The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 07/18/22 Review

This week’s WWE Raw featured Bianca Belair defending the Raw Women’s Title against Carmella again while Logan Paul was a guest on Miz TV hosted by The Miz.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1521 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

Titus O’Neil was in the ring talking about how he was a Global Ambassador for WWE. Titus spoke about being a Tag Team Champion in WWE and then he became a Warrior Award winner during the WWE Hall of Fame. O’Neil said he reached the pinnacle of his success as a WWE Global Ambassador. Titus said he represents WWE all over the globe and we need goodwill all over the world. Titus said that they will do everything they can to put smiles on our faces whether in the ring or out of the ring. Titus said it’s about helping those less fortunate, he mentioned the work of the military and added that they also support causes that help promote family, health and community – all these things that bring people together to do good. Titus had a line about how this isn’t a show that’s going to focus on politics, religion or any other subject that’s divisive. Titus said regardless of your race, economic status or nationality, WWE wants to make sure we all have a good time. Titus said that’s exactly what they are about to do. Titus welcomed us to Monday Night Raw and the fans cheered him.

Analysis: Titus is from the Tampa area. He retired a few years ago and now he’s a Global Ambassador for the company like he said. Good speech.

The commentary team of Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton welcomed us to the show while hyping up SummerSlam on July 30.

They showed a replay of last week’s Raw when Carmella beat Bianca Belair by countout (due to a Becky Lynch distraction), so Carmella gets another title shot this week.

Becky Lynch did a promo talking about how she has had a long journey to try to get another shot at the Raw Women’s Title. Lynch talked about the “Little Engine That Could” story. She talked about beating Asuka, qualifying at Money in the Bank and things like that. Lynch revealed that the winner of this match between Belair and Carmella will have to face Lynch at SummerSlam.

Bianca Belair made her entrance in her ring gear for her match. Belair said that Lynch caused a distraction last week just so Belair could get counted out and lose her match. Belair said that this is not the Becky Lynch WrestleMania comeback story. Belair said it’s her comeback story from last year’s SummerSlam because when she lost to Lynch in 26 seconds it was the lowest point in Belair’s career. Belair said that ever since that moment, she would look at every opportunity to redeem her reputation. Belair said that a whole year later, she is proud to say she has done just that by being Raw Women’s Champion. Belair said that she’s going to kick Becky’s caboose right on back to Ireland.

Carmella did a promo saying she was a badass with a great ass. Carmella didn’t like being overlooked. Carmella said that if Belair is counted out again, Carmella will be the new Raw Women’s Champion. Belair said she’s sick and tired of hearing all this talking. Lynch hit Belair with a forearm, so Carmella and Lynch stomped on Belair a bit. Belair tried to fight back against both women, but Lynch hit a Manhandle Slam on Belair. Graves was yelling for them to shout the match since his wife Carmella could win the title. They went to break there.

Analysis: It was the usual cocky heel promo from Lynch bragging about her recent success, Belair showed confidence as usual and Carmella was heelish while talking about being overlooked. The attack by Lynch on Belair got some heat before the match, so it worked.

(Commercial)

Raw Women’s Championship: Bianca Belair vs. Carmella

Becky Lynch was on commentary. If Belair is counted out, she loses the title.

Belair was still selling the Manhandle Slam from Lynch before the break. Belair managed to get some offense going with two backbreakers. Belair hit a dropkick along with a fallaway slam. Belair went for a handspring off the ropes, Carmella moved and rolled out of the ring. Belair told Lynch she won’t be distracted by her. Belair with a forearm on the floor, but then Carmella used her legs to send Belair into the ring post. Carmella kicked Belair out of the ring and dumped her over the barricade. Graves was screaming about how Carmella should get respect. Belair got back in at the eight count. Belair was back in the ring, Carmella tossed her over the top with Belair hitting the steel steps and bumping to her back. Belair got back up and in the ring at eight again. They went to a break.

(Commercial)

Belair was still in control with corner punches, then a forearm to the chest and a handspring moonsault for a two count. Carmella got a couple of nearfalls including a pin while using the ropes. Belair with a jawbreaker, Carmella jumped off the middle rope, Belair caught her and hit a vertical suplex. Carmella with a necksnap against the ropes and a head-slam into the mat for a two count. Carmella with a punch, then she charged, Belair caught her and a hit the KOD (Kiss of Death) slam for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bianca Belair

Analysis: **3/4 It was the usual average match between them. The first half featured the teased countout finishes, but obviously Belair was going to get the win here. The finish was a bit sudden since Carmella slapped Belair in the face, then Carmella went off the ropes and Belair caught her with the KOD to win. It was rather sudden as a finish.

