WWE RAW Results
July 2, 2018
Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Commentary: Michael Cole, Corey Graves and Jonathan Coachman
Results by: Roy Nemer of Wrestleview.com
Raw kicks off with highlights from last week’s show, more specifically between Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley as well as Seth Rollins against Dolph Ziggler with Roman Reigns helping Rollins at the end.
Roman Reigns’ music hits as he makes his way down to the ring.
Reigns starts off by saying that The Revival are extremely talented and they have a bright future but never did he think he would say he lost to them. He says he had the worst tag team partner of all time, Bobby Lashley. He says he wants to fight Bob, not team up with him. And if Kurt Angle doesn’t want them to fight at Extreme Rules, they can fight right here. He says Bob believe he’s the guy but 10 years ago he wasn’t the guy because he couldn’t handle the role. And the fact is that 10 years from now he still won’t be the guy because he is the guy. He’s the big dog who runs this yard.
Out comes Dolph Ziggler with Drew McIntyre. Dolph says Roman is saying someone else is an ego maniac? Him the person who has to make everything about him. He says he walks around like he runs the place and he calls his ring, his yard. He acts like everything in this world has to go through him. Drew says he has to go play the hero like last week when he saved the day for Seth Rollins. Dolph says Roman wants to make everything about him, that’s find by them. Since they stuck his nose in their business last week, it’s only fair they return the favor.
Roman throws the fist punch but Dolph and Drew take down Roman Reigns and the beat down begins. Out comes Seth Rollins and he takes both men out as Dolph and Drew roll out of the ring.
The opening segments on #Raw tend to drag on but this one didn't (thankfully). Built up the tag team match tonight. Not a bad start to the show, let's see how it continues.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
-Commercial Break-
Backstage we have Seth and Roman walking around and they bump into Kurt Angle. They tell him they want Dolph and Drew, Angle says he will schedule the match for next week. Roman says not next week, tonight. Angle says if they want the match tonight, they got it, despite the fact that Roman is taking on The Revival with Bobby Lashley.
Matt Hardy’s music hits as he comes down to the ring.
Curtis Axel is shown on the giant screen mimicking Matt Hardy. Out go the lights and Bo Dallas dressed up as Bray Wyatt joins him, he tells Matt he must face the ferocious B team all by himself. Dallas starts singing he’s got the whole world in his hands as Curtis Axel brings up a globe of the world.
Matt Hardy vs. Curtis Axel
The B team make their way down to the ring for the match. The bell rings and we are under way. Both men lock up and a headlock by Axel is reversed by Matt who turns it into an arm bar. He sends Axel to the ropes and an elbow to the face takes Axel down. He goes for the cover but only a two count. A big right hand by matt Hardy. Matt sends Axel to the ropes but Curtis knocks Matt down. Axel throws Matt into the turnbuckle as he stomps on him. Axel sends him to the ropes, Matt goes for the Twist of Fate but Axel pushes him off and rolls to the outside of the ring.
-Commercial Break-
Back from commercial, Curtis Axel and Matt are back in the ring. Axel with a drop kick on Matt. Matt gets up and starts fighting back but Axel with a side back breaker. He goes for the cover but Matt kicks out. A snap mare by Axel. He goes for the cover but once more a two count.
Matt rolls to the apron, Axel goes to the apron as well. Matt with a modified Side Effect onto the ring apron. He gets Axel up and a Side Effect by Matt. He goes for the cover but Axel kicks out. Matt Hardy gets on the second rope and an elbow onto Axel’s back of the net. Matt climbs the second rope again and an elbow drop. He goes for the cover once more but another two count.
Hardy goes for the Twist of Fate but Bo gets up on the apron and distracts Matt. Matt runs towards Axel but Axel lifts him and throws him onto the turnbuckle. Axel delivers a modified neck breaker dropping Matt on his face. He goes for the cover and gets the three count!
