Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
July was a tough month for WWE. Even with some strong TV, the major events tanked the month (SmackDown last week was some of the best 2 hours of the year from WWE). Luckily, it's now almost over. August should bring some of WWE's best stories and matches with SummerSlam around the corner.
The stars are coming out. The matches are getting interesting. This should be the best time to be a WWE fan beyond WrestleMania season, but who knows what WWE is thinking these days with creative decisions?
Previous Monday Night Raw Review
The stars are coming out. The matches are getting interesting. This should be the best time to be a WWE fan beyond WrestleMania season, but who knows what WWE is thinking these days with creative decisions?
Previous Monday Night Raw Review
"And what will you do, Kurt, when Brock goes to UFC, loses, and get suspended? You'll be so embarrassed."
Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman Promise to Leave If Lesnar Loses His Universal Championship
Overview: General Manager Kurt Angle put over Raw's plans for SummerSlam before Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman made a surprise appearance. They called out Angle as trying to take the Universal Championship off Lesnar and said the two would both leave WWE if The Beast lost the title. However, Heyman promised he wouldn't lose.
Analysis: This is not the first time WWE has teased Lesnar is at odds with WWE management though the first time was meant to sell a short face turn for Lesnar (who, at this point, will always be a tweener). What is accomplished by this story? It may directly link to real-life issues with Lesnar's contract and expected UFC return.
Analysis: This is not the first time WWE has teased Lesnar is at odds with WWE management though the first time was meant to sell a short face turn for Lesnar (who, at this point, will always be a tweener). What is accomplished by this story? It may directly link to real-life issues with Lesnar's contract and expected UFC return.
The Hardy Boyz def. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
Overview: With The Revival watching from commentary, The Hardy Boyz attempted to avenge one of their recent losses. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson looked ready to take the match, but Anderson was taken out to set up Gallows to take Matt Hardy's Twist of Fate and Jeff Hardy's Swanton Bomb for the win. Afterward, a brawl broke out between all three teams on the stage, and The Hardys took out all the heels.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a fine match, but The Hardy Boyz had multiple awkward moments in the contest and in the post-match brawl. They know how to entertain, but the veterans are struggling at times to be as fluid as they once were. The clear storytelling here is a triple threat No. 1 contender's match at SummerSlam where the heels can hide The Hardys' issues.
Highlights:
- Matt and Heff hit a running leg drop/senton combination on Anderson then took out Gallows with Poetry in Motion.
- Jeff nearly found separation with a surprise Twist of Fate on Gallows.
- Anderson missed a dropkick in the corner and was crotched on the second turnbuckle with Matt then tagging in and slammed him repeatedly into the turnbuckles face-first before a running bulldog.
- Matt hit a rope-assisted standing elbow drop then a diving elbow and Side Effect.
- Jeff broke up the Magic Killer on Matt and took out Anderson before Gallows uppercutted Jeff and big booted Matt.
Analysis: This was a fine match, but The Hardy Boyz had multiple awkward moments in the contest and in the post-match brawl. They know how to entertain, but the veterans are struggling at times to be as fluid as they once were. The clear storytelling here is a triple threat No. 1 contender's match at SummerSlam where the heels can hide The Hardys' issues.
TJP is left wondering how he got stuck working behind generic foreign heel and charisma-less muscle dude.
Akira Tozawa, Cedric Alexander, and Rich Swann def. Ariya Daivari, Tony Nese, and TJP
Overview: The heels were completely overwhelmed by the speed and athleticism of the faces until Ariya Daivari hit the bad shoulder of Akira Tozawa, allowing them to isolate him. However, Tozawa fought through and took the pinfall with a diving senton on TJP.
Highlights:
Analysis: Generic cruiserweight six-man tag match is generic. Tozawa's story has been great to see throughout though and made for a solid foundation for the contest. It was a shame that he was the only one who stood out even slightly here. Even Daivari could have been anyone here, and I barely even noticed TJP was there.
Highlights:
- Alexander dropkicked Nese then hit Daivari with an immediate arm drag.
