Raw Review 06/18/2018

Tonight is the Fall-Out Edition of Monday Night Raw following last night’s Money In The Bank PPV. Alexa Bliss overcame 7 other women to win the Money In The Bank contract and she wasted no time as later that night she would attack Nia Jax and Ronda Rousey to end their match and then cash in to win the Raw Women’s Championship. After her actions, Bliss now has a target on her from not only Nia Jax but Ronda Rousey. Also, Braun Strowman overcame 7 other men to win the Money In The Bank Contract, so what will be The Monster Among Men’s plans going forward? Elias put on a great showing against Seth Rollins last night but ultimately came up short in winning the Intercontinental Championship, what will be next in this heated rivalry? Finally, Roman Reigns defeated Jinder Mahal last night but who will be the next person to step into the Big Dog’s yard and challenge him?

Raw comes to us tonight from the Van Del Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan

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

In Ring Segment: Alexa Bliss
Kurt says he is proud to say both superstars from Raw won the Money In The Bank matches and earned their championship contracts. He then welcomes Alexa Bliss who chased in her contract last night and won the Raw Women’s Championship.
Kurt tells Alexa she demanded this so here it goes. He then tells her we need to look forward to Extreme Rules. Alexa questions Kurt why she has to look forward and can’t celebrate this first. Alexa says she wants to say thank you for the opportunity to rub it in all of your faces. Alexa says last night she showed what it looked like to beat a bully in Nia Jax and someone who is just as much of a bully in Ronda Rousey. She tells she shocked the world last night when she cashed in her contract. She says there will be no talk about the Irresistible force or The Baddest Women on the plant because it’s all about her. It’s all about the 3 time Raw Women’s Champion The Goddess Alexa Bliss. Outcomes Ronda Rousey.
Rousey tries to step to Bliss but Angle intervenes. Alexa tells her to calm down and says she thought she would be doing physical therapy with Nia Jax. she asks if Ronda came to show the welts and bruises from the briefcase. She then asks if she came to learn a lesson cause clearly she doesn’t understand the difference between WWE and UFC. she tells Ronda what she did was legal. She says Ronda was fingertips away last night and she could taste the gold but we will never know now. Alexa tells Ronda she is out here cause the headlines weren’t about her. Alexa tells of the interviews she had last night and says it’s because she is the Raw Women’s Champion and Ronda is irrelevant. Alexa tells her if she wants a championship opportunity she better get in the back of the line. She then calls her an overhyped rookie. Rousey takes down Bliss and then Angle as well. Rousey catches Blis with the briefcase and then hits her over and over with it. She then goes after Angle with the briefcase. Rousey then takes out the referees. Rousey then lifts Bliss and slams her through the table.
My Opinion:
What a way to start Raw! That is what we want to see, Ronda Rousey laying people out and going after what she wants. Rousey is awesome and I think this just put her over with the fans big time. Bliss deserved her moment but than again what better way to start her reign as champion then a feud with Rousey. I think Bliss can do very well in making Rousey look exactly like The Baddest Women on the planet and I hope she is who Bliss will face at Extreme Rules cause Rousey looks ready to go!

Backstage Segment:
Rousey tells Angle she doesn’t need him or anyone else saying this isn’t the UFC. Angle says she doesn’t get it and she is gonna be suspended for 30 days and she may never be Women’s Champion now. He tells her to get her things and go and that he is sorry. Rousey says he sounds real sorry.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Rousey’s reaction to the suspension. Ronda says Renee can save her good luck for Alexa Bliss cause in thirty days she will be back her kicking her pin hair ass.

In Ring Segment:
Rollins says man it’s heating up out here tonight. He says there is a nice buzz out here and great energy in the locker room so we should keep it going. He says last night Elias took him to the limit and he loved every second of it but he is still out here as the Intercontinental Champion. Rollins says he is a fighting champion and he is here every Monday Night and says how about we have ourselves an Intercontinental Championship open.

