WWE Raw Recap: Winners, Grades, Notable Moments, and SummerSlam Fallout

Welcome to the official recap of WWE Raw on August 7th, presented by Don't Say The F Word podcast! Join us as we break down the aftermath of an electrifying SummerSlam, examining the matches, segments, and notable moments that unfolded on this action-packed Monday night in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

**SummerSlam Fallout and Notable Moments**

As Saturday's SummerSlam event delivered its fair share of unforgettable moments, the landscape of WWE underwent a transformative shift. The singular title change of the night saw Iyo Sky capturing the WWE Women's Championship by capitalizing on the opportune moment after Bianca Belair's hard-fought victory over Asuka.

The betrayals and rivalries that simmered beneath the surface burst forth into the limelight. Roman Reigns showcased his dominance, defeating Jey Uso while his own family drama unraveled in the ring. Cody Rhodes, solidifying his stature, overcame the daunting Brock Lesnar to earn respect and admiration. Logan Paul, not one to shy away from controversy, resorted to nefarious tactics to secure a victory over Ricochet. Shayna Baszler's uncompromising reign continued as she dispatched Ronda Rousey with ruthless precision. LA Knight emerged as the victor of a high-stakes Battle Royal, while Gunther and Seth Rollins held their ground, retaining their coveted singles titles.

With the intensity of SummerSlam lingering in the air, this week's Raw bravely tackled the reverberations from these seismic events and set the stage for an imminent clash at Payback on September 2.

**Raw's Opening Segment: Explosive Start to the Night**

Monday night kicked off with an electrifying opening segment that laid the groundwork for the rollercoaster of action to come. Cody Rhodes, fresh off his triumph against Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam, set the tone as he recounted his hard-fought victory. However, the brewing tensions reached a boiling point as Seth Rollins entered the fray, throwing down the gauntlet for another clash in the squared circle. Before Rhodes could respond, The Judgment Day made an impactful interruption, reminding everyone of their presence.

In an unexpected twist, Damian Priest, the bearer of the Money in the Bank briefcase, stepped forward to assert his authority over Raw's championship scene. The arrival of Finn Bálor further escalated the chaos, leading to an intense altercation that left no room for complacency. The sudden intervention of Sami Zayn restored a semblance of order, preventing further chaos from erupting. Rhodes, demonstrating his resilience as a leader, proposed a six-man tag team match later in the night, promising a fitting culmination to this high-octane segment.

While the opening segment effectively laid the groundwork for the evening's action, its extended duration arguably led to pacing issues that could have been mitigated with tighter editing.

**Grade for Opening Segment: B-**

**Notable Moments and Observations**

- The debut of Michael Cole and Wade Barrett as Raw's commentary team infused a fresh dynamic into the broadcast.

- Seth Rollins' unconventional choice of footwear, an attention-grabbing pair of crocs, raised eyebrows and sparked conversations among viewers.

**Fatal 4-Way for Intercontinental Championship Shot: A Showcase of Versatility**

The action continued to escalate as Chad Gable, Ricochet, Tommaso Ciampa, and Matt Riddle collided in a high-stakes Fatal 4-Way encounter. The clash of distinct wrestling styles resulted in a captivating and energetic contest that showcased the competitors' versatility and adaptability. The intricate opening sequence set the stage for a series of high-octane exchanges, with Gable and Riddle engaging in a technical grappling display. Tommaso Ciampa's dominant interjection intensified the bout, highlighting the caliber of talent present.

The seamless integration of varied wrestling styles resonated with the crowd, igniting an electric atmosphere that further elevated the stakes. Amidst a chorus of cheers and chants, Chad Gable emerged as the victor, securing a coveted opportunity to challenge Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship.

**Grade for Fatal 4-Way: A-**

**Notable Moments and Observations**

- Tommaso Ciampa's backstage declaration of his passion for championship gold added depth to his character and aspirations.

- The innovative reimagination of the Tower of Doom spot injected renewed excitement into the match's dynamics.

