Raw Review 07/24/2017

Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins come together tonight to face all three members of the Miztourage in a 3 on 2 Handicap Match. Can the former Shield Brothers ban together and take down the new start group? Plus in an epic battle Bayley and Sasha Banks will clash to decide the New #1 Contender for the Raw Women’s Championship. Which one will move onto SummerSlam to face Alexa Bliss? Finn Balor and Elias Sampson have developed quite the rivalry as of late. Tonight all bets are off as the two meet in a No Disqualification Match. Also in store Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe will be searching for answers after neither becoming the #1 contender last week thanks to Braun Strowman. Will Joe or Reigns earn the spot? Lastly it was revealed that Kurt Angle is the father of Jason Jordan. What’s next for Jordan as he comes to the Raw brand and learns from one of the all time greats.

Raw is live tonight from the Verizon Center in Washington, DC

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

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle
Kurt welcomes everyone and talks how the past few months he has been dealing with a private matter. He tells how last week he revealed that Jason Jordan is his son and is the newest member of the Raw roster. He says he has been making up lost time with Jordan and tonight he will have his first match on Raw. Kurt then talks about how Roman and Joe did not get a clear winner last week due to Braun Strowman. Kurt says he has made a decision and out comes Braun.
Braun tells Kurt that the next words out of his mouth better be Braun Strowman or else. He says he actually one his match at Great Balls of Fire and he does not fear Lesnar, Lesnar fears him. He proclaims that he will break Lesnar in half and become the new Universal Champion. Out comes Samoa Joe.
Joe tells Braun that they haven’t crossed paths much and introduces himself to Braun. Joe says he tamed The Beast and he is the man who doesn’t fear Lesnar and tells Braun he doesn’t fear him either. Joe tells Kurt it’s right in front of him and he needs to give The Beast to him and let Roman and braun settle their problems. Out comes Roman Reigns.
Roman tells Joe that he hasn’t done anything around here and tells the same to Braun. Roman goes on to list all his accolades. Roman then asks the two to tell what they have done here. Roman then tries to step to Joe. Kurt tells them they all make valid points and so he’s changed his mind again. Kurt tells at SummerSlam Lesnar will face Roman, Joe, and Braun in a Fatal Four Way. Joe tries to stop Kurt and Kurt tells him it’s done when he says. Braun tells that all he cares about is piling bodies. Roman goes after Braun. Joe and Roman work together to fight off Braun. They send Braun over the barricade. Joe goes after Roman and sends him back in the ring. Braun comes back in and takes out Roman and Joe. Kurt calls for security and Braun takes them out. Joe comes from behind and gets the Coquina Clutch on Braun. The locker room comes out to try to separate the men. Roman spears Braun. Roman then clears the ring of superstars. Braun comes from behind and slams Roman.
My Opinion:
Huge announcement tonight. I love the idea of the Fatal Four Way. I think it’s awesome throwing them all out there and letting them create magic. This may be one of the biggest clashes we have ever seen. The idea of letting them fight is the best. The build up to the match will be epic and it will interesting to see how Lesnar responds. I think this match will show who they really see as the top guy on Raw.

Match 1: Elias Sampson vs Finn Balor:
No Disqualification Match
Balor takes a cheap shot and goes to work. Sampson fights him off, but Balor sends him to the outside. Balor hits Sampson with a dropkick and meets him on the floor. Balor sends Sampson back in the ring, but Sampson rolls out. Balor comes from behind and hits a big dropkick sending him into the barricade as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Balor drives Sampson into the barricade. Sampson is sent back in the ring and Balor tries to work him down, but Sampson hits him with a dropkick. Sampson hammers with punches and works Balor to the ground. Sampson wrenches the injured shoulder of Balor and meets him back in the ring. Sampson continues to work the shoulder, but Balor battles back. Samspon takes him down to the mat and hits him with a knee. Sampson blasts Balor’s shoulder off the ring post. Sampson grabs a chair, but Balor cuts him off. Balor and Sampson trade blows, but Balor comes on top hitting Sampson with double boots to the face. Sampson works back to his feet and goes back to the shoulder of Balor. Balor continues to fight off Sampson. Balor works Sampson to the corner and lands big strikes. Balor grabs the chair, but Sampson stops him and hits Balor with the chair on the shoulder as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Balor is knocked out of the ring. Balor comes back in and Sampson hits a shoulder breaker. Sampson grabs the chair and sets it up in between the turnbuckles. Balor reverses and sends Sampson into the chair. Sampson misses a punch and Balor trades blows with him. Balor hits the overhead kick catching Sampson. Balor is able to catch Sampson in the apron and he tees off on him. Balor hits a huge running kick on the apron and then once again sends Sampson into the barricade. Balor strikes Sampson with the chair and hammers away. Balor catches him in the corner and drives him into the turnbuckle. Balor goes to the top and hits the Coupe De Grace. Bray Wyatt appears in the ring and hits Sister Abigail on Balor. Wyatt watches as Sampson pins Balor.
Winner: Elias Sampson
My Opinion:
I really enjoy this rivalry. Sampson and Balor work very well together and have really good matches. Balor was so intense as the match started. It was a side of him we haven’t seen in the awhile. I really loved the back and forth and the classic way Sampson worked Balor’s injury. I love the new rivalry of Balor and Wyatt as well. I think this will be a chance to get The Demon King back and have the two face at SummerSlam. Elias benefits from this very much as he gets the win and definitely should get more recognition now. Sampson can move on to a new rivalry and keep growing.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Kurt what he;s been going through. Kurt says Jason wants to prove he can do it on his own and he thinks he can. Kurt tells that as a father he has butterflies for Jordan, but has all the confidence in the world. Emma comes up to Kurt and says she wonders when she will get noticed. Emma says maybe she will start dating his son. Kurt tells her that tonight she will have a match with Nia Jax.

