It’s the Raw After Evolution, and while we should be celebrating, The Lunatic Fringe has torn The Shield apart! Will we get an explanation as to why!?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Finn Balor VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush; Finn wins, by disqualification.
• 10 Woman Tag Match: Trish Stratus, Lita, Natalya, Bayley & Sasha Banks VS The Riott Squad, Mickie James & Alicia Fox; Trish, Lita, Bayley, Sasha & Natty win.
• Elias VS Jinder Mahal w/ the Singh Brothers; Elias wins.
• Triple Threat Tag: The Ascension VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Authors of Pain w/ Drake Maverick; Roode & Gable win.
• Ember Moon VS Nia Jax; Nia wins.
• Lucha House Party VS The Revival; Lucha House Party wins.
• Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre VS Apollo Crews; Ziggler wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns has stepped down.

The Big Dog, or as he’s really known as, Joe Anoa’i, had to relinquish his title and break his promise, because he could no longer be the workhorse he wanted to be. He revealed to the world that his fight with leukemia had returned. The WWE Universal Championship is vacant as he must focus on a much, much more important fight. He was more thankful than he could express that night, but fans let him know they were just as thankful to him. But this wasn’t a retirement speech. He has faith that he’ll whoop leukemia’s ass once again and return home! He wants to show us, his friends and his family that he’ll “swing for the fences every single time!” #ThankYouRoman and get well soon, Believe That.

Acting Raw General Manager, Baron Corbin, is in the ring.

The Constable holds the Universal Championship as he notes on the emotional night last week. But life must go on, and while personally Corbin does wish Roman the best in his battle, professionally he wants Roman to be anywhere but Raw. Because the fans all know the belt looks good on Corbin. Roman made Corbin’s job very difficult. But how about THE BEAST?! Because Brock Lesnar is here!! The Advocate, Paul Heyman, is in tow as Lesnar makes his way down to the ring. Lesnar eyes Corbin, but mostly he looks at the title belt he wants back. We already know Lesnar and Braun Strowman will still battle for that belt 1v1 at Crown Jewel, but perhaps Corbin should be careful with that belt here tonight.

Corbin hypes up Lesnar, “The Beast VS The Monster!” But Heyman stops Corbin. Stick to your shtick while Heyman does his. The Advocate for The Beast, The Conqueror, BROCK, LESNAR, says to the WWE Universe and Corbin that “we live indeed in historic times.” In four days, history will be made once again when Lesnar “takes that championship back home and places it over his massive shoulders.” But to do that, Lesnar must defeat Strowman. As a heads up, Lesnar will beat Strowman. Fans disagree, but Heyman says that’s a spoiler. Heyman couldn’t know it better than if it were predetermined. He’s letting us all know this in advance that history will happen. You know at The Super Bowl, the NBA Finals, the Academy Awards.

And so on Friday, an unparalleled career reaches a new level when Lesnar F5’s Strowman to again be the “reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion! You’re welcome.” Heyman has given us this information, and so we can all watch history unfold before our very eyes. But here comes Strowman! The Monster Among Men heads right to the ring, and keeps his eyes on Lesnar as he picks up a mic. “At Crown Jewel, I am going to become the new Universal Champion, because you’re going to get these hands!” Corbin keeps the peace, but he puts a hand on Strowman. Strowman pushes him aside, but Corbin goes after him! To get a Monster Slam! Lesnar stays back, he enjoys seeing that. But now they’re alone in the ring, and fans chant “Get These Hands!”

Strowman gives Corbin another Monster Slam! And says “That’s your future! Are you ready for it?!” Fans want “One More Time!” so Strowman scoops Corbin again, for a THIRD Monster Slam! Lesnar gets Strowman up, F5!! Fans boo the sneaky Beast while he smirks smugly down over Strowman. Lesnar picks up the belt, as if he’s already won it back. Will he get the title back? Or will the Monster make him regret the attack? Especially since he stands back up and shouts “I’ll see you this Friday, you piece of crap!”

Finn Balor VS Bobby Lashley w/ Lio Rush!

The Extraordinary Man has one win over the Rocky Mountain Machine, can he make it another one in this rematch? Or will the Heavyweight That’s Back to Dominate avoid a sweep?

