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KELLER’S WWE RAW REPORT
JULY 25, 2022
NEW YORK CITY, N.Y. AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK
Commentators: Jimmy Smith, Byron Saxton, Corey Graves
Ring Announcer: Mike Rome
Tonight after WWE Raw, join Wade Keller live with guest co-host Cameron Hawkins from the PWTorch East Coast Cast to break down the show with live callers and emails, plus an on-site correspondent relaying details from being in attendance.
•STREAM LIVE HERE ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER THE SHOW CONCLUDES
•CALL: (347) 215-8558
•EMAIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS: wadekellerpodcast@pwtorch.com
•IF YOU DON’T LISTEN LIVE, SEARCH “WADE KELLER” ON YOUR PODCAST APP TO SUBSCRIBE AND THEN DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THE FULL SHOW TWO HOURS OR SO AFTER THE TV SHOW ENDS.
[HOUR ONE]
-The “WWE Then, Now, Forever, Together” show opening aired.
(Keller’s Analysis: I was both fearful and hopeful that Triple H and Stephanie would have been edited into this in like 8 places, knocking out Undertaker, Steve Austin, Ric Flair, and John Cena.)
-They cut live to the ring where Miz and Logan Paul were brawling. Jimmy Smith, Corey Graves, and Byron Saxton said they couldn’t wait until the show started. Smith said Logan came out with a mic and said, “Come get me, Miz.” Officials separated them. They went to a replay of Miz charging out after Logan challenged him right before the show went live.
-They went to The Bloodline’s ring entrance as Smith touted the sellout at MSG. Roman Reigns, the Usos, and Paul Heyman walked out. The announcers talked about the brutality that will be part of the Summerslam main event.
(Keller’s Analysis: I don’t know what is planned for the rest of the show, but it’ll be telling if there’s no mention of Vince McMahon’s retirement on Raw tonight, and it’s only the brief Stephanie McMahon segment on Smackdown that acknowledges his retirement. Under better circumstances, certainly much more would be made his retirement. I’m also curious if Triple H holds back appearing on the show.)
Reigns told Madison Square Garden to acknowledge him. (Great camera angles of the packed MSG.) Reigns told “the Wise Man,” Heyman, that he doesn’t feel like talking anymore. Heyman said, “Ladies and gentleman, welcome to the Island of Relevancy.” His mic went out. When it came back on, Heyman said, “We have sound guy who must be from New Jersey or something. I want your name written down; you’re the next one out the door.” Heyman said this Sunday marks 700 days of the title reign of Roman, and he said it plays into the hands of Brock Lesnar who likes to rain on parades. Heyman said Lesnar ruined the parties of Randy Couture and Undertaker and John Cena.
Heyman said Reigns takes it personally because he’s tired of being tied into the legacy of Lesnar. “You think of the Knicks, you think of the Celtics. You think of the Yankees, you think of the Red Sox. You think of Hogan, you think of the Macho Man. You think of Stone Cold, you think of The Rock.” He said after this weekend, you won’t have to think of Brock Lesnar again. Heyman said this will be their last match together, Reigns will whip Lesnar. Reigns looked over toward Heyman and nodded. Heyman said his Tribal Chief has nothing to say tonight because he can’t stand the sound of the name Brock Lesnar. He said after Summerslam, Lesnar won’t be able to stand at all.
Theory’s music interrupted. He marched out, mic in hand. Reigns turned and sneered toward Theory. Theory it’s so funny to him that The Bloodline talks a lot, but seem to have forgotten the most important aspect of Summerslam. He said he’s going to take back his U.S. Title and also walk down to the ring and cash in his Money in the Bank contract against Lesnar or Reigns and be the new Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Reigns asked Theory to enter the ring. “Don’t be scared now,” he said. Reigns laughed as Theory took his time entering the ring . He said he understands that he’s nervous. He told New York to take it easy on him. “Wise man, we like him, we like him, right?” Heyman said, “He’s alright.”
Reigns said Theory has no clue what he’s doing with the briefcase. He said he needs a wiseman, someone to counsel him. Reigns volunteered to be that guy. He told Theory to look around and analyze the situation. “Your daddy’s not here anymore,” he said. Fans burst out with “ohhhhh!” The Usos laughed in the background and shook their heads. Reigns said, “This is my ring.” Fans began various “daddy” chants, which Reigns acknowledged. “Who’s your daddy?” he said. Reigns said if Theory keeps messing up, the Tribal Chief is going to be his daddy. Reigns said, “I run the Garden now.
