Raw Review 05/14/2018

As Money In The Bank gets closer who will be the final two Raw participants for the Men’s and Women’s Money In The Bank Matches? Last Week Jinder Mahal cost Roman Reigns an opportunity to qualify for the men’s match at Money In the Bank, will Reigns be out for retribution? After opening up in an exclusive interview with Renee Young what is next for Bobby Lashley as he fights for his family? Seth Rollins got put to the test after Mojo Rawley accepted his open challenge, can Rollins retain the Intercontinental Championship this week as Kevin Owen accepts the challenge?

Raw comes to us tonight from the O2 in London, England

Raw kicks off with a video Nia Jax Challenging Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women’s Championship

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
Reigns says last week he got robbed. He says this time it wasn’t by management it was by Jinder Mahal. He tells Jinder if he wants to be more relevant then come out to his yard and face him like a man. Outcomes Kurt Angle.
Angle says regrets to inform Reigns that Jinder will not be coming out. Reigns asks when he started speaking for Jinder. Angle says he speaks for management and says he was told when he didn’t give Jinder an opportunity to qualify for the Money In The Bank he was thinking emotionally and as a leader, he needs to think logically. He says Jinder is a former WWE Champions and tonight he will have the opportunity to qualify. Reigns says to add him in and make it a Fatal Four Way. Angle says that’s not going to happen and says Reigns will have no more qualifying opportunities. Angle says he doesn’t blame Reigns if he is upset. Reigns says he knows he is just doing what he has to do. Reigns then says he is now going to do what he has to do.
Reigns finds Mahal and Mahal sends Singh into Reigns. Mahal takes it to Reigns and hit him with big right hands. Mahal then hits Reigns with a trash can. Reigns then sends Mahal into a wall and send him onto a table. Reigns continues to throw around Mahal and slams a crate into him. Back into the arena Reins follows Mahal up to the stage and hits him with a big right. Reigns then hits the Superman Punch. Angle brings out help to separate them.
My Opinion:
I love the fight Reigns had tonight, he took matters into his own hands and it’s about time. Reigns has been getting screwed over and over and it’s time he goes and take his yard back. I think him and Mahal could have a good rivalry, this will be a big test for Mahal but it may be a way to get him back into the main event picture. I think at the end of this Reigns can walk away looking better than ever and this could be a way to work him back into the Universal Championship picture by Summer Slam.

Match 1: Seth Rollins vs Kevin Owens:
Intercontinental Championship Match
Owens starts with a big kick and beats down Rollins. Owens gets him in the corner and stomps away. Owens hits Rollins with a series of rights and follows with a big shoulder shot to the gut. Rollins comes back with a clothesline and hammers on Owens with rights. Rollins follows with a series of chomps and stomps. Owens is able to hang up on the ropes and goes to the outside. Rollins hits Owens and goes for a suicide dive but Owens catches him and drives him into the post. Owens brings Rollins into the ring and hits the senton but Rollins kicks out at two. Owens locks in a chin lock but Rollins counters with a jawbreaker. Rollins is sent hard to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Owens stretches the arms of Rollins and drives his knee into his back. Rollins gets to his feet but Owens hits him with a shot to the gut. Rollins fights off Owens shoulders and is able to send him to the floor with a side step. Owens pulls Rollins to the outside and tries for a powerbomb on the apron but Rollins escapes. Rollins blocks Owens again and then hits a Falcon Arrow on the apron. Both men make it back into the ring at the count of 8. Rollins and Owens trade blows before Owens is sent to the outside. Rollins hits a suicide dive and hits one more for good measure. Rollins flies from the top rope and hits a clothesline. Rollins hits Owens with a forearm and is able to drop Owens. Owens is able to get to his feet and hits a DDT. Owens goes for the cover but Rollins is able to kick out. Owens misses on the pop-up powerbomb. Owens is able to fight off Rollins and hits an enziguri followed by a clothesline but it’s not enough to get the win. Owens goes to the top but misses on the senton. Rollins misses on the stomp but stays with it and lands a big kick. Rollins hits the Revolution Knee but it’s not enough for the win. Rollins goes to the top but misses on the frog splash. Owens rolls up Rollins but he kicks out. Owens goes to the top but Rollins makes it to his feet and counters. Rollins meets him up there but is sent back to the mat. Rollins leaps back up but Owens is able to hit a fisherman’s suplex. Rollins and Owens both fall out of the ring. As Owens enters the ring Rollins hits the stomp. Rollins goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3 for the win to retain the Intercontinental championship.
Winner: Seth Rollins: Still Intercontinental Champion
My Opinion:
Wow, what a match! Owens really gave it everything he had and in the earlier part of the match, I really thought he had a shot to pull this off. Rollins once again escapes with the title but not without another grueling contest. I think these open challenges has brought out some of the better matches we’ve seen on Raw and for Rollins, as a champion, they make his reign that much more special. There’s no doubt Rollins is a fighting champion but it seems the competition will only get tougher week after week.
*** Ronda Rousey will challenge Nia Jax for the Raw Women’s Championship at Money In The Bank

