Reviews

The John Report: WWE Raw Deal 08/12/24 Review

By John Canton • Published 12th August 2024

It’s WWE Raw featuring a Bron Breakker-Sami Zayn IC Title match, Rhea Ripley opens the show, and more.

I thought last week’s Raw episode was arguably the best episode of the year, which I rated at 9 out of 10, so we’ll see how WWE follows up on it. There are a lot of storylines going on featuring big names, which makes it a fun time to watch the show and for me to review it.

This is the Raw Deal for episode #1629 of Monday Night Raw. It’s taking place at the Moody Center in Austin, Texas. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get to it.

There was a recap video of last week’s great Raw episode.

They showed some arrivals earlier in the day to set up the Bron Breakker-Sami Zayn match later.

It was Michael Cole and Pat McAfee on commentary for the show. It is a sold out Raw in Austin.

Let’s Hear from Rhea Ripley

Rhea Ripley made her entrance to a huge ovation since she’s fully in babyface mode now. Ripley said she’s had a lot of time to figure out exactly what happened at SummerSlam. Ripley said that she has relived it and felt every possible emotion that you can feel. Ripley said she felt embarrassment, heartbreak, but right now the feeling she has is she is pissed the hell off. Ripley took a shot at Dominik saying he stabbed her in the back but he didn’t do it deep enough, which is something he’s heard before. Nice line. Ripley reminded Liv Morgan that she is Rhea Bloody Ripley and here comes the interruption.

Liv Morgan, the Women’s World Champion, was up in the cheap seats with “Daddy” Dominik Mysterio. That led to Dominik, who is wearing his wedding ring, trying to explain why he left Ripley, but the fans booed him a lot. Dominik said that he’s a man and deserves to be treated like one, so the fans chanted “you suck” at him. Dominik said that Ripley tried to change him instead of letting Dom be himself. Dominik claimed that Ripley was bossing him around, which was embarrassing. Dominik said that now he’s got a girl that calls him “Daddy.” Dominik said that she gives him tendies (chicken tenders), lets him play video games, and lets him be himself. Dominik told Ripley that Liv did something that Ripley never helped him do – finally beat his deadbeat dad.

Ripley responded to that saying that she was proud of Dominik. Ripley said she’s proud of what Dominik has accomplished over the last couple of years and said watching him grow into the man he is today is one of her biggest accomplishments. Ripley told him he won gold and accomplished so much. Ripley wanted Dominik to beat his dad on his own, so there was no excuse when Dom beat him. Ripley told Dominik that this was the last decision he was ever going to make.

Morgan spoke up saying it is true that Ripley said that Dominik is a man and he is all hers. Morgan trashed Ripley since her real family is hundreds of miles away (in Australia) and her Judgment Day family – Liv took them. Morgan said that Dominik is hers and the Women’s World Title is hers. Morgan said that this women’s division is hers. Morgan said that everything that Ripley loved was hers.

Ripley told Morgan to shut the hell up. Ripley said Morgan took her weak links. Ripley told Morgan she is going to come after her and Liv will have to kill her to stop her. Ripley spoke up again about finding them and that’ when Damian Priest showed up to a huge pop. Priest fought Dominik with punches and they went down the steps while Ripley went up the steps to go after Morgan.

Priest punched Dominik over the barricade at ringside. They went into the ring where Priest wanted to give Dominik a Chokeslam, but Carlito was there to hit Priest in the back. Priest clotheslined Carlito out of the ring and that led to a break.

Analysis: That was a long talking segment, but it was good with Ripley showing she can do very well as a babyface who has the full support of the fans. Morgan is really good in her heel role as well while Dominik always gets heat for everything he says. The storyline is really working well. Morgan did make good points about taking everything from Ripley too, so at least what Liv said was logical. I like how they set it up so Damian Priest was there to attack Dominik and end the segment on a high note. It looks like they are setting up a mixed tag with the babyface team of Priest & Ripley against Dominik & Liv. That should be fun.

(Commercial)

Damian Priest vs. Carlito

Priest was in control with punches and a slam that sent Carlito into a mat. Carlito left the ring, so Priest punched him in the jaw. Back in the ring, Priest kicked Carlito in the gut. Carlito landed on his feet to avoid a move and Carlito hit a DDT for two. Carlito kicked Priest in the chest, Priest no sold that and did an ear clap. Priest hit a lifting flatliner for two. Priest went up top for nothing because Carlito tripped him up there and Carlito hit a superplex. They went to break there.

