Raw is Phenomenal and Limitless, Bro!

Drew McIntyre sits down for an exclusive interview while Keith Lee, AJ Styles and (Matt) Riddle battle for the right to challenge him! Who becomes the WWE World Championship’s #1 contender?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Symphony of Destruction: Jeff Hardy VS Elias; Hardy wins.
• Ricochet VS Slapjack w/ Retribution; Slapjack wins.
• Asuka & Lana VS Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler; Asuka & Lana win.
• Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business; Alexander wins.
• WWE World Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Keith Lee VS Matt Riddle VS AJ Styles w/ Jordan Omogbehin; Styles wins and will challenge Drew McIntyre for the title at TLC.
• Dana Brooke VS Reckoning w/ Retribution; Dana wins.
• Drew McIntyre & Sheamus VS The Miz & John Morrison; McIntyre & Sheamus win, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

Raw opens with A Moment of Bliss!

Alexa has her new set all set up, with a doll trapped inside a cage…? Alexa says her guest needs no introduction, but she’ll give him one anyway! This is the 14-time world champion, the Viper, the Legend Killer, “and my favorite superstar,” Randy Orton! Orton makes his entrance and goes to the ring, despite his last Moment of Bliss not going so well for him. Orton picks up the mic from the chair but doesn’t sit. “Somebody’s in a foul mood.” But Alexa gets it. She wouldn’t feel so phenomenal if this happened to her last week. Footage replays of The Fiend making his presence known and making sure Orton didn’t beat AJ Styles in their contender qualifier match.

In the present, Alexa giggles before she says, “I cannot believe he did that to you.” But has Orton ever asked himself why Bray’s doing this? Alexa doesn’t know Bray as well as Orton does, but maybe just ask yourself, “Self, why would The Fiend do that to me?” Orton tells her that he’s known Bray a long time and knows him very, very well. But The Fiend has not formally introduced himself. But Alexa has. Fiend is one of her best friends. Well the truth is, Orton and The Fiend have a lot in common. The one difference, though, is that Fiend’s pain and suffering, he wears it on his exterior. Orton has all his pain and suffering bottled up, tucked away deep down, so that he can blend in.

“Now the voices. I hear voices. And the Fiend hears voices, too.” But the voices The Fiend hears are Orton’s. Well that’s not what Fiend told Alexa. Well he didn’t tell her everything. He didn’t tell her how years ago, Orton had to make a choice. Orton had to figure out what Bray’s weakness was. Orton found it, and burned it to the ground. “So now, I know what I need to do. I need to find The Fiend’s weakness.” And y’know what? Orton’s looking at her. Alexa chuckles, and asks if that’s what the voices in Orton’s head are telling him. Is that what he hears? Or are they lying to him? Alexa gets serious as she asks, “Who’s manipulating who?”

The lights start to go out, and Orton says, “See what I mean?” Alexa says, “See what I mean?” Either way, The FIEND appears, as Orton has Alexa in his arms! It’s a stand off as Fiend approaches slowly. Fiend holds his arms out, and Orton hands Alexa over, then bails out! Orton asks The Fiend, “Who’s laughing now?” The Viper is playing a dangerous game with Bray, but does he have what it takes to win it?

Symphony of Destruction: Jeff Hardy VS Elias!

This is an extreme encore of the back and forth between the Charismatic Enigma and the Drifter! Elias still thinks Hardy was the man behind the hit ‘n’ run, but will he finally open his ears to the truth as these two make painful music together?

Raw returns and Hardy makes his entrance, followed by Elias’. The bell rings and Hardy circles with Elias. Elias runs in and kicks but Hardy hits back! They brawl with haymakers and body shots, Elias knees low. Elias whips, Hardy kicks him back then clotheslines Elias out! Hardy swings to dropkick Elias to the ramp, then goes out to fetch a fiddle. Hardy gets some space to run and leap, but into Elias’ KNEE! Elias drags Hardy up to bump him off the apron, then Electric Chair lift, for a TOSS to the apron! Hardy crashes and burns but Elias drags him up to bump him off the grand piano! Wait, the piano is doing something on it’s own? Elias knocks and opens it up, it’s R-Truth!?

Truth kicks free of the piano, his hiding spot has been ruined! Erik, Akira Tozawa and Drew Gulak run down! Hardy back drops Gulak, Gran Metalik runs in and Elias CLOBBERS him! The 24/7 Championship chase has moved on as Lince Dorado comes by, but Elias SMACKS Lince with a guitar anyway! Hardy SMACKS Gulak for good measure! Hardy and Elias stare down after that Fender bender and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Elias drags Hardy up to throw forearms in the ring. Hardy counter punches, backs Elias down and whips, but Elias reveres, only for Hardy to run him over! Atomic drop, leg splitting leg drop, basement dropkick! Then a splash! Cover, TWO! Hardy fires up and claps to rally fans. Hardy kicks but no Twist just yet! Elias gets the dragon sleeper but Hardy slips out! Elias switches out of the waistlock to RAM Hardy into a guitar wedged in the corner! Hardy goes down, Elias drags him to a cover, TWO! Hardy survives that power chord but Elias keeps his cool.

Elias brings out guitar picks, and puts them in between his fingers like claws! Hardy sits up, Elias drags him up to PICK PUNCH him! And again! Hardy flounders while fans give thumbs down, but Elias digs the picks into Hardy’s face! Hardy goes reeling but Elias stomps him out. Elias follows after and brings Hardy around to bump off the drums! And again, and then he plays a quick rim shot to BASH Hardy off the cymbals! Elias stalks Hardy to the announce desk but POSTS Hardy first! Elias watches Hardy flounder, and then he runs in, but Hardy moves! Elias’ knee gets the GONG!

