Raw Review 06/04/2018

Tonight as we continue to get closer to Money In The Bank what will happen when Nia Jax faces off against Ronda Rousey’s friend and training partner Natalya, will Jax make an example of her or will Natalya gain an edge for her friend? Plus how will Bobby Roode fair against “The Monster Among Men” Braun Strowman? Also, in store for tonight what will happen when two former Universal Champions lock up as Finn Balor faces off against Kevin Owens? Finally, which tag team will win the Tag Team Battle Royal and become for the new #1 Contenders for the Raw Tag Team Championships?

Raw comes to us tonight from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and David Otunga

In Ring Segment: Elias
Elias says he is the man who carries the power of wind in his fist and the guitar across his chest. He then plays the guitar and follows with who wants to walk with Elias? He says it should be no surprise he is the first face you see tonight. He claims to be the most valuable assets and says he will become more valuable at Money In The Bank when he wins the Intercontinental Championship. He says Seth Rollins will see what everyone else knows and that is WWE stands for Walk With Elias. He talks about what he did last week to Rollins and says he felt pain having to smash one of his favorite guitars. He says he is using that pain and turning it into a song. He begins his song but outcomes Seth Rollins!
Elias stands with the guitar in hand but Rollins arms himself with a steel chair. The two swing at each other and Elias drops the guitar as Rollins stands with the chair. From behind Jinder Mahal attacks Rollins and he and Elias stomp on him. Here comes Roman Reigns! Elias and Mahal go after Reigns but Reigns fights back with big right hands. Reigns lifts Rollins but outcomes Kurt Angle.
Angle tells them to hold on. He tells Elias and Mahal they aren’t going anywhere because we are going to have ourselves a tag team match right now.
My Opinion:
This is a good way to start the night especially since the Intercontinental Championship is the top title on Raw right now. I don’t think the night can ever go wrong seeing a mini-Shield reunion. I think the openings of Raw have become predictable with Angle always coming out and making a match right then and there but at the same time, it starts the night off on an exciting note. I think Elias is doing very well in his role and I think this rivalry will Rollins with be something special.

Match 1: Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh & Elias
Reigns and Elias start the match but then Rollins and Mahal tag in. Reigns and Rollins go right after them. Rollins launches himself at Mahal while Reigns goes after Elias. Back in the ring Rollins takes it to Mahal and turns him inside out. Rollins works his arm and tags Reigns. Reigns and Rollins double team Mahal and Rollins tags back in. Again a double team and Rollins tries for a cover but can’t get the three. Mahal backs Rollins in the corner and Elias gets the tag. Elias takes it to Rollins and then hangs him up on the ropes. Elias goes for the cover but Rollins is able to kick out. Elias tries a right hand but Rollins lands one of his own. Elias is able to grab him and quickly brings him back to the mat. Elias works his arm and keeps Rollins grounded on the mat. Elias then moves to a chin lock. Rollins makes it to his feet but Elias quickly takes him back down to the mat. Rollins is able to land a kick but Elias goes to the neck of Rollins. Rollins is able to avoid Elias but Mahal gets the tag and stays on Rollins. Rollins is able to send Mahal to the floor and finally tags Reigns. Reigns hits a big clothesline on Mahal and hits Elias with a right. Reigns then delivers a series of clotheslines in the corner. Mahal is able to land a punch but Reigns hits him with a boot. Elias gets the tag and he meets the same fate with a big boot from Reigns. Reigns goes to the floor after Mahal but Singh saves him and it allows Elias to take control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Elias hits Reigns with big right hands. Mahal gets the tag and hangs up Reigns on the ropes. Mahal tries a cover but Reigns is able to kick out. Mahal then goes to a chin lock and keeps Reigns on the mat. Mahal breaks the hold and hits Reigns with a big knee. Elias gets the tag and continues the attack on Reigns. He takes a cheap shot on Rollins but it allows Reigns to get back into the match. Elias is able to drop Reigns with a big elbow and tags Mahal. Mahal lands a big kick and goes to a chinlock again. Reigns fights back with big rights to the mid-section. Reigns is able to hit a Samoan Drop and it allows for him to get the tag. Elias gets the tag as well but Rollins takes it to him. Rollins hits the sling blade. Rollins then is able to hit the blockbuster but it’s not enough to keep Elias down. Rollins is sent to the apron and he tries a springboard but has to roll thru. Rollins is able to hit the falcon arrow but Mahal gets involved. Reigns takes out Mahal and then hits the drive by on Elias. Rollins hits a big kick and looks for the stomp. Singh gets involved but Rollins scares him off, Mahal takes advantage and takes out Reigns on the outside. In the ring Elias tries a roll-up but Rollins kicks out. Rollins hits an enziguri and then hits a suicide dive on the outside. Singh tries a chair shot but Rollins grabs it and chases him. Elias stops him and hits the DDT on the chair. Elias lifts Rollins and hits Drift Away. Elias goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Jinder Mahal & Elias
My Opinion:
Mahal and Elias really worked well as a team. I felt from the start they were in control and they did very well in picking their spots. With Money In The Bank inching closer this gives both of these men huge momentum. Elias has now proven he can pin Elias and as for Mahal, he showed he’s not afraid to take it to Reigns. Rollins definitely didn’t look full speed tonight but hopefully, he and Reigns can get it together.

