Reviews

TJR: The WWE Raw Deal 06/29/20 Review

By John Canton • Published 30th June 2020

Welcome to the WWE Raw Deal review right here on TJRWrestling. This is the last Raw in the month of June and the last Raw of the first six months of 2020, which quite frankly hasn’t been a fun year. We’re getting through it as best we can, I guess. The Raw brand continues on the road to the next WWE PPV, which is called “Extreme Rules: The Horror Show” on July 19. Yes, that’s really the name. I don’t think WWE needed to add “The Horror Show” onto the title, but that’s what they did. This episode was taped on Saturday.

From the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Florida, this is the Raw Deal for episode #1414 of Monday Night Raw. Follow me on Twitter @johnreport. Please visit TJRWrestling.net daily for our regular updates on the wrestling business featuring WWE news coverage, insightful columns from our team along with reviews about wrestling’s past and present. Let’s roll.

Let’s Sign Some Contracts

I turned on the show about one minute after it started with Sasha Banks and Bayley attacking Asuka in the ring as Samoa Joe was trying to host a contract signing. There were referees that separated the women, but then the women went back to brawling. Joe tried to calm the women down by telling them they had three weeks to do this. The women were separated again.

Dolph Ziggler made his entrance for his part of the contract signing for his Extreme Rules match against WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. Ziggler told Joe he’s got this and did an over the top introduction of McIntyre. That led to Drew walking out in street clothes for the signing. I should also note that a lot of the wrestlers in the crowd were wearing masks, so that was good to see as a health measure.

Ziggler said that McIntyre was WWE Champion because of him and wondered where Drew would be without him. Ziggler said that McIntyre would be in obscurity with Ziggler noting that while Drew was finding himself, Ziggler was carrying monsters on his back over the last 15 years. Ziggler said he knows in the back of Drew’s head, Drew isn’t sure he can win and Ziggler said that he’ll keep getting back up. Ziggler said he’ll do what he does best – he’ll survive. Ziggler said that 19 year redemption story of McIntyre all disappears just like that (a snap of a finger). Ziggler said that he created Drew and at Extreme Rules: Horror Show he will destroy Drew. Ziggler signed the WWE Title match contract. McIntyre also signed the WWE Title match contract.

McIntyre said it’s official now. McIntyre said those were some passionate words while Drew noted there was a time they were like family and like brothers. Drew said that he was fired, he went through hell personally and professionally to become the champion that he is. Drew said that this is more of a mental game than it is a physical game. Drew said it’s not just the ego boost – he noted that Dolph has never been the center of attention. Drew said when Dolph has been close to the finish line, he has always dropped the ball and been the bridesmaid, but never the bride. McIntyre said he’ll slaughter Dolph and Dolph will lose because of Drew. McIntyre told Ziggler he will allow him to pick the stipulation of the match.

Ziggler was about to reply, but Asuka yelled in Japanese at him. Asuka yelled at Banks in Japanese and Asuka signed the Raw Women’s Title contract.

Sasha Banks says she isn’t the woman that Asuka has beaten before and Banks went over her nicknames. Banks said that her and Bayley are taking both locker rooms as well a the whole damn company. Banks signed the contract with a stamp. Bayley said it will be a “Horror Show” and they laughed.

The women got into a brawl again with referees breaking it up quickly. Ziggler went for a superkick on McIntyre, Drew caught the foot, Drew went for a Claymore Kick and Ziggler left the ring to avoid that. The heels Ziggler, Bayley and Banks left while McIntyre and Asuka posed with their titles in the ring.

Analysis: It was chaotic just like most WWE contract signing segments that turn into brawls. I liked the promo from Ziggler talking about how he was going to keep coming back when McIntyre knocked him down. The problem with that is that Ziggler has lost most of his matches this year, especially multiple times against Otis, so when he talks about how good he is it’s tough to believe it when we have seen him lose so much. The last singles match that Ziggler won was in mid-April against Tucker on Smackdown. I liked the intensity shown by Asuka and Banks. They’re going to have a great match at the PPV. I’m excited about that one.

The Raw announce team of Tom Phillips and Byron Saxton were shown on camera welcoming us to the show. Samoa Joe is an announcer with them.

There were highlights shown from last week when Andrade and Angel Garza attacked the Street Profits.

Angel Garza was backstage with a rose talking to the women’s referee Jessika Carr and trying to flirt with her, but Jessika walked away without reacting to him. Charly Caruso showed up, Zelina Vega took over the talking and the guys made it known they were going for the tag team titles. Big Show showed up to tell “Smurfette” Vega and the boys that he was up next because he had business to handle with Randy Orton. Vega and the guys were mad about that.

