Ups & Downs: WWE Raw Review (May 6)

[@qaylarceus8385]

Ilja Dragunov is just that good, he brings the intensity that WWE need more

[@MatzeHH]

I cant agree more. Had see some Ilja bouts back in germany and he wasnt really different there. A machine like no other and his amazing selling was similar back then but you can see how he continues to develop further (similar to Gunther and Kaiser).

[@Former_Employee]

Uuuuuuuuuhhhh........ What ?

[@igornascimm]

For sure, wrestling wise he's one of the best under the WWE's umbrella. It elevates the product of RAW that they now have a Will Ospreay kind of guy.

[@Nathan-oo2ik]

@@igornascimmHAAAAAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

[@igornascimm]

@@Nathan-oo2ik I imagine the laughs come from some misguided tribalism you have. What I'm saying is that it doesn't hurt to have a guy like that on your roster. Someone that has charisma, is a believable striker and a exceptional high flyer.

[@brennanhughes976]

Being there live was AWESOME! Dragunov and Ricochet got a standing ovation after their match (during commercial break I assume since the lights got turned down and a video played). Was a fun show!

[@luckasneo2089]

I swear, Ilja will be remembered as one of the GOATS in 10 years

[@alankingsley2916]

Agreed! There was some great stuff in the Ricochet match that (I guess) happened during the commercial break. It was a thrill to watch live!

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Gunther vs Sheamus & Ilja Dragunov vs Ricochet . Both matches deserves Golden Up with their banger matches respectively

[@razorramon7573]

Oh shut up! Hardcore obsessed fans like you are why nobody watches wrestling!

[@tompatchak8706]

Watching ricochet and Dragunov fights reminds me of Rob Van Damme and Jerry Lynn going at it. They had counters for counters, moves for moves, big spots and amazing jumps. When I watch those two guys and ECW, we would fight forever

[@kevinstull8552]

It's a real shame that Jerry Lynn didn't get the massive push in ECW that he deserved. He would have been a huge star and a heavyweight champion if ECW was able to stick around for a few years more.

[@tomseville2345]

@@kevinstull8552 He WAS ECW World Champion...for a MONTH toward the end of the company; he was used to transition it between (top heel) Justin Credible and new (intended) top babyface Steve Corino, before turning heel himself and joining Cyrus (Don Callis). He then jobbed to RVD (again) in what would have been a one-off return at GAC 2001, but it ended up being the last ECW PPV/televised show, so RVD leaving in late 2000 has been lost to time...

[@kevinstull8552]

@@tomseville2345 I completely forgot about that. I used to go over to my friend's place to watch wrestling, including ECW, and I vaguely remember these things happening. If Jerry Lynn had been kept on as the champion I'm sure he would have been one of the greats to hold onto the belt, but sadly it was just never meant to be.

[@tompatchak8706]

@@kevinstull8552 sadly that’s how memorable that title reign was

[@kedryckjames2021]

One note Simon: Liv earned the title shot last week after beating Nia. Becky does say to Liv "you interrupted me before I could get to you".

[@TomE.V.]

The fact that the hottest feud going down right now involes 2 guys on the injured reserve list really speaks to how amazingly talented Punk and Drew are. What a great time to be a wrestling fan 👌👌

[@Sabbathbloodysabbath666]

Get punks nuts outta your mouth

[@Sabbathbloodysabbath666]

They must’ve deleted my comment… PUNK SUCKS! They’ll prolly delete this one too

[@ois9]

You walk around wearing a “title belt” don’t you?

[@colonthree88]

i would like to give an Up to the long shot they did between Drew leaving the arena and Punk entering, both as a wrestling nerd *and* a car nerd Drew leaves in a current day model Camaro, then Punk immediately enters in a second generation Z28 Camaro nice bit of continuity there!

[@jenniferkovalick2959]

I was hoping I wasn't the only one who noticed the Camaros! Is it just me or does the new Camaro not quite suit Drew?

