Raw Review 08/13/2018

Tonight is the Go-Home Edition of Monday Night Raw before this Sunday’s SummerSlam PPV. What will be said when Roman Reigns heads to the ring and speaks on his match against Brock Lesnar? Plus, will The B-Team be able to hold onto their Raw Tag Team Championships as they defend against The Deleters of Worlds and The Revival. Also set for tonight Dolph Ziggler and Seth Rollins meet face to face to sign their SummerSlam contract, will Rollins be able to finally get one over on Ziggler and Mcintyre just days before their Intercontinental Championship Match? Finally, with time running out can Alexa Bliss continue to run from Ronda Rousey or will Rousey show her that this Sunday the title is hers?

Raw comes to us tonight from the Greensboro Coliseum in Greensboro, NC.

Raw kicks off with us being welcomed by Michael Cole, Corey Graves, and Renee Young

In Ring Segment: Ronda Rousey
Ronda starts by telling about how Natalya’s father passed away today. Rousey tells how hard of a loss it is because they are the pillar of strength and the reassurance we need. Ronda says when they pass away we have to face the fact they raised us to be the pillars of strength when they are gone. She then tells Natalya to stay strong and says we all love you. Ronda says Natalya was the first to welcome her in the door and she will be the first to defend her in her absence. She says this Sunday she will beat Alexa Bliss to become the new Raw Women’s Champion. She then introduces Ember Moon who is facing Alexa Bliss.
Bliss comes out and tells Ronda she is not gonna win at SummerSlam. She tells her that she has had three matches and she is a 5-time champion. She says she is sick of Rousey and her looks. She then complains about Angle and says he doesn’t protect his Raw Women’s Champion. She tells Rousey that Baron Corbin told her to hire her own security for this match to protect her from an attack from Rousey. She tells Rousey not to even think to try anything. Bliss gets in the ring and takes a cheap shot on Rousey. Rousey then takes out the security guards. Rousey then takes it to Fox and they retreat.
My Opinion:
That was a heartfelt message from Ronda Rousey. I think she had very wise words with the situation Natalya and her family are going through. Rousey definitely seems ready for SummerSlam and no doubt has a great shot to win the title against Bliss. Bliss had a lot to say but it seemed like a little bit of a stretch. Bliss is a good heal but I’m not the biggest fan of the complaining. Rousey definitely looked strong tonight and it’s a good send-off into SummerSlam.

Match 1: Alexa Bliss vs Ember Moon
As Raw returns, Bliss works the arm of Moon but Moon is able to reverse and works Bliss to the mat. Bliss fights out and uses her legs to choke Moon. Moon works to her feet and goes back to the injured arm of Bliss. Bliss works to her feet and locks in a side headlock. Moon tries to break the hold the but Bliss keeps it locked. Finally, Moon escapes and drops Bliss to the mat. Bliss gets back into control and lands a big slap. Moon comes back with a headscissors takedown. Moon tries a cover but Moon kicks out. Bliss goes to the outside and is taken out by a baseball slide by Moon. Moon flips Bliss and goes to a chin lock. Bliss works out of the hold and stomps on the shoulder of Moon. Bliss then lands a big dropkick. Moon comes back with a step-up enziguri. Bliss then goes to the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Bliss lands knees to the midsection of Moon. Bliss then moves to a chin lock. Moon works to her feet and lands a neckbreaker. Bliss comes back and lands a big clothesline. Bliss goes for the cover but Moon kicks out. Bliss goes back to the chin lock and works Moon on the mat. Moon works out and locks in a roll up but Bliss kicks out. Bliss comes back with a basement dropkick. Bliss goes for the cover but Moon kicks out. Bliss tries another cover but Moon again kicks out. Bliss slaps Moon and then pushes her around. Moon comes back with a forearm and then hits a step-up enziguri. Moon lands a big suplex and goes for the cover but Bliss kicks out. On the outside, Rousey stops Fox and takes her out. Bliss comes from behind and takes down Rousey and throws her into the barricade. Moon lands knees to the midsection and then hits the Eclipse but Fox stops the cover. Rousey comes in and takes out Fox.
Winner: Ember Moon: Via DQ
My Opinion:
Moon had that match won and it’s a shame it ended like that. Bliss did well in the match and showed why she is the champ but Moon really took it to her as well. Bliss tried to get one over on Rousey but once again Rousey won’t let it happen. Bliss is gonna have nowhere to run Sunday but I hope the match doesn’t end like this one did. I hope Rousey gets a fair match because if she does I believe she’s got this.

