Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (8/19/19)
The King of the Ring returns!
Raw kicks off King of the Ring 2019!
This illustrious tournament returns and Raw begins its opening round! Who moves one step closer to the throne? Plus, the United States Championship is on the line between Phenomenal AJ Styles and the Monster Among Men, Braun Strowman!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Roman Reigns VS Dolph Ziggler; Reigns wins.
- Ricochet & The Miz VS Drew McIntyre & Baron Corbin; Ricochet & Miz win.
- WWE United States Championship: AJ Styles w/ The OC VS Braun Strowman; Strowman wins by disqualification, Styles retains the WWE United States Championship.
- King of the Ring Raw Bracket: Samoa Joe VS Cesaro; Joe wins and advances to the next round.
- The New Day VS The Revival; The New Day wins, by disqualification.
- Nikki Cross & Alexa Bliss VS Fire & Desire; Cross & Bliss win.
- King of the Ring Raw Bracket: Sami Zayn VS Cedric Alexander; Alexander wins and advances to the next round.
- Raw Tag Team Championships: The OC w/ AJ Styles VS Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman; Rollins & Strowman win and become the new Raw Tag Team Champions.
PLAY BY PLAY
Roman Reigns returns to Raw!
And as he heads down to the ring, Jerry “The King” Lawler is on commentary! Corey Graves is on vacation but that’s fine since The King will try to get The Boss to give us the answers to #WhySashaWhy. As for Roman, he and the rest of the WWE Universe still doesn’t know who has attempted to take him out for good! If it isn’t Buddy Murphy, if it isn’t Rowan or Daniel Bryan, then who is it?!
Roman Reigns VS Dolph Ziggler!
The Show-Off makes his entrance and wants to say this face to face, as a gentleman and the bigger man, his Tweets aren’t like the usual keyboard warrior stuff. Ziggler is glad Roman is okay, really. But he just doesn’t get why Roman gets the attention while- Fans tell Ziggler, “You Suck! You Suck!” No he doesn’t! He’s the bigger man, so shut up! Ziggler knows Roman almost got hit by a car, but Ziggler actually got Speared by Goldberg three times! Now the Goldberg chants begin. Ziggler says it’s bad enough to get Speared out of nowhere three times, because he thought Goldberg had to wait six months after each one. Then he got Sweet Chin Music’d and tapped out to the Miz’s parody of Ric Flair’s move!
Ziggler knows Roman is the big man around here, but #ItShouldBeDZ! And then SUPERKICK cheap shot! Ziggler is man enough for this match now! “You Still Suck!” but the referee checks on Roman. Roman shakes the cobwebs out and wants this match. The bell rings and Roman uppercuts Ziggler out of the ring! Roman still steadies himself, and he spots Ziggler crawling outside. Roman goes out and comes around the side, FLYING- No, Ziggler sends him into barriers! ZIGZAG to the floor! Both men are down on the ground while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Ziggler has Roman in a chinlock. Ziggler kicks Roman’s knees then punches him to a corner. Ziggler soaks up the heat before running in, but Roman puts him way out of the ring! Roman catches his breath while Ziggler rolls on the ground. A ring count begins and Ziggler gets back to his feet at 5. Roman goes out and comes around again, Drive-By Dropkick hits! Roman throws Ziggler back in then dodges Ziggler’s attack for the leaping lariat! Fans fire up with The Big Dog as he gives Ziggler the point-blank lariats! Roman gets all 10, then runs to BOOT Ziggler down! Roman gets to a corner then locks ‘n’ loads! But Ziggler dodges and rolls Roman up, TWO! Satellite DDT! Cover, TWO! Ziggler grows frustrated but fans are rallying up. Roman sits up and Ziggler stalks him from behind. Ziggler wants Roman to stand, and runs in, but the ZigZag is denied.
Roman ducks but Ziggler sunset flips, TWO! Famouser countered into a powerbomb, but Ziggler pops out to send Roman into a post! ZIGZAG AGAIN! Cover, TWO!! Roman survives and Ziggler can’t believe it! Both men are down again but fans continue to rally. Ziggler grins as he goes to a corner to tune up the band. Fans boo as Ziggler watches Roman stand. Ziggler runs over, but the kick is blocked! Roman spins Ziggler for a SUPERMAN PUNCH! Cover, TWO!! Ziggler shocks Roman! But Roman refocuses, and fires himself up. The fans fire up, too, as the battle cry is let out. But Ziggler counters spear into Famouser! Cover, TWO!! Ziggler can’t believe how close he is! Fans are cheering Roman on as Ziggler argues with the ref. Ziggler toys with Roman now, “I’m better than you!”
Ziggler says Roman had his chance and blew it. He starts slapping Roman around, then chokes Roman in the corner. The ref backs Ziggler off, and Ziggler comes in, to get a SPEAR!! Cover, Roman wins!
Winner: Roman Reigns, by pinfall
And once again, Ziggler’s ego gets the better of him! Roman wins tonight, but will his mystery assailant, or assailants, still try something before the night is over?
Becky Lynch speaks.
“Last week, Sasha Banks beat me stupid with a chair. “And we all want to know why. Why is Becky daring the Women’s Division to come after her? Because she wants the best, most aggressive version of everyone coming after her. Becky wants to fight the best, to fight everyone at their peak, and that is where Sasha is now. So Becky won’t be mad at her. Four months ago, Sasha ran away crying because her career went cold as ice. But now she’s hotter than ever. Why is that? What changed in those four months that made her this way? Nothing. It’s what Becky did. Sasha is the greatest on the roster to never be great.
So Becky directs this at Sasha: swing your chair and wear your dollar store glasses. But Becky did more work to keep Sasha here than Sasha did. Why did it take The Man to get the real Boss? The greats don’t need to be goaded into greatness, they seek greatness out. This is a cat ‘n’ mouse game, and then Becky will give Sasha something to run home about. Strong words from a strong champion, but what will Sasha’s response be in just a moment?
The King’s Court returns!
Jerry Lawler can tell Becky will want retribution on The Boss in the near future. But Jerry wants to remind everyone that the King of the Ring begins tonight! And The King loves this tournament. It’s not only a title, it can also be a launching pad. Legends like Bret Hart, Stone Cold Steve Austin and even Brock Lesnar were Kings of the Ring. The next few weeks will whittle 16 superstars down to one King of the Ring! Before Jerry names his pick, let’s take a look at that bracket!
Divided into Raw and SmackDown sides, we already know tonight will feature Cesaro VS Samoa Joe and Cedric Alexander VS Sami Zayn, but Raw will also have Ricochet VS Drew McIntyre and The Miz VS Baron Corbin! For SmackDown, there will be Kevin Owens VS Elias, Mustafa Ali VS Buddy Murphy in an incredible 205 Live rematch, Chad Gable VS Shelton Benjamin in a battle of former tag partners, and Apollo Crews VS Andrade Almas in a return of their rivalry just earlier this Summer.
Back to King, he likes quite a lot of those superstars. His Raw finalists will be Cedric and Ricochet, while SmackDown’s… Oh no. Not the lights! King saw the past few weeks, he’s bugging out! Jerry heads back for commentary, but too late!! When the lights come back on, King is surrounded by the strobe! The Fiend is behind him!! And the mandible claw clamps on!! Bray Wyatt smothers The King!! No King’s Court, no venue for The Boss to tell her side of things. Who will be The Fiend’s next victim?
Ricochet & The Miz VS Drew McIntyre & Baron Corbin!
The One and Only unites with the Hollywood A-Lister for a truly AWESOME duo to face off their respective King of the Ring opponents! Who wins this sampler before they compete in the tournament next week?
The teams sort out and Miz starts with McIntyre. Miz waistlocks but McIntyre elbows out to CHOP Miz back. Miz boots McIntyre, then runs but escapes the scoop. Ricochet kicks McIntyre and then Miz hits his A-List Lariat on the Scottish Terminator. Tag to Ricochet and he springboards to clothesline McIntyre down. Tag back to Miz and fans fire up as Miz boots McIntyre down. Ricochet adds a standing moonsault, and McIntyre bails out in frustration. Corbin runs over but is sent out! Ricochet helps Miz wreck them both with a dropkick, then Ricochet MOONSAULST to wipe them out! This awesome duo is standing tall as we go to break!
Raw returns and Miz counter punches Corbin! Miz clubs away then runs, only to get run over! Corbin throws off his suit shirt to rain down angry rights! Corbin glares at Ricochet but McIntyre chuckles. The Lone Wolf says he’ll be wearing the crown, but tags to McIntyre. These familiar friends mug Miz and McIntyre throws Miz overhead! Cover, TWO! McIntyre is on Miz with a mounted armlock and chinbar. Fans rally up and Miz fights to his feet to throw haymakers. McIntyre shoves and runs Miz over! Tag to Corbin, and Corbin stomps Miz down. Corbin brings Miz up to throw hands but Miz fights out! Miz backs Corbin down but COrbni rocks him. Corbin slides out then in to corner splash! Then he feeds Miz to McIntyre’s SPINEBUSTER! Jackknife cover, TWO!
Fans rally but McIntyre is on Miz. McIntyre CHOPS Miz then whips, but Miz gets McIntyre with a DDT! Both men are down and fans rally up. Miz and McIntyre crawl, hot tags to Corbin and Ricochet! Ricochet rallies on Corbin with big flying forearms! Dropkick-flip and enziguri! BOOT for McIntyre, but Corbi puts Ricochet on the apron. Ricochet hits back then springboards up and over. Ricochet hits McIntyre and slips out of Corbin’s back suplex. Corbin slides out then in, but misses to be baited into an enziguri! Somersault shotgun dropkick drops Corbin! Cover, ONE! Ricochet isn’t deterred, he runs corner to corner for a shoulder tackle and big kick! Springboard flying clothesline! Ricochet roars into his standing shooting star! Cover, but McIntyre breaks it!
Miz is after McIntyre and Ricochet helps. McIntyre shoves them away then BOOTS Miz! McIntyre grabs Ricochet and tosses him across the way! Ricochet crashes down and McIntyre takes aim. McIntyre wants Ricochet to stand, but Ricochet SUPERKICKS him into the FINALE! But Corbin has Miz for a Choke Slam! But Ricochet shoulders Corbin back, springboards again, but into a Choke Slam- to land on his feet! But Ricochet runs into DEEP SIX! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet lives and Corbin is furious. Fans chant “Corbin Sucks!” but Corbin tunes that out as he drags Ricochet up to the top rope. Corbin throws hands but Ricochet gives them back. Ricochet kicks Corbin away, leaps for a missile dropkick! Ricochet goes corner to corner, but Corbins ends him into buckles. Miz saves Ricochet and Corbin gets a RECOIL! Cover, RIcochet and Miz win!
Winners: Ricochet & The Miz, Ricochet pinning
The King of Flight and Mr. Most Must-See get a huge win, but will both men win their respective matches in the tournament?
Sasha Banks arrives.
With no King’s Court, the Boss will explain herself on a sit-down interview later tonight.
Booker T is here via Skype!
King Booker knows what just happened to Jerry, The Fiend is like a rabid dog. You either put them down or run away. Jerry was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But to King of the Ring, Booker is of course a former King, #KingBookah was a great king. What did that tournament win mean to him? Thinking to Harley Race, God rest his soul, or King Randy Savage, being a King of the Ring winner definitely puts you in great company and catapults you to great heights. Who does Booker thing will win this year? There are a lot of great stars this year, but his pick is #KingMcIntyre! Will the prediction come true?
WWE United States Championship: AJ Styles w/ The OC VS Braun Strowman!
The Phenomenal One didn’t like that the Monster Among Men ruined The OC’s official, original and only beat down of Seth Rollins and Ricochet that mattered, so he gave Strowman this chance to fight for the title! Obviously Strowman accepted, but will he be able to #GetTheseHands on his first singles championship in the WWE? Or will Gallows and Anderson be a critical factor again?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we begin!