It’s official for SummerSlam: Bianca Belair defends the Raw Women’s Title against Becky Lynch.

Post match, Becky Lynch had the Raw Women’s Title in her hand as she walked into the ring. Lynch dropped the title in a disrespectful way and then walked out of the ring. Belair held her title in her hands.

Analysis: I think Belair should retain, but Lynch might win.

They recapped the Street Profits story with The Usos from Smackdown.

The Street Profits duo of Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins were interviewed by Sarah Schreiber, who mentioned Jeff Jarrett was the guest referee for their Tag Team Title match at SummerSlam. They got into their catchphrase routine when MVP and Omos walked up to them. MVP mentioned Dawkins got spiked by Omos last week. MVP said that he is not properly attired for a match, but he will talk to Adam Pearce to make Dawkins face Omos in a singles match.

Kevin Owens made his entrance to host his talk show.

A commercial aired for SummerSlam on July 30 hyping up Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar as the main event.

(Commercial)

KO Show with Riddle

Kevin Owens was in the ring hosting his talk show with a “Kevin Owens Rules” shirt. The fans booed him. Owens announced his guest…Riddle. It was announced earlier on Monday that Riddle will face Seth “Freakin” Rollins at SummerSlam.

Riddle started by saying that Owens promised him a Mountain Dew Baja Blast so he wondered where it was and Owens said he had no idea what he was talking about. Owens said that he hasn’t been around for a few weeks because he was obsessed with trying to prove that Ezekiel and Elias were the same person. Owens said he went on a nature retreat to find inner peace. Owens said that Riddle is constantly calm, cool and collected, so Riddle thought he needed to be more like that. Owens said he didn’t care about Ezekiel, Elias or Elrod, but that’s beside the point. Owens told Riddle he called him out because of his match at SummerSlam. Owens spoke about how Rollins used to be his best friend, then Rollins insulted him and he lost his best friend just like Riddle lost his best friend Randy Orton. Owens said that everybody needs some backup especially here in WWE. Owens said that RK-Bro was good, but Bro-KO could be great.

Riddle said that Owens is like the biggest liar he knows, dude. Owens said you can trust him when he says nobody can call him a liar ever again. Owens reminded him that he trusted Randy Orton, who was the least trustworthy person in WWE history. Riddle didn’t like Owens talking bad about Orton and Riddle said he’s done talking.

The start of Seth Rollins’ music hit twice, then Rollins attacked Riddle with a forearm to the back and Rollins gave Riddle The Stomp in the ring. Owens left the ring. Riddle had green fingernails, bro. When Riddle tried to get up, Rollins hit The Stomp again to put Riddle down. Rollins posed to celebrate.

Analysis: A textbook cheap attack by Rollins to get some heat going into the SummerSlam match with Riddle. I liked when Owens and Rollins were “best friends” in the past so maybe that’s something they can go back to. Owens clearly helped Rollins here. Owens suggesting a team with Riddle was kind of funny with the Bro-KO name. I think Rollins should beat Riddle at SummerSlam. Rollins has wrestled on every PPV (or PLE) this year and lost every match he has had, so I think Rollins could use a meaningful win.

There was a recap of Finn Balor beating Rey Mysterio on Raw last week after Finn called Rey a bad father.

The Judgment Day duo of Damian Priest and Finn Balor made their entrance.

(Commercial)

Seth Rollins was shown walking backstage with a laugh while Kevin Patrick walked up to Rollins asking why Seth was targeting Riddle. Rollins mocked Riddle for being stupid. Ezekiel walked up to Rollins telling him he’s not going to let Rollins just go out there stomping Riddle. Rollins said he can stomp everybody like Ezekiel, Elias or Elrod. Ezekiel told Rollins to stay out of his business. Ezekiel said business is about to pick up and Seth left while laughing.

Analysis: A simple way to set up a match for later.

Let’s Hear from The Judgment Day

Damian Priest and Finn Balor of The Judgment Day told the fans to rise for them. Priest said that they chose not to injure Dominik Mysterio because they believe he’ll make the right decision and join them. Priest said he guaranteed that tonight, Dominik will join The Judgment Day. Priest told Dominik that Rey was stifling his potential. Priest called for footage of what they did to Edge, s o they showed a replay of The Judgment Day beating up Edge.

