It’s the last Raw before Stomping Grounds!

Raw stops in Los Angeles before heading to Tacoma, and has a HUGE match to determine a #1 Contender to the United States Championship! Who wins a Fatal 5 Way to then take on Samoa Joe for the title?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 5 Way Elimination Match: The Miz VS Braun Strowman VS Ricochet VS Bobby Lashley VS Cesaro; Ricochet wins and will challenge Samoa Joe for the title at WWE Stomping Grounds.
• The Viking Raiders VS ???; the Viking Raiders win.
• 2 out of 3 Falls Six Man Tag: The New Day VS Baron Corbin, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn; The New Day wins.
• The Usos VS The Good Brothers; The Usos win.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The IIconics VS Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross; The IIconics win and retain the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships.
• Seth Rollins VS Daniel Bryan w/ Rowan; restarted as…
• Seth Rollins VS Daniel Bryan, Ringside Ban; Rollins wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ladies and Gentlemen, Elias.

The Drifter opens Raw in LA, and says he was talking to Anthony Davis. “Why? Why would you want to move to Los Angeles?” Davis said it’s because he’s garbage, and should be with other pieces of garbage. So he moved to a city where the people are more toxic than the air. Elias would rather be anywhere else, but he was invited here by Baron Corbin. And Elias is wearing referee stripes, because HE is the special guest referee for Stomping Grounds! Corbin’s trust- doesn’t matter because Seth Rollins SMACKS Elias from behind! And again! And again! Over and over and over, Rollins unleashes his fury on Corbin’s pick for special guest ref! Rollins then demands a mic so he can speak.

“After every thing I’ve been through with Brock Lesnar, I am done playing games!” Corbin still needs a special guest referee, but Rollins has a message for those who want that position. It is the first and last warning. It doesn’t matter what Corbin promises, but the chair is what awaits them. “So choose wisely!” The Architect opens Raw with a Universal title ultimatum! Will Corbin get anyone to line up for the job now that Rollins is ready to burn them down?

The Miz is here!

The Hollywood A-Lister has his shot at a Stomping Grounds match, but he wants to “check” on Elias real quick. Skull-Crushing Finale for the Drifter! Bobby Lashley comes out next, to SPEAR Elias! The Rocky Mountain Machine isn’t going to be shown up by Miz, it seems. Then Cesaro appears to take Elias for a swing! He goes around and around and around, for just under 10! After Cesaro is the One and Only, Ricochet! Elias sits up, only to get Ricochet’s Code Breaker! But then BRAUN appears! And yes, he finishes Elias off with a MONSTER SLAM! And with that, their massive match is up next!

WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 5 Way ELIMINATION Match: The Miz VS Braun Strowman VS Ricochet VS Bobby Lashley VS Cesaro!

After Miz TV became an open forum on last week’s Raw, it is clear Samoa Joe has a long and star-studded list to contend with. They all got to show what they can do to Elias, but what will they do to each other in order to meet the Samoan Submission Machine at Stomping Grounds?

Raw returns with the bell, and Strowman SHOTGUN dropkicks Lashley and Cesaro! Miz and Ricochet go after Strowman but get shoved away. Strowman grabs Cesaro and Lashley to shove them out! Miz hops on for a sleeper hold then Ricochet runs in, only to get run over! Strowman throws Miz off to then throw him across the ring! Lashley returns but gets blasted back out. Cesaro throws a European Uppercut, and manages a torture rack lift! Cesaro slams Strowman to the mat! But he won’t stop there, the Swiss Cyborg wants the Neutralizer! But Strowman back drops out of it! Cesaro lands on his feet to springboard, but gets caught! MONSTER SLAM! But Strowman can’t cover, and Lashley runs in, only to get a MONSTER SLAM onto Cesaro! Cover, Strowman ELIMINATES Cesaro!

Samoa Joe watches from ringside and is impressed, slightly. Ricochet springboards in and Strowman catches him! To ram him into a corner! Then throw him across the way! Miz returns but gets a BOOT! Lashley slips back in, and catches Strowman to a complete shot. Now Lashley tries his strength in snap suplexing Strowman! Lashley hits Miz out of the ring then does the same to Ricochet. But Strowman is up and ready, scoops and SLAMS Lashley! Cover, Strowman ELIMINATES Lashley!! That’s two men who #GotTheseHands! But then Strowman sees the other two on the outside, and he runs Miz over! Strowman keeps going and BLASTS Ricochet off his feet! He keeps going, to blast Miz again! The Monster roars, then puts Miz in the ring.

Miz makes it to a corner, and Strowman runs in for a monster splash. Strowman keeps going, for a second! He scoops Miz but Lashley returns to SPEAR Strowman! There are no disqualifications, so he AND Cesaro return! Cesaro lifts Strowman for a Neutralizer!! Ricochet doesn’t complain as he gives Strowman the 630 senton! Cover, and it’s a TRIPLE cover! They ELIMINATE Strowman!! The Swiss Cyborg and the All Mighty get even with the Monster Among Men, and Joe just laughs. Strowman glares as he grabs Ricochet to THROW at Lashley! Strowman then drags Lashley up to throw him into barriers! The Monster turns his attention to Cesaro and BLASTS him on stage! Cesaro hits LED walls! But Miz and Ricochet are still in this match. Who makes it back up while we go to break?

