The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 06/10/24 Review
It’s WWE Raw featuring Bron Breakker taking on Ilja Dragunov, Sami Zayn in action against Otis, and more.
You may notice Ricochet on the banner up top. My graphics guy Melo Man added him because it has been reported by PWInsider that this week’s Raw is expected to be Ricochet’s last time on WWE TV for now. Ricochet’s contract is expiring soon, he’s chosen not to re-sign with the company and as a result, they are writing him off the show this week. Good luck to Ricochet with whatever comes next. I certainly think he’ll be AEW-bound later this year, but that’s up to him. Ricochet is engaged to Raw ring announcer Samantha Irvin, who is expected to stay with WWE since she’s under contract although we don’t know her contract details.
The WWE Clash at the Castle PLE takes place this Saturday, June 15th so it’s the go-home Raw before this year’s Clash event.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1620 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Huntington Center in Toledo, Ohio. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
They showed arrivals earlier in the day from Bron Breakker and Ilja Dragunov. There were also clips of IYO SKY shown earlier in the day with her Damage CTRL pals while Lyra Valkyria was also shown arriving since she faces Sky later in the show.
It was Michael Cole and Pat McAfee on commentary as usual.
Let’s Hear from Drew McIntyre…and Damian Priest
Drew McIntyre was shown entering the arena just five days before he challenges Damian Priest at Clash at the Castle in Drew’s home country of Scotland. They showed the end of Raw last week when Priest put Drew through the commentary table due to The Judgment Day getting involved.
Drew was greeted by “CM Punk” chants, so Drew shut them down saying he was focused on Clash at the Castle. Drew asked who is ready for a new World Heavyweight Champion? Drew mentioned that anywhere Priest goes, The Judgment Day goes. And here comes Priest with friends.
Damian Priest entered as the World Heavyweight Champion along with Finn Balor and JD McDonagh by his side. Priest got in Drew’s saying you have your shot at Clash, yet you’re making excuses. Priest said that Drew told the people that Priest needs The Judgment Day to be champion. Priest said that at Clash at the Castle, he’s heading to Drew’s territory in front of his people and Priest is going to put Drew down. Priest said he didn’t need The Judgment Day or anybody else to be champion and Priest said he’s champ because he is Damian Priest.
Drew said it was a fine speech, but he didn’t give a damn what he had to say. Drew said that the only chance Balor has is because of these idiots right here. Priest said that tonight, Drew can go one on one with Finn Balor. Priest said that if Drew beats Balor then The Judgment Day is barred from ringside at Clash at the Castle. Priest said that when Balor beats Drew, he wants The Judgment Day at ringside to watch Priest beat Drew in his home. Drew told Priest you have to respect a man who digs his own grave. Drew told Priest he hopes that Damian shakes Drew’s hand next week on Raw because on Saturday he’ll embarrass and humiliate Priest and he’ll be standing here next week as the new World Heavyweight Champion. Drew left as his music played.
Analysis: A big match for later in the show with something on the line that will make people care more about Clash at the Castle, so that’s a good thing to keep viewers tuned in. The weird thing about this story is that Priest and McIntyre are heels, but obviously, in Scotland, we’ll see McIntyre as the face in his home country. It’s just a strange dynamic at this point because the fans aren’t really cheering either guy.
A replay was shown of Liv Morgan trying to seduce Dominik Mysterio multiple times on Raw.
The Judgment Day’s clubhouse was shown where Dominik Mysterio saw Liv Morgan with the Women’s World Title. Dominik wasn’t interested in her being there. Liv had her hotel room key with her as she flirted with Dominik. Liv said that a guy like Dominik shouldn’t be with a woman who he calls “Mami” when Live would call him Daddy. Liv left her key and told Dominik she’ll be in her room waiting. After Liv left, Dominik put the room key down on the table showing he had no interest in her deal.
Analysis: The intrigue continues.
IYO SKY entered along with Damage CTRL’s Dakota Kai & Kairi Sane for Sky’s match up next.
This Saturday at Clash at the Castle, it’s Cody Rhodes defending the Undisputed WWE Title against AJ Styles in an I Quit Match.
(Commercial)
A clip was shown of World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest and Zelina Vega hanging out at a Puerto Rican Day parade in New York City.
