The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 07/08/24 Review

It’s WWE Raw with Rey Mysterio teaming up with Zelina Vega against Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan, plus Jey Uso against Chad Gable, and more.

The Money in the Bank PLE in Toronto was a lot of fun this past Saturday. It was a newsworthy show for several reasons and I thought all five matches were very good with some of them being great. The two ladder matches were excellent. We are now on the road to SummerSlam in Cleveland on August 3rd, which is just four weeks away.

It was a crazy night for the Men’s Money in the Bank briefcase on Saturday in Toronto. Drew McIntyre won the briefcase. During the World Heavyweight Title match that saw Damian Priest defend the title against Seth “Freakin” Rollins, there was a spot in the match where Rollins had Priest pinned, Priest didn’t kick out and the referee Rod Zapata ended up stopping his count before three. A few seconds later, Drew McIntyre’s music hit for his cash in to make it a triple threat match. During that triple threat match between Priest-McIntyre-Rollins, CM Punk showed up to attack McIntyre and since triple threats have no disqualifications in WWE, it was all legal. Punk hit Drew in the head with the World Title and Priest capitalized with South of Heaven for the win. It was Punk screwing McIntyre out of the World Heavyweight Title for the third time. A lot of fans don’t like that Men’s Money in the Bank is already out of the picture, but I get it as a way to further the Punk-McIntyre story. I liked how it was done.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1624 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

A video package aired showing highlights of Money in the Bank from Saturday night in Toronto. They went out of order to show the Men’s World Heavyweight Title part last.

They showed the World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest arriving earlier in the day.

Let’s Hear from CM Punk

CM Punk made his entrance to a huge pop from the Ottawa crowd. Punk wasn’t wearing a brace of any kind for his surgically repaired right triceps. Pat McAfee was back on commentary with Michael Cole after Pat’s father-in-law passed away a couple of weeks ago.

CM Punk said it’s been so long since he has been here. Punk asked the crowd if it was great to be live on a Monday night in Ottawa and the fans cheered. Punk said the first thing he wants to do is say congratulations to John Cena on his retirement, which his coming later in 2025. Punk said that he would love to lace up the boots with Cena at least one more time before he goes.

Punk mentioned Drew McIntyre to check if Drew was lurking under the ring. Punk said that Drew was suspended so that’s why he’s not there. A clip was shown from the Money in the Bank post-show when Drew invaded the set, knocked down two referees and even elbowed Raw GM Adam Pearce. It was a good working elbow. Drew’s friend Wade Barrett made Drew back away. Pearce suspended Drew for it.

That led to Punk saying that you should not be surprised that you were only champion at WrestleMania for 5:46 because there are consequences for your actions. Punk recapped screwing Drew’s stupid actions. Punk said that he flew to Scotland and Drew blew it again. Punk told Drew he made a big promise to the world that he made a big promise that he would leave as the World Heavyweight Championship, but Punk said that he promised Drew would never be champion again as long as there was air in Punk’s lungs. Punk: “Promise fulfilled.”

Punk said he wants to get his hands on Drew McIntyre. Punk claimed he got fined $25,000 for his actions at Money in the Bank and Drew got fined $50,000 because of his comments on social media. Punk said he wanted Raw GM Adam Pearce to lift Drew’s suspension. Punk made it clear he wants Drew McIntyre and he wants Pearce to lift his suspension.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins showed up for the interruption. Punk went to the commentary table with the headset on while mocking Rollins for taking so long to get into the ring. Punk asked Cole why he mentioned Punk’s government name at Money in the Bank because Cole said “Phil” on the show.

Rollins stood in the ring while Punk was sitting on the commentary table. Rollins invited Punk to come into the ring or is he afraid that Rollins is going to kick his ass? That led to Punk going back into the ring. Punk told Rollins that the last time they were in the ring talking to eachother, Punk told Rollins the last time they were in the ring together was the last time talking to Punk disrespectfully, so Punk warned Rollins to watch what he says.