Finn Balor said he can watch that video over and over again. Here comes Rey Mysterio with Dominik by his side for Rey’s match.

(Commercial)

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

Rey was in control with a splash, but Priest stopped Rey from doing a move off the ropes. Priest hit a running splash to Rey’s back against the turnbuckle. Priest hit a backbreaker followed by a chinlock. Rey got back up with one of his usual bulldog counters to send Priest’s head into the mat. Rey went up top, he countered Priest with a hurricanrana and Priest hit the ring post when Rey moved. Rey went up top with a senton splash followed by a springboard cross body block. Priest went for a power move, but Rey countered it with a DDT for two. Rey kicked Priest into the ropes, Balor blocked Rey from doing a 619 and Balor sent Dominik into the barricade. Rey dropkicked Balor into the barricade. Rey had Priest set up for the 619, but Priest was back up with a superkick for two. Good nearfall. Rey sent Priest into the ropes, and this time Rey connected with the 619 kick. Rey went for a move off the top, but Priest caught him and Priest hit a Razor’s Edge for the pinfall win after six minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Damian Priest

Analysis: **1/2 It was good for the time given. It was even for a big man-little man match with Priest dominating for parts of it while Rey got plenty of nearfalls. This was Rey’s second straight loss to a Judgment Day member since he lost to Balor last week.

Post match, Balor brought in two chairs as The Judgment Day teased giving Rey a Conchairto in the ring. Priest called for Dominik to join The Judgment Day tonight or they take Rey’s head off. Dominik covered his dad, Dominik said that he’ll join. Dominik said: “Just stop. I’ll join The Judgment Day.” Priest said it doesn’t work that way so Balor hit Dominik with a chair shot and Dominik bumped out of the ring. Rey avoided a chair shot and left the ring to get free. The Judgment Day stood tall in the ring.

Analysis: Dominik joined, but he was told it doesn’t work that way and he got beat up again. This rivalry isn’t working out well for The Mysterios. I think the obvious thing here is that Edge is going to make the save for Rey and probably team with him against The Judgment Day.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance for a match.

This Friday on Smackdown in Boston: Brock Lesnar is there, plus Liv Morgan and Ronda Rousey go face to face.

(Commercial)

There was a mystery man video. I don’t know who it was for, but I will go with the popular theory that it’s probably for Edge’s return.

Ezekiel made his entrance. A replay was shown from two weeks ago when Rollins beat Ezekiel clean.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins vs. Ezekiel

Rollins was in control early, but then Ezekiel came back with a kick sending Rollins out of the ring. Back in the ring, Ezekiel launched Rollins into the air to send him crashing on the mat. Ezekiel out of the ring again, Rollins with a suicide dive, Ezekiel caught him and sent Rollins to the ring post. Back in the ring, Ezekiel went up top, Rollins also went up top and hit a jumping knee drop to the back of Ezekiel’s head. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Ezekiel was in control with a corner splash followed by a spinebuster for two. Rollins got a cradle for a two count along with a superkick for another two count. Rollins went for The Stomp, Ezekiel avoided it and got a rollup for two. There were more nearfalls by both guys. Ezekiel hit a Powerbomb for a two count. They exchanged punches, so Rollins said enough of that and he hit a jumping kick to the head. Rollins went for a springboard attack, he jumped off the top and Ezekiel hit a jumping knee for a two count. That woke up the crowd a bit. Ezekiel slowly climbed up top, Rollins met him there and hit a superplex into a Falcon Arrow for two. That’s a classic Rollins spot for a nearfall. Ezekiel countered a Pedigree into a pin for two. Rollins with a forearm smash to the head, then another forearm to the head and Rollins hit The Stomp for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Seth “Freakin” Rollins

Analysis: *** A similar match to what they did two weeks ago. This crowd was dead for most of it. Ezekiel got some offense in the match, but then Rollins hit a couple of simple moves for the win. Rollins is part of SummerSlam while Ezekiel is not, so it was the right move to have Rollins win.

The Usos walked up to MVP and Omos by the entrance area. The Usos wer e happy about this upcoming match and said that Dawkins can’t do anything against Omos.

The Usos made their entrance as the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions. They were watching the next match.

(Commercial)

The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and Damian Priest issued a warning for Rey and Dominik Mysterio. Priest said that the Mysterios will fall and The Judgment Day will rise. Next Monday is Rey’s 20-year WWE anniversary at MSG.