Backstage Segment:
Angle tells Corbin he can’t believe he went to Stephanie like this. Corbin says too bad she approved the suggestions and he just needs to go to the ring. Ziggler and Mcintyre come in and Ziggler tells that Rollins hasn’t shown yet and ask what show Angle is running. Angle says he will be here and tells them to wait somewhere else.

Match 2: Baron Corbin vs Tyler Breeze
Corbin takes it to Breeze early and works his shoulder on the mat. Corbin then works the chin of Breeze. Breeze lands a kick and then follows up with a basement dropkick. Corbin goes to the outside and so does Breeze but Breeze is caught and driven into the barricade.back in the ring Corbin continues to hammer on Breeze. Corbin continues to put the pressure on Breeze. Breeze gets to his feet but Corbin throws him back down to the mat. Breeze lands a kick and then sends Corbin over the top rope. Breeze flies over the ropes but Corbin gets out of the way. Breeze fights back with a step-up enziguri. Breeze then lands a shoulder and flips back into the ring. Corbin though grabs him and lands Deep 6. Corbin goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
***Corbin gets on the mic and says wow I am good. He says that is just a small taste of what he is gonna do to Balor at SummerSlam. Corbin then introduces Balor’s opponent Jinder Mahal. Corbin then says he wasn’t finished he was just catching his breath. He says Balor thinks he’s a big man so he’d be fine handling two opponents tonight. He then says it will be a handicap match and introduces Kevin Owens.
Winner: Baron Corbin
My Opinion:
Corbin picks up a big win tonight and once again continues to dominate. Breeze had some bright spots but ultimately Corbin used his strength and size to his favor. Corbin continues to do well in his new role and is doing a good job getting heat on himself. I think he and Balor have a great rivalry and tonight just adds to it.

Match 3: Finn Balor & Braun Strowman vs Kevin Owens & Jinder Mahal w/ Sunil Singh
*** Before the match Angle comes out and makes this match a tag team match and introduces Balor’s partner Braun Strowman.
Mahal goes after Balor and backs him into the corner. Mahal works him to the mat and stays in control. Balor battles back and lands a big dropkick. Mahal fights back and tags in Owens. Owens works the arm of Balor and keeps him grounded. Mahal gets the tag and continues to hammer on Balor. Owens comes back in and works Balor to the corner. Balor fights back and gets the tag to Strowman. Owens makes the tag and Strowman takes it to Mahal. Mahal fights back with big rights. Strowman lands a palm to the chest and drives Mahal to the mat. Strowman lands a big splash in the corner and throws Mahal to the ground. Strowman lands a shoulder tackle and follows with a forearm that sends Mahal to the mat. Strowman tags Balor and throws him on top of Mahal. Balor then sends Mahal out of the ring with a dropkick. Balor then flies to take out Mahal and Owens as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Mahal works Balor. Balor tries to fight back but Mahal lands a big knee. Owens tags in and lands a series of elbows. Owens goes to the mat and works a chin lock on Balor. Balor fights back and tries a tag but Owens tags Mahal and Mahal prevents it. Balor fights back with big elbows but Mahal continues to prevent the tag. Mahal catches Balor and drives him into the corner. Balor is able to send Mahal to the outside but Mahal gets back in the ring and tags Owens. Owens stops the tag but balor fights back and lands a slingblade. Strowman finally gets the tag and takes down Mahal with a shoulder tackle. Strowman goes to the outside and uses Singh to take out Owens. Mahal is able to land a knee but he is then caught and Strowman slams him. Strowman goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Corbin attacks Balor from behind.
Winners: Finn Balor & Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
Balor and Strowman did very well as a team tonight. Mahal and Owens put a great fight but Strowman was the x-factor and ultimately couldn’t be stopped. Owens seemed to want nothing to do with Strowman so he better come up with a plan before this Sunday. Balor looked great but once again Corbin got the better of him. Corbin looks in control of balor but of course you can never count him out.

