It’s the Raw After Stomping Grounds!

Raw wants to kick ass and take names, too! The NEW United States Champion takes on some Phenomenal competition for the first time ever! Plus, Shane McMahon proves to be the Best Sore Loser in the World as he demands a handicap rematch with Roman Reigns!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 8 Man Tag Elimination Match: The Planet’s Tag Team Champions & The Revival VS The Usos & The New Day; win.
• WWE 24/7 Championship: R-Truth w/ Carmella VS Drake Maverick; Truth wins and retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
• 2v1 Handicap Match: Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre VS Roman Reigns; No Contest.
• Tug of War: Bobby Lashley VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins.
• The Good Brothers VS The Viking Raiders; The Viking Raiders win.
• Mojo Rawley VS Heath Slater; Slater wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• WWE 24/7 Championship: Heath Slater VS R-Truth; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• WWE 24/7 Championship: R-Truth VS Cedric Alexander; Alexander wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• WWE 24/7 Championship: Cedric Alexander VS EC3; EC3 wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• WWE 24/7 Championship: EC3 VS R-Truth w/ Carmella; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• Kofi Kingston VS Sami Zayn; Kingston wins.
• Kofi Kingston VS Kevin Owens; Kingston wins.
• Naomi VS Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross; Bliss wins.
• Naomi & Natalya VS Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross; Bliss & Cross win.
• Ricochet VS AJ Styles; Styles wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw opens with Seth Freakin’ Rollins!

And he is still WWE Universal Champion, even after Baron Corbin’s clever ruse. The Lone Wolf tried using a Lady to get in between Rollins and his title, but it was thanks to The Man that things didn’t go their way. Rollins and Becky Lynch made sure Corbin and Lacey Evan got what they deserved, and the two stood tall to end Stomping Grounds. And he’s all smiles as fans chant “Burn It Down!” Rollins picks up a mic to talk about last night. “Last night at Stomping Grounds, right down the road at Tacoma, Baron Corbin thought he was going to take this title from me.” But here comes The Man! And still Raw Women’s Champion! Becky joins her beau in the ring to stand side-by-side with him.

Fans cheer but Rollins is a bit surprised. Rollins says Becky interrupted him. She did? She did. But before getting into this, Rollins gives Baron Corbin some credit. Sounds crazy, but he was smart to admit he couldn’t out wrestle or out fight him, so he got a ref Rollins couldn’t hurt and who would do anything she could to stick it to Rollins. But Corbin wasn’t smart enough to realize that he has “the best back-up on the planet.” It pays to be The Man’s Man. And when it came to last night, they proved why they’re both the champions of their divisions. Lacey lost but had to come out and tried to steal a title. But The Man came around to slap Lacey’s empty head off its shoulders. But here comes Baron Corbin himself now!

And Lacey attacks from behind!! Lacey is all over Becky but Becky turns it around! Rollins pulls Becky off Lacey but Becky gets mad at him! And then goes back to hitting Lacey! Corbin finally appears but Rollins is right on him, Slingblade! Becky stops stomping Lacey long enough for a Becksploder! Corbin’s plans fail again! The Man and her Man stand tall with their titles, but Corbin says fans SHOULD chant for Becky. She saved Rollins and that title! Rollins should just give Becky his boat, then fly home to put on an apron and make dinner for The Man, since she’s the real bread winner! Lacey agrees, Becky should get her girl on out of here before Lacey puts her hands on him again.

Corbin says Becky is the only reason he isn’t Universal Champion! And he chose Lacey because she’s the only real woman on Raw! He’d even take her in a mixed tag match against The Man and Rollins anytime, anywhere. Lacey agrees! That should be at Extreme Rules. Well if those two dopes are that desperate for getting their heads stomped and arms ripped off, fine. But on one condition: if Corbin and Lacey lose, that’s it! No more matches with either of them ever again! Corbin and Lacey talk it over, and accept. And then they raise it! Oh well their ideas seem to be working out so well. Rollins doesn’t even care what the challenge is, he accepts it! Well he should’ve cared, because BOTH titles are on the line! Will this unique mixed tag championship match be as extreme as it is historic?

8 Man Tag Elimination Match: The Planet’s Tag Team Champions & The Revival VS The Usos & The New Day!

Washington is still Daniel Bryan Country! The SmackDown and Raw Tag Team Champions combine forces to take on respective challengers as Jimmy & Jey join forces with Big E & Xavier Woods! Will Dash & Dawson help Bryan & Rowan restore the prestige to WWE’s tag team division? Or will they be no match for positivity and the penitentiary?

Raw returns as the #TopGuys make their entrance, followed by The New Day! Usos break it down: champions VS challengers! “The Little Rascals” and “Spongebob and Patrick” team up but they’ll get locked down! But in this elimination match, once one member of a duo is eliminated, so is his partner! Who will end up at a major disadvantage first?

