Raw Review 08/06/2018

Last week after Roman Reigns was banned from the building Brock Lesnar finally came out to the ring and left a path of destruction taking out Raw General Manager Kurt Angle. With Reigns back this week how will he respond to The Beast’s antics? Plus, in a match against Alicia Fox Ronda Rousey will finally make her Raw in-ring debut! Also in store, The Revival have a chance to move ahead in the Raw tag team division as they take on The B-Team in a non-title match. What will happen when Mojo Rawley takes on Bobby Roode just a week removed from their backstage brawl? Finally, how will Seth Rollins overcome the numbers game in his rivalry with Dolph Ziggler and Drew Mcintyre with SummerSlam just 2 weeks away?

Raw comes to us tonight from the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Florida.

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

In Ring Segment: Kurt Angle & Constable Baron Corbin
Angle says tonight will be a historic night as Ronda Rousey will make her Raw in-ring debut. He says, unlike some other former UFC champions Ronda has no problem competing on Raw. He says whether she wins tonight or wins at SummerSlam she like every other superstar on Raw is a champion in his book, unlike Brock Lesnar. He says Brock has no class but tells that Paul Heyman still has a job since Brock did come out last week and tells Heyman will be interviewed later by Renee Young. Kurt is then interrupted by Roman Reigns.
Reigns tells Angle he has a lot of respect for him as the general manager but he should’ve known better because if you kick the Big Dog out there’s no one to protect the yard. He then questions Corbin for doing nothing. Angle says no likes what Lesnar did last week and that starts from the top down. Reigns then questions Angle and tells him he can’t postpone this match. Angle said he made sure Reigns will compete against Lesnar and tells Reigns he hopes he kicks his ass. Corbin tells him he can’t pick favorites. Corbin tells Reign she didn’t run off and chose to be the bigger man. Corbin says he’s already doing everything around here. Angle tells him he could’ve acted like a man. Corbin asks Angle if he’s an example of what a man is. He tells Angle he just makes matches and he is there to watch his every move because he can’t be trusted. Angle then tells Corbin he’s gonna take on Reigns and the match starts now.
My Opinion:
This was a good way to start the show but honestly, with SummerSlam so close, I feel like it should’ve started off with something more meaningful. You have such a huge match between Reigns and Lesnar coming up and there should’ve been a better build up than what happened. Hopefully, next week we will get a better opening that will hype SummerSlam as it will be the Go-Home Edition next week.

Match 1: Roman Reigns vs Constable Baron Corbin
The bell rings and Corbin hits him with a cheap shot. Reigns hits him with a Superman Punch but can’t get the three on the cover. Reigns is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Reigns tries a Samoan Drop but Corbin is able to land on his feet. Corbin uses his quickness and lands a clothesline but it’s not enough to put Reigns away. Corbin lands a series of big chops in the corner and follows with heaving Reigns into the corner and dropping him to the mat. Reigns tries to fight back but Corbin hits him with a huge elbow to the jaw. Corbin tries another cover but Reigns kicks out. Corbin then works the neck and shoulder of Reigns. Corbin lands a big kick to the back of Reigns and then hits him with big elbow shots to the forehead. Corbin goes back to the neck and shoulder but Reigns fights out. Reigns hits him with a big kick and then drops Corbin. Reigns then sends Corbin over the top rope. Reigns then hits the drive-by. Corbin then drives Reigns into the ring post as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin is still in control continuing to work on the neck of Reigns. Reigns hits Corbin with a right and then catches him in the jaw with an elbow. Reigns takes down Corbin and then follows with a Samoan Drop. Reigns tries a cover but can’t get the three. Reigns then hits a series of clotheslines in the corner. Reigns comes off the ropes and hits a big boot. Reigns tries a Superman Punch but Corbin catches him. Reigns fights out but Corbin grabs him and hits Deep 6. Corbin goes for the cover but Reigns just kicks out. Reigns gets himself up in the corner but Corbin comes in hot and hits him with a big clothesline. Reigns counters Corbin and hits him with big rights. Corbin tries another clothesline but Reigns hits him with a Superman Punch. Reigns goes for the cover but Corbin kicks out. Corbin leaves the ring and starts up the ramp but out comes Finn Balor. Corbin returns to ringside and is hit with a Superman Punch off the steps. Back in the ring Reigns hits the spear and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Balor gets in the ring and drops Corbin in the corner. Balor then hits the Coupe, de Grace.
Winner: Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
Wow, this was an excellent match. Corbin was very impressive and really tested Reigns tonight. Corbin continues to get better and is becoming a very seasoned veteran in the ring. Reigns really had to work for this one but this was a good test for him with Lesnar waiting in just two weeks. Reigns showed he knows how to pace the match and just needs his one moment to strike. I think Corbin may have tried to do too much at times and not enough at other times. Either way, this was an excellent match and down the line, I think Corbin definitely deserves a rematch.