Backstage Segment:
Big Show asks Enzo if he wants to do this. Enzo says he needs to and he has a new plan. Enzo tells that he is bringing the fight to him.

Match 2: Enzo Amore vs Big Cass
Enzo goes after the knee of Cass. He jumps on his back and tries to hit Cass, but is swatted away. Cass takes Enzo down with a shot to the back. Enoz fights off of Cass’s shoulder and gets a sleeper hold, but Cass backs him in the corner. Cass slams Enzo. Cass delivers an elbow and another. Enzo gets to his knees and Cass hits him with a big boot. Cass places Enzo on the ropes and hits him repeatedly on the back. Enzo tries to fight back, but Cass pounds on Enzo in the corner. Cass hits a huge boot and picks up the win.
***After the match Cass attacks Enzo. Big Show comes out to save him, but Cass is able to take down show and hit the Empire Elbow three times on him. Cass pounds on Show and taunts him.
Winner: Big Cass
My Opinion:
Cass needs to move on from the rivalry now. If Cass is gonna be taken seriously then he can’t keep beating Enzo cause it does nothing. I really don’t see Enzo going anywhere. All he has done is get beaten and never really has gotten established as a good wrestler. If Enzo sticks around I can’t see much accolades coming his way. If Big Show and Cass run with a rivalry I think it will be great. I almost see it as Show passing the torch to Cass.

Backstage Segment:
Alexa tells Renee that tonight the Universe will see a friendship destroyed for the honor to lose to her at SummerSlam. Alexa tells that Sasha does not want to lose tonight, and if Bayley loses she sees her sitting at home crying. Alexa says she is the real winner tonight.

Match 3: Emma vs Nia Jax
Emma kicks Nia, but Nia quickly grabs her and sends her to the mat. Emma is able to take Nia to a knee. Emma stays on the attack, but Nia fights her off. Nia throws Emma in the corner and continues to toss her around. Nia hits a senton and picks up the win.
Winner: Nia Jax
My Opinion:
Very impressed by Nia, especially by the move at the end. I think Nia keeps getting better and honestly I think it’s about time for her to get a run with the title. Nis is really becoming a good worker and she sells the character so well. I wonder Emma was getting punished for her tweet last week.

Backstage Segment:
After footage from 205 Live Tozawa says he this is why I want a rematch. Titus comes up and says that he went to Kurt and the medical staff and got his match canceled for his good. Tozawa says he is going to the ring now. Titus follows and tells him this is their business. Tozawa says he is fine. And walks out to the ring.

In Ring Segment:
Akira tells Divari to get here now. Neville comes out and tells Tozawa it seems he has forgotten who he is. Neville says all of Tozawa’s downfalls is because of him. Tozawa asks him to go and Neville mocks him. Neville says he tried to warn Tozawa, but he trusted the false promises of Titus O’neil. Neville calls Tozawa pathetic and a joke. Tozawa attacks Neville and goes to the top and hits a senton. Davari comes out and picks up the scraps taking apart Tozawa. Davari then turns to Neville and hits a huge clothesline on him.

Backstage Segment:
Sasha asks Bayley if she heard what Alexa said. Bayley tells her not to fall into the trap. Sasha says she can’t wait to get her hands on Alexa at SummerSlam. Bayley tells her to focus on tonight. Sasha says they both want to be champion so they need to go tear the house down and show who’s the best.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Jason Jordan how it feels to have his first match on raw. He says he is grateful for the opportunity and realizes all eyes are on him. He says he has butterflies. Jordan says it’s incredible and unbelievable the news he received about Angle being his father. Jordan says it’s like one of your wildest dreams coming true. He says he is focused and determined to win his first match on Raw.

