Raw Review 06/25/2018

Tonight following a shocking title change last week as Dolph Ziggler beat Seth Rollins for the Intercontinental Championship, will Seth Rollins be able to recapture the gold in this highly anticipated rematch? Plus, who will be the other 4 participants to qualify for the 6 man #1 Contender’s Match for the Universal Championship at Extreme Rules? As seen last week Ronda Rousey was suspended for 30 days and therefore left the door open for Nia Jax to get her one on one rematch with Alexa Bliss at Extreme Rules but what will Nia have in store for the new Raw Women’s Champion? Sasha Banks and Bayley once again came to blows last week and Banks got the better of her but what will be next in this heated rivalry between once best friends? Finally, Baron Corbin and Kevin Owens closed Raw last week beating Braun Strowman and Finn Balor, was this a fluke or is this the start of a powerful alliance?

Raw comes to us tonight from the Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California.

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

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle & Baron Corbin
Kurt tells that last week he made an announcement that at Extreme Rules the winner of the Raw main event will face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Kurt then tells that over the weekend Paul Heyman started rumors about Brock Lesnar’s status for that event. Kurt says he guarantees but is then cut off and outcomes Roman Reigns.
Reigns says don’t mind me he just wanted to hear the explanation face to face. Outcomes Bobby Lashley. Lashley says don’t mind me Roman but I deserve to hear this just as much cause he is in the multi-man match as well. He tells Reigns he had three years of chances to beat Brock and he’s proven that he can’t beat him and it’s time to move on. Reigns questions this and says kinda like you did ten years ago. Reigns says ten years ago Bob was in the main event of WrestleMania and then he left. Reigns says he left to be a big MMA star but failed and since he’s been back he’s done nothing. Reigns says while he’s been doing nothing he main evented WrestleMania four years in a row and he wants it to be five. Reigns says he needs to check his resume before he comes to talk about him. Lashley says don’t downplay him because he is the only one with the tools to beat Lesnar and he will prove that at Extreme Rules. Angle says that match won’t happen at Extreme Rules cause Lesnar pulled out of the match. Lashley questions this. Reigns says it’s clear he does what he wants and doesn’t care about anyone around here. Lashley says maybe if he had someone legit to challenge him and didn’t have to look at Reigns every time. Lashley says Lesnar is tired of seeing Reigns face just like all these people. He says Brock would come back if he had a real challenge like him. Reigns says it looks like you don’t have a match at Extreme Rules and I don’t either so how about we do this right now. Angle says they can have a match at Extreme Rules and he will talk it under advisement but he has other superstars to tend to. Outcomes The Revival.
Dawson says it’s a new week but the same story. Wilder says they know an opportunity when they see when and last week they didn’t think the two biggest egos could co-exist and they were wrong hen but won’t be wrong now. They then ask Kurt. Corbin says let’s get this party started. Kurt looks annoyed but says let’s get a referee out here right now.
My Opinion:
I like the rivalry with Reigns and Lashley and both are deserving of a title opportunity. For me I really want Lesnar out of here, I know he draws big money but the fact that the Universal Championship isn’t present on Raw every week is just dumb and bad business. The title has become irrelevant and leaves them to scratch and crawl for big matches to represent Raw on the PPV’s. I hope however gets Lesnar next takes the title and we can move on from this very unproductive period that he’s been champion.

