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8 Takeaways From WWE RAW (7/16)

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Written by

Robert Lentini

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The July 16th, 2018 episode of WWE RAW aired live from the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, NY. It was announced during tonight’s show that The B-Team will defend their RAW Tag Team Championships against Bray Wyatt & Matt Hardy next week on RAW. The Authors of Pain also defeated Titus Worldwide (Apollo Crews & Titus O’Neil) in a very quick match.

Here are 8 takeaways from this week’s show:

Brock Lesnar Will Defend The Universal Championship at WWE SummerSlam

RAW GM Kurt Angle kicked off the show in the middle of the ring. Angle thanked every RAW Superstar that competed last night at Extreme Rules. Angle stated that Universal Champion Brock Lesnar has shown very little effort as of late. Kurt said that he has not heard a word from Brock Lesnar in 24 hours and said that he was going to strip him of the Universal Championship.

Paul Heyman interrupted and told him to not waste his time. Heyman said his client, Brock Lesnar, is not here tonight and chuckled to himself. Heyman then came down to the ring and joined Angle. He claimed that Angle and the entire WWE Universe has it all wrong. Heyman insisted that Brock Lesnar loves being in WWE and that he loves being the Universal Champion.

Heyman stated that Lesnar wanted to represent the entire WWE Universe by challenging for the UFC Champion with the Universal Championship around his waist. Heyman compared it to Angle challenging for WWE titles with Olympic gold wrapped around his neck. Angle told Heyman that Lesnar will defend the Universal Championship at SummerSlam or he will be stripped of the title.

The crowd chanted “strip the title” as Angle demanded an answer from Heyman. Paul said that Angle is a hell of a negotiator and announced that Lesnar will defend the Universal Championship at SummerSlam. Heyman then congratulated the WWE Universe for getting their voices heard that they want more Brock Lesnar. The crowd booed as Heyman insisted that the crowd wanted the WWE Network to be solely about Brock Lesnar.

Bobby Lashley joined the party and came down to the ring with a microphone. Lashley said that he had two goals in mind when he came back to WWE. He said he accomplished his first goal by defeating Roman Reigns last night at Extreme Rules. Bobby stated that it was time to accomplish his second goal and beat Brock Lesnar to become the Universal Champion.

Drew McIntyre interrupted and stated that he came back to WWE for change and to win the Universal Championship. Seth Rollins angrily marched his way down to the ring and got in McIntyre’s face as the crowd chanted “burn it down!”. Rollins said that he wanted to face Brock Lesnar and McIntyre shook his head.

Elias strummed his guitar and made his way to the entrance ramp. Elias asked the crowd “who wants to walk with Elias?” and joined the other Superstars in the ring. He said nothing sounds better than Elias as Universal Championship and then promoted his debut album dropping next week on July 23rd. Elias added that he wanted to face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam and then played his guitar once again.

Finn Balor came out from backstage and brought up becoming the first Universal Champion. Balor stated that it only makes sense that it would be Finn Balor versus Brock Lesnar. Roman Reigns’ music hit and the crowd immediately booed. Reigns made his way down to the ring and stated that all he wants is to fight somebody tonight.

Angle stated that every Superstar out here deserves a title shot. Angle announced two Triple Threat Matches for tonight’s episode of RAW. The winner of those two Triple Threat Matches will face each other next week to determine who will face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Seth Rollins vs. Elias vs. Bobby Lashley will go down later on tonight’s show. Roman Reigns vs. Balor vs. Drew McIntyre is up next.

Roman Reigns Is One Step Closer To Facing Brock Lesnar At SummerSlam

Angle was shown walking around backstage when he was approached by Constable Corbin. Corbin complained about Angle announcing two Triple Threat Matches tonight and not getting authorization from Stephanie McMahon. Corbin was also pissed about being Balor in one of the matches and not him. Angle pointed out that Balor defeated Corbin last night and walked away.

McIntyre started off the Triple Threat Match in control and beatdown both Balor and Reigns in the corner. Finn battled back with a Dropkick and then Reigns knocked Drew out of the ring. Balor connected with a Clothesline that sent Reigns to the outside and then flipped onto both McIntyre and Reigns.

Back in the ring, McIntyre launched Balor into the turnbuckle and then planted Reigns with a Powerslam for a two count. McIntyre elbowed Balor in the face and then delivered a big boot to Roman’s face. McIntyre followed it up with a Suplex to Reigns for another two count.

