Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
The trick of covering WWE is it is always in motion. No other entertainment is on every week of every year. As a fan, this is a blessing and a curse, but it gets even more frustrating as a critic. I need to give the same attention to every week of WWE programming even when WWE is phoning it in.
There is going to come a time when everything in a given week of this format won't be worth my attention, and I'll likely try my best to keep it entertaining. With the build-up to SummerSlam this week at its halfway point, I was worried this would be that week, but luckily, the company is still going strong for now.
Sure, Raw was garbage, but at least there was SmackDown. NXT also had a match of the year contender, and 205 Live is always reliable enough. I just dread that coming week where I just go insane because I just watched a little under 7 hours of TV for nothing.
There is going to come a time when everything in a given week of this format won't be worth my attention, and I'll likely try my best to keep it entertaining. With the build-up to SummerSlam this week at its halfway point, I was worried this would be that week, but luckily, the company is still going strong for now.
Sure, Raw was garbage, but at least there was SmackDown. NXT also had a match of the year contender, and 205 Live is always reliable enough. I just dread that coming week where I just go insane because I just watched a little under 7 hours of TV for nothing.
WWE's attempt to recreate the magic of the Golden Lovers storyline is going well so far, complete with all the sexual tension.
WWE Monday Night Raw July 23, 2018
WWE Would Have You Believe Evolution is Made By This Company Alone
Overview: Vince McMahon, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon all addressed the WWE locker room this week with the announcement of the first-ever all-women's pay-per-view Evolution. For the rest of the week, WWE repeatedly played this announcement while everyone took a turn praising it.
Analysis: I love the idea of an all women's PPV. I loved it years back when it was clear how much the women's division had improved. I will absolutely watch Evolution in October, and I expect it should be a fun event with hopefully a few showstealers.
The problem is that this whole presentation felt self-aggrandizing. WWE wanted everyone to know that they did this. They made history, but there's no reason the women shouldn't have already been getting these spotlight and opportunities years ago instead of competing in Lingerie Pillow Fights or Bra and Panties matches.
We Are Stuck in a Time Loop Entitled Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
Overview: Earning their spots in this No. 1 contender match last week, Roman Reigns fought Bobby Lashley in the main event. While Lashley once more brought Reigns to his limit, The Big Dog hit a Spear to take the win. Afterward, he showed The Dominator respect with a handshake.
Analysis: It's hilarious at this point. Lesnar vs. Reigns made sense for WrestleMania 34 as the two had unfinished business. It should have ended there, but then we got the third match at Greatest Royal Rumble with a debacle of a finish where Reigns actually won with the referee making the wrong call.
Now, instead of going with the fresh match that fans have been calling for since Lashley returned, we get Lesnar vs. Reigns IV, the match that was only good the first time. At this point, I'm expecting Braun Strowman to cash in only for Lesnar to still win by pinning The Monster Among Men after a Reigns Spear. Then it will keep going to WM 35.
Elias's Album is Musical Genius
Overview: Elias released his debut album, an EP entitled "WWE Walk With Elias". In his attempts to promote his new album on Raw, he was repeatedly interrupted by cretins who cannot appreciate great music. He peaked at No. 6 on the iTunes charts.
Analysis: Okay, it's not really a music album, but it is hilarious. I didn't think WWE would be able to pull this off, but they actually made an album of "tunes" Elias would sing on live TV while insulting the crowd. It's an ode to self-indulgence and ego as it should be.
Looking at critically, the EP isn't really worth buying. The background music is pretty generic, and the lyrics of the songs would only hope for a few listens. Still, this is a treasure that WWE was smart to release.
The best song of the four is "Walk With Me", the most complete song that could be Elias' theme in the future, though "The Ballad of Every Town I've Ever Been To..." and the 3:20 fakeout in "Nothing I Can't Do" need to experienced at least once.
Conclusion
Yeah, this was a pretty classic middle-of-the-road Raw. The main event was fine even if the result was frustrating. Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre continue to deliver every week especially when paired with Seth Rollins. The announcement was nice, but it was also beaten to death by repeated mentions to pad run time.
