Tribal Chief, Samoan Werewolf, and Backlash!

Jacob Fatu stated point blank, he’s coming for that WWE World Heavyweight Championship! How will Roman Reigns respond?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• PENTA VS Rusev; Penta wins.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Iyo Sky; Becky wins and retains the title.
• El Grande Americano w/ Los Americanos VS Rey Mysterio; Rey wins.
• Grayson Waller VS Oba Femi; Oba wins.
• Bayley & Lyra Valkyria VS Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez w/ Liv Morgan; Raquel & Roxie win.

PLAY BY PLAY

The OG Bloodline sits down to talk.

The Tribal Chief tells The Usos that he appreciates them coming, being here with him. They know exactly where Roman Reigns comes from, and they know exactly why he stands here today. Roman knows the past is the past, that’s where they’re gonna leave it because they’re blood, and The Usos are the only ones Roman can trust. He needs their thoughts. he doesn’t understand where Jacob is coming from. Roman said it to the whole roster, the family included, that they had two years to take advantage of Roman taking a backseat. And what’d Jacob do? He pushed, procrastinated, then Roman climbed the mountain and beat CM Punk.

Now, Jacob wants to take that from Roman? Help him understand! #BigJim tells #BigUce that he does not disagree. But he also agrees with Jacob. Jacob wants to upgrade his household. Jimmy gets that, they all get that, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of Roman Reigns. Jacob is a different breed. Jey says he’s DANGEROUS! On SmackDown, we all saw Jacob drop MFT one by one by one! Unpredictable, Uce! Unhinged! They left him “out there” for a reason! If Jacob beats Roman, Jacob takes it all! Ula Fala, the family name, Jacob becomes the shot caller! Jimmy debates that but Jey says Jimmy saw it! This is it, Uce!

It can’t be all about respect here. There has to be consequences! Roman’s the Tribal Chief! Roman ponders on the concept of consequences. Jey is right, they’re not doing charity. Roman thanks The Usos for this. He will make it his own, then he will address this later tonight. He appreciates The Usos. They say it is all love and respect, too. Family first, Uce. They all put hands in, for they are the “first family.” Is the Tribal Chief giving Jacob his match at Backlash? We simply have to wait and see.

Seth Rollins is here!

Laredo, Texas cheers as The Architect makes his way to the ring in all black like Neo from the Matrix! The fans sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as Rollins goes right to the ring. Rollins grabs a mic, revels in the singing, then says, “Laredo, Texas! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins~! I am the Visionary, I am the Revolutionary, I AM Seth! Freakin! Rollins!” The fans cheer for that! Rollins continues by saying he has a lot of ground to cover so let’s get to it.

There is a reason he lost to Gunther at WrestleMania, and it is NOT because Gunther was better that night. There is a reason Roman Reigns is walking around with ROLLINS’ World Heavyweight Championship, and it is NOT because Roman pinned Rollins’ shoulders to the mat. The reasons for those things are one in the same, and they have a name, and that name is BRON BREAKKER! Fans boo and bark, but Rollins knows Bron is sitting in the back, NINE staples in his dome, which you can thank Rollins for. But they have business to tend to, a score to settle, so Bron can get his pea brain out here so they can do the damn thing!

The fans cheer as Bron obliges! The Unpredictable Badass storms down the ramp, Paul Heyman following behind. The fans are torn as Bron keeps eyes locked on Rollins as he steps into the ring. Bron stares Rollins down while fans either bark or sing the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins tells Bron, “I gave you everything. I gave you the world, I handed it to you on a silver platter, and you repaid me by taking EVERYTHING away from me! You are the reason I had to forfeit the World Heavyweight Championship, you are the reason I didn’t get to main event WrestleMania this year, and you are the reason I didn’t get my hand raised at WrestleMania this year.

“But I gotta ask you, Bron… For what? What’d you get out of it? How did it benefit you in any way?” Heyman has Bron step back, then hands him a mic. The fans tell Heyman off but Bron says, “You gave me everything? What’d you give me, by the way? What’d you give Reed and I? Because the way that I see it, every single week, we were like you errand boys. We got to come out here and fight all your battles for you, and put out all the fires that YOU started all on your own! Because look around, Seth! You got nothing! You got no one! You got no friends, you are nothing! You needed us to fight all your battles for you!

“And what? You were giving me such great wisdom and all this guidance when every single week, you’d kick off the show, and Reed and I would have to stand in the back and listen to you regurgitate the same crap every single week.” Bron plugs his nose so he can imitate Rollins’ voice as he repeats, “I am a Visionary, I am a Revolutionary, I am Seth Freakin’ Rollins!” Bron wants to make it clear to Rollins that he never needed him or Rollins’ Vision. The only reason they’re standing here today is because Bron needed HEYMAN. Rollins double checks: Bron needed Heyman? “That dried up sack o’ meat? You needed him?”

Rollins almost laughs, and he says Bron just proved Rollins right on everything. Let’s go on a little ride down memory lane. A couple years ago, Rollins is World Heavyweight Champion, he won a fight with the Best in the World, then calls up The Heartbreak Kid. Rollins asked Shawn Michaels about facing NXT’s best, and who was NXT’s best? Bron Breakker. Rollins said hell yeah, let’s do the damn thing! Last year, Heyman comes to Rollins, asks Rollins about taking Bron under his wing and Rollins said hell yeah, that kid with a year under Rollins’ tutelage will be THE next main event star in this industry!

Just look at Bron! Bron’s got it all! Rollins has been here for 14 YEARS, seen athletes from every single discipline, they are big, strong, fast, but Bron is unique. Bron is the biggest, strongest, fastest, most versatile performer Rollins has ever seen here. Bron has EVERYTHING to be THE next big star… except the most important thing. Rollins points to the brain, and Rollins knows better than anyone what it means to be a 28 year old young cat full o’ piss ‘n’ vinegar, thinking this business owes him something, not wanting to wait for nobody. Rollins knows better than anybody to bet on yourself, take chances, make the hard decisions.

But the difference between them is, Bron tries, Rollins succeeds! And do you know why? Rollins will paint a picture: Every time Rollins bet on himself, it ended with a world title or a main event. Bron bets on himself and it gets him Austin Theory & Logan Paul. It gets him steak dinners, private jets, and happy endings from Heyman. Bron tries, Rollins succeeds, because Rollins will say this plainly for even Bron’s pea brain: Bron is NOT ready. Bron says, “I’m not ready? That’s the narrative you wanna go with? I hate to break it to you, superstar, but before all this was a thing, I was well on my way to becoming a main event with or without you!”

Bron never needed that help, and yet you blame Bron for losing the WHC? The truth is, Rollins’ body can’t handle it, his mind is brittle, and his shoulder can’t handle the weight of a strap on it anymore! The fans boo, but Bron grins as he says yeah, he took his shot and came up short. But y’know what? Bron can go to sleep at night a lot better knowing he lost to the Best int he World instead of someone who self-proclaims it! Bron believes Rollins is everything he says, with all the accolades, titles, everything there is to win here. A first-ballot WWE Hall of Famer, no doubt.

Rollins is THE very best pro-wrestler in the entire world… at being number two. The fans are torn, but Rollins says that was pretty good for Baby Steiner. He come up with all that on his own? Or did he call Big Poppa Pump for the hook up? Bron thinks he is ready, but Backlash is two weeks away! Rollins is going to give Bron the opportunity to prove that he is ready. But let Rollins let you in on a little secret that everyone else knows. As a Steiner, Bron’s not even number two in his own family. Rollins drops the mic and heads out, but will Rollins be ready for the backlash of challenging Bron to a match?

Stephanie Vaquer arrives backstage.

La Primera is ready to get back at Liv Morgan, but RAQUEL RODRIGUEZ ATTACKS! La Ruda catches Vaquer with the cheap shot, then THROWS her into road cases! Roxie & Liv are there, and they RAM a road case into Vaquer! Judgment Day stands over Vaquer, and Liv tells Vaquer this is HER title! Judgment Day leaves Vaquer behind, but have they truly moved past her? Or is the Dark Angel only going to be more hellbent on her revenge?

PENTA VS Rusev!

Speaking of revenge, the Man With No Fear may still be Intercontinental Champion, but now he owes The Bulgarian Brute a beating for last week. Will #CeroMiedo withstand the power of MACHKA?

Raw returns as Rusev makes his entrance. But wait, then so does Ethan Page! The fans boo All Ego getting involved in this, but he technically was part of the problem last week. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two tie up. Rusev KNEES and CLUBS Penta while Ethan takes a seat ringside. Rusev suplexes Penta, then drags him up for a GUT WRENCH PLEX! The fans rally for Penta, but Rusev scoops for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Penta tumbles, but Rusev CLUBS him and BOOTS him! Rusev stands on Penta, but only Ethan applauds. Rusev steps off to whip Penta, but Penta KICKS on return! and SUPERKICKS!

Penta runs, DROPKICKS, and Rusev tumbles out! Penta then FLIES! Down goes Rusev, right in front of Ethan and commentary! Ethan mockingly applauds but Penta warns him. Ethan says eyes on the prize, and Rusev back suplexes! Penta lands out to SUPERKICK Rusev again! Penta puts Rusev in, Ethan protests how close that got, but Penta keeps moving. Springboard, but into the MACHKA KICK! Rusev scoops for a SWINGING SLAM! The fans boo, Rusev snarls, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as Rusev has Penta up top! Penta fights the suplex with body shots, then with forearms! The fans cheer as Penta HEADBUTTS Rusev down! Penta then adjusts and leaps, CROSSBODY! Penta keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges to mule kick a leg! SLING-DOG! Rusev goes to a corner, Penta GAMANGIRIS! Penta sits Rusev down, then runs up to headstand and SWINGING DROPKICK! Rusev sputters but Penta drags him to a cover, ONE!! Rusev still has a lot of gas in the tank, and he KNEES Penta down low! Rusev whips, Penta goes up and over, BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! Even Ethan is surprised!

Penta and Rusev rise, the fans rally, and Penta runs up to DEST- NO, Rusev BACKDROPS! Then ROUNDHOUSE! Rusev clinches, URENAGES, and he goes to a corner. The fans boo as Penta stirs and Rusev stomps around. Rusev runs up, MACHKA KICK! Penta falls, but Rusev isn’t done there! Ethan applauds as Rusev shouts, “CRUSH!!” Stomp and ACCOL- NO, Penta slips out, SUPERKICKS, then feints the springboard! Machka kick misses, Penta rolls Rusev up! PENTA WINS!