Of course, the Hype Man of the Hour says to Finn Balor, “some people call you an extraordinary man who can do extraordinary things.” But Lio thinks Finn is just “an extra not so ordinary man who got lucky last week.” Finn didn’t deserve to win, it was a fluke and Finn knows it. Nothing bothers Lashley more than a guy who comes out in his jacket and with a false sense of confidence. Lashley will humble Finn, and Finn knows it. The people in this ridiculous city of North Carolina know it, too. So everyone, stand up and cheer for “Lashley! Lashley!”

The bell rings and Lashley powers Finn to a corner! Then to another corner! Then Lashley drives in his shoulder, and brings Finn up for a sidewalk slam. Lio returns to chanting, Lashley flexes, but fans boo and jeer instead. Lashley drags Finn up for elbows to the shoulder, then a nerve grip. Lio likes what he sees, but Finn gets up. Lashley clubs Finn down, then scoops him up. Finn slips out and dropkicks Lashley all the way out! Finn builds speed, and FLIES! Direct hit and down goes Lashley! The Extraordinary Man has control while we go to break.

Raw returns and Lashley clobbers Finn while Lio continues to chant. Lashley drags Finn up for more elbows, then clamps on another nerve hold. Fans rally for Finn, and Finn again gets up. Lashley gets Finn in a waistlock and throws him down! Lio says Lashley smells like money because he is money. Lashley knocks Finn back down then puts the nerve hold on again. Finn endures the claw in his shoulder as fans rally up. Finn gets up as fans call Lashley “Overrated!” Lashley clubs Finn to a corner, then drives in back elbows. He whips corner to corner, then runs in, but into boots! Finn runs, hits with forearms, but Lashley stays up. Finn dodges and brings Lashley down with another forearm! Fans rally but Lashley counters Finn. Finn fights out, back drops, and hits stomps!

Lio grows worried for Lashley as Finn gives him a running chop in the corner. Finn whips Lashley corner to corner but Lashley reverses. Finn goes up and over, but Lashley catches him! Spinning slam! Cover, TWO! Finn lives but Lio says it’s time to dominate and “stick to the plan.” Lio chants for Lashley and Lashley brings Finn up. Lashley lifts for the Vertigo Suplex, but Finn lands out to Slingblade! Finn waits for Lashley to stand, and hits the shotgun dropkick! Lio gets on the apron but Finn chases him off. Finn then climbs up top and takes aim, but Lio throws him off target! The ref scolds Lio as Finn dodges and kicks Lashley! Finn climbs again, but Lio shoves Finn in clear sight!

Winner: Finn Balor, by disqualification

The 23 Year Old Piece of Gold wouldn’t let his man lose the traditional way, and fans tell him “You Suck! You Suck!” Lashley keeps on Finn with a spinebuster against the barrier, then the apron, then the barrier, then back to the apron! Lio shouts “Lashley! Lashley!” as his client puts Finn in a full nelson! Lio says Finn doesn’t look so extraordinary right now. He slaps Finn around as he says he’s messing with Lashley. Finn is out, so Lashley dumps him down. Lashley soaks in the heat as Lio chants his name. Lio tells Lashley to keep on Finn, so Lashley drags Finn up. Lio SLAPS Finn, and Lashley drops Finn again. Someone gives Lio a call, so the hype man and the big man head to the back. Are they being disciplined or rewarded for their actions against their opponent?

Lio Rush shows Lashley his text.

They’re meeting with Baron Corbin. Corbin is being tended to when they meet in the trainer’s room. Corbin personally appreciates what Lashley did to Finn. Finn has been a thorn in Corbin’s side. But let’s not worry about last week’s “fluke”. Finn is good, but he’s not Lashley. Corbin agrees. Lashley can prove he’s Best in the World, at the WWE World Cup. But that was full. Who is he replacing? Someone who didn’t qualify, it’s John Cena. That makes it even better for Lio & Lashley. Can the Rocky Mountain Machine storm through the Raw Bracket and take the cup?

Exclusive Evolution footage.

Ronda Rousey was interrupted by the other Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch. “Sup, Champ?” “Congratulations, Champ.” “Congratulations to you, too, it was a great performance, Champ.” But they’ll be seeing each other soon, at Survivor Series! Raw VS SmackDown, Champion VS Champion, the Baddest Woman VS the Relent-Lass! Who will prove to be THE Women’s Champion at Survivor Series?

