Welcome to our WWE RAW review series where we look at the biggest hits and misses from the red brand.
The June 17, 2024, episode of RAW emanated from the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi, Texas. It featured qualifying matches for the Men and Women’s Money in the Bank. Damian Priest, Liv Morgan, Chad Gable, and Sami Zayn among others worked the show.
Here’s what went down on the latest episode of Monday Night RAW.
Hit – Seth Rollins returns on WWE RAW
RAW kicked off with Seth Rollins’ music. The former World Heavyweight Champion made his surprise return from hiatus. Rollins talked about his future plans. Damian Priest interrupted the segment and said he’d want to put his title on the line against Rollins at Money in the Bank. The match was made official.
Post-PLE RAWs usually have one or two surprise returns in store for fans. Having Seth Rollins kickoff the show was a solid booking decision. Priest and Rollins have a history. Rollins’ first world title defense was against Priest back in 2023. Their MITB match could end up being a contender for Match of the Year.
Miss – Carlito vs. Dragon Lee on WWE RAW
Carlito and Dragon Lee met in singles competition. The veteran got the win due to Judgment Day’s interference. This wasn’t a standout performance from either competitor. It just did its job of building the feud between Judgment Day and the LWO.
Hit – Alpha Academy walks out on Chad Gable
Chad Gable lost to Braun Strowman in a squash match. Master Gable tried to once again blame his group for his loss. He slapped Tozawa only for Otis to shove him. The trio then packed their bags and walked out on their mentor in a backstage segment.
The crowd loved it when Otis tossed Gable to the other side of the ring. I feel not turning the angle into a full-blown altercation was the right move. It gives Gable some space for a solo run before he joins forces with the Creed Brothers.
Miss – Drew McIntyre ‘quits’ WWE
Drew McIntyre came to the ring still reeling from his stunning loss at WWE Clash at the Castle. The Scottish Warrior didn’t say much. He proceeded to quit the company. RAW GM Adam Pearce tried to talk him out of his decision. Triple H tried to have a conversation with the former “Chosen One” as well but to no avail.
I guess the long flight back to the States calmed down McIntyre. I was expecting a lot of Claymores on RAW this week. Instead, Drew took the Batista route by “quitting” the company. Jokes apart, I would’ve bought into the segment had The Rock not confirmed McIntyre’s re-signing on social media back in April.
Hit – Bron Breakker vs. Sheamus
Sami Zayn said he was done with Chad Gable. Bron Breakker interrupted the segment. Sheamus showed up as well. The Celtic Warrior said he’s been chasing after the Intercontinental Championship for the past five years. This led to a number one contender’s match between Sheamus and Breakker, which ended in DQ due to Ludwig Kaiser’s interference.
Sheamus and Breakker had a really good singles match on RAW. Both men exchanged some heavy strikes. The hurricanrana botch could’ve been disastrous but, thankfully, neither was hurt. Kaiser’s interference was the right finish. He wanted to take out Sheamus but got knocked out of his boots with a spear from Breakker instead.
Miss – Women’s tag team match on WWE RAW
Damage CTRL took on Kayden Carter and Katana Chance. Lyra Valkyria arrived to cause a distraction for Dakota Kai and Kairi Sane. Carter and Chance won the match by hitting their tag team finisher on Dakota Kai.
This match got less than three minutes on a three-hour RAW broadcast. The women’s tag team division needs TV time. This is one thing the Triple H regime needs to work on because most of them are capable of putting on a good match.
Hit – They’re here – The Wyatt Sicks debut
The lights went off following the triple threat men’s MITB qualifier. WWE cameras showed a completely destroyed gorilla position with bodies of the roster lying on the ground. There was blood on the wall. Chad Gable was also busted open. The show ended with Uncle Howdy and his twisted minions all back in WWE.
Wyatt Sicks are here and they aren’t to be messed with. The visuals from the angle were horrific, which seems to be the direction WWE is taking with the new stable. This was just a tease for things to come. The group completely destroyed backstage area upon their arrival. I’m excited for what’s to come.
Honorable Mentions
IYO SKY, Zelina Vega and Kiana James had a great three-way Women’s MITB qualifier. Kiana James can really go in the ring. Vega had her big spots as well. IYO SKY winning the match was expected. After all, she’s a former one-time briefcase holder.
The storyline between Liv Morgan and Dominik Mysterio continued on WWE RAW this week. Pat McAfee caught Balor sneaking Liv’s locker room keys with his slow-mo thing. Balor told Priest he took the keys because he wanted Dom out of this mess. Priest sounded like a dad when he caught Dom trying to remove his vest off of Liv.
The triple threat main event was a lot of fun. Rey, at 49, continues to walk the ropes like he’s still in his prime. He’s that damn good. Judgment Day tried to take out the Hall of Famer, but Braun Strowman arrived. Jey Uso ended up hitting a frogsplash on both Balor and Rey for the win.
Also read: Money In the Bank Qualifiers, More Set For 6/24 WWE RAW
