It’s the Raw After Hell in a Cell! Who will return from such horrors in one piece? And the Deadman returns again to respond directly to Triple H’s message!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Dean Ambrose VS Drew McIntyre; McIntyre wins.
• Chad Gable w/ Bobby Roode VS Viktor w/ Konnor; Gable wins.
• Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Dana Brooke; Bayley wins.
• The Authors of Pain w/ Drake Maverick VS Gregory James & Barrett Brown; The AoP wins.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Dolph Ziggler; Rollins wins and retains the Intercontinental Championship.
• Raw Women’s Championship Open Challenge: Ronda Rousey VS ???; No Contest.
• Bobby Lashley VS Elias; Elias wins, by disqualification.
• Mickie James & Alicia Fox w/ Alexa Bliss VS Ember Moon & ???; Moon & Nia Jax win.
• WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin; Reigns wins and retains the WWE Universal Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

The Big Dog is worse for wear after his Hell in a Cell match, but not just because it was against Braun Strowman. Roman had Speared Strowman through a table, but he couldn’t finish the Monster Among Men off before The Beast, Brock Lesnar, made a shocking appearance! Lesnar would make sure neither Roman nor Strowman could finish their match, leaving everyone in a foul mood as the referees had no choice but to end the match with no real winner. Roman hears out Dallas’ cheers and jeers, then speaks.

“Last night was rough. Last night was brutal. And last night, it didn’t really go to plan for me.” But Roman woke up still THE WWE Universal Champion. He knew Lesnar wanted his rematch, but he didn’t think Lesnar would attack him while he was down and out. Roman is here standing now, so if Lesnar wants at his championship, then Lesnar should just come out here right now! But instead, it’s BRAUN! The Monster is just as pissed off at the Beast as anyone, and he joins Roman in the ring.

Fans chant “Get These Hands!” for Braun as he says “Screw this crap. You should be thankful that Brock Lesnar came down last night because he’s the only reason you still have that Universal Championship.” This is the second time Lesnar has cost Strowman, but there won’t be a third. Strowman wants Lesnar first, then he’ll come back for Roman! But Baron Corbin comes out to keep the peace, “we’re not doing this right here, right now.” The Constable turned interim GM joins Strowman and Roman in the ring. Fans chant “You Suck!” for the cranky Constable, but Corbin says that his first PPV in charge was also upsetting for him. He has been on the phone all day with Stephanie McMahon to find a solution. And that solution will make everyone happy.

On November 2nd in “WWE Crown Jewel”, it will be the Triple Threat! Roman VS Strowman VS Lesnar! Neither Roman or Strowman like it. Strowman thinks that sucks! He also thinks Corbin sucks and Roman definitely sucks. For that matter, everyone in the WWE Universe sucks! Fans don’t really like that, but then Paul Heyman appears! And he even has WWE staff bring out the busted door from last night’s Cell! The Advocate is here to educate us. That is the very “gate to hell” that Lesnar kicked down to lay waste and conquer Roman and Strowman. Fans can boo but Heyman’s lesson is on “Brockonomics.”

It’s very complex yet also very simple: “The more you are worth … in WWE, the more money you are worth in UFC.” And the same is true for the reverse, the more you’re worth in UFC, the more you’re worth in WWE. And nothing makes you more worthy than holding that Universal Championship. Lesnar was the longest reigning Universal Champion to date, and in that time, WWE and fans were reaching new heights, until the Summerslam Conspiracy of Roman and Strowman. But that’s why Lesnar returned, will go back to Saudi Arabia, and will reclaim his championship, to then reclaim his right as THE champion, the “crown jewel” of WWE. Heyman drops the mic, but Strowman storms up the ramp! Heyman runs, but Strowman gives chase!

Meanwhile, Roman and Corbin stand off in the ring. Roman takes Corbin’s mic to then tell Corbin something, but Corbin snatches the mic back. Whatever Roman is thinking, Corbin is thinking that while the Big Dog is acting big and bad, the GM has an injury report. Roman is banged up, from being hit with chairs, table chunks and an F5, the Big Dog is a “Hurting little puppy.” The Triple Threat might not even be on Roman’s schedule, because right here tonight, the title is on the line! It will be Roman Reigns VS… Baron Corbin! This is another abuse of power by the Lone Wolf, but will the wolf take advantage of the Big Dog?

Dean Ambrose VS Drew McIntyre!

The Lunatic Fringe took the least damage last night, oddly enough. He and Seth Rollins failed to reclaim the Raw Tag Team Championships, but he and the Scottish Psycho are far from finished with each other. Which man will gain momentum for their side in this Raw war?

