Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 07/22/24 Review

By John Canton • Published 22nd July 2024
WWE Raw Deal July 22 Review

It’s WWE Raw featuring CM Punk speaking from his mind as usual, plus Bron Breakker in action against Ilja Dragunov, and more.

I feel like the Raw brand is producing a lot of good storylines right now as we head toward SummerSlam in less than two weeks on August 3rd. Going into Raw, five matches are official for SummerSlam, and all of them are singles title matches. There will probably be a few more matches added to the show as well.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1626 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Resch Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

They showed arrivals earlier in the day including CM Punk being at the show. They also showed Ilja Dragunov and Bron Breakker since they have a match later. The Judgment Day was also shown walking together earlier in the day.

The commentary team of Michael Cole and Pat McAfee welcomed us to the show. Cole noted that for the next two weeks, Raw will be on Syfy for those of you in the US. That’s because of the Summer Olympics airing on USA Network, which is showing the Olympics along with NBC in the US.

Let’s Hear from GUNTHER

The King of the Ring Gunther walked out for a promo wearing a plain black shirt and pants. The fans were booing him a lot. Gunther wanted to reflect on what he said about Damian Priest last week. The fans booed, so Gunther said that he meant everything that he said and he said he meant everything he said because Priest is a bum. Gunther said that this is about the World Heavyweight Championship. Gunther said that Priest does not live up to what it means to be the World Champion. Gunther called Priest a pretender and a wannabe. Gunther said that he knows Priest’s friends are The Judgment Day and he said that he knows they are street trash. Gunther offered Priest to come down to the ring so he can hand Gunther his championship.

Damian Priest made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion. Priest went after Gunther with punches. Gunther fought back. There were short security guys (indy wrestlers) in the ring trying to break it up. Priest kicked Gunther to knock him down. Priest was cheered as he beat up security guys. Priest tossed a small security guy over the top rope onto other security guys on the floor. Gunther and Priest were separated again until Priest charged at Gunther with a running forearm. They went to break there.

Analysis: It was a promo similar to last week for Gunther where he called Priest “street trash” and he did the same for The Judgment Day here. The fans were cheering Priest in this segment, so clearly WWE has turned him face in the last couple of weeks and it’s working. Whether it works after SummerSlam, I don’t know, but at least for now, the fans are behind Priest. The brawl was good. Those kinds of segments are usually put together well and the fans are usually into them especially when you’re talking about main event talent.

(Commercial)

There was a replay of the Gunther-Priest fight.

Gunther was standing backstage as Jackie Redmond was standing by, but Priest was there to attack Gunther again. They were fighting out into the parking lot as referees, security and WWE Officials were there to try to break it up. Raw GM Adam Pearce managed to separate them to end the segment.

Intercontinental Title #1 Contender’s Match: Ilja Dragunov vs. Bron Breakker

It was announced that the winner of this match will challenge Sami Zayn for the Intercontinental Title at SummerSlam. Last week on Raw, Ilja challenged Zayn for the IC Title, but Bron Breakker attacked both guys to prevent a finish.

Ilja slapped Bron in the face, so Bron tackled him and they left the ring so Bron could work Ilja over a bit. Back in the ring, Ilja worked over Bron with punches along with a running knee. Ilja kicked Bron onto the apron. Ilja tried a lift, Bron avoided that and Ilja elbowed Bron in the back. Bron rammed Ilja’s head into the top turnbuckle. They fought on the turnbuckle leading to Bron suplexing Ilja ribs-first onto the top of the steel ring post. Ouch. That’s not a bump you see all the time.

(Commercial)

