Raw Review 07/15/2019

Tonight is the Fall-Out Edition of Monday Night Raw following last nights Extreme Rules PPV! In an All-Star 10 man Battle Royal who will end victorious and face the new Universal Champion Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam? Also, who will win the Fatal Four Way Elimination Match between Natalya, Alexa Bliss, Naomi, Carmella to win the right to face Becky Lynch for the Raw Women’s Championship at SummerSlam? Plus, now that AJ Styles is the new United States Champion what will be next for him and The Club? Finally, what is next for Roman Reigns after he and The Undertaker defeated Shane McMahon and Drew Mcintyre last night?

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Raw comes to us from the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, NY.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Michael Cole, Renee Young, and Corey Graves

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar & Paul Heyman 
Heyman introduces Lesnar as the new reigning and defending undisrupted Universal Champion. He tells how it’s amazing that you tell people the truth and they’d rather you’d tell them a lie. He tells everyone we told you so and goes over how he told everyone last week what was going to happen and he said it again last night. The crowd boo’s and he tells them to boo themselves for not listening. He then says everyone in WWE needs to hear I told you so because he told everyone that they needed a challenger for Brock Lesnar. He says he has all the stroke around here right now so he has determined how they will pick his opponent. He says Lesnar is not easy to negotiate with and he does what he wants and fights who he wants. He then goes over the top 10 cross-branded battle royal. He says the winner gets to make history at SummerSlam by getting beaten, victimized, and conquered. He then shows who will compete, Seth Rollins, Randy Orton, Big E, Cesaro, Braun Strowman, Rey Mysterio, Baron Corbin, Sami Zayn, Bobby Lashley, and Roman Reigns. He then tells how Seth Rollins strolled into Philly like he was Becky Lynch’s stud but after Lesnar was done Rollins left gelded. He says if anyone steps in the ring with Lesnar they risk their health and manhood because in this universe everyone is Brock’s bitches.
My Opinion:
This was a good start to the night, Lesnar is champ again but it’ll make for a big main event at SummerSlam with him as the champ. Heyman didn’t say anything we haven’t heard before but it got to the point and I loved how he nodded that he calls the shots now. The battle royal tonight should be a good one and I’m very curious to see not only who faces Lesnar but how they build will be now that Heyman is in control of it and can really work with Lesnar to create something special.

Match 1: Ricochet & The Usos vs The Revival & Robert Roode
6-Man Best 2 Out of 3 Falls
Wilder is hit with a superkick right at the start and then sent into another kick. Ricochet comes in and hits Dawson with the recoil and gets the 1 2 3 and the first fall on the pin. Roode comes in and beats on Ricochet. He bounces him off the turnbuckle and then stomps into him. Roode then hits him with a chop. Ricochet comes off the ropes and uses his quickness to get away from Roode and get the advantage. Ricochet makes a tag and Roode is quickly hit with a superkick. Roode comes back with a spine buster and gets in control. Wilder tags in and continues the beat down. Wilder hits a chop but Jey comes back with an uppercut. Jimmy comes in and knocks down Wilder before going after Dawson. He refocuses on Wilder and hits him with a slap before connecting with a Samoan Drop. Wilder is able to come and make a tag and as Dawson comes in he plants Jimmy face first on the mat. Dawson goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3 on the pin as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Dawson is in control of Jimmy. He continues to beat him down but fails on two pin attempts. Wilder gets the tag and The Revival double team Jimmy. Wilder goes to an abdominal stretch and stays in control. Jimmy is able to throw him off and tries for a tag but is prevented. Wilder drags him back and goes back to the abdominal stretch. Wilder then runs to make the tag. Dawson comes in but Jimmy is able to fight them back. Ricochet gets the tag and so does Roode. He takes out Roode and then The Revival. Jey joins in taking Wilder out on the outside. Ricochet hits Roode with the recoil and then goes up top. Ricochet hits the 630 and gets the 1 2 3 and the win on the cover.
*** After the match the Club comes out but Ricochet launches himself to take out Styles. The Usos come to help fight Gallows and Anderson off of them. They hit a co-superkicks on The Revival and then one on Gallows. Jimmy is taken out by The Revival and Jey is then hit with The Shatter Machine. Ricochet comes off the ropes and takes out The Revival. Styles then comes off the ropes and hits the Phenomenal Forearm. The Club then stands tall over Ricochet.
Winners: Ricochet & The Usos 
My Opinion: 
I really enjoyed this match, I thought it was very fast paced and The Revival and Roode really worked well together. The Usos and Ricochet were on the defensive a lot but when they were rolling they killed it. Ricochet showed tonight he is the man but unfortunately last night he got screwed out of the title. The post-match stuff was very exciting as well and I loved how fast pace that was. The Club stands tall and it seems if Ricochet wants to be able to conquer them he’s going to have to find some backup.