Winner: Penta, by pinfall

The fans cheer, but Rusev CLOBBERS Penta! Ethan cheers, he is also a sore loser so he likes this! The fans tell Rusev off while he stomps away on Penta! Ethan steps in the ring, takes off his jacket and undoes his cufflinks, but then Rusev glares at him. Ethan says okay, Rusev can have his time with Penta. But then Penta CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Ethan CLOBBERS Penta! The fans boo as now Ethan and Rusev stomp away on Penta! But wait, here comes Je’Von Evans! The fans fire up as The Young OG DUMPS Rusev out, then RAMS into Ethan! And then springboards to FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up as Evans taunts Rusev!

Rusev runs up, Penta SUPERKICKS! Evans goes up, up, O G CUTTER!! The fans fire up as Evans kicks Rusev out, and he stands tall with Penta. They shake hands on it, they’ll stand against Rusev & Ethan to clear them out of the way. Will Cero Miedo get BOUNCY~?

Los Americanos speak.

Rayo introduces himself, Bravo, and El Grande himself. El Grande steps forward to say, “In a few weeks, I will be competing in one of the biggest and most important matches in the history of lucha libre against Chaparro Americano, Mask VS Mask!” And he cannot lie, this match will be the most important match of his entire life! The biggest fight he’ll ever have. And y’know what? He’ll have to be ready to fight for his life. And to be honest, there is much more on the line. He must be ready to fight for his name, his colors, for Mexico, and for his home.

And what better way to prepare for that than to issue a respectful challenge to the biggest lucha libre legend ever, Rey Mysterio? It would be an honor to step into the ring against Rey here in Laredo, Texas! That is a GRANDE challenge, but is he biting off more than he can chew facing the King of Lucha?

Becky Lynch is here!

The Man has come around to Laredo, and she is the THREE-TIME Women’s Intercontinental Champion. But what will Becky have to say about her big time WrestleMania win? We’ll find out, after the break.

Raw returns as Becky stands in the ring, still wearing the ring gear from her WrestleMania victory. Becky takes a moment before she says, “The Man, and the NEW Women’s Intercontinental Champion, has come around to Laredo, Texas!” The fans are torn on that, but Becky says we just entered a whole new era of “The Manosphere,” because a lot of history was made at WrestleMania 42! Becky finally got rid of Loser AJ Lee, having ended her horrible title reign, and she put gold around the waist of someone who truly deserves it in herself. She became the first WWE Superstar to win four different titles at Mania.

She became the first-ever THREE TIME Women’s IC Champion! She’s now won more WrestleMania matches than any woman in history! And Undertaker, she’s coming for that streak next! And she proved once and for all why she is the Greatest Women’s Wrestler of All Time, and it’s not just her saying that, other people say it. Sports Illustrated says it, The Bleacher Report says it. All of that is wonderful, all of that is great, but what was most important is that she looked out at a sea of over 50 THOUSAND fans, and she saw her baby girl in the front row.

Becky was able to take her out, walk with her up the ramp, and she realized that she needed to show her daughter what a real champion is. It isn’t about the five-star hotels, the fancy restaurants and the private jets, even though they indulge in all of those. It is not about going to the biggest cities and performing in front of the best crowds. It is also about going to the rundown towns like Laredo and showing out for the commonfolk like everyone here. And Becky knows what they need and what they want. They want a fighting champion! They want her to defend the title! And not just against some nostalgia act or an underdog.

They want Becky VS the best of the best! They want new, exciting, shiny! So Becky stands here before us as The Man of the People, issuing an open challenge to whoever wants to come out here, look them in the eyes and say, “Welcome to the Big Time. Now let’s throw some hands!” Who is it gonna be?! Becky waits, and we get… IYO SKY! The fans cheer that! Iyo gets herself a mic while Becky is rather stunned, and she tells Becky, “I accept!” Becky laughs and asks what Iyo accepts. She wanted to fight the best of the best, the new, the shiny, the exciting. Iyo is none of those things! The fans boo but Becky says that’s for Iyo!

Iyo says no, that’s for Becky! The fans cheer Becky but Becky says okay, okay, she understands. Iyo is accepting on behalf of Rhea Ripley, the part of the team that actually has gold. Is Rhea coming back? Mami VS Becky, Becky Two Belts again. Becky wanted Shawn Michaels, not Marty Jannetty. And clearly, Iyo was holding Rhea back. Iyo SLAPS Becky down! The fans fire up as Iyo stomps Becky, Becky bails out, but Adam Pearce says whoa, hold on, where are you going? The champ wanted a fight, Iyo answered the call, and in case you forgot, we’re in Laredo! So it will be a title match, let’s get a ref, cuz we’re doing it now!

The fans cheer, but Becky CLOBBERS Iyo! The ref hurries in here and backs Becky off. Iyo is still getting her shot, is the Genius about to make The Man’s historic reign historically short, too?

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Iyo Sky!

Raw returns as the match is already going, and Iyo SHOTGUNS Becky down! the fans fire up with Iyo, and she CLUBS Becky on the back. Iyo whips, Becky reverses, but Iyo goes up, only for Becky to BOOT her outta the sky, and LARIATS her down! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer but Becky scowls as Iyo survives. Becky runs up in the corner, forearm SMASH, then clinch for the BECKSPLODER! Iyo bails out but Becky builds speed, and Becky WRECKS Iyo with a dropkick! The fans boo but Becky aims, FLYING FOREARM and down goes Iyo! Becky gets Iyo back into the ring, climbs up a corner, and drops the MAN’S LEG! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Iyo survives, but Becky talks herself down. Becky drags Iyo up, clinches again, BECKS- NO, Iyo slips free and ROCKS Becky! Becky fires back with forearms, UPPERCUT, and SOBAT, but Iyo blocks! GERMAN SUPLEX! Becky sputters but both women are down! The fans rally up, Iyo and Becky go to ropes, and Becky runs up! Iyo dodges, and URAKEN! SHOTEI! And then FLAPJACK! The fans fire up for Iyo as she brings Becky up to whip. Becky reverses, but Iyo goes up, out, and ROCKS Becky! Then HOTSHOTS her! The fans fire up as Iyo climbs, to then MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit, and Iyo kips up!

The fans fire up as Iyo does her crazy taunt! Iyo then aims at Becky in the corner, SHINKANSEN! Iyo pushes Becky to the cover, TWO! Becky survives but Iyo stays focused. Iyo goes up, up, but Becky YANKS her back down! And dragon sleeper for an EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Iyo is still in this and that frustrates Becky. Becky demands Iyo stand, then clinches, but Iyo victory rolls for STOMP 182! Becky bails out, Iyo builds speed, but Becky ROCKS Iyo first! Becky reels Iyo in, but Iyo PELES free! Iyo then runs up, SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB to the FLOOR! The fans are thunderous while both women are down, and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again as Becky has Iyo up top! The fans rally as Iyo fights, but Becky SUPERPLEXES! Then roll through for a DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Iyo survives! Both women are down, “This is Awesome!” Becky and Iyo stir but it is Becky that stands first. Becky brings Iyo up and clinches again, but Iyo turns the lift into a crucifix, then sunset flip! TWO, Becky ducks the roundhouse but not HEEL KICK! Iyo hurries to underhooks and TIGER BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Iyo is shocked! The fans rally as Iyo goes to the corner! Iyo goes up, but Becky trips her up again! Becky climbs, but Iyo ELBOWS her away!

Becky staggers but Iyo reels Becky in, TORNADO DDT! Iyo goes up, up, and OVER THE MOONSAULT, but into BOOTS! Becky hurries to clinch! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO?!? Becky is shocked as Iyo survives her best shot! Laredo is all fired up for Iyo but that infuriates Becky. Becky drags Iyo to the drop zone, goes up, but Iyo trips her up now! Becky SMACKS off post, tumbles to the apron then the floor, but Iyo goes right out! ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Becky at the ramp! Iyo hurries to get Becky up and in, then takes off a shoe that’s bothering her. Becky distracts the ref, ASUKA TRIPS IYO!! Becky clinches, MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, Becky wins!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)

The Man survives thanks to a big time assist from The Empress of Tomorrow! Asuka may be without her Pirate Princess, but she’s still pissed at Iyo for her supposed disrespect! BUZZSAW! ASUKA LOCK!! Iyo flails, even taps, but nothing can save her from Asuka’s wrath! Fans chant “We Want Kairi!” but Asuka stands on Iyo with a sinister smile. Will Asuka break Iyo and make her respect her senpai?

El Grande Americano Original talks with Rey Mysterio.

EGA OG says hola to Rey, and knows Rey is fraternizing with that faker, that supposed El Grande Americano Dos. First he endorses the guy, then he has a match against him. Original just wants to know that on May 30th for AAA, Mask VS Mask, does Original have to watch his back? Rey says no, he does not, Mr. OG Grande. Listen, the only thing Rey is looking for is for them all to respect lucha libre. Rey says in Spanish that for a luchador, their mask is everything. All OG Grande can says is si, bueno. But then Los Americanos step into the room! And they ask what Rey is doing with this guy! Rey says it is not what they think.

The Grandes start arguing, both in Spanish and English, but Rey shouts them all down. Tranquilos, cabrones! He is not choosing sides. Rayo & Bravo say he better. Is that a threat?! No, take it easy, jefe, they’re just saying. See you in the ring. Los Americanos head out, Rey is a little annoyed with them and OG Grande, but will the King of Lucha teach them all a thing or two about the culture?

Backstage interview with The Usos.

Byron Saxton is with Jimmy & Jey, and he gets to it: Can they give us some intel on which direction Roman Reigns is leaning towards? #BigJim says the OTC will make his decision when The OTC is ready to make his decision. Jey adds YEET, but LA Knight steps in. The Mega Star hopes he didn’t just hear them say that. OTC, sitting at the head of the table. Knight isn’t here to tear them down but to remind them of who they are. Main Event Jey Uso, a former world champion, and how’d he do that? On his own! Big Jim Uso, also all the potential in the world to be world champion, but how is he gonna do that? Not under Roman Reigns, that’s for sure!

Jey tells Knight to stay in his lane, but Jimmy calms him down. Jimmy told Knight that this is family business. Knight understands that, and he can respect that. But the problem is, the whole Bloodline thing, they had immense power, they run roughshod over everybody. But the problem was, that power corrupts, and when it does, it becomes Knight’s business, YEAH! Knight leaves it at this, but does he have a point? Is The Bloodline about to relapse into their old ways?

Joe Hendry is here!

Laredo waves their hands from side to side as The Prestigious One is in the ring. “Say his name because he has appeared in Laredo, Texas!” The fans cheer, and Hendry knows they know he had a big decision to make, so he wants to tell us all about it in the song. “I’ve won the titles everywhere I go. I’ve been on WrestleMania and many other shows. But the time has come for me to pick one brand. I’m sorry to the others, I hope they understand. Joe Hendry’s on Raw, Raw, Joe Hendry signed to Raw. Raw, Raw, Joe Hendry signs to Raw.

