Raw VS NXT in a Women’s Champion VS Champion showdown!

Charlotte Flair prepares for TakeOver while Asuka prepares for Backlash! But who will be more prepared for this epic SIXTH encounter?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Aleister Black VS Seth Rollins; Aleister wins.
• WWE United States Championship, Champion’s Choice: Apollo Crews VS Kevin Owens; No Contest, Crews retains the WWE United States Championship.
• Apollo Crews & Kevin Owens VS Andrade Almas & Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega; Crews & Kevin win.
• Bowling: The Street Profits VS The Viking Raiders; The Viking Raiders win.
• Nikki Cross w/ Alexa Bliss VS Billie Kay w/ Peyton Royce; Kay wins.
• WWE 24/7 Championship Backyard Blitz: Rob Gronkowski VS R-Truth; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• Kairi Sane VS Nia Jax; Jax wins.
• Champion VS Champion: Asuka VS Charlotte Flair; Flair wins, by count-out.
• Drew McIntyre VS MVP w/ Bobby Lashley; McIntyre wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw opens with Seth Rollins and his disciples!

The Monday Night Messiah leads Buddy Murphy and Austin Theory to the ring, and the crowd of NXT superstars and prospects boo as hard as they can the entire time. The crowd even chants, “You Suck!” as Rollins gets a mic. Rollins says tonight is a huge night! Just in a few moments, he will have a match with Aleister Black, who has been “confused” about things in regards to Rey Mysterio. Aleister leaves Rollins no choice but to “enlighten” him personally. Mysterio will be here later tonight to speak to the WWE Universe, and as difficult as it will be for him, he will NOT be able to formally announce his retirement. Therefore, Rollins takes it upon himself to perform that formality himself.

If anyone knows Mysterio as well as Rollins does, Mysterio is too humble and modest to call himself a legend. It is Rollins’ duty as a leader to appreciate Mysterio and how he was sacrificed for the greater good of Raw. Now, let’s all stop and let that sink in. This moment will live in time forever. Rey Mysterio was chosen as a sacrifice for the greater good of Raw! If that is not legendary, then what is? And now it is true that Mysterio is without a doubt the greatest luchador to ever live. Mysterio transcends language and border, and beyond that, he is a kind man. In Rollins’ darkest hour, Mysterio presented himself to Rollins to be that sacrifice so that Rollins can be the man he is before you! It is Rollins’ duty to appreciate Mysterio properly. The crowd boos as Rollins says he honors Mysterio’s career ending with a video. Let us take a moment to admire the greatness of Mysterio.

The video plays with genuine highlights of the biggest underdog in the WWE. His 2006 Royal Rumble victory and subsequent WrestleMania 22 win to become World Heavyweight Champion are just among the true accolades Mysterio accomplished in his career. But of course, this video turns sour as we return to just weeks ago when Rollins all but gouged Mysterio’s eye out with the steel steps! In the present, Rollins and his cronies applaud but the crowd boos. “What an amazing career for Rey Mysterio!” Mysterio is undoubtedly a first-ballot Hall of Famer. And Rollins wants Mysterio to know, that when it comes time, it will be Rollins’ honor to induct him. One of the NXT stars shouts, “You’re insane!”

But here comes Aleister! Aleister goes right after Rollins and kicks him out of the ring! The crowd cheers and Aleister dares Rollins to fight him now! We’ll see what Rollins does, after the break!

Aleister Black VS Seth Rollins!

The Embodiment of the End wants, his fight, with The Architect! But will he be able to make the Monday Night Messiah #FadeToBlack with the disciples lurking about?

The bell rings and Rollins circles with Aleister. Aleister gives testing kicks and Rollins backs away. The two approach and Aleister dodges hands to throw body shots. Rollins grows frustrated and approaches again. They tie up, Aleister kicks and punches more and backs Rollins down! Rollins uses the ropes as defense and Aleister backs off. Rollins turns things around, runs but into the leg sweep! Aleister runs but Rollins bails out to avoid the knee. Murphy and Theory check on their leader while the ring count climbs. Aleister paces but Rollins returns at 6, only to slip out. Rollins trips Aleister and drags him out, but Aleister KICKS him down! Aleister puts Rollins back in as the crowd cheers. Aleister return, Rollins dropkicks Aleister at the ropes!

Rollins hammers away and digs his forearm into Aleister’s face! Rollins stomps away but lets up at the ref’s count. Rollings stands Aleister up to CHOP and snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Rollins grabs a hand and turns Aleister over to stand on the shoulder. The crowd rallies up and Aleister fights to his feet. Aleister throws forearms, Rollins wrings the arm out! Rollins clubs Aleister on the back then stalks him to ropes. Rollins CHOPS Aleister against the ropes and has him in a corner. Aleister throws hands back and backs Rollins down again. Rollins knees low, whips and dropkicks Aleister down! The disciples cheer but the crowd boos. The crowd rallies as Rollins drags Aleister up. Rollins chokes Aleister on the ropes, saying Aleister is disrespecting Mysterio! Aleister grits his teeth as Rollins toys with him.

