Raw Review 04/20/2020

RAW REVIEW 04/20/2020

Tonight we continue to build towards Money In The Bank as we will see three Qualifying Matches this time from the men’s side. These matches include MVP taking on Apollo Crews, Aleister Black taking on Austin Theory, and Rey Mysterio taking on Buddy Murphy. Who will these matches and qualify for the match that already features SmackDown’s, Daniel Bryan. Also, what will Drew McIntyre say or do after being attacked last week by the “Monday Night Messiah” Seth Rollins?

Raw comes to us from the WWE Performance Center.

Raw kicks off with a look back at last week’s match between Drew McIntyre and Andrade. This match also saw an attack from Seth Rollins on Drew McIntyre after a chop block from Angel Garza as the match concluded, which saw McIntyre pick up the victory. We are then welcomed by the announce team and told that Drew McIntyre will take on Angel Garza in the main event tonight.

In-Ring Segment: Drew McIntyre
McIntyre welcomes everyone to Raw and says this is the highlight of his week. He then brings up last week and tells how he was jumped and ambushed right here in the ring. He says he isn’t surprised because as the champion it paints a huge bullseye on his back. He says whoever holds this is considered the best of the best in this industry and everyone wants to be in this position. He says that he has been told it’s lonely at the top but it’s pretty damn crowded. He then brings up Seth Rollins and tells how he stomped his head into the canvas twice. He says that Seth Rollins wants to be champion but does he deserve it. He says he has thought about and could make him jump through hoops but he knows Seth Rollins has had a decorated career and if he wants to be the best he has to defend against the best. He then challenges Rollins to a match at Money In The Bank for the WWE Champion. He then brings the camera closer to talk to him but he is then interrupted by Angel Garza, Zelina Vega, and Austin Theory.
Vega tells McIntyre he is so focused on the MITB PPV that he is looking past tonight and looking past Angel Garza. McIntyre is then attacked from behind by Andrade. McIntyre is able to fight back and lay him out with a Claymore. Vega tells Garza and Theory to get in the ring but they don’t listen. McIntyre then hits him with another Claymore and sends him flying out of the ring. McIntyre tells Garza he is going to beat the hell out of him. He then looks into the camera and says “you may want to put the kids to bed because I am going to slaughter Angel Garza”.
My Opinion:
I love that Drew as a champion isn’t afraid of a challenge and is willing to challenge someone instead of being challenged. This is going to be one heck of a match between these two, Rollins has a good shot to win but McIntyre is locked in right now it doesn’t seem like he can be stopped. Even tonight he was able to fend off a sneak attack and come out on top. McIntyre represents everything you want in a champion and it’s nice to see a dominant champion again. It’s not that Lesnar wasn’t but he wasn’t around enough to appreciate each week but with McIntyre, we can and it’s been awesome so far.

