Will the Best of the Super Juniors become the Face of NEVER?

Hiromu Takahashi has done so much as a Junior Heavyweight, but now he takes on The Face of Fury, Henare, for the NEVER Openweight Championship!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Kickoff – Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi w/ Red Kiba VS Fighter Y & Fighter N w/ Fighters D & F; Nagata & Taguchi win.
• Shoma Kato VS Jakob Austin Young; Jakob wins.
• Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita VS Hiroyoshi Tenzan & Katsuya Murashima; ZSJ & Fujita win.
• Shota Umino & Jado VS Ren Narita & SHO; Ren & Sho win.
• Tomohiro Ishii & Tomoaki Honma VS Gabe Kidd & Jake Lee; Gabe & Jake win.
• 8 Man Tag: Hiroshi Tanahashi, Toru Yano, Boltin Oleg & Tiger Mask VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
• DOUKI & Taka Michinoku VS Taiji Ishimori & Gedo; Douki & Taka win.
• 8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire; The United Empire wins.
• NEVER Openweight Championship: HENARE VS Hiromu Takahashi; Henare wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Kickoff – Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi w/ Red Kiba VS Fighter Y & Fighter N w/ Fighters D & F!

Go Go Power Ran- Wait, no, it’s not quite that. But Blue Justice and the green clad Funky Weapon will battle the forces of evil, supported by the red ranger! Will they score a W or an L against Y & N?

The teams sort out and after a photo op, Nagata starts against- Oh no! D, F, Y & N all go after the heroes! Red Kiba jumps away but it is a mugging of 4v2! The bell rings to get this on record, and D kicks Taguchi out of the ring. The ref reprimands as N fires forearms on Nagata in the corner. N stomps a mudhole, Y keeps after Taguchi on the outside! N whips corner to corner, forearms mashes, then fires up! The fans rally surprisingly rally for “SENTOIN! SENTOIN!” That is to say, they’re cheering on Fighter N! N runs in, Nagata BOOTS him! Nagata DECKS N, drags him up, and snapmares to KICK him in the back!

The fans rally as Nagata tags in Taguchi. Taguchi storms up on N to CLUB him again and again! N CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Taguchi HIP ATTACKS! The fans cheer, and Taguchi poses. He powers up, poses some more, then SLIDING HIPS! The fans cheer, and Taguchi fires more HIPS into N! Taguchi eggs N on, HIP ATTACKS, then covers, TWO! The fans rally, Taguchi drags N up to kick low. Taguchi runs, but F trips him up! F drags Taguchi out and sends him into railing! Y goes after Nagata, the ref reprimands all the Fighters, but F grabs a bottle of water to SPLASH Taguchi in the face! N & Y finally leave Nagata alone and fans rally.

Wait, now F put a bucket on Taguchi’s head and SMACKS him with the mop! Red Kiba tells F to back off, but F calls in D! Red Kiba isn’t afraid, and he steps forward. D & F trip over themselves while Red Kiba checks Taguchi. Taguchi gets to his feet, and he fires forearms on F! F hits back, and whips Taguchi into railing! The fans boo but F puts Taguchi in the ring. N stomps Taguchi, fires up, then stomps him more. But Taguchi CHOPS back! And fires a flurry of forearms! The fans cheer, Taguchi CLUBS N, then stomps him. Taguchi runs, comes back, and CLOBBERS N! Taguchi stomps N, but F gets on the apron!

The ref stops F from getting in, but Taguchi runs up to DROPKICK F down! The fans cheer and Taguchi runs to HIP ATTACK N! Hot tag to Nagata! The fans fire up as Nagata KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS! N falls and the fans cheer! Nagata drags N up, ROCKS him, then whips him corner to corner, Nagata runs in to BOOT N! Nagata brings N around to clinch, but N fights it! Y runs in to CLUB Nagata! N & Y mug Nagata, but Nagata DECKS Y, and BOOTS N! Nagata brings N up but N fires a forearm! But Nagata snatches N to a FUJIWARA! Then he steps over, MOUNTED ARMBAR! Taguchi wants in?

The fans fire up and Nagata reaches out to tag Taguchi! Taguchi climbs, N stands, Taguchi leaps, then just lands to DECK N! The fans cheer, but N CHOPS! And CHOPS! N DECKS Taguchi, stomps him, then tags Y! Y storms up to kick Taguchi and fire forearms. Y runs, and he CLBOBERS Taguchi! The fans cheer, Y fires up, and Y goes back for Taguchi. Y CLUBS Taguchi, whips, and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up, Y crawls around before he covers, TWO! Taguchi stays in this but Y stays fired up. Y grabs the legs, but Taguchi kicks Y away! Taguchi and Y rise up, and Taguchi blocks a kick to DRAGON SCREW! And OH MY GAH ANKLE!

Y flails, N run sin, but Nagata intercepts! Nagata fights N down to the JUST FACELOCK! Y taps, the heroes win!

Winners: Yuji Nagata & Ryusuke Taguchi, by submission

D & F are upset, their plans to take over NJPW have been foiled! Red Kiba applauds and steps in to celebrate with Blue & Green! Wait, Red Kiba and F get mics. Red Kiba tells the losers to get out of here, because Earth and NJPW are under his protection! But F, who sounds like a certain Rogue Luchador, tells them that this is far from over! They will come back for more! And D says you will see them again in Tokyo Dome City Theater from September 11th through to September 16th. Red Kiba says yes, everyone may watch the battle of good and evil, and know that good will always win. F says in that case, hopefully everyone also gets a chance to take photos with the heroes.

The fans rally for Red Kiba and his super friends, but F says hold on! He hurries around the back, and brings out the special promotional panel! Everyone holds it up together, be ready for Go Go Loser Rangers!

8 Man Tag: Los Ingobernables de Japon VS The United Empire!

Tetsuya Naito & Bushi lost out to TMDK last night, but that was only a sample of what could be. This will be a sample of what’s to come, as Naito & Bushi are now joined by Shingo Takagi & Yota Tsuji against Great-O-Khan, Jeff Cobb, Callum Newman & Francesco Akira! Will the Uncontrollable Charisma be tranquilo ahead of the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship match? Or will LIJ be conquered by The Empire?

The fans rally for “O-KHAN! O-KHAN!” but then the “NA-I-TO!” counters it. The teams sort out, and though Yota stares down with Cobb, he joins the rest in the LIJ fist bump. The fans applaud, but then LIJ attacks! The bell rings, LIJ TOSSES out Khan, Callum & Akira, so Yota does start against Cobb after all. Naito stands over Khan and mocks him with an arms-behind-his-back pose. Yota whips Cobb to ropes, Cobb reverses, Yota RAN- NO! Cobb stops the rana and he brings Yota up. Yota fires hands, slips free, then dodges. Yota comes back to tilt-o-whirl and arm-drag! Cobb tumbles, the fans fire up, and Yota runs up.

Cobb dodges, drops down, then DROPKICKS! Cobb mocks the tranquilo! The fans cheer, and Cobb says “Choto matte!” Cobb steps on Yota, then pretends he didn’t see Yota there. Cobb drags Yota up, bumps him off buckles, and tags Akira. Akira throws hands, then brings Yota out. Yota takes a swing, Akira dodges and CHOPS! Akira whips but Yota blocks! Yota reverses, Akira ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS! Yota staggers up, Akira DROPKICKS him down! The fans fire up, “A! KIRA! A! KIRA!” Akira runs in to LARIAT! Akira keeps moving, but Yota scoops to a BACKBREAKER! Then Naito BLASTS Khan off the apron!

The rest of LIJ goes after the rest of The Empire, and the fans rally up. Naito pulls Khan along by his ponytail! Other Empire members are sent into railing, and then Naito whips Khan into railing! Yota keeps Akira down with a chinlock, then he scoops to SLAM! Yota runs to SPLASH DOWN! Cover, TWO! Tag to Bushi and he stomps Akira. Bushi whips Akira to ropes, dropkicks the legs out, then covers, TWO! The fans rally, Bushi stomps Akira, then tags Naito. The fans rally up more as Naito brings Akira up. Akira fires forearms, but Naito just SPITS at him! Naito fires forearms, then he turns Akira, holds him, and NECKBREAKER!

Naito poses, then he mocks Khan with his arms behind his back again. The fans applaud but Khan is annoyed. Khan storms in, but Naito drop toeholds! Yota basement dropkicks! Khan tumbles out, Naito tags Takagi in. The fans rally as Takagi drags Akira up. Takagi suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Takagi steps on Akira, kicks him around, but Akira fires forearms! Takagi ROCKS Akira right back! The fans rally as Akira fires more forearms! Takagi DECKS Akira in return! Akira fires up and comes back for more! Akira fires a flurry, but Takagi eggs him on! Akira SOBATS, but Takagi ELBOWS! JABS! Akira ENZIGIRIS!

Akira runs, but Takagi LARIATS at ropes! Takagi runs, but Akira victory rolls, STOMP 182! The fans are thunderous as both men are down! And we’ve only hit five minutes! Tag to Callum and he BLASTS Bushi! The fans fire up as Callum runs in, but Takagi tosses him up high! Callum lands safe on the apron, RAMS into Takagi, then gets moving. Callum ducks ‘n’ dodges, then BOOTS! Takagi rebounds to RUN Callum over! Callum kips up to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up but Yota kicks Callum. But Callum trips Yota to DOUBLE STOMP! Callum kips up again and the fans fire up. Callum runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT Takagi!

Callum rolls and comes back, ROUNDHOUSE! Snapmare and PENALTY KICK! Then STANDING MOONSAULT, onto knees! Takagi saves himself, but Callum is back up! Only for Takagi to ELBOW! JAB! YUKON feint and DDT! Callum handsprings through!? And he springboards to OS- NO, Takagi stops the cutter, shoves Callum to ropes, but Callum Spider-Man rebounds to HEEL KICK! Takagi comes back to PUMPING BOMBER! The fans are thunderous again while both men are down! Callum crawls, as does Takagi, hot tags to Naito and Khan! Naito ducks Khan’s boot to CLUB away on him again and again!

