WWE Raw opened this week with Drew McIntyre in the ring for a promo. He started by showing footage from SmackDown where he viciously beat down CM Punk. He eventually pulled out the bracelet that he stole from Punk, one that a fan had made with his wife’s and dog’s names on it. McIntyre declared for the Money in the Bank match before putting the bracelet on, stating he now has CM Punk’s family in his corner while Punk watches from home.
Did @DMcIntyreWWE just cross the line on #WWERaw? pic.twitter.com/ii5GZTPC04
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2024
The first match of the night saw Bron Breakker take on Ludwig Kaiser. The match focused on striking, highlighted by a flying elbow from Bron onto the announce table before the commercial break. After the break, the two exchanged heavy blows in the ring. The match was thrown out when Sheamus appeared out of nowhere to seek revenge on Ludwig Kaiser. After a brutal knee, Sheamus picked up Kaiser into the powerbomb position, only to be speared by an angry Bron Breakker.
IT'S PAYBACK TIME!!!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Q4v56WPlG0
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2024
The next match was a triple threat qualifier for the Women’s Money in the Bank match. It featured Lyra Valkyria, Shayna Baszler, and Kairi Sane. The three women did a good job maintaining a quick pace while involving all of them without it becoming awkward or stuffy. They also included some great false finishes and move sets. Lyra Valkyria would win the fantastic match.
Who will punch their ticket to #MITB?! pic.twitter.com/odkwx6wzk3
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2024
Liv Morgan would be featured in the ring for a promo for the next segment. She would once again try to get Dominik Mysterio’s attention. She would call for Dominik to come to the ring, only to be surprised by Zelina Vega. Vega would be out there to shut her up and state her intentions to obtain Liv’s WWE Women’s World Championship. Liv would say Zelina will have to wait until next week, and then Dominik would finally make an appearance. Zelina would turn down Dominik’s offer to help her win the title before being blindsided by Liv. Rey Mysterio would break it up before Dominik tossed him aside, and the segment ended.
LIV and DOM FOREVER? 🤔#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/cHygtSSYn1
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2024
Braun Strowman, Chad Gable, and Bronson Reed faced off in a triple threat qualifier for the Men’s Money in the Bank match. It was probably an average match at best, but all three pulled off great feats of strength. The Judgment Day showed up mid-match and used their numbers to take Braun out of the equation. Chad Gable took full advantage, hitting a moonsault to advance to Money in the Bank. After the match, the lights went out, and Sister Abigail crawled into the ring through the fog. Gable made his getaway before Sister Abigail delivered something to the announce table and left before the show cut to a commercial break. After the break, we learn it’s a box containing a VHS tape for Pat McAfee (who wasn’t working this particular show).
THEY'RE HERE. pic.twitter.com/3qIPA5QzZo
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2024
Unholy Union would take on Kayden Carter and Katana Chance in a non-title tag team match. This match did not last long before Damage CTRL took out everyone in an angry attempt to regain their former dominance.
DamageCTRL attacks The Unholy Union #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/WYC2MQFMt4
— Sonya Bayley – WWE Fan 🐑🌈 (@SDevilleLive) June 25, 2024
Damian Priest and Seth Rollins would cut a promo in advance of their upcoming title match at Money in the Bank. Seth would tell him why nobody buys him as a champion, that he always needs help. Seth would then offer up a side bet for the upcoming match. If Damian wins, Seth can never challenge Priest for the title again. If Seth wins, Priest quits Judgment Day. During the handshake, Gunther would come to the ring. He will face the winner at SummerSlam.
It's ALL or NOTHING at #MITB!
If PRIEST wins, Seth Rollins won't challenge for the title again.
If ROLLINS wins, Damian Priest must leave The Judgment Day. pic.twitter.com/MlR3m8G6ow
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2024
It would be at this point that we would see the VHS from earlier. It would show Uncle Howdy asking Bo Dallas some very hard-hitting questions. This was very raw and emotional. I highly suggest you watch it—I won’t ruin it or do it justice.
What was on that tape? 📼
Find out NOW. pic.twitter.com/tPWw4Zi07L— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2024
Kofi Kingston faced Karrion Kross in a relatively short match. Kofi managed to get some offense in early on, but Kross quickly gained the upper hand and secured the win.
IS IT WORTH IT? IS IT REALLY WORTH IT?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/xJXJ6eTssl
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 2024
The main event featured Awesome Truth defending the tag titles against Judgment Day. The match itself was average. It would end with Liv Morgan actually distracting and hurting R-Truth enough for Judgment Day to win the Raw Tag Team Championship. The change feels necessary, as Miz and R-Truth have been pigeonholed as a gimmick tag team.
WE HAVE NEW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS!!!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/WzLeVR9kSu
— WWE (@WWE) June 25, 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 live podcast “The Wrasslin Corner”