Hardy clubs Elias to the desk, then throws him into the drum set! Hardy stomps Elias into the barriers, drags him up and puts him in the ring. Hardy sees there’s one more guitar and picks it up. Elias gets up and kicks Hardy first! Elias POSTS Hardy, then reels him into another Electric Chair! Hardy spins around to huricanrana Elias away! But Elias has the guitar! Hardy boots Elias, WHISPER IN THE- GUITAR!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Elias tries again, TWO!! Hardy flounders out of the ring, Elias takes the rest of the guitar apart, and has just the neck. Elias shouts, “You wanna try and end my career? That’s exactly what I’m gonna do to you!” Elias has the splintered end aimed, but Hardy moves, Elias JAMS into the speakers! Elias gets a bit of a shock!

Hardy gets up, grabs the CELLO and SMASHES Elias down! Hardy then bumps Elias off steel steps, puts him on the table as he clears off instruments, and then makes sure Elias has a few fiddles. Hardy then goes up the steps, up the corner, and onto the post! SUPER SWANTON THROUGH THE STRINGS!! Cover, Hardy wins!!

Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall

Hardy has the tambourine to shake it out, and he heads on to leave Elias singing the blues! Will Hardy be on to bigger and better now?

Matt Riddle finds Keith Lee backstage.

Sup, bro? How excited is he for tonight’s Triple Threat? One of them faces Drew McIntyre for THE WWE Championship! Riddle is nervous. He barfed up breakfast! But imagine if one of them became champion! It’d be a dream come true. Keith had his chance but Riddle hasn’t faced McIntyre at all. “But bro, he seems like such a chill dude,” and Riddle wants McIntyre to say that line from Austin Powers. “I’m dead sexay~!” Okay, bad accent. How’s Keith’s Scottish- Oh, he’s gone. Riddle shrugs it off, but will it be him, Keith, or AJ Styles that faces the champion after tonight?

Mustafa Ali speaks.

“Ricochet, why can’t you see what I see? Why can’t you see that you’ve been pushing the same boulder up the same mountain, only to fall back down to the ground week after week?” Why can’t Ricochet see what is happening to him has already happened to each member of Retribution? Why can’t Ricochet see that the promises are turned into lies, and then everyone is discarded and forgotten? Why can’t Ricochet see that he should be with them? Slapjack used to be blind, but Ali saw the corruption. Ali showed Slapjack was “left a husk of a man.” While the world rejected Slapjack as a joke, Ali saw him as a weapon.

Ali says Ricochet has made his decision not to join. So tonight, Slapjack makes Ricochet face the consequences. Maybe, just maybe, Ricochet will see what they see.

Ricochet VS Slapjack w/ Mustafa Ali!

The One and Only was definitely all alone against Mustafa Ali, and because the Beacon had his cohorts ringside, he caught Ricochet in the Koji Klutch. But will Ricochet be the one to make Retribution see that they’re the ones seeing things the wrong way?

Raw returns as Retribution makes their entrance. Slapjack gets in the ring, but conspicuous by their absence are the other members, Mace, T-Bar and Reckoning. Perhaps Ali wants to show Ricochet it won’t take numbers this time. The bell rings, Ricochet rushes Slapjack, gets around and springboards to crossbody! Ricochet throws haymakers, throws body shots, then CHOPS! Ricochet keeps Slapjack cornered, whip shim corner to corner, then runs in for an elbow! Ricochet throws more forearms, tells Ali to back off, but Slapjack ROCKS him with a right! Slapjack puts Ricochet in the corner but Ricochet BOOTS him! And rocks him with an elbow!

Ricochet goes up, but Slapjack yanks him down! And then runs to CANNONBALL! Ali grins as Slapjack covers, TWO! Slapjack seethes as he stomps Ricochet then digs him into the mat. Slapjack digs his fingers into Ricochet’s head as he wrenches the neck. Ricochet endures, powers up, and throws body shots. Ricochet forearms but Slapjack RAMS him into a corner! Ricochet boots Slapjack away, somersaults and shotgun dropkicks! Both men are down but Ricochet is up. Ali shots at Slapjack but Ricochet throws more haymakers. Ricochet whips, Slapjack reverses but Ricochet clobbers him with forearms! Ricochet fires off fast hands and knees to put Slapjack in a corner.

Ricochet rams in, goes out and springboards to flying clothesline! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Ali calls in reinforcements! Now T-Bar and Mace appear, but Ricochet sends Slapjack out at them! Ricochet builds speed and FLIES to bowl everyone over! Ricochet drags Slapjack back up, put shim in the ring at 5, then follows. Ricochet aims from the corner, Slapjack slowly rises and Ali warns him. But Dana Brooke shows up? She SLAPS Ali! Dana wants to know where Reckoning is! Slapjack rolls Ricochet, TWO! Ricochet ROUNDHOUSES Slapjack, triangle dropkicks T-Bar and enziguris Mace!

Ali distracts Ricochet, avoids Ricochet’s swipes, and Slapjack reels Ricochet in for a TORNADO SAIDO!? Cover, Slapjack wins!

Winner: Slapjack, by pinfall

What a unique move! About as unique as Slapjack. Will Retribution keep piling it on until Ricochet cracks under the pressure?

