they started with 20 guys, so my guess was right. Styles kicked Ciampa, then brought him to the apron and shoved Ciampa into the turnbuckle to eliminate Ciampa. Rey wanted 619 on Miz, but Miz avoided it and Miz hit a DDT. Rey held on to avoid elimination. Dominik was eliminated by Ziggler, who managed to hang on. Rey tried getting rid of Ziggler with a headscissors takedown, but Ziggler held on. Rey with a headscissors knocking Miz to the apron and Ziggler/Miz eliminated Rey together. The fans booed. Riddle held onto the ropes to avoid an elimination. T-Bar battled Ricochet on the apron, Ricochet landed on a ladder that was at ringside and Ricochet managed to do a headscissors on T-Bar to eliminate him.

(Commercial)

There were six guys left: The Miz, Riddle, Dolph Ziggler, Rey Mysterio, Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles. The Miz jumped off the ropes with a double axhandle and then was selling/faking a knee injury. Ziggler was on the top rope, so Nakamura kicked Ziggler off the top to the floor. Riddle sent Nakamura to the floor and Riddle hit a jumping kick to knock Nakamura out of the match.

The final four were Riddle, Ricochet, Styles and Miz. When Ricochet went for a springboard attack on Riddle, Styles was there and kneed Ricochet in the ribs. Styles tossed Ricochet out. Styles faced off with Riddle with Styles hitting a forearm, but then when Styles went for the Phenomenal Forearm, Miz tripped him. Styles went over the top there, so he was eliminated. Miz was faking the knee injury and he tossed Riddle to the apron, but Riddle held on. Riddle got a hold of Miz and hit a draping DDT like Riddle’s buddy Randy Orton Riddle wanted an RKO, but Miz caught him and Miz hit a Skull Crushing Finale. Miz charged, Riddle used his legs to pull Miz over the top to the apron and both guys stayed on the apron instead of going into the ring. Miz charged into an RKO by Riddle, so Miz fell to the floor and Riddle won. It went about 18 minutes.

Winner: Riddle

Analysis: *** A fun battle royal with a happy ending for the fans since they love Riddle. I like how it was booked with Miz trying to be the sneaky heel, but Riddle was able to overcome him and find a way to win. They had some good eliminations in the match along with some brief alliances. Riddle certainly has a shot to win MITB on Saturday night.

That means the guys that have qualified for the Men’s Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match are Seth “Freakin” Rollins, Drew McIntyre, Sheamus, Omos, Sami Zayn and Riddle.

The Raw commentary team of Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton said that another MITB Qualifying Match between Kevin Owens and Ezekiel had to be rescheduled. Why? We don’t know.

The Street Profits did a promo talking to the camera with John Cena joining them. Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins asked Cena for some advice going ahead of their match against The Usos. Dawkins said they haven’t been able to break through. Cena said that they are NXT Champions, Raw Champions, Smackdown Champions and more energy than a bolt of lightning. Cena told them to never forget how good they are. Ford read Cena’s shirt saying “never give up.” The Profits were fired up after that because they want the smoke.

Jey and Jimmy Uso entered for Jey’s singles match.

(Commercial)

They showed comments from Shawn Michaels congratulating John Cena on 20 years in WWE. They also had comments from Big Show, Booker T, Daniel Bryan, Trish Stratus and Triple H.

Analysis: That’s cool that they would include Big Show and Daniel Bryan, who both currently work for AEW these days. They were both guys that wrestled Cena a lot in his career.

Riddle was interviewed by Kevin Patrick. Riddle talked about how that win was for Randy Orton. Riddle said that John Cena told him to “never give up” and now he’s going to Money in the Bank. Riddle: “The Bro is going to Vegas.” True that.

Montez Ford entered with Angelo Dawkins with Ford wrestling in this match. These teams have had a few singles matches over the last few weeks and now we get another. The Usos vs. The Street Profits is set for the Undisputed Tag Team Titles at Money in the Bank on Saturday.

Montez Ford (w/Angelo Dawkins) vs. Jey Uso (w/Jimmy Uso)

Ford with a shoulder tackle followed by a “one” in the air. Jey came back with a forearm to the face. Ford jumped over a charging Jey and Ford applied an armbar. Jey ran the ropes, Ford with two leapfrogs and another armdrag takedown leading to an armbar while taunting Jimmy at ringside. Ford hit a dropkick on Jey to send Jey out of the ring. Ford went for a kick, but Jey tripped him up on the apron. Jey whipped Ford into the steel steps leading to a break.

