Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 06/17/24 Review

By John Canton • Published 17th June 2024
WWE Raw Deal June 17

It’s WWE Raw featuring Jey Uso, Rey Mysterio, and Finn Balor in a Money in the Bank qualifier, plus the fallout from Clash at the Castle.

This show follows up on the Clash at the Castle PLE from Scotland this past Saturday. It ended in controversy because Damian Priest retained the World Heavyweight Title against Drew McIntyre because CM Punk screwed Drew out of the win. Punk is going to be on Smackdown in his hometown of Chicago this Friday while McIntyre will be angry this week on Raw. Next up on the WWE PLE calendar is Money in the Bank on July 6th in Toronto, which is just three weeks away.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1621 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

During the “Then, Now, Together, Forever” opening there were a bit of technical difficulties. That’s likely related to the Uncle Howdy group that is expected to show up here.

A video package aired about the Clash at the Castle PLE on Saturday in Glasgow, Scotland. It was a great crowd at that show.

Drew McIntyre was shown walking backstage with an angry look on his face.

It was Michael Cole and Pat McAfee on commentary on Raw as usual. Cole noted it was a sellout, which has become a regular thing.

A song we haven’t heard in over two months played as Seth “Freakin” Rollins made his entrance in a white suit outfit along with a white hat. That was an unadvertised surprise.

Analysis: It’s good to see him. We haven’t seen Seth in about two and a half months since WrestleMania 40. He left to recover from his knee injury.

Let’s Hear from Seth “Freakin” Rollins

The fans were singing the Seth Rollins song loudly. Rollins had a big smile on his face in the ring after getting a standing ovation from the fans. Once the music stopped playing, the fans kept singing Seth’s song. It’s Alicia Taylor on Raw announcing duties rather than Samantha Irvin, who worked the last Smackdown and the Clash at the Castle PLE.

Rollins: “Corpus Christi, let me welcome you back to Monday Night Rollins.” Huge pop for that. Rollins introduced himself by running down his nicknames. The fans sang the song again. Rollins looks well-tanned by the way.

Rollins said that he is back for one reason. Rollins said that he got into this business to be the very greatest, best of all time. Rollins spoke about how he can’t do that without getting back the championship that he made – the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins looked up above the ring and saw the two Money in the Bank briefcases hanging up there. Rollins said that Money in the Bank is only a few short weeks away, he knows how to climb the ladder, he’s familiar with the Money in the Bank contract and he figured it’s the fastest way to get…and here comes Damian Priest.

Damian Priest entered the ring alone with the World Heavyweight Title on his shoulder. Priest welcomed back Rollins and said it was good to have him back. Priest said that he wanted to cash in on Rollins for the World Title out of respect. Priest wanted to be World Champion by being Rollins. Priest told him that it’s not Monday Night Rollins because it’s the show where “All Rise for El Campeon.”

Rollins said that Priest almost lost a leg over in Scotland. Rollins spoke about how they made their names in groups since Priest was with The Judgment Day while Rollins was with The Shield, who he called the greatest stable of all time. Rollins said they both cashed in Money in the Bank at WrestleMania and won their first World Titles there. Rollins said that the difference between them is that Seth grew a set. Rollins said he knew he had to stand on his own two feet. Rollins wondered what kind of champion did Priest want to be? Rollins asked if Priest wanted to be one of the greatest of all time or a footnote in the history of The Judgment Day. Priest said that when Rollins first won the title, Priest was his first challenger and at that point in time, Rollins was better. Priest said that times have changed. Priest said that people thought he might be out there to relinquish the title, but he wasn’t there for that. Priest told Rollins don’t worry about ladders and don’t worry about briefcases because how about it’s Priest against Rollins at Money in the Bank? Priest said that this is between them. It’s man to man. Priest asked if Rollins wanted a shot at his World Title or not? The fans chanted “YES” for that. Rollins said if it’s that simple then he accepts Priest’s challenge. Rollins told Priest that as long as he’s around here, this show will always and forever be Monday Night Rollins. Seth left while the fans sang his song.

