7/4 WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW RESULTS: Keller’s report on Money in the Bank fallout, Miz responds to Logan Paul, Mysterios-Judgment Day

KELLER’S WWE RAW REPORT
JULY 4, 2022
SAN DIEGO, CALIF.
AIRED LIVE ON USA NETWORK

Commentators: Kevin Patrick, Byron Saxton, Corey Graves

Ring Announcer: Mike Rome

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[HOUR ONE]

-A narrated introduction with a Fourth of July theme the included some clever word play with WWE wrestler signature phrases.

-Corey Graves introduced the show along side Byron Saxton and Kevin Patrick. Graves said Jimmy Smith was on vacation, so Patrick is filling in. They said Liv Morgan was present fresh off her victory over Ronda Rousey. Plus, Bobby Lashley & The Street Profits vs. Theory & The Alpha Academy and The Mysterios vs. The Judgment Day

(Keller’s Analysis: Smith ought to dust off his resumé.)

-Mike Rome introduced Lashley, who came out with his newly-won U.S. Title belt. Fans chanted “Bobby! Bobby!” He said he’s been waiting for this moment for a long time. “Welcome to Monday Night Raw!” he said with enthusiasm. He mentioned the Fourth of July. Fans briefly chanted “USA! USA!” He said he’s proud to be standing there as the U.S. Champion. He said the title doesn’t make the man, it’s the man who makes the title. He said there is not another man in any division or any promotion who can beat him for this U.S. Title. (That’s very un-WWE-like to acknowledge that there are other promotions on the minds of wrestlers within their cannon.)

Theory came out to his music. He asked Lashley why he gets to kick off Raw. He said everyone has been waiting since Saturday night to hear from “Mr. Headline Himself.” He said the world is talking about the youngest Mr. Money in the Bank in history. He said it was hard work for him at MITB. Fans chanted “You suck!” as he entered the ring. He said Lashley had him in the first half, but “just like Michael Jordan, just like Tom Brady – hell, both of them combined – I shined brighter than ever in the clutch.” He said he grabbed the briefcase and proved he can “do this all day.” Lashley said he thought he was actively trying to become an arrogant jackass, but he was wrong “because this is just second-nature to you.” He asked if it crossed his mind that someone gifted him a spot in the MITB ladder match because he shattered his ego into a million pieces.

Theory told Lashley to back away and then reminded him they’ll share ring time in the six-man later. “Bobby, I see you, you see me, and I’m just making it happen,” he said. “I’m always making it happen, Bobby.” He said he’s going straight to the top with the MITB briefcase. He said he was informed earlier today, he’s going to get a rematch at Summerslam against him so he can “take back my United States Championship.” Fans booed. Theory said they can boo, but that’s just the start of his Summerslam plans. He said whoever is the last man standing between Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar is going “A-Town down.” He said at only 24 years old, he’s going to cash in his MITB contract and walk out of Nashville as the greatest champion in WWE history.

Lashley told Theory he forgot the “if-part” of his plan, because he still has to make it to Summerslam. He said the fans deserve some fireworks. Theory threw the briefcase at Lashley, then hit him. Then he bashed him with the briefcase until it broke open. He quickly closed it and swung at Lashley. Lashley caught it and chokeslammed Theory. Theory grabbed the briefcase and rolled to the floor and scurried to the back as Lashley played to the crowd.

(Keller’s Analysis: Theory continues to do everything that Vince McMahon could hope for someone as young as him whose trajectory is to be a top tier consistent wrestler for WWE for years to come. Lashley had a standout performance for him too. He’s never going to be a top level main event promo, but he was good there and too command with confidence from the start.)

-Megan Morant interviewed Rey and Dominik Mysterio backstage. Dominik said the Judgment Day might’ve offered to advise him, but he wouldn’t want to learn from anyone other than his dad. Rey said he and his son were the first father and son duo to become tag champions in WWE, “so I must be doing something right.” He brought up that it’s been ten years since he wrestled in his hometown of San Diego. He said it’s Dominik’s first time. He said they will teach Judgment Day how to respect the Mysterios in the 619.

