Raw prepares for the Extreme!

Extreme Rules is around the corner, so Raw is rising to the occasion! Will The Man and Her Man be able to beat El Idolo and La Muneca before taking on the Lady and Lone Wolf? And who does Roman Reigns get stuck with in a sampler with Shane and McIntyre?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Mixed Tag Elimination: Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch VS Andrade Almas & Zelina Vega; Rollins & Lynch win.
• 2 Out of 3 Falls Six Man Tag: The Miz & The Usos VS Elias & The Revival; Miz & Usos win.
• Open Challenge: Rey Mysterio VS ???; Bobby Lashley wins.
• No Way Jose VS Cesaro; Cesaro wins.
• The Viking Raiders VS Colin & Devin Justin; The Viking Raiders win.
• Ricochet VS Luke Gallows w/ The Club; Ricochet wins.
• Ricochet VS Karl Anderson w/ The Club; Ricochet wins.
• Beat the Clock Challenge: Bayley VS Sarah Logan; Bayley wins in 4:32.
• Beat the Clock Challenge: Nikki Cross VS Dana Brooke; Cross wins with 1:50 to spare.
• Roman Reigns & ??? VS Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre; Shane & McIntyre win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Mixed Tag Elimination: Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch VS Andrade Almas & Zelina Vega!

Raw opens with the Raw Women’s Champion and her man, the Universal Champion! They prepare for Extreme Rules and the #WinnersTakeAll title match by going up against #TeamTranquilo! Will Rollins & Lynch roll into Philly with a win? Or will Almas and Vega secure themselves future title opportunities together?

The teams sort out and the ladies start. Vega and Becky circle and tie up. Becky waistlocks and throws Vega down, then drags her up for another. Becky grins as she brings Vega up again but Vega gets a ropebreak. She can’t hold on, Becky shoves to run Vega over. Fans are rallied up for Becky as she keeps Vega from Almas. Vega tries going under but gets caught and yanked back! Becky wrenches Vega but Vega throws hands. Becky counter punches and Vega goes to the apron. The ref counts but Becky drags Vega up. Vega kicks Becky away and then hits a DDT! Cover, ONE! Vega kicks Becky down then whips her to a corner. Becky reverses, but runs into buckles. Vega steps up to kick Becky in the chin!

Vega chokes Becky on the ropes but lets up at 4. She runs in to Tiger Feint into a choke! The ref counts and Vega lets Becky go. Vega kicks Becky down but Becky elbows and boots back. Becky snap suplexes Vega down, hot tag to Almas! Almas is in and Becky wants to fight, but Rollins steps up. Almas shoves Rollins so Rollins comes back. They tie up and go around on the ropes. Rollins wrenches Almas’ arm over and over to then yank on it. Almas uses the ropes to flip through and reverse the wrench onto Rollins. Rollins rolls and handsprings to arm-drag Amlas. Things speed up and Almas ducks to whip. Rollins reverses but Almas goes up and over. Almas arm-drags Rollins back, but then Rollins arm-drags again. Almas headlock takeovers but pops out of Rollins’ headscissor counter.

The two stand up and roles reverse, then they stand off. Fans cheer as each man catches their breath. Almas and Rollins tie up but Almas kicks low. Almas throws forearms then CHOPS Rollins! Rollins slips out of the back suplex but Almas kicks low. Almas runs but Rollins follows to Slingblade! Rollins keeps moving, he clotheslines Almas out, to then DIVE! Direct hit takes Almas to barriers but Rollins keeps going, tag to Becky before a second DIVE! Becky has Vega for the Becksploder! Mule kick and forearms! Becky has Vega again, Disarm-Her! Vega taps and is ELIMINATED! Becky did her part, now it’s up to Rollins to finish this off.

But wait, Sassy Southern Belle, Lacey Evans, has appeared ringside. Becky doesn’t need to be in the match anymore, so she fights with Lacey! Rollins pulls Becky away to save this for Sunday. Lacey trash talks while Becky still wants at her, but we go to break while things cool off.

Raw returns as Almas clobbers Rollins from behind! Almas stomps Rollins down then walks off his frustration. Almas puts Rollins in a corner for a CHOP! Vega is still ringside to cheer Almas on as he stomps Rollins in the stomach. Almas runs to dropkick Rollins in the back! Cover, TWO! Almas wraps on a chinlock but Rollins works his way up fast. Fans rally as Rollins fights back, but Almas scoops and slams Rollins down. Almas heads to a corner and climbs up top, but Rollins stop shim with right hands! Rollins climbs but Almas clubs back on him. Rollins falls but comes back fast, only for Almas to trip him up! Almas has Rollins in the Tree of Woe, for Woe Stomps! Cover, TWO! Rollins survives and Becky is relieved.

Almas drags Rollins back up as fans rally again. Almas suplexes for uno amigo. Then he continues through for dos amigos. But as Almas goes for tres, Rollins counters to a Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO! Almas and Rollins stand and Rollins throws hands and CHOPS! Rollins whips corner to corner but Almas reverses, only for Rollins to forearm him away. Rollins runs in but is put on the apron. He hits Almas away again, then springboards for a flying knee! Cover, TWO! Vega is growing frustrated but Rollins keeps his cool as he climbs. Almas shoves Rollins all the way down! Vega gets a spike-rana! Becky forearms Vega down! Becky rains down rights but Almas drags Becky off. Rollins throws Almas away and checks on Becky. She’s fine, but sees Almas coming! She gets Rollins clear but takes the shoulder herself!