Rollins mentioned the referee making a mistake and that happens in every sport. Rollins said that he understood Drew McIntyre getting involved. Rollins asked Punk why did he stick his nose in Seth’s business? Punk said that he was handling his business. Punk said it’s personal to him. Punk mentioned Seth being a husband and a daddy to Roux. Punk said that there’s a man running around with his wife’s name and dog’s name on it. Punk said he’s going to get the pound of flesh. Punk said he had no quarrel with Rollins. Punk said he was trying to apologize. Rollins said he knows apologizing is not Punk’s forte. Punk said he was sorry and he apologizes because he didn’t mean to screw things up for Rollins. Punk said he knows he screwed it up and he’s sorry. Punk said because it’s Rollins, he can’t be that sorry.

Rollins said that Punk has never sincerely apologized for anything because nothing is his fault. Rollins told Punk that he was the dumbest smart dude that Rollins has ever met. Rollins said that Punk hasn’t figured out that the world doesn’t revolve around CM Punk. Rollins told Punk to be a selfish bastard anywhere else and he’ll let it slide because he’s above Punk. Rollins said he’s not just talking about the heels. Rollins said he was willing to let that selfishness slide until Saturday because if it wasn’t for Punk, Seth would be World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins said for the time being, he’s out of cracks for that title. Rollins said for him, being World Heavyweight Champion is the most important thing in this business so Rollins will take from Punk. Rollins said that he could take a cheap shot at Punk right now, but he knows Punk’s fragile body isn’t 100%. Rollins said that when Punk is cleared, he will not be able to say Drew McIntyre’s name before Seth snaps his arm and puts Punk back on the shelf. Rollins: “Actions have consequences.” Rollins left while Punk walked around the ring contemplating that. It was 22 minutes into the show when this segment ended.

Analysis: A lot of talking to start the show this week. CM Punk did a great job of summarizing his story with Drew McIntyre while saying that consequences have actions, which Seth Rollins then used on Punk to end the promo. I thought Rollins was justified in his complaints because Punk’s vendetta with McIntyre did ruin Seth’s chance at becoming World Heavyweight Champion again and Rollins can’t challenge for the title while Damian Priest is holding it, so Rollins has a right to be pissed. The Punk-McIntyre match is coming soon most likely, but that Punk-Rollins story is ready and waiting as well.

The commentary team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee welcomed us to the show. They did a rundown of what’s coming up.

Raw GM Adam Pearce was backstage talking to Dominik Mysterio. Pearce mentioned that Liv Morgan wanted to team with Dominik, who said he didn’t want the match. Pearce said he didn’t give a damn if Dom was happy about it and said that the match is happening. Pearce left.

Liv Morgan, the Women’s World Champion, walked up to Dominik Mysterio, who wondered why she was doing this to him. Liv said she was doing this for him because she felt bad about last week. Dominik said make sure we win. Liv wanted to talk strategy while Dominik requested chicken tenders and nuggets.

Jey Uso made his entrance to a big ovation as usual.

(Commercial)

A clip was shown of Jey Uso nearly winning the Men’s Money in the Bank Contract Ladder Match. However, Drew McIntyre stopped that by throwing a ladder at Jey and Drew went on to get the win.

Chad Gable vs. Jey Uso

Gable had his ribs taped after being in the MITB Ladder match. Gable tripped up Jey followed by head slapping to the back of the head. Gable did a waistlock takedown along with forearms to the head. Jey hiptossed Gable over the top to the floor. Jey did a suicide dive, Gable caught him and hit a belly-to-belly suplex on the floor.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Gable hitting a reverse powerslam. Gable jumped off the top and hit a headbutt to the left shoulder although it barely touched Jey. Gable charged, Jey caught him and tossed Gable over the top to the floor. Jey hit a suicide dive on Gable on the floor. Jey jumped off the top with a cross body block for two. Jey worked over Gable with punches along with a spin kick to the head. Jey hit a running hip attack against the turnbuckle. Jey went up top, but Gable hit the turnbuckle to knock him down. Gable applied an Ankle Lock, but the power slowly went out so Gable let go. Jey hit a Spear while the lights were going out. Jey covered Gable and Jey ran away to the back. This match went about seven minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Jey Uso

Analysis: **3/4 It was fun while it lasted and then the Wyatt Sicks story took over leading to Jey hitting a Spear on Gable for the easy win. A longer match between Jey and Gable could be fun to watch in the future.

