Raw Review 06/08/2020

RAW REVIEW 06/08/2020

Tonight is the Go-Home Edition of Monday Night Raw with BackLash this Sunday! First, what will Edge have to say when he appears as a guest on the Peep Show hosted by Christian? On that same note, what will Bobby Lashley and his new protege MVP have to say about Lashley’s title match against Drew McIntyre when MVP welcomes Lashley to the VIP Lounge? Next, can Charlotte Flair rebound from losing the NXT Women’s Championship last night when she takes on Asuka? Finally, what will the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Sasha Banks and Bayley have to say when they come over from SmackDown to be here on Raw?
Raw comes to us from the WWE Performance Center.

Raw kicks off with us being introduced by Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, and Samoa Joe.

In-Ring Segment: Asuka & Sasha Banks & Bayley
Asuka makes her way to the ring for her match against Charlotte but as Charlotte is about to be announced here comes Sasha Banks and Bayley. Bayley tells the crowd they should be thanking them for being there and gracing them with their star quality. She then tells Asuka to do the same. Banks then tells Asuka tonight is not the night to open the show with the Raw Women’s Champion. Bayley then tells how she and Banks beat Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross to win the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. They then introduce each other as champions. Asuka then tells them this is her ring. Bayley says they know this is usually her name but as the tag champs, they are allowed to go to any brand that they want. Banks tells her to back up, shut up… but she is cut off by the arrival of Charlotte Flair. Flair says look at you two go brand to brand to brand just like the Queen. She then wishes them luck in keeping up with her stamina. She then says she understands why they need to celebrate before someone comes in and swoops the titles off of them. She tells them to enjoy the spotlight and the attention but she and Asuka have a match and that is what the people really want to see. Flair tells them to move along but out comes The IIconics.
Kay says Charlotte you aren’t the sharpest tool in the shed. Kay says the only match people want to see isn’t happening tonight, that match is happening at BackLash and that is in a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship Match. It is announced then that the IIconics will get their tag team title opportunity. Also, Nikki Cross and Alexa Bliss will be in this match to make it a Triple Threat Match for the tag titles. The IIconics then remind Bayley and Sasha they beat them for the titles at Mania and vow to make BackLash IIconic. Bayley tells Charlotte she failed to drive a wedge in between them. Flair tells them she doesn’t need a belt or two to be relevant. Flair then tells Banks and Bayley they are still going to be garbage with or without the titles. Banks and Bayley then attack Flair and the IIconics attack Asuka. The two teams then come face to face. The teams are out of the ring now as Flair and Asuka make a comeback and stare them down as Raw goes to break.
My Opinion:
I was hoping we would see a great match to kick start the night but this worked as well. I’m glad to see the Women’s tag titles get more attention as they have been on the back burner for a while. Although they’re not everyone’s favorite titles they are still titles in WWE so it’s about time they get some much-needed appreciation and showing. I’m excited about the tag title match this Sunday and I really think it will be a chance to show how great Women’s tag team wrestling is. I did however feel bad for Asuka as she was overshadowed which is a shame since she is the champion of Raw.

