Will the champions of Raw be ready for the rest of Summer?

Bobby Lashley dominated at Money in the Bank, “welcomed” Keith Lee back to Raw last week, but now GOLD~ BERG~ wants his shot! How will the All Mighty respond?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE United States Championship Contender’s Match: Sheamus VS Damian Priest; Priest wins and will have a future WWE United States Championship match.
• Raw Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Omos VS The Viking Raiders; Styles & Omos win and retain the titles.
• Drew McIntyre VS Veer w/ Jinder Mahal; Veer wins, by disqualification.
• Natalya & Tamina VS Eva Marie & “Doudrop” Piper Niven; Natalya & Tamina win.
• Karrion Kross VS Keith Lee; Kross wins.
• Mustafa Ali & Mansoor VS Mace & T-Bar; Ali & Mansoor win.
• 2v1 Handicap Match: Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP; Lashley wins.
• Matt Riddle VS John Morrison w/ The Miz; Morrison wins.
• WWE 24/7 Championship: Reginald VS R-Truth; Reginald wins and retains the title.
• Nikki A.S.H. VS Charlotte Flair; Charlotte wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Nikki A.S.H is here!

Almost a Super Hero, DEFINITELY a champion! Nikki was only Ms. Money in the Bank for 24 hours and she cashed in to take the Raw Women’s Championship from Charlotte Flair! And she has a mic now to speak to Kansas City, Missouri as they chant her name. “I’ve always wanted to say this: Welcome to Monday Night Raaaaw~!” Fans cheer and Nikki says she is so happy that they’re all here together as she stands here the NEW Raw Women’s Champion! And this feels like a dream. Fans chant, “You Deserve It!” and Nikki smiles as she says, “I keep pinching myself to make sure I’m awake. But this dream is now real!”

Nikki knows in the past, when she reached for the stars, she just didn’t have the confidence that she needed. She was so afraid to fail. But then one day she realized, if she fails, she fails. It’s not a big deal, because she’s still herself. And when she put on this superhero outfit, it gives her the confidence and reminds her. She wants it to remind all of us that no matter what, if you believe in yourself, you can overcome all of the odds! “It worked for me, it can work for you! We can all almost be superheroes!” But Charlotte Flair shows up to interrupt the celebration. The Queen goes to the ring and insists the champion open the ropes for her. A WWE ringside staffer does that for her instead.

Charlotte gets herself a mic as fans boo and some “WOO~.” “Aww, Nikki Ash. That’s nice. That’s a nice fairy tale you’re telling. Except your fairy tale doesn’t have a happy ending.” Nikki as champion is a DISGRACE! She is supposed to represent the WWE, all dressed up like this? Fans like the costume! Charlotte can see Nikki on NBC Today now, and Al Roker will laugh in her face because not even he can believe she’s champion. Maybe the fans believe, but in Charlotte’s book, you have to work for it to be a champion! She sure doesn’t believe this. But that’s why she’s here: to add her star power and perspective!

So just wait. Before this almost idiot takes another victory lap, let’s take a closer look to what really happened last week. Fans tell Charlotte, “You Suck! You Suck!” Charlotte tells them to hush before she tells them to suck it. But like she was saying, she proved her superiority over Rhea Ripley and retained her Raw Women’s Championship, Rhea couldn’t handle it. Rhea acted out like the spoiled, bratty teenager who had her phone taken, and that’s the only way Nikki could cash in. It is beneath Charlotte to complain, but she wasn’t even on her feet when the match started. Charlotte didn’t stand a chance but that’s how Nikki stole the title!

Fans boo Charlotte but Charlotte says she’ll stand here as The Opportunity while Nikki will play dress-up. Charlotte will get her rematch at SummerSlam, Nikki won’t stand a chance, and we’ll all bow down to the REAL champion! Actually, all this injustice isn’t even Nikki’s fault. It’s all the FANS’ fault! They’ve cheered when Charlotte was victimized and cheated! They’re all jealous of Charlotte! The fans are the same when they see the people at work, at home, at school are more successful than you, you want to drag them down! But here comes Rhea Ripley! The Nightmare goes right to the ring and says, “Yeah, yeah, Charlotte. We’re all so jealous of you.”

Fans cheer for Rhea as she says it’s so hard to be jealous of someone who held the title for one whole day. But look, 11-time champion or not, the only way you can win a title is pinfall or submission. And she got herself disqualified because Charlotte was going to lose! SO RHEA should get the rematch at SummerSlam. Nikki tells them all to hold on. Who said anything about either one of these two winning at SummerSlam? Each of them represented the division wonderfully, but like Nikki’s butterfly represents, “This Women’s Division is ready for a metamorphosis! And I will be leading that change as YOUR new Raw Women’s Champion!”

Charlotte’s had it with the superhero crap. Nikki can won everyone else over with her ripoff outfits, but Charlotte is walking out of SummerSlam as champ! Rhea says the title isn’t Charlotte’s, it’s HERS! But Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce walk out to cool this situation down before it all spins out of control. A lot of good arguments here, but let’s take some time to address them. In light of the highly unusual circumstance is to make a TRIPLE THREAT for the Raw Women’s Championship at SummerSlam! Charlotte says that’s ridiculous! Oh, well, hold on. Rhea and Charlotte can both get their opportunity.

But that isn’t what Charlotte wants! Nikki is a fluke, Rhea isn’t worthy, Charlotte wants her match TONIGHT! Then she can prove Nikki will never be in Charlotte’s league. Nikki says, “YOU’RE ON!!” Rhea laughs at Charlotte but Charlotte CLOBBERS her! Charlotte throws Rhea out, rushes at Nikki, and Nikki dodges to dropkick Charlotte out! Will Almost a Super Hero definitely win against Charlotte and prove she’s a true champion?