“Next time you turn on Netflix, you won’t just want to chill. I’ll have you believing in a better kind of thrill. Raw, Raw, Joe Hendry’s on Raw. respect to the Ruler, I acknowledge The OTC. But Adam Pearce, if you’re listening, can you make one change for me? That’s Logan Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul? Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul? Everyone! Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul? All together! Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan-” Well, now The Maverick is here, and he says you can’t fire him! You can’t fire him, he’s unfireable! Boo you, Hendry, you can’t fire him! He’s Logan Paul! All of you are awful, just like that song!

Logan says, “You’re awful!” to the fans in the front row. He knows this is Hendry’s first not on Raw, and now it’s also his last! He’s made the worst mistake of his life! Theory then tells Hendry that he isn’t seeing things right. See this right here? That’s gold, that makes them the greatest tag team champions of the world! Of the UNIVERSE! What they’re telling Hendry is that they are winners! Hendry asks if these guys are winners. The fans say, “NO!” Hendry says Joe says no to that. He saw ESPN< he saw Mania, he just saw some primetime losers! Now The Vision is mad, and they throw stuff out of the ring!

Theory says lemme tell you something! This mat belongs to The Vision! The camera that everyone sees through belongs to The Vision. And The Vision goes through everybody! Hendry is in a lucky spot, because they’re gonna go through him! They push Hendry, but he TURNS! LARIAT for Theory! Hendry RAMS Logan into a corner! Theory goes after Hendry, the Vision mugs him 2v1, and the fans boo as they KNEE Hendry low! But wait! Here come the Street Profits! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins went after The Vision last week, so here we go again! Dawkins DUMPS Logan out before he DECKS him!

Dawkins ROCKS Theory, whips him, REVELATION! The fans fire up and pump it up with Ford! He goes up top but Logan saves Theory! At least, for now. Ford points to Hendry, he HIGH JUMPS to take The Vision down! The fans fire up for Hendry & The Profits, and we all get to wave our hands from side to side! The Profits are believers, but will they also be the hunters when it comes to The Vision and those World Tag Team Championships?

Grayson Waller complains to Adam Pearce.

The Aussie Icon doesn’t like the Raw General Manager just giving people opportunities outta nowhere. That bouncy idiot, Je’Von, is one cutter away from retirement! Then Pearce has one guy singing songs, there’s some little vampire kid cursing people, where are the opportunities for Waller? He’s in the shape of his life, lad! Pearce says he’ll give Oba Femi a shot. Wow, okay, he beat Brock at the END of his career? #Obarated! Uh, no, Oba’s behind you. Waller regrets everything but Oba says if Waller wants a chance, then Pearce can give him one against Oba tonight. Waller says Pearce should’ve warned him!

Pearce says he did, but too late. Waller needs to go get his gear on, because that match is official. Is Waller about to have a Fall From Grace?

Joe Hendry & The Street Profits regroup backstage.

Ford & Dawkins are singing the very catchy, “Paul, Paul, can we fire Logan Paul?” Hendry thanks for the help, what a welcome to Raw. They shake hands on it, and Ford says get a different colored shirt now that he’s on the red brand, you know what he means? Hendry nods and heads out, and The Profits secret handshake. And then Rollins steps in, and he tells them that last week- Ford stops Rollins there, because there he goes thinking this is all about him. Last week wasn’t about him but about those tag titles. Rollins thinking he special. The Profits leave and Rollins does have to consider that.

But either way, will Rollins and The Profits find themselves working together against The Vision? Or is this all going to be for naught?

El Grande Americano w/ Los Americanos VS Rey Mysterio!

The battle of Los Grande Americanos is set for May 30th, and the King of Lucha has ended up in the middle of it all. Will Rey be much more than just a tune-up for El Grande Americano Dos? Or will this El Grande be more than ready to face the other Grande Americano next month?

Raw returns as Los Americanos make their entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. The two tie up, and Grande wrenches to wristlock. Rey rolls, uses the ropes to flip through, then Rey wrenches, only for Grande to wrangle him. Rey kips up to wrench but Grande rolls, spins, and he drop toeholds Rey to then go for the wristlock. The fans applaud the technical exchange as Grande then floats to a cover, ONE as Rey gets an arm up! Grande puts the arm down, TWO as Rey gets the other arm up! Another cover, TWO! A third cover, TWO as Rey bridges! Grande hops on, but Rey stays up! The fans cheer while Grande is stunned!

Grande jumps again but Rey uses that to get up and up and sunset flip! TWO, Grande runs up but Rey sweeps! Cover, ONE! Grande sweeps and covers, ONE! The fans cheer as the two stand off. Rey and Grande applaud each other, then Rey offers a handshake. Grande accepts, but Rey kicks low! Rey whips, Grande reverses to kick low! Grande hammerlocks Rey, brings him around, but Rey fires elbows. Rey cravats to jump and flying-mare! Grande RUNS Rey over! Things keep moving, Rey bypasses Grande to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! Grande’s on the ropes, Rey dials it up, but Grande GAMANGIRIS first! Cover, TWO! The fans rally while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as Rey whips Grande to ropes and BACKDROPS him! Grande goes to a corner while the fans cheer, and Rey whips corner to corner. Grande reverses, blocks a kick, and SMACKS Rey! Rey staggers to another corner but Grande whips corner to corner. Grande runs up but Rey BOOTS him! Rey ELBOWS Grande, then goes up, but Grande CLUBS him on the back! Grande gets under Rey but Rey slips free. Grande SMACKS Rey again, whips, but Rey reverses. Grande goes up and over, but Rey goes up to QUEBRADA, but Grande stays up! Only for Rey to TORNADO DDT! The fans fire up while Rey covers, TWO!

Rey is surprised but many are surprised he pulled that counter off in the first place. Rey waits on Grande to get up, then DROPKICKS him onto the ropes! The fans cheer as Rey dials it up, but Rayo distracts so Bravo can trip Rey! The fans boo but Bravo plays dumb. Rayo hurries to sneak Grande his metal plate! Rey DECKS Bravo, then runs to 619 Rayo down! The fans cheer, Rey slingshots, but Grande dodges the splash! Grande grabs the metal plate, but then ORIGINAL GRANDE is here! They tug-o-war over the plate, Rey BLASTS the Grandes into each other! Rey runs again, RANA! Grande Dos is on the ropes, so Rey redials, 619!!

Rey aims again, slingshot and DROP THE DIME! Cover, Rey wins!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall

El Grande Americano Dos tried to lie, cheat and steal, but Rey spots the metal plate! And he even tells Original that no one is getting it! They’re gonna have to fight fair ‘n’ square in May! Well for now, Grande Original CLOBBERS Grande Dos! The fans fire up as these two brawl while they grapple! Producers and refs rush out here but fans want to “Let Them Fight! Let Them Fight!” The Grandes are separated, but the animosity between them is only growing! Who proves they are El Grande Americano Superior on May 30th?

Asuka speaks.

“Iyo, did you think you were done with me? I say when we’re done! Because I am still your senpai. All I’ve done is try to help you and all you’ve done is disappoint me. For so long, I blamed myself for your mistakes. I thought I did something wrong for you to turn your back on me. But I finally realize YOU are the problem! You are ungrateful, selfish, and my biggest failure. But I didn’t fail you, you failed me. You failed your family! And now, we’re both alone, because I didn’t want another Iyo. I’ve spared you until now because I thought we could be a family again. But now that you killed that family…NOTHING will stop me from destroying you!

“So, at Backlash, I fix my failure. I teach you one final lesson. And that lesson is… You are not and will never be ready for Asuka!” The grudge match is finally set, but will the Empress of Tomorrow make sure Iyo has no future? Or will the Genius prove that she’s left her senpai behind long ago?

Grayson Waller VS Oba Femi!

The Aussie Icon likes him a good “shoey,” but he stuck his foot in his mouth this time. Grayson wanted an opportunity, but will he even survive against The Ruler that conquered The Beast?

The bell rings and the two circle. The fans already chant “O~BA!” as he blocks Waller’s kick. Oba LARIATS Waller, TOSSES him to a corner, then fires body shots from all sides. Oba UPPERCUTS Waller, whips him corner to corner, then UPPERCUTS again! Oba runs corner to corner for another UPPERCUT! Oba keeps going, but Waller bails out! The fans boo, but Oba has Waller at the apron. Waller HOTSHOTS Oba, then somersaults, but into the SHOTPUT BOMB! Oba UPPERCUTS Waller back down and the fans fire up! Pop-up, and FALL FROM GRACE!! Cover, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall

Waller wanted on the card tonight, but maybe he regrets it. At the very least, Waller learned Femi isn’t #Obarated! Oba has the mic to ask Laredo if they’re feeling good tonight. The fans cheer because indeed they are! Oba says they’re feeling good, he’s feeling good, Waller isn’t, but we don’t care about how Waller feels. Waller did say something that was right, though. There is no opportunity around here, because all the big champions are locked in with contenders, the US Champion doesn’t do open challenges, so Oba is going to take it upon himself to create a solution to the problem. Ladies and gentlemen, as of today, the Oba Femi Open Challenge will commence!

The fans cheer, and Oba says to any man back there who wants to prove himself, step up! If you want to see how you fair at the top of the mountain, step up! But Oba will not take too kindly to their decision. Because he will be merciless, unforgiving, and relentless! He will punish them! They are not stepping to just any man, but to OBA FEMI! The fans cheer as Oba makes himself equal to a title! Will anyone be able to overthrow The Ruler?

Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.

Liv, Raquel & Roxie are still feeling great after what they did to Vaquer, because THEY run Raw! Vaquer found out the hard way, and so will BayLyra. Liv asks Raquel for time alone with Roxie. Is this about the thing? Yes, it is. Raquel says sure, she’ll go finish warming up. Raquel heads out, and Liv says hey to Roxie. Liv wanted to finish the conversation they tried having before WrestleMania. Remember? Before Vaquer smacked their heads together? Right, yeah. Well, really, Liv just wants to apologize to Roxie.

Liv is sorry for how things went down with Finn while she was gone. She knows Roxie and Finn were close, and that must’ve been hard watching from home. Liv knows how that felt, because she sat at home watching Finn bring Roxie into the group. And Liv wants Roxie to know that they are family, but Finn put himself before the family. That is not something Liv would do to Roxie, she wants to support her like Roxie supported Liv. So Liv will be in their corner and cheer them on as Roxie & Raquel get one step closer to the tag titles. Liv takes Roxie’s hand and asks, “Do you trust me, my little Roxie?”

