Top three things we loved and hated about WWE RAW (July 15, 2024)

The Blue brand this week featured exciting matchups

On the July 15, 2024 edition of WWE RAW, the blue brand delivered a mix of excitement, intrigue, and some head-scratching moments. As the road to SummerSlam intensified, fans were treated to the return of one of WWE’s most formidable forces, Rhea Ripley.

Her electrifying presence set the tone for a night filled with high-stakes matches and evolving storylines. From Sheamus clashing with Bronson Reed in a hard-hitting showdown to Sami Zayn defending his Intercontinental Championship against Ilja Dragunov in a thrilling main event, the evening was packed with action that had the audience on the edge of their seats.

However, not every segment hit the mark, as some questionable booking decisions left fans puzzled. With the stakes higher than ever and WWE SummerSlam looming, RAW continues to build momentum, delivering both captivating moments and areas for improvement.

Here’s a closer look at what we loved and hated about this week’s show.

Loved: Rhea Ripley’s electrifying return

Rhea Ripley’s return to kick off WWE Raw was nothing short of spectacular. Her confrontation with Dominik Mysterio and the subsequent challenge to Liv Morgan for a SummerSlam match reignited the women’s division. The dynamic between Ripley, Morgan, and Mysterio added layers to the storyline, keeping the audience engaged and setting a high bar for the night. Ripley’s return viewership of 50 million across social media speaks volumes about her star power.

Hated: Forced angle between Priest and Gunther

The introduction of a class warfare narrative between Damian Priest and Gunther felt shoehorned and unnecessary. The story of an undeserving champion versus a predestined one was already compelling. Adding this element did not enhance the storyline and instead felt like an unnecessary complication that could detract from the already engaging feud.

Loved: Sheamus vs Bronson Reed’s hard-hitting match

The physical encounter between Sheamus and Bronson Reed delivered exactly what fans expected: a brutal, hard-hitting match. Sheamus’ victory followed by Pete Dunne’s attack kept the storyline intriguing and unpredictable. The match was a testament to both wrestlers’ abilities to captivate the audience with their intense in-ring performances.

Hated: Unnecessary squash of Zelina Vega

The match between Zelina Vega and Sonya Deville felt unnecessary, especially with Vega being the most over-performing in the segment. The squash match did nothing to elevate Deville while simultaneously undermining Vega’s momentum. It felt like a wasted opportunity when other wrestlers could have taken Vega’s place to avoid derailing her current trajectory.

Loved: Sami Zayn vs Ilja Dragunov’s main event

Despite the unsatisfactory disqualification finish, the Intercontinental Championship match between Sami Zayn and Ilja Dragunov showcased some of the best in-ring action of the night. Both competitors brought their A-game, making it a physical and thrilling main event. The involvement of Bron Breakker adds another layer to the storyline, potentially setting up a triple-threat match at SummerSlam, which promises to be a show-stealer.

Hated: Drew McIntyre’s placeholder segment

Drew McIntyre’s segment with Adam Pearce and subsequent altercation with Seth Rollins felt like a placeholder that did not advance any storyline meaningfully. McIntyre refusing to apologize and maintaining his suspension did not progress his narrative. The segment felt stagnant, leaving the audience waiting for a resolution that did not come. The storyline’s progression seemed stalled, which was disappointing for such a significant character.

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