RAW Report: Lesnar’s opponent for SummerSlam is revealed

The Big Takeaway: 

Brock Lesnar will defend the WWE Universal Title against Roman Reigns, Samoa Joe and Braun Strowman in a Fatal-4-Way match at SummerSlam. Bayley defeated Sasha Banks in a number one contender’s match and WWE continues to tease a possible mini Shield reunion.

WWE Monday Night Raw Report

Kurt Angle reveals Brock Lesnar’s next challenger for the Universal Title

Angle came out and was about to discuss the Universal Title picture as Strowman came out. Strowman said it better be him “or else” Joe came out and said the only thing Strowman accomplished was interfering in his match last week. Reigns came out and ran down all his accomplishments and asked Joe and Strowman what they accomplished? Joe and Strowman remained silent. Angle announced a Fatal-4-Way match for SummerSlam.

Joe was upset over the announcement. Strowman didn’t care as long as he could pile up bodies. Reigns told Strowman to shut up and punched him in the mouth. Joe and Reigns teamed up and dumped Strowman to the floor. Joe then sucker-punched Reigns as they brawled in the Reigns. Strowman recovered and attacked Reigns. Angle sent down a bunch of security guards who were all attacked by Strowman. Angle then cleared out almost the entire Raw locker room but, Reigns almost sent the WWE stars to the floor. The segment ended with Strowman delivered a running powerslam to Reigns as the Revival held Joe back.

• A good segment to open the show and we now have our main event for SummerSlam.

Elias Sampson def. Finn Balor in a No Disqualification Match

Sampson worked on Balor’s shoulder and attacked him with a steel chair. Balor recovered by trapping Sampson inside the ring apron and then delivered a running mule kick. Balor then attacked Sampson with multiple chair shots. Balor had the match won after delivering the Coup de Grace but the lights went out as Bray Wyatt appeared in the ring. Wyatt delivered the Sister Abigail as Sampson crawled over and pinned Balor.

• A pretty good match as the WWE Universe was firmly behind Balor.

WWE aired a video package of Renee Young interviewing  Jason Jordan and Angle on the award-winning WWE Network.

Backstage: Renee Young interviewed Kurt Angle

Angle said he was nervous about watching his son wrestle Curt Hawkins. Emma walked in and claimed that she started the Women’s Revolution but hasn’t gotten any opportunities. Emma said in order to get a chance she might have to date Jordan. Angle responded by making a match between Nia Jax and Emma.

Backstage: Enzo Amore & Big Show

Big Show asked Enzo if it’s a wise decision to face Big Cass? Enzo said screw plans, he was going to take the fight to Cass.

Big Cass def. Enzo Amore

This was a squash match as Big Cass won after delivering two Empire Elbows and a big boot.

• Cass continued to attack Amore after the match as Big Show came out. Cass tossed Amore into Big Show and delivered a big boot. Cass then laid out Big Show with the Empire Elbow and a various of other moves.

Renee Young interviewed Raw Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss

Bliss said she will watch Banks and Bayley destroy their friendship and after tonight she will be the real winner as the crowd cheered.

Nia Jax def. Emma

Nia Jax squashed Emma as she won after delivering a somersault moonsault.

Backstage: Charly Caruso interviewed Akira Tozawa

Tozawa said he wanted to wrestle Ariya Daivari tonight. Titus O’Neil approached Tozawa and said he got the match cancelled. Tozawa slapped O’Neil and headed to the ring.

Ariya Daivari attacked WWE Cruiserweight Champion Neville and Akira Tozawa

Tozawa called out Daivari but instead Neville came out. Tozawa attacked Neville and delivered a top rope senton but hurt his shoulder in the process. Daivari came out and delivered a pair of chickenwing-clothesline’s to both Neville and Tozawa and then posed with the Cruiserweight Title.

Backstage: Bayley and Sasha Banks

Banks approached Bayley backstage and was furious over the comments Bliss made earlier. Banks said she couldn’t wait to get her hands on that little troll at SummerSlam. Bayley said Banks should focus on her match tonight.

Backstage: Renee Young interviewed Jason Jordan

Jordan said it was surreal that his childhood hero was also his biological dad

Backstage: Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins

Rollins wanted to go over strategy but Ambrose said he wasn’t one for planning. Rollins said his approach against the Miz hasn’t worked lately. Ambrose said Rollins needs to worry about three people, but he needs to worry about four people.

Bayley def. Sasha Banks in a Number One Contender’s Match

Bliss came out for commentary. Banks and Bayley went back-and-forth early on in the match. The crowd picked up after Banks had Bayley trapped in the Bank Statement. Bayley battled back and broke out of the hold with a snap mare. Bayley went for the Bayley-to-Bayley, but Banks slapped her so Bayley slapped her back. The crowd popped after Bayley delivered a running knee, but Banks no sold the move and delivered a Shining Wizard as there was a big duelling chant. Finish came with Banks delivering a Frog Splash and got a two count, but Bayley reversed into a lateral press and got the win.

• I enjoyed the match. Bliss entered the ring and posed with the Raw Women’s Title. Banks was seen in the corner nearly in tears which could lead to her heel turn at SummerSlam

Backstage: Charly Caruso interviewed Curt Hawkins

Hawkins said he will ruin Jordan’s Raw in-ring debut.

Jason Jordan def. Curt Hawkins

Jordan pulled down his singlet and delivering a jumping neck breaker for the win.

The Revival came out and said they sent the New Day packing to SmackDown Live and defeated the Hardy Boyz. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson came out and cut a promo on the Revival. This led to a match.

The Revival def. Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson

A good back-and-forth match as Matt and Jeff Hardy came out and caused a distraction. The finish came with The Revival delivering the Shatter Machine to Anderson for the win.

• The Hardy Boyz attacked the Revival after the match. Jeff delivered the Poetry in Motion to Wilder and Matt followed up with the Twist of Fate to Wilder. Jeff went for the Swanton Bomb but Dawson pulled Wilder to safety.

Backstage: The Miz, Maryse and the Miztourage

Miz and Maryse mocked Hollywood for making remakes and cut a heel promo on Ambrose and Rollins.

Dean Ambrose & Seth Rollins def. The Miz (w/Maryse) & Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel in a two-on-three handicap match

Miz mocked Daniel Bryan by delivering his shitty version of the “Yes” kicks. Ambrose got the hot tag after Miz and Rollins delivered a double clothesline to each other. Ambrose ran wild and delivered a bulldog to Dallas and a clothesline to Axel at the same time.  The Miz came back and delivered the Skull Crushing Finale but Rollins made the save. Ambrose and Rollins delivered double suicide dives at the same time to Axel and Dallas on the floor. Miz was once again setting up for the Skull Crushing Finale but Rollins made the save by delivering a flying knee from the top turnbuckle.  Finish came with Ambrose delivering the Dirty Deeds to The Miz for the win.

• After the match Ambrose and Rollins shared a brief hug. Rollins put his fist out for the Shield pose but Ambrose left him hanging. This could be just a major swerve and lead to a Ambrose heel turn.

Overall

An enjoyable episode of Monday Night Raw as WWE announced some big matches for  SummerSlam. WWE is leading fans to a possible mini Shield reunion or a possible swerve or some sorts.

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Image Credit – WWE