Results
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (6/7/21)
Who’s going to Hell (in a Cell)?
The Raw Tag Team Champions will have new challengers!
Who will AJ Styles & Omos meet at Hell in a Cell? We find out in a five team battle royal! Plus, Shayna Baszler dares Alexa Bliss to leave the playground and get back in the ring!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Raw Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Battle Royal: The Viking Raiders wins and will challenge AJ Styles & Omos for the titles at Hell in a Cell.
- Elias VS Jaxson Ryker; Ryker wins, by count-out.
- WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ricochet VS Humberto Carrillo; Double Count-Out Draw.
- Jeff Hardy VS Cedric Alexander; Hardy wins.
- Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley VS Nikki Cross & Asuka; Cross & Asuka win.
- Mansoor VS Drew Gulak; Mansoor wins.
- Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Matt Riddle w/ Randy Orton; Kingston wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Raw Tag Team Championship #1 Contenders Battle Royal!
RKBRO makes their entrance but The New Day, The Viking Raiders, Lucha House Party and the destructive duo of T-Bar & Mace are already waiting in the ring! Only one team will be left standing, but who will be going to Hell in a Cell to take on the Phenomenal AJ Styles & towering Omos?
But speaking of, AJ Styles & Omos make their way out to watch this with their own eyes! Styles has a mic to say, “Gentlemen, before we start this battle royal, I just want to say thank you for showing up to this special State of the Tag Team Division Address.” Styles says that the WWE will be back on the road next month, and he and Omos feel obligated to the fans to defend their tag titles live and in person against the very best! And wow, what’s in the ring is unbelievable! These are the teams they want! For instance, the 11-time tag team champions, the NEW~ DAY~! Xavier Woods says don’t do the hip swivels.
But the New Day are legends! National treasures! Think about their showdowns! Just like at WrestleMania. That’s where Omos and Styles won, not that they’re keeping count or anything. Then Mace & T-Bar. TO be honest, we don’t know a lot about you guys. Nobody does. But they’re big, mean and like to fight. Styles won’t mention how Omos is bigger and meaner, that’s neither here nor there. Then Lince Dorado is here alone? Gran Metalik got hurt, that’s a shame, but Styles appreciates Lince’s heart. Not smart, but brave! And Lince does things people have only seen in video games, but Styles has done time and time again in his career. Lince was probably a big fan, right?
Then there’s the Viking Raiders! Raid and get paid! Big money is what it’s about. The champs could definitely throw down with them all over the world. But then there’s R, K, Bro…! Randy Orton is a 14-time world champion, a tag team champion, and a Legend Killer. Then there’s the rising star, sky’s the limit for Matt Riddle. And we’ve all seen it from these two. This is ridiculous and doesn’t make sense but the chemistry they have together is unbelievable. And this division is of course led by the unbelievable, unstoppable and incredible… What would Omos say they are? MAGNIFICENT! STUPENDOUS! And handsome to boot. Last but not least, phenomenal! YES!
Kofi Kingston says more like deplorable, detestable, or as we said from 2016 to 2018, BOOTY! Phenomenal & Abominable are not a registered team! Where are the forms?! The paper work!? that’s all lies! No one needs papers! They just need the titles! No interrupting Styles when he’s being nice. Nice? Styles wants to be nice? Then how about you shut your damn mouth! Riddle adds that he has a lot of experience here. Take the key, zip it, lock it, throw away the key. It’s done wonders for these two, and they’re the newest team on the scene with these new merchandise shirts. Riddle is wearing two because Orton doesn’t really wear shirts.
Riddle mentions that his uncle, Ron, helped with the design because he had a pet snake, Mr. Slithers. Mr. Slithers would go everywhere with Ron until he got out his one time- Oh, right. Zip, lock, throw away the key. But wait, here comes The Miz and John Morrison! Morrison wheels out Miz in his wheelchair, and Miz apologizes for the interruption. Morrison says Miz has nothing to apologize for. He is the most courageous superstar here to come out here in this condition! That is coooorrect. Miz can’t deny that he was “tragically” injured, but he says the Raw Tag Division is a bit dry. Which is why Morrison has the #DripStick on hand! Time to moisten things up!
COOOOORRECT! Morrison, #JohnnyDripDrip is competing on behalf of both members of the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century *stare off into distance* and looks to mop up the competition! Hit his music! But wait! Miz’s wheelchair is going out of control down the ramp! Morrison saves Miz from further disaster, and gets Miz to safety. Morrison waits just outside the ring as all the teams stare him down. Orton hits Woods with an RKO!! And then Riddle RKO’s Kofi! Lince chest bumps Ivar, and wants to high-five T-Bar, but no dice. RKO for Dorado!! Two teams, er well, one and a half, are down, the others are circling, and this will truly get underway after the break!
Raw returns and all the teams have regrouped. The bell rings while Styles & Omos join commentary, and Miz honks his wheelchair car horn. Lince works with the New Day Power Rangers as they brawl with RKBRO! T-Bar & Mace go after the Viking Raiders, and Morrison hangs back to wait for an opening. Erik knees Mace, Ivar CLUBS T-Bar, but both hit back. Woods ROCKS Orton, Morrison goes after Lince and throws him out! Lince holds on, slides under Morrison and he pushes Morrison! Morrison KICKS back, gets in and tries a powerbomb, only for Lince to RANA! Morrison holds on, Lince stomps him, then WRECKING BALL DROPKICKS!
Morrison uses his feet to hook the ropes and survive! Miz passes him the Drip Stick and Morrison sprays Lince in the face! Morrison slides back in, and ROUNDHOUSES Lince up and out to ELIMINATE him! But then Morrison turns around to have Mace & T-Bar stare him down! Morrison tries to get them on his side, and then asks for the drip stick! Miz tosses it in, Morrison sprays ‘n’ prays, but he gets a double choke grip for his troubles! T-Bar & Mace ELIMINATE Morrison! The Viking Raiders come back for more, T-Bar DECKS Ivar, then Mace feeds Erik to T-Bar’s forearm! Mace adds a LEG LARIAT and down goes Erik!
Riddle goes after T-Bar’s arm but no Kimura for the Bro! T-Bar KNEES then TOSSES Riddle aside! Orton shoves Mace away, but he runs into DOUBL EBOOTS! Woods and Kofi go after them but Mace & T-Bar get DOUBLE CHOKE SLAMS! “This is OURS to win!” T-Bar and Mace both have Orton! They aim for ropes, but Riddle makes the save! So T-Bar & Mace give Riddle HIGH JUSTICE!! That’s a devastating move but it won’t win the battle royal! The Raiders regroup and stare down. The behemoths fire up, but RKBRO and New Day help out! They go after Mace & T-Bar equally, and they throw T-Bar to ELIMINATE him! Then the other half ELMINATES Mace, we have our last three teams as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Orton fires hands on Kofi while Erik brawls with Riddle and Ivar is after Woods. Woods CHOPS Ivar back, Erik RAMS Riddle into a corner, and Orton bumps Kofi off buckles. Riddle turns things around on Erik, Kofi hits Orton back, and Woods goes after Riddle. Woods back suplexes but Riddle lands on his feet to boot. Woods slides under to hit a ROLLING ELBOW! The Raiders double kick Woods and double whip, but he slides under, only to get double shoulders! Erik growls and gets Riddle up. Erik feeds Riddle to Ivar but Riddle hits first! Riddle forearms back and forth between the Raiders, then KICKS and KICKS!
Erik stops the kicks but Riddle dodges, no RKO! Pop-up and LARIAT GERMAN SUPLEX! Riddle staggers up into Woods’ KNEE! Woods ELIMINATES Riddle!! RKBRO is down to one! The New Day rally on Ivar, kick after kick and forearm after forearm! They hammer away then run, but into Erik’s CLOTHESLINE! Erik ELIMINATES Woods! New Day is down to one and Kofi whips Erik! Erik goes up and over?! Ivar SPLASHES, then feeds Kofi to Erik’s SHOTGUN KNEES! Erik uses Ivar as his weapon, HIP ATTACK SENTON in the corner! Orton throws Ivar into a POST! Orton CLOBBERS Erik and fires up! Orton rallies, dodges and POWERSLAMS Erik!
Ivar gets up and brawls with Orton! Ivar scoops, Orton slips off and shoves. Ivar cartwheels to knee and whip Orton into Erik’s KNEE! The Raiders get Orton up and SLAM him into a drop zone! Erik scoops Ivar but Kofi dropkicks the Raiders over! Ivar SPLASHES Erik and Kofi claps it up! “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Kofi aims at Orton but Riddle returns to take the TROUBLE IN PARADISE! Orton ELIMINATES Kofi, no more New Day!! But then the Raiders TOSS and ELIMINATE Orton!! The Raiders win!!
Winners: The Viking Raiders (NEW #1 Contenders to the Raw Tag Team Champions)
Styles & Omos like what’s coming down the line! They’re here to entertain, and Styles promises the title match will still go their way. Are the champions getting ahead of themselves against such a battle tested team?
Bobby Lashley and MVP are still partying.
They’re popping bottles while the ladies relax with them, but there is business to attend to later tonight. Lashley and Drew McIntyre sign on the dotted line for their WWE World Championship match at Hell in a Cell!
Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce talk backstage.
As the return to touring continues, they’re both very excited to see all the familiar places again. But Charlotte Flair walks in and “apologizes” to interrupt. She knows they saw her be “pressured” into that match with Nikki Cross, so could the loss be stricken from the record? As much as they would “love” to do that, Charlotte still accepted the challenge and then lost that challenge. So no, there’s nothing they can do. That much these two agree on. Charlotte was asking nicely but she sees they’re both jealous. They’ve never had the career she’s had, because there’s only ONE Charlotte. So maybe agree on her getting a rematch with Nikki.
Rhea Ripley chuckles as she enters now. As much as she’d actually love to see Charlotte get flustered, at least Rhea respects Nikki. She won’t stand here and pretend she took her eyes off the clock and didn’t take Nikki seriously. So if anyone deserves a rematch with Nikki, it’s Rhea. Pearce says there might be a compromise that could see each of them respecting each other. Sonya suggests these two team up against Nikki and… Wait, both of them against Nikki? No, Nikki and a partner of her choosing. Sound good to them? Well unlike Rhea, Charlotte can be professional. So is that a yes? And who is there for Nikki to team with to take on both Nightmare and Queen?
The Viking Raiders are fired up!
The tag titles are in their future! And that means RAID! RAID! RAID! Ivar is so hungry right now. Let’s go feast on turkey legs! Ivar’s paying! Omos and Styles come by, and ask if they meant these turkey legs. Omos has one in hand. Hopefully the Raiders weren’t hoping to have some to celebrate. Styles doesn’t know a lot about Vikings. They can teach him. Well look, guys, to Styles & Omos, you’re just wannabe Vikings. You use electricity, mirrors, but apparently not deodorant. Erik says the way he lives honors the Vikings that came before. If Styles has a problem with that, then Erik has a problem with him,
This is why Vikings aren’t around anymore, Omos. And where did he get that turkey leg? Styles is kinda hungry, too. Will Styles poke the bears a little too much and get his head bitten off?
Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.
The Drifter is in the ring alone as he gives his introduction. There will be no other introductions tonight, because you could be walking with the NEW Raw Tag Team Champions, but you’re not. And whose fault is that? Jaxson Ryker’s! If Ryker would’ve just done what Elias said, we’d be celebrating this week! But instead, Ryker has become “completely unhinged.” For the sake of Elias’ career and sanity, he had to get away. Elias shows footage of last week when Elias abandoned Ryker as Omos tags in. Elias says he had no choice but to do that!
The first time Elias met Ryker, he didn’t just see this unbridled potential and massive arms. He looked into Ryker’s cold eyes and saw the ghosts of war. Elias saw a man who has been in battle and who would go to battle, just not for Elias. Elias walked out on Ryker, but that doesn’t change the fact that there is an “unwavering” truth that WWE stands for Walk With Elias! Now before Elias walks all over “that maniac,” RYKER ATTACKS FROM BEHIND! Ryker, hair cut short but beard still thick, CHUCKS Elias’ guitar out of the ring, then rains down fists on Elias’ head! And stomps him against ropes! Ryker rips Elias’ shirt off but referees separate them! This fight becomes a match, after the break!