(Commercial)

Carlito got some offense going with a swinging neckbreaker. Priest made a comeback with punches along with a spinning heel kick on a charging Carlito. Priest punched Carlito a few times as the crowd fired up. Priest hit a running elbow followed by a Broken Arrow slam across the ring. Priest hit a jumping kick to the head and then he bounced off the ropes with a clothesline. Priest hit South of Heaven for the pinfall win after about nine minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Damian Priest

Analysis: **1/2 An easy win for Priest. Carlito got some offense, but it’s not like he had much of a shot here. I like hearing the crowd supporting Priest like this crowd because it shows that his babyface turn is working.

After the match, JD McDonagh attacked Priest from behind and Priest cleared JD from the ring. Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan were also in the ring. Balor worked over Priest with strikes. Rhea Ripley made her way down to the ring, so Dominik & Liv left. Ripley kicked Carlito in the groin. Balor stared at Ripley, then Balor left and JD went into the ring so Priest kicked JD after Balor got out of there. Priest hit South of Heaven on JD. The Judgment Day retreated. Priest hugged Ripley, so Dominik tried to jump on them, but Priest caught him. Ripley wanted to give Dominik a Riptide and then Morgan was there to save Dominik from it. The Judgment Day left together at that point.

Analysis: It was a nice tease of Ripley almost hitting a Riptide slam on Dominik. That’s something they will probably save for the PLE match when it happens.

The trio of Otis, Akira Tozawa & Maxxine Dupri were backstage hanging out. Ivy Nile walked up to Dupri saying that Dupri should join their new group. Dupri said no to that because she was loyal to her family. Nile left while Dupri encouraged Otis & Tozawa about their match tonight.

(Commercial)

Bo Dallas Video

A video aired about Bo Dallas saying that everything was coming full circle. Dallas said that it’s been heavy lately, especially last week in Baltimore. Dallas said that’s where it all started for the Wyatt Family. Dallas said that the Wyatt Sicks had their debut. Dallas said something big was going to happen and then he claimed that the work wasn’t done. Somebody on the TV screen said that the work wasn’t done. Dallas kept saying, “My life for you” and we saw images of Uncle Howdy on the screen as well.

Analysis: This is more of the same about the Wyatt Sicks group where they have some mental issues that they are dealing with. With that said, it was also Bo Dallas saying that he was doing it for his late brother Bray Wyatt as well. It was cool to see The Wyatt Sicks pick up the win last week on Raw. I am interested to see how it evolves from there.

There was a recap shown of the debuting big man Odyssey Jones helping The New Day take care of The Final Testament group.

The New Day was backstage with Odyssey Jones. Xavier Woods told Kofi Kingston he was looking for him. Kofi Kingston said that they can watch Odyssey’s back tonight for Jones’ match tonight. Kofi said that they’ll be ringside. Woods said he’ll be there, but he didn’t seem that enthusiastic about it.

Analysis: They are teasing the idea that Xavier Woods isn’t happy about Odyssey Jones helping The New Day while Kofi Kingston loves it.

(Commercial)

A graphic said it was the 32nd TV sellout of the year and the 52nd event sellout of the year. It’s been a strong year.

Odyssey Jones (w/Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods) vs. Vincent Winey

They said Winey is from the WWE PC. Winey attacked with punches, but Jones came back with a toss across the ring. Jones hit a body slam followed by a rolling senton two times in a row. Jones hit a running splash against the turnbuckle. Winey kicked the back of the leg of Jones. That led to Jones coming back with a spinning sidewalk slam (like a Bossman Slam) for the pinfall win after less than two minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Odyssey Jones

Analysis: * Easy win for Odyssey Jones showcasing his power for the squash match victory. The fans were into it.

Karrion Kross and The Final Testament showed up for the interruption. Kross claimed that this looks to be a new day for The New Day. Kross suggested that maybe Kofi was using Odyssey Jones to replace Big E, but the truth was that Kross was using Jones to replace Woods. That led to Woods saying that he couldn’t drive a wedge between them. Woods suggested a 2-on-2 tag team match. Kofi took the microphone to suggest a 6-man tag team match, which the fans liked. Woods didn’t seem thrilled about it. Kross said that the devil’s work is never done and you’ve got it. Kofi called them “The Final Testicle” by accident (really on purpose) and reminded them that New Day rocks.