(Commercial)

Jey was in control as he stomped on Ford in the corner. Ford came back with a clothesline. Ford ran the ropes with another clothesline, then a kick to the gut and a jumping kick. Jey with a couple of kicks, but Ford hit a clothesline and a standing moonsault for two. Jey came back with a shove into the turnbuckle followed by a popup neckbreaker for a two count. Jey charged right into a superkick and Ford hit a standing Blockbuster neckbreaker for two. Ford climbed up top, Jimmy with a distraction and Dawkins ran over Jimmy on the floor. Jey jumped onto Dawkins on the floor and Ford jumped onto Jey on the floor with a suicide dive. Back in the ring, Ford jumped off the top with a Frog Splash for the pinfall win after ten minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Montez Ford

Analysis: *** Good match with Ford picking up the clean win. Ford always impresses me when he’s in singles matches. Jey is also very talented in singles matches. I like how Jimmy tried to distract, Dawkins took him out and they went to the finish soon after. I expect The Usos to keep the titles at Money in the Bank.

Rey and Dominik Mysterio were shown walking backstage with Finn Balor and Damien Priest going up to him. Finn noted that Rey’s 20 years is coming up soon too. Finn wondered what is it that Rey is not teaching Dominik. Priest said that their door is always open. Balor said maybe they aren’t having bad luck, maybe Rey is a bad father. Rey challenged them to a tag team match next Monday in San Diego.

A closer look at John Cena’s career is next.

(Commercial)

They showed images from John Cena’s 20 years in WWE.

A John Cena tribute video aired. It was posted on WWE’s Youtube channel a few days ago, so I’ll include it below. It ran over five minutes covering his start in the company, his rise to the top, his many title wins against the biggest names in WWE history, that great Royal Rumble 2008 surprise and other things like his work with Make A Wish kids as well as honoring the trips. They also showed Cena appearing on talk shows along with his acting work that’s his focus in life now. Vince called Cena a “real life superhero.” They ended it with a comment from Cena saying he was just a kid that was living the dream.

Analysis: It’s an excellent video. I’ve always been a Cena fan and always will be. Here’s that video.

Interview with The Miz

Kevin Patrick was in the ring and he introduced The Miz for some reason. Patrick noted that Logan Paul was plotting a return to the ring. They showed images of Logan Paul training in the ring. The Miz said that he set that up while adding that he’ll team up with Paul at SummerSlam and they will continue their winning ways like they did at WrestleMania. Patrick noted that after the win at WrestleMania, The Miz gave Paul a Skull Crushing Finale. Miz explained that he’s the biggest full-time superstar in WWE and this Friday he’ll be on the Today show. Miz plugged Miz & Mrs. after Raw. Miz said that celebrities want to use Miz’s notoriety and knowledge to be an even bigger star. Miz said that he told Paul it was a teaching lesson, he understood and they are on the same page. Miz said that one day they will become the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. Miz ripped on AJ Styles saying his career has been on a downward spiral, then Patrick reminded us that Styles mentioned the “tiny balls” and Miz said that they are not making that a thing. Miz said he had gigantic, stupendous, huge…and so on. Here comes AJ Styles.

AJ Styles got into the ring and punched Miz in the face. They went to break there.

Analysis: It was a way to further the Miz-Styles storyline. Bringing back Logan Paul for SummerSlam isn’t a surprise since he did well at WrestleMania and has a big following. I don’t know about Miz thinking Paul is going to team with him again because they could have Paul in the face role and put him against Miz at SummerSlam. I guess we’ll find out as we get closer to that show.

This week on Smackdown; All of the participants in the men’s and women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Matches will be on the show.

(Commercial)

AJ Styles vs. The Miz

Styles worked over Miz with punches and chops. Styles with a leapfrog followed by a dropkick. Styles with a dropkick, then Miz came back with a knee to the ribs and a running kick. Miz hit a running splash on Styles against the ropes. Styles blocked a Miz punch, then Miz came back with a corner clothesline and Miz jumped off the top with a double axhandle for two. Miz grabbed a side headlock, Styles got out of it with a chop and Styles tossed Miz out of the ring. Styles went for an attack off the apron, Miz moved and sent Styles into the apron. Miz whipped Styles into the barricade. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

I missed a bit coming back from break. Styles got a nearfall after a slam onto the knee for a two count. Styles rocked Miz with a punch to the face. Styles wanted a Phenomenal Forearm, Miz moved out of the way and when Styles was against the turnbuckle, Miz did a double knee attack for a two count. Miz wanted a superplex, Styles slipped out of it and sent Miz into the turnbuckle. Miz with a couple of kicks followed by a running knee for a two count. Styles countered an SCF into a pin attempt for two. Styles with a Pele Kick to the head followed by a brainbuster. Styles set up for the forearm again, but Miz bailed and went up the aisle to the back. Miz lost by countout after 13 minutes.