Backstage Segment:
The Viking Raiders in action next!

Match 2: The Viking Raiders vs Vinnie & Jackson
Erik starts and quickly takes control. Ivar comes in and handes Jackson before then handling Vinnie. He goes for the cover but then picks him up before the 3. They then double team Jackson with a huge clothesline. They hit Vinnie with the Viking Experience and Erik gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
Winners: The Viking Raiders 
My Opinion:
Another quick and dominating win for The Viking Raiders, they once again showed they can get the job done quick and efficient and that they are in control when they’re in the ring. They were somewhat mixed into the tag division before but obviously, they’ve gone back to trying to put these guys over and it’s working. They are showing exactly who they are and what they can do and they seem destined to be tag champs very soon.

Backstage Segments From Earlier Today:
Drew Mcintyre comes into the locker room and asks if they are making jokes and having fun. He calls out Cedric for joking around and he says he doesn’t when it comes to opportunities. Eh tells Cedric he’s planning to hurt him and dismember him. He tells him he is joking because that’s illegal but he is going to destroy him tonight and humble him. Cedric says he is humble and the joke will be on Mcintyre.

Match 3: Drew Mcintyre vs Cedric Alexander
Mcintyre knocks down Alexander quickly and then attacks him in the corner. He sends him off the ropes but Alexander is able to land a big kick and then flies over the ropes to take out Mcintyre on the floor. Alexander goes off the ropes but Mcintyre ducks him. Mcintyre then lands a belly to belly throw into the corner. Mcintyre then lands a huge throw across the ring. Once again he throws Alexander across the ring before trying a pin. Alexander kicks out. Alexander hits him with a big elbow but Mcintyre continues to stay in it. Mcintyre tries to fly but Alexander hits him with a dropkick as he flies. Mcintyre lands a headbutt and then goes after Alexander with rights hands. Mcintyre tries to slam him but Alexander is able to roll through and pin him for the 1 2 3.
Winner: Cedric Alexander 
My Opinion:
Wow, what a huge win for Cedric! Cedric stayed the course and gave Mcintyre everything he could. Although Mcintyre should have put this away you can never count out Cedric. He found his moment and capitalized. I hope this leads for more for Cedric and hopefully, this will start something for Mcintyre too. It’s one of those things where I believe Mcintyre is a future champion but I hope they don’t keep him down and although him to get the big wins at some point.

Backstage Segment:
Balor says last night was a tough night and he lost the Intercontinental Champion. He says he doesn’t dwell on the past and looks for a way to keep moving forward. He says he will go through Samoa Joe if he has to in order to keep moving forward.

Backstage Segment:
Samoa Joe tells him he is going to walk out there and he will be waiting to hand Balor another loss.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Reigns how he is going to carry the momentum from last night into tonight. He says this is his week and the only way he finishes it off strong is by winning tonight, going to SummerSlam and beating Brock Lesnar to win back his Universal Championship.

Match 4: Samoa Joe vs Finn Balor 
The two lock up and Joe backs him to the ropes. Balor is able to get around on him but Joe knocks him to the mat. Joe goes to work on the hand and wrist of Balor. Balor gets to his feet and is able to work Joe. he locks in a side headlock and keeps him on the mat. Joe gets out and hits him with a chop. Balor goes back to that headlock but Joe is able to come back and use his own momentum to roll up Balor. Joe gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
*** After the match Joe goes to attack him and tries a Coquina Clutch but Balor fights out. Balor hits the stomp and then a sling blade. He goes to the top and hits the Coupe de Grace. As Balor stands in the ring the lights go out and Balor is being attacked. The lights begin to shine and the lights go on and he is being held by Bray Wyatt. He then hits Super Abigail. The lights go out again and you can hear Wyatt’s laugh.
Winner: Samoa Joe 
My Opinion: 
This was one of those matches where I wish the two had more time because we know what they can do in there together. Neither man really stood out in this match,  Joe was just able to get a strategic pin and put Balor away. Balor though got one up on him after the match but I don’t really see what this did for either of them. I think coming off of loses this should have been one of those fist fight kind of matches where they are hungry for a win. The real story though is Bray Wyatt! I loved it but I wish it would’ve happened maybe at a different time because where do you go with him and Finn Balor.