Backstage Segment:
Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel approach Angle and call him the best general manager. Axel tells him they want a tag team championship match. They say they are gonna be known as the A Team. Angle tells them they can’t use that name. Dallas says okay they will be the B Team. Angle says he loves the ambition but they haven’t won a tag team match and they already lost to Wyatt and Hardy. Dallas tells Angle the B Team is undefeated. Angle says he will put them in action tonight if they leave him alone. Axel says they won’t let him down.

Match 2: Bobby Roode vs No Way Jose vs Baron Corbin:
Money In The Bank Qualifier
Roode starts off hot taking it to Jose and then to Corbin. Roode comes off the ropes hot and takes down Corbin. Corbin pushes Roode into the corner but Roode counters and hits the blockbuster form the top. Roode goes for the cover but Corbin kicks out. Corbin is able to hang up Roode on the top rope. Jose takes a big shot on Corbin on the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin as Roode grounded on the mat. Roode is able to get to his feet and breaks the hold. Corbin is able to hit a side slam but it’s not enough to out away Roode. Corbin takes out Jose and goes to the floor. Corbin bounces Jose off the barricade and then goes back after Roode. Jose hits Corbin with big rights but Corbin comes back with a clothesline to Roode. Jose is able to land a big right and then tees off on Corbin after a big boot. Jose hits a crossbody but the pin is broken up by Roode. Roode lands a spinebuster and goes for the cover but Corbin breaks it up. Corbin hits Roode with a right hand in the corner. Jose gets involved and meets Roode on the second turnbuckle but is sent to the mat. Roode flies from the top and takes out Jose. Roode takes down Corbin but then is rolled up. Roode is able to kick out. Roode is sent to the floor by Jose. Corbin hits Jose with a series of forearms and then flies to take out Roode with a clothesline. Corbin lands a big chokeslam backbreaker. Jose though kicks out of the cover at 2. Roode gets back into the match and is able to reverse Corbin but Corbin kicks out of the cover. Corbin hits a Deep 6 but Roode kicks out of the cover. Corbin backs Jose into the corner and then goes after Roode. Roode is able to side-step Corbin and then hits the Glorious DDT on Jose. Roode goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Bobby Roode:
Qualifies for Money In The Bank
My Opinion:
Huge win for Roode here, this a big opportunity for him to have a shot at the Money In The Bank. this could Roode’s chance to get a Universal Championship Match. I think Corbin define deserved the win but that’s the nature of the beast. Roode earned the victory and there’s no doubt he will make a big impact on this match.

Backstage Segment:
Owens tells Angle he wants a rematch. Angle says no it’s over. Owens tells him to do something or he is gonna call Stephanie. Angle tells him to not threaten him. Owens tells him he’ll see. Angle then goes and sees Mahal. Mahal tells him he wants to compete tonight.

Match 3: The B-Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) vs Breezango (Tyler Breeze & Fandango)
Dallas and Breeze start the match. Dallas is able to work him and gloats. Breeze tries a backslide but it doesn’t put him away. Dallas goes to the outside to regroup. Breeze hits a dropkick but is then hits from behind by Dallas. Dallas then tags Axel and hits a DDT as he enters. Axel gets a side headlock and then slams Breeze. Dallas gets the tag and hammers a series of knees on Breeze. Dallas then goes to a chin lock. Breeze fights back and hits a back body drop. Axel gets the tag but is slowed by Fandango. Fandango hits a series of jabs and then hits an atomic drop on Dallas. He hits a DDT but Axel kicks out of the cover. Axel tries a roll-up but Fandango kicks out. Fandango tries a cover but Axel kicks out. Fandango goes to the top but misses on the leg drop. Dallas gets the tag and the two double team Fandango. Dallas goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** Charly asks them what kind of emotions they are experiencing. Dallas says anything is possible for them. Axel tells Wyatt and Hardy they are coming for the Raw Tag Team Championships.
Winners: Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas
My Opinion:
Big win for axel and Dallas, I may be one of the few but I really like these guys. I know they are mainly used for comedy but truthfully I think they could do great things if given the shot. This is a start but of course, it’s only one win. Still, though it’s a start and I love their confidence. I think it’d be awesome to see them get a shot at the titles in the future!