Teams sort out and Bryan starts against Woods. Woods doesn’t mind that the fans cheer for Bryan, but then Scott Dawson tags in on his own. Dawson says it’s okay, he’ll get this done. He nudges Bryan but Bryan pushes back. Dawson and Woods tie up, and Dawson gets a headlock takeover. Woods gets up and powers Dawson. Tag to Big E and Big E runs Dawson over! Woods holds Dawson in place for Big E’s SPLASH, with a leg drop added! Cover, TWO! Big E keeps on Dawson and whips to scoop. But Dawson slips out and tags Rowan. Big E suplexes Dawson but gets run over by Rowan! Rowan hits Woods and then throws Big E with a sit-out urenage! The Usos come in but get sent out by Rowan alone! Big Red Splash FLOPS!

Fans rally and Bryan tags in, as does Woods. Woods dodges, slides, and mule kicks. Woods whips Bryan but Bryan goes up and over to then run and leaping lariat! Washington fires up as Bryan clotheslines Woods out. The Revival cheer Bryan, too, as he DIVES to hit- Dawson!? Woods got clear, but then he runs into Bryan’s forearm! Bryan climbs up fast, leaps, missile dropkick hits! Kip-up and fire up! Bryan aims at Woods, to give him Yes Kicks! He aims the buzzsaw but misses! Woods waistlocks but Bryan standing switches to roll up! TWO, and Dash uppercuts Bryan!? Woods rolls Bryan up, The New Day ELIMINATE The Planet’s Tag Team Champions! The Revival’s pettiness may have just cost them!

Dawson goes at Woods but Woods reverses the whip. Dash tags in and Dawson puts Woods out. Woods hits Dash back then kicks Dawson. Woods springboards, into a SHATTER MACHINE! The Revival ELIMINATE The New Day!! Things are evened up in a blink of an eye! Will the Usos be able to avenge the New Day after the break?

Raw returns as The Usos DOUBLE FLY! They take out both Dash & Dawson! They throw hands then put Dash in. Dawson runs but gets a double back drop! Fans rally for the Usos but Dash puts Jey on the apron. Jey kicks back then climbs up for a big crossbody! Cover, TWO! Dash flounders but blocks Jey’s kick, and ducks the dragon whip! Jimmy tags in and Jey reverses the whip, Samoan Drop neckbreaker! Cover, TWO! Dash keeps The Revival alive, but Jimmy keeps moving. Jimmy climbs but Dash springs up. Jimmy jumps over and Dash hits Jey, only to gt a SUPERKICK! Then Jimmy pop, lock and uppercuts! He ducks the clothesline but leaps into Dash’s powerslam! Cover, TWO! Dash grows furious that Jimmy survives!

Fans rally up as Dash and Jimmy are on the apron. Dash throws hands and pulls off Jimmy’s shirt to CHOP him. Jimmy headbutts back! Jimmy gets in but his superkick is countered to an Electric Chair! Dawson tags in and climbs up top, Electric Chair Bulldog! Cover, TWO!! Dawson argues with the ref, but two is two. Dawson stomps Jimmy but fans rally up. Jimmy counter punches but Dawson shoves him away. Dawson blocks the kick but still gets the dragon whip! Jimmy climbs up but Dawson stops him with a forearm! Dawson climbs up but Jey tags in. Dawson punched Jey down and calls for Dash. Dash climbs the other corner, but Jey shoves Dash down! Jey climbs up on Dash, SUPERPLEX from Dawson to Jimmy, but Jey SPLASHES down! Cover, The Usos win!

Winners: The New Day & The Usos, Jey Uso pinning

The Usos win it for their team, but most importantly, this means they beat the Raw Tag Team Champions! Will Jimmy & Jey head to Extreme Rules with a championship match on the card?

Raw found Braun Strowman warming up for his Tug of War match.

The Monster Among Men has already proven he’s strong enough to flip a semi truck, but now he shows that he can tow one, too! That’s roughly 8 tons! Can Bobby Lashley stand against such strength?

Raw presents Miz TV!

The Most Must-See WWE Talk Show returns, and his guests are at the center of the most exciting title chase in recent history: The WWE 24/7 Championship! Yes, it is Carmella and R-Truth! The Fabulous Princess walks out with the now 7-time champion, but Miz assures him the interview is a pause on the 24/7 rules. In just a month, this WWE 24/7 Championship has led mobs of superstars all over the world, from a golf course, a tarmac, on an airplane over the Red Sea, and perhaps wildest of all, Drake Maverick’s wedding. Miz shares the YouTube footage from over the weekend, and poor Maverick having his special day ruined with a roll-up.

Back in the present, Miz is shocked! A wedding? Really? Really! This old gag returns after however long. And the fans support it? Yes! Truth thanks them! But he explains to Miz that the 48/7 European TV Championship “ain’t no joke, bruh!” Truth has been barely able to eat, drink or be merry, “if you know what I mean.” He can’t go shopping, he can’t go to picnics, without looking over his shoulder. Truth even has WWE Superstars showing up at his house! Dressing like police, “Sir! Please turn your music down! Your car is on fire!” Yeah right. Truth’s smarter than that. Carmella translates that while the wedding crashing was extreme, the title is that important to him. Wait, here comes Drake Maverick!

A dejected Rockstar Spud says winning that title was the biggest moment of his career, and his wedding was supposed to be the biggest moment of his life, and Truth ruined both of them! His new wife won’t talk to him or go on their honeymoon. And that means they haven’t… “consummated the marriage!” Fiber’s good for that. No, Truth, not constipated… Fans chant “Constipation!” Maverick talks man to man with Truth, asking for a rematch. No shenanigans, just a straight up match right here and now on Raw, to see if Maverick can win back the love of his back. Yeah, let him win his wife back. No, the title!!