Match 1: Seth Rollins (c) vs Dolph Ziggler:
Intercontinental Championship Match
Ziggler lands a big kick and tries the Zig Zag but misses. Rollins tries The Stomp but Ziggler rolls out of the ring as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rollins brings Ziggler in the ring. Ziggler is able to catch him on the apron with a big dropkick. Ziggler goes to the outside and lands a big right hand. Back in the ring Rollins and Ziggler trade right hands and Ziggler gets the advantage knocking Rollins to the mat. Ziggler tries a cover but Rollins kicks out. Ziggler hits the neckbreaker and tries another cover but again Rollins kicks out. Ziggler then hits a standing elbow but again it’s not enough to put away Rollins. Ziggler goes to a chinlock and keeps Rollins grounded. Rollins tries to fight out but is pushed to the mat. Ziggler then wrenches on Rollins neck and uses the ropes for leverage. Rollins hits him with a big right but again Ziggler gets back in control. Ziggler sends Rollins into the corner hard sending him upside down. After another failed pin Ziggler goes to a chinlock and wraps his legs around for more pressure. Rollins fights to his feet and is able to break the hold. Ziggler tries a dropkick but is caught and is launched into the corner. Ziggler and Rollins continue to go back and forth as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ziggler lands a big splash in the corner. Rollins tries a backslide but Ziggler kicks out. Ziggler fights off Rollins but he is able to hit a knee to get back in control. Rollins tries a cover but Ziggler kicks out. Rollins lands a big kick and tries The Stomp but Ziggler moves out of the way. Ziggler hits The Famouser but gets a two count on the pin. Ziggler looks for a superkick but Rollins counters with one of his own. Rollins goes for the cover but Ziggler kicks out. Rollins goes to the top rope and tries a splash but Ziggler rolls out of the way and Rollins crashes hard. Ziggler now goes to the top but Rollins knocks him off. Rollins hits a headbutt and meets him up there. Ziggler fights off the suplex attempt and sends Rollins to the mat. Rollins jumps back up but again Ziggler knocks him off. Ziggler tries a crossbody but Rollins catches him and rolls through and hits the buckle bomb. Ziggler hits the superkick and Mcintyre gets involved. Ziggler rolls up Rollins and uses the tights and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Mcintyre and Ziggler attack Rollins. Ziggler and Mcintyre hit the Zig Zag and the Claymore.
Winner: Dolph Ziggler:
New Intercontinental Champion
My Opinion:
First, this was an awesome match and Ziggler picked up a huge victory capturing the title. But, if Rollins was going to lose the title I feel it should’ve been to Elias who is very over right now and if it was going to be to someone that was out there tonight it should’ve been Mcintyre instead. I don’t get how they’ve allowed Rollins to have these amazing matches just to lose in a bad way to a guy who is in a tag team. I hope if anything Elias will be next in line and he will take the title. The one good part is this does bring the surprise factor back to Raw and really makes you think anything can and will happen.

Backstage Segment:
Renee welcomes Ziggler. Ziggler says Monday Night Rollins is officially canceled. He says there is no reboot coming and this is their show now. Mcintyre says they told everybody this is only the beginning and this is the first of many championships to come. He says they will not allow this to make them soft. Ziggler says they’ve heard it all but there is a difference between them and everyone else is when they say something they mean it.

Match 2: Bobby Roode vs Curt Hawkins
Hawkins is able to trip up Roode to start the match. Hawkins tries a quick cover but Roode kicks out. Roode hits the spinebuster and quickly is able to hit the Glorious DDT. Roode goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Bobby Roode
My Opinion:
This wasn’t a long match but it gets Roode back on the right track. Roode has been slipping as of late but this hopefully will get him in the right direction. Roode is a high-class talent and definitely deserves more and maybe he will be able to get into the Intercontinental Championship picture at some point.