Rollins clobbers Almas and fires off for what just happened! Rollins checks on Becky again but Almas clubs and throws Rollins into barriers! Almas drags Rollins into the ring and a corner, then runs corner to corner. CIEN SHADOWS! Cover, TWO!! Rollins lives and Almas can’t believe it! Almas clubs away in frustration then shoves Rollins all the way out. Vega again lines up a shot, but Rollins blocks the headscissors! Rollins holds her up, for Becky to dropkick down! But then Almas wrecks Rollins with a dropkick! Almas runs, into Rollins’ kick! CURB STOMP! Cover, #ManSquared wins!

Winners: Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch, Rollins pinning Almas

The champions stand tall, but now they’ll have to go to the extreme! Can they defeat the Lone Wolf and his Lady when the rules are thrown out the window?

But speaking of, Baron Corbin attacks Rollins from behind! Becky throws hands on Corbin but Lacey returns with a Woman’s Right! Corbin goes after Rollins more! Referees back them off, but will this sneak attack ensure Corbin and Lacey are the new champions? Worse yet, Paul Heyman is on Raw! Is the Beast here, too?!

Raw returns to Corbin and Lacey backstage.

The two have a good laugh over what they just did to Rollins and Becky. The “lovebirds” are down, because love makes you blind. Who knows what happens to them when Becky loses Seth’s title. Or when Seth loses Becky’s title. This might end their relationship. But this is why Lacey and Corbin are a true power couple: it’s not about love, it’s business. Love is just a liability. Like that song, Love Stinks.

Paul Heyman is in the ring!

The Advocate introduces himself then gets to business. The PPV this weekend is titled, “Extreme Rules.” Heyman knows something about getting extreme. The PPV is going to be in Philadelphia. Heyman knows a lot about being extreme in Philly. So this Sunday, at Extreme Rules in Philly, his client will cash-in on either the WWE World or Universal Champions. That’s not a prediction, that’s a spoiler. He hasn’t failed to follow through on a spoiler even once. So if he wanted to ever put his reputation on the line, this might be the time he lies. So either he is telling the truth or is bluffing. Only he knows the answer. Well, him and the future reigning, defending, undisputed universal and/or world champion, Brock Lesnar. The stakes have been raised, will either champion survive this Sunday?

Raw announces a major Extreme Rules PPV match!

Despite last week’s insane and literally explosive ending to a Falls Count Anywhere match that hospitalized both Braun Strowman and Bobby Lashley, they’re not finished with each other yet! The Monster Among Men and the Rocky Mountain Machine both swear to be there in Philly to settle this in a LAST MAN STANDING MATCH! Will there be anything left of either man when all is said and done?

Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre talk with a janitor?

The word is that this particular janitor is the Best Garbage Man in the World. Well Shane is The Best in the World, so Tony here should be Roman Reigns’ tag partner. Tony isn’t so sure about that, but Shane and McIntyre will check on him later. Because apparently, Shane actually gets to choose Roman’s partner! Just how badly can Shane stack the deck this time?

2 Out of 3 Falls Six Man Tag: The Miz & The Usos VS Elias & The Revival!

The Hollywood A-Lister joins forces with Jimmy & Jey to continue feuds with The Drifter and the #TopGuys! Will Miz help the Usos put Shane’s cronies on #LockDown? Or will Elias, Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder manage to break out of this Most Must-See Penitentiary?

Raw returns as the Usos make their entrance. “Hey, Uce! Check it out!” They’re teaming with The Miz! Miz got rid of Shane, now he’s on a real team. The Revival will lose those titles on Sunday to give way to seven-time champs, Uce! And Elias better like singing the blues, because he’s gonna get locked down with they asses! Miz and the Usos hit the ring and the tension already runs high. Teams sort out and Dawson starts with Jimmy.

Jimmy and Dawson circle and tie up. Dawson waistlocks to headlocks to a takedown. Jimmy rolls to a cover, ONE and Dawson holds on. Jimmy gets up and powers out but Dawson runs him over. Things speed up and Jimmy hurdles to arm-drag Dawson down! Jimmy has an armlock but Dawson pulls hair. Dawson uses that to whip Jimmy and elbow him down! Tag to Elias but Jimmy throws uppercuts! Elias throws furious hands but the ref backs him off at 4. Elias kicks Jimmy down then whips, then lariats Jimmy down. He hits Miz for good measure, and the ref keeps Miz back. Elias goes back to Jimmy to throw more hands. Elias scoops and tosses Jimmy down! Tag to Dash and he goes at Jimmy in the corner with stomps.

Fans rally up for the Usos while Miz trash talks Eilas. Elias meets Miz around the corner and they brawl! Miz throws Elias into barriers! Meanwhile, Jimmy fights off the Revival with haymakers. Miz keeps throwing Elias around and throwing hands of his own. Elias runs into the ring but Miz chases him out the other side. Elias runs away to the stage but Jimmy runs into a Shatter Machine! The Revival take the first fall!

Elias & Revival – 1; Miz & Usos – 0

The Miz realizes he let himself get too riled up, and now his team is down. Will he and the Usos make a comeback after the break?