Drew McIntyre walked into the office of Raw GM Adam Pearce. Pearce told Drew that CM Punk wasn’t there because he had travel issues. Drew said he already beat him and he was moving on. Drew complained that Randy Orton of Smackdown was fighting for Raw’s World Title. Drew said that Orton was screwed one time, but Drew was screwed many times. Drew said he’ll take care of it and he’ll be on his best behavior.

The Alpha Academy team of Otis & Akira Tozawa entered with Maxxine Dupri for tag team action. The NXT North American Champion Oba Femi was at ringside and he had a staredown with Otis. Femi has an open challenge for NXT on Tuesday. There’s a tag team match up next.

(Commercial)

The American Made guys made their entrance. Chad Gable wasn’t there because he was in Paris at the Olympics watching gold medal wrestling matches in the past couple of days. They showed a promo from Gable in Paris. Gable said he had unfinished business with those Wyatts and it starts now because Chad is American Made.

A graphic was shown about how WWE NIL athlete Masai Russell won the Women’s 100m Hurdles at the Olympics. Congrats to her.

Texas Tornado Tag Team Match: American Made – Julius & Brutus Creed vs. Alpha Academy – Otis & Akira Tozawa (w/Maxxine Dupri)

It’s a Tornado Tag Team Match so all four guys are legal and no tags are needed. Tozawa tried a tag on the floor, but Julius caught him and hit a suplex on the floor. The Creeds sent Otis hard into the turnbuckle. Tozawa got back into it with a cross body block off the top onto both Creed boys. Otis used Tozawa’s legs as a battering ram to clear the ring. Otis tossed Tozawa over the top onto both Creeds on the floor. The fans loved it.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Julius sending Otis face first into the ring post. Tozawa jumped onto Julius, who gave Tozawa a Powerbomb into the barricade. Back in the ring, Julius covered Tozawa for a two count. Tozawa came back with a double DDT on both Creed boys. Otis got back into it as Otis ran the ropes and knocked the Creeds down with a clothesline, back elbow, clothesline to the back and a splash against the turnbuckle. Otis caught Julius leading to a front slam. Otis hit his Caterpillar elbow on Julius for two because Brutus broke up the pin. Otis nailed Brutus with a clothesline. Julius was back up with a jumping knee. Brutus hit a standing moonsault while Julius hit a standing SSP on Otis for two because Tozawa broke up the pin. Brutus went for a move off the turnbuckle, but Tozawa countered with a top rope hurricanrana. Tozawa kicked Julius out of the ring. Tozawa got caught up in the ropes on a suicide dive and still connected with it. Tozawa went up top, but Brutus punched him while he was there. Julius picked up Otis on his shoulders, then Otis got a hold of Brutus and Otis gave Brutus a superplex. Tozawa jumped off the top with a Senton Bomb on Julius. The fans were chanting “holy shit” for the fun action. Ivy Nile attacked her friend Maxxine Dupri at ringside with punches to the back. Nile slammed Dupri on the commentary table but it didn’t break the table. Nile applied a Dragon Sleeper on the commentary table. Otis tried to help, but he was knocked through the ropes to the floor. Brutus rolled up Tozawa with a ROLLUP OF DEATH~! and Julius joined the pin for leverage as Otis pinned Tozawa to win. It went 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: American Made – Julius & Brutus Creed

Analysis: ***1/4 This was a pretty good match. I didn’t have high expectations going into it, but making it a Texas Tornado match was a smart move because there was a lot of action. They did some creative tag team spots throughout the match. I liked that move where Otis was on Julius’ shoulders and Otis was still able to hit Butch with a superplex, which led to a Tozawa senton splash. That spot drew a big reaction because of how good it was. The big story is that Nile is still allied with The Creed Brothers so she is a heel too.

After the match, Ivy Nile celebrated with her friends The Creeds to show that she is with American Made.

