The Raw champions all still reign!

The Clash of Champions has come and gone, and from World to United States to Raw Women’s and Raw Tag Team, the champions are still here! But that just means the door is open to new challengers! Who step up to Drew McIntyre, Bobby Lashley, Asuka and The Street Profits?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Zelina Vega; Asuka wins and retains the Raw Women’s Championship.
• Andrade Almas VS Keith Lee; Keith wins.
• WWE 24/7 Championship Chess Shenanigans: R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa w/ Ninja; Tozawa wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• WWE 24/7 Championship Shinobi Surprise: Akira Tozawa VS R-Truth VS Drew Gulak; Gulak wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• WWE 24/7 Championship Always Be Prepared (to Lose): Drew Gulak VS R-Truth VS Akira Tozawa; Truth wins and becomes the new WWE 24/7 Champion.
• Natalya & Lana VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke; Rose & Brooke win.
• Kevin Owens VS Aleister Black; Kevin wins, by disqualification.
• WWE 24/7 Championship Triple Threat: R-Truth VS Drew Gulak VS Akira Tozawa; Truth wins and retains the WWE 24/7 Championship.
• Dominik Mysterio VS Buddy Murphy; Murphy wins.
• Six Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS Apollo Crews, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali; Crews, Ricochet & Ali win.
• WWE World Championship Open Challenge: Drew McIntyre VS ???; McIntyre wins and retains the WWE World Championship.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ric Flair is here!

The Nature Boy is back! And he isn’t alone! Here comes The Big Show! And Christian! And Shawn Michaels! They all had a part in exacting revenge on Randy Orton and helping Drew McIntyre retain the WWE World Championship. HBK says it’s been a long time but he can still do this: “Welcome to Monday Night Raw!” And without further ado, let him introduce the man who defeated Orton at Clash of Champions, Drew McIntyre! The Scottish Stud struts like Flair before joining the four legends in the ring. McIntyre gets a mic and says “This is pretty cool.” Standing in the ring with four legends who all made a surprise appearance last night. But McIntyre has known each of these men a long time. He grew up traveling with Big Show and Christian, them looking after him and helping him improve. And when things got tough, Show was the big brother giving him advice.

And of course, HBK was a mentor to McIntyre, especially in NXT. McIntyre wouldn’t be here without him. And Flair, what great stories and advice. McIntyre isn’t sure if he’s told many people this, but Flair was still on the main roster when McIntyre was starting. To be in the same locker room as him was amazing. But to think they’d all be united against Randall Keith Orton. That brings the good news: McIntyre and Orton went to war, beat the hell out of each other, and in the end, McIntyre put Orton’s ass in the ambulance and kept the WWE World Championship. McIntyre revels in the reaction from the fans.

HBK says that’s why these four are here. They thank McIntyre for whooping Orton’s ass. And as they were all off and recovering, they all obviously got together, showed up last night, and surprised McIntyre by “evening the odds” while getting their own revenge. Hopefully McIntyre isn’t upset by that. But if he is, blame Naitch. Well, McIntyre proved he can beat Orton at SummerSlam. Things were so personal, it didn’t matter, he welcomes others beating Orton up. Now is there a party set tonight?

But Orton speaks via the titantron! He hopes McIntyre is enjoying his moment, because it will not last! It isn’t over until Orton says it’s over! If you thought you went through hell last night, “you’ve got no idea what hell is. But you will.” Orton won’t be finished with McIntyre until Orton is WWE Champion! So he’s begging for another match, is he? McIntyre doesn’t get it. Orton doesn’t need to beg! He’ll be given the match because he IS Randy Orton! The 13-time WWE world champion, and the ONLY reason Orton is here is to remind McIntyre and everyone else around him that there is a price to be paid for crossing the Legend Killer. Cameras back up, Orton walks over, and takes his leave. What price is Orton going to make McIntyre pay?

Well, Orton has left the building, but all this title talk gives McIntyre an idea. He’s among four legends and wants to cement his own legacy. Whether we’re talking a fighting champion, a decorated champion, whatever, McIntyre wants to defend his title tonight. He issues an OPEN CHALLENGE to anyone he has NOT faced him for the title! Who wants to be the man around here?! And now that that’s out there, McIntyre promises to join these four for the after party later. Just don’t overdo it before then, alright? McIntyre shakes hands with each legend, but who looks to become a legend off McIntyre’s name?

Raw Women’s Championship: Asuka VS Zelina Vega!

La Muneca lost but did not show any respect to the Empress. Kayla Braxton asks her before the match about being a “poor sport,” and came up short. Look who’s talking! But Vega is just getting started! Everyone will feel so bad for Asuka when Vega proves she IS ready! But then Asuka comes by and tells Vega she is more than ready! Asuka hopes Vega is ready to lose AGAIN! They both talk trash, one in Japanese and the other Spanish, but security hurries to keep this from starting backstage! Will Asuka beat Vega twice in two days? Or will Vega have tricks up her proverbial sleeves this time?

Raw returns and Vega waits in the ring. Asuka makes her entrance, the introductions are made and the belt is raised. This Clash of Champions rematch begins, and we see if history repeats itself!

Asuka and Vega rush each other, Vega knocks Asuka down with forearms! Asuka turn things around to rain down fists then gets the ARMBAR! Vega gets the ropebreak and Asuka lets go fast. Asuka throws Vega down by her hair, talks trash in Japanese then goes after the arm. Vega gets the arm to kick it! Vega is continuing where she left off but Asuka pushes her away. Vega tilt-o0whirls, Asuka throws her down, but Vega gets the arm again! Vega rolls Asuka forward for a GROUND OCTOPUS! Asuka endures, powers up and pops out of the headscissor. But Vega gets the arm with that leg and throws elbows! Asuka endures, fights against the hold again, but Vega keeps throwing elbows. Asuka makes it a cover, TWO!

