Tonight’s RAW kicked off with Dean Ambrose getting a phone call backstage. RAW GM Kurt Angle called Ambrose and informed him of something. Ambrose then made his way to the ring and the London crowd gave him a great reaction. Ambrose grabbed a microphone and informed the crowd that RAW GM Kurt Angle will not be at RAW tonight. Ambrose revealed that Angle made him GM of RAW for the night and the crowd broke out in a “yes!” chant.
The Miz then interrupted and the crowd booed. Miz was disgusted that Angle made Ambrose GM for the night. Miz and Maryse joined Ambrose in the ring and Miz announced that he received a phone call from Stephanie McMahon. The crowd then chanted “delete!” after Stephanie’s name was mentioned. Miz stated that Stephanie made Miz co-GM for the night. Ambrose stated that he is going to put a beatdown on Miz at Extreme Rules. Miz boasted about defeating Finn Balor and Seth Rollins to become #1 contender to the Intercontinental Championship.
Ambrose sarcastically congratulated Miz and extended his hand for a handshake. Braun Strowman then interrupted and made his way down to the ring. Strowman had his arm in a sling and the announcer’s claimed that it was due to his battle with Roman Reigns at WWE Payback. Strowman grabbed a microphone and entered the ring. The London crowd chanted “thank you Strowman” for delivering a beatdown to Reigns at Payback. Strowman stated that he wouldn’t be finished with Roman Reigns until he cannot walk anymore. Strowman instructed Ambrose and Miz to call Angle and Stephanie to tell them when his arm is healed, he is going to end Roman Reigns. Strowman then claimed that when he is finished with Reigns, he wants Brock Lesnar.
Kalisto then interrupted and came down to the entrance with a microphone. Kalisto said that he wasn’t finished with Strowman. Kalisto bragged about defeating Strowman in the Dumpster Match a couple of weeks ago on RAW. Kalisto demanded a match with Strowman tonight. Strowman laughed it off and stated that he could beat Kalisto with one arm. Dean Ambrose made a match tonight between Strowman and Kalisto. Strowman got pissed off and said that he was injured. Ambrose made the match anyway and Strowman dropped the microphone and walked away. Miz congratulated Ambrose on ending Kalisto’s career 10 minutes into his run as RAW GM. Dean Ambrose then announced that the first match of the night will be Finn Balor versus The Miz.
Reaction: It was reported earlier today that Braun Strowman is undergoing an elbow surgery and will be out 4-8 weeks. That is a major loss, as Strowman was presumably going to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at either Extreme Rules or Great Balls of Fire. Ambrose continues to be entertaining on RAW. I’m not sure what the hell happened to on SmackDown, but he has been much better since joining RAW after the Superstar Shake-Up.
Finn Balor vs The Miz
The Miz rolled out of the ring right when the match started and the crowd booed him. Balor controlled the match early but Miz fought back and kicked Balor in the chest. Miz went for a roll up but Balor rolled through and Dropkicked Miz in the face. Balor connected with another Dropkick for a two count. Balor connected with a kick and followed it up with a Clothesline that knocked Miz out of the ring. The crowd chanted “Finn” as Balor hit another Dropkick that sent Miz into the barricade. Back in the ring, Balor climbed to the top turnbuckle but Maryse dragged Miz out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Miz was in control of the match and hit a Neckbreaker for a two count. Miz went for a Skull Crushing Finale but Balor blocked. Miz stuck with it and hit a DDT for a two count and complained to the referee that he wasn’t counting fast enough. Miz connected with a knee and knocked Balor to the mat. Miz applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring as Maryse cheered him on. Balor broke out of the hold and hit a kick to the face and both Superstars fell to the mat.
The referee began counting and Balor made it to his feet at the count of seven. Balor knocked Miz to the mat and connected with another Dropkick that sent Miz to the corner. Miz climbed to the top turnbuckle but Balor kicked him in the face and Miz spilled out of the ring. Balor hit a Dropkick through the ropes and then climbed to the ring apron. Balor punted Miz’s and Miz fell to the floor.
