Raw stands at the gates of Hell in a Cell!

Before stepping inside the sadistic structure of steel, Drew McIntyre steps up to the Phenomenal Raw Tag Team Champion, AJ Styles! Will the Scottish Warrior stumble and fall this close to facing the All Mighty Bobby Lashley?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Nikki Cross VS Charlotte Flair; Nikki wins.
• Jeff Hardy VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Morrison wins.
• Career on the Line: Jeff Hardy VS Cedric Alexander; Hardy wins and stays a WWE superstar.
• Eva Marie VS Naomi; changed to…
• Piper Niven w/ Eva Marie VS Naomi; Niven wins.
• The New Day VS RKBRO; RKBRO wins.
• Asuka VS Rhea Ripley; Ripley wins.
• Alexa Bliss VS Nia Jax; Bliss wins, by disqualification.
• Elias VS Jaxson Ryker; Ryker wins.
• Drew McIntyre VS AJ Styles w/ Omos; McIntyre wins, by disqualification.
• Six Man Tag: Drew McIntyre & The Viking Raiders VS AJ Styles, Omos & Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; McIntyre & The Viking Raiders win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Alexa Bliss welcomes us to the Playground.

She is happy we’re here to play, but she admits she got complaints about what Lily did. Even she was surprised how far Lily went. Alexa says she had good intentions, but things got out of hand. Shayna Baszler may have stomped on Lily but Lily tried to bring the house down. So in light of her naughtiness, and WWE going back on the road soon, Lily is in time out. But that doesn’t mean Shayna didn’t deserve any of this. Oh hey, Nia, what a nice surprise! Alexa’s worried, how is Shayna? Cut the crap! Shayna will see you at Hell in a Cell! Yay! Alexa can’t wait! Nia asks what happened to Alexa. They were friends. Nia knew Alexa. The real one.

Nia tells Alexa to butt out of her career and stop messing with her friends. Oh? Well Alexa doesn’t appreciate Nia just barging in here with such vicious and disgusting allegations. Nia was never Alexa’s friend. Well maybe Nia needs to smack some sense into Alexa. They’re going to get in the ring, tonight! Alexa frowns, and tells Nia, “I didn’t mean to hurt anybody. I really didn’t.” Can Nia forgive her? Alexa cries, and Nia feels bad, until Alexa starts laughing. JK~! “I accept.” Will Twisted Lil’ Bliss put Nia through some of the Hell she and Lily put Shayna through? Or will Nia squash Alexa and give the scraps to Shayna this Sunday?

Nikki Cross VS Charlotte Flair!

The Looney Lass may be lucky to have gotten wins over the Raw Women’s Champion and the Queen week after week, but sometimes it’s better to be lucky than good. Will Nikki prove she’s both in a rematch against Charlotte this close to HIAC?

Sarah asks Charlotte backstage why she’s willing to have this match. AKA, why is she not focusing on Rhea Ripley and this Sunday? Everyone knows those two will have the best match of the night, but Rhea lacks the maturity of a champion. Charlotte will show everyone how it’s done. And while she doesn’t need this match, she does need that supposed loss removed from her record. Charlotte has not poured blood, sweat and tears into this business just so a flash in the pan, whose 15 minutes of fame are almost up, can live a delusion. Charlotte will end Rhea’s delusion of staying champion in Charlotte’s Division. Will the Queen’s anger only get the better of her tonight?

The bell rings and Nikki circles with Charlotte. They tie up, Charlotte knees low then throws Nikki down by her hair! But then Rhea Ripley makes her entrance? The Queen sneers as the Nightmare struts out on stage. Nikki rolls Charlotte up! ONE, and Nikki baits Charlotte into a corner. Charlotte puts her outside but Nikki ROCKS Charlotte first! Charlotte KNEES Nikki down and Rhea smiles as Charlotte dares her to come closer. Charlotte then RAMS Nikki into barriers, and tells her “Watch this.” Charlotte BOOTS Nikki back down! The ring count is climbing, though! Charlotte puts Nikki in at 8 of 10 and follows at 9. Rhea still grins as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Charlotte throws Nikki down, then dribbles her off the mat! Charlotte wraps on a chinlock and thrashes Nikki about! Nikki endures but Rhea looks amused at ringside. Nikki fight sup, throws body shots, but Charlotte throws her down again! Charlotte seethes, scoops Nikki, but Nikki slips out to duck and dodge and tilt-o-whirl for a hammerlock and La Magistrol! TWO and Charlotte gets up to CLOBBER Nikki! Rhea says she’ll take note of that as Charlotte chokes Nikki on ropes! The ref counts, Charlotte lets off, and Rhea asks, “How’s the ego goin’, mate?” Charlotte kicks and pie faces Nikki around, but Nikki headbutts low! And throat chops!

Nikki headbutts into a CHOP! Charlotte fires off more CHOPS, and CHOPS Nikki off her feet! Rhea cheers Nikki on in a grumpy way, and Charlotte runs in at Nikki in the corner. Nikki goes up and over to sunset flip! Charlotte stays up to stomp away on Nikki’s stomach! The ref counts and Charlotte lets off with a grin of her own. Charlotte taunts “Princess” Rhea as she hoists Nikki up top. Charlotte CHOPS Nikki but stares down Rhea. Charlotte climbs up but Nikki hits back! Nikki CLUBS Charlotte, adjusts, then boots her for a TORNADO DDT! Charlotte bails out but Nikki fires up! Rhea applauds as Nikki aims from the apron, and leaps! But into Charlotte’s arms!

Charlotte gets Nikki up, stares Rhea down again, and gives kissy face before the FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up, the ring count is climbing again! Wait, Charlotte forgets the count and NIKKI wins?!

Winner: Nikki Cross, by count-out

The Queen is furious and Nikki is laughing all the way to the bank! Rhea laughs pretty well, too, but Charlotte is a sore loser and she BOOTS Nikki down at the ramp! Rhea shrugs, as she figured this might happen. Charlotte puts Nikki in the ring for ground ‘n’ pound, and a Figure Four! But Rhea gets her in a pump handle, RIPTIDE!! The Nightmare reminds the Queen of the real fight that’s coming! But will Rhea be so focused on Charlotte that she’s not be ready for Asuka?

Matt Riddle talks with Jeff Hardy.