Analysis: That was a newsworthy start to Raw with Seth Rollins making an unannounced return and it set up a World Title match at Money in the Bank easily. I assume Rollins is ready to go or else he wouldn’t be put in a big match like that right away. Priest has been the kind of champion to agree to title matches against Drew McIntyre going into Clash and now against Rollins at Money in the Bank. It’s because Priest is a character who believes in himself more than the fans do, so he’s always wanting to prove himself. It should be a good match at the MITB PLE, but I doubt Rollins wins the title back in his first match since coming back from his knee injury. I think Gunther is winning the World Title at SummerSlam and I think Priest could still be the champion for that match.

A clip was shown from Earlier Today when Chad Gable walked in with Alpha Academy talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce. Gable asked for an Intercontinental Title rematch against Sami Zayn. Pearce told Gable to go to the back of the line to earn a title shot. Gable said he belongs at the front of the line. Gable wanted a worthy opponent. Pearce said he has an opponent for him.

Chad Gable entered with Alpha Academy’s Otis, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri, who had a boot on her left foot and a crutch. Gable was making angry faces.

This Friday on Smackdown: Cody Rhodes was attacked by The Bloodline and then saved by Kevin Owens & Randy Orton, so we’ll see what happens next. Plus, Money in the Bank qualifying matches and CM Punk is there in his hometown of Chicago.

(Commercial)

The new Women’s Tag Team Champions Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn were shown walking around since they are the new champions that can be on any show.

Braun Strowman entered as Chad Gable’s opponent that Pearce picked. McAfee called Braun “one big son of a bitch” as usual.

Chad Gable (w/Otis, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri) vs. Braun Strowman

Strowman nailed Gable with a boot to the face. Strowman told the three people on the floor that Gable is a bully and they didn’t have to listen to him. Strowman whipped Gable into the turnbuckle, so Gable did a sternum bump. Gable grabbed Strowman’s left arm and stretched it against the ropes. Strowman responded with a punch that knocked Gable out of the ring and to the floor.

(Commercial)

The match continued as Strowman sent Gable into the turnbuckle again. Strowman tossed Gable across the ring, so Gable left the ring. Strowman chased after Gable, who tossed Tozawa in front of him, so Strowman tossed Tozawa onto Gable on the floor. Back in the ring, Gable tried an attack, but Braun came back with a powerslam for the pinfall win after seven minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Braun Strowman

Analysis: **1/4 Easy win for Braun Strowman. Gable didn’t get much offense here and the size difference was too much since Strowman dominated the match.

Chad Gable instructed Otis, Tozawa and Dupri to get into the ring. Strowman left after his win, so he was gone. Gable shoved Tozawa and pulled on his ear. Dupri stood in front of Tozawa, so Gable stopped grabbing Tozawa. Gable took Dupri’s crutch away and threw it out of the ring. Gable made Dupri leave. Gable slapped Tozawa in the face. Otis turned around to see Tozawa on the ground, so the fans were chanting for Otis. That led to Otis shoving Gable down to the mat. Otis didn’t do more. Instead, Otis left the ring and helped Tozawa and Dupri to the back. The fans were chanting for Otis as he left to the back.

Analysis: It was finally some offense from Otis shoving Gable onto his ass. It was just a shove rather than more damage. As I’ve mentioned in previous weeks, there have been rumors of The Creed Brothers joining Gable, so I think we’ll see that happen in the coming weeks.

The announcers summarized the Liv Morgan-Dominik Mysterio story from last week. That led to McAfee using his “Pata-strator” to show replays of what happened with Pat recapping it in his unique style. Pat even said “these assholes in The Judgment Day” and it wasn’t bleeped.

