The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 07/11/22 Review

This week’s WWE Raw featured Brock Lesnar appearing on the show, plus matches including Rey Mysterio vs. Finn Balor and Bianca Belair vs. Carmella.

There was also a big tag team match on the show. WWE was advertising Bobby Lashley in a US Title Open Challenge and Theory vs. Riddle on Monday morning, but they changed it in the afternoon. The match was changed to Lashley & Riddle vs. Theory & Rollins.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1520 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Texas. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

They played a clip from Smackdown with Roman Reigns saying that life is good. It was a short clip of his promo.

Raw began with the smiling cowboy “Beast Incarnate” Brock Lesnar making his entrance. The pyro was a bit delayed on his entrance, but it was there. The fans gave Lesnar a big ovation. Lesnar challenges for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam on July 30.

Let’s Hear from Brock Lesnar

There was a big ovation for Brock along with some “Lesnar” chants. Brock: “Well God bless Texas.” The fans popped for that. Lesnar said that with an intro like that, it would be rude to leave his hat and he said he’ll show us some manners. Lesnar said that Reigns has been flying on private jets, eating like a king and Lesnar mentioned a phrase “pigs get fat and hogs get slaughtered.” Lesnar said that Reigns is a hog and Lesnar slaughters hogs on his farm every single day. Sorry PETA? Lesnar said that the “Tribal Hog” is going to get a country ass-kicking to the likes he’s never seen.

Here’s Paul Heyman, who is Roman Reigns’ Special Counsel, with the interruption. The fans booed Heyman loudly. Lesnar said “speaking of hogs” while pointing at Heyman, who was also greeted with “you suck” chants. Heyman said that they have gone from the most stupendous WrestleMania of all-time to the most barbaric SummerSlam of all-time and that plays right into Lesnar’s hands. Heyman said that if you’re a betting man, you might bet on Lesnar in a Last Man Standing Match. Heyman talked about how Roman Reigns made his reputation by beating people in athletic competition. Heyman said for 20 years, Lesnar has annihilated people and ended careers. Heyman said if Lesnar has to put Reigns for a count of ten, that’s what Lesnar is going to do. Heyman said that Lesnar doesn’t care if he sends Reigns to the hospital or the morgue. Heyman called Lesnar a beast, a hog-slaughterer, an annihilator and a badass that wants revenge against Paul’s Tribal Chief. Heyman said that we are approaching 700 days of Roman Reigns as the (Universal) Champion and Paul said that this is one streak that Lesnar will not conquer. Heyman said he’ll have Reigns ready for Lesnar even if he has to get Reigns to put his hands up Brock’s ass and pull his heart out, then that’s what Reigns will do to something like Brock. Lesnar was about to respond, but here comes Theory.

Theory walked out with the Money in the Bank briefcase and stood on the podium on the right side of the entrance. Theory said that SummerSlam will be one of the greatest nights in WWE history. Theory said he’ll take back his US Title and watch this match of mass destruction. Theory said that after the match, he’s going to walk down to the ring and cash in his contract while putting his foot on Brock’s chest or Roman’s chest. Theory said he’s going to be the youngest Universal Champion of the World. Brock wanted Theory to come right down here and let’s go. Theory said that the way they are talking about the outcome, it’s going to be life-altering. Theory said he had footage from this year’s Elimination Chamber that shows Lesnar doesn’t care about anybody’s life but his own.

They showed a clip from Elimination Chamber back in February when Lesnar tossed Theory off the platform with an F5 onto the outside of the cage below.

Theory said that footage could be Roman Reigns. Theory said that footage was also for Brock to remind him that Theory didn’t forget. Lesnar pointed out that the cockroaches showed up because Alpha Academy’s Otis and Chad Gable arrived at ringside.

Lesnar was ready for a fight. Gable hit Lesnar from behind, Lesnar clotheslined Otis and hit a belly-to-belly suplex on Gable. Lesnar gave Otis a clothesline over the top to the floor. Lesnar hit Gable with the steel steps and Otis with the steel steps. Lesnar hit Otis again with the steel steps. Lesnar had a steel chair, he hit Gable in the back two times and Otis in the back once. Lesnar with a belly to belly suplex on Gable on the floor. Lesnar gave Otis an F5 through the commentary table! That was impressive. Lesnar celebrated while the fans cheered.

