6/27 WWE Raw Results – CALDWELL’S Complete TV Report

WWE continues the Road to Battleground with new WWE champion, Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns suspended, and more from John Cena and A.J. Styles. …

WWE Raw TV Report
June 27, 2016 – Episode #1,205
Live in Tampa, Fla.
Report by James Caldwell (@JCTorch), PWTorch assistant editor

APP ALERT: If you are reading the Report on our new App, visit the mobile version of the report by HARD-PRESSING THIS LINK for the most frequent updates. VIP MEMBERS: Access your ad-free version by HARD-PRESSING THIS LINK.

The Line-up

• Week 9 of Shane & Stephanie McMahon running Raw
• Week 2 of Dean Ambrose as WWE World Hvt. champion
• Seth Rollins opening Raw
• Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel with Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
• WWE tag champions New Day addresses The Wyatts
• U.S. champion Rusev vs. Titus O’Neil (non-title match)

***

Seth Rollins opened the show. Rollins started to talk about Battleground, but paused to discuss the Roman Reigns situation. He said he brought Reigns into the fold and that mistake that got him suspended embarrasses him. Seth wanted to review the statement.

WWE flashed his tweet on the screen, mocking Reigns’s statement on his Wellness Policy violation. Rollins asked about the fans he’s apologizing to. (Boos from the crowd) Rollins mockingly said it’s so manly to “own it” after the mistake. Rollins said the reality is he owns Reigns. He said Reigns doesn’t deserve a second chance. And, he doesn’t deserve to be in the main event of Battleground. So, the right thing to do is to take him out of that match (cheers), and give him the one-on-one re-match with Dean Ambrose that he deserves.

Suddenly, Dean Ambrose’s music played to bring out the WWE World champion. Ambrose walked around the ring, then grabbed a mic down at ringside. Ambrose walked into the ring, held up the title belt in front of Seth, told him to take a good look at the belt, and taunted him a little bit more as Seth seethed.

Ambrose brushed up next to Rollins, wanting to know what’s wrong with him. You look a little sick. Is this about Roman or him holding the WWE Title? Ambrose said Reigns made a mistake and he made a mistake being friends with Rollins. Dean said he’s not worried about Reigns’s suspension, just looking forward to the triple threat match at Battleground.

Suddenly, A.J. Styles’s music interrupted. This just got interesting. Styles said he agrees with Dean that Battleground should remain a triple threat – Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins vs. …. A.J. Styles. “Yes!” chants from the crowd as Styles walked into the ring.

Styles noted he beat John Cena in a dream match, so take out Reigns and put him in there to make everything right with the world. Dean said he’s pretty sure Roman is still in the match. Styles said he deserves it, so make it a fatal four-way match. Dean chuckled and said he doesn’t care. “I’ll whip all y’all,” Dean said. Rollins said no, no, no this needs to be a one-on-one match.

Suddenly, John Cena’s music interrupted to bring out Cena as Styles glared to the stage from the ring. Cena walked down to the ring declaring Dean Ambrose a fighting champion who will fight a friend, foe, or frog. Will he fight the franchise? Cena said there might be a mixed opinion about him, but he has held that title 15 times and today is his WWE birthday having his first match 14 years ago.

Cena said for the last 12 years, he’s been living right here in Tampa. And, the last time they faced off with the title on the line, Cena won. Cena told Ambrose to prove that time has changed. “Make it a fatal five-way!” Cena proclaimed. “No, no, no!” Seth shouted from the ring. He said it’s going to be a one-on-one match.

Suddenly, Stephanie McMahon’s music interrupted. She said she has a solution to their problem, but first, yes, Roman Reigns’s suspension was an embarrassment, but even more embarrassing is Dean Ambrose as WWE champion. She said she is mortified, so how are they going to reconcile this situation? So, let me ask my brother Shane McMahon. Oh wait, Shane is not here. Again.

