The WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships are back on Raw, but will they return to Raw?

Natalya & Tamina won the WWE Women’s Tag titles on SmackDown, but they might lose them on a Raw! Will their reign last more than 10 days?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods; inconclusive.
• Beat the Clock Challenge: Rhea Ripley VS Nikki Cross; Cross wins.
• Asuka VS Charlotte Flair; Charlotte wins.
• Shelton Benjamin VS Cedric Alexander; Alexander wins.
• Matt Riddle VS Xavier Woods; Riddle wins.
• AJ Styles VS Jaxson Ryker; Ryker wins.
• Sheamus VS Humberto Carrillo; Sheamus wins.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Natalya & Tamina VS Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax w/ Reginald; Natalya & Tamina win and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw opens with MVP in the ring!

Montel Vontavius Porter says it is his honor to present to us the Chief Hurt Officer, the All Mighty WWE World Champion, Bobby Lashley! Lashley makes his entrance, accompanied by a new assortment of lovely ladies. The ladies go with Lashley to the ring, and a recap package of last week plays to remind us that it was Drew McIntyre who ruined the celebration at that time. MVP’s open challenge for a match with Lashley was open to anyone not named McIntyre or Braun Strowman. But Kofi Kingston stepped up, only for MVP to correct our assumptions by saying he never said it was a title match. It was still a title caliber showdown, and to get back at MVP, McIntyre helped Kofi get the win!

Back in the present, Lashley’s ladies boo mean ol’ McIntyre and MVP says that they need an energy change. “Can we please have an explosive round of applause for our WWE Champion, the All Mighty, Bobby Lashley?” The ladies oblige and cheer Lashley on. MVP says it is exciting tonight, Lashley looks handsome and the ladies are here. He has exciting news, too! Not only is the champion here, but in July, WWE is leaving the ThunderDome and getting back on the road to be at an arena near you so you can see the WWE Champion up close and personal! The ladies love that, too. Lashley says life is good. As it should be.

But sadly, there is a perennial dark cloud, in the form of that “petty, bitter, crass” Drew McIntyre. We already know how the ladies feel, but Lashley, put your feelings to word. Lashley beat McIntyre at WrestleMania 37. He beat McIntyre AND Braun at #WrestleManiaBacklash. So if it was up to Lashley, that’s a no go for McIntyre. No more Drew. Done with him! And they tried to move on, they really did. They offered a gracious open challenge to anyone with the courage to step up. And to MVP’s surprise, that scrawny, dreadlocked cartoon character, Kofi Kingston, thinks just because he was once a world champion means he could face Bobby Lashley.

And again, the dark cloud, Drew McIntyre- Shows up NOW! McIntyre has a mic to say they shouldn’t look so surprised. We all knew he was going to walk out here eventually because they’re business is his business, and his business is getting the world title back. Oh here we go again. McIntyre says if it wasn’t for MVP, he would’ve won at Mania. If it wasn’t for Braun, McIntyre would’ve won at Backlash. So he wants his 1v1 rematch, and he knows Lashley wants it, too! McIntyre knows what kind of competitor Lashley is. Lashley wants to prove without a doubt that he is the NUMBER ONE on Raw.

But then again, McIntyre could be wrong. Maybe deep down, Lashley knows he can’t measure up to McIntyre! Maybe just maybe, the All Mighty doesn’t have the BALLS! McIntyre will check: Ladies, does he have balls? MVP wants to speak but McIntyre cuts him off by saying Lashley did just lose to Kofi. Lashley didn’t lose to Kofi, McIntyre hit him with a cane! But what’s really pathetic and desperate is that McIntyre had to go to those measures to get a win off Lashley! MVP says that’s the truth. McIntyre only hears excuses. But it’s a New Day, yes it is! Here come Kofi and Xavier Woods!

“Boys, boys, boys…” They’re making great points, they really are. Things move around fast on Raw but let’s not breeze by how last week, Kofi Kingston pinned the WWE Champion, Bobby Lashley! And he’ll say it again for those who didn’t hear him! Kofi Kingston pinned the WWE Champion, Bobby Lashley, BAAAAABYYYYYYY~! Lashley asks Kofi if he thanked McIntyre for that one. McIntyre says “You’re welcome,” but Kofi pretends not to hear anything. What did he say? What did he say? It seems like McIntyre is insinuating that Kofi wouldn’t have won without him. No that’s what you’re saying. Kofi didn’t ask McIntyre to get in his corner, that’s just for ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~!

Kofi doesn’t need McIntyre’s help, but he answered the open challenge because he never got his rematch for the WWE title! And McIntyre knows all about those since he gets rematch after rematch after rematch etc., Kofi wants McIntyre to step his ass aside so he can do what McIntyre hasn’t done in months, and that is pin Bobby Lashley. For once, MVP and Lashley agree with Kofi. McIntyre says Kofi could’ve done it all by himself, but he didn’t. But here comes Adam Pearce! He’s hearing all this and it all makes sense, but there’s an easy way to settle this! Kofi Kingston VS Drew McIntyre, winner moves on to face Bobby Lashley at Hell in a Cell!

MVP likes that idea! That’s a brilliant idea! Ladies, we’ll go to the VIP Lounge on stage and watch this up close and personal! Lashley likes that idea, too! Will McIntyre blow apart #KofiMania2 with a Claymore tonight? Or will there be Trouble in Paradise?

Braun Strowman speaks.

“All aboard the Strowman Express. The WWE is coming home, and the next stop is Texas. I am your Conductor of Destruction, the Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman, and I can’t wait to get back to competing on the road, and anyone that gets in my way is gonna get these hands!”

WWE World Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Drew McIntyre VS Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods!

