Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 08/05/24 Review

By John Canton • Published 5th August 2024

It’s WWE Raw featuring the Wyatt Sicks in action against Chad Gable & The Creed Brothers, Gunther celebrates being World Heavyweight Champion, and more.

This week’s Raw follows a very newsworthy WWE SummerSlam PLE from Saturday night. While just focusing on the Raw matches, GUNTHER beat Damian Priest to become the new World Heavyweight Champion thanks to Finn Balor costing his buddy Priest. Bron Breakker beat Sami Zayn to become the Intercontinental Champion. There was also Drew McIntyre’s controversial win over CM Punk thanks to Seth Rollins’ involvement as the referee. Don’t forget about Liv Morgan keeping the Women’s World Title over Rhea Ripley due to Dominik Mysterio ending his two years of fun with Ripley to help Morgan get the win.

Next up on the WWE PLE calendar is the Bash In Berlin show in four weeks on August 31st in front of what should be a hot German crowd.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1628 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the CFG Bank Arena in Baltimore, Maryland. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

It’s a commercial-free first hour of Raw which is airing on Syfy for those of you in the US. It’s back to USA Network next week.

There was an opening video package with SummerSlam highlights.

They showed some arrivals earlier in the day including Dominik Mysterio with Women’s World Champion Liv Morgan, Damian Priest, new Intercontinental Champion Bron Breakker, and Drew McIntyre.

It was Michael Cole and Pat McAfee on commentary as usual for Raw.

Let’s Hear From GUNTHER with Ludwig Kaiser

Ludwig Kaiser was in the ring introducing his good friend GUNTHER, who is the new World Heavyweight Champion. Gunther was wearing a suit while carrying the World Title on his shoulder. Kaiser hugged his buddy Gunther in the ring.

Gunther spoke about how he was the Ring General, the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion, the King of the Ring and now the World Heavyweight Champion. Gunther said if you think that what he did with the Intercontinental Title, just wait until you see what he does as the World Champion. Gunther said that nothing can catch him off guard and he is greatness personified. Gunther said that from this day forth, Monday Night Raw and the legacy of this great sport and the World Heavyweight Championship belongs to him. It’s time for some voices…because here comes Randy Orton.

Randy Orton made his entrance to a big pop even though he’s a Smackdown guy. The crowd sang some of Randy’s theme song but it’s not like they sang the whole song loudly like the great France crowd earlier this year. There were “Randy” chants for Orton.

Gunther said that he has to say he was wrong because that caught him off guard.

Orton said that he would congratulate Gunther, but that’s not really his style. Orton said that title looks fine hanging on Gunther’s shoulders. Orton said that he’s the only reason that Gunther is carrying the World Championship in the first place. Orton mentioned that Gunther beat him at King of the Ring, but did Gunther really beat him? Orton said that the people know it and even Triple H knows it. Orton said his shoulders weren’t down and he knows that the referee’s decision is final. Orton said that Triple H thinks the world needs the Gunther-Orton sequel and Orton is here to call that in. Orton said that he could match Gunther move for move, technician vs. technician, and smooth vs. smooth. Orton said that the fans deserve a modern-day Flair vs. Steamboat. Orton said that Gunther considers himself a living legend and that’s perfect because Orton has made a career out of killing legends. Orton said that he’s going to walk out of Germany at Bash at Berlin, which is Gunther’s home country, as the new World Champion. More “Randy” chants.

Gunther said that not beating Orton cleanly at King of the Ring left a little stain on Gunther’s record. Gunther said if Orton’s voices think that he can beat Gunther then his voices are wrong. Gunther told Orton he accepted. They shook hands. Gunther spoke to Orton without a microphone saying nothing catches him off guard. Orton said that’s okay because he wants to see it coming instead of out of nowhere. Orton left as his music played.

Analysis: That’s a great match for Bash in Berlin with Gunther defending the World Heavyweight Title against Randy Orton. I loved their match at King of the Ring, so seeing the rematch for the World Title is a smart move on WWE’s part. Orton had a legitimate point about his shoulders not being pinned at King of the Ring, so Gunther accepting the challenge made sense as well. That’s going to be an awesome match at Bash in Berlin. I’m excited about it.

Sheamus was interviewed backstage by Jackie Redmond. Sheamus spoke about Ludwig Kaiser coming back from injury trying to make a name for himself. Sheamus mentioned Pete Dunne and said he’d find out everybody coming after him. Sheamus told them to bring it on. Sheamus said maybe he’ll break Pete Dunne’s ribs too. Sheamus asked Baltimore if they were ready for a banger and here he comes.

