NXT is making history tonight!

NXT returns to the Underground, and for the first time, it’s ladies night as Natalya takes on Lola Vice! Will the Queen of Harts triumph? Or is Lola gonna sink The BOAT?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• NXT North American Championship: Oba Femi VS Ivar; Oba wins and retains the title.
• Thea Hail w/ Chase U & Fallon Henley VS Jacy Jayne w/ Jazmyn Nyx; Thea wins.
• Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont VS The Good Brothers; The Good Brothers win.
• Shawn Spears VS Ridge Holland; Ridge wins.
• NXT Tag Team Championships: Axiom & Nathan Frazer VS The Authors of Pain; win and
• NXT Underground: Natalya w/ Karmen Petrovic VS Lola Vice w/ Shayna Baszler; wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Trick Williams is here!

The NXT faithful go nuts for the NEW NXT Champion walking out to the ring. “WHOOP DAT TRICK!” echoes out and Booker T gets his “Aw yeah man!” while Trick gets the mic. Trick shouts out Booker with “I like it!” Trick says he loves the juice in here! And check it out, let’s get to business. He talked about this, he dreamt about this, he prayed for this, and they all wanted this! Trick IS the new NXT Champion! The fans chant “You Deserve It!” and Trick says there are a lot of people he helped him get here, who he could thank right now, but there is one person he’ll focus on tonight. That is Ilja Dragunov.

As everyone knows, Trick and Dragunov have gone to war multiple times, Dragunov pushed Trick to levels he didn’t know he had. Trick looks into the camera to tell Dragunov, “Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my career. Straight up. Thank you for everything you did for NXT, and I think I speak on behalf of everybody when I say, Dragunov, do your thing, dog. Raw just got a good one.” The fans cheer for Dragunov and Trick says as for NXT, they’re entering a new era! And he’s been thinking for a long long time. Let’s call this the Whoop Dat Era! The fans work out the “WHOOP DAT ERA!” chant.

Trick guarantees in this era, they will continue to break records and make history. Wait, here comes Meta Four… Lash Legend lets out a long SKRRRR~, then says congrats to Tricky. She just had to come out here and let him know, he did his thang! And oh, guess what? What? Trick is now the NEW NXT Champion. Let’s talk about it~! Trick helps the lady out as Lash joins Trick in the ring, and she fans herself with a big manila folder. Lash says Trick is a gentleman. And not only that, but the hottest superstar here in NXT. So she knows he’s feeling himself and has the entire NXT & WWE Universe behind him.

Okay, whoa, whoa, hold on now, Miss Legend. Let’s not act like last time they met, she didn’t try and smack him. Now, he’s got gold on his waist and she wants a taste? The fans fire up but Lash tells Trick to not even go there. Oh no, he knows her type! She thinks Trick his little Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, huh? She wants to take the gold wrapping off to get at the chocolate inside, don’t she? The fans fire up for that, too! Lash tells Mr. Trick that he should know, she don’t like Reese’s, she likes KitKats. The fans chant “He’s Got Bars!” and he says he’ll break her off a piece. Lash fans herself off again and tells Trick to wait a minute! That’s enough!

This is Trick’s problem. He’s go this head in the clouds, not focused, but she’s got something for him right here. The envelope? Does Meta Four want something autographed? Lash sighs and says close. What is in the envelope is the truth. Well, stop playing, what’s in it? Fans chant “Who’s Your Daddy!” Lash tells Trick that all jokes aside, he should enjoy his title run while he can. Because soon, it will come all crashing down. Then things will get really, really hot. Lash has given the champ an ultimatum, but just what is she playing at?

Arianna Grace and Gigi Dolin are out to dinner.

The Pageant Queen says this is their formal Spring Breakin’ dinner, and Gigi will learn fine dining etiquette. Good, cuz Gigi is starving! Arianna says when they dine out, they don’t talk like that. They are filling their stomachs. “Giorgina” must remember, they’re ladies. Well, we aren’t gonna see that tonight with NXT Underground. Natalya and Lola Vice are gonna beat the living crap outta each other! Flying kicks from all angles! Giorgina, please, your voice travels. Now, when drinking, you take a small sip. They sip, but Gigi makes it a chug. Feel the water lower your temperature. Gigi burps and says that’s good water.

Arianna is so appalled! The last thing she’ll allow is Gigi to become a savage! Well, a savage could become the new NXT North American Champion as Ivar challenges Oba Femi in a big hoss fight! Big, meaty men slappin’ meat! Arianna says while waiting for appetizers, what do they do if there are invited guests? Duh, take ’em out! Send ’em back where they came from! Absolutely not! Combat never solves anything. Use words, not fists. Well, tell that to Nathan Frazer & Axiom as they stand their ground against the Authors of Pain. But them putting up a fight may not matter if AOP gets their way.

Arianna says on to silverware. Start outward and move inward. Never cut with a fork, and when you do cut, only take what you need. Cutting food like stabbing someone in the back. Gigi really hopes Thea Hail serves Jacy Jayne a cold dish of revenge! More positively, they have a new NXT Champion and the brand is on fire. Let’s toast to our new champion, Trick Williams, the amazing opportunities for this roster, and Arianna for guiding Gigi on to be a true beauty pageant queen! Gigi chugs again and finishes her glass. Don’t do it, Gigi. Don’t! BURP! Gigi’s feeling good, but who will be feeling worse for wear after tonight’s brutal Spring Breakin’ finale?

NXT North American Championship: Oba Femi VS Ivar!

Just as Gigi said, The Ruler must turn away the Viking Raider’s invasion! Oba and Trick exchange a look as they pass by on the ramp. Will they both still reign after tonight? Or is Ivar going to bring Ragnarök to NXT?

NXT returns and Ivar makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who stands atop the mountain!

The bell rings, they start shoving, and fans chant ‘MEAT! MEAT! MEAT!” Oba RAMS Ivar, Ivar comes back to RAM Oba! Oba rebounds to BOOT Ivar, CLUB him, and whip him to ropes. Ivar ducks ‘n’ dodges to run Oba over! Oba gets right up but Ivar clotheslines Oba up and out! Ivar then goes to the apron, runs and CANNONBALLS! The fans fire up already and Ivar gets Oba back in! Ivar goes up the corner, and he FLYING- NO, Oba gets under, Ivar rolls through and comes back. Scoop and SPINNING POWERSLAM! Cover, ONE!! Oba grits his teeth as he powers through the pain, but Ivar is on him.

Ivar grinds forearms in Oba’s face, fires elbows over and over in the corner, but Oba shoves him away. Ivar comes back, but into an URENAGE BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up and Oba storms up on Ivar. Oba puts Ivar in a corner, fires body shots, then whips corner to corner hard! Ivar tumbles out of the ring and Oba storms after him. Oba CLUBS Ivar, ROCKS him, then whips, but Ivar reverses! Oba hits steel steps and the fans are torn as Ivar refreshes the ring count. Ivar runs to SPLASH Oba through barriers!! The fans lose their minds as Ivar roars, and NXT goes picture in picture!

Ivar storms around, drags Oba out of the wreckage, then ROCKS him! Oba staggers, Ivar CLUBS him, then ROCKS him again. Oba hits back, Ivar UPPERCTS and then refreshes the count. Ivar storms up but Oba hits low! Oba CLUBS Ivar, puts him in the ring, and then storms after him. Oba fires forearms in the corner, then RAMS into him! Oba whips Ivar corner to corner hard and Ivar falls! Oba snarls, storms up and ELBOW DROPS! Then ELBOW DROP! Then ELBOW DROP! Cover, TWO! Oba clamps onto Ivar with a chinlock and grinds him down. Ivar endures, fights around, but Oba thrashes him.

Ivar stands, JAWBREAKERS free, but Oba kicks back! Oba UPPERCUTS, clinches, but Ivar throws elbows! Oba still hits an URENAGE BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Ivar survives another one of those, but Oba stalks him to a corner. Oba drags Ivar up, throws hands, then snapmares Ivar to drop a KNEE! Cover, TWO! Ivar goes to ropes, Oba storms after him, and Oba clamps on a chinlock. Oba thrashes Ivar around again, but Ivar pries at the hold. Oba squeezes tight but Ivar stands again, for another JAWBREAKER! Oba comes back to LARIAT! Oba huffs and puffs and goes up a corner, only for Ivar to CHOP him!

NXT returns to single picture as Ivar CLUBS Oba, climbs up after him, and throws hands. Oba hits back, and both big men throw big hands! Ivar HEADBUTTS, HEADBUTTS and HEADBUTTS! Oba falls to apron then to floor, and Ivar climbs to the very top!? SUPER CANNONBALL!! The fans go nuts again while both behemoths are down! They cheer “NXT! NXT!” for giving this as just an opener! Ivar rises, and the count rises, too! Both Ivar and Oba get in the ring, and they start throwing big hands! The fans chant “MEATE! MEAT! MEAT!” with every shot! Ivar gets the edge, whips, but Oba reverses! Ivar rolls off Oba’s back!

Ivar takes a second to steady himself, and he kicks Oba first! Ivar runs, springboards, but Oba catches him for a SLAM! Both men stand, Oba ROLLING ELBOWS! Cover, TWO!! Ivar’s still in this and Oba is growing frustrated. Oba and Ivar rise again and the fans rally up. Oba runs corner to corner to UPPERCUT in the corner! And he goes again for another UPPERCUT! Oba keeps going, and he UPPERCUTS again! But then Ivar LEG LARIATS! Cover, TWO!! Oba gets outta that one and Ivar grows frustrated. The fans rally, Ivar goes to a corner, and Ivar climbs again! But Oba CLUBS Ivar first! Then he torture racks Ivar!!

