The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 07/01/24 Review
It’s WWE Raw with two more Money in the Bank qualifying matches, plus Rey Mysterio facing his son Dominik, Liv Morgan against Zelina Vega, and more.
Happy Canada Day today to my fellow Canadians. Also, happy Fourth of July US Independence Day to my American friends on Thursday.
I mentioned this in my Smackdown review last week and I’ll put it in here too: Next Friday I am driving five hours to Cleveland for a family wedding on Saturday so I will miss Smackdown. I’m also going to miss Money in the Bank on Saturday. If I didn’t have the wedding to go to I’d be at MITB in Toronto, but I can’t make it due to the wedding. I’ll do the Money in the Bank review when I get back home on Sunday.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1623 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.
They showed arrivals of Drew McIntyre, Sheamus and Ilja Dragunov earlier in the day.
Jey Uso was shown in the lobby of the arena walking through a crowd of fans and the camera followed Jey into the arena. Jey walked down the steps in the back part of the arena and made his way down to the ring. It was a party atmosphere with the fans lighting up the arena with the cell phone light and all the arm swinging as usual.
It was Michael Cole and Corey Graves on commentary. Graves was filling in for Pat McAfee, whose father-in-law passed away last Monday, so Pat wasn’t there. Pat is back next week.
Let’s Hear from Jey Uso And Chad Gable
Jey Uso did a promo in the ring saying he’s going to win Money in the Bank on Saturday. He said it’s not going to be any of the other guys in the match and he mentioned their names. That led to an interruption, of course.
Chad Gable walked out telling the “Boston idiots” that “Yeet” isn’t really a word. Gable said that what he’s done the last two weeks has been nothing short of miraculous. Gable said that he overcame an attack from the Wyatts, overcame his family leaving him and overcame two more monsters last week to qualify for Money in the Bank. Chad said he’s going to climb that ladder and call himself Master in the Bank.
Jey asked Chad what was he doing here because didn’t the Wyatts get him already? Chad said that Jey should be scared since he stole the fireflies. Chad claimed that they should be after Jey since Jey abandoned his family. Jey said he told them they can take the fireflies. Jey told Chad that what his “family” did is what Jey did by getting out from under a manipulative scumbag. Gable punched Jey, but Jey came back with his own punches. Jey nailed Gable with a superkick. Jey went up top, so Gable rolled out of the ring to the floor.
Analysis: It was the typical “I’m going to win” promos from both guys. I think Jey Uso is probably the biggest favorite to win Money in the Bank since he’s literally on the poster for the show by himself. I certainly wouldn’t mind a Gable victory because he’s a lot of fun to watch too. Jey might be my pick at this point, though.
When Gable was on the floor and Jey was in the ring, the lights went out in the building as a sign that it was time for the Wyatt Sicks. The slow beating music played while the fans lit up the building with the cell phone light. The fans chanted “holy shit” for this. Gable went over the barricade and walked toward the backstage area, but somebody was in his path. Gable went by the entrance area where another costumed man was in his path. A third path to the back was blocked as well. Gable jumped the barricade and went up the steps in the arena. Gable went up the steps.
The mysterious Nikki Cross was at ringside and she presented a package to Michael Cole just like last week. The show went to a break.
Analysis: The mysterious intrigue surrounding the Wyatt Sicks continues. The fans chanting “holy shit” before anything happens shows how much the audience is into it already.
(Commercial)
Michael Cole opened the package to reveal another VHS tape like last week that said “Play Me” on it. Cole said they would get it to the production truck to play it later in the show.
Xavier Woods (w/Kofi Kingston) vs. Karrion Kross (w/Scarlett, Paul Ellering, Akam & Rezar)
Kross beat Kofi last week on Raw while Woods was beaten up backstage by Akam & Rezar.
