Raw Review 06/17/2019

Tonight is the Go-Home Edition of Monday Night Raw before this Sunday’s Stomping Grounds PPV! Seth Rollins is set to defend the Universal Championship against Baron Corbin on Sunday, but tonight how will he fair against Daniel Bryan? On that same note who will Baron Corbin name as the Special Guest Referee for his and Rollins match? Plus, who will earn the right to face Samoa Joe when Cesaro, Braun Strowman, Ricochet, The Miz, and Bobby Lashley face in a Fatal Five-Way Elimination #1 Contender’s Match? After winning the Raw Tag Team Championships last week, what will be next for The Revival? Finally, what will Lacey Evans do to get an advantage over Becky Lynch and help herself leading into their Raw Women’s Championship Match?

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Raw comes to us from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

Raw kicks off with Elias in the ring.

In Ring Segment: Elias
Elias says he talked to Anthony Davis earlier today and asked him why he would want to move to Los Angeles. He says Davis said he is a piece of garbage and has to move to a city where the people are more toxic than the air. Elias says he was invited here tonight by Baron Corbin. He then reveals a ref shirt he is wearing. He says Baron picked him to be the special guest referee. Rollins then comes from behind and hits Elias with a chair. He then unloads with the chair on Elias. Rollins says after everything he has been through with Brock Lesnar he is done playing games. He says he knows Baron Corbin has to find a ref but this is the first warning and the last warning no matter what he promised you this is what awaits you on the other side so choose wisely. Rollins then leaves the ring. Miz comes out for the Fatal Five-Way and hits Elias with a Skull Crushing Finale. Lashley is next out and he hits Elias with a spear. Cesaro comes out next and hits Elias with the swing. Ricochet is next and hits Elias with double knees to the face. Strowman is the last to make his entrance and he hits Elias with a running powerslam.
My Opinion:
I love the start to the show like this, it was fast and to the point. For Rollins, he made a huge statement and he knows his back is against the wall on Sunday so this was a great way to show he is ready no matter what. Whoever takes the ref position it seems Rollins will be ready. Rollins has been on another level so no matter I think he can walk out as champion.

Match 1: The Miz vs Bobby Lashley vs Cesaro vs Ricochet vs Braun Strowman:
Fatal Five-Way Elimination #1 Contender’s Match: Winner Faces Samoa Joe
Strowman starts the match hitting Cesaro and Lashley with a dropkick. He then shoves Miz down. Cesaro and Lashey are sent to the outside. Strowman continues to take control in the ring taking out Miz and Ricochet. Cesaro comes in and slams Strowman. Cesaro tries to fly off the ropes but is caught and slammed by Strowman. Lashley looks for a spear but Strowman grabs him and slams him on Cesaro. Strowman pins Cesaro and gets the 1 2 3 to eliminate Cesaro. Strowman continues to take care of Miz before Lashley comes in and takes down Strowman. He then hits him with a suplex. Lashley then takes out Ricochet. Strowman gets to his feet and slams Lashley. Strowman goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3 to eliminate Lashley. On the outside, Strowman takes out Miz and then Ricochet with shoulder tackles. He does this once more to Miz and then brings him back into the ring. Strowman crushes Miz in the corner and lifts him but Lashley comes in and spears Strowman. Cesaro then hits Strowman with the Neutralizer. Ricochet goes to the top and hits the 630 on Strowman. Ricochet goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3 with the help from Cesaro and Lashley to eliminate Strowman. Strowman though grabs Ricochet and throws him over the top rope into Lashley. Strowman then throws Lashley into the barricade. Strowman runs up the stage and throws Cesaro into the tron as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ricochet hits Miz with a hurricanranna. Miz goes to the outside but Ricochet flies over the ropes and takes him out. Back in the ring Ricochet goes to the top and tries to fly but has to roll as Miz moves out of the way. Ricochet is able to land a kick. Ricochet gets caught but works out. Ricochet tries a cover but Miz kicks out. Miz hits a DDT and goes for the cover but Ricochet now kicks out. Miz gets to his feet and hits Ricochet with the IT Kicks, the final one misses and it allows Ricochet to get back into it. Miz is able to land a kick to the knee and try a cover but can’t get the three. Ricochet gets up and hits Miz with an enziguri. Miz stays in it and is able to get Ricochet locked in the Figure Four. Ricochet thrives in pain but finally is able to roll it over and reverse the pressure. Miz hangs in there and reverses back putting the pressure back on Ricochet. Ricochet gets to the bottom rope and breaks the hold. Ricochet rolls up Miz with an inside cradle but he kicks out. Miz sent to the apron. Miz flies but Ricochet catches him with knees to the face. Ricochet goes to the top and hits the 630 on Miz. Ricochet gets the 1 2 3 and will face Samoa Joe this Sunday.
*** After the match Samoa Joe comes in the ring and hits Ricochet from behind. Ricochet is able to send Joe to the floor and then fly over the top rope to lay him out.
Winner: Ricochet: #1 Contender for the United States Championship
My Opinion:
I’m so glad Ricochet got this opportunity and he earned it tonight! Ricochet deserves this and I hope he really goes out and gives Samoa Joe a run for his money this Sunday. Ricochet hasn’t been booked the best since his hot start so if he can pull off this win it will put him back on top. Joe tried to teach him a lesson but Ricochet showed that he isn’t going to stay down and when he gets going he can take anyone out. I think Ricochet was the right choice and he and Joe should go on to have a great match!

