Raw Review 06/05/2017

Tonight is the Fallout from Extreme Rules. Last night Samoa Joe was crowned the new #1 Contender for the Universal Championship. How will he prepare for Brock Lesnar? Alexa Bliss beat Bayley again, it seems Bayley’s time has passed so what is next for The Goddess? Cesaro and Sheamus took The Hardy Boyz to the extreme. Can the Hardy’s bounce back or will Sheamus and Cesaro run as dominant champions and prove they are the now and The Hardy’s are the past. The Miz is the new Intercontinental Champion. How will things take shape as he starts his “comeback tour”? Plus last week we saw Corey Graves show Kurt Angle a message that Angle did not take kindly to. Who is behind this message attacking Angle? Lastly will we get answers to who attacked Enzo the past two weeks?

Raw is live tonight from the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza from Wilkes-Barre, PA

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed to the show by Michael Cole, Corey Graves & Booker T.

In Ring Segment: Bray Wyatt
Bray states that last night was the beginning of the end. He says he had a chance to slay The Beast and save everyone, but they took his sword and stuck it in his heart. He says he is still here and still alive and still every bit of the god he has always been. He says he is here tonight to cast judgement on all of those who are guilty. He says Finn, Joe, Rollins, and Reigns are all guilty. Wyatt states he has made a vow that one by one they must all be punished, starting right here tonight with Roman Reigns himself. Out comes Roman.
Bray says right on cue. Roman takes the mic from Wyatt and tells Bray the fans reaction is why he is the guy. He asks Bray if he knows what happens when you step in his yard and strikes Bray.
My Opinion:
I love when Bray talks because you can feel what he is saying. He believes it and owns it. I think Bray definitely could make a run with the Universal Title, but I feel he would have better success if he was still on SmackDown. That’s really where he could shine and could be champion for a long time. I think Raw has too many guys that should be champion right now.

Match 1: Bray Wyatt vs Roman Reigns
Bray quickly catches Roman, but Roman gets away. Roman hits Wyatt and sends him to the outside stunned as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Bray beats on Roman. He goes for the cover, but Roman is out. Bray locks in a chinlock as Roman struggles to fight out. Roman looks for a Samoan Drop, but Bray gets out of it and hits a ddt. Bray goes back to the chinlock bringing Roman to the mat. Roman tries to overpower Bray. Roman gets Bray on his shoulders and hits the Samoan Drop. Roman lands a huge clothesline followed by another. Roman takes Bray down and Bray waits in the corner. Bray catches Ronman with a kick and then drives him shoulder first into the post. Bray and Roman go to the outside and Bray hits Roman with a senton.
As Raw returns Bray has Roman grounded on the mat. Roman fights to his feet, but Bray knocks him down. Roman is able to catch Bray with a right and sends Bray to the outside. Roman blocks Bray’s right hand and kicks him. He lands another shot sending Bray to the mat. Roman gets Bray in the corner and hammers away with strikes. Roman is caught by Bray, but Comes off the ropes and catches Bray with a clothesline to send him to the mat. Roman misses on the Superman Punch and Bray catches him. Bray lands a huge splash in the corner. He hammers on Roman as Roman sits on the top turnbuckle. Roman fights back with headbutts . Roman drops to the ground and hits a sit down powerbomb. Bray stays in the match on the pin attempt. Roman gears for another Superman Punch, but Bray side steps him. Roman recovers quickly and hits the Superman Punch. Bray kicks out again. Roman looks for the spear, but Bray drops to the outside. Roman meets him out there and hits the drive by. Bray then comes back again with a clothesline. Bray and Roman make it back into the ring. Bray jumps to his feet and looks for Sister Abigail, Roman counters. Roman hits the Superman Punch followed by the spear. Roman gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
Awesome match to start off the night. They fought back and forth and I loved how they allowed Bray to kick out of the Superman punch. They kept everyone on their toes for this one and it was anyones match. I think this match shows the level of competition that there is on Raw and also shows that Roman is still the guy. Bray can always bounce back, but Roman needs these big wins to keep it set that this is his yard whether people like it or not.

Backstage Segment:
Charly welcomes Enzo and Big Cass. She asks Enzo about his attacks and how it affects him heading into tonight. Enzo says when he finds out he’s gonna catch a charge. Enzo says no one is happy about it. Cass says that they don’t know who the attackers are. He says Enzo is like a little brother and he will watch Enzo’s back at all times to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa approaches Kurt and tells him that she proved that Bayley isn’t worthy. Alexa says she wants to celebrate her entire life tonight. Alexa gives the idea of Alexa Bliss this is my life. He questions Alexa about Nia Jax. Angle tells Alexa that she will put up the championship against Nia Jax tonight.

