Home News WWE RAW Recap & Reaction (8/21)

WWE RAW Recap & Reaction (8/21)

Robert Lentini
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WWE RAW Recap & Reaction (8/21)
WWE RAW

Paul Heyman and Universal Champion Brock Lesnar kicked off this week’s episode of RAW. Lesnar had a giant grin on his face as he made his way down to the ring. The crowd chanted “Suplex City!” as Lesnar and Heyman stood in the ring. Heyman introduced Lesnar as Brock hopped around the ring and posed for the crowd.

Heyman once again brought up the “conspiracy” against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Heyman called the attacks on Lesnar last night “heinous” and stated that last night was the first time Brock Lesnar has ever been carted off in a stretcher during a match. Heyman boasted about Lesnar refusing medical attention to come back down to the ring to finish the Fatal 4-Way match last night at WWE SummerSlam.

Heyman said that Lesnar pinned Roman Reigns last night and the Barclays Center broke out in a “yes!” chant. Heyman referred to Lesnar as the “ruler of the WWE Universe” and Lesnar raised the Universal Championship. Braun Strowman’s music hit and Strowman marched towards the ring.

Strowman and Lesnar stared at each other in the ring as the crowd cheered. The two Superstars got face to face as the crowd chanted “Strowman”. Braun went for a Chokeslam but Brock broke free. Strowman then hit Lesnar with a big boot and then planted Lesnar with a Running Powerslam. Brock stumbled back to his feet and Strowman once again planted him with the Running Powerslam. Strowman raised the Universal Championship in the ring and circled Lesnar as the crowd chanted “yes!”. Strowman then exited the ring as Lesnar rolled around in pain.

Reaction: Braun Strowman stole the show last night at WWE SummerSlam. He is quickly becoming one of the most popular Superstars in WWE. Lesnar and Strowman face off in a match at No Mercy and it will be must-see television. I loved how Strowman didn’t grab a microphone and cut a promo on Lesnar. He simply walked down to the ring and manhandled the Universal Champion and left. It was great.

Brooklyn Street Fight: Big Cass vs Enzo Amore

Enzo cut a promo before the match and said that this story is ending tonight. Enzo then walked backstage and grabbed a shopping cart full of weapons. Cass stormed up the entrance ramp as Enzo helplessly tried to throw crutches and trash can lids at him. Cass knocked Enzo down and then slammed the cart into Enzo. Cass connected with a big boot in the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Cass was still in control of the match. Enzo hit a Jawbreaker and started to crawl towards a steel chair in the ring but Cass prevented him. Cass launched Enzo to the turnbuckle and then hit him with a Splash. The crowd chanted “a**hole” as Cass perched Enzo up across the top ropes. Big Cass clubbed Enzo across the back several times until he fell to the ring apron.

Cass went for a big boot but Enzo ducked and pulled the ropes and Cass went flying out of the ring. Enzo once again slowly made his way to the steel chair. Enzo grabbed the chair but Cass stomped on Enzo’s hand. Cass Body Slammed Amore and then was going to go for the Empire Elbow but his knee buckled. Cass apparently injured himself when he went flying out of the ring.

Cass was then attended to medical officials and the match was stopped. Enzo was announced as the winner of the match because Cass could not continue due to injury.

Winner: Enzo Amore

Reaction:  It didn’t look good for Big Cass. He landed very awkwardly on the floor outside the ring.

Emma and Dana Brooke were backstage. Emma talked trash about Nia Jax ahead of their match tonight. Emma made fun of Nia Jax for believing Alexa Bliss and essentially called Nia an idiot. Emma was completely unaware that Nia Jax was standing behind her the entire time. Emma finally realized it and stopped talking. Nia then said that “after their match tonight, the trend on Twitter will be #GiveEmmaCPR”.

Emma vs Nia Jax

Emma slapped Nia across the face to start off the match. Nia then leveled her with a shoulder tackle and then dropped a couple of elbows on her. Nia then threw Emma across the ring and went for a Splash in the corner but Emma got out of the way. Emma hit a Dropkick but Nia immediately planted her with a Samoan Drop for the pinfall victory.

Winner: Nia Jax

Elias performed a song about his opponent R-Truth. Elias mocked R-Truth’s “What’s up?” song and then started singing a song. The crowd started clapping along and Elias stopped and told the crowd to stop. R-Truth then interrupted and rapped his way down to the ring.