Raw returns and the VIP Lounge is indeed set up right on stage, so that Lashley, MVP and the ladies can all relax and watch the match. The bell rings, McIntyre and Kofi circle, and they tie up. McIntyre powers Kofi to a corner, lets off with a pie face, but Kofi keeps cool. They tie up again, McIntyre shoves Kofi to the corner, and then smirks as he waits on Kofi to come back. The two go again, knuckle locks, Kofi kicks a hand and gets a headlock. McIntyre powers up, Kofi shifts to clinch the arms, then get into a waistlock. McIntyre wrenches free and wristlocks to then YANK the arm. Kofi rolls, flips and handsprings to wrench back!

McIntyre powers out, runs Kofi over, and looms over him. McIntyre speeds things up but Kofi hurdles and hurdles to leap, into a waistlock and SLAM! McIntyre stalks Kofi to a corner now, brings him back up, and DECKS him with a right hand! Kofi shakes out the stars floating around his head but McIntyre dead lift suplexes! Kofi knees free and dropkicks back! McIntyre stays up but runs into a waistlock! Kofi holds on and gets a Russian Leg Sweep! Kofi rebounds off ropes to SPLASH! Cover, ONE!! Lashley cheers somewhat sarcastically as Kofi gets McIntyre up. McIntyre blocks the Penalty Kick to CHOP back!

McIntyre has Kofi in a corner, brings him out and CHOPS him off his feet! McIntyre paces while even Woods winces from that shot. McIntyre stomps Kofi’s hand! McIntyre gets Kofi up, reels him in and gets Kofi up, but Kofi counters the bomb to RANA McIntyre out of the ring! Woods mockingly asks if McIntyre’s alright, and then Kofi PLANCHAS! Direct hit and MVP pretends to be impressed. Woods gets the “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” rhythm going but McIntyre whips Kofi. Kofi leaps over the steps, comes back to hop on and he throws hands! McIntyre blocks the Poison-Rana to APRON INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM! McIntyre refreshes the count, talks trash to Lashley, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, McIntyre CLUBS and CHOPS Kofi in corners, but Kofi hits back! McIntyre rains down furious fists, then snap suplexes! Cover, TWO! McIntyre keeps his eyes on Kofi as he stalks him to another corner. McIntyre gets Kofi up, then ROCKS him with a right! Kofi ends up in the ropes and McIntyre pulls him back against them with a chinlock! The ref counts, McIntyre lets off at 4, then gets Kofi in a corner for an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Kofi flies across the ring and Lashley might actually be impressed. McIntyre kicks Kofi out of the ring, goes out after him, and brings Kofi up to scoop for a SNAKE EYES off the barriers!

McIntyre puts Kofi back in the ring, stomps him down, and brings him around for another dead lift suplex! McIntyre holds Kofi up for a count of 10, points at Lashley and then SLAMS Kofi down! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives but McIntyre is right on him with an armlock and chinbar! Kofi endures as McIntyre grinds him down, and MVP leads the ladies in a rallying clap for Kofi. Kofi gets up, throws hands and gets free! McIntyre kicks low, whips him to a corner, but Kofi goes up and up and missile dropkicks! Both men are down and the ThunderDome fans fire up! Kofi CHOPS McIntyre, and CHOPS again! Kofi dropkicks but McIntyre stays up!

Kofi runs, McIntyre dodges but Kofi swings around the clothesline to get a GUILLOTINE! McIntyre powers through to SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Kofi survives, MVP says it was that close. McIntyre is a bit annoyed, but he TOSSES Kofi to a corner. Kofi STOMPS McIntyre down in return! Cover, TWO! Woods coaches Kofi as he gets back up. Kofi gets McIntyre up, throws forearms and stomps, then rams in his shoulder! Kofi whips corner to corner but McIntyre reverses. Kofi slips out to swing kick back! Kofi climbs, but McIntyre intercepts with haymakers! McIntyre climbs up to join Kofi, gets him up, but Kofi fights back! Kofi headbutts McIntyre down!

McIntyre staggers to his feet, Kofi leaps for a CROSSBODY! But McIntyre rolls through, pops Kofi up, and hits a MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Kofi survives and even Lashley is surprised! McIntyre glares at Lashley, tells him this is it, but Lashley gets upset and throws his jacket off! Lashley storms his way to the ring but MVP tells him to let it resolve! McIntyre is just trying to get on Lashley’s nerves! Lashley gets to the edge of the ramp as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and McIntyre rains down hands on Kofi! Kofi elbows back but McIntyre copies Sheamus with Beats of the Bodhrain before getting Kofi up! SUPER BACK SUPLEX!! Both men are down and now Lashley is ringside with MVP to watch. Cover, TWO!! Kofi survives again and McIntyre is at a loss for words, as it were. McIntyre sits Kofi up, but Kofi hits back with haymakers! McIntyre throws hands, Kofi throws body shots, but McIntyre CLUBS Kofi! Kofi throws more body shots but McIntyre CLUBS him more and more! Double underhooks, but the Future Shock is made into a jackknife! TWO, and McIntyre SPINEBUSTERS to his own jackknife, TWO!!

McIntyre dead lifts Kofi for a POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre is beside himself but Woods fires up for Kofi! McIntyre gets up, Kofi slowly goes to the ropes, and McIntyre is right behind him. McIntyre turns Kofi around to whip to ropes, scoop, but Kofi tilt-o-whirls free! Kofi baits McIntyre into a corner and POSTS him! MVP mockingly asks if McIntyre is alright. Kofi goes to the apron, gets to the corner and slowly climbs to the top rope. Kofi aims, leaps, STANDING FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives and MVP is a bit surprised. Kofi grits his teeth as he goes to the ropes. Kofi staggers over, McIntyre shoves him but Kofi tosses him out of the ring!

McIntyre staggers back up, sees Lashley in front of him, but turns around into Kofi’s SUPER TRUST FALL! It’s dominos as McIntyre tumbles into Lashley and Lashley falls out of his chair! Kofi puts McIntyre in, follows after, and gets McIntyre for an SOS!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre survives but Lashley and MVP get in! They both attack McIntyre and Lashley! Woods gets in to get MVP off Kofi but Lashley CLOBBERS Woods! Kofi hits Lashley with a TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Lashley staggers back up into a CLAYMORE!! McIntyre is snarling, but MVP gets Lashley away! With simultaneous attacks, who wins by disqualification!?

