Reviews

The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 09/06/21 Review

By John Canton • Published 6th September 2021

Welcome to the WWE Raw Deal review for this week. This is the last Raw before the NFL is back on Monday nights on ESPN. Starting next week, I won’t do live reviews for the rest of the year unless it’s a really bad game on a Monday. I have done it this way from September through December since I started doing the Raw Deal in 2009 and it will continue moving forward. Doing it live is fun I guess in some ways, but I can miss stuff too due to rushing. When writing the next morning, I feel like it’s a better review. Anyway, that’s next week.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1476 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the FTX Arena in Miami, Florida. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Please visit TJRWrestling.net daily for our regular updates on the wrestling business featuring WWE news coverage, insightful columns from our team along with reviews about wrestling’s past (including my reviews of every WWE PPV ever listed in order) and present. Let’s roll.

The show began with New Day’s Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods talking about Tag Team Turmoil. They did a promo saying they were going to win. The Viking Raiders said tonight they will raid the entire tag team division. Mustafa Ali & Mansoor did a promo with Ali telling Mansoor to follow his lead. Lucha House Party will prove it’s Lucha time. T-Bar & Mace talked about how they won’t be intimidated going through six other teams. Jinder Mahal & Veer said that they are the next Raw Tag Team Champions. AJ Styles & Omos said that turmoil represents RK-Bro as the champions. Styles said after tonight they will be number one contenders and win back the Raw Tag Team Championships.

Analysis: That was a bit of a Saturday Night’s Main Event style intro with promos from the tag team division featuring teams in the turmoil match. They do that kind of thing every few months. I like it.

The Raw Tag Team Championship duo RK-Bro – Randy Orton & Riddle – made their entrance to a good pop from the crowd. The Raw commentary team was Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton.

A replay was shown from last week with RK-Bro beating WWE Champion Bobby Lashley & MVP in a tag team match when Riddle pinned MVP. Post match, Lashley hit Riddle with a Spear while Randy Orton dropped Lashley with an RKO to end it.

Let’s Hear from RK-Bro

The fans in Miami started the “RK-Bro” chants for the champions. Orton said last week on Raw, Lashley and MVP failed miserably to take the Tag Team Titles. Orton said that they failed because Lashley is nothing more than a greedy son of a bitch. Orton said that they will look at the seven tag teams left on Raw and see which team will be next in line to be defeated by…RK-Bro.

Riddle said tonight is going to be sick since they have a couple of cool teams. Riddle went over teams like Mace/T-Bar, then Lucha House Party has sick masks and Riddle suggested masks so they can be the Snake & Stallion Express. Riddle kept on rambling, then mentioned the munchies and hopes The New Day brings out some pancakes. Riddle mentioned the trombone and asked Randy about his favorite instruments.

The All Mighty WWE Champion Bobby Lashley entered with MVP wearing suits. MVP told Riddle to shut his dumbass up. MVP said that Lashley is going to rip Randy’s head off for that cowardly RKO last week.

Lashley and MVP got into the ring with Lashley said that Orton was cowardly last week. Lashley said he’s out there trying to finish what Randy started. Lashley dared Orton to face him like a man one-on-one so he can yank Orton’s shoulders out of socket and throw him down at Lashley’s feet like the coward that Orton is. Orton asked if you are challenging for a match, Lashley said that you are right and Orton said it’s interesting. Orton said that it’s been something like 10 or 15 years since they have faced eachother in this ring. Orton said he’ll accept the challenge on one condition – when they fight, Lashley has to put the WWE Championship on the line. Riddle was excited about that. MVP wasn’t sure.

MVP said that Randy hit the RKO outta nowhere last week, but when Lashley returns the favor it won’t be outta nowhere because it will be in his face. MVP said it will be one on one for the WWE Championship at Extreme Rules. Lashley said that he’s the selfish son of a bitch like Randy said, so Lashley and MVP will talk to Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville to get into that Tag Team Turmoil match. Lashley said after they win the Tag Team Titles, then he’s going to be a double champion.