The action returned to the ring and Miz begged for a timeout. Maryse got up onto the ring apron and the referee got distracted. Miz then shoved Balor into the referee and Miz rolled out of the ring. Miz grabbed a microphone and demanded that the referee disqualify Balor for making contact with the referee. Miz then announced himself as the winner and began making his way up the entrance ramp.
Dean Ambrose then demanded that the match be restarted and banned Maryse from ringside. Balor sprinted up the entrance ramp and struck Miz from behind. Back in the ring, Balor hit the Slingblade and climbed to the top rope. Balor then connected with the Coupe De Grace for the victory.
Winner: Finn Balor
Reaction: This was a solid way to kick off RAW. Ambrose and Miz battling it out as GMs of RAW for a night can be entertaining. It will be interesting to see how this plays out for the rest of the night. I’m guessing The Miz will want to get revenge on Ambrose for restarting his match against Finn Balor.
Nia Jax was shown backstage with Alexa Bliss. Nia asked if Alexa meant what she said last week about Nia being great was true. Alexa said that she definitely meant it. Nia said that when Alexa is finished with Bayley, Nia wants a shot at the RAW Women’s Championship. Alexa stated that she doesn’t make matches, but claimed that she would ask RAW GM Kurt Angle to make the match. Nia then said that until that match takes place, she will be Alexa’s best friend. Nia then patted Alexa on the back and walked away. Alexa didn’t seem too thrilled about what just went down.
Alexa Bliss vs Mickie James
Alexa Bliss came down to the ring and Nia Jax followed her. Mickie James came down to the ring and Bayley joined her. The crowd started to sing to Bayley as the match started. Alexa threw Mickie to mat and mocked the crowd. Mickie responded by jumping onto Alexa and connecting with a flurry of right hands. Alexa tried to hide behind the referee but Mickie caught her with a kick to the face for a two count. The crowd started to sing “hey Mickie” as Mickie controlled the match. Alexa rolled out of the ring and told the crowd to shut up. Mickie connected with a Dropkick outside the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Bliss was in control of the match and focused her attack on Mickie’s arm. Alexa locked in an Arm Bar in the middle of the ring. Bayley pumped up the crowd as Mickie battled to her feet. Alexa sent her back to the mat with a knee to Mickie’s stomach. Mickie connected with a Hurricanrana to Bliss but Alexa immediately knocked Mickie right back to the mat. Bliss told Mickie to give up and went for Double Knees but Mickie got out of the way.
Mickie knocked Alexa down with a Clothesline for a two count. Mickie went to climb the turnbuckle, but Nia grabbed her leg and held her up. Bayley took out Nia Jax with a Crossbody outside the ring. Alexa then capitalized on the distraction and pinned Mickie in the ring. After the match, Bayley chased Alexa Bliss backstage. Nia then got in the ring and connected with a Spash on Mickie in the corner. Nia then hit an Elbow Drop on Mickie and left the ring.
Winner: Alexa Bliss
Reaction: The ending of this match was pretty clumsy. Nia has improved in the ring and I think she should be in line for a shot at the title in the near future.
Miz confronted Ambrose backstage. Ambrose informed Miz that Miz TV was canceled. Miz then announced that Ambrose will face Bray Wyatt tonight.
Samoa Joe was interviewed backstage and was asked about attacking Seth Rollins last week. Joe was pissed off about his loss to Rollins at Payback and stated that Rollins simply escaped at Payback. Joe said that he is not through with Rollins. Joe then said that he was going to break every bone in Rollins’ body. Seth Rollins attacked Joe backstage and hit him with a ladder. The two Superstars traded punches until the fight was broken up by security.
