RAW - 8.8.22 - Ciampa vs Lashley, Balor vs Edge

[slik]

Will the HHH era continue it's hot streak or end in a puddle

Find out tonight on RAW IS WARZONE

[xrodmuc316]

Will the HHH era continue it's hot streak or end in a puddle

Find out tonight on RAW IS WARZONE

Some pretty good buzz we Way see Theory get a few allies tonight :naughty:

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Exciting times right now. You never know who’s gonna show up. I just hope they don’t bring in too many ex-WWE guys and overshadow the homegrown talent.

[xrodmuc316]

Exciting times right now. You never know who’s gonna show up. I just hope they don’t bring in too many ex-WWE guys and overshadow the homegrown talent.

:rofl:

Who could have guessed Triple H's booking style would be to ripoff Tony's debuts gimmick? Wild times

[Ruien]

Sweet. Edge will end Judgement and Balor can find something better to do.

[Ruien]

Or Judgement will turn on Balor and reunite with Edge! TWIST

[xrodmuc316]

Maybe they will take Edge back and change their name to another former PPV, like Backlash or Armageddon.

[Sepholio]

Halloween Havoc

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Tournament Bracket for Deadly Games 2


https://pbs.twimg.com/media/FZrYANYXEAchMcV.jpg

[Sepholio]

THE WAGON!!!!

[slik]

missed the first 25 min of RAW, anything big other than the tag tourney

[Jordan]

This match is pretty good!

[xrodmuc316]

Seth gets his first win using the Pedigree in a few years

[Jordan]

Looks like Rollins is getting his steam back after the Cody losses. Good idea. I don't know who he is gonna bring to team up with vs the Street Profits though.

[Jordan]

Ripley with that Joker influence is good shit.

[Jordan]

Edge looks so cool. I would enjoy Edge vs Mox in a Mox blood match.

[Jordan]

Vince already liked Gunther but now with Triple Haitch running the show, I'm hopeful for my Walter/Brock match that I thought wasn't possible due to Vince.

[slik]

was mox vs dawkins the first match

[xrodmuc316]

YES K.O. is back!

[xrodmuc316]

Edge looks so cool. I would enjoy Edge vs Mox in a Mox blood match.

Anybody can be AEW World Champion in about 45 seconds. Just challenge Mox to a first blood match and Mox would blade right away like always :rofl:

[slik]

Brutal, vicious KO is back

[slik]

Zeke being written off

[slik]

longer matches era, TY H

[slik]

Rita Ripcord continues to cyber bully Dominic

[slik]

commentary no-selling doudrop and nikki ash looking at a car wreck behind KO


https://i.postimg.cc/wv8sQZg5/Screenshot-2022-08-08-8-49-33-PM.png

[slik]

This is the first time in a long time Raw has started hour 3 and it hasn't felt like I've been watching for 6 hours already.

The pacing of the show has drastically improved.

[xrodmuc316]

commentary no-selling doudrop and nikki ash looking at a car wreck behind KO


https://i.postimg.cc/wv8sQZg5/Screenshot-2022-08-08-8-49-33-PM.png

Rikishi wrecked that car.

He did it, for The Rock.

[Supreme Olajuwon]

Oh no they’re still trying to push Omos


SHADOW VINCE LIVES

[slik]

Omos still sucks

[slik]

I am once again completely focused on the car wreck in the background

WAIT why did the police just run by lol

[Heisenberg]

Omos still sucks

There must always be a giant...he does not perform well in the ring though

[RaginRonic]

Near the end of Raw, AJ was looking to that corner of the building in the fan seating area at a bunch of cops arresting someone.

My eyes might've played tricks, but I think the one they 'apprehended' was Dexter Lumis.

o.o

[slik]

Did we just witness the long-overdue return of subtle storytelling to Raw with the car wrecks and Dexter Lumis in the audience?

[slik]

All the backstage stuff this week felt like it was capturing moments instead of people 'performing'.