Match 4: Natalya & Sasha Banks & Ember Moon vs Riott Squad (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan)
Ember locks up with Logan and Logan takes her down. Ember flips Logan and is able to land a big arm drag. Sasha gets the tag and takes it to Logan but it doesn’t get here a three on the cover. Sasha tees off on Logan and then bounces her off the turnbuckle. Logan is able to take down Sasha and then lifts her and tags Riott. Riott hits big kicks to the gut of Sasha. Riott then hits a series of body shots on Sasha. Liv gets the tag and takes her turn taking is to Sasha. Riott and Logan try a double team but Sasha lands a big kick to break it up. Ember, Sasha, and Natalya stand tall as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Natalya and Sasha hit a double team. Liv takes down Natalya face first and then stomps on her. Liv is backed into the corner and Sasha gets the tag. Sasha works the arm of Liv. Sasha is able to hit a series of dropkicks taking down Logan. Logan comes back with a big knee off the distraction. Logan tags Riott and Riott goes to a chin lock. Riott takes Sasha down with a clothesline and then goes for the cover but she kicks out. Liv comes in and she tries a pin but Sasha kicks out. Liv then goes to a chin lock. Sasha flips her but Liv gets back up and hits a dropkick. Riott gets the tag and hits a big kick. Sasha lands a big kick and is able to sidestep Riott. Sasha rolls-up Liv but she kicks out. Nataly lands a side Russian Leg Sweep. Natalya steps on Liv and follows with a basement dropkick. Liv tries a roll-up off the distraction but Natalya kicks out. Logan is sent over the top rope by Ember. Sasha and Ember both take part in taking out the Riott Squad. Natalya locked in the Sharpshooter and liv taps out.
Winners: Natalya & Sasha Banks & Ember Moon
My Opinion:
I was very impressed with the Riott Squad tonight. They definitely have these three a fight but in the end, Nataly had the experience and was able to out wrestle Liv. Banks and Moon really stepped up and showed there’s nothing they can’t do. I hope sometime soon we will see this match again, I thought it brought a ton of excitement!

Match 5: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt vs The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
Wilder and Hardy start off the match. Wilder works the arm of Hardy and Hardy is able to reverse. Hardy flips him but Wilder gets back to his feet. Hardy hits Wilder with big rights and tags Wyatt. Wyatt hits a big clothesline but Wilder is able to come back and tags in Dawson. Dawson sidesteps Wyatt but Wyatt then hits him with a right hand. Wyatt hits the senton and tags Hardy. Hardy and Wyatt takes down Dawson and Hardy trie a cover but he kicks out. Wilder comes in on the tag and The Revival double team Hardy. Wilder takes it to Hardy in the corner. Dawson gets the tag and hits the dragon screw. Dawson then bends the leg of Hardy. Hardy tries to fight him off but can’t and Wilder gets the tag. Wilder is hit with a big right and Hardy hits the side effect. Wyatt and Dawson get the tags. Wyatt takes it to Dawson and lands a big splash in the corner. Wyatt hits the Uranage and then tags Hardy. Hardy hits the Twist of Fate and then they hit the Kiss of Deletion on Dawson. Hardy goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt
My Opinion:
A very impressive win for the Raw Tag Team Champions. They are working so well together and each week it gets easier for them. The Revival just couldn’t get a game plan together and once you start Hardy and Wyatt get into your head it’s pretty much over. I think Hardy and Wyatt will be tough for anyone to defeat because you really need to take it to them otherwise they just build way to much momentum.

Backstage Segment:
Sasha wishes Bayley good luck tonight.

