Coverage
Andrew’s Ratings & Review: WWE Money in the Bank
Money in the Bank is the unofficial, fifth largest PPV in the WWE Big 4. We’re guaranteed at least two somewhat entertaining spectacles of matches, so the insurance of having at least two decent matches is nice.
Will this underwhelm like many of the 2018 PPVs have, or will we finally get some good payoffs coupled with solid matches? Let’s find out.
Bludgeon Brothers vs Gallows & Anderson
Starts off with Gallows unleashing a flurry of strikes, then Harper gets hung up in the ropes as the action spills outside.Bludgeon brothers slowly get the advantage dropping Gallows onto the ramp and Anderson across the apron, as they roll back in the ring, and head to commercial.
Coming back from the break the Bludgeon Brothers are still in control, working Karl Anderson over. Gallows is still down on the outside and Anderson keeps trying to mount a comeback, but is immediately stopped by either member of the Bludgeons in the ring. An Irish Whip into the corner goes awry for the Bludgeons. Anderson catches Harper with a Spinebuster and finally Gallows gets to the apron for the hot tag. A few nice kicks and a Pumphandle Slam on Harper give the Good Brothers a distinct advantage for the first time all match.
Harper connects with a Big Boot as Rowen distracts them, Gallows and Anderson gofor Magic Killer, Rowen breaks it up, and they hit their assisted Powerbomb finisher. Bludgeon Brothers retain in a fairly, by the numbers and uninspired match.
Winner: Bludgeon Brothers via Tandem Powerbomb
Rating: **
Big Cass vs Daniel Bryan
D-Bry pushes Cass into the corner and tries to bring him down with strikes, but Cass throws him off. The beginning is very much Bryan trying to chop down the tree.But he gets caught going over the turnbuckle and thrown into the barricade.
Bryan slowly gets back in the ring, but Cass maintains most of the control. Big Boots, hip attacks, splashes in the corner. But Daniel catches him with a Drop Toehold into the middle turnbuckle and keeps trying to chop down Cass with Round Kicks and Dragon Screw Leg Whips. Since Daniel has the control, he’s showing more aggression and repeatedly throws Cass’ injured left leg into the ring post. Bryan sells out for a big dive, driving Cass into the barricade, but on the way back in, Cass starts to put some offense together.
Avalanche Fall Away Slam from Cass for a 2 count. Cass follows up with a Torture Rack, into a big slam for another near fall. Then Cass misses a Big Boot, getting hung up in the ropes. Chop Block from Daniel, and then he goes for his Yes Kicks. Bryan lands the Buzzsaw Kick, goes for a running kick, but gets caught with a Pop-Up Big Boot, for yet another 2 count. Torture Rack number two from Cass, but Bryan lands on his feet, hits that signature Running Knee and gets caught in the Heel Hook. Cass tries to get to the ropes, but taps.
Meh, this match was what you expected it to be. Nothing special, but not totally awful.
Winner: Daniel Bryan via Heel Hook
Rating: ** 1/4
Sami Zayn vs Bobby Lashley
Zayn plays keep away for a while, Lashley chases him but Sami takes a few short cuts to get the early advantage on the outside.
Sami attempted to get a count out victory twice, but Bobby isn’t even close to being beat enough. Sami keeps laying in right hands, until Lashley catches the fist and hits a big Running Lariat. Zayn goes for a Crossbody, but Lashley catches him into a Fallaway Slam. Then we get multiple spots in the corner with Lashley hitting some running shoulder blocks and lariats. Huge Spinebuster off the ropes, into the Stalling Vertical Suplex, but Bobby doesn’t go for a cover.
Lashley goes for a Backbreaker variation, another Vertical Suplex, still no cover. Finally after doing it again, Backbreaker into Suplex, he picks up the pinfall victory.
This match was worthless.
Winner: Bobby Lashley via Stalling Vertical Suplex
Rating: *
Intercontinental Championship Match: Seth Rollins (c) vs Elias
Starts off slow with Rollins hitting a Hammerlock Takedown, and they do the whole slow ‘working hold’ way to build the match. Elias gets out of it and lands a few strikes, Rollins eventually catches him with a Dropkick, causing Elias to powder out, but Seth goes for the Plancha to the outside.
Heading back into the ring, Rollins hits a Springboard Lariat and keeps working Elias over, little by little. Elias catches Rollins with a big Lariat on the apron, then rams his head into the apron and works over the neck. Snap DDT, and a 2 count for Elias. Elias sinks in a Cobra Clutch, slowly wearing down Rollins, and cleverly staying on the neck area. A little more back and forth once Seth breaks out, then hits a Suicide Dive. Second rope Blockbuster from Rollins for the near fall. Rollins’ knee buckles mid leap frog, and Elias hits a kneestrike for only 2. Electric Chair attempt from Elias, as Seth slips out but sells the knee, as Elias rolls him up for 2 again.
Seth hits a combination of strikes, slowly building momentum, Elias tries to counter it, but Seth manages to hit his Thrust Kick as Elias is recovering from a rollup .Frog Splash attempt from Seth, but only hits Elias’ knees and then a counter cradle into a 2 count. Elias goes to the top rope, most likely for his Macho Man Elbow, but Seth cuts him off. Superplex into Falcon Arrow from Seth for a very close 2 count.
Blackout attempt, Elias moves, catches Rollins’ Suicide Dive attempt, rams him into the barricade, post and stairs. Finally hitting the Macho Man Elbow, for a near fall. Seth is basically dead weight, laying him on the top turnbuckle, but Rollins goes for Sunset Power Bomb, Elias goes for Drift Away, an exchange of rollups, Rollins gets the cradle with a handful of tights.
So Elias pushed Rollins to the point of cheating. Should be an interesting story device.
Winner: Seth Rollins via Cradle
Rating: *** 3/4
Women’s Money in the Bank Match
Hoo-Hoo-Hulla-Baloo! People get dumped left and right, Becky kicks a ladder into Charlotte’s face, but gets caught by Ember Moon before the ladder gets in the ring. Ember than rams Natty into the steps.
Sasha stops a Drop Toehold into the ladder, but Ember hits a nice Springboard Crossbody, sending Sasha crashing into the ladder. Ember keeps a lot of early momentum until Lana hits an X Factor on Ember, into the corner of the ladder. Natty comes in, nearly gets the ladder dropped on her, takes out Lana, drops Naomi on the ladder, split first and dropkicks her out of the ring. Charlotte comes in, hits an Exploder Suplex on Natalya and goes for the ladder, but Becky shows up to stop her.
Tug of War with the ladder, Naomi jumps off the ladder onto Natty, then kicks the ladder into both Becky and Charlotte. Bliss tries to pull the ladder out, but Naomi hits a Plancha to get rid of Bliss, and then a Blockbuster from the apron to the floor, as the action pauses.
Naomi dropkicks the ladder into Becky Lynch, as Ember and her then square off. Naomi goes to try and Monkey Flip Ember into the ladder, but Ember flips out, and then Hip Tosses Naomi into the ladder. Sasha enters, stacks Ember and Lana on top of a ladder propped in the corner and hits double knees, on the stacked up opponents. Charlotte cuts off Sasha before she can climb the ladder. After a brief trash talk spot, they both try to run up the same side of the ladder, goofy spot, which turns into them knocking each other off, then Charlotte hits a Neckbreaker on Sasha for the advantage.
Sasha counters a Razor’s Edge by landing on the ladder, Natty pulls off Charlotte, Becky shakes Sasha down as she falls into Natty, Bliss pulls down Becky, Banks pulls off Bliss, as they then both slowly climb. Becky takes Alexa off, and the strikes on the ladder start. Lana sets up a taller ladder as Bliss keeps attacking Lynch. Six women on two ladders, let’s see how this ends. Natty Slingshot Powerbomb on Sasha into the ladder and knock the ladder over. Charlotte Powerbombs Ember into a Ladder leaning in the corner. Charlotte takes out Lana, and then goes after Bliss, but Bliss hits a Code Red on Charlotte.
Bliss and Lana are the only two up right now. Bliss is the best wrestler standing at the moment, go figure. Lana kicks the taste out of Alexa’s mouth and then locks in the Accolade. Naomi springboards onto the ladder, Naomi has the briefcase, but can’t take it down, as Becky Lynch takes Naomi down.
Becky has a shot, but Charlotte sprints up the ladder. Small stare down, and then Bliss topples the ladder. Charlotte takes out Alexa with a spear, Sasha hits a Backstabber on Charlotte, Naomi rams Sasha’s head into the ladder, Lana pulls Naomi off face first. Natty Electric Chair Drops Lana, Ember Superkicks Natty off, Charlotte Spears Ember into the ladder. Becky Becks-sploders Charlotte and readjusts the ladder.
Becky had it, but Alexa tips the ladder and Becky goes crashing. Little Miss Bliss, is Ms. Money in the Bank. The match was a little clunky, but still quite entertaining.
Winner: Alexa Bliss
Rating: *** 3/4
Roman Reigns vs Jinder Mahal
Roman blocks Mahal’s first punch and starts man handling Jinder. A Back Elbow, bouncing his face off each turnbuckle and a big Samoan Drop. Roman misses the Driveby and Sunil Singh gets up out of his wheelchair to slam Roman into the post. Jinder takes control and rolls Roman back into the ring. Knees and forearms, Jinder gets a 2 count. The obnoxious crowd chants started immediately, and they aren’t taking away from the match, just continuing to prove ‘smart’ crowds, as mostly brain dead.
A few more near falls, and then we get Jinder dropping repeated knees and choking Roman with his shin. Front Facelock, as Roman slowly struggles through it, back to his feet, just to get dropped back down. Jinder yells at the crowd and then misses a knee drop. Roman gets his feet up and starts his comeback. Huge Uppercut from Roman, as he goes for his corner lariat spot while the crowd does the Wave. Jinder catches Roman with a Running Knee Lift, for 2.
Jinder goes for the Khallas, Roman counters and tries a Samoan Drop, Jinder slips out but gets caught by a Big Boot for another near fall. Superman Punch, countered by Jinder into his Double Knees Gutbuster, for 2. Khallas number two, snapmare counter from Roman as he hits a desperation Superman Punch. OOOHH AHHH, Spear attempt, and Jinder kicks him straight in the face and throws him into the ring post shoulder first.
Roman on the apron, as they both start throwing hands. Roman catches him with a knee to the chest, then a Guillotine Leg Drop, into a successful Driveby. Sunil Singh tries to interfere again, but Roman braces himself and then Superman Punches Sunil and Jinder. Instead of playing Fling the Singh like Randy Orton does, he Speared Sunil, Jinder almost picks up the win with the Small Package. Reigns ducks under a Lariat and hits a Spear, for the pinfall.
Not a bad match at all, if you mute the audio.
Winner: Roman Reigns via Spear
Rating: *** 1/4
SmackDown women’s Championship: Carmella (c) vs Asuka
Moonwalking and trash talking, as she barely avoids two Spinning Backfists from Asuka, and goes to the ropes for sanctuary. Carmella slaps Asuka, more trash talk and Asuka hits multiple Hip Attacks followed by Draping Headkicks and a Hip Attack that sends Carmella reeling.
