Will the Judgment Day face some backlash for what they’ve done?

The last time Bad Bunny was on Raw, he got put through a table! Will he have something in store for the Judgment Day now that he’s back?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: Solo Sikoa & The Usos VS The Latino World Order; Solo & The Usos win.
• The Street Profits VS Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin; The Profits win.
• Six Woman Tag: Damage CTRL VS Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez; Bianca, Liv & Raquel win.
• Chad Gable w/ Otis & Maxxine Dupri VS Mustafa Ali; Ali wins.
• Cody Rhodes VS Finn Balor; Cody wins.
• Rey Mysterio VS Damian Priest; Rey wins, by disqualification.

PLAY BY PLAY

Cody Rhodes is here!

The Windy City sings the American Nightmare’s song as he heads to the ring. Cody gets the mic and says, “So Chicago… What do you guys wanna talk about? We could talk about the WWE Draft that is mere days away, shaking up both rosters. I could end up on Friday Night SmackDown, or I could stay right here on Monday Night Raw. We could talk about the unenviable task I have ahead of me in slaying The Beast, Brock Lesnar, at Backlash. The very same Brock Lesnar that is the most decorated combat sports athlete of all time. The most decorated combat sports athlete of all time, which is why it’s so ironic for him to wait for my back to be turned to get the jump on me.

“Let’s take a look at this.” The footage replays of three weeks ago, the brutality Brock Lesnar showed in his betrayal of Cody. Cody says it was, “An incredibly craven and cowardly attack. Certainly one of, if not the most humiliating beatdowns that I have ever received, again courtesy of the Beast, Brock Lesnar. And I’ve seen that, I’ve seen that. I wanna show you something else.” Cody takes off his jacket and tie, the tie becoming a free souvenir for the fans. And then he takes off his shirt, which also becomes a souvenir, to show us the bruises and cuts on his body. “Go ahead and take a look at this scar right here.”

Cody points to his shoulder, and says it is not lost on him that this is the first time he is in All State Arena for the first time since competing in Hell in a Cell with a torn pec. Fans cheer that moment, and Cody says, “It is a match that resonated with a lot of people, it has been given a heroic spin. To be honest with you, I have never watched that match back and there is a reason why. But Brock Lesnar, if you are at home watching, and I know you are, pick a spot. Pick a spot! Put another scar on me, because it means you haven’t learned the lesson from this one! This scar right here is the same scar that I was able to defeat one of the very best to ever do it right here in this ring inside Hell in a Cell!”

Fans cheer again, and Cody says, “And the reason I don’t give it this heroic spin, that I don’t talk about it, even though it’s the number one autograph I always sign is that photo, with that bruise and me holding the hammer, is simple. I didn’t do anything that night. What I did was I had a sold out arena prop me up on their shoulders, and carry me to the finish line. Because guys, I was in the most pain of my entire life. And I know we have had many milestones, you and I, Chicago, and we have many more to come. But if I do not get the chance, if I never got another chance to say it, I wanted to tell you hear and now, from the bottom of my heart… Thank you, guys, very, very, very much.”

Chicago cheers again, but here comes Finn Balor! The Prince has a mic of his own to tell Cody, “I hate to break up the party, but I just want to let you know that we all got scars, mate.” Fans boo but Finn says that that isn’t why he’s here. Finn saw what happened to Cody at WrestleMania. Finn saw that Cody had Roman Reigns beat! And Finn saw that Cody got screwed! And trust him, he knows how it feels. “But the question is, why did you get screwed? And the answer is, because there was no one there to have your back. So… I get why you accepted Brock Lesnar’s help to be his tag team partner. But Cody, you trusted the wrong man. You need to be smarter. Like me.

“Because now, you’re facing The Beast, all beaten and bruised, and let’s face it, Cody. This is a match that you can’t win.” Fans boo again but Finn adds, “Not on your own.” Cody stops Finn there and says obviously, there is an immense amount of mutual respect here. But Finn is saying his name again and again, “Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar,” the only name on Cody’s mind, the only thing he’s focused on. So whatever Finn is selling, Cody ain’t buying. Fans cheer but Finn tells Cody that if Cody respects him, he’ll hear what Finn has to say. Finn knows, and Cody knows, and the fans know, that Cody in Judgment Day would be UNSTOPPABLE!

Thank about it! Rhea Ripley is now SmackDown Women’s Champion! Fans do cheer that. Damian Priest put the biggest start in the music industry straight through that table! Fans boo that. And Dominik Mysterio… Fans boo even more! Well, Dom has already proven that he is far greater than his legendary father ever was. That is something Cody should try. But hey, Cody made a mistake at Mania. Don’t make the same mistake at Backlash! Let the Judgment Day have your back. Cody says it was hard to hear that last part, because the fans were saying something. Cody is pretty sure he heard the offer to be part of Judgment Day.