Analysis: I thought it was an effective segment. I assume they will try to say that Gable and Otis were sent there by Theory to try to beat up Lesnar, but it failed miserably. Lesnar was really impressive there with his offense beating up the two guys along with the F5 on a 300+ pounder like Otis. That was a great way to end the segment. Lesnar’s promo before that was fine while Heyman put over Lesnar’s past dominance in WWE making him a huge threat to Reigns. Theory showed a lot of confidence as Mr. Money in the Bank while continuing to tease a cash-in attempt at SummerSlam. I like how they are building that story.

The commentary team of Jimmy Smith (back from a week off), Corey Graves and Byron Saxton welcomed us to the show while hyping up some matches coming up.

Rey and Dominik Mysterio made their entrance for Rey’s match.

(Commercial)

Finn Balor and Damien Priest made their entrance. They attacked The Mysterios last week on Raw after The Mysterios beat them by DQ in a tag team match.

Priest told the fans to rise and show proper respect to The Judgment Day. Priest said that what happened to them was justice. Priest noted that in two weeks at Madison Square Garden, Rey will be celebrating 20 years in WWE. Priest told Rey that he’s done, he’s washed and it’s over. Priest told Dominik that Rey has nothing to offer him. Priest said that The Judgment Day has something more to offer including a whole new set of rules and they will decide the future of the business. Priest invited Dominik to join them. Priest wanted Dominik to step out of Rey’s shadow, blaze his own path and rise with The Judgment Day…or continue to fall alongside your father. Balor told Dominik to see things like The Judgment Day. Balor said that Edge is a legend like Rey Mysterio and we all saw what happened to Edge, so here’s a replay of that.

They showed a video of Priest, Balor and Rhea Ripley beating up Edge last month.

Balor said that Edge was a bad leader. Balor told Rey that he was a bad leader and a bad father. Rey punched Balor while Rey & Dominik hit a double dropkick on Priest to send Priest out of the ring. Priest saved Balor from a double-team attack. That Rey vs. Balor match is up next.

Analysis: It was fine to hear The Judgment Day doing a promo trying to convince Dominik to join them, but the problem is that The Mysterios are standing there letting these guys talk just one week after The Judgment Day did a cheap attack. Maybe they should have done the promo from outside the ring or in the aisle instead of standing face to face. It’s a small thing, but it’s just about how you want to book realistic scenarios where you assume the faces would want to fight in that spot. Anyway, they’re teasing Dominik turning on Rey, which certainly could happen at any point although if Dom is loyal to Rey then that’s fine as well.

(Commercial)

Finn Balor (w/Damian Priest) vs. Rey Mysterio (w/Dominik Mysterio)

It’s 35 minutes into the show as the bell rang for the first match. Rey with kicks to the chest, then a headscissors takedown, Balor to the floor and Rey jumped over the top onto Balor with a cross body block. Back in the ring, Balor hit a backbreaker for two. Balor with an elbow drop to the back and another backbreaker for two. Balor with a vertical suplex followed by a forearm to the back to keep Rey down. Rey sent Balor into the turnbuckle, Rey went up top and Balor punched the back of Rey’s left knee to knock him down. Balor wrenched on Rey’s knee and kicked him out of the ring. Rey kicked Balor off the apron to the barricade. Rey jumped out of the ring with a sliding Powerbomb into the barricade. What a great spot that is. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Rey hitting a hurricanrana off the top rope. Rey with a kick to the head leading to the 619 kick off the ropes. Rey sold the left knee injury as he slowly climbed to the top rope and Rey went for a Frog Splash, but Balor escaped. Rey with a crucifix pin for two. Balor hit a reverse DDT with an elbow drop for two. Balor went to the revere suplex into a slam. Balor up top and he hit the Coup de Grace for the pinfall win after about ten minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Finn Balor

Analysis: *** An entertaining match by two veterans who know how to make the most of their time. Rey sold the knee well. Rey nearly got the win, but Balor avoided the Frog Splash and came back for the clean win. The right guy won because I think Balor needs the momentum as a new heel.