Raw presents Miz TV!

The Hollywood A-Lister and Guru of Greatness welcome us back to the Most Must-See Talk Show in WWE. As the star of his own reality show on USA Network, Thursdays, and the #FaceofUSA, Miz was able to make some phone calls and get an exclusive interview with one of their opponents. “He’s big, he’s Irish, he loves fighting and hates tanning,” and before he teams with McIntyre tonight, he’s here! It’s the Celtic Warrior, SHEAMUS! Sheamus makes his way out and joins them in the ring. Miz welcomes Sheamus and asks about Thanksgiving. Is he a turkey guy? Or does he go straight for sides? How about Sheamus hit them up-side their heads if they don’t get to the point?

Whoa, now, Fella! They’re opponents tonight, but this is a friendly interview. This is about getting to know Sheamus. “Know thine enemy, know thyself.” Are they done wasting time? Look, Sheamus. This isn’t about Sheamus, this is about McIntyre. And there it is. What do they want to know about him? Well… Two weeks ago, Sheamus made one of the most heartfelt gestures by helping return McIntyre’s family chest from Scotland. Major feels. But what has Sheamus gotten in return? No sword? Sheamus got shafted. Miz says there’s more than meets the eye. “Hey, John.” “Yeah?” “Why do you think Drew forgot about Sheamus?” “He had something better to do?” Correct! And success has gone to his head. CORRECT. Or maybe that Sheamus would be #BeJealous of McIntyre! COOOOOOOOOORRECT!

Just from him to them, Sheamus doesn’t give someone a gift expecting something. They were McIntyre’s heirlooms. They’re like brothers, they go way back. Oh how nice. Save the sappy stuff. McIntyre has something Miz wants, and something Sheamus wants: The WWE Championship. And if they’re really brothers, or friends, or whatever, then McIntyre would give Sheamus a title shot. As soon as Miz cashes in his Mr. Money in the Bank contract, becomes WWE Champion once again, Morrison is first in line. That is what real friends do. So how about this, Fella? Sheamus cashes in years of resentment and Miz cashes in the MITB contract!

Sheamus laughs. People don’t think much of Miz but he has his moments. That was hilarious. Miz asks how it feels to be an afterthought. To know that McIntyre is up top and Sheamus is at the bottom. When was the last time Sheamus even tasted world championship gold? Five years ago? And for what? Two months? Sheamus was the top of the heap, but now his best friend is there and he let it happen! If Sheamus wants to laugh, laugh at his career, because that’s the joke! Sheamus gets up and so do Miz and Morrison. Sheamus takes off the jacket, sets it aside, and tells Miz “that’s the difference between me and you.” Miz talks his mouth, but Sheamus will just use his hands. And the fight is on!

Sheamus DECKS Morrison, tosses Miz, but Morrison jumps on! Sheamus throws him off, stomps him down and throws more hands! Miz returns to SMASH Sheamus with the briefcase! And again! And again! Miz and Morrison have fired the first shot, but will McIntyre make sure to fire back harder when they have their tag match?

Asuka & Lana VS Nia Jax & Shayna Baszler!

Before making their entrance, the Empress of Tomorrow and Ravishing Russian discuss backstage. It’s mostly in Japanese from Asuka but Lana just nods and agrees. They fire up and Asuka heads out first! Sarah asks Lana about that strategy talk, but Lana says we wouldn’t understand. Just know that they’re about to beat the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions again! Will they find a way to do that twice in two weeks against two angry and powerful opponents?

Raw returns as Lana makes her entrance. Sarah interviews Nia and Shayna now, asking about that loss last week, their first as a team. How confident are they in this rematch? Nia says, “First of all, ew. Second of all, last week was a fluke.” They made a mistake, Lana and Asuka got lucky. Shayna says she did her part. Nia was busy not putting Lana through a table! So this is Nia’s fault?! This is what Shayna has to deal with. “As an athlete, losing to Asuka, that’s one thing. But Lana? Are you serious?!” Nia says no mistakes. Tonight is their A Game, bringing Asuka to her knees and smashing Lana through the table again. The tag champions make their entrance and this second try begins!

Shayna starts with Lana and they tie up. Shayna sweeps the legs and tells her to get up. Lana does, Shayna waistlocks and slams her down. Lana gets away, Shayna waistlocks again but Lana blocks the lift to drop toehold, and facelock! Lana holds on as Shayna rolls, then Lana Oklahoma Rolls, ONE! Shayna CLOBBERS Lana, then tells Nia she’s got this. Lana kicks Shayna then tags Asuka! Asuka dropkicks Shayna down, Nia runs in but Asuka baits her in and Lana dumps her out! Lana and Asuka run to double baseball slide, but they get caught! The tag champs double SWING them into the barriers, and again, and again! Shayna and Nia dump Lana and Asuka down, and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Nia scoops Asuka, but Asuka slips out to tag Lana! Lana gets in, fires off kicks and hands, but Nia fireman’s carries. But Lana shifts to a sleeper hold! Nia throws Lana off, but Lana is up again! Nia blocks the slap and ELBOWS Lana down! Nia kicks Lana around, drags her up and shouts, “Who do you think you are?!” Nia chokes Lana on the ropes until the ref counts 4, and then throws her away! Nia drags Lana back up, TOSSES her across the way, and Lana flounders to the corner. Nia runs in and corner splashes! Lana is down, Asuka shouts for her to get up and Nia dares Lana to try. “You’re pathetic!”