- The simultaneous counters executed by Ciampa and Riddle, transforming aerial maneuvers into pinning combinations, provided a memorable and exhilarating moment.

**Showdown: Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Bronson Reed - Collision of Forces**

The intensity continued to build as Shinsuke Nakamura and Bronson Reed renewed their rivalry, engaging in a clash of titanic proportions. Reed's imposing size initially granted him an advantage, asserting dominance over Nakamura. However, the tide shifted as Nakamura's striking prowess took center stage, culminating in a back-and-forth exchange that showcased their respective strengths.

The culmination of their months-long rivalry manifested in this gripping encounter, where both competitors harnessed their unique attributes to create a memorable match. Nakamura's strategic evasion of the Tsunami set the stage for his triumphant victory, marked by the decisive execution of two Kinshasa knee strikes.

**Grade for Nakamura vs. Reed: B**

**Notable Moments and Observations**

- A captivating video package hyped a Bloodline segment on SmackDown, emphasizing the ongoing interweaving narratives across WWE programming.

- Bronson Reed's imposing presence led to a playful commentary remark, underscoring the physicality that defines his character.

- The snap powerslam executed by Reed conveyed a sense of impactful aggression, punctuating his offense.

**Baszler vs. Stark: Grit and Determination**

Becky Lynch's captivating promo was swiftly disrupted by the emergence of Zoey Stark, setting the stage for an unexpected encounter with Shayna Baszler. The ensuing clash of wills demonstrated Stark's confidence on the microphone and her resolute determination to carve her path. Shayna Baszler, undeterred by her injuries, showcased her unyielding resilience as she grappled with Stark.

The narrative complexity of the match was mirrored in the layered dynamics between the competitors. Stark's ability to hold her own against an opponent of Baszler's caliber spoke volumes about her potential, while Baszler's cast from her previous bout against Ronda Rousey added a touch of realism to the proceedings. The match culminated in Baszler's victory, showcasing her mastery of submission-based offense and calculated ring psychology.

**Grade for Baszler vs. Stark: B-**

**Notable Moments and Observations**

- A lighthearted backstage segment involving Otis, Maxxine Dupri, and Ludwig Kaiser led to an impromptu challenge, injecting a touch of humor into the episode.

- Zoey Stark's confident demeanor during the segment showcased her ability to shine in the spotlight, even in the absence of Trish Stratus.

- Shayna Baszler's cast added an element of authenticity, underscoring the physical toll of her battles.

**Quick Clash: Otis vs. Ludwig Kaiser - Seeds of Rivalry**

The proceedings took a brief detour as Otis and Ludwig Kaiser clashed in a swift encounter. Kaiser's distinctive character nuances were accentuated by his unique ring walk, showcasing a blend of confidence and theatricality that defines his persona. As the match unfolded, Otis demonstrated shades of his charismatic Heavy Machinery persona, engaging the audience with his trademark dance moves.

Kaiser's calculated attempts to corner Otis were met with resilient resistance, as the larger-than-life competitor shrugged off his opponent's strikes and initiated a powerful offensive surge. The brewing tensions reached a crescendo when Kaiser's attempts to hit on Maxxine Dupri only served to ignite Otis' fiery determination. The intervention of Gunther, hidden from view, introduced a disruptive element that led to Kaiser securing a victory, albeit with a measure of controversy.

While the match served as a vehicle to further intensify the rivalry between Gable and Gunther, it effectively accomplished its goal within its concise duration.

**Grade for Otis vs. Kaiser: C**

**Notable Moments and Observations**

- Ludwig Kaiser's unique ring walk, a subtle amalgamation of marching and runway-esque striding, added depth to his character and presentation.

- Otis' exuberant dance moves harkened back to his Heavy Machinery days, evoking a sense of nostalgia and familiarity.

