Raw Quick Takes 6/7/21

Over the top

RKBro vs Viking Raiders vs New Day vs Mace & The tag champs address the teams before the match. AJ dressed them down for what seemed like 30 minutes but it was only 10 before the Miz came out. Miz being in a wheelchair is going to be awesome, there is a lot he can do with that gimmick. There was some PG 13 comedy but not the worst I’ve seen.

Orton and Riddle start things off with RKOs. No one really got the best of anyone in the match, there wasn’t much story to be told at all. The match had a point but I’m not sure they had to get to it this way. Sure, the teams stayed safe because of the nature of the match however, the match didn’t do anything for anyone even though it didn’t do anything to hurt them, that’s the point it did nothing. Viking Raiders win and will face the champs.

Elias vs Ryker

Trying to get Ryker over as a babyface is just stupid. Sure, he’s a veteran and we appreciate that but it’s not enough to respect him after some of his ignorant comments. I’m not the one to criticize an individual because they have an unpopular opinion but Ryker should have known what position his statements would put himself and those around him in.

Ryker attacks from behind, has a new haircut but he’s still getting booed, not winning the match clean, instead winning by count out, is also a bad look. They aren’t booking Elais or Ryker correctly, that’s two guys being wasted, should have kept Murphy and…nevermind…

Nikki Cross & Asuka vs Rhea Ripley[c] & Charlotte

Charlotte finally has a look that suits her and makes her look like a movie star. I can get behind a Charlotte push if it’s done like Roman Reigns’ push. Rhea Ripley’s look has also improved but as I said before they need to be careful because Rhea is attractive and people will catch on to that. The problem isn’t with her it’s with WWE seeing the positive feedback about her looks and may be tempted to go in another direction with her. Not gonna lie, I get Elvira vibes from her and I think that’s a cool little detour/natural evolution in her character that I wouldn’t mind at all.

Both Rhea and Charlotte want a piece of Nikki. Not sure if I like Nikki Cross not being crazy, I like the energy but I don’t know. It’s a character evolution that is necessary for main event status but there needs to be so many other changes and I’m not sure it’ll all work. Charlotte straight up attacks Ripley on multiple occasions, leading to a loss. Asuka is in a decent spot but the problem is she is always an afterthought when Charlotte is around.

Contract signing

Drew is on time, Lashley is fashionably late. All goes well until Drew chops the table in half with a sword. Great way to end a mild contract signing. I believe Drew will lose and challenge Roman after a vacation. That would be the right move. Meanwhile, they should resign Daniel Bryan and let him beat Lashley at Survivor Series.

Ricochet vs Humberto

#1 contender, Sheamus at ringside, doesn’t get better than this. You know what’s about to happen but before it does we are treated to a really cool match between two great athletes. Looks as if Sheamus will have to defend the title against both men at Hell in a Cell.

Shuckin’ and jivin’

Backstage, there was a conversation between two veterans of the game. MVP talks to Kofi about how proud he was of him for winning the WWE Championship but how he is disappointed in the comedy act he has become. Man, I would love if Kofi turns him down and Xavier Woods turns heel. This is the right direction to go no matter what happens.

Jeff Hardy vs Cedrick Alexander

Good match, thought that Alexander had it. Cedrick lost to Hardy but both needed a win. I think that they should have some wins against jobbers, THEN have a feud against each other. This would help build them up, push them both, while putting higher stakes on the winner of their feud making them a midcard title contender down the line.

Gulak vs Mansoor

Backstage, Ali asks Mansoor if he’s ready for when pro wrestling gets dirty. Gulak doesn’t try anything too crazy and Mansoor gets the W. I’m hoping that this feud between Ali and Mansoor lasts a while and ends in a title opportunity. Ali should win money in the bank so that we may all celebrate. Hell maybe they can even give him his two goons back from Retribution.

Kofi vs Riddle

This match should have closed the might, a banger from a new talent and a veteran. I really wanted Riddle to win but I understand why Kofi did, it continues his story. Also, Riddle is going for the tag titles with Randy at some point to so his singles equity will be diminished.

Honorable mentions

1. Shayna Baszler runs from Lily the doll in the main event. I didn’t like it, doesn’t mean the segment didn’t work.

Final take

Solid episode of Raw, there will be a mountain of complaints. Alexa needs to wrestle or go away, she is bringing unnecessary heat to the show. I am ok with what’s going on but the public outcry is borderline insanity.

#mvp #BobbyLashley #DrewMcIntyre #themiz #KofiKingston