Reviews

The John Report: The WWE Raw Deal 05/20/19 Review

TJR Wrestling

Welcome to another edition of the WWE Raw Deal here on TJRWrestling. Check out my WWE Money in the Bank review for last night’s show that saw a surprising end to the men’s Money in the Bank ladder match when Brock Lesnar became Mr. Money in the Bank. The Universal Title match between Seth Rollins and AJ Styles was one of the best WWE matches of the year, so check that one out if you missed it. I’m sure we’ll touch on other things from the show during Raw and Smackdown. Next up on WWE’s PPV calendar is Super Showdown on June 7.

Live from Albany, New York, this is the Raw Deal for episode #1355 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 along with reviews about wrestling’s past and present. This review is sponsored by ICOPRO. Thanks to Melo Man for the banner above.

The show began with a shot of the crowd in Albany. Brock Lesnar’s music hit as Mr. Money in the Bank Lesnar made his entrance along with Paul Heyman. There were boos as Lesnar held the MITB briefcase and tossed it over to Heyman.

A video package aired showing what happened in the men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match with Lesnar knocking down Ali and Lesnar climbed up the ladder to win Money in the Bank.

Let’s Hear from Brock Lesnar…but really Paul Heyman

Heyman said that he is the advocate for the Beast in the Bank, Mr. Money in the Bank…Brock Lesnar. Big smile on Brock’s face and a lot of laughing. Heyman talked about how last week they saw Sami Zayn get into Money in the Bank and somebody had a back route into the way at the XL Center in Hartford. Heyman said that somehow, someway beat up Sami Zayn and somebody with the right connections made it so that Lesnar could be the eighth man in the Money in the Bank ladder match. Heyman claimed that was a conspiracy theory.

Analysis: What Heyman laid out there was the storyline explanation for Lesnar being in the Money in the Bank match because they can say he beat up Zayn and took his spot.

Heyman said that if you are the Universal or WWE Champion, you should be paranoid because you are vulnerable to the greatest assassin in WWE history, who now literally has a contract to challenge for their championship reigns.

Heyman said that every time Universal Champion Seth Rollins steps into an arena he has to be paranoid that Lesnar will strike at any time. Heyman said that his father taught him that just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean the world is against you. Heyman said that the bad news is that Lesnar is against you. Heyman once again re-iterated that Lesnar can cash in that Money in the Bank contract any time on Seth Rollins.

Seth Rollins made his entrance with the Universal Championship around his waist along with a smile on his face. When Rollins got into the ring, Lesnar held up the Money in the Bank briefcase in front of him.

Rollins said that he beat AJ Styles at Money in the Bank, but he’s not in a good mood because he sees this…Lesnar with the MITB briefcase. Rollins said that he was there to inspire people and he was there to be somebody that Lesnar wasn’t as a fighting champion. Rollins talked about how he beat Lesnar for the Universal Title at WrestleMania and Rollins challenged Lesnar to a match right now. The fans chanted “yes” to that idea, but Heyman didn’t agree with it.

Heyman said that this is Lesnar’s game of anticipation, which means that Rollins has to wait until Brock feels like cashing in the Money in the Bank contract. The fans booed that. Heyman said that Rollins should be used to waiting around like Rollins waited around seven hours at WrestleMania for his girlfriend (Becky Lynch) to main event the show. Paul didn’t say Becky’s name, but that’s who he meant.

Rollins got in the face of Lesnar, they had a staredown and nothing physical happened because Heyman spoke up again. Heyman said that maybe Brock wants a new challenge against Kofi Kingston of the New Day.

Kofi Kingston made his entrance with the WWE Title around his waist. Kingston said: “Wild Card.” Kingston said he didn’t want to steal Seth’s luster, but he’s trying to establish his legacy as WWE Champion and he wants to be one of the best WWE Champions of all time. Kingston said he wanted to defend that championship against the best. Kingston congratulated Brock on being Mr. Money in the Bank, but if he is going to cash in that contract here tonight, Kingston wanted Lesnar to cash in on him.

