Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
The Road to SummerSlam is paved by feud development, and last week's show was heavy with it as we saw the set-up of every Raw match now officially on the SummerSlam card. That was important but also led to a show riddled with very little strong in terms of strong moments.
SummerSlam though is such a big show that surely Raw could not be bad two weeks in a row. That was impossible.
I mean, it is impossible, right? Right?!
SummerSlam though is such a big show that surely Raw could not be bad two weeks in a row. That was impossible.
I mean, it is impossible, right? Right?!
So are Jericho and Owens now Y2KO, Jeri-KO, Two Dapper Canadian Gentlemen, or Jimmin Marvinluder's Best Friends?
Chris Jericho def. Enzo Amore by Disqualification
Overview: Enzo and Cass talked up Enzo and Sasha Banks' flirting last week, blaming Chris Jericho for ruining the moment. This brought out Jericho who made fun of the team, particularly Enzo's need to rely on Big Cass. Jericho then talked about the man he now had watching his back, Kevin Owens.
The new team walked to the ring together with Jericho somewhat unsure of Owens' loyalty only for KO to balk at the question. Owens finally spoke up, saying he liked Cass until Cass refused to see the dead weight that was Enzo like Owens saw the dead weight in Sami Zayn.
Jericho was convinced by Owens to challenge Cass, only to back down when Cass seemed to accept it. Jericho challenged Enzo instead, setting up their match. Jericho isolated Enzo in the ropes to allow Owens to get in a cheap shot. Jericho began dominating Enzo with arrogance.
Chris threw Enzo to the outside, but he skinned the cat and sent Chris to the outside with a headscissors. KO helped Jericho out of harm's way before Enzo could do real damage. Enzo planted Jericho back in the ring then began a true rally with strikes to the chest.
Enzo hit a running crossbody then a running shoulder block into a knee to the face and slam for two. Enzo though ran right into the Walls of Jericho with Enzo making it to the ropes. Enzo hit a crossbody off the top for a nearfall then launched himself outside to follow a retreating Jericho.
KO grabbed Enzo's leg behind the referee's back to allow a Codebreaker. Cass ran in and hit a big boot on Jericho, causing a disqualification. The heels celebrated their win, retreating up the ramp. Cass challenged the two to a match at SummerSlam with the heels accepting.
Analysis: WWE once more trusted Enzo and Jericho to open the show, and they were really good, better than the previous week. Chris in particular was fantastic, playing up his plethora of new character ticks. This also led to an introduction of Jericho and Owens as a team.
As expected, Y2KO are fantastic together. Owens clearly is one hundred percent behind Jericho which seems to make Jericho uncomfortable. KO also makes sure to encourage Jericho's arrogance which almost got Chris into a situation he wanted to avoid.
The match here was fine, but Enzo seemed uncomfortable wrestling solo. His rallying segments in particular were sloppy. While Jericho is great lately, he can't do a lot in the ring anymore, moving far slower than he used to. The pairing just does not quite work.
The new team walked to the ring together with Jericho somewhat unsure of Owens' loyalty only for KO to balk at the question. Owens finally spoke up, saying he liked Cass until Cass refused to see the dead weight that was Enzo like Owens saw the dead weight in Sami Zayn.
Jericho was convinced by Owens to challenge Cass, only to back down when Cass seemed to accept it. Jericho challenged Enzo instead, setting up their match. Jericho isolated Enzo in the ropes to allow Owens to get in a cheap shot. Jericho began dominating Enzo with arrogance.
Chris threw Enzo to the outside, but he skinned the cat and sent Chris to the outside with a headscissors. KO helped Jericho out of harm's way before Enzo could do real damage. Enzo planted Jericho back in the ring then began a true rally with strikes to the chest.
Enzo hit a running crossbody then a running shoulder block into a knee to the face and slam for two. Enzo though ran right into the Walls of Jericho with Enzo making it to the ropes. Enzo hit a crossbody off the top for a nearfall then launched himself outside to follow a retreating Jericho.