Winner by countout: AJ Styles

Analysis: *** A competitive match that was very even the whole way, but then they did the lame heel finish with Miz walking away. It should lead to another match between them as this feud apparently must continue. I liked how aggressive Styles was. I think AJ should have won the match clean. Instead, the feud will continue after the countout finish.

John Cena was shown in the locker room talking to Ezekiel, who said it was an honor to meet Cena. Ezekiel said he wants to make sure the whole world wants to Speak with Zeke. Cena told him to never forget who he is. Theory walked up to him saying that they should be celebrating him because he’s on Raw every week. Theory said that he’s 24 years old, the youngest US Champion in WWE history and said that Cena wasn’t even in WWE at that age. Theory said he’s a hand-picked superstar of the future by Mr. McMahon, that he can’t be touched while Cena is a grown ass man wearing jorts in 2022. Theory wanted to take a selfie, but Cena left so there was no photo.

Analysis: There’s the Cena/Theory confrontation that was expected. There could be more to it in the future as well.

Bianca Belair made her entrance as the Raw Women’s Champion for a promo segment.

(Commercial)

There were more messages celebrating 20 years of John Cena from Kurt Angle, Randy Orton, John Bradshaw Layfield (he called him the “greatest of all time), Chris Jericho called Cena one of his favorite opponents, Stephanie McMahon and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin as well.

Analysis: There’s another big name AEW guy Chris Jericho with a message. He wrestled Cena a lot, so that’s cool that he was included.

Let’s Hear from Bianca Belair

Bianca Belair was interviewed in-ring by Kevin Patrick, who asked her about facing Carmella at Money in the Bank. Belair said she was hoping Carmella would be out there so she can talk to her face. Belair said that Carmella always resorts to dirty tricks because that’s what she has to do. Belair said that she knows that Carmella can be great, but she’s so insecure. Belair said that Carmella has “it” and she better bring “it” at Money in the Bank. Belair called out Carmella to show that she can step to Belair face to face.

Carmella made her entrance with Graves getting excited about his wife. Carmella said she’s not insecure at all because she’s smart. Carmella said she’s got beauty and brains. Carmella said that she won’t apologize for being the total package. Carmella said that she’s a two-time Money in the Bank winner, a former Tag Team and Smackdown Women’s Champion. Carmella said she’ll take the respect she deserved just like she’ll take the Raw Women’s Championship this Saturday because Mella is Money. Patrick tried asking Belair a question, Carmella tried a cheap shot kick, but Belair blocked it and punched Carmella out of the ring. Belair celebrated in the ring with Carmella on the floor.

Analysis: A very basic segment with a bit of trash talk from both women. I don’t think it was very interesting. Belair should easily beat Carmella at Money in the Bank. Hopefully Rhea Ripley heals up soon so she gets her title shot at Belair in the near future as well.

Liv Morgan and Alexa Bliss were interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Bliss said that she likes Morgan, but Liv won’t win Money in the Bank because Bliss has won MITB before and she’ll win again. Liv said she will be champ one day. Liv said she’s going to knock Bliss off the ladder and climb up to get the ladder to get the contract. Liv busted out a John Cena catchphrase saying “my time is now.” Morgan said she’ll beat Bliss tonight, Bliss said that’s not going to happen and Liv said “watch me” which is her catchphrase.

Liv Morgan made her entrance.

(Commercial)

Asuka was on commentary for this match. Asuka is in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match along with Bliss and Morgan There’s also Lacey Evans, Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi in the match.

Alexa Bliss vs. Liv Morgan

Morgan locked up Bliss with a waistlock while Asuka spoke in Japanese on commentary. Morgan hit a running back splash on Bliss, but then Bliss kicked Morgan down. Bliss with the knees to the ribs followed by a double clothesline spot. Morgan went for a dropkick off the middle ropes, Bliss moved and Bliss hit a dropkick for two. Bliss with a kick to the gut, Bliss with a jawbreaker and Morgan hit a jumping kick. Bliss avoided a move, then hit a backbreaker on Morgan and Bliss pointed at the MITB briefcase. Morgan tripped up Bliss into a forward roll pinfall for the win. It went about four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Liv Morgan

Analysis: ** A decent shorter match with Morgan getting the rollup into the tight cover for the win. It was an evenly booked match with both women coming close to winning. There was also a dead crowd for most of the match. I think Morgan would be a good choice to win MITB while I wouldn’t pick Bliss to win, but I guess it’s possible.

