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11 Takeaways From WWE RAW (8/20)

The Shield RAW

Written by

Robert Lentini

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The August 20th episode of WWE RAW aired live from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY. It was the first episode of RAW following WWE SummerSlam 2018. Here are 11 takeaways from this week’s show:

Roman Reigns Challenged Finn Balor

Universal Champion Roman Reigns kicked off this weekends episode of RAW and made his way down to the ring. Reigns circled the ring before saying that he was a man of his word. He then boasted about defeating Brock Lesnar last night at SummerSlam to capture the Universal Championship.

The crowd responded with a very loud “you still suck!” chant. Reigns stated that he planned on defending the title tonight and he had one man in mind. Roman brought up Finn Balor winning the title two years ago at SummerSlam in Brooklyn but was forced to relinquish it due to injury.

Finn then came down to the ring and joined Roman. Balor accepted Roman’s challenge and vowed to take back his Universal Championship tonight. The two Superstars shook hands before Constable Corbin interrupted.

Corbin said that match is not going to happen tonight and brought up Balor coming down to the ring as The Demon. Corbin called it a cowardly act and a breach of contract. He then added that he was blinded by the lights and didn’t know the match even started.

Roman Reigns poked fun at Corbin for sucking last night at SummerSlam. Corbin responded by saying that the only reason Roman won the title was that Lesnar was too concerned with Strowman and lost focus.

RAW GM Kurt Angle interrupted and told Constable Corbin that he makes the matches on RAW. Angle then asked the crowd if they wanted to see the Universal Championship match between Roman and Balor and the crowd chanted “yes!”. Angle announced that will be the main event tonight and then said Corbin had a match against Bobby Lashley next on RAW.

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Lashley Defeated Corbin

Bobby Lashley started off the match by planting Corbin with a Neckbreaker. Lashley brought Corbin to the corner of the ring and bounced his face off the turnbuckle a few times.

Corbin rolled out of the ring to try and regroup as Lashley waited for him in the ring. Lashley got out of the ring and smashed Baron’s head off the ring apron before rolling him back inside the ring.

Lashley drove his shoulder into Corbin’s midsection in the corner of the ring and followed it up with 10 punches to the face as the crowd chanted along. Lashley then Clotheslined Corbin out of the ring and posed for the crowd. Bobby rolled Lashley into the ring but Corbin caught Lashley with a boot to the knee.

Corbin then drove Lashley into the barricade and rolled him back into the ring. Corbin applied a Headlock but Lashley broke the hold with a couple shots to Corbin’s ribs. Lashley leaped over Corbin and then decked him with another Clothesline. Bobby went for a Suplex but Corbin blocked it and shoved Lashley out of the ring.

Corbin followed it up with a Clothesline that sent Lashley to the floor as RAW went to a commercial break. Corbin had Lashley trapped in a Headlock when RAW returned from the break. Corbin launched Bobby into the steel ring post but Lashley battled back and threw Corbin into the ring post in the opposite corner of the ring.

Lashley hit a Clothesline and followed it up with a Belly to Belly Suplex as the crowd chanted “Rusev Day!”. Lashley connected with a Spinebuster and went for the cover but Corbin was able to kick out at two. Corbin hit Lashley with a right hand to the face and then perched Lashley up on the top rope.

The crowd chanted “boring!” as Corbin went for a Suplex but Lashley sent him to the canvas with a headbutt. Lashley jumped towards Corbin but the Constable was ready and hit him with a Chokeslam Backbreaker for a two count. Lashley lifted Corbin up on his shoulders and then dropped him face-first to the canvas for the pinfall victory.

The Riott Squad Picked Up A Victory

Bayley, Sasha Banks & Ember Moon battled the Riott Squad in a 6-woman tag match tonight on RAW. Banks started off the match with Ruby Riott and immediately brought her to the corner of the ring.

