Raw Review 05/07/2018

Tonight on Raw we see the Fall-Out from BackLash!What’s next for Roman Reigns after beating Samoa Joe, is Reigns back or was this a fluke? Also, after successfully defending the Intercontinental Championship against The Miz who will be the next challenger for Seth Rollins? Nia Jax was able to beat Alexa Bliss and retain the Raw Women’s Championship but which women will step up next to challenge Jax next? Plus which Raw superstars will qualify for Money In The Bank? Finally, will Bayley and Sasha ever be able to mend their friendship and how will they be able to survive the Riott Squad on their own?

Raw is live tonight from the Nassau Coliseum on Long Island, NY

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

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle
Angle says he’s proud to say he’s been with WWE for almost 20 years and the one thing he can say is they never stop. He tells the crazy schedule WWE has had of late and says we are just getting started. He says up next is one of his favorite Money In The Bank. He says there will be two ladder matches featuring the men and women of Raw and SmackDown. He announces for tonight Ember Moon vs Sasha Banks vs Ruby Riott, and for the men, it will be Roman Reigns vs Finn Balor vs Sami Zayn. Outcomes Braun Strowman.
Strowman tells Kurt about how when he was a kid he listened to the kids in the neighborhood build a tree house and they never asked for his help. He says he had to listen to them and so he waited for all of them to get in the tree house and knocked the whole damn tree down. Angle says Braun has been on a role and if anyone deserves a shot at money in the back it’s him. Outcomes Kevin Owens.
Owens says if anyone deserves to be in the ladder match it’s him. He calls himself the Raw MVP and says he is a team player and respects the rules, unlike Braun Strowman. He tells how last night Braun went against the rules and he and Sami should be the winners. He says he should be in the ladder match and shouldn’t have to qualify for it. He says Braun should be sent to a giant corner for timeout cause he’s been a bad monster. Angle says he can’t just put him in the ladder match. Owens says he doesn’t deserve it he deserves it. Strowman says the only thing he can get is these hands. Owens tells Angle that his decision should be to keep his job and he should announce Kevin Owens as the first entrant. Angle says he’s decided he’s gonna put Braun Strowman in a match to qualify and his opponent is gonna be Owens and it will start right now.
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good way to start the show, I’ super excited for the Money In The Bank and I’m glad Angle is making some huge matches. Braun definitely deserves to be in it and I think he would have a good shot to win. No matter what I think the ladder match will be epic sense we’re seeing both brands in it. I just hope this year the Money In the Bank winner on the male side actually does something with it and doesn’t make the match a waste.

Match 1: Braun Strowman vs Kevin Owens:
Money in the Bank Qualifier
Braun pushes Owens but Owens is able to dodge him. Braun sends him across the ring and then knocks him to the mat. Braun chases him around the ring and Owens gains an advantage. Braun is able to hit a big blow and keeps Owens grounded. Braun lands a big stomp and then tosses Owens from corner to corner. Owens tries a chop but Braun stops him and again throws him into the corner. Braun lands a big shot to the back of Owens and continues to hammer on him in the corner. Braun then runs into a boot but Braun comes back with a right hand and drops Owens to the floor. Braun goes to the outside and pulls Owens back to ringside. Owens comes off the barricade with a tornado DDT. Braun is able to beat the 10 count. Owens comes at him with a huge right hand and follows with a big kick. Owens hits a forearm but Braun knocks him to the mat. Braun misses on a spear in the corner and goes shoulder first into the post and to the outside. Braun again beats the 10 count as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Owens tries to take it to Braun but Braun hits him with a stiff shot and then hits a chokeslam. Owens lands a series of kicks and finishes with a big one to the jaw. Owens then hits a senton. Owens then misses on the cannonball and is sent to the mat by a big boot. Braun again misses in the corner and is caught by a superkick. Owens then connects on the frog splash but can’t get the three on the win. Owens catches Braun with a superkick but Braun comes right back. Owens rolls to the outside after a splash in the corner. Braun meets him on the outside and blasts Owens. Braun then does it once more. Braun hits a third time and Owens is turned inside out. Braun hits the running powerslam and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Braun Strowman:
Qualifies for the Money In The Bank
My Opinion:
I’m very happy Braun walks away with the win here. It’s gonna be insane to see what Braun is going to do in this match. I have to give it to Owens he really did put up a good fight but Braun is just too much. I think with Braun in this match he’s the clear favorite, it’ll be interesting to see how the field plays out and see if there will be any serious threats to Strowman.

