WWE

In this WWE Raw 11/4/24 review, three of the original members of The Bloodline try to work through their trust issues, a new No. 1 contender is crowned for both the World title and Women’s World title, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

IN THE RING: Liv Morgan, Dominik Mysterio, and Raquel Rodriguez come out. Liv says she made sure Rhea Ripley is sidelined after the attack on NXT. Liv thinks she has proven she’s the greatest women’s champ ever. Dominik goes to speak but they boo him. Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill interrupt, and Liv suggests they’re pretending that they like each other and the only reason they stay together is because of the titles. Adam Pearce interrupts and wants them to calm down. Liv taunts Belair, so Belair punches her. Pearce then announces a No. 1 Contender’s Battle Royal for the Women’s World title, and that match is next.

No. 1 Contender’s Women’s Battle Royal

There are a lot of people in this match, and there are some notable eliminations. Ivy Nile eliminates Maxxine Dupri, which leads to Zelina Vega eliminating Nile. They’re certainly pushing a feud between those two. Belair and Cargill team up to eliminate Shayna Baszler and Sonya Deville, which reminds me that the Pure Fusion Collective has taken a backseat since the switch from the three-hour to two-four format. The final four is Belair, Cargill, IYO Sky, and Lyra Valkyria. Cargill saves Belair from elimination, and then Cargill and Belair stare each other down in a similar manner to what they did at the Royal Rumble. They hit their finishers at the same time, but Raquel pulls Belair’s braid and eliminates her while Liv pulls Cargill over the top. Belair and Cargill chase them through the crowd. Sky and Valkyria battle it out, and Sky hits a German suplex on the apron to eliminate Valkyria for the win.

BACKSTAGE: Xavier Woods says New Day should be No. 1 contenders, but Kofi Kingston disagrees with Woods’ explanation as to why they should be. Woods says Kofi dropped the ball because he got beat, so they continue to argue until a Wyatt Sicks’ video interrupts. The Miz has apparently been kidnapped, and he wants out of there. However, Bo Dallas makes it clear to him that this isn’t about Final Testament, but it’s about Miz’s actions.

New Day vs. War Raiders

The big spot is one where Kofi goes for the Trouble In Paradise, but Woods tags himself in. You can guess where this is headed. That doesn’t work and it allows the Raiders to regain momentum. Erik and Ivar take advantage and hit their double-team finisher for the victory. Another missed opportunity for New Day, which is undoubtedly leading to a significant moment in the near future.

IN THE RING: Sami Zayn is proud to speak the Arabic language on WWE television. He wants to address what happened with Roman Reigns at Crown Jewel. Before he can do that, Jey Uso interrupts. Jey thanks Zayn for having his back but wants to know if kicking Reigns in the face was an accident. Jimmy Uso interrupts and says it’s obvious that Zayn did it on purpose, and Jimmy says they can’t trust him. Zayn goes the history route and reminds us that Jimmy brought him into The Bloodline, but it was Jimmy who wound up kicking everyone in the face. Zayn doesn’t hate Jimmy but does think he makes bad decisions. Zayn says all of them united again felt good, but he won’t be put on trial by The Bloodline again. Zayn notes that he loves Jey, but he’s out. Jey wants Zayn to come to SmackDown to talk things out like family does. Jimmy says Zayn isn’t family, but Jey says he was wrong and that Zayn is family.

BACKSTAGE: Seth Rollins says he earned a spot in the Fatal 4-Way due to his resume and not because of his win over Bronson Reed. He respects Reed and thinks they’ll battle again in the distant future. Rollins knows who he is after Crown Jewel.

Dragon Lee vs. Chad Gable

A good match which you would expect from these two. Gable tries to use the ropes for leverage, but Vega knocks his foot off. Then Nile chokes out Vega, so Rey Mysterio comes down and kicks Gable while the referee is distracted. Lee takes advantage and hits his finisher for the win.

BACKSTAGE: Ludwig Kaiser says Cody Rhodes got lucky at Crown Jewel. However, Gunther doesn’t support that idea and instead says Cody was the better man. Gunther says there are three capable performers and Dominik in the Fatal 4-Way match. Gunther also says it’s on him to do better, and he looks at Kaiser and says they both have to do better. I like that they are teasing some tension between the Imperium members since Kaiser would be an interesting opponent for Gunther at some point during his title reign.

Damian Priest vs. Dominik Mysterio vs. Sheamus vs. Seth Rollins – Fatal 4-Way No. 1 Contender’s Match For World Heavyweight Title

Lots of action and back and forth in this match. Business picks up when Rollins hits the Pedigree on Dominik, and when he turns, he sees Bronson Reed locking eyes with him ringside. Reed throws Sheamus into the post, then he throws Priest into the steel steps. Reed takes out Sheamus and Priest again, and then Reed hits the Tsunami on Priest and Sheamus. After that, Reed hits the Tsunami off the barricade onto Rollins through the announce table. Dominik hits the frog splash on Sheamus, but Priest breaks the count. Priest catches Dominik off the top and hits South of Heaven for the victory.

IN THE RING: Gunther stares down Priest to set up the rematch. They didn’t specifically state whether it would be at Survivor Series.

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In this WWE Crown Jewel 2024 review, Cody Rhodes and Gunther square off for the inaugural Men’s Crown Jewel title, Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Jimmy Uso team up to face The Bloodline, and much more.

Let’s jump in.