Oba roars for the RACK SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Ivar survives being shellshocked, and “This is Awesome!” Oba and Ivar rise, and Ivar just HEEL KICKS outta nowhere! Then HEEL KICKS again! Ivar climbs a corner, and DOOMSAULTS!! But Oba sputters away! Ivar crawls after him to cover, ROPEBREAK!! Oba survives by a literal foot and Ivar can’t believe it! Ivar storms around, goes to a corner, “This is Awesome!” as he aims. Oba rises, staggers, runs up, but into a SEATED SENTON! Ivar roars, goes back up, and the fans fire up with him! But Oba rises to Electric Chair Lift!! Ivar freaks out as Oba hits the CHAIR DROP!!

Oba roars with new life, for the POP-UP POWERBOMB!! Cover, Oba wins!

Winner: Oba Femi, by pinfall (still NXT North American Champion)

Kaiju have nothing on these men! But wait! WES LEE! The fans go nuts, because the Cardiac Kid is back! And he leaps from barrier to apron! That leg is all better, and he’s looking to take back the title he never lost! Will Wes’ David take down Oba’s Goliath? Or will nothing stop Oba from throwing Wes right back out of NXT?

Thea Hail, Chase U and Fallon Henley head for gorilla.

Thea is all fired up to finally kick Jacy Jayne’s toxic ass! Fallon will be out there with her, right? The Cowgirl says sorry, but no. She can’t get in Thea’s way anymore, because it just feels like everyone else is right. Fallon just keeps getting in other people’s business, meddling where she shouldn’t, and then, Kiana James and Blair Davenport get drafted instead of her, what good is she? Thea tells Fallon not to think like that. She’s perfect the way she is! Don’t let bullies like Jaida Parker get in her head! Please be out there for her against Jacy? The others say how can Fallon say no to Thea? Okay, okay, Fallon will be with her.

The music hits, and it’s go time! They come out from the Student Section with everyone throwing up the U~! Will Thea finally put Jacy in her place? Or will the mean girls continue to get their way?

Thea Hail w/ Chase U & Fallon Henley VS Jacy Jayne w/ Jazmyn Nyx!

The bell rings and Jacy talks trash on Thea. Thea gives it right back, and Jacy SLAPS her! So Thea SLAPS back! Jacy TACKLES Thea, rains down fists, and the fans boo. Thea turns things around to rain down fists on Jacy! The fans fire up but Jacy dumps Thea out. Jacy builds speed, slides, but Thea dodges! Thea runs, and she DIVES! Direct hit on Jacy, and Thea rains down fists! Thea puts Jacy in, goes up a corner, and CROSSBODY FLOPS as Jacy moves! Jacy comes back to SENTON! The fans boo and Jacy frowns as NXT goes picture in picture.

Jacy goes back to Thea, drags her up and whips her to a corner. Jacy runs in to back body block! Jacy stomps a mudhole in, lets off at the ref’s count, then digs her boot in! The ref counts again, Jacy lets off and taunts Chase U. Jacy then CANNONBALLS! Jacy drags Thea to a cover, TWO! Thea is still in this but Jacy still taunts Chase U. Jacy KICKS Thea in the side, rains down fists, then soaks up the heat. Jacy tells Chase U they’re all losers, then goes back to Thea. Jacy sits Thea up but Thea throws body shots! Jacy knees Thea low! Jacy whips, Thea KICKS back, then Thea rolls Jacy up, TWO! Jacy stands and ELBOWS Thea down!

Jacy sits Thea up to KICK her in the back! Thea writhes, Jacy paces around, and Jacy soaks up more heat. Jacy drags Thea up to SUPERKICK back down! Thea flounders, Jacy covers, TWO! Jacy is frustrated now but she rains down HAMMERING elbows! Jacy puts on a body scissor squeeze, but Thea endures. Jacy rolls Thea to a cover, TWO! Jacy keeps on the squeeze but Thea still endures, even as Jacy pulls her hair. Thea pries at the scissors, pushes back to cover, TWO! Jacy lets Thea go and Thea ELBOWS her back! Thea CLUBS Jacy over and over but Jacy body shots her down! Thea sits up, and Jacy ELBOWS her into another body scissor squeeze!

Thea endures all over again, but she goes right back after the feet. She pushes back for a cover as NXT returns to single picture, TWO as Jacy lets her go! Jacy stands back up, knees low, then fireman’s carries. Thea fights free, but Jacy dodges a lariat! Jacy mule kicks, throws Thea by her hair, then runs, but Thea avoids the senton! Thea hurries to SOMERSAULT SENTON, and she shakes the ropes! IMPLODER- NECKBREAKER! Jacy catches Thea, covers, TWO! Thea survives but Jacy brings Thea up. Jacy bumps Thea off buckles again and again and again, all the way down to the bottom rope!

The fans rally for Thea but Jacy goes corner to corner, to CANNONBALL only buckles! Thea avoids Jacy, blocks a kick, and then HEADBUTTS!! Both women fall and the fans fire up again! Thea and Jacy stir, and the fans rally behind Thea! Thea rises while Jazmyn panics! Jacy ROCKS Thea but Thea ROCKS Jacy! Thea gets shot after shot in, then she CLOBBERS Jacy! And CLOBBERS her again! Mule kick to the leg, then a run and ROLLING NECKBREAKER! The fans fire up with Thea as she scoops to MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Jacy survives but Thea has a wild look in her eyes!

The fans rally as Thea RAMS Jacy into a corner! Thea runs in to back body block! Thea keeps moving, but Jacy catches her, rolls her, CRADLE! TWO!! Thea escapes, Jacy SUPERKICKS! Thea flops right outta the ring! Jazmyn looks around, takes a swing, but Thea dodges the haymaker! Jazmyn comes back but Fallon pushes Thea aside to take Jazmyn’s WHEEL KICK! The Cowgirl bites the bullet, Thea hurries into the ring! Jacy runs and spins, but Thea spins around to KIMURA!!! Jacy falls into the body scissors, and TAPS! THEA WINS!!

Winner: Thea Hail, by submission

Oh HAIL Yeah!! The fiery underdog finally gets even with that toxic Jacy! Fallon is on her feet, but gets bumped into by Mr. Chase during all the celebration. Thea says c’mon, Fallon, let’s go party! Fallon DECKS Thea instead!! Fans can’t believe it! Fallon just helped Thea, and then turns on her over what? A misunderstanding? Feeling like she’s only second best? Even Jacy is surprised, has Fallon been a little toxic all along?

NXT Media interviews Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont.

They make their NXT TV debut, but how’d they meet? Tyriek says he and “The Brick” Tyson met in junior college, competing against each. Tyson Dupont is THE strongest man in NXT, and that’s saying something with all the strong men in NXT. Tyson moved to the States from Haiti when he was just 9 years old, and he’s been chasing greatness ever since. Tyson has gone viral over his hammer throws. But don’t let his smile fool you, either. Tyson says Tyriek is the smartest guy he knows, and proudly calls himself a nerd. Tyriek says of course he’s a nerd! But when he’s not clean ‘n’ jerking weights, he’s hitting the books, studying medicine and anatomy! Tyriek finds the human body’s musculature fascinating.

But now, they will push themselves and each other while they push their way up the ranks. We see Ty & Ty debut tonight, will this soon be NXTy?

Natalya and Karmen warm up.

The Queen of Harts is looking good, and throws some hands. Looking good, but now to block kicks. Karmen kicks, Natty uses her shin to check. Okay, roundhouses now. Get that arm up! Good block each time. Karmen is sure Natty is ready, and Natty vows to break Lola Vice. But who will stand tall when there’s no ropes and no holding back in the Underground?

Tyriek Igwe & Tyson Dupont VS The Good Brothers!

We just heard from the newest duo that’s Leveled Up, and they’ve definitely been impressive. However, they’re up against Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson, who have held tag titles everywhere they’ve ever been! Will the NXT TV debut be ruined? Or will it be Just Too Sweet?

The teams sort out and Tyriek starts against The Machine Gun. The fans rally and the two tie up. Karl powers Tyriek back but Tyriek shoves Karl back! Tyriek runs up to RAM into him, and Tyson tags in. Tyson has Tyriek send him in to STINGER SPLASH! The fans fire up and Tyson brings Karl around to whip and run him over! Tag to Tyriek, they get Karl up and double whip, to then DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLE! Ty & Ty are fired up, Tyriek clamps onto Karl’s arm. Karl fires hands but Tyriek gives it back! Tyriek headlocks, tags Tyson, and they mug Karl with forearm sand uppercuts! Then a BOOT, leading to Tyson’s SPLASH! Cover, TWO!

Tyson stays cool as he drags Karl up. Tyson tags Tyriek back in, they mug Karl, then Tyriek headlocks. Karl powers Him to the OC corner, tags in Gallows, and now the Good Brothers mug Tyriek! Gallows UPPERCUTS, he bumps Tyriek off buckles, then taunts Tyson. But Tyriek turns things around to fire off fast hands and knees! Tyriek lets off, but Gallows kicks a leg out! Gallows HAMMERS down elbows, then clamps on a chinlock! The fans rally, Tyriek endures, and Tyriek fights up. Tyriek fireman’s carries with that squat, but Gallows slips free! Tyriek dodges the haymaker, hot tags to Karl and Tyson!

Tyson rallies on the Good Brothers with big shoulder tackles, and then a SPLASH for Gallows in the corner! Tyson runs Karl over, then DROPKICKS him down! Karl goes to a corner, BOOTS back, runs up, but Tyson catches him for a scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! The fans fire up as Tyson runs and UPPERCUTS Karl down! Tyson fires up, kips up, and the fans fire up with him! Tyson tags Tyriek, and they get Karl up. Gallows runs in, Tyriek gets him first! Ty & Ty DOUBLE SPINEBUSTER Gallows! Karl returns, he mule kicks Tyriek and whips. Tyriek reverses, runs in, but Karl POSTS Him! Karl then hits his own SPINEBUSTER!