[slik]

Wait, what is this feeling, do I want to watch RAW next week now

Huh, it's been a while since I've felt that

[slik]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Looks like <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WWERaw?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WWERaw</a> had an unexpected visitor.... �� <a href="https://t.co/iPqxXNF02u">pic.twitter.com/iPqxXNF02u</a></p>&mdash; WWE (@WWE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWE/status/1556838073283084289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Jordan]

I dipped out for hour two but caught most of hour one and two. Certainly feels more focused and a less Vincey. The main event kinda felt like AEW to me.

[Sepholio]

Really good episode last night. Surprised how much the show is changing so fast, I thought that would be a slower thing. Happy about it though.

Just wanted to mention Omos for a moment. Dude isn't very good and I get that and so does anyone with eyes. However, I do see definite tangible value in continuing to push him. Consider that regardless of skill level, his size alone makes him a credible threat against pretty much everyone, especially to a random viewer who may be tuning in OUTTA NOWHERE and doesn't know anything about him. Also consider that the hardcore base fans who don't really like him being spotlighted will give him heat, and it doesn't matter what kind of heat as long as he has it. Factoring things like that in, the push he's been getting and seemingly will continue to get is not for him and never will be; his push is for whoever they decide is going to be the one to finally go over him clean in a big match.

No matter who they have go over him it will be a big benefit to them. Casual fans will see someone take out a gigantic monster. Hardcore fines will finally get to see the guy they don't like take the fall. Everyone comes out happy. Except for Omos fans but there are like 4 of them and they don't matter.

tl;dr I don't like Omos but I would continue to push him hard because it's smart.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Really good episode last night. Surprised how much the show is changing so fast, I thought that would be a slower thing. Happy about it though.

Just wanted to mention Omos for a moment. Dude isn't very good and I get that and so does anyone with eyes. However, I do see definite tangible value in continuing to push him. Consider that regardless of skill level, his size alone makes him a credible threat against pretty much everyone, especially to a random viewer who may be tuning in OUTTA NOWHERE and doesn't know anything about him. Also consider that the hardcore base fans who don't really like him being spotlighted will give him heat, and it doesn't matter what kind of heat as long as he has it. Factoring things like that in, the push he's been getting and seemingly will continue to get is not for him and never will be; his push is for whoever they decide is going to be the one to finally go over him clean in a big match.

No matter who they have go over him it will be a big benefit to them. Casual fans will see someone take out a gigantic monster. Hardcore fines will finally get to see the guy they don't like take the fall. Everyone comes out happy. Except for Omos fans but there are like 4 of them and they don't matter.

tl;dr I don't like Omos but I would continue to push him hard because it's smart.

There’s probably sense in using him. WWE is a global product and Omos was born in Nigeria. That has capital. But I’m not sure how urgent it is that he is front and center. He could just be muscle for an act.

Didn’t Lashley already beat Omos a couple of times?

[drave]

Man...... shit is turning around pretty well. Actually kinda interested in watching more than 10 mins this week.


I tuned in at a bad time I think. Bayley was coming out and I just CBA to care about her in any capacity.


Happy to see Dexter back. Always loved his NXT work, and felt he would do well against some more veteran talent on a bigger stage. He actually felt like someone different when he's on screen and not CAW2022.


More than anything, even with the subtle changes being made, it feels like things are somewhat "unpredictable" right now, or at least "surprises" can happen anytime in the near future. That'll wear off, but so far, RAW almost feels like an entirely different show, a watchable show, even.


Hats off HHH - you've started to spark a tiny, minuscule interest from a lifelong "former" fan.

[Evil Vito]

Sounds like a solid episode. Still not sure I'm ready to sit through 3 hours but the condensed Hulu version might get a watch from me this week.

Glad to see things are slowly becoming less Vince-y. Just waiting for Dunn's ouster to well and truly be excited to possibly dive back in.

[drave]

Not sure how the supercut version of it will be....... but with the subtle "background storytelling" happening, it feels less predictable as to when something will happen. The Dexter angle is the best example.

[XL]

I completely missed the crashed car (that’s what you get for having to watch on an iPhone:lol:) but saw the bit with the cops/security running through. Even the end of the show bit with Lumis was subtle, no “IS THAT!?!? IT IS!! That’s Dexter Lumis from NXT!!” from the commentary team (I’m aware they did point him out but not in the usual as-subtle-as-a-sledgehammer approach they usually do.