Winner: Curtis Axel
Not much in the Curtis Axel and Matt Hardy match but I absolutely love the B team when they dress up as Matt and Bray. I actually chuckled when Axel held a globe while Bo sang "he's got the whole world in his hands." Both talented hard workers, would like to see them champs #Raw
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
-Commercial Break-
Backstage Roman and Seth are talking while Bobby Lashley walks in. Seth asks Roman if he’s got it and Roman says yes as Seth walks away. Lashley tells Roman he’s a heat magnet. A trouble starter. And that aside from his “brother” Seth, no one likes him. And he doesn’t like him. He tells him to check his huge ego at the door and focus on tonight. Roman tells him to shut up. He will start the match and finish the match. All he has to do is stand on the apron and flash that fake smile. Lashley says he has to focus or he will hold him responsible. Roman asks if that’s a threat. Lashley says yet it is and walks away.
Highlights of last week’s Raw from when Bailey attacked Sasha Banks airs and when Kurt Angle told her she has to go to counselling or she’s fired. A clip of Bailey’s first counselling session from earlier today airs.
Bailey is seen sitting down at the counselor’s office while Sasha walks in and it turns out they have an appointment at the same time with the same doctor. They start arguing. Dr. Shelby comes out and says he will help them with their counselling together and to follow him into what he likes to call The Friend Zone.
Back live on Raw, Titus O’Neil and Apollo Crews with Dana Brooke come out.
-Commercial Break-
Bobby Lashley is just… not good on the mic. I'm sorry, that wasn't pretty to watch. He can't seem to convey emotion properly.
Speaking of not good, that Sasha and Bailey segment. Yikes. It looked like it was heading towards a train wreck. Good thing it ended when it did. #Raw
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/wrestleview/status/1013946528283725824
Authors of Pain vs. Titus O’Neil and Apollo Crews
Titus starts off with Rayzar. Both men lock up and a shoulder tackle by Titus takes Rayzar into the corner. Crews tags hismelf in and a big splash on Rayzar. He then pushes Crews to the opposite corner and Akam tags himself in. He beats on Lashley but Lashley fights back and a dropkick takes Akam down. He tags Rezar in who goes after Crews right away. He throws Lashley from one corner to the other. He goes for the cover but Crews grabs the bottom rope.
He throws Crews into the corner and tags Akam in. They double team Crews and Titus comes in. They throw Titus shoulder first into the ring post. Crews goes to the outside. A big side slam by Akam. Rezar and The Last Chapter on Crews. He goes for the cover and gets the three count win.
Winners: Authors of Pain
Backstage, Seth asks Roman if he’s ready for tonight and Roman says yes. Up next is Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre.
After not appearing on #Raw for a while, Authors of Pain are on for two weeks in a row. These guys have a lot of potential but need someone to manage them. In any case, a dominant performance by them and they came off looking very strong.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
Segment number four involving Roman Reigns on #Raw. New drinking game. Have a drink every time you see Roman in a segment tonight. Oh and he's in a tag match next. pic.twitter.com/wqkr11otFP
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
Outside, Kevin Owens is seen parking his car and grabbing his bag. The valet tells him he can’t park here and he would like to have his keys. Owens says no chance as he enters the arena while putting on his hoodie.
Segment number five involving Roman Reigns. It's his first of two tag team matches tonight! #Raw pic.twitter.com/j04GqsiSp0
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins vs. Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre
The bell rings and it’s Seth Rollins and Dolpg Ziggler starting things off. A quick take down by Seth onto Dolph but a few reversals from both men. Back up on their feet, an arm bar by Seth is reversed by Dolph into a headlock. Seth sends Dolph to the ropes and Dolph goes for a roll up but a kick out.
Back up, a drop kick by Seth onto Dolph. Ziggler rolls into his corner and Drew is tagged in. He and Seth lock up and a head lock by Drew. Seth sends him to the ropes but a big shoulder block by Drew takes Seth down. Back on their feet, Seth goes for the hip toss but Drew catches him and throws him down.
Seth tags Roman in. Drew gets Roman in the corner and starts beating on him. Roman throws Drew into the corner and he delivers right hands. Roman on the second rope and starts punching Drew on the head but Drew pushes him off. A big right hand by Drew. Ziggler gets in the ring which distracts Roman as Drew hits Roman taking him down.
Ziggler is tagged in. Drew holds Roman’s head and a super kick by Ziggler onto Roman. He goes for the cover but a two count only. Ziggler tags Drew back in. Drew with a neck breaker onto Reigns. He goes for the cover but Roman kicks out. Drew tags Ziggler in. He holds Roman down and Ziggler with a kick to the face onto Roman.
