WWE RAW on Netflix Review: Iyo & Ripley vs. Giulia & Roxanne

WWE RAW on Netflix
KFC YUM Center in Louisville, Kentucky

The show opened with a tribute memorial graphic for the late Sabu.

THEN…NOW…FOREVER…TOGETHER 

—Michael Cole introduced the WWE RAW show. Backstage shots of Judgment Day, AJ Styles, Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky, Giulia and Roxanne Perez were walking backstage. 

—We saw a highlight package of CM Punk returning to RAW last week costing Seth Rollins the WWE World Heavyweight Title. 

CM Punk Promo

The crowd cheered as CM Punk made his entrance to a big reaction. The camera shot around the arena for Punk’s entrance was awesome. Punk pointed to the sky giving a tribute to Sabu. Punk said it’s great to be alive in a place like Louisville, Kentucky on a Monday night. Punk said he’s pissed off but happy to be in a place he can call home. Punk spoke about all the dust settling from WrestleMania. Punk said he’s waited a few weeks, nursed some injuries and hurt feelings. Punk said he can’t shake the feeling of being pissed off. Punk said he’s got lots of enemies and it’s easy for him to list enemies who he’s not pissed off at right now. 

Punk said he was most pissed off at himself. Punk said he’s mad at himself because he’s been here before. Punk said this wasn’t the first time Paul Heyman turned on him. Punk said he likes to trust his friends. Punk brought up Heyman tossing a ladder in his face and giving him 12 staples in his head almost 12 years ago. Punk thought he and Heyman moved on from that. Punk said he’s matured as a person. Punk apologized to Jey Uso who warned him about Heyman. Punk called Heyman a fat little snake. Punk called Seth Rollins a Temu version of himself. Punk said he would get his hands on all of them. Punk said Heyman knows how this ends. Punk said he can’t wait to get his hands on Heyman. 

Paul Heyman came out. Punk interrupted Heyman’s introduction. Heyman began marching his way to the ring but stopped. Punk said Heyman better choose wisely about the words he chooses. Seth Rollins music played. Rollins came out with Bron Breakker by his side. The crowd sang along to Rollins song. Punk said that’s Rollins was a song. Punk told Rollins the bell has to ring at some point. 

The crowd booed as Rollins went to speak. Rollins said Punk finds a way to get more egotistical and selfish. Rollins said Heyman was his best friend. Rollins said Punk made Heyman’s life hell on the road to WrestleMania. Rollins said Punk makes him sick and mentioned Heyman believed in Punk when nobody did. Rollins blamed Punk for not being World Heavyweight Champion. Punk said Rollins will never be World Champion as long he’s on two feet. Rollins wondered if Punk loved punishment. Rollins said Punk likes the play the victim. Rollins told Punk to “Cry Me A River” and how Punk wanted to play a victim. Rollins looked over at Breakker and said that could be arranged. 

Rollins patted Breakker on his shoulder who made his way ringside. Punk asked Breakker if he was all bark? A brawl broke out as Breakker and Punk exchanged strikes. Punk went after Rollins. Breakker got the numbers advantage on Punk. Sami Zayn ran down to make the save. Breakker got the better of Zayn. Rollins went to hit Punk with a chair. WWE World Champion Jey Uso ran down with a chair. Punk and Zayn grabbed chairs as well. Rollins and Breakker left the ring. Punk’s music played. 

Amin’s Thoughts — Punk’s promo delivery is still one of the best in the business. I liked Punk’s explanation blaming himself for wanting to trust Heyman. That’s make Punk more of a babyface putting blame on himself rather than someone else. The good part here is crowds are now treating Rollins faction as the top heel and not cool heels. It also helps when they are going against top babyface stars who are positioned to look strong. The only nitpick would be crowds still singing along to Rollins theme. You can’t blame the crowds as they want to enjoy themselves at shows. That’s now on WWE to tweak up Rollins song if they want to position his new group as heels. At some point Rollins new group will need a new member because they can’t keep getting outnumbered as heels. A good start to the show. 