Drew connected with a chop to Balor in the corner that echoed throughout the arena. McIntyre unloaded with a big right hand on Roman’s head for a near fall. McIntyre connected with a few more punches to Reign’s face and then knocked Balor off the ring apron and into the barricade surrounding the ring. McIntyre turned his attention back to Reigns and planted him with a Neckbreaker for a two count as RAW went to a commercial break.

McIntyre was still in control when RAW returned. Reigns exploded with a couple of Clothesline that knocked Drew out of the ring. Balor connected with a forearm to Reigns’ face but Roman shrugged it off and decked Finn with a Clothesline. Balor dodged Reigns’ Drive-By attempt and connected with a Double Stomp to Roman on the ring apron. Drew McIntyre then flipped over the top rope and took Roman Reigns out. Balor shoved McIntyre from behind into the steel steps and hopped up on the ring apron. Balor connected with a Double Stomp to McIntyre and brought him back into the ring.

Roman got back into the ring and walked right into a boot to the face from Balor. Finn climbed up to the top rope but McIntyre hit him with a chair (No DQ in Triple Threat Matches). Balor fell out of the ring and McIntyre turned around into a right hand from Reigns. McIntyre responded by throwing Reigns into the ring post for a near fall as RAW went to another break.

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When RAW returned, Balor got some payback and smashed McIntyre across the back with the chair. The crowd chanted “yes!” as Finn struck Reigns with the chair several times. Balor connected with a Dropkick outside the ring that sent McIntyre flying into the barricade. Reigns came out of nowhere and hit McIntyre with a Spear.

Finn planted Roman with a Slingblade and brought him back to the ring. Roman hit Balor with a Superman Punch out of nowhere for a two count. Finn battled back and Dropkicked Reigns into the turnbuckle and hit the Coup de Grace. Balor went for the cover but McIntyre dragged Finn out of the ring and threw him into the steel steps.

Reigns hit McIntyre with a Superman Punch and then delivered one to Balor. McIntyre decked Reigns with a headbutt and then hit Balor with the Claymore. Reigns hit McIntyre with the Superman Punch and Drew fell out of the ring. Roman then hit Balor with the Spear for the pinfall victory. Reigns will now face the winner of the second Triple Threat Match next week on RAW to determine the #1 contender for the Universal Championship.

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Ziggler Defeated Bobby Roode

Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler came down to the ring and stated that he did everything he said he was going to do last night. Dolph shouted that he is Iron Man and raised the Intercontinental Championship in the air.

Ziggler boasted about being the reason the IC Title was the main event at a PPV last night for the first time in 17 years. Dolph stated that respects what Rollins did for the IC Title but he is no Dolph Ziggler. Dolph bragged about pinning Rollins five times last night at Extreme Rules but wound up being interrupted by Bobby Roode.

Roode claimed that Ziggler wouldn’t be bragging right now if it wasn’t for Drew McIntyre interfering in the match last night. Dolph asked Roode if he enjoyed watching him from the sidelines last night. Roode admitted that the sidelines suck and challenged Dolph to an IC Title match.

Ziggler shook his head and Roode asked Dolph if he was afraid that he cannot do it on his own. Ziggler agreed to the match and demanded that a referee get down to the ring. JoJo was about to announce that the match was for the IC Title but Ziggler cut her off and announced that this was a non-title match.

Dolph started off the match with a shoulder tackle and then charged at Roode again. Roode caught him with an Arm Drag and then applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Dolph broke free but Bobby leveled him with a shoulder tackle. Roode then launched Ziggler out of the ring and followed him out there.

Roode bounced Dolph’s face into the barricade and brought him back inside the ring. Zigger connected with a Dropkick and went for the cover but Roode kicked out at two. Ziggler hit Roode with another Dropkick and followed it up with a Chin Lock. Roode battled out of the hold with shots to the midsection but Dolph sent him back down with a Neckbreaker for a two count.

Bobby hit Dolph with a chop to the chest and then exploded out of the corner with a Clothesline that turned Ziggler inside out. Ziggler tripped up Roode and Bobby fell face-first into the turnbuckle as RAW went to a commercial break. When RAW returned, Ziggler had Roode in another Chin Lock in the middle of the ring.