Ziggler throws Roman into the turnbuckle. Right hands by Ziggler. He taunts Seth Rollins. He goes for the big splash on Roman but a big right hands catches Ziggler in mid air. Roman tags Seth in. Seth flies off the top rope taking Ziggler down. Seth with the sling blade. He knocks Drew ff the ring apron and a suicide dive through the ropes onto Drew.
Roman with a side by on Ziggler. Seth off the top rope with a frog splash on Ziggler. He goes for the cover but Drew breaks it up. Roman and Drew fight to the outside. Ziggler goes for the super kick but Seth catches him and catapults him over the top rope to the outside. Seth climbs the top rope and flies off landing on Drew and Ziggler.
-Commercial Break-
Back from commercial, Seth and Ziggler are in the ring. Seth goes to tag Roman in but Ziggler catches him with the Famouser. Ziggler tags Drew in. Drew stomps on Seth’s hand. Drew starts choking Seth. Seth fights back. Both men exchange chops. Seth throws Drew to the outside and goes to tag Roman in but Drew trips Roman off the apron. In comes Drew who throws Seth into the corner. Both he and Ziggler double team Seth while the referee is distracted by an angry Roman.
Ziggler is tagged back in as Seth rolls to the outside. Dolph follows him and he goes to throw Seth onto the barricade but Seth reverses it. Seth gets in the ring, Ziggler barely gets the tag in on Drew. A super kick by Seth takes Drew out. Seth goes to tag Roman but out come The Revival attacking Roman. All four men beat on Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.
Winners: By DQ, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns
A clip from last week’s Raw airs when Kevin Owens was outside the arena and tried to leave but Braun Strowman had Kevin’s keys and ultimately had flipped Kevin’s car over.
Kevin Owens is with Kurt Angle backstage. Owens tells Kurt he has to do something about Strowman. Angle says here on Raw they settle things in the ring and it sounds like he wants a match. Kevin says no, no match. He’s sending people to therapy, send Braun to therapy. Do something. Angle says there’s only one way to settle it. He will be facing Braun Strowman tonight.
Baron Corbin’s music hits and he comes down to the ring.
An entertaining tag team match and not an unpredictable finish by having The Revival come out.
Kevin Owens vs. Braun Strowman tonight is announced. No sign of Braun yet but happy we'll be seeing the big man. Him and Kevin play off of each other really well. #Raw
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
-Commercial Break-
Another clip from Sasha and Bailey’s therapy airs.
Back live on Raw, Corbin is in the ring. As constable of Raw, Corbin says he is here to help. It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do, everyone needs help to get to their full potential. He says Stephanie McMahon appointed him constable in order to help Kurt Angle become a better general manager and help the superstars backstage reach their full potential. But there’s always someone who refuses help.
He airs a clip of Last Monday’s Raw where Finn Balor attacked Corbin and how their fight broke out.
He says Finn’s behavior was innapropriate and unprofessional. He says he is inviting Finn Balor out here for him (Finn) to offer him (Corbin) an apology.
Finn Balor’s music hits and he has a microphone in hand. Corbin thanks Finn for coming out. All he has to do is say sorry, admit he was wrong and how he would never do it again. Finn gets in the ring. Corbin says he apologizes first. He forgets how he is bigger, stronger and tougher that he is bigger than Finn and he’s sorry about that.
Finn says okay, he is sorry. He is sorry about his comments last week about his vest got him fired from TGI Friday’s. Corbin says he gets it, he is still angry that he pinned him two weeks ago. He says he will be the bigger man, obviously, and give him another chance to say he is sorry.
Balor says he is right, he deserves an apology. An apology from whoever gave him that haircut. Corbin tells him to listen. He is trying to help him out. It is hard out there for guys like him. He doesn’t get opportunities like him or get paid like him. Stephanie McMahon picked him for a reason to be the Constable of Monday Night Raw. He tells him to apologize.
Finn Balor tells him he is sorry. But he stopped deserving anyone’s respect the day he became Stephanie McMahon’s stooge. Baron hits him with a right hand. He sends Balor to the ropes but a sling blade from Balor takes Corbin out and to the outside. Balor gets on the top rope but Corbin gets up and leaves.