[@arealguuuy]

I love how Drew's story is getting screwed over by himself. Gloating at Punk at Mania cost him, he tells on himself and gets pulled. I love what's happening.

[@matthewhostetter8974]

The more Drew becomes unhinged the better the story gets.

[@wstine79]

Gunther, Shemus, Ilja, and Ricochet are making the Men's King of the Ring exciting.

[@matthewhostetter8974]

They were both 2 PPV level matches on TV.

[@Rocketboy1313]

Gunther and Sheamus is going to be one of the best pairings in all of WWE history. They have had multiple all time matches on PLE and have now main evented Raw and Smackdown.

[@charanaudugama5840]

Ricochet vs. Ilja Dragunov was indeed the best tonight. However Sheamus vs. Gunther was not that far behind. Would've loved if these 2 clashed in a high profile match rather than a QF of a tournament.

[@matthewhostetter8974]

A hell of a night. While I'm curious on why both Drew and Asuka were removed from the tournament and the severity of their injuries, some of the booking makes sense. Jey became Drew's replacement and had a solid match with Balor. It's clear Drew is going to cost someone during this tournament with him being out. We also had a great Punk Promo. Natty and Iyo had a fun first-time-ever 1-on-1 match. We also learned Dakota would take over for Lyra, which makes sense. If you want to push Lyra you don't want to see Asuka lose in the first round. Ilja and Ricochet tore the house down. Ilja is a beast and people forget how good Ricochet really is. Zoey and Ivy were fine. Lyra shined in her match against Dakota, as Liv also continues to gets under Becky's skin. Finally, Gunther and Sheamus once again, had another BANGER AFTER ABNGER. If nothing else from last night watch the Ilja/Ricochet and Gunther/Sheamus matches.

[@MelodicQuest]

Fun fact: Pat McAfee actually tweeted at Drew McIntyre live from ringside as the promo was happening

[@tantona9315]

I remember years ago Seamus was commenting on a Walter vs Ilja match and mentioned that he would legitimately never allow Walter to slap him like that in a match....Ooooops.

[@ChristianHistBuff]

The part where Simon paraphrased Lyra Valkyria calling Liv Morgan “A piece of trash” had me laughing. I had to rewatch that bit a few times. Simon’s body language with his delivery was perfect

[@Nathan-oo2ik]

I wish Simon would put these on his own channel and leave this dump of a channel behind, cause he’s the only thing worthwhile here, by a mile.

[@dionshare7103]

I agree with you Simon, Finn Balor deserves better. I know he and Damien Priest just had the tag team titles but Finn is a good wrestler.

[@philipallmark5721]

This raw does not deserve that many downs. One of the best raws in a long time. I thought it was excellent. Especially the men’s king of the rings matches and the women’s weren’t bad either.

[@tdawg2833]

“It was 3 on 2, why did yall leave?” Simon’s hilarious 🤣

[@brennanhughes976]

Jey Uso is soooo over😂😂 crowd live was yelling Yeet the whole show

[@Real_Coach_Imholte]

It gives the house shows a purpose. Now the house shows aren't just thrown together matches, 1 or 2 matches actually mean something.

[@waitselljones8068]

So you mean to tell me that Raw has three monster wrestlers named Bron, Braun, and Bronson. That won't be confusing at all.

[@Nathan-oo2ik]

Only confusing to stupid people.

[@brandonlego]

IIja Dragunov & Ricochet had one hell of a Match 🔥👊 Definitely Incredible and Sheamus & Gunther had a great match too, The King of the Ring is feeling like a Big Deal 👑

[@ois9]

Love that in his old age, Johnny Sins pivoted to wrestling punditry on KZbin.