Seth Rollins is coming up later.

This Friday on Smackdown: Sheamus hosts a toast to Jeff Hardy. Also, Braun Strowman taps into his inner darkness to get ready for his Swamp Fight with Bray Wyatt at the Extreme Rules: Horror Show pay-per-view.

(Commercial)

Later on Raw: Drew McIntyre and Asuka vs. Dolph Ziggler and Sasha Banks in a Champions vs. Challengers Match.

Let’s Hear from Big Show

Big Show was in the ring: “Randy Orton, come on down. Legend Killer, I’m a legend, come try me!” That led to Andrade making his entrance with Angel Garza and Zelina Vega. Show told them he’s not in the mood to play.

Andrade laughed at Show calling himself a legend and Show said that he had boots older than them. Garza said that there is still only one of them. Show said Garza would have to stand on Andrade’s shoulders to look him into the eye. Garza said that you will learn what the Street Profits will still realize and Show told them if they want to fight then let’s go. Vega told Big Show his days on Raw are numbered, but he can say hi to Edge and Christian for them in the retirement home.

Ric Flair made his entrance. They are still using Ric Flair while the world is dealing with the Coronavirus and WWE has had a lot of people dealing with it. I don’t think that’s very wise.

Flair said that Zelina, Andrade (Ric’s future son-in-law) and Garza know how much respect he has for them. Flair said that he had to have a few words with his friend, the legend Big Show. Flair said that nobody will focus on his career and his future like his friend, the man with three letters, Mr. RKO that is the greatest wrestler alive today and Flair said that Orton will take out Show whenever he feels like it. Flair said that he is doing Orton’s light work while noting that Show is making cartoons on Netflix. Flair said everybody wants a shot in Hollywood, he said Show will be in the Hall of Fame and when Orton has his way, he’ll show Big Show why he’s a Legend Killer. It was something like that.

Show was ready for the 2 on 1 fight, but then the Viking Raiders made their entrance to brawl with Garza and Andrade as revenge from last week. That led to a break.

Analysis: This was fine as a way to continue Show’s interaction with Andrade/Garza backstage while continuing the story of the Viking Raiders getting attacked by Andrade/Garza last week. I still don’t think WWE really needs Ric Flair at these shows considering his serious health issues in the last few years and the fact that he’s in his 70s now. I understand Ric isn’t sick, but I’d rather see him not there in this situation. Anyway, all of this should be building to Orton vs. Show at Extreme Rules most likely. Am I excited about Orton vs. Show? Not really. Just being honest. I wasn’t excited in 2013 when they feuded either.

(Commercial)

The tag team matchup started during the break. That meant it took 26 minutes to get to the first match. I think it took over 30 minutes last week, so I guess that’s an improvement? Sure.

Viking Raiders (Erik and Ivar) vs. Andrade and Angel Garza (w/Zelina Vega)

Erik with a waist lock into a slam on Garza with Vega joining the commentary team for this match. Ivar sent Garza into a knee strike by Erik with Erik doing the loud leg slap as usual. Ivar with a shoulder tackle on Garza, Erik with a shoulder tackle and Ivar back in with another shoulder tackle. Ivar with a fist drop on Garza for a two count followed by an armbar on the left arm. Vega said that she does what she does for a reason. Erik slammed Ivar onto Garza for a two count. Andrade tagged in, he hit Erik in the back and Garza hit a superkick for an Andrade pin leading into a two count. Andrade bounced off the ropes with a low dropkick. Garza with a kick to the upper body of Erik, who was the face in peril. Erik with a big punch to the face, Andrade tagged in and hit a running kick to the face. Andrade was mad with Garza because he wanted a tag earlier, so Andrade looked like he was leaving to the back. Vega left the commentary table to talk some sense into Andrade as the show went to break there.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Andrade back on the apron as Garza hit Erik with a knee to the ribs. Vega said she got Andrade to go back to the match because she’s the best manager in the business. Andrade tagged in, Erik fought out of the corner with a hiptoss and the leg slapping knee to the face. Ivar with an elbow on Garza, then a running cross body block and Ivar with a cartwheel to avoid Andrade followed by a clothesline. Ivar with a double foot stomp to the chest of Garza. Ivar went for a move off the ropes, but Garza hit Ivar with a dropkick to the back. Andrade tagged in against Erik and Erik slammed both opponents at the same time. Andrade avoided the Viking Experience, Erik kicked Garza out of the ring. Andrade blocked German Suplex attempt and Garza shoved Erik into the post. Andrade with a spinning back elbow to the face. Garza hit the Wing Clipper on Erik for the pinfall win as Andrade prevented Ivar from breaking up the pin. The match went 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Angel Garza and Andrade

Analysis: **3/4 It was a pretty good tag team match with the heel team getting the win because I think WWE realized they had a lack of heel teams on Raw. Andrade is still having trust issues with Garza, but I think as long as they keep winning they’ll remain a team that may win the titles. The finish was good with Andrade hitting that glancing blow with the elbow to the head and then Garza finished off Erik shortly after. The Viking Raiders have gone from being a dominant team to a team that has lost twice in a row now.