Kross nailed Woods with a forearm to the head followed by an overhead suplex. Kross choked Woods across the middle rope. Woods ducked a charging Kross to send Kross out of the ring. Woods did a slingshot attack over the top onto Kross. They battled on the floor where Kross gave Woods a Powerbomb back-first into the ring post and then Woods landed on the back of his neck. Ouch. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Woods chopping Kross a bunch of times followed by a forearm to the jaw. Woods hit a running elbow. Woods delivered a kick, but Kross came back with a headbutt. Woods kicked Kross to knock him down. Woods went up top, was slightly distracted by the guys on the floor and Woods jumped, so Kross nailed him with a forearm. Kross slowly picked up Woods, who did an inside cradle for the pinfall win after about seven minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Xavier Woods
Analysis: **1/2 It was okay for a shorter match with Woods taking a beating for most of the match and then he did the surprise inside cradle for the win. I wouldn’t call it an upset, but the finish was done in a way that it was a surprise.
After the match, Authors of Pain attacked Woods and Kofi. After Kofi sent the AOP guys to the floor, Kross hit Kofi with a forearm smash. AOP tossed Woods into the barricade. Kross got a hold of Kofi’s left arm, he bent it backwards and Kofi was screaming in pain. The referee went into the ring to stop it, so Kross let go. Kross and The Final Testament group stood tall while The New Day guys were down. Kross asked Woods if he wanted to shake his hands but Woods didn’t do it.
Analysis: It looks like an injury angle for Kofi since Kross had the arm submission for a long time while Kofi sold it like he was in a lot of pain.
A replay was shown of last week when Liv Morgan cost R-Truth and The Miz the World Tag Team Titles, so Finn Balor & JD McDonagh are the new World Tag Team Champions.
Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio were shown walking backstage. Dominik said that he talked to Rhea Ripley saying that she’s good. Priest said that he just talked to Rhea and she’s pissed off. Priest told Dominik to do what he said he was going to do. They walked into The Judgment Day dressing room where Liv Morgan, Finn Balor, JD McDonagh & Carlito were playing the WWE 2K25 video game. Liv left saying that she had a match up next. Balor spoke to Priest saying that Liv helped them last week. Balor didn’t like what Priest said last week about how The Judgment Day needed Priest. That led to Priest explaining that he is confident in himself. Balor said that since Priest won that championship, he has changed. Priest said nothing while Balor left.
Analysis: A little drama within The Judgment Day, which is fine because it’s smart to keep people guessing with them and how they might implode at any time.
(Commercial)
A video aired in tribute to the late, great WWE Hall of Famer Sika, who passed away last week at the age of 79. Sika is the father of Roman Reigns and left a lasting impact on the pro wrestling business. This is the same video that WWE aired on Smackdown.
Zelina Vega was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Vega spoke about how she’s focused on the Women’s World Championship and will see what a real champion looks like. Zelina Vega made her entrance for her title match up next.
(Commercial)
They showed a clip of Liv Morgan throwing out the first pitch at the Boston Red Sox game on Sunday. She did a nice job with that throw.
Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan vs. Zelina Vega
Liv was wrestling in a top that said “Liv’s finally on top” so it was a shot at Rhea Ripley saying that Mami is always on top. Ring announcer Samantha Irvin was in the ring to do the championship introductions and did a great job as usual.
Vega hit an impressive arm drag across the ring. Morgan went for a move by the turnbuckle, Vega got out of that and Vega hit a 619 kick to the legs. Morgan tripped up Vega by the apron followed by Morgan dropkicking Vega off the apron to the floor. Dominik Mysterio went down to ringside while Morgan smiled about it. Vega gave Morgan an arm drag on the floor followed by a Meteora double knees on Morgan on the floor. Rey Mysterio went down to ringside to support his pal Vega as the show went to break.