Roxie nods yes, but then says she needs a second. Liv says okay, see you out there. Liv heads out, saying this is exciting. But Roxie doesn’t seem so sure. Wait, FINN is in the clubhouse?! Roxie tells him he’s not supposed to be here, but Finn says Roxie CANNOT trust Liv! In fact, she can’t trust anyone in the Judgment Day! Roxie asks if she can’t trust them, or can’t trust Finn. Roxie is with Judgment Day, she has a match coming up, so he has to go. Finn says good luck with the match, and hopes she knows what she’s doing. Finn leaves, but is The Prince right about them all?

Bayley & Lyra Valkyria VS Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez w/ Liv Morgan!

The Role Model & Morrigan fell short of the tag titles at WrestleMania, but Judgment Day wasn’t even in the match! Who proves themselves worthy of the next opportunity with a win tonight?

Raw returns as Judgment Day makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Bayley starts against Raquel. The fans rally as the two circle, tie up, and Bayley wrenches to wristlock. Raquel swings, Bayley ducks, and she puts on the pressure. Raquel powers Bayley to a corner, ROCKS her, then whips her corner to corner. Raquel runs up but Bayley BOOTS her! Bayley headlocks but Raquel blocks the takeover! Raquel lifts Bayley but Bayley fights that with fists. Bayley jumps to tornado takeover! They roll, Raquel fights up, and Raquel hits a BIG back suplex! Raquel looms over Bayley but hears the fans chanting, “We Want Roxie!”

Raquel points to the corner, the fans cheer, so Raquel tags Roxie! The fans cheer even more now as the Judgment Day mugs Bayley! Roxie stomps away, the fans cheer her on, but the ref counts. Roxie backs off, but Bayley lifts Roxie! Roxie kicks and flails but Bayley RAMS Roxie into the corner. Tag to Lyra, she and Bayley mug Roxie, and the fans boo. Lyra headlocks Roxie but Roxie pulls hair. Roxie headlocks and the fans cheer her on. Lyra powers out, but Roxie cartwheels over the dropdown! Roxie takes a bow, then SLAPS Lyra! Lyra CLOBBERS Roxie and rains down fists! Laredo boos but Lyra whips Roxie to ropes.

Roxie tilt-o-whirls through to RANA, but Lyra handsprings through that! Lyra SLAPS Roxie in return! Liv tells Bayley to shut up but Lyra whips Roxie to the corner. Roxie dodges, but Lyra grabs her by the wrist! Tag to Bayley, scoop and BACKBREAKER, but Roxie knees free! Roxie SMACKS Bayley, but Lyra WHEEL KICKS! Bayley goes back up, MACHO ELBOW! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Roxie survives, and she bails out to regroup with the others. Judgment Day avoids Lyra’s dropkick, and Raquel CLOBBERS her! But Bayley fires off on Roxie! Bayley puts Roxie in the ring, but Raquel trips Bayley up!

Bayley POSTS Lyra, all while Roxie distracts the ref! Judgment Day is in control as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as both Bayley and Raquel are down! The fans rally as both women crawl, Liv coaches Raquel, hot tags to Roxie and Lyra! The fans fire up, but then Lyra CROSSBODIES Roxie and GAMANGIRIS Raquel! Lyra LARIATS Roxie, dodges Raquel, and goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Lyra kips up, then clinches Roxie, NORTHERN LIGHTS! Roll through for the fisherman BUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Roxie survives! Liv coaches her team on but Lyra drags Roxie up. Lyra brings Roxie over, tags Bayley, and Bayley fireman’s carries while Lyra climbs. Roxie slips free, SHOVES Bayley into Lyra, then tags Raquel!

Roxie runs, tilt-o-whirls, and clinches, Raquel adds as BOOT to the LEG SWEEP! Cover, but Lyra SPLASHES onto it! The fans rally again and Raquel crawls, hot tag back to Roxie! The fans fire up again as Roxie BLASTS Lyra, SOBATS Bayley, then hops up and hops on! But Bayley SMACKS Roxie off buckles! Then a BAYLEY2BELLY! Cover, Raquel breaks it! The fans cheer, Lyra runs up and CROSSBODIES Raquel and herself out of the ring! Liv shouts at Bayley, but she gets caught! The fans cheer, but then Liv HOTSHOTS Bayley! Roxie SHINING WIZARDS! Then the POP-ROX!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!

Winners: Judgment Day, by pinfall

Laredo cheers their hometown hero, but it was certainly a team effort as always for Judgment Day! Will nothing stop them from having all the gold again?

Roman Reigns heads to the ring!

Laredo, Texas puts up their ones to the sky as The OTC makes his entrance. The WWE World Heavyweight Champion stands on stage, raises the title to the sky, and the pyro goes off. But what has he decided when it comes to him and Jacob Fatu? We’ll find out, after the break.

Raw returns as Roman is in the ring, and he raises the belt again for the second round of pyro. Roman grabs a mic while the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” The fans then shift to singing, “Roman, Roman Reigns~!” then go back to “O T C! O T C!” Roman enjoys that for a moment before he says, “Y’see, it’s been awhile since I’ve been here in Texas. But if you can’t tell from home, they love their Tribal Chief here, baby!” The fans cheer that! Roman continues by saying, “They made this title in spite of me. They made this title to try and take away from my shine. But it never worked. Y’see, there’s an old saying and it’s very true.

“The title don’t make the man, the man makes the title!” The fans cheer that, too! Roman says that’s what he’s done with this strap! He’s put it in the main event! He’s put it on night two of WrestleMania! He’s made this title relevant! See, now you can finally be proud of this title. Now you can respect this title! Now, you can actually choose to acknowledge this title. “As a matter of fact, let’s demonstrate. Laredo, Texas…!” The fans erupt with “O T C! O T C!” Roman says it again, “Laredo, Texas… ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again! But then Jacob Fatu makes his entrance! The fans cheer again as The Samoan Werewolf arrives!

Jacob goes right to the ring while the fans chant “FATU! FATU!” Jacob and Roman stare down, and Roman says, “Fatu, right on cue. Perfect timing, I was just getting to you. I gave you a week, gave you time to think. I’m hoping you made the right choice, Jacob. I’m hoping you made the choice to unite our family, and not divide it.” Jacob has a mic to say Roman gave him a week but he didn’t need a week. He didn’t need a day. Hell, he didn’t even need an hour! He knew exactly what he wanted when he came out here last Monday. Jacob didn’t stutter, didn’t hesitate, when he said he doesn’t want the title, but that he needs the title.

What? Is Roman stuck in his WWE main event bubble? Is he stuck in Tribal Chief Land? Roman ain’t grind like Jacob! Jacob is uncut and raw! 12 YEARS of hard work, 12 YEARS of grinding, 12 YEARS of suffering, not knowing when the next meal was gonna be! While y’all was running things up here as The Bloodline, Fatu was foaming at the mouth, grinding, on the frontlines, trying to figure out if he was gonna be here or not! The fans cheer that, and Fatu says it ain’t how you start but how you finish. And that has Fatu standing here in front of Roman. So before WWE, Roman didn’t call, Jimmy didn’t call, Jey didn’t call.

You know who did call? Solo Sikoa! The fans boo that name but Jacob says Solo gave him a chance! Roman says, “Solo?! Either you’re completely confused or you’re dumber than I think. Solo couldn’t get a cup of coffee delivered to the building if he wanted to. Take a look around. Who you think runs this place?” The fans chant, “O T C! O T C!” Laredo ain’t lying, OTC runs WWE. And yeah, he’s been distracted, things get hectic around here, but Roman never forgot about Jacob. Roman signed off on Jacob. But Jacob’s sounding confused, sounding like a fool. Jacob doesn’t deserve it, he hasn’t earned it.

Roman allowing Jacob to compete against him is nepotism! And Roman can’t allow- JACOB GRABS ROMAN BY THE FACE! The fans freak out as the TONGAN DEATH GRIP grinds Roman down, but then Roman SMACKS him with the mic! Fatu just shakes it off?! TONGAN DEATH GRIP!! Roman sputters as Fatu HEADBUTTS away! Fatu chokes Roman right out, and he tells Roman, “I am going to take everything, EVERYTHING, from you!!” Fatu finally lets Roman go, and he picks up the belt. Fans are torn, but the decision should be clear now. Roman coughs and sputters but he grabs the mic to shout at Jacob!

“You want me at Backlash?! I’ll see you at Backlash!!” The fans cheer, and the match is made! The Samoan Werewolf has made The Tribal Chief into his prey, but will he have what he’s really after in the world title? Or will The OTC punish Fatu for this insolence?

My Thoughts:

A very good Raw that was a bit toned down on the action after that hot Raw After Mania. Great bookending with the OG Bloodline, though I’m not sure about the set-up of Roman & Usos sitting at the table that was more like a press conference table than a meeting. But Jimmy and Jey each having a different side of the argument was good, this builds a bit on what we saw before Mania when Jey was telling Roman to “get him” in reference to CM Punk. And great ending with Roman and Jacob, where Jacob is already done with talking, and he brings out a submission type move to make himself even more menacing. It’d be rather shocking of Fatu actually wins at Backlash, but I feel like Fatu losing and joining Roman is too much of a rehash of everything we’ve already seen in the Bloodline Saga.

Very good match from Penta VS Rusev, and very good win for Penta, but Ethan Page and Je’Von Evans getting involved made sense. That’ll be a great tag match, and I bet we’ll sort out who is challenging Penta for Backlash through that match. Very good promo from Rollins and Bron to set up their match, I appreciate Bron’s perspective because that is how it looked and felt and was definitely not how it should’ve been even in kayfabe. I feel like Bron wins out to then send him to the world title after Backlash. Another great song promo from Hendry, and honestly a great over-the-top angry reaction from Logan Paul for it. Profits helping Hendry out was logical and very good stuff, and Profits putting Rollins in his place was also good. But yeah, there’s gotta be a Six Man Tag there, too.

Waller getting upset only to get humbled by Oba is classic wrestling trope, and Oba making his own open challenge is also great. That’s in the same lineage as like Andre the Giant daring people to body slam him when he knows they couldn’t, or even Chris Masters and the Master Lock Challenge. This will give us some really fun matches while also building Oba up towards a title opportunity of his own. Becky wanting her own Open Challenge series is good, and Iyo challenging her tonight was probably their best way to improvise from releasing Kairi Sane and ruining their own story of Kairi, Iyo & Asuka. The fans are already starting #WeWantKairi, not sure WWE will listen this time, but Asuka VS Iyo is happening for Backlash and that’s all we can really expect.