Match 2: Curt Hawkins vs James Harden
Hawkins tells he made a bold promise and right now he is sitting at 199 loses. He says there won’t be a 200 and when he wins tonight everyone in the arena will get a free taco. He brings over his opponent and he says his name is James Harden. Hawkins thanks him for coming out and says he is going to be apart of history.
Hawkins backs him in the corner and then hits him with a big right. He works him in the other corner and then is able to hit a body slam. Hawkins is side-stepped and is hit with big rights. Hawkins hit him with a big clothesline but outcomes Baron Corbin. Corbin hits End of Days on Harden which causes the DQ.
Hawkins hits Corbin with a taco and Corbin then slams him off the table and tips the tacos on him.
Winner: James Harden
My Opinion:
This was a fun segment for sure but it sucks to see baron Corbin still having to go around as the fun police. I think Corbin Is making the best of this but still, I want to see him doing more. Hopefully, down the road we will see him in a bigger spot. I think for Hawkins he makes the best of what they give him but even with him, it sucks that his whole gimmick is based on losing. I only hope things can turn around for these guys because they deserve it. I feel if Corbin was gonna be used like this he should’ve stayed on SmackDown.

Backstage Segment:
Angle asks Corbin what that was about. Corbin says he sees what’s going on around here and he’s tired of not getting opportunities. He reads Kurt a letter he got from Stephanie which tells Kurt that Corbin will now be overseeing him as his constable during his daily duties.

Match 3: Natalya vs Nia Jax
Jax and Natalya lock up but Nia pushes her to the mat. Natalya locks in a side headlock but Nia blocks and breaks the hold. Natalya tries a clothesline but Nia doesn’t budge. Natalya hits a dropkick but Nia again stays standing. Nia sends Natalya to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Natalya lands a jawbreaker but Nia doesn’t go down and continues to overpower her. Nia is able to catch her but Natalya stuns her. Natalya lands a dropkick and Nia goes to the mat. Natalya hits her with a right hand and continues to hammer on with them. Nia tosses her in the corner but Natalya is able to get out of the way and stun her again. Natalya takes down Nia with a clothesline and goes for the cover but Nia kicks out. Natalya steps over Nia but hurts her knee. Nia takes advantage and hits the Samoan Drop and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Ronda comes to check on Natalya and keeps backing Nia off as she is concerned as well. Ronda then helps Natalya to the back.
Winner: Nia Jax
My Opinion:
I thought Natalya put up a really tough fight out there. I think Nia is a little weird as a heel and it’s not as believable as I thought it would be. Her and Ronda was a little odd pairing right now only because Ronda is fresh and Nia had a heel change way too soon. I think this rivalry between the two is only beginning and hopefully, it will pick up in time. In the meantime, Nia remains to dominate and it seems like no one can stop her.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Bobby Roode on his mindset heading into Money In The Bank. he says he is excited about and excited about making history. He says it’s a sure fire way to become champion and when he does it it’s going to be Glorious. She then asks him about tonight. Roode says he doesn’t know, he says he’s been in this business for 20 years and has never seen a man like Braun. He says he will need to use every trick and hopefully, it’s enough to beat him or just survive.

