Steve Notes RAW 7/13/21

Backstage, MVP hypes up Bob Lashley

Xavier Woods vs. Bobby Lashley

Lashley wrecks Woods on the outside as we go to commercial

More of the same, Lashley drops Woods over and over

Lashley hits a spear

Woods sneaks an inside cradle for the surprise win

That was stupid

**

Lashley’s face processing what happened afterwards is pretty great

Backstage, Kevin interviews MVP, says Lashley was seen leaving. MVP says its not a big deal. He had to blow off some steam, he’ll be in the VIP lounge this evening.

Drew REcap

Alexa Bliss’ Playground

She talks up the possibility of winning MITB, Eva Marie says up, are you gonna introduce us?

Alexa says she likes Doudrop’s name, asks her to wrap up her time on Raw so far in one word? Eva interrupts, calls it Evalutionary. Alexa says I wasn’t asking you, but you’re ok, like a surprise bonus. Eva says she is a headliner, then says this is the last time she steps foot in this nasty playground. Now lets’ go-- good lord, Eva’s line reading is awful.

Jinder Promo

He says Drew, come out here man to man and I’ll give your sword back. Drew shows up on the tron, says, I know you’re tough, decorated, but you’re a liar. Cut through the BS and get to the point. JInder says I’m offended, you can trust me after everything we’ve been through. I had Veer and Shanky have your sword refitted. Behold the new Claymore! THe sword is in pieces.

Drew says that sword is a replica, this is raw, you have to expect your shit to be destroyed. BUt this sword is REAL. He goes to the motorcycle, says BUT THIS ISN’T A REPLICA, then he starts ripping it apart and smashing it up. THis is literally an ad for a toy.

Backstage, Riddle asks why Nikki doesn’t just fly up to grab the briefcase, she says she’s not a superhero, she’s ALMOST one, so no flying. Riddle rambles about some shit, she says I’ve got a match.

NIkki vs. Naomi vs. Asuka vs. Bliss

MId-match, Eva and DD come out

Alexa walks past DD, goes to Eva, yells at her, DD attacks, throws her over the barricade, then Alexa disappears

Naomi gets a close 2 on BOTH Asuka and NIkki with a splits pin

NIkki gets the superman/roll through pin on Asuka

**¾

Interview with Raiders:

TOnight I fight AJ. TOnight I fight Omos. WE will win the tag titles.

AJ promo in the ring: I need to get something off my chest. Ivar, Erik, I said some things about the Vikings that you found offensive. So I want to apologize. Never shoulda called you barbarians. I shoulda said you’re HAIRY, UNEDUCATED SALMONELLA POISONED, NEVER SHOULDA GOT OFF YOUR WOODEN BOAT TO COME AFTER THE RAW TAG TEAM CHAMPIONS. And if you haven’t kept up with what’s been going on, they’ve been sticking their noses in our business, and kept me from being in MITB. TOnight, I am gonna take ur leg and break it in the calf crusher. You will tap. After that, Omos will have his first ever singles match on Raw where he will destroy Erik so bad he’ll wish he never took off his horn helmet. At MITB, we destroy the Raiders.

AJ Styles vs. Ivar

AJ hits a pele kick on Ivar, sending him back into the corner, AJ attacks, Ivar counters by basically just sitting on him for 3

*½

Erik vs. Omos

Omos pretty much dominates, gives his finisher for 3

**

Sheamus is backstage, complaining about his face and having to wrestle. BUt he’ll do it. Sonya says ok we’re all on the same page now?

Backstage, LHP wishes Kofi well at MITB, which leads to an interview, Kofi is happy Woods beat Lashley. Sara has learned Lashley is back for the VIP lounge. Kofi says of course, he’ll be distracted by all the partying. Kofi says when HE was champ, he was taking on all comers. Bob should do the same.

MITB package

Backstage, Sheamus attacks Carillo

Carillo is helped up backstage, tells Pearce if he’s standing, he can FIGHT. Priest looks interested. Ali walks away, Mansoor follows him.

Sheamus vs. Carillo

Carillo limps to the ring, Sheamus hits a Brogue Kick and wins.

*

After the match, Sheamus beats the shit out of Carillo, Priest makes the save

Backstage, Riddle rides up to Ricochet, they talk about being hyped for MITB, Riddle says his favorite western, Toy Story 2. Riddle says if he wins the contract, he’s gonna cash in on the tag team champions. RIcochet says he has something in store for Morrison, SURPRISE, SPLASHOLES! Morrison and Miz hit Riddle and Rico with the drip stick, then roll over Riddle’s foot.

MOrrison vs. Ricochet Falls Count Anywhere

Another stellar match.

They go all over, including smashing heads into THUNDERDOME

They fall off the barricade, Rico hits 450 off the barricade

Goddamn shooting star press off the top of the corner LED pole

Rico wants a tope out of the ring, Miz gets in the way, so Rico jumps OVER Miz onto Morrison for 2

They hit L1,  go to gorilla, Morrison gets the upper hand there, come back to the ring

Ricochet rolls Miz down the ramp, gets the upper hand on Morrison, Miz hits the drip stick while the ref is like whatever

MOrrison gets Rico in position for Starship Pain, Riddle comes down, tilts Miz back in his wheelchair like a helpless turtle

Ricochet hits a recoil countering Morrison springboard, then hits a splash through the ladder on the outside for 3

Backstage, Nattie interview, what is she looking to prove against RHea tonight? Nattie says she has a plan to hold ALL THE TITLES, Tamina hears Mandy and Dana laughing in the other room and doesn’t like them laughing. Mandy says a plan can’t be foolproof if its coming from a FOOL. They don’t like their odds. Tamina talks shit, shoves Dana.

Drew interview. Says the MITB ladder match might be his last chance to win the wwe title. He mentions Icarus.

Rhea Ripley vs. Natalya

This is solid stuff, on the outside, Rhea inadvertently dropkicks Tamina

Def Rhea’s best match on main roster

Rhea hits riptide for 3

***¼

After the match, Charlotte attacks and puts on the figure four draped over the apron

MVP is backstage, hyping up the girls, telling them if Lashley needs whatever, give him whatever

MVP lounge: He says tonight is bittersweet, cuz its the last Thunderdome Raw, where Lashley became champion- he calls it the Lashleydome. He introduces Lashley, has to do it a few times before Lashley comes out. He comes out, disheveled, he says KOFI WAS RIGHT, everything he said about YOU causing me to go soft, was right. I lost to Xavier WOODS. I shoulda stacked them both in a pile of broken bones. I’m furious and you’re trying to cheer me up with champagne and women? I appreciate what you;ve done for me, but this BULLSHIT needs to stop now. Back to business. The only enjoyment I’m looking to get now is by crushing every soul that steps to me. He trashes the set. MVP has cry face. Lashley gets on the mic, says Kofi, I’m gonna tear you to shreds, I’m gonna go in WWE Champ, and leave WWE Champ. I’m going to dismantle you and do everything that I said I Was going to do. I’m gonna fold you up in a box and send you back to the circus with the clowns. Oh yeah, the circus is dead. And after this sunday, so will be your career.

GREAT end to thunderdome.