Raw returns as Ricochet gets Miz with running headscissors! Miz ends up in a corner and Ricochet runs in, but is put on the apron. Miz slides out and trips Ricochet up! Then Miz goes back in, builds speed but misses the wrecking ball dropkick as Ricochet gets in. Ricochet runs and FLIES, wiping himself and Miz out! Joe is mildly impressed as Ricochet gets Miz back inside. Ricochet climbs a corner but has to land on his feet when Miz moves. Miz runs into boots, and Ricochet slips to the outside. Ricochet bumps Miz off buckles then kicks him away. Ricochet springboards, but into a full nelson! Miz wants but is denied the Finale with a wheelbarrow roll-up! TWO, and Miz kicks low to DDT Ricochet down hard! Cover, TWO!

Miz keeps his cool as he goes after Ricochet with It Kicks! He kicks and kicks and kicks, then powers up the buzzsaw. Ricochet ducks but gets another kick. Miz runs into Ricochet’s dropkick-flip, but still ducks the enziguri! Miz knees Ricochet in the leg, but Ricochet rolls him up out of the Figure Four! TWO, and Ricochet hobbles away. Ricochet still enziguris Miz away in the corner. He somersaults, but into the takedown, Figure Four Leglock is on!! Fans rally both ways as Miz puts on the leverage. Ricochet avoids a cover, and works to turn this over. Miz fights him back, keeping the hold from reversing. Ricochet keeps trying, and gets the full turn! Miz endures now, and powers through to put it back on Ricochet! Ricochet gets the ropebreak!

Miz lets go while Joe watches intensely. Miz slowly stands and hobbles over to Ricochet. He drags Ricochet but Ricochet holds ropes. Miz stomps the legs, tries again, but cradle counter! TWO, and Ricochet dumps Miz to the apron. Ricochet can barely run, and Miz springboards, into a CODE BREAKER! Ricochet wills himself to climb up top on one leg! He aims, 630 hits!! Cover, Ricochet wins!!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall; NEW #1 Contender to the WWE United States Championship

Samoa Joe keeps a poker face on, but then attacks Ricochet! The Destroyer shows Ricochet no mercy as he shoves him to the ropes. Joe runs but Ricochet dumps him out! And Ricochet manages to FLY again! The King of Flight shows the crusher of dreams what he’s capable of! Will he get to show Joe even more at Stomping Grounds?

The Raw Women’s Champion, Becky Lynch, is here!

Stomping Grounds is Sunday, but The Man doesn’t want to wait until then to call out her contender. LA is happy to see Becky as she speaks. “The Man has come around, but now, Lacey Evans, get out here right now.” Week after week, Becky has to see that “dopey head drone on,” but for once, she has to agree with Lacey. The next time they’re within striking distance, Becky will give Lacey what she deserves. Lacey talks about doing whatever it takes to get ahead. Well how about Becky do everyone a favor and kick Lacey’s but all over LA? The Sassy Southern Belle finally appears!

“Lord, would you look at that.” Nobody cares about Becky’s opinion. Becky is mad because she doesn’t understand Lacey. Well Becky understands Lacey likes to talk as slow as humanly possible compared to getting whooped again. Lacey is a tall drink of water and a classy hat, but deep down she’s tough as nails and has been through things that not even The Man could comprehend. Or is this where Lacey tries to pluck on our heartstrings? Well this is Hollywood, so give us an act. Lacey would love a movie about herself. Lacey is not just a lady, she is a real United States Marine. Boot camp by morning and cotillian by night, all with dignity and grace. It’s what the Women’s Division deserves.

Becky knows the story, which is why it’s so hard to see why Lacey does this. Why does Lacey attack cowardly? Becky respects who Lacey was, but who Lacey is now is just trash. Well it’s what all of WWE needs. They need a legitimate, confident and classy lady to set an example. Not a “nasty” like Becky. Becky can be beat. She’s down to one belt, but- Becky grabs Lacey for a Becksloder! Becky holds her belt high, but will she be able to knock Lacey off her high horse once and for all?

The Revival visit Shane’s VIP Lounge!

The Best in the World and Scottish Terminator welcome the Raw Tag Team Champions and offer them a drink. They’re all still celebrating their recent triumphs, but will the party last past Stomping Grounds?

Backstage interview with Baron Corbin.

The Lone Wolf knows Elias is now out as guest ref after what Rollins, and all those other superstars, did to him. How much is Corbin scrambling to find a replacement? He’s not scrambling at all. What happened happened, but Corbin has a lot of great choices left. He has someone in mind, and he’ll reveal them on a special edition of the Kevin & Sami Show. But then Rollins finds and SMACKS Corbin! Rollins would offer Corbin a seat, but he has work to do. Will the Lone Wolf lose his confidence with Rollins and that steel chair still roaming the halls?

The Planet’s Tag Team Champions appear on Raw!