Lyra Valkyria vs. IYO SKY (w/Dakota Kai & Kairi Sane)
This is a rematch of the Queen of the Ring semifinals, which Lyra won. Sky attacked Lyra backstage last week to set up this match. Lyra did a sweep kick followed by a dropkick. Lyra hit a Northern Lights suplex for two. Sky went for some kicks, but Lyra avoided them and Lyra hooked the legs of Sky while pulling back on the arms. Lyra turned it into a bridging pin. Lyra hit an enziguri kick that knocked Sky out of the ring. Sky got a hold of Lyra leading to a slam onto the apron. Sky hit a springboard moonsault off the middle ropes onto a standing Lyra on the floor. Sky makes that look so easy.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Lyra hitting a spin kick. Lyra went up top and hit a missile dropkick. Lyra hit a fisherman’s suplex for two. Sky countered Lyra’s move to send Lyra face first into the turnbuckle. Sky hit a backbreaker. Sky jumped off the top with a moonsault, but Lyra moved. Lyra countered a move to sit on top for a two count. Sky came back with a double stomp to the ribs. Lyra hit her Nightwing slam right near the ropes, so when Lyra went for a pin, Kai pulled Lyra’s hair to break up the pin. The referee never saw the interference. Lyra hit a dropkick to knock Kai and Sane down. Sky capitalized by knocking Lyra off the ropes. Sky hit a running knee attack. Sky went for the moonsault off the top, but Lyra got the knees up. Lyra connected with a Tornado DDT. Lyra had Sky on her shoulders going for a move, but then Sky pulled on the hair leading to Sky getting a crucifix pin on Lyra for the win. It went about 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: IYO SKY
Analysis: *** The match was pretty good featuring two talented women who match up well and are technically sound in the ring. Lyra got a lot of offense in the match. The interference from Kai cost Lyra the win and it was a bit of a cheap win by Sky since she did a hair pull before the crucifix pin. It’s not a great story or anything like that, but they are trying to establish Lyra as a face and having her get cheated out of a win will get her sympathy.
After the match, Kai & Sane beat up Lyra with some strikes. Sky went into the ring to attack with strikes on Lyra. Kayden Carter and Katana Chance ran out there for the save as Damage CTRL retreated.
Analysis: That should lead to a six-woman tag team match perhaps next week.
The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor and JD McDonagh were backstage along with their buddy Carlito (not in the group yet). They asked Dominik Mysterio if he figured out his Liv Morgan problem. Dominik said she was in there already and left him her hotel room key. Carlito: “That’s cool.” That made me laugh. They went to a break there.
(Commercial)
The Miz, who is one half of the World Tag Team Champions, was walking backstage asking Sami Zayn if he had seen R-Truth. Zayn said not for a while and Miz was concerned about not knowing where Truth was due to how bizarre Truth can be.
Sami Zayn walked down the hall where he saw Maxxine Dupri and Akira Tozawa. Zayn said that they don’t need to listen to Chad Gable. Otis walked into the scene to apologize to Zayn for attacking him. Zayn said they didn’t have to listen to Chad Gable and he knows what it’s like from being with The Bloodline in the past. Otis said he has lost everything like his Money in the Bank briefcase, his peach (Mandy Rose), Tucky (former tag team partner Tucker) and said that Chad Gable has always been there for him. Otis said without Chad Gable, he is nothing while saying that Maxxine is his sister and Tozawa is his brother. Zayn told Otis those are Gable’s words. Zayn told Otis he hopes he realizes how special he can be. The fans were chanting “Otis” by the end of it.
Analysis: They are doing a great job with this story. When Otis turns on Gable the crowd is going to love it.
The Judgment Day was in their clubhouse when Damian Priest walked in to talk to the four guys. Priest mentioned he heard about the hotel card. Balor said that was Liv trying to distract them. Balor said that the key was right there and nobody has touched it. The key was not on the table. Carlito said they had to go since he was in a tag team match.
Analysis: It is now a missing hotel room key. Congratulations to whoever has it…I guess.
The LWO’s Rey Mysterio and Dragon Lee entered with Zelina Vega for tag team action. The QR Code appeared on screen as well.
