Raw Review 07/03/2017

Tonight is the Go Home Edition of Monday Night Raw before this Sunday’s Great Balls of Fire pay per view! The Beast is on Raw tonight, but will he even the score with Samoa Joe before their epic clash? Last week Sasha Banks earned the spot as #1 Contender. Can The Boss knock the Goddess off her pedestal? Braun Strowman laid waste to Roman Reigns last week. Can Roman get some payback before Sunday, or does Braun have The Big Dog’s number heading into their ambulance match? Big Cass took out Enzo again last week. How can Enzo rebound from the split? Plus the rivalry is heating up between Seth Rollins and Bray Wyatt. Which one will gain more of an edge before their two worlds meet?

Raw is live tonight from the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, AZ

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

In Ring Segment: Enzo Amore
Enzo goes over all the things that have happened to him this past year, as Cass had his back. He says Cass never had his back and was looking right passed him. He states his mind and his mouth are about to go platinum. He tells that week after week he gets up after he has been knocked down. He tells Cass he never had his back. Enzo asks what’s the worst thing Cass could do to him? He says with sincerity in his heart, he is one of the toughest guys to step through those ropes in a long long time. He says he knows who he is and doesn’t have to be something he’s not. He tells that he is a Certified G and exactly himself. He tells that he is confident and grateful because he is a real one. He tells about his father and how he is grateful for him. He goes on to tell that he is grateful for every kid that is a fan of him and they are the reason why he always gets back up. He says he has never dug himself a hole he can’t get out of. He says he is going straight to the top. He tells he has climbed out of holes way taller than 7 feet. He tells Cass that he is nothing more than a 7 foot catchphrase that he wrote. He states that there is no one who goes harder bouncing a check than him. He questions Cass saying he is where the money’s at, and tells him that his check will read 0 dimes. He tells Cass that is unless he wears a shirt that says Cass-hole. Enzo says he and Cass were ride and die and that part of him is dead. He says Cass opened his eyes and from now on he will be him and that’s all he can be, it’s all eyes on him.
My Opinion:
Enzo was killer tonight. That promo was very heartfelt and he made you feel every word. Enzo is definitely a talker and if he doesn’t cut it as a singles wrestler, I could see him as a manger. He and Big Cass have done great and getting this rivalry hot so quick. I think Cass will win, and I don’t know how great the match will be, but this build up has been pretty great.

Backstage Segment:
Cass is asked for his reaction, Cass tells that after Sunday he won’t be walking the walk because he won’t be walking at all. He says he is where the money is and he is the star. Cass is then attacked from behind by Enzo. The two have to be separated.

Match 1: Sasha Banks & Bayley vs Alexa Bliss & Nia Jax
Bayley and Nia start the match. Nia quickly picks up Bayley, but sets her down. She knocks Bayley to the ground, but Bayley fights back. Bayley tries to punch her, but Nia drops her on the apron. Bayley is able to land kicks to Nia, but Nia quickly turns it back around driving Bayley to the mat. Bayley lands a kick and tags Sasha. Sasha lands a double dropkick. Nia stays on her feet and picks up Sasha. Sasha fights out and dropkicks Nia to the outside. Nia gets on the apron and takes out Bayley. She drives her into the barricade as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Alexa has Sasha grounded. We are informed that Bayley has been taken to the back. Sasha is able to amount offense and drive Alexa in the corner. She takes Alexa to the ground, but can’t get the three count. Alexa is able to stun Sasha. Sasha is thrown in the corner, but she takes out Nia. Sasha drives alexa in the corner, but misses on double knees. Nia gets the tag and hits a backbreaker on Sasha. She then delivers an elbow to Sasha. Alexa gets the tag and hangs Sasha up on the ropes. Nia gets the tag again and kicks Sasha in the gut. Sasha tries to fight back, but is taken down by a back elbow. Nia gets Sasha in a bear hug. Sasha uses elbow strikes to fight back. Nia doesn’t take kindly and throws Sasha. Alexa gets the corner and stands on Sasha. Alexa goes for the cover, but gets only a two. Alexa pulls on Sasha’s arms and continues to punish her. Sasha tries punching Alexa, but Alexa keeps fighting. Alexa misses on a double knee attempt. Sasha is able to hit a knee to Alexa. Sasha knocks Nia off the apron. Sasha gets Alexa in the Banks Statement, and Alexa taps out.
Winners: Sasha Banks & Bayley
My Opinion:
I love Sasha and Alexa being rivals. They’re both so talented and can create magic together. I am really glad Sasha is back in the spotlight again. She did so much for the division and deserved to be treated better. I think Sasha and Alexa is a great feud, but I ultimately hope one day we see a heel turn from Sasha. For now though Alexa and Sasha is a great story and they will deliver this Sunday.