—We saw highlights of El Grande Americano costing Penta the Intercontinental Title against Dominik Mysterio at WWE Backlash. 

—Penta made his entrance to a big reaction and firework display. Penta was scheduled to take on Chad Gable in the opening match on WWE RAW. 

—Michael Cole noted Pat McAfee was suppose to join him on commentary. Pat McAfee’s music played. McAfee received a great reaction for the crowd. McAfee noted doctors cleared him to be back in the WWE bowl. McAfee brought up getting whooped by Gunther at Backlash. 

(1) Penta vs. Chad Gable (w/Ivy Nile)

Penta started quickly stomping away at Gable as the match began. Gable responded rocking Penta with chops. Gable connected with a back suplex on Penta for two. Gable went to pull on Penta’s mask. Penta battled back catching Gable with a running head scissors. Penta went for a slingshot but Gable caught with a flying head butt. 

Penta rocked Gable with a SuperKick. Penta battled back hitting a corner handstand dropkick on Gable for two. Gable responded catching Penta with a bridging German Suplex for two. Penta caught Gable flying off the ropes with a mid-air Codebreaker for two. Penta went for a back cracker but Gable grabbed onto the ropes. Gable hit a flying Moonsault for two. Gable went for an Ankle Lock but Penta broke free. Penta rocked Gable with a SuperKick for two.

Penta went for The Sacrifice. Gable broke free. Gable countered into an Ankle Lock. Penta countered into a reverse rollup for two. Gable talked smack to Penta on the ropes. Penta shoved Gable who leaped off the ropes. Penta caught Gable with a flying Mexican Destroyer off the ropes for the 1-2-3 win. 

Penta def. Chad Gable in 11:03

Amin’s Thoughts — Solid action here in the opening match between Gable and Penta. A good bounce back win for Penta after not winning the Intercontinental Title at Backlash. Good to see crowds still reacting to Penta like a big star. I don’t Penta will win but would be cool to see him compete in the Money in the Bank Ladder Match

—We saw a Giulia and Roxanne Perez promo highlight package. Roxanne spoke about the RAW Women’s division not being safe anymore. Giulia said they are strong but we are hungry. Giulia said they didn’t come to wait for our turn. Giulia said we came to take over. Roxanne said that meant going after the two women at the top. Roxanne said she and Giulia are here to make their own history. Roxanne said you are looking at the future of our industry. Giulia said the future starts tonight. 

—They showed footage of Kofi Kingston visiting the Louisville Slugger Museum.

—Judgment Day was inside their clubhouse. Dominik Mysterio was on the phone. Dominik noted Liv Morgan’s movie was going great. Dominik was confused that Liv said Good Morning and not Good Evening. JD McDonagh wondered if this was the first time Dominik heard about timezones. Dominik wanted to talk to Finn Balor. Dominik wondered why Balor hesitated with the chair at Backlash. Balor noted Dominik is sounding paranoid like Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley when they were champions. Balor noted it didn’t go smoothly but Dominik is still champion. Balor said he will take care of AJ Styles. Balor left. McDonagh explained to Dominik about timezone differences. LOL 

—Michael Cole told Pat McAfee he was glad to have him back on commentary after his match at Backlash. We saw highlights of Gunther vs. McAfee at Backlash. The crowd gave McAfee a standing ovation. Loud chants of McAfee from the crowd. Cole told McAfee to stand up for the fans. McAfee spoke about being sore. McAfee spoke about the bumps he took in his match. McAfee brought up the resect he has for the people who step inside the ring. McAfee said he has more respect for Gunther now. McAfee said he gave some back to Gunther. McAfee said Gunther has some respect for him and Cole after the respect he gave in the post-match. McAfee said he appreciated the opportunity. 

—They showed a graphic announcing CM Punk & Sami Zayn vs. Seth Rollins & Bron Breakker for Saturday Night’s Main Event. 

