Raw Review 05/18/2020

RAW REVIEW 05/18/2020

Tonight, after a challenge from Randy Orton to face him one on one at BlackLash, will the “Rated R Superstar” Edge accept? Plus, can King Corbin pull off one of the biggest wins of his career as he comes to Raw from SmackDown to face the WWE Champion Drew McIntyre? After returning to Raw last week The Iconics were able to pull off a huge win over the Women’s Tag Team Champions, Alexa Bliss, and Nikki Cross. This week, can The Iconics do this one more time with the titles on the line? Finally, we will see an ax-throwing contest between The Street Profits and The Viking Raiders, and a Submission Match between Shayna Baszler and Natalya!

Raw comes to us from the WWE Performance Center.

Raw kicks off with a look back at Becky Lynch’s pregnancy announcement which also saw Asuka the winner of the 2020 Women’s Money In The Bank being crowned the new Raw Women’s Champion.

In-Ring Segment: Charly Caruso w/ Edge & Randy Orton
Charly tells about Randy Orton’s challenge to Edge at Backlash. She says this match if it happens could be considered the greatest wrestling match ever. She then introduces The Viper, Randy Orton. Charly asks Randy to explain this challenge to everybody. Orton says the phrase is a straight-up wrestling match that hard for everyone to comprehend. He says this is World Wrestling Entertainment and wrestling is the basis of what they do. He says they step in this ring to try to get to WrestleMania and at WrestleMania he and Edge torn each other up. He says Edge was the better man that night but he knows Edge isn’t superior. He says no athlete can come in and do what he does and no one in the WWE including Edge can do what he does. He says he knows why Edge did accept his challenge, he says he saw doubt in Edge’s eyes and that grit and passion has faded away. He says what was grit and passion is now doubt and fear. Here comes Edge!
Edge tells Orton he spoke a lot of truths last week and it gave him a lot to contemplate, to chew on, and internalize. He says he knows Orton is playing chess and he could rush into his next move. He then tells Orton he’s standing there with that smug smile and he does it for a check. He tells that this isn’t the life Orton wanted, this is what he was handed, and it was a backup plan. He says Orton isn’t like everyone else because this doesn’t matter to him. He tells that Orton didn’t dream of being a champion, he didn’t save up to go to shows, and he didn’t cry after winning the Intercontinental title because he knew that’d mean he was becoming a workhorse. Orton asks if he is done. Edge tells him to shut up. He continues to tell Orton how he doesn’t want this like him, and he didn’t have to fight back like him for 9 years. Orton tells him to shut his mouth and ask if he accepts his challenge. Edge then accepts the challenge.
My Opinion:
There’s not much left to be said between these two as they got it all out bleeding up to Mania. I think now the story continues to come down to who is better in the ring. Wrestling is what this is all about so the way for them to show who is best will be with this match. This comes down to who is more skilled in the ring and beyond all else, it will really show who has the grit out there. It’s easier to beat your opponent when you have weapons at your disposal but much harder when it’s just one on one in the ring. I’m super excited about this one and I have no doubt both will come out swinging and we will be in for a treat!

Backstage Segment: Seth Rollins & Murphy
Murphy comes up to Rollins and pats him on the shoulder. Rollins then does the same to him and tells him he has a revelation and he wants to tell the world. He tells Murphy, let’s take a walk.

Rey Mysterio Update:
The damage to Rey Mysterio’s eye is critical, there could be nerve damage but until the swelling goes down the doctors won’t know how bad it really is.