Match 1: Aleister Black vs Austin Theory w/ Zelina Vega On Commentary
The two lock up and Theory goes for the arm but Black fights him off. Black tries to get a waist lock but Theory is able to grab his arm. He keeps control but Black is able to fight out. He works Theory to the mat and gains the advantage. Theory comes back and works a headlock. Black again fights out and brings him to the mat. Black works his arm and stays on the offensive. Theory fights out and goes back to the arm. Black rolls out and picks the leg. Theory lands a strike but it doesn’t give him much. The two trade moves until Theory is able to drop Black. Black tries to sweep the leg but Theory stops him. Black bounces off the ropes and stops Theory. He gets him on the apron but misses on Black Mass. Black then knocks him to the ground. Vega distracts Black by yelling at him that he doesn’t play fair. This allows Theory to hit him from behind and knock him to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Theory gains the advantage in the corner. He hits a dropkick and tries a cover but Black kicks out. Theory then gets on top of Black and hammers away with right hands. Theory lifts Black in a torture rack position and then throws him into the top turnbuckle. He does it again and then looks for it for the third time but Black fights out. Black hits him with a boot and then slams him to the mat. Black fights off Theory’s ATL attempt. Black then works a triangle armbar. Theory is able to hang on and lift Black for a one-handed powerbomb. Theory looks for a suplex but his arm prevents him from lifting Black. Black comes back but he is chopped down by Theory. Black tries a quick cover but Theory kicks out. Black then hits a series of shoulder tackles before a series of strikes. He then hits a knee strike. Black connects with the moonsault and covers but Theory kicks out. Black works a waist lock but Theory is able to fight out. Theory looks to get on the offensive but he’s hit with a kick. Theory stays in it and hits him with a superkick. Theory tries a cover after a knee to the neck but Black kicks out. Theory lifts Black and looks for the ATL but Black is able to fight off and land on the apron. Black flies but has to roll through as Theory ducks. Black hits him with a knee and then hits a German suplex. He bridges off the suplex and covers but Theory kicks out. Theory now blocks the Black Mass. he hits him with an elbow but Black comes right back. He hits Black Mass and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
*** Byron Saxton comes in the ring and congratulates Black and then asks his plans to climb the corporate ladder in the most unique match we’ve ever seen. He says he doesn’t know much about corporate life and going in he’d have to cover all these, he then shows his hands. He says in this match he will make sure each floor is turned into their own personal hell.
Winner: Aleister Black: Qualifies for MITB
My Opinion:
A really good back and forth match between these two. Black was smart in hurting the arm of Theory as it prevented a lot of offense for him. Theory was impressive in showing his move-set but ultimately Black was prepared and continues this hot streak. I hope Black goes out there and puts on a great showing, to me with the two we have in the match so far Black would be my pick just because he has been so hot. He hasn’t lost in a while, he’s beaten every kind of opponent and he just seems unstoppable. This will be a huge opportunity for Black and win or lose it’s his chance to prove he does deserve to be in the main event position.

***Shayna Baszler In Action, Next!

Charly Caruso Interviews Shayna Baszler:
Charly Caruso asks Syayna if she thought she took it too far last week stamping on Sarah Logan’s arm. Shayna asks Charly if she broke any rules? Shayna answers her own question and says no, I just broke Sarah Logan’s arm.

Match 2: Shayna Baszler vs Indi Hartwell
Baszler comes in with a forearm and then unloads with strikes. She hits a gut wrench suplex. She then looks to stomp on Hartwell’s arm but Hartwell is able to avoid it. Hartwell looks to steal one but Baszler kicks out. Baszler runs at Hartwell but is met with a kick to the face. Baszler then attacks her in the corner. She hits her with a knee and then stomps on her arm. The ref calls for the bell and rules that Hartwell can’t compete.
*** After the match, Baszler grabs a ladder. She then pulls Hartwell out of the ring and throws her into the barricade. Shayna then places the ladder in front of the steps. She grabs Hartwell and throws her into the ladder. She then places Hartwell’s arm in the ladder and then kicks it against the steps.
Winner: Shayna Baszler: Via Match Stoppage
My Opinion:
What a vicious side from Shayna Baszler, I don’t know if anyone can stop her while she’s on a rampage like this. Baszler is being built up to be a true fighter who has no regard and there is no telling what she’ll do next. Baszler seems ready for this ladder match and every other Superstar in this match better watch out for her. Shayna clearly wants respect and one way or another she is going to get it. Right now the fear and intimidation seem to be working.

Match 3: Ricochet & Cedric Alexander vs Shane Thorne & Brendan Vink
Vink comes in and drives his hip into the mid-section of Ricochet. Thorne tags in and hits him with an uppercut. He then tries to hit Alexander but he moves. Ricochet fights back and then hits a dropkick. Alexander tags in and takes it to Thorne. He then takes out Vink. Ricochet tags in and hits a big suplex. Ricochet goes to the apron but he is pulled to the ground by Vink. Vink tags in and brings Ricochet back into the ring. Vink hits him with a strike and knocks him to the mat. Vink lifts him above his head but Ricochet is able to hit a hurricanranna and send him into the corner. Alexander gets the tag and so does Thorne. Alexander takes care of both of them and gets in control. Alexander hits a DDT. Ricochet comes in and hits a standing shooting star. He covers but Thorne kicks out. He then is able to take out Vink and send him to the floor. Ricochet hits the Recoil and Alexander tops it off with the Lumbar Check. Alexander covers and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Ricochet & Cedric Alexander
My Opinion:
Alexander and Ricochet continue to be very impressive as a team. They’re super quick and very innovative together. Although they are smaller than a lot of teams it seems they are finding different ways to get the job done. I’d love to see them get more opportunities and see if they can run with them. They’re a part of a highly talented Raw Tag Team Division but they certainly stand out. As for Thorne and Vink, they continue to be impressive as well. Even though they are in NXT they are showing they can compete on Raw in a big way. It’ll be interesting to see if we continue to watch them get opportunities and if they can actually get a big win here sometime.

