Let's dive into the world of WWE and explore the recent episode of Raw, which, despite being a placeholder show, still managed to deliver some intriguing moments and set the stage for SummerSlam.
WWE Raw: A Night of Storytelling and In-Ring Action
The July 20 episode of Raw, held in Detroit's Little Caesar's Arena, served as a bridge between the momentous Saturday Night's Main Event and the highly anticipated SummerSlam. With a lineup featuring LA Knight, Seth Rollins, and the return of Danhausen, the night promised excitement and potential twists in the ongoing storylines.
The Vision's Victory and a New Team's Introduction
The opening match introduced the audience to the newly formed duo of Je'Von Evans and Dragon Lee, who brought an energetic performance against the World Tag Team Champions, Austin Theory and Bron Breakker. Despite their valiant effort, Evans and Lee succumbed to interference, leading to a victory for The Vision. This match not only showcased a fresh team but also set the tone for a budding rivalry with the Alpha Academy.
Danhausen's Homecoming and Backstage Shenanigans
Danhausen, fresh from his victory at Saturday Night's Main Event, returned to his hometown of Detroit. A backstage confrontation with The Judgment Day led to a segment where Danhausen proposed giving away his 'human monies' to the fans. This light-hearted moment, though brief, highlighted Danhausen's popularity and added a touch of humor to the show.
Oba Femi's Dominance and a Potential Career-Defining Moment
Oba Femi, a rising star in WWE, dominated JD McDonagh in a match that served as a preview of his upcoming showdown with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. Femi's physical superiority was on full display, and the victory further solidified his status as a potential world champion.
Solo Sikoa's Dilemma and the Rollins-Reigns Feud
Solo Sikoa, a former member of The Bloodline, made an unexpected appearance on Raw, calling out Seth Rollins. Sikoa's hesitation to rejoin The Bloodline and his offer to be an enforcer for Rollins added a layer of complexity to the ongoing feud between Rollins and Roman Reigns. This storyline, however, suffers from a lack of clear babyface and heel dynamics, making it challenging for fans to emotionally invest.
Gable and Penta's Tag Team Victory and a Potential Show-Stealer
The tag team match between WWE Intercontinental Champion Penta and his contender Chad Gable against Rusev and Ethan Page was a showcase of raw talent. Gable's submission victory over Rusev continued his momentum heading into SummerSlam, where he will face Penta in a match with the potential to steal the show.
Hendry vs. Mysterio and the Women's Division's Absence
Joe Hendry's match against Dominik Mysterio, though inoffensive, served as a platform to highlight the feud between Iyo Sky and Liv Morgan. However, the absence of the women's division from the main show was a notable oversight, indicating a lack of emphasis on women's wrestling by the creative team.
LA Knight's Main Event and a Spark of Intensity
LA Knight's main event match against Jacob Fatu, though lacking in intensity, was elevated by the run-ins from Solo Sikoa, Royce Keys, and the Usos. The match served as a build-up to the upcoming six-man tag team match at SummerSlam and highlighted Knight's ability to sell the conflict with The Bloodline.
Overall Impressions and the Placeholder Show
While this episode of Raw had its moments, it largely felt like a placeholder, with little major story development. However, the strong in-ring action and the build-up to SummerSlam kept the audience engaged. LA Knight's promo, in particular, showcased his intensity and potential as a main eventer.
As we look ahead to SummerSlam, the stage is set for some highly anticipated matches, and the creative team has a week to refine their storytelling and deliver a memorable pay-per-view event.
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