Backstage Segment:
Mike Rome asks Reigns what his mindset is heading into tonight. He says he should be the Universal Champion, he can’t control backstage politics but they can’t stop him in the ring. He names a list of guys and says asks them what happens. He says he is gonna control his yard and dominate and win. He says he will go win the match and then go get what is his and control his destiny.

Backstage Segment:
Goldust says he wants the opportunity to qualify for the ladder match and says it’s his ultimate gold. Jinder comes in and asks why he isn’t in the qualifying match and asks why Reigns is in it. He says he deserves a match. Angle asks why and says he hasn’t won a match since coming to Raw. he tells Mahal he will be facing Chad Gable tonight and if he puts on a good showing he’ll consider it. Goldust. Tells him to fasten his seatbelt it’s gonna be a bumpy night.

Match 2: No Way Jose & Titus WorldWide (Titus O’Neil & Apollo) vs Baron Corbin & The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
Titus takes it to Wilder to start the match. Apollo gets the tag and Titus WorldWide doubles team Wilder. Wilder is able to fight to his corner and tags Dawson. Apollo hits a deep arm drag and follows with another. Wilder helps Dawson and Dawson is able to escape. Corbin assists on the double team. Corbin now legal bounces Apollo off the apron and brings him into the ring. Corbin takes it to Apollo and tags Dawson. Dawson lands big right hands and then hits a back body drop. Dawson goes for the cover but Apollo kicks out. Dawson uses an abdominal stretch to wear down Apollo. Corbin gets the tag and buries an elbow to the neck of Apollo. Corbin takes out Titus but this allows Apollo to takedown Corbin. Dawson gets the tag but so does Jose. Jose takes him down with big forearms and then knocks Corbin off the apron. Jose hits a big splash and tries for the cover but Dawson kicks out. Wilder tries to help but he is taken out. Apollo is sent out of the ring but Corbin and he goes flying. Corbin gets the tag and hits End of Days on Jose and gets the win 1 2 3.
Winners: Baron Corbin & The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
My Opinion:
I’m very happy Corbin got the win for his team tonight. I’m not a fan what they have him doing right now so I’m glad he’s still picking up victories. I fell Corbin could be a top player if they use him right but instead he’s stuck in these matches. Don’t get me wrong it was a good match but I want to see Corbin in something more competitive where we can see everything he can bring to the table.

Match 3: Sasha Banks vs Ember Moon vs Ruby Riott w/ Riott Squad (Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan):
Winner Qualifies for the Women’s Money In The Bank
Ember and Sasha double team Ruby to start. Sasha then tries to steal one from Ember but can’t do it. Sasha lands a big shot and hit a deep arm drag. Sasha then hits a drop toe hold but Ruby comes in and takes advantage. Ruby tries a cover but Ember kicks out. Ruby takes it to Ember in the corner but Sasha comes in and takes it to her. Ruby is able to land a kick to the midsection and then buries Sasha in the corner. Ember comes back and takes it to Ruby for a moment. Ember is able to hit a kick up and lands a big kick. Ember tries a cover on Ruby but she kicks out. Ruby is able to fight out and she lands a big knee to Ember but can’t get the 3. Ruby works the arm of Ember and then tries a cover but she kicks out. Ember fights out but Ruby catches her with a heel kick. Ruby then turns to Sasha and hits a double DDT on both women. Ruby still can’t get the 3 after covering both women. Ember rolls up Ruby but she kicks out. Ruby slams Ember to the mat and tries a cover again but still, it doesn’t work. Sasha comes in hot with a series of clotheslines. Ember comes off the ropes and hits a crossbody. Ember hits a dropkick on Ruby and then misses in the corner. Sasha comes off the apron an takes out the Riott Squad. Ember flies as well. Ember goes for the cover but Ruby kicks out. Sarah Logan takes out Ember on the apron. Sasha takes it to Ruby but Ruby stops her on the top rope. Ruby hits a series of headbutts. Ruby hits a hurricanranna but Sasha rolls threw. The Riott Squad breaks up the cover. Here comes Bayley to help. Bayley falls to the numbers game. Bayley gets back up and helps Sasha. Sasha rolls up Ruby but she kicks out. Ruby lands a big kick but Sasha lands a stiff forearm. Ember comes out of nowhere and hits the Eclipse. Ember pins Ruby and gets the 1 2 3. Ember is going to Money In The Bank!
Winner: Ember Moon: Qualifies for The Money In The Bank
My Opinion:
Let go Ember! I wasn’t sure if they’d have her win since she is new to the roster but I’m so glad she is getting this opportunity. I feel like Ember has so much to offer and there is no telling what she will do in this ladder match. I feel like this is the perfect opportunity for Ember to make a name for herself. I wish Ruby was in the match because she’s been doing so good sense coming to Raw but she’ll have her time. As for right now, this is a strong first entrant and this could be Ember’s time to shine!