In Ring Segment: Braun Strowman
Braun says he has smashed tables and broken ladders, he’s flipped an ambulance over, and won a trophy in Saudi Arabia by tossing grown men around like bean bags. He says he’s even played a cello but as great as all that was this right here was the greatest. He says he stepped in the ring with 7 other superstars and stomped and smashed and won the contract. He says all Lesnar has to do is show his face and he will cash in and become the new Universal Champion. He says The Beast is going to Get These Hands! Outcomes Kevin Owens.
Braun says I’m surprised to see you out here after I threw you off a 20-foot ladder last night. Owens says he probably shouldn’t be out here and he’s not here to steal the spotlight and get retribution. He tells that he wants to be the first one to says congratulations and tells Braun that he deserved it. He says he knew he would win and says he tried to get everyone together to help neutralize him but no one would listen. He tells Braun that he has an amazing opportunity but he needs to have a strategy but that’s where he comes in. he says he is no monster but asks Braun who is watching their backs around here. Owens says Braun hasn’t needed anyone to watch his back but winning last night changed that. He asked Braun who has his back around here. Owens says his best friend was injured last night and now it leaves them both standing here allow in need of a friend. He says maybe friend a strong word but maybe they could help each other or use each other. He then offers that maybe after Braun causes in and wins the title they could have a match for the title. He says they could start this night, monster and man. He says he doesn’t wanna get these hands he’s to hurt and all he wants is to shake his hand. Braun shakes his hand but then doesn’t let go. Braun tries a powerslam but Owens is able to escape.
My Opinion:
Big congrats to Braun for winning last night and there is no doubt in my mind he will be champion when he cashes in. Braun deserves it and honestly, he probably should’ve been champion already. I like what Owens was trying to do, he’s one of my favorites and I like that they allow him to still be in the picture of things. I hope Owens will get that title shot at some point but if Braun is champion I don’t know who will be able to beat him.

Backstage Segment:
Bayley tells Sasha she is sorry about last night and asks if she is feeling okay. Bayley tells her to stop. Sasha asks to stop what. Bayley tells her to stop replaying the match over and over. Sasha says she wants to be the best and Bayley agrees. Sasha says she doesn’t get it. Bayley tells her she needs her as her partner and she promises she will do whatever she needs to take care of her. Sasha and Bayley shake hands.

Match 3: Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy vs Rhyno & Heath Slater
*** Axel says Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt we must delete you. Dallas tries to play as Wyatt but says screw this we are the B Team and we’re gonna beat you and come for the tag team championships. Axel says that would be wonderful.
Slater and Rhyno jump on Hardy and Wyatt again. Rhyno tries a quick pin but Wyatt kicks out, Hardy gets the tag and hammers on Rhyno in the corner. He tries a Twist of Fate but Rhyno pushes him off. Rhyno gets in control and tags Slater. The two double team Hardy and Slater then hit Hardy with big right hands. Slater tries a cover but Hardy kicks out. Rhyno gets the tag and hits Hardy with a big right hand. Hardy fights back and tags Wyatt. Wyatt comes in and takes out Slater with a big tackle. Rhyno stops Sister Abut Wyatt takes him out and sends him to the outside. Wyatt is able to hit a huge clothesline and tags Hardy. They hit the Kiss of Deletion and Hardy gets the three on the cover.
Winners: Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy
My Opinion:
Wyatt and Hardy did very well in this match. They have worked so well as a team but obviously aren’t given as big of matches as champions should. The Raw tag division reminds me of how it used to be where it wasn’t exactly the best and had some gimmick tag teams instead of the hard-hitting ones. But this is also why I could see Axel and Dallas winning the titles. Hopefully, by SummerSlam, there will be a dominant team back in the picture and they get their big push at the big event.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin tells Angle Stephanie is pleased with how he handled Rousey. Angle says he didn’t do it for her and he didn’t appreciate, Corbin cuts him off and hands him the phone and says tell her yourself. Angle tells her he understands and he will make an announcement later tonight. He says he will make sure he runs everything by Constable Corbin.