Aleister gets up and throws hands but Rollins kicks low. Rollins throws Aleister out then builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Aleister hits barriers! Rollins glares down at Aleister while the crowd boos. The ring count climbs again as Rollins brings Aleister up to put in the ring. Rollins looms over Aleister as the crowd rallies. Rollins whips Aleister corner to corner hard, then runs in, only to block a boot. Aleister breaks free to boot again! Aleister hops up, Rollins gets under the attack and waistlocks. Aleister standing switches and avoids the Pele! But Rollins arm-drags the waistlock, only to get a ROUNDHOUSE! Aleister runs in but is sent out hard! Aleister hits the apron on the way down, and both Murphy and Theory head over. But here comes Humberto Carrillo! Carrillo has a chair aimed at Theory and Murphy! Rollins keeps his men back, saying, “Not now!” Because for now, Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Rollins is stomping a mudhole into Aleister! The ref backs Rollins off and Aleister gets up. Rollins clubs Aleister on the back and head but Carrillo coaches Aleister on. Aleister gets up and throws haymakers and elbows back on Rollins! Rollins knees low and whips, but Aleister denies the dropkick! Aleister waistlocks but Rollins fights off the suplex. Rollins punches Aleister away but Aleister BOOTS! But Rollins returns with a SLING BLADE! Cover, TWO! Rollins looms over Aleister and kicks him to a corner. Aleister gets up, Rollins runs corner to corner, and hits a big forearm smash! The crowd boos as Rollins pushes Aleister down. Rollins springboards from the corner but Aleister dodges! Aleister counter punches but Rollins pushes, only for Aleister to rally with forearms!

Aleister fires off the strike fest, sweeps the legs, and hits the knee! And the kip up! The crowd fires up for the QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO! The crowd rallies up as Aleister brings Rollins into a waistlock. Rollins backs Aleister into the buckle and again until he’s free. But Aleister comes back with a wheelbarrow takedown! Cover, TWO and Rollins has trunks! TWO, and a ROUNDHOUSE to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Rollins survives but Aleister keeps his cool. Aleister gets to his feet while Rollins stirs. Aleister lifts Rollins but Rollins pushes the foot away. They standing switch, Rollins PELES! And SUPERKICKS! FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Both men are down but the crowd rallies up. Murphy and Theory worry for Rollins as he gets up slowly.

Rollins goes to a corner and climbs up top. Aleister is still down and Rollins Frog Splashes, onto knees! Rollins writhes from pain and bails out the side near his followers. Aleister goes out after Rollins on the apron, but Rollins throws hands. Aleister boots but Rollins headbutts! Aleister elbows, Rollins kicks low and drags Aleister in! But Aleister fires off on the leg and BOOTS Rollins into the post! Rollins goes down, Aleister goes up, SUPER MOONSAULT! Both men are down and out as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Rollins resists a superplex! Rollins fights Aleister back and headbutts him down! Rollins adjusts and leaps, to hit the Frog Splash this time! But he bounces off so he has to crawl back to the cover, TWO!! Aleister survives and Rollins grows frustrated. The crowd rallies for Aleister but Rollins aims from a corner. Rollins wants Aleister to get up, “This is for Rey!” But Aleister moves, drags Rollins down, and has the armbar! Rollins stays on his feet and scrambles around. Rollins kicks Aleister off, then drag shim up for a POWERBOMB! But Rollins falls back to a corner, so he goes to the apron again. Rollins springboards back in, but INTO a knee! Both men are down and the crowd is fired up!

Aleister gets to his feet first and staggers back over to Rollins. He lifts Rollins with his foot, and the crowd knows what this means. But so do Theory and Murphy! They get on the apron, but Carrillo goes after them! That results in a 2v1 and Rollins rolls Aleister up! TWO and Aleister Oklahoma Rolls Rollins! Aleister wins!!

Winner: Aleister Black, by pinfall

The Architect and his followers can’t believe what just happened! And they go after Aleister like the sore losers they are! Carrillo tries to help but that’s still 3v2! Rollins stomps Aleister with Theory then stomps Carrillo with Murphy. Murphy and Theory go after Aleister while Rollins finishes stomping a mudhole into Carrillo. Rollins tells his followers to sit Aleister up so they can see what happens to Carrillo. CURB STOMP! Aleister calls Rollins a coward but Rollins said he warned them what would happen. “You want to be a hero!?” This is what happens to them! CURB STOMP for Aleister! The crowd boos but the damage has been done. Is there anything anyone can do to stop the merciless Monday Night Messiah?

Backstage interview with Angel Garza and Zelina Vega.

Before getting to the questions, Charly Caruso cues up the controversy in Garza’s match with Kevin Owens. A chop block before the match wounded Kevin’s leg, and it became a liability during the match, allowing Garza to capitalize. Before Garza can say anything, Vega steps in to say Kevin agreed to a match, so what is Charly getting at? Garza says he can handle this. He says that in love and war, everything is fair. So in matters of competition and seduction, you must always be a step ahead of the others. So in regards to last week, they think that Garza’s win was triumphant. Garza saw what he wanted and took it. IF anyone is upset, they clearly never wanted something as badly as Garza does. Charly thanks him for his time, but he thanks her, and gives her a rose. Garza heads out but Vega takes the rose away, and rips it up. “Boo freakin’ hoo.”

Raw hears from Shawn Michaels!

“Edge and Randy Orton. The Greatest Wrestling Match Ever.” That level of pressure, wouldn’t want to be them. But as someone who has had a few great matches in history, maybe HBK could talk WM12 against Bret Hart, or his two matches with The Undertaker. Well we’d be here all day at this rate. But for Edge and Orton,t hey have set the stage for the next greatest match ever. But who comes out on top? Maybe HBK is biased, but he says Edge! HBK believes that time, wisdom, knowledge and even faith gives Edge the edge.