Rhea Ripley confronts Charlotte Flair backstage.

She wishes The Queen luck in her match tonight, which she’ll need since she’ll lose to Asuka again. Charlotte says it is so obvious how Rhea is jealous of her. Her trying to get in Charlotte’s head is a sign of how threatened she is by Charlotte’s presence. Rhea wants to be just like Charlotte, the most decorated and most feared woman in WWE history, as a 13-time champion. So deal with it, as it will be Charlotte’s beautiful face she sees inside Hell in a Cell. Actually, Nikki Cross says she could beat both of them! In fact, how about Nikki take on one of them tonight? If Charlotte didn’t have a match with Asuka, she’d beat Nikki in under two minutes. But she’s not even worth Charlotte’s time.

Rhea says people don’t pretend to despise Charlotte, they really don’t like her. And it’s because she talks like that to others. Then maybe Rhea should beat Nikki in under two minutes. Rhea would be happy to. Challenge accepted! Will crazy Cross shock us all against the Raw Women’s Champion? We find out NEXT!

Beat the Clock Challenge: Rhea Ripley VS Nikki Cross!

The Nightmare wants to lead by BRUTALITY, but can she beat a former Women’s Tag Team Champion in 120 seconds or less?

Raw returns, Nikki makes her entrance, and the bell rings to start the two minute countdown. Nikki rushes Rhea but Rhea shoves her down with one hand! Rhea smirks and says the clock is ticking. Nikki gets up, rushes Rhea again and gets a leg. Rhea JAMS Nikki, brushes her leg off, and keeps egging Nikki on. Nikki rushes Rhea, Rhea catches the crossbody, and pops Nikki around, but Nikki slips off! Nikki ROCKS Rhea, but Rhea gets mad. Nikki runs into Rhea’s hands but Nikki jawbreakers free! Nikki goes up top, leaps and CROSSBODEIS! Cover, TWO!! Rhea narrowly escapes but Nikki fires up! Nikki runs in to SPLASH and BULL= NO! Rhea shoves free to DROPKICK Nikki down!

Rhea snarls, gets Nikki up and throws hands! Rhea keeps Nikki cornered, RAMS Nikki into the corner, but lets off to bring Nikki around to bump her off buckles! Rhea fires off hands again and again but we’re under 10 seconds!! TIME RUNS OUT!!

Winner: Nikki Cross by timeout

Did Rhea forget SHE had to win in two minutes or less?! Nikki celebrates her big return win, but here comes Charlotte! The Cruel(la) Queen struts her way down the ramp, has her pyro, and Nikki says neener neener! Charlotte laughs because that’s what Rhea was doing to her last week. But will Charlotte make up for her loss last week in yet another battle with the Empress of Tomorrow?

Damian Priest speaks.

The Archer of Infamy introduces himself in Spanish, then in English, he lets us know that the WWE is heading on the road, and to Texas, and you can come see why he will #LifeForever in person.

Kofi and McIntyre both barge into Adam Pearce’s office.

They both demand he do something about what Lashley and MVP did, but he is just as mad as they are! Then look it! He has a solution: rematch, nothing changes. Winner goes on to HIAC! It’s official! Kofi’s good with that, but keep MVP and Lashley away. Then he’ll have no problem beating McIntyre, and beating Lashley again. Well everyone knows McIntyre is willing to go through everyone, and that includes Kofi. Will we get a fair and square finish to Kofi VS McIntyre on Memorial Monday Night Raw?

Asuka VS Charlotte Flair!

Raw returns again, and Asuka makes her entrance! Will she make sure history repeats itself in another win over The Queen?

The bell rings and the two stare down. They slowly circle, tie up, and go around. Charlotte drags Asuka down but Asuka fights back up to throw Charlotte down. Charlotte gets back up, uses leverage to grind Asuka down and get her to a corner. The ref counts, Charlotte lets off and Asuka avoids the sucker punch! Charlotte avoids the heel kick, but Asuka stares her down as they reset. They tie up again, Charlotte waistlocks but Asuka pries free to wrench and switch. Charlotte drop toeholds, floats to a facleock, but Asuka slips around to a hammerlock. Charlotte goes back to a corner and Asuka says it was that close!

The two reset again, Charlotte goes for a leg but Asuka knows that and blocks. Asuka wrenches, wristlocks, but Charlotte rolls and monkey flips! Asuka gets up fast and comes right back, but into a sweep! Cover, ONE, and Charlotte puts on the headscissor squeeze! Asuka endures, but Charlotte turns Asuka over to THROW her! Charlotte holds on, throw but Asuka pops out this time! Asuka mule kicks, catches her breath, and brings Charlotte to a corner. Charlotte blocks a buckle bump, but so does Asuka! Asuka gets the buckle bump this time, and another! Asuka whips Charlotte to ropes, Charlotte holds the ropes but Asuka HIP ATTACKS! Asuka runs, but Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS!

Charlotte stomps away on the leg! The ref has her let off so he can check on Asuka. Charlotte goes after the leg again, brings Asuka to ropes and then through ropes to have a HANGING KNEEBAR! Asuka shouts, Charlotte lets go as the ref counts, and Charlotte lets out a “WOO~!” while she soaks up heat. Charlotte stalks Asuka, gets the leg and has a standing toehold! Charlotte tortures Asuka’s foot, but Asuka endures and keeps her shoulders up. Asuka rolls but Charlotte SMASHES the knee into the mat! Charlotte now has an ANKLE LOCK! Asuka endures all over again, fights up and rolls to send Charlotte into ropes!