Stephanie said she likes the idea of adding to the Battleground main event, but it has to be earned. She booked Rollins against Cena and Styles against Ambrose. If Cena and Styles win, then they will be added to the WWE Title match at Battleground. Good luck everyone, except you, Dean.

[Q2] Announcers: Michael Cole said it’s possible they end up with five wrestlers in the WWE Title match at Battleground by the end of the night.

Still to come: Chris Jericho’s Highlight Reel with Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens.

Backstage: Women’s champion Charlotte and Dana Brooke were shown walking down the hallway. On a separate split screen, Paige and Sasha Banks were shown walking. They meet in a tag match next.

Video Announcement: Brock Lesnar is the cover star for the “WWE 2K17” video game. Paul Heyman provided the narration.

[Commercial Break at 8:17]

In-ring: Paige was introduced to the ring as WWE highlighted their partnership with Special Olympics. Sasha Banks was out next to join with Paige against their common enemy in Charlotte. Out next were the Women’s champion and Dana Brooke.

1 — Women’s champion CHARLOTTE & DANA BROOKE vs. PAIGE & SASHA BANKS

As the bell sounded, Cole hyped Charlotte’s title reign combining the Divas and Women’s Titles. JBL brought up Ric Flair, planting seeds for a potential return. Charlotte teased locking up with Sasha to start the match, but she pulled the heel move backing out of the ring, making Dana start and Sasha wait. Sasha and Paige controlled Dana and get in offense heading to an early break.

[Commercial Break at 8:26]

[Q3] Back from break, Dana was roughing up Paige after the heels took control during the break. They built to Sasha finally getting a tag and cleaning house. Charlotte bailed to the floor, where Sasha smashed her with a clothesline.

Sasha nearly got rolled up by Dana getting back in the ring, but she kicked out, then locked Dana in the Bank Statement. Dana had to tap out. After the match, Sasha made it clear to Charlotte that she wants the Women’s Title.

WINNERS: Sasha & Paige at 8:39.

Announcers: Cole and Co. hyped WWE’s expansion to China. Cole said China is the 91st country to broadcast Raw live.

Video Review: Titus O’Neil snapped on Rusev last week. Up Next, they face each other one-on-one.

[Commercial Break at 8:34]

Draft plug: The Draft is coming July 19 on the first live Smackdown.

In-ring: Lana was standing by to introduce U.S. champion Rusev to the ring. First, stand up, America, and welcome out a true American hero, the all-time great U.S. champion Rusev. Out came the U.S. champion as WWE reviewed Rusev insulting Titus’s family at Money in the Bank eight days ago. Titus was out next introduced from Tampa, Florida.

2 — U.S. champion RUSEV (w/Lana) vs. TITUS O’NEIL — non-title match

As Titus walked to the ring, Cole said he talked to Titus before the show that he plans to keep his emotions in check tonight. Right on cue, Titus charged the ring and attacked Rusev. So much for that, said the announcers. The ref finally got separate to get the opening bell on the match.

Titus continued to assault Rusev, who responded with a big lariat to put Titus on the mat. Rusev followed with repeated punches over and over and over again. Just snapped on Titus. The ref could not get Rusev off Titus, who covered his face after taking the big beating.

Rusev punished Titus with corner blows, then he nailed an impressive-looking dropkick when O’Neil bounced the ropes. Rusev beat Titus back into the corner, but Titus caught him with an elbow to finally land some offense. Shoulder tackle. Clothesline. But, Rusev rolled out of the ring when Titus brought a foot his way. Rusev grabbed his title belt wanting to leave, but Titus gave chase. And, a double knock down clothesline put the two big men down on the floor.

Rusev got up at seven and charged Titus, who chucked him clear over the guardrail near Lilian Garcia. Titus rolled back into the ring at eight, Rusev remained KO’ed at nine, and Titus won by count-out. Post-match, Rusev seethed as he got back to his feet. Titus smiled and pointed to his head, indicating he one-upped Rusev tonight.