Dean Ambrose vs Elias Sampson
*** Before the match beings Ambrose goes after Elias. He takes him to the outside and sends him over the barricade. He grabs the mic and says he is here for The Miz and he wants his rematch right now. The Miz comes on the titantron and says there will be no rematch, instead there will be a celebration of his title win. Sampson comes back in the ring and hits Ambrose with a swinging neckbreaker. The match never happens.

Backstage Segment:
Ambrose asks Kurt where The Miz is. Kurt tells Ambrose that he will have a rematch just not tonight. Kurt tells Ambrose to take the night off and cool off. Kurt tells Ambrose to leave the building and take the night off.

In Ring Segment: Samoa Joe
Joe tells the crowd that what stands in front of them is a man that does not fear Brock Lesnar. He says he is far to envious of Lesnar. He says he wants everything Lesnar has and he wants to take it from him. He states he wants Lesnar’s schedule, his ability to instill fear in men, and he wants Paul Heyman, but most importantly he wants the Universal Championship. He states that at Great Balls of Fire he will take the Universal Championship from Lesnar. Out comes Paul Heyman.
Heyman talks about how Joe survived four other men to earn a title opportunity. Heyman says it is rightfully so. He tells Joe he is just an advocate and asks if he can enter the ring. Heyman says he gets that he doesn’t fear Lesnar, but Lesnar doesn’t fear him either. Heyman says he thinks Joe likes that Lesnar doesn’t fear him. He states that he gets concerned about Lesnar’s opponents, but Lesnar takes the fear away. Heyman says Joe is the worst case scenario because he wants to take the fight to Lesnar, and Heyman says Lesnar won’t leave the ring the same way he came in. He tells Joe that it’s his job in life to make sure that at Great Balls of Fire Lesnar is Joe’s worst case scenario. Joe grabs Heyman and pulls him in the corner. Joe tells Heyman he is gonna grab him by the throat and he wants Heyman to take this message and tells Lesnar what his future holds.
My Opinion:
I loved this. I think they made the right choice in having Joe face Lesnar. It is a very believable story and Joe is just as much of a destroyer as Brock. I nloved that he grabbed Heyman and sent a message to Brock. This is the way it should be done and it shows the fans that Joe is just as dominate and wants destruction as much as brock does. It is going to be an interesting month leading up to the pay per view and I think Joe could give Brock the competitive match we have been waiting to see Brock in.

Backstage Segment:
Kurt asks Joe what’s wrong with him. Joe says he will take out anyone who gets in his way to get to Lesnar. Rollins comes in and says he’s not, but I am. Rollins tells Joe that he beat Balor and he did not beat him. Rollins tells Joe he’s beat him before and has no problem doing it again tonight. Kurt jumps in and makes the match. Joe tells Rollins the mistakes we make and walks away.

Match 2: Cesaro & Sheamus vs Heath Slater & Rhyno
Sheamus sends Slater into the ring post. Cesaro takes a cheap shot from the outside. Sheamus locks in a chinlock and wrenches on Slater. Cesaro gets the tag and lands a big axe handle. Slater is able to fight out of Cesaro’s grip. Cesaro is sent to the outside and Slater handles Sheamus. Back in the ring Sheamus hits a Brogue on Slater and picks up the win.
*** After the match Sheamus says this is how a good team wins. Sheamus tells that he thinks the Hardy’s are at home dreaming about their rematch. Cesaro says The Hardy’s stipulation didn’t give them an advantage and that’s why they are champions. They finish by saying they don’t set the bar, they are the bar.
Winners: Sheamus & Cesaro
My Opinion:
Although quick I think the match showed a lot. We see this is definitely a new Sheamus and Cesaro and that they are ready to fight. I think Sheamus hits everything perfectly, but when it comes to talking it feels forced with Cesaro. I think they are super talented, but I still can’t take them seriously as a team. I don’t think they should’ve been The Hardy’s rivalry either. I think The Club should have been.

Backstage Segment:
TJP approaches Neville and tells him it’s time to talk about their deal. Neville tells him patience. TJ says he has been patience and he has held up his end, now he needs to hold up his. Neville tells TJ o take care of business tonight and he will speak to Kurt.