In Ring Segment: Sami Zayn
Sami Zayn asks the crowd if it’s occurred to anyone else that Prince Harry looks a lot like him. He says Harry is more of a fan of him than Bobby Lashley is. Zayn tells how when Lashley came back he did it at his expense. Zayn says no one thought of the effect it had on him. He says from the suplex form Lashley he got vertigo. Zayn then pulls out a doctor’s note confirming his condition and says that’s why he couldn’t compete in the Greatest Royal Rumble and why he’s lost every match since then. Zayn says Lashley is getting all this notoriety and then brings up the exclusive interview with Renee Young from last week. Zayn claims Lashley has targeted him because he wants to be like him. He says his instincts are telling him that Lasley has something to hide. He tells he reached out to Lashley’s three sisters and they had a story to tell. He says they were nothing like described and Lashley isn’t what he says either. He then tells he invited them to appear on Raw and promises to expose the real Bobby Lashley.
My Opinion:
This is interesting for sure, Zayn definitely didn’t shy away from anything he was saying. I’m not sure what is gonna happen next week but I have to guess Lashley won’t take to kindly to this. Zayn may be biting off more than he can chew by coming at Lashley like this.

Match 6: Alexa Bliss vs Bayley vs Mickie James:
Money In The Bank Qualifier
Bayley hits Mickie with right hands but Alexa gets involved and they send Bayley to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mickie has Bayley in a chin lock on the mat. Alexa continues to land her cheap shots. Bayley is able to land a jawbreaker but Alexa grabs her. Bayley catches her and then takes down Mickie and hammers her with right hands. Alexa then hits a dropkick. Mickie then goes after Alexa. Alexa and Mickie shove each other but back in comes Bayley. They back her into the corner and hit her with right hands. Bayley is placed on the top of the turnbuckle and the two meet her up there. Bayley fights them off and then hits a crossbody. Bayley hits a clothesline and then hits a suplex on Alexa. Mickie catches her but Bayley sends her to the apron. Bayley hangs both of them up on the ropes. Bayley hits a shoulder to the mid-section. Mickie is able to land a hurricanranna. Bayley takes down Mickie but Alexa comes at her and slams her to the mat. Mickie has to break up the pin. Mickie, Alexa, and Bayley all trade shots on the mat. Bayley takes it to Alexa but then is take out. Bayley once again tries to take advantage. Bayley knocks Mickie off the apron and goes to the top. Alexa tries to flip Bayley but she counters. Bayley lands a Bayley to Belly but Mickie saves the match. Bayley then has to save the match after Mickie tries a cover. Alexa lands a huge slap and then hits the DDT. Alexa goes for the cover and gets a huge victory!
Winner: Alexa Bliss:
Qualifies for Money In The Bank
My Opinion:
What a big win for Alexa! I am so glad to see her get back on track since things have been so rough for her since losing to Nia at WrestleMania. The win didn’t come easy but as Bliss always does she picks her spots and it worked to her advantage tonight. Bayley did her best but there was nothing she could do about the numbers game.

Backstage Segment:
Mahal is still in the trainer’s room and as he walks out Reigns attacks him again and sends him through a wall.

Match 7: Dolph Ziggler & Drew Mcintyre vs Finn Balor & Braun Strowman
Ziggler and Balor lock up to start. Ziggler gets around on Balor but Balor doesn’t let him get an advantage. Balor works Ziggler to the mat and hits a basement dropkick. Mcintyre and Strowman get the tags. Mcintyre then tags out and in comes Ziggler as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Strowman slams Balor onto Ziggler. Ziggler is able to hang up Balor but Balor comes back with a big dropkick. Balor is backed into the corner and Mcintyre takes it to Balor. Mcintyre lands a huge stomp and toys with Balor. Ziggler lands a big kick off the tag. Balor tires for a tag but Ziggler prevents and hits a neckbreaker. Ziggler then switches to a chin lock. Balor gets to his feet but is slammed back to the mat. Mcintyre gets the tag and takes it to Balor but Balor creates space. Mcintyre prevents the tag and hits a big blow to the neck of Balor. Mcintyre throws Balor into the corner. Mcintyre throws hi in the other but Balor is able to get away and tags Strowman. Ziggler comes in as well but he is taken down. Ziggler sidesteps him and Strowman goes into the ring post. Balor makes the tag and lands a stomp. Balor follows with a chop in the corner. Ziggler catches him but an enziguri drops Balor. Mcintyre comes into a break up a pin. Ziggler tries a roll-up but Balor kicks out and hits a sling blade. Balor looks for the Coupe de Grave but he is prevented. Strowman comes to the outside and runs through Mcintyre. Ziggler rolls-up Balor in the ring and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Dolph Ziggler & Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
Ziggler and Mcintyre are making their mark! What a big victory,
I mean they just beat arguably two of the top three hottest superstars on Raw right now. I can truly see these guys as future champions and I feel like they’re hard nose style is exactly what the Raw tag division needs. We were so used to hard-hitting tag matches and they’ve gone away. I think these are the guys who can bring the toughness back and if given the chance they can lead the way on Raw!