Backstage Segment: The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
Charly welcomes the Kabuki Warriors. Charly says the height and weight difference between you and Nia Jax seem to be insurmountable. She then asks why tonight will be any different. Asuka then chimes in and pumps up Sane. She then adds that no one is ready for Asuka.

Backstage Segment: Bobby Lashley & Lana
Bobby Lashley stands in front of a big truck tire. He then says hello everyone I’m Bobby Lashley. Lana then comes in and says hello I’m Lana. Bobby then says he is going to demonstrate how easy it is to lift one of these huge tires. Lana says for everyone jealous wait until you see my Bobby in action.

Match 4: Kairi Sane vs Nia Jax
Sane ducks a clothesline attempt and then taunts Jax. Sane then jumps on her back and puts on a sleeper. Jax then tosses her off. Jax once again lifts Sane and throws her across the ring. She does this again and stays in control. Sane gets to her feet but once again she throws across the ring. Jax lifts her and hits her with a clothesline. She then does this again and stays in control. Sane is able to get under on the apron and looks for a cover but Jax won’t go down. Jax picks her up and throws her into the bottom turnbuckle. Jax looks to crush her in the corner but Sane ducks. Sane works the knee of Jax and has her stopped for a moment. Sane is picked up by Jax but Jax drops her as the knee gives out. Sane looks to hammer away and she is able to get Jax to a knee. She continued to hammer away. She hits a spinning back fist and Jax is down. Sane hits the sliding clothesline. She goes for the Insane Elbow but Jax moves out of the way. Jax comes back and lifts her up. She then hits the Samoan Drop and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winner: Nia Jax
My Opinion:
I loved the fight in Sane tonight but there was no stopping Nia. Nia has too much power and once she gets ahold of Sane the match is all but over. The one thing Sane did do though was exposing a weakness of Nia Jax which is her knee. If the Superstars in the MITB match work her knee they can slow down Nia and eliminate her from being able to climb. We’ll see if the knee continues to be a problem over the next few weeks but it seemed to definitely slow her up tonight.

Backstage Segment: Seth Rollins
Rollins tells McIntyre he is a brave man, a fight champion. He says he respects that and says that not many men know what it’s like to walk in your shoes but I do. He says not many men know what it’s like to walk into WrestleMania and beat Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship, but I do. He tells McIntyre that they have a lot in common, they demand respect from their peers and have a deep love for this industry. Rollins says he accepts the challenge and tells Drew it is nothing personal. Rollins says he accepts the challenge out of necessity because right now more than ever the WWE Universe needs a leader. He says as much as they have in common the similarities stop there. He says that he is a proven leader and McIntyre is not. He says he will sacrifice for the greater good, he will make the difficult decision, and be the light in the darkness. He tells Drew that at MITB he will take his title, not because he wants to, but because he has to.

*** We then see a video from earlier today of the Viking Raiders taking part in their version of carpool karaoke where they sing about how they are here to stay and take over the Tag Team Division.

