Raw Review 07/06/2020

RAW REVIEW 07/06/2020

Tonight we are set for a huge match as its champion versus champion when Asuka takes on Bayley! Can the Raw Women’s Champion Asuka pick up a huge win and get in the head of Sasha Banks or will Banks best friend Bayley be able to get the win and soften up the Raw Women’s Champ? Plus, who will win in the huge tag team match as Seth Rollins teams up with Murphy to take on Rey Mysterio and Aleister Black? Also, will Randy Orton look to take out Big Show as when they stand across the ring from each other in a 6-Man Tag Team Match? Finally, how will Dolph Ziggler continue to try and get in the head of the WWE Champion Drew McIntyre?

Raw comes to us from the WWE Performance Center.

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

In-Ring Segment: Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler & Heath Slater
McIntyre welcomes everyone to Raw and talks about his match in two weeks with Dolph Ziggler. He tells how he is letting Ziggler pick the stipulation for the match. He talks about the different choices Ziggler has to pick from but says no matter what Drew McIntyre will still be the champion at the end. He then calls out Dolph Ziggler to tell him the stipulation he chose. Here comes Ziggler.
Ziggler says everyone will find out the stipulation for this match is a secret. Ziggler tells McIntyre he would be a sucker to tell him before Extreme Rules. He tells Drew he is the same old Drew McIntyre and he is a backstabber. Drew says he is the WWE Champion and don’t you forget it. Ziggler then says his resume is better and brings up the time McIntyre was away from WWE. McIntyre says he is proud of his story and hopes he inspires others. He then tells Dolph he is dealing with the man who beat Brock Lesnar and then the Big Show right after. Ziggler tells McIntyre there is a long list of people that McIntyre has forgotten about and stabbed in the back since being WWE Champion. Here comes Heath Slater.
Slater talks about how he and McIntyre go way back, he says McIntyre was the first one to get called up but then he wasn’t the chosen one. He says this Drew McIntyre is the chosen one and everyone sees it. Slater then says in April he was at home watching with his kids and watched Drew beat Brock Lesnar. He says he actually cried and had joy in his heart. Slater tells that when McIntyre was released he called every day and would always come and visit when he was in Florida. He says McIntyre was his brother and then asks Dre where he was when he was the one who got released. Slater tells the last time they talked was on The Bump. Slater says he is here fighting for his two daughters because they believe in him. Slater tells Drew he was there for him but it wasn’t the other way around. Slater says McIntyre was going to petition for a match between them but now he is on the unemployment line. Slater says he is here to take this opportunity. Slater tells McIntyre he wants what he deserves. Slater then pushes McIntyre. He then slaps him. McIntyre tells Slater he’s one and has his fight.
My Opinion:
This was quite an interesting way to start off Raw. Although I’d love to know the match stipulation it does keep the suspense having Ziggler keep it a secret for now. I liked Heath Slater coming back a lot. It really gives a mix of emotions and adds a whole new layer to this. This was not something I saw coming but at this moment I felt sorry for Heath and it made McIntyre look like the bad guy so the trick Ziggler tried to pull actually was working for a minute. This felt like a very real and raw way to start off the night.

Match 1: Drew McIntyre vs Heath Slater
Slater is able to get McIntyre into the corner and hammer away on him. McIntyre fights out of the corner and hits a Claymore Kick out of nowhere. He covers and gets the 1 2 3.
***After the match, McIntyre stares down Ziggler. McIntyre walks up the ramp as Ziggler gets in the ring and taunts Slater. Slater then pushes down Ziggler. Ziggler gets up and tackles Slater to the mat and hammers on him with rights and lefts. McIntyre comes back to the ring and chases Ziggler out of it. McIntyre tells Ziggler to get back in the ring. Ziggler says not a chance, at Extreme Rules. McIntyre helps up Slater and shares a moment with him.
Winner: Drew McIntyre
My Opinion:
At the end of this Dolph Ziggler comes out looking like he is terrified of Drew McIntyre. You could see McIntyre was not happy with Ziggler’s manipulation that then made him have to kick his friend and beat him. With how scared Ziggler seems it will be very interesting to see what type of stipulation he picks. You have to imagine it will be something that breaks down the size or strength of McIntyre and something that Ziggler feels will almost hand himself the title.