KO grabbed Enzo's leg behind the referee's back to allow a Codebreaker. Cass ran in and hit a big boot on Jericho, causing a disqualification. The heels celebrated their win, retreating up the ramp. Cass challenged the two to a match at SummerSlam with the heels accepting.
Analysis: WWE once more trusted Enzo and Jericho to open the show, and they were really good, better than the previous week. Chris in particular was fantastic, playing up his plethora of new character ticks. This also led to an introduction of Jericho and Owens as a team.
As expected, Y2KO are fantastic together. Owens clearly is one hundred percent behind Jericho which seems to make Jericho uncomfortable. KO also makes sure to encourage Jericho's arrogance which almost got Chris into a situation he wanted to avoid.
The match here was fine, but Enzo seemed uncomfortable wrestling solo. His rallying segments in particular were sloppy. While Jericho is great lately, he can't do a lot in the ring anymore, moving far slower than he used to. The pairing just does not quite work.
Braun Crush!
Braun Strowman def. Jorel Nelson
Overview: A pre-taped segment was shown of local competitor Jorel Nelson who had no words for why he accepted this match. Strowman threw Nelson out of the ring then threw him around back in the ring and hit a clothesline. He landed an inverted chokeslam for the effortless victory.
Ah the classic story of two former friends battling desperately to see who can hold tighter to the other man's tights.
Darren Young def. Titus O'Neil
Overview: Titus O'Neil and Darren Young battled to the outside with O'Neil beating down on Young with strikes and chops. Young fought back and came flying off the turnbuckle only to fall into O'Neil's arms. Young rolled up O'Neil for three with a handful of tights.
Analysis: This match was far too short for this developing rivalry. The two barely got going before the finish. The turnabout finish worked though may complicate Young getting over as a face while O'Neil turns heel. Titus will have to lose it and beat down on Young to make this work.
Analysis: This match was far too short for this developing rivalry. The two barely got going before the finish. The turnabout finish worked though may complicate Young getting over as a face while O'Neil turns heel. Titus will have to lose it and beat down on Young to make this work.
"I no longer know what I'm saying, but I'm saying it passionately so love me!
Seth Rollins Promises to Grow His Legend Past Finn Balor
Overview: Seth Rollins admitted that he was impressed by Finn Balor last week who he saw previously as just a knockoff of himself. He made fun of Balor's "Demon King" gimmick. Rollins then said he wanted to keep finding out who Balor is even though he kept hating Balor the more he knew him.
Rollins didn't want to be talked about as needing anything but his ability. He put over his accomplishments that made him a legend in this business already, promising to add to that legacy with his win at SummerSlam.
Analysis: Rollins cut this promo with a lot of emotion, and I enjoyed the way he made his whole success out as a grand legacy. That said, this promo seemed to struggle for focus. At no point did this add to the feud between Rollins and Balor. It just felt like Rollins was rambling.
This may be a case of Rollins being off his game, missing the script for his promo, or just not being able to focus his promos without someone to work off of. It's a shame because this feud still needs a spark.
Rollins didn't want to be talked about as needing anything but his ability. He put over his accomplishments that made him a legend in this business already, promising to add to that legacy with his win at SummerSlam.
Analysis: Rollins cut this promo with a lot of emotion, and I enjoyed the way he made his whole success out as a grand legacy. That said, this promo seemed to struggle for focus. At no point did this add to the feud between Rollins and Balor. It just felt like Rollins was rambling.
This may be a case of Rollins being off his game, missing the script for his promo, or just not being able to focus his promos without someone to work off of. It's a shame because this feud still needs a spark.
It is said the next 20 Raws already have Cesaro vs. Sheamus written in for the match card.
Cesaro def. Sheamus to Potentially Earn a Title Shot
Overview: Cesaro quickly sent Sheamus reeling to the outside then hit a diving shoulder tackle through the second rope. Sheamus fought back with devastating strikes into uppercuts. Cesaro though blocked a suplex into his own vertical suplex for one. Sheamus caught Cesaro on the top rope and pulled him down for a rolling senton.
