The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 05/20/24 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring King and Queen of the Ring semifinals as Jey Uso faces GUNTHER while Lyra Valkyria is in action against IYO SKY.
The WWE King and Queen of the Ring semifinals are big matches on this week’s show. Plus, Sami Zayn is against Chad Gable while The Miz & R-Truth defend the World Tag Team Titles as well. The King and Queen of the Ring PLE is on Saturday. Next week’s Raw is a big anniversary for me, so I’ll write more about that in one week’s time.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1617 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
There were arrivals shown of wrestlers arriving earlier in the day. They showed IYO SKY and Lyra Valkyria outside the building. A clip was shown of GUNTHER walking with Ludwig Kaiser in the arena while Jey Uso also was shown arriving earlier in the day.
Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn, the Intercontinental Champion, made his entrance to a good ovation. It was Michael Cole and Pat McAfee on commentary as usual.
Zayn welcomed us to Raw. Zayn said that we are five days from King and Queen of the Ring live from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Zayn said he finds himself in a triple threat match with Bronson Reed and Chad Gable for his Intercontinental Championship. Zayn mentioned the disadvantage of being in a triple threat when you don’t have to be pinned to lose. Zayn said he had a personal issue with Chad Gable for suplexing Zayn in front of his wife and 78-year-old father, so Gable will have to deal with this. Zayn said that Bronson Reed just cares about the Intercontinental Title. Zayn spoke about how it’s the mind of Gable, body of Reed and soul of Zayn, which led to Zayn saying he’s betting on his soul. Zayn said that’s why he was able to beat the longest-reigning IC Champion of all time at WrestleMania. Zayn said that is why he’s going to walk out still the Intercontinental Champion.
Chad Gable interrupted saying he was too damn nice since he coached Sami Zayn to win the Intercontinental Title. Gable said he’s been too nice to Zayn and too nice to the clowns behind him in the Alpha Academy. Gable called Maxxine Dupri a failure. Gable told Akira Tozawa he was a failure for not doing damage to Bronson Reed. When Gable mentioned Otis, there were “Otis” chants from the crowd. Gable said that Otis proved he’s the biggest disappointment on the planet.
Zayn asked the Alpha Academy how much longer are they going to deal with this guy’s crap? Gable said that Zayn is trying to drive a wedge to the group. Gable said that they are dedicated to him. Gable said he’s tired of hearing Zayn talking about his heart and soul. Gable said he doesn’t have to pin Zayn, but he will pin Zayn and the fans chanted “you suck” at Gable. Chad said he’s not just taking his title, he’s taking his soul. Zayn said they had a match scheduled for tonight, so let’s do it right here and right now.
Analysis: A good promo exchange to build to this match that was already advertised. Zayn talking about his heart and soul exactly what he should be doing because the fans love him due to how he sells an attack, but always comes back for more. The fans popping for Otis when Gable was berating him shows that Otis is going to be popular as a babyface on his own when it happens.
Sami Zayn vs. Chad Gable (w/Otis, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri)
This is not for Zayn’s Intercontinental Title. Zayn hit a running clothesline along with an elbow smash. Zayn clotheslined Gable over the top to the floor. Gable’s friends were helping him up, so Gable pushed them away.