Match 5: MVP vs Apollo Crews: MITB Qualifying Match
*** Before the match, MVP says that In his storied career he has seen a lot of WWE Superstars literally rise and fall in pursuit of that briefcase because inside that briefcase is a contract that entitles the bearer to a WWE Championship match anytime anyplace. He says earlier tonight we saw Aleister Black qualify and later we will see Rey Mysterio, an absolute legend, like himself, compete for a chance. He says we are focused on right now though. He tells of how Apollo Crews is one of the most gifted and talented athletes in WWE but he is outmatched. MVP says he is no stranger to suits and to the WWE headquarters. He says he already has his jet booked and says he is the future. Crews then makes his way to the ring.
As the match begins, Crews comes out hot and takes it to MVP. he is able to get him down and then take him to the apron. MVP calls for a timeout but Crews instead knocks him to the floor. Crews goes to the apron but MVP takes out his legs and he crashes out the apron as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, MVP has him in a camel clutch. He talks trash to Crews and keeps the hold locked. Crews is able to stand and lift MVP. he backs him in the corner and breaks the hold. MVP comes back with a big clothesline out of the corner. MVP continues to taunt him as he hits him with big elbow strikes to the head. MVP then looks for the Playmaker but Crews fights out and hits a big spinebuster. Crews gets up and hits splash in the corner. He then goes off on MVP with a series of strikes. Crews knocks him down with a big clothesline after a bit of a struggle. He then hit a big slam. He covers but MVP kicks out. Crews slams him again and goes up top. Crews flies off the top but MVP blocks the frog splash but knees to the gut. MVP gets up and hits the Playmaker. He covers but Crews kicks out. MVP now looks for the elbow but he is met with an enziguri. Crews comes back and presses him. He then hits the standing moonsault followed by the standing shooting star. Crews then hits the big powerbomb. He covers and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Apollo Crews: Qualifies For MITB
My Opinion:
This was a good match between these two, MVP really seemed on his game tonight and gave a good fight to Crews. Crews though is showing exactly what he is made of and tonight picks up one of the biggest victories of his career. I hope his shift to Raw now puts him in a place to shine. There is a lot of talent so far in this match so I don’t think Crews will have the best odds to win but what he can do is show up and show out. He is capable of having phenomenal matches and he can really become a star Two Weeks from Sunday!

Backstage Segment: Ruby Riott
Charly asks Ruby about the Riott Squad and brings up how she will face Liv Morgan tonight. She then asks how the group became so divided. Ruby says there was no Riott Squad. She then says she had to have double shoulder surgery because she had to carry them on her back, she made them look good and threatening. Riott says Sarah Logan is gone now and Liv will be the one to suffer tonight. She says Liv is suffering a delusion. She says that she will show Liv how weak and small she is, without her.

Match 6: Ruby Riott vs Liv Morgan
Morgan comes out hot and backs Riott into the corner. Riott takes a cheap shot and knocks her down. Riott then stomps on her before landing a kick to the back. Riott continues to push her around even as Morgan tries to fight back. Morgan comes back with forearm strikes and then a big kick. Morgan is able to hit an enziguri and then comes off the middle ropes with a dropkick. She covers but Riott kicks out. Morgan looks for a suplex but Riott stomps on her foot. She then hangs her up on the ropes and kicks her in the face. She covers but Morgan is able to kick out. Riott now works the neck of Morgan and stays on the offensive. Riott pushes her down to the mat and stays on her. Riott then slams Morgan off the mat. Riott brings her to her feet and backs her to the ropes. She hits her with big forearms and then goes off the ropes. She is then stopped by a forearm from Morgan. Riott then does the same as Morgan tries to come off the ropes. Riott then hits her with a kick and taunts Morgan. Morgan is able to push her to the ropes and hit her with a flat liner off the ropes. She covers and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Liv Morgan
My Opinion:
A huge win for Liv Morgan tonight! She really had to fight out there and Riott definitely let her emotions get the best of her. Liv was smart to capitalize on this and ultimately it’s what got her the win. The announcers said Liv can now put her in the past but I don’t think so. Ruby isn’t going to take this lightly as she probably thought she’d win this one easily. Liv is going to have to watch her back as she continues to try to ascend on Monday Night Raw!

Backstage Segment: Bobby Lashley & Lana
We go back to Bobby Lashley who says he is warmed up now. Lana says you’re not warm, you’re hot. Lashley says this is not an easy task, it takes an elite athlete to flip these tires. He then flips the one and says any athlete can flip this tire but now everyone can flip this one. He then goes over to a tire that is two times bigger than the first.