(Commercial)
A graphic informed us that tonight’s Raw was the 28th TV sellout and the 42nd event sellout of 2024. That’s very impressive.
There was a video package about the NXT Battleground PLE from Sunday night in Las Vegas.
A video aired about Ludwig Kaiser saying he was aware of people thinking he’s just a sidekick and Gunther’s mouthpiece. Kaiser bragged about beating Sheamus due to absolute ruthlessness. Kaiser said that he is designed for greatness and he belongs at the top. Kaiser said anybody who stands in his way will be eliminated. Ludwig said that the Rise of the Kaiser has begun and soon you will call him Mr. Money in the Bank.
Analysis: I liked that promo. A solid midcard push for Kaiser is fine with me because he’s a good heel.
Carlito and The Judgment Day – Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh vs. Braun Strowman and LWO – Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee (w/Zelina Vega)
Dominik is back in the ring after missing over a month with a left arm injury. Dominik had his left arm bandaged up. Braun tossed Carlito across the ring. Rey battled JD with a headscissors followed by a dropkick. Lee tagged in with a leaping kick followed by a suplex. Dominik did a mask grab on Lee from behind, which allowed the heels to take over. Dominik stomped on Lee repeatedly. Rey tagged in as Lee hit a German Suplex and Rey hit a seated senton off the top onto his son Dominik. Rey gave Dominik a hurricanrana out of the ring. Rey jumped onto JD and Dominik on the floor. Lee tried to attack, but the heels avoided that and used Rey’s legs to knock Lee down. Rey was slammed on the floor by JD as the heels celebrated. They went to break there.
(Commercial)
The heel side was in control as Carlito held onto Rey to prevent a tag. JD hit a belly-to-back suplex on Rey. Carlito was back in with a clothesline to knock Rey down. Carlito sent Rey into the turnbuckle where Rey took a sternum bump. Rey fought out of the heel corner with a spin kick on Carlito. Braun wanted the tag, but Dominik and JD knocked him off the apron. Carlito charged at Rey, who moved, so Carlito went shoulder-first into the ring post. JD was back in with an elbow drop to Rey’s back. Rey jumped onto JD, who caught him and Rey countered it with a DDT. That was impressive. Lee got the tag against Carlito leading to Lee hitting a headscissors takedown. Lee kicked Carlito followed by Carlito delivering some punches. They battled on the turnbuckle, Carlito was sent upside down and Lee hit a double foot stomp for two because JD made the save. Rey sent JD out of the ring. Dominik dropkicked Rey off the apron. Liv Morgan was on the ring apron talking to Dominik, so that led to Vega knocking Liv off the apron and Liv landed on top of Dominik on the floor. Vega attacked Liv with punches. Braun was back on the apron as Lee made the tag to bring him in. Braun ran over Carlito, JD and Carlito with shoulder tackles. Back in the ring, Braun hit Carlito with a splash and a running powerslam. Lee tagged on, he went on Braun’s shoulders and Lee hit a splash off Braun’s shoulders as Lee pinned Carlito to win. It went about 16 minutes.
Winners by pinfall: Braun Strowman and LWO – Rey Mysterio & Dragon Lee
Analysis: ***1/4 A long match that was chaotic in the final few minutes. There was so much going on at the end. I liked the spot where Liv Morgan landed right on Dominik on the floor because they used Zelina Vega to knock Liv off the apron to put her in a position where she was mounting Dominik. Well done. It also could set up Vega for a match with Zelina. The whole match was really built up to have Strowman get the hot tag because when that happened, he dominated and his team won moments later with Lee getting the pin. I thought it was an entertaining tag team match with everybody executing well.
A video aired about Ilja Dragunov talking about how Raw is a different beast compared to NXT where he was the undisputed king. Ilja called Bron Breakker a golden child thinking he was gifted in all sports. Ilja spoke about developing skills, endurance, and having intensity. Ilja said he would make Bron suffer. Ilja said that the only escape is when he’s done breaking Bron.
Ricochet was shown in the locker room taking to Ilja Dragunov. Ricochet said he knows Ilja will show Bron Breakker what Dragunov is all about. Ilja said that he’s going to slay Bron and then they can have another round. Ricochet said you read his mind. Ricochet left.