(Commercial)
Gable was in control after a suplex. Gable jumped off the top with a headbutt, but Zayn moved and Gable hit the mat. Zayn did a leap off the ropes leading to a clothesline. Gable hit an overhead suplex across the ring. Gable choked Zayn against the ropes, Gable wanted her to hit Zayn while Gable distracted the referee, but Dupri didn’t do it. Gable yelled at her for not taking direction. Zayn worked over Gable with punches. Gable rolled out of the ring and hid behind Dupri. Back in the ring, Gable stomped on Zayn along with some boot to the throat choking. Gable wanted Tozawa to do a cheap shot while Gable distracted the referee, but Tozawa refused to do it. Gable told Tozawa and Dupri that they were failures. Gable ejected them from ringside. Zayn came back with a Blue Thunder Bomb for a two count as usual for that move. Gable rolled out of the ring right by Otis. They replayed the Blue Thunder Bomb, a QR Code appeared on the screen and the show went to break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Gable hitting two German Suplexes while the fans were chanting “We Want Otis.” Zayn came back with two German Suplexes on his own. Zayn hit a Michinoku Driver for a two count. Zayn charged, but Gable picked the leg and turned it into an Ankle Lock, which Zayn broke by getting his hand on the bottom rope. Gable sent Zayn out of the ring near Otis and Gable distracted the referee again. Otis stood over Zayn while Otis stopped himself from hitting Zayn. Gable sent Zayn back in and yelled at Otis for not listening to him. Gable slapped Otis in the face. Gable tried to hit Zayn with the IC Title, but Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. The referee tried to get rid of the IC Title, so Otis finally helped Gable with a lefty clothesline. Gable hit his Chaos Theory rolling German Suplex on Zayn for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Chad Gable
Analysis: ***1/2 A very good match as expected by two guys that are very talented like Gable and Zayn. It was obviously heavy on the story because of Gable being a jerk to the guys in his Alpha Academy stable. While the fans want Otis to turn on Gable, it didn’t happen yet and instead, we saw Otis as a big factor in why Gable got the win. Giving them three segments is fine with me because they’re always going to have an entertaining match.
The announcers talked about the QR Codes on the screen and Cole mentioned a creepy video. That means they should be debuting the Uncle Howdy group soon.
A video aired about IYO SKY ahead of her Queen of the Ring Semifinal match. Sky said in Japanese (with the translation on screen) that they took over Smackdown when she was champion and Raw will bow down when she’s queen. Sky told Valkyria she would fail.
Bron Breakker was shown walking backstage for his Raw debut up next.
(Commercial)
Chad Gable and Alpha Academy was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Before Chad could say anything, there was a lot of noise and screaming backstage. It was Cruz Del Toro selling a left arm injury. He was already injured. The rest of the LWO and Raw GM Adam Pearce were there.
Bron Breakker vs. Kale Dixon
Bron’s music is more generic than it was in NXT although it did have the sirens at the start. Bron complained about how he wasn’t in the King of the Ring tournament and now this. Bron hit a running Spear on Dixon. Bron tossed Dixon out of the ring. Bron ran around the ring leading to a running Spear on the floor. Bron brought Dixon back into the ring, the referee Rod Zapata checked on him and called for the bell. It went under two minutes.
Winner by referee’s stoppage: Bron Breakker
Analysis: 1/2* A squash win for Bron that puts over his Spear as a very dangerous move.
The referee held Dixon up, so Bron ran the ropes a few times leading to another Spear. Bron kicked Dixon out of the ring. Bron grabbed the steel steps since he wanted to do more, but referees and officials stopped him from doing more. Bron grabbed a steel chair and hit Dixon’s head while it was against the steel steps. It made a lot of noise, that’s for sure. Raw GM Adam Pearce and others made Bron leave.
Analysis: This was about sending a message by making Bron look like a killer and a threat on the Raw brand. I like how it was done. I don’t know if you can say he’s a heel or a face because the fans were cheering it. What matters is how he was presented as a big deal. That’s better than just doing a 30-second squash and cutting away. This was Bron on camera for about five minutes showing what kind of a badass he is.
(Commercial)
There were replays shown of Bron’s destruction. Kale Dixon was shown being taken away on a stretcher.
Raw GM Adam Pearce was backstage helping Dixon go into the ambulance on the stretcher. Kiana James asked how she could help. Pearce said not now. Bron Breakker walked up to Pearce and said: “You can’t control me. You didn’t put me in King of the Ring. That’s on you.” Bron left.
A video aired showing how IYO SKY and Lyra Valkyria made it to the Queen of the Ring semifinals.
Lyra Valkyria was shown getting ready. Becky Lynch, the Women’s World Champion, told Lyra she’s worked so hard for this and told her to show what she can do. Lyra told Lynch she’s got this.