The Bloodline vs. Roman Reigns, Jey Uso, and Jimmy Uso – Six-Man Tag Match

Jey’s entrance is incredible. Huge reaction to Jey tagging in Jimmy, and they do the double-team elbow drop on Tama Tonga for a near fall. Jey and Jimmy clear the ring as Reigns is amused by their teamwork. Reigns wants Jey to tag him in, but Jey tags Jimmy instead. I like that they’re establishing that Jey won’t follow Reigns’ lead. Jey finally makes the hot tag to Reigns. Solo Sikoa also tags in. Reigns goes for the spear, but Solo hits the spike and Jimmy saves Reigns at two and a half. Ref bump, and then Jacob Fatu hits Reigns with a headbutt and then does the top rope moonsault. Everyone is down, and Solo hits multiple spikes on Reigns for the win.

IN THE RING: The Bloodline use the numbers advantage to take out Reigns, Jey, and Jimmy. Jey fights back against them, but Fatu hands Solo a chair and he puts the chair on Jey’s face. Sami Zayn’s music hits, and Zayn stares down Solo as he tries to convince him to help. The fans chant for Sami Uso. Zayn goes to hug Solo but instead hits the exploder suplex on him. Reigns, Jey, and Jimmy get back in, and they all stand in four corners with Solo in the middle of the ring. Great visual. Reigns goes to hit the Superman punch and Zayn tries to hit Helluva Kick at the same time, but they hit each other as Solo moves out of the way. Jimmy gets in Zayn’s face, then Jey gets in Jimmy’s face. That sequence was excellent because now Reigns and Zayn can revisit their issues with the other, and it should lead to Paul Heyman returning to get everyone on the same page.

Damage CTRL vs. Lash Legend and Jakara Jackson vs. Chelsea Green and Piper Niven vs. (c) Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill – Women’s Tag Titles

Legend and Jackson earn NXT chants, and rightfully so. They’ve been impressive on main roster and seem like two future stars in the women’s division. This match exceeded expectations. Green and Niven gain control of the momentum, but Cargill slams Green. Niven does her splash and doesn’t realize Green is below her. Cargill then puts Niven on her shoulders, and Belair hits the Doomsday Device for the victory to retain the titles. The women’s tag team division is headed in the right direction.

Seth Rollins vs. Bronson Reed

Rollins attacks Reed in the aisle to get things started. Reed throws Rollins over the barricade onto a chair, and the bell finally rings. Reed hits a Tsunami right off the bat. Reed goes for another but Rollins moves out of the way. Rollins hits the Curb Stomp but Reed kicks out at two. Rollins hits a Frog Splash but only gets a one count. Reed with the superplex but Rollins kicks out. Rollins yells at Reed and says he should have finished him when he had a chance. Rollins clips Reed’s knee and hits the Curb Stomp on steel steps. Reed crawls back in the ring and Rollins hits another Curb Stomp. Rollins then goes up top and hits a Curb Stomp off the top for the win.

IN THE RING: Reed gets back on his feet and stares down Rollins. That’s a great setup for Reed to cost Rollins in the No. 1 Contender’s Match on Raw.

Nia Jax vs. Liv Morgan – Women’s Crown Jewel Title

They go back and forth early. Things get interesting as Liv hits the Sunset Flip powerbomb off the top and both women are down. Tiffany Statton’s music hits and she hands the briefcase to the referee but realizes Jax is looking at her. Jax asks what she’s doing and says it’s not the time for her to cash in. Jax tells Stratton to leave, then Jax hits the Samoan Drop but Liv counters for two. Stratton comes back to the ring as fans chant for her to cash in. Raquel Rodriguez and Dominik Mysterio come out and Liv gets another near fall. Jax pushes Liv and Raquel into Stratton. Dominik pushes the MITB briefcase into the ring to distract the referee, and that allows Raquel to push Jax off the top. Liv then hits her finisher for the victory.

IN THE RING: Triple H presents the Crown Jewel title to Liv to push the magnitude of the accomplishment.

Kevin Owens vs. Randy Orton

Owens attacks Orton from behind with a chair before the match begins. Owens then goes for a powerbomb on announce table but Orton fights back. Orton drops Owens on the announce table. The referee takes a chair away from Owens, so Owens hits the Stunner on him. Orton hits Owens in the back with a chair. Commentary notes they are waving off the match, which isn’t surprising at this point. Orton drops Owens on the announce table, and here comes Shawn Daivari to take the chair away from Orton. So, Orton throws him into the ring post. Orton hits the draping DDT after that. Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce come out, and Orton hits the RKO on Pearce. Owens keeps trying to destroy Orton, and they fight into the crowd. Owens beats Orton with a case. Owens climbs on the rail and hits an elbow through the equipment table. If you weren’t going to do a match, this was perfect to still give the fans incredible action.

Carmelo Hayes vs. Andrade vs. (c) LA Knight – United States Title

Knight is a huge star to the crowd. People can say what they want about his wrestling, but he is over. This is another match that exceeded expectations. A great sequence with Carmelo almost getting near fall early on, and eventually they work to Carmelo hitting the Nothing But Net on Knight, but Andrade breaks it up at two and a half. Knight then hits the BFT on Carmelo for the win. The best match of Knight’s reign as United States Champion thus far.

COMMENTARY: Rollins vs. Dominik vs. Damian Priest vs. Sheamus in a No. 1 Contender’s Match is set for Raw.