The bell rings and they circle. They tie up and McIntyre powers Ambrose back, but Ambrose gets a waistlock. Ambrose shifts to a headlock but McIntyre fights out. McIntyre chops then bumps Ambrose off buckles. He throws a big elbow, then puts Ambrose in a corner. Abmrose escapes and blocks the boots to jack the knee! Ambrose has the leg on the ropes, then runs to dropkick it! McIntyre falls but Ambrose is on him from the outside, to sling that leg into the post! Ambrose keeps going, but McIntyre pushes Ambrose away. McIntyre hobbles but Ambrose puts him into the LED apron. Ambrose even throws the leg into the apron! Ambrose refreshes the ring count to then go after McIntyre again. McIntyre forearms Ambrose away to then swing him into the barriers!

Both men are down but McIntyre manages to stand first. He drags Ambrose up and in, then works on his leg moving. Cover, TWO, but McIntyre keeps on him while we go to break.

Raw returns while McIntyre has Ambrose down in an armlock. Fans rally up and Ambrose powers up. Ambrose fights out but McIntyre shoves him. McIntyre scoops but Ambrose slips out. Ambrose rolls McIntyre, TWO! Ambrose hits McIntyre with a forearm then throws him out. McIntyre hobbles back in and goes after Ambrose with a slap! McIntyre shouts “You’re nothing!” but Ambrose ducks the lariat to hit his own! Ambrose and McIntyre are still sore but Ambrose whips. McIntyre reverses but Ambrose throws him down by his hair! Ambrose grabs McIntyre’s bad leg and wants the Half Crab. McIntyre pushes him away then gives him a headbutt! McIntyre puts Ambrose on the top rope then chops. He joins Ambrose but Ambrose trips him up!

Ambrose throws hands, then has McIntyre in the Tree of Woe! But McIntyre sits up to throw Ambrose off the top! Both men are down, but McIntyre is slowly getting feeling in that bad leg. McIntyre wants to finish Ambrose and waits for him to stand. Ambrose sees it coming and dodges. McIntyre denies the Dirty Deeds but ambroes sunset flips through! TWO, but now Ambrose gets McIntyre in a Cloverleaf! Ambrose shows off his new strength with that hold, but McIntyre uses his long arms to drag himself over. McIntyre gets a ropebreak! Ambrose lets go at 3, and walks into a shove. He knees McIntyre down, then runs to DIVE! The Lunatic hits his target! Both men are down again, but Ambrose hurries to put McIntyre in. McIntyre rolls back out, but can barely walk on that leg.

Ambrose sees McIntyre isn’t coming back in, so he climbs up top. He JUMPS, but misses!! McIntyre sent him into barriers, and then leaves him for dead! The count rises past 5, but Ambrose only now starts crawling. He goes as fast as he can, and beats the count at 9! CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

The Scottish Terminator takes out Ambrose and gains another win for Strowman’s “dogs of war.” Will this pack of wild animals continue to take over Raw? Or is this war far from over?

Drew McIntyre meets with Dolph Ziggler backstage.

The Scotsman is good after that match, and even Corbin comes over to congratulate him. The Shield isn’t looking too good. McIntyre got Ambrose and Corbin will get Roman because 1) he deserves it, 2) he can and 3) we deserve better. Then Ziggler wants his match with Rollins for the Intercontinental Championship tonight? No, not tonight! HE fell off the Cell. Well Rollins isn’t much better, or even here. So if Ziggler calls for it and Rollins can’t, then Rollins will be stripped and Ziggler gets it by default. Become champ, without even wrestling? Then do it! The Pack is pulling the strings, and Corbin brags to his staff. Will Corbin’s abuse of power come back to bite him?

The Bellas and Natalya talk about Rousey’s title match.

Then Ronda herself walks in. They all celebrate the win and congratulate her. But Ronda wants to know, how does an open challenge work? Can she just go out there and ask? Wait is she serious? Oh yes she is. Well then yes, just go out there and do it just like the boys! She’s the champ, she can do what she wants. Really? Yes, making the challenge is easy, but defending it is the hard part because it could be anyone. Well Ronda still has both arms, so that’s plenty. Is Ronda going to make her first open challenge? Who will answer?

Chad Gable w/ Bobby Roode VS Viktor w/ Konnor!

Team #ReadyWillingAndGLORIOUS have gone 2-0 quickly, but how will Gable fair when he’s in singles competition again?

The bell rings and Roode gives Gable some last pointers. Gable and Viktor tie up and Viktor gets a wristlock. Gable bends and handsprings and spins to a takedown! HE turns Viktor over to then get the deathlock. Viktor grows frustrated already as Gable has him in a headlock. Viktor powers out but Gable runs him over. Gable keeps going and things speed up, and both men show their agility. Gable jumps over the sweep but Viktor shoves him to a corner. Viktor chops Gable, then chops again. He whips Gable corner to corner but Gable goes up and over. Things speed up again and Gable hits an arm-drag on the run. Gable gets the butterfly suplex and bridge, TWO! Roode likes what he sees while Viktor get to a corner.