Match 4: Jinder Mahal vs Chad Gable
Jinder Mahal starts with a big kick and hammers on Gable. Gable comes out of the corner and hits him with a big spinebuster. Mahal is able to hit a neckbreaker and gets back in control. He hammers on Gable and hits him with a big knee. Mahal then goes to a chinlock but Gable is able to fight out. Gable hits a suplex on Mahal. Gable then uses the ropes lock in an armbar. Gable knocks down Mahal and then hits a dropkick sending Mahal to the outside. Gable is able to hit the moonsault but Mahal kicks out of the pin. Mahal comes back with a huge boot. Mahal lands the Khollous and gets the three on the cover.
Winner: Jinder Mahal
My Opinion:
Big win for Mahal over a very game Chad Gable. Mahal lost last night but I liked his positivity and again he can be one of the top guys. Mahal is excellent in the ring and I hope he and Reigns will have another match cause I think they push each other and bring out the best in one another. Even tonight Mahal and Gable put on a great match and I wished it could’ve been longer. Gable was very impressed with his power but Mahal ultimately showed why he is a former champion because he can finish the match very strong.

Match 5: Bayley & Sasha Banks vs Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan w/ Ruby Riott
Bayley goes right after Morgan. Morgan gets in control and tags Logan. Bayley is able to fight off the double team and hits Morgan with a clothesline. Bayley then hits Logan with a bulldog. Sasha tags herself in but Logan hits her with a big right hand. Sasha tries a suplex but she can’t lift Logan. Bayley then tags in. Logan knocks Bayley to the met. Bayley fights out of the corner with a big elbow and then hits a takedown on Logan. Bayley sends her over the ropes and hits her with a big shoulder to the gut to send her to the floor. Bayley hits Logan with a big dropkick sending Logan to the floor. Sasha hits Logan with a clothesline as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Logan catches Bayley as she tries a tag and slams her to the mat. Bayley is able to land a back body drop but Sasha was knocked to the floor so she can’t get the tag. Morgan gets the tag but Bayley now is able to tag Sasha. Sasha lands big clotheslines and continues to hammer on Morgan. Sasha tries a cover but Morgan kicks out. Bayley takes out Logan as she tries to get involved. Morgan sends Sasha hard into the corner but misses on the kick. Sasha misses on double knees and Logan hits a cheap shot. Morgan rolls up Sasha and gets the win for the Riott Squad.
*** After the match Sasha and Bayley exchange words and Sasha pushes Bayley down to the mat.
Winner: Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan
My Opinion:
The Riott Squad continues to win and dominate as a faction. Logan and Morgan did very well tonight and I was glad they were in the match because obviously, they don’t get as much of the spotlight as Ruby does. As for Bayley and Sasha, they are butting heads bad and I think we should finally see a big match between these two.

Backstage Segment:
Bayley tells Sasha to get back here. Sasha tells her to never tell her what to do. Bayley says I’m not finished with you. Bayley then attacks Sasha and the two go at it. Sasha takes it to Bayley and Sasha gets the best of her and leaves Bayley laying there.

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle
Angle is out in the ring and begins talking about Brock Lesnar and who will be next to face him but outcomes Roman Reigns.
Reigns says he beat Lesnar for at The Greatest Royal Rumble and therefore he is the uncrowned champion. He tells Angle that it would help him out to have a champion that defends and is here every week. Outcomes Bobby Lashley.
Lashley questions Reigns and says even when he wasn’t here he watched Reigns lose to Lesnar. He tells Reigns to step aside and let someone who can beat Brock beat Brock. Reigns says he can beat Brock and he can also beat him. Ange says both are deserving but so are others. He says at Extreme Rules there will be a multi-person match to decide who will be the next number one contenders. Outcomes The Revival.
They say they have busted their backs to get opportunities to on Raw but are held down because of top guys like them. They then challenge them to a match and say they’re banking on Reigns and Lashley not being able to work together and they will get a big win. Reigns tells them if they wanna learn a lesson to come get in the ring.
My Opinion:
I really wanna see Lashley and Reigns face but I’ll take a big multi-person match at Extreme Rules. I think whoever faces Lesnar needs to win and take the title form him. It’s getting old not having the title around. It’s about time it gets back to Raw and it needs to happen soon.