Gunther vs. Cody Rhodes – Men’s Crown Jewel Title

WWE may have spoiled the match with the post-show graphic showing Cody with the title before the match. Cody goes for the bodyslam but favors his back. Gunther locks in the choke but Cody fights out of it. Cody hits the Cross Rhodes but can’t capitalize. Gunther starts getting frustrated. Gunther starts slapping Cody, and Gunther goes for sleeper again but Cody counters. Cody hits the Cross Rhodes but Gunther kicks out at two. Gunther catches Cody off the top into a sleeper, but Cody reverses into a pin for the victory. This was the Bret Hart vs. Roddy Piper finish from WrestleMania VIII, and it works great to keep Gunther strong.

IN THE RING: Gunther shakes Cody’s hand and walks off. Triple H comes out to present the Crown Jewel title to Cody, and Liv is also back out to pose for photos with them.

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In this WWE SmackDown 11/1/24 review, Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton team up to face Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser, Nia Jax and Liv Morgan exchange words, and much more.

Let’s dive in.

IN THE RING: Nia Jax is focused on the Women’s Crown Jewel title and says she’s gonna annihilate Liv Morgan. Liv interrupts and says Jax isn’t special. Liv claims that she retired Becky Lynch and has become the best champ ever. Liv reminds Jax that she beat her the last time they fought. Tiffany Stratton interrupts and says it’s gonna be Tiffy Time at Crown Jewel. Stratton says she’s gonna cash in on Liv and tells Jax she can also cash in on her. Stratton says both are pissing her off and she’s gonna take one of the titles. Stratton wants to know if she gets Dominik Mysterio if she wins the Women’s World title. Liv claps back at her, so Stratton punches Liv to knock her out of the ring and set up an impromptu match.

Liv Morgan vs. Tiffany Stratton

This could be a big women’s title program in 2025. Lots of shenanigans as you would expect given the currently storylines for both. Raquel Rodriguez distracts the referee, and Stratton tries to hit Liv with the MITB briefcase. However, Liv counters and rolls Stratton up with a handful of tights for the win.

IN THE RING: After the match, Liv hits Stratton with the briefcase. Jax grabs it from her and hauls off on Liv, Dominik, and Raquel.

VIDEO: Kevin Owens says he’s been trying to call Randy Orton all week. He doesn’t want to fight him at Crown Jewel and doesn’t understand why he’s making him do this. Owens never wanted to hurt Orton, but now he’s going to. Owens says it’s Orton’s fault he did this. I like the different presentation for this feud to add the realism between the former best friends.

Street Profits vs. Pretty Deadly

I’m curious if these two teams get a significant program at some point with the Motor City Machine Guns. With the titles off The Bloodline, they need to create new storylines for the champions. Pretty straightforward match. B-Fab bodyslams Elton Prince on the outside, and that allows the Street Profits to take advantage with the double-team finisher for the victory.

BACKSTAGE: Stratton tells Jax that it was all part of her plan to make Liv think she was gonna cash in on Jax. Bayley and Naomi walk up, and Naomi tells Jax to keep the title warm for her.

Bayley and Naomi vs. Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell

Of course, this is an odd match since Hartwell was released by WWE earlier in the day. Since it’s a taped edition of SmackDown, they still decided to air this one. Not much of a surprise as to how it unfolded, as Naomi hits LeRae with her finisher for the win.

VIDEO: Highlights of Jey Uso and Jimmy Uso reuniting and the ongoing saga with The Bloodline.

IN THE RING: Jimmy wants Roman Reigns to drop his issues with Jey. Jimmy says they have to do it to beat Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline. Jey interrupts and says he only took the match to get back at Solo. Jey says they haven’t fixed their issues yet because he hasn’t forgotten what Reigns did to him. Jey still showed up because that’s what family does. Jey says Reigns isn’t gonna tell him what to do because they are equal now, which gets a great reaction from the crowd and is an important story point. Jey says he’s out if Reigns disrespects him. Reigns responds with a yeet. Fans chant for them to hug it out, and they all hold up the ones. Another strong segment.

BACKSTAGE: Austin Theory and Grayson Waller taunt the Motor City Machine Guns. Waller invites them to his show next week. So, there are your first opponents for the new champions.

IYO Sky vs. Lash Legend vs. Piper Niven vs. Bianca Belair

This is a preview of the four-team match for the Women’s Tag Team titles at Crown Jewel. Again, I’ve been impressed by Legend in her recent appearances on the WWE main roster. So have the fans, because Legend and Cargill have a staredown during the match, and it gets a good reaction from the crowd. Belair hits the KOD, but Sky hits her finisher and pins Legend for the victory.

BACKSTAGE: Cody Rhodes wants Orton to save a piece of Owens for him. Orton isn’t sure there will be anything left. Cody isn’t sure what he’ll do if not. Orton stares at the title again and says he’s sure he’ll think of something. Once again, a subtle hint at Orton wanting the gold.

VIDEO: Solo wants to know why he’s the bad guy in The Bloodline saga. He was always there to help Reigns, but Reigns never helped him. Solo says he’s The Tribal Chief and they’ll acknowledge him at Crown Jewel.

Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser vs. Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton

I like them using the pairing of Gunther and Kaiser in tag settings so they can eventually build some tension between them. Orton keeps wanting the hot tag but Cody can’t get to him. However, Cody finally makes the tag and Orton runs wild. Gunther blocks an RKO attempt, but Orton tags in Cody. Orton hits the RKO on Gunther, and Cody hits Cross Rhodes on Kaiser for the win.