The Bloodline began leaving the ring. Reigns led the way. Jey Uso slapped Theory hard across the back of his neck as he walked past him. Theory hit him with his briefcase. Reigns held Jey back. Theory told him to step up. Instead, the Bloodline left the ring as Reigns’s music played. A “Who’s your daddy?” chant continued. Saxton said he does wonder if Theory truly knows what he’s doing with that briefcase. Smith said Reigns “owned Madison Square Garden.”
(Keller’s Analysis: It’s striking how much more cool Reigns is now than five years ago. The New York crowd was totally into him. The line about Theory losing his “daddy” Vince was a clever way to acknowledge Vince’s departure and the fact that he’s now without his no. 1 backer in the company. The crowd went right into the “daddy” chants.) [c]
-Theory was still in the ring after the break. He was formally introduced by the ring announcer. Theory said that’s the introduction he deserved. Drew McIntyre walked out. Graves said he “doesn’t even go here.” Drew brought his sword to the ring with him. The ref called for the bell.
(1) DREW MCINTYRE vs. THEORY
Drew clotheslined Theory and chopped him in the chest in the opening seconds. He followed with a vertical suplex. Saxton wondered what kind of shape Theory will be in come Saturday. Graves plugged the Drew vs. Sheamus match scheduled for Smackdown on Friday. He Future Shock DDT’d Theory, and Theory bumped head-first onto Drew’s chest in what Graves called “a gnarly landing for Theory.” Theory rolled to the floor. Drew went after him and threw him into the ringside barricade and the announce desk before they cut to a break. [c]
Back from the break, Theory was in control. He tossed Drew to ringside and into the ringside steps. A minute later they exchanged punches mid-ring. As Drew set up a Claymore a minute later, Sheamus, Butch, and Ridge Holland ran out and jumped Drew for the DQ.
WINNER: McIntyre via DQ in 8:00.
-Theory joined in. Sheamus jabbed his broken shillelagh in Drew’s face. Bobby Lashley ran out for the save. Drew and Lashley cleared the ring. Theory was going to hit Drew and Lashley with the briefcase, but they turned and saw him. They cut to a break. [c]
(2) THEORY & SHEAMUS (w/Butch, Ridge Holland) vs. DREW MCINTYRE & BOBBY LASHLEY
Smith did refer to the wrestlers as “Superstars,” so if you were thinking that might be a change, not so far at least. Sheamus teased tagging Theory, but then backed away. The announcers said he was playing head games with him. Lashley got the hot-tag from Lashley. Lashley charged at Theory at ringside, but Sheamus cut him off with a surprise high knee. Butch climbed onto the ring apron. Holland went after Drew while the ref was looking at Butch. Butch dove onto Drew, but Drew threw him over his head. The ref booted both from ringside. They cut to a break. [c]
Drew and Theory tagged in after the break. Drew tossed Theory across the ring twice. Drew landed a neck breaker and then kipped up and shook the ropes. Drew landed a sitout spinebuster for a two count. Sheamus and Drew tumbled over the top rope. Fans stood and looked away from the ring at something. Theory lifted Lashley on his shoulders, but then looked over at Dolph Zigger at ringside. He smiled and waved. Lashley then slipped free and put Theory in the Hurt Lock for a quick tapout win.
WINNERS: McIntyre & Lashley in 13:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: If you were hoping for clean finishes in this new post-Vince era, you’re 0-2 so far. If traditional booking indicates anything, Lashley winning here points toward a Theory win on Saturday, otherwise they would have had the challenger get the upset win going into the event. The two matches that flowed into each other had good action.)
-As Theory celebrated on the stage, the Usos superkicked Theory. Reigns walked out and put the MITB briefcase on his chest and said he better bring that so he can cash in on Sunday.
(Keller’s Analysis: Is Reigns trying to trick Theory into missing Summerslam by telling him it’s Sunday instead of Saturday, or did he just make a mistake considering most major events have been on Sundays?)
-They went to Graves, Smith and Saxton at ringside. Smith’s beard continues to grow in, the one sure sign Vince is really gone. He threw to a video package on 20 years of Rey Mysterio in WWE.
-They showed Rey arriving in an SUV with his son, Dominik. Out the other side came his wife and daughter. [c]
[HOUR TWO]
-A vignette aired with the mystery wrestler.
-Postcard shots aired of New York City.