Draker Maverick and his wife come to check into their hotel and Maverick has them registered as Mr and Mrs 24/7 Champion. He tells how this needs to be a very special night. Maverick gets his room key and they are off. Behind the desk guy comes R-Truth. He asks the guy if he has a registered guest by the name of Hornswoggle. He temps the guy with money to tell him. The Street Profits are then shown watching this segment backstage. They joke about Maverick and then move on to who they got for the Fatal Four Way tonight. Montez picks Alexa because of Nikki Cross. They then turn to the 10 man battle royal and Dawkins picks Seth Rollins.

Backstage Segment:
Maria tells Mike she is taking this match. Mike says but your pregnant. She says even pregnant she has a better chance of defending the honor of their baby than he does.

Match 5: Zack Ryder vs Mike Kanellis 
Mike goes into the ring and the match begins. Ryder hits the Rump Ryder and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover in less than one minute.
After the match, Maria tells Mike he should have let her wrestle. She tells him their unborn had a better chance than he did.
Winner: Zack Ryder
My Opinion:
Well, obviously this was a quick match and unfortunately for Ryder who knows if this will do anything for him. For me, the real story is where is this Mike and Maria story going. I mean it’s getting odder and odder each week and I just want to know the payoff to it. Of course, in time I’m sure we will see but for now, it just feels so forced.

Backstage Segment:
The Club ( AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows) prepare for 6 Man Tag Team action next.

Match 6: The Club ( AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows) vs Lucha House Party
Styles goes right after Metalik. He gets him in the corner and stomps on him. Anderson comes and continues to control him. Metalik comes back with a bot and then plants Anders face first. Anderson fights back and brings Metalik to The Club’s corner. Gallows tags in and continues the attack. He stomps on him and then toys with him while he’s on the mat. He hits him with a right but Metalik comes back with one. Gallows knocks him down with a headbutt. Metalik lands a kick but Anderson tags in and takes Metalik down as he enters. On the outside, Ricochet pulls Styles down to the floor and attacks him. Lunch House Party controls Gallows and Anderson as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, the order is restored and Styles is going to work on Dorado. He keeps him grounded on the mat and then brings him to the corner to tag Gallows. Gallows unloads with rights before tagging Anderson. Anderson continues to stomp away before landing a big slam. Anderson then goes to a chin lock on the mat. Anderson breaks the hold and takes a cheap shot on Metalik. Dorado comes back with a springboard stunner. Kalisto gets the tag and comes in hot taking down Styles and Gallows. He then goes after Anderson and drops him to the mat. He goes for the cover but Anderson kicks out. Metalik and Dorado help out Kalisto keeping Gallows down. Kalisto then takes Anderson down on the outside. Anderson fights back and hits a spine buster in the middle of the ring. Gallows gets the tag and they hit the boot of doom. Gallows then takes out Dorado. Styles gets the tag and locks in the calf crusher on Kalisto. Kalisto taps out. Styles keeps the move on after the bell. The Club then stands tall.
Winners: The Club ( AJ Styles, Karl Anderson, Luke Gallows) 
My Opinion:
This was a great win for The Club, they worked as a unit and there really wasn’t any hiccups. Styles with Gallows and Anderson is stronger than ever and I can’t wait to see what these guys do next. There is no doubt they are out to prove a point and together there is no stopping them. It’d even be awesome to see them even add one more person to the group and create a really dominate stable because it’s been a while since we’ve had a good heel stable.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins is asked how he will remain focus on his task at hand tonight. He says he has to, he is spent from last night but it hurts him the most that he lost his title and has to see Brock walk around here with it. He says Becky Lynch is one of the toughest people he knows and if she shows up tonight it’s up to her. He tells that Corbin found out what happens when you get him mad and says he will take out anyone on his path until he fights Brock Lesnar and beats Brock Lesnar.

