The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 07/24/23 Review

This week’s WWE Raw featured a Seth Rollins-Finn Balor contract signing, Logan Paul confronting Ricochet, Becky Lynch facing Zoey Stark for a match with Trish Stratus and more on the road to SummerSlam.

There are a lot of things on this week’s Raw that should make some more SummerSlam matches official. SummerSlam is in less than two weeks on Saturday, August 5th at Ford Field in Detroit.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1574 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa Bay, Florida. Follow me on Twitter (or “X” as it’s known now) @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

Let’s Hear from The Judgment Day

The Judgment Day’s Senor Money in the Bank Damian Priest, Finn Balor and Women’s World Champion Rhea Ripley were in the ring for a promo. Priest welcomed us to the show while Ripley said they don’t just run Raw, they run all of WWE. Balor mentioned Ripley’s title, Priest holding Money in the Bank, Finn himself as the next World Heavyweight Champion and before we get to the man of the moment, a video package aired.

The video showed the main event of NXT on July 18th when Dominik Mysterio defeated Wes Lee to win the NXT North American Title. Dominik got some help after distractions from Balor & Priest while Ripley KO’d Lee with her title leading to Dominik’s cheap victory. That led to Ripley introducing Dominik with his new title.

“Dirty” Dominik Mysterio made his entrance and was booed loudly by the crowd. Dominik hugged his fellow J-Day group members when he got into the ring. Dominik called himself a fighting champion while the fans booed. A quick video aired about Dominik again. The fans chanted “You Suck” at Dominik.

It’s interruption time with the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn getting cheered loudly. Owens mocked The Judgment Day for talking for a long time and trying to look scary. Owens mentioned that nobody wanted to hear Dominik talk. Owens gets angry when people don’t learn. Owens shouted at Dominik that nobody cares what he has to say ever. Owens told Dominik the best thing he can do is shut his mouth forever. Dominik said he won’t be disrespected because he’s a champion.

Zayn said that Dominik is being disrespected because nobody here respects him. Zayn suggested Dominik going one on one with one half of the Tag Team Champions tonight – Dominik vs. Sami tonight. Dominik challenged Sami to come get some. Zayn mentioned that last week they put the Tag Team Titles on the line, so if Dominik is a fighting champion then he’ll put his championship on the line tonight. Ripley said “Dom accepts” even though Dominik didn’t look that sure about it.

Analysis: It’s a championship match for later in the show as WWE continues to feature NXT more by having Dominik put his title on the line on Raw just like he did on Smackdown last week. The heat that Dominik gets is wild, so it’s good to see WWE continuing to feature him a lot. I liked what Owens said about Dominik needing to shut up. Zayn did a good job of pushing for a title match and Rhea Ripley accepting on Dominik’s behalf again shows that she is the boss of “Dirty” Dom most of the time.

The Raw commentary team of Kevin Patrick and Corey Graves were on camera welcoming us to the show. They did a rundown of what’s coming up this week.

Becky Lynch made her entrance for a big singles match.

(Commercial)

It’s official: Dominik Mysterio defends the NXT North American Championship against Sami Zayn.

Zoey Stark (w/Trish Stratus) vs. Becky Lynch

If Lynch wins then she gets to face Trish Stratus again. Trish was wearing a facemask again.

Lynch was aggressive with a shoulder tackle while Stark bailed to the floor. They battled on the floor with Lynch punching Stark and going back into the ring. Stark got some offense going with a kick followed by a springboard missile dropkick for two. Stark pulled on Lynch’s arm against the top rope and Stark hit a springboard senton splash for two.

(Commercial)

Lynch was in control as she sent Stark into the barricade multiple times. Back in the ring, Lynch hit a top rope leg drop for two. They battled on the apron with Lynch kicking Stark to the floor. Lynch hit a forearm off the apron onto Stark on the floor. Trish did a cheap shot headbutt with the facemask (the referee never saw it) and Stark hit a superkick for two. Lynch avoided Z360 and hit an Exploder Suplex. Stark with a kick, then she went up top and Lynch stopped a move from happening. Lynch hit a superplex into an armbar, but Stark powered out of that with a Powerbomb for two. Stark went for a twisting splash off the top, Lynch avoided it and then they each went for pin attempts. Lynch applied the Dis-arm-r submission, Trish threw her facemask into the ring and Lynch kicked Trish off the apron. Stark got a rollup on Lynch for two. Stark went for a springboard attack, Lynch caught her and Lynch hit a Manhandle Slam for the pinfall win after about ten minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Becky Lynch

The win means that Becky Lynch gets a future match against Trish Stratus. It will likely be at SummerSlam, but that was not confirmed on Raw.