The Bro feels bad, having let Randy Orton down. Orton was ringside and Riddle lost focus. And hey, Hardy’s a tag legend, what advice does he have to be more successful? It’s about teamwork, continuity, and most of all, trust. When trust is broken, the team’s spirit is gone. Hardy is surprised he’s saying this, but Riddle should listen to Orton. Orton’s been here a long time, and when The Viper speaks, listening shows respect. Now, Hardy has a match with John Morrison next. He has to go. Whoa, Hardy has four eyes?! Riddle wishes he did! Then he could see super far! Or maybe four arms, so that he could shred on two guitars, or play two drums at once!

Then Riddle and Boogs and Woods and even Orton could be a band! Oh, right, Hardy had to go, so he’s gone. But then Orton shows up! Riddle asks Orton about Elton John. What? Nevermind. But sorry about last week, Riddle wants Orton to know he won’t let him down tonight. Then do him a favor. Don’t be another Orton. Just be Riddle, whatever that means. Does that mean Orton likes Riddle? Nope. Oh, you! But will RKBRO solidify their partnership against one of the greatest tag teams ever?

Jeff Hardy VS John Morrison w/ The Miz!

Speaking of great tag teams, the Charismatic Enigma is half of another all-time great, and #JohnnyDripDrip is hoping to rep for The Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century *stare off into distance*! Will Hardy take Morrison to the extreme and render him OBSOLETE? Or will the Mayor of Slam Town take Hardy on a Moonlight Drive?

Raw returns and The Miz is on commentary now while Hardy makes his entrance. Miz says he still feels like a million bucks despite the injured leg because he is still the two-time WWE Grand Slam Champion. But as Hardy gets up on the corner for his signature pose, Morrison uses a Drip Stick to BLAST Hardy in the eyes! Miz tells Morrison to hurry and Morrison gets in! The bell rings and Morrison fires off on Hardy with forearms and elbows and a KICK! Morrison mocks the Hardy’s hand gestures but Hardy DECKS him! Hardy bumps Morrison off buckles, RAMS shoulders into him, then throws more hands! Hardy lets off to hit a corner splash!

Hardy swings but Morrison BOOTS the Hardyac dropkick away! Morrison handsprings and LARIATS Hardy down! Miz says Morrison always has something new in his arsenal! But Cedric Alexander is walking out? PRIMED has beef with Hardy and all “has-beens” but Morrison keeps focus going after Hardy with ground ‘n’ pound! Hardy shoves Morrison away but gets an Eddy Gordo kick! Morrison keeps moving around, brings Hardy up, and whips him to ropes. Hardy ducks the hurdle, stops before the leap and gets the leg trap clutch! Cover, TWO! Hardy CLUBS Morrison down, fires off on him in a corner, then whips corner to corner.

Morrison reverses but Hardy BOOTS him back! Morrison is down, Hardy throws his towel at Miz, then climbs up for WHIPSER IN THE WIND! Cover, TWO! Morrison survives and Miz rants as Hardy goes to the apron. Morrison throws hands but Hardy shoulders in! Hardy gets Morrison up but Morrison lands on the apron to mule kick! Morrison fireman’s carries for a TKO HOTSHOT! Hardy flops down and Alexander likes that as Morrison hits STARSHIP PAIN!! Cover, Morrison wins!

Winner: John Morrison, by pinfall

Alexander barks at Jeff Hardy and “apologizes” to him for last week. Alexander says he should’ve shown the respect Hardy deserves. Alexander grew up idolizing Hardy. But then Alexander watched the match and how Hardy taunted and disrespected him back! All Alexander could see was someone who he was a fan of was nothing more than a sore winner! So the only thing Alexander is sorry for now is not kicking his disrespectful old ass into a retirement home! Hardy responds back that if Alexander is sorry about that, then how about Hardy puts his career on the line right NOW! Alexander takes Hardy up on that, and we see if the Charismatic Enigma can survive, after the break!

Career on the Line: Jeff Hardy VS Cedric Alexander!

Raw returns and the bell rings! Hardy dodges then RAMS Alexander, then tosses him out of the ring to WRECK him with a dropkick! Hardy goes out, puts Alexander back in but Alexander gets a leg for a DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Alexander seethes while Hardy writhes, and Alexander hurries to cover, TWO! Alexander gets a leg for a HALF CRAB! Hardy endures, Alexander sits deeper but Hardy crawls. Alexander lets off to stomp the leg, then gets Hardy up to KICK the leg. Hardy hobbles, Alexander brings him around, but Hardy hits a JAWBREAKER! Hardy elbows Alexander, Alexander runs in at a corner but Hardy sends him into buckles!

Hardy swings for the HARDYAC! Cover, TWO! Hardy grits his teeth and hobbles as he watches Alexander. Kick but no Twist! Alexander scoops for the MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Hardy survives and Alexander is furious! “I got something for you, Jeff!” Alexander climbs up top and mocks the Hardy Boyz, as he SWANTON FLOPS!! Hardy dodges and kicks but still no Twist! Jump KNEE, and a NEURALI- NO! Hardy ducks the kick, gives a kick, and hits the TWIST OF FATE! Hardy throws his shirt off to go up top and try it for himself! SWANTON BOMB!! Direct hit, cover, Hardy wins!!

Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall (still an active WWE superstar)

Alexander’s arrogance bit him on the ass, and Hardy wins his own gamble! Will PRIMED ever be able to get past the WWE veterans?

Eva Marie VS Naomi!

No longer all red everything, the #EvaLution will be televised! But will the return be as inspirational as Eva wants it to be? Or will she #FeelTheGlow her first night back?

Raw returns and Eva makes her entrance. And she’s not alone? Is that Piper Niven from NXT UK?! And Piper is the one getting in the ring? What kinda bait and switch is this?!

Piper Niven w/ Eva Marie VS Naomi!

The bell rings and Piper runs Naomi right over! Naomi gets to ropes but Piper drags her up. Naomi fires off hands but Piper HEADBUTTS her down! Piper drags Naomi up to whip her to ropes, Naomi leaps but Piper catches her! And SLAMS her down! Piper runs to BACK SENTON! Piper runs to BASEMENT SPLASH! Eva approves of her protege and Piper drags Naomi up to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, Piper wins!!

Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall

Piper the Viper just destroyed a former SmackDown Women’s Champion! Eva announces that Eva Marie won? What? She wasn’t in the ring! Is Eva going to take credit for the success of someone else?!

Dana Brooke & Mandy Rose have a photoshoot.

