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It's Tuesday morning! My basement is currently being renovated so I'm doing my best to drown out the chatter of the fellas down there. That also means I have to write in Notepad today because my internet is temporarily shut off. We'll manage, because I'm committed to this blog and also I really want to knock out a discussion on what's going on with some women in wrestling.
Oh, did you hear about what's going on? On Friday we had the whole "Hikaru Shida didn't know she was being replaced in the Owen Tournament '' thing. Then on Monday, WWE told AEW to "hold my beer" and Naomi and Sasha Banks left their titles on Head of Talent Relations John Laurinitis's desk and walked out! We'll get into it more on tomorrow's blog, but we have to touch on it a little bit because it literally happened DURING THE SHOW Monday night!
So we better just dive in, eh?
We went full WWE and started with a video recap of Bobby Lashley and Omos feuding. Once we got live, the steel cage for tonight's match was already set up and the announcers were all standing alongside it. Jimmy, Corey, and Byron let us know that MVP is the reason we need a steel cage, since MVP keeps interfering with Bob's matches. They then ran down the matches for tonight, including a Countdown to Cody timer and a women's six pack challenge for the right to face Bianca Belair at Hell In A Cell (remember this for later).
I like that they're using these unconventional shots lately. Last week we had the interview from the entrance stage, today the odd angle outside the cage. Give me variety in your sports entertainment variety show and I'm all smiles!
Omos headed to the cage with MVP next, but we're not getting Lashley anytime soon. MVP cuts an incredibly long promo about how Bobby didn't give him any credit for his title reign and victory over Omos at Wrestlemania. After what seemed like ages, Lashley made his entrance only to be attacked by Cedric Alexander on the ramp. Omos headed down to join in the beatings until referees separated the three superstars. About a half hour in, we are ready for our...
Opening contest: Bobby Lashley vs Omos (w/MVP), steel cage match
MVP provided interference for the first half of the match, using his cane to get a couple good pokes in on Lashley. He got caught after that, as Lashley grabbed MVP's arm and tossed him off the side of the cage. A spear for Omos didn't take him down, but Bobby followed with a Hurt Lock that I really thought was gonna be it. Omos powered out of that. Bobby took advantage of a winded giant and headed for the cage when Cedric Alexander returned to hinder Lashley's progress. That just led to Cedric being heaved from the top of the cage to the inside, but it did buy Omos time to recover. Lashley went for a cross body from the top of the cage, but Omos caught him and tossed Bobby into the cage. A few more of those led to Bobby going through the cage on the entrance ramp side. Just a fantastic visual of Omos standing in the ring as Bobby lay on the fallen side of the cage. Bobby realized where he was and then stepped off the cage onto the ground, scoring him the easy (?) victory over the Nigerian giant.
This was a good match for as short as it was. At no point did I think Omos was going to win, but he was never made to look weak either. He was able to get some good power stuff in, especially when he caught Bobby and heaved him into the cage. Not a classic, but a fine start for Monday Night Raw.
A video recap of last week's Ali/Ciampa match with special guest referee the Miz followed.
Theory then headed out for a match with Mustafa Ali, but he had a microphone and wasn't about to let this happen without a special guest referee. Enter...the Miz in a referee's shirt. Theory then...theorized...that Ali had failed into a match with him, since Ali lost "cleanly" last week to Ciampa. Since Ali doesn't deserve the Theory match, Theory spoke to Mr. McMahon and had a replacement chosen. SEND VEER.
Match #2: Veer Mahaan vs Mustafa Ali
Ali came out of the gate hard, hitting Veer with a couple running dropkicks to stall his inevitable demise. Ali ate some offense but was still in it for the most part, knocking Veer out of the ring. Theory tripped Ali, but Miz was distracted by the lights and didn't see it. Ali was set to dive at Veer, but Miz stumbled into the way. Ali argued with him, leading to Miz shoving Ali's face. That allowed Veer to destroy Ali with a lariat, and lock the Cervical Clutch in for the submission.
Theory and Miz then posed for selfies with Veer holding Ali in another clutch, and then encouraged Veer to clear the announcer's table for some more damage. As Veer was doing so, the Mysterios returned to chase the bad guys off and check on Mustafa Ali.
