The July 20 episode of WWE Raw, held at Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit, showcased a mix of intense rivalries, surprising alliances, and the usual raw energy that fans have come to expect. With SummerSlam looming, the show built upon the momentum of Saturday Night's Main Event, setting the stage for some pivotal moments in the WWE universe.
The Bloodline's Dominance Continues
LA Knight's ongoing feud with The Bloodline took center stage, with Knight's passionate promo setting the tone for the main event. Knight's left leg injury, targeted by Jacob Fatu, showcased his resilience, but it wasn't enough to overcome the seemingly unstoppable Samoan Werewolf. Fatu's physical prowess and the interference from Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa secured the win, highlighting the dominance of The Bloodline.
Commentary: Knight's promo was a standout moment, exuding intensity and conviction. His ability to sell the conflict with The Bloodline and his lack of trust in Solo Sikoa added depth to the story. However, the main event itself lacked a spark, with the result being a so-so outing. Fatu's performance, however, was impressive, especially his in-ring shape and execution of the moonsault.
The Vision's Rising Star
The Vision, a team with a bright future, faced off against the energetic duo of Je'Von Evans and Dragon Lee. Their match was a frenetic display of unbridled energy, keeping the heels on edge. Despite succumbing to interference, Evans and Lee's performance was a highlight, reminiscent of the dynamic duo of Paul London and Brian Kendrick.
Analysis: The Vision's budding rivalry with the Alpha Academy is a refreshing addition to the show. Dupri's involvement adds a layer of complexity, and her presence as a breakout star is a possibility. Evans and Lee's chemistry and energy make them a team to watch, especially with their potential to challenge for the tag team titles.
Danhausen's Detroit Homecoming
Danhausen's return to his hometown was a brief but impactful segment. His confrontation with The Judgment Day and subsequent match with JD McDonagh provided a moment of levity. The involvement of Joe Hendry and Dominik Mysterio added a layer of intrigue, setting the stage for a potential SummerSlam showdown between Danhausen and Dirty Dom.
Opinion: Danhausen's success in Detroit was a highlight, showcasing his star power. However, the segment's lack of development and the forced nature of the backstage vignettes could have been improved. Femi's involvement in these vignettes is a concern, as it takes away from his build-up for his Hell in a Cell match against Brock Lesnar.
The Midcard's Momentum
Penta and Chad Gable's tag team match against Ethan Page and Rusev was a hard-fought affair, showcasing the skills of four talented workers. Gable's victory continued his red-hot run, building momentum towards his SummerSlam IC title match with Penta.
Reflection: Gable's entrance music is a potential hindrance, and a change might be necessary to enhance his impact. Page's performance was strong, and a post-SummerSlam momentum boost is warranted to keep him relevant.
Women's Division's Indictment
The women's division's placement in the late-show segment was a disappointment. The creative team's decision to relegate women's wrestling to this position is a step backward, eroding the progress made in recent years.
Perspective: The women's division deserves better treatment, and the lack of emphasis on their matches is a missed opportunity. The segment involving Liv Morgan and Iyo Sky was a highlight, but it was a rare instance of women's wrestling taking center stage.
MVP and Overall Grade
Despite some inconsistencies, the show provided a solid mix of in-ring action and story development. The main event, while lacking a spark, built upon the momentum of The Bloodline's dominance. The show's overall grade of C+ reflects the balance between memorable moments and placeholder segments.
In summary, WWE Raw's July 20 episode was a blend of intense rivalries, surprising twists, and the usual raw energy. With SummerSlam on the horizon, the show sets the stage for pivotal moments, leaving fans eager for the upcoming pay-per-view event.
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