WINNER: Titus via count-out at 4:07. That’s one way to get Titus back in the title picture without having Rusev lose anything by losing.

[Q4] Still to come: Ambrose vs. Styles.

[Commercial Break at 8:46]

Backstage: Stephanie McMahon was walking and talking on the phone about Shane not really being needed. Suddenly, she bumped into Corporate Kane. Steph grumbled about him being here, then got off the phone. Kane said he wants to run live Smackdown. Steph said he is not going to run Smackdown, because she is.

Suddenly, IC champ The Miz and Maryse returned to TV following their “Marine 5” movie shoot. Miz bragged about his shoot, complained about his limo, and argued with Kane about his A-List movies vs. Kane’s indie flicks. (All under the WWE Studios umbrella.) Kane brought up a section of the rulebook about champions needing to defend his/her title within 30 days, or risk losing said title. Steph said that’s right and she likes the sound of a title match. “Against who?” Miz asked, annoyed. Steph that’s what you call a cliffhanger.

Up Next: Cena vs. Rollins at the top of the hour.

[Commercial Break at 8:53]

Just a Reminder: John Cena hosts ESPN’s ESPYs on July 13. Cole said he is the first “sports entertainer” to host the awards show. Yeah, when the NBA halftime show hoop-jumping poodle dog hosts an awards show, then we’re all cooked.

In-ring: Seth Rollins was introduced to the ring first for the first of two big matches with Battleground implications. After a pause, John Cena’s music played for the second time tonight to commence the sing-song of “John Cena Suuuuucks.” Cena vowed to have 14 more years in WWE before storming the ring.

[Q5 — second hour]

3 — JOHN CENA vs. SETH ROLLINS — If Cena wins, Cena is added to the Battleground main event

A lot of noise once the bell sounded to begin the match. It was a mix of about four different chants for and against Cena and Rollins. Crooked referee Charles Robinson waited for the crowd to get noise out of their system before telling them to lock up. Meanwhile, Cole talked about all of the connections, including Seth breaking Cena’s nose last year, both men being injured and returning around the same time, and of course being former champions.

Rollins and Cena traded control in the early portion of the match as the crowd broke into various dueling chants. Cena then hit the sit-out slam into a Five Knuckle Shuffle attempt, but Rollins kicked him in the head. Cena fell out of the ring and Seth mocked him doing You Can’t See Me to Cena and anyone else watching as Raw cut to break.

[Commercial Break at 9:06]

The match returned with Cena and Rollins going back and forth until Rollins caught Cena in the corner and gave him a corner Bucklebomb. Rollins wanted to end it with a top-rope frog splash, but Cena moved out of the way and Seth crashed into the pool. Cena then climbed to the top, but he took too long. Seth quickly blocked him and delivered a suplex, rolled through, and hit the Falcon Arrow for a close two count.

[Q6] Seth kept Triple H in the conversation teasing the Pedigree, but Cena blocked and hoisted Rollins onto his shoulders to deliver the AA. Cover, but Seth put his foot on the bottom rope to stop the count. Cena wanted the AA again, but Seth blocked and went for the Pedigree again, but Cena blocked and slapped on the STF.

Suddenly, A.J. Styles and The Club walked out on-stage sans music, then walked down to the ring. Cena was like, “Really, now?” Cena stood his ground in the ring trying to assess the situation, then Styles jumped on the ring apron. Cena took a swipe at Styles, but Styles jumped off the ring apron. Seth capitalized with a Pedigree to Cena. And it was good for the win, preventing Cena from making Battleground.

Post-match, Styles told a celebratory Seth that he owes him one. “You lost again!” Luke Gallows hollered toward Cena while Karl Anderson laughed at one-upping Cena again.

WINNER: Rollins at 16:01. Nice match between Rollins and Cena. It’s clear where they’re going with this now, but it was fine to continue advancing Cena-Styles.