Elias VS Jaxson Ryker!
Raw returns and Elias manages to get to his feet. He still wants this match, but the bell rings and Ryker CLOBBERS him! Ryker rams Elias into a corner, fires off forearms, then whips him corner to corner for a SPLASH! Elias flops out of the ring but Ryker pursues. Ryker follows Elias around the way and back into the ring, to CLOBBER him again! Ryker CLUBS Elias, whips him to ropes, but Elias reverses. Ryker KICKS back, then runs to CLOTHESLINE Elias out of the ring! Elias staggers to the desk, Ryker goes out and stalks up behind Elias, to throw haymakers! The ring count is climbing as Ryker throws more hands. Elias hits low and bumps Ryker off steps!
Elias gets in the ring, Ryker follows, but Elias fires off on him! Elias stomps Ryker down, gets him up and whips him to ropes to CLOBBER him in return! Elias catches his breath, stalks Ryker to ropes, but Ryker hits low! Ryker runs but Elias hits a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Elias grits his teeth and drags Ryker up to DECK him! And again! Elias taunts Ryker, gets him up and DECKS him again! Ryker hits back! And CLUBS Elias, only to run into a MANHATTAN DROP! Elias fireman’s carries, but Ryker pulls beard! Ryker whips and gives Elias a SPINESBUSTER of his own! Ryker is fired up but Elias bails out! Elias is running away!
Ryker shouts for Elias to return but he doesn’t, Ryker wins!
Winner: Jaxson Ryker, by count-out
Ryker wanted to finish this in the ring but the Drifter wasn’t for that! Will Ryker have his retribution soon enough?
Drew McIntyre heads to the ring!
It’s time to put pen to paper! The Scottish Warrior has his claymore sword, but will he need his Claymore kick tonight? We’ll wait and see, after the break.
Raw returns and now the table has been set. Adam Pearce and Sonya Deville preside over this contract signing, and Sonya introduces the WWE World Champion, Bobby Lashley! The music plays, but the All Mighty and MVP do not make their entrance. McIntyre says we’re not waiting on them. He’ll predict how this goes: Lashley will have his suit, the ladies, and so on, so that everyone will have to hop aboard The Lashley Train. Then Lashley will talk about McIntyre has had opportunity after opportunity. That’s a good point but Lashley is also missing the point. McIntyre has a story he loved growing up and fans might enjoy this one.
There was a Scottish king called Robert the Bruce. When he was king, Scotland was still enslaved. They lost big battles, the king went into hiding and would’ve been killed on sight. Robert the Bruce stayed in a cave for the better part of three years, and one day he just looked up at the ceiling. He saw a spider. The spider was making a web but it was damp in the cave so the web wouldn’t stick. The spider kept failing, falling, and getting back up. It did this over and over. The king sympathized with the spider, but he also wanted to tell the spider to give up because it won’t work out. But then it did. Finally, the web stuck, the spider had a home, and The Bruce was encouraged.
The king assembled an army, but was outnumbered 10 to 1. But The Bruce won Scotland’s freedom! And a famous quote he said to the army was, “If at first you don’t succeed,” well to modernize it, “Beat Lashley’s ass at Hell in a Cell and win back your championship!” McIntyre still makes this official by signing his part! MVP then responds via titantron, telling McIntyre to “downshift” a bit. Before Lashley puts pen to paper, there is business to discuss. So on behalf of Lashley, MVP apologizes for Lashley being “fashionably late.” Now they’re here, with the ladies following behind. McIntyre patiently waits as Lashley struts his way to the ring and helps the ladies into the ring first.
Lashley finally takes his seat at the table but MVP speaks directly to McIntyre. “Allow me to congratulate you on manipulating your way into once again facing the All Mighty WWE Champion at Hell in a Cell.” It is okay for MVP and Lashley to be out here, right? They won’t be given a 90 day suspension with no pay? Because Lashley and MVP held up their end of the deal. From bell to bell, they were in the lounge, enjoying some company. So here’s a question: How will they reward Lashley for his compliance/ What was it Lashley wanted? Once McIntyre loses at HIAC, he will NOT get another chance at the title while Lashley holds it, ever again!
MVP adds that Lashley plans on holding the WWE World Championship a long, long time. Lashley can’t wait to bring this title back on the road, out to the ALL MIGHTY Universe! McIntyre accepts the stipulation, mostly to shut MVP up. Well MVP appreciates the decisiveness. McIntyre says he will never fight Lashley for the title again if he loses. But he’ll need something in return. The match needs to keep outside interference away. The match needs to be so no one else will lose on his behalf. The match needs to be INSIDE HELL IN A CELL!! MVP advises Lashley quickly, and Lashley accepts those terms. Pearce and Sonya add these amendments, and it’s official!
MVP hopes that’ll be notarized. Lashley smiles and says that story about the spider and all that was admirable. Nice to see McIntyre to get back to his roots. But you forget to tell the whole story. If at first you don’t succeed, you just don’t win against the All Mighty, accept defeat, tuck your kilt between your legs, and walk away in shame. THAT is the ending of their story! McIntyre has some last words, some advice that he won’t listen to anyway. But McIntyre’s been in the Cell, Lashley hasn’t. He was told that he was never going to be the same after that match, and he hasn’t been. McIntyre flew 15 feet off the side, through a table, and felt physicality like he’s never felt.
So McIntyre wants Lashley to know he is willing to go through it all again, and inflict just as much pain and punishment on Lashley like he’s never felt before. McIntyre will tear flesh from skin with the steel, use whatever is under the ring. Whatever Lashley believes in, he should start praying, even though they won’t be answered. But just know that McIntyre will grant Lashley some mercy as he plants a Claymore right between his eyes and take back the title! “Enjoy the next couple of weeks, and I’ll see you in Hell!” Lashley vows to beat McIntyre there, too!
The Chief Hurt Officer is relaxed, but then McIntyre uses the sword to SLASH the table in half!! McIntyre is deadly serious, will he change Lashley’s life forever?
Backstage interview with Nikki Cross.
What has gotten into her? She’s gotten everyone’s attention with her back-to-back wins. Nikki says this has been something inside of her this whole time. It doesn’t matter if you’re not the prettiest, the strongest or the most experienced. It is her tenacity and spirit that makes her a winner. Believing in herself has helped Nikki realize is she’ll only regret not taking chances. She just has to try! Then who has she found as her tag partner? She has someone who she has admired for so long, with the coolest outfit that’s like a superhero cape and mask. Who doesn’t wish to be a superhero?
So Nikki couldn’t wait to ask, and she is so thrilled that… ASUKA said yes! Nobody is ready for Nikki & Asuka!! Will the Empress of Tomorrow help Nikki get another win over the Queen and the champion?
Sheamus heads to the ring!
The Fella has a face mask to keep his busted nose in place! The man that busted it is Humberto Carrillo, and Carrillo is battling Ricochet for a shot at Sheamus’ title! Who will become the sole focus of the Celtic Warrior’s wrath?
WWE United States Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ricochet VS Humberto Carrillo!
Raw returns as the One and Only makes his entrance, followed by Dale Gas. Ricochet can’t help but grin and laugh at the damage done to Sheamus. Carrillo just shrugs, but Sheamus gets a mic. Is no one going to talk about the injustice here? How are these two “gobshites” getting the title opportunity after breaking his face?! How, Corey Graves? Graves doesn’t make those decisions. Sheamus says if he wasn’t under strict doctor’s orders, he’d- Carrillo scares Sheamus with a springboard! Ricochet does the same! Sheamus is pissed that they’re poking fun at him, but then Ricochet basically sucker punches Carrillo!
Ricochet builds speed to WRECK Carrillo with a dropkick while Sheamus gets way far away! The Fella shouts at Ricochet and Ricochet dares him to do something! This match is still happening, but things will cool off and sort out as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Ricochet fires off hands in a corner. The ref counts, Ricochet lets off and eggs Carrillo on, Carrillo hits back, Ricochet CLUBS him and whip shim. Ricochet runs in and clotheslines then brings Carrillo out to scoop and SLAM, right to a JUMPING LEG DROP! Ricochet covers, TWO! Sheamus vents on commentary as they ruined the best looking face in the world! Ricochet tries to suplex, Carrillo blocks so Ricochet throws hands! Ricochet CLUBS Carrillo, tells Sheamus to watch as he suplexes, but Carrillo slips out. Carrillo waistlocks, Ricochet standing switches, but Carrillo bucks him away to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!
Carrillo keeps cool and is after Ricochet with CHOPS! Carrillo CLUBS Ricochet, whips corner to corner, but Ricochet reverses. Carrillo goes up and over, rolls Ricochet up, TWO into a dead lift POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Carrillo grows frustrated. Carrillo whips Ricochet to a corner, runs in to clothesline, then fires off forearms and stomps! The ref backs Carrillo off, checks on Ricochet, and Ricochet is still okay to continue. Carrillo runs in but Ricochet dumps him out to the apron. Carrillo counter punches Ricochet, gets him up, and suplexes! Ricochet lands safe on the apron, throws body shots, and suplexes Carrillo!
Carrillo lands safe in the ring, Ricochet ducks one kick but not the ENZIGURI! Carrillo builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit at the ramp and down goes Ricochet! Carrillo gets Ricochet up as Sheamus calls them both “juvenile delinquents” for what they’ve done. Carrillo climbs up, leaps, missile dropkick hits! Cover, TWO! Carrillo grows frustrated but he gets Ricochet back up to scoop and SLAM! Carrillo hurries back to a corner and back up top. MOONSAULT, but Ricochet moves! Carrillo rolls through, Ricochet dodges him and CLOBBERS him with that clothesline! Ricochet dead lift GERMAN SUPLEXES! Bridging cover, TWO!!
Ricochet grows frustrated but Sheamus says Ricochet couldn’t do that to him. Ricochet gets Carrillo back up, fireman’s carries, but Carrillo fights. Ricochet still tries but Carrillo gets to the apron. Ricochet shoulders into a KICK! Carrillo drags Ricochet to the apron but Ricochet CHOPS! Carrillo CHOPS! Ricochet throws a haymaker! Carrillo forearms back! Ricochet mule kicks, gets space and runs at Carrillo, but into a SPANISH FLY to the floor!! Sheamus chuckles as both men are down and a ring count climbs. We’re at 5 of 10 a Ricochet flounders up. Ricochet gets to his feet at 7, and hobbles, but falls over! THE COUNT HITS TEN!
Double Count-Out Draw
Sheamus laughs at how “shameful” that all was. “Look at the state of these two bleeding Muppets!” Sheamus leaves, no one having won a shot at his title. Will the Celtic Warrior get to rest easy and let his nose recover before having to worry about a contender stepping up?
The New Day talk backstage.
Woods says there’s a 95% that if there’s a wall, a certain someone will run into it, knock himself out, and give them an easy night. Kofi likes how Woods thinks, and they go to their locker room. But MVP walks over to ask Kofi if they can talk. Kofi says sure. Did Lashley let him off the leash? Haha, always quick with the jokes. But MVP wants to say he was genuinely impressed with Kofi last week. And earlier tonight, too. But MVP isn’t surprised Kofi lost, either. What is MVP’s point? Kofi has stuff to do. MVP says that he might now represent Bobby Lashley, the All Mighty Chief Hurt Officer, but prior to that, he was a Kofi fan.
Just like everyone, MVP watched #KofiMania take over the world. Kofi did the unobtainable: he won the WWE World Championship at WrestleMania! These two go back a long ways, all the way to Deep South Wrestling. Kofi is like a little brother to MVP. So watching Kofi celebrate with his family, that gives MVP goosebumps. Kofi celebrating with his sons is the moment that made MVP want to return to the WWE. Because finally, the WWE had a champion that MVP could relate to and be proud of! So just hear him out. KofiMania was everything, but then it was over. Kofi doesn’t want to talk about that stuff, MVP gets that.