In-Ring Segment: Seth Rollins & Murphy
Rollins says sometimes in life you have to lose who you are to truly find yourself. He says when he lost to Drew McIntyre at Money In The Bank he thought he lost everything. He says he fell into a dark place, a place so dark he wasn’t sure he’d ever escape. He says he has seen the light now and he has seen it brighter than he has ever before thanks to one man, Rey Mysterio. He says what happened to Rey Mysterio has been described by some as hance, disgusting, and unforgivable. He says it has been described by others as an act of penance paid to him by Rey Mysterio’s disbelief in the Monday Night Messiah. He says what happened to Rey Mysterio was unfortunate but necessary. He says it was the clarity he needed to be the leader he was meant to be. He then tells Rey he knows he is at home with his family and he is healing and he knows that Rey can’t see it right now but soon enough he will understand what happened to him was a blessing in disguise. He then tells Rey Mysterio, you’re welcome. Here comes Humberto Carrillo.
Carrillo asks Rollins if he thinks anyone believes him. Carrillo says Rey is a hero to millions and he is his idol. He then tells Rollins he is a coward. Rollins tells Carrillo it’s nice he is standing up for his hero but if he is coming out here to fight he is not dressed for the occasion. He says Murphy is and even though he has a match with Aleister Black later, he’s sure he’d be happy to oblige.
My Opinion:
I’m really curious about what this will all lead to for Rollins. Obviously from what he is saying he truly sees a bigger picture but that has yet to be revealed. If there is a bigger picture the question will be what is that picture. I like the rivalry between Mysterio and Rollins but will it be a quick thing or could this be a long story with a lot of twists and turns. I’m excited to see where this goes and I like this continued slow build to the character of Seth Rollins.

Match 1: Murphy w/ Seth Rollins vs Humberto Carrillo
As Raw returns, Murphy takes down Carrillo. He tries to take control but Carrillo uses his quickness to fight him off. Carrillo gets to the apron and works a shot to the midsection. He continues to build offense and is able to go to the top rope. Murphy tries to stop him but Carrillo fights him off. Murphy gets up and now is able to stop Carrillo and send him crashing to the mat. Murphy stomps on him and works a cover but Carrillo kicks out. Murphy lands a big chop and then goes to a front face lock. Carrillo fights back with a jawbreaker. Murphy fights back with kicks to the legs. Carrillo lands a kick of his own now. Carrillo lands another kick and Murphy crashes to the floor. Carrillo now flies and takes him down. Carrillo goes to the apron and comes off the top rope after a distraction from Seth Rollins. Murphy is able to come to and hit him with a knee strike as he flies. Murphy connects with Murphy’s Law and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover.
*** After the match, Murphy hits Carrillo and sends him to the outside. Murphy then sends him into the steps. Aleister Black comes out and takes it to Murphy. They get in the ring and Black and hits him with kicks to the legs. Rollins begins walking up the ramp as this is happening. Black then goes for Black Mass but Murphy is able to duck and get out of the ring. Black then watches over Carrillo as Murphy meets Rollins on the ramp.
Winner: Murphy
My Opinion:
This is a good win for Murphy as he was able to put Carrillo pretty quickly. Of course, Rolins provided a distraction of sorts but that’s on Carrillo for paying attention. Even if Rollins would have hit him Carrillo would have won the match. Carrillo lost focus and that’s something he needs to work on. Murphy showed he was locked in and didn’t miss a beat when he had his opportunity on offense. Of course, Aleister Black came out and got the better of him but lucky for Murphy he was able to escape and save himself for their match later tonight.

Backstage Segment: King Corbin
Corbin asks why he, the king, doesn’t have his own locker room. He tells a backstage hand to go get him his own private locker room. He then tells a ref there were judges on his crown, no bowed down to him, and he had to get his own food. He asks if this is how talents are treated on Raw? He then tells the ref he wanted to talk to him about what they are going to do in his match tonight. He says where we’re going to go is… Raw then cuts to a commercial.

Backstage Segment: Liv Morgan
Liv says what you may not know about her is that her mom is her hero. She says her mom didn’t have a job or a bank account or much of a resume but her mom had determination and she never quit. She says a few weeks ago she had a match with Charlotte Flair the 12-champion. She says she didn’t win but she learned. She says she learned she is just like her mother and she is determined to one day become Raw Women’s Champion.

In-Ring Segment: Charlotte Flair
Flair says she knows everyone is in awe seeing her. She tells how she went to SmackDown and got challenged by the champion Bayley. She says she is excited about this match as she gets to show Bayley their levels to being champion. She then says she knows Ruby Riott has something to say about her because everyone has an opinion on her. She then tells Riott to come out here. Riott makes her way out and comes face to face with Flair in the ring as their match is next!