There were some strikes from Ilja, but Bron put Ilja on his shoulders and Bron hit a double knee strike to Ilja’s ribs for a two count. Bron went for a lifting move that failed because Ilja countered with a DDT. Ilja chopped Bron repeatedly followed by a step up enziguri. Bron charged, Ilja got a boot up to the face and Ilja spun around the ropes for the spinning clothesline off the ropes. Ilja chopped Bron, then a running knee and Ilja hit a running boot to the face. Ilja punched Bron in the jaw and Ilja hit a Powerbomb for two. The fans chanted “this is awesome” for them. Ilja went to the top turnbuckle, Bron stopped him there, Bron jumped up to the top and Bron hit a Frankensteiner for two. Bron went up top, but Ilja kicked Bron in the legs to knock him down so Bron was crotched on the top turnbuckle. Ilja hit a superplex off the top along with an H-Bomb forearm to the head. Ilja was too hurt to cover while Bron rolled to the apron. Ilja lifted Bron on the apron and Ilja slammed Bron on the apron to the floor. That was like a John Cena-style Attitude Adjustment on the apron. The fans chanted “this is awesome” again. Ilja went for an attack off the apron, but Bron nailed Ilja with a Spear while the back of Ilja’s head hit the ring apron. Ilja sold it like he was out, so referee Daphanie LaShaunn called off the match. It went about 13 minutes.

It was announced that Bron Breakker was the winner because Ilja Dragunov couldn’t continue.

Winner by referee’s decision/TKO: Bron Breakker

Analysis: ***1/2 It was a great match between two guys who worked many main event level matches in NXT, so they know how to put on a good showing in a match like this. Ilja sold the ribs really well throughout the match after Bron slammed him ribs-first onto the ring post. That played right into the finish because Bron hit a devastating Spear on the floor and Ilja went right into the LED board on the ring apron, so it looked like a painful bump. I would prefer a more decisive pinfall win over this, but it does put over Bron as a devastating badass because he’s able to win matches like this and we don’t see other people doing that. The right guy won here while Dragunov was impressive as usual.

There were two women from the medical staff checked on Dragunov on the floor. A graphic appeared confirming Sami Zayn will defend the Intercontinental Title against Bron Breakker at SummerSlam.

Analysis: I picked Breakker to beat Zayn at Money in the Bank. It didn’t happen there. I think Breakker beating Zayn at SummerSlam is a lock. That’s the bigger show, so that’s where WWE wants to crown Breakker with his first main roster title win.

Rhea Ripley was shown talking to The Judgment Day in their clubhouse. Ripley spoke about how things are going well for the group. Ripley said that she was just joking around with Jey Uso last week. Finn Balor spoke up saying they need to stop Jey Uso. Ripley didn’t agree with that. Ripley left. Balor told Dominik he knew what he had to do.

Adam Pearce and Drew McIntyre shook hands backstage while Pearce spoke to two referees.

Lyra Valkyria entered for singles action while joined by Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.

(Commercial)

Xavier Woods was backstage with a birthday cake for Akira Tozawa, who blew out the candle. Otis was also there having some cake while Maxxine Dupri watched it happen. The three guys are in a tag team match later in the show.

It was announced by the announcers that Raw GM Adam Pearce ejected Priest and Gunther from Raw.

Lyra Valkyria (w/Kayden Carter & Katana Chance) vs. Sonya Deville (w/Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark)

Deville got some offense early, but Lyra came back with strikes and a sweep kick. Lyra hit a running dropkick on Deville, who bailed to the floor. Baszler saved Deville from an attack, so Deville sent Lyra into the barricade. They went to break there.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Lyra hitting a superplex from the middle turnbuckle. Deville went for a running knee, Lyra avoided it and hit a kick. Lyra hit several kicks that knocked Deville down. Lyra hit a bridging suplex for two. They each went for moves, but Lyra managed to hit a gutwrench Powerbomb for two. Lyra went up top, Baszler distracted the referee and Stark shoved Lyra off the top. The women on the floor got into a fight. Lyra kicked Baszler with a running dropkick on the floor. Deville hit the Deville’s Advocate move that is like a reverse DDT for the pinfall win. It went about eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sonya Deville

Analysis: **1/2 It was one of those matches where Lyra was on offense for most of the match, but then the chaos on the floor gave Deville an opening and Deville got the win with one simple move that she used as a finisher. Lyra is really good in the ring. Deville is fine in her role.

A video aired about the “witch-like” creature in the Wyatt Sicks who we know as Nikki Cross. It was a short video that featured Cross screaming and then the video ended.

CM Punk was shown walking backstage for a promo segment up next.

(Commercial)

A video aired about singing Jelly Roll performing at SummerSlam. There was a SummerSlam commercial featuring Jelly Roll leading into that announcement.