Ali's punishment for trying to get released continues, but we got the Mysterios back. I will always love Rey, and I think Dominic is doing well for a kid learning on the job. Say what you will about nepotism, I'm pulling for him to earn the mask and make his own way in the sport.
We cut to the back where an out of breath Becky Lynch met up with Adam Pearce. That led to a commercial and a video recap of last week's main event, when Becky attacked Bianca and Asuka during their championship qualifier. Becky explained that she shouldn't have to compete tonight, because Sasha and Naomi left and there's no six pack challenge to be had. Pearce then said that he has arranged for Lynch to fight Asuka one on one for the right to fight Bianca Belair at the pay per premium live event.
A video recap of the Usos and RK-Bro arranging their title unification match last week. That match takes place Friday on SmackDown. Tonight, Randy Orton is away on family business so we get...
Match #3: Riddle vs Jimmy Uso (w/Jey Uso)
Jey immediately provided a distraction for Jimmy, who quickly got the upper hand. Riddle was tossed into the steel ring stairs and Jey grabbed a Raw and a SmackDown tag belt. He held them high as we went to commercial. Our Countdown of Countdown to Cody reached TWO as we were reminded he would be here in an hour or so. Some really good wrestling here, as Jimmy hit a great popup Samoan drop for a two count. Riddle got Jimmy up on the turnbuckle and was maybe going for the super RKO, but was knocked down. He was about to fall victim to an Uso splash, but Riddle got his knees up. Jimmy ended up getting a pin, and Jey tried to provide some leverage but was caught by the ref. The ensuing distraction of the referee tossing Jey from ringside allowed Riddle to get the rollup pinfall victory over the SmackDown tag champs.
A great match, just long enough without overstaying it's welcome. Riddle and Jimmy both showed some good wrestling, and Jey provided enough distractions for the ending to feel earned and cathartic. Looking forward to that unification match on Friday, even though I'm fairly certain interference or cheating will drag the battle out until Hell In A Cell.
As an aside, I absolutely love when fans call out cheating in wrestling. As Jey was pushing on Jimmy's back to leverage the pin, a bunch of fans stood up to scream to the official that there were shenanigans afoot. It was good stuff! Enjoy yourself if you're at a show! Get into it!
Back to video recap land, where we review Rhea Ripley's debut match as a member of THE Judgment Day. Remember when she DESTROYED Liv Morgan, ending their rivalry? Well it didn't end anything, actually. In a video from earlier Monday, Sarah Spain asked Liv about Rhea. Liv was replying that Rhea would never get away with it when she was interrupted by Los Lotharios. They offered to comfort Liv in her time of need. AJ Styles then popped on screen, calling Garcia "Creepy Magee" and shooing the Lotharios away. AJ and Finn then asked if Liv would like to hang out at ringside for their match against Los Lotharios later, as it would be in their best interest to all stick together against THE Judgment Day. Liv was unsure.
We then saw Edge in his fancy evil throne, flanked by Damien Priest and Rhea Ripley in suits (RHEA IN A SUIT WE GOT RHEA IN A SUIT KIDS *melts*). Sorry, I have a weakness. Anyways, Priest spoke first. He said that THE Judgment Day does what it wants, when it wants. If our heroes want to step to them, they'll receive nothing but PUNISHMENT. Rhea followed up with "I'll not be the figure of my mistakes" which sounds cool. She also promised complete eradication of her enemies, which is also pretty fun. Edge then got in on the fun, although he's just too glib for this faction in my opinion. He tries to be the witty, cool heel, but he aligned himself with effortlessly cool goth kids and comes off as lesser than his minions.
That being said, Edge wants us to stop being sheep. After insulting our intelligence, he told us that his arms are wide open for any WWE superstars who want to accept his guidance, even AJ Styles.
Liv Morgan entered to her music, and had some fun when Finn's music hit for his theme.