Pete Dunne was shown being interviewed by Jackie Redmond in the empty seats earlier in the day. Redmond mentioned Dunne attacking Sheamus recently. Dunne said that Sheamus didn’t elevate him. Dunne said he had a terrible nickname and it didn’t go well. Dunne wondered where Ridge Holland is now. He’s in NXT, but they didn’t say that. Dunne got angry when Jackie said “Butch” and said he never wants to hear that name again. Dunne said that he swallowed his pride for two years. Pete said he’s the Bruiserweight and an 18-year vet. Dunne said that if he has to shut Sheamus up to never hear that name again then that’s what he’ll do. Jackie thanked Dunne, who didn’t say anything else.

Analysis: I’m all for Pete Dunne getting a shot as a singles guy. Triple H has always liked Dunne going back a decade when Hunter was booking Dunne in NXT UK and NXT. Sheamus facing Dunne soon should be good when it happens.

Bron Breakker, the Intercontinental Champion, was shown getting ready backstage.

(Commercial)

A commercial aired for the Bash in Berlin PLE on August 31st.

There was a “Raw Physics” video that aired about “Big” Bronson Reed. Pat McAfee and Michael Cole narrated a video about Reed hitting Seth Rollins with the Tsunami splash six times last week. They had some interesting stats about it.

Analysis: That’s a different kind of video. I don’t mind it because it is pushing the sports aspect of this business and how physical it can be.

Bronson Reed was talking to Raw GM Adam Pearce in his office. Reed said that he wasn’t getting an opportunity so he took out everybody’s favorite superstar Seth Rollins. Reed told Pearce to give him a match tonight or Reed will find another victim.

A video aired featuring Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane talking about how they are the most dominant force in the history of the women’s division. Sane said they would pay back Sonya, Shayna & Zoey for taking out Dakota Kai. Sky said that they run Raw and the heel trio will never achieve their glory.

Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark were backstage for a promo. Sonya said that they are called the Pure Fusion Collective. Baszler said that they should be Women’s Tag Team Champions. Baszler said that they’ll rip through the division again. Stark claimed they were the most dominant team in the women’s division. Stark said if you want to step up…and Deville said “shoot your shot” to end it.

Analysis: The Pure Fusion Collective as a group name? Sure. I don’t mind group names.

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn walked down to the ring to watch the next match.

(Commercial)

A graphic was shown in memory of Kevin Sullivan 1949-2024. Rest in peace, Taskmaster. They had a nice video about him on Smackdown.

They showed WWE legend Candice Michelle sitting in the crowd watching the show.

Damage CTRL – Iyo Sky & Kairi San vs. Pure Fusion Collective – Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark (w/Sonya Deville)

Sane knocked Baszler out of the ring. Baszler was back into it with a punch to the jaw. Stark tagged in with a sliding clothesline. They went to a break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Baszler trying a suplex, but Sane countered with a DDT-like move. Sky tagged in against Stark with punches and a dropkick. Sky went to the apron and hit a kick to the face. Sky hit a springboard missile dropkick on both opponents. Sky hit the running double knees for two. Stark hit a German Suplex. Baszler tagged in with a running knee for two because Sane made the save. Stark tagged in and Sky gave Stark a backbreaker. Sky went up top, Deville distracted the referee, Baszler knocked down Sky off the top and then Sane hit a back first on Baszler on the floor. Sky hit a running dropkick to knock Sky down on the floor. Stark superkicked Fyre sitting at ringside. Sky punched Stark on the floor. Sky went up top and hit Over the Moonsault for two because Isla Dawn attacked Sky. It went eight minutes.

Match Result: No Contest

Analysis: ** That kind of finish happens in wrestling too often. I saw it on another wrestling show two days ago, for example. Anyway, it’s a cheap way to get some heat on the attackers, who were Dawn & Fyre in this case. Maybe it will lead to a triple threat match.

After the match, Fyre & Dawn beat up the four women in the match. Dawn hit a backstabber followed by Fyre hitting a senton splash on Sane. The champions Fyre & Dawn celebrated.

Analysis: It’s nice to see WWE trying with the Women’s Tag Team division. I wouldn’t call it a compelling storyline, but it’s been okay over the last few weeks.

The Miz & R-Truth were chatting backstage with Miz looking upset. R-Truth said that he was going to cheer up Miz because he got him an Intercontinental Title match against Bron. There was a graphic saying that Miz had to face Bronson Reed and Miz wasn’t thrilled about it. Randy Orton walked up to them. Orton encouraged Miz saying he’s got this. The Miz walked away saying he’s got this. Truth asked Orton if he had a chance and Orton sighed. Orton walked toward the ring.