Vega basement dropkicks Asuka out of the ring! Vega leaps from the apron, but Asuka ROUNDHOUSES her down! The Empress grits her teeth and clutches her elbow as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Vega kicks Asuka’s bad arm! Asuka scrambles but Vega keeps on her with kicks! Veg dares Asuka to just give up then she SLAPS her! Asuka fires off fast hands! Asuka whips, pops Vega up for the KNEE! Vega flounders, Asuka runs corner to corner for a hip attack! Back kick! GERMAN SUPLEX! Vega sits up, Asuka runs and SLIDING KICKS! Cover, TWO! Vega survives the onslaught but Asuka is right on her. Asuka waistlocks, Vega fights with elbows and then wrenches the bad arm. Vega ROCKS Asuka, ducks Asuka’s kick, and hops on for the KIMURA! Asuka blocks the body scissor takedown and powers Vega off. Vega hops back on to go after the arm again! Asuka clubs Vega, powers her through to a SUPLEX!

Both women are down and fans clap on their screens. The ref checks, both women are okay to continue and Asuka sits up first. Asuka drags Vega up for kicks to the face! Asuka drags Vega into the chicken wing, but Vega arm-drags before the chinlock! EUROCLUTCH, TWO!! ASUKA LOCK!! Vega scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! Asuka goes after Vega but she holds on. The ref pulls Asuka way, Vega hits a BACKSTABBER! Cover, ROPEBREAK! Vega is losing her cool and is throwing a tantrum! Vega stomps Asuka over and over then goes to a corner. Vega climbs up, MOONSAULTS onto knees! ASUKA LOCK!! Vega taps, Asuka wins again!!

Winner: Asuka, by submission (still Raw Women’s Champion)

Asuka makes Vega suffer for her disrespect last night, then lets her go. With this, La Muneca is done and Asuka is moving on to new competition! But who will that be?

Flair, Show, Christian and HBK are backstage, playing cards over dinner.

Will they have to wait long for McIntyre to defeat his new challenger before he joins them?

Raw returns to Andrade Almas in the ring.

And he is telling Vega that she is NOTHING without him! El Idolo was to blame for everything? But look at her now! Asuka beat her TWICE. “You are the weak link!” Garza was weak, too. That is why Garza got hurt last night. Almas was the one holding their team together! He is the greatest in WWE! And now, he dares someone to face him! Does anyone answer the challenge? Yes, it’s KEITH LEE!!

Andrade Almas VS Keith Lee!

El Idolo no longer looks that confident now that the Limitless One is here! Will Keith make Andrade #BaskInHisGlory?

The bell rings, Keith and Almas stare down. They approach, Almas gets a waistlock but Keith pries free. Almas clubs him on the back, runs, but into a back elbow! Keith drags Almas up by a knuckle lock, wrenches the wrist, and lifts Almas with one arm! He lets Almas down to wrench the wrist more, but Almas throws forearms. Keith throws Almas! Keith runs but Almas dropkicks the legs out! Keith hits buckles, Almas fires off forearms and knees! Almas has Keith in another corner but the ref counts. Almas lets up at 4 but comes back with kicks and CHOPS! Almas whips, Keith reverses and HURDLES Almas! Keith drops down to then CROSSBODY Almas down!

Keith is seething as he runs and corner splashes Almas! Keith then TOSSES Almas across the way! And hits another corner splash! Keith runs, Almas dodges and dropkicks the legs again. Almas fires off in a corner, the ref counts, Almas stops at 4 but Keith puts him on the apron! Almas climbs up, leaps, but Keith catches him with one hand! Keith scoops, Almas slips out and chop blocks the leg! And dropkicks Keith in the back! Almas takes aim, fires himself up, and runs corner to corner. CIEN SHADOWS! Keith flounders and Almas fires up more. Almas drags Keith up, hammerlocks, but Keith powers out to pop Almas up for a SPIRIT BOMB! Cover, Keith wins!

Winner: Keith Lee, by pinfall

If you blink, you might’ve missed something! Keith moves as fast as Almas, but has so much more power! Will the Limitless One soon take over Monday Night Raw?

The Hurt Business discusses business over a meal.

MVP tells Shelton Benjamin that you need the V12. Some random staffer sits at their table, and this upsets Bobby Lashley. The guy moves over but stays at their table… Uh, that’s Lashley’s seat, too. The staffer realizes where he is and apologizes. He hurries off but Lashley says the guy is taking his plate. It isn’t his plate, but the guy gives it up anyway. Anyone want some of this? The three enjoy their meal now, but will the All Mighty United States Champion satisfy his hunger for competition later on?

Raw returns to R-Truth playing chess against Lil’ Jimmy.

The WWE 24/7 Champion is very careful considering his next move. “CHECKMATE!” Pay up, Jimmy! That’s how good Truth is. He feels like a winner. Maybe Truth should challenge McIntyre? Wait, a ninja?! He delivers a message to Truth. Truth opens the envelope, and then a briefcase is presented. Wait, this is in Japanese. Oh, English on the back. “R-Truth, if you are reading this, I was eaten by a shark. Our battles were epic. It would make my sense, Kung Funaki proud. At heart, I was a ronin, until I met you. Wear this with honor. Regards, Akira Tozawa.” The briefcase opens, and Tozawa’s black belt is given to Truth! Oh, Tozawa! Why did you have to get devoured!? But wait, he’s not dead or eaten or anything! Tozawa is here, and he rolls Truth up!! Tozawa wins!!