Tag to Gallows, he runs past Tyriek to BOOT Tyson! The Good Brothers drag Tyriek up for MAGIC KILLER!! Cover, Good Brothers win!

Winners: The Good Brothers, by pinfall

The Machine Gun & Big LG shoot down these #TYgers on their debut night! Is that prove that The OC are up next for those NXT Tag Team Championships?

Ava Raine walks ‘n’ talks on the phone.

She tells Adam Pearce that she knows tonight is a big night after a crazy weekend with the Draft. But she has to go now, she has a big announcement. She says bye, hangs up, and is headed to gorilla. What news is the NXT General Manager about to drop on the world?

NXT recaps the WWE Draft.

Electric energy, a night that could change lives, and even HHH’s own favorite part of this. Carmelo Hayes to SmackDown, he made big moves night one. Bron Breakker moved to Raw, and Kiana James herself was chosen to Raw. a moment she’ll remember forever. Then Ilja Dragunov was chosen just last night to go to Raw, as was Lyra Valkyria. SmackDown then took Blair Davenport, and this moment is everything she’s ever wanted. Dijak is also on his way back to Raw via the supplemental rounds. Even the coaches had goosebumps, seeing those they helped here going on to Raw and SmackDown is their WrestleMania moment. The future of WWE has never been better!

Ava Raine is in the ring.

Fans cheer as the NXT GM is here, and Ava has the mic to say that as GM, nothing makes her prouder than when our NXT superstars finally get to showcase their talents on Raw & SmackDown. And they will be dearly missed, but NXT has to keep pushing forward. And she can’t help but wonder, who will step up to take their place? Because coming up is a massive opportunity on Sunday, June 9th, NXT Battleground in the UFC Apex. There, we will crown the INAUGURAL NXT Women’s North American Champion! And that champion will be crowned the same way as the men’s: IN A LADDER MATCH!

Beginning next week, our women’s division will compete in a combine, and the 12 that impress the most will then have qualifying matches. The six winners then move on to the title match! Ava’s said it once, she’ll say it again, the NXT Women’s Division is the BEST division in ALL of professional wrestling. Battleground is just another chance to showcase that. But then here comes Jaida Parker. She says that is big news! But if you want to see your next history maker, Jaida is her. Go ahead, have this combine, but she’ll demolish every woman in that locker room! And she promises us, she won’t even break a sweat. She’ll be the only one climbing the ladder and-

Sol Ruca is here! And she wants Jaida to hold on just one second. There’s one thing Miss Parker isn’t missing: confidence. Just look at her! But y’know, there is one thing that she won’t have: the NXT Women’s North American Championship! But you’ll find Sol at the top of the leaderboards, and on top of the ladder in Vegas. Jaida says don’t play. Wait, wait, Arianna Grace is coming out here? And she tells the ladies to keep their decorum. Why must they be so aggressive? And really, Ava? A ladder match? Bodies flying from all over, all at different heights? Why can’t they just decide it by simply- Getting interrupted by MIA YIM!!

Jaida and Sol are actually excited to see the Head Baddie In Charge back in NXT! And she tells “Princess” Arianna to hold up. Did someone say ladders? The fans cheer for “MICHIN! MICHIN!” Mia says she’s got unfinished business back in her old stomping grounds. Now, ever since Ava announced the Women’s NA Title, it has been the talk of the whole WWE. And best believe, she wants in on this! Arianna says O M Goodness! It is so nice to meet you, Mia! She’s Arianna Grace, and it deeply pains her to have to relay this unfortunate news. But Mia is disqualified- MIA DECKS ARIANNA! Sol and Jaida fire off, and then ALL the women of the roster rush out!

The fans go wild for the free for all, but refs rush in to stop this! Arianna says this is a a mad house! A MAD HOUSE! But who out of this chaos will be the deserving dozen that then fight for those six golden tickets to Las Vegas?

Nathan Frazer & Axiom warm up backstage.

And in walks The Street Profits to say what up! Whoa, Axiom looking focused! Really, Tez? How can you tell? Axiom says they have to stay focused, because tonight they are the underdog champions against AOP. Ford & Dawkins know what that’s like. AOP are large boulders that run into you. The Profits have been facing those boys from NXT all the way to WrestleMania. It’s gonna hurt, boys. Ford says Dawks is right. Tonight may hurt, but guess what? Axiom & Frazer will show the world why they belong. AOP has every advantage but one: they don’t have the heart! Just like the Profits were talking about, just always remember…

They huddle up, and Ford says, “Never slow down.” The champs like that! Ford says he watches the product! They all shake hands and hug it out. Will the Profits be right that Axiom & Frazer will use the powers of heart and speed to overcome any obstacle? Or will Akam & Rezar write the Final Chapter on this underdog story?

Shayna Baszler helps Lola Vice prepare.

The Mayor of Vice City fires off on the heavy bag. She says when those lights dim, Natty’s lights go out! Shayna says that’s right, but Natty is a vet. She knows her submissions, so get that ground work in. Lola says who needs that when you’ve got the fastest hands in NXT? She fires off to show off, but does the Queen of Spades have a point about the Queen of Harts? Or will Lola turn NXT Underground from a marathon into a sprint?

Shawn Spears VS Ridge Holland!

The Chair Man is still convinced he can painfully drag the “truth” out of anyone, and he’s been working on Yorkshire Grit for weeks now. Will Ridge make Shawn regret ever coming back to NXT? Or will the truth be revealed through this violence?

The bell rings and Spears runs up, only to back away fast. The two circle, feel things out, then Spears dodges a haymaker to JAB! Spears eggs Ridge on, dodges him and JABS! Then CHOPS! Ridge is furious, he storms up on Spears but Spears bails out. Ridge seethes, Spears grinds, but then Ridge calms down, saying he’s smarter than Spears gives him credit. Ridge is emotionally in control as NXT goes picture in picture.

Spears is clearly surprised and annoyed, but he still goads Ridge. Ridge goes out after Spears after all, they go back into the ring, then Spears ducks ‘n’ dodges. But Ridge CLOBBERS Spears first! Ridge grins as he CHOPS Spears in a corner! Then Ridge follows spears to another corner to UPPERCUT! Spears kicks back, bumps Ridge off buckles then CHOPS! Ridge just snarls at him! Ridge puts Spears in the corner, fires off forearms and UPPERCUTS, then CHOPS! Spears staggers away, but comes back to fire forearms! Spears CHOPS, and CHOPS, then whips. Ridge KNEES Spears back, and Spears staggers around the ring.

Ridge runs up to clothesline Spears up and out! Ridge huffs and puffs, Spears staggers around the outside, and Ridge goes out again. Ridge runs in around the way, but is sent into steel steps! Spears gets the better of Ridge this time, and he brings down a kneepad! Spears KNEES Ridge again and again, right into the steel! Spears lets off as the ref counts, and Spears tells him to hold on. Spears puts Ridge in the ring, bring shim around, and GOURD BUSTERS! Then BASEMENT CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Spears sighs and tells Ridge off, then scrapes his laces off Ridge’s face! Spears stands Ridge up to CHOP, Ridge drops to his knees!

Spears sits Ridge up to CHOP again, then he scrapes laces off Ridge’s face again. Ridge pounds the mat in frustration, but Spears stands him up. Spears DROPKICKS Ridge down, then soaks up the heat. Spears paces, he hears the fans rallying up, and Ridge rises. Ridge fires body shots, NXT returns to single picture, and Spears mule kicks! Ridge blocks, scoops, but Spears slips free. Spears waistlocks, Ridge elbows him then whips, but Spears wrenches and turns Ridge for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Spears is upset with the ref, but then he sits Ridge up for crossface forearms! Spears then clamps on a CAMEL CLUTCH!

Ridge endures, pries at the hold, and he rises up! The fans rally, Ridge opens the chinlock, but Spears CLUBS him in the back! Spears reels Ridge in for a GUILLOTINE! Ridge endures the squeeze and drops to his knees. But then Ridge gets a second wind to pick Spears up! Spears holds on, Ridge lifts again but Spears thrashes the hold! Ridge powers up again and he puts Spears on the apron! Spears ROCKS Ridge first, then goes up a corner! But Ridge grabs Spears first! Ridge brings Spears off the corner in a trophy lift, and DROPS him! Fans fire up and Ridge runs back in to RAM Spears into the corner!

Ridge RAMS Spears again and again and again! Ridge reels Spears in, Spears ducks the one lariat but not the SOUTHPAW! Ridge then scoops for a SWINGING SIDE SLAM! Ridge roars, the fans rally, and Spears goes to the apron. Ridge stands Spears up, brings him in through ropes, and UPPERCUTS, forearms, repeat! QR code and Ridge fires off knee after knee! Ridge runs side to side to BOOT Spears down! Spears flounders, fans are torn, but Ridge brings Spears up. Fireman’s carry and CORNER DEATH VALLEY! Payback from weeks ago! And then another lift, ELEVATED DDT! #Redemption! Cover, Ridge wins!

Winner: Ridge Holland, by pinfall

Yorkshire Grit took it to another level, and that brought him a victory of vindication! Is Ridge on his way to redemption? Or is this still a moral victory for The Chair Man?

Roxanne Perez shouts at Ava Raine.