Roode broke the hold and elbowed Dolph in the face. Roode connected with a couple of Clothesline and then slammed Ziggler to the canvas. Bobby hit a Blockbuster off the second rope and geared up for the Glorious DDT. Ziggler blocked it and rolled up Roode for a near fall. Roode went for the Glorious DDT again but Dolph escaped and connected with the Zig Zag for a two count.

Dolph went for the Superkick but Roode blocked it and catapulted Ziggler into the top turnbuckle. Roode then hit a Spinebuster and went for the cover but Ziggler was able to power out at the last moment. Roode tweaked his knee while leaping off the second rope and Ziggler attacked it. Ziggler went for a DDT but Roode was able to block it. Dolph quickly hit Roode with a Superkick for the pinfall victory.

Mojo Rawley Destroyed Tyler Breeze

Photo Credit: WWE.com

Roode was shown walking backstage after the match. Mojo Rawley showed up and mocked Roode for losing. Mojo then made his way down to the ring to face Tyler Breeze. Mojo beat the hell out Breeze right when the bell rang in the corner of the ring.

Breeze connected with a Dropkick and then Clotheslined Mojo out of the ring. Mojo responded with a shoulder tackle and then a Headlock in the middle of the ring. Breeze broke free but Mojo hit him with another shoulder tackle.

Rawley then shouted “lights out!” and connected with a running forearm in the corner. Mojo then slammed Breeze to the canvas for the victory.

Angle Teamed Up Banks & Bayley Again

RAW GM Kurt Angle had a conversation with Bayley backstage. Angle said that if Banks and Bayley don’t get along, one of them will be traded to SmackDown. Angle then announced that Bayley and Banks will team up to face Alicia Fox and Dana Brooke tonight on RAW.

Bayley and Alicia Fox started off the match. Alicia Fox booted Bayley in the face for a two count. Dana Brooke tagged in and connected with a springboard elbow in the corner of the ring. Dana knocked Banks off the ring apron and turned around into a Clothesline from Bayley.

Bayley knocked Fox off the apron and sent Dana to the corner. Dana exploded out fo the corner and knocked Bayley to the canvas. Dana then threw Bayley out of the ring and Fox started unloading punches on her. Sasha helped out Bayley and took out Dana and Fox with a Crossbody off the ring apron.

The referee then called for the bell and Sasha angrily walked backstage as Bayley looked on from ringside.

Banks and Bayley then had a conversation backstage. Banks said that she cared about Bayley and that loved that Bayley wants to be friends with everyone. Banks told Bayley that she loved her and then walked away.

Alexa Bliss Will Defend The RAW Women’s Championship Against Ronda Rousey At SummerSlam

Photo Credit: WWE.com

RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss came down to the ring with Mickie James. Bliss boasted about defeating Nia Jax last night at Extreme Rules to retain her title. Alexa stated that she has dominated the entire women’s division because she outsmarts every single one of her opponents. Bliss and James shared a laugh after Bliss said that outsmarting Nia Jax last night wasn’t that hard.

Alexa boasted about being able to say she has officially beaten every woman in that locker room. Bliss noted that Ronda Rousey doesn’t count because she is suspended. Alexa suggested that Rousey should be suspended indefinitely due to her actions last night at Extreme Rules.

Ronda Rousey came down through the crowd and hopped up on the entrance ramp. Rousey chased Mickie James and Bliss down to the ring. Rousey caught Mickie and slammed her to the canvas. Ronda tried to get Mickie in the Arm Bar but Alexa was able to drag her away.

Rousey then leaped onto Bliss and James on the entrance ramp and grabbed Alexa by the hair. Rousey brought Alexa back into the ring and locked in the Arm Bar. RAW GM Kurt Angle broke things up and came down to the ring. Angle told Rousey that she needs to calm down, especially after what she did last night.

Angle told Rousey to go home and serve the remaining two days of her suspension. Constable Corbin interrupted and said that Rousey needs to be reprimanded for her actions. Angle tacked on a week to Ronda’s suspension and Corbin claimed that Stephanie McMahon will not be happy with this. Corbin said that he was going to call Stephanie right now but couldn’t find his phone.

Baron went back to his office to find his phone and then Angle pulled Corbin’s phone out of his pocket and said: “I think he is looking for this”. Angle told Rousey that she has a match against Alexa Bliss for the RAW Women’s Championship at WWE SummerSlam. Angle added that if Ronda attacks Bliss again she can kiss that match goodbye.

