Normally I go segment-by-segment to recap RAW, which I’ll do somewhat, but let’s cover the main stories first.
Did anyone notice Brock Lesnar was on RAW last week but Braun Strowman didn’t cash in?
Throughout the night, from Kurt Angle to the announce team, we are drilled what we already know. Brock Lesnar truly is in it for the money and has devalued the Universal Championship. The latter a gutsy move for WWE to allow such to be said on television. It is also drilled in Roman Reigns is our lord and savior because this apparent three year feud is going to end at SummerSlam. Reigns, through promos and video packages is hailed as the only one who could possibly take the title back to RAW. Additionally, he promises to defend the title every week, be on every show, etc… In other words, WWE wants us to cheer Reigns as the superhero Gotham needs. Strangely, it would seem the live audience is on board, but that might also have to do with Seth Rollins teaming up with him later in the night to face Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre. No folks, Dean Ambrose is not a surprise partner. Neither was Reigns, as via phone, Stephanie McMahon nixed the idea of Reigns having a second match tonight. Reigns punches Corbin because he can.
In case you hadn’t noticed, the show is hyping up Roman Reigns.
Fast-forwarding a bit, Paul Heyman has a sit-down interview with Renee Young. The Rabbi of Wrestling off the bat looks like he’s been through hell. Red eyes, unshaven. He cries during the segment. Basically plays the victim role very well, upset over the break-up, and has a hard time moving on and answering questions. For a short interview, it was well done. In no way pushing Brock, he does admit, Lesnar is at his most “violent” as ever, and for this reason “Roman Reigns doesn’t stand a chance.”
Roman Reigns defeated Bacon Rorbin
Decent, but a really long match. Finn Balor distracted Corbin, allowing Reigns to pick up the win. Balor vs. Bacon at SummerSlam.
Glorious Bobby Roode defeated Mojo Rawley
Because he should. I understand for some reason they want to boost up Rawley, but I have a hard time seeing him go anywhere. It also worries me Roode has been at the low end of the mid-card for the past few months. I don’t need him main eventing, as much as I want him to, but I fear the move to RAW did more harm than good.
The other oddball arc is between Bobby Lashley and Elias. It’s an odd pairing, but then again they tossed Zayn to Lashley and it wasn’t a complete train wreck, more like a three-car pile up on Route 17. I hope this isn’t Elias being fed as fodder. Elias is just too good right now. They guy is uber-popular, and his heel-antics only make him better each week. Lashley… too much smiley. I get he is supposed to be a powerhouse, but I don’t need a happy powerhouse.
Rezar defeats Titus O’Neal
I’m just as surprised as anyone else this is a feud. AoP vs. Titus Worldwide.
On the Kevin Owens Show, his guest Jinder Mahal is credited for being able to help KO relax and recover from his trauma. Mahal apparently is a world-class expert in meditation and relaxation. Mr. KO gets a little excitable, resulting in challenging Braun Strowman on behalf of Mahal. The Modern Day Maharaja doesn’t want this, but then the Monster in the Bank comes and flips over the talk show set. However, thanks to KO’s interference, Jinder Mahal defeats Braun Strowman by disqualification.
In case you lost count, Mahal now has two (non-pinfall) victories over Strowman.
Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler defeated Seth Rollins
Rollins didn’t bother finding a partner, so he’s in a handicap match. Which was really, really good. These three could just wrestle whenever, and as long as the crowd doesn’t go hostile and hijack. Ziggler wins by connecting with a superkick. But great match. McIntyre is going to be a singles champion, a real one.
B-Team vs. The Revival ends in a no-contest
They’ve got a catchy new theme song and funny titan-tron. Reminds me of the Spirit Squad. Revival get a chance on RAW again, except the lights go out, and when they come back on, Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy each stand in a team corner. Oh my. My guess is some sort of triple threat tag title bout for SummerSlam. Pre-show is my guess.
Following this match is hype for Alicia Fox vs. Ronda Rousey tonight. Then comes the Paul Heyman segment. This man is the best at any sort of speaking segment. He delivers any performance needed and goes above and beyond.
The Riott Squad defeats The Boss & Hug Connection
Surprise return by Ruby Riott, helping Logan and Morgan get the win. Decent match.
RAW Main Event: Alicia Fox vs. Ronda Rousey
During the show, a lot of praise shown towards Fox, for her long tenure with WWE and many outstanding accomplishments. With Alexa Bliss in her corner, Fox stood no chance at all. Despite some outside ring action between Bliss and Natalya, who I still don’t understand what her role is in all this, Rousey made short work of Fox. Crowd was into it though.
Not a bad show. Felt like WWE played it safe tonight, the standouts being the Heyman segment and the Rollins/McIntyre/Ziggler match. Strowman didn’t have much airtime tonight.