Sami Zayn was shown walking backstage for his match up next.
This Friday on Smackdown in Glasgow, Scotland will feature Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles one night before their I Quit match. Plus, Kevin Owens faces Solo Sikoa.
(Commercial)
Damage CTRL was shown backstage with Dakota Kai asking IYO SKY what she was doing out there. Sky said she took care of it. Sky shouted: “Damage CTRL has to change.” Sky was screaming as she left the screen while Kai and Kairi Sane were standing by looking concerned.
Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn made his entrance as the Intercontinental Champion. Zayn had a match, but he was there to do a promo first. Zayn said that we are just five days away from his Intercontinental Title match against Chad Gable. Zayn said he didn’t know what to call this rivalry. Zayn said that on Saturday at Clash at the Castle, he’s going to defeat Chad Gable and put an end to all of this once and for all. Zayn said there’s no more dealing with this abusive psychopath. Zayn said he’s going to continue to be the Intercontinental Champion. Zayn mentioned “after Chad Gable” so here’s the interruption.
Chad Gable arrived in dress clothes joined by Alpha Academy’s Otis, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri with a boot on her left foot. Gable told Zayn not to worry about the Academy because they are good and they trust him. Gable spoke about their hero taking Zayn’s IC Title on Saturday.
Zayn asked Gable if he was out of his damn mind. Zayn asked Gable if they looked happy. None of the AA people were smiling. The fans chanted “Otis” again. Zayn told them that Gable doesn’t care if they are happy but the fans care about them. Zayn told them they won’t be happy until they leave Gable’s sorry ass once and for all.
Gable told Zayn to shut up. Gable told Zayn that they are a family that sticks together no matter what. Gable said he’s unleashing the version of Otis that is the most brutal and vicious version of Otis that you have ever seen. Gable said he’s unleashing him right now. Otis approached the ring as the show went to break.
Analysis: I thought their segment last week was excellent, so it would be hard for them to top that. This was more of the same stuff we always hear with Zayn encouraging the AA group to break free from Gable while Gable denies that there are any issues. I’m excited about the Zayn-Gable match at Clash because it will be outstanding.
(Commercial)
Otis (w/Chad Gable, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri) vs. Sami Zayn
It was a dominant start by Otis as he knocked Zayn down and Otis hit two running splashes in a row because Gable told him to do it. Gable went on the apron and told Otis to stick to the plan. Zayn got back up and hit a Helluva Kick on Otis for the pinfall win after two minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Sami Zayn
Analysis: * A quick match to continue the story that Gable has control of Otis, but it cost Otis the match because Zayn hit one move for the win.
After the match, Gable attacked Zayn from behind. Gable told Tozawa & Dupri to leave. Gable held Zayn and wanted Otis to attack, but Otis didn’t do it. Gable slapped Otis in the face two times in a row. Otis ran and hit Zayn with a running clothesline. Otis hit a World’s Strongest Slam on Zayn. Otis confronted Gable against the turnbuckle and the fans were cheering, but Otis stopped himself. Otis left the ring while Gable had an evil smirk on his face.
Analysis: They continue to book Otis very well as he remains conflicted. As I keep saying, when Otis does turn on Gable it’s going to be an awesome moment. Zayn did an excellent job of selling as usual.
The Miz was shown walking with the World Tag Team Title. He walked up to Sonya Deville & Natalya looking for R-Truth. Miz kept on walking so he saw R-Truth walking out of a room. Truth claimed they had a Tag Team Title match against the APA. Miz said they can’t face APA. Scarlett walked up to him saying it was a present reading his fortune. Scarlett said that AOP is looking forward to seeing them in the ring tonight. Scarlett handed Miz the “Death” card.
Analysis: That means Truth confused AOP with the APA. There are similar letters at least.
Jade Cargill and Bianca Belair made their entrance as the Women’s Tag Team Champions. They got a big pop as they made their way down to the ring.
(Commercial)
A graphic was shown confirming that the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes will be on NXT on Tuesday.
Analysis: The NBA Finals are on Wednesday so that’s tough competition for AEW Dynamite. That’s why WWE likely wants to load NXT up to try to boost the ratings and beat Dynamite.