-Kevin Patrick interviewed Dolph Ziggler backstage. He asked what he’s up to regarding being at ringside for Theory matches. Patrick said it’s simple, he just thinks he needs to be taught a lesson. He said he’s seen so many come and go, and he has accomplished a lot so quickly, but he hasn’t earned it. He said he’s almost as handsome as him and a hell of an athlete. A.J. Styles walked up to him and said he can appreciate what he’s doing. In walked Otis & Chad Gable. Gable “shooosh’d” Styles. Gable said they’re jealous of Theory because he’s accomplished more than them already. Gable said he and Otis want to beat the jealousy out of both of them. Styles accepted. Ziggler smiled in agreement. Ziggler made a Nathan Fielder reference. Styles asked Ziggler who that is.
-Rey Mysterio made his ring entrance with Dominik. Rey talked about getting his start at age 14. He said he never dreamed he’s travel the world and make money and “create legendary rivalries for each and every one of you to enjoy.” He said guys his size back then weren’t part of the business. He said he broke the blueprint of what a Superstar should look like. He said as a smaller guy and damn proud Latino, he became World Champion at WrestleMania 22. He said he’s made a lot of friends along the way who helped pave the road for him in his career. He brought Dean Malenko, K-Dogg (Konnan), Batista, Kurt Angle, Edge, and Eddie Guerrero. He said he misses Eddie every day and he knows he’s watching over him.
Rey thanked the fans for all their love and support. He said being able to live this career and life with his family means all the more. Fans chanted “You deserve it!” He paused and smiled. He talked about his wife and daughter watching backstage. They showed them. Rey said he’s proud of Dom, his son, for the man he’s become. He said one day he will be representing the Mysterio legacy when he’s no longer there. “I love you, son,” he said. Rey thanked the WWE Universe for accepting him and always rolling with the Mysterios “and for 20 of the dopest, most awesome years.” He brought up that he’s celebrating 20 years in the legendary and iconic MSG. He began pointing at fans and thanking them in Spanish. He began talking in Spanish. This was nine minutes from ring entrance to this part of the segment.
Finn Balor walked out through the crowd applauding. Graves said, “Not tonight.” Damian Priest showed up on another side of the ring. Graves called him “the Punisher of The Judgment Day.”
(Keller’s Analysis: That was nice. It wasn’t electric television, and it might be Rey’s longest promo, but I think he held everyone’s interest with a heartfelt promo.)
(3) REY & DOMINIK MYSTERIO vs. THE JUDGMENT DAY (Finn Balor & Damian Priest)
They joined the match in progress after the break. A few minutes in Dominik kicked Balor to the floor, then dove at Priest on the other side of the ring. Priest caught him and threw him into the ringside barricade. Priest let out a big yell as they cut to a break. [c]
Balor and Dom both tagged out to Priest and Rey respectively seconds after the break ended. Balor landed a top rope stomp on Rey a minute later. Dom broke up the cover. (At one time that was decried as cheating, and now it’s just a legit strategy to avoid losing.) Priest slid a chair into the ring. THe ref yelled at Priest for it, but that left Balor free to pick it up. He threw the chair to Rey, then dropped down, pretending to be hurt. Rey jabbed Balor with the chair, then threw it to Balor and fell down. The ref saw Balor and scolded him. Rey set up a 619 but Priest broke it up. Rey knocked Priest into 619 position. Rey and Dominik hit the stereo 619. Rey then landed a top rope splash on Balor for the win.
WINNERS: The Mysterios in 10:00.
-They showed clips of Cody Rhodes at the ESPY awards.
-They showed Bianca Belair smiling backstage. [c]
-They showed Rey being doused with champaign backstage as his family and friends chanted his name. Rey swigged a shot of tequila. Rey’s daughter gave him a gift box. Rey revealed a hot pink Rey mask and outfit which he said was from the 1997 Halloween Havoc. He asked where she found it. She said she had to dig. Rhea Ripley showed up and crashed the party. Dom said it’s a special night and there’s no reason for her to be there. Rey’s daughter told her to get out of there. Ripley shoved her and then dragged Dom away by his hair. Rey chased after her. Priest then hit Rey. Balor dragged Rey away. Priest powerbombed Rey onto a table backstage as Ripley laughs.
-They went to the announcers at ringside. Graves said he gets wanting to make an impact, but that was disgusting.
-Belair made her ring entrance, smiling and twirling her braid and blowing kisses. They cut to a sponsored video package on the Belair-Becky Lynch feud. Becky’s music then interrupted before Belair began speaking. As Becky began talking, Belair said, “Girl, girl, eh, eh.” She said the EST didn’t come to MSG to listen to her run her mouth. She continued to speed talk and over-inflect in a gimmicky way her catch phrases. Becky and Belair began talking over each other. Becky hit Belair. Belair tackled Becky. They took turns getting the better of each other. Becky yanked Belair over the top rope by her braid. Belair tackled Becky into the announce desk. Referees and Adam Pearce separated them.