Heyman said that Seth and Kofi are auditioning to try to face Brock Lesnar in a match. Heyman noted that he had inside info that Seth and Kofi aren’t done for the night while reminding them that Lesnar is going to be there all night. Heyman said, “stay tuned because the beast is yet to come.” Lesnar and Heyman left while Rollins and Kingston remained in the ring.

Analysis: It was a good opening segment in terms of keeping the viewers interested in what’s to come. I did not expect a Money in the Bank cash-in there, but the tease of something to come later in the evening is a smart move. The presence of Lesnar and Heyman is good for Raw even though the fans hate them – there’s no question Lesnar has a lot of star power. You could hear it at Money in the Bank. Lesnar being around is good for Rollins, Kingston and everybody else, which is why Vince McMahon keeps paying Lesnar a lot of money to be a part-timer.

Mick Foley was shown arriving backstage with the brand new title that will be introduced. We couldn’t see the title. Foley was greeted by Curt Hawkins, Zack Ryder, Titus O’Neil, Dana Brooke and Drake Maverick. Foley will be on later.

Sami Zayn was shown backstage asking Bobby Lashley to help him against Braun Strowman. Bobby said he wouldn’t do it. Zayn made his entrance. Strowman was shown staring at the camera while he was backstage.

(Commercial)

Seth Rollins and Kofi Kingston were shown walking backstage. They walked up to Triple H, who told them they will face Baron Corbin and Bobby Lashley in the main event.

Braun Strowman made his entrance to a good pop. Strowman faces Bobby Lashley at Super Showdown on June 7 with Cole saying that that it’ll be like WrestleMania, which is the way WWE is promoting it. Zayn ran away before Strowman could get his hands on him. Strowman was shown backstage going after Zayn. They went up to Bobby Lashley, who was backstage, but Lashley didn’t do anything to Strowman even though Zayn wanted him to.

Strowman grabbed Zayn and brought him out to the ring. Zayn managed to shove Strowman into the ring post two times. Strowman whipped Zayn back first into the barricade. They went into the ring, Strowman charged, Zayn moved and Strowman went shoulder first into the turnbuckle. The bell rang to start the match.

Sami Zayn vs. Braun Strowman

Zayn charged, but Strowman decked him with a clothesline. Strowman sent Zayn out of the ring. Strowman with a running shoulder tackle to knock Zayn down on the floor. Strowman with a running powerslam on Zayn for the pinfall win after one minute.

Winner by pinfall: Braun Strowman

Analysis: 1/2* It was an easy win for Strowman to get his win back after losing to Zayn in controversial fashion last week. Zayn was booked like a loser at Money in the Bank and here. I had optimism about his future a few weeks ago, but now it’s hard to expect him to get booked well.

There was a shot of Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross talking backstage. Bliss hosts her talk show with Becky Lynch later on Raw.

Lars Sullivan was shown walking backstage because he will speak after a break.

(Commercial)

The show returned with the lovely Charly Caruso in the ring for an interview. She introduced Lars Sullivan, who is from Smackdown, but he’s here as part of the Wild Card rule. Sullivan made his entrance in his ring gear. Caruso set up a video package showing highlights of Sullivan beating up many wrestlers over the last two months. When the video was over, Sullivan laughed.

Sullivan asked what his goals were in WWE, but before he could say anything, the Lucha House Party trio of Kalisto, Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado made their way down to the ring. Caruso left.

Sullivan was surrounded in the ring by Lucha House Party. Kalisto with a knee to Sullivan while Dorado and Metalik hit a double dropkick. Kalisto with a missile dropkick. The House Party trio kicked Sullivan out of the ring and Sullivan landed on his feet. Kalisto jumped into Sullivan’s arms with Sullivan slamming him on the apron. Dorado and Metalik jumped onto Sullivan, who knocked down Dorado with a clothesline and a shoulder tackle by Sullivan on Metalik. Sullivan picked up Dorado and dropped him with the Freak Accident slam. Sullivan went for a Powerbomb on Dorado, but he was saved by Kalisto and Metalik, so Lucha House Party left up the ramp.