Raw returns as Jimmy crawls to a corner. The bell rings to start the second fall, and Dash runs in at Jimmy! Jimmy dodges and sends Dash into buckles! Jimmy crawls but Dash tags Dawson. The Revival club away on Jimmy, then bottom rope guillotine! By the way, Elias left because he doesn’t want to face Miz anymore. Dawson drops elbows, knees and a headbutt on Jimmy to then cover, ONE! Dawson stomps Jimmy to a corner but fans rally up. Jimmy CHOPS Dawson back! And again! Dawson drags Jimmy down and tags in Dash. Dash basement dropkicks Jimmy then covers, TWO! The Revival keep their cool as they tag again. Dawson drives in a shoulder for a rear bearhug.

Fans rally as Dawson shifts to put Jimmy in a seated abdominal stretch. Jimmy fights his way up but Dawson whips him away. Jimmy dodges to send Dawson over and up to the post! Dawson flops down but tags Dash. Dash hits Miz and swing on Jey. Jimmy back drops Dash and tags in Jey! Jey rallies for his brother on both Revival! Mule kick to pop-lock uppercut on Dash! Whip to a fireman’s carry but Dash lands out of it. Dash still falls for the Dragon Whip kick! Jey has the fans fired up with “UCE! O!” Jey runs in and hits the hip attack! Dash is down and Jey climbs up, big crossbody! But Dash rolls through, TWO! Jey back drops but Dash sunset flips, but Jey sits on it! TWO, and Jey dodges Dash. Dawson tags in before Dash takes the Samoan Drop.

Dawson walks into a mule kick and uppercut, but blocks the superkick to give a knee and haymaker! Suplex to Brain Buster! Cover, TWO! Dawson argues with the ref but two is two. Miz returns and fans rally as Dawson drags Jey up. Jey slips out of the suplex but Dawson has the foot. Jey still makes the tag! Enziguri to FINALE! Cover, Miz and Usos tie it up!

Elias & Revival – 1; Miz & Usos – 1

But Dash throws Miz out! Jey tags back in as Miz falls and this third fall begins without delay! Tag to Jimmy, and the Usos SUPERKICK Dash! They SUPERKICK Dawson! Dawson is down, Jey FLIES onto Dash! Uso Splash from Jimmy to Dawson! Cover, The Miz and Usos win!

Winners: The Miz & Usos, Jimmy Uso pinning

Jimmy and Jey are rolling towards Philly! Will they take those Raw Tag Team Championships for their own? Or can the Revival find a way to retain?

Raw catches up with Mr. & Mrs. Maverick.

Drake couldn’t help but celebrate being champion, no matter where he went with Renee Michelle. He was also all in for the Fourth of July, despite being British. Drake’s celebrating definitely got on Renee’s nerves, and couldn’t understand why he had to have the belt in every picture. What about a picture of the two of them? They took one by the Jaws attraction at Universal Studios, but the belt got in the way of Renee… The honeymoon enters its next phase: right here in Newark, New Jersey!

Renee Michelle watches guard backstage while Drake Maverick hides in a trunk. He’s clearly borrowing ideas from Truth. And she is annoyed again. Their honeymoon was in Orlando, where they live, and now she’s his bodyguard?! He knows this isn’t ideal, but they’re here together, right? Him, her, and the WWE 24/7 Championship. There’s a lot of room in the crate, if she wants to join him, wink wink. She’s not going for that.

Okay, after tonight, he’ll have shown the world how great a champion he is, then he’ll show her how great a husband he is with a real honeymoon. She agrees that then and only then will they consummate the marriage. Maverick is so excited to finally get it on with his wife! Uh oh, the horde has come! Maverick runs as dozens of Raw superstars come running. Will Maverick be able to keep up his part of the bargain?

Shane and Drew now talk to the Best Beer Server in the World.

This is a huge opportunity to be considered for Roman’s partner. Say thank you. “Thank you, Mr. McMahon.” NO, it’s Mr. Best in the World. “Thank you, Mr. Best in the World.” Who else will Shane consider to team with The Big Dog in their Extreme Rules appetizer?

Open Challenge: Rey Mysterio VS ???

The King of Lucha Libre is back at 100%! And he returns to Raw tonight to prove he’s still got it. “I’ma keep it short and simple. Because I stood in this ring six weeks ago,” and did the hardest thing ever: surrendered the WWE United States Championship. The doctors told him it’d be a long time before he could return, but he refused. Mysterio rehabbed harder and grew hungrier than he has in a long time. He beat the predictions, and now he’s back! Mysterio wants to compete against anyone willing and able, hence this open challenge! Who will it be?! Bobby Lashley!? The Rocky Mountain Machine makes his own miraculous return! Is Lashley going to make mince meat out of Mysterio before going after the Monster Among Men?