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Ember what ger reaction is to what some would consider an underdog victory. She says she is over the moon and she always rises to the challenge and proves people wrong. She says she proved she is skill, honor, and heart. She says she will rise and grab that Money In The Bank contract.

Bobby Lashley Interview w/ Renee Young
Renee asks Lashley who is Bobby Lashley. Lashley says he is extremely blessed and had an amazing family and that’s all he’s about. Lashley then talks about his sisters and says they’re close now but they use to pick on each other. Lashley says now he has an extended family in the WWE. Renee thanks him for his time. Lashley says hello to his sisters and says he loves them. Renee says we are looking forward to learning more about Bobby Lashley.

Backstage Segment:
Zayn says he feels there is a cloud of conspiracy following them. Owens says he just went through armageddon with Braun. Zayn says they want us to turn on each other. Owens asks his about the slap to the face last night. Zayn says that was yesterday and they need power so they need the Universal Championship and the way to do that is Money In The Bank. Zayn says they need this and asks Owens to have his back. Owens says he’s got it.

Match 4: Chad Gable vs Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh
Gable is able to land a heel kick to start. He lands big chops in the corner to Mahal. Gable is able to get around Mahal and lands a suplex. Gable tries a cover but Mahal kicks out. Gable locks in a front face lock but Mahal is able to break the hold and sends Gable to the floor. Mahal goes to the outside and brings him into the ring. Mahal bounces him off the apron and does it once more. Mahal goes for a cover but Gable kicks out. Mahal locks in a bear hug but Gable fights out with an uppercut. Mahal quickly throws him into the corner. Mahal locks in an abdominal stretch and keeps the pressure on Gable. Gable is able to fight out and works an armbar over the ropes. Gable hits a moonsault from the top but Mahal kicks out of the corner. Mahal hits a huge knee. He tries to slam Gable but he slips off and rolls up Mahal but he kicks out. Mahal takes it to Gable and hits the Khallas. Mahal gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Gable defends himself against Singh and Mahal takes advantage and takes out Gable.
Winner: Jinder Mahal
My Opinion:
Big win for Mahal right here! Mahal is so good but obviously, since coming to Raw, he hasn’t gotten the treatment he deserves. I’m glad he was able to beat Gable but Gable was impressive tonight. I think for Mahal he’ll get back to where he needs to be but honestly, he and Gable have had two good matches and it’s not a bad rivalry. I don’t know if Mahal will get into the Money In The Bank match but he’s finally on the right track again so that’s a start.

Backstage Segment:
Zack Ryder says they are in his hometown and asks Angle what would be better than the hometown hero qualifying for the Money In The Bank. Mahal comes in and asks if he saw what he just did. He asks Angle to add him to the match tonight. Angle says the answer is no.

Match 5: Drew Mcintyre & Dolph Ziggler vs Heath Slater & Rhyno
Ziggler gets around on Rhyno but is taken down but a shoulder tackle. Rhyno works his arm and tags Slatter. Salter comes from the top rope and slams on the arm of Ziggler. Ziggler is able to escape Slater and Mcintyre gets the tag. Mcintyre and Slater trade blows but Mcintyre is able to land a big kick to Slater. Mcintyre lands a big chop. Mcintyre holds Slater over the ropes and Ziggler lands a big kick. Ziggler gets the tag and the two double team Slater with the Zig Zag and the Claymore. Ziggler pins Slater and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Drew Mcintyre & Dolph Ziggler
My Opinion:
Wow, I’m impressed by this team. I’m truly behind this team and I hope they’ll get an opportunity at the titles at some point. In one match as a team you can see how well Ziggler and Mcintyre work together, their double team is awesome and they really worked well together. I think tonight was the first step in what could be a dominant run by them. Hopefully, they continue to get matches every week and we will see them fighting for the title soon cause the Raw tag division needs a new hot team.