IN THE RING: Owens hits Orton from behind with a chair. Meanwhile, Gunther puts the sleeper on Cody as Owens stands over Orton. Great way to push Owens moving further and further away from being best friends with Cody.

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In this WWE RAW 7/22/24 review, there is plenty of chaos, drama, and pivotal storyline developments on the road to SummerSlam.

Referees and officials were tirelessly breaking up skirmishes, which contributed to an atmosphere of unpredictability and excitement in Green Bay.

Dominik Mysterio’s Big Decision

One of the night’s most significant moments involved “Dirty Dom” Dominik Mysterio making a decision to choose his allegiance.

Dominik’s choice to stick with Rhea Ripley, affectionately dubbed “Mami,” resulted in a key moment where Liv Morgan walked out dejected and in tears.

However, we shouldn’t be convinced that this is the end of Dominik and Liv’s saga, as there is plenty of speculation that there might be future twists, including seeing Dominik costing Rhea her championship opportunity at SummerSlam against Liv.

The emotional rollercoaster continued as WWE showcased a clever camera shot zooming in on Dominik’s smug face as Rhea Ripley walked away after their in-ring segment.

This visual sealed the sentiment that while Dominik appears happy with his choice, there’s still an air of distrust around him.

Dominik (and another certain Judgment Day member named Finn Balor) may be plotting something big, possibly turning the storyline on its head at SummerSlam.

Seth Rollins as Guest Referee

Another important announcement on RAW was the inclusion of Seth Rollins as the special guest referee for the highly anticipated CM Punk vs. Drew McIntyre match at SummerSlam.

The addition of Rollins, who holds disdain for both Punk and McIntyre, adds an unpredictable dynamic to the match, evoking memories of the Shawn Michaels’ guest referee role in the Bret Hart vs. The Undertaker match at SummerSlam 1997.

This move underscores WWE’s storytelling prowess, as it continues to weave intricate plotlines that offer substantial payoffs. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how Rollins’ involvement will play out, especially considering his history with both competitors.

This match has the potential to be one of the year’s best rivalries, full of personal vendettas between all three men.

Damian Priest vs. Gunther Chaos

There was also a fierce confrontation between Damian Priest and Gunther, reflecting the show’s wild, Attitude Era-esque vibe.

Priest’s aggressive response to Gunther’s taunts, where he referred to Priest and Judgment Day as “street trash,” elevated the feud to a new level.

This rivalry is set to explode at SummerSlam, promising high-level action and character development as the two superstars battle for the World Heavyweight title.

Will Chad Gable Face Uncle Howdy?

The chaos spread to Chad Gable as well.

Gable, pairing up with the Creed Brothers, finally faced off against members of the Wyatt Sicks. The segment ended with Uncle Howdy attacking Gable, suggesting a future showdown.

It seems that the Chad Gable vs. Uncle Howdy/Bo Dallas match might be on the horizon, adding more intrigue to the developing storyline with the Wyatt Sicks.

Back To The Bloodline?

As expected, the ongoing suspense with The Bloodline made its presence felt on this edition of RAW.

Sami Zayn teamed up with Jey Uso, reigniting questions about The Bloodline’s future. Michael Cole’s strategic commentary hinted at their complicated relationship with the faction, including questioning what they think about Solo Sikoa taking over.

Bron Breakker speared Sami Zayn after the match, setting up a thrilling one-on-one rematch at SummerSlam.

This could potentially mark Breakker’s ascension as the new Intercontinental Champion, simultaneously freeing Zayn to align back with The Bloodline saga.

Other Notable RAW Moments

– Sheamus vs. Pete Dunne Rivalry: Sheamus and Pete Dunne continued their escalating rivalry, hinting at an impending one-on-one match.

– Women’s Tag Team Division: Sonya Deville’s group confronted the tag team champions Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn, setting up future title challenges.

– Zelina Vega’s Win: Zelina scored an surprising win against Zoey Stark, despite interference from Sonya Deville, underscoring the depth and direction of even lower-card storylines.

The State of WWE RAW

RAW continues to boast a cohesive narrative direction, intertwining multiple storylines and characters.

The show’s momentum heading into SummerSlam is palpable, with numerous intriguing matchups and plot twists expected.

From Dominik Mysterio’s emotional decisions to Seth Rollins’ complex referee role, RAW is delivering compelling wrestling drama, setting the stage for an explosive SummerSlam.

What did you think of this week’s WWE RAW? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!

Watch the video below for my FULL WWE RAW 7/22/24 review with thoughts on Dominik Mysterio choosing Rhea Ripley over Liv Morgan!

For more of my wrestling columns, visit the Wrestling Reaction homepage!

The Bloodline continued to make their mark on the July 19 edition of WWE SmackDown.

With Kevin Owens finding himself as target yet again, it’s clear that anyone associated with Cody Rhodes is now being taken out by Solo Sikoa and company.

The Bloodline Dominates Again

Solo made it clear that anyone linked to Cody Rhodes is going to suffer the consequences.

With Cody consistently in their crosshairs for the past few years, The Bloodline is systematically removing his allies on the road to Solo trying to defeat Cody for the WWE Undisputed title at SummerSlam.

Last week it was Randy Orton, and this week, Kevin Owens faced a brutal attack from Jacob Fatu.

Kevin Owens vs. Jacob Fatu?

There’s speculation that this could be setting up a possible match between Kevin Owens and Jacob Fatu.