Angelo Dawkins (w/Montez Ford) vs. Omos (w/MVP)

The Usos were watching at ringside. Omos tossed Dawkins across the ring. Ford grabbed the foot of Omos. Dawkins tried to fight back and Omos did a shoulder tackle. Omos with a corner splash. Omos went for a running kick, Dawkins moved and Dawkins hit two corner splashes. Dawkins with a jumping kick. MVP tripped up Dawkins, the referee saw it and called for the DQ. It went about two minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Angelo Dawkins

Analysis: 1/2* A rare loss for Omos because it was a way to further the story to set up the tag team match.

The WWE Official Adam Pearce showed up to say MVP said earlier he would love to team up with Omos against The Street Profits. Pearce said that they’re going to have a tag team match with The Street Profits facing Omos and MVP, who was in a suit. That match is after a break.

(Commercial)

Omos & MVP vs. The Street Profits – Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford

Omos choked Dawkins against the ropes along with a corner splash. Omos with a whip into the turnbuckle followed by a back splash. Omos gave Dawkins a hard whip into the turnbuckle. MVP tagged in wearing his suit attire except for the jacket. MVP drove Angelo’s face into MVP’s knee. MVP hit the Ballin’ elbow drop for a one count. When MVP ran the ropes, Dawkins decked him with a punch. Omos got the tag against Ford with Ford getting a kick to the face. Ford jumped off the top, Omos caught him and Omos went for a slam off the back, but Ford landed on his feet. Ford with two enziguri kicks, Omos with a hard chop to the chest and a boot to the face for two with Dawkins making the save. Dawkins and MVP fought on the floor with Dawkins sending MVP into The Usos. The referee was looking at both Usos, then the Profits hit a double superkick. Ford went up top and hit a Frog Splash for just a one count. Ford went up top again, but Jey shoved Ford off the top leading to another DQ finish. It went about six minutes. The fans booed the finish.

Winners by disqualification: The Street Profits

Analysis: ** They followed a DQ finish with another DQ finish? Thrilling. The spot with Ford hitting the Frog Splash for just a one count was good in terms of showing how hard it is to beat Omos in a match.

The Usos hit a double superkick on Dawkins. Omos hit a double Chokeslam on both Profits. The Usos were happy about what happened as they stood over The Street Profits with their titles. The fans booed.

Analysis: It was a case of The Usos taking advantage of a situation by using Omos to take care of The Street Profits.

Veer Mahaan was interviewed by Sarah Schreiber. Veer said “boo” into the microphone, then he laughed and left. The Miz was interviewed by Sarah with Miz talking about hosting Miz TV with Logan Paul later in the show. Miz talked about Logan possibly teaming with him or wanting to face him and we’ll find out later.

Analysis: The Veer thing was weird. He hasn’t been used on TV for several weeks, so it’s a way to tell us that he’s back.

Theory made his entrance with the Money in the Bank briefcase for a match against AJ Styles.

(Commercial)

A video aired letting us know SummerSlam is just 12 days away.

Let’s Hear from Theory

Theory did a promo about how they are on the cusp of the biggest SummerSlam of all time. Theory said he’ll take back the US Title from Bobby Lashley and then he’ll cash in Money in the Bank on Roman Reigns or Brock Lesnar after whatever is left of those two. Theory fired back at “WHAT” chants telling the fans to shut up. Theory said we all know Reigns and Lesnar are going to destroy eachother. Theory had some footage to show what Lesnar is capable of.

They showed a clip from last week’s Raw when Lesnar beat up Chad Gable and Otis. Lesnar gave the big man Otis an F5 through the commentary table. That was an impressive feat of strength as Graves pointed out.

Theory talked about how SummerSlam was the perfect opportunity for him to cash in. Theory said that he always comes through in a clutch, which is why the superstars don’t like him. Theory said that superstars like Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar, Madcap Moss, The Usos, Dolph Ziggler don’t like him. Theory showed a clip of Dolph Ziggler giving Theory a superkick after the main event match on Raw.

Theory said what Ziggler did was pathetic, the fans chanted “WHAT” some more and here comes AJ Styles.