Sheamus hit the Battering Ram for two. Sheamus' taunts though allowed Cesaro to start rolling with uppercuts. Cesaro then blocked the Beats of the Bodhran then connected with a diving crossbody for two. Sheamus caught Cesaro and set up White Noise, but Cesaro turned it into a roll up right into a swing which Sheamus countered into a roll up.
Cesaro managed to impressively dodged the Brogue Kick and get a roll up for a near-fall. Sheamus hit a shoulder in the corner then hit White Noise for a near-fall. Cesaro caught Sheamus on the top rope, hit big strikes then a dropkick to the outside.
Cesaro hit an uppercut onto the steel barricade. The referee took a bad shot to the back of the head from Sheamus which made him miss Sheamus' roll up. Cesaro then rolled up Sheamus for three.
Analysis: Cesaro and Sheamus have really developed great chemistry together. The two have always been equally tough and hard-hitting competitors, but they just clicked here with their seamless transitions. Cesaro's dodge of the Brogue Kick was particularly impressive.
It seems like WWE doesn't actually plan to build this as a feud long term with Cesaro's second win. That is a shame as both could elevate the other. It is nice to see Cesaro getting on a roll though to give Raw someone with real momentum, potentially as a part of the main event scene.
Sheamus hit the Battering Ram for two. Sheamus' taunts though allowed Cesaro to start rolling with uppercuts. Cesaro then blocked the Beats of the Bodhran then connected with a diving crossbody for two. Sheamus caught Cesaro and set up White Noise, but Cesaro turned it into a roll up right into a swing which Sheamus countered into a roll up.
Cesaro managed to impressively dodged the Brogue Kick and get a roll up for a near-fall. Sheamus hit a shoulder in the corner then hit White Noise for a near-fall. Cesaro caught Sheamus on the top rope, hit big strikes then a dropkick to the outside.
Cesaro hit an uppercut onto the steel barricade. The referee took a bad shot to the back of the head from Sheamus which made him miss Sheamus' roll up. Cesaro then rolled up Sheamus for three.
Analysis: Cesaro and Sheamus have really developed great chemistry together. The two have always been equally tough and hard-hitting competitors, but they just clicked here with their seamless transitions. Cesaro's dodge of the Brogue Kick was particularly impressive.
It seems like WWE doesn't actually plan to build this as a feud long term with Cesaro's second win. That is a shame as both could elevate the other. It is nice to see Cesaro getting on a roll though to give Raw someone with real momentum, potentially as a part of the main event scene.
When The Dudley Boyz challenged Neville to find a partner, they had no idea he'd pick the entire Cruiserweight Division.
Neville and Sin Cara def. The Dudley Boyz
Overview: On the Raw pre-show, The Dudley Boyz challenge Neville to find a partner to help him fight them. Neville found a partner in Sin Cara. Cara was quickly isolated and beat down in the corner. Cara fought back, sent Bubba Ray reeling outside, and hit a somersault plancha to the outside.
In the ring, Cara hit a springboard corkscrew elbow, but he went outside only to be sent hard into the steel barricade. D-Von tagged in and hit a running elbow for two then threw Cara into the corner to keep up the pressure. Cara dodged a splash and sent D-Von into the turnbuckle.
This allowed the hot tag to Neville who threw out a series of kicks on D-Von then a diving dropkick. Neville dodged a clothesline that went right into Bubba. Neville then rolled up D-Von for two only to immediately hit a corkscrew plancha outside on Bubba.
Cara hit a step up enzuigiri followed by a dropkick from Neville on D-Von. Neville then hit the Red Arrow for the victory.
Analysis: I have no idea why they paired Neville and Sin Cara as a team, but it makes sense for both to work the tag team division until the beginning of the cruiserweight division. They got a nice win here with Neville looking much better. He was smooth and crisp.
It looks like The Dudley Boyz are headed toward a break-up. They consistently are struggling with miscommunication. If it is a way to let Bubba Ray to ride alone as a singles heel, it could be good for Raw. However, this also takes away a valuable veteran team from a limited tag team roster.