Match 1: Asuka & Charlotte Flair vs Sasha Banks & Bayley vs. The IIconics (Billie Kay & Peyton Royce)
As Raw returns, Banks, and Royce start the match. Banks gets the advantage on Royce and is able to stay on the offensive. She tries a cover but Royce kicks out. Banks tries a Meteora but fails. Royce now covers but Banks kicks out. Royce continues to try to fight off Banks and even takes a cheap shot at Asuka and Flair. Banks takes back control and throws down Royce. Bayley tags in and goes to work on Royce. Bayley focuses on the arm. Royce fights back with a big kick and tags Kay. Kay comes in and tries to put Bayley away but she kicks out. Kay lands an elbow and then hits a modified suplex. She covers but Bayley kicks out. Kay now steps on Bayley but Bayley fights out.
Kay is able to put down Bayley again. Bayley gets around on Kay but she is tagged out by Flair. The ref doesn’t see the tag of Bayley and calls it on Kay instead. Flair now goes on the attack of Bayley. Flair works her in the corner but Bayley turns it around and tees off. Banks now tags in and kicks Flair in the mid-section over and over. Bayley tags in again and they try a double team. Flair fights it off with two big kicks out. Asuka now tags herself in. she takes out Bayley on the apron and then lays out Banks. Asuka hits a hip attack in the corner. She then hits Royce with a kick and then lays out both Royce and Kay as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Kay is able to drive her boot into the face of Asuka. She covers but Asuka kicks out. Royce tags in and lands a big knee strike. She covers but Banks breaks it up. Royce and Kay then take out Banks and Bayley. Flair now tags in and is able to throw Royce. Kay is now in and she is met with a right from Flair. Asuka tags in and lands a series of kicks to Kay. Flair then tags in and argues with Asuka. Flair lands a series of chops on Kay and gets her in the corner. She tries for another one but Kay is able to fight back. Flair stays with it and lands a big boot. Asuka tags as Flair goes for a moonsault. Asuka then works the Asuka Lock to get Kay to tap out. Flair then knocks down Asuka. The two are set to face off later tonight.
Winners: Asuka and Charlotte Flair
My Opinion:
This was a good showing for both flair and Asuka. Although they argued they were able to get the job done and their individual greatness was able to overcome teamwork. Bayley and Banks didn’t look so great and that’s not a great sign when they have to defend the titles soon. They seemed overconfident and they weren’t fighting with that need to win attitude. The IIconics looked good once again but they also seemed a little too confident especially when they were in the ring with Flair and Asuka which is always a mistake. Overall though it was a good match to start off the night and it gives a taste of the action we are in store for this Sunday!

Rey Mysterio Interview:
Before the interview starts Seth Rollins comes over to the commentary table and takes the spot of Byron Saxton. Rollins says he has been looking forward to this all week and cannot wait to talk to Rey Mysterio. He then says hi to Rey and Rey calls him a son of a bitch.
Tom Phillips asks Rey if he has any more updates on his eye. Rey says his doctor didn’t want to make promises but it looks better and his eye is healing but he can’t risk infection or more damage to the cornea. Rey says he doesn’t know when he’ll be back but when he does there will be a 619 waiting for Rollins as soon as their match starts. He says he will make Rollins pay for what he put him and his family through. He then tells Rollins he will kick his ass. Rollins tells him to stop spreading these lies and misinformation. Rollins tells him he gave him a chance to walk away, a legend. He says he wants to give him another chance and invites Rey and his son to come to Raw next week so he can peacefully show him the sacrifice he made was for the greater good. Rey says Rollins is only inviting him because he isn’t cleared yet. He says when he is Rollins and the whole world will know about it. Rollins tells him he has got this all wrong. Then out of nowhere, Aleister Black attacks Seth Rollins as Raw goes to break.
My Opinion:
Rey seems very determined to come back and get his payback on Rollins which is awesome since Rey is finally getting another good story to dig his teeth into. Rey and Rollins can no doubt make magic in the ring and I feel like this will lead to something big in the future. You know Rollins will be ready but if Rey is smart he should come back and just attack Rollins. Sometimes you have to fight fire with fire and after what Rollins did to him this Rey’s time to do that. I’m excited to see where this goes.