Let’s Hear from CM Punk

It was the top of hour two, so here comes CM Punk for some promo time. The crowd gave him a big ovation as usual and some “CM Punk” chants in the ring before Punk could say a word. That led to Punk talking about how great it was to be alive on a Monday in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The fans popped.

CM Punk said that he saw his surgeon on Saturday night and he said he is cleared. Punk said that means they are going to fight, so he wanted Drew McIntyre to go out there so Punk can get his pound of flesh.

Analysis: That’s good news that CM Punk is cleared. He tore his right triceps at the Royal Rumble in January and had surgery about a week later. It’s nearly six months later and Punk is cleared to compete again.

Drew McIntyre walked out in a tank top and jeans saying that there is nothing that is going to stop him from getting in that ring to tear Punk apart. Drew admitted that he didn’t want to. Drew stayed in the aisle. Punk left the ring saying “I do.” Punk left the ring leading to referees and officials holding Punk back.

Drew told Punk that this match was much bigger for Green Bay, Wisconsin. Drew said when he gets emotional, he turns to family to calm him down. Drew had Punk’s bracelet in his pocket.

Adam Pearce the Raw GM walked out saying that there is a reason they are not fighting tonight. Pearce said that Drew is officially reinstated while Punk is officially medically cleared. Pearce made it official for SummerSlam with CM Punk facing Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam. Pearce said that if they lay a finger on eachother then they are suspended. Adam Pearce said that he’s got a big problem dealing with these guys and then he said that he had a big referee problem.

Seth “Freakin” Rollins walked out to the ring to a big ovation as the fans sang his song. Rollins shook hands and hugged Pearce at ringside.

Rollins got into the ring saying that Drew and Punk hate eachother. Rollins said that all of the chaos that they have caused for the last year has scared away everybody from getting in between them. Rollins said that he has a solution to the problem. Rollins said he knows a guy than to put the two of them in their places. Rollins went over his nicknames while announcing that he is the special guest referee of the CM Punk-Drew McIntyre match at SummerSlam. Drew and Punk were both on the apron while Rollins danced in the ring.

Analysis: That was awesome. It might be the most highly anticipated match at SummerSlam. I know there were reports out last week about how WWE was hoping Drew-Punk would happen at SummerSlam with Rollins as the referee and now it’s official. Punk did a terrific job of being the babyface that wanted to fight right now while Drew was the smart heel who wanted to wait until they have the big match in a stadium. Rollins was happy in his role as the referee because he doesn’t like either guy, so he wants to see them fight. It’s the best storyline in WWE right now and I’m really looking forward to the McIntyre-Punk match.

The Judgment Day was shown walking around backstage looking for Jey Uso. The four guys went their separate ways. Liv Morgan approached Dominik Mysterio backstage. Liv said she hates sneaking around like this. Liv said that Rhea has gone off the deep end and told Dominik that everything is going to be okay. Dominik said that things are perfect with Rhea. Liv said that’s the spirit. Balor showed up, so Liv left and Balor made Dom go the other way so they can find Jey Uso. Balor was frustrated.

The team of Xavier Woods, Akira Tozawa & Otis with Maxxine Dupri entered for tag team action.

(Commercial)

Sami Zayn, the Intercontinental Champion, was interviewed by Cathy Kelley, who asked about Bron Breakker earning an IC Title match at SummerSlam. Zayn said he is taking Bron seriously. Zayn told Bron to not make the same mistake he made at Money in the Bank. Zayn said that he is going to bring 100%. There was some noise down a hallway, so Zayn went down the hallway where he found JD McDonagh and Carlito beating up Jey Uso. Zayn came to Jey’s aid. Carlito pulled JD away while Zayn checked on Jey.

Analysis: That should set up a tag team match later.

They showed Braun Strowman and Otis talking to members of the Green Bay Packers at practice earlier in the day.

The Final Testament – Karrion Kross, Akam & Rezar (w/Scarlett & Paul Ellering) vs. Xavier Woods, Akira Tozawa & Otis (w/Maxxine Dupri)

Kross tagged out rather than face Woods. Rezar overpowered Woods with a forearm to the back. Woods hit a running forearm on Akam. Tozawa tagged in with a double axhandle on Akam. Tozawa sent Akam out of the ring. Tozawa hit a suicide dive on Akam on the floor. Tozawa did a shirt rip, which drew a big pop.

