WWE Raw Results: Winners, Grades, Reaction and Highlights from July 20
The Horror Show at Extreme Rules promised disaster or triumph on Sunday, but the event did not quite deliver on either and left more questions than answers for fans.
However, the July 20 edition of WWE Raw promised some answers that could change the complexion of the company on the road to SummerSlam.
Did Bayley help officially crown Sasha Banks as the Raw women's champion, or would The Legit Boss be forced to hand back the title to Asuka? Is MVP the United States champion due to Apollo Crews' injuries at the hands of Bobby Lashley?
How would Seth Rollins react after heinously ripping out Rey Mysterio's eye? Where would Drew McIntyre go next after dominantly defeating Dolph Ziggler to retain the WWE Championship?
Moreover, the main event was set to feature a battle that could rival anything at Extreme Rules as Randy Orton fought Big Show in an Unsanctioned match. Could the veteran avenge his friends, Edge and Christian? Would The Viper continue to end the legacy of many of the greatest WWE legends of all time?
From a focused reaction to Extreme Rules to a show in its own right, including a huge main event, Raw promised a lot. This review will explore just how successful it was in doing that.
Seth Rollins vs. Aleister Black
Seth Rollins, flanked by Murphy, walked out to address Rey Mysterio. He explained that his actions were driven by the WWE Universe and blamed them for the horrible thing he had to do to The Master of the 619.
The Monday Night Messiah wanted to look to the future with nothing in his way, but Aleister Black interrupted and said he would have no absolution from his guilt.
In their subsequent match, Rollins showed the wear from his fight at Extreme Rules, allowing The Dutch Destroyer to dominate with strikes.
Black connected on a Black Mass, but Murphy got in the way and took a Black Mass of his own, which allowed The Messiah to slip outside. Rollins ducked the next Black Mass and connected on a pair of superkicks.
Rollins survived the onslaught and snuck away with the win thanks to the Stomp. Afterward, he and Murphy continued to attack Black, badly injuring his left hand.
Result
Rollins def. Black by pinfall.
Grade
A-
Analysis
This whole segment took up 30 minutes, but it worked well. It was the rare Raw segment truly worth watching all the way through.
Rollins sold the effects of his Eye for an Eye match in his promo and in-ring work. He gave Black the focus in the contest, even though he needed to win to continue building momentum. Explaining away his violence by calling it necessary gives him a fresh angle compared to other top heels.
Rollins can understand that he is dangerous but will not take the blame for what he does. He puts that responsibility on the WWE Universe.
Christian Puts His Support Behind Big Show
Randy Orton cut a promo backstage on Big Show. He promised to continue destroying every legend in his path including all his old friends.
Samoa Joe interviewed Christian from his home. Captain Charisma admitted he was hurting but he would go through it all again to get to this moment. He could not wait to watch Show put The Viper in his place.
Grade
B-
Analysis
After promising an appearance from Christian, this wasn't the most exciting use of his talents. Keeping him involved sets up the possibility that he still has one more match in him. He deserves that chance.
Despite everyone hyping up the main event as best they could, it was hard to get excited about another Orton vs. Show match. The two have fought too many times.
Just because Christian was sure The World's Largest Athlete would win, it did not change the fact that the match was missing any sense of excitement.
Ruby Riott vs. Peyton Royce
Bianca Belair explained backstage that she was back and ready to rise straight to the top.
Peyton Royce interrupted the interview and insulted The EST. Ruby Riott got involved as well while The IIconics star explained teammate Billie Kay was on business for the night.
This left Riott to fight Royce one-on-one. It was a competitive contest, but the advantage was in Riott's corner. She connected on the Riott Kick to win.
Result
Riott def. Royce by pinfall.
Grade
D
Analysis
The IIconics vs. Riott remains one of the laziest feuds in WWE. Kay and Royce only have flat insults to throw out each week, which leads to unfocused segments and short matches. On a night when the opening matches each got over 10 minutes, these two did not even get three.
It was nice to see Riott picking up a win, but she can show more with time. Royce has also displayed clear improvement. These two could have done so much more with five more minutes.
The Street Profits vs. Andrade and Angel Garza
The Street Profits attacked Andrade and Angel Garza backstage for what they did the last time the two teams faced off.
In the non-title clash that followed, Montez Ford and Angelo Dawkins came out swinging, but the latter pushed himself too far and got isolated by the heel team. They stomped on the high-flier, refusing to let him tag out.
Dawkins finally got the hot tag and completely changed the match. After catching a breather, Ford got back into the fight and hit a rotating frog splash on Garza for the win.
Zelina Vega yelled at her clients, who told their manager they had no problems.
Result
The Street Profits def. Andrade and Garza by pinfall.
Grade
B
Analysis
It was nice to have The Street Profits back in action. Ford looked fantastic after time away. He is an unreal athlete, who shows that especially with his ability to fly off the top rope. His finish in this match was the greatest frog splash in recent memory.
It was surprising to see Andrade and Garza lose, but they have always been less than consistent as a team. It would not be shocking if they got another shot at the Profits next week and won. These two teams have more story to tell.
Stephanie McMahon Announces Asuka vs. Banks Next Week; Bayley vs. Kairi Sane
Sasha Banks bragged about winning the Raw Women's Championship, while Bayley was glad to hype her up.
However, Stephanie McMahon appeared on the titantron and announced The Legit Boss was not the champion after Sunday's contest but she could become champ next week on Raw in a title rematch.
In the contest that followed, Bayley took the fight to Kairi Sane early, beating her down. The Role Model mocked and belittled The Pirate Princess as she focused on her right elbow.
The camera cut backstage where Shayna Baszler was watching. She said she was interested in this contest because she deserved a match on Raw but had not got one. She warned that she was watching the match like a shark hunting prey.
Sane fought back with a series of impressive kicks and connected on the InSane Elbow, but she hurt her elbow more on the impact, giving The Role Model time to get her foot on the bottom rope.
Bayley hit her own diving elbow for two, but The Pirate Princess then caught the champion with a roll-up for three.
Result
Sane def. Bayley by pinfall.
Grade
B
Analysis
Since returning to action, Sane has looked better than she ever has on Raw. She was focused and fluid, and she had clear chemistry in the ring with Bayley. These two could have a great match for the title.
This is assuming The Pirate Princess will stick around. If she chooses to leave, Baszler was perfectly set up as the one to retire her. Sane would be going out on a high, though, with some big wins and performances in recent weeks.
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