Match 2: Murphy & Austin Theory vs Humberto Carrillo & Aleister Black
Carrillo tries for an early pin but Theory kicks out. Carrillo stays on the offensive for a moment before Theory is able to catch him with a shot to the face. Murphy and Black now tag in. Black lands a series of shots on Murphy. Murphy comes back with one of his own. Black then puts him down with a knee and hits a moonsault. Black then takes down Theory. Carrillo assists in laying him out on the floor. Murphy tries to steal one but Black kicks out. Murphy goes up top but Black meets him up there. Black then lands a kick and goes for the cover. Black gets the 1 2 3.
After the match, Rollins comes out to Rey Mysterio’s music wearing one of his masks. Theory and Murphy then attack Black and Carrillo from behind. Carrillo is taken out. Rollins then joins in and they beat down Black. Black is hit with the ATL by Theory. Murphy then tees off on Black, Theory does the same. Rollins then grabs Black and keeps telling him he told him to stay out of it. Murphy then hits Black with Murphy’s Law. Rollins then has them put Black on the ropes. Rollins tells Black he told him what would happen if he stood in his way. Rollins then hits him with a Curb Stomp.
Winners: Humberto Carrillo & Aleister Black
My Opinion:
Carrillo and Black were dominant in this match and in terms of wrestling they were on fire. Murphy and Theory couldn’t get much in on them and just look stunned by the aggression and speed of Carrillo and Black throughout this one. The bigger winner though is Seth Rollins. He knows how to play the mind games and he showed that it’s not always about getting the win but instead making the statement. His point was made clear tonight that he and his disciples are here for destruction and whoever stands in their way has a debt that will be collected.

Backstage Segment: Randy Orton
Charly welcomes Randy Orton and asks him how he prepares for a match that has such high expectations. Orton says the only question he wants answered right now is if Edge is going to be the only guest on the Peep Show. Charly says yes to her understanding there is only one guest. Orton says okay great. Charly then asks what his look is about. Orton says keep this quiet but there might be two guests on the Peep Show.

In-Ring Segment: The Peep Show Hosted By Christian w/ Edge
Christian welcomes his guest tonight, Edge! Christian asks Edge if he knows how excited he was for his return and how happy he was for his match at WrestleMania. He then tells Edge he has to be honest and says he thinks Edge is running on fumes. Christian tells Edge he doesn’t think he could even pull off the greatest wrestling match ever in his prime. Christian says they are best friends so they have to be honest and then says those are lofty expectations. He then tells Edge he thinks he is starting to buckle. Edge then tells Christian to pump his breaks. He then asks if he knows what he is going through and what it feels like to be in what is being called the greatest wrestling match ever when he hasn’t had a straight-up wrestling match in 9 years.
He says it’s like being dropped at the bottom of Everest with no crew and no gear. He then tells Christian pardon me for having self-doubt. He then says he has to face Randy Orton who is firing on all cylinders. He says he doesn’t even know how many cylinders he has left. Christian says that’s all excuses. He asks Edge if he thought he was going to come back and do a greatest hits of spear here and spear there. He then reminds that Edge’s mom was Edge’s biggest fan. He tells Edge that she is going to be watching this one too. He tells Adam (Edge) if Edge isn’t going to show up at BackLash to step through those ropes and go home right now.
Orton cuts them off and says if he has to listen to both of them spew these words anymore he is going to be sick to his stomach. He says he is tired of what they think and not what they know. Orton says Edge is going to try and that is pathetic. Orton says the expectations on this match are astronomical and what is Edge going to do when he doesn’t live up to these expectations. He tells Edge he will beat him down and take every ounce of his grit and passion and send him home to his wife and kids, Beth, Ruby, and Lyric. Orton says this Sunday the redemption of Edge is over. Edge says now it’s not and leaves the ring.
My Opinion:
Christian had some harsh words for Edge but they were all out of love and to pump him up which I think really helped Edge. there is a lot riding on this match and the title given has made the stakes so high for Orton and Edge but I believe they can deliver. Will it be the greatest match ever? Well, that will be up for interpretation for the rest of time but they definitely have the capability of pulling something like that off. Both Orton and Edge have had many, many, many classics in their day and this Sunday I think will be another one for them. Orton seems ready for this one but once again he has fired up Edge and at Mania that didn’t go well for him. Edge seems determined and ready to prove he has a lot left to give in the ring. I cannot wait for this match, the tagline has made it a must-see and this Sunday will find out if this is the greatest wrestling match ever!

Backstage Segment: MVP
Charly asks MVP some perspective on what happened when Bobby Lashley put Drew McIntyre in the full nelson. MVP tells her if she wants to know about that she will have to turn into the VIP Lounge. R-Truth then pops out of an equipment case. MVP asks what he is doing. Truth says he is hiding and tells him how he won the 24/7 Championship back. MVP then tells him he is a clown. Lashley comes from behind and puts Truth in the full nelson.