-The Mysterios made their ring entrance. Finn Balor and Damian Priest attacked them from behind. They cut to a split-screen break. [c/ss]

(1) REY & DOMINIK MYSTERIO vs. THE JUDGMENT DAY (Finn Balor & Damian Priest)

The match started during the break. Dominik got a hot-tag right after the break and rallied against Balor. Balor tagged out to Priest. A minute later, Priest punched Rey out of mid-air after a springboard. When Dominik tagged in and went for a 619 on Balor, Priest blocked it and then threw him into the ringside barricade. They cut to another split-screen break. [c/ss]

Back from the break, Rey got the hot-tag and rallied against Priest. He awkwardly landed on a Priest after a slightly-botched move and scored a near fall. He landed a seated senton, but Balor broke up the cover. Priest took over after countering a 619 attempt by Rey. He kicked Dominik off the ring apron, then went back after Rey. He tagged in Balor who went for the Coup de Grace. Rey moved. The Mysterios then landed double 619s. Rey landed a top rope splash with some Eddie Guerrero mannerisms built-in, but Priest leveraged Rey’s shoulders down for a near fall. Priest threw a chair into the ring. Balor jabbed Dominik with it, then turned to use it against Rey. Rey dropped to the mat and pretended to get hit. The ref turned around and thought Balor used it, so he disqualified Priest & Balor. The announcers talked about that being a signature Eddie Guerrero tactic. Graves said, “If you can’t out-muscle them, out-think them.”

WINNERS: The Mysterios in 11:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: Interesting to see WWE go to split-screen breaks here. Is this the new policy going forward? The match was solid, although over half of it took place on split-screen.)

-They went to the announcers at ringside who reacted to the Mysterio’s DQ win, then pivoted to the Logan Paul news. A video package aired on Logan signing a “long-term WWE contract.” There were more boos.

-Morant interviewed Miz backstage. She asked how he feels about Logan. He said he’s proud because Logan has found a way to get headlines. He said that’s how he’s built his massive fanbase. He said Logan surrounds himself with a bunch of yes-men and yes-women, which is successful for him outside of WWE. He said that tactic in WWE will lead to him being humbled. He said he made mistakes when he arrived in WWE from “The Real World.” He told Logan he’s a nice guy and he doesn’t want to see him make the same mistakes he made. He said if he accepts his offer, they can team together and win tag titles. He said if he turns down his offer, he will humble him. Morant told Miz he “quit” his match last week against A.J. Styles. Miz said if anyone is quitting or tapping out or getting pinned, it’s Styles because he doesn’t take kindly to sophomoric jokes. Megan was going to bring up Miz’s tiny balls, but he cut her off and said, “Not you, Megan.” He said he is going to go to the ring and show that he has “colossal, massive, gargantuan, American super-sized balls because I’m the Miz and I’m awesome!”

-Styles’s ring entrance began. Saxton said Miz “should just own his tiny discos.” [c]

-A commercial aired for Summerslam.

-A Fourth of July party took place in a tent. The Street Profits talked for a while until Chad Gable and Otis interrupted. Gable asked how they can be partying after they lost to the Usos. Gable said they lost fair and square, so no more complaining about a shoulder being up. Gable said he has a history lesson for them in the form of an annotated version of the Declaration of Independence. He demanded absolute silence. Montez Ford read from his sheet of paper and said, “This truth to be self-evident that every man and woman has the right to shut Chad Gable up.” Ford slapped Gable in the face with a hot dog. Otis asked how dare him disrespect an American hero. Otis said he can eat 20 hot dogs without breaking a sweat. Angelo Dawkins told Otis that Ford served as a United States Marine. He also bragged that he was a three-time hot dog eating champion out of Fairfield, Ohio. Otis said he can out-eat him. “I can suck ’em down like Coca Cola, no chew.” Ford suggested they have a hot dog eating contest.

-They showed the Mysterios backstage when Balor and Priest jumped them from behind and threw them into equipment. Officials and referees demanded they stop. Priest trash-talked Rey in Spanish and shoved his head to the cement floor.

-They went to the announcers at ringside. They pivoted to a plug for NXT’s Great American Bash special episode tomorrow night. “Keep the celebration rolling,” said Graves.

(2) A.J. STYLES vs. THE MIZ

With Styles in control early, Miz bailed out. They cut to a split-screen break. [c/ss]

Styles chased Miz around the ring. Miz kicked Styles when Styles chased him back into the ring. Styles took over during the break and scored a near fall after the break after a flurry of offense. “Miz is athletically hampered,” said Graves. “Try competing in a match like this with tennis balls in your pockets. It’s difficult. It messes with your motion, your agility.” Styles blocked a Miz figure-four attempt and then hit a Phenomenal Forearm for a clean win.