Match 1: Roman Reigns & Bobby Lashley vs The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
The two teams start brawling as the match begins. Lashley and Reigns then both land back body drops and send The Revival to the floor. Reigns goes to the outside and takes it to Dawson before bringing him in the ring. Reigns lands a big headbutt and then drives Dawson into the corner. Lashley gets the tag and the two double team Dawson. Wilder takes a cheap shot but Lashley takes him out. Dawson takes advantage and lands a chop block. Dawson then takes it to Lashley in the corner before landing a big clothesline. Wilder gets the tag and they double team Lashley. Wilder takes it to him but Lashley fights back with right hands. Wilder backs him in the corner and lands big punches of his own. Dawson then tags in and is able to get Lashley in a body lock. Lashley fights out but Dawson makes the tag. They then hit a double suplex on Lashley. Wilder tries a pin but Lashley kicks out. Lashley fights back and is able to make the tag. Reigns comes in and hits a big clothesline on Dawson. Reigns then hits a series of clotheslines in the corner. Reigns then knocks Wilder off the apron. Wilder moves Dawson out of the ring but Reigns hits them both with a drive-by as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Wilder gets Reigns in a chin lock. Reigns fights to his feet and is able to throw Wilder off. Dawson gets the tag and takes it too Reigns as he gets him wrapped up in the ropes. Wilder takes a cheap shot as Dawson distracts the ref. Reign is throw in the corner but Reigns is able to land a big boot. Wilder gets the tag and gets Reigns in a half nelson. Wilder finally lets the hold go and tags Dawson. Dawson stomps on Lashley and toys with him. Reigns tries to fight out of the corner and does so as he reverses Dawson and sends him hard into the corner sending him upside down. Reigns is able to tag Lashley and Wilder gets the tag as well. Lashley lands a couple of suplexes and then hits a spinebuster on Dawson. Lashley hits a vertical suplex on Wilder and Lashley waits for the spear but Reigns tags in. Reigns hits the Superman Punch on Wilder. Reigns sends Dawson into Lashley on accident. Reigns then hits the spear on Dawson but Wilder is still the legal man and rolls up Reigns for the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Lashley tells Reigns to let him finish it next time.
Winners: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
My Opinion:
Huge win for The Revival, they showed why they are a great tag team because they know how to work together and never take their eye off the ball. They took it to Reigns and Lashley and fought hard tonight. Lashley and Reigns let their egos get the best of them but this loss doesn’t hurt them at all. For The Revival, I hope this leads to more but right now it seems this was more to get Lashley and Reigns storyline over. Hopefully, this is the end of Lashley and Reigns as a team and we can get down to the business we want to see.

Backstage Segment:
Hardy tells The B Team that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and their imitation last week was wonderful. Wyatt says they are just a facade but their eyes tell a true story. He says they have become so fixated on their pride that they don’t realize they are leading themselves into the lion’s den. Hardy says they have no idea what they are getting themselves into.

Match 2: Matt Hardy w/ Bray Wyatt vs Curtis Axel w/ Bo Dallas
*** Before the match The B Team imitates Hardy and Wyatt again. They tell them they may be entering a lion’s den but they will be entering a beehive.
Hardy land a big kick to start the match and then bashes him off the turnbuckle. Hardy lands a big chop but Axel catches him as he tries for a boot. Axel lands a big boot but Hardy catches him on the top turnbuckle. Hardy slips and Axel lands on top of him as they crash to the mat. Axel gets the 1 2 3 on the pin.
Winner: Curtis Axel
My Opinion:
Quick match but this rivalry has been very entertaining so far. I think Axel and Dallas are getting over very well with the fans and I think they have a chance to win the titles because crazier things have happened. It’ll be interesting to see their match stipulation at Extreme Rules but I can’t wait to continue to see this build up.

Backstage Segment:
Titus Worldwide tells Authors Of Pain to show the backstage crew some respect as they pushed one of the members out of the way. AOP tells them thanks but no thanks.

Backstage Segment:
Bayley tells Alicia she is so glad she’s back. Kurt welcomes her back and then tells Bayley that her and Sasha have to team up again tonight. Bayley is not for this. Kurt says she has no choice and they will team with Ember Moon to face The Riott Squad. Kurt says they are dangerous so they better get on the same page.