(Keller’s Analysis: Not much crowd response for Belair as she did her thing. Her speed-talking annoying gimmicky EST routine is really limiting her appeal.)
-A replay aired of Alexa Bliss pinning Nikki A.S.H. two weeks go on Raw.
-Sarah Schreiber interviewed Bliss and asked what’s next for her. She said it’s fine Doudrop keeps demanding matches with her. She wondered why Doudrop and Nikki keep hanging out. She said Lilly is an independent woman. She said she’s no. 1 at WWE Shop. She got a sinister look and said whoever wins between Becky and Belair at Summerslam, she is reclaiming her place on top of the women’s division.
-Bliss made her ring entrance. [c]
-They cut backstage to Rey recovering from the attack when Priest and Balor showed up again. Dom chased them away. Ripley then kicked Rey in the arm and wished him a happy 20th anniversary.
(4) ALEXA BLISS vs. DOUDROP
Basic decent action, brought down by a lack of crowd interest.
WINNER: Bliss in 4:00.
-Styles told Logan Paul backstage that if he needs anything, let him know. Styles said he doesn’t know Logan well, but he knows he likes him more than Miz, so he told him to shut his mouth at Summerslam. He fist-bumped Logan, who then took a deep breath.
-Smith said “Im-Paul-sive TV” makes its debut next. [c]
-The announcers narrated highlights of the show-opening brawl with Miz and Logan.
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VIP SIGN UP FORM (enter coupon code “change” to get a $9 discount)howed up on another side of the ring. Graves called him “the Punisher of The Judgment Day.”
(Keller’s Analysis: That was nice. It wasn’t electric television, and it might be Rey’s longest promo, but I think he held everyone’s interest with a heartfelt promo.)
(3) REY & DOMINIK MYSTERIO vs. THE JUDGMENT DAY (Finn Balor & Damian Priest)
They joined the match in progress after the break. A few minutes in Dominik kicked Balor to the floor, then dove at Priest on the other side of the ring. Priest caught him and threw him into the ringside barricade. Priest let out a big yell as they cut to a break. [c]
Balor and Dom both tagged out to Priest and Rey respectively seconds after the break ended.
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[HOUR THREE]
-Logan made his ring entrance. The crowd isn’t into him. He said his brother is going to be fighting next weekend at MSG, but today is about tonight and tonight is Monday Night Raw “and the debut of Im-paul-sive TV, baby!” The fans booed the mention of his brother. He let out a nervous villain laugh. He said, “It’s like Miz TV, but people actually watch.” (Lame line, not helping matters here.) He called Miz to the ring. Miz didn’t come out. Logan said he thought Miz liked the limelight. He said Miz probably backstage trembling with his tiny little shriveled prunes. Out came Maryse.
Maryse plugged “Miz & Mrs.” and said it’s going to be awesome. She told Logan not to talk about her kids ever again. She said doens’t appreciate him talking about her man’s genitalia, but she had trouble with the word, so she said, “My man’s package!” instead. Fans began chanting “Tiny balls!” Logan laughed. Maryse insisted, “That’s not a thing.” She did Miz’s bit about her hand going up and their mouths going shut. She had a loop with two gigantic disco balls. She said the average man’s testicles are 1.8 to 2.0 inches, and Miz falls in that range. Logan said, “Who measures their testicles?” (A lot guys watching Raw at this very moment, probably.) Miz walked out and said he does, as does every man in the arena.
Miz said he gave Logan everything and without him he wouldn’t have had a WrestleMania match or a Summerslam match. “You owe everything to me!” he said. “I taught you everything you know; I didn’t teach you everything I know.” He said he’s getting Main Event Miz on Saturday. As he said he is awesome, Logan yelled for him to shut up. Logan said he called him out there to throw down and all he’s doing in talking. He said he always knew he had tiny balls. Maryse slapped the mic. Logan said she had bigger balls than her husband. Ciampa attacked Logan. Logan got the better of him and then tackled Miz. Ciampa attacked Logan. Miz and Logan double-teamed Logan. Miz delivered a Skull Crushing Finale.
(Keller’s Analysis: Maryse added something different than just Miz and Logan verbally sparring, but the segment felt long and blah overall. Logan isn’t over and he’s looking less confident every week that goes buy as fans just aren’t into him at all.)