Reaction: I love this fued but their match at Payback was a major disappointed. I want to see another match happen between Rollins and Joe. Both Superstars are extremely talented and can put on a much better match than the one they had at Payback. I would like to see WWE build Joe up as a monster, instead of having him lose via a roll up to Rollins again.
Braun Strowman vs Kalisto
Strowman grabbed a microphone before the match and told Dean Ambrose to shove it. Strowman said he was injured and that he is not accepting this match tonight. The bell rang anyway and Strowman booted Kalisto in the face. Strowman stomped on Kalisto in the corner and Roman Reigns’ music hit. The crowd loudly booed as Reigns made his way to the ring.
Strowman and Reigns stared at each other in the ring. Reigns kicked Strowman’s injured arm and then hit two Superman Punches. Reigns hit a third Superman Punch and Strowman rolled out of the ring. Roman charged at Strowman outside the ring but Braun hit him with a kick to the shoulder. Strowman charged at Reigns but Roman got out of the way and Braun hit the ring post. Reigns then slammed Strowman’s injured arm into the ring post several times.
Reigns continued the beatdown and slammed Braun’s arm into the ring apron. Reigns grabbed a chair and hit Braun’s injured arm several times. Braun then retreated through the crowd as Roman Reigns stood tall in the ring.
Reaction: Strowman’s injury absolutely sucks and it is terrible timing. I was looking forward to a match between Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman and it appears that is going to have to be put on hold for some time. It has been rumored that Reigns will face Lesnar at Wrestlemania 34 for the Universal Championship. I’m guessing that still is the plan, so it will be interesting to see who WWE selects to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship in the next couple of months. The ridiculously named “Great Balls of Fire” PPV isn’t until July 9th, so it is possible that Strowman will still be Lesnar’s opponent in his first Universal Championship defense.
Golden Truth had a pep talk backstage. Goldust claimed that they were going to turn back the clocks tonight and shock the world by becoming the #1 contenders for the RAW Tag Team Championships.
Tag Team Turmoil To Determine #1 Contenders For Raw Tag Team Championships: Golden Truth vs Sheamus & Cesaro vs Enzo & Cass vs Gallows & Anderson vs Slater & Rhyno
Enzo and Big Cass started off the match against Sheamus and Cesaro. Sheamus clobbered Cass in the corner but Cass battled back and beatdown Sheamus. Cass launched Sheamus into the turnbuckle and connected with a Splash. Cass then hit the Empire Elbow as Matt and Jeff Hardy were shown backstage watching the match. Enzo entered the match and hit a Crossbody off the top rope onto Sheamus. Sheamus then hit an Irish Curse Backbreaker and Enzo rolled out of the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Cesaro was in the ring stomping on Enzo. Cesaro charged at Enzo but Enzo dodged it and Cesaro slammed into the ring post. Sheamus then charged at Enzo and missed and fell out of the ring. Sheamus then slung Cass into the ring post outside the ring. Back in the ring, Cesaro locked in the Sharpshooter and Enzo tapped out. Enzo and Cass were the first team eliminated.
Heath Slater and Rhyno were next up and Sheamus and Cesaro met them at the entrance ramp. Sheamus and Cesaro slammed Rhyno into the steel steps. Heath Slater was then rolled into the ring and Cesaro beat him down. The crowd chanted “he’s got kids!” and Cesaro responded by hitting a Leg Drop to Slater’s groin. The crowd then chanted “no more kids!” as Cesaro applied a Chin Lock. Slater connected with a kick to Cesaro and went for a tag but Rhyno was still outside the ring. Sheamus was then tagged in and he hit a Dropkick on Rhyno who was just getting to the ring apron. Sheamus then planted Slater with a Brogue Kick for the victory. Heath Slater and Rhyno were the second team eliminated.
Gallows and Anderson made their way to the ring as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Cesaro was in control and launched Anderson into the corner. Anderson battled back and tagged in Gallows. Gallows beatdown Cesaro and applied a Chin Lock. Cesaro fought out of it and hit a massive Suplex. Sheamus was tagged in and Gallows connected with a right hand that knocked Sheamus to the mat.
