Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE 205 Live Results & Report! (1/22/19)

The three challengers to the Cruiserweight Championship will challenge each other in a Triple Threat! Who proves they’re Buddy Murphy’s biggest threat?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Humberto Carrillo VS Gran Metalik; Carrillo wins.
- Triple Threat: Kalisto VS Hideo Itami VS Akira Tozawa; Itami wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Drake Maverick hypes up the already exciting night for 205 Live!
It will be one of the most intriguing line-ups with some major implications towards the Cruiserweight Division’s future! First, Humberto Carrillo is officially part of 205 Live and has his second match on air against Lucha House Party’s King of the Ropes! Humberto showed heart against the Juggernaut, Buddy Murphy, can he show even more against Gran Metalik? Then the Triple Threat main event pits Akira Tozawa, Hideo Itami and Kalisto against each other in one last match before the Cruiserweight Championship match! Who seizes a big advantage going into the title match?
Aiden English joins commentary!
The SmackDown superstar and symphony singer shifts gears to be alongside Nigel McGuinness and Vic Joseph on the fastest hour of WWE!
Humberto Carrillo VS Gran Metalik!
The man formerly known as Ultimo Ninja has been making quite the waves in NXT and even in his 205 Live debut last week. Humberto didn’t win against the Juggernaut, but he did impress everyone enough to earn his Cruiserweight contract! Will he have a better time against the King of the Ropes? Or will he go a quick 0-2?
The bell rings and Humberto shakes hands with Metalik to show respect. Fans like that, and applaud as the two tie up. Metalik gets a waistlock, but Humberto works his way out to a wristlock. Humberto wrenches but Metalik rolls and reverses. Metalik wrenches but Humberto handsprings and reverses back to a headlock. Fans applaud while Metalik powers out. Things speed up and Humberto shows his agility! He dodges the handspring but Metalik headscissors, only for Humberto to handspring through! They both dropkick but those cancel out, and fans applaud the stalemate. Fans chant “Lucha! Lucha!” as the two go again.
Metalik dodges Humberto to chop him and whip him. Humberto goes up and over and shows off more, then gets Metalik with an arm-drag. Humberto chops and goes acrobatic for an arm-drag! Metalik bails out but Humberto builds speed to FLY! Direct hit takes Metalik down and Humberto lands on his feet! Humberto drags Metalik up and into the ring, then covers, TWO! Humberto keeps on Metalik with a grounded wristlock, then brings Metalik up for a facelock. He suplexes Metalik down and floats to a cover, TWO! Humberto keeps his cool as he drags Metalik back up. He scoops and slams Metalik to a drop zone, then climbs up top. Fans fire up as Humberto moonsaults, but he gets boots! Metalik gets up and runs to Sling-Dog Humberto down! Cover, TWO! Metalik keeps his cool as he drags Humberto up.
Metalik puts Humberto in a corner, CHOPS him, then whips corner to corner. Humberto reverses but Metalik walks the ropes to missile dropkick! Cover, TWO! Metalik is surprised but focused as he wraps on a chinlock. Humberto endures as fans slowly build to a rally. Humberto feeds off the energy and fights out, but Metalik throws him back down. Metalik puts the chinlock back on, but Humberto endures again. Metalik brings Humberto up in the fireman’s carry but Humberto fights out. Hands start flying, then both men duck kicks, but Humberto comes back with an enziguri! Humberto covers, TWO! Metalik rolls to ropes while Humberto grits his teeth. Humberto hurries after Metalik and both men end up on the apron. Humberto brings Metalik up but Metalik boots him back. Metalik brings Humberto in but Humberto boots him.
Fans rally up as Metalik tosses Humberto over the corner. Humberto hits Metalik back then climbs up top. Humberlto hits Metalik with a SUPER Bulldog to the apron! It was a bit double-edged as Humberto hits the floor, but he forces himself back up. Humberto goes up top again as Metalik slowly stands. Humberto leaps for a big crossbody! Cover, TWO! Metalik survives and Humberto grows frustrated. Humberto and Metalik go to oppsite corners, and Humberto runs in. Metalik dodges but Humberto tumbles to the apron. Humberto SLAPS Metalik away, but Metalik comes back with a SUPER HURICANRANA! Both men crash and burn to the floor but fans fire up! The referee checks on them both but they’re somehow okay.
Metalik sits up first and fires up with more “Lucha! Lucha!” Fans echo it as he puts Humberto in the ring. Metalik climbs and springboards, Swanton! Cover, TWO!! Humberto survives and now Metalik is shocked. Metalik refocuses and waits for Humberto to stand. He drags Humberto up and onto the top rope, then CHOPS him for good measure. Metalik positions Humberto and climbs up to throw forearms. He even SLAPS Humberto to see what the young star has. Metalik prepares but Humberto resists. Humberto fights back and shoves Metalik. Metalik lands on his feet but runs into a boot. Humberto adjusts, leaps, and hits a missile dropkick! Humberto doesn’t cover, he headstands and rebounds for an Aztec Press! Cover, Humberto wins!!
Winner: Humberto Carrillo, by pinfall
A huge victory over a 205 Live staple! And Metalik gives him the show of respect he earned. Humberto breaks even at 1-1, but will this first victory be the first of many?
Drake Maverick meets with Drew Gulak and Jack Gallagher.
Clearly the ground game lobbyists of the Submission Commission are upset that a high-flyer was the first new Cruiserweight signed. But look at how impressive Humberto Carrillo is! Gulak and Gallagher have no words. They storm off but Tony Nese enters and wants a word with the GM. Nese wants a rematch with Noam Dar tonight. Well yes they are tied, and the fans would love seeing that tiebreaker. Maverick will consider it. Consider it? Well yes, he can’t just jump into it. The Rumble is Sunday, the title could change hands– Nese doesn’t care about any of that. Just consider what will happen if Nese doesn’t get his match. Dar has been running his mouth and Nese is tired of it. If Nese doesn’t get the match, then he’ll make his own opportunity. The Premier Athlete has sent his ultimatum, will Maverick take it seriously?
Akira Tozawa and THE Brian Kendrick speak.
Tozawa says that he’s “had some good times and bad times on 205 Live.” But the past doesn’t matter, this opportunity is huge. Tozawa didn’t travel around the world to be a joke, he came to the WWE to make a name for himself. He will become the two-time Cruiserweight Champion. But can he be the top contender after tonight’s Triple Threat?
The Lucha House Party speak.
Lince Dorado knows that 2019 will be a big year for the trio. They’re on both Raw and 205 Live, and they spared the joy of lucha libre to the WWE Universe. But the one thing that they’re missing and will take them to the next level is that Cruiserweight Championship! If one of them wins, they all win! And Kalisto is going to show all the others in that Fatal 4 Way that he IS a threat. Kalisto vows to be that two-time Cruiserweight Champion, with the power of “Lucha! Lucha!” But can speed kill when there are multiple opponents?
Triple Threat: Kalisto VS Hideo Itami VS Akira Tozawa!
The Lucha Dragon may have his amigos, the Innovator of the GTS may have his hype man, and the Stamina Monster may have the Man with a Plan, but who will have the momentum going into the title match this Sunday?
Before Hideo Itami makes his entrance, he and Ariya Daivari have an interview backstage. What would it mean to finally become Cruiserweight Champion? Daivari speaks for Itami, saying that as the only man who has not held that title, it makes Itami the hungriest and most dangerous superstar. The only thing missing from his already legendary career is WWE gold, so Itami will make an example out of his opponents tonight. Itami speaks in Japanese to say that he is coming for the Cruiserweight Championship by any means necessary. Itami makes his entrance, and we begin this match!
But wait, Buddy Murphy makes his presence known! The champion reminds his contenders what they’re fighting for while also keeping an eye on all three of them. And as a bonus, he joins commentary! The bell rings and Itami goes right at Kalisto and Tozawa! Murphy already knows commentary will talk about how a Fatal 4 Way means he could lose the title without being pinned, but that won’t matter because he’s not losing. In the ring, Itami keeps on Tozawa and throws him out. Itami then goes after Kalisto with haymakers and a whip. Kalisto kicks Itami back then runs to tilt-o-whirl haedscissors! He adds a dropkick, then chops Itami before going acrobatic for the arm-drag! Itami bails out but Tozawa returns, and Tozawa hits Kalisto with a missile dropkick! Kalisto bails out but Tozawa builds speed to DIVE! The Tozawa Torpedo blasts Kalisto into the announce desk!