Match 3: The Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar) vs The Gibson Brothers (Rich & Rex)
Rezar lands a big boot to Rex and then throws him off the apron to the floor. He then pulls Rich into the ring and tags Akam. Akam then knocks him to the floor. Rex is thrown back into the ring and Akam slams him into the turnbuckle. They then hit The Last Chapter and get the 1 2 3 on the cover.
*** After the match AOP attacks the Gibson brothers. Titus Worldwide comes and chases AOP out of the ring.
Winners: The Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar)
My Opinion:
Glad to see AOP back because to me it’s ridiculous they haven’t been pushed or been on tv for that matter, once again though they have a squash match and I think everyone would rather see them fighting for the titles and having big time matches like they did in NXT. I think a rivalry with Titus Worldwide could e good for them, they’ll have good matches and actually get to work the way we want to see them too.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin asks Kurt if he just likes seeing how many tag teams he can get to implode. Balor comes in and asks Kurt why Lesnar had this match canceled. Corbin tells him he should consider it a favor cause he would’ve come up short again like last week. Balor tells him that’s funny and asks if his manager at TGI Friday’s know he stole that vest. Braun comes in and says he feels bad about what how he treated Kevin Owens and wants him to be his partner. Kurt asks against who. He then picks Corbin and Balor to be the opponents.

In Ring Segment: Alexa Bliss w/ Mickie James
Mickie tells everyone to give it up for the one and only Goddess of WWE and the three- time Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss. Alexa thanks her. Mickie says she deserves it after her celebration was ruined by that crazy Ronda Rousey. Alexa says that’s why she is suspended. Alexa says she is okay and glad Kurt saw that Ronda is the most entitled spoiled brat on the planet. Alexa again says Ronda doesn’t understand the rules and what she did at Money In The Bank was legal. Mickie says it may go down as the greatest cash in ever. Alexa says that’s right but rewarded by having to face the bully Nia Jax in three weeks if her arm is okay. Alexa says the fact is she is the one standing her as the Raw Women’s Champion. She then tells that Nia always paints herself as the victim in their friendship. She says at WrestleMania Nia thought that was the end of her story and Backlash was her sequel. She says this isn’t Hollywood where the odd girl overcomes the pretty girl. She says this is real life and she is the real hero. She tells the crowd how dare they boo her with everything she has overcome. She tells them they can boo her all they want but she is still a champion. Outcomes Natalya.
Natalya says the countdown is on because in 23 days her friend and training partner Ronda Rousey comes back to deal with you. Alexa says she is impressed they can count down from 30 and she is even more impressed Natalya left her five-star vacation to come to interrupt her. She then tells Natalya she doesn’t need to post her whole life on social media. Alexa then tells her she is dismissed. Natalya says no she’s not because she talked to Kurt and they have a match right now. Natalya tells her she didn’t come alone and here comes Nia Jax!
My Opinion:
I really love Alexa Bliss as champion, I think she fits it perfectly and she knows how to get under people’s skin and I think she’s awesome as a heel. It’ll be interesting to see if Nia can recapture the title in three weeks and if so I would love a rematch with her and Rousey.

Match 4: Nataly w/ Nia Jax vs Alexa Bliss w/ Mickie James
As Raw returns, Bliss is in control of Natalya with a body scissors. Bliss then grabs her head to put more pressure on. Natalya is able to stand up and uses her power. Natalya looks for a Sharpshooter but Bliss gets to the ropes. Bliss lands a big shot to the knee of Natalya but it’s not enough to keep her down. Bliss goes back to the body scissors. Bliss tries a cover but Natalya is able to roll out. Natalya is able to hit the michinoku diver to break the hold. Bliss knocks her back down and hits standing knees. Bliss then hits a standing moonsault but Natalya kicks out of the cover. Natalya continues to kick out of the quick covers of Bliss. Natalya grabs Bliss and overpowers her. Natalya knocks her to the ground and then follows with a suplex. Natalya then lands a side Russian leg sweep but then gets distracted by Mickie. Bliss tries a roll-up but she kicks out. Nia then gets to Bliss. Natalya takes advantage and locks in the Sharpshooter. Bliss taps.
Winner: Mickie James
My Opinion:
Huge win for Natalya tonight! It’s a good thing Nia was out there because she made the playing field even and lucky for Natalya she was able to take advantage. Natalya just put herself in a good position to be considered for a title shot and if anything else she was able to avenge a little bit for Ronda Rousey’s suspension. One thing’s for sure there are a lot of people coming for Bliss and that title.

