Raw Review 08/26/2019

RAW REVIEW 08/26/2019

Tonight Sasha Banks returns to in-ring action and will open the show with an in-ring segment. How will the Boss fare when she returns to face Natalya after her series of attacks and what will she have to say to open the show? Also, The King of the Ring Tournament continues as Drew Mcintyre takes on Ricochet and The Miz takes on Baron Corbin, which of these superstars will win and advance to the second round? Plus, who can come out on top as Bayley takes on Nikki Cross? Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins won the Raw Tag Team Championships last week but can Braun win on his own this week as he takes on AJ Styles for the United States Championship? Finally, who will come out on top of the Eight-Team Tag Team turmoil to earn the right to be the new #1 Contenders?
Raw comes to us from the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.

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

In-Ring Segment: Sasha Banks
Banks says everyone wants to know why and where’s Sasha Banks been. She tells that for 4 months she has been gone, out of sight and minding her own business not talking to anyone but all she hears to Sasha Banks, Sasha Banks, Sasha Banks. How Sasha Banks through a fit, I did. How Sasha Banks was seen crying at WrestleMania on the lockerroom floor, I did. How she took her ball and went home and she did. She says she was relegated to the tag team titles that she cared nothing about while Becky Lynch got to headline with Ronda Rousey. She says she took her ball and went home on went on amazing trips with her check which Becky made more on because she was on the main event. She says she waited for her moment and saw her poor one-armed friend Natalya and lied to her face saying her dad would be so proud of her. She tells that right on cue Becky Lynch came to save the day. She says she is at the center of attention like she deserves because she is the standard of the division and the talk of it. She tells that she deserves all this glory. Out comes Natalya.
Banks tries to cut her off but Natalya grabs her and takes her to the ground. Banks tries to fight back but Natalya stays on her and pounds on her on the floor. They try to separate them but Banks breaks free and goes back after Natalya. Natalya turns the table and takes it to her again. They are finally separated and the two have a standoff as Raw goes to break.
My Opinion:
I like the honesty that Banks had and since she is coming back and badder than ever it’s best for her to run her mouth and talk about her grievances so to speak. She is off to a hot start but she is definitely going to need some big wins to help solidify what she is speaking out there. Right now the rivalry with Natalya is perfect, it’s a good way for Banks to work back in and it allows her to get as much as heat as possible picking on the vulnerable. Plus it can keep her somewhat away from Lynch for a while and let their rivalry breathe in the background of what is now. Overall I like how this is going with Banks so far.

Backstage Segment:
The Street Profits tell how they can’t wait for Banks and Natakya’s match tonight and say Raw will be lit. they then go over the rest of the matches announced on the card tonight. Ford tells how he is most excited for the tag team turmoil match. Dawkins then asks what a tag team turmoil match is and they go over the rules telling that the winner will face Braun Strowman and Seth Rollins at Clash of Champions.

