Raw Review 06/27/2017

Los Angeles plays host to Monday Night Raw. Brock Lesnar will be in the house tonight. Is Samoa Joe prepared for the wrath The Beast Incarnate may bring? Big Cass turned on Enzo last week claiming that they were through and finishing with kicking Enzo in the face. What’s next for Enzo now that he is alone? Seth Rollins took the first shot at Bray Wyatt last week, how will Wyatt retaliate against The Kingslayer? Braun Strowman made an epic return last week, he laid out Roman Reigns and challenged him to an ambulance match. Is Roman gonna be going for a ride or will he rise again against The Monster Among Men? Tensions have boiled over between Goldust and R-Truth. As the two come to a head will R-Truth smack him with the hand of truth? On top of that there will be a Women’s Gauntlet match to determine the #1 Contender for Great Balls of Fire. Plus tonight there will be an appearance by new Los Angeles Laker Lonzo Ball and his family, go Lakers!

Raw is live tonight from the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

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

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
Roman tells how Joe finally put the Coquina Clutch on him and put him to sleep. He recaps how Strowman returned and came out and picked the bones. He goes on to tell how Strowman challenged him to an ambulance match and that he has never been in one. He accepts the challenge and tells Strowman that he is gonna take him straight to hell because this is his yard. Roman is interrupted by an ambulance entering from backstage. Roman goes to the ambulance and opens the doors, but Strowman is not in there. Strowman comes from behind and ambushes Roman. Strowman picks up Roman and tosses him on the stage. The two trade blows. Roman looks for a Superman Punch, but he is caught by Strowman and is thrown into the side of the ambulance. Strowman tosses Roman into the back of the ambulance and the ambulance drives away.
My Opinion:
Braun looked awesome tonight. He handle Roman like it was nothing and showed his dominance. I really appreciate how much work Roman puts in, but I am all for Braun getting over on him. I think Roman needs to float around for awhile and Braun needs his shot to be a top guy. I see braun going for the Universal title in the near future and this would be a great way to get him to that level. Roman and Braun definitely have the ability to create magic and I can’t wait to see them square off in this match. The ambulance match has proven to be one of the tougher stipulation and when it comes around you know it’s special. With this match now scheduled Great Balls of Fire is shaping up to be one heck of a pay per view.

Match 1: Finn Balor & The Hardy Boyz vs Sheamus & Cesaro & Elias Sampson
Sheamus and Matt start off the match. Sheamus gets the upper hand striking Matt and backing him in the corner. Matt comes back with a boot to the face and gets Sheamus backed into the corner. Matt strikes Sheamus and tags Jeff. Jeff comes in and takes out Cesaro. Jeff and Matt hit poetry in motion. Sheamus misses on a punch and The Hardy Boyz double team him. Sheamus looks to regroup as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Cesaro gets the tag and goes to work on Jeff. Jeff fights back and is able to get the tag to Matt. Matt comes in and they look to triple team Cesaro as Balor gets the tag. Balor fights off Cesaro’s attack and hits a dropkick. Cesaro comes back and hangs Balor up on the ropes. Sheamus gets the tag and hits Ten Beats of the Bodhran. Cesaro comes in again and takes a few shots before tagging Sampson. Sampson comes heavy with the right hands. Balor battles back and turns the tables on Sampson. Sheamus tags in and gets Balor from behind with a shot to the kidneys. Sheamus holds Balor in the air, but balor escapes. Sheamus runs into the turnbuckles and Balor tags Jeff. Jeff comes in and takes it to Sheamus. He sends Sheamus shoulder first into the post. He looks for the Swanton, but Cesaro pulls out Sheamus. Jeff flies from the op taking out the tag champs. Jeff takes it to Sampson and Sheamus takes advantage with a knee. Sheamus gets the two on a pin attempt as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Sampson hits a back elbow on Jeff. Sampson stomps away as the ref tries to restrain Matt. Sheamus gets the tag and stomps on Jeff as well. Sheamus hits a backbreaker and goes for a pin, but it is not enough. Sheamus quickly tags Cesaro. Cesaro works Jeff on the mat. Jeff battles, but Cesaro doesn’t give. Cesaor take his attention off of Jeff and is caught with a spinebuster. Jeff tags Matt and Sampson comes in as well. He drives Sampson into every turnbuckle in the corner. Matt hits a big clothesline followed by a bulldog. Matt then hits the side effect, but his pin attempt is broken up by Sheamus. Cesaro sends Matt into the post and Sheamus gets the tag. He works Matt and tags Cesaro for the double team. Balor then comes in to break up the tag. Matt gets separation and tags Balor. Balor takes out cesaro and then takes out Sheamus followed by Sampson. Balor send Cesaro out of the ring. Sheamus goes for the Brogue, but Balor ducks and sends Sheamus to the outside. Balor dives taking out Sheamus. Balor hits the slingblade on Cesaro. He then comes with a dropkick into the corner. Jeff and Matt take out Sampson and Sheamus on the outside. Balor hits the Coupe De Grace on Cesaro and gets the three on the pin.
Winners: Finn Balor & The Hardy Boyz
My Opinion:
I really liked how much time this match was given. I think these are guys who are at the top of Raw and they deserve the time to shine. One thing I didn’t like was that sampson wasn’t put over as much as I thought he should be. This would have been a good way to establish him as one of the guys and show that he can hang. I like Balor and Sampson feuding. I think it allows Balor to go over and be that top guy, but it also will push Sampson to the next level and allow him to get better. Overall the match went well, but I think there could’ve been brawls throughout the match to really put over the rivalries between the men.