Lana hits back but Nia pushes her down to tag in Shayna. The champs mug Lana and Nia shoves Lana down. Shayna gets a leg and pulls on it with the toehold. Lana endures, reaches for Asuka, clubs Shayna but Shayna just turns her over to isolate the ankle! Shayna STOMPS Lana’s foot! Lana crawls but Shayna drags Lana up to whip her out of the ring! Lana tumbles down, Nia tags in and slaps Lana around. She throws Lana into barriers! “You think you can hang with us?!” Nia drags Lana up and scoops her to then aim for a post. Lana slips off to POST Nia!! The ring count is 7, Lana gets in! Nia gets in at 9.9 and tags in Shayna!

Shayna grabs Lana, but Lana still tags Asuka! CODE BREAKER for Nia! Hip attack for Nia! Shayna runs into an elbow, and then a boot! Asuka goes up, missile dropkicks Shayna down, then adds a hip attack! Cover, TWO! Asuka fires up to fire off kicks! Asuka runs but Shayna dodges! DOUBLJE ROUNDHOUSES take both women down! But Lana tags in! Lana goes up top, bad leg and all, to LEAP, for a crossbody! But Shayna rolls through! And pops Lana into the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Nia yanks Asuka down, Shayna drags Lana away, but Asuka fights Nia off and gets in to save Lana! Lana covers, Lana and Asuka win!!

Winners: Lana & Asuka, by pinfall

Nia can’t believe it! The Raw Women’s Champion and Ravishing Russian have beaten the tag team champions again! They get out of there as fast as Lana can limp, will there be a third time around, with gold on the line?

Drew McIntyre finds Sheamus backstage.

McIntyre asks if it’s alright. Oh is it somehow funny? Miz using that briefcase? Well a little. But Miz was right: that was must-see TV. Sheamus admits there was some fun in that. But thanks for (not) coming out there to help him. If the roles were reversed, Sheamus would do the same. See? This is why they get along so well. Now is he ready to knock the heads off those two muppets? Of course! That was the appetizer. The match will be the main course!

Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston VS Cedric Alexander w/ The Hurt Business!

With the controversy in the Raw Tag Team Championships match, things continued, and ended up going the New Day’s way anyway! Will Alexander help the Hurt Business make up for those losses?

Raw returns and Kofi says that just because Thanksgiving has moved on doesn’t mean they stopped being thankful! In fact, they’re very thankful that Xavier Woods, aka Austin Creed, is a pivotal part in the revival of the greatest video game television network, G4! Woods says being in the WWE is great, being the future King of the Ring, oh it’s happening, that’s great. But this is also great, because video games are his happy place. They’re where he comes from, it’s where his people are, so he wants to thank everyone who has ever even been in an UpUpDownDown video, ever watched an UpUpDownDown video or even bought something from UUDD Shop! If you’ve supported him in any way, thank you and it means more to him than you’ll ever know. #CreedForG4!

But to practice the new hosting responsibilities, Woods will give us a recap of how the Hurt Business failed to take the W, W, E, Raw, Tag, Team, Championships~! Not once, not twice, but TREE TIMES, brotha! And it all started just two weeks ago! Flashback transition for the footage. Alexander took the Daybreak in part one, then there was some cheating in “part deux.” It cost Hurt Business because of the count-out! And in that same night, part three was the restarted match, Woods sunset flips Benjamin! Hurt Business must be hurting! But speaking of Hurt Business, they make their entrance to interrupt!

“You clowns are in desperate need of a wake-up call from this ridiculous dream sequence that your in.” MVP says the math is off. It is 2-2, because the referees raised their hands when New Day got counted out. But that’s okay! Next time the New Day puts the titles up, their historic reign will all seem like a distant memory. Because Hurt Business just won’t take the titles, they will hurt the New Day. This ends with the New Day sent into the next dream sequence. Alexander says it was “pure, dumb luck” that helped Woods pin Benjamin. That luck runs out against Alexander! Alexander will show them why they’re the Hurt Business! Woods better make that G4 job a dream come true, because Alexander’s going to be his nightmare!

Woods hands Kofi his trombone, and Alexander attacks! He pulls the title belt off Woods and says this is going to be his whether we like it or not! The ref tries to restore order as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Woods fires off furious fists on Alexander! Woods then CHOPS Alexander, bumps him off buckles, and throws body shots and more CHOPS! Woods wrenches, clubs the arm, then wrenches again. Alexander ROCKS Woods back and knocks him down! Alexander runs, Woods stays down then clobbers Alexander with an elbow! Alexander bails out, Woods WRECKS him with a dropkick! Woods puts Alexander in, GET OVER HERE gets blocked! Alexander hangs Woods out to dry on the ropes! Alexander KICKS Woods down, finally takes his shirt off, and SMOTHERS Woods with it! The ref reprimands and Alexander stops, to then club away on Woods’ back!

Alexander wraps on a rear bearhug, digs his elbows then pulls on a leg. Woods endures, Alexander drags him into a chinlock. Woods fights up, throws body shots, and throws Alexander away. Alexander comes back but misses in the corner, and Woods CHOPS! Alexander just grits his teeth and headlocks again. Woods arm-drags free, CHOPS again, then CHOPS again! Alexander throws body shots and clamps on another chinlock. Woods uses a jawbreaker to get free! Both men slowly rise, Kofi rallies for Woods while MVP coaches Alexander. Woods CHOPS, CHOPS and CHOPS! And chops chops chops chops! Woods whips, Alexander reverses but Woods slides under to ROLLING ELBOW!