The Wild Card Rule brings the SmackDown Tag Team Champions, Daniel Bryan and Rowan, over, and Bryan knows why. “Because this place sucks.” Bryan means both Raw and Los Angeles.  Everyone knows that LA is the smog capital of America, and is filled with ignorant and impotent people! But Rowan & Bryan will lift you up out of the smog and educate you, as well as excite you! Tonight, Bryan will do that by destroying Universal Champion, Seth Rollins. He will prove that even one half of the Planet’s Tag Team Champions is better than all of Raw, showing the Raw Tag Team Division that SmackDown has the best team in history! Prepare to be excited! But wait! Here’s something truly exciting: the return of the Viking Raiders!

The Viking Raiders VS ???

Erik and Ivar are back and ready to continue where they left off! Will they continue on their warpath at the expense of Russ and Randy Taylor?

The bell rings and Erik gives shotgun knees to Russ! Then he drags Randy in to throw him overhead! Tag to Ivar and the Raiders give Randy the springboard lariat German Suplex combo! Then they feed Russ to THOR’S HAMMER! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!

Winners: The Viking Raiders, Ivar pinning

Russ and Randy just went through a #VikingExperience they’ll never forget! But will the war spread from Raw to SmackDown thanks to the Wild Card Rule?

Who is that in the crowd?

It’s R-Truth and Carmella in disguise!! Well they have to keep the WWE 24/7 Champion safe. But too late! Everyone from Robert Roode to No Way Jose to Cedric Alexander are after him! They go under the ring, but they LED boards prevent anyone from getting through. So the only side left to them is opposite hard camera! The horde of contenders drags someone out from under the ring! It’s… Titus O’Neil!? Was he waiting for Truth under there? Carmella and Truth run out the other side! The chase is on, #RunTruthRun!

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn go over things with Baron Corbin.

The music hits, and it’s time for their talk show! What will these two have to ask Corbin after the break?

Heath Slater visits Shane in the VIP section.

He was hoping to talk with the Best in the World about something, but they’re in the middle of having a meal. Slater didn’t mean to interrupt, but he just figured, since #IGotKids is real, and the kids are getting older, money is tight. Can he get a raise or something? That takes a lot of balls to come in here and ask for stuff. Shane has kids, too. But he also has a lot of money. The answer is no. But, Slater can walk out on his won. This is a private party. McIntyre will take care of things.

Slater gets on the phone with the family, but McIntyre comes by to talk with Slater. He apologizes. It hurts to see Slater like this. McIntyre will do something for his old pal. Slater doesn’t want a handout, but McIntyre insists. He brings out his wallet, but drops it on the ground. Slater bends down to get it for him, but McIntyre attacks! The Scottish Terminator doesn’t care about 3MB as he slams Slater into the cases over and over! The Revival get McIntyre off him, because McIntyre needs to save his aggression for Roman Reigns on Sunday. Also Scott Dawson pockets some of McIntyre’s cash. McIntyre calms down, the Revival pick up the rest of McIntyre’s money, and they leave Slater down and out in the hall. What will become of the One Man Band now?

Raw returns to the Kevin & Sami Show!

This is a special night because the show returns at all! Kevin apologizes Sami for the lack of new graphics. “Thanks a lot, Bob!!” Bob’s incompetence aside, they introduce the former acting GM of Raw, the multiple time Golden Gloves boxing champion, the former WWE United States Champion, former Mr. MITB, and the man who retired Kurt Angle at Wrestlemania, “LA’s Favorite’s Son,” Baron Corbin! LA boos Corbin as he joins Kevin and Sami in the ring. The first thing Sami says to Corbin is that this is a safe space. This is a safe work environment, which is more than Sami can say about the WWE as a whole!

Just look at what Rollins did to Elias, and then to Sami when Sami was a referee! There have been zero repercussions, so sadly, Sami must step down as a possible referee candidate. Kevin does so, too, in solidarity with Sami. But these two felt there are still plenty of great choices, so please, Corbin, who did you choose? Corbin had a line outside the locker room! But here is a man who can certainly count 1 2 3. Drum roll please, for… EC3! The Top One Percent is now the Top One Official! But then Rollins SMACKS EC3, too! The Architect shows no mercy as he keeps his promise to the roster! Corbin can’t believe this! Is Rollins going to keep doing this? He’s taking an opportunity for an up-and-coming superstar? Well, back to square one.

Awwwww~ LA~! Don’t you dare be sour, clap for your WWE Champion, and FEEL~, the POWER~! Kevin tries to figure out the math on Wild Cards, but the New Day just help lay EC3 to rest. Sami has the music stop to confront them. They aren’t guests on the Kevin & Sami Show. And they’re not supposed to be here per Wild Card Rule rules! Please go away. Well first, the WWE Champion gets to go where he wants, when he wants! And then he’ll bring his boys because that’s what fans want! Kofi Kingston shouldn’t worry about all that stuff! He should worry about losing his title! If it isn’t Ziggler at Stomping Grounds, it’ll be Kevin the next time! Oh like at Money in the Bank? Wait, nope. He did not do it!