Chad Gable was alone in the ring when the ring filled up with smoke. Nikki Cross emerged from under the ring with her creepy look. Gable ran away to the back. Nikki had another box in her hand that she placed in front of Pat McAfee. The show went to break there.

Analysis: It’s the third straight week where the announcers were presented with a mystery box.

Sheamus watching the TV: “That was weird.” Sheamus was interviewed in the locker room by Jackie Redmond, who congratulated Sheamus on 15 years as a WWE superstar. Sheamus said that it takes that many years to truly understand this business. Sheamus said that other wrestlers think they can take shortcuts. Bronson Reed walked in asking if Sheamus was finished since he lost. Reed said that he is the future while Sheamus is stuck in the past. Sheamus said that you know what comes next when you rudely interrupt Sheamus, who challenged him to a match. Reed said that first, Sheamus can witness what Reed does to Sheamus’ mate Pete Dunne. That’s up next.

(Commercial)

Pat McAfee opened the box to reveal a VHS tape for the third straight week. Pat handed it to Michael Cole and Cole handed it off to a woman named Bianca to take it to the truck so they could play it later in the show.

Bronson Reed vs. Pete Dunne

It was mentioned by Michael Cole that Dunne’s tag team partner Tyler Bate was injured on NXT last week, so he’ll be out for a bit, which means Dunne will be on his own for now.

Reed got a hold of Dunne leading to a clothesline to the back of the head. Dunne applied an armbar briefly, then he let go and hit an enziguri kick to the head. Dunne knocked Reed out of the ring followed by a dive with an elbow smash. Dunne hit a moonsault onto a standing Reed on the floor. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Dunne was in control with two jumping kicks. Dunne hit a knee drop on Reed’s left arm and then a running knee smash on Reed for a two count. Dunne stomped on Reed’s left arm. Reed powered back up and gave Dunne a Powerbomb into the turnbuckle. Reed hit a spinning sitout Powerbomb for two. Reed went up top, Dunne tried to put the arm in an armbar again, but Reed shoved him down. Reed hit the Tsunami splash for the pinfall win after seven minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bronson Reed

Analysis: **1/2 It was a match full of action with Dunne working on Reed’s arm relentlessly, but Reed was able to fight Dunne off enough to hit the Tsunami for the win. They worked well together.

After the match, Reed grabbed Dunne by the arm to continue the attack, but Sheamus ran out for the save before Reed could do anything. Sheamus nailed Reed with a running knee. Dunne hit a running kick. Sheamus hit Reed with a Brogue Kick to knock Reed out of the ring. Sheamus hugged Dunne, but Dunne shoved him back. Sheamus wondered what that was about while Dunne left the ring.

Analysis: The story is that the Brawling Brutes ended after Sheamus got hurt and Dunne likely blames Sheamus for it, so Dunne didn’t seem to want Sheamus’ help.

Sami Zayn was shown walking backstage with the Intercontinental Title on his shoulder. Zayn saw the trio of Braun Strowman, The Miz & R-Truth getting ready for their match. Zayn was up next.

(Commercial)

A commercial aired for WWE SummerSlam on Saturday, August 3rd in Cleveland at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

The Judgment Day was shown backstage when Seth “Freakin” Rollins asked World Heavyweight Champion Damien Priest if they could talk. Priest told his buddies he’s got this. Rollins told Priest that he was very lucky on Saturday, but he was also very good. Rollins said Priest kept his word since The Judgment Day didn’t get involved. Rollins said that he would keep his word by not coming for that title as long as Priest has that title. Rollins told Priest for as good as he was on Saturday, if he wants to keep that thing, he has to be better at SummerSlam. Priest said that they could throw the gentleman’s agreement out the window. Priest said when he’s done with Gunther, he’ll go to war with Rollins if Seth just names the place. Rollins agreed with that and they shook hands. Priest answered a phone call asking: “Yeah, where are you at?”