In the ring, Cara hit a springboard corkscrew elbow, but he went outside only to be sent hard into the steel barricade. D-Von tagged in and hit a running elbow for two then threw Cara into the corner to keep up the pressure. Cara dodged a splash and sent D-Von into the turnbuckle.
This allowed the hot tag to Neville who threw out a series of kicks on D-Von then a diving dropkick. Neville dodged a clothesline that went right into Bubba. Neville then rolled up D-Von for two only to immediately hit a corkscrew plancha outside on Bubba.
Cara hit a step up enzuigiri followed by a dropkick from Neville on D-Von. Neville then hit the Red Arrow for the victory.
Analysis: I have no idea why they paired Neville and Sin Cara as a team, but it makes sense for both to work the tag team division until the beginning of the cruiserweight division. They got a nice win here with Neville looking much better. He was smooth and crisp.
It looks like The Dudley Boyz are headed toward a break-up. They consistently are struggling with miscommunication. If it is a way to let Bubba Ray to ride alone as a singles heel, it could be good for Raw. However, this also takes away a valuable veteran team from a limited tag team roster.
This crowd is just ignorant of true love. How sad.
Roman Reigns Ruins Rusev and Lana's Wedding Reenactment
Overview: Rusev and Lana walked down to the ring together in their wedding attire, ready to re-enact their wedding. They threw their love in the faces of the crowd and became angry when the crowd kept chanting "what" at Lana. They showed a series of idyllic wedding photos with light music in the background.
The crowd began a "boring" chant that the heels ignored as they flaunted their wealth, saying they had spared no expense with the dress even the cakes. Roman Reigns finally interrupted, walked to the ring, and offered to be Rusev's best man. Rusev refused Reigns' toast to his wedding with Reigns asking for a title shot instead.
Rusev refused that as well which led to Reigns toasting Rusev. Reigns insulted Rusev's ability in the bedroom which started a brawl where Rusev sent Lana into one of the cakes face first. As Lana screamed in anger, Reigns walked off with a smile.
Analysis: I would prefer that Roman Reigns vs. Rusev was a full-on brawl of heavyweights, but this segment worked for the most part. Beyond a few corny jokes, Reigns was good, seeming more comfortable on the mic here. His nonchalance came off well.
That said, this felt like a half-effort in the end. Roman Reigns should have destroyed everything to make his statement. Instead, we just got cake in Lana's face and Reigns walking off without his title match confirmed. It didn't make the impact it should have.
The crowd began a "boring" chant that the heels ignored as they flaunted their wealth, saying they had spared no expense with the dress even the cakes. Roman Reigns finally interrupted, walked to the ring, and offered to be Rusev's best man. Rusev refused Reigns' toast to his wedding with Reigns asking for a title shot instead.
Rusev refused that as well which led to Reigns toasting Rusev. Reigns insulted Rusev's ability in the bedroom which started a brawl where Rusev sent Lana into one of the cakes face first. As Lana screamed in anger, Reigns walked off with a smile.
Analysis: I would prefer that Roman Reigns vs. Rusev was a full-on brawl of heavyweights, but this segment worked for the most part. Beyond a few corny jokes, Reigns was good, seeming more comfortable on the mic here. His nonchalance came off well.
That said, this felt like a half-effort in the end. Roman Reigns should have destroyed everything to make his statement. Instead, we just got cake in Lana's face and Reigns walking off without his title match confirmed. It didn't make the impact it should have.
Remember when Raw drafted a bunch of women for their division? Raw doesn't either.
Sasha Banks def. Dana Brooke to Ban Brooke From Ringside for Banks vs. Charlotte's SummerSlam Match
Overview: A distraction from Charlotte allowed Dana Brooke to begin dominating early. Despite Banks getting the first cover off a double knees takedown, Brooke grounded Banks. Sasha began rallying with clotheslines only to take a vicious clothesline from Brooke for three covers for one.