Naito whips, arm-drags, then ELBOWS Khan down, to then basement dropkick! The fans rally, Naito brings Khan up and whips to a corner. Naito ELBOWS Khan, pushes him, then goes up. Naito reels Khan in by the ponytail, for ESPERANZA! Khan tumbles and the fans rally as Naito aims again. Khan rises, Naito runs up, but Khan BOOTS him! The fans fire up while both men are down! Khan drags Naito up as fans rally, and Khan fires Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops! And Mongolian Chops again! Naito falls, but Khan clamps on the IRON CLAW! Khan drags Naito up, but Naito fights free and throws heavy elbows!

Khan shoots around, trips Naito, and puts on the KNEEBAR! Naito fights up, fights free, but Khan goes for the legs again. Naito blocks, ENZIGIRIS, and he brings Khan in, TORNADO- NO! Khan stops the DDT to OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Naito and Khan crawl, hot tag to Bushi! Bushi runs to BLAST Akira and- Well, no, Cobb stays up. So Bushi dropkicks the legs out! Cobb falls, Bushi goes up, then leaps, MISSILE DROPKICK! Khan tumbles and fans fire up for the Bushirooni! LIJ steps in, Takagi & Bushi double whip Khan corner to corner. Bushi runs in to ELBOW!

Takagi runs in to LARIAT! Feed to the GENE TRIGGER, then BACKSTABBER! Cover, Callum breaks it! Yota TOSSES Callum, we hit ten minutes and Bushi drags Khan up. But Akira SUPERKICKS first! Yota RUNS AKira over! Yota kicks Cobb, whips, but Cobb reverses to scoop, ATHLETIC PLEX! Takagi storms up but Cobb ELBOWS! JABS! And YUKON- NO, Takagi dodges to then PUMPING BOMBER! The fans are thunderous again! Callum returns, Takagi kicks and whips but Callum reverses to run in and DROPKICK! Callum spins, but Bushi ducks the kick to ENZIGIRI! Khan is back but Bushi enzigiris then REWIND HEELS!

Khan stands to IRON RIGHT!! The ref reprimands but the Monster Rage is boiling! HITSUJIGOROSHI, into FLATLINER! And then IRON CLAW, for the ELIMINATOR!! Akira keeps Naito stuck outside, Khan covers, The Empire wins!

Winners: The United Empire, by pinfall

The Black Mask took the fall for his team, and that means The Dominator stands tall! But will the KOPW Champion be the one headed for the King Of Pro-Wrestling in Ryogoku? Or will Naito keep things tranquilo on this Road to Destruction?

In fact, Naito is so tranquilo that he joins commentary! And it makes sense, he’s about to watch the fifth man of LIJ step up to the plate!

NEVER Openweight Championship: HENARE VS Hiromu Takahashi!

We just saw the Empire conquer the ungovernable, and now The Face of Fury looks to finish it! But will he make the Ticking Timebomb self-destruct? Or is this the moment that the Best of the Super Juniors starts to move up the mountain?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who NEVER gives in!

The bell rings and the two run in! They RAM shoulders, and then RAM again! And RAM again! Hiromu keeps staggering back while Henare stays solid! Hiromu just grins, and he CHOPS! Then he ducks a shot to CHOP and CHOP! Henare takes swings but Hiromu bobs ‘n’ weaves. Hiromu CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS again! Hiromu whips, Henare reverses, and they RAM shoulders again! Hiromu drops to a knee, but he dodges Henare to RAM him! Henare actually staggers back! Hiromu follows, FLYING SHOULDER, but he bounces off Henare! The fans rally while Hiromu bails out and Henare roars!

Henare paces while waiting on Hiromu. Hiromu shakes it off and goes around the way. The fans rally, but then Henare storms up to the ropes. Hiromu backs off, and Red Shoes has Henare back off. Henare gets annoyed now, but then he slides out! Hiromu sends him into railing! The front row has to watch out, because Hiromu sends Henare into more railing! The fans rally and duel as Hiromu storms up. Hiromu whips, but Henare reverses, and now Hiromu hits railing! But Hiromu roars! Hiromu runs up, but gets run over! The fans fire up, and Henare looms over Hiromu. Red Shoes wants this in the ring, but Henare RAMS Hiromu into more railing!

Henare drags Hiromu up, to whip into more railing! Hiromu tumbles through the gate and flops onto the floor. Red Shoes insists they get this in the ring, and Henare drags Hiromu back up. Henare CHOPS Hiromu! Henare takes a fighting stance while he watches Hiromu sputter. The ring count starts, Henare storms up on Hiromu, and he drags Hiromu back with a headlock. Henare puts Hiromu in the ring, but then gets annoyed as the fans rally for “HI-RO-MU! HI-RO-MU!” Henare storms in and he drags Hiromu up, but Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS again! Henare CHOPS Hiromu down, and the fans fire up!

Hiromu clutches his stinging chest, but Henare sits him up, to KICK in the back! Hiromu goes to a corner, Henare storms over, and the fans rally again. Henare nods, and he stands Hiromu up to fire forearm after forearm! Red Shoes reprimands but Henare lets off. Henare then drags Hiromu up, but Hiromu fires forearms in return! Henare eggs Hiromu on, so Hiromu fires forearm after forearm! The fans fire up, and then Henare LARIATS! Henare fireman’s carries, WASTELAND SLAM and SENTON! Hiromu clutches his ribs, Henare pushes him to a cover, TWO! Henare frowns but the fans rally as Hiromu stays in this.

Henare drags Hiromu back up, fireman’s carries, but Hiromu fights free! Henare kicks low, whips, but Hiromu reverses! Hiromu then goes around and he RANAS! Henare tumbles away and the fans fire up! Henare goes to ropes, shakes out the stars, and Hiromu goes to the other side. Hiromu drags himself up, Henare runs in. Hiromu BOOTS Henare, then has a HANGING HEADSCISSORS! Red Shoes counts, Hiromu lets off, and then he drags Henare out! Hiromu shoves Henare away, goes up to the apron, and then FLYING SHOTGUN DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while both men are down on the floor!

Hiromu rises and roars and the fans fire up with him! Hiromu then drops back to his knees, still needing to catch his breath. Henare sits up, Hiromu goes over to him, and he brings Henare into the ring. The fans applaud, and Hiromu hurries to bring Henare up. Hiromu suplexes, but Henare fights it! Henare suplexes, but Hiromu fights it! They fight for control and Henare suplexes Hiromu up and over! But Hiromu lands out! Hiromu catches Henare’s haymaker to reel him in, but Henare suplexes again! Henare knees free, gets around, backslide, roll through! Hiromu suplexes for a FALCON ARROW! The fans are fired up and Hiromu covers, TWO!

The fans rally as Hiromu grits his teeth and clutches his back. Henare stirs, goes for a corner, and Hiromu rises. Hiromu runs corner to corner, and LARIATS! Hiromu then snapmares and runs, into a POP-UP SAMOAN DROP! The fans fire up again while both men are down! Henare growls as he rises, and the fans rally behind “HE-NA-RE!” now! Hiromu sputters and Henare storms over. Henare drags Hiromu up, around, and clamps on a half nelson! Hiromu fights as Henare goes for the full nelson, so Henare CLUBS him down! Henare CLUBS Hiromu more, growls, and we pass 10 minutes.

Henare drags Hiromu up, whips, but Hiromu stops himself! Hiromu runs up, RAN- NO! Henare stops the rana to bring Hiromu up, for a POWER- NO, Hiromu DDTS out of it! The fans fire up and Hiromu dodges Henare to wheelbarrow and COMPLETE SHOT! Both men are down again and the fans fire up! Henare sputters, stirs, and the fans rally harder as he and Hiromu spot each other. They egg each other on as they crawl to center. The fans rally more, and both men stand. They go forehead to forehead, then Hiromu CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Henare KICKS! Hiromu sputters as he backs up to the ropes!

The fans fire up more while Henare checks his chest. No blood yet, but he and Hiromu step back up. Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Henare snarls and powers up to KICK! Both men step back to ropes, but Hiromu has a wry smile. Hiromu comes back and the fans rally for him, as he CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! Henare KICKS! Both men pace around, neither willing to stop! Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, and Henare KICKS! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! KICK! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! KICK! AND KICK! Hiromu staggers back to ropes and Henare roars! Hiromu runs up to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP! Henare drops to a knee!!

Hiromu nudges Henare to egg him on, so Henare KICKS! And KICKS! Hiromu rebounds off ropes, into a KICK! And then rebounds again, into another KICK! Hiromu drops to a knee and a fist! We can see Henare’s name on the tape, and the fans are thunderous for “HI-RO-MU!” Hiromu CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! But Henare KICKS again! Hiromu wobbles, mouth open, and then he drops to his knees! Henare backs up, winds up, and KICKS! But Hiromu rises!?! Henare KICKS him back down!! Cover, TWO!! RUGBY KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Hiromu survives, the fans are thunderous, and we pass 15 minutes!

Henare sits and watches Hiromu. Hiromu is still in this, so Henare vows to end this! Henare drags Hiromu up, fisherman and STREETS- NO, Hiromu slips free, ducks an elbow, and fires off palm strikes! And a COUNTER STRIKE! Hiromu wobbles but he roars, runs, and HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER! Henare stays up!! Hiromu goes to a corner, but he ducks the Native Knee! RUNNING POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Henare survives and the fans fire up again! Hiromu drags Henare up, but Henare BODY BLOWS! But Hiromu ducks the heel kick to HEADBUTT, and SUPERKICK! Hiromu runs, but Henare LARIATS him down!

The fans fire up again while Henare wobbles. Henare drops to a knee while catching his breath, but then he storms over to cover, ONE?!? Henare is stunned that Hiromu is still in this! Hiromu runs up, but Henare LARIATS him back down! Hiromu rises, staggers and stumbles, but he stays on his feet as he goes along ropes. Hiromu runs up, into a LARIAT! But Hiromu roars and rises again! The fans are thunderous, and Hiromu swats a lariat! And another! And he SUPERKICKS! Hiromu runs, but he dodges the headbutt! Henare rebounds, into a SNAP BELLY2BELLY!! A rough landing for Henare but he still rises up!

Hiromu aims, runs, and HIROMU-CHAN- HENARE LARIAT!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Henare is furious but the fans are thunderous! Henare drags Hiromu up, clamps on the half nelson, but Hiromu fights the full! Henare almost has it! ULTIMA NELSON!! Hiromu is caught, he reaches out, but he drops to his knees! Red Shoes checks, the fans rally up, and Hiromu gets a second wind! Hiromu fights, but Henare drags him back! Henare puts on all the pressure he can, and Red Shoes checks again! Hiromu fades, sits down, but he gets a third wind! Henare is shocked to see Hiromu rising up again! The fans rally as hard as they can as we hit 20 minutes!