Backstage Segment:
Rollins tells Angle his focus has been on winning back the Intercontinental Championship but Mcintyre is in his way. He tells Angle he has tried to take care of it but can’t. Rollins tells angle he needs to take care of both those guys. Angle tells him to find a partner and he can face both of those guys.

Match 2: Bobby Roode vs Mojo Rawley
Roode gets around on Rawley but Rawley hits him with an elbow and breaks the hold. Rawley throws Roode off the turnbuckle but Roode is able to fight back. Roode hits him with big rights and then hits a big clothesline. Roode again gets around on Rawley but Rawley reverse. Rawley goes to the apron and Roode sends him to the floor with a dropkick as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Rawley is in control. Roode is able to break the hold but Rawley quickly hits him with a knee. Rawley tries a cover but Roode kicks out. Rawley lands big strikes to the back of Roode and tries another cover but still can’t put away Roode. Rawley wraps around Roode and locks in a waist lock. Roode hits him with big elbows and it forces the break. Rawley comes back with a big side slam. Roode hits him with a big right but Rawley comes back with a knee. Roode fights back and takes down Rawley with a clothesline. Roode takes him out of the corner and hits him with a neckbreaker. Roode then hits a blockbuster. Roode tries the Glorious DDT but is backed into the corner. Roode catches him and tries to fly but is caught. Roode fights out and finally hits the Glorious DDT. Roode goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Bobby Roode
My Opinion:
Big win for Roode tonight. Rawley gave him a fight but ultimately Roode capitalized on his mistake and was able to put the match away. Rawley could’ve won many times in the match but just couldn’t put it away. I think he toyed with Roode a little too much and wasted valuable time. With a veteran like Roode, you have to control the pace and not allow him to have time to recover. Rawley still has a lot to learn but he should tonight he can hang in the ring.

In Ring Segment: Elias
Elias tells again how his album is out and he is changing lives on a daily basis. He then tells how his documentary came out last week but says they got it wrong. He says they are gonna do the documentary right and the real way and Elias’s way. Elias then directs his producers. He tells them they’re a little slow and remind him of Bobby Lashley. He then makes fun of the audience and tells his producers to do anything to help him forget the fact he’s in Jacksonville. He then calls Lashley an idiot and a nobody and tells how last week he came out and interrupted and ruined the whole thing. Out comes Bobby Lashley.
Lashley tells Elias once again his name comes out of his mouth and once again he appears. Lashley then tells him his documentary was good. Elias says it depicts him as egotistical and vein. Lashley asks as opposed to what. Elias tells him he’s not gonna come out here and steal the spotlight. He tells Lashey his entire comeback has been a joke. Lashley tells him that his outfit is a joke, his documentary is a joke, his album is a joke and everything about him is a joke. Lashley warns that the next his name comes out of his mouth what he does to him won’t be a joke. Elias says Bobby is in a bad mood so they need to go do this somewhere else. Elias then takes a cheap shot and stomps on Lashley. Elias lands a big kick and comes off the ropes but he gets caught and Lashley hits him with a spinebuster. Lashley then hits him with a vertical suplex.
My Opinion:
I’m liking this rivalry between Elias and Lashley. Although their verbal confrontations aren’t the best I truly feel that a match between these two will be great. Both are powerhouses and I hope we get to see the match soon. For both Lashley and Elias, I think it will do them a lot of good and both will come out even better from it. Elias definitely could learn a lot from an in-ring worker like Lashley.

Backstage Segment:
Tyler Breeze tells Rollins he heard he’s in a jam and needs a partner. Breeze pitches the idea for him to be his partner and tells him let’s do this thing before he changes his mind. Reigns comes in and says no he has his back tonight.