—CM Punk and Sami Zayn were sitting inside the locker room. Zayn asked Punk if he’s ready for the tag match at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Punk said he is but isn’t. Punk said he’s having a hard time trusting anybody right now. Zayn noted how Punk feels. Zayn said he had a hard time trusting Punk at WarGames but it worked out well. Zayn noted Punk likes doing things his way. Zayn said Punk had his own goals and ambitions. Punk noted Zayn likes doing things his way as well. Zayn said he has ambitions as well. Zayn noted they aren’t going to get anything done with Rollins and Breakker standing in their way. Zayn said he and Punk work together take out both Rollins and Breakker at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Punk and Zayn bumped fists. 

World Tag Team Champions Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods joined commentary for the match. War Raiders and Alpha Academy were both inside the ring for the next match. 

(2) War Raiders (Erik and Ivar) vs. American Made (Brutus Creed and Julius Creed)

Cole brought up New Day cheated at WrestleMania. Kofi and Woods brought up Cole cheating trying to help McAfee win at Backlash against Gunther. Erik and Ivar planted both Brutus and Julius with a scoop slam. Julius responded rocking Erik with a running lariat. Brutus and Julius stomped away at Erik in the corner. Julius planted Erik with a suplex on the floor. 

Ivar caught Julius with a seated senton. Julius caught Ivar with a springboard Superplex. Brutus followed hitting a flying Moonsault onto Ivar for two. Ivar responded catching Brutus with a side slam. Erik ran wild launching Julius with a T-Bone Suplex. Erik rammed Ivar into Julius. Brutus made the save. The action broke down with everyone hitting a big moves. 

Ivar went for a handspring elbow. Brutus and Julius caught Ivar with a double backdrop suplex. Erik made the save. Woods taunted Erik at ringside. Kingston knocked Ivar on the ropes. Brutus nailed Erik with a clubbing blow from behind. Julius held Ivar for Brutus to hit a flying Brutus Ball for the 1-2-3 win. 

Brutus & Julius Creed def. Erik & Ivar in 10:27

Amin’s Thoughts — Brutus and Julius continue to impress with their in-ring ability the more you see them in their matches. This felt like a standard tv tag match with another interference finish. The interference finishes does take the enjoyment away when you watch the matches. A possible multi-team tag title match could be coming with the New Day getting involved. The excitement isn’t there on RAW compared to the fun tag matches we’ve been getting in the SmackDown tag division. 

—Seth Rollins, Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman were inside the locker room. Rollins told Breakker that Punk and Zayn feel like they got them backed against the wall. Rollins told Breakker they have no idea what he’s capable of. Rollins told Breakker he wanted him to do something. Rollins whispered something into Breakker’s ear. Rollins told Breakker to have some fun. Breakker smiled. 

—RAW General Manager Adam Pearce was chatting with World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso backstage. Finn Balor was speaking with Roxanne Perez in the background. 

Amin’s Thoughts — Balor was speaking to Roxanne once again. This has to be leading to something possible once Liv Morgan returns after she’s done filming for her film. 

—Michael Cole and Pat McAfee were on commentary. Highlights shown of Logan Paul nailing Jey with a right hand when he was celebrating with fans ringside. Paul told Jey to pay attention because he’s coming after the World Heavyweight Title. Cole touted the social media numbers of Paul’s attack on Jey after the RAW show. 

Jey Uso & Gunther Promo

WWE World Heavyweight Champion Jey Uso made his entrance from the crowd. Jey got an incredible reaction from the crowd. The crowd chanted “One More Time!” They did an encore of Jey’s entrance which is incredible. Jey said he’s still the World Heavyweight Champion and is in your city. Jey said he’s got a big target but wanted to get something out of his big chest. Jey said it’s him and Logan Paul at Saturday Night’s Main Event. Jey said he will still be World Champion after Saturday Night’s Main Event. 

Gunther made his way to the ring. Gunther told Jey the unimaginable came through. Gunther said this was the first time since Jey won the World Title. Jey said he made Gunther tap out. You Tapped Out chants from the crowd. Gunther said he knows what Jey is doing. Gunther said he’s been 80% of the time champion in WWE. Gunther said he understands the pressure Jey goes through as champion. Gunther said his opinion of Jey hasn’t changed. Gunther said Jey wasn’t a natural champion as him. Gunther said since Jey’s like the run his mouth. Gunther told Jey let the pleasure be his. Gunther said the winner of Jey vs. Logan Paul will face him on June 9th for the World Title. Gunther said he hopes Jey wins. Gunther said he would love to outclass Jey and remind him where his place is. 