Backstage Segment: Bayley & Sasha Banks & Asuka
Sara welcomes Bayley and Sasha Banks. She brings up how they are the Women’s Tag Team Champions and can go from brand to brand. She asks about their strengths in numbers but Bayley cuts her off and says why would we talk to you when we can go talk to the whole world.

Asuka then comes up behind Sara. Sara asks her how she will handle them all alone. Asuka laughs and asks who said she was all alone.

In-Ring Segment: Bayley & Sasha Banks
Bayley says now that they have arrived Raw can officially begin. Banks then says they are changing the game one show at a time because they never sleep. Bayley says the way they change the game people think it is just so easy. She talks about how she has to face Asuka tonight and then she has to face Nikki Cross at Extreme Rules. Banks says green mist of not she will tap out Asuka and become two belts Banks. Banks then proclaims they are taking over the whole damn company but she is then cut off by Asuka.
Asuka questions the two belts Banks comment. Asuka tells Banks she is not good. She then tells Bayley she is not ready for Asuka. Bayley tells Asuka if she has some bright idea Sasha is ready for anyone. Asuka then brings out Kairi Sane.
My Opinion:
Bayley and Sasha have been a roll of a lifetime s of late and there is no denying that. The crazy part is they don’t even seem like they are slowing down. Asuka has been smart with this though as she is doing everything to try and stop that momentum. I loved how she showed up on NXT this past week and this week she finally got some back up which is very important as she would have probably gotten in a two on one situation. Asuka is going to have to fight fire with fire or Sasha and Bayley will continue to run over everyone. It’ll be interesting to see if Nikki Cross learns a thing or two from how well Asuka is handling Bayley and Sasha.

Match 2: Sasha Banks w/ Bayley vs Kairi Sane w/ Asuka
Banks gets the early advantage and toys with Sane at the beginning of the match. Sane comes back with a big forearm and a series of chops to follow. Sane takes Banks down to the mat. Sane tries a cover but Banks is able to kick out. Sane now works a submission and uses Banks’ own arms to stretch her neck. Banks works to her feet and now reverses the move. Sane fights out and is able to put the octopus on Banks. Sane covers but Banks kicks out. Banks now gets to her feet and drives Sane neck first into the mat. Banks covers but Sane kicks out. Banks now uses the ropes to choke Sane. After the five-count, she throws Sane down to the mat. On the outside, Bayley tells Asuka her partner sucks and Asuka pushes Bayley to the floor. Banks now heads out there. Sane takes advantage and lays out both Banks and Bayley as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Sane sends Banks off the ropes. Banks comes back and hits a backbreaker. Banks covers but can’t get the 3. Banks gets Sane on the second turnbuckle and works double knees. She covers but Sane again kicks out. Sane tries to fight back but Banks doesn’t give. Sane finally is able to work a huge forearm smash from the top rope. She covers but somehow Banks kicks out. Sane now hits two blockbusters in a row. Sane comes off the ropes and hits a huge spear. Sane gets Banks in the corner and hits her with the sliding forearm. Sane covers but again Banks kicks out. Sane and Banks trade covers but neither can get the victory. Banks hits a shot to the back of the neck of Sane. Banks looks for the Meteora but she has to roll through. Sane now works a variation of the Boston crab. Bayley then comes in the ring and attacks Sane.
***After the match, Asuka comes in and attacks Bayley. Banks pulls Asuka to the outside and attacks her. Bayley then assists. Asuka is able to get away as Sane takes out Bayley and Banks with the insane elbow.
Winner: Kairi Sane: Via DQ
My Opinion:
This was a very solid match between these two and I was very impressed with the way that Kairi fought back. This was also a very big win for Asuka as she was able to get one up on Bayley and Banks. Asuka has to keep chipping away and breaking the confidence of these two. Hopefully, Kairi can continue to be by her side because the numbers game being even really helped tonight.

Backstage Segment: Seth Rollins & Murphy & Aleister Black
Officials check on Aleister Black as he has been laid out by Murphy and Seth Rollins. Rollins and Murphy also put Black in a Rey Mysterio mask. Rollins says that’s a damn shame as he smiles with Murphy.