Sarah Logan Picked Up Her First Singles Victory On RAW

Sarah Logan battled Ember Moon tonight on RAW and Liv Morgan was ringside for the match. Logan started off the match in control and applied a Headlock to Ember Moon. Ember quickly broke free and rolled up Logan for a one count.

Ember hopped up on the top rope but Logan clubbed her in the midsection and Moon crashed to the floor. Sarah brought Ember back into the ring and went for a cover but Moon was able to kick out.

Logan bounced Moon’s head off the canvas a couple of times and then stomped on her while she was leaning against the ropes. The referee told Logan to stop and Liv Morgan used the distraction to punch Moon in the face. Logan then connected with a Suplex for another near fall.

Sarah Logan applied a Headlock in the middle of the ring but Moon broke free with a kick to the face. Ember blasted Logan in the face with a right hand and both Superstars fell to the mat. Moon was the first up and kneed Logan in the ribs. Ember bounced off the ropes and slammed Logan face-first into the canvas. Liv Morgan hopped up on the ring apron but Moon quickly knocked her to the floor outside the ring.

Ember connected with a Dropkick that sent Logan flying out of the ring. Moon followed it up with a Suicide Dive and then rolled Logan back into the ring. Ember made her way to the top rope but Liv Morgan once again hopped up on the ring apron for the distraction. Sarah Logan shoved the ropes and Moon crashed to the canvas. Logan then covered Moon for the victory and celebrated with Morgan on the entrance ramp. This was also Ember Moon’s first loss on the main roster.

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Lashley Will Battle Roman Reigns Next Week

Elias, Seth Rollins & Bobby Lashley battled in a Triple Threat Match in the main event of this week’s episode of RAW. The winner of the match will go on to battle Roman Reigns next week on RAW. The winner of next week’s match will face Brock Lesnar at WWE SummerSlam for the Universal Championship.

Elias attacked Seth Rollins from behind during Lashley’s entrance. Lashley then grabbed Elias by the head and slammed him into the turnbuckle. Elias rolled out of the ring and turned around into a Clothesline from Seth Rollins.

Rollins applied a Headlock to Lashley and brought him down to the canvas as Elias regrouped outside the ring. Lashley broke free and decked Rollins with a shoulder tackle. Bobby then knocked Elias off the ring apron and applied a Headlock to Rollins. Elias got back in the ring and threw Lashley out of the ring.

Elias then delivered a knee to Seth’s face for a two count. Constable Corbin, Paul Heyman, and RAW GM Kurt Angle were shown backstage watching the match as RAW went to a commercial break.

When RAW returned, Elias connected with an Elbow Drop on Lashley for a two count. Rollins came out of nowhere and hit a Frog Splash onto Lashley from the top rope. Elias quickly threw Rollins out of the ring and went for the cover but Lashley was able to kick out at the last second.

Rollins got back into the ring and delivered a Blockbuster to Elias off of the second rope for a two count. Seth and Elias then battled on the top rope for a moment. Elias got the upper-hand and shoved Rollins to the canvas. Lashley hopped up on the turnbuckle with Elias but Rollins got up and delivered a Buckle Bomb to Lashley. Rollins then connected with a Superplex and a Falcon Arrow to Elias for a two count.

Seth connected with a Slingblade to Elias and then geared up in the corner as the crowd chanted “burn it down!”. Rollins hit the Curb Stomp on Elias and went for the cover but Lashley broke it up at the last second.

Lashley and Rollins traded punches in the middle of the ring. Rollins connected with a series of elbows but Lashley battled back with a massive Clothesline. Lashley lifted Rollins in the air and dropped him with a Vertical Suplex. Lashley went for the Spear but Rollins avoided and Lashley crashed into the turnbuckle.

Rollins went for the Curb Stomp but Elias dragged him out of the ring. Lashley hit Elias with the Spear right when he got into the ring for the pinfall victory. Roman Reigns will face Bobby Lashley next week to determine who will face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam.

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Opinion: I thought the first Triple Threat Match tonight was excellent, even though Reigns winning was predictable. Lashley winning was even more predictable and I’m not looking forward to another Lashley and Reigns match next week. Their match at Extreme Rules was decent but I have no want to see it again. Another match between Lesnar and Reigns at SummerSlam sounds horrendous, but Lesnar vs. Lashley doesn’t sound any better.

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

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