Analysis: This feud must continue apparently. Before the break, they promoted this as Sullivan’s first interview and his first words on the main roster, but he didn’t say anything due to the Lucha House Party group confronting him. At least LHP looked more serious this week than they do when they have the pinatas with them. I know the pinatas are there to show they are having fun. I’m just saying it’s good to see them more serious. This was just a way to delay the inevitable where Sullivan beats up Lucha House Party again. It’s not that interesting because we have seen this sort of thing before when WWE introduces monster heels.

The announce team of Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Renee Young were shown on camera for the first time.

A video package aired that put over the awesome Universal Title match with Seth Rollins beating AJ Styles in a match that went nearly 20 minutes.

AJ Styles was shown talking to a guy backstage because he has an interview coming up.

Ricochet made his entrance to a good pop. I have gotten used to the sound effects that they added to his entrance. I don’t mind them at all now. Ricochet faces Cesaro up next.

(Commercial)

There were highlights shown from Ricochet taking some damage at Money in the Bank. A clip was shown from Earlier Today with Cesaro trash talking Ricochet to set up this match. Ricochet had some tape on his back.

Cesaro made his entrance with a new theme song and some green lights.

Ricochet vs. Cesaro

Cesaro with a big back body drop with Ricochet rolling to the floor because he was selling a back injury. Cesaro followed Ricochet to the floor where Ricochet shoved Cesaro into the ring post. Ricochet hit a moonsault off the turnbuckle onto Cesaro on the floor. Ricochet went for an attack on the floor, but Cesaro caught him and slammed him onto the apron. That led to a break.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Ricochet hitting a jawbreaker. Ricochet ran at Cesaro, landed on his shoulders and hit a headscissors takedown. Ricochet hit a dive over the top onto Cesaro while some commercial for Pets 2 aired in the split screen. Back in the ring, Ricochet was up top, he jumped off and Cesaro hit a forearm to the chest. Cesaro with a backbreaker. Cesaro hit the Gotch Neutralizer for the pinfall win after eight minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Cesaro

Analysis: **3/4 It was very good while it lasted. Ricochet got to show off a lot of his aerial moves, Cesaro is so great that he’s able to keep up with the speed and I liked the story of the match with Ricochet selling the back injury very well. It made sense for Cesaro to win since Ricochet came in with the back injury. It would be great to see a rematch between them soon.

After the match, Cesaro left as the winner as they showed some highlights. Ricochet was selling the back injury as three referees checked on him in the ring.

AJ Styles was interviewed by Charly Caruso. Styles said it’s back to square one and he has a lot of hard work ahead of him, but he likes that. Styles said he knows he can beat Seth Rollins, but it didn’t happen last night. Styles said there was no shame in losing to Rollins and there’s a reason why he is the champion. Baron Corbin showed up for some trash talk. Corbin reminded Styles that he failed. Styles mentioned that Corbin has squandered his Money in the Bank contract and got fired as the General Manager. Corbin mentioned he beat Rollins two weeks ago while Styles did not and claimed it was a slap in the face that Styles got the title shot. Styles said no, this is a slap in the face and Styles slapped Corbin on the side of the face. Corbin told Styles he’ll pay for that one and he left.

Analysis: It makes sense to do Styles vs. Corbin as a feud. I know people hate Corbin, but he’s not going away and Styles can get a good match out of him as we saw in their Smackdown days. Plus, it’s nice to see them reference Corbin beating Rollins two weeks ago because that tells the audience that they remember wins and losses…sometimes.

Roman Reigns made his entrance at the end of the first hour because he’s up next.

(Commercial)

They showed Mick Foley talking to Kofi Kingston backstage.

Roman Reigns was in the ring. Shane McMahon showed up on the stage for a promo. Shane said that he beat The Miz again, so he is done with The Miz. Shane said his new focus is Roman Reigns and he said that he can’t forget when Reigns punched Vince the way he did. Shane asked what kind of man hits another man’s father like that (like Shane did to Miz dad). Reigns responded saying that he hates spoiled rich kids. Reigns said that Shane is done with Miz and Reigns is doe with Elias, so his schedule is open. Shane said that one fluke victory doesn’t prove anything. Reigns said he didn’t see Elias, so Shane can try to come after Reigns right here tonight. Shane spoke about how his body went through a brutal steel cage match last night.