Winner: Akira Tozawa, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

Tozawa deceived Truth and has the treasure! But then the ninja messenger BOPS Tozawa with the briefcase! The ninja covers Tozawa and wins!! But this ninja, is DREW GULAK! “That’s why I am always prepared!”

Winner: Drew Gulak, by pinfall (NEW WWE 24/7 Champion)

But then he turns around and Truth BOPS HIM with the briefcase! Cover, Truth wins!!

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

FORTY FIRST! Truth has won this title for the 41st time! Gulak and Tozawa get mad at each other but chase after Truth! This title is being given a Triple Threat match later tonight! Who finishes the night with this title in their possession?

Buddy Murphy is backstage, texting.

But then Seth Rollins heads over and Murphy puts his phone away. Rollins is glad to see his disciple again. But what is wrong? Tonight is a beautiful night! It is Monday, after Clash of Champions! And most importantly, the Mysterio Family will be on King’s Court tonight. We all get to see what they’ll say about stuff! Be in a great mood, because this is a great night for them! Wait, why is he dressed to compete? There’s no matches tonight. Dress up and get ready to celebrate! Go on, you look great in it anyway. Murphy leaves, but he left his phone behind. Rollins picks it up, and puts it away in his pocket. What is The Architect planning in that devious mind?

Raw returns to The King’s Court!

Jerry Lawler is already in the ring and welcomes us back. Last week, Seth Rollins tried to play mind games by saying Rey Mysterio might not be the father of either of his children! So please welcome, The Mysterio Family! Rey, Angie, Dominik and Aalyah make their way to the ring together. Aalyah sits first, making sure to have the mic. Jerry thanks them all for being here and gets to business. Can they comment on what happened last week? Rey says Rollins has been running his mouth, trying to disrupt the family, but can’t even control his own house. It is obvious these are his kids, he is their father, and that he and Angie worked so hard to build a strong, loving family. The family means the world to him. His kids have been his whole life since they were born> It takes a truly evil human to fabricate such lies like Rollins did.

Dominik says this has gone on for way too long and gone way too far. Next time they see Rollins, Dom will end it. Jerry understands the frustrations, and Rollins might be lying, but we did see Aalyah upset by what Rey said. Rey called her “naïve, and knows nothing about our world.” Aalyah stormed off to the back, and then was approached by Murphy. Aalyah, you’ve had time to reflect, but how are you feeling? “I am still a little bit upset about what happened,” because of how her parents see her, but she is 19 years old and is an adult. Murphy engaged her, so she wasn’t sure what to think. Rey seems concerned by that, but Aalyah says that whoever hangs around Rollins should reevaluate their life. Rollins is an awful person, and a fraud.

Rollins is on the titantron as he chuckles at their harsh words. He knows he might be the last person they want to see right now after last week. He understands completely. But what he has to say tonight is important. He promises this bothers him as much as it will them, but it is the truth. “The truth is, one of you isn’t being 100% honest with the family.” The truth is that Aalyah is fibbing about her feelings towards Murphy. Rollins knows they are wondering why they should even believe him for a second. But the thing is, don’t believe Rollins. Just believe these text messages! They’ve been having conversations! Murphy apologized, she thanked him, and wished him a happy birthday!

The truth hurts, doesn’t it? But Rollins promises this is for the greater good. Rey is upset, Aalyah defends Murphy, then hurries off again. Rey shouts after his daughter but then gets out of the ring. Rey helps Angie down the steps and they both hurry after her, with Dominik following behind. Rollins mumbles the messages, but Murphy confronts him! What’s Murphy upset about? This is his decision. So he had to put it out there? Murphy says Rollins doesn’t know anything! Oh, but Murphy thinks he can hide things? Does he think the truth isn’t important? Murphy gets upset that Rollins is chuckling, but Dominik attacks MURPHY! The brother is defending his sister but perhaps from the wrong man!

Security pulls them apart, but they keep trying to go after each other! Maybe Murphy being dressed to compete wasn’t such a bad idea after all!

Lana and Natalya head to the ring!

The Ravishing Russian and the #BOAT, Best of All Time, are here as part of Raw addressing the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler weren’t cleared for last night but will be ready down the line. What will be the decision towards the title defense? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and Natty and Lana both have mics. They are here waiting until Nia and Shayna are STRIPPED of those titles! The titles that are rightfully Lana’s and Natty’s. Now when Lana thinks about it, the only reason there IS a Women’s Tag Division is because of Lana and Natty. In fact, they’re celebrities, influencers and followed by MILLIONS. They want those titles right here tonight! Adam Pearce interrupts the ranting and asks they calm down. They can’t just strip Nia and Shayna of belts.

But in the spirit of competition, Lana and Natty can earn a shot in a match against the newest members of the Raw Women’s Division. MANDY ROSE is here! And she is joined by… DANA BROOKE! The Golden Goddess and the Flex Appeal are BOTH on Raw! Will they sink the #BOAT and Lana with it?

Natalya & Lana VS Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke!

The teams sort out and Dana starts with Natty. Natty headlocks, throws Dana down, but Dana headscissors.  Natty pops out, Dana kicks her low and whips her to the corner. Dana handsprings in for the back elbow! Tag to Mandy, Mandy brings Natty out and tags Dana back in. Snap suplex then handspring BOOT! Cover, TWO! Dana keeps on Natty, whips her to ropes, but Lana tags in. Natty kicks Dana away, Dana dodges but Lana throws her down by her hair! Lana ROUNDHOUSES Dana down then covers, TWO! Lana keeps on Dana with a whip into the corner. Tag to Natty, they stomp away on Dana then let up at the ref’s count of 4. Natty fires off more, the ref counts again, Natty lets off to taunt Mandy.