But did Kofi ever wonder why that happened? Kofi asks “P” to enlighten him. It’s because Kofi isn’t Lashley. MVP thought he saw a glimpse of the Kofi who could again be WWE World Champion. But then at the end of Kofi VS McIntyre, MVP saw Kofi shake McIntyre’s hand. That made Kofi look okay with being a loser. Is that how he wants this? KofiMania ended because Kofi let it end. There’s no friends in this! This is show business. But MVP knows Kofi wants to laugh and joke, shuck and jive with his friends- Watch your mouth, MVP! Kofi doesn’t want MVP’s advice.
Kofi doesn’t know how many times he has to keep saying this, but family and friends are the ones who give him motivation. That’s why Kofi does this. Somewhere in this world are little kids watching this show and watching Kofi and believing in himself because of him! That is why he does this. What does Lashley do it for? Money? No, Lashley fights for the WWE World Championship, and all the honor, prestige and accoutrements it comes with. MVP leaves it at that, but will what he said still get in Kofi’s head?
Eva Marie speaks.
“Over the last few weeks, you’ve heard my story. But that was only the beginning. It’s not easy running towards the peak of success, as glamorous as it appears.” Eva has had to put in tremendous amounts of determination and passion to be where she is today. And now, she’ll show us that she practices what she preaches. “The ability to inspire others comes from having the courage to show up and be seen.” Eva will show us a side of her no one has ever seen before. Eva will pull back the curtain and show us exactly what it takes to make it look this easy. We’ve waited long enough, #EvaLution will be here next week!
Mustafa Ali finds Mansoor backstage.
Apparently, Mansoor has a match with Drew Gulak tonight. Is he ready? Yeah, he is. No, Mansoor think he’s ready, but he’s not. Mansoor says he IS ready. Mustafa wants Mansoor to calm down, and he explains it to him like this. “What you ARE ready for is a fair and square fight against Drew Gulak. What you’re not ready for is when Drew Gulak decides when he’s not ready to fight fair.” What will Mansoor do against a poke in the eye? Or a hook of the tights? What will he do when he realizes he’s against someone willing to cut every corner just to win?
Mustafa knows Gulak and how dangerous he is. You can’t assume everyone plays by the rules. That’s not how this world works. Is Mansoor going to listen to what Mustafa is telling him?
Jeff Hardy VS Cedric Alexander!
The Charismatic Enigma doesn’t appreciate the disrespect that #PRIME shows to anyone and everyone in the locker room. Will Alexander learn lessons in humility and honor from the extremely talented veteran?
Raw returns and Alexander makes his entrance. The bell rings and Hardy circles with Alexander while he rallies fans up. They tie up, Alexander knees low and CLUBS Hardy on the back. Hardy blocks buckle bumps to give buckle bumps! Hardy gets three corners, but Alexander tries to turn things around, only for Hardy to send him hard into the fourth! Hardy dropkicks Alexander down, goes up top and leaps to ax handle Alexander’s back! Alexander drops to his knees, Hardy kicks but Alexander blocks and spins Hardy to dropkick back! Cover, TWO! Alexander digs his forearms into Hardy’s neck and pulls on arms. The ref counts, Alexander lets off but stomps Hardy down.
Alexander chokes Hardy on ropes in the corner and talks trash right in his ear! “SHOW ME SOMETHING!” The ref counts, Alexander lets off and gets Hardy back up. Hardy throws body shots but Alexander CLUBS and CHOPS him back! Alexander snapmares then basement dropkicks Hardy down! Cover, TWO! Alexander wraps on a chinlock and squeezes tight. Hardy endures, fights up, and throws body shots. Alexander throws Hardy down by his hair! The ref reprimands but Alexander asks what’s wrong. Alexander stands on Hardy’s face, then has him on ropes to choke him again! “I can do this all day, Jeff! I can do this all day!” The ref counts, Alexander lets off, and Hardy hits back!
Hardy kicks, Alexander blocks but Hardy hits the spinning back kick! Alexander bails out, Hardy builds speed but Alexander gets in to CLOBBER him first! Cover, TWO! Hardy still lives but Alexander is having fun now. Alexander gets Hardy up, kicks him over and over, and taunting him all the way. Hardy hits back, Alexander CLUBS him down then wraps on a chinlock. Alexander smothers Hardy into the mat but Hardy endures. Hardy fights up, throws body shots, and runs, but Alexander pulls hair! Hardy throws haymakers, but Alexander kicks back! Alexander seethes, whips Hardy to a corner, but Hardy goes up and up. Hardy mule kicks, then gets Alexander with a headscissor!
Alexander flounder sup, Hardy rallies, then ATOMIC DROPS, to the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Hardy has the legs for the leg drop clutch! TWO!! Alexander narrowly escapes but Hardy keeps his cool. Hardy waits on Alexander, kicks low, but no Twist! Alexander gets around, fakes Hardy out and dropkicks a leg! Alexander gets Hardy up, BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO!! Alexander grows frustrated with Hardy’s resilience, but that’s how Hardy’s stayed in this business! Alexander talks trash, goes up the corner, and mocks the Hardy fingers, but leaps into a kick! TWIST OF FATE!! Hardy hurries up top, aims, and SWANTON BOMBS!! Cover, Hardy wins!!
Winner: Jeff Hardy, by pinfall
The living legend landed his best and is making Alexander eat his words! Will #PRIME learn to brag less and battle more?
Charlotte finds Rhea backstage.
Since Charlotte is the more professional and experienced one here, she suggests Rhea follow her lead. And the only advantage Nikki has IS Asuka, Rhea can handle Nikki since she “respects” her so much. The Queen can handle Asuka. Rhea will gladly follow Charlotte, in two weeks, straight to Hell! But this title makes up for the “experience,” so Charlotte will follow her lead. So clearly these two are NOT on the same page. Will the end of this story be the same as the last two weeks?
Charlotte Flair & Rhea Ripley VS Nikki Cross & Asuka!
The fired up #SUPERBEST Nikki Cross makes her entrance first, ready to prove she can beat the Queen and Nightmare at the same time! But will the fact that there’s no time limit flip the script? Or will no one be ready for the combination of the Loony Lass and the Empress?
Raw returns and Asuka makes her entrance, followed by Rhea and Charlotte. The teams sort out, Charlotte insists to take the lead, and Rhea lets her. Nikki starts against Charlotte, they tie up, and Charlotte shoves Nikki down. Charlotte says the champ should show us how to do this, and she tags Rhea in. Rhea and Nikki circle now, and Nikki says she can do this! They tie up, but Rhea SLAMS Nikki down! Rhea gloats to Charlotte, Nikki rolls her up! ONE, and Nikki dodges Rhea to tag Asuka! Asuka and Rhea circle, they tie up, and Rhea headlocks. Asuka throws body shots, powers out, and things speed up. Rhea stomps but Asuka dodges.
Asuka does a dance, Rhea rushes in but Asuka dodges and follows to ram shoulders! Asuka shoves, Rhea shoves back. Asuka kicks but Rhea blocks to HEADBUTT! Rhea back suplexes but Asuka fights free to get the IRON OCTOPUS! Rhea endures, powers out but Asuka sunset flips! Rhea STOMPS Asuka down, then drags her up to whip her. Rhea dodges, Charlotte tags in, and Charlotte runs Asuka over. Charlotte tells Rhea to get out of the way, and then she CHOPS Asuka. Asuka dodges, Nikki tags in, and Asuka BOOTS Charlotte for Nikki to tilt-o-whirl toss! Asuka adds a dropkick, Nikki covers, ONE!
Nikki hurries to get Charlotte but Charlotte scoops. Nikki escapes, tags to Asuka, and Asuka wrenches and YANKS on Charlotte’s arm! Asuka has a wristlock, Charlotte handsprings through to wrench back. Charlotte pulls hair, headlocks, but Rhea tags in! Asuka breaks free and mule kicks Charlotte into Rhea! Asuka runs in, Charlotte moves, Rhea takes the HIP ATTACK! Down goes the champion, and Asuka is fired up! Charlotte goes out and walks over to her tag partner to help her up. Rhea shoves Charlotte away and says she should just leave her alone. Charlotte throws a forearm on Rhea!
The ref asks what they’re doing, and Charlotte orders Rhea to get in the ring! Rhea just glares at Charlotte while Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Nikki gets Rhea with a headlock. Rhea powers up, Nikki thrashes, and again. Charlotte is frustrated with Rhea, Rhea powers up but Nikki hits a tornado style takedown! Rhea powers out this time, but Nikki goes up and over. Nikki runs in, Rhea puts her on the apron, but Nikki ROCKS Rhea with a right! Charlotte storms over but Nikki slingshots into the Oklahoma Roll! TWO, and Rhea HEADBUTTS Nikki down! Rhea drags Nikki up, Charlotte is annoyed but Rhea stomps a mudhole into Nikki in the open corner. The ref counts, Rhea lets off, and she gets Nikki up to an Electric Chair. Nikki flails, Charlotte tags in, and Rhea SLAMS Nikki down!
Asuka rallies for Nikki, Charlotte tells Rhea to shoo, and she covers Nikki, TWO! Charlotte tries again, TWO! Nikki is proving tougher than Charlotte likes, and Charlotte jams a knee into Nikki’s back! And again! Charlotte handsprings just to BOOT Nikki down! Charlotte mocks Asuka shouting for Nikki, then she fakes Nikki out to get on a thrashing chinlock! Nikki endures, Asuka coaches her on, and Nikki fights up. Charlotte drags Nikki over and throws her into the corner. Charlotte CHOPS Rhea to be a tag! “You mad?” Rhea seethes but she drags Nikki up just to throw her back down. Rhea mocks Asuka, then gets Nikki up for a suplex.
Rhea holds Nikki up for a count of 10, then 15, then 20, before the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Rhea drags Nikki back over, tags Charlotte with a hard pat on the head, and tells “the princess” to get in. Charlotte seethes but she toys with Nikki. Charlotte runs but only gets buckles as Nikki dodges! JAWBREAKER! Nikki kicks, Charlotte blocks and ducks the enziguri, then swipes at Asuka! Nikki runs in, Charlotte catches her and carries her away! Nikki’s boots get Rhea! Sunset flip, TWO! Charlotte runs in but Nikki ends her into buckles! Rhea tags in, gets Nikki up with a waistlock, but Nikki make sit a BULLDOG! Hot tag to Asuka! SLIDING WIZARD!! Cover, TWO!!
Asuka fires up, runs to HIP ATTACK Charlotte down, then BOOTS Rhea! Asuka dodges, Rhea hits ropes, CODE BREAKER!! Charlotte gets in and grabs at Asuka! Asuka kicks free, but Rhea gets her for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO!! Asuka gets to a corner, Rhea runs in but into a ROUNDHOUSE! Asuka GERMAN SUPLEXES! Asuka goes from a corner to run and HIP ATTACK Rhea down! Cover, TWO!! Asuka hurries, Nikki tags in, and Nikki goes to a corner. Nikki climbs and shouts at Rhea to get up. Rhea does, CROSSBODY!! Cover, but Charlotte pulls Nikki away! And then throws Nikki out!
Charlotte shouts for Rhea to tag her so they can get this done. Rhea ROCKS Charlotte instead! The Nightmare and Queen are brawling with each other! Nikki is very amused as Rhea pump handles. Charlotte rakes eyes to get free, then chop blocks and hits NATURAL SELECTION! Nikki covers, Nikki & Asuka win!
Winners: Nikki Cross & Asuka, by pinfall
A win is a win, and Nikki just pinned the Raw Women’s Champion! She and Asuka party on the announce desk, but how will Rhea repay Charlotte for this?
Alexa Bliss talks with Lily.
Yes, she knows, she’s going to tell everyone that. Not only did Shayna Baszler rudely interrupt their playdate with Reginald, Shayna also said the unthinkable. Alexa just repeats Shayna’s words so Lily can’t get mad. “She said Lily is just a stupid doll…!” Shayna is wrong! Don’t believe her? See what happens later when Shayna “plays” with them. Alexa promises it’ll be a real scream. Will the Queen of Spades wish she’d stayed away from Alexa’s Playground?