Tozawa and Murphy stare down, but Itami knocks Tozawa into the desk now! Itami and Murphy stare down for a moment before Itami drags Tozawa up and throws him into barriers. Itami stomps Kalisto thenn puts him into the steel steps! Murphy is confident this won’t happen to him in the match. Itami kicks away on Tozawa then puts him in the ring. Cover, TWO! Itami keeps on Tozawa with a whip, then a kitchen sink knee! Cover, TWO! Tozawa shows his toughness but Itami kicks him in the back. Itami boots Kalisto out and then soaks up the heat. Itami goes to Tozawa but Tozawa hits him back. But Itami still puts Tozawa in a chinlock to grind him down. Tozawa endures and moves around to a ropebreak.
Itami lets him go but drops elbows right on the back. He stomps Tozawa then goes after Kalisto. Kalisto hits back but Itami rocks him with a European Uppercut and a swift boot! Fans respect that with applause, as does Murphy. Itami goes back to Tozawa and covers, TWO. Itami keeps on Tozawa with a chinlock but Tozawa again endures. Fans rally up and Tozawa feeds off the energy. Tozawa fights out but Itami knees low. Itami runs but into a huricanrana! Tozawa gets Itami with a saido suplex! Kalisto leaps in but into a dropkick! Tozawa quickly covers Kalisto, TWO! Now he covers Itami, TWO! Tozawa keeps his cool but both Kalisto and Itami go to the apron. Fans echo “AH! AH!” for Tozawa as he goes after Kalisto with a forearm. Tozawa builds speed again, but runs into Itami’s lariat! Cover, but Kalisto breaks it in time!
All three men are down and Murphy is amused. Fans build to a rally as all three men slowly stir. Kalisto hits Tozawa, Tozawa chops Itami, and Itami hits Kalisto. Kalisto hits Tozawa again, Tozawa hits Itami again, and Itami hits Kalisto again. The rotation continues like this as the three men stand up. Kalisto hits Tozawa, Tozawa chops Itami, Itami kicks Kalisto. Kalisto CHOPS Tozawa, Tozawa CHOPS Itami, Itami kicks Kalisto! The rotation continues as Kalisto kicks Tozawa, but Tozawa fakes Itami out to hit Itami and Kalisto with jabs! Tozawa is the only one standing, and even Murphy applauds that. Fans chant “AH! AH!” for Tozawa as he runs at Itami. Itami boots him away then climbs up to tornado hotshot Tozawa down. Itami climbs up and makes sure Murphy is watching, but Kalisto kicks Itami!
Kalisto climbs with fans chanting “Lucha! Lucha!” Kalisto clubs away on Itami as they both stand. He wants the superplex but Itami resists. Tozawa adds on and helps Kalisto, but then Murphy joins in! This is a Triple Threat, so no disqualifications as Murphy helps make this a Tower of Doom!! The Juggernaut says this is just a preview of the Fatal 4 Way, but the referee still insists he leave. Murphy doesn’t listen as he throws Itami into a corner to stomp a mudhole into him. He then goes after Kalisto with a heavy forearm, and then throws Tozawa into a corner for another mudhole. Fans duel but Murphy soaks it all up. Murphy goes after Kalisto again but Kalisto kicks him away. Murphy staggers into Tozawa’s boot, then into double SUPERKICKS! Kalisto gives Murphy a Salida del Sol! And Tozawa adds his Tozawa Torpedo!
But then things return to the match as Kalisto knee-board sentons onto Tozawa! Kalisto drags himself back into the ring, and Itami boots him down! Itami drags Tozawa into the ring, stands him up, Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO! Itami is furious but he won’t let off Tozawa. He drags Tozawa up for a strike fest, but Tozawa dodges to give his own. The swinging roundhouse hits! But Kalisto springboards for a crossbody! Cover, TWO!! Everyone is down, but Tozawa crawls to a corner. Kalisto runs in at him for a kick to the stomach! Kalisto hauls Tozawa up top and rocks him with another kick. He climbs up to join Tozawa, prepares a superplex, but Itami attacks. Kalisto headbutts Itami then dumps him out hard. He kicks Tozawa again, climbs up again, and SUPER STEINERS! But Tozawa held on and Kalisto hits the floor!
Tozawa stands, leaps, SUPER SENTON! But Kalisto avoids it! Itami blasts Kalisto witht he dropkick, then hits Tozawa with the GTS Mk. II, aka the Sakura Knee! Cover, Itami wins!
Winner: Hideo Itami, by pinfall
If Murphy made this a preview of the Fatal 4 Way, then we just saw Itami survive them all and win! Will Murphy change things when it really is a Fatal 4 Way? Will Itami repeat this performance? Or will one of the former champions become champion again?
My Thoughts:
A solid go-home for 205 Live here, and Aiden English did great on commentary. Percy Watson was okay, but he does better on NXT because it’s not live. And for whatever reason, there seemed to be more fans and more invested fans than last week. And that was fortunate, as Humberto Carrillo has another great match with Gran Metalik. Humberto wins now that he’s officially part of the Cruiserweight Division, and also because it wouldn’t be good for him to lose twice already. Metalik is safe in losing, it helps build Humberto up. I’m pretty sure Humberto is going up against Gulak & Gallagher soon enough, so that’ll also be great for him. He’s a great talent, so he’ll get to the title soon enough, he just needs to build himself up in the eyes of live audiences.
Nese VS Dar 3 is coming, but with Nese making that threat, it’ll probably be after he attacks Dar backstage. The tiebreaker blow-off should feed into a contenders scenario. If anything, including Nese and Dar in a bigger contenders match would be nice, too. Like a Triple Threat that throws in Cedric Alexander, who has history with both men, or a Fatal 4 Way to include Lio Rush because he needs his chance. Tonight’s Triple Threat turning into an unofficial Fatal 4 Way was smart, too, as it keeps the three contenders relatively equal. Itami wins and could defy the math, but I wonder if this opens the door to a two-time champion in Kalisto or Tozawa. Kalisto implying Lucha House Party is like the New Day with Freebird-ing a singles title would be an interesting story to go with, but maybe that’s why it won’t be him.
My Score: 8.2/10
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Will the “Trick’N A” Era be a one and done?
He defeated Joe Hendry at Battleground, but now Trick Williams defends the TNA World Championship against Mike Santana, here on NXT!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Six Man Tag: Chase U VS Dark State; Dark State wins.
- High Stakes British Rounds Match: Myles Borne VS Charlie Dempsey; wins and
- Tyra Mae Steele VS ???
- TNA World Championship: Trick Williams VS Mike Santana; wins and
PLAY BY PLAY
Je’Von Evans is here!
The fans fire up for the Young OG, but he isn’t alone! Laredo Kid is here, both ready for this Saturday’s NXT North Well, speaking of, here comes Ethan Page! And he says enough of all this. This “Summit” is a farce. Let’s start with Rey Fenix. He’s stuck on a plane and won’t even be here tonight! Then, Je’Von & Laredo Kid are in ETHAN’S ring while Ethan celebrates his championship win, tap dancing on the memory if Ricky Saints. But instead, he has to share his time with these two. And then on Saturday, he defends this title in a Fatal 4 Way. And apparently, Ava has already set up a title defense “for some Evolve kid named Sean Legacy.”