Ludwig Kaiser vs. Sheamus

They battled on the floor for a bit before going into the ring to start the match with Sheamus hitting a clothesline. Kaiser did a hard open hand slap to the face. Kaiser chopped Sheamus a few times and then Sheamus chopped Kaiser in the chest ten times. Kaiser kicked Sheamus a few times. Sheamus came back with punches to the gut. Sheamus hit a rolling senton. Kaiser was out on the floor selling a rib injury while the referee called for the medical team to check on Kaiser. It was all a ruse of course because Kaiser got back up and hit Sheamus with a forearm. Kaiser ran around the ring leading to a dropkick into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Kaiser was aggressive with a kick to the knee and kicking Sheamus in the back while Sheamus was against the ropes. Kaiser hit Sheamus with forearm shots to the chest, but Sheamus blocked that and Sheamus hit a clothesline. Kaiser kicked Sheamus in the leg leading to a two count. Sheamus came back with punches and Sheamus ran the ropes leading to the double axhandle two times in a row. Sheamus hit a clothesline along with a backbreaker. Kaiser avoided a Celtic Cross, but Sheamus picked up Kaiser leading to the White Noise slam for two. Sheamus applied a Texas Cloverleaf, but Kaiser got the rope. Kaiser hit a discus clothesline for two.

Sheamus got some offense going again with punches and a clothesline. Sheamus worked over Kaiser with the ten beats forearms to the chest as the fans counted along for all of them. Sheamus jumped off the top with a clothesline on Kaiser on the floor. Pete Dunne showed up to attack Sheamus, but Sheamus avoided it as Dunne tried to attack with a shillelagh. Sheamus avoided that and Sheamus hit Dunne with a knee to the face. Back in the ring, Kaiser hit a jumping kick to the face for two. Kaiser went for a move, but Sheamus got out of it and hit a knee to the face. Sheamus bounced off the ropes with a Brogue Kick for the pinfall win after about 15 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Sheamus

Analysis: ***1/2 It was an awesome match worthy of the “banger” phrase that Sheamus loves to use. Sheamus avoided the attempted attack from Dunne and found a way to get the win with his signature Brogue Kick. Kaiser brought the fight as soon as the bell rang just like when he has wrestled Sheamus in the past. I thought Kaiser would get the win here, but I certainly don’t mind a Sheamus victory. Kaiser is from Germany, so I expect him to be on the Bash in Berlin card in some capacity and if he’s not then that would be disappointing. Sheamus has a lot of rivals right now, but I’m glad he’s being featured heavily.

A graphic was shown saying that the Roman Reigns return at SummerSlam generated over 100 million views on social media, which is a SummerSlam record.

There was a video about how 11 years ago in Baltimore is where the original Wyatt Family debuted. That video transitioned into showing the new Wyatt Sicks continuing the legacy and they’re in action later on Raw in Baltimore.

They showed Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers arriving earlier in the day.

Boxer Terence Crawford was shown with Eminem after Crawford’s big win this past weekend.

There were more SummerSlam highlights shown.

Let’s Hear from Damian Priest

Damian Priest walked out to the ring angrily without the World Heavyweight Title. Priest called out Finn Balor to get down here and take this beating like a man. Priest asked how Balor went from being a Prince to a backstabbing coward. Priest said that Balor knows that most of his life, he has been on his own until he found The Judgment Day. Priest said that they made him feel like they belonged somewhere. Priest spoke about how in his new documentary, he heard about what he meant to people and he realized his whole family got a whole lot bigger. Priest pointed at the fans telling Balor this is Priest’s new family. Priest said that he’s not upset about losing the World Title because he can win it back and he said Finn took that way from all of us. Priest said Finn knows that Priest can’t let that stand. Priest said that when Balor is suffering, know that Priest is the reason for his pain. Priest told Balor to get his ass out there.

Finn Balor appeared on the video screen saying that Priest bought this all upon himself. Balor said that Priest betrayed The Judgment Day because they were supposed to have eachother’s backs and no leaders, but that changed when Priest became champion. Balor said that Priest went back on his word. Balor mentioned a year ago he almost became champion and then showed a picture of Priest standing at ringside. Balor said that he waited a year to man up because he screwed Priest and his family. Balor said that he’s not going to fight him. Balor said somebody who has earned it will fight him – JD will. Balor said that he’ll wait until Priest has almost forgotten about it and Balor will stab him in the back again and again and again. Balor said it won’t just be him. Balor said it won’t just be me because we all will. It was also Dominik Mysterio, Liv Morgan, JD McDonagh and Carlito. The fans booed when they saw the whole group standing there.