Queen of the Ring Tournament Semifinals: Lyra Valkyria vs. IYO SKY
Lyra hooked the arms leading to a rollup for two followed by Lyra getting another rollup. Lyra hit a cross body block off the turnbuckle for two.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Sky in control with double knees to the chest. Sky hit a knee to the ribs followed by a double underhook backbreaker for a two count. Sky went for multiple pin attempts, but Lyra kept kicking out. Lyra blocked a kick followed by a German Suplex across the ring. Lyra hit a combination of kicks along with an enziguri kick to knock Sky out of the ring. Lyra dropkicked Sky on the floor. Back in the ring, Lyra went up top and hit a cross body block. Lyra hit a Fisherman’s buster for a two count. Sky did a hair pull takedown followed by Sky running the ropes leading to double knees for two. Lyra trapped Sky in a move that was like a reverse Boston Crab and then Lyra turned it into a pin attempt. Sky came back with a Crossface submission. Sky let go leading to a palm strike. Lyra sent Sky to the apron, Sky with a punch and a springboard dropkick. Sky went up top, but Lyra pulled her down. Sky countered a move to send Lyra to the apron. Sky hit a springboard moonsault off the middle rope onto Lyra on the floor. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
They exchanged holds, Sky got a takedown and a double foot stomp to the body. Sky went for double knees, but Lyra moved and Lyra hit a Tornado DDT off the ropes. Lyra hit the Fisherman’s buster again for two. Sky came back with a waistlock leading into a German Suplex. Sky hit the double knees against the turnbuckle. Sky went up top, but Lyra grabbed her foot. Sky managed to stop Lyra from doing a move and Sky hit a Powerbomb. Sky went up top, jumped off with a moonsault, Lyra got out of the way and Lyra went for Nightwing, but Sky got out of that and Lyra sat on top for the one…two…and three while holding onto Sky’s legs (one of the legs). It went about 17 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Lyra Valkyria
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match that was very even most of the way. The fans weren’t into the whole match, but they got into it by the end with the nearfalls. It didn’t feel like a great match that reached another level, but I think it was an entertaining match. Neither woman was able to hit her finisher although Sky went for the top rope moonsault a few times. Lyra won on a counter to show that she is able to get a victory in multiple ways. I’m not that surprised by the result.
Lyra Valkyria was interviewed in the ring with Jackie Redmond. Sky said something in Japanese and left. Jackie asked if you could have imagined this three weeks ago. Lyra said she could not have imagined how she beat a former Women’s Champion. Lyra said what matters is believing that you can win. Lyra said that she is one Nightwing away from becoming Queen of the Ring.
Analysis: I don’t think Lyra Valkyria will beat Bianca Belair or Nia Jax in the finals. However, it’s been cool to see Lyra booked well as a newcomer on Raw.
R-Truth was backstage talking to New Catch Republic’s Tyler Bate & Pete Dunne. The Miz walked up to Truth to check on Truth was doing. Tyler Bate wished them good luck and left. Truth claimed he talked to Andre the Giant and Miz said Andre has been dead for over 30 years. Miz said maybe they could use Andre in spirit, then looked up speaking to him, so Truth said that people think he’s crazy for talking to people.
Ilja Dragunov was interviewed by Kayla Braxton backstage. Ilja spoke about how Gunther is a man who broke him several times. Ricochet walked up saying that just because Ilja beat him one time doesn’t mean that this is over…not by a long shot. That’s when Bron Breakker showed up to hit Ricochet with a Spear into some equipment cases. Officials checked on Ricochet as the show went to break.
Analysis: More chaos caused by Bron Breakker. I like that he’s being featured more.
(Commercial)
There was a replay of Bron Breakker attacking Ricochet backstage. They showed Ricochet selling the attack while Raw GM Adam Pearce was there as well looking at the distraction.
A video aired recapping how Gunther and Jey Uso reached the semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament.