Damian Priest speaks.

Sheamus doesn’t deserve to be United States Champion. A champion defends his title. Sheamus makes excuses, complains, and attacks people from behind. That’s not a champion, that’s a coward, that’s a bully. He deserves to get his ass kicked.” Priest dares Sheamus to grow a pair and face him head on! Will the Fella be shot down by the Archer of Infamy?

Sheamus VS Damian Priest!

Raw returns and the Celtic Warrior is already in the ring, his metal face brace still on. Priest makes his entrance and if Priest wins, he gets his US Championship match down the line! Can Priest hit the bull’s eye? Or will he end up with a broken bow on account of a Brogue?

The bell rings and the two tie up right away. Sheamus puts Priest on ropes but Priest puts Sheamus in a corner. They go along ropes, break, and then tie up again. Sheamus headlocks, hits a takeover, but Priest fights up. Priest powers out, Sheamus runs him over, and fans fire up as things speed up. Priest jumps to CLOBBER Sheamus! Sheamus gets up into an arm-drag! Sheamus fights back up, puts Priest on ropes, then knees low as the ref counts! Sheamus CLUBS Priest down, CLUBS him more, then brings him to a corner. Priest blocks the buckle bump to fire off heavy hands! Priest whips, Sheamus reverses but Priest kicks back! Priest eggs Sheamus on, then ducks to back elbow!

Sheamus gets up but Priest clotheslines him out! The ref counts, Sheamus gets up but Priest BOOTS him down! Priest runs to go up, and just fake Sheamus out. Priest slips out to run and leap, but into Sheamus’ APRON BACK SUPLEX! “Are you not entertained?!” Fans seem divided on that as Raw goes picture in picture.

Sheamus catches his breath, adjusts his mask, and Priest drags himself into the ring. Sheamus gets up on the apron, stands Priest up then throws haymakers! Priest staggers, stands back up, and Sheamus ROCKS him again! Sheamus soaks up the heat and Priest flops down as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Sheamus CLUBS Priest. Sheamus puts on the Dublin Smile but Priest powers up and pries free! Sheamus CLUBS Priest in the back with forearms, then shoves Priest, only for Priest to LARIAT on the rebound! Both men are down and fans fire up. Priest rises, Sheamus slowly follows, and Priest ROCKS Sheamus with a forearm! And then a flurry of fists, and the BELL CLAP! WHEEL KICK! The face mask comes off!! Fans fire up, Sheamus is in a corner, Priest runs in, into DOUBLE BOOTS! Sheamus skins the cat to the top rope, stands up, but Priest choke grips! For a SUPER SOUTH OF HEAVEN CHOKE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!?!

Sheamus survives and Kansas City can’t believe it! Priest gets up, drags Sheamus back up by his hair, and reels him in! But Sheamus slips out to Alabama lift, for an ALABAMA SLAM! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and now Sheamus is in shock! Sheamus gets up, stomps Priest, then gets his legs. Priest resists the Cloverleaf, pries at the fingers, and gets free to kick away at Sheamus’ chest! Kick after kick after kick then an arm-drag from the floor! Priest gets up, blocks a forearm with a forearm, then fires off more KICKS! ROLLING ELBOW! Sheamus comes back to KNEE! Cover, TWO!!! No one can believe that the Archer of Infamy still lives!

Priest gets himself to ropes, Sheamus hobbles to a corner and Sheamus powers up. Priest is on the apron, though, so Sheamus storms over to club him! Sheamus wants the Bodhrain but Priest fights with elbows! Priest then wrenches and ROUNDHOUSES! Priest gets in, reels Sheamus in, HIT THE LIGHTS!! Cover, Priest wins!!

Winner: Damian Priest, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE US Championship)

That was a reckoning! Sheamus shouts about his nose and demands a doctor check his face! Will the Fella find a way to avoid defending his title, even after all this?

Raw Tag Team Championships: AJ Styles & Omos VS The Viking Raiders!

It was a phenomenal defense for the champs at Money in the Bank, but a quick turnaround and now Erik & Ivar get one more chance! Will the raid finally win these tag titles back? Or will Styles & Omos continue to tower over Raw?

The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and Kansas City joins the raid!

Erik starts with Styles but Styles wonders if he should tag Omos. SHOTGUN KNEES! Too slow, Styles! Ivar tags in but Styles dodges, only to get a SEATED SENTON! Tag to Erik, Ivar CLUBS Omos, but he stays up! So Erik picks up Ivar to RAM Omos off the apron! And then Erik DIVES to knock Omos into barriers! But Omos is back up! Styles runs into a HEEL KICK from Ivar! Tag to Erik, they feed Styles to THOR’S HAMMER!!! Cover, Omos drags Erik out and hard! The ref reprimands but Ivar rushes out, only for Omos to KNEE him low! Omos RAMS Ivar into Erik at the barriers! Omos roars and he glares down at the Viking Raiders as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Omos wrenches Erik’s neck! The fans rally up as Erik endures. Erik fights up but Omos throws him down by his head! Tag to Styles, Styles snapmares Erik and wraps on a chinlock. Styles thrashes around, Erik endures and fights up to fight back. Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz but Erik DECKS him! Both men are down, crawling, hot tag to Ivar! The War Beard rallies on Styles, then scoops to SIDEWALK SLAM! BASEMENT SPLASH! Ivar roars, Styles gets to a corner, but Styles dodges the corner splash and fakes out the seated senton! But Ivar still puts Styles outside, only for Styles to ROKC him! PHENOMENAL-

Cartwheel!? Ivar dodges, runs back in, and LARIATS Styles down!! Fans are fired up as Ivar runs corner to corner but into a SUPERKICK! Styles goes up, leaps, and TORNADO DDT’s Ivar down! Both men are down and Styles crawls to a cover, TWO! Ivar survives but Styles reaches for Omos. Ivar keeps him away, ducks the enziguri and back suplexes, but Styles lands on his feet. Ivar SPLASHES Styles in the corner, tags Erik, and Styles gest fed to KNEES! Ivar goes after Omos, Erik gets Ace Ten Mao! Cover, TWO!! Omos kicks Ivar away and into barriers! Erik sees that and knows he needs to stop Styles! He waistlocks, but Styles breaks free to PELE!!