[@theroguewritersk]

Met you before the Last Match in Burlington and it was a true pleasure. Loved the show! It was everything I hoped it would be :)

[@rjgoodman4056]

Pretty good first showing for Lyra on the main roster. I would have preferred she get a full entrance for her debute, but I get that coming out to save Becky made for a bigger crowd reaction. I'm bummed we didn't get Lyra vs. Asuka, as that probably would have been a better match than what she got with Dakota, but she also may not have won that match, and I'd like to see her in the Raw women's finals against Iyo. I hope everything goes well for her on the main roster. Lyra has a ton of potential and room to develop that shouldn't go to waste.

[@HighHeelKnight]

Ricochet posted a video saying that he was frustrated about not being able to win when it counts. I and several other people replied, "Didn't you just win the WWE Speed Championship?" 🤷

[@HeOfTheBeginning]

It's not a serious championship, he can't even appear on the main show with the belt, as talented as Ricochet is, the belt is a consolation prize, maybe Ricochet may make something of it, but the booking of it does the champ little favors other than being showcased after the airing of the main show

[@HighHeelKnight]

@@HeOfTheBeginning When Triple H gained full creative control, WWE began to regularly acknowledge the accomplishments of superstars during their runs in NXT and other companies (besides AEW). It sucks that Hunter would authorize a new championship and Internet exclusive program, but ignore the effort on the main shows.

[@XernuhtZwei]

The segment with Bron makes me wonder if he's getting set up as Priest's next opponent. He's not in the KOTR tourney, the IC title already has its feud set up with Gable and Reed, and Breaker's not in a team to challenge Awesome Truth. There isn't anything else Pearce would need to negotiate other than the WHC, and a PLE match with a heavy-hitting call-up like Breakker could be perfect for turning Priest on the JD, or at least pushing him to the edge.

[@saikatbanik7188]

Hey Simon, you just brighten my day with the Ups and Downs❤

[@MelodicQuest]

I wonder how Simon feels about being able to watch these weekly show live. I feel pretty lucky that I live here in the US. Props to all you guys that stay up late or get up super early.

[@tylertrainz4460]

Ricochet needs a huge push, the man is a best bout machine

[@Former_Employee]

He's too small.

[@lakisagatas1]

Why fin does not use 1916, I Like That finisher of his specially he use it when he goes heel in nxt vs gargano. It's absolutely sick

[@TheMulToyVerse]

Simon, please never become old and bitter; the world needs your perpetual positivity… never run out of PP! 😅 The internet: “Oh they made a goof” Simon: happens to everyone, they made the most of it; still enjoyed their match ⬆️

[@BobbyCrosthwaite]

Simon as usual u get the GOLDEN UP

[@adamcadzow9996]

Good wrestling matches on the show Gunther vs Sheamus 4.25/5 Ilja Dragunov vs Ricochet 4.5/5 Io Shirai vs Natalya 3.75/5

[@sarawoodward7851]

My friend was at the show and said after the glitch the whole stadium lights started to flicker and were hearing distorted voices we didn't on TV

[@SAbercrombie610]

There was also a QR code that flashed super quick when Drew was leaving....had to rewind and pause a few times to get it and it was basically an Uncle Howdy creepy teaser video. I typed this before I got to the part where he mentioned it in the video haha...oops

[@LaMessi22]

Never saw draganuv before but aftr the raw im a fan now.

[@zackhep]

It's crazy he will put on matches like this on a weekly basis!

[@GoodbyeAmerica1]

Totally agree Simon. P.s. Bring back "Collision" ups and downs" please.

[@GnomeYoutube]

Ouch for Sheamus

[@ebransc09]

Should have tapped out during that commercial break where it looked like someone shot him in the chest with a shotgun

[@AliFrankTheTank]

Seems like a new beginning for the KOTR, Queen of the Ring…. Fire

[@kcalexander1995]

Not having the kofi vs Rey on tv is not cool

[@wstine79]

Lrya Valkeria looked impressive in her first RAW match.

[@matthewhostetter8974]

She did, I can also see why they switched up Asuka for Dakota to eat the pin. Now I would have loved to have seen Asuka vs Lyra but you don't want to see Asuka lose in the first round.