Backstage Segment:
Goldust quotes Beetlejuice saying “it’s showtime.” He states there is something magical in here. He asks if you are on the edge of their seats as The Shattered Truth hits tonight. He says he understands if Truth is nervous and says even the biggest stars have had stage fright. He says he knows that when the red light comes on you must shine and perform. He states that tonight he is putting the final touches on his masterpiece. He finishes by saying The Golden Age is back.

Match 2: Goldust vs R-Truth
***Before the match Goldust takes advantage and hits a solid right hand on Truth. He continues to drop fist on Truth. He rolls Truth to the corner and and drives his side into it. Goldust gets back in the ring and stands over Truth.
My Opinion:
I think with the way they have put so much time into this feud it shouldn’t come to a head on Raw. I think they’ve billed it as a pay per view payoff type of feud. I know a lot of people may not like this feud, but I think they can deliver. Remember Truth was in the main event picture at one point in time and Goldust is a true veteran. Sometimes the average ideas turn out to be the best or they can bust. I think they definitely could rock a pre show with this match. I truly love the old Goldust being back and think his promos are still killer.

Backstage Segment:
Paul heyman joins Charly. Charly says social media is on fire about Lesnar being her tonight. Heyman says no the Staples Center is on fire because Lesnar will be here, he will come out and call out Samoa Joe. Joe comes from behind Heyman and puts him in the coquina Clutch, but quickly lets go. He tells him that the Coquina Clutch is for Lesnar tonight not him.

Backstage Segment:
Bayley stands with Kurt and draws her entrant number for the gauntlet match later tonight. Bayley seems happy with the number she has chosen.

In Ring Segment: Miz TV
Miiz says that now that he has exposed Ambrose he and Maryse have never been better. He states that when you are happy you have to look to the future. He says his guest tonight is the only person to be talked about as much as The Miz this past year. He welcomes Lavar and LaMelo Ball.
Lavar says he has one more for him. He says he is the face of the Big baller Brand and the face of the Lakers. He welcomes his son Lonzo Ball. Miz congratulates Lonzo. Lonzo says he is happy to be here at the Staples Center as a Laker for the first time. Miz states how everything Lavar says did indeed come true. Miz says it’s an honor to be in here with the family. Lavar says they not here tonight for a partnership with Miz. Lavar says Miz is a little too low for them right now. Miz tells him to understand that he is a champion. Miz says UCLa didn’t with this year. Lavar takes a few shots at Miz. Miz says he hears Lavar say that he can beat Michael Jordan. Lavar says there is only two people better than him and they are both him. Miz says he wants Lavar to prove his talk. Lavar tells him to stay in his lane or the hurt is on. Out comes Ambrose wearing a Big Baller shirt.
Ambrose says they wanted someone to represent the brand that has balls. Ambrose says no one has bigger balls than him and he loves free t-shirts.
My Opinion:
I loved that segment. That again is one of those that you just have to laugh at and have fun. I liked Ambrose coming out and I loved the things he said. It was classic Ambrose and hopefully a little remind to The Universe why we love him. Miz is always funny and definitely knows how to talk. I wish Raw would have more guest on more often. I think it’s great exposure for WWE and vis versa. Lastly Lonzo is the man and is gonna lead The Lakers to the promise land!!!!