Backstage Segment: The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) & The Big Show

Big Show comes up to the Viking Raiders. They joke with Show about bowling but Show tells them that tonight is not about fun because tonight they are in a 6 man tag with Randy Orton standing across from them. Erik says they were devastated by what happened to Edge and Christian. Big Show slaps both of them after they joked around again. Erik assures that when they get in the ring the raid is on.

In-Ring Segment: The Kevin Owens Show Hosted By Kevin Owens w/ Seth Rollins & Murphy
Owens says given his guest he can get this set out of the way. He then clears the chairs out of the ring. Owens says how this is an odd guest given their past but nonetheless this is his guest for the night. He then brings out Seth Rollins and Murphy.
Rollins asks Owens why he destroyed his set. He tells Owens that he just wanted to come out and says thank you for letting him be here tonight. He then asks Owens how his fractured ankle is. Owens tells Rollins it is better than his ego. Owens then says when you face someone at WrestleMania it creates a bond and because of that, he has something he wants to give for the moment they created. He then hands Rollins a KO Mania shirt like he was wearing when he beat Rollins. Rollins thanks him for the thoughtful gift but tells Owens he sees what he is trying to do. He tells Owens he doesn’t give a damn about him, his shirt, or his show. He tells he only came out here to use this show as a platform to address the medically cleared Rey Mysterio. He says he would like to take the opportunity to challenge Rey Mysterio at Extreme Rules. He says it is time to make Rey Mysterio a permeate sacrifice for Monday Night Raw.
Rollins then comes back on Owens. He says Owens needs him more than he thinks. He tells Owens he could get more out of fighting with him than against him. Rollins tells Owens he should find a purpose in his fighting and fight for the greater good. Here comes Rey Mysterio. Mysterio asks Rollins if he truly believes Kevin will fall for his bs. He then tells Rollins he accepts the challenge. He tells Rollins at Extreme Rules his destiny will be in his hands. Rollins then brings up the tag match for tonight and laughs at Mysterio for his partner being MIA. He then tells Mysterio he could bring his boy down and they could take one of his eyes. Owens jumps in and tells Mysterio he will be his partner. Owens then says the winning team will pick the stipulation for Extreme Rules. Rollins says this keeps getting better. He then tells Owens he’s on. Murphy and Rollins then attack Owens. Mysterio comes in and sends Murphy to the outside. Rollins then follows him out there.

Match 3: Seth Rollins & Murphy vs Kevin Owens & Rey Mysterio w/ Dominik
As Raw returns, Mysterio pounds on Murphy in the corner. Mysterio is able to hit a crossbody. He stays on him and is able to send Murphy to the outside. Mysterio then hits Murphy with a dropkick on the floor. Mysterio brings him in the ring and then flies off the top to take down Murphy. Owens tags in now and he continues to beat down Murphy. Owens lays out Murphy and tries to put him away but Murphy stays in it. Murphy finally is able to work a tag. Rollins comes in and hits Owens with huge right hands. On the floor now Owens grabs Rollins and bounces him off the apron. Mysterio and Murphy now get the tags. Mysterio sends Murphy into the ropes. He looks for the 619 but Murphy moves out of the way. Murphy and Rollins now take control and layout Owens on the floor. Dominik comes up to them and Rollins goes after the eye of Dominik. He and Murphy run into the ring as Mysterio checks on him.
As Raw returns, Rollins works the leg of Owens. Owens tries to fight out of it and finally gets to the bottom rope. Rollins now gets Owens in the corner and hits him with a knee strike. Rollins now goes for a right but he is sent to the apron. Rollins now hits the right hand. He looks for the knee strike but is hit with a superkick instead. Mysterio tags in and so does Murphy. Mysterio lands a seated senton. He works the arm of Murphy before landing a kick to the face. Murphy fights back out of the corner. Mysterio is able to keep control and send Murphy’s shoulder first into the ring post. Mysterio now catches Rollins and sets him up for the 619. Rollins gets out of the ring and grabs Dominik. He then threatens Mysterio. Here comes Aleister Black. Black is able to get Rollins off. Rollins tries to get black to hit him to get a DQ but Black doesn’t budge. Dominik now pokes the eye of Murphy. In the ring, Mysterio hits the 619 and the frog splash on Murphy. Owens takes care of Rollins on the outside. Mysterio covers and gets the 1 2 3.
***Rey tells Rollins at Extreme Rules it’s an eye for an eye. He says he is willing to take it a step further and pull out Rollins’ eye with bare hands.
Winners: Kevin Owens & Rey Mysterio
My Opinion:
A really solid set of time on this rivalry. I love everything about this from the KO Show to the match. I really think there is something special here with the story between Mysterio and Rollins. I’m glad it’s had time to breathe and it’s something that has developed over time with many twists and turns. It gives me a feeling that we will see something really good by the end of it that will wrap it up nicely. I don’t think Extreme Rules will be the end of it but from the sounds of it, it’s going to be a major part of the story. I don’t know exactly what Mysterio has in mind for this but it’s clear both Mysterio and Rollins will be coming to hurt each other at the horror show!