Match 4: Braun Strowman vs Bobby Roode
Roode and Strowman lock up but Strowman throws him to the mat. Roode works a headlock but is thrown into the corner. Roode is able to get up quickly and hits him with chops but it has no effect. Strowman then throws him across the ring. Strowman hits a huge suplex on Roode and is in control. Strowman runs towards Roode but is hit with an elbow. Roode then is able to send Strowman into the post but moving out of the way. Roode goes to the outside and puts a ladder across the ring to the barricade. Strowman chases Roode but Roode uses the ladder as a barrier. Strowman then crushes the ladder with his fists. Roode runs but he trips and is then sent into the barricade. Strowman tosses Roode back into the ring. Strowman hits the running powerslam and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
I’ll give it to Roode he did the best he could but how can you compete with Strowman. Even with trying to get an advantage and trying to outsmart Strowman it just didn’t work. As always Strowman showed he can’t be stopped. He continues to be the most dominant force going today and it’ll be interesting to see how he fairs in the ladder match. I think Strowman has to be the favorites right because who is gonna be able to keep him down?

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Kevin Owens on his thoughts on that match. Owens says he doesn’t care about them or about anyone in the match. He says no one will stand in his way. He then pokes fun at Balor. Owens says he is winning the contract and is going to show tonight that Balor is nothing more than a made-up Irish myth.

Backstage Segment:
Natalya says her knee just hurts. She says she wants to try to put weight on it but Ronda tells her she doesn’t need to. Nia asks Natalya if she is okay, Ronda asks her hasn’t she done enough. Nia tells her this isn’t ballet. Ronda and Nia argue and Natalya tells them to stop and she needs a minute to herself.

In Ring Segment: Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt
Renee asks how they feel about the battle royal tonight. Wyatt says many men search for power but ultimately it destroys them. He says any team that has the audacity to face them they won’t be facing men but instead woken worries. Hardy says they will be facing fireflies. Wyatt says they will be facing gods and they will understand what it means. Hardy adds to be woken! Hardy says they stand as the Raw Tag Team Champions, unmatched, unparallel and unstoppable. He says they have woken the WWE Universe. He then asks Rene if she considers herself woken. She says ya. Wyatt cuts off Hardy and says let it be known whatever team wins they will suffer and then they will be deleted!

Match 5: Tag Team Battle Royal:
Winner will face Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt for the Raw Tag Team Championships
As the bell rings the teams go right at it. Ziggler and Mcintyre pick their spots before entering. Mcintyre stomps on Viktor in the corner. Titus tries to eliminate Ziggler but it doesn’t work as he holds on. Rhyno saves Slater from elimination. Mcintyre and Ziggler take control but Mcintyre beings to be double teamed. Ziggler and Mcintyre are eliminated first and Mcintyre unloads on the teams. Mcintyre and Ziggler are sent to the back as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, The Revival works with Fandango and they eliminate The Ascension. They then turn and eliminate Breezango. Left are The B Team, Slater and Rhyno, and The Revival. Axel helps Dallas but then is sent to the mat by The Revival. Rhyno comes through and is able to eliminate Wilder which eliminates The Revival. Dallas helps Axel with Rhyno. Axel lands a DDT on Rhyno. Slater helps Rhyno and hits Axel and Dallas with knees. Rhyno though gets knocked off the apron and The B Team gets the victory!
Winners: The B Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas):
New #1 Contenders for the Raw Tag Team Championships
My Opinion:
First, from a logical standpoint, I feel Ziggler and Mcintyre should have won this match. They have been doing very well as a team and they would make great champions but it feels they are being misused right now. On the other hand, I’m very happy to see Dallas and Axel get a shot. They have stuck with it even through the worst days and it’s awesome to see them in a bigger light now. I think this reinvented team is exciting and I think it’s something fun for the fans. I don’t know how they will fair against Hardy and Wyatt but it’s going to be interesting, to say the least.