Styles gets face to face with Strowman, or as much as he can with the height difference. Styles SLAPS Strowman but then avoids him in the corner. The chop block hurts Styles more than it does Strowman. Strowman shoves and runs Styles over! Styles flounders out of the ring but Strowman comes around the way! Styles runs while the OC get clear! Styles hits Strowman ash e gets back int he ring, but the ref counts. Strowman grabs Styles and lifts but Styles escapes. Styles mule kicks and stomps the leg, but runs into a pop-up back drop! Styles tumbles off Strowman but Gallows and Anderson get on the apron. Strowman swats them both down, then runs corner to corner at Styles! Styles boots Strowman back, and goes to the apron. Styles forearms Strowman away, then springboards, but into a SWAT of the hand!
Strowman drags Styles up, but here come the Good Brothers! YAKUZA KICK! Dropkick! BOOT!
Winner: Braun Strwoman, by disqualification; Styles retains the WWE United States Championship
The Good Brothers throw Strowman into a post! Strowman staggers into a ROUNDHOUSE! Then they ram Strowman into another post! Gallows drags Strowman out but here comes Seth Rollins! The Architect returns the favor as he takes on the Raw Tag Team Champions! SUPERKICK for Gallows! SUPERKICK for Anderson! Rollins clotheslines Gallows out and the OC is on the retreat! Rollins checks on Strowman, and they shake hands. But Strowman doesn’t let go… At least, not at first. Are these two unlikely allies? Or simply working together against a common enemy?
Seth Rollins catches up with Braun Strowman.
The Architect knows what is going on amidst all this teaming up. If Rollins could make matches, Strowman would definitely be a challenger for his title. But for now, they need to go after The OC. How about going for the Raw Tag titles first? Strowman likes that. A man of few words, that’s good. Will the McMahons approve of this match up of Monster and Beastslayer?
King of the Ring Raw Bracket: Samoa Joe VS Cesaro!
The Samoan Destroyer could make grandiose promises, but the truth is that the king has spoken. But will he dismantle the Swiss Cyborg on the way to the throne?
The bell rings and the tournament truly begins as Cesaro hits Joe with a HARD European Uppercut! Cover, TWO!! Joe gets to a corner but Cesaro is on him fast. Joe resists the suplex to fire back with CHOPS! Cesaro knees low then throws hands. Cesaro runs but Joe runs him over! Joe catches his breath as he drags Cesaro up and whips. Cesaro dodges and springboards for a flying EuroUpper! Cover, ONE! Cesaro keeps his cool as he drags Joe around by the legs. Joe pushes Cesaro away and CHOPS him again. Joe puts Cesaro in a corner to elbow and PELE! Cesaro bails out but Joe runs to DIVE! Direct hit sends Cesaro into the front row! Joe is seething while we go to break.
Raw returns and Joe jabs and chops away on Cesaro in a corner. Joe CHOPS again, but Cesaro CHOPS back! Cesaro throws more CHOPS, then runs, but into a clothesline! Joe grimaces as he looms over Cesaro. Joe drags Cesaro around for a neck wrench. Cesaro endures the twisting as fans build to a rally. Cesaro goes after Joe’s fingers! Joe uppercuts Cesaro! Joe argues with the ref about not reprimanding Cesaro, but Joe shrugs that off to drop a back senton, that misses! Cesaro got clear just in time and now both men are down. Joe stands but Cesaro follows with another EuroUpper! And more EuroUppers in the corner! From all sides! Cesaro runs, to BOOT Joe down! Cover, TWO! Joe just escapes but Cesaro won’t let up. Cesaro goes to suplex, but Joe is too big and strong. Joe suplexes Cesaro but Cearo resists, to get Joe up! He can’t hold Joe up, but tries again, and succeeds! Both men are down again but Cesaro crawls to a cover, TWO!
Fans cheer while Cesaro catches his breath. Cesaro drags Joe back up but Joe CHOPS him again! And again! Joe runs but Cesaro blasts him with another EuroUpper! Joe bails out and Cesaro follows. Cesaro goes around the side, for another EuroUpper! Joe falls but Cesaro puts him back in. Cesaro then goes to the far corner and climbs up. Cesaro flies for a crossbody! Cover, TWO! Joe holds his head from the constant uppercuts, but Cesaro stalks him to a corner. Cesaro runs into the urenage! Joe drops the senton! Cover, TWO! Cesaro survives but Joe keeps his focus. Joe drags Cesaro up and whips, but Cesaro dodges to give more EuroUppers. Cesaro trips Joe up, and takes him for a swing! But only a few rotations, before the Sharpshooter! Cesaro sits deep, then shifts to a crossface! Joe rolls him to a cover, TWO as Cesaro lets go.
Cesaro throws more EuroUppers, but Joe back drops out. Cesaro springboards, into the COQUINA! Joe has Cesaro down, Cesaro taps, Joe wins!!
Winner: Samoa Joe, by submission; advances to the next round
The first step has been taken, and the sinister Samoan Submission Machine is that much closer to the crown. Who will he meet after Ricochet and McIntyre have it out?
Ladies and Gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is in Minneapolis, but something is wrong with his sound. He has terrible news. Grab your loved ones and pull them close, because tonight is a night you won’t forget. This is Elias’ farewell performance. He has so much going on in his life, like these technical difficulties… Being the Uncrowned King of the Ring AND WWE 24/7 Champion is just too much, he cannot risk being out here live every week. But fear not, because he will leave us with an emotional ballad they’ll remember forever. So please silence cell phones, hold your applause and shut your mouths! Elias plays, but his guitar is way out of tune> Who is responsible for this?! There’s a reason for sound checks. Someone get him a guitar.
A guitar flops over. Pick it up and hand it to him! The stage hand slides in, but he looks familiar. He hands the guitar to Elias, but then reveals… It’s R-Truth! Elias sees the referee! Truth rolls Elias up!! TWO, and Truth tries again with a small package. TWO, but Truth kicks low. Truth hits the scissors kick! Cover, TWO!! Elias survives and Truth grows desperate. Truth grabs Elias’ guitar! And he takes aim at Elias! Fans chant “YES! YES!” as he swings, but Elias gets clear! Elias still has Truth’s “baby” but he also has a King of the Ring match coming up soon. Will Elias be able to retain and take a step closer to the throne?
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.
The King of Lucha Libre has been somber and cryptic as of late, mostly brought on by a shocking losing streak. He mentioned his family, so what can he tell us about that? Mysterio thanks everyone for their time and this forum to speak openly. He wants us to believe him when he says he is a fortunate man with a beautiful family and a wonderful career. Mysterio has wrestled since he was a little boy. He has inspired people all around the world. But recently, things just haven’t been clicking. And Andrade Almas ripping his mask, that is a disgrace! In lucha culture, that is the biggest insult. But the biggest thing is that Mysterio has failed to get back at Almas. Mysterio sees things several steps ahead, but his body can’t keep up. He’s had injuries, but his fear is that they’ve all caught up to him.
Mysterio takes a moment to compose himself before he says that “this day” comes to everyone at some point. But he just didn’t think it’d be today. Mysterio understands now that it is time to hang up the boots and the mask. Mysterio must let the new generation rise up. But Dominique stops his father from removing the mask on air! He wants his father to hear him out for a moment. Mysterio said Dominique’s debut would be by his father’s side. And he promised not to change a thing from the original Mysterio’s lessons. Dominique wants to tell his children, Mysterio’s grandchildren, that the great Rey Mysterio Jr was his partner. Please keep wrestling, so that Dominique can make him proud. Mysterio will, for his son. They hug, and it seems the legend will continue a little while longer.
The New Day VS The Revival!
AWWWWW~ Twin Cityyyy~! Xavier Woods and Big E bring their SmackDown Tag Team Championships over per the Wild Card Rule to show Raw how it’s done! Will the Power of Positivity be enough to get even with the #TopGuys from last week? Or will Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder prove they’re worthy of a cross-brand title shot?
The teams sort out and Dawson starts with Big E. Big E runs Dawson over and then throws him to a corner. Big E rams his shoulder in then whips Dawson for a big back elbow! Cover, ONE, but Big E won’t let up. HE brings Dawson over and tags Woods. Woods runs in for a forearm smash, then Big E rams his shoulder again. Big E feeds Dawson to Woods’ clothesline! Cover, TWO! Woods keeps on Dawson but Dawson throws hands. Dawson has Woods in a corner and tags Dash. Woods is fed to Dash’s knees then Dash throws uppercuts. Dash CHOPS Woods, but Woods CHOPS back. Dash kicks and bumps Woods off buckles in the open corner. Dash throws more uppercuts, then whips corner to corner. Woods boots Dash back then hits the Honor Roll!
Dawson runs in but gets hands and clotheslines! The New Day clotheslines The Revival right out! Fans fire up with Woods and Big E while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Woods fights off Dash on the top rope. Woods headbutts Dash down but Dawson tags in. Dawson hurries over but Woods headbutts him, too! Woods leaps to missile dropkick Dawson down! Both men are down and fans rally up. Both men crawl, hot tags to Big E and Dash! Big E throws Dash overhead! And he throws Dawson overhead! Dash runs in but gets the belly2belly! Fans fire up as Big E swivels those hips. Big E runs and hits the BIG SPLASH! Fans rally again as Big E waits for Dash to stand. Big E scoops but Dawson shoves Woods down! Big E hits Dawson then throws Dash out. Big E clubs Dash then runs, but into an RKO!!
Winners: The New Day, by disqualification
The Viper strikes! The Revival seem to be on his good side as Orton wants to keep getting at Kofi Kingston through the New Day! But speaking of, here comes Kofi! Kofi rolls in and takes Orton down! Kofi fights the Revival off, too! Big leaping ax handles take Dash and Dawson down, but Kofi gets another RKO!! The Viper vows to end Kofimania, but Woods fights Orton back! Woods runs, but into SHATTER RKO!!! The #TopGuys hear the voices, too, while Woods sputters. Orton has the Revival bring Woods around to “break his legs!” Throwback to NXT, Dawson has the deathlock, but Orton has Dash wait. Because Orton drags Kofi over to watch! Dash leaps to STOMP Woods’ knee!! Woods screams and writhes in agony and Kofi can only reach out in vain. Fans boo the heartless actions of Orton and his new cohorts, but is this only the beginning of the nightmares for the New Day?
Sasha Banks is ready for her interview.
The Boss was to be on King’s Court, but The Fiend stopped that before it began. Sasha attacked Natalya out of nowhere, can she explain her actions? Sasha says it has been a very emotional week for her, and she will start from the beginning. Last week, she looked in the mirror, and she told herself, “Blue is your color!” Isn’t it? It’s all over social media, “She looks good! She’s better than ever!” Sasha will show up, show out, and not only dose she look good, she feels better. Michael Cole says the hair is not the news, it’s her attack on Natty on a night when Natty was herself emotional. And then she fought a fellow NXT Horsewomen. Why last week? Why at all? Sasha gets serious, and simply says, “You’re welcome.” She gets up and leaves, but will we ever hear the answers?
Nikki Cross & Alexa Bliss VS Fire & Desire!
The Loony Lass and the Goddess are determined to be the fightingest team in the short history WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. The titles aren’t on the lien tonight but Mandy Rose & Sonya Deville could earn a shot with a win. Will they beat the “odd couple” on the road to Clash of Champions?
Raw returns as Mandy and Sonya make their entrance. The teams sort out, and Nikki starts against Sonya. The two circle and tie up, Sonya gets a waistlock and slam. Sonya has the facelock and holds on as Nikki rolls around. Nikki slips out and throat chops Sonya! Alexa tags in but into the body scissor takedown! Cover, ONE! Oklahoma roll, ONE! Sonya knees low then tags Mandy. Fire & Desire whip ALexa and double kick to ram in knees in turn. They both throw Alexa down then Mandy covers, TWO! Alexa throws a hand but gets Mandy’s own killer right! Mandy scoops but Alexa slips out to waistlock. Mandy elbows out then trips Alexa, but then cartwheels over Alexa and taunts The Goddess. Alexa swings but misses and gets a dropkick! Then she gets a running knee! Cover, TWO!
Mandy keeps her cool but Alexa powers her to ropes. Alexa lets up at 4 but Nikki gets a cheap shot in! Mandy gets mad and chases Nikki down to give another hard right! But then Alexa wrecks Mandy with a dropkick! Alexa kicks Mandy while she’s down, then throws her into the ring. Cover, TWO! Alexa grows annoyed but she keeps on Mandy. She whips Mandy to the corner then tags Nikki. Alexa whips Nikki in for a splash, then runs in to SLAP Mandy! Nikki snapmares Mandy into a thrashing straitjacket stretch! Mandy endures and fights her way up. Nikki throws Mandy down by her hair, then drags her up to put her in the corner. Tag to Alexa, and ALexa whips Nikki in for another splash> But Mandy hits Alexa with a Knee from a Rose!