Sliding Kick from the apron as Carmella tries to run away with the title. Asuka tries to stay on her, but Carmella grabs Asuka’s arm and pulls her face first into the ring post. Rolls her in for a 2 count, and then rubs her face in the mat. Carmella lays on Asuka with a Double Chicken Wing variation, as Asuka turns it into a pin, Backfist attempt, Carmella dodges, hits two quick Thrust Kicks for a near fall. Then Carmella goes back to a submission attempt, some Front Chancery kind of move, to wear down the Empress. Asuka fights back up to a vertical base, but Mella drives the knee into Asuka stomach.
Asuka misses a dropkick, catches Carmella’s foot and goes for a quick Kneebar, but Mella gets to the ropes. A few slaps from Carmella, pisses off Asuka and she lays in a bunch of strikes, kicks and hip attacks for 2. The anger gets the best of Asuka as Carmella baits her towards the ropes and Asuka flies to the outside. As she tries to get back up, Carmella kicks her and she lands hard on the outside. Mella with the Suicide Dive, rolls Asuka back in for 3 2 counts in a row.
Asuka finally hits a couple Spinning Backfists, a big kick in the face and then someone stands on the apron in Asuka’s mask and outfit. James Ellsworth unmasks himself, and Carmella hits a Superkick for the pinfall.
The surprised, Ellsworth reveal/interference last too long, but it was a fun swerve and a better match in general that most probably expected.
Winner: Carmella via Superkick
Rating: ***
WWE Championship: AJ Styles (c) vs Shinsuke Nakamura
Styles takes an early advantage, landing a nice crisp Dropkick for the first attempted 10 count. Nakamura stays on the receiving end of a lot of offense, including a very quick Phenomenal Forearm to the outside. Nakamura has already been down 4 times, triggering the referee to start a count.
Finally, Shinsuke drives Styles into the barricade and snaps off a suplex for his first advantage. Nakamura drapes Styles across the apron and hits a Running Knee and then jumps off the stairs as he lands a Curbstomp style maneuver before rolling AJ back into the ring. Nakamura big brother’s Styles a bit, kicking him in the head, followed by numerous Round Kicks to the chest and abdomen. Keeping Styles in the corner, he chokes him with his foot, than finally goes for the Vibration Kick, but Styles fights through. Nakamura lands a Feint Kick when AJ starts getting something going, but gets up by 5. Shinsuke drapes AJ across the turnbuckle, and Nakamura drives his knee into the mid section. AJ tries to walk away from Shinsuke, as they trade punches and then Nakamura wedges Styles’ face into the steps and gives him the Vibration Kick.
Going from that spot, Nakamura throws AJ into over the barricade and they start brawling in the crowd. AJ finally gets in a few kicks of his own, sends Nakamura back over the barricade. AJ jumps on the barricade, and Shinsuke kicks the legs out from under him, but AJ is back up by 7.
Styles continues to be on the receiving end of the small insulting taps to the head. Reverse Powerslam attempt, countered by an Enzuigiri. Dropkick mid air from AJ, sending both men down, to get up by 7. Phenomenal Blitz catches Nakamura, and then Styles does that Wheelbarrow Faceplant move for a count of 6. Shinsuke goes for the low blow, Styles dodged, Shinsuke caught his foot and then lands the Reverse Powerslam. Knishasa attempt number one, gets met by a forearm from Styles. Both men down, but Nakamura is up by 7, Styles lands an Ushigoroshi. Count gets up to 8, as Styles goes for another Phenomenal Forearm, but an Enzuigiri sends AJ falling to the outside.
We may see our first announce table spot. Nakamura cleans on off, drops Styles onto it and then clears the top off of all of them. Runs across all announce tables and lands the Kinshasa. Styles rolls off the table at 9, so Nakamura drives his face into the ring post. Shinsuke goes to get out a table before the crowd chants for it, for a change. Shinsuke kicks Styles in the knee and Styles goes face first into the table legs before it’s correctly set up. Table is set up, AJ is propped on the top turnbuckle, Styles slips through and tries to Powerbomb him, Nakamura fights out, table gets knocked over and Shinsuke drops AJ on the edge of the table.
He then leans the table in the corner, and throws AJ styles through it. Table breaks clean and Styles lays there, but manages to get up by 9 to Nakamura’s astonishment. Knee lift, Axe Kick, but Nakamura misses the Draping Knee and his knee goes into the exposed turnbuckle.
Styles works on Shinsuke’s injured knee, and they both slowly get back up. Styles keeps stomping on Nakamura’s knee, but eventually stops so the ref can count. Shinsuke gets up by 6, and goes for the Calf Crusher. Nakamura visibly taps out,but that doesn’t matter in this type of match.
Shinsuke gets back at 8, as AJ keeps methodically kicking at the left leg. So the tables turned, as Shinsuke was the methodical predator early, but now AJ is just trying to cripple Nakamura. Even going to get a chair and ramming it into the knee,then multiple Chairshots. The pleading of Nakamura goes unanswered, but it was all bait for a perfectly placed Low Blow, Styles is up by 9. Shinsuke with a desperation Kinsasha on a damaged knee, but back up at 9 again. Styles refuses to stay down.
Nakamura goes for Landslide on the table, Styles pushes him off and hits a Phenomenal Forearm, followed by a Styles Clash from the stairs to the floor, Nakamura is up at 9. “Come on” from Nakamura, and Styles just kicks him in the balls. Goes back into the ring, and lands a Phenomenal Forearm through the table.
Match had a few hiccups, but told a good story, had callbacks from the entire feud,both men looked very resilient. Styles wanted it, just a little bit more.
Winner: AJ Styles via Phenomenal Forearm
Rating: **** 1/2
WWE Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax (c) vs Ronda Rousey
Jax immediately drives Ronda into the corner, and then tosses her from corner to corner. Ronda tries to fight back with strikes, but a big headbutt from Jax, slows down Ronda’s offense. Corner Splash, into a Samoan Drop attempt but Rousey counters with a Kimura, into a Triangle Armbar as Nia tries to power out of it. One Armed Sitout Powerbomb breaks the Triangle Armbar. Ronda tries to get up, but falls through the ropes to the outside. Jax throws her into the barricade, rolls her back in, but Ronda kicks out at 2. Rousey tries to fight back, but Jax ignores a few strikes and lands a Gorilla Press, for 2.
Given a couple seconds, Ronda goes for a desperation Guillotine, then a Sunset Flip, but Jax just ragdolls Ronda into the mat. Bear Hug from Nia, slowly seems to be wearing out Ronda. A few forearm shots break the hold, but a Samoan Drop from off the ropes leads to a near fall.
Nia goes for the Leg Drop, and misses big. Nia misses a move into the corner, and then Ronda sinks in the Armbar over the rope, Ronda breaks by 5. Ronda tries to figure out what to do, so she goes to the top rope for a Crossbody and a 2 count. Combination punches, big knee strike into a Judo Throw for 2. Ronda tries the Armbar, but Nia rolls her up for 2. Rousey hits another big side slam, and slowly pries Nia’s arms apart, but Bliss hits her with the briefcase.
Alexa takes out both women, but seems more focused on beating down Ronda, instead of cashing in on Nia.
Winner: Ronda Rousey via DQ
Rating: ** 3/4
WWE Raw Women’s Championship: Nia Jax (c) vs Alexa Bliss
Money in the Bank cash in, Bliss DDT and goes after the injured arm. Hits Twisted Bliss, for the pinfall.
Winner: Alexa Bliss via Twisted Bliss
Rating: N/A
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match
Kofi is revealed as the New Day member, but everyone tries to gang up on Braun. He powers through, they all go to the outside, and then each man starts beating him with ladders and burying him. Miz tries to take advantage of the distraction to sneak the briefcase, but Joe stops him. Joe and Miz play tug of war, Miz loses, Joe gets a Trouble in Paradise from Kofi, as we see Owens and Balor enter and start mixing it up.
Owens hits Balor with a ladder and then leans it in between the ropes. Owens goes to drive Balor into the ladder, Balor counters, they go to the outside, but Owens keeps the advantage and Superkicks Balor onto the announce table. Kevin looks to climb outside, but Rusev goes for the briefcase and distracts Owens. Rusev sends Owens into the ladder via Fall Away Slam. Samoa Joe comes in and takes out Rusev, but Kofi takes out Joe for the time being, and tries to set up the ladder. Miz stops Kofi, Kofi dispatches him and then Stage Dives onto the others. The group catches him, but Balor comes over the top with a Tope con Hilo and then goes to the pile of ladders on Strowman. Now is the time when Braun starts working through people.
Flying Forearm from Joe, Superkick from Owens, Machka Kick from Rusev and Braun falls down momentarily. Rusev stays on Braun, as Owens tries to set up a big spot with putting Braun through a table. Braun fights back, but Joe has him in the Coquina Clutch, Owens Superkicks Braun, and then goes to the big ladder as Rusev
and Joe hold down Braun.
Strowman fight out and Owens is trapped on the ladder. Braun catches him and then tosses him through the table from the top of the ladder. Strowman then makes his way through Joe and Rusev. Trips while taking out Kofi. Braun goes through a ladder that Balor and Roode had, Miz pees his pants and gets tossed out.
Joe uses another ladder to slow down Braun, so now Joe gets a shot to climb the ladder as Balor Shotgun Dropkicks Braun over the barricade. Samoa Joe dispatches of Finn and Bobby Roode, but Rusev gets Joe out of the ring. Rusev then runs over Roode and Kofi, and does a stacked Accolade on Kofi and Bobby Roode. Miz tries to sneak a Skull Crushing Finale, but it gets turned into a three person Accolade. Samoa Joe appears with a Coquina Clutch to stop the Accolade. Miz stops Joe from climbing, but Kofi stops him as he has his hands on the briefcase. Bobby Roode puts an end to Miz and Kofi playing at the top of the ladder. Balor with a Slingbalde on Roode. Balor sends Kofi and Miz to the outside, as he and Roode keep fighting inside.
Balor climbs a ladder from the outside, and hits the Coup de Grace from the outside in, on Bobby Roode. But Braun is back to ruin Finn’s day. Miz keeps trying to sneak up the ladder, but Braun keeps eating everyone. Kofi jumps on Strowman’s back as he climbs up, so Balor, Kofi and Braun fight at the top. Braun knocks down Balor, flips Kofi off of his back and grabs the briefcase. Like many Strowman matches, it was a lot of, everyone gangs up on him, but he still wins anyway. Nothing super surprising, but the match was okay. More just a bunch of spots instead of any real storytelling though.
Winner: Braun Strowman
Rating: *** 1/4
Thoughts:
Fairly solid wrestling from most of the matches. Ronda again proved she’s a natural in her match, as well as, AJ versus Shinsuke finally putting toether a match at the
level people expected. A surprising cash in, sending the fans home happy with the men’s ladder match, at least the perception ends up being a happy one.
Since people will bring it up, Takeover wasn’t hands down better than Money in the Bank, I feel like they were about even. An average Takeover and an average main roster event that ended with a fan favorite going over, will make it hard tocompletely hate on the show.
All in all, good weekend from WWE.
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Hello, hello, hello! Live from the Moon…!
While NXT prepares for Battleground, The Meta Four has Trick Williams as their guest on Supernova Sessions, to reveal “the truth!” But of what?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Wes Lee VS Josh Briggs; Wes wins.
- Shayna Baszler w/ Lola Vice VS Karmen Petrovic w/ Natalya; Shayna wins.