Very good stuff with Los Americanos, this ended up a great plug for the AAA story of Mask VS Mask. Rey Mysterio being part of the story was good, too, and Rey keeps himself afloat with this win. Gable Americano of course got involved in the match, he and Kaiser Americano are even in math right now, but I would think Gable loses to finally be exposed. And great stuff with Judgment Day, from the attack on Vaquer to the tag match as the main event match. But I’m a little confused as to the Finn & Roxie part. Finn and Roxie should’ve discussed how their ultimate plan was still working. It should’ve been revealed that Finn really did bring Roxie into the group to mess with Liv x Dom. They can still have Roxie turn on Judgment Day in the most pivotal moment, but now it’ll be a bit confusing as to why.

My Score: 8.8/10

It’s the Raw After WrestleMania!

WrestleMania 42 is in the books, and once again, WWE must ACKNOWLEDGE HIM! But what will be next for Roman Reigns now that he is the NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS The Kabuki Warriors; Rhea & Iyo win.
• Je’Von Evans VS Ethan Page; Ethan wins.
• Sol Ruca VS Liv Morgan w/ The Judgment Day; Liv wins.
• Finn Balor VS JD McDonagh; Finn wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

OBA FEMI is here!

The T-Mobile Arena in Vegas cheers as The Ruler appears! They chant for “O~BA!” as he struts to the ring in a suit and tie. The fans cheer more as Oba grabs a mic and steps into the ring. “O~BA! HOO!” echoes out and Oba takes it all in. The fans chant for “OBA FEMI!” and he says, “The Ruler has arrived!” Then he drops the mic and the fans cheer again! Oba doesn’t need to say much, his actions spoke loud and clear on Sunday! Oba stands in the spotlight, but who will he conquer next?

The Kabuki Warriors speak.

Asuka tells Iyo, “Once again, you choose your fake family in Rhea Ripley over your real one and yourself. I will always be your senpai, and I will always be the one who brought you your success in WWE. Iyo, you seem to forget this, but tonight, you will remember. Since you devoted yourself to Rhea, how has that been working out? Rhea is a champion now, and what are you? Huh? You are NOTHIN! Iyo, it didn’t have to happen this way. You could’ve shown me the respect I deserved, and you would’ve had your senpai by your side. Not only did you make your choice, you tried to corrupt Kairi, too!”

Kairi speaks up to say that last week, she beat Iyo. This week, they beat Iyo again! Iyo & Rhea will suffer the consequences! They are not ready for Asuka! But will that still be true even now? Or will #RheYo finally be done with the Kabuki Warriors?

Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky VS The Kabuki Warriors!

Raw returns as Asuka & Kairi make their entrance to join #RheYo in the ring. The teams sort out and Kairi starts against Iyo. They circle, tie up, and go around. The fans rally as Iyo arm-drags Kairi but the two keep the grapple. Kairi fights to her feet but Iyo puts her on the ropes. The ref counts, Iyo backs off slowly, but Kairi shoves her! Kairi swings, Iyo ducks to waistlock, but Kairi wrenches through to wristlock. Iyo spins, wrenches, and headlocks. Kairi pulls hair and the fans boo, but Asuka gives a thumbs up! Kairi THROWS Iyo down, then drags Iyo up by her hair. Kairi THROWS Iyo, but Iyo handsprings through!

The fans cheer, Kairi runs up but Iyo blocks a shot and kicks low. Iyo wrenches and whips, Kairi reverses, but Iyo pops Kairi up and out! Kairi RAMS low, goes up, but Iyo avoids the leap! Kairi says kiss this! The fans rally for Iyo & Rhea but Kairi taunts Iyo with her own crazy taunt. Kairi runs, dodges, then stomps Iyo’s foot! Kairi runs to go up and RANA, then she basement DROPKICKS! The fans boo but Asuka cheers Kairi on. Kairi brings Iyo up, reaches out for Asuka, but Iyo rolls her up, TWO! Kairi blocks Iyo’s kick, ROCKS her, then Alabama Lifts! Iyo fights that to underhook and TIGER BACKBREAKER!

The fans fire up as Iyo tags Rhea! Iyo then wheelbarrows with Rhea for the assisted SPLASH! Rhea covers, TWO! Rhea drags Kairi up but Kairi SMACKS Rhea! Rhea atomic SLAMS Kairi, then DROPKICKS her! Asuka tags in and the fans fire up! Asuka shoves Rhea, each ducks a kick, but Asuka fires fast hands! Rhea ducks the uraken to kick, SMASH, and- NO, Asuka ducks the haymaker to URAKEN, SOBAT, FRONT KICK, MULE KICK, then run the ropes! SLIDING KICK! Rhea falls over, but she EDDY GORDO KICKS right back! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as Rhea drags Asuka up, but Asuka BOOITS Iyo to prevent the tag!

Rhea waistlocks, Asuka elbows free, but Rhea BOOTS back! Asuka distracts the ref as Kairi takes a swing! Rhea ducks it, then DECKS Kairi, but Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Rhea down! Rhea falls out of the ring while Asuka tags Kairi. Asuka BLASTS Iyo while Kairi climbs, and Kairi FLYING KABUKI ELBOWS! Down goes Rhea and Kairi is all fired up while Raw goes to break!

Raw returns as The Kabuki Warriors whip Rhea to ropes to then KICK, AX KICK, BULLDOG, and basement DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Rhea stays in this, but Kairi tags Asuka. Asuka brings Rhea up while Kairi climbs, and Asuka dragon sleepers! But Rhea wrenches out to DECK Asuka! Kairi leaps, Rhea dodges, and Kairi rolls, only for Rhea to ENZIGIRI! The fans fire up as Rhea crawls, but so does Kairi. Hot tags to Asuka and Iyo! The fans fire up as Iyo dodges Asuka to URAKEN, SHOTEI, and SHOTEI! Asuka shoves Iyo, but Iyo BOOTS back! Kairi runs up but Iyo blocks a kick and sends it into Asuka!

The fans cheer as Iyo ducks ‘n’ dodges, handsprings through, then DOUBLE SHOTGUNS! The fans fire up again as Iyo kips up and does the crazy taunt! Iyo has targets in the corners, so she hops on the bullet train! SHINKANSEN for Asuka, SHINKANSEN for Kairi, and SHINKANSEN back to Asuka! The fans fire up as Iyo BUZZSAWS Asuka, covers, TWO!! Asuka survives but Iyo drags her up. Iyo wrenches, then calls to Rhea! Rhea tags in, then she hauls Asuka up! Iyo climbs, then waves bye to Asuka. RAZOR’S EDGE, and a MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Kairi is a fingertip shy so she’s fortunate Asuka survives.

But then Rhea hauls Asuka back up, RIP- NO, Asuka slips free! Asuka BLASTS Iyo, dodges Rhea, then tags Kairi! CODE BREAKER to BLUCK BUSTER! DOUBLE SLIDING ATTACK! Cover, Iyo breaks it! The fans fire up but Asuka is furious! She BUZZSAWS Iyo, then GERMAN- NO, Iyo victory rolls to STOMP 182! But Kairi CLUBS away on Iyo! Kairi SLAPS Iyo, whips her, but Iyo DIVES onto Asuka! Kairi is stunned, but Rhea HEADBUTTS her! Then tag to Iyo, RIPTIDE to OVER THE MOONSAULT! Cover, RheYo wins!

Winners: Rhea Ripley & Iyo Sky, by pinfall

The team is back together again and they’re still winning! But how will Asuka handle Kairi taking the loss?

Adam Pearce talks with Penta.

The Raw General Manager congratulates the Man With Zero Fear on retaining the WWE Intercontinental Championship, that match was increible! Penta thanks Pearce, but Pearce isn’t sure how to follow that up. Je’Von Evans walks in, says hey to “Mr. P” and Penta, and says congrats to Penta. Penta did his thing. But to be real, Evans is still gonna be champion, so he ain’t going anywhere. Penta says yes, they stole the show, and they can do it again soon. But Penta’s title isn’t going anywhere, because he is Penta, and he has #CeroMiedo! Penta leaves, Evans sighs, but in steps Ethan Page! Pearce knows Evans knows All Ego, but he welcomes Ethan as Raw’s newest superstar!

Ethan asks Evans if he really said he wants another shot at the Intercontinental title. Well, Ethan is here now, and he always gets what he wants. And he wants the Intercontinental Championship. The only difference is, Ethan’s not gonna need a second chance. Oh, he thinks he’s funny, huh? Pearce says okay, okay, let’s settle this in the ring tonight. Ethan says he’ll gladly humiliate Evans again. Evans says ain’t nobody taking his spot. The Young OG heads out, Pearce welcomes Ethan to Raw, but will Ethan already take over?

CM Punk is here!

We watch Punk walk to and through gorilla, then onto the stage, yet with no music. The fans still cheer “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” despite him no longer being WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Punk kneels, checks his watch, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” Now Cult of Personality starts and the fans sing along as Punk walks down the ramp. Punk goes to the ring, but takes his time as he gets the mic. The fans still cheer Punk on, and Punk finally says, “I’ve been dealing with a lot of loss the past six months, maybe since October. I was overseas wrestling in Japan when I got a call that woke me up. My friend, my MMA trainer, that Duke Rufus, didn’t wake up that morning.

“Then in November, my Larry crossed the rainbow bridge. And it seemed like between then and now, every two weeks, me and my WWE family lost a member. Kerwin Silfies, Jim Shank, David Coates. And these are the people behind the scenes. These are the cameramen, the hair and make-up, and the caterers, and the producers and the people in the truck and the truck drivers.” The fans cheer as Punk gives reverence to “everybody who makes this place a well-oiled machine, the real heroes, the real superstars, behind the men.

“My job is easy. These are the men and women that grind day in and day out, away from their families, that are with me so often that they call me family. And I just had to show a little bit of respect last night on my jacket. Yeah, give it up for them.” The fans applaud with a standing ovation for all of the WWE crew. Punk continues by saying most recently, his friend, Bo Lueders, passed away. Then Punk lost the title last night. All the aforementioned losses sting more than losing the title, but the thing is, every week, Punk has come here, and the fans cathartically helped Punk heal and get through those losses.

Being Heavyweight Champion gave Punk an anchor and a reason to not just slow down and reduce himself to a puddle of tears, even when he wanted to. So he is here to say thanks for helping process all the grief. The fans all helped him get through those losses, so something tells him they’ll help him through the loss from last night. Hell, Punk wasn’t even supposed to be World Heavyweight Champion. He survived Gunther, only to be cashed-in on in a single second by Seth Rollins. A part of Punk said being WHC at 46 years old, for even three minutes, that’s not bad. That’s the cherry on top of one hell of a sundae.

And then, Punk could’ve just reduced himself to a puddle of tears, ate donuts on the couch with his hot wife. But instead, he stayed ready! He came here and poured his heart and his soul into this to entertain all the fans. And because Punk stays ready, an opportunity arose. Rollins got hurt, Punk won the #1 contender’s match, and next thing you know, Punk is WHC. If he didn’t stay ready, you’d be here YEETING with Jey Uso instead. Punk doesn’t know why fans boo that, he likes to YEET. Get with the program, Vegas. But Punk stays ready, that’s all he can do, because he never knowns when a title opportunity will fall outta the sky.