Match #4: AJ Styles and Finn Balor vs Los Lotharios (Angel Garza and Humberto Carillo)
This was a good match! AJ and Finn made a point to work a faster match than I'm used to seeing either of them in. They matched up well with the Lotharios, and were allowed to be dominant while still letting Garza and Carillo have some offense. Shockingly, this ended with a clean Coup de Gras for Balor, a pin, and a Too Sweet celebration for all three good guys. No Judgments to be made tonight.
As much as I appreciate Liv Morgan in the ring, her mannerisms and facial expressions ringside for this match were SO GOOD. Let her hang out with the Bullet Club reunion as long as she want. I also learned today that Liv and Bo Dallas are a couple in real life, and own a farm together. I find this adorable.
We then headed to the back area where Kevin Owens, Chad Gable, and Otis were discussing Elias's brother. Gable received the results of the DNA test he sent out last week. Turned out the sample was tainted by barbecue sauce. Oh, that Otis! After some argument, Gable promised to expose Ezekiel next week. Tonight he planned on beating him.
All three of these guys are making what should be a dumb, throwaway segment something special. Owens is just so passionate that you can't help but go with him for the incredibly stupid journey he's leading us on.
A video of Sonya Deville losing her GM powers and gaining a squash loss to a returning Alexa Bliss last week aired next. That led into Bliss's new theme music and our next match.
Match #5: Alexa Bliss vs Sonya Deville
This went a bit longer than last week's destruction. Both women were kinda slow to start, with some long rest holds and sloppy ring work. To be fair, they both haven't worked full time in a while, there's probably some rust to be knocked off. Sonya tried to remove a turnbuckle, but was caught by the official. While the referee tried to tie the turnbuckle cover, Deville got a pinfall. The extra time it took to get his attention led to a kickout for Bliss. Alexa recovered quickly, hit Deville with a DDT, and got the pin.
After the match, Deville blamed the referee for her loss and slapped him. Will there be repercussions? WHO'S TO SAY?
sign seen - WHAT IS YOUR SPAGHETTI POLICY?
A recap of Seth Rolling and Cody Rhodes led us into Cody Promo Time!
sign seen AS CODY'S ENTRANCE MUSIC HITS - AEW RULES!
I can never tell if the chants in the audience are legit or not. I heard CODY chants, but the crowd shots didn't quite line up with what I was hearing. Could just be my audio, though.
Cody told us he tried to move on, but Seth dumped gasoline on that remaining flame. Seth won his way to the top of the company. Cody didn't win much before he left. He painted his face with a smile while he was dead inside, but he endured. He re-invented himself. He's never going to be the American Dream, so why not embrace the Nightmare? He told Seth "you're going to have to kill me, and I'm gonna give you the chance." Cody proposed Rollins/ Rhodes 3 inside Hell In A Cell.
Seth then appeared on the big screen, cackling. He told Cody that anyone who has stepped into the Cell with him has changed. He accepts.
Cody replied with a damn good line. "Well I guess there's nothing left to say except: I'll see you in Hell!" Just a chef's kiss on a great promo segment. I have no notes.
Asuka was then interviewed by Sarah Spain, and basically did the same bit from last week. "Becky cries like a big baby, and tonight I'll give her a reason to cry." To be fair, I don't think she expected to cut a promo tonight.
sign seen - BOO THIS SORT OF THING (flips) YAY THIS SORT OF THING
Match #6: Ezekiel vs Chad Gable (with Otis)
Kevin Owens was on commentary, and I honestly could not focus on the match with him out there. His passionate diatribes just overwhelmed a solid wrestling match. I cannot stress enough how good Owens is at making this material shine. Otis interfered a bit, but the win ended up going to Ezekiel on a surprise rollup reversal into a rollup pin.
Owens dove into the ring after the match, but Ezekiel escaped as the bad guys seethed in the ring.
Some pretaped 24/7 nonsense was up next. Tamina and R-Truth were wandering backstage, as Truth still hadn't served Tozawa his divorce papers. Truth said he had to think like Tozawa, and tossed the envelope in a trash can. Tamina was incredulous, but Truth started counting backwards from three. That led to Akira popping out of the trash can, screaming, and he ran off after Tamina. Truth was then approached by Dana Brooke, who thanked him for ending her brief marriage to Reggie. Truth then creepily asked for his 24/7 title back, and chased Dana off. Dana ran into Carmella, and the two argued. Dana got in a good burn, telling Mella that "she hasn't been relevant since the chinless guy worked here." Rough. She then ran off, as Truth tried to recruit Carmella to help him get his 24/7 title. She wasn't terribly interested, but said she'd help because she wants to take on Dana Brooke.