Analysis: A gentlemen’s agreement between Priest and Rollins again, so Seth can come after the World Heavyweight Title. A tease for a returning Rhea Ripley? It was rumored earlier on Monday as we covered here.

They showed singer Zac Brown at ringside with his band, which he calls the Zac Brown Brand. That’s a creative name…almost as creative as The John Report.

Let’s Hear from Sami Zayn

Sami Zayn got a big ovation as the Intercontinental Champion. The fans sang Zayn’s song as usual. Zayn is from Montreal, which is a few hours east of Ottawa, so it wasn’t that far from where Zayn is from. There was some “Ole, Ole, Ole” singing for Zayn as well.

Zayn said that it was an honor standing in the nation’s capital representing Canada as a champion. Zayn said that people thought he was an underdog against Bron Breakker, but he made it clear he is not an underdog anymore because he is a champion. The fans cheered. Zayn said if he could take a second to be un-Canadian, he has put on top performances for years so that he has earned a lot of respect in this ring. Zayn said that Bron Breakker that it is one thing to knock Zayn down and it is another thing to try to keep Zayn down.

Bron Breakker showed up for the interruption and he walked down to the ring with Zayn. Zayn asked Bron if he was looking for a fight or a rematch? Zayn wondered if Bron wanted to say anything or did he just want to stare at Zayn all night? Zayn handed Bron the microphone.

Bron told Zayn he was there to look him in the eye. Bron said he didn’t think that Zayn would beat him. Bron said that there is really not a reason for him to get a rematch for the Intercontinental Title. That’s when Bron charged with a Spear that ended with Zayn crashing into the ropes. Bron punched Zayn a few times. There were WWE Officials and referees there to break it up. Zayn was on the floor by the commentary table, so Bron ran around the ring and Bron nailed Zayn with a Spear on the floor. That led to Bron leaving to the back. Ilja Dragunov made his way down the aisle and he was held back from going after Bron. Ilja checked on Zayn at ringside.

Analysis: It was a continuation of the Zayn-Bron story with Bron looking like he was going to respect Zayn. However, Bron is a heel and he was there to take a cheap shot to hopefully get another shot at the Intercontinental Title. I liked how it was booked with Bron laying out Zayn twice. I picked Bron to win at Money in the Bank, but I don’t mind it if he gets the title at SummerSlam instead. That’s a bigger show, so it would be a bigger moment for Bron’s career.

This Friday on Smackdown: Solo Sikoa’s rise to power continues on Smackdown. Plus, Tiffany Stratton’s first appearance as Miss Money in the Bank.

(Commercial)

There was a replay of Bron Breakker attacking Sami Zayn before the break.

Sami Zayn was getting checked on in the WWE Trainer’s room with a doctor, Adam Pearce and Ilja Dragunov there. Dragunov told Pearce he wanted to face Bron Breakker, so Pearce set up the match for later tonight. Good.

A video package aired about John Cena announcing his WWE retirement at Money in the Bank. The announcement was that Cena will retire in 2025 and plans on having a final run including his final WrestleMania match in 2025 at WrestleMania 41 in Las Vegas. The good news is that Cena’s going to wrestle quite a bit in 2025 as his final year in WWE.

The Judgment Day – Finn Balor & JD McDonagh and Carlito vs. Awesome Truth – R-Truth & The Miz and Braun Strowman

Braun did a run around the ring during his entrance and Braun tossed Carlito over the barricade. The Miz and R-Truth each hit an Attitude Adjustment on Balor and JD. Truth started with Carlito. Truth hit two shoulder tackles and a spinning slam like his “childhood hero” John Cena. Truth hit the Five Knuckle Shuffle first drop on Carlito. Truth hit the Attitude Adjustment on Carlito. Balor broke up the pin while Truth tossed Balor and Truth sent JD out of the ring as well. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