Match 6: Roman Reigns & Bobby Lashley vs The Revival
Dawson and Reigns start the match. Reigns quickly pushes Dawson to the mat. Dawson works the arm of Reigns but Reigns fights him off. Reigns lands a big shoulder tackle and continues to knock Dawson around. Lashley gets the tag and Dawson hammers on him with big right hands. Dawson gets him in the corner and tags Wilder. Wilder and Dawson try a double team but it doesn’t work. Wilder runs at him and Lashley lifts him and slams him. Lashley tries to slam Dawson but Wilder hits him with a chop block. Wilder hits an elbow off the double team. Dawson tries a cover but Lashley kicks out. Dawson takes it to him in the corner and then takes him to the mat. Dawson tries a cover but Lashley kicks out. Lashley throws him off the ropes but Dawson hits him with a big boot. Lashley is able to throw him and tags Reigns. Reigns takes down Wilder and hits a big clothesline. Reigns throws Wilder into Dawson and hits them both with clotheslines in the corner. Reigns hits Wilder with a big boot and then hits Dawson with a knee. Reigns then hits a leg drop. Reigns hits a Superman Punch on Dawson and Wilder tries a cover off of that but Reigns kicks out. Lashley tags himself in and spears Wilder. Lashley goes for the cover and gets the win for him and Reigns.
Winners: Roman Reigns & Bobby Lashley
My Opinion:
Lashley and Reigns did well as a team tonight. These are two powerhouses and you could definitely see they wanted to show each other up. Either way, they took to The Revival. The Revival though did very well and showed why they are one of the best tag teams because they do work very well together. I didn’t mind this match but I was hoping to see Lashley and Reigns go at it when it was over.

Backstage Segment:
Balor tells Angle he will do anything he has to to get in the match. Corbin questions him and says what did he do to deserve it. Owens jumps in and says he had his chance. Braun then comes up and says this contract gives him the right and he’s here to look out for Finn and if they wanna get in the ring with them he doesn’t have a problem with that.

Match 7: Mojo Rawley vs No Way Jose
Rawley backs Jose in the corner but Jose fights out and locks in a side headlock. Rawley lands a shoulder tackle but Jose comes back with one of his own. Jose lands a baseball slide to take him out. Rawley and Jose gets back in the ring and Rawley hammers on him. Rawley lands a big headbutt and then goes to a shoulder lock on the mat. Jose fights back and hits a big forearm. Jose then hits a big clothesline. Jose tries a cover but Rawley kicks out. Rawley comes back with a big right hand in the corner. Rawley plants Jose and gets the win.
Winner: Mojo Rawley
My Opinion:
I kinda forgot Rawley was on Raw but this is a good win for him. He’s been hidden for a long time and if this is the start of something more it gets him off on an impressive foot. Jose is also very good but again he isn’t used the right way right now. He and Mojo put on a great match and maybe it’s something we can see again and I think it would benefit both of them.

Backstage Segment:
Bayley tells Sasha she is not done with her. Sasha says she is done with her and she’s done being her friend.

In Ring Segment: Elias
Elias song tonight poked at Seth Rollins for losing his title tonight and he also used it to tell Angle he wants a shot at Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship.
My Opinion:
To me Elias is gold, he is very over and his in-ring work has gotten so good. I think Elias is built to be a champion and should continue to be put in high profile matches. I could definitely see Elias being in the #1 Contender’s match at Extreme Rules and I think he would add something special to it. It’ll be interesting to see where they go with him from here.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins says former that stings a little bit. Renee asks if last night has any effects on tonight. He says no excuses he laid down the challenge and he lost. Renee asks if Drew had any effect. Rollins says he is a problem but he has one week to solve it and next week he is invoking his rematch clause and he is taking back his Intercontinental Championship.

