Bowen’s Botches and Bodyslams: WWE RAW Results and Review July 16 2018
WWE Monday Night RAW comes from the Keybank Center in Buffalo, New York off the heels of Extreme Rules last night. Tonight we will find out what will happen with Brock Lesnar and the Universal Championship along with the fallout of last night’s matches and start on the path toward SummerSlam.
Show Opener
Kurt Angle In Ring
#RAW GM @RealKurtAngle kicks off #RAW, and he wants an ANSWER regarding his ultimatum! @HeymanHustle @BrockLesnar pic.twitter.com/LA0unrCD1D
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Well look who’s here… #RAW @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/1xIT76RFIO
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
.@HeymanHustle is here…
… but #UniversalChampion @BrockLesnar is MIA on #RAW! @RealKurtAngle pic.twitter.com/MIPv6s61tS
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
.@BrockLesnar: a #UniversalChampion + @UFC Heavyweight Champion?
What do you think, @RealKurtAngle? #RAW @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/Atwz4ER0mp
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
IT’S HAPPENING! @BrockLesnar WILL defend his #UniversalTitle at #SummerSlam! #RAW @HeymanHustle @RealKurtAngle pic.twitter.com/uFLesEp1aZ
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
“Victimized, defeated, CONQUERED?!?”
Not on @fightbobby‘s watch, he wants to BEAT @BrockLesnar at #SummerSlam! #RAW #BackToDominate @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/iP6Wi9AtJJ
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
.@fightbobby isn’t the only one who wants a piece of @BrockLesnar!
It might be time for Phase 2, @WWEUniverse… #UniversalTitle #RAW @DMcIntyreWWE pic.twitter.com/ZTOFGwu2EP
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
Looking for an opponent for @BrockLesnar, @RealKurtAngle? @WWERollins is always ready to #BurnItDown! #RAW @DMcIntyreWWE pic.twitter.com/xMVmpmdhB4
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Next week, July 23rd. Next week, July 23rd. Next week, July 23rd. @IAmEliasWWE‘s debut album DROPS! #RAW pic.twitter.com/I2kgrsHsxN
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
WHO was the first #UniversalChampion?
WHO never lost the #UniversalTitle?
WHO wants to face @BrockLesnar at #SummerSlam?
ANSWER: @FinnBalor #RAW pic.twitter.com/bd0KkW7JU3
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
No excuses. No explanations. #TheBigDog wants a FIGHT! #RAW @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/MlHFMEaH2S
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
.@fightbobby vs. @IAmEliasWWE vs. @WWERollins AND @DMcIntyreWWE vs. @WWERomanReigns vs. @FinnBalor
The winner of each #TripleThreat Match will face each other for right to challenge @BrockLesnar at #SummerSlam! #RAW pic.twitter.com/CMUQO3amdJ
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – The crowd was all in favor of stripping Brock Lesnar of the Universal Championship. Once Paul Heyman agreed to Brock Lesnar defending the title at SummerSlam, it seemed like a neverending stream of challengers appearing from backstage. Kurt Angle is taking control of his show again, and settled the argument between the six men by making two Triple Threat matches for tonight with the winners facing each other next week. The winner of that match faces Brock Lesnar. And the first Triple Threat match starts right now.
Kurt Angle and Baron Corbin Backstage
#Constable @BaronCorbinWWE is NOT happy about @RealKurtAngle excluding him from tonight’s #TripleThreat matches! #RAW pic.twitter.com/A1MSNb8Z09
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – Kurt Angle putting Baron Corbin in his place was awesome. Kurt doesn’t seem as worried about Corbin as he used to be.
Triple Threat Match
Finn Balor vs. Drew McIntyre vs. Roman Reigns
Roman Reigns Spears and pins Finn Balor for the victory.