Gunther was shown walking into an empty arena earlier in the day. Gunther said that the arena would be full of people supporting Jey Uso chanting his name and filling the room with hope and delusion. Gunther said that he’s in the business of taking hope away. Gunther said when Jey takes on Gunther in the semifinals of the King of the Ring tournament, it’s not about who is the more exciting act – it’s about who is the better professional wrestler. Gunther said he was superior to Jey. Gunther said that all of the people would embrace him. Gunther said that he was already the general of the ring and soon to be King of the Ring.
Analysis: I liked that promo and how it was done with Gunther in the empty arena. Gunther talking about Jey Uso’s connection with the fans is important, but as Gunther said, it’s all about who is better in the ring.
The Judgment Day was shown in their clubhouse area. Damian Priest walked up to Finn Balor & JD McDonagh telling them to do their thing in their match. Carlito was hanging out there so Priest said he heard what Carlito did to Cruz Del Toro backstage. Carlito said he knew the LWO was coming after him, so he wanted to strike first. Priest said they weren’t the APA there to protect him. Dominik Mysterio mentioned Carlito helped Finn & JD last week so Priest said that’s why Carlito can hang out this week but he has to earn his spot to hang out with them. Balor told Priest he wished he was with him tonight, but he gets it because Priest is the champ. Carlito asked Priest if he caught that New York Knicks game and Priest left angrily asking: “What’s wrong with you?” Priest is a Knicks fan, I believe. They lost to Indiana on Saturday.
The Awesome Truth duo of The Miz & R-Truth entered as the World Tag Team Champions. They did their theme song and the match was after a break.
(Commercial)
They showed Baron Corbin hanging out at a PBA Tour event. Corbin presented a belt to the winner. The winner is very short.
Sonya Deville was backstage as she talked to Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark. Sonya introduced herself to Zoey as if we were to believe that these people have never met. Sonya wanted to talk to them about something, but Baszler didn’t want to hear it and left.
Analysis: Sonya missed nearly a year with a Torn ACL in her knee. Welcome back to her. She also got married while she was injured.
World Tag Team Championships: Awesome Truth – The Miz & R-Truth vs. The Judgment Day – Finn Balor & JD McDonagh (w/Dominik Mysterio)
The Miz and Truth were in control of JD early in the match for about a minute. Miz nailed JD with a boot to the head. Dominik caused a distraction, so Balor did a cheap shot and J-Day took over. They went to a break there.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Miz trying to fight out of the heel corner leading to Miz and JD doing a double clothesline. Truth got the tag against Balor, so that led to Truth’s John Cena move sequence with two shoulder tackles and a spinning suplex. Truth applied a STF, JD broke it up and Truth sent JD out of the ring. Balor got a rollup on Truth for two followed by a Slingblade. Truth and Miz each hit spinning slams. Truth and Miz each hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle aka Ten Knuckle Shuffle on both opponents. Carlito was at ringside, so Miz punched him down. Truth hit a jumping flatliner on JD for two because Carlito put JD’s foot on the bottom rope. The referee saw the foot. Braun Strowman walked down to the ring and tossed Carlito into the barricade. Strowman chased JD into the ring, so Truth hit JD with the Attitude Adjustment for the pinfall win after nine minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Awesome Truth – The Miz & R-Truth
After the match, Cole realized that Strowman was the “Andre the Giant” that Truth mentioned earlier. Strowman hugged the winners.
Analysis: **3/4 A solid match that followed up on last week’s story because Carlito helped JD & Finn win last week, but it didn’t happen this week due in part to Braun Strowman helping the champions. The fans loved it while Miz & Truth successfully retained the titles. I don’t know if they’ll have a long title reign, but I don’t mind them as champions.
Lyra Valkyria was shown walking backstage where Women’s World Champion Becky Lynch congratulated her for going to the Queen of the Ring finals. Lynch left. Lyra kept walking. Liv Morgan talked to Lyra, teased that Lynch was behind her and Liv punched Lyra in the mouth. Liv left while laughing.
Analysis: Last week it was Lynch punching Morgan backstage like that, so this week it’s Morgan punching Valkyria.