[@zackhep]

Shes is good her strikes look awesome

[@michaelkeighley3922]

The finish didn't look too good she only just manged to hit her finisher 😂

[@DavidOwen-yv8wz]

A load of big names in the King of the Ring, although some of the matches and bracketing look odd. I originally thought Gunther was nailed on to win it, but then thought we’d get KING DREW going full Macbeth mental to set him up for Clash at the Castle, but obviously that’s not happening now!

[@ronald-xs7sp]

Obviously!

[@DJDoubleCee]

Gunther is my pick to win the King Of The Ring. I can see him winning the tournament.

[@tamzidmohsinkhan3333]

Same . Also LA Knight

[@Sabbathbloodysabbath666]

Me too but I honestly hope not, I don’t want Gunther to have the “king” gimmick, kinda lame

[@HeOfTheBeginning]

Yeah, I don't think Ilja will beat Gunther again so soon, they have to do a build up to Ilja beating him again

[@hurleyfrancois4060]

you know, I was thinking about the clock/time when becky arrived to the area.

[@marouanemouad5006]

am i the only one that doesn't want to see gunther vs ilja ? I think a match of that magnitude needs a proper build and needs to be on PLE not national TV

[@ALDO_GOODENS]

That first half almost got me. I’ve never 180’d on a comment so fast! I absolutely agree that Ilja and Gunther should rock the house on a PLE. With how far they’ve come since their last match… Oh my gosh, the fireworks that would go off!

[@theonlymatthew.l]

U should watch their NXT UK stuff. Quite Awesome

[@anirudh.v.n7636]

Do you remember Liv Morgan vs Nia jax from raw before backlash? That was basically to decide no. 1 contender for world Championship liv won and that's she gets the shot at title now

[@Mayunholdup]

For me the thing that WWE has lacked pretty much since forever is rarely having matches on their weekly shows worth watching. It was all squash matches, 50-50 booking, and of course salome variation of the Usos, New Day, and Street Profits with whatever one-off tag team stable that would randomly get put together. Oh, ans the obligatory having whatever women's wrestler the company is pushing (to of course later be slaughtered by Charlotte) go over Natalia. But hopefully, that is now changing. Besides, if there is anyone on this earth who appreciates a lengthy wrestling match it's Triple 45 minute Mania Matches H. The lack of decent matches on weekly WWE shows is actually why I loved AEW so much for it's first couple years. Unfortunately, it's now almost a meme that all AEW has become is random one-off matches that are often very good but literally nothing comes from them so they all just become easily forgotten. Fortunately, WWE now has people in creative that don't actively despise the fans so it seems like we're now in a place where the matches on Raw and Smackdown actually matter and give you a reason to tune in for.

[@sikswitch1334]

I need to know your opinion of OC Bullet Club vs Bloodline....too much to digest......

[@reggiemarshjr5356]

Awesome segment.

[@NoPitBullLeftBehind]

Thank you for the ups and downs, I watch Raw on Hulu and they only show an hour and a half of the show and end up cutting out at least 40 minutes of the show, so I have to go to KZbin to try to piece together what I missed. Like I missed the R Truth promo, missed the entire Sami Zane, Bronson Reed, and Chad Gabel story (for some reason Hulu always seems to cut out Sami's stuff, this is like the 5th time in the last 2 months), the Gunther promo, the Lyra Valkeria video, and the Kofi promo. Also most of the entrances were cut out. I would have to disagree with the down for the KOTR matches on live events. I think HHH is trying to elevate all WWE events and this is an awesome way to do it. I'm sure WWE will post the match to their social media, and if they don't someone in the crowd will post it. I've been loving watching all the live events people post, the Euro tour right after WrestleMania had some awesome matches, I haven't checked for the live events yet from this past weekend, but I'm sure they are there and they are awesome.