Styles crawls, and hot tags Omos! Omos runs in to scoop Erik for a MOUNTAIN SIZED SLAM! “This is MY house!” Back elbow into Erik! Ivar returns but runs into a BOOT! Omos throws Ivar out hard! Omos runs in to back elbow Erik again! Erik is down but Omos drags him back up! TWO HAND SLAM! Styles wants in, Omos gives him the tag. Styles aims from the apron, SPRINGBOARD 450 SPLASH! Cover, Styles & Omos win again!

Winners: AJ Styles & Omos, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)

That was definitely phenomenal and colossal! The Viking Raiders could not topple the Mountain of a Man, will anyone ever conquer that summit?

Drew McIntyre VS Veer w/ Jinder Mahal!

After giving Shanky THIRTY-FOUR chair shots to the back last week, he has eliminated one of the Modern Day Maharaja’s minions, and looks to do almost as much to the other! Will Veer regret ever helping Mahal mess up McIntyre at Money in the Bank?

Raw returns as Mahal, Veer and a new associate make their entrance. Mahal says McIntyre is despicable and the fans are disgusting! That assault on Shanky was horrible! But before Veer gives McIntyre what he deserves, Mahal will give him a chance to apologize. McIntyre shakes his head no. Oh well then, Mahal introduces us to his personal attorney! Vivant Gobar Hatasani, Esquire! And they are going to SUE McIntyre! It will take away everything, so this is his last chance. Apologize or else! Let bygones be bygones. “Jinder, shut up! Shut up, shut up, shut up.” McIntyre thinks for a second: Should he apologize? Fans say, “NO! NO! NO!”

Well, sometimes, McIntyre flies off the handle, but the WWE Universe is back so maybe Kansas City can help him. Should McIntyre apologize and buy Mahal a steak dinner? “NO!” Should McIntyre say, “Screw the lawyer,” and beat Veer within an inch of his life? “YES!” Well McIntyre’s with them! But here’s one last word for Mahal. Here’s a chant for the people to chant at Mahal everywhere and anywhere: “Drew is Gonna Kill~ You!” Veer gets in the ring, the bell sounds, and McIntyre turns his focus on the henchmen. They tie up, go around, and Veer puts McIntyre in a corner. Veer backs off to gloat a bit but McIntyre circles with him.

McIntyre and Veer tie up with knuckle locks but McIntyre wrenches to YANK an arm. Veer ROCKS McIntyre with a right, then scoop SLAMS him down! McIntyre gets up, Veer kicks and headlocks, but McIntyre powers up to power out. McIntyre runs and runs Veer over! Then he gets Veer up for a scoop SLAM of his own! McIntyre gets Veer back up, Veer SLAPS McIntyre! That was a mistake. McIntyre ROCKS Veer, shoves him and stomps a mudhole into him! And CHOPS and windmill haymakers! Mahal gets McIntyre’s attention by banging a chair around ringside. McIntyre glares at Mahal but Veer BOOTS McIntyre down! Veer rains down heavy hands from all sides!

Veer lets off, McIntyre gets up, and Veer has McIntyre in a corner. Veer whips corner to corner, runs in and back elbows! Veer runs to CLOBBER McIntyre with a body check! Veer adds a BIG elbow drop! Cover, ONE!! Veer gets McIntyre in a cravat and wrenches the neck. McIntyre endures, fights up, throws body shots, but Veer knees low! Veer whips McIntyre corner to corner, but McIntyre returns to CLOBBER Veer! McIntyre rallies, whips, and CLOBBERS Veer again! McIntyre dares Veer to get up and the fans fire up. Veer flounders about, McIntyre gets him in a clinch for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! Veer gets up, McIntyre gets around Veer to NECKBREAKER!

McIntyre kips up and fans fire up again! McIntyre keeps Veer from running away but Veer throat chops! Mahal slips the chair into the ring but McIntyre CLAYMORES it into Veer’s face!

Winner: Veer, by disqualification

A bit of a controversy about that, but as Mahal and Veer run away, McIntyre targets Vivant! The lawyer tries to reason with McIntyre but McIntyre doesn’t care! Fireman’s carry and a TOSS into the ring! McIntyre gets in, fans fire up with the countdown! THREE! TWO! ONE!! CLAYMORE!! McIntyre is still determined to destroy Veer and Mahal, but how can he do so without getting disqualified?

Eva Marie talks with “Doudrop” backstage.

Forget about last week on Alexa’s Playground. After winning tonight, they’ll be a step closer to the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships. The #EvaLution will not be stopped, so long as Doudrop does her part. Piper Niven keeps quiet as she and Eva head to the ring, but can their teamwork really make the dream work?

Natalya & Tamina VS Eva Marie & “Doudrop” Piper Niven!

