Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
Last night, Extreme Rules was a bad experience for me. You can read my full mental breakdown here. I had to sit back and watch WWE stomp on its talent with overcomplicated rules and poor time management that made the good matches feel too long and the bad matches that bad due to a lack of time.
But I'm back and ready to see what Monday Night Raw has to offer now with Brock Lesnar set to return soon and feud with Samoa Joe. WWE's summer season is beginning which is usually a strong time for professional wrestling, so there was hope for this show.
But I'm back and ready to see what Monday Night Raw has to offer now with Brock Lesnar set to return soon and feud with Samoa Joe. WWE's summer season is beginning which is usually a strong time for professional wrestling, so there was hope for this show.
Bray Wyatt promises to make many suffer, promising to defeat them all, not knowing he simply cannot.
Roman Reigns def. Bray Wyatt
Overview: This show opened with Bray Wyatt calling out everyone he fought at Extreme Rules, saying they would all pay for their sins. Roman Reigns came out and quick began brawling with Wyatt which started their match off quick. In this grueling back-and-forth match, Reigns finished it with a Superman Punch and Spear.
Highlights:
Analysis: For some reason, WWE let Reigns and Wyatt have an epic together with no build up. The match was almost 20 minutes long after a 5 minute promo. While it was a quality television clash, this should have been at least the main event to sell the intensity of the match and make the victory feel meaningful.
Highlights:
- Wyatt fought out of the Samoan drop and landed a quick DDT.
- Reigns caught Wyatt on the top for a quick Samoan drop.
- Reigns hit double clothesline then a jumping clothesline only to run into the boot of Wyatt and be thrown into the steel post.
- Reigns caught Wyatt with an uppercut then sent him to the floor.
- Wyatt caught the Superman Punch and turned in into a uranage.
- Wyatt sidestepped one Superman Punch but ran right into a second.
- Wyatt ran outside right into a Drive By only to answer quickly with a clothesline.
Analysis: For some reason, WWE let Reigns and Wyatt have an epic together with no build up. The match was almost 20 minutes long after a 5 minute promo. While it was a quality television clash, this should have been at least the main event to sell the intensity of the match and make the victory feel meaningful.
Just get to The Miz vs. The Drifter sing-off war already. Who needs Dean Ambrose?
Dean Ambrose Cancels His Match With Elias Samson and Demands His Rematch Against The Miz Tonight
Overview: Dean Ambrose interrupted Elias Samson's musical introduction with Ambrose assaulting Samson with a microphone and throwing him through the barricade.
Ambrose then demanded his rematch tonight only for Miz to appear on the titantron and announce a celebration later for the kick off his Intercontinental Championship Comeback Tour. Afterward, Samson hit Ambrose with a swinging neckbreaker.
Analysis: This looked like it would be WWE demeaning the build up of Samson only for a change in direction. The expected match never happened, and Samson got the last laugh physically to continue this feud. Plus it was a set up for a segment later on in the night.
Ambrose then demanded his rematch tonight only for Miz to appear on the titantron and announce a celebration later for the kick off his Intercontinental Championship Comeback Tour. Afterward, Samson hit Ambrose with a swinging neckbreaker.
Analysis: This looked like it would be WWE demeaning the build up of Samson only for a change in direction. The expected match never happened, and Samson got the last laugh physically to continue this feud. Plus it was a set up for a segment later on in the night.
He's just an advocate!
Samoa Joe Uses Paul Heyman as a Physical Message to Brock Lesnar
Overview: Samoa Joe made clear he was unafraid of Brock Lesnar and wanted to take everything The Beast had. This brought out Paul Heyman who quickly put over Joe before making clear Lesnar doesn't fear him either. Heyman made clear he did fear Joe as he was the "worst case scenario" as it set up a brutal war.
Heyman clearly annoyed Joe as he corner Heyman and told him to send a message back to Lesnar before locking him in the Coquina Clutch. Official forced him off only after Heyman had passed out from the pain.
Analysis: This was perfect, beginning the slow establishment of Joe as the villain and Lesnar as the hero in this match without The Beast needing to stay that way. This is now personal as Joe went after Heyman when Lesnar was not around. Both men put this war to come over and set up what should be an excellent clash.