Shane asked the fans if they want to see the “Best in the World” Shane McMahon go one on one with Roman Reigns? The fans cheered and chanted “yes” for that. Shane took off his jacket and said that’s not happening, which drew boos. Shane said that he does what all spoiled rich kids do and he does what he wants. Shane said he was in control around here, so here’s a demonstration of that control. Shane brought out Drew McIntyre.

Shane told Roman that he accepts his challenge and announced a match between them at Super Showdown on June 7th. Shane said that the last thing you will be hearing at Super Showdown is the winner of the match is Shane McMahon.

Reigns told Shane that after Super Showdown, he’s going to say what everybody else says around here: “I just got my ass kicked by Roman Reigns. Believe that.” That ended it.

Analysis: It was a decent promo exchange. Shane is a lot better at promos as a heel compared to his boring face promos. Reigns didn’t say that much, but he had a lot of confidence and the fans were behind him. When Shane beat Miz for the second time I wondered why. After seeing them announce Shane vs. Roman at Super Showdown, it makes sense now although I think that feud hurt Miz more than it helped. Reigns should get the win over Shane, but with Shane aligning with Elias and McIntyre, it’s a way to make people think that Shane could win.

Becky Lynch was shown backstage with her Raw Women’s Title because she’s on the Alexa Bliss “Moment of Bliss” talk show later.

Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman were shown backstage with the Money in the Bank briefcase because they are sticking around.

The Usos entered for a tag team match against The Revival after the break. Good.

(Commercial)

Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre were shown walking backstage when Sarah Schreiber was there for an interview. The Miz walked up to them, so the interviewer left. Drew said that if you have a problem with Shane, you have a problem with Drew McIntyre. Miz said when he is done with Drew, he is coming after Shane again. Miz told Drew he’ll see him in the ring.

There were replays of The Usos making fun of The Revival over the last three weeks with some comedy segments.

The Revival made their entrance for this first time ever tag team match on television.

The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) vs. The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder)

Wilder attacked Jimmy from behind. Dawson tagged in with a leg drop off the ropes. The Revival whipped Jimmy into the barricade at ringside. Back in the ring, there was a double team suplex leading to Dawson getting a two count on Jimmy. Dawson connected with a hard chop to Jimmy’s chest. Jey tagged in, the Usos with a kick to the chest of Dawson, who was sent out of the ring and a double team clothesline by the Usos on Wilder sent both heels out of the ring. That led to a break three minutes into the match.

(Commercial)

The match continued with Wilder working over Jimmy with a headlock, Jimmy broke free with a kick and Dawson tagged. Jimmy with a kick to the head of Dawson. Jey got the tag against Wilder with two clotheslines and a Samoan Drop. Jey with a Samoan Drop on Dawson as well. Jey hit the running hip attack on Dawson, kick to Wilder (who blocked the kick although he sold it) and Jey hit a cross body block off the top on Wilder for a two count. Wilder went up top for nothing, Jey punched him, Dawson with a tag and Wilder with a Powerbomb followed by a top rope elbow from Dawson on Jey for a two count. The elbow didn’t look great, but it’s the thought that counts. Jey avoided a backslide, Jimmy tagged in and a double superkick connected for The Usos for two as Dash broke up the pin. Wilder knocked Jey off the apron. Wilder hit a Tornado DDT on Jey on the floor. Jimmy hit a suicide dive on Wilder. Jimmy back in the ring, Dawson got a cradle for two and Jimmy came back with a superkick. The fans started a “this is awesome” chant. Wilder was in the ring, Jimmy got rid of him and Dawson got a rollup on Jimmy where Dawson sat on top while grabbing the tights for the pinfall win. It went 12 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: The Revival

Analysis: ***1/4 That was a very good tag team match. I like how aggressive The Revival were from the moment the match started while The Usos are great at selling and then made the big comeback. The last couple of minutes were awesome. Cheap win by The Revival sets up a future match with The Usos, which is fine with me. The Usos beat Bryan/Rowan at Money in the Bank, so WWE probably felt they could lose a match here. Plus, it was cheap and will lead to another match soon.

There was a shot of Alexa Bliss getting makeup backstage. Nikki Cross showed up and Bliss complained about how Cross didn’t win at Money in the Bank. Cross mentioned she was close. The Revival showed up to celebrate their victory, they should be on Alexa’s talk show and Alexa was not impressed. The guys left.

