‘WWE: Raw’ Review (July 11th 2022)
Welcome to this week’s review of WWE Raw, the company’s flagship show which this week follows one of the worst episodes of Smackdown I’ve seen in some time. Let’s see what this show has to offer…
Match #1: Finn Bálor def. Rey Mysterio
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After unleashing an attack on The Mysterios backstage last week, The Judgment Day continued to try to recruit Dominik Mysterio into their ranks, and their insulting words led to a pre-match brawl with Rey and Dominik. Finn Bálor took advantage of Rey Mysterio’s injured knee throughout the subsequent matchup. Despite the unyielding heart of The Legendary Luchador, The Prince emerged victorious with the Coup de Grace. After the match, The Judgment Day continued to try and intimidate Dominik into joining them.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Match #2: Raw Women’s Title Match – Carmella def. Bianca Belair (Count-out)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
When the explosive Raw Women’s Title Match moved outside the squared circle, Carmella raked Bianca Belair’s eye. The EST of WWE fought through the underhanded attack and hurled Mella into the steel ring post. When she tossed her challenger into the ring, though, Becky Lynch got into Belair’s face and distracted her long enough for the titleholder not to beat the 10-count. Irate over losing the match, Bianca responded to a taunting Carmella with a post-match K.O.D.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #3: AJ Styles & Ezekiel def. The Miz & Ciampa (DQ)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Ezekiel emerged to turn the scheduled Handicap Match into a hard-fought tag team matchup. In the final moments, AJ Styles locked The Miz in the Calf Crusher. This caused Ciampa to unleash a vicious attack that brought an end to the action. Before the dust cleared, though, The Phenomenal One hit the Phenomenal Forearm on Ciampa at ringside and sent The A-Lister heading for the hills.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #4: Alexa Bliss & Asuka def. Doudrop & Nikki A.S.H.
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Alexa Bliss picked up the tag team victory with a devastating DDT on Nikki A.S.H.
My Score: 1 out of 5
Match #5: The Usos & Omos def. The Street Profits & R-Truth
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
The Street Profits joined forces with R-Truth against the Unified Tag Team Champions The Usos and Omos in an earth-shattering impromptu Six-Man Tag Team Match. The action came to an abrupt end when The Nigerian Giant hurled Angelo Dawkins to the canvas with incredible force to pick up the three-count.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #6: Bobby Lashley & Riddle def. Seth “Freakin” Rollins & Theory
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
As the action unfolded, a suit-clad Dolph Ziggler suddenly reemerged on Raw and left the Superstars in the ring and the WWE Universe wondering why he was there. Lashley Speared Rollins through the barricade with incredible force. Although Riddle attempted to follow up with an RKO on Theory, Mr. Money in the Bank countered and rolled up The Original Bro. When he put his foot on the ropes to steal the win, Ziggler swatted Theory’s foot away to prevent the pin. This paved the way for Riddle to hit Theory with an RKO for the victory. In the aftermath, Ziggler put the exclamation point on his statement by blasting Theory with a Superkick in the center of the ring.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 3/5
This was a typical episode of WWE programming – a great opener match and a great closer, with everything in the middle sailing the average match seas. With the usual gaggle of talky promo segments to fill the three-hour running time.