Analysis: It was good promo work by everybody involved. The crowd was into it with strong support for Orton. When Orton hit Lashley with the RKO last week I figured they would go with Lashley vs. Orton at Extreme Rules. There weren’t any other obvious choices on the Raw brand, so it makes sense that it would be Orton. Since October is going to have the WWE Draft, they can probably switch things around so that some Smackdown guys can be brought over as future opponents for Bobby Lashley. Some babyface wrestlers like Kevin Owens, Edge, Finn Balor and Cesaro come to mind.

The New Day showed up with Kingston dressed like Diesel while Woods was dressed like Razor Ramon. Kingston said that they are starting Tag Team Turmoil right now. Woods mentioned beating Bobby Lashley a few weeks ago. New Day did some hip-shaking while noting they would go on to become the new Tag Team Champions.

The Viking Raiders were up next, so they are starting Tag Team Turmoil against New Day after a break.

(Commercial)

The team of Randy Orton and Riddle were watching at ringside. Two teams start, then it continues with winning teams moving on while losers are done. I do a rating for the whole match rather than the individual matches.

Tag Team Turmoil: The New Day (Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar)

Kofi Kingston started with Ivar, who managed to use his power to take down Kofi with his lower body. Erik tagged in and slammed Ivar into Kofi for a two count. Erik with a running forearm. Kofi broke free from Ivar and hit a stomp to the chest. Erik faced off with Woods, who hit a headscissors followed by a jumping kick. Erik with an overhead suplex on Woods. Kick to the head by Woods followed by a Tornado DDT. Woods with a kick to Erik and Kofi tagged in with a hook kick on Erik for two. Woods was back in, he blocked a knee from Erik at first, then Woods with a forearm and Erik hit a forearm. Kofi tagged in as Woods clotheslined Erik out of the ring. Kofi jumped off with a trust fall dive, Viking Raiders caught him and tossed Kofi onto Woods, who was on the floor. Ouch. Both New Day guys were down leading to a break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Kofi working over Erik with a jumping clothesline and Boom Drop leg drop. Ivar tagged in leading to a double team move where Ivar hit a clothesline while Erik suplexed Kofi and that got a two count. Erik with a backbreaker and a stomach breaker. Kofi came back with a headscissors, Woods got the tag, Erik slammed him and Ivar jumped off the top with a Superfly Splash on Woods for just two. Kofi came back with Trouble in Paradise on Ivar and Woods with an inside cradle on Erik to pin him. This first fall went about nine minutes.

The New Day defeated The Viking Raiders

Tag Team Turmoil: The New Day vs. Jinder Mahal & Veer (w/Shanky)

New Day attacked with dives on the bigger opponents. Woods went up top and hit a cross body block on Mahal. Jinder with a back elbow on Woods and a knee drop for two. Veer tagged in with a running body attack on Woods, who rolled out to the floor. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Veer continued on offense against Woods with an elbow drop as Mahal tagged in with a dropkick. Woods broke free, Kingston got the tag, Mahal moved out of the way of a splash and Woods tagged in with a double foot stomp while Kingston was holding Mahal and Woods pinned Mahal to win.

The New Day defeated Jinder Mahal & Veer

Tag Team Turmoil: The New Day vs. Lucha House Party (Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik)

The action spilled to the floor right away with LHP’s Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik each hitting moonsaults off the apron to the floor. Metalik walked the shoulders of Dorado into a splash on Woods for two. Woods and Dorado exchanged chops. Dorado went for a move off the top, but Woods got the knees up to block the attack. Metalik tagged in to prevent the tag. Metalik with a kick to the head, Woods with a kick to the gut and Kofi tagged in with a splash to the back for the two count. Metalik with a jawbreaker, Dorado tagged in and Kofi brought in Woods, but Dorado hit a double Stunner on both guys for two on Woods. Dorado with a superkick on Woods, then back to back moonsaults and Dorado hit a moonsault off the top on Woods for two as Kofi made the save. Dorado kicked Kofi on the floor. Dorado and Metalik with double superkicks on Woods. Then Woods countered a Metalik move into a slam for the win.