Match 2: Charlotte Flair vs Ruby Riott
As Raw returns, Flair hits Riott with a chop. She hits her with another strike and stays in control. The two go to the floor and Flair hits her with another chop. Flair tries another but hits the ring post as Riott ducks. Riott takes control but not for long as Flair grabs her hair and throws her to the floor. Flair brings her back into the ring and taunts Liv Morgan as she hits Riott in the corner. Riott is able to fight back in the corner and send Flair into the second turnbuckle.
Riott now takes down Flair and looks for a cover but Flair kicks out. Flair gets back in control and works the arm of Riott. Riott fights back and takes Flair down to the canvas. Riott now works the fingers and wrist of Flair. Flair fights back and gets Riott down on the mat. Riott tries to hang on but Flair stomps her out and breaks the hold. Riott fights back and again takes her down. She covers but Flair again kicks out. Flair gets back in control and is able to keep Riott on the mat. She works the Figure 4 and then turns it into the Figure 8. Riott taps out.
Winner: Charlotte Flair
My Opinion:
This was obviously an impressive win by Charlotte but this is what we expect from her given how great she is. She takes on these challenges seemingly because she knows she can’t lose. She has become an unstoppable force and is one of the most dominant wrestlers in WWE today. I also love watching her matches as it’s so compelling to see her opponents get so close but be so far away from beating her. Charlotte is the workhorse but I don’t see her slowing down anytime soon unless someone like Rhea Ripley can step up and dethrone her.

Backstage Segment: Bobby Lashley & MVP
Charly welcomes Bobby Lashley and says tonight you have a match with R-Truth. MVP comes up and says he and Lashley won’t be doing business together because Lashley is messing around with clowns like R-Truth and his lovely wife. He says he doesn’t want none of the full nelson but what would happen if he put that on the WWE Champion. He then reminds Lashley he hasn’t had a shot at the title in 13 years. He says that Lashley might not need trophies because he has the trophy wife but asks when will Lashley free Lashley. He then tells Lashley maybe he’ll see him out there tonight.

*** We then take a look back at the basketball game between The Street Profits and The Viking Raiders which says Dawkins and Ford get the win but it would be revealed that Erik and Ivar took it easy on them as they actually are very good at basketball.

The Street Profits & The Viking Raiders: Axe Throwing
The Street Profits arrive for their ax-throwing competition. They show up and Dawkins asks how hard could it be, it’s just throwing darts. They are then greeted by Erik and Ivar and more Vikings behind them. Erik then says they give them the smoke and shows a fire. Dawkins says when they say they want the smoke they don’t mean literally. Ford tells him you really aren’t going to accept the gift from a bunch of Viking with axes. Ford then turns around and thanks them. They then are shown the axe throwing. Ford asks if they should back out. Dawkins says Nah fam we’ve got this.

In Ring Segment: Kairi Sane & Asuka
Sane introduces Ms. Money In The Bank and the new Raw Women’s Champion, her friend, Asuka. Asuka thanks Kairi for the flowers and the balloon decorations around the ring. Asuka then says she is so happy for Becky Lynch. She then tells how she is the Raw Women’s Champion. Sane then says Asuka has been the NXT Champion, the SmackDown Women’s Champion, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, and the Raw Women’s Champion. They then celebrate Asuka being a grand slam champion. Sane then plays her a song on the flute. Here comes Nia Jax.
Jax asks seriously, seriously? Jax says there is nothing to celebrate, you were handed the title because Becky can’t fight anymore. She tells Asuka she was lucked into a temp job and she will be beaten soon by someone far better. She tells Asuka to look at her and says there is only one way this ends. She says once she becomes Raw Women’s Champion they will have a real party. Asuka then attacks her and she is able to send Jax to the outside.
My Opinion:
I think Nia was a little off on this as Asuka did win that ladder match and that was no easy task. Of course, they could have had a tournament for the title but odds are Asuka would have cashed in and won the title anyway so it makes sense to give it to her. I do think it is important for Asuka to defend the title soon though. This will solidify her like she deserves to be and it will show she is deserving to be champion. Nia Jax is going to be a tough task for Asuka though. Asuka is capable of beating her and she did get the better of her tonight. The only problem is Nia seems more determined than ever to get her hands on the title and tonight might have only made her more determined.

Backstage Segment: King Corbin
Charly welcomes King Corbin. Charly talks about Corbin’s match later tonight against Drew McIntyre and then asks Corbin if he has any doubts given how dominant Drew has been. He says Drew is champion but he is not a king. He says he carried Drew for over a year and he knows how to beat him. He tells how Drew beat Brock Lesnar and that’s impressive but he makes mistakes. He says soon enough he will step in the ring with him at WrestleMania and take his WWE Championship.