Match 7: Rey Mysterio vs Murphy: MITB Qualifying Match
Murphy takes over Mysterio and brings him to the mat. Mysterio fights out and the two trade holds. They come back to a standoff after a failed pin attempt. The two lock up again and Murphy works the arm of Mysterio. He brings him to a knee and then drives his elbow into his neck. Murphy sends him off the ropes but Mysterio avoids him and is able to set him up for the 619. Mysterio goes for it but Murphy is able to move out of the way. Murphy looks for a kick but Mysterio goes to the ropes which stops the hold. Murphy continues the attack. Mysterio goes to the floor. Murphy comes to the outside and attacks Mysterio. He brings him in the ring and works a cover. Mysterio kicks out. Murphy tries another cover but Mysterio still kicks out. Murphy goes back to the arm of Mysterio and works his wrist. Mysterio is able to fight out and send him to the floor. Murphy lands on his feet and tries to grab Mysterio but instead is met with a kick. Mysterio is brought to the outside but he hits a back elbow. Murphy takes down Mysterio and stomps on the injured on the stage. Mysterio screams in pain as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Murphy is still in control as Mysterio is down against the barricade. Murphy picks him up and slams Mysterio’s hand off the steel steps. Murphy brings him to the ring post but Mysterio is able to fight away. Murphy grabs Mysterio and brings him to the apron. He then uses the ring post to put more punishment on Mysterio’s finger. Mysterio is able to fight away and take down Murphy. He then comes off the steps and sends Murphy into the ramp with a hurricanranna. Mysterio hits a series of kicks to the face. He hits the seated senton and then a crossbody. He hits him with a chop but Murphy comes back with a shot to the hand. Mysterio fights back and hits a DDT of a failed 619 attempt. He covers but Murphy kicks out. Murphy goes to the apron and Mysterio follows. Mysterio hits him with a strike but Murphy comes back with one of his own. Murphy lifts him on his shoulders but Mysterio fights off. He then dropkicks him into the barricade. Mysterio then hits him with another hurricanranna which sends Murphy into the barricade. He brings Murphy in the ring and follows behind. He goes up top and looks to fly. He hits the crossbody but Murphy rolls through. He lifts Mysterio and drops him on his knee. He hits a knee strike, and then a brainbuster. He covers but Mysterio kicks out. Mysterio tries to slow him up but Murphy stays on the attack. Murphy goes up top and looks to fly. Mysterio meets him and slows him up. Mysterio hits him with another strike and goes up top. Mysterio hits him again and looks for a suplex. Murphy continues to fight. Murphy hits a sunset flip but can’t hit the powerbomb. He then misses on a superkick. Mysterio hits a destroyer. He then hits the 619 and drops the dime. He covers and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Rey Mysterio: Qualifies For MITB
My Opinion:
What a match between these two, Murphy really took it to the veteran tonight but Mysterio was able to fight through the pain and show how creative he can be. Murphy was smart in working the hand of Mysterio but it wasn’t enough. Murphy is so explosive and there were a few times it really looked like he would pull off the win. He has all the potential in the world and eventually here he is going to breakthrough. Tonight though Mysterio did prove he wanted it more and although again I don’t see him as the favorite you know he is going to give all he has to try and finally win a MITB match and potentially gain him his 3rd World Championship.

Backstage Segment: Angel Garza & Zelina Vega
Charly welcomes Zelina Vega and Angel Garza. Charly says Zelina it seemed tonight things didn’t go as planned. Vega asks how noble it was to attack Andrade when he couldn’t stand. Vega asks Charly how she knows things aren’t going to plan? How do you know Angel Garza won’t give him what he needs? She then says Garza could prevent McIntyre from going to MITB and defending the title he loves so much. Garza then tells Charly to ask him later tonight how it feels to have beaten the champion. Charly says I can do that.

