Reviews

The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 08/06/18 Review

TJR Wrestling

Welcome to another edition of the WWE Raw Deal. We are less than two weeks away from SummerSlam. Here’s what is advertised for this week’s Raw: Ronda Rousey vs Alicia Fox in Rousey’s first match on Raw, Bobby Roode vs Mojo Rawley, The B Team vs. The Revival in a non-title match and Sasha Banks/Bayley vs. The Riott Squad. Other than Rousey’s first Raw match, it’s not a lot to be excited about.

Live from Jacksonville, Florida, this is the Raw Deal for episode #1315 of Monday Night Raw. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Thanks to Melo Man for the banner up top.

There was a video package showing the Brock Lesnar story from last week’s Raw with Lesnar refusing to go out all show long until the end of the night. Lesnar gave Raw GM Kurt Angle an F5 and he also took down his advocate Paul Heyman by grabbing his jaw. The video lasted about four minutes.

Let’s Hear From Kurt Angle

Kurt Angle, the Raw General Manager, made his entrance along with the “Constable” Baron Corbin. Angle led the crowd in the “you suck” chants that he loves so much. They entered the ring.

Angle welcomed us to Raw for a historic night because Ronda Rousey is making her Raw in-ring debut this week. Angle said that unlike some other former UFC Champions, Ronda has no problem competing on Raw. Angle said Ronda doesn’t whine or complain. Angle talked about how Rousey was a champion in his book and he wishes he could say the same about Brock Lesnar. Corbin told him to watch. Angle said that Lesnar has no class. Angle said that since Paul Heyman was able to get Brock Lesnar to the ring before the end of Raw, Heyman’s job is still intact. Heyman will be interviewed later. Angle said as far as Lesnar’s attack on him…here comes Roman Reigns.

Roman Reigns did a slow walk to the ring as Cole reminded us that Reigns challenges Lesnar for the Universal Title at SummerSlam on August 19. Coachman said you can argue that’s the biggest night in the career of Roman Reigns.

Reigns said that Angle should have known better because when you kick the Big Dog out (Reigns was ejected last week by Stephanie McMahon), who is going to protect the yard? Reigns said that is why Lesnar ragdolled Angle around the ring. Corbin laughed. Reigns asked him why he was laughing and pointed out that Corbin ran when Lesnar looked at him. Angle said that nobody likes what Lesnar did last week. Reigns said please don’t suspend Brock Lesnar. Angle said that’s not going to happen. Angle said that Reigns will get to compete against Lesnar at SummerSlam. The fans cheered that as Angle said he hopes Reigns kicks Lesnar’s ass.

Corbin said that is unprofessional for Angle to say that and he can’t pick sides or play favorites. Corbin said if Lesnar was there he would…and Reigns asked Corbin if he would run off like a coward again. Corbin said that he chose to be the bigger man, which Reigns doesn’t know about. Corbin said he was worn out from facing the little guy Finn Balor that has won the Universal Title unlike Reigns. Corbin says he does everything around there already and he wondered what else he could do? Angle told Corbin he could have acted like a man. Corbin reminded Angle that Stephanie is the Commissioner of Raw and Angle just makes matches while saying that Angle can’t be trusted. Angle said he’s right, he just makes the matches and Angle told the referee to get out there right now because Corbin is taking on Reigns right now.

Angle called for the bell, Corbin punched Reigns and a referee ran down to the ring.

Analysis: It was easy to see that coming after Reigns punched Corbin in the backstage area last week. It was notable that Angle was about to say what he was going to do about what Lesnar did to him and then never got back to it after Reigns showed up. Some of the trash talk between Reigns and Corbin was good. The crowd was into it. Reigns is being cheered a bit more than he was in the past for the second week in a row, so that’s the reaction WWE wants fans to give him.