- No Quarter Catch Crew VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont; Igwe & Dupont win.
- Mia Yim VS Arianna Grace; wins.
- NXT Women’s Championship: Roxanne Perez VS Chelsea Green; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
Wes Lee speaks.
“I was determined to add more to truly solidify my legacy as the greatest North American Champion in NXT history. But in the process, I spread myself too thin, and it came at a cost.” December of 2023, Wes had to tell the fans that he was in pain just standing there. He needed surgery and time. He had three ruptured disks, affecting two different nerves, causing that pain and muscle atrophy. It took a three hour surgery, affecting his L3, L4 and L5 disks. He should’ve heeded the warnings before. He flew too close to the sun, crashed and burned, but has now risen from the ashes. The King of the Wes Side has returned to NXT, and it is time to get back to work!
The roster watches that video.
They applaud as Wes heads for gorilla position, and says he missed this. “It feels good to be home. I’ve got one goal in mind, though.” Wes is ready, will this phoenix soar to those same heights as before? Or maybe even higher?
Wes Lee VS Josh Briggs!
The bell rings, Briggs powers Wes right to a corner, then TOSSES him across the way! But Wes rolls through to stand back up! Briggs runs in, is sent into buckles, and Wes headlocks. Briggs powers out to run Wes over, but Wes avoids the elbow drop! Ghost pin, TWO! Wes holds on but Briggs makes it a cover of his own, TWO! Briggs carries Wes around but Wes throws elbows! T he fans rally for Wes as he steps through and LA MAGISTROL! TWO, and the two stand off. Briggs runs up, Wes dodges, sunset flips, but Briggs stays up! Wes avoids the stomp and the two reset again. Wes slides under Briggs, rolls back, wheelbarrow and JAWBREAKER!
Briggs wobbles, Wes SHOTGUNS him out of the ring! The fans fire up and Briggs gets mad, but he avoids the plancha! Wes lands out of it, ducks the boot, then has the leg, only for Briggs to ROCK him! Briggs SMACKS Wes off the apron, pushes him into the ring, then drags Wes up by an arm. Briggs whips, Wes RANAS! Briggs tumbles right out of the ring, and Wes takes aim again! Wes goes to the apron, to then LEAP, but into Briggs’ arms! Briggs pops Wes around to a fireman’s carry, but Wes slips free to POST Briggs first! Wes then uses the corner to swing and RANA Briggs into barriers! The fans fire up but the ring count climbs!
Wes puts Briggs in the ring, hurries to get moving, and he handsprings, but Briggs hits a BACKBREAKER! Briggs hauls Wes up but we see Ivar at the ramp. Briggs SLAMS then SPLASHES Wes! Cover, TWO!! Wes survives, Briggs smirks, and NXT goes picture in picture.
Briggs stares Ivar down, dares him to get closer, then he drags Wes back up. Briggs whips Wes corner to corner hard, Wes bounces off buckles and falls to the mat! Wes grits his teeth as he goes to ropes, but Briggs looms over him. Briggs brings Wes around, whips corner to corner again and just as hard! Wes again flops to the mat, but Briggs covers, TWO! Briggs keeps his focus on Wes and drags him back up. Briggs whips Wes to another corner, but stops Wes from going up and over! Briggs back suplexes, Wes lands out of it and rolls Briggs up! TWO, and Briggs CLOBBERS Wes! Briggs looms over Wes again, then pushes him to a cover, ROPEBREAK!
Briggs is annoyed but he stomps Wes to the apron. Then Briggs drags Wes up, runs side to side, and BOOTS Wes down! Wes dangles off the floor as his feet hook the ropes! Briggs hops outside to push Wes down, then bring him back up. Briggs RAMS Wes into the steel steps, back first! Wes slumps down while Briggs rolls into the ring. The ring count climbs, but Wes drags up at 6, and drags himself in at 8. Briggs is there to stomp away! The ref counts, Briggs lets off, but then he drags Wes back up. Briggs lifts Wes into a BEARHUG! Wes endures, even as Briggs squeezes tight, and NXT returns to single picture.
The fans rally as Wes fights with forearms! Briggs holds on so Wes throws more shots! Ivar is on commentary now, saying it is great to show he’s just more than a pretty face. Wes fires mores shots, then KNEES low! Briggs snarls, drags Wes up, but Wes throws hands! Wes throws body shots, Briggs lets go, then Wes ROCKS him! Body shot, KICK, and KICK! Briggs is on his knees, Wes DOUBLE STOMPS him down! The fans fire up as Briggs flounders to a corner! Wes snarls, runs up, but Briggs puts him on the apron! Briggs blocks a punch to HIP TOSS BACKBREAKER! Wes writhes, Briggs hauls him up for a whip, and BIG BOSS MAN SLAM! Cover, TWO!!
Wes survives and surprises Briggs! The fans fire up while Briggs still looms over Wes. Briggs scuffs Wes with kicks while the fans rally up. Briggs stomps Wes, Wes goes to a corner, and Briggs eggs him on. Wes stands to BOOT Briggs! Wes then ENZIGIRIS and Briggs flounders to ropes! Wes runs in to ROLLING KICK! Briggs flops out of the ring, goes to the desk, and the fans fire up as Wes aims! Wes DIVES and takes Briggs out! Both men are at Ivar’s feet but he stays back. Briggs stands, grabs at Ivar, Ivar brushes him off, but then Wes DROPKICKS Briggs into Ivar! Inadvertent as it may be, Wes hurries to get Briggs in but Ivar is pissed!
Wes goes up, aims at Briggs, SKY TWISTER!! Cover, Wes wins!
Winner: Wes Lee, by pinfall
A big win for Wes’s return and the fans celebrate with him! But then The Viking Raider starts brawling with Briggs! Wes figures he’ll join in, and he SWANTONS from the top!! Direct hit and Wes takes down both behemoths! The fans lose their minds, and we see Oba watching from the perch! The Ruler is loving this, who will come out of the chaos as his next contender?
The NXT Tag Division talks last week.
Hank ‘n’ Tank, as well as Tyriek & Tyson, tell Axiom & Nathan Frazer that it was phenomenal! Their title defense shows why they are the champs. These other teams are just getting going, but seeing Axiom & Frazer out there has motivated them to one day be champions. But then No Quarter Catch Crew walks in and Damon Kemp can’t believe what he’s hearing. Ty & Ty just got here, and they already have championship aspirations? How’s that supposed to work out? Charlie Dempsey says it is funny, considering Ty & Ty lost their debut match. Tyson has them hold on. Ain’t no shame to losing to the Good Brothers. Those guys are vets.
But see, the scary thing is, Ty & Ty are only gonna get better, and more comfortable. Well, a bit of advice: you step into the ring with the NQCC, you don’t feel comfort, just pain. Well, they ain’t afraid of pain. They can take it, and dish it out. Things get heated, Hank ‘n’ Tank keep thing from turning into a fight, and these teams all head out. Will the NQCC be the ones watching out for the #TYgers on the hunt? Meanwhile, the Good Brothers do walk in, and Luke Gallows says wowski! Check this pair little good brothers right here. Karl Anderson says yes, they handled business, got rid of the Raw & SmackDown teams. If that’s not just Too Sweet, then he doesn’t know what is.
Gallows & Anderson offer the Too Sweet, Frazer & Axiom say they’re good. The champs head out, and Gallows says why those two “brothers” are gonna lose. No look Too Sweet, but will Big LG & The Machine Gun be the ones to take them down?
Shayna Baszler w/ Lola Vice VS Karmen Petrovic w/ Natalya!
The Queen of Spades was certainly the ace up the sleeve of #MiamiVice, as she used the #CanadianConnection against the Queen of Harts! Will Karmen get vengeance with her own two hands? Or will Shayna still have the upper hand this close to Battleground: Las Vegas?
NXT returns and Karmen makes her entrance, sword on her shoulder and Natty by her side. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally but Shayna doesn’t sweat the real-life Beatrix Kiddo. Karmen almost gets her with a kick, though! Shayna uses ropes as a defense and Karmen backs off, then Shayna storms up to tie up collar ‘n’ elbow. Shayna puts Karmen in a corner, smothers her face, but lets off as the ref counts. Karmen storms up, Shayna gets around and waistlocks to SLAM! Shayna drags Karmen back up, but Karmen breaks free to ROUNDHOUSE! Shayna bails out, Lola checks on her, but Karmen storms out after her!
Shayna ROCKS Karmen, then brings the apron skirt up. Shayna wrenches Karmen’s arm, put sit through the gap, and KICKS it! Karmen writhes, Natty is worried, but Shayna puts Karmen in the ring. Shayna wrenches the arm, hammerlocks it, then RAMS Karmen into buckles! The fans are torn but Shayna dusts herself off. Shayna storms up in a corner, wrenches Karmen’s arm around ropes, then pulls! The ref counts, Karmen throws hands, but Shayna lets off at 4. Shayna KICKS Karmen’s leg, then grabs the bad arm again. Shayna twists the wrist, bends the elbow, then bends fingers! Karmen endures, moves around, and fans rally up.
Karmen CLUBS at Shayna’s leg, fights to her feet, and then rolls Shayna up! TWO, and Karmen runs up, into a LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Shayna clamps onto Karmen with a top wristlock! The fans rally and duel, Karmen fights up and throws hands. Shayna CLUBS Karmen down, then hammerlocks the arm. Shayna whips but Karmen reverses, and Shayna hits buckles! Karmen runs up but Shayna gets around her again, BIG back suplex! Shayna isolates the bad arm, lets her hair down, and STOMPS the arm!! Karmen writhes, Lola likes what she sees, and Shayna storms back up on Karmen. Karmen fires shots with her good arm, then ROUNDHOUSES!
Karmen roars, runs in at the corner, and HOOK KICKS! Karmen goes around the world, Shayna runs up, but Karmen LEG SWEEPS! LION’S BARRAGE! Cover, TWO! Shayna is still in this but so is Karmen! Karmen drags Shayna up, but Shayna wrenches the bad arm! Shayna whips, Karmen stops herself. Shayna blocks a boot but not the JUMP SOBAT! Karmen hurries to a corner and climbs up! Karmen leaps but right into Shayna’s grip! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Karmen taps, Shayna wins!
Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission
Shayna lets off and Natty gets in to check on her friend. Lola celebrates with Shayna though really celebrates herself. NXT Combine aside, will Karmen be out of luck when it comes to the NXT Women’s North American Championship ladder match?
Superstars in the Women’s Locker Room watch replay of last week.
Specifically, Fallon Henley losing her cool and turning on Thea Hail. Kelani Jordan still doesn’t understand why. If Fallon had a problem, she could’ve talked to someone about it. Seriously, what kind of friend does that? It took Kelani everything she had to not just smack Fallon during the combine. Fallon walks in and says if Kelani feels that way, why didn’t she? Because Kelani thought they were friends. Oh, see, that’s the problem. Fallon has spent her entire career helping friends. From here on out, Fallon Comes First. She doesn’t need friends to become the FIRST Women’s North American Champion. And for that, she just needs Ava to tell her she qualified.
Kelani says what happened to Fallon! The argument gets heated, the others step in the way, and clearly things are about to explode! Those combine results are coming up next, who has qualified for the golden opportunity?
The NXT Combine results are in!