[Commercial Break at 9:19]

Back from break, Enzo Amore’s music played to bring out Enzo and Big Cass for the next match. But, first, Enzo introduced himself and Cass with their usual pre-match routine. Already in the ring were … jobbers. Enzo talked to The People that they are the wave and they are going to ride it straight to the top. He wanted a visual, so he asked for yes, a wave.

4 — ENZO AMORE & BIG CASS vs. TWO GUYS

Enzo and Cass led a wave as the jobbers looked for an opening to lock up. Instead, Big Cass nailed a big boot, then launched Enzo for a quick pin and the win. Afterward, Cass said there is only one way to describe their opponents. S-A-W-F-T.

WINNERS: Cass & Enzo at 0:31.

Suddenly, the Social Outcasts’s music interrupted to bring back Curtis Axel, Heath Slater, and Bo Dallas following their movie shoot with Miz. Bo said there is only one way to describe them. H-A-R-D. Slater said they are hard and looking for some action. Axel said some real hard OGs are about to hit this ring. “So, what you’re saying is your hard?” Enzo deadpanned to laughs. “And, which one is the hardest?” Cass wanted to know.

The Outcasts argued, then Bo cut them off, saying don’t fall for it. He said they’re going to prove how hard they are. Bo immediately took a big boot to the face, then the Outcasts backed off. Cass said there is only one way to describe the Outcasts. S-A-W-F-T.

Still to come: Miz faces The Silhouette for the IC Title. And, Jericho with the Highlight Reel.

[Q7] [Commercial Break at 9:30]

Life Lessons with Coach Backlund: Today, Darren Young, it’s time to review all of your goals. D-Young wants to be great, not just good. He said he wants to win singles gold. And maybe someday main-event WrestleMania. Backlund said he was tag champion with Pedro Morales during the Bob Backlund Era, so let’s make this the Darren Young Era.

Announcers: Cole, Byron Saxton, and JBL reacted to the latest video. Cole then read a PSA for WWE and the Special Olympics. A video followed.

On-stage: Renee Young, Big Show, and the president of Special Olympics North America were standing by with athletes. Big Show and Renee talked about playing unified.

Still to come: Dean Ambrose vs. A.J. Styles.

[Commercial Break at 9:39]

Back from break, Cole asked people in Miami to please come to Smackdown. He plugged Dean Ambrose in the house tomorrow night.

In-ring: Summer Rae was hanging out in the ring for women’s action, then Cole and Co. talked to Natalya down at ringside for commentary. Natalya said she’s been a really nice person for a long time and now it’s time for a change. She said being nice has gotten her walked on. Becky Lynch was out next looking more angry than fun-loving tonight.

Becky hit the ring, then quickly rolled right out of the ring, and she attacked Natalya. Becky smashed Natalya into the guardrail as the crowd chanted her name. “You messed with the wrong girl!” Becky yelled as the ref tried to restrain her. Natalya, stunned, walked away from ringside toward the back. Apparently there will not be a match.

[Q8] Up Next: Jericho’s Highlight Reel with Zayn and Owens.

[Commercial Break at 9:46]

Back from break, WWE ran a plug for the Cruiserweight tournament kicking off July 13 on WWE Network.

Ringside: Jameis Winston of the Tampa Bay Bucs was ringside taking in Raw.

Highlight Reel

Chris Jericho was introduced to the ring for his talk show segment. Standing in near-darkness, Jericho looked around the arena with angry eyes, then asked for quiet. He said this is the Highlight Reel and you will be quiet. Jericho said his guests tonight have ruined each other’s lives, and now they’re affecting him. So, he wants to get to the bottom of this.

Jericho called out Kevin Owens first. After Owens made his entrance, Sami Zayn was introduced to the ring. Zayn and Owens stared each other down as Jericho talked about them being best friends at one time. Jericho tried to stir the pot, but Zayn cut him off, saying they need this to end. Zayn suggested they end this at Battleground. He said they might be drafted to two different shows on July 19, so it’s time to end this on July 24.