Sheamus connected with a Clothesline to Gallows and then knocked Anderson off the ring apron. Gallows connected with a kick and tagged in Anderson. Cesaro planted Gallows with a springboard uppercut and Anderson connected with a Spinebuster to Cesaro and all four Superstars were on the mat. Sheamus connected with White Noise on Gallows for a two count and RAW went to another commercial break.
When RAW returned, Gallows and Anderson were in control. Gallows and Anderson set Sheamus up for the Magic Killer but Cesaro broke it up and Clotheslined Anderson out of the ring. Sheamus then connected with a Brogue Kick on Gallows for the victory. Gallows and Anderson were the third team eliminated.
It was now down to Golden Truth versus Sheamus and Cesaro. Goldust and R-Truth Clotheslined Cesaro out of the ring and then slammed Sheamus to the mat. Goldust connected with a Bulldog on Sheamus and then connected with right hands while on the turnbuckle. Goldust hit Sheamus with a Powerslam for a two count. Goldust then knocked Cesaro out of the ring but Sheamus knocked Goldust out of the ring as well. Cesaro then slammed Goldust’s knee into the barricade outside the ring.
Back in the ring, Cesaro targeted Goldust’s knee and tagged in Sheamus. Sheamus stomped on Goldust’s knee as R-Truth tried to get the crowd pumped up. Sheamus applied the Half Crab but Goldust battled out of it. Cesaro was then tagged in and he prevented Goldust from tagging in R-Truth. Cesaro mocked Goldust and then knocked R-Truth off the ring apron. Cesaro then applied the Sharpshooter on Goldust in the middle of the ring. R-Truth broke up the hold before Goldust tapped out.
R-Truth was finally tagged in and he kicked Sheamus off the ring apron. R-Truth then connected with a kick to Cesaro for a two count. R-Truth connected with a Lie Detector for a two count. R-Truth then charged at Cesaro in the corner but Cesaro got out of the way. Cesaro then rolled R-Truth for the victory. Sheamus and Cesaro are now the #1 contenders for the RAW Tag Team Championships.
After the match, Sheamus and Cesaro beatdown Golden Truth. The Hardy Boyz came down to the ring but Sheamus and Cesaro retreated.
Winners & #1 Contenders For The RAW Tag Team Championships: Sheamus & Cesaro
Reaction: I thought this was a solid match and the right team won. Sheamus and Cesaro dominated and ran the table. The match between The Hardys and Sheamus & Cesaro at Payback was very good. I’m looking forward to their rematch at Extreme Rules and I wouldn’t be surprised if Sheamus & Cesaro once again captured the RAW Tag Team Championships.
Seth Rollins vs Samoa Joe
Rollins and Joe traded punches to start off the match. The action quickly spilled outside the ring and Rollins bounced Joe’s head off the barricade. Joe then slammed Rollins’ head off the ring apron and the match returned to the ring. Joe connected with a series of jabs and then a chop to Rollins’ chest in the corner. Seth battled back and slammed Joe’s head into the second turnbuckle and Joe fell out of the ring. Rollins leaped off the ring apron and connnected with a Clothesline that sent Joe to the floor.
Samoa Joe slammed Rollins into the barricade and then brought Seth back into the ring. Rollins connected with a kick to the face and then planted Joe with a Slingblade for a one count. Rollins hit Joe with a couple of chops to the chest but was then knocked to the mat by an elbow from Joe. Joe then punched Rollins in the face a couple of times while Rollins laid on the mat.