Post match, Dominik checked on his dad while Balor and Priest wanted Dominik to join them.

Analysis: They mentioned that Rey is celebrating 20 years in WWE in two weeks. Imagine the heat Dominik could get if he turned on his dad on that night? It would be huge. I don’t know if it’s going to happen, but it would be a big night to do it.

“Big Time” Becky Lynch made her entrance to watch the Raw Women’s Title match up next.

(Commercial)

Becky Lynch did a promo standing on the commentary table (it was built again after getting broken earlier). Lynch recapped her failure at Money in the Bank while noting that she beat Asuka in a No Holds Barred Match on Raw last week. Lynch complained about Carmella getting another title shot while Lynch has been denied a title shot that should be rightfully hers. Lynch said she didn’t give a damn who won this match because she demands a title match at SummerSlam.

Bianca Belair made her entrance for the Raw Women’s Title match. Carmella was next as the challenger. Belair beat Carmella at Money in the Bank, but then Carmella attacked after the match, so Carmella gets a rematch because of that.

Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair vs. Carmella

The announcers did a good job of wondering if Carmella deserved the title shot while adding that Belair wanted the match since Carmella attacked her. They left the ring with Belair sending Carmella into the commentary table. Belair told Lynch she was next as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Belair catching Carmella and hitting a backbreaker. Carmella with a headscissors against the ropes while Graves talked about celebrating with his wife Carmella. There was a cross body block off the top by Carmella for two. Carmella with a dropkick to the back into the turnbuckle. Graves on Carmella: “She’s a badass with a great ass.” He said it. Carmella went for another cross body block attempt, but Belair caught her and hit a delayed vertical suplex. That was some impressive power by Belair. Belair did an impressive backflip out of the corner, Carmella countered for a pin attempt and Belair countered her back. Belair with another back flip and Belair slammed Carmella face first in the middle of the ring. Belair with a standing moonsault, Carmella got the knees up and Carmella hit a superkick for two. Nobody reacted to it as a nearfall. Belair avoided a superkick, Belair sent Carmella into the top turnbuckle and Belair went for the KOD, but Carmella countered by slamming her face first into the mat. That was a unique spot that worked for a two count. Belair came back with shoulder thrusts in the corner, then a clothesline by Belair and Belair hit a spinebuster. It seemed like they were going for something else there, but then they had to re-adjust a bit. Belair left the ring, she tripped up Carmella on the apron and Belair went up top, so Carmella crawled out of the ring. Carmella did a blatant eye gouge on the floor, so Belair shoved Carmella into the ring post. Belair was on the floor with Lynch arguing with her, Belair lost track of the count and Carmella won by countout. It went about 11 minutes.

Winner by countout: Carmella (Bianca Belair remains Raw Women’s Champion)

Analysis: **3/4 It was the usual match between these two. Nobody really reacts to Carmella’s nearfalls, but I will give her credit for working hard in the match. Belair is great and impresses me all the time with her power moves. That one counter by Carmella sending Belair into the mat was really good. I thought the finish was lame with Lynch getting in Belair’s face and Belair being made to look foolish as if she couldn’t hear the referee counting her out.

Carmella celebrated like she won the title even though we know there’s no countout title change. Lynch trash-talked Belair and went to the back. After the match, Belair got her revenge by giving Carmella the KOD Slam. Belair celebrated with her title.

Analysis: This will probably lead to Belair vs. Carmella again. I assume Belair vs. Lynch at SummerSlam is where they are headed for the title match.

The Miz made his entrance with his new ally Ciampa joining him.

(Commercial)

The mysterious video promo aired somebody walking while different images were shown. The assumption is that it is for Edge’s return, but we don’t know that for sure.

Miz TV

The Miz was in the ring with his guest Ciampa. They were in their ring gear since they have a match. Miz noted that his guest Ciampa has attacked many WWE superstars including their opponent AJ Styles. Ciampa was booed when he was introduced. Ciampa said that he wants the eyes of the world on himself and nobody commands the people’s attention more than The Miz. That led to Miz plugging his reality show Miz & Mrs. I miss Maryse on this show. Miz said that he guided a social media icon and turned him into a WWE Superstar, which was a reference of Logan Paul. Ciampa said he wants WrestleMania, he wants SummerSlam and he wants an opportunity. Miz cued up a video of Logan Paul.