20 women competed over Backlash weekend, all with one goal in mind: finish in the top 12, then win their way to the NXT Women’s North American Championship Ladder Match at Battleground! Nine grueling events tested four sections: speed; power; strength; and conditioning. We get some highlights here, such as in the 10-yard sled push, the 10-yard sprint, and the in-ring shuttle drill. After all, hitting ropes takes speed and precision. Our early leaders were Thea Hail and Kelani Jordan. We’ll have more highlights for the Power section later tonight.
No Quarter Catch Crew VS Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont!
The confrontation from earlier has now been turned into a match, player! Who will #HollaHolla at a higher place in the NXT Tag Division rankings?
For that matter, the #CatchClause is in effect, so who is stepping up? It’s Myles Borne & Charlie Dempsey, but uh… Where’s the ref? The announcement is given that the ref scheduled for this match is “unavailable.” Alicia Taylor glances over at Luca Crusifino and some of Tony D’Angelo’s cousins… But now, the special guest referee for this match will be… CHANNING LORENZO! Stacks is getting in on this? Did The Don work out some kind of deal to stick it to the NQCC? Stacks shows off his nice new referee shirt, and he tells everybody to sort it out. Myles starts against Tyriek, the bell rings, and the match is on!
Myles and Tyriek tie up, Tyriek puts Myles in a corner, but Myles turns it around. Stacks counts the ropebreak, and counts real fast! Myles gets mad, but Tyriek get shim in a headlock! Tag to Tyson, UPPERCUT, BODY SHOT, CHOP BLOCK and BOOT! Tyson then runs to SPLASH! Cover, and it’s a fast count! Myles still gets out at TWO, then he DECKS Tyson! Myles tags Dempsey, but Stacks wants the tag rope in hand. Dempsey does as told, the tag is finally official, but Tyson dodges to UPPERCUT Dempsey down! Tag back to Tyriek, and Tyson wrenches Dempsey. Tyriek goes up to AX HANDLE! Tyriek then runs to run Dempsey over! Cover, TWO!
Tyriek keeps on Dempsey but Dempsey wrenches and knees low. Dempsey brings Tyriek back while Stacks is busy checking with Tyson on something. That makes Stacks miss the tag by Myles! They shout at Stacks, Stacks allows the tag, but Tyriek wrenches Myles. Tag to Tyson, he goes up to AX HANDLE! The fans rally as Tyson has Myles in a corner. Tyson whips corner to corner, runs in, but Myles dodges the splash! Myles runs up to DROPKICK back! Myles stomps Tyson around, throws down hands, and Stacks reprimands about closed fists. Dempsey tags, NQCC double whip, but Stacks says one in, one out! He gets in the way of their combo move!
Tyson runs and sunset flips on Dempsey! Stacks counts, TWO!! Dempsey gets out just in time, Kemp argues with Stacks! Dempsey fires UPPERCUTS and KNEES, then he hooks Tyson up in an IRON OCTOPUS! Tyson endures, the fans rally, and Stacks checks on Tyson. Tyson fights up and out of the hold, and back drops free! Hot tag to Tyriek! Tyriek rallies on NQCC with LARIATS and BOOTS! DROPKICK for Myles, whip for Dempsey! Dempsey reverses but Tyriek ducks ‘n’ dodges! DOUBLE LARIAT takes out the NQCC! Tyriek fires up, the fans are with him, and he hauls Dempsey up! Scoop and POWERSLAM! Cover, Myles breaks it in time!
Myles argues the count again but Tyson DECKS him! Tyson throws Myles out, but Myles drags Tyson out of the ring! Dempsey ducks a boot, GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, Stacks takes extra care to make sure shoulders are down, then he counts, TWO!! It was a slow count at that! Dempsey argues, Stacks says respect his authority! Dempsey shoves Stacks, so Stacks ROCKS Dempsey! Tyriek rolls Dempsey up, Stacks counts, TY & TY WIN!!
Winners: Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont, by pinfall
NQCC is furious over the shenanigans, but The Don abides! Is this going to force the issue and make NQCC pay up?
Arianna Grace and Gigi Dolin are backstage with Chelsea Green.
The Pageant Queen says O M Goodness, she cannot describe how fabulous it is to have Chelsea here. Chelsea says this is a dream come true! The thought, the possibility, of Chelsea becoming the NEW NXT Women’s Champion warms Arianna’s heart! Chelsea says exactly. She has been through so many nasty locker rooms and trashy cities, having dealt with Awful Adam and Sir Nicholas the Prickliest. Chelsea is so happy to have found someone almost as perfect as her, and she’s a beauty pageant queen to boot! Do go on, she won’t stop you. The two are all giggly, but Arianna says in all seriousness, Chelsea has to win that title.
Chelsea says she will. For every little girl out there! For every future pageant princess! For the entire locker room! And herself. And for “Giorgina” as they guide her along her journey. Wait, “they?” Arianna says she must go, she has a “Michin problem” to deal with. But Arianna will be back victorious. Bye~! Arianna heads out and Gigi says she cannot take this! She is DONE! Is Gigi gonna take this up with management a la the Hot Mess?
Mia Yim VS Arianna Grace!
The Head Baddie in Charge is back because she wants to be part of that historic Women’s North American Championship match! The combine results are still being worked out, but will a win go a long way in earning a spot?
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The King & Queen of the Ring tournaments return!
And Raw has a stacked opening round! Who will step towards the thrones that away in Saudi Arabia?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- King of the Ring Opening Round: Finn Balor VS Jey Uso; Jey wins and advances.
- Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Iyo Sky VS Natalya; Iyo wins and advances.
- King of the Ring Opening Round: Ricochet VS Ilja Dragunov; Dragunov wins and advances.
- Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Ivy Nile VS Zoey Stark; Stark wins and advances.
- Chad Gable VS Bronson Reed; No Contest.
- Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Lyra Valkyria VS
AsukaDakota Kai; Lyra wins and advances. - King of the Ring Opening Round: Gunther VS Sheamus; Gunther wins and advances.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Judgment Day is here!
Hartford, Connecticut boos as Damian Priest, Finn Balor, JD McDonagh & Dominik Mysterio make their way to the ring. The Punisher is still El Campeon thanks in large part to The Prince & The Irish Ace helping him out. Priest gets a mic while fans boo more, and he says, “Main Event Jey Uso…” Fans “YEET!” in response to that. Priest asks if the fans love him. “YEET!” Well, seems the entire country of France did, too. But in the end, it didn’t matter, because Priest is still champion! ALL RISE for El Campeon! But even so, Priest feels the need to talk about what went down at Backlash.
Finn speaks up to tell “Big Man” that they went over this 100 times. Finn and JD apologized, they meant it! They’re sorry. Priest says no, they’re good. That’s not what he meant. He meant after the match. He needs everyone to know, and is saying this publicly. That was all on him, he lost his cool. They were there to support him, make sure he stayed champ, and he did. Like it or not, he is still champion, so sincerely, he is sorry, and he thanks them. JD, Priest appreciates you, man. And Finn, c’mon, you’re like a brother! They hug it out and the fans boo more. Even Dom joins in, even though he couldn’t make the trip.
Priest says no more group hug, it’s back to business. He is STILL El Campeon, Judgment Day is STILL the most dominant faction in WWE, and Finn is your NEXT King of the Ring! And seeing as poor McIntyre ain’t medically cleared, guess who gets a first round bye? Uh, FINN! They all high-five, and Finn says that means he’s one step closer to The Prince becoming The King! Bow down to the King! Finn wants Samantha Irvin to announce it, but then Adam Pearce says hold on! Finn might be confused. Yes, Drew is out, but Finn is NOT getting a bye. The fans like the sound of that! And if Finn doesn’t like it, too bad!
Pearce says being crowned KOTR is one of the biggest honors, so Finn is gonna have to earn his way! What happened at Backlash won’t happen tonight! Finn’s match is next, and his opponent now… IS MAIN EVENT JEY USO!! Hartford fires up as Jey is looking to get some payback! Will Jey YEET Finn right outta the first round?
King of the Ring Opening Round: Finn Balor VS Jey Uso!
Raw returns and the bell rings. Finn and Jey stare down, circle, then tie up. Finn rolls Jey up, TWO! Finn hurries to headlock and grind Jey down. Jey powers up and out but Finn runs him over. Cover, ONE, but Finn clamps onto an arm. Jey fights up as the fans rally, but Finn wrenches to wristlock. Jey slips around, trips Finn, gets an arm, La Magistrol! TWO, and Finn goes to a corner. Finn kicks low, bumps Jey off buckles then fires off hands and stomps! The ref counts, Finn lets off, then soaks up the heat. Finn drags Jey up, bumps him off buckles, then swings. Jey dodges to ROCK Finn! And again! And again!
Jey whips, Finn reverses, but Jey goes up and over! “YEET!” and UPPERCUT! The fans fire up with Jey, and they all “YEET!” together. Finn stands and Jey whips, but Finn reverses. Jey sunset flips but Finn rolls through to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Finn CLUBS Jey, CLUBS him again, then ELBOWS him in the head! Finn stomps Jey down, then soaks up the heat. Finn drags Jey up to CLUB him again, then he clamps on a chinlock. Jey endures, even as Finn grinds him down. The fans rally, Jey fights up, but Finn CLUBS him in the back! Finn wrangles Jey down to the mat but the fans continue to rally.
Jey endures, fights back up, and the fans rally behind him as he puts Finn on ropes. The ref counts, Finn avoids the haymaker to CHOP! Finn throws body shots, bumps Jey off buckles, then RAMS into him again and again! The ref counts but Finn CHOPS! Jey falls, Finn covers him, TWO! The fans cheer but Finn looms over Jey. Finn drags Jey back up, DECKS him with a haymaker, then mocks the fans. Finn drags Jey up again, SCRAPES Jey’s face off the ropes, then whips. Jey reverses to TOSS Finn out! Jey builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit at the ramp and the fans fire up! Jey stands, Finn staggers around, and Jey puts Finn in the ring.
Jey hurries up but Finn hurries out the other side. The fans boo but then Jey goes around the outside. Jey uses steps to leap, but into a BODY BLOW! Finn then brings Jey around to POST him! And then Finn THROWS Jey over the desk! Finn stands on the desk to soak up the heat and mock the yeet bounce. The fans boo but Finn just soaks it up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Jey rains down fists in a corner! Fans “YEET!” up to nine, then Jey winds up, only for Finn to YANK him down! Finn then stands Jey up so he can climb up and rain down fists of his own! The fans boo as Finn goes to TEN, then CHOPS! Finn snapmares Jey, runs and basement dropkicks! Cover, TWO! Finn snarls as he paces around, then he sits Jey up to ELBOW him in the head again. Finn clamps on a chinlock and grinds Jey down. The fans rally as Jey endures, but Finn leans on the hold. Jey fights up, throws body shots, but Finn knees low! Finn CLUBS Jey again, but Jey UPPERCUTS!
Jey ROCKS Finn again, and again, and again! Jey pops ‘n’ locks and puts stank on the HAYMAKER! The fans fire up again and Jey runs in at the corner. Finn puts Jey on the apron, but Jey GAMANGIRIS! Jey goes up, to CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Finn stays in this but Jey stays cool. Finn flounders to a corner, the fans rally up and Jey goes to the other end. “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Jey runs in, but Finn LARIATS Jey down! The fans boo but Finn snarls as he storms over to springboard stomp away on Jey! The ref counts, Finn lets off and then soaks up more heat. Finn goes after Jey but Jey fireman’s carries!