Mansoor VS Drew Gulak!
The Star of Saudi Arabia was undefeated for about 50 matches, including some of his biggest wins at Crown Jewel. But that’s just the level of competition on Monday Night Raw. Will Mansoor build up a new winning streak at the expense of the Philly Stretcher? Or will everything Mustafa Ali said about his old rival be proven true?
The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, and Mansoor arm-drags Gulak right away! Gulak gets up and is a bit surprised, but he and Mansoor circle again. They tie up, Mansoor wrenches to a wristlock but Gulak throws a haymaker to get a headlock. Mansoor powers out but Gulak runs him over. Gulak drops an elbow but misses, and Mansoor hits another arm-drag! Mansoor has the armlock but Gulak gets up. Mustafa is watching backstage as Mansoor puts Gulak in a corner. The ref counts the break, Mansoor lets off but Gulak SLAPS him, then CLOBBERS him! Well, there’s one point Mustafa brought up.
Gulak scoops and slams Mansoor into ropes! Mansoor clutches his legs, Gulak covers, TWO! Gulak gets Mansoor around, has the legs and pulls on them as he stands on Mansoor’s back! Mansoor endures, even as Gulak stands on his head. Mansoor fights up, throws forearms, and shoves Gulak away. Gulak comes back but into a CHOP and forearm! Mansoor whips Gulak to a corner but Gulak BOOTS back! High stack, TWO! Gulak hurries to Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Mansoor escapes again and Gulak seethes. Gulak scoops Manoosr, Mansoor slips off the back, but Gulak waistlocks to a school boy, and pulls tights! TWO, and Mansoor sits on Gulak for a cover, and WINS!
Winner: Mansoor, by pinfall
Gulak did do everything Mustafa said he would, and perhaps that is why Mansoor was able to win. Will Mansoor give credit where credit is due?
Randy Orton finds Matt Riddle backstage.
Orton lets Riddle “have the key,” and Riddle unlocks his mouth. Riddle thanks Randy for that, and says he’s been looking all over for him. Riddle has a match with Kofi after he was just trying to invite the New Day to his favorite burger place, Burger King. Riddle is famished and just wants to plop down in front of a delicious Whopper, fries and soda to chillax. Speaking of, WWE is going on the road, so these two could be road buddies! They could listen to chill tunes, and get Burger King in every state! Where’s Orton’s favorite place to go? Riddle loves Las Vegas-
Oh. Time to zip the lip again. Wait! Is Orton going to be with Riddle for the match? Not sure yet. Well, sweet hoodie. It has a viper with the stallion mane on it. Orton takes “the key” back, and puts it in the trash. Riddle pouts and scoots away, but will his actions speak for him?
Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Matt Riddle!
This match isn’t happening because of the Bro taking the hit for the Viper, this is more about those RKO’s before the match. But will MVP’s words weigh heavy on Kofi’s mind? Or will he be able to focus and solve the Riddle?
Raw returns and Riddle makes his entrance, and it looks like Orton still doesn’t feel the need to be ringside. But Riddle shrugs that off and gets in the ring. The bell rings, Kofi rushes Riddle but Riddle tackles him down! Kofi kicks him away, kicks and headbutts Riddle to a corner, then fires off fast hands. Kofi whips Riddle corner to corner, runs in and SPLASHES! Kofi snapmares, sits Riddle up and PENALTY KICKS him down! Cover, ONE! Kofi drops a splash, covers again, TWO! Riddle gets to his feet, Kofi fires off on him again. Kofi mule kicks, but Riddle gut wrench suplexes! Riddle holds on, gut wrench suplexes again, covers, TWO!
Riddle pushes Kofi down to drop the BROTON! Woods plays his trombone but Riddle covers, TWO! Riddle gets a little annoyed by Woods, but Woods mockingly asks, “What’s wrong, bruh?” Riddle turns around into Kofi’s JAWBREAKER! Kofi has Riddle in a corner again and CHOPS him! And CHOPS him! Kofi traps Riddle’s arms in the ropes to CHOP him! Woods likes that sound! Kofi covers, ONE! Riddle is getting mad, and here comes Randy! Riddle puts Kofi in a corner, whips him corner to corner, but Kofi goes up and up and missile dropkicks! Orton glares at Woods, but Kofi WRECKS the Viper with a dropkick! Woods says that’s what he gets!
Riddle gets up but Kofi dropkicks him out of the ring! Woods plays trombone right in Riddle’s face, but Orton gets Woods for an ANNOUNCE DESK BACK SUPLEX! Orton helps Riddle up but Kofi SUPER TRUST FALLS onto them both!! The New Day regroup and fire back up as Raw goes to break!
Raw returns again and Riddle fires off body shots and a BOOT on Kofi! Kofi ends up in a corner, Riddle forearm smashes, goes side to side to forearm smash again, then hits the BROSPLODER! And a PENALTY KICK! Riddle fires up, gets Kofi up and suplexes, but Kofi slips out! Kofi is back in a corner and he BOOTS Riddle away. Kofi runs, goes up and up and FLYING RANAS! Riddle gets up into Kofi’s JUMPING STOMP! Cover, TWO! Orton coaches Riddle up but Woods coaches Kofi. Kofi kicks, CHOPS and REBOUND SPLASHES Riddle! Cover, TWO! Riddle is hanging tough but Kofi gets him up. Riddle shoves Kofi away, Kofi swing kicks in the corner!
Kofi takes a moment on the apron, but Riddle is right back! Dead lift, but Kofi elbows free! Riddle tumbles to the mat, Kofi climbs up the corner, but Riddle CHOPS him first! And another CHOP! Riddle climbs up, gets Kofi up, but Kofi hits back! Riddle steps down but CHOPS again! And again! Riddle climbs, gets Kofi back up, but Kofi holds off the superplex to SUPER GOURD BUSTER! And SPLASH Riddle off his feet! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives and Orton applauds while Kofi seethes. Kofi stalks up behind Riddle, runs in but Riddle uses body scissors to throw Kofi up and out! Riddle gets in the ring, Kofi staggers back up, and Kofi goes to the apron, but avoids a knee!
Kofi shoulders into Riddle, but Riddle ROCKS him with a right! Kofi stumbles off the apron, Riddle goes out after him, and Riddle ROCKS Kofi with that drive-by forearm! Riddle fires off on Kofi at the desk, KICKS him, and says, Gimme some!” Jimmy Smith fist bumps Riddle but Kofi puts Riddle in the ring. Riddle KNEES Kofi, and looks to Orton as he brings Kofi out along the ropes! Orton smiles as Riddle hits a DRAPING DDT! Orton says to finish this, and Riddle says not yet! Riddle has one more thing to do first. Riddle hears the voices in his head!! Orton says that’s not really how he should do this. Kofi staggers up, and denies Riddle’s RKO!
Kofi spins, Riddle ducks Trouble in Paradise and gets the gut wrench! Kofi powers out and spins Riddle for TROUBLE IN PARADISE!! Cover, Kofi wins!!
Winner: Kofi Kingston, by pinfall
The Bro tried to be like his bro, but bro, that didn’t work. The New Day is fired up, and Orton walks away. Is this going to jeopardize the chances of RKBRO truly becoming a team?
Nia Jax finds Shayna Baszler backstage.
Nia wants Shayna to listen. Things have been tense for many reasons- It’s because Alexa Bliss keeps sticking her nose their business for whatever reason, and because Nia keeps getting distracted by Reginald. Those cost them the tag team titles. Oh, how is Reggie, by the way? At home recovering for what Shayna did to him, which was way out of line? SHE is out of line? Nia isn’t here to argue, okay? She is offering her help. Nia has known Alexa a long time, and this is the most dangerous she’s ever seen her.
You think Shayna is scared of a little girl with a doll? It’s JUST a stupid doll, so NO, Shayna doesn’t need nor want Nia’s help. If anything, Alexa could use Nia’s help because Shayna’s going to show everyone what happens when you cross the Queen of Spades! Shayna storms down the hall, but will Twisted Lil’ Bliss and that “stupid little doll” have more than just a swing waiting for her at The Playground?
Raw returns and Alexa’s Playground is in the ring.
Alexa welcomes us back, and says that normally this is a place for friends. This week might be different, but who knows? Maybe after tonight, we’ll have a new friend! Right, Lily? Lily, be a bit more openminded. New friends come in different shapes, sizes and blood types. But- Here comes Shayna! Alexa waves hi but Shayna doesn’t wave back. Shayna steps into the ring, and shoves the rocking horse over! That wasn’t nice. Shayna didn’t learn her lesson last week. She did something naughty, but Alexa still hopes things will change. Alexa and Lily want to give Shayna a chance to be their new friend. She just has to apologize to Lily.
Shayna? Apologize? To a doll? Yep. Just two little words, “I’m sorry.” Shayna laughs and says Alexa is even more delusional than she looks. Alexa is what happened to Reggie. And more importantly, Alexa is what happened to Shayna’s & Nia’s tag title reign. What? Shayna thinks that was Alexa? That’s just silly! Alexa would never do that, she wants everyone to be friends. What was that, Lily? Oh. Alexa says it is in Shayna’s best interests just to apologize to Lily. Shayna gets up, grabs Lily, and smirks as she looks at it. “Lily, I’m sorry… I’m sorry that you’re just a stupid doll!” Shayna drops Lily, then Alexa ROCKS Shayna with a right hand!
Alexa fires off on Shayna but Shayna shoves her away! Shayna then STOMPS on Lily! Alexa is frozen in place as Shayna dares something to happen, then STOMPS on Lily’s head! Wait, the screens start glitching out. Alexa smirks and Shayna bails out. Alexa picks Lily up and cradles her, then FIRE explodes from the ramp! Shayna runs up to the stage, and then MORE FIRE! Shayna runs away while Alexa laughs, and cameras cut to gorilla. Shayna shakes off the bit of fear from those jump scares, but then the lights start flickering back here, too! Shayna gets out of the way of a falling cart! And of falling girders! Shayna runs for it before the whole place comes apart!
Shayna makes it to the back and says it’s just a stupid doll. But all the doors are locked! And then the lights start flickering again! Shayna keeps telling herself Lily is just Alexa’s doll, and she finds the one door that wasn’t locked. Shayna hears big footsteps coming, so she hurries into another room and closes the door! Shayna locks it up tight and puts a couch in front of the door for good measure. Shayna says this is NOT happening. But she turns around to see a mirror. And in the mirror is LILY!! Shayna is doing her best not to freak out. See? Lily isn’t really there. But then… the mirror keeps showing her!
Shayna BOOTS the mirror and shatters it! Shayna is freaking out because Lily’s still there! Is there no running from what she’s done? Will she have no choice but to accept that Lily is not just some doll?
My Thoughts:
Well this was another mixed bag for Raw. The ending we just saw was both a good and bad closing segment. It’s good that there is progress towards Alexa’s in-ring return, where it seems Shayna Baszler is going to be her opponent. But WWE could’ve really done a lot better these last two months since WrestleMania 37. She and Bray Wyatt should’ve been feuding over the powers of The Funhouse/Playground, but we haven’t seen Bray since Alexa screwed him over against Randy Orton.
Secondly, I’m not sure getting dragged into the supernatural is really something Shayna Baszler should be doing. The level of production on the ending segment was good and all, but why would Shayna want to talk this out at all? Shayna should’ve been going for a match with Alexa, and then that match never happens because of stuff like we saw here. It’d work out to about the same but at least it’d fit under Shayna’s character: fight first, talk later. Then with Hell in a Cell coming, Alexa and Shayna could have a supernaturally influenced cinematic match would be good to open the main show with. They might still do that anyway, but it’s always the small details that help.