They showed The Judgment Day in their clubhouse section of the locker room. Damian Priest mentioned that Finn Balor took the hotel key card last week. Balor said he took it to protect Dominik. Carlito and JD McDonagh were talking while Dominik Mysterio was alone on a couch. Priest asked if Balor wins Money in the Bank, who is he cashing in on and Balor said he would cash in on Cody Rhodes for the WWE Title. Priest said he trusted him. Dominik said he couldn’t find his purple cow vest. Carlito said he probably left it in Liv’s hotel room as a joke. Priest said Carlito should go get ready for his match, so JD and Dominik left with Carlito. Priest and Balor didn’t know where Dominik’s missing purple cow vest was.

IYO SKY made her entrance for a Money in the Bank qualifying match up next. Sky won Money in the Bank last year.

(Commercial)

Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: IYO SKY vs. Zelina Vega vs. Kiana James

Vega knocked down Sky with a knee lift while James hit an elbow drop on Sky. James sent Vega into the turnbuckle, then Vega came back with a headscissors and Sky hit a dropkick on Vega. Sky hit a springboard moonsault off the middle rope onto James on the floor. Vega hit the Meteora double knees on Sky on the floor. They went to break two minutes into the match.

(Commercial)

The match returned with a double superplex spot out of the corner with James taking the fall. The referee Daphanie LaShaunn didn’t count the double pin attempt because there can only be one winner. Sky gave hit a backbreaker on Vega. James tackled Sky into the turnbuckle and a shoulder tackle on Vega. James with a Powerbomb on Vega. There was a rollup attempt by Vega followed by a rolling kick. Vega kicked Sky to knock her down. Vega with a headscissors on Sky. Vega took down James with her legs too. Sky came back with a springboard missile dropkick on James. Vega did a 619 kick to trip up Sky and Vega hit Code Red on Sky for two because James broke up the pin. Vega with a jawbreaker on James. Vega kicked James in the head. Liv Morgan the Women’s Champion walked out with Dominik Mysterio’s vest. James hit Vega with a knee to knock her out of the ring. Sky hit a knee attack on James. Sky went up top and hit the Over the Moonsault onto James for the pinfall win it went about nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: IYO SKY

Analysis: *** A pretty good match that was full of action. Liv Morgan had issues with Zelina Vega recently so that’s why she got involved to prevent Vega from winning the match. I thought Sky winning was the most likely result here although if James won then that would have been cool with me because I think she has a bright future. Sky’s Over the Moonsault looks amazing every time she does it. Iyo makes everything look easy.

The win means that Iyo Sky is the first of six women to qualify for the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.

Liv Morgan was laughing about what happened to Zelina Vega while Liv was wearing Dominik Mysterio’s vest.

A video aired about Bron Breakker beating Ilja Dragunov last week. That was followed by Ricochet saving Dragunov from a post match attack. This led to Bron beating up Ricochet in the parking lot and it ended with Bron giving Ricochet a powerslam on the windshield of a car. Ricochet was taken away in an ambulance and was joined by fiancée Samantha Irvin in the ambulance.

Analysis: As we have covered on TJRWrestling for several weeks, Ricochet is leaving WWE when his contract expires next month, so this was WWE’s way of writing him out. A report earlier on Monday noted that Ricochet is not expected to return to WWE TV.

Sami Zayn, the Intercontinental Champion, made his entrance for a promo after the break.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn

There were “Sami” chants for the Intercontinental Champion. Zayn said he was proud to still be your Intercontinental Champion. Zayn admitted that Chad Gable didn’t make it easy at Clash at the Castle and said it was never easy in the ring with him. Zayn said it all started because he beat Gable in a wrestling match. Zayn said now it’s over because he beat Gable n a wrestling match.

Zayn said he’s moving on from Chad Gable, but he feels for the Alpha Academy. Zayn said that his time in The Bloodline made him learn that everybody has to do things on their own time. Zayn said he didn’t leave until he was ready and Jey Uso didn’t leave until he was ready. Zayn said he is convinced that when Otis and the Alpha Academy are ready they’ll leave Chad Gable too. Zayn said that he’s going to continue to defend the Intercontinental Championship against anybody and everybody.

