Raw Review 05/21/2018

As the road to Money In The Bank continues which of the Raw Superstars will be joining the Women’s Money In The Bank Match. Plus which Raw male qualifiers will build momentum heading into the high stakes ladder match? Also, Sami Zayn vowed to expose Bobby Lashley this week but what exactly will that mean? As Seth Rollins continues to host an open challenge for the Intercontinental Championship who will step up this week? Last week we saw Roman Reigns destroy Jinder Mahal and caused a lot of chaos, will the rampage of the “Big Dog” continue? Finally, the stage is set for Money In The Bank as Nia Jax will defend the Raw Women’s Championship against Ronda Rousey, but what will happen when the two come face to face tonight?

Raw comes to us tonight from the Times Union Center in Albany, NY.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and The Coach

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle
Kurt welcomes everyone and says Raw has been on a roll so we are gonna keep it going. He tells that Ronda Rousey is in the house and will compete against Nia Jax for the Raw Women’s Championship. He says he will be overseeing the contract signing of Rousey and Jax later tonight. Ange then announces a Fatal Four for a spot in the Women’s Money In The Bank but is then interrupted by Stephanie McMahon.
Stephanie tells Kurt that after what happened after WrestleMania it’s all water under the bridge. She says she holds no hard feelings cause she is a leader and will always do what is best for business. Stephanie tells Kurt that with her guidance he could so much better. She says she wants to see his growth continue but he has to stop letting his emotions get in the way. She says she will be overseeing the contract signing. Angle says he agrees. Stephanie then goes to talk about Roman Reigns but out he comes.
Roman tells Steph that if she has something to say then say it to his face. Steph says she doesn’t get his new attitude but if it keeps up he is gonna have to look for another line of work. Roman tells her to take a different tone with him or he is gonna go backstage and destroy all her favorite superstars. She says she doesn’t have favorites and she just does what is best for business. Roman then brings up Brock Lesnar. Steph says she has taken his concerns into advisement. Roman tells her to cut the crap and says you don’t want me near the Universal Championship or the Money In The Bank Contract. Steph tells him he lost and if he wants to take it up with someone take it up with Jinder Mahal. Roman says he already did. Outcomes Kevin Owens.
Owens says he stepped up when Mahal went down and he became the final participant from Raw to enter the Money In The Bank. Owens says him winning is best for business. He says he really likes Roman Reigns, and then tells the crowd to chant thank you Roman. Owens the tells that it’s true Stephanie does not play favorites. He tells of his actions against her family but says Stephanie gave him an opportunity cause Stephanie knows talent when she sees it. Steph then makes a match between Owens and Roman Reigns and says it happens right now.
My Opinion:
I like Raw starting off like this. Stephanie is definitely good to have around and I love the banter with her and Kurt. Roman definitely has a new attitude but he needs it. I think if Roman continues to push the limits and do and say as he pleases it’s only gonna benefit him and the fans will take to him better. Even if they boo it’s okay cause now he’s a bad guy. I like what Owens did as well, I love the comedy he brings to his promos and I really hope they continue to give Owens the shot to be one of the top guys.

Match 1: Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens
As Raw returns, Owens tries to get around on Reigns but it doesn’t work. Owens takes a moment and then goes to a side headlock. Reigns works the arm of Owens and breaks the hold. Reigns goes to a side headlock but Owens pushes him off. Reigns then blast Owens with a huge shoulder tackle. Owens goes out of the ring and then gets back in, he steps to Reigns but is met with a big right hand. Reigns then slaps Owens around the ring. Owens comes back with his own right hand but Reigns barely moves and comes back with huge forearms. Reigns then pounds on him in the corner. Reigns lands another big slap and gets Owens in the corner for a huge headbutt. Owens is able to catch Reigns but Reigns comes back and knocks Owens from the top rope all the way to the floor. Reigns meets him on the outside. Owens lands a big chop but Reigns doesn’t move and knocks him to the floor. Reigns goes to the outside and tries a drive-by but Owens moves and Reigns lands hard as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Owens catches Reigns with a big right hand. Reigns meet Owens on the turnbuckles but Owens knocks him off with a few elbows. Owens then comes at him fast but Reigns hits him with a series of clotheslines. Reigns gets Owens in the corner and comes with 10 clotheslines. Reigns then misses on a big boot and Owens is able to hit a DDT. Owens goes for the cover but Reigns kicks out at 2. Reigns connects with a boot and then hits the Samoan Drop. Reigns goes for the cover but Owens kicks out. Reigns tries a Superman Punch but Owens ducks and hits a roll up. Reigns kicks out and Owens hits a superkick. Owens tries for a cannonball but Reigns instead hits a Superman Punch. Reigns goes for the cover but Owens is able to kick out. Reigns looks for the spear but Owens rolls out of the ring. Reigns goes to the floor and hits the spear. Jinder Mahal then comes out of nowhere and attacks Reigns. Mahal brings him in the ring and stomps on him. Mahal then hammers him with right hands. Outcomes Seth Rollins. Rollins goes after Mahal and Singh and Owens as Raw goes to break.
Winner: Roman Reigns: Via DQ
My Opinion:
This was an awesome match. Reigns was hitting hard tonight and really took it to Owens. Owens showed why he is one of the best as he was able to escape a lot of big offensive moves by Reigns. I think Owens did a good job of staying in there and honestly, it’s a match I’d love to see again. Either way it shows a different side of Reigns and this is the fight he needs to bring every night so one day he can be back at the top.