Backstage Elias is playing the guitar and in come Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan. Morgan asks him if he is performing tonight, he says for them (the fans) not a chance. But for them, he has something in mind. Sarah Logan and Liv Morgan start destroying things backstage. Liv thanks him for the music while smiling. The announcers hint that they may have struck a chord with Elias.
-Commercial Break-
Corbin's gotten better on the mic lately but those "jokes" by Balor fell flat. That guy just has no charisma but at least they have him in an actual feud.
No idea what they are thinking of doing between Elias and The Riott Squad. Literally, nothing. #Raw
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
Ember Moon vs. Liv Morgan
The bell rings and both ladies lock up. A number of reversals by both women. A big right hand by Liv followed by a side head lock take down. Ember gets out of it as she flies off the second rope into a cross body. Live rolls out of the ring.
-Commercial Break-
Back from commercial, Liv is in control of the match inside the ring with a full nelson. Ember gets out of it and reverses it into an ankle lock but Liv gets out of it by flipper Ember into the ropes. A step up enziguri by Liv onto Ember. She goes for the cover but a two count as Ember kicks out.
A right hand by Liv and both men exchange blows until Liv takes Moon down. Back up, Ember throws Morgan face first into the turnbuckle. She climbs the top rope and The Eclipse! She goes for the cover and gets the three count for the win!
Winner: Ember Moon
Another clip of the therapy session airs. Sasha says this is not working. The two women start arguing until the Dr. yells enough. A “To be continued” appears.
Me watching that therapy session involving Sasha Banks and Bailey. #Raw pic.twitter.com/1J76GskuKn
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
-Commercial Break-
The Revival vs. Bobby Lashley and Roman Reigns
The Revival vs. Bobby Lashley and Roman Reigns
The bell rings and Scott and Roman start the match. Roman with a headlock on Dawson but Scott gets out of it. He goes after Roman’s injured ribs following their attack on him earlier. Roman with a right hand as Dawson goes to the outside.
Lashley asking Roman to tag him in but Reigns saying no. Scott back in the ring as Roman is distracted by Dash. Scott attacks Roman who tags Dash in. They start double teaming on Roman. Dash tags Scott in and he keeps attacking Roman’s ribs.
Roman tries to fight back but a clothesline as Wilder is tagged in. He goes for the cover but a two count as Roman kicks out. Scott is tagged back in. He goes for the ribs but Roman fights back with right hands. Reigns sends Scott chest first into the turnbuckle. Dash is tagged in and starts beating on both men. Lashley gets in the ring and a spine buster on Scott and he throws Dash to the outside. Lashley cleans house and asks Roman to tag him in. Reigns still refusing.
Reigns goes for the spear but The Revival double team Roman as the referee rings the ball. Bobby Lashley walks away from the ring. Back in the ring, Roman is still getting double teamed.
Winners: By disqualification, Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley
Backstage, Kevin is with Angle again. Kevin tells Kurt to cancel the match tonight. Angle says no, the match is on. Angle tells him there is no way he is getting out of this match.
The Revival are a heck of a tag team. I hope creative actually does something and are not just using them to push this Roman and Lashley feud. #Raw
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, Roman is talking to Kurt Angle. Angle says the match is set. He wants the same exact thing as him. Roman says at Extreme Rules, he will lay him out.
Also, is it just me or has any interest of Kurt Angle being #Raw GM just died out completely?
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
Oh and we are on six, no, now seven on the Roman Reigns appearance meter for tonight! Bonus points to who ever gets these references! #Raw pic.twitter.com/9soAA4wOhI
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
No Way Jose vs. Mojo Rawley
Rawley grabs the microphone and says he sacrificed everything to have the opportunity to place his boots in his ring. And what does he do with his opportunity? Jose dances. And Rawley is supposed to give him a rematch because he dances? No way, Jose. He drops the mic and Jose goes to attack him but Mojo ducks him and hits him. He slides out of the ring and attacks members of the Conga line.
No Way Jose rolls to the outside and the two men fight. Mojo gets the upper hand and throws No Way Jose onto the ring apron. Mojo leaves.
This No Way Jose and Mojo feud. #Raw pic.twitter.com/4aCV7FX0SV
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
Highlights of the women’s title feud from Money in the Bank and the recent Raw’s air.