Analysis: I think it’s time for The Miz to go back to his heel ways because this made him look like a fool. Of course R-Truth got confused about the wrestler names because that’s what he does.

(Commercial)

Let’s Hear from Randy Orton and Gunther

Randy Orton made his entrance to a huge ovation as usual. They showed Orton visiting the St. Louis Cardinals recently where he threw out the first pitch at a baseball game. They also showed the King of the Ring Finals when Gunther pinned Orton, but Orton’s shoulders weren’t down all the way, yet the referee counted the pinfall. Orton gets to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Title at Bash in Berlin.

Orton said that 20 years ago this month he won the World Title for the very first time. Orton said that he became the youngest World Champion in history that night. Orton said that history will repeat itself and he will become a 15-time World Heavyweight Champion. It was interruption time.

The great GUNTHER made his entrance as the World Heavyweight Champion. He was in dress clothes as usual for a promo segment. Orton said that he was going to beat Gunther to become the World Champion. Gunther said that Orton is one of the greatest of all time. Gunther told Orton he should be the greatest of all time. Gunther said that Orton wasted all of his unlimited potential. Gunther said that this is the era of the Ring General. Gunther told Orton that in his era, there was no room for people who wasted potential and that Orton wouldn’t play a role anymore.

Orton said that he never claimed to be perfect. Orton said that he made mistakes and probably made more mistakes than anybody in that locker room. Orton said he owned up to those mistakes while claiming that he changed course. Orton told Gunther he’s the most unpredictable, violent, controversial yet successful superstar in the history of the game. Orton said that it’s not a curse because Orton looks at it as a gift. Orton spoke about how he does it his way. Orton said he’s got five kids at home and a smoking hot wife waiting at home in St. Louis while saying that he’s going to be a 15-time World Champion. Orton said he appreciates his opinion, but he thinks he has done pretty damn good for himself.

Analysis: I think Randy Orton made some valid points there. Just saying.

Gunther said that he got stuck when Orton said he’s unpredictable while saying that Orton is very predictable. Gunther told Orton he’ll give him the beating of his lifetime when they meet in Berlin. Gunther’s second prediction was that Orton wouldn’t be World Champion again. Gunther told Orton when it really matters, Orton screws it up. Gunther mentioned that Orton’s grandfather was a screw up and Orton threw the microphone down. Gunther told Orton that his father was a screw up. Gunther said that Orton was the biggest screw up of them all. Orton got in Gunther’s face for a staredown.

Analysis: There is Gunther making it personal again by trashing Orton’s family. Gunther did that to Damian Priest going into Summerslam when he called him Street Trash repeatedly.

Drew McIntyre made his entrance to interrupt the staredown. Gunther turned around to stare at McIntyre, so Orton hit Gunther with an RKO. The fans loved that.

CM Punk attacked Drew at ringside. Orton and Gunther got out of there. Drew tried to use his belt, but Punk grabbed the belt and Punk whipped Drew in the back with Drew’s belt. Punk hit Drew repeatedly with the belt to the back. Drew went over the barricade to run away. CM Punk went into the ring to celebrate with the belt while Punk’s music played to end it.

Analysis: There will likely be a CM Punk-Drew McIntyre rematch at Bash in Berlin. The belt usage makes me think they are going to have a Strap Match, but I could be wrong on that. Also, I liked how Randy Orton hit an RKO on Gunther to show he can hit that out of nowhere, which we all know.

Sheamus was interviewed by Jackie Redmond backstage. Sheamus says he can’t understand why Pete Dunne has so much beef with him. Sheamus said that he was out for six months not knowing if he could wrestle again. Ludwig Kaiser interrupted to say that Sheamus shouldn’t believe that this is over and said that this is far from over. Kaiser said that he’ll put an end to the Celtic Warrior once and for all. Pete Dunne attacked Sheamus with a shillelagh to the back. Kaiser left while Dunne attacked Sheamus with the shillelagh to the body. Dunne smashed the shillelagh against Sheamus’ left hand which was on an equipment case. Sheamus was down selling the left hand injury.

Analysis: A cheap attack by Pete Dunne to continue his heel ways. Ludwig Kaiser is probably going to be on the Bash in Berlin crowd since he’s from Germany, so maybe we’ll see him against Sheamus there.