Raw returns as the champions make their entrances. The teams sort out and Eva starts with Natty. They circle, they tie up, and Eva gets around to whip her hair at Natty, then throw a forearm! Natty chases Eva to the ropes and Eva shouts for the ropebreak. The ref backs Natty off, fans rally but Eva tags in Piper. Piper and Natty tie up, Natty waistlocks but Piper is too much to lift. Natty headlocks, Piper powers out and runs Natty over! Piper whips her hair, runs, but Natty drops. Piper rolls, taunts Natty then whips, but Natty blocks the hip toss. Piper blocks the counter hip toss to roll and bridge! TWO, Natty has the ghost pin, ONE! Piper gets after Natty but Natty facelocks.

Piper wrenches out, throws Natty down, then whips her hair like Eva. But Natty crawls and tags in Tamina! Tamina and Piper circle now as Eva tries to start a Doudrop chant. Tamina headlocks, hits a takeover, but Piper moves around. Piper pushes back, fights up, but Tamina fireman’s carries! Piper slips off and kicks Tamina down to run and SPLASH! Eva wants in now because her team is winning, so Piper tags. Eva grins as she covers, TWO! Eva wasting time is why Tamina survives. But then a voice says, “Do I have your attention now?” Lilly is parodying Eva Marie! “I am so much more than just a pretty face. I want to inspire others to follow their nightmares. This is Lilly-lution.”

Eva is furious that Alexa’s creepy doll is mocking her! But she turns around into a SUPERKICK! Cover, Tamina & Natty win!

Winners: Natalya & Tamina, by pinfall

So that’s a no on the title shot, by the way. But Natty is hopping on one good foot, is this still a bad omen for the statement makers?

Karrion Kross VS Keith Lee!

The NXT Champion is back, but he can’t settle things with Jeff Hardy as Hardy tested positive for COVID. While we wish Hardy well, the show must go on! And there couldn’t be a better replacement as the Limitless One is back again! Who wins the rematch NXT never got to see?

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up and fans rally as Kross puts Keith in a corner. Kross tries to lift but Keith clubs him away. Kross throws forearms but Keith clinches for an OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! And then he runs Kross over! Kross staggers up, Keith clotheslines him out! Keith waits as the ring count climbs, but he goes out as fans sing “OH~ Bask in his Glory~!” But Kross RAMS Keith into apron, then POSTS him! Kross seethes as he gets Keith up for an EXPLODER! Kross stands over Keith as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Kross runs corner to corner to CLOBBER Keith! Kross stands Keith up to run corner to corner again for another clothesline, then a forearm and spinning clothesline! Kross digs his knee into Keith, the ref counts, and Kross lets off at 4. Kross paces and grins but fans rally up for Keith. Keith slowly rises but Kross STOMPS Keith’s fingers! Kross gets Keith up, but Keith throws body shots! Kross kicks low, and hits a DDT! Cover, TWO! Kross vows to end this and he watches Keith stir. Kross stalks Keith and wraps on the KROSSJACKET SLEEPER! But fans rally up for Keith as he fights and flails! Keith powers up, pries at the hold, and shocks Kross as he arm-drags him away!

Kross comes back with forearms but Keith CLOBBERS Kross! Keith staggers as he catches his breath. Kross gets up, but Keith ROCKS him again! And again! Kross swings but Keith clubs the clothesline to back elbow, and HEADBUTT! Kross goes to a corner, Keith runs in to SPLASH! Keith keeps going and he POUNCES Kross down! Fans fire up with Keith as he snarls. Keith powers up, the fans give him their energy, but Kross wrenches out to DOOMSDAY SAIDO!! Kross glares from a corner, winds the hands of time, “TICK TOCK!” DOOMSDAY FOREARM! And the KROSSJACKET!! Keith is stuck, Kross catches an arm, Keith reaches but he taps out! Kross wins!

Winner: Karrion Kross, by submission

A valiant effort from the Limitless One but Kross was determined to make someone pay for Hardy’s transgressions! Will Kross ever get his hands on Hardy to feel fully vindicated? Or will he be satisfied with making everyone else #Fall&Pray?

Backstage interview with Nikki A.S.H.

Tonight, she accepted a match with Charlotte Flair. What is running through her head as she prepares for this main event? It’s as Nikki said earlier tonight: her confidence has grown and she’s no longer afraid to fail. And it has only worked in her favor. Nikki believed in herself, win or lose, and no one can take that from her. She just wants the little kids of the WEW Universe to know that the hardest challenges are worth fighting for. So tonight, she’ll go out there with her title and super positivity, and know that no matter what, she’ll defend her title at SummerSlam!

But then Rhea walks up and tells Nikki, “I can’t help but respect the unconditional belief you have in yourself. But at SummerSlam, I fully believe that I’m going to be walking out with the Raw Women’s Championship. However, tonight? I hope that you go out there and give Charlotte hell.” Nikki is ready, but will she be able to take the Queen down a peg?

Mustafa Ali & Mansoor VS Mace & T-Bar!

What a turn of affairs this is! The Beacon wanted the menacing monsters across the ring from him to follow his every word to the letter, but that didn’t work out. Mustafa wants the Star of Saudi Arabia to do the same, but it was Mansoor’s idea that they have this match! Will Mustafa face retribution for his actions? Or will he and Mansoor be the ones to #ShutItDown?

Raw returns as Mansoor makes his entrance, followed by Ali’s entrance. Ali is already saying for Mansoor to ignore the WWE Universe and follow his lead. Mansoor is just excited this is all happening. The teams sort out, T-Bar starts against Ali and Ali dropkicks T-Bar right away! Ali fires off, T-Bar shoves him away and CYCLONE KICKS him down! Cover, TWO!! Ali survives but T-Bar stands on his hand! T-Bar gets Ali up, TOSSES him to the corner, then runs in to back elbow! Tag to Mace, and both big men KNEE Ali! Mace throws Ali down, dares him to crawl for Mansoor, then waistlocks and dead lifts to ripcord POWERSLAM! Cover, Mansoor breaks it!

