Written by: Kevin Berge (All Image Courtesy of: WWE.com)
It's Memorial Day, and, unlike many businesses, WWE is not taking the night off. What would we all do without Raw? The company might have time to actually build a reliable product for once. Instead, we've got another half-hearted attempt to build Money in the Bank.
That's not fair. As a fan of wrestling, I love wrestling. Why wouldn't I want more wrestling? I should just be happy WWE puts in this work every week. It's not great work. It's pretty weak work, but it's work nonetheless.
Last Week's Monday Night Raw Review
That's not fair. As a fan of wrestling, I love wrestling. Why wouldn't I want more wrestling? I should just be happy WWE puts in this work every week. It's not great work. It's pretty weak work, but it's work nonetheless.
Last Week's Monday Night Raw Review
One day, these guys are going to be the most fun of tag teams.
Finn Balor def. Braun Strowman By Disqualification
Overview: Braun Strowman came out to declare that he would win at Money in the Bank before being interrupted by Finn Balor. They began brawling with Kurt Angle making the match. Kevin Owens watched on commentary and even tried to encourage both men from a safe distance with Bobby Roode backstage watching.
Balor caught Strowman with a Slingblade, corner dropkick, then double foot stomp to the back before connecting with the Coup De Grace. When he went for a second Coup De Grace though, KO attacked Balor, causing a disqualification. Strowman then sent Owens running by throwing a ladder at him.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was a less dynamic showing than last week, but it did a great job of making Balor look like an equal to Strowman. He looked to be on the verge of victory before Owens' attack which is a huge rub against the red-hot Strowman. That said, I would prefer WWE doesn't run this dynamic into the ground.
Balor caught Strowman with a Slingblade, corner dropkick, then double foot stomp to the back before connecting with the Coup De Grace. When he went for a second Coup De Grace though, KO attacked Balor, causing a disqualification. Strowman then sent Owens running by throwing a ladder at him.
Highlights:
- Balor dropkicked Strowman then went for his legs only to be booted to the mat.
- Strowman blocked a step-up enzuigiri off the apron and chopped Balor to the floor before tackling Balor into the crowd.
- Strowman tried to carry Balor back to the ring, but Balor knocked him into the post, setting up a series of kicks that sent Strowman to the floor for a suicide dive.
Analysis: This was a less dynamic showing than last week, but it did a great job of making Balor look like an equal to Strowman. He looked to be on the verge of victory before Owens' attack which is a huge rub against the red-hot Strowman. That said, I would prefer WWE doesn't run this dynamic into the ground.
Jinder Mahal def. Seth Rollins By Disqualification; Rollins Retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship
Overview: Elias put on a concert and eventually refused to keep playing with the crowd not getting quiet for him. Seth Rollins ended up coming out and throwing Elias's stool out of the ring. Rollins eventually got so frustrated with Sunil Singh's interference and Mahal's attempts to interfere and attacked Mahal with a steel chair.
Rollins ran Mahal up the ramp before he escaped. Rollins tried to celebrate the damage he inflicted on the announce table, but Elias blasted him with a guitar off the stage. The champion had to then be stretchered out.
Highlights:
Analysis: After a few weeks of Rollins not quite clicking with his opponents, he easily connected with Mahal. It was surprising to The Modern Day Maharaja look this good, but it shouldn't be. Rollins really brought the best out of him, even making Mahal like a true threat to Roman Reigns.
Rollins ran Mahal up the ramp before he escaped. Rollins tried to celebrate the damage he inflicted on the announce table, but Elias blasted him with a guitar off the stage. The champion had to then be stretchered out.
Highlights:
- Mahal caught Rollins in an abdominal stretch that Rollins fought out of before running into a knee to the gut.
- Rollins knocked down Mahal with a reverse STO into the turnbuckle then hit a Slingblade before clotheslining him outside for a suicide dive.
- Rollins planted Mahal with a blockbuster then missed a springboard knee with Mahal grabbing with for a sudden fireman's carry double knee gutbuster.
- Rollins avoided the Khallas then Mahal avoided the Stomp, but Rollins managed to catch him off the ropes with a Falcon Arrow.
- Sunil saved Mahal from the Stomp then distracted the referee for Rollins to catch him in the gut with the point of a steel chair with Rollins surviving.
- Sunil got involved one too many times and was buckle bombed into Mahal.
Analysis: After a few weeks of Rollins not quite clicking with his opponents, he easily connected with Mahal. It was surprising to The Modern Day Maharaja look this good, but it shouldn't be. Rollins really brought the best out of him, even making Mahal like a true threat to Roman Reigns.
Ronda Rousey may not have mastered much yet in WWE, but she already has the snide face smile down.
Nia Jax Puts on an Exhibition Match with Local Competitor for Ronda Rousey
Overview: Ronda Rousey watched on commentary as Nia Jax destroyed a local competitor and taunted Rousey constantly. After she was done dominating the woman, she invited Rousey to the ring before calling Rousey cute and walking away.
Analysis: This segment would have been a strong segment if Jax was a heel going into this. However, this had to double as a full turn segment that did not make sense. Jax going so quickly from a confident bullying survivor back to the cocky monster heel added a confusing element to this otherwise well written segment.