I do like that we’re getting more on Mustafa and Mansoor. Mustafa gave Mansoor pointers on Gulak, and I guess Gulak shifts back and forth between Face and Heel as needed. A part of me is alright that his feud with Garza is over because it had such lackluster motivation, but it shows Raw has no follow through, and that they’re extra screwed with having very little people to choose from. But the main thing is, Mansoor wins but technically does have to give credit to Mustafa. Whatever we get between those two, from a feud to a tag team, is going to be good for both of them and for Raw, given the promos and in-ring ability Mustafa can give when given the chance.
Ryker VS Elias wasn’t much, but obviously this wasn’t going to be the end of the feud by a long shot. I feel like this has the same energy as “Let’s have Roman Reigns take on Sheamus” from a few years back. The Heel Heat fans had for Sheamus was supposed to translate to the Face Heat for Roman, but I don’t recall it working. We still don’t have live fans so I can’t be sure how Ryker is being received, but something about this makes sense. Hardy VS Alexander was good, and Alexander losing isn’t a bad thing. Alexander’s ego needed to hit a speedbump, and now he’ll have to prove he can get back up.
The Raw Women’s Division is a mixed bag all in itself. Lana is gone so there goes a tag team. Shayna is busy with Alexa, so one tag team is on hold. And the build to the Raw Women’s Championship is leaning more on having them finally build Nikki Cross as a competitor than anything. Rhea and Charlotte of course don’t work as a tag team, which is at least good storytelling, but I don’t know. Something just isn’t clicking, and yet Vince and his team just don’t seem to understand that. With news of a new WWE Draft coming after SummerSlam, I can only imagine that Raw will leech off SmackDown and NXT, but what good does moving pieces around when the players are the same inept ones playing now?
Tonight’s contract signing was pretty good, though. It was different than most, where the physicality wasn’t McIntyre on Lashley but McIntyre and his sword on the table. McIntyre might’ve gone on a little too long with the story of Richard the Bruce and the spider and the famous saying, but the real results of this segment were both natural moves and great moves. One, putting this match inside Hell in a Cell, because duh, that’s the PPV. Two, putting the stipulation that this is McIntyre’s last shot against Lashley, because one way or another, it does have to be the last time. Now, that stipulation doesn’t guarantee either result, but if McIntyre does lose, I can only think that he then goes on to the US Championship to finally finish his Grand Slam.
Speaking of which, Carrillo VS Ricochet in a contender’s match was another good and natural move. These two could’ve given a bit more but it’s fine that they held back. It was a good move for Sheamus not to interfere, both for his legit broken nose, and because it’d be too much for another dirty finish after other contender’s matches were “ruined” on Raw. But I think with a go-home episode left, the draw tonight is at the very least a sign that we’re getting another Triple Threat match for a title. Anyone’s guess as to who wins then, as we’ve seen all possibilities just these past few months.
Opening with the tag battle royal was a good move, but Styles’ promo and even the response promos from the top two teams were a little paint by numbers. The Heel champions list off who is in the match, mocking them, the challengers give it back, and then match gets going. The battle royal itself was good, and I’m pleasantly surprised the Viking Raiders win. Styles did put them over a bit last week on Raw Talk so something about this makes sense. Their promo backstage was alright, with Omos eating that turkey leg being the best part. They’re going to have a great match at HIAC, that’s for sure, but Styles & Omos are going to win.
MVP approaching Kofi backstage was actually a good detail in the story. MVP is trying to motivate a few things in Kofi, from getting more aggressive to ditching New Day and perhaps joining up in a new Hurt Business formation. Riddle VS Kofi to be the main event match was great stuff, and I think we did see some of that new aggression from Kofi. Riddle also showed his aggression, perhaps stemming from teaming with Orton. It was a good detail that Riddle trying to be too much like Orton is what cost him. Riddle could’ve used Bro Derek or Floating Bro to finish Kofi but he wanted to be like Orton and do the whole spiel before hitting the RKO. I hope this means Orton has to ironically tell Riddle to be himself and win his way.
And with SummerSlam being in Las Vegas, where Riddle currently resides, I wouldn’t be surprised if SummerSlam is when and where RKBRO get their tag title match and win. Fans will be back by then, fans still like Orton and I’m sure they like Riddle, so they’d react very strongly if RKBRO wins, or if Orton turns on Riddle. I personally hope for the former, but Orton and Riddle can definitely make for a great feud going into the Fall.
My Score: 8/10
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Ain’t Nobody Safe!
After costing Dion Lennox, Saquon Shugars looks to redeem himself by taking the NXT North American Championship from Myles Borne!
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- NXT North American Championship: Myles Borne VS Saquon Shugars w/ DarkState; Myles wins and retains the title.
- EK Prosper &
Dorian Van DuxSean Legacy VS Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ Birthright; Prosper & Legacy win. - Lizzy Rain VS Nikkita Lyons; Lizzy wins.
- Kelani Jordan VS Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey; Kelani wins.
- Ricky Saints VS Shiloh Hill; Shiloh wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
Robert Stone talks with Shawn Michaels & Matt Bloom.
The NXT General Manager is with the heads of NXT management and wants to get right to the point. Ethan Page, Joe Hendry, Fatal Influence, Sol Ruca, Blake Monroe, and even Ricky Saints, all called up to Raw and SmackDown to make an impact there. Those are big shoes to fill, though, and Stone’s phone has been blowing up from all the talent. But he thinks it is time for some fresh faces, maybe even from Evolve and LFG. Bloom says they have a great crop of international talent looking for their chance. HBK says they’ve done what NXT does, they’ve been through this before many times. Now, Stone can put names on cards, put pictures on the board, and continue to take calls.
Or… He can throw a stick of dynamite into the locker rooms and see who runs out. Stone likes that bold approach. Things are about to change drastically, but who will show up while the others blow up?
NXT North American Championship: Myles Borne VS Saquon Shugars w/ DarkState!
Speaking of, we just saw Myles overcome a member of DarkState when he defeated Dion Lennox, but admittedly, The Sugar Man muddied the waters on that. But will it be clear that Myles will #NeverBreak? Or can Saquon redeem himself by taking this title for himself?
The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if nobody’s safe!
The bell rings and Saquon runs up! Myles dodges then fires hands! The fans rally for Myles as he UPPERCUTS again and again! Saquon flounders, but then he YANKS Myles! Myles stops from hitting ropes, but Saquon gets around for the NECK JACKER! Myles goes to a corner, Saquon runs up again, but Myles dodges again! Saquon tumbles off buckles, and Myles kicks him low. Myles reels Saquon in for the X-PLEX! The fans rally as Myles then deadlift GUT WRENCH PLEXES! Saquon tumbles again while the fans fire up. Myles storms up but Saquon BOOTS him! Saquon runs, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM! Saquon bails out and DarkState regroups.
But wait! Myles goes AIR BORNE! Down go Saquon & Osiris while the fans fire up! Myles puts Saquon in, but Cutler drags him out! Myles ROCKS Cutler, then he CHOPS Saquon! Myles ROCKS and whips but Saquon avoids the dropkick! Saquon grins and runs up to RAM Myles! Saquon climbs up, he rains down fists, but Myles carries him away! Atomic drop! And LARIAT! Then a wrench and hook, but Saquon hooks the ropes! Saquon turns things around on Myles to backslide him onto ropes! A unique hotshot to say the least, and then Saquon goes up, out, around, and he YANKS Myles into the crossbar!
The fans boo but Saquon skins the cat. Myles sputters, Saquon WRECKS him with a dropkick! Saquon wants after Myles but the ref backs him off! Saquon says screw that, and he goes up onto the desk! Saquon soaks up the heat while NXT goes picture in picture.
The ref checks Myles as he sputters, that crossbar he hit was exposed steel! Saquon still stands Myles up to SMACK him off the desk! Saquon drags Myles up and puts him in the ring for a KNEE DROP! Myles coughs and sputters again, but Saquon lines up another KNEE DROP! Saquon stalks Myles, brings him around, and JUMPING KNEE DROPS! Cover, TWO! Myles toughs it out but Saquon stays focused. Saquon drags Myles up, kicks him to a corner, then stomps a mudhole into him! The ref counts, Saquon stops at 4, and Myles sputters as he leans against the ropes. Saquon storms up but Myles fires body shots!
Saquon CLUBS Myles , turns him, but Myles turns neckbreaker into O’Conner Roll! TWO, and Saquon has the legs to drag Myles under the ropes! ROPE GUILLOTINE! Myles again sputters and coughs while Saquon looms over him. Saquond rags Myles to a cover, TWO! Myles tough sit out but Saquon clamps on with a chinlock. Myles endures, fights around, but Saquon KNEES him in the back! Myles goes to the apron, Saquon storms up, and Saquon ROCKS Myles with a right! Saquon turns Myles around, CLUBS away on his chest, then stops as the ref counts. Myles RAMS into Saquon, and NXT returns to single picture as Myles slingshots to sunset flip!
The fans rally and even duel as Saquon flails to stay up! Saquon breaks free, but Myles avoids the knee drop! Saquon hurries to headlock but Myles powers up, out, then drops down. Saquon hurdles over the backdrop, but turns around into a HIP TOSS! Myles still coughs, and Saquon UPPERCUTS him! Saquon KNEES Myles in the back and Myles is on the ropes! Saquon runs to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Then slingshot LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Saquon clamps on with a chinlock and he grinds Myles down. The fans rally while Dion coaches Saquon on the squeeze. Myles fights up, but Saquon wrangles him again! Saquon adds a top wristlock into the hold!
The fans rally again and Myles fights back up. Myles fires body shots, then he runs up in the corner, but Saquon puts him up top! Saquon ENZIGIRIS, then mocks the fans cheering Myles. Saquon climbs up, he neck wrenches Myles, then goes to the very top! The fans rally as Saquon stands Myles up for a SUPER DUPER- CROSSBODY COUNTER!! Cover, TWO!! Saquon survives Myles turning this around and the fans fire up! The fans rally as both men rise, and Myles hobbles his way over to Saquon. But Saquon fights the dragon sleeper to victory roll! TWO, Myles has it, TWO! DROP- NO! Saquon blocks the kick, but Myles twists for a cradle, TWO!
Saquon hits a headlock takeover, Myles headscissors, but Saquon pushes to a jackknife bridge, TWO as Myles bridges up! Myles spins things to a backslide, TWO! Myles reels Saquon in, dodges the lariat, but Saquon UP KICKS while he skins the cat! But Myles DROPKICKS a mile high! The fans fire up as Saquon flops down! The fans fire up as Myles LARIATS again and again! Then EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Myles is all fire dup, kick and FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Not quite perfect, and now Dion gets on the apron! Myles swings on him but Dion gets back. Saquon clinches, EXPLODING NORTHERN LIGHTS!
Saquon rolls through to basement DROPKICK! Myles tumbles out, but DarkState argues with the ref? Saquon isn’t sure why, but that’s because Dion has a chair! Saquon shouts at him, “What’re you doing?! I’m trying to win!” The ref spots them both with the chair, and then Myles SHOVES Saquon into Dion! Then BACKDROP for Saquon! Myles SHOVES Dion into the steel steps! Myles slingshots for a BORNE AGAIN!! Cover, Myles wins!
Winner: Myles Borne, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)
Just as Saquon tried last week, Dion tried to put the fix in, and it all backfires! What is it going to take for DarkState to get back on the same page? As for Myles, Evolve’s Tristan Angels is here! And he tells Myles congratulations on another successful defense. It truly is very impressive. Now, if you’d allow him to introduce himself, he is Mr. England, Tristan Angels! The fans boo but he tells them, “Order, order! Do not let my good looks have you fooled. For I am here today as a courtesy to let you and all these people know that you will be seeing much, much more of Tristan Angels on NXT from here on out!”
Angels lives- OH NO, KAM HENDRIX ATTACKS! The fans boo as Kam gives Myles the KAMERA SHOT! Kam says he is about that action! NXT is now HIS show, because it’s showtime! Well, the opening left by the call-ups is already being filled, but who will prove they’re not just ready to Evolve, but to reign?
Wren Sinclair & Kendal Grey talk backstage.