Backstage Segment:
Daniel Bryan and Rowan have arrived.

Backstage Segment:
Becky Lynch is here to confront Lacey Evan!

In Ring Segment: Becky Lynch & Lacey Evans
Lynch complains about having to look at Evans week after week and listen to here. She tells Evans the next time she comes within striking distance she will give her what she deserves. She tells Evans to do these people a favor and let her kick her ass all over Los Angeles. Here comes Evans.
Evans tells Lynch she has it all wrong. She tells Lynch she doesn’t understand her. Lynch tells Evans to come down and get whooped again. Evans tells Lynch that behind the image is a tough as nails women. Lynch tells Evans to give the people a performance. Evans says there should be a movie about her because her life is quite the story. She goes onto say she brings dignity to the ring because it’s what the division deserves. Lynch says she knows the story and that’s why she doesn’t get why she attacks from behind. She says she respects who she was but not who she is now. Evans continues saying the division needs a classy woman to be the head of the division. Evans tries to get in the ring but Lynch grabs her and throws her down. Lynch then gets out of the ring, puts on Evans fancy hat, and holds the title high.
My Opinion:
The time for talking is over with these two as they’ve pretty much gone as far as they could with what they’ve said. It’s hard when Evans doesn’t have muhc to say but go listen to Jon Moxley and you’ll see why it’s like this. Hopefully, their match on Sunday will go well and this rivalry comes to an end but it seems like Becky and she are tied together for now. I hope it gets spiced up soon to make it more interesting.

Backstage Segment:
The Revival is backstage with their tag titles going into Shane McMahon’s VIP lounge.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Baron Corbin how much he is scrambling to be a replacement. Corbin says he isn’t scrambling and what happened happened. He says he has a lot of great choices and he will reveal it tonight on a special edition of the Sami and Kevin show. Rollins comes from behind and hits Corbin with the chair. He tells Corbin he would offer him a seat but he has more work to do.

Backstage Segment:
The Viking Raiders are coming up next!

Daniel Bryan & Rowan:
Daniel Bryan says the McMahon’s needed them here tonight because this place sucks. He says that goes for Monday Night Raw and the city of Los Angeles. He says LA is the smog capital of America and filled with ignorant people. He says he and Rowan are here to excite. He says he will excite them by destroying the Universal Champion Seth Rollins and prove that even one half of the SamckDown Tag Team Champions is better than anyone on Raw and show they are better than any team in history. He tells the crowd to prepare to be excited.

