Raw Review 08/20/2018

Tonight is the Fallout Edition of Monday Night Raw following SummerSlam last night. What will Roman Reigns have in store for the WWE Universe after defeating Brock Lesnar last night and winning the Universal Championship? Plus will Lesnar have anything to say as he is scheduled for Raw tonight? Also, what will Ronda Rousey have to say after winning her first WWE championship when she defeated Alexa Bliss last night for the Raw Women’s Championship? After Seth Rollins was able to defeat Dolph Ziggler for the Intercontinental Championship will this be the end of Ziggler and Mcintyre? Baron Corbin got quite the surprise last night when he had to face the Demon King but will there be repercussions for Finn Balor following this. Finally, after retaining the Raw Tag Team Championships again is there anyone who can stop the B-Team’s good luck?

Raw comes to us tonight from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn

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

In Ring Segment: Roman Reigns
Reigns says he is a man of his word, he tells how he said he would beat Brock Lesnar and he did. Reigns says he told when he won this he would defend it and that’s what he plans on doing tonight. He says he normally would make it easy and allow anyone to step up but he has someone in mind. He says the man he has in mind won it in Brooklyn and lost it due to injury. He says since he won it in Brooklyn he’s gonna defend it here and he’s gonna defend it against Finn Balor. Out comes Balor.
Balor says he accepts the challenge and he’s taking back the title tonight. They shake hands but out comes Baron Corbin. Corbin says as exciting as it would be see this match tonight it’s not gonna happen. He tells Balor if he thinks he will be rewarded for his stunt last night it’s not gonna happen. He says what he did was cowardly and Corbin tells that as far as he’s concerned the match never happens because he couldn’t hear the bell. He says he’s gonna face Finn Balor the man tonight. Reigns tells Corbin the fans are booing him and if he sucked as bad as he did last night he’d want to forget it. Corbin tells him the only reason Lesnar lost was because he was more focused on Brock Lesnar. Out comes Kurt Angle.
Angle tells Corbin he let the constable thing go to his head. He tells Balor he makes the matches and asks the crowd if they’d like to see this Balor versus Reigns. The crowd cheers and Angle makes it official. Angle then informs Corbin he will be facing Bobby Lashley next.
My Opinion:
It’s so good to see the Universal Championship on Raw. I think it’s even better that it’s being defended tonight. We need to see the title defended more and it’s about time we get it. Balor is a great choice for this because they haven’t given him anything good in a while yet he fans love him. I hope this is a great match tonight and it sets the tone for what’s to come with the title.

Match 1: Baron Corbin vs Bobby Lashley
Lashley gets around on Corbin and works him to the mat. Corbin gets to the ropes but Lashley gets right back on him. Corbin goes to the corner but Lashley grabs him and bounces him off the turnbuckle. Lashley then hammers on him and Corbin goes to the outside to regroup. On the outside Lashley hits him with a big right and then bounces him off the apron. Back in the ring Lashley hammers on Corbin in the corner with huge right hands. Lashley then sends Corbin over the top rope. Lashley meets him on the outside and brings him back in the ring. Corbin lands a big kick to the knee sending Lashley to the ground. Corbin then drives him into the barricade. Corbin brings him in the ring and works his shoulder. Lashley is able to reverse Corbin in the ring and then hits him with a big clothesline. Lashley hits him with big right hands but Corbin backs him into the ropes and forces him out of the ring. Corbin goes to the outside and hits him with a huge clothesline as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Corbin is in control working on the neck of Lashley. Corbin then sends Lashley shoulder first into the ring post. Lashley comes back and sends Corbin into the ring post this time. Lashley and Corbin then trade punches. Lashley is able to hit a series of clotheslines and then a big belly to belly throw. Lashley then hits another clothesline in the corner but then runs into a back elbow. Lashley fights back and Corbin goes to the outside. Lashley goes after him but Corbin is able to get back in control. Corbin brings Lashley to the top rope and continues to bring it to him. Lashley knocks him off and tries to fly but Corbin catches him and hits a chokeslam backbreaker. Lashley fights back and hits him with a big slam. Lashley goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner:
My Opinion:
This was a pretty good match between these two and I think Corbin out on a really good showing against Lashley. Corbin had a great shot to win this match but Lashley ultimately was able to catch him and that was enough for the win. Corbin definitely will have something to say about this and honestly, I hope we see this match one more time because they really tested each other.