Logan Paul said he doesn’t want to be The Miz’s partner. Paul said that he is coming for The Miz at SummerSlam.

Miz said he knows what Logan is doing – stirring up the controversy. Miz said that nobody does it better than them. Miz wanted Logan to retract his statement, take Miz’s offer and they will become Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions while Miz said he’ll find somebody else while adding that he doesn’t need to look very far. Miz said they show how well they work together and all of the eyes of the world will be on them.

AJ Styles showed up telling Miz to shut his mouth. Styles said that nobody cares what Miz has to say, especially Styles. AJ talks about how he has been attacked by both of them. Styles said that Miz’s actions of late are the actions of a man who is a coward “with tiny, tiny balls.” The “balls” thing continues to be part of the trash talk against The Miz of late. Styles got into the ring as the heels retreated.

Ezekiel made his entrance saying that in all of his time on Raw, he never introduced himself to Styles, so he just did it. Ezekiel spoke about how Elias talked about how phenomenal Styles was. Ezekiel added Elias also would mention how The Miz has “tiny balls.” Ezekiel said he talked to WWE Official Adam Pearce, so they agreed that these would be more “Zeked Up” if this was a tag team match. Styles agreed to it. That match is next.

Analysis: It was a solid promo segment. I like how Ciampa explained his actions saying that The Miz can help get more noticed, which makes sense from Ciampa’s perspective. They are also building to Miz vs. Logan Paul as well.

(Commercial)

AJ Styles & Ezekiel vs. The Miz & Ciampa

Ezekiel started with Ciampa with Ezekiel kicking Ciampa down while they exchanged chops. Ciampa with a boot to the face, Miz tagged in and Ezekiel with a hiptoss. Styles tagged in with a dropkick on Miz. When Ezekiel tagged back, Miz backed him into the corner and Ciampa was back in only for Ezekiel to hit a lifting slam. Ezekiel with a fallaway slam, Ciampa got a back elbow and Miz with a cheap shot punch to knock Ezekiel down. Ciampa hit a running knee that knocked Ezekiel off the apron to the floor. Ciampa whipped Ezekiel into the barricade. Miz sent Ezekiel into the commentary table while yelling about his “big, massive balls” as the fans booed.

(Commercial)

The heels were in control against Ezekiel as they hit a double back elbow to knock Ezekiel down. Ciampa got a rollup on Ezekiel for two, but then Ezekiel got back up and hit a jumping knee to the face. Styles tagged in against Miz with Styles unleashing with a combination including a clothesline and a running forearm. Styles with a corner clothesline along with a gutbuster for a two count. Styles got another rollup for two, then Miz came back and hit a snap DDT for a two like he does in every match. Styles slipped out of a move leading to the Ushigoroshi slam onto the back of the knee for a two count with Ciampa making the save. Ezekiel tossed Ciampa out of the ring. Miz kicked Ezekiel down. Styles tripped up Miz leading to a Calf Crusher, but then Ciampa punched Styles repeatedly. The referee called for the bell for a DQ finish. Graves wondered why that was the end of the match. It went about 12 minutes.

Winners by disqualification: AJ Styles & Ezekiel

Analysis: **3/4 It’s another match with some good work for most of it, but then they do a lame finish. You don’t see many tag team matches ending when the non-legal guy punches the legal wrestler repeatedly. It makes Ciampa look like he’s never wrestled before instead of being a veteran. You would never see the match end on a spot like that in other wrestling companies, so it’s more of a WWE thing where they are strict on these kinds of rules.

Post match, Styles jumped over the top with a Phenomenal Forearm on Ciampa on the floor. Miz ran away to the back. Styles told Miz he’s got his number.

Analysis: I don’t know if they’ll go with Miz vs. Logan Paul at SummerSlam or a tag with Miz/Ciampa vs. Paul/Styles instead.

