Raw Review – 07/11/2016

Hey everybody, its The Wrestling Classic here. Due to personal circumstances Kareem (@homeofwwe) won’t be able to commit to the weekly Raw Review for the Summer. Therefore, while I’m looking for a new Raw Review writer, I’ll personally do my best to fill that void. My format may be different from Kareem’s and may adapt over the next couple of weeks. Dig It?

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1. Battle Royal to determine #1 Contender for the Intercontinental Title
Raw kicks off with a Battle Royal to determine the new number one contender for the Miz’s IC Title. The Miz cuts a promo before the match saying it doesn’t matter who wins, he’ll still beat them at Battleground because he’s the Miz and he’s awesome. The Battle Royal comes down to Baron Corbin, Apollo Crews, Darren Young and Dolph Ziggler. Corbin eliminates Ziggler. Apollo tries eliminating Corbin but they both go over the top rope and Darren Young remained in the ring as the winner. Bob Backlund gets in the ring and celebrates with Young.
My Thoughts:
I love Battle Royals and so I really enjoyed this. I thought this was a great way to open Raw too, getting right into the action instead of a long 15-20 minute promo. Its gets everyone invested in the program right of the start. I thought it was funny that Miz got excited to say his old catchphrase because he hasn’t said in a while. The outcome was shocking, but something I could get on board with. When it came down with the final four, I was okay with anyone but Ziggler winning. I was rooting for Apollo. I wouldn’t have been shocked if Corbin won, and Young isn’t Ziggler, so I was okay with it. I wonder if this is Young’s big break. It will take his gimmick with Backlund to another level. I love crazy Backlund and this is really unique push for Young.

2. Backstage Segments
Shane McMahon and Stephanie McMahon are backstage discussing their father appearing on Raw with a huge announcement tonight, when Rollins shows up. Rollins tells them he’s got the inside scoop with an exclusive interview on Roman Reigns suspension and asks permission to air the dirty laundry live on Raw. Shane suggests Rollins does it the “Ambrose Asylum”, but Rollins suggests his own show called the “Rollins Report”. Shane says its up to Stephanie and she agrees to it.
Ryder approaches and challenges Rusev for a title match at Battleground. Seamus comes and attacked Ryder before Rusev can answer. Seamus tells Rusev not to worry about Ryder because he has a match against him next and Rusev walks away.
My Thoughts:
All good stuff leading to segments later in the show. We’re coming down to the final weeks of Shane and Stephanie working together in running Raw before having their own brands to deal with. I love the creative ways they’re trying to keep Roman Reigns relevant in this feud during his suspension with Rollins trying to get Reigns out of the match. Rollins Report reminded me of my TWC Report, which was a coincidence I liked. As for the Ryder/Rusev/Sheamus segment, I liked how it was the build up to the next match, making Ryder look even more like an underdog.

3. Sheamus def. Zack Ryder
In a back and forth encounter Sheamus wins with a brogue kick. Following the match Rusev attacks Ryder and gets Zack in the Accolade.
My Thoughts:
It was a decent match and is basically progressing Ryder for a babyface push. They’ll have the heels get the better of him after a couple of big important wins, until Ryder can come back to overcome them. Thats what Ryder does, overcome the odds. They keep giving Ryder chances but I’m not ready for Rusev to lose the US Title anyone just yet. I’d have this feud stretch a couple of months.

4. Breezdango def. The Lucha Dragons
Breezdango picks up the win after Breeze catches Kalisto will a roll up for the victory in a competitive fast paced match.
My Thoughts:
Its interesting how they’re giving teams such as Breezedango and Golden Truth wins over teams like the VaudeVillians and the Lucha Dragons. I’m a fan of both Breeze and Fandango, but Im curious to what this is leading too. There are so many great tag teams and yet The New Day are still holding the titles and not even in title feud.