Match 3: Ambrose & Rhyno & Heath Slater vs Miz & Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel
Ambrose takes it to Dallas to start. Dallas creates separation and tags Axel. Ambrose chops him and is able to get a tag to Slater. Slater comes in and works the arm of Axel. Rhyno comes in and continues to work the arms of Axel. He lands a few headbuts before Axel is able to get a side headlock. He drives Rhyno into the corner and Miz gets the tag. He chops Rhyno repeatedly. Rhino battles back with chops of his own. Miz comes right back and throws Rhyno into the corner with force. He then punches Rhyno and drives him into his corner. Dallas gets the tag and stomps on Rhyno. Axel then gets the tag and he too stomps on Rhyno. Axel then turns to punching Rhyno,but Rhyno fights back. Axel throws him in the corner, but is caught with an elbow. He explodes out of the corner to send Axel to the mat. Ambrose gets the tag and comes in hot with clotheslines. Ambrose takes down Miz and Axel and then takes out Dallas. Rhyno and Slater throw Miz to the outside onto Dallas and Axel as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Axel has control of Slater. Slater battles back, but is sent to the mat. Axel backs Slater into the corner and tags Dallas. Dallas takes down Slater and drives him into the corner. Miz gets the tag and lands a big clothesline in the corner. Miz has Slater teetering on the mat. Miz lands Miz kicks. Slater is able to plant Miz and looks for the tag, but Dallas gets the tag and stops Slater. Dallas stomps on Slater and chokes him on the bottom rope. Dallas bounces Slater off the turnbuckle and Axel gets the tag. Axel throws Slater and his a neckbreaker. Slater fights back with punches to the gut. Axel misses a punch and Slater hits a neckbreaker. Miz tries to prevent the tag with a cheap shot to Ambrose. Slater hits a heel kick and tags Rhyno. Rhyno runs through Dallas and delivers a shoulder to the gut. Rhyno hits big spinebuster, but the pin is broken up by Miz. Axel hits a cheap shot on Rhyno and Dallas rolls him up for the win.
Winners: The Miz & Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel
My Opinion:
Not a bad match between these six. I really think Dallas and axel could do something if they stick with The Miz. I think it’s a great fit and we will see how it goes. It’s interesting the duo and maybe we are seeing the next good faction. Axel and Dallas no doubt have talent, they just needed a platform for it. Even with just being by The Miz’s side it puts them in new light. No longer did I feel that Axel and Dallas shouldn’t be going over. I felt like these were two top guys and If the plan is to elevate them to the next level I think it’s working slowly.

Backstage Segment:
Enzo is seen walking backstage. He is live next.