Analysis: *** A good match that was competitive. They matched up well with Stark looking impressive by showing off her athleticism throughout the match along with power by doing that Powerbomb to counter an armbar. I liked the intensity of Lynch throughout the match. The finish worked because Stark nearly won on the rollup, but Lynch kicked out and finished off Zoey with a Manhandle Slam. The result was never in doubt because we know Lynch and Stratus were going to face off one more time.

A recap was shown of last week on Raw when Brock Lesnar kicked Cody Rhodes’ ass to set up their SummerSlam match.

Cody Rhodes was shown walking backstage wearing a suit because he’s up next for some promo time.

A commercial aired promoting SummerSlam with Roman Reigns defending the Undisputed WWE Universal Title against Jey Uso.

(Commercial)

They showed singer Vo Williams at ringside. He sings the song “Greatness” which is the theme song of Raw since 2021.

Let’s Hear from Cody Rhodes

Cody Rhodes made his entrance with adrenaline in his soul while wearing a suit and tie as usual. Cody was selling a left arm injury because when he did the “WHOA-OH” part of the song, he held his left arm to his body while extending the right arm. Cody faces Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam in one of the main events of the show.

Cody: “So Tampa Bay…what do you want to talk about?” Cody turned around to look at the packed house all around the building. Cody said we’ve all seen the clip of Brock Lesnar beating him up, beating him up with a chair and doing it in front of Cody’s mother. Cody said he wasn’t surprised, but he was impressed. Cody went over Brock Lesnar’s accomplishments while saying that Lesnar might as well be called Mr. SummerSlam. Cody said his mother Michelle Runnels was not impressed. Cody spoke about how she watched Terry Funk throw a fireball at Dusty Rhodes and he said that Lesnar made a mistake.

Cody said that Lesnar’s mistake is that he left Cody breathing. Cody said he doesn’t want to go to SummerSlam just to win the rubber match. Cody said he wants to embarrass Lesnar. Cody says he’s not poking the bear, he’s slapping the bear across the face and saying “come and get it.” There were “Cody” chants after that. Cody doesn’t want to just beat Lesnar at SummerSlam because Lesnar made it personal when he broke Cody’s arm. Cody wants to do it because it’s what Brock deserves. Cody said he wants to look back on this and know that he pinned Brock Lesnar. Cody said at Summerslam, “I end this.” The promo ended there as the fans cheered.

Analysis: A very good promo by Cody Rhodes as usual. Cody is one of the best talkers in all of WWE obviously and certainly one of the best babyface talkers as well. I thought this might be a promo to tease a stipulation match for Cody and Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, but there was nothing like that. No Lesnar this week on Raw. Lesnar is back next week.

A video aired about the Logan Paul-Ricochet confrontation from two weeks ago. Logan is back this week.

Ricochet was interviewed backstage by Jackie Redmond. Ricochet said that everything he wants to say to Logan, he’ll say it to his face.

Sami Zayn, one half of the WWE Tag Team Champions, entered with his tag team partner Kevin Owens for Sami’s match up next.

(Commercial)

Dominik Mysterio got a full entrance for the second time with Rhea and Damian Priest joining the champion.

NXT North American Championship: “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio (w/Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest) vs. Sami Zayn (w/Kevin Owens)

Zayn did an arm drag takedown. Zayn clotheslined Dominik over the top to the floor. Zayn followed that with a run into the ropes leading to a somersault dive over the top onto Dominik on the floor.

