‘WWE Raw’ Review (Jul 29th 2024)
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: The Creed Brothers def. Otis & Akira Tozawa
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
With Chad Gable getting into the mix on the apron, The Creed Brothers worked together to deliver a double back body drop off the turnbuckle to Otis for the three-count. After the match, Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers used the numbers advantage to overpower Otis. When Gable put him in the Ankle Lock, however, Maxxine Dupri slapped her former mentor. Their confrontation was suddenly interrupted by The Wyatt Sicks, who took out Gable and The Creed Brothers as Uncle Howdy laughed in the shadows.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #2: “Big” Bronson Reed def. Sheamus
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Pete Dunne emerged to hit Sheamus with a shillelagh as the official’s back was turned. This paved the way for “Big” Bronson Reed to hit his former Brawling Brute comrade with the Tsunami for the win.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #3: Jey Uso def. Carlito
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
“Main Event” Jey Uso Speared the apple right out of Carlito’s mouth to pick up the win and deny his opponent payback on behalf of The Judgment Day.
My Score: 1.5 out of 5
Match #4: Karrion Kross def. Xavier Woods
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Prior to the match, Xavier Woods once again refused Karrion Kross’ offer to join Final Testament and attacked him instead. In the final moments of the subsequent bout, AOP caused Woods to divide his attention at a critical moment and opened the door for Kross to beat him with the Final Prayer.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #5: Sami Zayn def. “Dirty” Dominik Mysterio (DQ)
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
In the final moments of Sami Zayn’s Match with “Dirty” Dom, JD McDonagh and Carlito attacked and caused a disqualification. Before they could do too much damage, Jey Uso emerged and neutralized The Judgment Day. Back in the ring, Bron Breakker launched a sneak attack on Sami, but the Intercontinental Champion turned the tables and expelled his SummerSlam challenger from the ring.
My Score: 2.5 out of 5
Match #6: Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark def. Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
Moments after Zoey Stark picked up the victory for her team with Z-360 on Katana Chance, Damage CTRL made an explosive surprise return to attack Stark, Sonya Deville and Shayna Baszler.
My Score: 2 out of 5
Match #7: Gunther def. Finn Bálor
The following is courtesy of wwe.com:
After Finn Bálor refused backup from his Judgment Day cohorts, The Prince fell to Gunther in a hard-fought Raw main event. In the final moments, The Ring General locked The Prince in the sleeper hold and left the official no choice but to call for the bell. When Gunther decided to reapply the sleeper after the match, World Heavyweight Champion Damian Priest charged to the ring and unleashed a beatdown just five days before their clash at SummerSlam.
My Score: 3.5 out of 5
Final Verdict: 2.5/5
Not even a great main event could save this week’s Raw from mediocrity. OK, so we’re biding time until Summerslam but still, give us some good matches! A lot of the stuff this week felt like promo matches – i.e. existing to only drive a story or a feud rather than also provide good wrestling – for that’s what we should get good wrestling AND good storytelling in one. This week felt like one was sacrificed for the other. Which means this entire show fell flat… and don’t get me started on that overly long, overly talky opening promo. Geesh, just fight already!