The minute Lashley gets in the ring, Mysterio attacks! Lashley shoves him away, the bell rings, and Mysterio kicks and punches away! Mysterio runs, ducks under Lashley and dropkicks a leg out. He runs again, but into a scoop! Lashley carries Mysterio, but Mysterio turns it into a DDT! Mysterio dropkicks Lashley onto the ropes, then dials it up! 619 hits! Lashley staggers and Mysterio climbs, but he leaps into an elevated complete shot! Lashley glares as he builds up speed to SPEAR Mysterio down! Cover, Lashley wins!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall

Lashley looks at almost 100%! And then he throws Mysterio out of the ring! Lashley shows no mercy as he drags Mysterio up by his mask! He drags Mysterio up the ramp and to the stage. Lashley stares at the same spot he and Strowman crashed through last week, and hoists Mysterio up. Th ref reprimands Lashley but Lashley drops Mysterio. But then he hauls him back up, to throw him onto the referees! And he’s not done, as he grabs a mic. “Braun Strowman, last week I was the first- No, the only man standing! And you better believe I will be the last man standing!” Will this superhuman super villain dominate Strowman unlike anyone ever before?

Raw returns to a backstage interview with The Club.

Charly Caruso specifically asks AJ Styles about beating down Ricochet after their match last week. Styles doesn’t owe anyone an explanation. “Get out my face.” Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows also refuse to comment. They go into their team locker room. Will Gallows’ actions speak for him when he takes on the One and Only later?

No Way Jose VS Cesaro!

This match was meant to happen last week, but considering the then WWE 24/7 Champion, R-Truth, was a part of the conga line, things got a bit crazy. And in that chaos, the Swiss Cyborg attacked the Fighting Fiesta and brutalized him just outside the ring! Will Jose get revenge for that here tonight? Or will it just be more of the same from Cesaro?

The conga line runs scared from Cearo, for good reason. Jose leaps out at Cesaro and throws hands! Jose bumps Cesaro of steps then into barriers! He puts Cesaro back in but the ref keeps him back. Cesaro catches his breath and the bell rings, but he runs into a back drop! Jose throws big hands on Cesaro, then whips to ropes. Cesaro ducks and throws a BIG European Uppercut! Then he boots Jose into a corner for more! Cesaro throws EuroUppers from all sides, then gut wrench suplexes Jose down! Cesaro dusts off his hands while Jose crawls to ropes. The Swiss Cyborg takes Jose for a swing! Then into the Sharpshooter! Jose endures but can’t escape, he taps out! Cesaro wins!

Winner: Cesaro, by submission

Cesaro lets go when he’s satisfied, and shouts out The Bar with his sideways thumb. Will Cesaro continue to raise the bar on the Raw roster?

The Street Profits are back on Raw!

They’re backstage, beatboxing, until they notice the cameras. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are gathered here today for a very special reminder.” Don’t cross Cesaro or you’ll end up upside down. Plug the Network! Right, this Sunday, streaming live, it’s Extreme Rules! The Scottish Psychopath and the BEST, in the WOOOORLD, SHANE MCMAAAHON join forces to take on The Big Dog, Roman Reigns, and… The Undertaker!! Who you got winning? Taker been digging holes. But he and Roman gonna take souls. #HolesandSouls. But wait, Roman has to make it to Sunday. Shane is picking Roman’s partner. And if Taker shows up, he’s done. But Shane could pick anyone? Anyone. Like Kawhi? Yeah, anyone. But that’s all the time they have. The Profits cue the transition.

Mike tries to make things up to Maria.

He is very very sorry about last week, he hasn’t been himself, but he is so excited to have another baby. Mike loves her, and Maria loves him. They go back and forth with their cutesy “I love you more,” but then Maria says, “Ice cream.” What? Maria demands ice cream. And pickles. Okay, non-fat ice cream. Is he saying she’s fat? No, he’s saying there won’t be fat on the ice cream! He hurries away, while Maria scowls and wonders what kind of man taps out to a woman. Is there still really love between these two?

Raw holds titantron interviews with Bayley and Nikki Cross.

Both women will be in a Beat the Clock Challenge, and the winner of the challenge determines the stipulation for the SmackDown Women’s Championship match at Extreme Rules PPV between Bayley and Alexa Bliss. This interview right now is to ask Nikki’s feelings of winning for Alexa gain. The pressure is definitely on. Nikki owes so much to Alexa, and isn’t sure where she’d be without her. Seriously? Bayley can’t believe Nikki doesn’t see how Alexa is using Nikki! Alexa does that! This is what Alexa does! Nikki is the only reason Alexa has the title match, and will be the only reason Alexa can get an advantage at Extreme Rules. Nikki explodes over Bayley running Alexa down. Alexa was right about Bayley being jealous! This only motivates Nikki to shut Bayley up!

Micahel Cole keeps the peace as he explains the challenge rules. The fastest match is the winner. Bayley will face Sarah Logan while Nikki Cross takes on Dana Brooke. Bayley remembers the Riott Squad. Sarah loves being chaotic, but Bayley isn’t afraid of chaos. Sarah better bring her best because the SmackDown Women’s Champion vows to pick her stipulation. As for Nikki, she won’t lie that Dana is stronger but she’s not tougher. Nikki needs this for Alexa’s sake! Which woman beats the clock? #LetsPlay!

Raw returns to R-Truth and Carmella searching.

They’re clearly looking for Drake Maverick and the WWE 24/7 Championship. He’s not in a trunk, nor under it. He’s not in the trash, around it, or under desks. But wait. Maybe he’s in a drawer! No, he can’t fit in that. You never know! Truth just wants his baby back. Maverick better not be showing her no scary movies. The title needs Truth. Truth is always on the go. The hands on the clock be moving too slow. Truth wants to be alone with his baby tonight. Wait there he goes! And the rest of the Raw roster. Hurry! Fabulous Truth, GO! Wait that’s the wrong direction, Truth!