10 Woman Tag Match: Trish Stratus, Lita, Natalya, Bayley & Sasha Banks VS The Riott Squad, Mickie James & Alicia Fox!

Just because Evolution was last night doesn’t mean the fun or the fight is over! Team Bestie, Trish & Lita, have their WWE TV in-ring returns as they join the Queen of Harts, the Huggable One & The Legit Boss in action! Will this all-star team defeat the Mean Girls and bad girls of Raw? Or will Mickie & Foxy help Ruby and friends #StartARiott?

Raw returns as The Goddess leads the way for her friends. They wait for Ruby, Sarah & Liv to back them up and all go together. The teams sort out, and Trish starts against the Kentucky Valkyrie. Natty keeps the fans going for Trish as she circles with Sarah. They tie up and Trish gets around to snapmare Sarah down. Trish runs in for another big snapmare, and Sarah is already frustrated. Sarah stops Trish part way and Ruby comes in, but Trish throws them both out! Trish waits for Sarah to return, but Sarah avoids a Chick Kick. Tag to the Juvenile Delinquent, but Trish is right on her! Trish throws hands and whips Liv to a corner. Tag to Lita, for Poetry in Motion!

Lita keeps on Liv with a whip but Liv reverses. Lita comes back with a haedscissors! Then she kicks, and hits a spike DDT! Lita climbs up but the Squad bail Liv out. Sasha and Bayley double baseball slide them down! Then double jump on Alicia & Mickie! The #LegitHuggable team of former champs are all in control while we go to break.

Raw returns and Bayley has Alicia down. She brings Alicia up in the armlock and wrenches before tagging Sasha. They crisscross and double whip Alicia back, tag to Trish. They double whip now and double elbow. Trish shows off her moves as she and Sasha hit double elbows. Cover, TWO! Trish tags Sasha, Sasha rolls Alicia, TWO! Sasha keeps on Alicia with a snapmare, then runs, but Mickie grabs her leg. She fights Mickie off but Alicia boots Sasha down! Cover, TWO! Alicia drags Sasha over and bumps her off buckles. Tag to Mickie and Mickie snapmares Sasha into a chinlock. Fans rally up for Sasha as she endures the half nelson chinlock. Sasha gets up and reaches for ropes. Sasha stands up and fights out, but Mickie knees low.

Mickie whips Sasha to a corner but Sasha goes up and over. Mickie hits buckles, but she still tackles Sasha down. She stomps her, then bumps her off Sarah’s boot. Tag to Sarah, but fans continue to rally for Sasha. Sarah suplexes but Sasha small cradles! Cover, TWO! Dropkick from Sarah rocks Sasha, cover, TWO! Sarah keeps on Sasha with a cobra clutch. Fans rally as Sasha gets up. Sarah gives her a backbrekaer and a slam, to wrangle her back down. Fans continue to rally and Sasha powers up again. Sasha arm-drags Sarah off, but Sarah picks her up! To drive her into the corner! Tag to Ruby and the Squad Leader stomps in a mduhole. She backs off at 4 but the entire corner mug Sasha!

Ruby keeps on Sasha with a facelock but fans haven’t stopped rallying for Sasha. Sasha powers Ruby back step by step, but Ruby throws her down. Then she kicks Lita down! Ruby mocks Trish, then drags Sasha up agani. She bumps her off buckles, then mocks The Boss. She runs in but misses, and hits her own friends! Alicia tags in to go after Sasha. ROll up, TWO, into Sasha’s corner. Alicia hits Bayley and Trish, but misses Sasha, hot tag to Natty! Natty rallies, atomic sit down and dropkick! Alicia staggers into the discus! Cover, but Sarah breaks it! Trish gets in for a running facebuster! Then she gives Mickie some Stratusphere! Sasha adds Meteora! But Ruby and Liv get them. Bayley and Lita bail their friends out, double Twist of Fate!

Bayley and Lita climb, Macho Elbow on Ruby and Lita-sault on Liv! Alicia gets Lita but Lita hots her up, Natty run sin for the Hart Attack! Cover, TWO!? Into the Sharpshooter!! Alicia taps, Natty’s team wins!

Winners: Trish, Lita, Sasha, Bayley & Natalya, Natalya by submission

The heroes of Raw’s Women’s Division are victorious! This all-star crew celebrates together again, where will this victory lead each of them going forward?

Backstage interview with Nia Jax!

