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

Braun Strowman continues his pursuit of Kevin Owens on WWE Raw. (Photo Source: WWE.com)

Extreme Rules is less than a week away, but there’s still one episode of WWE Raw first. Can Braun Strowman get his hands on Kevin Owens one more time?

Previously on WWE Raw, the last segment was kind of crappy. Roman Reigns went 2-0, but came out a big loser. Finn Balor and Baron Corbin had a war of words best suited for a kindergarten classroom. And Dr. Shelby returned to WWE (!) so he could counsel Bayley and Sasha Banks through the rough patch in their relationship.

This week on Raw, the bar is pretty low to be an improvement over last week. After port-a-potties, friend zones, and generally lousy attention to wrestling, the last episode of Raw before Extreme Rules almost has to be better.

The main talking points this week all basically revolve around Extreme Rules. A possible exception is Braun Strowman chasing down Kevin Owens. The Monster Among Men has destroyed rental cars and rentable loos, but actual physical contact hasn’t been easy to come by. Odds are good that these two will end up in a match at the pay per view, but it hasn’t been booked yet.

Then there’s Roman Reigns and his quest to be the proudest, most noble egotistical jerk in the history of professional wrestling. Reigns has teamed with Bobby Lashley for the past three weeks against The Revival, with varying degrees of success. Look, we know it’s a terrible angle, but there’s a match at Extreme Rules between Lashley and Reigns, so let’s get there quick, huh? (And don’t be surprised if Roman calls out Brock Lesnar after this weekend’s UFC shenanigans.)

Bayley and Sasha Banks still haven’t finished their counseling sessions, so those will continue this week. Dr. Shelby seemed just a little upset last week as his Friend Zone exploded in his face. Will this week be any better?

And hey, there’s a match on the card, too! Constable Baron Corbin has decreed Finn Balor will team up with Bobby Roode to face Corbin and Elias. Hopefully, the episode will end with at least another match or two besides this one.

Related Story: WWE Raw: 5 Predictions for July 9, 2018

Be sure to join us tonight for our live WWE Raw review. The action kicks off here and on the USA Network at 8 p.m. ET.

PHoto Source: WWE.com via Twitter

I’m Not Your Guy, Friend

The first four minutes of Raw were basically that old South Park gag with Terrence and Philip. You know, every other word is “guy,” “friend,” or “buddy.”

To recap, there’s a video package about Roman Reigns being an elitist, entitled, egotistical babyface who should be the Universal Champion, but he couldn’t get the job done like a dozen times already. Then, it’s more revisionist history as WWE doubles down on “Bobby Lashley main evented WrestleMania!”

Backstage, Lashley and Reigns cross paths, and Bob dares Roman to call him out. That’s a bold move, Cotton, let’s see if it pays off. Never one to back down from a challenge, the Big Dog plows through the (well-deserved at this point) boos from the Boston crowd to do just that.

Then we get to WWE’s version of handing in a term paper with too-wide margins and too-large font — the locker room clearing, pull apart brawl. Even if it’s very clearly a way to get around not having enough of a story booked before a pay per view, having the entire male roster fighting each other is a hell of a way to close out a go-home show.

Wait, this is the opening segment? GUUUUUUUUUUHHHHHHHHHHHH.

It’s fine, if backwards. Bob gets blown up, Curtis Axel gets punched in the head, and Roman busts out his admittedly impressive dive to the outside. But despite all that, I’m no more interested in the Lashley/Reigns match than I was before the segment. If the Extreme Rules match was for a shot at the Universal Championship (hahahaha), then there’d at least be something to fight for.

Instead? These two are fighting because their fee fees got hurt by the other. And it’s probably going to main event, and yeah it’ll be good, but it won’t be good.

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.

Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Kevin Owens Seems Down in the Dumps (I’m So Sorry)

Look, I wrote enough about Poopgate last week. I’m not reliving it again. WWE can show a lengthy video all about it if they want. But I’m not interested in second helpings of number two.

After the longest possible recap of Braun Strowman’s fecalphilia, we finally get to see how Kevin Owens has regrouped from his little adventure last week. Because KO is a professional, he showed up for work. How nice of him — when I worked in a doctor’s office, if a patient pooped on me I didn’t even get an extended lunch, let alone time off.