WINNER: Styles in 8:00.

-Tommaso Ciampa attacked Styles from behind during his post-match celebration. Saxton said Ciampa seems to always be around Miz. Graves said he wants to impress “the A-List Superstar” and follow in his footsteps. Styles fired back with a Pelé kick. Miz then caught Styles from behind with a Skull Crushing Finale. Patrick said Styles had that winning feeling cut short. Miz and Ciampa shook hands afterward. Graves said, “Every great leading man needs a supporting cast.”

(Keller’s Analysis: So it looks like Miz & Ciampa vs. Styles & Logan Paul at Summerslam.)

-Patrick hyped Liv Morgan would be on Raw next. [c]

-Postcard shots aired of San Diego, Calif.

[HOUR TWO]

-A video recap aired of Morgan’s big night at MITB.

-Morgan made her ring entrance, holding the Smackdown Title above her head. She slapped hands of fans on her way to the ring. A “You deserve it” chant rang out when the music stopped. She yelled, “Thank you guys, but we deserve it!” She said she is so proud to be standing there as the new Smackdown Women’s Champion. She said it all came to fruition at Money in the Bank. She said the fan support got her through the grueling match. She said they stood by her even when she felt she was giving them nothing to believe in. She jumped up and down in elation. She said they gave her the confidence she needed to cash in and beat Ronda Rousey for the Smackdown Championship. She said saying that outloud takes her breath away. She said the title isn’t just for her, it’s for “all of us.” She was interrupted by Natalya. Graves called her “an unexpected guest.”

Natalya said the one person she should be thanking is her because she is the only reason she was able to cash in the contract successfully. She said she destroyed Rousey’s knee with the sharpshooter first. She said she would take a thank you, but she’d rather take her title. Morgan said she feels like she is having a hard time accepting that she lost to Rousey, and since she is the new champion, it makes sense she’d come after the giant target on her back. She said since they’ll now be sharing a locker room on Smackdown, she knows where to find her. Carmella’s music then played.

Carmella told them to go back to Smackdown where they belong. She boasted about her post-match attack on Bianca Belair. She told Morgan to leave the ring and the spotlight to her, “the next Raw Women’s Champion.” Morgan asked Carmella if she’s already had enough of the spotlight when she lost to Bianca at MITB. She said if she really wants her out of the ring, “then make me get out.” Carmella said that gives her a good idea. She asked Natalya if she’s thinking what she’s thinking. They attacked Morgan two-on-one. Bianca Belair then ran out for the save. Carmella turned to her, but Belair beat her up. An “EST!” chant rang out briefly. Belair and Morgan cleared the ring.

(Keller’s Analysis: I get Morgan’s appeal as she’s easy to root for because she seems to earnest and humble. She isn’t top-level smooth on the mic or in the ring, but I get why they are giving her another chance here even if she came up short months ago when given a big push, especially if it’s a result of having to call an audible from the Rousey-Charlotte feud.)

Adam Pearce walked out and said they’ve earned themselves a tag match right now. Saxton said the Raw Champion and Smackdown Champion are going to team up next. [c/ss]

(3) BIANCA BELAIR & LIV MORGAN vs. NATALYA & CARMELLA

The match began during the split-screen break. Graves accused Belair of never seeing a spotlight she didn’t want to steal. Saxton took up the defense of Belair. After a flurry of offense by Belair, Natalya dropped to the floor. When Belair reached for her, Carmella kicked her into the ringpost. They cut to a standard break. [c]

Back from the break, Carmella had Belair grounded mid-ring in a chinlock. Belair eventually hot-tagged Morgan in. Morgan rallied against Natalya leading to a near fall, broken up by Carmella. Natalya landed a discus clothesline. Belair broke up the cover. Carmella dove onto Belair at ringside, but Belair caught her. Carmella slipped free and shoved Belair into the ringpost. In the ring, Morgan blocked a sharpshooter and then then hit her Oblivion finisher for the win.

WINNER: Morgan & Belair in 13:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: Solid tag match. It gave a little boost to Morgan’s star power to share the ring with Raw Champion Bianca Belair. It was a cool pit-stop moment between MITB and her celebrating on Smackdown.)