The Viking Raiders VS Colin & Devin Justin!

The war returns to Raw! Erik and Ivar are still climbing the ranks of the tag team division, will this newest raid help them reach title contention?

The bell rings and Erik starts with Colin. He throws Colin down then German Suplexes him away! Devin tags in and runs, but into a scoop and backbreaker! Then Erik rag dolls Devin into a gutbuster! Tag to Ivar, gut wrench bomb to Ivar’s giant splash! Cover, but Ivar drags Devin up! Erik and Ivar grin, wanting to have some fun with the Justin brothers. Erik throws Colin in and then tags. The Vikings take a brother each, Erik gives them a powerslam powerbomb combo! Then Dustin is fed to THOR’S HAMMER! Cover, the Viking Raiders win!

Winners: The Viking Raiders, Erik pinning

The raid is successful again, but here comes that WWE 24/7 title chase! The other superstars rush the ring only to be thrown out by the Vikings! Hawkins runs into Ivar’s seated senton! Truth wants at Maverick but he encounters the Vikings first. The other superstars go around the ring, and Truth bails out. Truth and Carmella head out again, will they head Maverick off at the pass?

Raw returns to a backstage interview with Roman Reigns.

Clearly, Shane McMahon wants to play around, and is going to stick Roman with a partner of his choosing. Who does Roman think Shane chooses? Roman doesn’t know. Roman doesn’t care. But he knows that the master of mind games is on his side at Extreme Rules.

Ricochet VS Luke Gallows w/ The Club!

The Phenomenal One lit a fire under the Good Brothers, and they lit one under him. AJ Styles didn’t beat the One and Only when the title was on the line, but then he and the Good Brothers #BeatUpRicochet! There will be another go for the gold at Extreme Rules, can ol’ Doc Gallows soften Ricochet up for Styles? Or will Ricochet be ready to be better than phenomenal?

Ricochet makes his entrance and speaks on what happened as of late. It seems that when Styles congratulated him on beating Samoa Joe and then challenged him to a match, Ricochet was ready to prove himself. Ricochet did prove himself. But then the celebration was ruined by a beating. The title is on the line Sunday, but we know what happens tonight. Gallows has Anderson and Styles, so Ricochet figures he’ll fight all three. The Club make their entrance together, and Styles grabs a mic for himself. “Hey, Ricochet! Thanks for reminding us who you are.” But Styles gives him some advice: the WWE moves pretty quickly, so slow down and appreciate the moment. Ricochet might as well, because Gallows is going to stomp a mudhole in him,.

As speaking of appreciating moments, let’s appreciate last week’s moment! Footage replays to review how close Styles came to winning, and how Ricochet managed to survive. And most importantly, it rubs in what the Club did to Ricochet after the match. The bell rings and Gallows circles with Ricochet. Ricochet ducks the punch to throw hands of his own. He backs Gallows down then whips but Gallows reverses. Gallows runs into a boot, and Ricochet leaps into a CHOKE SLAM! The Club cheers Gallows on and Gallows grins as he covers. TWO, but Gallows keeps on Ricochet with hands in the corner. Gallows lets up at the ref’s count, then brings Ricochet out. Ricochet throws hands back, but he runs into a BOOT!

The Club gloats and trash talks as Gallows drives elbows into Ricochet’s shoulders. Gallows wraps on a chinlock and Ricochet endures. Fans rally up for Ricochet and he works his way up. Ricochet fights back but Gallows clubs him down. Gallows drags Ricochet up by his beard to headbutt him back down. The Club taunts Ricochet more as Gallows stands Ricochet up. Gallows stomps and uppercuts Ricochet, then whips him corner to corner again. Ricochet puts a boot up and enziguris Gallows away, only to run into a LARIAT! Styles is hyped to watch his pal beat down Ricochet. They all throw up Too Sweets but fans boo and jeer. Gallows scoops Ricochet but Ricochet sunset flips, to win!!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

The King of Flight didn’t even need to fly, he just snags one from the egotistical Gallows! But Styles won’t let it end here. As Ricochet said, he’ll fight the three of them! Which means next up, it’s the Machine Gun, Karl Anderson! Unless Ricochet isn’t man enough! Ricochet accepts, and that match is after the break!

Ricochet VS Karl Anderson w/ The Club!

Raw returns and this match begins! Styles distracts Ricochet so that Anderson can attack! Anderson throws Ricochet around then whips, but Ricochet holds ropes. Ricochet elbows Anderson away but Anderson whips him again. Ricochet boots Anderson then hops out to springboard in, flying clothesline! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps on Anderson but Styles distracts again! Anderson throws Ricochet into buckles, face first! Styles laughs at Ricochet while Anderson stomps him out. Anderson whips Ricochet again to run him over hard with an elbow! Cover, TWO! Anderson smothers Ricochet with a chinlock, but fans rally up. Ricochet fights his way up but Anderson wrangles him down hard.