Owens, leaning against the ropes listening, did not react. Zayn said this is the real Kevin Owens – a liar. He said he knows the truth about why Owens really turned on him when he first came to WWE. That you resent me for being signed to WWE first. “Grow a set and say it to my face!” Zayn shouted.

Owens slowly walked toward the middle of the ring to address Zayn. Owens slowly spoke. He said he has already told the truth. He said he did it to advance his career. Owens laughed to himself. He said Zayn is the one who ruined their friendship. It’s your fault. Because everything they’ve done during their careers was to make it to WWE. Owens said he was happy for Zayn being signed, just like he should have been happy for him. Owens said he was always a better friend to Zayn than he was to him.

[Q9 — third hour] Owens said none of that matters now because if you want to settle this at Battleground, then you got it. Jericho said this is huge – Owens vs. Zayn at Battleground. Jericho got in Zayn’s face, calling him a terrible friend. Jericho said Owens is trying to follow his lead, unlike Zayn, who has his head so far up his rear that he still cares what these mutton-heads in the crowd think. Jericho wanted to smash Zayn in the face. But, he won’t do it. He’ll let Owens do that at Battleground.

Jericho said the fact that they’re both in the ring with him makes them special. So, you’re welcome. And, he’s going to give them what they want and need. The gift of Jericho. Drink it in, man! Zayn and Owens backed up, then dual-superkicked Jericho in the mush. Zayn and Owens stared each other down, then Owens slowly left the ring as Zayn sold anger with the comments from Owens and Jericho.

Announcers: Cole fed to earlier in the show when Seth Rollins wanted a one-on-one title shot at Battleground. But, Styles placed himself in the mix. And then Cena tried to get in the mix. But, Cena lost his qualifying match against Rollins.

Tonight: Ambrose vs. Styles to see if Styles qualifies.

Up Next: Miz’s mystery IC Title defense.

[Commercial Break at 10:06]

In-ring: The Miz was introduced to the ring with Maryse with the red-carpet treatment for his return from the movie shoot. Suddenly, Kane’s pyro shot off to bring out Big Red Kane as Miz’s opponent. That’s the best Stephanie could come up with? From the ring, Lilian Garcia handled formal ring introductions.

5 — IC champion THE MIZ (w/Maryse) vs. KANE — Intercontinental Title match

When Miz was in trouble with a chokeslam looming, Maryse got on the ring apron. Maryse yelled at Kane, then fell down feigning an injury. Maryse shrieked in pain on the floor, so Miz checked on her. Miz then scooped up Maryse and carried her to the back as he was counted out. Meanwhile, Kane randomly sat up in the ring.

WINNER: Kane via count-out at 3:29; Miz retained the IC Title. This was a complete waste of time and the audience didn’t care. WWE decided to keep the IC Title on Miz going into his movie shoot, brought him back cold for a cold match with Kane, and now the belt is back to being cold again.

[Q10] And WWE moved right along to announcing Cesaro & Apollo Crews vs. Sheamus & Alberto Del Rio next. Why wasn’t Cesaro re-inserted into the IC Title situation?

[Commercial Break at 10:17]

Backstage: Miz carried Maryse down the hallway. What’s wrong with you? Is your ankle broken? Maryse cracked a smile and said she was acting. Miz said that was … amazing. Emmy-worthy. They smooched, enjoying each other’s heel tactics.

In-ring: Cesaro was introduced to the ring as Cole noted the Raw and Smackdown podiums on the stage. Cole said they will be “COOs” of Raw and Smackdown when the Draft opens. So, Triple H in the mix? Apollo Crews was out next to join Cesaro for tag action.

Sheamus and Alberto Del Rio were out next individually, flashing back to the League of Nations. Del Rio smacked Sheamus on the back on the way down to ringside, then told Sheamus to go ahead and start the match.

