Too much talking and a united front? 3 Mistakes WWE made on the final episode of RAW before SummerSlam
The final episodes of RAW and SmackDown before big WWE events like SummerSlam are usually action-packed to drive current angles forward. Since the event is the second-biggest premium live event behind WrestleMania, the latest episode of the red brand needed to be delivered.
Unfortunately, much of the show didn't do that for WWE fans. A few non-SummerSlam feuds took center stage, including Chad Gable vs. The Wyatt Sicks, Damage CTRL vs. Sonya Deville's group, and The Judgment Day vs. Jey Uso and Sami Zayn.
Setting things up for next week's show is important, but a few glaring opportunities were missed. WWE made the next three mistakes on the final RAW before SummerSlam.
#3. The lack of impact of the latest Wyatt Sicks' video
Having Joe Gacy, Erick Rowan, and Dexter Lumis appear and unmask was a good moment. They laid out Chad Gable and The Creed Brothers, thanks to help from Nikki Cross. Gable tried to escape again but was chased off by Uncle Howdy.
The video for Dexter Lumis also aired during RAW, but it did not have the same impact as the first few videos. It wasn't hand-delivered like the first three and there wasn't much of a conversation between Lumis and Howdy.
While Lumis hasn't traditionally spoken in WWE, his video didn't explain as much as the other messages did. He could have referenced his relationship with Indi Hartwell and The Way, but nothing came from it.
#2. Too many pre-taped promos to sell SummerSlam feuds
Instead of having physicality between SummerSlam opponents, nearly every RAW match for the event was sold by pre-taped promos from competitors.
Liv Morgan burned her Dominik Mysterio memorabilia in a trash can, and Rhea Ripley addressed it with a few words. Damian Priest and Gunther also cut pre-taped promos but at least brawled to end the show.
Bron Breakker and Sami Zayn had promos to address their SummerSlam clash. The former then tried to blindside Sami yet again, but the Champ was ready for it. Officials could have pulled the two stars apart rather than rehashing who got the last shot. Since it was Zayn, it telegraphs a likely title swap at SummerSlam.
#1. Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio are on the same page on RAW
The main selling point of the love triangle between Liv Morgan, Dominik Mysterio, and Rhea Ripley was its unpredictability. With Ripley absent, it seemed like Dirty Dom could be tempted to join Morgan's side.
Once Mami returned, she quickly forgave Dominik even though he didn't completely ignore Liv every time she popped up. That drama made the Women's World title match intriguing for a few reasons. Would Liv retain? Is Dominik going to stay loyal to his Mami or turn on her? Is Rhea playing Dom?
With Rhea and Dom on the same page and Liv burning her Dominik-themed merchandise, it sets things up for The Eradicator to regain her title. Having that tension between all three heading into the event would have made things much more interesting.