- Tozawa escaped and got the tag to Swann after a sudden shining wizard.
- Alexander and Swann took out Nese and TJP with a side-by-side somersault senton and tumbleweed before Tozawa hit Daivari with a suicide dive.
- Swann escaped the Detonation Kick and hit a Swann Kick on TJP.
Analysis: Generic cruiserweight six-man tag match is generic. Tozawa's story has been great to see throughout though and made for a solid foundation for the contest. It was a shame that he was the only one who stood out even slightly here. Even Daivari could have been anyone here, and I barely even noticed TJP was there.
Jason Jordan Refuses to Let The Miz Insult Kurt Angle
Overview: The Miz wasted no time insulting his guest Jason Jordan before trying to convince him to join the Miztourage. When Jordan refused him multiple times, Miz began insulting Angle as well which caused tensions to boil with Miz throwing the first punch and being suplexed into the Miztourage.
Analysis: WWE is not much for subtle story building. Last week, they announced this segment out of the blue, and it was clear immediately that Jordan was about to start a feud with Miz. Jordan should benefit from working with Miz who brought a bit more than usual out of Jordan on the mic.
Entrance music generally is not a big topic of conversation, but Jordan's deserves special mention. He needed a new theme to get away from American Alpha and become a star on his own, but his theme is a special level of bad. It sounds manufactured by free software.
Analysis: WWE is not much for subtle story building. Last week, they announced this segment out of the blue, and it was clear immediately that Jordan was about to start a feud with Miz. Jordan should benefit from working with Miz who brought a bit more than usual out of Jordan on the mic.
Entrance music generally is not a big topic of conversation, but Jordan's deserves special mention. He needed a new theme to get away from American Alpha and become a star on his own, but his theme is a special level of bad. It sounds manufactured by free software.
Ambrose wouldn't hit Rollins with a steel chair, but he will take an unnecessary beating for him. Not quite perfect friendship.
Seth Rollins def. Sheamus
Overview: Seth Rollins struggled with Sheamus' strength early but got on a roll as the match progressed. However, Cesaro got involved, looking to set up a win for Sheamus, before Rollins managed to roll up Sheamus for three.
Afterward, the heels beat down Rollins in frustration, finishing him off with a White Noise/diving neckbreaker, before Dean Ambrose came out to make the save to be beat down as well, taking a Neutralizer then asking for more and taking a Brogue Kick.
Highlights:
Analysis: Sheamus and Rollins are too good to have a bad match, but it wasn't much of a dynamic contest. The post-match beatdown was more interesting with Ambrose only making the save after seeing Sheamus and Cesaro wouldn't stop their attack on Rollins then showing his grit by begging them to keep hitting him.
Afterward, the heels beat down Rollins in frustration, finishing him off with a White Noise/diving neckbreaker, before Dean Ambrose came out to make the save to be beat down as well, taking a Neutralizer then asking for more and taking a Brogue Kick.
Highlights:
- Sheamus landed a rolling fireman's carry slam off the second rope.
- Rollins dodged a diving clothesline then caught him with a reverse STO into the turnbuckle.
- Rollins sent Sheamus outside with an enzuigiri then hit a suicide dive.
- Rollins hit a springboard clothesline then Slingblade before having to knock Cesaro off the apron with a diving double axe handle.
Analysis: Sheamus and Rollins are too good to have a bad match, but it wasn't much of a dynamic contest. The post-match beatdown was more interesting with Ambrose only making the save after seeing Sheamus and Cesaro wouldn't stop their attack on Rollins then showing his grit by begging them to keep hitting him.
Finn Balor Shuts Up Bray Wyatt
Overview: Bray Wyatt made clear he wanted to take Finn Balor away from the WWE Universe who he saw an insult. Finn Balor suddenly appeared, behind Wyatt, facing away from him. He then began attacking Wyatt and sent him reeling, retreating through the crowd.
Analysis: This was a strong segment even with Wyatt saying very little of substance. The image of Balor appearing behind Wyatt and then letting his actions speak for him was brilliant, selling the feud. With this feud almost certainly bringing back The Demon, it has a chance to be great or just another wasted opportunity.
