7 Ups & 5 Downs From WWE Raw (8 Aug)

6. Mysterio Family Values

Rey Mysterio The Miz
WWE.com

Dominik Mysterio's protracted split from father Rey continues. The neverending storyline saw Edge try to apologise for accidentally spearing Dom last week, only for the 25-year-old to shove him in the chest. Aghast that his father is taking Edge's side over his, Dominik had a point: at what stage in his career has Edge ever been trustworthy?

Advancing to face Finn Balor in a match the calibre of its veteran participants, Rey endured a rough night. While Edge was successful in brawling Damian Priest away from ringside, Rhea Ripley came out with a battered Dominik on her shoulder, the distraction giving Balor the window to hit the 1916 and Coupe de Grace for the fall.

The bummer finish is played out, absolutely, though the action was tight and satisfying. Following a Judgment Day promo that was mercifully short of the meaningless fluff, it was all quick trades of momentum, counters befitting Balor and Mysterio's ring smarts, and an appropriate number of eye-popping spots, like Rey's evergreen sunset flip against the barricade.

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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.