Woods rallies, LEG LARIATS, and fires up as Alexander flounders! Mule kick and Woods puts Alexander on the ropes, for the running slide attack! Kofi is fired up for Woods as he gets in, HONOR ROLL! Cover, TWO! MVP coaches Alexander as Woods drags him up and reels him in. Alexander resists the lift but Woods clubs him. Woods gets Alexander up, Alexander slips out to BRAIN BUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Alexander grits his teeth while Kofi keeps clapping and MVP keeps shouting. Alexander kicks Woods at the ropes, and again, and again, and again! The ref counts, Alexander stops at 4, but he has Woods on the apron. Alexander brings Woods up, Woods resists and the two fight for suplex control.

Alexander mule kicks and shoves Woods to barriers, then he DIVES! But Woods sends Alexander into barriers! The ring count climbs again, Woods puts Alexander in at 6! Woods gets in at 8, clutches that back, but Alexander hits LUMBAR CHECK!! Cover, Alexander wins!!

Winner: Cedric Alexander, by pinfall

MVP and Benjamin are relieved that their young associate just scored big! He is a bit too fired up though as he goes up the ramp without them. Is Alexander going into business for himself?

AJ Styles talks with Jordan Omogbehin backstage.

Styles is considering a gold chain of his own, but then Riddle comes by to talk with “Skipper.” What does he want? Big match tonight, y’know. The “Sudden Death” Triple Threat. This is serious. Yeah it is! The winner gets a title match! Riddle’s never had the world title. Styles had the title, but he lost it, and hasn’t had it back since. Well that will change when Styles wins tonight’s match. Well hop out of the way, Skipper, this stallion is getting the carrot tonight. Omogbehin laughs, and Styles asks why. Because Skipper is also the name of Riddle’s pet bunny. How does he know that?

Never mind! It doesn’t matter about that. Plus, rabbits don’t skip, they hop. Name your rabbit “Hoppy.” Can’t, that’s his turtle’s name. Also, Styles reminds Riddle about Skipper the rabbit: he’s got great ups; is very furry; and is pretty cute. Styles shoves Riddle. Is that cute?! Whoa, what’d he do? Styles has no time for this! He and Jordan heads out but Riddle says he’ll get them back. Because that match is NEXT!

WWE World Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Keith Lee VS Matt Riddle VS AJ Styles w/ Jordan Omogbehin!

The Limitless One beat Bobby Lashley, the Original Bro beat the Fella, and though he had help from The Fiend, the Phenomenal One did beat The Viper. But who wins this star-studded match to take on Drew McIntyre at TLC?

Raw returns as Styles and “Omos” head to the ring, followed by Riddle’s entrance. The bell rings and Riddle runs at Styles! Style avoids the knee but drags Riddle out. Riddle throws Styles into barriers, but goes up for Keith to DECK him! Styles gets up, Keith knocks him off the apron, then Keith builds speed! Keith sees Riddle and Styles run away, so Keith goes out to pursue Styles. They go around the way, get back in and Styles stomps Keith down. Riddle returns to throw forearms on Styles! And kicks! Riddle throws more forearms, whips Styles but Styles reverses to throat chop! Styles stomps Riddle, Keith grabs Styles! Keith also grabs Riddle, and shoves them both to then HURDLE them both!? Riddle KICKS Styles, Keith CROSSBODIES Riddle! Cover, TWO!

Keith looms over Riddle, drags him up and CLUBS him to ropes! Keith drags Riddle back up to put him in a corner and throw body shots! Keith sees Styles coming, kicks him first and then RAMS him into Riddle! Keith whips Styles and pops him up for a BIG back drop! Styles flounders, Keith ROCKS Riddle with a running forearm! Riddle flounders, Keith brings Riddle around but Riddle fires off CHOP after CHOP! Keith knees low, CLUBS Riddle down, and Riddle writhes! Keith looms over Riddle, stands on a hand, and then lets off to bring Riddle up. Riddle fires off body shots and forearms! Keith DECKS Riddle with a left!

Riddle sits up, Keith drags him up again, and then Keith throws more heavy hands! Keith swings again but Riddle gets around to boot Keith to the apron! Riddle runs into a choke grip and Keith bumps Riddle off buckles! Keith DECKS Riddle, but Styles bumps Keith off the apron! Keith shoves Styles at Omos, and Omos pops Styles up to the apron to KNEE Styles! Riddle triangle enziguris Styles! Riddle goes to the apron, SPRINGBOARD FLOATING BRO! Riddle has bowled both opponents over and is fired up as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Riddle KICKS Styles, KICKS Keith, BROTONS Styles then KICKS Keith down! And drops a BROTON! And another! Cover, ONE!? Styles gets up but Riddle gut wrench suplexes him! And drops a Broton onto boots! Riddle goes flying and now Styles and Keith get up. Styles throws forearms but Keith throws Styles! Keith whips Styles corner to corner, Styles tries to slide but he still clips the post! Riddle is in a corner and Keith runs in to corner splash! Keith TOSSES Riddle across the way! Riddle ends up in the other corner, for another corner splash from Keith! And another TOSS, too!