Analysis: This segment would have been a strong segment if Jax was a heel going into this. However, this had to double as a full turn segment that did not make sense. Jax going so quickly from a confident bullying survivor back to the cocky monster heel added a confusing element to this otherwise well written segment.
Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt def. The Ascension
Overview: The Ascension brought some aggression to this match early, but they were soon overwhelmed by the cohesion of Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt. Matt took out Konnor with a Twist of Fate with Wyatt planting Viktor with a uranage to set up a Kiss of Deletion for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: WWE will never sell this gimmick with a series of generic squash matches. While they are clearly waiting for The B-Team to challenge them, they could be spending time developing these characters. Why not have more interesting promo segments rather than generic matches?
Highlights:
- Wyatt answered Viktor knocking him down with a spider walk then clothesline.
- Matt whipped Wyatt into the corner for a splash on Viktor then Wyatt threw Viktor to Matt for a sitout mat slam.
Analysis: WWE will never sell this gimmick with a series of generic squash matches. While they are clearly waiting for The B-Team to challenge them, they could be spending time developing these characters. Why not have more interesting promo segments rather than generic matches?
Roode's desperate struggle to stay a generic face truly look painful for him.
Kevin Owens def. Bobby Roode
Overview: Kevin Owens did not always seem interested in this match, trying to escape when he felt the tide turning. Bobby Roode threw him back in the ring but ran into a superkick. Roode avoided the pump-up powerbomb, but KO then countered the Glorious DDT into a pin to steal the win.
Afterward, Strowman destroyed Owens then running powerslammed Roode as well.
Highlights:
Analysis: This was one of the better showings from KO recently, showing some solid chemistry with Roode. In particular, it was a strong showing of Roode's ability, hidden under a bad gimmick. Roode looked terrible here, both losing against a disinterested Owens and being oblivious enough to just let Strowman powerslam him.
Afterward, Strowman destroyed Owens then running powerslammed Roode as well.
Highlights:
- Roode went for a quick Glorious DDT, but KO dodged it, managing to avoid a slingshot outside and set up Roode for a cannonball on the barricade.
- Roode booted KO off him and hit a blockbuster then a swinging neckbreaker.
- KO tripped Roode on the top rope, but Roode recovered and hit a diving clothesline to set up a Glorious DDT with KO walking out.
Analysis: This was one of the better showings from KO recently, showing some solid chemistry with Roode. In particular, it was a strong showing of Roode's ability, hidden under a bad gimmick. Roode looked terrible here, both losing against a disinterested Owens and being oblivious enough to just let Strowman powerslam him.
Overview: Sami Zayn came out to "apologize" for last week, eventually saying his presentation last week was based in truth. Bobby Lashley came out to challenge Zayn to a match at Money in the Bank that Zayn accepted in a handshake that Lashley held too long, squeezing down on Zayn's hand.
Analysis: I realized, after I finished my review for Raw, that I had completely forgotten this segment. There's your ringing endorsement for this entire feud.
Analysis: I realized, after I finished my review for Raw, that I had completely forgotten this segment. There's your ringing endorsement for this entire feud.
McIntyre just can't stand how entitled the barely successful actual wrestler Gable is.
Drew McIntyre def. Chad Gable
Overview: Chad Gable gave Drew McIntyre a courageous fight, but he was completely outmatched by the focused and determined McIntyre. McIntyre whipped Gable hard into the post outside before throwing him back into the ring for a Claymore for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: Is McIntyre the most interesting character in WWE right now? He's certainly up there. He takes things so much more seriously than most of the roster, and it adds weight to everything he does. This match was not all that involved, but it worked so well because of the impact of every move.
Highlights:
- The referee pulled Gable off McIntyre in the corner with McIntyre using the opportunity to plant Gable with a big boot.
- McIntyre threw Gable across the ring with a release suplex then tried to carry Gable to the top rope with Gable fighting him off and hit a moonsault.
Analysis: Is McIntyre the most interesting character in WWE right now? He's certainly up there. He takes things so much more seriously than most of the roster, and it adds weight to everything he does. This match was not all that involved, but it worked so well because of the impact of every move.
The B-Team Memorial Day Barbecue Ends with Curtis Axel and Bo Dallas Embarrassed and Without a Tag Title Shot
Overview: The B-Team hosted a Memorial Day barbecue which they used to try and convince the Raw tag team division to let them cut in line for a title shot. However, it wasn't enough with a food fight breaking out that ended with Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel double chokeslamming Rhyno through a table.
Analysis: I have no idea what this was meant to accomplish. It wasn't really funny. It certainly led to nothing. At most, it just further emphasized the lack of depth in this division, making everyone look like jokes.
Analysis: I have no idea what this was meant to accomplish. It wasn't really funny. It certainly led to nothing. At most, it just further emphasized the lack of depth in this division, making everyone look like jokes.
Thanks for coming, Riott Squad. You almost looked threatening, kind of.