The Miz made his entrance and he was joined by R-Truth for this next match.

(Commercial)

CM Punk was shown walking around backstage. Gunther was back there knocking something off a table. Cathy Kelley mentioned that she was on the same flight to Austin as Punk and he didn’t have travel issues. Punk said he told a lie to get his hands on Drew McIntyre. Punk said it’s not about the bracelet. It’s about the names that are on the bracelet. Punk said that Drew can’t speak about Punk’s wife or his dog. Punk said that he caused Drew to lose in his hometown. Punk claimed that Drew wants to stay attached to him, yet Drew wants to run from him. Punk thinks he figured out a way to make everybody happy.

Analysis: That should lead to the Strap Match becoming official based on what Punk said at the end there. Also, I think Gunther being in the background when Punk was watching was a tease of the future. I think that’s a future World Title match perhaps at some point next year.

They showed WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry and his son Jacob Henry as well. Jacob is a collegiate wrestler at Oklahoma and signed to a WWE NIL deal. Henry was cheered.

Analysis: Mark Henry is gone from AEW as of a few months ago and back in the WWE family so to speak. I don’t think Mark has a WWE job officially, but he’s done a lot of talent recruiting in the past. Mark is on Busted Open Radio as a regular co-host too.

Bronson Reed vs. The Miz (w/R-Truth)

Reed ran over Miz with a running body attack. Reed hit a senton splash on Miz’s body. Reed jumped off the apron with a shoulder tackle on Miz on the floor.

(Commercial)

The Miz was on offense with a double axhandle on the floor. Back in the ring, Miz hit a Tornado DDT for just a one count. Reed no sold the weak kicks to the chest. Reed lifted up Miz, who slipped out of a move and Miz hit a roundhouse kick to the head. Miz jumped off the turnbuckle and Reed caught him with a Death Valley Driver. Reed went up top and hit a Tsunami Splash for the pinfall win after seven minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bronson Reed

Analysis: ** A dominant win for Reed as you would expect based on what happened last week. The Miz isn’t pushed like a serious wrestler that often although he did get a decent amount of offense in this match.

After the match, Reed wanted to do more, so R-Truth got into the ring and tried to save Miz. Reed hit a cross body block style Tsunami on Truth. Reed went up top and hit a Tsunami splash on Truth. Reed went up top, there were officials and referees, but Reed still jumped off the top with a Tsunami on Truth. Adam Pearce went into the ring and told Reed not to do it again. Reed went down off the top, but then he went up to another corner. Reed jumped off the top and hit another Tsunami splash on Truth. Pat was calling Reed a “son of a bitch” while Reed left with a big smile on his face. The fans were chanting “one more time” for Reed, so Reed went up top again. Reed jumped off the top with another Tsunami splash on Truth. Reed finally left at that point.

Analysis: Enjoy the break, R-Truth. Reed took out another popular wrestler. It’s a smart way to get heat on Reed by taking out a huge babyface like Truth. The crowd reacts to it in a big way, so it shows that the angle is working to get heat.

Sami Zayn was backstage getting ready. Jey Uso told Zayn that he was going to beat him and then beat him again. Jey said that they were going to go after The Judgment Day and beat them again. Jey hyped up Zayn asking if he’s ready for tonight. Zayn said he was ready, so they did their handshake and that was it.

(Commercial)

A match was added to the Bash In Berlin PLE: Damian Priest & Rhea Ripley vs. Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan.

There was a video from The Judgment Day’s Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, Carlito, Dominik Mysterio & Liv Morgan. They said they are The Judgment Day and there are no leaders. Morgan said that they’ll make Priest & Ripley pay. Balor told Priest to watch out because Backstabber Balor is about. That was it.

* WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn vs. Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane vs. Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark

* Sheamus vs. Pete Dunne

* The New Day’s Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods and Odyssey Jones vs. The Final Testament’s Karrion Kross, Akam & Rezar

Sami Zayn made his entrance for the Intercontinental Championship match. Good pop for Zayn as usual because the fans love him.

Bron Breakker was shown walking backstage with the Intercontinental Title around his waist. Bron walked toward the ring saying that actions speak louder than words. Bron said he’s a badass and it’s time to do what badasses do. Bron asked if we had any dogs barking in Austin, so the fans were barking as Bron made his entrance.