Tag to Lana, Natty snapmares Dana and Lana runs to sliding KICK! Cover, TWO! Lana keeps on Dana with a chinlock and grinds her down. Dana endures, Mandy and fans rally up for her, and Dana fights up to her feet. Dana fights out with elbows, Lana throws her down by her hair again! Lana gloats, then SLAPS Mandy! Mandy gets in but the ref keeps her away. Dana rolls Lana! Lana gets away before the ref sees, grabs Dana’s foot, but Dana enziguris! Hot tag to Mandy! Mandy rallies on Lana and Natty! Mandy drags Lana up, SNAP GUT WRENCH! Cover, TWO!! Natty gets in but Dana LARIATS her out! Lana shoves Mandy, Mandy dodges Lana to KNEE FROM A ROSE! Cover, Mandy and Dana win!

Winners: Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose, by pinfall

And that’s a wrap on the first #MandyNightRaw! Will Mandy and Brooke take over the Women’s Tag Division before the Draft shakes things up again?

Aleister Black speaks.

“Negligence, Kevin. Negligence. You’re a good man, right, Kevin? At least you claim to be.” Good men wouldn’t let bad things happen, but there it is. Kevin thrives in a system where he can manipulate viewers. It took one sentence for fans to forget and forgive the man who betrays those who rely on him. Kevin said he was sorry but he was with his family. Aleister sees family representing cruelty. Aleister’s father was a cruel man. Has Kevin’s son learned of betrayal from his own father? It doesn’t matter who forgets and forgives, because Aleister will never do either for Kevin. That darkened eye stares into Kevin’s soul, will it be Kevin’s future that #FadeToBlack?

Raw returns to the legends’ game of Texas Hold ‘Em.

Big Show is the dealer and HBK hopes for something good. Show says Flair is winning this on chips. HBK says he was only hoping to see what happens with McIntyre. Well it’s an Open Challenge so we don’t know. But unlike the other three, Show hasn’t officially retired so maybe… No, you lost at WrestleMania, too. Just deal! But here come the Street Profits to liven up the party! Cheers, dog!

Kevin Owens VS Aleister Black!

Kevin paces in the ring as Aleister makes his entrance. The Embodiment of the End has new music to go with this new darkness inside him! Aleister storms his way down the ramp, takes off the headband and vest, and the bell rings. Kevin dropkicks Aleister right out of the ring! Kevin goes after Aleister at the barriers, they brawl and Kevin throws and CHOPS Aleister around! Kevin bumps Aleister off the apron, clubs him and puts him in. Aleister knees Kevin down at the ropes, clubs and stomps away, then drags Kevin up for forearms. Kevin gives them back but Aleister throws body shots. Aleister whips, runs in to back elbow, then snapmares Kevin to a cover. ONE, but Aleister clamps on with a facelock.

Kevin powers Aleister to a corner, the ref counts but Kevin CHOPS Aleister again. Kevin clubs Aleister, Aleister elbows him back. Aleister chokes Kevin on ropes, brings him up and kicks him! Kevin kicks back, punches Aleister then clubs him in a corner. Kevin whips Aleister corner to corner hard, then eggs Aleister on. Kevin stomps on Aleister’s hand, kicks him and CHOPS him again! Aleister throws haymakers back, has Kevin on the ropes and chokes him more! The ref counts, Aleister lets up and Kevin coughs and sputters. Aleister drags Kevin up in a corner, clinches for knees, then throws body shots. Aleister whips but Kevin reverses and elbows him down!

Kevin paces, stomps Aleister in the chest, then paces more. Mule kick! Kevin CHOPS Aleister again, Aleister boots back! Aleister throws haymakers and forearms at the ropes, then chokes Kevin more. The ref counts, Aleister stops at 2, Kevin rolls him up! TWO, Kevin throws haymakers and CHOPS again! Kevin whips, Aleister kicks him away, Kevin LARIATS! Kevin stalks Aleister, whips him again, for another LARIAT! BACK SENTON! Aleister staggers away but Kevin GERMAN SUPLEXES him! Aleister flops out of the ring and the ref starts a ring count. Kevin goes out to SENTON from the apron! The fans fire up with Kevin as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Kevin DDT’s Aleister! Cover, TWO! Kevin grows frustrated, but fans clap and rally up. Kevin stands, Aleister sweeps the legs! Kevin clutches a knee, Aleister stomps Kevin in the shoulders and back! Aleister rains down right hands, drops elbows, then covers, ONE! Kevin pushes Aleister, Aleister KICKS Kevin! Aleister paces Kevin, Kevin talks trash but Aleister kicks him more! Kevin CHOPS Aleister, Aleister KICKS Kevin to a corner! Aleister digs his knee into Kevin’s face! The ref counts, Aleister lets up at 4.5 and argues with the ref. Aleister goes back to Kevin and Kevin kicks low! Kevin kicks and CHOPS and throws forearms! Aleister knees low, snapmares and PENALTY KICKS Kevin down! Cover, TWO!

Kevin sputters and Aleister clamps on with a facelock. Aleister tries to squeeze what little air inside Kevin out of him. Fans rally up as Kevin endures, fights up and arm-drags Aleister away. Aleister ROUNDHOUSES Kevin down! Cover, TWO!! Kevin survives and Aleister seethes as he stands. Aleister drags himself up with the ropes, aims from a corner, and watches Kevin rise. Kevin dodges the knee to SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Aleister still lives but Kevin is too tired to be frustrated. Kevin rains down furious right hands then stomps Aleister before going to the corner. Kevin climbs, bad leg and all, but Aleister intercepts with haymakers!

