WWE Raw Results Recap Grades: Ciampa loses to Bobby Lashley, Dexter Lumis brings WWE back

WWE returned to Cleveland Monday night with Raw, a show where rivalries and storylines continued to evolve under the new creative direction of the post-Vince McMahon era. The biggest match announced for the show came in the ring as Bobby Lashley successfully defended his US Title in a hard fought match against Ciampa.

This match also led to the night’s main event, which saw Ciampa’s mentor The Miz take on AJ Styles in a no-disqualification match. While Styles emerged victorious, there was also an interesting post-game development when Dexter Lumis, who was previously released, was spotted ringside.

Also of note is that WWE has announced some major developments for the women’s division as a six-woman tag between the team of Bayley, Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky and Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss and Asuka for Clash at the Castle, as well as the launch of a women’s Tag Team Title Tournament.

CBS Sports was with you all night with recaps and highlights of the action from Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse in Cleveland.

A bad night for Miz and Ciampa

United States Championship – Bobby Lashley (c) def. Ciampa by filing with the hurt lock. Miz interfered, leading to AJ Styles running in to take him out. The match went on with back and forth movements until finally Lashley was able to secure the submission for the win. Earlier in the night, Cimpa vowed to win, citing the death anniversary of Harley Race, the legendary wrestler who trained Ciampa.

AJ Styles def. The Miz via pinfall in a no disqualification match after a styles clash. Ciampa intervened to save Miz after Styles hit a phenomenal forearm. Styles eventually knocked Ciampa from the ring apron through a table before stepping out in a skull crushing final. Styles was then able to knock Miz out of the way with a Styles Clash to secure the win. After the match, cameras caught Dexter Lumis – who was released from WWE in April – being arrested by security guards in the crowd.

More than a “One Big Story” episode of Raw, Monday was a sprinkling of many different things as new rivalries and storylines emerged. Lumis is a very take it or leave it talent, so everyone’s return will be different. The big upside here, however, was that Ciampa vs. Lashley was handled correctly. Ciampa didn’t need the win, he needed to be shown as a talent who could compete at the elite level, and the match with Lashley did just that while continuing to compete for the US Championship. Combine that with a classic TV wrestling main event between Styles and Miz and it all worked out well. Grade: B+

What else happened at WWE Raw?

• Alexa Bliss, Asuka and Bianca Belair settled in a six-woman match with Bayley, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai at Clash at the Castle. After the challenge was accepted, all six women began arguing, with the action spilling over into the crowd.
• WWE has announced a tournament for the Women’s Tag Team Championship.
• Seth Rollins defeated. Angelo Dawkins via Pinfall with pedigree. After the match, Rollins stomped on Dawkins before Montez Ford could make the save.
• Kevin Owens powerbombed Ezekiel to the ring apron WWE officials force Ezekiel to be carried away, ending the match.
• Finn Balor vs. Rey Mysterio via pinfall after hitting the coup de grace. Edge came to the ring to help Balor, but Mysterio was ultimately defeated when he was distracted by Ripley attacking Dominik Mysterio in the entryway after attacking him backstage. Dominik had refused to come to the ring with Rey when Rey supported Edge, saying Edge’s javelin to Dominik last week was a mistake.
• Defeated Iyo Sky & Dakota Kai. Tamina & Dana Brooke via Pinfall to advance in the Women’s Tag Team Title Tournament. Sky won the match with a moonsault on Tamina.
• Omos def. two improvement talents by pinfall in a handicap match. Omos hit a chokebomb for the win.
• Defeated Dolph Ziggler. Chad Gable via Pinfall after a super kick.