5. The Rollins Report
Rollins says he has an exclusive one-on-one interview with Roman Reigns. Rollins takes footage of an old Reigns interview and cuts it with Rollins asking questions. Rollins makes it seem like Reigns is proud of what he did. Rollins also made it seem as though Reigns is upset Dean Ambrose is the champion. Rollins says after that he should be given a one-on-one title rematch against Ambrose. Ambrose has heard enough and makes his way to the ring.  Ambrose tells Rollins that his video was funny. Rollins finally got the stick out of his butt. Rollins responds that Ambrose’s title reign is the real joke. Rollins goes on to say that Ambrose had to attack him from behind to get the title. Rollins says, in the end, it won’t matter because at Battleground he is going to prove to the world that he is better than both Ambrose and Roman Reigns. Ambrose says he now that he is the WWE champion the world finally knows he is the backbone of the industry. Rollins knows what Ambrose went through to get to this point; what will he do to keep it? Ambrose tells Rollins that if Rollins wants a one-on-one match, he can have it anytime, any place. Rollins says not tonight but it will be next week on Raw, when Rollins is ready.
My Thoughts:
I loved this segment from start to finish. I loved this clever way of keeping Reigns relevant in this build up for the triple threat while he’s still out on suspension. It was classic edited interview which featured clips from previous Roman interviews but Rollins asking new question thus making it seem like it’s legit interview. Its a throwback to a Kurt Angle and Rock segment from the early 00’s and regular skit on the Edge and Christian Show That Totally Reeks of Awesomeness. Regardless, how silly and fun that Reigns interview part was, that wasn’t even the highlight of this segment. The highlight had to be Dean Ambrose FINALLY being serious for the first time in a while and the first time during his championship reign. This is the Ambrose I wanted to see as champion, not that nonchalant Ambrose we usually get. I was hoping they would have the title match on the Smackdown Live event, to draw even more viewers in but it’ll be next week on Raw instead. Rollins and Ambrose have great chemistry together whether its on the mic or in that ring. The beginning of the segment reminded you Reigns was a part of this rivalry, but by the end of segment you forgot again.

6. Kevin Owens/Sami Zayn brawl & Vince McMahon arrives
Sami Zayn comes out to sit at commentary for the upcoming Cesaro vs. Owens match but Owens refuses to go out there until Sami is gone from ringside, claiming it was creating an unsafe work environment. Stephanie orders security to get Zayn away from ringside. As Zayn is taken to the back, Owens makes his entrance and the two get into a brawl with the officials and security having to break them separate them.
Vince McMahon arrives backstage and Renee Young approaches asking him why he’s here tonight and Vince replies that he’s here to make the announcement of who is going to be the commissioner of Smackdown Live.
My Thoughts:
Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens are still each others worst enemies at and this further my confidence that they’ll be drafted to two different shows, as its the only suitable way to end their feud for the time being. They have the kind of rivalry that could and has gone on forever and it’s the only logical writing that would make sense for the both of them move forward, unless they were to unite for some common cause. Im really big fan of both guys, so any segment involving them is good to go for me.
I was already sure that was the reason Vince McMahon was appearing tonight and that would be his announcement but it was nice for him to confirm it. Weren’t the referring the person who was gonna run Smackdown Live GM’s a couple of weeks ago, COO’s last week and now commissioners or could I be wrong? I guess they’re sticking with the term commissioner though,

7. Kevin Owens def. Cesaro
As we come back from commercial break the match between Owens and Cesaro does take place. The match was very competitive and back and forth. Owens picks up the win after a neck breaker. Sami Zayn comes back out and attacks Owens.Owens tries running away but gets himself wound up in the Cesaro Swing.
My Thoughts:
I saw someone complaining on social media that they give us Owens vs Cesaro too much and the booking of it is getting repetitive but I enjoy it every single time. These are two guys with two completely different styles but mesh so well. I would love a Cesaro/Owens feud one day with longer more meaningful matches. Imagine that? Zayn and Owens once again get into it and it looks Battleground is going to be a complete brawl.

8. Titus O Neil def. Heath Slater w/ Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel
In a filler match Titus O Neil picks up the win with the clash of titans.
My Thoughts:
It was good for what it was. They used to Social Outcasts to show that Titus is still a dominant force even thought he wasnt able to capture the US title from Rusev. In my mind, they need to keep giving Titus wins like this and maybe one more meaningful feud before he’s a threat to any title again. I can see it happening but build him up to get there this time unlike the last time.