Post match, Andrade looked frustrated as he left alone while Vega bragged on commentary about her team winning the match. Garza and Vega raised their hands in the aisle.

A clip aired from last week when Natalya beat Liv Morgan with a Sharpshooter thanks to a distraction from Natalya’s friend Lana. Morgan was approached by Ruby Riott backstage and Liv didn’t want to talk to her.

Ruby Riott was backstage looking at her phone with The IIconics walking up to her to mock her. Peyton Royce and Billie Kay mocked Riott for having no friends, they called Morgan a loser just like Riott. Ruby noted that The IIconics blew their tag team title opportunity last week. Riott suggested that one of them meets Ruby in the ring and the other one can carry them out. Ruby said “iconic” to them to taunt them.

Analysis: It was a simple way to set up a match. I mentioned last week that it looked like Ruby Riott is a face for the first time in her WWE career and now it appears to be the case. Ruby did okay as a heel, but she wasn’t able to get past a certain level. I think as a face she’s more natural in that role, so it could be good for her. They could also have Ruby and Liv working together as a team that may win the Women’s Tag Team Titles or either of them could do something in singles too. There’s a lot of potential in both Ruby and Liv.

(Commercial)

Angel Garza, Andrade and Zelina Vega were backstage bickering about things a bit. Ric Flair walked up to them saying they never looked better and told them he had an idea for them.

Akira Tozawa was in the ring with three masked ninjas. No more “giant ninja” with them. They showed a clip from last week when Tozawa beat R-Truth for the 24/7 Title after Bobby Lashley beat up Truth. Tozawa had a big celebration. R-Truth entered as the challenger.

24/7 Championship: Akira Tozawa vs. R-Truth

Tozawa got a rollup for two. Truth did some dancing, so Tozawa did some comical ninja poses and Truth tossed Tozawa out of the ring. Truth did a leapfrog, then he faked a left knee injury and Truth did the ROLLUP OF DEATH~! for the pinfall win. It went about one minute.

Winner by pinfall AND NEW 24/7 Champion: R-Truth

It was noted that it was the 37th time Truth has won the title.

Analysis: 1/4* Congrats to R-Truth for winning the title again. It is so coveted. Now that is sarcasm, my friends.

One of the ninjas tried to pin Truth, but Truth was able to kick out at two. Truth ran away to avoid the other ninjas.

There was a replay from last week when Bobby Lashley attacked US Champion Apollo Crews after MVP distracted Crews.

Bobby Lashley was shown backstage talking with MVP, who assured him that he has this figured out. They walked right by Seth Rollins with Murphy with Seth holding a purple mask. Seth said that this is his most important message to date and he had to do it now.

This Wednesday on NXT Great American Bash: Roderick Strong vs. Deter Lumis in a Strap Match, Mia Yim vs. Candice LeRae vs. Dakota Kai vs. Tegan Nox and Sasha Banks vs. Io Shirai. Good lineup with limited commercials as well. They are I am reviewing NXT every week on TJRWrestling only, so check out that review on Thursday.

(Commercial)

PLUG TIME: I’ve been doing a lot of retro WWE PPV writing of late. In the last week, I have posted reviews of three straight WWE PPVs from 2007. Here’s Judgment Day 2007 with a John Cena vs. Great Khali main event, here’s One Night Stand – Extreme Rules with yet another Cena/Khali main event that is probably Khali’s best match ever. There is an outstanding Hardy Boyz vs. Benjamin/Haas Ladder Match on that show too. Earlier on Monday, I posted a review of Vengeance – Night of Champions with every title on the line. For more PPV reviews of the mid-2000s WWE era, check out our 2003-2007 PPV review section on TJRWrestling. There will be even more retro content coming soon as I continue the WWF in 2000 reviews in mid-July, so check out the WWF in 2000 review section to catch up if you’ve missed anything.

A new match was announced for later on Raw: Big Show vs. Andrade and Angel Garza.

Let’s Hear from Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins made his entrance with his disciple Murphy by his side and Rollins holding a purple mask. There was no Austin Theory with Rollins. No idea why there’s no Theory this week, but I’m sure people will guess and speculate. A video package was shown about Seth’s past issues with Rey Mysterio and his son Dominik. Last week, Seth nearly drove Dominik’s eye into the steel steps, but Dominik was saved by Rey, Aleister Black and Humberto Carrillo.