Bayley tagged in and stomped on her a few times before tagging in Ember Moon. Ruby escaped out of the corner and tagged in Sarah Logan. A brawl broke out and the Riott Squad was knocked to the floor outside the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Morgan and Bayley were battling in the ring. Bayley sent Liv to the corner and hit her with a knee to the face. Bayley then elbowed Logan on the apron but turned around into a right hand from Morgan that sent Bayley tumbling out of the ring. Ruby Riott then grabbed Bayley and slammed her to the floor before rolling her back into the ring.

Riott tagged in and went for the cover but Bayley kicked out at two. Sarah Logan tagged in as Ruby bounced Bayley’s head off the top rope. Logan tagged in and delivered a few stomps to Bayley before Liv Morgan tagged back in. Logan clocked Bayley in the face while the referee was distracted and Morgan capitalized by applying a Headlock in the middle of the ring.

Morgan then sent Bayley flying into the turnbuckle and then tagged Sarah Logan back into the match. Logan connected with a headbutt for a near fall and then trapped Bayley in a Headlock. Bayley broke the hold with a Jawbreaker and then booted Logan in teh face. Bayley tried to escape to the corner but Logan held her up and tagged Riott back into the match.

Ruby went for a kick but Bayley countered into a roll-up for a two count. Bayley finally was able to tag out and Sasha entered the match and cleaned house. Banks connected with a Double Stomp to Ruby’s midsection and went for the cover but Morgan broke it up at two.

Ember Moon threw Morgan out of the ring and planted her with a Suplex on the floor. Logan then took out Bayley with Clothesline outside the ring but turned around into Double Knees from Banks off the ring apron. Back in the ring, Ruby hit Banks with the Riott Kick for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1031706075408547840

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Triple H Hyped His Final Match Against The Undertaker At Super Show-Down

WWE COO Triple H was on RAW tonight and came down to the ring at the start of the second hour of the show. Triple H will face The Undertaker for the last time ever at WWE Super Show-Down.

Triple H smirked as the Brooklyn crowd chanted “NXT!”. Triple H stated that NXT blew the roof off of this place Saturday night and that SummerSlam took it to another level. Triple H said that he is just like all of them, a fan at his core and that he will work until the day he dies to make sure this is here for everyone.

He said that this weekend made him want to be The Game again and brought up Vince McMahon calling him and asking him if he wanted to wrestle The Undertaker. Triple H said that he told Vince “no” because of the moment he shared following the Hell in a Cell match at WM 28, in which they posed with Shawn Michaels on the entrance ramp after the match. Triple H said that moment changed the three of them and they knew it was the end of an era.

Triple H said that he didn’t want to sound like a bitter veteran but their era was something special. The crowd chanted “you still got it!” and Triple H added that he will lace up his boots if The Undertaker will pick up his hat, put on his gloves and be The Phenom one more time. Triple H then said the era is back on October 6th and promoted the final match between The Undertaker and Triple H at WWE Super Show-Down.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1031709612121186304

Dean Ambrose Won His First Match Back

Dean Ambrose faced Dolph Ziggler tonight on RAW. Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins and Drew McIntyre were ringside for the match.

Ambrose and Ziggler locked up to start off the match. Ziggler got the upper hand and went to work on Ambrose’s arm. Dean took Dolph down with an Arm Drag and followed it up with a shoulder tackle that knocked Ziggler out of the ring. Ziggler got back inside the ring and shoved Ambrose against the ropes.

Dean responded with a big chop to Ziggler’s chest and then an elbow to the face for a two count. Ambrose applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring but Dolph quickly battled to his feet. Dean sent him back down with a shoulder tackle and followed it up with a Body Slam.

McIntyre grabbed Dean’s leg by the ropes and Ambrose got out of the ring and got in McIntyre’s face. Rollins got in Drew’s face as Dean hopped up on the ring apron. Ziggler capitalized on the distraction and hit Ambrose with a Dropkick that sent Dean to the floor as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Ziggler was in control and had Ambrose in a Headlock in the center of the ring. Dean ducked a Clothesline and hit Ziggler with two Clotheslines of his own. Ambrose followed it up with a knee to the midsection that sent Dolph to the corner of the ring. Dean stomped on Ziggler a few times but Ziggler battled back with a boot to the face.