The Women’s Speed Champion says first it was Kali Armstrong and Lizzy Rain, and now there’s Tristan Angels and Kam Hendrix! It’s all happening so fast! Kendal says yeah, but good thing for Wren is she’s built for Speed, right? Incoming new talents and she’s no longer the new kid on the block anymore. Kelani Jordan walks in and Kendal asks if she’s good. No, she’s not good. She’s staring at someone who got a two-part Chronicle when she doesn’t deserve it, and someone who has had multiple shots at THE NXT Women’s Championship when Lani hasn’t even gotten one! Not to mention, LANI tapped out Lola Vice, something not even Kendal could do. Lani is the one to beat!
Kendal asks about what happened when she faced Lola again. Oh, that’s right! Lani’s ass got knocked out in the Underground! Even though Kendal didn’t win at Stand & Deliver, she also didn’t get pinned, so she deserves her shot at Lola. Lani sighs and says oh, Wren, clueless as always. They both need to realize there are no such things as friends in NXT! Kendal will turn on Wren just like Charlie did. Oh? How about instead of worrying about the NXT Women’s Champion, you worry about this women’s champion? Lani says okay, they can face off, and Wren doesn’t even have to put up the title. Lani will settle for embarrassing Wren in front of Kendal, who better be ringside to watch.
Lani leaves, Kendal says Lani is just crazy. But will the Standout stand tall over Wren as she aims for Lola?
Tony D’Angelo is here!
The fans cheer as THE NXT Champion makes his way to the ring, stoic and stone faced as usual. He already has a mic to say, “Now the more this place changes, the more it stays the same. And there’s only one thing that’s for certain in NXT, and that’s competitors, they come and go. But ever since I got into this building, I have been the constant. And now that I have this title, there isn’t a man on this roster who is tough enough to kick me off of this mountain!” The fans cheer for that, and Tony says that includes whoever sent him the little box last week. Some fans already ask, “What’s in the box~?!”
Tony says there are competitors from LFG and Evolve jumping Myles Borne, European talents stepping up, Keanu Carver side-eyeing him, but Tony’s more curious about that box. Now Tony ain’t stupid, he knows that wasn’t a gift. That was a warning. Wait! The lights go out! Then a blacklight turns out, and from the stage, a man in a hooded jacket walks down the ramp. The man steps into the ring, and the fans chant “EVIL! EVIL!” The man hands Tony a scroll, then reveals, it IS the former IWGP World Heavyweight Champion, Evil! The scroll is actually a shirt, and on it is simply the kanji for war. Evil has made his declaration, but when and where will these two battle?
But wait, someone else is trying a sneak attack! Tony is quick to dodge, but then that man clinches and BELLY2BELLY! WAIT! That’s Tavion Heights! Tavion says he ain’t asking no more, he’s taking! He is after everything he deserves, and he deserves it all! But hold on, someone is adding insult to injury! MOONSAULT off the top rope! The fans here know him, but will the entire WWE Universe soon learn what is going on?
Shiloh Hill & Tatum Paxley are… somewhere in the woods…
And they’re looking down in a grave they dug. Tatum says, “Here lies the final resting ground for Blake Monroe here in NXT. May the cold darkness engulf her glamorous and narcissistic ways.” Shiloh likes those last words. Tatum says she didn’t want to do it, but Blake made her! Tatum had to end it! At least now they don’t have to hear Blake’s voice. Well, they don’t call it soundproof foam for nothing. RIGHT, BLAKE?! HAHA! But seriously, hopefully Blake’s soul finds peace wherever it winds up. Tatum says in a funny way, she does, too. It’s just… She feels like something comes over her when it comes to this title. Like she goes into survival mode.
Shiloh sits with Tatum and says that makes sense. Sometimes, when we work so hard for things, it feels like they become part of us. And when that thing is threatened, it feels like you’re threatened. Plus, Tatum is the kind of person who forms really strong attachments to things and people. That’s what makes her so fun to be around. Tatum says she never thought of it like that. She’ll figure it out later, but as for Shiloh, he has a big match with Saints! Yeah, he’s so excited! Biggest moment of his life! He’s watched every Ricky Saints match the past six months, even made a simulator to study how Saints strings his moves together. Wow, so cool!
Yeah, but it’s sad, though. It got super realistic, and now the virtual Ricky is a little lonely… But at least now, Shiloh knows what to do to win. But speaking of, he’d love to enjoy this scene… Tatum understands, he can go. Shiloh will kill it. No offense to the deceased here. Tatum says she’ll rest here a bit first. Tatum reclines back, holding her title tight. Will anyone ever stop #TuesdayAddams and her reign? Will #ToothlessAggression give the Absolute a proper sendoff before Saints goes to SmackDown?
EK Prosper & Dorian Van Dux VS Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ Birthright!
The Disrespectfully Athletic was definitely disrespected when the entirety of Birthright made sure Lexis King would reign as WWE Speed Champion. And the Muscles from Brussels stepped up to help EK step up to these entitled brats in a 2v2 situation. But before the match, the Drama King himself gets a mic so he can speak. “Hey, there’s no such thing as a slow news day when you are the Fastest Man Alive! And I do have some news to share with y’all, some terrible, terrible news. And y’know, I just wanted to come out here and cheer on my brothers, because they were gonna put on a tag team classic that only generational talent can do.
“But unfortunately for EK, he’s gonna have to prosper all on his own tonight! Because his Belgian bud suffered from a little accident.” They cue up footage, and it was Arianna Grace selfie video vlogging BIRTHRIGHT BEATING DVD UP! Oh no~! The fans boo as they don’t even try to hide what they did! EK makes his entrance and he rushes the ring! EK dodges Lexis, SUPERKICKS Stacks, fires hands on Charlie & Uriah, then SUPERKICKS Lexis! But it’s still a numbers game! WAIT! Sean Legacy is here! #SuperSean rushes the ring to throw hands on Birthright! Things are evening out now, and they TOSS Birthright out! Then they SLIDE Stacks onto the pile!
The fans fire up as legacy is 100% and ready to roll! The ref slides in, and as they say, card subject to change! Birthright is riled up so they’re more than willing to take this fight! Will Prosper & Legacy make sure Birthright gets what they deserve?
EK Prosper & Sean Legacy VS Uriah Connors & Channing “Stacks” Lorenzo w/ Birthright!
Stacks rushes in, the bell rings, and Sean dodges to headlock. Stacks powers up and out, Legacy rolls through the hip toss, then trips Stacks up for a DOUBLE STOMP! And DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Legacy and he whips Stacks to ropes. Uriah sneaks the tag, Stacks sunset flips but Legacy stays up. But then Legacy lets himself roll back to avoid Uriah’s lariat! Legacy blocks Uriah’s kick, hands it to Stacks, then he SUPERKICKS Stacks! Then a GERMAN SUPLEX for Uriah! The fans fire up as Legacy stands Uriah up, CHOPS him, and CHOPS again! Uriah sputters but Legacy snapmares for a KICK to the back! Cover, TWO!
Legacy keeps Uriah from his corner, brings him over to EK and EK tags in. EK goes up, up, and DOUBLE STOMPS Uriah on the back! The fans fire up as EK headlocks but Uriah powers out. Stacks tags in, they drop down and hurdle, but EK ducks the double lariat to NO HAND HANDSPRING! Birthright dodges, but EK comes back to DOUBLE DROPKICK! The fans fire up with EK, and he runs up on Uriah. Uriah puts him on the apron, Stacks trips EK up, and EK hits apron! Uriah BLASTS legacy , then he DIVES! Down goes EK, and then Stacks PLANCHAS! The fans boo but Birthright proves they can fly! They also stand tall while NXT goes to break.
NXT returns as the fans rally for Legacy, but Uriah drags him up. Uriah stomps Legacy back down, kicks him around, and talks trash while he does. Uriah then stands Legacy up to CHOP! Uriah runs up, Legacy puts him on the apron, but Uriah ROCKS him! Uriah goes up but Legacy GAMANGIRIS! The fans rally as Legacy climbs, but Uriah fires body shots! Uriah goes up, calls his shot, but Legacy SUPER BACKDROPS him! Then QUEBRADA into the SAVING GRACE! Both men are down but the fans fire up again! Legacy and Uriah crawl, hot tags to Stacks and EK! The fans fire up as Prosper somersaults to NECKBREAKER DROP Stacks!
EK dodges Uriah to ENZIGIRI! Then he runs up on Stacks, blocks a boot, and DROPKICKS! The fans fire up as EK wrenches Uriah, kicks off Stacks, TORNADO DDT on Uriah! EK gets moving, springboard to DOUBLE QUEBRADA! Then a MICHINOKU DRIVER on Stacks! Uriah SUPERKICKS the cover apart! Legacy BOOTS Uriah! Stacks ENZIGIRIS Legacy! Stacks catches EK to a waistlock, they go to the ropes, and Uriah tags in before EK can buck the O’Conner! Stacks sends EK back into the corner for a GAMANGIRI! Then FLATLINER! Uriah is up top, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Legacy DOUBLE STOMPS it apart!
The fans fire up but Stacks is on Legacy! “This is Awesome!” as Stacks whips but Legacy stops himself. Legacy DUMPS Stacks out, then runs up on Uriah. Uriah dodges to SUPERKICK! Legacy tumbles out, Uriah builds speed, but Legacy is back! Stacks tags in before the SPANISH FLY! EK SHINING WIZARDS Stacks! EK then goes up, up, and Legacy tags in! MOONSAULT onto Stacks! Legacy hauls Stacks up, for SHAMBLES!! Cover, Legacy & Prosper win!
Winners: EK Prosper & Sean Legacy, by pinfall
But then Birthright attacks, the sore losers! The fans boo but it is a 4v2 mugging! Lexis has them set EK up while Stacks holds Legacy back. Lexis throws hands, but wait! TATE WILDER is here?! And he goes up, up, and away with a DOUBLE MISSLE DROPKICK! The Modern Day Cowboy then SLINGBLADES Lexis! Wilder fires off hands, then he TOSSES Stacks! Legacy has Dempsey while Wilder DOUBLE SHOOTING STAR ATTACKS Birthright on the outside! Legacy TOSSES Dempsey, Lexis scrambles around, and security rushes out here before this gets any wilder than it already is! But has Birthright found out they can’t just do what they want when they want?
The women’s locker room is buzzing.
Thea Hail wonders with all the faces we’re seeing for the men, and with Fatal Influence on SmackDown, will some new ladies show up? Jaida Parker says NXT is literally anyone’s for the taking, so who knows. Meanwhile, Kali Armstrong walks in and asks why everyone’s worried. Jaida says they’re not worried, they’re just unsure. Kali says oh, Jaida Parker is scared of a little competition. What was that? Kali says Jaida is scared! Oh, okay, that’s what Jaida thought she said. But Jaida ain’t ever scared, so Kali better tread lightly. Or what?! Thea says she wouldn’t do that, Kali. Uh, ain’t nobody asked you!
Kali says that’s the problem with the NXT Women’s Division. Kali is gonna be THE difference maker up in here! And if that has to start with checking Jaida, then so be it. Jaida says okay, we’re having none of that. Jaida stands up, Kali steps up, but the rest of the women step in so this doesn’t get physical. But to the point, with all this change, who pulls ahead as the new alpha female of NXT?
Shawn Michaels speaks.
“WWE NXT will soon be available in one place. NXT PLEs will air exclusively on CW starting this summer. All your favorite NXT superstars, the heart pounding action, will be available in one place, and that is only right here on the CW.” HBK drops a big news bomb, but how hot will this summer be now that the CW IS N X T?
Robert Stone talks with Tate Wilder backstage.
Suit Man Stone tells Tate he is “throwing caution to the wind, you look fired up.” They shake hands as Wilder says heck yeah, he’s fired up! Time to let him loose! Then welcome to NXT. Wilder heads out, Lola steps in, and Lola says if Izzi Dame wants to play games, them Lola is about to knock her ass out! The NXT Women’s Champion goes right to gorilla and makes her entrance! The fans cheer as the Mayor of Vice City goes right to the ring, grabs a mic, and tells Izzi, “Last week, you said The Culling was always two steps ahead. You blindsided me, and you think you did your big one. You think you had your moment.”
