Is the Empress ready for The Big Time?

As Money in the Bank draws closer, Becky Lynch wants in on that ladder match! Will she get her way by taking Asuka out of the running? Or is not even The Man ready for Asuka?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Becky Lynch VS Asuka; changed to…
• Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 5: Becky Lynch VS Asuka VS Carmella VS Liv Morgan VS Alexa Bliss; Carmella wins and will challenge Bianca Belair for the title at MITB.
• Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Matt Riddle VS Omos w/ MVP; Omos wins and advances to MITB.
• Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso; Dawkins wins.
• WWE United States Championship Contender Three Round Gauntlet: Bobby Lashley VS ???; Lashley wins and will challenge Theory for the title at MITB.
• AJ Styles VS Tommaso Ciampa; Styles wins.
• Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Becky Lynch VS Asuka (rescheduled); Asuka wins and advances to MITB.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE mourns to loss of referee Tim White.

Bianca Belair is here!

The University of Nebraska fires up for the RawEST Women’s Champion as she makes her way out to the ring. Bianca gets the mic and welcomes everyone to the freshEST and finEST show on TV, Monday Night Raw! Now, given that she is the EST Of WWE, she looks forward to every opportunity she gets to defend her title, so she looks forward to Money in the Bank and her newEST challenger, Rhea Ripley. But she really wishes she wasn’t the one who had to come out and break the news, but… Rhea Ripley will not be medically cleared to compete. Fans boo but Bianca says the match isn’t happening… yet.

But Bianca stays ready so she doesn’t have to get ready, so she will be ready and waiting when Rhea makes her return! Fans like the sound of that. So until then, who will Bianca face at MITB? Tonight, we have FIVE women: Alexa Bliss, Liv Morgan, Carmella, Asuka and Becky Lynch. All five are going to compete in a Fatal 5 Way, the winner becomes Bianca’s challenger. All of them are amazing, but- Here comes Big Time Becks! And she tells Bianca, “There is only ONE contender, and you know it’s me. Let me remind you that I still haven’t gotten my one-on-one rematch after we had the greatest women’s wrestling match in WrestleMania history.”

Becky gets in the ring to say that at Hell in a Cell, she had it won. She had Asuka beat but Bianca stole that from her, didn’t she? Becky is being misused, mistreated and being made to jump through hoop after hoop and overcome obstacle after obstacle. But it’s okay, really! After tonight’s Fatal 5, it’ll make taking back her title all that much sweeter. But here comes who Becky was supposed to face alone, ASUKA! “Becky, Becky, Becky. Oh, Becky, aww…” Asuka laughs and says, “Are you crying?” Becky frowns as Asuka continues to tease her. Is Becky still a Big Time Baby? Huh, huh, huh?

Becky says maybe if Asuka spent less time making Simpsons memes and boring the piss out of Becky, Asuka would be doing alright. Because last match they had 1v1, Becky has Asuka’s shoulders flat on the mat! But here comes Liv Morgan! Liv tells Becky that if Liv were her, don’t worry just about Asuka. Liv is always ready for a fight! In fact, she’s in a great mood tonight! She’s already got her shot at MITB, the thing Becky hasn’t been able to do yet. Sorry about that, but Becky will figure it out. But Liv would gladly trade that in for a chance to go 1v1 with Bianca! And now Carmella makes her way out!

“Hold up, hold up, hold up. Something doesn’t quite add up here… I mean, obviously I know why I’m in the match tonight, along with Becky, Asuka and Alexa. I mean, we’re all former champions. But Liv, why’re you out here?” Liv scowls while Mella gets in the ring. “Raise of hands here, who thinks we should kick the lovable little loser out of the match and make it a Fatal 4 Way?” Fans boo and Liv says that’s so funny. Liv is here because she’s been here. If Mella wants to talk like that again, Liv can give her a few more weeks off. Mella says, “First off, how dare you? That’s some big talk by somebody who was only added to the MITB Ladder Match after riding Alexa Bliss’ coattails.”

But speaking of, here comes Lil’ Miss Bliss! Someone said her name, right? But we all know that Mella loves to name drop. Speaking of name dropping, should Alexa name drop a certain guy with no chin that won the match for Mella? And Mella’s here talking about riding coattails. Sweetie, that’s so rich coming from someone who has literally never been able to be successful on her own. So then, why not do us all a favor: stop being a hypocrite and stop picking on Liv before Alexa beats your face in herself. Bianca has everyone hold on, this is doing way too much. Everyone can run their mouths, but the fans are ready for some action!

Fans cheer and Bianca says let’s get to it. Let’s see who is ready to get down and compete! The EST gets things sorted out, and that Fatal 5 #1 Contender’s match happens after the break!

Raw Women’s Championship #1 Contender’s Fatal 5: Becky Lynch VS Asuka VS Carmella VS Liv Morgan VS Alexa Bliss!

Raw returns and Bianca sits with commentary as the bell rings. Becky goes after Asuka and tackles her! They scrap, fall out of the ring, and Mella ROCKS Liv! Alexa SLAPS Mella then ROCKS her, and Liv SHOTGUNS Mella down! Fans fire up for #LivYourBliss, but they circle and tie up now. Liv headlocks, hits a takeover, but Alexa slips out. Liv kicks Alexa away, avoids the stomps, then speeds up to sunset flip! TWO, but Liv holds on for a rolling body scissor clutch! She brings Alexa around and around and around, ONE count after ONE count, then she stops, TWO! Alexa is dizzy and Liv whips her to ropes.

Alexa turns hip toss into arm-drag and cover, ONE! Alexa cradles, TWO! Liv has it, Alexa has it back, it’s another rolling cradle! ONE after ONE after ONE, they finally settle but have to shift, TWO!! Both women are dizzy now, but Alexa dodges. Liv dodges, and then DOUBLE HAYMAKERS take them both down! Mella covers Alexa, TWO! Now she covers Liv, TWO! Back to Alexa, TWO! Back to Liv, TWO! Mella is losing her cool but the counts were all fair. Asuka runs in but Mella avoids the sliding kick! And the backhand! Asuka blocks the superkick but Mella ducks the backhand again. Asuka blocks a kick to waistlock, but Mella fights the lift!