Bron Breakker walked out with his generic rock music. They need to get him a better song. Bron got in the ring with Sami.

Zayn asked Bron if he had something to say. Bron said he didn’t have to say much. Bron said you know what he’s out there and you know what he’s capable of doing in this ring. Bron told Zayn that he’s left a long list of bodies since coming to Raw and Zayn is next on the list because Bron is taking that Intercontinental Championship. Zayn said this is what you want? And here comes Sheamus.

There was a good ovation for the “fella” Sheamus. That led to Sheamus going down to the ring. Sheamus said he’s been chasing that Intercontinental Title for years putting on banger after banger after banger and so on. It’s the only major WWE title that Sheamus hasn’t won. Sheamus suggested that he get the Intercontinental Title shot. Sheamus said he’d do anything to put his hands on the IC Title.

Bron told Sheamus that nobody cares about Sheamus’ story. Bron threatened to kick his ass. Sheamus wondered if Bron was going to put him on his stupid list. Sheamus said that he knows Bron is the new hot kid in WWE. Sheamus called Bron the “new kid” again. Sheamus told Bron to get to the back of the line before Sheamus makes him. Zayn interrupted saying it seemed like they needed to sort this out. Zayn said he’ll talk to Adam Pearce because the fans don’t want to see them talk it out because they want to see them fight it out later tonight. Zayn left while Sheamus and Bron had a staredown.

Analysis: That’s an interesting first-time ever matchup to set up between Sheamus and Breakker. I like that idea a lot. I also think the story of Sheamus winning the Intercontinental Title needs to happen because he’s won everything there is to win except that, so hopefully it does happen for Sheamus before he retires. I also think Breakker could certainly be the next Intercontinental Champion and working with an incredible performer like Zayn would help Bron a lot. I like the IC Title situation a lot.

Dragon Lee of the LWO did a taped promo about Carlito attacking him before WrestleMania 40 to prevent Dragon from tagging with Rey Mysterio at WrestleMania. Lee said finally he can get his revenge.

The LWO’s Dragon Lee was joined by Rey Mysterio and Joaquin Wilde. Dragon Lee made his entrance because the Lee/Carlito match is up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired about Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn winning the Women’s Tag Team Titles at Clash at the Castle over the former champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill and Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark. Dawn pinned Baszler after Cargill did a German Suplex. Fyre & Dawn in their home country of Scotland.

Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn were interviewed by Jackie Redmond, who congratulated them as the new Women’s Tag Team Champions. Fyre said that it was a dream come true. Dawn said that the time for celebration was over. Dawn said they’ll take on anybody who gets in their way. Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark walked in with Baszler saying she made Cargill tap out, but the referee missed it. Stark said they were coming for those titles. The champions said any time and any place.

Analysis: It will be interesting to see how Fyre & Dawn are booked as champions. They are heels, but so are Baszler & Stark. I’m not sure if they have any babyface teams lined up to face the champions soon.

Dragon Lee (w/Rey Mysterio & Joaquin Wilde) vs. Carlito (w/Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh)

Lee kicked Carlito to knock Carlito out of the ring. Lee tried an attack on the floor, but Carlito caught him and threw Lee into the barricade. Carlito tackled Lee into the barricade. Carlito was on the apron, so Lee jumped over the top rope and hit a hurricanrana on the floor. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

It was Lee in control as he jumped off the top with a Superfly splash for two. Lee hit a knee lift. Carlito elbowed Lee, but Lee came back with a German Suplex. Carlito hit a neckbreaker or cutter off the shoulders for two. Lee set up Carlito by the turnbuckle and hit a double foot stomp. Lee hit a sitout Powerbomb on Carlito for two. Liv Morgan walked out to ringside wearing Dominik’s vest. Zelina Vega attacked Morgan from behind and they exchanged strikes. Dominik sent Wilde into the steel steps. Rey punched his son Dominik a few times. The referee was distracted, so JD tripped up Lee by the ropes. Carlito hit a Backstabber on Lee for the pinfall win after about ten minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Carlito