Match 3: TJP vs Mustafa Ali
TJ backs Ali into the corner. He lands nice shots and wrenches on the neck of Ali. Ali is able to roll his way out of the corner and catch TJ. He locks the arm of TJ, but TJ fights out. Ali sends TJ to the apron, but TJ fights back and hits a diving senton. TJ stomps on Ali and goes to a chinlock. Ali fights to his feet, but TJ sends him to the mat. Ali fights back again and TJ grabs his hair. Ali is able to hit a big ddt. Ali goes to the top, but is knocked down by TJ. TJ hits the Detonation Kick and picks up the win.
*** Neville comes out after the match and informs Tj that he won’t be getting his match. TJ tells Neville they need to go talk to him right now. Neville comes from behind and attacks him. Neville yells that TJ will get his shot tomorrow on 205 Live.
Winner: TJP
My Opinion:
I love TJP. I really think he should get another title shot. If you look at Tj he has been so solid as of late. Tj and Neville definitely can put on a great match. I think them facing off on 205 Live is a great way to get people to watch. I love Aries, but it’s time for something fresh in the division.

Backstage Segment:
Goldust tells that R-Truth that he doesn’t give a damn. He says imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Goldust says this is not a juggling act and he sees the truth. He says soon the biggest names in HollyWood and the brightest stars in the sky will be in gold. He says the Golden Age is back.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa comes in and Sasha leaves the locker room. Alexa tells Mickie and Dana that it is unfair that Nia is cutting the line to the title. She asks the two why should Nia deserve a shot before them. Dana and Mickie say they don’t have a Nia Jax problem.
*** Kurt comes and pulls Corey off the announce table. They talk off to the side as they look at Kurt’s phone. Corey doesn’t answer Michael’s question of what is going on.

Backstage Segment:
Kurt is asked about his conversation with Corey. Kurt says it’s a private matter. As Kurt walks out Dean walks back in.

Match 4: Kalisto vs Titus O’Neil
Titus grabs Kalisto and throws him. Titus slams Kalisto to the mat again. Kalisto is able to takedown Titus, but Titus is quickly up and back on the offensive. Kalisto hammers with shots, but is caught mid air. Kalisto is able to reverse Titus’s pin and use the trunks of Titus to pick up the win.
Winner: Kalisto
My Opinion:
I just don’t see where this is all going. I hope something will happen eventually, but right now it just feels like they’re throwing guys together just to do it.

Backstage Segment:
Backstage we see that Big Cass has been attacked. Enzo asks cass if he is okay. Cass has no answer and is out of it. Cass hands Enzo a gold chain.

Backstage Segment:
Enzo tells the ref they have a match. The ref’s says Cass can’t go. Enzo says he needs Cass.

In Ring Segment: The Miz
Miz says he is the only WWE superstar that deserves the title. Miz says last night he exiled Ambrose. Miz tells everyone to raise a glass and proposes a toast to himself saying may the world never know a time where he is not the Intercontinental Champion. Miz thanks Maryse for the bear mascot in the corner. Maryse says she didn’t get the bar. The Miz goes after the bear and hits The Skull Crushing Finale on him. The Miz reveals the mascot and it’s not Ambrose. Miz says the celebration continues. Out comes a big gift. Miz goes to the outside and says there are so many things you can get. Miz hits the box with a chair and spears it. Maryse tells him that it’s a gift from her. Maryse is irate that Miz ruined the clock she got him. Miz says he blames Ambrose and calls him out. Ambrose comes behind Miz as a camera guy. Miz turns around and Ambrose hits him with Dirty Deeds.
My Opinion:
That was very entertaining. I loved that they had Miz take out the bear and the gift. I thought it was a great touch to keep us guessing where Dean is. Miz is very entertaining and I think the right move was made. Ambrose needs a refresher and losing the title brings him to square one.

Match 5: The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson) vs Enzo & Big Show
Gallows catches Enzo quickly with a boot. In comes Anderson who backs Enzo into the corner hitting him with hip checks. Big Show gets the tag and takes down Anderson. Gallows comes in, but Show takes him out. He hits a big shoulder tackle and choke slams Anderson. Enzo hits Bada Boom Shakalaka and picks up the win.
Winners: Enzo & Big Show
My Opinion:
The one thing that bothered me is The club is better than this. They should’ve gone to SmackDown instead of being put down like this. I just don’t feel like this match was needed and did nothing for anyone. Plus the backstage attacks are getting odd now with cass being attacked. Eventually here they need to give some information.

Backstage Segment:
Cass insinuates that Big Show may have attacked him. Big Show says if he was going to he would see it coming. Enzo says they should go celebrate. Show tells Enzo go ahead with Cass.

Backstage Segment:
Truth tells Goldust he can’t handle the truth. He tells Goldust he is coming for him. He says they were brothers, but now he is nothing more to him then a mean bad shut your mouth. He tells Goldust that if he turns his back on him, then he is going to do the same and Goldust is going to get got.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa Bliss is asked if she regrets giving Nia a title match. Alexa says she regrets being stuck with females that have no pride. Bliss says she is the goddess of WWE and she hates how everyone treats her.