Mella swings an elbow but Asuka dodges, to BACKHAND Mella down! Corey Graves freaks out about Mella’s face, but Asuka runs, only for Becky to trip her and drag her out! Becky BOOTS Asuka, but Alexa hits a BLOCKBUSTER on Mella! TWO, and Becky waves hi to Alexa. Alexa rushes her but gets a knee, ROUNDHOUSE, and then throw down by her hair! Becky goes up top, and drops the MAN’S LEG onto nothing! Alexa gets Becky but Becky slips out to wrench. Alexa ROCKS Becky, KICKS Becky, and RANAS Becky away! Mella rolls Alexa, TWO! Mella knees low, talks trash, then throws her down.

Mella soaks up the heat, Bianca shakes her head, but Mella drags Alexa up. Alexa SLAPS Mella and fires off body shots! Alexa scoops, Mella slips out and SLAMS Alexa down! Cover, TWO! Mella is frustrated again, but she dodges Liv. Liv dodges Alexa, BROKEN WINGS into buckles! Mella is down and Liv goes up as fans fire up! But Mella shoves Liv OFF and onto the others! Everyone is down on the outside while Mella grins and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Becky has Alexa in a corner. She runs in, misses, and Alexa fires off forearms! Becky shoves Alexa back, BECKSPLODER! Liv gets in, dodges Becky and kicks, KICKS and ENZIGURIS! Liv SHINING WIZARDS Becky in a corner, shoves her down and aims, BIG missile dropkick! Liv kips up and fans fire up with her! Liv runs at Becky to SLINGBLADE her down! Cover, TWO! Bianca is surprised and Liv fires herself back up. Becky flounders to a corner, Liv runs in but is sent into buckles! Becky stacks Liv, feet on the ropes, TWO! Becky hurries up top, but Mella ROCKS Becky! And DECKS Liv!

Mella gives Becky a SUPER STEINER that throws her onto Liv! Mella covers them both, Asuka breaks it in time! Bianca is getting goosebumps watching this! Asuka snarls at Mella and the feeling is mutual. Mella dodges Asuka, mule kicks then FABULOUS KICKS! Cover, TWO! Mella shrieks and slaps Asuka around. Mella drags Asuka up but Asuka hits a FLYING ARMBAR, into the ASUKA LOCK!! Alexa hits INSULT2INJURY! Becky tosses Alexa and goes after Asuka’s arm! Asuka avoids the Disarm-Her and wants the chicken wing! Becky fights that, Liv leaps in, Becky lets Asuka take the missile dropkick!

Becky TOSSES Liv, ROCKS Alexa up top, and then goes after Asuka! CRADLE! TWO!! Asuka almost had Becky but Becky gives Asuka a MANHANDLE SLAM! Cover, TWISTED BLISS breaks it! Double cover, Mella AND Liv break it!! Bianca and the fans are all loving this! “This is Awesome!” as all five women slowly stir. Asuka is up first, she looks for a target. Mella and Becky bail out the sides, Alexa rushes in! Asuka blocks a kick, but Alexa ducks the backhand! Alexa reels Asuka in but Becky returns! Becky facelocks Alexa but that allows Asuka to escape the clinch. Becky ducks, the ROUNDHOUSE hits Alexa!

Becky whips Asuka out of the ring, but Liv returns to give her a FLYING CODE BREAKER! Then ObLIV- NO! Becky holds ropes, MANHANDLE SLAM! Cover, Asuka drags Becky away!! They’re both on the outside, Asuka dodges a haymaker to ROUNDHOUSE Becky! Alexa WRECKS Asuka, and then drags Liv to a drop zone! Alexa goes up top, TWISTED BLISS onto knees! Alexa flounders out, FABULOUS KICK from Mella! Cover, Mella wins!!

Winner: Carmella, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Raw Women’s Championship)

Even Bianca has to admit that was savvy. Becky is freaking out, because the (self-proclaimed) Most Beautiful Woman in the WWE has the golden ticket to the title. But will Bianca show her that looks and opportunistic tendencies aren’t enough to dethrone the EST?

Becky immediately finds Adam Pearce!

She complains to him about how it has been time after time that she loses! Pearce tries to calm Becky down, but what will happen to the Big Time Comeback now?

Raw returns and is still complaining. She should be in MITB, she should be #1 contender, that show is nothing without her! She’s on the freakin’ poster! Pearce tells her that he can’t just put her into something, she has to earn opportunities. Okay, then how? How how how? Well before the change in plans, she was supposed to face Asuka for a spot, right? So then they’ll do that? Fine! Then it’s back on. They still have their qualifier for the MITB Ladder Match, and that match will happen tonight. What? Tonight?! After what we just saw?! What is going on here?! Which will Becky lose first: her mind, or another match?

Vince McMahon is here?!

This is literally unannounced and unexpected, but yes, here he is in Nebraska! He thanks everyone and says tonight marks the 1,517th edition of Monday Night Raw. That means it continues to be the longest running episodic television show in history. For that, he thanks the fans. That means Raw has been on the air for almost 30 years, and 20 of them, they’ve been dominated by the greatest WWE Superstar of all time. That man makes his return to Raw next week. Vince makes no less reference to the Hustle, Loyalty and Respect, JOHN CENA! Cena is on his way back on June 27th, the 20th anniversary of his debut, what will Cena do on that night?

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Matt Riddle VS Omos w/ MVP!

The Bro came so, so, so close to taking the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship from the Tribal Chief, but he could not put Roman Reigns away. Riddle is now barred from challenging Roman Reigns ever again, unless he can get this contract. Will the Stallion be able to topple a giant and have a huge opportunity in his hometown? Or will Omos simply add to the Bro’s woes?

Raw returns as Riddle has a mic to say, “Bro… So, one month ago, my best bro, Randy, may have had his career ended at the hands of Roman Reigns & The Bloodline.” Riddle says on that day, he made a promise to himself and Randy to get vengeance for both of them. Last Friday Night SmackDown, Riddle was this close, bro. He went toe to toe, tit for tat, and even hit one of the sickest RKO’s ever! “But Roman’s Roman, he’s the Tribal Chief, and at the end of the day, he hit me with a Spear that almost broke me in half, and he beat me.” Riddle let himself down, he let the fans down, and most importantly, he let down his best friend, his mentor, and his “brother from another mother,” Randy Orton.