The Irresistible Force won the Evolution Battle Royal and is now poised for a title shot. When and where will she go for Ronda Rousey? Well Survivor Series has Champion VS Champion, so Nia will get Ronda after that. But Nia is joined by the Shenom, Ember Moon. Ember still has chills over making history. The adrenaline was high, and Ember caught lightning in a bottle. Nia is glad to have the final two be them, but Nia won. Nia VS Ronda is the headline, not “Little Miss Lightning in a Bottle.” Ember remembers being Nia’s partner, and is thankful for the guidance. She respects Nia, and hopefully it’s mutual. Or will Nia respect her more after they have a match?

Nia does respect Ember, but she will have a match. But that lightning in a bottle didn’t get it done, and it won’t tonight. Can these two remain friends now that Evolution is over?

Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.

The Drifter is in Charlotte, plays his guitar, and tells them that he is the Living Truth. Everything Elias says will get them to the promised land. Everything WWE will be will be hoisted on his shoulders, because WWE stands for “Walk With Elias!” Charlotte, NC agrees. Elias came in early because Ric Flair has been wanting to hang out with him. Ric invites Elias over and says Elias is his favorite. Elias knows, he’s everyone’s favorite, but what’re they up to? Ric says Elias is the man and loves what Elias did to Baron Corbin. Ric wants to relive that, Elias does, too, so the footage rolls.

Corbin told Elias to get off the stage, and Elias did. Only to come back and SMACK Corbin with a guitar! Back to present, fans chant “Yes! Yes!” because they enjoyed seeing that. Elias hates breaking his guitars but that felt good. Elias planned a song for Corbin, but then he saw what Strowman did to him, and Corbin likely can’t make it out here. But the song is too good, Elias is a giver, so Elias is going to give that song to Corbin personally. Elias excuses himself from the ring and heads up the ramp. He says there’s no need to cry, you’ll still get an Elias performance. He heads backstage, but will Corbin enjoy this “personal concert”?

Elias passes by Dana Brooke. She would love a private performance. For her? No thanks. Oh, chocolate cake, send that to the dressing room please. Elias knocks on Corbin’s door but Corbin tells him to go away. Well he’s getting a performance whether he wants it or not. Elias sings, saying Corbin had potential, “he could’ve been the best. But he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a coward above the rest.” Elias put Corbin down in the dirt, “and I showed the world that you’re just a taller, stupider version of Kurt.” Corbin storms out into the hall as Elias keeps singing. Corbin’s career’s in a ditch. The Lone Wolf is now just Stephanie’s little– Corbin slams the door. Aw that’s the best part. But then Jinder Mahal attacks?!

Mahal throws Elias around and into a trunk. Then he kicks Elias in the ribs! The Modern Day Maharaja does Corbin’s dirty work, and Corbin laughs. Elias better get ready for an encore, his match is next.

Elias VS Jinder Mahal w/ the Singh Brothers!

The Drifter’s newest song wasn’t well-received by the Constable, and now has a match with very little time to prepare, or recover from the sneak attack. Can Elias still manage a victory against the Maharaja?

Raw returns with the bell and Elias ties up with Mahal. Mahal powers Elias to a corner, then goes after the ribs. Elias gets away, but they tie up again. Mahal gets the waist but Elias fights him off. Elias whips and runs Mahal over, then puts on a headlock. Mahal powers out with a back suplex! Elias clutches his ribs, Mahal kicks them again! Sunil & Samir Singh trash talk Elias as Mahal stomps a mudhole into him. The referee is distracted by Sunil as Sanir pulls Elias into the post! Mahal stomps away on Elias, focusing on those ribs. Mahal clubs Elias with a crossface, then pulls back with a chinlock clutch. Elias endures as fans rally up. Elias tries to get up but Mahal puts him in a bearhug.

Mahal shifts from bearhug to full nelson, then knees Elias. Mahal puts Elias in a grounded abdominal stretch, but fans rally up again. Elias powers up but gets caught in a standing stretch. He still works against Mahal, so Mahal switches back to a bearhug. Mahal squeezes again, but Elias elbows his way out. Elias throws haymakers but so does Mahal. They brawl, Mahal knees low. Mahal whips Elias, Elias goes up and kicks Mahal back! Elias grits his teeth as he stomps and fires off body shots! He wants to get back for the rib attack, and fans fire up with him. Elias whips Mahal then scoops but Mahal slips out. Mahal fireman’s carry but Elias slips out. Elias dodges Mahal to send him into buckles, Drift Away! Cover, Elias wins!

Winner: Elias, by pinfall

The Drifter pulls out the victory! Mahal walked with Elias but couldn’t keep up. Will Elias continue to stick it to the man? Or will Corbin get back at Elias by any means necessary?