R-Truth vs Elias

R-Truth connected with a Spinebuster for a one count. Elias elbowed R-Truth in the face but R-Truth responded by kicking Elias in the face. Elias then planted R-Truth with Drift Away for the easy victory.

Winner: Elias

RAW General Manager Kurt Angle came down to the entrance ramp to announce a surprise. Angle then welcomed John Cena to RAW for the first time in over a year. Cena stated that he joined RAW because he has wanted to stand face to face with a certain WWE Superstar for a long time.

Roman Reigns’ music then hit and Reigns made his way down to the ring. Reigns said that the only time Cena is looking for him is when he is running his mouth on Twitter. Reigns asked Cena if he was now going to run his mouth to his face now that he is his yard. The crowd started to chant “Undertaker”.

Cena stated that he didn’t come to RAW to talk and dropped the microphone. Cena then took off his shirt and The Miz’s music hit. The Miz, The Miztourage and Maryse came down to the ring. The Miz mispronounced “Barclays” and Cena poked fun at him for it. The Miz then fake laughed and proceeded about Cena and Reigns getting all of these “moments”.

The Miz said that in life you are always told that if you work hard you will get your moment. The Miz claimed that Roman Reigns and Cena constantly get moments and they don’t deserve them. The crowd chanted “yes!” as The Miz scolded Reigns and Cena. The Miz complained about not being on SummerSlam’s main card. The Miz asked if RAW needs John Cena and the entire crowd chanted “no!”.

Cena said that he is a man of the people and he will just show himself out. The Miz grabbed Cena as he was trying to leave the ring and said that he wasn’t finished talking to him yet. The Miz said that he is sick of not getting the respect that he deserves and asked where his moment was. The Miz said that he is the only champion in the ring and that he deserves a moment.

Cena then proposed that he teams up with Roman Reigns later tonight to face The Miz and a partner of his choosing. The Miz said that he is in a suit and not ready to compete. Samoa Joe then interrupted and joined the party in the ring. Samoa Joe then volunteered to be Miz’s partner later tonight. Joe got in Reigns’ face and said that he is sick of Roman Reigns claiming that this is his yard. Joe also stated that he owns Roman Reigns one-on-one.

Joe then turned his attention to John Cena and attacked him in the corner. The Miztourage got in the ring and attacked Reigns. Roman threw them all out of the ring as John Cena lifted Joe up for an Attitude Adjustment. Joe reversed it into the Coquina Clutch but Reigns hit Joe with a Superman Punch. The crowd chanted “you both suck!” as Reigns and Cena stood tall in the ring.

Reaction: This was a great moment. The crowd booed the hell out of both Reigns and Cena. Say what you want about The Miz, but his promo skills are off the charts. He made this entire segment that much better. I’m not really a fan of either Cena or Reigns when it comes to their on-screen characters. I know that they can both go in the ring and whenever this match happens, the atmosphere will be absolutely incredible.

Tony Nese, Noam Dar, Drew Gulak & Ariya Daivari vs Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander, Gran Metalik & Mustafa Ali

This match went back and forth until RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Gran Metalik Moonsaulted onto Gulak and Dar outside the ring. Back in the ring, Alexander planted Tony Nese with the Lumbar Check for the pinfall victory.

Winners: Rich Swann, Cedric Alexander, Gran Metalik & Mustafa Ali

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/899806633487814656

Neville was interviewed backstage about becoming the Cruiserweight Champion once again at WWE SummerSlam. Titus O’Neil and Akira Tozawa quickly interrupted. Titus announced that Tozawa will get his rematch for the title tomorrow night on 205 Live.

Jason Jordan approached his father Kurt Angle backstage and asked for a match against Finn Balor tonight on RAW. Angle asked Jordan if he thinks that he is ready for that level of competition and Jordan said yes. Angle said that he has got the match and the two hugged.

RAW Tag Team Champions Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose came down to the ring. Rollins said it felt good to stand side-by-side with Dean Ambrose with the RAW Tag Team Championships. Ambrose said that he slept with the title under his pillow last night. Rollins said that tonight is a party and all of Brooklyn is invited. Ambrose said everyone is invited besides Sheamus and Cesaro of course and then challenged a team from the back to come down and face them. The Hardy Boyz answered the call and made their way to the ring.

Jeff and Matt congratulated Seth and Dean on their victory at SummerSlam. Matt then challenged Rollins and Ambrose to a match. Rollins said that they grew up idolizing The Hardy Boyz. Rollins then accepted the match and RAW went to a commercial break.