The Viking Raiders & The Street Profits:
The Raiders show up with swords and tell the Profits sword fighting is one of the Viking five events. Erik then hits Ford in the foot with a sword on accident. The games begin and the Profits beat them in the 500-meter dash. They then go to archery and the Viking Raiders win this one. They then go to flip cup and the Profits take this one. Ivar then breaks the table. They then go to sword fighting and Ford forfeits this one. They then go to hurdles and Dawkins is able to clear them all while Ivar runs through them. Ivar celebrates but Dawkins lets him know he was supposed to go over the hurdles. The next one is whoever pulls the other one into goat’s milk. The Raiders win this one. They then go to a dance-off in which the Profits win by a 2-1 vote. The Raiders then go to shot put. The Profits are able to win this one. The Raiders then select turkey leg eating. The Raiders win this one. The Profits then select pole vaulting. Ford clears it. Then Ivar goes and has the bar extremely high. Ivar is able to clear it and tie the games 5-5.
My Opinion:
This was a fun segment but again it’s with the wrong people. These two teams have made the best of it but given their ability they are better than this especially being the top two teams on Raw. Hopefully, this is the end of these and we can get back to seeing these two teams in the ring. Given that they tied once more it only makes sense that they meet in the ring to finally settle the score for the Raw Tag Team Championships.

In-Ring Segment: Apollo Crews
Crews says he is so, so, so excited to defend his United States Championship at BackLash against the winner of this Triple Threat between Angel Garza, Andrade, and Kevin Owens. Andrade and Garza then come out and are attacked by Kevin Owens from behind as Raw goes to break.

Match 3: Kevin Owens vs Andrade vs Angel Garza:
#1 Contender’s Match For The United States Championship
As Raw returns, the match begins with Garza and Andrade attacking Owens. They beat down Owens and get the advantage. Gara tries a cover but Andrade breaks it up. The two go back on the attack. Garza takes off his pants and Owens tries a cover on Andrade but Garza breaks it up. Andrade and Garza go back to the double team and have him down on the canvas. Owens does his best to fight back but he is beaten down again and then met with a dropkick from Garza. Owens is set up in the corner but he is able to fight off Garza with a big boot. Andrade then goes after the leg of Owens and takes him down. Andrade then drives his knee into the back of Owens. Garza then stretches Owens’ leg. Owens tries to fight back but the two work a suplex. Andrade tries a cover but Garza breaks it up. The alliance of Garza and Andrade breaks up and they fight to the outside. Vega is then knocked to the floor and the two check on her as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Owens has Garza up on the ropes. Garza looks for a suplex but Owens hangs on. Owens fights back and hits an elbow to the forehead to knock down Garza. Owens hits the senton and covers but Andrade breaks it up. Owens continues to fight with Andrade on his back. He drives Andrade on top of Garza. Owens then gets them in the corner. He hits a cannonball on Andrade and then one on Garza. Owens misses a second and Andrade gets in control. Andrade hits double knees in both corners now. Garza comes back with a superkick. Owens then takes advantage and hits the frog splash. Andrade is able to kick out of the cover.
Andrade hits a big knee and tries to put Owens away but Owens kicks out. Andrade now looks for a suplex but Owens fights out and puts Andrade on his shoulders. Garza then breaks it up with a dropkick. Andrade and Garza then go back to fighting each other. The two then go up and over the ropes to the floor. Owens looks to fly and hits a senton over the top rope to lay both of them out. Owens now brings Garza inside the ring. Owens hits a kick to the midsection and looks for the Stunner but Garza counters. He then goes to work on the injured left leg of Owens. Owens makes it to the ropes and breaks it up. Garza now looks for the Wing Clipper. Owens counters and hits the Stunner. Owens but Andrade breaks it up. Andrade then pins Garza and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Andrade: #1 Contender For The United States Championship
My Opinion:
A solid match between these three, the fight Owens brought was awesome and I hope we continue to see that from him. The numbers game became too much but he gave it one heck of a go. Andrade definitely seemed like he had the plan to turn on Garza from the start and Garza was more of a weapon for Andrade to beatdown Owens. I’m not sure Garza will take kindly to this as he showed and has shown he has the ability to stand on his own. I’m super excited though for one more match between Crews and Andrade. They have torn it up each time they have faced and with the title on the line again this Sunday shouldn’t be any different. Whoever does win though you can bet both Owens and Garza will be looking for a shot at the title as both came so close to getting this opportunity.

