Raw Review 08/07/2017

Tonight we see an epic battle as Braun Strowman battles Roman Reigns in a Last Man Standing Match, what will happen as these two face off in the main event? Plus WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar is set to make an appearance as he prepares to defend his title in a Fatal Four Way Match at SummerSlam. Last week it was reported that Bayley has suffered a shoulder injury. Will Bayley be able to make is to SummerSlam or will she have to forfeit her #1 Contendership? Seth Rollins has been doing everything to gain the trust of Dean Ambrose, but does Rollins truly have his back? Bray Wyatt and Finn Balor have been at odds as of late, but how will Wyatt respond to the mind games of Balor?

Raw is live tonight from the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

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

In Ring Segment: Miz TV
Miz welcomes everyone and demands that Jason Jordan come out. He says he is done being blindsided on his show and is putting a stop to it tonight. He calls out Jordan, but out comes Kurt Angle.
Angle says Jordan will not be a guest on the show tonight. He tells that Jordan will be facing Curtis Axel tonight. Angle says he has secured a guest that will meet and exceed Miz TV standards. Out comes Brock Lesnar.
Heyman goes to talk, but is cut off by Miz. Miz says this is his show and tells Heyman that Lesnar is guaranteed to lose at SummerSlam. Miz states the fact that Lesnar does not have to be pinned to be lose his title. Miz brings up Heyman’s statement that he and Lesnar will leave WWE if they lose. Miz then says he would put his money on everyone but Lesnar. He proclaims that Brock will take his ball and go home. He asks heyman if there is anything that he would like to add. Heyman asks Miz if he and his wife ever role play because he is all about it. Heyman offers a little role play for a preview of SummerSlam. He says this is what will happen and Lesnar attacks The Miztourage. He F5’s everyone and stands tall with the Universal Championship.
My Opinion:
A good strong start to Raw. I think Miz is perfect in every situation and this was no different. Heyman and Lesnar didn’t need to say much tonight as Lesnar’s actions spoke for itself. I enjoyed watching Lesnar be the destroyer that he is because before there was a Samoa Joe, Roman Reigns, or a Braun Strowman there was a Brock Lesnar. The point tonight was clear that Lesnar is ready to fight. I think SummerSlam will tell if Lesnar is still the man or if the torch is being passed.

Match 1: Seth Rollins vs Sheamus
Rollins immediately dropkicks Sheamus and starts stomping away. Sheamus gains some control on the apron, but Rollins comes right back hammering away on the floor. Back in the ring Rollins launches himself off the top rope to take out Sheamus. Rollins gets a two count and continues the attack. Rollins hammers away in the corner, but is hung up on the ropes. Rollins goes to the outside and Sheamus follows. After Rollins fails to gain any offensive edge Sheamus slams him on the ring apron. Sheamus is in control as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Rollins continues to fight back. Sheamus beats on Rollins and turns to a Rollins senton. Sheamus looks for a Brogue Kick, but Rollins ducks and catches him in the chin. Rollins connects with a knee and hits an enziguri. Sheamus hits Rollins with both his boots, but Rollins keeps coming back. Sheamus sits at the top rope and Rollins comes up with a hurricanrana. Rollins hits a desperation super kick, but Sheamus kicks out of the pin. Rollins tries to take out Cesaro, but as he goes to the top Cesaro comes to knock him off. Sheamus rolls him up and picks up the win.
*** After the match Rollins hits suicide dive to take out Cesaro and Sheamus. Sheamus comes to and hammers away on Rollins. Cesaro and Sheamus team up and take out Rollins.
Winner: Sheamus
My Opinion:
Not a bad match between these two. This is an interesting rivalry brewing I just wish the Rollins and Ambrose story would pick up more speed and happen sooner. I think Rollins and Ambrose could have a great feud with the tag champs and get back on top. I hope that all this leads to a tag team match at SummerSlam or otherwise this match is a waste of time for both parties involved because right now should be about SummerSlam hype.

Backstage Segment:
Ambrose tells Rollins that he said not to do that again. Rollins says it’s been three years and asks Ambrose what he has to do to prove that to him. Ambrose tells him that he isn’t getting burned again. He asks Rollins how it feels to be alone. Ambrose then says he is facing Cesaro tonight and going in alone as always.