Analysis: This was a strong segment even with Wyatt saying very little of substance. The image of Balor appearing behind Wyatt and then letting his actions speak for him was brilliant, selling the feud. With this feud almost certainly bringing back The Demon, it has a chance to be great or just another wasted opportunity.
Poor Braun, you can tell he really wanted to win this pointless match.
Roman Reigns def. Braun Strowman and Samoa Joe
Overview: Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe had to constantly incapacitate Braun Strowman in order to fight one another, but Strowman rarely stayed down long, throwing around his large opponents with ease. In the end, Reigns escaped Strowman and Speared Joe to take the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was built up as big time despite having no stakes, only being a warm up, yet it didn't main event. This is a shame as it was a great match from start to finish, showing what greatness we could get at SummerSlam. I am not big on Reigns pinning Joe given he hadn't done so yet, but the result will be forgotten in time.
Highlights:
- Joe wrestled Reigns to the mat with an armbar then switched to the other arm before Strowman pulled him to the floor.
- Strowman and Reigns fought into the crowd before Strowman landed a vicious shot to the chest to take over only to back into a Coquina Clutch.
- Reigns fought off a uranage and elbowed Joe into the corner before hitting repeated clotheslines then a big boot off the ropes.
- Joe ducked outside to avoid a Superman Punch but took one off the steps.
- Strowman blocked a Spear with a boot then ran Reigns into the post.
- Reigns went for a Samoan drop into the steel steps, but Joe turned it into a Coquina Clutch with Strowman breaking it up and hitting Joe with a running powerslam with Reigns saving the pin.
- Reigns knocked the steps out of Strowman's hand with a Superman Punch then knocked him out of the ring with the steps.
Analysis: This match was built up as big time despite having no stakes, only being a warm up, yet it didn't main event. This is a shame as it was a great match from start to finish, showing what greatness we could get at SummerSlam. I am not big on Reigns pinning Joe given he hadn't done so yet, but the result will be forgotten in time.
Elias def. Kalisto
Overview: Elias insulted and belittled his hometown with his song before Kalisto interrupted. The brutality of Elias was on full display, damaging the back of Kalisto to the point that the luchador was slowed too much by the pain in his comeback. He took a knee to the face followed by the Drift Away for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: Glad that Kalisto's back. Oh no, he's just around to take the loss these days. So much for his win over Strowman. Hey, at least Elias lost his last name. Wait, why did he lose his last name? Who knows.
Highlights:
- Elias caught Kalisto's headscissors and swung him into the bottom rope.
- Elias hit a big boot, spinning backbreaker, then a delayed suplex.
- Kalisto caught Elias with a sudden spinning side kick then an enzuigiri off the apron into a springboard senton.
Analysis: Glad that Kalisto's back. Oh no, he's just around to take the loss these days. So much for his win over Strowman. Hey, at least Elias lost his last name. Wait, why did he lose his last name? Who knows.
To Vince's shock, there are still Bayley fans out there despite her "not being extreme".
Bayley def. Nia Jax By Count Out
Overview: Nia Jax injured Bayley early with a vicious slam to the mat that sent her rolling to the floor. However, Bayley fought back and stopped the sneak attack of Alexa Bliss outside before ducking a charging Nia Jax, sending her into the steel steps to take a count out win. Bayley then ducked an attack from Bliss and stood tall.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was not the best match from these two but not the worst either, telling a solid story with Bayley surviving Jax with a victory. Bayley somehow avoiding being double teamed came off as awkward though, easily avoiding them without being able to do much.
Highlights:
- Bayley pushed Jax into the corner then kneed her into it again followed by a running high knee in the corner.
- Bayley hit a running knee to send Jax to the floor then a senton off the apron.
Analysis: This was not the best match from these two but not the worst either, telling a solid story with Bayley surviving Jax with a victory. Bayley somehow avoiding being double teamed came off as awkward though, easily avoiding them without being able to do much.