Match 2: Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns vs Kevin Owens & Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh
As Raw returns Rollins fight back as Mahal is in control. Rollins is then taken to the mat by a shoulder tackle. Rollins gets back up and is able to hit a suicide dive on the outside. Reigns gets the tag and he and Rollins double team Mahal. Reigns gets Mahal in the corner and hits Mahal with big right hands to the gut. Mahal is able to hit a big elbow and tags Owens. Owens stomps on Reigns and then tags Mahal. Mahal then stomps on Reigns and taunts Rollins. Mahal goes to a chinlock and works Reigns. Mahal is able to his a big elbow and goes back to the chinlock. Mahal back Reigns into the corner and hits a series of spears to the gut. Owens makes the tag and he goes to a chinlock. Reigns gets to his feet and fights off Owens with big right hands. Owens lands a big kick but Reigns is able to hits a clothesline. Mahal comes in but is sent to the outside. Mahal then pulls Rollins off the apron. Owens hits the cannonball and goes for the cover but Reigns kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mahal tags Owens and the two take it to Reigns in the corner. Owens works Reigns and taunts Rollins. Reigns hits him with a hard slap but Owens hits a drop toe hold and hits Reigns with crossfaces. Owens lands a big kick and tries a cover but Reigns kicks out. Owens then wrenches on Reigns face. Reigns fights to his feet and lifts Owens but only for a moment. Reigns is able to hit Owens and knock him to the mat. Rollins and Mahal get the tags. Rollins hits a big move from the top rope. Rollins hits a slingblade and then tries a suicide dive but Owens prevents. Rollins knocks Mahal to the floor and then hits a suicide dive on Owens and then one on Mahal. Rollins hits a blockbuster and goes for the cover but Mahal kicks out at 2. Singh provides distraction and Mahal is able to hit knees to the gut. Mahal goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Rollins is able to counter Mahal with an enziguri. Rollins knocks down Owens off the tag. Owens comes back and takes down Rollins. Owens tries a pin but Rollins kicks out. Reigns helps out but Owens continues to take it to Rollins. Rollins is able to hit a superkick and then hits the stomp. Rollins goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Mahal attacks Rollins and Reigns with a steel chair.
Winners: Seth Rollins & Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
Wow, Seth Rollins is on a different level right now. Rollins continues to impress and only gets better. Mahal and Owens did all they could but you can’t stop Rollins and Reigns. I liked Mahal at the end taking matters into his own hands. I think he and Reigns can have a great rivalry and I love how they’re building it up. Finally, we are getting a true rivalry with nothing at stake besides who’s better.