In Ring Segment: Enzo
Enzo says he’s not doing to good. He says this isn’t about him, this is about the realest guys in the room. He tells that he has tried to talk to cass all week. He tells that he has not talked face to face to him yet. He states that he and Cass need to talk man to man right now. Out comes Cass.
Enzo says I know you hear the reaction. He states that he knows that the reaction hurts Cass because he knows him better than anyone. He says they’re words, but they cut deep. He tells that cass has said a lot of things and he was right about a lot of those. Enzo says he is not the biggest guy in the world and knows that sometimes he bites off more than he can chew, but that was okay because he had Cass. He calls Cass his brother and says last week he may have been heartbroken, but Cass is his family and he won’t let him break that bond. Enzo says he cannot explain how much pride he took sitting shotgun to Cass. enzo says what happened is in the past and that last week he saw passion, love,, anger, and pain in Cass’s eye. Enzo says the last time he saw that he saw it after he had been knocked out at a pay per view. He states that they are brothers and family and needs to focus on the future of his family. He tells Cass he won’t let him break that bond before they become tag team champions. Cass tells Enzo he never knows when to shut up. He says he has to be honest because last week he was the most ashamed he has ever been. He tells Enzo he accepts who he is and he can’t change him. Cass says they are brothers and apologises to Enzo. He says he is sorry for everything and tells him to please accept his apology. Cass then hugs Enzo and says if anyone thought they were gonna throw away all these years then there is only one word to describe you SAWFT.
*** As they head up the stage Cass attacks Enzo from behind. He then throws Enzo down the entrance ramp.
My Opinion:
I think that was perfect how they did that. That was a very unique way to get Cass more heat. If he would’ve come out and just attacked Enzo it wouldn’t have meant much, but getting the fans hopes up and having a quick mini heel turn again was awesome. Cass is going to do great things on his own, but I do believe he and Enzo can go on to have a great rivalry. They know each the best and will deliver. This is way better for them then just having meaningless tag matches every week. Now they are back in the spotlight and interesting once again.
*** Cass confront Graves and says he should snap his little tattooed pencil neck for what he did last week. He says Kurt Angle won’t allow him too. He says he doesn’t know what dirt Graves has on Angle, but it must be good. He tells Graves to stay out of his business.

Match 4: Seth Rollins vs Curt Hawkins
The two lock up and Hawkins is on the attack. He strikes Rollins and lands a big clothesline. Rapid fire right hands from hawkins and he follows it with a slam. Hawkins drives Rollins into the corner and stomps him. A big back suplex from hawkins, but Rollins won’t stay down for a three count. Hawkins locks a chin lock, but rights from Rollins creates separation Rollins hits a big kick and follows it up with a suicide dive. Rollins hits the slingblade. Rollins is able to hit the blockbuster and Rollins then flies from the top rope taking out Hawkins. Hawkins is able to block one kck, but is caught by the second. Rollins lands the big knee in the face and pick up the victory.
*** After the match Watt appears on the titantron. Wyatt says it seems Rollins is under the impression that his soul is clear. He says Rollins carries around the corporate flag and lets everyone see. He says Rollins lies and says that if Rollins wanted redemption he would give in to his true self. Wyatt states he will save Rollins and he should be honored because he will be cleansed by the flame of a true god. He tells Rollins to be careful what he wishes for and says he is inside his mind. He’s everywhere. He tells Rollins that July 9th will be his reformation. He states Rollins should give in to his true self or he will burn.
Winner: Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
I still don’t get why guys are getting put over like that over top guys. This is the second week in a row where someone is dominated badly in the early going. Nonetheless this was about Wyatt and Rollins. Wyatt is killing the promos and he and Rollins are building something special. I think what they are doing is perfect because that clash will be epic.

Backstage Segment:
The Beast has arrived at Monday Night Raw.

Backstage Segment:
Kurt tells Sasha there are three numbers left. Sasha picks her number and seems pleased with it.

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar
Heyman says everyone who steps to The Beats gets conquered. He says Joe is the expectation and Joe doesn’t fear him. He tells that Joe came in and threw a cheap shot. Heyman says he would do the same thing. He tells how Lesnar was held back and this is where Joe hit a second cheap shot kicking Lesnar in the face. Heyman states that you would think Joe would have some fear right now now. He says it’s not impressive and Joe is a Samoan dumbass. Heyman says it takes an awful smart man to know when to fear. He tells Joe that now is the time to start feeling him. Heyman says this is the moment you will talk about tomorrow. He introduces Lesnar. Out comes Lesnar.
Joe comes from behind and attacks him. Joe looks for the coquina Clutch. He wrestlers Lesnar to the ground and gets it locked in. Lesnar drives him into the screen twice. Joe locks it in for the third time. Lesnar goes to his knee again and starts fading. Members of the locker room come out to break up the altercation.
My Opinion:
I love how they are building this up. This feels like an old time build up. This is going to lead to an epic battle when they clash. I love that they are letting Joe go over like this. They are really cementing him as one of the best and allowing him to be who he is. This was vintage Joe and it will be interesting to see how Lesnar responds. I don’t know if Joe will win the title. I still feel Lesnar walks out as champion, but at the same time this will get Joe to being at the top level. These are just two bad dudes going at it and I’m not sure if people have someone to root for in this or if it’s just about sitting back and watching these two fight.

