Raw Review 07/09/2018

Tonight is the Go-Home Edition of Monday Night Raw before this Sunday’s Extreme Rules PPV. The time for talk is almost over as Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley will face off in just 6 days but who will be able to gain the last minute advantage heading into this highly anticipated match? Plus, after failing again to run from Braun Strowman will Kevin Owens finally be forced to have a match with The Monster Among Men? Alexa Bliss now knows she has to face Nia Jax in an Extreme Rules Match and Ronda Rousey will be at ringside for it. With all the odds stacked against the Raw Women’s Champion, how will she prepare going into this Sunday? Finn Balor and Constable Baron Corbin have come to blows as of late, but what will happen next as the two now have a match set for Extreme Rules? Finally, with 6 days left how will Seth Rollins prepare to beat the odds as he looks to reclaim the Intercontinental Championship against Dolph Ziggler in an Iron Man Match this Sunday?

Raw comes to us tonight from the TD Garden in Boston.

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

Backstage Segment:
Lashley asks where Reigns is going. Reigns says he’s going out to his ring. Lashley tells him to call him out because if he does he’s not coming to talk, he’s coming to tear him apart. Lashley then tells him to carry on.

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
Reigns tells that after this week there is a whole lot he could come out and talk about but he’s never had anyone stare in his face and tell him to call them out. He tells that he’s curious to see what he can do, he tells Lashley to get his ass out here cause he’s calling him out. Outcomes Bobby Lashley!
Kurt Angle comes out and tells them to hold on. He tells them it’s not gonna happen tonight and to save it for this Sunday. Reigns and Lashley then trade rights and lefts. Lashley gets Reigns in the corner and unloads but outcomes the Raw locker room to separate them. Lashley and Reigns fight them off and go back at each other. Finally, they a separated. Lashley breaks free and goes right back at Reigns. Reigns then rolls out of the ring. More of locker room comes out and Reigns and Lashley continue to try to fight out. Lashley goes back for Reigns but again they are separated. Lashley breaks free one more time and Lashley knocks Reigns right to the floor. Lashley picks up Reigns and throws him into the ring but he’s prevented from entering himself. Reigns gets up and flies over the ropes taking out everyone. Reigns breaks out form the superstars and sprints down the ramp jumping on Lashley again.
My Opinion:
I love Raw starting off this way! It’s been so long since we’ve seen such a heated rivalry and this reminded me of how things used to be. This is how you get people excited for a match and I know it got me pumped up. Lashley and Reigns are gonna have a straight fight this Sunday and I can’t wait to see what happens. These are two superstars who can be considered the top guy and in just 6 days we will find out exactly who stands on top of Raw!!!
Backstage Segment:

Mickie says that was crazy. Alexa tells Mickie what happened out there is nothing that will compare to the pain and destruction they will bring to Natalya and Nia Jax.

Match 1: Alexa Bliss & Mickie James vs Nia Jax & Natalya
Bliss and Jax start the match but Bliss quickly tags James. James is thrown and Natalya comes in. Jax and Natalya work James but James is able to fight out and tags Bliss. Bliss comes in but Natalya takes it to her. On the outside, Natalya takes out Bliss and James. Bliss is thrown back in the ring but goes to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, James slams Natalya to the mat and then hits her with a big knee. Bliss gets the tag and lands a huge slap on Natalya. Bliss works a chinlock and brings Natalya to the mat. Natalya is able to fight out but Bliss lands a big kick. Bliss then hammers on her and goes for a cover but Natalya kicks out. Bliss lands a big kick in the corner and then tags James. They try a double team but Bliss is hit with an elbow. Jax gets the tag and takes out Mickie. James comes back with two big kicks but Jax hits her with a big headbutt and slams her to the mat. Jax then lands a big press slam. Jax hits the leg drop and gets the 1 2 3. From behind Bliss hits Jax with a kendo stick and swings away. Jax is able to grab it from her and Bliss runs out of the ring. Jax breaks the kendo stick and stands tall on the apron.
Winners: Nia Jax & Natalya
My Opinion:
Nia Jax looked fired up tonight. Bliss and James worked well in this match but the problem was they did most of the damage to Natalya which won’t help Bliss this Sunday. Bliss tried getting one over after the match but one Jax took control Bliss ran. This Sunday if Jax is firing on all cylinders I think it’s gonna be hard for Bliss to retain. On the same note, whoever wins this Sunday will have Ronda Rousey waiting for them. We’ll see if Bliss has some tricks up her sleeve to pull off the big victory but Jax showed tonight she is ready!