Why was she not drafted!? She’s the TWO-TIME champion! The greatest Women’s Champion in NXT! Ava says it wasn’t on her. But Roxie still blames her! She has this weird vendetta against Roxie so Ava must’ve told the other GMs not to draft her! Ava tells Roxie to calm down. If she listened to half the things going on while she complains, she would’ve known that champions, i.e. Roxie herself, are protected. No one was taking you anyway! Roxie won’t let Ava play stupid, but Ava reminds Roxie that she wanted this meeting to tell her what was next. Roxie says she’s not gonna listen to it! Roxie storms off, and Ava tells whoever is in her office that they’ll have to try again later. But just who IS inside Ava’s office?

Josh Briggs finds Ivar in Medical.

Briggs says Oba’s a beast, ain’t he? Briggs said he’s the only man who can beat Oba. And now that he’s all healed up, Oba’s all his. But hey, Ivar, thanks for softening the guy up. Right, sure. But Ivar lets Briggs know that Ivar’s not done with Oba. Wes Lee walks in to check on Ivar. Ivar’s fine. Good, good. Wes says kudos to both Ivar and Briggs for taking Oba to his limits trying to take Wes’s title. But now that Wes is cleared, he’s gonna get that belt back. Hold on there, Wes. Cleared or not, you don’t just hop back in. This isn’t five months ago. Wes knows the drill: just pack your bags and leave, like he always does.

Wes says that was way disrespectful outta nowhere. But he’s not leaving this time. And he isn’t cutting to get a title match, he’ll just beat Briggs for it. Briggs says we’ll just see if that back is healed. And Ivar says he’s not done with Oba. Both big men head out, and Wes says that’s good to know. The Cardiac Kid is seeing the North American Championship has become a land of giants, but will his giant heart be more than enough to see him through?

The Final Testament speaks.

Paul Ellering tells the WWE wrestling divisions, “You are all living on borrowed time. The Authors of Pain, the Final Testament, we are coming for all the titles. You saw what we did Friday. That was just the beginning. NXT, get ready.” The mastermind leads his monsters to gorilla, will they manhandle and maul Axiom & Frazer until there’s nothing left but the gold?

Pick and choose, sit and lose, all you different crews…

Night two of the WWE Draft continues here on Monday Night Raw, even as The Judgment Day take on Jey Uso, Ricochet & Andrade! Will Main Event Jey’s team put a YEET Down on Damian, Finn & JD?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Gunther w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston; Gunther wins.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn VS Bronson Reed; Sami wins, by disqualification, and retains the title.
• Maxxine Dupri VS Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell; Candice wins.
• Liv Morgan VS Nia Jax; Liv wins.
• WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Awesome Truth VS The Alpha Academy; The Awesome Truth wins and retains the title.
• Six Man Tag: The Judgment Day VS Jey Uso, Ricochet & Andrade; Jey, Ricochet & Andrade win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Logan Paul arrives!

The Maverick United States Champion rolls up, also with IShowSpeed, and they’re greeted by Patrick Mahomes! And Judgment Day, too! Damian Priest says hey to Logan, congratulates Mahomes on his success, and from champion to champion, Priest wants to say that Logan looks good with the title. Logan appreciates that. Nick Aldis invited Logan to Raw to help with the WWE Draft, make some picks, and hang out with the greatest QB in the NFL. But hey, Judgment Day’s been crushing it. They run Raw! Logan’s guess is that at Backlash, they’re gonna destroy the “ugly Uso,” Jey. Let’s get it! This clique rolls in, will things all go well for them this close to the big night?

Becky Lynch is here!

The fans fire up for the NEW Women’s World Champion as she makes her way to the ring, gold back in her hands! Becky gets a mic in her hand now, and she says, “The Man has come around to Kansas City!” The fans cheer that! And man, we’ve got history here, right? Yeah, yeah! Lots of people say KC is where The Man was born. Nearly six years ago, right up on those steps, face bloodied, and she let everyone know that this is HER show now! And here she stands, your new Women’s World Champion, and she’s still saying the same damn thing! The fans cheer on “BECKY! BECKY!” Becky says we are on night two of the Draft, and the times, they are a changing!

There’s a whole new division waiting in the wings. It has taken Becky two YEARS to work back to holding a world championship. And the fans chant, “You Deserve It!” She thanks them for that and loves them for it. But now that Becky is holding this title, her instinct is to hold it tight, never let it go, but titles aren’t meant for just holding. They are meant for defending! Fans like the sound of that, too! So Kansas City, let’s find ourselves a new #1 contender! And Becky wants to fight the best, because you only get better fighting the best. And with that, here comes Liv Morgan! Liv has a smile and a mic as she goes to the ring to tell Becky if she’s looking for a contender, here she is!

The fans are torn but the “MAMI! MAMI!” chants come out. Liv says now, the very last thing she wanted was for Becky to just hand her a title match. But for some reason, Liv can’t help but feel like Becky owes her one. The fans boo but Liv says hold on, hold on. The truth here is, the only reason Becky has the World Championship is because Liv did what Becky couldn’t, and that was take out Rhea Ripley. The fans boo because Liv hurt Rhea. Liv continues to say that this is still the Liv Morgan Revenge Tour, after all. And she thinks they both know that the endgame here was always going to be Liv. So Liv won’t stop until she has everything that she wants.

Becky tells Liv she’s right. Becky would not be holding this title if not for what Liv did to Rhea. But the interesting thing is, Liv would be holding this title if not for what Becky did to Liv. Funny how that works, huh? But then here comes Nia Jax! The Irresistible Force was drafted to SmackDown, but rosters don’t lock in until after Backlash! And Nia says this is all just them being rude. She doesn’t know about any of the fans here, but Nia says Kansas City is very rude for not welcoming her. They are lucky she even showed up tonight. Liv can’t hear Nia over the boos! Nia says she dominated them both last week! SHE should be champion right now!

And the only reason she’s not is because Liv and Becky teamed up to make sure she wouldn’t be. But lucky for her, she’s now on the superior show, SmackDown! It’s why she’s wearing blue, if you can’t tell, you idiots. But like Bayley, Naomi & Tiffany saw, Nia will soon be champion. So tonight is her last night on Raw. Fans cheer that! Well, if Nia is leaving, she’s taking one of them with her. So- LIV SHOTGUNS NIA! The fans fire up and Liv says if Nia’s gonna make a challenge, SHE accepts! Will Liv survive a battle with Nia to then go after Becky and the title?

Stephanie McMahon is here!

The fans fire up as the Billion Dollar Queen walk out on stage! She goes to the podium because she has the first round of picks! And she says it feels great to be back here in Kansas City! She welcomes us to night two of the 2024 WWE Draft, and says with the first pick, Raw selects… DER RING GENERAL, Gunther, and Ludwig Kaiser, Imperium! And yes, it’s just them after they expelled Giovanni Vinci from the group. With the second pick, SmackDown selects… JADE CARGILL! The Storm is staying on Friday nights, much to Damage CTRL’s chagrin. And with the third pick, Raw selects… DAMAGE CTRL! Well, never mind!

The fans are torn as Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai, Asuka & Kairi Sane now move to the red brand! And with the final pick of this opening round, SmackDown selects… KEVIN OWENS! The Prizefighter stays on Fridays, which is fitting as he wants after The Bloodline! Who else will be chosen? We’ve still got FIVE rounds to go tonight!

Gunther w/ Ludwig Kaiser VS Xavier Woods VS Kofi Kingston!

Speaking of Imperium, they’re ready to commemorate staying on Raw and dumping Giovanni Vinci by sanctifying the ring. However, will the reigning, defending, W, W, E, King, of, the RING~ prove to Der Ring General that he isn’t ready to wear the crown?

The bell rings, Gunther and Woods slowly circle. The fans rally up for “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” The two approach, Gunther kicks low, then CLUBS Woods. Woods goes to a corner, Gunther clinches and grinds forearms, but the ref counts. Gunther lets off, Woods dodges the chop to CHOP! Woods dodges another chop to headlock! Gunther powers up but Woods holds on tight, Gunther powers out on the second try, but Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges ‘n’ slides under to ROLLING ELBOW! Gunther fumes, runs up, but Woods dumps him out! Woods runs, but Gunther avoids the wrecking ball dropkick to CHOP Woods down!

Woods writhes, Gunther hauls him up and hits an APRON BACK SUPLEX, and then Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Woods is down in the ring. Gunther paces, Kaiser tries to get fans to cheer him but they boo instead. Gunther brings Woods up to UPPERCUTS! Woods goes to a corner, kicks low, then UPPERCUTS back! Woods fires more UPPERCUTS, but Gunther scoops to SLAM him down! Gunther paces while Woods writhes and fans boo. Gunther goes back to Woods, eggs him on, then stands him back up. Gunther HIP DROPS, then he talks trash. Gunther scuffs Woods, but the fans rally with “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” Secret glitch happens, but Woods fires CHOPS on Gunther! Gunther CHOPS Woods down!

Woods still gets up! Woods CHOPS and CHOPS, but Gunther pushes him to a corner, to CHOP again! And CHOP again! And then short arm LARIAT! Fans boo but Gunther grins while talking smack on Kofi. Kofi coaches Woods, Woods rises, and Kofi tells Gunther not to worry about him. Woods stands and ROCKS Gunther, JAWBREAKERS, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Gunther CHOPS Woods again! Then reels him in, hoists him up, but Woods slips free! Woods mule kicks and the fans fire up! Woods runs corner to corner, but is put on the apron! Gunther CHOPS, Woods wobbles, and Gunther climbs!

Gunther drags Woods up, but Woods fires body shots! Woods throws hands and he CHOPS Gunther! And CHOPS him off the ropes! The fans fire up as Woods climbs, to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Gunther is still in this but even Kaiser looks a little worried. Gunther sits up, Woods is on him and brings him in. Woods goes to suplex but Gunther fights out! Gunther CHOPS Woods down again! Woods goes to the apron, Gunther runs in but Woods RAMs him! Only for Gunther to SHOVE Woods down! Woods’ leg gets caught in the ropes! The ref hurries to help Woods but Gunther stomps away! The fans boo but the ref backs Gunther off.