Hiromu fights but Henare spins him! URENAGE!! Cover, TWO?!?!? The fans are thunderous and Henare is stunned! Henare drags Hiromu up, STREETS OF- CRUCIFIX DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! Henare survives that quick turnaround but Hiromu rises up again! Hiromu runs, but into a BERSERKER BOMB!! Henare can’t make the cover, but he pounds the mat as he rises again. The fans rally, and Hiromu is in a corner, NATIVE KNEE! Henare roars, but Hiromu wrenches!? HIROMU-CHAN ROLL!! TWO!!!! Hiromu pleads with Red Shoes, but Henare still got out in time! Hiromu turns around, into the RAMPAGE!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!

The fans are electric as Hiromu continues to defy expectations! Henare grows frustrated, but he still has one move that can end this. Henare points to the skies and roars! Henare drags Hiromu up, fisherman and STREETS- DESTROYER?!?! Hiromu hurries to cover, TWO!!!! Henare survives but Hiromu pounds the mat! Korakuen Hall is erupting as Hiromu dares Henare to get up! Hiromu powers up and runs, HIROMU-CHAN BOMBER!!! Hiromu won’t end here, he drags Henare up to fireman’s carry! TIMEBOMB!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!? Hiromu can’t believe it but Henare’s survived his best shot!

Hiromu again pleads with Red Shoes, but no, Henare did get out before three. Hiromu hobbles up, but now he grins and says here goes! Hiromu drags Henare up, dragon sleepers, but Henare spins it around! Hiromu fights free, HEADBUTTS, and SUPERKICKS! Henare wobbles, but then he HEADBUTTS back!! Henare roars, fisherman, but he blocks Hiromu’s cradle! STREETS OF RAGE!!!! Cover, Henare wins!!

Winner: Henare, by pinfall (still NEVER Openweight Champion)

Hiromu proved why he’s the Best of the Super Juniors, and proved that he’s so much more than that, but he still couldn’t conquer this new summit! Naito leaves commentary to be by his friend’s side, and Henare shows Hiromu respect for this battle. Takagi also returns to ringside to check on Hiromu. Will Hiromu be able to rise up so this next level one day? Or was this his limit?

Wait, Henare is eyeing Takagi. Henare won this title back in June to kick off New Japan Soul, but perhaps that wasn’t enough. Takagi goes to the mic and tells Henare, “That was a hell of a fight!” The fans cheer that! Takagi then says, “After watching that, I can’t help myself. Henare! I am your next challenger!” The fans like that idea! Takagi says how about September 29th, in Kobe? Fans like the idea even more now! Henare takes the mic to tell “Takagi Senshi <Warrior>,” if he wants Kobe, then he’s got it! LET’S GO! The fans fire up as the challenge has been accepted, Destruction in Kobe is going to see an epic rematch!

Takagi leaves, will he take the NEVER title in an effort to make a match with Naito #WinnerTakesAll? As for Henare, he closes with a Maori Haka to show he is ready for another battle! Will the Face of Fury NEVER given in and NEVER be stopped?

My Thoughts:

Another great night for Road to Destruction, and great continuation for all the stories from last night. Now, it is kinda silly that I covered the kickoff show match, but it was pretty fun seeing a crossover of NJPW and this apparent Super Sentai stage play. And it was pretty fun knowing that was Desperado as “Fighter F,” given his distinct voice. But as I said even yesterday, I knew Douki & Taka would even the score with Taiji & Gedo to keep us guessing. The IWGP Junior Heavyweight Championship match is Wednesday, so Douki and Taiji are mostly even, it’s anyone’s guess as to who wins that.

Obviously LIJ and United Empire would have their matches back to back. Great 8 Man Tag with a win for The Empire, giving Khan momentum going towards Kobe. As I also said last time, I bet we get Khan and someone going against Zack Sabre Jr. & Kosei Fujita next so that they can test the waters of Khan VS ZSJ, the other possible world title match. And then a truly incredible match from Hiromu and Henare, especially with Hiromu fighting up a weight class. But in the end, Henare wins to keep his reign going, and great stuff in him and Takagi setting up the title match for Kobe.

The LIJ’s own story of wanting to do a Winner Takes All scenario with Naito might be the thing that holds them back, though. As great as it would be for any of these guys to be a double champion, I don’t see it happening. If Naito is to retain against Khan AND ZSJ through October, I don’t see Takagi coming at him with the NEVER title. But if Takagi wins the NEVER title, I feel like there’s half a chance ZSJ actually makes more history by taking the world title in his non-traditional Right to Challenge cash-in. NJPW is doing a good job shaking things up to keep things fresh, but making a double champion would be a rehash of how we got to the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship in the first place.

My Score: 8.9/10

WWE Week begins on USA Network!

For the next THREE weeks, WWE dominates USA Network, and it all starts with this Raw Season Premiere! But who wins big to face Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Mixed 8 Person Street Fight: The Wyatt Sick6 VS Team American Made; The Wyatt Sick6 win.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn; Bianca & Jade win and retain the titles.
• Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS Dragon Lee w/ The LWO; Dom wins.
• Six Woman Tag: Pure Fusion Collective VS Zelina Vega, Lyra Valkyria & ???; Zelina, Lyra & Natalya win.
• Finn Balor VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins, by disqualification.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Jey Uso VS Pete Dunne VS Ilja Dragunov VS Braun Strowman; Jey wins and will challenge Bron Breakker for the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

This season premiere’s first hour will be COMMERCIAL FREE!

Mixed 8 Person Street Fight: The Wyatt Sick6 VS Team American Made!

Bo Dallas has been trying to get Chad Gable to see the error of his ways, but to error is human. So Uncle Howdy had to step in. He has brought back the family back to laugh, and now Sister Abigail, Ramblin’ Rabbit, Huskus the Pig Boy & Mercy the Buzzard shall bring a reckoning to Gable, Ivy Nile & The Creed Brothers! Will Gable’s “new family” survive the sins of their “father?” Or will being “American Made” not be enough to avoid the consequence?

American Made makes their entrance first, already armed with kendo sticks, chains, and a trash can. Of course, being so over the top with the American flag, Gable gets booed by the Calgary, Alberta, Canada crowd. But then, the lights go out, the piano plays, and the lantern sits waiting in the rocking chair. The Wyatt Sick6 walk out from the eerie late, Howdy picks up the lantern, and they continue down to the ring. Then the lantern is blown out as Howdy takes a seat. The masks come off, and Howdy sends Gacy, Rowan & Lumis. Naturally then, Nikki Cross will also be in this battle, and she TACKLES Ivy!

The fans fire up and the bell rings, the brawl is on! Rowan TOSSES Julius, Lumis TOSSES Gable, and Gacy CLUBS Brutus! Nikki SMACKS Ivy off barriers, there is brawling all over ringside, and Gable sends Lumis into steel steps! Nikki hits a FACEBUSTER on Ivy, then she brings out a trash can of her own! The fans fire up as Nikki puts that can around Ivy! Nikki grabs one of those kendo sticks, and SMACKS away on the can! The fans fire up for every shot! Meanwhile, Gacy and Brutus are on the apron! Nikki THRWOS Ivy into barriers, then sits her back up. Nikki DROPKICKS the can! The fans chant, “We Want Tables!”

Rowan SMACKS Julius off the apron, then Gacy suplexes Brutus on the apron! Lumis is in the ring, Gable goes up and leaps, into a BUBBA BOMB! The fans fire up while Gable flounders out. Lumis slithers back out, and Nikki clears off the desk! Nikki has a wild grin as she brings Ivy over. Nikki climbs up, drags Ivy up to join her, but Ivy trips Nikki! Brutus and Gacy brawl in the ring, Ivy FLAPJACKS Nikki on the desk! Gacy fires hands, Ivy TOSSES Nick, and she almost takes out Joe Tessitore! Gacy stomps a mudhole into Brutus, Gable SMACKS Lumis with a kendo stick! And again! And again! Rowan smothers Julius but Gable storms in after Gacy!

Gable SMACKS Gacy again and again! Gacy bails out, that stick is breaking, but fans boo. Brutus stalks Gacy and RAMS him into steel steps! Gable SMACKS Rowan, but now Rowan’s just pissed! Rowan grabs Gable to HEADBUTT him down! Brutus runs up, he and Julius mug Rowan! The fans boo but then Rowan DOUBLE SUPLEXES The Creeds! The fans fire up again as Rowan rises, to CLOBBER Gable! R0wan then goes looking, and Howdy nods as Rowan brings out a TABLE! Rowan clears some space, and he sets that table right up at ringside! Howdy continues to nod and rock in his chair as Rowan goes for Gable.

Rowan throws hands on Gable, brings him around, and then scoops. The fans fire up but Gable slips free! The fans boo as Gable retreats, but then Ivy BLASTS Rowan with a fire extinguisher! Gable JAMS then SMACKS Rowan with a chair! The Creeds DOUBLE POWERBOMB Rowan through the table!! The fans boo but American Made has turned the tide! They literally bury Rowan in wreckage and other items while the fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” American Made may have just made this 4v3! Gable sets things up in the ring, he SMACKS Lumis with a stick, and then whips him to drop toehold into the chair!

The Creeds SMACK away on Gacy, then they join Gable in the ring. They SMACK away on Lumis now, from head to toe! They CHOKE Lumis with the kendo stick, then Gable prepares another chair. Lumis sits up, but he avoids the chair! BIG back suplex! The fans fire up, Lumis kips up to LEG DROP! Gacy fights back, too, but that’s 2v1 with the Creeds. Julius throws Gacy into the ring, and SMACKS him with a stick! But Lumis brings out a new TABLE! The fans fire up, but The Creeds double whip. Gacy handsprings, into the UPSIDE-DOWN!! Both Creeds fall and the fans fire up again! Lumis has Gable, and “This is Awesome!” as Lumis puts Gable on the table!

Lumis rains down fists, Gacy goes after Brutus, but Julius SMACKS Gacy down! Lumis storms up to the apron, but Julius BLASTS him back down! Gable gets away from the table while Brutus and Gacy brawl. Julius SMACKS Gacy with a chair! Gable throws in a trash can and Brutus brings that over. Brutus puts Gacy in the can, and Julius SMACKS him! Gable, Brutus and Julius all SMACK away like Gacy’s a pinata! Brutus BREAKS his stick! The fans boo but Ivy throws some chairs in. But Nikki returns from under the ring! How does she look crazier than earlier!? Nikki SMACKS away on Ivy with the kendo stick!