Firefly Fun House is up next.

(Commercial)

The Firefly Fun House segment aired. They played more of the theme song this week while showing random kids. The creepy masked version of Bray Wyatt was shown saying “let me in” and that was it. It was only about one minute.

Analysis: I assume there wasn’t much of a segment this week because Bray Wyatt and girlfriend Jojo had their baby boy a few days ago, so Bray was probably given the week off.

A Moment of Bliss

Alexa Bliss made her entrance with Nikki Cross. Bliss was wearing her ring gear because she claimed that she came prepared after losing her luggage previous. Cross sat down on the chair opposite Bliss, but then Bliss made her get up after Bliss introduced her guest.

Becky Lynch entered with the Raw Women’s Championship on her shoulder. The fans cheered her and chanted “Becky” for her.

Bliss asked how it felt to no longer be Becky Two Belts, which led to The IIconics duo of Peyton Royce and Billie Kay to show up. Kay and Royce said they can now refer to her as “Becky One Belt.” Kay said that Becky was so sad. Royce said that they still have their two belts that they won at WrestleMania.

Lynch told the IIconics to shut their faces. Lynch said that at Money in the Bank, she defended her titles more than The Iiconics have. Lynch threatened The IIconics and said she’ll take their titles.

Lacey Evans showed up in her wrestling gear saying that the reason Becky isn’t “Becky Two Belts” is because of Evans. Lynch ripped on Lacey’s granny clothes while reminding Evans that she tapped out and she couldn’t get the job done. Lynch told Evans that she can slap her around full time on Raw. Lynch suggested that she could slap the heads off The IIconics and Evans right now. Nikki Cross spoke up saying she will be Becky’s partner. Lynch said that Bliss will do. Bliss didn’t agree to it and Lynch told Bliss to stand there and look pretty because The Man will take care of the rest. Bliss brought her coffee to the ring.

Analysis: It’s a typical talk show segment in WWE leading to a match. Good thing they were all in their ring gear. Funny how that works. Anyway, it appears as though Bliss might be becoming a face, but she hasn’t fully embraced it yet.

(Commercial)

The holla holla holla tag team match was made official by the McMahon family according to Cole.

Becky Lynch, Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss vs. Peyton Royce, Billie Kay and Lacey Evans

Lynch wanted to face Evans, but Evans refused to tag in. Lynch worked over with Royce with a kick. Cross tagged in while Bliss remained on the floor with her coffee. Cross hit a running splash on Royce followed by a bulldog for tow. Cross with a cross body block off the top on Royce for two. Kay screamed at Cross, so Royce hit Cross in the back to knock her down. Evans tagged in with kicks on Cross followed by an attack on Cross against the turnbuckle. Royce slapped an armbar on Cross while Bliss was shown drinking her coffee at ringside. Royce whipped Cross into the turnbuckle. Evans grabbed a chinlock on Cross while taunting Lynch. Royce decked Cross with a forearm to the head. Royce missed a corner attack, Lynch got the hot tag against Kay and Lynch hit a jumping kick on Kay. Evans walked away from ringside and went up the ramp. Lynch with the Bexploder on Kay followed by a dropkick off the top. I could hear Lynch say “come closer” to Kay because she was too far away. Lynch knocked Royce off the apron. Lynch hit a leg drop off the middle ropes for the pinfall win after six minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Becky Lynch, Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss

Analysis: *1/2 It was a standard tag team match to put Lynch over as you would expect in a match like that. Bliss never tagged in because she was likely not cleared for physical activity. Evans walking away showed she is not a good teammate and she only cared about herself.

Mick Foley was shown backstage with the new championship in WWE on his shoulder. He was greeted by some wrestlers backstage that aren’t on the show this week like EC3, No Way Jose, Mojo Rawley and Naomi among others.

(Commercial)

New Championship Introduction by Mick Foley

The legendary WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley made his entrance to a good ovation. Foley said he they need to make Monday nights “Raw” again. Foley said that championship titles need to be something you covet, you love and you will sacrifice anything because that’s how you become a legend. Foley said that the title can consume you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Foley introduced the newest title in the WWE family: The 24/7 Title. There just wasn’t much of a reaction, but I definitely heard from boos too.