Fans chant for “R K BRO! R K BRO!” and Riddle says he might be down, but he’s definitely not out! You’ll have to kill Riddle to stop him! And while Riddle can’t challenge Roman for the Undisputed Universal Championship, but here’s something he can do: win MITB! And Riddle knows it is a long shot, but if he wins the contract and cashes in on Roman, he could end his reign of terror in the WWE and finally get sweet vengeance that RKBRO truly desires. Now, Riddle knows there’s a lot of competition already in that match, from Sheamus to Drew McIntyre to “that punk ass Seth Freakin’ Rollins.

“And speaking of that punk ass, Seth Freakin’ Rollins, you kinda did my boy, Cody Rhodes, dirty when you hit him with a sledgehammer in the chest. So I think I wanna hit you in the back with a ladder, bro!” Fans like the sound of that. But here comes the Nigerian Giant and Montel Vontavius Porter! MVP tells Riddle, “You been hanging out with Snoop Dogg again? Or I know, you hung out with Wiz Khalifa and smoked dizzle, right?” Those are the only guys MVP knows that have that top shelf kind of stash that could have Riddle this divorced from reality! Riddle, you won’t even make it to MITB, let alone win. Because there’s a 7’3″, 403 pound GIANT in your way!

However, it’s not all bad. Riddle will get high tonight, when Omos picks him up and slams him down to reality! “Talk about a bad comedown.” Riddle says touché. But here’s a little something for Omos & MVP. Riddle will get high, when he raises his hand up high when he wins here tonight with the three most destructive letters in all of sports entertainment: R K BRO! Riddle is fired up, but will he be coughing up a lung after falling off Mount Omos?

Raw returns and the bell rings. Riddle rushes in and fires off on Omos! Omos shoves Riddle away but Riddle gets around to fire off more shots! Omos shoves Riddle to a corner but Riddle avoids the back body block! Riddle fires off KICK after KICK after KICK, then lets off as the ref counts. Riddle runs, but Omos scoops him for a SIDEWALK SLAM! Omos is fired up and MVP says he doesn’t like that, he loves that! Omos aims at Riddle, runs corner to corner, and hits the back body block! Riddle falls over and MVP says to keep on him. Omos drags Riddle up, whips him to a corner hard, and Riddle falls to the mat!

Riddle writhes, and Seth Rollins is watching backstage in a pink leopard print. Omos kicks Riddle to ropes, and then stands on the bad ribs! The ref counts, Omos lets off, and MVP talks trash. Riddle gets up to fire off on Omos! Riddle runs, but into a BEARHUG! Fans rally as Riddle endures but Omos thrashes him around! Riddle throws down hands on Omos’ head! Riddle frees himself, but Omos reels him in to CLUB him in the back! MVP says Omos can’t let Riddle disrespect him! BEARHUG! Riddle endures all over again and fans rally back up. Riddle throws elbows, Omos thrashes Riddle more, but Riddle fires more and more and more shots!

Riddle is free again, he throws more elbows, but Omos choke grips! CHOKE- FINAL FLASH! Omos staggers and goes to a corner, but Riddle runs in! Forearm smash! Then side to side, forearm smash! Riddle keeps going, but gets caught! Omos TOSSES Riddle away! Omos runs corner to corner, into BOOTS! Riddle goes up top, FLOATING BRO ATTACK! Omos gets hit but still only staggers! Riddle fires up and hears the voices, bro! RK- NO! Omos has both hands, MOUNTAINTOP SLAM!! Cover, Omos wins!!

Winner: Omos, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

But then Omos adds on! Another MOUNTAINTOP SLAM!! Fans boo, but the giant is moving on to the ladder match. Will Omos even need a ladder to win?

As for Riddle, SETH ROLLINS makes his way out to the ring! Rollins is in a good mood given he’s in the MITB match, and that Riddle is not. Rollins looks at Riddle as he somehow manages to stand up. Rollins then DECKS Riddle! And throws him out of the ring! Fans boo and Rollins laughs as he gets a mic. “HAHAHAHAHA! Awww~ I’m sorry! I don’t share airspace with loooserrrs~! And Riddle, you are the Ultimate Loser! HAHA! First, you lose your buddy Raandy~! And then you lose your title match to Roman Reigns! And now you’ve lost your opportunity at MITB! HAHAHAHA!”

But hey, truth be told, Rollins can’t be too hard on Riddle, since it wouldn’t have mattered. Because no one in the MITB can defeat Roman Reigns. The entire planet knows that only one man has Roman’s number, and you are looking at him! HAHAHA! Roman’s been ducking and dodging Rollins since he emotionally dismantled him at the Royal Rumble. But in two week’s time, Rollins will climb the ladder, take the MITB contract, and then Roman can run and hide all he wants, but Rollins will find him. And if you thought that first cash-in was something, “well you ain’t seen nothing yet, baby! Because I am a Visionary! I am a revolutionary! I am Seth! Freakin’!”

Riddle DECKS Rollins! Fans fire up but Rollins kicks back, runs, and hits a CURB STOMP!! Rollins laughs at Riddle more, then swaggers away. Will the Visionary truly recreate history? Does Riddle still have a way back to the top?

(Austin) Theory is here!

The Youngest United States in WWE History is back again, flexing and boasting the entire way to the ring. He says he is untouchable after what he did to Bobby Lashley last week, but he’s ignoring the fact he lost. Will Theory only inflate his ego more here tonight? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and Theory is back on the Pose-Down pedestal. Theory says everyone wants to know what it’s like to be a prodigy, the new Chosen One, and the new face of the WWE. But hey, he was expecting the boos because he doesn’t expect anyone here to relate to the youngest and greatest US Champion in WWE history! Fans boo more but Theory says they love him. Last week, he stood on this podium, showed off his physique, and proved Lashley can’t touch him! No one can! At this point in his career, Theory is better than Lashley ever was! He is on a level that- SHUT UP! He’s the one with the mic, so shut up!

Theory smiles and says he can wait. But next week, that might be the Cena Celebration, but his time is up, and Theory’s time is now. Get it? Is that unfair? Unfair that Theory says that about the supposed greatest of all time? What’s unfair was his Pose-Down last week! He didn’t get to show the fans the rest of his immaculate poses! So all you losers get to see the most perfect body in all the WWE, right here and now in his Theory Invitational Pose-Down! Now shut up while he oils up. Theory shines himself up and gives us the Double Biceps! Theory gloats the whole time, and says here comes the Side Chest! ALL DAY! Better than Lashley!