Backstage Segment:
Charly goes over things that Bliss has done to Nia. Nia says she doesn’t need the reminder and says she has tried to wear her down but it won’t work. She says Bliss can’t break her but she can. She says she won’t forget what she did and she will crush her inch by crushing inch and is gonna take back her Raw Women’s Championship.

Backstage Segment:
Angle asks Owens what he’s doing. Owens says he’s here for work and despite the vendetta he has against him he’s still here. Owens tells Angle he can’t fire him because he has connections. He says he thinks Angle puts Strowman on him because he doesn’t like him. Owens gives Angle a doctors note saying he’s not clear to compete tonight but he’s still here cause he’s a professional. Owens says he’s gonna hang out in the one place he’s safe which is in his office so he’ll be here all night long.

Match 2: Mojo Rawley vs No Way Jose
Rawley backs Jose to the ropes and has to back off. Jose hits him with big forearm shots. Rawley tries to take him down but Jose locks in a choke hold. Rawley is then able to slam Jose. Rawley hits a big shoulder tackle but it’s not enough for the 3. Rawley then hits Jose with big shots to the body. Rawley gets Jose in the corner and hits him with a big spear. Rawley then lands a suplex but again it’s not enough to put away Jose. Rawley then slams Jose and works a chinlock. Jose works to a vertical base and takes down Rawley. Jose sends him to the floor but Rawley comes right back in. Rawley hits a splash and follows with a big right but Jose kicks out of the cover. Rawley then goes back to the submission hold. Jose catches him with an elbow and then a knee to follow. Jose hits a big right and more shots to follow. Jose then hits a big clothesline but Rawley kicks out of the pin. Jose tries to get to Rawley in the corner but Rawley catches him and hits a big Alabama Slam. Rawley goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Mojo Rawley
My Opinion:
Rawley looked very impressive tonight with his strength and athleticism. Jose put up a fight but Rawley clearly was overpowering. Rawley showed great speed in the ring and given more time I think he can put on a great match. It’ll be interesting to see if after this he moves away from Jose and continues to get matches on Raw against more of the top-tier talents.

Backstage Segment:
Mahal tells Rollins life is beautiful and instead of burning it down he could find inner peace. Rollins says maybe when he’s burning it down he’s actually burning pieces of his soul. Mahal then tells him to follow his lead as he goes into the Shanti chant.

In Ring Segment: Seth Rollins
Rollins starts by saying Boston always knows how to party. Rollins says over the years you guys have given me some pretty sweet nicknames but the only moniker that matters is former Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins. He says the good news is he has the opportunity to change that. He tells how he will face Dolph Ziggler this Sunday for 30 minutes and whoever gets the most victories in that time will leave the iron man and the champion. He says Dolph is no joke but that’s okay because he likes testing himself against the best. He says the problem is he’ll be bringing Mcintyre with him too. He says that’s okay because he’s still Seth Fricken Rollins. Outcomes Dolph Ziggler and Drew Mcintyre.
Dolph says thanks for the kind words. He tells him he’s not gonna just bring his abilities and good looks and Mcintyre with him but he’s also gonna bring the Intercontinental Championship. He says don’t think he won’t be walking out still the champion. Mcintyre says at least he will still have his nicknames plus a painful lose where he will get a glimpse of the future of this place. Ziggler says he is still the man and one of the greatest wrestlers to step in that ring but he’s no Dolph Ziggler. He says he so good he might win 5-0, 10-0, 500-0. Rollins says all the bleach might be getting to him. Ziggler says he has great jokes. Ziggler says here’s the reality check he needed because you don’t win by doing what you do in a CrossFit gym, you win by racking up victory after victory. Ziggler then mentions all his victories in college standing at 121 wins. Mcintyre tells Rollins to check his resume and he’s going straight to where he belongs. Rollins says he’s going wherever Dolph tells him to go. Rollins then asks why he’s letting Ziggler lead him around. Rollins then jokes and says oh Ziggler knows his secrets and says Drew there’s only so many sheep to go around in Scotland. Ziggler says it’s not gonna be funny when they leave him in the dust. Mcintyre says if he wants to call himself the man let’s see how much of a man he really is. Mcintyre tells him to fight him tonight. Rollins tells him if he wants a fight he’s got one but he better be careful cause he’s a bad man. Mcintyre goes after him but Rollins rolls out of the ring.
My Opinion:
I love the rivalry between Ziggler and Rollins. Their matches have been awesome and this Sunday will be no different. I love the jokes Rollins had tonight but he definitely needs to get serious if he’s gonna win the title back. Mcintyre continues to be the X-Factor in all of this so tonight if Rollins can beat him I think that will give him a good psychological advantage. Rollins has a lot riding on tonight but he better make sure he doesn’t end up hurt as he will need to be 100% especially for an Iron Man Match.