Finn CLAWS Jey’s face to get free, then hits a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Finn aims from a corner, Jey slowly rises, and Finn runs in, but Jey denies Slingblade to whip! Jey then dodges to mule kick! UPPERCUT! SUPERKICK! Finn is down in a drop zone and Jey hurries up top! USO SPLASH but he has to roll through! Finn avoids disaster, runs back in, SHOTGUN! Jey is down but Finn makes sure he’s in the right spot! Finn goes up the corner, and COUP DE- NO, now Jey moves outta the way! SPEAR!! Cover, TWO?!? Finn survives and Jey is frustrated, but then here comes Drew McIntyre! The bad arm keeps McIntyre out of the tournament but not away from the arena!
McIntyre hops the barriers, has a stare down with Jey, but Finn rolls Jey up! TWO!! Jey escapes, but Finn SLINGBLADES! Finn growls, fans taunt McIntyre with “C M PUNK!” Finn runs in, into a SPEAR!! Cover, Jey wins!!
Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
McIntyre storms in but Jey gets out. The Scottish Terminator has no spot in the tournament, Jey is moving on in his place! Will we soon see the crowning of #KingYEET?
Drew McIntyre complains to Adam Pearce.
It just had to be Jey Uso of all people! Punk screws McIntyre in the #1 contender’s match that Jey won, and now they’re being rewarded? This is not about Jey, this is about McIntyre’s arm! McIntyre says he doesn’t care about the arm, he could just tape it up like a real man and still compete! Not like Punk! Pearce stops McIntyre there. The world thought McIntyre’s arm was fine until he told the world it wasn’t, so Pearce had to have it checked out! McIntyre’s arm isn’t fine, so that’s why he can’t compete. McIntyre says he’s sick of this BS, then goes to his car and drives off in a huff. Another QR code pops up, but then another car pulls in. It’s CM Punk!!
Pearce says Punk is late and he says he knows, it’s been quite a weekend. Where’s McIntyre? Uh, just missed him, thank God. What? Oh. Punk feels disappointed but then asks Pearce to get the truck to play his music. Punk’s got something to say. Pearce can do that. Punk heads to gorilla and we can already hear the fans chanting his name. Punk passes by Chad Gable chewing out The Alpha Academy, then passes through the curtain! The fans sing along with Cult of Personality as The Best in the World says it’s CLOBBERIN’ TIME~! Punk goes down to the ring, and he revels in the cheers while he gets the mic.
“Is it good to be alive on a Monday night in Hartford, Connecticut or what?” The fans cheer that! Punk apologizes for being late, he had a rough weekend getting locked in the WWE HQ. By the time he got out, he realized they’re at the XL Center, so he drove straight here to be with the beautiful maniacs. He also wanted a fight with McIntyre but McIntyre left the building. So Pat McAfee, if you recall, just as McIntyre got stuck in the cheap seats, Punk said he could take care of business in less than 5 minutes and 45 seconds, the amount of time McIntyre was champ. Not that he wants to make that a thing, but hey, 5:45.
Now, Punk showed up, McIntyre just left, and this won’t be a popular decision backstage, but what if we go overtime? What if Punk stayed here long enough for McIntyre to come back? Because you know McIntyre is stopped at a redlight and isn’t texting his wife but scrolling through social media. So please, get your phones, take some pics, tweet out now that Punk is here live and in living color! And if McIntyre isn’t a coward, IF, then he will turn around and come right back to this building, at the center of the ice where that Gordie Howe skated on for the Hartford Whalers, he can catch the beating he deserves! The fans cheer that!
The fans chant for Punk, Pat does his best to get a post out, and Punk says he means what he says. He’d hold Raw hostage if he has to. He’d even ask what we wanna talk about, but that’s another guy’s thing. So instead, Punk wants to ask if they wanna hear a story. Sort of a recap. Royal Rumble in January, McIntyre DDTs Punk so hard, that when Punk posted his arm, he tore his triceps. That broke Punk’s heart. And the same for the fans. Punk thought McIntyre ruined Punk’s Mania dreams. But then Punk had a good cry, a great surgery, picked himself back up, and realized that McIntyre didn’t ruin anything. If anything, McIntyre simply postponed those dreams.
Because in baseball, they’d call Punk a Five Tool Player. he can do anything! Commentary, which is what he did at Mania! Punk’s a Five Tool Player, McIntyre is just a tool. And we’re waiting. For weeks that turned into months, Punk tuned into the show he was excited to be back on, and he heard McIntyre just run his mouth about how he prayed for Punk to get hurt and proud that he did it. McIntyre picked a personal fight with the pettiest man on the roster! Maybe even on Earth. But Punk said it last week he’d make McIntyre’s life Hell, and he meant that. But then McIntyre’s b*tching and complaining turned.
It went from McIntyre hurt Punk to “Punk ruined MY Mania plans! Punk ruined MY title aspirations! Punk broke MY elbow!” McIntyre is a hater! From how Punk looks to how he walks to how he talks! But when Punk tunes in, all McIntyre does is talk about Punk! All McIntyre does is sit in the ring like Punk! All McIntyre does is try to talk like Punk! He tries to BE Punk, and it dawned on Punk… Does McIntyre hate Punk? Or does he hate himself!? Because McIntyre is a choke artist! Not like how Punk is, that’s a very different thing. But McIntyre prayed for this. Punk is the unforgiving consequences to his actions.
“Drew, you prayed for this, and I broke your elbow. And if you show up now, or the next time I see you, I’m gonna break your face! And then I’m gonna break your heart. And all this praying you do… I don’t know if you’re a God fearing man, but the fact you haven’t shown up yet tells me that there is one thing that you fear. One name, three syllables, C M PUNK!” Punk tells McIntyre that he will find him. If he has to, he’ll chase McIntyre to Glasgow, pop out of some haggis, and hit McIntyre right in his face! Punk double checks his watch, but we’re clearly in overtime. Will the Scottish Terminator ever get past Punk?
Backstage interview with Ricochet.
Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Speed Champion, noting he has been on an absolute tear lately. But now he has a King of the Ring tournament match. What will be his biggest facing Ilja Dragunov for the first time ever? Ricochet says it is interesting. He is very aware of Dragunov and everything he has done in NXT, this is KOTR. Tonight is Ricochet’s chance, the first step, to defining a legacy. But then Braun Strowman says hey to his old teammate! They shake it out, and Ricochet is glad to have Braun back. Cathy says while he’s here, she’ll ask him why he interjected in Judgment Day’s business last week?
Braun says he had and always will be the one to stand up for the “little guy,” to take the fight to the bullies. But this isn’t about him, tonight is about Ricochet going out there and reminding everyone why he is KING Ricochet. Braun heads out, will the King of Flight look to really speed things up towards becoming a legend?
Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Iyo Sky w/ Damage CTRL VS Natalya!
Damage CTRL may be without their championships, but the Evil Genius is now chasing down a crown! Will Iyo take control of this tournament right from the start? Or will The BOAT start her journey towards truly being the Queen of Harts?
Raw returns and Natty makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Natty wrenches an arm to wristlock. Iyo moves around, rolls, kips up and wrenches back. Natty rolls, handsprings, then slips through to back drop! Natty covers, TWO! Natty keeps on Iyo with a waistlock, but Iyo fights the lift! Iyo switches, Natty switches back, then rolls Iyo to a HEEL HOOK! Iyo endures, kicks at Natty, but Natty SLAPS Iyo down! Iyo kicks, Natty kicks, but Iyo stomps at Natty! Natty stands but Iyo fights with more kicks! Natty stomps Iyo, steps through, but Iyo boots her away! Iyo gets up to ROCK Natty!
Iyo UPPERCUTS then fires off forearms and a CHOP in the corner! Iyo fires up, Hartford is torn, but Iyo runs in, Natty puts Iyo on the apron, but Iyo counter punches! Natty runs up, baseball slides but Iyo jumps over! Natty grabs a leg, Iyo kicks her away! Iyo fires up and ASAI MOONSAULTS, but Natty moves! Iyo rolls back to her feet, but Natty gets her up to rebound off barriers and throw into the apron! Iyo staggers, into a BOOT! Iyo hits apron again, then Natty pushes her in. The fans rally, Natty covers, TWO! Natty waistlocks to drag Iyo up, but Iyo switches. Natty bumps free, switches again, but Iyo still fights!
Iyo runs to ropes to HOTSHOT Natty! Natty staggers away, the fans fire up with Iyo and she springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Natty stays in this but Iyo stays fired up as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and the standing switches continue, until Natty arm-drags Iyo away! Iyo comes back, and they start trading forearms! Iyo gets the edge, then SHOTEIS! Iyo runs, but Natty scoops her to MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Iyo survives and goes to a corner, but Natty runs in. Iyo BOOTS her, goes up and up, but Natty storms up after her! Natty ROCKS Iyo, climbs up, and then fires off more haymakers! The fans fire up with Natty as she brings Iyo to the very top! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Natty covers, TWO! Iyo survives but Natty is too sore to be upset. The fans rally and DMG CTRL coach Iyo as she and Natty stir.
Natty sits up first, and she heads for Iyo. Natty gets the legs, but Iyo tripos her up! Iyo gets a CROSSFACE! Natty endures, reaches out, but Iyo thrashes her around! Natty still powers up, throws elbows to get free, then whips. Iyo turns pop-up into wheelbarrow and victory roll, STOMP 182! Iyo fires up and runs, to basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Natty stays in this and Iyo grows frustrated! Iyo roars, reels Natty in and underhooks, but Natty back drops free! Iyo sunset flips that, TWO! Natty sits on it, TWO! Natty rolls through the sunset, but Iyo trips her! Jackknife, but Natty rolls through to get Iyo up! SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up while even DMG CTRL is shocked! Iyo flounders to a corner, but Natty is on her! Natty CLUBS Iyo, puts her up top, REBOUND SIT- NO, Iyo victory rolls, STOMP- NO, Natty avoids that to schoolgirl! ROPEBREKA! Dakota barks at Natty, Natty tells her to stop that! Natty turns Iyo over but Iyo rolls Natty into buckles! Iyo goes corner to corner, SHINKANSEN! Natty is in the drop zone now and Iyo goes up top! OVER THE MOONSAULT!! Iyo wins!
Winner: Iyo Sky, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
A little help from Dakota Kai goes a long way for Iyo Sky! A former NXT Women’s Champion, former NXT Tag Team Champion, former WWE Tag Team Champion, former Miss Money in the Bank, and a former WWE Women’s Champion, is Iyo going to be the new Queen of the Ring? As DMG CTRL celebrates, Dakota gets a mic to say two years ago, DMG CTRL took over Raw when they took out Becky Lynch. And now they’re back to put EVEYRONE on notice! Iyo just dominated, and Dakota will stand in for Dakota who is unfortunately injured, to take on “Bird lady” Lyra Valkyria! Dakota mocks the fans by saying, “If you suck, say ‘What.'” “WHAT?” Gottee!
But anyway, now that DMG CTRL is here, Dakota gives this warning for free. Jade, Bianca, enjoy those tag titles while you still have them. And as for you, Becky, once you’re done with that charity case, Liv Morgan, DMG CTRL is going to take everything, whether they like it or not! #CobraKai is ready to strike, will she start with The Morrigan? Or will Lyra be another former NXT Women’s Champion that moves on to the next round?