And of course, his favorite- LASHLEY! Fans fire up and Theory thinks it’s for him. Theory flexes, but then says everyone can quiet down. He’s good but hold on. Theory picks up the belt and tells fans to stop chanting for Lashley. But then Theory takes a selfie, and sees Lashley in the background! He turns around, and gets BABY OIL IN THE FACE! And a SPEAR off the podium!! Lashley sends Theory rolling and picks up the belt! Lashley also gets a mic and says he’ll say it one more time to make it clear: He’s not asking, he’s telling Theory that the title is coming home with Lashley! Fans fire up with the Rocky Mountain Machine, will he humble Theory once and for all?

Theory returns backstage.

Theory is still wiping baby oil out of his eyes and Kevin Patrick walks over. Theory asks where interviewers even come from. Do they just lurk in the shadows and wait for him to walk by? Kevin Patrick asks if Theory will address that challenge for the title. Lashley doesn’t deserve a title shot! He wishes he could hold this title! But, Theory was just in Adam Pearce’s office, on the phone with higher-ups, and Theory made a suggestion. Pearce accepted it, so if Lashley wants to earn a title match, he has to defeat three men, one after another, in a gauntlet match TONIGHT! Only then, which Theory guarantees won’t happen, Theory will defend his US title at MITB.

A mighty challenge for the All Mighty! Will he survive whoever it is Theory throws at him to then go for the gold in Las Vegas?

Angelo Dawkins w/ Montez Ford VS Jey Uso w/ Jimmy Uso!

The Street Profits get their shot at the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships at MITB, but they’re already down after Jimmy turned things around on Ford. Will Dawkins tie up the 1v1 series? Or will the #RightHandMan keep things on the right track for the Bloodline?

Raw returns and Jey says you know who they are! You know who they are! “We the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, the Usos!” Jimmy adds, “And the Usos hold all the gold! Raw!” Jey says, “Got dat.” SmackDown. “Got dat, too!” Jimmy says The Bloodline runs both shows, Mondays and Fridays, and they’re smashing errybody! Just like Roman smashed Riddle, Roman will smash Lesnar again, and then the Usos will smash the Profits again! Cuz they the twos and #WeTheOnes! But speaking of, here come the Profits! Fans fire up for the red Solo cups, and Dawkins points out to Ford, it’s the Usos!

Oh, yeah! But they’re talking like they got bass in their voice. Last time they faced off, Profits beat the Usos so bad, Usos couldn’t get back in the ring. Guys, the Profits are the Profits, all about dat money, say somethin’ to me. But the only thing better than having Money in the Bank, is having more gold around their waists. But Jey tells Ford that his mouth is writing checks his ass can’t cash! Dawkins says, “Hey, Tez, y’know what? He’s got a point. But Jey, I bet I could beat your ass, though.” Ford tells the Usos to enjoy their reign while they can. Because the Profits are up, and #WeWantTheSmoke! Jey and Dawkins stay in the ring, and we see which way momentum goes this time!

The bell rings, Jey and Dawkins circle, talking some smack, and then they tie up. Jey kicks and ROCKS and CLUBS Dawkins, then whips him corner to corner. Dawkins reverses, runs in and CYCLONE SPLASH, to an ENZIGURI! Jey flounders out while Ford is fired up! Dawkins runs in but Jey dump him out! Jey then DIVES and hits Dawkins into barriers! Jey snarls, tells Dawkins this ain’t no game, and then he punches the headbands off him! Jey CLOBBES Dawkins into the timekeeper’s area! Fans fire up while the Usos raise their fingers, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Dawkins endures a chinlock. Dawkins fights up, fights free, and ROCKS Jey with a right hand! And then ROCKS him again! Dawkins JABS and JABS and JABS Jey in the corner. Dawkins whips corner to corner, Jey reverses, but Dawkins bounces off buckles to LARIAT Jey! Dawkins keeps rallying with clotheslines, but Jey mule kicks! And uppercuts! Jey whips, Dawkins hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! Fans fire up, Dawkins scoops for the EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Dawkins is surprised but Ford coaches him on. Dawkins watches Jey get up, runs in, and CYCLONE- NO, Jey dodges! POP-UP NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO!

Jimmy argues the ref but the ref tells him to get off the apron. Jey watches Dawkins goes to a corner as he goes to the other. “UCE! SO!” Jey runs in, into a POUNCE! Dawkins gets Jey up, SILENCER! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Dawkins can’t believe it! Dawkins hurries to get Jey back up, whip him to ropes, but Jey KNEES free of the pop-up! Dawkins bobs ‘n’ weaves and ROCKS Jey again! Jey rebounds to SUPERKICK! Dawkins is down, Jey goes up top! USO SPLASH into the ANOINTING! Cover, Dawkins wins!!

Winner: Angelo Dawkins, by pinfall

And we’re all tied up! Jimmy is stunned as now the Usos are on the losing side! But will they be able to redeem themselves when it comes time to put the titles up?

Elias is playing his guitar.

Ezekiel visits his brother, saying, “There’s Zeke’s #1 freak.” Elias responds with, “And there’s my little brother.” They sit on the same couch together and Zeke says it’s been too long. Zeke debuted, won his first match, but still dealing with doubters like Kevin Owens calling him a liar. But where’s Elias been? Traveling around the world, writing songs, playing shows. But nothing compares to being in front of the WWE Universe. Wow, even in a place like Nebraska? Elias used to say some things about places like this. Elias says he’s a changed man. And he’s seen Zeke out there, living the dream, hearing the crowds. It has changed Elias’ perspective.

In fact, Elias is proud to be here. He just wonders if the people remember: WWE stands for #WalkWithElias. C’mon, man! Didn’t you hear them all last week? Of course they remember! But gotta say, this means the world to Zeke. Mom ‘n’ dad are surely watching them like they used to watch the WWE. Maybe Zeke will be in the MITB Ladder match! Imagine that: Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, Ezekiel! He’s getting #ZekedUp just thinking about it! Because then, everyone will wanna #SpeakWithZeke. Elias tells Zeke not to get ahead of himself. He has to focus on what’s right in front of him.

Elias wasn’t sure a wholesome kid like Zeke has a mean streak but he likes what he sees. Zeke’s doing a great job. Zeke says he loves his brother, and Elias says he loves Zeke, too. Now, if Zeke doesn’t mind, Elias has to tune up before he gets out there. They fist bump and Zeke heads out. Will the Drifter really have his return concert here tonight? What will Kevin Owens say to something like this?

Ladies and gentlemen: Elias.

