The build for Money in the Bank continued with the latest edition of WWE Raw returning to Cleveland, Ohio.
Seth Rollins kicked off the show for the open challenge he issued last week. Raquel Rodriguez faced Trish Stratus in a Money in the Bank Qualifier while Rhea Ripley took on Natalya in a Night of Champions rematch. Logan Paul also made his return in the latest episode of Monday night Raw.
Also read- WWE RAW Results (June 19) Part 1: Logan Paul and Tommaso Ciampa return, Rollins gets attacked
Matt Riddle vs. Ludwig Kaiser w/ Gunther
Matt Riddle battled Ludwig Kaiser after taking out Giovanni Vinci two weeks ago. The two wrestlers locked up as soon as the bell rang. Kaiser was accompanied by the Ring General, Gunther. Matt Riddle picked up the win after countering a diving uppercut into a German Suplex and soon hitting Bro Derek for cover. Both superstars were impressive, their moves had an impact. Post match attack was well done, as Gunther and Kaiser left the ring with Riddle holding his leg. Gunther defending his Intercontinental title against The Original Bro would make for a great match.
Rating- ***½
Alpha Academy vs. The Viking Raiders
The team of Otis and Chad Gable took on Erik and Ivar in a tag team match. Alpha Academy are not only entertaining performers but great athletes and the crowd had their back throughout the match. Gable showcased his strength yet again. The Viking Raiders win after Erik takes advantage of a distracted Gable. Maxxine Dupri has been a fun addition to the team.
Rating- **½
Rhea Ripley vs. Natalya
Rhea Ripley continued to shine as a monster as she attacked Natalya viciously during her entrance. Natalya was fodder to showcase the Women’s World Champion’s brutality. After whipping Natalya into the LED apron, Ripley hits her with a Riptide in the ring.
Money in the Bank Qualifier- Trish Stratus w/ Zoey Stark vs. Raquel Rodriguez
Trish Stratus and Raquel Rodriguez battle for a spot in the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. The match started with the WWE Hall of Famer throwing strikes at Raquel, only to be dominated by the former NXT Women’s Champion.
Becky Lynch interfered and took Zoey Stark down, just to disqualify Rodriguez after she retaliated against Stratus. The match went better than expected, and the stare down between Rhea and Raquel before the match teased a potential clash in future.
Rating- **½
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bronson Reed
Nakamura and Bronson Reed face each other again on Monday night Raw, with the latter defeating the King of Strong Style. Nakamura went for an early pin but couldn’t stop Reed from taking him down. Ricochet was observing from the ringside, which didn’t go well for him as he was attacked by Reeds. Nakamura charged for Kinshasa but knocked Ricochet off the apron instead, followed with a German Suplex and Tsunami off the top rope for the victory. Reed definitely has the potential to be the next big thing if the creative keeps portraying him as a monster.
Rating- ***
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, and “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes vs. The Judgment Day (Finn Bálor, Damian Priest, and Dominik Mysterio) w/ Rhea Ripley
Cody Rhodes was challenged to find two partners for a six man tag match, which led to the Tag Team Champions joining forces with the American Nightmare to take on the Judgement Day in the main event of Raw. Rhodes and Damien Priest started the match, but the latter tagged Dominik in. The two former Bullet Club members clashed to start the match, after Dominik tagged Bàlor to avoid Rhodes.
The match was entertaining and included some great spots. Rhea Ripley’s involvement was felt, and all the competitors had their moments. The crowd reaction for Cody’s hot tag was deafening, proving he is still huge as a main event face. The match ended with Rhodes hitting a Cross Rhodes on Priest for the three count.
Rating- ***¾
Overall, this was a decent show of Raw, with some entertaining matches and a great main event to end the show.
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