Analysis: It looks like a toy. I guess we’ll get used to it.

Foley talked about how the title was going to be defended anywhere at any time. Foley put the title in the ring and said that they will have a scramble for the title right now. Foley said that the title will be available for everybody on Raw, Smackdown, NXT, 205 Live and NXT UK. Foley called for the bell.

The bell rang leading to EC3, Mojo Rawley, Eric Young, Cedric Alexander and other wrestlers went down to the ring. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson each got their hands on the title. EC3 and No Way Jose tackled eachother leading to both guys going to the floor. Drake Maverick went into the ring going for the title, but Titus O’Neil tossed Maverick over the top to the floor. Titus O’Neil picked up the 24/7 Title and he celebrated with it.

As soon as O’Neil celebrated with the title, Robert Roode showed up with a forearm to the back and a ROLLUP OF DEATH led to Roode pinning O’Neil to win the title.

Winner and New 24/7 Title Champion: Robert Roode

Analysis: It’s the Hardcore Title from 2000 (made famous by Crash Holly) with a different name. It will feel fresh because it’s been nearly two decades since it started, but I don’t think it’s that exciting. The announcers tried really hard to put this over. It was okay. It will mostly be done for comedy featuring guys that are barely on the show. Keep in mind also that it’s the 10th title on Raw and Smackdown, so I doubt WWE is going to push it that hard. I’m not that excited about this title, to be perfectly honest.

A replay aired of Paul Heyman and Brock Lesnar mentioning that they will be around all night.

The Miz made his entrance for his match against Drew McIntyre.

(Commercial)

They showed Robert Roode backstage hiding. A bunch of wrestlers ran by without seeing. I guess they can’t notice a camera guy filming where Roode is standing huh? I shouldn’t ask questions that WWE is never going to answer.

Drew McIntyre made his entrance with Shane McMahon joining him at ringside.

The Miz vs. Drew McIntyre (w/Shane McMahon)

McIntyre was aggressive early on. They left the ring with Miz ramming the left leg of McIntyre against the barricade at ringside. Back in the ring, Miz with two kicks to the face and the corner clothesline. McIntyre caught Miz and tossed him across the ring. McIntyre picked up Miz with a suplex for a two count. McIntyre teased a suplex from the apron to the floor that was never going to happen. Miz tried a sunset flip off the apron, but McIntyre punched Miz, so Miz tripped up McIntyre on the apron. McIntyre dropped Miz on the barricade and McIntyre hit Miz with a forearm to knock him into the crowd (or WWE Universe as Cole would say). McIntyre with a suplex on the floor leading to a break.

(Commercial)

The match returned with Miz making the comeback with some Miz kicks followed by double knees two times. Miz sent McIntyre shoulder first into the ring post. Miz hit a corner clothesline followed by a weak looking double axehandle for a two count. Miz even hit a headscissors takeover. McIntyre came back with a reverse Alabama Slam that sent Miz crashing to the mat and Drew got a two count. Miz worked on the left knee of McIntyre and Miz drove Drew’s left leg into the shoulder of Miz. That led to Miz going for a Figure Four Leglock, Drew kicked Miz away, Shane with a punch and McIntyre hit a spinebuster into a pin for a two count. Miz avoided a Claymore Kick and Miz slapped on the Figure Four Leglock. McIntyre chopped Miz repeatedly to break the hold. Miz sent McIntyre out of the ring and Miz with a kick that knocked McIntyre down. Miz went after Shane, so Shane jumped the barricade into the crowd. Miz sent Drew back in the ring, the ref looked at Drew and Shane hit Miz in the back with a forearm. McIntyre hit the Claymore Kick on Miz for the pinfall win after 13 minutes.

Winner by pinfall: Drew McIntyre

Analysis: *** Good match with Drew getting the cheap win thanks to Shane. It was obvious something like that was coming for the finish, which is fine because I miss the days of managers, so having Shane in that role was fine with me. Miz is still getting used to working as a face, but his comeback went well and the fans were into it. The crowd was into the match. McIntyre getting a win, even if it’s cheap, is a good thing because he’s one of the top heels on Raw. This babyface run for Miz has not gone well for him in terms of wins. He’s losing a lot.