And when it comes to Ziggler, Kofi has him where he wants him: inside a steel cage! No more running, no more sneak attacks, it’ll be a war! And then Kofi will still be our W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, CHAMPION~! Corbin figures that referee issues aside, Kevin and Sami can still help Corbin beat the New Day back to SmackDown where they belong! Well is that a challenge? If only they had an official out here to sanction this match. But who? Who who who? Oh, EC3 is still wearing the stripes. The New Day help EC3 up so that he can still fulfill his duties! In a very Weekend at Bernie’s way… So would he mind being an official for this match? “Sure I’d love to! This match is officially a Six Man Tag team match! And that match is gonna be happening… riiiight now~!”

Well then, will the New Day keep rolling now that they’re back at 100%? Or will the Lone Wolf gain some last minute momentum with the help of Sami & Kevin?

AJ Styles is in the trainer’s area.

The Phenomenal One is good to go! But wait, Doctors Anderson and Gallows visit their old buddy real quick. No, wait, no! Guys, c’mon, Styles is fine! He doesn’t need you guys to check up on him. But he was wondering where they’ve been. They all debuted three years ago in Staples Center. They dominated the Usos, and have been cool ever since. Well, they were cool in Japan, too. But they’ve had great matches with all the big names. And arguably the best team on the planet, the Usos. But seriously? Did these two get comfortable? They made money and have great stuff at home, but how about winning? How about being on TV? How about being anywhere?! Time to get serious again. Styles misses the old Gallows & Anderson.

Styles wants serious? Speaking of the Usos, they’re having another match with them. Let’s see who is serious when they beat the best team on the planet, again.

2 out of 3 Falls Six Man Tag: The New Day VS Baron Corbin, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn!

Raw returns as these teams sort out, and yes, this match has been upgraded! What will it take for a trio not to win once but twice in the same match?!

Woods starts with Sami and they tie up. Sami gets the arm and pulls the fingers. Woods endures as Sami grinds his shoulder. LA rallies for New Day as Woods spins through to wrench Sami back. Sami slips around and wrenches Woods, but Woods spins and rolls and wrenches Sami! But Sami puts Woods in a corner and throws a big forearm. Sami whips Woods corner to corner but Woods goes up and over. Woods speeds things up and slides to hit a roaring elbow! Cover, ONE! Woods keeps on Sami but Sami pushes him to their corner. Tag to Kevin and the frenemies beat Woods down. Kevin stomps away then says, “This is MY show!” Fans boo as he tags in Corbin, and Corbin stomps Woods now.

Big E runs in but the ref keeps him back. Corbin taunts Big E then drags Woods up for a knee. Corbin mocks the New Day clap then punches Woods back down! He drags Woods up and elbows Woods in the head. He has Woods in a half nelson and grinds him to the mat. Fans rally up and Woods powers up. Corbin back suplexes, Woods lands on his feet and enziguris Corbin down! Both men are down but Kevin tags in. Kevin stomps Woods down and taunts the New Day. Kevin drops a senton, but onto knees! He tags Sami, and Sami drags Woods away. Woods punches Sami but Sami whips Woods away. Woods rolls Sami up, The new Day win the first fall!

New Day – 1; Corbin-Kevin-Sami: 0

A huge advantage for #Kofimania and his team, but will they pull off the sweep after the break?

Raw returns with the second fall, and Corbin stomps away on Big E in the corner. Fans boo and jeer but Corbin soaks it up. Corbin tags Kevin and Kevin stomps Big E now. Kevin rains down rights then drops more stomps. Sami gets cheap shots in behind the ref’s back. Kevin mocks Kofi as he returns, then goes after Big E with a back senton! Cover, TWO! Kevin tags Sami in and they mug Big E. Sami throws down hands fast and furious! LA boos while Sami boasts “That’s how you do it!” Sami goes back to Big E with haymakers, but Big E fights back! Big E throws hands on everyone but Sami punches him back. Sami mule kicks Big E, then runs, but Big E throws him out!

Big E hurries but gets a SUPERKICK from Kevin! Kevin waves mockingly at Kofi before covering, TWO! Kevin grows annoyed and tags in Corbin. Corbin goes to Big E in the corner to whip corner to corner and hard! Corbin grins at The New Day as he drags Big E up. He throws big hands on Big E, then tags to Sami. Corbin holds Big E in the corner for Sami to stomp and punch. Sami tags Kevin and Kevin bumps Big E off buckles. Kevin throws haymakers of his own, then hits Woods just because! Kevin runs at Big E but Big E dodges, sending Kevin into post! The fans rally up but Kevin returns, only to get a belly2belly! Hot tags to Kofi and Corbin! Kofi rallies on Corbin and dropkicks him, to then hit a leap- Corbin throws Kofi into a corner! But gets a swing kick!

Kofi climbs up and leaps, BIG crossbody! Cover, TWO!! But Kofi knocks Corbin down with a Penalty Kick! And then adds on the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! LA fires up with Kofi as he goes to the corner. Kofi takes aim at Corbin, but has to swipe at Sami. Kofi runs into DEEP SIX! Cover, but Woods breaks it up! Big E gets kicks from Sami and Woods gets punches from Kevin. Corbin drags Kofi up, whips him in, but misses in the corner. Corbin slides out, in, but misses Kofi to hit Sami! Kevin gets upset with Corbin, and the two argue. Kevin SUPERKICKS Corbin! Sami and Kevin leave Corbin behind! Kofi gives Corbin some Trouble in Paradise! Cover, the New Day wins!