Match 3: Bo Dallas w/ Curtis Axel vs Matt Hardy w/ Bray Wyatt
Hardy goes right after Dallas and backs him in corner driving his shoulder into his midsection. Hardy then bounces Dallas off the turnbuckle. Hardy works the arm of Dallas but Dallas fights out with big elbow shots. Dallas lands a big right hand but Hardy fights back. Hardy lands a big elbow sending Dallas to the outside. Hardy meets him out there and lands a huge suplex on the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Hardy hits Dallas with big elbow shots to the back of the neck. Hardy works the neck of Dallas. Dallas tries to fight to his feet but Hardy knocks him down. Hardy backs Dallas to the ropes and continues to hit him with big shots. Hardy then sends Dallas into the ropes and it knocks Dallas to the floor. Hardy again goes to the outside and turns Dallas inside out. Hardy then heaves Dallas into the barricade. Dallas tries to fight back but Hardy grabs him. Hardy tries a side effect but Dallas fights it off. In the ring, Hardy goes to for another one and this time delivers. Hardy brings Dallas to the ropes in looks for a suplex to the floor. Dallas fights it off and is able to plant Hardy on the mat from the top rope. Dallas goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Wyatt slams Axel and Hardy hits Dallas with a Twist of Fate.
Winner: Bo Dallas
My Opinion:
Another big win in the favor of the B-Team. Hardy really took it to Dallas tonight and looked very focused but Dallas took the one moment of destruction and turned it into a victory. Of course after the match, Hardy and Wyatt showed them what they can do, but this Sunday if the B-Team gest that one moment they could pull off the huge victory. Hardy and Wyatt seem like they are ready for the fun and games to be over so the B-Team better be prepared, I’d say they have an advantage but right now all they know is they can beat Hardy. Wyatt is gonna be the one they really need to be worried about.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Lashley about his mindset heading into such a heated match. Lashley says he has zero respect for Reigns, he says he doesn’t like how he walks and talks and how he thinks he’s the sheriff of Raw. He says what he does like is he’s willing to fight him. He says when he walks into Extreme Rules to fight him Roman Reigns won’t walk out.

Match 4: Liv Morgan w/ Sarah Logan vs Ember Moon
The two lock up to start the match and Morgan is able to get around on her. Moon reverses but can’t get much advantage. Morgan tries to flip her but Moon reverses. Moon tries a kick but Morgan is able to get out of the way. Moon goes after her but Morgan goes to the outside to regroup. Moon goes to the outside and backs up Morgan and Logan as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Morgan hammers on Moon with big elbow shots. Morgan then spikes Moon on the mat but can’t get the 3 on the cover. Morgan then goes to the chinlock on the mat. Morgan then uses Moon’s arms to further apply the choke. Moon works to her feet but Morgan jumps on her back. Moon then slams Morgan down to create separation. Moon side steps Morgan but Morgan then hits a bridge to evade her. Morgan then slams her to the mat. Moon fights back and sends Morgan face first into the turnbuckle. Moon lands a big knee and another to follow. Moon lifts Morgan and lands a huge fallaway slam. Logan gets on the apron but Moon takes her out. Morgan tries to take advantage but Moon stacks up with a jackknife cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Ember Moon
My Opinion:
Huge win for Ember tonight. I liked the aggression of Morgan again this week but again she couldn’t get the job done. Ember is no joke but it also seems the Riott Squad has become a little lost without Ruby. I’m sure when Ruby is back Ember will be on her list of people to face. Ember though walks away victorious and continues to show why she is one of the best on the roster.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Balor if Corbin has affected his mindset. Roode jumps in and says he and Balor are cut from the same cloth. He says they are unstoppable in that ring and Corbin can say what he wants but there is no better than Balor in that ring. He says when it’s all said and done they’re gonna be victorious. Balor says tonight the constable is gonna find out he’s not half of anything. He says he and Roode could stand here and talk but they’re not Corbin and they like to do their talking in the ring.