Backstage Segment: MVP & Bobby Lashley
Charly tells how Apollo Crews is out of action and there are many questions regarding the United States Championship. Lashley says he took out Apollo Crews and they are looking for the United States Championship. MVP says as for the future of the United States Champion they will talk about it in style. MVP seems to have a plan going forward for the title, he and Lashley are live, next!

*** Apollo Crews will defend the United States Championship at Extreme Rules against MVP

In-Ring Segment: VIP Lounge w/ MVP & Bobby Lashley
MVP says when Apollo Crews came to Raw he was shining as bright as a supernova and he burnt out just as badly. He says Crews’ exuberance made him think he was invincible. He brings up how he tried to help out Crews but Crews turned down the greatest United States Champion of all time. MVP says when you disrespect him you also disrespect Bobby Lashley. MVP tells Crews he won’t be United States Champion after he beats him but he will always have the memories. MVP then says he has already beaten Apollo Crews so the United States Championship belongs to him.
MVP says his third reign will be just as great as his last two. MVP then unveils a brand new United States Championship. MVP says when he wins at Extreme Rules it will be official. Lashley says it’s official when he says and then crowns MVP as champion. Ricochet and Cedric Alexander now come out. Alexander talks about earning championships. Ricochet tells MVP Apollo will come back real soon and when he does he will end MVP’s U.S. title fantasy. Ricochet then tells them that they hurt their friend so now Cedi and him are here to make sure the hurt business goes chapter 11.
My Opinion:
MVP seems overly confident but then again he should be with Lashley by his side. I don’t see how anyone can stop MVP with that kind of heavy behind him. I do think he should earn the title but I did like this new championship. One one one Apollo Crews will have a fighting chance and could very well retain the title but if MVP keeps playing his cards right he will pull out this win and officially be the U.S. Champ.

Match 4: MVP & Bobby Lashley vs Ricochet and Cedric Alexander
MVP starts off the match and takes off his suit jacket. He then quickly tags Lashley in. Lashley gets Alexander in the corner and hammers away on him. Lashley sends him off the ropes but Alexander hangs on and lands a big kick. Ricochet tags in and they are able to double team, Lashley. Lashley doesn’t stay down for long and fights back. Lashley takes down Ricochet and now tags in MVP. MVP takes it to Ricochet on the floor. He smashes him into the barricade before bringing him back into the ring. Lashley tags in and works Ricochet in the corner with big strikes. Lashley lands a neck breaker but it’s not enough to put Ricochet away. MVP tags in now and keeps Ricochet in the corner. MVP works a chin lock. He then drives Ricochet down to the mat.
MVP covers but Ricochet kicks out. Lashley tags back in and uses the ropes to hang up Ricochet as he drives his knee into the back of his neck. Lashley drives Ricochet into the mat but again Ricochet kicks out. Lashley now works a chin lock. Ricochet tries to fight out but he is hit with a flat liner. MVP now tags in and tries to get the win but Ricochet kicks out. Ricochet now fights back and catches MVP with a right. Alexander now tags in and he takes it to MVP. He then takes out the knee of Lashley before hitting a forearm and a big knee on MVP. he covers but MVP kicks out. Lashley helps out MVP and MVP works a tag. Ricochet is taken out. Lashley now hits Alexander with the spear. Lashley covers and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match, Lashley tries to go back after Ricochet and Alexander but Ricochet gets Alexander to safety.
Winner: MVP & Bobby Lashley
My Opinion:
This match showed exactly the fact that Lashley is just as dominant as he says. I couldn’t help but wonder how long Lashley will support MVP if MVP does win the United States Championship. You have to believe Lashley thinks he should be getting a shot at the title as everyone who has been in his way as of late has fallen. Either way, Lashley continues his dominance, and right now that is a great thing for MVP as he sets his sights on Apollo Crews and the United States Championship.