-They went to the Fourth of July party and showed wrestlers mingling. Mustafa Ali and Cedric Alexander stole Veer’s plate of food. He pounded the table and chased after them. MVP was giving Omos a pep talk about how many men it took to beat him. He said they just have to stay the course. The 24/7 parade ran past them. Reggie bumped into Omos. Omos threw him. Back to the Profits, they were chatting with Ezekiel. He said he was “all Zeeked up for the Fourth of July.” He said he has great memories with Elias and Elrod participating in hot dog eating contests. He said nobody won and he ‘Zeked’ everywhere. Ezekiel mistakenly squirted ketchup all over Seth’s white shirt. Seth gave him a death stare, but then broke into laughter (like Brock Lesnar did the first time longtime lead WWE writer Brian Gewirtz introduced himself to him.) Seth then got sinister again and licked ketchup off his finger and walked away. The Profits said it was Seth ‘Zeekin’ Rollins “zeeking out.”

-Seth made his ring entrance. [c]

-Seth’s music was still playing as they returned from the break. He was dancing in the ring. Clips aired of issues between Seth and Riddle, including Riddle delivering a Super RKO from the top of the ladder on Seth. Graves said it’s miraculous that Seth is even standing tonight.

(4) SETH ROLLINS vs. EZEKIEL

As Ezekiel made his entrance, Graves said Patrick is clearly “Zeeking out.” Seth took control early. They battle to the floor where Ezekiel pressed Seth above his head and threw him into the time keeper’s area. They cut to a split-screen break at 3:00. [c/ss]

Seth took over with a slingblade during the break. They battled back and forth after the break with rapid-fire exchanges and near falls. Seth eventually landed a Stomp for the clean win.

WINNER: Rollins in 10:00.

-After his win, Seth celebrated, then stopped in the aisle and turned back to the ring. He then went after Ezekiel, but Riddle showed up out of nowhere with an RKO. He was wearing swim trunks, which was weird. Graves asked what Riddle was even doing there.

(Keller’s Analysis: Nice match. Ezekiel is earning his keep as a second-tier utility character who can have a better match that you’d probably expect while absorbing a clean loss since he’s a character-player on WWE’s mid-card. The idea that Riddle was positioned for that RKO save was pretty ridiculous, but on brand, I suppose, for the RKO Out of Nowhere schtick.)

-They joined the hot dog eating contest in progress between Otis and Dawkins, with wrestlers in the background acting like fools cheering them on. The ref declared Akira Tozawa the winner. Tozawa was off-camera until the ref announced he was the winner. Gable demanded a recount. Otis said, “I’m not feeling so good.” Theory said he’ll see them out there later for their six-man tag match. Otis asked for some Pepto.

(Keller’s Analysis: Oh man, we’re getting a puking incident later, aren’t we? Vince McMahon is definitely still in charge of Creative.)

-Lashley made his ring entrance. Saxton wondered if Otis will even be able to compete. [c]

-The Profits made their ring entrance after the break. The announcers reacted to clips of the Usos vs. Profits match at MITB on Saturday night. They focused on how Ford’s shoulder was up during the three count. Patrick threw to a four minute video package on MITB.

(Keller’s Analysis: I like recapping the event like that. If affirms the “smart decision” viewers made who watched it Saturday and created a “sense of regret” among those who didn’t which can sway some people not to skip future WWE PLEs. It also gives WWE a chance to emphasize what they want the key moments to be coming out of the event.)

[HOUR THREE]

(5) THE STREET PROFITS & BOBBY LASHLEY vs. THEORY & OTIS & CHAD GABLE

Theory’s ring entrance took place. The announcers touted the quality of the Usos-Profits match. A few minutes in, Ford and Lashley suplexed Theory and Gable side-by-side. Dawkins then landed a running flip dive onto them over the top rope at ringside. They cut to a split-screen break. [c/ss]

Gable and Otis took over against Ford after the break. Lashley took over. Theory flexed at ringside. Dawkins checked him into the announce desk. Lashley laughed, then caught a charging Gable and powerslammed him. Otis broke up the cover. Lashley speared Otis a minute later, then Ford landed a top rope frog splash. Patrick noted it was to “the stomach of Otis.” Gable then rallied and landed a top rope moonsault on Lashley mid-ring for a near fall. Lashley came back with a spear for the win.