Backstage Segment:
Charly welcomes Seth Rollins and asks his mindset heading into his rematch tonight. Rollins says no excuses he lost last week. He says he has had seven days to let that loss drive in and he’s dedicated it to getting better. He tells that Ziggler is getting a Rollins like he’s never seen and Drew will get the best seat in the house to watch him beat his little buddy, burn it down, and take back his Intercontinental Championship.

Match 5: Sasha Banks & Bayley & Ember Moon vs The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan)
Bayley hits Logan with a big kick and lands a big shots to her back. Moon gets the tag but quickly Banks comes in. Banks hits double knees and tags Moon. Moon takes it to her but Logan is able to back her into the corner. Morgan gets the tag but Moon takes her out with a big elbow. Moon then sends her face first into the mat. Banks and Bayley then takes out Logan and Riott as they try to get involved. Moon hits suicide dive as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Moon fights back as Riott is in control. Riott is able to hit an STO but Moon is able to kick out of the cover. Riott causes a distraction and Morgan and Logan team up on Moon. Moon is able to tag Banks and Banks comes in hot with big clotheslines. Banks lands a big kick and follows with double knees in the corner. Banks gets distracted and Riott hits a big kick. Riott goes for the cover but Bayley breaks it up. Moon takes out Logn on the outside but then Morgan takes her out. Banks locks in a jackknife cover but Riott kicks out. Banks gets distracted and Riott and pins her for the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Bayley jumps on Banks and attacks her with big rights and lefts. Bayley then hammers her with kicks in the corner. Banks fights back but is too weak. Bayley then sends her into the turnbuckle. Bayley then tosses Banks to the floor. Bayley then sends Banks into the steps twice.
Winners: The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan)
My Opinion:
Once again The Riott Squad shows what being a team means. Those three work awesome together and again they pick up a huge win. Bayley and Sasha actually worked well together for the most part but The Riott Squad knows how to be a team and even with Ember on their team they couldn’t overcome them. I loved what Bayley did after the match, the crowd absolutely loved it and I think it saved Bayley’s career. Bayley was becoming an afterthought and a joke in many eyes but if she has this aggression it could put her right back at the top where she once was. Bayley took it to Sasha and whenever they have their one on one match it’s gonna be a brawl.

Backstage Segment:
Angle says he needs to do something about this Bayley and Sasha situation. Owens asks Angle if he’s crazy for letting Braun be his partner. Kurt questions him. Owens says he runs him over every chance he gets. Angle says Braun was being genuine and maybe a friendship will come out of it.

Mojo Rawley vs No Way Jose
*** Before the match Mojo tells the people in the conga line don’t deserve to be there because you need to earn the right to walk down the ramp to a WWE Ring. he then makes fun of one of the members named Todd and asks if his mother would be proud to see him out her dressed as a cheeseburger. Mojo then tells him he won’t ever be in WWE and tells Jose he won’t be getting his rematch. Jose comes to the outside and asks why and Mojo answers with a stiff right hand.
My Opinion:
I like this new aggression of Mojo but to get him anywhere they need to continue to put him on tv. He’s definitely caring an edge but unfortunately, I don’t know if he’ll ever get over as a top guy. For Jose, I feel bad because he did so well in NXT and now he’s on the main roster and being forgotten like so many call-ups before him.

Backstage Segment:
Kurt tells Bayley that she doesn’t’ care about Raw or the Women’s revolution. He tells Bayley that next week she is going to counseling. Bayley says she doesn’t need it. Kurt questions her and says if she doesn’t go she’s fired.