**Tag Team Action: The New Day vs. Viking Raiders - Dynamic Duels**

The landscape of tag team competition took center stage as The Miz and LA Knight engaged in a fiery verbal exchange, sparking anticipation for their impending showdown. The ensuing tag team encounter witnessed the return of Kofi Kingston, teaming up with Xavier Woods to face off against The Viking Raiders. The renewal of their rivalry rekindled memories of their inaugural Viking Rules match, setting the stage for an intense encounter.

Kingston's triumphant return infused the match with a palpable energy, as he seamlessly reintegrated into action, exhibiting the same high-flying and acrobatic prowess that endeared him to fans. The tandem offense employed by Kingston and Woods accentuated their chemistry as a unit, keeping Erik on the defensive. As the Vikings countered, the pace of the match intensified, showcasing a dynamic exchange between the teams.

Kingston's triumphant return infused the match with a palpable energy, as he seamlessly reintegrated into action, exhibiting the same high-flying and acrobatic prowess that endeared him to fans. The tandem offense employed by Kingston and Woods accentuated their chemistry as a unit, keeping Erik on the defensive. As the Vikings countered, the pace of the match intensified, showcasing a dynamic exchange between the teams.

The New Day's victory, punctuated by Kingston's Trouble in Paradise and Woods' flying elbow drop, marked a triumphant return to form, reasserting their dominance within the tag team division.

**Grade for The New Day vs. Viking Raiders: C+**

**Notable Moments and Observations**

- The backstage attack on Sami Zayn, leading to Shinsuke Nakamura's unexpected inclusion in the six-man tag match, underscored the fluidity of the narrative landscape.

- Kofi Kingston's palpable joy upon returning to action conveyed his genuine enthusiasm and passion for performing in front of a live audience.

**Six-Man Showdown: The Judgment Day vs. Team Cody Rhodes - Climactic Chaos**

The night culminated in a high-octane six-man tag team collision, pitting The Judgment Day against Team Cody Rhodes. The persistent tensions simmering between Damian Priest and Finn Bálor permeated the match, adding layers of complexity to the dynamic. Dominik Mysterio's impulsive tag-in showcased the internal struggles within the team, reflecting the broader conflicts at play.

The match's extended duration allowed each competitor ample opportunity to showcase their skills, culminating in a multifaceted encounter that blurred the lines between chaos and orchestrated mayhem. The interwoven storylines and palpable tension on both sides of the ring elevated the stakes, resulting in a captivating narrative thread that wove throughout the match.

Cody Rhodes' triumphant victory, buoyed by an injured Sami Zayn's unexpected assist, ignited celebrations within the ring, marking an intense conclusion to the night's proceedings.

**Grade for Six-Man Showdown: B**

**Notable Moments and Observations**

- The prolonged anticipation during The Judgment Day's entrance emphasized the grandeur and magnitude of their presence.

- Raquel Rodriguez's attack on Rhea Ripley outside the ring added an element of unpredictability, underscoring the volatile environment surrounding the match.

- Finn Bálor's calculated targeting of Dominik Mysterio introduced an element of psychological warfare, showcasing his strategic acumen.

**Final Thoughts and Payback Preview: A Glimpse of the Future**

As the final bell tolled on this exhilarating episode of WWE Raw, the stage was set for a series of unfolding narratives that would pave the way for future showdowns. The show's unique blend of dynamic action, compelling storytelling, and unexpected twists left an indelible mark, ensuring that fans would eagerly anticipate the subsequent developments.

From the explosive opening segment that ignited the night's proceedings to the diverse array of matches and encounters that followed, Raw demonstrated its capacity to cater to a wide spectrum of wrestling preferences. The tag team clash between The New Day and The Viking Raiders reaffirmed the significance of camaraderie and chemistry, while the high-octane six-man tag match showcased the intricate interplay of alliances and rivalries.

As the anticipation for Payback on September 2 continues to mount, one can't help but speculate on the clashes and confrontations that lie ahead. From championship aspirations to personal vendettas, the journey promises to be nothing short of riveting.

**Overall Grade for Raw: B-**

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