Backstage Segment: Charlotte Flair
Charlotte is asked about her match earlier and her match later with Asuka and her NXT title match is brought up. She says she wasn’t beat because she wasn’t pinned. She says it’s always a busy 24 hours when you’re the Queen. She then says she accomplished her goal of elevating the NXT Women’s Championship. She tells how she main evented TakeOver and now she is main eventing Raw. Asuka comes in and asks goofy. Charlotte asks Asuka if she ever takes anything seriously. Asuka says yes I do and then slaps Charlotte.

Backstage Segment: Angel Garza & Andrade & Zelina Vega
Andrade and Garza argue with each other and Garza tells Andrade he hurt Zelina. Zelina comes up to them and points for them to walk.

Backstage Segment: The Viking Raiders & Drew McIntyre
Erik and Ivar and McIntyre if he has finally decided to join the raid and become a viking. McIntyre says he has given it serious consideration. He then tells them they had a great performance at the decathlon. He then jokes about Ivar’s good looks and Erik’s lack of them. He tells them he is having a party after the show and when they beat MVP and Bobby Lashley they can celebrate. He tells them to stick around and see what happens on the VIP Lounge because anything can happen on Monday Night Raw.

In-Ring Segment: MVP Lounge Hosted By: MVP w/ Bobby Lashley
MVP picks on the crowd and says he is better than them and says his guest is too. He says his guest is a better athlete than they could ever aspire to be. He says his guest has the most devastating move in all of WWE. instead of Lashley out comes Drew McIntyre. McIntyre jokes and thanks him for the introduction but says he forgot WWE Champion. He then tells MVP how Lashley was fighting with Lana backstage. He then calls out MVP for hiding behind Lashley. MVP says he has never hid behind anyone and says it’s all about his business plan. McIntyre then asks what advice MVP can give with the zero world championships he’s won. He then threatens MVP with a Claymore kick. Lashley appears from behind and McIntrye catches him before he can attack. McIntyre tells Lashley he will have to pry the title from his cold dead hands. He also hits MVP with a Glasgow Kiss. The Viking Raiders then come out for their match against MVP and Lashley. The Street Profits then follow.
My Opinion:
McIntyre has such confidence to him that is refreshing to see. I love that he knows how good he is and backs it up time after time. He seems untouchable right and that’s what makes this match so interesting on Sunday. Lashley is a powerhouse so you know he will get his shots in and the question will be how will McIntyre react. I think McIntyre lacks intimidation though especially after going to toe to toe with Brock Lesnar. As much as MVP and Lashley have tried to crack McIntyre, he has stayed calm, cool, and collected.