He’s back in the ring with the spotlight! “Hello, I am Elias. And I gotta say, it feels great to be here in front of all the good people of Nebraska.” Fans cheer for that, and Elias says, “I wanna thank you for welcoming me back, I wanna thank you for taking care of my little brother, and I’m here for a couple reasons tonight. And one of those is to remind you that there is a universal truth that you should never forget. And that is that WWE stands for…” “WALK! WITH! ELIAS!” Elias missed that! But in light of everything that’s going on, he’ll kick things off here tonight with a song dedicated to his brother, Zeke.

Elias starts playing and fans clap along. But then Kevin Owens says nope! They’re not doing this! He is ending the charade! No one wants this concert! Fans boo because they do! Kevin says this man is a liar with no integrity! Now, he might have the “wise” people of Nebraska fooled, but not Kevin! He’s French Canadian, he’s super smart! He knows this man is a liar! Elias and Zeke are the same person! That video of them together doesn’t fool Kevin! Special effects, movie magic, they can do whatever they want! Kevin saw a movie with dinosaurs in it! A T-Rex was flying a helicopter!! That video proves NOTHING!

But then Zeke calls Kevin from the tron!? Does Kevin get it now? This is Zeke, and that is Elias. They’ve been telling him the truth the whole time. Kevin just has to accept it and move on. And to Elias, good luck with the concert. Elias thanks Zeke and tells Kevin that it is clearly no one is lying. But to make it clear, here’s a little song. “Elias is back for one night! Big Zeke likes to bring the fight. The Zeke Freaks have been on fire, cuz they know KO is a liar! Sing it! KO is a liar! KO, is a liar~!” Kevin tells Elias to stop already! Stop it! He takes the guitar and TOSSES it! So Elias hits a JUMP KNEE! Fans fire up as Kevin drops, and then Elias gets his spare guitar!

Elias aims at Kevin, and gives him a SMASH HIT! The classics never get old! Kevin writhes and Elias says thanks to Nebraska for tonight. Will Kevin ever leave Zeke and Elias alone? Kevin flops to the back, and Kevin Patrick asks him just that. Is he convinced? Why would he be?! Is he an idiot?! He can explain all that! That tron message could’ve easily been recorded earlier today! And Elias was wearing a fake beard! But KO does know that his back is killing him, he just hurt his knee, and that’s all “his” fault! So next week, Kevin challenges “him” to a match! It can be Elias, Zeke, or their even YOUNG brother, Elrond! Just someone face Kevin!

Kevin then looks like he’s seen a ghost, as Zeke walks in! Zeke heard the challenge, and accepts it. Kevin is flabbergasted, and even shouts “ELROND!” Will the Prizefighter ever get over this obsession?

WWE United States Championship Contender Three Round Gauntlet: Bobby Lashley VS ???

Theory made this match for the All Mighty, and the All Mighty gladly accepts! Will Lashley put three innocent men through some serious pain to finally make Theory put his title where his mouth is? Or will it only take one of them to stop Lashley’s momentum?

Raw returns, and first up to take on Lashley is… Chad Gable! Will Gable make Lashley SHOOOOSH~ here?

Bobby Lashley VS Chad Gable w/ Otis!

The bell rings and Gable tells Lashley to focus on him, not on Otis. They tie up, Gable waistlocks but Lashley wrenches to a wristlock. Lashley grinds the arm, Gable endures, and Lashley hammerlocks to a headlock. Gable endures again, and Lashley hits a takeover. Gable makes it a cover, ONE! Lashley holds, wrenches, waistlocks and SLAMS Gable down! Lashley facelocks, keeps his eyes on Otis, but Gable fights up. Gable wrenches out, wristlocks, but Lashley wrenches back to a wristlock. Fans rally for Lashley but Gable rolls, bridges, and handsprings to wrench through and CHOP! Gable says SHOOOOSH~!

Lashley spins Gable around for a NECKBREAKER! Lashley runs to run Gable over, then shoots in to trip him up and SLAP him! Lashley tells Gable to SHOOSH! Gable snarls, rushes in, but Lashley puts him on the apron. Lashley runs to then BLAST Gable all the way to the desk! Otis tells Lashley to stay back but fans fire up as Lashley goes out after Gable. Lashley whips Gable into barriers, then shines up the corner. Lashley hauls Gable up, fireman’s carry and POST! Fans fire up while Gable is down and Lashley gets back in the ring. Otis helps Gable stand, but Lashley throws elbows at the apron!

Lashley suplexes Gable, holds him up for 10, then 15, then SLAMS Gable down! Fans fire up and Lashley takes aim from the corner. Gable gets up, Lashley runs in, but Gable drop toeholds to an ANKLE LOCK! Gable laughs and tells Lashley to give up! Lashley endures, pushes up, but Gable puts on more pressure! Lashley rolls over to kick Gable away! Gable gets up the corner, Lashley runs in and Gable leaps over! Gable CLOBBERS Lashley, goes up top, MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Lashley survives and Gable is shocked! Gable wants Nebraska to SHOOSH, and he stalks Lashley. Gable reels Lashley in, but Lashley spins around to clinch and OVERHEAD Belly2Belly!

Lashley hobbles over, gets Gable, but Gable blocks the Full Nelson to standing switch! Lashley switches back, Gable drops, but Lashley drags Gable up out of the victory roll and into the HURT LOCK! Gable TAPS, Lashley ELIMINATES him! But then Otis CLOBBERS Lashley! Obviously the tree trunk is the second opponent!

Bobby Lashley VS Otis w/ Chad Gable!

Otis stomps away on Lashley, Gable tells Lashley to SHOOSH, but the ref pulls the Alpha Academy away. Otis then stands on Lashley! The ref counts, Otis lets off at 4 and Lashley gets to the apron. Otis goes out after Lashley, storms over around the way, and he KICKS Lashley in the side! Otis RAMS Lashley into barriers and says that felt good! Otis says this is #ForTheAcademy, and then he drags Lashley back up. Otis POSTS Lashley in return for what he did to Gable, and then he gets in the ring at 5 of 10. Fans rally, the count is 8, but Otis then goes out after Lashley again to CLOBBER him! Otis paces around as the ring count restarts.

