The May 6, 2024, episode of WWE RAW went down live at the XL Center in Hartford, Connecticut. The show featured several first-round matches in the King and Queen of the Ring Tournaments. CM Punk, Becky Lynch, Jey Uso, and Drew McIntyre among others appeared live.
Let’s take a look at some of the biggest hits and misses from WWE RAW this week.
Miss – No Drew McIntyre vs. Finn Balor on WWE RAW
WWE had advertised Drew McIntyre versus Finn Balor for RAW this week. Unfortunately, McIntyre couldn’t get the medical clearance to compete. The Scottish Warrior is currently dealing with an elbow injury. The time frame for his in-ring return remains unknown.
McIntyre versus Balor, undoubtedly, would’ve been a great opener on WWE RAW. Adam Pearce booked Jey Uso as McIntyre’s replacement. McIntyre would show up during the match to cause a distraction, allowing Jey to pick up the win over Balor and advance to the next round.
Hit – CM Punk’s promo
CM Punk appeared live and in living color on WWE RAW this week. His car popped up as soon as McIntyre left the building. Punk said he wanted to take on McIntyre. The Voice of the Voiceless entered the ring to cut a promo.
Punk proceeded to verbally eviscerate McIntyre. The Straight Edge Superstar quoted Kendrick Lamar in his promo as well. Punk teased a match with McIntyre at the upcoming Clash at the Castle: Scotland PLE.
Miss – Asuka’s injury announcement
Drew McIntyre wasn’t the only RAW superstar to pull out from the King of the Ring Tournament this week. Dakota Kai subbed for an injured Asuka against Lyra Valkyria in their first-round match-up on the show.
Damage CTRL tried to take out Becky Lynch, but Lyra arrived to help her former opponent. The former NXT Women’s Champion would pick up the win against Dakota Kai after several minutes of back-and-forth action.
Hit – Ilja Dragunov vs. Ricochet
Ilja Dragunov collided with Ricochet in the first-round King of the Ring tournament on WWE RAW this week. Both men kept the crowd engaged with fast-paced, back-and-forth action. Ricochet’s athleticism complemented Dragunov’s intensity.
Ricochet effortlessly pulled off several high-risk aerial moves. Dragunov retaliated with some aerial offense of his own. The Mad Dragon bruised his forehead during the tense exchange. He’d ultimately pick up the win with an H-Bomb.
Miss – No contest ending on WWE RAW
I do see the point of controversial finishes and no-contest endings. That being said, Chad Gable versus Bronson Reed didn’t need one. They should’ve let the two men put on a great match on free television and left Sami Zayn’s angle for the post-match assault.
All three men will travel to Saudi Arabia, where they are set to collide for the Intercontinental Championship. WWE has thus far confirmed two title matches for the King and Queen of the Ring PLE in Jeddah.
Hit – Gunther vs. Sheamus
These two never disappoint. Sheamus had promised to end his losing streak against Gunther prior to the match. However, the outcome favored the Ring General. This was a hard-hitting affair from bell to bell.
Both men exchanged stiff moves in their attempt to batter each other. Sheamus got welts on his chest from Gunther’s brutal strikes. The “soon-to-be King of the Ring” won the match via submission.
I hope to see Gunther take on Ilja Dragunov during the ongoing tournament.
Also read: Jey Uso vs. Ilja Dragunov, King And Queen Of The Ring Tournament Matches Set For 5/13 WWE RAW