Match 5: Lince Dorado vs Neville
Neville lands a big kick and throws dorado into the corner. Neville drives his boot into the face of Dorado. Neville again drives Dorado’s head into the corner. He takes him around the rings and continues this. Dorado is able to counter, but Neville quickly gets back on the offensive and takes Dorado to the mat with a side headlock. Dorado and Neville trade chops before Neville catches him with a kick. Neville is dropped to the apron with a kick. Dorado flies taking out Neville. Dorado goes for the pin, but Neville won’t stay down. Neville battles back and locks in Rings of Saturn. Dorado taps.
*** After the match Tozawa steps to the apron staring at Neville. Titus comes out and asks why would they fight for free. He announces that at Great Balls of Fire Tozawa will get a shot at the Cruiserweight Championship.
Winner: Neville
My Opinion:
Neville is always so impressive.He has been an amazing champion and always puts on a show. I really don’t feel that Tozawa should beat Neville. The way I feel is that they have built up Neville so high that it literally doesn’t make sense if anyone does beat him. This can be very bad because how do you determine who would be worthy of beating him. I think Neville should stay champion for a long time and have someone big debut or return next WrestleMania and beat him. This would work because no one really has their heart into the division and it would give the division a huge boost on the grandest stage. But that’s just thinking out loud since that’s so far away. Maybe something like this could happen at SummerSlam. But either way I think someone big needs to be in the division to give it the boost it needs. Tozawa just doesn’t do it for me.

Backstage Segment:
Charly asks for heyman’s reaction to tonight. Heyman says this showed that everything he has said is true. Heyman says Samoa Joe has to sneak up behind Lesnar. He tells that if he does this in thirteen days Lesnar will have a problem on his hands. Heyman says as a promoter he loves this. He says Lesnar is against the wall. He claims this will be an all night fight, but Lesnar will take Joe to Suplex City. He claims that Joe will wake up and says oh dear god is that what it’s like to fight The Beast, goodness gracious Great Balls of Fire.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa asks Nia what number she got. Nia says wouldn’t you like to know. Alexa says her and Nia are very much alike. Alexa says no one thought she would succeed here. She tells Nia they are both judged on how they look and it’s not easy being judged. Alexa voices her confidence in Nia and wishes her good luck. Nia says she will see Alexa and the Championship at Great Balls of Fire.