Otis aims, runs and SPLASHES Lashley! Fans boo while Gable says “A THANK YEW~!” Otis asks, “Who’s the man now?!” and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Otis has Lashley with a neck wrench. Fans rally as Lashley endures, fights up, and throws body shots! Lashley ROCKS Otis, then waistlocks, but Otis is too bulky to lift! Otis elbows free, runs, but Lashley dodges. But Otis rolls to dodge back! And then he CLOBBERS Lashley! Cover, TWO! Otis snarls and argues with the ref but the count was fair. Otis runs to drop a BIG elbow! Otis again asks, “Who’s the man?!” Otis stalks Lashley to a corner, throws clobbering shots, and reels Lashley in for a short arm LARIAT! Otis calls himself the Hammer of God, then goes up the corner! VADER BOMB FLOPS as Lashley moves!

Otis clutches his gut, Lashley runs in, but Otis rolls again! Lashley dodges in return, for a COMPLETE SHOT! Fans fire up and Lashley fires up, too! Lashley waits on Otis to get up, but Otis blocks the Hurt Lock! Otis throws an elbow but Lashley still holds on. Otis powers Lashley to a corner and fires off back elbows from both sides! Otis then runs corner to corner, but only gets buckles! Lashley SPEARS Otis down!! Cover, GABLE attacks! Lashley advances by disqualification! Gable hammers away on Lashley, rains down fists, and there’s still one more man Lashley has to face! Gable and Otis haul Lashley up to POST him!

Otis drags Lashley out, feeds Lashley to Gable’s GERMAN SUPLEX, and then Otis hits a SPLASH! Who is the third man? THEORY HIMSELF!!

Bobby Lashley VS (Austin) Theory!

Of course “The Chosen One” wants to pick the bones! He rains down fists on Lashley and fans boo! Theory stomps away, flexes, and says this is HIS time! Theory CLUBS Lashley, CLUBS him again, stomps and kicks, then hauls Lashley into a corner to fire off haymakers! The ref counts, Theory lets off at 4, and storms around shouting at Lashley. But then Lashley hits back with counter punches! Theory kicks a leg, but runs into a scoop! But Theory kicks and flails and gets to the apron to HOTSHOT Lashley!

Theory somersaults and SHOTGUNS Lashley down! Theory wants to finish this and he tells Lashley to get up! Fans boo while Theory fireman’s carries, A TOWN- NO, Lashley turns it into a leg capture cradle! LASHLEY WINS!!

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

Theory was angry before, but now he’s furious! Lashley survives three opponents and now has his golden ticket to Las Vegas! Will Theory lose his cool and lose the title, too? Or can the “new face of the WWE” find a way to save face and survive the All Mighty?

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.

Sarah asks if Bianca was surprised by Mella winning and becoming new #1 contender to the Raw Women’s Championship? Bianca says yes and no. Mella was away but she showed up and showed out. Mella is always an amazing competitor, a former Ms. MITB, Women’s Tag Team Champion and Women’s Champion, so Bianca isn’t going to underestimate her. She’ll treat Mella like she does Rhea. Bianca stays ready so she doesn’t have to get ready, because she is the strongEST, the fastEST, the- Mella cheap shots her!! Always ready, huh? Well, watch your back, because #MellaIsMoney! Mella runs off, but will Bianca be more than ready to bust her in Las Vegas?

The Miz heads to the ring!

The Hollywood A-Lister promises a phenomenal edition of MizTV tonight with AJ Styles as his guest! What will Miz asks Styles on the road to MITB? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and Miz welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, and says he is anxious to get to the bottom of what’s been going on with his guest. Get up out of your seats for the Phenomenal AJ Styles! Fans fire up as Styles makes his entrance, and Miz jams out to Styles’ theme song as Styles makes his way to the ring. They sit and Miz thanks Styles for being here. Styles has been going through some “issues” lately, such as Edge attacking Styles going into WrestleMania. Then when Styles tried to get payback, Edge used the ol’ numbers game by starting The Judgement Day.

What did Styles do? Got himself an ally in Finn Balor, only for Finn Balor to join The Judgement Day. And then last week, Styles wanted to punish Rollins so bad for what he did to Cody Rhodes, it cost Styles a spot in the MITB ladder match. And to top it all off, earlier tonight, Styles’ former tag team partner, the 7’3″ giant, Omos, qualified for the MITB match. Miz says he’s not gonna lie, but he’s embarrassed for Styles. Miz, a two-time Mr. MITB, would not let an opportunity- Okay, okay, c’mon. Styles asks if Miz only asked him out here to get a rise out of him? If so, he’s going about this all wrong.

No, no, Miz says Styles has The Miz wrong. Styles is here on MizTV so that the “young, naïve University of Nebraska students could get a preview of what it’s like to become a failure.” Fans boo and Miz smirks, but Styles asks if that was supposed to sting. These fans are young, but they’re not naïve. The one who is naïve is Miz. Miz clearly doesn’t watch college football, because if he did, he’d know that Nebraska is Cornhusker Country! Fans chant “GO BIG RED!” But if we’re talking corn, Miz must feel like the failure since Maryse married a man with tiny little popcorns. Maybe smaller? Miz says this is not going to be a thing.

Oh, no, Miz’s tiny balls are a thing. NO! It is not a thing! Yes, it is. It isn’t! Styles asks the fans: Are Miz’s tiny balls a thing or not? “YES! YES! YES!” “POPCORN BALLS! POPCORN BALLS!” Miz says he does NOT have tiny balls!! His balls are MASSIVE!! And Miz is the ONLY two-time Grand Slam Champion in WWE history! More wins here than Styles could ever dream of! The fans are all excited for the 20th Anniversary Cena Celebration? Well Miz BEAT Cena at the main event of WrestleMania! Miz has a beautiful wife, a perfect family, and The It Family reinvented reality television with Miz & Mrs., and a brand new episode is on right after Raw! Miz is a SUCCESS STORY!

But what Miz wants to know about Styles is, “What does it feel like to be a huge disappointment?” Styles hopes fans see what Miz is doing. He’s trying to get Styles to pop off, right? But Styles won’t play that game. Yes, things haven’t gone his way. He isn’t in MITB and that’s on him. One of his best friends betrayed him, not so Too Sweet. And there was his time in the Seth Rollins VS Cody Rhodes saga. Styles lost, and that’s on him. He’s been through adversity before. How do you think he became Phenomenal? But see here’s the thing: When Styles gets disrespected, he doesn’t come out to some talk show and run his mouth like Miz does.