Match 4: The Viking Raiders (Erik &Ivar) vs MVP & Bobby Lashley
MVP tags out quickly and in comes Lashley. Lashley goes right to work on Ivar landing a big kick. He gets him in the corner but Ivar fights back. Lashley hits him with a flatliner but can’t put him away. MVP tags in and takes shots of his own. Back in is Lashley and now Ivar takes advantage. He is able to get on the offensive and tag Erik. Erik takes it to Lashley. MVP now is taken down by Erik and Ivar. MVP tries to get a tag but he is stopped and laid out. Lashley finally gets the tag and takes down Erik. he tries a cover but Erik kicks out. He now goes to a chin lock.
The hold is broken with Lashley staying in control. He brings Erik to the corner and tags MVP. MVP drills him with a series of knees. MVP hits a dropkick and tries to put Erik away multiple times but he keeps kicking out. MVP now works the arm of Erik. He brings him to the corner and tags Lashley. Lashley works him in the corner and beats him down. Lashley backs him in the corner again and tags in MVP. The two then double team Erik with a suplex. MVP covers but Erik kicks out. Erik hits a right on Lashley who has tagged in. Ivar tags in and so does MVP. Ivar runs through MVP. MVP somehow gets a tag but Lashley does fair better. Lashley drops to the outside and pulls Ivar to the floor sending him into the announce desk. MVP and Lashley then argue with the Street Profits. Ivar comes from behind and lays them out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Lashley is in control of Ivar keeping him on the mat with a chin lock. Ivar gets to his feet and fights back. Lashley is able to plant Ivar on the canvas. He covers but Ivar kicks out. Lashley continues to keep Ivar down backing him into the corner. MVP tags in and hits Ivar with shots to the kidneys. Ivar fights out of the corner with big right hands. Ivar tags Erik. Erik unloads on MVP with a series of strikes. He then knocks Lashley off the apron. Erik then slams MVP. Ivar tags in crushing MVP in the corner. Erik tags in now. MVP is now double-teamed. On the floor, Lashley lays out Ivar with a big spear. Lashley has tagged in but Erik is unaware. Lashley comes in and locks in the full nelson. Erik taps out.
*** After the match, Lashley taunts McIntyre and tells him to get in the ring. Ivar comes in and lays out MVP. Lashley then puts Ivar in the full nelson. McIntyre then hits him with the Claymore and sends him out of the ring. McIntyre tells Lashley to bring his best this Sunday as it will be a fight and a damn war.
Winners: MVP & Bobby Lashley
My Opinion:
I wish someone other than the Viking Raiders would have been in this match as they didn’t look as strong as they should have. They were easily beaten down at times when usually they are the powerhouse team. Of course, with this Lashley has made a point and showed he can take down anyone with the full nelson. Although this should intimidate McIntyre he still remained calm and when the time was right he struck. Lashley seems much more in his feelings and if his emotions get the best of him Sunday that will be bad for him. McIntyre always picks his spots so all he’ll need to do is get Lashley frustrated and wait for his opportunity. This should be good!