Charlotte tumbles out, Asuka goes to the apron, and leaps, but Charlotte dodges the flying hip attack! Charlotte gets Asuka up and brings her to steps, SHIN BREAKER on steel! Asuka writhes while Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once again and Charlotte kicks Asuka around the ropes! Charlotte is after the leg and has it on ropes, to then drop a knee on the knee! Asuka writhes and flounders, but Charlotte has her at the ropes again. Charlotte puts the leg back on ropes to wrap it around and pull! The ref counts, Charlotte lets off with a dropkick to the leg! Cover, TWO!! Asuka toughs it out and crawls to a corner, but Charlotte drags her around for a toehold! Charlotte even digs a forearm into Asuka’s face! Asuka hits back but Charlotte CLUBS her down! And again! Asuka uses her good leg to pry free but Charlotte gets both legs for a BOSTON CRAB!

Asuka endures, crawls, reaches, but slips through to victory roll! TWO!! Charlotte gets up, blocks a kick and CLUBS the leg! Asuka uses the other leg to get an ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Charlotte flails, clasps hands, and reaches for ropes with her legs! Asuka shifts around to an ASUKA LOCK, but Charlotte ropes into the ROPEBREAK! Asuka lets go and KICKS Charlotte in the back! And again! Asuka runs, but the hip attack is caught for a SHIN BREAKER! Asuka falls in a heap, clutching the bad leg! Charlotte stalks Asuka, and stomps away on the bad leg! Charlotte gets Asuka up to the top rope and drags her into the Tree of Woe! Charlotte climbs to stand on the bad leg and stomp it!

The ref counts, Asuka falls out of the Tree at 4, and Charlotte adjusts to MOONSAULT! Asuka moves and gets a GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down and fans rally on their screens! Charlotte goes to a corner, Asuka gets the bad leg moving and runs to HIP ATTACK! And KICK! And waistlock! Charlotte elbows free, but walks into a POP-UP KNEE! BACK HAND! HEEL KICK! Asuka aims, runs, BASEMENT HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Asuka is too tired to be frustrated, and she gets her leg going. She avoids Charlotte’s shoulder from the apron but not the HOTSHOT! Charlotte gets in to refresh the count and gets Asuka to a corner! Charlotte SLAMS the leg against post!

Charlotte goes for another but Asuka YANKS her into the post! Asuka hits a SLIDING KNEE from the apron! Charlotte goes to the desk, Asuka hurries over, but Charlotte THROWS Asuka into the desk! Both women are down on the outside as Raw goes to another break!

Raw returns again, and Charlotte CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Asuka dodges, blocks the boot and hits a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! But Asuka has the ARMBAR!! Charlotte hurries to clasp hands again but Asuka rolls her to the ASUKA LOCK!! Charlotte turns over to avoid the full extension, then gets up to RAM Asuka into buckles! Asuka holds on and thrashes Charlotte around! Charlotte goes to ropes and they tumble to the apron! Asuka lets go and falls to the floor! Charlotte kicks Asuka from the floor, and then gets up. The ring count is 5 of 10, then 6 as Asuka and Charlotte get in. Charlotte and Asuka glare at each other, then throw forearms from the mat!

Asuka and Charlotte brawl as they stand back up! Asuka fires off palm strikes, but Charlotte ducks the back hand! BOOT FEINT ELBOW! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte is shocked that El Idolo’s move didn’t hep! Charlotte drags Asuka around by a leg, puts the leg on the ropes and drops down on it! And then again! Asuka dodges that to roll up and BUZZSAW! Charlotte staggers while Asuka fires up! Asuka runs corner to corner but only gets buckles! Asuka boots back, but Charlotte puts Asuka in the ropes for a DRAPING BACKBREAKER! Charlotte scowls while Asuka is in a drop zone. Charlotte climbs up top, MOONSAULT but she again has to land on her feet!

STANDING MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Another shout out to Almas but Charlotte is furious! “I’ve already beaten Asuka!!” She doesn’t understand why this is so much harder! Charlotte gets the leg, but Asuka makes it a cradle! Charlotte scrambles free, but into the ASUKA LOCK! Charlotte rolls back to a cover, CHARLOTTE WINS!!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by pinfall

Another instant classic ends in the blink of an eye! Asuka’s bad leg was Charlotte’s ace in the hole! Will the Queen use this as the win that takes her back to the throne?

Lashley and MVP still live it up backstage.

The ladies pamper Lashley but a staffer walks in. MVP makes sure he addresses Lashley as The All Mighty as he tells Lashley that Pearce wants to talk to him. Lashley grumbles, but he reluctantly leaves to attend to business. Will this have anything to do with next week’s rematch of Kofi and McIntyre?

Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke speak.

They’re both so thrilled to be back on the road! It’s been way too long since they’ve been able to jam out to their favorite songs in the car. But Dana misses performing in front of fans the most. Luckily, WWE will be back home before you know it. Then everyone can flex with them in Texas!

Lashley and MVP meet with Pearce.

This better be quick, the All Mighty has some “extracurricular activities” to get back to. Pearce asks them what happened out there. Is this the kind of WWE Champion wants to represent Raw? Lashley says he is the ONLY one who can represent Raw! Does Pearce think McIntyre or Kofi can do as well as WWE Champion? This was to help Pearce! Well let’s see how long that lasts. They’ve surely heard about the rematch Pearce made for next week. They might like that, but they won’t like this: If either of them are even seen ringside, they will be SUSPENDED for 90 DAYS, and without pay! And that’s a whole lot of money for them!

MVP has Lashley stay calm and save it for HIAC. Will this ringside ban be enough to keep Kofi VS McIntyre fair and square?

Shelton Benjamin VS Cedric Alexander!

The Gold Standard is looking to build a win streak, but #PRIME wants to prove he was right all along! Alexander has a mic to taunt Benjamin. He knows Benjamin wants after him but just hold on. Before they get started, Alexander has to get something off his chest. “We had something, man. We were the Raw Tag Team Champions! We were part of The Hurt Business, the best thing in WWE for the past year!” Alexander wants Benjamin to remember when MVP took them in and took them from being obscure nobodies to the to top of the mountain! But then they got kicked out and why is that?! LOOK AT HIM, SHELTON!