Nikki SMACKS Ivy off the desk, then TACKLES her up and over! They tumble, but then Gacy RAMS Gacy and the can! A bit double-edged, but The Creeds drag Gacy up. They RAM him into a corner! Gacy is finally free of the can but The Creeds are not done yet. Julius brings out a THIRD TABLE! The fans are torn, they do love the tables but they aren’t happy American Made is on top. Even so, Brutus sets up the table while Julius puts Gacy in the ring. The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but The Creeds bring Gacy over. But ROWAN ERUPTS! The fans are thunderous and The Creeds freak out!

Rowan throws things aside, DECKS Julius, BOOTS Brutus, then rampages around. He RAIPS part of the barrier away!! And he RAMS the barrier into Julius! And then Brutus! And then Gable! Usually, it’s the other way around! Calgary is thunderous as Rowan puts Brutus in! And then a LARIAT! LARIAT! And LARIAT in the corner! Rowan snapmares Brutus, runs up and DROPKICKS him down! Julius returns but Rowan LEG LARIATS! Brutus is up, but he gets a SIDE EFFECT! Cover, Gable breaks it! American Made mugs Rowan and the fans boo again. Julius SMACKS Rowan with a stick, Gable wedges a chair into the corner.

Rowan fights the Creeds off, and Gable turns around to see it! Gable leaps onto Rowan, fires hands, but Rowan throws him back. Rowan ELBOWS Julius, then runs up, but drop toehold into the chair! The Creeds DOUBLE LARIAT Rowan up and out, for Gable to GERMAN SUPLEX into barriers! Brutus goes up, to SUPER BRUTUS BALL!! Down goes Rowan again!! Rowan rises, but Julius RAMS him with steps! But Gacy DIVES into Gable! Lumis FLYING KNEES The Creeds! The fans fire up as Gacy & Lumis get The Creeds in the ring. DOUBLE URENAGES! Gacy & Lumis coordinate, POP-UP BOMB SENTON on Julius!

Gacy goes out, and he puts Brutus on the table! The fans fire up as Lumis climbs! FOLLOW THE BUZZARDS!! SUPER LEG DROP down through the table!! Gable goes after Gacy, whips him, but Gacy goes upside-down in the corner! Look familiar? Gacy then comes back to LARIAT! Gacy hauls Gable onto the last table left, and he goes up top! But Gable gets up to go after him first! The fans boo, but we get a SUPER ANGLE SLAM through the table!! The fans chant “YOU STILL SUCK!” as Gable covers, TWO?!?! But ANKLE LOCK!!! Gable shows no mercy, and Ivy adds on with kendo stick SMACKS!! They bully Gacy, but then Nikki YANKS Ivy out!

Nikki waistlocks Gable, to GERMAN SUPLEX!! The fans are thunderous again as Nikki then DROPKICKS Ivy! Nikki brings Ivy over to the wreckage, for a PURGE onto chairs!!! The fans are losing their minds with all eight down around ringside! But then Gable looks up, and he sees Howdy! Howdy stands up, and Rowan CLOBBERS Gable! Rowan drags Gable up, IRON CLAW SLAM onto steel steps!! Gable writhes, Howdy says, “YEAH YEAH YEAH YEAH~!” Rowan shoves Gable into the ring, and now the Wyatts gather together! Julius is back, but Howdy is there! SISTER ABIGAIL!! The fans fire up as Lumis goes up, DIVING SPLASH!! Cover, Wyatts win!

Winners: The Wyatt Sick6, by pinfall

There was a debt to be collected, and the Wyatts made American Made pay it! The Wyatts stand tall and they stand together, how high can they reach?

Finn Balor is here!

The Prince heads to the ring, WWE World Tag Team Championship around his waist, but it is rather surprising he doesn’t have the rest of the team with him. Finn gets a mic to say, “It didn’t have to be this way, Damian. You see, you said that I screwed you. But really, you screwed The Judgment Day! You see, when I joined the group, I reached down, I reached down, and I tried to help you up! But the more I helped you up, the more you tried to hold me down. That’s right, Damian! You held me down! Your friend! I was your brother! I was the guy who had your back. I was the guy who made sure that you stayed champion!”

Finn paces, fans boo, but Finn says let’s not forget that FINN should’ve been World Heavyweight Champion a long time ago, if not for Damian lurking around with that briefcase every chance he could. Because every time Finn got close, it was Damian who screwed Finn! So Finn needs Damian to stop hiding and come on out, because he has things he wants to say to Damian’s face! And so, here comes The Punisher! Damian throws off his jacket, steps right into the ring, and says ever since FINN broke up “the REAL Judgment Day,” he’s been trying to get his hands on Finn. Finn’s run away every time!

So here’s what’s gonna happen: Damian will let Finn finish what he’s saying, and then he’s gonna drop Finn’s ass! The fans fire up but Finn says no no no, that’s not gonna happen! Damian doesn’t tell Finn what to do anymore, because Finn’s not his sidekick! This is FINN BALOR, and Damian made him into a sidekick!? NO! The Prince ain’t no sidekick! The fans chant “SIDEKICK! SIDEKICK!” Finn says Priest & Rhea fall on the same night, because Finn wants Damian 1v1 at Bad Blood! The fans like that idea! Oh, challenging Damian? CHALENGE ACCEPTED! Now, time to do what Damian came here to do.

Oh, no no no. Damian is forgetting one thing. Hasn’t he forgotten the playbook? Playbook!? Damian wrote that book! Damian is gonna explain something to Finn. And then he DECKS Finn! But here comes JD & Carlito! Damian DECKS them, too! The fans fire up as Damian throws more hands, but Dirty Dom stayed back! Dom LEAPS in, but Damian catches him! But now it’s a 4v1 mugging! The fans boo as JD holds Damian’s legs down so the others can stomp away! But here comes Rhea Ripley! She hobbles still, but Dom steps in her way. Because here comes Liv! Rhea JAMS Liv up with the crutch! But Dom snatches that crutch! so Rhea SLAPS Dom!

Rhea JAMS Dom, winds up, and SMACKS Dom on the back! But Liv CHOP BLOCKS the bad leg! The fans boo but Liv CLUBS away on Rhea! Finn SLINGBLADES Priest! The mugging continues, Liv CRACKS Rhea with her crutch! And again, and again, and again! The fans boo as Liv holds Rhea down with the crutch, and the boys keep dropping Damian! Liv winds up with the crutch, but Damian shields Rhea! So Liv just SMACKS away on Damian’s back! Then Dom gets a turn! The fans boo but no one can stop Judgment Day from beating Damian with the crutch! BUT NOW JEY IS HERE! Jey has a chair, he runs Judgment Day off!

The fans fire up with “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jay helps Rhea sit up and checks on Priest. Jey may have a battle in the main event tonight, but will he have a bigger part to play against Judgment Day?

Backstage interview with Braun Strowman.

Jackie Redmond is with The Monster of All Monsters, and says this is one of the more “miraculous” stories in this contenders series. The injuries Braun suffered at the hands of Bronson Reed would put most men on the shelf for months. Braun says it is no secret that he’s still banged up from that. But that said, he knew he had to step up. No offense to The Miz, he’s just no match for Bronson. And that match last week did Braun no favors. But he won’t use that as an excuse. For the better part of the last decade, he has shown the entire WWE Universe it takes way more than that to keep him down.

Braun may be wounded now, but he’ll show the world that a wounded monster is even more dangerous. But then in steps Bron Breakker. What does he want? Bron looks at Braun and admits, he’s a monster. Everyone knows that, but seeing it for himself, Bron admits again, Braun’s a monster. But Bron is going to prove to Braun, the WWE, and the world, that you don’t have to be some 7 foot tall, 900 pounds just to be a monster. Bron’s a dog, and the reason Braun is still standing is because he hasn’t stood across from Bron. Oh is that what he thinks? Then this kid doesn’t know who he’s talking to.

Bron says he actually hopes Braun wins tonight. “See you around, you big SOB.” Oh, he will. Will we get a battle of Bron VS Braun to see who has the most brawn in WWE?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill VS Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn!

The StrongEST Duo lost at Clash at the Castle but won at the Bash In Berlin, so now they and The Unholy Union need to put to R E S T who are truly the B E S T. Will Bianca & Jade prove that 2v2, there’s no two better? Or will there be one last spell to cast?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who really stands atop WWE!

The teams sort out and Bianca starts against Alba. They tie up, Bianca healdocks, but Alba pulls hair to power up and out. Bianca runs Alba over! The fans fire up and Bianca keeps moving. Bianca handsprings over the drop down, then says kiss this! Alba runs up, Bianca hurdles, but Alba blocks the hip toss! Bianca wrenches, whips, and Alba bounces off buckles. Bianca scoops and SLAMS Alba, then she tags Jade. The fans fire up as Jade & Bianca double whip. They DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE, but Isla runs in! She gets DOUBLE SHOULDERS, too! Isla bails out, Jade & Bianca DOUBLE LARIAT Alba out onto her!

The fans fire up with the StrongEST, but Isla helps Alba into the ring. Alba tags Isla, they flank Jade, then Isla CLUBS her! Isla whips, Jade reverses and scoops! The fans fire up as Jade marches around, then SLAMS Isla! Alba storms in, but into a scoop! And then a SLAM! The fans fire up for Jade, and she runs into the corner, BIG elbow for Alba! Jade runs at Isla but Isla dodges! Isla SMACKS Jade off buckles, then climbs up to rain down fists! But Jade stops Isla at three! Alba tags in, Jade atomic drops Isla, but Alba CHOP BLOCKS! Isla KNEES Jade down, Alba covers, TWO! Alba is annoyed, but she stomps away on Jade’s legs.

Alba steps through, but Jade BOOTS her away! Tag to Isla and she drags Jade back. But Jade BOOTS her, too! Hot tag to Bianca! The fans fire up as Bianca rallies on Isla with big shoulder tackles, then a DROPKICK! Alba runs up, into a wrench and suplex! Bianca holds Alba up, marches around, then SLAMS her down! And kip up! The fans fire up with Bianca, and she runs at Isla to RAM her! Bianca climbs, rains down fists, and fans count along. Bianca goes to nine, but has to flip over Alba! Bianca then dodges the wicked witches, goes up and CROSSBODIES them both down! The fans fire up again, and Bianca HANDSPRING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!