Winners: The New Day, 2-0

And there’s the sweep! The Lone Wolf can’t get anyone to stick by his side, how is he supposed to have a special guest referee? As for Kofi, will the dream come true continue past Stomping Grounds?

Alexa Bliss finds Nikki Cross backstage.

The Goddess has a gift for her! A new mug! No, not the mug, the thing in the mug. Oh a scroll! “The Goddess invites you to join her tonight in the ring for a Women’s Tag Team title match versus the IIconics.” OMG really? Nikki’s first title match in the WWE! Alexa knew Nikki would be upset that they didn’t just win their way, so Alexa worked her magic to get them this. Plus, with Stomping Grounds, Alexa becomes a SmackDown Women’s Champion that treats the fans right. What does that mean? Just more Bayley drama, no need to worry about that. Tonight is about them becoming tag champions together. Nikki is so excited! Try decaf. But energy levels aside, will the Goddess and the Twisted Sister take those titles off Peyton & Billie?

Paul Heyman returns to Raw!

The Advocate to the Beast introduces himself as he always does, representing Mr. MITB 2019, BROCK, LESNAR. Now forgive Heyman, he’s not that comfortable being on Raw with Rollins smashing people with that steel chair. But again, Heyman is not the threat to Rollins. He makes it very clear to Rollins and the WWE Universe: Heyman is NOT going to be Corbin’s guest referee at Stomping Grounds, nor does he want to be. If Corbin were to offer that position, Heyman would respectfully decline! You’d have to be an idiot to take that job because of the beating from Rollins in your future!

Which is why Heyman thought of something. What do the LA Lakers and Seth Rollins have in common? “They both traded away their balls!” The Lakers gave up Ball so LeBron could have a playmate. Rollins gave up his balls for a steel chair because that’s the only way he’s man enough to fight Brock Lesnar! And to be clear, Brock Lesnar knows how to swing a steel chair, too. So if Rollins is still here, and if Rollins has a match, and against someone like Daniel Bryan, then Rollins is vulnerable. So maybe, just maybe, Lesnar shows up to Raw, too. But then again, maybe not? Heyman wants Rollins to keep guessing that it’s Sunday, or next Monday. Heyamn doesn’t know, the fans don’t know, but most importantly, the future former reigning, defending, undisputed Universal Heavyweight Champion, Seth Freakin’ Rollins doesn’t know.

Baron Corbin talks with Eric Young.

This would be a great opportunity for him to be the referee. EY will consider it, and he wont’ forget Corbin reaching out to him. But then as he turns the corner, he sees Rollins. EY refuses the offer! He did, he really did! He doesn’t look good in stripes, he’s not good at being a ref. Relax, they go back a long way. Rollins knows EY wouldn’t turn on his old pal. But Rollins still SMACKS him down! And again, and again, and again! The Beastslayer has become a mad man, all because of Corbin and Lesnar.

The Usos speak.

“It feels like the Good Brothers, they trying to turn up tonight, Uce!” Those two have something to prove? Well then this is a warning to everyone! Run up, get done up! Raw becomes the Uso Penitentiary up next!

The Usos VS The Good Brothers!

AJ Styles got Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows fired up, wanting his pals to return to old form. Will this be the resurrection of The Club? Or will they fall short as Jimmy & Jey look to #LockDown the whole Raw Tag Team Division?

Raw returns as both teams make their entrance in turn. The teams sort out, and Gallows starts with Jey. They circle and tie up, and Gallows shoves Jey down. Jey gets to a corner but Gallows kicks Jimmy down! Jey uppercuts Gallows then ducks to throw more. Anderson tags in as Gallows uppercuts Jey down! Gallows fireman’s carries and Anderson runs, BOOT O’ DOOM! Cover, TWO!! The Club almost had it, but Anderson keeps on Jey with a rain of rights. Styles watches backstage, cheering his boys on. Anderson clobbers Jimmy on the outside before going back to Jey with a grinding chinlock.

Jey endures and fans build to a rally. Jey gets up and fights out with body shots. Anderson blocks the kick and ducks the dragon whip enziguri, to clobber Jey with a clothesline! Anderson grins as he soaks up the heat. He throws up the Too Sweet and fans join in. Tag to Gallows via Too Sweet, and they drag Jey up again. Gallows suplexes, but Jimmy SUPERKICKS Anderson down! Gallows throws Jimmy out but misses Jey! Jey tags Jimmy then SUPERKICKS! Double SUPERKICKS take Gallows down! Cover, the Usos win!!

Winners: The Usos, Jimmy pinning

Styles is frustrated, but so are Gallows & Anderson. Did their egos cost them against the best team in the WWE today? Can they make their comeback next time?

The Best Posse in the World continues their celebration.

Shane makes sure his boys are okay, and yes, they’re definitely having a good time. But with Roman Reigns waiting at Stomping Grounds, will the good times come to an end?