Given the extent of the attack on SmackDown, it’s not clear if this will happen immediately, but fans can expect Owens not to take this lying down since that wouldn’t match with his personality.

Will we see a showdown at SummerSlam between the two?

Cody Rhodes Is Alone and Outnumbered

The central storyline here is Cody Rhodes possibly heading into the match at SummerSlam alone.

By targeting his allies, Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline are setting the stage for Cody to face a numbers disadvantage. Even more compelling, Cody himself expressed a desire to go it alone during a backstage encounter with Nick Aldis.

Of course, that’s the perfect scenario for a returning superstar.

The Importance of Support

Cody’s insistence to fight alone might be his greatest strength or his biggest weakness.

By taking out Orton and Owens, The Bloodline is ensuring that Cody is isolated. This sets up a thrilling narrative where Cody’s resilience will be tested, and fans are left wondering who might step in to support him.

Could it be Sami Zayn, Jey Uso, or even the returning Jimmy Uso?

The Anticipated Return of Roman Reigns

A key highlight was the crowd chanting for Roman Reigns as SmackDown concluded.

The return of The Tribal Chief looms large, adding another layer of excitement and anticipation heading into the Solo vs. Cody match.

That undoubtedly is the spot for the potential face-off between Reigns and Solo.

Other SmackDown Highlights

Michin’s Upset Victory

Michin scored an unexpected win over Tiffany Stratton, which sets up a tag team match next week with Bayley and Nia Jax included.

While some fans are skeptical about the briefcase holder losing, this loss shouldn’t hurt Stratton since the finished protected her.

LA Knight and Logan Paul: Contract Signed

Another major storyline development was the official contract signing for the United States title match between LA Knight and Logan Paul at SummerSlam.

This match promises to be a marquee event on the card, especially with Logan Paul fighting in his hometown of Cleveland.

Could this finally be LA Knight’s moment to shine by winning his first championship?

Andrade vs. Carmelo

Andrade’s victory over Carmelo was another standout moment.

The match was about more than just the win—commentary highlighted that it’s all about rising to the occasion as SummerSlam approaches.

What’s next for both Andrade and Carmelo remains to be seen, but their future stories seem filled with potential.

The Women’s Division: Setting Up Future Matches

Bianca Belair’s win over Chelsea Green was predictable but necessary.

Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn made it clear they’re not offering a rematch just yet to Belair and Jade Cargill, though that match is on the way sooner rather than later.

Fans are speculating on whether Belair and Cargill could turn on each other, but it seems like we’re in for a longer build before any major shifts happen in their friendship.

Final Thoughts on This Week’s SmackDown

The overarching theme of this week’s SmackDown was the dominance of The Bloodline and the growing anticipation for Roman Reigns’ return.

The show masterfully built up tension and excitement for upcoming events, especially as we inch closer to SummerSlam.

What did you think of this week’s SmackDown? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.

Watch the video below for my FULL WWE SmackDown 7/19/24 review with thoughts on The Bloodline flexing their dominance!

For more of my wrestling columns, visit the Wrestling Reaction homepage!

Love was in the air on this week’s edition of WWE Raw, as the love triangle continued between Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, and Dominik Mysterio.

It was a tale of two stories: Liv making it clear that she was still madly in love with Dominik, and Rhea Ripley asserting her independence to Dominik.

These were the two main themes of the night, but it all set up the match we’ve been anticipating. Rhea officially challenged Liv, and Liv accepted.

So, we are going to witness Rhea Ripley challenging Liv Morgan for what Rhea claims is her championship at SummerSlam.

Could this match be a Custody Ladder Match with Dominik Mysterio at stake, a storyline echoing back to 2005 with Eddie Guerrero and Rey Mysterio?

On a serious note, this episode of Raw was filled with entertaining developments, particularly regarding Rhea and Dominik. Following her big return last week, Rhea made it clear where she stands with Dominik, though she did give him some hope towards the end of the show after he valiantly fought for her against Jey Uso.

Speaking of love, Jey also made it clear that he has feelings for Rhea, leading to some humorous and memorable moments.

As the show unfolded, we saw Dominik and Liv have another physical exchange, Rhea coming out to run Liv off and ultimately costing Dominik his match.

This tease between Jey and Rhea adds another layer to the love triangle and leaves the door open for further developments, perhaps even setting up Dominik to join Liv at SummerSlam.

Drew McIntyre’s Return

Another significant moment was Drew McIntyre’s return, looking confident and ready to face CM Punk.

However, Adam Pearce threw a curveball by asking Drew to apologize to the referees, which McIntyre refused to do, resulting in him still being suspended.

The tension between Drew and Punk is building up, and it will be intriguing to see how it unfolds next week when Punk returns to Raw.

Seth Rollins also played a role in stopping McIntyre from going after Pearce, keeping the sustained tension between Rollins and McIntyre alive.

Although Rollins seems to be somewhat of an odd man out regarding SummerSlam plans, his ongoing feud with McIntyre and the likely future showdown with Punk keeps him relevant in the storyline.

Sami Zayn Defends the Intercontinental Championship

In the main event, Sami Zayn defended the Intercontinental Championship against Ilja Dragunov.

Unsurprisingly, the match ended in a no contest due to interference from Bron Breakker, setting up a probable three-way match at SummerSlam.

Dragunov’s claim for a fair shot and Zayn’s desire to be a fighting champion might lead to a highly anticipated contest, with Breakker potentially walking out of Cleveland with the title.