[@WrestleRoniPlus]

Uncle Trips killed the Wizard in the Sky. I miss him but it's for the best.

[@Sabbathbloodysabbath666]

Simon, just do Ups and Downs on your channel. I’m sure a lot of people would appreciate it

[@allenshadrick22]

I loved it when punk told pierce to hit his music 🎶

[@wittvonwitt4403]

That was such a power move!

[@OWXMUSIC]

Finn Balor used to be a champion now feels like a jobber, WWE needs to put some respect on his name

[@Lance-wn9dc]

​@@ChristineBrookinsBesides the break-up might help him

[@ndinalongxangane6705]

A jobber how when he was a tag team champ for like 6 months

[@gravediggermordekai7032]

Michael Cole is obsessed with women’s hats/headgear. Can’t wait to hear him saying Becky isn’t wearing the hat!!!

[@KaitoKiara]

Probably it's an inside joke, because Becky often said, she envies her husband for his colorful clothes.

[@johnpittsii7524]

Thanks for the review Simon ❤️

[@toadkult]

18:52 because all we do is squash Damage Control now. Jade and Bianca and even Naomi can beat them 1 on 3, why would 2 on 3 be a problem?

[@theobadji6282]

Becky said to liv that she has never beaten her and becky already had promise a title match to liv , this segment was actually pretty decent , liv talked well becky put over the division , damage ctrl vs becky is coming, liv is more and more heelish , lyra and becky mentorship sort of ,

[@Swaggybro77]

$2K25 should have Simon Miller You deserve it Yeah 💯

[@Carlos26792]

thanks for the videos simon! i appreciate you and i hope ya have a good day…YOU GET A GOLDEN UP!!!!

[@HorrorGirlNat]

The best feud right now is Drew and Punk. Fingers crossed they're both fit enough for Clash At The Castle.

[@jenniferkovalick2959]

I was thinking the same thing! This definitely seems like a build to that. Can you imagine if Drew loses to Punk at CATC? His heel turn would escalate even further! I'm here for it!

[@KaitoKiara]

Nah, boring. I was looking for Drew vs Priest at CLASH AT THE CASTLE.

[@romuald5198]

I'm surprised how much time Ricochet and Dragunov had

[@benoshea6064]

I'd love to see Ilja vs Gunter in the finals but they are both on the raw brand in the same bracket so i'm not sure it's happening!! semin finals maybe??

[@tomseville2345]

Simon starts whispering at the end...🤣🤣 He just did a whole 24 minutes (at least) talking normally (as normal as *he* can)...

[@WaltThrizzeyGrant]

I found it weird that Ray Mysterio was not in Hartford..That match with Kofi would have went super over with the Hartford crowd.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

Another great episode of Raw. There's going to be downs in every episode but I love that there seem to be less and less now.

[@InfectiousGroovePodcast]

Also, Dom's mustache is it's own heel character now.

[@chiaradittmann2865]

Danke!

[@BobbyCrosthwaite]

The way sheamus's chest looked OMG definitely big man slapping man meat

[@yomamasofat77]

The KOTR final is supposed to be Raw vs Smackdown

[@kingpinsmoke4207]

King&Queen of the ring , Survivor Series and Bragging rights need to all be Brand warfare they need to bring em all back to normal

[@skspawn]

No, it isn't, it's never been that

[@carlb5558]

​@@skspawnThat was what the brackets showed last night. I agree it's never been explained that way before. But the actual finals were shown to be brand bracket winner vs the other.

[@joshrogers2943]

Triple h must love triple threat matches bc I swear there’s been one of every ple for awhile but I’m not complaining they are good additions for the ple’s

[@calvinkevick9152]

Damn great matches last night. I actually wanted another hour of raw... I can't believe I'm saying that!