Backstage Segment:
Angle asks the trainer if Axel is ready to go for his match. The trainer says no he is not ready. Angle finds a jobber in the back to face him.

Match 2: Jason Jordan vs John Pierre
Jordan quickly takes him down and slams him repeatedly. On the ground Jordan gives no ground. After a few shots on him Jordan comes back and drives him in the corner. Jordan hits a neck breaker for the win.
Winner: Jason Jordan
My Opinion:
Jason Jordan is a pure athlete. His strength and wrestling ability is so impressive. Jordan is way above the curve when it comes to wrestling skill and he should be in more high profile matches. Honestly if they had Jordan beat Axel and Dallas over the next few weeks and had him face Miz at SummerSlam I could see him winning the IC Championship. Jordan looks and wrestles like a star.

In Ring Segment:
Charly tells that last week Bayley suffered a shoulder injury and shows footage of it. Charly tells that Bayley is now prevented from competing at SummerSlam. Bayley says it makes her angry. She tells that she knew that something was wrong with her shoulder, but she needed to finish the match in order to be taken serious. Bayley says she has gone through a wave of emotions, but thanks the crowd for the support. Charly tells that the process of who will face Alexa will start next and asks Bayley who she thinks deserves it. Bayley says Sasha.
My Opinion:
Bayley is my absolute favorite and it is devastating that she can’t compete, but at the same time I really want to see Sasha Banks face Alexa. Those two have such a great rivalry and really have a chance to have one of the matches of the night if given the chance. Plus time off for Bayley may be good. I think there is only so far her gimmick is gonna get her and this could be time for reinventing herself.

Match 3: Sasha Banks vs Alicia Fox vs Emma :
Winner will compete for #1 Contender’s Spot Next Week
Sasha hits Alicia, but is knocked down by Emma. Emma hammers away on Sasha. Alicia tries for a cover, but Sasha kicks out. Sasha is able to hang Alicia up in the corner, but can’t get the three on the pin. On the outside Emma drives Sasha into the apron. Emma gets in the ring and takes Alicia to the mat. Emma hammers away and gets a two count. Alicia is able to turn things around and throws Emma to the mat. Alicia hits northern lights suplex, but can’t get a three. Emma hits a sliding kick, but Sasha comes back with a shining wizard. Sasha takes it to both women in the corner. Emma dumps Sasha to the outside and tries to steal the victory, but Alicia kicks out. Sasha comes back and drops Emma with a right. Alicia tries for a pin, but it is not enough. Sasha gets the Banks Statement locked in on Alicia. Emma comes in and tries to pin Sasha, but that is turned into a Banks Statement and Emma taps.
Winner: Sasha Banks:
Will Compete for the #1 Contender’s Spot Next Week
My Opinion:
I love Sasha winning this. I think the outcome was obvious, but still this wasn’t a bad match. I enjoyed how sneaky Emma was and all three fought like they wanted it. It will be interesting to see who Sasha will have to face next week, but all in all I think Sasha should go on to SummerSlam.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Braun how important tonight is. Braun says he likes hurting Reigns and likes seeing the hope leave his eyes. He says Reigns is nothing more than a puppy when he is around. He proclaims that he will win at SummerSlam and tonight he will be the only monster standing.

In Ring Segment:
Enzo tells Big Show that he looks great. He says he and Show are like the dream team. Enzo tells that Big Show’s first has a gps and last week and it was on point. Show says Cass needs to learn respect. Out comes The Club.
Anderson tells that these two have won nothing and says if they want a challenge they are right here. Gallows says if they accept they can be added to the long list of people who have been defeated by The Good Brothers. Enzo and Show then poke fun at The Club and tell them to get in the ring for a match.