But Izzi, Lola feels sorry for you! Because Izzi can’t do anything on her own, and the moment she does, she is getting knocked out! Lola is here in this ring, no waiting, no hiding, and she wants Izzi to come out here so everyone can see what Lola’s about to do to her! The fans cheer, and Lola says she already told us she was gonna be the realest champion this place has ever seen! No excuses, just a straight up fight! So Izzi, mama, show her what you got! But Shawn Spears responds on the tron. “Hola, Lola. You really didn’t think this through, did you? Especially after what happened last week. But listen, champ, some free advice.
“If you’re looking to hang on to your NXT Women’s Championship, then you need to stay one step ahead, just like The Culling always is. One. Step. Ahead.” And yes, The Culling is now in the ring behind Lola! Lola says oh, looks like they got her again. Or did they? MR. IGUANA slides out from under the ring, La Yesca in mouth! The fans fire up as Iguana SMACKS Niko with Yesca, then throws her to Izzi! Izzi freaks out while Lola SOBATS Niko! Then SUPERKICK! Iguana RANAS Niko while Lola ROUNDHOUSES Izzi! The Culling is scurrying away as THE AAA Mixed Tag Team Champions are here! Will this dynamic duo teach The Culling a thing or two?
DarkState regroups.
Osiris tries to keep Dion calm, but Saquon is heated. What were they doing?! Is this what Dion wanted? Dion must be real happy now, huh? Dion says no, he was genuinely trying to help out. Saquon says he didn’t need it, fool! Just cuz Dion couldn’t get the job done last week… Oh, now Saquon’s making this personal? Saquon can’t seriously believe Dion would cost him gold on purpose! Saquon says he doesn’t know what to believe, Dion has been acting real weird as of late! Dion says don’t act like Dion never put Saquon on game. Dion gave Saquon HIS tag title, didn’t he? Oh, yeah, a participation trophy, real nice!
Cutler shouts at them both to shut up! They did it Dion’s way, they did it Saquon’s way, and it didn’t work out! Just give it up! Osiris says Dion & Saquon need to get their heads out their asses, that’s why they’re dropping the ball. Now, here’s a new plan. The first gold was tag gold, so let’s go get that back. Cutler & Osiris head out, Dion & Saquon cool off. Will starting from square one be just the thing for DarkState to survive?
Lizzy Rain VS Nikkita Lyons!
The newest star of NXT and the lover of all things heavy metal makes her entrance as she says, “Scream for me, NXT! Lizzy Rain is bringing heavy metal tonight! And the world is about to find out that Lizzy Rain and heavy metal will never, ever DIE!” The fans cheer the rock ‘n’ roll, but Lizzy is going up against #BigKatKita and her love of hip hop. Will this battle of the genres turn out alright for Lizzy? Or will she fail to top the charts in her debut?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally as the two tie up, go around, and Lyons KNEES low. Lyons THROWS Lizzy by her hair, then swaggers, only for Lizzy to kip up! The fans cheer as Lizzy dodges then THROWS Lyons by her mane! Lizzy runs up to CHOP, then she reels Lyons in. Lyons fights the suplex wrench and BODY BLOW! Lizzy dodges the lariat to springboard and BACK ELBOW! The fans fire up as Lizzy ELBOWS in the corner, then goes up, up, and BOOTS! Lizzy leaps, but Lyons catches her! Lyons grins, swings, and SLAMS Lizzy down! Lizzy sputters, Lyons roars, HEEL KICK!! Lyons rains down forearms!
The fans are torn but then Lyons YAM SLAMS! Lizzy sputters away but the fans rally up. Lyons runs in at the corner, JUMP PUNCH! Lyons then tells Lizzy that if she wants to head bang, let’s head bang! Lyons dribbles Lizzy’s head off buckles! The ref counts, Lyons mocks the rockstar, but Lizzy CHOPS! Lyons BODY BLOWS, then she SCRAPES Lizzy’s face off ropes! The fans cheer, “Make It Rain!” Lyons says shut up! But Lizzy CHOPS Lyons’ leg! Lyons CHOPS Lizzy, KICKS her down, then covers, TWO! Lyons is frustrated but she clamps on with a half nelson, then the COBRA CLUTCH! The fans rally as Lizzy endures.
Lizzy fights up, but Lyons ripcords. Lyons swings but Lizzy ducks, to then BOOT Lyons away! Lizzy ducks a heel kick, but then so does Lyons! But Lizzy comes back with the ROUNDHOUSE! Lyons sputters and flounders, but Lizzy LARIATS! And LARIATS! Then the Matrix bridge for the CUTTER! The fans fire up with Lizzy, and she’s ready to rock! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Fans chant along, “MAKE, IT, RAIN!” MACHINE GUN CHOPS!! Lizzy then fireman’s carries, but Lyons fights free! THRUST KICK! Lizzy staggers, Lyons scoops, and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!
The fans rally for Lizzy but Lyons drags her to a drop zone. Lyons stomps Lizzy, then she goes up the corner. VADER BOMB FLOPS as Lizzy moves! The fans fire up again, and Lizzy goes up and over, somersaults, then LEAPING HEADBUTTS! Now that’s head banging! Lizzy fires up again, then runs up, THUNDER STRUCK!! Cover, Lizzy wins!
Winner: Lizzy Rain, by pinfall
Lizzy rocked the house and the fans are loving it! But will it be long before Lizzy reigns in NXT?
Myles Borne and Tavion Heights talk backstage.
Myles asks what the heck was that! Which part? Myles getting dropped by Kam Hendrix or Tavion dropping Tony D? Myles says he will handle Kam, but he wants to know why Tavion attacked Tony. Uh, that’s Tavion getting his opportunity! That’s him kicking down the door. But that’s not like Tavion. Oh, so Tavion can’t shine with Myles? The spotlight ain’t big enough for the both of them? As if it wasn’t exactly the same thing Myles did to Ethan. But no, now that Myles has a title, he’s gonna act different. Myles says let’s not do that. What he’s saying is, that caught him by surprise. But Tavion is right, NXT is prime for the taking. There are guys coming from all over!
Like that Tristan Angels guy, Kam Hendrix, and that big guy hitting a moonsault! Tavion says add him to the list, champ. Tavion heads out, but Keanu steps in. Keanu says he told Tony, and now he tells Myles, this place is full of sharks, and they’re circling. And you are looking at the Great White. Keanu heads back out, will Myles have to watch his back from now on?
Vanity Project meets up backstage.
Jackson Drake says, “Beep, beep, beep, beep, birthday alert!” Drake pats Ricky Smokes on the shoulder and Smokes says thanks, guys. But just so they know, Drake says things are looking up. And not just cuz Miss Micah’s tall, heh heh. Brad Baylor says yeah, the reality of it is, NXT is changing. Everyone knows Smokes & Brad have the tag division on lock, so now it is Drake’s chance to stand out. For real! New people jumping railings, out of the sky, dudes offering gifts for title shots?! What?! Drake says now he has Micah. Ever since last week, he just feels he’s on top of the world! No one can touch them! He can take on anything! He’s in there like swimwear!
But then Jasper Troy steps in. The MonStar says, “Talk, talk, talk, talk, talk. Jackson, you’ve got a wide mouth, but not much to show for it. Luckily, your boys have these tag titles. You’re focused on dating apps, you should be focused on gold.” Drake asks what Troy just said, and Troy says someone just got rage baited. If he wants a date so bad, Drake VS Troy in the ring, next week. Troy leaves, Swipe Right says chill. But will Dr. Thirst be able to take a bite out of big bad Troy? Or will Drake be the one facing heartbreak while Troy heads for a title?
Kelani Jordan VS Wren Sinclair w/ Kendal Grey!
The Standout continues to mouth off, but she’s also ready to throw down! Will she score a win on the WWE Women’s Speed Champion? Or will the #WrenQCC prove they’re ready for bigger and better?
NXT returns as Wren makes her entrance, Kendal following. The bell rings and the two tie up, Lani waistlocks and SLAMS Wren down, then floats all over her. Lani rear mounts, then talks trash by saying she knows how to wrestle, too. They tie up again, but now Wren waistlocks. Wren half nelsons Lani, spins her, but Lani powers out of the cravat. Lani runs up, goes for a roll-up, but Wren sits on it! TWO and Lani sunset flips it! TWO and Wren sits on the cover, ONE! Wren runs back up but into a shove! Lani talks trash, but Wren TACKLES Lani! Wren then turns Lani over, hooks up the legs, and scissors a leg for a modified toehold!
The fans rally as Lani endures, but Lani reaches back to headlock. Wren slips free to hammerlock, but Lani fights to her feet. Lani ELBOWS free, then headlocks. Lani hits the takeover, but Wren powers her way tot he headscissors. The fans rally but Lani kips up, only for Wren to wrangle her back down! Lani kips free again, cartwheels, but ends up back in the headscissor hold! Lani kips up again, but is brought right back down! Lani flips over, has Wren’s leg, but Wren floats to a headlock. Lani fights up again, powers out, but Wren RUNS her over! Things keep moving, Lani drops down then hurdles over, only for Wren to catch Lani to a cover, TWO! Lani has Wren again, TWO!
Both women scramble up, Lani dodges to slingshot arm-drag! Wren staggers up into a DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Lani is frustrated, but she brings Wren up to CLUB her down! And CLUB her again! Lani bumps Wren off buckles, stomps a mudhole in, but the ref counts. Lani stops at 4 and Kendal coaches Wren. Lani storms back up but Wren BODY BLOWS! Lani CLUBS Wren down for that, then stands her up. Lani goes to buckle bump but Wren blocks! Wren ELBOWS Lani, then whips Lani to ropes. Lani reverses, Wren RUNS her over, then things keep moving! Basement BULLDOG! Cover, TWO!
Lani stays in this but Wren stays focused. The fans rally as Wren runs up in the corner, but Lani dodges! Lani comes back, but she blocks boots to put Wren int he ropes! Lani CLUBS Wren, then goes up, but Wren avoids the guillotine leg drop! Wren ROCKS Lani, then SOBATS! Lani tumbles to the floor, Wren takes aim, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! The fans fire up for Wren but she hobbles as she stands back up. Wren says she’s fine but we’ll see, as NXT goes picture in picture.
Wren hobbles after Lani, drags her up, and puts her in the ring. Wren rolls in, then runs to tilt-o-whirl and IRON OCTOPUS! Lani endures as Wren pulls on the arm! Lani manages to power her way through and dump Wren, but Wren sunset flips it! TWO, and Lani goes to a corner. Wren storms up, whips corner to corner, but Lani reverses. Wren goes up, but Lani blocks the over to THROW Wren down! Wren writhes and clutches her knee, but Lani pushes her down. Lani stomps away on the bad leg, then DDTS the foot! Wren writhes more but Lani steps on her leg. Lani puts Wren’s leg on the ropes to stand on it again!
The ref counts, Lani stops at 4, then stalks Wren. Lani drags Wren around, hooks the leg up, and SNAP LOCKS it! Wren writhes again but Lani just soaks up the heat. Lani drags Wren around, steps through, and has a standing toehold! Lani endures, keeps her shoulders up, and Kendal coaches her. Wren moves around, kicks at Lani with the free leg, and kicks her way free! Lani hurries back but Wren BODY BLOWS! And BODY BLOWS! And BODY BLOWS again! Lani sputters but Wren whips her to ropes. Lani reverses to kick the bad leg out! Lani then drags Wren back up for a SHIN BREAKER! Wren falls and writhes while Lani soaks up more heat.
Lani drags Wren, snapmares, and she twists the bad leg. Wren endures as she moves around again, and NXT returns to single picture. Lani keeps on the toehold but Wren kicks and kicks and kicks free again! Wren then catches Lani to a cradle, TWO! Lani pulls Wren’s hair, lifts, but Wren sunset flips! TWO, and Lani CHOP BLOCKS the leg! Wren writhes again but Lani doesn’t stop. Lani steps over on the bad leg, but Wren BOOTS her out of the ring! Wren hobbles but Lani is back! Wren jumps the chop block to CHOP Lani! And CHOP again! The fans fire up as Wren DOUBLE CHOPS! And LARIATS! Then she dodges a shot to LARIAT Lani again!