Damian Priest left the ring angrily and walked backstage.

Analysis: It’s a new look version of The Judgment Day with Finn Balor joined by some familiar allies, which also includes Liv Morgan joining the fun. Priest did a nice job with the babyface promo by sucking up to the fans a bit and the fans were ready to cheer him, so I think the babyface turn for Priest will work just fine. Balor will be elevated a bit as the perceived leader of the new look version of The Judgment Day, so that’s a good thing for Balor too. I liked how this was done while not giving away the Priest-Balor fight right away and instead, let’s build up to it.

A video was shown of Pat McAfee and Triple H spitting the water on the SummerSlam Kickoff show last Friday. They also replayed Michael Cole doing it and Cole’s water spit didn’t go that well. Cole was laughing about it.

Raw GM Adam Pearce was talking on the phone when Bronson Reed interrupted. Reed complained about how he wanted a match with Sheamus. Pearce tried to explain, but Reed said that Pearce always has excuses. Reed said that he sees if he wants to get to the top, he has to create his own path. Reed left.

Lyra Valkyria vs. Shayna Baszler (w/Sonya Deville & Zoey Stark)

Baszler took down Lyra followed by a stomp on the left arm. Lyra ran the ropes leading to a cross body block along with a clothesline. Lyra kicked Baszler a few times until Baszler blocked a kick and went for an ankle lock. Lyra slipped out of a move leading to a Powerbomb for two. Stark distracted Lyra on the turnbuckle, Lyra kicked Stark down and Lyra jumped off the top over Baszler, who avoided it. Baszler went for a choke, Lyra broke free and Lyra hit an enziguri kick to the head. Lyra hit the Nightwing slam off the shoulders for two because Deville & Stark attacked Lyra for the DQ finish. It went about three minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Lyra Valkyria

Analysis: *3/4 A quick match that was there to set up the post match attack. Lyra is a good worker while Baszler did a nice job of working on the limbs a bit before Lyra hit her finisher for a two count leading to the DQ.

The trio of Baszler, Deville & Stark attacked for a bit, but Damage CTRL made the save. The trio of Dakota Kai, IYO SKY and Kairi Sane quickly cleared the ring. That ended the segment.

Analysis: It looks like Damage CTRL will be babyfaces in this rivalry of women’s factions. I think WWE needs to do more than just have them fight eachother every week as a way to make Damage CTRL faces.

Karrion Kross and The Final Testament were backstage for a promo. Kross spoke about how The New Day have spread the Power of Positivity for a decade, but all good things must come to an end. Kross said that Kofi Kingston became the man while Xavier Woods was too afraid to be come the man. Kross said it’s so sad. Kross said Woods chose his fate to stand with Kofi and they are going to share that same fate tonight when we witness the death of The New Day, so sayeth The Final Testament. It’s AOP against New Day later.

CM Punk was shown walking backstage for a promo up next. They went to the first commercial at 56 minutes into the show.

(Commercial)

There were highlights shown of the Drew McIntyre-CM Punk match at SummerSlam with Seth Rollins getting involved as the referee.

The Creed Brothers were talking to their friend Ivy Nile. Maxxine Dupri walked up to Nile asking what was going on and Nile didn’t say much in reply. Chad Gable interrupted, and bashed Dupri along with Tozawa & Otis while telling them to keep the Alpha Academy name. Chad said he had a new family on Raw and Chad said he’ll be with The Creeds as they beat The Wyatt Sicks in the main event. Nile left with Gable.

Let’s Hear from CM Punk

CM Punk made his entrance to a huge ovation. The fans chanted “CM Punk” for him as he stood in the ring. Punk gave a shoutout to his buddy Belal Muhammad for winning the UFC Welterweight Title. Punk mentioned he lost at SummerSlam and took a big L on Saturday. Punk said that he was smiling because he hasn’t been in Baltimore in ten years and it makes him happy when 10,000 people scream his name at him. Punk said that SummerSlam was not a guarantee and tonight was not a guarantee. Punk spoke about how people love him because every time he gets knocked down, he gets back up. Punk said some people in this company hate him because he doesn’t stay down. Punk talked about how in January, all of this was taken away from him due to injury. Punk said he was told nine months out and he came back in five months. Punk spoke about Drew McIntyre being a tough son of a bitch and he complained about Drew gloating about it. Punk said that Drew told lies about Punk to make Drew feel better about himself. Puke spoke about how he’s back and he knows people’s journey to WrestleMania starts at Royal Rumble, but he started on Saturday. Punk said that his Summer of Hate didn’t start as he predicted, but it’s still summer. Punk thinks this packed crowd deserves less CM Punk talking and more fighting. Punk wanted to face Drew McIntyre again because he’s still here…but here comes Seth “Freakin” Rollins.