Backstage Segment:
Heyman tells Angle he has a specific mission. He says Lesnar would like to invoke his rematch clause. Angle says are you kidding me. Heyman says they have no excuses they want a rematch. Heyman says Lesnar wants to know when he will get his rematch. Angle says he has a fighting champion right now and it will be a long long long time before he gets his rematch. Heyman says he’s thinking it’s way down the road at Hell In A Cell. Angle says it will be a cold day in hell or as they say in Brooklyn forget about it.

Backstage Segment:
Corbin asks Angle what his problem is. Corbin tells him he’s not some dog who just does tricks and he’s tired of not getting what he wants. Angle tells him his job isn’t to do what he wants. He says his job is to do what’s best for the WWE Universe. Corbin tells him that Stephanie is here tonight and he’s gonna go talk to her.

Match 2: Sasha Banks & Bayley & Ember Moon vs The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan vs Sarah Logan)
Riott and Banks start the match. Banks hits her with a big slap and then pounds on her on the mat. Bayley gets the tag and the two double team Riott. Bayley stomps on her and tags Moon. Moon takes it to her and then hits her with a forearm. Riott is able to fight her off and tags Logan. Logan is taken down by Moon. Bayley and banks help Moon and they send the Riott Squad to the outside. Bayley, Banks, and Moon take them all out on the outside as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Bayley takes it to Morgan in the corner. Morgan comes back with a big right hand. Riott gets the tag and on the outside lays out Bayley. Riott takes it to Bayley and tries a cover but she kicks out. Logan gets the tag and hammers on Bayley before tagging in Morgan. Morgan uses the ropes to wrap around Bayley and choke her. Morgan tries a cover after a cheap shot from Logan but Bayley kicks out. Morgan brings her in the corner and tags Logan. The Riott Squad triple team Bayley and Logan takes advantage. Logan locks in a chokehold on her but Bayley is able to create some separation. Logan stays on her and hits a cheap shot on Moon. Bayley tries to fight out but Logan stays on her. Riott gets the tag and but so does Banks. Banks hits big kicks and then hits double knees to Riott. Banks tries a cover but Logan breaks up the pin. On the outside Moon hits a suplex on Morgan. Logan on the outside takes out Bayley with a clothesline. Banks flies from the apron and hits the medeora on Logan. Riott hits the lion kick on Banks and Riott gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott & Liv Morgan vs Sarah Logan)
My Opinion:
The Riott Squad picks up a big win and tonight. These three are a dangerous unit and I think they can beat anyone that steps in front of them. Ultimately they picked their spots just as they do and Riott made it count when it came. With Logan and Morgan by her side, Riott could be the next champion easily. They definitely are becoming unstoppable.

In Ring Segment: Triple H
Triple H starts by saying what a weekend it’s been. He tells that Nxt blew the roof off this place and then last night SummerSlam was incredible. Triple H says he watched last night on the edge of his seat because he loves this and this is in him. He says he will work until he dies to make sure this is here for everyone. Triple H says sometimes there are thing make him want to be The Game again. He says when Vince called him and told him they wanted him to wrestle again in Australia he said hell yeah. He said when they told him they wanted him to step in the ring with The Undertaker he said hell no. he says he said it because when he faced The Undertaker at WrestleMania that was an end of an era. He says that moment changed them. He goes on about things that have happened since then and says for the three of them everything had changed. He says their era was something special. He says for the same thing he said no he called Vince and told him he’s in. He says he will be The Game again. He then says The Undertaker needs to be the Phenom one more time. He says the sound will be back, the feeling will be back because the era is back. One last time.
My Opinion:
Triple H had a lot of great things to say tonight. This match between Triple H and Undertaker may not be the rest from a technical standpoint but from a special and memorable standpoint, this will be epic. Triple H definitely still has it and I love seeing him in the ring. I hope he has more than just this one last match in him.