Fans tell Ethan to shut up, but Ethan keeps going. Ethan says the worst of all, he never agreed to any of this! That was Ricky Saints! Ethan did NOT say “yes” to a single thing! Laredo Kid says Ethan just likes to talk, talk, talk, but he doesn’t have the JUEVOS! Je’Von says facts! And plus, Ethan cost Je’Von on SmackDown. Yeah, well that’s what happens when you stick your nose in Ethan’s business! Well, yeah, maybe instead of sticking his nose in Ethan’s business, maybe Je’Von should stick his boot up Ethan’s ass. But for now, it is better if Je’Von just takes that title. Ethan says he does not need to deal with this, he-
Wait! Sean Legacy is here! And “Super Sean” says okay, okay, alright. Ethan did say it: Whoever wins at Worlds Collide, Sean’s got next. And it would be an honor to challenge Laredo, and he is pretty sure he and Je’Von “aren’t done dancing just yet.” The fans cheer that as Sean approaches the ring. Sean says hopefully, and he means hopefully, it is NOT Ethan Page. But if it is, then fine. Because tomorrow night on Evolve, Sean has the chance to become the INAUGURAL WWE Evolve Champion! And then by next Tuesday- Wait, now THE VANITY PROJECT is here! And Ricky Smokes tells Sean he’s killing the vibe.
Ricky Smokes assures Ethan that The Vanity Project, “The hottest faction in Evolve,” has his back. Brad Baylor says hundos, Smokes! When it comes to Sean Legacy, their boy Jackson Drake handles him on Evolve. And believe it when Brad tells you, Jackson is also taking the Evolve title with him. And then a brawl breaks out! The fans fire up as Sean TOSSES Jackson, Je’Von ROCKS Smokes and DUMPS Brad, and then he DUMPS Smokes anyway! Laredo TOSSES Ethan, and Je’Von coordinates with Laredo and Legacy! They all build speed and FLY! The fans are thunderous but security rushes out here!
The fans fire up behind Legacy, Laredo & Je’Von, but will golden opportunities turn into dreams come true? Or will all the gold belong to all these egos?
Six Man Tag: Chase U VS Dark State!
Andre Chase tried to caution his new students, Kale Dixon & Uriah Connors, about taking risks, but they apparently got the advice and the warning flipped around. Now they’re up against the most dangerous men in NXT today! Will the new Chase U pass the test? Or will the only #TeachableMoment be that #NoOneIsSafe?
The brawl is on as Dark State hits the ring! They TOSS Uriah, they TOSS Chase, then whip Kale, but Chase gets Kale out of there! Uriah wants back in, Chase can’t stop him, and Uriah gets mugged 4v1! Saquon Shugars keeps Uriah from getting away, and he feeds Uriah to Cutler James! The bell rings, the fans chant “We Want Truth!” while Cutler waistlocks. Uriah switches but Cutler bucks the O’Conner. Uriah dodges the lariat but not the ELBOW! Cutler hits a fireman’s carry takeover, then RAMS Uriah into the corner! Cutler picks Uriah up to run him corner to corner, then short arm LARIAT! Tag to Dion Lennox and he talks trash.
Dion drags Uriah up, but Uriah SLAPS him! That was a mistake! Dion TACKLES Uriah, throws hands, then hits a BACKBREAKER! Dion drags Uriah by his legs to turn him over, BOSTON CRAB! Uriah endures, reaches out, but Dion drags him back! Uriah fights his way forward, but Saquon distracts Mr. Chase! Uriah kicks free of Dion, hot tag to Kale! Kale rallies on Dion, the fans rally, and Kale goes Matrix to then LARIAT! And FLATLINER! Kale underhooks, but Dion wrenches out. Kale dodges, Dion runs, DOUBLE LARIATS bring them both down! The fans rally while Kale and Dion stir. Kale and Dion crawl, hot tags to Uriah and Osiris!
Uriah dodges Osiris, swings on Cutler, but Osiris CLOBBERS Uriah! And he sucker punches Chase! But Uriah avoids the elbow drop! Osiris runs up, Uriah DUMPS him out, but Osiris rushes back in! Osiris TOSSES Uriah, but Uriah is up to GAMANGIRI! Kale tags in, Osiris puts Uriah in a corner, but Uriah dodges the splash! Chase U DOUBLE SUPERKICK! Cutler runs up, Chase U dodges to DOUBLE LARIAT! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS for Dion! Then they reel Osiris in, only for Osiris to block and DOUBLE SUPLEX them!! The fans are thunderous, Osiris tags Cutler, then Cutler tags Dion. They get Kale up, DARK STATE BOMB!! Cover, Dark State wins!
Winners: Dark State, by pinfall
The new Chase U shows promise, but they’ll have to go back to the drawing board if they want to survive. Will Dark State make sure #NoOneIsSafe in NXT?
Je’Von, Laredo Kid & Sean Legacy talk backstage
They’re all upset over The Vanity Project showing up and starting beef. Ava Raine has them calm down, and says here is the solution: 8 Man Tag of Ethan & Vanity Project VS Je’Von, Laredo, Legacy, and whoever they can find. Laredo says this is going to be his first night in an NXT ring! Legacy says yeah, and he thought he was the new kid. Je’Von says they can handle this 4v3, facts. But then wait, DRAGON LEE is here! The Boy Wonder volunteers his services, and Laredo’s down for that. Je’Von says bet, and Legacy says that sounds super. Will these four humble All Ego and the Vanity Project as Worlds Collide?
Backstage interview with Trick Williams.
Sarah Schreiber is with the TNA World Champion and says he defends that title tonight against Mike Santana. How does Trick plan on putting down The Realest One? Trick says, “Realest One, Santana? He’s a passionate dude, right. I mean, he’s the loud ‘n’ proud Boricua from Bronx, New York! And tonight is the biggest match of his career.” Trick tells Santana that he might be the Standard of TNA, but Trick doesn’t care how much Santana yells and screams, the standard has changed! Trick Williams is in charge and he calls the shots! For 20 YEARS, TNA has been looking for the one to take them to new levels. The one who can make TNA legit!
They have found that man. But his name ain’t Elijah, Average Joe, and it ain’t Mike Santana. Dammit, it is Trick! And he knows what is best for Trick’N A. The title stays with him, let’s talk about it! Trick is confident as he’s ever been, but will #HollywoodTrick end up a one hit wonder?
About Chairshot Radio Network
Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!
MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)
TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)
WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)
THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)
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SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast
SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast
CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS
Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)
TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends
Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5
Classic POD is WAR
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Powered by RedCircle
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Is it CLOBBERIN’ TIME?
Money in the Bank is this Saturday, and the last spots will be filled! But will it be CM Punk, AJ Styles, or Chad- Er, uh, El Grande Americano heading to LA?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Liv Morgan VS Ivy Nile VS Stephanie Vaquer; Vaquer wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
- The War Raiders VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh; Finn & JD win.
- Jey Uso & Sami Zayn VS Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed; Jey & Sami win, by disqualification.
- Raquel Rodriguez w/ Liv Morgan VS Kairi Sane; Kairi wins.
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: CM Punk VS AJ Styles VS El Grande Americano; Grande wins and advances to Money in the Bank.
PLAY BY PLAY
Michael Cole lost his bet with Pat McAfee.
With the Indiana Pacers going to the NBA Finals, Michael Cole takes off his suit jacket and shirt to reveal he is wearing a Pacers tank top! Pat puts the Pacers over, saying they will do to Oklahoma City’s Thunder like they did the New York Knicks! A daring thing to say here in Tulsa.
CM Punk is here!
Well, we all knew he would with his MITB qualifier later tonight, but the Second City Saint comes out here to say, “It’s CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” Punk goes to the ring, high-fiving fans along the way, then he gets himself a mic. The fans chant for Punk, and he says, “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Tulsa, Oklahoma or what?” The fans cheer, and Punks says it is the summertime, it is MITB time, and he hears some thunder in the distance. Punk thinks we might be on pace to get a thunderstorm here! The fans cheer and then chant “O K C! O K C!” Punk smiles and says we can cheer whatever basketball team we want, just be sure to watch Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown, too.
Punk says it is summer, the Summer of Punk! MITB is around the corner, stop him if you’ve heard this, but you’re looking at a TWO-TIME MITB winner. TWO TIMES, Punk has cashed in and won the title. And he is looking forward to doing it a third time! The fans cheer that, and Punk says this IS the Summer of Punk! It is time Punk got some gold back around his waist! There are a lot of great champions, but a longer list of challengers. Two men stand atop the mountain. One is a good friend, he’s Jey Uso. The fans “YEET!” and Punk says that with all due respect, Jey, when Punk wins the briefcase and it comes down to them, it isn’t personal, it is just business.