Mace tags T-Bar and T-Bar BOOTS Mansoor! Mace dribbles Ali, then sets him up for T-Bar’s BOOT! The titans roar but fans boo as T-Bar paces. T-Bar covers, TWO! Ali is dazed, T-Bar stays between him and Mansoor, then sucker punches Mansoor! But Ali dodges the Cyclone Kick to WHEEL KICK him down! Fans rally, both men crawl, hot tags to Mansoor and Mace! Mansoor fires off forearms and CHOPS at the ropes! Mansoor whips, Mace reverses but Mansoor ENZIGURIS! Mansoor fires up but Mace whips him away to scoop, only for Mansoor to tilt-o-whirl through to a REVERSE DDT! Cover, T-Bar breaks it! Mansoor tumbles all the way out of the ring!

T-Bar pursues but the ref says he isn’t legal so he can’t attack. Ali DIVES and TORNADO DDT’s T-Bar on the floor! Mansoor says that was awesome! Ali says to watch his back! Mace choke grips Ali but Mansoor kicks the arm away! But Mace just grabs Mansoor! But Mansoor victory rolls the choke slam, Mansoor & Ali win!!

Winners: Mansoor & Mustafa Ali, by pinfall

Mansoor celebrates, but Ali gets Mansoor out of harm’s way as T-Bar and Mace rush him! Mansoor hugs it out with Ali but Ali tells him to stay serious while they’re still ringside. Will these two find a way to make it work as a team?

Bobby Lashley makes his way to the ring!

The All Mighty WWE World Champion, with MVP behind him, is ready to respond to last week’s shocking return of Goldberg, and the challenge Goldberg threw down by simply saying, “I’M NEXT!” MVP has the mic to say, “Please rise to your feet and show the proper amount of respect for your All Mighty WWE Champion!” But not everyone in Kansas City does so. MVP says he understands, because Lashley’s dominance is on par with the great Tom Brady, and they still feels some kinda way about that.

But let us address last week, when Goldberg disrespected the champion! It’s real simple: Everyone’s been talking about All Mighty VS Goldberg, and MVP could see it! The champion VS the iconic Hall of Famer! The thing is, it is all up to Lashley to decide. So is Goldberg next? MVP holds the mic out to Lashley, and Lashley says, “I’m not even going to dignify Goldberg’s challenge with a response!” But Lashley will say this: This is HIS ring! Lashley will NOT be disrespected by anyone. MVP says you heard it here first. But wait, Cedric Alexander is making his way out?

Alexander has a mic to say, “Disrespect? You wanna talk disrespect?” How about how they excommunicated him from the Hurt Business just earlier this year? And Alexander wondered why for so long, but he figured out why: Alexander is better than Lashley! Today, PRIMED Alexander steps up, and he wants his opportunity at the champ! But now Shelton Benjamin appears! Benjamin has a mic to say, “Hey, Bobby. Before you answer that question… Cedric, do you have any idea how annoying the sound of your voice is?” Oh, real funny, Benjamin. But Benjamin isn’t here to cry about the past. Benjamin is here to give Lashley a real challenge.

Alexander says no way, but Benjamin tells the “kid” to wait his turn. MVP asks them both if they see how ridiculous they’re being right now. Lashley has no time for either of them. But Lashley says he’ll take them both on! At the same time! Now get a ref! Alexander and Benjamin can’t believe they’re having to team up again! But the ref arrives and we have a handicap match!

2v1 Handicap Match: Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander VS Bobby Lashley w/ MVP!

The bell rings, Benjamin rushes Lashley but Lashley spins him around for a NECKBREAKER! Alexander wants Lashley to take it easy and he goes to a corner. Lashley goes after Benjamin but Alexander attacks from behind! Lashley shoves him away to then get Alexander for a LIFTING COMPLETE SHOT! Lashley throws Alexander out of the ring then RAMS Benjamin into a corner! Lashley roars, fans boo, but Lashley goes out to get Alexander up to fireman’s carry and POST him! Alexander goes flying and Lashley is grinning! Lashley puts Alexander in, but Benjamin is lurking! Lashley gets Alexander up, but Benjamin fires off haymakers!

Lashley knees Benjamin, whips him to a corner, and runs in, but Alexander anchors a foot! Benjamin KNEES Lashley! Alexander reels Lashley in for a TORNADO DDT! Double cover, TWO!! Lashley shocks both Benjamin and Alexander, and Benjamin hurries to get Lashley up. Lashley fights Benjamin off, then sees Alexander coming, MILE HIGH SPINEBUSTER! Lashley sees Benjamin, breaks through the clothesline to SPEAR him down!! Lashley isn’t done here, he drags Benjamin up to suplex, and JACKHAMMER! A direct message to Goldberg! But Lashley isn’t done, he gets Alexander up for a DOMINATOR onto Benjamin!! Stacked, double cover, Lashley wins!

Winner: Bobby Lashley, by pinfall

MVP puts the belt back on Lashley and raises his hand in victory! Lashley says he doesn’t care about Goldberg, did he just make Goldberg reconsider targeting him?

The Miz is on his phone.

And he suddenly sees something and has to take his sunglasses off. John Morrison comes in and has his Drip Sticks. Miz and Morrison are fired up and ready to get Kansas City wet! But then Omos & Styles walk in. What are they going on about? Wait, it doesn’t matter. Free country, do what you want. But the champs want to talk with them about something that would help Styles & Omos. Unless Miz ‘n’ Morrison aren’t moist with it. No way, bring it in. Omos keeps the cameraman from hearing this, what devious plan is being cooked up between the Phenomenal and the Greatest Tag Team of the 21st Century? *stare off into distance*

Matt Riddle VS John Morrison w/ The Miz!