The #SexyMuscleFriends are interrupted by a loud ruckus and walk over. It’s Natalya and Tamina sparring in the practice ring! Can they keep the noise down a bit? Natty “apologizes,” but it seems these two care more about how they look on camera than they do in the ring. And what’s that supposed to mean? No offense, but if the SMF put half as much effort into their wrestling as they do their looks, they’d be the champs by now. Hey, they do take this seriously! They won their match a couple weeks ago, remember? Natty & Tamina were watching, after all. But maybe they’re just jealous that those titles would look better around Mandy & Dana.

Natty says neither of them are going to be champions because their priorities are all wrong. There’s working hard and working smart. And it’s pretty clear that their brains didn’t get them here. Oh, well it seems to Mandy & Dana that if Natty & Tamina didn’t have the last names that they do, the doors would’ve been slammed shut on them years ago. Then bring it! Dana and Mandy kick off their shoes and get in the ring, only for Natty and Tamina to go right after them! The four brawl, security and referees hurry to stop it, but this is far from over! When and where will Dana & Mandy get their shot on the second gen superstars?

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Kevin Patrick asks him about being locked inside Hell in a Cell with “The All Mighty” Bobby Lashley, in what could be McIntyre’s final WWE World Championship match, and how he intends to shift focus onto AJ Styles. McIntyre tells Kevin that he doesn’t have to say the full “All Mighty” title when bringing Bobby up. In fact, the way he’s been acting, the company he keeps and how he represents the title, Lashley should be called, “Trashley.”

But McIntyre doesn’t need to refocus for anything. Styles is good, and surely Lashley and MVP are throwing back some champagne. But Styles is a man ready to walk into hell. That’s what McIntyre wants out of Trashley. It’s what McIntyre warned Lashley about, both the physical, the mental and the tactics. Scots are known for being strategists. One of their best was William Wallace. Right, from Braveheart? Big Willy as McIntyre thinks of him. But known for his courage, his ferocity and his Claymore the size of the Isle of Man, and known for his big, humongous, gigantic and unmatched brain!

One of McIntyre’s favorite William Wallace strategies was at the Battle of Sterling Bridge. Wallace knew the enemy was cocky, so the Scots were on one side of the river, with a very narrow bridge crossing it. The enemy thought they could just cross over, take out the Scots and Big Willy. But Big Willy waited for half the enemy army to be across that bridge and then ANNIHILATED each and every of them! Why couldn’t the enemy do more? Because the corpses were piling up in their way! But what does this have to do with HIAC? Well aside from the arrogance, nothing, because McIntyre loves that story!

But while McIntyre won’t tell us his strategy, he promises it is just as cold, calculated and successful! And it will make McIntyre WWE World Champion once again! So now, bugger off, Kevin. Will McIntyre honor Big Willy this Sunday? Or is he the one being cocky while crossing the narrow bridge?

The New Day VS RKBRO!

Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston didn’t win the Tag Team Battle Royal, but neither did Randy Orton & Matt Riddle. This has been building for weeks now, will the 11-time W, W, E, Tag, Team, CHAMPIONS~ show the Viper and the Bro what it really means to be a team?

Raw returns as RKBRO makes their entrance. It’s still just Orton’s music and Riddle scooting up behind Orton, but better than individual entrances, right? Orton also still won’t pose with Riddle. The teams sort out, Woods starts with Riddle, and they circle as fans rally up. They tie up, Riddle powers Woods back but Woods uses that to corner Riddle! Kofi taunts Riddle, “Wrong side of town, Bro!” Woods keeps Riddle cornered with the collar ‘n’ elbow, but Riddle switches to a sleeper! Woods RAMS Riddle into buckles, Kofi tags in and powers up, mule kick to assisted Manhattan Drop! Cover, TWO!

Kofi keeps on Riddle with an arm wrench, then tags Woods. Woods CLUBS the arm, tags Kofi, and Kofi climbs to DOUBLE STOMP the arm! Riddle clutches his elbow, Kofi wrenches and tags Woods, and Woods CLUBS the arm again! Woods wrenches but Riddle throws forearms! Riddle ROCKS Woods but Woods wrenches, so Riddle CHOPS! Woods shoves and arm-drags Riddle, then gets a facelock! Riddle fights up but Woods moves him towards the New Day corner. Riddle gets away, still holding onto Woods’ leg, and Orton tags in! Woods gets away, and stands off with the Legend Killer.

The two circle, Woods and Orton tie up and Orton headlocks. Orton grinds Woods down to the mat, but Woods fights up. Woods pries the hold and makes it a top wristlock, to then get a headlock of his own. Orton powers out, Woods duck sand dodges and elbows back! Kofi tags in, Woods baits Orton into a shoulder! Schoolboy and springboard FROGGY-BODY! Cover, TWO! Kofi keeps on Orton with an armlock but Orton pulls hair. Kofi wrenches but Orton knees low! Orton brings Kofi around for EuroUppers, then whips him corner to corner., Kofi goes up and up and missile dropkicks back! Orton bails out but Riddle jumps in, only to get an EXPLODER from Woods!

The New Day has the ring as RKBRO regroups, but the New Day build speed! They fake RKBRO out and laugh! Kofi twerks while bouncing on ropes as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Riddle fires off forearms on Woods! Riddle runs but into a forearm from Woods! Woods runs but into a HARD forearm from Riddle! Riddle runs but into a HARD forearm from Woods! Woods throws more forearms, runs, but into a FLYING KNEE from Riddle! BACK TO THE FUTURE from Riddle! Cover, TWO!! Tag to Orton, and Riddle gets a boost for an ASSISTED FLOATING BRO! Orton stomps Woods, covers, TWO! Orton keeps Woods down with an armlock and he grinds the shoulder. Woods endures, Kofi coaches him up, and Woods stands, only for Orton to YANK the arm! Woods falls in a heap but Orton gets him up to YANK the arm again! And again!

Orton wrenches, tags Woods, and Riddle KICKS Woods in the ribs. Orton scrapes laces on Woods’ face, then Riddle kicks Woods around before dropping a BROTON! Riddle keeps Woods down with a back mount and ground ‘n’ pound, to an ARMBAR! Woods blocks, turns, but Riddle wrangles him back down! Woods keeps moving, shifts, but Riddle scoops around to keep him from ropes! Woods gives it one last go, has a cover, ONE! Riddle tags Orton, Woods scrambles but Orton stomps Woods down! And then stomps him more, and more, and more! Orton drags Woods up and pulls him back against a knee before wrapping on a chinlock.