Gable runs in but Viktor puts him on the apron. Viktor pulls hair, but Gable still avoids Konnor’s attack. Gable slingshots in but into a back elbow! Cover, TWO! Viktor drags Gable up for more chops and even European Uppercuts. Viktor reels Gable in for an overhead suplex, cover, TWO! Fans rally up but Viktor puts Gable in a keylock and chinlock. Roode coaches Gable up and Gable fights back, but Viktor knees low. Viktor chops Gable again, then bumps him off buckles. Viktor puts Gable on the top rope, chops again, but then gets caught into the hanging armbar! Gable lets go at 3 and pulls himself back up. He jumps over Viktor and runs to hit big forearms! Gable also throws Viktor, and then again with another exploder!

Gable and Viktor crossbodies Viktor and himself out, to then cannonball off the apron! He puts Viktor in the ring and climbs up again, for a big missile dropkick! Gable is all fired up, as are Roode and the fans. Konnor distracts but Gable takes care of that before Roode can help. Chaos Theory on Viktor! Gable wins!

Winner: Chad Gable, by pinfall

He did it! But then Konnor clobbers both Gable and Roode! The Ascension aren’t taking this loss lightly, but that won’t stop them. Will Roode & Gable climb up to the top of the tag team division soon enough?

Seth Rollins is here!

And he learns of Dolph Ziggler challenging him to an Intercontinental Championship! Also, Corbin says that if Rollins is unable to compete, he will be stripped of the title. The Architect knows Corbin is in charge, but someone needs to remind him that this is still #MondayNightRollins. The Architect is ready to go mentally, but will he be ready physically?

The Undertaker is here!!

Super Show Down will give us a rematch of the Deadman and The Game #OneLastTime, and all sides of the conversation have weighed in. But now, Taker feels the need to respond to HHH’s own rebuttal. Fans chant for Taker as he speaks. “They say delusion is the final recourse for the damned.” No man can spin a web of lies like a man that has a broken soul. Taker has never seen anyone with a more broken soul than HHH! And last week, HHH came out here to say that Taker had lost all self-respect. But that delusion will be his downfall. There was a time with HHH when he was “wicked, savage, a warrior.”

But nowadays, HHH tends to play “corporate games.” HHH’s battlefield is a boardroom, and his life is “so filled with lies that he can no longer see the truth.” HHH can’t see the fear in his own friend’s eyes, or see his own demise. Taker puts no stock in what someone else thinks. Taker knows that when he faces HHH for the last time, the result will be the same as the first time. “I will put him six feet under, Game Over!” Taker knows HHH will do everything he can to “outrace the reaper”, try to move Heaven and Earth or even enlist HBK again, but that’s fine by Taker. “Let him have his delusion,” but that’s when the Devil is in the details. HBK won’t go to Australia to just sit and watch. He’ll be in HHH’s corner.

But that’s fine, because in Taker’s corner will be his brother, KANE! Everyone knows Taker took HBK’s career, and now he’ll do the same to HHH. But HHH deserves far worse, so not only will Taker take his career, he will take his soul as he puts him down. WWE Super Show Down, with the Brother of Destruction watching his back, Taker will make HHH… “Rest… In… Peace…!” DX and The Brothers of Destruction, in the same area at the same time! Will Taker end HHH once and for all?!

Raw went to the Dallas Children’s Hospital in honor of Connor’s Cure.

Courageous Karter, The American Beast, and the 4th Shield Brother were just some of the young superstars fighting the most important fight. The WWE superstars were the ones honored to be alongside them as they made their wrestler entrances.

And now, Bayley and Sasha Banks help lead these stars in their own entrance on TV! Go to connorthecrusher.com to find the ways you can join the fight to stop cancer.

Bayley w/ Sasha Banks VS Dana Brooke!

The Huggable half of the Boss & Hug Connection battles the former statistician to Titus Worldwide, and Raw returns to this match in progress. Dana reverses the wristlock to a headlock, but Bayley powers out. Dana blocks the hip toss, Bayley swings but Dana shows off her agility. They speed things up and Dana runs Bayley over. Dana handsprings into the corner for the big back elbow. She then runs but into a backslide! TWO and they roll sideways. Both Bayley and Dana stand up and fight for control. Dana knees low then knees Bayley again. Dana throws Bayley at buckles, covers, TWO! She drops knees on Bayley’s stomach, covers again, TWO! Dana puts Bayley in body scissors while Sasha worries for her BFF.