Heyman clearly annoyed Joe as he corner Heyman and told him to send a message back to Lesnar before locking him in the Coquina Clutch. Official forced him off only after Heyman had passed out from the pain.
Analysis: This was perfect, beginning the slow establishment of Joe as the villain and Lesnar as the hero in this match without The Beast needing to stay that way. This is now personal as Joe went after Heyman when Lesnar was not around. Both men put this war to come over and set up what should be an excellent clash.
This is a true war of tag team champions.
Sheamus and Cesaro def. Heath Slater and Rhyno
Overview: This match did not last long with Cesaro and Rhyno fighting outside only for a distracted Heath Slater to turn around into a Brogue Kick. Sheamus and Cesaro grabbed mics and made fun of the fans and The Hardy Boyz, saying they were now clearly the bar for the whole tag team division.
Analysis: This was fine though it was odd that WWE would job out Slater and Rhyno so decisively when they are one of the few teams in the division with recent success under their belt. Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy not even appearing was also off with the heels left to gloat alone.
Analysis: This was fine though it was odd that WWE would job out Slater and Rhyno so decisively when they are one of the few teams in the division with recent success under their belt. Jeff Hardy and Matt Hardy not even appearing was also off with the heels left to gloat alone.
TJP turned heel to gain back the fans. Now he's turning back face again. Flawless strategy.
TJP def. Mustafa Ali
Overview: While Mustafa Ali made an early rally in this match, he was caught on the top going for an inverted 450 by TJP who tripped him and hit the Detonation Kick for the win. Afterward, Neville came out and said Angle still wouldn't give him a title shot. When TJP called out Neville, Neville attacked him viciously then made the match official for 205 Live.
Highlights:
Analysis: The match here served its purpose, but it was clear that TJP was quickly taking the win. What occurred afterward was a bigger deal as Neville may have found his next challenger. The problem is that both are heels with Perkins recently turned. It would take another big change for TJP to sell this feud.
Highlights:
- Ali dived over TJP and ran across the ring to hit a crossbody out of the corner.
- TJP pulled the hair of Ali into a Detonation Kick only to have Ali fight out and bounce out of the corner into a tilt-a-whirl DDT.
Analysis: The match here served its purpose, but it was clear that TJP was quickly taking the win. What occurred afterward was a bigger deal as Neville may have found his next challenger. The problem is that both are heels with Perkins recently turned. It would take another big change for TJP to sell this feud.
The Titus brand is not doing a great job with its cross-cultural branding.
Kalisto def. Titus O'Neil
Overview: Titus O'Neil once more tried to prove that he was the better man by defeating Kalisto, but he spent too much time gloating over body slams. When he caught Kalisto on a crossbody, he tried to roll him up again, but Kalisto reversed and pinned Titus with a handful of tights. Akira Tozawa was shown watching backstage.
Analysis: I guess this sort of makes up for Titus' ten second win over Kalisto recently as the storytelling here has been consistent. Still, the legs on this feud are not long. Perhaps the feud will gain steam with the addition of Tozawa whose inclusion is interesting as he is supposed to be exclusive to the cruiserweight division.
Analysis: I guess this sort of makes up for Titus' ten second win over Kalisto recently as the storytelling here has been consistent. Still, the legs on this feud are not long. Perhaps the feud will gain steam with the addition of Tozawa whose inclusion is interesting as he is supposed to be exclusive to the cruiserweight division.
He's crazy, Michael! He's too stupid to come up with a plan. He probably chose to be a cameraman at random.
The Miz's Paranoia Over Dean Ambrose Ruins His Championship Celebration
Overview: Maryse introduced her husband in a specially-made ring set with The Miz happy about his victory only to slowly begin to unravel. First, he was confused about the bear in the ring that neither had brought only to find it wasn't Ambrose inside. Then he destroyed Maryse's present thinking Ambrose was inside.
After Maryse stormed off frustrated, Miz called out Ambrose, blaming him for ruining the celebration. Ambrose then got in the ring as a cameraman and attacked Miz for taking his champagne.
Analysis: This was a great segment with Miz fully committing to the madness. He elbow dropped a large box. Ambrose did not have to do much here, but he served his purpose in continuing to build a feud that should not be as good as it is. Miz has not lost his spark for making everything better than it has been.