Match 1: Ricochet vs Drew Mcintyre: King of the Ring First Round Match
Ricochet tries to get to Mcintyre early with kicks to the leg. Mcintyre comes at him and finally takes him down with a chop. Out of the corner, Mcintyre tosses Ricochet all the way across the ring. He hits him with another chop and again drops him. Ricochet uses the ropes to stop Mcintyre. He is able to send him to the floor and then tries to fly but Mcintyre moves and Ricochet lands on his feet. Mcintyre lifts him and lands a back body drop on the barricade. He then hits one on the apron off the steps as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ricochet hits Mcintyre with a strike but Mcintyre continues to wear him down. Back comes Ricochet with a step-up enziguri. Ricochet lands a dropkick to the knee and then a kick to the face. Ricochet goes off the ropes and lands a missile dropkick, Mcintyre drops to the floor. Ricochet flies to the outside and takes down Mcintyre on the floor. Back in the ring, Ricochet tries to lift Mcintyre but can’t. He lands a kick to the arm and then gets on the back of Mcintyre looking for the inverted hurricanrana but he is caught. Mcintyre then drops him face first. Mcintyre goes for the cover but can’t get the three on the cover. Mcintyre lifts him and lands a huge slap to the face dropping ricochet to the mat. Mcintyre presses Ricochet but he lands on his feet. Ricochet catches Mcintyre and lands a northern lights suplex. Mcintyre comes back and just tosses Ricochet to the floor. Ricochet though connects with a kick and then comes off the top rope to take down Mcintyre. He lands the standing shooting star press and goes for the cover but Mcintyre kicks out. Ricochet comes off the top to go to the apron. Mcintyre catches him with a straight right and knocks him to the floor. Ricochet goes over the steps and comes off the apron to land a kick and knock Mcintyre to the floor. Mcintyre comes back and lands a Glasgow Kiss to knock Ricochet down. Back in the ring, Mcintyre looks for the Claymore Kick but Ricochet lands one of his own to stop the momentum. Ricochet takes him down with a series of kicks. Mcintyre comes back and turns Ricochet inside out. He lands a sit-down powerbomb and goes for the cover but Ricochet kicks out. Mcintyre puts him on his shoulder and goes to the second rope. Ricochet fights out and bounces Mcintyre off the top turnbuckle. Ricochet lands the recoil and goes to the top. Ricochet flies and lands the 630. He goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Advances to the Second Round of KOTR
My Opinion:
Wow, a huge win not just for the tournament’s sake but just overall what a win and a match for Ricochet. He took down the dangerous Mcintyre and not only that but showed power along with speed and such smarts in there. Mcintyre just wasn’t on his game and for some reason he just kept getting caught by Ricochet. For me, Mcintyre was a favorite to win this but this makes sense for him to lose and only if e is going to challenge for the Universal title. For Ricochet he needs this, they’re not ready to put the rocket on him but this allows him to stay in that spotlight and give him the importance feeling. Mcintyre is established and we know what he’s about, for a lot of the KOTR tournaments it’s about boosting that future star ie: Ricochet.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins tells that whoever wants to step up and take a crack at their titles they’re ready. Braun stares at the Universal title and says no like you said we will take on anyone but who is gonna step up and challenge you for the Universal title. Rollins says that’s a long list and they have the most talented locker room. He asks Braun if he is challenging him. Braun says they just won the titles and he was making sure they were on the same page so of course, he is challenging him. Rollins says he’s not gonna like it but he doesn’t back down from a challenge so challenge accepted.

Match 2: The Miz vs Baron Corbin: King of the Ring First Round Match
***Before the match Miz goes over his accomplishments in his career and says people always ask him what does he want and he says he wants it all. He says you are all on the quest with me to the iron steps of the WWE throne and becoming King Awesome.
Corbin throws his vest at Miz and then takes cheap shots on him backing him in the corner. Miz fights back with rights of his own. He lands a series of kicks and then clotheslines Corbin over the top rope. He misses on the dropkick and is hit with a right that drops him to the floor. Corbin bounces him off the apron and then drives Miz into the barricade. He brings him around the other side of the ring and again bounces him off the barricade. Back in the ring, Miz lands a right ad backs Corbin into the corner Corbin comes back and slides out of the rin and back into land a huge clothesline. Corbin goes for the cover but Miz kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Miz lands a knee to the neck and then a neck breaker. Miz hammers with rights and lefts and then lands rapid-fire kicks in the corner. He lands two double knees in the corner and then a huge clothesline. Miz goes to the top and Corbin is down. A cover and a kick out. Miz stays on him but is caught and Corbin hits him with Deep 6. Miz lands a kick and tries a Skull crushing Finale but Corbin counters. Miz fights out of a chokeslam and tries a cover but Corbin kicks out. A try for End of Days but again Miz fights out. Miz tries another cover but another kick out by Corbin after a brutal DDT. Miz then hits the IT Kicks but misses on the last one. Corbin rolls him up but Miz kicks out at two. Miz gets to Corbin again and this time connects on the Skull crushing Finale. Miz goes for the cover but again Corbin kicks out! Miz meets him on the outside and drives him into the barricade. Back in the ring, Corbin catches Miz and hits the End of Days. Corbin goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3. Corbi then goes up the stage and puts on the crown and grabs the scepter. He then says when he showed up he was asked about a ridiculous poll that the WWE Universe voted on and said they wanted anyone but him to win. He says he doesn’t care what they think and they don’t matter to him. He says on his very best day they couldn’t accomplish a single thing he has. He says he is where he is today because of himself and when he is coronated you will hear all hail king Corbin.
Winner: Baron Corbin: Advances to the Second Round of KOTR
My Opinion:
An awesome hard-hitting back and forth match between these two! This could have gone either way and it ended how you’d expect and that’s who could capitalize on one mistake and that was Corbin. Miz feel into a trap and was put away after a devastating End of days. Corbin took a lot of punishment but he showed the heart of a warrior continuing to kick out and fight back. He may not be the most liked but Corbin can get it done in the ring, he is a talented athlete and he continues to evolve. Is a Bret Hart? No, but he for sure can go and hopefully he can prove himself again in this tournament as he hasn’t always been given a fair chance to do so since opinions have always seemed to overshadow his actually in-ring work.