Analysis: **3/4 A solid match with Carlito getting the cheap win thanks to JD interfering. Lee was on offense for about 80% of the match, which happens sometimes when a wrestler is about to lose a match. Vega attacking Morgan is payback for what happened earlier while there was other chaos as well, which led to the cheap win for Carlito.

There were highlights shown of the Damian Priest/Drew McIntyre match that led to CM Punk costing Drew the win.

A clip was shown of how CM Punk obtained the referee shirt. He was watching the match, saw referee Jessika Carr and she handed him a shirt. Punk went down to the ring at that point.

Drew McIntyre was shown walking backstage as the mysterious QR Code was shown along with other graphics on the screen. There was also Sonya Deville talking to Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark backstage as Drew was walking.

(Commercial)

Chad Gable was shown backstage talking to Otis, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri. Otis was shown packing his bag, Gable asked what he was doing and Otis said “we’re done.” Otis left with Tozawa & Dupri while Gable shouted that you’re not done unless he says you’re done. Gable said he was going to win Money in the Bank and do what Otis couldn’t do by becoming World Champion.

Analysis: I thought that Otis would break from Gable in a more elaborate way, but if that’s it then that’s okay too. I also think Gable being in the Money in the Bank match is a great idea.

Let’s Hear from Drew McIntyre

Drew McIntyre walked out to the ring with an upset look on his face. Drew got in the ring for a promo as the fans chanted “CM Punk” at him. Drew: “CM Punk.” Drew didn’t know what else to say. Drew took a moment to gather his thoughts saying I can’t do this anymore. Drew: “Screw this company. I quit.” Drew walked out of the ring and walked to the back. Adam Pearce tried talking to Drew as he walked to the back and the show went to a break.

Analysis: A frustrated promo from Drew McIntyre, who has every right to be frustrated after getting screwed over at Clash at the Castle. I like that it wasn’t a regular wrestling promo and it was a quick one where he left angrily. It’s going to keep fans interested to see what happens next.

(Commercial)

They showed a clip of Drew McIntyre backstage during the break. Drew talked to Triple H saying he heard what he said at the press conference (Triple H complimented CM Punk a lot) and Drew walked away. Pearce walked with Drew down a hallway.

The announcers talked about Drew McIntyre as if he really quit. Pat said he would miss him.

Analysis: We know CM Punk is on Smackdown this Friday, so it wouldn’t shock me if Drew showed up to attack Punk there. If not, then Drew will probably attack Punk somewhere. They can wait until after Money in the Bank is over and do it in the weeks leading up to SummerSlam. I assume this is just giving Drew a few weeks off. I know some people will speculate Drew might show up in TNA and I guess it’s possible, but I think it’s more of a break before he comes back.

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance vs. Damage CTRL – Dakota Kai & Kairi Sane

Chance was on fire against Kai with a running dropkick. Carter got the tag and hit a splash off the apron onto Kai on the floor. Kai stomped on Carter’s back while Carter was against the ropes. Sane tagged in and jumped off the top with the Insane Elbow for two because Chance broke up the pin. Lyra Valkyria showed up at ringside to check on Chance on the floor. Kai didn’t like Lyra being there. Carter hit a DDT on Sane while Kai argued with Lyra. Carter hit a superkick on Kai. Chance tagged in with the After Party double team move that’s a 450 splash with a neckbreaker. Chance pinned Kai to win. It only went about three minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance

Analysis: *1/2 A decisive win by the exciting team of Carter & Chance. Kai & Sane aren’t regular partners although they are in the Damage CTRL group. Lyra Valkyria’s presence distracted Kai, so that led to Carter & Chance doing the double team offense to win. It was decent for a short match.