When Styles gets disrespected, he does this! Styles CLOBBERS Miz with the microphone! But then TOMMASO CIAMPA attacks Styles!? Is Ciampa Miz’s guardian psycho or something?! Will Styles do something about this after the break?

AJ Styles VS Tommaso Ciampa!

Raw returns, the bell rings and the two rush each other! Styles puts Ciampa in a corner, fires off hands, then whips corner to corner. Ciampa reverses, Styles hits buckles but LARIATS Ciampa back! Miz is on commentary, of course, while Styles hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, ONE, but Styles brings Ciampa up. Ciampa CLAWS Styles’ face then HEADBUTTS him! Ciampa CLUBS Styles, Miz complains about Styles’ sucker punch, and Ciampa CHOPS Styles. Ciampa whips, Styles reverses, and Styles hurdles, drops and dropkicks! Byron Saxton asks if Miz knew Ciampa was lurking, and Miz says no. He hasn’t had a single conversation with Ciampa in his life.

Styles seethes while Ciampa bails out. Ciampa checks his teeth, but Styles slingshots. Ciampa slides in and dropkicks Styles down! Then KNEES him off the apron! Miz likes that! Ciampa gets Styles up, puts him in the ring, and then runs in to KNEE Styles back down! Miz wants Ciampa to pin Styles and Ciampa covers, TWO! Miz does note that if you’re paying attention, every strike of Ciampa’s is just vicious. Ciampa stomps Styles, paces around him, then drags him up to turn him for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!! Byron does ask Miz why he wanted Styles as a guest, and Miz asks back how Byron is still on commentary when he adds nothing.

Ciampa tries another cover, ONE! Ciampa sits Styles up to ELBOW Styles in the head! Miz says he asks the hard hitting questions, so that is what he did with Styles. Ciampa clamps on a chinlock and grinds Styles down. Styles endures, even as Ciampa pushes up for leverage. Fans rally, Styles fights up, and he throws body shots. Ciampa swings but Styles fires off the Phenomenal Blitz! SLIDING FOREARM! Fans fire up, Styles runs in and hits a clothesline in the corner! Then he fireman’s carries Ciampa for the USHIGOROSHI! Cover, TWO! Fans rally, Styles brings Ciampa up and calls for The Clash!

But Ciampa wrenches out, gets around, ripcord and ROLLING ELBOW! Ciampa reels Styles in, underhooks the arms, but Styles blocks the lift to lift Ciampa for a NORTHERN LIGHTS! Both men are down and Miz looks worried. Ciampa gets to a corner, Styles runs in, but Ciampa puts Styles out on the apron. Styles ROCKS Ciampa, adjusts his elbow pad, and springboards, PHENOMENAL FOREARM! Cover, Styles wins!

Winner: AJ Styles, by pinfall

But Miz is right off commentary to run in! But Styles dodges and PELES! Miz wobbles, Styles reels him in, and fans fire up! STYLES CLASH!! Styles wins against Ciampa and he gets the last word on The Miz! Will Styles make a phenomenal rise back up?

Kevin Patrick interviews Veer Mahaan on stage.

Last week, the Lion of India defeated Rey Mysterio after a series of assaults, some of which were brutal, maybe even “gruesome.” Veer says, “Only some? That’s a shame. Because what I did to the Mysterios was just the beginning. The WWE has never seen hunger like mine before. I love carnage. No one knows how to stop me, because I can’t be stopped.” Veer says in Punjabi that WWE can send anyone against him, but it won’t matter. In English, he says, “I will not be stopped until there is nothing left to pick upon the bones. Fear Veer!” The look on his face says it all, no matter what language you speak. Will the Lion of India become the king of the WWE jungle?

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Becky Lynch VS Asuka!

This match was meant to happen before Rhea Ripley’s injury and the Fatal 5 Way was made, and it’s still happening since neither The Man nor The Empress won that Fatal 5 Way. Will The Big Time Comeback still stay on track? Or is Becky still, still, still not ready for Asuka?

Raw returns and Asuka makes her entrance. But Becky rushes out of the ring to get her at the ramp! Becky hammers away on Asuka, drags her towards the ring, CLUBS her more, then whips her into the apron! But Asuka elbows back! Asuka gets in the ring, takes off the jacket, and Becky gets back in! The ref has them hold on, the bell rings, and Asuka tackles Becky! Fans fire up as the two scrap! Asuka gets the ARMBAR!! Becky hurries to get up, stacks to a cover, TWO! Becky wants the arm but Asuka trips her! Asuka stomps Becky’s butt, runs, but has to roll over the dropdown. Asuka whips, Becky RAMS shoulders, but neither falls!

Becky runs, Asuka follows and runs Becky over! Fans fire up with Asuka and she drags Becky into the chicken wing! Becky hurries to throw Asuka out of the ring! Becky runs and WRECKS Asuka with the baseball slide! Fans fire up, Becky smacks Asuka off the apron, then again on the other side of the corner. The ring count is 7, Becky puts Asuka in, but then Asuka KICKS Becky in the ropes! And again and again and again! The ref reprimands, Asuka lets off to run, and she HIP ATTACKS Becky to the floor! Fans fire up and Asuka goes out after Becky. Becky kicks low, then drags Asuka up to smack off the apron again.

Becky puts Asuka in, climbs up a corner while fans cheer and jeer, but Asuka CHOPS Becky first! Asuka climbs up after Becky now and fans fire up, but Becky blocks the superplex! Becky throws body shots, DECKS Asuka, then gets back up, only for Asuka to dodge the missile dropkick! CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Asuka KICKS Becky in the chest again and again, but Becky blocks to ROCK Asuka! And EuroUpper! Becky whips Asuka to a corner, Asuka goes up, but Becky DECKS her! Asuka tumbles to apron then the floor! Becky is back in control while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns one more time, Becky hits a leg drop, brother! Becky runs but Asuka avoids this next leg drop, and she runs to SLIDING LEG LARIAT! Both women are down and fans fire up again! Asuka and Becky slowly rise while a standing count starts, and they’re both up at 5 of 10. They throw haymakers back and forth, then Asuka fires off palm strikes! Becky blocks a backhand but Asuka catches the haymaker to arm hooks. Becky fights the backslide so Asuka spins her to a cradle! TWO, and Asuka mule kicks! Asuka runs, Becky follows but Asuka dodges, and Asuka FLYING LARIATS! Becky gets to a corner, Asuka HIP ATTACKS her!

