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KELLER’S WWE RAW REPORT
JUNE 1, 2020
ORLANDO, FLA. AT PERFORMANCE CENTER
AIRED ON USA NETWORK
Announcers: Tom Phillips, Byron Saxton, Samoa Joe
[HOUR ONE]
-They opened with a wide shot of the Performance Center, with trainees applauding as the Raw opening theme played. Phllips plugged that Drew McIntyre would face MVP tonight. Samoa Joe plugged the bowling contest between The Viking Raiders and Street Profits. Saxton plugged the Charlotte vs. Asuka. Phillips plugged the Rey Mysterio Retirement Ceremony.
-Seth Rollins made his ring entrance. They showed highlights of Seth last week beating down Humberto Carrillo until Aleister Black confronted Seth. Live in the ring, Seth said tonight is a big night. Austin Theory and Murphy sat at ringside and dutifully looked on. He said Aleister Black is confused about the Mysterio situation and has left him no choice but to enlighten him himself. He said if you know Rey as much as he does, he’s too humble and modest to come out to the ring and call himself a legend, so it’s his duty as a leader to appreciate Rey as a sacrifice for the greatest good of Monday Night Raw. He said it’s time to stop and let that sink in. He said this moment will live in time forever. He said in his darkest hour, Rey presented himself to him so he could stand before them and lead Raw into the future. Boos from the audience. He said to honor the end of Rey’s career, he has prepared a video package. “Let’s all take a moment to enjoy the greatness that is Rey Mysterio,” he said.
The video showed Rey up close and then standing up to wrestlers over the years and then diving onto them during matches. Back live, Seth said when his time comes, it would be his honor to personally induct him into the WWE Hall of Fame. Aleister Black ran out and attacked Seth. Seth bailed out to ringside where Murphy and Theory protected him. [c]
(1) SETH ROLLINS vs. ALEISTER BLACK
A couple minutes in, Seth bailed out to ringside again to regroup with Murphy and Theory after a flurry by Black. A distraction by Black opened him up for a Seth comeback. Seth mounted Black and punched away at him. Seth dove through the ropes and crashed into Black against the barricade at 5:00. A minute later Black caught Seth with a kick, but Seth backdropped him over the top rope seconds later. When Murphy and Theory approached Black, Humberto ran out with a chair. His music played before he ran out or he could have really snuck up on them. [c]
Seth controlled the action after the break. Phillips said they will hear from Rey later with an update on his right eye, his future, and his family. Black rallied again and landed a cabrada for a two count. Humberto remained at ringside, looking on intensely. Black landed a German suplex into a bridge for a two count. Seth blocked Black Mass and landed a spinning elbow and an enzuigiri followed by a Falcon Arrow for a near fall. Black lifted his knees on a top rope Seth frog splash attempt. Black flipped off the top rope onto Seth on the floor as they cut to another break. [c]
A minute after returning live, Black caught a leaping Seth with a leaping knee to his face. Seth went down hard. Black staggered around and set up a Black Mass, but Murphy and Theory leaped onto the ring apron. Humberto grabbed them, but soon he was beaten down. Seth rolled up a distracted Black for a two count. Black came right back with his own roll-up for the three count. Seth sat up looking shocked.
WINNER: Black in 22:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: Really good match. Big win for Black, too.)
-Afterward, Seth, Murphy, and Theory beat up Humberto and Black. Seth delivered a Stomp to Humberto. Murphy and Theory held Black as he called Seth a coward. Seth asked if he wanted to be a hero, because he warned him what would happen if he got in his way. He then delivered a Stomp to Black. Then Seth stood and closed his eyes and soaked up the moment.
-Phillips plugged Raw Talk, which returns on WWE Network tonight. Today WWE introduced a free version of WWE Network with reduced offerings and no credit card required.
-A sponsored video recap aired of the Apollo Crews journey to the U.S. Title.
-Charly Caruso interviewed Angel Garza and Zelina Vega. A clip aired of Garza attacking KO’s leg from behind last week before then beating him in a match. Garza continued to flirt with Caruso as he responded to her question. He said in competition and seduction, one must always stay a step ahead. Vega said Garza’s win was triumphant. Garza said if someone is upset with his actions, they’ve never wanted something as badly as he does. She stared at him. Caruso thanked him for his time. He presented her with a rose and said, “No, thank you.” Garza walked away. Vega stuck around and yanked the rose away from her and stripped off the pedals.
(Keller’s Analysis: Where is the Garza-Caruso thing going?)