Match 4: Enzo & Big Show vs The Club (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
Show takes down Gallows and Anderson. The Club retreats for a moment as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Gallows is in control of Enzo. Enzo gains some life, but Gallows turns him inside out with a clothesline. Anderson gets the tag and drops a knee on Enzo. Anderson works the arm of Enzo, but Enzo slowly comes back. Enzo is able to sidestep Anderson, but he is too far away from his corner. Gallows comes in and stops the tag. Enzo comes back with rights, but Gallows catches him with a huge boot. Out comes Big Cass. Gallows sends Big Show to the floor off the distraction. Anderson gets the tag, but the double team is stopped is Enzo battles back. Anderson hits him with a huge kick and is able to pick up the win.
*** After the match Cass takes Show out with a boot and hammers away. Enzo flies to the outside and hammers on Cass. Cass gets in control and throws him into the barricade. Cass chases Enzo around the ring and is met with a KO punch from Big Show.
Winners: The Club (Karl Anderson & Luke Gallows)
My Opinion:
I hate that The Club gets put in these situations. Those two guys are great and should be given more respect with higher profile matches. I am not the biggest fan of Enzo and I don’t get what the point of this story is. As a fan I’m not intrigued by Enzo and I think as I stated before Cass needs to get away from him if he ever is gonna be his own person.

In Ring Segment:
Balor welcomes Toronto to Balor Club. Balor asks the crowd if they saw him kick Wyatt’s teeth down his neck last week. Balor says Wyatt gives him the creeps and says Wyatt is more about fear than he is winning and losing. He says that when fear comes knocking you stand up and kick it in the face. He tells Wyatt to not miss next time he comes at him. Balor says he will finish whatever Wyatt starts. Wyatt appears in the ring, but Balor one ups him as he sits on the top rope. Wyatt tries to attack Balor, but Balor kicks him and lands a Sling Blade. The lights go out and Wyatt appears on the titan-tron. Wyatt says he will take Balor down and tells him to run.
My Opinion:
I love this rivalry. These two click so well together and I love how Balor is playing mind games as well. The build up is amazing how Balor is challenging Wyatt and I think the clash will be epic. I hope at SummerSlam if they face Balor will bring the Demon King and we can have a real psychological thriller. Even with short segment times these two are making memorable moments and that is the key to getting over a rivalry.

Match 5: Cesaro vs Dean Ambrose
In the early going Cesaro and Ambrose test each other. Ambrose tries to out wrestle Cesaro, but struggles to gain an edge. Cesaro hits with a vicious shoulder tackle. Ambrose gets around Cesaro and locks in a side headlock. Ambrose is able to hit with a shoulder tackle of his own. Cesaro comes back and tries to use his strength to pin Ambrose to the mat. Ambrose battles back and flings Cesaro. Ambrose tries to hammer way, but cesaro comes right back. Ambroise continues to kick out of pin attempts. Ambrose is met with a huge clothesline, but it is still not enough. Cesaro tries to keep Ambrose down as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Ambrose continues to try to gain offense. Cesaro goes to the top, but Ambrose meets him with a right. Both men battle on the top rope. Ambrose looks for a suplex, but Cesaro knocks him onto the turnbuckle. Ambrose keeps hammering and counters Cesaro with a suplex. Ambrose flies off the ropes, but is caught by Cesaro and slammed. Ambrose still manages to kick out. Cesaro gives Ambrose no ground, but Ambrose won’t give in. Cesaro bends the spine of Ambrose, but here comes the lunatic. Ambrose hammers away and flies off the ropes to send Cesaro to the mat. Cesaro steps out of the way of an incoming Ambrose and finishes with an uppercut. Ambrose again fights out of the pin. Cesaro slams Ambrose again and gets frustrated at the will of Ambrose. Ambrose buys time with a backdrop. Ambrose goes high risk, but misses. Cesaro tries for a sharpshooter and can’t get it locked in. Ambrose is able to send Cesaro over the top. Ambrose tries to fly to the outside, but is caught with an uppercut. Cesaro still can’t keep Ambrose down and the two continues to battle. Ambrose and Cesaro meet on the top again and Cesaro is dumped on his face. Ambrose goes for the pin, but it is not enough. Cesaro and Ambrose trade shots and Ambrose comes back with a clothesline. Sheamus distracts Ambrose, off the distraction Cesaro locks in a sharpshooter. Ambrose is able to force the break. Cesaro is launched over the top and Ambrose flies from the top rope taking out Cesaro on the outside. Another distraction from Sheamus, but this time Ambrose is able to turn it around and roll up Cesaro. Ambrose gets the 1 2 3.
*** After the match Sheamus goes after Ambrose. Rollins comes out to even the odds. He takes out the tag champs and stands tall. Ambrose tries to give him a fist bump, but Rollins walks away.
Winner: Dean Ambrose
My Opinion:
What a match these two put on. Ambrose and Cesaro battled and proved tonight that they can both still put on main event matches. I loved the ending with Rollins making the save. This story line seems to be getting over big and with Rollins and Ambrose together again they can get back on top. We have seen many superstars that get a resurgence from doing this. Obviously Rollins walked away at the end, but I think it’s nothing less than dragging this out. It would be awesome to see them win together at SummerSlam and have that be the moment we see the fist bump.