(Commercial)

Baron Corbin vs. Roman Reigns

Reigns went for a Samoan Drop, Corbin avoided it, he did his slide out of the ring and back in with a clothesline for two. Corbin whipped Reigns hard into the turnbuckle. Corbin with an elbow to the jaw. Corbin slapped on an armbar. Reigns got back into it with two clotheslines, he went for a leaping clothesline, Corbin avoided that and Reigns hit a clothesline that sent Corbin over the top to the floor. Corbin managed to stay in control with a punch on Reigns and Corbin sent Reigns into the ring post as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Back from break, Corbin had Reigns grounded with another armbar. Reigns with an elbow to the jaw, leaping clothesline by Reigns and a Samoan Drop by Reigns got a two count. Reigns hit the ten clotheslines against the turnbuckle. Reigns with a running boot. Reigns went for a Superman Punch, Corbin countered it and Corbin hit the Deep Six Slam for a two count. Corbin never wins with that, but it’s one of the best nearfall spots in WWE. Reigns with two punches, Corbin did his slide that took out the cameraman and Reigns covered with a Superman Punch for a two count. Reigns wanted a Superman Punch, so Corbin left the ring. Finn Balor’s music hit, so he prevented Corbin from leaving. Reigns hit a Superman Punch on Corbin on the floor. Back in the ring, Reigns hit a Spear for a pinfall win after about 16 minutes of action.

Winner by pinfall: Roman Reigns

Analysis: **1/2 It was a long match given a lot of time, but I thought it was just average. Half the match felt like Corbin had Reigns locked into an armbar that really led to nothing other than to kill time. The win wasn’t that clean because Balor showed up to get in Corbin’s way leading to Reigns hitting a cheap shot Superman Punch. Reigns winning was the obvious call because he shouldn’t lose going into SummerSlam.

Post match, Balor was in his ring gear and he went into the ring with Corbin struggling to get up. Balor hit a dropkick that sent Corbin into the turnbuckle. Balor up top and he hit the Coup de Gras double foot stomp to the chest of Corbin.

Analysis: That will probably lead to a match at SummerSlam. I can’t lie and say I’m excited about it. They have wrestled enough.

There was a shot of Ronda Rousey backstage talking to her buddy Natalya. They were all smiles excited about Ronda’s match. It’s Rousey versus Fox.

Bobby Roode was shown in his ring gear looking at a mirror because he’s up next against Mojo Rawley.

(Commercial)

The Raw announce team of Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Jonathon Coachman were shown on camera. They talked about the Intercontinental Title situation with Seth Rollins getting beat up by Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre last week.

Kurt Angle was in his office watching the replay of that attack. Seth Rollins showed up. Rollins said that every time he gets momentum against Dolph, there’s McIntyre getting involved. Rollins wondered what they can do because Rollins said he needs to take care of both of those guys. Angle told Rollins to find a partner to face Ziggler and McIntyre later on Raw.

Bobby Roode made his entrance. A replay aired of his backstage “brawl” with Mojo Rawley. That led to Rawley making his entrance.

Bobby Roode vs. Mojo Rawley

Rawley with a headbutt early on. Roode came back with a clothesline. Dropkick by Roode leading to a break one minute into it.

(Commercial)

Back from break, Rawley grabbed a waist lock. When Roode got back up, Rawley hit him with a forearm to the back and Rawley slapped on another waist lock. After a few minutes of that, Roode hit two back elbows to break free. Rawley hit a sidewalk slam. Roode with a sunset flip for two. Rawley with a knee to the ribs, Roode with a forearm, clothesline in the corner and a neckbreaker. Roode with a Blockbuster neckbreaker off the middle rope for two. Rawley backed Roode into the corner, Roode got his feet up and Roode jumped off into Rawley’s arms. Roode countered a Rawley slam and Roode hit a Glorious DDT for the pinfall win after about nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bobby Roode

Analysis: **1/4 It was just an average match with the veteran Roode going over the younger guy. I figured Rawley would win, but then I remembered this is Raw and they like to repeat matches every week. These guys will probably wrestle the next two weeks with Rawley getting the win in those matches.

