What’s next for RKBRO?

WrestleMania Backlash has come and gone, but RKBRO was on the losing end. How will the Raw Tag Team Champions handle the rebound?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Raw Tag Team Championships: RKBRO VS The Street Profits; RKBRO wins and retains the titles.
• Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley w/ Judgement Day; Ripley wins.
• Finn Balor w/ AJ Styles VS Damian Priest w/ Judgement Day; Balor wins, by disqualification.
• Sonya Deville VS Alexa Bliss; Bliss wins.
• Ezekiel VS Ken Owens; No Contest.
• Veer Mahaan VS Frank Lowman; Veer wins.
• WWE United States Championship: (Austin) Theory VS Cody Rhodes; Cody wins by disqualification, Theory retains the title.
• Sasha Banks & Naomi VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven & Nikki A.S.H; Sasha & Naomi win.
• Mustafa Ali VS Tommaso Ciampa, The Miz as special guest referee; Ciampa wins.
• Raw Women’s Championship Contender’s Match: Bianca Belair VS Asuka; Belair wins by disqualification, Asuka is denied a title match.

PLAY BY PLAY

RKBRO heads to the ring!

Randy Orton & Matt Riddle are still only Raw Tag Team Champions, even after losing to The Bloodline alongside Drew McIntyre. But will they still be Raw Tag Team Champions after tonight? Or will Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins get that gold back?

Before the match, Orton & Riddle get the mics and fans chant for “Randy! Randy!” Randy starts with welcoming the fans to the show. And unfortunately, at Backlash, he and Riddle gave it everything they got but lost the battle to the Bloodline. But before it’s all said and done, they will win the war. It was the Usos’ idea in the first place to go for tag title unification, but it didn’t happen, did it? Nothing was on the line last night because during the contract signing, the Big Dog, Roman Reigns, tore up the contract because he knows the Usos can’t hold a candle to RKBRO.

So here’s what happens, Usos! RKBRO want those SmackDown Tag Team Championships and unify the titles to become UNDISPUTED WWE Tag Team Champions of the World! Riddle adds that since the Usos can’t figure things out on their own and the Tribal Chief decides things for them, RKBRO will be going to SmackDown this Friday to go right up to the chief and demand that tag title unification match! Fans like the sound of that. And if Roman says no, then just goes to show that Roman has no confidence in his cousins. But that doesn’t matter, because the bros are still gonna show up with the scooter and… Randy being Randy cuz that’s all he needs as the Viper!

But here come their challengers! Ford & Dawkins have mics, and Ford sighs. “RKBRO. First and foremost, we must say… Ahhh… Tough loss last night.” Dawkins says the Bloodline is tough, but like the Profits showed, those ain’t the ones you need to worry about, the Profits are. And RKBRO wants to settle unfinished business with the Bloodline. But remember here tonight in Connecticut, the three most important words: #WeGotNext! It is Ford & Dawkins, the Profits, who will unify those tag team championships! RKBRO talking smack but didn’t mention the Profits once. Well maybe those 4/20 shirts got them all fogged up. But in a couple minutes, RKBRO VS Profits for the Raw tag titles.

And when the smoke clears, just like Genesis, not only do the Profits want the Raw Tag titles, but #WeWantTheSmoke! So they want the smoke? Yes, that’s what Ford said. Well Riddle says RKBRO 4/20 says “We just smoked your asses!” And they’ll do it with the three most dangerous letters in sports entertainment: R K BRO! This is going to get all fired up, after the break!

Raw Tag Team Championships: RKBRO VS The Street Profits!

Raw returns and the introductions are made. The belts are raised and we see who is meeting the Usos for a date with destiny!

Ford starts with Riddle and fans rally as they circle. They tie up, Ford goes for a roll-up, TWO! Ford facelocks, cradles, TWO! Ford gets around for another roll-up, TWO! Ford pats Riddle on the head, then mocks Orton’s pose. Riddle gets up and circles with Ford again. They tie up, and Riddle gets a FLYING ARMBAR! Ford stacks, TWO, and Riddle shoots in to jump on for a SLEEPER HOLD! Ford fights free, but Riddle rolls him up. TWO, but Riddle pats Ford on the head in return. Riddle does the Orton pose and fans fire up. Fans chant “BRO! BRO! BRO!” and Ford gets heated. Ford and Riddle tie up again, Riddle headlocks but Ford powers out.

Ford bypasses Riddle to dropkick him down! Ford dusts himself off and taunts Orton, then he brings Riddle up. Dawkins tags in, they whip and run Riddle over, then cover. TWO, but Dawkins keeps close. Dawkins brings Riddle up but Riddle shoots around to gut wrench! Dawkins blocks, powers out, runs to hurdle and FLYING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Dawkins watches Riddle go to a corner, runs in, but the cyclone gets buckles! Riddle KICKS and KICKS and KICKS and has Dawkins in the corner. Tag to Orton and fans fire up! Orton throws EuroUppers, brings Dawkins up and bumps him off buckles.

Orton goes corner to corner to bump Dawkins off more buckles, then he climbs up to rain down fists! The fans count along, and Orton stops at 9 to put some stank on 10! Orton snapmares, then gives Riddle the ASSISTED FLOATING BRO! Cover, TWO! Riddle whips but Ford tags in, Dawkins reverses but Riddle holds ropes. Riddle headscissors Dawkins out, but Dawkins blocks Penalty Kick to trip Riddle up! Then Ford FLIES and takes Riddle out at the ramp! Fans fire up and Orton is worried for Riddle as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Riddle throws body shots and forearms on Ford! Fans rally, Riddle reaches but Ford keeps him from Orton! Riddle throws more forearms but Ford holds on! Ford then reels Riddle in for a LARIAT! Ford drags Riddle up, suplexes, but Riddle slips out and ripcords, FINAL FLASH! Both men fall back, tag to Dawkins and Orton! The Viper rallies with lariats, then ducks to POWERSLAM! Then POWERSLAM for Ford! Dawkins is in the ropes, Orton gives him the DRAPING DDT! Fans are fired up as Orton hears the voices in his head! RK_ NO! Dawkins powers out but Riddle tags in!

