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The theme for this episode of Raw seemed to be 'SummerSlam 2017 comes early'. We were quite surprised that a lot of the matches that we expected for the pay-per-view were pushed to free television, although we understand why WWE did so.
In any case, because of the reason we have outlined, it was a much more tolerable show than usual, and actually got us excited for SummerSlam 2017 in Brooklyn. Each match and segment had a purpose, and SmackDown Live will have a difficult job matching this show in 24 hours.
Here's a roundup of everything we liked from the show and everything we did not. Agree, disagree, or don't care at all? Let us know in the comments!
#1 Best: The best women's wrestler on Raw
Nia Jax has many limitations in the ring, but makes up for it with her imposing size and awesome strength. We think she may have wrestled her best match ever, against The Boss this week on Raw, in Banks' hometown of 'Boss-Town'. The psychology was off the charts, and Sasha took some crazy bumps to tell a compelling story.
The crowd was completely behind "The Boss", and she goes on to SummerSlam in Brooklyn, fired up and ready to carry Alexa Bliss to her best match yet.
Instead of just getting her moves in, Banks tries to tell a story during every match and it shows whenever she enters the ring. While Asuka may be the best women's wrestler in the company (maybe even the best women's wrestler alive), "The Boss" is quickly proving her mettle as a top contender herself.
#1 Worst: A strange and uninteresting alliance
So Anderson and Gallows are Big Cass' version of The Miztourage, and will be his sidekicks in his war against The Big Show and Enzo Amore going forward? It does not make sense at any level!
If anything, it devalues The Club even further from the position the two should ideally be booked in.
We understand that creative has nothing for the two men right now, but does it make sense to put them in a feud where they have no stakes? Why would they suddenly come to Big Cass' aid and take out The Big Show?
#2 Best: Title change on television
Make no mistake about it, Akira Tozawa is a worthy champion and a babyface that crowds react to. Especially considering he hails from a show that hasn't really gotten over with the crowd.
As shocked as we were to see him get his big moment on Raw and not at SummerSlam, we guess it was just so that the rematch could happen on the big show, and Tozawa could move on to a brand new opponent. This title change made the show feel special, and much bigger than it possibly was.
#2 Worst: The constant burial of Emma
This is yet another example of Emma's burial. She took on Mickie James this week and was punished for speaking out loud on social media, by suffering a loss to the veteran on Raw.
The audience has spoken out loud about giving Emma a chance, but WWE seems intent on squashing her on screen, as long as she is vocal about her feelings.
We hope she is let off the hook very soon, and can perform to her potential, considering that she is quite a talented performer!
#3 Best/worst: The Ambrose and Rollins fist bump
WWE tends to forget that it is a program of simulated combat, when they write some of the dialogue that the performers say out loud on screen.
Both Ambrose and Rollins seemed like jilted lovers this week, as they exchanged verbiage leading up to the eventual fist bump.
When the fist bump eventually happened, it was a great moment though. We are glad to see both men on the same page, and are certain they could give The New Day and The Usos a run for their money, when they take on Cesaro and Sheamus at SummerSlam, on Sunday night.
#3 Worst/Best: The not-so-epic confrontation
Raw could have ended without this particular segment, and we would have been more excited for SummerSlam, honestly. The pull-apart brawl at the end left much to be desired, and did not really whet our appetite for the big contest on Sunday.
It was almost comical how one big move put both Reigns and Joe out of commission on the big stage. It was also annoying to see feuding superstars come out and pull apart the two athletes, working together towards a common goal.
However, it is always great to see Brock Lesnar, Roman Reigns, Braun Strowman and Samoa Joe in the same ring, and therefore we won't call it a 'worst' for now.
Epilogue: Get well soon, Naitch!
We usually end with a picture of Alexa Bliss or Maria Kanellis. This week, we take a departure from the norm because we want to send out a very special message for a man who is more than just a professional wrestler to us.
'The Nature Boy' Ric Flair is somebody who embodies what professional wrestling/sports entertainment is. We hope you get back on your feet once again soon, and show the whole world why you're the greatest ever, Naitch!
Our fingers are crossed and all of us, collectively, are hoping for a very speedy recovery.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