Match 3: Dean Ambrose w/ Seth Rollins vs Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew Mcintyre
Ambrose and Ziggler lock up and Ambrose works him to the mat. Ziggler fights back but Ambrose is able to hit him with a huge clothesline off the ropes and Ziggler goes to the outside for a breather. Ambrose works the neck of Ziggler and lands a big takedown. Ziggler lands a big kick but Ambrose hits him with a big right. Ziggler fights back with ones of his but quickly Ambrose gets on him and tries a cover. Ziggler is able to kick out. Ambrose works him on the mat and then hits a shoulder tackle. Ambrose lands a big slam on Ziggler. Ambrose gets distracted by Mcintyre and Ziggler takes advantage with a drop kick as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Ziggler is in control with a chin lock. Ziggler toys with Ambrose but Ambrose comes back with huge clotheslines. Ziggler is able to land a big kick and tries to use the ropes on the pin but Ambrose kicks out. Ambrose comes back with a big fallaway slam. Ziggler is able to hang up Ambrose but Ambrose comes back with a big take down. Ziggler is sent into the post but the favor is then returned. On the outside, Mcintyre and Rollins go at it. Ziggler then comes out and provides assistance. Ambrose jumps in and gets to Ziggler. Mcintyre provides a distraction but Ambrose doesn’t allow Ziggler ot capitalized. Rollins takes out Mcintyre and Ambrose hits Dirty Deeds on Ziggler. Ambrose goes for the cover and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Dean Ambrose
My Opinion:
Ambrose is back! This a huge win for him and he’s looked great in the ring. Ambrose has added a lot of good technical wrestling to his arsenal and honestly seems better than ever. I feel like Ambrose definitely could be coming for that Intercontinental Championship sometime in the future. Rollins and him back together are great for now but at some point, you have to imagine Ambrose will want his shot. Maybe with the time off this is the time for Ambrose to come back and really make an impact like never before.

Backstage Segment:
Braun tells Balor he refuses to cash in from behind and tells Balor good luck tonight.

In-Ring Segment: Elias
Elias says it’s clear someone is trying to destroy all he is. He says whoever messed with him hasn’t come to the realization that WWE stands for Walk With Elias. Elias says after last night his doctor called him and told him not to go back to Brooklyn because it’s bad for his health. He tells he’s a performer though and tonight he will give his greatest performance yet. Out comes Curt Hawkins.
Hawkins says he heard Elias is trying to be a number one hit but he was thinking Elias could be the first guy to lose to Curt Hawkins. He says he’s feeling lucky tonight and this certainly isn’t his town. He asks Elias to end his 218 match losing streak. Elias says that’s really funny but he tells him that Curt Hawkins is a loser. He tells him he was born a loser and will die a loser just like everyone here. He tells him this stage is for stars and he doesn’t belong here. He tells him to get the hell out of Brooklyn. Hawkins asks him if he’s gonna hide behind that guitar and that goofy scarf or is he gonna fight him because he’s challenging him to match right now.
My Opinion:
I’m starting to feel bad for Elias, the gimmick I think just isn’t gonna get him to that next level. He’s amazing in the ring but he keeps getting pushed down by not having good rivalries. Elias needs to be fighting for titles and not having to just get annoyed each week. Elias deserves so much more and it’s not no offense to Curt Hawkins but the position they put him in is not good and having him come out to mess with Elias just doesn’t sit well.

Match 4: Elias vs Curt Hawkins
Hawkins tries a quick cover but Elias kicks out. Elias hits him with a big knee and then hammers on Hawkins. Hawkins is bounced off the turnbuckle and then hit with a back elbow. Elias lands a big elbow but Hawkins kicks out of the cover. Hawkins tries another cover but he kicks out. Hawkins takes it to him but Elias comes back with a big right. Elias hits Drift Away and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Elias
My Opinion:
This obviously was a very quick match and Elias, for the most part, ran through him. Elias really shouldn’t be in this position, I would’ve rather him face Bobby Lashley because then he could show what he’s made of. Elias has too much to offer and I truly hope this changes soon.

Backstage Segment:
Titus asks Dana and Apollo what’s going on. Dana tells him they were just talking strategy.

Match 5: Authors Of Pain (Akam & Rezar) vs Titus Worldwide (Titus O’Neil & Apollo Crews w/ Dana Brooke)
As Raw returns, Rezar has control of Titus as Titus tries to fight out. Rezar backs him in the corner and Akam tags in. Akam hits him with huge knees. Titus is able to reverse him and hit a huge suplex. Crews gets the tag but Akam hits him with a huge blow from behind. Rezar gets the tag and they double team Crews. Rezar tries a cover but he kicks out. Rezar backs him in the corner and Rezar has to be backed up. Akam gets the tag and once again AOP double teams Crews. Akam tries the cover but Crews kicks out. Akam continues to wear down Crews with a choke. Crews fights out with elbows and punches but Akam comes back with a huge fireman’s carry. Crews hits an elbow and then an enziguri. Akam quickly stops the momentum swatting him to the mat. Rezar gets the tag but Crews fights him off. Crews flies but it’s not enough to keeps down Rezar. Crews tries again but still can’t keep him down. Titus provides help and crews tries a roll-up but can’t Rezar throws him and tags Akam. They hit the Last Chapter and Akam gets the 1 2 3.
Winners: Authors Of Pain (Akam & Rezar)
My Opinion:
AOP is dominate once again. They really made quick work of Titus and Apollo and overpowered them. AOP should be in the title hunt right now, I think they’re in ring work is awesome and they could go on to be one of the most destructive teams of all time if given the chance. The only thing about them is I think they need a manager if they had that they would be the best going. It’ll be interesting to see what happens next with them but I hope they advance rather than stay at the bottom of the tag division on Raw.