(Commercial)
Morgan suplexed Vega three times for the Three Amigos suplexes and then she did the Eddie shake to Dominik. Morgan applied the Prism lock submission that Rhea Ripley uses. Vega got out of the submission and hit a rolling kick to the head. Vega hit a step up kick along with a kick to the back. Vega went up top and jumped off with a perfect moonsault for two. Morgan and Vega traded nearfalls. Morgan hit a running enziguri kick for two. They battled on the turnbuckle leading to Vega hitting a Code Red off the ropes, but Morgan rolled out of the ring. Morgan shoved Vega’s back into the ring apron. Rey and Dominik argued on the floor with Rey shoving Dominik down. Morgan hit a baseball slide kick on Rey on the floor. Vega hit a 619 kick on Morgan followed by Vega hitting a tornado DDT for two. Dominik slid a chair into the ring, Vega grabbed the chair and hit Dominik with it. Morgan capitalized with the Oblivion off the ropes for the pinfall win after 11 minutes. Cole: “Dummy Dom screwed it up again!”
Winner by pinfall: Liv Morgan
Analysis: *** It was another example of Dominik Mysterio helping Liv Morgan win a match even though it appeared to be an accidental distraction. Vega put up a fight and had a decent showing in the match, but this was all about Morgan capitalizing on the situation to win.
Liv Morgan was interviewed by Cathy Kelley by the entrance area. Morgan said that she felt like the luckiest girl in the world. Morgan said that the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour is going exactly as planned. Morgan said she dedicated that victory to her “daddy” Dominik Mysterio.
A video aired featuring Drew McIntyre in a “DM Hunk” shirt doing a promo about his issues with CM Punk. Drew said that he got screwed out of the World Heavyweight Title two times. Drew said that everybody knows now if they get in his way then he’ll take care of him like he did to Punk. Drew said that he’s going to qualify for Money in the Bank tonight and he’s going to win the briefcase. Drew said that there’s nothing anybody can do to stop him while suggesting you ask the last guy that stopped him. Drew said you can’t ask him due to the injury suffered by Punk.
Seth “Freakin” Rollins was shown walking backstage. Zoey Stark was talking to Sonya Deville in the background and Shayna Baszler walked up to Stark to get her to leave.
A clip aired previewing the WrestleMania 40: Behind the Curtain special airing this Wednesday 7 p.m. on YouTube.
(Commercial)
Let’s Hear from Seth “Freakin” Rollins
Seth Rollins got a big ovation as usual. Rollins went over his nicknames while welcoming us to Monday Night Rollins. Seth said that he confetti was coming down, which means it’s a sign that he’s going to be here next week once again as the World Heavyweight Champion. Seth mentioned this was a championship city while mentioning the Bruins, Sox, Pats and judging by the leftover confetti, you’ve got the 2024 NBA Champion Boston Celtics, which got a huge pop from the crowd. Rollins said that he needed to win back the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins said he can’t settle for second best or anything less than the championship. Rollins talked about how if he doesn’t beat Priest then he never gets a shot at the title while Priest is the champion. Rollins said he has to re-evaluate who he is and his legacy. Rollins claimed that when the pressure is at its highest, that is when he is at his best. Rollins said he’s going to take the title from Priest and take Priest from The Judgment Day. Rollins claimed it wasn’t his intention to break up The Judgment Day.
Finn Balor of The Judgment Day walked out as one half of the World Tag Team Champions. Balor said he should be in a good mood, but he’s in a bad mood. Balor claimed that everything around here seems to be changing. Balor said that The Judgment Day is changing, Damian Priest is changing and he blames Rollins. Seth told Balor that he thinks he’s jealous of Priest because has the World Heavyweight Championship, which Balor wasn’t able to win. Rollins threatened to knock Balor’s teeth down his throat.
Damien Priest walked out to the ring with the World Heavyweight Title. Priest said there is no trap. Priest told Balor that nobody else is getting involved in his business. Priest said that this is about him and Rollins. Priest told Rollins that his days are numbered as the guy who thinks he is running Raw. Rollins told Priest they didn’t have to wait until Saturday to get this fight on. Balor attacked Rollins with punches and Balor wanted Priest to join him, but Priest pulled Balor off Rollins. Seth was back up with a superkick to both guys. Rollins hit Balor with The Stomp. Priest hit South of Heaven on Rollins to put him down. Priest helped Balor back up to end it.