Backstage Segment:
Kayla asks Gallows and Anderson about their mindset going into the turmoil match tonight. Anderson says Rollins and strowman earned a match last week out of thin air. Gallows then questions why they have to earn a match tonight. Anderson says they will right their wrongs and show why this belongs to the official, the original, and the only club that has ever mattered.

*** Rey Mysterio returns to Raw next week!

Match 3: Bayley vs Nikki Cross
Cross lands a big kick after Bayley tries to come at her. Bayley takes her down and then continues to try to wear her down. Bayley lands a back suplex and cross rolls out of the way. Bayley tries a suplex but Cross catches her. Cross takes her down on the apron and then brings her into the floor to drive her into the ring. Back in the ring, Cross works the arm of Bayley. She then locks in a body scissors. Cross then hits the midsection of Bayley. She tries a cover but Bayley kicks out. Cross continues to work that midsection and tries another cover but again Bayley kicks out. Cross continues to go after the ribs punishing Bayley with kicks out. Another cover and another kick out. One more try but still Cross can’t put it away. Bayley fights back and tries a roll-up but Cross kicks out. Bayley lands a suplex and then is able to hang up Cross on the second rope. A cover by Bayley but a kick out by Cross. Bayley lands a sidewalk slam and then goes up top. Bayley lands the elbow and goes for the cover. Bayley gets the 1 2 3 and the win.
Winner: Bayley

Backstage Segment:
Kayla tells how Braun won the tag titles and is then challenging for the Universal title, and then going for the U.S. title tonight. Braun says it’s going to be a busy night and there they are going to defend the tag titles, he is going to defend the U.S. title and win the Universal title. He says tonight no one is going to save AJ Styles and he is going to get these hands.