Backstage Segment:
Kurt Angle is approached by Braun Strowman. Braun asks what will happen if Roman can’t compete. Kurt says Roman will be there. Braun says he won’t be there Sunday and tells Kurt he wants competition. Kurt says Roman will be there, but says he has a whole locker room of talent, but thinks no one wants to face Braun. Braun tells him he better find someone.

Match 2: Cedric Alexander vs Noam Dar
*** Before the match cedric grabs a mic and says he feel like a broken record. He tells Noam Dar to walk down the aisle and he is gonna send him back to alicia Fox with a matching neck brace. Out comes Dar and Alicia Fox.
Cedric pounds on dar in the corner. Dar is able to send Cedric to the apron. Cedric flies off the ropes and takes out Dar. Dar rolls to the outside. Back in the ring Dar catches Cedric with a kick to the mid-section. Dar stomps on Cedric’s arm. Dar continues to work the arm of Cedric and grounds him on the mat. Cedric tries to fight out, but Dar wrenches on his arm. Cedric is able to catch Dar with a back elbow. Dar tries to roll up Cedric, but cedric hits the Lumbar Check for the win.
Winner: Cedric Alexander
My Opinion:
I really enjoy Cedric. I think he is so great and to be honest I think he should be getting a shot at the title. I can’t believe the whole story of Dar and Fox is still going on though. I just don’t see Dar going anywhere with it. Cedric shows every time that he is very talented, and to be honest I think they need to get him away from Dar and Fox and allow him to wrestle big time matches against guys like Perkins, Neville, and Aries. To me Cedric is right there with them.

In Ring Segment: Miz TV 
Miz tells that last week he rocked the ratings with the Ball family. He says he exposed the Ball family for who they are and says Lonzo will be the biggest bust in history. He tells that he knows talented and that’s why he too Axel and Dallas. He says Lavar ball embarrassed himself last week. He says it’s amazing that they wanted Ambrose to represent The Big Baller brand. Miz states that Ambrose represents wasted potential. Miz tells that Ambrose was suppose to be great when he got here and he had promise, but everyone was wrong. He says Ambrose has become wacky and states that Ambrose can’t handle success. Miz goes on to tell how everytime Ambrose had the top spot he caved under the pressure. Miz says it is his job to keep the Intercontinental Title relevant. Miz says the biggest joke of them all will be Dean Ambrose. Out comes Dean.
Ambrose says after last week he thought we’d never see a Miz Tv again. Ambrose tells Miz that everything he says is true. Ambrose says Miz should know that he doesn’t care if he has bodyguards, and Miz should know he is gonna want his rematch. He tells Miz it’d be hilarious if they had that match right now. Heath Slater and Rhyno come out.
Slater says that the last man to beat Miz in the ring was himself. He tells that he has never had a shot at the title or any singles title for that matter. He says he has and family and kids and he is sick of telling them that he’s got this. He says he doesn’t know if he has this, but he needs this opportunity, and has earned it. Ambrose tells him to get to the back of the line. Miz tells Ambrose he will get the rematch when he says, and tells Slater that his match won’t happen. Miz says they have a party to attend to and it starts at the strike of midnight. Out comes Kurt Angle.
Angle tells Miz that he doesn’t get to say when and where he competes. Miz tells Kurt to go talk to Corey about his personal problems and stay out of his business. Kurt tells him to watch it. Miz says he is the box office draw. He tells Kurt that he will defend the title this Sunday and tells Kurt to pick an opponent. Kurt says how about both. He says Ambrose will get his shot Sunday, but he will defend against slater right now.
My Opinion:
Miz is awesome. He is a true heel. I love the Miztourage as well. I think those guys are really going to benefit from it and maybe be taken seriously now. Dean is super funny as well. Miz was somewhat right, Ambrose hasn’t always lived up to the potential and as an Ambrose fan it scares me some. I think Ambrose needs to get away from Miz for awhile and work on getting back to a main event spot. Heath Slater was also very funny, I kinda like him getting a match cause that’s what wrestling is all about, guys like him getting a shot. Angle really knows how to lay down the law. I love how serious Kurt takes the job and he shows so much enthusiasm with every announcement.