Rollins spoke about how last week, Rey Mysterio and his son Dominik made a heartwarming return to Raw. Rollins said that Rey noted that nothing is going to stop him from returning to the ring and he believed that with all his heart. Rollins said he believed that too. Rollins said that Mysterio has a duty to uphold, but the problem is that Rey hasn’t been seeing things too clearly (eye injury reference) of late. Rollins said that Rey’s duty is not being there for his family, his duty is being a sacrifice for Raw. Rollins was mad about how Mysterio has defied him at every turn, so what he must do now is so important. Rollins said he needed to ask Rey to forgive Seth and he begged Rey for his forgiveness. Rollins said don’t forgive Seth for what he’s done in the past, but for what Rey is forcing him to do in the future. Rollins said that they are bound by fate and as fate would have it, he’s the Monday Night Messiah while Mysterio is meant to be a sacrifice for the greater good of Monday Night Raw. Rollins said every time Rey steps into the ring, Rollins will be forced to take a piece of Rey, little by little and tear him apart. Rollins said he’ll tear Rey down piece by piece until there is nothing left.

Rey Mysterio and Dominik were shown on camera at home. Mysterio said he wanted to ask for forgiveness, but not from Seth. Rey told Dominik he hopes he can forgive him for what Rey does to Seth and Rey said he understood why Dominik did what he did coming to his dad’s honor. Rey said that he’ll do something to Seth just like Rey did to Seth. Rey said it’s an “eye for an eye” and it won’t be by fate, it will be by design. Dominik said he forgives his father, he’ll never forgive Rollins and Seth won’t forget what Rey does to him and it will be done by fate.

Rollins warned Rey and Dominik to be careful what they wish for. Rollins said that he will be forced to end Dominik’s career before it ever begins. Aleister Black and Humberto Carrillo went out to the ring, which led to Rollins and Murphy bailing to the floor.

Analysis: It was a good promo from Rollins as usual. There wasn’t anything about it that felt new and Mysterio responding to him obviously sets up a big match between them down the road. It is a long-term story that they haven’t rushed much at all, which has been good because it will make their eventual match mean that much more when they have the match. The ending with Black and Carrillo set up the obvious tag team match.

(Commercial)

Seth Rollins was outside the ring asking Black and Carrillo why they are fighting Rey’s battles for him. Rollins wondered why Carrillo looks up to Rey like a God. Carrillo said that Rey is not a coward, he told Seth that he is a coward. Carrillo said that Rollins is less of a man than Mysterio is. Black said that he knows a thing or two about evil and he recognized evil when he is looking at it – he pointed at Rollins. Black said that there will be no forgiveness for Rollins, just atonement for everything he has done. Rollins said that if you think you have seen evil, you ain’t seen nothing yet. That set up the tag team match.

Seth Rollins and Murphy vs. Aleister Black and Humberto Carrillo

Black with a knee on Murphy and a running kick. Rollins distracted, Black looked at him, Black with a kick to Murphy and while the referee checked on Murphy, Rollins grabbed Black’s foot and Murphy kicked Black out of the ring. Rollins went after Black with stomps to the head and he sent Black back into the ring. Rollins with a hard whip that sent Black into the turnbuckle followed by a hard slap to the head. Murphy tagged back in with a chinlock, Black broke free and hit a back elbow to the head. Carrillo tagged in with kicks on Murphy, Rollins into the ring and Murphy punched Carrillo, but Carrillo came back with a jumping kick to the head. Carrillo with a cross body block off the middle rope. Carrillo tossed Rollins over the top to the floor. Carrillo with a jumping kick to the head of Murphy and Carrillo with a missile dropkick off the top. Rollins pulled Murphy out of the ring as Carrillo did a 619 through the ropes. Carrillo kicked Rollins off the apron to the floor. Carrillo went up top and hit a nice cross body block on Rollins on the floor.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Carrillo as the face in peril. Black tagged in against Murphy with a sweep kick and a running kick to the head. Black hit a moonsault off the middle ropes onto Rollins and Murphy. Black wanted Black Mass, Murphy got a rollup, knee by Black and Carrillo hit a 619 kick on Murphy for a two count as Rollins broke up the pin. Rollins hit a suicide dive on Murphy. Carrillo knocked Rollins down and Murphy hit a jumping knee on Carrillo for two as Black broke up that pin. Murphy battled Carrillo by the turnbuckle, superkick by Murphy, Rollins tagged and Murphy held up Carrillo as Rollins jumped off the top with a knee into a Powerbomb. That got a two count. That was a great double team move, but not enough to win the match. Black pulled Murphy off the apron as they got into a brawl. Carrillo rolled up Rollins for two, Rollins popped right up and Rollins hit The Stomp on Carrillo for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Seth Rollins and Murphy