Aleister climbs up to join Kevin, Kevin resists the suplex. Aleister clubs, Kevin throws body shots. Kevin sends Aleister down! Kevin adjusts, SWANTON BOMB onto knees! Kevin is up, RUNNING KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Another try, TWO! Aleister still covers, TWO!! Aleister is furious that Kevin still lives! Aleister pulls at his own hair as Kevin sits up. Aleister KICKS and punches and stomps Kevin at the ropes but the ref has to pull him away. Aleister glares at the ref, the ref warns him to respect his authority, and Aleister turns around. Kevin ROCKS Aleister with a right, Aleister fires off more! The ref gets hit in the crossfire! The ref calls for the bell!

Winner: Kevin Owens, by disqualification

Aleister doesn’t even realize he hit the ref! The ref was too close! And Kevin gives Aleister a STUNNER for good measure! The Prizefighter himself is a bit disappointed in that result, but a win is a win. Will Kevin be satisfied enough to leave things at this?

The Hurt Business returns to their locker room.

But Mustafa Ali walks out of it? Why was he in there at all? Ali apologizes, he got turned around in the ThunderDome. Now, he lost his damn mind! They push Ali, but Apollo is here to keep this from firing off. Ricochet says this isn’t over. They’ll see each other soon. Then see them tonight in the “office.” A Six Man Tag is set between the Hurt Business and Apollo’s Crew once again! But while Apollo couldn’t strike gold at Clash of Champions, can he, Ricochet and Ali turn their fortunes around?

WWE 24/7 Championship Triple Threat: R-Truth VS Drew Gulak VS Akira Tozawa!

The Stamina Monster let everyone believe the shark had made him a snack, but he is back and got away with a sneak attack! Only for Gulak to surprise him! And then Truth got back on Gulak and has his baby back! But for how much longer?

Introductions are skipped as Raw is returning from break. The title is raised, and we see if Truth can keep this 41st reign going!

The three circle, every man wary of the other two. But then Gulak and Tozawa go after Truth together! They kick and stomp him in the corner, then drag Truth out for more kicks and stomps. They bump Truth off buckles, kick and stomp more, then double whip corner to corner hard! Truth hits the mat, Tozawa covers but Gulak drag shim off. Gulak covers, Tozawa returns the favor. They shout at each other, Truth double clothesline them! Cover on Gulak, TWO! Cover on Tozawa, TWO! Truth is annoyed so he stomps Tozawa and punches Gulak. Truth rains down rights, Tozawa CLOBBERS Truth! Tozawa CHOPS Truth, then puts Truth in a corner.

Gulak and Tozawa work together again to double suplex Truth high and hard! Tozawa covers, Gulak drags him off! These two argue again, but Gulak says they take care of Truth first. Gulak wrenches an arm, Tozawa stomps the arm, then grabs the other arm. Truth endures a double chinbar armlock! Gulak and Tozawa crank as hard and says if Truth give sup, they’ll be co-champions! Truth refuses to quit, powers out, so Gulak covers Tozawa! TWO, and Gulak apologizes. They both go after Truth, Truth hits them both, but they hit him back. Gulak then throws Tozawa out of the ring, almost into the ref! Gulak goes after Truth alone but Truth throws hands!

Gulak clubs Truth, scoops and slams him, then drags him into the GuLOCK! Truth endures, Tozawa climbs up top, SUPER SENTON! Truth moves out of the way in time and only Gulak gets hit! Truth gives Tozawa the GOURD BUSTER! Gulak runs in, into a fireman’s carry! Truth powers up like John Cena for an AA!! Cover, Truth wins!

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

The 41-time 24/7, 7/11, 747, I-95 South ThunderDome European Television Champion keeps his gold and books it! The chase is on again, will anyone catch Truth off guard?

Backstage interview with Mandy Rose & Dana Brooke!

The newest members of the Raw roster will also be on tonight’s Raw Talk, but Charly Caruso asks them now how this duo came together. Mandy has had her ups and downs, but Dana’s always been there. Dana is a great athlete, so there was no doubt. Dana thanks Mandy for that, but Mandy is a great inspiration. Mandy gets knocked down, gets up again and fights back. The Riott Squad still have their shot at the tag titles, but the winners better be ready for Mandy and Dana. Will Ruby and Liv, as well as Nia and Shayna, take note of the message sent?

Dominik Mysterio VS Buddy Murphy!

El Hijo del Mysterio is defending the honor of his family and specifically his sister, but the Aussie Juggernaut isn’t going to take the attack lying down. Dom is without Rey, is he going to settle things with the supposed disciple mano e mano?

Murphy throws his shirt at Dom before the bell, and that only serves to anger him more. Dom rushes Murphy and tackles him to the corner! Dom rams in again and again then throws clubbing forearms! The ref back shim off and Murphy BOOTS Dom away! Murphy goes after Dom but Dom trips him up! They brawl on the mat, Murphy pushes Dom away to BOOT him down! Murphy stomps Dom, drags him up and whips but Dom reverses to send Murphy out. Murphy drags Dom out but Dom RAMS Murphy into barriers! Dom throws him into the barriers again, throws haymakers then puts Murphy in the ring.

Dominik climbs, Murphy bails out, but Dom just hops down to build speed! Dom slides, Murphy gets under but Dom sends Murphy into the announce desk! The ref wants this to get back in the ring and starts a count. Murphy throws Dom OVER the desk! Murphy gets back in the ring, the count continues to climb but then Murphy goes back out. Murphy fetches Dom to bump him off the apron, and again! Murphy gets on the apron, stands on Dom’s head, then stomps! Dom dodges to sweep the legs! Murphy crashes down, Dom drags him up and throws him into the ring. Dom goes back to a corner, climbs back up top, and LEAPS! Big crossbody, but Murphy rolls through to cover, TOW!