Gunther goes outside, to CHOP the leg! The ref frees Woods, Woods flops to the floor, and the ref reprimands. Gunther grins as he still has control, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Gunther drops a knee on Woods’ bad leg! And then another knee drop! Woods flounders to a corner, drags himself up, and Gunther again talks trash to Kofi. Gunther goes back to Woods, but Woods throws body shots and chops! Gunther kicks the bad leg! Woods CHOPS, but Gunther scoops him to SLAM him into ropes! Woods grits his teeth, clutches the leg, but the fans boo as Gunther mocks Woods. Gunther drags Woods up, puts him on the top rope, and CHOPS him on the back! Woods falls back into the Tree of Woe, and Gunther CHOPS the knee! And CHOPS! And CHOPS it again! The fans boo but Gunther BOOTS the knee!

The ref backs Gunther off, gets Woods out of the Tree, but Gunther grins as he watches Woods writhe. Kofi coaches Woods, the fans rally up, but Gunther eggs Woods on. Woods crawls after Gunther, rises up, only for Gunther to CHOP him down! Gunther goes out to the apron, taunts Kofi some more, then goes up the corner! GUNTHER SPLASH onto knees!! A double-edged tactic but it still saves him! Woods slaps the leg, gets it moving, and the fans rally up harder! Woods rises, to kick, but Gunther blocks! Gunther CHOPS Woods down, then has the leg for a HALF CRAB! Woods endures, flails, reaches out, and Kofi coaches him, only for Gunther to drag Woods back!

Gunther sits deep on the leg, and Kofi thinks about the towel! Kofi grabs the towel, but Woods tells him no! Woods doesn’t wanna lose like that! He knows he can do it! Kofi hears Woods out, and throws the towel away! The fans fire up as Woods powers up! Woods crawls forward, reaches out, but Gunther turns him over! Woods kicks with his free leg, but Gunther drags him way back! STF, with HAMMERING ELBOWS on top! INVERTED GRIP!! Woods endures, but he just can’t! He taps, Gunther wins!

Winner: Gunther, by submission

A gutsy move by Woods, but Gunther has no mercy for anyone. Der Ring General stands tall over the king and “takes his crown” for his own. Will this also happen during the King of the Ring tournament as we enter the money of May?

Backstage interview with Jey Uso.

Cathy Kelley is with Main Event Jey, Raw’s first pick from Night One. A great honor for Jey, but is there any pressure being Raw’s first pick while also heading into Backlash’s World Heavyweight Championship match? Jey appreciates the praise, but says there’s no pressure. Put that on his back, watch him work, and Priest is about to catch this YEET down! Then one more question: Logan Paul- Jey stops her there. Jey is glad WWE signed a Paul brother. He just wishes it was the one with a winning record. YEET. Jey heads out, will he and his team get a big win over Judgment Day?

Wait in the background, is that Liv? And is… is that Dom following her?! What’s going on with Mami’s Latino Heat while she’s away?

Logan Paul & IShowSpeed head to the ring.

The fans boo as The Maverick and his pal walk out to the podium. Logan says what’s up, Kansas City? It’s so beautiful. But real quick before they get started, you all know there’s a special guest in the house. Samantha Irvin, do an introduction for Mahomes! The fans cheer as Samantha introduces the TWO-TIME NFL MVP, the THREE-TIME Super Bowl Champion, and the starting quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes! The fans cheer again, and Speed snipes the first pick of the second round. Raw selects… The Voice of the Voiceless, C! M! PUNK! The fans fire up for that one, and even chant his name!

Logan takes the pick for SmackDown, and they select… THE PRIDE! Bobby Lashley, Montez Ford, Angelo Dawkins & B-Fab are all sticking together, and they’re all staying right on Friday nights to go after A-Town Down Under. Speed says for the third pick, Raw selects… THE MONSTER OF ALL MONSTERS, Braun Strowman!! Raw is keeping the 6’8″, 385 pound superheavyweight right here on Mondays! And SmackDown wraps up this round, they select… Tiffany Stratton! The Center of the Universe is still on Fridays, will it be #TiffyTime for the Summer?

Logan continues to the ring to say it’s time to get real. He came to KC to help picks, celebrate with Mahomes, but then what happened? Jey is running his mouth just because he pointed out the truth? The truth is, stupid, Damian Priest will beat Jey Uso! And here’s why: Because Jey made a mistake leaving The Bloodline. Jey Uso is incapable of becoming a champion on his own! Something Logan has become a master of. So look, KC, let him give you a play by play of what happens this Saturday at Backlash. But wait! Here comes Jey! The fans fire up as Jey goes right to the ring, the fans bouncing along with the beat!

Jey stares Logan down, and even looks at the US Championship. The “YEET!” echoes out as Jey gets a mic. Jey says Logan’s got predictions. But Kansas City, what you got to say? You thnik Jey can beat Priest? “YEET!” You think Jey can be world champ? “YEET!” You think Jey needs to knock the YEET outta Logan for running his mouth? “YEET!” Logan asks if Jey thinks he can out YEET him. For all his little gangstas, Logan’s been yeetin’ since 2017! Lil’ Jey trying to roast Logan? Jey ain’t good when he’s alone. It’s why he got kicked outta the Bloodline. The difference between Jey and Logan, is Logan and his bloodline nis tight.

And here come JD McDonagh & Finn Balor! Logan says well, well, well. Jey’s all alone again. Can’t fend for himself then, can’t fend for himself now, and always behind with those two braincells in his head. Jey’s vocabulary consists of two words: YEET, and UCE. But Jey says YEET and he fires haymakers on JD & Finn! Only to get mugged 2v1! Logan says well, well, well. Logan leaves it to Judgment Day as he says KC has something they might like. Logan goes to Mahomes, and Mahomes gives Logan all his Super Bowl rings to be brass knuckles!! The Judgment Day gets Jey on his feet, Logan swings, but Jey ducks! The Irish Ace takes all three rings to the face!!

Jey then walks back up and even he’s like, DAMN! JD got the knocked the YEET out! Finn swings, Jey TACKLES him! Logan drags Jey off Finn and throws down those rings! But BRAUN is here?!? Logan didn’t realize the Monster Among Men was actually going to be in KC! Braun storms in, Finn goes after him, but Braun SHOVES him down! And then grabs him for a MONSTER CHOKE SLAM!! Braun glares right at Logan, and Logan goes running! Braun pursues right into the crowd but Logan’s too fast. Braun tells him he better run! Braun then looks at Mahomes, who gave Logan the ammo in the first place.

The fans fire up as Mahomes has his linemen step up. Jey has Braun calm down, those guys are WWE’s guests. Braun leaves it at that, and KC fires up as Braun roars! Will nothing stop this Monster Among Men from making Mondays his night?

R-Truth finishes talking with Chad Gable backstage.

Gable says Truth drives a hard bargain, but he won’t regret it. On behalf of The Alpha Academy, it has been a pleasure doing business with him. The Miz walks in and says they just negotiated a title match tonight. Yeah, with Gable. Good businessman here. Gable said they get one now, and two later! W-What? Y’know, like Now & Laters, the candies. But dog, it’s the Draft! And the WWE World Tag Team Champions could be drafted into the NFL and be players for the Chiefs! Miz asks if Truth knows that this is the WWE Draft, not the NFL Draft. Truth knows now. Who does he talk to? Patrick Mahomes is here. The insurance guy?

Truth is ready to bundle his home and auto! It’s two-for-ones all day! Let’s roll! Truth heads out, Gable says that’s quite the negotiator. Miz just replies with, “Really? Really?” Miz heads out, and Sami BOOTS Gable down!! The fans cheer as Sami gets some revenge before heading out for his own title match! Will everything start falling apart for The Alpha Academy this close to Backlash?

Backstage interview with Booker T.

Cathy says Booker is lending his knowledge to Raw as a draft analyst, so what does he think of it so far? Jade Cargill for SmackDown is a game changer. And while Priest is locked in for Raw, what about the rest of Judgment Day? But then CM Punk, what a big break for Raw. That’s huge. But then in walks Drew McIntyre. Book says hey, what’s up? McIntyre says, “Tell me you didn’t just say that. You think this is 2010, Book?” Punk gets hurt after one match, and then he still gets drafted ahead of the guy who took him out, and who literally won the world title?! The title you don’t have right now?

Drew seethes and tells Booker to not be like the others. Booker saw what happened just like everyone else did. Booker asks Drew if he saw what happened like everyone else did. McIntyre asks if this is backwards world or something! He was with Booker back in the day! He knows how Book really felt about Punk! But Booker’s changed. McIntyre storms off, but just what is going on with McIntyre?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn VS Bronson Reed!

The Great Liberator just got a semblance of payback on Chad Gable, and now he’s looking to take a BIG bite out of Auszilla! Will Sami avenge himself of all the cheap shots and blindside attacks? Or will there be a tectonic shift in the championship landscape tonight?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and this is a massive moment for both men!

The bell rings, the two circle, and they feel things out. The fans rally for Sami as the two circle and tie up. Sami waistlocks, Bronson backs him down but Sami puts him in a corner! Sami CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Bronson shoves Sami away, then CLOBBERS him! Bronson snarls, drags Sami up, and HEADBUTTS him! Sami flops against ropes but Bronson storms up on him. Bronson stands Sami up against ropes, to CHOP! Bronson HEADBUTTS Sami, HEADBUTTS him again, then eggs him on. Bronson CLUBS Sami, CLUBS him again, but the fans still rally for Sami. Bronson drags Sami up, whips him to ropes, but Sami holds ropes!