*** Kevin Owens returns tonight to host the KO Show with guests, Andrade, Zelina Vega, Angel Garza, and Austin Theory.

Match 3: R-Truth vs Bobby Lashley
The match begins and Truth does his best to get away from Lashley. Truth goes to the floor and becomes his cousin, pretty Ricky. He then taunts Lashley. He gets Lashley to come to the outside and Truth gets the upper hand. Lashley fights back and throws him into the barricade. He then throws Truth into the ring post. The two get back in the ring and Lashley taunts him to hit him. Truth goes after him but Lashley quickly takes him down. Lashley gets him in the full nelson and salams him. Lashley gets him in the full nelson again and this time keeps the hold locked. Truth taps out. MVP then comes to the stage and applauds Lashley.
Winner: Bobby Lashley
My Opinion:
An easy win for Lashley tonight as he continues his dominance. I really hope this is building to something big for Lashley. He looks better than ever and now that we have seen him running through people I think it’s time we get to see him face some tougher challengers. I really do love the partnership of MVP and Lashley. I also think Lashley is a perfect foe for Drew McIntyre. Hopefully, these two will clash because that will be one for the ages.

Backstage Segment: Lana
Lana watches in the back and screams. She then starts throwing stuff as she is furious with Lashley’s partnership with MVP.

Backstage Segment: The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
Asuka and Sane continue to celebrate. They then both go their own ways. Nia Jax comes out from behind them and eyes down Sane as she walks away.

Match 4: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross (C) vs The Iconics (Peyton Royce & Billie Kay): WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
Before the match, Royce says look who’s back. Kay then asks if they didn’t learn their lesson from last week. They then show their win over Bliss and Cross form last week. Kay then says they are so glad they are here so they can drop off their titles and be gone. Royce then sarcastically says they’re glad Bliss and Cross decided they are deserving of a title shot. They then finish with their signature, we are Iconic.
Bliss is able to get an early advantage. She takes the offensive control and is able to take Royce down to the mat. Cross tags in and stays on the offense. Royce is able to fend her off and Kay works a blind tag. Kay takes it to her but Cross turns it around and tags Bliss. Bliss comes in hot and lands a big slap. She hits the double knees to the gut. She covers but the cover is broken. Royce now takes it to Cross who comes in to help out. Royce and Cross now gone from the ring, leave Bliss and Kay in there. Bliss hits a big right hand and drops Kay. She then hits Twisted Bliss but the pin attempt is broken up by Royce. Royce then takes it to Bliss. She throws her into the ring post repeatedly. She doesn’t listen to the ref to stop and he calls for the bell.
Winners: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross: Via DQ: Still WWE Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
I’m shocked that Royce let her emotions get the better of her in this one. The Iconics are definitely more aggressive now that they’re back but you have to know when to use that aggression and when not to. For Bliss and Cross this fresh team of Royce and Kay may have been too much to handle so for them this could be a blessing in disguise. I don’t think this is the last time they will see the Iconics though so they better walk away happy from this one but get much more prepared for the next time.

Backstage Segment: Kairi Sane & Nia Jax
Sane continues to play the flute and she is unaware of Nia Jax who is standing behind her. Jax then grabs her and throws her into one of the equipment cases laying her out.

Backstage Segment: The Iconics (Peyton Royce & Billie Kay)
Kay and Royce argue with each other. Kay tells her this was their one chance to get their tag team championships back and she blew it. Kay then slaps her. The two then cry and Kay says she is so sorry for doing that. They then hug and say I love you to each other.

Backstage Segment: Kairi Sane & Asuka
Asuka comes to the aid of Kairi Sane and asks the trainer if she will be okay. The trainer assures her she will be okay. Asuka gets angry and presumingly goes to look for Nia Jax.

Backstage Segment: Asuka & Nia Jax
As Raw returns, Asuka comes up to Nia Jax and yells at her. Nia then just walks right by her. Asuka grabs her by the hair and pulls her to the ground. Asuka then walks away angry.