Styles said that he’ll make a promise too. Styles said that whether Theory takes the US Title or the Undisputed WWE Title, Styles said he’ll be the first to take that from him. The fans were chanting for Styles, who got in Theory’s face. Styles said that the locker room isn’t jealous of him, they just think Theory is a big jackass. Theory was frustrated with the “WHAT” chants. Theory bragged about his success on Raw in less than a year. Theory ripped on AJ’s career wondering what he was doing at Theory’s age. Theory ripped on AJ ripping on bars in Georgia. Theory said that Styles didn’t like him because he’s young and Styles cut him off saying there’s not enough time to tell him why he doesn’t like him. Styles said he’s proud of his background. Theory wondered if Styles was an old, grizzled veteran and Styles said he was the guy to knock some sense into Theory, so Styles punched Theory out of the ring.

Dolph Ziggler made his entrance to watch this match.

Analysis: A lot of the usual promo material from Theory. His delivery is fine. It’s just repetitive. Styles did a nice job of standing up to him.

(Commercial)

The mystery video aired again saying “I am coming to” at some point as well.

AJ Styles vs. Theory

Dolph Ziggler watched the match from ringside. Theory with a backbreaker followed by a clothesline. Styles with a backbreaker. Theory came back with a hard whip into the turnbuckle with Styles taking a big bump. After Theory applied a chinlock, Styles dropped him with a belly to back suplex. Theory to the floor, Styles went back in, Ziggler got up out of his chair and Theory shoved Ziggler down. Styles kicked Theory out of the ring.

(Commercial)

Theory was in control with a chinlock. Styles came back with strikes, then a running forearm and a suplex into a neckbreaker for two. Styles got a sunset flip for two, Theory got came back and hit a roll through dropkick. Theory with a suplex sending AJ’s back/neck hitting the knee for a two count. Styles applied the Calf Crusher submission, but Theory got to the bottom rope to break the hold. Theory was on the floor in front of Ziggler, Styles went for a move, Theory caught Styles and Theory slammed Styles onto the commentary table. Theory put Styles back into the ring, the referee checked on Styles and Ziggler hit Theory with a superkick on the floor. Theory couldn’t get back into the ring to break the ten count, so he lost by countout.

Winner by countout: AJ Styles

Analysis: **3/4 The match was going along fine until the countout finish. This show had two DQs earlier and here’s a countout. I’m not saying every match has to have a pinfall or submission. I just think it’s kind of a weak ending when it’s like that. We still don’t know why Ziggler was targeting Theory while Styles was happy to benefit from the win.

Post match, Styles gave Theory a Styles Clash. Ziggler smiled about it.

They are going to take a special look at Belair vs. Lynch up next.

(Commercial)

A graphic was shown saying that WWE’s Youtube page has 70 billion views and it’s the seventh channel to reach that number.

There was a video package that aired about Bianca Belair defending the Raw Women’s Championship against Becky Lynch. It covered the history of Lynch beating Belair at SummerSlam last year, then Belair beat Lynch at WrestleMania this year and now they are doing it again at SummerSlam. It has come full circle one year later. A good video as usual.

Alexa Bliss made her entrance for a six-woman tag team match.

They showed some video of Titus O’Neil’s foundation supporting the Tampa community.

(Commercial)

Asuka, Alexa Bliss & Dana Brooke vs. Doudrop, Nikki A.S.H. & Tamina

Asuka sent Nikki out of the ring, but then Nikki pulled on the apron to trap Asuka. Brooke went up top and jumped off the top with a cross body block on Tamina and Doudrop. Reggie was there, so Tozawa appeared from under the ring and did a rollup on Brooke to win the 24/7 Title. Nikki with a suplex into a neckbreaker on Tozawa for the pinfall. Bliss with a DDT on Nikki to win the title. Doudrop with a cross body block on Bliss to win the title. Tamina with a superkick on Doudrop. Brooke was back in with a rollup on Tamina to win the 24/7 Title again. The match was still going on, Asuka with a kick to Nikki and Asuka applied the Asuka Lock on Nikki for the submission win. It went about three minutes.

Winners by submission: Asuka, Alexa Bliss & Dana Brooke

Analysis: -* Awful comedy match. The 24/7 Title stuff is so bad. I felt bad for the great Asuka being part of this mess. The fans were dead for it.

Rey and Dominik Mysterio were in the locker room doing a promo. Dominik made it clear he wouldn’t want to join The Judgment Day. Rey said that next week at MSG he’ll celebrate 20 years in WWE. Rey said that they will cap off that celebration by showing The Judgment Day what it means to be a Mysterio.