The crowd was singing loudly as Seth “Freakin” Rollins walked out dressed in all black and a serious look on his face. Rollins walked down to the ring, took off his jacket and was shirtless as he stared at Punk from the aisle.

Seth Rollins said that Punk is in a good mood and Rollins said he is too. Rollins said that after ten long years, it is finally time for him to put Punk in the dirt. Punk said he’s not dressed like a cowboy, but he’ll be his huckleberry so let’s go. Rollins got into the ring, but Drew McIntyre interrupted.

Drew McIntyre was in the crowd with a microphone saying tonight is about a celebration. Drew talked about beating Punk while Rollins counted the one, two, three. Drew said that Punk shocked the world when he brought the fight and he proved that he’s still got it. Drew told Punk that Drew is the best in the world. Drew wondered if they would stare at eachother or look at Drew. That led to Drew showing off his bracelet that says AJ and Larry on it, so Punk left the ring. Punk jumped the barricade and went running up the steps, so Drew ran away. Punk went after Drew by going up the steps and further into the crowd.

Analysis: That cheap bracelet holds magical powers over CM Punk because it makes him lose his mind right away. I get that it’s a sentimental thing due to having his wife and dog’s name on it, but it’s a little silly the way Punk can’t control himself when the bracelet is shown. I liked how Drew was gloating a lot. Rollins and Punk teasing a fight yet again is interesting, but it didn’t happen yet. Keep building to it.

Bronson Reed attacked Rollins in the ring with a running body attack. Reed splashed Rollins against the turnbuckle. Rollins fought back with a superkick and another kick to the head. Reed nailed Seth with a Death Valley Driver. Reed hit Rollins with multiple senton splashes. Reed went up top and hit a Tsunami splash. Reed went up top again and hit another Tsunami splash on Rollins. Reed left the ring as officials checked on Rollins in the ring. Reed looked like he was leaving, but then he went back into the ring, up to the top turnbuckle and Reed hit another Tsunami splash on Rollins. The fans chanted “holy shit” about this. Reed went up top a fourth time and hit another Tsunami splash. Reed went to the top rope for a fifth time and hit a fifth Tsunami splash on Rollins. Cole was screaming to get him out of there. Reed jumped off the top for the sixth time with a Tsunami splash. Rollins was bleeding from the mouth to sell the attack. That’s a nice touch. Reed finally left the ring after officials were keeping him out of there. Raw GM Adam Pearce wasn’t even there, so Cole was screaming about that. Reed went up another turnbuckle and wanted to do more, but referees finally rolled Rollins out of the ring. They couldn’t think of that earlier? I know. Don’t ask logical questions. Rollins did a great job of selling while Reed finally left.

Analysis: That was a vicious attack to make Bronson Reed look like a huge threat after hitting Rollins with the Tsunami splash for the sixth time. Reed warned Pearce earlier, so he followed up on his threat. I’m happy for Reed getting a push to face a former World Champion like Rollins, who will elevate Reed just by getting into a feud with him. Reed has a lot of potential as a dominant heel so it’s nice to see a fresh rivalry like this. I assume Seth will be out for a week or a few weeks after this.

The WWE IG account posted a video of the six Tsunami splashes so check that out here.

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This Friday on Smackdown: The Original Tribal Chief named Roman Reigns returns.

(Commercial)

There was a replay of Bronson Reed attacking Seth Rollins before the break.

Adam Pearce was interviewed by Jackie Redmond. Pearce said that Rollins will be going to the hospital and there might be internal bleeding. CM Punk was walking backstage looking for Pearce, who said he walked Drew McIntyre out of the building and Punk calmed down after that.

Authors of Pain – Akam & Rezar (w/Karrion Kross, Scarlett & Paul Ellering) vs. The New Day – Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods

The New Day were dressed as Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to shill some merchandise. Kofi was distracted by Rezar on the apron so he kicked him and Akam gave Kofi a spinebuster. Rezar tagged in with punches as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Kofi kicking Akam and hitting a DDT off the turnbuckle. Woods tagged in against Rezar with a forearm to the head. Woods kicked Rezar in the face and hit him with a superkick. Rezar tackled Woods into the turnbuckle. Woods headbutted Rezar (more like his own hands) several times. Woods hit a missile dropkick off the top. Woods sent Akam over the top to the floor. Kofi dove onto Akam on the floor with a trust fall back splash dive. Scarlett distracted the referee as Kross knocked Woods off the top rope. Odyssey Jones went down to the ring in a New Day shirt and he sent Kross into the apron. Jones tossed Kross over the barricade. Woods got an inside cradle on Rezar for the pinfall win after seven minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The New Day

Analysis: **1/2 It was okay for a tag team match with Kofi as the face in peril, Woods was on fire after the hot tag and Odyssey Jones showed up to prevent AOP’s buddies from cheating more.