Jey removed his YEET sunglasses. Jey said his runs this place as World Champion. Jey said he will handle the YouTuber. Jey said he and Gunther will run it back for the World Heavyweight Title. Jey said he will walk out World Champion. Jey held up the World Title. Jey’s music played. 

Amin’s Thoughts — Jey Uso just looks the part of a WWE Superstar. Jey promos start slow but knows how to dial it up when needed. Jey showed last week when inside the ring with the right opponent he can have good matches. Interested to see how Jey vs. Paul match goes. Gunther is just tremendous on mic as he just demands your attention when he speaks. I liked how they wanted people to know what’s next for Gunther after his quick side quest with McAfee. That episode of RAW in June could be where Goldberg shows up. That leads to Gunther vs. Goldberg in Saudi Arabia at Night of Champions when the June PLE takes place. 

—We saw a Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky promo highlight package. Iyo spoke about trying to show Roxanne respect last week. Iyo said Giulia and Roxanne showed how talented they are in the ring. Iyo said they don’t deserve any respect. Iyo said they will both learn a lesson that Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley learned at WrestleMania. Iyo said nobody in this division can stop her. Iyo said nobody in this division will take the Women’s World Title from her. 

—Michael Cole spoke about the wrestling industry losing a trailblazer in ECW Superstar Sabu. Cole spoke about Sabu being a 2-time World Champion. Cole spoke about Sabu’s legendary rivalry with his friend Taz. McAfee spoke about growing up at time during ECW. McAfee spoke about Sabu putting his body on the line for our entertainment. McAfee said we are all forever grateful to this industry. Cole said they will remember Sabu. Cole sent out condolences to his family and friends. The crowd chanted “Thank You Sabu!” 

—Jackie Redmond interviewed Ludwig Kaiser backstage. Redmond was wondering why we haven’t seen Kaiser in competition for some time. They heard a commotion. Bron Breakker and Paul Heyman were standing over Jey Uso. CM Punk and Sami Zayn appeared asking what happened? WWE agents noted Breakker attacked Jey. 

Finn Balor made his entrance. Balor came out to a lame mixed version of his theme. Balor was accompanied by JD McDonagh and Carlito. Cole and McAfee questioned why Dominik wasn’t ringside. AJ Styles made his entrance to a strong reaction. Styles got a big firework display. 

(3) AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor (w/JD McDonagh & Carlito)

Balor and Styles were evenly matched at the start. Styles connected with a dropkick sending Balor outside the ring. Balor regrouped with McDonagh outside the ring as they went to break. 

Styles planted Balor with a backbreaker. Styles connected with a snap suplex for one. Balor connected with a chop but Styles no-sold. Balor caught Styles on the ropes. Balor placed Styles in an abdominal stretch. Styles battled back nailing Balor with a sliding forearm. Styles hit an Ushigorishi for two. Styles went for a Styles Clash on Balor. McDonagh stood on the ring apron. Balor and Styles connected with a double clothesline.

Styles planted Balor with a SuperPlex. Balor and Styles exchanged big strikes. Styles caught Balor going for a Pele Kick. Styles went for a Calf Crusher. Balor grabbed the ropes. Balor caught Styles with a Final Cut. Styles caught Balor charging with a lariat. Balor responded hitting a SlingBlade. Balor hit a Woo Dropkick. Styles avoided a Coup De Grace. Styles placed Balor in the Calf Crusher. Styles maintained control hitting a Styles Clash on Balor for a good two. 

Carlito and McDonagh stood on opposite sides of the ring apron. Styles nailed McDonagh with a punch. Styles went for a Phenomenal Forearm. Balor reversed hitting a Bloody Sunday for two. A wild Penta appeared taking out Carlito and McDonagh ringside. Penta hit a Mexican Destroyer on Carlito to the floor. Balor got distracted with everything happening outside. Styles hit a Phenomenal Forearm on Balor for the 1-2-3 win. 