Analysis: ***1/4 This was a very good tag team match featuring four talented guys that put on an entertaining match. I know fans don’t want the “new” guys like Black and Carrillo losing to an established top guy like Rollins, but it does make sense for Rollins to win to build his momentum until Mysterio is ready to come back (in the storyline) to face him. There were a few moments where it looked like Black or Carrillo might win while Murphy even got a good nearfall with that jumping knee to the face. I enjoyed this match.

Post match, Black went after Rollins, but Rollins and Murphy were able to take care of him as they sent Black out of the ring. Murphy tossed Black over the barricade at ringside. Rollins trash talked Carrillo that bad things will happen since he wanted to fight for Rey Mysterio. Carrillo fought off Rollins and Murphy briefly, but then Murphy hit the top half of the steel steps and he hit Carrillo with them. Rollins put a purple Mysterio mask on Carrillo as Murphy dragged Carrillo over to the steel steps. Rollins tried to drive the eye of Carrillo into the steps, but Black showed up for the save. Black kicked Murphy and chased after him while Rollins gave Carrillo The Stomp onto the steel steps.

Analysis: That was a long post match segment with nobody trying to break up the fight. I realize why it was done to get more heat on Rollins, but there are times when people try to break up fights all the time after matches. This went on for several minutes with no referees or security there to try to make the save. I know it’s nitpicking, but I just want some consistency. Anyway, it was a very effective post match attack to put over Seth’s aggressiveness as he “knocked out” Carrillo with The Stomp on the steel steps. I like how that was booked.

Drew McIntyre and Asuka were interviewed backstage by Sarah Schreiber. Asuka did some ranting in Japanese. Drew said that they’ll have fun with their opponents ahead of their big matches. Drew said that Dolph thinks he’ll get the advantage over Drew, but when Drew beats Dolph there will be nobody left to blame for himself. Drew said that Sasha Banks is not ready for Asuka and Asuka said that Dolph is not ready for Drew.

A Tribute to The Undertaker is up next.

(Commercial)

The announcers talked about how on The Last Ride documentary finale, The Undertaker revealed that Taker’s WrestleMania victory over AJ Styles was Undertaker’s last match in WWE. Unless of course, he changes his mind. I added in that last part.

They showed the Smackdown wrestlers on Friday chanting “Thank You Taker.” There was a video tribute for The Undertaker featuring other wrestlers like Triple H, Edge, Ric Flair, Roman Reigns, John Cena, Batista and Steve Austin praising The Undertaker. They showed a lot of memorable clips of The Undertaker’s 30-year career in WWE.

Analysis: The video was outstanding. No surprise there. It was the same video that was on Smackdown.

Lana went up to Ruby Riott in the backstage area. Lana tried to talk to her and Riott said she didn’t want to hear it. Ruby told Lana to go ruin another career. Lana said that last week she was so sad, she couldn’t even do a TikTok. Lana mentioned a woman helped her – she has more wins than any woman in history, more than anybody…even Asuka and said it’s Natalya. Riott didn’t seem impressed as Lana left.

Analysis: It was Lana being annoying while mentioning Natalya’s win total, which is a true fact. It’s just an obnoxious thing to bring up to put over Natalya in her new heel role.

(Commercial)

There was a video package about Charlotte Flair losing to Asuka in a Raw Women’s Title match after Nia Jax attacked Flair in the opening segment. Jax slammed the top of a container onto Flair’s left shoulder. The announcers were on camera to say that Flair has a fracture to her left collarbone.

Analysis: Charlotte is really having elective surgery, rather than surgery for something that is injured. Charlotte should be back in time for SummerSlam or sooner than that because she said she’ll only be out for a few weeks. If you click that link, I made reference to the reason for the surgery.

The IIconics entered for the singles match with Ruby Riott as the opponent.

Peyton Royce (w/Billie Kay) vs. Ruby Riott

Royce is the better of the two IIconics in the ring, so it was a good call to put her in the match. Kay distracted Riott, so Royce hit a spin kick to the head. Royce choked Riott across the middle ropes. Royce with a body slam followed by an armbar on the left arm. Royce picked up Riott and hit a belly to back suplex onto the left arm. Royce charged, Riott avoided, kick to the gut and forearms to the chest. Riott with an STO trip for a two count as Riott was selling a left arm injury. Kay distracted, Royce with a rollup for two, Riott with a rollup for two of her own and Royce hit a jumping kick to the head. Royce hit a spinning brainbuster for the pinfall win after about four minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Peyton Royce

Analysis: *1/2 That was an impressive finishing move by Royce. I’m surprised they didn’t have a finish that was cheaper with Kay helping Royce more. I thought Riott would win because it would give her some momentum as a face. Instead, it feels like they’re doing a storyline with her and Morgan where they both fail in singles, but when they start working together to pick up wins then they’ll get rolling. At least that’s what I assume they do.