Dawkins DECKS Orton, Riddle FINAL FLASH KNEES! Ford runs in but Riddle TOSSES him! Riddle goes up and out and checks on Orton. Then he PENALTY KICKS Ford! Orton sets Ford up, SPRINGBOARD FLOATING BRO, but Ford moves! Only Orton takes the hit! Feed to the ANOINTING! Ford tags and climbs, FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, Orton breaks it in time!! Ford cannot believe Orton came back! Dawkins brings Orton up but Orton throws him out. Orton smacks Dawkins off barriers, Ford ducks a roundhouse to ENZIGURI! Ford goes back up, he wants it again! FROM THE- RKO!?!? Cover, RKBRO wins!!

Winners: RKBRO, by pinfall (still Raw Tag Team Champions)

Even Orton was amazed by that one! And after that RKO from the heavens, is it a done deal that the Raw and SmackDown Tag Team Champions are going to Hell… in a Cell?

Kevin Patrick interviews (Austin) Theory on stage.

The WWE United States Champion is representing A-Town here in Connecticut, and Kevin asks him how he feels about his match with Cody Rhodes, who has been in sensational form beating Seth Rollins twice. Theory doesn’t need to prepare. He can do this all day. he is the youngest WWE United States Champion for a reason! He’s already great and barely scratching the surface of his potential. But do you hear that? Before Cody’s return at WrestleMania, Theory was practically in diapers when Cody was in the WWE. Theory doesn’t give a damn about Cody or the past, or respecting history! He is about the future, because the future is the WWE United States Champion, THEORY! But will Theory be taking a victory selfie? Or deleting this from his social media timeline?

Judgement Day heads to the ring.

Damian Priest and Edge are joined by their newest member, Rhea Ripley, as they descend upon the arena. They used their numbers to cast down AJ Styles at Backlash, but what will they do next? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and fans boo as Edge has the mic. Edge says they formed Judgement Day because they were tired of being sheep like all the fans. What did that get them? Edge got a Hall of Fame ring, sure, but he’s bigger than the Hall of Fame! And it also got him surgeries on just about any part of his body. Did fans care that he fought his way back? No! They just sit there with their supposed morals but hide their resentment, go home to their keyboards and make asinine comments! Fans hate what he says because it’s true! Judgement Day holds a mirror up to each and every one of them! They hate what they see because for one, they’re ugly.

When they look in a mirror, Judgement Day loves what they see. And for all the morons here in Hartford–because if you live in Hartford, you are a moron–but what all they don’t understand is that nothing and no one can touch Judgement Day! Fans chant “You Suck!” but Edge eggs them on. Priest says that the truth hurts. Individually, Edge and Priest could destroy each and every one of the fans’ favorites. But together, they’ve become even more! Together, they’re something else. And if you thought what they did to Styles was bad, just imagine adding an instrument of brutality like Rhea Ripley!

With that said, all rise! Priest said ALL RISE! This is the newest member of Judgement Day, Rhea Ripley! Rhea smiles then scowls as she says, “Joining Judgement Day was the easiest decision of my life. Edge, Damian, I saw the two of you change for the better, and I wanted that for myself.” Rhea is done signing autographs at the airport for all the little kids who want to be just like her when they grow up. Those autographs then get sold on eBay! Rhea is done being used. And that is why she joined Judgement Day. Speaking of being used, she has unfinished business she has to attend to: Liv Morgan! Liv will no longer ride Rhea’s coattails. Tonight, Rhea gives Liv a reason to cry when she absolutely destroys her!

Edge says unrealized potential is what this is about! Priest the punishment, Rhea the eradicator! They were ships without rudders, but Edge has given them direction! They have taken their fate into their own hands as his Saints of Fate! Listen up! A few weeks ago, Edge pulled Rhea aside and told her in his humble opinion that Liv was holding her down, like an albatross in the shape of a human sized LOL Doll. Poor lil’ Liv. Edge is the reason the fans’ favorite little tag team split up! Edge saw Rhea being wasted away. She was a juggernaut living in the slow lane instead of running everything over like she can!

Edge’s message… No, it’s even more than that! This MOVEMENT is not done. Judgement Day isn’t stopping, they’re just looking for more. But here comes Liv! Will Liv make sure Rhea is the one living a nightmare tonight? Or will Judgement Day sentence her to a Riptide?

Liv Morgan VS Rhea Ripley w/ Judgement Day!

Raw returns again and the bell rings. Liv and Rhea go right after each other with fast hands, but then Rhea shoves and HEADBUTTS Liv down! Edge and Priest are amused as Rhea TOSSES Liv to a corner, then RAMS into her! Rhea drags Liv up to TOSS her across the way, then runs in, into a BOOT! Liv runs into body shots and haymakers from Rhea, then Rhea RAMS into Liv again! Rhea digs her shoulder in, lets off at the ref’s count, and then Rhea hoists Liv up top. Rhea ROCKS Liv, adjusts, ROCKS her again, then climbs up after her. Liv throws body shots and trips Rhea up! Then Liv goes Old School to RANA!

Rhea staggers up into a SHOTGUN dropkick! Rhea is on the ropes, but she BOOTS Liv down! Edge loves it as Rhea covers, TWO! Rhea is annoyed but she drags Liv into some ground ‘n’ pound. Rhea says Liv did this to herself because she’s such a failure. Rhea rains down more shots, then lets off to pace around. Rhea drags Liv up to dribble her off the mat! Fans rally for Liv but Rhea CLUBS Liv down. Rhea scuffs Liv, stalks her, and she chokes Liv on the ropes! Edge mocks Liv’s pain while Rhea KICKS Liv down. Rhea scowls as fans rally for Liv. Rhea dribbles Liv off the mat again and again!