In Ring Segment: Stephanie McMahon & Ronda Rousey
Stephanie says when she thinks of the Women’s Division the one word that comes to mind is proud. She says she is so proud they will have their own PPV and she is so proud of the Raw Women’s Championship Match from last night. Stephanie says last night Rowdy Ronda Rousey became the first ever UFC Champion and Raw Women’s Champion. She tells that Ronda wouldn’t have happened without her vision. She says all the women around the ring wanna be like her. Out comes Rousey cutting her off.
Rousey tells Stephanie this isn’t about her this is about all the women in WWE. she tells the women around ringside to get up here. Stephanie says this isn’t what a champion does. She tells her this is about all of them, not just one champion. Ronda tells Nattie she is the cornerstone of the division. She says Sasha and Bayley started this with their take over match. She says she is not Brock Lesnar and hopes to get in the ring with all of them. Stephanie says this isn’t the Ronda she knew, this is the Ronda who nats to break people’s arms. Stephanie tells all of them that Ronda wants to wipe all of them out so she can stand in the spotlight. Ronda says she is not here to break their arms only those who deserve it. Ronda then flips Stephanie and gets her in the armbar.
My Opinion:
This was a good segment with Rousey, I think she is doing amazing in the ring and really is coming into her own. Of course, her mic skills need work but I’m proud of what she’s done and she is gonna make a great champion. Rousey definitely deserved more than this with Stephanie kinda putting her down her but at least Rousey got the last laugh. She is a tough champion and does have a different style but this will elevate the division and make them all work that much harder. With Rousey at the top, I think will see tough and harder hitting matches than ever before form the Women’s Division.

Match 6: Bo Dallas w/ Curtis Axel vs Scott Dawson w/ Dash Wilder
Dallas and Dawson lock up and Dallas backs him to the ropes. Dawson tries to mount offense but Dallas hits him with a forearm. Dawson lands a huge shot to Dallas using the ropes and gets in control. Dawson works Dallas and uses a crossface keeping Dallas grounded. Dawson lands a huge uppercut on Dallas. Dallas tries a backslide but Dawson kicks out. Dallas takes it to him but Dawson gets back in control with a reversal and bounces Dallas off the turnbuckle. Dawson plants Dallas and gets the 1 2 3.
Winner: Scott Dawson
My Opinion:
This was a big win for Dawson. The B-Team has been getting lucky for a while so this was good for Dawson to finally put an end to their luck. Dawson was hard hitting and even though Dallas had some good offense Dawson kept on him and didn’t let up. Dawson is smash mouth and definitely fought tonight with something to prove.

Match 7: Curtis Axel w/ Bo Dallas vs Dash Wilder w/ Scott Dawson
As Raw returns, Wilder bends Axel. Wilder lands a huge backbreaker but Axel kicks out of the cover. Wilder continues to work on the back on Axel and stretches him across his knee. Axel lands a big throw and follows with big rights and a series of clotheslines. Axel lands a big clothesline and follows with an uppercut. Axel lands a neckbreaker and keeps on Wilder. Wilder reverse and backs him in the corner but Axel gets his feet up and sends him to the mat. Axel tries an ax handle but misses. Wilder hits a version of the gory bomb and gets the 1 2 3.
*** Dallas tells them they might have beat them in singles matches but you better believe they are still the Raw Tag Team Champions.
Winner: Dash Wilder
My Opinion:
Wilder picks up the win and with that, The Revival stay at the top for the Raw Tag Team Championships. Yes, they beat them in singles matches but definitely proved they can handle the B-Team. This rivalry isn’t over and as for tonight, the B-Team’s luck has run out. It’ll be interesting to see how they do in their next match as a tag team.

Backstage Segment:
Renee congratulates Reigns and then asks about his match tonight and about Braun Strowman. Reigns says he doesn’t have reservations about defending the title and this is his yard and he’ll defend it. He says Balor deserves the shot and he’ll get it and lose and go to the back of the line. He says Bruan didn’t affect him last night and won’t tonight.