Match 2: The Viking Raiders vs Russ & Randy Taylor
Erik comes in and runs over their opponents and then throws one of them. Ivar comes in and they hit a huge double team. They then hit one more hitting the Viking Experience. Ivar goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
***After the match, R-Truth and Carmella are seen in the crowd and have to run after the superstars come out to chase them. Titus O’Neil is found under the ring but not Truth. Truth and Carmella run out from the other side and make their escape through the crowd.
Winners: The Viking Raiders
My Opinion:
I’m glad to see The Viking Raiders back on tv and I hope they will make a smooth transition back onto Raw and get in the mix for the tag titles. These guys are amazing and WWE better recognize that. They deserve to be top contender’s so I hope that happens soon. As for the 24/7 title, Carmella and R-Truth continue to entertain and set forth the narrative that the person makes the title.

Backstage Segment:
Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Baron Corbin prepare for the Kevin and Sami show.

Backstage Segment:
Heath Slater comes into Shane McMahon’s VIP Lounge. He tells Sahne he has kids and money is getting more tight for him as they get older and asks if he can get a raise on his contract. Shane says he has kids too but the answer is no. He tells Slater he walked in like a man so he will let him walk out like a man. Mcintyre comes out and tells Slater he is sorry and he has to do something for him. He takes out money but drops it. Slater goes to pick it up but Mcintyre attacks him. The Revival and Shane come to break it up and tell him to save it for Sunday.

In Ring Segment: The Kevin & Sami Show w/ Baron Corbin
Owens tells Sami he told them to update the graphics and signs but they weren’t ready in time. He thanks Bob and Sami calls him incompetent. They then give the lengthy introduction to Baron Corbin.
Sami tells Corbin this a safe space. It is a safe work environment which is more than he can say about WWE. He then brings up last week and the attack he suffered at the hands of Rollins. He tells Corbin because of that he has to redraw eligibility to be the ref on Sunday. Owens says because of Sami he won’t do it either. Sami then says they wnated to give him this platform to announce it so go ahead. Corbin says he had a lot of choices but he picked someone who was born to count 1 2 3. He then introduces EC3. Rollins comes from behind and takes out EC3 with the chair. Corbin asks Rollins if he is kidding him doing this again. Corbin says it looks like it is back to the drawing board. New Day’s music then hits and here they come.
Sami tells them they are not invited guest tonight. He says they aren’t even wild cards so he is gonna asks them to leave the building. Kofi says he is the WWE Champion so he goes where he wants when he wants and he is gonna bring his boys with him because that’s what the fans want. Owens tells him to worry about his title because if Ziggler doesn’t take then he is. Kofi reminds Owens he didn’t beat him at MITB and says he has Ziggler where he wnats him in a steel cage. He says the ref will raise his hand and remind everyone he is the WWE Champion. Corbin says you three don’t want to be the special ref but they can hand them a beating back to SmackDown. Woods says that sounds like a challenge but if ony they had an offical ofr this match. They then pick up EC3 and pretend he is talking and make this a Six Man Tag Match. They then leave EC3 on the ramp as they go to the ring.
My Opinion:
I love Rollins continuing to foil Corbin. We still have to wait to see who will be the official ref but it seems Rollins will be ready for it. New Day coming to Raw was a nice touch but it seems they have been at Raw a lot and this wasn’t really needed. There is so much talent on Raw so that’s who should be used instead of this wild card stuff.

Backstage Segment:
AJ Styles is in the trainer’s room but the Good brother’s come in to see him. He says he is gonna be okay. He tells them he was thinking about how they made their debut here three years ago. He then goes over the classic rivalries The Good Brother’s have had here. He says they are arguably the best tag team. He asks them when the last time is they have been on tv. He tells them they need to get serious and says he misses the old Gallows and Anderson. Anderson says see how serious it is when they beat the so-called best tag team The Usos.