Both women are down but crawling for their corners. Hot tags to Nikki and Sonya! Nikki runs into Sonya’s right hands! Sonya kicks, kicks, and sweeps! Sliding Wizard! But Alexa distracts Sonya to give Nikki time. Nikki boots Sonya away then rams Mandy into a post! But Nikki runs into a SPINEBUSTER! Sonya roundhouses Alexa but Nikki gets her with the PURGE! Cover, Nikki and Alexa win!
Winners: Nikki Cross & Alexa Bliss, Cross pinning
The Women’s Tag Team Champions survive a fast and furious match! Will they be able to keep up this pace? Or will these #TinyTerrors eventually be caught?
Rollins and Strowman prepare backstage.
AJ Styles can’t get involved or it will be a disqualification. The OC are bad dudes but they’re not these two. Strowman, c’mon. Before the Universal Championship, focus on these championships. Follow Rollins’ lead and they might be tag team champions. Strowman is focused, but he is the leader, so that they will become tag team champions. Will Beastslayer and Monster be able to coexist and take the gold from the Good Brothers?
King of the Ring Raw Bracket: Sami Zayn VS Cedric Alexander!
Another opening round match pits the Critic of the Critics against a former WWE Cruiserweight Champion. The Age of Alexander is ready to rise again while Sami would rather just lord the accomplishment over the WWE Universe. Will Sami save his WWE career at the expense of Alexander?
The bell rings and Sami waistlocks and clubs Alexander down. Sami kicks Alexander then whips him to clothesline Alexander down! Cover, ONE, but Sami tries again, ONE! Sami keeps his cool as he stalks Alexander to the ropes. Sami chokes Alexander but lets up at 4. Fans boo but Alexander chops Sami back. Sami scoops Alexander for a backbreaker! Cover, ONE, but Sami again tries again, TWO! Sami hooks Alexander’s arm to wrap on a chinlock. Alexander endures and fans rally up. Alexander fights up and out with an arm-drag. Sami scoops Alexander for Michinoku! Cover, TWO! Sami grows frustrated, but he stomps and clubs Alexander over and over. Sami wraps on a chinlock again, but fans rally up. Alexander powers out and fights back, to CHOP Sami. Sami kicks low then whips, but Alexander stops that to rock Sami with an elbow!
Things speed up and Alexander hits Sami with flying forearms! Sami runs into Alexander’s boot, then Alexander goes up and over to handspring back, and headscissor Sami down. Alexander dropkicks Sami out of the ring! Fans fire up as Alexander runs, to DIVE! Down goes Sami! Alexander puts Sami in fast, then hits the Neuralizer enziguri! LUMBAR CHECK! Cover, Alexander wins!
Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall; advances to the next round
The Age of Alexander takes that first step to a resurrection on Raw! But will he be facing The Miz or Baron Corbin in the second round?
The Street Profits check their brackets.
Montez Ford’s got it good but Angelo Dawkins already has a bust. He thought it would be Cesaro taking it to the finals. It’s fine, you can still make up for it in the SmackDown side. Andrade VS Apollo, KO VS Elias! Then on Raw, Miz VS Corbin, McIntyre VS Ricochet! Wait, wait. Why isn’t there some kind of tag team tournament? Kings of the Ring. Silly Dawkins, the Street Profits are already kings up in this piece. Ford has his crown, gold on his neck, but wait. The OC defending their Raw Tag Team Championships against Seth Freakin’ BRAUN-LINS! That is going to be a spectacular, show-stopping, heart-dropping match! And that match is… NEXT!
Anderson and Gallows don’t get this.
Rollins and Strowman don’t deserve a match! But Styles says this is how the OC can truly prove they’re the greatest trio! They can show that the Universal Champion and the Monster are no match for them! Too Sweet, boys!
Natalya speaks.
“I just came from the WWE doctors, again.” One week since baring her soul to the world. Between preparing for her SummerSlam match to nearing the anniversary of her father’s passing, Natty expected things to be emotional. She did not expect Sasha Banks to do what she did. Sasha was Natty’s friend. One of her closest. That is why Natty can’t understand why Sasha would do this! Then all Sasha does this week is smirk and laugh- SASHA ATTACKS AGAIN! She throws Natty around while daring her to keep talking. She puts the bad arm in an open drawer and STOMPS it! “Go to Hell, Natty, and tell Daddy I said hi.” Just why is Sasha treating everyone like this?!
Raw Tag Team Championships: The OC w/ AJ Styles VS Seth Rollins & Braun Strowman!
The favor was returned, and now Beastslayer and Monster Among Men look to really stick it to the Good Brothers. Can Rollins become a dual Universal and tag team champion alongside an unlikely ally? Or will the original, official and only team that matters still be Gallows and Anderson?
Raw returns as the champions make their entrance. Strowman glares at them all as they make their way out. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and Styles talks trash the entire time. The teams sort out, and we start with Gallows and Strowman. Gallows talk trash but Strowman shoves him back. The two men tie up and Strowman puts Gallows in a corner for big hands! Strowman runs and runs Gallows over! The Monster roars and brings Gallows over to tag Rollins. Rollins drops a punch into Gallows then wrenches the arm. Gallows haymakers Rollins off his feet, then bumps him in the OC corner. Gallows throws hands on the bad ribs, then tags Anderson. Anderson puts Rollins in another corner to also go after the ribs. The ref backs him off but Anderson comes back, to get a CHOP!
Rollins backs Anderson down with haymakers and CHOPS! Anderson reverses the whip but Rollins kicks him back and clotheslines him down! Rollins drags Anderson up for a suplex, but Anderson slips out to waistlock. Rollins standing switches but Gallows tags in. Rollins knees Gallows and tosses Anderson out. Rollins dropkicks Anderson and hits a flying knee on Gallows! Rollins even punches Anderson back down. Gallows uppercuts and hauls Rollins into a fireman’s carry. Gallows drops Rollins on the barriers, ribs first! And again! Rollins falls down in a heap and Styles talks trash as Raw goes to one last break.
Raw returns once more, and Rollins fights out of an armlock. Rollins punches but Anderson reaches for Gallows. Anderson whips Rollins but Rollins kicks back. Rollins hits Gallows but runs into the SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives despite the bad ribs, but Anderson is right on him again. Anderson hoists Rollins up top and throws hands. Anderson punches Rollins then climbs up to join him. Rollins resists the superplex, but Anderson keeps trying. Rollins fights back and sends Anderson down with a headbutt! Fans rally and Rollins catches his breath, but he boots Anderson away. Rollins leaps for a Block Buster! Both men are down and fans rally up! Hot tag to Gallows and he clobbers Rollins! Gallows chokes Rollins on the ropes but lets up at 4. Styles comes around but Strowman keeps him away. Gallows goes out to shove Strowman into a post!
Gallows BOOTS Strowman down before going back to Rollins. Rollins SUPERKICKS Gallows but Anderson tags in. Anderson runs into a Slingblade! Rollins goes corner to corner with forearm smashes! Gallows catches him, scoops hi but Rollins slips out to dump Gallows out. Rollins DIVES to wipe Gallows out into barriers! Then he goes at Anderson, Falcon Arrow! Cover, TWO!! Rollins can’t believe how close he was, but he doesn’t lose focus. Fans rally up as Anderson gets to a corner. Rollins runs in, but Anderson puts him on the apron. Rollins punches Anderson away then climbs, but Anderson distracts the ref for STYLES to trip Rollins up! Gallows tags in and the OC have Rollins in the back suplex neckbreaker combo! Cover, TWO!! Rollins still lives!
The OC are furious but tag to Anderson. Gallows drags Rollins up as fans rally again. Anderson helps hold Rollins up but Rollins fights them back! The OC stomps Rollins down, then toss him out. Gallows holds Rollins up and Styles gets ready to do something. But Strowman runs Styles over! And then runs Gallows over! Fans are thunderous as the Monster evens the score! Rollins escapes the suplex, hot tag to Strowman! And now Strowman runs Anderson over! And puts him in a corner for a BIG splash! Gallows urns in but gets run over, too! Strowman splashes Anderson again! Then scoops, to a MONSTER SLAM!! Cover, but Styles slips in! Rollins CURB STOMPS Styles! Strowman and Rollins win!!
Winners: Braun Strowman & Seth Rollins, Strowman pinning; NEW Raw Tag Team Champions
The Architect is a DUAL Raw Tag Team and Universal Champion! Strowman himself is a two-time tag team champion! Is this duo going to dominate all the way through Clash of Champions? How is Rollins going to handle the extra target on his back? Especially if Strowman is aiming for that top prize…
My Thoughts:
A pretty solid episode of Raw right here. One thing about tonight was that it all went smoothly for a faster pace to the show. Nothing really dragged on and nothing was filler, per se. Reigns VS Ziggler was a match that didn’t necessarily need to happen, but it was such a good match because these two really are among the best workers in the WWE right now. Bliss-Cross VS Fire & Desire was a pretty solid match and a good sampler of what could be a Women’s Tag Championship match. The New Day VS Revival was a great match, and a truly surprising appearance by Orton. Orton making Kofi watch as Woods has his knee kayfabe busted was some powerful stuff, and definitely brings into question if New Day can defend the SmackDown Tag titles at Clash of Champions. This story could even turn into Kofi having to defend both the tag titles and the world title via Freebird rules.
In fact, there might be some parallels in the world and Universal title stories. Sadly it was all but obvious Strowman wasn’t going to win that United States title just on how The OC were there to be with Styles. Rollins making the save i return made a lot of sense, and even wanting to have a tag match made sense. The tag titles being thrown on top of it was a nice touch but I would’ve thought Styles helps the OC retain. But wouldn’t you know, Rollins has another tag title reign and is the first superstar to be dual Universal and Raw Tag champion in their career. More boosting to Rollins’ resume, though at the expense of the OC. However, here come the parallels I mentioned. Whether or not Styles finds a new opponent for his US title, Strowman clearly wants the Universal Championship. Rollins will surely have to worry about his Raw Tag title and top title, but the question is how all that comes about.
I could easily see Strowman ditching Rollins for them to lose the tag titles if it helps him win the Universal title, though that could also turn into Rollins surviving Strowman to leave Strowman with nothing. There’s ways for Styles to get thrown into the mix, and some of this unpredictability is really good. I don’t think this will come down to a new Winner Takes All scenario, but there has to be some double duty pulled by someone in this. This could also involve some of the King of the Ring results. Joe VS Cesaro was so good! It is a shame this wasn’t a later match-up because that is how good this match was. Alexander VS Sami was a pretty good match, too, but it was pretty fast. Sami’s been getting buried ever since the start of this Critic of the Critics thing, but at least we’re a step closer to Alexander VS McIntyre in the Raw Finals. And those who will end up losing this tournament, except for Sami, could easily go against Styles. It would be a shame for Ricochet to be out in the opening round, but another US title match would be a great consolation.
The Raw Women’s Championship story was an interesting one tonight, and perhaps controversial. First, The Fiend attacking Jerry Lawler, another great shocking appearance and it keeps Bray consistent in going after legends. Second, Becky has a great promo to respond to Sasha’s actions, and Sasha has a solid “interview” promo as a partial response. However, where things might go sideways is when Sasha attacks Natty backstage. And not even the attack, but Sasha’s line about going to Hell and the late Jim Neidhart. It seems that while WWE have learned how to book their women, they still haven’t learned how to write their women. I remember back to both the Bella VS Bella story and the Paige VS Charlotte story, there being lines that were just a bit too controversial all for the sake of escalating things. But this will blow over quickly so let’s just focus on the chances of Natty coming back for revenge on Sasha at some point, and the possibility of all four NXT Horsewomen being on the Clash of Champions card.
My Score: 8.2/10
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So close to the crowns, we can almost taste them!
Randy Orton and Asuka are waiting, who will join them in the King & Queen of the Ring finals set for Night of Champions?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- PENTA VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman; Bron wins.
- Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Jade Cargill VS Roxanne Perez; Jade wins and advances to the finals.
- WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Bayley; Becky wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.
- King of the Ring Semifinals: Cody Rhodes VS Jey Uso; Cody wins and advances to the finals.
PLAY BY PLAY
Seth Rollins is here!
Columbus, Ohio is ready to #BurnItDown as they sing along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” The Visionary leads the way for Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed, The Wise Man handling the Money in the Bank briefcase. They’re all feeling good after devastating LA Knight to the point of indefinite leave of absence from the bruised ribs caused by multiple Spears and Tsunamis. Rollins revels in the singing in his best Michael Jackson’s Bad ensemble. Heyman hands Rollins the mic, and Rollins says, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins! I am a Visionary, I am a Revolutionary, I am…” “SETH! FREAKIN’! ROLLINS!”
Rollins takes off the sunglasses while the fans bark for Bron, and Rollins says, “Columbus, you are sending me mixed signals here. So let me ask you a question: All of you, everyone in this building, what do you want?” There is barking but there also seems to be chants for CM Punk. Rollins says exactly! One minute, the fans chant for CM Punk, then the next minute is the OTC, and then they’re barking for “The Dog,” then they’re singing his song! Which they do again.
Rollins says it is painfully obvious that the fans have no damn idea what they want, so Rollins does not care what they want! They don’t know what is good for them, so they need people like Rollins, visionaries like Rollins, to tell them what IS good for them! Rollins wants to try an experiment. Wrap your tiny little brains around this: Even the things that you think you want are because of Rollins. Roman Reigns, the OTC? He exists because of Rollins! CM Punk came back to the WWE because the fans chanted his name? No, CM Punk is back in the WWE because this company wanted to cash in on how much Rollins HATES CM Punk!
Cody Rhodes, The American Nightmare… There is no second coming of Cody unless Rollins is there to put Cody on the map! The World Heavyweight Championship? Rollins was the first! NXT Championship? Rollins was the first! Those things exists as they are because ROLLINS built them in HIS image! Rollins is the creator, the prime mover, the past, present, and FUTURE of this company! Rollins says between him and his “Oracle,” Paul Heyman, they know a thing or two about revolutions. And every revolution faces opposition. Rollins will deal with that opposition diplomatically until that opposition pushes Rollins and forces his hand.
That is exactly what happened to L A Knight, YEAH! Knight stuck his nose in Rollins’ business, and he got Tsunami after Tsunami after Tsunami for it! And… In a few minutes’ time, Rollins’ dog, Bron Breakker, has an opportunity to do the same thing to another person that has been a thorn in Rollins’ side: Penta. The fans cheer but Rollins will spell it out for us. There are a lot of people who think they’ve got what it takes to exist at the very top. Champions like John Cena and Gunther, or even their challengers like CM Punk and Goldberg, or even the King of the Ring entries, Cody Rhodes, Jey Uso and Randy Orton!
But what they all fail to understand is they are all running a race for second place. “This (MITB briefcase) is the finish line. This is the endgame. It has and always will be Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!” But wait, here comes Bron’s opponent! Will Penta’s #CeroMiedo be the key to ruining Rollins’ plans? We find out, after the break.
PENTA VS Bron Breakker w/ Paul Heyman!
Raw returns and the match is already underway as Bron rains down fits in the corner. The ref counts, Bron drags Penta up and whips him to ropes. Penta ducks ‘n’ dodges then RANAS! The fans fire up as Bron tumbles around! Bron sputters to his feet in a corner, and Penta GAMANGIRIS! The fans fire up, Penta brings Bron out, but Bron fires body shots. Bron shoves Penta, Penta dodges again to springboard and CROSSBODY! Penta keeps going, GAMANGIRI in the corner again! Then a HEADSTAND DROPKICK! The fans cheer Penta on while Bron bails out. Penta says, “CERO! MIEDO!” and Columbus joins in.
Penta builds speed, but Bron is back in! BACKDROP! The fans bark while Bron seethes. Bron stomps Penta, digs his forearms into Penta’s face and throat, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Bron reels Penta in, suplexes, and paces. The fans rally as Bron circle Penta. Bron stands Penta up but Penta fires body shots. Penta CHOPS, the fans cheer, but Bron kicks low. Bron whips, scoops, and hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Penta survives but Bron is amused now. Heyman coaches Bron to keep on Penta, and Bron RAMS into Penta again and again. The fans rally for Penta and the ref counts. Bron stops at 4 to bring Penta around.
Bron headlocks, Penta powers up and out, but Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges now! Bron builds speed and LARIATS! The fans bark and Bron says, “Since his first day here, he’s been trying to keep up with me. You’re never gonna beat me, ever!” Bron stomps Penta at the ropes, the ref counts, but Bron stops at 4. Bron stares down the fans as they either cheer or bark. Bron stands Penta up and scrapes Penta’s face off ropes! Bron hoists Penta up top, climbs up to get him, but Penta fires hands! The fans rally for Penta, Bron staggers back, but then Bron UPPERCUTS! Penta flops to the apron! Bron climbs, he drags Penta up by his mask, but Penta CHOPS! And CHOPS!
Penta runs and jumps to RANA! The fans fire up as Bron tumbles away! Penta KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! Penta fires up, aims, and SUPERKICKS! But Bron just gets mad! Bron runs up, but Penta DUMPS him out! Penta then PLANCHAS, but Bron catches him to a fireman’s carry! But Penta slips free! Penta POSTS Bron, slides in the ring, and Penta KICKS Bron from the apron, Penta builds speed and FLIES! Down goes Bron at the ramp but Penta is also in bad shape. The ref hurries to check while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and now Bron and Penta are down behind the desk! It was first Bron hitting a GOURD BUSTER on the post, then Bron hitting his signature FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” as Bron and Penta rise. Bron brings Penta around the way to put him back in the ring. Bron stomps Penta, and stomps, and stomps, stomps, stomps! Bron then whips Penta to a corner, but Penta BOOTS back! Penta then ELBOWS Bron, runs up, but Bron grabs him by the neck! Gorilla press for the GUT BUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Penta stays in this and Bron grows frustrated, but Columbus cheers Penta on!
Bron looms over Penta, clamps on a headlock, and he grinds Penta down. Penta endures as Bron claims Penta wants to quit. Heyman says a smart person would quit! The fans rally, Penta fights up, and Penta fires body shots! Penta whips, Bron reverses, but Penta KICKS back! Penta dodges Bron, kicks the legs out, then runs to SLING-DOG! Bron flounders into a corner and the fans fire up with Penta! Penta winds up to CHOP! Penta whips corner to corner, Bron reverses, but Penta goes up and over! Bron holds onto ropes to stop the Backstabber, so Penta O’Conner Rolls, then rolls through, PANCAKE PLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!
Bron escapes but Penta rises up! The fans fire up as Penta calls his shot! Penta runs in, DEST- NO, Bron throws Penta back! Penta SUPERKICKS, goes up, but Bron somersaults?! Bron JUMP KNEES Penta! Bron then runs back up, goes right up, SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and the fans fire up again! Heyman grows frustrated, but Bron brings down the straps. Bron builds speed while the fans bark, but Penta SUPERKICKS! Penta calls his shot, runs up, but Bron grabs Penta again! Another gorilla press, but Penta DDTS out of it! And now, RUNNING DESTROYER!!! Cover, TWO!!
Bron survives and shocks Penta! The fans can’t believe it either, but “This is Awesome!” Penta and Bron rise, and Penta brings Bron in. Penta pump handles but Bron switches! Bron back suplexes, Penta lands out and mule kicks the legs! Penta fires up, ducks ‘n’ dodges, springboard into the SPEAR!! Cover, Bron wins!
Winner: Bron Breakker, by pinfall
Bron ends this one in the blink of an eye with a rather badass counterattack! Rollins returns to ringside to celebrate with Bron, and he tells Penta this is his final warning: Stay out of Rollins’ way! Will Penta listen? Or will Penta stay in the fight against Rollins’ “revolution?”
Adam Pearce is on the phone.
The Raw General Manager is discussing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships with the SmackDown General Manager, Nick Aldis, but has to end the call as someone walks in. AJ Styles is here and asks why Pearce wanted to see him. Pearce says that Liv Morgan is out with injury, but apparently Dominik Mysterio is, too. What? What’d Dom do, strain his mustache? Pearce says the paperwork is legitimate so now the match at Night of Champions is off. Styles says this is just Dom ducking him! He’s gonna go make sure Dom’s hurt. Pearce stops Styles there and says to trust him. When Dom is 100%, Styles is first in line to challenge him.
Styles says fine, he will be waiting. Styles exits, but is Dirty Dom just pulling some kind of charade to avoid a phenomenal title defense? That aside, The New Day walks in, along with Grayson Waller. Xavier Woods says go on, Styles, go on. Kofi Kingston says champions are dropping like flies. A shame, really. Woods is happy they have time to talk with Pearce, they have an idea for a photoshoot. New shirts, great abs, it makes sense. Pearce says he actually wants to talk with them about a match. A MATCH!? Yes. For the tag titles. Against Finn Balor & JD McDonagh. WHAT!? But also, guess what else? It. Don’t say it! Is… Don’t…!! Official! NO!!
Pearce thanks them for dropping by, and Kofi says he is so bad! Pearce knows. Waller hangs back and tells Pearce not to treat his new friends, the NEW~ DAY~, like that! Waller leaves, Pearce sighs, but will the Judgment Day have their day against the New Day next Monday Night Raw?
Exclusive interview with Bill Goldberg.
Michael Cole sat down with the living legend to talk about the revenge he wants against Gunther for the comments made last year. That revenge will be Saturday Night’s Main Event in Atlanta. What is it about Gunther that put Goldberg in this kind of mood? Goldberg answers with his own question: Did we expect anything less from Goldberg? Was there any way he was going to let those comments slide? Cole knows that’s a no. Goldberg takes his family to a WWE event as a fan. They try to relax and have a good night, no worries about opponents. And he steps into a verbal assault from Gunther.
The lack of respect from Gunther that Goldberg say that night was pretty unbelievable. Astonishing even. Did Gunther embarrass Goldberg in front of his wife? Yes. Did he embarrass Goldberg in front of his son? Absolutely. Did he embarrass Goldberg in front of his fans and adopted home of Atlanta? 100%. So there was no way Goldberg was going to let Gunther get away with it. Goldberg didn’t know where and he didn’t know when he would seek revenge, but he was going to introduce Gunther to the true Goldberg. And it didn’t matter if he was 58 or 28, Goldberg could have one foot in the grave, no one is going to talk to him like that.
So yeah, Gunther embarrassed Goldberg in front of his family. So as Goldberg is vying for a retirement match, wondering who his opponent would be, it was rather serendipitous that Gunther has put himself in that spot. This is the logical choice. As long as Goldberg can step foot into the ring, he will make Gunther pay. Goldberg vows to beat to F outta Gunther at Saturday Night’s Main Event! Goldberg is fired up for what will be his FINAL match, and it will be for the World Heavyweight Champion! Will Goldberg add one more reign to his legacy? Or will Der Ring General crush the seemingly unbreakable?
Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.
With WWE 2K on autopilot in the background, the supposedly hurt Dominik says he misses Liv already. Raquel does, too, we all do. Even Finn. But they all know Liv, and they all know Liv wouldn’t want them sitting around and sulking. Dom is still Intercontinental Champion, and once he’s cleared to compete, he’ll show Styles exactly why he is “Dirty Dom.” And Roxie, she faces Jade Cargill tonight. When Roxie beats Jade, she’ll go on to become Queen of the Ring! And then he and JD have a tag title match next week, and they will bring those belts home! And Raquel, she IS the Women’s World Tag Team Championship, she’s got this!
Raquel brings up that Aldis and Pearce are working out a decision on these titles. Finn says they’ll cross that bridge when it comes. And well, maybe if Rhea shows up… WHAT WAS THAT?! See? That’s the fire Finn wants from Raquel! That’s the enforcer they know! Raquel can’t just let Rhea walk all over her. She needs to be the enforcer, and the enforcer they know would make Rhea pay. Raquel agrees with that! She’ll go take care of her! Raquel heads out and Dom still misses Liv. Roxie assures him, it’ll all be okay. Dom wishes Roxie luck tonight, and now Roxie heads out. The boys are a bit torn, but will Finn be right about everything?