Backstage Segment:
Titus and Apollo hype up Tozawa as he is now the New #1 Contender. Neville interrupts and says he is here to scout his competition. Titus tells Neville that he has done everything to take him down, but he is still here. Neville tells Titus that it sounds risky for Tozawa to face Daivari tonight.

Match 6: Ariya Daivari vs Akira Tozawa
Tozawa works the arm of Daivari, but he is quickly backed into the corner. Daivari gets on the offensive and works the arms of Tozawa. Daivari hits with a neck breaker and taunts Tozawa. Daivari crushes him in the corner and goes for the pin, but it is not enough. Daivari slams Tozawa to the mat and goes back to the arm. Tozawa is able to knock Daivari to the floor and hits with a suicide dive. Daivari buys time and goes back to the shoulder of Tozawa. Tozawa comes back with a suplex and goes to the top. Tozawa hits a senton bomb and picks up the win.
Winner: Akira Tozawa
My Opinion:
Tozawa looked great tonight. I think he’s picking up steam and he’s over with the crowd. Me personally I’d like to see Cedric Alexander have that spot, but Tozawa has worked very hard to get to where he is. The Cruiserweights to the best they can and I will says they give it their all. Daivari isn’t my favorite, but he is believable and he and Tozawa had a good run of a rivalry. At SummerSlam I can’t see Neville losing, but anything can happen. I don’t think anyone should beat Neville until they are better than he is and in my opinion he’s the best still in that division.

Backstage Segment:
Renee asks Roman for his reaction to Lesnar on Miz TV tonight. Roman says he doesn’t care what he does and doesn’t care if he stays in WWE or goes. She asks him about his match tonight and Roman says he will be the last man standing tonight and at SummerSlam he will walk out Universal Champion.

Match 7: Mickie James vs Dana Brooke vs Nia Jax:
Winner will compete for #1 Contender’s Spot Next Week
Nia throws Dana and Mickie to the mat. Dana tries to throw a right, but Nia doesn’t allow it. Mickie tries to hold Nia, but Nia throws her into Dana. Nia tries to take them both out in the corner, but she is side stepped and runs into the post. Mickie and Dana hammer away on each other in the ring. Mickie is able to hit a neck breaker, but it is not enough. Nia comes back in the ring and takes it to them. Dana come back and gets Nia in the corner. Nia comes right back and takes out Dana. Mickie comes in for the pin, but Nia breaks it up and throws her out of the ring. Dana continues to fight, but Nia lands a leg drop and Nia wins.
Winner: Nia Jax:
Will Compete for the #1 Contender’s Spot Next Week
My Opinion:
No surprise here, but I am excited for next week. Nia has been getting better and better in the ring and I think her and Sasha will have a great match. Ultimately I see Sasha walking out as the winner of that. Nia is great, but I think Sasha vs Alexa will have a better reaction. Overall Nia is super impressive and deserves all the credit in the world. She has turned into a good wrestler and will have her moment someday, but the unfinished business between Alexa and Sasha is more important in my eyes.

Backstage Segment:
Goldust quotes The Graduate saying “Mrs Robinson you’re trying to seduce me aren’t you.” Goldust asks if you missed him and says absence makes the heart grow fonder. He says he can’t wait to share his next picture and with SummerSlam close he will be watching. He says whoever it is they will shine and the Golden Age is back.

Backstage Segment:
Cass tells Angle he wants Show at SummerSlam. He tells Angle he doesn’t want Enzo there. Angle questions this and Cass says he wants Enzo suspended above the ring. Angle says Enzo has the habit of getting in his fights. Angle proposes that Enzo be suspended above the ring in a shark cage at SummerSlam as Cass faces Show. Cass says he likes the sound of that.