I actually enjoyed listening to a WWE album of Elias praising himself way more than much of what was on this show. This roster is stuck in an awkward loop, wasting good stories by shoving them into people's faces repeatedly without any payoff. How did I ever manage to stay a WWE fan only focusing on what happened on Raw?
Overview: Vince McMahon, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon all addressed the WWE locker room this week with the announcement of the first-ever all-women's pay-per-view Evolution. For the rest of the week, WWE repeatedly played this announcement while everyone took a turn praising it.
Analysis: I love the idea of an all women's PPV. I loved it years back when it was clear how much the women's division had improved. I will absolutely watch Evolution in October, and I expect it should be a fun event with hopefully a few showstealers.
The problem is that this whole presentation felt self-aggrandizing. WWE wanted everyone to know that they did this. They made history, but there's no reason the women shouldn't have already been getting these spotlight and opportunities years ago instead of competing in Lingerie Pillow Fights or Bra and Panties matches.
We Are Stuck in a Time Loop Entitled Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns
Overview: Earning their spots in this No. 1 contender match last week, Roman Reigns fought Bobby Lashley in the main event. While Lashley once more brought Reigns to his limit, The Big Dog hit a Spear to take the win. Afterward, he showed The Dominator respect with a handshake.
Analysis: It's hilarious at this point. Lesnar vs. Reigns made sense for WrestleMania 34 as the two had unfinished business. It should have ended there, but then we got the third match at Greatest Royal Rumble with a debacle of a finish where Reigns actually won with the referee making the wrong call.
Now, instead of going with the fresh match that fans have been calling for since Lashley returned, we get Lesnar vs. Reigns IV, the match that was only good the first time. At this point, I'm expecting Braun Strowman to cash in only for Lesnar to still win by pinning The Monster Among Men after a Reigns Spear. Then it will keep going to WM 35.
Elias's Album is Musical Genius
Overview: Elias released his debut album, an EP entitled "WWE Walk With Elias". In his attempts to promote his new album on Raw, he was repeatedly interrupted by cretins who cannot appreciate great music. He peaked at No. 6 on the iTunes charts.
Analysis: Okay, it's not really a music album, but it is hilarious. I didn't think WWE would be able to pull this off, but they actually made an album of "tunes" Elias would sing on live TV while insulting the crowd. It's an ode to self-indulgence and ego as it should be.
Looking at critically, the EP isn't really worth buying. The background music is pretty generic, and the lyrics of the songs would only hope for a few listens. Still, this is a treasure that WWE was smart to release.
The best song of the four is "Walk With Me", the most complete song that could be Elias' theme in the future, though "The Ballad of Every Town I've Ever Been To..." and the 3:20 fakeout in "Nothing I Can't Do" need to experienced at least once.
Conclusion
Yeah, this was a pretty classic middle-of-the-road Raw. The main event was fine even if the result was frustrating. Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre continue to deliver every week especially when paired with Seth Rollins. The announcement was nice, but it was also beaten to death by repeated mentions to pad run time.
I actually enjoyed listening to a WWE album of Elias praising himself way more than much of what was on this show. This roster is stuck in an awkward loop, wasting good stories by shoving them into people's faces repeatedly without any payoff. How did I ever manage to stay a WWE fan only focusing on what happened on Raw?
I can't believe Randy Orton made his return to WWE after a decade away! Can you imagine what he could have done in WWE over that time?
WWE SmackDown Live July 24, 2018
We're Going to Get AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Title at a WWE Big Four
Overview: General Manager Paige held a contract signing for AJ Styles' WWE Championship match at SummerSlam. After James Ellsworth failed to crash the party and got fired, Joe used the confusion to lock The Phenomenal One in the Coquina Clutch before signing the contract.
It was revealed backstage that Joe was the one Paige wanted Styles to face, but she was not happy with his assault of the WWE Champion.
Analysis: Imagine telling someone in June of 2013 after AJ Styles and Samoa Joe's latest clash on TNA Impact television that the next time these two would face off one on one would be 5 years later in WWE at SummerSlam for the WWE Championship. It's still crazy to even think about.