Both Superstars traded punches and Joe got the upper-hand and planted Rollins with a Suplex for a two count. Rollins hit a Blockbuster off the second rope. Joe tripped up Rollins on the ring apron and Rollins fell on his injured knee and RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Samoa Joe was in control and his attack was focused on Rollins’ knee. Seth tried to fight back but Joe knocked Rollins to the mat and hit him with an elbow for a two count. Joe had a sadistic look on his face as he stalked Rollins as Seth leaned up against the ropes. Joe then stomped on Rollins’ knee and laughed maniacally. Joe tried to apply the Coquina Clutch but Rollins reversed it into a Jaw Breaker. Rollins knocked Joe out of the ring and hit two Suicide Dives back to back.
Back in the ring, Rollins hit a Clothesline off the top rope for a two count. Joe hit a quick and viscous Powerslam on Rollins for a two count. Joe hit an inverted Atomic Drop and followed it up with a boot to the face and a Senton for a two count. Rollins hit a Falcon Arrow but he couldn’t hook Joe’s legs during the pinfall and Joe powered out at two. Joe once again went for the Coquina Clutch but Rollins wiggled out of it and kicked Joe in the head.
Rollins got up on the top turnbuckle but Joe brought him back down to the mat. Rollins connected with a kick to the face for a two count. The top turnbuckle pad came off during this exchange and Rollins was shoved into it. The referee tried to put the pad back on but Joe grabbed it from him and threw it out of the ring. J0e then slammed Rollins’ head into the exposed turnbuckle and Joe was disqualified. After the match, Joe applied the Coquina Clutch in the middle of the ring. Joe finally released Rollins from the hold and the crowd booed.
Winner via DQ: Seth Rollins
Reaction: I thought this match was excellent and was way better than their match at Payback. In fact, I wrote in my predictions for WWE Payback that their match should end in a disqualification. I don’t understand why WWE had Rollins pick up a fluke victory over Joe at Payback. This is exactly what I thought should have happened at the PPV. Joe needs to built up as a monster. His in-ring work is fantastic and he is very effective at cutting promos as well.
I’ve been a Samoa Joe fan long before he arrived at NXT. His match at TNA Turning Point 2005 against AJ Styles and Christopher Daniels is one that I still go back and watch to this day. Their match at Unbreakable 2005 was stellar as well. It is stunning to look back at TNA and all of the talent they had back in the day. They somehow were able to do absolutely nothing with that talent, which is a remarkable achievement in it’s own right.
Samoa Joe doesn’t have the traditional look of a WWE Superstar, but the fact is that he is flat out better than most wrestlers currently in the WWE. He has the potential to be a game changer in WWE if booked correctly as a monster heel. Tonight was a big step forward in building up Samoa Joe on the main roster and I hope that continues in the following weeks.
TJP vs Jack Gallagher
TJ Perkins is now referred to as “TJP”. Neville had a conversation with Perkins backstage earlier in the night. Neville said that if Perkins defeated Gallagher, he would give Perkins a shot at the Cruiserweight Championship. Neville joined commentary for this match and had a hell of an attitude towards Michael Cole. Gallagher dabbed right when the match started and connected with a headbutt. The match spilled outside the ring and Perkins slammed Gallagher into the steel steps.
The action returned to the ring and TJP remained in control. TJ went for a kick but Gallagher blocked it and hit two Dropkicks in a row. Gallagher then slammed Perkins to the mat as Neville shouted at Cole on commentary. Gallagher went for a roll up but TJP reversed it and grabbed Gallagher’s tights during the pinfall. TJP then attacked Gallagher after the match and applied the Knee Bar. Austin Aries came down the ring and made the save. TJP rolled out of the ring and Aries stood tall in the ring.
Winner: TJP
Reaction: This match was solid but would have been even better if it was given more time. Cole asked Neville is he was going to keep his promise and give TJP a shot at the title. Neville avoided the question and that will definitely be an issue going forward on 205 Live. Aries was in a knee brace due to TJP’s attack on him last week. I remain very impressed with Neville as a heel. He has completely reinvented himself and is now entertaining on commentary and while cutting promos.