Punk stays ready, but do you know why he’s smiling? Because he’s still the Best in the World, and he came here to Vegas. He said he had a dream ever since he was a kid, and he stood under the brightest lights on the biggest stage in front of the world, and he proved it! He gave everything he had, it just wasn’t his night. He won’t cry about it, he won’t go home and sulk, and he’s not going on vacation. Punk will stay ready, because you never know when an opportunity is gonna fall out of the sky. WAIT! Cody Rhodes is here! The fans sing along with Kingdom as the American Nightmare walks out on stage.

Cody takes off the sunglasses to reveal the nasty bruising around his eye. Cody hobbles a bit as he walks down the ramp, and while the fans say “WHOA~ OH~!” and we get the pyro, Cody isn’t really in the mood for that. Cody steps into the ring, gets himself a mic, and Punk gets a good look at the shiner. In fact, that might not even cover what happened. Cody waits on the second “WHOA~ OH~!” while the fans are a bit more torn. Punk asks if he went over, is this Cody’s time? No, Punk, don’t leave, this is Monday Night Raw, this is Punk’s time. And well, maybe Cody assumed, maybe he is wrong, but he was standing by, watching like everyone else, and…

This isn’t necessarily what Cody expected, but… Wait, wait, did Cody think Punk would freak out or crash out? If Punk is asking if Cody thought that, then… yeah. Punk says that’s fair. But Punk knows Cody, Cody knows Punk, but Punk is buttoned up. This is not what Cody was expecting, he is glad Vegas gave Punk the flowers he deserves, as he always does. But Cody isn’t sure what he’s supposed to do, he’s the one standing here feeling and looking like a loser, yet he has the title. Punk asks hold on, should Punk feel like a loser? Cody tries to apologize but Punk says no, stop, it’s fine! They’re friends! Punk doesn’t feel like it, okay?

Well, maybe Punk looks like a loser, he has that tattoo of a marshmallow on a stick. But Cody’s not a loser, either. Punk gets why Cody feels it. On Saturday, Cody overcame a first-ballot Hall of Famer, a living legend. But this is what made it hard: he also beat a friend, a mentor. Punk fought someone he hates! That’s easy! It’s easy to kick him in his stupid face and make fun of the chili pepper necklace. But Cody fought a friend, that’s a real challenge. Cody won, Punk lost. Cody is a winner, and technically, Punk’s a loser. But it’s okay! The path is clear. Heavy is the head that wears the crown, but Punk’s free as a bird.

Punk gladly shouldered the burden of being world champion last night, but it just wasn’t his night. The path for Cody is to keep being champion, to keep winning. The path for Punk is to stay ready, because you never know when a championship opportunity is just gonna fall out of the sky. Punk gives a glance to the title, then steps away, but Cody says, “Hey, Punk. Just say when.” Punk smiles and the fans cheer. Beat up as Cody is, is he willing to fight the Best in the World?

Finn Balor speaks.

“Last night at WrestleMania, Dom brought out The Demon. And The Demon put Dom down. But I’m not finished with The Judgment Day. Dom drew first blood, so he was the first to fall. I expected this type of betrayal from Dominik. But from JD? I remember when JD was just a 12-year-old unassuming kid that walked into the wrestling gym in Ireland. Over the years together, I helped him grow into one of the greatest performers on earth. And in the Judgment Day, when I needed someone that I knew would have my back no matter what, it was only gonna be JD. But then the moment of truth, he made a choice, and he chose Dominik Mysterio.

“JD, this is gonna be one of those full circle moments. Because I brought you into this business, but tonight, I’m gonna take you out.” The Prince has spoken, will he prove you don’t bet on the Irish Ace?

Je’Von Evans VS Ethan Page!

These two have a deep and heated rivalry from NXT, and now it’s about to get Raw! But will The Young OG humble All Ego on his debut? Or will Ethan steal everyone’s smile on the Raw After Mania?

Raw returns as Evans makes his entrance to join Ethan in the ring. The bell rings and the fans rally for Evans. They tie up, go around, and Ethan headlocks. Evans endures and powers up to power out. Ethan RUNS Evans over, but the fans boo as Ethan pats Evans on the head. Things speed up, Evans dodges to redirect and jump into the roll-up! TWO, but Ethan runs up! Evans goes up and over, then again, but Ethan still takes a swing! Evans goes Matrix to kip up and STUNNER! The fans cheer as Ethan stumbles to a corner, but Ethan uses the ropes as a defense! The ref has Evans back up, but Ethan DECKS Evans with a cheap shot!

The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Ethan rains down fists! Ethan snarls as he paces around. Evans stands, Ethan CLUBS him on the neck, then scoops him for a BACKBREAKER! Evans writhes but the fans rally. Ethan storms up but Evans UP KICKS! Evan brings Ethan around to CHOP, but Ethan swings! Evans ducks to JAB, JAB, JAB! Evans runs, but Ethan dodges to ROCK Evans again! Ethan whips Evans, ELBOWS him down, then covers, TWO! The fans rally but Ethan HEADBUTTS Evans! Ethan clamps onto Evans and squeezes tight, but the fans rally for Evans. Evans fights up, reaches out, and he RAMS Ethan into the corner!

Ethan CLUBS Evans, stalks him, then back suplexes. Evans lands out, DROPKICKS, then runs up to BOUNCY~ RANA! Ethan tumbles all the way out while the fans fire up! Evans says guess where we at! #WeOutside! He builds speed to FLY! Down goes Ethan and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Ethan CHOKES Evans and says this is HIS house! Evans breaks free to TOSS Ethan, then he DIVES! Another direct hit at the ramp and the fans cheer again. Evans puts Ethan in, bobs ‘n’ weaves to ROCK Ethan, put him in the corner, and ENZIGIRI! Evans shoves Ethan to center, then springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Evans as he stands again. Evans fires Vegas up even more, then goes to the corner. Evans climbs, but Ethan SMACKS him! Ethan climbs up after Evans, but Evans HEADBUTTS back! Ethan drops down, but he UPPERCUTS! Ethan then crosses the arms, ICONOCLASM!

Ethan then RIPCORDS Evans up for the POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Evans toughs it out! Ethan is annoyed, and he points to Evans while mocking the fans. The fans boo Ethan but Ethan rips Evans’ shirt up! Ethan scoops but Evans fights free! Evans DUMPS Ethan out, mule kicks him, then ASAI M OONSAULTS, but has to land out as Ethan moves! Ethan whips, Evans reverses, and Ethan eats POST! Evans runs up to SUPERKICK Ethan onto the desk! The fans fire up as Evans looks to the corner. But someone turns Evans around! Rusev?! Evans ducks the cheap shot to SMACK Rusev in return!

Evans sees Ethan getting up, but Evans CROSSBODIES Rusev down! The fans fire up for Evans, he hurries after Ethan in the ring, and goes up, up, and- NO, Ethan trips Evans up! TWISTED GRIN!! Cover, Ethan wins!

Winner: Ethan Page, by pinfall

Give an assist to the Bulgarian Brute, Rusev storms in to beat up on Evans! Ethan says yeah, not his problem. The fans boo Ethan and they boo Rusev, but Rusev stops stomping so he can drag Evans around! Stomp and ACCOLADE!! But PENTA rushes out here to make the save! The fans cheer as Penta dodges Rusev, CHOPS away, then KICKS, KICKS, and- NO, Rusev blocks the superkick! Rusev spins Penta but Penta dodges the lariat to SUPERKICK after all! The fans fire up for Penta as he climbs up a corner! But Ethan SHOVES Penta down! Rusev MACHKA KICKS Penta down!

All Ego calls to Rusev and says good work. Ethan leaves the ring to Rusev, and Rusev stomps Penta! ACCOLADE!! Penta endures being bent back, but Rusev lets him go to pick up the belt. Will Rusev have his day when he finally gets that title?

Judgment Day is here!

The NEW WWE Women’s World Champion, Liv Morgan, leads the way for Dirty Dom, JD McDonagh, Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez, ready to celebrate her victory at WrestleMania. The new theme song is right, she was nothing but trouble for La Primera, though it helps that she had her amigas helping out. The fans are torn as Liv gets the mic, and she revels in it all. Some fans even chant, “You Deserve It!” Liv smiles as she says, “las Vegas, that is the smartest thing y’all’ve said all day! Because you are now in the presence of the GREATEST Women’s World Champion of ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL TIIIIIIME~!”

But before they really get to the celebration, there are a couple of people Liv would like to thank. First off, to her Judgment Day family, JD, Roxie, Daddy Dom y Raquel. They have been her rock, she wouldn’t be where she is without them, thank you. Secondly, this one might surprise people, but she’d like to thank her opponent, Stephanie Vaquer. “We beat the hell out of each other, but she reminded me of a feeling that I haven’t felt in a long time. It reminded me of who I am. And who I am is the most talented in the WWE! This is MY ring, this is MY division, this is MY show, and this is MY Women’s World Championship!”

The fans are again torn, but Liv says if you thought she was “messy and trouble before,” well, just you wait. Because- SOL RUCA is here?! The fans cheer the Soul Surfer as she high-fives her way down the ramp and to the ring. Sol gets a mic and says, “Hey, Liv~! Now, I’m so sorry for interrupting, but I’ve been watching you. And honestly, you are such an inspiration to me. Watching your journey over the past decade, seeing you win that title, it taught me what I learned at the battle royal. And that’s that you are the top woman in this division. Honestly, congrats, dude, you deserve this.” Liv thanks Sol but uh, she has some nerve coming out here during LIV’S celebration!

But y’know what? Liv does appreciate those kind words. So since Sol was so nice to Liv, Liv will say this as nicely as she can. “You are no Liv Morgan, sweetie! HAHA~!” But Liv will give Sol a chance to save herself. If she ever wants to make it to a WrestleMania, she’ll get out of LIV’S ring right now! Sol says Liv is misreading this. She’s not picking a fight. But she sure won’t back down from one, either. The mics drop, the fans fire up, but Adam Pearce hurries out here. The GM says hold on, don’t get hot, he has to keep this under control! This is the biggest Monday of the year, the Raw After Mania, and Vegas is acting like they wanna see a fight. The fans cheer “YES!”

Wait, they DO wanna see the fight? Pearce calls to Jessica Karr, and he asks if she can handle this. Jess says yes, and Pearce says then it is official! Liv VS Sol, right now! Judgment Day is livid, but will Liv get her soul snatched? Or will she drag Sol into Oblivion?

