WWE Raw opened this week with a very shocking surprise return from Seth Rollins. Seth was injured during his heroic efforts at WrestleMania. The crowd gave him a huge, well-deserved ovation. Seth declared his intentions to regain the World Heavyweight Championship by winning Money in the Bank. He was quickly interrupted by the current champion, Damian Priest. Damian let him know that this is no longer “Monday Night Rollins.” Damian Priest went on to say that he doesn’t need to win the briefcase; they can go one-on-one at the Money in the Bank PLE to prove he is the better man.
Challenge issued for #MITB! 👀 pic.twitter.com/QzOBfy1kTe
— WWE (@WWE) June 18, 2024
Chad Gable demanded another shot at the Intercontinental Championship, but the Raw General Manager told him to wait his turn. Gable insisted on proving himself and ended up in a match against the massive Braun Strowman. Despite all his impressive matches in the past, Gable got squashed. After the match, he called Alpha Academy into the ring and threw away Maxxine Dupri’s crutch before slapping Tizawa. Otis finally had enough and snapped on Gable, throwing him into the corner and helping Maxxine and Tazawa to the back.
Otis has just SNAPPED!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/r19ZSvExUc
— WWE (@WWE) June 18, 2024
Iyo Sky took on Kiana James and Zelina Vega in a Money in the Bank qualifier match. There were a few good high spots, but the match was quite quick. Iyo advances to the Money in the Bank ladder match.
Congratulations @Iyo_SkyWWE!#MITB pic.twitter.com/DBPUJ8fQKu
— WWE (@WWE) June 18, 2024
Sami Zayn would come to the ring to promote what’s next for him and his Intercontinental Championship but was quickly interrupted by Bron Breakker. It would seem as if the two were about to agree to a championship match before Sheamus interrupted them. Bron didn’t take kindly to Sheamus trying to get in his way, and the two would get into a verbal altercation. This, of course, led to the announcement of the #1 contender’s match between the two later that night.
These two want the #ICTitle! 👀#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/iikuqMePG0
— WWE (@WWE) June 18, 2024
Dragon Lee versus Carlito was the next contest. Very early on, Liv Morgan would come to the ring wearing Dominik’s vest before Zelina attacked Liv. A brawl would ensue, and Carlito would take advantage of the distraction to pick up the victory.
https://twittee.com/WWE/status/1802878453001138339?s=19
Drew McIntyre came to the ring with a microphone to discuss how CM Punk had screwed him over once again. Or so we thought. Within minutes, he said, “I quit!” and stormed off.
Drew McIntyre has just quit WWE and left the arena. pic.twitter.com/ebc2J8riVR
— WWE (@WWE) June 18, 2024
Damage CTRL would take on Kayden Carter and Katana Chance in a tag team match. Early on, Lyra Valkyria came out to cheer on Katana and Kayden. This distracted Damage CTRL long enough for them to lose control of the match. An average bout with a couple of impressive high spots.
Katana Chance and Kayden Carter pull off a surprising victory against Damage CTRL, with Lyra Valkyria appearing at ringside. More of a transitional moment to continue the storyline, but the result is surprising.
I'm happy for Kayden and Katana. #WWERAW pic.twitter.com/NeDhzGcDkc
— GautamVizz (@LuckyyGautam18) June 18, 2024
The next match was the aforementioned #1 contender’s match between Sheamus and Bron Breakker for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. The two would have a great back-and-forth match before Ludwig Kaiser would pull a CM Punk, pulling Sheamus’s leg when it looked like he was going to hit his finisher for the victory. The referee had no choice but to call off the match.
BRON BREAKKER is out to DESTROY!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/KTJOQySU2i
— WWE (@WWE) June 18, 2024
The next match was a triple threat match for a spot in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match. It featured Jey Uso, Finn Bálor, and Rey Mysterio. This match had great pacing, and all three men looked great. Rey Mysterio hit a double 619 on both opponents before Dominik came out and pulled him off the top rope, preventing him from taking advantage. Braun Strowman chased Dominik away. Jey Uso then hit a frog splash on both men while they were in mid-pinfall position, securing the win.
FIGHT of the MYSTERIOS!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/zetQn1r33x
— WWE (@WWE) June 18, 2024
The final segment of Raw was where we finally saw the debut of Uncle Howdy. The faction had seemingly decimated everyone backstage in a very dark segment. This was an amazing segment, and I look forward to seeing what happens next.
— WWE (@WWE) June 18, 2024
That wraps up WWE Raw for this week. Stay tuned to Greenville Sports Media for more of my regular wrestling articles.
Howe Fresh (of The Wrasslin Corner on The Real Fresh Channel)
for Greenville Sports Media
and check out my weekly opinionated podcast “The Wrasslin Corner”