After the match was over, Shane told Miz he had something more for him. McIntyre set up Miz against the turnbuckle. Shane went up top teasing his Coast to Coast dropkick, but Reigns ran down to the ring for the save. Reigns hit McIntyre with a Superman Punch. Shane got out of there before Reigns could get to him. Shane and Drew got out of there. Reigns went over to Miz to help him back to his feet to end the segment.

Analysis: It’s a smart strategy to not have Reigns get his hands on Shane until Super Showdown. That allows them to tell the story that if you want to see Reigns get to Shane, check out the Super Showdown show.

There was a shot of Lashley and Corbin talking backstage. Robert Roode showed up with his 24/7 Title, he bumped into them and kept running. The other wrestlers chased after Roode including Drake Maverick.

Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins were interviewed backstage by Charly Caruso. Kingston said that they are ready. Rollins said that nobody likes Lashley or Corbin even though they know Lesnar is lurking. Kingston said that he worked so hard to become WWE Champion, so not only is he ready for Suplex City, but he’s ready to survive it as the WWE Champion. Cole said that the match is next while reminding us that Lesnar is still there.

Analysis: You can tell that the announcers were given the directive to keep mentioning Lesnar all show long because Vince McMahon probably felt like that would be good for keeping the audience tuned in.

(Commercial)

There was a recap of Rey Mysterio beating Samoa Joe for the US Title when Joe’s shoulders were not down.

Samoa Joe did a cell phone promo saying that he was not beaten for his title because his shoulders were up. Joe said that Rey is an honorable, virtuous man that’s a caring and loving father with a reputation that spans the globe. Joe said he knows Rey and he said he’ll give Rey the opportunity to do the right thing by handing Joe back the title. Joe said he wanted Rey to be the man that can be an example to Rey’s son Dominick. Joe threatened Rey to end the promo.

Analysis: Rey has a separated shoulder, so WWE may put the US TItle back on Joe because Rey will be unable to compete. We don’t know how long Rey is out yet.

Next week: We will find out the state of the US Championship.

There was a shot of Robert Roode with the 24/7 Title in the parking lot. R-Truth put Roode in his trunk. The wrestlers asked Truth and Truth told them that Roode was back in the arena. Truth got Roode out of the trunk. There was a referee in the driver’s seat. Truth slammed Roode into the side of the car and Truth pinned Roode to win the 24/7 Title. Truth drove away with the title.

Winner and New 24/7 Champion: R-Truth

Analysis: Truth is on Smackdown, so that meant the title will be on Smackdown tomorrow. It’s the 10th title on Raw and Smackdown, so I’m not that interested in it. I’m sure WWE will try to make it a big deal, but I doubt it’s going to last that long.

Kofi Kingston made his entrance for the main event.

(Commercial)

There was a commercial for the “Secret Life of Pets 2” animated movie. WWE must have been paid a lot of money for all of the mentions for this “Secret Life of Pets 2” movie. They mentioned it more than anything else in the three hours of Raw. Everybody has a price!

It was announced that this is a No Disqualification tag team match.

Seth Rollins made his entrance. Baron Corbin attacked Rollins on the ramp. Kingston ran to save Rollins, but Bobby Lashley was there to take down Kingston. They went down to the ring to start the match.

Seth Rollins and Kofi Kingston vs. Baron Corbin and Bobby Lashley

Rollins was attacked by the heels to start the match. Kingston tagged in with a leaping clothesline on Lashley and a boom drop leg drop. Kingston went up top with a cross body block on Lashley for a two count with Corbin breaking up the pin. They were doing tags, which doesn’t make that much sense in a No DQ match because if wrestlers want to be in the ring, the referee can’t enforce the rules. Corbin and Lashley whipped Kingston into the barricade. Corbin and Lashley whipped Rollins into the barricade as Cole reminded us again that Brock is still here.