Murphy kicks low, brings Dom to a corner but Dom blocks the bump to give the bump. Dom gives Murphy more buckles, then stalks him at the ropes. Dom throws haymakers, whips but Murphy reverses. Dom ROCKS Murphy with that right!! Dom says, “I told you not to mess with my sister!” Dom stomps Murphy, drags him up, punches him, then runs. Murphy reels him in but Dom elbows him back! Dom runs, into a KNEE TRIGGER! Both men are down but Murphy gets up to say, “This doesn’t concern you!” He stomps Dom, then KICKS him in the back! Murphy stomps Dom more and more, toys with him even, but Dom still gets up. Jawbreaker!

Murphy staggers, Dom knees low and throws hands, Murphy fires off a strike fest, stomps a foot but Dom dodges the knee. Dom POSTS Murphy, goes up and around to TORNADO DDT! Murphy flounders, Dom stalks Murphy to a corner and stomps a mudhole into him! The ref counts, pulls Dom off but Dom goes back for more! Dom keeps going, the ref again backs him down. Murphy bails out, Dom heads out there and throws clubbing forearms. Dom bumps Murphy off barriers, apron and repeat! The ref has the ring count climbing, Dom puts Murphy in. The apron skirt is up, and Dom sees the kendo stick. The signature weapon of this battle is now in the hands of Dominik! The ref warns Dom, and now Aalyah hurries out ringside!

Aalyah tells Dom to put the stick down but Dom tells her to go back to the family. Dom gets in, with the stick, Murphy says this isn’t what Dom thinks! Dom argues with Aalyah, Murphy rolls Dom up! Murphy wins!

Winner: Buddy Murphy, by pinfall

But now Dom goes after Murphy with the kendo stick!! Aalyah defends Murphy but Dom says this is for the FAMILY! To protect the legacy! Has she not seen what Murphy has done!? Aalyah says Dom doesn’t need to do this, but he says she IS naïve. So she SLAPS him! Aalyah storms off, angry at her brother as much as she is her father. Is Rollins’ plan working out after all?

The Hurt Business heads for gorilla.

But as they pass by a janitor, MVP throws his water bottle down. “Hey, pops. Clean this up.” The Hurt Business again acts like they run this place, but will they be run down by Apollo and his crew?

Raw return to Dolph Ziggler talking with Adam Pearce.

The Show-Off tells Pearce that he has the perfect guy for McIntyre’s WWE World Championship Open Challenge. But Ziggler, you’ve already challenged and lost to McIntyre, you’re not eligible. He knows that! He was pointing someone else out. He and Pearce should talk. Then let’s do that. Hopefully it is someone good.

Six Man Tag: The Hurt Business VS Apollo Crews, Ricochet & Mustafa Ali!

Conspicuous by his absence is Cedric Alexander, but MVP did say Sunday that there are special plans in place for him. Will the business model be on course for all four men? Or will things be set back a bit by battling Apollo, the King of Flight and the Beacon of Light?

MVP grabs a mic to tell Apollo that “this is an official announcement from The Hurt Business. The generally agreed upon definition of insanity his doing the same thing over, and over, and over, and expecting a different result.” That means Apollo is insane, because he is making the same dumb moves over and over. Cedric had a slip-up, sure, but that is why he went to “Hurt Business Boot Camp” to stop making those mistakes. Unlike Apollo, who keeps stepping to them! They told him, and MVP told him, that they would repo the United States title and that Apollo would never see it again! It looks better on Bobby anyway.

And to add insult to injury, all that talk at Payback, Apollo talking about getting the title back from them, it didn’t happen! Apollo stepped to Lashley, Lashley beat him down, and Apollo got dropped! Then at Clash of Champions, Apollo tried to get his gold rush on and stepped to Lashley again. Same result! “You got dropped.” And because Apollo keeps hitting the wall again and again, he got his recess friends, and is stepping to them again, expecting a different result. But you know what is going to happen? “You gonna get dropped!” But Ricochet, Ali and Apollo make their entrances! Despite all the talk, will the results change this time?

Teams sort out and Lashley starts against Apollo, but Ali and Ricochet hit MVP and Benjamin down first! The three go after Lashley but MVP drags Ali out to throw forearms! MVP throws Ali into steps! Benjamin clobbers Ricochet! Lashley whips Apollo into barriers! Lashley drags Apollo up but the lights start flickering! Can it be?! Retribution hijacks the screens, but where are they? Raw goes to break while things sort out.

Raw returns, this match continues and Benjamin stomps Apollo. Benjamin drags Apollo back up to reel him in for a clothesline! Benjamin wraps on with a chinlock but Apollo endures. Ricochet and Ali coach Apollo, Apollo endures but MVP tags in and the Hurt Business mugs Apollo. MVP throws forearms, kicks low and has Apollo in a corner. Apollo hits back, MVP throws forearms, then whips Apollo corner to corner. MVP runs in, Apollo dodges and MVP boots buckles! Apollo enziguris MVP down, but Lashley blast Ali and Ricochet! So Apollo GERMAN SUPLEXES Lashley!