AJ Styles def. Finn Balor in 16:59

Amin’s Thoughts — I enjoyed this seeing both Balor and Styles share the ring together. Balor and Styles have great chemistry as they worked a pretty fun action packed match. Styles winning gets him closer to challenging Dominik for the Intercontinental Title. Didn’t mind Penta’s interference here as Judgment Day got involved in his title match against Dominik at Backlash. The interesting note here was Dominik wasn’t ringside to help Balor in this match. They are planting the seeds for a Balor split from The Judgment Day. This was fun to watch. 

—We saw highlights of Lyra Valkyria retaining her WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship against Becky Lynch at Backlash. Becky post-match attack on Valkyria. 

—Becky Lynch was walking backstage. You could see Karrion Kross speaking with New Day in the background. 

Becky Lynch Promo

Becky Lynch got a strong mixed reaction from the crowd. Becky sat on the turnbuckle. Becky said she wasn’t beaten on Saturday. Becky said Valkyria was. Becky said one person went to the hospital. Becky said she went to her nice warm bus, had a nice warm shower and had a shot to tequila. Becky said she made Valkyria the best version of herself. Becky took credit for giving Valkyria the best match of her career. Becky said Valkyria hasn’t mattered more in her career than now and it wasn’t close. Becky said she heard an alarm ringing in her ear after the match. Becky said she’s been manipulated by both Valkyria and the fans. Becky blamed the crowd for her walking away for almost a year. Becky spoke about hearing the fans reaction and reading the comments when she last won the Women’s World Title. Becky said she and the fans were in this together. Becky said when she won the fans could see herself in her because they can’t recognize success but recognizes failure. Crowd booing. Becky said she misses being in the ring. Becky said she didn’t listen to the crowd lies. Becky said she didn’t need to spin my wheels. Becky said she’s selfish, greedy and cutthroat. Becky said all the girls in the back that were glad she was gone. Becky said they are all going to realizes to be held down by The Man. 

Amin’s Thoughts — More great heel work from Becky taking credit for giving Valkyria her best match and no-selling the loss at the Backlash show. Becky just knows how to get the crowd to react to her as both beloved babyface and heel. I would say a rematch with Becky and Valkyria should be direction after the Backlash post-match. This is gonna be fun seeing Becky go full heel. 

—A Rusev promo video aired. Rusev said he didn’t want to do that to Otis. Rusev said he wanted to go home and be rich. Rusev said he was once programmed by lesser people. Rusev said he can’t leave all his brothers until they all wake up. Rusev spoke about the crowd cheering when Akira Tozawa stepped up. Rusev said he took Tozawa straight into the flatline. Rusev said Tozawa’s still seeks the crowds approval. Rusev said wrestlers let the sheep control the wolves. Rusev said he rather see them fall into the abyss. 

—Akira Tozawa, Maxinne Dupri and Natalya were inside RAW General Manager Adam Pearce’s office. Tozawa wanted a match with Rusev. Pearce said Tozawa isn’t medically cleared. Maxxine noted Tozawa could beat Rusev. Tozawa said he would be fine. Pearce said he will discuss the match with Rusev once he gets cleared. Sheamus walked in. Sheamus said he knows Tozawa will give Rusev hell when he’s cleared. Tozawa and his crew left. Sheamus said it was good to be back in action. Sheamus wanted to get the rust off. Sheamus wanted a match next week against Grayson Waller. Pearce made it official. 

—Michael Cole noted Money in the Bank qualifying matches will begin on SmackDown and then continue on RAW. Cole hyped next week’s matches for RAW. The matches include Jey Uso vs. Bron Breakker in a non-title match, AJ Styles & Penta vs. Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, and Sheamus vs. Grayson Waller. 

