Raw Review 07/10/2017

Tonight we see the fallout from last night’s Great Balls of Fire pay per view. Roman Reigns may have come up short against Braun, but Roman took it to the extreme after the match. With Reigns standing tall is he deserving of a Universal Championship match? Plus Brock Lesnar was taken to the limit by Samoa Joe, but Lesnar ultimately pulled through. Is this gonna be the summer of the Beast? Alexa had to take the cheap way out to retain her title, will The Boss be looking for another shot at the gold? Sheamus and Cesaro outlasted The Hardy’s. Who will be gunning for the Iron Men next? Rollins couldn’t stop Bray Wyatt, but will Rollins be looking for another shot to silence him?

Raw is live tonight from the Toyota Center in Houston, TX.

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

In Ring Segment: Big Cass
Cass asks the crowd how they’re doing and says he is doing spectacular. He states he couldn’t feel any better after tonight. He calls for still shots from the match and says this is him taking out five years of frustration. He shows a picture of him standing over Enzo and says this is how it’s always been. He shows a video of Enzo after the match unable to stand. He tells that the video should send notice to everyone. He says that goes for everyone from the bottom to the top and states that is what happens when you mess with Big Cass. Cass tells everyone to not support him now when they never did before. He then calls himself the future of WWE. He tells everyone that one day he will be the Universal Champion and when he does he is going to hold it high and shove it down everyone’s throat. He always states he will main event WrestleMania and have his face plastered everywhere and represent WWE to the fullest because no one can touch him. Out comes Big Show.
Cass steps to Big Show and gets a headbutt. Cass and Show trade blows, but Show works him to the ground. Show hammers away with his knee in the corner. Show loads up for the knockout punch, but Cass retreats.
My Opinion:
I like Cass being on his own. I think he needs some work as a heel because right now it feels forced to me, but he’s got it. Cass is really great and he will have great singles success. I think this could be a good rivalry with Big Show and himself. Show obviously doesn’t have a lot of time left, but this is one feud that would make sense for him and it would help Cass develope better as a wrestler and a heel.

Match 1: Finn Balor vs Elias Sampson
The two lock up, but Elias gets the advantage early. Balor is able to land a kick and get a side headlock. Elias catches him with an elbow, but Balor comes back with a dropkick. Elias backs Balor in the corner and drives his shoulder into the gut. Balor counters after being thrown in the other corner and lands a huge kick. Elias goes to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Elias is in control. Elias goes for a cover, but Balor kicks out. Elias gets a full nelson locked in and Balor fades. Balor fights to his feet and tries a pin, but it is not enough. Balor uses his elbows to escape Elias. Elias delivers a knee to Balor, but Balor comes back with a kick. Balor knocks Elias to the ground and lands a huge dropkick. Balor uses the corners to set Elias up for chops. Balor knocks Elias off the top rope and sends him to the floor. Balor tries for a kick from the apron, but he is taken off his feet and hits hard. Elias gets back in the ring and works the arm of Elias. Balor is able to work his way to the ropes. Balor is able to land a double stomp and by himself time. Balor backs Elias in the corner, but Elias counters and hammers away. Elias goes for a roll up, but Balor kicks out. Elias goes for another pin, but another kick out. Balor is able to land an overhead kick out of nowhere. Balor lands a slingblade and follows with a running dropkick. Balor goes to the top and hits the Coupe de Grace. Balor with the cover and he gets the three count.
Winner: Finn Balor
My Opinion:
I really enjoyed this match. Sampson just needs a chance to shine. I agree when people say Balor deserves more, but at the same time I think this rivalry is great. They both want it and they show it in the ring. Sampson really has been doing well working in matches. He knows how to sell very well. I see that as a very good match to start off the night. Things shouldn’t be about this guy is more liked than that guy. Things should be about who can put on great matches together and these two can do it. I will say though heading into August I’d like to see Balor have a better rivalry heading into SummerSlam. I think Sampson is going to be great, but Balor still should be showcased more on the grand stages.

In Ring Segment: The Hardy Boyz
*** Before the match The Hardy’s touch on their match last night. Jeff comments on how they were one second short. He tells how they feel the teams think the Hardy’s are done and should classify themselves as Obsolete. Matt says The Hardy’s are not going anywhere and have only begun to make magic. Out comes The Club.
The Club states they think The Hardy’s are done. They call them the old Hardy Boyz and tell them to get out of the ring because the ring belongs to them. Matt says they are a little stitched up and a little bruised, but invites The Club to a match.