(Commercial)

Akam was in control of Tozawa with an elbow smash to the face. Kross tagged in, caught a leaping Tozawa and tossed him off his shoulders to send Tozawa crashing to the mat. The fans chanted “We Want Otis” who is from Wisconsin. Tozawa fought out of the corner and brought in Otis. That led to Otis kicking some ass by knocking down all of the heels. Otis did the worm and elbow drop on Akam. Kross nailed Otis with a forearm. Woods tagged in and hit a missile dropkick on Kross. Tozawa jumped onto Rezar on the floor. Woods punched Kross repeatedly, the referee made Woods back off and Akam was on the apron, so Woods went after him. Kross gave Woods a spinning slam off the shoulders called the Final Prayer for the pinfall win after nine minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Final Testament – Karrion Kross, Akam & Rezar

Analysis: **3/4 A good win for The Final Testament stable over a trio that had never teamed before. The story has been that Kross thinks that Woods would be better off without The New Day and it seems like Woods is losing a lot, so I don’t know what the payoff will be here. The fans absolutely loved Otis, who was in the ring for about one minute before he got out of there.

Chad Gable walked out in dress clothes joined by The Creed Brothers. There’s a promo segment up next.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Chad Gable & The Creed Brothers

Chad Gable was in the ring with The Creed Brothers (Julius & Brutus Creed) along with Otis, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri. Xavier Woods was gone. Gable claimed that there was something in him that made him want to help his former pupils. Gable trashed Otis for teaming with Woods and losing. Gable insulted Otis for not being smart. Gable said that he has recruited The Creed Brothers, who he called professional athletes who can stand by his side. Gable told Otis, Tozawa and Maxxine to come back to their coach and rejoin this team. The fans chanted “no” for that. Gable said that the Wyatt Sicks is after everybody on the roster so they could work together.

Otis talked abut how last week when the Wyatt Sicks appeared, Gable left and The Creed Brothers were alone in the ring. Otis said that the answer was no. Otis and Tozawa stood beside Otis supporting him. The fans chanted “Otis’ repeatedly.

The Creed Brothers attacked Otis and Tozawa. Brutus suplexed Tozawa. Otis hit a double clothesline on Brutus and Julius. Otis picked up Gable for a slam, but The Creed Brothers were back up to beat down Otis with punches and kicks. The Creeds sent Otis shoulder-first into the ring post. The Creeds threw Otis hard into the LED board ring apron.

The lights slowly went out in the arena as the fans lit up the building with their cell phones as the fireflies in the building. Gable was in the ring while The Creed Brothers were on the floor with steel chairs.

The Wyatt Sicks emerged from the back with four of them in costumes. Uncle Howdy (Bo Dallas) appeared behind Dallas and gave Gable a Sister Abigail. The fans cheered for that. They went to a commercial there.

Analysis: That was cool. The Wyatt Sicks continue to be pushed like babyfaces with Howdy/Dallas showing up from behind Gable to hit him with the Sister Abigail neckbreaker. I liked how it was done. They did a nice job of getting more heat on Gable by having The Creed Brothers by his side as they decimated Otis, who did get a huge pop when he had his hands on Gable. It will be cool when Otis gets to face Gable because the fans are so invested in this story. It was another angle on this show that was executed very well while the fans were invested in everything that was going on.

(Commercial)

A replay aired showing what happened before the break.

Bronson Reed and Pete Dunne were going to have a match, but Sheamus showed up with a running knee to knock Dunne down. Sheamus fought with Reed leading to Sheamus hitting Reed with a punch. Sheamus gave Dunne the ten beats forearms to the chest. Sheamus went for a Brogue Kick, but Dunne left the ring to avoid it. Sheamus hit a Brogue Kick on Reed to knock him out of the ring. Sheamus stared at Dunne to end it.

Analysis: That seems like it is setting up a triple threat match situation since Sheamus has had issues with both guys. Dunne is on his own since Tyler Bate is out with a lengthy injury, so I assume the WWE creative team’s plan is to use Sheamus to try to elevate Dunne as a singles guy. The same goes for Reed working with Sheamus too.