Match 3: Rezar w/ Akam vs Titus O’Neil w/ Apollo Crews & Dana Brooke
Titus and Rezar lock up and Titus is backed into the corner. Rezar hits a big knee and stays on Titus. Rezar lands a big shot that drops Titus to the mat. Titus gets to his feet and hits him with rights and lefts. Rezar strikes back with a knee to the mid-section. Rezar backs Titus into the corner and buries his shoulder into him. Rezar then puts pressure on Titus driving his boot into his face. Titus hits him with a boot and then hits a series of right hands. Titus gets him in the corner and hits him with a series of shoulders. Titus hits big chops and then follows with a big splash. Akam causes a distraction and Rezar plants him with a boot. Rezar hits a big spinebuster and gets the three on the cover.
Winner: Rezar
My Opinion:
Rezar gets AOP back on track tonight with this win. Last week Crews picked up the huge upset but this week Rezar came out and just dominated. Titus mounted some offense but Rezar overpowered him. I think against someone like Titus it really showed how strong Rezar is but one thing I didn’t like is now it almost looks if Akam is the week one. AOP is one of those teams I don’t really like seeing in singles competition as I feel it singles them out instead of showing them as a powerful unit. Either way, they’re back on track and in my opinion should be the next #1 contenders for the Raw Tag Team Championships.

In-Ring Segment: The Kevin Owens Show w/ Jinder Mahal
Owens welcomes everyone and tells everyone to help him welcome his guest who’s helped him handle all his stress with Braun Strowman Jinder Mahal. Owens tells Mahal he can’t thank him enough. He says he’s never felt better and never been more at peace. Owens says at Extreme Rules after being thrown after the cage he thought he’d live the rest of his life in pain. He says with the help of Mahal he has no pain. He tells Mahal they share something special. He says when most people look at Braun Strowman they see a monster but he and Mahal beat Braun Strowman. Owens tells that Mahal won by count-out but that’s one way he can win at SummerSlam. He says if he beats Braun at SummerSlam he will be Mr. Money In The Back. He says after he wins he will finally reclaim the Universal Championship. He says he hasn’t been the same since he lost it but says he’s never been better. He tells Mahal that what needs to happen tonight is Mahal and Braun Strowman one more time. Owens then introduces Braun Strowman but then says Braun is nowhere to be found. The stage they are on is then tipped over by Braun.
My Opinion:
I’ve loved this rivalry between Owens and Strowman. I’m a huge Owens fan and I really have enjoyed what he’s been doing as of late. I’m very excited for his match at SummerSlam and even though there’s probably no chance of him winning I think it brings an interesting stipulation and one that people will want to see. Owens definitely will stop at nothing to get one over on Strowman but Strowman shows he has no fear of anyone or anything.

Match 4: Braun Strowman vs Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh & Kevin Owens
Owens takes the briefcase and causes Strowman to leave the ring. Owens gives it back and Strowman is able to beat the ten count. Strowman then throws Mahal. Owens comes back and runs with the briefcase but Strowman catches him. Strowman then hits Mahal with it and is disqualified. Strowman then goes after Mahal but Singh steps in and Strowman takes him out instead.
Winner: Jinder Mahal: Via DQ
My Opinion:
Owens is doing his best to play mind games but in reality, he’s just making Strowman even madder. Owens is doing well in showing Strowman all the ways he can lose at SummerSlam but it’s not really giving him an advantage. Owens is gonna have to do something big next week to Strowman if he’s gonna have a shot at SummerSlam. Right now Strowman is in control and when he gets Owens it won’t be pretty for KO.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin is on the phone with Stephanie and gives the phone to Kurt. Stephanie explains something to Kurt and he says he will take care of it.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin tells Reigns he is forbidden for being Seth’s partner because he has already competed. Reigns says he doesn’t care what she says. Corbin tells him if he goes out there he forfeits his match at SummerSlam. Rollins says he’s got this. Corbin tells him his match is no so it looks like it’ll be a handicap match.