.@FinnBalor has been waiting two years to get his hands on the #UniversalTitle, and he’s NOT wasting his opportunity! #RAW @DMcIntyreWWE @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/Wvgef5KHMC
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
Will @DMcIntyreWWE complete Step 1 of Phase 2: Defeat @WWERomanReigns & @FinnBalor in this #TripleThreat match? #RAW pic.twitter.com/xZRmT0X20L
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
The AGILITY of @DMcIntyreWWE!!! #RAW @FinnBalor @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/PjMfZT72xx
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
The first step in earning a #UniversalChampionship opportunity at #SummerSlam? WIN this #TripleThreat Match!#RAW @DMcIntyreWWE @FinnBalor @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/0QoxJhSjId
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
It’s legal in #TripleThreat rules… #RAW @FinnBalor @WWERomanReigns pic.twitter.com/qXuDBNYC5u
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Don’t. Hold. BACK! #TripleThreat #RAW @WWERomanReigns @DMcIntyreWWE @FinnBalor pic.twitter.com/w656iobVnP
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
WHAT. A. MATCH.@WWERomanReigns defeats @FinnBalor & @DMcIntyreWWE to compete in next week’s match to determine @BrockLesnar‘s opponent at #SummerSlam! #RAW #TripleThreat pic.twitter.com/GYbR60rrjw
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – Everything but the ending of this match was incredible. McIntyre and Balor are definitely the future of this company. Roman was good in the match, but he should not have won. Even if he loses to whoever is going on to face Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam next week, Roman has no legitimate claim to being in this impromptu tournament after his loss last night and repeated losses to Lesnar. This is the kind of thing that makes it feel like Roman is being forced on us.
Kurt Angle and Bayley Backstage
.@itsBayleyWWE & @SashaBanksWWE better get on the same page TONIGHT against @DanaBrookeWWE & @AliciaFoxy because ONE of them will be traded to #SDLive if they don’t! #RAW @RealKurtAngle pic.twitter.com/L144m8fqwx
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
We’re going to find out if the friendship counseling worked because @itsBayleyWWE & @SashaBanksWWE will team up TONIGHT on #RAW…
And if it doesn’t work out, there could be SERIOUS repercussions! pic.twitter.com/6JcOssHH1E
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam –Kurt dropped a bomb saying one will be cut to Smackdown if they can’t get along. This is an unexpected new layer in the attempt to save this crumbling relationship.
Dolph Ziggler In Ring
.@HEELZiggler said he would “show the world,” and he did last night at #ExtremeRules!#IAmIronMan #RAW pic.twitter.com/Z8sOFi2Iav
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Excuse the interruption, @HEELZiggler, but #RAW just became #GLORIOUS! @REALBobbyRoode pic.twitter.com/JIr9MazHRb
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
You WANT a match against @HEELZiggler, @REALBobbyRoode! You GOT it, except it WON’T be for the #ICTitle… #RAW pic.twitter.com/IQTrgR0hfi
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Botch – Dolph Ziggler comes out and the crowd goes mild. What follows is an expected exhibition of preposterous pretension that drives the fans to the concession stands. Bobby Roode arrived to save us from Ziggler’s banality.
Non Title Match
<h2Dolph Ziggler (Intercontinental Champion) vs. Bobby Roode
Dolph Ziggler hits a Superkick and pins Bobby Roode.
It may not be an #ICTitle match, but it IS a big opportunity for @REALBobbyRoode as he battles @HEELZiggler on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/EzajHrkVcI
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
He’s feeling…
He’s feeling…
GLORIOUS!!!! #RAW @HEELZiggler @REALBobbyRoode pic.twitter.com/oXeb8HEQWO
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
If you ever doubted me, you don’t have a clue! #ICChampion @HEELZiggler gets the victory over @REALBobbyRoode on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/WqDp1NkVrq
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Botch – I hate to call Bobby Roode’s match a botch, but I can’t excuse Ziggler here. Last night at Extreme Rules, Seth Rollins had to pull Ziggler through the roll-up exchange. Roode had to do it again tonight. Maybe that happens more often than we think, but it doesn’t look like it on our end. Obvious cooperation is what kills the allure of professional wrestling, and along with Ziggler’s lazy kick-outs and other shortcuts in the ring, he ruins the show. The crowd didn’t chant through his match last night like they were at a different Pay-Per-View because he was seizing their attention. It is a travesty that Dolph Ziggler has ripped off the persona of the great Shawn Michaels to sully it with such performances. Bobby Roode was fantastic as always and should never have to do the job for someone who is worse at their job.