They air the interview between Renee Young and Ronda Rousey which was on WWE.com earlier. Ronda says she is suspended from Raw but not from Extreme Rules and will buy a front row ticket for the event.
Alexa Bliss’ music hits and she comes down with Mickie James.
-Commercial Break-
Mickie James vs. Nia Jax
Jax says at Backlash when she squashed her like the insect that she is, she thought she was behind her forever. But she was wrong. But one Money in the Bank cash in later, they are back where they started. But this needs to end. And at Extreme Rules with Ronda at ring side, it will end. Backstage she spoke to Kurt Angle and he told her that at Extreme Rules, their match will be an Extreme Rules match.
As for tonight, she tells Mickie she brought Alexa with her but Jax brought back up of her own. Natalya’s music comes out and both women walk down to the ring.
The bell rings and Nia pushes Mickie down. Mickie gets up and tries to fight back but Jax with a head but takes her down. James back up but Jax pushes her into the corner. She throws James from one corner to the other. James rolls onto the ring apron and to the outside.
Jax follows her and James tries to slide back in but Jax catches her. She puts Mickie on her shoulders but Alexa grabs Mickie’s leg and pulls her off. All four ladies face off.
-Commercial Break-
Back from commercial and Mickie baseball slides Nia who is on the outside. James works on Jax’s knees. She slides back in the ring. Nia Jax gets back in the ring and Mickie keeps working on Nia’s knees. Nia tosses Mickie into the corner but Mickie kicks her off.
Mickie James continues to kick Nia on her knees and drop kicks her onto her knees. James slams Nia’s leg on the bottom rope. Mickie gets Nia in a leg lock but Jax tries to get out of it and does. Jax with a leg scissors across Mickie’s waist. James catches the bottom rope.
Nia with a headbutt takes James down. And a clothesline. Nia building momentum. She throws Mickie into the corner but Mickie with a big boot onto Nia. Jax lifts Mickie up and a sit down power bomb. Alexa distracts the referee and Natalya takes out Alexa. Jax lifts James and the Samoan drop. She goes for the cover and gets the win.
Winner: Nia Jax
Backstage, Kevin Owens is with Jinder Mahal and he tells Mahal he is breathing in and out but it’s not working. They are interrupted by Charlie and she tells him he looks a little shaken up. Owens says he’s not shaken up, she just surprised him by sneaking up on him. He says he is glad he is facing Braun Strowman, he is thrilled. Why would he be shaken up? Because Braun likes to use him like his own personal crash test dummy? Owens says he has fought him before and now he knows his every move. He says he will get in the ring and show the world how you destroy a monster.
Not a bad match by Nia and Mickie but not a good one either. I guess it served its purpose (to further push the women's title feud with Alexa Bliss). #Raw
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
-Commercial Break-
Backstage, Renee Young is with Bobby Lashley. He says Roman called him an ego maniac but he was the one who told him to stay away from their match. As for Extreme Rules, he can’t wait for it.
Kevin Owens vs. Braun Strowman
The bell rings and we are under way. Strowman pushes Kevin down as Owens rolls to the outside of the ring. Kevin starts running away to the back. The referee counts to 10 and Kevin Owens is counted out.
Winner: Braun Strowman
Bruan starts running to the back and Kevin is waiting backstage. He runs through the exit door and tries to get into his car but his car is locked. He hides in the portable bathrooms outside. Braun comes to the outside of the arena and starts yelling, asking where Kevin Owens is.
He passes by the portable bathroom and stops. He smells something and looks at the portable toilet. He knocks on there and asks if anybody is in there while changing his voice. Kevin Owens answers and says yes to go away.
Strowman uses duct tape and starts wrapping it around the toilet. Strowman tells him he told him he would find him. He grabs the ropes attached to the toilet and drags it into the arena and back onto the stage. He pushes the portable toilet off the stage onto the ground.
They keep finding new ways to make Strowman funny and interesting. He and Kevin really have great chemistry together. I'm a big fan of both but the attraction that is Braun is great. #Raw
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
That's all for tonight's #Raw. Not a particularly good one. It just felt really long as most Raw's do. Not horrible but far from being good. Long gaps between decent segments or matches. Though Extreme Rules is slowly shaping up.
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018
What did you think of tonight's 7/2 #Raw?
— Wrestleview.com (@wrestleview) July 3, 2018