Isla survives but Bianca torture racks! Alba tags in first, and Isla slips free! Bianca swings on Alba, Isla ROCKS Bianca! Alba climbs, but Bianca shoves Isla into her! Bianca then climbs up after Alba, but Isla anchors the superplex! Isla tags in, Alba CLUBS away on Bianca. Isla & Alba bring Bianca up for a DOUBLE POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO!! Bianca survives and Isla is seething! Alba is pulling her hair out, but Isla tags her in. The Unholy Union DOUBLE SUPLEX, but Jade makes the save! The fans fire up as Jade then shoves Isla into Alba, and chicken wings Isla! But Isla victory rolls, Alba SUPERKICKS!

Bianca rolls Alba up, TWO! Bianca runs up but into a trip! Alba rolls Bianca right into a Gory Especial! Isla tags in, for SOMETHING WICKED!! Cover, Jade breaks it!! The fans fire up and Isla is beside herself! Isla tags Alba back in, and they stomp away on Bianca. The ref counts, Isla lets off, and Alba puts Bianca on ropes. But Bianca shoves back! Bianca ducks a sucker punch to POST Isla! Alba dodges the lariat to SUPERKICK! Bianca staggers, Jade tags in! Alba sees that and is furious. But Jade still BOOTS her down! The fans fire up, and Bianca rolls Alba for Jade! Wheelbarrow, DDT, STORM SUPLEX!! Cover, Bianca & Jade win!

Winners: Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

The Unholy Union couldn’t stop these two, Bianca & Jade could truly be THE strongest team in the Women’s Division ever!

Backstage interview with The Latino World Order.

Jackie says Dragon Lee faces Dirty Dom, and we all know how Judgment Day rolls. How has the LWO prepared? Dragon says claro que si, Dragon Lee is ready. Everyone knows Judgment Day can’t do anything alone. They showed that last week, they showed it tonight, but Dragon has his own back-up. Rey Mysterio says they couldn’t have picked a better man than Dragon Lee. “And oh, look who it is! The Addams Family!” Rey asks Judgment Day what they even want, and Liv says they like crashing parties. Finn says if they didn’t see what happened out there, but if you stand in the way of The Judgment Day, it’ll be you next!

Rey says all he saw was a bunch of wannabe thugs that run away from real fights. Dom says watch your mouth, deadbeat. Rey says watch your tone, son! But Rey says Finn needs to stop hiding behind Rey’s stupid son and face Rey in the ring tonight. Finn says he’s on! But Rey just made a huge mistake. Judgment Day heads out, but will LWO score some major points before the Terror Twins go for Bad Blood?

Bret Hart is here!

Joe Tessitore gives the Hitman his introduction, and Calgary fires up as the Hall of Famer makes his way to the ring. Tessitore says, “Calgary, he’s back!” Tessitore knows this was a tough ticket, but there’s an announcement for something special in Canada. The fans go wild for Bret, and Tessitore says WWE will return to Canada in late November! SURIVOR SERIES VANCOUVER! Tickets on sale Friday! Wade says Bret is a hero to everyone in the locker room, but how does it feel to be home on Raw, here in the Saddle Dome? Bret says this is the place to be! No one took more pride than he did being a champion for Canada.

And he’ll tell us a thing about Canadian champions. Canadian champions take on anyone! They never duck a challenge, and they have to prove themselves like Bret did every night for 20 years, that he’s The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and the Best There Ever Will Be! But wait! GUNTHER is here! Der Ring General smiles but the fans boo as he approaches the ring. Gunther gets a mic while fans boo more, but Gunther says, “Ladies and gentlemen, what a time to be alive! Bret ‘The Hitman’ Hart! I tell you this, I’m about to pour my heart out to one of my childhood heroes. In all seriousness, The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be.”

The fans cheer and Gunther says this is a passing-the-torch moment. Because yes, Bret was the best there was, but Gunther is the NEW Best There Is and Ever Will Be. So now, with that out of the way, Gunther wants to express something from the bottom of his heart. He is serious about this. Just like Wade said before, yes, everyone in the back respects Bret, we all watched Bret growing up. And Bret has always been a childhood hero for Gunther. So he wanted to take this moment to tell Bret that Bret will always be a close second to Gunther’s real favorite, Bill Goldberg! The fans boo more as Gunther had to mention that name.

But wait! Here comes Sami Zayn! The fans fire up as Sami wears a Calgary Flames Gaudreau jersey! The fans also sing Sami’s song as he goes to the ring. Sami stands with Bret, and he gets a mic to tell Gunther he has a lot of nerve to stand in this ring, in this city, and talk to Bret the way he just did! Gunther thinks this is a joke? Guess what? It isn’t a joke, Bret IS a Canadian hero! And in case you can’t tell, Bret is a hero to every single person in this city! And to an entire generation of wrestlers who are still studying Bret’s work to this day! And more importantly, Bret is a hero to Sami. The fans cheer all of that!

Sami says Gunther may be World Heavyweight Champion, but Bret is the one who set the tone for what it means to be a champion! But what does Gunther do? Sami challenges Gunther, but Gunther tucks tail, turns around, and runs away. Gunther wants to say the Best There Is? Then prove it! Gunther VS Sami, part 2, for the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP! The fans fire up for that idea! Gunther thinks on it, then grins as the fans boo. Gunther tells Sami, “Understand this. With all due respect, Bret, but you’re not in my league. And Sami, as much as you want to be, and as much as Bret is your hero, you’re far away from being in the league of Bret Hart.

“So what does that tell you? My answer remains no.” The fans boo as Gunther again leaves, but Bret’s the one to say that doesn’t look like a champion to him. That looks like a coward! A dirty, yellow coward! A gutless, yellow coward! Gunther gets mad, the fans chant “COWARD! COWARD!” but then Sami gets in Gunther’s face. They argue, but then Gunther takes a swing! Sami counter punches and keep son Gunther! Sami POSTS Gunther, HAMMERS away at the barriers, but refs rush out here! The fans boo, but Sami goes back to the ring with Bret. Fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT!” but Gunther retreats again.

Bret smirks as Gunther continues to prove him right. But will Der Ring General be convinced to settle things with Sami Zayn after all?

Pete Dunne crosses paths with Bron Breakker.

Bron didn’t know what to think of Dunne. He used to hang with Sheamus. But what did he used to be called? Don’t even call him that name, Bron. Bron says okay, Pete. But then Dunne tells Bron what’s gonna happen: Dunne takes one step closer to taking that title; tomorrow night on NXT, Dunne will SMASH Trick Williams and be one step closer to taking the NXT Championship; and after that, Dunne will SMASH Bron. Then Bron can just call him Double Champ. Bron tells Dunne that the worst thing Dunne could possibly do is convince himself he can beat Bron in a fight, because he can’t.

When it is all said and done, Bron will have that dumb look on his face as he does that stupid shrug, wondering, “Man, what just happened to me out there? Man, Bron Breakker’s a badass. Man, why’re the dogs barkin’ so loud in Canada?” But good luck. Bron leaves, but here comes Sheamus! He KNEES Dunne into the wall, and takes back his shillelagh! Now Dunne’s the real butch! Let’s bleedin’ go! Dunne ducks a shillelagh swing and runs away! Producers rush in, Sheamus tells them to get away! The Celtic Warrior is ready for a fight, but will he have to wait his turn given Dunne’s busy schedule?

Dominik Mysterio w/ Judgment Day VS Dragon Lee w/ The LWO!

Dirty Dom finally got a win over his dad with the help of Liv Morgan, and now Dom looks to settle things with the man Rey called “the future of lucha libre.” Will Liv and Judgment Day help him check that name off his list? Or will Dragon get in trouble for burning the trash?

Raw returns as the LWO make their entrance, sans Zelina Vega as she has her own match to prepare for. The bell rings, they circle then tie up, and they go around. They go on the mat, into a corner, and Dom turns things around. The ref counts, Dom lets off to CHOP, but Dragon TACKLES Dom! Dragon rains down fists, then has a leg, HALF CRAB! Dom scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Dragon lets go, but Dom BOOTS him! Dom runs up but into a fireman’s carry! ROLLING SENTON, and Dragon goes up a corner! CROSS- DROPKICK! The fans boo but Dom hurries to cover, ONE!! Dom is upset but Dragon is tougher than that.

Dom flexes on Dragon, drags him up, and t hen TOSSES Dragon out! LWO is there to help Dragon up, but Dom soaks up more heat. Judgment Day cheers, and Raw goes picture in picture.

Dom paces while he waits on Dragon. Dragon paces, slides in, but Dom BOOTS him first! Dom brings Dragon around, snapmares, and then clamps on a chinlock. Dom CLUBS Dragon with crossface forearms, then clamps on an even tighter chinlock! Dragon endures, fights up, and throws body shots. Dragon ROCKS Dom, runs up, but Dom TOSSES Dragon out! Dom DIVES and direct hit at the ramp! Dom taunts the fans, flexes, and Liv applauds. She’s the only one. Dom drags Dragon up, puts him in the ring, then flexes again. Dom kicks at his dad, then slingshots SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Dragon is still in this and Dom is annoyed.

Dom drags Dragon around, and he claws at the mask! The ref reprimands and counts, Dom lets off, but Dom rains down fists! Liv blows a kiss to Dom, and Dom rips Dragon’s shirt away. Dom stomps Dragon, throws the shirt at Rey, then puts Dragon in a corner. Dom whips corner to corner hard, and Dragon falls to the mat! Dom taunts the fans, soaks up more heat, then gives Liv a kiss on the cheek. Dom goes back for Dragon, drags him up, but Dragon fires hands! Dragon runs but Dom YANKS him down by his mask! The ref reprimands but Dom drags Dragon to ropes. Dom ties Dragon’s mask to the ropes!

Raw returns to single picture as Dom stomps away on Dragon! The fans boo and taunt Dom but Dom just tosses his hair and styles his mustache. Dom flexes, fans continue to boo, but Dragon gets free of the ropes. Dragon fires hands, ROCKS Dom, then whips. Dom reverses but Dragon RANAS! Dom tumbles to a corner, Dragon runs up, JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! COMBINACION CABRON! Dragon runs in to HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Dom survives but LWO coaches Dragon. Dragon lifts Dom, Dom slips out of the bomb but Dragon BOOTS! Dragon runs, into a scoop, MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!!