Match 5: Shayna Baszler vs Natalya: Submission Match
Baszler works a side headlock and works a snap mare. She keeps control on the mat and taunts Natalya. Natalya gets to her feet but is knocked down. Natalya comes back and works a double leg takedown. She looks for the Sharp Shooter but Baszler fights out and works a submission of her own working on the leg of Natalya. Baszler now focuses on the arm of Natalya. Natalya tries to fight back but she yanked down to the mat. Baszler now looks for a Sharp Shooter of her own but Natalya fights out. Natalya now works a Sharp Shooter of her own. She wrenches down on the back of Baszler. Baszler fights to the apron and is able to pull herself out of the hold as she falls to the floor. Natalya goes after her on the floor and then brings her back into the ring. Natalya now locks in another submission hold working on the knee of Baszler. Baszler fights out and locks in the Kirifuda Clutch.
*** As the match ends Natalya shows her emotions in the ring. She kicks the ropes and is visibly frustrated. As they set up for the Kevin Owens show Natalya starts destroying the set.
Winner: Shayna Baszler
My Opinion:
Another solid win for Baszler tonight. She continues to show how great she is in the ring and tonight showed her most ruthless attribute which is her submission game. She definitely has the number of Natalya and now I wonder for Baszler what will be next for her. It seems she is too good to not be at the top so what exactly will she have to do to get back there? For Natalya, she did not take this well and she seems very angry with herself. We have been watching Natalya struggle for a long time and I can only wonder when she will have enough and completely snap.

Backstage Segment: Zelina Vega & Andrade & Angel Garza & Austin Theory
Andrade, Theory, and Garza argue with each other. Vega comes up and says she has had enough with the fighting/ she says they are going to go out there on the same page. She says it is up to her to make sure they work as a cohesive unit. She then asks each of them if they understand her. They all oblige.

In-Ring Segment: The Kevin Owens Show Hosted by Kevin Owens w/
Zelina Vega & Andrade & Angel Garza & Austin Theory
Owens thanks Nattie for getting all the junk out of the way. He says people have been asking him why he has been gone. He tells that at WrestleMania he had his WrestleMania moment and with that came a price and he was pretty banged up. He says that he is back and ready to go though. He then brings out his guest, Zelina Vega, Andrade, Angel Garza, and Austin Theory.
Owens apologies for the mess, he then says he wanted them to be on the show tonight. Vega cuts him off and says you were hoping for a Jerry Springer moment. She says she is so sick of people like Kevin and Drew who see one argument and think everything is crumbling. She says Andrade is a real champion, Angel Garza breaks faces and hearts, Austin Theory is that fastest-rising Superstar, and she came from the streets while others like Owens had sidewalks. She then questions why Owens isn’t in the ring giving them respect. Owens says well he is giving them more respect by letting them have the full ring. He then says he also isn’t in the ring because he doesn’t want to be crowded. Eh then reveals he has another guest, Apollo Crews. Crews comes out and attacks Andrade. They try to pull Crews off but he keeps fighting. Owens then helps him out as Raw goes to break.

Match 6: Apollo Crews & Kevin Owens vs Andrade & Angel Garza
Crews goes after Andrade but Andrade goes to the corner and the ref backs off Crews. Garza tags in but Crews is able to get to him and take him down to the mat. He then hits a vertical suplex. Owens tags in and goes after Garza in the corner with big strikes. He then hits a big senton. Garza fights back and is able to make a tag. Andrade comes in hot taking it to Owens and Crews. Owens fights back and lands a big chop. He is able to work a clothesline and stay in control. Owens lands a kick and tags Crews. Garza then tags in. Crews takes it to Garza. He then gets a shot in on Andrade. Theory slips up and accidentally hits Garza. Crews hits the toss-up powerbomb and gets the 1 2 3 on the covers.
*** After the match, Theory tries to explain himself. Andrade then attacks him and so does Garza. The two beat him down in the ring. They then take him to the floor and continue the beat down. Vega tells him he is useless and she should have never believed in him. They then send Garza into a pile of steel chairs.
Winners: Apollo Crews & Kevin Owens
My Opinion:
It was good to see Owens and Crews back as both seem out to prove a point. I’m excited to see Crews continue his ascent on Raw and I hope he does get another shot at Andrade as it seems he really can beat him. I’d love to see Crews get the title and be one of the top guys on Raw. For Owens, it’ll be interesting to see what he does next. He is a championship contender for sure but the question will be if he is done with Seth Rollins yet. As for Veg and her group it seems Theory is out. It’s a shame since Theory is so good but hopefully, he will stick on Raw and continue to get opportunities. I’d say Garza better watch out as well as the true group is Andrade and Zelina.