Match 3: The Miz (c) vs Heath Slater:
Intercontinental Championship Match
The two lockup and Slater quickly rolls him up, but Miz kicks out. Slater wrestles Miz to the ground and escapes Miz’s offense. Slater gets a side headlock in after a failed pin attempt. Miz backs Slater to the ropes and takes a cheap shot. Miz goes to the headlock now and works slater. Miz knocks Slater back to the mat. Slater lands a huge hip toss, but can’t get the three on the pin. Slater then gets a backslide, but Miz kicks out again. Slater tries another roll up, but is unsuccessful again. Miz gets back on offense and knocks Slater to the mat. Miz backs Slater in the corner and tries for a chop, but Slater moves and hammers away on Miz. Slater hits a huge chop and bounces Miz off the turnbuckle. He continues to move him around the ring and continues to take it to Miz. Slaters hits a huge inverted atomic drop. He tries for pin and gets a two. Miz heads to the outside to regroup as raw goes to breal.
As Raw returns Miz is in control. Slater battles back, but Miz hits a neckbreaker. Slater kicks out of the pin. Miz and Slater trade punches, Miz is able to create separation and hit a ddt. Slater kicks out once more on the pin. Miz continues to punish Slater, Slater is thrown out of thring, but Rhyno protects him from the Miztourage. Miz goes to the outside and drives Slater into the barricade. Miz brings Slater back in the ring. Miz hits the it kicks on Slater. Slater ducks the last one and takes Miz to the mat. Slater blocks Miz and hammers away with punches. Slater is able to knock down Miz. He hits a big knee, but is then driven in the corner by Miz. Slater rolls Miz through, but gets a two. Miz is bounced off the turnbuckle and Slater hits a neckbreaker, but it is still not enough. Slater misses in the corner, and Miz hits a running clothesline. Miz goes to the top, but Slater catches him and hits a powerslam from the top rope. Axel distracts the ref, Rhyno takes him down. The Miztourage gains up and takes down Rhyno. Miz capitalizes on the distraction and hits the Skull Crushing Finale for the win.
*** After the match the Miztourage attacks Slater. Ambrose comes to help and tries to take it to Miz, but is attacked from behind. The Miztourage lay waste to Ambrose. Miz finishes with the Skull Crushing Finale.
Winner: The Miz: Still Intercontinental champion
My Opinion:
Not a bad match. I think Slater was really impressive for sure. This match was great in the sense that it put over the Miztourage and continues to build them up. I think Miz could be unstoppable with them for sure. Miz and Ambrose will be good, but again I think even tonight was nice to see Miz face someone different. I give it to Slater though, he is a trooper and I’m glad he got a chance tonight.