I don't know how much more Joe has left as a wrestler, but I still want him to get a run on top. He should have a quality match with Joe as he always has (even if they won't have Christopher Daniels to make it a classic). I'm way more excited for this than anything from Raw so far.
I Honestly Believe Becky Lynch Will Win a Major Match at SummerSlam
Overview: Becky Lynch refused to fall to any of Carmella's tactics without Ellsworth at her side, and she caught The Princess of Staten Island in the Dis-arm-her for a tap out. This earned her a championship match at SummerSlam against Carmella.
Analysis: It's a dangerous proposition to ever believe that Lynch will win a major match, but her recent run of wins feels like it means something. She has built clear momentum through her victories and defeated Carmella in impressive fashion. Most importantly, there's really no one left if Lynch loses.
The Princess of Staten Island has gone through Charlotte Flair and Asuka already, and now she had lost Ellsworth. As entertaining as Carmella has been as champion, she's also put on a string of bad title matches. It is time for a change with Evolution on the horizon.
The Legend Killer is Back and He Brought Randy Orton's Charisma
Overview: Randy Orton opened SmackDown with an explanation for his attack on Jeff Hardy. He called the fans legend killers who sapped the greatness of wrestlers, and he was done playing their games. His first attempt to take away all the fans' heroes was to end Hardy's career.
Analysis: Who knew Orton had charisma? I did once upon a time, but it was a very long time ago. For as great as his legacy is, the 13-time world champion has rarely felt like the elite competitor we have been told he is. He is not that big a star nor are his performances often worthy of the spotlight.
When he's on though, it's easy to see why he would be given that spotlight. He just is on so rarely. Right now, he's more invested than I have seen in a long time, and I think it is because he finally is letting go of "The Viper". He's returning to his roots, talking like a normal person.
Conclusion
It was great to see SmackDown using its two hours well. Almost every segment on this show had an impact and forward momentum toward SummerSlam with exciting results. Styles vs. Joe and Carmella vs. Lynch were announced. The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan continues to be a blast.
The Bar even returned in the middle of a welcome tag team tournament that is showcasing how great this roster is right now. If the right stars end up stepping up in the coming weeks, SmackDown will have easily the stronger line-up at SummerSlam.
Overview: General Manager Paige held a contract signing for AJ Styles' WWE Championship match at SummerSlam. After James Ellsworth failed to crash the party and got fired, Joe used the confusion to lock The Phenomenal One in the Coquina Clutch before signing the contract.
It was revealed backstage that Joe was the one Paige wanted Styles to face, but she was not happy with his assault of the WWE Champion.
Analysis: Imagine telling someone in June of 2013 after AJ Styles and Samoa Joe's latest clash on TNA Impact television that the next time these two would face off one on one would be 5 years later in WWE at SummerSlam for the WWE Championship. It's still crazy to even think about.
I don't know how much more Joe has left as a wrestler, but I still want him to get a run on top. He should have a quality match with Joe as he always has (even if they won't have Christopher Daniels to make it a classic). I'm way more excited for this than anything from Raw so far.
I Honestly Believe Becky Lynch Will Win a Major Match at SummerSlam
Overview: Becky Lynch refused to fall to any of Carmella's tactics without Ellsworth at her side, and she caught The Princess of Staten Island in the Dis-arm-her for a tap out. This earned her a championship match at SummerSlam against Carmella.
Analysis: It's a dangerous proposition to ever believe that Lynch will win a major match, but her recent run of wins feels like it means something. She has built clear momentum through her victories and defeated Carmella in impressive fashion. Most importantly, there's really no one left if Lynch loses.
The Princess of Staten Island has gone through Charlotte Flair and Asuka already, and now she had lost Ellsworth. As entertaining as Carmella has been as champion, she's also put on a string of bad title matches. It is time for a change with Evolution on the horizon.