The fans boo but Liv coaches Dom. Dom runs up, Dragon dodges to roll him, TWO! DEADLIFT LIGER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and goes to a corner. Dragon runs in, Dom puts him on the apron, but Dragon smacks and KICKS Dom off buckles! Dragon goes up and up, but Dom ROCKS him first! Dom CHOPS, climbs, and brings Dragon up. But Dragon trips Dom up to ROCK him into a Tree of Woe! Then WOE STOMPS!! Liv panics, Carlito coaches Dom but Dragon drags Dom into a cover, ROPEBREAK by JD! The fans boo as The Irish Ace saves Dom. Rey gets in JD’s face, and DECKS him!

Finn and the rest brawl with The LWO! Wilde goes up to CANNONBALL! The ref calls for reinforcements, more refs rush out and get these groups to the back! But Liv CHOP BLOCKS Dragon! Dragon ends up on ropes, Dom 619s!! Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH! Cover, Dom wins!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall

LWO knew how Judgment Day p lays the game and they still couldn’t stop them! Now Dom & Liv kick Dragon out of the ring! Dom & Liv celebrate, will they keep this celebration going all the way through Bad Blood?

Jade & Bianca are backstage.

Jade says they did what they said they were gonna do, they’re feeling good. But then Iyo Sky & Kairi Sane walk over. Bianca asks Kairi if she’s good. The giant bandage over her eye says otherwise. Jade asks if there’s a problem. Iyo says they wanted to say nice work out there. But uh, don’t get used to having those tag titles. Okay, no touchy. Bye. DMG CTRL still wants the gold, when and where will they get their chance?

WWE pays tribute to the Gaudreau Brothers.

Johnny & Matthew were tragically killed in a car accident caused by a drunk driver. The outside of Scotia Bank Arena is covered in loving tributes to #JohnnyHockey and his brother. WWE stands with the Gaudreau Family in the face of this travesty.

Six Woman Tag: Pure Fusion Collective VS Zelina Vega, Lyra Valkyria & ???

Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark have been bullying just about everyone they can on Raw, but they still have a ways to go if they want to take over. Will that journey continue here tonight? Or will The Morrigan’s mystery woman be just the thing to stop PFC?

Raw returns as La Muneca makes her entrance, followed by Lyra. But then Sonya says cut the music, enough of this. She knows the entrance is a big deal. The fans boo but she says shut up! This is a joke! Why are these two even out here? They’ve tried and failed over and over. What’ll be different this week? Because they have a mystery partner? Ooh~! Sonya will give us a doze of reality: Their partner suffers the same fate as them, and that’s being destroyed by PFC. But if there is even anyone back there, if they wanna step up, then shoot your shot. It’s NATTY! The fans fire up as the Queen of Harts makes her return to Raw!

The teams sort out and Zoey starts against Zelina. They circle, tie up, and Zoey whips. Zelina RANAS and Zoey tumbles away! Zoey BOOTS Zelina, tags Sonya, then she trips up Zelina. Sonya DUMPS Zelina out, then tags Shayna. Shayna KICKS Zelina down, then tags Zoey in. Zoey PLANCHAS and down goes Zelina! PFC stand together, finger guns up, and fans boo as Raw goes picture in picture.

Zoey hears the ref counting so she steps in to step back out, and she fetches Zelina. Zoey puts Zelina in, storms up and HIP DROPS! Zelina writhes but Zoey brings her up. Zelina fires body shots but Zoey sends her to the corner. Zoey tags Shayna, they stomp Zelina, then let off as the ref reprimands, Tag to Sonya, she drags Zelina up but Zelina fires hands! Sonya SHOVES Zelina then fires off fast hands! Sonya TOSSES Zelina, soaks up heat, and Shayna storms over to Zelina. Shayna Electric Chair Lifts, then THROWS Zelina at the apron! A rough landing for La Muneca, Shayna’s treating her like a ragdoll!

Shayna puts Zelina in, tags Zoey, and they BACKBREAKER LARIAT COMBO! Zoey shoves Zelina over to cover, TWO! Zoey clamps on with a chinlock to squeeze Zelina’s head. Zelina endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Zelina rolls Zoey, TWO! Zoey runs up to LARIAT Zelina down! Tag to Shayna, she stays between Zelina and her team, and kicks her around. Shayna soaks up heat, taunts Zelina but Zelina fires hands! Zelina ROCKS Shayna, CHOPS her, then runs up to LARIAT! Shayna stays up, so Zelina LAIRATS again! Shayna drops to a knee, but she catches Zelina! Sonya & Zoey BLAST Lyra & Natty, then Shayna sends Zelina to the corner.

Shayna storms up on Zelina, fires body shots, then he tags Zoey. Shayna brings Zelina around, she and Zoey double whip but Zelina KICKS Zoey! Zelina fires off on Shayna, TOSSES her, and Raw returns to single picture. Zoey CLUBS Zelina, snap suplexes, and taunts the fans. Zoey drags Zelina up, snap suplexes again, then TOSSES Zelina out! Tag to Shayna, and she storms over to Zelina for another Electric Chair Lift. The fans boo, but Zelina slips free, wheelbarrow and arm-drag into the apron! Zelina crawls in, Sonya shoves Shayna! Zoey tags, but Zelina tags Natty! The fans fire up as Natty DECKS Zoey again and again!

Natty BLASTS Sonya, fires hands on Zoey, then DECKS her again! The fans fire up as Natty whips Zoey to a corner. Natty runs up, Zoey dodges, but Natty dodges Zoey! Zoey hits buckles, Natty gives her a rebound sit-down! Natty steps on Zoey, then comes back to basement dropkick! The fans fire up as Zoey takes a swing, but Natty catches her! Zoey fights the clinch, but Natty blocks the kick! Natty trips Zoey, Zoey scrambles and PFC drag her to safety! Zoey HOTSHOTS Natty away! Lyra WRECKS Shayna with a dropkick! Zelina METEORAS Sonya! Zoey sunset flips Natty, TWO! Natty sits on it, TWO! Zoey has it again but Natty rolls through!

Natty steps through the legs, but Sonya & Shayna rush in! So Lyra & Zelina snatch them! DOUBLE HALF CRABS, and a SHARPSHOOTER!! Zoey taps, Natty’s team wins!!

Winners: Zelina Vega, Lyra Valkyria & Natalya, by submission

The Queen of Harts was just the thing they needed for a winning hand! Will The BOAT be the one to sink Sonya’s hopes of taking over the WWE?

Natty, Lyra & Zelina regroup backstage.

They had an amazing match! It was fun, surreal, and a long time coming. Uncle Bret says hey to Natty, and Natty says this is Hart Country. This was a great Natty moment, that is for sure. They hug it out, will this be a much needed revitalization for The Queen of Harts?

Drew McIntyre is here!

The fans boo as the Scottish Terminator slowly makes his way out, a big smile on his face. He goes to the ring, has his pyro, and then grabs a mic. The fans chant “CM PUNK! CM PUNK!” at McIntyre, but he says, “Don’t stop! C’mon, louder! Louder! Chant his name! I’ll join in!” McIntyre sarcastically starts, but the fans chant after all. McIntyre says now whenever that name is chanted, it isn’t about nostalgia, it doesn’t upset him. Whenever the fans chant “C M PUNK!” it is now in memory of him. Did you see what happened last week? Not the violence, that was poetic. Did you hear what Punk had to say?

Punk came out here, stood in this ring, said he beat McIntyre in a Strap Match, touched the corners, and is done with McIntyre so now he can go for the world title. Blah blah blah. Let’s recap: Punk has screwed McIntyre out of that title three times this year! McIntyre pinned Punk at SummerSlam. And just because Punk’s the Best in the World at touching four corners in a row, he’s suddenly done and moving on? “I don’t think so, ya arrogant p*ick!!” The fans still chant for Punk but McIntyre says he knows everyone expects him to gloat about what he did, maybe use some zingers, but McIntyre’s been talking about Punk since January.

McIntyre has made Punk a bigger star, and he has to live with that fact. And he can, because he is the one that just ended Punk’s career. Okay, enough of the past! On to the future! What matters around here is HIM, Drew McIntyre! So what’s first on the agenda? The World Heavyweight Championship that he’s been cheated out of multiple times? For sure. But also, his first Hollywood movie comes out! The Killer’s Game, starring McIntyre and Dave Batista! Check that out in theaters! Things are almost perfect, but there is one loose end. McIntyre’s afraid he’s got some bad news, Wade! What…?

McIntyre looks at Wade Barrett on commentary, and he says he doesn’t have many friends left in this world, let alone this company. These two go back a couple decades. They came to this country together, lived together, got arrested together! Wade’s the only voice of reason for McIntyre when Michael Cole lied to everyone about how Punk was hurting this company! So why, when it was time for McIntyre to end Punk, did Wade step in his way!? McIntyre isn’t angry with Wade, he’s just disappointed. The fans boo but now McIntyre steps outside the ring. McIntyre says if Wade does something like that again, McIntyre won’t be disappointed, he will be angry, and do something about it.

Wade steps off commentary and the fans fire up! But then Adam Pearce appears to say enough already. McIntyre, have you lost the plot so bad that now it’s no longer about Punk, but about his friends? Wade Barrett, the only one who has kept McIntyre above water? No, McIntyre doesn’t wanna do that, Wade doesn’t wanna do that. Let’s just move on. Pearce wants McIntyre to step into the ring because he has information he needs to hear. McIntyre says he was talking with his friend, man to man. Pearce is not a friend, he’s a corporate stooge who Punk kisses up top! But if he has something to say, say it quick.

Pearce says he heard what McIntyre had to say about Punk. But he just heard from Punk today. And Pearce can assure us, as much as McIntyre thinks he ended Punk, Punk is NOT done. Punk is not done with McIntyre! McIntyre almost laughs at that. McIntyre does NOT believe that. There is not a chance after last week that Punk wants another piece of McIntyre. But if we’re playing hypotheticals, let’s play. Who wants to see McIntyre VS Punk one more time? The fans here sure do! McIntyre says IF that is all true, then Pearce is signing Punk’s death certificate. Well either way, this has to end.