Ambrose blocked the Zig Zag and hit Dolph with a Fallaway Slam that sent Dolph to the ring apron. Dean launched Ziggler into the ring post and then charged at him in the corner of the ring. Dolph dove out of the way and Ambrose crashed into the post and fell to the floor outside the ring.

McIntyre dared Rollins to fight him and Seth went after him. Ziggler attacked Rollins from behind and then slammed him into the barricade with some help from McIntyre. Ambrose then went after Ziggler and brought him back into the ring. Ambrose knocked McIntyre off the apron and then Seth took him out with a Suicide Dive. Dean Ambrose then hit Dirty Deeds on Ziggler for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1031715256324767745

Curt Hawkins Lost Again

Last night at SummerSlam, Elias came down to the ring to perform a new song. Unfortunately for Elias, his guitar broke before he could perform the song and he stormed out of the ring.

Elias came down to the ring tonight on RAW and strummed his guitar before staring into the crowd for a couple of seconds. Elias played his guitar a bit and said that it is clear to him that someone is trying to destroy all that he is after last night. Elias asked the crowd what WWE stands for and they chanted “Walk With Elias!”.

Elias claimed that his doctor called him up and told him that being around the horrible people in Brooklyn is bad for his health. He stated that he needs to perform and told the crowd to shut up. Elias started to play his guitar again but Curt Hawkins interrupted. Hawkins said that Elias is going to be the first guy to lose to Curt Hawkins.

Hawkins added that he was feeling lucky tonight and that tonight was the night that his 218 match losing streak. Elias told Curt Hawkins that he was born a loser and that he was going to die a loser, just like everyone in the crowd. Elias added that this stage was reserved for stars and that Hawkins doesn’t belong here.

Curt started to walk back up the entrance ramp as Elias strummed his guitar. Hawkins accused Elias of hiding behind his guitar and his goofy scarf. Hawkins then challenged Elias to a match again and Elias accepted.

Hawkins went for a roll-up right away but Elias kicked out at two. Elias then leveled Hawkins with a knee to the face and then bounced his head off the turnbuckle. Hawkins battled back with a couple of punches and then a Clothesline. Hawkins hit Elias with a Dropkick that sent him out of the ring. Elias got back into the ring and quickly hit Hawkins with Drift Away for the pinfall victory.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1031718081884835847

AOP Dominated Titus Worldwide

Titus O’Neil interrupted Dana Brooke flirting with Apollo Crews backstage. Dana quickly changed the subject and said she has found a weakness in the Authors of Pain’s game. Titus asked what it was because they were facing them next on RAW.

Titus and Rezar started off the match as Crews and Akam were on the apron. Rezar had O’Neil in a Bear Hug and then slammed him into the turnbuckle. Akam tagged in and stomped on Titus a few times.

Titus battled back and planted Akam with a Suplex. Apollo tagged in and got bashed in the back of the head by Akam. Rezar tagged in and slammed Crews face-first to the mat for a two count.

Rezar drove Crews to the corner of the ring and tagged in Akam. Rezar lifted Apollo up and Akam connected with a Leg Drop for a near fall. Akam applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring as Dana Brooke tried to get to the crowd to make some noise. They didn’t.

Crews battled out of the hold and knocked Rezar off the apron win an Enziguri. Akam knocked Crews to the canvas and tagged Rezar back into the match. Crews climbed to the top rope and hit a Moonsault for a two count.

Titus and Akam started trading shots and O’Neil hit Akam out of the ring. Rezar then blasted Titus from behind and then launched Crews into the turnbuckle. Akam tagged back in and AOP connected with the Last Chapter for the pinfall victory.