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

Zayn tossed a charging Bron out of the ring to the floor. Zayn followed up with a somersault dive over the top onto Bron on the floor.

(Commercial)

Bron was in control for a bit, but Zayn came back with a Tornado DDT off the ropes. Zayn jumped off the ropes for a springboard move, but Bron caught him and hit a German Suplex. Bron hit two running clotheslines. Bron went across the ring for a move, but Zayn followed with a Helluva Kick. Zayn covered for the pinfall.

Sami Zayn leads 1-0

It was onto the second fall as Bron left the ring so Zayn went after him. Zayn jumped onto Bron going for a moonsault off the barricade, but Bron caught him. Bron ran with Sami in his arms and Bron tossed Zayn over the barricade onto the floor at ringside. That looked like a rough landing for Zayn as the show went to break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Zayn on the top rope going for something, but Bron stopped that and Bron jumped off the top with a Frankensteiner for a two count. Bron gave Zayn a press powerslam that he used to use as a finishing move. Bron hit a Spear, but there was no cover. Bron ran the ropes leading to another Spear for the pinfall win.

The match is tied 1-1.

Zayn countered a Bron pin attempt by doing a crucifix pin and it was a two count. Bron punched Zayn out of the ring. Bron rammed Zayn’s head into the commentary table. Bron went on the apron and jumped off with a clothesline onto the commentary table. Referee Chad Patton started the count on Zayn, who collapsed on the floor and got back in before the ten count. Bron put Zayn on the top turnbuckle, Zayn fought out of it with punches to the back and Zayn hit a sunset flip Powerbomb for two. Zayn wanted an Exploder Suplex, but Bron blocked it and hit an overhead suplex. Bron wanted a Spear, but Zayn countered it and got a rollup for two. Bron was back up with a jumping kick to the head. Bron ran the ropes leading to Zayn hitting a boot to the face and Zayn fell on top for just two. Zayn went up top, Bron went after him, Zayn headbutted Bron down. Zayn jumped off the top with nothing and Bron hit a Spear out of midair! Bron covered Zayn for the pinfall win. It went about 17 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Bron Breakker (2-1)

Analysis: ***1/2 A very good match as usual from them. Zayn put up a fight and nearly got the second fall a few times, but this result was obvious with Bron getting the win to keep his title. That puts an end to this rivalry. I think that the final Spear to win was perhaps set up in a way that made it look too obvious although I think they executed it very well. Everything that Bron does looks so believable while Zayn is the best seller, so they are a logical matchup because they bring out the best in eachother. The crowd reactions were strong for the whole match. I enjoyed it.

Bron Breakker celebrated with the Intercontinental Title. The announcers put over Bron with McAfee saying it’s an honor to be a part of the Bron Breakker era. Bron posed with the title above his head. That was the end of the show.

===

Three Stars of the Show

Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest
Bron Breakker
Sami Zayn & Bronson Reed

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The Scoreboard

7.5 out of 10

Last week: 9

2024 Average: 7.63

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Final Thoughts on WWE Raw

It was a good show, but it wasn’t at the same level as last week’s Raw, which was arguably the best episode of the year. There was still a lot to like here such as Rhea Ripley & Damian Priest getting some revenge against The Judgment Day. It also set up Rhea & Priest against Dominik & Liv Morgan at Bash in Berlin, which should be a lot of fun.

I liked the Bron Breakker match that he won over Sami Zayn. That result was obvious, but I thought Zayn did a tremendous job of making Bron look like a badass. I enjoyed the tag team match between American Made and Alpha Academy especially since it was a Tornado Tag Team Match which has different rules and allows for more action. Doing one of those matches in Texas makes sense.

Bronson Reed had another dominant night since he beat The Miz and then hit R-Truth with the Tsunami Splash a few times. It’s getting Reed a lot of heat and that’s the goal. Gunther tried to insult Randy Orton, but Orton stood up for himself with some valid points and dropped Gunther with an RKO out of nowhere. CM Punk and Drew McIntyre weren’t out there for that long together, but it looks like a Strap Match is coming at Bash in Berlin, which is cool with me. Raw is doing a tremendous job of telling stories and using most of the roster while they do it. I think Raw is the best of the three WWE shows I review and the best of any wrestling TV show this year. They are doing a nice job with it.

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