Post match, The IIconics celebrated the win while Riott was looking sad at ringside while grabbing her left shoulder.

Big Show was warming up backstage with Charly Caruso asking Show if he thought maybe Randy Orton was going to come after him. Show talked about how Ric Flair was his hero when he was a kid, then he got in this business and he learned that Flair is the Dirtiest Player in the Game. Show said Orton has taken out a few legends and he knows Show is in his crosshairs. Show dared Orton to come try him and find out why he is the Big Show. Show said as far as Angel and Garza goes (he messed that up), then he said Angel and Andrade, they’re not getting the happy Big Show, they’re getting an angry giant.

(Commercial)

This week on Raw Talk on WWE Network: Sasha Banks and Bayley are guests along with Viking Raiders. I review that show on Tuesdays only on TJRWrestling.

There was a recap of the opening segment to set up the main event mixed tag team match.

Big Show made his entrance for the handicap match. Andrade and Angel Garza were both reluctant to start the match. They were joined by Zelina Vega as usual.

Big Show vs. Andrade and Angel Garza (w/Zelina Vega)

Garza went into the ring first with Show hitting him with a huge chop to the chest followed by a headbutt. Show with another huge chop to the chest. The crowd was chanting “Big Show” with Andrade avoiding a tag until Garza forced a tag on his partner. Andrade grabbed a waistlock, Show sent him to the corner and Show hit a big chop to Andrade as well. Andrade was on the apron, so Show tossed him into the ring followed by a body slam. Show stepped on Andrade’s stomach. When Andrade tried to fight back with punches, Show was in no sell mode and headbutted Andrade twice, which led to Andrade tagging in Garza. When Garza charged, Show caught him and hit another hard chop to the chest. Show missed a corner charge, Garza hit a dropkick to the knee and Garza stomped on Show to keep him down. Andrade tagged himself in, Garza argued with him about it, so Garza left the ring and he went up the ramp. Garza told Andrade this is his moment. When Andrade turned around, Show was waiting and Show hit a Chokeslam for the pinfall win after five minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Big Show

Analysis: 1/2* A dominant win by Big Show to give him a win leading up to his future match with Randy Orton. It sucks that younger wrestlers with upside like Andrade and Garza have to put over a guy in his late 40s like this, but that’s WWE booking. They want Show to look like he’s still got it so when Orton beats Show it will be meaningful.

Post match, Show picked up Andrade and gave him a KO Punch in the face to knock him out.

They showed Apollo Crews backstage talking to Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. R-Truth walked up to them with the 24/7 Title on his shoulder. Show said he got away from the ninjas and then thought “Cedric the Entertainer” was a ninja. Truth called Ricochet “Richard O’Shea” and they all laughed about it. Apollo said it’s tough being a fighting champion and Truth walked away. Crews is in action up next.

Analysis: Truth is hilarious as usual. Please utilize Ricochet and Cedric more because they’re great wrestlers that need a chance to show what they can do.

(Commercial)

There was a commercial for Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Sessions show with Mark Henry as the guest. It premiered on WWE Network on Sunday. I haven’t watched it yet, but I will check it out soon. I doubt I’ll write a review about it.

Montel Vontavious Porter made his entrance with Bobby Lashley supporting him at ringside. Lashley told MVP before he teaches Apollo Crews a lesson in humility, why not let us know why you do this? MVP said when he goes to Miami, people call him an “OG” and say that he made it out of the hood with MVP saying that he can inspire people. MVP said this success doesn’t matter unless you can give back, which is why he has enjoyed helping Lashley reach his potential. MVP said that he was trying to help this young guy Crews. MVP says when one of the longest-reigning US Champions of all-time (that’s MVP), do not say no when they try to help you.

Apollo Crews entered as the US Champion. Crews said that he never disrespected anybody and not MVP. Crews told them that he was a self-made man just like MVP is. Crews said if MVP cared about anybody but himself then MVP would have listened when Crews turned him down while noting that MVP kept on pushing for more. Crews said that the only person that MVP cares about helping is himself. MVP told the referee to start the match.