They showed a clip of Kelani Jordan winning the NXT Women’s North American Championship at Battleground. She has only been wrestling for about two years.
A video aired about Jey Uso showing highlights of his matches and his promo last week where he talked about wanting to become Mr. Money in the Bank.
Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark vs. Unholy Union – Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn
The match saw Dawn isolate Stark early on in the match. Stark hit a clothesline and wanted to tag out, but Baszler was down sellng the right knee injury. Fyre tagged in with a top rope Senton Bomb for two because Baszler broke up the pin. Baszler sent Fyre into the steel steps. Fyre came back with a rollup for two. Baszler hit a backbreaker followed by a stomp on the left arm. Baszler with a knee strike to knock Fyre down. Baszler applied the Kirifuda Clutch on Fyre, who passed out and the referee called for the bell. I don’t know where Dawn was, but there was no save attempt.
Winners by submission: Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark
Analysis: *3/4 An easy win for Baszler & Stark. The crowd was dead for this match since it was between two heel teams. It was a smart move to keep it short because the fans didn’t care.
After the match, Baszler & Stark stared at Cargill & Belair at ringside.
A video package aired about Bron Breakker showing his dominance on Raw over the last couple of weeks.
Bron Breakker entered for singles action.
(Commercial)
Ilja Dragunov vs. Bron Breakker
Bron nailed Ilja with a punch, but Ilja popped back up with a jumping kick. Ilja delivered a chop, so Bron tackled Ilja followed by punches. Ilja chopped Bron a few times followed by some quicker short chops. Ilja drove his boot into Bron’s face. Ilja hit a running kick to the face while Bron was against the ropes. Ilja charged at Bron, who sent Ilja hard into the middle ropes so Ilja bumped to the floor.
(Commercial)
The match continued as the two men exchanged punches followed by Bron hitting a powerslam for two. Bron hit Ilja with forearms to the back of the neck although I think he missed two of them. Ilja hit a boot to the face. Bron hit a knee to the ribs. Ilja bounced off the ropes with two clotheslines that didn’t knock Bron down. Bron hit a jumping knee attack. Ilja bounced off the ropes for a Constanine Special clothesline. Ilja hit a body slam along with a knee drop off the turnbuckle. Ilja hit two German Suplexes along with a lifting suplex after Ilja put his hands around the waist. Bron did a back body drop. Ilja hit a jumping kick to the face. Ilja slammed Bron into the turnbuckle. Ilja jumped off the top with a coast-to-coast dropkick across the ring. Ilja jumped off the top with a senton bomb for two. Ilja ran the ropes going for something, but Bron was back up with a clothesline that Cole called a Steiner Line. Bron charged, but Ilja was back up with a jumping knee. Ilja hit an H-Bomb forearm to the face. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. They left the ring leading to Ilja kicked Bron over the commentary table. Ilja cleared off the commentary table and broke the referee’s count. Bron lifted up Ilja and sent Ilja ribs-first onto the edge of the commentary table. Bron broke the referee’s count and Bron sent Ilja into the barricade. Bron rammed Ilja’s back into the ring post. Back in the ring, Ilja slapped Bron in the head a few times and Bron bounced off the ropes leading to a Spear. Ilja was on the floor, so Bron nailed him with a Spear on the floor. Ilja got back in the ring right before the ten count. Bron ran the ropes and Bron hit a Spear for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Bron Breakker
Analysis: ***3/4 It was a great match that felt like a physical fight the whole way. Ilja was on offense a lot, but Bron took over once he hit that front suplex that sent Ilja’s ribs into the commentary table. After that, the story was all about Bron continuing to work over Ilja’s ribs and it was a slow pace until Bron finished him off with the Spear. I’m glad they got as much time as they did. I wish the crowd was into it more, but both guys are still new on the main roster, so that could be why they were quiet for most of it. There was a “this is awesome” chant towards the end. I’m glad that Bron won while Ilja remains one of the best sellers in all of WWE. I liked the match a lot.
After the match, Bron charged at Ilja on the floor, but Ricochet was there with a clothesline on Bron. Ricochet dropkicked Bron over the barricade. Ricochet checked on Ilja at ringside.