The other name on top of the mountain might be a bit more personal. That man is “JOHN~! CENA!” Punk cut his teeth in this business coming to a place like this, hearing people go absolutely bananas (as he points to fans wearing banana hats) over Cena. But now the tables have turned. Cena is public enemy number one after selling his soul “to a bald fraud goof.” When Punk wins MITB and should he choose Cena, well, Punk’s always had Cena’s number. He is going to pick the bones, “you little b*tch.” Because they are live on a Monday night, and Punk isn’t just happy to be here. It is about the money, and it is time Punk became champion one more time! See you at MITB!
But wait, here comes Sami Zayn! Punk sings along with the song and he welcomes Sami to the ring. Sami gets a mic, the fans sing, and we do get some “We Want Truth!” chants. Punk says he is not mad about being interrupted this time. Sami says yes, he appreciates that. The fans cheer Sami on, and Sami says he appreciates the fans, too. Sami has to be honest, though. He’s out here because this is the first time since Punk’s return that Punk actually talked in no uncertain terms on what his plan is, and that is to become a WWE World Champion. Punk says, “This time?” Sami says it is no secret that Sami wants to become world champion.
Unfortunately for Sami, MITB is not the path. Thanks to Heyman, Rollins, Bronson, Breakker, that is not in the cards. But it is still for Punk. Sami is out here to look Punk in the eyes, to underscore and highlight the importance of this. Tonight, Punk MUST win. The fans cheer that, and Sami says tonight is the most must-win. Punk talked about Jey and Cena, Gunther, and so on, but Sami knows in the back of Punk’s head, he is worried about Rollins, Bronson, Breakker, and what they did to Punk and Sami. But Sami wants Punk to NOT think about any of that. Bronson, Breakker, Jey, Sami, that gets handled tonight.
Punk says okay, but he’ll have Sami’s back, too. Sami says no, no, he doesn’t need that. Punk needs to focus on the task at hand. Punk is thinking on Rollins, and trust Sami when he says Rollins is always thinking about Punk. Punk knows that, because Rollins has never beat Punk. Yes, and that is why Punk needs to be in the MITB. With Punk there, it changes the math. Listen, Sami is saying this: If Rollins wins MITB, this place is over. It runs into something very different, unrecognizable, something Sami and Punk will not like. So Sami is saying it now, Sami NEEDS Punk to win tonight. The WORLD needs Punk to win tonight!
The fans fire up with that! Sami says for what it is worth, he wants Punk to win, too. But he also wants Punk to know, that should Punk win the MITB, should he win a title… Sami and Punk will be face to face in this ring again. And they will have a very different conversation than the one they’re having right now. The fans are intrigued, and Punk says, “I look forward to it, Sami.” They shake hands on it and the fans cheer. Will Punk come through and qualify tonight? Or is that a tall task just on overcoming AJ Styles and El Grande Americano?
Raquel Rodriguez & Liv Morgan are backstage.
Big Mami Cool gives Liv a last minute pep talk, but then Roxanne Perez walks up. The Prodigy says sorry to interrupt, but she just wants to let them know that if Liv needs help again- Liv says Roxie is interrupting. And if Roxie sabotages another match like she did before, think again. Help by staying out of the way. Liv clinks belts with Raquel, heads to gorilla, but then encounters Iyo Sky. Liv tells Iyo that she’ll be two-time Miss Money in the Bank, and then cash-in to be two-time Women’s World Champion. Iyo says, in Japanese, that’s some incredible confidence Liv has. But it is not gonna happen. Liv says #WatchMe.
Liv continues on, but will MITB enter ObLIVion? Will the ladder match soon be American Made? Or will the newest recruit to Monday Night Raw prove she is still La Primera?
Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Liv Morgan VS Ivy Nile VS Stephanie Vaquer!
Raw returns as Vaquer makes her entrance, and Tulsa fires up for the “Dark Angel!” The bell rings and the fans rally as the three circle. Vaquer is already popular, but Liv & Ivy both kick her out! Liv ROCKS Ivy, Ivy CLOBBERS Liv! Things speed up, Ivy rolls over the dropdown then bypasses Liv to waistlock. Liv gets loose, ELBOWS Ivy, but Vaquer HEADBUTTS Liv! Then Vaquer springboards to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans fire up as Vaquer dodges Liv, sunset flips Ivy, but rewinds to send her into Liv’s KICK! Liv swings, but into Vaquer’s BIG back suplex! Vaquer then smiles as she wraps Liv up in the headscissors! DEVIL’S KISSES!
The fans “AH! AH! AH!” as Vaquer hits TEN of those, then she gets Ivy for a SAIDO! The fans fire up and Vaquer smiles again. Vaquer wraps Ivy up for DEVIL’S KISSES! Liv DROPKICKS it apart before ten and the fans boo! Liv drags Vaquer up, suplexes, and stands up for Una Amiga! Then she hits Dos Amigas! And then THREE AMIGAS, slamming Vaquer onto Ivy! The fans rally, Liv gives some Latina Heat, and she KICKS Ivy! Liv back ELBOWS Vaquer, back body blocks Ivy, and repeat! Liv just keeps going, but Vaquer dodges and Ivy DROPKICKS Liv! Vaquer dodges Ivy to METEORA Liv!
Ivy waistlocks, Vaquer switches, Ivy switches back. Vaquer ELBOWS free, Liv wheelbarrows but Vaquer waistlocks. Liv switches, Vaquer switches, Liv waistlocks to DOUBLE GERMAN SUPLEX! Ivy stands tall, the fans are fired up, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Vaquer RAMS Liv into a corner to fire off hands! the fans fire up, Vaquer wrenches Liv and serves up SOLE FOOD! Vaquer LARITS Ivy in the corner, METEORAS Liv in the other, then riuns up on Ivy. Ivy BOOTS Vaquer, but Vaquer brushes that off. Vaquer blocks the next boot, DRAGON SCREWS, and covers, but Liv breaks it! The fans rally while all three women go to ropes. Vaquer rises, Liv fires a forearm, but Vaquer fires back! The shots go back and forth, Liv gets the edge, but the fans boo. Liv kicks low, KICKS again, but Vaquer ducks the enzigiri to ENZIGIRI back! Liv flounders away to a corner!
Vaquer runs in, blocks a kick, and gives her a- NO, Liv kicks free! Liv goes up, but Vaquer SHOTEIS! Vaquer climbs up after Liv, but Ivy joins in! TOWER OF DOOM! High stack off the powerbomb, TWO!! Vaquer survives, Liv flounders out of the ring, and Ivy seethes! “This is Awesome!” as Ivy scoops Vaquer and swings, but Vaquer slips through to roll her up! TWO, Ivy cradles, TWO! Vaquer has a cradle, TWO! Ivy and Vaquer move around, O’Conner Roll and BRIDGE! TWO!! Ivy escapes but her nose bothers her. Vaquer wrenches her, but Liv hits them with a DOUBLE CODE BREAKER!! Cover on them both, TWO!!!
Liv is beside herself but both Ivy and Vaquer are tougher than that! All three women are down but Liv crawls to Ivy. Liv slips Ivy, Ivy slaps back, and then Liv fires off kicks! OBLIV- SUPERKICK to the back! Vaquer has Liv in a backslide, TWO! Vaquer reels Liv in, tucks those arms, S V- NO, Liv slips free! And dodges to then CODE BREAKER! Vaquer wobbles, into OBLIVION!! Cover, but Ivy YANKS Liv out of the ring! Ivy snipes the cover, Liv breaks it in time!! Liv SHOVES Ivy out, goes after her, and SMACKS her off the apron again and again! Liv whips, Ivy reverses, Liv hits steel steps! Ivy hurries back into the ring and runs upon Vaquer!
Vaquer wrenches Ivy, underhooks, S V B!!! Cover, VAQUER WINS!
Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
And just like that, Vaquer goes from former NXT Women’s Champion to a MITB contender! But she’s going ot have a very busy Saturday. Will Vaquer win alongside Lola Vice against AAA’s Dalys y Chik Tormenta AND THEN become La Senorita en El Bank?
AJ Styles warms up backstage.
