Bowen’s Botches and Bodyslams: WWE RAW Results and Review June 4 2018
Tonight’s WWE RAW comes from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Tonight’s card features Braun Strowman facing Bobby Roode, and Finn Balor against Kevin Owens.
Show Opener with Elias In Ring
Elias starts in the ring with his guitar, riling up the crowd and goading Seth Rollins. Rollins eventually comes out and grabs a chair as Elias is holding his guitar as a weapon. Rollins gets in the ring and as the men clash Jinder Mahal enters and attacks Rollins from behind. Elias and Mahal attack Rollins, and Roman Reigns’ music hits. Roman runs out to save Rollins, and as they take control of the ring the music of General Manager Kurt Angle hits. Kurt Angle is making a tag team match with Elias and Jinder Mahal versus Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns. And that match starts right now.
Ladies and gentlemen, the man kicking off #RAW tonight…. @IAmEliasWWE. pic.twitter.com/0mFafsbSkN
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
.@IAmEliasWWE & @JinderMahal thought they had @WWERollins taken care of…until @WWERomanReigns evened the odds! #RAW pic.twitter.com/pdwe6BZsGM
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
General Manager @RealKurtAngle just turned this BRAWL into a MATCH!
It’ll be @WWERollins & @WWERomanReigns vs. @IAmEliasWWE & @JinderMahal RIGHT NOW on #RAW pic.twitter.com/cTp15aJWug
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – Elias is a great guitar wielding heel and he plays the crowd well. Bringing Rollins and Reigns together puts Roman where everyone likes him, as part of The Shield, even if it is incomplete. The singles feuds smolder and the questions surrounding Ambrose’s return remain.
Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns vs. Elias and Jinder Mahal with Sunil Singh
Elias lands the Drift Away on Seth Rollins for the pinfall victory.
It’s all about TEAMWORK tonight on #Raw as @WWERomanReigns & @WWERollins battle @IAmEliasWWE & @JinderMahal! pic.twitter.com/Bkv7nnzxnt
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Tread carefully around #TheArchitect. @WWERollins #RAW pic.twitter.com/Bth4FAnL2E
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
Statement MADE! @IAmEliasWWE & @JinderMahal stall tall on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/Cxfwm4PNri
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – Great story, pretty good match. Elias and Rollins were definitely the strongest part of the match. Mahal and Reigns are both too predictable without much to offer that will come as a surprise. But as part of this match they fit in well. Elias getting the pin on Rollins has Intercontinental Championship match implications.
Curt Hawkins vs. James Harden
James Harden wins by Disqualification when Baron Corbin interferes and hits the End of Days on Harden.
199 losses in a row… but the streak ends here?
If @TheCurtHawkins wins tonight, everyone in attendance will be treated to a FREE TACO! #RAW pic.twitter.com/DvGcEvA8RE
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
.@BaronCorbinWWE must not want anyone to have free tacos tonight on #Raw… @TheCurtHawkins pic.twitter.com/YxETotC28y
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Taco-bout a devastating loss…
#️⃣2️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ #RAW pic.twitter.com/ofiPEsRkBv
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Botch – This doesn’t make Baron Corbin look better, and certainly doesn’t help Hawkins. It’s some brief, cheap heat for Corbin that will be forgotten by the time we return from commercial break. And tacos were wasted, which is just unforgivable.
Kurt Angle Backstage
Baron Corbin approaches Kurt Angle and says that since he’s been getting passed over and not getting opportunities on RAW, he went straight to WWE Corporate and talked to Stephanie McMahon. He has an official message for Kurt from Stephanie, and Corbin is now the WWE RAW Constable, representing Stephanie as a checks and balances system. Kurt looks at the letter and his face says it is legitimate.
Per @StephMcMahon, @BaronCorbinWWE has been appointed “Constable of #RAW“… and @RealKurtAngle‘s face says it all. pic.twitter.com/ZCPg228GUV
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – Kurt Angle is officially losing control now, and this storyline that has thus far stayed in the background just bigger.
Nia Jax (c) vs. Natalya Non-Title Match, Ronda Rousey on commentary
Nia Jax hits a Samoan Drop on Natalya for the pin and win.
The #IrresistibleForce. The #QueenOfHarts. It’s @NiaJaxWWE vs. @NatbyNature RIGHT NOW on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/UcE7XqmEsO
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Another W on the board for #RAW #WomensChampion @NiaJaxWWE! pic.twitter.com/KZ7zPPEngp
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
.@NiaJaxWWE tries to check on an injured @NatByNature on #Raw, but @RondaRousey is NOT having it… pic.twitter.com/xdyqJdjchr
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Botch – Nia Jax pushing on Ronda Rousey while she’s tending to an injured Natalya just brings Jax back to being the bully, which still doesn’t make sense coming off of her last feud with Alexa Bliss. This whole angle has felt overly forced and this segment is no different. The match wasn’t the best example of what the Women’s Division can do either.
Bobby Roode Backstage Interview with Renee Young
.@REALBobbyRoode has a feeling that the Men’s #MITB #LadderMatch will be….