After Maryse stormed off frustrated, Miz called out Ambrose, blaming him for ruining the celebration. Ambrose then got in the ring as a cameraman and attacked Miz for taking his champagne.
Analysis: This was a great segment with Miz fully committing to the madness. He elbow dropped a large box. Ambrose did not have to do much here, but he served his purpose in continuing to build a feud that should not be as good as it is. Miz has not lost his spark for making everything better than it has been.
In the end, we're going to find out they're assaulting each other, fueled by split personalities that hate one another. It will still be better than Hornswoggle as the Anonymous Raw GM.
Enzo and Big Show def. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson
Overview: Enzo Amore came out and brought his new partner for the night with Big Cass injured, Big Show. Show seemed to not be able to take to Cass's fun, but the two talked a big game. The match was quickly over once Show got the tag, chokeslamming Karl Anderson then aiding Enzo in hitting the Bada Boom Shakalaka.
Highlights:
Analysis: This match was a sad squash. I have no idea why Show had to make Gallows and Anderson look terrible here. The story of Enzo and Cass continues to be fascinating. I was ready for Cass to be revealed as Enzo's attacker, but now it has grown more complicated. It still wouldn't count out Cass though the options are growing fascinating.
Highlights:
- Luke Gallows almost immediately big booted Enzo.
- Show threw both men into the corner then ran back first into them followed by a shoulder tackle to Gallows.
Analysis: This match was a sad squash. I have no idea why Show had to make Gallows and Anderson look terrible here. The story of Enzo and Cass continues to be fascinating. I was ready for Cass to be revealed as Enzo's attacker, but now it has grown more complicated. It still wouldn't count out Cass though the options are growing fascinating.
The women's division has already gotten to the point of relying on Dana Brooke again. Not a great sign.
Alexa Bliss def. Nia Jax By Disqualification; Alexa Bliss Retain the Raw Women's Championship
Overview: Mickie James and Dana Brooke walked down to the ring as this match started. As Bliss looked to be in a dangerous shape, she attacked Dana and Mickie, causing them to fight back and cause a DQ. Bliss managed to escape to the back with her title while Jax destroyed Mickie and Dana.
Highlights:
Analysis: This feud has potential, but WWE really missed the boat by not building it up first. Jax comes off as a tweener who will just destroy all in her past, but the lack of history between Bliss and Jax has been missed. Not to mention, WWE has made a mess of the division hierarchy with Jax making Bliss look silly after she destroyed Bayley who has frequently been Jax's best rival.
Highlights:
- Bliss slapped Jax which Jax responded to by whipping her across the ring.
- Bliss took a body avalanche but dodged a second and caught Jax with a sleeper hold only to be thrown off and take repeated elbow drops.
Analysis: This feud has potential, but WWE really missed the boat by not building it up first. Jax comes off as a tweener who will just destroy all in her past, but the lack of history between Bliss and Jax has been missed. Not to mention, WWE has made a mess of the division hierarchy with Jax making Bliss look silly after she destroyed Bayley who has frequently been Jax's best rival.
It will be a true feat if Joe keeps that face as he's getting repeatedly suplexed.
Samoa Joe def. Seth Rollins
Overview: Samoa Joe looked intense and focused in his brutal dissection of Seth Rollins early on, but Rollins' resilience allowed him to fight back and push toward a win. Bray Wyatt interrupted the match without appearing, distracting Rollins to walk right into a Coquina Clutch and pass out.
Highlights:
Analysis: Once more, Joe and Rollins were great together, but what is the point of wasting it like this? The feud between these two had serious potential for months to come but looks to have been quickly thrown out with WWE changing its plans. Rollins vs. Wyatt should be a solid feud, but it sounds like another rivalry Wyatt loses.
Highlights:
- Joe caught Rollins off the ropes with a running elbow then caught Rollins diving outside with an enzuigiri.
- Joe blasted the ropes with Rollins going for a springboard, causing him to collapse followed by a back elbow and enzuigiri in the corner.
- Joe turned the Slingblade into a side slam.
- Rollins fought back with repeated elbow smashes but bounced off the ropes into a scoop powerslam.
- Rollins hit a suicide dive then the Slingblade back in the ring followed by a suicide dive another side, returning to the ring for a blockbuster before a third suicide dive on another side of the ring.