Bobby Lashley Backstage
“I have the SKILLS and ABILITY to defeat @BrockLesnar… I WILL be the #UniversalChampion!” – @fightbobby #RAW pic.twitter.com/AoZscTLWVN
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – Lashley’s best promo so far. I’m not sure he will ever be able to portray a level of intensity that matches his physique, but he’s better off focusing on his fighting skills than being the wholesome babyface as he was upon his return.
Bobby Roode and Mojo Rawley Backstage
“And you’re supposed to be glorious?” – @MojoRawleyWWE to @REALBobbyRoode #RAW pic.twitter.com/XhCO61Vk5a
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – Rawley dismissively denigrating Roode for his performance was perfect for this new iteration of Mojo, and a feud between these two could be just what both men need.
Tyler Breeze vs. Mojo Rawley
Mojo Rawley pins Tyler Breeze after a brutal Alabama Slam.
There’s that background… #RAW @MojoRawleyWWE @mmmgorgeous pic.twitter.com/7EO57pcJea
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
You can’t help but be impressed by @MojoRawleyWWE… #RAW pic.twitter.com/AxCOH8RNJn
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – Mojo Rawley is definitely reborn in this new run, and he is making the most of it. His facial expressions are much better, and he is creating an aura of intensity and aggression about himself that should have everyone in the locker room take notice. I feel bad for Tyler Breeze for the assault he was put through.
Dana Brooke and Alicia Fox vs. Sasha Banks and Bayley
The match ends in a Double Countout as all four women fight outside the ring when Sasha Banks comes to the aid of Bayley against Alicia Fox at ringside.
HEY, #HuggerSection!!!
#RAW @itsBayleyWWE pic.twitter.com/ChRYlTNNgZ
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
#TheBoss is in the , and @itsBayleyWWE feels, ummmmm, “happy” about it…. #RAW @SashaBanksWWE pic.twitter.com/mDUigppwp7
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
NOW, it’s #BossTime! #RAW @SashaBanksWWE pic.twitter.com/7Zl6KOSyqq
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
It appears @SashaBanksWWE & @itsBayleyWWE might be on the same page after all?! #RAW pic.twitter.com/LJxhrsegLu
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
So… @SashaBanksWWE & @itsBayleyWWE are friends again?!? #RAW pic.twitter.com/hnLES47k5l
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – The women once again put on a great match, and Dana Brooke took a crazy bump from the apron to the floor. Sasha and Bayley’s relationship doesn’t come out any better, with Sasha leaving Bayley behind after the match ended.
Sasha Banks and Bayley in the Locker Room
“I don’t understand why you don’t get it. I love you… I always have and I always will.” – @SashaBanksWWE to @itsBayleyWWE #RAW pic.twitter.com/k5imAyHqYB
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Botch – Sasha and Bayley didn’t deliver this very well and it felt very forced. I don’t know why they couldn’t be more natural with this, and it puts the brakes on this stop-start angle again.
Braun Strowman Backstage Interview with Renee Young
Remember @BrockLesnar and whoever wins next week’s match… @BraunStrowman can cash in his #MITB opportunity at ANY TIME and at ANY PLACE! #RAW pic.twitter.com/o9SRf15k6V
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Whoever earns the right to challenge @BrockLesnar at #SummerSlam needs to remember one thing…
There’s a MONSTER waiting in the wings! #RAW @BraunStrowman pic.twitter.com/oySHP6jo9v
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – Braun Strowman is sitting in the best position on the RAW roster and he knows it.