Match 6: Bobby Roode vs Elias
Elias backs Roode in the corner quickly and the two trade blows. They then go at it on the mat. Roode lands a knee and then flies off the ropes and brings Elias to the mat. Roode again lands a takedown on Elias. Roode gets caught but he turns it into an enziguri and with that Elias is driven out of the ring as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Elias is in control of Roode. Elias tosses Roode and goes for the cover but Roode kicks out. Elias then goes to a crossface. Roode hits Elias with a right hand. Elias misses on right hand and Roode gets him in the corner. Elias fights back but is hit with a spinebuster. Roode goes for the cover but Elias kicks out. Elias takes over and stomps wildly on Roode. Elias hits a powerbomb but Roode kicks out. Elias gets Roode on the apron and tries to slam him into the turnbuckle but Roode prevents it. Elias hits on Roode’s back but Elias just drops Roode. Roode is able to hit the Glorious DDT and Roode gets the win.
*** Charly asks Roode how he feels after the win. Roode talks about how Angle is handing out qualifying matches and says after what he did tonight he hopes he is next in line. He says beating Elias was great but winning the Money In The Bank ladder match will be Glorious.
Winner: Bobby Roode
My Opinion:
Big win for Roode although I would say this was a more impressive showing for Elias. Elias really took it to Roode and I thought he deserved that victory but Roode is a veteran and he knows how to get the job done. I feel this rivalry is far from over but it will interesting to see if either man will get the opportunity to qualify for the Money In The Bank. I honestly wouldn’t mind one more match between these two to determine that.

In Ring Segment:
Rollins tells how he stomped out Miz last night and he stands here proudly as the Intercontinental Champion. Rollins says he can learn from The Miz what kind of champion not to be. He says he wants to be the champ that people cheer every week. He says he wants to be a fighting champion. He brings up Money In the Bank and says he knows a thing about that. He says that’s not his focus right now, right now his focus is the Intercontinental Championship. He then offers a challenge to anyone who wants it. Outcomes Mojo Rawley.
Mojo says this the debut he deserves and when opportunity comes knocking Mojo knocks them down and that’s what he’s gonna do to Seth. He says after he does that he is gonna qualify for the Money In The Bank. he says from here on out this will be Monday Night Rawley.
My Opinion:
I’m happy Rollins came out here and said this. The IC title is so important to Raw right now because still, the Universal title is nowhere to be seen. I think it’s a good idea to do open challenges like this as it brings that extra excitement to the night. I do hope Rollins gets in the Money In The Bank match thought because he truly deserves that opportunity.

Match 7: Seth Rollins (c) vs Mojo Rawley
Intercontinental Championship Match
Rawley works a side headlock and puts the pressure on Rollins. Rollins is able to escape. Rawley uses his power but Rollins is able to send him to the outside. Rollins can’t connect on the outside and is hit from behind. Mojo hits a big tackle as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rawley hits Rollins with big knees. Rawley brings him to the corner and then slams him to the mat. Rollins is able to catch Rawley and buries him in the corner. Rollins then sends him over the ropes. Rollins flies through the ropes and hits a suicide dive. Rollins is able to hit the blockbuster but Rawley kicks out of the cover. Rollins hits a forearm but is then sent to the apron. Rawley is able to avoid Rollins and Rawley then slams him but Rollins kicks out of the cover. Rawley lifts Rollins but he fights off. Rollins tries a roll-up but Rawley kicks out. Rollins then hits a superkick but it’s still not enough. Rollins lands the kick to the midsection but he’s caught on the stomp and slammed to the mat. Rawley goes to the cover but Rollins kicks out. Rawley lands a huge tackle and drives Rollins across the ring. Rollins lands a superkick out of nowhere. Rollins finally the stomp and Rollins gets the victory.
Winner: Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
Rollins definitely got put to the test tonight but he gets the big victory. Rollins knows as champion he’s gonna have battles like this so I think it’s good for him to keep having good challenges. Rollins is the kind of guy who makes his title reigns memorable and I think this will be no different. So far Rollins has had a ton of success and I don’t see him losing the title anytime soon. As far as Mojo I think he proved a lot tonight but obviously, his opportunities are limited right now so we will see if he ever gets another shot.