The Judgment Day was in their clubhouse with Rhea Ripley asking them what was going on. Finn Balor said that he talked to Adam Pearce about having a match with Finn & JD McDonagh facing Sami Zayn & Jey Uso later. Finn said he wants to face Gunther next week too. Ripley wondered where Dominik and Balor were while Carlito & JD McDonagh got beat up. Dominik spoke up, then Rhea Ripley realized it had to do with Liv Morgan. Ripley grabbed Dominik and said they were going to the ring.

(Commercial)

Sheamus was interviewed by Jackie Redmond, who asked what was going on with Sheamus and Pete Dunne. Sheamus didn’t understand it. Sheamus said they could have a pint and sort it out like proper fellas. Sheamus said that the other option is to go to the ring to sort out who the real Bruiserweight is.

Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley with Dominik Mysterio

Rhea Ripley walked out to ringside joined by Dominik Mysterio. The fans popped for Ripley, who will challenge Liv Morgan for the Women’s World Championship at SummerSlam. Ripley wasted no time saying that if Liv Morgan wants Dominik then she should come get him.

Liv Morgan made her entrance as the Women’s World Champion. Liv was standing in the back part of the arena with a “Daddy Dom” shirt on along with some really short jean shorts. Liv said that unlike Rhea she has some self-control and said that she can wait until SummerSlam. Liv said that she has feelings for Dominik while adding that Dom has feelings for her too. Liv said that gorgeous men like Dominik doesn’t go for women like Ripley while Liv said that gorgeous men like Dominik go for women that look like her. Liv turned around to show off her booty. Rhea wanted to leave the ring, but Dominik held onto her. Liv told the crowd to let Dominik speak. Liv said that she feels the same way too and told Dominik to say those three little words.

Dominik asked if she wanted three little words, Dominik said “I hate you.” Dominik said he didn’t like her. Dominik said that Liv has ruined his life over and over again. Liv was crying because they showed it on a split screen. Dominik said that Liv has ruined everything for him. Liv acted like she was sad. Rhea pulled back Dominik’s hair, said something into his ear and licked the side of his face along with a kiss on the cheek. Rhea was happy about what she heard.

Analysis: There is another interesting development in this story. The end result with Dominik yelling at Morgan saying he hates her is what Ripley wanted to hear, so Ripley was happy by the end of it. Morgan’s crying looked a bit silly, but she did the best she could. Ripley and Dominik have never kissed on the lips during the two years together, but I guess the lick to the side of the face is close enough. Anyway, I would imagine that Rhea and Dominik’s happiness doesn’t last for long just based on how this story has gone. I’m starting to think that Dominik will turn on Rhea to help Liv win at SummerSlam or maybe they’ll do it with Dominik “accidentally” helping Liv win. There are a lot of ways it can go.

A replay was shown of the Damian Priest-GUNTHER fight from earlier in the show.

Zelina Vega was interviewed by Cathy Kelley by the entrance area. Vega had her right arm taped up. Vega said that this is not going to stop her. Vega said that she’s been underestimated her whole life, so she’s going to continue shutting people up. McAfee mentioned the #PushZelina hashtag that was trending. Vega is in action after the break.

(Commercial)

Zoey Stark (w/Shayna Baszler & Sonya Deville) vs. Zelina Vega

Vega went for a rollup for two. Stark got a hold of Vega’s injured right arm and rammed it into the mat. Vega kicked Stark, but Stark came back with punches. Stark elbowed Vega followed by shoulder tackles against the turnbuckle. Vega hit a back elbow on Stark. Vega followed up with double knees to the back. Vega went up top, so Stark grabbed her by the arm and Stark pulled Vega’s arm so that Vega’s right arm went into the top rope. Vega bumped to the floor leading to a break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Vega going for an inside cradle for two. Stark was back on offense with a springboard missile dropkick for two. Vega hit an enziguri kick followed by a DDT. Vega went up top and jumped off with a moonsault for two. Stark avoided a move leading to a superkick for two. Vega sent Stark into the middle rope, Deville on the apron to distract and then Baszler tripped up Vega, who was against the ropes. The trio of Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter and Katana Chance showed up to beat up Deville and Baszler. Vega got some offense on Stark by using the arm brace to hit Stark in the head two times. Vega sold it like she realized it was a good weapon. Vega hit a Code Red for the pinfall win after nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Zelina Vega

Analysis: **3/4 I thought this would end with Stark getting the win due to the numbers game advantage, but Vega got some help from her fellow babyfaces and Vega was able to win. I like how Vega sold it when she hit Stark with a forearm as if Vega realized the arm brace made for a good weapon. I’m fine with Vega picking up wins to try to build her up a bit since she’s popular with the fans.