-Phillips hyped that Shawn Michaels was going to address Edge-Randy Orton next, “what could be the greatest wrestling match ever.” [c]
-Philips threw to Michaels talking about some of his greatest matches such as Ric Flair, John Cena, Kurt Angle, Diesel, Razor Ramon, Bret Hart, and Undertaker. He said they’d be there all day if he talked about all of his greatest matches. He said Edge and Orton have the set the stage for the Greatest Wrestling Match Ever, “and I think you can deliver on it.” He said he’s going with Edge as his pick.
(Keller’s Analysis: Can something be done to get Shawn Michaels to talk like a regular human being on TV again? He’s just so needlessly a goof now, acting like a cartoon character for no reason. It’s like he watched Jon Stewart as Raw Guest Host and thought that was the ideal way he’d present himself in public the rest of his life. It’s like he’s constantly trying to make a baby or a toddler giggle at his over-the-top mannerisms and demeanor. It’s unbecoming and irritating.)
-A video package aired hyping the Drew-MVP match.
-Lana approached MVP and asked who he thinks he is by trying to get into her husband’s head. MVP shouted for her to be quiet. He said he likes her, but he has actual work to do to get ready for a match against the WWE Champion. He said he doesn’t have time or desire to get sucked into her attention-seeking drama she’s got going on. Lana said she has been biting her tongue, but she sees him as nothing but a leech, using Bobby to revive his washed up career. MVP said it’s not remotely true, but even if it was, “wouldn’t that make two of us?” Lana hung her head, took a deep breath, then slapped MVP and walked away. [c]
[HOUR TWO]
-A recap aired of the Seth segment at the top of the show including the post-match attack on Rey. They also replayed Seth’s attacking Rey’s eye. Phillips then plugged Rey would address his future later on Raw.
-Kayla was all smiles as she introduced Apollo Crews. He wore the U.S. Title belt proudly to the ring. (Was that Robert Stone in the audience wearing an Edge t-shirt and ballcap applauding Crews that they zoomed in on during his ring entrance?) He said it’s still surreal to him that he’s standing before them as U.S. Champion. Crews said there are a long list of wrestlers he’d like to defend his title against, but the one he’s picking tonight is truly deserving – Kevin Owens. Phillips called it a bold choice. Joe called it a “beyond bold choice.”
Owens walked out and congratulated him. He said he’s not one to turn down title opportunities, but after what happened to him last week with Garza, he feels this offer is almost coming out of pity. Crews insisted it isn’t, that it’s all about respect. Owens said in that case, he does feel bad about it. Crews said he deserves it. Owens said he knows he deserves it after all the blood, sweat, and tears he’s put into this place the last five years. He said what makes him feel bad is how short Apollo’s reign is going to be. Crews smiled and got ready for the match.
(2) APOLLO CREWS vs. KEVIN OWENS – U.S. Title match
KO set up a running dive a minute in, but Crews stepped aside and then KO stopped. They fought at ringside, with KO landing a senton splash on Crews on the floor. KO then threw Crews into the ring, climbed to the top rope, landed a cannonball off the top rope, and scored a near fall. Crews avoided a Pop-Up Powerbomb, then went for a pump kick. KO kicked him in the gut. The announcers wondered if it was a low blow. The ref asked if he did it on purpose. Replays didn’t show where it made contact. The ref told KO to back away. When Crews stood, the ref called on them to resume. Crews immediately punched KO. They exchanged blows and rolled to the floor as they cut to a break. [c]
Back live, they were in the ring exchanging punches. KO landed a headbutt, but Crews came back with a kick and a powerslam for a two count. Crews avoided a Pop-Up Powerbomb attempt again and landed an enzuigiri. He then hit an Olympic Slam for a two count. Crews landed a standing moonsault next for another two count. Crews landed two running Stinger splashes, but KO moved on a third attempt and landed a superkick. KO then quickly leaped off the top rope, but Crews raised his knees. Garza and Andrade ran in and attacked both of them as Zelina cheered them on.
WINNER: No contest in 10:00 so Crews retained the U.S. Title. [c]
(3) KEVIN OWENS & APOLLO CREWS vs. ANDRADE & ANGEL GARZA (w/Zelina Vega)
The heel duo dominated early. Crews slipped out of a Garza wing clipper and then hot-tagged in KO. Garza leaped to tag in Andrade. Garza poked KO in his eyes, then Andrade took control. KO made a comeback, then tagged in Crews. Garza took over quickly with a suplex, but Crews countered with an Olympic slam. Garza then hit KO’s knee as he stood on the ring apron. Crews slidekicked him, but Andrade rolled him up from behind for a two count. Crews landed an enzuigiri, then a toss powerbomb for the win.
WINNERS: Crews & Owens in 6:00.
-Kayla interviewed Asuka backstage. Asuka was full of energy and smiles. Kayla asked how she is preparing for her match. Asuka said she is always better than Charlotte. She said the Empress never bows down to anyone. [c]
-An NXT commercial hyped Drake Maverick vs. El Hijo del Fantasma and Mia Yim vs. Candice LaRae.
