It’s WWE Raw with the mysterious Uncle Howdy in action against Chad Gable, Braun Strowman vs. Bronson Reed and more.
There was more sad news in the wrestling world on Monday after we learned that wrestling legend “Sycho” Sid Eudy passed away from cancer at the age of 63. Sid’s son shared the news and condolences poured in. Sid is one of those guys who seemed larger than life as a successful pro wrestler during that era in the late 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. He was 6’1″ and 290 pounds and had the devastating powerbomb finisher. Sid had a wicked look and an unforgettable laugh. He was primarily a heel in his career, but he was also beloved by fans. I’m not going to pretend he was the best in-ring performer. But he didn’t have to be. He was there to be a physically dominant Superstar. When he beat someone up, it was believable, and when he got his ass kicked, it made the other guy look impressive. That was his role. He was also clearly intimidating. Do you think he should have been in the WWE Hall of Fame by now? Yes, absolutely. As a two-time WWE World Champion, two-time WCW World Champion, and two-time WrestleMania main eventer (not great matches, but that’s okay), he deserved it years ago.
What I will remember most about Sid is that the MSG crowd LOVED him at Survivor Series 1996, even as a heel against a babyface Shawn Michaels. Sid cheated to win by doing the dreaded camera look to the head followed by a powerbomb and the fans were thrilled when Sid became WWE Champion for the first time. It may also be Sid’s best singles match. My condolences to Sid’s family, friends and fans. Rest in Peace, “Sycho” Sid “Vicious” Eudy.
I also want to express my sadness after learning of the passing of a long time and loyal TJR reader named EJ Acosta. My good friends Ed and Tim informed me of his passing on Monday. He was a lifelong wrestling fan like many of us who still watched with friends. He made many friends with people on my Facebook page, which is how we knew each other and he always shared his passion for this crazy business of pro wrestling. I didn’t know him that well, but I know he was just as much of a fan as I am, just like you reading this, and he is gone far too soon. Rest in peace, EJ. My condolences to all your loved ones.
The Bash In Berlin PLE takes place this Saturday, August 31st in Berlin. There are five official matches on this episode of Raw, so that’s probably the full schedule, although there could be more. Some of the Raw talent will not be there this week, as WWE is doing a week-long European tour before the BIB show on Saturday.
This is the Raw Deal for episode #1631 of Monday Night Raw. It takes place at the Amica Mutual Pavilion in Province, Rhode Island. Follow me on Twitter/X @johnreport. Let’s get started.
I’ll be back soon with the live review.
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The WWE Bash in Berlin PLE takes place this Saturday, August 31st in Berlin. Here is the lineup so far.
* World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER (c) vs. Randy Orton
* Undisputed WWE Title: Cody Rhodes (c) vs. Kevin Owens
* Strap Match: Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk
* Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley against Dominik Mysterio and Liv Morgan
* Women’s Tag Team Championships: Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn (c) vs. Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill
You can watch WWE Bash in Berlin on Saturday, August 31st at 1:00 p.m. ET/9:00 a.m. PT live on Peacock in the US and on WWE Network everywhere else.