Backstage Segment:
Dean asks Seth what he wants. Seth says tonight is kinda a big deal and he’s looking forward to it. He tells Dean he needs a game plan. Dean says he’s not interested. Seth tells him that it’s not just Miz out there. Dean tells Seth he has to worry about four guys out there not three.

Match 4: Bayley vs Sasha Banks:
#1 Contender’s Match to face Alexa Bliss at SummerSlam
Bayley and Sasha lock up, but neither gains any ground. Sasha is able to work Bayley to the mat and works her arm. Bayley lands a great leg weep and works to a pin, but Sasha kicks out. Bayley works the arm of Sasha. Sasha tries for a dropkick, but crashes to the mat. Sasha stops Bayley with a slap. Bayley hits a deep arm drag and hits a clothesline in the corner. She tries for another pin, but Sasha kicks out. Sasha fights back with shots to the mid-section. Bayley gets Sasha to the corner and hits a back elbow. Bayley is thrown to the outside and hits the floor thunderously as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Sasha is in control. Bayley tries to change positions, but Sasha stays locked on. Bayley backs sasha into the corner, but Sasha throws her hard into the corner. Bayley is able to bounce her off the turnbuckle. Bayley gets her caught in the ropes and sends her face first to the mat. Sasha kicks out at two. Bayley tries for a kick, but is caught and Sasha hits a huge knee strike. Sasha hits double knees and locks in the Banks Statements. Bayleu fights to the ropes, but Sahsa works her back to the middle of the ring. Bayley tries to fight out, but Sasha won’t let go. Bayley gets to her feet and flips Sasha off her back. Sasha and Bayley trade blows and go at it. Sasha takes advantage with another double knees. Sasha goes to the top and misses with double knees. Bayley hits a running knee. Sasha then hits a shining wizard and both women are down. Bayley and Sasha exchange rights. Bayley is able to fight her off with a elbow. Sasha catches Bayley with a knee and goes back to the top. Bayley is able to meet her with a right. Bayley goes to the top and tries for a suplex. Sasha fights back and sends Bayley face first to the mat. Sasha hits a frog splash from the top, Bayley reverses the pin and picks up the win.
Winner: Bayley: New #1 Contender
My Opinion:
Amazing match between these two. They were so impressive with their strikes and how they were to continue to go back and forth. They left it all out there and hopefully this will be the start of Sasha turning heel. Bayley winning is awesome as I think her and Alexa can have another great battle. I almost wish though we could of had a triple threat at SummerSlam, but at the same time this can give Sasha time to reinvent herself and get back on top. I hope eventually there will be an epic battle between Bayley and Sasha.

Backstage Segment:
Hawkins says he doesn’t care about Jason Jordan and he is gonna beat him tonight and ruin his debut. He says that after that everyone will be talking about him.

Match 5: Jason Jordan vs Curt Hawkins
Jordan quickly slams Hawkins to the mat. He tosses Hawkins around and slams him. Hawkins goes to the outside and takes a cheap shot at Jordan. Hawkins taunts Jordan and Jordan hits him hard. Jordan hits a big belly to belly. He hits spear in the corner and finishes Hawkins with a neckbreaker.
Winner: Jason Jordan
My Opinion:
Jordan is so impressive. Obviously his wrestling skills are so good and tonight he made a statement. He has been a tag team star, but now I think he could be a singles star. We have had a lot of guys who take the places of former superstars and replicate them. I see no reason why Jordan can’t at least try to be like Angle. I think with his wrestling skills Jordan can go on to have some amazing matches and definitely could be a singles star.

In Ring Segment: The Revival
Dawson says they are professional and can handle the interview and tells Charly to exit the ring. Dash says they dominated NXT and now they are on Monday Night and can take their spot as the next big tag team. Dawson says they are the best tag team on the planet. Out comes The Club.
Anderson tells that they couldn’t listen to this anymore. Anderson says he and Gallows did it all first. Gallows says they beat up The New Day first, they beat up The Hardy’s first and were bald first. Gallows and Anderson say they only see two nerds.

Match 6: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder) vs
The Club (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
Anderson and Dawson start the match. Dawson backs Anderson to the corner and uses the 5 count to his advantage. Anderson catches him with a big slap. Anderson is again backed in the corner and Dash gets the tag. Dash chops Anderson and lands a shot to the face. Dawson comes back in and pounds the back of Anderson. Anderson is able to gain control. He tags Gallows. Dawson takes a cheap shot on Anderson. Dawson is able to get to the back of Gallows and gets a tag to Dash. Gallows comes back and hits back body drops on The Revival. Gallows and Anderson send them to the floor as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Dawson is in control of Anderson. Dawson hits a huge uppercut and tags Dash. Anderson is able to land a shot on Dash and Dawson gets the tag. In comes Gallows and he tees off with big right hands. He hits a big boot on Dawson and finishes with a big splash. Gallows tags Anderson and they look for the Boot of Doom, but it’s stopped by Dash. out comes The Hardy Boyz. The Club sends The Revival out of the ring. They come back in and take advantage of the distraction and hit The Shatter machine of Gallows to pick up the win.
*** After the match The Hardy’s storm the ring and take out The Revival.
Winners: The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
My Opinion:
A very hard hitting match between the teams. I really liked the match and think both could have potential to be the next champions. The Hardy;s coming out wasn’t bad, but I feel like they can’t get anywhere because everyone is stuck on the Broken gimmick and it’s causing them to be at a stalemate. I really think they need to kick it old school and do a TLC match between the teams at SummerSlam.

