7/5 WWE MONDAY NIGHT RAW RESULTS: Keller’s report on Money in the Bank developments, MVP & Lashley vs. New Day, Ricochet vs. Morrison, Miz TV

KELLER’S WWE RAW REPORT
JULY 5, 2021
LIVE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH FLORIDA – “THUNDERDOME”
AIRED ON USA NETWORK

Commentators: Jimmy Smith, Byron Saxton, Corey Graves

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[HOUR ONE]

-Pyro blasted in Thunderdome – a little more than usual, it seemed. Smith and Graves hyped the Money in the Bank men’s line-up so far. Graves called it “star-studded.”

-Miz TV: Miz and John Morrison were sitting mid-ring. Miz, in his wheelchair, introduced himself as a MITB expert. Miz predicted Morrison will be the winner. Morrison said he can climb the ladder like a waterspout. Miz then introduced Drew McIntyre. Drew pointed out that Miz cashed in MITB successfully after he had battled five other men and after Bobby Lashley attacked him from behind. He said he has kept battling back despite how many times he has been screwed over and no matter how many obstacles get in his way. He said he won’t stop fighting until he wins that briefcase so he can cash it in against any champion in WWE. He then said he is a distant relative of Davey Crockett through his great, great, great grandma. He said they are both known for their fearlessness. He told Morrison to moisten his head up good for later because if Miz gets involved, this night will be known as the time he shoved Morrison’s head up Miz’s ass. Morrison said Drew can kick the ocean, but all he’ll get is wet.

Ricochet then came out to his music. Miz said he is as rude as he is reckless for barging into Miz TV before being formally introduced. Miz threw to a clip of Ricochet springboard diving into Morrison on the edge of the ring apron. Ricochet said he’s still a little shaken up over what he did to Morrison last week, but that was just a small taste of what he’ll do to win the MITB contract. Morrison asked if he can back that up tonight against him. Riddle’s music interrupted Morrison rapping his own name.

As Riddle walked out, they showed him hurting his ankle last week. He leaped into the ring and flung off his flip-flops. His right ankle and foot were taped. He sat on top of the ladder. He said he’s really high and a little bit sad. He dedicated his performance to Randy Orton, his best friend. He said he’ll make him proud, wherever he is. Miz interrupted Riddle and asked why Orton hasn’t RKO’d him. Riddle said it’s because they’re best pals. Miz said he hopes Jinder Mahal ragdolls him tonight. A.J. Styles’s music interrupted Miz.

Styles and Omos walked out. Styles said Miz doesn’t speak for everyone. He said he was robbed of the opportunity to be in the MITB ladder match. Styles talked about being wronged. Riddle looked down at him and said he looks so cute down there like a little bunny rabbit. He asked Omos for a high-five since they were nearly on the same level. Omos shoved the ladder down. Riddle landed on his injured right foot. He writhed in pain. Omos threw the ladder out of the ring. Styles kicked the ankle. Ricochet and Drew stepped in to stop further damage. Morrison hit Ricochet from behind. Ricochet reverse-tossed Morrison over the top rope to the floor. Drew helped Riddle up. When Omos entered the ring, Drew clotheslined him over the top rope. Ricochet springboard dropkicked Morrison off the ring apron. Smith said, “Are you kidding me? It’s Ricochet vs. John Morrison next.”

(Keller’s Analysis: No, Jimmy, we’re not kidding you. As for the segment, it was all over the place, unfocused, and just felt it was there to fill time. I suppose the most notable aspect was Drew pointing out that he’s been screwed out of his various opportunities and reassert his intent to win MITB so he can challenge any champion for any belt. That could be a hint at him cashing in against Roman Reigns eventually, if he were to win.) [c]

-The announcers reacted to clips of the show-opening segment.

(1) RICOCHET vs. JOHN MORRISON (w/The Miz)

Graves asked what it must be like to wake up and realize you are American’s Moist Wanted. When Ricochet went for a slidekick at Morrison at ringside, Morrison moved. Morrison sprayed a Drip Stick at him, but Ricochet ducked and then launched off of the back of Miz’s wheelchair. Morrison caught him and slammed him hard into the barricade. [c]

After several more minutes of back-and-forth action, Miz sprayed Ricochet with a Drip Stick. Morrison leveraged a DISTRACTED Ricochet’s shoulders down for a near fall. Ricochet avoided a Morrison legdrop on the ring apron. Ricochet dove at Morrison on the ring apron, but Morrison turned Ricochet mid-air and landed on him. Graves said he wasn’t sure who got the worst of that collision. Miz rolled around Ricochet with his wheelchair to block Ricochet from re-entering the ring before the ten count.