Keith keeps his focus as he looms over Riddle. Keith drags Riddle up, but Riddle throws more strikes! Keith HEADBUTTS! Riddle wobbles, Keith pops him up, but Riddle fights off the bomb! Riddle has an arm, tries to drag Keith down, but Keith stays up! Styles gets in and Keith swings Riddle into him! Riddle still has the arm but he can’t pull Keith down! Keith uses that one arm to pull Riddle up, but Riddle keeps trying! Keith gets Riddle up and off, Riddle ROUNDHOUSES! Riddle forearms Styles, runs to forearm Keith, and back to Styles! BROSPLODER! Riddle runs at Keith, but Keith POUNCES him!

Keith wobbles, Styles and Riddle both flounder, Keith covers Riddle, TWO! Keith grabs Styles, throws knees then scoops. Styles slips off, fires off the Phenomenal Blitz, and an enziguri! FLYING FOREARM! Cover, TWO!! Styles keeps his cool as he drags Keith to a drop zone. That alone takes a lot, but Styles goes to the corner. Styles goes up top, but Keith rises to HEADBUTT! Keith climbs up to join Styles, but Riddle adds on! Riddle clubs Keith, gets underneath, and has him for a powerbomb, but the back gives out! Keith TOSSES Riddle, Styles crossbodies! Cover, TWO and Styles lands on Riddle for a cover! TWO!!

Styles drags Riddle up, reel shim in, but Keith disrupts the Clash! Styles elbows free, Riddle ROUNDHOUSES Keith! Styles hits Riddle with the Blitz but ducks a roundhouse! Riddle spins Styles for his PELE! Riddle gets Styles for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Keith waistlocks Riddle, GERMANS, but Riddle lands on his feet! Riddle runs into a fireman’s carry but slips off, Keith ROCKS him with a forearm! Riddle SLAPS back! Keith Grizzly Magnums! Riddle FINAL FLASH! Riddle hits another FINAL FLASH! PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, Styles wins!!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE World Championship)

The Phenomenal One found a phenomenal window of opportunity, and now HE has the golden opportunity at TLC! Will Styles make sure he has the most phenomenal end to the year by becoming a three-time world champion?

Backstage interview with The Miz & Morrison.

They just saw Styles become #1 contender, but Charly Caruso wants to ask them about earlier tonight on MizTV. They like watching that again, but Charly says their plan to stir the pot only backfired. Do they have a new strategy? Is that a real question? Do they look like idiots? Of course they have a plan! They set their eyes on Orton, and boom! The title is now on McIntyre. We just saw a new #1 contender be named in Styles, so McIntyre will have to worry about that. And then there’s tonight’s tag match, with Sheamus, who you can’t trust. And of course, Miz has THE MITB briefcase. CHA-CHING!

Charly is hearing all this, but it sounds like a bunch of facts and no real plan. Wait, Morrison has an idea! Let’s leave! They go, but will they be able to cook up a strategy for Sheamus and McIntyre?

Dana Brooke VS Reckoning w/ Retribution!

The Flex Appeal was blindsided by Retribution’s lone female superstar and it kept Dana from being part of Survivor Series! Dana wants revenge, will she get it by ruining Reckoning’s Raw in-ring debut?

Raw returns and Reckoning is in the ring. The bell rings and Reckoning shotgun dropkicks Dana! Then she runs in, but Dana dodges the boot to fire off haymakers! The mask comes off and Dana CLOBBERS Reckoning! Dana rains down hands, covers, TWO! Another cover, ONE! Dana drags Reckoning up, puts her in the corner to whip corner to corner, but Reckoning comes back to CLOBBER Dana! Reckoning shoves Dana to a corner and CHOPS her! And CHOPS her! Reckoning CHOPS and JABS and CHOPS and JABS over and over! The ref counts, Reckoning stops at 4 to snapmare and KICK Dana!

Reckoning clamps onto Dana with a chinbar, then a motorcycle stretch. Dana endures the knee in her back but Reckoning goes back to the chinbar. Dana fights her way up, throws body shots and then jawbreakers free! Dana is back in the corner, and she BOOTS Reckoning away! Reckoning runs into an elbow, then Dana rallies with clotheslines! Dana runs in at the corner, handspring back elbow and a snapmare! Dana stays fired up but Ali distracts! Ali gets away, Dana sees the boot coming and rolls Reckoning up! Dana wins!!

Winner: Dana Brooke, by pinfall

The Retribution tactics didn’t work out and Ali is furious! Ali says Reckoning is embarrassing him! There is NO failure in Retribution! Will Reckoning take that to heart and make sure Dana pays for this?

Styles and Omos talk more backstage.

Miz and Morrison come by and applaud that “phenomenal performance.” What better way to celebrate than with pie? It’s peach because Styles is from Georgia. Okay cut the crap, you two. Styles knows how hard it’ll beat to beat McIntyre cashing in, so they want Styles’ help. And he’ll do it! Wow, really? They didn’t think he’d be so willing. Wait, why is he so willing? They haven’t figured it out? Styles would have an easier time beating Miz at TLC than McIntyre. Morrison agrees. Sorry. But Styles says, “I’ll see you out there, champ.” Oh, and he’ll accept the pie after all. Look at that pie, baby! Peach pie is good pie. Omos says that’s not a pie, that’s a cupcake. Is it just cuz he’s so big? Anyway, will Styles get an even easier time at the PPV when Mr. MITB becomes THE WWE World Champion?

MVP finds Riddle backstage.