Backstage Segment:
Titus approaches Apollo backstage. He asks Apollo if he heard about braun wanting competition. Titus tells him that this is a perfect opportunity for him. Apollo asks if he has seen what he’s done. Titus says he makes stars and reminds him of Kalisto. Titus tries to convince him. Apollo agrees with Titus.

In Ring Segment: Goldust
Goldust quotes Saw “Let the game begin.” He welcomes every to his latest and greatest masterpiece “The Shattered Truth.” He thanks the little people for making this come true. Goldust says he must thank R-Truth the most because without him being naive and his jealousy and selfishness none of this would be possible. He states that with this film he makes Truth a star and the only thing that shines better than a star is gold and that is the Shattered Truth. He rolls the film on the titantron. The film shows Goldust attacking R-Truth last week. In the ring R-Truth attacks Goldust. Truth takes it to Goldust hammering away on him. Goldust is driven into the ringpost and falls to the outside.
My Opinion:
I truly like this feud. It’s cool seeing Goldust back in old form. I think it befits both guys and if they work hard they may be able to pull off a decent match. I don’t really see them as a waste of time, mainly because I just remember Goldust as a legend. It’s amazing how long he has been competing.

Backstage Segment:
Kurt brings in Sheamus and Cesaro and says he has a stipulation for their match on Sunday. E proposes a thirty minute iron man match. Sheamus says that’s the best decision he’s made. Cesaro says they want a match tonight. Kurt proposes Strowman. Cesaro says he wants Finn Balor. Kurt grants the request. Kurt tells Sheamus and Cesaro to be careful what they wish for.

Match 4: Seth Rollins vs Curt Hawkins
Rollins hits big kick on Hawkins. Rollins hits him with a huge knee and is able to get the three on the pin.
*** After the match Rollins tells Wyatt that he is nowhere to be found every time he is looking for a fight. Rollins tells Wyatt that no one needs to be saved. Rollins says his sins he doesn’t ignore, he embraces them and they made him who he is today. Rollins tells Wyatt to be worried about his wrath because there will be a cleansing of his mystic when he proves Wyatt is not a god. Rollins states there will be one question left, is Wyatt a man or a coward?
Winner: Seth Rollins
My Opinion:
I can’t wait for Rollins and Wyatt. Rollins has done such a great job of hyping the match. He and Wyatt are gonna do something great this Sunday. I still question though if Balor would’ve been better to feud with Wyatt. I think that should still happen. Regardless of what they say about Wyatt he still has the power to talk a good talk. I’ll admit Wyatt hasn’t been the best, but I think he and Rollins will benefit from having a great match this Sunday.

Samoa Joe & Brock Lesnar Interview:
Joe tells Cole that no one came here for questions. He says all he’s done is make statements and says he has questions for Lesnar. He asks Heyman how it felt, Lesnar cuts him off and says he is fighting him this Sunday. Lesnar says he is the champ and Joe isn’t and Sunday he walks in and out as champ. Joe says he has gotten to Lesnar every week and Lesnar has done nothing. Lesnar calls Joe a coward. Lesnar tells Joe he has been looking for him not the other way around. Joe says it’s funny Lesnar says he doesn’t fear him, yet they are separated. Lesnar says he understands what Joe is trying to do. Joe says he has beaten the best for twenty years and Brock is next. Joe says they are real big when Joe isn’t around. Joe asks why they are playing around and leaves his chair. Lesnar tells him to come find him. Joe charges through backstage looking for Lesnar. Angle tries to stop Joe. Joe asks where Brock is. He opens the door, but is being held back. Brock taunts him.
My Opinion:
I love this rivalry so much. Joe has been so convincing and really making you believe this could go either way. I love how calm Lesnar was and how that had a real fight feel, like a Lesnar UFC interview. Lesnar has done a great job of selling for Joe and I think this will be one of Lesnar’s best matches in sometime. Especially since they are so alike.