Asuka waistlocks, Becky throws an elbow but Asuka ducks it! BACKHAND! BACKHAND! SOBAT! Front kick and- NO, Becky ducks the next backhand, but the HEEL KICK hits! Down goes Becky, but Asuka gets her up for a GERMAN SUPLEX! Becky sits up in a daze, HIP ATTACK! Cover, TWO!! Asuka is shocked but she drags Becky back up. Asuka has the chicken wing and wants the crossface, but Becky switches around! Becky steals the ASUKA LOCK!! Asuka fights free of the crossface, pries the legs apart, and has an ANKLE LOCK! Becky hurries to roll but Asuka rolls with her! Becky tries again, but Asuka still holds on!

Becky rolls Asuka into buckles! Becky hobbles over, bumps Asuka off buckles, KICKS her in the back and CLUBS her in the chest! Cover, TWO!! Becky is frustrated, she drags Asuka up and throws her through ropes. Becky fires off forearms and uppercuts and a sobat! Becky then climbs for a GUILOTINE- NO, Asuka avoids the leg drop for an ASUKA LOCK in the ropes! Asuka lets go at 4, fans fire up with her as she climbs, BIG missile dropkick! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives again but Asuka is too tired to be upset. Becky rolls all the way out of the ring, but Asuka aims from the apron. SLIDING- NO, Becky dodges, hops up, but Asuka KICKS her leg!

Asuka then gets under Becky, but Becky stomps Asuka against the apron, and hits an APRON LEG DROP! Becky leaps, into a KNEE from Asuka! Both women are down and fans are fired up! The ring count is climbing, and it passes 5! Then 8! Both women are in at 9.9!! Asuka and Becky get up, they throw forearms back and forth! They stand, Becky ducks a kick to MAN- NO, victory roll! But Becky blocks it to have her own cover! TWO, but Becky is after an arm! Asuka holds off the Disarm-Her, wants the ropes, but Becky drags her away! Asuka rolls Becky, TWO! ROUNDHOUSE!! Cover, ASUKA WINS!!

Winner: Asuka, by pinfall (advances to the Women’s MITB Ladder Match)

Becky was ready for Asuka, but she wasn’t able to withstand what Asuka brought to the fight! And now Becky is having a Big Time MELTDOWN! She’s ripping up the announce desk and kicking the steel steps! With only two spots left, is the window on the comeback closing? As for Asuka, can she become a TWO-TIME Empress in the Bank?

My Thoughts:

This was actually a great Raw that built towards Money in the Bank. Except for Vince making a random appearance to do, guess what? Nothing of substance, just like he did on Friday. We all knew Cena was making his return on June 27th, it has been advertised for weeks. Vince showing up was just so he could have more TV time and get the fans to cheer for him out of habit. So stupid, just tone deaf filler.

Moving on, a shame Rhea got hurt this close to MITB, but if there is one thing WWE does well even now, it’s that they can improvise with amazing results. Bianca has a good promo segment with Becky, Asuka, Liv, Alexa and Carmella, and that Fatal 5 was an awesome match. But with Alexa and Liv already in the Women’s MITB and Asuka canceling out with Becky, of course Mella won. Mella will of course lose to Bianca, no harm done and I hope Rhea is healed up in time for SummerSlam. Bianca and Rhea can have an awesome SummerSlam match, Nashville is Tennessee and Bianca will basically be the hometown hero, that place will be on fire for her.

Becky and Asuka then gave us a killer main event to continue with things as planned. I was a little surprised that Becky lost, but I also do feel this is a great way to give Asuka a second chance at being Ms. MITB. Her first run wasn’t even a run because Becky went on maternity leave and Asuka was automatically made champion. At the same time, COVID was in the way of last time, so Asuka can really have a lot of fun with teasing a cash-in this time. Out of the field so far, it’s really either her or Lacey Evans, anyway. And Lacey doesn’t necessarily need the MITB contract for her story, she can just flip that switch and be Heel a la Kurt Angle (as much as I don’t want that to happen cuz again, they set it all up with her tragic backstory of hers).

The Men’s MITB qualifier was a bit of a surprise. I thought this was going to be Riddle’s win, but I suppose Omos is still being built strong, and Riddle was under 100% with the rib tape. Plus, with a story now starting with Rollins and Riddle in Cody’s absence, Rollins gets to pick on Riddle after the loss. Riddle surely finds another way in, MITB is going to be in Vegas! The crowd will love having a hometown hero there. As for Omos and MVP, what the hell happened with Ziggler & Roode? Did they just not care about continuing that? Also why are they bringing back the stage position now? Veer’s interview promo was still fine, but why did it have to be on stage? It just seemed weird.

Meanwhile, we got a great 1v1 match from Dawkins and Jey, and it makes sense the singles matches would be 1-1 so that the math is a wash. Just like last week, I can’t say who wins, but it’d be a great opportunity for Profits to win in Vegas. Theory gloating on the Pose-Down podium was a strange thing to follow up last week with, but it worked out perfectly to set up Lashley showing up and getting him back. That gauntlet match was also awesome stuff, with Gable and Otis getting to look great. I should’ve expected Theory being the third man, and that costing him was great stuff. With their title match happening at MITB, after Cena’s appearance, it could go either way as Theory can feud with Cena even without the title.

MizTV was a decent segment, but of course the continued mocking of Miz’s nuts is hilarious. Ciampa always being around when Miz gets in a bad situation is interesting, but we did get a good match out of Styles VS Ciampa. A little confused as to why Finn and Priest couldn’t still do Judgement Day related things but oh well, maybe they’ll give us something next week. We at least need Styles VS Finn set up for SummerSlam, that’ll be awesome stuff. In another timeline, Styles VS Finn would be the Undisputed WWE Champion match, not Roman VS Lesnar, but we’re cursed to be in this timeline.

And segment of the night, maybe even all week and all month was everything with Elias, Ezekiel and Kevin Owens. Yes, obvious Ezekiel and Elias are still the same person but what an amazing and thought out way to give us both of them in the WWE Universe. The irony is that Kevin is absolutely right about the video editing and the beard, but they did a great job in kayfabe to turn that all around. And I love that the graphic hyping next week’s match includes “Elrond” or “Elrod” or whatever, just to play along with Kevin. Kevin VS Ezekiel next week should definitely be a MITB qualifier on top of everything, but even if it isn’t, that will be the best match Kevin and Zeke have put on yet.

My Score: 8.5/10