The Raw Review: A Night of Surprises and Storyline Twists
Welcome to my weekly analysis of WWE's flagship show, Raw. Tonight's episode, on July 13, 2026, was a rollercoaster of emotions and unexpected turns, leaving fans on the edge of their seats.
The Gauntlet Unfolds
The night kicked off with a high-stakes gauntlet match to determine Penta's next Intercontinental Championship contender. The action was intense, with a mix of technical prowess and sheer brutality. What I found intriguing was the inclusion of Judgment Day's Dominik Mysterio, adding a layer of intrigue to the already complex web of rivalries.
In a surprising twist, Rusev emerged as the victor, showcasing his resilience and strategic mind. This sets up a fascinating championship match, as Rusev's submission expertise will be a significant challenge for Penta.
Women's Division Drama
The women's division delivered a compelling narrative, with IYO SKY and Roxanne Perez battling it out in a hard-hitting contest. The match showcased SKY's resilience, as she overcame early setbacks and targeted Perez's ankle with precision. Personally, I was impressed by SKY's in-ring psychology, as she adapted her strategy to exploit her opponent's weakness.
The post-match chaos further emphasized the tension within the women's division. The involvement of multiple superstars, including Sol Ruca and Maxxine Dupri, added layers to ongoing storylines. This segment left me wondering about the future alliances and rivalries that will shape the women's championship picture.
Lesnar's Looming Threat
Brock Lesnar's appearance, accompanied by Paul Heyman, was a highlight of the night. Heyman's promo was a masterful display of storytelling, painting Lesnar as an unstoppable force and Oba Femi as a dangerous, obsessed challenger. The police presence added an intriguing layer of realism to the segment, blurring the lines between reality and sports entertainment.
Femi's attack on the officers was a bold statement, showing his determination to face Lesnar. This rivalry has all the ingredients for a classic WWE feud, with Heyman's mind games and Femi's relentless pursuit of the Beast Incarnate.
Tag Team Turmoil
The tag team division was not to be outdone, with a series of events that left fans guessing. The interaction between Otis, Akira Tozawa, and Maxxine Dupri added a layer of complexity to the romantic angle, with Theory's involvement creating further tension.
The subsequent match between Royce Keys and Jimmy Uso was a physical affair, with the involvement of Jacob Fatu and LA Knight adding to the chaos. The challenge for a six-man tag team match at SummerSlam promises an exciting culmination of these storylines.
Final Thoughts
Tonight's Raw was a testament to WWE's ability to craft compelling narratives and deliver in-ring excellence. The show seamlessly blended action and storytelling, leaving fans eager for the upcoming pay-per-view events.
In my opinion, the standout moments included Rusev's gauntlet victory, IYO SKY's resilience, and Brock Lesnar's intense promo. These segments showcased the depth of talent and the intricate storytelling that makes WWE a global phenomenon. As we look ahead, SummerSlam promises to be a must-watch event, with the potential for major title changes and shocking twists. The road to SummerSlam is shaping up to be a thrilling journey, and I, for one, cannot wait to see what unfolds.