A video aired about John Cena’s work with the Make A Wish foundation and meeting many Make A Wish kids over the last twenty years. Cena holds the record for most wishes granted by any celebrity. Graves noted it 659 wishes and counting.

Vince McMahon made his entrance with a smile on his face as he did his strut down to the ring. That John Cena celebration is up next.

(Commercial)

20 Years of John Cena Celebration

The WWE roster was lined up by the entrance area. Vince said that there have been so many accolades about the man he’s about to introduce. Vince said it was his honor and privilege to introduce…John Cena.

Huge ovation from the crowd for John Cena, who was greeted by applause by his fellow WWE superstars. Cena had the “Never Give Up” towel with him. Vince exited the ring before Cena got in there. Cena was wearing a black shirt celebrating his 20 years in WWE. Cena got a big pop from the crowd that was there to see him. Lots of kids in the crowd for sure. There was a loud “Cena” chant as well.

Cena said it’s a raucous group here tonight. Cena said that today is his WWE birthday. Cena said as he looks around, you can feel the energy and hear the noise. The wrestlers that were by the entrance went to the back. Cena said he couldn’t think of a better place to have his birthday. Fans chanted “Cena” for him. Cena liked a “20 Years of Jorts” sign in the crowd.

Cena said he’s never been one about celebrating milestones because he always likes to look forward to what is next. Cena said that tonight is nothing about any moment or match he has done because tonight has everything to do with the fans. Cena said that this 20th anniversary is important to him because we have allowed him to do this for two decades. Cena said that he knows it’s because the fans allow him to stand in the ring. Cena said that the fans have created an environment to allow him to be his true self while telling him when he sucks and when he doesn’t suck. Another “Cena” chant. Cena said he always wanted to say thank you and he’s been waiting for that right moment. The fans chanted “thank you Cena” at him. Cena said his heart is beating out of his chest, he’s filled with energy and excitement while thanking the fans for making him who he is.

Cena said he always said that WWE has prepared him for anything. Cena said he’s not talking about Fast and the Furious or Peacemaker, it’s because of the fans’ reactions and investment in him. Cena said that the fans have made him a better human being, a better professional, a better husband and a better person. Cena said that being in WWE has taught him empathy, kindness, and perseverance and taught him that every time you step into the ring, you have to give everything you have. Cena said it’s because the fans shower the wrestlers with everything that the fans have. Cena said that it’s not about the last name, it’s about people coming together. Cena talked about how he was 45 years old while adding that he doesn’t know when you’ll see him in the ring again. Cena said he doesn’t know when that next time is going to be. Cena said it ain’t just going to be one more match. Cena said that everything he does outside of this is not about him. Cena said that this is all about “we.” Cena said that if you see something that is good, say something and if it sucks, say something. Cena said this has never been about him, it has always been about “us.” Cena fired up the crowd to get them cheering and they were really loud. Cena said that this is a reminder that it’s all about us, they’re just getting started and if you want some, come get some. Cena left the ring while greeting some kids at ringside. Cena threw all of his merch into the crowd like he’s done many times in his career. Cena faced the camera and thanked the fans again.

Analysis: It was a great speech from John Cena talking about his connection with the fans and putting over the special relationship that he has had with them. The fans were there to listen to him, so they were loud, they were attentive and they were chanting his name often. It was cool to see Cena in a WWE ring again. It is also sad that he said that at 45 years old he doesn’t know when he’ll wrestle again, but when some fans chanted “one more match” he let them know there would definitely be more than that. It sounds like he wants to keep having matches in the future although we don’t know when the next one will be. I thought there might be some angle with Theory to set up a match, but it didn’t happen. No angle at all. Cena did an awesome job with that promo as usual. What an incredible superstar Cena is. Truly one of the best WWE superstars ever.

It’s Bobby Lashley in a handicap match up next.

(Commercial)

Bobby Lashley vs. Chad Gable & Otis

Theory, the United States Champion, was the Special Guest Enforcer wearing a referee shirt.

Otis and Gable had to tag in and out. Lashley hit Otis with a dropkick to the leg after a clothesline had no effect on Otis. Lashley was distracted by Theory, so Gable made the tag and Gable hit a somersault attack on Lashley on the floor. Otis hit a running splash on Bobby on the floor.