*** Jinder Mahal will face Roman Reigns at Money In The Bank

In Ring Segment:
Zayn says he is here to expose Lashley and he is gonna do it with the help of the “Lashley Sisters”. Zayn says he sees the trademark Lashley family resemblance. Zayn tells that Lashley expressed his on dying love for his sisters but nothing felt right. He asks Cathy and Catchy tells that she needed to bring a broom with her to protect herself from Lashley. He asks Francis why she had to carry a helmet and Francis tells it was to protect from Lashley bumping her on the head. He then goes to Jessica and asks about the towel. Jessica says Lashley would hurt her feelings and make her cry so much that the towel was sopping wet by the end of the night. Zayn asks Cathy if it was a lie when Lashley said he loves his sisters. Cathy says he only loved himself. Jessica says the parents hated Lashley and has to send him to reform school. Jessica tells that Lashley was a brat and a thief and when he would come around they would call the cops on him. Zayn says Lashley is a liar and a thief and is a menace to society. Out comes Bobby Lashley.
Lashley jokes about the fake sisters Zayn brought out. Lashley tells Zayn he is hilarious and thanks him for doing this for him. Zayn says maybe Lashley would like it more if he helluva kicked him and threw out of the ring like garbage because that’s what his family thinks of him. Zayn tries to run but Lashley grabs him. Zayn and the “sisters” then team up and beat down Lashley. Lashley is able to power out and takes them all out.
My Opinion:
This segment was kinda a bust, it didn’t have much point but hopefully, it leads to something more. Lashley is so good and since he is back they need to use him right. There are so many matches people want to see Lashley in and it’s time they start giving it to the fans. Zayn is awesome don’t get me wrong but Lashley should be in a title picture or something right now.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Alexa if she’s worried about Ember. Alexa tells a story about the Roman Army and brings the point of the element of surprise and claims that is why Ember won when she debuted. Alexa says tonight will be a fair fight and Alexa and the Roman’s will win.

Match 3: Ember Moon vs Alexa Bliss w/ Mickie James
Ember works the arm of Alexa but Alexa is able to slam her to the mat. Alexa stomps on Ember but then gloats. Ember is able to get up and hits Alexa with a crossbody. Ember goes for the cover but Alexa kicks out. Ember goes to the outside after Alexa and is able to send her to the floor. Alexa takes advantage of the distraction and slams Ember to the floor. Alexa tries for a cover but Ember kicks out. Alexa works the arm of Ember and slams her to the mat as Ember tries to fight out. Alexa tries a cover but ember kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Alexa stomps on Ember. Alexa goes for the cover but Ember kicks out. Alexa then continues to work on the shoulder of Ember. Alexa lands a big kick to the back and then goes back to the shoulder. Ember works to her feet but is then slammed back to the mat. Alexa goes back to stretching the shoulder. Ember is able to roll through and hits Alexa with a big right hand. Ember lands a big kick and follows with a dropkick. Ember pulls Alexa but Alexa is able to hit a big kick. Ember slaps Mickie and it allows Alexa to roll her up but Ember kicks out. Alexa pulls on Ember shoulder over the ropes. Ember lands a kick and goes to the top. Ember hits the Eclipse and is able to get the 1 2 3 on the pin.
Winner: Ember Moon
My Opinion:
This was a very impressive victory by Ember tonight. Alexa really did all she could even using Mickie as a distraction but Ember is proving to be a veteran even with only debuting a month and a half ago. Ember showed she has was it takes to get a victory and I really think big things are in her future. Ember no doubt shows every week why she deserves to be in a top spot on the Raw Women’s Division.

Backstage Segment:
Finn Balor and Braun Strowman tell Stephanie that they are looking for Kurt Angle. Finn tells Stheonaie that they came in here looking for a rematch. Stephanie says well you aren’t partners and at Money In The Bank you will be competing against each other. Stephanie tells Finn that Braun might blame him for the loss last week. Stephanie says tonight we will have Finn Balor versus Braun Strowman. Strowman then crushes an apple and says he likes competition.

Match 4: No Way Jose vs Baron Corbin
Jose hits Corbin with big right hands. Corbin slides out of the ring but is hit with a baseball slide. Corbin fights back and hits a clothesline off the apron. Corbin brings him in the ring and works his shoulder. Corbin then switches to a chinlock. Jose tries to fight back but Corbin goes to the midsection. Corbin goes shoulder first into the post and it allows Jose to take control. Jose hits a big kick and then an elbow. Jose lands another kick and then drops Corbin. Jose drops Corbin face first. Jose tries a cover but Corbin kicks out. Corbin is able to hit deep six. Corbin then hits End of Days and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Baron Corbin
My Opinion:
Corbin was awesome tonight! I loved the way he was aggressive and really showed his power. I hope Corbin can get back into a good spot on the card and I think if he continues to perform like this he could do just that. Joe was also impressive but the gimmick doesn’t do it for me. I think Jose is better than Adam Rose was but still, I think it’s gonna take him more to get over.

Backstage Segment:
Gable tells Kurt he was looking for him. Angle tells Gable he would’ve loved to have him to replace Mahal last week. Ziggler and Mcintyre tells Angle that they beat Balor and Strowman and they’d love to do it again but that decision is above his pay grade. Ziggler questions Gable and tells him he doesn’t sit around and wait for a handout. Gable takes offense to this. Angle tells them they will settle it in the ring tonight.