But Owens isn’t empty handed. No, he’s come prepared with a doctor’s note. He’s done taking chances with the incompetence of Kurt Angle, who may throw him in another debilitating match just because. Owens used the word “vendetta,” which may not be too far fetched.

Besides the doc note, Owens has his bags with him. Because if the note failed, he’s got a Plan B — there’s no way Braun will attack inside Angle’s office, right? So KO decides to set up camp right there. It would have been better if Owens was, like, heating up food, or listening to music/watching movies and being real obnoxious about it. But the night is still young so maybe later.

Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Mojo Rawley vs. No Way Jose

Result: Mojo Rawley defeated No Way Jose via pinfall

Rating: 2.25 out of 5 stars

After several weeks of never getting to the actual match, we finally get the much anticipated Rawley/Jose barnburner. And honestly, it’s pretty good. The crowd wanted less than nothing to do with it, so it suffered a bit. But technically, it was A-OK.

I’ve said it before: Rawley is a stud. He’s come a long way over the past year or so, even if the Raw audience hasn’t gotten to see too much of the work. For every argument that there’s too many live events that needlessly increase the risk of injury (an argument I agree with, by the way), there’s a guy like Mojo who benefits tremendously from those matches.

And No Way Jose looked pretty good tonight. He’s settling into that CJ Parker role of “guy who doesn’t win but makes everyone around him look good.” So expect Jose to win the IWGP United States Championship in 2021. That is, if the Alabama Slam didn’t concuss him to death, because yikes.

No Dr. Shelby Makes Me Angry

Bayley and Sasha are still in therapy, but with a new counselor. Major downgrade, bro. Anyway, next to nothing happened here, because WWE Raw is a three hour show, you know.

Burn It Down?

Fun fact: Seth Rollins defeated Jinder Mahal to become the first ever NXT Champion back in 2012. Now they’re both former WWE Champions, and Jinder is trying to put Seth’s mind at ease. Kudos to Rollins for the Scooby Doo exit, too; give that man an Emmy or something.

Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter

I am Iron Man

In a segment with Dolph Ziggler and Seth Rollins, Drew McIntyre came across as the best promo. It’s both surprising and at all unexpected, if that makes any sense.

Rollins is veering too far into John Cena “Jokey McJokerson” territory. He’s great on the mic, but he’s starting to rely too much on juvenile humor, and he’s better than that. I mean, insinuating McIntyre had “relations” with a sheep is just bottom feeding. It’s the lowest of low hanging fruit. “Oh, you’re from Scotland? HOPE YOU KEPT IT IN YOUR PANTS WITH THE SHEEP, OR YOU’RE A BAAAAAD MAN.”

Ziggler should never be a babyface again, if you ask me. He is just too good at being the smarmy, overconfident jerk that he’s portraying now. Is that because it’s actually Nick Nemeth turned up to 11? Maybe, maybe not. But like Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn’t star in Shakespeare adaptations, Ziggler shouldn’t venture into plucky babyface territory anymore.

But McIntyre? Oh, man. Pick an emotion, and you got it all in this one segment. Anger, hatred, joy, happiness, confidence — everything. Paraphrasing Jay-Z? Sure, why not? Plus, we’re getting a singles match between Rollins and McIntyre? Yes, please. I know it’s not ending cleanly, but still — how could you not be excited for those two to throw down?

Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Bo Dallas (w/ Curtis Axel) vs. Matt Hardy (w/ Bray Wyatt)

Result: Bo Dallas defeated Matt Hardy via pinfall

Rating: 2.25 out of 5 stars

The imitation/mockery/parody of the Raw Tag Team Champions perpetrated by the B-Team has honestly just about run its course. But there’s still so much to love about the whole thing, especially in tonight’s installment.

First, everything about Bo Dallas is a national treasure. His entrance backstage — “Don’t worry, it’s me… Bo” — was adorable. And is Curtis Axel the best friend in the world for playing along with Bo, or is he just that damn gullible that he honestly believed it was Bray Wyatt?