Miz is getting information in his ear. If Truth accepts, then it is with a ban from ringside for anyone else. Fans want to see it! Truth accepts Hornswoggle’s challenge! Miz shouts for a ref, and we’ll get this after the break!

WWE 24/7 Championship: R-Truth w/ Carmella VS Drake Maverick!

Raw returns as the bell rings, and Maverick fires off on Truth! Truth shoves Maverick away and hits the Lie Detector! Truth wins!!

Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall; still WWE 24/7 Champion

Well that didn’t last long. Surely Maverick was still hungover from the reception. But now that the match is over, the floodgates open!! Truth doesn’t see it in time, and now he’s surrounded! He manages to knock down EC3 and a few others, then ducks Gran Metalik’s springboard dropkick! Truth kicks Metalik and throws him out onto his amigos! But No Way Jose slips in! Truth avoids the roll-up, but not the NEURALIZER! Cedric Alexander covers, but No Way Jose breaks it up!

Alexander and Jose brawl but the Lucha House Party piles on. Truth and Carmella retreat through the WWE Universe! Truth has the title now, but will he finish Raw with it?

As for Maverick, he stands up, but is clearly distraught. Charly Caruso gets in the ring to ask him about this tough week. Where does he go from here? (Other than just staying 205 Live GM) He can’t really bring the words out, so he simply takes his leave.

Lacey and Corbin talk backstage.

She wants to be Raw Women’s Champion, so he better- Yes, he knows. Rollins has been a thorn in Corbin’s side, too. Coribn will enjoy stomping Rollins out. They need to keep their heads in the game. Rollins is treated like he’s Superman, but Superman has his kryptonite. And for Rollins, it’s Becky. Take her out then they’ll both get the titles. And they might even be a power couple of their own.

2v1 Handicap Match: Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre VS Roman Reigns!

The Best in the World couldn’t screw The Big Dog out of a Stomping Grounds victory, so now he and the Scottish Terminator try again together! Can Roman again rise up and defy the odds? Or is this deck finally stacked enough to stop him?

Wait, Shane makes sure it is clear this is the kind of Handicap Match with no tagging! Now Roman really will have to overcome both Shane and McIntyre at the same time. He doesn’t seem to care as he makes his entrance, though. Roman uppercuts Shane the second he gets in the ring! The bell rings and McIntyre throws Roman in a corner! McIntyre clubs away on Roman and throws in big knees. Roman hits back with big hands of his own, until McIntyre shoves him away. Roman clotheslines McIntyre out but Shane comes back with body shots! But Roman backs Shane into a corner and rams his shoulder in! BIG uppercut! But McIntyre drags Roman out to throw him into barriers! And then more barriers! And then the steel steps!

Shane joins McIntyre on the outside to stomp Roman. McIntyre drags Roman to bounce him off the base steps! And then picks up the other steps while Shane holds Roman up. Shane feeds Roman to McIntyre’s step battering ram! McIntyre drags Roman into the ring and both he and Shane stalk Roman. Fans duel as McIntyre sits Roman up for Shane’s kick! Shane kicks Roman more then McIntyre stomps him. McIntyre drags Roman up, and Shane whips Roman into a CLAYMORE! But that’s not enough for Shane, he has McIntyre bring Roman up again. McIntyre whips Roman at Shane, for Shane’s SPEAR! Shane again steals Roman’s move, but Shane still won’t end it. He has McIntyre take aim again, for a second CLAYMORE!

And that’s still not enough! Shane climbs to a corner while McIntyre holds Roman, but a gong!? The lights go down, and then come back on, with The UNDERTAKER! He catches Shane, for a CHOKE SLAM! Taker boots McIntyre then fires off fast hands in the corner! Taker DECKS McIntyre, then clotheslines him out! Shane staggers up, but Taker clotheslines Shane out! The Deadman just saved Roman Reigns from Shane and McIntyre! Fans are thunderous as Taker slashes the throat, eyes rolled back. Taker strikes his famous pose and the dark light shines! Is Taker here to finally end The Best in the World?

Tug of War: Bobby Lashley VS Braun Strowman!

The Monster Among Men won an arm wrestling contest, which Lashley took very sorely. Then Strowman beat Lashley at Super Showdown, which Lashley also took sorely. But now the Rocky Mountain Machine wants to see just how strong Strowman truly is in this old school test! Lashley used a telephone pole for his training, and tore the rope apart! Will that happen to this rope here tonight? Or will one titan fall to the other before that happens?

Fans fire up as each man goes to their corner. They chant “Get These Hands!” as each man straps in. The ribbon is centered with the red line, and the bell rings! Lashley gets an early advantage, but Strowman holds tight. Strowman digs in so hard, the mat carpet is coming up! Strowman is mere inches from the red line, but he grins! Was he toying with Lashley!? Strowman reels Lashley all the way over!