***Xavier Woods & Big E will face Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens at Stomping Grounds

Match 3: The New Day vs Baron Corbin & Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn:
2 Out of 3 Falls
Zayn works the arm of woods but Woods reverse and maintains control of Zayn. Zayn works him into the corner and hits him. He throws him to the other side but Woods is able to move away and hit Zayn with a rolling elbow. Owens comes in and stomps on Woods in the corner. Corbin comes in to get his shots in and continues the beat down of Woods. Corbin hits Woods in the face and stays in control. Corbin hits Woods with stiff elbows to the shoulder. Woods is able to turn the tides with a step-up enziguri. Zayn tries to come in and keeps Woods from getting a tag but Woods is able to roll him up and get the 1 2 3 to get the first fall as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin is in control of Big E in the corner. Owens gets the tag and stomps away on Big E. Owens covers Big E but can’t get a fall. Owens stays in control and tries to put Big E away for a fall but still, Big E stays into it. Corin comes in and whips Big E into the corner. Zayn tags in and beats on Big E in the corner. Owens comes in and pushes down Woods. Big E is able to move out of the way of Owens and send him into the ring post. Big E finally tags Kofi. Kofi comes in and takes it to Corbin. He hits a dropkick and gets in control. Kofi hits him with a kick and then hits a cross body. He tries a cover but Corbin kicks out. Kofi hits the boom drop but Corbin is able to get up after a distraction and hit Deep 6. Woods breaks up the cover. Kofi is able to move out of the way of Corbin. Corbin comes back in the ring and misses Kofi and hits Sami. Owens comes in and hits Corbin with a superkick. Kofi hits him with Trouble in Paradise. Kofi goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: The New Day
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good match, I don’t know if it needed the 2 out of 3 falls but it was still good. For Kofi, this made look really strong which is good since he has a grueling match ahead on Sunday. For Corbin, it looks like he lost two great allies so we will see who has his back now.

Backstage Segment:
Bliss comes in and gives Nikki Cross a gift. Nikki reads the note that is the gift and it’s from Bliss inviting her to face the Iconics tonight for the Women’s Tag Team Championship. Bliss tells Cross this is for her after complaining about Bayley.

In Ring Segment: Paul Heyman
Heyman says he is not going to be the special guest referee this Sunday. He says you have to be some dumbass to accept the job because there is a beating waiting. Heyman says the only way Rollins is man enough to fight Lesnar is with a chair. He says his client knows how to swing a chair pretty damn well. He says tonight Seth Rollins is vulnerable so maybe, just maybe Brock Lesnar is here tonight too. Then again maybe not. He says maybe Sunday, maybe next Monday. He says he doesn’t know, the crowd doesn’t know, and either does the soon to be former Universal Champion Seth Freakin’ Rollins.
My Opinion:
Heyman gave the same spiel he has been giving but I hope he doesn’t come out every week and do this. I really want this to organic when it happens and not something that is beaten to death. Hopefully, it goes quiet for a while and there will be true shock value.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin talks to Eric Young about being the ref and tells him it could do big things for his career. Young says he will think about it. Young tells Rollins he turned down the offer. Rollins tells him they go back and he knows he wouldn’t compromise their friendship. Rollins walks away but then turns around and hits him with a chair.

Match 4: The Usos vs Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson
Gallows tries to take control early but he is hit with rights. Gallows gets in control and after Anderson comes in they hit the boot of doom. Anderson continues to wear away and looks in a chin lock. Anderson loses control for a moment before hitting a clothesline. Gallows tags in and the Good Brother’s look for a Magic Killer but they are met with a superkick from Jimmy. Jimmy then tags in and Gallows now is hit with a superkick. The Usos get the 1 2 3 and the win.
Winners: The Usos
My Opinion:
Well, Gallows and Anderson looked good for most of the match but out of nowhere, The Usos pick up this win. It’s too bad because they are really missing out with Gallows and Anderson as their value is so much more. Maybe this a start for them to get back in the mix and they have to fall before they rise but it seems WWE has given up on them. I just hope we start to see them on tv more.

