SummerSlam is in two weeks, and that gives Raw only a little bit of time to finalize its matches for the big Pay-Per-View. Cesaro and Sheamus have a rematch, Rusev and Lana celebrate their wedding, and Smackdown General Manager Daniel Bryan makes a guest appearance. Tonight should definitely be interesting.
Opening Segment
Last week, Enzo Amore was trying to woo Sasha Banks when he was interrupted by Chris Jericho. Amore ended up teaming with Banks to take on Jericho and Charlotte, and it is clear that there is still some animosity between Amore and Jericho. Since Big Cass has Enzo Amore’s back all the time, Jericho needed someone to watch his back. Since the made up Jimmin Marvinleuder was not available, Kevin Owens luckily had some time in his schedule to watch Jericho’s back. Both pairs talk trash in the ring, then Amore and Jericho decide that they need to settle “it.”
Chris Jericho w/Kevin Owens vs. Enzo Amore w/Big Cass
Something tells me that this match won’t end the feud between Amore and Jericho. With Jericho just evening the odds, I expect a tag team match at SummerSlam, since the big Pay-Per-View is in only two weeks and these four Superstars have no plans for Brooklyn. Teddy Long would be proud.
Kevin Owens grabs the ankle of Amore, providing enough time for Jericho to hit a Codebreaker. Cass has enough of Owens’s antics, and hits Jericho with a big boot. Winner (via disqualification): Chris Jericho
After the match, Big Cass issued the tag match challenge that I predicted earlier, and JeriKO accepts.
Backstage Segment
Sasha Banks approaches Raw General Manager Mick Foley about her Women’s Championship title defense against Charlotte at SummerSlam. Since Dana Brooke is Charlottes “protege,” it is almost certain to be a 2-on-1 affair. Foley gives Banks an opportunity to make that match a true 1-on-1 match. Sasha Banks will face Dana Brooke tonight, and if she wins, Dana Brooke is banned from ringside. However, if Brooke wins, it will be a 2-on-1 handicap match for the Women’s Championship at SummerSlam.
Braun Strowman vs. Jorel Nelson
Before the match starts, Byron Saxton asks Jorel Nelson about why he decided to face Strowman. Nelson things about his decision, and is speechless.
Nelson tries to flee, but Strowman throws him back in the ring. After a wicked clothesline, Strowman hits Nelson with an inverted chokeslam for another quick victory. Winner: Braun Strowman
Titus O’Neil vs. Darren Young w/Bob Backlund
Last week, these former tag team partners faced each other in a match that ended with O’Neil grabbing the tights of Young for a sneaky victory. After the match, Bob Backlund yelled at O’Neil for cheating, and O’Neil threatened to knock the former WWE Champion out. After Backlund was disrespected, Young attacked O’Neil to avenge his mentor.
Darren Young counters O’Neil’s attempt at a powerslam into a roll-up, and uses the tights to his advantage, giving Titus O’Neil a taste of his own medicine. Winner: Darren Young
Sheamus vs. Cesaro
Last week, Cesaro and Sheamus squared off to impress the powers at be, and Cesaro managed to come out with the victory. Tonight, General Manager Mick Foley scheduled a rematch between two of the most physical Superstars on the roster.
Sheamus looks to use the referee as a human shield, and hits Cesaro in the head with an elbow. Sheamus looks to pin Cesaro, but the elbow also hit the referee. Sheamus debates with the referee, and Cesaro rolls up the Celtic Warrior for the second win in a row. Winner: Cesaro
The Dudley Boyz vs. Neville & Sin Cara
Apparently during the Pre-Show, The Dudley Boyz confronted Neville. After they threatened to break his ankle again, they challenged The Man That Gravity Forgot to find a partner for himself tonight. It makes sense for Neville to choose Sin Cara since they have similarly aerial styles.
After hitting a tope suicido on Bubba Ray Dudley, Neville hits the Red Arrow on D-Von Dudley to pick up the victory. Winners: Neville & Sin Cara
Rusev & Lana’s Wedding Celebration
Like all wedding related WWE events, this went perfectly.
That is, until Roman Reigns decided to show up an interrupt their moment of love. Reigns realized that Rusev didn’t have a best man, so he volunteers. Reigns suddenly switches gears and challenges Rusev for the United States Championship at SummerSlam, and Rusev declines. Instead of a toast, Reigns starts roasting Rusev and then they start brawling. Because of the brawl, Rusev runs into Lana and she goes face first into a big wedding cake.
Rusev complains to Mick Foley backstage, and Foley gives him an opportunity to take out his frustrations on Rusev… in a United States Championship match at SummerSlam.
Sasha Banks vs. Dana Brooke w/Charlotte
Sasha Banks needs to win this match in order to improve her chances at keeping the Women’s Championship for as long as possible. As stated above, if Banks wins, it’s a 1-on-1 match at SummerSlam with Brooke being banned from ringside. If Banks loses, it is a handicap match for the Women’s Championship (who would get the belt in that case baffles me).
Charlotte tries to interfere, but accidentally slaps Dana Brooke. Banks takes advantage to hit the double knees in the corner for the win. Winner: Sasha Banks
Kofi Kingston w/Xavier Woods vs. Luke Gallows w/Karl Anderson
Last week, Anderson and Gallows injured Big E by ramming his groin into the ring post. It is unclear how long Big E will be out of action from “ringpostitis,” but they look to have Kofi Kingston suffer from the same condition.
Kofi Kingston gets distracted by Woods and Anderson outside of the ring, and Gallows takes advantage to pick up a quick victory. After the match, Gallows and Anderson look to injure Kingston, but Woods wildly swings a chair to send themr retreating. Winner: Luke Gallows
In-ring Segment
Mick Foley invited Smackdown General Manager Daniel Bryan to apologize for Brock Lesnar’s actions last Tuesday, then it just turns into a heated conversation. Rusev comes out to defend Mick Foley and hopefully get out of his US title defense at SummerSlam, then Cesaro comes to the ring to lobby for his own title shot. To prove he is a man of his word, Mick Foley announces a surprise United States Championship match: Cesaro vs. Rusev, right now.
Rusev (c) vs. Cesaro – United States Championship
Cesaro already competed in an exhausting match earlier tonight, so Rusev might have the stamina advantage over the Swiss Superman.
Sheamus comes down to the ring, and helps former League of Nations comrade Rusev retain his title. Winner, and STILL United States Champion: Rusev
