The July 20 episode of Raw, held in Detroit's Little Caesar's Arena, showcased a mix of intense rivalries and intriguing storylines, setting the stage for the upcoming SummerSlam event. The show kicked off with a high-energy match between Max Dupri and Logan Paul's team and The Vision, featuring Je'Von Evans and Dragon Lee. The babyfaces' relentless energy kept the heels on their toes, and despite the heels' attempts to gain control, the match ended with a spear from The Badass to the luchador, securing the victory for The Vision. This opening bout not only introduced a new team but also highlighted the budding rivalry between The Vision and the Alpha Academy, adding a layer of tension to the show.
The main event saw LA Knight take on Jacob Fatu, with Knight's impassioned promo setting the tone for the match. While the match itself lacked a spark, the intense promo and the involvement of Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa, and Jey Uso created a compelling narrative. The Bloodline's victory over Knight, Keys, and Sikoa earned them valuable heat entering SummerSlam, with a high-profile six-man tag team match on the horizon.
One of the standout moments was the return of Danhausen to his hometown of Detroit. His brief encounter with The Judgment Day and subsequent match against JD McDonagh, with the involvement of Joe Hendry and Liv Morgan, provided a refreshing change of pace. However, the segment's lack of depth and the rushed match grade of C highlight the need for more substantial storytelling in these backstage vignettes.
The show also featured a dominant performance by Oba Femi, who squashed McDonagh in a match that showcased his physical superiority and potential as a future world champion. The call-out by Solo Sikoa to Seth Rollins added an intriguing layer to the ongoing Rollins-Reigns feud, but the lack of clear babyface or heel characters in the match is a concern. The segment between Penta and Chad Gable vs. Ethan Page and Rusev was a hard-fought tag team action, with the crowd fully engaged, resulting in a momentum-building victory for Gable and Penta.
In summary, the episode of Raw showcased a mix of solid in-ring action and intriguing storylines, with a focus on building momentum for key players like Gable, Penta, and Femi. However, the lack of substantial story developments and the rushed nature of some segments leave room for improvement in the overall narrative arc leading up to SummerSlam.
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