6 — APOLLO CREWS & CESARO vs. ALBERTO DEL RIO & SHEAMUS

Sheamus bailed from the match, forcing Del Rio in via tag. So, Crews dropkicked Del Rio across the ring. Cesaro tagged in and put Del Rio on the Uppercut Train. But, the heels cut off Cesaro to begin working him over.

Suddenly, Del Rio smashed his own tag partner Sheamus with an enzuigiri kick, waking up the crowd. Del Rio walked away from the match. Meanwhile, Crews, who was now legal, dropkicked the ring steps into Sheamus. Crews rolled Sheamus back into the ring and hit a sit-out powerbomb for the pin and the win.

WINNERS: Crews & Cesaro at 5:00. Another cold match in the middle of the third hour trying to get over … Del Rio, Crews, Cesaro? The mid-card really needs a restart via the Draft.

[Q11] Backstage: Jo-Jo brought in WWE champion Dean Ambrose. Is being champion everything he expected? Not yet. He thought maybe he would get a parade outside of WWE HQ, but something about permits and red tape. Ambrose said he likes having things coming at him, like the Phenomenal A.J. Styles. Suddenly, Stephanie McMahon walked in to revisit how appalled she is that Ambrose is champion. “You know, deep down, she really likes me,” Ambrose told Jo-Jo to send Raw to break.

[Commercial Break at 10:32]

This Thursday: Dean Ambrose is on Miz TV this week on Smackdown.

New Day Meets Wyatts

Suddenly, the Wyatt theme interrupted. It was New Day dressed as the Wyatts complete with overalls, tanktops, jeans, and bodysuits.

In-ring: New Day marched down to the ring mocking The Wyatts’s gimmick. Big E. said they smell and stink like an old piece of cabbage left on the side of the road right here in Tampa. Kofi Kingston said Cena already did the local stuff. But, Big E. said, he was born right here in Tampa. Xavier Woods said they should probably wrap this up, but Kofi cut him off, saying this is a roast. A roast! They will be here all night.

Suddenly, the Wyatts’s theme interrupted. Bray Wyatt stood on the stage with Erick Rowan and Braun Strowman to mock New Day. Bray said the masses line up like ravenous dogs to hear everything they want to hear from New Day. Bray talked over “New Day … Rocks” chants that he will tell everyone what they need to hear.

Wyatt told New Day to tell him how the Power of Positivity is going to help a man who lost his job. From the ring, Kofi said it’s not sayings, but a way of life. Big E. said it’s a song, a movement, something that flows through your body, baby. Something that you know nothing about.

Bray focused on Xavier, wanting to know if he agrees with them. He said Woods seems a bit shook. But, he can confide in him. “You can trust in me, Woods,” Bray said as he slowly walked down the ramp toward the ring. Can’t you see we’re just playing one of your games? Bray said in this game, there are no winners or losers, just malice and destruction. Bray entered false prophet mode saying one day every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess … that New Day falls.

Raw cut to a backstage shot of A.J. Styles, Karl Anderson, and Doc Gallows talking strategy ahead of the main event.

[Q12] [Commercial Break at 10:44]

SportsCenter plug: Bray Wyatt and the Wyatts on ESPNews tomorrow night.

Backstage: Xavier Woods continued to be distant as Kofi Kingston and Big E. jumped and celebrated. Renee Young caught up with them and Xavier remained distant not joining in as Big E. and Kofi interacted with Renee. Xavier eventually just walked away, then Kofi and Big tried to catch up with him.

In-ring: Dean Ambrose was introduced to the ring for the high-stakes main event. Cole hyped the triple threat title match at Battleground, adding that Styles can be added if he wins the main event. Seth Rollins was on commentary for the match, then A.J. Styles was introduced to the ring without The Club. Cole read a dry plug for a special “Fourth of July” Raw next Monday, a reminder that WWE isn’t trying to prop up next week’s holiday show.

7 — WWE World Hvt. champion DEAN AMBROSE vs. A.J. STYLES — non-title match — if Styles wins, he’s added to the WWE Title match at Battleground

Back-and-forth start, then Styles teased the Clash and Ambrose teased Dirty Deeds. Stalemate, and they circled the ring heading to the final break of the show.