Brooke locked Banks in the ropes to allow Charlotte to slap her. Instead Banks dodged it which made Charlotte slap Brooke. This then allowed Banks to hit double knees off the second rope for the victory.
Analysis: As always, Brooke was fairly sloppy here though she continues to embrace a power style that will do her well. She just needs time. The result here was never in question. You don't ruin a SummerSlam match by making it a handicap match. Brooke is now banned from the match which helps the match's success potential with no outside interference.
Brooke locked Banks in the ropes to allow Charlotte to slap her. Instead Banks dodged it which made Charlotte slap Brooke. This then allowed Banks to hit double knees off the second rope for the victory.
Analysis: As always, Brooke was fairly sloppy here though she continues to embrace a power style that will do her well. She just needs time. The result here was never in question. You don't ruin a SummerSlam match by making it a handicap match. Brooke is now banned from the match which helps the match's success potential with no outside interference.
Once an Intercontinental Champion, now unable to survive a minute without Big E.
Luke Gallows def. Kofi Kingston
Overview: Luke Gallows quickly stopped Kofi from rolling him up, but Kofi sent him to the outside and hit a dive onto Gallows. Karl Anderson distracted Kofi until Xavier Woods went after him. Anderson threw Woods into the steel post then Gallows grabbed and pulled Kofi into the ring for a fireman's carry lift flapjack for the three count.
Afterward, Gallows and Anderson tried to assault Kofi like they had Big E, but Woods ran them off with a steel chair.
Analysis: This was a fairly shocking segment as Luke Gallows absolutely steamrolled Kofi in this match. Certainly he had an assist from distractions by Karl Anderson, but Kofi barely got in one bit of offense. The match lasted a minute with Gallows easily emerging victorious.
Often squash matches have little effect on me, but this worked. We finally saw WWE commit to Gallows as a vicious threat who can destroy anyone in his way. I am not as big on Gallows and Anderson's new comic touches with the genitals jokes, but you take what you can.
Afterward, Gallows and Anderson tried to assault Kofi like they had Big E, but Woods ran them off with a steel chair.
Analysis: This was a fairly shocking segment as Luke Gallows absolutely steamrolled Kofi in this match. Certainly he had an assist from distractions by Karl Anderson, but Kofi barely got in one bit of offense. The match lasted a minute with Gallows easily emerging victorious.
Often squash matches have little effect on me, but this worked. We finally saw WWE commit to Gallows as a vicious threat who can destroy anyone in his way. I am not as big on Gallows and Anderson's new comic touches with the genitals jokes, but you take what you can.
And then Daniel Bryan interrupted to ask the obvious question, "Why am I even here?"
Daniel Bryan Challenges Mick Foley's Authority Leading to Him Booking a Surprise Main Event; Rusev def. Cesaro to Retain the United States Championship
Overview: Daniel Bryan and Mick Foley talked politely at first about their individual recent successes as general managers. Foley though saw through Bryan's phony politeness, showing Bryan talking smack about Raw's Universal Championship. Rusev came out to say he was the only champion Raw needed.
He threatened Bryan while putting over his Raw allegiance. Cesaro then came out and asked for his title shot that he earned. Bryan saw his opportunity and talked up how he would be better utilized on SmackDown. Foley saw his hold on Cesaro's loyalty slipping away, so he announced Rusev vs. Cesaro next for the US Title.
Cesaro came out swinging immediately with uppercuts then sent Rusev reeling outside and hit a rolling senton off the apron. Rusev swatted off a diving crossbody in the ring then sent him shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. Rusev kept that pressure on the bad shoulder with repeatedly throws into the steel post.
Rusev then went after the other shoulder, slamming it into the steel post. Rusev hit big shoulders to the chest then hit a hip toss for two. Rusev wrenched at the left shoulder of Cesaro only to be body slammed by Cesaro who was left struggling with pain in both shoulders.