The Original Bro is about to have a singles rematch with America’s Moist Wanted, but will Styles’ phenomenal plan play into how this ends?

Raw returns as Morrison makes his entrance, Miz rolling with him. Miz squirts Byron Saxton all over, and does get some of the fans right behind him, too. In this heat, surely the fans appreciate it. The bell rings and Riddle circles with Morrison,. They tie up, Riddle waistlocks, Morrison switches to get a leg. Riddle rolls, gets Morrison in a triangle, but Morrison gets a ropebreak. The ref counts, the two let off, and the two go again. Riddle shoots in, fireman’s carries and kneebars! Morrison rolls to shift around to a facelock. Morrison gets an arm, Riddle gets up but Morrison uses that to get both legs. Riddle sunset flips, TWO, to an ANKLE LOCK!

Morrison moves around, Riddle keeps him from ropes, but Miz reloads his drip stick! Morrison rolls and throws Riddle away, and Miz stands down. Morrison bobs ‘n’ weaves, knee slow, but Riddle gets around to waistlock. Morrison switches, shoves Riddle at a corner, but Riddle goes up and over o then get a BROSPLODER! Cover, TWO! Morrison gets to a corner, Miz wants Morrison to getup, but Riddle fires off kicks in the corner! The ref counts, Riddle lets off, runs side to side, into a FLYING CHUCK! Cover, TWO! Riddle survives but Miz is confident as he chants, “JOHNNY DRIP DRIP!”

Morrison gets Riddle up, but no Moonlight Drive! FISHERMAN BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Riddle keeps his cool as fans build to a rally. But Miz sprays Riddle! Morrison rolls him up, TWO! FINAL FLASH!! Riddle goes up and out and PENALTY KICKS Miz! Miz falls right over, chair and all! Riddle mocks Miz being turtled as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Riddle fights against Morrison’s chicken wing crossface by ramming him into buckles! Riddle gets free, throws hands and a boot! Morrison comes back, Riddle spins him to a PELE! Riddle runs in to forearm smash! And then side to side to forearm smash! And then BROSPLODER! Morrison flounders up and Riddle runs in, but Morrison bails out! Riddle goes up and out to PENALTY KICK Morrison! And then SPRINGBOARD FLOATING BRO! Direct hit at the ramp! Miz is furious as he wheels himself around the way. But coming down the ramp, it’s Styles & Omos! Riddle puts Morrison in the ring and hurries after him, trying to ignore the tag champs.

Morrison blocks the RKO to ROCK and elbow and ROUNDHOUSE Riddle! Morrison whips Riddle to a corner, Riddle bounces off buckles, Morrison CALF KICKS Riddle down! SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives but Miz assures Styles that the plan will work. Morrison taunts Riddle, tells him to get up, and then reels him in, but Riddle slips out of the suplex to ripcord FINAL FLASH! And POWERBOMB! And then a flip over for another FINAL FLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Morrison survives but Riddle stares down Styles. Riddle gets Morrison to a drop zone and tells Styles & Omos they shouldn’t be out here. Riddle climbs up top but Styles grabs the scooter!

Riddle tells Styles to put the scooter back but Omos grabs it to BREAK it! The handlebars are gone, Morrison gets Riddle for SPINNING SPLASH MOUNTAIN!! And STARSHIP PAIN!! Cover, Morrison wins!!

Winner: John Morrison, by pinfall

The plan was just breaking Riddle’s prized possession!? How petty! Miz loads up the drip stick to do water pyro all over Byron! And then Styles rains down furious fists on Riddle! Styles gets Riddle up, reels him in, STYLES CLASH!! The Bro is down and no Viper to save him. But will this urge Randy Orton to return and help Riddle?

WWE 24/7 Championship: Reginald VS R-Truth!

In another rare occasion, this title that can be taken anywhere, anytime, by anyone, is going to be defended in the ring! Will Truth get his baby back for the fifty-third time? Or will #CirqueduSommelier find a way to get away with the gold?

Raw returns and Reggie makes his entrance. Truth gets impatient with all the flipping Reggie does in his entrance. But that jump right over the top rope was pretty cool, though. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and Truth is still mic’d up as the battle for his baby begins! Reggie shows off his agility but Truth keeps clear. “Gimme my baby back, dawg.” Reggie can be like all the great little people in the world: Lil’ Red Riding Hood; the Three Lil’ Pigs; and Lil’ Debbie! Reggie dodges again and smooths his suit out. Reggie wants Truth to understand- Truth grabs the suit! “We can do this the easy way, or we can do this the hard way, dawg.”

Reggie wriggles out of the jacket! Oh is that how it is? Reggie dodges the jacket attacks! Truth throws the jacket right on Reggie’s face! GOTTEE! Truth does the splits, goes corner to corner, but Reggie flounders out of the way! Truth hits buckles! Reggie gets free of his jacket, and dodges the leg lariat! Truth gets tangled up, staggers around, and he needs the ref to check him. Reggie doesn’t stop, 450 SEATED SENTON! Cover, Reggie wins!

Winner: Reginald, by pinfall (still WWE 24/7 Champion)

But now the other contenders come running out! But Reggie LEAPS over them all and gets to the ramp! Lince Dorado, Akira Tozawa, Drew Gulak and Humberto Carrillo can’t believe it! Will the slippery sommelier be like Captain Jack Sparrow in the 24/7 Championship race?

Backstage interview with Charlotte Flair.