The Wyatt Sicks Developments

Chad Gable continues to be at the center of the Wyatt Sicks universe, channeling his inner Kurt Angle while interacting with the group and bringing a mix of seriousness and comedy.

Erick Rowan’s promo added a layer of raw emotion to the storyline, focusing on real-life losses and the hope that the Wyatt Sicks mask provides.

Could WWE be planning a Gable vs. Bo Dallas match in the near future?

Priest vs. Gunther Face-Off

Damien Priest and Gunther had an intense face-off, with Gunther questioning Priest’s worthiness as a champion.

This segment added a layer of doubt about who will emerge victorious at SummerSlam, with Gunther’s confidence shining through his flawless promo delivery.

It was also one of Priest’s better promo exchanges since becoming champion, as he focused on his road to being the title holder.

This set up an exciting build towards their World Heavyweight Championship match.

Other Notable Segments

Other segments included Sheamus getting his entrance music changed, leading to significant backlash online, and his match against Bronson Reed, which included interference from Pete Dunne.

This particular segment also detailed how storylines always give characters a purpose, making viewers invested in each wrestler’s motivations and actions.

Meanwhile, Lyra Valkyria and Sonya Deville are set to go one-on-one next week after their interactions in multiple segments.

Overall Thoughts

This week’s Raw was packed with storyline development, setting up exciting matches and emotionally charged promos.

As we head towards SummerSlam, it will be fascinating to see how each of these storylines plays out and who comes out on top in these big matches in Cleveland.

Let us know your thoughts about this edition of Raw!

Watch the video below for my FULL WWE RAW 7/15/24 review with thoughts on the Rhea Ripley, Liv Morgan, and Dominik Mysterio love triangle!

For more of my wrestling columns, visit the Wrestling Reaction homepage!

This week’s edition of WWE SmackDown may not have been the most significant show overall, but it did feature a major advancement in The Bloodline saga on the road to SummerSlam.

Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu, Tama Tonga, and Tonga Loa took out Randy Orton in brutal fashion, putting him through the announce table while Cody Rhodes was helplessly tied up in the ropes.

It was quite a visual and set the stage for Cody Rhodes defending the WWE Undisputed title against Solo at SummerSlam.

The Bloodline Dominates

The Bloodline’s attack on Randy Orton wasn’t just physical; it was psychological warfare aimed at Cody Rhodes.

The commentary team emphasized the eerily similar scenario involving The Original Bloodline that had previously sidelined Orton with a back injury.

This particular attack included multiple superkicks, steel steps, and even a Shield powerbomb, leaving Orton in a bad way. Watching all this happen? None other than Cody, who is set to face Solo at SummerSlam.

While Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa as the main event of SummerSlam might not be the most popular choice, it’s part of a grander narrative, as the match is likely setting up the big return of Roman Reigns.

Cody and Orton Teases

Cody Rhodes, ever the fighter, once again found himself outnumbered by The Bloodline.

With Kevin Owens dealing with family matters, Cody was left to fend for himself. Randy Orton’s involvement was crucial but ended disastrously for him. The Bloodline’s actions forced Cody into a more isolated position, leading to further questions about what this means for his future.

There’s speculation about whether Owens will return to assist Cody, or if The Bloodline’s dominance will continue unchecked.

I’m working on another video connecting all the dots about the Cody and Orton situation (including lots of hints at Orton’s eventual heel turn), and it’ll be available soon on Wrestling Reaction.

Women’s Division Developments

The women’s division also saw some key developments in this edition of SmackDown.

Bayley, Tiffany Stratton, and Nia Jax found themselves involved in an intriguing storyline, which started off the show and saw all three reveal their motivations.

Stratton, the new Ms. Money in the Bank, and Jax continued to fuel their friendship dynamic, with Stratton even teasing a cash-in on Bayley before Jax questioned what she was doing.

Elsewhere in the women’s division, there were some interesting backstage dynamics that added new potential feuds, with Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill celebrating Naomi’s win over Blair Davenport, only for Davenport to retaliate with an attack on Naomi.

Other Highlights

• Andrade vs. Carmelo Hayes: This match is set for next week, and it has the potential to take both superstars to new heights, especially as they both seek to make a mark post-SummerSlam.

What did you think of this episode of SmackDown? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!

Watch the video below for my FULL WWE SmackDown 7/8/24 review with thoughts on The Bloodline’s attack on Randy Orton!

For more of my wrestling columns, visit the Wrestling Reaction homepage!

The July 8, 2024 edition of WWE RAW was packed with surprises, intense confrontations, and significant developments on the road to SummerSlam.

From the bombshell return of Rhea Ripley to the compelling storylines involving CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, and more, let’s dive into the key moments from the show.

Rhea Ripley’s Stunning Return

Rhea Ripley made a shocking return to WWE RAW, catching everyone off-guard, especially the unique duo of Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan.

The drama unfolded in the main event where Dominik and Liv secured a victory over Rey Mysterio and Zelina Vega. The night was peppered with hints about Ripley’s return, such as Damian Priest’s cryptic phone conversation and other tidbits in previous segments.

Once Rhea’s music hit, the crowd erupted with excitement. She stormed the ring, chased off Liv, and left Dominik in a state of confusion and fear.

This unquestionably sets the stage for a potential high-stakes battle between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan, likely culminating at SummerSlam.

The big question: Who will Dominik ultimately side with?