Bron Breakker was shown getting ready for his match with Sheamus up next.

(Commercial)

A recap was shown of Damian Priest and Seth “Freakin” Rollins setting up their World Heavyweight Title match at Money in the Bank.

There was a graphic shown to make it official: Damian Priest defends the World Heavyweight Title against Seth “Freakin” Rollins at Money in the Bank on July 6th.

Damage CTRL was shown backstage. IYO SKY told Dakota Kai and Kairi Sane that Damage CTRL had to change or she would change it herself.

Analysis: A change is coming. I’m not sure what the plan is, but the group has certainly lost some appeal.

Sheamus vs. Bron Breakker

The Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn was shown watching the match at ringside. They never said that the winner was definitely getting an Intercontinental Title match, but that was implied earlier in the show. Sheamus is about 20 years older than Bron with way more experience.

Sheamus went for an armbar, but Bron got to the ropes to break it. They did an aggressive lockup leading to both guys landing out of the ring. Sheamus nailed Bron with a couple of uppercuts. Back in the ring, Bron ran the ropes to show off the speed followed by a running clothesline. Braun charged again, but Sheamus was ready with the backbreaker. Sheamus hit the rolling senton. Bron elbowed Sheamus a few times followed by an overhead release suplex. Bron charged, Sheamus avoided it and Sheamus clotheslined Bron out of the ring. Sheamus hit a clothesline off the apron onto Bron on the floor. Back in the ring, Bron did a necksnap against the ropes along with a running knee. Bron jumped off the apron with a clothesline on Sheamus on the commentary table. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Bron was in control with double knees to the ribs for a two count. Sheamus yelled at Bron to bring it, so they exchanged punches and Sheamus hit a double axhandle along with a corner clothesline. Sheamus hit a spinning sidewalk slam for two. Sheamus went to the turnbuckle, Bron went after him and Bron slipped on the ropes leading to a takedown. It was a hurricanrana most likely, but Bron slipped. They are big dudes and sometimes that happens. They moved on from it immediately. Sheamus came back with the White Noise slam for a two count. Bron came back with a clothesline. Bron charged, but Sheamus hit a jumping knee smash for two. Sheamus gave Bron the ten forearms to the chest with the fans chanting along the whole way. Ludwig Kaiser showed up at ringside and grabbed Sheamus by the leg. The referee called for the bell. It went 12 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Sheamus

Analysis: *** A good match that ended early thanks to the presence of Kaiser. I liked the physicality of the match between Sheamus and Bron. I know that people might freak out about the blown spot by the ropes. That stuff happens sometimes and I don’t think it’s a big deal. They moved on and that’s fine. We know Kaiser beat Sheamus a few weeks ago, so Kaiser would have a valid point that he deserves an IC Title shot more than Sheamus does. I know it’s a “loss” for Bron, but it’s not like he took the fall here.

After the match, Sheamus fought with Kaiser as they exchanged punches and Sheamus tossed Kaiser over the barricade. Bron charged at Sheamus with a Spear on the floor. Officials made Bron back away due to his past attacks, so they walked Bron to the back. This allowed Kaiser to do a cheap attack on Sheamus. Kaiser went for a running dropkick on Sheamus, but Bron ran around the other side of the ring and Bron hit a Spear on Kaiser on the floor. Sami Zayn held up the IC Title in Bron’s face, so Bron shoved Zayn back. They were separated by officials and producers.

Analysis: It was more dominance by Bron since he took out two guys on the floor. Bron has been booked very well on Raw so far.

Dominik Mysterio was shown walking down a hallway looking for his vest. Liv Morgan was there wearing the vest. Liv said you can have the vest only if Dominik takes it off her. Dominik put his hand on the zipper and Damian Priest was in the background wondering what Dominik was doing. Dominik unzipped the vest fast and left. Priest told Liv to leave Dominik alone because he didn’t want anything to do with her. Liv said she thinks that Dominik wants everything to do with her. Liv laughed and left.