Analysis: It was another trash talking segment between Seth Rollins and Damian Priest leading to some physicality. Priest continues to claim he doesn’t need help, yet he benefits from the help again. I think Priest will probably beat Rollins at Money in the Bank although the thought of a Rollins-GUNTHER match excites me a lot more than a Priest-GUNTHER match. Just saying.
A video aired about Ludwig Kaiser talking about how Sheamus injured Kaiser by breaking his ribs. Kaiser said that Sheamus showed his true colors because he’s nothing but a coward. Kaiser said that he’s going to make it his goal to come back, humiliate Sheamus and end the Celtic Warrior once and for all.
Analysis: Ludwig Kaiser is a talented guy, so I hope he’s back in action soon. The WWE Bash in Berlin PLE is on August 31st in Berlin, Germany which is Kaiser’s home country so hopefully he’s ready to go well before that and he can be in a big match at that show.
Dakota Kai made her entrance for the women’s triple threat match up next.
(Commercial)
Finn Balor and Damian Priest were shown talking backstage. Priest told Balor to stay out of it at Money in the Bank so Priest can do this on his own. Balor understood. Priest said he’ll get him some ice.
Women’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Zoey Stark vs. Dakota Kai vs. Ivy Nile
Kai tripped up Nile leading to a kick. Stark hit a sliding kick on Kai. Nile hit a kick on both women at the same time. Nile kicked Kai followed by Kai hitting a running kick. Stark hit a missile dropkick on Kai for two. That led to a break.
(Commercial)
The match returned with Nile hitting a double bulldog off the turnbuckle. Nile dropkicked Kai followed by a German Suplex. Nile hit a German Suplex on Stark as well. Nile went for a vertical suplex, but Stark stopped that so Nile hit a German Suplex on both women for a two count on Kai. Nile hit a spin kick on Kai and then Stark hit a gutwrench suplex on Nile for two because Kai broke up the pin. Stark hit a knee on Kai and then Nile hit a kick on Stark. Nile connected with a German Suplex on Stark for two. Stark hit a Tornado DDT on Stark. Kai hit a Kairopractor (thanks Graves) move that was like a backbreaker. Kairi Sane of Damage CTRL went to ringside to distract and Kai stomped on Nile’s head. Alba Fyre attacked Sane at ringside and Isla Dawn joined in. Kai was watching that so Stark knocked Nile out of the ring and Stark hit Z360 on Kai for the pinfall win. It went about nine minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Zoey Stark
Analysis: **1/2 It was just an average match featuring women who aren’t pushed that much as singles wrestlers. I thought it would be Stark or Kai getting the win. Kai was distracted by the Women’s Tag Team Champions causing chaos on the floor, so Stark capitalized to win.
That win by Zoey Stark now means that the Women’s Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match looks like this: IYO SKY vs. Chelsea Green vs. Lyra Valkyria vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark.
Bo Dallas Speaks To Uncle Howdy
A video was shown of what was on the VHS tape. It was Bo Dallas talking to a masked Uncle Howdy, which is himself. Bo asked what they are doing there. Howdy said that Bo honestly believes that he brought Howdy to life. Bo said that he was destined to do this. Dallas said that they’re the ones that everybody wanted to forget about and abandon. Dallas said “we made them notice us.” Dallas said that they weren’t chosen, just willing. Dallas said that “they’ve become a family” and then said “we’ve become a family.” Howdy was laughing about it. Dallas said that false prophets are belittling their own family for their own gain. Dallas said that they must pay for their sins. Dallas said that he is the voice of the reckoning. Bo and Howdy kept on saying “I am nobody” while also saying “I am the reckoning” as well. Bo was left alone and he said: “I set them free.” Howdy appeared and Bo said: “There you are.” Some bird imagery appeared after that to end the segment.
Analysis: It was a good segment like last week. Bo Dallas is explaining his motivation with the Wyatt Sicks group talking about how he had to make things better.
The Rey Mysterio-Dominik Mysterio match was next.