They need to be cautious with how many guys they’re reintroducing. We’ve had SKYENKAI, Kross and Lumis in as many weeks. Fans will start to expect a debut/return every week and the law of diminished returns starts to play out.

Yes, like AEW.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I’m not that thrilled to have Dexter Lumis back. I do like the general idea of Triple H bringing in his own people to main event. Lumis was always…eh to me. Same with Kross. We’ll see how this goes.

[XL]

Surprised Ciampa didn’t win. I saw Gargano coming in to challenge him at some point.

Also can see Tegan Nox come back at Clash at the Castle.

[slik]

From what I've gathered HHH *possibly* has plans to bring back all of the following:



Wyatt
Rowan
Strowman
Gargano
Candiace
Tegan Knox
Nash Carter



From what I've gathered Triple H *possibly* has plans to repackage the following to their former presentations


LA Knight
Pete Dunne
Robert 'Glorious' Roode
Dominik Dijakovic
Elias



From what I've gathered the following are expected to be called up from NXT in the draft in September


Roderick Strong
Toxic Attraction
Legado Del Fantasma
Xyon Quinn
Alba Fire
Indi Hartwell
Nikkita Lyons
Ilja Dragonuv



This is all from various twitter insiders so who knows the accuracy but interesting if true

[drave]

That's a pretty good list of folks to bring back.... mostly.

[XL]

It’s a lot though. Do we see some other bodies make way?

You can see some of that in the works already. The stuff with Owens/Ezekiel seemed to “reset” KO and write Zeke off. I hope there’s a bit of pay off with that though, not just Zeke gone, Elias back.

There’s a few in there I’m not so fussed about coming in/up.

[slik]

I think part of it is HHH reportedly wants an active and large tag team scene, both for women and men

[Mr. Nerfect]

I love tag teams as much as the next guy, but quality is way more important than quantity. Raw already had plenty of awesome teams. You just need to emphasize the programs they’re in.

[xrodmuc316]

Rikishi wrecked that car.

He did it, for The Rock.

Damn, I guess I owe Rikishi an apology.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It wasn’t me FR this time 🤷🏾 <a href="https://t.co/r64ru4Ivq3">https://t.co/r64ru4Ivq3</a></p>&mdash; RIKISHI (@TheREALRIKISHI) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheREALRIKISHI/status/1557063312642191361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 9, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Mr. Nerfect]

I finally finished Raw from last week:

* AJ Styles and Ciampa had a good match. Not much to say about it, just good stuff with a clever finish.

* Rey is fucking amazing for his age. Good main event. Dominik looks chunky, lol. He’s not bad though. I can see him getting jacked and being a bit of a symbol for them. He’s growing his hair out and getting tattoos. I know the feeling is that he’s going to end up turning on Rey, but I’m still weary of that idea. Nothing wrong with them the way they are.

[drave]

Him growing his hair and the eventual heel turn reminds me of Eddie. I don't know if they'd bring that shit onto TV, but if anyone, it'd be the Mysterio's I'd think.


Can see Dominick going the Latino Heat gimmick, getting nuclear heat, beating his dad's ass into retirement and taking his mask while doing it.


There, now you have a decent heel.

[Jordan]

I think that Dominic has been modeling himself after Art Barr. I've not heard anyone say that but just by looking at him and watching him he's so similar. I used to think that Dom wasn't a good hire but after a few years it seems that he's really starting to fit in and become a real WWE personality, getting pretty solid in the ring and he's pretty big too. He's got a good look, I think there is a lot of potential. And yeah Rey is still one of the best in the world, he's fantastic. I've seen a lot of Rey/Dom tag matches lately and they always deliver.

[Jordan]

Dragunov in WWE would be sick. They have so many amazing UK talents. I read that a bunch are headed to NXT, which may actually get me to check out that show again. Joe Coffey is fucking money. Charlie Dempsey (Regal's son) seems to have all the potential in the world. He looks like Tom Magee/Kenny Omega kind of and seems to work about as smooth as you might expect. He's amazing.