After the match, AOP attacked Woods, but Odyssey Jones went after both AOP guys. Jones picked up both AOP guys and hit them with sidewalk slams at the same time. Kross punched Jones a few times. Jones fought back with a Bossman Slam on Kross. Kofi Kingston celebrated with Jones while Xavier Woods was a bit reluctant about it, but Woods slapped hands with Jones. Kofi celebrated with Jones.

Analysis: That was an impressive showing of power by Jones hitting both AOP guys with a slam at the same time. That’s good to see Jones finally doing something on the main roster. The way Woods reacted to it made it look like it was Kofi’s idea, so there could be some tension between Kofi and Woods because of this.

JD McDonagh did a promo saying that he sacrificed his body to keep Damian Priest on top. JD said that Priest never wanted JD in The Judgment Day group because Finn Balor listens to JD more than anybody. JD said that he’s going to get his revenge because he’s in The Judgment Day while Priest is out. JD said that he’s a champion while Priest is not. JD said “all rise for The Judgment Day” to end it.

Analysis: There were good points made by JD McDonagh especially how Damian Priest didn’t want him in The Judgment Day.

The A-Town Down Under team of Grayson Waller & Austin Theory from Smackdown made their entrance. Cole mentioned Adam Pearce made a deal with Smackdown GM Nick Aldis to allow this. There was already Randy Orton from Smackdown earlier in the show too. Anyway, Waller & Theory have a match up next.

(Commercial)

It was announced this past week that Survivor Series: WarGames is coming to Vancouver on November 30th.

Kofi Kingston was backstage with Odyssey Jones, who said he was honored to help The New Day. Xavier Woods walked in shaking his hand. Woods said he didn’t know about this. Kofi said that he linked up with Jones when Kofi was rehabbing at the WWE Performance Center. The trio of Otis, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri walked in and they all did Tozawa’s dance together.

Analysis: It didn’t make it seem like Woods was upset about Jones being there. Kofi explained it by saying he became friends with Jones at the WWE PC, so that’s enough to explain it.

A replay was shown from SummerSlam when big man singer Jelly Roll gave Theory a Chokeslam and Jelly joined R-Truth & The Miz for a five knuckle shuffle triple team combo.

Awesome Truth – The Miz & R-Truth vs. A-Town Down Under – Austin Theory & Grayson Waller

Both teams are former Tag Team Champions. They both won their titles at WrestleMania 40 and have since lost their titles. R-Truth sent Waller out of the ring leading to Theory doing an armdrag to Theory. Miz tagged in for some double team dropkicks. Awesome Truth did double clotheslines to both opponents to clear the ring. The show went to break there.

(Commercial)

The match continued after some picture-in-picture action for those of you in the US, but not for me here in Canada. I don’t mind missing PIP action. Truth was the babyface in peril as he kicked Theory down and broke free to bring in Miz. The Miz was fired up with clotheslines and a double flapjack on both opponents. Miz delivered his weak It Kicks on both opponents and a running dropkick on both guys. Miz kicked Waller into the barricade and Miz did a slingshot attack over the top onto Theory on the floor. Miz got a rollup on legal man Theory for two. Miz hit a DDT on Theory for two. Miz nailed Theory with a corner clothesline. Truth tagged in while Miz hit a cross body block off the top and Miz didn’t realize Truth tagged in. Waller in illegally, Truth hit Waller with the Attitude Adjustment while Truth knocked Miz down by accident because Waller’s legs hit Miz to knock Miz down. Theory hit his spinning A-Town Down slam into the knee on Truth for the pinfall win after eight minutes.

Winners by pinfall: A-Town Down Under – Austin Theory & Grayson Waller

Analysis: **3/4 The match was solid and I liked what Miz did when he got the hot tag. A lot of babyface fire shown by Miz there. Awesome Truth got a lot of offense, then it was Truth making the mistake of hitting Miz out of the ring by accident, and Theory capitalized to get the win. A-Town Down Under getting a win is fine with me because they lose way too much.

After the match, The Miz picked up Truth and hugged to show they were okay.