After the Strap Match, Punk did think this was over, as did Pearce. But then last week, McIntyre loses his mind and we’re back in it. The fight has to end, and it ends at Bad Blood. Yeah, McIntyre VS Punk, One Last Time. And Pearce assures us of this, when it is over, he will find peace. Y’know why? Because Pearce will know it is truly over. And it will be over because in Atlanta, Georgia, Bad Blood, it is McIntyre VS Punk, HELL IN A CELL!! The fans are thunderous for that! McIntyre is seething, but will he be the one going through hell at the hands of his most hated enemy?

The Miz is talking to… Karrion Kross?!

Mr. Doomsday tells the Hollywood A-Lister that right now, Miz is in a rut. It happens to everyone! Miz just needs someone to help him take a step out of it. But Xavier Woods steps in and asks what Kross’ Kurt is here. His what? What is his angle? Oh, ha, clever. But Kross says no angle. Just good luck with Kofi. Kross leaves, and Woods hopes Miz isn’t actually listening to Kross. Kross tried this with New Day, Kross is no one’s friend. Does Woods really think Miz doesn’t get it? Miz invented this move. But Kross isn’t wrong. Miz is in a rut, and everyone thinks he’s just gonna get crushed by Bronson Reed!

Woods says no, everyone knows Miz is great. He defended the WWE Championship against John Cena at WrestleMania! Yeah, but look where he is now! Miz appreciates Woods stepping up, but he wouldn’t understand. Miz leaves, Kofi steps in and asks “Bret” why Miz is rocking the boo-boo face. Woods reveals it is him behind the sunglasses, and Kofi says wazzup! But Woods says Miz is just mad that Bronson about to dig up in ’em. Yeah, you hate to see it. But Kofi loves the cosplay. And also, great DragonCon stuff from Woods. But while Woods was there, Kofi was here doing work, and guess what? They got a shot at the tag titles next week!

The New Day is fired up, and Woods says he thought they were each trying for singles gold, but hey, tag titles is more money in their pockets! And it means they walk into their tenth anniversary this November as… Sunglasses back on… The Best There Is, The Best There Was, and The Best There Ever Will Be! YEAH~! Will Kofi & Woods deck out their decade together with those W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONSHIPS~?

Finn Balor VS Rey Mysterio!

We saw Judgment Day pick a fight with LWO, and then they cheated Dragon Lee, so now, Adam Pearce has made this a truly 1v1 match, as he has put a BAN on everyone else at ringside! Will The Prince bow to the King of Lucha? Or will Finn still find a way to steal one from the Hall of Famer?

Raw returns as Finn makes his entrance. The bell rings, the two tie up, and Finn throws knees and elbows! Finn wrenches, wristlocks, but Rey uses ropes to flip through. Rey breaks free, KICKS then fires off hands. Rey whips, Finn reverses but Rey goes up and over. Rey keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Finn still ELBOWS him down! Finn stalks Rey to a corner, fires body shots, then he CHOPS! The fans “WOO~!” and Finn CHOKES Rey on ropes. The ref counts, Finn lets off, and Rey sputters to a corner. Finn snapmares Rey, then stomps away at the ropes! The ref counts, Finn stomps and stomps and stomps, but lets off at 4.

Finn paces, soaks up heat, then he drags Rey up. Rey blocks to fire hands back! Finn RAMS Rey into a corner, RAMS him again and again, then lets off as the ref counts. The ref reprimands Finn, but the fans rally up. Finn fires body shots on Rey, then climbs up to rain down fists! Rey slips out to TRIP Finn! Rey runs to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Finn staggers up, Rey DROPKICKS him out of the ring! Rey then PLANCHAS and down goes Finn! The fan fire up for Rey, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Finn grinds Rey down with a chinlock. Rey endures, fights up, and fires body shots. Finn CLUBS Rey, whips, but Rey KICKS back! Finn runs up but Rey TOSSES him out, then GAMANGIRIS! Finn falls, Rey builds speed, and fans fire up for the SLIDING SPLASH! Finn sputters but Rey also needs to catch his breath. The fans rally, Rey stands and storms up on Finn. Rey puts Finn in the ring, climbs up a corner, and Rey FLYING SEATED SENTONS! Rey keeps moving, he ddoges Finn to springboard CROSSBODY! Finn is on the ropes, 619to the gut! Rey then RANAS Finn, and he redials! 619 TO THE – NO, Finn blocks!

Finn drags Rey into ropes, to CATAPULT GUILLOTINE! Rey sputters and flops to the apron! Fans boo but Finn traps Rey in the ropes, BOSTON CRAB! The ref counts, Finn refuses to let go! The ref hits 5, THAT’S IT! DISQUALIFICATION!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by disqualification

The fans boo but Finn doesn’t care! Finn just wants to tear Rey apart! Rey writhes, Finn soaks up heat, but then Finn goes back for Rey on the apron! Finn grins, runs in, and SHOTGUNS Rey into a post! Rey flops to the floor, the ref reprimands, but Finn tells him to shut up. More refs show up, they tell Finn to leave, so Finn obliges. Finn soaks up all the heat from the Calgary Flames fans, but then he sees Rey sit up. So Finn runs down the ramp to SHOTGUN Rey into the apron! The fans boo more but Finn says he warned Rey this was a mistake to pick a fight with him. But will Finn pay for this and then some in Atlanta at Bad Blood?

Backstage interview with Ilja Dragunov.

Jackie is with The Czar, and she says he is just moments away from tonight’s Fatal 4 Way main event. This is one of the biggest opportunities he’s had since coming to Raw, what is his mindset? Dragunov says he almost missed this chance because of Judgment Day. But thanks to Rhea & Damian, he got a fair shot and advanced. Now, Dragunov faces Jey Uso, Braun Strowman AND Pete Dunne. Dragunov needs to dig deep just to survive. But that is not his only goal. He wants the prize at the end of this tournament! He wants that chance to compete for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, and the chance to settle things with Bron Breakker,

But speaking of, Bron steps in now, as he has done with the others. Bron says there is no unfinished business. He already beat Dragunov. But if Dragunov wants, he can win tonight, and Bron will just beat him again. But then in steps Jey Uso! Main Event Jey looks at Bron, he looks at Dragunov, then smiles as he passes by. “Main Event Jey is now in your city! Hey, Uce, please, please, please hit my music! Uh, uh, yeah, YEET!” The fans fire up as Jey passes from gorilla position to the stage, will Jey win this main event to then get another shot at that Intercontinental Championship?

Judgment Day regroups backstage.

Finn says he hopes everyone is watching. Tonight was a message from them to everyone in the locker room that anyone can get it at any time! LWO? Terror Twins? Not so terrible now, huh? Liv says what happened tonight won’t even come close to what happens at Bad Blood. Life as Rhea knew it is over. She will never lay a finger on Dom or the Women’s World Championship ever again. JD says don’t think they forgot The New Day, either. The tag division belongs to Judgment Day now. Cool?

WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 4 Way: Jey Uso VS Pete Dunne VS Ilja Dragunov VS Braun Strowman!

Raw returns and The Mad Dragon makes his entrance, followed by The Bruiserweight’s. That leaves #OneBigSOB to make his entrance last, but certainly not least! The bell rings and Dunne BLASTS Jey! Dragunov fires CHOPS on Braun, but Braun HEADBUTTS him down! Dunne fires hands but Jey RAMS Dunne into a corner, UPPERCUTS him, and then sees Braun. Braun UPPERCUTS Jey! Braun choke grips Dunne, but Dunne fires body shots! Braun grimaces, Dunne mule kicks the ribs! But Braun just seethes as he stands up tall. Braun TOSSES Dunne out of the ring, then goes out. Braun runs up but Dunne dodges, so Braun only hits barriers!

Dunne goes up, Jey runs up, Dunne holds ropes down and Jey FLIES onto Braun! The fans fire up, Dragunov and Dunne storm up. Dunne ROCKS Dragunov, BOOTS him, then swings, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Dunne tumbles and Dragunov fires up! The fans are with him as he runs in to KNEE Dunne, then goes side to side to BOOT WASH! Dunne sputters, Dragunov keeps going, but Jey blocks a kick. Dragunov blocks one, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! The fans fire up with “YEET!” Jey runs, Dunne DUMPS him out! Braun storms up, YANKS Dunne up, but Dunne bends fingers! Dunne wristlocks, but Braun scoops him!

Braun TOSSES Dunn out onto Jey and Dragunov! The fans fire up as The Monster of All Monsters stands tall, and Raw goes picture in picture.

Braun paces around, then he storms out of the ring. Braun storms up, blocks Dragunov’s kick and TOSSES him aside! Then he DECKS Dunne! Braun stalks Jey, THROWS him into barriers, but Dunne jumps onto Braun’s back! Braun THROWS Dunne down, but Dragunov gets up to CHOP! Braun just scowls, and he CHOPS Dragunov down! Jey runs up but Braun UPPERCUTS him! Braun puts Dunne in, but Dunne BOOTS back! Dunne snarls, goes to the apron, and he FLYING KNEES Braun down! Dragunov is there to haul Braun back up, and Braun is amused that Dragunov is trying. Braun CLUBS Dragunov, but Dragunov CHOPS in return!

Dunne tortures Jey’s arm while Dragunov keeps after Braun. Braun DECKS Dragunov, and Dunne bends Jey’s fingers in all directions! Dunne twists Jey, grinds forearms into his face, then isolates the arm, to STOMP it! Jey clutches that elbow, and Dunne catches Dragunov as he gets in. Dunne wrenches, then drops KNEES on the arm! Dunne now tortures Dragunov like he did Jey, and then STOMPS Dragunov in the head. Dunne even goes to CLUB Braun down! Dunne goes back for Dragunov but Dragunov CHOPS! Dragunov scoops to SLAM Dunne, then he drops knees on Dunne’s face! Jey mule kicks Dragunov!

Jey whips, Dragunov reverses and Jey hits buckles hard! Dragunov CHOPS Jey, Braun CLOBBERS Dragunov! Braun stomps Jey, soaks up cheers and jeers, but Dunne CHOP BLOCKS! Jey and Dragunov join in, it’s a 3v1 mugging! Raw returns to single picture as Braun EXPLODERS out! The fans fire up, but Dunne mule kicks Braun! Dragunov joins in again and they mug Braun. But Braun tosses both men away! Braun runs at Jey, but Jey dodges, Braun POSTS himself! The fans rally with “YEET!” as Dragunov runs up, and Jey dumps him out! Dunne rolls Jey up, TWO! Dunne kicks low, then wrenches the arm.