Roman Reigns returns to Raw!

The Big Dog is again a Wild Card as he walks out to the ring. Stomping Grounds will be the battleground for Roman and Drew McIntyre, and naturally Roman is still in a bad mood from that “loss” to Shane McMahon at Super Showdown. Roman picks up the mic as LA cheers. “What’s going on, LA?” Super Showdown was not a good look for Roman, but he won’t make excuses. Excuses aren’t entertaining. But you know what is entertaining? Roman whooping some ass tonight! So Roman will give Shane the opportunity to prove he is a man by actually going 1v1 with him tonight.

But Shane talks via titantron. There is some business that needs to be taken care of. Mike Rome introduces “The BEST, in the WOOOOOOOOOORLD~,” despite Shane not being ringside. Shane knows Roman is frustrated, but he shouldn’t be. He lost to the Best in the World. There’s no shame in that. The #TopGuys said that was so hot, it was 102 but felt 150. Roman can’t take the heat, Shane’s Mr. Fahrenheit. But when it comes to this open challenge of sorts, it’s gonna be a no. Shane is chilling. Be more concerned with your Stomping Grounds opponent. McIntyre tells Roman to listen. The only reason McIntyre isn’t tearing Roman apart now is because of Shane. But at Stomping Grounds. McIntyre will kick Roman’s ass, take his name, and beat Roman down until it is uncomfortable to watch. And then McIntyre might pin him.

But the night doesn’t end there. It ends when McIntyre disfigures Roman to the point of Roman’s own children screaming in horror when they see him. Roman has had enough of all this talk, he heads to the backstage area! Shane hears word of this, and the posse moves into action! Roman finds and beats down The Revival first! Dawson ends up in the bathroom and Dash gets thrown into a garage door! Roman finds the VIP lounge, where Shane is still standing! Roman uppercuts McIntyre, then throws him into walls! He SPINEBUSTERS McIntyre through the buffet table! Shane crawls away but The Big Dog hunts him down! They end up at ringside again! Shane leaps the barrier in a single bound, but Roman does, too!

Roman rains down rights then throws Shane into barriers! And then rains down more hands! Roman puts Shane in the ring and takes aim from the corner. He locks ‘n’ loads, for a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Down goes Shane! But Roman won’t stop there, he lets out the battle cry! Shane stands, to get a SPEAR!! The Big Dog finally takes a bite out of the Best in the World! Roman takes the mic back to say, “Crawl to the back and tell Drew I’ma whoop his ass Sunday.” Will Roman crush the Celtic Colossus and make Stomping Grounds his Yard?

SmackDown Women’s Champion, Bayley, hangs out with Raw superstars, Naomi and Natalya!

These three share memories of good times from their days together, but then Charly Caruso comes by to interview Bayley. What does she have to say to Alexa’s wild accusations of Bayley being a social media bully? Wait, what? There’s even a post saying Bayley wouldn’t take pictures with fans just because they wore Nikki Cross merchandise. Well that’s obviously Alexa posting it! Bayley will sort this out soon enough.

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: The IIconics VS Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross!

Finally, the so-called fighting champions will defend their titles! Peyton Royce & Billie Kay return to Raw to defend the cross-brand belts against the Goddess of Raw and her crazy new compatriot. But will Alexa’s true colors be shown before going for SmackDown gold on Sunday? Or can she keep the wool over Nikki’s eyes long enough to become a Women’s Triple Crown winner?

Raw returns as Billie & Peyton make their entrance. They made it to the city of angels! Tinsel Town! Stars and A-Listers! Which is perfect for them to defend their Women’s Tag Team Championships in! Against…? Alexa & Nikki! Seriously? Were there no other teams available? Well Alexa was a champ, and she’s tagging with Nikki. That’s like LeBron’s career. He was champion with other teams, and then came to LA and lost. Aw, poor LeBron. The only ones here with bright futures are the two with titles. They are the future, and the future is IICONIC! Strike the pose! But then Nikki and Alexa make their entrance, and we begin this long-awaited tag title match!

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and teams sort out. But wait! Bayley makes her own appearance! She wants to make sure Alexa remembers their match is Sunday. Will Alexa be able to focus? Find out, after the break.

Raw returns again, and Alexa starts with Billie. Billie talks trash to tiny, tiny Alexa, but Alexa SLAPS her! Billie gets mad and throws Alexa down by her hair! But then Alexa yanks her into buckles and stomps away! Alexa shouts at the ref for counting, then SLAPS Billie again! Alexa scares Peyton off but Billie gets a sneak attack in. Tag to Peyton, and the IIconics wring, kick and kick Alexa down. IICONIC pose. Bayley looks aggravated by them. Alexa rolls Peyton, TWO! Tag to Nikki, and she throws Peyton around with arm-drags! She Oklahoma Rolls Peyton, TWO! Jawbreaker! Peyton staggers and Nikki dropkicks her down! Nikki climbs up top and leaps, but her crossbody flops! Tag to Billie, and she covers Nikki fast, TWO!