Match 6: Braun Strowman & Kevin Owens vs Finn Balor & “Constable” Baron Corbin
Balor starts the match but Corbin tags in before he can do anything. Corbin takes it to Owens quickly and lands a big shoulder tackle. Owens fights out of the corner but Corbin comes back with a big right hand knocking Owens off the second turnbuckle. Balor gets the tag and lands a big shot to the gut of Owens. Corbin tags right back in but Owens takes it to him with chops. Owens is able to get out of the chokeslam and tags Strowman. The two lock up but Strowman pushes Corbin off. Corbin locks up with him again and is able to escape him. The two then go to a test of strength but Corbin kicks him. Strowman fights back with a big right hand and Corbin falls to the mat. Balor gets the tag and Owens goes right at him. Owens stomps on him in the corner. Owens then goes to a chin lock but Balor gets to a vertical base. Balor is sent into the corner. Corbin tries to interfere but Owens and Strowman take it to him. Owens hits the cannonball on Corbin in the corner and Strowman hits the splash on Balor in the corner as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Balor is in control of Owens and works his arm on the mat. Owens fights to his feet but Balor takes him down with an elbow. Strowman has to break up the cover by Balor. Corbin gets the tag and throws Owens into the corner but then runs into an elbow. Owens is able to tag Strowman and Strowman hits Corbin with big tackles and big right hand. Strowman hits a big splash but Corbin comes back with a big boot. Balor gets the tag and quickly is knocked to the mat and out of the ring. Strowman then knocks Corbin to the floor. Strowman then goes to the outside and hits a shoulder tackle on both men. Owens then hits one on Balor but then is met with a clothesline from Corbin. Strowman goes to the outside and takes out Corbin. Back in the ring, Balor hits the slingblade on Owens. Corbin tags in but Balor tags back in and takes out Corbin. Owens takes it to Balor but then Balor and Corbin fight on the outside. The ref starts the count and finally gets to 10.
*** After the match Owens tries a handshake but Strowman just stares at him. Owens then runs away. Strowman chases him into the backstage area and Owens hides in a room.
Winners: Braun Strowman & Kevin Owens
My Opinion:
Strowman and Owens actually worked very well as a team tonight. There’s no doubt that together they could be unstoppable but Strowman was having none of that after the match. Owens game was really stepped up by Strowman and I thought both put on great performances. It’s no surprise that Balor and Corbin couldn’t co-exist but I didn’t mind that cause honestly I think they could put on a great match against each other. Right now Corbin looks better than he has in a while and Balor, unfortunately, is continuing to be left out of big storylines so maybe it’d be good for the both of them.

Backstage Segment:
Owens grabs his bag and asks security to escort him out of the building Owens walks out of the arena and asks the valet for the keys but he says he doesn’t have them he does. Braun has the keys and says here’s your keys but I hope you have insurance cause there’s your car. Owens car is destroyed and upside down.