Match 4: Tag Team Turmoil Match: Winner is the new #1 Contenders for the Raw Tag Team Champions at Clash of Champions
The Viking Raiders vs The B Team
The Viking Raiders and The B Team start off the turmoil. Erik takes down Axel and yells at him. Axel gets him in the corner and then tags Dallas. Dallas takes some shots before tagging in Axel again. Erik comes back and takes down Axel. he then backs Dallas into the corner and tags Ivar. Ivar comes in and stays in Dallas. They hit The Viking Experience and Ivar gets the 1 2 3 on the cover. Next out is Gallows and Anderson (The O.C.)
The Viking Raiders for The O.C.
Gallows hits Erik off the apron. Ivar lands big strikes in the corner but Anderson comes in and then double team Ivar, they then knock Erik off the apron. On the outside, the carnage takes over as Erik is taken out along with Anderson. The four teams get in the ring and continue to go at it. They all fight it out but the match is stopped and ends in a double disqualification. We are down to 5 teams left, the next two are Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler as Raw goes to break.
Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler vs Lucha House Party
As Raw returns, it’s Ziggler and Roode facing off against Lince Dorado and Gran Metalik. Dorado takes it to Ziggler and is able to fight out of the corner. He takes him down and tags in Metalik. He catches Ziggler with an elbow and then hits a dropkick. A cover and Roode breaks it up. Dorado takes out Roode but Ziggler takes out Dorado. Metalik tries another cover but again it is unsuccessful. Ziggler then hits a kick to the neck and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover. Next out is The Revival.
Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler vs The Revival
Dawson and Ziggler lock up in the corner. They back out and Dawson is able to land a hip toss taking him to the mat. Ziggler tries a cover but the ref isn’t in position. Ziggler stays on him on the mat but can’t work a hard cover. Dawson lands a back elbow but Ziggler shakes it off. Ziggler works a headlock and backs to Roode. Roode comes in and lands a series of chops in the corner. Dawson then unloads with ones of his own. Dawson is thrown into the corner and Roode hits a back body drop. Ziggler tags in and works a headlock again. This time Dawson backs him up and Wilder tags in. He takedown Ziggler with a shoulder tackle. Dawson comes in and The Revival double team Ziggler. A cover and a kick out from Ziggler. Wilder comes back in and they continue to wear down Ziggler. Wilder tries to put him away again but still can’t. Wilder then wrenches on the midsection of Ziggler. Dawson comes in and lands a kick and a series of strikes. Wilder then lands a cheap shot on Ziggler. Dawson lands a slingshot suplex and goes for the cover but Ziggler kicks out. Ziggler fights out and lands a strike to allow himself time to tag Roode. Roode is knocked down but Ziggler stays in to help and takes down both Wilder and Dawson. Dawson sends Ziggler itno the corner and then hits him with a brainbuster. Roode comes in and he is able to plant Dawson with an inverted DDT. Roode goes for the cover and gets the three count to eliminate The Revival as Raw goes to break.
Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler vs Curt Hawkins & Zack Ryder
As Raw returns, it’s now Ziggler and Roode facing off against Hawkins and Ryder. Hawkins takes it to Roode and Ziggler. He lands a neck breaker to Ziggler and then tags Ryder. They double team Ziggler but Roode comes in to break up the pin. Hawkins is driven off the post and Ziggler then hits Ryder with a superkick. Ziggler gets the 1 2 3. The last ones out are Heavy Machinery.
Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler vs Heavy Machinery
Ziggler and Roode go for a breather but Tucker takes them both down on the outside. In the ring, Tucker lands a big crossbody. He tries a cover but Ziggler kicks out. Ottis comes in and Ottis takes over holding up Ziggler and hits a suplex. A cover from Otis and a kick out from Ziggler. Roode drives Tucker into the barricade on the outside. He drives him into the steps and brings him in the ring. He tries a cover but Tucker kicks out. Roode lands a knee drop and again tries a cover but Tucker kicks out. Ziggler tags in and hits Tucker with a right to the ribs. He lands a neck breaker but again Tucker kicks out of the cover. Ziggler works a headlock but Tucker works to his feet. Ziggler though throws him down to the mat. Tucker catches him and sends him into the top of the ring post. Roode comes in and so does Otis. Otis takes down Roode and then crushes Ziggler in the corner. He lifts Roode and lands a huge slam. He then lands a splash int he corner on Roode. Ziggler is planted and Otis then lands a splash on both Ziggler and Roode. Otis hits the caterpillar but Roode comes in and rolls up Otis but Otis kicks out. Otis lands a slam and pins him but Roode now kicks out. Ziggler hits Tucker with a superkick. He then lands a Zig Zag on Otis. Roode hits Tucker with the Glorious DDT. He goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3. Roode and Ziggler are heading to Clash of Champions.
Winners: Robert Roode & Dolph Ziggler: #1 Contender’s for the Raw Tag Team Championships
My Opinion:
Wow, a makeshift team comes through and wins but it isn’t much of a surprise since Roode and Ziggler are phenomenal in the ring. They fought so hard and went through four teams to get this win. I loved this turmoil thing because we got a lot of tag team wrestling and it was awesome watching them all do their thing. Zigler and Roode stood out and ultimately got the win. For two guys not doing much when they should be this has to be a huge thing for them. The motivation and drive for them to go and win the tag titles have to be second to none. I hope they go out there and show people what they are made of. This could be the making of a dominant team that the overall tag division needs.