Analysis: A nice save from Ricochet, but it does set up for Bron to do something else on the show.
The Judgment Day was backstage where Dominik found his key card in his back. Damian Priest said that he trusted Dominik, but he had to put his foot down. It looked like Balor put the hotel key card in his pocket as he left and said he’d take care of Drew McIntyre tonight.
The World Tag Team Champions R-Truth and The Miz made their entrance for a tag team match up next.
This Sunday on A&E it’s a WWE Legends Biography special about ECW.
(Commercial)
Drew McIntyre was shown backstage in the locker room. Sheamus walked up to him saying that Drew was on the cusp of greatness this Saturday in front of his home crowd. Sheamus told him to bring it home. Drew told Sheamus to be there because they needed to be smashing back pints all night. Sheamus trashed Ludwig Kaiser saying he’s going to smash his face in. Sheamus spoke about winning Money in the Bank since Kaiser wants to win it. Drew said since he’ll be World Champion, he wants Sheamus to let him know when he cashes in. Sheamus said if he does it will be banger after banger after banger…and so on.
Analysis: They appear to be on the same page again. The best friends are reunited for now at least.
The Final Testament group was interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Karrion Kross said that they have everything you would need to take over any brand. Kross said that AOP will take the titles home and then Xavier Woods will realize that he belongs with them instead of with Kofi Kingston. Scarlett said they would never abandon Woods the way Kofi did last week. Scarlett claimed that Woods can’t trust Kingston.
WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Awesome Truth – The Miz & R-Truth vs. Authors of Pain – Akam & Rezar (w/Karrion Kross, Scarlett & Paul Ellering)
Miz ran right into a clothesline from Akam. They went to break about 20 seconds into the match.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Miz avoiding a charge from Rezar and Miz sent Rezar into the turnbuckle. Akam tagged in, Miz kicked him and Truth got the tag. Truth did his John Cena offense with the shoulder tackles and the belly-to-back slam. Miz tagged in for a double team slam. Scarlett distracted the referee, so Kross tripped up both champions and stopped the double fist drop. Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods showed up at ringside to beat up Kross with punches. Rezar stopped that, so Truth hit Akam with the Tag Team Title to the head. The referee wasn’t looking. Miz did the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! on Akam for the pinfall win after about six minutes.
Winners by pinfall: The Awesome Truth – The Miz & R-Truth
Analysis: *1/2 We only got to see about three minutes of action due to the break. The ROLLUP OF DEATH~! strikes again. It didn’t make AOP look good or tough to lose the way they did, but it showed that Miz & Truth are crafty veteran champions.
Ricochet and Ilja Dragunov were shown backstage. Bron tackled Ilja into some equipment cases. Bron and Ricochet went fighting into the parking lot where Bron tossed Ricochet into a tractor trailer backstage. Bron launched Ricochet like a lawn dart into another truck that was back there. Bron went up some steps with Ricochet and Bron gave Ricochet a powerslam onto the windshield of a car. There were officials and referees there to stop it. The scene faded out.
Analysis: That’s all for Ricochet in WWE. That’s the right way to do it by having Bron Breakker take him out because it puts over Bron in a big way as a powerhouse.
(Commercial)
There was a replay of what happened before the break. They showed Samantha Irvin watching on the big screen in the arena.
Samantha Irvin was backstage with Ricochet as he was loaded into the ambulance. Samantha is engaged to Ricochet, so she went into the ambulance with him. Ricochet was driven away in the ambulance.
The announcers talked about the situation with Cole saying that something has to be done about Breakker. McAfee said that Bron went too far this time. Cole said WWE social media will have an update on Ricochet.
Analysis: Good luck to Ricochet with whatever is next in his wrestling career post-WWE. I’ve always been a fan and will continue to be a fan.
Drew McIntyre made his entrance for the main event. Pat McAfee subbed in for Samantha Irvin as the ring announcer. Pat called Drew a “big handsome bastard” and announced him being 275 pounds. Drew’s match with Finn Balor was up next.
(Commercial)
The announcers went over the WWE Clash at the Castle lineup for this Saturday:
* I Quit Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. AJ Styles
* WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill (c) vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark vs. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn
* Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Chad Gable
* WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley (c) vs. Piper Niven
* World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
Analysis: The card features three matches with Scottish competitors, so it should be a fun night for Drew McIntyre, Piper Niven and the team of Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn.