Match 7: Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross vs Natalya vs Naomi vs Carmella:
Fatal Four Way Elimination Match: Winner faces Becky Lynch at SummerSlam
Bliss starts off with slapping Naomi. Carmella tries a roll-up but can’t get the three. Naomi and Natalya are left in the ring and Naomi is able to get an advantage. After a collision, both women go down. Carmella comes in and tries to pin each of them but they kick out. She tries five more times but can’t put either of them away, Carmella throws Naomi into the corner but then gets hit with a high elbow. Up top Carmella is able to use her legs to throw Naomi to the mat. Carmella then hits the Mella go round and sends Nataly flying. Naomi misses on rear view and allows Carmella to hit a superkick. Bliss comes in and rolls up Carmella. She gets the 1 2 3 and she is eliminated. She tries a cover on Naomi but she kicks out. Naomi comes back and tries a cover on Bliss but can’t put her away. Naomi works on Bliss in the corner and continues to wear her down. Naomi lands a big kick and goes for the cover but Bliss kicks out. Naomi stays on Bliss but Bliss comes back with a big clothesline. She goes for the cover but Naomi kicks out. Bliss lands a slap and another to follow. Bliss and Naomi go down after a double clothesline as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Natalya goes after Bliss. Naomi tries to pin Natalya but she kicks out. Natalya gets back in control and takes the fight outside. Naomi hits her with an elbow and then hits her with a blockbuster off the steps. Bliss comes from behind and brings Naomi into the ring. She goes for the cover but Naomi kicks out. Bliss then goes to a chin lock and keeps the pressure on Naomi. Bliss bounces Naomi off the top turnbuckle but Naomi comes back and plants Bliss. She tries to put her away but Bliss kicks out. Naomi lands a leg drop but still, it isn’t enough to put her away. Naomi bounces Bliss off the turnbuckle but here comes Natalya with a discus clothesline. Natalya goes to a chin lock and wears her down. Naomi then goes to a surfboard submission. Bliss comes in tries to steal a cover but Natalya kicks out. Naomi battles back with a kick. Naomi lands a huge kick. Bliss gets invovled and it allows Natalya to get back up and land a sit-down powerbomb. Natalya goes for the cover but Naomi kicks out. Bliss tries to steal a cover but again Natalya kicks out. Bliss then begins kicking Naomi before going to a chin lock. Bliss tries another pin but once again Naomi kicks out. Bliss then stomps on Naomi in the corner before wrenching back her head with her foot. Naomi tries a scorpion kick but it isn’t enough to put Bliss away. Bliss comes back and once again goes to the chin lock. Bliss takes Naomi and throws her into Natalya. Natalya comes back in and hammers on Bliss. Bliss comes back sending Natalya into the turnbuckle before stomping on her. Bliss throws down Natalya. Natalya is able to stack up Naomi and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Bliss does her best to avoid Natalya. Cross then gets on the mic and tells the crowd to cheer for Alexa Bliss. Bliss is able to hit Natalya with a kick before throwing her to the mat. Bliss lands double knees and goes for the cover but Natalya kicks out. Bliss throws her into the corner but Natalya fights back and throws her to the mat. Bliss goes to the outside and Natalya follows. Natalya tries to take out Bliss but instead takes out Cross. Back in the ring, Natalya is able to lock in the sharpshooter and Bliss taps.
*** Charly congratulates Natalya on her victory. Natalya says you never know what can happen on a drop of a dime but to think that she is going to back to her home country to face her friend Becky Lynch it’s a dream come true. Becky Lynch grabs a mic and says The Man has something to say. Lynch congratulates her and then says she is hurting but she doesn’t care because she came here to fight. She says it’s time to drop the smiles and tell her that if she thinks she is meeting her friend when she comes for her title then she is in for a shock. She tells her if she doesn’t step up she will wipe the floor with her. She tells her she does better in war than in love. Natalya says she must not be a good lover than, bitch. She tells her she is going to pull the horseshoe out of her ass and beat the living hell out of her.
Winner: Natalya 
My Opinion:
What a win for Natalya, I’m so glad to see her back in the title picture especially when it will be in her hometown. Natalya needs this one for sure and this is a match that could steal the show. We know both are great in the ring and you know they will bring their big fight. They started out with harsh words tonight and I hope it only gets amped up as we continue on. I like this matchup so much and I hope it gets personal and we get a fight.

Backstage Segment:
Orton says after he wins tonight’s battle royal he has unfinished business with Brock Lesnar. He says he carries enough to venom to slay the beats with the RKO.

MIZ TV: Dolph Ziggler 
Miz tells how his guest tonight requested to be on the show and then introduces Dolph Ziggler. Miz asks him why he asked to be on it. Ziggler says he wanted to come on Raw and see if the rumors were true about Miz. He then questions him. Ziggler tells him on he used to want to prove everyone wrong but now he is a corporate yes man. Miz then asks him if he is trying to get a rise out of him. Ziggler asks him if all the ass he kisses was worse than not being on the PPV. Miz says he’d rather not be on than lose to Kevin Owens in 7 seconds. Ziggler says he will do with that but tells him he has become everything he hates because all he gives a damn about is fortune and fame just like his wife. Miz then attacks him and tells him to say it again.
My Opinion: 
Ziggler isn’t necessarily wrong here because Miz is a lot different than he was before and I think Miz is an amazing heel and still should be he definitely crossed the line. Miz has busted his butt and I hate that he isn’t getting opportunities because he should have them Miz has been there forever and proven how good he is and now he doesn’t do much. Maybe he and Ziggler need each other and a rivalry between them could be really good. They would both have a chance to shine and I know they would not only kill it on the mic but in the ring. This is gonna be an interesting one.