9. The New Day goes to the Wyatt Family Compound
The Wyatts almost hit New Day with a car and then both teams battle in an open field. Xavier Woods is hiding behind a tree, clearly looking the most concerned. Bray Wyatt almost takes his head off with a pick ax. Bray slams Woods head into a tree and carries him away. Big E hits Stroman in the head with a trash can. Bray walks to the battlefield and drops Woods, while Eric Rowen and Stroman toss Kofi Kingston and Big E into a few parked cars. Woods gets up and grabs a trash can lid and beats down all three members of the Wyatt Family. Bray grabs Woods and throws him into the back seat of one of the cars and breaks all the windows. Big E and Kingston save Woods from Bray’s assault. The New Day approaches Bray, who is kneeling in the field and a bunch of lights appear in the woods and a slew of people in lamb masks appear. Bray says follow the Buzzards as the video cuts off.
My Thoughts:
People are comparing this to Matt Hardy and Brother Nero’s final deletion match, and as I do see the similarities, I feel like this was a lot different. This was more of  brawl rather than an actual match. It was more of segment than anything else. There was a girl at the beginning in a sheep mask, and I was left with intrigue as if that was Sister Abigail or not. The production of this was great and it was an awesome look into the Wyatt Family’s world. Its insane to think there are more followers than one expected and it allows Bray’s character to grow more. Xavier Woods clearly looked concerned and I almost thought this segment was going to end with him being kidnapped but he stuck by his New Day teammates. I don’t know where this is leading storyline wise but its still super intriguing. This segment was badass, and if you didn’t watch it, go check it out. I know everyone will have different opinions on it because its different and pushing your ability to suspend your disbelief, but its worth checking out.

10. Enzo & Cass def. The Club w/ AJ Styles via DQ
The Club cut a promo backstage before the match saying that John Cena is in LA rehearsing for the ESPY’s and not even there to back up Enzo & Cass even though they made the mistake to back him up. They make jokes about going to the ESPY’s to #beatupJohnCena. As The Club makes their way to the ring they cut a promo on Enzo and Cass about Cena not being there tonight. The match was a solid tag team match with Enzo and Cass nearly picking up the pinfall victory after hitting the Magic Killer, but Styles interferes as attacks Cass before they could. This got the match thrown out with Enzo and Cass getting the DQ win. The beat down on Enzo and Cass continued after the match, and John Cena made a”surprise” appearance to save Enzo and Cass and to even the odds on the playing field.
My Thoughts:
This was a really good tag team match. Tag team wrestling on a Monday Night Raw at its best if you ask me. These are two really good teams, with four great competitors so I didnt expect anything less. I like the DQ ending as it set up for the numbers game to get to Enzo and Cass until Cena appeared “surprisingly”. I use quotations because I didnt buy that Cena was in LA, otherwise this storyline would have to go in a totally different direction, I mentioned how I respect Cena, his work ethic and wrestling ability but man do I hate his character. I sometimes just want Cena not to be Superman sometimes, that might just be me though. This was great segment and great for storyline progression. PUT THESE GUYS IN A CELL FOR BATTLEGROUND. Its not too late.

11. Sasha Banks def. Dana Brooke w/ Charlotte
In quite a lengthy women’s match, Sasha Banks continues on her undefeated singles match streak on the main roster defeating Dana Brooke with a Bank Statement, forcing Brook to submit. Following the match, Charlotte says Sasha just got lucky and if she really thinks she’s that great, that she should face Dana again on Smackdown.
My Thoughts:
I love Sasha Banks. Im a huge fan of both Charlotte and Sasha, but Sasha is my favourite Women’s wrestler today. Yeah, her gimmick can be a bit corny, but what Sasha does better than anyone else is done in that ring, and that is wrestling. It is her calling, seriously. Dana Brooke is whatever to me still. I don’t dislike Dana, but her as a character does nothing for me and I feel like she was called up too early or something. Dana looked a bit sloppy in the ring in my mind. The match was good otherwise. Sasha Banks continues to be undefeated and never pinned or submitted on the main roster. It’s nearly been year since the NXT girls were called up and Sasha has yet to pick up a loss in a singles match. Thats mind blowing. I wonder if Charlotte will be able to add that to her already long list of accolades. Charlotte’s facial expressions and stuff outside the ring was gold. I’m 100% behind this feud and hoping we get a couple of matches between Sasha and Charlotte, before July 19th, in the case they get drafted to different shows. I am still not sure what the status of the Women’s division is going to be after the draft. I guess this match being the last match of the night technically makes it the main event? Hmm