Analysis: I think The Miz might turn heel soon because he’s been a face for a while now and we know Miz is at his best as a heel.

Damian Priest did a backstage promo about how Finn Balor was the only one who wanted JD McDonagh in The Judgment Day. Priest said that Balor was sending JD after Priest so that JD would take the first beating. Priest told JD he’s sending his big-headed ass straight to hell.

JD McDonagh made his entrance as one half of the World Tag Team Champions and he was joined by Carlito. JD’s match against Priest was after the break. It was about two hours into the show at this point.

(Commercial)

There was a recap of Gunther and Randy Orton agreeing to a World Heavyweight Title match at Bash in Berlin. The graphic was shown for the match.

Bron Breakker, the new Intercontinental Champion, was interviewed by Cathy Kelley backstage. Bron said he debuted on WWE television less than three years ago. Bron said he doesn’t have a target on his back because he’s the hunter. Bron claimed that he was coming for everybody. Bron said that a lot of people think he was born for this championship and this moment. Bron said that this championship was born for him. Bron showed the side plate saying there isn’t a man on this planet that can take his name off of his title. Cathy summarized it saying it sounds like the locker room needs to be on notice.

Damian Priest vs. JD McDonagh (w/Carlito)

JD ran the ropes leading to Priest hitting him with a boot to the face. The fans cheered that. Priest stomped on JD repeatedly against the turnbuckle. Priest sent JD into the turnbuckle followed by a slam dunk-style slam into the mat. Priest punched JD, who came back with a kick and Priest nailed JD with an elbow smash. Priest missed a corner splash, so JD got some offense with shoulder tackles. JD hit a running dropkick. JD hit Priest with a forearm, then Priest hit a forearm back and they each hit strikes to the head. Priest kicked JD out of the ring. JD was bleeding from the mouth likely due to one of those shots to the jaw. Priest scared Carlito, who ran away from him. Priest lifted JD up, JD broke free and JD shoved Priest into the ring post. JD hit a suicide dive onto Priest on the floor by the commentary table. They went to a break.

(Commercial)

Priest was in control with the bell clap on the ears. Priest went for a Chokeslam, but JD slipped out of that and hit a headbutt so Cole made a giant head joke saying that was like getting hit by a boulder. JD hit a moonsault off the top onto Priest for two. Priest came back with a lifting flatliner. Priest kicked JD repeatedly followed by punches and a punch to the head. Priest hit a running elbow smash against the turnbuckle followed by a Broken Arrow slam. JD bailed to the floor, so Priest hit him with a shoulder tackle onto the commentary table and onto the floor. Back in the ring, Priest nailed JD with a clothesline and Priest kicked Carlito off the apron to the floor. That’s when Finn Balor hit Priest with a forearm from behind. It’s a DQ finish after 10 minutes.

Winner by disqualification: Damian Priest

Analysis: *** I thought this might be a dominant win by Priest, but instead JD put up a fight and got plenty of offense. I’m not surprised by the DQ ending due to the story involving these guys. JD is a really good worker, so I’m glad he was in a match that got time and Priest did very well in the match too.

After the match, Finn Balor worked over Priest with punches. Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan were at ringside as well. The foursome of guys in The Judgment Day tried to attack Priest, but Priest fought them all off and cleared the ring of three of the guys. Priest faced off with Balor and then Dominik was back in to grab Priest to stop that. Rhea Ripley’s music hit and the fans exploded cheering for Ripley. Ripley ran down to ringside to go after Dominik and Morgan. Ripley threw Morgan into the ring post two times. Dominik saved Morgan from being put through a table. Ripley went into the ring and headbutted JD. Priest hit South of Heaven on JD while Carlito helped JD out of the ring. Pat referred to Priest & Ripley as the Terror Twins, which is what they call themselves and Priest & Ripley hugged in the ring. The fans cheered that.

Analysis: I liked how that was booked. Rhea Ripley making the save for her buddy Priest was the right move and Ripley got her hands on Morgan, but Dominik was able to save Liv from a table bump. It keeps the fans hot for this storyline and wanting to see Ripley get revenge on Liv and Dominik soon. The fans absolutely love Rhea and Priest is getting big reactions now too. Good booking.

There was a replay of the SummerSlam main event between WWE Champion Cody Rhodes and Solo Sikoa that led to Roman Reigns making his return to a huge ovation. Reigns dropped cousin Solo Sikoa with a Superman Punch and Spear. Cody Rhodes finished off Solo after that.

Roman Reigns returns this Friday on Smackdown.