WINNERS: Lashley & The Profits in 11:00.

-Afterward, Otis looked dizzy and then barfed in the ring, spraying the referee. “That smell is disgusting!” said Graves. “Processed meat!” Saxton said he was going to be sick. They replayed Otis puking in slo-mo.

-Morant backstage said, “Hopefully Otis feels better soon.” Becky Lynch walked in and said nobody cares about Otis and he shouldn’t be allowed to steal her spotlight just because he ate too many hotdogs. She said she is upset and her body is broken to bits and she is mad as hell. She said she should have been granted a one-on-one rematch against Belair, but she wasn’t. She said she will make her way back to her Raw Championship, and Asuka isn’t ready for her.

-R-Truth walked out dressed up as Uncle Sam as patriotic music played. The announcers playfully debated whether it was Truth or Uncle Sam. [c]

-The replayed in slo-mo Otis puking. Patrick said Saxton is still not doing okay. They shifted to plugging Bron Breaker vs. Cameron Grimes on NXT tomorrow night.

-Truth in the ring got a “USA!” chant going. He introduced himself. “I’m Uncle Sam, y’all.” He said they all know from the movie “Independence Day” that they are there to honor the brave American heroes who saved the Earth from the alien invasion back in 1996. He honored the actors by name, including Will Smith. He then began to read lines from the movie, but said it was from the Constitution. Ludvig Kaiser interrupted from the stage and asked if he was “done with this ridiculous charade.” He said he is there to introduce a man actually worthy of celebration. “Stand and pay respect to your WWE Intercontinental Champion, Gunther!” Graves called it “a wonderful surprise on Raw” and acknowledged he’s “from Smackdown.” He advised “Uncle Sam to get out of Dodge.” Patrick said Truth looked stunned. Gunther and Kaiser entered the ring. Saxton said Gunther is serious all the time. Patrick asked what he wants from R-Truth. Fans chanted “USA!” Gunther slapped Truth.

(6) GUNTHER (w/Ludvig Kaiser) vs. R-TRUTH

Gunther took Truth down early. Truth fought back briefly, but Gunther finished him with a sloppy looking powerbomb for the win. Graves said it was a dominant showing by Gunther.

WINNER: Gunther in 1:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: Not sure what happened on that powerbomb, but Truth looked like he had never taken one before. He was a wet noodle out there.)

-Sarah Schreiber interviewed Alexa Bliss backstage, who said she’s so happy for Liv. She said it made her realize it’s been too long since she’s held anything but Lilly. She asked how cute it’d be if she came out with Lilly wearing matching title belts. Asuka said she’s going to beat Becky tonight and then become the next women’s champion.

-The announcers hyped Lesnar vs. Reigns. [c]

-The mysterious vignette with a gold medal dangling in various scenes aired.

-A video package aired hyping the Reigns-Lesnar main event at Summerslam.

(7) BECKY LYNCH vs. ASUKA – No Hold Barred

The announcers said Becky was lobbying for this to be No Holds Barred. Asuka landed the first strike with a trash can and got a quick two count. Becky came back quickly and wedged a chair in the corner. They fought to ringside a few minutes in. Becky blocked a powerbomb off the ring apron and stomped on Asuka. She then overhead tossed her onto a pile of chairs. Becky cleared the announce desk and then smashed Asuka across her back with a chair. Asuka fired back with a hip attacking, sending them both crashing through a barricade at ringside. They cut to a split-screen break. [c/ss]

They brawled among fans during the break. Becky used a kendo stick and a chair. Back from the break, Becky smashed Asuka with a chair in the ring and then climbed to the top rope. Asuka knocked her off balance and then superplexed her onto chairs mid-ring. Both were slow to get up, but Asuka made the cover for a two count. Asuka put a trash can over Becky’s head and roundkicked the can twice. Asuka then connected with a top rope dropkick to the trash can with Becky inside, leading to a near fall.

Asuka grabbed a table at ringside, but Becky attacked her and slid the table into the ring. They battled for control in the ring for a few minutes with a table set up in the corner. Becky landed the Manhandle Slam off the top rope through the table for the win. The announcers said this could indicate the slump is over for Becky. Becky shouted, “I am back!”

WINNER: Lynch in 12:00.