What happened, bro? His opportunity died a sudden death. Well losing sucks. But at least Riddle had the opportunity, unlike Lashley because MVP cost him. What did he say? Hey, c’mon, they now have a bunch of free time for his business shoots. So he wants to pitch MVP now? No, Riddle’s not really a baseball fan. But Riddle does love gardening. And y’know what’s hard about gardening? Weeding. You can hire Lawn Bros to make your place weed-less! Then if you and your bros get the munchies from all the weed, Riddle can team up with Dunkin’ to form “Bronuts!”

MVP is already tired. These ideas are dumb, Riddle is ridiculous, and MVP is glad Riddle lost. MVP pie faces Riddle and Riddle gets riled up! But then Lashley shows up to ram Riddle into trunks and put him in the HURT LOCK! Riddle flails but fades and Lashley throws him down. “Pleasure doing business with you, bro.” The Hurt Business CEO just put the hurt on Riddle, but will he come to pay for it?

Sheamus and Keith Lee meet backstage.

What does Keith want? Keith says it’s none of his business, but some of the fellas think Sheamus is going to turn on his friend. Well they’re right: it’s none of their business. Sheamus is going to go out there and “turn” on his tag partner.

Charly Caruso is in the ring.

She welcomes her special guest, Drew McIntyre! The Scottish Warrior makes his entrance, complete with kilt, claymore sword and pyro! Charly says McIntyre has been very busy lately, but just take us back to when he beat Orton to become a two-time world champion, and his all-out war with Roman Reigns. McIntyre says it feels “damn good” to once again be WWE Champion. And sometimes, you have to get knocked on your arse to figure out who you are. McIntyre said he’d Claymore Orton’s head off, pin him and get the title back. What happened? He Claymore’d Orton’s head off, pinned him, and got the title back. McIntyre is a man of his word.

McIntyre also told Roman he’d humble him, knock him off his pedestal, and bring that “arrogant bastard” down to Earth. It did happen, too. You can tell a lot looking in a man’s eyes. Roman started the match confident as could be. And why not? Roman is great as he says he is, 99% of the time. But then things turned to confusion and frustration after McIntyre kicked out of every Spear! Then the part that upsets McIntyre, cousin Jey had to interfere and Roman won! “Roman, you know what I’m about now. Our paths, they’re gonna cross again.” Roman won the battle but McIntyre will win the war, #BelieveThat. But let’s look to the future and TLC!

Charly agrees, and we know tonight that the title will be defended against AJ Styles. How does McIntyre keeps his eyes on that while worrying about Miz and the MITB contract? There’s no beef with Styles. Everyone wants the title. And that match is a treat for the fans because it will be phenomenal. But the only thing keeping Miz relevant IS that briefcase, so Miz shouldn’t cash it in. If he does, McIntyre will have to take Morrison, fold him up, shove him inside the briefcase, and then stick that “where the sun don’t shine.” Get it? Got it? GOOD! Time for the tag match!

Drew McIntyre & Sheamus VS The Miz & John Morrison!

The Celtic Warrior joins the Scottish Warrior, and it’s time to go to war with the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century! *stare off into the distance* But will McIntyre be able to keep his eyes on the prize when even Styles wants Miz to cash in tonight?

Raw returns and speaking of Styles, he and Omos have appeared on commentary! Miz and Morrison make their entrance, the teams sort out, and Miz starts with Sheamus. Sheamus tackles Miz into the corner, fires off hands then hits Morrison, too! Sheamus brings Miz up for a Fall Away Salm! Miz gets out., McIntyre puts him back in and Sheamus CLOBBERS Miz! Sheamus throws Miz to the corner and dares Morrison to tag in. Morrison does, he spins to kick, but goes Matrix to avoid the clothesline! Morrison kips up, but Sheamus comes back to clobber him! Sheamus puts Morrison in the corner, stomps a mudhole in, McIntyre tags in. Sheamus says he wasn’t ready but McIntyre says it’s fine.

McIntyre TOSSES Morrison to a corner, but Morrison blocks the chop to spin and get a headlock. McIntyre powers out, and then BLASTS Morrison with a shoulder! Morrison goes flying, staggers up and gets run over again! Tag to Sheamus, the warriors double whip, McIntyre body shots and Sheamus knee lifts! Morrison tumbles out, Sheamus drags Morrison up on the apron for beats of the Bodhrain! Miz swings but Sheamus catches him for some beats! Sheamus gives Miz all 10, then turns around to pick Morrison up! Fireman’s carry and ROLLING SENTON! Sheamus sees Miz stagger up, scoops him, ROLLING SENTON onto Morrison!

Sheamus taunts Styles to join in on the fun, or is he too scared? Is that why he hides behind Omos? Styles gets off commentary to talk trash back and Sheamus goes out to get up close. Miz runs up, Sheamus DECKS him! Sheamus turns around to see Omos and thinks better of it. Sheamus is on the apron, Morrison dropkicks him onto the announce desk! Styles taunts Sheamus as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Sheamus throws body shots on Morrison. Sheamus whips, Morrison reverses but Sheamus kicks back. Morrison kicks him back, tags Miz in, and they drag Sheamus up for the basement DDT! Cover, TWO! Miz taunts McIntyre, drags Sheamus up and rams knees in. Sheamus endures the chinbar but Miz claws at his face! The ref reprimands and counts, Miz stops at 4 and tags in Morrison. Morrison runs to SHINING WIZARD! Miz runs to BOOT! STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO! Morrison keeps Sheamus down and kicks him around then clubs him to the corner. Morrison keeps Sheamus down with body scissors as Sheamus tries to reach McIntyre!