Liv flounders to a corner but Rhea drags her back up. Rhea CLUBS Liv down, then wraps on a body scissor squeeze. Liv endures, even as Rhea pulls on an ear. Liv and Rhea shout at each other, and Liv powers back to a cover, TWO! Rhea CLOBBERS Liv again! Cocky cover, TWO! Rhea stomps Liv down, then stands on her to grind her boot like she’s crushing a bug. Rhea tells Liv to stay down but Liv refuses. So Rhea hooks her up, RIP- NO! Liv slips out, shoves, dodges and fires forearms! Rhea swings, misses, and Liv fires off fast hands! Fans fire up as Liv kicks, kicks and ENZIGURIS! Rhea wobbles, into the FLOATING DDT!

Rhea flounders back up, Liv runs to springboard and FLYING CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Rhea is still in this and Judgement Day looks worried for their new member. But then Rhea EDDY GORDO KICKS from below! Rhea runs but into an elbow! Liv goes up and up and missile flops as Rhea dodges! Rhea mule kicks then ties up the legs, PRISM TRAP! Liv endures, reaches out, but Rhea bends the legs! Liv taps, Rhea wins!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by submission

Edge smiles, proven right about the brutality he has reinvigorated within Rhea. But to that point, he nods, and Rhea gets Liv back in the PRISM TRAP! Liv endures as Rhea thrashes her around with no remorse! Edge won’t let the ref get in, even as Liv taps again! But wait, here comes FINN BALOR! Priest stares the Prince down, but then Finn throws up the Too Sweet. Because here comes AJ STYLES! The Phenomenal One and Finn throw it up, and Finn is about to throw down with the Archer of Infamy! Will Judgement Day be on the receiving end of their own punishment?

Finn Balor w/ AJ Styles VS Damian Priest w/ Judgement Day!

Raw returns yet again and the bell rings. They tie up, Finn waistlocks then goes after an arm. Priest stays up, powers up, and he scoops Finn, but Finn slips off. Finn headlocks, Priest powers out and runs Finn over. Edge nods but fans rally for Finn. Finn CHOPS, kicks and wrenches, but Priest ROCKS Finn to KICK him. Priest ROCKS Finn again, then whips him corner to corner hard. Priest runs in to back elbow! Priest runs more but Finn dropkicks the leg out! Finn KICKS that leg, then has it in the ropes to pull on it! The ref counts, Finn lets off, but Priest grabs Finn’s ears! The ref counts but Priest BELL CLAPS!

Priest CLOBBERS Finn and Edge likes what he sees. Priest fires haymakers, kicks, stomps, but the ref counts. Priest lets off at 4, then snarls as he drags Finn up. BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps onto an arm but Finn endures. Finn fights up and JAWBREAKERS! Fans fire up, Finn gets to a corner, and he BOOTS Priest from the corner. Finn runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps on with a chinlock and he digs a knee into Finn’s back. Finn endures again and Styles coaches him. Priest pushes Finn to a cover, TWO! Priest then clamps onto the chinlock again as he grinds Finn down.

Fans rally, Finn fights up, and he throws body shots. Priest knees low, whips Finn to ropes and tilt-o-whirls, but Finn slips into a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Both men are down and fans rally up! Finn stands to KICK and CHOP and KICK! Finn whips, Priest reverses but Finn dropkicks the leg! Finn then trips Priest for some ground ‘n’ pound! Priest shoves Finn away but Finn trips Priest to DOUBLE STOMP! Fans fire up and Finn has Priest in a corner for a CHOP! Finn rams his shoulder in again and again, then whips. Priest reverses but Finn reverses back, only for Priest to choke grip! But Finn wheelbarrows to a victory roll, TWO!

Priest runs but into a SLINGBLADE! Fans fire up and Finn clotheslines Priest out of the ring! Priest falls at Edge’s feet and Finn builds speed! But then Rhea stands in the way! Fans boo, Edge SPEARS Finn outta nowhere!

Winner: Finn Balor, by disqualification

Styles goes after Edge! Fans are thunderous but Priest drags Styles up! Styles counter punches, so Rhea gets in! Styles hesitates to hit Rhea, but Edge POSTS Styles! Judgement Day isn’t done there, Priest sets Styles up, LEG SWEEP SPEAR COMBO!! Judgement Day stands tall as the boos rain down, but will the mountain of omnipotence not be moved?

Kevin Owens talks with The Alpha Academy.

Chad Gable explains that the technicians will pinpoint chromosomes, do some comparative analysis, see how it all aligns and- Kevin doesn’t understand, these words mean nothing to him. What is Chad getting at? Well, remember the red Solo cup they confiscated from Ezekiel? Er, Elias? Right, right, yeah. Chad had it sent to his friends in the DNA lab. Wow, he’s got friends in THE DNA Lab? Wow. Chad says that by next week, we’ll have irrefutable evidence that Ezekiel has been lying and that he IS Elias. No way! That’s amazing! No more lies, no more faulty devices. And perfect timing. Because tonight, Kevin has a very special guest.

Every year, Nova Scotia has a Grand Prix tournament. His brother “Ken” has won it three times. He’s a legend! Ken was supposed to be here closer to SummerSlam, but Ken was able to be here tonight! He is! And he’ll compete against Ezekiel! No, wait, ELIAS. Anyway, tonight, the lies are done. Kevin’s “older brother” beats the truth out of Elias. It’ll be great. Wait, is this what it sounds like?