Winner: Braun Strowman

But Lashly is again a sore loser as he goes after Strowman with clubbing hands and stomps! Lashley throws Strowman into a post! Then he grab the rope to pull Strowman back! The rope blinds Strowman as it goes across his eyes! Lashley finally lets go, and Strowman slumps out of the ring. But Lashley isn’t done, he goes out and runs around the corner, only for Strowman to BLAST him off his feet! Lashley gets up to blast Strowman into barriers! Lashley boasts like he won, but he still hasn’t beat Strowman in a match. Will he change that the next time these two meet?

Backstage interview with AJ Styles.

The Phenomenal One is cleared to compete, and he’s ready to go! But as great as rehab was, why is he after Ricochet so soon? Because sitting at home was killing him. But now there’s a new WWE United States Champion. The match Ricochet had with Samoa Joe was so incredible- Wait why is No Way Jose’s music playing? Styles sees Gallows and Anderson in the conga line!! They’re just partying, good brother. But what about preparing for the Viking Raiders?! Oh AJ, it ain’t nothing but a G&A Thing. They’ve talked about this!

No, he talked about this. They’re still at the top of their game. Like when they lost to the Usos? Come on! Where is the NJPW Gallows & Anderson? The Club!! Where are the former Raw Tag Team Champions? What happened? Well what happened to Styles!? Gallows calms Anderson, and vows they will take the fight to the Raiders.

The Good Brothers VS The Viking Raiders!

Both these teams held gold while in NJPW, but it seems only one team has held onto that mean streak that made them champions. Can Gallows and Anderson bring back the Doc and Machine Gun? Or will Erik & Ivar put them through a Viking Experience they’ll never forget?

Raw returns as Gallows and Anderson watch the Raiders make their entrance. The bell rings and Gallows goes right at Ivar! He kicks Ivar and throws body shots in the corner. Then a big uppercut! Gallows brings Ivar over and tags Anderson to mug Ivar. But Ivar kicks and clubs Anderson back, then tags in Erik. Ivar scoop slams Anderson, then Erik scoop slams Ivar onto Anderson! Erik stalks Anderson to a corner and whips him corner to corner. Anderson reverses but Erik goes up and over, only to get a BIG lariat! Anderson grits his teeth as he rains down rights on Erik! He lets up at the ref’s count but brings Erik over to tag Gallows. The Club whips Erik and Gallows kicks low. Anderson clubs Erik down for Gallows to drive elbows into. Gallows then clamps on a chinlock to thrash Erik around.

Styles watches backstage and likes what he sees from his boys. Erik powers up as fans rally, and he fights out of the hold. Erik shoves but Gallows YAKUZA Kicks! Then Gallows uppercuts Ivar! Tag to Anderson, fireman’s carry, Boot of Doom! Cover, TWO! Erik survives but Anderson scowls. Anderson rains down more hands, but stops to soak up the heat. They want Styles to see this. But Erik forearms Anderson down! Tag to Ivar and Ivar runs Anderson over! Ivar hits Gallows back, but misses in the corner, to still give Anderson a seated senton! Gallows runs in but Ivar cartwheels to clotheslines Gallows out! Ivar builds speed and Erik tags in, Ivar DIVES into Gallows! Erik has Anderson, THOR’S HAMMER! Cover, The Viking Raiders win!

Winners: The Viking Raiders, Erik pinning

And Styles is disappointed all over again. What will it take for The Club to get back on track?

Nikki Cross finds Alexa Bliss backstage.

The Goddess is clearly upset, and Nikki apologizes. Alexa isn’t mad at her, she just isn’t sure what they could do different. Nikki still takes the blame, so Alexa says they can just use that as motivation. Bayley is just that good at manipulating people. But there has to be a way to get a rematch. Yeah, they need a plan. But Alexa needs to be alone for that, so Nikki scoots away. Does Alexa already have that plan in motion?

Raw returns and Nikki ends up encountering Naomi and Natalya.

They aren’t sure how to say this, but Nikki being friends with Alexa Bliss, something is up. Alexa is not very trustworthy. Nikki sees the best in people, but they’ve seen the worst in Alexa. Yes, Nikki knows Alexa’s past but- Alexa comes by and asks what’s going on. Is Nikki betraying her with this “neon Bayley buddy”? That’s Ms. Neon to Alexa. Natty and Nikki try to keep the peace but Naomi says Nikki will just have to learn the hard way. As for Alexa, she’s gonna #FeelTheGlow the hard way. Will Naomi and Natty be able to shine some light on Alexa’s true colors?

Mojo Rawley VS Heath Slater!

We all know Heath’s got kids, and needs the money, but is taking on a shattered Mojo really the way to go about it?

But wait, the WWE 24/7 Champion returns! As does the horde of superstars chasing him! Truth gets in the ring, but now he’s a target of them as much as he others! Slater keeps out the mob but Mojo points out Kalisto. Truth sends Kalisto FLYING onto the group! And then Mojo goes after Truth! Truth dumps Mojo out but Slater hits a neckbreaker on Truth! Cover, SLATER WINS!!

Winner: Heath Slater, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion

What a crazy turn of events! Slater’s got championship money coming tonight, baby! But wait, that means he’s the new target! EC3 drags him out, but Slater ducks to send EC3 into Mojo! #RunHeathRun! But wait, he ends up back in the ring as he fights of Eric Young and Titus O’Neil! Truth is waiting, LIE DETECTOR! Cover, Truth wins!!

Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion

Simply incredible! Raw has seen three WWE 24/7 Championship matches in one night!! Truth is now an 8-time champion, but the chase doesn’t stop! Cedric Alexander returns outta nowhere, to hit a LUMBAR CHECK! Cover, Alexander wins!!

Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion

This is the busiest this title has been in its one month of existing! The Soul of 205 Live finally has a title on Raw, but now he has to run away with it! Alexander dodges Mojo but EC3 hits the Top One Percent! Cover, EC3 wins!!

Winner: EC3, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion

Ethan Carter III finally gets himself a title! But then Carmella just steals the belt?! That’s not a valid title change! But then Truth rolls EC3 up! Truth wins again!!

Winner: R-Truth, by pinfall; NEW WWE 24/7 Champion

NINE TIMES! Truth is a NINE TIME WWE 24/7 Champion! The chase is on again, will there be even more title changes before Raw is over?

Backstage interview with WWE United States Champion, Ricochet!

The One and Only has his first title in the WWE, and it’s still surreal to him. But Ricochet knows it is a feeling he doesn’t want to let go. He will do what he can to keep this title and this feeling. It may be cliche to say, but it did take the support of his family, friends and fans to get him here. But that was Stomping Grounds. Tonight, he faces a wrestler who he has admired his entire career in AJ Styles. Styles is a trailblazer for those who aren’t the biggest but they are the most determined. Ricochet will prove to Styles and himself that he is worthy of holding this title. Will the King of Flight fly higher than ever before here tonight?

Kofi Kingston VS Sami Zayn w/ Kevin Owens!

Kofimania lives on! And he did it by falling with style as he literally leaped over Dolph Ziggler to escape the cage. Charly interviews Kofi in the ring to congratulate him again on his victory. But before she can ask anything more, Sami Zayn interrupts! He and Kevin say the softball journalism is just wasting our time. Luckily, he and Kevin came prepared. Kevin has some real questions so “Not Renee” can just leave. Time for an impromptu edition of the Sami & Kevin show! Let’s see if Kofi can keep up.

Question 1: Why is Kofi here? 2: Who does Kofi think he is? 3: Why doesn’t he just get the hell out of here?! Kofi asks them something back. Does Kevin not see the giant zit that’s bleeding? Kofi can see it all the way from the ring. Sami asks why Kofi is such a “paper champion”? Why is it that Kofi’s identity as champion is “guy that gets help from his friends?” AKA Big E and Xavier Woods, who lost to Kevin and Sami! So why does Kofi use his friends? Hey, just because the best frenemies are always on and off, doesn’t mean everyone does that, too. Kofi, Xavier and Big E are brothers! This bond can’t be broken!

And not winning by himself? But didn’t he beat Kevin at MITB by himself? And Kofi beat Ziggler by himself in that cage match. And just like that, Kofi will beat “Sam Zayn” by himself. Wow. The arrogance. “I did it all by myself!” Classic delusions of grandeur by Sami’s estimation. Sami will give Kofi a reality check! It isn’t about ego, it’s about perseverance! The WWE Championship isn’t just about Kofi but about the fans. And to be honest, Kofi is getting tired of Sami talking. So Sami should just come and get another Trouble in Paradise courtesy of THE W, W, E, World, Heavy, Weight, Champion, BABYYYYYY~! Kofi is ready, but is Sami ready?

Raw returns with the bell and Kofi circles with Sami. Kevin cheers Sami on as he wristlocks Kofi. Kofi rolls and handsprings to wrench back. Kofi picks a leg and drops a splash! Cover, TWO! Sami gets to the ropes and apron. Kevin comes by to check on Sami as he gets back in. Fans rally for Kofi but Kevin tries to start a Sami chant. Kofi and Sami tie up and Kofi waistlocks to a headlock. Sami pulls hair but the ref reprimands him. Sami throws body shots and haymakers, but lets up at the ref’s count of 4. Kevin cheers but fans boo as Sami comes back for more. Sami CHOPS Kofi then bumps him off buckles. Fans rally for Kofi but Sami whips Kofi corner to corner. Sami runs in but Kofi elbows him away. Kofi slips out and kicks Sami away, then springboards for ax handles!

Kofi rallies with chops and a dropkick! He keeps moving to leaping lariat Sami down! Fans fire up as Kofi hits the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi makes sure Kevin is watching as he aims from the corner. Kevin warns Sami, and Sami ducks the Truoble to roll Kofi up! TWO, but Sami kicks Kofi back down. Kevin argues with the ref but Sami throws hands on Kofi. Sami whips Kofi corner to corner, but Kofi springboards to dropkick Sami down! Sami rolls to ropes again, but Kofi is on him with another whip. Kofi jumps but Sami bails out. Sami regroups with Kevin, but Kofi slides out. Sami dodges and hotshots Kofi down! Kevin gets cheap shots in! And then jogs away to get away with it. Sami goes out to fetch Kofi into the ring as Kevin applauds.