Match 5: Neville vs Mustafa Ali
Ali tries to quickly take it to Neville, Neville uses his great wrestling to take him to the mat. Ali gets back on his feet and locks in a side headlock. The two staroff and Neville takes advantage. Ali gets away and lands a big kick. He follows up with a hurricanrana. Ali dodges Neville in the corner and lands a crossbody from the second rope. Neville throws him in the corner, but is caught by a boot. Ali goes to the top, but Neville catches him. Neville meets him up top and tries for a suplex, but Ali lands on his feet. Ali plants Neville with a ddt and nearly gets the win. Ali brings him to the corner and goes to the top. Neville back up again and pushes Ali off to the outside. Neville heads to the outside and throws Ali back in. Neville brings him to the corner and kicks away. Neville comes again with a huge boot. Neville uses his knees now against Ali. He stomps on his back and continues the assault. Neville sends Ali crashing and burning to the mat. Ali is able to hit a forearm, Neville is sent into the turnbuckle. Neville is able to lock in the rings of saturn and pick up the win.
Winner: Neville
My Opinion:
A very good match between the two. Ali is awesome and very athletic. I love watching Neville work. He works slowly and like a true heel. I think he is great as the champion. I think he is one of the best heels today. I wish Neville had a better match though this Sunday. I think the build up for it hasn’t been great and I’d rather see him against Perkins or Alexander.

Backstage Segment:
Bray Wyatt is shown in the desert. He tells he decided to take control. He says the world is not made up of black and white and no one should have to bow to the light. He says he is the chaos that fuels the fire. He says the fire has burned since he has come to Raw. he tells all the things that have happened since his arrival and says he made it that way. He says he is Bray Wyatt and he is everywhere. He asks Seth if he can hear him. He says he can not be touched, but can be felt by all. He tells Rollins this Sunday he will see or he will burn.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa is asked if she is worried about what happened tonight. Alexa says he is not worried and says it’s strategy and it’s smart. Alexa tells Charly no one cares what she thinks. She tells that she will still be holding the title after Sunday.

Match 6: Finn Balor vs Cesaro
Balor gets a headlock on Cesaro. Cesaro tries to lift him, but Balor continues. Balor takes out Cesaro at the knees. Balor hits him with a right. Balor goes back to the headlock. Cesaro is able to catch balor and slam him. Cesaro is now on the offensive. He lands huge uppercuts in the corner and works Balor. Balor is taken down by a clothesline, but kicks out of the pin. Cesaor works the arm of Balor. Balor tries to create separation and does with a shot to the face. He lands big chops in the corner, Cesaro tries to reverse, but Balor gets back on with the chops. Balor stomps on Cesaro. Balor gets distracted by Sheamus and Cesaro takes control stomping on Balor in the corner. Cesaro chops Balor in the corner. Balor battles back and he now goes back to the chops. Cesaro out of desperation throws Balor out of the ring. As Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Balor tries a sunset flip, but cesaro kicks out of the pin. Cesaro tries a pin of his own, but it is not enough. Cesaro tries for another cover, but Balor kicks out. Cesaro now works the arm of Balor. Balor fights out and strikes Cesaro. Balor goes to the apron and tries to dive in, but he is caught. Cesaro lands a huge vertical suplex, but Balor kicks out at two. Cesaro lands a flying uppercut, but again Balor kicks out. Balor counters Cesaro and hits a stomp to the chest. Balor catches Cesaro with a boot. He builds momentum and flies through the ropes with a dropkick. Balor goes to the apron and kicks Cesaro in the face. Balor brings Cesaro back in the ring. Balor hits the slingblade on Cesaro. Balor is distracted by an approaching Elias Sampson. Cesaro takes advantage with an uppercut. Balor is able to kick out of the pin. Cesaro hits another uppercut and another. Balor is able to catch Cesaro with a kick. Balor tries to fly, but Sampson pulls him down. The hardy’s come and take it to Sampson and Sheamus . Balor throws Cesaro to the outside and Balor dives taking every man out. Balor hammers on Sampson. He goes back to cesaro and is bounced off the apron. Hardy his a twist of fate on Sampson. Sheamus connects with a Brogue. Jeff takes him out. Cesaro takes out Jeff. Balor gets to Cesaro. He hits the Coupe de Grace and is able to get the win.
Winner: Finn Balor
My Opinion:
As a fan of balor it sucks not seeing him get the spots he deserves, but tonight was a very good match. For Finn I think he needs to keep being involved in matches like this to stay tip top for when they are ready to open their eyes and give him the ball. Cesaro is always so great in the ring. Tonight he showed he is still a great singles competitor. This Iron Man tag match will be very interesting. I think this gives these guys a lot of time to prove they are the best.