Omos and MVP head to the ring!

The Nigerian Giant, the Colossus, was victorious over the Rocky Mountain Machine, Bobby Lashley, at Backlash, but with a huge assist from Montel Vontavius Porter. What happens as they celebrate in the VIP Lounge? We’ll see, after the break.

Raw returns as Omos and MVP stand in the ring, with security at the ramp. MVP says this can only mean one thing: big, big, BIG things poppin’, little things stoppin’, so sit back and enjoy the view, because the VIP Lounge is for people better than you. So everyone needs to stand up and show respect to the man that dominated and defeated the so-called All Mighty at Backlash! This is the 7’3″ 403 pound Nigerian Giant, OMOS! Fans boo instead. MVP says respect the man who proved that MVP has been speaking the truth. Lashley became All Mighty because MVP did that. And then Lashley’s ego got so big that he didn’t want to share the spotlight.

Lashley went to WrestleMania 38 and hogged all the glory, leaving the man that made him WWE World Champion at home on the sidelines! That ungrateful so-called- Oh, wait, here comes Cedric Alexander. He wants to bust it wide open! “We did it! We did it!” Alexander is so proud of the big man. Everything MVP said was facts, no filler. Alexander wants to be let in, MVP shouts at the guy to step aside, and the guard moves. Alexander says with MVP’s intellect, Omos’s size and strength, and Alexander’s technical prowess, they can SMASH anyone that steps in their way. Uh, no, what is this “we” “they” stuff?

Alexander says it’s the three of them. Omos put down Lashley! MVP stops Alexander there. MVP still likes Alexander but- Here comes LASHLEY! MVP is furious and now he wants the security to do their job. Lashley CLOBBERS the first guy, SPINEBUSTERS the second, then scoops the third to POST him! Then he back drops another! Alexander aims form the apron to leap, into Lashley’s arms! Lashley TOSSES Alexander into barriers, then gets in the ring to stare Omos down. Omos shoves, Lashley dodges to clothesline Omos out of the ring! Omos lands on his feet, but Lashley glare at MVP! Alexander jumps on but Lashley tosses him again!

MVP bails out, Lashley rips up another VIP Lounge set! Alexander springboards back in, into a HURT LOCK! Lashley thrashes Alexander and Alexander taps so Lashley throws him down. MVP and Omos bail, this is not the time nor the place. But will they have no choice but to face the wrath of All Mighty Bobby Lashley?

Adam Pearce talks with Sonya Deville.

Sonya says enough with this investigation! We all know that whether she’s in the ring or acting as a WWE Official, she does things by the book and gets the job done. Who is she facing tonight? She is in rare form. Oh, as in wants to change rules to suit her? There can’t be any of that, they have to have a conversation. Well they can have it after her match tonight. Who is she facing? Well, a quality competitor- Sonya says it doesn’t matter. It’s not personal, it’s just business. Sonya smirks and exits on her new catchphrase, but will she regret not hearing who she’s facing?

Sonya Deville VS ???

Raw returns and Pearce has things hold on a moment. He was going to tell Sonya earlier, but the formal investigation into Sonya’s conduct has concluded. Upper management has found Sonya recklessly and unprofessionally abused her power, so it his duty to inform her that her contract as an official is TERMINATED! She is still a WWE Superstar, though, and he was going to tell her the name of her opponent. It’s… ALEXA BLISS! Fans are fired up to have the Five Feet of Fury back, and Sonya is in a tailspin! Will Sonya crash and burn against Twisted Bliss?

The bell rings and fans cheer Alexa while Sonya seems to realize she’s in a match. Sonya rushes in, Alexa dodges and kicks back to hit a DDT! Sonya flounders, Alexa drags her to a drop zone and goes up top! TWISTED BLISS! Cover, Alexa wins!

Winner: Alexa Bliss, by pinfall

And just like that, she’s baaack~! Will the former Raw Women’s Champion be looking to return to the top soon enough? Will Sonya ever get over losing her authority?

Ezekiel VS Ken Owens!

So, the Drifter’s younger brother is taking on the Prizefighter’s older brother, but no one can be sure if any of that is real. Either way, will Ezekiel have another big win in the WWE? Or will the KO family have reason to celebrate?

Raw returns and “Ken” makes his entrance. It’s still to Kevin’s theme song, and clearly Kevin grayed up his beard and put on a messy wig. Ezekiel sure isn’t falling for it. “Ken” asks Ezekiel his name, and introduces himself. Ezekiel says hi to Ken, but Kevin doesn’t want him to do that. No one believes Ezekiel and Elias are different people. Okay, maybe some dumbasses do, but no one here. The ones in the back who call him “Ezekiel” are just playing along. No one buys this act, okay? Just to prove a point, Kevin asks the fans by show of hands who actually believes. Pretty much everyone raises their hands.

Did those same people finish high school? You’re either idiots or liars! And who knows what is worse! No, lying is worse! Kevin can’t stand them! Ezekiel is the worst! Ezekiel tells Ken that Ken doesn’t need to raise his voice. Kevin probably wouldn’t approve. Aha, see! Kevin would love the way Ken talks because it’s how Kevin talks because THIS IS KEVIN! You knew it all along, just like you’re Elias! So just admit it! Ezekiel is shocked. He is not Elias, and he could see that right now would be the right time for his brother to come out and sing a lullaby so Ken can calm down. Kevin DECKS Ezekiel! And then fires off more shots!

The ref wants Kevin to stop but Ezekiel hits back! And stomps away in the corner! The Alpha Academy appear, but Ezekiel BOOTS Chad! Otis gets in to CLOBBER Ezekiel, and now it’s 3v1! Kevin and Chad set Ezekiel up for Otis’ SPLASH! Otis kicks the Ken wig and then drags Ezekiel back up. Otis and Chad feed Ezekiel to Kevin’s STUNNER! “A THANK YEW~!” Kevin couldn’t get what he wanted to hear out of Ezekiel, but will Ezekiel let actions speak for him?