The Queen has taken Nikki’s cash-in rather personally, why is that? The only reason Nikki won is because Rhea assaulted Charlotte! And the only reason Nikki dropkicked Charlotte out of the ring tonight is because Charlotte was dealing with that “petulant child.” But now Charlotte has to deal with a delusional WWE Universe that thinks Nikki can be a proper champion. Charlotte is sick and tired of the division being run down by almost superstars. Charlotte built this title as a five-time Raw Women’s Champion, and there wouldn’t be a Women’s Champion if not for her! Tonight, Charlotte proves that to the Almost Super Hero. But will all this confidence cost the Queen’s opportunity?

Nikki A.S.H. VS Charlotte Flair!

Raw returns as Nikki makes her entrance. The bell rings and Nikki is fired up but Charlotte is stoic in her corner. Charlotte says she’s going to win, and then circles with Nikki. The fans rally up as Nikki waits on Charlotte. They approach and Charlotte CLOBBERS Nikki! Nikki gets to ropes, Charlotte gets her in a corner and CHOPS her! And CHOPS her! And CHOPS her! Charlotte then fakes Nikki out to SLAP her! “This is your champion?!” Charlotte pulls at the superhero mask, chokes Nikki on ropes, but lets off at 4. Nikki hits back but Charlotte CLUBS her down! Charlotte throws Nikki out hard, and shouts, “This is who you cheer for?!”

The ring count climbs as Nikki gets up and Nikki is in at 5 of 10, only for Charlotte to stomp away on her! The ref counts, Charlotte lets off, but Nikki hits back again. Charlotte CLUBS Nikki, Nikki hits back! Charlotte mocks the Nikki chants, whips Nikki and CLOBBERS her! Charlotte stands on Nikki, then covers, ONE! Charlotte tries again, ONE! Charlotte mocks the count, taunts Nikki to get up, and then gets her up to pie face her. Nikki throws forearms but Charlotte eggs her on. Nikki hits Charlotte again but Charlotte CLUBS Nikki down! Charlotte kicks Nikki around, puts her back on ropes, and chokes her more! The ref counts, Charlotte lets off, but Nikki comes back with more forearms!

Charlotte kicks Nikki away, runs in and corner splashes Nikki! Nikki gets up to throw throat chops and forearms! Nikki fires off but Charlotte turns it around to fire off forearms of her own! The ref counts, Charlotte lets off and fans rally, “Let’s Go Nikki!” Nikki hits back, Charlotte stomps away on her in the corner! The ref counts, Charlotte lets off, and she gets Nikki up again. Nikki keeps throwing forearms! Charlotte ROCKS Nikki, goes to suplex, but Nikki cradle counters! TWO, and Nikki rolls Charlotte up, TWO! Charlotte gets up, Nikki dodges and tilt-o-whirls to HEADSCISSOR Charlotte out of the ring! Fans fire up as Nikki strikes a pose!

Nikki then runs to WRECK Charlotte with a dropkick! Nikki goes out after Charlotte with clubbing forearms! Charlotte THROWS Nikki over the commentary table! Fans boo as Charlotte goes into the ring. Nikki is down as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once more and Charlotte pulls Nikki against a corner post! The ref counts, Charlotte lets off at 4, and Charlotte goes back in to get Nikki up. Charlotte scoops and EXPLODERS Nikki! Cover, TWO!! Charlotte keeps on Nikki with a thrashing chinlock! Fans rally for Nikki and she endures as Charlotte grinds her down. Charlotte grins but Nikki fights her way up. Fans rally harder for Nikki as she throws elbows, only for Charlotte to throw Nikki down! Nikki rolls away to ropes but Charlotte runs, only for Nikki to dodge the baseball slide! Nikki kicks Charlotte then CROSSBODIES! Nikki fires up and gets back on the apron, to bait Charlotte in!

Charlotte kicks, Nikki dodges and HOTSHOTS the leg! Nikki slingshots to Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Nikki keeps moving, dodges and CROSSBODIES again! Nikki rallies with big clotheslines! Sunset flip, but Charlotte stays up. Charlotte drags Nikki up by the hair to toss her into a corner. Charlotte runs in but misses again, Nikki BULLDOGS Charlotte down! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up with Nikki as she pounds the mat! Nikki roars, drags Charlotte up, but Charlotte CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! And again, and again, and again! The ref counts the ropebreak in the corner but Charlotte puts Nikki up top. Nikki CLUBS Charlotte back!

Nikki kicks Charlotte, and again, and reels her in for a TORNADO DDT! Nikki hurries back up top and fans fire up! Charlotte stands, Nikki leaps, SUPER CROSSBODY! But Charlotte rolls it over, and wins!!

Winner: Charlotte Flair, by pinfall

The Queen laughs at Nikki and then mocks her tears, because now the Queen got even with the Almost Super Hero. Kevin Patrick hurries into the ring to have an interview with Charlotte. He congratulates her on the win over the new champion, but she asks why. Seriously, why? Why is he here to congratulate her? What did anyone expect? She’s not The Opportunity for nothing! Just putting on a mask and a cape makes you a hero? Look Charlotte in the eyes as she says this: “No one is in my league. No one!” And it’s just the truth. Sorry not sorry. Charlotte gives Kevin the mic back, but Nikki takes it for her own to say, “I said Almost a Super Hero! I can admit, I lost that match. But I showed myself that I almost could’ve won!”

And Nikki has the confidence that she CAN beat Charlotte! So next week, Nikki challenges her to a REMATCH! Charlotte considers this challenge and demands to be given the mic back. Kevin gets it for her, and Charlotte says she could beat Nikki this week, next week and any week. So then, Nikki’s got it! They’ll have a rematch, and Charlotte offers a handshake. Nikki takes it, only for Charlotte to ROCK her with a forearm, and BOOT her down! Charlotte drags Nikki to the apron and out of the ring to put her against the barriers! All the fans are so inspired, but Charlotte CHOPS Nikki down! Charlotte puts Nikki back in the ring, and BOOTS her down again!