Bayley endures while Dallas rallies up for her. Bayley works her way against the hold and makes it a cover, TWO! Dana gets back on Bayley but with a bearhug. Bayley gets to ropes but Dana doesn’t let go. Bayley rolls her up, TWO! Dana runs in but into a back elbow. Dana blocks the boot and puts Bayley on the apron, but gets the second rope hotshot! Sasha rallies the fans for Bayley as she climbs up top. Dana runs in but Bayley jumps over. Dana fireman’s carry but Bayley fights out with elbows. Bayley runs for a BIG knee! Then the Bayley2Belly! Cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

The best friends celebrate while Dana loses again. If Dana can’t win with support and she can’t win on her own, what is it that’s missing in her calculations?

Drake Maverick walks with the Authors of Pain.

But when Rezar goes after a staffer for crossing their path, Maverick manages to call him off. “Save it for the ring.” Rezar listens to the Rockstar Spud, and the AoP move on. Who will face their wrath tonight?

The Authors of Pain w/ Drake Maverick VS Gregory James & Barrett Brown!

Akam & Rezar have a new mind behind their might as the 205 Live GM gives them direction. Maverick promises they’ll reach the Raw Tag Team titles soon enough, but will it be sooner rather than later?

James starts with Akam, and gets booted right down! Akam then grabs Brown and throws him in the ring! Tag to Rezar, and they urenage and VADER BOMB Brown! Rezar drags James back up and trash talks in Albanian before lifting James up for a Death Valley Driver in the corner! Tag back to Akam, and we get the SUPER COLLIDER! Cover on James, the AoP win.

Winners: The Authors of Pain, Akam pinning

As if there was ever any doubt. Maverick raises the hands of his pair of monsters, will he be smiling even bigger when they raise up the gold?

Dolph Ziggler and Baron Corbin meet in the trainer’s room.

The Show-Off thought Rollins wasn’t going to be here, but now he is? Well yeah but Rollins is in way worse shape after losing the tag title match and falling off the Cell. This is still going to go their way. It better. But then Rollins comes in. Rollins thinks Ziggler wants to back out. No, Ziggler just thought Rollins would do the same. Corbin’s right here, and no one would blame Rollins if he did. That’s true. But that’s not how it’s going. Rollins is ready for this fight. Is Ziggler?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Seth Rollins VS Dolph Ziggler!

Both the Kingslayer and the Show-Off feel horrible after falling from the side of the Cell and then through the announce desks. However, between Ziggler’s greed and Rollins’ pride, neither man wants to be the one who didn’t show up for this match. Will Ziggler will be holding both belts? Or will Rollins deny him the glory?

The introductions are made, the Intercontinental Championship in white is raised, and we begin. Rollins and Ziggler approach and circle. Fans are on Rollins’ side as he and Ziggler tie up. Ziggler kicks low then puts on a headlock, but Rollins pushes him off. Rollins runs Ziggler over and Ziggler clutches those ribs. Rollins whips him corner to corner to work those ribs more, and then does another whip. Ziggler falls to his knees but reverses the whip, and now Rollisn holds his ribs. Rollins boots Ziggler away, jumps over, but that back tightens up. He still sends Ziggler out, then follows him out the side. Rollins chases Ziggler around but Ziggler gets Rollins with a hotshot. Ziggler then blasts Rollins into barriers! Both men are hurting but Ziggler is in control while we go to break.

Raw returns and Ziggler toys with Rollins. Rollins gets angrier as Ziggler eggs him on, and he gets the takdown! He throws fast hands, then back elbows Ziggler. Rollins rallies with elbows, even as his back hurts. He whips but Ziggler reverses. Ziggler runs but into a boot! Rollins hops up and hits the blockbuster! It’s double-edged with that bad back, so he can’t make a cover. Both Rollins and Ziggler slowly stir as fans rally up. Ziggler rolls to a corner but Rollins stands up. Rollins runs in for a forearm smash, then runs again, but into a kick. Ziggler runs, but Rollins follows to try a slingblade. Ziggler reverses into a sleeper hold! Rollins fades fast, but fans still rally for him. Rollins gets a second wind and stands up, but Ziggler rakes the eyes!

Ziggler slips out of the back suplex but Rollins denies the Zigzag. Rollins blocks the kick, ripcord for the Revolution Knee! Cover, TWO!! The Architect shows superhuman resilience given everything he’s been through. Rollins stands up and gets to a corner. He climbs up top, but slowly. Ziggler trips him up! Ziggler climbs up to join Rollins, wants the superplex, but Rollins slips under and trips Ziggler up! Now Ziggler hurts in a different place while Rollins climbs back up. Ziggler sends Rollins away with uppercuts, and adjusts. Rollins gets back up quick, for the SUPERPLEX! Roll through, and somehow Rollins manages the Falcon Arrow , but Ziggler rolls through! TWO, CURB STOMP!! Rollins crawls to a cover from that bad back, Rollins wins!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall; still WWE Intercontinental Champion

These two pushed themselves way past their limits, but it was Rollins who had just enough to finish this off. The Architect rolls on as champion, but will he recover in time for a new challenger?