Backstage Segment:
Angle calls Rollins and tells him to call him back. Ziggler and Mcintyre come back in and ask for an update. They then say it’s okay cause Rollins is just scared. Mcintyre says if Rollins doesn’t show up and doesn’t sign the contract the match isn’t official. Angle tells them he will be here. Ziggler tells Angle he wants to look at the contract.

In-Ring Segment: Elias
Ricky Roberts stands in the ring, Roberts is from Greenville and says his favorite musician is Elias. He says he can’t play the guitar yet but one day he will be able to and he’ll be in the Country Hall of Fame. he says Elias will come out and say the famous words. Elias then comes out and says hello I am Elias. Elias tells Roberts there is only one Elias in this world. He asks Roberts if he’d go on WWE Shop and buy the what would Elias bracelet. Elias then goes on about his accomplishments thus far. Elias tells of his concert on Saturday and says at SummerSlam he will have his greatest performance yet. He then ask what does WWE stand for. Elias then makes fun of the crowd and starts his performance but is stopped before he starts by Bobby Lashley. Lashley gets in the ring and tells Roberts they already have a no talent musician. Roberts then breaks the guitar over Lashley. Lashley turns around throws him off the ropes and hits a spinebuster.
My Opinion:
Elias and Lashley aren’t having the best verbal rivalry but again I still believe they will do well once they face off in a match. Elias continues to do well in playing to the crowd and he’s done well in making Lashley look like the hero. Lashley showed his power tonight but it’s about time he and Elias get it on in the ring.

Backstage Segment:
The B-Team goes over their odds to win tonight. Axel tells him to be positive. Dallas tells Axel their odds of winning tonight are lower than usual. Dallas tells him he doubled checked the numbers but no matter how you do the math they are in trouble. Axel tells him this has the best run of their lives so let’s go out there and run for our lives.

Match 4: The B-Team (Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel) (C) vs The Deleters of Worlds (Matt Hardy & Bray Wyatt) vs The Revival (Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder)
Raw Tag Team Championship Match
Dallas and Wilder start the match and Dallas tries a quick cover but it doesn’t work. Dawson gets the tag and he and Wilder attack Dallas in the corner. Dawson then lands a huge right hand. Dawson lands a suplex but Dallas kicks out of the cover. Wilder gets the tag and he takes it to Dallas. Dallas is able to knock him down. Hardy gets the cover and bangs Wilder off the turnbuckles. Hardy lands the side effect and goes for the cover but Wilder kicks out. Hardy lands a big elbow to Wilder. Dawson gets the tga and he and Wilder take it to Hardy. Dawson tries a cover but Hardy kicks out. Dawson lands a huge chop and stays on Hardy. Hardy lands a kick but Dawson comes back with a clothesline. Wilder gets the tg and Dawson drops him on Hardy. Dawson tries the cover but hardy kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Hardy hits Wilder with big rights and then an elbow. Dawson gets the tag and hits a back body drop but it allows Hardy to make the tag. Wyatt takes down Dawson and then plants him. Wyatt plants Wilder and then Dallas too. Axel then counters but wyatt side steps him. Dawson lands a sunset flip and tries a cover but Wyatt kicks out. On the outside Wyatt lands a uranage to Wilder on the apron. Wyatt is then taken out by Axel. Hardy goes to the top but Dawson hits him with a right hand. Hardy then suplexes Dawson into everyone. Wyatt tries a double Sister abigail but The Revival fight out. The Revival hit The Shatter Machine on Wyatt. Axel sends them out of the ring and pins Wyatt 1 2 3.
Winners: The B-Team (Bo Dallas & Curtis Axel): Still Raw Tag Team Champions
My Opinion:
Wow, what a match these three teams had. They really all fought hard and it was pretty much anyone’s match to win. Once again Dallas and Axel have luck on their side and Axel played that perfectly at the end letting The Revival do his dirty work without even knowing it. I’m surprised The B Team has lasted this long as champs but they continue to find ways to win. Still though I’m looks for Authors of Pain to step in and finally get a title shot at some point and win the titles from them.

Backstage Segment:
Angle asks Ziggler if everything is up to his standards. Ziggler asks about a clause how Rollins is entitled to have someone in his corner for his match. Angle says it’s fair since Mcintyre is in his corner but he could take it out and no one will have anyone in their corner. Ziggler says it’s fine it won’t mate if he doesn’t show up.