Bobby Lashley, the United States Champion, was shown getting ready with Riddle talking to him. Riddle said he can’t wait to get his hands on Seth “Freakin” Rollins with an RKO. Lashley said he can’t wait to get his hands on Theory and tonight he’ll make him pay. Riddle said that Lashley was going to retain his US Title. Riddle wanted Lashley to watch Stranger Things with him because he gets scared, but Bobby said he already watched it and Bobby said he will go warm up for their match. Riddle shouted at Bobby to “Remember The Alamo” which was a reference to San Antonio to pop the crowd.

Alexa Bliss made her entrance with Lilly the doll in her hands. It’s a tag team match with Bliss teaming with Asuka.

(Commercial)

Asuka & Alexa Bliss vs. Nikki A.S.H. & Doudrop

I am a bit surprised that Nikki hasn’t giving up on this gimmick yet. Asuka sent Nikki into the turnbuckle and Bliss tagged in with three pin attempts for two. Doudrop made the blind tag, Bliss with a knee drop to Nikki and Doudrop ran over Bliss with a running body attack. Doudrop with a body slam on Bliss, then Nikki tagged in and a neck snap for two. Nikki hit a corner splash followed by an armbar submission. Bliss broke free with a double clothesline spot. Asuka tagged in against Doudrop with Asuka hitting spinning kick, then a double knee attack and Asuka hit a middle rope dropkick. Nikki jumped off the top, Asuka with a knee to the face and some kicks. Asuka with a hip attack on Doudrop and a sliding kick on Nikki for a two count. Bliss with a running kick on Nikki, Doudrop pulled Asuka out of the ring and Doudrop missed a splash on the floor. Asuka put Nikki away with a DDT for the win after four minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Asuka & Alexa Bliss

Analysis: ** It was an average match with a dead crowd for most of it. The team of Doudrop and Nikki has had no momentum. Bliss hasn’t had much to do in terms of a storyline even though the announcers were talking about how she wants the Raw Women’s Title. Bliss winning is okay as the winner of the match.

They showed the ending of the Tag Team Title match at Money in the Bank with Montez Ford’s shoulder being up for the pinfall attempt. That led to the announcement of the rematch at SummerSlam.

The Usos made their entrance as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. Jimmy faces Angelo Dawkins in singles action.

A commercial aired for SummerSlam on July 30 with Roman Reigns facing Brock Lesnar again in a Last Man Standing Match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

(Commercial)

The Usos did a promo with Jey telling us that The Bloodline is now in your city. Jimmy said that blue brand, red brand and they are running both shows because they can show up whenever they want because they’re the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. Jey said that The Street Profits have been whining and crying while Jimmy said they should do that since they lost. Jey said that it didn’t matter about the special referee at SummerSlam as long as they can count to three. They ended it about to say they are “The Ones” but The Street Profits interrupted.

Montez Ford did a shoutout to San Antonio for a cheap pop. Dawkins said that The Usos were scared while pointing out that Ford’s shoulder was still up. The Profits got in The Usos faces in the ring. Ford said they are taking those championships because they are up and they want the smoke.

R-Truth made his entrance with the fans chanting “What’s Up” for him. Truth said San Antonio was the city of Brotherly Love, which is actually Philadelphia. Truth said that he’s a divorce attorney, he’s a marriage counselor and he can fly a Top Gun airplane. Truth said that he’s also a certified Tag Team Counsellor while holding a certificate. Truth said he is also a certified WWE referee and revealed that he was wearing a referee shirt. Truth was auditioning to be the referee for SummerSlam. Truth showed what he could do as the referee while doing a countout up to ten and Jimmy told him to take that damn shirt off. Jimmy told Truth to take his “clown ass” to the back where he belongs. Truth asked if they want to fight this Clown Ass? Truth took off the referee shirt saying he’ll fight both Usos with The Street Profits. That led to Omos making his entrance with MVP by his side.

Omos walked towards the ring with MVP talking about how they were watching what was going on. MVP suggested Omos be the special guest referee at SummerSlam and said that Omos can’t count to ten with MVP saying Truth can’t either. MVP offered up Omos to The Bloodline for a tag team match. The Profits and Truth agreed to the match. That led to a brawl. Omos sent both Profits into double superkicks from The Usos and Omos with a boot that knocked down Truth.