Ricochet endures as Anderson cranks the chinlock. Fans rally and Ricochet powers up again. Ricochet fights out and throws hands, then whips. Anderson reverses but Ricochet rolls off his back to run again, for a tilt-o-whirl headscissor! Ricochet throws hands on Anderson more, then mule kicks to a big haymaker! He runs but into Anderson’s SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Anderson keeps his cool as he drags Ricochet up by his nose! Anderson throws EuroUppers and pulls on Ricochet’s ears as he trash talks. He throws another uppercut, then runs, into the dropkick-flip and enziguri! Styles swipes at Ricochet, Anderson blasts Ricochet with an uppercut!

Anderson whips again but Ricochet dodges to FLY! Ricochet gets Gallows as Styles gets clear. Ricochet shoulders at Anderson then moonsaults onto Styles! He gets back in and dodges Anderson! Anderson hits the post, and Ricochet runs corner to corner for a big dropkick! Anderson is down and Ricochet climbs up! Ricochet aims, 630 senton! Cover, Ricochet wins again!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall

But Styles and Gallows attack! The Club won’t let Ricochet have any momentum going into Extreme Rules as they beat him down again! Styles drags Ricochet up for a BRAIN BUSTER! Then he has the Club drag Ricochet up again, for MAGIC KILLER! But that’s still not enough. Styles to recreate last week, and the Club hoist Ricochet up for him on the second rope. But then Styles drops Ricochet to talk instead. “Hey, I’m a good guy.” He’ll leave enough of Ricochet left so that he can make it to Extreme Rules to lose the title. So stay down.

The Club starts to leave, but Ricochet doesn’t stay down. So they go back and grab Ricochet. Anderson and Gallows hold Ricochet still for the Phenomenal Forearm! The Club throw up Too Sweets, but will Styles be holding up the United States Championship?

Raw takes a look at the Evolve Wrestling 10th Anniversary!

The place where so many current WWE and NXT superstars came from celebrates a full decade of action! That special event is on the WWE Network this Saturday, featuring great matches of Evolve’s past, present and future!

Maverick finally finds his way back to Renee Michelle.

He’s so sorry,b ut he did it! They can go now! Maverick survived the night! But wait, how did Truth and a ref get in the trunk Renee was sitting on? “Hornswoggle! That’s my baby!” Carmella pops out of the other and says, “Get him!” Truth carries the referee while Carmella follows after. The chase continues right past Bayley. Will Maverick really survive the night as champion?

Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre find Roman’s partner.

They talk with the janitor with a limp as he goes into the restroom. Is this going to be the match-up we see later tonight?

Raw returns as Shane offers the janitor $5000. Gary the janitor would love that. They explain it’s to be in the match with Roman, all Gary has to do is stand on the corner. Maybe put a mask on him so no one knows who he is. The deal is struck, but will Gary really have to do nothing for the five grand?

Beat the Clock Challenge: Bayley VS Sarah Logan!

The champion goes first in this wrestling time trial, and against the returning Kentucky Valkyrie! Can Bayley make quick work of Sarah to put the pressure on the Loony Lass?

The bell rings and the clock starts ticking! Bayley and Sarah tie up and Bayley waistlocks to a takedown. She tries a cover, ONE, but she stays on Sarah with fast hands. Sarah shoves Bayley off and then lifts Bayley up. Bayley slips out to a sunset flip, ONE! Sarah waistlocks and shoves but Bayley goes up and crossbodies! Cover, TWO! Bayley keeps her cool but knows she has to hurry. She shoves Sarah to give a knee int he corner. The clock distracts her a little and Sarah puts her on the apron. Bayley slips in but into a flapjack headbutt! Sarah then baseball slides Bayley right off the apron! Sarah howls as she lets the ring count climb. Bayley is up at 6 but Sarah is on her with a cover, TWO!

Sarah throws forearms then whips, but Bayley reverses only for Sarah to reverse and shotgun knee back! Cover, TWO! The clock passes two minutes while fans rally up for Bayley. Sarah kicks Bayley but Bayley hits back. Sarah whips but Bayley goes up and tackles Sarah! Bayley rains down rights then covers, ONE! Sarah dropkicks Bayley quick! Cover, TWO! Sarah keeps her cool as she drags Bayley around. She grabs the legs for the inverted cloverleaf! Bayley endures being dragged around, but she fights her way to the ropebreak! Sarah lets go at 4 and then grinds her kenes in. Sarah lets up at 4 again and drags Bayley into a a surfboard, to stomp Bayley down!

The clock climbs as Sarah goes to dropkick Bayley again. Bayley dodges to clobber Sarah on the apron. Bayley hurries in fast to LARIAT! She dodges Sarah’s clothesline but not the second! Cover, ONE! Bayley rolls Sarah, TWO! Bayley knees Sarah again then runs in, for a sunset flip buckle bomb! She drags Sarah to a cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall, in 4 minutes, 32 seconds

The champion sets the bar, but now it’s time for the Goddess’ proxy to play! Can Nikki Cross cross off Dana Brooke faster than that? Or is that just not enough time?

Beat the Clock Challenge: Nikki Cross VS Dana Brooke!

Raw returns and all Dana has to do is play defense! Can she run the clock down to help Bayley win the challenge? Or will a devoted and determined Nikki Cross be too much for her?

