Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
This is late for my usual time, but I wanted to make sure I review a show that had more than a few major moments. There will not be a breakdown of matches or a focus on results as much as analyzing events. While I will be back to the usual style next week, consider this a small experiment in style.
Reviewing WWE necessitates changes in form from time to time. Otherwise, I would grow as dull as Monday Night Raw during the winter (luckily, we are still in summer).
Reviewing WWE necessitates changes in form from time to time. Otherwise, I would grow as dull as Monday Night Raw during the winter (luckily, we are still in summer).
You think you know how this is going, but it won't because WWE hates to be consistent.
Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins Form An Alliance Only to Take a Steel Chair Beating From the Miztourage
Overview: Dean Ambrose called out The Miz, but Seth Rollins came out instead. Rollins asked Ambrose to join his side and offered his back to any number of chair shots as forgiveness with Ambrose choosing not to take the shot. The Miztourage swarmed the ring and took out both men with chairs.
Analysis: This was the segment it needed to be, but it could have been so much more. Rollins and Ambrose were fired up and energetic, but it was disappointing to see Ambrose back off at the most important moments. Ambrose is supposed to be a lunatic and act on impulse, yet he chooses not to take free shots on Rollins? At least the attack continued to solidify the threat of The Miz.
Analysis: This was the segment it needed to be, but it could have been so much more. Rollins and Ambrose were fired up and energetic, but it was disappointing to see Ambrose back off at the most important moments. Ambrose is supposed to be a lunatic and act on impulse, yet he chooses not to take free shots on Rollins? At least the attack continued to solidify the threat of The Miz.
Bayley def. Alexa Bliss
Overview: Nia Jax backed up Alexa Bliss early on in this match with Sasha Banks running down to the ring to even the odds. She took out Jax just in time for Bayley to dropkick Banks into the apron followed by a Bayley-to-Belly in the ring for the win.
Analysis: Suddenly, Bayley is looking like her old self again. I guess someone on writing reminded themselves how good she can be after a few months wasting her. This looks to be a build to a Fatal 4-Way, just as with the main event men's angle. As much as I appreciate Bliss as a performer, I am already clambering for a title change to any of the other top three women.
Analysis: Suddenly, Bayley is looking like her old self again. I guess someone on writing reminded themselves how good she can be after a few months wasting her. This looks to be a build to a Fatal 4-Way, just as with the main event men's angle. As much as I appreciate Bliss as a performer, I am already clambering for a title change to any of the other top three women.
And Enzo Amore watched from the announce which is about where he is seen to belong in this feud.
Mustafa Ali and Gentleman Jack Gallagher def. The Brian Kendrick and Drew Gulak
Overview: The Brian Kendrick tried to smartly gain an advantage with a blind tag only to walk right into a Jack Gallagher headbutt. Mustafa Ali then hit a 450 Splash for the win.
Analysis: No more purple ropes for the cruiserweights probably just shows how little effort WWE wants to put into the division even if it is a positive change. This match was just another quick useless match to promote the actual exciting contest between Ali and Gulak on 205 Live.
Analysis: No more purple ropes for the cruiserweights probably just shows how little effort WWE wants to put into the division even if it is a positive change. This match was just another quick useless match to promote the actual exciting contest between Ali and Gulak on 205 Live.
Enzo and Big Show Cannot Put Big Cass In His Place
Overview: Enzo Amore came out angry, calling out Big Cass once more who answered. He tried to challenge Enzo to another match only for Enzo to bring a different opponent, Big Show. The two brawled, but Cass got the advantage quickly with strikes. Enzo attempted the save but took a big boot for his troubles.
Analysis: This could have been a lot shorter, but it did a good job of continuing to build up Cass as a menace that cannot be easily slowed and certainly never stopped. It is smart to pair Enzo with Show who has a better chance of getting Enzo's revenge rather than Enzo getting it on his own.
Analysis: This could have been a lot shorter, but it did a good job of continuing to build up Cass as a menace that cannot be easily slowed and certainly never stopped. It is smart to pair Enzo with Show who has a better chance of getting Enzo's revenge rather than Enzo getting it on his own.
If WWE doesn't work out, Samson could always try rebranding a recognizable wrestling brand with a generic name like World Fight Promotion.
Finn Balor def. Elias Samson by Disqualification
Overview: Elias Samson was sent reeling by Finn Balor early, and he could not gain back momentum. In frustration, while the two brawled outside, Elias Samson grabbed his guitar and smashed it over Balor's head to cause a disqualification. Afterward, Bray Wyatt appeared on the titantron, laughing at Balor.
Analysis: I am glad they didn't immediately end Balor vs. Samson as the two should have a quality match in them which we may see next week. However, that match will probably be it as WWE finally begins building Wyatt and Balor which has potential to be a true showstealer at an event Balor has already stolen the show before, SummerSlam.
Analysis: I am glad they didn't immediately end Balor vs. Samson as the two should have a quality match in them which we may see next week. However, that match will probably be it as WWE finally begins building Wyatt and Balor which has potential to be a true showstealer at an event Balor has already stolen the show before, SummerSlam.
Ariya Daivari def. Akira Tozawa By Forfeit
Overview: Neville's attack on Akira Tozawa last week on 205 Live propped up early in this match as Tozawa hurt his shoulder. Ariya Daivari targeted the weakness until Tozawa's comebacks seemed to just further weaken Tozawa. Titus O'Neil ended up calling for the forfeit for his client to protect him which enraged Tozawa who stomped up the ramp, saying he was done with Titus Worldwide.