Backstage Segment:
Owens tells Angle to get some plants or scented candles. Angle tells Mcintyre and Ziggler that if he loses tonight against Rollins he will be banned from ringside at Extreme Rules. Mcintyre says it’s fine because he assures him he’s not getting through this mountain tonight.

Match 5: Elias & “Constable” Baron Corbin vs Finn Balor & Bobby Roode
As Raw returns, Corbin lands a big shot to Roode. Roode fights back and lands big chops on Corbin. Corbin prevents Roode from making the tag and he then tags Elias. Roode hits a drop toe hold and locks in a chinlock on Elias. Elias tries to fight out but Roode hits a side Russian leg sweep and takes him to the mat. Roode tries a cover but Elias kicks out. Roode then gets him in the corner and hits him with big chops. Roode looks for the Glorious DDT but Corin provides the distraction. Elias then lands a huge knee. Corbin gets the tag and works Roode with a choke hold. Corbin continues to work the neck of Roode as he struggles to fight out. Roode finally gets to a vertical base and hits Corbin in the midsection. Corbin turns it around and throws him in the corner. Corbin again prevents the tag and plants Roode. Elias and Balor get the tags and Balor takes out Elias. Balor hits a double stomp and Elias goes to the outside. Elias comes from behind off the distraction and pushes Balor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin lands a vicious uppercut to Balor. Corbin tries the cover but Balor kicks out. Elias gets the tag and locks in a chinlock. Balor makes it to his feet and tries to fight out. Elias throws him in the corner but Balor fights out. Balor then sends Elias to the apron. Corbin gets the tag but is hit with the Sling Blade. Roode comes in off the tag and takes it to Corbin. Roode tries to build momentum but is hit with a chokeslam. Corbin can’ get the 3 on the cover. Roode comes off the second rope and hits the blockbuster but Elias breaks up the cover. Outside Balor and Corbin trade rights and lefts. Balor goes to the top but Corbin drops him. Corbin though is then sent into the ring post. Roode hits a spinebuster on Elias but Corbin comes from behind and hits End of Days. Corbin goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Elias & “Constable” Baron Corbin
My Opinion:
Corbin continues to look so good! Elias and Corbin made a great team and I was surprised with how well they worked together. Roode and Balor tried to have the flashy offense but Corbin and Elias kept them grounded. Once again Corbin showed Balor he can get the job done and this Sunday Balor is gonna have to fight. Like Coach said, this could be a match that steals the show.

Backstage Segment:
Strowman comes in and Owens tells him to keep him away from him. Angle says this Sunday the two of them will be in a steel cage match. Strowman tells Owens he reeks of fear.

Backstage Segment:
Reigns says he had no respect for Bobby until he saw the fire in him tonight. He tells that Bobby can’t beat him because he has that killer instinct. He says he’s beat Lashley and move onto bigger and better things. He says Bob will be the guy but somewhere else.