Sasha Banks def. Ruby Riott, Mickie James, Dana Brooke, Bayley, Sarah Logan, and Liv Morgan in a Gauntlet Match to Qualify for the Women's Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Overview: Bayley was interviewed about starting the match, making clear she was ready for any woman here. She hit Liv Morgan with an immediate Bayley-to-Belly to eliminate her. Sarah Logan lasted longer before Bayley caught her in a jackknife pin for the elimination. Afterward, Logan and Morgan assaulted Bayley to set up Ruby Riott.
Riott tripped Bayley off the top rope and took down Bayley with a Riott Kick for the elimination. Riott did not let Dana Brooke last long before hitting a Riott Kick elimination. While Mickie ducked the Riott Kick, Riott rolled her up with a handful of tights to take the elimination.
Ember Moon, Alexa Bliss, and Natalya were all shown watching this backstage up to the final fight between Riott and Sasha Banks. Banks ended up fending off Riott's best shots and trapped her in the Bank Statement for the win.
Highlights:
Analysis: What is the point of having a gauntlet match when you're going to book it this way? There was no story here after Bayley was eliminated. This is the second women's gauntlet match, and Banks has won both by beating up a tired heel. This wasn't quite a breakout performance for Riott like it was for Jax, but it was still Riott's match.
The match was too short for a gauntlet match with multiple commercial breaks with the booking making little sense. If it was supposed to put over Riott, why didn't she win? If it was supposed to put over Banks, why didn't she get a few eliminations and show off her resilience?
Riott tripped Bayley off the top rope and took down Bayley with a Riott Kick for the elimination. Riott did not let Dana Brooke last long before hitting a Riott Kick elimination. While Mickie ducked the Riott Kick, Riott rolled her up with a handful of tights to take the elimination.
Ember Moon, Alexa Bliss, and Natalya were all shown watching this backstage up to the final fight between Riott and Sasha Banks. Banks ended up fending off Riott's best shots and trapped her in the Bank Statement for the win.
Highlights:
- Logan caught Bayley with a short-arm grab into a snap suplex.
- Brooke connected with a corner cartwheel back elbow into a clothesline.
- Mickie planted Riott with a headscissors takedown then dropkick with Riott escaping outside only to take a baseball slide.
- Mickie took down Riott with a flapjack into a diving Thesz press.
- Banks stunned Riott with a step-up knee then diving double knees.
- Riott blocked the Bank Statement transition with a back elbow then ricocheted off the ropes into a tilt-a-whirl DDT then low side kick.
- Banks knocked out Riott on the second rope with a superkick then connected with a powerbomb.
Analysis: What is the point of having a gauntlet match when you're going to book it this way? There was no story here after Bayley was eliminated. This is the second women's gauntlet match, and Banks has won both by beating up a tired heel. This wasn't quite a breakout performance for Riott like it was for Jax, but it was still Riott's match.
The match was too short for a gauntlet match with multiple commercial breaks with the booking making little sense. If it was supposed to put over Riott, why didn't she win? If it was supposed to put over Banks, why didn't she get a few eliminations and show off her resilience?
Backstage Notes: The show started with a video highlighting the troops to celebrate Memorial Day. Throughout the show, they showed photos of WWE Superstars with US troops. Owens kept running after the opening segment, trying to escape, but Angle stopped him and announced he would face Roode later.
Each of the women in the gauntlet match except Bayley cut a selfie promo on the main event. The B-Team asked for a title match, but Angle refused with Axel and Dallas taking it as needing to ingratiate themselves to the tag team division first with a Memorial Day BBQ.
After their failed attempt, Axel and Dallas returned to Angle to demand a title match again with Angle announcing a battle royal next week to determine the No. 1 contenders.
Conclusion: This was a fun enough show, but it felt a bit rushed. None of the matches really got time to shine while the booking and writing just felt steadily under par. This was a show on paper that should have been far stronger than it actually was, settling for good enough.
In the end, this show ended up feeling like a transition to a stronger Raw next week with WWE announcing most of the card for that show early. With even more wrestling on that show, this could be a preview edition for an excellently paced night of in-ring competition to come.
This show didn't even include Reigns without any real reason. Maybe he was just told he could take Memorial Day off because this Raw wasn't important enough for the supposed top star of the brand to be involved.
Each of the women in the gauntlet match except Bayley cut a selfie promo on the main event. The B-Team asked for a title match, but Angle refused with Axel and Dallas taking it as needing to ingratiate themselves to the tag team division first with a Memorial Day BBQ.
After their failed attempt, Axel and Dallas returned to Angle to demand a title match again with Angle announcing a battle royal next week to determine the No. 1 contenders.
Conclusion: This was a fun enough show, but it felt a bit rushed. None of the matches really got time to shine while the booking and writing just felt steadily under par. This was a show on paper that should have been far stronger than it actually was, settling for good enough.
In the end, this show ended up feeling like a transition to a stronger Raw next week with WWE announcing most of the card for that show early. With even more wrestling on that show, this could be a preview edition for an excellently paced night of in-ring competition to come.
This show didn't even include Reigns without any real reason. Maybe he was just told he could take Memorial Day off because this Raw wasn't important enough for the supposed top star of the brand to be involved.