‘WWE Raw’ Review (Jun 5th 2023)
Welcome to this review of this past Monday’s episode of WWE Raw, right here on Nerdly… Let’s see what went down on this week’s show!
Match #1: Becky Lynch def. Sonya Deville
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Becky Lynch has had plenty of issues with Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark as of late, but The Man proved she could overcome their meddling to punch her ticket to Money in the Bank. Sonya Deville started strong, but as Lynch flipped the script the WWE Hall of Famer and her newcomer sidekick entered the picture. Despite Chelsea Green, Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark circling the ring, a Manhandle Slam propelled Lynch into the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #2: Gunther def. Kevin Owens
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
A backstage run-in with Imperium sent Kevin Owens flying off the handle, and he used that aggression to bring the fight to Gunther. The Ring General regrouped and began unleashing thunder upon his opponent, but KO kept battling back even after being de-cleated by back-to-back kicks. A pair of Superkicks and a cannonball by Owens shook the ring, then an ensuing Fisherman Buster that nearly took out the Intercontinental Champion. As Imperium tried to put their hands on the scales, Sami Zayn helped his partner fight them off but after a Stunner took out Ludwig Kaiser, Gunther escaped with a roll-up victory.
My Score: 4 out of 5
Match #3: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler def. Kayden Carter & Katana Chance
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Kayden Carter & Katana Chance were looking to bring the party in their Raw debut, but Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler have a long history as party-crashers. The newcomers had it rolling for awhile and their tandem offense known as The After Party nearly took out The Baddest Woman on the Planet until Baszler rolled into for the save. The champions got back to basics and Baszler showed off her technical supremacy with a Kirifuda Clutch that forced Carter to tap-out.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #4: Ricochet vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (No Contest)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Ricochet and Shinsuke Nakamura both have dreams of claiming the Money in the Bank contract, but that’s if they both don’t get smashed by Bronson Reed in the process. A running Shooting Star Press showed off Ricochet’s aerial excellence and shook off an Exploder from The King of Strong Style. As the clash intensified, Bronson Reed would come crashing in and leave both Superstars laid out in the ring following one final Tsunami to Ricochet.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #5: Zoey Stark def. Natalya
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Zoey Stark has wasted no time making a name for herself on Raw and this time did it at the expense of The BOAT. Natalya had Stark locked into a Sharpshooter, as the former NXT standout seemed poised to meet the fate of so many other Superstars until she crawled her way to the ropes. The red brand newcomer targeted the injured knee of The BOAT throughout, but the most underhanded tactic came from Trish Stratus. The WWE Hall of Famer’s interference provided an opening for Stark to hit a Z360 to clinch her spot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #6: World Heavyweight Title Match – Seth “Freakin” Rollins def. Damian Priest
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Seth “Freakin” Rollins promised to be a different type of champion for the WWE Universe, and he put that into action in his first World Heavyweight Title defense. Earlier in the night, Damian Priest promised to go it alone without The Judgment Day at ringside and the decision seemed to embolden the challenger. Finn Bálor would later defy that edict and the match would devolve into chaos, as Rollins was met with a clothesline and a South of Heaven when he reentered the ring and nearly lost him the title. The Visionary battled through and when the moment present itself, the workhorse champion nailed The Stomp to remain atop the red brand.
My Score: 3 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
Well, that episode makes it look like Raw is back on track! A good opening women’s match and a great main event but damn, if everything wasn’t overshone by the Gunther/Kevin Owens match – which has to be one of the best matches we’ve seen on TV (not on PPV) in a while! I’m still not a fan of the excessive amount of promos and segments as we really need more than 6 matches in a three-hour show but when the matches are good then some things can be forgiven [a little]. Great to see Damina Priest challenge for the title too… I’m guessing Seth Rollins will work his way through the entire Judgment Day roster, including Dominik Mysterio. Wouldn’t it be hilarious, and some truly fantastic heat for that title, if Dom wins? It would be due to interference of course but still… think about it!