Backstage interview with Roman Reigns.

Baron Corbin is 100% while Roman isn’t. The Big underdog doesn’t see himself that way. Maybe if it was Lesnar or Strowman tonight, but not with Corbin. The Big Dog is still the Big Dog, which means he’ll still be champion. Will Roman retain even when he’s not 100?

The WWE and Raw celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.

Brie Bella honors her father, Johnathan Garcia, while Andrade “Cien” Almas honors both father and grandfather, as well as his uncles, as he is a third-generation wrestler. Zelina Vega gives respect to Rey Mysterio, who inspired all the smaller wrestlers to dream big. And of course, Eddie Guerrero was a big inspiration to many, especially Sasha Banks. She has honored him in many ways, and hopes she does him justice. Titus O’Neil honors groundbreaking Hispanic athletes, and hopes to follow in their footsteps of inspiring and encouraging all people.

Raw Women’s Championship Open Challenge: Ronda Rousey VS ???

The Baddest Woman on the Planet battled through bad ribs in order to defeat the Goddess, Alexa Bliss. But she isn’t the best because she rests on her laurels. She wants to fight tonight! Fans are happy to see her. Ronda congratulates Alexa Bliss, because that was the best performance Ronda’s seen from her. Ronda didn’t think Alexa would be the one to push her to her limits. And Ronda thanks Alexa, because Ronda’s more of a champion than she thought she could be. That’s what she wants to be: the best champion we’ve ever seen! Like Bret Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin, or even Ric Flair! Therefore, she issues her first ever open challenge! So whoever has the “gumption” to come at her, come out now!

The woman to answer this call is… NATALYA! Ronda’s own friend and training partner wants to test the champ, but where is she? The music hit, but Natty doesn’t walk out. Because the Riott Squad drags her out! Ruby, Sarah and Liv took Natty out, and say this is on Ronda. “What we did to Natty is really your fault.” Because they’re shutting the Open Challenge down. Ronda glares at them as they walk down the ring. The Squad doesn’t dislike Ronda, but they don’t like her either. The one answering this challenge is Ruby herself! Ronda is ready, and she rocks Ruby with a right! Sarah gets in, she gets a right. Liv gets in but she gets thrown around!

Ruby returns but Ronda has hands for hr. Sarah knees the bad ribs, shouting “Who do you think you are?” Ronda pries her way free and throws Sarah! But then Ruby SPEARS Ronda! The Squad stomps and drags Ronda to a corner to stomp a mudhole into her. But here come the Bellas! Nikki & Brie have had issue with the Squad, and won’t let them get away with this tonight. Super Show Down comes early as the six women brawl! Liv and Sarah are thrown out by the Bella twins, and Ronda gives Ruby the Rowdy Slam! The Squad regroups and will have to do this fair and square in Melbourne.

Baron Corbin prepares himself.

But Braun Strowman walks over. The Monster doesn’t get why Corbin gave himself a match, but Corbin better win. Because Corbin sucks and Strowman can KILL him! The Lone Wolf does his best not to be intimidated, but is Corbin biting off more than he can chew?

Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter is in Dallas, playing a tune on his guitar. Dallas likes it, it was actually pretty good this time. But as always, the question is “Who Wants to Walk With Elias?!” Dallas sounds up for it. Elias knows how bad this show can be before he shows up. If he had it his way, it’d be three hours of just himself. But every time he comes out, he gets interrupted, no matter who it is. From Trish Stratus to Mick Foley, it all boils down to jealousy. Everyone wants to be part of what Elias does because everything Elias does is special. And they all learn that WWE really means “Walk With Elias!”

Elias knows he has Bobby Lashley in a match. Lashley looks great, has all the tools and resources, but he constantly disappoints. Lashley never wins when it matters. He’s like the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas definitely boos Elias there. Elias sees the fans, they’re proud to advertise failure, “I just don’t get it.” But what won’t disappoint is Elias’ song. So please, silence phones, hold applause and shut mouths. Wait, Lio Rush interrupts first! That’s because the Man of the Hour is the Manager of the Hour for the Dominator. Lio sees a rockstar in the ring, yes, but what’s sad is that instead of giving people what they want, Elias sings the same sad tired diss track. It’s embarrassing. Hold on, whose kid is this? Who let their kid run onto the ramp and run his mouth?