The New Day defeated Lucha House Party

T-Bar and Mace were next for their match with New Day after a break.

(Commercial)

Tag Team Turmoil: The New Day vs. Mace & T-Bar

Mace was in control of Woods with a big forearm to the bad. New Day were in in the ring for about 25 minutes at this point. Mace hit Woods with a running knee against the turnbuckle and then Mace applied a vice grip to the neck. Woods came back with an enziguri kick. Mace set up Woods on the turnbuckle and then Woods hit a dropkick to the leg. T-Bar tagged back in to prevent Woods from tagging out. T-Bar with a back elbow on Woods for a two count followed by a chinlock. Mace was back in with a belly to back suplex on Woods for two. Woods tried to break free with a kick, Mace knocked Kofi off the apron and T-Bar whipped Kofi into the barricade. Mace with a kick on Woods. T-Bar lifted Woods on the shoulders, he went for a knee to the face and then Woods countered it into a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on T-Bar to win.

The New Day defeated Mace & T-Bar

After the fall, T-Bar crushed Woods with a clothesline. Mace hit a running suplex on Kingston.

Mansoor & Mustafa Ali were next. Ali wanted Mansoor to stop, but then Mansoor went into the ring and got beat up by Mace & T-Bar. Ali tried to save Mansoor, but T-Bar kicked Ali and tossed him over the top to the floor. Mace & T-Bar whipped Ali into the ring post. They also hit Mansoor with the steel steps. T-Bar tossed Kofi into the steel steps being held by Mace. The fans booed the big men that were doing those cheap attacks. Mace picked up Woods and drove him back first into the ring post. That led to WWE Officials Adam Pearce & Sonya Deville going out there along with Producers like Shawn Daivari, Pat Buck, Jamie Noble and referees. T-Bar and Mace finally stopped the attack.

Analysis: That was the best booking of T-Bar & Mace since they became a team. They looked like dominant heel monsters heel. That’s the way they should be portrayed instead of losing to rollups, but the booking is inconsistent in WWE. Anyway, it promotes the idea that New Day and Ali/Mansoor were destroyed yet they still had to continue in the match.

(Commercial)

It was the top of hour two as the announcers recapped the chaos from before the break. There was a promo from Sonya Deville saying she’ll let the teams regroup and finish the match later tonight.

Analysis: *** That’s my rating for Tag Team Turmoil so far. I think the fall with New Day and Viking Raiders was the best part of Tag Team Turmoil up to this point.

Four teams remain in Tag Team Turmoil: The New Day, Mustafa Ali/Mansoor, Bobby Lashley & MVP and AJ Styles/Omos.

Analysis: That’s not normal to have a Tag Team Turmoil go on pause like that and continue later on Raw, but I guess they wanted to try something different tonight.

Drew McIntyre made his entrance with Angela the sword. Good pop for Drew. They showed highlights from last week’s great US Title triple threat match with Damian Priest getting the win and then Drew shook his hand after the match. Sheamus was up next as the opponent with the protective mask on his face for his “broken” nose that is not still broken.

Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus

The winner gets a US Title match against Damian Priest at Extreme Rules. This is what they need to do more of in WWE where the winner gets a title shot. It’s better than beating a champion in a non-title match.

Sheamus was in control with a headlock as US Champion Damian Priest was shown watching on a TV backstage. Sheamus with a running shoulder tackle, then McIntyre ran the ropes and got his own shoulder tackle. McIntyre was sent to the apron, Sheamus rocked him with knees and McIntyre blocked the forearms. That led to Drew hitting forearms of his own, so then Sheamus hit a neckbreaker into the top rope. Sheamus went up top with a clothesline on Drew on the floor. Back in the ring, Drew hit a spinebuster for two. McIntyre went up top, Sheamus stopped him with forearms, McIntyre with punches and they continued to exchange punches until Sheamus hit a superplex off the top. Both guys were down as the show went to break. Nice move.

