Drew McIntyre: ‘The Truth Is CM Punk Is Scared of Drew McIntyre’

RAW was live from the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Rhode Island for the ‘go-home’ episode of “Bash in Berlin.” Between Judgement Day segments and Uncle Howdy’s first match, there were plenty of bookings five days out from Bash in Berlin.

Judgement Days, Family Matters

One of the hottest acts in wrestling opened up RAW as the Liv Morgan-led Judgement Day came out to cut promos. We heard from Liv and Finn Balor, but we only really heard from the fans once Dominik Mysterio grabbed the mic. Hyped off their actions from last week as they set up the ‘Terror Squad,’– yes, they used the name again like they’re trying to ‘make fetch happen’ — but the LWO came out, which led to an 8-man tag.

The match revolved around Rey Mysterio Jr and his ‘Dirty’ son Dom, and tonight would end up being the second time Dom got over on his old man. The underlining narrative will be the fact that since ‘linking up,’ Dom has not pinned Rey yet again, something he never accomplished ‘under Rhea’s thumb.’ Morgan was directly responsible for the interference that led to Dom’s pinfall victory. The match had a couple of ad breaks, and it was fun when we could see it, but it probably would’ve been best served as a match at a PLE; then the LWO would have to associate with a team named the Terror Twins—No Bueno.

Uncle Howdy Debut

The main event of RAW was Uncle Howdy’s debut, rightfully so, as he faced off against the target of their attacks since their debut, Chad Gable. It was clear that we would get interference, but a schmoz would have booked poorly. We did get some interference, but it was only to set up Uncle Howdy hitting Sister Abigail on Gable for the win. Commentary mentioned that Bo Dallas had not wrestled on RAW TV since 2019, but he performed very well for the five-year hiatus. Uncle Howdy gave nods to his brother Bray, and his style was not as clunky as many feared could be, but it was not wise betting against Gable’s ability to work with anyone.

The feud is not over, but the experiment nearly is because Uncle Howdy and company have proven themselves in every way thus far. And now, it is time to put a bow on this feud and establish a new threat with possible ties to Bray.

IC Pride, Do Or Die

A series of triple-threat matches will take place in the next two weeks of RAW, as previously announced by GM Adam Pierce on social media earlier in the day. Tonight’s RAW and next week’s will produce two winners each night based on four triple-threat matches– separated by two triple-threat matches each week.

Jey Uso vs. Kofi Kingston vs. Karrion Kross

Jey felt like the easy prediction based on the tumultuous relationship between Kofi and Kross. The match had its moments and caught fire quickly, but it was ultimately booked to keep the New Day-Kross storyline while providing some solid action and ‘quiet pop’ moments like the former New Day-Usos rivalry to aid each other against Kross (super cool). Kingston would not factor in the outcome, as an Uso spear led to Jey’s pinfall victory over Kross. Jey advances to the next round—a fatal four-way to determine the number one contender for Bron Breakker’s IC title.

The Miz vs. Xavier Woods vs. Pete Dunne

Despite commentary selling Woods’ lack of success with singles gold in WWE, Dunne walked out the winner. This match felt like it had a better outline and was easier to follow psychologically. It felt like all three men were working together, unlike the first match, which felt like each man had plans for each man even though Jey and Kofi were able to work together briefly. Dunne was the right choice, and his latest mean streak is certainly enough to help him edge out whoever else earns their spot, but it is hard to consider anyone but Jey the favorite as of now.

Do The Drew, CM Stands For Costly Months

Drew McIntyre might’ve noticed the momentum loss in his feud with CM Punk, so he showed up to provide some steam. He sat down ‘cross-legged’ in the middle of the ring for a deeper impact, but then he claimed that the fans’ cheers for Punk had caused this entire situation, and that might’ve been a statement with a double meaning. “You’ve chosen nostalgia over the warrior who has always been there for you,” Drew stated on the mic before Punk eventually came out, but it was Drew knocking the strap match and its origins tied directly to the bracelet he took from Punk. It almost felt like Dead Pool telling us in a Marvel movie just how bad Marvel movies have been lately, super meta stuff. The two eventually brawled, and the strap came into play, which was a fair promotion of the match this Saturday.

Time To Get Savage, Randy

Orton has been putting together a new chapter that feels amazingly different and fitting for this stage of his career. Cole commented on Randy’s latest run as a ‘face,’ and he touted a sit-down interview debuting this weekend with Randy and ‘why’ he is taking things in differently these days.

It feels like there is no need to explain this character arc, even if some fans cannot reconcile Randy’s old character with what we are seeing today. It is a pity for them that they cannot enjoy Randy enjoying wrestling. “You know, for almost the entirety of my career, I’ve listened to the voices in my head, but it seems, as of late, the voices I listen to most are each and every one of yours,” Orton said on the mic before thanking the fans… Thank you, Randy! He said when we sing his entrance song, ‘it means the world to him,’ then rightfully pointing out it ‘took fans long enough,’ he’s right, and his song has always been great; it’s just that it feels easier to enjoy.

He mentioned how he was the youngest champ and undisputed those two belts many years ago. He also spoke about how that older heavyweight championship was reestablished while he was out of action. He sold the idea that the title means so much to him, and he wants nothing but to etch his name in this version of the title. The fans chanted, “You deserve it,” and he does. It is difficult to see anyone stopping the run Gunther is on, but Randy, in enemy territory, is one of the few guys who can get the job done. In one promo, he made the title feel so much more important than it has since Mania season.

Mario Mungia

Mario Mungia Jr. has a decade worth of experience as a combat sports journalist and correspondent which began with ThaBoxingVoice (TBV) as a podcast co-host, writer and editor-in-chief. Aside from his online resume, Mario spent a fair portion of his early career working for Spanish/English magazine Premier Round and the Mexican website Izquierdo. Mario has also contributed to NYFights while simultaneously working for MIC Sports Network as part of the broadcast crew covering local high school sports. Since then, he has launched his own podcast/live stream (Infighting/Work In Progress) and is covering pro wrestling for FightsATW.

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