Apollo Crews vs. Montel Vontavious Porter (w/Bobby Lashley)

MVP with a shoulder tackle, Crews came back with a hurricanrana and a dropkick. Crews put MVP on his shoulders, MVP held onto the ropes, Crews slammed MVP down and Lashley pulled MVP out of the ring. Crews hit a somersault dive over the top onto Lashley and that looked great. MVP capitalized on that by whipping Crews shoulder first into the steel steps. That led to a break one minute into the match.

(Commercial)

The match continued with MVP in control with an armbar, Crews went off the ropes and MVP hit a boot to the face. MVP with a knee drop to the chest. MVP sent Crews into the corner, Crews moved and MVP missed a running kick to the face. Crews worked over MVP with punches to the back and Crews hit a running splash followed by Crews hitting a spinebuster for a two count. Crews up top, Lashley distracted on the apron and MVP knocked Crews down. MVP with a running boot to the face and a Fisherman’s Suplex (Perfectplex) got a pinfall win after about six minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Montel Vontavious Porter

Analysis: *1/2 It was a decent match with Lashley helping MVP get the win. They got six minutes and we only got to see three minutes of it. The outcome didn’t surprise me that much since WWE books champions to lose non-title so often. I just figured that Crews might win in a non-title match since MVP is usually a guy that loses matches. Instead, MVP capitalized on the distraction to win.

Post match, Crews went after MVP with punches to the head and the back. Lashley went into the ring and slapped the Full Nelson on Crews. Two referees tried to break it up, but Lashley wouldn’t let go. Cedric Alexander showed up with Ricochet to try to get Lashley to let it go, Lashley was still holding on and Alexander hit a jumping kick to the head. Ricochet hit a springboard dropkick that sent Lashley out of the ring and that was the end of it.

(Commercial)

That led to a new match because this show has been full of non-wrestling segments leading to matches.

Bobby Lashley (w/MVP) vs. Ricochet (w/Cedric Alexander)

Lashley took down Ricochet with a leg trip. Ricochet avoided a suplex, kick to the head and Lashley with a back elbow to the face. Lashley grabbed Ricochet from the apron and slammed him into the ring. Lashley with a running shoulder tackle on Ricochet. Lashley with a stalling suplex into a slam for two. Lashley tossed Ricochet out of the ring, MVP grabbed Ricochet and sent him into the announce table, which the referee never saw. Lashley whipped Ricochet back first into the barricade. Lashley set up Ricochet on his shoulder and hit a spinning slam for a two count. Lashley picked up Ricochet and launched him across the ring with Ricochet rolling to the floor. Lashley left the ring where he launched Ricochet across the floor. Lashley put Ricochet on his shoulders and drove him face first into the ring post. Lashley broke the referee’s count, then went back out and brought Ricochet back in. Back in the ring, Lashley charged and Ricochet collapsed to the mat. Lashley went for a Full Nelson, Ricochet fought it off and Ricochet sent Lashley out of the ring. Ricochet went for a running attack off the apron onto Lashley on the floor, but this time, Ricochet shoved Lashley into the ring post. Lashley rolled back in and Ricochet hit a Lionsault off the middle ropes for a two count. Ricochet went up top, Alexander tripped up MVP on the apron. Ricochet jumped over Lashley, Ricochet with a kick and a superkick. Ricochet went for a roundhouse kick, Lashley caught him and hit a huge spinebuster. Lashley slapped on a Full Nelson submission and Ricochet tapped out to give Lashley the win. It looked like Lashley had a bloody ear. The match went about seven minutes.

Winner by submission: Bobby Lashley

Analysis: **3/4 I liked that match quite a bit. I like how they put it together. It seemed like it was going to be a two-minute squash for Lashley, but Ricochet put up a fight and got plenty of offense. I liked the fight that Ricochet showed while Lashley is at his best working with a smaller guy that can sell his power moves the way Ricochet does it. These guys have had good matches in the past too, so I’m not surprised that it was a fun match to watch. Please utilize Ricochet more.

Post match, Lashley slapped on the full nelson on Cedric Alexander as well. MVP celebrated with his buddy Lashley.

Analysis: A very productive night for Lashley and MVP with both men picking up victories.

There was a backstage scene with Dolph Ziggler talking to Sasha Banks and Bayley. Ziggler bragged about how great he is, so Banks made fun of him for losing to Otis and Banks bragged about how great she is. Ziggler left. It was a conversation full of big egos.

(Commercial)

There was another video of the opening segment to set up the main event tag team match.

Drew McIntyre entered as the WWE Champion with the announcers reminding us that Dolph Ziggler gets to pick the stipulation of McIntyre vs. Ziggler at Extreme Rules. Asuka was up next as the Raw Women’s Champion. Dolph Ziggler was next for the heel side followed by Sasha Banks, who was joined by her fellow Women’s Tag Team Champion Bayley, who is also the Smackdown Women’s Champion.