-At ringside, Phillips hyped NXT on USA. Saxton excitedly then threw to the bowling skit.
-After recapping the prior battles, they cut to the bowling alley. Erik introduced the Profits to bowling shoes. Ivar shoved a bowling ball into the gut of Angelo Dawkins, who sold it in a slapstick way. The Raiders were good. The Profits were inept. Out came the red cups. They argued in a friendly way over whether to say “Cheers!” or “Skol!” The Profits spit out the drinks and asked what it is. The Raiders said it’s a Viking tradition, goat’s milk. Montez Ford dropped his ball on the foot of the Raiders. The Raiders pulled a turkey leg out of the bowling ball returner. The Raiders raided the bowling alley kitchen, but backed away when the lady behind the counter found them and ordered them “Out!” She flirted with Ivar and said he’s cute, but Erik, “Not so much.” It was 100 to 21 after four frames. The Raiders called for the smoke. The lights went down and the fog and laser lights lit up. The Profits were suddenly really good at bowling and the Raiders game fell apart. The Raiders said, “Enough of this nonsense.” (I second that.) Ivar bowled himself into the pins for a strike. It was 2-2. The Raiders won game 2 by a 131-130 score.
-Back to the announcers, they were all smiles. Then they threw to a video package on the IIconics-Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross feud.
-Backstage, the IIconics and Bliss & Nikki were in a big argument. Adam Pearce stepped between them. [c]
(4) NIKKI CROSS (w/Alexa Bliss) vs. BILLIE KAYE (w/Peyton Royce)
Kaye scored a near fall after a kick early. Nikki eventually made a comeback and showed enthusiastic fire. She climbed to the top rope. Phillips called her a pinball of energy. Kaye moved out of her path. Nikki crashed to the mat. Phillips foreshadowed her loss saying she probably came into this match wanting to prove something against Kaye. Kaye landed a sitout powebomb/urinage move for the win.
WINNER: Kaye in 5:00.
-Backstage, Caruso interviewed Drew McIntyre backstage. He fantasized about hitting the Claymore against MVP, Lashley, and anyone else who stands up to him. He almost left his belt behind, then reached back into the picture and grabbed it as Caruso smiled. [c]
-The announcers hyped Raw Talk and announced that the Street Profits, Raiders, and Seth would be guests on the show.
-The announcers interviewed Rey remotely from home. He said his eye is still recovering and he doesn’t have a timetable on when or if he can return. He said it depends on how fast he can recover. He said if an infection sets in, it could be the end of his career. Joe asked if Rey is on Raw to retire tonight. (Rey just answered that.) Rey then said he doesn’t know his future. He said he could be cleared to compete in a few weeks or never cleared to compete again. He said he’s been thinking about his future for a long time now. Joe said considering the severity of his eye injury, he asked for his response to the Seth segment earlier. Rey said he wasn’t chosen by some higher power. He said Seth made a clear decision to try to blind him. In walked Dominic who said Seth isn’t a messiah, he’s barely a human being. Dominic said something has to be done by this family. Rey told him to chill. Dominic said he can’t do that given the situation. Rey thanked everyone for reaching out with their concerns. He said it means the world to him and his family. Rey then said, “Seth Rollins, damn you for everything you have put my family through.” He said his entire family watched blood run down his face and they saw the man that protects and provides for them suffer. He said he will never forgive Seth. Rey stood up and left. Dominic stayed and told Seth that he is a man of scripture: “An eye for an eye.” He stood and walked away.
-Nia Jax made her ring entrance. They aired a clip of Asuka knocking Jax down backstage two weeks ago. The audience heckled Jax. She said she did not start this. She said she has been repeatedly attacked by Asuka and Kairi. She said not to believe the hype because they aren’t who they say they are. “It’s all smoke and mirrors,” she said. She said Asuka was gifted the Raw Women’s Title “because of hormones.” She said Becky got pregnant, then gifted Asuka the belt. “Oh, hugs, kisses.” She said at Backlash, she’ll expose Asuka for the back-stabbing, undermining charlatan that she really is. Her music began playing again. [c]
-They went to a skit in Foxboro, Mass. where Gronk was wearing his 24/7 Title. He was being filmed for Tic Toc doing a dance. There was a yard worker. Gronk asked the camera guy who it was. The camera guy said just a yard worker, not to worry. The camera guy then took off his jacket and revealed a referee shirt. R-Truth rolled Gronk up for a three count to regain his 24/7 Title.