The reason is because Shelton is washed up! Alexander is why Shelton was champion again! When they got kicked out, they kicked SHELTON out, and Alexander was collateral damage! But Alexander has years left to make up for that. He’s young, fresh and in his PRIME. But what about Benjamin? How many years does he have left? How many chances was he given? What does Benjamin have to show for his hard work? A couple weeks ago, Benjamin got lucky! Yay for Shelton~! Benjamin is getting impatient as Alexander says this will be different. Alexander learns and evolves. Tonight ends with Alexander’s hand being raised! This is the last time we see Shelton, because Alexander will make him gone for good!

Alexander finally gets in the ring, the bell sounds and Alexander bails out! Benjamin is furious but Alexander is trolling him as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Benjamin finally has Alexander in the ring and fires off hands! Benjamin whips Alexander corner to corner hard! Alexander staggers into haymakers! Benjamin has Alexander in a corner, whips him to ropes, and then CLOBBERS him with a shoulder! Alexander flounders, goes to a corner, and begs for mercy. Benjamin drags Alexander up but Alexander throws body shots. Benjamin ROCKS Alexander, stomps him, and brings him out. Alexander fires off hands, runs but into a back elbow! Alexander flounders again and Benjamin dares him to run his mouth now. Benjamin stomps Alexander at the ropes, drags him up, and throws him out!

Benjamin goes out after Alexander, stomps him against barriers, then gets him up to whip him hard into barriers! Alexander writhes, Benjamin gets Alexander up and puts him back in, and stalks Alexander to ropes. Benjamin drags Alexander up, scoops him but Alexander slips out. Alexander dumps Benjamin out, but Benjamin skins the cat! Benjamin swings, Alexander dodges and mule kicks! Alexander handsprings but no Neuralizer! Benjamin shoves, clinches, but Alexander holds ropes! The ref counts, Benjamin lets go and Alexander KICKS him back! Alexander climbs, Benjamin ROCKS him with a right!

Benjamin headbutts Alexander then climbs up! Benjamin fireman’s carries Alexander, but Alexander fights back! Alexander shifts to SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO! Alexander is furious that Benjamin survives! Alexander rains down furious fists then CHOKES Benjamin! The ref counts, Alexander lets off and KICKS Benjamin in the back! Alexander drops down, headlocks and traps an arm to fire off more fists! Alexander grinds Benjamin while talking trash, but Benjamin endures. Benjamin fights up, throws body shots, then haymakers! Alexander uses the ropes to spring and KNEE! Dropkick, cover, TWO!

Alexander pushes Benjamin around, drives elbows into the ribs and back, then clamps on with a head-and-arm lock. Benjamin endures as Alexander grinds him down. Benjamin fights up but Alexander KICKS him! And KICKS! And talks trash as he KICKS Benjamin more! “Gold Standard, huh!?” Benjamin gets mad and Alexander just keeps taunting him! Benjamin stands, scares Alexander with that glare, then CLOBBERS him!! Benjamin throws hands on Alexander in a corner, whips him corner to corner and hits a clothesline! Benjamin then gets Alexander up for a SPINEBUSTER! Benjamin fires up and the ThunderDome fires up with him!

Alexander staggers up, but avoids Pay Dirt to roll Benjamin! ONE, Alexander cartwheels and blocks a kick, but gets the DRAGON WHIP! Both men are down but Alexander flounders away. Benjamin stalks behind Alexander, gets a leg, but Alexander desperately holds the ropes. Benjamin gets Alexander up, waistlocks and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Benjamin holds on and drags Alexander back up, but Alexander throws elbows. It doesn’t work, GERMAN SUPLEX! Benjamin keeps hold again, Alexander throws more elbows and is free this time. Alexander runs but Benjamin reels him in for an O’Conner Roll! No Chaos Theory as Alexander thumbs Benjamin in the eye! NEURALIZER! Cover, Alexander wins!!

Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall

Alexander shouts, “I told you!!” Alexander wins through some underhanded tactics, but will that matter in the long run? Or will Benjamin still be a survivor and find a way to turn things around?

John Morrison speaks.

“The most moist-see superstar in the WWE, America’s Moist Wanted, the man who is all thrills and no frills, Johnny Drip Drip” is back on the road in front of all the fans! Don’t forget your ponchos, amigos, cuz you’re gonna be in the splash zone!

Matt Riddle VS Xavier Woods!

Bro… You ever have friends who don’t like each other but you try and get them to get along but then it totally blows up in your face? And then you end up taking one friend’s side and get angry at the other? That’s kinda what Riddle is dealing with right now. Can he and Woods still be bros after coming to blows in the ring? Or will Riddle only be rolling with The Viper from now on?

Raw returns as Woods makes his entrance sans Kofi. This will be a true 1v1 and that’s the way Riddle likes it. He also likes the trombone playing Woods does. But things get serious as the bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Riddle powers Woods to a corner but Woods turns it around. Riddle turns it back around but so does Woods. The ref has them separate, and the two grin and go again. Riddle powers Woods to the corner, the trombone falls, and Riddle clinches with Woods. They fight for control., Riddle throws Woods down but Woods gets up. Woods puts Riddle in a corner, the ref calls for another ropebreak, and Woods lets off.

Riddle and Woods go again, collar ‘n’ elbow, and Woods waistlocks. Riddle pries free and wrenches an arm but Woods uses a chinbar to get a facelock. They roll, Riddle pops out and has a body scissors! Woods gets a ropebreak with his foot, and Riddle lets him free of the Bromission. The two go again, Woods shoots in to get legs but Riddle makes that a body scissor and GUILLOTINE! Woods pops free, tries to get Riddle down, but Riddle has a triangle hold! Woods again has a foot for the ropebreak, and Riddle lets off again. This is definitely a case of chess in the ring, but Riddle gets a gut wrench suplex! And another!