Drew McIntyre and Asuka vs. Dolph Ziggler and Sasha Banks (w/Bayley)

It’s men vs. men and women vs. women in a match like this. The match began with Bayley joining the announce team with Bayley saying she’s the best announcer on Smackdown. McIntyre decked Ziggler with a hard chop and he sent Ziggler into the turnbuckle. Ziggler with a kick to the leg followed by a Fameasser. It looked like there was some quick edit there to fix a spot, but I don’t know what they edited. Banks tagged in, which meant Asuka had to go in the ring and that led to Asuka hitting a shoulder tackle. Asuka charged, Banks moved and Asuka hit the turnbuckle. Asuka went for the Asuka Lock, Ziggler went in, so McIntyre hit a big chop. Asuka hit a hip attack to knock Banks out of the ring, which led to a break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Ziggler going for a sleeper on McIntyre, but then Drew came back with hard chops to the chest. McIntyre went for a reverse Alabama Slam, Ziggler got out of that and then Ziggler hit a jumping DDT on McIntyre. Banks got the tag against Asuka with Asuka hitting a knee to the face, a running hip attack, kick to the ribs and a German Suplex. Asuka with a running knee to the face of Banks for a two count. Asuka to the apron, Bayley distracted and Banks tripped up Asuka. Banks hit a running double knee attack off the apron onto Asuka on the floor. Bayley laughed at Asuka for falling for her distraction. Banks with a suplex into a two count and then a chinlock. Bayley let Saxton know he is almost worse than Michael Cole. That was funny. Banks with a punch to the face against the turnbuckle and a double knee to the ribs for two. Asuka broke free and tagged McIntyre, who had to face off against Ziggler. McIntyre with an overhead suplex and then another belly to belly suplex across the ring. McIntyre jumped off the top with a clothesline. Ziggler blocked a move, he went for a DDT, but McIntyre shoved Ziggler into the turnbuckle. Banks tagged in and she trash talked Drew, who punched Ziggler off the apron. That meant Asuka was legal for her team and Asuka hit a roundhouse kick to the head for just two. Outside the ring, Ziggler shoved McIntyre into the ring post. Banks got multiple rollups on Asuka and Banks slapped on the Bank Statement submission, but Asuka broke it. Asuka went for the Asuka Lock submission, Banks flipped out of it and Asuka held onto the move with Banks turned it into a pin and that was enough to win the match. It went about 14 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Dolph Ziggler and Sasha Banks

Analysis: ***1/2 This was a great tag team match with McIntyre dominating Ziggler most of the way until Ziggler managed to shove him into the ring post towards the end of the match. Banks and Asuka worked very well together. It didn’t surprise me that Banks won because WWE loves booking champions to lose in a tag team match situation like that. I liked the way it ended with Asuka continuing to hold onto her hold, but Banks used her athleticism to flip out of that and Banks got the win. I’m thinking Asuka retains the Raw Women’s Title at Extreme Rules although if Banks did win then I’d have no problem with that because Banks is awesome right now.

Banks celebrated at ringside with Bayley and Ziggler. They signed off right at 11pmET as usual. That was the end of Raw for this week.

Three Stars of the Show

Seth Rollins
Drew McIntyre
Sasha Banks/Asuka

The Scoreboard

6.5 out of 10

Last week: 6.75

2020 Average: 6.38

Final Thoughts

This was a solid edition of Raw with some good storyline advancement along with some entertaining matches. I think an issue with Raw right now is they are doing a lot of basic things, but no major angles or anything that feels like that big of a deal. I think from a performance standpoint, Seth Rollins continues to stand out, Drew McIntyre did a great job and Asuka/Banks also did well. Several people worked twice because some wrestlers were missing after Coronavirus testing. They also set up most of the matches the same way. It felt repetitive.

I really don’t care too much about a Big Show push although I get it because they want him to look dominant before he puts over Randy Orton. Speaking of that rivalry, I think WWE needs to stop using Ric Flair. I realize he was likely negative in testing for Coronavirus, but why risk it with a man in his 70s that has had health issues in recent years? Just keep him away.

They didn’t really build to anything at Extreme Rules in terms of adding new official matches. I write most weeks that Raw isn’t a must-see show and that’s the case again here. Yes, they had some solid matches, promos and segments, but the problem is there’s nothing major that happens or that would feel like a big deal to an average fan. They need to make us care more.

The next WWE pay-per-view event is Extreme Rules: The Horror Show on July 19 on WWE Network. Here’s what we know so far.