In Ring Segment: Bobby Lashley
Lashley tells how Zayn has been talking a lot of trash. He says where he comes from they do it the old fashion way and he invites Zayn to come down and say it to his face. Zayn’s music hits but he doesn’t come out and instead comes from the crowd.
Zayn questions Lashley from wanting him to come get in the ring. Zayn tells him not a chance because the last time he was assaulted when he wasn’t ready. He says he hasn’t been able to do simple things since Lashley crushed his hand. He tells that however he never stops looking at his opponents. He then says he watched Lashley on Instagram and shows quotes posted by Lashley. Zayn pokes fun at Lashley for the quotes. Zayn says his quotes are good but a little too good. Zayn says the simple Texas folks would say he is a good person and is spreading a good message. Zayn tells how he sent Lashley as a fan and tells that instead of a personal message back he got a link to a Bobby Lashley fan club. Zayn says Lashley is just trying to get one over on everyone. Lashley asks him where he’s going with all this. Lashley says he thought Zayn would have the decency to come in here face to face. Zayn says he won’t come face to face with a liar. Lashley says he appreciates that Zayn didn’t hide at the expansion of his reputation. Zayn says everything about him is a lie. Zayn asks if he even has sisters and then asks if he was even in the Army.
My Opinion:
Zayn continues to poke at Lashley but I don’t think it’s going to end up well for him. Lashley continues to take it but when they meet face to face I think Zayn is in for a world of hurt. I hope once they face Lashley can take him out and he will be able to move on to bigger things. Zayn is no slouch but Lashley is gamed for so much more. I wish the best of luck at Money In The Bank because he just continues to add fuel to the fire.

Backstage Segment:
Charly welcomes Jinder Mahal and Sunil Singh. She asks Charly what’s at the root of the issue of him and Reigns. Mahal says Reigns is a jealous bitter man. He says Reigns thinks there’s a conspiracy against him but he’s been given his chances. Mahal says the winds are shifting and soon Roman will find the storm is coming. Charly then sends it to Renee Young.
Renee asks Reigns thoughts on Mahal’s comments. Reigns says Mahal should go check his resume. He asks what Mahal has done around here lately and expects to be handed everything. Mahal tells him how dare he say that. Reigns tells him to stay put and he’ll come shut his mouth for him. Reigns then searches for him. Reigns and Mahal exchange blows before they’re broken up.

Match 6: Ember Moon & Alexa Bliss & Sasha Banks vs The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan)
Ember and Riott start the match. They exchange holds but neither get an advantage. Ember works her arm and is then able to stop Riott form reversing her arm drag. Riott catches her with a knee and then knocks her down with a shoulder tackle. Ember flies form the ropes and tries a cover but Riott kicks out. Ember tags Bliss and Bliss goes to the arm of Riott. Riott hurts the leg of Bliss and she tags Sasha. Alexa goes to the back as Raw goes to break.
As Raw Returns, Liv backs Ember into the corner and tags Logan. Logan comes in and hits a huge headbutt but Ember kicks out of the cover. Riott comes in and takes it to Ember. Ember tries to fight out but Riott continues to hold her arms. Ember is able to escape. Riott doesn’t give but loses concentration and it allows for the tag. Sasha hits Liv with a knee and gets her in the corner. Sasha lands a big knee but Liv comes back slamming her to the mat. Liv tries a cover but Sasha kicks out. Riott gets the tag and stomps on Sasha in the corner. Logan gets the tag and does the same. Liv gets the tag again and gets Sasha in a full nelson. Sasha lands a big kick but Liv prevents the tag. Sasha is able to get Liv to the mat but she goes down as well. Logan on the outside takes out Ember. Ember fights back but Liv then pushes her off and Logan follows driving her into the barricade. Sasha tries a roll-up but Liv kicks out. Liv tries a pin of her own but Sasha is able to kick out. Riott gets the tag and they try a double team but Sasha fights it off. Sasha hits the Meteora and takes out Riott and Logan. Outcomes Bayley. Bayley gets the tag and takes it to Logan. Bayley hits the Bayley to Belly and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Sasha Banks & Ember Moon & Bayley
My Opinion:
This was a very good match, I thought The Riott Squad really looked good out there but obviously, Sasha and Ember didn’t give up. Bayley entering at the end wasn’t the fairest thing but then again it wasn’t fair for them to go 2 on 3. I think ultimately Bayley looks the best in this coming and making the save. One person I was very impressed with was Sarah Logan because she looked awesome tonight and really stood her ground.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin asks Angle if he is gonna stand for this. Angle says it’s none of his business. Corbin says it is his business and says no superstar can legally just enter a match. Corbin tells Angle to tell them their win doesn’t count.

Backstage Segment:
Ember tells them what a rush. Sasha says Alexa pretended to be injured like always. Ember says we won thanks to Bayley. Sasha thanks her for having her back. Ember tells them to hug it out. Angle comes up and says because Bayley wasn’t in the match The Riott Squad is the winner by DQ. Sasha shakes her head and walks away.