(Commercial)
Sami Zayn was shown in the locker room when Bronson Reed approached him. Reed said that he is soulless. Reed said he’ll use his body as a weapon and get his biggest payday ever by becoming the Intercontinental Champion at King and Queen of the Ring. Reed left. Otis walked up to Zayn in the locker room. Zayn got mad at Otis for attacking him out there. Otis said he was sorry. Zayn said that Chad Gable is not a good guy. Zayn told Otis to stop listening to Gable and start listening to the fans. The fans did some “Otis” chants as Zayn left.
Analysis: The fans are going to go crazy when Otis goes against Gable’s wishes. That segment did a nice job of teasing it.
Let’s Hear from Becky Lynch…and Liv Morgan
Becky Lynch made her entrance as the Raw Women’s World Champion. The fans were cheering her as usual. Lynch defends her title against Liv Morgan at King and Queen of the Ring this Saturday. Lynch said that she has fought Liv Morgan many times, but Liv has never once beat her. Lynch spoke about how it’s a very different Liv Morgan who is hitting people from behind and bailing on fights.
Liv Morgan interrupted the promo saying it was insane how Lynch was gaslighting the WWE Universe. Liv reminded Lynch that Lynch punched Liv in the jaw. Liv said she didn’t care when Damage CTRL attacked Lynch last week so she left. Liv talked about her purpose and how she was getting closer to completing the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour. Lynch talked about how she started wrestling at 15 years and for 22 years she’s had a purpose while talking about breaking barriers and breaking glass ceilings.
Liv called Lynch the most selfish person in this entire company. Liv said that all Lynch has ever cared about is herself. Liv said that after ten long years in WWE, she will sit where she belongs at the top of this division as your new Women’s World Champion. Lynch said that the fans know that Liv is lying and Lynch said you can’t trick the people. Lynch said that the fans know that she always puts her body on the line for the fans. Lynch talked about how she came here looking for a fight, so if you think you’re worthy of being a champion, then come down to the ring to fight. Liv teased fighting and then stayed on the floor instead of going into the ring. Liv said that she was going to do the smart thing by waiting until their World Title match on Saturday. Liv told Lynch she’s going to be the new Women’s World Champion and told Lynch to cry about it.
Analysis: It was okay for a promo exchange. They didn’t really say anything that new or different than what they have said in the past. It furthered Liv Morgan’s heelish attitude since she backed away from a fight while also sounding like more of a heel. Lynch is easy to like and support as usual.
The Judgment Day were in the clubhouse where Damian Priest asked them what happened out there. Priest wanted JD to ask for a match against Strowman next week. Priest said they needed to get back on track and said he didn’t even recognize this anymore. Balor said that the wheels are falling off and they need to get back on track. Balor told JD to talk to Pearce now.
Dakota Kai and Kairi Sane entered for tag team action.
This Friday on Smackdown from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for the first time ever: Randy Orton vs. Tama Tonga in King of the Ring Semifinals and Bianca Belair vs. Nia Jax in Queen of the Ring Semifinals.
(Commercial)
The New Day were shown in the trainer’s room where a trainer told Xavier Woods that he was cleared. The trainer was probably an indy guy rather than a doctor. Kofi Kingston left to go talk to Adam Pearce. Karrion Kross and Scarlett walked up to Woods with Kross saying there was always more time to turn things around. Woods was puzzled by that.
Analysis: I don’t know where it’s going, but it’s obviously teasing something with The New Day against the Final Testament group.
Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark vs. Damage CTRL – Dakota Kai & Kairi Sane vs. Ivy Nile & Maxxine Dupri vs. Kayden Carter & Katana Chance
The winners get a Women’s Tag Team Title shot. The match started and they all took turns hitting moves while bumping out of the ring. The other women were out of the ring, so Carter launched Chance onto the six women on the floor. Somebody bumped to the floor without being touched. Back in the ring, Carter got a two count leading to a break.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Nile hitting a German Suplex on Kai. Dupri tagged in against Sane leading to a spin kick and a suplex. Carter tagged in with a dropkick on Dupri. Carter hooked Dupri’s arms leading to a neckbreaker into the mat. Kai tagged in as Chance hit the 450 Splash and Kai got a two count out of it because the pin was broken up. There was a Tower of Doom spot out of a turnbuckle. Chance gave Stark a hurricanrana onto Baszler. Dupri continued on offense by sending Carter into the barricade. Dupri tried to put Kai away, but Sane made the save and Sane hit an Insane Elbow. Sane was legal as Baszler choked Sane and Stark made the tag. Dupri got a rollup for two. Stark hit a superkick. Stark launched Dupri and Baszler hit a knee strike on Dupri. Stark covered Dupri for the pinfall win after about ten minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark
Analysis: **1/2 It felt like an average match. A lot of chaos going on with multiple women in the ring at times before the Baszler/Stark team found a way to win. There isn’t much going on in the Women’s Tag Team division so at least this is an easy way to set up a title match.
Ludwig Kaiser was interviewed by Kayla Braxton backstage. Kaiser said that Gunther has proved several times that he’s the best. Kaiser took shots at Sheamus for being a keyboard warrior. Kaiser said that Sheamus is either going to stay home and protect his legacy or he would come back so that Ludwig Kaiser could put him down. Kaiser left, so Drew McIntyre walked into the screen. Drew called Damian Priest a paper champion and said that Drew got what he wanted by getting his title shot against Priest. Drew said that Priest is concerning himself with other things too much just like Seth Rollins did. Drew told Priest to stay focused and said that he was going to beat Priest when they have their match. Kayla sent the show to break.
Analysis: A brief Drew McIntyre appearance this week. I like it when he’s on more.
(Commercial)
Chad Gable was shown talking to The Creed Brothers. Gable ended the conversation and told them to think about what he said. Otis walked up to Gable while The Creeds left. We could see Sonya Deville talking to Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark in the background. Gable said that Otis was softening up Zayn by talking to him. Gable told Otis he was coming with him to win Gable’s Intercontinental Title. Otis said he’ll help him no matter what. Gable said he’ll see him on the flight.
Analysis: That makes me think they will have Otis turn on Gable at King and Queen of the Ring. Maybe it will happen after Gable loses the match so he blames Otis and that will lead to Otis going against Gable. It seems like the right spot for it. Also, Gable working with The Creed Brothers has been rumored for a while so it’s probably happening soon.
There was a rundown of the King and Queen of the Ring card for Saturday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
* Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Chad Gable vs. Bronson Reed
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Logan Paul
* Women’s World Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Liv Morgan
* Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals
* King of the Ring Tournament Finals
Jey Uso did a promo backstage. Jey said that the last time he faced Gunther, he nearly beat him so now he’s going to finish the job. Jey told us it’s main event time. Jey walked through the backstage area on the way to the ring. The camera followed Jey as he approached the entrance area and the fans exploded.
Jey Uso made his entrance to a huge ovation with the fans doing the arm swinging while also filling up the arena with the fireflies (cell phone light). It looks cool every time they do it.
The great GUNTHER made his entrance as he looked at the King of the Ring crown. That match is next.
(Commercial)
King of the Ring Tournament Semifinals: Jey Uso vs. GUNTHER
The big man Gunther overpowered Jey into the turnbuckle followed by repeated chops to the chest. Jey fought back with punches. Jey delivered punches while the fans chanted “YEET” for them. Gunther bailed to the floor so Jey followed up with a suicide dive that sent Gunther into the barricade. Back in the ring, Gunther avoided a leaping Jey. Gunther sent Jey shoulder first into the turnbuckle. Gunther rammed Jey’s right arm against the ring post. Gunther sent Jey hard into the steel steps. Gunther sent Jey into the barricade. Gunther rammed Jey’s right shoulder into the ring post. Gunther sent Jey into the barricade again. They went to break there while Jey was selling on the floor.