WINNER: Morrison via countout in 13:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: So there’s some cool athleticism on display here. I’d like to drop this match, move for move, into another setting with different announcers, subtract Miz and the Drip Sticks, and have regular clean pinfall finish and see how much the perception of the actual moves changed. It’s just hard to take anything seriously with the tone of everything surrounding the match.)

-They showed a clip of Jinder Mahal arriving earlier on a motorcycle. Patrick interviewed Jinder about facing Drew later. Jinder said Drew was with him when he purchased his motorcycle to celebrate one of his WWE Title victories. He said he texted Drew recently to invite him to go riding for old time’s sake, and it took him three days to respond, and he finally told him, “Sorry, 2 busy.” He complained that he didn’t even write “too,” but instead typed “2.” “Can you believe that?” Jinder asked. “Does he think he’s better than me?” He said he should be in the MITB match, and that’s why he demanded a match against Drew. He said he’s always been better than him, and tonight he’ll prove it. The camera zoomed in on Jinder’s face as he struck a pose and the director stayed with the shot for an unnatural, awkward extra second or two.

-Backstage, Shayna Baszler, Nia Jax, and Reginald were standing around. Jax made fun of Doudrop’s name and laughed. Reginald, in a panicky voice, said Alexa Bliss was standing behind them in a dark room. When they turned around, Bliss was gone. Baszler accused him of screaming about shadows in a hallway. “Come on, get yourself together,” she said. Jax said Reginald has been through enough. The camera panned over and Bliss reappeared in that back room.

-Smith plugged the upcoming women’s four-on-four tag match. [c]

-Graves plugged New Day vs. Bobby Lashley & MVP, calling it the main event.

-They replayed the angle last week with New Day and MVP ending with Kofi giving MVP a Trouble in Paradise.

-They went to the announcers at ringside. Saxton said Kofi seems as locked in as ever. Smith said the only thing hotter than that rivalry is between Nikki “Ash” and Baszler. Graves said, “Nikki A.S.H., once upon a time known as Nikki Cross…” He commented on Bliss and Jax staring at each other, and the Bliss kicking Reginald when he got involved, which provided a DISTRACTION of Baszler in the ring so Nikki could roll her up and pin her.

-Backstage, Nikki ASH told Naomi and Asuka she is “Almost a Superhero” and talked about almost believing in herself and being more successful than ever. She said if people believe in themselves, who knows what they can do. Naomi told Nikki not to get her hopes up because she’s winning MITB. Asuka then sang that she is going to win it. Nikki’s theme song played, and she got super-excited. She said when she hears it, she feels like she’s going to save the day. She ran through the curtain. Saxton said, “Inspire us!” Then Bliss showed up and told Asuka and Naomi to lower their expectations of winning MITB.

-Nikki made her ring entrance. Then Bliss made her entrance, with her “scary doll” Lilly on the big screen behind her. [c]

(2) NAOMI & NIKKI ASH & ASUKA & ALEXA BLISS vs. EVA MARIE & DOUDROP & NIA JAX (w/Reginald) & SHAYNA BASZLER

Doudrop opened. Marie tagged herself in a few seconds into the match. Graves said you have to respect that passion. She locked up with Naomi. Naomi shoved her. Marie landed a forearm, then tagged Doudrop in. Naomi dropkicked Doudrop to the floor, then corkscrew dove onto Jax and Baszler at ringside. Asuka then gave Doudrop a flying hip attack off the ring apron. Nikki dove at Doudrop and Eva. Eva moved, but Doudrop went down. Bliss then yelled at Marie, who rolled out of the ring in a panic. Graves said that has to be hard for your heart.

[HOUR TWO]

A few minutes later, when Asuka down, Eva tagged in and stomped on Asuka. Asuka punched away at her, but Eva ducked a kick and tagged in Baszler. Saxton said that’s what Eva does best, tagging out when the going gets tough. Asuka tagged in Naomi, who landed a springboard roundkick. Asuka tried to block Doudrop from making a save, but Doudrop still got in there. It seemed late, actually, but the ref stopped at two because Baszler lifted her shoulder. Doudrop rallied until Baszler caught her with a knee. Nikki then gave Baszler a top rope crossbody. Eva made the save. Nikki threw her out of the ring. Nikki rolled up Baszler, but Jax had tagged in. Nikki didn’t realize that. Jax gave Nikki a Samoan Drop for the win. Eva declared “Eva Marie” the winner afterward. Jax took offense in the ring.

WINNERS: Eva Marie & Doudrop & Baszler & Jax 12:00.