Match 8: Charlotte Flair vs Kayden Carter
Flair loosens up on the ropes and then turns around to deliver a devastating boot. She continues to push around Carter. She then misses on a kick and Carter is able to land a kick of her own. She then hits a superkick and goes for the cover but Flair kicks out. Carter hits the crucifix and covers but Flair kicks out. She now tries to work a submission hold. Flair tries to lift her but can’t. Carter now has the octopus submission locked in. Flair now lifts her and sues the top rope to her advantage to break the hold and punish Carter. Flair then hits a big spear. Flair works the Figure Four. she continues to toy with Carter and taunt her. She then bridges into the Figure Eight and Carter immediately taps.
Winner: Charlotte Flair
My Opinion:
Carter had an impressive flurry of offense for a moment but Charlotte really seemed in control this whole match. Besides a brief submission hold that kept her down, Charlotte really had her way and made that one look easy. It doesn’t seem like they will be someone in NXT who can knock her off and so, for now, it seems Charlotte will just have fun with this. I do think Rhea Ripley will come back and beat her eventually but right now Charlotte has a stranglehold on NXT and all its challengers.

Backstage Segment:
Lashley says 450 pounds, quite frankly I don’t know if I can even move this thing but if anyone in the world can he’s definitely almighty. He tries a couple of times but can’t do it. He tries a third time and finally flips it. Lana comes over and says oh my god you’re so amazing, I knew you could do it. Lashley says that’s what everyone in the Raw locker room needs to fear.

Match 9: Andrade vs Akira Tozawa
Tozawa backs him to the ropes and unleashes with strikes. He lands a kick and a big knee strike. He covers but Andrade kicks out. Tozawa stays on the offensive and knocks Andrade to the floor. He lands a kick to the face and sends him to the floor again. Tozawa then flies off the apron and hits a senton sending Andrade into the barricade. He brings Andrade back in the ring and goes up top. Tozawa looks to fly and he hits a dropkick. He covers but Andrade kicks. Andrade rolls to the outside for a breather. Tozawa goes after him but Vega stops him and this allows Andrade to take a cheap shot. He brings Tozawa into the ring and goes to work on him. Andrade works the arm. Tozawa fights away and locks in the octopus.
Andrade gets to his feet but Tozawa keeps the hold locked in. Andrade finally gets to the rope to break the hold. Andrade fights back and hits a vicious elbow strike. Andrade lifts him up but Tozawa fights off and hits him with a kick. Tozawa misses on a kick. Andrade stays in it and is able to hit a big dropkick. Andrade can’t hit the three amigos and Tozawa works a cover out of it. Andrade kicks out. He tries two more unsuccessful covers. He lands a superkick and then goes up top. Andrade gets up and is able to knock him down. Andrade now looks for the Hammerlock DDT. he connects and gets the 1 2 3.
***After the match, The Street Profits come out and dance with Byron Saxton at the commentary table.
Winner: Andrade
My Opinion:
What an effort from Tozawa, he really threw himself all over Andrade but he just couldn’t put him away. Andrade showed his toughness in this one and why he is a champion. He only had a little help and ultimately proved to be the better man tonight. If he was looking to send a message that didn’t do the best job though. Although gifted, Tozawa is much smaller than McIntyre and Andrade struggled. He definitely is going to need more definitive victories before he puts himself up there with McIntyre. Andrade has all the tools and he will continue to pick up victories but he is going to have to keep fighting if he ever wants to get to McIntyre.

Match 10: Bianca Belair vs Santana Garrett
The Street Profits are on commentary but before they join Ford says it’s time for strongest, the roughest, the quickest in WWE, Bianca Belair. Out comes Belair.
The two feel each other out in the early going. Garrett tries to take her down but Belair doesn’t move. Belair picks her up but Garrett is able to fight off. Garrett hits her and then stands and smiles. Belair then pushes her down. Belair is able to take her down to the mat. She does this again. Belair continues to have her way throwing around Garrett. Belair tosses Garrett and stays in control. Garrett is able to work her in the corner. Garrett then looks for an arm drag but Belair prevents it. Belair knocks her down and then avoids Garrett’s offense. Belair knocks her down and stays on the offensive. Belair looks for the suplex and hits. She then hits her with double knees. Garrett gets up on the apron and is met with a right hand. Garrett then is able to hang her up. Garrett hits a kick and then goes up top. She hits a cross body and covers but Belair kicks out. Garrett looks to springboard off the ropes but she is met with a big kick. Belair then drops her on the turnbuckle. Belair picks her up and hits the KOD. She covers and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Bianca Belair
My Opinion:
A big victory for Belair in her first singles match on Raw. she showed her athleticism and power in this one and there is no doubt she can become a big-time player here. This seemed like a relatively easy win for her but I’m excited to see her mix it up with more of the talent on Raw. plus, with the Street Profits, it creates this great powergroup. She’s definitely entertaining and there is no telling what she’ll do once she gets more opportunities.

