3 Ups & 10 Downs From WWE Raw (Aug 3)

2. All Gold Everything

Sasha Banks Bayley
WWE.com

The successful Bayley/Sasha Banks dynamic continued through some well-played dovetailing last night, as WWE parlayed the Banks/Shayna Baszler bout into what looks like 'The Boss'' next big RAW Women's Title defence.

Asuka had cut a typically shouty promo earlier in the night, interrupting Bayley and Banks to let them know she was still out for blood, before interfering in the Shayna match. After this, 'The Empress of Tomorrow' claimed she wanted to dismember Sasha and take her RAW Women's Title back. Sasha, in classic gloating form, told Asuka she could have her rematch - but only if she can get past Bayley next week.

Clearly, this was all Banks. 'The Role Model' wasn't best pleased about being thrown into a scrap with the most dangerous woman on the roster, continuing the escalating teases that suggest something dark bubbles beneath their relationship's surface. It's good, solid storytelling, and not too in-your-face, which was refreshing for this particular episode of RAW.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.