Woods endures all over again but the ThunderDome rallies up. Woods fights up, fights back with body shots, but Orton CLUBS him down! Woods fireman’s carries but Woods slips out! Tag to Kofi! Springboard ax handle for Orton! Kofi DECKS Riddle then rallies on Orton! Kofi dropkicks Orton down, keeps moving and jumps, but Orton dodges the stomp! Orton back suplexes, Kofi lands on his feet and hits the LEAPING LARIAT! Kofi hits the NEW~ DAY~ Boom Drop! Kofi claps, “New! Day Rocks!” But Riddle swipes at him. Kofi swipes back but Orton gets up. Orton ducks Trouble in Paradise and tags in Riddle!

Riddle fires off KICK after KICK in the corner, then goes side to side for a forearm! And side to side for another forearm! BROSPLODER! Kofi sits up into a PENALTY KICK! Riddle reels Kofi in, ripcord and FINAL FLASH! Riddle goes to a corner, climbs up top, FLOATING BRO!! Woods gets in in, but Orton intercepts Woods with a POUNCE! Riddle covers Kofi, TWO?!? Kofi survives and bails out to regroup with Woods, and RKBRO looks at each other. Orton and Riddle both nod as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Riddle fights Woods off on the top rope. Riddle adjusts but Woods bumps ropes to trip Riddle up! Riddle lands on his bros, but he still fights Woods off. Kofi tags in and Woods hits a SUPERPLEX! Kofi is up top, for a FRGO SPLASH!! Power and Glory! Cover, Orton breaks it! Woods gets up but Orton kicks him and throws him out! Woods stays on the apron as Orton gets Kofi up. Orton whips but Kofi reverses to send Orton out! Kofi catches his breath, he heads after Riddle, but gets caught to a cradle! TWO, and Kofi swings, but into a PELE from Riddle! Woods tags in, steps in, GET OVER- NO! Riddle blocks the DDT to a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!!

Riddle seethes as Woods survives but Orton seems to be enjoying this. Orton tags in, Riddle gets Woods up, and they work together for a DOUBLE POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Woods survives, but Orton glares at him. Orton drags Woods up, puts him through ropes, but Kofi saves Woods from the DDT! Orton gets a hotshot, Woods GAMANGIRIS! Woods steadies himself but Riddle tags in! Riddle rushes over and drags Woods up the ropes! But Woods slips under to Electric Chair! Kofi tags in as Riddle fights! Kofi goes up, FLYING STOMP DOOMSDAY! Cover, TWO!?!? Riddle still lives and the New Day can’t believe it!

Kofi mule kicks Orton down and gets Riddle back up. Woods tags in, and Woods scoops. Kofi goes up but Riddle slips off! Riddle shoves Woods at the corner, Kofi leaps over but Riddle KNEES him out of the air! Kofi stumbles all the way out of the ring and now Riddle reaches for Orton. Woods gets Riddle first, but Riddle turns things into a fireman’s carry! Orton tags in as Woods fights out! RK- NO! Woods rolls Orton up, TWO!! Orton kicks low, whips Woods to a corner and runs in. Woods BOOTS him, and somersaults, HONOR- RKO!!!! Cover, RKBRO WINS!!

Winners: RKBRO, by pinfall

Bro! Riddle and Orton just defeated a top tier tag team! Riddle raises Orton’s hand in victory and is vibing, but Orton brings his hand away. Riddle strikes his pose again, and Orton… Doesn’t pose with him. Well, tag teams still take time, right? But will it only be a matter of time before the Viper and the Bro take a bite out of the Raw Tag Team Champions?

Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.

Could she shed some light on what happened between her and Charlotte earlier tonight? Rhea says tonight is just another example of why Charlotte is the delusional one. Charlotte thinks she’s better in every single way, but the truth is that Charlotte can’t control herself when Rhea’s around. Instead of focusing on the title match, Charlotte is mending her bruised ego. It’s funny seeing someone so powerful crumble. Rhea is going to send Charlotte packing to the back of the line when she retains the Raw Women’s Championship. But right now, Rhea is going to focus on her match with Asuka. So please, go away. The Nightmare sounds ready, but is she ready for the Empress of Tomorrow?

Asuka VS Rhea Ripley!

Things may not have gone Asuka’s way at WrestleMania 37 or at #WrestleManiaBacklash, but she could change the flow of momentum right here! Will Rhea run into a speedbump going into HIAC?

Raw returns and Rhea makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle slowly. They approach, tie up, and Asuka headlocks. Rhea powers out, but Asuka goes up and over in the corner to then do her dance. Rhea shrugs it off but Asuka dodges the haymaker. Things speed up, Rhea hurdles but Asuka turns hip toss into takedown and cover, TWO! Rhea has a ghost pin, TWO! Asuka mule kicks, but Rhea throws body shots. Rhea clinches and tosses Asuka into a corner, then takes a second to check her chin. Rhea runs in, ducks a roundhouse, but Asuka ducks Rhea’s haymakers again. Asuka SLAPS Rhea, then BOOTS her!

Asuka runs and clotheslines but Rhea just tanks it! Asuka shoves Rhea, Rhea HEADBUTTS Asuka! Rhea gets Asuka up, has her hair, but Asuka blocks the toss to reel Rhea in for an IRON OCTOPUS! Rhea looks shocked but she endures as Asuka pulls the arm back. Rhea powers out of the hold, fireman’s carries, but Asuka slips around to a SLEEPER! Rhea flails as Asuka becomes a backpack! Rhea reaches back and BACKPACK SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Asuka gasps for air but survives, and Rhea gets up as she catches her own breath. Rhea stands Asuka up for a SHORT ARM CLOTHESLINE! And then another!