Match 6: Seth Rollins vs Drew Mcintyre w/ Dolph Ziggler:
If Mcintyre loses he is banned from ringside at Extreme Rules
The two lock up and Mcintyre backs Rollins into the corner. Mcintyre and Rollins lock up again and Rollins is pushed to the mat. Rollins lands a big right hand and more to follow. Rollins gets a side headlock and doesn’t let go. Mcintyre is able to lift Rollins and hits him with a shoulder tackle. Mcintyre takes Rollins to the mat with a side headlock of his own. Rollins is able to land a dropkick but Mcintyre comes back with a shoulder tackle. Mcintyre then slams Rollins to the mat but Rollins kicks out of the pin. Mcintyre toys with him and then wrenches on Rollins arm. Rollins fights out but Mcintyre slams Rollins again. Mcintyre tries a cover but gets a 2 count. Mcintyre then goes to an abdominal stretch. Rollins gets to his feet but is sent right back to the mat by a wicked clothesline. Mcintyre lands a huge chop on Rollins and then goes back to working on the arm. Rollins fights out but again Mcintyre hits him with big shots. Rollins buys time by sending Mcintyre to the floor. Rollins then goes for a suicide dive but is caught and driven into the apron as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rollins tries to create space from Mcintyre. Mcintyre doesn’t give and throws Rollins across the ring. Mcintyre tries a cover but Rollins kicks out. Mcintyre gets him in the corner and lands a huge chop. Mcintyre then goes back to the arm of Rollins. Rollins is able to create space but Mcintyre comes right back. Rollins catches him with a knee and then sends him into the turnbuckle. Rollins comes with chops and tries to knock Mcintyre down. Rollins then lands the Sling Blade. Rollins hits a suicide dive and another to follow knocking Mcintyre to the floor. Rollins hits a clothesline off the top rope but can’t get the 3 on the cover. Rollins hits Mcintyre with big elbow shots. Rollins catches him with a boot and then hits the blockbuster off the second rope. Rollins goes for the cover but Mcintyre kicks out. Rollins lands a big kick but then misses on the stomp. Mcintyre is able to grab Rollins and plants him face first on the mat. Rollins kicks out of the pin attempt. Rollins tries a roll-up but Mcintyre kicks out. Mcintyre is able to avoid Rollins and hits a sit down powerbomb. Once again Rollins kicks out of the cover. Rollins is able to escape Mcintyre on the top rope. Rollins hits a step up enziguri and Mcintyre gets hung up in the rope. Rollins goes to the top but is thrown off by Mcintyre. Rollins is able to land a superkick and then hits the falcon arrow. Rollins grabs Mcintyre but is hit with a huge headbutt. Mcintyre goes for the cover but Rollins kicks out. Mcintyre lifts Rollins and brings him to the second rope. Rollins fights off and hits a buckle bomb. Rollins then hits a huge kick. Rollins goes to the top and has to take out Ziggler. Rollins then flies and takes out Mcintyre. Rollins tries a cover but he kicks out. Ziggler gets involved again and this time it allows Mcintyre to hits the Claymore. Mcintyre goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
This was an awesome way to end the night! I was so impressed with the performance that Mcintyre put on, his strength is unbelievable. Rollins really had to grind cause Mcintyre wore him down inch by inch. Unfortunately for Rollins tonight is a look into the future cause he’s gotta deal with both of them again this Sunday. This would’ve been a huge win for him but 2 against 1 just isn’t the best odds. Rollins is gonna have to bring is a game and more to win back the title. It’s times like this I wish Dean Ambrose was back to even the odds but it looks as though Rollins is gonna have to overcome them instead.

Final Thoughts:
First, I loved how Raw started tonight! It was amazing to see a heated rivalry again like this, Lashley and Reigns really went after each other and it was awesome. That to me is how you hype a match and I can’t wait to see these two go at it on Sunday!!! Also, I was very impressed by Nia Jax tonight. She came ready to fight and she looks locked in heading into Extreme Rules. Alexa Bliss did her best to get one over on her but Nia was ready and this Sunday Bliss won’t be able to run anymore. The B-Team picked up another huge victory tonight but as Bo Dallas beat Matt Hardy but Hardy and Wyatt finally got one back over on them. Wyatt has been the one these two haven’t really seen and although they can beat Hardy, Wyatt is a whole new ballgame and he put the fear back into the B-team tonight. I was very impressed with Baron Corbin again tonight, he continues to be so dominant and I love the role he’s in. He is hard hitting and this Sunday Balor is gonna have to fight. Balor will be ready but if he allows Corbin to get an advantage early it’s gonna be tough for him to pull out a win, either way, I can’t wait! Finally, Mcintyre took it to Rollins tonight and showed he is focused and definitely better than ever. Rollins did his best to fight but the numbers game is something he just hasn’t been able to overcome. He’s gonna have to come up with some master plan for this Sunday or once again he’s gonna fall victim to Ziggler and Mcintyre. One thing’s for sure I can’t wait for this Sunday!!!
Overall Rating: 6.7/10