Elias was shown in the locker room with his guitar and there were cameras on him saying they were filming a documentary that was probably just a lie although Elias does have a documentary on WWE Network already.

A commercial aired for Smackdown hyping AJ Styles returning to confront Samoa Joe and Charlotte Flair’s victory last week perhaps causing problems with Becky Lynch.

(Commercial)

PLUG TIME: It’s SummerSlam season and I’m writing reviews of every SummerSlam in WWE history. I’m posting one per day. I just posted 2006 earlier today, 2007 is coming on Tuesday and so on. You can find all the reviews only on TJRWrestling in the SummerSlam archive right here. It’s a lot of fun to go through all of those shows again, so I hope you can check out my reviews.

Let’s Hear From Elias

Elias was in the ring playing his guitar. He did his “who wants to walk with Elias?” bit. Elias talked about how he had all that success with his album with only four songs. Elias spoke about how last week his documentary came out and he claimed WWE Network stands for the Walk With Elias Network. He said they tried it best, but they did the documentary wrong. Elias said that’s why he’s got his own documentary crew in the ring with him. Elias instructed the guys to film his fingers. Elias told them to circle around him as he does his concert because he’s the center of the WWE Universe. He ripped on Bobby Lashley for not being able to remember the lyrics to Rockin’ Robin. Elias ripped on the audience and told the guys to crop out the audience faces with a more attractive crowd. He said anything that helps him forget that he’s in Jacksonville, which drew boos. Cheap heat always works.

Bobby Lashley made the predictable interruption, which led to the lights being turned on. The documentary guys were still in the ring with Elias.

Lashley got into the ring. He mentioned that once again, Bobby’s name comes out of Elias’ mouth and once again, Bobby appears. Lashley said that the documentary was brilliant work, so he didn’t know what Elias was complaining about. Elias said that at times the documentary portrayed that Elias was egotistical and out of touch. Elias told the camera guys to keep the camera on him. Elias said that on his first day back in the company, he tried to steal the spotlight from Elias, but the truth is that Lashley’s comeback has been a joke. Lashley mocked Elias’ look telling him that all of it is a joke. The fans cheered that. Lashley warned Elias that the next time Elias mentions Lashley’s name, what Lashley does to him won’t be a joke.

Elias got his documentary crew to leave because Lashley was in a bad mood. Elias threw a clipboard at Lashley and then hit him with a forearm. Elias charged in, but Lashley recovered with a spinebuster. Lashley told the camera guy to get back in the ring. Lashley picked up Elias and hit a vertical suplex Lashley’s music played to end it.

Analysis: It was a boring segment. Some of the Elias stuff he said before Lashley came out there was funny and it got him cheap heat, but this feud isn’t exciting at all. The crowd was dead for most of it. I don’t think it would be a good idea to put these guys in a long match even though that’s probably going to happen.

Still to come is a Paul Heyman interview with Renee Young. Later on Raw is Seth Rollins and a mystery partner against Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre. Cole said that it won’t be Dean Ambrose, who is still out with an arm injury. Ronda Rousey vs. Alicia Fox is still to come.

The Authors of Pain entered because Rezar is in a singles match.

(Commercial)

There was a shot of Seth Rollins in the locker room. Tyler Breeze was in the locker room with Rollins offering to be his partner. Breeze wanted to do the Shield pose. Roman Reigns showed up and he said he’ll be Seth’s partner. Rollins agreed with it while putting down the Breeze fist.

Analysis: That’s lame. They have done this before with Reigns teaming with Rollins in a similar situation. Two long Reigns matches in the same show gets to be too much. (Plans changed, of course.)

Titus O’Neil entered with Apollo Crews and Dana Brooke.