Backstage Segment:
Drake Maverick sets up his room for him and his wife. He asks his wife if she is ready and she says yes but she is going to slip into something more comfortable and he should too. He takes off his rope and is wearing his title around his waist. Room service comes with there champagne. He tells the room service guy to leave but it turns out it’s actually a referee. R-Truth pops out from the cart and rolls him up. Maverick kicks out. He then pins him on the bed and gets the 1 2 3 to win the title. Maverick then chases him.

Match 8: All-Star 10 Man Battle Royal: Winner becomes #1 for the Universal Championship
The match starts and everyone goes at it. Rollins goes after Corbin. Corbin comes back with a chokeslam and tries to eliminate him but can’t. N another corner Lashley and Strowman go at it while Reigns and Orton go at it. Cesaro builds momentum and takes it to Reigns before going swinging with Mysterio. Big E picks up Cesaro but Cesaro escapes. Lashley goes after Cesaro and lifts him to throw him to the ground. Strowman comes over and eliminates Strowman. Big E then goes after Strowman. Strowman is able to knock down Big E. Big E comes back sidestepping him. Big E lifts Strowman and hits the big ending. Out of nowhere, Orton hits the RKO on him. Zayn then eliminates Big E. Orton comes and hits Zayn with an RKO. Mysterio then hits Zayn with a 619. Zayn is then eliminated. Orton then hits an RKO on Reigns. Mysterio hits the 619 on Reigns. Reigns hits Orton with a Superman punch and sends him through the second rope to the floor. Corbin then eliminates Mysterio. Strowman goes after Corbin and gets him to the ropes. Reigns goes to the outside to hit him with a drive by. Rollins hits him with a kick and then eliminates Corbin. Strowman drives Rollins into the corner and then does the same to Reigns. Reigns tries to hit Strowman with a spear but hits Rollins instead. Reigns tries to muscle Strowman over the rope but Rollins eliminates both men. Orton tries to eliminate Rollins but he hangs on. Orton trades rights with him on the apron. Orton is able to hit a DDT off the ropes. Orton then looks for the RKO but Rollins intercepts with a kick. Rollins then hits a stomp. Rollins eliminates Orton and is going to SummerSlam!
*** Heyman gets on the mic then introduces Rollins as the winner and new #1 Contender and as the man who gets to go to SummerSlam to be beaten, victimized, and conquered, Seth Fricken Rollins. Rollins tells him to shut the hell up. Rollins says he is a man possessed and he will fight anyone until he fights him and beats him. He promises him SummerSlam will look a lot like WrestleMania when he stomps his head into the mat and stands over him and the reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Champion. Rollins tells Lesnar if he has the guts to come do this right now. Lesnar heads down but chooses against it as Raw goes off the air.
Winner: :#1 Contender for the Universal Championship 
My Opinion:
A huge congratulations to Seth Rollins in winning this tonight. This was a very competitive match but Rollins stayed the course and was able to get the job done. Rollins had the most to fight for as he just lost the title and he really stayed true that he’d go through whoever he has to. I hope Rollins continues to be like this and goes through everyone over the next month to get to Lesnar. Rollins knows what’s ahead of him but he’s gotten the job done before just let’s see what he does this time.

Final Thoughts:
This was an okay Raw, we did have exciting things like naming #1 Contenders for the Raw Women’s and Universal Championship and also the return of Bray Wyatt but all in all it was a quiet week it felt. I’m very excited though that Natalya won the #1 Contender’s spot because as I said she and Becky can create something really personal and the pay off at SummerSlam will be huge especially since it’s in Canada. Also, I was excited to see Bray Wyatt back. I don’t know what it will lead to with him and Finn Balor as I think there were better spots for him to return but it worked and I can’t wait to see more. I’m also excited to see the Miz and Ziggler feud as again that’s a personal one with best friends and they can create magic in the ring. Antoher thing I liked tonight was the dominance of The Club, they’re establishing themselves as the powerhouse group and if they added one more guy they could take over the whole show. For now, though there is no telling what they can do together, the sky is the limit when they’re on the same page. Finally, Rollins picks up the huge victory and has his chance to get his title back. He seems true to his word that he is a man possessed and I feel sorry for anyone getting in his way to Lesnar. Rollins seems ready to go and this will be a good one at SummerSlam! Overall it was a solid week and I cannot wait for the Raw Reunion next week, it’s gonna be huge!!!
Overall Rating: 5/10