MVP crawls after Apollo and clubs him on the back. MVP whips Apollo to a corner, Apollo boots him back. Apollo hits Benjamin away, and hops up to FROGGY CROSSBODY to hit MVP down! Both men crawl for their corners, hot tags to Benjamin and Ricochet! Ricochet springboards to crossbody Benjamin! Ricochet fires off strikes and ROCKS Benjamin, to then QUEBRADA! Ricochet hits the STANDOING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps going, dragging Benjamin to a drop zone, PHOENIX SPLASH! Benjamin dodges, Ricochet rolls through to a corner, Benjamin runs in to KNEE Ricochet down! Tag to MVP and they double whip to double FLAPJACK Ricochet! Cover, TWO!

MVP keeps on Ricochet with clubbing forearms. MVP reels Ricochet in, Ricochet slips out of the Playmaker. Enziguri misses but not the mule kick! Both men hurry, hot tag to Ali! Ali rallies on MVP, whips him to ropes but MVP reverses. Ali dodges and dropkicks MVP down! Ali goes after MVP in the corner with haymakers and a whip. MVP reverses, knees low and scoops. Ali slips off to shove MVP into buckles, run and NECKBREAKER! Cover, Lashley drags Ali off! Lashley brings Ali out, Ali fights, Apollo wrecks Lashley with a dropkick! And a MOONSAULT! Apollo flounders about, Benjamin CLOBBERS him! Ricochet is on the apron and SWANTONS Benjamin!!

Ali and MVP are alone in the ring, MVP stalks Ali and rolls him up! TWO, Ali has the cover, TWO! Ali goes up the corner, leaps, TORNADO DDT! Ali puts MVP in a drop zone, goes up top, 450 SPLASH! Cover, Ali and team win!

Winners: Mustafa Ali, Ricochet & Apollo Crews, by pinfall

No one is going insane, but that was a crazy ending! The Hurt Business just busted against Apollo’s crew, but will they go bankrupt soon enough? And what of Retribution?

We check back in with the legends and their card game.

HBK is all but out, and Christian has Three Jacks. HBK has Full House, but Flair has a ROYAL FLUSH! Impossible! No it isn’t, because here it is. Fargo strut and a WOO~ baby! The Nature Boy is winning hand after hand, but will McIntyre win his own Open Challenge?

Bianca Belair is the FastEST.

She proves so on the track against Performance Center prospects. Ready, set, GO! Bianca blazes past them all on that 40! And she’s just getting started because she’s the ToughEST. They go another heat, she gives them a head start, and STILL beats them! One more round! She even says it’ll be easier cuz she has hurdles. But even with those extra obstacles, she still wins! Well, thanks for the warm up. You can’t whoop the EST of WWE. But will Bianca be back in the ring soon enough to whoop some superstars?

WWE World Championship Open Challenge: Drew McIntyre VS ???

Even after an Ambulance Match against The Viper, the Scottish Stud still wants a fight! He put this challenge out to anyone that has yet to challenge him for this title, and is willing to take a Claymore to the face! Who will step to the champ? Will it be Ziggler’s choice? We find out after the break!

Raw returns and McIntyre has the mic to say he won’t leave us waiting any longer. “Who’s ready to step up?” No one? He can talk for ten minutes. How is commentary doing tonight? But here comes Dolph Ziggler! He’s dressed for business but he tells McIntyre “this is going to be special.” The one Ziggler chose is… the GLORIOUS Robert Roode!! Roode was with Ziggler in that trade, but he is finally back on television! Will Roode make his return truly glorious with a championship victory?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this GLORIOUS surprise match up begins!

Roode and McIntyre approach, Roode gets around to kick away at the legs! Roode puts the leg on the rope and pulls, but the ref counts. Roode lets off to then stomp the leg! Roode CHOPS, McIntyre shoves him away. Roode goes after the leg again, McIntyre clubs Roode away. McIntyre gets his legs working, brings Roode up to scoop, but Roode slips off to RAKE the back! Roode kicks the legs again, and CHOPS! Roode watched Clash of Champions so he knows what to hit! Roode wraps the legs on the ropes again, the ref counts but McIntyre clubs Roode again. McIntyre kicks and CHOPS Roode in return now!

McIntyre throws haymakers, drags Roode up to whip him corner to corner. Roode goes up but is kicked out of the air! McIntyre seethes as he watches Roode bail out. McIntyre pursues, inverted Alabama SLAM to the apron! Roode is down in a heap as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and McIntyre has Roode up top! Roode fights McIntyre back and throws haymakers! Roode trips McIntyre up and McIntyre lands on his claymore! Roode punches more and McIntyre falls into a Tree of Woe! But McIntyre sits up to SUPER BELLY2BELLY Roode away! Both men are down, Ziggler coaches Roode up but the fans rally for McIntyre. McIntyre aims, runs, but Ziggler gets Roode out to escape the Claymore! McIntyre grabs Ziggler by his hair, to throw him into the ring! The Show-Off scrambles up but McIntyre has him by his hair! But Roode chop blocks from behind! The bad legs are again targets as Roode stomps and drops elbows on them! Roode jams McIntyre’s knee between his own!

McIntyre gets to a corner, Roode goes out and brings McIntyre to the post. Roode clubs the leg then swings it into the POST! And then the other leg! And then back to the left leg! The ref counts but Roode gets in at 7. Roode goes back out, fans give thumbs down but Roode has the leg again. McIntyre boots Roode away then hobbles after him. Roode kicks the leg again, then borrows an idea from Orton with the SHIN BREAKER to the desk! Roode gets in the ring to refresh the count! Roode drags McIntyre up and in, goes to a corner and climbs up top. McIntyre is up, Roode hits a flying clothesline! Cover, TWO!