Raw reveals the full WWE World Cup Brackets!

John Cena is out, Bobby Lashley is in! He faces the Architect, Seth Rollins in the first round! Meanwhile, Kurt Angle faces Dolph Ziggler to close out the Raw Bracket. On SmackDown’s side, it will be Jeff Hardy VS The Miz and Randy Orton VS Rey Mysterio! Who will make it out of the first round of such a star-studded tournament?

Raw takes a look at Kurt Angle’s amazing career.

He was an Olympic Gold Medalist with a broken neck, but he felt he had reached his destiny when he entered the WWE. The Real American Hero used his Intensity, Integrity and Intelligence to become a Grand Slam Champion and is now a WWE Hall of Famer. But Angle isn’t done just yet, because he’ll be back in the WWE World Cup! “Oh it’s true! It’s DAMN true!”

Kurt Angle himself speaks as he trains. He hears the whispers how he must be out of his mind thinking he’ll win the World Cup. But to the doubters, he asks if he was out of his mind when he won King of the Ring? Was he out of his mind when he won the WWE World Championship in his first year? Was he out of his mind when he won the gold medal with that broken neck? Maybe. But winning this World Cup will mean so much more than anything before. To Rollins, Lashley and Ziggler, “you better be ready.” Angle isn’t’ back for one more match, he’s back to be the Best in the World!

Triple Threat Tag: The Ascension VS Bobby Roode & Chad Gable VS The Authors of Pain w/ Drake Maverick!

The Ready, Willing & GLORIOUS duo are becoming fast friends in their teaming together, but can that be enough to avoid the Wasteland and utter destruction? Will Konnor & Viktor use this match to turn it all around? Or will Akam & Rezar simply write another chapter in their Book of Violence?

But the moment the AoP hit the ring, the other four men go after them! The Ascension focus on Akam while ROode & Gable double whip Rezar into steel steps! Konnor & Viktor do the same to Akam, then go after Roode & Gable! The ref does his best to restore order while we go to break.

Raw returns and Gable gives Rezar a jawbreaker. Rezar staggers back and Konnor tags in. Konnor takes Rezar out but misses Gable. Viktor trips up Roode so Gable is stuck. Konnor hits a spinebuster! Cover, but Akam breaks it. Akam and Konnor stare down, Gable dropkicks them into each other! Akam tumbles out, Konnor tags to Viktor. Viktor drags Gable up, back suplex but Gable slips out. Gable powers Viktor forward, Roode tags in. Chaos Theory Neckbreaker! Cover, Roode & Gable win!!

Winners: Bobby Roode & Chad Gable, Roode pinning

But then the AoP attack! They wreck Roode & Gable, then throw Konnor into a post! They drag Viktor up for the suplex powerbomb, but aren’t done destroying their enemies. Akam takes Gable, Rezar takes Roode, and they hit Super Collider! Maverick raises the hands of this devastating duo. They may not have won the match, but will they win the war in the Raw Tag Team Division?

The Connor’s Cure Superstars encourage Roman Reigns in his own fight.

#YouGotThisRoman!

The Shield is shattered.

The Big Dog has his fight, but his brothers were to carry on in his stead. Seth Rollins & Dean Ambrose fought hard against Drew McIntyre & Dolph Ziggler, dedicating the match to Roman. The Architect & The Lunatic would win back the titles, but then Ambrose would shockingly snap! No one could believe it, and it seemed even Ambrose was conflicted. Something Rollins had said since Ambrose’s return set something off in Ambrose’s mind, and he chose that night of all nights to act on his anger. Ambrose would show no mercy, but will he give us an explanation? We find out after the break.

Seth Rollins heads to the ring!

No one wants an answer to “Why, Dean, Why?” more than the Kingslayer. Rollins holds it together after this rough week. He feels a lot of things, but he actually feels gratitude. He loves that the fans have sent such support to Roman Reigns, he thanks us on Roman’s behalf. Rollins feels good, but he’s also feeling good about being a three-time Raw Tag Team Champion. But he’s also sad because he should be celebrating with his friend, teammate and brother, Dean Ambrose. Which is no longer possible because Ambrose turned his back on Rollins, The Shield, and the fans.

