RAW's biggest winners and losers of Aug. 10, 2020

The Aug. 10 episode of Monday Night RAW was honestly a bit of a slog to get through. Many of the segments fell flat last night. However, if this week's RAW did have one saving grace, it's that it was anchored by two excellent matches featuring Asuka and Bayley, and later Kevin Owens and Randy Orton.

Who did the booking gods of RAW favor last night? With SummerSlam less than two weeks away, things are kicking into overdrive as the card comes together. Who punched their tickets last night, or got closer to doing so?

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RAW Winner: Dominik Mysterio

We have to give the nod to Dominik Mysterio. To have his first major match in WWE take place on one of the biggest shows on the company's calendar is quite an achievement. Nevertheless, Dominik's push reeks of nepotism and leaves a bad taste in one's mouth, when you consider that he's taking that spot away from someone far more talented and interesting, Aleister Black.

Dominik has a lot to live up to now. We'll just have to see how he performs at "The Biggest Party of the Summer."

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RAW Winner: Bianca Belair

Bianca Belair hasn't done much of anything since she was called up to RAW earlier in the year. Although this match wasn't anything special, it got to showcase her abilities. It outshined Angelo Dawkins vs. Andrade before it, paradoxically, which already feels like its a rivalry that's just there despite the RAW tag team title match set to take place at SummerSlam.

Whether Bianca Belair can turn this into something longer lasting remains to be seen, but there is a lot of room for her to grow on RAW.

RAW Loser: Apollo Crews

Apollo Crews lost a non-title match to Shelton Benjamin on RAW last night, setting up a match with MVP at SummerSlam. Apollo Crews fell victim to the tired trope that the champion loses in a non-title match on television. It also feels like whenever they interact, Crews drags the Hurt Business down and makes it less interesting.

That has always been Crews' problem. He's athletically gifted but not an interesting character that engages fans long-term. I wouldn't be surprised if MVP wins the title at SummerSlam. It would be a lot more interesting.

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RAW Winner: Asuka

Asuka defeated Bayley fair and square last night by submission, earning a shot at the title that was stolen from her at SummerSlam. Now we will see if the stigma that Sasha Banks is unable to successfully defend a singles title will hold up.

Was it all done just to write Kairi Sane off television in a plausible way or has the plug truly been pulled on Asuka's run at the top yet again? We'll find out at SummerSlam.

RAW Winner: Shayna Baszler

RAW Underground was back this week. While the results were mixed, this is a perfect environment for somebody like Shayna Baszler, who demolished a bunch of no-names in this gritty atmosphere.

Whether this turns into something bigger remains to be seen, but at least RAW Underground is something different that can help to get underutilized wrestlers over.

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RAW Winner: Randy Orton

Few people, if anybody, have done a better job in this strange era of WWE programming than Randy Orton. He was at it again last night, defeating Kevin Owens in a great match. Then, he turned on Ric Flair with a savage low blow and a punt, calling "The Nature Boy" a liability in the process.

An outraged Drew McIntyre ran down to the ring, but it was too late. Every so often, Randy Orton raises his intensity and does some malicious heel work. When he does, he should be commended. This year, we have seen Orton at his best. The match between this version of "The Viper" and McIntyre at SummerSlam should be a great one.