But then he notices Paul Heyman. The Wise Man smiles and offers a handshake, but Styles asks what can he do for Heyman. Heyman says well, Styles can accept his most profound wishes for a very happy birthday! And in fact, he has a gift! It has intrinsic value. It is not a watch, Styles could afford whatever he wants. But in this day and age, information is currency, and Heyman has the valuable wisdom to bestow upon Styles. We all see Dominik Mysterio is the Intercontinental Champion, running around with his Dirty Sanchez looking mustache, making a disgrace of that title. That title needs a phenomenal champion like Styles.
But MITB, you have to climb up, grab the briefcase, use the contract on a champion who is in trouble. You have to be prepared 24/7, get a ref, it is all too much. But tonight, Styles VS Punk VS El Grande, and despite how great that match is… Styles should just go for Dom and his title! Leave MITB to Seth Freakin’ Rollins. Styles asks if Heyman is tired. Tired? Yes, tired of chasing the meal ticket. He looks exhausted! Heyman probably thought this conversation was going with Styles buying what Heyman is selling. But don’t worry about Dirty Dom, Styles will get back to him soon enough.
But Heyman has known Styles long enough to know that Styles does not respond well to threats. And Styles knows Heyman well enough to know this is exactly what that was. So it doesn’t matter if it is Heyman, the Judgment Day, Bloodline, John Cena, you try and push Styles out and he will push back. Now, he has some advice for Heyman. Why not go back to tell Seth Rollins that Styles knows all about his plan. But we know that old saying, right? Everybody’s got a plan until they get punched in the mouth. Styles gives Heyman a hard smack on the shoulder before heading out. Will Styles make sure MITB is truly phenomenal?
Rusev speaks.
“Sheamus… My old friend… You looked disappointed in me last week. But how dare you. I am doing the good work. I am trying to fix the weak and prevent them from slipping into the abyss. Something you watched me do and did nothing! Last week, you ran out to help a stranger, but when I needed you back then, you let me vanish. So how dare you look at me disappointed. Do not mistake the man that I was for the force that I am, Sheamus. I am the Son of Thunder and you are the weak one now. But I was just like you. You have a body of granite and a neck of sand. And you’re challenging the one man who has the one move that could make it all go away, just like that!
“You are a true legend. And after everything we’ve been through, it would be my honor to take you off the field and send you home the hero that you are. But remember this, brother. I went down because you stabbed my back. Now stay out of the way or you will gonna go out because I stab yours.”
Sheamus talks with Alpha Academy.
The Fella is proud of Tozawa for standing up to a bully last week. Keep that spirit up, and your time will come. Now, there is something special, pure, and real about Alpha Academy. Natalya, Maxxine, the sooner you two realize that and become a tag team in your own right, the better. They have something not many have here, and that is heart. Natty appreciates that from Sheamus. And Maxxine has impressed her lately. Sheamus shakes hands with Tozawa and the team heads out. Cathy Kelley walks in and asks Sheamus if he could respond to Rusev’s comments. What made Sheamus get involved last week?
Sheamus says he and Rusev go way back. Rusev was a groomsman at Sheamus’ wedding. But there is only so long you can stand back and watch a so-called friend do something like that and do nothing. Rusev’s career imploded because of his own bad decisions. And his career outside of WWE, well… That lasted about as long as Rusev Day: 24 hours. As for Sheamus, he’s been putting on banger after banger, and now that Rusev is back, he’s just picking on guys half his size, making his name back the cowardly way? No, someone needs to put manners on Rusev, and that someone is Sheamus.
So here is a message from Celtic Warrior to his old friend. “I bully bullies.” Will Rusev reconsider his course of action before it’s too late? Or is it already too late for Sheamus to leave the past in the past?
The War Raiders VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh!
While there are a lot of difference between these two teams, they both have something in common: They want those WWE World Tag Team Championships back! But will Erik & Ivar rampage right through The Prince & Irish Ace? Or will this be Judgment Day’s night to rise back up?
Raw returns as the Raiders make their entrance. The New Day are hanging out on commentary to watch this one, and Finn starts against Erik. They circle, feel things out, but Finn backs off to the ropes. The fans chant “We Want Truth!” while Finn and Erik reset. They tie up, Finn headlocks, but Erik blocks the takeover! Erik powers up, fights off another takeover, and he powers up and out! Erik RUNS Finn over, the fans chant “What’s Up?” “What’s Up!” but Finn RAMS Erik into the corner. JD tags in, he stomps Erik, and New Day says Finn can’t just come back to the tag division all because he isn’t in MITB.
JD digs his boots in on Erik, the ref counts, and JD soaks up heat. The fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Kofi says this is how dumb Oklahoma is! They can’t suck, they’re the champs! JD RAMS Erik again and again, then brings Erik around. JD KNEES Erik, RAMS him into the corner, then he CHOPS! The ref has JD back off, but that lets Finn CHOKE Erik! JD stomps Erik again, but Erik fires hands! He DECKS Finn, dodges JD, and hobbles his way over, hot tag to Ivar! The fans fire up as Ivar BACKDROPS JD! Ivar scoops and SIDEWALK SLAMS JD! Ivar runs but Finn KNEES him at the ropes! Ivar HANDSPRING KICKS Finn down!
JD is up, runs up, but Ivar TOSSES him out! JD tumbles to the desk! Woods jokes that JD might take himself out of the match again! Ivar scoops Finn to SLAM him onto JD! Erik says UP, the fans fire up with that, and Erik scoops Ivar to SLAM him onto JD! The New Day don’t like how close they are, but then Ivar teases throwing JD at them! The fans laugh at New Day for freaking out, and the Raiders put JD in the ring. New Day storm up but the ref sees them first! The ref says they’re not playing that game! Jessica Karr EJECTS The New Day! Tulsa chant “NEW DAY SUCKS! NEW DAY SUCKS!” Back-up comes and they eject the New Day. Erik & Ivar wave bye while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ivar endures a chinlock. The fans rally, Ivar fights up and fires body shots. JD KNEES low, snapmares, and he tags Finn. Finn slingshot STOMPS Ivar, tags JD and he ARABIAN PRESSES! Cover, TWO! Ivar survives but JD seethes. JD stomps Ivar, stays between him and Ivar, and stomps him more. Ivar huffs ‘n’ puffs and shakes his head. JD fires more shots but the fans rally with Ivar! JD CHOPS, Ivar roars! JD BOOTS Ivar, but Ivar still roars! JD runs, but into a SPINNING POWERSLAM! Both men are down, Ivar crawls, and the fans rally! Hot tags to Finn and Erik! Erik CLOBBERS Finn! And CLOBBERS him again!
JD is back but Erik dodges to CLOBBER him, too! Erik clinches Finn for an EXPLODER! Erik wrenches JD, and gives him an EXPLODER! Erik LARIATS JD up and out! Finn runs up but Erik ELBOWS him! Erik runs, but Finn gets around! Dragon sleeper, but Erik powers out! Erik pops Finn up to HEADBUTT! And then Ace Ten Mao KNEE! Cover, TWO! Finn survives but he is dazed! Erik tags Ivar, they drag Finn up and pop0up for the- NO, JD drags Erik out! Finn turns Thor’s Hammer into the EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Ivar survives but JD is on the apron. Erik sweeps, JD dodges, PENALTY KICK! ASAI MOONSAULT!
Finn SHOTGUNS Ivar down! Finn goes up, up, and COUP DE- NO, Ivar moves! SEATED SENTON! Ivar cartwheels to dodge JD, and then HEEL KICKS him! The fans join in with a chant of “WAR! WAR! WAR!” BRONCO BUSTER! Ivar drags Finn to a drop zone, then goes up top! The fans are fired up but WAIT! Roxie is here?! She distracts Ivar and the ref, JD HOTSHOTS Ivar! Finn hurries up top again! COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!
Winner: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, by pinfall
Roxie smiles as she at least helps someone out tonight. Finn also smiles, and now the Prodigy stands with Prince and Ace. Will Roxie prove herself to all of the Judgment Day soon enough?
Becky Lynch speaks.