Rhea drags Asuka back up, reels her in, but Asuka swings on her! Rhea ducks and waistlocks, then ripcords Asuka back out, but Asuka breaks free! Asuka ROCKS Rhea, CLUBS her, then whips, but Rhea blocks! Rhea whips Asuka, runs in but Asuka moves! Rhea dropkicks buckles and falls hard! Rhea bails out, clutching an arm, but she gets up for Asuka to mule kick from the apron! And PENALTY- NO! Rhea blocks the kick, makes it an Electric Chair, and SLAMS Asuka onto barriers! Asuka checks her teeth and Rhea grins as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Asuka fights the body scissors into a ground ‘n’ pound! Rhea guards, boots Asuka away, and gets up, only for Asuka to duck, dodge and dropkick! Rhea flounders to a corner, Asuka runs in but Rhea BOOTS her back down! Rhea snarls, bumps Asuka off buckles, and then hoists her up top. Rhea ROCKS Asuka with haymaker after haymaker, then lets off at the ref’s count. Rhea goes up top, gets Asuka up, but Asuka resists the superplex! Asuka throws body shots, shoves Rhea down, and adjusts for a missile dropkick! Both women are down but the ThunderDome is fired up!

A standing count begins, Asuka slowly sits up but Rhea follows. They throw hands at 5 of 10 and fight to their feet. Asuka fires off more forearms but Rhea shoves. Rhea runs into a POP-UP KNEE! Asuka runs in at the corner but Rhea dodges. Asuka still follows and LARIATS Rhea down! Asuka crawls to a cover, TWO! Rhea slowly gets up but Asuka runs in, HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO! Asuka hurries to get Rhea up in a waistlock. Rhea fights but Asuka ripcords. Rhea turns that around into a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Asuka survives and Rhea grows frustrated. Rhea gets Asuka back up but Asuka BACK HANDS!

Asuka gets around to a waistlock, GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka runs, SLIDING WIZARD!! Cover, TWO!! Rhea survives and Asuka can’t believe it! Asuka gives Rhea KICK after KICK after KICK! Rhea wobbles, blocks the next kick, and turns that into a cravat and KNEE! Asuka shoves Rhea away, catches her on the rebound but Rhea forearms! Rhea whips, Asuka wheelbarrows but the victory roll is turned into the PRISM TRAP!! Asuka endures the hanging cloverleaf but rolls to get a takedown! Asuka wants the chinlock and arm, but Rhea gets up! Rhea elbows free, gets behind but no atomic drop!

Asuka headlocks, hammerlocks but Rhea ducks the strikes to pump handle! RIPTIDE!!! Cover, Rhea wins!!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

The Nightmare overcomes Asuka, but Charlotte runs in outta nowhere and CLOBBERS her! They brawl, Charlotte TACKLES Rhea then rains down rights! Rhea turns it around to throw hands from all sides! Charlotte gets up, Rhea puts her in a corner and the ref pulls them apart. Charlotte ROCKS Rhea, RAMS her into a corner, and then lets off, only for Rhea to ROCK her in return! The brawl keeps going faster and faster! Referees and security rush out to stop this! Adam Pearce is here to have them stand down! Charlotte is so furious, she hits the officials away from her to get back at Rhea! Charlotte digs her fingers into Rhea’s face but Rhea kicks her away!

Rhea and Charlotte are each a little bloody but their rage boils over! Charlotte wants Rhea and Rhea wants Charlotte, but the officials tell them to save this for Sunday! Charlotte is shrieking, “It’s MY championship!” And she eggs Rhea on! Charlotte even elbows Pearce away! Rhea BOOTS Charlotte down!! Charlotte is cussing up a storm judging from the mute censoring, and then she rushes the ring! The referees and officials drag her away as Rhea eggs her on now! Will there be hell to pay when Queen and Nightmare finally have it out?

Bobby Lashley, MVP and the ladies keep partying.

That’s what it is to be a champion! But Kevin Patrick walks in and asks their insight as to why McIntyre is facing Styles tonight. MVP takes this. First, why is Kevin so rude? He always comes in without knocking! And why does he insist on blatantly disrespecting the champion? Kevin address Lashley as “The All Mighty,” got that? Kevin apologizes but MVP tells him to shut up, he’s just making it more awkward. And as far as McIntyre VS Styles, how this came about doesn’t matter nor does MVP care. Lashley sure doesn’t care, either. He’s the champ, and this is one of many perks of being champ.

Now, if McIntyre is foolish enough to take on someone the caliber of AJ Styles barely a week before HIAC, that’s McIntyre’s business, not the champ’s. The only thing Lashley cares about is HIAC. Because then McIntyre finally runs out of opportunities to face the All Mighty. Lashley tells us that when McIntyre walks into the Cell, he’ll wish he’s never even uttered the name, “Bobby Lashley.” And when Lashley gets his hands on McIntyre, break his face, and throw his lifeless body around the Cell, just remember that McIntyre asked for this.

Lashley heard McIntyre compare himself to William Wallace. Lashley likes that comparison. Because in the end, McIntyre has committed a capital offense of trying to take the world title. Lashley will PUBLICLY EXECUTE McIntyre, and mount his head on a stick. The All Mighty’s wrath has been provoked, will he eviscerate the Scottish Warrior inside the Cell?

Alexa Bliss VS Nia Jax!

Lil’ Miss Bliss has changed into something almost unrecognizable compared to how she was when she and the Irresistible Force were frenemies. Will her newfound darkness be the demise of the Irresistible Force?

Raw returns and Nia makes her entrance. The bell rings, Nia rushes in but Alexa fires off kicks! Alexa gets around to jump on for a SLEEPER! Nia RAMS Alexa into buckles, then throws her off! Alexa sits up and slithers about, contorting herself as she moves. Nia scoops Alexa but Alexa again gets a sleeper! Nia rams Alexa back into buckles, runs in but Alexa dodges the boot to kick the leg! Alexa drops knees on the knee, then KICKS Nia against ropes! And fires forearms! Alexa is vicious but Nia shoves her away! Alexa KICKS and forearms again, then runs, into a BODY CHECK! Nia looms over Alexa, then drags her back up. “What the heck is wrong with you!?”

Nia TOSSES Alexa to a corner! Alexa sits up again, and Nia shakes her head. Nia runs in to HIP ATTACK! Alexa flounders, Nia gets her up and scoops her for a SLAM! Cover, TWO! Alexa lives but Nia sits her up for a half nelson, then a cobra clutch! Alexa endures as Nia thrashes her about. Alexa fights up as Nia shouts, “What happened to you?!” Nia gets Alexa up but Alexa swats her in the face! Alexa SLAPS Nia, but runs into a LARIAT! Nia runs, but Alexa sits up like the Deadman to avoid the leg drop, brother! Alexa then KICKS Nia down! Alexa gets Nia up, but Nia shoves her away. Nia runs but Alexa slips to the apron and Nia hits buckles!