Ronda Rousey Got Stephanie McMahon In The Arm Bar Again

RAW Women’s Champion Ronda Rousey came down to the ring to celebrate her victory over Alexa Bliss last night at WWE SummerSlam.

The entire RAW women’s division surrounded the ring as Stephanie McMahon came down the entrance ramp. Alexa Bliss was shown with her arm in a sling as Stephanie got inside the ring. Stephanie said that she was proud of all these women’s and promoted the all women’s PPV entitled Evolution. Stephanie added that she was so proud of the RAW Women’s Championship match that took place last night at SummerSlam and then highlights of the match were shown.

Stephanie added that Rousey is now the first ever UFC and RAW Women’s Champion. Stephanie boasted that Rousey wouldn’t be in WWE if it weren’t for her and claimed that she was the reason that she was shining above the rest. Stephanie stated that she molded Rousey to be like her and referred to Ronda as her protege.

Ronda interrupted and made her way down to the ring. Stephanie extended her hand but Rousey ignored it and grabbed the microphone placed next to the RAW Women’s Championship. The crowd chanted Ronda’s name as she smiled in the ring and Stephanie claimed that in her ears she was hearing “Steph!”.

Rousey said that for once this was not about Stephanie, it was all about the women in WWE. Ronda asked why Stephanie was making everyone stand ringside and invited them all to get up on the ring apron. Ronda scolded Stephanie for trying to tell her how to be a champion. Rousey said this was about every single one of the female Superstars here and referred to Natalya as the cornerstone of the women’s division.

Rona then addressed Sasha & Bayley and said that their match at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn inspired this entire movement. Rousey stated that she is not Brock Lesnar and she is going to be a fighting champion. Ronda said that she cannot wait to get in the ring and compete every night.

Stephanie said that this was not the Rousey that she wanted here and brought up “poor Alexa Bliss”. Steph rolled footage of Rousey bending Bliss’ arm back last night at SummerSlam and stated that wasn’t wrestling. Stephanie added that Ronda just wants to break everyone’s arm so that Rousey can stand alone in the spotlight.

Rousey stated that she wasn’t here to break their arms, only those who deserve it. Ronda started walking towards Stephanie and then grabbed her and took her to the canvas. Ronda then locked in the Arm Bar for a few seconds and then let her go. The heels in the RAW women’s division checked on Stephanie as the faces posed with Ronda in the ring.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1031724870764318726

The Revival Swept The B-Team

RAW Tag Team Champions the B-Team came down to the ring and announced that the “B” stands for Brooklyn. Bo Dallas then faced Scott Dawson in a singles match as Curtis Axel and Dash Wilder were ringside.

Dawson controlled the match early and beat the hell out of Bo in the corner of the ring. Dallas fought back but Dawson quickly got the upper hand once again and defeated him in a very short match.

After the match, Curtis Axel got into the ring and challenged Dash Wilder to match. It was already announced beforehand that Axel would be facing Wilder tonight and Corey Graves joked that Curtis must have the memory of a goldfish as RAW went to a break.

When RAW returned, Dash Wilder was in control of Axel in the middle of the ring. Wilder connected with a Backbreaker for a near fall. Axel battled back with a Dropkick and followed it up with a Splash in the corner.

Axel hit a Neckbreaker and then went for another one but Wilder threw him to the corner. Dash then slammed Axel to the canvas for the pinfall victory. After the match, Bo Dallas said that the Revival might have defeated them separately in singles matches but the B-Team are still RAW Tag Team Champions.

Constable Corbin Is Now RAW GM

RAW GM Kurt Angle was shown backstage and was by Paul Heyman. Paul said that he had a mission this evening and said Brock Lesnar wanted to his invoke his rematch clause. Angle stated that it will be a long time before Brock gets his rematch. Heyman agreed and said that Lesnar wants to invoke his rematch clause at Hell in a Cell. Angle said it will be a cold day in hell if that ever happens.