(5) NIX JAX vs. KAIRI SANE
During Kairi’s entrance, they showed Asuka cheering her on backstage while watching on a monitor. Jax dominated early. Kairi rallied a few minutes in and went for a spin kick. Jax avoided her and slammed her head into the ring apron. Then she threw Kairi into the ringside steps. Lots of jeers from the audience throughout. Back in the ring, Jax landed a legdrop for the win.
WINNER: Jax in 3:00.
-Asuka ran to the ring after the match and got in the face of Jax. Jax rolled out of the ring.
-They went to the announcers at ringside. Phillips talked about Edge vs. Orton. They threw to a clip of Edge’s promo last week. They went to Orton backstage. Phillips said they’d hear from Orton next. [c]
-Orton addressed the camera. He said for the past few months, he’s watched WWE Network and caught up on Undertaker’s Last Ride documentary, Chronicle, 24, and “hell, even Ride Along.” He said what every WWE Superstar seems to have in common is the thought that Ric Flair is the greatest ever. “I agree,” he said. Then he saw Flair endorse him and say he is the best to ever lace up a pair of boots. “You know what, Edge?” he said. “You said the same.” He said two weeks ago on Raw, Edge claimed he didn’t have a passion for the business and was handed everything and did it for the paycheck and was complacent and comfortable. “You know what? You’re right. What can I say?” he said. He said for 20 years he’s half-assed it and accomplished more than him or anyone else. He told Edge he had to scratch and claw, whereas all he had to do was lace up his boots and prove he is the best. He said at Backlash he’ll do the same. He said he will prove he is better than him at Backlash. “I set the bait,” he said. “You bit. And now your storybook ending is going to be rewritten by the three most destructive letters in sports entertainment – R-K-O.”
(Keller’s Analysis: Really good promo.)
-Charlotte made her ring entrance. [c]
-Charlotte told the hecklers to respect their NXT Champion. She talked about her NXT Title match at Takeover against Io Shirai and Rhea Ripley. She said those two represent who everyone in the audience should want to be like. She said they share the Performance Center and she is rooting for them. “I want one of you to be the next Rhea Ripley, one of you to be the next Io Shirai, so I can make you bow down.” She asked if everyone knows that Asuka was the first Women’s Royal Rumble winner, the longest undefeated streak in WWE history, and is a Grand Slam Champion. She said it seems The Empress wants to be like The Queen, while smiling. She was interrupted by Asuka’s entrance at that point.
(6) CHARLOTTE FLAIR vs. ASUKA
Charlotte yelled at Asuka about the times she’s defeated her as she went on early offense. She went on the attack on Asuka’s leg and they cut to a break, but stayed with the action on split-screen. [c]
Asuka made a comeback with rapid-fire strikes and a Shining Wizard for a near fall. She went for an Asuka lock. Charlotte leveraged Asuka’s shoulders down and pounded on her, then twisted her into a Boston Crab mid-ring. Asuka powered out and applied an anklelock. Asuka came back with a flying armdrag into another armbar. She applied a triangle. Joe got really excited calling this sequence. Charlotte lifted Asuka and powerbombed her for a near fall. “What a match!” said Joe. Asuka’s head bounced off the mat on that one. Charlotte set up a figure-four leglock, but Asuka kicked her off. Charlotte knocked her off the ring apron to the floor with a big boot. Asuka’s music played and out danced Nia Jax, mocking Asuka in a mask. Asuka yelled at her and got counted out. Jax clotheslined Asuka on the ramp. Then her music played.
WINNER: Charlotte via countout in 8:00.
-Caruso interviewed Lana about the MVP-Lashley situatiuon. Lana laughed about slapping MVP. Caruso asked if it was Bobby’s idea when he asked Lana not to be at ringside for his matches because her beauty is so distracting. Caruso asked if it was MVP’s idea, perhaps. Lana said she’s certain it was MVP, in fact. She suddenly got an idea she was proud of: “My Bobby requested I don’t go out to the ring during his match, but he never said anything about MVP’s match.” She let out a cartoon villain laugh and walked away. [c]
-A Smackdown commercial promised that Jeff Hardy would tell all, plus Bayley & Sasha Banks challenge for the Women’s Tag Team Titles.
(7) DREW MCINTYRE vs. MVP (w/Bobby Lashley)
Lana came out, too. Lashley didn’t look thrilled. Drew smiled. Drew went after MVP aggressively at the bell. MVP eyed-poked Drew at ringside at 2:00. MVP shoved Drew into the ringpost from behind. Drew climbed to the top rope and landed a chop to the head, then kipped up. He set up a Claymore, so Lashley pulled MVP to ringside. Drew flip dove over the top rope onto both of them. Drew banged the plexiglass in celebration. Then he counted down from three and landed the Claymore for the win.
WINNER: McIntyre in 6:00.
-Lashley immediately put Drew in a full nelson as the show ended.
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