(Commercial)

Zayn was in control with the ten punches against the turnbuckle. Zayn went up top, Ripley distracted and Priest shoved Zayn down. Owens punched Priest off the apron. The referee Shawn Bennett saw Owens on the apron, so he tossed Owens from ringside. Priest and Ripley laughed about it, so Bennett tossed both of them from ringside too. The fans loved that. Dominik charged at Zayn, who hit a Michinoku Driver for two. Dominik dropkicked Zayn into the ropes, but Zayn came back with a clothesline for two. Dominik did a flipping bump to sell that. Zayn went up top, Dominik stopped him with punches and Zayn headbutted Dominik down. Zayn jumped off the top with nothing leading to a dropkick by Dominik for two. Dominik hit a senton over the top followed by a dropkick to the left shoulder. Zayn avoided a suplex, Zayn tried a Blue Thunder Bomb and Dominik countered it with a headscissors. Zayn avoided a 619 kick and hit a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count. Dominik was begging off, then he kicked Zayn in the head and a dropkick sent Zayn into the ropes. Dominik hit the 619 kick for a two count. Zayn fought back with punches, but Dominik hit the Three Amigos vertical suplexes with the fans booing. Dominik went up top, he jumped off with the Frog Splash and Zayn got his knees up to block. Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn set up in the corner, but Priest and Ripley were by the entrance beating up Owens, who was down selling. Zayn was looking at that, so Dominik did the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! (I think he grabbed onto the tights as well) on Zayn for the pinfall win after 12 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Dominik Mysterio

Analysis: ***1/4 That was a fun match with Sami Zayn in control for a lot of it and looking like he would get the win. It was as cheap as it can get with the distraction finish leading to the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! by Dirty Dom for the win. I think every title match that Dominik has will end in a cheap way because that’s the kind of heel he is. I’m not surprised by the result because Dominik continuing his reign is the right thing to do.

Post match, Zayn checked on Owens by the entrance. Dominik Mysterio left through the back part of the arena. There was also WWE Official Adam Pearce and an indy guy dressed as a WWE Medical guy checking on Owens. They went to break there.

(Commercial)

A video aired promoting Gable Steveson talking about his future this Tuesday on NXT.

There was a replay of Dominik Mysterio beating Sami Zayn before the break.

Kevin Owens was getting his right arm/ribs checked on by the fake WWE Medical guy while Adam Pearce and Sami Zayn were there as well.

A video package aired recapping the Roman Reigns-Jey Uso segment from Smackdown last week to set up their SummerSlam match.

Analysis: That will be an incredible match at SummerSlam.

Ricochet asked Shinsuke Nakamura if he saw Logan Paul yet. Nakamura said no.

Shinsuke Nakamura turned around where Tommaso Ciampa was standing. Ciampa spoke about their interaction last week when Ciampa went after Reed and Nakamura kicked Ciampa. Ciampa told Nakamura to not get involved or they will have a problem.

Bronson Reed entered for singles action.

(Commercial)

The Judgment Day’s Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley were bragging about Dom’s win. They walked up to Apollo Crews and Akira Tozawa talking. Crews didn’t like how they acted like they run things. That led to Priest setting up a match against Crews.

Tommaso Ciampa vs. Bronson Reed

They showed replays of the last two weeks to set this match up. Reed decked Ciampa with an elbow to the head and Reed tossed Ciampa out of the ring. Ciampa got back to the apron, they exchanged strikes there and back into the ring with Ciampa hitting a knee to the body. Ciampa stomped on Reed followed by a running knee to the head. Reed hit a running powerslam for two. Ciampa tried a rear naked choke, but Reed got up and dropped backward so Reed’s weight crushed Ciampa. Reed hit a running body attack followed by an elbow drop. Ciampa was on the floor, Reed tried an attack off the apron, but Ciampa got the knee up to knock Reed down.