Dunne whips, Jey goes up and over, then UPPERCUTS! Dunne flounders around and the fans fire up! Jey runs up on Dunne, back body block, and then PELE! Jey pops, locks, and ‘YEET!” Dunne catches the arm to wrangle Jey! Dunne bends fingers, but Braun grabs Dunne by his neck! Dunne panics, but Dragunov is up top! COAST2COAST!! But Braun only staggers back! Dunne PLANCHAS and hits Braun, but Braun is still on his feet! Jey SUPERKICKS Braun, and then the three all work together to SHOVE Braun into steel steps! The steps turn around from the impact! “This is Awesome!” as the three rise up, and Dunne SHOVES Jey into Dragunov!

Dunne POSTS Jey, puts Dragunov in the ring, and X PLEX! Cover, TWO! Dragunov stays in this but Dunne grins. Dunne soaks up the heat as he mocks Sheamus! “FELLA~!” But Dragunov blocks the boot to CHOP! Dunne ENZIGIRIS, but Dragunov springs up to PELE! Dunne ends up in a corner, Dragunov goes to the other! Dragunov climbs up and reloads, COAST2- SUPERKICK!! Jey covers Dragunov, TWO!! Dragunov survives again and the fans are thunderous! Everyone is down, but the fans rally with “YEET! YEET! YEET!” while Raw goes to picture in picture.

Dragunov goes to the apron, Dunne sits up and crawls over. Jey also heads that way, the three meet near center. They all stand, and Dunne hits Jey! Dragunov hits Dunne! Jey hits Dragunov! Dunne hits Jey again, Dragunov CHOPS Jey! Dunne storms up but Dragunov ROCKS him! Jey ROCKS Dragunov, then he ROCKS Dunne! And repeat! Jey puts some stank on the haymaker for Dunne! Jey then runs up on Dragunov, Dragunov blocks the kick but another DRAGON WHIP hits! Dunne is back, hobbling, but Jey UPPERCUTS again! Jey has targets in the corners, but Dunne rises again. Dunne storms up, so Jey UPPERCUTS him again! Dunne falls, Jey covers, TWO!!

Dunne survives, Jey is frustrated, but he goes back for Dragunov. Dragunov JAWBREAKERS first! Dragunov CLUBS away on Jey’s neck, then stomps him down! Then he SENTONS! Dragunov is all fired up again, and he puts Dunne in a corner. Dragunov CHOPS, stomps Dunne, then storms over to Jey. Dragunov CHOPS Jey in a corner, BOOTS him down, then hobbles his way over to Dunne. Dragunov has to catch his breath, and Dunne BOOTS him! Dunne stomps away on Jey, stomps away on Dragunov, and now he’s the one fired up! Dunne paces, drags Dragunov up, but Dragunov CHOPS! And fireman’s carries!

Dunne fights it, so Dragunov puts Dunne on the apron. Dragunov ENZIGIRIS Dunne down! Dragunov looks over to Jey while Raw returns to single picture again. The fans are thunderous as Dragunov and Jey step up. Dragunov CHOPS, Jey ROCKS! CHOP! “YEET!” The forearms fly faster and faster, but Dragunov blocks a kick! And this time, he ducks the Dragon Whip to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Dragunov runs, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL!! Cover, Dunne breaks it! The fans are torn but Dunne grins through a bloody nose. Dunne aims from the apron, but he grabs Dragunov’s chop first! Dunne twists the arm to then bend fingers!

Dragunov pulls at Dunne’s hair, but Dunne still SNAPS the fingers! Dunne goes up top, but Braun is back! Braun SHOVES Dunne down! Braun then SHOVES Jey, and CLOBBERS him! And he BOOTS Dragunov! Braun roars, runs, and SPLASHES Jey in a corner! And he runs to SPLASH Dragunov in the other corner! Then he CLUBS Dragunov in the chest! Braun rips the shirt off and the fans are thunderous again! Braun sees all targets are outside the ring, so he gets on the track! The Strowman Express CLOBBERS Jey, CLOBBERS Dragunov, and CLOBBERS Dunne! The fans fire up again as Braun drags Dunne up.

Braun THROWS Dunne into barriers, then he clears off the desk! The fans fire up for Braun, but BRONSON REED IS HERE!! CROSSBODY THROUGH THE TABLE!!! The fans lose their minds as Auszilla has returned! Braun clutches his ribs, Bronson may have just broken them again! Bronson then leaves, having done what he wanted. Jey and Dragunov return to the ring, this match seemingly coming down to them. The fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” as hard as they can, but Jey and Dragunov step to each other to fire off more shots! This continues where they left off, and Dragunov CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS!

Jey ducks the spinning chop, and the boot, to SPEAR! But Dunne TOSSES Jey! Cover on Dragunov, TWO!!! Dunne is furious that he couldn’t steal this one! Dunne glares at Dragunov, “This is Awesome!” as Dragunov glares back. The two former NXT UK Champions rise, but Dunne stands on Dragunov’s hands! And STOMPS! And BUZZSAWS! Dunne runs up to PENALTY KICK! Dragunov still rises up, so Dunne runs in to BOOT Dragunov down! The fans boo but Dunne rains down forearms on Dragunov! Dragunov is still in this but Dunne looms over him. Dunne drags Dragunov up, pump handles, BITTER- NO, Dragunov slips free and BOOTS!

Dragunov reels Dunne in, to POWERBOMB! And H-BOMB FOREARM!! Cover, Jey SUPERKICKS it apart!! The fans “YEET!” and Jey goes up top! USO SPLASH on Dunne!! Cover, JEY WINS!!!

Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship)

All of Calgary is on their feet as they “YEET! YEET! YEET!” If Jey found a way to win this Fatal 4 Way, what is there to stop him from finally being a singles champion? Bron Breakker steps into the ring, and he stares Jey down, title in hand. Bron already said no one in Jey’s family has ever whooped someone in Bron’s family, and Jey won’t be the first. Will Jey prove Bron wrong and YEET that title right off him?

My Thoughts:

An awesome Raw here to not only kick off this “WWE Week” which will also be the rest of September, but to also get things going towards Bad Blood. Great commercial free first hour, great use of picture in picture, great Mixed 8 Person Street Fight to open. I figured Wyatt 6 would win, and with Bo/Howdy getting involved to tip the scales back their way. This probably doesn’t end here, though, I feel like Bo and Gable have to have one more 1v1 to top this off. I still hope for a Firefly Funhouse match to give a retrospective on what Gable’s done in his career, the good and the bad, in hopes of restoring Gable to who he once was, or something like that.

Great Women’s Tag title match tonight, and great win for Jade & Bianca to end things with Alba & Isla. Good encounter with Iyo & Kairi backstage to tease that feud next, but as I said for SmackDown, we also need SmackDown to get their Women’s Tag Division going, hopefully that starts this week. The Six Woman Tag was really good, and of course Natty was the mystery woman, that was a given even last week when Lyra suggested the idea. Not sure where this story will go for Natty, but she’s always been a great talent in the ring, so there’s no worries on that end.

Great stuff all over with Judgment Day and LWO tonight. Good promo to hype up Dom VS Dragon and give us Finn VS Rey. Naturally, there was cheating through overbooking in Dom VS Dragon, and of course Judgment Day beat down Rhea & Priest tonight so that they aren’t continuously hapless against The Terror Twins. Great match from Finn VS Rey, and I like that Finn didn’t care about the loss, he’s beyond that right now because he is just angry that his Judgment Day isn’t getting the respect it deserves. Finn VS Priest will be great stuff, as will Liv VS Rhea, but just like tonight, those matches will probably split 50-50. If Rhea wins the belt back, then Finn gets one on Priest, and then vice-versa should she lose to Liv.

Good promo from Miz with Kross and New Day. Kross is gonna let New Day fall apart on their own now, so he’s moved on to Awesome Truth. New Day VS Judgment Day for the tag titles will be a great match, but I would think Judgment Day cheats to retain, maybe being the last straw for Woods and Kofi. Though at the same time, Woods mentioned the anniversary of New Day, maybe they find a way to keep this going until then so that on the Raw they celebrate ten years, THAT is when someone turns on the other, probably Woods on Kofi. Odyssey Jones is sadly out of the picture, that’s a whole can of worms to talk about, but now things will be even. Though, I would love if Big E returns to TV for this story. Big E could try and keep things from falling apart, only to fail.

Great stuff with McIntyre’s story tonight. He claims he’s the one done with Punk now, but that anger was clearly still there and he was gonna lash out against Wade Barrett over last week, that’s an intriguing new wrinkle. But I did appreciate that he was using the four corners aspect of their Strap Match as the excuse, that’s just what I figured they’d do. And Pearce bringing the “bad news” of Punk’s return was good stuff. Many fans were sensing this needed Hell in a Cell to finish it, and here we are. It feels like Punk finds a way to win that, and then Punk really does move on towards the World Heavyweight Championship, perhaps sending McIntyre into such a spiral that he has to go to SmackDown so he can get away from Punk.

Good stuff with Bret Hart here tonight, including the news of Survivor Series WarGames in Vancouver this year. Bret was of course cuing up Sami Zayn with his talk of “Canadian champions,” but Gunther coming out first to give backhanded compliments to Bret was also a good reason for Sami to show up. Sami had his tribute to Johnny & Michael Gaudreau, and WWE also had a great segment of their own to connect the WWE community with the hockey community, because in the end, we’re all a human community, and such a tragedy as losing those two just really hurts. As for Sami and Gunther, Gunther continues to reject Sami’s challenge, but you know something is going to force his hand even as soon as next week, and Bad Blood will see these two run it back from Mania.

And then just awesome stuff with the Fatal 4 Way tonight. Good promos from everyone with Bron Breakker, teasing that any of them could be the guy. Well, not Dunne, because Sheamus was right after his head there. Dunne might even need to worry about Sheamus showing up on NXT tomorrow night to make sure he loses the Last Man Standing. But clearly, Sheamus VS Dunne in the revival of the Donnybrook stipulation should really happen. Bronson Reed showing up to screw Strowman was also a great detail, it was the only thing that was gonna stop Strowman anyway. And in the end, we YEET as Jey wins out and gets his shot at Bron. That match should probably be saved for Bad Blood, with great build between these two from here on.

My Score: 9/10