‘WWE Raw’ Review (June 20th 2022)
Welcome to this week’s review of WWE Raw, the company’s flagship show that – like Smackdown – featured the under-fire Vince McMahon on TV. The dude needs to keep his head down and not appear on every f*cking WWE show going! But then this is “untouchable” Vince so… anyway, despite him sullying the show let’s see if Raw can make up for it with some decent sports entertainment…
Match #1: Carmella def. Alexa Bliss, Asuka, Liv Morgan and Becky Lynch to earn the right to face Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After learning that The Judgment Day’s Rhea Ripley would be unable to compete at WWE Money in the Bank, Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair announced a Fatal 5-Way Match to determine her new challenger at the Premium Live Event. Each competitor showcased their arsenal, and The EST of WWE, watching ringside, was impressed with what the Superstars brought. Carmella showed no ring rust from her absence, delivering an awesome Reverse Huricanrana that sent Becky Lynch from the top rope crashing onto Liv Morgan below. Big Time Becks looked to live up to her moniker, setting herself up for the win after a Manhandle Slam on Morgan, but her long-time adversary, Asuka, stopped her. Carmella wrapped up the match by pinning Morgan after a Superkick, punching her ticket to WWE Money in the Bank.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #2: Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Omos def. Riddle
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After failing to win the Undisputed WWE Universal Title from Roman Reigns on Friday night, Riddle had a gargantuan task ahead of him in order to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. That task? None other than the mammoth 7’ 3” Nigerian Giant Omos, who had his malicious manager MVP in tow. A game Riddle was up for the task, giving the colossal Omos a good run for his money. Nothing seemed to take the ginormous giant down, no matter what Riddle performed on Omos, including a Floating Bro. When Riddle attempted an RKO, Omos nonchalantly shrugged him off and put him away with a Toss Powerbomb to qualify.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #3: Angelo Dawkins def. Jey Uso
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Angelo Dawkins faced off against “Main Event” Jey Uso, and each competitor brought it all to the table. Dawkins earned a big win by countering an Uso Splash with a superb Spinebuster.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #4: Bobby Lashley def. Chad Gable in a Gauntlet Match
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After demanding a United States Championship opportunity from Theory earlier in the evening, Bobby Lashley would earn his match if he could defeat three Superstars. In the first match of the Gauntlet, The All Mighty squared off with Chad Gable. Bobby Lashley took control early, holding up Gable for almost an eternity before dropping him with a Delayed Vertical Suplex. Lashley then called for the Spear, but Gable countered into an excruciating Ankle Lock. Amid a series of reversals and counters, Lashley eventually locked on the Hurt Lock, forcing Gable to submit.
Match #5: Bobby Lashley def. Otis by Disqualification in a Gauntlet Match
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Lashley’s second opponent was the dominant Otis, who immediately attacked The All Mighty after the previous match. Otis took advantage in the opening moments, sending Lashley to the outside and performing a huge Splash on the floor. Otis, who proclaimed himself “The Hammer of God,” had Lashley down but missed a top-rope splash. Lashley took advantage of this miss and hit a bombastic Spear, almost pinning Otis when Chad Gable rushed to the ring, attacked The All Mighty and caused the disqualification.
Match #6: Bobby Lashley def. Theory in a Gauntlet Match
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Last but not least for Bobby Lashley in the Gauntlet Match was the United States Champion himself, Theory. Theory capitalized on the depleted stamina of Lashley, dominating the opening stages. Theory was about to hit an A Town Down, but The All Mighty countered the champion with a cradle for the win and the United States Championship opportunity at WWE Money in the Bank.
My Score: 3 out of 5 (overall Gauntlet Match score)
Match #7: AJ Styles def. Ciampa
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After attacking AJ Styles on “Miz TV,” Ciampa locked horns with The Phenomenal One in a fast-paced contest. With The Miz at ringside offering his critiques from the announce table, Styles looked to show Ciampa and The Miz why he is called Phenomenal. Styles eventually put away Ciampa with the Phenomenal Forearm. After the match, The Miz attempted to cheap shot Styles, but Styles was one step ahead, planting The Miz with a Styles Clash before donning The A-Lister’s sunglasses.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #8: Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier – Asuka def. Becky Lynch
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Earlier in the evening, Asuka had cost Becky Lynch the chance to face Bianca Belair at WWE Money in the Bank for the Raw Women’s Championship. This infuriated Big Time Becks, who wanted to make sure The Empress had no tomorrow. The two foes battled ferociously with a slot in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match also on the line, amping up the stakes tremendously. Lynch kickstarted the match early by attacking Asuka on the stage. Asuka, however fought back, executing an Armbar. The Empress of Tomorrow employed a great ground game, locking Big Time Becks in a variety of holds, including an Asuka Lock between the ring ropes. Asuka pinned Lynch her after executing a vicious Roundhouse Kick to qualify for the Money in the Bank Ladder Match. After another loss and a temper tantrum after the match, what’s next for Big Time Becks?
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
Another week, another episode of Raw that seemingly only exists to back-up the main event. TO be fair Bobby Lashley’s gauntlet match was a solid 3-star affair but when a show wastes AJ Style and Ciampa… Well, that’s a problem right there. Luckily we got a cracking main event from Backy Lynch and Asuka. All I can say is thank god the WWE are now using Asuka right!