Sasha Banks vs Alicia Fox
Fox and Banks traded slaps to start off the match. Fox got the upper-hand and slammed Banks to the mat. Fox hit a Northern Lights Suplex for a one count. Fox applied a Chin Lock but Sasha battled out of it. Banks hit a Hurricanrana and then followed it up with Double Knees in the corner. Sasha hit Double Knees off the second rope for the victory. Corey Graves noted that Alicia Fox’s shoulders were off the mat during the pinfall and Sasha Banks stole the victory.
Winner: Sasha Banks
Dean Ambrose vs Bray Wyatt
It was announced that Dean Ambrose will defend his Intercontinental Championship against The Miz next week on RAW. The Miz and Maryse joined commentary for this match. Bray Wyatt launched Ambrose across the ring as Miz called him a slob for wearing jeans during a wrestling match. Ambrose connected with a series of chops but Bray Wyatt cut down his momentum with a right hand to the face. Wyatt shouted “I am a god” and charged at Ambrose but Dean ducked out of the way and Wyatt went flying out of the ring. Ambrose then hit a Suicide Dive on Wyatt outside the ring. Bray Wyatt then Suplexed Ambrose off the ring apron and onto the floor outside the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.
When RAW returned, Bray Wyatt was in control of the match. Bray elbowed Ambrose across the back of the head and Ambrose fell to the mat. Ambrose got back to his feet but was planted with a DDT for a two count. The crowd tried to pump up Ambrose and Bray Wyatt shouted “that doesn’t matter you idiots!” as the crowd cheered Ambrose on. Ambrose went for the Lunatic Lariat but Bray was ready and leveled him with a Clothesline for a two count.
Wyatt climbed to the second turnbuckle and went for a Senton but Ambrose rolled out of the way and Wyatt crashed to the mat. Ambrose connected with a Clothesline and connected with a kick to the face. Ambrose climbed to the top turnbuckle and Bray rolled out of the ring. Ambrose didn’t care and leaped off the turnbuckle and hit an elbow on Bray outside the ring.
Back in ring, Bray Wyatt and Ambrose collided and both Superstars fell to the mat. The Miz said he wanted to get a closer look at this match and made his way to the ring with Maryse. Ambrose became distracted and Bray went for Sister Abigail but Ambrose blocked it. Wyatt then slammed Ambrose to the mat for a two count. The Miz took off his sunglasses outside the ring and seemed to be waiting for an opportunity to attack Ambrose.
Both Superstars battled on the second turnbuckle and Wyatt got the upper-hand. Wyatt went for a Superplex but Ambrose blocked it. Dean hit a few headbutts and knocked Bray to the mat. Ambrose then went to leap onto Bray but Wyatt caught him with a right hand. Ambrose then bounced off the ropes and connected with a Lunatic Lariat. The Miz then grabbed the Intercontinental Championship and Ambrose was distracted. Dean hit Miz with a Suicide Dive outside the ring.
Bray joined the party outside the ring but was launched into the barricade. Ambrose rolled Bray back into the ring but Miz hit Ambrose with the Intercontinental Championship. The referee never saw it and Bray Wyatt brought Ambrose back in the ring. Wyatt went for a pinfall but Ambrose kicked out at two. Bray then hit the Sister Abigail for the victory. The Miz then grabbed a microphone and announced Bray Wyatt as the winner. Miz then got in the ring and beatdown Ambrose. Miz then claimed that he will defeat Ambrose next week and that the whole world will look at Miz as the Intercontinental Champion and simply say “awesome!”.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
Reaction: The main event was a decent match. It was pretty obvious that Miz would get involved once he joined commentary. I find it bizarre that last week Bray Wyatt attacked Finn Balor and Balor didn’t seek out retribution tonight. Overall, I enjoyed tonight’s episode of RAW. The crowd was great and there were a few solid matches on the show.
What did you think of this week’s episode of WWE RAW? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