The J-Day side was in control as they isolated The Miz from his partners. Miz and Balor did a double clothesline to knock eachother down. JD held Miz’s leg to prevent a tag and JD did a cheap shot to Truth and Braun, who warned JD about it. Miz managed to tag in Braun, who nailed JD with a shoulder tackle. Braun gave JD a body slam and Braun tossed JD across the ring. Braun caught a leaping Balor, who was legal, and Braun hit a Chokeslam on Balor for two. Bron knocked down JD & Carlito with a double shoulder tackle. Braun tagged Truth, then Braun and Truth both ran around the ring together for double shoulder tackles on Balor & Truth while JD ran away to avoid it. Braun chased JD into the crowd and backstage. Truth was legal against Balor, who dropkicked Truth into the turnbuckle. Miz bumped to the floor as well. Balor went up top and hit the Coup de Grace double foot stomp for the pinfall win after nine minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Judgment Day – Finn Balor & JD McDonagh and Carlito

Analysis: *** It was an entertaining tag team match with The Judgment Day guys in control, Strowman got the hot tag and tagging in Truth ended up being the downfall for that team. Truth was being silly by posing with the fans a lot, so Balor was able to recover and hit two moves for the win.

The Judgment Day guys celebrated the win while The Miz was visibly frustrated about the loss.

CM Punk was shown talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce in the office. Pearce said that he knows that Punk and Drew both want the match. Pearce said it has to stop. Pearce said that he’ll talk to Drew to see if he can be professional at all. Pearce told Punk to stay home next week. Pearce said if Punk picks a fight again, he won’t get his match with Drew. Punk said he wanted to finish it. Pearce said Punk’s known him a long time. Pearce told Punk to stay home next week and Pearce will deal with Drew. Punk said okay, he’ll go home, he won’t show up next week, he’ll work on getting cleared and Punk left.

Analysis: No CM Punk on Raw next week while Drew McIntyre will likely be back. I assume we get the announcement of Drew vs. Punk at SummerSlam, but maybe they will wait another week to do it.

Rey Mysterio and Zelina Vega of the LWO were shown getting ready for their mixed tag team match.

(Commercial)

Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio were shown training in the dressing room. Morgan suggested that they work on some double team moves before their match. Liv took down Dominik and stretched his right leg back. Damian Priest and The Judgment Day walked in, Carlito said “that’s cool” slowly so Liv left. Priest said that you should have ended this because it’s not that hard. Carlito looked down at Dominik’s…you know…and Priest yelled at him not to say anything. That drew laughs. Dominik left. Priest teased having a surprise for later.

Analysis: There were some good lines there. That made me chuckle.

The Wyatt Sicks Mysterious Tape Part 3

Bo Dallas was featured in the Wyatt Sicks video. Dallas said he took the ones that no one wanted…the forgotten. Dallas said he gave them a purpose. Dallas claimed that they were so happy that “you” remembered them. Dallas said that they were forsaken, alone and begging for mercy as the buzzards circled. We saw the faces of Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan and Nikki Cross in the video. Bo said that we must send the captives free so that they need no master. They showed the video of Bo transforming into Uncle Howdy. Bo asked if you think they are sick. A Mysterio voice replied: “Yes I do.” Bo: “Then sick is what we’ll be.” That was it.

Analysis: I like these videos because they are doing a good job of explaining why the Wyatt Sicks exist. We haven’t heard from the likes of Rowan, Lumis, Gacy or Cross, but Dallas talking about how they are happy tells the audience this is going to be a cohesive unit.

Chad Gable was shown talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce backstage. Gable said that the Wyatt Sicks are talking about him while Pearce isn’t doing anything about it. Pearce said he doubled security and ordered an investigation. Gable said he’ll take care of it his way. Gable said after the month he’s had, how about a friggin’ vacation? When Pearce opened up the door to his office, Bo Dallas was sitting in the office. Pearce closed the door.

Ilja Dragunov entered for singles action.

(Commercial)

A video has aired about Damage CTRL. IYO SKY said that they have lost control. Dakota Kai complained about how they have been pushed to the side. Kai said that they will push back to show what Damage CTRL is capable of. Kairi Sane said some ominous things about their opponents tonight. Sky said tonight they will take control back.