Match 7: Kevin Owens vs Finn Balor
Owens and Balor lock up and Owens backs him in the corner. Balor is able to land a big chop and gets Owens in the corner but is backed off. Owens gets around on Balor and takes him down to the mat. Balor comes with big kicks and Owens goes to the outside. Owens gets back into the ring and lands a big kick after playing injured. Owens takes Balor to the ground and locks in a side headlock. Owens doesn’t allow Balor to gain any ground and stays on him. Balor gets to his feet but again he’s knocked down and Owens tries a cover but Balor kicks out. Owens goes back to a headlock but Balor breaks the hold. Balor lands an arm drag and then works the arm of Owens. Owens doesn’t allow Balor to gain much ground before taking him back to the mat. Owens lands a big kick and then is able to land a big chop. Balor comes back with a basement dropkick but it doesn’t keep Owens down. Owens hits a back elbow in the corner. Owens lands big kicks in the corner and takes it to Balor. Owens then throws Balor into the corner. Owens lands big chops but Balor is finally able to reverse and hits a big shot to Owens. Balor goes to the top but Owens rolls to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Owens has Balor in a chin lock on the mat. Balor works to his feet but Owens lands a blow to his back. Balor continues to fight and is able to knock Owens to the mat. Balor lands an enziguri that drops Owens to the mat. Balor goes to the top but Owens rolls to the outside. Balor then flies over the ropes and takes out Owens. Balor rolls Owens into the ring but he tries to escape again. Owens gets back in control and works the arm of Balor. Balor tries to fight to his feet but Owens won’t allow it. finally , Balor breaks the hold but Owens stops him with a shot to the mid-section. Owens hits him a kick. Balor gets back into but both men go down. Balor hits Owens with huge right hands in the corner. Balor throws him in the corner and meets him with a big elbow. Balor dorps Owens with another elbow but it’s not enough to put him away. Balor tries a sling blade but Owens rolls him up. Balor kicks out. Owens hits a big kick but it doesn’t keep Balor down. Owens throws Balor off the ropes but Balor hits him with the sling blade. Balor hits a huge dropkick sending Owens into the turnbuckle. Balor goes to the top but again Owens stops him. Owens stomps on Balor as he is hung up in the ropes. The ref then calls for the bell as e doesn’t break the 5 count.
*** After the match Owens hits the frog splash. Owens then grabs a ladder from the outside and sets it up in the ring. Owens goes to the top but hesitates to jump. Balor pulls him down and sends him into the turnbuckles by way of the dropkick. Balor goes to the top and hits the Coupe de, Grace from the top of the ladder. Balor then gets back up and grabs the briefcase.
Winner: Finn Balor: Via DQ
My Opinion:
A very awesome match between these two! Balor and Owens battled back and forth and it was anyone’s match. It’s to bad it ended by DQ but either way, they took a ton out of each other. Owens really looked good tonight but Balor proved he is a fighter and he never stops. Hitting his finisher form the top of the ladder was insane but it shows Balor will stop at nothing to get that briefcase. Balor made a statement tonight over Owens but can he do that against the 6 other competitors too? Only time will tell but either, way Balor got the last laugh tonight!

Final Thoughts:
This was a solid Raw tonight, I really like how Rollins and Elias are developing their rivalry. I think these two are gonna have a classic match for the Intercontinental Championship and until then I hope the build-up continues to be strong. Reigns and Mahal are doing very well in building their match as well. They’re proving to be very hard hitting and it will be a battle at Money In The Bank. Braun Strowman proved again tonight that he can’t and won’t be stopped. Bobby Roode did his best but Strowman doesn’t let anything stand in his way. Nia Jax And Rousey did well in continuing their feud but it doesn’t feel as strong as it should. I think they’ll have an epic clash but it will take more time than this to make it a very strong rivalry like it should be. Also, a big congrats to The B Team for becoming the new #1 Contenders. Dallas and Axel have stayed the course and they have earned this opportunity. I don’t know how they will fair but nonetheless, the now have the chance to show what they are made of. Finally, Balor and Owens killed it to end the night. Owens fought and outsmarted Balor for a lot of the match but Balor stuck with it and never stopped fighting. In the end, Balor had the last laugh and tonight he made a huge claim for what he could be Mr. Money In The Bank!
Overall Rating: 7/10