The show kicks off without Kurt Angle so in his place as co-GMs tonight are Dean Ambrose and The Miz. This is a recipe for great comedy, and great mic work. The two bicker about tonight’s matches, however are interrupted by Braun Strowman who let’s us know he is not done with Roman Reigns, and already has his sights on Brock Lesnar and the WWE Universal Championship. We’ve forgotten that title exists.
In a humorous moment, Kalisto comes out to challenge Strowman. Hoo boy. Great line by Miz, “We’ve been on for ten minutes and you’ve already killed Kalisto’s career.”
The opening match features Miz vs. Finn Balor, and the #1 Contendership to the Intercontinental Championship is on line. This ends in a DQ, as Maryse causes Balor to bump the ref, and as acting-Co-GM, Miz orders the ref to DQ Balor.
However, Ambrose does not approve of a DQ finish, orders Maryse gone, and restarts the match. Balor makes short work of Miz, hitting the Coup de Grace.
Backstage, Nia Jax and Alexa Bliss have an interesting conversation.
In the ring, Alexa Bliss defeated Mickie James after a distraction from Jax. Bayley also arrives and brawls with Bliss.
Backstage, an angry Miz books Ambrose against Bray Wyatt.
Backstage again, Samoa Joe interview is interrupted by Seth Rollins.
Braun Strowman vs. Kalisto goes nowhere when Roman Reigns shows up and a brawl breaks out.
Cesaro and Sheamus win the Tag Team Turmoil to become the #1 Contender’s to the Tag Team Championships. They beat everyone. Really, they did. They started and eliminated Heath Slater/Rhyno, Enzo/Cass, Gallows/Anderson, Goldust/R-Truth. Announce team did a nice job of pushing the cinderella story for Goldust/Truth. They are making Cesaro and Sheamus look super-strong. Post match, The Hardyz show up. No fight.
Samoa Joe vs. Seth Rollins goes to a DQ… Joe puposefully plows Rollins’ head into an exposed top turnbuckle.
Anyone else noticing a theme tonight? DQs and a lot of backstage segments.
Backstage, because of course, why not have another? TJP asks Neville for his title shot, Neville will give him one if he can beat Jack Gallagher.
TJP does defeat Gallagher, because why not continue burying the most popular cruiserweight? Neville however, on commentary, seems to forget his earlier bargain.
Sasha Banks defeated Alicia Fox – Seemed like a good match, but also seemed as though a lot of spots were stalled.
Bray Wyatt defeated Dean Ambrose in a non-title bout. Miz helped Wyatt get the win, and next week, it will be Miz challenging Ambrose for the Intercontinental Championship.
Not a bad taped episode of RAW, but geez, what was with the DQs??