Analysis: I am interested to see what comes next. They need to bring back Jimmy Uso with Roman too. Paul Heyman should be there too. Does that mean Jey Uso joins them as well? It doesn’t need to be rushed, but the original Bloodline together as faces is going to be a wonderful thing. I assume WarGames will involve the two versions of The Bloodline and that’s in November, so they have three months to get there.

Damage CTRL was shown walking backstage. They were beaten up by Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark. Bazler stomped on Kai’s knee a few times. It’s supposed to be Deville against Kai after a break.

(Commercial)

Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark made their entrance for Deville’s match. Deville said it looks like we won’t see Dakota Kai tonight because it looks like she’s under the weather. That led to Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane going down to the ring so Sky took Kai’s place.

Iyo Sky (w/Kairi Sane) vs. Sonya Deville (w/Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark)

Sky gave Deville a headscissors that sent Deville out of the ring. Sky kicked Stark on the floor and Sky punched Baszler on the floor. Deville sent Sky into the steel steps. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

Deville was in control for a bit with a kick or maybe it was a knee to the jaw. Deville charged, Sky moved and Deville hit the turnbuckle. Sky came back with an uppercut punch along with a dropkick to the leg. Sky hit a running elbow against the turnbuckle. Sky went up top and hit a missile dropkick for two. Deville hit Sky with a knee strike followed by a running knee to the face for two. Sky kicked Deville in the knee and then a stomp to the ribs. Sky hit a running knee attack for two because Stark put Deville’s foot on the ropes. Sane hit Stark with a punch and Sky kicked Baszler on the floor. Sane went up top with Sky as Sky hit a moonsault onto two women while Sane hit the Insane Elbow onto a standing Stark on the floor. Back in the ring, Sky hit Over The Moonsault on Deville for the pinfall win after ten minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Iyo Sky

Analysis: *** I liked the match and the result. Sky is so good. I don’t want to say underrated because I think people know how good she is, but maybe it’s forgotten sometimes. Deville came close to winning a few times and it felt like a competitive match. I liked how they involved the women on the floor as well. I mentioned before that I thought that WWE needed to do more to make Damage CTRL into babyfaces. The way this was booked well and did make Damage CTRL look like faces because Sky and Sane worked together to overcome three women so that Sky could get the win.

Ilja Dragunov was shown talking to Sami Zayn with Ilja saying that Zayn’s style inspires people. Zayn said that Ilja will make a fine champion one day. Ilja left. Jey Uso walked up to Zayn, who seemed down about his title loss. Jey said that Sami will get his rematch and be the Intercontinental Champion again. Zayn said he got that rematch next week. Jey said that Zayn can handle that and then they can handle business against The Judgment Day. Jey said that Zayn can become a double champion. Zayn agreed with that as they did a happy Yeet handshake combo.

The announcers updated Seth Rollins with Cole saying that Seth was getting tests done at the hospital while there were fears of internal bleeding.

Analysis: Enjoy the vacation time, Seth. I think he’ll be back in two or three weeks.

There was a Wyatt Sicks profile video about Joe Gacy. A voice (Uncle Howdy) mentioned that they locked him away, but Uncle Howdy saw through his eyes. Howdy said they would make them pay. Gacy screamed at the camera and that was it.

Analysis: For those of you who don’t watch NXT, Joe Gacy was often booked as a crazy man and was locked up at one point, so that’s what was referenced in the video.

Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers were shown walking backstage. Gable said that he has a new family by his side. They had matching singlets. Gable said they are American Made. Gable and The Creed Brothers entered for their match with a theme song for the group.

Analysis: American Made is the stable name for Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers. That’s fine with me because I really like the three guys together.

(Commercial)

Next week on Raw:

* Intercontinental Championship 2/3 Falls: Bron Breakker vs. Sami Zayn

* WWE Women’s Tag Team Titles #1 Contenders Match: Damage CTRL – Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark

Analysis: The Breakker-Zayn match will likely be long and it should be a Bron win. I think Sky & Sane should win the tag team match.

The Wyatt Sicks made their entrance while the lights were out in the arena and the fireflies lit up the arena with light. There was a rocking chair shown by the entrance with the lamp on it. The Wyatt Sicks entered with Uncle Howdy (Bo Dallas) carrying the lantern. Nikki Cross was there as Abbey The Witch (Cole said it during the match) along with Joe Gacy (Huskus The Pig), Dexter Lumis (Mercy The Buzzard) & Erick Rowan in their costumes. The trio of Gacy, Lumis & Roman took their masks off to start the match.