Match 8: Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel vs Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy
Wyatt hits a big clothesline o start. Hardy gets the tag and the two double team Axel. Hardy goes for the cover but Axel kicks out. Axel brings Hardy to the corner and drives him off the turnbuckle. Dallas gets the tag and hammers on Hardy. After a failed pin Dallas goes to a chin lock. Hardy fights out and hits a side effect. Wyatt gets the tag and takes down Axel. Wyatt then runs through Axel. Axel hits a boot, axel flies off the top but he is caught and Wyatt hits the uranage. Wyatt then tags Hardy and the two hit Sister Abigail together. Hardy goes for the cover.
Winners: Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy
My Opinion:
A great showing for Wyatt and Hardy. Their double team work is amazing. I really like them right now and I think Wyatt is looking better than ever. He and Hardy are unconventional but it works. I don’t know how long there run will last but I hope they do get more matches. Hardy and Wyatt as a team can run the division and truthfully back to what I was saying earlier I think if they faced Ziggler and Mcintyre it’d be a battle.

Match 9: Roman Reigns vs Finn Balor vs Sami Zayn:
Money In The Bank Qualifier
Reigns takes out Zayn and then turns to Balor. Balor hits a basement dropkick on Reigns. Reigns is able to reverse Balor and send him into the corner. Reigns hits a big right to Balor and sends him out of the ring as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Balor hits a big dropkick on Reigns. Balor lands a big stomp. Zayn comes in and tries to steal one but Balor kicks out. Reigns throws Balor into the corner and hits him with big clotheslines. He then takes it to Zayn and lands a big kick. Reigns slams Balor and is in control. Reigns hammers Balor with rights but Zayn and balor team up and beat down Reigns. They continue to stomp away and then send him to the floor. Zayn goes to the outside and hits Reigns. Zayn and Balor then battle Reigns through the crowd. Reigns hits them both with open hand slaps. Balor drives him into a barricade and then Zayn hits a Helluva kick. Balor flies from the barricade and hits the Coupe, de Grace. Zayn hits Balor and brings him back to the ring. Zayn hits a clothesline and goes for the cover but Balor kicks out. Zayn hits a blue thunder bomb but again Balor kicks out. Zayn and Balor then trade shots and Balor gets the advantage with an overhead kick. Both men make it to their feet and Balor is able to take down Zayn again. In the corner, Balor lands a big knee and then drops the elbow on Zayn. Balor goes for the cover but Zayn kicks out. Balor hits Zayn with big rights but Balor is sent out of the ring. Zayn goes to the outside and goes after Zayn but Balor springs to his feet and hits the sling blade. Balor then runs into a big boot from Zayn. Zayn stomps on Balor but here comes Reigns over the barricade to take out Zayn. Reigns bounces Zayn off the ring post and then hits the drive-by on him. Balor thought gets to his feet and drives Reigns into the steps. He hits Zayn with a big kick. Zayn gets to his feet and hits the exploder in the corner. Zayn is then hit out of nowhere by a Superman Punch. Balor then hits the sling blade on Reigns. Balor misses on the Coupe de Grace and Reigns hits him with a Superman Punch. Mahal comes out and trips Reigns. Zayn hits a Helluva kick. Balor is able to hit the shotgun dropkick and hits the Coupe, de Grace. Balor goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Finn Balor: Qualifies for Money In The Bank
My Opinion:
Awesome Match to end the night! I’m very happy to see balor get this victory, it’s about time! Balor deserves to be a champion and deserves these huge opportunities. These three men did battle and all three were deserving but finally Balor is able to close out a match. Balor probably won’t win but this is a step in the right direction of where he should be!

Final Thoughts:
I was very happy with how Raw start tonight, I’m glad Braun is in the Money In The Bank cause I think he has a good shot to win and he could finally get a World Championship like he deserves. I was super excited to see Ember qualify as well. I think she is so talented and she will do amazing in this match. I feel like she still has a lot to learn but this is a big chance for her to make her name and take her opportunities. I was very happy to see Ziggler and Mcintyre getting a tag match, I thought they were very impressive and you can see the beginnings of a very dominant tag team. I think the tag division on Raw has gone flat as of late so this could be the new hot team to bring the excitement back. Mojo Rawley had a good showing tonight but Rollins is a fighting champ and knows how to get the job done. I hope Rollins continues to do these open challenges cause you never know who will accept. Finally, I was very happy to see Balor qualify for the Money In The Bank. He definitely had to fight for it but it’s about time he gets back on track and gets the opportunity he rightfully has earned. So far Money In The Bank is shaping up to be epic!!!
Overall Rating: 6.5/10