Match 2: The Hardy Boyz vs The Club (Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson)
Anderson and Matt start the match. Matt battles Anderson and takes control with a shoulder tackle. Matt brings Anderson their corner and tags Jeff. Anderson gets a tag and the Hardy’s double team Gallows with poetry in motion. The Club regroups as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Gallows has Jeff grounded. Jeff battles back, but is taken down by a clothesline. Gallows hits a big splash in the corner and tags Anderson. The Club hits the boot of doom and Matt has to break up the count. Anderson is taken down by a jawbreaker and Matt gets the tag. Matt tees off on Anderson and hammers him on the turnbuckles. Matt hits the side effect and then is distracted by Gallows. Matt is able to drop an elbow on Anderson. Anderson counters the twist of fate, but Gallows hits Matt with a boot. Gallows gets the tag and The Club hits the magic killer. Jeff tries to break the cover, but is too late.
*** After the match The Revival come out and hammer away on The Hardy’s. They hit Matt with a knee and hit the shatter machine on Jeff.
Winners: The Club (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
My Opinion:
Tonight The Hardy’s really looked beaten up. I hope that eventually here they will be able to use the broken gimmick and we can see them have a singles run. To me Raw kills tag teams. I don’t know what it is about the show, but they just can’t get it right with the teams. I think tonight Showed that The Club isn’t a focus and The Revival is gonna be the team that all the emphasis is on. I hope they do something with them and this wasn’t for nothing.

In Ring Segment: Miz TV
The Miz presents The Mizzies. Miz mentions a bunch of award shows and says this is the only award show with credibility to tell the winners and loses tonight. He first presents best supporting actor. He says it’s a tie between Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel. Dallas gives thanks for the award and thanks Miz saying without him none of this would be possible and he changed his career. Axel adds that Miz has done so much for them and he looks and feels like a million bucks. Miz says behind every great man is a beautiful, intelligent, and sexy women. He presents the next award which is for Maryse. Maryse says he wouldn’t have been able to accomplish all of this without Miz, he agrees and the two share a hug. Miz presents the third award which is for greatest man in WWE. The award goes to himself. He says he is was and always will be the greatest man in WWE. Miz tells that he speaks the truth and he has made the Intercontinental title relevant and beat Ambrose just like he said. He goes on to tell about the empty promises that superstars made heading into last night. He says those superstars speak noise, but he speaks truth. Miz says Ambrose is the toughest competitor he has faced, but asks what does that make him sense he beat him. Out comes Ambrose.
Ambrose gets in the ring and takes Miz out. He is then taken out by the Miztourage. Out comes Seth Rollins. Rollins cleans house and sends them retreating.
My Opinion:
Miz has done great the past year, but sometimes the stuff gets old. Every week it’s the same thing over and over. I think Miz needs to get away from Ambrose for this reason so he can refresh his words. The IC championship seemed to have meant more on SmackDown then on Raw. It feels like their is not much thought put into the story and they throw it together. Hopefully if Miz finds a new rival things can be a little different and more entertaining instead of so predictable. I would love to see Ambrose as a heel.

Backstage Segment:
Ambrose asks Rollins what he was doing out there. Ambrose says he doesn’t trust Rollins and there isn’t gonna be a reunion. He tells Rollins to stay out of his business.

Match 3: Sasha Banks & Bayley vs Nia Jax & Alexa Bliss
Sasha and Alexa start off the match. Alexa uses the ropes to stop Sasha’s offense. Alexa gets to Nia and tags her. Sasha takes a cheap shot to Alexa as Bayley comes in on the tag. Sasha and Bayley double team Nia and Bayley sends Nia to the mat with an elbow as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Sasha is in control and lands a kick to alexa in the corner. Sasha goes for a pin, but Alexa kicks out. Bayley comes in and takes it to Alexa, but comes up short on a pin. Nia gets the tag and Bayley is unable to knock her to the ground. Bayley backs Nia in the corner and backs up against her. Bayley is able to hang Nia up on the ropes, Alexa tries to get involved, but is taken out. Nia takes advantage and beats Bayley to the mat. Nia gets Bayley in a half nelson and Bayley has to fight out. Nia stops her momentum and Alexa gets the tag. Alexa slaps Bayley and chokes her on the ropes. Alexa goes for a pin, but Bayley kicks out. Alexa backs her in the corner and tags Nia. Nia shakes Bayley and throws her to the ground. Bayley hits Nia with back elbows, but Bayley is backed in the corner. Alexa gets the tag again. Alexa flies off the top and goes for a cover, but Sasha breaks up the tag. Nia throws Sasha out of the ring. Alexa gets rolled up by Bayley and Bayley gets the three.
Winners: Bayley & Sasha Banks
My Opinion:
This was a really good match. It was back and forth and I think both teams got a chance to shine. The Women’s division is very interesting as there is no clear indication of who they really want to run with. I think Alexa and Sasha will face again and maybe even another time after that. Long term I see Bayley and Sasha feuding, but then I ask what will happen to Alexa during that time.