Woods goes to a corner, Riddle is laser focused as he runs in! Woods dodges, Riddle goes up but Woods SHORYUKENS! Woods gets Riddle for an ELEVATED SUPLEX! Cover, ONE!! Riddle survives that miscalculation but Woods brings him back up. Woods suplexes, slingshots and slams Riddle down, then rolls through! But Riddle wrenches, pops Woods up and gets a TRIANGLE HOLD! Woods fights free, gets to his feet and yanks Riddle up into a suplex!! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives again but is surely shocked at Woods’ own showing of strength! Woods gets Riddle up, reels him in and back suplexes but Riddle lands on his feet to ROCK Woods!

Riddle fires off forearms and kicks in a corner, but Woods CHOPS back! And throws forearms! Riddle ROCKS Woods again, Woods ROCKS Riddle back! DOUBLE CLOTHESLINES! Both men are down but fans are firing up! Woods stands first, Riddle follows, and Riddle catches Woods to headscissor him out of the ring! Riddle is on the apron, Woods staggers over so Riddle brings him up. They brawl on the apron, Riddle fires off KICKS! Woods blocks, back hands, and fireman’s carries! APRON DEATH VALLEY!! Woods is pulling out all the stops and Riddle is feeling it! Woods might have just solved Riddle as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Riddle hits a PELE on Woods! Woods ends up in a corner, Riddle hits a forearm smash! Riddle goes side-to-side, for another forearm smash! Then a BROSPLODER! Riddle runs, Woods avoids the Penalty Kick and the Standing Moonsault, then gets knees up for the Broton! Riddle writhes, stands up, and staggers into a CHOP! Woods fires off forearms and CHOPS on repeat, faster and faster, against the ropes! Woods whips, Riddle reverses but Woods ducks and dodges to tilt-o-whirl and headscissor! Riddle gets up, Woods whips then back drops! Woods hops up, leaps and SHOTGUN missile dropkicks! Woods kips up and covers, TWO!!

Woods grits his teeth, gets Riddle back up, but Riddle gets around to ripcord, FINAL FLASH! Gut wrench, but no! Woods reverses, but Riddle reverses back, and then back again! Woods RAMS Riddle into a corner and puts him in the Tree of Woe! Woods stomps Riddle, runs corner to corner and dropkicks Riddle out of the Tree! Riddle staggers up, Woods fires up and trophy lifts! GUTBUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO!! Woods doesn’t lose focus, he goes to the corner and climbs back up! But Riddle intercepts Woods with forearms! Riddle climbs, clubs Woods, but Woods knocks him down! Wood kicks from the apron, then steps in, into a FINAL FLASH!

Woods wobbles, Riddle gets him up with a DEAD LIFT SUPER GERMAN!! Cover, TWO?!? Woods lives and Riddle is in shock! Riddle drags Woods to a drop zone, goes up top, FLOATING BRO but Woods moves! Riddle rolls, into the HONOR ROLL! And a mule kick! But Riddle stops the basement DDT, tilt-o-whirl to a gut wrench! Woods slips free, CHOPS Riddle, but Riddle hits an RKO!?!? That really IS outta nowhere! Cover, Riddle wins!!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall

The Bro just invoked the power of the Viper! Is this a sign that RKBRO is inevitable?!

AJ Styles talks with Omos backstage.

We can’t hear what they’re saying, but Styles and Omos fist bump, and then Styles heads to gorilla alone! Is the Phenomenal One going to prove he can beat the Drifter’s follower without back-up?

BREAKING NEWS!

Charlotte Flair’s win over Asuka tonight has made it undeniable for management! Charlotte WILL face Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women’s Championship at Hell in a Cell! But will it be in the Cell? Or just a Nightmare between the ropes for the Queen?

AJ Styles VS Jaxson Ryker!

The Phenomenal One and his tag team partner want to prove they’re on top of the Raw Tag Division, but they’re going one partner at a time. Styles beat the Drifter, but what about the follower in Jaxson Ryker?

In a surprising move, Ryker enters without Elias! This is truly 1v1 as the bell rings, but Ryker runs right into a dropkick! Styles runs and hits a clothesline in a corner, then fireman’s carries for an USHOGOROSHI! Cover, TWO!! Ryker survives but Styles gets him up. Ryker RAMS Styles into a corner! Ryker ROCKS Styles, Styles BOOTS Ryker! Styles runs but into Ryker’s DOUBLE AX HANDLE! Ryker gets Styles up, suplexes, slingshot and TOSS! Cover, TWO! Ryker keeps on Styles, talks some trash, but Styles KICKS a leg! Ryker gets Styles up for a BEARHUG! Styles endures as Ryker squeezes tight! Styles throws elbow after elbow but Ryker CLUBS him down!

Ryker slingshot suplexes again but Styles lands on his feet! Styles puts Ryker outside, builds speed, and WRECKS Ryker with a dropkick! Styles gets Ryker up and in the ring, but ELIAS attacks outta nowhere! The Sympho-Knee was like the hidden bonus track nobody wanted! Styles stumbles into the ring, and into Ryker’s SCRAPBUSTER! Cover, RYKER WINS!!

Winner: Jaxson Ryker, by pinfall

The follower just pinned a GRAND SLAM CHAMPION! But Omos rushes out and he finds Elias hiding! Omos drags him up, TOSSES him, then chases Elias and Ryker up the ramp! Elias stumbles, and gets BODIED into the LED screens!! Ryker ran, not even waiting for his mostly-fearless leader! Omos goes back to check on Styles, and someone might need to check on Elias! Will Omos and Styles make Ryker and Elias for playing games?

Jeff Hardy speaks.

“Man, it feels like a millennium since I heard the roar of our crowd. I’m ready to traverse the universe and reignite the fire within everyone!” WWE won’t just show up, they’ll take it to the extreme with “HARDY! HARDY! HARDY!”

Sheamus VS Humberto Carrillo!

The Fella is ready to settle the fight that never truly finished with the young superstar. Will Sheamus make Carrillo regret coming back for more? Or will this finally be the night Carrillo earns his title shot?