Finn Balor made his entrance for the main event while Pat McAfee did the introductions.
Drew McIntyre vs. Finn Balor
It’s a heel-heel matchup. Drew used his power advantage to get a shoulder tackle. Drew sent Balor to the apron leading to a clothesline. They left the ring where Drew wanted a slam, but Balor sent Drew into the ring post. Balor rammed Drew’s right arm into the ring post a few times. Balor worked over Drew’s right arm some more and Balor tripped up Drew on the apron. Balor went for a running kick, but Drew stopped that and tripped him up on the apron. Drew gave Balor a belly-to-belly suplex onto the top of the commentary table. Good bump by Balor there.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Drew hitting a jawbreaker to break a sleeper hold. Balor came back with a side Russian legsweep leading to a submission on the right shoulder. Drew elbowed his way out of that. Balor nailed Drew with some chops. Balor countered a move leading to a reverse DDT for two. Balor applied an armbar, so Drew got back up to a vertical base and hit a Powerbomb to counter. Drew gave Balor a belly-to-belly suplex across the ring and Drew did it again. Drew nailed a neckbreaker. Drew wanted a Claymore Kick, Balor avoided it and hit Slingblade. Drew left the ring while Balor ran the ropes and hit a somersault dive onto Drew on the floor. Back in the ring, Balor hit two dropkicks into the corner. Drew hit a Glasgow Kiss headbutt. Drew hit a superplex while standing on the middle turnbuckle. Drew hit the Future Shock DDT. That led to Damian Priest walking down to ringside with the World Heavyweight Title. Carlito was on the apron and Drew knocked him down. Drew brought JD McDonagh into the ring and Drew hit a Claymore kick on JD. Balor got a rollup for two. Balor hit Slingblade. Balor hit a dropkick. Balor went up top, jumped off, Drew avoided it and Drew hit a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win while staring at Priest during the cover. It went 13 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Drew McIntyre
Analysis: ***1/4 A good match between former WWE Champions who are always going to put on a solid showing. It’s a tough spot when it’s heel vs. heel because the crowd wasn’t behind either guy although they did seem to rally behind Drew as the match went on. Drew winning was obvious since he’s in the big PLE match while Balor is not.
The win by McIntyre meant that The Judgment Day was barred from ringside for the Priest-McIntyre match at Clash at the Castle. McIntyre and Priest had a staredown. That was the end of the show.
Analysis: I want Drew to win at Clash at the Castle, but I have my doubts that WWE would want Priest to have just a two month title reign. I’ll save my official prediction for my preview later in the week.
===
Three Stars of the Show
- Bron Breakker
- Drew McIntyre
- Ilja Dragunov
===
The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2024 Average: 7.62
===
Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
It was a good episode of Raw with a heavy focus on building the Clash at the Castle matches while also shining a big spotlight on Bron Breakker as well. The Drew McIntyre win over Finn Balor means that Damian Priest’s friends in The Judgment Day will be barred from ringside for the Drew-Damian match at the Clash PLE.
As for Bron Breakker, WWE is obviously very high on him and they should be. The match between Bron and Ilja Dragunov was terrific although the Toledo crowd was not a vocal group. They did get into it by the end as Bron worked over the ribs leading to the Spear win. Bron also destroying Ricochet is the WWE ending for Ricochet since he’s not going to re-sign with the company. It puts over Bron in a big way again.
Most of the rest of the show was solid. They continued the Liv Morgan-Dominik Mysterio story. I liked the attention given to the Sami Zayn-Chad Gable rivalry as well. They are also finding ways to get a lot of different people on the show in matches and backstage segments. I enjoyed Raw this week.
The next WWE PLE is Clash at the Castle on June 15th in Glasgow, Scotland. Here is the lineup so far.
* World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) vs. Drew McIntyre
* I Quit Match for the Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. AJ Styles
* WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley (c) vs. Piper Niven
* Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Chad Gable
* WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill (c) vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark vs. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn
You can watch WWE Clash at the Castle, streaming live Saturday, June 15, at 2 p.m. ET/11 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