Backstage Segment:
Goldust says he needs to give his audience what they want which is an encore performance. He says the original is normally better than the sequel, but he is not normal. He tells everyone to enjoy part two.

Match 4: R-Truth vs Goldust
Truth tries to go after Goldust, but is backed up and Goldust takes a cheap shot. Truth is able to gain control and pounds on Goldust. Goldust fights to his feet, but Truth gets back on the offensive. In the corner Truth hammers away, but Goldust is able to hang him up. Goldust hits Truth with a huge right hand and starts hammering away. Truth is sent into the corner and hit with a vicious chop. Truth comes back with an elbow and a kick, but Goldust comes right back sending Truth to the mat. Truth tries to battle out of the chin lock. He is able to do so, but is taken down again by a spine buster. Goldust goes to his classic right hands from the second rope, but Truth turns it into a power bomb. Truth lands a right and takes down Goldust. Truth hits a huge spinning elbow and tries for the scissors kick, but Goldust takes him out at the knee. Goldust now works the knee of Truth. Truth sends Goldust to the outside, but he quickly comes back in. Goldust is then hit with a spinning kick. Truth gets a two count and tries for a suplex, but can’t connect. Goldust sends Truth into the post hard. Goldust does connect with the suplex and it is enough to put away Truth.
Winner: Goldust
My Opinion:
I think these two did what we would expect out of them. They hit the moves we are use to seeing and it was very back and forth. Goldust is a legend and Truth is very good in his own right. Both of these guys have been dragged through the mud, but at least they had a shot to be showcased tonight. Their rivalry really means nothing, but at the same time this is wasn’t a bad match. I do think though there should’ve been more to this because they have pushed the story for so long now.

In Ring Segment: Brock Lesnar
Kurt says that last night was very successful and he can’t wait for the next one. Kurt talks about how some things got out of hand last night. He introduces Lesnar.
Kurt brings up their match at WrestleMania and says he is amazed that Lesnar keeps getting better. He offers a handshake and congratulates him on his win. Kurt tells Heyman that he has ideas as to who will face Lesnar next. Heyman says they don’t volunteer for brainstorming in public. He thanks Kurt for his time and the two start to exit, but out comes Reigns.
Kurt tells Heyman they are not done with the conversation and tells Reigns he has a lot of nerve coming out here after last night. Reigns questions Kurt saying he went too far. Reigns says he had to handle Braun cause Lesnar isn’t around to and Kurt didn’t know how. Reigns tells Kurt he did him a favor. Reigns proposes that he should face Reigns at SummerSlam. Lesnar questions Reigns thinking he deserves a title match. He tells Reigns this is the closest he is gonna get to the title. Out comes Samoa Joe.
Joe tells Lesnar that soon than later he is gonna put his ass to sleep. Joe tells Lesnar he escaped him last night. Joe tells reigns that he has never beat him. Heyman tells that Reigns beating Taker gives him a claim for a title. Heyman tells Joe that he will never get another shot again. Joe tells Lesnar to listen to Heyman because he is protecting him. Joe tells him that Heyman knows he has his number. Reigns questions this. Joe tells Reigns that he is real mouthy after he got beat last night. Reigns tells him to go look at Braun if you can find him. Kurt proposes Joe versus Reigns for next week to determine the next #1 Contender. Tells them to go or he will cancel the match.
My Opinion:
I really love Lesnar and Joe. I want them to keep going because he is bringing out the best in Lesnar. I am so entertained by the whole story and I just hate how Reigns is thrown in there. No doubt I respect how hard Reigns works and yes they have set it up for Reigns to get a shot at the title, but at the same time you have to go with what is hot and right now that is Joe. I think everyone wants to see Joe and Lesnar go at it again. At the same time Lesnar and Reigns is better for their advertisements for SummerSlam, so I don’t know if Joe will go over on this one.

Backstage Segment:
Kurt asks Corey if he got the same text and says he can’t let it get out. Kurt says he could be saying goodbye. Corey tells Kurt that he is loved and respected. Kurt shows concern as Corey leaves.

Match 5: Akira Tozawa & Cedric Alexander vs Noam Dar & Neville
Dar and Cedric start the match. Dar catches an early elbow to the nose. He takes another shot at Dar and Dar retreats to the outside. Cedric hits him with a big right and tags Tozawa. Cedric drops Dar and Tozawa hits him with a dropkick. Tozawa stomps on Dar in the corner. Dar is able to land a kick and tags Neville. Neville catches him with kicks and a standing senton. Neville is able to get Tozawa in the corner and Dar now stomps away as Neville distracts the ref as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Neville as Tozawa grounded. Tozawa fights to his feet and tries to hit Neville with an elbow, but is thrown in the corner. In turn he is able to take out dar and create separation from Neville. Cedric gets the tag and is able to hit Neville with a kick. Dar distracts and Neville knocks Cedric down on the top. Neville hits him with a punch and meets him up top. Neville looks for a suplex as Cedric fights back. Cedric sends Neville to the ropes and hangs him up. Cedric flies through the ropes and takes out Dar. Tozawa knocks Neville off the ropes and heads to the top. He hits a senton bomb from the top and pins Neville.
Winners: Cedric Alexander & Akira Tozawa
My Opinion:
A very good tag team match from the Cruiserweights. I was very impressed by Cedric’s athleticism as he just glided through the match. I still think Cedric should get a shot at the title and now that Aries is gone, I think Cedric is second best for sure. Tozawa is really good and entertaining, but I don’t see him as champ.