Sami stalks Kofi and rains down hands into Kofi’s head. He wraps Kofi in a chinlock but fans rally up. Kofi gets up and fights out but Sami punches him back. Sami whips and runs Kofi over with forearms! Sami toys with Kofi and brings him up for more hands. He whips Kofi but Kofi clotheslines Sami back! Fans rally up as Kofi slowly stands. KOfi counter punches Sami and backs him down. Kofi whips but Sami reverses to kick and punch Kofi back down. Saim runs but Kofi leaps on him! Kofi rains down furious rights! Then runs back in, but gets an exploder into buckles! Kevin shouts for Sami to cover and Sami does, TWO! Sami and Kevin grow frustrated but Sami keeps on Kofi in the corner.

Sami hoists Kofi up top but Kofi fights back! Kofi then adjusts and leaps, but Sami gets clear. Kofi lands on his feet but gets a Michinoku Driver! Cover, TWO! Sami and Kevin are shocked that Kofi survives! But Sami aims and runs corner to corner, to get leaping double stomps! Fans rally up again and Kofi runs at Sami, but is put on the apron. Kofi punches back then springboards, into a BOOT! Cover, TWO! Kofi survives again and Sami grows frustrated. Sami drags Kofi up, waistlocks, but Kofi resists the lift. Kofi punches away on Sami, but Sami reels him in, Blue Thunder gets a sunset flip counter! Kofi wins!!

Winner: Kofi Kingston, by pinfall

Sami and Kevin are stunned! Kofi proves he can get it done on his own, but Kevin gets on the mic. If Kofi thinks he’s so great, then he needs to prove it more! Have a match with Kevin Owens, right here and now! Kofi considers it, and figures why not! Kofi goes back to the ring for another match! Is he going to complete the sweep after the break?

Kofi Kingston VS Kevin Owens w/ Sami Zayn!

Raw returns as Kofimania goes for a double header! The bell rings and Sami distracts! Kofi falls for it, and gets a SUPERKICK from Kevin! Kevin hurries up top, SWANTON onto knees! Kofi saves himself there and Kevin goes to the corner. Kofi and Kevin both stand, SUPERKICK! Kevin covers, TWO! Kevin grimaces as he drags Kofi up, and whips him, to a Pop-up, but Kofi slips out! Kofi sends Kevin out but Kevin drags Kofi out. Kevin kicks and prepares a bomb, but Kofi back drops Kevin down! Both men are down and crawling around while Sami lurks nearby. Kofi runs at Kevin but is sent into the barriers! Kevin runs at Kofi but gets an SOS to the ramp! Both men are down again but Kofi crawls to the ring.

Kofi gets in at 9, Kevin is down! The count hits 10, and Kofi wins!!

Winner: Kofi Kingston, by count-out

But Sami is right on Kofi! Kofi throws Sami out and Sami is with Kevin, as Kofi FLIES!! Kofi still has so much left despite all he’s been through, but is he going to hit a wall sooner or later?

But wait! Samoa Joe attacks Kofi on the stage!! Joe drags Kofi up to throw him into LED panels! And then swings him around to slam him back into them! Joe drags Kofi up for an urenage! Kofi writhes while Joe looms over him. Joe leaves and the referees bring But Joe attacks again! With the Coquina Clutch!! Kofi is out cold, and Joe finally leaves him alone. Is the Samoan Submission Machine going to be the one to end Kofi’s dream come true?

Raw announces a HUGE Extreme Rules PPV match!

After the Undertaker returned to save Roman Reigns, they will team up to take on Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre! Will the Yard truly belong to The Deadman and the Big Dog? Or will the Best in the World and his Scottish Terminator find a way to stack the deck in their favor?

Naomi VS Alexa Bliss w/ Nikki Cross!

The Goddess failed to bring the SmackDown Women’s Championship to Raw, but she still claims it is because Bayley is a bully and a liar. But Naomi and Natalya know Alexa is all that and more, it’s just a matter of getting Nikki to see that. Will this match do a lot to expose Alexa’s true intentions? Or will the wool still be pulled over the eyes of Crazy Cross?

The bell rings and Naomi SLAPS Alexa! Alexa swings but Naomi splits to dodge! Alexa runs into a kick and another slap! Naomi runs into a big lariat! Alexa scowls as she looms over Naomi. She goes to pick Naomi up but Naomi kip-ups! So Alexa throws Naomi down! Cover, ONE! Alexa grows annoyed, but she stands on Naomi’s hair. Naomi kicks Alexa away! Then kicks her legs out, to drop the splits leg drop! Cover, TWO! Alexa scrambles away and regroups with Nikki. But Naomi runs and baseball slides, to WRECK Nikki! That was not her intent but Alexa did dodge. Alexa gets back in and catches Naomi with the Bliss-DT! Cover, Alexa wins!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

The Goddess doesn’t seem that torn up about Nikki getting hit. But then she goes after Naomi more! She stomps Naomi down and tells Nikki to get hers in. Alexa keeps kicking Naomi then brings her up for Nikki. Nikki doesn’t understand, but she does shove Naomi and Alexa down. Here comes Natalya! The Queen of Harts runs off Alexa and Nikki to defend Naomi. Is this going to settle down after the break?

Naomi & Natalya VS Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross!