Billie argues with the ref then goes after Nikki at the ropes. She stomps Nikki then clubs her to the IIconic corner. Tag to Peyton and they mug Nikki. Peyton knocks Nikki down then hooks on a half nelson and chinbar. Fans rally for Nikki, which Bayley is all for. Nikki fights up but Peyton throws her down. Cover, TWO! Peyton is furious now, and she drags Nikki over to tag Billie. The IIconics mug Nikki more, and Billie grinds her boot into Nikki. The IIconics say Nikki is nothing, but she fights out! Nikki clubs away on Billie, then headbutts and whips. Billie holds ropes and kicks back, then clobbers Nikki with a forearm. Billie pushes Alexa off the apron, and Bayley confronts Alexa on the social media lies. Alexa shoves Bayley down!

Meanwhile, Nikki clobbers Billie down! Nikki hits Peyton but Billie rolls Nikki! Bayley goes after Alexa! The IIconics win!!

Winners: The IIconics, by pinfall; still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions

Bayley just cost Alexa and her “friend,” which only helps Alexa’s narrative seem more believable to Nikki. But lies aside, will Alexa truly be the first Raw superstar to hold the SmackDown Women’s Championship?

Alexa and Nikki regroup backstage.

Alexa apologizes, and asks if Nikki’s okay. If only Bayley didn’t interfere, there’d be new women’s tag team champions tonight. Nikki sees Bayley’s true colors! Bayely crushed Nikki’s dreams. But Nikki wants Alexa to do that to Bayley. Nikki will be in Alexa’s corner! Is this all according to plan?

Raw presents a new episode of Firefly Fun House!

Well hey, there! Bray Wyatt is just gardening. Our minds are a lot like gardens. All anyone needs is some water, some sun, and then your ideas will grow! But some ideas are full of worms. Those are no good! There will be people who lie to you. Like people saying the Earth is round. Or that dinosaurs are extinct! What do any of them know? But Brya knows what it’s like to be different. That’s why he built this place! So that we could all be together forever! Him, Mercy, Abby, the again repaired Ramblin’ Rabbit, Ham, Devil Vince. Join them where the fun never has to end. Yes, join us. JOIN US!! “People worship what they fear. Fear is power. Follow the leader.” And do the muscle man dance! REMIX!

The Fiend?! He’s back!? “FOLLOW THE LEADER!!” And let him in.

Backstage interview with Daniel Bryan.

He vowed to destroy Seth Rollins, but Rollins has been destroying a lot of other superstars. What will he do about the super aggressive Architect/ Bryan has a question for them: why has no one taken that chair from Rollins? Is it because management likes seeing Rollins on a rampage? But in the end, Rollins is NOT a better wrestler than Bryan! The Beastslayer has been a badass with the chair, but he has never done and never will do is beat Daniel Bryan! Will the SmackDown Tag Team Champion defeat Raw’s top champion here tonight?

Seth Rollins VS Daniel Bryan w/ Rowan!

Raw returns as the Planet’s Tag Team Champions make their entrance! But of course, the Universal Champion isn’t far behind, and he still has that chair! The chair is bent and dented from all the damage it’s done, but will Rollins need to use it a little bit more tonight? Or can he have his match with Bryan and get out before a cash-in?

The bell rings and Rollins circles with Bryan. They tie up and Bryan headlocks to a takeover. Rollins headscissors but Bryan pops out. They go again and roles reverse as Rollins gets the headlock takeover. Bryan stands up instead to power out, but Rollins runs him over. Things speed up and Bryan tosses Rollins out. Bryan builds speed but Rollins punches him away! Rollins springboards for the lariat! Bryan bails out and Rollins runs to DIVE! Direct hit into barriers! Rollins gets back in and keeps going, to DIVE into Rowan’s claws! IRON CLAW to the apron!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by disqualification

Big Red doesn’t care about DQ’s as he clubs away on Rollins in the ring! Bryan soaks up the heat and Rowan sets Rollins up for the Knee Plus! But then The New Day come out! They go after their old enemies, Trouble in Paradise for Bryan! But then Kevin and Sami come in to go after them! And the Revival, too! They go after Woods, Kofi and Big E, but then the USOS come in! The Usos want after the Revival, and it’s just a crazy brawl! The Usos throw the #TopGuys out, then DOUBLE SUPERKICK Rowan! Big E clotheslines Rowan out! These five fire up and the Usos DOUBLE FLY! They bowl over everyone! Fans want to “Let Them Fight!” as referees and security come out!

Bryan and Rollins are still in the ring and there’s going to be a RESTART! There will be a ban for everyone else at ringside, what happens now that things are truly 1v1?!

Seth Rollins VS Daniel Bryan!

Raw returns once more with the bell! Rollins and Bryan go at each other fast and furious! Rollins whips but Bryan holds ropes. Bryan dumps Rollins way out and hard! Bryan fetches Rollins to throw him into the steel steps! The ref begins a ring count, but Bryan drags Rollins in at 5. Bryan runs corner to corner for a dropkick! And then another! Bryan runs again, into a clothesline! Both men are down, but LA rallies up for Rollins. Rollins and Bryan slowly stand and Rollins throws punches and chops! He CHOPS then whips, but Bryan goes up and over. Bryan runs, dodges, but gets a Slingblade! Cover, TWO!