Sol Ruca VS Liv Morgan w/ The Judgment Day!

Raw returns, the bell rings, and Liv runs up! Sol goes Matrix, then trips Liv to handspring and SUPERKICK! The fans cheer Sol and she whips Liv. Liv blocks, ROCKS Sol, then kicks, KICKS, and ENZI- NO, Sol ducks under! Sol waistlcoks, Liv victory rolls, ONE! Sol has it, TWO! Liv ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA, but Sol cartwheels through! DROPKICK! Sol kips up, the fans fire up, and Sol runs up in the corner to BACK BODY BLOCK! Sol then snapmares Liv and sets up, STANDING MOONSAULT but onto knees! Liv turns things around and Judgment Day coaches her up. Liv runs at the ropes but Sol ROCKS Liv!

Sol jumps up, Liv hits the ropes, and that trips Sol up! Sol falls, Liv stomps away, and Liv HAMMERS away on Sol’s back! The fans are torn as Sol writhes. Liv smiles as she steps on Sol, then drags her up. Liv whips Sol to a corner, runs up and BACK BODY BLCOK! Liv rolls, runs, and SHINING WIZARDS! Liv snapmares to SHOTGUN Sol down! Cover, TWO! Sol toughs it out and Liv is annoyed. Liv drags Sol up, kicks her around, then runs up, but Sol ELBOWS her away! Sol BOOTS Liv, then slips around to O’Conner- NO, Liv bucks the roll to kick low! Liv looms over Sol, brings her around, and scoops, only for Sol to slip free!

Sol waistlocks, SLAMS Liv down, then floats to a facelock. Liv wrenches out to facelock back, but the fans rally as Sol endures. Sol fights up, but Liv KNEES low! Liv CLUBS away on Sol, then scoops, but Sol slips free again. Sol shoves Liv, then runs past her! Sol handsprings through the arm-drag to X-FACTOR! The fans fire up while Liv flounders! Roxie & Raquel are worried but Sol goes to the apron. Sol goes to the corner to QUEBRADA! Down goes Liv and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break!

Raw returns as Liv ROCKS Sol. Liv reels Sol in, then snap suplexes! That’s Una Amiga as Liv stands again, and she hits Dos Amigas! The fans boo but Liv brings Sol up again, gives some Latina Heat, but Sol snap suplexes in return! The fans fire up while both women are down! Raquel & Roxie coach Liv up, and she fires a forearm! Sol fires back! They go back and forth, shot for shot, then Sol CHOPS! Liv CHOPS back! Sol ROCKS Liv, Liv ROCKS Sol, repeat! The fans rally behind Sol as she fires a flurry of CHOPS! Sol mule kicks, ELBOWS, then ducks to UPPERCUT! Sol whips and ELBOWS Liv, then ELBOWS her again!

Sol whips Liv to a corner, then SNAP GERMANS! Sol goes up the corner, leaps and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Liv tumbles away, and Sol kips up! The fans cheer as Sol runs and SHINING WIZARDS! Cover, TWO! Liv survives and the fans are torn again. Sol goes back up the corner, “This is Awesome!” as Sol takes aim again. Liv rises, Sol leaps, but Liv hits a CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Sol survives the counterattack and Liv is beside herself! The fans rally again as Sol crawls to a corner. Liv takes aim, runs up, OBLIV- NO, Sol handsprings through! SUPERKICK! And then SOUL SNATCHER!!! But Liv flounders right out of the ring!

The fans boo, and Sol can’t believe how close and yet so far she was! Sol just handsprings, SOL-SUKE SPECIAL! Sol takes Judgment Day down and Vegas is losing their mind! Sol then locks in on Liv, puts her in the ring, BUT ZARIA ATTACKS!! Zaria POSTS Sol, then SPINEBUSTERS her on the floor! All while Liv distracts the ref! Zaria tells Sol better get used to looking at the floor! Their Last Woman Standing match awaits for NXT Revenge, but the fans boo as Zaria leaves Sol laying. The ring count starts, Sol is still down at 5 of 10. The fans rally harder and harder but Sol is still down at 8! Sol rolls in at 9, but into OBLIVION! Cover, Liv wins!

Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall

New reign, same story: Liv gets help and survives. But will Liv’s luck run out some day? Will Sol make sure to get her revenge on Zaria tomorrow night? Wait, speaking of revenge, Vaquer is here! La Primera stares Liv down on stage, and warns her that this is far from over. When and where will the Dark Angel strike Liv down?

The Vision is here!

The fans boo as Logan Paul, Austin Theory, and Paul Heyman walk out on stage. They may have lost at WrestleMania, but they’re still WWE World Tag Team Champions. What will their next order of business be? We’ll find out, after the break.

Raw returns, the fans still booing, as Heyman has the mic. “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. I had a whole speech prepared, but the beginning of this entire program threw me off a bit. Y’know, my favorite part of WrestleMania has always been, ‘Expect the unexpected.’ And yesterday was a moment that was so unexpected, it will live inside my heart, and I suspect a lot of other people’s hearts for the rest of their lives.” The fans applaud, and Heyman says, “And yet, despite the fact that earlier tonight, CM Punk came out here and was kissing the asses of all the people backstage, and in the production truck, and all the people behind the scenes and how great they are…

“This supposed greatest production team of all time, when they did the Then, Now & Forever, still have MY Beast in the Now! So these STUPID B*TCHES IN THE TRUCK and in the production team just can’t take the reality of what went down yesterday! So let me bestow upon you my wisdom. Please take him out of the Now, and put him in the Forever! Because he is now the Now, and he will Forever be the BADDEST…” Heyman stomps his feet to censor himself… “That has ever been in the WWE ring! And that Beast’s name…! IS BRRRROCK! LESNAR!!!!” The fans cheer Heyman for that one! They also chant, “Thank You, Brock!”

Heyman calms down and continues to say let’s talk about the now. The now is the fact that the WWE is experiencing a resurgence in the tag team division thanks to Theory & Logan. The fans boo that one, but Heyman says they are the Heavyweight Tag Team Champions of the World, The Vision. To interrupt your regularly scheduled program, ladies and gentlemen, a personal message from Logan Paul. The fans boo furiously but Logan takes the mic. Theory pats Logan on the back and Logan holds up the title belt while he says, “The only reason that the Usos and…” The booing gets loud so Logan tries again, and again.

The only reason The Usos & LA Knight stole that victory from Logan and his “brother,” Theory, “was because of that ungrateful, backstabbing weasel, IShowSpeed!” Logan gets heated as the boos keep going, and he says he is sick of these YouTubers, these streamers, thinking they can come into OUR business and do what WE do! Logan HATES the outsiders! The fans boo Logan being a hypocrite on top of a sore loser. Logan says nothing at Mania matters! Because guess what? He left Speed with a piece of his fist lodged in Speed’s face, and STILL Tag Team Champions of The World! The fans boo more, but Heyman takes the mic back.

Heyman says, “I think it’s only fitting if we all take a moment to realize the fact, what a magnificent, magnificent favor that was done for me by Gunther. And Gunther, sir, not only do I thank you, I also realize I owe you one. Any time you’re ready, I’m willing to repay. But the best assist of the weekend belongs to the man that cut Seth Rollins in half! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome back to Monday Night Raw…! BRRRON! BRRREAKKERRR!” The fans are torn as The Badass makes his entrance. Bron goes to the ring, rejoining The Vision, and Heyman hands him the mic. The fans bark, but also cheer his return.

Bron says, “I was thinking today, one year ago, ironically, is when I became the leader of The Vision, right here in this very same arena, because Seth Rollins was too weak. Now, I don’t know about you, but my favorite part about WrestleMania Weekend was watching Seth Rollins get this close to beating Gunther, and then I ruined everything for him!” The fans already sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” but Bron tells Seth, “I hope you’re back there, at home, who knows. I hope you’re watching somewhere, because from here on out, every single day from this day forward, I will be coming after you. I’m going to attack you. I’m going to make your life-”

“BURN IT DOWN!” The music hits, the fans cheer, and Rollins sides in from the crowd side! SHIELD CHAIR SHOT!! You think they’d learn by now! Rollins then JAMS Logan, but Theory DECKS Rollins! Theory rains down fists, then stands Rollins up for Logan’s ONE LUCKY RIGHT! The fans boo as The Vision mugs Rollins, then Theory shoves Rollins down. Theory drags Rollins back up, but THE STREET PROFITS are here?!? The fans cheer, Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins finally return to Raw, and they’re rushing the ring! Ford & Dawkins brawl with The Vision! The fans fire up as Dawkins DECKS Logan, then CYCLONE SPLASHES!

Ford DECKS Theory, Dawkins LARIATS Logan up and out! The fans are all fired up, and Ford FLIES! Ford lands on his feet as he wipes The Vision out! Then they TOSS Logan & Theory into the crowd to keep on brawling! The fans cheer as this goes around the way and to the back! But that leaves Bron, Rollins, and a SPEAR- SUPERKICK COUNTER!! Rollins rains down fists of fury on Bron, then DRAGON STOMPS! The fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as Rollins CURB- NO, Bron dodges, to SPEAR!! Bron turns the tables on Rollins and rips off his shirt. Bron snarls while Rollins writhes, and he steps on Rollins’ neck!

Bron RIPS Rollins’ shirt away now, and he tells Rollins that he never needed his sorry ass! Bron is gonna ruin everything Rollins has ever done! The fans will only remember Rollins as a shell of his former self! Bron builds speed again, and he SPEARS Rollins again! Rollins coughs and sputters but the fans bark for Bron. Bron looms over Rollins, will nothing stop this Badass now?

JD McDonagh speaks.

“Alright, Finn. Are we done with the wigs and the makeup? Because it’s time to get serious. You brought me into the Judgment Day, you told me it was a family. But let’s put the rest of the crew aside for a second, let’s forget about them, because you ‘n’ me specifically are supposed to be family. Now you’ve changed so much I barely even recognize you anymore. You started taking your cues from CM Punk. You let him get in your head. What about me? What of the guy who stood beside you for 20 YEARS? Defending you, taking bullets for you. You walk around the clubhouse, causing fights with people, talking down to us like you’re the leader.

“You cost us gold, Finn. But ever since we jumped you out, people’ve been asking me, ‘JD, how could you do that to Finn? How could you throw away 20 years?’ You wanna know the truth? It was easy. I’d do it again. After tonight, after all this time, I’m gonna step out of that big, fat shadow that you cast. I’m gonna show the whole world what I already know: the Finn Balor we all knew and loved is dead.” Will the Irish Ace deal the death blow to The Prince?

Finn Balor VS JD McDonagh!