Backstage Segment:
The party continues for Shane McMahon in the VIP Lounge.

Backstage Segment:
Roman Reigns is live next!

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
Reigns says excuses don’t entertain the crowd but what does is him whooping someone’s ass tonight. He tells Shane he is going to give him an opportunity to come out here and prove he is a man and face him one on one. Shane comes on the titantron and tells Mike Rome to give him the proper introduction. He tells Reigns to not be ashamed or embarrassed about losing to The Best In The World. Mcintyre then speaks and tells Reigns the reason he isn’t out there beating him up is Shane McMahon. He says at Stomping Grounds Shane won’t stop him and he is gonna kick his ass and assault him until it becomes very uncomfortable. He tells he wants Reigns to go home to his children and scream at the sight of his father. Reigns then goes through the crowd to the VIP Lounge. Reigns takes out The Revival as he gets to the back. Reigns goes into the office and hits Mcintyre with a right. He then attacks Shane. He continues to take it to Mcintyre and puts him through a table. Shane runs away but Reigns follows him. Reigns jumps over the barricade to take him down. Reigns then unloads on Shane. Reigns hits Shane with a Superman Punch in the ring. He then hits him with a spear. Reigns tells Sahne to crawl to the back and tell Mcintyre he is gonna whoop his ass on Sunday.
My Opinion:
I loved this segment! There was no games and Reigns went and took everyone out just like he said. This made Reigns look like a monster and going into Sunday this is great for him. Mcintyre better is ready but Reigns should be too because now he’s got Mcintyre fired up and Shane fired up. This Sunday will be explosive with this match!

Backstage Segment:

Charly asks Bayley about her response to a social media post that said Bayley wouldn’t take a picture with a fan for wearing a Nikki cross shirt. Bayley says she is gonna go shut her up.

Match 5: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross vs The Iconics:
Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
Kay pushes Bliss but Bliss hits her with a slap. Kay is able to flip her and send her to the mat. Bliss runs Kay into the turnbuckle and stomps on her. Kay hits her and gets back in control. Royce gets the tag and The Iconics double team Bliss. Bliss fights back and tags Cross. Cross takes it to Royce. She tries a cover but can’t get the three. Royce gets in control and makes the tag to Kay. Kay works on Cross and beats her down. Royce comes in and is able to work the arm of Cross. She then slams Cross’s head to the mat. Royce goes for the cover but can’t put her away. Kay tags in and shoves her boot into Cross’s face. Cross fights back and hits Kay with strikes. Kay is able to land a kick and then hit her to knock her to the mat. Bliss is sent to the outside. Bliss hits Bayley while she is out there. Bayley pushes her back but back in the ring Kay is able to roll up Cross and get the 1 2 3.
Winners: The Iconics: Still Women’s Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
It was good to see the titles defended again and honestly when you watch you see that The Iconics are really good as a team so I hope they defend more. Cross and Bliss need to work on their team chemistry but maybe in the future, they get another shot. Right now though The Iconics continue to hold onto the titles and we will see who steps up next. For Bliss, it seems she really has Bayley fired up so it will be a tough task for her to take the title this coming Sunday.

Backstage Segment:
Bliss tells Cross if Bayley, Cross cuts her off and says be tag team champions. Cross says Bayley isn’t who she claims to be and she crushed her dreams. She tells Bliss she wants to see her do that to Bayley on Sunday and she will be in her corner to watch it.

*** New Firefly Fun House

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks Daniel Bryan if he is ready to step in the ring with the ultra-aggressive Seth Rollins. Bryan asks why no has taken the chair from Rollins. He says maybe they like seeing him on a rampage but that is about to end. He says Rollins without a chair is not a better wrestler than him. He reminds that Rollins has never beaten him and never will.

Backstage Segment:
Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch share a moment before Rollins makes his way to the ring for the main event!