-MVP and Lashley were hanging out with five women backstage. Patrick asked how MVP managed to change Xavier’s match against Lashley to a tag team match instead. MVP yelled at him for barging in without an appointment. MVP said Xavier doesn’t deserve to be in the ring against Lashley one-on-one. He said Lashley demolished him last week. MVP said standing in Lashley’s corner is one of his highest honors. Lashley said he eviscerated Drew and Xavier in back to back Hell in a Cell matches, so he decided to take a vacation. He said he’s sending New Day on a permanent vacation tonight. He said he’s going to end Kofi’s delusional MITB pipe dreams tonight. He threw the mic at Patrick and the women all taunted him to leave.

-Mustafa Ali made his ring entrance. [c]

-Saxton hyped WWE returning to MSG on Sept. 10 for Smackdown. They showed newspaper headlines announcing the news along with an image of Manhattan’s skyline. Saxton also announced that Riddle vs. Styles was now official for tonight.

-A clip aired of Mansoor yelling at Ali for ruining his chances at MITB. “What’s your problem?” he yelled. Ali said his problem is that he doesn’t want Mansoor to end up like him.

(3) MUSTAFA ALI vs. MANSOOR

Mansoor made his ring entrance. Smith said everyone knows Mansoor can compete with anyone (do we?), but he wants to know if he absorbing Ali’s lessons (should he?) or is Ali “in his head.” Graves said Ali feels he’s been burned by WWE and he’s trying to guide Mansoor into avoiding that situation. Ali yelled a minute into the match, “Cut every corner you can!” Mansoor knocked Ali into the ropes with a kick. Ali’s ankle got caught, but it looked suspiciously intentional. Mansoor helped the ref release his leg. Ali then surprised Mansoor with a roll-up for the win. Ali yelled at Mansoor to start thinking with his head instead of his heart.

WINNER: Ali in 3:00.

-Sarah Schreiber interviewed Drew about what Mahal had to say. Drew said he complained about text messages, and he has something to say about that later, but at least he’s willing to get in the ring with him. He held up his sword and said it has an amazing origin story. He said the Loch Ness monster used to eat fisherman, but then a brave Scottish warrior stepped up and swam until he was face-to-face with the beast, and then the warrior applied a rear naked choke and then Claymored him and used the monster’s tooth as the tip of the sword. Then they became friends and Loch Ness predicted Drew would go on to win the MITB. He was fired up as he turned to make his way to the ring as his music played.

(4) DREW MCINTYRE vs. JINDER MAHAL (w/Veer, Shanky)

The announcers talked about Drew and Jinder having been part of 3MB years ago. After several minutes of back and forth action, Drew tossed Jinder to the floor where Veer and Shanky got in his face. Jinder chopped a DISTRACTED Drew in the throat and then suplexed him onto the announce desk. They cut to a break. [c]

Back from the break, Drew gave Jinder an overhead toss out of the corner and a beckbreaker followed by a kip up. He stood over Mahal and set up his Future Shock DDT, but Jinder tried for a Khallas. Drew countered with the Future Shock DDT, though. Drew set up a Claymore, but Veer and Shanky attacked him for the DQ.

WINNER: Drew in 10:00 via DQ.

-As Drew fended them off, Mahal superkicked Drew in the jaw. Veer and Shanky then threw Drew shoulder-first into the ringpost. Jinder then took Drew’s sword. He stood on the stage and boasted about taking his family heirloom.

-Patrick interviewed Kofi and Xavier backstage, asking how they’re adjusting their gameplan now that it’s a tag match. Kofi said they were just named the greatest tag team of all-time on WWE.com, so they didn’t change their strategy. (I remember that Omos match that made them look like scrubs.) Kofi bragged about roasting them. He mocked MVP saying he’s not medically cleared, yet this week he’s magically cleared. He said what he said must’ve really hit close to home with them. Xavier said he went to hell and back with Lashley, yet there he is. He said once they are at Money in the Bank in front of an audience, they’re going to see Kofi win and leave as champion. Kofi said he had a truth nugget for Patrick. He quoted Kevin Garnett yelling, “Anything is possible!” He said he’s been putting in the work and the time and he’s ready.

(Keller’s Analysis: That was like listening to a audio book at 2x speed. They fit a lot in there. It was a mix of good points and obnoxiousness.)

(5) MACE & T-BAR vs. LUCHA HOUSE PARTY (Lince Dorado & Kalisto)

Mace and T-Bar dominated, but then LHP rallied. Dorado rolled up T-Bar for the upset (?) win. Graves said LHP warned the locker room not to overlook them.

WINNERS: Lucha House Party in 3:00.