Non-Title Match
The B Team (Tag Team Champions) vs. The Ascension
Curtis Axel pins Viktor after a Double Team Neckbreaker. Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt appear on the big screen to inform The B Team they will be having a rematch for the RAW Tag Team Championships next week.
CELEBRATE, @WWEUniverse!!!! Your NEW #Raw #TagTeamChampions are HERE, and they’re in action NEXT! @TheBoDallas @RealCurtisAxel pic.twitter.com/zQO9sPzGo3
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
What a KNEE by @ViktorRiseWWE! Could #TheAscension cut The #BTeam‘s celebration short? #RAW pic.twitter.com/coRzEXuYwM
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
ALL ABOARD THE B-TRAIN!#RAW #TheBTeam @RealCurtisAxel @TheBoDallas pic.twitter.com/6sO4QLgBbO
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
This isn’t OVAH!!! @MATTHARDYBRAND & @WWEBrayWyatt want a #RAW #TagTeamTitles rematch NEXT WEEK! @TheBoDallas @RealCurtisAxel pic.twitter.com/qVtAAPWx7h
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – This was an enjoyable match with both teams getting a chance to look good before the end. The B Team have had their fun and made their way up to being the champions, but they are going to need some fresh inspiration and a new direction if they want to stay that way. As fun as this has been, The B Team as it is will be a dead end angle.
Alexa Bliss and Mickie James In Ring
#TheGoddess @AlexaBliss_WWE stands before you as YOUR #RAW #WomensChampion! pic.twitter.com/rm913uBoO2
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Speak of the devil…@RondaRousey is HERE!!! #RAW @AlexaBliss_WWE @MickieJames pic.twitter.com/n2aKy5xpbs
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
The SUSPENDED @RondaRousey just found her way to @MickieJames and #RAW #WomensChampion @AlexaBliss_WWE! pic.twitter.com/OXm3RTxpkm
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Oh, you thought she was finished? #RAW @RondaRousey @AlexaBliss_WWE @MickieJames pic.twitter.com/rfWL8ASVBP
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Due to her actions against @AlexaBliss_WWE & @MickieJames, @RondaRousey has been suspended for another week by @RealKurtAngle. #RAW pic.twitter.com/XpsCA8A7co
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
However…
If @RondaRousey obeys her suspension, she will face @AlexaBliss_WWE for the #RAW #WomensTitle at #SummerSlam! pic.twitter.com/ytxwGepzqO
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – Alexa Bliss is marvelous as the cocky, cowardly heel champion. She plays the crowd masterfully. Ronda Rousey carries herself like the baddest woman on the planet and shows it when she attacks Bliss and James. Kurt Angle comes off as soft on Rousey, and it undermines his authority. This is probably going to comes back to bite him with Constable Corbin. The match between Alexa Bliss and Ronda Rousey for the RAW Women’s Championship at SummerSlam is made official.
Seth Rollins Backstage Interview with Charley Caruso
“If my road to #SummerSlam goes through @WWERomanReigns, then I got to do what I got to do.” – @WWERollins #RAW pic.twitter.com/HE9uppBgWN
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – Short and sweet interview with Seth. He pulls off laid-back confidence well.
Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) vs. Titus Worldwide (Titus O’Neil and Apollo Crews)
Akam pins Apollo Crews after The Last Chapter.
#WarGames was their peace.
Now, #AOP is more than ready to bring the PAIN to #TitusWorldwide on #RAW! @Akam_WWE @Rezar_WWE pic.twitter.com/0gPT9oiohl
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
#TitusWorldwide‘s last chapter was just written…courtesy of @Akam_WWE & @Rezar_WWE! #RAW #AOP pic.twitter.com/3dIvCbd34Q
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
The end of a chapter. #AOP @Akam_WWE & @Rezar_WWE put away #TitusWorldwide @WWEApollo & @TitusONeil_WWE on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/9kEFJgTnT0
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – Authors of Pain are just a pleasure to watch for fans of big, powerful tag teams like myself. It would be nice to see them start to move up the tag team division and leave Titus Worldwide in their rear-view. I’m hoping for Authors of Pain vs. Bludgeon Brothers in the tag team champions match at Survivor Series this year. AoP needs to head toward the championships so that can happen.
Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan Backstage
UP NEXT: @sarahloganwwe looks to put the #RiottSquad back on track when she challenges @WWEEmberMoon! @YaOnlyLivvOnce #RAW pic.twitter.com/TRLA04w66R
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – The Riott Squad wreaking havoc or just being a pain to people backstage may never get old.
Ember Moon vs. Sarah Logan with Liv Morgan
Sarah Logan pins Ember Moon after knocking her off the top rope with the help of a distraction from Liv Morgan.
.@WWEEmberMoon sparks the #RAW pic.twitter.com/pmvry5gcSy
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
“Are you pondering what I’m pondering?”
Let’s riott! #RAW @YaOnlyLivvOnce @sarahloganwwe pic.twitter.com/uf9TUbGuoi
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
.@YaOnlyLivvOnce must be LIVin’ for @sarahloganwwe‘s offense right now! #RAW @WWEEmberMoon pic.twitter.com/X6CYfndmGj
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
The #RiottSquad‘s @sarahloganwwe is looking to knock off @WWEEmberMoon on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/aCHpXlGSyJ
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Can’t tame the flame that lies within @WWEEmberMoon! #RAW @sarahloganwwe pic.twitter.com/R20Kn5MhUX
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
SHE DID IT! @sarahloganwwe claims her first singles victory on #RAW against @WWEEmberMoon! @YaOnlyLivvOnce pic.twitter.com/xbXyVi4tEL
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – Moon and Logan put on an incredible match, and the ending came out of nowhere. Just when it seemed Moon was going to win, the numbers advantage took over. A classic wrestling story well executed. This is the better feud out of what is left of the Riott Squad.
Triple Threat Match
Elias vs. Bobby Lashley vs. Seth Rollins
Bobby Lashley Spears and pins Elias for the win.
Oh, OKAY! @IAmEliasWWE is wasting NO TIME in this #TripleThreat bout! #RAW @fightbobby @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/SuwoLBousW
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
#Constable @BaronCorbinWWE @RealKurtAngle & @HeymanHustle are watching… #RAW #TripleThreat pic.twitter.com/tlKrm2oNbu
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
from OUTTA NOWHERE!!!#RAW #TripleThreat #FrogSplash @WWERollins @IAmEliasWWE @fightbobby pic.twitter.com/sQc2bsp8Uv
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
It’s going to be @WWERollins @fightbobby or @IAmEliasWWE…
WHO will advance to battle @WWERomanReigns NEXT WEEK on #RAW for the opportunity to challenge @BrockLesnar at #SummerSlam?! #TripleThreat pic.twitter.com/m6WTggFUMx
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Is there anything he CAN’T do?!? #RAW #TripleThreat @WWERollins pic.twitter.com/0O44e2A3CS
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) July 17, 2018
SPEAR!!! @fightbobby will face @WWERomanReigns NEXT WEEK for the opportunity to battle @BrockLesnar at #SummerSlam! #RAW pic.twitter.com/tHTshEjkWt
— WWE (@WWE) July 17, 2018
Bodyslam – Another fantastic match but the ending is disappointing. Both of these Triple Threat matches were incredible, but the implications of the winners is deplorable. Now the match for the #1 Contender to the Universal Championship is a rematch of a mid-card match from Extreme Rules. Roman has bounced off of Brock Lesnar enough times already, and he already lost to Bobby Lashley. Seth Rollins versus Drew McIntyre would have made more sense, would stoke the fires of the burgeoning feud between them, and would give the fans a match they really want to see. Even with a screwjob ending, the presence of the participants would make sense. Again, this is why the fans feel like Roman Reigns is being forced on them.