Raw returns as Carrillo makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Sheamus kicks low, CLUBS Carrillo down then throws him out of the ring. They brawl outside the ring now and Sheamus RAMS Carrillo into barriers! Sheamus puts Carrillo in, Carrillo hits back! Carrillo fires off hands, Sheamus kicks low and Sheamus reels Carrillo in for a LARIAT! “You should’ve stayed at home, fella!” Sheamus throws body shots in the corner, then some knees and then CLUBBING forearms! Carrillo writhes, Sheamus talks trash and gets Carrillo up for a suplex SLAM! Sheamus mockingly asks if Carrillo is alright, then he drops knees on Carrillo’s head!

Sheamus chinbars Carrillo and has an arm. Sheamus digs his forearm into Carrillo’s face and then hooks the nose! The ref reprimands, Sheamus lets off but keeps on the chinbar. Carrillo fights up, throws forearms, but runs into Sheamus’ elbow! Sheamus sits Carrillo up for beats of the Bodhrain! Sheamus lets off and tells commentary that those were for Corey Graves, in a nice way. Sheamus stomps Carrillo, talks trash again, but Carrillo SLAPS him! And again! Carrillo fires off forearms, CHOPS, and a whip! Sheamus reverses, Carrillo kicks him back! Sheamus is in the ropes and Carrillo WRECKS him with a dropkick! Carrillo builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit into the desk!

Carrillo gets Sheamus up and in, climbs up top and leaps, FLYING BACK ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Carrillo can’t believe how close he was, but he runs and is put on the apron. Carrillo ROUNDHOUSES back, gets in and wheelbarrows, to victory roll, but Sheamus sits on it! Sheamus holds tights in the cover! Sheamus wins!

Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall

Sheamus goes after Carrillo, even though he won! Scoop and SLAM, then a CLOVERLEAF! But Ricochet flies in outta nowhere with a missile dropkick! Carrillo gets up to springboard ENZIGURI! Sheamus is down, Ricochet LIONSAULTS! Carrillo is up top, he MOONSAULTS! Ricochet keeps upping the ante, SPRINGBOARD 450!! Sheamus bails out and he has two high-flyers who doesn’t stop fighting! Will one or both Ricochet and Carrillo get their golden opportunity?

Backstage interview with Nia Jax, Shayna Baszler, and Reginald.

How do they intend on recapturing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships? Well what happened last week was a fluke so it won’t happen again. Shayna says she knows exactly what happened: Nia got distracted, again, because of Reggie. Shayna, don’t be a bully! Reggie is really scared after the flame mishap. He’s seeing triple, and is having nightmares! Oooh~! Who cares!? Shayna & Nia were unstoppable before all this stuff that doesn’t matter, like Reggie. No, they still ARE unstoppable. Then let’s prove it, as JUST Shayna & Nia. Reggie says he is only trying to help.

Yes, and he can do that by staying back here. If Shayna sees Reggie ringside for another one of her matches, she’ll give him a reason to have nightmares! Will being without their sommelier help the Queen of Spades & Irresistible Force get back on track?

Eva Marie speaks.

“Along my journey, I learned that as an athlete, it’s just as important to build yourself up from the inside as much as the outside. Physical strength starts with the right mindset. The weight of the world may tear you down, but discipline and consistency will overcome weakness.” She’s learned to become her own cheerleader, and wants to do the same for others. She trains men and women all over the world to become better versions of themselves. This is the Eva-Lution.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Natalya & Tamina VS Shayna Baszler & Nia Jax w/ Reginald!

Raw returns once again, and the former champions make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and this rematch of a rematch closes out Raw!

The teams sort out, Nia and Tamina start and Reggie is watching backstage. Nia and Tamina circle, but then Nia tags out to Shayna? Shayna and Tamina circle, but then Shayna bops Natty! Natty wants in so Tamina obliges. Natty and Shayna tie up, go around, and Natalya hits a headlock takeover. Shayna headscissors, Natty kips free and they go again. Shayna wrenches the arm to a wristlock, Natty rolls and handsprings and slips through to NORTHERN LIGHTS! Cover, ONE!! Natty gets up but Shayna kicks low! Shayna headlocks, Natty powers out but Shayna runs her over. Things speed up, Natty hurdles and goes to hip toss but Shayna blocks!

Shayna tries a hip toss, Natty blocks, rolls to a cover, TWO! Ghost pin, TWO!! Natty narrowly escapes but Shayna has the hammerlock! Natty moves around, gets up, and reaches back to slip and drag Shayna down with a heel hook! Shayna fights the grip, stomps Natty, then stands to tie up the legs! Shayna is STEALING the SHARPSHOOTER! Natty powers out, and spins, but no discus! Shayna hits a judo throw, then YANKS Natty’s arm! Nia tags in, swaggers over to Natty, and drags her up. Nia clamps onto the arm, and drops a leg on it! Nia drags Natty up again, throws her into the corner and tags in Shayna.

Shayna and Nia mug Natty, Shayna wrangles Natty down with a keylock, and has the arm stuck! But wait! Is that Reggie walking down the ramp?! Shayna just told him to stay in the back! Natty gets her arm free, gets around Shayna and hits a GERMAN SUPLEX! Reggie goes to ringside and asks what happened as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once more, and Shayna has Natty’s arm in a keylock. Natty fights up, fights back, but Shayna throws her down! Cover, TWO! Shayna gets the arm right back into the keylock, but Natty endures all over again. Natty fights up, arm-drags free, but Shayna rolls to come back, into a scoop SLAM! Both women are down, crawl for their corners, hot tags to Nia and Tamina! Tamina fires off haymakers on Nia, dodges a clothesline and hits a running headbutt! Tamina uppercuts, but Nia scoops her! Tamina slips through to sunset flip, but Nia rolls through, Tamina SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!!