Next week on Raw from Madison Square Garden:

* Rey & Dominik Mysterio vs. The Judgment Day.

* Undisputed WWE Universal Roman Reigns will be on Raw.

Analysis: It’s not a surprise that they would have Reigns at an MSG show. Brock Lesnar should probably be there, but he’s not advertised for it right now. Lesnar is on Smackdown this week while Reigns is on Raw next week.

The Miz made his entrance. They showed highlights of the MLB All-Star Celebrity game. They showed a slow-motion highlight of The Miz hitting a homerun. The Miz’s team won and he won the MVP, which was a WWE Title. The Miz’s talk show segment is the main event up next.

(Commercial)

There was yet another SummerSlam commercial that promoted Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar in the Last Man Standing match for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship.

Miz TV with Logan Paul

The Miz welcomed us to the show and introduced us to Logan Paul. It sounded like some boos for Paul, but it was hard to tell for his entrance. Paul got into the ring asking Miz if he accepted his challenge for a match at SummerSlam. Miz said let’s not talk about that and showed the WrestleMania clip when they beat The Mysterios. The video stopped, then Logan called for it to play and it showed when Miz gave Logan the Skull Crushing Finale in the ring.

The Miz claimed he was teaching him. Paul said that the only thing Miz taught him is that Paul had to sign a WWE contract so he can beat his ass at SummerSlam. Miz did his usual bit bragging about his success. Miz talked about how Paul has 23 million Instagram followers, then Paul went toe to toe with Floyd Mayweather and put over Paul as a unique superstar with so much promise. Miz said he can assure Paul he is not ready. Miz said that he protected Paul in a tag team match at WrestleMania. Miz said that he hosts Miz TV and he can’t face Miz one on one at SummerSlam. Miz said Paul is a rookie and he has to earn the right to face Miz, so his challenge was denied.

Paul said that he was told he wasn’t ready while talking about his social media success, how he was able to hang with Floyd Mayweather and he trained hard for WrestleMania out of respect for this sport. Paul said that he’s going to host Impulsive TV next week on Raw to show that he’s better than The Miz. That led to Miz saying that the answer is no. Paul said that Miz saying no is something that people would expect from a guy with two blueberries in his pants. Paul led the crowd in a “tiny balls” chant. Miz unbuttoned his shirt to show off his “Massive Balls” shirt. Miz accepted the SummerSlam match. They got into a fight with Paul giving Miz a clothesline over the top to the floor.

Paul was standing in the ring, he was attacked from behind by Ciampa with a forearm to the back. Miz tried to do a cheap attack on Paul, but Paul broke free from Ciampa and Paul left the ring. Paul and Miz had a staredown from a distance as replays showed what happened.

The Miz did a promo saying that this is his house and nobody embarrasses him in this ring. Miz reminded us that he’s awesome and that was it. The graphic was shown for SummerSlam: Logan Paul vs. The Miz. They showed Miz and Ciampa standing tall in the ring. End show.

Analysis: The segment was okay. The fans are clearly not behind Paul in a babyface role, so it’s tough to say that this was great. However, Miz did his job well and they went with the tiny balls thing to try to get the fans to support Paul a bit. From a performance standpoint, Paul did do well in terms of his delivery, his dialogue and when he needed to get physical. I just don’t think the fans want to cheer the guy even though that’s obviously the reaction that WWE wants for him. I also don’t think this was that strong as a main event segment, but it’s a case of WWE likely having nothing else to end the show.

Three Stars of the Show

1. Seth Rollins
2. Bianca Belair
3. AJ Styles

The Scoreboard

5.5 out of 10

Last week: 7

Final Thoughts

It’s another week where I write that it was an average Raw. I wouldn’t call it that exciting at any point and I think the crowd was dead for certain parts of it. I don’t blame the Tampa crowd for it because it was pretty boring at times. That women’s tag team match in the last hour was brutal with the 24/7 Title comedy spots.

They did set up some SummerSlam stuff well including Paul/Miz and pushed that Rollins/Riddle was added as well. Bianca Belair facing Becky Lynch at SummerSlam was also built up in a predictable way with Belair easily beating Carmella to keep her title.

Next week’s Raw from MSG should be a bigger deal. I look forward to that one.

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

* Riddle vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins

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

* Unified Tag Team Championships: The Usos (c) vs. The Street Profits (with Jeff Jarrett as the special referee)

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

* Logan Paul vs. The Miz

* 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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Thanks for reading.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter: @johnreport