Backstage Segment: Zelina Vega & Angel Garza & Andrade & Ric Flair & Randy Orton
Vega tries to get Garza and Andrade to talk but they don’t really want to talk to each other. Flair comes up to them and tells them tonight is a must-do mission or all of them will have to answer to… here comes Randy Orton. He tells them he respects them for being third-generation wrestlers. He then tells them tonight when the time is right Big Show is his and if they do anything to screw that up he won’t hesitate to introduce them to the Legend Killer.

Backstage Segment: The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka & Kairi Sane)
Charly asks Asuka her thoughts on Bayley and Sasha thinking they are the leaders of the Women’s division in WWE. Asuka says she will beat Bayley tonight. She then says they are challenging Bayley and Sasha to a WWE Tag Team Championship Match next week. Sane then plays the flute as they walk away.

Match 5: The Big Show & The Viking Raiders (Erik & Ivar) vs Andrade & Angel Garza & Randy Orton w/ Zelina Vega
Garza goes for the leg of Big Show but Show is able to fight him off with a huge chop. He gets Garza in the corner where he hits him with another chop. Garza fights back with forearm shots but he is sent down to the mat with a headbutt. Show hits another chop before tagging Erik. Erik stays on the offensive. Ivar tags in and Garza gets hit with a knee to the face. Erik tags back in after Ivar gets Garza in the corner. Erik takes a shot on Garza. Big Show now tags in and hits Garza with a strike. He works the ribs of Garza with big right hands. Show lands a huge chop to the chest. Ivar tags in now and looks for a suplex but Garza fights away. Andrade now tags in. He and Garza argue for a moment and this allows Ivar to ays on the offensive. Big Show now tags in. It’s not long before he tags Erik. he then uses Erik to crush Andrade. He covers but Andrade kicks out. Orton then takes Garza to the outside and chokes him against the barricade. He threatens Garza and tells him to get his act together before he puts his ass in the dirt.
As Raw returns, Andrade has Ivar in a chin lock before backing him into the corner. Orton now tags in and hammers away on Ivar. Garza tags in and continues beating down Ivar with the help of Orton. Ivar is able to work away from Garza and tag Erik. Erik hits him with a huge knee. Andrade is then sent to the floor. Garza fights back and backs Erik into the corner. Orton now tags in and hits Erik with a series of uppercuts. Andrade now tags in and stomps on Erik again with an assist from Orton. Andrade hits a huge kick. He then lands a suplex but Erik kicks out of the cover. Garza now tags in and hits a chop on Erik in the corner. Erik gets caught on the second turnbuckle and he is hit with a knee. Garza hits a chop and tags Andrade. Andrade uses the ropes for leverage as he chokes Erik. Andrade keeps control of Erik and tags Garza. Garza chokes Erik.
He then distracts the ref to allow Andrade and Orton to take cheap shots. Erik is able to fight back and tag in Big Show. Show goes after the now legal Andrade. He stays on offensive and runs through Andrade. Orton tries to sneak an RKO but misses. Orton gets out of the ring and tells Show he will get him. Andrade now works a sleeper hold. Show is able to throw Andrade off over his shoulder. Ivar and Garza now tag in. Ivar takes out Garza and tags in Garza. They look for the Viking Experience but Andrade saves Garza, Orton tags in and hits the RKO outta nowhere on Erik. He covers and gets the 1 2 3. Big Show then tries to get to Orton but Orton gets out of the ring before he can.
Winners: Andrade & Angel Garza & Randy Orton
My Opinion:
I really loved how hard-hitting this match was. The big story here though is that Orton showed he still can strike from anywhere and get the job done. This is exactly what Big Show has to watch out for. It is clear now Orton is going to pick his spot and if Show isn’t careful Orton will take him out. It is not an easy thing to take out Big Show but Orton seems like he has a plan and this one isn’t about victories but instead proving points.