Charlotte adds insult to injury, will she just keep beating Nikki down before SummerSlam?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode, with a lot of good stuff and no real filler, but there are some things I have issue with. First, why is Vince so obsessed with calling these matches, “Championship Contender’s Matches?” He never made a big deal about someone facing a champion in a non-title match before. And it was always on commentary, as well as fans, to put two and two together that if the champion lost, the opponent would get a chance at the title. But now Vince has to make it blatantly obvious to us that everyone facing a champion could get themselves a title opportunity? Is he copying or mocking AEW for their “title eliminator” matches?

My main problem with this is how it made things with the Raw Women’s Championship so disjointed. Was Charlotte facing Nikki for momentum? Or her own chance at the title 1v1 outside of SummerSlam? Charlotte VS Nikki was a great main event, and it seemed the Kansas City fans took a minute to get behind Nikki in this, but they were there. Charlotte winning does work in story, it makes Nikki the underdog champion, and it is better storytelling when the hero is the underdog, super or otherwise. But the Raw Women’s Championship is also the center of another problem I have with Vince’s other new obsession: Triple Threats just because they can.

Triple Threats are a lot of fun, but why is Vince spamming them on RawDown? Sometimes, a 1v1 is perfect for the story. If Rhea had stayed out of it, then Charlotte winning tonight and using the “championship contender match” stipulation would make perfect sense. Charlotte VS Nikki, 1v1 at SummerSlam, there you go. But Rhea being put in just because she lost at MITB and again last week, she’s being shoehorned in. It oddly exposes how they trimmed down the roster in all divisions because it means, in the eyes of WWE, Rhea has no one to feud with on the side, so she has to default to the title. It sucks, because Rhea is probably just taking the pin for Charlotte or Nikki so the other stays strong, and we do this all again for Extreme Rules.

Honestly, why wasn’t Rhea spun off to any of the other women’s stories? What are Shayna & Nia doing now that they dumped Reginald? Shouldn’t they have been the ones to face Eva & Piper to get a title shot at Natty & Tamina? And it wouldn’t have changed the result: Alexa uses Lilly to mock Eva, which was honestly pretty clever; Eva & Piper lose, someone else gets title opportunities. Also, it would’ve kept Natty from getting hurt, her hobbling after was legit and that sucks. But back to Rhea, why not have her interact with Piper, who she knows from NXT UK? Of course, that issue circles back to Vince’s other problem of NOT acknowledging NXT continuity, because even though it’s in his company, he doesn’t treat it as an equal. Y’know, like an insane person would.

Truth VS Reginald, by the way, was pretty fun for Truth being mic’d up the entire time. Reggie’s got a great entrance with that (clearly trampoline assisted) jump into the ring, and as I figured last week, he shows his agility again to avoid the 24/7 Championship chasers. I keep thinking he stands on the stage too long and he could get caught by someone. Hell, let it be a female superstar not doing much because this title hasn’t been with the women in literal months. At this point, Shayna & Nia should be upset that they dump him, and he gets a belt! Shayna and Nia could go after Reggie, one of them gets the title, and the other serves as the bodyguard. They could even hot potato it just so the others can’t take it from them.

Moving on, Mansoor & Mustafa Ali had a good first tag match with Mace & T-Bar, that was a great choice given the story with Retribution. Mansoor & Ali win with some dysfunctional teamwork, and I feel like they could turn into a good combo down the line. Kross VS Keith was a great choice to make up for not getting Kross VS Hardy, but I should’ve known Raw would serve up a really disappointing version of what Kross VS Keith would be. Kross of course had to win here to make up for last week, but it became that meme about fast food never looking as good as it does on the menu picture. NXT showed us what these two can do against each other, Raw screwed it up as they hurried to serve it to us.

We got a very good Raw Tag Team Championship match, and I’m surprised Styles & Omos only got a “Jobber entrance,” but still won. At the same time, I figured they would win to keep going towards SummerSlam and RKBRO. It is very clear now that WWE is thinking that way, too, as Styles & Omos get Miz ‘n’ Morrison to help them rough up Riddle. Morrison VS Riddle was a great match, even with the overbooking, and I almost thought Orton was returning tonight. Maybe he returns next week, or maybe this drags out so that the Raw before SummerSlam, Orton returns to support Riddle and they get that title match at the PPV.

McIntyre VS Veer started off well, but I feel like Vince and his guys had no idea how to keep this going without McIntyre clearing everyone out too soon. He shouldn’t have been disqualified, but WWE has been very fickle about consistently following pro-wrestling convention since Vince acts like WWE is the end all, be all. Also, WWE posted a playlist of every Punjabi Prison Match ever today, is that an ill omen for where McIntyre VS Mahal is going? Last but not least, Lashley had a very good handicap match against Alexander & Benjamin, but Lashley saying “No” to Goldberg is a little copy ‘n’ paste from Roman Reigns saying “No” to John Cena.

Lashley was furious last week, but I guess after a week, he cooled off and realized he shouldn’t play Goldberg’s game and just give the old guy a match. Which is the most worked shoot thing they could do with the story, actually, as I am among those who didn’t want this in the first place. But surely something happens where Goldberg goads Lashley into it, much like Benjamin & Alexander did to get a match with him tonight. Goldberg could show up again next week or the week after that, bring up Lashley using his moves, try and say Goldberg still does those better (even though he doesn’t), and maybe Lashley’s anger gives us the SummerSlam match.

My Score: 8.2/10