Backstage Segment:
Angle is on the phone and says he has the perfect replacement for Jinder. He’s told by Stephanie that someone is gonna get another opportunity.

*** Kevin Owens will replace Jinder Mahal in the Main Event

Match 8: Kevin Owens vs Bobby Lashley vs Elias:
Money In The Bank Qualifying Match
Elias and Owens double team Lashley to start the match. Owens tries to send Elias into Lashley but Lashley moves out of the way. Lashley takes out Elias and Owens as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Elias is sent into the barricade by Lashley. Lashley throws Elias into the ring but is then stopped by Owens. Elias hits a big dropkick on Lashley. Owens and Elias then tee off on him. Owens hits a right hand to the gut of Lashley. Elias the hits Owens and the two trade blows. Owens hits a big back elbow and follows with the senton. Owens tries the cover but Elias kicks out. Elias lands a big slam on Owens. He tries one on Lashley but he counters and slams Elias instead. Owens gets back in the match and his Lashley with big right hands. Lashley is able to reverse and hits a big spear in the corner. Lashley goes for a suplex but it’s countered. Owens tries to create space but is hit with a spinebuster. Elias comes in and hits Lashley with a knee to the face. Elias grabs his guitar and a mic and goes a for a performance. Owens comes from behind but Elias hits him with a right. Elis then hits a huge knee but Lashley breaks up the cover. Elias gets caught but is able to land a kick to Lashley. Owens hits a kick of his own but misses the cannonball. Elias goes to the top and hits an elbow drop. Lashley comes in and breaks up the pin. Lashley chases Elias and is able to hit him with a clothesline. He then hits Elias with a belly to belly and then plants Owens. Owens and Elias again try to take out Lashley but he reverses and hits a double snap suplex. Owens is able to finally stop Owens with a boot. Owens then hits Elias with a boot. Elias is able to come back and hits a powerbomb on Owens. Lashley has to break up the pin. Lashley and Elias then trade blows. Lashley picks up Elias and hits a press slam. Lashley looks for the dominator and slams Elias face first. Sami Zayn comes out and pulls out Lashley. He then sends him into the post and hits the Helluva kick. Owens hits the frog splash and gets the 1 2 3 and qualifies for Money In The Bank.
Winner: Kevin Owens:
Qualified for Money In The Bank
My Opinion:
What a huge win for Owens! For so long he has been trying to get back on top and he just hasn’t been able to. Obvioulsy, this is only one step to something bigger but beating Elias and Lashley is an accomplishment in itself. Owens now has the shot to win the Money In The Bank and control his own destiny in WWE. Owens may not be heavily favored but let’s not forget how good Owens is in ladder matches!

Final Thoughts:
First, I loved Roman Reigns tonight, he had so much fire in him and brought the fight. It sucks Mahal didn’t get a chance to qualify but Reigns will not be screwed anymore. I definitely think this rivalry when all said and done will bring Reigns back to the top where he needs to be. Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins had a classic out there, I could’ve watched those guys all night. Once again Rollins was put to the test and it seems these open challenges bring out the best in people. I think Rollins should continue to do these each week as it makes the title that much more meaningful. Rollins better watch out though because twice now he almost lost. Also, I was super excited to see Nia Jax challenge Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women’s Championship. This will be a big test for Rousey but I hope she can pull it off!!! I was glad to see Bobby Roode qualify for the Money In The Bank, Roode has been making the most of his opportunities and this is definitely one of the biggest he’s had since joining the main roster. I was happy to see Alexa Bliss get the big win and qualify for the Money In The Bank. It’s been a rough go since she’s lost the title but hopefully, this can get her back on track. I was very impressed by Dolph Ziggler and Drew Mcintyre again. They are coming together as a very dominant team and I think the sky’s the limit for them. Finally, what a huge win for Kevin Owens. Owens career hasn’t gone exactly perfect for quite some time but I’m very happy to see them put Owens back in the main event picture. Owens is a great competitor and I know he won’t go down easy in this match because he has proven to be very efficient in ladder matches. Overall this was a great Raw and I’m very excited where everything is at right now!!!
Overall Rating: 7/10