(Commercial)

They did a spot where they ran the ropes with McIntyre hitting two clothesline and an overhead suplex. Sheamus managed to create some separation, then he went up top and McIntyre hit another suplex this time off the middle rope (while Sheamus was on the top) and that got a two count. McIntyre with a pin attempt for two, then back up with a headbutt, but Sheamus’ mask hurt Drew, then Sheamus with a headbutt and that got a two count for Sheamus. Sheamus hit an Alabama Slam for two. Sheamus mocked Drew’s countdown, then charged in, Drew hit a clothesline and a Future Shock DDT for two. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them although it was not a loud chant. Sheamus caught a charging McIntyre, then Drew sent Sheamus into the turnbuckle and Drew applied a kimura arm submission, but Sheamus got his hand on the bottom rope to break free. McIntyre wrenched the arm of Sheamus across the top rope, Drew jumped off the top with nothing, Sheamus moved and Sheamus hit a pump knee for two! McIntyre got an inside cradle for two and McIntyre hit the White Noise slam for two. They exchanged strikes, then Drew took the mask off to a pop and a boot on Sheamus. McIntyre charged, Sheamus avoided him and Sheamus got the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! with a handful of tights for the pinfall win. The referee didn’t see Sheamus grabbing Drew’s trunks. It went about 17 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sheamus

Analysis: ***3/4 A very good match as usual from two guys that have wrestled a lot and know each other well. I was a bit surprised by the outcome because Drew usually wins when they have a match, so I figured that’s what we would get here. Instead, Sheamus cheated to win by grabbing the tights. Neither guy was able to hit their deadly finishing move, which is why it was such an even match. I think they’ve had better matches in the past, but it was still really good. The crowd seemed to be into it for most of the match too, so that always helps. It seems like WWE goes back to this match once every month or two and that’s fine with me because these two best friends are awesome in the ring together.

Post match, McIntyre got a hold of the Sheamus mask and hit his former best friend in the face with it. When Sheamus got back up, Drew counted down 3, 2, 1 and he hit the Claymore Kick to put Sheamus down.

Analysis: It was justified payback for McIntyre since Sheamus cheated to beat him. I feel like McIntyre is very likely getting moved to Smackdown in the draft next month, which is why he put over Priest last week and Sheamus this week. This was a cheap loss, but still a loss.

It’s official for Extreme Rules: Damian Priest defends the US Championship against Sheamus.

Damian Priest was interviewed by Kevin Patrick. Priest said that these guys know how to fight and that’s why he enjoys it. Priest said he’ll enjoy facing Sheamus again. Priest said he has Sheamus’s number and his night will end with Sheamus on his back just like tonight. Priest said the difference is that it sounds like: “And still United States Champion, Damian Priest.” Damian smiled about it.

Analysis: I expect Priest to retain against Sheamus at Extreme Rules. Putting the title back on Sheamus doesn’t make a lot of sense to me.

Rhea Ripley and Nikki A.S.H. were interviewed backstage by Sarah Schreiber. Ripley talked about how they have something in common since they like to fight together. Nikki said they don’t have much in common, but they are working on it and they are getting there. Ripley said if whatever this is does actually work then maybe they’ll have some gold coming real soon. Nikki encouraged Rhea to say something, so Ripley said maybe it’s time to unleash…and Nikki said: “Super Brutality.”

Analysis: I guess “Super Brutality” is the team name. I’m not sure if it’s going to catch on.

Nikki A.S.H. entered first followed by Rhea Ripley for tag team action up next.

A commercial aired for Friday’s Smackdown in Madison Square Garden with Brock Lesnar making his return. Plus, Edge faces Seth Rollins in a SummerSlam rematch.