Constable Corbin confronted RAW GM Kurt Angle backstage after his match and said that he was tired of not getting what he wanted. He added that Stephanie McMahon was here tonight and that he was going to go talk to her.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1031702335800729600

Later on RAW, Stephanie McMahon was backstage with Alexa Bliss and Constable Corbin. RAW GM Kurt Angle interrupted and apologized to Stephanie. Stephanie told Angle that he needed a vacation and that Constable Corbin will be the RAW GM while Angle takes some time off.

https://twitter.com/totaldivaseps/status/1031731943115812865

The Shield Reunited

Roman Reigns defended his Universal Championship against Finn Balor in the main event of this week’s episode of RAW. Braun Strowman approached Balor backstage before the match and warned him that he will cash in his MITB contract tonight. Reigns started off the match in control and connected with a punch to Finn’s face that knocked him out the ring as RAW went to a commercial break.

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When RAW returned, Roman was still in control of the match and hit Finn with a knee to the ribs. Balor battled back with a Dropkick that sent Roman tumbling out of the ring. Finn went for a kick off the apron but Reigns blocked it and slammed Balor’s face into the ring apron for a near fall.

Reigns whipped Balor into the turnbuckle and followed it up with a big right hand to the face. Balor tripped up Roman and connected with a Double Stomp to his chest. Finn hit Roman with a chop and that pissed Reigns off. Roman threw Finn to the corner and hit him with 10 Clotheslines in a row.

Finn caught Roman with a Dropkick that sent Roman out of the ring. Balor then sprinted across the ring and flipped onto Roman on the outside. Finn brought Roman back into the ring and went for the cover but Roman kicked out at two as RAW went to a break.

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Roman was back in control when RAW returned from the break. Finn battled back with a few punches and followed it up with an overhead kick. Balor knocked Roman to the canvas and stomped on him as the crowd cheered him on. Balor went for the Slingblade but Roman countered into a roll-up for a two count.

Reigns followed it up with a Powerbomb for another near fall. Roman geared up and went for the Superman Punch but Finn blocked it with a kick to the midsection. Balor booted Reigns to the canvas and made his way up to the top rope. Balor hopped down as Reigns got up and planted him with a Slingblade.

Finn went for a Dropkick but Roman connected with a Superman Punch out of nowhere for a two count. Roman set up in the corner as Balor stumbled to his feet. Reigns went for the Spear but Balor countered into a roll-up for a two count. Reigns then hit the Superman Punch again and set up for the Spear but Braun Strowman’s music hit.

Strowman came down to the entrance ramp and Balor capitalized with a Slingblade. Balor went for the Coup de Grace but Roman rolled out of the way and hit the Spear for the pinfall victory. Braun Strowman then got inside the ring as Roman Reigns got up. Braun then booted Roman to the canvas and Strowman told the referee that he was cashing in.

The Shield’s theme just hit and Rollins & Ambrose returned and surrounded Strowman on opposite sides of the ring. Michael Cole pointed out that the bell has not rung yet and it is not an official match. The crowd chanted “holy sh*t!” as Strowman pushed Reigns to the corner of the ring.

Ambrose and Rollins then attacked Strowman from behind and Reigns Clotheslined Braun out of the ring. The Shield set up for a Powerbomb through the table but Braun kicked them away. Roman then hit Braun with a Spear and then the Shield Powerbombed Braun through the table.

Opinion: What an awesome ending to this week’s episode of RAW. Reigns and Balor put on a very entertaining match and The Shield reunion caught me by surprise. I was expecting Kevin Owens to attack Strowman but the Shield getting back together is far more interesting. In addition to The Shield getting back together, evil is now back in power on RAW. Stephanie McMahon forced Angle to take a vacation and appointed Baron Corbin as the RAW GM while Angle is away. It will be interesting to see where these storylines go as we build towards Hell in a Cell next month.

What did you think of this week’s RAW? Let us know in the comments below.

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