The Hardy Boyz vs Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose

Dean Ambrose and Matt Hardy started off the match. Matt elbowed Ambrose in the face and then tagged in Jeff. Rollins was then tagged in as well and he delivered a kick to Jeff’s face for a two count. Sheamus and Cesaro were shown watching the match backstage. Hardy slung Rollins into the turnbuckle and then charged at Seth. Rollins was ready and bounced Matt’s head off the second turnbuckle and then tagged in Ambrose.

Jeff Hardy tagged in and Rollins quickly tagged himself in. All four Superstars were in the ring and stared at each other as the crowd cheered. Matt knocked Ambrose out of the ring and then Jeff Clotheslined Rollins out of the ring. RAW went to a commercial break with The Hardys in control of the match.

When RAW returned, Rollins connected with a spin kick that knocked Jeff Hardy to the canvas. Ambrose and Matt were then tagged in and Ambrose leveled Matt with a Clothesline. Matt knocked both Rollins and Ambrose out of the ring and tagged in Jeff Hardy. Jeff then hit Poetry in Motion onto both Rollins and Ambrose outside the ring.

Back in the ring, Jeff elbowed Dean and then tried to flip onto Ambrose but Rollins dragged him out of the way. Jeff crashed to the canvas and Ambrose went for the cover but Jeff kicked out at two. Rollins then tagged in and applied a Chin Lock to Jeff Hardy. Jeff battled to his feet but Rollins planted him with a Suplex for a two count.

Ambrose got back into the match and stomped on Jeff’s midsection. Ambrose Clotheslined Jeff for a two count and tagged Rollins back in. Rollins connected with a Splash and then applied a Chin Lock in the middle of the ring. Jeff battled out of the hold and then hit Whisper in the Wind onto both Ambrose and Rollins.

Matt finally was tagged back in and he knocked Ambrose out of the ring. Matt then bounced Seth’s head off of every turnbuckle as the crowd chanted “delete!”. Matt connected with a running Bulldog for a two count. Matt hopped up to the second rope and connected with an elbow to the back of Rollins’ head.

Ambrose was tagged back and he lifted Matt up and Rollins planted him with a Slingblade. Ambrose went for the pin but Jeff broke up the cover with a Dropkick. Ambrose threw Matt out of the ring and then hit Jeff with a Dropkick that knocked him out of the ring as well. Ambrose and Rollins then hit double Suicide Dives onto The Hardys.

Matt slammed Rollins on the ring apron and then got back into the ring with Ambrose. Dean went for the Lunatic Lariat but Matt countered it into a Side Effect for a two count. Matt climbed up to the top rope but Ambrose punched him in the back and then joined him up there. Ambrose hit Matt with a headbutt that knocked him to the canvas. Jeff tagged in and Matt hit Ambrose with the Twist of Fate. Jeff then went for the Swanton Bomb but Ambrose got his knees up.

The crowd chanted “this is awesome” as Ambrose and Jeff got back to their feet. Rollins tagged himself in and Ambrose connected with a knee to Jeff Hardy. Ambrose then hit Dirty Deeds on Jeff and Rollins quickly covered him for the pinfall victory.

Winners: Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose

Reaction: I thought this match was very good. Corey Graves pointed out that Rollins and Ambrose weren’t completely on the same page tonight because they only recently reunited. There were some sloppy moments in this match but it still was entertaining. I’d like to see this match happen again in the near future for the RAW Tag Team Championships.

The Miz and The Miztourage were backstage with Samoa Joe. The Miz said he was glad Joe decided to join The Miztourage. Samoa Joe told him to shut up and then laid out the following game plan. Joe told Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel to remain as a constant presence outside the ring. Joe then said The Miz should do that unorthodox annoying thing he does in the ring. Joe then angrily asked if everyone understood and The Miz nodded his head. Joe then walked away.

RAW Women’s Champion Sasha Banks came down to the ring and wished Ric Flair well because the world needs the Nature Boy. Sasha Banks stated that the world does not need a wannabe goddess in reference to Alexa Bliss. Alexa interrupted and said that Sasha Banks has never successfully defended the RAW Women’s Championship. Banks made fun of Bliss for tapping out at SummerSlam and the crowd chanted “you tapped out”.

Banks challenged Alexa to use her rematch clause right now. Alexa declined and said that none of these Brooklyn fanboys deserve to see an Alexa Bliss championship celebration. Alexa Bliss then said that she have her rematch for the RAW Women’s Championship next week on RAW.