Match 5: Dolph Ziggler & Drew Mcintyre vs Seth Rollins
Rollins lands a shot to Mcintyre then goes to the outside. Rollins takes a shot at Ziggler and then goes back after Mcintyre. Mcintyre is able to get back in control and delivers a knee to the spine. Mcintyre gets Rollins in the corner and throws him into the other sending Rollins upside down. Ziggler hits Rollins and backs him in the corner. Mcintyre comes in and lands a huge chop. Mcintyre racks his forearm across the face of Rollins. Mcintyre the wrenches on the shoulder of Rollins. Rollins gets to his feet but Mcintyre stays on him and tosses Rollins. Ziggler comes back in and taunts Rollins. Rollins lands big shots to the mid-section but Ziggler works him into the corner and bounces him off the turnbuckle. Rollins is able to move out of the corner and Ziggler flies into the turnbuckle. Rollins hits him with big right hands but Ziggler sends him to the outside. Rollins prevents the tag and throws Mcintyre off the ring post. Rollins hits the sling blade and then hits him with a forearm. Rollins sends Ziggler to the outside and then hits him with the suicide dive. Rollins goes to the top rope and flies hitting Ziggler with the clothesline. Ziggler hits him with a kick and tries a stomp but Ziggler gets out of the way. Rollins grabs Ziggler and hits the buckle bomb. Mcintyre comes in and turns Rollins inside out. Rollins hits Mcintyre with a knee and tries a roll up but the pin is broken up. Ziggler hits the superkick and gets the three on the cover.
Winners: Dolph Ziggler & Drew Mcintyre
My Opinion:
Things were a little confusing towards the end and I’m not sure this went exactly as plan but nonetheless, Ziggler gets another one over on Rollins. Rollins put up a good fight but at some point, he’s gotta know he can’t beat the numbers game. I hope at SummerSlam Dean Ambrose returns and provides Rollins with the help he needs. Rollins does his best to fight but Mcintyre and Ziggler are dangerous together and beat down Rollins as they planned. Ziggler is definitely in control with SummerSlam two weeks away.

Match 6: The B-Team (Curtis Axel & Bo Dallas) vs The Revival (Dash Wilder & Scott Dawson)
Dawson and Axel start the match. Dawson grabs Axel and brings him to the corner. Wilder gets the tag and Axel works his arm. Wilder lands a big kick and follows with an uppercut. Axel gets back in control and brings Wilder to the corner. Dallas comes and drops Wilder but can’t put him away. Dawson gets the ag and they hammer on Dallas. Dawson lands a huge chop in the corner and then hits a huge clothesline. Dawson tries a cover but Dallas kicks out. Dawson then locks in a submission and wears down Dallas. Dallas and Dawson collide and both men are down. The Deleter of Worlds then appear replacing Dallas and Dawson’s partners. Hardy and Wyatt take out Dallas and Dawson.
Winners: No Contest
My Opinion:
It’s good to see The Deleter of Worlds getting one over but I’m disappointed this is how the match ends. I know Hardy and Wyatt are the ones who will be coming for the tag titles but I really wanted to The Revival have their chance to shine and show they should be the #1 contenders. I feel like the tag division on Raw has grown soft and I just wanna see the hard-hitting competition again.

Backstage Segment: Renee Young w/ Paul Heyman
Renee asks Heyman where he and Lesnar stand. Heyman says he doesn’t know. He hasn’t been able to reach him and doesn’t know where they stand. She asks if he’s talked to him at all. Heyman says no and says he wants to but Lesnar doesn’t wanna take his phone call. Renee says it seemed clear Lesnar doesn’t consider him a friend but an employee. Heyman questions Renee. She asks if he considers Brock a friend of his. He says he does and his children consider Brock’s children as friends. He said he and Brock have always talked about riding off into the sunset together. Renee asks if at this point in his career does Brock still need Paul Heyman. Heyman starts to cry. Renee asks if he has anyone else he might see as a client. Heyman says this whole situation is inconceivable to him. Renee asks Heyman who will win at SummerSlam. Heyman says he has known his for 16 years and e has never seen Lesnar like this. He’s never seen him more violent and against this Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns doesn’t stand a chance.