Match 5: Asuka vs Charlotte Flair
As the bell rings here comes Sasha Banks and Bayley to watch from commentary. Flair attacks Asuka and catches her off guard. Asuka fights back on the apron with a big knee. Back in the ring, Flair takes control and works Asuka in the corner. Asuka fights out and tries a dropkick but misses. She stays with it and tries to take down Flair but is unable to. Flair then hits her with a big kick. On the floor, Flair sends Asuka over the announcer’s table as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Asuka takes it to Flair on the floor. Asuka gets in the ring and runs at Flair on the apron but she is met with a big boot. Asuka continues to fight and locks in the octopus. Asuka tries a roll-up but Flair fights out and hits a low dropkick. She covers but Asuka kicks out. Flair then shoves Asuka’s face into the mat. Flair continues the punishment driving Asuka’s face into the mat. She now works the arms of Asuka and drives her knee into her back. Flair breaks the hold but keeps the punishment on the back. Asuka, now on the apron, is hit with big knees from Flair. Flair looks for a baseball slide but Asuka avoids. Asuka now is able to take down Flair. Asuka goes to the outside and hits the hip attack. Asuka tries to send her into the barricade but Flair reverses. She brings her back in the ring now to break the ten count. Flair now pulls down her knee pad and drives the exposed knee into the face of Asuka. Flair now goes to a chin lock. Asuka fights to a vertical base but Flair knocks her right back down.
Flair looks for a suplex but Asuka hangs on and works a roll-up. Flair kicks out. Flair then hits her with a big clothesline. She covers but again Asuka kicks out. Flair then throws Asuka to the floor. Asuka gets to her feet but she is met with a sliding dropkick. Flair goes to the floor and taunts Asuka. Asuka fights back with big forearms after avoiding being thrown into the ring apron. Asuka now goes after the leg of Flair. Back in the ring, Asuka goes up top but she is knocked down by a big boot. From behind The IIconics attack Bayley and Banks from behind. They throw Bayley off the hood of the announcer’s table as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Flair beats down Asuka in the ring. Bayley, Sasha, and The IIconcis have been banned from ringside. Flair tries to put Asuka away but Asuka fights back locking in a submission hold. Flair escapes and hits her with big elbow shots. Flair hits a belly to back suplex but it is not enough to put away Asuka. Flair brings her to the ropes and uses them to wrench on the neck of Asuka. Flair hits a snap mare and now works a chin lock. Flair keeps her on the canvas. Flair keeps trying to put her away but Asuka won’t give in and keeps fighting back. Flair takes her to the floor again and continues to beat her down. Asuka is able to fight back and send her into the ring post. Flair lands a shot as she enters the ring. Asuka tries the hip attack but misses. This allows Flair to hit a big boot. She covers but Asuka kicks out again.
Flair now looks for the Figure 4 but Asuka fights it off. Asuka is able to get her knee up off the spear attempt. She covers but flair kicks out. Flair works a cover off the Asuka Lock attempt. Asuka kicks out. Asuka keeps fighting but she is hit with a spear. Flair covers but Asuka kicks out again. The two then trade strikes in the middle of the ring. Asuka looks for an armbar but can’t lock it in. Flair tries to fight out and does in the corner. Asuka lands a kick and brings Flair to a knee. Jax comes to the apron but Asuka is able to knock her off. Flair comes from behind and hits her with a big boot.
***After the match, Jax hits Asuka with a Samoan Drop and leaves Asuka laid out in the ring as Raw goes off the air.
Winner: Charlotte Flair
My Opinion:
What a match to end the between these two, I’m so glad they got the time to really have a match like this and main event Raw. I thank both of them for the effort they gave. Charlotte showed why she is the best because she was unstoppable for a lot of that. For as great as Asuka is it just seemed like Charlotte was on a whole nother level. Asuka though showed her heart and determination. She fought as hard as she could and didn’t give up in this one. That’s a great showing for her given that Charlotte has been her kryptonite. Asuka can be proud knowing this loss wasn’t a clean one. I don’t know what will be next for Charlotte but she seems ready to keep being on top everywhere she goes in WWE. For Asuka, she has a big task ahead this Sunday as Nia seems ready to put her down. Asuka can win this match but she will have to hang tough, bring that heart, and outsmart Nia.

Final Thoughts:
A decent night for Raw heading into Backlash, there were definitely some entertaining matches but also a lot of dialogue. On that note, I liked the segment with Edge, Christian, and Orton. In different ways Orton and Christian both fired up Edge and he seems locked in now on the task at hand. The war of words seemed appropriate so that way Edge and Randy can just lock up for the first time since Maina at BackLash and create magic instead of having unneeded brawls beforehand and running that mystique of what will happen when they touch again. I noyed what they’re doing with Seth Rollins and his disciples. Rollins showed this isn’t about wins or losses, but instead making his stands and creating Raw in his image. I think we have a great feud ahead between Rey and Rollins with a bigger story on the horizon. I loved Drew McIntrye once again tonight, he was not phased at all and once again stood tall. This is exciting though as it begs the question of what will Lashley do to take him down this Sunday.
This is truly going to be a war between them and with MVP at ringside, it will be a huge task for McIntyre but this is what true champions are made of! I didn’t really like how the tag teams were used again. The segment they did just isn’t right given the talent of the two teams. I hope they will get back to being in the ring and we can see great tag team action on Raw again. Finally, I was so proud of the women tonight. The opening match was short-lived but it showed the excitement that women’s tag team wrestling can bring. Also, the main event between Charlotte and Asuka tore the house down. Asuka had to battle a lot and it was that classic back and forth but I’m proud of her for the heart she showed. Charlotte continues to dominate and I just wonder who really can stand toe to toe with her. I hope Asuka brings that fight and heart this Sunday and can retain the title because she is a true warrior. As always I hope everyone stays safe and healthy and enjoys NXT, SmackDown, and BackLash this Sunday!!!
Overall Rating: 5/10