(Commercial)

Charlotte Flair was interviewed backstage by Sarah Schreiber. Charlotte talked about how Nia Jax beat her, but Charlotte is still the champion. Charlotte said she’s one of a kind while claiming that Nia will bow down and kiss the floor that she walks on. Charlotte: “Long live the Queen.” That ended it. Charlotte vs. Nia Jax is later on Raw.

The Women’s Tag Team Champions Natalya & Tamina entered for a tag team match. This was non-title. The Smackdown team of Shotzi & Nox have three non-title wins over Natalya/Tamina, but have not been given a title shot. No idea when they would get a title shot.

Natalya & Tamina vs. Rhea Ripley & Nikki A.S.H.

Tamina used her power to knock down Nikki a couple of times. Nikki went to the turnbuckle, Tamina with a headbutt and Tamina missed a splash when Tamina moved. Nikki with a running splash and dropkick. Ripley tagged in, tossed Nikki at Tamina and kicked Tamina in the face. Tamina and Ripley exchanged punches. Natalya tagged in, Ripley picked up Nikki and used Nikki’s legs to knock Natalya down. Nikki was distracted by Tamina on the apron, so then Natalya got a takedown a dropkick to Nikki’s back. Tamina pulled Ripley off the apron and hit a superkick to knock Ripley down on the floor.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Nikki as the face in peril although it was only briefly because Ripley was back on the apron ready for the tag. Ripley with two clotheslines on Natalya, then a headbutt and a dropkick. Ripley with a kick to the gut and a Northern Lights Suplex for two. Nikki went up top, she jumped with a cross body block off the top and Tamina broke up the pin. Ripley with a dropkick on Tamina, Natalya with a German Suplex on Ripley and then Natalya hit a discus lariat on Nikki. Ripley made the tag without Natalya seeing it, so Ripley was back in with a Riptide for the pinfall win after nine minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Rhea Ripley & Nikki A.S.H.

Analysis: **1/2 The match was average for the most part. I thought both teams worked hard, they did a nice job of building to Ripley getting the tag and she cleaned house. Good finish with the blind tag, so Natalya wasn’t ready for the Riptide when Ripley hit it. You may recall earlier when I mentioned I like having wrestlers face off with the winners earning a title shot instead of having champions lose non-title matches. This is a good example of why that is because Natalya/Tamina lost again here just like they have lost three times to Shotzi & Nox on Smackdown. I assume Ripley & Nikki will get a title shot soon, but maybe they should have three teams in the match.

The unique team of Ripley and Nikki celebrated with Nikki jumping into Ripley’s arms to celebrate.

Analysis: The deal here is that Nikki is overly excitable while Ripley is more of a tougher woman that doesn’t emotion that much, but being around Nikki is good for Rhea smiling and enjoying the moment.

Moist TV

John Morrison was backstage hosting Moist TV with Karrion Kross as the guest. Morrison said that the people were thirsty for some info on what makes Kross tick. Kross thanked him for being on the show and said that he is a person that wants to make a person’s worst dreams a reality. Kross told Morrison he plans on making him suffer. Morrison mentioned potential opponents, Kross said those were great ideas and Kross said he was going to eliminate Morrison. That led to Morrison talking about how he’s been in the business for two decades, but Kross cut him off and told Morrison he’ll teach him to fall and pray.

Analysis: It was a taped interview segment instead of doing it in the ring. That’s fine as a way to spend a few minutes to set up a match. It also showed off the no-nonsense attitude of Kross.

Karrion Kross made his entrance with his unique mask that was part of his entrance. Kross faces Morrison next.

There was a video about how September is Pediatric Cancer Research month. WWE encourages people to donate to Connor’s Cure at ConnorTheCrusher.com to help fight pediatric cancer.