(Commercial)

The match returned with about six minutes left as the announcers reminded us again that Lesnar was there. Corbin with a running punch on Rollins. Rollins got some momentum going with a Slingblade on Corbin. When Rollins tried a dive on Corbin, he was caught and Corbin gave Rollins a Chokeslam onto the ring apron. Corbin tossed some chairs onto Rollins. Lashley hit a running shoulder tackle on Kingston. Corbin with a Chokeslam backbreaker on Kingston for a two count. Rollins went back into the ring with a steel chair that he used to hit Corbin and Lashley in the back. Rollins with superkicks to Lashley and Corbin. Rollins set up for his finish, but Lashley pulled Rollins out of the ring. Lashley was sent out of the ring by Kingston and Rollins hit a suicide dive onto both heels. Kingston went up top and hit a trust fall dive onto both heels on the floor. Back in the ring, Kingston hit the Trouble in Paradise Kick on Corbin for the pinfall win after 11 minutes.

Winners by pinfall: Kofi Kingston and Seth Rollins

Analysis: **3/4 It was a fun tag team match with the faces getting the clean win. The issue I had with is that they spent the first part of the match doing tags, which made no sense since it was a No DQ match. Why would you need to do a tag when you can do anything without punishment? It would be nice if it was explained better, but the announcers don’t seem to care about strategy. Anyway, the match broke down from there with more tags leading to the faces getting the win. I’m surprised Corbin took the pin because I figured it would be Lashley, who is not pushed as strongly as Corbin. I assume that Lashley wasn’t pinned because WWE wants him to be strong heading into Super Showdown against Braun Strowman.

After the match, Lashley hit Kingston with a Spear. Lashley with a Spear on Rollins as well. Rollins came back with a kick to a chair that Lashley was holding.

Brock Lesnar made his entrance with the Money in the Bank briefcase with Paul Heyman by his side. Lesnar walked around the ring. Rollins and Kingston each had their titles in the ring. Lesnar gave Heyman the briefcase to hold. Lesnar teased going into the ring, but then Lesnar left the ring. Heyman told Lesnar he is in their head. Heyman told Lesnar they should come back next week to tell the world which one he is going to cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase on. That was the end of Raw.

Analysis: The next match that Lesnar is expected to have is against Rollins at Super Showdown on June 7, so that’s where I think they are going with the announcement tease for next week’s Raw. They could also just announce the title match without using the Money in the Bank cash-in, but I assume the whole point of putting MITB on Lesnar was to set up that match.

Three Stars of the Show

1. Seth Rollins

2. Kofi Kingston

3. (tie) The Revival

3. (tie) The Usos

The Scoreboard

6.5 out of 10

Last week: 5

2019 Average: 5.55 (Smackdown is 6.98)

Last 5 Weeks: 5, 4, 5, 6.5, 6.5

2019 High: 7.5 (January 14)

2019 Low: 4 (February 11, May 6)

Final Thoughts

This week’s Raw gets a 6.5 out of 10.

It was better than the last few weeks of Raw at least thanks to some pretty good in-ring action all night long. There was more of a purpose and better build to future matches at Super Showdown. The 24/7 Title introduction was very flat though, so that’s a big negative. There were some boring segments too.

There was a lot of Lesnar talk all night long because Vince McMahon loves to repeat things to remind people that Lesnar won Money in the Bank and Lesnar would be back in the main event. Lesnar didn’t even do anything, but Lesnar’s presence is supposed to keep people watching.

Shoutout to that “Secret Life of Pets 2” animated movie as well because WWE mentioned that more than anything else on the show! I’m sure WWE appreciates the money they spent in promoting it.

The next WWE pay-per-view is Super Showdown on June 7th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Here’s what we know so far.

The Undertaker vs. Bill Goldberg

Roman Reigns vs. Shane McMahon

Triple H vs. Randy Orton

Braun Strowman vs. Bobby Lashley

Intercontinental Championship: “Demon” Finn Balor (c) vs. Andrade

50-Man Battle Royal

More matches will be announced soon…except women’s matches, which is a damn shame.

You can contact me using any of the methods below. See ya next time for the Smackdown review. Go Toronto Raptors and Toronto Blue Jays. Thanks for reading.

John Canton

Email: mrjohncanton@gmail.com

Twitter: @johnreport

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