What were the fans saying? “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Oh, okay. We’re all caught up. Cody says, “Gosh. I don’t know how else to say it, I’m not looking to get into another fight here. Seriously, though, I appreciate it. Again, you’ve done a lot for me. I respectfully am not going to be joining the Judgment Day, I must decline.” Cody offers a handshake, but Finn says, “That’s a real pity.” Because Cody, you’re either with The Judgment Day, or you’re against the Judgment Day! Finn suggests Cody watches his own back, because some day, Finn will slap that bleach out of his hair! Finn turns to go, but Cody has Finn hold on.

Cody says Finn needs to know why he’s smiling. He’s smiling because Finn is under the impression that because of the humiliating beatdown at Lesnar’s hands, that Cody is not medically cleared to compete tonight. But what Finn doesn’t know is that a few hours ago, Cody WAS cleared to compete here tonight!! And he can’t think of a better message to send to Lesnar, than Cody VS Finn 1v1 here tonight! Fans cheer for that! Finn looks worried, will the Prince be living a nightmare?

Six Man Tag: Solo Sikoa & The Usos VS The Latino World Order!

The Bloodline is in the Windy City, ready to settle things from last week. Will the brothers bring down the LWO? Or will Santos Escobar, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde prove they’re the ones?

Raw returns and the LWO makes their entrance. The trios sort out and Wilde starts against Jey. Fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, Jey gets an arm and wrenches, but Wilde rolls, headscissors and swings to rana! And then he DROPKICKS! And kips up! Fans fire up as Wilde keeps on Jey. Jey pulls tights to put Wilde in the corner! Tag to Jimmy and he ROCKS Wilde! And UPPERCUTS! And CHOPS! Tag to Jey, Jimmy RAMS Wilde so Jey can forearm SMASH! Tag to Solo and Jey feeds Wilde to the ELBOW! Solo storms up on Wilde, HEADBUTTS him, then runs, only for Wilde to dump him out!

Wilde hurries but the Usos get in to keep him back! Double back suplex, but Wilde lands on his feet! Wilde slides, Cruz and Escobar DOUBLE DROPKICK the Usos! Fans fire up as the LWO coordinates and builds speed! Cruz and Wilde DOUBLE TOPE to take out The Usos! Escobar DIVES to take out Solo! Fans fire up with the LWO as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Solo toys with Wilde. Solo whips Wilde to ropes, ELBOWS Wilde down, then clamps on a claw! Wilde endures, fights up, and JAWBREAKERS! Wilde runs in, springboards, and TORNADO DDTS! Fans fire up while both men are down! Wilde and Solo crawl, hot tags to Jimmy and Escobar! The Emperor of Lucha rallies on the Usos! Escobar ducks ‘n’ dodges Jimmy to FLYING FOREARM! And again! Escobar GAMANGIRIS Solo, but Jimmy mule kicks! Jimmy UPPERCUTS, then runs, but Escobar JUMP KNEES! Jimmy goes to a corner, Escobar runs in, but is put on the apron.

Jimmy runs in but into a GAMANGIRI! Escobar goes up top, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Jimmy stays in this but Escobar keeps his cool. Escobar drags Jimmy up, but Jimmy kicks. Escobar blocks, spins Jimmy, but the DRAGON WHIP hits! Cruz tags in and springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit and Cruz goes back up! PHOENIX SPLASH!! Cover, Jey breaks it!! Fans fire up as Escobar fires off hands! Escobar throws Jey out, keeps after him, but Jey POSTS Escobar! Jey hurries to the apron, but Wilde YANKS him down! But Solo gives Wilde an APRON URENAGE!

Fans fire up as Cruz runs in at Jimmy, but into an ELBOW! Cruz GAMANGIRIS in return! Cruz goes to the adjacent side, lines up his shot, but Solo distracts the ref! Jey runs in, too! The ref stops Jey, Cruz jumps, into a SAMOAN SPIKE!! Tag to Jey! Whip to the ropes, ONE AND DONE!! Cover, the Bloodline wins!

Winners: Solo Sikoa & The Usos, by pinfall

Surely wherever The Tribal Chief is watching from, he is proud of his cousins. But will they make him even prouder by taking back the Undisputed Tag Team Championships?

Jimmy and Jey get mics and Jey says, “The longest reigning tag champs had one bad night. One bad night! WrestleMania 39, we lost the tag titles. One bad night. We let down The Bloodline, we let down the Tribal Chief. But guess what?” Jimmy says, “This week on Friday, it’s not gonna be a bad day for the Bloodline, nah nah. This week on Friday, we become nine-time tag team champions. This week on Friday, we dedicate this win, we dedicate this W, we dedicate this victory, to YOUR Tribal Chief, Roman! Reigns!” The Usos drop the mics and raise the fingers, will they once again be the ones?

Backstage interview with Bianca Belair.