Match 5: The B Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) vs Breezango (Tyler Breeze & Fandango)
Axel and Breeze lockup to start. Axel tries a quick cover but Breeze kicks out. Breeze brings Axel to his feet and Axel goes to the outside. Dallas gets the tag but Breeze brings him to his feet. Breeze tries a cover but Dallas kicks out. Fandango gets the tag and takes it to Dallas. He tries a cover but another kick out form Dallas. Axel gets the tag and they double team Fandango. Axel goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: The B Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas)
My Opinion:
Big win for Axel and Dallas tonight. I think these guys could do something if they keep using them like this. The fans love it and they bring a fun side to the matches. I kinda hope they will win the titles someday cause these guys have earned it for all they’ve been through. Hopefully, this “undefeated streak” keeps and it keeps a fun side to Raw.

In Ring Segment: Contract Signing (Nia Jax vs Ronda Rousey)
Stephanie tells how Nia will defend against one of the biggest attractions in the world Ronda Rousey but none of it happens until they sign their contract. Stephanie first welcomes Nia. Next out is Ronda
Stephanie asks Ronda how it feels to leapfrog the women who are more deserving than you. Ronda says she was challenged. Stephanie says Ronda is right for the picking. Stephanie tells Ronda that Nia is bigger and stronger and Nia knows she doesn’t like to lose. She says that if Nia wins she knows Ronda will leave WWE and it will make her the baddest woman on the planet. Stephanie then asks Nia why it took her so long to beat Alexa and asks why it took her so long to get to this point in her career. Stephanie then says Ronda knows Nia is lazy and if she is lazy how long will it take Ronda to put an armbar on Nia. Nia says the truth is she can’t get the armbar on me. Nia tells Ronda she will make a name for herself because she is gonna beat her. Ronda tells Nia she’s glad the truth came out and then shakes her hand. She tells Nia she is gonna take her title and her arm.
My Opinion:
I loved how Stephanie was stirring up drama tonight. I think it definitely brought out some emotion in Nia and I hope it keeps up. I’d love to see her and Rousey really go at it and I think it creates a great challenge for Ronda. I don’t know if Ronda is gonna win but either way, this is gonna be a fight!

Match 6: Dolph Ziggler vs Chad Gable
Ziggler and Gable trade holds. Gable is able to hit a deep arm drag and then works and then ties up Ziggler on the mat. Ziggler works to his feet but again Gable is able to work him and goes for a cover but Ziggler kicks out. Ziggler is able to land a dropkick and takes down Gable. Ziggler goes for the cover but he kicks out. Ziggler works Gable and hits an elbow. Ziggler then goes to a body hold. Gable is able to work to his feet and is able to takedown Ziggler. Gable tries a cover but Ziggler kicks out. Gable hits a back elbow. Gable comes through with a huge suplex. Ziggler comes back in and is able to hit a headbutt. Ziggler goes for the cover.
*** After the match Mcintyre hits the claymore.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler
My Opinion:
This was a very good technical wrestling match. I think Gable proved a lot her and if not for sneaky tactics from Ziggler I think he would’ve won. Gable definitely can be something if he continues to get opportunities at matches like this. Ziggler though is a veteran and he knows how to win and he showed that tonight. I love him and Mcintyre together and I hope for nothing but continued success for those two as a team.

Match 7: Dana Brooke vs Natalya vs Liv Morgan vs Sarah Logan: Winner Qualifies for Money In The Bank
Morgan and Logan take it to Natalya and Dana to start the match. Dana works Logan in the corner as Morgan takes out Natalya. Morgan tries a cover but Natalya kicks out. Natalya is able to land a suplex. Nataly works Morgan is able to hit a basement dropkick. Logan comes in and hits Natalya hard. Dana hits a clothesline but Morgan hits her with an enziguri. Logan and Morgan laugh and then double team, Natalya. Logan hits a big shot to the gut of Natalya and then follows with a forearm. Dana brings Logan to the outside. Nataly goes after Logan and hits her with a side Russian leg sweep. Logan is able to hit Natalya hard but the pin is broken up by Dana. Logan sends Dana into the post. Natalya takes advantage and locks in the sharpshooter. Logan taps out.
*** Charly asks Natalya if her experience helps her. Natalya says of course it does and so does training with Ronda Rousey. Natalya says after Money In The Bank she will be Ms. Money In The Bank and Ronda will be the new Raw Women’s Champion.
Winner: Natalya: Qualifies for Money In the Bank
My Opinion:
Huge victory for Natalya. She deserves this so much and I hope she puts up a good showing. I can definitely see a Natalya and Ronda Rousey having a rivalry in sometime in the future since they are putting over their friendship so much. Either way, congrats to Natalya and she will do awesome!