Analysis: This was a brilliant segment that proved Titus has truly taken to his surprise role as a babyface. He honestly worried about his client and wanted to protect him especially in a meaningless match. Finally the dynamic between these two is beginning to take shape.
Analysis: This was a brilliant segment that proved Titus has truly taken to his surprise role as a babyface. He honestly worried about his client and wanted to protect him especially in a meaningless match. Finally the dynamic between these two is beginning to take shape.
We couldn't just get the dream of Angle managing American Alpha. Nah, had to break them up and make it an illegitimate kid story i.e. the Vince McMahon special.
Kurt Angle Announces Jason Jordan is His Long-Lost Son
Overview: Kurt Angle apologized for being distracted and made clear he was ready to reveal a major change in his family. He recently had found out one of his college flings had had a baby who was a WWE Superstar. He introduced the newest member of Monday Night Raw: Jason Jordan, his son.
Analysis: It is a shame that American Alpha was broken up so early, a true waste of one of WWE's best tag teams, but this is all around a positive for Jordan. Many will find the story hokey, but it made headlines. People are interested, and Jordan now could take this story all the way to the main event scene if he proves himself.
Analysis: It is a shame that American Alpha was broken up so early, a true waste of one of WWE's best tag teams, but this is all around a positive for Jordan. Many will find the story hokey, but it made headlines. People are interested, and Jordan now could take this story all the way to the main event scene if he proves himself.
The Revival def. The Hardy Boyz
Overview: The Hardy Boyz attacked The Revival before the match in retaliation for last week. However, that physical head start was not enough to even the odds. After Scott Dawson took a Twist of Fate, Dash Wilder was hit with Poetry in Motion to set up a Swanton Bomb, but Dash tripped Jeff Hardy and rolled him up with a handful of tights to take the win.
Analysis: The Revival are fantastic, and this was good match. I just can't get over WWE wasting it the moment these two teams start feuding. This was one of the few first-time money matches in the tag team division, but WWE just threw it away on Raw without real buildup.
Analysis: The Revival are fantastic, and this was good match. I just can't get over WWE wasting it the moment these two teams start feuding. This was one of the few first-time money matches in the tag team division, but WWE just threw it away on Raw without real buildup.
Braun's back to reclaim his Raw MVP crown from Joe, and... he's already got it back.
Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe Goes to a No Contest
Overview: These two warred until Roman Reigns hit a Superman Punch for a nearfall, leaving both laid out. Braun Strowman then hit the ring, pulling Samoa Joe out of his way before targeting and destroying Reigns in the ring. Joe tried to attack Strowman in frustration but was batted aside and repeatedly powerslammed Reigns.
Analysis: Okay, can we now stop wasting this match on TV as well? These two are too good together to be fighting on free TV. This was the expected result but nonetheless satisfying. The Fatal 4-Way (to soon be announced) should be awesome with all four heavyweights at the top of their game.
Analysis: Okay, can we now stop wasting this match on TV as well? These two are too good together to be fighting on free TV. This was the expected result but nonetheless satisfying. The Fatal 4-Way (to soon be announced) should be awesome with all four heavyweights at the top of their game.
Final Notes: Hype videos for Reigns and Joe were shown before the main event clash. Reigns was interviewed about Joe and made clear he would be better with the stakes higher. Joe late stated he was unafraid of Reigns. Kurt Angle was convinced once more backstage that he was making the right decision by addressing the controversy.
Rollins and Ambrose argued backstage before Angle made it official they would face all three member of The Miztourage (at Ambrose's suggestion) next week. Both Bayley and Banks wanted a shot at Bliss, and Angle gave them both an opportunity with a number one contender's match next week.
Titus was speaking to both Tozawa and Apollo Crews when Ali interrupted and promised to finish what they started on 205 Live. After the match, Titus explained to Tozawa he was protecting him for a future title shot. The Revival were interviewed and made clear they wanted The Hardy Boyz to put respect on their names.
Conclusion: This was a big show loaded with moments that changed the direction toward SummerSlam. The big takeaway, good or bad based on people's perception, will be Jordan's now-canon gold medal lineage that should hopefully improve Angle's performance and Jordan's standing in the company.
There were several strong matches that should not have happened on free TV, but they certainly made this show stronger. If anything, the problem with this show was timing. Several contests were too short to matter while other segments dragged on to the finish.
As a whole, this was the kind of show Raw cannot pull off often but works well in small doses. Big moments, strong matches, and memorable events shaped the road to SummerSlam in a few unexpected ways. Now it is up to WWE to keep up the momentum with no more huge reveals left.
Rollins and Ambrose argued backstage before Angle made it official they would face all three member of The Miztourage (at Ambrose's suggestion) next week. Both Bayley and Banks wanted a shot at Bliss, and Angle gave them both an opportunity with a number one contender's match next week.
Titus was speaking to both Tozawa and Apollo Crews when Ali interrupted and promised to finish what they started on 205 Live. After the match, Titus explained to Tozawa he was protecting him for a future title shot. The Revival were interviewed and made clear they wanted The Hardy Boyz to put respect on their names.
Conclusion: This was a big show loaded with moments that changed the direction toward SummerSlam. The big takeaway, good or bad based on people's perception, will be Jordan's now-canon gold medal lineage that should hopefully improve Angle's performance and Jordan's standing in the company.
There were several strong matches that should not have happened on free TV, but they certainly made this show stronger. If anything, the problem with this show was timing. Several contests were too short to matter while other segments dragged on to the finish.
As a whole, this was the kind of show Raw cannot pull off often but works well in small doses. Big moments, strong matches, and memorable events shaped the road to SummerSlam in a few unexpected ways. Now it is up to WWE to keep up the momentum with no more huge reveals left.