Lana confronts MVP backstage.

The Ravishing Russian says MVP is getting into her husband’s head. Who does he think he is? Bobby Lashley is her husband, not MVP’s BFF. It doesn’t matter they go back 13 years ago- MVP interrupts Lana and says he has work to do. he has to get ready to face Drew McIntyre later. So he has no time or desire for this attention seeking drama she’s stirring up. Well he is nothing but a leech, using her Bobby to revive his washed up career. That’s not remotely true, but let’s pretend it was. Wouldn’t that make two of them? Lana smiles, then SLAPS MVP. She storms off, but that slap doesn’t deny MVP’s point.

Kayla Braxton introduces Apollo Crews!

The NEW WWE United States Champion defeated El Idolo last week in a rematch from their showdown that ended in misfortune. Clearly fortunes have turned around, and Apollo stands in the ring. Kayla congratulates him again, and asks what this first week has been like. It feels so good! The list goes on and on. There’s appreciation, humility, and overall, just the surreal factor that he IS the new champion. But his reign will have an interesting start, as he was given the opportunity to choose his first challenger. Apollo says there is a long list of superstars he’d love to face for this title. The first one is truly deserving. That superstar is Kevin Owens! A bold choice as The Prizefighter has already held this title and many others.

Kevin joins Apollo in the ring and before anything else, he also congratulates Apollo. And speaking of appreciation, Kevin appreciates that offer. It has been too long since he’s had a title, but the only problem he has with this, is that after last week and the loss to Garza, this seems like a pity move. Pity? There is no pity here. This is about respect. The crowd cheers that and Kevin says he still feels bad about this. What’s Kevin talking about? Kevin deserves this! Yes, but Kevin isn’t talk about deserving this. He does for every ounce of blood, sweat and tears he’s poured out the last five years. It’s just that Apollo’s first reign is going to be short. Well then! Is the respect going to be lost? Or will it be only the title Apollo gives up to Kevin?

WWE United States Championship, Champion’s Choice: Apollo Crews VS Kevin Owens!

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and the young reign is put to the test!

Kevin and Apollo fist bump and tie up. Kevin waistlocks but Apollo switches, only for Kevin to switch back. Apollo switches but Kevin bucks him off. Things speed up and Apollo hurdles and dropkicks Kevin down! Cover, ONE, but Apollo is on him. They tie up, Kevin puts Apollo on the ropes then headlocks. Apollo powers out but Kevin runs him over. Apollo kips right up but Kevin dropkicks him down! Apollo staggers up but Kevin clotheslines him out! Kevin builds speed but Apollo moves. Kevin goes out after Apollo but Apollo ROCKS him! They fight up the ramp then Apollo whips. Kevin reverses. Apollo moonaults off the apron! Kevin moves, gets on the apron and CANNONBALLS! Kevin fires up as the ring count climbs. He puts Apollo in at 7 and climbs up at 8. SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Apollo survives by seconds!

Kevin stalks Apollo to ropes and whips him again. Apollo holds ropes but his boot misses. Kevin kicks low and Apollo collapses! Kevin claims that wasn’t a low blow but Apollo sure acts like it was. The ref checks on Apollo but Apollo wants to continue. Apollo rises as the crowd rallies. They reset and Apollo fires off hands! Kevin fights hands back! Kevin tosses Apollo out but Apollo brings him out! They brawl fast and furious as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Kevin brings Apollo up for haymakers. Apollo throws them back and we have a brawl! Kevin counter punches then CHOPS! Apollo punches back and backs Kevin down but Kevin headbutts! Kevin runs, but into a BOOT! Apollo scoops and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Apollo fires up as he brings Kevin up, but Kevin arm-drags out of the Olympic Slam! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Kevin goes up and hits a MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Kevin grits his teeth as the crowd rallies up. Kevin brings Apollo back up, whips again, but Apollo slips out of the pop-up to ENZIGURI! OLYMPIC SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives but Apollo standing moonsaults! Cover, TWO!!

Apollo keeps his cool as he and Kevin crawl to opposite ends. Kevin is in a corner and Apollo runs in, and hits the big splash! Apollo goes again, and hits the splash again! Kevin stays standing so Apollo goes a third time, only to miss! SUPERKICK! Kevin hurries up top, SWANTON ONTO KNEES! But here come Vega’s stable! They attack both men!

No Contest; Crews is still WWE United States Champion

Crews keeps his title but he and Kevin are thrown out of the ring by Garza and Andrade Almas! Vega joins her duo in the ring while Raw goes to break.

Apollo Crews & Kevin Owens VS Andrade Almas & Angel Garza w/ Zelina Vega!

Holla holla! This seems familiar, doesn’t it? Vega’s stable wants revenge for losing the title, but will they get shut down instead?

Raw returns as Apollo whips and runs Almas over with a shoulder! The crowd rallies as Apollo throws hands. Almas stomps and punches but Apollo turns it around to throw hands. Garza distracts and Almas clobbers Crews! Almas stomps Apollo then dusts himself off. He drags Apollo away from Kevin to tag in Garza, and the stable mug Apollo. Garza wraps up Apollo’s arm but Apollo powers out. Apollo runs at Garza but misses in the corner, only to boot Garza away! Apollo hops up and leaps but into a dropkick! Off come Garza’s pants, and he throws them at Kevin. Garza digs his knee into Apollo’s back and hooks a leg. Garza hooks Apollo’s face and drags him around to tag in Almas.