[Commercial Break at 10:54]

Styles controlled the action back from break as Rollins talked about his conflict of not wanting Styles to win, so he’s kind of rooting for Ambrose, making him feel conflicted. The crowd came to life rallying for Ambrose, which meant the Styles supporters came to life for a dueling chant.

[Q13 — over-run] Ambrose fired back on Styles with a neckbreaker for a two count. The battle moved to the top turnbuckle, where Ambrose delivered a super butterfly suplex. Ambrose followed with a clothesline, then tried a bulldog, but Styles blocked and hit a wheelbarrow slam for a two count.

Suddenly, Ambrose sold injuring his left leg. Styles looked to take advantage with the Calfcrusher in the middle of the ring. Ambrose crawled on his belly toward the bottom rope and he got it in time before having to tap out. Styles got back to his feet and charged Dean, who dumped him over the top rope to the floor. Ambrose shook off the leg pain and nailed a suicide dive on the outside.

Back in the ring, Dean limped to the top turnbuckle for a diving elbow, but Styles rolled through into a two count. Styles tried the Pele Kick, but Ambrose rebounded off the ropes into a rebound lariat.

Suddenly, The Club bounced down to ringside. Ambrose lost focus and took a brainbuster suplex for a two count. Then, John Cena stormed ringside to neutralize The Club. Cena stared down Styles, who yelled back at him. Styles then turned around and took Dirty Deeds. Ambrose covered Styles for the pin and the win.

WINNER: Ambrose at 15:34 to keep Battleground a triple threat. A glimpse of what could be a really stellar PPV match down the road (depending on their brand split placement). The outcome wasn’t in doubt after how Cena-Rollins ended earlier in the show, but it was fine for setting up the post-match.

Post-match, The Club attacked Cena on the floor. Dean Ambrose tried to figure out the situation, then Seth Rollins snuck into the ring and smashed him with the Pedigree. Meanwhile, Styles, Anderson, and Gallows beat up Cena on the entrance ramp. Styles pounded Cena on the stage, then called for the Magic Killer. Boom, Magic Killer on the stage. Styles yelled at Cena that he never should have gotten involved.

Meanwhile, back in the ring, Seth scooped up Ambrose and gave him another Pedigree. Seth took possession of the WWE Title belt, then put his boot on Ambrose’s face and stood tall over the champ. WWE cut back to The Club standing tall over Cena. Raw signed off with the heels standing tall over Cena and Ambrose from opposite sides of the arena. Soft ending with a quiet crowd as Raw closed 10 minutes past the top of the hour.

FINAL THOUGHTS: WWE had to figure out how to fill three hours of Raw without Roman Reigns, so they teased the idea of Cena and Styles being added to Battleground, but it became apparent it was just a roundabout way to tease the top two matches at Battleground. The rest of the show captured WWE being light on ideas until the brand split. Next week’s show Fourth of July show already feels skippable without anything set up for next week and Battleground four weeks away.

***

LIVECAST ALERT: We’re talking your calls on the Raw post-game show at 11:30 p.m. EST at PWTorchLivecast.com breaking down tonight’s show.

***

APP ALERT: If you are reading the Report on our new App, visit the mobile version of the report by HARD-PRESSING THIS LINK for the most frequent updates. VIP MEMBERS: Access your ad-free version by HARD-PRESSING THIS LINK.

Social Media Alert: Follow PWTorch staffer’s live, real-time tweets during Raw at Twitter.com/PWTorch/torch-staff.

Reax: We welcome your 0-10 score & comments on this show for a “Raw Reax” feature. To contribute your thoughts on Raw, email to pwtorch@gmail.com.

Shop: Do you shop on Amazon? Support PWTorch by using our ID when shopping. Just click THIS LINK and whatever you buy costs the same, but it gives back to PWTorch!