(Commercial)

Reed was in control with a snap powerslam for a two count. Reed charged, Ciampa with a boot to the head and Ciampa got out of a move leading to a reverse DDT. Ciampa did his running clothesline routine with three straight clotheslines, Ciampa with a rolling elbow and a leg drop to the head for two. Ciampa tried a sunset flip, but Reed sat on top for a two count. Reed hit a senton splash. Ciampa came back with strikes, Reed with a chop, Ciampa with a chop and Reed hit a clothesline, but Ciampa no sold that. They got into a slugfest, Reed with a headbutt and Reed ran right into a rising knee again. Ciampa showed off his strength by hitting an Air Raid Crash (White Noise) for two. The fans came alive for it. Shinsuke Nakamura made his way down to ringside. Ciampa told Nakamura to go to the back. Reed capitalized with a shoulder tackle from the apron onto Ciampa on the floor. Back in the ring, Reed hit a Tsunami splash on Ciampa for the pinfall win. It went 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bronson Reed

Analysis: ***1/4 It was a hard-hitting match between two guys who aren’t afraid to dish it out. They went for the distraction finish for the second match in a row, which I don’t really like that much, but it gives Ciampa an out for losing. Nakamura really didn’t do anything other than watch the match, but it caused Ciampa to walk toward him and Reed hit two moves after that to get the win. At some point, we should see Johnny Gargano come back to support Ciampa, but it hasn’t happened yet. Perhaps they are going to turn Nakamura heel in this story. I guess it’s a possibility.

After the match, Reed celebrated the win while Nakamura had a wry smile on his face.

A replay was shown of last week when Rhea Ripley attacked Raquel Rodriguez, who sold a left knee injury. That led to Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville beating Liv & Raquel for the Women’s Tag Team Titles.

Liv Morgan was interviewed by Byron Saxton with Liv saying she would get revenge against Rhea Ripley. Saxton said that Raquel was out with a serious knee injury. Liv said she was the last person to defeat Ripley. Liv said there was no way she was backing down. Liv left.

Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville walked up to Byron Saxton wondering why they don’t get an interview. Rhea Ripley walked up to them, so Sonya and Chelsea acted scared of Ripley and said they had champ things to attend to. Ripley said that she warned Liv & Raquel to stay out of her way, they didn’t listen and she took out Raquel. Ripley said Liv was next.

This Friday on Smackdown: Rey Mysterio faces Santos Escobar for a shot at the US Title. Plus, more of the Jey Uso-Roman Reigns rivalry.

(Commercial)

Seth Rollins, the World Heavyweight Champion, was shown talking to WWE Official Adam Pearce backstage. Rollins has a contract signing later.

Liv Morgan made her entrance for her match, but Rhea Ripley attacked Morgan at ringside. Ripley sent Morgan into the barricade two times. Ripley pulled on Morgan’s left arm against the barricade. Back in the ring, Ripley headbutted Morgan Ripley put a chair on Morgan’s left arm. Ripley stomped on the chair that was on Morgan’s arm. A referee and fake doctor went out to the ring to check on Morgan. Ripley: “You’re done, Liv. Get out of my business. I warned you! Have fun in rehab.” Ripley was about to leave, then she put the chair on Morgan’s left arm again and Ripley stomped on the chair that was on Morgan’s left arm. Ripley: “This is my division. You’re lucky you are living in it.” Morgan was getting checked in the ring.

Analysis: It puts over Ripley as a cheap heel for doing that kind of an attack, but also puts over Ripley as a badass that looks very scary and dominant as the Women’s World Champion. Morgan sold it well. I liked how Ripley added some trash talk as well just to put over how mean and ruthless she is. Ripley is so awesome as a heel.

(Commercial)

There was a replay of Rhea Ripley destroying Liv Morgan before the break.

They showed Liv Morgan getting checked on by a fake WWE Medical guy, who said he was going to try to stabilize her arm. Adam Pearce was there too. Liv was crying and saying she can’t move it.

A replay was shown of Viking Raiders beating Alpha Academy in the Viking Rules Match last week on Raw.

Alpha Academy’s Chad Gable, Otis & Maxxine Dupri were backstage. Gable suggested an Academy Rules Match. Maxxine said that she has been embarrassing Valhalla every week and said nobody puts the Alpha Queen through a table. Maxxine challenged Valhalla to a match for next week in Maxxine’s first singles match. Otis just shouted “Ooohhh yeah” to end it.