(Commercial)
Otis was shown eating in catering when Chad Gable walked up to Otis saying that the Wyatt Sicks video was about him. Chad tried to reason with him. Otis told Gable he didn’t hate him. Otis said that this was Chad’s problem. Gable said that if it’s one of them who gets attacked then Gable will be there because Otis is his number one guy. Maxxine Dupri and Tozawa checked on Otis, so Gable said everything was great and left.
Rey Mysterio vs. Dominik Mysterio
Rey stomped on his son’s face when Dominik tried a monkey flip. Rey did a hurricanrana to send Dominik out of the ring. Rey did a hurricanrana on the floor to send Dominik into the barricade. They went to break there.
(Commercial)
Dominik was in control of his father by sending Rey into the turnbuckle. Dominik punched Rey a few times. Dominik hit a flying back elbow on Rey for two. Rey got some momentum going with a drop toe hold sending Dominik into the turnbuckle. Rey went up top and hit a seated senton onto his son. Rey hit a springboard cross body block on Dominik. Rey rolled through to counter a move leading to a kick to the head. Liv Morgan went down to ringside. Dominik applied a catapult followed by a half crab submission. Rey got to the ropes to break it. Rey hit two suplexes, Rey got out of the third and then Dominik was sent into the ropes. Rey hit a 619 kick on Dominik and then Rey kicked Dominik in the back so he landed on top of Morgan. Liv was happy about it. Rey sent Dominik into the ring and Dominik kicked Rey in the head. Dominik hit a brainbuster on Rey for two. Zelina Vega went down to ringside to brawl with Morgon on the floor. Vega tackled Morgan into the barricade. Dominik dropkicked Rey into the ropes and Dominik hit a 619 kick. Dominik went up top, Vega tripped up Morgan and Dominik was crotched on the top. Rey hit a 619 kick on his son followed by a slingshot Dropping The Dime splash for the pinfall win. It went 11 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Rey Mysterio
Analysis: ***1/4 A fun match that was also chaotic due to everything going on outside the ring. Vega neutralizing Morgan was the difference because that led to Morgan accidentally knocking Dominik off the top rope and Rey capitalized for the win. These guys are always going to have good matches together.
After the match, Liv Morgan pleaded with Dominik Mysterio that it wasn’t her fault.
A video aired about Sheamus’ success over the last 15 years in WWE. Sheamus said he has another shot at becoming a two-time Mr. Money in the Bank. Sheamus talked about facing Drew McIntyre and Ilja Dragunov in the qualifying match. Sheamus spoke about putting on banger after banger, but tonight he’ll move one step closer to becoming World Heavyweight Champion by qualifying in the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Sami Zayn made his entrance as the Intercontinental Champion. He got a huge pop.
(Commercial)
A video aired about Shinsuke Nakamura being at the UFC 303 event to help Rei Tsuruya, who picked up a win at the show.
Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn did a promo saying he felt good as the Intercontinental Champion. Zayn said he has been a fighting champion willing to put the title on the line. Zayn claimed that he heard the chatter about how people think that Bron Breakker is going to run right through him. Zayn said that Bron is breaking guys in half every week. Zayn said matter of factly that he was going to beat Bron Breakker at Money in the Bank.
Bron Breakker made his entrance looking confident as usual with Cole calling him a physical specimen.
Bron got into the ring with Zayn saying that Zayn gained some respect last week. Bron said that Zayn challenged Bron to a fight and gave Bron an opportunity at the Intercontinental Championship. Bron said that Zayn had guts and he had no idea what he was in for. Bron said that he’s going to beat him down, decimate him in this ring and become the new Intercontinental Champion.