Lyra Valkyria finds Bayley backstage.
The Morrigan asks if The Role Model has a second to chat. Lyra wishes Bayley luck tonight against Becky Lynch, and apologizes for being a bit salty last week. Nobody knows more than Lyra how much Bayley has earned her match with Becky. Speaking of, Becky was walking this way, but sees these two and turns around. Bayley says wow, she didn’t know she needed Lyra’s approval to get this title match. Lyra says that’s not what she means. Bayley cools off and apologizes. This match has been on her mind all week, but she promises that when she beats Becky, Lyra is first in line. Lyra says okay, so they’re cool? They’re cool.
Lyra wishes Bayley luck and heads out. Bayley finishes preparing, but will she be able to bring down The Man? Or will #FiveStarBecks stay golden?
Queen of the Ring Semifinals: Jade Cargill VS Roxanne Perez!
The Storm is in Columbus, and she wants to reign as the Queen of the Ring. But The Prodigy has a long list of accomplishments backing her up, will she just add QOTR finalist to it? Or is Jade about to step right over her to go against Asuka?
Raw returns as Roxie makes her entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally up. Jade and Roxie approach, but then Roxie bails out. The fans boo but Roxie says we do this on her time. Jade dares Roxie to bring it, and Roxie takes her time stepping back inside. Roxie and Jade circle, feel things out, but Roxie smirks as she goes to the apron. The fans boo more but Roxie just smiles. Jade scowls but Roxie steps back in. They circle again, but Roxie dodges Jade to SLAP her! Then Roxie runs for it! Jade gives chase, they get back in the ring and Roxie headlocks. Jade blocks the takeover to THROW Roxie to a corner!
Jade runs in, blocks a boot, then ROCKS Roxie. Jade pops Roxie up and holds her up, but Roxie slips through to sunset flip! Jade YANKS Roxie back up, puts her back in the corner, and runs in again. Roxie dodges, then she ROCKS Jade! Roxie takes a bow, but Jade huffs ‘n’ puffs. Roxie gets worried, apologizes and then bails out again. Jade again gives chase, they go back in the ring, and Roxie runs up. Roxie ducks ‘n’ dodges, but the FLAPJACK still finds her! Roxie flounders around but Jade eggs her on. Jade stands Roxie up to SLAP her back! Roxie flops out of the ring and Jade goes after her. Roxie HOTSHOTS Jade in the ropes!
Roxie runs and tilt-o-whirls, but Jade stops that to hit a BACKBREAKER! Jade storms up on Roxie, TOSSES her across the way, and she fires Columbus up. Jade does push-ups because Roxie isn’t enough of a workout! The fans cheer while Roxie flops out of the ring. Jade storms after Roxie, the cat ‘n’ mouse continues, and Jade avoids hitting steps! Jade ELBOWS Roxie back, then fireman’s carries. Jade carries Roxie around, high-fives some fans, then goes up the steel steps! But Roxie slips free and CHOP BLOCKS! Jade sits down hard on the steps, then Roxie DROPKICKS one of the knees! Jade writhes and Roxie goes back for more!
Roxie stomps away on Jade’s leg while the fans boo, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Roxie UPPERCUTS Jade in the corner! Roxie rolls, comes back, and UPPERCUTS again! Roxie rolls again, runs back in again, but Jade catches her! Jade hits a back suplex but Roxie lands out! CHOP BLOCK! Jade is down and Roxie runs, UPPERCUT against the ropes! Jade falls back, Roxie goes up, up, and LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Jade survives and Roxie shrieks in frustration! Roxie grabs a leg, steps over, and has the standing toehold! The fans rally while Jade endures. Jade keeps her shoulders up as she reaches for Roxie, and the fans rally up again. Jade kicks at Roxie with her free leg, then BOOTS her down!
Roxie flounders to a corner, runs up on Jade, but Jade scoops! Roxie slips around to have a SLEEPER! Roxie is a backpack and she brings Jade down to a knee! But Jade fights up and RAMS Roxie in to a corner! The fans fire up as Jade is free! Roxie goes up a corner while the fans duel, and Roxie CROSSBODIES! But Jade catches her! The fans fire up as Jade then FALL AWAY SLAMS! Jade shakes her bad leg out, kips up, but the bad leg still bothers her. Jade runs, and she rallies on Roxie with ax handles! Then a BOOT! Roxie rebounds into a SPINEBUSTER! Jade fires up, slaps the leg into working, and the fans rally behind her.
Jade waits on Roxie, brings her up with a choke grip, and she gets a taste! CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Roxie survives the slam dunk and Jade is stunned! Jade hurries to grab at Roxie but Roxie grabs ropes. Jade throws Roxie, then SUPERKICKS! Roxie wobbles, Jade chicken wings, but Roxie victory rolls! And then a step over to an O’Conner BRIDGE! TWO!! Jade kicks, Roxie dodges, and Roxie SUPERKICKS! Roxie shrieks, runs, and tilt-o-whirls, LA MSYTICA! Then the handspring, DOUBLE KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!! Roxie is furious that Jade survives! Roxie shrieks as she flails and hammers away!
Roxie drags Jade up, tells her she’s messing with the wrong prodigy, but then Jade ROCKS Roxie! Roxie SOBATS, then hops on, but Jade slips free! BOOT! A glancing blow, but Jade hurries to get Roxie up! POWERBOMB! High stack, Roxie fights, so Jade spins her and chicken wings! JADED!!! Cover, Jade wins!!
Winner: Jade Cargill, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
Roxie may be a prodigy, but Jade is proving to be a force of nature! And wait! Here comes Asuka! The Empress of Tomorrow struts her way out on stage, and she takes off her kabuki mask to look Jade in the eyes. Jade is the storm, but Asuka has the fire, will these two change the entire landscape of the WWE Women’s Division?
Sheamus talks with the Alpha Academy.
The Fella says he told them before, Natalya & Maxxine have a great chance at those Women’s Tag Team Championships. Natty thanks Sheamus, that is appreciated, but Sheamus did a great job in last week’s KOTR Fatal 4 Way. He shouldn’t lose sight of how great he is. Maxxine says sorry it didn’t work out. Sheamus says it’s fine, at least he got to put Rusev in his place. Akira Tozawa says next time… Oh, but here come Rusev. Rusev tells Tozawa to go, and Sheamus has The Alpha Academy move on. Rusev asks if Sheamus is still pretending to be everyone’s friend. This place is full of people like that. They smile to your face, but then stab you in the back.
Is Rusev trying to rile Sheamus up? Cuz Sheamus is used to beating his own drum. And that drum is ten beats o’ the Bodhrain, and he’d love to do it on Rusev’s chest. Rusev says he does his damage in the ring like a god, while Sheamus does his back here like a snake. Oh, Rusev’s a god now? Some god. Rusev was the most embarrassing and egotistical member in the League of Nations. That’s what Sheamus remembers. And he’s tired of talking. So no more BS. Put up or shut up! Rusev vows to make new memories. Rusev leaves, but when and where will Bulgarian Brute and Celtic Warrior have their grudge match?
GUNTHER is here!
The fans are a bit torn seeing the World Heavyweight Champion make his way to the ring, belt around his waist, and surprisingly no suit jacket. That must ironically mean Gunther is all business as he grabs himself a mic. The fans boo, but Gunther says, “Last week was supposed to be my celebration. Me, celebrating regaining what’s rightfully mine, the World Heavyweight Championship! But instead, none other than Bill Goldberg walked down here, looked me straight in the eye, and told me that I am next. So I did a lot of thinking. I thought a lot about what it means to be ‘next.’
“Usually being next means getting speared outta your boots, Jackhammer, 1-2-3, and waking up, looking at the lights. Bill Goldberg is the most destructive man of his generation. But it is not 1999 anymore! It is 2025, and right now, I’M THE GUY!” The fans are torn on that, surprisingly. Gunther says he is the best wrestler in this company, and the world title around his waist proves it! Gunther says he heard what Goldberg said. Intense as always. But nothing changes Gunther’s perception about him: That is a 58-year-old one trick pony that can’t lace Gunther’s boots! The fans are torn again, but Gunther wants to take this moment to apologize.
Gunther apologizes to Goldberg’s wife and son… for everything he is about to do to the man that used to be Goldberg! Gunther is unlike anyone Goldberg has ever faced! Gunther embarrassed him once, and he will embarrass Goldberg again at Saturday Night’s Main Event! It is Gunther’s personal responsibility to make sure that the myth that is Bill Goldberg DIES! Der Ring General storms back out and the fans are just as fired up! Will this be a human demolition derby in Atlanta?
Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.
Jackie Redmond is with The Man and apologizes for interrupting as Becky prepares for her match. But Jackie was hoping for her thoughts on- Becky interrupts and says her thoughts are on how she just saw Bayley and Lyra conspiring to work together! That is the only way they can get this title off her! Well, she’s said too much already. Becky hurries off, is paranoia getting to her? Meanwhile, Jackie spots Sami Zayn. Jackie asks Sami if he has a second. He is coming off a loss to Randy Orton, but we all know how much becoming world champion means to him. She has to ask, how is he processing the loss?
Sami starts with, “Um,” but then Karrion Kross joins. Kross mockingly asks what kind of response is, “Um.” But he isn’t trying to upset Sami. Sami must be really, really happy. Kross believed everything Sami said last week. “I’m good enough to become the world champion!” But what happened? What Kross said would happen: Sami wrestled The Viper, and got dropped. Kross wants Sami to get it through his thick skull: the way Sami is now, the way Sami wants to be, that Sami will never be world champion. Sami shakes his head, but then says, “Okay. Okay.” Then Sami DECKS Kross! Sami tells Kross he is done talking! Sami talked to Pearce. Their match is official! Tick-tock.
Sami leaves, Scarlett checks on Kross, but then she says, “Stop it.” They were both playing along and they’ve suckered Sami in! Will Sami’s time fade away as he goes up against Mr. Doomsday?
WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Bayley!
Well, you can’t spell “megalomaniac” without “MAN,” and that’s what The Man has become. But will all the power and glory Becky has cheated to gain go away? Or will she foil the “conspiracy” between Role Model and Morrigan?
Raw returns as Becky makes her entrance in a very big fur coat. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see which horsewoman wears the gold!
The bell rings and the fans rally up. Becky and Bayley slowly circle, talk a little trash, and then tie up. They go around collar ‘n’ elbow, and Becky pulls Bayley’s hair! Bayley puts Becky in the corner, grinds forearms in, but then Becky shoves Bayley. Bayley eggs Becky on, so Becky SLAPS Bayley! Bayley fires a flurry of forearms in the corner! The erf counts, Bayley whips Becky corner to corner and fires more forearms! The ref counts again, Bayley climbs up, but Becky slips free! Bayley runs to CLOBBER Becky! Bayley then runs to ELBOW Becky in the back! And then SLIDING- NO, Becky rolls through the lariat to have the arm!
Bayley fights, stands, and steps over, but Becky trips Bayley up! Becky goes for the arm again, they go around and around, and Bayley TOSSES Becky through ropes! Becky shoves Bayley away, then RAMS into her! Becky steps in, but Bayley HOTSHOTS her after all! Becky flops to the floor and the ring count starts. Bayley slides out, runs up the steps, and she FLYING ELBOWS Becky down! The fans fire up and Bayley brings Becky up. Bayley ROCKS Becky, Becky BODY SHOTS, but Bayley SMACKS Becky off barriers! Bayley puts Becky in at 7 of 10, then she goes up the corner. AX HAN- NO, Becky grabs the arm!