12. Vince McMahon announces who will be in control of Smackdown Live
Shane and Stephanie make their way to the ring. They quickly have some words before each other before Vince McMahon makes his way out. Vince says Stephanie and Shane have been doing a fair job running Raw. Vince says he is personally a little disappointed. They are acting as if neither of them came from his loins. Vince calls out Stephanie for not being the person she used to be and acting like a little girl and little sister to her brother Shane. Stephanie asks the crowd if she is sweet and the crowd yells no. Vince asks Shane where the ruthless aggression he used to have is? Shane lost his match at WrestleMania, but he jumped off the top of the Hell in the Cell to try to win. Vince questions where that risk taking thought process has gone? Vince says they both need to convince him that they should be in charge. Stephanie says the reason Shane left is because Vince didn’t pat him on the back for his ideas and that he knows more about WWE than Vince does. Stephanie uses stuff Shane said on the podcast with Foley to back up her statements. Stephanie says Shane talks about Vince behind his back all the time. Shane follows up by saying that he is the only one that tells Vince what he really thinks without any fear. Shane goes saying that is the only way things will change in the company, by having someone in charge who isn’t afraid of to confront Vince McMahon. Shane hypes up the crowd again to show their support for him. Vince says he doesn’t care what the people think. Vince announces that Shane will run Smackdown Live. Shane celebrates in joy and Stephanie stand their in shock and disappointment. Vince tells Shane that he is going to relieve Shane of his duties on Raw. Stephanie is solely in charge of Raw. This makes Stephanie celebrate as she is now in charge of Raw. Vince tells them both that they have to compete if either of them wants to inherit the kingdom. Vince tells them both that next week they will each have to name a General Manger for their shows. Stephanie tells Shane that she is going to make him wish he was never even born. Shane tells Stephanie its game on. Stephanie tells Shane that there is only one Game in this business and she is married to him. Stephanie slaps Shane in the face. Stephanie taunts Shane to hit her back but his kisses her on the cheek to mock her. Stephanie almost trips getting out of the ring.
My Thoughts:
This segment was great for what it was, but it could have been before the Women’s match and letting the girls main event, that would have been cool. Personal opinion, its never a dull moment when the McMahons are in the ring, and having Shane back creates a contrast in good and evil within the McMahon family that we haven’t had in years since the rest of them usually played heels. Shane’s music still gets me to pop, regardless how long he’s been back for. Stephanie sometimes goes overboard with her heel character but actually seemed like she was playing an annoying younger sister who was trying to get the better of her older brother. I was confused why they were fighting to run Smackdown or we’re they fighting to have control over both brands? If it was me, I would want to be running the flagship show Raw, but I guess this was creative’s way of making Smackdown going live feel like a big deal and a fresh start for the brand. Shane as the commissioner of the brand and it going live really will give it a reboot as it has been the secondary show rather than a show competing with Raw since like 2011. I like the fact they still get to hire GM’s for their respective shows rather than just them running it themselves as the main Authority figure. This allows Shane and Stephanie to stay off TV and only appear when necessary. Thus, making the episodes where they are there seem extra important. This also leaves a lot possibilities for the perception of the brands, with new GM’s. The possibilities are endless of who they could choose as GM’s for their respective shows. First things first, Triple H is the COO of the company, he won’t be a GM. I look at it as Stephanie and Triple H are running Raw, and Shane McMahon is running Smackdown. Daniel Bryan and Mick Foley have been rumoured as the possible GM’s but not confirmed yet. I would love to see Bischoff return and work with Shane McMahon. Maybe have Bryan, Foley, Sting or even a surprise return of Kurt Angle being forced to work with Stephanie and Triple H. Remember Vince said, if they don’t make a choice he’ll choose for them. Imagine Stephanie and Triple H refusing choosing a GM, and stating they’ll just do it, so Vince chooses a GM for them, and its someone they really can’t get a long with. Once again, the possibilities are endless, but we just have to wait until next week. Go tweet for The Wrestling Classic to become the Smackdown GM.

Final Thoughts
This edition of Raw was a huge upgrade from last weeks Holiday edition. It was not perfect but it really did have storyline progression for all the feuds leading up to Battleground. I forgot to mention that it was announced that Randy Orton would be returning at Battleground as a guest of Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel to discuss his upcoming Summerslam match against The Beast Brock Lesnar. I am really looking forward to that. I didn’t realize Jericho wasnt on the show until now either. Maybe this episode of Raw could have recieved a 9 or 10 out of 10 rating from me if it was graced with the “Gift of Jericho.” Overall, this was a pretty darn good episode of Raw and there are certainly segments I can see myself coming back to watch from this episode. I think the rating really reflects off what we had to deal with last week though. The one thing this Raw did really well, was not only create more anticipation to Battleground but it created anticipation and the need to tune into Raw next week. Next week, we’ll get a WWE Championship match and the announcements of who the GM’s will be behind each brand, after the draft. It leaves me excited to watch next week. I hope you enjoyed this weeks review, thanks for reading it.
Final TWC Rating – 7.5/10
Last Weeks RAW TWC Rating – 4/10