That makes Rollins feel guilty, because he wonders if part of it is his fault. His actions years ago may have been left to fester inside Ambrose. Maybe it was the wrong place and the wrong time, but Rollins is frustrated and confused. The only one with the answers is Ambrose. The problem there is that if Ambrose doesn’t want to be found, he won’t be found. Rollins didn’t reach out to Ambrose because he knew the one place Ambrose would be was in the arena. So as a friend and brother, Rollins wants Ambrose to give us the answer. If Ambrose wants the spotlight, he can have it, so long as he comes out. The music hits, but where is the Lunatic? Ambrose doesn’t walk out on the ramp, he doesn’t even attack from behind. Fans boo, they want to see Ambrose.

But then they notice him, up at the top of the stairs! Ambrose paces amid the WWE Universe. He turns against The Shield but then references them? Get in the ring to face Rollins like a man! Ambrose doesn’t move. At least when Rollins stabbed him in the back, Rollins told Ambrose why! Ambrose, get down those stairs and face him! Ambrose presents a mic, but refuses to use it. Rollins waits, fans chant “You Sold Out!” Rollins says Ambrose is a “cold-hearted bastard.” On the most emotional night in their lives, Ambrose spat on The Shield! Somehow, someway, Ambrose made everything about him! Rollins says Ambrose is his singular focus, and will make his life a living hell! Maybe Ambrose IS a Lunatic! If Ambrose won’t go to Rollins, Rollins will go to him and BEAT an answer out of him!

Rollins storms out of the ring but Ambrose walks away. Rollins tries to keep his cool, but it’s proving difficult. When and where will Rollins get his hands on Ambrose? When and where will Ambrose explain himself, if ever?

Backstage interview with Bobby Lashley & Lio Rush.

Big news for Lashley as he replaces John Cena in the World Cup. What would it mean to win and be the Best in the World? Lio speaks for Lashley when he says that being Best in the World means he dominated the field of competition. Lashley has done it all, from MMA Champion to NCAA Champion to WWE World Champion! Does anyone think Rollins stands a chance in the mindset he has right now? The moral of the story is that when you look like money and smell like money, it’s a foregone conclusion that Lashley will be money. The confidence rides high, but will Lashley really go all the way with such a field of eight?

Ember Moon VS Nia Jax!

The Prophecy of Flame and the Irresistible Force have been friendly even as opponents. But Evolution’s #1 Contender Battle Royal may have changed that. With Nia poised for a Raw Women’s Championship match, can she swallow her pride and stay friends with Ember? Or will the Moon simply Eclipse her before she can challenge Ronda Rousey?

Raw returns as Ember makes her entrance. The bell rings and Ember dropkicks Nia already! Nia stays up so Ember throws hands. Ember ducks Nia and kicks away! Nia gets to a corner and Ember hits a back elbow. Ember climbs up quick, but Nia trips her up. Nia drags Ember out but Ember fights off the fireman’s carry. Ember rocks Nia then runs, but Nia runs her over! Nia stands on Ember as a cover, ONE, so Nia stomps her! Nia drags Ember around for a heavy elbow drop, cover, TWO! Ember drags herself up but Nia is on her again. Ember fights back but Nia clobbers her with a clothesline! Nia drags Ember up into a bearhug and squeezes hard as she can.

Fans rally for Ember as she endures. Ember grits her teeth and elbows back. Ember frees herself with the ear clap, but Nia tosses her! Nia watches Ember at the bottom rope, runs in, but hits the post! Nia tumbles out, Ember drags herself up top! Ember aims at Nia, for a SUPER senton! Both women are down and a ring count begins. The count reaches 5 before either woman stands. Nia headbutts Ember at 7 and puts her in at 8. She returns while Ember rolls, but wait, here comes Tamina! The Daughter of Superfly won’t let anyone forget she was one of the final four. Nia knocks Ember down, hits the leg drop, Nia wins!

Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall

Tamina rushes the ring! She stares down with her cousin, but then Tamina smiles and backs off. This family feud is far from over, but who will come out the alpha female?

Lucha House Party VS The Revival!

The Cruiserweight Division returns to Raw as Kalisto, Lince Dorado & Gran Metalik bring the fiesta to the Queen City! However, the #TopGuys won’t let newcomers have it so easy in the tag team division, can Dash & Dawson spoil the fun? Or will the Lucha Dragon & Golden Lynx make a big splash on the Red Brand?