Match 11: Drew McIntyre vs Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega, Austin Theory, Andrade
McIntyre goes on the offensive early and bullies Garza into the corner. McIntyre hits him with a chop block and then lands a vicious kick. He hits a big chop in the corner. Garza comes back with a back elbow. McIntyre comes right back with an overhead belly to belly. Garza goes to the outside and McIntyre follows. He hits him with a shot to the back and with a series of chops. Andrade tries a cheap shot but McIntyre turns around in time. Garza tries to take advantage but McIntyre stays on him and hits him with the Glasgow Kiss. Garza comes back thanks to his distractions. He runs McIntyre into the ring post multiple times and then continues the offensive in the ring after he flies off the top.
Garza then goes to work on the knee of McIntyre. Garza breaks the hold and then hits him with a kick. McIntyre fights back with a huge blow. McIntyre gets him down and then goes up top. He flies from the top and takes him down. McIntyre kicks up and looks for the Claymore Kick. Garza instead escapes. McIntyre then flies over the top and takes out Garza, Theory, and Andrade. He then sends Garza in the ring, Andrade over the barricade, and hits Theory with a Claymore Kick. He grabs Garza and looks to slam him but Garza turns it into a pin. McIntyre kicks out. McIntyre hits a devastating Claymore and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
***After the match, McIntyre goes up to Byron and says don’t mess with the champ. He says how about we give him another kick. He goes back to the ring and hits Garza with a Claymore. He then tells Zelina to keep bringing them in and he’ll keep Claymoring them down. Theory gets in the ring and gets hit with a Claymore. He then runs up the ramp to hit Andrade but he gets away as Raw goes off the air.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
My Opinion:
Wow, McIntyre was vicious and devastating in this match. I couldn’t believe how hard-hitting he was in this one. It looked like Garza was a little kid in there with him. McIntyre proved a point and he got to stand tall without a sneak attack which made it even better. He is one heck of a champion and I love watching him dominate all of his competition. He is a great choice for the face of Raw and so far he is off the races. He makes me want to tune in every week just to see what he’ll do next. It’s amazing, hats off to Drew McIntyre!!!

Final Thoughts:
Another great night of action, once again we had a lot of matches and the show flowed well not letting up for many unnecessary things. First, I love the participants we got from Raw for the Men’s MITB Match. In this, we got an amazing match between Mysterio and Murphy and competitive matches between Black and Theory, and Crews and MVP. I think all three men can make an impact in this match. For Crews and Black, this is about proving themselves and showing what they are made of. For Mysterio, this is a chance for him to win a match he never has before and possibly win his 3rd World Championship. To me, right now Black has to be the favorite even over Daniel Bryan. He has been on such a big role and this is his chance to finally break through the glass ceiling. I was also happy to see big wins for Liv Morgan, Bianca Belair, and the team of Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. We are seeing more talent step up on Raw and it is making for a much more competitive field. I also think people like Thorne and Vink have done great in coming to Raw and trying to prove themselves.
I loved the continued development of the group of Vega, Andrade, Garza, and Theory. Obviously this was not their night, but they continue to stick together as a unit and with a better game plan they can run Raw. Right now though, this is all about Drew McIntyre. He was so dominating in his match tonight and even after the fact he continued to run through Garza and Theory. He looks unstoppable right now which makes the story of him and Rollins so compelling. Who knows what Rollins will do to get one up on him! So far MITB is shaping up to be a very exciting PPV! I loved the field of competitors so far in the MITB Matches and I’m very excited about this unique concept. I also can’t wait for Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre going one on one, this is going to be a good one! I hope everyone stays safe and healthy and enjoys NXT and SmackDown this week!
Overall Rating: 8/10