Backstage Segment:
Charly is joined by Seth Rollins. She asks him if he should have his eye on Wyatt instead. Rollins says he didn’t go out to save Ambrose, he did it to shut up Miz. Rollins says he lost by a cheap way last night.

Backstage Segment:
Wyatt says you can’t turn back the clock and erase your betrayals. Wyatt tells Rollins he will never deny him again and for his sins he will burn. He’s here.

Match 6: Bray Wyatt vs Seth Rollins
Wyatt and Rollins lock up and Rollins is backed in the corner. They go to a lock up again and this time Wyatt is backed in the corner. Rollins tees off after Wyatt tried a cheap shot. Wyatt throws him in the corner and he hammers away. Rollins explodes out of the corner with a big kick. Rollins gets back in the ring and is taken out by a cross body. Wyatt feels it and looks for Sister Abigail, but Rollins fights out and sends Wyatt to the outside. Rollins hits a suicide dive and sends Wyatt into the ring post. Rollins throws Wyatt in the ring and continues to work the hand of Wyatt. On the outside Rollins continues the damage to the hand of Wyatt. Rollins gets to the apron and looks to fly from the top rope, but he is caught and plated by Wyatt as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Wyatt has control. Wyatt chokes Rollins and looks to wear him down. Rollins fights to his feet, but Wyatt hits him with a knee. Rollins escapes and takes him out at the knee. Wyatt hits him with a forearm and throws him in the corner. Wyatt hits a huge splash and goes for the cover, but gets a two count. Wyatt continues to take shots at Rollins. Rollins battles back, but is hit with a ddt. Wyatt goes back to the chin lock on the mat. Wyatt kicks Rollins as they both get to their feet. Rollins and Wyatt sit at the top. Rollins hits him with strikes and sends Wyatt to the mat. Wyatt catches him with a kick, but Rollins hits him with kicks of his own. Rollins unloads on Wyatt. He kicks him in the mid-section and stomps on his hand. Rollins hits another suicide dive and throws Wyatt back in the ring. Rollins comes off the top rope and hits a clothesline. He gets a two count on the pin. Rollins hits a forearm in the corner followed by another. Rollins hits the blockbuster and gets a near fall on the pin. Wyatt is planted by Rollins. Wyatt hits a big headbutt on the injured eye of Rollins. Wyatt connects with Sister Abigail and picks up the win.
*** After the match Miz and the Miztourage come to the ring. The three attack Rollins. Rollins tries to cover up, but the assault continues. Out comes Ambrose with a chair. Ambrose takes out the Miztourage and hammers on Miz with the chair.
Winner: Bray Wyatt
My Opinion:
Awesome main event. Rollins and Wyatt work very well together. I loved the way these two really worked each other. I think both got over and I love that there is an option for another match between the two. I wish there was more direction for Wyatt and Rollins as it doesn’t seem they know what to really do with them.

Backstage Segment:
Kurt Angle is on the phone and tells someone to come next week so he and they can tell the whole world. He says whatever happens happens.

Final Thoughts:
Not to bad of a Raw. I felt like it went at a very good pace, but the ending was abrupt for my liking. It felt like the main event was dragged on and almost like they didn’t know how to end the show. We are one night removed from Great Balls of Fire so you couldn’t expect to much to happen tonight. I think now is a lot to see how SummerSlam will shape up. I like Reigns and Joe going at it next week. I think they will do great and either one will work for facing Lesnar. Rollins and Wyatt did well again tonight, but it still doesn’t seem like the rivalry is closed. It will be interesting to see who Angle has coming to Raw next week. I think they really need to knock it out of the park because some of these programs they have been building up almost seem like a waste of time. I think Raw just needs to get tightened up. People need direction and fans need more of an open mind. Hopefully as time goes on things will fall in place. One problem I have noticed though is the idea that if a guy isn’t going for a title then their story doesn’t matter. In reality a good match is a good match no matter what is at stake. I think they have to push forward and do what they want and as fans we have to sit back and enjoy it and go along for the ride. At the end of the day they won’t always get it right, but as long as there is wrestling to watch we can’t complain.
Overall Rating: 6.8/10