Teams sort out and Kalisto starts with Dash Wilder. Dash grabs Kalisto and puts him in a corner. Dash toys with him, but Kalisto chops back! They brawl but Dash gets the edge with clubbing forearms and chops. Dash whips but Kalisto ducks and springboards for a quebrada! Kalisto dropkicks Dash thend ropkciks Dawson. Dorado gets in to DIVE on Dawson! Dorado hurries back and the “Lucha! Lucha!” chants echo out. Kalisto puts Dash in but runs into a hotshot! Dash turns Kalisto around and hits him with a back suplex. Tag to Dawson and Dawson turns Kalisto over for leg drops. Dawson brings Kalisto up for a snap suplex, then an elbow drop. Cover, TWO! Dawson tries again, TWO! Again, TWO!

The fans “Lucha! Lucha!” for Kalisto but Dawson toys with the mask. He drags Kalisto up into a Gory Special! Dash calls it out as Dawsno pulls back on Kalisto’s mask! The matracas make noise as Kalisto endures. Kalisto works to get out, and arm-drags Dawosn down. Dawsoan rocks Kalisto with an uppercut, but Kalisto hits back. Kalisto fights out of the corner, swing kicks Dash then boots Dawson. Dawson hits Dorado just because! He drags Kalisto up, and reels him into a big lariat! Dawson kicks at Metalik even though he’s not even int he match. Salida Del Sol outta nowhere! Dorado crossbodies on Dash, Kalisto covers, Lucha House Party wins!

Winners: Lucha House Party, Kalisto pinning

The fiesta rolls on and now the luchadores can say they’re a great team on two shows! Will they return to give the Revival another shot? Or will the Revival work off some weight and go after LHS on their home turf?

Dolph Ziggler w/ Drew McIntyre VS Apollo Crews!

The Show-Off, accompanied by his Scottish Terminator, looks to keep himself in fighting shape for the WWE World Cup. He faces Kurt Angle right out the gate, will tonight’s tune-up help him prepare for the Olympic Gold Medalist?

“Well here we are.” This Friday is Crown Jewel and Ziggler has his eyes on the prize. But what is McIntyre looking forward to? Now that they have finally broken The Shield, their full, undivided attention, will be on Brock Lesnar VS Braun Strowman. That makes sense, because that new Universal Champion will have a target on the back and a Claymore to the face. But what doesn’t make sense is Kurt Angle saying he’ll win the World Cup. Ziggler & McIntyre have told nothing but the truth since their return. Ziggler will say the truth now: He has always looked up to Kurt Angle. Angle won with a “broken freakin’ neck.” Without Angle, Ziggler wouldn’t exist in the WWE.

But Ziggler wants Angle to remember something. Ziggler is going to cement his legacy. He broke records in college, he won titles in the WWE, and he’ll win at the World Cup. Ziggler will give Angle a sample of what he’ll get at Crown Jewel. Ziggler is the best thing going, and the best thing that’s ever happened to this business. “I am the Best in the World.” Apollo makes his entrance and we have our match, after the break.

Raw returns and Ziggler has Apollo down in a facelock. Apollo gets up and fights out but Ziggler kicks low. Ziggler runs in at the corner but into a back elbow. Apollo enziguris Ziggler down, then catches his breath. Apollo mule kicks Ziggler, then runs to boot him down. He brings Ziggler back up to whip, and hits the leaping lariat. Apollo kips up and fires up, then waits for Ziggler to stand. He enziguris Ziggler again, covers, TWO! Clearly Apollo is more than Ziggler anticipated this close to Crown Jewel. Apollo climbs up top, but Ziggler trips him up. Cover, TWO!

Ziggler grows frustrated but then he toys with Apollo. He dares Apollo to stand, but Apollo blocks the superkick. Ziggler ducks the enziguri but his satellite DDT is denied with a toss! Apollo lifts Ziggler in a trophy lift! And holds him there for a long time. He drops Ziggler, standing moonsault, TWO! Apollo was close but he has more ideas. Apollo climbs up but Ziggler leaps up to join him. ZIggler is pushed away, Apollo adjusts, big frog splash! But he hits knees! SUPERKICK! Cover, Ziggler wins!

Winner: Dolph Ziggler, by pinfall

The Show-Off won, but it wasn’t so easy. If Ziggler struggled with the rising star, how will he fair against the Hall of Famer?

The Brothers of Destruction are here!