Rezar (w/Akam) vs. Titus O’Neil (w/Apollo Crews and Dana Brooke)

Rezar with a forearm to the back and a knee to the ribs. The announcers put over O’Neil’s tremendous charity work and a big event he helped run for kids over the weekend in Tampa. Rezar with a shoulder tackle to the ribs of O’Neil. O’Neil finally got back into it with punches and boot to the face. O’Neil with a running splash against the turnbuckle. Akam distracted, so Rezar kicked O’Neil in the face. Rezar with a spinebuster for the pinfall win after three minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Rezar

Analysis: 1/2* Bad match. At least it was short. Rezar winning with a spinebuster is interesting because very few people win with that, but I’m glad it ended this match. It was boring to watch.

Kevin Owens was shown backstage going over his notes with Jinder Mahal and Sunil Singh. The Kevin Owens Show is up next with Jinder Mahal as the guest.

(Commercial)

Later on Raw is Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns vs. Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre.

The Kevin Owens Show with Jinder Mahal

Kevin Owens was on the stage at the side of the entrance. It was a makeshift stage, so it was obvious what was coming. He faces Braun Strowman at SummerSlam for the Money in the Bank contract. Owens introduced his guest, who is his friend and a man that he calls his own personal guru Jinder Mahal with Sunil Singh.

Owens said that he has never felt better, at peace and more relaxed thanks to Mahal. Owens said that when Strowman threw him off the cage through the announce table, Owens thought he would live in pain. Owens said that thanks to Mahal, he was able to play with his son and pick up his daughter. Owens said that he and Mahal have accomplished something. Owens mentioned Strowman, so fans chanted for Strowman. Owens said that he beat Strowman (at Extreme Rules when he escaped the cage first) and Owens pointed out that Mahal beat Strowman last week in a countout win. Owens said that a countout win is one of many ways that Strowman could lose to Owens at SummerSlam. Owens talked about how Strowman tried to take everything away from him, but Owens will take everything from him and Owens said he’ll be Mr. Money in the Bank to become KO in the Bank. Owens said that it guarantees that he’ll finally reclaim his Universal Championship. Owens thanks Mahal for helping him become more clear headed. Owens said that Mahal needs to face Braun Strowman again. Mahal didn’t look happy about it. Owens said that Mahal will do it again. Owens introduced Braun Strowman. There was no sign of Strowman. Owens said that Strowman wanted none of this, but then we found out that Strowman was underneath their set and he pushed it over. That was obvious. The fans loved it, so at least that’s something on this show that drew a positive response.

Strowman was shown under the side stage that Owens did the interview on. Strowman had the Money in the Bank briefcase in his hands. Strowman walked out to the ring for his match. They went to break.

Analysis: There was a comment from Coachman talking about guys like Elias and Owens are trying to have concerts and interviews, but guys aren’t letting them finish. Gee, ya think? I hate commentary teams that have to act like it’s their first day watching a wrestling show. Anyway, the whole interview was Owens talking without Mahal saying a word. The interruption from Strowman was predictable. At least the crowd liked it.

(Commercial)

A replay aired of Strowman dumping the stage, which fits the Strowman gimmick of wrecking things.

Braun Strowman vs. Jinder Mahal (w/Kevin Owens and Sunil Singh)

Mahal tried his “shanti” routine to try to calm Strowman down while fans chanted “Get These Hands.” Owens grabbed the Money in the Bank briefcase, so Strowman chased him again. The referee counted, so Strowman slid back in before the ten count. Strowman tossed Mahal across the ring. Owens grabbed the briefcase again, Strowman chased him and punched him while they were on the ramp. Strowman hit Mahal in the ribs with the briefcase, so Mahal won in under two minutes by disqualification.

Winner by disqualification: Jinder Mahal

Analysis: 1/2* Strowman was booked like Idiot in the Bank for the second week in a row. Last week was a countout loss and this week was a disqualification loss. The matches are so bad, though, that it’s tough for anybody to really care or react to this. I know it builds to SummerSlam and the story that if Strowman loses by countout or DQ he loses the title, but it’s really not that interesting.