Very funny, Elias acts like he doesn’t know who Lio is. But he’ll reintroduce himself. He is the 23 year old piece of gold, Lio Rush. So? Elias is singing. Security can take Lio to lost & found for his parents to pick him up. Yes, that’s a good one, too. But the big man said Elias has jokes. Or no, Elias is a joke. Whichever it is, Lashley also has some unfinished business with him. Lashley was mad about Kevin Owens, but just wait what he does to Elias. Lio makes the introductions of Lashley, and we have our match!

Bobby Lashley VS Elias!

Another interruption for Elias, but will Lashley also give him the beating Lashley owes the Prizefighter?

Raw returns as Elias has Lashley in a headlock. He grinds Lashley to the mat while Lio Rush is on commentary. The MOTH confirms he is the manager for Lashley, and it all started over a smoothie. They both like smoothies, got to talking, and here they are. Lashley powers up and out of the headlock as fans rally, but Eilas knees and chops him back. Elias whips Lashley but Lashley reverses. Elias goes up and over, then dodges, but runs into a back kick. Lahsley runs and clubs Elias to then clothesline him down. Fans fire up with Lashley as he runs in for the big shoulder tackle. Lashley brings Elias out, but Elias reverses to forearm him back. Elias runs, but Lashley leaps over to powerslam! Cover, TWO!

Lashley takes aim at Elias, runs out, but Elias sends him into a corner. He elbows Elias back, then climbs up! Lashley leaps but into the knee! Both men are down, but here comes Kevin Owens! The Prizefighter has heard what Lio was saying just a moment ago, and chases him down. But Lio is fast, so he gets away to ringside. He even dodges Elias! Lio jumps over from the apron, then slips out to enziguri!

Winner: Elias, by disqualification

This costs the Manager of the Hour’s client the match, but now Kevin pounces on Lio himself! Kevin wants to bomb Lio but Lashley saves him! Then he hits Kevin! Lashley uses Lio as a weapon, and sends him at both Kevin and Elias! Lio is hosted up onto Lashley’s shoulders, and the two dare Kevin and Elias to return. They don’t, but they’ll meet Lashley and JOHN CENA at Super Show Down. Will the Dominator and the 16-time world champion shut both Kevin and Elias up once and for all?

Alexa Bliss and friends speak.

The Goddess refocuses herself. They’re all future Hall of Fame candidates, so time to elevate themselves in tag team action. Ember Moon can find herself a partner, if that’s even possible, and meet Alicia Fox & Mickie James in the ring. It’ll be sad when she doesn’t, though, because not everyone can be friends like these three. Will the War Goddess surprise the sass Goddess up next?

Mickie James & Alicia Fox w/ Alexa Bliss VS Ember Moon & ???

Texas’ own Prophecy of Flame was challenged to find someone to team with for this match, anyone at all. But there aren’t many choices open to her, so who did she get? The Irresistible Force, NIA JAX!! Alexa Bliss knows all too well what facing this brutal beauty means. Alicia and Mickie each want to switch out to put Alexa in, but there’s no chance of that. Will the veteran duo find themselves Eclipsed tonight?

The bell rings and Nia starts. Neither Mickie nor Alicia want to, and want Ember first. Nia tags in Ember, so Alicia finally enters the ring. Alicia and Ember tie up and go around, Alicia arm-drags and runs Ember over. Alicia dances but Ember kips up to rock her with a right! Ember kicks and covers, ONE. Ember keeps on Alicia with a wristlock, then brings her over towards the corner. Alicia hits back and whips Ember hard into her corner. Tag to Mickie, and they both throw Ember down by her hair. Mickie runs and boots Ember, covers, ONE! Mickie keeps on Ember but Ember fights back. But Mickie knees an dwhips, only for Ember to tilt-o-whirl ehadscissor and dropkick! Mickie, Alicia and Alexa regrop, but Ember DIVES! Ember hits the former champoins and has Dallas fired up!

Ember drags Mickie back in but ALexa and Alicia are lurking. ALicia shoves Ember off the top, and Mickie kicks her in the ribs. Cover, TWO! Nia coaches Ember up but Alicia tags ni. The mean girls mug Ember, then Ailcia snapmares Ember into a chinock. Fans rally up and Ember feeds off the energy. Alicia throws her down, then tags in Mickie. Mickie kicks Ember, and says it’s good. She bows and covers, TWO but barely. Mickie grows frustrated but she puts Ember back in the chinlock. Fans rally up again as Ember fights up and out. Mickie knees low, then whips. Ember flips through the hip toss to arm-drag Mickie down. Mickie stays between her and Nia to then knee Ember down. Mickie taunts Nia while tagging in Alicia.

