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

9. Disqualified For What?

Asuka Bayley
WWE.com

A supplemental Up for badass babyface Shayna Baszler, who is doing a good job in her new take-no-sh*t role, stepping to Nia Jax last week and Sasha Banks/Bayley on yesterday's show. She had a solid night on the whole, challenging Banks to a RAW Women's Title match before meeting an Asuka-shaped barricade after her bout with 'The Boss.'

Speaking of that match, bloody hell. What a letdown.

Not wanting to give a clean Baszler/Banks finish away on free television is both wise and understandable, though WWE went with the nonsensical option of having the referee call for the bell when Asuka attacked Bayley at ringside. This is indefensible. Bayley wasn't a participant, the official hadn't lost complete control, and the decision had nothing to do with Banks and Baszler, so why the DQ/no-contest?

Ragging on WWE for sh*tty finishes is almost too easy at times, but it's entirely justified when they do crap like this. Stop insulting our intelligence, please. That shouldn't be too much to ask.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.