Bayley fights the takedown and shoves Becky away. Bayley runs up but Becky puts her on the apron. Bayley ROCKS Becky, climbs up, but Becky goes to the apron. Bayley drags Becky up by her hair, but Becky HOTSHOTS Bayley’s arm! Bayley falls to the floor and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and the fans rally as Bayley rises back up. Becky flounders to ropes, Bayley runs up and LAIRATS! And LARIATS! And then dodges a haymaker to SAIDO! Becky stands, Bayley runs, and Bayley KNEES Becky down! Bayley then fireman’s carries, swings, and SIDEWALK SLAMS! Cover, TWO! Becky survives and Bayley grows frustrated. Bayley huffs ‘n’ puffs as she stalks Becky. The fans rally, Bayley clinches, but Becky slips free! Becky dragon sleepers, Bayley snapmares and hooks Becky up! Becky fights to a SAIDO! Becky then clinches, MANHAND- NO, Bayley fights that to BAYLEY2BELLY!! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up while both women are down! Bayley and Becky each stir, then they roll away to opposite corners. Becky drags herself up with the ropes, Bayley runs in, but Becky dodges! JUMP KICK blocked and Bayley THROWS Becky into buckles! Bayley runs in, SUNSET FLIP BUCKLE BOMB! Bayley drags Becky into a cover, TWO! Becky survives but Bayley brushes that off to go up the corner. The fans rally, but Becky ROCKS Bayley first! Becky climbs up after Bayley, she and Bayley trade shots! Becky CLUBS away on Bayley’s back, the fans rally up, and Becky hits a SUPERPLEX! Then she grabs the arm, ARMBAR!!
The fans fire up, Bayley stacks Becky, TWO! Becky hast he arm again, but Bayley flips Becky over! O’Conner style cover, TWO! Bayley comes back, gets the legs again, but Becky kicks and kicks and kicks! Bayley still turns her for a HALF CRAB! Bayley can only hold onto the one leg with her one arm, and Becky crawls forward! ROPEBREAK! Bayley lets go at 4, then runs back up to ROCK Becky! Bayley runs up again but Becky BOOTS her! Becky runs up but Bayley ROCKS her back! They go forearm for forearm, the fans duel with every shot, but Bayley has the majority. This turns into a scrap and the fans all fire up!
Becky catches Bayley, but Bayley fights free! Bayley now catches Becky to steal the MANHANDLE SLAM!! But Becky flops all the way out of the ring! The fans fire up while Bayley grows frustrated. The ring count starts but Bayley pursues. Becky stands, and she THROWS Becky over the desk! Becky hurries over, and she shoves the chairs onto Bayley! Becky grabs other chairs and adds to the pile! Becky is literally burying Bayley then leaves her behind! The ring count continues, but wait! Lyra is here and she unburies Bayley! Becky runs up on Lyra to DECK her! Lyra is pissed but Becky gets away!
Lyra wants after Becky but she holds back because this would be a disqualification! Bayley pushes Lyra aside, but Becky DECKS her now! Then Becky runs, but Lyra takes the dropkick for Bayley! Bayley SMACKS Becky off the desk, TOSSES her over the desk, then drags her back up! Bayley POSTS Becky, but the ring count climbs as she THROWS Becky into barriers! Bayley puts Becky in the ring, “This is Awesome!” as Bayley climbs up! But Lyra attacks Becky!!
Winner: Becky Lynch, by disqualification (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)
Lyra is pissed but so is Bayley! Lyra still WRECKS Becky with a dropkick! Bayley drags Lyra into the ring and asks what the hell! Bayley had this match won and Lyra had to go and lose her temper! Becky grins as she gets to scurry away with the title. Lyra realizes her mistake a little too late, but was it really a mistake? Or does she just want to be the one that dethrones The Man?
Chad Gable talks with Ivy Nile.
He tells her not to tell The Creed Brothers, but she has always been his favorite. Now, she should’ve won MITB, and she should still be in QOTR, but she has had Stephanie Vaquer in the way. Next time, do what Gable does like he did to Rey Mysterio, to Otis, and others: Wipe ’em out completely, regardless of the cost. Gable spots someone and says they’ll finish this lesson later. Gable walks over to Penta and says far be it for him to laugh at someone else’s misfortune. That is, unless they deserve it. But in this case, Penta, it was Gable’s pleasure watching Bron destroy him earlier. Maybe Gable will finish the job!
Penta tells Gable to shut up but Gable says maybe he’ll rip that mask right off Penta’s head to show his ugly face! Penta shoves Gable, Gable takes a swing, and Penta dodges! Penta SUPERKICKS Gable down! Penta says he warned Gable! SACRIFICE on the arm!! Refs and producers rush in, as do the Creeds, and Penta leaves for Gable to writhe in pain. Will this keep Gable and El Grande Americano out of action for awhile?
Raquel Rodriguez is in the ring.
Ricky Desperado has a mic, and she calls out Rhea! She insults her in Spanish, and then tells Rhea in English that she won’t screw Raquel outta QOTR and get away with it! Raquel tells Rhea that she could drag her out here by her nose ring, or Rhea can make it easy and walk out here to take the beating she deserves! Rhea makes her entrance and the fans fire up! Mami stares Big Mami Cool down the whole way, and then the fight is on! Rhea dodges to fire hands! Raquel shoves Rhea, runs up, but Rhea dodges, only for the AX HANDLES to find her! Rhea comes back to BOOT Raquel! Raquel bails out and Rhea is fired up!
Rhea steps outside but Raquel RAMS her into the apron! And then THROWS her over the barriers! Rhea lands in the timekeeper’s area, but Raquel says she’s not done! Raquel goes under the ring to bring out a TABLE! The fans fire up for that as Raquel puts the table in the ring. But Rhea stands on the desk! FLYING FOREARM! Down goes Raquel, and then Rhea RAMS her into steel steps! The fans fire up and Rhea grins. Rhea says if Raquel wants tables, then she’ll get tables! Rhea sets that table up in the ring, positions it near a corner, then fetches Raquel. Rhea pump handles Raquel, but here comes Roxie!
Roxie jumps on Rhea as a backpack, but Rhea pops her up onto the Electric Chair! SLAM off the top buckles! But Raquel gets up and under, TEXANA BOMB through the table!! The fans boo but Raquel and Roxie just took down the Eradicator! Will they actually end up amigas because of this?
Raw returns and…
Rhea storms into Pearce’s office! She demands a match with Raquel! Pearce says sure, how about a Street Fight? Even better! Then it’s official! Pearce says he couldn’t have said it better himself. Rhea got up after that table Texana Bomb, but will she make sure Raquel doesn’t get up after their grudge match?
PROGRAMMING NOTE for next week!
It will be a special early edition of Monday Night Raw that starts at 6PM Eastern, 3PM Pacific, live from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!
King of the Ring Semifinals: Cody Rhodes VS Jey Uso!
The American Nightmare and Main Event Jey Uso have a long and storied history, from battling Roman Reigns and The Bloodline together, to holding the tag team championships together, to holding the top championships in the WWE at the same time. But now, only one of them can go for the crown. Will there be adrenaline in the soul? Or will we all YEET on the way to the Night of Champions?
The fans want to YEET “One More Time!” so Jey says why not. The music starts and Columbus gets to YEET again! Then Cody makes his entrance, and the fans sing along, “WHOA~ OH~!” The pyro goes off, the bell rings, and the fans duel between “Cody! Cody Rhodes~!” and “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Cody and Jey soak in the moment, nod and shake hands, and the fans cheer the sportsmanship. These two circle, feel things out, then tie up. They’re in a deadlock, and Cody powers Jey back, only for Jey to headlock. Cody powers up and out but Jey RUNS him over! Cover, ONE! Cody sweeps to cover, ONE! The fans cheer the standoff!
Cody and Jey reset, the fans duel even harder, and the two feel things out. They tie up, Cody wrenches and wristlocks, then cranks on the arm. Cody puts Jey in a corner, whips him corner to corner, but Jey goes up and over. Jey arm-drags Cody, Cody arm-drags Jey, and the fans cheer the new standoff! Jey shakes out his arm and resets with Cody again. They tie up, Cody waistlocks, then headlocks. Jey endures the grind while fans sing for Cody some more. Jey wrenches at the hold, headlocks in return, but Cody powers up and out. Cody stays back of the up ‘n’ over, then dragon sleepers! Jey snapmares free, but Cody narrowly avoids the superkick!
Jey says it was that close, YEET! Cody nods and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Cody has Jey in a FIGURE FOUR! Jey endures, reaches out, and the fans rally! ROPEBREAK! Cody lets go quickly and he brings Jey back around. Cody spins Jey but Jey DRAGON WHIPS! Jey then mule kicks, pops, locks ‘n’ UPPERCUTS! But Cody kicks to then RHODES UPPERCUT! Cody runs but into a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Cody stays in this but Jey stays focused. Cody crawls away, Jey backs up to the opposite corner, “UCE! OH!” HIP ATTACK! Cody sputters, Jey goes up the corner, and USO SPLASH onto knees! Cody drags Jey into a KIMURA!! Cody uses what The Beast once used on him!
The fans rally, Jey endures, but Cody cranks on the arm! Jey fights up, whips Cody away, and then Jey has the SLEEPER! Jey uses what he used on Gunther! Cody fights and flails but he’s fading! Cody drops to a knee, and Jey becomes a backpack! Cody gets a second wind, but even that fades! Cody gets a third wind and he hoists Jey up! The fans fire up as Cody then runs and DUMPS Jey up and over the top rope! The fans rally while both men are down! The ref calls to Jey and starts a ring count. Jey stirs at 3 of 10 while Cody huffs ‘n’ puffs and stands back up. Cody builds speed, and Cody DVIES into an UPPERCUT!
The fans fire up and Jey hurries to the corner. Jey climbs, but Cody ROCKS Jey first! Cody climbs up to get Jey, “This is Awesome!” as the two brawl up top! Cody goes to the very top, but Jey HEADBUTTS him down! Jey adjusts, but Cody springs right back up! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cody and Jey both writhe, and Cody goes to the apron while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again and Cody fires hands on Jey! Jey is down on his knees, Cody CLUBS and ROCKS him again! Jey shoves Cody, but Cody fires more shots! Jey counter punches! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” But Cody JABS! JABS! JABS! Cody flips, flops, and- UPPERCUT from Jey! Jey pops, locks, puts some stank on it, but Cody ROCKS Jey! Jey ROCKS Cody, then runs, btu Cody follows and CLOBBERS Jey! Cody goes to a corner, Jey runs in, but Cody goes up and over! Only for Jey to fake Cody out on the snap powerslam! Cody staggers up, into Jey’s SNAP POWERSLAM! Jey uses a very Cody kind of move, and then he puts on a dragon sleeper!
Cody KNEES Jey away, then runs to springboard, CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Cody is a bit surprised. “This is Awesome!” and Cody watches Jey stir. Jey rises, Cody brings him around, springboard and- NO, Jey ducks the Disaster Kick to SPEAR!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives and Jey is the one surprised! The fans rally up as both men go to ropes. Jey aims from a corner, runs in, but into a KICK! Cody goes to the corner, goes up, up, and SUPER CODY CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!?! Jey survives and Cody is shocked! But then Cody fires himself back up, the fans rally even harder, and Cody waits on Jey.
Jey rises, Cody dragon sleepers, but Jey spins it around?! CROSS RHODES from Jey!! Cover, TWO!!! Cody survives his own move and Jey is beside himself! Columbus is thunderous as Jey goes back to a corner. Jey watches Cody rise up now, and he SUPERKICKS Cody back down! Jey dares Cody to get back up, and Cody does rise back up. Jey SUPERKICKS again! Cody falls but Jey drags him around. Jey whips, runs, and SPEARS!! But that isn’t all as Jey puts Cody in a drop zone. Jey climbs up a corner, but Cody is right back up!! Jey and Cody go for a ride in the SUPER DUPER CODY CUTTER!!!
The fans are electric as Cody puts Jey in the dragon sleeper! CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, CODY WINS!!
Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall (advances to Night of Champions)
These two know each other so well, that’s how they were able to push each other this far! And while he is still Main Event Jey Uso, he loses out to The American Nightmare! Cody shows his friend great respect by kneeling down and looking him in the eye. The fans cheer as the friends stand up together and hug it out. But now this puts Cody on a collision course with his friend and mentor, Randy Orton! Will Cody or Orton be crowned King of the Ring?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw as the go-home to Night of Champions, which is still happening as of this moment. Great opening promo from Rollins to put everything in perspective, while also calling out the fans at the same time. Great segue into Bron VS Penta, and that was a great opening match. Bron winning makes sense, the henchmen need to stay strong if they’re also to be contenders in their own right, whether for tag titles or midcard titles. And great bit with Penta and Gable, this would be a great way to expose El Grande as Gable with the “bad arm.”