Raw returns as JD makes his entrance, Finn already waiting in the ring. But as soon as JD is in range, Finn WRECKS him with a dropkick! The tape around JD’s ribs is a clear target as Finn storms out after him, but JD RAMS Finn into the apron now! Then JD THROWS Finn into barriers! JD storms up but Finn DUMPS him up and over! JD tumbles, Finn FLYING FOREARMS, and the fans cheer as they brawl in the crowd! This isn’t a match yet so Finn can throw more hands without worrying about a count! The ref still follows them up into the bleachers as Finn throws hands, then brings JD around. JD kicks low, whips Finn into barriers, then runs up again!

Finn dodges to then LARIAT JD into the ringside area! The fans cheer as Finn puts JD in the ring, and now the bell sounds! Finn runs up to CHOP JD in a corner! The fans cheer as Finn CHOPS again, and Finn whips JD to ropes. JD reverses but Finn ducks ‘n’ dodges, only for JD to ELBOW him down! The fans rally up while JD rains down fists on Finn’s head! Finn bails out while the fans chant “Bobblehead!” JD shakes his head and storms up on Finn. Finn RAMS the ribs! Then GAMANGIRIS JD down! The fans cheer as Finn goes up, COUP DE- NO, JD dodges, then he DROPKICKS Finn out of the ring! JD seethes while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as the fans rally, because JD has Finn in a chinlock. Finn endures, fights up, and fires body shots. JD scoops but Finn fights it to the EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Both men are down, Finn has blood in his mouth but fire in his eyes. The fans rally as Finn drags himself up with the ropes. Finn ROCKS JD, ROCKS him again, BODY BLOWS again and again, then trips JD to STOMP him in the ribs! The fans fire up for Finn as he stalks JD, whips, but JD reverses. Finn reverses back to SLINGBLADE! The fans cheer Finn as he goes to the corner, then takes aim> But JD knows Finn and dodges that dropkick! Jackknife bridge, TWO!

Finn kicks, JD blocks, and JD HEADBUTTS! Both men fall, JD crawls to the cover, TWO! Finn survives and JD grows frustrated. The fans rally up for Finn but JD goes to a corner. JD goes up the corner, MOONSAULTS, but into BOOTS! Finn then SHOTGUNS JD down, goes up the corner, and the fans fire up for the CUOP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn wins!

Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall

Finn throws up the Too Sweet, but DIRTY DOM ATTACKS! The fans boo this sore loser as he stomps away on Finn, then rains down fists! Finn got a win on Dom, he got a win on JD, but Dom wants the last word! He dials it up, but Finn LARIATS Dom first! Finn then takes aim again, SHOTGUN! Dom hits buckles and falls into the drop zone! Finn climbs, but JD saves Dom! The fans boo, but it is clear Finn is not done exactly vengeance on Judgment Day.

Backstage interview with Gunther.

Jackie Redmond is with Der Ring General and asks how he’s feeling after the victory of Seth Rollins at WrestleMania. Gunther says he feels fantastic. He proved every word right he said about Seth. Well, on that note, were Gunther and Heyman aware of Bron Breakker’s presence that night? Gunther says first off, there is no him and Heyman. The only thing Heyman does is owe Gunther a very big favor. Jackie then asks what this favor might be. Gunther says he’s only going to say that it is something that benefits his future. And everyone better get used to seeing the World Heavyweight Championship back around Gunther’s waist very soon.

But then LA Knight steps in! The Mega Star says Gunther and the world title, it gets Knight thinking, LEMME TALK TO YA! From one Mania winner to another, congrats! Gunther must be very proud of himself! And he should! He beat Rollins, he did it! But uh, Knight knows that Gunther knows that Knight knows that Gunther knows that he’s not the only one with eyes on the world title. Seems to Knight, if we look back and do the math, one of them is a winner that needed a 2v1 advantage to make the win go down. And that wasn’t Knight, so that means it was Gunther, and that should really count as an L.

That L is short of an A and of a Knight. Why? Because there can be only one, with everybody saying L A KNIGHT, YEAH! See you around. Knight leaves, Gunther frowns, but will they have to battle it out to see who really gets first crack at the title?

Rhea and Iyo regroup backstage.

Mami says guess this is it. Let’s try not to make it forever, okay? Rhea says Iyo can handle her business here while she becomes the champion SmackDown deserves. Iyo says Rhea’s got this. They hug it out, wish each other luck and safety, and #RheYo is no more, for now. But then Liv is right around the corner. Liv hopes to see her down the line. Rhea says she’s looking forward to it. Will these forever-enemies both hold onto these belts and meet again down the line?

Roman Reigns arrives backstage!

The fans cheer already as they watch The OTC step out of his car, belt on his shoulder, and head to gorilla. Roman checks his watch, fashionably late but right on time to close the show. Roman nods to the camera as he can hear the fans singing for him already. Roman arrives at gorilla, and the Usos are there waiting for him in Las Vegas Raiders style jerseys. They dap it up, the music hits, and Roman tells them to come along for old time’s sake. The fans cheer as the OG Bloodline steps out on stage, raises their fingers to the sky, and the pyro goes off. What will The Tribal Chief have to say about his victory and his future? We’ll find out, after the break.

Raw returns as the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” Roman stands in the ring, soaking it all in, and has the mic to say, “Las Vegas…! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer again, and Roman continues by saying he was gonna keep it simple tonight. Roman was gonna talk about the title, about business moving forward, and about the future. But then he ran into his cousins, and uh, it just makes sense that they discuss some family business first. Roman looks to The Usos, and he says, “I miss this.” Jey says a quick, “Yeet.” Roman says he misses having their full trust. He misses having their full respect and admiration. He misses doing business with The Usos.

See, right now, this is them, as he holds up his hand with fingers apart. They’re separated and scattered, weak enough to where guys like CM Punk think they can run their mouths and get away with it. There is no limits to it! Even some rapper from the 90s is running his mouth to Jey! That’s crazy! This is Main Event Jey, The YEET Man! Vegas says “YEET!” See? Look at that! Jey changed the whole environment, and he got washed rappers running their mouths? That’s because they’re separated. This ain’t them. Roman makes a fist and says this is them! The fans cheer that! Roman says this is the power! When they all come together, nobody can touch ’em!

Roman says when they were like this, they ran this company for FOUR YEARS STRAIGHT! The fans cheer that, too! Roman says he isn’t asking them to serve him, he’s just asking they be his blood and stand with him. Fans “YEET!” Jimmy says he speaks for him and his brother when he says this: Roman IS The OTC, he’ll always be their Tribal Chief. Any time The Bloodline in your city, everybody already know, they the twos and #WeTheOnes! Jimmy drops his mic and puts up his finger. The fans cheer as Jey does the same! Roman raises his finger, but JACOB FATU is here?! The fans cheer as The Samoan Werewolf goes to the ring!

Fatu, victorious off his unsanctioned and violent match with Drew McIntyre, now joins his cousins in the ring, mic already in hand. The fans cheer Fatu as he looks at Roman & The Usos. Roman says it’s been awhile since they last saw each other. There can only be two reasons why Fatu is out here. It’s either to ACKNOWLEDGE HIM, but then Fatu says nah, that ain’t it! Then it must be because Fatu wants the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Fatu says he doesn’t want that title, he NEEDS it! Fatu says he’ll make it clear that he isn’t here to be Tribal Chief, but he needs everything that the Tribal Chief has!

Fatu needs the shoe deal, the private jets, the Rolex, the cars, the house, and to put his kids in better schools! Fatu will do anything for his family, even if he has to dogwalk Roman! So at Backlash, Fatu’s upgrading! At Backlash, Fatu’s levelin’ up his household! And at Backlash, you gonna know Jacob Fatu is ALL GAS, NO BRAKES WITH IT! YADADADADA MEAN?! FATUUU~! The fans cheer that while Roman is stone faced. Roman says he agrees, he wants those things for Fatu, too. Maybe Fatu can be world champion. Maybe. But the question is, if he can beat Roman, can he handle the burden of the title?

Then we have to look at it the other way: If Fatu can’t beat Roman, can he handle the burden of having to ACKNOWLEDGE HIM?! Understand this, Fatu. The air is thin and the footing is shaky at the top of the mountain. But Roman will give Fatu the rest of the week to think about it. This isn’t a yes but this isn’t a no. Roman wants Fatu to be sure he’s ready. Roman will see Fatu next week on Raw. Later, cousin. The Tribal Chief puts the ball in Fatu’s court, but will Fatu still be game for a match with Roman Reigns?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw After Mania here, though a bit sparse on the match number. Well, those were still really good matches, with a very good call-up for Ethan Page and at least a tease of where Sol Ruca will go for her call-up. Good combination of stories with Ethan, Rusev, Evans and Penta. All roads should lead to the Intercontinental Championship, and they can certainly do something for Backlash. Maybe not as big as WrestleMania with that ladder match, but we can get a great 1v1 of Penta and any of those choices. Good match for Liv VS Sol but of course Zaria interfered. Just not sure if this means the go-home math tips the scales back in Sol’s favor.

Very good promo from Kabuki Warriors ahead of their match with Rhea & Iyo. It makes sense for Rhea & Iyo to win to add heat to the Iyo-Asuka-Kairi triangle. Rhea is now moved to SmackDown, but I did like Liv having a sarcastic goodbye for Rhea. There is a good chance we see Liv and Rhea fighting over the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship or something. Great stuff with Finn VS JD, both the promos and the match, and great win for Finn. Dom attacking made sense, and Finn turning things around on him was good, too. Not sure Finn needs an ally, not sure if he gets one, but I’m not sure what else is supposed to happen aside from Finn VS Dom again.

Very good stuff with Oba, and he didn’t have to say much, we’re all still buzzing from Oba winning. It was kinda like the flipside to when Roman reveled in the booing after beating The Undertaker, where he also only had to say one line to get the fans all heated. Heyman had a great promo as part of the sendoff for Lesnar. Logan had a decent promo, playing up getting flustered by the fans, and then Bron had a great part for Rollins to interrupt. The Street Profits returning was a great surprise, and perhaps they and Rollins go against The Vision now. Bron standing tall works for his full return, and we’ll get some good stuff on the way to Backlash.

Good promo from Gunther and LA Knight, they can definitely have a good feud in the background of the world title story, since we now see it will be Roman VS Fatu. Fatu must be the unofficial trade for Rhea, and great stuff with Fatu and the OG Bloodline. I can’t imagine Roman’s new reign being under a month, but we’re gonna get some good stuff in this not quite Bloodline reunion story. And great promo from Punk and Cody, but I almost thought Cody was going to give up the title. The nasty black eye Cody’s got, there was perhaps an assumption from dirt sheets that he was going to be out of action. Now, maybe something happens on SmackDown to establish that, but we could see Punk win the world title and undisputed title within six months of each other.

My Score: 8.8/10