Match 6: Women’s Gauntlet to determine #1 Contender at Great Balls of Fire: Bayley vs Sasha Banks vs Mickie James vs Nia Jax vs Dana Brooke vs Emma
Bayley stomps the foot of Nia and delivers a forearm. Nia picks up Bayley and throws her into the turnbuckle in the corner. Nia knocks down Bayley. Bayley is backed into the corner and takes hard shoulders to her midsection. Nia hits her in the jaw and mocks her. Nia continues with headbutts and once again Bayley is in the corner. Bayley is able to get separation and knee the side of Nia’s head. Bayley goes to the top and lands an elbow to the neck of Nia. Bayley hammers away with big rights. Bayley kicks Nia and doesn’t allow her to her feet. Nia is able to punt Bayley into the corner. Bayley drives Nia back out into the ring with a kick. Bayley tries to go to the top, but Bayley is knocked off the top. Nia slams Bayley and is able to beat Bayley. Mickie is the next one out.
As Raw returns Nia throws Mickie. She drives her knee into Mickie in the corner. Mickie tries to fight back, but Nia locks in a bear hug. Mickie fights her way to her feet. Mickie tries to get Nia down, but Nia goes right back to the bear hug. Mickie hammers way and catches her with a slap. Mickie fights back and hits a dropkick. She kicks the legs of Nia and stuns her. Nia uses her power to throw Mickie in the corner. Mickie catchers her with a kick and is able to take her down with a jump from the top. Mickie lands a Mick kick and looks for the ddt. Nia fights out of it and plants here. She bulldozes over Mickie and defeats her. Out comes Dana.
Dana tries to push her immediately, but is thrown in the corner. Dana is able to get out of the way as Nia charges the corner. Dana tries to get offense, but Nia knocks her to the mat. Nia hits a big leg drop and picks up the win. Next out is Emma.
Emma is able to hang up Nia on the ropes. She dropkicks Nia and takes her down. Emma goes to the top and tries for the crossbody, but is caught. Nia hits the Samoan Drop and beats Emma. Finally it’s Boss Time.
Sasha goes right after Nia. She takes the fight to her and lands a big slap. Sasha is able to send Nia out of the ring. Sasha flies thrown the ropes, but is caught by Nia. Nia fights out and drives Nia into the post. Sasha hits double knees as raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Nia has a headlock in on Sasha. Nia throws Sasha to the outside. Sasha is thrown in the corner, but is able to catch Nia with kicks. Sasha lands double knees, but is caught by Nia. Sasha is bounced off the ropes and runs right into Nia. Nia throws Sasha out of the ring. Sasha comes back in and hammers away, but is dirven to the mat with a blow to her back. Nia slams Sasha and lands a huge elbow. She goes for the cover, but Sasha kicks out. Sasha is once again thrown to the outside. Sasha is able to hang up Nia on the ropes. She battles, but Nia again takes her down. Nia drives her hip into Sasha’s face. Nia wrenches on the neck of Sasha using the ropes as leverage. Sasha is able to kick out again on the pin. Nia angrily drives Sasha into the mat. Nia stomps onto the bad leg of Sasha. Nia rolls Sasha out of the ring. Nia locks in a bear hug on Sasha and wrenches on her. Sasha fades and Nia drops her to the mat, but gets a two count. Nia brings her back up for the bear hug. Nia lifts Sasha and slams her to the mat. Nia goes for the cover and fails again to get the three. Sasha is able to get behind Nis. She gets out fo the way of an elbow form Nia. Sasha lands a sliding knee to the chin of Nia. Sasha locks in a unique bersion of the Banks Statement, but nia powers out. Nia lands the Samoan Drop. Nia lifts Sasha, but Sasha fights out and get her chokes her from behind. Sasha wraps Nia’s arms and bring sher to the mat. Nia fades and taps to Sasha.
*** After the match Kurt Angle comes out. Angle raises the arm of Sasha and congratulates her. Out comes Alexa Bliss.
Alexa gets in the ring and holds the title up to Sasha. Sasha dropkicks her out of the ring and holds up the title.
Winner: Sasha Banks: New #1 Contender
My Opinion:
What a great main event for Raw. first I give all the credit in the world to Nia. like her or not she proved that she can be that dominate figure we see her as. She lasted over thirty minutes out there. Her and Sasha were able to put on a great match. Nia did a great job of selling to put Sasha over as the hero. I am so happy that Sasha is back at the top. She deserves to be there and I think it was a good favor to her to be able to beat Nia for that opportunity. Nia is the type that can put someone over when she’s beaten. Great job tonight!!!

Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this Raw tonight. As I like to say there was really no wasted movements. First the main event killed it. Nia dominated and put on a performance. I think she proved a lot and definitely earned a ton of respect. Sasha beating her was a perfect ending. She defeated the unbeatable Nia and is now back in the top. Sasha should be at the top and I can’t wait to see what her and Alexa will do. I loved the guests on tonight’s Raw as that always adds a new element of excitement. Braun dominated tonight. I like what they are doing with him and giving him the spot as the new monster. I think the ambulance match will be amazing. Same goes for Joe tonight. WWE is really allowing him to be the Joe that we knew before he got here. I think he and Lesnar are creating that big fight feel. I think everything is left in a great spot after tonight. There was nothing that didn’t make sense and everything progressed in a positive way. I believe that Great Balls of Fire could be one of the greater pay per views that we have seen in sometime. The build ups have created the big fight feels and we are looking at collisions for this event. If Raw ends and you’re excited then it did it’s job. It’s Boss Time!
Overall Rating: 7/10