- Rollins managed to connect with the Falcon Arrow on Joe.
Analysis: Once more, Joe and Rollins were great together, but what is the point of wasting it like this? The feud between these two had serious potential for months to come but looks to have been quickly thrown out with WWE changing its plans. Rollins vs. Wyatt should be a solid feud, but it sounds like another rivalry Wyatt loses.
New twist: it was the referee the whole time! He just really hated their promos.
Final Notes: Bliss declared to Kurt Angle she was done with Bayley with Angle then booking Bliss vs. Jax for tonight as Bliss promised weeks back. Bliss tried to turn the rest of the women's locker room against Jax before her title match, but it didn't work with Mickie and Dana promising to be at ringside just to laugh.
Enzo and Cass were interviewed about Enzo being attacked with Enzo clearly in high spirits while Cass hated to be accused and promised to have Enzo's back. Big Cass was later found beat down with a golden chain in his hand, forced to find a new partner for his match. Cass questioned Show afterward, uncertain of the big man.
After his outburst, Ambrose found Angle and asked for his rematch only for Angle to tell Ambrose he needed to take the night off as Miz's celebration was happening. Frustrated with Joe, Angle called out Joe who said he would take out anyone in his way with Rollins interrupting to set up the main event.
TJP found Neville backstage and refused to be patient any longer, demanding a Cruiserweight Championship match with Neville declaring TJP would get his title shot if he defeated Ali tonight. While being attended to be medical staff, Lesnar called Heyman with Heyman making clear he wanted Lesnar to come to Raw next week and make Joe fear him.
Goldust's next Shattered Dream production video promised that the Golden Age was back. R-Truth retorted, promising he is coming for Goldust. Angle pulled Graves off commentary to talk about a new message on his phone.
Conclusion: WWE this week had many great segments both in the ring and on the mic, but it lacked cohesion. Too often most of the story being told backstage with a bunch of segments broken up by hours. It was particularly hard to tell where anyone was going beyond Joe vs. Lesnar.
Wyatt opened the show with a long segment against Reigns only to also close it somewhat by distracting Rollins. Joe both had a long promo against Heyman and match versus Rollins. Finn Balor didn't even appear while Reigns has no direction despite defeating the man set for a major feud with Rollins.
The Hardys also didn't appear while multiple tag teams were made to look like a joke. It was a showcase of WWE working for the immediate with a strong show of moments rather than creating forward progress. Still, it was a good enough show to be worth the three hours.
Enzo and Cass were interviewed about Enzo being attacked with Enzo clearly in high spirits while Cass hated to be accused and promised to have Enzo's back. Big Cass was later found beat down with a golden chain in his hand, forced to find a new partner for his match. Cass questioned Show afterward, uncertain of the big man.
After his outburst, Ambrose found Angle and asked for his rematch only for Angle to tell Ambrose he needed to take the night off as Miz's celebration was happening. Frustrated with Joe, Angle called out Joe who said he would take out anyone in his way with Rollins interrupting to set up the main event.
TJP found Neville backstage and refused to be patient any longer, demanding a Cruiserweight Championship match with Neville declaring TJP would get his title shot if he defeated Ali tonight. While being attended to be medical staff, Lesnar called Heyman with Heyman making clear he wanted Lesnar to come to Raw next week and make Joe fear him.
Goldust's next Shattered Dream production video promised that the Golden Age was back. R-Truth retorted, promising he is coming for Goldust. Angle pulled Graves off commentary to talk about a new message on his phone.
Conclusion: WWE this week had many great segments both in the ring and on the mic, but it lacked cohesion. Too often most of the story being told backstage with a bunch of segments broken up by hours. It was particularly hard to tell where anyone was going beyond Joe vs. Lesnar.
Wyatt opened the show with a long segment against Reigns only to also close it somewhat by distracting Rollins. Joe both had a long promo against Heyman and match versus Rollins. Finn Balor didn't even appear while Reigns has no direction despite defeating the man set for a major feud with Rollins.
The Hardys also didn't appear while multiple tag teams were made to look like a joke. It was a showcase of WWE working for the immediate with a strong show of moments rather than creating forward progress. Still, it was a good enough show to be worth the three hours.