….G L O R I O U S ! pic.twitter.com/Aa6QbqS5pV
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
For @REALBobbyRoode, his match tonight against @BraunStrowman is about one thing: SURVIVAL. #RAW pic.twitter.com/guUq6Z5Ezz
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – Roode is a natural, but his gimmick is better as a heel. He works the mic better when he’s not trying to stay in the fan’s good graces.
Bobby Roode vs. Braun Strowman
Braun Strowman smashes Bobby Roode with a Running Powerslam for the pinfall victory.
#GloriousDDT? Not on @BraunStrowman‘s watch. #RAW pic.twitter.com/KdjoQHYYcu
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
*Makes note* ladders aren’t a GLORIOUS strategy when facing @BraunStrowman… @REALBobbyRoode #Raw pic.twitter.com/R6OjOxBZNm
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
BRAUUNNNNN gets the win! #RAW @BraunStrowman pic.twitter.com/mWfBsSQsKb
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – Bobby Roode looked great, as did Strowman. Both men worked well together and told a great story with the match. Roode showing his brain with the attempt at the ladder barricade was an example of bringing something unexpected. Strowman smashing through the ladder was perfectly played by both men. Two of the best attractions in WWE delivering the kind of performances that make fans love them.
Kevin Owens Backstage Interview
Bodyslam – Kevin Owens always delivers when it comes to running his mouth. This was no different.
Natalya and Ronda Rousey Backstage
She may be friends with both of them, but @NatbyNature has had ENOUGH of the verbal jabs between @NiaJaxWWE and @RondaRousey. #RAW pic.twitter.com/K1MMCFcxXv
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
Botch – Still forced, still uncomfortable. Natalya comes out looking best of all. Which is not the likely intention.
The Deleters of Worlds (Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt) In Ring Interview with Renee Young
#RAW #TagTeamChampions @WWEBrayWyatt & @MATTHARDYBRAND plan on DELETING any team who may challenge them next… pic.twitter.com/TEMheZguwT
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Who will challenge #RAW #TagTeamChampions @WWEBrayWyatt & @MATTHARDYBRAND next? We’ll find out TONIGHT in a Tag Team #BattleRoyal! pic.twitter.com/N6VmyMAxge
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt got a chance to play their characters, so that’s good. It wasn’t the best promo because they don’t really have a solid adversary to direct their energy toward, but it worked.
Tag Team Battle Royal for Number One Contendership – Heath Slater and Rhyno vs. Breezango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango) vs. The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) vs. The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor) vs. Titus Worldwide (Titus O’Neil and Apollo) vs. The B Team (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel) vs. The Show (Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre)
The B Team Wins when Heath Slater Accidentally Eliminates Rhyno.
This can only mean one thing…
A Tag Team #BattleRoyal is officially underway on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/w6rmoGEB3G
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
They’re not in the #BattleRoyal anymore, but that doesn’t mean they won’t cause DESTRUCTION! #RAW@HEELZiggler @DMcIntyreWWE pic.twitter.com/icVxaIhVGe
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
#TheBTeam just earned the opportunity of a lifetime.@RealCurtisAxel @TheBoDalls #RAW pic.twitter.com/qzECcaabSx
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – More of a mess than a typical Battle Royal, but it was fun and had a great ending. The B Team remains undefeated and are going into Money In The Bank as the Number One Contenders to the RAW Tag Team Championships.
Bobby Lashley In Ring
We’ve got @SamiZayn‘s 🎶… but where’s HE at? #RAW @fightbobby pic.twitter.com/gheRsDIOz2
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
Not only is @SamiZayn inspired by @fightbobby‘s “quotes to live by”… he’s absolutely MIND-BLOWN, too! #RAW pic.twitter.com/YdxE1q95E3
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
.@SamiZayn officially crossed the line with @fightbobby after this accusation on #Raw… pic.twitter.com/qMifHzrsmp
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Botch – This whole angle has been unbearable from the beginning, and hasn’t gotten better. Sami Zayn can’t save it, especially if he is left to ramble on for too long. Lashley’s strength is still not on the mic, and this is being used to fill far more time than it should. This feud cannot reach its culmination fast enough.
Jinder Mahal with Sunil Singh Backstage Interview with Renee Young
Roman Reigns is on another mic with Charley Caruso and responds when Jinder calls him out. He’s going to come face Jinder and tracks him down backstage. Jinder throws Sunil into Roman but Roman breaks through and the two men brawl until officals are able to stop them.
“I’ll come shut your mouth for you.”@WWERomanReigns has heard ENOUGH from @JinderMahal! #RAW pic.twitter.com/JIh5Mk5hZ7
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
The beef between @JinderMahal & @WWERomanReigns continues as they battle backstage on #Raw! pic.twitter.com/Z8nEvHomFf
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – This is actually the best way for this feud to work, and it plays to the strengths of both men. This is probably the feud that will have the best story leading into the PPV with the most predictable match on the card. Jinder and Roman have the same biggest weakness, a thin repertoire of moves leading to predictable matches. Putting the two together in singles competition is not likely to produce anything that fires up the fans in favor of either man.
