WWE Raw: Results, Highlights, and Grades for July 9, 2018

PHoto Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Mickie James & Alexa Bliss vs. Nia Jax & Natalya

Result: Nia Jax & Natalya defeated Mickie James & Alexa Bliss via pinfall

Rating: 2.0 out of 5 stars

The worst thing about the women’s tag match that follows the chaotic opening? Just how much has been forgotten, disregarded, or willfully ignored about the participants. Or even the match itself — there was not only a lengthy commercial break, there was a lengthy picture in picture ad for Extreme Rules eating up time as well. Women’s Revolution, amirite?

https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1016479566393569280

In the little bit of the match I could see, though, all character motivations have basically been reduced to a parody. Except for Natalya, who should really be firmly in the anti-Nia camp for the knee injury she suffered before Money in the Bank. You know, the one that shifted sides from backstage to in the ring? And the one that magically disappeared shortly thereafter?

The other thing that pains me is just how obvious a placeholder this program is. The most important superstar in the Raw women’s division — if not all of Raw — is Ronda Rousey. Aaaaand she’s suspended for annihilating Bliss after Money in the Bank. Did you catch how much the announcers were discussing Rousey during this match? There’s a reason for that, you know.

The finish was blatantly obvious — Nia would win, but not over Bliss — as was the addition of weaponry to hype the “Extreme Rules” match this weekend. That kendo stick spot was pretty cool, I’ll give you that, but after Alexa’s ill-fated Kendo Stick on a Pole Match against Bayley from last year, don’t you think she should find a new weapon? That kendo stick brings back bad memories.