How about Bo’s hat? He’s got the Bray look down cold thanks to the same Rotunda genes. But he tops it off with the cutest, most adorable floral pattern trilby I’ve ever seen. Bo’s also wearing the big fake beard, even though his natural beard looks more like Bray’s than the pipe cleaners he’s been tying to his face for a month.

Thankfully, Bray seems to be mostly okay after missing last week due to injuries suffered in a car accident. Having all four participants from the upcoming championship match present is a good thing heading into Extreme Rules. Throw in Matt Hardy’s new aggressive attitude, plus The Revival watching from backstage, and you’ve got a tag team division being built from the bottom up.

https://twitter.com/WWEUniverse/status/1016492620271398912

Of course, the commercial break and Extreme Rules ad that plagued the women’s tag match earlier in the show did the same here. Unless it’s Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, or Braun Strowman, your match clearly doesn’t matter.

A “surprise” Bo Dallas victory isn’t really all that shocking, either, given the story being told with the B-Team since the Superstar Shake-Up. If it translates to a championship victory at Extreme Rules, I’ll eat my trilby, but it should be an interesting match nonetheless.

Is Roman Feuding With Rodney Dangerfield Next Or…

Bob Lashley has zero respect for Roman Reigns. Seems harsh, but he stared directly at the camera into my sould as he finished his promo so it must be true.

Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Liv Morgan (w/ Sarah Logan) vs. Ember Moon

Result: Ember Moon defeated Liv Morgan via pinfall

Rating: 2.75 out of 5 stars

Poor Breezy. First, Fandango goes out for surgery on his shoulder. Now, his attempts at helping the Riott Squad with their fashion go not only unheeded, but disrespected. I get the whole independent woman thing, but did they have to be so rude?

It looks like the rematch bug is affecting the women’s division now, too, as this is a rematch from last week’s WWE Raw.  The match last week wasn’t bad, so getting it again isn’t the worst thing.

And guess what? It wasn’t bad this week, either. Liv has come a hell of a long way since I actively despised covering her NXT matches a few years back. Remember when all she did convincingly was the constant rolling pin attempts? Developmental works, kids, don’t knock it.

Ember, on the other hand, is the future ace of the division. I’m already dreaming up a Rousey/Ember singles match, and it’s just as awesome as you think. She’s got the agility, power, and charisma to take her far.

The finish to the match was a nice little subversion of the interference trope. Last week, Sarah Logan didn’t really get involved in the match. So logically, she gets involved tonight. Ember is ready for it, and quickly neutralizes her. Liv goes for a surprise roll up, but Ember clearly watched Juice Robinson defeat Jay White Saturday night at the G1 USA special. So she’s ready for that, too, and uses the momentum for a beautiful looking jackknife cover, and her second win over Morgan in as many weeks.

Great stuff, and I wouldn’t be opposed to revisiting this feud down the road.

Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Ooh, That Smell…

NOW we get the obnoxious Kevin Owens. Watching him spray that Lysol was a Vietnam-esque flashback to the dorms at Hofstra, where certain residents had an issue with certain aromas. For the record: I WAS CONDUCTING AN EXPERIMENT IN THE COMMON AREA MICROWAVE WITH A BLANK CD. That’s all.

Anyway, KO and Angle are interrupted from poop jokes by the recipient of sheep jokes, Drew McIntyre. Angle adds a stipulation to McIntyre/Rollins later tonight: if Drew loses, he’s banned from ringside at Extreme Rules. Ziggler is furious until Drew says he doesn’t care. All I’ll say is that you can’t be that confident with a history of bestiality in your life.

Elias & Baron Corbin Rock Beantown

You ever go to a concert, and the band brings out a special guest to play along with them? About ten years ago I saw the Trans-Siberian Orchestra on Long Island, and Roger Daltrey of The Who (who? who? who?) showed up to sing “Behind Blue Eyes.” I’ve also kind of sort of seen Will Smith in concert at OzzFest in ’05 — Jada Pinkett’s band was playing the second stage, and Big Willie was visible on the side of the stage just rocking out.

Those pale in comparison to Constable Corbin joining Elias for an impromptu concert. I just want to point out how difficult it is to be the instrumentalist with a singer who has no concept of tempo, rhythm, or pitch. But Elias is a true professional, and he nailed it. I guess that’s why he’s got a working relationship with Fender now.

Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Elias & Baron Corbin vs. Finn Bálor & Bobby Roode

Result: Elias & Baron Corbin defeated Finn Bálor & Bobby Roode via pinfall

Rating: 3.25 out of 5 stars

From the backstage segment with Roode and Bálor, to the concert with Elias and Corbin, you’d think this was supposed to be the most important match of the night. It was a lot of build, especially with this being the only match announced ahead of time for this episode of WWE Raw.

But when push comes to shove, though it was a sometimes exciting match, and though it was pretty good, there’s some things working against it. When was the last time Bobby Roode was on Raw? Back on June 18, Roode beat Curt Hawkins in a squash, and nothing since. Why should we care about him coming back from nowhere?

How about Elias? He said in the previous segment that he hadn’t performed for the crowd in two weeks. Again, if WWE can’t be bothered to make us care about these characters, why should we?

There’s also that pesky Extreme Rules overlay ad, because god forbid wrestling be the focus of a wrestling show. It’s almost like Raw exists solely as advertising for the next show, which in turn is an ad for the next, and so on and so on until the end of time. We’ll never get to the fireworks factory, because there is no fireworks factory.

Besides that, though, it’s a decent enough match. No slouches in the ring, and it’s a pretty simple story between Bálor and Corbin. A terrible story, but simple nonetheless.

And There’s Braun

Hey, someone should tell KO that if he thinks that’s “the last bite” of a sandwich, he should probably try to slow down when eating. No, this isn’t a fat joke; this is a “please don’t kill yourself choking on a ham sandwich because you bit off a piece the size of Alabama” joke.

Anyway, Braun Strowman comes in, makes a joke about Owens reeking, and sprays him with Lysol until he chokes. Classy. Oh, and now Braun will face Owens at Extreme Rules inside a steel cage. Seems fair!

Send Bob Packing?

Roman Reigns seems to think that he has the authoritah to get rid of Bobby Lashley. But seems to me that if Reigns had any kind of pull, he wouldn’t be whining about his Universal Championship shortcomings. So I think ol’ Bob is sticking around for a bit.

Photo Source: WWE.com via Twitter

Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre (w/ Dolph Ziggler)

Result: Drew McIntyre defeated Seth Rollins via pinfall

Rating: 3.75 out of 5 stars

Just look at Drew’s face in the pic above. That’s the face of a man who knows he’s better than you. No fear, no worry, no concern, just a smirk that says, “Nice try, pal.”

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Case in point: Seth’s first attempt at a suicide dive. McIntyre pulled a Dikembe Mutumbo — no, no, no, not in my house — and practically swatted him out of mid-air. Drew had been control for parts of the early going, but something like that is a momentum changer.

But as great as it was to see McIntyre fully in control, and get that shine over arguably the hottest star on WWE Raw today, the back and forth end of the match was even better. At any point, either superstar could have walked away with a victory.

Basically, if anyone watched this match and doesn’t think McIntyre has the stuff to be a top guy on Raw, check them for a pulse.

I think the biggest thing that makes Drew stand out is his agility. He’s huge, but look at how quick he moved on the monkey flip out of the tree of woe. That shouldn’t be possible for, say, Daniel Bryan. But here’s a guy who’s 6’5, 265 pounds doing it like it’s nothing. At this point, I want Drew to beat Lesnar for the Universal Championship.

I would have rather seen the match end more cleanly, but there was plenty of great things to distract from Ziggler’s interference. The stomp onto Dolph as he was climbing into the ring was beautiful. The way McIntyre seemingly had a counter for just about everything Seth threw at him right up until the end of the match. Even the little things like Drew selling the headbutt after the fact.

You had to know that there was no way McIntyre would lose this match, because there was no way he wouldn’t be ringside at Extreme Rules. Even with that near certain idea in your head, though, the match delivered. It had me on the edge of my seat, because there aren’t many people out there who work at a higher level than either Rollins or McIntyre. It was a great way to end a mediocre episode of WWE Raw — a cherry on top of freezerburned ice cream.

Next: 3 Superstars Who Need a Win the Most at WWE Extreme Rules 2018

What did you think of this week’s episode of WWE Raw?