Backstage Segment: Drew McIntyre
Charly welcomes the WWE Champion Drew McIntyre. She asks Drew how he stays focused with new challenges constantly arising. He says he doesn’t know if he finds the challenges or if they find him but it’s always a great night for a Claymore party. He says the brand invitation is fantastic and it gives him a match he wanted with King Baron Corbin. He gives Corbin his praise for being a dangerous individual and doing whatever it takes to win a match. He then says King you chose me and came into my backyard, are you out of my mind. He then says he has a Claymore fit for a king with Corbin’s name on it.

The Viking Raiders & The Street Profits
The Viking Raiders continue to throw axes and hit the bullseye every time. Montez Ford now grabs one and asks for golf silence as he throws. He then says he is trying to get his tiger on. Ivar asks if there is a tiger in the woods. Erik tells Ford it’s his first time and performance anxiety is normal. Ford questions this and throws the axe, it misses the target and goes way off into the distance. Ford tries to hype up Dawkins for his throw. He tells him to focus up. Dawkins goes to throw it but misses the target and hits a barrel of water. The Vikings get angry at him. Dawkins says this ain’t nothing like Thor.

Match 7: Murphy w/ Seth Rollins vs Aleister Black
Black goes right after Murphy hammering him with big strikes. Murphy fights back and hits Black with big shots of his own in the corner. Murphy goes outside but Black follows and continues to hammer on him. Rollins is on the outside and goes over to Theory who is still down. Black now looks for a kick but Murphy ducks and Black hits the post. Back in the ring, Black is able to fight him off. Murphy is able to catch him with a boot in the corner. Murphy flies but Black catches him with a boot. Rollins now helps Theory up and then two stare each other down. In the ring, Black looks for Black Mass. Rollins then tells Theory to go into the ring. Theory attacks Black and the ref stops the match. Theory continues the attack. Black tries to fight back but Murphy joins in. the two on one is too much for Black. Murphy then hits him with a knee to the face. Theory then hits him with the ATL. Rollins then gives Theory a hug.
Winner: Aleister Black: Via DQ
My Opinion:
Black gets the win but obviously it was at a price and not the way he would have liked to get it. It seems it didn’t take long for Theory to turn things around but I think he will be good for Rollins and Murphy. This is another guy looking for his spots that Rollins can use to his advantage. Rollins seems like he will continue to build his power until it is too much for everyone. Tonight it was Aleister Black who felt the wrath but you have to wonder who will be next. If AOP are able to come soon that would have this a 5 man group and an unstoppable one at that. I can’t wait to see what they do next.

The Viking Raiders & The Street Profits
Erik goes over the rules, one thrower at a time, 10 axes each, and bullseyes are all that count. The Viking Raiders wipe the floor with them as The Street Profits can’t hit any in their nine tries. The Viking Raiders then help out Ford and finally he hits a bullseye. Two cops show up with an axe in the windshield. One of the cops asks who did this and we can only find out by who can throw this. Dawkins throws one and hits a bullseye.

Backstage Segment: Apollo Crews
Charly asks Crews if he has a lot to prove after missing his opportunity at MITB. he says he absolutely does. He says he doesn’t know what hurts more, the injury, or missing MITB. he says he knew he had to dig deep and when he stepped in the ring tonight he found it. He then challenges Andrade for the United States Championship next week and with that, he will put everything together. Vega comes up and tells Andrade he could walk away with his one good knee or he could step in the ring with Andrade and never walk again. Crews isn’t scared and says he wants the match. He then asks where Andrade is and asks if he is scared he’ll slap him again. He then says he is going to put that final piece in place when he becomes United States Champion.

The Viking Raiders & The Street Profits
The other cop then asks if they know how dangerous it is to be throwing axes out here, someone could get seriously hurt. The cop then tells Ivar she is going to let them go because he is cute. She then tells Erik, you not so much.

