Monday Night Raw this week opened with The Judgment Day, with Damian Priest who successfully defending his World Heavyweight Championship at Backlash. Priest addressed something that happened after the match, apologizing for losing his cool with his faction mates and expressing appreciation for them. They then announced Finn Balor as the winner of the King of the Ring tournament, with Drew McIntyre replaced by “Main Event” Jey Uso due to injury.
Hey @FinnBalor, say hello to your new first round opponent…
JEY USO!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/WdbKzBqASx
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2024
Finn Balor and Jey Uso started their match immediately following a commercial break. It was a good match by Raw’s standards, featuring good striking and a quick pace. Finn attempted his finisher from the top rope, but Jey countered with a spear, leading to a convincing false finish. Drew McIntyre made a menacing appearance at ringside, but Jey managed to hit a second spear to secure the win.
Who will advance in the King of the Ring tournament … Jey Uso or @FinnBalor?#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/KUmWaJsske
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2024
CM Punk made his way to the ring to speak, challenging Drew McIntyre to confront him and threatening to hold the show hostage until he appeared. Despite telling a lengthy story to fill time, Drew did not show up, and Punk ultimately signed off, stated that Drew fears him.
CM Punk just delivered 🔥🎤 on @DMcIntyreWWE! 👀#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Yf8L2HKfhs
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2024
The Queen of the Ring tournament began with Iyo Sky facing Natalya. They had a decent back-and-forth match, with Dakota Kai assisting Iyo in securing the victory and advancing to the second round.
Simplement deux!#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/Vf98NuJcMD
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2024
In another first-round match of the King of the Ring tournament, Ilya Dragunov faced Ricochet. The match had a faster pace than expected, with both competitors delivering high spots and fantastic reversals. Dragunov emerged victorious in one of the best matches on Raw in recent memory.
This match was SENSATIONAL.
From the best-kept secret in WWE to advancing in the next round of the King of the Ring tournament, @UNBESIEGBAR_ZAR made a huge impact tonight on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/Wj1qDq1Y1A
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2024
Zoey Stark faced Ivy Nile in the next match of the Queen of the Ring tournament, delivering another better-than-expected match with great pace and power. Stark ultimately advanced to the next round.
These two are FLEXIN' on each other as the Queen of the Ring Tournament continues on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/1XM8vPkKFl
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2024
Bronson Reed was scheduled to face Chad Gable, but the match was interrupted by Sami Zayn, resulting in a brawl where Reed stood tall.
SAMI ZAYN is out for PAYBACK on #WWERaw! pic.twitter.com/o5VMrIvrfz
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2024
Becky Lynch participated in a sit-down interview with Michael Cole, which was interrupted first by Liv Morgan, then by Dakota Kai and Damage Control. Lyra Valkyria came to Lynch’s aid.
Liv Morgan? More like LEAVE Morgan!@YaOnlyLivvOnce #WWERaw pic.twitter.com/qkGn1FuGyu
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2024
Dakota Kai faced Lyra Valkyria in another first-round match of the Queen of the Ring tournament. While lacking the intensity of earlier tournament matches, Valkyria emerged victorious.
What a #WWERaw debut for @Real_Valkyria! pic.twitter.com/nH8v6neqO6
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 2024
Sheamus and Gunther met in the main event, delivering a hard-hitting match. Despite interference from Kaiser injuring Sheamus, Gunther secured the victory via submission. This match was another banger from the two, and from the first round of the King of the Ring.
Two of the absolute TOUGHEST in WWE history! 👊👊#WWERaw pic.twitter.com/joMddyO92Z
— WWE (@WWE) May 7, 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”