Zayn asked if Bron knew how many guys had said that they were going to beat him. Zayn said that it’s happened a thousand times and he puts himself back together. Zayn said that he gets back up every single time while noting that the proof is the Intercontinental Title. Zayn told Bron he wanted him to try his very best to take the title from him. Zayn said if he has to tell Bron who he is then maybe Bron hasn’t done his homework and Bron isn’t as smart as he thinks he is. Zayn suggested that maybe Bron isn’t as good as he thinks he is. Zayn said he’ll see him at Money in the Bank. Bron turned his back to leave, but then Bron turned around leading to a devastating Spear. That was so quick! Bron left while Zayn was selling the attack. Zayn left the ring, so Bron ran around the ring, Zayn did a leapfrog and Bron went shoulder-first into the steel steps. Zayn fought back with punches. They went into the ring where Zayn hit an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Zayn charged, but Bron came back with a Spear again! Bron celebrated that by throwing his shirt into the crowd. Bron held up the Intercontinental Title over a fallen Zayn. Bron’s generic music played to end it.
Analysis: It was yet another promo segment featuring two guys that said they are going to win just like the other promo segment featuring two guys in a title match. This one wasn’t that interesting in terms of the words they said, but I liked the physicality part to end it. Bron showed off his incredible speed in the segment while also hitting a couple of Spears to show how explosive he is. Zayn did a nice job of making the comeback, but the way this ended will make people think that Bron will win at Money in the Bank. I might pick Bron to win the title here but I haven’t officially decided that yet.
Up next is a look at what The Bloodline did to Paul Heyman on Smackdown.
(Commercial)
Damage CTRL’s Dakota Kai, IYO SKY and Kairi Sane were interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Kai said that Sky is going to win Money in the Bank. Kai complained about people getting involved in their business. Lyra Valkyria got in Damage CTRL’s face about how she was going to win Money in the Bank. Kayden Carter and Katana Chance showed up to fight with Lyra against Damage CTRL. A bunch of officials were there to break it up.
A video package aired showing highlights of Smackdown in MSG last week when The Bloodline put “Wise Man” Paul Heyman through the commentary table.
There was a quick video about Ilja Dragunov to set up his match up next.
Drew McIntyre entered first for the triple threat match.
(Commercial)
Two matches were advertised for Raw next week.
* Jey Uso vs. Chad Gable
* Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance vs. Damage CTRL – Dakota Kai, IYO SKY & Kairi Sane
Ilja Dragunov entered for the main event. It is Ilja’s biggest match on Raw so far. Sheamus was up next and he got a big ovation from the crowd.
Men’s Money in the Bank Qualifying Match: Sheamus vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Ilja Dragunov
Drew and Sheamus argued to start the match while Drew shoved Ilja away. Ilja hit Drew with a running kick that sent Drew out of the ring. Ilja charged at Sheamus with a jumping knee. Ilja chopped Sheamus a few times. Sheamus caught Ilja leading to a backbreaker. Sheamus hit a backbreaker on Drew too. Sheamus knocked Ilja off the apron to the floor. Drew tossed Sheamus over the barricade to the floor. Ilja shoved Drew into the ring post and Ilja hit a jumping kick to the head. Sheamus was back up leading to more than the usual ten forearm smashes to Drew’s chest.
(Commercial)
The match continued with Drew suplexing Ilja across the ring. Drew gave Ilja another belly to belly suplex across the ring. Sheamus knocked down Drew with a boot the face. Sheamus jumped off the top with a clothesline on Drew. Ilja was back up with strikes on both opponents and then Ilja hit a step up enziguri kick on both guys. Ilja hit a running knee on Sheamus. Ilja jumped off the top with a running dropkick to the side of Drew’s face. Ilja hit an H-Bomb forearm on Sheamus on the floor. Ilja went up top and hit a Senton Bomb on Drew. Ilja hit a running H-Bomb forearm on Drew for two. Sheamus tripped up Ilja and dragged him out of the ring. Sheamus tossed Ilja into the barricade, which led to a break.