Xavier Woods approached Raw GM Adam Pearce backstage. Woods said he needs to face Karrion Kross next week while adding that he didn’t want to drag anybody else into this. Pearce asked if he was sure, Woods said yeah and Pearce said it’s on.

Drew McIntyre approached Pearce to complain about Seth Rollins being the referee in the SummerSlam match. Pearce said that Drew attacked referees, so Pearce had to get somebody else. Drew mentioned his past history with Rollins. Pearce told McIntyre that Rollins will give Drew and Punk the official refereeing instructions next week on Raw. Pearce left saying he needed a drink while Drew asked what does that even mean? I think he was referring to the referee instruction thing.

Finn Balor and JD McDonagh, the World Tag Team Champions, were shown getting ready backstage.

(Commercial)

The Women’s Tag Team Champions Isla Dawn & Alba Fyre were interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Dawn said that they’ll be on Smackdown with a message for the former Women’s Tag Team Champions Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill. The trio of Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark interrupted. Dawn and Fyre made fun of the group since Vega just beat Stark. Deville claimed they were the biggest threats to the titles. Dawn and Fyre laughed it off.

A video package aired about GUNTHER talking about how the fragile egos have shattered the reputation of the World Heavyweight Title. Gunther said that the World Heavyweight Title needs him to create a new mountaintop. Gunther spoke about Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre as former champions while claiming that current champion Damian Priest is starting to crack.

The team of Sami Zayn and Jey Uso made their entrance from the concourse area with the fans cheering them on. Sami and Jey made their way down to the ring the main event up next.

(Commercial)

Next week on Raw, which is airing on Syfy for those of you in the US:

* CM Punk and Drew McIntyre contract signing while Seth Rollins gives his referee instructions for SummerSlam.

* Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance vs. Sonya Deville, Shayna Basler & Finn Balor

* Xavier Woods vs. Karrion Kross

* Finn Balor vs. GUNTHER

The SummerSlam lineup is here:

* World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) vs. GUNTHER

* Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

* United States Championship: Logan Paul (c) vs. LA Knight

* WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley (c) vs. Nia Jax

* CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (Seth “Freakin Rollins is the special guest referee)

* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Solo Sikoa

* Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Bron Breakker

Analysis: That’s seven matches and they are all singles matches. I don’t know if anything else will be added, but it’s a strong card.

The Judgment Day – Finn Balor & JD McDonagh (w/Dominik Mysterio & Carlito) vs. Sami Zayn & Jey Uso

This is not for the World Tag Team Titles held by Finn & JD.

Finn started with Jey as Finn got a shoulder tackle knockdown. Finn charged, Jey jumped over him and Jey punched Balor. Jey hit an enziguri kick on Balor for two. Zayn tagged in with a double axhandle on Balor’s arm. JD tagged in with some kicks on Zayn against the turnbuckle. Zayn did a springboard leap over JD leading to a clothesline. JD sent Zayn face first into the middle turnbuckle. JD hit a running leg drop on Zayn. After JD knocked Jey down, Zayn cleared the ring of both opponents. Zayn hit a springboard moonsault off the top onto both opponents on the floor. Dominik tried to interfere, the referee left the ring to stop that, so that of course led to Dominik sending Zayn into the ring post.