Match 7: Braun Strowman vs Apollo Crews
*** Before the match Braun says there are few things in this world he likes more than hurting Roman Reigns. He says he likes hurting him, and Roman is to stubborn to stay down. He tells Kurt that if he is right Roman is going to leave exactly how he did last week in the back of the ambulance. Braun says he still wants competition. Out comes Titus.
Titus tells him everyone has a planned until they get punched in the mouth. Titus says the man he is about to bring out is going to be more competition than he will ever get. Titus introduces Apollo.
Apollo tries to bring the fight. Apollo gets a headlock, but Braun catches him with a boot. Braun throws Crews to the outside. Crews gets back in and Braun locks in a vice grip on his neck. Braun pumbles on Crews. Crews tries to battle, but Braun sends him to the mat. Crews again is kicked to the outside. Braun pulls Crews to the apron. Crews slaps him and hangs Braun on the ropes. Crews kicks Braun and kicks his knees. Crews continues with the kicks, but misses on the standing moonsault and is kicked across the ring. Braun slams Crews and picks up Crews instead of getting the three. Braun hits a second powerslam and picks up Crews again. A third time and this time he takes the win.
*** After the match Braun picks up Crews, but Titus intervenes. Titus tries to tee off, but Brau quickly takes him down with a clothesline. Braun hits a powerslam on Titus. Braun grabs Crews and drives him over the barricade. Braun takes Crews over the ambulance and throws him in. Braun closes the doors, but the ambulance doesn’t drive away. Roman cones out of the ambulance and ambushes Braun. Braun is able to stop him and drive him off the ambulance. Braun hammers on the chest of Roman. He again heaves Roman across the stage. Roman comes at him with a right hand. Braun is driven into the screens on the stage. Roman is able to spear Braun off the stage into tables.
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
Braun is ever so dominate. He really is a monster and I love that they have let him stay this way. Braun is our new big guy and he does a damn good job at it. He and Roman will battle and battle this Sunday/ No doubt they have one of the best rivalries going. Braun impresses me every week with his will to destroy. It is really cool seeing a guy again that is so hard to beat.

Final Thoughts:
Overall this show wasn’t bad. Most of the points were hit here. I am so looking forward to this Sunday. There are so many heated rivalries and so much on the line here. I think the one great thing about this Sunday is the buildups have been awesome. I can really see how hard everyone is working to make this great. To be honest I don’t think there was really any wasted time tonight either. It seemed like everything had a point to is and it was very enjoyable. There were a lot of intense moments tonight and a lot of great matches as well. This Sunday is pretty big as it will start to shape what SummerSlam will look like. I think one thing that is going great is people are so committed to what they are doing. Like Enzo tonight was so believable. Joe and Lesnar made it feel like they were having an interview for a prize fight in Vegas. Braun and Roman continued their battle. The Boss got one over on Alexa. Rollins and Bray continued the war of words, making their battle that much more anticipated. The only thing that wasn’t really hyped was the Cruiserweight title match, but does that really matter? Also great idea with the Iron Man tag match, it’s not as great as the Punjabi Prison, but there will be some great wrestling and these teams will finally get the time they deserve cause that two out of three falls match should’ve been able to go on longer.
Overall Rating: 7/10