Alicia and Mikcie continue to mug Ember, then Alicia runs to boot Ember down. Alexa likes what she sees as Alicia covers, TWO! Alicia covers again, TWO! Fans rally up once more as Alicia brings Ember around. Ember slips out of the suplex, then ducks to tag in Nia! Nia rallies on Alicia with big shoulders and a powerslam into Mickie! Nia throws her shoulder in then throws Alicia out! Corner splash, and another toss! Fans fire up as Nia runs in, but she runs into an elbw. Alicia sunset flips but Nia is just too strong. She headbutts Alicia down then runs her over again. Cover, but Mickie breaks it. Nia grabs Mickie by the neck, and Micke begs for mercy. Mickie breaks free, to get an ECLIPSE! Alicia runs in and kicks Nia. Alicia runs, but into the Samoan Drop! Cover, Nia & Ember win!

Winners: Ember Moon & Nia Jax, Nia pinning

The #Shenom and Nia are victorious, and Nia herself won the #SeeHER award. Will Nia continue to claim awards now that she’s back?

Baron Corbin talks with a referee.

While the Constable is the ref’s boss and controls his fate, he should still be fair in tonight’s match. Yes, Mr. Corbin. Please, call him “Acting General Manager of Raw.” He means it. The referee addresses him as such, and is dismissed. It’s almost time, will the Lone Wolf become Acting Universal Champion before this is over?

WWE and Raw wish those hit by Hurricane Florence well.

For those wishing to do more, go to the Red Cross website to donate and help the recovery and those who were hit hardest.

WWE Universal Championship: Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin!

The Big Dog went through Hell and then some on Sunday. He had to face the Monster Among Men, then was surprised by The Beast. And now, he’s a battered and vulnerable “little puppy” in the eyes of the Lone Wolf. Can the acting GM take advantage of both situation and authority to take that title for his own? Or will this still be Roman’s Yard?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin. Corbin and Roman tie up and Corbin throws hands. Cover, ONE, but Corbin elbows Roman down again. Cover, TWO, but Corbin keeps on Roman. He gets a roll up, TWO! Corbin throws hands and Roman is rocked against the ropes. Corbin goes for another but Roman dodges to clothesline Corbin out! Roman sees Corbin floundering, and he comes around the side, to hit the Drive-By Dropkick! Roman puts Corbin back in, and runs in at the corner. Corbin dodges and sends Roman into the post! Corbin runs in but misses. He slides out then back in to clobber Roman! Cover, TWO! The Big Dog survives while we go to break.

Raw returns once more, and Corbin has Roman in the half-nelson chinbar. Roman endures while fans are rowdy both ways. Fans build to a rally and Roman gets up. Roman fights out with big rights, then runs, but into the Choke Slam Backbreaker! Cover, TWO! Corbin can’t believe he didn’t finish Roman off. Corbin mocks Roman’s flexing, then looms over him. He drops an elbow into Roman’s shoulder, then puts Roman back in the half-nelson. Fans rally again as Corbin leans on Roman. Roman endures, but Corbin thrashes him around. Roman gets a second wind and fires up. He works his way to his feet, pries his way out, and uppercuts Corbin! Corbin comes back but Roman dodges to rally with lariats! Roman whips but Corbin reverses, only for Roman to hit the leaping lariat!

Fans fire up as Roman has Corbin in a corner for the close-range clotheslines! Roman gets all 10, then runs for the boot! Corbin flounders while Roman hears the fans cheering and jeering. Roman locks and loads but Corbin bails out. Roman walks over but Corbin uppercuts him back. Corbin returns, but runs into the Samoan Drop! Cover, TWO! Roman catches his breath and keeps his focus. He still has something left. Fans fire up again as Roman reloads. But Corbin again bails out. Roman follows him out, for the leaping SUPERMAN PUNCH! He puts Corbin back in quick, lets out the howl, but Corbin again bails out. Roman won’t let him get away, he goes out and picks up speed… only for Corbin to throw a chair into him! The referee argues with Corbin, that’s against the rules! The bell rings, this match is over!

Winner: Roman Reigns, by disqualification; still WWE Univesral Champion

The Lone Wolf forget he still has to follow the rules, and now he has lost the match! But wait, he remembers that he’s also the boss. Corbin orders we restart under NO Disqualifications!

WWE Universal Championship No Disqualifications: Roman Reigns VS Baron Corbin!

The Constable abuses his powers, again! He stalks Roman as the bell rings again, and puts him in the ring. Corbin grabs that chair he threw, and brings it into the ring. He aims at Roman, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES him down! Cover, TWO!! Corbin shocks Roman, Roman thought he’d put this away. However, because Corbin made this a No DQ match, that means Roman can do what he wants, too! Roman grabs the chair, but here comes BRAUN! The leader of the pack gets Roman’s attention, but he’s not the one in the match! Corbin pounces from behind, and both men are down. Strowman enters the ring!