King of the Ring Opening Round: Ricochet VS Ilja Dragunov!
The One and Only Speed Champion knows how to redline it, but The Mad Dragon knows how to push past limits to find new ones! Only one gets to move forward, who wins what might end up more a demolition derby than a match?
The bell rings and the the two rush in! Ricochet dodges the boot, waistlocks, but Dragunov wrenches to waistlock. Dragunov shoves, Ricochet ducks ‘n’ dodges then rolls off Dragunov’s back! Dragunov blocks a kick, flips Ricochet, but Ricochet goes Matrix! He still turns around into a CHOP! The fans fire up, but then Ricochet kips up! Ricochet smirks, but Dragunov spins to CHOP him down again! Dragunov deadlifts Ricochet, but Ricochet elbows free! Ricochet ROCKS Dragunov, Dragunov rebounds to PELE! Ricochet runs to JUMP KNEE! Both men are down and the fans rally up while Raw goes to break!
Raw returns as Ricochet CHOPS Dragunov! Ricochet whips corner to corner, then runs in, but Dragunov puts him on the apron. Ricochet GAMANGIRIS, then springboards in, FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up with Ricochet and he aims from a corner, RUNNING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Dragunov is tougher than that but Ricochet still has more to give. Ricochet waits on Dragunov, but Dragunov ducks the buzzsaw to JUMP KICK! Dragunov then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Dragunov holds on, but Ricochet throws elbows! Dragunov still GERMAN SUPLEXES! And he still holds on!
Dragunov brings Ricochet up again but Ricochet pries the waistlock open! Ricochet shows his own strength and then elbows free! Ricochet runs, handsprings, but into a waistlock! GERMAN SUPLEX, but Ricochet lands on his feet! Dragunov runs up, Ricochet puts him on the apron! Triangle jump DROPKICK! Dragunov falls to the floor, and Ricochet takes aim! Ricochet goes up and out and up again, ASAI MOONSAULT, but Dragunov gets clear! Waistlock and GERMAN SUPLEX to the floor! Dragunov puts Ricochet in, goes up a corner, and he gives Ricochet a COAST2COAST DROPKICK!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and shocks Dragunov!
Dragunov storms around, he brings Ricochet into a drop zone, then he climbs again. The fans rally as Dragunov reaches the top, but Ricochet UPPERCUTS first! Ricochet climbs up after Dragunov but Dragunov fires headbutts! Dragunov dumps Ricochet to the apron, then steadies himself. Ricochet gets up to springboard and SUPER STEINER!! But Dragunov tumbles all the way out! Ricochet doesn’t mind, he just DIVES! Direct hit and Dragunov goes a tumbling again! Ricochet gets back in, builds more speed, and DIVES again! Dragunov still stumbles around, ends up by the ramp, and Ricochet keeps going! Ricochet FLIES!! Direct hit and down goes Dragunov!
Hartford is thunderously losing their minds while both men are down by the ramp! This match will continue, but Raw has to go to break!
Raw returns yet again and both men are in the ring, trading forearms! Dragunov ROCKS Ricochet, fireman’s carries, but Ricochet slips free to shove him into buckles! Ricochet waistlocks, Dragunov reaches back to throw down elbows! Dragunov runs, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Cover, TWO! Ricochet stays in this but Dragunov stays on him! Dragunov drags Ricochet to the drop zone and goes back up the corner! Fans fire up for Dragunov’s SUPER SENTON!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives even with that deep hook on the pin, but Dragunov puts Ricochet in a corner. Dragunov CHOPS! CHOPS! And MACHINE GUN CHOPS!
Ricochet sits down but now Dragunov scrapes his boot off Ricochet’s face! Dragunov goes side to side, but runs into a SUPERKICK! Ricochet fireman’s carries, but Dragunov slips free! Dragunov BOOTS, Ricochet HEEL KICKS, and both men wobble! Ricochet fireman’s carries again, for a ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, then LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Dragunov survives, showing Hartford why he’s a former NXT UK and former NXT Champion! But Ricochet won’t stop, “This is Awesome!” as he drags Dragunov to a corner. Ricochet climbs now, but has to leave over Dragunov! Dragunov comes back to KNEE him low!
Dragunov runs up to KNEE Ricochet down! Dragunov still isn’t done, he gets Ricochet up and POWER- NO, Ricochet slips free, ducks the Uraken and POISON-RANAS!! Ricochet fires up, runs, springboards, but into a CHOP!! Dragunov hauls Ricochet up to POWERBOMB! H-BOMB FOREARM!! Dragunov goes to a corner, “UN! BE! SIEG! BAR!!” TORPEDO- RECOIL!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Ricochet counters Dragunov’s best shot with one of his own, but it’s still not enough! Ricochet hurries up top, but Dragunov hurries to UPPERCUT! Dragunov goes up to go to the very top, SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Roll through, and Dragunov powers up from the corner!
FLYING H-BOMB FOREARM!!! Cover, Dragunov wins!!
Winner: Ilja Dragunov, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
Both men had speed, both men had strength, but it was Dragunov’s inhuman endurance and intensity that brought him the win! Will he look to rename this “The Czar of the Ring?” But perhaps best of all, he and Ricochet show each other respect with a handshake, and Ricochet says this isn’t the last time they’ll meet. But with this loss, will Ricochet simply have to define his legacy without the crown?
Backstage interview with Sheamus.
Jackie Redmond is with The Celtic Warrior, a former King of the Ring winner, and notes he is looking to get back there, as he takes on one of his biggest rivals in Gunther. How has he been preparing for tonight’s main event? Sheamus says that people may not know, but Sheamus has undergone medical procedure after medical procedure just to get back to the WWE ring. But it is no secret he doesn’t like Gunther, and Gunther likes Sheamus even less! Gunther gets under Sheamus’ skin more than anyone he’s ever faced. Can you imagine “King Gunther?” Unbearable to say the least, yeah?
Now, everyone knows Clash at the Castle was a banger! And then WrestleMania 39, that was a banger! Banger after banger! But tonight, Sheamus is finally gonna kick Gunther’s arse, become a TWO-TIME King, and then claim the moniker used back home in Ireland: The Ruaidrí , aka “High King.” Will tonight be the moment Sheamus finally takes down Der Ring General? Or will Gunther make his history with Sheamus repeat itself to keep Sheamus’ history from repeating itself?
Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Ivy Nile VS Zoey Stark!
The Diamond Pitbull and the Hunter both have a lot to prove in their young careers, and a win in this tournament will go a long way. But who moves forward while the other gets left behind?
The bell rings, the two circle, and Zoey runs up to RAM Ivy into a corner! Zoey fires off hands, lets off as the ref counts, then whips corner to corner. Ivy reverses, runs in, but Zoey goes up and over! Zoey has a stumble but she comes back, only for Ivy to wrench and fireman’s carry! Zoey fights free, shoves, then LARIATS! The fans are torn but Zoey storms up on Ivy. Ivy fires hands with Zoey, then headlocks. Zoey powers out but Ivy runs her over! Ivy keeps moving, then turns dropdown into gator roll! Ivy floats all over, then has a REAR NAKED CHOKE! Zoey rolls back, covers, TWO! Ivy facelocks and suplexes!
The fans cheer as Ivy holds Zoey up, then marches around! Ivy SLAMS Zoey down, then kips up! The fans fire up with Ivy and she runs in at the corner to JUMP KICK! Zoey staggers, Ivy ENZIGIRIS! Zoey ends up on the apron, Ivy brings her up, but Zoey HOTSHOTS back! Zoey hurries back up, GAMANGIRIS, and Ivy staggers away. Zoey snarls, springboards, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Cover, TWO! Ivy stays in this but Zoey stays focused. Zoey drags Ivy up, brings her around, and puts her up top on the corner. Zoey CLUBS Ivy, climbs up behind her, then goes to the very top! Zoey brings Ivy up, but Ivy throws elbows!
Zoey hops down, Ivy turns around and fans fire up, for a SUPER BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!! Zoey survives and shocks Ivy! The fans rally, Ivy drags Zoey up, but Zoey ROCKS Ivy! Ivy kicks, Zoey blocks, then ducks the enzigiri! HEEL KICK clips Zoey and she staggers. Zoey SUPERKICKS in return and Ivy falls! Zoey runs to SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!! Ivy survives and Zoey is losing her cool! The fans rally, but Zoey rains down forearms! Zoey drags Ivy around, stomps her, then goes up a corner. Zoey reaches the top, but Ivy SLAPS her! And SLAPS, and SLAPS! Ivy goes up again, but Zoey resists the lift!
Zoey throws a HARD body shot, then CLUBS away on Ivy! Ivy hits back with heavy shots of her own! Ivy wants Zoey up again, but Zoey slips inside! Zoey then gets under, YANKS Ivy down, and then HALF ‘N’ HALF SUPLEX! Zoey won’t stop there, she looks to end it with Z 360!! Cover, Zoey wins!
Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
A hard-hitting fight from both women, but the Hunter takes down her prey! Will she shoot down more targets on her way to the throne?
R-Truth talks with Adam Pearce backstage.
Truth says he’s got a good idea for their next tag title defense. Champions VS Champions. Pearce likes it already. Then let Truth introduce to you, the 2023-2024 Champions, the back-to-back champs! UConn head coach, Dan Hurley! The Miz steps in, says it is an honor to meet Coach Hurley, but um, Truth, you need to talk with Miz before coming up with another title match! The Awesome Truth cannot face UConn! What? Truth apologizes to Pearce, and points out that Coach Hurley is part of a small, independent wrestling promotion: NCAA! Smalltime, but this is the Dogs! Hurley does point out they’re The Huskies, not dogs. Oh, right, sorry.
Miz again explains to Truth, they can’t fight the Huskies! Why not? Because that’s basketball! Truth says a sport is a sport! And in trying times like these, we can all agree on that. Miz tells Pearce he will get back to him on their next title defense. Truth says okay. Miz, Truth and Hurley head out, Pearce feels like he needs a drink. But in steps Bron Breakker first. Pearce welcomes Bron to the flagship show and asks what he can do for him. Well, Bron wants to know why he is NOT in the KOTR tournament! Oh, yes, Pearce had a feeling he’d want answers. They can go into Pearce’s office and talk about it. Bron accepts that, but what will he be offered in place of the crown?
The Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
Finn says he feels like he’s apologizing week after week, he feels like he should’ve had this one! He should’ve had Jey! Priest and JD say it’s fine, he has nothing to apologize for. That was one loss, it happens. Finn’s still The Prince, they will rise. And JD says Finn wasn’t even 100% after that “big dope,” Braun Strowman stormed out there. Yeah, that big lug needs to be taken care of. Priest says he will be. In fact, it’ll be taken care of by JD. JD is a little surprised to hear that, and then Dom walks in, with Carlito? Priest stops Dom before he starts and says it’s actually good Carlito is here. Because one year ago, Carlito cost Priest his moment in Puerto Rico and will never forget it!