Bron Breakker vs. Ilja Dragunov

Ilja charged, Bron avoided it and Bron hit a German Suplex. Ilja was able to reverse a move by Bron into a German Suplex of his own. Bron ran the ropes leading to a running forearm smash to knock Ilja down. Pat called Bron a “brick shit house” and the “shit” part got muted. Bron hit a gorilla press powerslam for two. They went to break.

(Commercial)

Bron was in control with a huge spinebuster for two. Ilja fought back as they exchanged strikes. Ilja hit a jumping kick to the head. Ilja hit a running knee to the jaw. Ilja went up top, Bron met him there and Ilja hit a Powerbomb. Ilja went up top again and jumped off with a senton bomb for a two count. The fans were chanting “this is awesome” for them. Ilja charged, but Bron stopped that with a leaping shoulder tackle. Bron did a press slam into the double knees to the ribs for two. Ilja got back into it, he was on the turnbuckle and chopped Bron to knock him down. Ilja went for a dropkick off the top, Bron avoided it and Ilja hit the mat hard. Bron clotheslined Ilja over the top to the floor. Bron ran around the ring at Ilja on the floor, but Ilja hit a jumping kick to the face. Ilja broke the referee’s count and left the ring again. Ilja charged, so Bron threw a leather chair at his head! That led to a DQ finish. It went 12 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Ilja Dragunov

Analysis: ***1/4 A good match that was on its way to being a great match, but then Bron decided to end it by throwing a chair for the DQ finish. Ilja is so great at selling similar to Zayn. I thought Bron would get the win after losing at MITB, but I’m fine with a DQ finish because it will likely mean a rematch for these guys.

After the match, Bron tried to beat up Ilja some more, but Sami Zayn went down to ringside for the save. Zayn had taped ribs. Zayn clotheslined Bron out of the ring. Zayn checked on Ilja, so Bron threw Zayn into the ring post. Bron tossed Zayn over the commentary table. Ilja attacked Bron with punches, so Bron threw Ilja over the commentary table as well. Bron stood on the commentary table to end it. Cole was putting over Bron as a badass.

Analysis: Good job by Sami Zayn trying to do the right thing by saving Dragunov from a tough situation, but Bron was too much for both of them. This is the right way to book Breakker.

A video aired featuring the World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest. It featured Priest saying he didn’t want Drew McIntyre involved or CM Punk. Priest said that champions in WWE have controversies. Priest said that he left Money in the Bank still as the champion. Priest said he looks forward to the challenge against Gunther at SummerSlam. Priest said he’ll say it to Gunther’s face next week on Raw. Priest told Gunther he can rise for “El Campeon” Damian Priest.

Pat McAfee did a replay of the Liv Morgan-Dominik Mysterio segment from earlier. Pat said that they are lovebirds.

Damage CTRL entered for tag team action.

A video aired about the Bad Blood PLE returning to WWE on October 5 in Atlanta.

(Commercial)

There was a video that aired about Kofi Kingston suffering an AC joint sprain (a shoulder injury) last week on Raw when Karrion Kross wrenched on Kofi’s arm.

Karrion Kross and The Final Testament was shown in the backstage area. Kross said that Xavier Woods beat him unlike Kofi Kingston. Kross said that Woods could join them or he could put Woods in the hospital. Kross said that The New Day is dead and Woods is just the last to realize it, so sayeth The Final Testament.