Match 8: Drew Mcintyre vs King Corbin
*** Before the match, Bobby Lashley and MVP come out before the match. MVP says they have taken an interest in this match. He says King Corbin is a worthy adversary, and then asks if Corbin retired Kurt Angle. He then says he could go on about Corbin but won’t. He then tells Drew he is the WWE Champion and that’s all that needs to be said. Lashley tells McIntyre he is putting him on notice and he is taking the WWE Championship even if he has to pry it from his cold dead hands.
As the match begins the two lock up and McIntyre keeps the control backing Corbin against the ropes and then into the corner. The hold is broken. The two lock up again and Corbin breaks it with a hip check. McIntyre fights back with a shot to the chest. Corbin works a shot to the leg and gets him in the corner. He hits him with big strikes in the corner. He then knocks him down to the mat. McIntyre is able to fight out of the corner and knock him down. He then clotheslines him over the ropes and to the floor. McIntyre goes to the floor and knocks him over the barricade. Mcintyre then goes and gets him and clotheslines him back to ringside. The two get back in the ring and McIntyre looks for the Claymore but Corbin drops to the floor. Corbin quickly gets in the ring and hits McIntyre. He then drops McIntyre to the floor and into the barricade. Corbin continues the beat down. Corbin gets him in the ring and continues to hit him with the back.
McIntyre tries to fight back with chops to the chest. Corbin fights back with a clothesline. He covers but McIntyre kicks out at one. McIntyre hits a kick to the gut. He lands a big kick to the face and takes control. Corbin fights back, sending him to the apron. He then knocks him down. He gets McIntyre up top but McIntyre fights back. Corbin stops him and now meets him up top. Corbin then is able to hit the huge suplex. Corbin covers but McIntyre kicks out at 1. McIntyre fights back after Corbin taunts him. He hits an overhead throw. He continues to beat down. McIntyre then lifts him but Corbin fights off. McIntyre then hits him with a spinebuster. He covers but Corbin kicks out. McIntyre looks for the Future Shock DDT but Corbin fights out. Corbin slams him again and covers once more but McIntyre is out a 1. Corbin is sent into the corner but he lands a boot to keep McIntyre away. McIntyre now hits the Future Shock DDT. McIntyre now looks for the Claymore but he is caught and hit with Deep 6. Corbin now looks for End Of Days but McIntyre ducks and hits the Glasgow Kiss. McIntyre now hits the Claymore and gets the 1 2 3 on the cover. McIntyre then calls out Lashley and tells him he wants to fight him. He then holds up the title as Raw goes off the air.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
My Opinion:
This was a great match to end the night, these two hit each other and hit each other hard. Corbin looked better than I’ve ever seen him and he really seemed like a true threat to the WWE Champion. Of course, McIntyre didn’t stay down long and was able to fight back constantly. Once again he kicked out at 1 and even Corbin who was on his game tonight couldn’t keep him down. McIntyre showed his dominance and although I think Lashley has much to give than Corbin right now, this was a good test for McIntyre. I love that McIntyre and Lashley are going to start this feud and I expect a match like this times 10. It’s going to be a showdown between two behemoths and I can’t wait for it!!!

Final Thoughts:
I liked the start tonight with Edge accepting the challenge of Randy Orton, I think these two are going to have an amazing match and it definitely has the potential to steal the show come BackLash. The budding rivalry between Asuka and Nia Jax was good as well. I think it could have started a little hotter than it did but overall this gives Asuka a good first challenge and if she can beat Nia it will really cement her as champion. I was glad to see Kevin Owens and Apollo Crews back, I think both have big things ahead. Crews especially has a big chip on his shoulder and I hope next week he finally can get back to winning the big ones and take the U.S. Championship. I liked the new addition of Austin Theory to Seth Rollins disciples.
Theory can do a lot of great things in the ring and under the wing of Seth Rollins he can become a real player on Raw. throughout the night the matches were a little short for my liking. We had a lot of them but there were many screwy finishes and I wish some of them could have gone longer. I know there were a lot of developments tonight and I’m sure as the weeks go on more and more things will pick up. The main event of the night though was awesome. McIntyre and Corbin threw down and I was very impressed by Corbin tonight. I love this side of him and I hope we continue to see it more. For McIntyre, he showed how tough he is and this is a good test for him ahead of this huge rivalry with Lashley. I can’t wait to see where this goes because it’s going to be a showdown! Once again I wish everyone all the best, stay safe, and healthy, and enjoy Nxt and SmackDown this week!!!
Overall Rating: 5/10