The referee wants Strowman to stay out of it, but Strowman ignores him. Strowman headbutts Roman, then hits a big corner splash! He keeps going, and hits another splash! Strowman roars while Roman staggers, but Roman slips out of the slam to then dodge Strowman, Stormwan hits the post! Corbin pounces again, and throws Roman into the corner. Corbin runs, slides out, slides in, but Roman dodges to DEEP SIX!! Cover, TWO!! He was so close, but Corbin is still NOT champion. But here come Ziggler & McIntyre! The Pack is all here now, and they coach up their leader. But that just means Ambrose & Rollins come out! The Shield and The Pack brawl on the outside! Ambrose throws McIntyre while Rollins throws Ziggler! SUPERMAN PUNCH from Roman to Strowman!

The Shield regroup in the ring, but the match is still on, isn’t it? Ambrose & Rollins DOUBLE DIVE! They take out the entire Pack! But wait, Corbin is lurking while Roman sees Strowman getting up. Roman takes aim, builds speed, but runs into Corbin’s forearm! Corbin gets back in, but gets a SPEAR! Cover, Roman wins!

Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall; still WWE Universal Champion

The Shield stansd tall as Roman survives a stacked deck. Corbin couldn’t abuse his power and The Pack couldn’t put him down. The six of them will meet in Super Show Down, will that finally settle this battle?

My Thoughts:

All things considered, this Raw was actually rather good, same as Hell in a Cell. Obviously Roman and Strowman both want at Lesnar, and they’ll both get Lesnar at the second Saudi Arabia PPV of the year, WWE Crown Jewel. While this is a very big match, I highly doubt Roman loses there, same as how he didn’t win at the Greatest Royal Rumble PPV back in May. This title won’t change hands, because while Heyman’s great promo about the direct relationship of worth in one company translates to the other makes sense, Lesnar still has his fight with Cormier to worry about. The worth Heyman actually speaks of is the hype and paycheck Lesnar is getting for both, because both this second Saudi PPV and the UFC PPV will make for millions upon millions of dollars for Lesnar.

Ambrose VS McIntyre was a great opening match, and his win along with Corbin setting up Rollins VS Ziggler establishes that “The Dogs of War” are at least in power as far as authority. Of course, Corbin isn’t exactly part of the pack in Strowman’s eyes, as he puts it out there that he’d rather have Corbin to beat up on than Roman. Rollins VS Ziggler tonight was great considering the double table spot they had on Sunday. With Ziggler out of the way but Rollins in this story, it might be some time before Rollins loses the Intercontinental Championship. Hopefully once things clear up, Rollins can give us more of those open challenges.

Speaking of open challenges, I like that Ronda wants to be one of those kinds of fighting champions, but it should’ve been clear she wouldn’t defend the title tonight. I did like that Natalya meant to challenge, it made me think this was the night the turn finally happens, but no it was just Raw plugging Super Show Down’s Six Woman Tag. That match will be okay, because the Squad will be carrying the Bellas in it, and I expect the Faces to win. Then it’ll turn into Nikki Bella asking Ronda to give her one more shot at the title, which will bring us to WWE Evolution later in October. As I said in my HiaC article, Ronda is likely going to retain through the Royal Rumble, she’s doing that well.

The Authors of Pain destroy their opponents again tonight, and just like with Rollins and the IC titles, once things clear up for McIntyre & Ziggler as tag champions, maybe AoP make a slight shift so that they aren’t part of the Pack and they give us a great match at Crown Jewel or something. Great to see Lio Rush get in on the action more or less. He is so talented on the mic and in the ring, it’s great for a TV audience to finally see him do some stuff. Lio being the Cruiserweight that unlocks the Division would be great, he and Lashley could make a great team as more than just client and manager. Lashley & Cena VS Kevin & Elias at Super Show Down will be fun, but I wonder if even Cena can stop Kevin from using that blank check Corbin gave him.

Great to see Nia is back, it makes sense she’d side with Ember against Alexa and her team. Ember and Nia being thrown into the potential Women’s Tag Division would be pretty fun, they’re another combination of strength and speed like the Ziggler-McIntyre or Lio-Lashley duos. We know from Bayley & Sasha being given an official name, they’re likely getting whatever Women’s Tag Titles are created first, but I’d love to see Ember & Nia get them after.

And while it was clear Corbin wasn’t going to get the title, they did a good enough job making you wonder if his abuse of power would lead to it. Given Corbin’s story with Finn, I almost thought he’d come out to help even things, but that would’ve probably made The Shield look weak that they’d need an extra man. But I wonder if we’ll still get an Eight Man Tag of Corbin & The Pack VS Finn & The Shield, maybe throw Lashley & Kevin into it for a Survivor Series Raw Civil War.

My Score: 8.3/10