CM Punk and Drew McIntyre: The Revenge Game

The show started with CM Punk addressing the audience, igniting anticipation for a huge match against Drew McIntyre at SummerSlam.

However, McIntyre’s recent suspension following an altercation with Adam Pearce puts the match in jeopardy, at least from a storyline perspective.

Punk passionately urged Pearce to reinstate McIntyre, but Pearce advised Punk to focus on his recovery from McIntyre’s recent attack on him in Chicago.

This escalating feud has led to speculation about a possible confrontation at Punk’s home, similar to past WWE storylines involving personal invasions. Adding more intrigue, Punk’s promo referenced Seth Rollins, suggesting potential future clashes.

As McIntyre is set to return next week to discuss his suspension with Pearce, all eyes will be on how the storyline evolves.

The Wyatt Sicks and Bo Dallas’s Mysterious Meeting

In a rare on-screen appearance, Bo Dallas, aka Taylor Rotunda, was seen in a private meeting with Adam Pearce.

The segment added layers to the Wyatt Sicks storyline, hinting at Bo’s more significant involvement moving forward.

This particular development, alongside the ongoing spooky VHS-style promos, suggests major twists ahead involving the Wyatt family.

Reigniting Old Rivalries: Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker

Sami Zayn and Bron Breakker seem destined for another clash, as Breakker’s brutal attack on Zayn and the involvement by Ilya Dragunov imply a possible multi-man match at SummerSlam.

Breakker is on a mission to reclaim his dominance after his surprising loss to Zayn, setting up what could be one of the PLE’s show-stealers.

Other Key RAW Moments

– Damian Priest and Gunther: The anticipation builds for their face to face next week, which should set the stage for another marquee match at SummerSlam.

– Chad Gable and the Wyatt Sicks: There was once again a notable interaction between the two parties, adding more depth to Gable’s ongoing storyline with the group.

– Formation of a New Trio: Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, and Sonya Deville officially formed a unit, adding a fresh dynamic to the women’s division.

Looking Ahead

WWE RAW left fans buzzing with numerous questions and exciting possibilities moving forward.

Who will Dominik Mysterio ultimately align with? Will CM Punk and Drew McIntyre’s clash get the green light for SummerSlam? How will the Wyatt Sicks storyline unfold?

This episode set the stage for SummerSlam’s major matches, with clear narratives developing for some of WWE’s top superstars. As we march towards one of the biggest events of the year, the stakes continue to rise, creating an environment filled with suspense.

What did you think of Rhea Ripley’s return?

Where do you see the stories heading now, especially with Dominik Mysterio’s divided loyalties?

Share your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates.

Watch the video below for my FULL WWE RAW 7/8/24 review with thoughts on Rhea Ripley’s WWE return!

For more of my wrestling columns, visit the Wrestling Reaction homepage!

There were a lot of significant developments at WWE Money in the Bank in Toronto.

If you’ve watched my videos before, you know that this isn’t my usual setup. I mentioned in a community post that I’m traveling and was way behind in actually watching the show. I managed to avoid spoilers and finally caught up just in time to check things out.

There was a lot to talk about coming out of this event.

Let’s dive into a reaction to everything we saw with the WWE Money in the Bank 2024 review.

John Cena’s Retirement Announcement

We start with something none of us expected: John Cena’s retirement announcement.

It seems his farewell tour will start in January. During the post-show press conference, he elaborated that 2025 would be his retirement year, which sets up an entire year focused on Cena’s legendary career, leading up to his last match.

Reflecting on past videos, we’ve discussed the hints Cena has dropped about retirement. Although he has only done part-time work recently, it now feels more real as the farewell tour approaches.

We will definitely talk more about potential opponents for Cena as his retirement year unfolds.

Match of the Night: Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match

I must say, the Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match was fantastic.

It’s one of the best ladder matches I’ve seen in a long time, filled with all-action sequences and memorable spots.

Yes, it was challenging for six people going at it, but the pairings and sequences made it work seamlessly. Though there were some unfortunate moments, like Zoey Stark’s rough landing, the overall performance was still tremendous.

The match concluded with a dramatic finish involving Tiffany Stratton and Chelsea Green at the top of the ladder. Stratton emerged victorious, which, as I mentioned in my notes, makes a lot of sense given her budding popularity and potential future feuds, especially with Nia Jax and Bayley.

Tiffany Stratton winning was, in my opinion, the right move to build to her potentially being one of the top stars in the women’s division.

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match

The Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match had a much-debated outcome.

The contest came down to Drew McIntyre and Jey Uso, which was a short-term versus long-term decision for WWE. They went with McIntyre, who called his shot and aimed to cash in the same night.

However, the night took a twist when Punk interfered when McIntyre added himself to the Seth Rollins vs. Damian Priest match for the World title, depriving McIntyre of his win.

This added layers to the existing Punk vs. McIntyre feud and looped Rollins back into the mix, reminiscent of where WWE was headed before Punk’s injury.

The decision to escalate this feud while reintroducing Rollins makes a lot of storyline sense, even if the predictability factor was high.

Solo Sikoa Pins Cody Rhodes: Setting Up the SummerSlam Main Event

Cody Rhodes vs. Solo Sikoa is now all but officially set for the SummerSlam main event.

You could sense where this was headed when the six-man tag match was announced, as Solo pinning Cody was a significant moment to make the argument that he deserves a title shot.

The Bloodline story continues to be the driving force in WWE, and this pinfall sets up a lot of intrigue moving forward, especially when it comes to Roman Reigns’ return.