Good promo from Sheamus with Alpha Academy and then with Rusev. Sheamus VS Rusev 1v1 is going to be big, but I suddenly want there to be a “Best of” series, so they can go like four, five, six matches, or as Sheamus would put it, banger after banger. Then the winner is more than primed for a title shot, either Intercontinental or World Heavyweight, and they could make a very good case for winning. Speaking of which, not sure how real Dom needing time to heal up is, but Judgment Day said Dom needed it so I guess it isn’t them fooling everyone. Styles VS Dom might be set up for Saturday Night’s Main Event with this delay to help build that show up.
The New Day had a good promo with Adam Pearce, too, with them being so offended at the idea of defending the tag titles, and now Waller trying to be the new third man or something. But hey, I’ve been wanting to see someone somewhere book a Heel VS Heel thing, so here we are, and Waller can make a great counter to like, Dom being the cornerman for Finn & JD. Also, good stuff with Raquel, Rhea and Roxie. Roxie helping Raquel get one over on Rhea is a nice touch, and it probably leads to Roxie & Raquel defending the tag titles together. Whether or not Roxie screws Raquel over is still up in the air with Liv’s shoulder injury so much worse than expected.
Goldberg and Gunther had very good promos to hype their match, and I kinda liked Columbus, OH being on Gunther’s side there. And with it being a combination of retirement match yet also title match, that practically screams, “Rollins is going to cash-in.” Maybe, just maybe, Goldberg wins to have that last title reign and then Rollins cashes in, making it one of the shortest reigns ever. Or to get even more heat from Goldberg’s fans, Rollins cashes in during the match to parallel his Heist of the Century moment.
Good promo for Bayley and Lyra, and very good promo from Becky where she assumes the worst. Becky VS Bayley was great, but they could’ve done a lot better with Lyra messing up the finish for Bayley. Lyra running in there when Bayley was up top felt like Lyra was being far too foolish. Now granted, the other way would’ve been an “accidental” punch on Bayley where Lyra was aiming for Becky, so they were kinda stuck. But obviously, this helps them set up a Triple Threat for the title, and they should put it for Evolution.
Great promo from Sami and Kross, especially with Sami finally hitting Kross. Sami VS Kross being for Night of Champions is great stuff, because Sami finally gets to be part of a big PLE again. And since this is all working to Kross’ plans, maybe this brings Sami closer to turning Heel. Great tournament matches tonight, Jade beating Roxie made sense when Roxie has her Judgment Day story to fall back on, and Asuka VS Jade is certainly a big deal. I feel like either woman could win, but given the stories we’ve got going, I’m leaning towards Jade because of Naomi being Miss MITB, but we definitely need to see Asuka VS Iyo happen for the Women’s World title, too.
Cody VS Jey was awesome, practically a PLE match, but as I figured, we are now getting Cody VS Orton in the finals. That is because Cody will win, then face Cena at SummerSlam, and I would think Cody wins there, too. It makes me also think that we could get a wild double turn. Fans are loving what Cena is doing, he could go back to being Face while we finally get that Homelander Heel Cody fans have been curious about during his time in AEW.
My Score: 8.9/10
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May your New Japan Soul reach the Climax!
With spots left open in the G1 Climax, it’s win-and-you’re-in as NJPW pits Tomohiro Ishii against “Drilla” Moloney and Taichi against Callum Newman!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Kickoff – Tatsuya Matsumoto VS Zane Jay; Time Limit Draw.
- Kickoff – Masatora Yasuda VS Daiki Nagai; Yasuda wins.
- 10 Man Tag: Toru Yano, YOH, Master Wato, Shoma Kato & Katsuya Murashima VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins, by disqualification.
- 8 Man Tag: Hontai VS The House of Torture; The House of Torture wins.
- Yuya Uemura & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Great-O-Khan & Jakob Austin Young; Uemura & Taguchi win.
- Hiroshi Tanahashi & Jado VS Gabe Kidd & Taiji Ishimori; Gabe & Taiji win.
- Six Man Tag: Hirooki Goto, Boltin Oleg & Shota Umino VS TMDK; Goto, Oleg & Umino win.
- G1 Climax 35 B Block Play-In: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney; Drilla wins and advances to the G1.
- G1 Climax 35 A Block Play-In: Taichi VS Callum Newman; Callum wins and advances to the G1.
PLAY BY PLAY
G1 Climax 35 B Block Play-In: Tomohiro Ishii VS “Drilla” Dan Moloney!
It’s a dogfight in Korakuen Hall! But will the Stone Pitbull beat some respect into this whelp? Or will this War Dog take a big bite out of the NJPW Strong Openweight Champion?
The bell rings and the fans rally up already. The two tie up as the fans duel, and Drilla headlocks. Ishii powers up and out, Drilla RAMS him, but Ishii comes back. Drilla dodges, Ishii dodges, Drilla hurdles, but Ishii spins him for a suplex. Drilla fights that and lifts, but Ishii fights free! Drilla ducks the enzigiri, but then Ishii avoids the Gore! The fans fire up for the standoff. Ishii and Drilla reset, and Ishii shoves Drilla. Drilla CHOPS, Ishii CHOPS, and repeat! The fans cheer as the CHOPS keep going back and forth! CHOP after CHOP, but Ishii starts to feel those! Drilla CHOPS and CHOPS, but Ishii ducks!
Ishii waistlocks, Drilla switches, Ishii elbows free then runs, but into Drilla’s DROPKICK! The fans fire up while Ishii bails out. Drilla builds speed and he WRECKS Ishii with the dropkick! Ishii hits railing and the fans fire up! Drilla huffs ‘n’ puffs and goes out to fetch Ishii. Drilla CHOPS Ishii again and the fans applaud. The ref wants this back inside so Drilla pushes Ishii in the ring. Drilla taunts the fans, “The F you say?” then he steps inside. Drilla CHOPS Ishii but Ishii eggs him on. Drilla CHOPS again, and CHOPS again, but Ishii SPITS at Drilla! Drilla BOOTS, CHOPS, then he SPITS at Ishii! Drilla snapmares Ishii to KICK him in the back!
Ishii snarls and the fans fire up. Ishii shakes his head and Drilla scuffs him. Drilla gives mocking kicks, eggs Ishii on, and the fans rally up. Ishii eggs Drilla on, so Drilla gives him more kicks. Ishii rises to fire forearms! Drilla ROCKS Ishii! And ROCKS him again! Ishii winds up but Drilla ROCKS him a third time! Drilla reels Ishii in, lifts, but Ishii fights the suplex! They fight for control, the fans duel, and it’s Ishii who suplexes Drilla up and over! The fans fire up while both men are down! Ishii rises, he brings Drilla up, but Drilla CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Drilla fires up and CHOPS! Ishii scowls and CHOPS back!
Ishii reels Drilla in but Drilla fights with elbows. Drilla whips, Ishii reverses, and reels Drilla in for a SAIDO! The fans fire up and Ishii rises again! Ishii stalks Drilla to a corner, winds up and CHOPS! CHOPS! And ROCKS! Ishii CHOPS and ROCKS Drilla again and again, Drilla sputters and the fans fire up. Ishii comes back to stand Drilla up. Ishii whips, Drilla reverses, and Drilla DROPKICKS! Ishii stays up!? And POUNCES Drilla in return! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Ishii drags Drilla up, puts him on the top rope, then climbs. The fans rally as Ishii brings Drilla to the very top, for a SUPERPLEX!
The fans fire up again and Ishii hurries to cover, TWO! Drilla survives and the fans cheer. Ishii stands, and he looms over Drilla. Drilla sits up, Ishii brings him up, but Drilla SLAPS! Ishii SLAPS, and now it is a SLAP fight! The fans fire up as the SLAPS go fast ‘n’ furious! Ishii ROCKS Drilla with one, then kicks him! So Drilla SLAPS back! And then DECKS Ishii!! The fans fire up while Ishii is down! Ishii stirs, Drilla roars, and Drilla runs, but Ishii SWATS the lariat to fire boxing elbows! But Drilla spins, but Ishii ROCKS him first! Ishii runs, but into a wrench and short arm LARIAT! ROLLING ELBOW! Drilla runs to GORE, but Ishii stuffs it!
Ishii lifts, Drilla wrenches free, but Ishii ROCKS him! Ishii runs, but into Drilla’s SPINEBUSTER! Drilla runs and GORES!! Cover, TWO!?! Ishii survives and the fans are thunderous. The fans rally up and duel between Ishii and Moloney. Drilla rises, staggers a bit, but he steadies himself. Drilla brings Ishii up and puts him on the top rope. Drilla ROCKS Ishii, fires the fans up more, and the fans bark along with Drilla. Drilla rises, but Ishii fires body shots! Ishii HEADBUTTS Drilla, but Drilla GAMANGIRIS in return! Drilla climbs back up, drags Ishii onto his shoulders, and he fireman’s carries for a SUPER DUPER LANDSLIDE!! Cover, TWO!?!?
Ishii survives, the fans are thunderous, and we’re only ten minutes in?! Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him back in, but Ishii fights the lift! Drilla still hits a PILEDRIVER!! But Ishii’s right up!?! He dodges a boot, blocks the next kick, then GERMAN SUPLEXES! Both men are down and the fans rally even harder! Ishii crawls away to a corner, and he fires himself up as he rises. Drilla stands, Ishii runs up, but Drilla BOOTS the lariat! Ishii spins to LARIAT, but Drilla ENZIGIRIS! Ishii comes back, but into a pump handle! MADE IN JAPAN!?! Cover, TWO!!! Drilla tried to be a Rampaging Dragon but he couldn’t put Ishii down!
The fans are thunderous again as Drilla rises and Ishii stirs. Drilla drags Ishii up, reels him in, Canadian Rack! Ishii slips free, Alabama Lifts, but Drilla fights that! They fight for control, and Ishii lifts for a BEACH BREAK!! A shoutout to Ishii’s Freshly Squeezed friend, and both men are down! Ishii crawls over, he sits Drilla up and runs, but Drilla avoids the Sliding Lariat! Drilla takes a swing, but into a full nelson! DRAGON SUPLEX! But Drilla is right up?!? Only for Ishii to LARIAT him back down! The fans are electric as Ishii sits Drilla up, for the SLIDING LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Drilla survives and the fans continue to rally!
Ishii huffs ‘n’ puffs and roars to his feet! Ishii brings Drilla up, suplexes, but Drilla slips free! STEP-UP KNEE! Ishii drops down but Drilla reloads! Drilla runs up, but Ishii RAMS him first! Ishii HEADBUTTS, Drilla UPPERCUTS, but Ishii DECKS Drilla!! Ishii roars, the fans are with him, and Ishii runs! LARIAT!! Cover, TWO!! Drilla survives again and the fans are electric! Ishii brings Drilla back up, suplexes, BRAIN- NO, Drilla fights it off at the last second! Drilla suplexes to BRAINBUSTER!! Cover, TWO!??! Ishii survives his own signature move, but Drilla vows to end this now! Drilla hauls Ishii up, reels him in, and Canadian Racks!
But Ishii fights free! Drilla ducks the lariat to wrench and ripcord, but Ishii HEADBUTTS! Ishii then SLIDING HEADBUTTS!! Cover, TWO!!! Drilla survives again but Ishii just stands him up. DOUBLE HEADBUTTS collide! ENZIGIRI from Ishii!! Drilla roars and GORES!!! But Ishii’s back up!??! So Drilla GORES again!!! And with some extra stank on it! Drilla hurries to get Ishii back up, Canadian Racks, DRILLA KILLA!!! But he isn’t done?!? ANOTHER DRILLA KILLA!!!! Cover, DRILLA WINS!!
Winner: “Drilla” Dan Moloney, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 35, B Block)
A dogfight indeed, and both men brought everything they had and a little extra! But it is the young gun that wins his way into the G1! Will no one survive facing 44 Caliber?
G1 Climax 35 A Block Play-In: Taichi w/ Yuya Uemura, Shota Umino & Ryusuke Taguchi VS Callum Newman!
The Holy Emperor & Stone Pitbull won the IWGP Heavyweight Tag Team Championships off The United Empire, but there’s always more to win. Will Taichi make up for missing out on the G1 last year? Or will the Prince of Pace run through Taichi to join the round robin?