Sami dodges Bronson to send him outta the ring, then goes to the apron! Sami mule kicks, then ARABIAN PRESS SAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Bronson! The fans fire up with Sami as he stands tall! Sami puts Bronson in the ring, goes to a corner and climbs, to CROSSBODY, but Bronson catches him! And RAMS him into the corner! And then RUNNING POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! So Bronson SENTONS! Sami sputters and flounders while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Bronson stands tall over Sami. Bronson brings Sami up, HEADBUTTS him, then fires forearms. The fans rally behind Sami as Bronson whips, but Sami goes up and over! Sami LARIATS Bronson down! The fans fire up and Sami goes to a corner. Bronson stands, storms over, but Sami ELBOWS him away. Sami goes up and AX HANDLES, but into an URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Sami survives that slam but Bronson snarls. Bronson drags Sami back up, reels him in, and hoist shim up, to BUCKLE BOMB! Then he gets Sami back up, SITOUT POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives and the fans fire up again!

Bronson is frustrated but he stalks Sami to the ropes. Bronson kicks Sami out of the ring, goes to the apron, and FLYING SHOULDER TACKLES! Sami goes down in a heap and Bronson looks to the title belt. Bronson puts Sami in the ring, then aims from a corner. But Sami HELLUVA KICKS outta nowhere!!! Cover, BUT GABLE GETS IN!? GERMAN SUPLEX!!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by disqualification (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Gable ruins Bronson’s match just to get back at Sami! Gable rains down fists on Sami, then CLUBS away on him with crossface forearms! Gable rolls up his sleeves to put on the ANKLE LOCK!! Sami endures, flails, but ends up int he GRAPEVINE! Refs rush out here to stop Gable and he lets Sami go. But then TSUNAMI!! Bronson gets his in, but perhaps on the wrong target! Gable grabs the gold, he holds it over Sami as he says Sami never deserved it in the first place! But then Bronson fireman’s carries Gable! DEATH VALLER DRIVER!! Bronson grabs the gold and stands over both men! Is Auszilla going to destroy anyone and everyone until he’s the alpha?

Ron Simmons & John “Bradshaw” Layfield are here!

The fans fire up as The APA is here to give the next round of picks! JBL starts by saying Raw’s first pick of the third round is… THE LATINO WORLD ORDER! Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, Zelina Vega, Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, and… Carlito, are all on Raw! But what about the falling out from Friday? Ron says SmackDown selects… LEGADO DEL FANTASMA! Santos Escobar, Elektra Lopez, Angel Garza & Humberto Carrillo are staying on Fridays, them exposing Carlito’s dark secret their final act in the feud. JBL says Raw selects… THE SCOTTISH WARRIOR, DREW MCINTYRE! McIntyre might still have a way to complain about this…

And with the final pick of this third round, SmackDown selects… THE KING OF STRONG STYLE, SHINSUKE NAKAMURA! Shinsuke is moving over to Fridays, will he look to take aim at Cody Rhodes once again?

But speaking of McIntyre, he now makes his way out here, mic in hand! “Am I the only sane and logical person left around here? In what world does Drew McIntyre get drafted in Round Three?” If someone were to walk up to him and explain how it makes sense, he’d call that person a liar! McIntyre says the APA must’ve been doing a lot of drinking since Friday, that’s how stupid this is! But the fans chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Oh, yes, so anti-establishment to say his name. McIntyre says Punk is the furthest thing from that! Punk is now a corporate ass-kisser! Punk, congrats, you finally did something since returning: you hurt McIntyre!

McIntyre shows off his arm bandaged up, because Punk’s attack fractured McIntyre’s elbow! But unlike Punk, McIntyre is still here, working through the pain instead of staying home collecting paychecks! McIntyre just tapes it up, gets on with it, because he’s a real man! WAIT! Punk’s music hits! Is he here tonight!? McIntyre is storming around, waiting and looking, thinking this is a game. But then Punk says cut his music. Is it good to be alive in Kansas City or what? He’s up in a skybox! Punk is showing he’s not sitting at home, he’s right here, “Ya little b*tch!” Punk waves, McIntyre storms off, and the fans chant for Punk!

Ron looks to JBL, then looks around and says… “DAMN!!” The fans cheer the iconic line, but is McIntyre going to find his way up to Punk’s skybox to settle this once and for all?

The Alpha Academy prepares backstage.

Maxxine is so ready! But then Gable storms in and asks what’s going on. Maxxine says Otis & Tozawa are just firing her up for her match tonight! Didn’t you see her last week? Two eliminations in that battle royal! Finally, some momentum! Gable sarcastically says yeah, two eliminations, that’s great. But uh, can he see the title she won? She didn’t win… No, she didn’t, did she? So what? He’s to celebrate mediocrity? She wants a participation ribbon? It’s PATHETIC! And as for Otis & Tozawa, they better get it together. Tozawa, Gable swears to God, if he sees that stupid dance… Now go out there and win him those championships!!

Gable storms off, Maxxine is shook, but Ivy walks in to calm her down and help her prepare. Otis and Tozawa look to each other, are they going to win just so Gable isn’t disappointed? Or will they do this for themselves tonight?

Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.

Raw returns as Cathy is with the Big Bad Booty Nephew, and notes him being a top draft pick. What are his feelings being brought to Monday Night Raw? Bron says that Adam Pearce knows Bron is the best possible pick. He is here to take this place over. But then Sheamus apologizes for the interruption. What? Why’s he interrupting? Sheamus just wants Bron to save his breath to cool his porridge. Sheamus just wants to say he’s impressed by Bron. And this isn’t just Sheamus trying to figure out who the BAMF is, it’s just that Bron reminds Sheamus of a young and hungry Sheamus. Bron’s had banger after banger after banger.

But then McIntyre storms past them both, and Sheamus stops himself. Bron says sure, bangers. Bron heads out, is he going to break through sooner rather than later? As for Sheamus and McIntyre, can Celtic Warrior get through to Scottish Warrior before he does something he’ll regret?

Maxxine Dupri w/ Ivy Nile VS Candice LeRae w/ Indi Hartwell!

With the lingering grudge between these two, we’re bound to see fireworks go off tonight! Will Maxxine accomplish greatness by finally conquering her bully? Or will the Poison Pixie continue to be absolutely toxic?

The bell rings and Candice is already pushing Maxxine around! Maxxine TACKLES Candice for it! Maxxine dribbles Candice off the mat, then lets off to LEG LARIAT! The fans fire up as Maxxine brings Candice up to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! And a kip up! Maxxine runs, and BULLDOGS Candice down! Straps come down, and Maxine handsprings into the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! The fans fire up as Candice flounders and Maxxine says ‘A THANK YEW~!” Candice kicks, Maxxine blocks, and has an ANKLE LOCK!! Right outta Gable’s playbook! Indi coaches Candice, she crawls over, but Maxxine drags Candice back!

Candice keeps fighting around, but Maxxine keeps hold of that leg! Candice tries to go the other way, Ivy tells Maxxine to keep on the pressure! Indi POSTS Ivy!! Maxxine’s stunned, Candice rolls to send Maxxine into ropes! Maxxinen sputters, sits up, and Candice SUPERKICKS her down! Candice gets the arms, stretches Maxxine out, to WICKED STEPMOTHER!! Cover off the vicious stomp, Candice wins!

Winner: Candice LeRae, by pinfall

If Candice is a wicked stepmother, than is Indi her evil stepdaughter or something? They might be winners, but have they completely lost their way?

Backstage interview with The LWO.

Cathy is with Zelina, Rey, Dragon, Cruz & Joaquin, the newest additions to Raw. But Carlito is still coming along with them, so how are they feeling after his apparent betrayal? Rey says there are a lot of mixed emotions, but they are very happy to be here on Raw. As for Carlito… No idea why he did what he did, which means they still have unfinished business. But then Dom walks over to say hey to the “old geezer.” Dom tells LWO that Judgment Day runs Raw. So welcome back, Lollipop Guild. Rey tells Dom Judgment Day can’t run Raw if they haven’t even been drafted here. And wait… What is that on your lip, Dirty Sanchez?

Dom says Rey’s just lucky he’s not cleared! Dom runs off, Zelina says Dommy misses his Mami. But is this a sign that things are going to reignite in this father-son rivalry soon enough?

McIntyre finds the upperdeck.

He asks the fans which skybox is Punk’s but no one knows. McIntyre finds it, but Punk’s gone. Punk did leave a signed picture, though. McIntyre crumples that up, and then Punk’s making his way to the ring! Punk gets the better of McIntyre again, and says it’s CLOBBERIN’ TIME~! McIntyre now watches Punk from the skybox as Punk gets a mic. The fans chant for Punk while he looks up at McIntyre. “I love Kansas City and the people that inhabit it, so I don’t wanna waste your time like Drew McIntyre. So I’m gonna try and do this in less time than the last time you were World Champion, which means I’ve got five minutes and 46 seconds. Pat, time me!”

The fans cheer, and Punk says this would normally be where Punk asks if he has your attention now. But he can see clear as day just like everyone else, Punk’s had McIntyre’s attention for quite some time. He’s like an ex-girlfriend Punk can’t get rid of! And McIntyre says Punk hurt his elbow? GOOD! McIntyre prayed for Punk’s injury, but Punk did that to McIntyre. Punk thought McIntyre hurt his arm sitting around and tweeting. That is why Punk was drafted before McIntyre! Punk isn’t mad, isn’t out for revenge, McIntyre has given him purpose. The fans chant for Punk again, and Punk lets them.