Alexa climbs, smiles, but Reginald appears outta nowhere! Alexa gets distracted, Nia blocks the tornado DDT, but Alexa dropkicks legs out! Alexa ROCKS Nia, roars in her face, and reels her in for a BASEMENT DDT! Alexa paces about, then glares at Reggie! Reggie scurries away as Alexa climbs. Alexa aims, for TWISTED BLISS!! Cover, but Reggie gets in and drags her away!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by disqualification

Alexa is furious with Reggie and he tries to apologize. Alexa stays put, they lock eyes and… Is Alexa hypnotizing Reggie? He tilts his head the same as Alexa does, and back the other way. Nia gets in the ring and Alexa bails out! Has Alexa planted a seed within the mind of the sommelier?

MVP meets with New Day backstage.

He pretends not to know Woods’ name. Kofi tells MVP to stop creeping. What doe s he want? Nothing! Just curious if Kofi considered what they discussed last week. Maybe it makes more sense after tonight’s loss. Either way, #KofiMania is dead and gone, never to come back. And if he wants to know who to blame- Durr, look in the mirror, right? That’s what MVP is gonna say? No, not at all! You look to the left. MVP asks if Kofi ever wonders why he hasn’t gotten close to a WWE Championship opportunity since? It’s because he’s wasting his career in a tag team with people who don’t measure up. At least in a singles match, you only have yourself to blame for losing. But in a tag match, you don’t even have to take the loss, and yet you are still the loser.

Can MVP hurry up? Woods has to get home and put water in Mama P’s dish. Kofi tells MVP that unless he wants to be picking up his teeth and walking with two canes, shut up and keep moving. What’s the endgame here? Is Kofi to tell MVP he’s right? That he agrees with MVP? Nah, man. Kofi will never say that. Like Kofi has said before, he’ll say it again since MVP isn’t hearing him. The reason Kofi has been so successful here is because of the bond with his brothers. Nothing MVP says will ever change that. So just move on.

MVP accepts that. But he’ll wish Kofi good luck with his match this Sunday. Oh right, they don’t have one! That’s fine. Have fun with your friends. Whatever, just go. Will MVP’s provoking of Kofi come back around to bite him? Or is it going to get in Kofi’s head sooner or later?

Elias VS Jaxson Ryker!

The Drifter ran away, but now he must face the consequences of abandoning his follower. Will Ryker finally wreck Elias once and for all?

Raw returns as Ryker makes his entrance. The bell rings and Elias hits the SYMPHO-KNEE on Ryker right away! Elias fires off on Ryker, CHOPS and ROCKS him, then whips to CLOBBER him! Elias grins as he gets Ryker back up to DECK him! Ryker gets up to throw body shots, Elias knees low then bumps Ryker off buckles. Elias CHOPS Ryker, whips him corner to corner, but Ryker comes back to CLOBBER Elias back! Ryker CLUBS Elias now, bumps him off buckles, and whips him to ropes. Ryker kitchen sink KNEES Elias, and dares him to get up! Ryker drags Elias up but Elias throws body shots. Ryker CLUBS him down, bumps him off buckles again, then CLUBS away on his chest!

Ryker CHOPS Elias in return, and CHOPS him again! Elias CHOPS, Ryker fires off hands, the ref breaks them up and Elias BOOTS Ryker! Elias CHOPS again, runs, but Ryker hits a SPINEBUSTER! Ryker dares Elias to get up again, and then reels him in to throw him out! Ryker pursues to make sure Elias doesn’t run away, and Elias kicks low! Ryker gets Elias up to POST him! The ring count climbs, Ryker gets in at 5 of 10. Elias staggers around, hears it’s 8, but takes his time! Elias decides to run away again!

Winner: Jaxson Ryker, by count-out

Ryker calls Elias a coward for letting it end this way again! Will Ryker ever truly have vindication against The Drifter?

Drew McIntyre VS AJ Styles w/ Omos!

Before the Scottish Warrior enters into Hell to dance with the All Mighty, he wants to show he has no fear! Will the Phenomenal One simply be fodder for the Claymore tonight? Or will Styles make McIntyre regret using him as a tune-up?

Raw returns and Bobby Lashley makes his entrance! He, MVP and the ladies put the VIP Lounge on the stage again so that they can watch this main event with their own eyes. Then Styles and Omos make their entrance, being cheered by the ladies as they cross through the lounge. Will the Raw Tag Team Champions be invited to join them? Styles tells Omos not to get distracted and keep with him at ringside. The bell rings and the two circle. McIntyre focuses on Styles and not Omos as they tie up. Styles wrenches but McIntyre breaks free. Styles backs off to avoid a haymaker, and the two go again.

Styles powers McIntyre to a corner to ram his shoulder in, but lets off as the ref counts. Styles whips, McIntyre reverses and Styles hits buckles. Styles still elbows McIntyre away then CHOPS him in the corner. And again! McIntyre blocks the next chop to grab Styles and TOSS him into another corner! McIntyre CHOPS Styles off his feet! McIntyre gets Styles up, whips him to ropes and back drops him SKY HIGH! Styles has a rough landing and McIntyre grins as he walks over. McIntyre gets Styles up to DECK him, then stomp him! McIntyre dares Styles to get up but is on him in a corner. McIntyre whips Styles to ropes but Styles kicks back!

Styles throws forearms, fires off the Phenomenal Blitz, but McIntyre dodges the Pele to backslide! Styles rolls through but McIntyre has the underhooks! FUTURE SHOCK! But McIntyre doesn’t pin?! McIntyre stares Lashley down and tells him up his! Lashley gets pissed, McIntyre aims at Styles but Omos bails Styles out of the ring! Lashley is at ringside, but here come the VIKING RAIDERS! Erik & Ivar aren’t just evening the odds, they’re keeping an eye on the Raw Tag Team Champions! McIntyre says he has nothing to do with this, but he appreciates the back-up. Will things get even more explosive after the break?

Raw returns again and McIntyre stomps a mudhole into Styles as the Raiders cheer him on! The ref counts, McIntyre lets off, and Lashley is still fuming at ringside. Styles fires off body shots but McIntyre throws hands! McIntyre whips Styles hard to a corner and Styles bounces off buckles! Styles gets up, McIntyre whips him to ropes and tilt-o-whirl BACKBREAKERS! Cover, TWO!! Styles is still in this but McIntyre has him in the corner again. McIntyre gets Styles up and reels him in for a suplex. Styles kicks and knees free, then ROCKS McIntyre with haymakers! Styles whips, McIntyre holds ropes and catches Styles for an uppercut!