Roode keeps on the legs, steps through, and gets the FIGURE FOUR! McIntyre endures as Roode tortures his legs! Roode knows Flair is here so maybe he’s trying to show Flair how his own hold is done! McIntyre endures as Roode cranks harder and harder. McIntyre glares, grits his teeth and works to turn this over! He does! Roode suffers the pain now! Roode drags himself and McIntyre and gets the ropebreak! McIntyre gets free but the damage has been done both ways. Ziggler coaches Roode, Roode stands and hobbles to McIntyre. Roode brings McIntyre up, for a GLASGOW KISS! The headbutt rocks Roode, McIntyre rallies with clotheslines and a whip, for an OVERHEAD SUPLEX!

Roode flounders, McIntyre fires up and he rams Roode to a corner, for ANOTHER OVERHEAD SUPLEX! And a kip up!! But the bad leg buckles! McIntyre made a mistake, and walks into a GLORIOUS SPINE BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Fans clap but Roode is after the legs. McIntyre boots Roode into buckles! McIntyre stands, runs in, but Roode boots him back! Roode runs but McIntyre spins him, underhooks but a jackknife takedown! TWO, FUTURE SHOCK!! Cover, TWO!?! Roode survives and Ziggler is greatly relieved! McIntyre crawls to ropes, Roode is on the other side. McIntyre aims at Roode, runs at him, but Ziggler saves him again, but taking the BOOT! Roode grabs McIntyre for a GLORIOUS DDT!! Cover, TWO!?!? Roode is shocked!!

Fans clap as Roode fires himself up and dares McIntyre to get up. Roode drags McIntyre into position, but no second chance! McIntyre gut wrenches, spins out of the facelock, runs, CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall (still WWE World Champion)

That was definitely glorious, just not victorious for Roode! McIntyre is a fighting champion, fights through the pain, and still has the title! But with another superstar checked off the list, who is left to challenge McIntyre in the future?

The janitor is lurking?

The same janitor the Hurt Business mistreated… has a chair!? He stalks into the “Legends Lounge” where Flair, Show, Christian and HBK are having fun. The janitor takes off the gloves, and removes his hood and mask to reveal he’s RANDY ORTON! Orton puts on goggles, and then barges in to turn off the lights! The goggles are for night vision as he attacks the legends in the dark!! Chair shot after chair shot on Flair, Show, Christian and HBK!! And when the lights come back on, the entire room is a wreck, as are the legends! Orton puts his disguise back on and hurries away. Referees and security go right by him as the Viper slithers into the night. Is this the price Orton meant?

My Thoughts:

Much like NXT (and AEW) last Wednesday, much like Clash of Champions on Sunday, COVID-19 concerns changed much of what was meant to happen tonight. No Retribution because each of them are on quarantine isolation protocol, and it seems Raw Underground was affected because there wasn’t even one segment with it tonight. But even with a change of plans, this Raw turned out to be a really good one. I was surprised we were just given a rematch of Asuka VS Vega for the title, but I suppose that’s just to get it out of the way. As I said last night in the Clash of Champions article, I think the plan for Asuka’s next challenge is supposed to come down to Mia Yim or Mercedes Martinez, but Retribution is out so they have to wait.

Retribution did keep their presence known with the little part in the Hurt Business VS Apollo’s Crew Six Man, which was good enough given the circumstances. MVP gave a great promo, and the match was really good, and it was great for Apollo’s team to win with the returning Mustafa Ali getting the pin. I would love if Mustafa Ali got to move up and challenge Lashley, or at least teamed with Ricochet against Benjamin and either MVP or Alexander. In fact, Ali and Alexander having interaction would be great, because Alexander was his friend as much as he was Apollo’s. We got a lot of great stuff from the 24/7 Championship as perhaps a way to make up for what couldn’t happen tonight. It was great for the title to hot potato before Triple Threat, and it’s pretty great for Truth to retain in that match.

Lana and Natty VS Mandy and Dana was really good, and a great way to have Mandy make her debut on Raw after the whole “trade” as created by Miz. And I suppose the WWE Draft will leave them off the board, as most midcarders are in favor of the big names. We got good stuff out of the Mysterio Family. It may be a bit Romeo & Juliet, girl falls for boy who family doesn’t approve of, but Aalyah is doing great in her part. Dom and Murphy have a really good match, and I just knew Aalyah would go out there to try and stop it. I still feel like this story could turn into Murphy’s redemption given how Murphy is losing respect for how Rollins is behaving. That has to be the pivotal moment in this feud now, where it looks like Rollins is going to finish Rey or Dominik but it’s Murphy who stops Rollins.

The thread of the night was of course McIntyre’s open challenge and the presence of the legends that helped him beat Orton. We wondered all night who would go after McIntyre, and I was personally hoping for Keith Lee, but he accepted Almas’ open challenge instead. Maybe in kayfabe, Keith is willing to wait until he’s earned another shot at McIntyre given the fighting they just brought to each other before. Aleister and Kevin fight each other, but the ref bump causing a disqualification clearly means they’re having another match down the line. I like that they used this opportunity to bring Roode back, we get to revisit even just a bit of Roode VS McIntyre from back in NXT, and it was still a really good match either way. McIntyre retains, but we close with a somewhat corny way of doing an attack on the legends.

The foreshadowing was there with us knowing the legends were hanging around. Orton’s night vision goggles didn’t even look like night vision goggles, but using “lights out” is the only way to “censor” someone attacking Flair since we all know Flair can’t take a serious bump like that anymore, but we also can’t see someone take it easy on him, either. Of course, kayfabe logic keeps getting bent and twisted again as referees rush to the scene after the fact, but totally forgot that Orton was in disguise! But either way, this is obviously how Orton forces McIntyre to give him a Hell in a Cell rematch, and it will most definitely be IN the Cell.

My Score: 8.6/10