Punk then says the reason Punk went ahead of McIntyre in the draft is simply economics! He is the Best int he World! In the ring, on the mic, even on commentary! No offense to Pat & Michael. Pat lets us know we’re 90 seconds in. Punk tells McIntyre that losers hope things happen. Losers pray for things to happen, but winners make it happen! And when Punk is cleared at 100%, he promises to make McIntyre’s life a living hell! Mic drop, and that’s just under two minutes! Will those other three minutes be used by McIntyre stewing over Punk?

Teddy Long and Alundra Blayze are here!

The Hall of Famers are here, Punk gets a hug from the former SmackDown GM, and even gives Alundra a polite hug and kiss on the cheek. Teddy starts off by saying Raw’s first pick of this fourth round, they select… JUDGMENT DAY! Finn Balor, JD McDonagh & Dom Mysterio are all staying put behind Damian Priest! Alundra says SmackDown selects… THE GLOW, NAOMI! Naomi’s challenging for the WWE Women’s Championship, so naturally SmackDown wants to keep it all on the blue brand. Teddy says Raw’s next pick, they select… NXT’s Mad Dragon, ILJA DRAGUNOV!! The Performance Center erupts as Raw is now UNBESIEGBAR!

Dragunov stands up, a standing ovation as he walks down to hug it out with HBK. Dragunov gets to put on the hat, will Mondays soon belong to The Czar? And then SmackDown closes this round with… CHELSEA GREEN & PIPER NIVEN! The Hot Mess & “Miss P” started liking Aldis better anyway, so hopefully they’ll be happy for once.

Liv Morgan VS Nia Jax!

As we saw earlier tonight, Liv wants her shot at the Women’s World Championship but is willing to earn her way to it. Will a huge win over the Irresistible Force be just the thing? Or will a crushing defeat be Nia’s parting gift before moving to SmackDown?

The bell rings and the two tie up! Nia THROWS Liv away, then eggs her on. Liv runs up, but Nia THROWS her again! Nia eggs Liv on more, then runs her over! Nia smiles, grabs a leg and SMASHES the knee! Liv flounders and hobbles away, but Nia SPLASHES her in the corner! Nia mocks Liv, “Look at that face.” Then she TOSSES Liv again! Nia soaks up the heat, but Liv JAWBREAKERS back! Liv KICKS, KICKS and KICKS! But Nia blocks one and spins Liv around, only for Liv to ENZIGIRI! Liv runs to SHOTGUN but Nia just drops to her knee! Liv SHOTGUNS Nia again, and Nia ends up on ropes! Liv DROPKICKS Nia in the back!

The fans rally up and Liv runs into the corner to back body block! Liv rolls, returns, and back body blocks again! Liv runs but Nia LARIATS her down! Nia drags Liv to a drop zone, stands on her, and Liv sputters as Nia lets off. Nia goes up and up, but Liv grabs a leg! Nia kicks Liv, but Liv sweeps the legs! Nia is stuck in ropes, Liv WOE STOMPS her down! Nia bails out, Liv builds speed, and Liv slides, but into Nia’s hands! Nia wheelbarrows Liv to SMACK her off the desk! Liv flops over and Nia soaks up the heat, but wait, Tiffany Stratton is here. Tiffy taunts Nia from the crowd, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Nia has Liv down with a cobra clutch! Liv endures, the fans rally up, but Tiffy doesn’t look that impressed. Liv fights up, but Nia thrashes her back down! Raw goes picture in picture to plug The Fall Guy, then comes back as Liv fights back up. Liv throws body shots, but Nia whips her to a corner. Nia runs in, but Liv dropkicks a leg out! Nia stumbles and POSTS herself! Liv runs to SHOTGUN Nia into the post! And then Liv DRIBBLES Nia off the post!! The fans fire up as Liv kicks Nia away and climbs up the corner. But Nia YANKS Liv off the corner, and hits a SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO!! Liv survives and Nia is fuming!

Nia takes a moment to calm down, then she slaps Liv around. Nia drags Liv up, the fans rally behind Liv, but Nia whips her to a corner. Liv goes up and up, and wheelbarrows to victory roll Nia into buckles! Nia sputters, Liv runs up, goes up and up to DOUBLE STOMP Nia down! Liv pushes Nia to a cover, TWO! Nia is still in this but Tiff is still not impressed. Liv fires herself up, CLUBS away on Nia, then pushes her around. Liv runs, but Nia SPINEBUSTERS! Nia shrieks, the fans boo, and Nia drags Liv to a drop zone. Nia goes up and up, determined to end this! Nia grins as the fans boo, but Liv gets up and under Nia!

Liv YANKS Nia into the buckles again and again and again, then manages a POWERBOMB!! High stack, TWO!! Lia almost had Nia and that actually had Tiff on the edge of her seat! But then NAOMI ATTACKS TIFF! The fans fire up as Naomi throws Tiff all around, then DUMPS her over barriers! Naomi goes after Tiff but Tiff turns things around! NIa has Liv int he ropes, CLUBS her down, and Naomi sends Tiff into the desk! Then BULLDOGS her off the apron! And then PENALTY KICKS her down! Nia BLASTS Naomi for distracting her! Liv runs up, FLYING CODE BREAKER! Nia wobbles, into OBLIVION!! Cover, LIV WINS!!

Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall

Nia took her eyes off the ball and Liv takes this one to the house! Liv is ready to go after Big Time Becks, will we #WatchHer become the new world champion?

Backstage interview with Booker T.

Cathy again joins draft analyst Booker, and says he’s had front row seats to many a new superstar’s beginnings. What does he think of this year’s prospects? Booker says it’s about who’s next in NXT! Trick Williams, Roxanne Perez, but congrats to Dragunov. He’ll do a hell of a job on Raw. Adam Pearce walks by, Cathy hopes to get a word on how this is all panning out. Pearce feels great about Raw, good foundation and some new wrinkles added in. But sometimes, it’s the picks you don’t make that can stick in your mind. His favorite so far is actually that he didn’t take Chelsea & Piper! He hopes Aldis prays a lot, because HALLELUJAH, Pearce is free of Chelsea!

And on that note, time to make some more picks in person! Pearce heads for gorilla, who did Raw and SmackDown take in the penultimate round?

The Dudley Boyz are here!

Bully Ray & D-Von Dudley are back again, and they set up their own table! They’re also here to give us the picks! Fans chant for “E C DUB! E C DUB!” and Bully says, “Kansas Citaaaay~! You guys wanna have some fun with the Dudley Boyz tonight? WASSAP~!?” But to business, D-Von! One, two, three, “GET THE TABLES!” “OH mah brotha, testify!” The fans cheer, and Bubba says with the first pick of the fifth round, Raw selects… THE NEW~ DAY~! Kofi & Woods are staying right here on Raw, which will let them settle things with Imperium. D-Von says SmackDown selects… PRETTY DEADLY! Elton Prince & Kit Wilson will stay on SmackDown, #YESBOY!

Bubba says Raw’s next pick is… NXT’s LYRA VALKYRIA! The Morrigan, the former NXT Women’s Champion, is joining her hero, Becky Lynch, on Monday nights! Lyra herself is surprised and even emotional as she gets the red hat and gets to hug HBK. And with the final pick of this round, SmackDown selects… THE WAY, Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell! Will they start to poison the waters of the blue brand now?

WWE World Tag Team Championships: The Awesome Truth VS The Alpha Academy!

R-Truth may not really know “WHAT’S UP,” but he and Miz are still fired up to defend their titles tonight. Will they make good on the “deal” Truth made with Gable and hold onto their gold? Or will Otis & Tozawa finally make Gable proud?

Raw returns and the match is already underway! Truth fights up from a chinlock to hit a BIG back suplex on Tozawa! Both men are down, the fans fire up and so does The Miz! Truth and Tozawa crawl, hot tags to Otis and Miz! The fans fire up as Miz dodges Otis to KICK, KICK and KICK! Miz KICKS away in the corner, lets off as the ref counts, and then goes corner to corner for the A-LIST LARIAT! Miz sends Otis away, Tozawa runs up but Miz BOOTS him down! Miz RAMS into Otis, ROUNDHOUSES and HOTSHOTS him, then hurries back up! Miz springboards, into Otis’ arms! WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM!

Otis rips up the shirt, gets those hips moving, and he revs up for the CATERPILLAR… ELBOW! Tag to Tozawa and he goes up! Otis says for the Academy! SUPER SENTON onto knees! Miz powers up, reels Tozawa in, but Tozawa arm-drags free from the nelson! Truth sneaks a tag, Miz ELBOWS Tozawa and reels him in! Truth joins in, THE TRUTH CRUSHIGN FINALE!! Miz SHOTGUNS Otis while Truth covers, Awesome Truth wins!

Winners: The Awesome Truth, by pinfall (still WWE World Tag Team Champions)

Well, Gable’s not gonna like this. How badly will he tear into poor Otis & Tozawa over this one?

The Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.

JD & Finn are still sore from Strowman steamrolling them, but Dom says it’s shocking they fell to the fourth round of night two! What is this? Priest asks Dom if he’s really surprised. Week after week, they’ve gotten involved in Priest’s business, then failed miserably, all because they didn’t talk to him about it. When it comes to Jey Uso, he appreciate sit, but he doesn’t need the help. Cool? Yeah… JD, you got it? JD takes the icepack away and WHOA, that swelled up something bad! This is what Priest is talking about! But tonight, just stick to the plan and get this done. Got it? Priest heads out, JD asks if it’s always been so bright in here. Dom thinks Finn needs a towel.

Judgment Day is definitely struggling without Mami to help them, but will they pull it together? Or will they all end up looking like JD’s lumpy head?

Liv returns backstage.