“I have only been back for six weeks, and already Lyra has cost me the tag team championship, and she has cost me my chance at the Money in the Bank ladder match. And yet she talks about how I’m the one that takes all the opportunities. She has become an echo chamber for the ignorant and morally confused who do not understand what greatness is and what it takes, and therefore will never achieve it. She has forgotten everything that I have done for her. That every moment in her career with glimpses of greatness have been because of me. NXT, when she won the title, I raised her hand. When she became a double champ at WrestleMania, because of me.
“She had the greatest match of her career at Backlash because of me. But at MITB, Lyra is in a lose-lose situation. Because say in the off chance she does win and I can never challenge for the Intercontinental Championship again, well, that would be the worst thing that ever happened to her because I am the best thing that ever happened to her. But when I win, oh, when I win, she will have to hold up my hand. The same hand that is going to hold her down.” The Man has spoken, but will she break the Morrigan? Or is she only adding fuel to the fire?
Backstage interview with Stephanie Vaquer.
Cathy Kelley says massive congratulations are in order for La Primera. Not only is Vaquer on the Raw roster, but she’s on her way to MITB. How is she feeling? Vaquer says she feels great, thank you. Nevertheless, Vaquer is- interrupted by Rhea Ripley. Mami tells Vaquer welcome to Raw. And see you Saturday. They shake hands, will these two alone tear down the house in Los Angeles?
Lyra Valkyria is here!
The Man said her part, now the Morrigan looks to do the same as she heads to the ring. Lyra just says, “Wow, wow, wow. Such big, brave words from Becky Lynch all the way in her safe little hiding spot in the back. Becky, how ’bout you stop being such a coward and get out here so I can say what I have to say straight to your face!” The fans fire up for that! Becky makes her entrance, mic in hand, and she goes to the ring. Becky says she was going to be the bigger person here, but Lyra tells her to shut up! Becky has said her piece, and showed she is delusional to the point that it is just sad. Honestly, Becky’s downfall needs to be studied.
Becky made it all the way to the top by being a good person that never gave up, and then she only stayed on top because she gave up being a good person. But Becky was right about one thing, and Lyra will give her that. Ever since Becky has tried to ruin Lyra’s life, Lyra has changed. But y’know what that change is? It’s anger! Lyra needed to get angry! And no one in her entire life has hurt her the way Becky hurt her! It is so funny to Lyra that by trying to hold Lyra down, all Becky has done is unlock this side of Lyra that is capable of destroying Becky!
Lyra has beat Becky twice, beat her blind, and at MITB, she will beat the crap outta Becky and ensure Becky never gets to poison what it means to be Women’s Intercontinental Champion! The fans cheer, and Becky says the only thing poisoned here is Lyra’s perspective. Lyra says she has hurt Becky more than anyone else? That is emotional, despite the physical pain. But emotionally? No, Becky doesn’t believe that is true. What happened is, Lyra wanted an excuse to hate Becky! Any excuse, because Lyra wants to replace Becky! But she can’t do that! No one can! Becky didn’t want to hurt Lyra, she wanted to make Lyra better.
But that has all changed now. Now Becky knows the thing that’ll hurt Lyra the most is when she’ll have to raise Becky’s hand! Becky storms out and Lyra says wow. More big words. Why not put your money where your mouth is and give Tulsa a preview, and do this right now?! Becky says she doesn’t fight in Tulsa! See you at M ITB! But then Lyra rushes up the ramp to CLOBBER Becky! The fans fire up as Lyra fires hands and knees! Refs rush out here, the fans boo and chant, “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Becky runs away, Lyra says this all comes to an end at MITB! Will nothing stop The Morrigan from unleashing all of her anger on The Man?
Penta speaks.
“The biggest, most important ladder match in the world is MITB. The most dominant, the most dangerous ladder match wrestler in the world is Penta and Cero Miedo. I have been scratching and clawing for this moment. Nobody is as hungry as Penta!” He is the greatest ladder match luchador ever! The ladder match is his expertise, LA is his home, and at MITB, that is his destiny! Victory is inevitable! Because he is Penta, and he has CERO MIEDO! Will the man with no fear soon have it all within his grasp?
Jey and Sami meet up in the concourse.
The fans are there and they YEET it up already! Jey gives Sami his very own custom sunglasses, and Jey asks that they please hit his music! UH UH, YEET!! The fans fire up as the music plays, and now Jey & Sami head down to ringside! Tulsa is bouncing, but will they YEET the roof off this place? Or will Seth Rollins’ heavy hitting henchmen run right through the WWE World Heavyweight Champion and the Honorary Uce?
Jey Uso & Sami Zayn VS Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman!
Raw returns as the YEET continues. But “ladies and gentlemen,” Paul Heyman makes his way out and the fans boo. Bronson Reed makes his entrance, followed by Bron Breakker. The Wise Man walks with these behemoths, and the fans bark as Bron starts against Jey. They circle, tie up, and Bron waistlocks to SLAM Jey down! Bron lets Jey go to bring him up for haymakers. Bron RAMS Jey into a corner again and again, but stops as the ref counts 4. Bron brings Jey over but Jey fires body shots and haymakers! Jey puts Bron in a corner, back body blocks and PELES! Jey shoves Bron to a cover, TWO! Bron is tougher than that but Jey wrenches an arm.
Jey whips, Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges, and he builds speed to LARIAT Jey! The fans fire up with Bron and Heyman grins while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Bronson is now in. Reed looms over Sami, drags him up, and Reed HEADBUTTS Sami! Reed CHOPS Sami in the corner, but Sami CHOPS back! Sami elbows Bron, CHOPS Reed, but Reed RAMS Sami into the corner! The ref counts, Reed steps back at 4, but that lets Bron pull Sami’s hair! The fans boo, Bron gets away with it, and Bron still gets some fans to bark. Bron tags in, he and Reed double whip Sami to a corner. Bron LARIATS, Reed SPLASHES, and then feed to Bron’s JUMP KNEE! Cover, TWO! Bron drags Sami up, tags Reed in, and they mug Sami. Reed taunts Jey, puts Sami in a corner and then puts him up top.
Reed ROCKS Sami, climbs up, and Sami fires hands! Sami knocks Reed down, BOOTS him away, then TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Reed and Sami crawl, the fans rally up, hot tags to Bron and Jey! The fans fire up as Jey LARIATS Bron! And LARIATS again! And then he fires haymakers! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks ‘n’ puts some stank on the YEET! The fans fire up and Jey goes corner to corner, only to be put on the apron! Jey GAMANGIRIS Bron away, goes up the corner, and he CROSS- NO, Bron dodges! Bron fireman’s carries Jey, GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO!
Jey survives and Bron grows frustrated. The fans rally up but Bron brings down the straps. Bron builds speed again, but Jey SUPERKICKS! Bron goes down in a heap! Jey covers, TWO!! Bron survives and shocks Jey! The fans rally up more and Jey has a SLEEPER! Jey is sending a message to Gunther at the same time as he brings Bron down! But Reed SENTONS! Jey sputters, but Sami fires hands on Reed! Reed shoves Sami away, SPLASHES him in the corner, and then Reed puts Sami on the apron! APRON SPLASH FLOPS as Sami moves! The fans fire up as Sami aims, but Bron runs up! Sami TOSSES Bron out, and then gives them both a PLANCHA!
But both men catch Sami! So Jey adds his DIVE! Down go all four men! Tulsa is thunderous , but CURB STMOP from Rollins!!
Winners: Jey Uso & Sami Zayn, by disqualification
Rollins is dressed like an evil Neo from the Matrix as he stands over Jey. But Sami fires hands! Rollins gets loose, Reed HEADBUTTS Sami! Bron TOSSES Sami onto the desk! Rollins wants Sami to be taken out, so Bronson climbs a corner! Bron has Sami stuck, but PUNK SMACKS BRON WITH A CHAIR! And CHUCKS it at Bronson! The big men are down, and Punk has eyes locked on Rollins now! Rollins snarls, but he runs for it! Punk comes through for Sami as far as saving his life, but can Punk save the future of the WWE? Rollins has his guys stand down, because we all know where Punk will be later tonight. Rollins promises Punk he’s a dead man!
Will the Visionary and his juggernauts destroy Punk one way or another? Or can the Best in the World survive tonight to head for MITB this Saturday?