Analysis: It was yet another match on this show where one match was announced and then it turned into a tag team match. R-Truth made me laugh as usual. He’s great at doing that.

(Commercial)

This Friday on Smackdown: Liv Morgan vs. Natalya and Madcap Moss vs. Theory.

Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso & Omos (w/MVP) vs. R-Truth, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins

Dawkins and Ford with an assisted slam on Jey. Truth tagged in, Jimmy drove him to the heel corner and Omos hit a big chop to the chest. Truth tried to fight out of the heel corner, but Jimmy headbutted Truth to stop him. The Profits went into the ring to help Truth with a double dropkick on both Usos. There was a triple dropkick on Omos to knock him off the apron. The Profits jumped onto The Usos on the floor. Truth jumped onto Omos, who caught Truth and sent him into the ring apron. Omos with a running body attack that knocked down Truth on the floor. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Omos remained in control of Truth with a forearm to the back. Omos knocked Dawkins off the apron just to be mean. Omos whipped Truth into the turnbuckle. Jey tagged in with a kick to Truth’s chest. Truth did the splits leading to a jumping kick to the head. Ford tagged in against Jimmy with a jumping kick and Ford hit a cross body block off the top on Jimmy. Ford with a clothesline on Jimmy, then a jumping kick and a neckbreaker. Ford with a standing moonsault on Jimmy for two. Dawkins grabbed the foot of Omos, then Ford helped Dawkins and they shoved Omos into the ring post. Ford with a jumping kick on Jimmy, Dawkins got the tag and Dawkins with a jumping forearm for a two count with Jey making the save. Jey with a lifting slam on Ford. Truth did the spinning slam like John Cena, but Omos puled Truth out of the ring and sent him into the steel steps. Jimmy with an enziguri kick on Dawkins, then Dawkins with a corner splash and Omos tagged in. Dawkins with a spinebuster on Jimmy, but Omos was legal and he hit a two-handed Choke Bomb for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Jimmy Uso, Jey Uso & Omos

Analysis: *** I thought it was a pretty good match. I’m not surprised that Omos was the guy that ended up with the win since he’s booked in such a dominant manner. I figured Truth would be the guy that was pinned, so having Omos beat Dawkins was different than what I thought would happen. Anyway, it gives Omos some positive momentum with the win.

A replay was shown of Brock Lesnar’s promo and destruction from earlier on Raw.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins was interviewed by Kevin Patrick in the backstage area. Rollins said he felt great because it’s Monday night and he’s in the main event, which is his time. Rollins said he didn’t care if it was Elias, Ezekiel, Elrod or El Gigante, but he wonders who in the hell does Riddle think he is? Rollins wondered if Riddle was a savant or somebody that just hid behind Randy Orton. Rollins said that when you play with fire, sooner or later you’re going to get burnt…ask Cody Rhodes. Theory walked up to Rollins asking for some advice since Seth had the greatest Money in the Bank cash-in of all time. Seth laughed and told him to walk with him.

Analysis: Thank you for the El Gigante reference. I like heel Seth. Definitely one of my favorites in WWE these days.

The main event tag team match was up next.

(Commercial)

A recap aired about the situation with The Miz addressing Logan Paul earlier in the show.

Logan Paul did a promo from home saying he wants to face The Miz one on one at SummerSlam. Logan said he’ll see The Miz face to face on Raw next week and when he sees him face to face it’ll be awesome. Logan is on Raw next week.

Analysis: That should lead to next week’s Raw for when they officially announce The Miz vs. Logan Paul at SummerSlam or if they do a tag team match with Paul & AJ Styles vs. Miz & Ciampa. I think they’ll do the singles match at SummerSlam.

Bobby Lashley made his entrance as the United States Champion with the fans giving him a big ovation. It was bro time as Riddle was up next with the fans cheering for him as well. They went to break there.

(Commercial)

Seth “Freakin” Rollins was up next. They showed highlights of last week including Riddle hitting Rollins with an RKO out of nowhere. It was Mr. Money in the Bank Theory as the last man in the match.