The fans fire up with Wren as she shakes the bad leg out. Wren runs up in the corner to SPLASH! Then BUTTERFLY PLEX! Cover, TWO! Lani survives but the fans cheer on “WREN Q C C! WREN Q C C!” Wren underhooks again but Lani blocks! Lani wrenches out, kicks the bad leg, then brings Wren up again. Lani wrenches and fireman’s carries, but Wren slips free! O’Conner Roll, TWO! Wren flounders but Lani runs up! Wren DUMPS Lani to the apron! Lani KICKS the bad leg again! The fans boo but Lani slingshots for the CUTTER! Wren sputters but Lani goes up the corner! Lani aims for the FROG SPLASH but onto knees! Cover, TWO!
Lani survives the turnaround but Wren hurries to get the arm! FINAL WRENCH!! But Wren’s bad leg won’t let her bridge! Lani is up, and she wrenches Wren into the ANGLE SLAM! Then Lani puts Wren in the drop zone for her ONE OF A KIND SAULT! Cover, Lani wins!
Winner: Kelani Jordan, by pinfall
The Standout took advantage of Wren having one leg to stand on, and now she stands tall. Will Lani make it clear that she gets next when it comes to the title opportunities?
Zaria speaks.
Looking at the burning wreckage that was Sol Ruca’s ship, “Much like a wave, you were a thing of beauty from a distance. But up close, you were drowning me until I finally opened my eyes and remembered who I am.” The vision of Sol fades dithers away, and Zaria says she doesn’t make compromises, she doesn’t let anyone extinguish her. She burned through the tide until Sol was evaporated. And now that Sol is gone, all she sees is the path forward. Zaria will scorch everyone and everything in her way! The Agent of Change is ready to change the landscape, but will she truly shape NXT in her image?
Ricky Saints VS Shiloh Hill!
While the Absolute is already advertised for SmackDown, he has a score to settle here in NXT. Granted, Ricky’s been the one talking down to Shiloh, and was the one who wanted to tip the scales in Ethan Page’s favor against Tony D, only for Shiloh to stand up to him. Will Saints get one last win on his way out? Or will NXT now belong to #ToothlessAggression?
The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, but then Saints CLUBS Shiloh while he’s not looking! Saints fires off, then CHOPS and ROCKS Shiloh in the corner. Saints stomps away, but he stops as the ref counts. The fans rally for Shiloh and he fires hands! Saints KNEES low, bumps Shiloh off buckles, but then Shiloh turns things around! DOUBLE CHOP! Saints is stinging but Shiloh whips. Saints reverses and ELBOWS Shiloh down! Saints stomps Shiloh, drags him up, and ELBOWS him! Saints brings Shiloh up but Shiloh fires body shots and haymakers! Shiloh blocks a kick, ducks the enzigiri, and he deadlifts Saints onto the ropes!
Shiloh CLUBS away on Saints’ back, then he winds up to DOUBLE CHOP! The fans cheer as Shiloh KNEE LIFTS Saints to the floor! Shiloh goes out after Saints, brings him up, and CLUBS him again. Shiloh whips but Saints tiger feints on the apron to kick Shiloh down! Saints strikes a pose, but Shiloh crawls under the ring! Saints goes to fetch Shiloh, stomps at him, but then yanks out… a dummy?! Shiloh made a double of himself, and Shiloh CANNONBALLS from the steps! The fans fire up for the unorthodox genius, and he shakes hands with his dummy. Shiloh cradles and dances with his dummy while NXT goes picture in picture.
Shiloh carries his dummy, perhaps nicknamed “Jason” given the mask it wears, and sits it on the barriers. Shiloh goes back for Saints, brings him up, and whips him at the ring again. Saints rolls in, staggers to his feet, and Shiloh scoops to SLAM! Then FIST DROP! Saints scrambles away, Shiloh runs up, but Saints FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS Shiloh down! Saints rains down fists fast, but stops so he can bring Shiloh up. Saints bumps Shiloh off buckles, CLUBS away, then ROCKS Shiloh with a forearm. The ref counts again but Saints snapmares Shiloh down for a JUMP KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO!
Saints is frustrated but he CLUBS Shiloh again. And ROCKS him with another forearm. Shiloh slumps against the ropes but Saints brings him to the corner. Shiloh fires back with body shots and haymakers, and he backs Saints down. Shiloh whips, Saints reverses, and Shiloh hits buckles! Saints hurries to stomp away on Shiloh in the corner! The ref counts, Saints stops, and he again snapmares Shiloh. Saints KICKS Shiloh in the back, then grabs the arms for a motorcycle stretch! Shiloh endures, reaches out, and fights up to his feet. Shiloh RAMS Saints into a corner, then fires off body shots! Shiloh RAMS into Saints, then whips corner to corner.
Shiloh runs up, but Saints dodges! Shiloh hits buckles again, and Saints runs to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Shiloh survives but saints stays on him. They throw hands as NXT returns to single picture, and the fans rally behind Shiloh. Shiloh ROCKS and whips Saints, but Saints crossbodies, only for Shiloh to catch him! But Saints makes it a DDT! Cover, TWO! Shiloh survives and Saints grows frustrated. The fans rally up while Saints scuffs Shiloh. Saints kicks Shiloh, but Shiloh rises up. Saints reels Shiloh in, REVOLUTION- NO, Shiloh powers out of the DDT, then scoops to POWERSLAM! Both men are down but the fans fire up!
Shiloh rises up, Saints ROCKS him, but Shiloh just roars! the fans fire upas Shiloh DECKS Saints, DECKS him again, then scoops and DROPS him! Whip and scoop, TILT-O-WHIRL SLAM! Cover, TWO! Saints survives but Shiloh drags him up. Saints JAWBREAKERS free, but Shiloh HEADBUTTS in return! And then the IMPLDER SENTON but into a body scissors! Saints has the REAR NAKED CHOKE! Shiloh fights the scissors while the fans rally up, and Shiloh moves around. Saints is a backpack on Shiloh, but Shiloh swings Saints around to back suplex! Saints lands out, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and ABSOLUTE SPEARS! Cover, TWO!!
Shiloh survives and the fans cheer but Saints is furious! Saints fires a forearm, Shiloh fires back, and repeat. The fans rally and even duel as the shots keep going! Saints UPPERCUTS, Shiloh ROCKS Saints, repeat! Shiloh ROCKS, whips, and POP-UP FOREARMS! Saints is down, Shiloh hits the IMPLODER! Cover, TWO! Saints survives but Shiloh snarls. Shiloh goes to a corner, climbs up top, but Saints staggers around. He shoves the ref into the rope to trip Shiloh up! The fans boo and the ref reprimands, but Saints is wily as always. Saints goes up after Shiloh, brings him up to the very top, for a SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO!!
The fans fire up as Shiloh survives! Saints is frustrated, but he SLAPS Shiloh around. Saints brings Shiloh over to a corner, SLAPS and CLUBS him, then he goes up the ropes. Saints SMACKS Shiloh, and the fake tooth comes out! Saints goes Old School, but #ToothlessAggression has been activated! Shiloh BOOTS the ropes to trip Saints onto his absolute! Shiloh SHAKES the ropes to make it worse! Shiloh then BOOTS Saints down! Shiloh goes out, but Saints FLAPJACKS him off the steps! Then Saints reels Shiloh in, Canadian Rack, ROSHAMBEAUX on the floor! Saints puts Shiloh in, and he grabs a chair!
The fans boo but Saints doesn’t care, he’s head to SmackDown! The ref stops Saints from using the chair, and Shiloh ROCKS Saints! Drop toehold onto the chair! Then the WHISPER TO THE BEAST! Cover, Shiloh wins!!
Winner: Shiloh Hill, by pinfall
Whether or not the simulator prepared Shiloh for this exact fight, that training certainly paid off! Toothless and ruthless, will Shiloh soon find himself on top of NXT?
Tony D’Angelo meets with the heads of NXT.
The champion sits down with Stone, HBK, and Bloom. Tony says Keanu is right: The sharks are circling, and they got one on him. But y’know what? Tony loves the chaos! HBK says Tony won that title, Tony IS NXT Champion. Now, time for Tony to prove it. Damn right! LET’S EFFIN’ GO! HBK likes the fire as Tony D heads out, but just how chaotic will things get in this new chapter of the silver ‘n’ black era?
My Thoughts:
A great NXT, especially with them being much more… transparent, I suppose, on how they’re handling call-ups and the new names coming into NXT. For one, I really liked the chaotic nature of bringing such new names out. I’m rather surprised Tristan Angels is already making his NXT debut when he really only just started on Evolve (from what episodes have aired, anyway). Kam Hendrix making his move also went well, and while Evil and Tavion got the spotlight, they were very sneaky about having Will Kroos, formerly of Pro-Wrestling Noah and Progress Wrestling, show up here. And I like Tony’s character saying he welcomes it all. We could get some great stuff on the road to the next NXT PLE, which I believe is Great American Bash in July.
Speaking of which, the news about NXT being fully on CW here in the States is… interesting. I certainly would not have guessed PLEs would end up on TV through CW, and they absolutely better make sure they air at the same time on ALL CW stations nationwide. I am sick and tired of El Paso CW not airing NXT at the right time, I am NOT stomaching a late PLE. Moving on from that, the DarkState dysfunction continues to grow, and I like that Cutler & Osiris are the ones keeping order. If the group is meant to be four equal parts, then it’s about time because those two always felt secondary to both Dion and Saquon.
Very good promo from Vanity Project, and I oddly like that Drake is committed to Micah (formerly Bayley Matthews), that he likes her for her. Jackson Drake VS Jasper Troy is going to be a really good match, and I feel like Micah Matthews should get involved to become the female muscle to Vanity Project, like a modern day Chyna in DX. Really good stuff with Birthright and the formerly WWE ID/Evolve talent. I hope their “attack” on Dorian isn’t to cover up for an injury. Though, maybe he’s in LFG? I have seen various Evolve and WWE ID names in the trailer, but I don’t get all the playing around with kayfabe just to cover for who is on that show.
Either way, great tag win for Legacy & Prosper, and great spot for Wilder to debut as he backs them up. Maybe DVD is just fine, and now we can get an 8 Man Tag of Birthright VS Legacy, Prosper, Wilder & DVD. Very good match from Lizzy VS Lyons, and naturally Lizzy gets the win in her debut. Lizzy’s got a solid character and mic skills, but time will tell how quickly she rises up the rank. Very good promo from the women’s locker room, but there’s some irony to Thea worrying about new talent showing up when there were Evolve talent making cameos in that promo. Kali calling Jaida out is great stuff, that will be a great feud in the background of the title stories.
Speaking of which, very good promo from Lola with The Culling, and Iguana showing up was very well done. The Mixed Tag will be a great match, but win, lose, or draw, this will of course give us Lola VS Izzi for the title. Very good promo from Lani with WrenQCC, and a very good match from Lani VS Wren. Lani is definitely building momentum towards her own title match, but that might not be until Great American Bash or some time after. Very good promo from Zaria, though that video was clearly helped by AI. Zaria herself can build momentum towards a title match, and seeing her feud with some of the other contenders would be good stuff.
Tatum and Shiloh had a good promo, but it’s a little silly for them to pretend Blake is legit dead/dying when she was advertised for SmackDown. Though, I suppose Tony D “killed off” Pretty Deadly before they showed up on SmackDown, so whatever. Shiloh VS Saints was a very good main event match, and that was a great win for Shiloh. Shiloh himself can get involved in a title story, but how fun would it be if he and Tatum were both the North American Champions at the same time? They aren’t officially a kayfabe couple, not even sure if they’re a shoot couple, but it’d be really fun to have the titles be part of their dynamic since they have such great chemistry.
My Score: 8.8/10
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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
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