WWE Raw Results: Highlights, Analysis, and Grades for June 26
By Bryan Heaton
![](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f0fc7249f1b461e5c4bef4c60b69c12e68091a347f71ce510881190a716ae044.jpg)
Source: WWE.com
Nia Jax vs. Sasha Banks
Result: Sasha Banks defeated Nia Jax via submission; Sasha Banks becomes number one contender for Raw Women’s Championship
Rating: 3.0 out of 5 stars
The final fall of the gauntlet match was, for the most part, more of the same. Nia Jax is so much stronger than the other women in the division that she’s almost impossible to prepare for. Kayfabe-wise, because she’s basically still a rookie the best bet for an opponent would be to hope she makes a mistake before she breaks you with her strength.
Does @SashaBanksWWE have ANY chance after this?! #RAW #GauntletMatch @NiaJaxWWE pic.twitter.com/WyPjtPs4SL
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 27, 2017
With the exception of Mickie James, Sasha was the most accomplished competitor in this match. If anyone was going to have a chance at stopping Nia, it would be The Boss. Early on, though, it didn’t look like there was any chance for her, mainly due to Nia’s insane power advantage.
This = INSULT to INJURY! @NiaJaxWWE is in full control... #RAW #GauntletMatch pic.twitter.com/VT18UHixJH
— WWE (@WWE) June 27, 2017
But at the 30ish minute mark for Nia, Sasha mounted a comeback, and she hit a sliding knee that sounded like a shotgun blast. She followed that up with a tremendous modified Banks Statement on a standing Nia. It’s innovation of that nature that allowed Sasha to take down a seemingly unbeatable opponent.
Major, major kudos to Nia Jax, who spent over 30 minutes in the ring tonight trying to run the gauntlet. Doing any kind of cardio for a half hour isn’t easy, let alone professional wrestling. When you factor in a leather jumpsuit underneath hot television lighting, it’s incredible that Nia lasted as long as she did and was as impressive as she was throughout.
Message SENT by #TheBoss @SashaBanksWWE! She'll challenge @AlexaBliss_WWE for the #RAW #WomensTitle in TWO WEEKS at #WWEGBOF! pic.twitter.com/tNAvuQa1F5
— WWE (@WWE) June 27, 2017
The show ended this week with a random appearance by Kurt Angle to raise Sasha’s arm in victory, and Alexa Bliss getting kicked in the face for no apparent reason. Wrestling!
Next: Potential Breakout Stars in WWE This Summer
What did you think of this week’s episode of WWE Raw?