[@frankhoward6645]

That match between Sheamus & Gunther was awesome

[@AliFrankTheTank]

Banger after Banger after Banger

[@Sheldenn98]

We got 2 matches of the year contenders last night what a show 🔥🔥

[@kennyhall9117]

SIMON IS THE BEST, SIMON NUMBER ONE 👏👏

[@Supersizeshake]

I would have preferred to see the Kingston / Mysterio match over Punk sitting around.

[@jeffreyhuggins4786]

Great job as always, Simon! But, you're right. Gunther isn't from Boston. That's why it wasn't a Boston Crab. It was a single leg crab. Tsk tsk, Simon, you were a wrestler. 😂😂😂😂

[@AliFrankTheTank]

Dragunov got this 😂🔥🐐

[@ronald-xs7sp]

Good morning, Simon!

[@edvinrosenqvist524]

I also want to see Gunther vs Ilja at King of the ring. I want Lyra Valkyria to win Queen of the ring. I want a rematch between Becky and Lyra at Clash at the castle.

[@GordonFreeman24]

How didn't Ricochet VS Dragunov get a Golden Up?

[@ddjsoyenby]

it was a banger start to king of the ring.

[@RobertScribner-vs3do]

You came to new England?

[@stevengenius8012]

Simon sheck out that backstage video with ricochet 😮!!!

[@Jinx_Arcane_19]

Iyo Sky is the best

[@ScarredCore1]

11:55 Tornado Moscow? That gets a BROWN DOWN

[@DracoDre]

😂 I hope he sees this

[@MatzeHH]

Am i the only one who thinks that Natalya is finally evolving and doing really good matches? (never been a fan of her other than her constant presence and activity in the ring even if it was often subpar) This show was packed with good matches and I am always focused to see those ominous QR magic teasing a new Wyatt Family. Ilja vs. Rico was awesome, Gunther vs. Sheamo was awsome, Lyra vs. Dakota too ... What could I want more? :)

[@thomasofone]

Hey Simon. I try to watch all your UPS &DOWNS but I'm sure I missed some. Has there ever been an episode that had more DOWNS than UPS?

[@spudgunn8695]

It used to be a regular occurrence 2 or 3 years back when the senile old billionaire was micromanaging every episode into meaningless, disconnected twaddle!

[@ooo_Kim_Chi_ooo]

Pretty much all of 2018-2020 Raw.

[@DOMCRUZMUSIC]

Gunther vs LA Knight in finals?

[@tomseville2345]

It might be that Sheamus is being punished for his tweet/X post with the tapout loss; in his third televised match back, I would have assumed a pass-out loss at worst...

[@johnshort5830]

Aren't Ilja and Gunther both on the same side of the bracket? They can't be in the finals against each other.

[@nicholaschristie8699]

Ilya's H-bomb looks like it sucks to take, not that it is a negative I mean :)

[@Inequities]

I guess all springboard drop kicks are super stiff

[@pdoubleproductionsuk]

That stomp by Iyo was so hard i thought Natalie's implants were going to burst! 😂 🙈

[@Cross3061980]

I'm very interested in Jey vs Ilja

[@philipmitchelmore3974]

WHAT! are you saying that the blue thunder bomb is no longer the most useless move in professional wrestling. lol

[@MelodicQuest]

Io Sky vs Natalya was the underrated match of the night. Sky is as great as always and Natalya held her own really well.

[@ProgrammedForDamage]

Natalya often puts on a good show but goes unnoticed. She's very reliable.

[@ciscoduncan1490]

I still believe that Liv Morgan should be the women’s world champion. It makes more sense. She’s the one that took Rhea out and when she comes back, it would be a good story. I don’t like Boney Becks as the champion. I think she should’ve just stayed on her little hiatus with her kid and her husband, and bring her back another time. Dragonov did great. But I still don’t like the fact that ricochet had to do the job. Thank you, Simon for another great video. Still waiting for my up!!!

[@Trashbucko]

Man being there live was awesome

[@YungShep1]

What culture wrestling referencing the Kendrick Lamar v drake beef is something I did not expect to hear!!!😮😮😮🎉