Theory & Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Bobby Lashley & Riddle

Theory and Rollins made quick tags as they took turns working over Riddle with punches. Riddle came back with a barrage of kicks to the chest of Theory and then a gutwrench suplex across the ring. Lashley tagged in with a shoulder tackle to the chest. Rollins made the tag with Lashley hitting a double flatliner for two. Riddle with a flipping splash after the assist from Lashley. Rollins fought out of a suplex attempt and Lashley out of the ring. Rollins with a suicide dive, Lashley caught him and Lashley rammed Seth’s head into the ring post. Meanwhile, Riddle kicked Theory to knock him down. Dolph Ziggler made his entrance in a suit for some reason.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Riddle isolated in the heel corner. Riddle was tripped up by Theory on the top rope while Ziggler was watching at ringside. Rollins hit a reverse superplex on Riddle for a two count. Riddle tried to fight back against Rollins, but Seth caught him and took down Riddle with a headlock. Rollins hit a suplex into a slam leading to another headlock. Riddle hit an up-kick on Rollins, who tagged out and Riddle avoided a charging Theory leading to a submission. Theory fell back to slam Riddle onto the mat. Lashley tagged in against Rollins with Bobby delivering clotheslines, a body slam a corner splash and a neckbreaker. Lashley lifted up Rollins, who came back with an enziguri kick. Lashley got a hold of Rollins leading to a powerslam for two with Theory making the save. Lashley with a spinebuster on Theory, Rollins with two forearms on Lashley and Rollins went up top where he connected with a Frog Splash for two. That was a great Frog Splash from Seth. Riddle tagged in against Theory with Theory hitting a powerslam. Rollins saved Theory by pulling him out of the ring. Lashley saw that, so he gave Rollins a Spear into the barricade. Theory with a neckbreaker on the top rope, then Theory and Riddle exchanged pins with Theory putting his foot on the ropes. Ziggler pushed Theory’s foot off the ropes. Theory was surprised by that and then Riddle hit the RKO on Theory for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Bobby Lashley & Riddle

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a very good main event level tag team match. I certainly didn’t expect Ziggler to cost Theory the win, but I guess it means Dolph is a face now. I’m not surprised by Lashley and Riddle getting the win. I thought they’d try to push the Rollins-Riddle issue a bit more. Other than that, it was pretty much what I expected from a main event level tag. Good work by all four guys.

Post match, Riddle and Lashley celebrated with Riddle shoving Lashley in the chest repeatedly, so Lashley shoved him down. That was funny. It was a playful thing.

After the match, Dolph Ziggler went into the ring, Theory was wondering what was going on and Ziggler gave Theory a superkick. Ziggler stood over a fallen Theory to end it. That was the end of Raw.

Analysis: I don’t really know what Ziggler was doing there or what the direction is, but they are putting Ziggler into a feud with Theory for now I guess. Ziggler as a face is something he has done in the past, but it’s been several years since then. I think it’ll be interesting as a match and Theory will likely beat Ziggler when they have a match.

Three Stars of the Show

1. Brock Lesnar
2. Bobby Lashley/Riddle
3. Finn Balor

The Scoreboard

7 out of 10

Last week: 6.75

Final Thoughts

It was yet another solid wrestling show with some good matches, but nothing that exciting overall. It’s typical for what Raw is where they do a lot of matches getting 10+ minutes and usually they are above average. Lots of tag team matches this week to get more people on to the show. I just wish there were some more interesting segments. They didn’t do a lot of backstage interviews or skits. It was mostly a wrestling-heavy show.

I liked the Brock Lesnar segment to open the show because it put him over in a big way was he beat up Otis and Chad Gable easily. Lesnar smashing dudes is what people like to see, especially when he’s a face.

There was a bit of intrigue at the end with Dolph Ziggler superkicking Theory to end the show. It’s a fresh storyline for Ziggler, so that’s good for him.

The next WWE Premium Live Event is SummerSlam from Nissan Stadium in Nashville on Saturday, July 30th. Here’s what we know so far.

* Last Man Standing Match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Brock Lesnar

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

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

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

* Pat McAfee vs. Happy Corbin

You can watch WWE SummerSlam, streaming live Saturday, July 30, at 8 ET/5 PT on Peacock in the United States and on WWE Network everywhere else.

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John Canton

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