The Judgment Day regroups backstage.
Finn says this is what he was talking about! Roxie came through for them, they got their hands raised. But then Liv asks Finn if they can talk. Finn says sure, what’s up? Liv says it was Finn who brought Roxie in while she was gone. And Roxie’s been giving Dominik chicken nuggets, shoulder rubs, and helping out in matches. Liv knows Finn is up to something. Finn asks where all of this is coming from. Roxie is just being good help. Oh, so is Liv imagining things? Well, the imagination can play tricks on anyone. Finn just thinks Liv is frustrated. Things didn’t go Liv’s way last week, they didn’t go her way tonight…
But hey, Roxie got Finn & JD on track for the tag titles, and imagine this: Roxie wins MITB, then goes on to win THE Women’s World Championship! Everyone has gold in the clubhouse. Yeah, seems like Finn has it all figured out, huh? Hey, there is no plan! But he gets it. Roxie came on a little strong, what with the nuggies and shoulder rubs, but c’mon. You can trust Dom. It’s not Dom she doesn’t trust. Well, trust comes with time. Give Roxie a chance, okay? Don’t worry! Hey, maybe Liv and Finn make a plan! Let Roxie be out there for Raquel- No, no, no, how about this? If Finn wants Roxie around, he can babysit her while Liv is in Raquel’s corner, okay? Okay. Great!
Liv calls to Raquel, they head out, and Dom asks if everything is okay. Finn says yeah, just making plans with Liv. Right, okay. Dom also wants to apologize for last week with the chair mishap. Finn says no, no, water under the bridge. Finn pats Dom’s title, and they fist bump. But is everything (not) alright in Judgment Day?
Raquel Rodriguez w/ Liv Morgan VS Kairi Sane!
As they alluded to, things didn’t go so well when Liv tried to battle the Pirate Princess, but in part because Raquel and Roxie argued over who was trying to help. But now, will Ricky Desperado sink Kairi’s ship as revenge? Or will Kairi keelhaul Raquel and leave with another golden ticket to the tag titles?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Raquel THROWS Kairi down, then deadlifts her to a Canadian Rack! Kairi slips free, waistlocks, but Raquel swings her around! Kairi holds on, rolls, but Raquel drags her up! Kairi ducks the lariat, waistlocks, but Raquel breaks free to whip! Kairi goes up and RANAS Raquel! Kairi then runs, wheelbarrows, and manages the STUNNER! The fans fire up with Kairi and she runs back in, SLIDING D! Raquel tumbles out, Kairi goes to the apron, FLYING- NO, Raquel stops the armbar takedown, to then SWING Kairi into the apron! Kairi flops down, Raquel leaves her behind, but Liv gets cheap shot in!
The fans boo but Liv scampers away. Raquel grins as she goes out to fetch Kairi. Raquel puts Kairi in the ring, covers, TWO! Kairi toughs it out but Raquel stands her up. Raquel talks trash, winds up, and LARIATS! Kairi grits her teeth but Raquel is on her again, for another LARIAT! Raquel mockingly asks if Kairi is okay, then swings. Kairi ducks, but the SOUTHPAW hits again! Cover, TWO! Kairi is still in this but Raquel drags her up. The fans rally, Raquel whips Kairi, and Kairi goes up and out and then slides under! Raquel blocks the sunset flip to YANK Kairi up! Raquel THROWS Kairi to the corner and SPLASHES!
Raquel fires elbow after elbow, then argues with the ref. Kairi sputters, Raquel drags her up, but Kairi fires body shots! Raquel reels Kairi in, Canadian Racks, and then RAMS her into the corner! Kairi sputters but Liv smiles as Raquel talks trash. Kairi SLAPS Raquel from the top rope! Raquel grabs Kairi, but Kairi HEADBUTTS! Kairi aims to FLYING KABUKI- NO, Raquel catches her, pops her up, but Kairi DDTS! Both women are down, Liv is upset, but the fans rally up. Liv coaches Raquel but Kairi rises first. The fans chant “What’s Up!” as Kairi throws hands! Raquel snarls and fires back! Kairi fires a flurry, but Raquel whips her away!
Kairi ducks ‘n’ dodges and redirects, to then roll and pick the leg! Raquel sputters, Kairi AX KICKS her down! Kairi CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS! Kairi has Raquel in a corner for MACHINE GUN CHOPS! The fans fire up, Kairi whips, but Raquel reverses. Kairi stops herself to dropkick the legs! BLOCKBUSTER! The fans fire up with Kairi again and she walks the plan. Kairi runs in, SLIDING D again! Kairi puts Raquel int he drop zone, but Liv distracts her! So here comes IYO! The fans fire up as the Genius and Liv brawl on the ramp! Iyo fires a flurry, SMACKS Liv off the apron, but Raquel grabs Iyo! Kairi BOOTS Raquel into the POST!
Kairi goes up, up, and fans fire up for the IN-SANE ELBOW!! Cover, Kairi wins!
Winner: Kairi Sane, by pinfall
Two weeks in a row, Kairi gets a pin off the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Could Liv & Raquel lose it all to the reunited Sky Pirates?
Sami is checked by medical.
They ice his shoulder, and in steps Karrion Kross. Kross wants a moment to talk with Sami. Is Sami alright? That looked rough out there. Sami asks Kross what his problem is. Seriously, what is his problem with Sami? Why is he hovering around like this? What is his obsession with Sami?! Kross says it’s because he thinks Sami is a LIAR! That is his problem! Sami lies to the fans, to his family, and worst of all, he lies to himself! Sami could’ve been a world champion ten times over, if he just did what he really had to do. We all know Sami is capable of doing very terrible things to get ahead.
Kross says, “Sami, you’re not a good guy. You’re a bad guy, just like the rest of us.” Sami says Kross is wrong. Kross chuckles and says he might be. But he might be right, too. Kross leaves Sami to think on that. Is Sami going to face a hard truth that there’s something dark deep down inside him? Will that darkness come to light?
BREAKING NEWS for Worlds Collide!
As if this event wasn’t already caliente, we’re getting another Six Man Tag! The LWO’s Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro y Joaquin Wilde will face AAA’s Aerostar, Octagon Jr. y Mr. Iguana! And then after defeating Alberto Del Rio, El Hijo de Vikingo is now the AAA Mega Champion! And now, he turns around and puts that title up against Chad Gable! Will that title stay with AAA? Or will it soon be American Made?
Gunther finds Jey backstage.
Der Ring General assures Jey that he just wants to talk. Gunther sits with Jey, and Gunther tells Jey, “The World Heavyweight Championship is personal to me. So I appreciate all the effort you put into being the champion. And I can see you’re really trying to be a great champion. But because you refuse to think with your head instead of your heart, that’s why I’m gonna take it. You’re a great guy, Jey. You’re selfless in a very selfish business. Sami needed you tonight, huh? What’s the result? One week out, not at 100%. I’m very sure if Punk gets in trouble tonight, you’ll be there for me.
“And two days before you defend the World Heavyweight Championship against me, you compete in a tag team match main event because it’s important to Cody. And everybody knows they can bet on their good friend, Jey. All of that is no business of the World Heavyweight Champion. So I wanna thank you. Because ever since that day I lost to you at WrestleMania, I knew I would avenge it. And right now, you’re making it very, very easy for me. Jey, in one week, the party is over.” Gunther stands up but Jey stops him from leaving. Jey tells Gunther, “Four letters, one word, TAP’D!” Gunther leaves, but will it all play according to his plan?
Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: CM Punk VS AJ Styles VS El Grande Americano!
The Best in the World said it himself earlier tonight that he wants to be a champion again, and this is his chance. And as Sami Zayn told him, he just has to focus on winning so that he can stop Seth Rollins from taking over the WWE. But can Punk once again become Mr. Money in the Bank? Will the Phenomenal One be the sixth man? Or will we all be saying “AH GRACIAS~!” to the so-called greatest luchador in history?