(Commercial)

John Morrison vs. Karrion Kross

They got into a brawl right away with Kross getting a takedown leading to forearms. Kross with a Doomsday Suplex. Kross went for the Kross Jacket, but Morrison fought it and got to the ropes to break the hold. Morrison got his Drip Stick in the corner and sprayed water on Kross, who was furious about it. Kross kicked Morrison in the head. That was nasty. Kross suplexed Morrison over the top turnbuckle and also over the ring post. Morrison was holding onto the ropes to help him complete the bump. Back in the ring, Kross applied the Kross Jacket submission win after two minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Karrion Kross

Analysis: * It was another dominant with for Kross. I don’t know why they choose to book Morrison this way, but they are hurting him when they do that. I’m fine with Kross getting short wins. I just think sometimes it can hurt his opponents too much.

Nia Jax was interviewed backstage by Sarah Schreiber. Jax said that Charlotte freaked out last week because nobody overpowered Flair like she did last week and Jax destroyed her. Jax said that Charlotte better get used to losing because she will finish what she started and walk out as the Raw Women’s Champion.

Charlotte Flair made her entrance as the Raw Women’s Champion. Graves talked about how the fight last week was nasty and ugly. It sure was. That title match is next.

(Commercial)

Charlotte Flair was in the ring with her Raw Women’s Title. They showed a replay of Nia Jax beating Charlotte Flair last week on Raw to earn this title shot.

Analysis: Last week’s match was brutal. Hopefully it’s not that bad again.

Nia Jax made her entrance as the challenger. Both women stood in the ring as ring announcer Mike Rome did the championship introductions. Both women were booed since they are heels.

Before the match began, Shayna Baszler was at ringside saying she didn’t think Nia Jax can beat her twice in a row. Baszler wondered if Jax will become the champion or will she choke? Charlotte went after Jax to start it.

Raw Women’s Championship: Charlotte Flair vs. Nia Jax (w/Shayna Baszler)

Flair and Jax got into a slugfest right away with the referee separating them. Flair dared Jax to pull her hair, then Flair left the ring and was doing “suck it” gestures. Flair told Jax to kiss her ass. Flair grabbed her title, told Baszler to get out of her face and Jax got a hold of Charlotte. Flair with a neckbreaker across the rope and Jax came back with a clothesline. Charlotte flipped to avoid a move and hit a chop block to the back of the left knee. Jax sent Flair into the turnbuckle. Jax went to the middle rope, Charlotte slipped out of that and hit a Powerbomb for a two count. Charlotte tried a Figure Four leglock, but Jax slammed her down and Flair rolled to the floor leading to a break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Jax on the floor, so Charlotte went up top and hit the moonsault on Jax on the floor with Charlotte’s arm taking out Jax. That’s usually how Flair does it. Baszler nearly attacked Flair, who moved and Baszler stopped herself from hitting Jax. Back in the ring, Jax with a headbutt and corner splash. Jax set up Flair on the top turnbuckle, Baszler as on the apron to distract and Flair hit a Natural Selection neckbreaker for the pinfall win after ten minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Charlotte Flair

Analysis: **3/4 It was a much better match than last week. You could tell Flair was on her game this week making Jax look impressive and selling everything well. It’s still tough to have a good match with Jax involved. The inclusion of Baszler was done to give Jax an out since Baszler’s distractions cost Jax the match. They lost control last week, but this week they were on the same page and had a better match.

Shayna Baszler left through the crowd while Jax followed her.

Alexa Bliss appeared with Lilly the evil doll. Bliss invited Flair to be a guest on the Playground. Charlotte said she’s not a fan of her mind games and she’s not coming to the Playground. Bliss said if Charlotte won’t come to them then Bliss will bring the playground to her. The lights were flickering in the arena and some creepy music played. The lights went out, then they came back on and Bliss was in the ring with Lilly and she was behind Flair. Charlotte said that Alexa obviously wants something, so Alexa pointed at the Raw Women’s Title. Flair asked if she wants a title match. The fans chanted “YES” to that idea. Flair said fine, but this isn’t Alexa’s playground, it is Charlotte’s playground. That ended it.