Rollins keeps his cool as he gets to his feet. He glares at Bryan as he stomps, “Burn It Down!” Fans chant along and Rollins aims. Mule kick and run, but Bryan avoids the stomp to roll Rollins up! TWO, and Rollins rolls Bryan! TWO, Bryan covers, TWO! Rollins and Bryan stand on wobbly legs, but Bryan throws heavy European Uppercuts. Rollins CHOPS back, and we go back and forth. Then Rollins switches to haymakers and so does Bryan. Bryan goes back to EuroUppers, but the kick misses. He catches the Pele into an Ankle Lock! Rollins flails and reaches, but Bryan shifts his grip to a waistlock, trapped-leg German Suplex! But Rollins falls out of the ring!

LA loves the action as Bryan goes to the apron. Bryan leaps for a flying knee! Rollins goes down hard! Bryan soaks up the heat then drags Rollins up and in at 5 again. Bryan takes his time climbing up high, but Rollins trips him up! Rollins climbs up to join Bryan, but Bryan holds on. Bryan fights back with body shots and then headbutts Rollins down. But Rollins is right back up! SUPERPLEX! Roll through, Falcon Arrow countered! To a LaBell Lock!! Rollins flails and endures as he reaches for ropes again! He claws and crawls, but Bryan shifts to a double arm! But Rollins uses his leg for the ROPEBREAK!

Bryan lets go at the ref’s count of 4, and grimaces as he gets to his feet. Bryan gives Rollins the Yes Kicks! Or should they be the Planet’s Kicks? The buzzsaw hits! Bryan then takes aim at Rollins from a corner. Rollins stands, but catches the knee into a BUCKLE BOMB! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Bryan survives and Rollins can’t believe it! But Rollins just keeps moving, going up top. Rollins leaps, but onto knees! LABELL LOCK RETURNS! Rollins endures all over again, but pries out to high stack! TWO, PELE! CURB STOMP! But Rollins has to crawl to his cover, Rollins still wins!!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

Finally, the Architect has a win over Daniel Bryan! But just as he gets on stage, Corbin SMACKS Rollins with a chair! This is the Lone Wolf’s revenge from earlier tonight. Corbin SMACKS Rollins again! And again! Corbin drags Rollins into the ring and then drags him up for End of Days! Corbin holds the title up as if he’s already won! But who will his special guest referee be?

My Thoughts:

Well this was definitely another go-home Raw. There was so much promise going into this, but a lot of it got squandered. We started off better by having Rollins just beat the snot out of Elias as he issues his warning. He got to do a lot of beating of random superstars, which I feel like Rollins needed at this point. There’s only so much you can do with “paranoia” over Mr. MITB cashing in. Rollins should’ve used silver Sharpie to make notches for all the superstars he beat the crap out of. That chaos to “ruin” the “main event” was pretty good, with pretty much the best of both shows’ tag team divisions going after each other. I would love if SmackDown used this to create a massive tag team championship match for no later than Extreme Rules, with the winners being both SmackDown and Raw Tag Team Champions.

I just wish The Good Brothers/The Club would get back on track towards those belts. It was a good move to have AJ Styles give them a kick in the pants, but I suppose it is a bit soon for them to snap back. This story should give all three something to do for the Summer, and maybe all three are in line for titles come Summerslam. And I really liked how the Shane & Friends stuff turned out. First with Heath Slater, that gets Slater more Face sympathy while getting McIntyre more Heel heat. And then Roman finally gets to just dominate Shane the way he should have at Super Showdown. Roman VS McIntyre should be a good match, but I do dread Shane getting revenge by screwing Roman over again. Maybe this is meant to lead to Extreme Rules, too.

Raw did not do a good job of making it clear that the Fatal 5 contender’s match was Elimination style. But upon realizing it was, that was a smart choice. And I’m honestly surprised it’s Ricochet first up, I thought it’d be Strowman. But they did good at switching that on us, Ricochet VS Joe will be a great match. I don’t see Ricochet winning, though, because I feel it’s much more likely Samoa Joe moves on to face Miz at Extreme Rules for their own intensely personal match. But then Raw basically relies on SmackDown’s teams with that Six Man Tag. Being 2 out of 3 was a great move, if just to stretch for time. Woods & Big E VS Kevin & Sami, however, that’s just to fill the Stomping Grounds card. I wonder if that changes given the tag team brawl and my idea for the titles.

Once again, we see Vince doesn’t care about the Women’s Tag Division, and quite literally puts his plans for the singles titles above it. The IIconics VS Alexa & Nikki was just a framing device to create more heat between Alexa and Bayley. Though I will say, this is good use of the three involved in the SmackDown Women’s Championship scene. Nikki is falling hook, line and sinker for Alexa’s evil plan, and it might actually get Alexa the title. Between this and both tag titles possibly going to the same team, the Brand Split should just end with Summerslam and certainly before SmackDown goes to Fox. We NEED the Kabuki Warriors! And while fans love Becky, she and Lacey didn’t do that much. Their promos were good, but it was just a fast beat down and that’s all, because Becky surely wins again.

My Score: 7.9/10