Raw returns and now it’s friends against friends! Nikki still doesn’t seem sure about this, but she starts against Naomi. Naomi dropkicks Nikki down then brings her over to the corner. Natty tags in and she rolls Nikki, ONE! Natty keeps on Nikki with a snap suplex, then another. Nikki gets up and avoids a third, then hops on for a thrashing sleeper hold! Natty throws Nikki off, then hits a discus lariat! Cover, TWO! Natty keeps on Nikki but Nikki headbutts back. Tag to Alexa and Alexa grabs Natty, only for Natty to power her all the way back! Natty rams knees in then tags in Naomi. Naomi puts on a full nelson and thrashes her about. Alexa endures but gets a Full Nelson bomb! Body scissor cradle, TWO!

Naomi keeps on Alexa with a facelock, then bulldogs her into buckles. Tag to Natty and Natty rebound sits Alexa down. Natty runs on Alexa but Nikki blocks her path. Alexa DECKS Natty with a right! Cover, TWO! Nikki rallies for Alexa while Alexa wraps Natty in a chinlock. Natty endures as fans rally up. Natty fights her way up and fights out of the hold, then scoops Alexa for a Michinoku Driver! Both women are down but Natty crawls to a cover, TWO! Nikki still roots Alexa on as Natty clubs away. Natty snap suplexes Alexa down then drags her up for another. Natty drags Alexa around and wants the sharpshooter, but Alexa powers out! Tag to Nikki! Nikki rallies on Natty with furious forearms! She throws Natty into Naomi! Then splashes on Natty in the corner, to a bulldog! Cover, TWO!

Nikki keeps moving, going to the ropes. She shoulders and slingshots in for a dropkick! Then she hurries up top, and leaps for a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Nikki doesn’t slow down, she fires up more. She brings Natty to their corner and Alexa tags in. Natty fights back, but Alexa lets Nikki take care of Natty with The Purge! Alexa covers, Alexa and Nikki win!

Winners: Alexa Bliss & Nikki Cross, Bliss pinning

Nikki is still confused, but only because Alexa let her do all the work. Though, Alexa did do a lot of work against Naomi in their singles match. Are they going to work like this all the way to those WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships?

Ricochet VS AJ Styles!

Raw brings us this incredible first-time-anywhere match-up! And while it isn’t for the WWE United States Championship, surely a win would mean the Phenomenal One is back at the front of the line for the title he once held. But with how hard he fought to get here, will the One and Only only fight that much harder to be better than phenomenal?

The bell rings and Styles circles with Ricochet. They tie up as fans duel and Styles powers Ricochet to a corner. The ref calls for a break and Styles backs off. Styles and Ricochet circle again and tie up again. Ricochet wrenches and wristlocks, but Styles rolls and handsprings to reverse it. Ricochet works to do the same but Styles catches him to a headlock! Styles has Ricochet on the mat but Ricochet rolls to a cover, ONE! Ricochet rolls again and Styles lets go. Styles runs into an arm-drag, and then another! Styles stays back to avoid a third, and fans cheer the exchange.

But here come Anderson & Gallows down the ramp. Ricochet is wary of The Club being here in Styles corner now. He and Styles tie up again, and Ricochet headlocks. Styles powers out but Ricochet holds ropes. Ricochet has to worry about Anderson swiping at him, but Styles is just as surprised. This isn’t what he meant when he said they should take things more seriously. Styles can do this on his own! He even gets on the mic to tell them they’re not ruining this. He wants them to leave, and now. The Club backs off to leave Styles be. Raw goes to break, will Anderson & Gallows really honor Styles wishes?

Raw returns once again, and it really is just Styles and Ricochet now. They tie up again, and Ricochet waistlocks. Styles standing switches, but Ricochet does, too. Ricochet headlocks, and holds on as Styles tries to power out. Fans duel again as Styles gets back up. Styles throws forearms and back suplexes but Ricochet lands on his feet. Ricochet runs and rolls off Styles’ back, then handsprings to headscissor and dropkick Styles down! Cover, ONE! Ricochet keeps on Styles with haymakers in the corner. Ricochet wrenches and brings Styles to the mat. Styles gets up but Ricochet wrenches again, then tucks Styles in for a modified standing stretch. Ricochet makes it a cover, TWO!

Styles powers Ricochet to a corner! Ricochet forearms back but Styles CHOPS back! Ricochet throws another forearm but Styles rocks him with a right! Styles shakes it off while bringing Ricochet up for a CHOP! He whips but Ricochet rolls off his back again, only to get a PELE! Styles brings Ricochet up and bumps him off buckles. He rams his shoulder into Ricochet, then snapmares him for a swift kick to the back. Fans duel while Styles grimaces through a scratched and bloody face. Styles drags Ricochet up again but Ricochet blocks the suplex. Ricochet fights back with forearms, but runs into a back drop! Styles looms over Ricochet before bringing him up for a stiff forearm! Ricochet hits back and then dropkicks Styles down!

Styles bails out but Ricochet runs, to FLY! Direct hit but a bit double-edged! Ricochet gets up to get Styles back in the ring. Ricochet covers, ONE! Styles gets to a corner but Ricochet is on him with a snapmare. Ricochet runs and hits a basement dropkick! Cover, TWO! Ricochet grows frustrated but he keeps focus on Styles. Styles kicks Ricochet back and snap suplexes him into buckles! Cover, TWO! Ricochet is dazed but still in this. Styles keeps his cool as he stalks behind Ricochet. Styles clamps on a chinlock and bends Ricochet back in a pseudo Camel Clutch. Ricochet endures being bent and stretched and fans rally up behind him.