Post match, Strowman tried to attack Mahal and Singh was there with the briefcase. Singh threw the briefcase to Strowman and Strowman kicked him to knock him down. Strowman posed in the ring with the briefcase.

Analysis: I don’t think Strowman should lose Money in the Bank. I like Owens, but keep it on Strowman and have him end SummerSlam as WWE Champion. That’s the right call.

There was a clip of Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins at a live event on Sunday night as they welcomed an honorary member to The Shield. It was a fan at ringside. Good stuff.

Baron Corbin was backstage on the phone. He walked up to Kurt Angle and said it was Stephanie McMahon on the phone. Angle said the understood what she was saying, he kept saying “yes” and he’ll take care of it. Angle just shook his head in frustration.

Up next is a special look at Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns at SummerSlam.

(Commercial)

The announcers set up a video package and an interview with Roman Reigns talking about his rivalry with Brock Lesnar.

They showed highlights of WrestleMania 31 with Seth Rollins cashing in Money in the Bank to leave as WWE Champion to end the Reigns vs. Lesnar match. They fast forward to WrestleMania this year with Reigns saying that you can’t win every time and Lesnar was just better that night. The clip aired of the Greatest Royal Rumble with the draw finish. Reigns said he beat Lesnar and he walked out as the true Universal Champion. A clip aired of Lesnar saying he didn’t care about being on Raw and he attacked Kurt Angle as well as Paul Heyman. Reigns said he’s sick of Lesnar disrespecting his lifestyle and his family business. Reigns said that it has to end. Reigns said that he’s going to do what Lesnar doesn’t do and that’s show up, earn the right to battle every single night and set a true standard. Reigns said that Lesnar’s a beast, he’s knocked out a whole bunch of men, but Reigns will keep getting up. Reigns said he has to win. That ended the video.

Analysis: The video was well done as usual for videos like this. It just feels like this show is too heavy on Reigns so far and then he’s booked in a tag team match right after this.

Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre made their entrance at the end of the second hour.

Analysis: This week on Raw so far:

– Reigns interrupted Angle promo.
– Reigns singles match with Corbin for about 20 mins.
– Reigns sitdown interview.
– Reigns tag team with Rollins vs. Ziggler and McIntyre coming up. (Okay so the tag match didn’t end up happening, but I am not going to remove this point I was trying to make.)
I don’t mind the guy, but it’s a lot.

(Commercial)

A commercial aired for Miz and Mrs. that airs on USA Network after Smackdown on Tuesday night.

Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns were shown walking backstage. Angle and Corbin were backstage. Corbin told Angle he can’t be in this match because he already wrestled and he might jeopardize the SummerSlam main event. Corbin said Stephanie McMahon ordered it. Reigns said he didn’t care what she thought. Corbin said she knew he would say that, so per Stephanie’s orders, if Reigns tags with Rollins then Reigns is out of the SummerSlam match. Rollins said he’d figure it out. Reigns asked Corbin how his ribs were and Reigns punched Corbin the ribs. Angle laughed about it.

It was announced that Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin is official for SummerSlam.

Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler vs. Seth Rollins

Rollins attacked both guys to start the match. Rollins went up top, he jumped off, McIntyre tried to catch him and slam him, but Rollins slipped off. It looked like Rollins jammed his knee, but he was okay. McIntyre hit a backbreaker. McIntyre whipped Rollins into the turnbuckle leading to an upside down bump by Rollins. Ziggler and McIntyre made quick tags as they worked over Rollins with McIntyre applying an armbar. Ziggler tagged back in, but when he went for a corner splash, Rollins moved and Ziggler hit the turnbuckle groin first. Ziggler sold that well. Ziggler sent Rollins over the top, Rollins pulled McIntyre to the floor and McIntyre went running into the ring post because Rollins moved. Slingblade by Rollins on Ziggler, clothesline by Rollins that sent Ziggler over the top to the floor and Rollins hit a suicide dive on Ziggler. Back in the ring, Rollins with a springboard clothesline. Rollins hit the Buckle Bomb into the turnbuckle, McIntyre made the blind tag and decked Rollins with a clothesline. The heels went for their double team finish, Rollins kneed McIntyre and a rollup on Ziggler got two. Ziggler hit a superkick on Rollins for the pinfall win after about seven minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler

Analysis: *** It was a good match for the time given with Rollins getting a couple of minutes of offense and a rollup that was close to getting him the win, but he was overwhelmed. A face should lose in a match like that or else it makes the heels look awful. I like the way the finish was set up. The announcers were confused about if Ziggler was the legal man in the match. I’m pretty sure he was. McIntyre tagged him in, they went for their finish, Rollins fought it off, but then Ziggler hit a superkick to win. I thought it was fine. There is another question worth asking too: How come Rollins can’t find a partner? Is he a jerk? He’s a face. He should be likable.

There’s a Paul Heyman interview coming up. They aired a quick video to try to convince people Alicia Fox has a chance against Ronda Rousey.

The “B Team” duo of Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas made their entrance. They got a new theme song that was like a high school chant “B Team, B Team, go go go” and repeat.

(Commercial)

There was a shot of Ronda Rousey getting ready in the locker room while her buddy Natalya was there to encourage her.

The Revival duo of Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder entered for this non-title match. There was a pre-match cell phone promo complaining about other teams in the tag team division.

The B Team (Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas) vs. The Revival (Dash Wilder and Scott Dawson)

This is not for the Raw Tag Team Titles held by The B Team.

The Revival took control of the match with Dawson sending Dallas into the turnbuckle followed by a clothesline. As Dallas tried to tag out, the Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy logo appeared on the screen. When the lights came back on, Hardy and Wyatt were on the ring apron. Wyatt and Hardy went into the ring. Hardy hit a Twist of Fate on Dawson and Wyatt hit Sister Abigail on brother Bo Dallas. The match went about three minutes when the ref called for the bell for the disqualification.

Match Result: Disqualification

Analysis: 1/2* It’s another match on Raw where it was so brief without a finish. It looks like they are setting up a triple threat match between the teams at SummerSlam. It doesn’t excite me that much.

Hardy and Wyatt did their pose over the bodies of their fallen rivals.

Up next is a Paul Heyman interview with Renee Young.

(Commercial)

The announcers set up the Heyman interview.

Paul Heyman Interview with Renee Young

Paul Heyman sat across from Renee Young. Paul Heyman looked distraught as he sat in the chair. He didn’t shave, so he had some facial hair on his face, which is not the usual. Heyman’s eyes were red. Renee asked where Heyman and Lesnar stand right now. Heyman said that Lesnar disconnected his phone number and he doesn’t know where they stand. Heyman admitted that he didn’t talk to Lesnar since last week. He wanted to, but Lesnar didn’t want to take his phone call. Heyman added that he didn’t want to be doing this and that is just going to piss off Lesnar more. Heyman said that he’s friends with Lesnar and their kids are friends. Heyman noted this is not how he envisioned it ending. Heyman said that since the beginning they always envisioned Lesnar with the Universal Title, UFC Champion on each shoulder and Heyman proclaiming him as the reigning, defending champion. Renee asked at this point in his career, does Brock still need Heyman? There was no answer from Paul and he told her to do her job. Renee asked if there was anybody else in WWE that he had his eye on as a potential client. Heyman said that a week ago that would have been an inconceivable question and he didn’t have an answer. Heyman mocked the idea that he could go with somebody and that they were interchangable. Renee asked who will win the Lesnar vs. Reigns match? Heyman said that he’s known Lesnar for 16 years while going through every up and down with him. Heyman talked about how he’s never seen Lesnar more driven, focused, more violent and said that against this Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns doesn’t stand a chance. Heyman let out a deep breath and that ended the interview.