Analysis: Liv Morgan is doing a great job with the mind games. I really like how this story has been booked and it will likely continue to be interesting in the weeks ahead.

(Commercial)

Karrion Kross was backstage with Scarlett for a promo. Kross spoke about his issues with The New Day. Kross said he wanted to face one of The New Day guys next week and they could leave their friends in the back. Kross said he hoped it was Kofi because we know he wants to leave Woods in the back anyway.

The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods did a promo in response. Kofi said that Kross hasn’t done much at all while saying he’s a former NXT Champion while New Day are the greatest tag team of all time. Woods said if you want to leave partners in the back then that’s fine. Kofi said since you want to call him out, Kofi accepts the challenge. While Kofi did that, Woods looked a bit frustrated in the background.

Analysis: It was an easy way to set up a match for next week with Kross facing Kofi while Kross continues to try to split up The New Day by making Woods feel like Kofi overshadows him.

Next week on Raw:

* Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Braun Strowman vs. Chad Gable vs. “Big” Bronson Reed

* Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Lyra Valkyria vs. Shayna Baszler vs. Kairi Sane

* Kofi Kingston vs. Karrion Kross

Analysis: Interesting matches there. I think Gable should win the men’s match, but all three guys would be fine choices. I’ll go with Lyra Valkyria winning the women’s match.

Jey Uso was in a hallway in the arena surrounded by the fans. Jey said that he’s in a Money in the Bank Qualifying Match and he needs the win to become Mr. Money in the Bank. Jey made his entrance in the back part of the arena while the fans lit up the arena and did the arm swinging for Jey’s entrance. Jey got into the ring for some more arm swinging and his main event match was next.

(Commercial)

It was main event time as Finn Balor made his entrance alone without The Judgment Day guys. Rey Mysterio of the LWO was up last for this triple threat match.

In a Drew McIntyre update, Cole mentioned that Drew has deactivated all of his social media accounts.

Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Jey Uso vs. Finn Balor vs. Rey Mysterio

Rey took down Jey with a headscissors and Rey did an armdrag on Balor as well. Rey dropkicked Balor into the barricade. Rey went for a sunset flip on Jey, but he couldn’t connect and Balor sent Rey into the ring. As Balor focused on attacking Jey, Rey jumped over the top onto Balor on the floor. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Balor was in control as he tossed Rey out of the ring and stomped on Jey in the ribs. Rey was back in with a sunset flip on Balor, but Balor stopped that with a basement dropkick. Jey punched Balor a few times with fans chanting “YEET” for the punches. Jey hit an uppercut punch on Balor. Rey jumped onto Balor with a seated senton and a springboard cross body block. Rey did a crucifix pin on Jey for two. Rey sent Jey out of the ring while Balor rolled up Rey for two. Rey countered a Balor move to send Finn into the ropes, but Balor came back with a clothesline. Jey hit a step up enziguri kick and Balor did a Pele Kick. All three guys were down as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

Rey took down Balor with a hurricanrana while Jey hit a Spear on Rey for two. Balor knocked Jey off the apron to the floor. Rey knocked Balor down on the floor followed by Rey hitting the slide under the ropes to splash on Balor on the floor. Rey did the hurricanrana to send Balor into the ropes. Rey hit Balor with the 619 and Rey did a 619 to Jey right after that. Rey jumped off the top to send both opponents into the ropes. Rey hit a double 619 kick on both opponents at the same time. Dominik showed up at ringside to grab Rey’s leg and Rey dove onto Dominik on the floor. JD and Carlito attacked Rey by sending him into the ropes. There are no DQ’s in a triple threat, so the referee couldn’t do anything. Braun Strowman went down to ringside to chase the J-Day guys (and Carlito) to the back. Jey superkicked Balor for two. Balor hit Slingblade on Jey. Rey jumped onto Balor’s back and Balor slammed Rey into the turnbuckle. Balor slammed Rey to the mat. Balor went up top and jumped off with the Coup de Grace on Rey, but Jey was on another turnbuckle and Jey jumped onto Balor with an Uso Splash on Balor for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jey Uso