Wyatt Sicks – Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy (w/Uncle Howdy & Abbey The Witch) vs. American Made – Chad Gable, Julius Creed & Brutus Creed

The Wyatt Sicks attacked with punches right away. They cleared the ring. Lumis worked over Julius with a spinebuster and elbow drop. Gacy tagged in with a clothesline on Julius and an overhead suplex. Lumis was back in for a double team slam with Gacy. Cole did a good job of saying that Lumis was Mercy the Buzzard and Gacy was Huskus the Pig. Gable hit Lumis from behind and tagged in. All six guys got into the ring for a brawl. Rowan gave Julius a body slam onto Brutus. Gacy hit a running senton splash on both Creeds. Rowan tossed Lumis over the top onto American Made on the floor. The show went to break there.

(Commercial)

The heel American Made group isolated Gacy. They showed Uncle Howdy and Nikki Cross aka Abbey The Witch watching from the aisle with Howdy sitting on the rocking chair. American Made did quick tags leading to all three guys hitting moonsaults. Brutus sent Lumis into the ring post after Lumis broke up the pin. Gacy hit his upside-down move off the ropes leading to a double clothesline on both Creeds. Rowan tagged in and cleaned house with a bunch of clothesline, spin kicks and a back body drop on Gable. The fans were cheering. Rowan hit a baseball slide kick that sent Gable into the barricade. Rowan slammed Gable into the barricade. Rowan shouted “Yeah Yeah Yeah” paying homage to Luke Harper and a senton splash on Gable. Rowan hit a Jackhammer Slam on Gable for two because the Creeds broke up the pin. Gacy went after both Creeds and they spilled out to the floor. Lumis dove onto the three guys – both Creeds and Gacy – on the floor. Gable hit a German Suplex on Rowan for two. Gacy and Lumis were back up so they slammed both Creeds onto the commentary table. Gable turned around to face Rowan, who palmed his forehead and hit a lifting slam like Chokeslam. Gacy and Lumis each made tags leading to Gacy giving Lumis a Powerbomb onto Gable. Lumis jumped off the top with a Superfly Splash and Rowan pushed Lumis for more power leading to a pinfall win after about 14 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Wyatt Sicks – Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy

Analysis: ***1/4 I liked the match because it put over The Wyatt Sicks as a huge threat in the ring. They are scary just by looking at them, so it was important to make them look like threats in a match and that’s what they did. Gable and The Creeds got enough offense to make it seem like they had a shot to win even though it was the right move to put over the Wyatt Sicks.

The Wyatt Sicks celebrated in the ring with the lights flashing. Cole said that WWE will never be the same again. Uncle Howdy went in the front and shouted: “We’re here.” The fans cheered. The Wyatt Sicks continued to pose in the ring. End show.

Analysis: A happy ending to end the night. That’s the right way to end it after the Wyatt Sicks debut match.

===

Three Stars of the Show

The Wyatt Sicks – Erick Rowan, Dexter Lumis & Joe Gacy
Sheamus, Bronson Reed, Seth Rollins
Damian Priest

I could have picked more people. It was a loaded show.

===

The Scoreboard

9 out of 10

Last week: 7.25

2024 Average: 7.63

===

Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

This was an excellent episode of Raw. One of the best episodes of the year and likely among the best in a few years. It was a storyline-heavy SummerSlam and it continued on Raw. This show had so much content especially because the first hour was commercial-free. I’m not complaining about so much content since I enjoyed the show a lot. There might not have been a match that stood out the most, but in terms of there was so much to like. Gunther being confronted by Randy Orton was great and sets them up for a World Heavyweight Title match at Bash in Berlin. That’s going to be outstanding.

They followed up on the Drew McIntyre-CM Punk-Seth Rollins story well as Punk and Rollins nearly got into a fight, but then Punk went after Drew instead. This opened up Bronson Reed for a brutal attack on Rollins with the Tsunami splash six times. Just like that it makes Reed look like a badass heel while Rollins did an excellent job of selling the attack.

The Judgment Day had a strong presence throughout the show. I liked a lot of the promos involving the talent involved in the group splitting up while Finn Balor has formed a new version of The Judgment Day with JD McDonagh, Carlito, Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan. When Rhea Ripley showed up to save Damian Priest from an attack, the crowd exploded and they loved what they saw.

It was cool seeing The Wyatt Sicks group in a six-man tag team match against the American Made group led by Chad Gable. I thought it was a really good match too. Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis & Erick Rowan were very impressive as a team. Rowan doing a Luke Harper tribute was very touching as well. The fans loved these guys. It was a fun way to end the night.

The next WWE PLE is Bash in Berlin on August 31st in Berlin, Germany. Here’s the lineup so far.