Backstage Segment: The IIconics (Billie Kay & Peyton Royce) & Ruby Riott
Peyton tells Billie she can’t even explain how excited she is to watch her beat up Ruby Riott. They then make fun of Ruby and bring up how Liv isn’t answering her phone calls. They then call her loser but here comes Ruby Riott from behind. Riott says she doesn’t know where Liv is. She says her focus though is on both of them and when all is said and done it won’t be iconic, it will be tragic.

Backstage Segment: MVP & Cedric Alexander
MVP tells Cedric it takes a lot of heart to stand up to him and Lashley. He then asks Cedric why he is holding himself back and asks Cedric why he is content being Ricochet’s sidekick. Cedric tells him he sees what he is trying to do and he’s not trying to hear it. MVP tells Cedric if he is content being the sidekick and watching from the sideline, well he won’t be in the hurt business but instead the catering business. He tells him that’s where he is going to sit for the rest of his career watching others be successful.

Backstage Segment: Randy Orton & Ric Flair
Flair hypes up Orton for taking out Edge and Christian and now going after Big Show. Orton tells him a victory is a victory but… R-Truth now comes out of nowhere and accuses Ric Flair of being Tozawa. Tozawa runs up on him and Orton asks if they are looking for R-Truth. He then sends them in a different discretion and helps save Truth.

Match 6: Ruby Riott vs Billie Kay w/ Peyton Royce
Kay quickly gets on the offensive and hits a big boot on Riott. She covers but Riott is able to kick out. Kay now gets her in the corner and stomps away. She then uses her boot to choke Riott. She picks up Riott from the mat and lands a huge suplex. She covers but Riott kicks out. Kay now works a bow and arrow submission. Riott is able to break the rip and work a cover. Kay kicks out. Riott now hits her in the face. Kay tries to turn it around but Riott hits her with a back elbow. Riott now sends Kay into the middle turnbuckle. With the help of the distraction, Kay is able to damage the throat of Riott. She then drives her down on her tailbone. She covers and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Billie Kay
My Opinion:
Once again Ruby Riott gets screwed over and it is very apparent now that she needs someone standing next to her. Ruby has tried to go on her own but there is no denying she was her best when she had people by her side. I hope she is able to find herself and find someone who can stand with her. Ruby has a lot to offer and she needs to get back on her game and back to being as great as she was. She very well could be a future champion if she can weather the course and find that edge she once had.

Backstage Segment: Bayley & Sasha Banks
Charly asks Bayley if the stakes are higher after Asuka’s challenge that if she wins she and Sane get a title shot. Bayley jokes that Asuka has no chance of winning tonight and she will slap her green face paint into next Monday. Banks then accepts the challenge. Bayley says she will prove she is the best champion in WWE.