Cesaro hit a standing double foot stomp for two. Cesaro hit a slow series of uppercuts in the corner than a tornado DDT for a near-fall. Rusev fought back with a knee to the guy and a side kick to the skull for a very near-fall. Rusev called for The Accolade and struggled to lock it in.
Cesaro fought into an electric chair drop on Rusev. The two exchanged rights in the middle of the ring with Cesaro hitting a big springboard corkscrew uppercut. Cesaro then hit the swing on Rusev, locked in the Sharpshooter, only for Sheamus to run distraction.
Rusev got a superkick off the distraction for a near-fall. Cesaro threw Rusev into Sheamus and the referee. Cesaro hit the Neutralizer, but the ref took too long to recover, leading to only a near-fall. Rusev hit a thumb to the eye then Sheamus hit a shot to the face of Cesaro, setting up a roundhouse kick for the three.
Rusev walked up the ramp celebrating only to turn around into a charging Spear by Reigns who made clear he was ready to defeat Rusev at SummerSlam.
Analysis: Raw again is showing some inconsistency with its openings and main events early on with the brand split. Bryan and Foley's confrontation amounted to nothing with a random title match being announced at the last moment for the main event. It felt quite off.
If you are bringing over Daniel Bryan to spark Raw and SmackDown tension, you should do something with him. You could have brand new members of both brands make their returns, have Bryan sign away a talent from Raw (which seem to be what they were implying could happen with Cesaro), or even announce a SummerSlam cross-brand match (I hear Sami Zayn and Bray Wyatt are free).
The match here was solid but quite rushed, only beginning after Raw had finished its third hour. Cesaro and Rusev have potential as rivals, but they only really got going as Sheamus interfered. Cesaro vs. Sheamus will continue to SummerSlam as will Rusev vs. Reigns (which was capped nicely with the Spear).
All in all, the whole segment did nothing but keep the status quo and reinforced the stories being told. It made for a tame finish to a tame Raw.
He threatened Bryan while putting over his Raw allegiance. Cesaro then came out and asked for his title shot that he earned. Bryan saw his opportunity and talked up how he would be better utilized on SmackDown. Foley saw his hold on Cesaro's loyalty slipping away, so he announced Rusev vs. Cesaro next for the US Title.
Cesaro came out swinging immediately with uppercuts then sent Rusev reeling outside and hit a rolling senton off the apron. Rusev swatted off a diving crossbody in the ring then sent him shoulder-first into the turnbuckle. Rusev kept that pressure on the bad shoulder with repeatedly throws into the steel post.
Rusev then went after the other shoulder, slamming it into the steel post. Rusev hit big shoulders to the chest then hit a hip toss for two. Rusev wrenched at the left shoulder of Cesaro only to be body slammed by Cesaro who was left struggling with pain in both shoulders.
Cesaro hit a standing double foot stomp for two. Cesaro hit a slow series of uppercuts in the corner than a tornado DDT for a near-fall. Rusev fought back with a knee to the guy and a side kick to the skull for a very near-fall. Rusev called for The Accolade and struggled to lock it in.
Cesaro fought into an electric chair drop on Rusev. The two exchanged rights in the middle of the ring with Cesaro hitting a big springboard corkscrew uppercut. Cesaro then hit the swing on Rusev, locked in the Sharpshooter, only for Sheamus to run distraction.
Rusev got a superkick off the distraction for a near-fall. Cesaro threw Rusev into Sheamus and the referee. Cesaro hit the Neutralizer, but the ref took too long to recover, leading to only a near-fall. Rusev hit a thumb to the eye then Sheamus hit a shot to the face of Cesaro, setting up a roundhouse kick for the three.
Rusev walked up the ramp celebrating only to turn around into a charging Spear by Reigns who made clear he was ready to defeat Rusev at SummerSlam.
Analysis: Raw again is showing some inconsistency with its openings and main events early on with the brand split. Bryan and Foley's confrontation amounted to nothing with a random title match being announced at the last moment for the main event. It felt quite off.