Backstage Segment:
Stephanie asks Angle where he was. Corbin tells him he’s supposed to keep his superstars in line. Angle tells him he’s doing the best he can. Stephanie tells Angle that maybe he needs some time off. Angle says he doesn’t Stephanie tells him he needs time off so Corbin is the acting general manager of Monday Night Raw so he is in charge.

Match 8: Finn Balor vs Roman Reigns (c)
Universal Championship Match
Reigns quickly hits Balor with an elbow and works a side headlock. Balor comes off the ropes and is hit with a shoulder tackle. Balor tries a roll threw on Reigns but he kicks out. Balor looks for a step up enziguri on the apron but Reigns swats him down as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Reigns keeps in control. Balor is able to roll through and hits a basement dropkick. Balor sends Reigns out of the ring. On the apron, Reigns catches him and slams him down. Reigns tries a cover but Balor kicks out. Reigns hits Balor with a big right and then heaves him into the other corner. Reigns hits Balor with a big right hand but Balor battles back with a big kick. Balor takes down Reigns. He hits a double leg takedown and then lands a stomp to the chest. Balor chops Reigns but it makes Reigns mad. Reigns brings him in the corner and hammers with a series of clotheslines. Balor comes back and catches Reigns with a dropkick that sends him to the outside. Balor then flies over the ropes taking over Reigns. Balor brings Reigns into the ring and tries the cover but Reigns kicks out as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns, Reigns toys with Balor. Balor blocks Reigns and hits him with big rights. Reigns lands a big slap but Balor lands a big overhead kick and drops Reigns. Balor hits Reigns with big rights and lefts and then stomps on his chest. Reigns is able to lift Balor with one arm and lands a sit down powerbomb. Reigns tries a cover but Balor kicks out. Reigns looks for a Superman Punch but Balor counters with a kick. Balor hits a neckbreaker but Reigns kicks out of the cover. Balor tries to fly but Reigns moves. Reigns hits the Superman Punch but Balor kicks out of the cover. Balor catches Reigns with a knee and tries a roll up but Reigns kicks out. Reigns hits the Superman Punch and looks for the spear but out comes Braun Strowman. Off the distraction, Balor hits the sling blade. Balor goes to the top but misses on the Coupe de Grace. Reigns hits the spear and gets the 1 2 3.
*** Braun gets in the ring and hits Reigns with a boot. Braun cashes in! Before the bell rings Out comes The Shield!!!!!!!!!! Rollins and Ambrose storm the ring in their Shield gear. Strowman goes after Reigns but Ambrose and Rollins jump in. Reigns hits a Superman Punch, Ambrose takes him out at the knee and Rollins hits him with a kick. Reigns sends him to the outside. Ambrose clears the table but Strowman fight them off. Reigns comes back with the spear. They then hit the triple powerbomb!!!
Winner: Roman Reigns
My Opinion:
First off what a match Reigns and Balor had. Balor really fought his heart out in this one but Reigns is champion for a reason. Reigns again waits for his spot and strikes. The Universal Championship deserves to be on Raw and to be defended and I hope we continue to see these type of matches. Reigns will be a fighting champion and I have no doubt he will continue to fight off anyone who challenges him. Strowman tries to cash in but The Shield was waiting! This was an amazing moment and like it or not this was a good move for now. They need to run with Reigns for a while and this creates a huge buzz throughout the WWE Universe! I love The Shield!!!

Final Thoughts:
This was a pretty awesome Raw! First, I loved seeing the Universal Championship back on Raw where it belongs. Reigns is a defending champion and i’m so glad he faced off against Balor tonight. This was a huge match and it set the tone for what’s to come. Rousey was able to make a huge statement tonight on her first night as champion. She may have poked the wrong person taking out Stephanie like that but it was an impact and people will be talking about it. It was super cool to see Triple H out there tonight. This show in Australia will be huge and Triple H versus Undertaker will be special. Dean Ambrose looked great in his return match, it seems like he really took the time to work on himself since being gone and really reinvent his in-ring style. He was very technically sound against Ziggler and looked better than ever. To end the night we had The Shield stopping Braun Strowman from cashing in which was insane. The Shield is awesome and I’m glad they protected Reigns. They have made Reigns the guy for so long and they need to run with him for a while. This was a great way to get people talking and again shows Reigns is here to stay. Strowman will have his time but for now, let’s all embrace seeing The shield untied once again!
Overall Rating: 8/10