(Commercial)
It was the final segment of the match as they did a Tower of Doom spot off the turnbuckle. Ilja got two nearfalls after that. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. Ilja hit the Constantine Special clothesline on Sheamus. Ilja charged right into a Glasgow Kiss headbutt by Drew. Ilja blocked a charging Drew with a running uppercut that knocked Drew out of the ring. Ilja went up top and he jumped up off the rope leading to Sheamus hitting a jumping knee to the body for two. Good nearfall there. Sheamus charged and hit a Brogue Kick for two because Drew pulled Ilja out of the ring. Drew tossed Ilja over the barricade at ringside. Drew and Sheamus faced off in the ring as they exchanged punches. Sheamus hit a powerslam followed by the ten beats forearms. Sheamus charged with a Brogue Kick, Drew avoided it and got a rollup for two. Sheamus hit a knee to the face. Sheamus bounced off the ropes, but Drew was there with a Claymore Kick for the pinfall win. It went about 17 minutes.
Winner by pinfall: Drew McIntyre
That means the Men’s Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match looks like this: Jey Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Andrade vs. Chad Gable vs. LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre.
Analysis: ***3/4 A hard-hitting excellent match between three of the best workers in WWE. Ilja Dragunov proved he belonged in there with top guys. It didn’t surprise me because I’ve been a huge Dragunov fan since his NXT days. Anyway, I thought the Drew-Sheamus exchange at the end was a nice touch since they are legit close friends who happen to be rivals too. I also liked how they had both sides going for finishing moves and it was Drew able to hit his kick for the pinfall win. I think the right guy won. The crowd seemed to enjoy it too.
Drew McIntyre was interviewed in the ring by Cathy Kelley. Drew said that he told us he was going to win this war and that’s exactly what he did. Drew said that he’s walking into Money in the Bank this Saturday and he’s leaving Toronto as the World Heavyweight Champion. Drew put on the CM Punk bracelet. Drew posed on the turnbuckle to end it.
Analysis: I think Drew McIntyre could be a popular pick to win Money in the Bank. However, I think there’s also a strong possibility that CM Punk shows up at MITB, costs Drew the match and continues that rivalry.
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Three Stars of the Show
- Drew McIntyre
- Sheamus/Ilja Dragunov
- Liv Morgan
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The Scoreboard
7.5 out of 10
Last week: 7.25
2024 Average: 7.61
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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw
I liked the show for the most part with the best match being that entertaining main event match. No surprise there considering how good McIntyre, Sheamus, and Dragunov are. McIntyre will be a contender in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match for sure, but I think CM Punk costing him the win is the most likely outcome for poor Drew in that match. With that said, I am tired of triple threat matches after watching twelve MITB triple threat qualifying matches over the last month. I need a triple threat break.
The promos on the show were okay but also felt a bit repetitive. The Damian Priest/Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn/Bron Breakker exchanges were similar. Yes, Finn Balor was involved in the Priest/Rollins exchange too. However, they both ended with the heels standing tall. They weren’t bad by any means. I’m just saying they weren’t that interesting overall. I was interested in the Bo Dallas “interview’ just like last week. Good character development as we learn more about the Wyatt Sicks group and their motives.
They are doing a nice job of pushing the Liv Morgan-Dominik Mysterio story again. Liv got a win in her match thanks to Dominik and then she played a part in Dominik losing against Rey Mysterio. It’s a compelling story that is getting reactions and it will be interesting when Rhea Ripley gets back soon hopefully over the next month. I’m intrigued to see how it plays out.
The next WWE PLE is Money in the Bank on Saturday, July 6th in Toronto with this lineup.
* World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) vs. Seth “Freakin” Rollins
* Men’s Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match: Jey Uso vs. Carmelo Hayes vs. Andrade vs. Chad Gable vs. LA Knight vs. Drew McIntyre
* Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton & Kevin Owens vs. The Bloodline – Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga & Tonga Loa (They did not specify what three members will be in the match)
* Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Bron Breakker
* Women’s Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match: IYO SKY vs. Chelsea Green vs. Lyra Valkyria vs. Tiffany Stratton vs. Naomi vs. Zoey Stark
You can watch WWE Money in the Bank, streaming live on Saturday, July 6, at 7 p.m. ET/4 p.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