Adam Pearce talks with Asuka backstage.

He tells the Empress of Tomorrow that she is more than deserving of a match with Bianca Belair. Asuka thanks her, but Becky Lynch walks in and says “deserve” is a funny word. The Man is the greatest Raw Women’s Champion ever and she still hasn’t gotten a rematch. But then Asuka just reappears and Pearce is just handing her a shot. Pearce says Asuka is not being handed anything. If Asuka beats Bianca tonight, then she has a title match. Oh, beat the champion to then get a championship match. That doesn’t make any sense! Well, Asuka’s team did win last week. But Asuka didn’t get the pin, that was Liv! And they were working together.

And Liv did get a pin on Sonya. Did Pearce orchestrate something? It doesn’t matter. It doesn’t make sense! Last time Asuka was champion, Becky literally handed her the title. She had to take it off and hand it over. That was two years ago, doesn’t matter now. And Asuka gets fired up and she calls Becky out. Asuka didn’t even NEED Becky! Pearce runs away and Becky says fine, he can play his favoritism and stack the deck! Becky’ll knock it down and make her comeback! Asuka says okay then, well, Becky did give her the title to become a mommy, yet Becky’s the one acting like a baby! Crying and begging and throwing tantrums!

Becky says Asuka’s the stupid one with the green tears! Becky storms off and Asuka laughs at her, but will Asuka still be laughing after taking on the EST?

Veer Mahaan VS ???

The Lion is back, and he’s still on the hunt. Will he slaughter another opponent served on a silver platter? Or will someone finally bankrupt the Million Dollar Arm?

Raw returns and Byron Saxton interviews Veer’s opponent, Frank Lowman. Frank, we’ve seen week after week of Veer decimating and hospitalizing men. Does he have any concerns about accepting this match? Of course Frank does. He doesn’t wanna be carted out of here, but he has a wife and three beautiful little triplets that expect him to provide for them. So he has to do this for his family! Will his family be meeting Frank at a hospital in Hartford?

The bell rings, Veer and Lowman tie up. Veer waistlocks and SLAMS Lowman, stays on and SLAMS him again. Veer still has the waistlock, gets Lowman up but Lowman throws elbows. Lowman dodges the lariat to BOOT Veer! Veer wobbles, Lowman kicks again! Lowman runs, but Veer hits the THESZ PRESS! Veer drags Lowman up, reels him in, and hits a SIDEWALK SLAM! Lowman writhes, Veer looms over him, and Veer gets Lowman up again to whip into a corner. Veer then runs in to SPLASH! Then MILLION DOLLAR ARM!! Lowman flounders, fans chant, “He Has Kids!” but the CERVICAL CLUTCH is own! Lowman taps, Veer wins!

Winner: Veer Mahaan, by submission

Another week, another victory, and for once, Veer shows mercy. But given how he made such quick work of such a big man, will everyone come to #FearVeer?

Kevin Patrick interviews Cody Rhodes backstage.

This is the American Nightmare’s first WWE United States Championship match ever, but Kevin Patrick does congratulate him first on his victory at Backlash. What is next for Cody and Seth? What’s next? Hopefully nothing, for fear of going to the limit for a third time. Rollins is top tier no matter how you slice it, but Cody walked away with the moment, the money and the victory. So as far as Cody’s concerned, the chapter of Cody VS Rollins is closed. Theory, the youngest US Champion in history is brimming with potential, but just like gold, you need to dig to find it. Theory better be ready to dig down, because nothing sounds better than The American Nightmare as the NEW United States Champion. Cody heads out, but will he be leaving with the gold around Theory’s waist?

WWE United States Championship: (Austin) Theory VS Cody Rhodes!

Raw returns and Theory makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the title is raised, and we see who really represents Hotlanta!

Fans are behind Cody as he circle with Theory and feels out the grapple. Cody gets a leg, Theory gets to a corner and the ref counts the ropebreak. Cody lets off, but Theory shoves him! Theory talks trash to Cody and the fans but the fans boo. Cody and Theory reset, knuckle lock, then collar ‘n’ elbow. Cody wrenches to a hammerlock, Theory switches it onto Cody, but Cody trips Theory and has the legs! Theory scrambles to a ropebreak to avoid the figure four. Fans boo and Cody taunts Theory as Theory gets back up. They circle, tie up, and Theory headlocks. Cody powers up but Theory grinds the hold.

Cody powers out but Theory runs him over, then cartwheels to mock Stardust. Cody gets up and says that’s clever. Then he kicks Theory low and drops for the Rhodes Uppercut! Roll-up, TWO! Theory swings but into a backslide, TWO! Theory rushes in but into a waistlock! They go to ropes, Theory slips in between for a defense, then he cheap shot elbows Cody away! Theory wrenches an arm but Cody ROCKS Theory! Cody goes to a corner, Theory runs in but is put outside. Theory HOTSHOTS Cody, then somersault SHOTGUN dropkicks! Cover, ONE!! Cody hurries up but Theory CLUBS him on the neck.

Theory snapmares and stomps Cody down, then covers, ONE! Theory clamps on with a chinlock but Cody moves around. Cody fights up as fans rally and he throws body shots. Cody arm-drags free, but Theory comes back to CLOBBER Cody with an elbow! Cocky cover, ONE! And Cody ROCKS Theory with haymakers and forearms! Cody whips, Theory reverses and Cody hits buckles hard! Theory snarls as he looms over Cody. Fans chant, “You Suck!” but Theory shakes his head. Cody gets a foot but Theory CLUBS Cody down. Theory ROCKS Cody but Cody ROCKS Theory back. Theory dropkicks the leg out!