Big Cass def. Big Show By Disqualification
Overview: Enzo Amore talked down Big Cass before Big Show came out for the main event. Cass looked out of sorts at first but managed to isolate and assault the knee of Show which left Show barely able to stand.
After a second big boot to Show, Enzo got involved and attacked Cass, causing a disqualification. Cass took out Enzo with ease but then ran right into a KO Punch from Show.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was no main event. The match was too short and unaffecting, and there was no payoff here at all. It just felt like WWE was throwing Cass in the main event to make people see him as a main eventer. Cass has potential, but this was not his Strowman breakout moment.
Speaking of entrance themes from earlier, Big Cass had his theme changed which was welcome except for the fact that it wasn't replaced by something any more interesting.
After a second big boot to Show, Enzo got involved and attacked Cass, causing a disqualification. Cass took out Enzo with ease but then ran right into a KO Punch from Show.
Highlights:
- Cass bounced Show's head off the ropes but ran right into a shoulder tackle.
- Cass targeted the knee, hitting him with a low running shoulder tackle.
- Show stood up barely right into a big boot but then managed to block a diving Cass with a chop mid-air.
Analysis: This was no main event. The match was too short and unaffecting, and there was no payoff here at all. It just felt like WWE was throwing Cass in the main event to make people see him as a main eventer. Cass has potential, but this was not his Strowman breakout moment.
Speaking of entrance themes from earlier, Big Cass had his theme changed which was welcome except for the fact that it wasn't replaced by something any more interesting.
In his time off, did Finn Balor become Jesus?
Final Notes: Rollins interrupted Ambrose's interview to try and convince him to team up with him again, but Ambrose made clear he still didn't trust Rollins. Sheamus and Cesaro snickered at Rollins backstage, making fun of their issues, before Rollins challenged either man to a match.
Prerecorded promos from Reigns, Joe, and Strowman were shown ahead of their match, each talking up why they are the best. Enzo found Show and apologized to him for getting him into the mess with Cass.
Bliss was interviewed about Bayley, making clear she was happy to face Bayley again before making fun of Sasha Banks for losing to Bayley last week. Rollins asked Ambrose why he came to his aid, and Ambrose turned it around on Rollins, saying The Architect was just trying to guilt him into helping him by picking a fight he couldn't win.
Conclusion: The road to SummerSlam for Raw feels a bit boring. None of the stories have much rising action. The most interesting part of the show is Ambrose and Rollins coming together against Cesaro and Sheamus, and even that feels like WWE is underusing the tension and talent involved.
The women may be the most unfocused with the company returning to the story they had seemed to let go and not adding anything to it. Add in that the main event scene right now is just relying on the ability of the men involved rather than adding much to the rivalry, and it seems like Raw is coasting.
The big moment of the night was supposed to be the battle between Cass and Show, yet it had no impact. It felt inconsequential. Where are the moments that make the fans want to tune in to see SummerSlam? Hopefully they're coming.
Prerecorded promos from Reigns, Joe, and Strowman were shown ahead of their match, each talking up why they are the best. Enzo found Show and apologized to him for getting him into the mess with Cass.
Bliss was interviewed about Bayley, making clear she was happy to face Bayley again before making fun of Sasha Banks for losing to Bayley last week. Rollins asked Ambrose why he came to his aid, and Ambrose turned it around on Rollins, saying The Architect was just trying to guilt him into helping him by picking a fight he couldn't win.
Conclusion: The road to SummerSlam for Raw feels a bit boring. None of the stories have much rising action. The most interesting part of the show is Ambrose and Rollins coming together against Cesaro and Sheamus, and even that feels like WWE is underusing the tension and talent involved.
The women may be the most unfocused with the company returning to the story they had seemed to let go and not adding anything to it. Add in that the main event scene right now is just relying on the ability of the men involved rather than adding much to the rivalry, and it seems like Raw is coasting.
The big moment of the night was supposed to be the battle between Cass and Show, yet it had no impact. It felt inconsequential. Where are the moments that make the fans want to tune in to see SummerSlam? Hopefully they're coming.