Raw airs tonight (Aug. 11) with a live show from Centre Videotron in Quebec City. This is the second episode of Raw during the four week build to Clash in Paris, which takes place on Aug. 31.
I think someone is turning heel on the best worker in WWE
Women’s World Champion Naomi defends the gold tonight on Raw against IYO SKY. Whoever walks out of this match as champion then moves on to face Stephanie Vaquer at Clash in Paris.
IYO’s request for this title match was granted by General Manager Adam Pearce, and it led to an interesting backstage exchange between SKY and Rhea Ripley. Rhea said she hopes IYO wins the title because she wants to then beat her for it. IYO responded by gently reminding Ripley that she will never beat her. If Rhea didn’t appreciate that remark, perhaps she’ll change her mind about who she really wants to win this championship match.
A Ripley turn would be major news, but this doesn’t seem like a big enough match to warrant it. What really caught my eye in this scene was IYO’s interaction beforehand with the Kabuki Warriors. They offered to help her, but she declined. Is it possible that Asuka and/or Kairi Sane see IYO’s reaction as a sign of weakness or lack of appreciation?
I think IYO SKY has proven herself to be arguably the best worker in WWE this year. Just go rewatch her match at WrestleMania 41 if you don’t believe me. But it doesn’t feel like the right time to end Naomi’s world title reign, so there will probably be some kind of shenanigans at the end of this title match. Will those shenanigans come in the form of another babyface turning on SKY? Tune into Raw to find out.
CM Punk is opening tonight’s show. Punk has a lot to get off his chest after Seth Rollins ended his extremely brief run as World Heavyweight Champion with a surprise Money in the Bank cash-in at SummerSlam. Things only got more frustrating for CM last week on Raw when he was laid out by The Vision. Will LA Knight confront CM about ruining the end of his world title match against Rollins last week? Can these babyfaces get along if they are forced to team up (along with Roman Reigns) to fight Seth and his henchmen at Clash in Paris?
Last week, Sami Zayn somehow got caught up in the never-ending brawl throughout the building between between Sheamua and Rusev. Now it’s Zayn vs. Rusev tonight, where Sami will likely receive another incredible pop from the live fans in Quebec. Does the Celtic Warrior plan to show up at some point to knock out Rusev with a Brogue Kick?
Women’s Intercontinental Champion Becky Lynch vs. Maxxine Dupri is also booked on tonight’s show. This match came about after Natalya confronted The Man, and Becky cowardly opted to fight the inexperienced Dupri instead. Will Nikki Bella get some payback on Becky by finding a way to help Maxxine pull off a miracle upset?
Other stuff to keep an eye on
– There are at least three wrestlers in WWE currently running around as El Grande Americano. How many more will there be by the time tonight’s show wraps up?
– Do WWE Women’s Tag team Champions Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss plan to extend Alexa’s birthday celebration into this week? Which Raw team will step up to the Allies of Convenience after the Judgment Day lost last week’s rematch?
– AJ Styles wants another shot at Intercontinental Championship Dominik Mysterio. Assuming AJ gets what he wants, will Adam Pearce spice up the rematch with a new stipulation or gimmick?
– Grayson Waller has been really good at getting his ass kicked ever since he joined up with the New Day. After Penta beat the shit out of Grayson last week, which babyface will accept the baton tonight? Does Penta have a friend or two will watch his back just in case the New Day and Waller target him again tonight?
– Lyra Valkyria wants Bayley to stay out of her life. That might be hard to do considering they are both on the Raw roster. Will Bayley respect Lyra’s wishes and leave her alone?
– Is Karrion Kross really gone from WWE, or is this whole thing a work?
– Is part-timer Brock Lesnar really not gonna be around on WWE programming yet again this week after his SummerSlam return?
– Where the f*** is Omos?
What will you be looking for on Raw?
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