Theory snap suplexes Cody to cover, TWO! Theory is annoyed but he stalks Cody as he crawls to a corner. Theory brings Cody up, fans rally for Cody and that annoys Theory. Cody throws body shots, Theory hits back, they brawl, and Theory kicks low. Theory reels Cody in but Cody blocks the suplex. Cody suplexes to GOURD BUSTER! And a dropkick sends Theory out! Fans fire up with Cody and he goes up, DISASTER KICK! Theory hits the floor and Cody goes out after him! Cody aims from the apron but Theory blocks the kick to trip Cody up! Theory snarls, and he uncovers the announce desk! Theory goes back in, scrapes Cody out, and brings him to the desk.

Cody turns things around on Theory with hands and CHOPS! And CHOP after CHOP! They get on the table but Theory scrambles away into the ring! Fans boo but Theory is on the defensive as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Theory has Cody down with a chinlock. Fans boo Theory and Cody fights his way up. The fans rally as Cody gets to his feet, and Cody pries free! But Theory CLUBS him on the back, reels him in, and back suplexes! Cody lands on his feet, ducks and dodges, DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men slowly rise as the fans fire up. Cody counter punches Theory, throws haymakers, then whips. Theory reverses but Cody CLOBBERS Theory! Cody goes to the corner, goes up and over and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Theory survives but Cody keeps his cool. Cody stalks Theory now, and decides to go up top!

Theory stands, Cody MOONSAULTS! Direct hit, cover, TWO! Cody grows a little frustrated but he fires himself up. Fans rally as Cody brings Theory up. Theory swings, misses but he back elbows hard! Fisherman, AOI SHODOU! Cover, TWO! Cody survives and Theory seethes but the ref defends his count. Theory says A-Town Down, and he hauls Cody up. Fireman’s carry, but Cody elbows free! Cody ducks and springboards, DISASTER KCIK! Theory stays up so Cody springboards, CODY CUTTER! Fans fire up with Cody, and he gets Theory up, but ROLLINS attacks!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by disqualification; Theory retains the title

The Visionary ruins Cody’s moment! Rollins stomps away on Cody, kicks him out of the ring, then goes out to CLOBBER him! Rollins rains down fists, fans boo, but Rollins drags Cody up to smack him off the desk! And again! Rollins tells Cody he will NOT take anything from Rollins ever again! Fans chant, “You Suck!” but Rollins dribbles Cody’s face off the desk! Rollins then clears more space, and CURB STOMPS Cody on the desk! Cody falls back and fans boo, but Rollins just glares down at Cody. Rollins then tells Cody that never again will Cody take something from him! Is Rollins writing a new chapter in this story whether Cody likes it or not?

Sasha Banks & Naomi VS “Doudrop” Piper Niven & Nikki A.S.H!

The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions are gearing up for a title match with Shayna Baszler & Natalya, but will they overlook the newest tag team on the block? Or will this Celtic connection make management see they are worthy?

The teams sort out, Naomi starts against Piper, and they two circle. They approach, Naomi dropkicks but Piper stays up. Naomi dropkicks again, runs in, and hits a forearm smash! Naomi whips but Piper blocks to headbutt! Naomi flounders and Piper stalks her to ropes. Naomi dodges the haymaker to slide and twerk, then kangaroo kick! Naomi runs to sunset flip but Piper stays up to DROP on Naomi! Cover, TWO! Naomi survives but Piper CLUBS her to a corner. Piper chokes Naomi on ropes but the ref counts. Piper lets off at 4, then brings Naomi up to CLUB her again. Piper dribbles Naomi off the mat while fans rally up.

Naomi gets to ropes, Piper brings her up and chinlocks. Piper taunts Sasha by holding out Naomi’s hand, then she thrashes Naomi in a cobra clutch. Naomi fights up, throws body shots, then JAWBREAKERS! Naomi is free, but Piper grabs her by her hair. Piper throws Naomi away from Sasha and Naomi gets to a corner. Piper runs in to SPLASH! Naomi sits down while Piper dusts off her hands. Piper stalks Naomi, brings her away from Sasha again, but Naomi keeps reaching. Piper scoops, Naomi slips out and dropkicks! Piper wobbles, Naomi headlocks and BUCKLE BULLDOGS! Sasha tags in and fans fire up!

Sasha and Naomi DOUBLE SOLE FOOD Piper in the corner, then Sasha goes up to CROSSBODY! But Piper catches her to SLAM her down! Nikki tags herself in and she hurries to cover, TWO! Nikki rains down fists on Sasha, then drags her up to a top wristlock. Sasha endures, fights up, but Nikki throws her down for a NECK SNAPPER! Cover, TWO! Nikki drags Sasha up, brings her around, strikes the heroic pose, and Piper wants in. Nikki says she’s got this, but then Sasha slips out and gets around to waistlock! Nikki switches but Naomi tags in and ROUNDHOUSES Nikki! Sasha DECKS Piper, then RENT’S DUE! Cover, the champs win!

Winners: Sasha Banks & Naomi, by pinfall

Piper seethes as the Boss & the Glow take the win! Piper wants Nikki to take this seriously. They need to work together. This is what happens when Nikki doesn’t listen! But before Nikki can respond one way or another, The Miz arrives! And he’s a referee…? He’s the special guest referee for what’s up next! Will he be fair? Or will he be The Miz?

Mustafa Ali VS Tommaso Ciampa!

Raw returns and both The Beacon and the Blackheart are in the ring. The Miz has a mic to say he has been thinking, and Ali has a point. Ali has not been treated fairly in the WWE, so Theory went to Vince McMahon and got Ali someone impartial, honorable and respected: The Miz. Miz vows to call this down the middle, so ring the bell! The bell does ring, and Ali circles with Ciampa. They tie up, go around, Ciampa pulls hair and puts Ali in a corner. Miz calls the ropebreak, Ciampa lets off but Ali ducks the cheap shot to CHOP Ciampa! Miz reprimands Ali, but then Ciampa sucker punches Ali!