Analysis: ***1/2 A good triple threat match between three talented veterans who all came close to winning a few times. The finish was done very well with Balor hitting his top rope finisher on Rey, but then Jey was in the perfect spot to hit the Uso Splash on Balor for the win. Rey getting attacked during the match hurt him a bit, but he was able to come back from it and compete. Jey Uso getting the win was the right call here.

The win means that Jey Uso is the first of six men to qualify for the Men’s Money in the Bank match.

Jey Uso celebrated the win with the fans. There were still a few minutes in the show as the lights went out in the building.

It was a darkened arena with a door that opened up and there was a light. The light was shining bright, but then it went out quickly. There was somebody crawling on the ground and it was Nikki Cross as she approached a lantern that was lit up. She pointed behind her. The camera found some bodies down on the ground. There was a rabbit that I believe was Erick Rowan and he had a sledgehammer that said “Help” on it. The Gorilla Position area was shown as somebody sat on a box of some kind with their arms folded (Dexter Lumis). We also saw somebody with some kind of gas mask on their head (it was Joe Gacy). Chad Gable was shown with his head bloody in the backstage area.

Uncle Howdy was shown walking backstage as the fans chanted “holy shit” for it. Uncle Howdy walked out from the Gorilla Position and into the arena as the fans cheered. The arena was lit up with the “fireflies” cell phone light. Uncle Howdy picked up the lantern in the arena and the five creepy characters were together. Howdy said: “We’re here.” Howdy blew out the lantern. That was the end of the show.

Analysis: That’s the debut of this new Wyatt Family/Uncle Howdy stable that has been teased for months now. They mentioned this date as the arrival, so it was not a shock to see them end the show. The backstage stuff was all darkened so it was tough to see everything going on, but the idea was they took out everybody backstage and looked scary with all their costumes. It will be interesting how this group is booked led by Uncle Howdy aka Bo Dallas and how the others fit in. I know Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis, Joe Gacy and Nikki Cross are expected to be part of it, so we’ll have to see the names of those characters in the weeks ahead.

The group name is the Wyatt Sicks although there is a number 6 of it in terms of how it is written. There are five members in the group, so we are to assume that the memory of Bray Wyatt is the sixth member. There is already new merchandise available on WWE Shop as well.

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Three Stars of the Show

  1. Seth “Freakin” Rollins. Welcome back
  2. Jey Uso
  3. The Wyatt Sicks

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The Scoreboard

8 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2024 Average: 7.63

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

I thought it was a great Raw. There was so much happening in terms of storylines throughout the show. The Seth Rollins return that was unexpected, Drew McIntyre quitting, Bron Breakker going after the IC Title, Otis finally leaving Chad Gable, the Liv Morgan-Dominik Mysterio drama involving a stolen vest, and the creepy Wyatt Sicks stable debuted as well among other things. It’s tough to digest it all because there was so much, but the fact that there was so much is an example of how good the storytelling is right now on Raw. They are doing a great job.

The matches were okay this week. I liked the Jey Uso-Finn Balor-Rey Mysterio MITB Qualifier match a lot and it had a clever finish with Jey getting the big win. I liked the Women’s MITB Qualifier match too with IYO SKY getting the big win. Bron Breakker going against Sheamus was interesting as well. Even the post match stuff was done really well because it put over Bron in a big way.

As for the Wyatt Sicks group, I’m glad they have arrived after months of teasing. It was only about five minutes, but they came across as a creepy, scary and dominant group so far. It’s hard to predict what comes next, which will make for good television in the future. Well done.

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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