Let’s Hear from Ricochet and Logan Paul

Ricochet made his entrance in street clothes for a promo. Ricochet wasted no time calling out Logan Paul telling him to come out there and show his stupid face. Ricochet said there’s a locker room full of guys that know Logan doesn’t belong here and the crowd here in Tampa knows that Logan doesn’t belong there, so the fans cheered. Ricochet said he thinks Logan doesn’t belong here. Ricochet said that Logan has put in the work while saying that he (Ricochet) is special and shows it every week. Ricochet called Logan “an arrogant little prick” that doesn’t respect what they do. Ricochet said they sacrifice seeing their families and it’s a life that Logan will never know. Ricochet challenged Logan to a match at SummerSlam.

Logan Paul arrived in the ring and hit Ricochet with a forearm to the back. Logan: “I accept your challenge for a match at SummerSlam.” Logan had his phone with him. Logan said he’ll show us why he is the best in WWE. Logan told a guy in the front row that he needs to get laid and called him a “stupid virgin.” Ricochet did a kip up back to his feet and hit a superkick. Ricochet hit a standing Shooting Star Press. Ricochet left standing tall. By the time Logan got back up, Ricochet was in the aisle.

Analysis: It’s official for SummerSlam as we expected several weeks ago. Ricochet’s promo was okay while Paul’s cheap attack was fitting for him as the heel. I think Paul winning at SummerSlam is likely. Logan has lost to guys like Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, but he should beat a guy like Ricochet. They will likely have some entertaining and athletic spots in the match.

Shayna Baszler was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Baszler said she was sick and tired of hearing Ronda Rousey’s name. Baszler said that talking hasn’t settled it. Baszler said she’ll settle this in a language that only Ronda Rousey knows best. Baszler: “At SummerSlam, I am going to fight Ronda Rousey.” That was it. Graves wondered what that means.

Analysis: A Baszler-Rousey match of some kind at SummerSlam was expected. Baszler calling it a fight might mean they are going for something different, but we don’t know what that is yet.

Damian Priest made his entrance with the Money in the Bank briefcase.

(Commercial)

Logan Paul was shown walking backstage selling a rib injury. Byron Saxton interviewed Logan, who said that was unprofessional by Ricochet. Logan said next week on Raw he’s going to pop Logan’s bald head…no offense to bald Saxton.

Damian Priest vs. Apollo Crews

Priest delivered a superkick to start the match. There was a dropkick from Crews. Priest charged and Crews sent him to the floor. Crews hit a moonsault off the apron onto Priest on the floor. Crews hit a cross body block off the top for two. Priest decked Crews with an uppercut punch followed by a jumping elbow smash in the corner. Priest hit a Broken Arrow slam for two. Crews avoided a power move, jumping knee and an enziguri kick. Priest hit a spinning punch to the head. Priest delivered a lariat. Priest hit the South of Heaven sitout Chokeslam for the pinfall win after about three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Damian Priest

Analysis: ** A dominant win by Priest. Crews isn’t being used much on Raw, so the result wasn’t a surprise. Short matches like this are fine sometimes.

Becky Lynch was shown walking down the hallway backstage with Jackie Redmond doing an interview. Lynch said her rivalry with Trish Stratus ain’t over until she wins.

The Imperium group consisting of Intercontinental Champion GUNTHER, Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci entered for a segment where Gunther goes “face to face” with Drew McIntyre after a break.

A commercial aired for the new Cody Rhodes documentary called “Becoming Cody Rhodes” that debuts next Monday, July 31st on Peacock.

(Commercial)

The Viking Raiders with Valhalla did a promo. Valhalla accepted Maxxine’s challenge for a match next week.

GUNTHER and Drew McIntyre Go Face-to-Face

Drew McIntyre made his entrance to a huge pop from the crowd. Drew got into the ring. Drew said he’s here, he’s dressed and he wanted to do this for the Intercontinental Championship right now.

Gunther recapped what Drew wants him to do. Gunther said he’s raised this title to a level never seen before and he called the crowd degenerates. Gunther said that just like them, Drew doesn’t get anything done in life. Gunther said that Drew failed at Clash at the Castle and Gunther humiliated him at WrestleMania. Gunther said if you want to ride his coattails then Gunther accepts and he’ll face him at SummerSlam.