Analysis: That was great by Heyman. Outstanding stuff. It showed how he is distraught over Lesnar putting his hands on him last week in a violent manner. It also featured Heyman putting over how scary Lesnar is and how confident he is that Lesnar is going to beat Reigns at SummerSlam. Even if that happens, I still see Braun Strowman leaving SummerSlam as the Universal Champion. Heyman is an awesome actor. He proved it again here.

The announcers went over the matches that will happen at SummerSlam. The full listing is at the bottom of this post.

Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan made their entrance for a tag team match up next.

(Commercial)

The duo of Bayley and Sasha Banks made their entrance. They are called the “Boss and Hug Connection.”

The Boss and Hug Connection (Sasha Banks and Bayley) vs. The Riott Squad (Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan)

Banks with a running cross body block on Morgan against the turnbuckle. Logan and Bayley tagged in with Bayley hitting a clothesline and elbow drop for two. Bayley with a boot to the face followed by a cross body block off the middle rope for two. Logan took control by sending Bayley into the turnbuckle. Morgan with a double foot stomp to Bayley and Bayley rolled to the floor for the commercial spot.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Logan slapped on an armbar on Bayley. Logan held onto the armbar for about two minutes. Bayley came close to tagging out, but she couldn’t do it. Morgan back in and she whipped Bayley back first into the turnbuckle. Bayley sent Morgan face first into the turnbuckle. Banks got the hot tag to a good reaction as she connected with a dropkick on Logan. Banks with a knee to the face, Bayley back up with a hurricanrana and Banks tagged back in with a Meteora double knee attack on Logan of the top. Morgan made the save. Bayley tossed Morgan out of the ring. Bayley tried an attack, but somebody in a black hood pulled Morgan out of the ring. The black hooded lady revealed herself to be Ruby Riott. Banks was distracted, so Logan rolled up Banks with the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the win. It went ten minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Riott Squad (Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan)

Analysis: **1/2 It was a pretty good match with a cheap finish that was fine with me because the Riott Squad’s advantage is that they are a three-woman group. By having Riott show up at that moment puts over the group for being smart enough to use the numbers game to their advantage. Banks was on fire after the hot tag and the crowd was into the match, so that’s good to see. I’m not a fan of the dreaded ROLLUP OF DEATH~! finish that WWE does too often, but I could see it coming as soon as Riott showed up. The win gives some credibility to Logan and Morgan as well. If there are women’s tag team titles at Evolution in October, then having Banks/Bayley vs. the Riott Squad as a feud makes a lot of sense.

Post match, Ruby Riott posed with her buddies.

Analysis: Ruby Riott was dealing with a knee injury (a sprained MCL) for about two months and she looks like she is ready to go again. It’s nice to see her back in action.

A video package aired about Ronda Rousey showing what happened at Money in the Banks when Bliss attacked Rousey and cashed in Money in the Bank to beat Nia Jax to win the Raw Women’s Title. It also showed Rousey attacking Bliss and Kurt Angle causing Rousey’s suspension. A clip aired from last week showing Alicia Fox attack Rousey to set up this week’s match.

Ronda Rousey vs. Alicia Fox is the main event and it’s up next.

(Commercial)

Next week on Raw for the Tag Team Championships: The B Team vs. The Revival vs. The Deleters of Worlds. It’s possible there is a title change there, but I think the B Team’s reign should continue.

Alexa Bliss made her entrance with Alicia Fox. Charly Caruso tried to ask a question to Fox, so Bliss spoke up. Bliss ripped on Caruso for coming up with a question about Rousey. Bliss put over Fox for being a champion and a pioneer in the women’s division. Caruso asked Fox how she prepared to step into the ring with Rousey. Fox said she’s pretty sure that Rousey is still banged up. A replay aired of Rousey getting attacked again. Fox is trash talking Ronda Rousey by mentioning she’s a UFC Hall of Famer and was in Sports Illustrated. Fox added she was captain of a Survivor Series team. Bliss said that they wouldn’t have the WWE Evolution pay-per-view if it wasn’t for women like Alicia Fox paving the way. Actually, it’s because of the creative team booking women’s matches seriously instead of giving them two minutes. Bliss continued to rant about Rousey. It just kept going.

