Recap
Monday Night Raw was presented live from Seattle this week and the heat continues to scorch the WWE Universe as we edge closer towards the biggest SummerSlam event ever. The card continues to take shape while the anticipation for the summer's last ride builds more and more each week.
Here's how everything went down in the Pacific Northwest:
Seth Rollins is out first: “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins.” The WWE World Heavyweight Champion revisits his “winner take all challenge” to John Cena at SummerSlam. Rollins then takes to mocking the rap career of Cena (good stuff) before discussing how Cena should show up in Brooklyn to forfeit the United States Championship. Rollins then states that Cena will appear live via satellite before a picture of Cena (with disfigured nose) is placed on the titantron. The image speaks (clearly Rollins’ voice) and belittles himself for the live audience. Rollins is then interrupted by Cesaro who challenges Rollins to a title match. This brings out Kevin Owens who boasts about his victory over John Cena. Owens then throws his name into the mix for a title match … and we’re not done there … Randy Orton is next to come down and state his claim for a title match – leading to the arrival of Triple H – who announces a Triple Threat Match between Kevin Owens, Cesaro, and Randy Orton with the winner earning a shot against Seth Rollins for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship … all tonight.
Team B.A.D. vs. Team Bella
The fans love Sasha Banks and the NXT Women’s Champion would prove to be the highlight of this match. The crowd also erupts for Brie Bella (Daniel Bryan’s hometown) as Brie scores the pinfall.
Match Winners: Team Bella
Match Rating: 5/10
Post-Match: The nine Divas involved in the Revolution brawl inside of the ring before parting ways with their respective teams.
The New Day vs. Los Matadores
This match didn’t provide much in terms of great entertainment. The usual stuff we have seen from these two teams over the past few weeks. Big E picks up the victory for his squad.
Match Winners: The New Day
Match Rating: 3/10
Backstage: Seth Rollins complains to Triple H about his upcoming title defense. The Game informs Rollins that he “opened this door” and that if he wants to be the man that he needs to do it “every single night.”
Randy Orton vs. Cesaro vs. Kevin Owens (#1 Contenders Match)
What an excellent display of three contrasting styles in this match. Moments of sheer wrestling ability mixed with moments of raw aggression. The finish would come when Randy Orton would simultaneously RKO Kevin Owens and Cesaro to take the match.
Match Winner: Randy Orton
Match Rating: 8.5/10
Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns cut a promo about friendship and family – placing Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper on notice.
WWE Legends and current Superstars provide their opinions on The Undertaker and Brock Lesnar in a special video package.
Dean Ambrose w/Roman Reigns vs. Luke Harper w/Bray Wyatt
This would prove to be a back-and-forth contest with strong psychical action which would eventually break down when Bray Wyatt and Roman Reigns inserted themselves into the match. Luke Harper goes over on Dean Ambrose.
Match Winner: Luke Harper
Match Rating: 6/10
-Miz TV with Daniel Bryan-
Daniel Bryan comes out to a massive ovation as the fans echo his name throughout the arena. The Miz claims that he was the one who plucked Daniel Bryan out of obscurity and made him a success. Bryan adjusts that claim – stating that his success is due to hard work and all those who have supported him throughout his career. The discussion turns to Ryback and the Intercontinental Championship; brining out Big Show in the process followed by the return of the I.C. Champion himself, Ryback. Daniel Bryan and The Miz clear the ring, leaving Ryback and Big Show to square off before Bryan tosses Miz back inside and between the two big men. Ryback cleans house and celebrates with Daniel Bryan.
Rusev w/Summer Rae vs. Mark Henry
Well, the most interesting part of this match would come when Lana and Summer Rae fought in the fight; culminating with Summer locking The Accolade on Lana.
Match Winner: No Contest
Match Rating: N/A
King Barrett vs. Neville
Quick match … Little action … Red Arrow … Done.
Match Winner: Neville
Match Rating: 1/10
Post-Match: Stardust attacks Neville before confronting Stephen Amell (star of Arrow) who was seated ringside. Amell charges the ring for retribution but is restrained by security.
Backstage: Stephen Amell and Neville ask Triple H to face Stardust and King Barrett at SummerSlam … Triple H grants the request.
Still Backstage: JoJo interviews Sheamus about the upcoming title match between Seth Rollins and Randy Orton. Sheamus discusses the “uncertainty” of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and how he will soon hold the title.
Seth Rollins (c) vs. Randy Orton (WWE World Heavyweight Championship)
Nice to see Randy Orton back in the championship picture; if only for the night. Decent match which would see Sheamus interfere; costing Orton the championship.
Match Winner: Randy Orton via DQ
Match Rating: 6/10
Post-Match: Sheamus lays out Seth Rollins and attempts to cash in the Money in the Bank briefcase but is instead caught with an RKO in an eye-for-an-eye conclusion.
Going Forward
Paige, Charlotte, and Becky Lynch are now known as Team P.C.B.? Was that the best WWE creative could come up with; the initials of the women? The changing of “Submission Sorority” was bound to happen due to its connection to the adult film industry but c’mon; put some thought into the new name.
Remaining with the Divas: tonight was not as strong a night as previous weeks for the Divas Revolution. Hopefully, this is not a sign of things to come as the Divas have recently become an enjoyable part of WWE programing.
Kevin Owens and Cesaro are the best wrestlers in WWE right now. It’s a shame that such a distinction doesn’t actually matter.
Bray Wyatt and Luke Harper vs. Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose has been shaping up nicely over the past few weeks – the quiet background feud that should lead to a strong match at SummerSlam.
It was truly a pleasant sight watching Daniel Bryan appear in front of his hometown fans once again. Clearly, the WWE Universe remain firmly behind their unwashed hero and long to see him back inside of the ring.
Does anybody really expect John Cena to not show up in Brooklyn? Seth Rollins is at the top of his game and will hopefully retain the title. John Cena is bound for another run with the WWE World Heavyweight Championship (which will tie Ric Flair for all time wins) but Rollins’ time is not over.
The Undertaker vs. Brock Lesnar is going to be a great contest … Lesnar should go over in this match.