The bell rings and both men run up! Taichi BOOTS first, but Callum BOOTS back! Callum eggs Taichi on and Taichi RIDGE HANDS! Callum comes back to fire a forearm! Taichi RIDGE HANDS, Callum fires a forearm, repeat! The fans fire up with Taichi and he fires another RIDGE HAND! Callum shakes that off to fire forearm after forearm! Callum runs, BOOTS Taichi, but Taichi BOOTS back! Callum BOOTS again, Taichi BOOTS, but Callum blocks! Callum then ducks ‘n’ dodges the haymakers to JUMP KICK! Taichi falls and goes outside while the fans fire up. Callum goes to the apron and he PENALTY KICKS!
The fans cheer as Taichi falls! The ref checks and Taichi is alright to continue, so Callum hops down. Callum drags Taichi up, then whips him at the railing! Taichi hits hard and slumps down! The fans rally while the ref reprimands, and Callum brings Taichi up. Callum CHOPS and Taichi sputters away! Callum pretends even his ears are ringing from that pop sound. Callum puts Taichi in, the fans applaud, and Callum covers, ONE! Taichi is tougher than that and the fans rally behind him. Callum stays cool as he sits Taichi up. Callum mockingly claps along, then KICKS Taichi in the back! Taichi eggs Callum on!
Callum KICKS, and Taichi stands right up! RIDGE HAND! BACKHAND! KICK! But then Callum BODY SHOTS! Callum runs up but Taichi BOOTS him! Taichi runs, dodges a shot to wrench and HOOK KICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Callum crawls to a corner, Taichi runs in, and Taichi BOOTS! Callum slumps down and the fans applaud. Taichi drags Callum up to snapmare and KICK! Callum writhes, the fans applaud, and Taichi KICKS again! Callum eggs Taichi on, so Taichi KICKS again! Now Callum stands up to KICK Taichi in the chest! Taichi snarls and KICKS Callum in the chest!
Callum SOBATS but Taichi ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Taichi rises, the fans rally, and OFF COME THE PANTS! The fans fire up as Taichi takes aim from the corner. Callum slowly stands, TENSHO- Callum dodges and ENZIGIRIS! Then he SWEEPS the legs to DOUBLE STOMP! The fans rally while both men are down again. Callum stands, storms over to Taichi, and brings Taichi to his feet. Callum UPPERCUTS Taichi to a corner, but Callum needs a second to catch his breath. Callum then CHOPS Taichi and Taichi slumps down. Callum shakes out the stars, winds up again and CHOPS!
Taichi stands, Callum CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Taichi eggs Callum on, so Callum ROCKS him with an elbow! Taichi RIDGEHANDS in return! Callum fires a flurry of forearms, sits Taichi down with them, and keeps raining forearms! The ref counts, then he backs Callum off at 4! Callum goes back to Taichi, scuffs him, then stands him up. Callum hoists Taichi up top, then ROCKS him with a right! The fans rally as Callum climbs, but Taichi fights the suplex! Taichi shoves Callum away, but Callum comes back to DROPKICK Taichi down! Taichi tumbles to the apron then the floor while the fans fire up!
Callum goes out to fetch Taichi again, and he RAMS Taichi into railing! The fans rally while Taichi slumps down. The ref wants this back inside so Callum puts Taichi in the ring. But then Callum drags Taichi to the apron and stands him up! Callum reels Taichi in, but Taichi fights the suplex! Taichi fires body shots, then RIDGE HANDS! DANGER- NO, Callum fights the saido with elbows! Callum then goes up the corner, APRON OSC- BOOT!! Taichi knocks Callum out of the sky and Callum falls to the floor! Taichi slumps down from the apron and the fans rally up. A ring count starts while both men are on the ground.
The fans rally as we pass 5 of 20, and Taichi sits up at 8. Callum stirs at 11, Taichi rises up to jump into the ring! Callum is still down at 15! The fans rally harder as Callum rises, and he staggers around at 18! Callum lunges in at 19! BUZZSAW! Cover, TWO! Callum survives and the fans fire up! Taichi stands over him, brings him up, and the fans rally. The ref has Taichi hold on, and he checks Callum. Callum stirs, sputters, and sits up. Taichi grabs at him, Callum pushes him away, but Taichi kicks him around. The fans rally more, and Taichi eggs Callum on. Callum tells Taichi to bring it, so Taichi KICKS him down!
The fans rally up, Callum sputters again, but Taichi sits him up for another KICK! Callum flops back over but Taichi eggs him on. Taichi kicks at Callum, Callum rises up, and Callum shoves the ref aside. Callum eggs Taichi on and the fans fire up. Taichi KICKS Callum down again! The fans cheer and Taichi eggs Callum on. Taichi scuffs Callum, Callum pushes him, and Callum puts his arms back?! The fans cheer Callum’s grit, and Taichi KICKS again! Callum goes right back down! Callum takes a moment, but he sits right back up! Taichi KICKS him right back down! Taichi eggs Callum on, and Callum sits up again.
Callum SPITS at Taichi, Taichi wipes that away, and KICKS, only for Callum to block! Callum then stands to CHOP! Taichi RIDGEHANDS! Callum ROUNDHOUSES! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Callum goes to ropes, the fans rally up, and Callum drags himself up the corner. Callum reaches the top, steadies himself, then DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS! Direct hit but Callum can’t cover from the pain in his own ribs! The fans rally while both men writhe, and Callum manages to stand. Callum hobbles his way over, brings Taichi up, but his ribs won’t let him suplex so easily. Taichi wrenches out and RIDGE HANDS!
Callum snarls and ROCKS Taichi with a forearm! Then he hooks the leg, FIREBOLT!! The fans fire up, Callum covers, TWO!! Taichi survives and the fans fire up again! Callum sits Taichi up to fire Kawada Kicks, then he calls his shot. Callum runs, springboards, and OSC- NO, Taichi blocks and DANGEROUS SAIDOS!! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Taichi crawls to a corner and roars as he rises! Taichi takes aim again, and as Callum stands, TENSHOU- JUMP KNEE from Callum! And then a forearm! ROLLING ELBOW! ROLLING- ELBOW from Taichi! Then a ROLLING ELBOW from Taichi!
Taichi roars and DANGEROUS- JUMP KNEE form Callum again! Taichi rebounds, AX- NO, Callum ducks and runs, but into the AX BOMBER!! The fans fire up and Taichi fires up again! DANGEROUS SAIDO, with BRIDGE! TWO?!? Callum survives, the fans rally for Taichi, but there might be some cheers for Callum in there. Taichi vows to finish this, and he brings Callum up. Taichi Alabama Lifts, but Callum fights it down! Taichi tries again but Callum CLUBS away on Taichi’s back! Callum lifts Taichi, but Taichi slips free! AX- NO, Callum slips around to DRAGON SUPLEX! Taichi flounders to the ropes, Callum runs up to KNEE Taichi down!
Callum pushes Taichi to the drop zone, then climbs up the corner. The fans rally, Callum DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS Taichi while he’s standing! Callum goes back up top, DIVING DOUBLE STOMPS!! Cover, TWO?!?! Taichi survives again and shocks Callum! The fans are thunderous as they duel. Callum rises, looks to the corner, and he calls his shot! Callum goes up, up, and- NO, Taichi CLUBS him on the top rope! Taichi then climbs up after Callum, CLUBS him again and again, then brings him up! SUPER DUPER SAIDO, but Callum lands out! Callum BOOTS Taichi! Callum runs in, Taichi dodges and Taichi GAMANGIRIS!
Taichi roars, the fans fire up, and Taichi runs, but into a SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Callum drags Taichi up again, but the ref has him wait. The ref checks Taichi, Taichi is okay to continue, and Callum brings him up. BLOODY- NO, Taichi fights the lift, wrenches out, but Callum avoids the lariat to DREAMCAST KICK! And then FIREBOLT!! Cover, TWO?!?! Taichi survives and the fans are thunderous! Callum is beside himself but the fans rally up again! The fans chant, “Let’s Go, Taichi!” but Callum shakes his head. Callum brings Taichi up, reels him in, but Taichi fights free of the hold to JAWBREAKER and FIGURE FOUR JACKKNIFE! TWO!!!
Callum escapes, but Taichi ROUNDHOUSES! And GAMANGIRIS! Taichi roars, the fans fire up, and Taichi hurries to Alabama Lift! BLACK- NO, Callum slips free, jumps up, and POISON-RANAS!! Taichi staggers around, Callum runs up to BUSAIKU KNEE!! Callum roars, reels Taichi back in, PRINCE’S CURSE!!! Cover, CALLUM WINS!!
Winner: Callum Newman, by pinfall (advances to G1 Climax 35, A Block)
And once again, the younger generation triumphs! While Taichi might be champion, will he have to admit the times are changing?
As for Callum, he catches his breath to pick up the mic. “Oh my God… Chotto matte <Hold on a moment.> Taichi-san, honto tsuyoi ne. <Taichi, you’re really strong.>” The fans applaud, and Callum says he was rather surprised. Then he apologizes, that’s the limits of his Japanese. But he said once in an interview, that when he was 16 years old, he snuck backstage of a show, no ticket. The first person he saw was Taichi. The fans applaud that, and Callum says he won’t kiss up to Taichi, Taichi wouldn’t want it. But Callum says that honestly, Taichi is probably one of the best wrestlers in the world today.
The fans cheer that, and Callum continues with saying he is so sorry that they had to do it like this. It was either Callum or Taichi, and Callum was going to make it himself. But Taichi should honestly be in every G1 Climax he can make. Callum encourages Taichi to give us more anytime, and anywhere. The fans applaud in agreement there. Taichi seems rather emotional being praised like this. Taichi manages to stand, and he shakes Callum’s hand. The fans cheer as Taichi now encourages Callum, and even raises Callum’s hand in victory. Taichi goes to his corner before giving another bow of respect. The fans cheer Taichi on as he makes his exit.
Callum continues by calling to Yuya Uemura. “Now or later, your choice.” Yuya says that he looks forward to facing Callum in the G1. Callum says please do. Callum says to speed things along, he is in the G1, baby! The fans cheer that! Callum says he had no idea what he was going to say because he wasn’t sure he’d win. But he will say one thing: Everyone wants to talk about being a leader, whether that’s leading this generation, NJPW as a company, or their own faction. Callum DGAF! “No matter who you are, where you are, no matter how much money you earn elsewhere, NJPW is the place where everyone wants to be!”
The fans cheer and Callum says last year, well, he’s barely been in NJPW for about two years then. And already, he has been in two New Japan Cups, one World Tag League, is a TWO-TIME IWGP Tag Team Champion, is the YOUNGEST challenger to the IWGP World Heavyweight Championship, and now he’s in his second G1! As long as there is a heart beating in this chest, as long as there is air in his lungs, he will be a NJPW wrestler! He will win the G1 as one of the best in the world, because this is CALLUM! EFFIN’! NEWMAN!! Mic drop and the fans fire up! Will The Prince of Pace soon make himself the King of the Climax?
My Thoughts:
Another great New Japan Soul here. The House of Torture winning both matches again comes with a hilarious disclaimer: The 10 Man Tag had a TRIPLE Eddie Guerrero “caught red-handed” moment, but Yano and his team figured if they were gonna lose cuz of cheating, they would do it themselves. Yano, Yoh & Wato got to clobber Narita, Sho & Douki with their signature weapons, and then declared they wanted not only the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag titles back, but even want to go after the NEVER Openweight Six Man titles. Those will be great matches, and the factions probably split the difference.
The G1 Climax Play-In matches were great, but I figured the younger guys were both making it in. Taichi & Ishii just won the tag titles, they can worry more about that story than a G1 story. But I do appreciate Callum telling Taichi and the world that Taichi is sill so good and deserves much more. Ishii VS Drilla was much more high impact, but Taichi VS Callum was a bit grittier, a bit more story and psychology to it, so I see why it was the main event. And Callum is certainly rising up the ranks, NJPW sees what he’s got, and he could make a good run. I can’t be sure what singles title Callum gets, but he’s deserving of something between now and WrestleKingdom.
My Score: 8.8/10
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