A LONG promo segment from Lacey Evans followed. I guess they decided she's a good guy, as she tried to pop the crowd by having them stand to thank folks for their service. She then pointed out servicemen and women in the crowd to get another pop. She went on about her daughters, and that she has what it takes. Eventually we ended with "I'm not better than the other women in the WWE locker room, but they damn sure aren't better than me." Alright then, good talk.
The crowd was dead for like 90 percent of this. Can you blame them? We built Lacey as an underdog face, then her re-debut kinda painted her as a heel, and now she's come back around as the personification of a USA chant. In front of a waving American flag, with fireworks in the background.
Riddle then talks into the camera over his music, to prepare us for Friday's tag team championship unification match. The Usos do the same.
Next, we were shown some pics from a visit to the USS Iwo Jima with Liv Morgan, Bobby Lashley, and the Street Profits.
Main Event: Becky Lynch vs Asuka
This will decide who faces Bianca Belair for the Raw women's championship at Hell In A Cell. Bianca is seated ringside to scout and look good. Becky took control early, hitting a disaster kick and a suplex into the barricade to launch us into commercial. Asuka was more in control when we came back, and locked a couple submissions on Lynch. The Asuka lock was reversed into a rollup pinfall attempt, and an armbar was dragged to the ropes for a break. Becky ended up clearing the announce table for, like, the third time tonight. She then threw Asuka into Belair to try for an easy disqualification win, but Bianca wasn't having it. Both Becky and Asuka got back into the ring, and Bianca followed on the apron. The ref was distracted, and Lynch tried to take advantage by grabbing Asuka's entrance umbrella. She went to attack when Asuka sprayed Lynch with green mist, and that allowed Asuka to kick Becky in the face for the pinfall and the win.
The beginning of 9-1-1 aired next, and we're done here.
A good Raw with some good matches, but the thing people will remember is that WWE went out of their way to say that Sasha Banks and Naomi ruined their main event. I learned a bit about the whole deal after the fact, and I want to get into it in a separate blog I'll post tomorrow. Hopefully more information will come out by then. For now, I'll post WWE's side of what happened, which they discussed in a press release.
That's the quote straight from WWE.com. There was also a point in the show where Corey Graves mentioned that Sasha and Naomi walked out, and he commented about how unprofessional they were for doing so. I'd wager that was Vince in his ear, as Graves has proven to be as big a mouthpiece for McMahon on Raw as Michael Cole is on SmackDown. Either way it came off as shitty to me, especially when you consider the guy saying the line.
If you’re short on time and have the option, here are tonight’s five good things. Really, the main event deserved to be on this list, but we can’t just be adding good things left and right.
1- The cage match was a fun contest, with Lashley keeping his momentum but Omos getting to show off his power.
2- Riddle vs Jimmy Uso was really good for what amounted to a nothing match. Riddle, Jimmy, and Jey all put together an interesting match and it was a good time.
3- AJ and Finn had a good tag match against Los Lotharios. Not a super long match, but the good guys looked good. Keep an eye on Liv Morgan selling her heart out for her new pals.
4- Cody’s promo challenging Seth to a third match inside a Cell was perfect. His delivery was as passionate as ever, and he had some great lines. That closing “I’ll see you in Hell” was just…so good.
5- Kevin Owens was fantastic in both the backstage segment with American Alpha and later when he provided commentary for Ezekiel vs Gable.
I appreciate you stopping by, and would love it if you drop your thoughts in the comments section below. You can also follow me on Twitter @ElOsoPequeno, where I try to remember to post whenever I update the blog. I recap Raw, Dynamite, and Rampage weekly, and recap anything else I happen to watch. There’s also a weekly wrap up on Fridays, and I’ll do predictions before any big AEW or WWE pay per premium live events.
Have a good one!
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