Match 5: Sasha Banks vs Natalya
Natalya lands a takedown and hammers away on Banks. Natalya stays on her. Natalya pulls her to the outside and drives her ard into the barricade. She then does it again and continues to destroy her on the outside. In the ring, she continues to hammer on Banks. Natalya is able to land a huge suplex and goes for the cover but Banks kicks out. Banks goes to the outside and is able to grab Natalya and crush her arm against the ring post. She then sends Natalya into the timekeeper’s area. Banks gets her up and sends the arm into the ring post again. Banks goes for the cover and Natalya kicks out. Natalya lands a strike but is then thrown itno the corner. Banks then lands a series of kicks. Banks missed son double knees. Natalya tries a cover but Banks kicks out. Banks gets Natalya down and locks in the Banks Statement. Natalya tries to fight but Banks now wraps up her injured arm. Natalya taps out. After the match Banks comes back in and again locks in the Banks Statement.
Winner: Sasha Banks
My Opinion:
A big win for Banks coming back after 4 months. She really needed this one and went out there and got it done. It looked like the banged-up Natalya went out and gave what she had but it wasn’t enough to put Banks away quickly and therefore left her easy pickings for Banks. Natalya needs to nurse this injury and when she is fully healed go and fight this battle. Right now this an aggressive and dangerous Sasha Banks and it looks like the sky is the limit. She needs to keep racking up these wins and honestly, I wouldn’t give her a title shot right away. I’d make her earn it and continue to be angry at those getting an opportunity. Also on a side note, the commentary is doing a great job in helping get this new persona of Sasha Banks over.

Backstage Segment:
Kayla brings up how Gallows and Anderson caused him to lose by DQ. Styles says Gallows and Anderson were screwed out of the tag team turmoil tonight. He says no one thinks he cand defend the U.S. title without them but they forgot how phenomenal he is. He says everyone around here is intimidated by Braun but he isn’t. He then questions how Braun is going to walk out of Clash of Champions with all the gold when he isn’t going to get his. He says he is going to give Braun what he deserves and that’s nothing.

Match 6: Cesaro vs Cedric Alexander
Cesaro controls the match in the corner in the early going. Alexander comes back with big chops but Csaro fights it off. Alexander is able to send him flying and then knock him out of the ring with a dropkick. Alexander tries to fly but he is hit with an uppercut. In the ring, Cesaro hits a gut wrench. He tries a cover but Alexander kicks out at one. Cesaro then locks him up in a chin lock. Alexander comes back and finally is able to take out Cesaro on the outside. Back in the ring Alexander flies and takes down Cesaro but the impact isn’t enough to put Cesaro away. Cesaro comes back and knocks Alexander to the ground as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Cesaro lands a huge leg drop. Cesaro continues with a strike to the body and focusing on the leg of Alexander. Alexander comes back with a Michinoku driver and plants Cesaro. The cover and a kick out by Cesaro. Cesaro plants him now with a suplex off the top and tries a cover but Alexander kicks out. Cesaro then works a half crab and works the leg of Alexander more. Alexander comes back and turns Cesaro inside out with a standing Spanish fly. He goes for the cover but again Cesaro kicks out. Cesaro stays on him and goes back to the half crab keeping the pressure on Alexander. Alexander fights out and works a roll through. The pin though doesn’t work. Cesaro now turns to an ankle lock. Alexander counters. Cesaro comes in and out of nowhere Alexander lands the lumbar check. He goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Cedric Alexander
My Opinion:
Alexander was beaten down and worn out in this match but wow did he show a lot of heart. He persevered and even though agonizing pain he stayed with it and put away one of the toughest superstars in WWE. The damaged leg may not be good for alexander going forward but he showed he will fight through anything and when he gets to his second-round KOTR match that will only heighten. He is a warrior and I can’t wait to keep seeing Cedric excel and take over.

