Top three things we loved and hated about WWE RAW (July 8, 2024)

WWE has started preparations for SummerSlam 2024 through the recent episode of Raw.

Following the explosive events of the Money in the Bank premium live event, WWE RAW on July 8, 2024, aimed to keep the momentum going as we head towards SummerSlam. The show featured a mix of intense promos, intriguing matchups, and continued storylines, leaving fans with plenty to discuss.

From CM Punk’s heated promo to the return of Rhea Ripley, RAW delivered memorable moments while also leaving some fans disappointed in certain aspects. Here, we discuss the top three things we liked and disliked about this week’s edition of WWE RAW.

Loved: CM Punk’s explosive promo

CM Punk’s promo on RAW was a highlight of the night. Following his interference at Money in the Bank, Punk addressed the WWE Universe, explaining his actions and reigniting his rivalry with Drew McIntyre. Punk’s passionate delivery made it clear that his quest for vengeance against McIntyre was far from over.

“It is that vengeance that fueled him Saturday at Money in the Bank, when he screwed McIntyre out of the World Heavyweight Championship and ruined his cash-in attempt,” Punk stated. His promo was interrupted by Seth Rollins, who took exception to Punk’s interference in the title match.

Rollins warned Punk, saying, “Actions have consequences,” and promised to put Punk back on the shelf if he didn’t watch his back. This segment not only recapped Punk’s busy Saturday but also set the stage for future clashes with both McIntyre and Rollins.

Hated: Jey Uso vs Chad Gable overshadowed by The Wyatt Sicks

While the match between Jey Uso and Chad Gable had the potential to steal the show, it fell short due to external factors. The arena darkened mid-match as The Wyatt Sicks made their presence felt, diverting attention away from the bout. Abby the Witch (Nikki Cross) emerged, scaring off Gable and overshadowing what could have been a standout match.

Despite Jey Uso scoring a victory with a massive Spear to Gable’s injured midsection, the match felt secondary to Wyatt Sicks’ appearance. The commercial break also ate up much of the match’s runtime, preventing it from reaching its fullest potential. This left fans feeling underwhelmed and frustrated by the missed opportunity.

Also Read: WWE RAW Results, Highlights & Winners (July 8, 2024): Rhea Ripley returns (Mami’s back!)

Loved: Bronson Reed’s dominant performance

Bronson Reed delivered an impressive performance against Pete Dunne, showcasing his strength and resilience. Reed overcame Dunne’s focused attack on his left arm, ultimately pinning him after a bone-rattling Tsunami. The match was a fun, competitive bout that highlighted Dunne’s ability to absorb and inflict punishment while giving Reed a much-needed win.

After the match, Sheamus confronted Reed, leading to an intense standoff. This rivalry has the potential to produce some hard-hitting matches in the coming weeks. Reed’s victory and the post-match confrontation with Sheamus added depth to the storyline, making it one of the more engaging parts of the show.

Hated: Damian Priest and Sami Zayn’s lackluster segment

The backstage segment featuring Damian Priest and Seth Rollins fell flat. While Rollins warned Priest about his upcoming match against Gunther at SummerSlam, the interaction felt forced and lacked the intensity expected from two top-tier competitors. Priest’s phone call at the end of the segment also did little to advance the storyline, leaving fans wanting more.

Similarly, Sami Zayn’s in-ring promo was interrupted by Bron Breakker, leading to a lackluster brawl. Breakker’s attack on Zayn and the subsequent appearance of Ilja Dragunov failed to generate significant excitement. The segment did little to build anticipation for future matches, making it one of the low points of the night.

Loved: The return of Rhea Ripley

The main event saw Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan defeat Rey Mysterio and Zelina Vega, but the highlight was the return of Rhea Ripley. After the match, Ripley stormed the ring, cutting off Morgan’s celebration and reasserting her dominance. Morgan fled through the crowd, while Dominik stood meekly in the ring, setting the stage for future confrontations.

Ripley’s return adds a new dynamic to the women’s division and her on-screen relationship with Dominik Mysterio. The stunning comeback capped off a fun main event and left fans eager to see how Ripley’s presence will impact the ongoing storylines. Despite the slightly off-timing, Ripley’s return was a welcome surprise and a major show highlight.

Hated: Underwhelming mid-card matches

Some of the mid-card matches on RAW failed to deliver the excitement fans were hoping for. While entertaining, the match between Braun Strowman and The Awesome Truth against The Judgment Day had little impact on ongoing storylines. The same can be said for the six-man tag match featuring Damage CTRL, which, despite solid in-ring action, did not advance any significant plot points.

Additionally, the rivalry between Bron Breakker and Ilja Dragunov ended in a disqualification, leaving fans without a definitive winner. While the segment aimed to keep the rivalry alive, the non-finish felt like a cop-out and failed to provide a satisfying conclusion.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.