WWE: Raw is a weekly television program featuring the cream of World Wrestling Entertainment. Superstars compete both inside the ring and behind-the-scenes to become champions.
CM Punk and Seth Rollins continue their battle as the centerpiece of Raw’s first two-hour broadcast since 2012. Meanwhile, Gunther faces Sami Zayn while Sheamus squares off against Pete Dunne.
The History of Raw
Monday Night show Raw has an extensive history, featuring huge debuts and story lines launched that continue on into SmackDown even when it was their sole main event brand. Additionally, its aura and mythology remain uniquely its own; something about Raw that cannot be replicated on SmackDown has yet to be replicated fully even when competing brands were in competition against one another.
On the night after WrestleMania, Vince introduces and retires the Winged Eagle Belt before trying to convince Stone Cold and Austin to work together but they rebuff him. Finally, Vince uses police arrests as leverage against Stone Cold and Austin which begins their first big moneymaking feud of Attitude Era; further reducing ratings slump from Nitro ending which would see only 4 Million tune in weekly by December 2002.
The IC Title
WWE acquired WCW in 2001 and since then have used only two titles; among these is the Intercontinental Championship which is one of its most coveted championships. Current or past champions of this title include WWE Hall-of-Famers such as Pat Patterson, Don Muraco, The Rock, Bret “Hit Man” Hart Ultimate Warrior Steve Austin as well as Pat Patterson who held it once.
Only five men have held onto the IC Title for over one year: Pedro Morales, Randy Savage, The Honky Tonk Man (Honky Tonk Man), Gunther and Sheamus – with Gunther holding the record for most consecutive reigns with seven!
Last night on Raw, Jey Uso became the first wrestler ever to capture the coveted Intercontinental Title after beating Bron Breakker in an incredible main event battle. Unfortunately, according to Xero News’ reports, his reign may soon come to an end; whether that happens at Bad Blood or later remains to be seen; regardless, it seems a new era has begun for this prized prize!
The Money in the Bank Qualifying Matches
The Money in the Bank ladder match has long been a mainstay of WWE pay-per-view events, pitting participants against one another in an attempt to retrieve an upside-down briefcase filled with contracts guaranteeing championship matches to its victor. Up until 2017, these matches had only been open to male wrestlers; since 2017, women wrestlers can also compete.
Qualifying matches were held to select participants for this year’s match, beginning on the May 23 episode of Raw with Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens competing against each other for entry into the match, while Cesaro and Dean Ambrose also qualified after wins on that episode.
Drew McIntyre and Sheamus squared off for entry into a men’s match on SmackDown on June 10th; however, this bout ended abruptly due to attacks between McIntyre and Sheamus resulting in double disqualification – setting up an unexpected qualifier between Sheamus and McIntyre for next week – the latter who would cash out his contract on Sheamus to win it all.
The Wyatt Sicks
Few groups have made as great an impression since their Raw debut as The Wyatt Sicks have. Led by Bo Dallas (Uncle Howdy), Nikki Cross (Abby The Witch), Dexter Lumis (Mercy The Buzzard), and Joe Gacy (Huskus The Pig), this unruly quartet left a path of destruction Monday night while hinting that former WWE Champion may be their next target.
No doubt much of their storyline will take place on RAW, yet limiting their appearances solely to that show would be a mistake. A mixture of appearances across RAW, SmackDown, and NXT keeps audiences guessing as to the group’s true intentions and moral compass.
Masked members should also take this chance to showcase their unique wrestling styles. Erick Rowan’s presence within the Wyatt Family through Bray should be especially welcomed; allow him plenty of opportunities to display his ability to strike fear into opponents and donning masks should not come too easily at this stage.