Monday Night Raw was live last night in Buffalo, New York. Hot off the heels of an eventful Extreme Rules, we are now on the road to SummerSlam. At Extreme Rules, General Manager Kurt Angle gave an ultimatum to Universal Champion Brock Lesnar that if he does not show up or come to terms on when he will defend the Universal Championship, Brock will be stripped.
Not wasting anytime, Raw kicked off with Angle as he declares Lesnar to show up. Brock’s advocate Paul Heyman comes out and states that Lesnar is not in the building. As Kurt began announcing that Brock is stripped, Paul explained that Brock wants to go into the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) octagon with the Universal Championship. Kurt declared that Brock will defend the championship at SummerSlam or he is stripped. Paul accepted the challenge.
Out came Bobby Lashley, who coming off a monumental win at Extreme Rules over Roman Reigns, has one goal in mind and that is becoming Universal Champion. Then Drew McIntyre, Seth Rollins, Elias, Finn Balor, and Roman Reigns all came out one by one stating why they deserve shots at Brock Lesnar and the Universal Championship.
Kurt announces that there will be two triple threat matches which the two winners will go on to wrestle each other next week and the winner of that match will face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at SummerSlam.
Drew McIntyre v. Finn Balor v. Roman Reigns
What a contest to open Raw. This was a hard hitting, high flying, highly competitive match with good effort put in from all three men. Drew, Roman and Finn flew all over the ring, and outside the ring all to try to get an opportunity to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship.
Roman picks up the win and advances to next week. Hot start to Raw, kinda lame finish with Roman having the possibility to have yet another opportunity to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship. Would have liked any of the other two because it would freshen up the main event scene but we get Roman yet again.
Even losing last night, Roman is still getting opportunities. Finn won last night at Extreme Rules and Drew beat one of the best on Raw right now Seth Rollins last week in the main event of Raw. Yet, Roman wins. Good match, wrong guy won.
Dolph Ziggler is the Iron Man
Dolph Ziggler celebrates beating Seth Rollins at Extreme Rules and retaining the Intercontinental Championship. He also states that he Main Evented as Intercontinental Champion. The first time the Intercontinental Championship main evented a pay per view since 2001. Then outcomes Bobby Roode and challenges Dolph for a match.
It is an exciting contest, that really showed each man’s potential. Bobby gave everything in his arsenal but it was not enough as Ziggler was able to hit a massive superkick for the pin and the win. Bobby has the ability in the ring, but he is missing something that can make him one of the best in the company. Whether it be a character change or a heel turn, Bobby has the ability only if given a chance to show his potential.
Tyler Breeze v. Mojo Rawley
Before the contest, Mojo stares down Bobby Roode backstage stating that Bobby is supposed to be glorious?
Mojo runs through Tyler Breeze picking up a very impressive victory. Mojo has found a new attitude and demeanor. Mojo is slowly becoming more impressive every week.
Sasha Banks & Bayley v. Alicia Fox & Dana Brooke
Did the therapy work for the former best friends? General Manager Kurt Angle gave them an ultimatum that if Sasha and Bayley cannot coexist, than one of them will be traded to SmackDown.
Bayley started and wrestled the entire contest. However, when Bayley gets double teamed by Dana and Alicia, Sasha comes and saves Bayley. But, for some reason, that is a disqualification?
Really confused by the result. Also, they announced if Bayley and Sasha lost, then one would get traded. The announce team immediately jump to the next segment with no announcement of who won. Sadly this is normal on an episode of Raw.
Backstage, Sasha and Bayley talk it out. Sasha shows her feelings to Bayley and now their friendship is fixed.
The B-Team (Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel) v. The Ascension (Konnor & Viktor)
The new Raw Tag Team Champions, The B-Team continue their winning ways beating The Ascension in a quick contest. After the match, the former tag team champions The Deleters of Worlds (Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt) declare they will get their rematch next Monday Night for the Raw Tag Team Championships.
The Goddess Stands Tall?
At Extreme Rules, Alexa Bliss retained the Raw Women’s Championship defeating Nia Jax. With that win, Alexa has now defeated every women on the Raw roster. Except for one, Ronda Rousey. Rousey shows up through the crowd. Ronda’s suspension does not end until Wednesday. Ronda chases down Alexa and Mickie and beats both down.
What repercussions will happen for Ronda defying orders of her suspension? Ronda gets another week for her suspension. However, if Ronda waits her suspension out, she will face Alexa Bliss at SummerSlam for the Raw Women’s Championship.
Authors of Pain (Rezar & Akem) v. Titus Worldwide (Titus O’Neil & Apollo Crews)
The Authors of Pain demolish Titus Worldwide. Complete domination by AOP. A huge statement has been made to the Raw tag team division. Could they soon be in the hunt for the Raw Tag Team Championships? Look out B-Team.
Ember Moon v. Sarah Logan
In a competitive contest, Sarah Logan picks up the upset win over Ember Moon. Sarah’s first win on Monday Night Raw as a singles competitor. Good contest showing the future of the Women’s division.
Elias v. Seth Rollins v. Bobby Lashley
In the second triple threat match, the winner will face Roman Reigns in the main event next week to see who goes to SummerSlam to face Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship.
Nearly matching the first triple threat from earlier in the night, these three showed the importance of the Universal Championship opportunity. Bobby was able to spear Elias for the win and will head to next week to face Roman Reigns next week for a chance to face Brock Lesnar.
Conclusion
Overall, Raw was not bad. However, there are the obvious logic and plot holes that leave too many questions on why. Roman and Bobby have the chance to be a barnburner. Also, Ronda does not get arrested for jumping the barricade yet again even though she is suspended? Also, where does Seth go heading towards SummerSlam? Hopefully next week, being in person, Raw will be exciting.
David Jacobus
Intern