Drew McIntyre spoke about how he always dreamed about having a singles match with Sheamus. Drew said they beat eachother up for ten minutes and then Gunther took advantage of it to get the pinfall. Drew said that at SummerSlam it’s going to be one on one and after he beats Gunther’s ass, Drew will be the new Intercontinental Champion.

Ludwig Kaiser didn’t like Drew speaking to the “Ring General” like that. Drew said he likes Kaiser and thinks he should be the leader of Imperium. Kaiser said he wasn’t going to let Drew disrespect Imperium. Drew suggested a match with Kaiser right now. Drew called for a referee. They went to break.

Analysis: That GUNTHER-Drew McIntyre match was obvious going back three weeks ago when Drew came back at Money in the Bank, so it was just a matter of making it official. That’s going to be an incredible match.

(Commercial)

Drew McIntyre vs. Ludwig Kaiser (w/GUNTHER & Giovanni Vinci)

Drew was in control with a shoulder tackle, body slam and a clothesline sending Kaiser out of the ring. Graves did a Kaiser commentary imitation. Drew chased after Kaiser on the floor and sent Kaiser into the ring post. Drew hit multiple chops to the chest. Drew sent Kaiser into the barricade. Drew delivered a hard chop again. Vinci with a distraction, so Kaiser sent Drew into the ring post. Kaiser went Drew shoulder-first into the ring post. Kaiser dropkicked Drew off the apron to the floor.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Kaiser on the top rope, Drew chopped him and Drew jumped off the middle turnbuckle with an Air Raid Crash/White Noise slam. Drew was in control with clotheslines and an overhead suplex. Drew hit a neckbreaker. Drew hit a headbutt to knock Kaiser down. Drew charged for an attack, but Kaiser hit a jumping kick to the head (Drew got the hands up) for a two count. Kaiser with an uppercut and step up enziguri kick. Kaiser ran the ropes leading to Drew hitting a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win. It went about eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Drew McIntyre

Analysis: **3/4 A decisive win by Drew McIntyre. Ludwig Kaiser got more offense than I thought he would get, but it’s not like it was bad. They worked well together and had an entertaining match. That Claymore Kick for the win looked great. I thought Graves doing some announcing similar to how Kaiser speaks was pretty funny. Don’t overdo it, but do it again soon.

After the match, Gunther hit McIntyre with a German Suplex. Giovanni Vinci joined Gunther in attacking Drew. Matt Riddle ran out for the save, he took out Vinci and then Gunther hit a Powerbomb on Riddle. Drew was on the floor, so Gunther kicked him to knock him down. Gunther cleared off the commentary table (the fans loved that) and wanted a Powerbomb, but Drew blocked it. Drew gave Gunther a Powerbomb through the table! The table broke. The fans loved it. Drew held up the Intercontinental Title to cheers.

Analysis: The fans were clamoring for a table spot and they got it. McIntyre hit the Powerbomb perfectly on the champion. Good way to pop the crowd.

Ronda Rousey was interviewed by Jackie Redmond, who mentioned Shayna Baszler challenged Rousey to a fight. Rousey said doesn’t have “a fight” and said she has “the fight.” Rousey said she accepts.

Finn Balor made his entrance for the contract signing main event.

(Commercial)

Next week on Raw:

* Brock Lesnar returns.

* Logan Paul returns.

* Maxxine Dupri vs. Valhalla

Contract Signing For World Heavyweight Championship At SummerSlam

Finn Balor was in the ring with the table, two chairs and the contract. Balor said that Adam Pearce was supposed to officiate this, but he couldn’t make it there because of all the chaos caused by The Judgment Day. Balor said he’s a professional. Balor spoke over the crowd singing Seth Rollins’ theme song and Balor called for Rollins to show up to make this SummerSlam match official.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins got a huge ovation as the World Heavyweight Champion. The fans sang Seth’s song on his way into the ring. Rollins was in a white suit. Rollins sat in a chair opposite Balor with a table in between them. Rollins signed the contract before he sat down as the fans sang the song. Finn Balor looked like he was going to sign the contract, but then he stopped.