Alexa Bliss, Sasha Banks, and Ember Moon vs. The Riott Squad (Ruby Riott, Sarah Logan, Liv Morgan)
Bayley hits the Bayley-to-Belly and pins Sarah Logan after Alexa Bliss left the match with an injury.
#6WomanTag action is underway as @SashaBanksWWE, @AlexaBliss_WWE, and @WWEEmberMoon take on The #RiottSquad, LIVE on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/rHqf446pPk
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Sorry, @SashaBanksWWE & @WWEEmberMoon… it appears @AlexaBliss_WWE will be unable to continue competing tonight on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/YIgPugXaYp
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
LIVin’ her best life. @YaOnlyLivvOnce #RAW pic.twitter.com/26aLusNsVi
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
#TheRiottSquad is giving @SashaBanksWWE & @WWEEmberMoon everything they’ve got on #Raw! pic.twitter.com/j9bx3mIlF9
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
#HandicapMatch, NO MORE! @itsBayleyWWE has arrived to help even the odds for @SashaBanksWWE and @WWEEmberMoon! #RAW pic.twitter.com/bhr0MfR0U7
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – Some of the best performers in the Women’s Division once again putting on an awesome show. Excellent execution of a great in-ring story.
Kurt Angle and Baron Corbin Backstage
Corbin chides Angle and tells him he needs to go break the news to the women that Bayley wasn’t in the match and this victory doesn’t count.
As the 👁 and 👂 for #RAW Commissioner @StephMcMahon, @BaronCorbinWWE has taken issue with @itsBayleyWWE inserting herself in tonight’s #6WomanTag… pic.twitter.com/8gTnW35JIo
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – The new Constable is already exercising his power. Kurt has officially lost control of RAW.
Sasha Banks, Bayley, and Ember Moon Backstage
The women are celebrating and just as Bayley and Sasha are about to hug it out and reconcile, Angle comes in and delivers the bad news that Bayley wasn’t in the match and therefore The Riott Squad wins by disqualification. Sasha leaves Bayley with a glare, and Baron Corbin is then seen giving the referee from the match a hard time over his decision.
Constable @BaronCorbinWWE has gotten his way… @SashaBanksWWE, @itsBayleyWWE, and @WWEEmberMoon can no longer boast a victory in tonight’s #6WomanTag on #RAW. pic.twitter.com/0677syZ1d8
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
This victory calls for HUGS all around! #RAW@itsBayleyWWE @SashaBanksWWE @WWEEmberMoon pic.twitter.com/wqakksIP1O
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – The long road in the upcoming feud between Sasha Banks and Bayley continues. Everyone came off smooth and natural. Sadly, that includes Kurt delivering bad news under duress.
Big Show Special Olympics Promo
Welcome to Monday Night #RAW, #TeamTexas! @WWETheBigShow proudly stands with @SpecialOlympics athletes tonight in Houston. pic.twitter.com/cJryUl61q0
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
.@WWETheBigShow proudly stands with athletes representing Team Texas in the @SpecialOlympics! #Raw pic.twitter.com/HLf9O8wWX7
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
After proudly supporting @SpecialOlympics in #WWEMMC, @FinnBalor stands with #TeamTexas and @WWETheBigShow on #RAW! pic.twitter.com/J2aGn71Ezc
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – I typically wouldn’t include a segment like this for review, but it is Big Show’s first big appearance on television in his new Ambassador role. He looks great and is going to be a fantastic face for the company. This also leads into Finn Balor’s entrance, who is also a big supporter of the Special Olympics. Everyone joining his entrance was great.
Finn Balor vs. Kevin Owens
Finn Balor Wins by Disqualification after Kevin Owens refused to stop attacking Balor in the ropes.
Owens landed a Frogsplash after the match, and then brought a ladder in the ring. Seemingly afraid of heights and unable to jump from the ladder onto Balor, Finn Balor then jumped up and took Kevin Owens down. Balor then hits the Coup de Grace on Kevin Owens from the second rung from the top of the ladder. Balor then ascends the ladder to take the Money In The Bank briefcase.
It’s GO TIME!@FinnBalor @FightOwensFight #RAW pic.twitter.com/52vegGwaFG
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
Welcome to the @FinnBalor school of FLIGHT! #RAW pic.twitter.com/hWetcSLl5X
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
.@FightOwensFight is giving @FinnBalor everything he can on #Raw! pic.twitter.com/WhiEi0FCIw
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Anger makes @FightOwensFight do DESTRUCTIVE things! #RAW pic.twitter.com/huuD0hQX0V
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
It’s a looooong way down from there, @FightOwensFight… #RAW pic.twitter.com/mds24ZeqbF
— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) June 5, 2018
The #CoupDeGrace was just taken to INSANE heights!!! @FinnBalor #RAW pic.twitter.com/NqPOmsOaQJ
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Will THIS be our new reality at #MITB? @FinnBalor #RAW pic.twitter.com/BhJ63YGzu3
— WWE (@WWE) June 5, 2018
Bodyslam – Just an incredible match. These are both men that can make magic materialize in the ring. The competition between the competitors within the Money In The Bank match have been some of the best matchups RAW has. Many of these could be future feuds for the Universal Championship. If Brock Lesnar ever decides to bring it back to Earth.