Almas stomps Apollo down while Vega talks trash. Almas stomps Apollo more while he says he should still be champion. He runs and basement dropkicks Apollo down! Vega cheers but the crowd boos. Almas clubs Apollo but Apollo hits back. Almas knees Apollo down and tags Garza back in. Garza KICKS Apollo’s leg then covers, TWO! Garza drags Apollo around and wants the double underhooks. Apollo powers out of the Wing Clipper to hot tag Kevin! Garza runs away to tag in Almas! Kevin goes after Garza but gets a thumb to the eye! Almas goes after Kevin with furious stomps as the crowd boos. Vega and the stable soak up the heat while Almas drags Kevin around. Kevin kicks back but Almas has the leg for a Half Crab! Kevin endures as Almas sits deep!

The crowd rallies as Kevin powers up. Kevin kicks free and reaches for Apollo. Almas drags Kevin away but Kevin hits back. They brawl, Kevin CHOPS and atomic drops! Kevin rebounds to LARIAT! And drop the senton! Vega is worried as Kevin goes corner to corner, but Garza distracts again! Almas dropkicks Kevin down! But Apollo manages to tag in, and he trophy lifts Almas up! Almas slips free, kicks low, and snap suplexes! Uno amigo! Another one but Apollo reverses to an OLYMPIC SLAM! Both men are down but Garza chop blocks Kevin! The crowd boos but Apollo wrecks Garza with a dropkick! Almas rolls Apollo and has the ropes, TWO! ENZIGURI! Apollo hits the CREWS MISSILE! Cover, Apollo wins!

Winner: Apollo Crews & Kevin Owens, by pinfall

Almas can’t stop Apollo and now Apollo has another win! But will Apollo and Kevin ever settle their own match? Or is there another person on Apollo’s list that will get their own opportunity?

Backstage interview with Asuka!

The Raw Women’s Champion dances in and knows she has another match with Charlotte Flair. They will go Champion VS Champion to prepare for their respective challengers in the near future. Speaking of which, Kairi Sane will once again take on Nia Jax, who is now Asuka’s #1 contender. How are they all preparing for such daunting challenges? Asuka says something in Japanese, but says that she will take down the bully Nia at Backlash. But Charlotte says Asuka can’t actually beat Charlotte. Well, Asuka is always getting better. Charlotte just stays the same. And one more thing: The Empress never bows down to anyone. Asuka dances off again, but has her evolution finally surpassed The Queen’s?

The Viking Raiders welcome the Street Profits to the bowling alley.

While Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins lead the series 2-1, they’re not sure about this. They can’t get no Jordans in here? No, those are bowling shoes, for bowling. And Erik vows that this series will be tied after this. Ivar references their basketball showdown by shouting, “Check!” and passing the bowling ball to Dawkins! Ouch. That’s not how bowling works, fam! But Erik blows the horn, and the game begins. Erik bowls a strike right out of the gate! Ivar does, too! The Profits take their turns, because anything they can do, Tez and Dawks can do better. Ford bowls… a gutter ball. Well try hitting the pins. Dawkins double hands it, but also bowls a gutter ball. Ivar tries that same technique, and still gets 9! Bring the drinks! First round on the Vikings. Well that’s nice. Solo cups all around, because the manager/waitress thinks Ivar’s cute.

Erik raises a toast, “Skol!” Cheers? No, skol. Cheers. Skol! Okay. SKOL! Oh what’s in here? The viking tradition: Goat’s milk! But back to the frames! Ivar gets a strike, Ford slips and gets a gutter again. Dawkins dares Ford to step up. But he has been stepping up! Ford plays with the ball too much and he drops it on Dawkins’ foot! Ivar and Erik wait for their ball to come back, and pull out… mutton! Dawkins misses the spare and blames the ball. Ivar says Dawkins can use his ball. It’s just painted on Ivar’s chest. Erik and Ivar start showing off with no looks and backwards rolls. Ford tries to curling this but it misses. Dawkins says he’s at least getting pins, unlike Gutter Ball Tez.

Ivar finishes the turkey and sees the snack bar is open. Ivar, wait! He goes right to the kitchen and takes out turkey legs from the fridge. Now the manager/waitress is upset with him now. Get out! They can’t go anywhere with these two. But the manager/waitress won’t throw them out, because Ivar’s cute. Erik bowls one last frame, and the ball bounces out of the gutter to still get a strike! After five frames, the Viking Raiders are all but perfect with 100, while the Profits are floundering with 21. But Ford says he has a way to change this. “Guy behind the counter! We want the smoke!” The lighting changes to have lasers, and the smoke comes up! Dawkins starts burning it up with strikes and high hits! And Erik starts missing! Ford finally gets something! Ivar finally misses! Now Dawkins does the no-look, and picks up that spare! “It’s Smoke Season, bruh!”

“How the turntables have turned!” The Profits made a comeback and are now leading, 130 to 121! This is the last chance for the Vikings, and Erik says no more playing around! Ivar holds onto the ball while Erik bowls Ivar! Ivar superman slides all the way to a STRIKE! And the Vikings finish it off, 131-130! The series is tied, but where will this series of oneupsmanship go next?