McIntyre grins and taunts Lashley as he brings Styles back up. The ref counts as McIntyre mugs Styles against ropes. McIntyre lets off, Styles throat chops! Styles gets McIntyre for a FLAPJACK HOTSHOT, and then dumps McIntyre out to the floor! MVP has Lashley stay back as McIntyre gets up. Styles goes after McIntyre and POSTS him! Omos likes that and wants Styles to punish McIntyre. McIntyre gets up and drags himself back onto the apron but Styles is after him with haymakers. Styles gets McIntyre up for a suplex, but McIntyre blocks! The Raiders rally and McIntyre throws body shots. McIntyre hotshots Styles in return!

Styles leans on ropes as he sputters, and McIntyre whips him corner to corner! McIntyre runs but into BOOTS from Styles! Lashley likes that as McIntyre is dazed. Styles drags McIntyre around into a chinlock then a neck wrench. McIntyre endures as Styles shifts to a chinlock. The ThunderDome rallies, McIntyre throws body shots, and he CHOPS Styles! McIntyre runs but into Styles’ SLEEPER! Styles becomes a backpack and he squeezes tight! McIntyre drops to a knee, but he fights up to his feet. McIntyre reaches back for a JAWBREAKER! Styles staggers, McIntyre catches his breath, but he turns around into Styles’ PELE! But McIntyre comes back with a LARIAT!

Both men are down, Lashley and MVP aren’t happy and Omos looks worried. The Viking Raiders rally and coach McIntyre up. McIntyre and Styles slowly stand, and McIntyre snarls. McIntyre rallies on Styles with elbows and clotheslines! McIntyre drags Styles around to a DEAD LIFT BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Styles survives because he’s Phenomenal, but McIntyre keeps focus. Omos assures Lashley that Styles has this, but then McIntyre hits a MICHINOKU DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre frowns, Lashley paces, and McIntyre gets Styles up. McIntyre hoists Styles up top, throws haymakers, then climbs up.

Styles resists the superplex, slips out and under to trip up McIntyre! Fireman’s carry to an USHIGORISHI! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre is still in this and MVP asks if Omos is sure Styles has this. Styles gets McIntyre back up, reel shim in but no Clash! McIntyre back drops Styles up and out of the ring! McIntyre goes out after Styles, MVP again has Lashley stay back, and McIntyre puts Styles in the ring. Lashley steps closer but McIntyre JABS him, then TOSSES Him into barriers! McIntyre backs MVP down with a glare, then goes back to the ring. McIntyre climbs up top and leaps for a HUGE FLYING CLOTHESLINE! McIntyre kips up but Lashley attacks!!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by disqualification

The Viking Raiders go after Lashley in return! They give him knee after knee in the corner, then toss Lashley out of the ring! McIntyre pursues to get Lashley for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! MVP goes to Lashley’s side as the Raiders are fired up in the ring! What’s going to happen when Raw returns from break?

Six Man Tag: Drew McIntyre & The Viking Raiders VS AJ Styles, Omos & Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!

Holla holla, Raw returns and all the fighting is going to be in one match! Though, with Lashley taking his time getting his ring gear on, this looks more like a 3v2 Handicap to start. Styles and Ivar start, and Styles headlocks. Erik tags in as Ivar powers out, Ivar KNEES Styles and feeds him to Erik’s KNEE! Erik roars and drags Styles up., but Styles throat chops! Styles whips Erik corner to corner but Erik goes up and over and comes back with a kitchen sink-  No, wait! Styles rolls through and rolls Erik up to then ENZIGURI! Styles roars at Erik and swings, into a waistlock SLAM! Erik roars again, drags Styles up and brings him over to tag in Ivar.

The Viking Raiders tag again so then whip and scoop Styles for a SLAM! Ivar is the human weapon, scoop slam SENTON! Erik covers, TWO! Erik keeps his eyes locked on Styles but here comes Lashley! And he goes after McIntyre! Lashley TOSSES McIntyre into barriers but then backs away. Styles CLOBBERS Erik from behind, then gets him up to bring him over. Erik hits back but Styles tags Lashley in. Lashley CLUBS Erik, bumps him off buckles and fires off haymakers! Lashley lets off to go side to side and DECKS Erik with that forearm shot! McIntyre gets up and is furious, but Lashley covers Erik, TWO!

Lashley tags Styles in, they put Erik in a corner, and Styles forearm smashes! Tag to Omos, and now things get rough as Omos KNEES Erik down! Lashley tags in, and clinches Erik, but Erik fights with elbows! ACE TEN MAO! But Lashley still anchors Erik from his corner, reels him in and hits a COMPLETE SHOT! MVP talks trash that they should never think they can match the All Mighty! Lashley sucker punches McIntyre! But he turns around and Erik ROCKS him with a right! Tag to Ivar, and Ivar rams Lashley, to scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM on the rebound! BASEMENT SPLASH! Ivar roars and scoops Lashley, but Lashley slips out and shoves him to ropes!

Ivar rebounds and rolls off Lashley’s back! Ivar cartwheels to avoid Lashley’s shot, and swings, but into a half nelson! Ivar snapmares free and runs, into a MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER!! Cover, Erik KNEES Lashley down! Styles dropkicks Erik, but McIntyre BOOTS Styles! Lashley gets up to clinch McIntyre for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly of his own! Ivar BOOTS Lashley but Omos tags in! The Warbeard shows no fear as he fires off but Omos pushes him away. Omos CLOBBERS Ivar with the shoulder tackle! The towering titan looms over Ivar as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once again and Lashley rains down fists on Ivar in a corner. Lashley lets off to then throw more hands and stomps! The ref counts, Lashley digs his boots in but stops at 4, just to do it again! The ref counts, Lashley stops this time and he gets Ivar up for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Lashley keeps Ivar down with a chinlock and shifts to a neck wrench. Lashley grinds Ivar down, jams his knee into Ivar’s back, then twists harder on the neck wrench. MVP tells Lashley to make Ivar pay for the disrespect, but Ivar endures even as Lashley turns him for the STRADDLE ATTACK! Lashley flexes on McIntyre but Ivar CHOPS him!