Match 7: Dolph Ziggler (c) w/ Drew Mcintyre vs Seth Rollins
Intercontinental Championship Match
Rollins starts with a huge dropkick. Rollins then stomps on Ziggler and forces him to roll to the outside. Ziggler tries a single leg takedown but Rollins fights it and backs him in the corner. Ziggler lands a big kick but Rollins is able to reverse his right hand. Rollins tries a snapmare takedown and goes for the cover but Ziggler kicks out. Rollins turns a deep arm drag into an armbar but Ziggler is able to get out and back Rollins in the corner. Zigler takes a few cheap shots in the corner and follows with a standing elbow but it’s not enough to put Rollins away. Ziggler takes Rollins to the mat and locks in a side headlock. Rollins works to a vertical base but Ziggler continues to keep him grounded. Rollins works to a vertical base again but Ziggler doesn’t let him get far before taking him back down to the mat with a side headlock again. Rollins pushes Ziggler off and is able to land a hip toss after a nice leapfrog. Rollins lands a big dropkick and Ziggler goes to the outside to regroup. Rollins goes after him and bounces him off the apron. Rollins then throws him off the barricade. Rollins and Mcintyre have a stare down as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ziggler lands a big kick to the knee of Rollins. Ziggler takes Rollins to the mat and lands another standing elbow but once again Rollins kicks out. Rollins fights off Ziggler with body shots and then reverses Ziggler and throws him into the corner hard. Ziggler then sends a running Rollins to the floor. Ziggler tries a cover again but Rollins kicks out. Ziggler lands a big right hand and another to follow. Rollins is able to land a big kick. Ziggler reverses him and locks in a sleeper. Rollins escapes but Ziggler is able to lock it in again. Rollins and Ziggler collide and both men are down. Rollins hits Ziggler with big right hands. Rollins hits a boot and then hits a slingblade. Rollins sends Ziggler to the floor and looks for a dive but Mcintyre hits him from behind. Ziggler takes advantage and hits Rollins in the back of the neck. Mcintyre is then sent to the back by the ref. Rollins rolls up Ziggler but the ref is distracted. Rollins then hits the step-up enziguri. Rollins hits the suicide dive taking out both Ziggler and Mcintyre. Rollins goes to the top but Ziggler knocks him off. Ziggler tries a cover but Rollins kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rollins is able to hit the big knee. Rollins goes for the cover but Ziggler gets his foot on the ropes. Rollins tries the powerbomb on the apron but Ziggler fights out. Ziggler then hits the DDT on the apron. Ziggler tries a superkick but Rollins catches him and hits the buckle bomb. Rollins hits a big kick and goes for the cover but Ziggler kicks out at 2. Rollins goes to the top but Ziggler meets him up there. Rollins fights him off and hits the frog splash. Rollins tries another cover but Ziggler kicks out at 2 again. Ziggler lands a big kick but then misses on the stomps. Ziggler tries the Zig Zag but Rollins ducks. The two then trade covers but neither get the 3. Rollins is then sent into the post and Ziggler follows with the Zig Zag. Ziggler goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out at 2. Ziggler puts Rollins on the top turnbuckle and meets him up there. Ziggler looks for the suplex but Rollins holds on. Rollins then reverses it and hits the suplex. Rollins hits the Falcon Arrow and goes for the cover but Mcintyre pulls the ref out of the ring. Mcintyre then attacks Rollins. Outcomes Roman Reigns. Reigns hits Ziggler with a huge spear. Reigns then hits Mcintyre with huge right hands. Mcintyre hits a headbutt but Reigns sends him out of the ring with a Superman Punch.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler: Still Intercontinental Champion
My Opinion:
Wow, what a match these two had! I hate to see the match end this way because these two really had something special going. The wrestling they displayed and pure determination in both was next to none. I loved how back and forth this was and you never knew which one was going to be able to land the one big move they needed. I’m sure I’m not alone when I say I want to see this match again! However, with this loss, I hope if Rollins doesn’t get another chance it will mean that he will be moving into the Universal Championship picture. If that’s the case there are definitely some worthy competitors for Ziggler waiting in the back.

Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed tonight’s Raw, I thought we had some great matches and I really enjoyed the pace of tonight. First, I really like the rivalry brewing between Lashley and Reigns. I think both are deserving of the Universal title but before that, I want to see them clash and when they do I think it’ll be epic. I also enjoyed the aggression Bayley displayed tonight. For so long Sasha Banks has treated her bad and finally, Bayley got her revenge. When the two finally do meet in the match it’s gonna be hard hitting. The Revival impressed me tonight as they picked up a huge win to open the show. Whether dysfunctional or not it should mean something beating Lashley and Reigns. Even though this is likely to help their rivalry I think it should be noted and work The Revival back into the title picture. I was also impressed with Natalya, she had Nia to even the odds and was able to pin the Raw Women’s Champion. I was happy to see Authors Of Pain back on Raw again, a feud with Titus Worldwide may not be what people want but I’m glad they got tv time and hopefully, soon enough they can feud for the titles. Finally, the main event tonight killed it. Ziggler and Rollins fought their hearts out and even though it ended in a controversial way I thought this match did its job and ended the night on a high note. I would love to see this match again but if this is Rollins last chance hopefully someone like Balor, Elias, or Roode will be the next to step up for the IC Championship.
Overall Rating: 7/10