Match 8: Braun Strowman & Finn Balor vs Kevin Owens & “Constable” Baron Corbin
Corbin backs Balor into the corner and lands a big sho. Corbin hits him with a big right hand and then heaves Balor into the opposite corner. Corbin grabs Balor and tags Owens. Owens lands a big back elbow and tags Corbin. Corbin lands a big hip to the gut and then stomps on Balor in the corner. Balor is able to fight back and tags Strowman. Strowman and Corbin lock up and Corbin is thrown into the corner. Strowman is distracted and it allows Corbin to hammer on him with big rights and lefts. Strowman comes back with a big boot and is then sent to the floor. Strowman then takes out Owens. Balor gets the tag and Strowman throws him to the outside to take out Corbin and Owens as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Balor lands a big dropkick but Owens gets the tag. Owens sends Balor into the barricade and then brings him back into the ring. Owens hits senton and tries a cover but it’s not enough. Owens stomps on him and then is able to lock in a chinlock staying on Balor. Balor tries to fight out but Owens keeps him on the mat. Owens then goes to a backbreaker as Balor got to his feet. Corbin tags in after a failed pin attempt. Corbin tosses Balor to the outside and then taunts Strowman. Corbin throws Balor into the barricade and does it again. Balor tries to get back in the ring but Corbin hits him with a huge right hand. Corbin tries the cover but Balor kicks out. Corbin wrenches on Balor on the mat. Corbin is able to hit Deep 6 but again Balor kicks out. Owens gets the tag and tries a senton but misses. Corbin gets the tag and tries to keep Balor from his corner. He throws him into his own corner and stomps on Balor. Owens tags in and does the same. Corbin tags back in and goes back to big kicks to Balor. Strowman comes in and helps Balor. Strowman brings Balor to their corner and tags in. Strowman takes it to Corbin and lands a big shot to his chest. He tries a cover but Owens breaks it up. Corbin takes out Strowman on the outside by jumping off the apron. Corbin tries a cover but he kicks out. Strowman gets to his feet and takes down Corbin. Strowman misses Corbin and runs into the post. Balor tags in and lands big slaps to Corbin. Balor tries a cover but Owens breaks it up. Strowman comes in and helps Balor. Strowman then goes to the outside and runs Owens through the barricade into the timekeeper’s area. In the ring Balor drives Corbin into the corner. Balor goes to the top but Corbin stops him. Corbin hits End of Days and gets the three on the cover.
Winners: Kevin Owens & Baron Corbin
My Opinion:
Wow, what a showing for Baron Corbin, Corbin was amazing in this match! He really took it to Balor and even with Strowman he was able to neutralize him very well. I think he and Owens work together great and Owens was perfect in setting Corbin up for a lot of success in this match. I’ve always wanted to see them push Corbin in a big way and what they’re doing right now I think is perfect for him and can get him to that top spot. Either way, this was an awesome way to end the night and I hope to see this match again someday!

Final Thoughts:
For me, this was another awesome Raw! First, Ronda Rousey kicked the show off with a bang! I loved the aggression and it’s exactly the Rousey we want to see! Even though she is suspended right now she will be in the title picture going forward and I feel like she has a great chance to win it very very soon. Also, even though I don’t think Ziggler was the right guy I think he and Rollins had a great match. This was a great example of how anything can happen and every superstar needs to take advantage of their opportunities. I was happy to see Sasha and Bayley finally start to go at it. I hope they get to have their big match song and I think it’ll be very very good when it does finally come. The Extreme Rules multi-person #1 Contender’s Match was a huge announcement, even though we just had a PPV last night it’s never too early to start hyping the next one! Finally, I loved the main event tonight! I thought it was a solid match and I was so impressed with Baron Corbin. I’ve always wanted to see Corbin be a top guy and tonight I feel like he proved he could be. He owned that match and it ended the night a high note!
Overall Rating: 7/10