(Commercial)

The heels were in control with Otis grounding Lashley with a chinlock. Otis with a back elbow smash that knocked Lashley down. Gable tagged in, Lashley sent Otis out of the ring and Gable di a chop block to the left knee. Lashley fought back against Gable going for a superplex, but Otis tagged himself in with a Powerbomb followed by Gable hitting a moonsault and Otis covered Lashley for two. Otis charged into a big boot from Lashley, but then Otis hit a running corner splash. Lashley got a hold of Otis with Lashley putting him on his shoulders and falling back onto the mat. Gable jumped off the ropes to attack, Lashley got a hold of Gable and applied the Hurt Lock submission for the win after about eight minutes.

Winner by submission: Bobby Lashley

Analysis: **1/4 A match where Lashley was selling for a lot of it since it was a handicap match, but then he found a way to get some momentum going and hit some big moves to win. That was some impressive power by Bobby by putting Otis on his shoulders and slamming him to the mat.

Post match, Theory attacked Lashley with a forearm to the back. Lashley fought back with a flatliner on Otis, a Spear on Gable and Theory bailed before Lashley could get his hands on him. It’s Theory vs. Lashley for the US Title at Money in the Bank.

Analysis: I think Theory will keep the title at MITB on Saturday. It will be a cheap victory.

They showed images of Cody Rhodes beating Seth “Freakin” Rollins inside Hell in a Cell three weeks earlier. Cody wrestled the match with a torn pectoral muscle. The next night on Raw, Rollins did a cheap attack on Cody while focusing the attack on the right arm/chest of Cody.

An interview with Cody Rhodes is up next.

(Commercial)

They showed Cody Rhodes seated at a rehab center with his right chest/arm taped up. Cody said that he was in the prime of his career and winning at Hell in a Cell. Cody would have loved to parlay that momentum into the Money in the Bank. Cody talked about how he will respect the nine month timeline given for his injury. Cody talked about Drew McIntyre and Sheamus have Harley Race level toughness, then Omos is 7’3” and Sami Zayn has genius-level IQ. Cody mentioned Seth “Freakin” Rollins winning Money in the Bank and the possibility of cashing in to become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Cody said that if Rollins wins then he’ll be the first guy to congratulate him. Cody left.

Analysis: It would be interesting if Rollins was Undisputed WWE Universal Champion when Cody Rhodes came back because then they could have Cody win the Royal Rumble and have a WrestleMania rematch with Rollins. Just a possibility. Good to see Cody again.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins walked up to John Cena with Rollins wearing a colorful suit. Rollins laughed about that time he broke Cena’s nose into a million tiny pieces. Rollins said that Cena’s the best. Rollins said they’ve had ups and downs, but they have a lot in common. Rollins talked about how they are megastars, fashion icons and talked about Money in the Bank. Rollins said when Cena tried to cash in Money in the Bank, he failed but Rollins was successful. Rollins kept on talking, but then Omos and MVP showed up. MVP said that there’s nothing that Rollins or anybody else can to do stop Omos. Cena looked up at Omos and wished Rollins good luck.

Analysis: They really emphasized how tall Omos is compared to Rollins. Cena didn’t say much except “good luck” at the end.

The announcers did a rundown of Money in the Bank:

* Men’s Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match: Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Omos vs. Sami Zayn vs. Riddle. One spot remains.

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

* Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: The Usos (c) vs. The Street Profits

* Smackdown Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Natalya

* United States Championship: Theory (c) vs. Bobby Lashley

* Women’s Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match: Lacey Evans vs. Liv Morgan vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Asuka vs. Shotzi and one more woman.

Becky Lynch made her entrance for the Money in the Bank qualifying elimination match.

(Commercial)

Next week on Raw: Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. Finn Balor & Damian Priest.

Last Chance Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Becky Lynch vs. Doudrop vs. Nikki A.S.H. vs. Tamina vs. Xia Li vs. Shayna Baszler

It started as a brawl right away with five women attacking Becky Lynch to knock Becky out of the ring. Doudrop and Nikki hit a double team sidewalk slam on Baszler for two. Tamina kicked Li out of the ring. Tamina confronted Doudrop, but Nikki got involved and Tamina punched Nikki out of the ring. Tamina and Doudrop exchanged strikes, then a headbutt by Doudrop that had no effect (don’t headbutt a Samoan) and Doudrop sent Tamina out of the ring with a punch that knocked Tamiana off the apron. Lynch kicked Doudrop, then Lynch with a Molly Go Round off the top on Doudrop for two. Li into the ring with strikes on Lynch, Nikki got involved with Li for a bit and Li kicked Nikki in the ribs to take care of her. Lynch hit a Manhandle Slam on Li for the pinfall.