Match 6: Seth Rollins vs Daniel Bryan w/ Rowan
Beyna works a side headlock and wrestles Rollins to the mat. Rollins gets back up and takes Bryan down. Rollins works a headlock of his own. Rollins is able to stay in control. Rollins goes to the outside but is able to hit Bryan near the ropes. Bryna goes to the outside and Rollins flies through the ropes to take him out. He tries again but he is caught by Rowan and Rowan claw slams him on the ring. The ref calls for the bell.
After the match, Rowan continues the assault but The New Day comes out to save them. More superstars come including The Revival, Owens and Zayn, and the Usos. the good guys stand tall after the chaos breaks out. The decision is then made the match will restart one on one will no one allowed around ringside when Raw retunrs!
As Raw returns, the match has restarted and Rollins tees off on Bryan. Bryan is able to take over and send Rollins over the top rope and to the floor. Bryan meets him out there and throws him into the steel steps. Back in the ring, Bryan hits a big flying boot in the corner. Rollins explodes out of the corner and turns Bryan inside out. Rollins hits Bryan with a right and then a series of chops. Rollins is able to hit a sling blade and goes for the cover but Bryan kicks out. Rollins hits Bryan with a kick. He comes off the ropes but Bryan gets him from behind and tries a cover but Rollins kicks out. The two then trade covers but neither get the win. Bryan and Rollins then trade strikes in the middle of the ring. Rollins looks for an enziguri but Bryan is able to lock in the ankle lock. Rollins fights out but Bryan turns hat escape into a german suplex. Rollins rolls to the outside. Bryan comes off the apron and hits Rollins with a running knee. Bryan brings Rollins back into the ring and goes up top. Rollins is able to knock him down and meets him up top. Rollins looks for a suplex but Bryan fights him off with a headbutt after a series of body shots. Rollins jumps right back up and hits a suplex. Rollins looks for the falcon arrow but Bryan is able to turn it into the LaBell lock. Bryan then hits Rollins with the kicks to the chest and finishes with a big kick to the mat. Rollins is able to catch Bryan and hit a buckle bomb. He hits him with a kick to the face and goes for the cover but Bryan kicks out. Rollins flies trying to hit a frog splash but Bryan gets his knees up. Bryan then turns it into the LaBell lock again. Rollins turns it into a cover but Bryan kicks out. Rollins finally is able to hit the stomp and get the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Corbin comes from behind and hits Rollins with a chair. He hits Rollins a few more times before throwing him into the ring. Corbin then hits him with End of Days.
Winner: Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
This is a huge win for Rollins and gives him a ton of momentum heading into Sunday. Bryan gave him a fight tonight and Rollins really had to dig deep. Although when all was said and done Corbin was the one who got the last laugh. All is fair and he did to Rollins what Rollins was doing all night. For Corbin, he is a great position because Rollins doesn’t know who the ref will be yet and won’t be able to beat them down, plus Corbin is the one standing tall. I’m definitely ready for this match on Sunday!

Final Thoughts:
I really liked this Raw tonight, I thought it was well paced with some good matches and it was very entertaining. First, I loved Roman Reigns tonight! He went and took down The Revival, Shane, and Mcintyre. He made a statement and showed why this is his yard. Yeah, he may have bitten off more than he can chew but I loved the intensity and fight he brought. I also loved the fact that Ricochet became the #1 contender tonight and will face Samoa Joe. I think he and Joe will tear it down and I’m so excited about this one! I was glad to see The Viking Raiders and The Good Brother’s back on tv as well, I think WWE needs to keep doing this and bring more talent on tv instead of letting the same guys go out there all the time. Another thing I loved tonight was the Firefly Fun House, I thought it was really cool this week and I’m ready to see Bray Wyatt back in the ring! Finally, tonight’s main event was really good. Rollins all night was badass running around with the chair and laying people out. Plus, he got this huge win over Daniel Bryan who is one of the best in the world. At the end of the day, though Rollins got karma and Corbin took it to him. Corbin has the mind games in his favor standing tall over Rollins and still not having to name a ref yet. There was a lot of great hype tonight and I’m excited for Sunday!!!
Overall Rating: 6/10