Reggie panics as Tamina goes to a corner. Tamina climbs, Nia ROCKS her first! Nia fireman’s carries but Tamina fights free! SUPERKICK but it’s sent into ropes! Nia rolls Tamina up, TWO!! Nia drags Tamina back up, RAMS her into the corner, and Shayna tags in! They mug Tamina, Shayna fires off hands, but the ref counts., Shayna lets off at 4, throws more shots, and Nia tags in. Shayna holds Tamina for Nia’s SPLASH! Tag back to Shayna, and she KNEES Tamina in the corner! Shayna snapmares to a cover, TWO! Shayna keeps between Tamina and Natty and kicks Tamina back to the corner. Shayna throws forearms, lets off but Tamina elbows Nia! Then ROCKS Shayna!

Shayna stays up but Tamina ROCKS her again! Shayna runs to swing on Natty! Natty avoids it, Shayna turns around into a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Hot tag to Natty! Natty gets Shayna for the catapult into the SUPERKICK!! Cover but Nia breaks it! Nia HEADBUTTS Natty! Tamina THESZ PRESSES Nia! They brawl and fall out of the ring! Reggie stays clear as Tamina ROCKS Nia! Nia shoves Tamina, Tamina runs but is DUMPED over the barriers! Shayna runs at Natty in the corner, but Natty dodges! Shayna hits buckles, Natty hits a DISCUS! Natty hurries to get the legs but Reggie distracts the ref! Shayna gets a cradle but the distraction lasts too long! TWO!!

Shayna KNEES Natty down, but he shouts at Reggie that he shouldn’t be here! She had Natty beat there! She shouts at Reggie to go away and he sheepishly obeys. But then MORE FIRE explodes at the ramp! Reggie freaks out again, Shayna turns around into a CRADLE! Natty & Tamina win!!

Winners: Natalya & Tamina, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

The Queen of Harts has both belts while Tamina is still stuck behind barriers, she’s as shocked as any of us are that things turned out this way! Shayna checks on Reggie, and he says he’s alright. He stands up, Shayna grabs him by his suit jacket! “I am tired of you interfering in my matches! Let’s see how YOU do! You, the Cirque du Soleil sommelier twerp, versus ME next week!” If Reggie has the balls to show up next week, Shayna will make him wish he was IN that explosion!! Will Shayna solve the distraction problem by making Reggie #TapNapOrSnap?

My Thoughts:

This was a bit of a mixed bag for Raw. For one, it was like the show had Go Home Syndrome, but it wasn’t a go home! There were so many recaps tonight! Do they think NO ONE was watching last week and that we were all new? Though, I suppose some people have dropped Raw because it’s been so copy-and-paste lately. But overly recapping is not the way to recapture those people’s interests. Making it so a match has this forced “go to commercial” spots doesn’t help, either. While getting Kofi VS McIntyre as a contender’s match is a great move, having McIntyre just stop focusing on Kofi so he can stare down Lashley and give us a break in action is just not good for the flow.

The only thing worse than having a match manufacture a spot for a commercial break is having someone drone on about stuff they’ve already said to fill for time. Cedric’s promo just kept going and going with the same things he said about Benjamin before, just angrier. We should’ve gotten action for that same stretch of time to make a really good match even better. Cedric using a cheap tactic to then win is great stuff for him and the story, but he should just trash talk during the match to use time efficiently.

Riddle VS Woods was a good example of that. The recap package took care of any promo that would’ve been given, though even that time could’ve been given to the match, which was still great stuff. Riddle winning was very likely, but the RKO from Riddle was awesome! I have a feeling that, as great as it would be for Kofi to challenge Lashley at HIAC, McIntyre wins so that New Day faces RKBRO at the PPV. I feel like it’d be better for Raw if Kofi won, McIntyre had to figure things out for himself, and we got New Day VS RKBRO on a Raw. Sheamus VS Carrillo was great, Ricochet joining in was great, but I would love if McIntyre circled back to Sheamus and their rivalry circled around the one title McIntyre hasn’t had yet.

The Styles VS Ryker segment was good, though I figured Elias would find a way to cheat and help Ryker win. But Omos showing off his shocking speed was great stuff, too. I suppose this means Ryker & Elias get the tag title shot, and probably on television so HIAC doesn’t get oversaturated. Keeping the PPVS cards short has made them better, and it does help TV out, too. Ryker and Elias can get their shot, lose, and then Styles & Omos move on to face RKBRO at MITB in July, part of the big return to touring. Oh, which reminds me, if we get promos of superstars campaigning for the return to touring every week leading up to July 16th, I’m going to go nuts. We’ve heard the news, anyone who is really paying attention right now already knows it, please let it end here.

Asuka VS Charlotte for the second week in a row was another mixed bag. We got another great match, preceded by a very confusing Beat the Clock Challenge where it looked like Rhea was the one confused on how those work. Rhea’s main roster accomplishments make her one of the better call ups from NXT, but the way Raw is handling her character is actually in the line with one of the weaker ones *cough* Bobby Roode */cough*. It was nice for Nikki to have a positive on her in-ring return, but it was more because Rhea had a brain fart. Charlotte beating Asuka to suddenly have a 1v1 with Rhea at Hell in a Cell is bad pacing. Aren’t Charlotte and Asuka 1v1 in the recent series? Tiebreaker next week for the right to challenge would make more sense.

The women’s tag titles only getting 10 minutes as a match was not nearly what this stuff deserves, but that’s WWE, isn’t it? They struggle with men’s tag team divisions, they struggle with women’s singles divisions, so of course they’re going to struggle with a women’s tag team division. Especially since we got supernatural interference by Alexa Bliss without ever seeing Alexa once tonight. I suppose it’s alright, what more would Alexa herself add other than another promo explaining how creepy Lily is?

Natty & Tamina were of course going to win but because a combination of Alexa and Reggie distracting Shayna. Now the champions can move on to another team, hopefully one from SmackDown. Shayna VS Reggie in a co-ed match will be interesting, though, so that’s a silver-lining in this. I have a feeling this will be the make or break moment for Shayna & Nia as a team. I feel like “break” is more likely. Nia might side with Reggie and fights Shayna, and then they both get back into the singles division, which honestly is best because Rhea will surely be champion through HIAC and will need new opponents on the road to MITB.

My Score: 8/10