Giulia made her entrance to a strong heel reaction. Giulia’s entrance looks awesome. Roxanne Perez entrance took place during the break. Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky got a huge reaction. Rhea Ripley got an incredible reaction. The crowd reacted to Ripley like she was the biggest star on the show. 

(4) WWE Women’s World Champion Iyo Sky and Rhea Ripley vs. Giulia and Roxanne Perez

Iyo and Roxanne began exchanging mounted strikes. Roxanne took control stomping away at Iyo in the corner. Giulia and Roxanne connected with corner double teams to Iyo in the corner. Roxanne gave Iyo a cheap shot. Ripley yanked Roxanne into the ring. Ripley rocked Roxanne with a dropkick. Jessika Karr held Giulia and Ripley away from each other. Iyo batted back catching Giulia with a cartwheel dropkick. Roxanne yanked Ripley off the ring apron. Ripley chased Roxanne around the ring. Ripley caught Giulia flying off the ring apron. Roxanne delivered a dropkick sending Ripley crashing into the ring apron. Iyo caught Roxanne with an awesome tope on the floor. Giulia rocked Iyo with a running dropkick. 

Iyo used Giulia’s momentum sending her outside the ring. Ripley ran wild launching Roxanne with a Geman Suplex. Ripley launched Roxanne with a Razor’s Edge. Ripley followed hitting a Shining Wizard for two. Roxanne responded catching Ripley with a jumping kick. Ripley stopped Roxanne from climbing the ropes. Ripley went for a Super Razor’s Edge but Roxanne escaped. Roxanne caught Ripley with a flying Hurricanrana for two. Giulia nailed Ripley with a head butt. Roxanne hit a SuperKick on Ripley. Roxanne hit a springboard Moonsault onto Ripley for two. Ripley caught Roxanne charging with a face buster. 

Iyo ran wild rocking Giulia with a Shote. Iyo connected with a missile dropkick onto Giulia. The crowd went wild as Iyo celebrated. Roxanne caught Ripley with a Tornado DDT. Iyo caught Roxanne with a basement dropkick. Giulia went for Landslide but Iyo countered into a rolling double stomp. Iyo hit her signature Moon Over Moonsault on Giulia. Roxanne made the save. Ripley launched Iyo who rocked Giulia with a dropkick. Roxanne went for Pop Rocks but Ripley escaped. Iyo nailed Roxanne with a springboard missile dropkick. 

Iyo asked Ripley for high five after making the save. Ripley did Iyo’s celebration in a cute moment. Giulia yanked Ripley onto the ring arpon. Giulia caught Iyo with a Super Butterfly Suplex. Giulia planted Iyo with a Northern Lights Bomb. Giulia had the match won. Ripley made the save. Ripley caught Roxanne with a sliding kick. Giulia nailed Ripley with a knee strike. Iyo caught Giulia with a Butterfly Backbreaker. Ripley tagged in. Ripley shoved Giulia into a Roxanne crossbody. Iyo nailed Roxanne with a SuperKick. Ripley hit a head butt and RipTide on Giulia for the 1-2-3 win. 

Iyo Sky & Rhea Ripley def. Giulia & Roxanne Perez in 14:00 

➤Iyo and Ripley celebrated after the match. Iyo held up the Women’s World Title. Ripley looked up at the Women’s World Title. Iyo pointed towards Ripley offering a Women’s World Title match. Ripley went to leave the ring. Ripley patted Iyo in the butt. LOL. Iyo smiled. Ripley gave Iyo a smile. The show ended. 

Amin’s Thoughts — A really enjoyable well worked main event match. Lots of great action with everyone getting a chance to shine. I was pretty surprised seeing Giulia take the clean loss in her RAW debut match. The loss did come after some miscommunication with her tag partner with Roxanne. Wonder if they are leading to a split between Giulia and Roxanne. This would be a pretty quick split as they just recently teamed together since coming up to the main roster. They gave a Ripley a strong win in the main event. They could be setting up an Iyo and Ripley match for the Women’s World Title at Saturday Night’s Main Event to make that show feel bigger. A fun main event match. The RAW Women’s Division is becoming the most enjoyable part of the show. 

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