Ivar throws body shots, haymakers, but Lashley trips him! Lashley puts Ivar in the corner, throws big elbows, then lets off as the ref counts. Lashley grins and gets Ivar up to tag in Omos. Omos goes corner to corner to BACK BODY BLOCK! Ivar gasps as Omos tags Styles. Styles snapmares Ivar, wraps on a chinlock and squeezes tight. Ivar endures, fights up and throws body shots! ThunderDome rallies as Ivar and Styles trade shots! PELE! Styles runs in but into the SEATED SENTON! Erik and McIntyre fire up for Ivar as he crawls over! Hot tags to McIntyre and Omos! McIntyre sees how tall Omos is for himself as the two circle.

Omos and McIntyre get face to face, and McIntyre shrugs. But Omos choke grips first! Omos is making McIntyre kneel with one hand, but McIntyre kicks at Omos’ legs! Omos holds on but McIntyre kicks and throws forearms! McIntyre backs Omos down but Omos shoves him away! Styles tags in and springboards, but McIntyre gets under! OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And another! McIntyre runs in to get Styles in a corner, for a third OVERHEAD Belly2Bell! But Lashley distracts the ref as Omos grabs and THROWS McIntyre down by his head! The Raiders storm over but Omos POUNCES Ivar over barriers! Erik leaps off steps to ROCK Omos!

Erik fires off but Omos grabs him to TOSS him into the timekeeper’s area! Styles and McIntyre both crawl, Styles gets to a corner and MVP tells him to tag out. Styles goes over and reaches out, but he stumbles and tags in Lashley, not Omos! Everyone is shocked by that, most of all Lashley! Lashley gets in, to get a CLAYMORE!! McIntyre hurries to cover, McIntyre and the Viking Raiders win!!

Winners: Drew McIntyre & The Viking Raiders, by pinfall

The Scottish Warrior just took out the Rocky Mountain Machine! Lashley is furious but he still has to go through hell with McIntyre! McIntyre says he can’t wait! Will McIntyre get to do this and more to Lashley in their most hellacious battle yet?

My Thoughts:

I really thought Raw was getting past Go-Home Syndrome. They didn’t shove nearly as many recap packages in this time, and really tried to give us matches that progressed things. But they also couldn’t help themselves by giving us FOUR weak finishes. We got Elias running away to lose by count-out again, we got Reggie disqualifying Nia in her match with Alexa, and then there was the finish to Charlotte VS Nikki and McIntyre VS Styles. The latter two worked to a degree but the others were just bland. Elias VS Ryker was most bland, didn’t need to happen here, could’ve waited until next week’s post-PPV Raw.

Nia VS Alexa was a good match until the finish because of how it played off the story between them. WWE sucks at using their own continuity, but for once they nailed it. And I will say, it is interesting to see Alexa “hypnotize” Reggie. Is there going to be a twist where Lily possesses Reggie? His acrobatics would make for an interesting wrestling style for Lily if that’s true. But I am glad we’re finally getting Alexa in matches again. We should’ve had this a month ago, giving us a better build to Alexa VS Shayna at HIAC. Then we’d see Alexa actually look like a real contender to the Raw Women’s Championship.

There was still some copy-paste with Charlotte, Nikki, Rhea and Asuka, but the matches made a lot of it worth it. Nikki getting a ring count win was great, I really feel like it works for what they’re doing with Nikki. Asuka VS Rhea was another great match, I’ll forgive them for not having anything else because it still works. Charlotte and Rhea brawling after was awesome stuff, too, definitely something this feud and Raw in general has needed. Their match isn’t in the Cell but it will probably have the intensity of one, all the more reason it could go either way. Then whoever wins comes out as a very strong champion with a strong division to face.

Well, a mostly strong division. The most glaring flaw in tonight was Eva Marie’s debut. Granted, Eva was gonna have heat from fans anyway, but wow that bait ‘n’ switch with Piper Niven. And yes, her name is Piper Niven, even though commentary at least pretended they didn’t know her. I guess no one on Raw watches NXT UK and they can’t even be bothered to research things with a quick call to someone. Way to promote your own product, Vince! I swear, if Rhea interacts with Piper like she has NO IDEA who that is even though they were BOTH on NXT UK at the same time… But Piper got a strong debut for herself, so at least there’s that.

Natty & Tamina had a decent segment with Mandy & Dana, at least. The tag champs didn’t say it, but they were implying Mandy & Dana were like the Divas of old, but I bet Mandy & Dana get to show them otherwise on the road to Money in the Bank. I have no idea how SmackDown is going to get in the Women’s Tag Division again with no Riott Squad, no Mella & Billie, no anything, but maybe Mandy & Dana can use “Brand2Brand Invitation” to go over to SmackDown and have the title match there. At the same time, Raw really needs the ratings so the match might still happen over here. The RawDown Women’s Division is really suffering these days.

Morrison VS Hardy was a good match, and Hardy VS Alexander with Hardy’s career on the line was alright. I had a feeling this wasn’t how Hardy was going to leave WWE, but I have a feeling this story of Hardy and Alexander could lead to that in the end. Who knows if that means Jeff joins Matt Hardy in AEW or goes into true retirement to be with the kids. New Day VS RKBRO was an amazing tag match, almost like they were competing for tag titles right there. RKBRO winning was the right move for several reasons, but I like the follow-up with MVP. I really think the build to MITB with MVP, Lashley and New Day will be what helps get Raw out of the ditch.

And that’s especially given how Lashley is totally retaining now. Sure he was still partying with the ladies, but we got a great double main-event out of things. McIntyre VS Styles was great to start, but when the Viking Raiders showed up, I should’ve figured a Teddy Long style mash-up match. The Six Man was great stuff, but they had another momentum killer commercial break just as Omos finished with Ivar there. Omos got to dominate the Viking Raiders but that was a sloppy way to go from the champions dominating to McIntyre snatching away the victory.

McIntyre standing tall here totally means he loses, and then he’ll have no choice but to try for a different title. Well, there is MITB but I feel like someone else could benefit from that, too. Though, look at what happened with Otis and then The Miz. Maybe SmackDown wins the Mr. MITB briefcase given the story with Roman Reigns, and then it’s about earning the shot against Lashley between contenders like Kofi, Styles… Wow, there aren’t that many choices, are there? Too bad WWE let go of a Monster Among Men and hasn’t even tried using Limitless Keith Lee lately. Bring Lee back and that will definitely fix some things.

My Score: 8.2/10