Backstage Segment:
Miz tells Dallas and Axel that with them he sees family, but their opponents are not. He tells that tonight they will prove that they are original and A List and what’s it in the WWE. He says they will prove that Rollins and Ambrose are a box office bomb waiting to happen.

Match 7: The Miztourage (Miz & Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel) vs
Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose: 3 on 2 Handicap Match
Miz quickly tags Axel. Ambrose flips Axel into the ring and unloads on him. Ambrose hits huge chops in the corner and is able to take Axel to the mat. Rollins tags himself in and goes to work on Axel. Rollins hits a big slam and follows with a running knee. Rollins gets caught in the wrong corner and Dallas comes in. Rollins fights off the two on one and hits a big hip toss on Dallas. Rollins hits a snap-mare and stays on Dallas. Dallas creates separation and Miz gets the tag. Miz hammers his knee into the spine of Rollins. Miz uses a headlock on Rollins, but Rollins fights out. Rollins hits sling blade on Miz. Ambrose gets the tag and Miz goes to the outside. Ambrose chase him back into the ring, but Miz slips away. Ambrose stops and attack from Axel. Rollins gets the tag and they work together taking out Dallas and Axel as Raw goes to break
As Raw returns Rollins slams Dallas to the mat. Miz gets the tag and stops Rollins from getting a tag. Miz works Rollins and Dallas takes a cheap shot. Miz kicks Rollins and continues to pound on him. Miz gets to the mat and gets a front face lock. Rollins almost gets a tag, but Miz lands a kick and neck breaker to follow. Miz brings R
Ollins to his corner and Axel gets the tag. Axel works on Rollins stomping on him. Axel is very unique in his attack as Rollins tries to fight for separation. Axel lands a huge dropkick and tags Dallas. Dallas drops a knee aa he enters. Dallas continues to ground Rollins and Miz gets the tag. Miz kicks Rollins and works very slowly. Rollins tries to battle back, but Miz stops him. Miz hits the Miz kicks, but misses on the last one. Both superstars fall to the ground. Rollins is able fight to get a tag. Ambrose comes in hot. He is able to take it to Axel and Dallas. Ambrose flies to the outside to take out Miz. Miz is sent into the timekeeper’s area. Ambrose hits a clothesline. Dallas meets Ambrose on top, but is sent to the mat. Ambrose hits a clothesline. Rollins comes in to stop Miz. Rollins is driven into the barricade. Axel gets the tag, but Ambrose fights off the double team. Miz gets the tag and hits the Skull Crushing Finale. Rollins breaks up the pin. Ambrose sends Miz to the floor. Rollins and Ambrose fly to take out Axel and Dallas. Rollins comes in the ring to take out Miz. Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds and picks up the win for his team.
Winners: Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose
My Opinion:
A very awesome match. I think they are doing a great job at making The Miztourage something. Ambrose and Rollins looked really good together and it gave everyone a reunion we wanted to see. The only flaw of the match was at times they worked to slow. I think more fast paced match could have made more interesting. Overall though it was solid.

Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed tonight’s Raw. I thought it was well planned out and it didn’t drag on like some weeks. I love that we got answers to questions tonight. Now we know that Strowman, Joe, and Reigns will all face Lesnar in a Fatal Four Way at SummerSlam. That match could be one of the most entertaining and hard hitting matches in a long time. Plus we know that Bayley will face Alexa Bliss at SummerSlam. I think this is a great choice with a classic heel versus face and now Sasha has a reason to turn heel which would be great. Jason Jordan was very impressive tonight and proved he has the potential to be a great singles competitor. Balor and Sampson tore down the house and really had a great match. Sampson now should have more notoriety and can go in another direction and Balor can move on to Wyatt. I think this will give a chance at seeing The demon King again. The main event was also great. The Miztourage is becoming a good unit and it was great to see Rollins and Ambrose together again. It was a very solid match to close out the night. As SummerSlam approaches I like the direction it’s going in. We have a lot of interesting matches and I believe there will be classic showdowns at the party of the summer.
Overall Rating: 7/10