The bell rings and the clock counts down. Dana bails out to troll Nikki and flex, but then comes back to refresh the count. Nikki loses her cool as Bayley high-fives with Dana. Nikki runs and chases Dana back into the ring, then headbutts Dana down! She drags Dana to whip but Dana reverses to throw Nikki out. Nikki glares at Bayley before going back to shoulder Dana. Nikki slingshot dropkicks then covers, ONE! Dana gets Nikki in a cover, TWO! Nikki decks Dana then drags her around for a rain of right hands! She drags Dana up to throw her into buckles then stomp away. Nikki hoists Dana up top, but Dana hops off to throw Nikki down! Dana climbs up top and leaps, only to FLOP!

Nikki covers but Dana tricks her, TWO! Dana fireman’s carries but Nikki slips out to backslide! Dana rolls through and rolls Nikki up, TWO! Nikki kicks low then hits the PURGE! Cover, Nikki wins!!

Winner: Nikki Cross, by pinfall, with 1 minute 50 seconds to spare

Nikki wins and Alexa gets to choose the stipulation! Bayley gives it up to Nikki, she won fair and square. What will Alexa choose? Nikki takes a mic to speak now! “Bayley, come here. Because I’ve got something that I want to say to you. And I want to say it to your face!” Bayley does enter the ring to hear Nikki out. Nikki says that for the last few weeks, Bayley’s been trying to say Alexa isn’t Nikki’s friend. But Nikki thinks the real problem is Bayley doesn’t know what real friendship is. But that’s okay! Because Nikki will show Bayley what friendship means at Extreme Rules, when Alexa lets Nikki make the title match a HANDICAP MATCH! Oh so that Nikki can literally win the title for Alexa…

“And here’s some free advice for you.” Bayley can find herself a friend, someone as loyal and honest as Alexa. Someone to really slap some sense into Bayley! Bayley SLAPS Nikki! Nikki is furious, but she runs into a Bayley2Belly! Bayley doesn’t end there, she drags Nikki to a corner and climbs up. MACHO ELBOW! The SmackDown Women’s Champion sends a message back to Alexa via Nikki, but can she survive when The Goddess has her “friend” there to fight with her?

Raw returns as Mike returns with the ice cream and pickles.

But now Maria is furious. She can’t be eating ice cream, she’d get fat! She wants to know if Mike would still want to impregnate her if she wasn’t pregnant. Of course! He would do that right now! Well he will never impregnate her again. And she’s not even sure if he did it this time. GASP! Does that mean what he thinks he means? She just screams at him and throws the flowers. Is Mike not the baby daddy this time!?

Corey Graves has an exclusive interview with Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch.

The Universal and Raw Women’s Champions are still seething over the attack from Corbin and Lacey. How is their relationship going to affect this coming match and vice-versa? How would it feel if Becky cost Seth his title? Or how it would feel if Seth costs Becky her title? This must be rough to mix work and personal life. Well isn’t this nice? Corey sits behind the desk being all emo but now he’s trying to be a proper journalist? Becky makes one thing clear: she backs up her words, Rollins backs up his. The only difference is that Extreme Rules won’t have rules> And when #ManSquare is done with Corbin and Lacey, they’re done with Corbin and Lacey! And then Rollins and Becky will roll on as champs. “What she said.”

The Street Profits return again.

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins finish watching replays from SmackDown, when Kofi Kingston not only refused Samoa Joe’s “truce” handshake, but gave a middle finger back, then decked Joe with Trouble in Paradise. “Daaaaaaayum.” Kofi got up in Joe’s grill like the Fourth of July cookout. IF YA SMELLLLL~ No! No impersonating The Rock. Fine… But LIVE at Extreme Rules, Kofi VS Joe, who wins? Kofi’s their guy. But even they don’t want to mess with Joe. Then what about #WinnersTakeAll Mixed Tag? Rollins & Lynch VS Corbin & Lacey? Duh, Baron Corbin. … GOTTEE! Oh man, dang! You can’t do that, you’ll get booed. Well even Mama Corbin is against him. Besides, two words: Becky Lynch! The Man and Her Man want the smoke. #WeWanttheSmoke!

Roman Reigns & ??? VS Shane McMahon & Drew McIntyre!

The deal was struck to make things that much harder on Roman Reigns this close to Extreme Rules and the No Holds Barred tag match. Roman makes his entrance first, then Shane and McIntyre are next. They have mics to first make Mike Rome give a proper introduction for “The BEST, in the WOOOOOOOOOOooorld, SHANE, McMAAAHON!” Shane knows Roman knows he’s the best, because he won at Super Showdown 1, 2, 3. And then they’ll do this again as an example for their match with Taker and Roman. McIntyre adds that unlike “all these idiots” in Newark, McIntyre has always been able to look through Roman. Roman plays the nice guy, but he has no respect for anyone. Not Shane, not authority, only himself.

But McIntyre makes a promise: tonight, like Sunday, McIntyre will beat respect into Roman. But for now, the fans will shut up and listen to what Shane has to say. Without further ado, Roman’s partner has been found! Shane introduces us to, “the Fifth Grade Spelling Bee Champion, the Three Time Prudential Employee of the Month,” Gary “The Goat” Garbett! Gary wears a lucha mask as he limps out and holds his stomach. Does he have a nervous stomach from walking out here? This “tag” match starts after one last break.