The Legend Killer is Back and He Brought Randy Orton's Charisma
Overview: Randy Orton opened SmackDown with an explanation for his attack on Jeff Hardy. He called the fans legend killers who sapped the greatness of wrestlers, and he was done playing their games. His first attempt to take away all the fans' heroes was to end Hardy's career.
Analysis: Who knew Orton had charisma? I did once upon a time, but it was a very long time ago. For as great as his legacy is, the 13-time world champion has rarely felt like the elite competitor we have been told he is. He is not that big a star nor are his performances often worthy of the spotlight.
When he's on though, it's easy to see why he would be given that spotlight. He just is on so rarely. Right now, he's more invested than I have seen in a long time, and I think it is because he finally is letting go of "The Viper". He's returning to his roots, talking like a normal person.
Conclusion
It was great to see SmackDown using its two hours well. Almost every segment on this show had an impact and forward momentum toward SummerSlam with exciting results. Styles vs. Joe and Carmella vs. Lynch were announced. The Miz vs. Daniel Bryan continues to be a blast.
The Bar even returned in the middle of a welcome tag team tournament that is showcasing how great this roster is right now. If the right stars end up stepping up in the coming weeks, SmackDown will have easily the stronger line-up at SummerSlam.
Don't try too hard, guys. You're still not getting a spot at SummerSlam.
205 Live July 24, 2018
Drew Gulak is the Best Choice Right Now to Take the Cruiserweight Championship
Overview: In the Fatal 4-Way main event, TJP directed Drew Gulak and Hideo Itami to take out Mustafa Ali early and often so that they could fight for the No. 1 contendership. Ali recovered enough to hit TJP with an 054 only for Itami to rip him out of the ring and repeatedly knock him into the steps.
However, just as Itami looked poised to cover Ali and win, Gulak snuck in and stole the win by making Ali pass out to the Gu-Lock.
Analysis: This match was not quite as good as it could have been. The early portion was awkward as the four men struggled to find a balance and Ali sat out the action. Once Ali got back into and the dynamic between Gulak and Itami was sold, it really got going. This was a solid main event with the perfect result.
Gulak was built perfectly as almost unstoppable in his feud with The Lucha House Party, and he still likely has the support of Jack Gallagher and The Brian Kendrick. He's the perfect vicious vocal heel leader that can finally take down Cedric Alexander. I would have him be the one to win the title when he gets his shot.
Overview: In the Fatal 4-Way main event, TJP directed Drew Gulak and Hideo Itami to take out Mustafa Ali early and often so that they could fight for the No. 1 contendership. Ali recovered enough to hit TJP with an 054 only for Itami to rip him out of the ring and repeatedly knock him into the steps.
However, just as Itami looked poised to cover Ali and win, Gulak snuck in and stole the win by making Ali pass out to the Gu-Lock.
Analysis: This match was not quite as good as it could have been. The early portion was awkward as the four men struggled to find a balance and Ali sat out the action. Once Ali got back into and the dynamic between Gulak and Itami was sold, it really got going. This was a solid main event with the perfect result.
Gulak was built perfectly as almost unstoppable in his feud with The Lucha House Party, and he still likely has the support of Jack Gallagher and The Brian Kendrick. He's the perfect vicious vocal heel leader that can finally take down Cedric Alexander. I would have him be the one to win the title when he gets his shot.
NXT July 25, 2018
If NXT is Serious About How Important Takeover, Aleister Black vs. Tommaso Ciampa Happened a Few Weeks Too Early
Overview: After weeks of attacking and taunting Aleister Black, Tommaso Ciampa finally got his one shot at the NXT Championship. Black refused to go down to all of Ciampa's best tactics, but he could manage to connect with the Black Mass to seal the victory.
When the referee went down just as Black finally hit his finisher, Ciampa took advantage, viciously going after Black's eye. This brought out Johnny Gargano to try and stop The Sicilian Psychopath, but Gargano accidentally hit the champion with his NXT Title, allowing Ciampa to hit the hanging DDT for the win.