And Becky finds her to congratulate her on the win tonight. And also congrats, because Liv also gets her title shot. Liv smiles and moves on, but then in step Damage CTRL. Dakota Kai says hi to Becky, they’re all on Mondays now. Dakota leads Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane & Asuka away, Kairi tapping the title. Becky says don’t touch her belt! Is The Man going to get past Liv’s Revenge Tour just to have #CobraKai, The Evil Genius and the Kabuki Warriors coming after her?

Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis are on stage!

The Raw and SmackDown GMs finish the Draft in person, and Pearce says it’s been fun playing chess with him. Time to take it home! Pearce says that with the first pick of this final round in the 2024 WWE Draft, he and Raw select… THE FINAL TESTAMENT! Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Paul Ellering & The Authors of Pain are all coming to make Mondays into Doomsday! Aldis says with the second pick, he and SmackDown select… DIY! Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano are now making their way to Fridays! Pearce says the third pick from him and Raw, it’s… BIG BRONSON REED! The Colossal Aussie still wants that Intercontinental Championship, will he take it?

And Aldis says with THE final pick of THE final round, SmackDown takes NXT’s BLAIR DAVENPORT! The Performance Center goes wild as now the Ichiban Gaijin is moving on to the next level! She hugs it out with HBK and gets the blue hat, will all of Fridays now beware of Blair?

Six Man Tag: The Judgment Day VS Jey Uso, Ricochet & Andrade!

Raw made sure Priest, Finn, JD & Dom are sticking together through the Draft, but their dominance over Raw is seriously in question. Jey just turned their attempt at a beatdown into a YEET down, and we’ve seen both the King of Flight and El Idolo get the better of them time and again. Will they and Main Event Jey embarrass Judgment Day all over again? Or will they fall as #ALLRISE for the Judgment Day?

Raw returns as Ricochet makes his entrance, followed by Andrade’s. Then Judgment Day makes their entrance, JD still struggling with that welt on his head. The teams sort out and Andrade starts against Finn. They tie up, Finn fires body shots and backs Andrade into a corner. Finn RAMS into Andrade again and again, then CHOPS, throws more hands, then headlocks for a takeover. Andrade keeps his shoulders up, moves around, and he fights up to his feet. The fans rally, Andrade throws body shots and powers out. Andrade drops, hurdles, but Finn whips him away! Andrade goes Spider-Man in the ropes!

The fans cheer, Finn runs in but Andrade drops down to send him out! JD runs in, but Andrade dumps him out onto Finn! Tag to Ricochet, he and Andrade double clothseline Priest out! Then they DOUBLE DIVE onto Finn and JD! The fans fire up as Jey DIVES onto Priest, and Priest goes up and over the desk! The fans fire up with Team YEET as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once again and Priest grinds Ricochet down with a motorcycle stretch. The fans rally as Ricochet endures, and Ricochet fights up to his feet. Ricochet breaks free but Priest BELL CLAPS him! Then Priest suplexes for a BROKEN ARROW! Cover, TWO! Priest is frustrated but he eggs Ricochet on. Ricochet slowly rises, Priest winds up and KICKS! And KICKS! And KICKS, then ROLLIGN ELBOWS! Ricochet falls back, Priest soaks up the heat, then he ROUNDHOUSES Jey down! The fans boo the cheap shot, and the ref has to keep Andrade back, but that lets JD & Finn mug Ricochet! Priest then runs in to back elbow!

Tag to Finn, Priest snapmares Ricochet so Finn can slingshot STOMP! Tag to JD, he slingshots to ARABIAN PRESS SAULT! Tag back to Finn, he tags Priest. They get Ricochet up for the BACKBREAKER LEG DROP! Cover, Andrade breaks it! The fans cheer, Priest grabs Andrade to POST him! Priest storms back to his corner to tag JD, and JD flexes. The fans “YEET! YEET!” but JD has Ricochet. Ricochet hits a RECOIL! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Ricochet crawls, reaches out, and JD goes to the neutral corner, he’s that dazed! Hot tags to Jey and Finn! Jey dodges Finn, ROCKS Priest, then ROCKS Finn!

Jey fires off on Finn again and again, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Pop, lock ‘n’ YEET! Finn flounders up, into a mule kick! Jey UPPERCUTS, kicks again but Finn blocks! But the DRAGON WHIP still hits! Finn ends up in a corner, Jey gets the fans joining in on “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” Jey runs but Priest swings! Jey dodges to DECK Priest! Jey runs at Finn but Finn puts him on the apron. So Jey GAMANGIRIS back! Jey goes up to CROSSBODY! Cover, JD breaks it! But Andrade runs up, boot feint to BACK ELBOW! Priest gets up to ROUNDHOUSE Andrade! Ricochet leaps in, but into a FLATLINER! Priest drags Finn over and then tags himself in!

Priest aims at Jey and LARIATS him down! Priest brings down the straps while the fans boo, and he drags Jey up. Priest reels Jey in, lifts, Canadian Rack but Jey slips free to SAMOAN DROP! Both men are down but Jey rolls to a corner! Jey climbs, but Dom gets on the apron! The fans boo but Priest grabs Jey! JD hurries over to SHOVE Jey down! Priest asks what JD’s even doing! Priest had Jey himself! JD says it looked like he was gonna get hit! Priset runs up on Jey, Jey dodges and SUPERKICKS! Priest ends up knocking Finn off the apron! Jey dodges JD to SUPERKICK JD out! Finn is back, Jey dodges and SPEARS!!

The fans fire up and Jey goes back up! Finn is legal again as Jey hits the USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jey’s team wins!

Winner: Jey Uso, Ricochet & Andrade, by pinfall

And with that, Main Event Jey wins in the main event! Judgment Day is falling apart at the seams, but can Priest hold it together on his own? Or is Jey about to finally have his moment?

My Thoughts:

A mostly great Raw, but I feel like this year’s WWE Draft was the first real speedbump the HHH Era has hit. HHH himself explained on SmackDown that the brands would be using their picks to keep who they already have and that certainly happened. So many picks were just Raw and SmackDown “securing” many of the people they’ve had this whole time. I did like Pearce’s sense of relief that Chelsea Green & Piper Niven are no longer his problem, they’re Aldis’. But LWO leaving SmackDown right as things were getting interesting again in the feud with Legado seems disappointing. And the fact Carlito is going with them just seems like a messy handling of moving their story over to Raw just so they can also have more Rey VS Dom in the future.

DMG CTRL moving over probably gives away that Jade & Bianca are winning the women’s tag titles for Backlash. Yes, the women’s tag titles are meant to be “roaming” titles, but it feels so long since they’ve really done that. And with the entire The Way family moving to SmackDown, this makes me think Candice & Indi will try (and fail) to take the belts from Jade & Bianca. Final Testament moving to Raw seems rather surprising, but I suppose there’s something to it with them also being on NXT. Raw and NXT are still on USA Network together for now, it’d maybe help continuity for them to be back to back on Mondays and Tuesdays. Also, how strange that this is where they finally say “The Pride” for the team of Lashley, Profits & B-Fab after them being together for months…

I will say that we got great moments for the NXT call-ups. Dragunov going to Raw made sense with Imperium still being here, but I’m surprised Lyra is Raw rather than SmackDown. Maybe she’s meant to back Becky up against DMG CTRL? And Blair being called up period clearly caught her by surprise, that was a rather sweet moment for her villainous self, but she’ll make a solid part of the division on SmackDown. We also got good story crossover as Naomi and Tiffany were here tonight to brawl and cost Nia so Liv could get a great win. Becky VS Liv for some time after Backlash will be good stuff, but I’m thinking Becky retains. What’s more curious is Liv quite literally leading Dom along. Liv’s Revenge Tour really does seem to be about taking everything from Rhea…

Disappointing Draft aside, great action to build towards both Backlash and King of the Ring. Woods VS Gunther was an awesome match, but I figured Gunther would win. Hard to say if Gunther will be the new King of the Ring, but this was a good case for it. Great stuff in the Intercontinental Championship story as Sami gets that boot on Gable, was about to win against Bronson until Gable attacked, and then Bronson stands tall. So far, all three guys are staying on Raw, I sense a huge Triple Threat for this title, and that could really go either way to me. Sami can use Gable and Bronson against each other, one of them could be opportunistic, it’s going to be an awesome match.

Great story intertwining with the Academy, too, as Gable takes his anger out on his team, and that more or less affects all of their performances tonight. Maxxine tried to finally get even with Candice but Indi’s Heel turn is continuing so The Way wins on the way out from Raw. Otis & Tozawa have a fun match with Awesome Truth but end up losing, so Gable’s just gonna lose his mind with them. Good story intertwining for Judgment Day and Logan Paul. Great seeing Braun back, he looks better than ever right now. Now, while the champions are all staying put, I feel like Braun should’ve gone to SmackDown so he can continue to scare the Prime outta Logan over the US Championship. And they did a great cosmetics job with JD’s huge welt, that looked nasty!

The deterioration of Judgment Day continues in wild fashion. They get JD punched in the head, almost get Logan mauled by Strowman, and then they aren’t on the same page in the main event. They could end up messing Priest over at Backlash because of it, giving Jey the win, but it feels like Priest finds a way to win despite them messing up. Then perhaps in a twist, Priest doesn’t get kicked out of Judgment Day, he quits them and leaves them to flounder on their own.

Segment of the night goes to CM Punk making McIntyre look like a fool. He goads McIntyre into storming up to the VIP section only to circle around him and go to the ring. And I feel like Punk was even trying to fill for time since he said he had 5 minutes and 46 seconds, but he still cooked McIntyre in half that. McIntyre VS Punk is going to blow the roof off the place, wherever it takes place.

My Score: 8.7/10