Jason Jordan vs Finn Balor

Jordan tried to shake Balor’s hand during the match and Balor responded by kicking Jordan in the chest and then applying a Chin Lock. RAW went to a break with Balor in control. When RAW returned, Jordan was in control of the match but Balor quickly fought back. Jordan connected with a Belly to Belly Suplex but Balor responded with an overhead kick.

Jordan slammed Balor into the turnbuckle several times while carrying Balor around the ring. Balor was able to knock Jordan to the mat with a Dropkick then hit the Coupe de Grace for the victory.

Winner: Finn Balor

Reaction: Jason Jordan looked good during this match. The crowd isn’t behind him at all though. I am still waiting for something mildly interesting to happen in this storyline. It is already feeling like an afterthought that Jordan is Kurt Angle’s son.

The Miz & Samoa Joe vs John Cena & Roman Reigns

Cena and The Miz started the match off. Cena planted Miz with a running Bulldog and Miz immediately tagged in Samoa Joe. A beach ball was flying around the arena and it was a captured by a security guard. The crowd booed and The Miz clapped on the ring apron. An “a**hole” chant broke out as the security guard took the beach ball away. Joe beatdown Cena in the corner and then tagged in The Miz.

The crowd chanted “we want beach ball” as The Miz shook his head in the ring. Miz booted Cena in the face and then taunted Reigns on the ring apron. The crowd started doing the wave and Miz became distracted. Cena then leveled Miz with a Clothesline and Cena watched the crowd do the wave. Cena then participated in the wave and Miz capitalized with a DDT for a two count.

Joe was then tagged in and he beatdown Cena in the corner. Joe then hit Cena with a headbutt and then knocked him to the mat with a right hand. Joe mocked the crowd and tagged in The Miz. The Miz climbed to the top rope and clobbered Cena on the head for a two count. The Miz once again got distracted by the crowd and posed in the ring. Miz charged at Cena but John got out of the way and Miz leaped into the second turnbuckle.

Reigns was finally tagged in and Joe was tagged back in as well. Roman hit Joe with a Clothesline and then punched The Miz off the ring apron. Reigns beatdown Joe in the corner and then knocked Joe to the canvas with a kick to the face. Reigns went for the Superman Punch but Joe countered it into an Uranage for a two count.

Miz got back in the match and leaned on Reigns while his throat was up against the ropes. The Miz threw Reigns out of the ring and Bo Dallas leveled him with a Clothesline as the referee was distracted. Miz brought Reigns back into the ring and went for the cover but Roman kicked out at two. Miz hit a series of Yes Kicks on Reigns in the middle of the ring. Miz went for a kick again but Reigns lifted him up and slammed him to the mat.

Samoa Joe was tagged back in and he prevented Reigns from getting to the corner to tag in Cena. Joe chopped Reigns in the back of the head a couple of times and then applied a submission hold. Reigns broke free but Joe sent him to the corner and then connected with a kick to the head for a two count.

The Miz got back into the match and took his sweet time walking over to Roman Reigns on the ground. Miz punched Reigns in the face and then angrily stared at the crowd. The Miz once again threw Reigns out of the ring. Reigns hit Axel with a Drive By and then leveled Dallas with a Superman Punch outside the ring. Reigns got on the ring apron and Miz charged at him and missed and tumbled to the floor. Reigns then tagged in Cena and Cena went for the Five Knuckle Shuffle on Miz but Samoa Joe got in the way.

Joe then locked in the Coquina Clutch on Cena. Reigns tried to hit Joe with a Superman Punch but Joe ducked and Reigns struck Cena by accident. Reigns was then knocked out of the ring and Joe went for a Suicide Dive but Reigns punched him in the face and both Superstars fell to the floor outside the ring. Back in the ring, Miz went for a Skull Crushing Finale on Cena but Cena countered it into an Attitude Adjustment for the pinfall victory.

Winners: John Cena & Roman Reigns

Reaction: Tonight’s main-event was decent. I’m intrigued by a match between Roman Reigns and John Cena in the future. The altercation between Braun Strowman and Lesnar was the highlight of tonight’s episode of RAW. WWE did announce later in the night on their website that Big Cass did suffer an injury during his match against Enzo Amore. Even though his feud with Enzo and Big Show has been terrible, that is still potentially a big loss as WWE was trying to build him up. Hopefully the injury doesn’t turn out to be serious but it didn’t look good at all. Overall, tonight’s RAW was entertaining. The crowd added a lot to this week’s episode of RAW.

What did you think of this week’s episode of RAW? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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