Now, Priest doesn’t know what’s going on with Carlito and Rey, but if Carlito’s looking for new friends, it ain’t here. Carlito says look, that’s the past. This is Judgment Day! They rule Raw! And that’s cool! Priest doesn’t budge, so Carlito says he needs some help. And it seems Judgment Day needs some help, too. Y’know how it goes: you scratch his back, he scratches yours. Got it? Got it. Just get him outta here. Dom tells Carlito the guys will come around. They leave, and then JD asks what that was about Strowman. Is Caribbean Cool only going to get the cold shoulder? Is the Irish Ace about to get torn up by the Monster Among Men?
Chad Gable VS Bronson Reed!
Both men have missed out on the Intercontinental Championship, but most recently it was because ol’ Shorty G screwed the Colossal Aussie over! They battle it out 1v1, but will the winner be primed for another shot at Sami Zayn?
Raw returns and Bronson makes his entrance. The bell rings and Bronson runs in! Gable dodges to CHOP, but Bronson CHOPS back! The CHOPS keep going, then Gable dodges to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Bronson grabs Gable with both hands, hauls him up for a fireman’s carry, and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Gable is still in this but Bronson says he’s gonna end this! SENTON FLOPS as Gable moves! Gable storms up to waistlock!? And he GERMAN SUPLEXES Bronson!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Gable doesn’t stop, he goes up top, and DIVING HEADBUTT FLOPS! Bronson SENTONS after all!
Bronson storms back to a corner and goes up top! Fans fire up as Gable gets up after Bronson! Gable clinches to SUPER EXPLODER! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! And then here comes Sami!! He TACKLES Gable!
No Contest
Sami fires off hands on Bronson, too! The fans fire up as Sami stomps a mudhole into Bronson, then chases Gable away. Sami comes back to clothesline Bronson up and out! But then Gable returns! GERMAN SUPLEX! Gable brings down the straps and flexes, but the fans boo. Gable runs corner to corner, but Sami catches him for a CORNER EXPLODER! Sami storms to the other corner, runs back in, but Bronson grabs him first! URENAGE! And then URENAGE for Gable! Auszilla stands tall again, will he crush Sami and Gable to get the gold he wants?
In face, Bronson goes to gorilla and Pearce is there. Pearce asks what is wrong with them. Can’t they just settle things? Can’t control themselves? Bronson says he doesn’t care about Gable or Sami. He just wants the Intercontinental Championship! This is business to him. If Pearce wants control, then he knows what he has to do. Bronson storms off, will the only answer be to let them fight?
Gunther speaks.
“Tonight, I’m facing Sheamus in the first round of the King of the Ring Tournament. And I already heard that Sheamus is very concerned about putting on banger after banger. Well, I do not care about bangers. I care about being the greatest of all time. And if I need to expose Sheamus again for the weak-minded, people-pleasing person that he is, then so be it. Because he will be no obstacle for me to win the King of the Ring Tournament. Already, The General of the Ring, soon to be your King of the Ring.” Gunther is ready, but will he have to put on a banger if he wants to beat Sheamus again?
Michael Cole is in the ring.
And he formally introduces the Women’s World Champion, Becky Lynch! The fans fire up as Raw now hits the Big Time! Becky holds the title high as she joins Cole in the ring. She gets a mic to say, “The Man has come around to Hartford!” The fans cheer, she and Cole take their seats, and he congratulates her. As Women’s World Champion, and a multiple time champion at that, Becky surely understands… The fans chant for “Becky! Becky!” and she says she understands that these fans are awesome! Cole finishes by saying she understands she represents the WWE around the world, including this past weekend.
Becky & Seth were at the 150th Kentucky Derby, and Cole would like her to explain the outfit. The silver dress and the shiny saucer hat. Well, yes, being champion means representing at the biggest events possible, in the biggest hats possible. She isn’t sure, but she thought it looked good. But just what is that hat? Is it a hat? Becky says she got it on Etsy. Does it work? The fans sure think so! Cole says Becky can pull it off. But let’s talk WWE. The Draft rosters locked in, the Queen of the Ring tournament is underway, and Becky will be facing any number of the other competitors over the next few months.
So then, who are some of the Raw superstars she wants to step into the ring with? Yes, there is a newness in the air. The winds of change are slapping Becky in the face. And as she sits here holding the title, there are definitely a lot of superstars who wanna slap her in the face, and she loves it! She respects it, and she welcomes it. She came to Raw nine years ago, wanting to make a change, to be a groundbreaker. She feels that same energy in that locker room from all these new additions. Alba Fyre, former and longest reigning NXT UK Women’s Champion, which also makes her the longest reigning Women’s Champion period!
Isla Dawn, Fyre’s tag partner, is an enigma with passion. Kiana James is here, and Becky’s already been in the ring with her. Kiana is athletic, but you can’t trust her, though. But Becky would trust Lyra Valkyria. Cole likes that Becky brought Lyra up. Lyra is competing tonight in the first round of the QOTR. Lyra and Becky have an interesting history. They’re both Irish, and battled over the NXT Women’s Championship. Becky says yes, they did, and Lyra is the most gifted competitor she has been in the ring with. Lyra loves this more than anything. Plus, Lyra’s got that fighting Irish spirit, and that’s always worked out for Becky.
Cole also points out there’s the first-ever Queen of the Ring, Zelina Vega. Yes, Zelina is hungry, also has passion. Cole wants to talk this past month. It has been bittersweet: WrestleMania against Rhea Ripley, Becky had strep throat and- Yes, yes, she was sick. But she isn’t making excuses, the better woman won that night. Becky’s journey has always been about overcoming and she has done that. But that loss will haunt her, make her a better fighter, and it already has. Because two weeks later, Becky beat 14 others to become the NEW Women’s World- Wait, here comes Liv! The fans cheer as Liv also has a mic as she makes her way down.
Liv says, “Blah, blah blah, blah blah. This girl, that girl, Kentucky Derby, my hat~! And no mention of Liv?” Liv’s a little offended, as she has always been overlooked and underestimated. The fans cheer that! Liv says in case anyone forgot, she is a Ms. MITB, a former women’s champion and tag team champion! She beat Nia Jax in this ring just last week, not to mention she is the one who took out Rhea, you’re welcome! The fans are a bit more torn on that last part but they still cheer Liv. And Liv says after all that, the fact she still can’t get an ounce of respect literally blows her mind. Wanna talk talk talk? Then let’s talk about the match Becky just promised Liv.
Okay, let’s talk about it! Liv didn’t let her finish! In three weeks, Liv’s got it. It will happen at the King & Queen of the Ring event in Saudi Arabia. And Liv wants to talk about the things she’s done? Well, Liv’s never beat Becky! Liv sighs and says she’s glad Becky just brought that up. Because yeah, Liv’s never beaten Becky 1v1. And even after listing all her accomplishments, it wasn’t until just now that Liv realized what she’s been missing: purpose. And now that Liv has purpose, she knows she can finally beat Becky! Because Liv’s purpose is getting revenge on Rhea, taking everything that she loves, and becoming NEW Women’s World Champion!
Fans are still a little torn, but then DMG CTRL makes their way out here! Dakota has a mic to say, “Aw~! Look at that, Liv Morgan gets a title shot that she did absolutely nothing to earn!” But that’s fine. They’ll let Liv and Becky fight it out. Meanwhile, DMG CTRL has QOTR on lock! Iyo’s advanced, and Dakota will do the same. But they’re out here now to remind them who really runs Raw! Liv and Becky stand their ground, but then Liv bails! Liv laughs because why would she stick her neck out for The Man? But Becky still fires off forearms! That’s 3v1 so she gets mugged, but here comes Lyra!
The fans fire up as Lyra blows past Liv, gets in the ring and DECKS Kairi! Then ROCKS Lyra! Then repeat! Becky gets Dakota outta the ring, DMG CTRL regroups, and Morrigan stands tall alongside The Man! Lyra and Dakota will have it out after the break, who will step forward in the tournament?
Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.
Jackie knows Sami is all riled up, but this issue with him and Gable is getting personal, and now Bronson adds on, things are just intensifying. Where does this end? Sami says that is all true, it is all a personal issue. This should’ve been over weeks ago in Montreal, but here we are. And then there’s this personal grudge with Gable, and now a professional one with Bronson Reed. Bronson isn’t even coming after Sami, he’s after the Intercontinental title. Sami is juggling the emotional and the business side, so how does it end? There’s only one way it can: TRIPLE THREAT at King & Queen of the Ring in Saudi Arabia!
Sami’s gotten knocked down a million times, will probably be knocked down a million more. But when the pressure is on, and this title is on the line, in Saudi Arabia, his homeland, Sami will be at his best and STILL be Intercontinental Champion! The match has been made, will Sami defy the odds like he has before?
Queen of the Ring Opening Round: Lyra Valkyria VS Dakota Kai!
Raw returns and the bell rings. The two tie right up, go around, and Lyra arm-drags Dakota away! The fans rally up as the two go again. They tie up, Lyra headlocks, then hits a takeover. Dakota moves around, fights up, and powers out. Lyra rolls over, drops down, then hip tosses! Cover, TWO! We go picture in picture to plug Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes while Lyra keeps on Dakota with a facelock. Dakota fight sup, but Lyra shifts to a cravat. Lyra then headlocks, but Dakota powers up and out. We return to single picture as Lyra goes up and over, ducks under a boot, then ENZIGIRIS! Dakota gets up, but into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!
Lyra keeps focused on Dakota, brings her up again, and FISHERMAN- NO, Dakota cradle counters! TWO! Dakota bumps Lyra off buckles, then runs corner to corner, but Lyra BOOTS back! Lyra goes up and up but Dakota YANKS her down! Lyra hits buckles on the way, and Dakota goes out to get her on the apron! BOOT! Lyra flops to the floor, Dakota grins and soaks up heat, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again as both women rise up. Lyra counter punches, then fires palm strikes! Lyra windmill CHOPS, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! Lyra SOBATS, KICKS, HEADBUTTS, KICKS then HEEL KICKS! Dakota flops out of the ring but Lyra builds speed! Lyra WRECKS Dakota with a dropkick! The fans fire up and Lyra puts Dakota back in the ring. Lyra climbs a corner, to CROSSBODY! Lyra rolls off the cover but brings Dakota up, FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Dakota stays in this but Lyra stays calm. Lyra drags Dakota back up with a cravat, then fireman’s carries. But Dakota fires elbows to get free!
Dakota throws Lyra down by her hair, and says she’s smarter than that. Dakota drags Lyra up, puts her in the ropes, and then JUMP STOMPS her down! Cover, TWO!! Lyra survives and Dakota is annoyed. Dakota stalks Lyra, the fans rally up, but Dakota aims. Dakota runs Around the World, but Lyra dodges! Lyra rolls Dakota up, TWO! The ref almost gets hit, Lyra runs up to ROCK Dakota! Dakota shoves back but Lyra returns to forearm! Lyra runs, but Dakota goes Around the World! BOOT!! Cover, TWO!! Dakota is seething, but she hauls Lyra up to a fireman’s carry! DETONATOR- NO, Lyra blocks that kick to stand Dakota up!
Dakota ducks the roundhouse to SCORPION KICK! Lyra wobbles, Dakota runs up, but Lyra fireman’s carries through! NIGHTWING DRIVER!! Cover, Lyra wins!
Winner: Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall (advances to the next round)
The Morrigan turns fortunes around in an instant, and now she is moving on! But with Zoey Stark waiting in the next round, will Lyra be able to evade the Hunter and head for new heights?