Raw returns and El Grande Americano makes his entrance. The fans already chant for Punk, and then fire up as Punk makes his entrance! It is still “CLOBBERIN’ TIME~!” as the fans sing along with Cult of Personality. Punk has the ref check El Grande, we all know he loads his mask. The mask is clean, as is the singlet, and the bell rings. But then Punk and Styles look to each other, and they mug Grande! The fans fire up as they punch away, and then they double whip “Chad” up and out of the ring! Punk and Styles circle, the fans rally up, and they tie up. Punk headlocks, Styles powers up and out, but then hurdles.
Punk jumps the dropdown but Styles DROPKICKS him down! Grande is back but Styles waistlocks, O’Conner Rolls, but Grande bucks that. Grande ducks ‘n’ dodges to FLYING HEADBUTT! The fans boo but Grande runs in, jumps up, and MONKEY FLIPS! Styles flounders away, Punk is back, but Grande wheelbarrows. Styles ioins in, but Grande RANAS Styles! Punk SHINING WIZARDS Grande out of the ring! Punk ROCKS Styles, whips him hard into a corner, and Styles hits post before he falls back! Punk whips the other way, runs in, but Styles OBOTS him! Styles goes up and out to then ROCK Punk, but Grande is there!
Grande trips Styles up during his springboard! The fans boo but Punk grabs that mask! Punk wants to rip it away and the fans fire up! Gable- Er, Grande HOTSHOTS Punk away! Then he aims to CANNONBALL! Down goes Punk, and Grande runs up on Styles! Grande CLOBBERS Styles against the desk! The fans boo but Grande soaks up that heat while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Grande has Punk up top! Styles joins in and he climbs up behind Grande! The fans rally as Styles hits a SUPER BACK SUPLEX on Grande! Punk is still up top, and he aims at Styles! MACHO ELBOW! All three men are down now and the fans fire up! Punk rises, “This is Awesome!” as Punk rallies on Grande! Wrench and NECKBREAKER! Punk hobbles a bit, but he still runs up to SHINING WIZARD in the corner! Then he runs to SHINING WIZARD Styles! Punk headlocks but Styles powers out of the bulldog, sending Punk into Grande’s FLYING HEADBUTT! Grande then waistlocks Styles to GERMAN SUPLEX!
The fans rally as Grande hurries to cover Styles, but Punk breaks that. Grande goes to a corner, the fans duel, “He’s Chad Gable!” “NO, He’s Not!” Gable/Grande climbs, leaps, but Punk catches the crossbody and rolls through with it! Punk deadlifts Grande into a fireman’s carry! But Styles drags Grande down to dragon sleeper! He kicks Punk and add shim toa DOUBLE DDT! Cover on Punk, TWO! Cover on Grande, TWO! Styles huffs ‘n’ puffs and fans chant “We Want Truth!” Styles reels Grande in, lifts, but Grande fights the Clash to have to ANKLE LOCK! Styles endures, rolls, but that sends Grande to Punk! GO TO- ANKLE LOCK!!
Grande has Punk’s bad leg, but Punk fights up and rolls! Grande ends up in Styles’ grip, STYLES CLASH!! Cover, PUNK BREAKS IT! The fans fire up as Punk and Styles throw hands back and forth! Punk gets the edge, but Styles blocks to fire the Phenomenal Blitz, only for Punk to turn that into a NECKBREAKER! Cover, Grande breaks it! The fans rally and duel, Punk rises and he has Grande. Punk hoists Grande up top, climbs up to get him, but Styles joins in again! Styles reels Punk into the position but Punk fights free! Punk fireman’s carries but Styles fights free! Punk trips Styles, jackknife bridge, a MOONSAULT from Grande breaks it!! Cover on STyles, TWO!!
The fans fire up but Grande hurries to another corner! MOONSAULT FLOPS as Punk moves! Fireman’s carry, and GO TO SLEEP!!! But Punk collapses! He crawls to the cover, BUT BRON BREAKKER DRAGS HIM OUT! The fans boo as Bron & Reed mug Punk, just as Rollins promised! But here come Sami & Jey! Gunther was also right! These four all brawl, but that causes them to CHOP BLOCK Styles! Styles falls, but then he gets up! Styles is pissed and he SUPER CROSSBODIES everyone down!! Everyone except El Grande Americano! The fans lose their minds as Styles roars, and wait, is Grande shoving something in his mask!?
The fans rally as Styles aims, PHENOMENAL FOREARM into the LOADED HEADBUTT!!! Cover, GRANDE WINS!!!
Winner: El Grande Americano, by pinfall (advances to MITB)
Grande says “AH GRACIAS!” and he should definitely be thanking Rollins’ team for helping out. Punk is pissed and he goes right after Bron! Rollins CLOBBERS Punk, and he puts Punk in the ring! The fans boo but Punk gets up to ROCK Rollins! They brawl, Heyman saunters out here as Punk fireman’s carries! But Bron is in! Bron SPEARS Punk down! But Sami CLOBBERS Bron! Reed CLOBBERS Sami! Bron & Reed mug Sami, then Rollins adds a CURB STOMP!! Sami is down, but then Rollins STOMPS Punk! Jey SUPERKICKS Reed, SUPERKICKS Bron, but Rollins has a SLEEPER on Jey! Bron SPEARS Jey down!!
The fans boo, CURB STOMP for Jey!! The Visionary is raging as he throws off his jacket! Rollins & Bron drag Jey into place, and Reed goes up! TSUNAMI! But Rollins wants Reed to do even more damage! Reed goes back up, TSUNAMI!! The fans boo as Rollins, Reed, Breakker & Heyman stand tall again. Will Jey not survive through the summer as World Heavyweight Champion?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here as the go-home to the big Saturday that’s coming, with Worlds Collide and MITB all on the same day. We got great story integration along with that, such as Judgment Day’s continued dysfunction. Great tag match from Finn & JD VS War Raiders, and with Roxie helping Finn & JD win when Liv didn’t want the help. Which makes for great irony when Liv tries to help Raquel but that backfires because Iyo was here to help Kairi. A Women’s Tag Team Championship match of Liv & Raquel VS Iyo & Kairi would be great stuff, and could be set for the big Atlanta weekend in July.
Vaquer winning her MITB qualifier is great, and certainly justifies the fast track away from NXT to right here on Raw. Her interaction with Rhea was fun, too, that can and should be a 1v1 feud after MITB. More great integration with the Rollins faction takeover story, such as Heyman trying to make Styles an offer and all the fighting with Jey and Sami. Gunther makes a “good point” from the perspective of a Heel, but we know Jey isn’t selfish enough as to abandon his friends for his own well-being. But with that, that’s how Rollins got the drop on Jey & Sami during their tag match, and then it happened again during the Triple Threat.
Sami and Kross also have a great interaction where Kross makes a very similar argument to Gunther’s. If Sami wanted to, he could be selfish, but also be very violent and merciless, so that no one could stop him from becoming a champion. Kross has always been a force for these Heel turns, just look at New Day. If he gets Sami to turn for the next phase of this story, I would hope it is more Sami and Kross work together rather than Sami giving in and joining Rollins. Sami could easily be a Heel that still doesn’t go along with Rollins’ vision, though I suppose defying Rollins might actually keep him a Face in the eyes of the fans.
El Grande Americano benefiting from all this is really fun. Chad Gable has his AAA Mega Championship match with El Hijo Del Vikingo that afternoon for Worlds Collide, who knows how they play this. I don’t think Gable will win the title, and I don’t think Grande wins MITB, unless they want Gable to claim Grande gave him the briefcase, or there are hilarious mishaps of Gable hurrying to dress as Grande in time to go after a champion. It would certainly add some creativity to the MITB briefcase if they went with that latter idea. Plus, we need to get to the bottom of the Gable-Grande “mystery” and finally vindicate Michael Cole for telling the truth this whole time.
Very good promo from Penta to hype up his part of MITB, but maybe his role is to mostly stop Grande from winning. Very good promo from Rusev, and a good response from Sheamus. That feud will indeed be banger after banger, I can’t wait. And great promos from Becky and Lyra, and we of course got a brawl from them. Hard to say how the math felt on that, but I would think Becky wins. I thought she was winning at Backlash, and she’s certainly not losing a match that blocks her off from a title. Becky will win, make Lyra raise her hand, but maybe Lyra then decks her after that to set up a rematch for Evolution in July.
My Score: 8.9/10
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