Ciampa CLUBS Ali, hauls him up and whips him to ropes. But Ali KICKS back and then trips Ciampa for a jackknife bridge. Miz is slow to checking, Ciampa is out before a count! Ali complains but Ciampa CLOBBERS him! Miz shrugs, like it’s not his fault he wasn’t fast enough. Ciampa stomps Ali, has him in a corner, and keeps stomping. Miz  technically reprimands Ciampa, and he slowly counts the ropebreak. Ciampa lets off at 4, though it was more like 8 in real counts, and then he runs side to side. But Ali dodges and Ciampa knees the buckle! Ali then HOTSHOTS Ciampa, but Ciampa come back to KNEE Ali down!

Ciampa goes out after Ali to CLOBBER him! Ciampa sits o the desk to applaud and pat himself on the back. Miz slowly ushers Ciampa back into the ring with a slow ring count. Ciampa gets Ali in at 2 but it was more like 4 of 10, and then Ciampa goes to Ali. CRADLE! Miz is slow again, ONE for Miz is more like five for real refs. Ciampa CLOBBERS Ali and throws down elbows. Ciampa clamps on a chinlock and cranks back as Ali endures. Miz checks with Ali, but Ali says he’s not giving up. Miz tells the timekeeper that’s a no, and fans rally up. Ali fights up but Ciampa snapmares and stomps Ali down!

Ciampa drags Ali back up, whips corner to corner hard and Ali flops to the mat! Miz mocks Ali’s pain and asks if he wants to give up. Ciampa clamps the chinlock on again, Ali says no, and he fights up. Fans rally up, Ali throws body shots but Ciampa knees low. Ciampa whips, Ali reverses and runs in, but into a BOOT! Ciampa runs in but into a LARIAT! Ali fires up and the fans are with him, and Ali counter punches Ciampa! Ali throws haymakers, whips, but Ciampa reverse. Ali ducks and dodges to CLOBBER Ciampa! Ciampa goes to a corner, Ali CHOPS and whips corner to corner, Ali runs in to DROPKICK!

Ciampa flounders, Ali somersaults in for the NECKBREAKER! Fans fire up and Ali drags Ciampa to the drop zone. Ali goes up top, 450 but he has to roll through! Ciampa ripcord ROLLING ELBOWS, then BOOTS Ali! Ali staggers, Ciampa waistlocks but Ali bucks the O’Conner! UPERKICK, Ali springboards, FLYING DDT! Cover, Miz is slow again, TWO!! But again, that’s more like seven or eight for a real ref. Ali is furious and Miz says he is the ref here, don’t hit him or you’ll be disqualified! Ciampa hits a REVERSE DDT! Miz counts and it’s like a cheetah! Ciampa wins!!

Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by pinfall

Miz turned three into 1.5 and Ali loses because of it! But will Ali make sure to get back at Miz one way or another?

Lacey Evans speaks.

“I was a child of abuse. My father struggled with mental health and addiction, which meant spending a majority of my childhood jumping state to state just to get away from him, or running from the things he had done. My mother tried to find us refuge in various women’s shelters and camp grounds, but ultimately my father found us. My mother broke, and we were brought back into his web of anger and addiction. Neither child protective services nor law enforcement could save me, but through my experiences, I learned how to save myself.” Lacey learned to hide, fight and when to use them.

She became a wrestling state champion by the age of 15, but she had to learn how to juggle a job, wrestling and school. She had to learn to do her own make-up because she didn’t have a mother who could teach her about beauty and confidence. IN fact, Lacey had so little support, she was kicked out of her home at 17 and was still the first in her family to graduate high school and become a US Marine. She has spent her entire life thinking that if she just proved herself worthy of her father’s love, then maybe he would choose that over addiction. She graduated as a US Military Police Officer, but he didn’t even show up for the ceremony.

One thing her father did show up for over and over again was the call to addiction and depression and anger. That led her father to overdose two months before her WWE tryout. And right before her first match in NXT, another member of her family overdosed in the parking lot. The threat of death and depression around every corner has been a constant reminder of what she lives for. She lives for her daughter’s smile, and to show the world that the weight of another’s pain doesn’t have to be carried on your back. She lives and fights to beat the cycle. Those experiences have made her into the motivated, careful and confident mother, wife, sister, daughter, US Marine and WWE superstar.

Bobby Lashley speaks.

“The only reason Omos won at WrestleMania Backlash was because of you, MVP! And then you bring him out here tonight, parading around your new Nigerian Giant, victorious to the world to share the spotlight with him. Why don’t you let him have a spotlight of his own without your interference? Next week on Monday Night Raw, I want that 7 foot 3 Nigerian Giant trapped inside a 15 foot steel cage!” The All Mighty has spoken, will not even the Colossus survive this one?

R-Truth meets with Dana Brooke and Tamina backstage.

His job is one the line. Are they both sure they want to go through with this? YES! Dana is right! Both these marriages are done. So the guys are meeting them here? Yes, and Dana tricked them into thinking it was a double date. Snakes! But Reggie and Tozawa arrive with flowers and chocolates to apologize. Well, just Reggie has chocolate. No candy from Tozawa? Well they got you these. DIVORCE PAPERS!? Yep! Truth is certified to serve, so y’all just got served. Tozawa, too?! He panics and runs away. Tamina is upset at Truth that it isn’t official until Tozawa holds the papers. Oh, right. Truth takes off after Tozawa, and Reggie pleads with Dana.