Nikki Cross w/ Alexa Bliss VS Billie Kay w/ Peyton Royce!

The battle of best friends is heating up! The IIconics may have self-destructed in their title challenge a couple weeks ago, this match could get them back on track. At least, it would be if they weren’t arguing with Bliss-Cross backstage! Billie shoves Nikki, Nikki shoves back, and Alexa and Peyton are close to getting involved before Adam Pierce intervenes! Will things sort out and head to the ring after the break?

Raw returns and this has moved to the ring. The bell sparks things off and the shoving continues. Nikki dodges and crossbodies! She thrashes Billie around but Billie gets up and knees low. But Nikki buckle bumps back! And again! And a third time! Billie flounders and gets the fourth buckle! Nikki fires up with the crowd as she headbutts and dropkicks Billie down! Cover, ONE, but Nikki stays close. Alexa cheers but Billie kicks Nikki away. Peyton is there to coach Billie up, SHADES OF KAY boot! Cover, TWO! Nikki survives and Billie is furious! Billie argues with the ref but Billie drags Nikki up to the corner. She stomps away but argues as the ref counts. Billie digs her boot into Nikki’s neck but lets up at 4.

Nikki gets to a corner but Billie scoops for the suplex! Cover, TWO! Billie taunts Alexa but Nikki rolls her, TWO! Nikki throws forearms and runs, but Billie spins to DECK Nikki! Billie covers again, TWO! Billie clamps onto Nikki with a chinlock and smothers Nikki while thrashing her about. The crowd rallies up and Nikki fights to her feet, only for Billie to wrangle her back down. Billie pulls Nikki back in a half camel clutch. Nikki endures as Billie taunts her, but the crowd is still on Nikki’s side. Nikki gets up, Billie knees low, and then scoops for a backbreaker! Billie and Peyton strike the IIconic pose together before Billie runs to drop an elbow. Cover, TWO! Billie argues with the ref again and even throws a bit of a tantrum. Billie goes back to Nikki to slap her around. Nikki shoves Billie back then ROKCS her! And again!

Nikki keeps hitting, then dodges to run and clothesline Billie down! The crowd fires up again and Nikki runs corner to corner at Billie for a big splash! To a bulldog! Nikki fires up even more as she goes to the apron. She shoulders into Billie, dropkicks her down, then goes up top. Nikki leaps but FLOPS as Billie moves! Billie drags Nikki up, fisherman to SPINE BUSTER! Cover, Billie wins!!

Winner: Billie Kay, by pinfall

That new move was the key for Kay to pin one of the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Will this mean the IIconics are back in the title hunt? Will Bliss-Cross be able to get through Bayley & Sasha Banks this Friday to then worry about Billie & Peyton?

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Does the looming threat of Bobby Lashley give him concern about facing MVP tonight? Everyone should know by now that McIntyre doesn’t back down from any challenge. He loves challenges! He has beaten seven different superstars since becoming WWE World Champion, and will gladly make MVP number eight. IN fact, it would be better if Lashley gets in there! BOOM, Claymore for Lashley! Imagine this: Anyone in the locker room, anyone around the ring, anyone off the street, that wants to step to McIntyre, he will line them all up and give them all a one-way ticket to #ClaymoreCountry. McIntyre leaves, making sure to pick up his belt on the way. Will he punch, or rather kick, MVP’s ticket tonight?

Raw Talk returns!

Right after the show, go to the WWE Network, whether you’re a paid subscriber or hopping on the brand new FREE version, and watch as the return episode features Seth Rollins, The Street Profits and the Viking Raiders!

Rey Mysterio speaks via satellite.

How is his eye? And when can we expect to see him back on Raw? Mysterio says that while his eye is still recovering, he has no answers. There is no time table for when, or if, Mysterio can return. It is about how fast he can recover. But if an infection were to set in, that could end his career. Samoa Joe doesn’t want to be blunt, but Seth Rollins throwing that “retirement ceremony” earlier tonight, is Mysterio himself considering retirement? Mysterio isn’t really sure. He doesn’t know if it’s up to him anymore. Joe knows how bad eye injuries can be. Mysterio could be cleared in a few weeks, or never again! It is definitely an answer we do not know yet, but it has been on Mysterio’s mind.

Then to Joe’s point, is there anything, anything at all, Mysterio would like to address about the ceremony? Yes, actually. For a messiah, Rollins carries so much negativity. That negativity would be a burden for any man. For Rollins to say Mysterio was “chosen” as a sacrifice? C’mon! There was no higher power involved here. Rollins chose to blind Mysterio! Dominik comes in to say that what his father is getting at, is that Rollins is no messiah. Rollins is barely a human being anymore. Something needs to be done, and it needs to be someone from the Mysterio family. Dominik cannot calm down after what Rollins did, and how Rollins lies about it! That’s BS and we all know that. Mysterio calms Dominik and continues to say that he wants to thank the WWE Universe for reaching out. That means the world to him and his family.

He knows everyone wants an official statement, so here it is: “Seth Rollins, DAMN YOU for everything you put my family through!” From wife Angie to son Dominik and daughter Aliyah, they all had to helplessly watch Rollins jam those steps into Mysterio’s eye and blood run down Mysterio’s face. They saw the man that protects and provides for them suffer. Rollins says all these lies about Mysterio. Mysterio is a man of forgiveness, but Rollins will never be forgiven for what he did to Mysterio and what he put the family through! Mysterio apologizes to Dominik, and takes his leave. As for Dominik, he warns Rollins that as a “man of scripture,” he’ll understand eye for an eye. Is Dominik going to avenge his father by any means necessary?