[Jordan]

I wonder what the plan is for NXT UK going forward? They just have so many good talents there. Let's get something moving, either put some push into the promotion or close it and use the talent on NXT and the main roster.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think that Dominic has been modeling himself after Art Barr. I've not heard anyone say that but just by looking at him and watching him he's so similar. I used to think that Dom wasn't a good hire but after a few years it seems that he's really starting to fit in and become a real WWE personality, getting pretty solid in the ring and he's pretty big too. He's got a good look, I think there is a lot of potential. And yeah Rey is still one of the best in the world, he's fantastic. I've seen a lot of Rey/Dom tag matches lately and they always deliver.

I got Art Barr vibes on Raw too! Weird.

[Mr. Nerfect]

* Raw this week opened…fine. These women’s promos (Becky last week, Bayley this week) aren’t terrible, but they just go on for ages and are that dialled up level of WWE fake. Iyo and Dakota both have presence. Bianca’s hair twirling is annoying, but she was good here. Asuka is fucking obnoxious. Alexa Bliss is the most natural talker of the bunch at this point. It’s fine. Simple storytelling. Whatever.

* Seth Rollins and Angelo Dawkins had a good match. Dawkins is missing something, but I think he will get it in time. Rollins is accepted by that audience as a star.

* Ciampa is a good promo. I don’t know how this match with Lashley is going to turn out, but they basically made you want to see Ciampa win. But hey, a realistic villain is going to try and endear themselves to people too sometimes. A bit more nuanced character work than they usually do.

* If they introduced US and Intercontinental Tag Titles, Miz & Ciampa would be a good shout for the US ones. So would Alpha Academy because Chad Gable. But more belts isn’t necessary.

* It’ll be a shame if Ezekiel just becomes Elias again. Kevin Owens going back to his darker initial presentation is such a Triple H move. Owens is talented, but we’ll see how this goes as a main event level thing.

* Who would have thought that Rey Mysterio would become one of the best all-round characters in professional wrestling? He’s amazing. The match with Finn Balor went on and on and on, but it got good because people give a shit about Rey. They don’t care about Judgment Day…yet.

* Announcing Edge vs. Priest for Raw in two weeks is smart. Build it up as a big Raw.

* The show is feeling long. It’s not bad, but it doesn’t feel like it has its shit together just yet.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I’m getting 1997 vibes from this Raw. They need to stay the course and have vision. Don’t freak out and abandon what is going on.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I actually got into the story of Rey & Edge/Judgment Day at the end. Rey & Edge such good babyfaces. Did Judgment Day attack Dominik before the match? Did Rhea attack Dom? Is there another member of Judgment Day? Was Dom faking?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I hope they do Edge & Rey vs. Balor & Priest at CatC. Rey deserves a stadium match. I’m also nostalgic for that team with Edge.

[Mr. Nerfect]

* I kind of hate how all the women come out to their own entrance when they’re on the same side. Bayley, Iyo & Dakota should have a more unified front. A faction name wouldn’t hurt either. Just please don’t call them “The Hunger.”

* Dana Brooke seems to be getting hotter. Tamina has been on the main roster for like 12 years now.

[Mr. Nerfect]

* Dana Brooke works hard. So does Tamina, but she still sucks. There were some comically bad spots. Iyo went into overdrive and it looked silly, but she’s busting ass. There was a hilariously bad slap to Tamina on the turnbuckle. This wasn’t as bad as I was expecting though. Bayley is pretty great at ringside.

[Mr. Nerfect]

* Bobby Lashley vs. Ciampa was a great match. Fucking great. Lashley has gotten so good. Ciampa is such a good asset. I liked both guys’ gear.

[Mr. Nerfect]

* I get the value in Omos. I really do. He’s not good. Using him in squash matches if you want to make him his own corner of the show? Best way to do it.

* Seth Rollins’ gimmick fucking sucks. I can get into him vs. Matt Riddle for CatC, but they need to evolve this gimmick into something more human pretty fast.

[Mr. Nerfect]

* Miz and AJ had a good main event. Some really clever spots.

Raw is a fine show. Long and exhausting though, but not bad quality.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I did not forget about Dolph Ziggler and Chad Gable. Great fucking wrestling. Chad Gable.