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
Reigns says in his position he tells himself to leave this place better than he found it. He says he won’t be able to accomplish that with Lesnar here so it’s time for him to go. He says he sick of Lesnar and it ends this Sunday. He says at SummerSlam he’s taking back his Universal Championship. He says he’s sending Brock so far back into the UFC he’s gonna find his head in Dana White’s ass. Out comes Paul Heyman.
Heyman says it’s a new day yes it is. He says if he were to steal a line from someone on SmackDown he would take it from The Uso’s because they are the future of the tag team division. He then says speaking of the future here’s Roman Reigns. Reigns says he’s interested to see what Heyman can do tonight. Heyman tells Reigns this is his week but why wait until Sunday to make history when he can make it right here right now tonight. Heyman says he doesn’t if he caught wind of what he said when he told Renee that he stands no chance unless Paul Heyman tells him everyone of Brock Lesnar’s secrets. He tells Reigns if he has Paul Heyman in his corner it’s a guarantee he will beat Brock Lesnar and become the Universal Champion. Reigns tells him he knows all this he beat Brock Lesnar. Heyman says he’s not here to talk about the past but he’s here because he’s a visionary and sees the future and he sees next Monday he and Reigns side by side. Heyman then does his advocate skit but puts Reigns name in place of Brock Lesnar. Reigns tells him he was groomed at a young age for this position. He refers to Heyman as a shark that is drowning and says he’s not worth saving. He wishes Heyman good luck on his future endeavors. Heyman says he is with the knowledge he learned at 15, 16, and 27 years old form Reigns father. He tells Reigns a Samoan heritage Reigns father taught him. Heyman gives Reigns an agreement on paper and tells him to look it over and give him his answer at SummerSlam. Heyman then sprays Reigns with pepper spray. Out comes Brock Lesnar. Lesnar gets in the ring and hits Reigns with a knee. He attacks Reigns with a series of knees and knocks Reigns to the mat. Lesnar then gets him in a guillotine. Lesnar then hits an F5 on Reigns.
My Opinion:
That was pretty awesome right there. I love how they changed things up and how conniving they’ve made Heyman over the past few weeks. This was a great set up and gives Lesnar and Heyman perfect heat heading into SummerSlam. LEsnar looks more dangerous than ever and this will be a fight on Sunday. Reigns better be ready or Lesnar will retain once again. After that attack though Reigns now has the chance to rise and overcome The Beast once and for all.

Match 5: Titus Worldwide (Titus O’Neil & Apollo Crews w/ Dana Brooke) & Bobby Roode vs Authors of Pain (Akam & Rezar) & Mojo Rawley
Akam takes it to Crews but Crews comes back with a dropkick. Rezar tags in and hits a big boot. Rezzar tries a cover but Crews kicks out. Rezar works the neck of Crews and keeps him grounded on the mat. Akam gets the tag and lands a boot to Crews. Crews is able to get of the way and Akam crashes into the corner. Mojo gets the tag and takes out Titus. He turns back to Crews but Crews is able to tag Roode. Roode takes down Mojo but Mojo fights back and throws him into the corner. Roode lands a kick to stop him. Titus helps out and Roode is able to land the Glorious DDT. Roode goes for the cover and gets he 1 2 3.
Winners: Titus Worldwide (Titus O’Neil & Apollo Crews w/ Dana Brooke) & Bobby Roode
My Opinion:
This was a quick match and no one really got to show much in it. I hate that AOP is stuck in this position. I feel they have so much more to offer and should’ve been competing for the tag titles tonight instead. These rivalarys continue on and we will see what happens. Roode picked up the win for his team and I’m glad they’re not letting Mojo get over on him. Roode is a talent who should be in a big program but unfortunately since coming to Raw he’s been stuck.

Backstage Segment:
Reigns is getting medical treatment.