Seth Rollins did a promo talking about their issues. Rollins said Balor has zero chance of walking out of SummerSlam as the World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins said the obvious scenario is that Rollins beats his ass and the entire world sings Seth’s song. Rollins spoke about how miracles happen because if Balor wins his title reign will be shorter than his Universal Title reign was. Rollins claimed that if Balor wins then Damian Priest is going to try to cash Money in the Bank on Balor and SummerSlam is going to be the end of The Judgment Day. Balor signed the contract.

Finn Balor spoke about how Rollins thinks he runs Raw, but The Judgment Day runs Raw. Balor said if he loses then he loses, but Seth said if Balor wins then he loses. Balor had backup from Priest, Dominik and Ripley, who were all on the apron. Balor said he’s been losing for seven years and it’s driving him insane because of Rollins. Balor told Rollins that insanity is like a seven-year itch, but at SummerSlam he’ll make Rollins his “seven-year bitch.”

Seth Rollins flipped the table to knock Priest off the apron and went after Balor. Rollins punched Balor and sent Dominik Mysterio out of the ring. Priest knocked down Rollins with a MITB briefcase shot to the head. Sami Zayn tried to make the save with a steel chair, but that didn’t work. Zayn was outnumbered, so he was beaten up by Balor with repeated punches. Ripley was tossing items outside the ring. Priest hit South of Heaven on Zayn, who rolled to the floor.

The Judgment Day beat up Rollins in a 4-on-1 attack in the ring. Priest hit Rollins with the Razor’s Edge. Dominik hit Rollins with a Frog Splash off the top. Balor went up top and hit a Coup de Grace double foot stomp on Rollins to end it. Balor put the World Heavyweight Title on top of Rollins. Balor told Rollins he was going to beat him. The Judgment Day celebrated to end the show.

Analysis: A predictable ending with The Judgment Day standing tall to end the show just like they started the show. Rollins was outnumbered and got his ass kicked to put over Balor and The Judgment Day as serious threats. It was nice of Sami Zayn to try to help, but he got beat up too. I think Rollins will retain at SummerSlam, but I have liked the build to this Rollins-Balor match.

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Three Stars of the Show

1. Drew McIntyre
2. The Judgment Day
3. Becky Lynch

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.75

2023 Average: 7.26

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Final Thoughts

A good show overall with most of the matches going two segments meaning they were more than ten minutes. With SummerSlam less than two weeks away, they spent a lot of time building up those matches, which is obviously the right thing to do. I really liked how Drew McIntyre was booked to make his SummerSlam match with GUNTHER official. The table spot worked perfectly. Drew beat Ludwig Kaiser in a match and Corey Graves imitated Kaiser on commentary, so that was pretty funny.

The Judgment Day was all over Raw from the opening segment to the main event, backstage sightings and matches throughout the show. You can tell WWE absolutely loves that group and they are featuring a lot. I don’t mind it because they are good performers. Dominik Mysterio got a cheap win, Rhea Ripley destroyed Liv Morgan, an easy win for Damian Priest and Finn Balor stood tall over Seth Rollins due to J-Day helping him out.

I really like the SummerSlam lineup for the most part. It should be one of the better WWE PLE’s this year and it’s already been a strong year for them too.

The next WWE Premium Live Event for the main roster is SummerSlam on Saturday, August 5th at Ford Field in Detroit with this lineup so far:

* Tribal Combat Match (Anything Goes) For the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns (c) vs. Jey Uso

* Brock Lesnar vs. Cody Rhodes

* World Heavyweight Championship: Seth “Freakin” Rollins (c) vs. Finn Balor

* WWE Women’s Championship: Asuka (c) vs. Bianca Belair vs. Charlotte Flair

* Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Drew McIntyre

* Ronda Rousey vs. Shayna Baszler in a “fight”

* Logan Paul vs. Ricochet

* Becky Lynch vs. Trish Stratus (Not official as I write this but it’s the plan)

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

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Thanks for reading. Please check out my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order. Go Toronto Blue Jays. My contact info is below.

John Canton

Email mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter aka X (I guess) @johnreport