Analysis: Sometimes people in WWE earn a title shot. Sometimes all you have to do is point at a title. The biggest name that Bliss beat in a match this year? Randy Orton. Yeah, it happened.

There were videos shown of some of Reggie’s comedic 24/7 Title defenses over the last few weeks. Reggie made his entrance as the 24/7 Champion. He defends that title against Akira Tozawa after a break.

(Commercial)

24/7 Championship: Reggie vs. Akira Tozawa

Tozawa charged, Reggie avoided moves and hit a dropsault. Reggie hit a somersault leg drop to the back of the head. Reggie with a running somersault onto Tozawa for the pinfall win after one minute.

Winner by pinfall: Reggie

Analysis: A quickie. The 24/7 Title is meaningless, but I will give Reggie credit for being very athletic.

Reggie avoided the attacks from R-Truth, Cedric Alexander and Humberto Carrillo. Some more guys barely featured on Raw were at ringside and then Reggie hit a dive over the top onto others on the floor. Jeff Hardy was part of it. How much are they paying Jeff to barely use him? So strange. Drake Maverick showed up on the stage, but then Reggie went to the back. R-Truth told Drake that’s his title. Drake said nothing.

Analysis: I guess they have moved Drake Maverick to Raw from NXT. I’m not sure what the story will be for him, but Maverick is talented for a shorter guy.

A replay aired from last week when Doudrop beat up Eva Marie before the match could even begin.

Doudrop was interviewed by Kevin Patrick. Doudrop said that she didn’t want Eva to get comfortable. Doudrop is not shocked that Eva couldn’t make it to Raw and said her karma is coming back around. Doudrop said she’s challenging Eva Marie to a rematch next week and said it will be unforgettable. Doudrop ripped on the Eva-Lution and said it’s the Doudrop-Alution? Sure.

The New Day were back to continue the Tag Team Turmoil match from earlier in the show. Kingston and Woods were limping a bit on their way down to the ring.

(Commercial)

Randy Orton and Riddle were back at ringside.

Tag Team Turmoil: The New Day vs. Mansoor & Mustafa Ali

Kingston started with Mansoor with Kofi running the ropes, Ali pulled the rope down and Kofi bumped to the floor. Back in the ring, Kofi hit the SOS trip in the ring. Woods took over by trapping Ali against the ropes and Woods hit a dropkick to the back while Ali was against the ropes. Woods shoved Mansoor into Ali. Kingston went into the ring and hit a superplex on Ali off the back of Mansoor for a two count. Woods went for a move on Mansoor, but Mansoor came back with a rollup for two. Woods was selling a back injury. Ali was mad at Mansoor for not attacking the back, so Ali tagged in and kicked Woods in the back two times. Woods came back with a headbutt. Kingston went up top and hit a cross body block on Ali. Kofi charged for Trouble in Paradise, but Ali kicked him to block it. Ali went up top for a 450 Splash, Kofi moved and Kofi hit Trouble in Paradise. Woods was the legal man and he hit a top rope elbow drop for the pinfall win about five minutes into this fall.

The New Day eliminated Mansoor & Mustafa Ali

The next team was the “Phenomenal” AJ Styles and the big man Omos.

(Commercial)

Tag Team Turmoil: The New Day vs. AJ Styles & Omos

Styles was in the ring with Woods with Styles hitting a running tackle to prevent Woods from tagging out. Styles whipped Woods back first into the turnbuckle. Omos finally tagged in with a hard forearm on Xavier’s back. Omos stood on Xavier’s back while he held onto the ropes for pressure. Omos whipped Woods into the turnbuckle followed by a running corner splash. Styles was back in with a snap suplex on Woods followed by a chinlock and then a head whip into the mat. Styles with kicks to the back of the leg. Woods with a forearm that knocked Styles out of the ring to the floor. When AJ went back in, Woods got a rollup on Styles and then a double clothesline. Kofi tagged in against Omos with Omos chopping Kofi after Kofi jumped off the top rope. Kofi bumped to the floor.