Match 6: Nia Jax vs Alexa Bliss (C) :
Raw Women’s Championship Match
Nia tries to go after Alexa, but Alexa goes to the ropes. On the outside Mickie and Dana comes to the ring. Alexa tries to run, but Nia grabs her. Alexa slaps her and Nia comes back by sending her across the ring. Alexa is crushed in the corner by Nia. Alexa is able to sidestep Nia and tries to lock in a sleeper, but Nia throws her down. Nia hits an elbow and stalks Alexa. Alexa is able to hit a big boot, but Nia runs through her. Alexa goes to the outside. She pushes Dana and Dana and Mickie fight back causing the disqualification.
*** After the match Nia throws Dana and Mickie out of the way. Nia tries to get back into the ring, but alexa slips away. Dana and Mickie try to attack Nia, but Nia takes it to them.
Winner: Alexa Bliss via DQ
My Opinion:
I think Alexa should be champion for awhile. I don’t see Nia as a Champion yet, so this was a good way to get around that. To me they make Nia more dominate then what she should be. Until they make Nia beatable I don’t think it’s worth having her in the title picture. Alexa is doing a great job and if anything I think Sasha should be next in line for a title shot. I personally loved Sasha as champion.

Backstage Segment:
Heyman gets a call from Brock. Heyman tells Brock that he needs to instill the fear into Joe. He tells Lesnar he needs to show up next week on and that it’s time they unleash The Beast.

Match 7: Seth Rollins vs Samoa Joe
Joe tosses his towel at Rollins and strats with huge strikes. He backs Rollins into the corner and continues to strike. Rollins comes back and starts hammering on Joe. Joe catches him with a knee. Rollins is able to counter Joe and land big chops. Joe comes back with a headbutt. Rollins is sent to the floor, but quickly back in hitting Joe with strikes. Joe comes back himself with a huge elbow. Joe is sent to the outside and Rollins tries for a dive, but Joe catches him with a big kick. Joe throws Rollins into the barricade and meets him with a big kick. Rollins is thrown back in the ring and Joe hits him again with punches. Joe throws Rollins to the mat and hits him with a knee as Rollins struggles to his feet. Joe continues with strikes and knees. Rollins fights back with chops. He gets Joe in the conrer, but is sent to the apron. Joe cause Rollins to lose his balance and Rollins falls hard. In the corner Joe hits him with another solid strike.
As Raw returns Joe has Rollins on the ground. Joe lands another big punch to Rollins. Joe takes Rollins and lands a big forearm. Rollins stops Joe with a boot, but Joe comes right back by dumping Rollins on his neck. Joe twists Rollins head as Rollins tries to fight back. Joe lands an inverted atomic drop and follows up with a big kick. Joe goes for the cover, but Rollins kicks out. Joe focuses on the arm of Rollins. Rollins gets to his feet and fights back with big right hands. Rollins forces the separation and catches Joe with a kick. Joe quickly recovers and hits a powerslam on Rollins. Joe lands big chops to Rollins. He tries to pick up Rollins, but Rollins fights back and catches him with an enziguri. Joe rolls out of the ring and Rollins meets him with a suicide dive. Rollins hits a slingblade and hits another suicide dive. Rollins lands the blockbuster and Joe goes to the outside. Rollins again hits a suicide dive. Rollins launches himself and takes out Joe with a flying clothesline. Rollins hits he falcon arrow, but Joe kicks out of the pin attempt. Joe picks up Rollins, but Rollins rolls him up, but can’t get the three. Rollins hits a big kick and goes to the top. The lights go out with the Bray Wyatt sign. Rollins gets distracted and Joe locks in the Coquina Clutch to pick up the win.
Winner: Samoa Joe
My Opinion:
I loved this match so much. They both put on a great showing and at the end of the day that’s what matters. I look at guys like Rollins and say yeah he doesn’t win all the time, but I know he can go and want to see him. Joe is amazing and he shows night in and night out that he can be a top guy. Rollins and Joe killed it and it leaves me wanting more.

Final Thoughts:
I think a lot of people hate on Rae, but when you think about it they put on great matches. Obviously there are things that don’t need to be in the show, but tonight started and ended with main event matches. If you can sit there and say Raw sucks after seeing the match Rollins and Joe had, then I don’t know what you want out of watching wrestling. I think tonight left a lot of questions and which is great because you have to keep tuning in to see what happens. It takes time for people to find there place and there are a lot of deserving superstars on Raw which makes it tough to decide who is going to be on top. I know one thing people may not have liked is no Finn Balor, but at the same time they need to protect Finn as much as they can. I’m not saying Raw was amazing, but in terms of wrestling they always put on great shows. Love this industry and have passion for it, these guys and girls are living their dreams and we can;t hate them for that.
Overall Rating: 6.8/10