Damage CTRL – Dakota Kai, IYO SKY & Kairi Sane vs. Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance

Carter sent Sane to the apron, Sane went up top and jumped off with nothing because Carter moved. Carter gave a hiptoss to Sane and brought in Chance against Kai. Chance hit a senton splash onto Kai. Lyra got the tag leading to a triple team move that saw Chance hit a running knee to the face of Kai. Lyra swept Kai’s leg followed by a dropkick for two. Sky and Sane went into the ring, so the faces tossed them out of the ring. The babyface team all hit dropkicks to knock the heels down on the floor.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Chance breaking free to bring in Lyra. That led to Lyra hitting an enziguri kick on Sky. Lyra hit a sitout Powerbomb on Sky for two. Sky sent Lyra into the turnbuckle, so Kai and Sane got involved in the ring. That led to all six women going into the ring as the three babyfaces all hit superplexes at the same time. Lyra hit a Fisherman’s Buster. Chance and Carter hit their Keg Stand double team move, but the pin was broken up. Sane jumped off the top on Lyra and then Carter superkicked Sane. Kai sent Carter into the ring post. Sky tossed Sane over the top onto Carter & Lyra on the floor. Kai stomped on the back of Carter’s back. Sky got the tag and hit the Over The Moonsault for the pinfall win after about 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Damage CTRL – Dakota Kai, IYO SKY & Kairi Sane

Analysis: **3/4 A solid match to give Damage CTRL a needed win after losing quite a few times of late. The babyface trio were not an intimidating group, so it was fine for the Damage CTRL ladies to get the win.

After the match, the trio of Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark & Sonya Deville attacked the Damage CTRL trio. Stark told Sky she cost her everything and Stark hit a suplex. Baszler hit a knee smash on Sky. Deville hit a reverse DDT on Sky to end it.

Analysis: That felt a bit strange since it was a heel trio attacking another heel trio. I get why it was done since Sky did a huge slam on Stark on a ladder in the MITB match. It’s just a bit strange when it is heels attacking heels like that.

Zelina Vega and Rey Mysterio were interviewed backstage. Vega said that Liv & Dom are a hot mess. Rey said that they’ll shut Dom & Liv up and they’ll enjoy it.

(Commercial)

The trio of Zoey Stark, Shayna Baszler & Sonya Deville were interviewed backstage. Deville talked about how this was a warning shot to the women’s division saying they were there and there wasn’t anything anybody could do about it. Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn walked up with the Women’s Tag Team Titles saying this is their division as long they have the titles. Meanwhile, in the background, Chad Gable was shown talking to The Creed Brothers and Ivy Nile.

A video aired about the King of the Ring winner GUNTHER. That led to Gunther saying that he was the greatest Intercontinental Champion and the King of the Ring winner. Gunther said he learned at a young age that all that mattered was winning. Gunther was shown making his debut in 2019 saying that WWE needed him rather than him needing WWE. Gunther said that he enjoys making people miserable. Gunther said he restored honor and prestige to this great sport and that’s what is on the line at SummerSlam.

The graphic was shown for Damian Priest defending the World Heavyweight Championship against GUNTHER at SummerSlam on August 3rd.

Analysis: I think GUNTHER will beat Damian Priest at SummerSlam.

Next week on Raw:

* Gunther goes face to face with Damian Priest

* Sheamus vs. Bronson Reed

* Drew McIntyre returns

Liv Morgan entered as the Women’s World Champion while wearing a “Dirty Dom” t-shirt. Dominik Mysterio made his entrance as Liv’s tag team partner.

(Commercial)

LWO – Rey Mysterio & Zelina Vega vs. Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan

Vega knocked down Morgan with a back followed by a kick. Dominik tagged Rey was legal for his team. Dominik missed a corner splash and Dominik hit the turnbuckle. Dominik tripped up Rey as he did some punches and Rey did s slam. Vega tagged in leading to a hurricanrana on Dominik. Liv was legal for her team as she attacked Vega against the turnbuckle. Vega hit a facebuster off the turnbuckle. They did a spot where Dominik landed face first near Liv against the turnbuckle. Dominik left the ring with Liv, so Vega and Rey each hit dives on the floor.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Dominik working over his dad on the top rope as Dominik ripped at Rey’s mask for a few moments. Dom punched his father Rey repeatedly. Dominik hit a Michinoku Driver for a two count. Rey got on Dominik’s shoulders and Rey used his legs to dump Dominik out of the ring to the floor. Vega tagged in so Liv was legal as Liv hit multiple clotheslines. Vega with a running knee to Morgan. Vega spiked Liv’s head into the mat. Vega hit a middle robe double knee attack for two. Morgan avoided a Code Red attempt leading to Liv hitting a superkick. Morgan hit the Three Amigos suplexes to get heat. Morgan and Vega did a double hair-pulling spot to knock them down. Rey tagged in against Dominik with a senton splash. Rey followed up with a boot to the face. Rey hit a Lionsault off the middle rope for two, Dominik went for Three Amigos, but Rey stopped that and Rey did a 619. Vega did a 619 too. Rey hit a splash off the top on Dominik for two because Morgan made the save. Vega did a 619 kick to Morgan. The ladies left the ring as Liv sent Zelina hard into the ring post. Liv tossed a chair into the ring while Rey was battling Dominik on the turnbuckle. The referee grabbed the chair and got rid of it. This allowed Morgan to trip up Rey on the top rope so Rey was down holding his groin. That led to Dominik hitting a Frog Splash on Rey for the pinfall win. It went about 11 minutes. Cole emphasized that it was the first time that Dominik pinned his father Rey.

Winners by pinfall: Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan

Analysis: *** A good tag team match that was booked well with the heels outsmarting the babyfaces for the win. Liv used the chair to take the referee out of it and Liv took Rey out to help Dominik pick up the victory. Liv can say she was the reason that Dominik beat his dad Rey for the first time ever. Good job by everybody involved in the match. They did well.

After the match, Liv Morgan jumped into Dominik’s arms and at first Dominik didn’t like it. Liv jumped up again and that led to Dominik nearly kissing Morgan in the ring. Rhea Ripley’s music hit as the former Women’s World Champion made her way down to ringside. The fans popped big for Ripley making her return. Morgan ran away by going into the crowd. Ripley went into the ring and when Dominik wanted a hug, Ripley shoved him away. Ripley left the ring. Dominik tried to talk to her as Ripley power walked to the backstage area. That was the end of Raw.

Analysis: Welcome back to Rhea Ripley after being away for about three months. She looks ready to go again. Morgan running way fits her character so well as a cowardly heel while Ripley will be in babyface mode during this rivalry. As for Dominik, he was looking like a kid who knew he messed up hanging around Liv Morgan a lot and Ripley wanted nothing to do with him. What’s tough about the story is a lot of fans who follow wrestlers on social media know that Dominik is married to his high school sweetheart while Ripley married Buddy Matthews a few weeks ago, yet we are supposed to ignore that information and try to act like Ripley and Dominik are a couple. That’s just the nature of pro wrestling sometimes. It’s hard to tell stories like that when fans know what the real-life relationships are. With that said, I think the Ripley/Morgan match should be great when it happens, perhaps at SummerSlam. I’d like to see that match on that show.

MAMI'S BACK! 😈#WWERawpic.twitter.com/RYciCsrkS3

— WWE (@WWE) July 9, 2024

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Three Stars of the Show

1. CM Punk-Seth Rollins
2. Rhea Ripley – Welcome back!
3. Bron Breakker

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The Scoreboard

7.25 out of 10

Last week: 7.5

2024 Average: 7.61

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

A good Raw overall, but I wouldn’t call it great. I think in terms of advancing storylines, there was a lot to like with the return of Rhea Ripley after the main event with just one minute left in the show. I think the CM Punk-Seth Rollins promo segment was the best part of the show. They have really good chemistry together while exchanging insults that feel like legit subtle jabs rather than typical pro wrestling promos.

Bron Breakker got a lot of attention throughout the night from his promo with Sami Zayn and later his match with Ilja Dragunov. Bron is doing a terrific job of being this badass heel who loses his temper when things don’t go his way like when he got DQ’d for throwing a chair at Dragunov. Bron didn’t care about getting DQ’d because he’s motivated by hurting people. Brown knows what his character is supposed to be and does it well.

The match quality was weaker than the better Raw episodes. Part of that is because some of the bigger names on the show weren’t in matches, so then it hurts the match quality. Also, some of the matches were kept under ten minutes and it’s hard to match that stands out when you aren’t given a lot of time. I still liked Raw quite a bit.

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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