Sheamus fights and McIntyre reaches while fans clap on their screens. Sheamus fights up, fights out with body shots, but Morrison hits low! Morrison kicks, Sheamus ducks and KNEES Morrison down! Both men are down and McIntyre shouts to Sheamus! Miz shouts at Morrison, too, hot tags to Miz and McIntyre! McIntyre rallies with big clotheslines, and a whip to an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! And another! Morrison springboards but McIntyre catches him, for an OVERHEAD SUPLEX of his own! Miz swings, into McIntyre’s neckbreaker! McIntyre kips up and says it’s time for some fun!

McIntyre aims from the corner but Sheamus wants in! McIntyre goes over but Morrison drags Sheamus down to POST him, and TOSS him over barriers! Styles springboards in to PHENOMENAL FOREARM McIntyre!!

Winners: Drew McIntyre & Sheamus, by disqualification

The plan is coming together! Styles sets McIntyre up for the cash-in! Miz is too angry about the tag match but Morrison says he’ll add on! STARSHIP PAIN!! Miz and Morrison drag McIntyre up, SKULL CRUSHING FINALE! Omos fetches the briefcase for Styles, and he hands it to the ref. The Miz snatches the case from the ref, this is not Styles’ case! But Morrison and Styles both convince Miz to do this! Miz says cash in, but McIntyre throws Morrison out! CLAYMORE to Miz! No cash-in this time, and McIntyre glares at Styles. Styles says he can explain. But instead, Styles bails out and has Omos get him out of there!

Styles says this is Omos is saving McIntyre. Styles says McIntyre won’t survive when these two face off! “You’re the luckiest man alive!” McIntyre says Styles can go ahead and piss him off. Who cares about “Jackass the Beanstalk?” But will Styles continue to conspire with Miz and Morrison to create openings for the MITB briefcase?

My Thoughts:

A really good episode of Raw with a lot of great action. The opening with the new twisted Moment of Bliss was a quick way of escalating things for Orton VS Fiend. Orton teased the moment he RKO’D Stacy Kiebler back in the day by subtly threatening Alexa, and that’s obviously the point of him holding onto Alexa when The Fiend showed up. The Fiend didn’t want Orton hitting Alexa with a powerslam or somehow getting her into an RKO, and it seems to show that is the one sliver of good inside Fiend. I don’t know how this will affect the match they will end up having, but maybe if it turns into a Firefly Fun House, they actually do bring up the Kiebler RKO to make a point of how dangerous Orton can be.

Retribution returning turned out alright, it didn’t really drag anything down because they kept it all pretty concise. Slapjack wins because of a numbers like Ali did before, but I already love that sidewinding back suplex! But then on the flipside, Ali tries to help Reckoning and Dana still manages to win, not sure if that’s how they should’ve done that. The mask fell off pretty easy, too, Mia Yim may have to reassess what she wears for her character. Too bad no one on commentary just quickly said, “Wait, doesn’t she look familiar? I swear I’ve seen her somewhere before.” Maybe there’s an alliance of Ricochet, Dana and someone else against Retribution?

The Symphony of Destruction was pretty fun, until Jeff Hardy almost did himself like Matt Hardy did at AEW All Out. Do the Hardy boys just not think the math through on their high risk spots? Move the steel steps out of the way before doing that insane Swanton off the corner to the table! Hardy winning might finally end this story, but who knows. We got amazing stuff from New Day and Hurt Business tonight. Alexander was on fire, he gets a huge win, and that detail of him praising himself while leaving the others behind could be a sign of ego and dysfunction in the group already. I suppose that’s fine, but hopefully there’s no breaking up already because this group has been strong.

The Triple Threat being given a nickname is dumb, and you could tell they justified it by making jokes about it tonight. The Triple Threat itself was amazing, and it makes sense for Styles to win. Riddle has stuff with Hurt Business now as Lashley went after him and this will clearly set up a title match of Lashley VS Riddle at TLC. I’m both amused and disappointed that Riddle’s new character trait is being that overly talkative kind of annoying. He annoyed Keith into leaving, and obviously he annoyed Styles, and it’s part of why MVP didn’t want to do actual business with Riddle. Lashley VS Riddle is definitely a great match because both men are legit, and is a match where they won’t need any of the TLC related stipulations to make it better. Those guys just need a solid 20 minutes to do whatever they want.

Asuka & Lana VS Nia & Shayna was a good segment, and it made it more obvious that instead of a Raw Women’s Championship match, we’re getting a WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship match like last year. I have a feeling that with titles on the line, and perhaps a stipulation added on, that could at least make it seem like Lana has a chance of finally having a title, only for the champs to retain. Because while it’s great for Lana to be winning things out of good fortune, I don’t think she and Asuka need to be connected by the belts, even if only for a little bit.

Then, with Styles winning the Triple Threat, I like how he’s immediately agreed to help Miz and Morrison because of the obvious logic that yes, McIntyre is tougher than Miz. Them trying to turn Sheamus on McIntyre is also a smart detail, because it’s what some fans even expected. I honestly hope Sheamus stays a friend of McIntyre’s and he works to keep Miz from cashing in, but chances are if a betrayal is what we’re expecting, that’s what Vince is going to do. I do like Styles acting like “Omos” getting him out of there is them sparing McIntyre. I feel like the cash-in should happen at TLC, after McIntyre and Styles are deep into a TLC match.

My Score: 8.4/10