Match 6: Sasha Banks w/ Bayley vs Ruby Riott w/ Liv Morgan & Sarah Logan
Riott takes control early and push Sasha around. Sasha gets in control but gets distracted. Sasha is able to come back and lands a roll up but Riott kicks out. Sasha then goes to the arm of Riott. Riott works out and tries a roll up but Sasha works out. Sasha tries the Banks Statement but Riott gets to the ropes. Sasha lands a big kick to Riott but Riott takes advantage of the distraction and sends Sasha into the steps. Riott tries the cover but Sasha kicks out. Sasha tries an inside cradle but Riott kicks out. Riott steps on the hand of Sasha and then tries a cover but Sasha kicks out. Riott continues to work the hand and arm of Sasha as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Riott works the hand of Sasha. Sasha is able to fight back but Riott stays in control. Sasha fights back with big slaps. Sasha breaks the hold with an arm drag. Sasha catches her with an elbow and then Sasha takes out Sarah Logan with a suicide dive. She then lands a knee to Riott but Morgan gets involved. Bayley comes to assist. Riott again goes to the bad hand of Sasha and rolls her up. Riott gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Ruby Riott
My Opinion:
Big win for Riott in her return match. Riott was aggressive and really picked apart Sasha in this match. Riott defiantly has the chance to come back and make a big splash in the Raw Women’s Division as she was on top when she got injured. Logan and Morgan have even improved making them a dangerous force. Their rivalry with Bayley and Sasha looks like it’s just getting started and I can’t wait to see more.

Backstage Segment:
Angle asks if there is any word on Rollins but is told there is no sight of him. Corbin tells him that this happened because he waited until the last minute. He tells him all he does is make matches and he can’t wait any longer.

In Ring Segment:
Angle tells that Reigns is still able to compete at SummerSlam. He says he’s not gonna suspend Lesnar or strip him of the title because he wants Reigns to kick his ass and bring the title back to Raw where it belongs. He says Lesnar is the worse champion of all time. Out comes Ziggler and Mcintyre. Mcintyre tells Angle he wasn’t gonna suspend Lensar cause he’s already loss one title match already. Ziggler asks Angle if he has to defend this title or not. Angle then introduces Rollins but he doesn’t show. Ziggler says he’s not coming out call it were done. Mcintyre says his travel issues could be cause he can’t get away from them fast enough. Ziggler says he was a great champion but he can’t beat them so he quit. Mcintyre says they respect Seth Rollins. Mcintyre tells them if they’re fortunate to make it Raw you have to out work everyone around. He says they respect Rollins cause he fought to prove he’s the best and it made them work harder to prove they were better. Ziggler says Rollins pushed himself to hard for the fans. Ziggler says the fns forget they love when Seth burns it down. Ziggler says they forget they use to love when he stole the show. Ziggler says the second the fans feel disappointment they all turn their back. He says they’re turn their back on Seth and the next guy and the next guy. Ziggler tells that Mcintyre truly has his back and pushes him to outdo himself for the betterment of the company and the entire world. Ziggler says he doesn’t care about the fans or anyone in the back or stealing the show cause they do what they want and they took the whole damn thing over. Ziggler tells Angle to hand him that contract and they will make it a Seth Rollins forfeit. Ziggler signs the contract and says we are down. Here comes Rollins! Rollins says he’s sorry he’s late and sorry they had to sit through that Ziggler therapy session. Rollins said he didn’t wanna come out here until the contract was signed because he thought Ziggler might change his mind when he heard what he had to say. Rollins says he was dealing with travel issues but they weren’t his. Rollins says he’s tired of dealing with two on one so he figured he better have a lunatic in his. Here comes Dean Ambrose!!!! They hit the ring and g o after Ziggler and Mcintyre. Rollins hits a superkick and Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds on him!
My Opinion:
Oh My God! Moments like that remind why I love this!!! Ambrose is back and the playing field is even now. Rollins liked fired up and Ambrose looked better than ever. Finally, Rollins has the numbers game taken care of and it’s gonna be a fight at SummerSlam. That got me pumped and that’s how you end Monday Night Raw!

Final Thoughts:
This was a great show going into SummerSlam! First, Ronda Rousey started the night making her statement, no one is gonna stand in her way and she is ready to fight Bliss this Sunday. I loved what they did with Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar, Lesnar and Heyman tactics worked and Lesnar destroyed Reigns. Reigns has an uphill battle but I think this will fire him up and he’s gonna look better than ever. Ambrose returning tonight was just one of those special moments. Rollins needed backup and he got it in a huge way. I’m glad Rollins is back and we will have an even match this Sunday! Overall this was a great show, we got a lot of good advancement in storylines heading into SummerSlam and the crowd tonight really helped in selling a lot of things. I loved tonight and I can’t wait for Sunday!
Overall Rating: 7/10