-Riddle was bending the toes of his sore foot. Damian Priest walked up to Riddle and asked how he was doing. Riddle told a story of doing a flip off the roof into a pool as a teenager, and next thing he knew it he woke up in a hospital bed. Priest said he’s not sure what that has to do with anything. Riddle said the next summer he went back to his cousin’s house and he did a backflip off the roof and he landed in the pool. He said he’s not afraid of ladders or heights or Styles. He said he’ll show he belongs with an R-K-Bro. He said it was three letters, but Priest counted and shook his head.

-Styles made his entrance with Omos. [c]

[HOUR THREE]

(6) RIDDLE vs. A.J. STYLES

Styles went after Riddle’s ankle early. Riddle countered with a Crane Kick (made famous by the “Karate Kid” movie in the 1980s). Saxton said, “It actually worked!” Riddle roundkicked Styles with his bad food (bad idea). Riddle cringed. Styles took Riddle down with a dragon screw and then stomped away at him in the corner. Omos swept Riddle’s bad foot as Styles DISTRACTED the referee. [c]

Styles continued to work over Riddle’s ankle after the break. Riddle knocked Styles off balance on a springboard. He then DDT’d Styles off the middle rope. Riddle was slow to follow-up as he clutched his foot and then limped over to the corner. He hobbled up to the top rope and went for a moonsault, but Styles moved. Graves said that must’ve shattered Riddle’s foot. Riddle lifted Styles in a fireman’s carry, but collapsed. Styles took over and set up a Styles Clash. Styles was then DISTRACTED when Ivar and Erik of the Viking Raiders showed up behind the ringside barricade and got the attention of Omos. Riddle then rolled up a DISTRACTED Styles from behind for a (barely) three count to win.

WINNER: Riddle in 13:00.

-Charlotte Flair stood mid-ring and had a crutch apparently helping her stand. She said the NBA playoffs were ruined by injuries, and now she could miss MITB due to an injury. She said Ripley went after her knee on purpose because she knows she can’t beat her. Ripley walked out with a crutch. Ripley said she did to Charlotte what Charlotte would have done to her if she could. She called Charlotte a “drama queen.” They kicked at each other simultaneously, which revealed Charlotte was faking her injury. Ripley swung her crutch into Charlotte. Charlotte bailed out as Ripley held up her Raw Title belt.

(Keller’s Analysis: I’m eager for this feud to be over, because neither are the least bit worth rooting for given how they’re talking and acting.)

-The announcers hyped R-Truth & Jaxson Ryker vs. Cedric Alexander & Elias was next. [c]

-Before the match, R-Truth asked Thunderdome to make some noise and asked, “What’s up!?” Smith said he’s a guy who can’t wait for the crowds. Tozawa ran to the ring. Truth rolled him up for a two count. Drew Gulak, Angel Garza, Humbert Carrillo, and Shelton Benjamin (or “the whole locker room,” according to Smith) ran out and chased Tozawa to the back.

(7) CEDRIC ALEXANDER & ELIAS vs. RYKER & R-TRUTH

Truth wasn’t there to help Ryker, but he didn’t need him as Ryker quickly pinned Cedric with a one-armed slam. Elias had retreated up the ramp, leaving Cedric alone.

WINNER: Ryker & Truth in 2:00.

-New Day made their ring entrance. [c]

-Graves hyped Ricochet vs. Morrison in a Falls Count Anywhere match, Sheamus defending against Humbero Carrillo, Omos vs. Erik, and Ivar vs. Styles next week. Also, Styles & Omos vs. The Viking Raiders in two weeks in front of a live audience.

(8) NEW DAY (Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston) vs. BOBBY LASHLEY & MVP

New Day got in early offense against MVP, including Xavier going after MVP’s leg aggressively. As MVP yanked on Kofi’s hair to drop him, Lashley tagged in and took over. New Day came back and Kofi landed a flying dive onto Lashley at ringside. With both Lashley and MVP down at ringside, they cut to a break. [c]

A few minutes after returning from the break, Kofi hot-tagged in and rallied against MVP and scored a two count. He landed a legdrop, but mocked MVP before doing it. Lashley DISTRACTED Kofi on the ring apron. Kofi superkicked Lashley. MVP clotheslined Kofi for a subsequent two count. Lashley landed a one-armed slam a minute flater or a believable near fall, broken up by Xavier. Lashley threw Xavier out of the ring, then tagged in MVP. Xavier clotheslined Lashley off the stairs at ringside. Kofi countered MVP’s Playmaker attempt with a Trouble in Paradise for the win. Graves said to plan for an entirely different story in the Lashley vs. Kofi match for the WWE Title at the PPV.

WINNERS: Kingston & Woods in 12:00.

(Keller’s Analysis: High-energy main event with a predictable finish of MVP taking the fall. Still, it gave Kofi a chance to celebrate at the expense of Lashley heading toward their PPV title match, I guess.)