(Commercial)

The heels were in control of Zayn as the face in peril. JD gave Zayn a belly-to-back suplex for two. Balor tagged back in with an elbow drop on Zayn to prevent a tag. Balor elbowed Zayn in the head. JD was back in leading to Zayn hitting a Blue Thunder Bomb slam. Jey got the hot tag against Balor leading to Jey hitting the “Yeet” punch combo. Jey kicked Balor in the gut followed by a spinning kick to the head. Jey hit a spinning kick on JD too. Jey continued on offense with the running hip attack on JD and a kick on Balor. Jey went up top leading to a cross body block on Balor for two. Jey charged, Balor kicked him and Balor hit a reverse DDT with an elbow drop for two. JD was back in with a springboard splash for two. Balor back in, Jey broke free from JD holding him and Jey superkicked Balor to knock him down. Zayn got the hot tag against JD leading to Zayn doing an Exploder Suplex into the turnbuckle. Carlito distracted the referee, Dominik held Zayn’s foot and JD hit a Spanish Fly slam for two. That was a very good nearfall. The fans chanted “this is awesome” as Jey made a blind tag. Jey kicked JD in the ribs. Jey and Sami hit the 1D for just two because Balor broke up the pin. Balor tagged back in against legal man Jey, who fought back with the Yeet punches. Balor hit a Slingblade on Jey. Balor charged right into a superkick from Jey. Jey punched Dominik and Carlito down. JD did a necksnap to Jye. Balor jumped off the top with Coup de Grace and legal man JD hit a moonsault off the top for two because Zayn broke it up. Zayn saved Jey from a double team move. Jey headbutted JD and Zayn hit a Helluva Kick on JD. Zayn hit a somersault dive over the top on a few heels. Jey jumped off the top with an Uso Splash for the pinfall win after 16 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Sami Zayn & Jey Uso

Analysis: ***1/2 I enjoyed that match a lot. It was a classic tag team match with a lot of time given. There were plenty of nearfalls for both guys. I liked the 1D usage by Jey & Sami for a nearfall. There were a few moments with the J-Day guys that looked like they might win. I don’t love seeing champions lose non-title matches, but I get why it’s done to potentially set up a Tag Team Title match in the future.

After the match, Sami Zayn and Jey Uso celebrated. When Zayn turned around, Bron Breakker nailed him with a Spear. Breakker left with a smile on his face. End show.

Analysis: It was the second week in a row that Bron Breakker dropped Zayn with a Spear to end the show. It looked great as usual.

===

Three Stars of the Show

  1. Bron Breakker
  2. Sami Zayn & Jey Uso
  3. CM Punk, Drew McIntyre & Seth Rollins

Some of you may go with Liv Morgan in those jean shorts as the star of the show. I can certainly understand that. I’m trying to keep it classy here, pal.

===

The Scoreboard

8 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2024 Average: 7.60

===

Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

I liked the show quite a bit. There are so many stories flowing nicely on Raw while they are using a lot of different people on the roster. Most of the SummerSlam matches have been built well especially the big feuds like Punk/McIntyre and Ripley/Morgan. They have done a great job in the last couple of weeks of adding more heat to the Priest/GUNTHER rivalry as well. There’s also the Zayn/Breakker story that has continued to grow with Bron ending the show with a Spear on Zayn for the second week in a row. I have enjoyed that as well.

The matches were pretty good most of the night. The two standout matches were Breakker beating Dragunov in a physical battle and then Zayn & Jey Uso beating Balor & McDonagh in the main event. Those matches got plenty of time, told good stories, and had finishes that were very well done. The other matches were all solid and got plenty of time. Nothing felt rushed. That’s a key point because I always say the flow of the show is important. It was also cool seeing Uncle Howdy hitting the Sister Abigail move on Chad Gable too. The fans loved it.

Regarding the Punk/McIntyre story, I’m very happy for Punk being cleared from his torn triceps injury. For a lot of people, that will be the most anticipated match at SummerSlam, which now has seven matches and all of them are singles matches. Adding Seth Rollins as the special guest referee will add another dynamic to it. There are so many possibilities that can come out of that scenario. I’m excited to see what happens. This was a fun Raw.

The next WWE PLE is SummerSlam in Cleveland on Saturday, August 3rd. Here’s the lineup so far.

* Undisputed WWE Championship: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Solo Sikoa

* CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre (Seth “Freakin Rollins is the special guest referee)

* World Heavyweight Championship: Damian Priest (c) vs. GUNTHER

* Women’s World Championship: Liv Morgan (c) vs. Rhea Ripley

* WWE Women’s Championship: Bayley (c) vs. Nia Jax

* United States Championship: Logan Paul (c) vs. LA Knight

* Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Bron Breakker

You can watch WWE SummerSlam, streaming live on Saturday, August 3, 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