Raw learns of a WWE 24/7 Championship confrontation!

Rob Gronkowski was heading out to film a Tiktok hit, but the gardener was working in the backyard. Gronk starts up his dance number, but then spots the gardener. He’s suspicious, and for good reason! His friend is now a referee! And the gardener rolls Gronk up! The gardener wins?! Wait, it’s R-Truth!!

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

Truth shouts, “You can’t get a touchdown if you don’t flip the mulch, Mr. Rob Gronkowski!” Truth runs off and Gronk is no longer in a social media mood.

Kairi Sane VS Nia Jax!

Just as we heard, the Pirate Princess wants to exact some sense of vengeance on the Irresistible Force for blindsiding her weeks ago. Will Kairi make sure the big bully stumbles before facing Asuka at Backlash?

Before the match, Nia grabs a mic to say, “I did not start this. I have been repeatedly attacked by Asuka and Kairi.” The classic 2v1 advantage. Don’t believe the hype. The Kabuki Warriors aren’t what they say they are, with the bright colors and being best friends and all that Japanese gibberish. “It’s all smoke and mirrors!” Just like Asuka’s reign! Asuka didn’t earn the title! She was gifted it because of Becky’s hormones. Becky got all preggers and then felt so bad that she gave the title away. “Oh, Asuka, here~! I love you!” And yet Nia is the villain in this? No, she’s the victim! And at Backlash, Nia exposes Asuka for the “backstabbing, undermining charlatan that she really is.” Bold words, but will Nia back them up?

Raw returns as Kairi makes her entrance. The bell rings as Asuka watches backstage again. Kairi dropkicks and fires off on Nia right away, but Nia pushes her down. Nia pats Kairi on the head for being so small, but Kairi SLAPS Her! Kairi throws more hands but Nia pushes her away and runs her over! Asuka is cheering as hard as she can but Nai drags Kairi up and tosses her! Nia drags Kairi back up, fireman’s carries, but Kairi slips out to a sleeper hold! Kairi squeezes tight and Nia fades! Nia drops to her knees but gets back up. Kairi clubs and ax kicks! And again! And again! Kairi back hands Nia! The crowd roars with Kairi as she goes to the corner. Kairi climbs up but Nia headbutts her first! Nia drags Kairi off the top, but Kairi spins to DDT! Cover, ONE!!

Kairi roars as she marches corner to corner. Kairi runs in for the SLIDING D! Nia is down and Kairi climbs up again! Kairi says anchors away, but Nia bails out. Nia paces the outside to catch her breath but Kairi builds speed and slides! But Nia spins her around to SLAM her on the apron! And then Nia whips Kairi into steel steps! Kairi hits face first and is down! But Nia drags her up to put her in the ring. The crowd boos hard as Nia drops a leg! Cover, Nia wins!

Winner: Nia Jax, by pinfall

The Irresistible Force infuriates Asuka, because here she comes! Asuka stares Nia down but Nia backs down. The #1 contender leaves for now, but will she leave Backlash the Raw Women’s Champion?

Raw hears from Randy Orton.

“For the past few months, I’ve woken when at home, sat on the couch, poured a cup of coffee and watched the WWE Network.” Orton has caught up on The Undertaker: The Last Ride, Chronicle: ArRival, WWE 360, WWE 24 and even Ride Along. But the one thing that every WWE superstar has in common is that they think Ric Flair is the greatest to ever do it. Orton agrees. But then last week, Orton watched Raw and saw Ric Flair say that in his opinion, Orton is the best ever. And y’know what? Edge said the same. But Edge also said that Orton didn’t have a passion for the business. That Orton was handed everything! That Orton did it for a paycheck! And y’know what? Edge was right.

Orton admits it, but Edge can’t stand that even half-assing it, Orton has accomplished more than anyone else! Edge scratched and clawed and pretended to be the heroes from his childhood to get here. All Orton had to do was wake up, lace the boots and get in the ring to prove he was the best. At Backlash, Orton does the same. What could very well be the greatest wrestling match ever is where Orton proves he is truly better than Edge. Orton set the bait, Edge bit. Now Edge’s storybook ending will be rewritten by the three most destructive letters in sports entertainment: R K O.

Champion VS Champion: Asuka VS Charlotte Flair!

WrestleMania 34. SmackDown 12/11/18. SmackDown 3/26/19. Raw 11/25/19. And Raw 1/27/20. These singles matches mark the rivalry of the Empress of Tomorrow and the Queen of All Eras. Now, Raw 6/1/20 will mark the next chapter! Which wrestling royal comes out the strongest towards their respective title defenses?

Before the match, Charlotte tells those who boo her to shut up and respect their NXT Women’s Champion.Because this Sunday, TakeOver: In Your House, Charlotte defends her title in a Triple Threat against Io Shirai and Rhea Ripley. Those are two women who each and every aspiring superstar should want to be like! They also know them. They share the gym, the locker room and the entire Performance Center. Charlotte cheers each and every one of them on. She wants them to be the next Rhea, the next Shirai, the next one to stand up to her throne, so that she can make them bow down.