-Patrick interviewed The Street Profits and The Usos about their match at Summerslam. He introduced Jarrett, who stepped between the two teams. Patrick was going to ask a question, but Montez Ford interrupted. The two teams began going back and forth and then shoving each other. Jarrett told them to shut up. He said if anyone gets out of line tonight, he’ll remember it at Summerslam. “So tonight, keep the peace,” he said.
-Styles came out this music. It switched to Ziggler’s music and they headed to the ring. [c]
(5) CHAD GABLE & OTIS vs. A.J STYLES & DOLPH ZIGGLER
Gable and Otis made their ring entrance. Gable criticized the fans for booing a man with a master’s degree and a 4.0 GPA. He called Manhattan a putrid decomposing island. He said the island is about to end up at the bottom of the ocean after it collapses from the weight of the human garbage living on it right now. “Don’t get mad at me,” he said. “That’s just science.” He said Styles and Ziggler are a team thrown together with no rhyme or reason, and they remind him of an organization called the New York Knicks. A minute in, Gable hit a dropkick. Gable rolled to the floor. Styles slingshot himself onto Gable at ringside. [c]
Otis was in control after the break. Gable tagged in and went for a moonsault. Ziggler moved, the superkicked Gable. Otis broke up his cover. Styles leaped at Otis, but Otis caught him. Ziggler kicked Otis. Styles landed a Pelé kick. Ziggler caught Gable with the Zig Zag for the clean win.
WINNERS: Ziggler & Styles in 6:00.
(Keller’s Analysis: This merged Ziggler right back into the place he was before. It’s good to have him out there doing good ring work again, but he seems ordinary suddenly just being put in a random TV tag match like that.)
-The announcers hyped the Summerslam line-up. They said Rey & Dominik will face The Judgment Day in a no-DQ match.
-The Bloodline made their second ring entrance of the night. [c]
(6) THE BLOODLINE (Roman Reigns & The Usos w/Paul Heyman) vs. THE STREET PROFITS (Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins) & RIDDLE
Graves said Dawkins drew tired of people calling him “Montez’s Marty.” (Does Marty Jannetty like that his name lives in infamy or does it ruin his day every time he’s brought up in that context?) The Profits wore New York Knicks basketball shorts and jerseys. The babyface trio got the better of the Usos, including Ford flip diving onto and over the Usos at ringside, landing on his feet. They cut to a break. [c]
The Usos beat up Riddle for a while. Ford eventually got hot-tagged in and he rallied. The MSG crowd was anything but electric. Reigns blind-tagged in and gave Ford a uranage for a two count. Ford was bleeding from the bridge of his nose. It appeared to occur when Reigns threw him into the corner turnbuckle. He had an “out of it” haze. The ref checked on him and ruled he could continue. Smith said The Bloodline were displaying “next level dominance” in this match. They showed a close-up of blood flowing from Ford’s face as they cut to a second break in this match. [c]
Graves said Ford “likely has a broken nose at best.” They replayed the turnbuckle collision from earlier. The announcers talked about the ramifications of Ford going into Summerslam injured. Riddle hot-tagged in and rallied. Reigns tagged in during a flurry of action and hit a Superman Punch. Ford broke up the cover. Ford slingshot himself onto Jey at ringside. Jimmy dove through the ropes and tackled Ford.
Dawkins knocked the Usos over the ringside barricade. Reigns threw Dawkins into the ringside steps. Back in the ring, Riddle kicked Reigns and delivered a draping DDT. Riddle played a (finally) fired up crowd and pounded the mat to indicate the RKO was next. Reigns blocked the RKO, though, and then speared Riddle for the three count.
WINNERS: The Bloodline in 19:00.
-Seth Rollins walked past Reigns in the aisle and attacked Riddle. He threw Riddle to the floor. Seth hit Riddle with the ringside steps. Then he delivered a Stomp on the ringside steps as the show ended.
Tonight after WWE Raw, join Wade Keller live with guest co-host Cameron Hawkins from the PWTorch East Coast Cast to break down the show with live callers and emails, plus an on-site correspondent relaying details from being in attendance.
•STREAM LIVE HERE ABOUT 5 MINUTES AFTER THE SHOW CONCLUDES
•CALL: (347) 215-8558
•EMAIL COMMENTS/QUESTIONS: wadekellerpodcast@pwtorch.com
•IF YOU DON’T LISTEN LIVE, SEARCH “WADE KELLER” ON YOUR PODCAST APP TO SUBSCRIBE AND THEN DOWNLOAD OR STREAM THE FULL SHOW TWO HOURS OR SO AFTER THE TV SHOW ENDS.
Mostly a chore to watch, very plodding and formulaic. Looking forward to things perking up. Becky’s outfit actually outdid Seth’s this week!