If you are bringing over Daniel Bryan to spark Raw and SmackDown tension, you should do something with him. You could have brand new members of both brands make their returns, have Bryan sign away a talent from Raw (which seem to be what they were implying could happen with Cesaro), or even announce a SummerSlam cross-brand match (I hear Sami Zayn and Bray Wyatt are free).
The match here was solid but quite rushed, only beginning after Raw had finished its third hour. Cesaro and Rusev have potential as rivals, but they only really got going as Sheamus interfered. Cesaro vs. Sheamus will continue to SummerSlam as will Rusev vs. Reigns (which was capped nicely with the Spear).
All in all, the whole segment did nothing but keep the status quo and reinforced the stories being told. It made for a tame finish to a tame Raw.
With the way Reigns treats every Rusev celebration, clearly he is a blast at parties.
Final Notes: Mick Foley was found in his general manager office first by Sasha Banks who wanted to make sure she could keep track of Dana Brooke in her SummerSlam championship match. Foley made Banks vs. Brooke where Banks winning would ban Brooke from ringside at SS and Banks losing would make the title match a handicap match.
Later, Puff Daddy talked with Foley before Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods came in and helped put over Puff Daddy's new tour. After the Lana and Rusev embarrassment, Mick Foley found them backstage and offered them a match, a United States Championship at SummerSlam for Rusev to make Roman Reigns pay.
They showed a promo video about Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton, putting over their history. Despite their parallel opening chapters in OVW, the interviews showed how Orton lost respect for Lesnar while Brock refused to give Orton any respect for his career accomplishments.
Finn Balor cut a pre-taped promo, going over his ancestry. He went through Irish mythology that backed up his demon persona that he will tap into come SummerSlam. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson cut a pre-taped promo, making fun of Big E's injury at their hands last week.
The Golden Truth found Scooby Doo and agreed to go together and watch the new Scooby Doo film. We got another Cruiserweight Division is Coming promo with still no word on when.
Conclusion: This week was better than last, but what happened to the wrestling? Raw has become generic again in a matter of weeks. The Cesaro matches were the only ones that really stood out over the whole night. As much as this show did its jobs to keep building SummerSlam, it failed to be anything memorable as a show.
Again, I like the matches being set up for SummerSlam, but where did all the surprise and suspense go? Everything on Raw is just feeling generic. The rivals largely lack heat, and the segments/matches are just there to keep promoting future contests.
With SmackDown taking steps in the right direction, it feels like Raw has just fallen into its usual routine just with a face GM instead of a heel one. At this rate, I'll just be back to trying to make it through each show rather than enjoying them.
Later, Puff Daddy talked with Foley before Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods came in and helped put over Puff Daddy's new tour. After the Lana and Rusev embarrassment, Mick Foley found them backstage and offered them a match, a United States Championship at SummerSlam for Rusev to make Roman Reigns pay.
They showed a promo video about Brock Lesnar and Randy Orton, putting over their history. Despite their parallel opening chapters in OVW, the interviews showed how Orton lost respect for Lesnar while Brock refused to give Orton any respect for his career accomplishments.
Finn Balor cut a pre-taped promo, going over his ancestry. He went through Irish mythology that backed up his demon persona that he will tap into come SummerSlam. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson cut a pre-taped promo, making fun of Big E's injury at their hands last week.
The Golden Truth found Scooby Doo and agreed to go together and watch the new Scooby Doo film. We got another Cruiserweight Division is Coming promo with still no word on when.
Conclusion: This week was better than last, but what happened to the wrestling? Raw has become generic again in a matter of weeks. The Cesaro matches were the only ones that really stood out over the whole night. As much as this show did its jobs to keep building SummerSlam, it failed to be anything memorable as a show.
Again, I like the matches being set up for SummerSlam, but where did all the surprise and suspense go? Everything on Raw is just feeling generic. The rivals largely lack heat, and the segments/matches are just there to keep promoting future contests.
With SmackDown taking steps in the right direction, it feels like Raw has just fallen into its usual routine just with a face GM instead of a heel one. At this rate, I'll just be back to trying to make it through each show rather than enjoying them.