Ronda Rousey made her entrance with her buddy Natalya. There was a loud ovation for Rousey, who had a serious look on her face. The fans cheered loudly when Rousey was announced when she was in the ring.

Ronda Rousey (w/Natalya) vs. Alicia Fox (w/Alicia Fox)

The match began at 11:05pmET. It’s not going to be a long match.

Fox started with trash talk, the fans chanted for Rousey and when Fox threw a punch, Rousey shoved her down. Bliss went on the apron, Natalya pulled her down and when Natalya turned her back, Bliss shoved Natalya into the ring post. The referee kept Fox back and Bliss tripped up Rousey. Fox stomped away on Rousey against the turnbuckle. Rousey had the angry look on her face again and Rousey unloaded with punches. Rousey attacked Fox with three arm wringers that took down Fox. When Fox left the ring, Rousey threw Fox into the barricade. Rousey sent Fox back into the ring. Bliss tried to attack again, Rousey stared her down and Rousey hit a suplex that sent Fox across the ring. Rousey grabbed the left arm of Fox, she stared at Bliss and Rousey slapped on the armbar. The arm of Fox was bent, so it’s not a straight cross armbreaker. It went about four minutes.

Winner by submission: Ronda Rousey

Analysis: *1/4 Easy win for Rousey as expected. I thought it would be a two minute match, so at least going about four minutes was a surprise. Fox stalled a bit to extend the match while Bliss provided some distraction. I think the Rousey armbar should be more of a cross armbreaker, but it’s cool the way she does it too where she bends the arm. As long as the wrestler sells it and taps out quick that’s all that really matters.

After the match, Rousey was interviewed in the ring by Charly Caruso. Rousey thanked the fans for the support. Bliss tried an attack, Rousey flipped her over and Bliss left. Rousey told her that she can hold onto the title for now, but at SummerSlam that title will belong to Rousey.

The show ended with Rousey posing in the ring with her buddy Natalya. That’s how Raw signed off at 11:11pmET.

Analysis: I think Rousey will win the title at SummerSlam. If it doesn’t happen there then maybe WWE will save it for Evolution in October. I think SummerSlam is the right call and then Evolution can be a title defense for Rousey.

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Paul Heyman
  2. Seth Rollins
  3. Drew McIntyre/Dolph Ziggler

The Scoreboard

4 out of 10

Last week: 5.5

2018 Average: 5.76

Last 5 Weeks: 6, 6.5, 5, 4, 7

2018 High: 8 (February 19)

2018 Low: 4 (June 4, July 2, August 6)

Final Thoughts

I give it a 4 out of 10.

It was a boring Raw this week. There just wasn’t a lot of interesting action, the promos were below average and other than a Paul Heyman interview, there was nothing that got me excited about SummerSlam. I don’t want to be negative about the show. It just felt below average all night long.

The next WWE PPV is SummerSlam on August 19. Here’s what we know so far.

Universal Championship: Brock Lesnar (c) vs. Roman Reigns

WWE Championship: AJ Styles (c) vs. Samoa Joe

Raw Women’s Championship: Alexa Bliss (c) vs. Ronda Rousey

For the Money in the Bank Contract: Braun Strowman vs. Kevin Owens

Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler (c) vs. Seth Rollins

United States Championship: Shinsuke Nakamura (c) vs. Jeff Hardy

Smackdown Women’s Championship: Carmella (c) vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair

Baron Corbin vs. Finn Balor

Cruiserweight Championship: Cedric Alexander (c) vs. Drew Gulak – I expect this to be a Kickoff Show match.

I expect Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz and the Smackdown Tag Team Title match as well. It’s possible that Lashley vs. Elias gets added too.

You can contact me using any of the methods below. See ya next time for the Smackdown review. Go Los Angeles Rams. Thanks for reading.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter: @johnreport

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