Match 7: Asuka w/ Kairi Sane vs Bayley w/ Sasha Banks:
If Asuka wins she and Kairi Sane get a Women’s Tag Team Championship Match
***Before the match, Nikki Cross has made her way to ringside and joined the commentary team. Banks and Bayley come out and have a war of words with Cross before they get in the ring.
As the match begins Bayley gets an early advantage. She is able to work a side headlock and stays in control. Asuka fights back and knocks Bayley down to the mat. Asuka looks for an armbar but Bayley rolls to the outside. Bayley comes back and hits Asuka as she tries to come to the floor. Bayley takes a cheap shot at Cross and Cross tries to attack Bayley but security pulls her away. Bayley laughs and then comes off the apron at Asuka but she is met with a knee as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Asuka sends Bayley off the ropes and hits a hip toss. Bayley fights back and is able to layout Asuka on the mat. Bayley brings Asuka to her feet. She flies off the second turnbuckle and sends her flying. Bayley tries to cover but Asuka kicks out. Bayley tries more covers but again Asuka fights out of it. Bayley works a submission but Asuka fights to her feet. Bayley takes her back down to the mat and tries to put her away but Asuka kicks out. Bayley again tries to put her away but still, Asuka stays in this one. Asuka is then sent to the floor. Banks looks for a cheap shot but Sane backs her off. Asuka takes down Bayley on the floor. She brings her in the ring and covers but Bayley kicks out.
Asuka hits Bayley with a series of strikes before hitting the rearview. She covers but Bayley kicks out. Bayley fights out of a suplex now. She sends Asuka into the corner but Asuka adjusts and hits a missile dropkick off the turnbuckle. She covers but Bayley kicks out. Bayley now tries to run away but Asuka chases her back in. Bayley now uses the bottom rope to slow up Asuka. Bayley then uses the ropes to snap the neck of Asuka. Bayley covers but Asuka kicks out. Bayley grabs Asuka from the floor and throws her in the ring. Bayley again tries a cover but Asuka kicks out. Bayley throws her to the floor again. Bayley then bounces Asuka off the announcer’s table and is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Bayley works the neck of Asuka. She takes her down to the mat and bounces her head off of it. Bayley now uses the ropes to again soften up the neck of Asuka. Bayley gets her in the corner now but Asuka fights back with elbow strikes. Bayley knocks her back down and hits her with a cheap shot. Bayley covers but Asuka stays in it. Bayley hits a back elbow. Asuka fights back with shots to the midsection. Bayley tales her back down and rubs her elbow into the face of Asuka. Bayley taunts Asuka but Asuka fights back with big rights and lefts. Asuka lands a kick to the face. Asuka hits double knees and is in control. Asuka hits a dropkick and follows with a knee to the face. Asuka then hits the release German suplex. Asuka hits the hip attack. She covers but Bayley kicks out. Asuka hits Bayley with kicks to the back. Bayley catches her in the ropes now. Asuka fights back and hits a spinning back fist. Asuka then knocks Bayley to the floor. Bayley gets up and grabs her on the apron and sends her crashing down. Asuka comes back and lands a big dropkick. She tries to put her away but Bayley kicks out. Asuka and Bayley now fight on the apron. Asuka lands a kick. Bayley comes back and sends her into the turnbuckle. Bayley takes control on the floor and brings Asuka back into the ring. Bayley then tales a cheapshot on Sane. Sane distracts the ref by accident. This allows Banks to hit Asuka with a knee. Bayley hits the suplex and covers but somehow Asuka kicks out. Bayley now has Banks get her a bottle of water. Bayley then spits the water into the face of Asuka. Nikki Cross comes from the crowd and distracts Bayley. Asuka works the Asuka lock. Sane takes out Banks on the floor. Asuka now works a cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Asuka
My Opinion:
This was a really good match between these. I loved how back and forth this one was and even with two people at ringside things stayed pretty even. Asuka proved a lot in this one because a win over Bayley is a big deal. Asuka continues to prove not only why she is a champion but why she is a strong champion. We will see now if Asuka and Sane can go on and win the tag team championships next week as well. I think if Asuka and Sane can do that they would completely crush the confidence of Sasha and Bayley. Next week will be a proving ground for Sasha and Bayley as they could lose all they have now just as quickly in two weeks’ time.

Final Thoughts:
This was another good Raw, there was a lot of good story development and I’m beyond excited for some of these rivalry showdowns that we will see soon. I liked the way Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler’s story developed tonight. This got me even more excited about what this match stipulation could be, given how scared Ziggler was. You’d think he really is going to pull out a good one in order to try and gain an edge over McIntyre. On the same note, I loved the rivalry between Mysterio and Rollins. It’s nice to see a story that is taking so much time to take shape and that has many moving parts to it. It’s something I look forward to each week and now at Extreme Rules it seems will get something really good between these two. I’m not sure what to expect but as always I’m excited to see what comes next!
I also really like how Big Show and Orton have stayed away from each other and it’s more about mind games for Orton. The lack of physicality really makes you want to see this more. I can’t even imagine what Randy Orton has planned for Big Show but I’m so excited for these two to finally lock up here soon. It’s only a matter of time before this one explodes. I really liked the main event as Bayley and Asuka battled it out. I’m super excited for next week’s tag title match and the winners of that will gain a lot of momentum heading into Extreme Rules so there will be a ton at stake! Overall it was another good night for Raw and I can’t wait for the continued build to Extreme Rules next week. I hope everyone stays safe and healthy and enjoys NXT (The Great American Bash Part 2) & SmackDown this week!
Overall Rating: 5.5/10