Tamina says oh no. Not now! Tamina and Dana storm off, but is this truly the end of these love stories?

Becky Lynch heads to ringside!

The Man makes tonight Big Time as she is joining commentary for this one! Will she have anything to say about the Empress of Tomorrow going after the title?

Raw Women’s Championship Contender’s Match: Bianca Belair VS Asuka!

Raw returns once more and Asuka makes her entrance. Then Bianca makes her entrance, but Becky isn’t impressed by either of them. The bell rings and Asuka stares down with Bianca as Becky says she wasn’t in game mode at WrestleMania. Bianca and Asuka tie up, go around, and Bianca wristlocks. Asuka wrenches to wristlock back, but Bianca rolls, kips up and wrenches back. Asuka reaches out, throws forearms, then uses ropes to flip through and wrench back. Asuka waistlocks, Bianca switches and SLAMS Asuka down, then floats to a headlock. Asuka fights up, throws body shots and powers out.

Bianca rams Asuka but Asuka stays up. Asuka roars, fans fire up and things speed up. Bianca handsprings then tells Asuka to kiss this. Asuka runs in, Bianca hurdles but Asuka turns hip toss into takedown and press, TWO! Bianca runs Asuka over and swaggers while Becky gets mad about losing again. Bianca drags Asuka up, whips her to a corner but Asuka reverses. Bianca goes up and over and handsprings again, but Asuka elbows her then ROUNDHOUSES! SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! Asuka smirks and she brings Bianca up to suplex. Bianca blocks, suplexes back, then rolls through to deadlift!

Asuka slips out, dodges Bianca, but Bianca ducks the roundhouse to chicken wing! But Asuka victory rolls, TWO! But into an ARMBAR! Bianca scrambles, clasps hands, powers up but Asuka makes it a TRIANGLE HOLD! Bianca flails and moves around, then deadlifts again! POWERBOMB! Becky storms off commentary to trip Bianca and throw her into steps!

Winner: Bianca Belair, by disqualification

Big Time Becks then goes into the ring to BOOT Asuka down! Becky runs to drop a leg, brother! Then an elbow for good measure! Becky says this should’ve been her contender’s match, and she drags Asuka up again. MANHANDLE SLAM! Becky raises her hand as if she won, but will she be in for big time consequences?

My Thoughts:

This was a really good follow-up to Backlash, until the last half hour or so. They started cramming a crap ton of stuff that wasn’t even really needed. I’m not sure why a supercut of Lacey Evans’ promos from SmackDown the last month was played here, unless there’s a “trade” between brands in the works. Or maybe even more concerning, just an end to the brand split. Then they shoved in Reggie and Tozawa being served papers, even though I feel like they could’ve kept Tozawa & Tamina going. In the end, the main event is not even 10 minutes, and it gets “ruined” by Becky anyway. It seems they’re blending Asuka VS Becky in with the Raw Women’s Championship, Triple Threat at Hell in a Cell, and because of that, we could get just about anyone winning.

I did like that we got the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions having a match on Raw, but I’m disappointed that they’re putting dysfunction in the team of Piper and Nikki already. The champs were of course winning, but why not just win a good match? Nikki is still being superhero even though last week Piper told her it was time to stop playing around. Hopefully the team sticks together as Nikki finally does shed the costume, the RawDown Women’s Tag Division needs to keep teams together. I will say it was great that Sonya got stripped of her management power and then was so distraught, she got squashed by a returning Alexa Bliss. Another good part of that is Alexa is a hybrid of Fun House Bliss and the Goddess. Only time will tell which side has more power.

RKBRO and Profits opening was great stuff, both promo and match. I like that RKBRO still want that tag title unification so their trip back to SmackDown will be good stuff. And as such, of course RKBRO wins the match and what a great finish. I’m all for the unification match happening at Hell in a Cell, but I don’t think they need this one in the cell. Just let it be another 2v2 classic. As for matches that will be at HIAC and in the cell, my number one is Cody VS Rollins Part 3. We got a great US Championship match from Cody and Theory, and the US title’s current design fits so well with Cody’s gear, but sadly this was just a vehicle to Cody VS Rollins, HIAC match.

Judgement Day has a decent group promo. For Edge talking about being a superior intellect, he just resorts to pedestrian “run down the fans” promos. But Priest and Rhea held up their parts of this, and we got some great matches from tonight. Judgement Day handing the win to Finn and then beating him and Styles down should’ve been expected. I am hoping for a Six Person Tag, Liv joining Styles and Finn against Judgement Day. Maybe Liv does what Rhea did and makes the male superstars conflicted about hitting her, and then Finn or Styles capitalizes to win.

Miz being special guest for Ali’s match was a dead giveaway he was screwing Ali over, but at least Miz was good at playing it up. Maybe Ali gets an ally and gets a tag match with Miz and Ciampa? Veer got another win, and while Frank Lowman had a good promo before hand, I’m disappointed that it was another week and still no Rey Mysterio. I guess they’re going to push this closer to HIAC, but Veer didn’t even destroy Lowman like he did everyone else so I’m not even sure Veer VS Rey is still happening.

The VIP Lounge stuff was decent stuff, with Alexander of course wanting back into the Hurt Business and Lashley of course going after everyone. Lashley wanting a Steel Cage is a pretty good move if they’re not going to HIAC, but there’s still a lot MVP can do to help Omos so Lashley isn’t guaranteed a win. And I again love everything going on with the Ezekiel story. Kevin was hilarious during Chad’s promo about doing testing on Ezekiel’s DNA from the Solo cup, and of course “Ken” was just Kevin copying Elias/Ezekiel. Can’t wait to see how they play the DNA test results. I would love if they said it was 100% match, but then Ezekiel claims he’s actually been Elias’s twin brother, as twins (most of the time) have matching DNA.

My Score: 8.3/10