Raw returns and McIntyre starts with Roman. Roman throws clotheslines and whips, but McIntyre reverses only to get the leaping lariat! Roman runs Shane off but walks into McIntyre’s boots. McIntyre runs but into Samoan Drop! Roman locks ‘n’ loads already, but McIntyre kicks the Superman Punch away. Roman still uppercuts, but gets a Glasgow Kiss. But as Roman stumbles back, he tags in Gary!? McIntyre throws Roman into the post, and now Gary has to come in. McIntyre throws Gary in and Shane wants a tag! He gets his tag, and then shuffles around. Fans rally for Gary as Gary goes to the apron. Shane drags Gary up but Gary swing kicks Shane back! And springboards to clothesline Shane down!?

McIntyre runs in but Gary dodges and handsprings for a… Neuralizer?! Gary fires off on Shane, and swings a big back elbow! Gary runs to FLY and take McIntyre out! And he hurries back to the ring, to springboard for a crossbody! Shane is down but McIntyre gives Gary a CLAYMORE! Shane covers, Shane and McIntyre win!

Winners: Shane McMahon and Drew McIntyre, Shane pinning

The Best in the World is furious, but Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES McIntyre down! Shane runs away and brings McIntyre with him. They’ll wait for Extreme Rules and No Holds Barred. The mask is pulled off, and it wasn’t Gary the janitor, it was Cedric Alexander! Will Alexander pay for tricking Shane? Will Shane and McIntyre pay for thinking they could humiliate Roman when Roman has the Phenom on his side?

My Thoughts:

Well it seems not even Paul Heyman can completely reverse Go-Home Syndrome. Vince McMahon must have still had a lot to say about what went on this episode, basically tying Heyman’s hands creatively speaking. There was still good stuff, but this was not at all like what we got last week. I do like that Heyman got to at least give us a “This is a spoiler. Or is it?!” promo to keep everyone guessing. Opening with the Mixed Tag was a surprise, I thought it was going to be the main event, but they organized the order of things nicely. The action was good, too, though obviously the only reason for the small brawl of Becky and Lacey was to give us that break. This “no wrestling during commercials” decree is still hurting things.

However, the matches are still good. The 2 Out of 3 Falls Six Man Tag is definitely something rare for WWE, and it was obviously so they could get one fall in before a commercial break. Elias, The Revival, The Usos and The Miz all did great. But again, the only problem is that the way WWE does 2 Out of 3 Falls is that either the first or second fall is really short just so we can get to the third fall sooner. Miz and Usos win so Miz can stay strong while we wait for a proper conclusion with Shane, and so the Usos can go in strong against Revival for the tag titles. This match didn’t necessarily hurt The Revival since Elias abandoned them, but I can’t say they retain, either. Both teams are great, so their tag match could go either way.

I knew Strowman and Lashley were going to be booked with superhuman resilience by having a match at Extreme Rules, but I didn’t think Lashley would be back to action here, and just to beat down the returning Mysterio. This seems more Vince’s choice than Heyman’s because he wants Lashley and Strowman to reach a new superhuman level just because. I’m thinking Strowman wins since he’s been winning against Lashley this whole time, and because Lashley stood tall against Mysterio. As for Mysterio, it’s not clear where he’s going now that he’s back from injury. He might circle back to the US Championship even though he’s already checked off his WWE Grand Slam.

The building story of Ricochet and The Club is going well, actually. Oddly, Styles firing The Club up hasn’t stopped them from losing. Gallows and Anderson were both fodder for Ricochet to build up only for The Club to all beat him down. The US Championship match could go either way, which is actually a good thing. Cesaro obviously puts No Way Jose away fast, and Jose’s not so clean move through the ropes didn’t help anything. Cesaro might circle back to Ricochet which makes me think Ricochet retains. The Kanellis story keeps going, and builds to where many assumed it would go: Who is Maria’s baby daddy? This better not be another Anonymous Raw GM type disappointment, but knowing Vince, that’s still a big possibility.

The great story of the night was the 24/7 Championship. So many great little gags, and despite her character being so against Maverick’s obsession, clearly Renee Michelle is all in on this. There has to be something where she either costs Maverick the title or somehow takes the title for her own, same as fans have wanted to see from Carmella. The SmackDown Women’s Championship story is still doing alright, and at least going down a logical path. For one, it was good to see Sarah Logan back on Raw, but she’ll need a new theme to separate herself from the Riott Squad. Then, Nikki Cross not only won the challenge for Alexa tonight, she could literally win the title for Alexa in their Handicap Match. And with Bayley standing tall tonight, Alexa and Nikki might actually do just that.

As for the sampler of Shane & McIntyre VS Roman and a random partner, this didn’t seem that necessary. It was just more excuses for Shane to have TV time during each other, looking at different non-wrestler partners for Roman to be put with. But as expected, the final choice wasn’t the real partner at all. This was a great opportunity for Alexander to actually be in a match since coming to Raw, but it wasn’t going to be enough because he’s still not at a McIntyre level. Shane and McIntyre win but Roman stands tall, so the math is muddy enough that Taker really will have to be the deciding factor. And I’m pretty sure that means Roman and Taker win. And the hopefully when it comes to Roman and Shane, they’re done and Roman can focus on SmackDown stuff.

My Score: 7.8/10