Match 8: Roman Reigns vs Braun Strowman:
Last Man Standing
As Reigns enters Strowman meets him and the match is on. Reigns is thrown into the barricade and then heaved into the ring. Strowman knocks Reigns down to the mat and connects with a big headbutt. Strowman throws him off the ropes and hits with a back elbow. Strowman throws Reigns into the corner and knocks the wind out of him. Reigns hits with a right, but Strowman continues to knock him to the mat. Reigns tries to gain some offensive, but Strowman knocks him out of the ring. Reigns is able to make the ten count as Raw goes to break.
As Raw returns Strowman throws the steps in the ring. The two make it back to the ring and Reigns tries to take it to Strowman with clotheslines in the corner. Reigns connects with a series of boots and goes for the steps. Reigns connects with them and Strowman goes to a knee. Reigns connects again and Strowman goes down. Reigns unloads with the steps and Strowman looks dazed. After a five count Strowman makes it to his feet. Reigns misses on and caught by Strowman. Strowman slams Reigns to the mat and he recovers as the ref counts. Reigns back up at eight. Strowman goes for a powerslam, but Reigns lands on his feet and connects with a Superman punch. Reigns and Strowman beat the count. Strowman comes at Reigns and hits with a drop kick. Reigns gets back up and Strowman tries to spear him in the corner, but he misses and connects with the post falling to the outside. Reigns goes to the outside and hits with a drive by. Reigns looks under the ring and grabs a table. Reigns tries for another drive by, but he is met with a clothesline. Strowman grabs the table and sets it up. Reigns comes back with rights and lifts Strowman enough to hit a Samoan Drop through the table. Strowman makes it to his feet and the two make it to the outside. Reigns runs around the ring, but Strowman throws a chair at him knocking him to the ground. Reigns is back up at nine. Strowman stalks Reigns as he walks among the Universe. Reigns meets with big right hands. Reigns and Strowman make it to the announce table. Reigns hits a drive by on the stage. Strowman lifts Reigns and throws him into the stage screens. Reigns is once again driven into the screen. Strowman goes to the announce table and clears it off. Reigns makes it to his feet at eight. Strowman is hit by a Superman punch. Reigns comes back with another and tries for a spear, but runs into a boot. Strowman makes it to the ringside area and Reigns runs down the ramp and spears Strowman. Samoa Joe comes from the crowd and locks in the Coquina Clutch on Reigns. Reigns fades to Joe. Strowman makes it to his feet at a count of nine and wins the match.
Winner: Braun Strowman
My Opinion:
What an awesome main event. Those two gave everything they had. I was in awe watching these two monsters do battle. I think the most special thing about this rivalry is that it never gets old. They continue to find ways to test each other’s limits. I think Samoa Joe coming out at the end was perfect, he’s probably the least favorite to win so this is a great way to show he is the ultimate threat.

Final Thoughts:
I really enjoyed tonight. It was fast paced and there was a lot of action. First off I am so happy that Finn Balor and Bray Wyatt are facing at SummerSlam. I think it’s awesome that Balor gets to play mind games as well and he and Wyatt are in a mental battle against one another. Jason Jordan was very impressive tonight and I really hope soon he will get a shot at Miz. I think a rivalry with him could really boost his singles career. I also enjoyed the women tonight. I think they got it right with Nia and Sasha facing next week. As I stated I would like to see Sasha walk out the winner next week as her and Alexa have unfinished business. On the same note I think this injury for Bayley can give her and the WWE team time to figure out how to reinvent her character because the crowd seems to be losing interest. I like the tension with Rollins and Ambrose. The story of these two is very over and I hope they capitalize on it at the right time. I think that fist bump should come at SummerSlam. Opening up Raw Lesnar made a statement. I think he’s ready to fight, and if he wants to stick around I think he could still walk out champion. That leads me to the main event which was killer. I was so impressed with how they continue to test their limits. For me this is one rivalry that I have enjoyed every match. They give new meaning to the word collision. Also Samoa Joe coming out at the end was perfect, he’s the freshest face and he has to built up like the silent sleeper. At SummerSlam Joe is gonna pick his spots just like tonight. I think overall SummerSlam is shaping up to be huge.
Overall Rating: 7/10