But speaking of bowing down, there’s a woman who has a history of bowing down. That’s the Raw Women’s Champion, Asuka! Asuka was the first ever Women’s Rumble winner, and has the longest undefeated streak in the history of the WWE! She is even a Grand Slam Champion now! It seems like the Empress just wants to be like The Queen! But speaking of, Asuka returns! No more talk, it’s time to see if Asuka is just like Charlotte, or if she’s better!

The bell rings and the two circle as the crowd cheers for Asuka. Asuka and Charlotte tie up, go around, and Charlotte goes after the wrist. Charlotte wrenches, Asuka wrenches back, but Charlotte headlocks. Asuka slips out and drags Charlotte down but Charlotte gets away. Charlotte goes to boot but Asuka evades. Asuka kicks but Charlotte evades. So Asuka shoves Charlotte! Charlotte backs off a moment but comes back to shove even harder! Charlotte kicks low then bumps Asuka off buckles! Charlotte reviews the list of wins, but Asuka blocks the buckle bump. Charlotte DECKS Asuka and CHOPS her. And again! And again! Charlotte whips corner to corner but Asuka reverses! Asuka runs in, misses, but boots back. Charlotte ROCKS Asuka with a right, then drops a knee on the knee! Asuka writhes while Raw goes picture in picture.

Charlotte stalks Asuka then drags her leg to the ropes. Charlotte wraps the leg around the ropes but the ref counts. Charlotte stops at 4 but the damage is done. The Queen looms over the Empress as she stomps her bad leg around. Charlotte drops down to toehold and crank Asuka’s leg. Asuka fights back but Charlotte rains down rights! Asuka kicks back from the mat so Charlotte clobbers her! Cover, TWO! Charlotte keeps her cool as she looms over Asuka again. Raw returns to single picture as Charlotte soaks up the heat from the booing superstars. Charlotte puts the leg on the ropes to drop down on it! And again, only for Asuka to roll her up! ONE, and Charlotte CHOP BLOCKS! Charlotte grabs the leg to drop knees on it over and over! Asuka crawls to a corner as the crowd boos Charlotte.

Charlotte walks into Asuka’s elbow but gives a forearm back. Charlotte clubs Asuka down then puts the leg on the ropes again. Asuka avoids the knee drop to fire off forearms, but Charlotte ROCKS her! Charlotte again brags about the list of wins she has on Asuka but Asuka just gets angrier. Asuka fires off hands, blocks punches and gives more punches! Asuka palm strikes from all sides, but Charlotte blocks the back hand to stomp the bad leg! Asuka staggers away as Charlotte runs in, but Asuka ROUNDHOUSES! Down goes Charlotte! The crowd rallies for Asuka as she and Charlotte slowly rise. Asuka fires up and runs to hip attack Charlotte in the corner! Charlotte denies the sliced bread but runs into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Buzzsaw and shining wizard! Cover, TWO!

Asuka grits her teeth as she gets over to another corner. Asuka goes outside and climbs the corner. She leaps but Charlotte avoids the missile dropkick, and wants Natural Selection! But Asuka catches it to an ARMBAR! Charlotte hurries to get up but Asuka shifts to the Triangle Hold! Charlotte hammers Asuka and then dead lifts, to get the BOSTON CRAB! Asuka endures as Charlotte pulls back, and she flips Charlotte to a cover! TWO, to a KNEEBAR! Asuka has the leg but Charlotte turns around and pries her off in a dead lift! GERMAN SUPLEX! Both women are down but Charlotte sits up. Asuka gets to ropes and Charlotte runs over, but her boot misses! Asuka pulls on Charlotte but Charlotte elbows free. But Asuka mule kicks and runs, Charlotte follows, only for Asuka to get the ARMBAR!

Asuka pulls on the arm, has the Triangle again, but Charlotte keeps moving around. Charlotte manages to get up again, for another dead lift! For a SIT-OUT POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Charlotte just slumps over in frustration. The crowd rallies as Charlotte has the leg. Asuka kicks with the good leg then gets to the ropes! Asuka kicks Charlotte away and stands on the apron, but Charlotte BOOTS her down! Wait, Asuka’s music is playing? Because Nia is mocking her by wearing one of her spare masks, and even her make-up! Asuka ignores the ring count and it hits 10!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by count-out

Asuka realizes she lost, and then gets CLOBBERED by Nia! Charlotte can thank Nia for this newest win over an old foe. Nia mocks Asuka to her face and leaves her behind. Will the opportunistic challenger use every trick in the book to get the title she thinks she deserves?

Backstage interview with Lana.

Lana knows Bobby Lashley’s “associate,” MVP faces McIntyre tonight. Some may consider Lana’s relationship with MVP “contentious,” and the slap from earlier tonight definitely lends to that. But this on top of Lashley saying Lana is a distraction at ringside, is this all MVP’s plan? Lana isn’t sure. But no, she’s certain it isn’t Lashley. He’d never do that to her. Her Bobby requested she not go ringside during his matches, but there was nothing about MVP’s matches. Lana laughs and heads off, is she scheming something already?

Drew McIntyre VS MVP w/ Bobby Lashley!

The Scottish Stud is set to take on the Rocky Mountain Machine at Backlash, but will gladly go through Montel Vontavius Porter first. However, Lashley being ringside certainly smells of a trap set for the champion. But just as we heard from Lana, she joins Lashley ringside because this is MVP’s match. Is the distraction going to ruin everything Lashley and MVP have planned?