The Big Red Machine leads the way, for The Dead Man! Both Kane and The Undertaker are in Queen City just days before their battle with Triple H and Shawn Michaels. They enter the ring with menacing auras as they take up microphones. Taker speaks first, saying “It’s not easy to heed his call. To say good-bye. To reach the end. But when the Reaper calls, no matter how hard you fight, it’s your time to go.” Kane adds that “In the distance, they could hear their names being whispered. And as time went by, it got louder. The whisper has now become a deafening cry.” Friday at Crown Jewel, the Brothers of Destruction vow to take the beaten, battered souls of DX for the first time and the last time, “to the fiery gates of Hell!”

“It won’t be swift, it will be slow, agonizing pain.” Taker says that it won’t just be the End of an Era this time, it will be the end of their errors. Kane says that is for Friday. Tonight, HHH & HBK, are being called out to this ring so that they can take a part of their souls for all eternity, so that they will NEVER Rest… In… Are you ready!? Degeneration X answers the call! HHH has his glow sticks and water bottle, but where’s HBK? Oh sorry, hold on. HHH gives him his cue, but Kane comes looking. He leaves Taker alone, for a SWEET CHIN MUSIC!! HBK suckered them in, then gets away with a “SUCK IT!” DX high-fives, but Taker sits up! HHH & HBK aren’t laughing now. Will they be laughing at all come Crown Jewel?

My Thoughts:

Well, as go-homes go, this at least pointed us towards Crown Jewel. Obviously with the real life illness Roman Reigns/Joe Anoa’i is dealing with, and how that changed many stories on Raw, it had to be addressed each time, I just feel it danced close to too many times given all the recaps. Corbin did a good job of shifting things with the “the show must go on” mentality, and it was a lot of fun seeing Strowman body slam him three times. Of course Lesnar gets the better of Strowman here, but I hope that means Strowman wins at Crown Jewel. We don’t need another Part-Timer Champion story, give us the Monster Among Champions already!

That 10-woman tag had a sloppy start, but it was surely thrown in on top of everything just to fill the card. The Faces win, and that’s fine, but I’m still very unsure where any of those stories in the Women’s Division goes. There are clearly plenty of other stories, though, such as Nia, Ember and Tamina. I feel like Nia and Ember will ever be outright enemies, but them being chippy is fine. Tamina looks to challenge Nia’s dominance, but a part of me really wants to see them as a team. Nia might even choose family over friends if the three of them keep interacting. And then it’s great to hear Ronda VS Becky happens at Survivor Series as a part of the brand warfare. The promos alone are going to be great, I’m sure of it.

WWE technically did well in kayfabe explaining why Cena won’t be going to Saudi Arabia. Corbin technically has a point that Cena didn’t earn his shot, he was given it. Of course, that’s not much different than what he did for Lashley, but I like that they at least tied it back to the constant Corbin-Balor feud we’ve been getting. Lashley also works as a replacement for Cena because of his body type. The matches he has during the World Cup can still boil down to the same of a big strong guy against someone smaller and more technical. Given Rollins’ story, it’s safe to say Lashley gets through the first round just as Cena would have, and then we’ll likely get Lashley VS Angle as the Raw Bracket finals. Also glad to see I nailed the SmackDown side.

Elias had a pretty great night all in all. He’s turning more Face, and gets a win against Jinder Mahal despite getting beat up before the match. He’ll likely keep building up and eventually get a match with Corbin himself. Hooray for Lucha House Party winning on Raw, but I have a feeling they won’t actually join the Raw Tag Division. The Revival should also consider their option of going to 205 Live as Cruiserweights, I bet they’d get better play there. Plus, one more team really helps push the possibility of a Cruiserweight Tag Division. And if a Six Man match needs to happen, maybe The Revival can work with TJP or Mike Kanellis.

The Authors of Pain had a good night despite losing. The commercial in the middle of that Triple Threat Tag really took away material from the home audience, like myself. Roode & Gable have a good combo with that German Suplex into a neckbreaker, but part of it almost seemed like Roode “improvised” it so that Gable didn’t get the whole thing won by himself. AoP definitely will challenge for the Raw Tag Team Championships, but those titles are in question given Rollins and Ambrose.

And speaking of that, I’m surprised Ambrose went the silent treatment route where he didn’t explain anything. I suppose it’s mostly to stretch this out while “rattling” Rollins this close to the World Cup. And thinking about it, the only time Ambrose could get away with going after Rollins was if Roman was gone. Otherwise he’d have to deal with both of them. So while it isn’t happening the way it should, it’s happening the way it must to work.

My Score: 7.8/10