Kofi Kingston speaks.
“This King of the Ring Tournament was supposed to be were Xavier ran it back. It was supposed to be where Xavier Woods made history by becoming the second-ever two-time King of the Ring. But Gunther took that away from him. Because of Gunther, Xavier Woods is unable to compete in this tournament, and to be honest, I don’t really know when he’s gonna be back. But what I do know is that if Gunther advances, then I can’t wait to face him and give him what he deserves. But first, I gotta get through one of the greatest of all time, the legend, the icon, the Hall of Famer, Rey Mysterio. Someone who I looked up to so much growing up.
“But with as much respect as I have for Rey, I gotta put him down unapologetically, as if my name was Kendrick Lamar or Drake. I have to win this tournament, for Woods. I have to become the next King of the Ring for Woods, in his name and his honor, because after all this time, after all these years, there’s three words that still ring as true now as they did then. And I think we all know what those three words are: New Day Rocks.” Kofi is ready to represent, but will he make it through the King of Lucha Libre?
King of the Ring Opening Round: Gunther w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS Sheamus!
We’ve heard from both Der Ring General and The Celtic Warrior on their epic rivalry, and now there is another chapter added here tonight. This is most certainly going to be a banger, but who comes out of it all banged up while the other punches his ticket to round two?
The bell rings and the fans fire up already as the two stare down. They circle, feel things out, then tie up. They go around, end up in a corner, but then go around and around. They end up on ropes, Gunther lets off slowly but the fans rally for Sheamus. Sheamus and Gunther reset, tie up again, and Gunther puts Sheamus in a corner. The ref counts but Gunther CHOPS! Sheamus fires a forearm! They CHOP back and forth, faster and faster, and then Gunther headlocks! But Sheamus turns that into a BIG back suplex! Sheamus fires body shots and UPPERCUTS, but Gunther CHOPS in return! The shots keep going!
The fans fire up but then Gunther headlocks again. Sheamus powers out, they RAM shoulders, but then Gunther BOOTS Sheamus down! The fans are torn while Sheamus goes to the apron. Gunther storms up, stands Sheamus up, and turns him around. Gunther wants to steal Sheamus’ move! BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN, but Sheamus blocks at three! Sheamus turns around to ROCK Gunther! Gunther hits back, they brawl with the ropes between them! Sheamus ROCKS Gunther again, and then has him in the ropes! But Gunther powers up and throws elbows! Then he LARIATS Sheamus down! Sheamus sputters as he sits up, but Gunther goes out after him!
Gunther brings Sheamus up and in, but Sheamus fights the lift! Sheamus back drops Gunther onto the apron! Gunther flops to the floor, Sheamus FLYING AX HANDLES! Sheamus shouts “FELLA~!” and the fans fire up with him while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Sheamus fires hands on Gunther! Sheamus whips, runs up, but into a BOOT! Gunther CHOPS Sheamus on the back! Sheamus falls forward, Gunther uses his legs in a NECK TWIST! Sheamus writhes but Gunther throws down elbows! Gunther KICKS Sheamus in the back, then stalks him to ropes. Gunther claws at Sheamus’ face, but the ref counts. Gunther ELBOWS Sheamus as he lets off, then he drags Sheamus back up. The fans rally but Gunther clamps on a cravat! Sheamus endures, even as Gunther cranks the neck. Sheamus goes to the mat, and we get a look at the handprint on his shoulder!
Gunther grinds the hold but the fans continue to rally. Sheamus gets that second wind and fights up to throw body shots! Sheamus is put in a corner for a CHOP! And another CHOP! But Sheamus eggs Gunther on!? Hartford fires up for it as Gunther CHOPS! And CHOPS! Sheamus fires forearm sin return! Sheamus ROCKS Gunther, whips, then runs in, but into a BOOT! Gunther swings, but into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! Gunther staggers, Sheamus scoops, but Gunther slips free to CLUB him! Gunther runs, to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Sheamus is still in this but Gunther drags him right back up.
Gunther reels Sheamus in, but Sheamus fights the lift! Sheamus fireman’s carries, to a WHITE NOISE! Cover, TWO! Gunther is still in this and Ludwig Kaiser is relieved. Gunther goes to the apron, Sheamus storms after him. Sheamus drags Gunther up, but Gunther HOTSHOTS him back! Gunther then runs, but into a scoop! POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Gunther survives and goes back to the apron, but Sheamus just storms up after him. Sheamus has Gunther against the ropes! The fans fire up for the BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes all the way to TEN, then past it to SEVENTEEN before Gunther flops over!
The fans are thunderous and Sheamus is feeling it! He beats his chest, the fans shout with him, and then Sheamus runs in! But Gunther gets around the Brogue to waistlock! Sheamus elbows free of that, runs up again, but is hung up on ropes! Sheamus still elbows Gunther away, but Kaiser traps Sheamus’ leg like Woods’ was last week! Gunther CHOPS Sheamus on the back! Gunther pulls on the leg, the ref counts, and Gunther lets off at 4. Gunther argues with the ref, allowing Kaiser to DROPKICK the leg!! The fans boo as Sheamus falls! The ref suspects something, though! The ref EJECTS Kaiser!! The fans cheer while Kaiser is furious!
Gunther is disappointed Kaiser got caught, but also smirks because the damage has been done. The ref checks on Sheamus, Sheamus refuses to let him call this, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Gunther has Sheamus’ leg in a HEEL HOOK! Sheamus CLUBS at Gunther, but he falls back, and that’s a cover! TWO, and Sheamus fires more hands on Gunther! Gunther KICKS Sheamus down, that’s a cover, TWO as Sheamus sits up! Sheamus still endures, he kicks and kicks and kicks with his free leg, and that gets Gunther to let go! Both men stand, Gunther runs up to kick the bad leg! Gunther rips the kneepad right off to then drop knee on knee! Sheamus clutches the joint but Gunther pushes him down! Another knee right on the knee! The fans boo while Gunther drags Sheamus up.
Gunther reels Sheamus in but Sheamus resists the lift! Sheamus fireman’s carries, but the bad leg won’t let him! Gunther KICKS the leg out! Gunther then brings Sheamus up, to CHOP the leg! Sheamus drops down, Gunther winds up, and Gunther runs, but into a LARIAT from Sheamus! The fans fire up again as Sheamus hobbles over. Sheamus reels Gunther in, Canadian Rack, but again the bad leg stops him! But then he KNEE CAPS Gunther!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives but Sheamus falls back to a corner. The fans rally up as hard as they can for Sheamus as he stands back up. Sheamus runs in, but the leg jams!
Gunther reels Sheamus in, GENERAL BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! But Gunther has the leg for a HALF CRAB!! Sheamus scrambles forward, ROPEBREAK! Gunther lets go, to STOMP the leg! Gunther then storms his way to a corner and climbs up! Sheamus stands and ROCKS Gunther first! And ROCKS Gunther again! Sheamus turns Gunther around, and uses the corner to help in the lift! CELTIC CROSS!! Sheamus crawls to the cover, TWO!! Gunther survives, but Sheamus is too sore to be upset. “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly rise again. Sheamus hobbles over, stands Gunther up and fires a forearm! Gunther KICKS the leg, then GERMAN SUPLEXES!
Sheamus sits up and shouts, “C’MON!!” The fans are thunderous as Sheamus rises, and he KNEE CAPS again!! Sheamus goes to the corner, runs up, BROGUE!!! But Sheamus can’t make the cover! Sheamus has to crawl over, now he has the cover, TWO!!! Gunther survives because of the delay!! The fans are losing their minds, but then Gunther hooks Sheamus with a leg to get that leg! HALF CRAB!! Sheamus endures, reaches out, fights forward, but Gunther drags him away! HALF CRAB and it’s deep!!! But Sheamus is still reaching out! Hartford is trying their hardest, too, but Sheamus taps! Gunther wins!!
Winner: Gunther, by submission (advances to the next round)
Hartford feels robbed! Kaiser played a part in Gunther’s victory to ensure Sheamus lost! Will Imperium do it all again in the quarterfinals? Or will the winner of Kofi VS Rey make sure justice is served?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw to not just follow an awesome Backlash, but to get things going for King & Queen of the Ring. A bit of a shame that they couldn’t do ALL eight matches here tonight, leaving Shayna VS Zelina and Kofi VS Rey for a house show coming up. That’s nice for the people at the coming live event but kinda lame for everyone else who would’ve watched it on TV. But great promo from Kofi to help us understand that Woods is out of action and Kofi must now avenge him. As such, I figured Gunther would win against Sheamus, but it feels a bit booty for it to be because Kaiser helped out. I suppose that keeps Sheamus strong in the loss in case Sheamus aims for the Intercontinental Championship, the one thing he still hasn’t had.
Really good match from Ivy VS Zoey, good win for Zoey. Great match from Iyo VS Natty, and great win for Iyo. A shame that Asuka is hurt, but Lyra VS Dakota was still a great match. Dakota taking the loss was probably better in the end, Lyra getting a win over Asuka might’ve been a bit much too soon. The interview promo segment with Becky was a bit lacking, even with them poking fun at Becky’s Kentucky Derby outfit. But then Liv showed up and livened things up, no pun intended. Good Heel move in ditching Becky, leaving Lyra to of course make the save to also segue into the match. Becky VS Liv for Saudi Arabia is going to be awesome, and I feel if Liv wins, it’s because she cheats.
Another funny promo from Awesome Truth, and Bron even had a good part as he of course plays entitled new kid on the block. Good promo from Ricochet and with Braun making a surprise appearance. Ricochet VS Dragunov was awesome stuff, perhaps match of the night. Ricochet is Speed Champion so it’s not like he had to win here. Also if you can’t tell, I haven’t been covering WWE Speed because it’s on Twitter/X instead of other, better social media. Dragunov got an awesome win off Ricochet here, there is a very good chance Dragunov meets Gunther in the Raw bracket finals before going to KQOTR.
Good detail during Punk walking to the ring to give us Gable being mean Gable again. Really good start of a match with Gable and Bronson, and naturally Sami got involved to return the favor from Gable’s attack. And naturally, this brings about a Triple Threat. Bronson stood tall tonight because logically, why wouldn’t he? He’s big, mean, and so far his emotions haven’t been a liability like it has with Gable and Sami. He’s laser focused, and if it wasn’t for the match being in Saudi Arabia, I’d think he’d win the title because Sami and Gable cost each other. Instead, this might be more like the other Triple Threats we’ve seen so far (Logan VS Randy VS Kevin, and Bayley VS Naomi VS Tiffany) where the champion manages to find the opening and retain the title.
And very good intertwining of stories again as McIntyre’s story with Punk sidetracks him again and then Judgment Day still gets hit with payback as Jey Uso gets in the tournament. Great match from Finn VS Jey, and real good promo from Judgment Day with Carlito backstage. I think Dom just needs to admit that he wants to do like LWO Wolfpac or something with other Latino wrestlers going into a new rivalry with Rey. It’s also funny that Priest is sending tiny JD against Braun Strowman, knowing JD is gonna get eaten alive. And then CM Punk had a great promo to again tear into McIntyre, though he was definitely stretching just a little bit to make it to six minutes or so. And honestly, why not find a way to stretch this to Clash at the Castle Glasgow in June to really get the crowd all hot.
My Score: 8.8/10
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