Match 7: The Riott Squad (Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan) vs The Boss & Hugg Connection (Sasha Banks & Bayley)
Banks and Morgan start the match. They lock up but quickly break up. Morgan gets Banks in the corner and stomps on her. Banks comes back and drives Morgan into the turnbuckle. Banks tags Bayley and then drives herself into Morgan. Bayley takes it to Morgan but Morgan is able to get away and tags Logan. Bayley lands a hip toss and then an elbow but it’s not enough to put her away. Bayley then goes to working the arm of Logan. Logan fights back and drops Bayley with a right. Bayley catches her with a boot and then a crossbody but Logan kicks out of the cover. Logan fights back and drops Bayley. Bayley then hits into the turnbuckle hard. Bayley rolls out of the ring as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Logan works Bayley on the mat. Bayley gets to her feet but Logan takes her back down to the mat kicking her leg from under here. Bayley is able to break the hold but Logan doesn’t let go and pulls Bayley back down to the mat. Logan hits a backbreaker and then slams Bayley back down. Bayley is able to roll Logan over and sends her out of the ring. Logan comes back in and drags Bayley to the corner where her and Morgan double team. Morgan hits a huge knee and then takes down Bayley. Morgan tries a cover but Bayley kicks out. Bayley tries to fight out but Morgan drags her back. Bayley grabs Morgan and throws her into the turnbuckle. Banks gets the tag and so does Logan. Banks topples her and lands a huge knee. Bayley gets the tag and hits the hurricanrana. Banks tags in and hits the medeora. Morgan has to break the cover. Bayley sends Morgan to the outside. Morgan gets pushed out of the way and Bayley crashes. Ruby Riott is back! Logan takes advantage and gets the cover on Banks getting the win for the Riott Squad.
Winners: The Riott Squad (Sarah Logan & Liv Morgan)
My Opinion:
I was so impressed by Morgan and Logan tonight. They didn’t just hang with Banks and Bayley but really took it to them. They showed great teamwork and didn’t lose focus. It was awesome to see Ruby Riott back as well. I think Morgan and Logan have done great in her absence and now they will be stronger than ever. The Women’s division definitely needs to be on notice.

In Ring Segment:
Alexa tells Charly she had all night to think of a question and all she could do is think of one about Ronda Rousey. She tells Charly she is in the presence of a former champion and trailblazer in Alicia Fox. She tells Charly to put her journalism degree to use and ask a good question. Charly asks Fox how she prepared for this. Alicia says she is pretty sure Rousey is still banged up from last week. She says even if they talk about her accomplishments, she is a UFC Hall of Famer and an Olympian but she wasn’t the captain of the Raw Survivor Series team. Alexa then takes over and says no she wasn’t Fox was. Alexa says we wouldn’t be having Evolution if it wasn’t for women like her paving the way for all of us. She then thanks Fox for her contributions. Alexa says everyone is thankful except Ronda because she is not thankful for anything. She asks Fox if she has made sacrifice after sacrifice to let an over-hyped rookie take her spotlight. Fox says absolutely not.

Match 8: Ronda Rousey w/ Natalya vs Alicia Fox w/ Alexa Bliss
Fox toys with Rousey and tries a slap. Rousey catches her and shoves her to the mat. Fox then goes to the outside. Fox comes back in but quickly goes back to the outside. Bliss takes advantage and trips up Rousey. Fox unloads with kicks and punches. Rousey hits Fox with rights and lefts in the corner. Rousey flips her and then flips her again and again and Fox goes to the outside. Rousey goes and grabs her and throws her into the barricade. Biss provides the distraction but Fox is caught and Rousey sends her flying across the ring. Rousey grabs her arm and locks in the armbar. Fox taps.
*** Charly congratulates Ronda on her own. Rousey says thanks to everyone and says it feels good to focus on SummerSlam. Bliss tries an attack but Rousey flips her out of the ring. Rousey tells Bliss it doesn’t matter how tight she holds onto that title because at SummerSlam it’s hers.
Winner: Ronda Rousey
My Opinion:
Very impressive debut for Rousey on Raw. Fox stood no chance in this match. Rousey is so quick and powerful and dominates in the ring. Bliss continues to try to get in her head but it’s just making Rousey mad. Rousey is coming for that title and I don’t see how she can lose at SummerSlam. I think most people wanna see Ronda win and it’s time it happens. Rousey is putting the work and she deserves to be the Champion. This really got me pumped for SummerSlam!

Final Thoughts:
This was pretty good Raw, for the most part, we saw really good matches throughout the night. I thought the SummerSlam build up could have been better but hopefully next week we will get that. Roman Reigns looked awesome tonight against Corbin and definitely seems ready for Lesnar. Ziggler and Mcintyre once again got one over on Rollins and as I had said Rollins can’t beat his numbers game. I’m hoping at SummerSlam we will see the return of Ambrose and he will get the help he needs. Speaking of returns it was awesome to see Ruby Riott back. The Riott Squad is now more powerful than ever and definitely, will be major competitors in the Women’s division. It was awesome to see Ronda Rousey make her Raw debut. She killed it and is so dominant in the ring. Rousey has become a superstar and at SummerSlam, I hope that title is her’s. As long as Bliss doesn’t have any tricks up her sleeve Rousey is primed to win this Raw Women’s Championship!
Overall Rating: 7/10