Backstage Segment:
AJ Styles prepares for his U.S. Championship defense.

Backstage Segment:
Ziggler and Roode are asked how this team happened. Ziggler tells that every once in a while you see that superstar that wants it a little more than anyone else and you gravitate towards them. He says Braun and Seth will be fighting for the Universal title at C.O.C and they will go before them because they are the cream of the top. Roode adds that this is destiny and at C.O.C they will become the next Raw Tag Team Champions and it will be absolutely glorious.

Backstage Segment:
Montez Ford says Raw has been lit and goes over how Ziggler and Roode earned their opportunity to fight for the Raw titles. He asks Dawkins if it is possible for them to hold it together. Dawkins jokes around with Ford. Ford tells him to focus and he says he is, on the after-party on Bourbon Street. Ford then reminds him of the main event and asks who e has. Dawkins says that’s easy I got… he stops in his tracks as Braun Strowman is behind them and heads to the ring.

Match 7: Braun Strowman vs AJ Styles (c): United States Championship Match
Strowman throws Styles to the floor as the match begins. He then goes to the outside and runs over Styles. He then does this once more and Styles again goes down hard. Strowman gets Styles in the ring and is then hit with the boots of Styles. Strowman tries to put him away but Styles kicks out. Strowman hits him with a boot and knocks Styles to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Styles jumps on the back of Strowmana and works a sleeper hold. Strowman drives Styles into the corner and breaks the hold. He then misses the boot in the corner and Styles goes after the leg of Strowman. Styles continues to work on the leg and hits the back of the neck of Strowman. Styles comes off the ropes and hits a moonsault, he goes for the cover but Strowman kicks out. Styles comes off the ropes and hits a forearm on the neck. He then goes to the calf crusher. Strowman is able to break the hold and work a cover but Styles kicks out. Strowman comes back with a shoulder tackle and then another one to follow. Strowman runs at him again but Styles moves and runs itno the ring post. Styles drives strowman into the official and he goes down. Styles goes to the eyes and then hits Strowman with a low blow. Styles grabs a chair and goes to work on Strowman hitting him in the back. Strowman is able to grab him and hit him with a slam. Gallows and Anderson come out and attack Strowman. Strowman though fights them off and hits them with chair shots. The ref gets up and sees Braun with the chair and Styles down. The ref then calls for the bell. Strowman though gets retribution and hits Styles with the chair. He then slams Gallows. Strowman then hits Styles with the powerslam. He lays out all of The O.C. as Raw goes off the air.
Winner: AJ Styles: Via DQ: Still United States Champion
My Opinion:
Strowman gets screwed in this one but now he can just focus on the Universal title and defending the Raw tag team titles. He made his point tonight and showed that Braun is on another level right now and ready to take out anyone that’s in his way. For The O.C. I’m not sure where they go from here but it needs to start with picking up wins again and I’m interested to see if they get hot again.

Final Thoughts:
Another actioned pack night! First, I love the development of Sasha Banks and what she is doing right now. It’s simple she is bitter and out to become everything she believes she is supposed to be. She went out tonight and dominated and there is no doubt she has put herself in prime position to be on top. Next, Baron Corbin and Ricochet advancing in KOTR was pretty good, they had very competitive matches and both have a lot to offer and prove going forward. It’s definitely awesome seeing this play out and we continue to get action and drama-filled matches. I loved the new team of Ziggler and Roode, they went out there and fought their hearts out and came out victorious. They are headed to Clash of Champions and if they continue to gel like they did tonight they could easily have the titles insight. Also, big props to Cedric Alexander tonight. He went out there and showed so much heart and the fight in him is unbelievable. I can’t wait to see him continue in KOTR and hopefully the heart and the skill will take him to big things! Finally to end the night Styles holds onto the title but Strowman shows he is dangerous and ready to create a path of destruction. For The O.C. they need to regroup and find that dominance they had a few weeks ago. Overall it was another solid show with both the matches and development.
Overall Rating: 6/10