Other Highlights

– Sami Zayn vs. Bron Breakker: Zayn retained against Bron Breakker in a solid match. Though Breaker is a future star, it perhaps isn’t his time yet to hold the Intercontinental title. However, a potential rematch could be in the works at SummerSlam.

– Commentary: The commentary team added interesting notes, like the story of Triple H pulling strings to get Jacob Fatu into Canada. These little storytelling nuggets are what make WWE events more engaging, and the Michael Cole and Corey Graves duo is adding a lot to all the big moments.

Looking Ahead

The WWE Money in the Bank 2024 event delivered on several fronts, setting up future drama and feuds.

The fallout from this event is sure to bring more huge moments leading up to SummerSlam and beyond.

What did you think of the show? What was your favorite match? And what are your expectations for SummerSlam?

Let me know in the comments below!

Watch the video below for my FULL WWE Money In The Bank 2024 review with thoughts on Solo Sikoa pinning Cody Rhodes!

For more of my wrestling columns, visit the Wrestling Reaction homepage!

WrestleMania XL: Behind the Curtain is the documentary we eagerly awaited from WWE.

Initially set to be released right after WrestleMania 40, it faced delays, but it’s finally here, revealing unprecedented behind-the-scenes moments and key decisions that led to Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Undisputed title.

Let’s delve into the revelations and major pivots that led to one of WWE’s biggest main events in company history.

The Anticipation and Unveiling

The documentary unveils the pivotal shift that crafted the iconic Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns main event at WrestleMania 40.

For fans who suspected there was a change in plans, you were correct.

The documentary brings to light several compelling details, one of the most notable being Triple H’s approach to creative storytelling and the collaboration that led to the pivot.

Triple H’s Strategic Vision

Triple H’s influence on WWE creativity is evident in this documentary.

He reveals that by October, the WrestleMania 40 card was already 80 percent complete. This foresight, contrasting with WWE’s recent practices of short-term, flexible storytelling, stands out as a return to long-term planning, akin to the golden days of the company.

According to Triple H, creative planning should be viewed as a GPS guiding them to a set destination.

This idea of having a final goal and mapping out the journey meticulously allowed for coherent and engaging storytelling, which has led to elevated fan interest and soaring ratings over the past few years.

The Rock’s Involvement and Cody’s Story

One of the most significant details in WrestleMania XL: Behind the Curtain is the involvement of The Rock.

Triple H and The Rock both contribute to different parts of the documentary. Early on, The Rock discloses the original plan of facing Reigns at WrestleMania 39, which fell through. The Rock would then tease the potential WrestleMania 40 match with Reigns on several platforms, including The Pat McAfee Show.

However, Cody Rhodes was highly over with fans following his loss at WrestleMania 39.

WWE had to rethink its strategy to capitalize on Cody’s momentum, and Triple H recalls discussing with Cody the course WWE was steering towards, acknowledging that Cody’s victory at the Royal Rumble was critical despite the planned pivot to The Rock vs. Roman Reigns at WrestleMania 40.

The Pivotal Decisions and Fan Reactions

At this juncture, The Rock’s suggestion altered the course.

Dissatisfied with the backlash and endorsing fan sentiment favoring Cody, The Rock called for a change to give the fans what they wanted. This decision underscores WWE’s willingness to listen to its audience, a departure from its past practices.

With CM Punk sidelined due to the injury he suffered at the Royal Rumble, the creative team had new challenges and opportunities to navigate Cody on his journey, ensuring his narrative of “finishing the story” continued to resonate with the audience.

This situation highlighted WWE’s adaptability, at least in this particular scenario.

Cody’s Emotional Visuals and The Final Match

Cody’s emotional journey is poignantly captured in WrestleMania XL: Behind the Curtain.

From handing over his WrestleMania spot to The Rock to expressing his genuine need for fan support, these raw moments are one of the highlights. WWE’s focus on the emotions behind these developments showcases its mastery in presentation, especially when it comes to these type of behind-the-scenes glimpses.

The documentary leads us through the crescendo of WrestleMania 40’s key moments, including the unforgettable finish with Cody finally accomplishing his goal by pinning Reigns to win the title.

WWE’s Forward-Looking Strategy

The conclusion of the documentary teases potential future main events and the ongoing ramifications of these storylines, ensuring fans continuously remain engaged even with Rock and Reigns currently off of WWE television.

The intentional layering of storylines and introduction of future feuds like The Rock vs. Cody Rhodes at WrestleMania 41 indicates an innovative approach to building future storylines.

Should You Watch It?

WrestleMania XL: Behind the Curtain not only reveals the intricate process behind WWE’s grand spectacle but also highlights the collaborative effort and strategic pivots necessary for delivering unforgettable moments.

The decision to change course, initiated by The Rock and supported by Triple H’s strategic vision, exemplifies WWE’s embrace of fan feedback and long-term success planning.

If you haven’t watched this documentary, it’s a must-see for any WWE enthusiast craving to understand the behind-the-scenes dynamics that shape WWE’s biggest events.

This chronicle of WrestleMania 40 serves as a testament to WWE’s evolution and its dedication to crafting resonant, emotion-driven stories.

Share your thoughts on WrestleMania XL: Behind the Curtain in the comments below!

Watch the video below for my FULL WWE WrestleMania XL: Behind the Curtain review with thoughts on the controversial road to WrestleMania 40!

For more of my wrestling columns, visit the Wrestling Reaction homepage!