Ricochet stands and fights out with body shots and uppercuts. He backs Styles into a corner then whips, but Styles reverses. Styles runs in but into a boot! Ricochet runs, ducks and dropkick-flips! Styles back hands but Ricochet PELES Styles! Fans know “This is Awesome!” as both men slowly stand. Ricochet counter punches Styles, then throws forearms and CHOPS! He whips Styles but Styles reverses again, only to get a forearm! Ricochet keeps moving to huricanrana Styles! Styles goes to a corner and Ricochet runs in, shoulder tackle! Then springboard, flying clothesline! Standing shooting star! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives and Ricochet can’t believe it! Ricochet keeps his cool, though, and gets Styles up.

Styles blocks the suplex, so Ricochet throws hands. Styles escapes the suplex and returns to the corner. He elbows Ricochet back then hops up, but Ricochet gets under the moonsault! Only to run into a scoop, inverted DDT! Cover, TWO! Ricochet lives and Styles grows frustrated. Styles gets up and stalks Ricochet again. He brings Ricochet up but Ricochet counters to a jackknife cover, TWO! Ricochet boots but misses, and Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz! High stack cover, TWO!! Styles is still frustrated but still focused. He brings Ricochet up but Ricochet uppercuts him away! Ricochet baits Styles into a corner and gives him a back elbow. Ricochet CHOPS then suplexes, twisting neckbreaker! LIONSAULT! Cover, TWO!!

Ricochet’s frustration starts to boil over as Styles survives. But he drags Styles to a drop zone and climbs up top. Ricochet aims, 630 but he has to bail out! Styles forearms Ricochet away, springboard to the PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Cover, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall

And the Phenomenal One beats the champion! Styles takes the belt, but helps Ricochet up. Styles shows Ricochet respect by raising his hand. But is this just the first time we’ll be seeing both men in the ring together? Will Extreme Rules have an even greater rematch?

My Thoughts:

Stomping Grounds surprised us with a lot of great stuff, and Raw follows up with some great action, too! Though, they do get the slightly disappointing part out of the way early in further recycling the rivalries of Rollins-Corbin and Becky-Lacey. Extreme Rules gives us a Mixed Tag match that should be pretty fun, and the creative part is that it’s for both the WWE Universal and Raw Women’s Championships. It sounds like it won’t be something more like a No Disqualifications match, because I’d love to see Becky and Rollins smack away on Lacey and Corbin side by side with kendo sticks. It’d make that match worth it since there’s no way Corbin and Lacey win those titles. And it probably keeps Lesnar from cashing in, too, since Becky would be there to back up Rollins.

I guess we’re still recycling Strowman VS Lashley, too. Their tug of war was a fun bit, but Strowman sure is sweeping Lashley in everything. I wonder if this means we see the return of a Bull Rope Match, and not the kind where they need to tag the corners. These two whipping each other with the rope, using the rope to “choke” each other, that might be what this feud needs to end decisively. And then one of these guys can start challenging for a title again, depending on who has what after Extreme Rules. Probably the Universal Championship to give Rollins some competition but also to be thrown in the mix with Lesnar and that MITB cash-in. Strowman and Lashley both daring Lesnar to try would be pretty good stuff to carry Raw to Summerslam.

Teaming up the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions was a pretty good match for tonight, after what we got before Stomping Grounds. I just wish it wasn’t the kind of elimination match where one member means the whole team. But given what else we got tonight, the time constraints were surely why, and perhaps for the greater good. With the Heels not working together well, I still hope this turns things into a story for all the titles. These four teams, and perhaps throw in the Viking Raiders and Heavy Machinery for a massive Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Championship #WinnersTakeAll match would be great for Extreme Rules or Summerslam. How else are the Planet’s Tag Team Champions supposed to save the division?

I think the best thing Raw did tonight was the WWE 24/7 Championship stuff. I wish Maverick had put up more of a fight, but perhaps this prompts something big on 205 Live. Then the rest of the action was amazing, with the multiple title changes and Truth racking up the title reigns. It was incredibly creative for it to invade a scheduled match, I’m surprised they didn’t try that sooner. I don’t know if we even need anything more on SmackDown, this was great. The second best thing was Undertaker returning to Raw to go after Shane and McIntyre! It isn’t really clear why, but maybe it leads to something even better, like Taker VS Roman at Survivor Series for Taker’s 30th anniversary and actual last match. 

It’s pretty clear Raw still needs SmackDown to help since Kofi pulled double duty. It’s great build for his reign, but it’s just a shame Vince didn’t schedule a Raw-exclusive story here. Joe going after Kofi was pretty great, though, and I would love if Kofi VS Joe got to be the Extreme Rules match at Extreme Rules the PPV. In order for Kofi to establish himself, he needs someone as vicious as Joe to overcome. Though, it would be nice if there was a SmackDown superstar that could’ve done it. But at the same time, it’ll be like Alexa VS Bayley, teasing that Raw could end up owning both belts. Styles VS Ricochet was great, and Styles’ story with the Club is taking interesting turns. Ricochet VS Styles has to be the US Championship match, I just hope it’s Styles who turns instead of the Club turning on him.

My Score: 8.3/10