WWE has the first Monday Night Raw of June LIVE from the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City.
The lead story is the major turn of AJ Styles, rejoining his buddies in the Club in a vicious beatdown of the returning John Cena last week on Memorial Day.
WWE.com on the turn:
AJ Styles, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson spoiled John Cena’s triumphant return last Monday night with a brutal three-on-one beatdown. Can the Cenation leader prove to The Phenomenal One on Raw that the future still goes through him, two weeks before they collide in a dream match at WWE Money in the Bank?
This is the lead story heading into Raw. On Smackdown, Cena challenged AJ Styles to a match for Money in the Bank 2016, which Styles has accepted.
While it’s not likely to be a major part of Raw, perhaps the biggest news for WWE heading into Raw is the shocking announcement that Brock Lesnar would be returning to fight in UFC at UFC 200 in just a few weeks. It will be interesting to see how strongly WWE promotes UFC 200 on WWE TV in the coming weeks, as it’s still not clear how this fight is contractually possible. Is this WWE paying UFC back for featuring Ronda Rousey at Wrestlemania 31? Or does this put WWE in the position of getting a big UFC appearance at Wrestlemania 33, perhaps Rousey again or Conor McGregor.
The other major storyline is Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins and their feud over the WWE World Heavyweight Title. Rollins has come back as a full bad guy, but when he went to align himself with Stephanie McMahon on Raw last week, she rebuked him. Where does Rollins’ character go from here? And can Roman Reigns fend him off and retain the WWE World Heavyweight Title.
In the Women’s Division, WWE Women’s Champion Charlotte and her co-hort Dana Brooke have been dominating Natalya. Finally, Becky Lynch came out to team with Natalya and even the odds. With the sides finally fair, and no Ric Flair, is now the time that Charlotte is vulnerable? The Women’s situation for Money in the Bank should also become clear on Raw.
Speaking of the Money in the Bank PPV, the namesake match has six participants, and no longer has a 7th person planned for the match. All six combatants have been having various tag and singles matches on WWE TV, and that should continue on Raw this week as well.
The New Day kicked off Raw last week by helping Shane and Stephanie put over the upcoming new Brand Extension, but also have a building issue with the tag team of the Club – Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows. AJ Styles had a big win over Kofi Kingston on Smackdown, so these two factions seem on a collission course. Will the Club be the team to take the titles off the New Day?
Also in the tag scene, the Dudley Boyz lost to Enzo & Big Cass on Raw last week, but that feud does not seem to be over. How will Bubba Ray and D’Von respond to losing to a young upstart team? And will they resort to tables to get the job done?
All this plus Baron Corbin, The Golden Truth, The Shining Stars, Swerved promos, Dolph Ziggler and much more.
Here is the WWE.com Quick Hits Preview:
- Does John Cena belong in The New Era? Two weeks before Cena and Styles meet in a never-before-seen dream match, The Phenomenal One and his crew might just learn what “Hustle, Loyalty, Respect” is all about.
- Are Becky Lynch & Natalya poised to dominate the Women’s division? The Irish Lass Kicker and the arrogant titleholder, The Queen of Harts emerged to send the platinum-haired pair running for the hills … or at least the nearest exit.
- Will Seth Rollins’ mind games continue? For everyone waiting for Reigns to finally get his hands on The Architect, the drawn-out ordeal was agonizing
- Who will earn ‘Money’ momentum?
- Has Titus O’Neil put Rusev on notice?
The latest card for WWE Money in the Bank, June 19th 2016.
WWE World Heavyweight Title
Roman Reigns (c) vs. Seth Rollins
Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. Alberto Del Rio vs. Chris Jericho vs. Dean Ambrose vs. Cesaro
John Cena vs. AJ Styles
Styles on the match:
AJ Styles reacts to John Cena dream match announcement
AJ Styles gives his initial thoughts via Facebook Live on his impending battle with John Cena at WWE Money in the Bank 2016, a match Styles describes as “WrestleMania come early.” The Phenomenal One says he’ll explain why facing John Cena is a dream match for him … this Monday night on Raw.
Vote in our new poll:
[poll id=266]
Check out this video!
The Empress of Tomorrow takes over the canvas: WWE Canvas 2 Canvas
Artist Rob Schamberger brings out the detail to the colorful but intense NXT Women’s Champion, Asuka!
Listen to the Rabblecast!