Match 8: Bobby Roode vs Elias
Before the match Elias attacks Roode. Roode is asked if he’s ready to go and he says absolutely. As the bell rings Roode goes right after Elias. Elias fights back but Roode is able to hit a clothesline. Elias is sent to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Elias is able to land a huge suplex. Elias tries a cover but Roode kicks out. Elias locks in a chinlock on Roode and keeps him grounded on the mat. Roode tries to fight out but Elias doesn’t give him much room and continues to keep the chinlock in. Roode lands a big right hand to the ribs. Roode then hits a chop but Elias comes right back with a big knee. Roode hits a series of shoulder tackles and then hits a forearm. Roode hits Elias in the corner and the tries a cover but Elias kicks out. Elias is able to counter and tries a cover of his own but Roode kicks out. Elias hits a knee but Roode comes back. Roode tries to build momentum but Elias stops him in his tracks on the top rope. Elias hits drift away and gets the win on the cover.
Winner: Elias
My Opinion:
Huge victory for Elias. I love this rivalry between these two and I love watching them go at it. Elias had control most of the match and it’s awesome to see how comfortable he is in the ring. Elias has been a guy I’ve had my eye on for quite some time and I think finally he is coming into his own. Hopefully, we can see this match again in the future.

Match 9: Finn Balor vs Braun Strowman
Balor starts with big forearms. Balor tries to work the legs of Braun but Braun quickly takes him out. Braun slams Balor to the mat and then hits him with a big blow to the chest. Braun then whips Balor into the corner. Braun hits a big headbutt. Balor is able to land a dropkick to Braun but Balor goes down after a hard hit from Braun. Braun tosses Balor into the ring and then grabs Balor and hits him with a big right hand to the gut. Braun shoves his head and then hits him with another shot to the gut. Braun brings Balor back to his feet and hits him with another blow to the chest. Braun heaves Balor into the corner but Balor is able to get his feet up. Balor lands a kick and is able to move out of the way of an incoming Strowman. Braun though throws Balor to the mat and then hits him with a huge boot. Balor pulls down the ropes and Braun goes to the floor. Balor lands a big kick but then is dropped on the apron as Braun comes to. Braun lifts Balor and hits him with another blow to the chest. Braun goes to the outside and chases Balor but Balor hits him with a sling blade. Braun is then driven over the barricade. Braun gets to his feet but Balor lands a big kick and it sends Braun back over the barricade and to ringside. Balor hits a double stomp off the apron and follows with one from the barricade. Balor is able to avoid Braun in the corner and then Braun hits face first off the turnbuckle. Braun stops Balor on the top rope. Balor runs at Braun but is caught and then slammed. Braun hits the running powerslam and gets the 1 2 3 on the pin.
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
Balor put up a great fight tonight and deserves a lot of credit. He took it to Braun in a way we really haven’t seen before. Braun is a powerhouse and I like how the build the match that when Strowman wants to win he will win. I also loved the show of respect at the end with Braun picking up Balor. I think Braun is so awesome and I hope he is champion very soon.

Final Thoughts:
This was a pretty good Raw, I loved how action pack the start was. First, Owens and Reigns had an awesome match. I think Owens is finally getting back to where he needs to be and I hope he continues to get back to the top. Reigns has a new attitude and if he keeps being this aggressive he definitely could get back to the main event picture. Seth Rollins also was very impressive again, I love how he has no stop and just goes the whole match. Mahal showed a lot of aggression and I’m glad he got on back on Reigns. I think it’s awesome to a have a heated rivalry between these two cause I really think they can bring a very hard-hitting match. I was very impressed by Ember Moon as she picked up a huge victory over Alexa Bliss tonight. I truly feel Ember is on her way to big things. A big congrats to Natalya for qualifying for Money In The Bank, she definitely has to be one of the favorites going into the match. Finally, Balor and Strowman had an awesome match to close the night. I loved how competitive it was and it was a good way to close the show. Hopefully, this will be a match we see again.
Overall Rating: 6.8/10