Analysis: If there is one problem with the excellent NXT main event we got this week, it was the atmosphere. Full Sail was as loud and energized as it could be, but it could not compare to having that same match in the Barclays Center with 15,000 in attendance to see Ciampa's reign of terror begin.
I am glad that NXT has fully committed to the best heel to ever work on this developmental brand, but this moment could have been so much bigger saved for just a few more weeks. I doubt the next match that comes out of this will be as impactful.
Overview: After weeks of attacking and taunting Aleister Black, Tommaso Ciampa finally got his one shot at the NXT Championship. Black refused to go down to all of Ciampa's best tactics, but he could manage to connect with the Black Mass to seal the victory.
When the referee went down just as Black finally hit his finisher, Ciampa took advantage, viciously going after Black's eye. This brought out Johnny Gargano to try and stop The Sicilian Psychopath, but Gargano accidentally hit the champion with his NXT Title, allowing Ciampa to hit the hanging DDT for the win.
Analysis: If there is one problem with the excellent NXT main event we got this week, it was the atmosphere. Full Sail was as loud and energized as it could be, but it could not compare to having that same match in the Barclays Center with 15,000 in attendance to see Ciampa's reign of terror begin.
I am glad that NXT has fully committed to the best heel to ever work on this developmental brand, but this moment could have been so much bigger saved for just a few more weeks. I doubt the next match that comes out of this will be as impactful.
Aleister Black loses two main event spots to Tommaso Ciampa then his title. Who could have seen this coming?
Match of the Week
NXT Champion Aleister Black (c) vs. Tommaso Ciampa, NXT 7/25 (9.5/10)
There was only one match that was ever going to define this week. For over a month, NXT has built to this clash between the undefeated champion and the vicious challenger. It lived up to the billing for sure.
The strikes were impactful and rang throughout the arena. The tactics were clear and distinct with each man closing in on victory based on their own strategy. The storytelling worked well as The Psycho Killer got under Black's skin, pushing the champion to get vicious and reckless.
I did feel the opening stretch was a bit slow with a few spots down the line coming off a bit too choreographed, but it was still good enough to main event any NXT or WWE event this year. Now Ciampa has taken over, thanks to the one man who could not stand for his friend to hold that title.
Honorable Mention: Seth Rollins and Finn Balor vs. Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre, Raw 7/23 (8.5/10)
Is it wrong to say that WWE has completely missed the boat with Ziggler and McIntyre's tag team prowess? They've been great together in this more high-profile story, but they continue to put on great matches together even when they shouldn't be.
After McIntyre and Finn Balor had a good enough clash that needed ten more minutes, the switch to a tag match really got everyone going. Seth Rollins was on fire here, selling why he still cannot get over losing his Intercontinental Championship.
I hate that this means they're continuing Rollins vs. Ziggler when it had a natural climax match already, but it should mean a few more great TV matches into an excellent PPV clash.
There was only one match that was ever going to define this week. For over a month, NXT has built to this clash between the undefeated champion and the vicious challenger. It lived up to the billing for sure.
The strikes were impactful and rang throughout the arena. The tactics were clear and distinct with each man closing in on victory based on their own strategy. The storytelling worked well as The Psycho Killer got under Black's skin, pushing the champion to get vicious and reckless.
I did feel the opening stretch was a bit slow with a few spots down the line coming off a bit too choreographed, but it was still good enough to main event any NXT or WWE event this year. Now Ciampa has taken over, thanks to the one man who could not stand for his friend to hold that title.
Honorable Mention: Seth Rollins and Finn Balor vs. Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre, Raw 7/23 (8.5/10)
Is it wrong to say that WWE has completely missed the boat with Ziggler and McIntyre's tag team prowess? They've been great together in this more high-profile story, but they continue to put on great matches together even when they shouldn't be.
After McIntyre and Finn Balor had a good enough clash that needed ten more minutes, the switch to a tag match really got everyone going. Seth Rollins was on fire here, selling why he still cannot get over losing his Intercontinental Championship.
I hate that this means they're continuing Rollins vs. Ziggler when it had a natural climax match already, but it should mean a few more great TV matches into an excellent PPV clash.