(Commercial)
Gunther was in full control with about ten minutes left in the show. Gunther hit an uppercut to the right arm. Gunther pulled back on Jey’s right arm followed by a knee drop on the right arm. Gunther went up top, he took way too long and Jey punched him a few times. Jey went after Gunther, but Gunther applied a kimura submission. Jey came back with a Samoon Drop from the middle rope while Gunther was on the top rope. They slowly got back up to their feet. Gunther hit a couple of chops, Jey threw strikes lefty and Gunther hit another chop. Jey hit a spinning enziguri kick to the head. Gunther blocked a kick leading to chop, but then Jey hit a superkick for two. Jey hit another superkick. Jey stomped on Gunther repeatedly. Gunther came back with a running dropkick. Gunther hit a Powerbomb for two. Gunther applied an armbar to the right arm. Jey broke free, charged and Gunther kicked him. Gunther did a chop. Gunther nailed a boot to the face. Gunther went up top and hit a top rope splash for two. Gunther nailed a short arm lariat for two. Gunther blasted Jey with a hard chop to knock Jey down. Jey slapped Gunther in the face, so Gunther chopped Jey repeatedly. Jey was back up and he hit a Spear that caused Gunther to knock down referee Chad Patton. Jey went up top and hit an Uso Splash. The referee Patton was delayed a bit as he counted one…two….no because Gunther got his shoulder up. Gunther was back in as he punched Jey’s right arm. Gunther applied a short arm scissors submission on the right arm and used his legs to wrap up Jey around the waist. The referee called for the bell because Jey passed out. It went 17 minutes.
Winner by submission: GUNTHER
Analysis: ***3/4 I thought it was an excellent match as usual for a Gunther match and Jey is certainly good enough to hang with him. The story was bout how Gunther worked over Jey’s right arm the entire match and that’s what he used to get the win. Jey sold the arm injury well. I also liked the spot with the referee bump because it wasn’t too dramatic. It was a way to give Jey a believable nearfall spot in the match and it worked perfectly as a two count. The finish was a bit rushed, but that’s Raw with the hard 11 pm ET runtime with no overrun.
Gunther was announced as the winner of the match. He’ll be in the King of the Ring Finals on Saturday. The show ended there.
Analysis: I think the finals will be Gunther against Randy Orton and Gunther will win.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Gunther
- Lyra Valkyria
- Sami Zayn, Jey Uso
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The Scoreboard
8 out of 10
Last week: 8
2024 Average: 7.66
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
It’s the third straight week where I’ve gone at least 8 out of 10 or above, which tells you that I think very highly of Raw right now. It’s the best weekly wrestling show that I review. It’s obviously been carried by the King and Queen of the Ring tournament matches over the last three weeks. Gunther beating Jey Uso was a terrific main event. Jey nearly won, but a brief ref bump delayed a count. Gunther came back with an armbar after working on the arm the whole match. That’s how you tell a story. The Lyra Valkyria/IYO SKY QOTR match was more of an even matchup where Lyra found a way to win. It was good too, but the crowd wasn’t into it much.
I also liked the story involving Bron Breakker destroying people because he’s not happy about being left out of the King of the Ring tournament. It’s a smart way to book Bron. The stuff with Otis and Chad Gable is being built up perfectly too. We know Otis is going to turn on Chad and get cheered heavily at some point soon, but I’m glad that it isn’t being rushed.
Everything else was pretty solid. It felt like there were a lot of backstage segments to get more people on the show. The Becky Lynch-Liv Morgan feud got plenty of time as well. A very entertaining episode overall.
The next WWE PLE is King and Queen of the Ring on May 25th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Here is the lineup so far.
* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Logan Paul
* Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Chad Gable vs. Bronson Reed
* Women’s World Championship: Becky Lynch (c) vs. Liv Morgan
* King of the Ring Tournament Finals: GUNTHER vs. Randy Orton or Tama Tonga
* Queen of the Ring Tournament Finals: Lyra Valkyria vs. Bianca Belair or Nia Jax
You can watch WWE King and Queen of the Ring, on Saturday, May 25, at 1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on Peacock in the United States and on 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/X @johnreport