(Commercial)

There were about ten minutes left in the show with Kingston as the face in peril this time. Kofi fought out of the corner against Styles with a jumping foot stomp to the chest. Styles missed a corner attack when Kofi moved. Styles went for his reverse DDT off the ropes, but he slipped a bit and Kofi got out of it to hit Trouble in Paradise. Omos broke up the two count. Omos tossed Woods out of the ring, then Omos tossed Kofi to Styles and Styles hit a Styles Clash for the pinfall to beat Kingston.

AJ Styles & Omos eliminated The New Day

The WWE All Mighty WWE Champion Bobby Lashley and MVP entered as the final team.

Tag Team Turmoil: AJ Styles & Omos vs. Bobby Lashley & MVP

It’s a matchup of two heels with about five minutes left. Lashley was dominating Styles with a hard whip into the turnbuckle. Styles came back with an impressive Pele Kick on Lashley to break free. Omos tagged in to face off against Lashley, so the fans went wild for this showdown. They did a test of strength with the fans chanting “Bobby” for the heel champion. Lashley drove Omos to the turnbuckle with repeated shoulder tackles. Omos blocked a suplex attempt and Omos hit a front suplex. Omos hit a running kick that sent Lashley over the top to the floor. Lashley landed right near Orton at ringside so they talked trash a bit. Styles hit a running dive off the announce tables onto Lashley/Orton at ringside. Omos tossed Riddle into the barricade. Styles sent Lashley into the ring, MVP went for a cheap attack and Styles kicked him in the face. Omos tossed Riddle onto the announce table. Back in the ring, Styles went for the springboard attack, but Lashley avoided it and hit a Spear on Styles to get the pinfall win. This second part of Tag Team Turmoil went 28 minutes.

Bobby Lashley & MVP eliminated AJ Styles & Omos

Winners of Tag Team Turmoil by pinfall: Bobby Lashley & MVP

Analysis: ***1/4 The New Day guys carried the majority of this nearly 30 minutes of action. They sold everything so well, got some offense when needed and looked like valiant babyfaces that kept on fighting. After New Day was gone, I’m sure WWE’s bosses were thrilled at how much the fans cheered the Omos/Lashley showdown. I can see them planning a huge singles push for Omos over the next year. Anyway, it was the right outcome for the match with Lashley and MVP picking up the win even though MVP barely did anything.

The win means that Lashley and MVP get a Raw Tag Team Title match next week at Randy Orton and Riddle.

Post match, Omos went into the ring and hit a two-handed tree slam on Lashley. The fans popped big for that since it was an impressive move. Orton snuck into the ring and dropped Lashley with an RKO. Great selling by Lashley. The fans popped huge for it. Orton posed with Riddle on the turnbuckles. That was it.

Analysis: Orton got the upper hand on Lashley for the second week in a row to show that maybe Orton can beat Lashley when they have their singles match. We will get a preview since it’s Orton/Riddle vs. Lashley/MVP for the Raw Tag Team Titles next week. I expect the champs to retain with MVP taking the pin.

Three Stars of the Show

The New Day
Sheamus/Drew McIntyre
Bobby Lashley

The Scoreboard

6.75 out of 10

Last week: 6

2021 Average: 5.93

Final Thoughts

The in-ring action was better this week, so I’m giving it a higher score than the last few weeks. The New Day guys were in the ring for over an hour if you count the two different parts of the Tag Team Turmoil match. I get them a lot of credit for putting on a good showing. The issue is that earning a Tag Team Title shot shouldn’t take up over an hour of TV time, but when you have a three hour Raw show with time to fill then I guess it’s understandable why they booked it that way.

I think they did a nice job of setting up some matches for Extreme Rules while teasing some other obvious matchups too.

Raw still remains a tough show to watch at times with inconsistent booking, but I give credit to the wrestlers for working hard and putting on some good matches this week.

The next WWE pay-per-view is Extreme Rules on Sunday, September 26. Here’s what we know so far.