Xia Li was eliminated.

Nikki went after Lynch with knees to the back. Baszler pulled Nikki out of the ring. Baszler went for the arm stomp on Lynch, but Lynch moved her arm. Doudrop overpowered Lynch and Baszler by backing them into the turnbuckle. Doudrop with a cannonball against Baszler. Tamina splashed Doudrop. Nikki tripped up Lynch on the apron. Nikki up top, Tamina avoided her attack and Becky hit a missile dropkick on Tamina. Nikki tried a rollup on Becky, but Lynch countered it into the Disarmher submission for the tapout win to eliminate Nikki.

Nikki A.S.H. was eliminated.

(Commercial)

Lynch batteld Baszler in the ring with Baszler going for a choke, but Lynch sent her out of ther ing. Baszler with strikes, then she charged and Lynch suplexed Baszler into the barricade. Lynch got a hold of Tamina on the floor, so Doudrop hit a running splash on her three opponents at the same time. Lynch rolled out of the ring on the other side, so Doudrop focused on Baszler. Back in the ring, Baszler hit a knee to the face of Doudrop for two. They did the Tower of Doom spot out of the corner (Tamina taking the supuperplex from Baszler & Lynch while Doudrop did a Powerbomb), which is always a common spot for this kind of match. It drew a good reaction as usual as all four women were down selling in the ring. Bazler went for a leg submission on Tamina on the mat, so Doudrop ran the ropes and hit a running splash on Baszler to pin her.

Shayna Baszler was eliminated.

Lynch wanted a Manhandle Slam on Doudrop, but Doudrop shoved her away. Doudrop was sent out of the ring. Tamina gave Lynch Samoan Drop. Tamina jumped off the top with a splash, Lynch moved Doudrop hit a body slam on Lynch on the floor and a splash by Doudrop on Lynch on the floor. Back in the ring, Doudrop splashed Tamina into the corner. Doudrop hit Tamina with an elbow drop off the middle ropes. Doudrop pinned her.

Tamina was eliminated.

They only had about one minute left as Lynch battled Doudrop as the final two. Doudrop with a body slam, then she went to the middle rope for the elbow drop and Lynch moved out of the way. Lynch on the middle rope and she hit a Manhandle Slam on Doudrop for the pinfall win. It went about 13 minutes.

Doudrop was eliminated.

Winner by pinfall: Becky Lynch

Analysis: **3/4 A solid match that was rushed by the end. Lynch winning was the obvious result, so it’s no surprise that she did several eliminations and also used the Manhandle Slam a few times. Good finishing spot with Lynch hitting the impressive move with the Manhandle Slam off the middle rope. It looks more impressive against a bigger opponent when you do it that way.

Becky Lynch celebrated the win as the seventh woman in the Money in the Bank contract ladder match. End show.

Analysis: Lynch is on the poster for Money in the Bank along with her husband Seth Rollins, so it’s not a surprise that she qualified for the Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match.

Three Stars of the Show

1. John Cena
2. Riddle
3. Becky Lynch

The Scoreboard

6.5 out of 10

Last week: 6

Final Thoughts

It was yet another average Raw for the most part. A bunch of matches around the three-star level, they built to Money in the Bank matches okay and then the Cena thing was cool because it was thanking the fans for supporting him. It just feels like a typical Raw. They need to do some better things to make it feel like a great show. I don’t think the content on Raw is that bad to make it a bad show, but it just needs to be more exciting.

At least Cena’s presence helped a bit, but it’s not like he was there to set up a match or shoot some big angle.

The next WWE Premium Live Event is Money in the Bank from Las Vegas on Saturday, July 2nd. Here’s what we know so far.

* Men’s Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match: Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Omos vs. Sami Zayn vs. Riddle.

* Women’s Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match: Lacey Evans vs. Liv Morgan vs. Alexa Bliss vs. Raquel Rodriguez vs. Asuka vs. Shotzi vs. Becky Lynch.

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

* Smackdown Women’s Championship: Ronda Rousey (c) vs. Natalya

* Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: The Usos (c) vs. The Street Profits

* United States Championship: Theory (c) vs. Bobby Lashley

You can watch WWE Money in the Bank, streaming live Saturday, July 2, at 8 ET/5 PT on Peacock in the United States and on 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