The bell rings and McIntyre ramps MVP right into a corner! McIntyre stomps away then CHOPS MVP! He throws hyamakers but MVP hits back. McIntyre clubs and punches MVP back and CHOPS again! The crowd fires up as McIntyre whips but MVP reverses. McIntyre comes back and blocks the hip toss to CLOBBER MVP again! McIntyre wants MVP to stand and then gives him a Glasgow Kiss! The headbutt sends MVP out and Lashley heads over. McIntyre keeps his eyes on Lashley, but MVP POSTS McIntyre! Then whips him into Plexiglas before putting him in the ring! MVP runs corner to corner for a BOOT! McIntyre goes down, MVP covers, ONE! MVP is shocked and Lashley is worried, but the crowd fires up.

MVP brings McIntyre up, McIntyre pushes back but MVP kicks. It does nothing and McIntyre rallies with forearms and a boot! McIntyre goes to the corner and climbs up top, for the flying ax handles! And then he kips up! McIntyre starts the countdown, but Lashley drags MVP to safety. The crowd boos but McIntyre FLIES out! Direct hit takes MVP and Lashley out and the crowd is loving it! McIntyre drags MVP up and into the ring and now we get the countdown. Three! Two! One! CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

And Lana has a big smile on her face. But Lashley goes after McIntyre with the full nelson! McIntyre tries to fight it off but he can’t get free! Raw goes off the air, what is going to happen to the WWE World Champion?!

My Thoughts:

A really good episode for Raw, very little lull, though they found a way to fill time with a recap of the opening segment to start the second hour. The “retirement ceremony” for Rollins was good, and the tribute video turning into anything but was a given. Aleister VS Rollins was a really good match, but I almost thought things were going to turn into a tag team match when Carrillo ran out. Turns out that was saved for later. Rollins gets a lot of good Heel Heat, he really is clicking as this character. The “update” video with Mysterio’s and Dominik’s response was great, and I really want to see Dominik’s in-ring debut to be him going after Rollins. That would add a wild layer to this story, and definitely set up Rollins VS Mysterio for say Extreme Rules or even SummerSlam. I don’t know if this story is how Mysterio retires or just leaves the WWE, but this has the potential to be his and Rollins’ best work in the WWE.

Apollo Crews getting to choose his opponent is an interesting move for his story. I’m surprised he chose Kevin, but with his back and forth with Kevin, I almost thought Apollo was going Heel tonight. But instead, we get the Teddy Long “impromptu” tag match because Vega, Almas and Garza aren’t done with Apollo or Kevin. Vega is dead set on crushing Garza x Charly, tearing up that rose. I wonder if there comes a point when Charly goes after Vega and that costs Garza and Almas. But at the same time, Garza and Almas are already losing to Kevin and Apollo without that kind of stuff, so I’m curious to see how Vega’s stable can turn things around. Speaking of turning things around, Profits VS Viking Raiders in random sports is turning around and is hilarious stuff now. And the Vikings turn the series around, tied 2-2. I also love the ongoing gag that Ivar is the cute one. It works since Erik is married to Sarah Logan anyway.

What a surprise for Billie Kay to win clean on Nikki Cross, with that new finisher, too. I don’t know how, but Bliss-Cross probably finds a way to retain their tag titles against Bayley and Banks so that they can have a rematch with the IIconics at Backlash. Another surprise was that we finally got some WWE 24/7 Championship action again. Truth finds Gronk’s house, pretends to be a gardener, and then surprises Gronk. I hope that brings this belt back to the WWE Performance Center and then a heaping helping of NXT superstars get to join in on the chase. There are so many great choices out in the crowd, it’d be amazing if it got passed around from one end to the other and then Truth gets it back at the end.

Given these episodes of Raw have been taped and delayed, there were leaks about Nia injuring Kairi and even busting her open. But as we did not see any blood, or a buckle bomb worthy of the move being recently banned, give credit to some WWE editors from having shots that avoided any of that. Of course, that assumes the recordings we heard about were even for tonight’s episode. In the vacuum of kayfabe, Nia definitely gets good Heel Heat for her part in ruining Charlotte VS Asuka. However, I still don’t see Nia winning the title at Backlash. As it goes, Bayley has a win over Charlotte but now Charlotte has a win over Asuka. It would be a shame for neither Rhea or Shirai to win the title at TakeOver, but we could still get some sort of Winner Takes All Triple Threat where all three titles are on the line come SummerSlam. Though to be honest, I’d rather see Shirai get her first reign over someone becoming WWE’s first-ever Women’s Triple Belt Champion.

HBK has a good promo hyping Orton VS Edge and Orton has a great promo to add on, and only now am I starting to think they’re going to take the overly done “Greatest Wrestling Match Ever” slogan serious. Orton and Edge might actually give us a solid 25 minutes or more of actual match, to then have Orton disqualify himself because he was losing. The main event and the world title picture have been going strong and that includes tonight. Lana wasn’t as much of a factor as she made it seem with her promo, but her getting to watch MVP lose in person is perhaps good enough for her. McIntyre and Lashley fighting again to end the show was pretty good, but I feel a bit cheated that we don’t see how things resolved. The WWE advertised Raw Talk and the new free WWE Network pretty hard, but they didn’t have footage of anything involving referees or security breaking it up. You get what you paid for, and since it costs nothing, we got nothing.

My Score: 8.4/10