Cathy Kelly says it was announced today that with Iyo Sky being her next challenger for the Raw Women’s Championship, they will have a match at Backlash. What are Bianca’s comments? Bianca’s excited. “Iyo has proven that she is a worthy competitor. But like I always say, I stay ready-” Bayley laughs her as Damage CTRL walks into the room and mockingly applauds. Bianca better “stay ready” to countdown her last days because the title will be theirs! Bianca says she hasn’t held this title for 386 days by being scared of a little competition. Bayley isn’t saying that Bianca is scared, but she’s never been in a championship match with Iyo Sky!

Iyo Sky has traveled the world and honed her craft, and- Iyo speaks up in Japanese to tell Bianca that there is nothing she can to stop her! And Dakota Kai translates that Iyo even wants to face Bianca tonight! Oh, tonight? Well say less, then. Bayley says in that case, the three of them are gonna beat Bianca and whatever two idiots feel like getting beat up along with her. Bayley laughs but Iyo seems confused. Bianca says she wasn’t talking to Bayley, she was talking to Iyo. But if that’s what the three of them want, then see them tonight. Great! Awesome! Bianca’s a champion of honor. DMG CTRL heads out, who will team with the RawEST for a Six Woman Tag?

Jey is on the phone backstage.

Yeah, they got the W, they handled business like always. Yeah, mahi mahi, for real. But then Jey sees Sami Zayn. Jey hangs up, and steps up to ask what he wants. Sami says he’s not here for a fight. They have all the time in the world for that on Friday. But Sami heard what Jey said tonight, and on Friday. Dedicating this title rematch to Roman Reigns? Man, Sami & Kevin took the Usos’ titles in the main event of WrestleMania, and Jey has a chance to get them back, and he’s not even doing it for himself? He’s doing it for Roman? Isn’t that a little weird?

Sami has news for Jey: Sami & Kevin aren’t losing the belts. But what’s gonna happen after that? What’s gonna happen if the Usos come up short after putting Roman’s name on this match? What’s gonna happen to the Usos then? Whatever it is, it won’t be good. And Jey doesn’t deserve that! He doesn’t! Why does Sami care? Huh? Because… Because Sami feels bad, alright? Don’t feel bad for Jey. On Friday, the Usos take back their titles, bruh! Okay? Don’t worry about what’s going on with The Bloodline anymore, okay? You made your choice, Sami. And like it or not, so has Jey. Jey leaves, but is the fate of The Bloodline already sealed?

Backstage interview with Trish Stratus.

Cathy Kelly is with the WWE Hall of Famer, and notes that Becky Lynch has been absent the last couple of weeks. Does Trish have any insight as to why Becky’s not here? Oh, does Cathy not know? Trish has a secret. Becky isn’t doing so good. She confided in Trish, opened up, and said she’s having a hard time with the pressures of being at the top of the WWE Women’s Division, being The Man and a mom. It’s too much, and Trish understands, she’s a mom, too. And she has a plethora of other things in life. But Trish is thriving. Becky, not so much.

Trish watched Becky cracking under the pressure, so Trish put her out of her misery. So Becky should be home saying, “Thank you, Trish.” Cathy thanks Trish for her time, and Trish says Cathy gets it. But is Trish just making assumptions about The Man? Will Big Time Becks be back when Trish least expects it?

The Street Profits VS Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin!

Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins are just as hungry for a shot at the tag titles as the former Hurt Business are, but the Draft could break up one or both of these teams! Will this be a last hurrah for two accomplished tandems? Or will it be a chance to prove their worth?

Raw returns and Alexander & Benjamin make their entrance. The teams sort out and Ford starts against Benjamin. They circle, but Benjamin KNEES Dawkins down! Ford fires off haymakers, knees low, then CLUBS Benjamin! Ford whips, Benjamin reverses but Ford rolls. Benjamin brings Ford up, Alexander tags in, POWERBOMB and feed to the MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Ford survives but #PRIMED Alexander rains down fists! Alexander drags Ford up, tags Benjamin, and they mug Ford. Benjamin kicks, Ford blocks and ducks the Dragon Whip to ENZIGURI! Both men are down and fans rally up!

Ford and Benjamin crawl, hot tags to Dawkins and Alexander! Dawkins rallies with big clotheslines, but Alexander mule kicks! Alexander whips, Dawkins hurdles and FLYING ELBOWS! Fans fire up with Dawkins and the CYCLONE SPLASH! And ENZIGURI! Alexander staggers into the SILENCER! Cover, Benjamin breaks it! Ford returns but Benjamin throws him out. Ford lands on the apron and GAMANGIRIS! Dawkins DECKS Benjamin! Alexander rolls Dawkins up, TWO! Dawkins picks Alexander up, ANOINTING! Tag to Ford and Chicago fires up for their own! FROM THE HEAVENS! Cover, The Profits win!

Winners: The Street Profits, by pinfall

A fast ‘n’ furious victory for Ford & Dawkins! But will this be their last win together? Or will this mark a new beginning for their story?

Triple H is here!

Chicago fires up as the WWE Hall of Famer, the Chief Creator Officer, The Game heads to the ring with what is to be an announcement that will “rock the WWE to its foundation.” HHH gets the mic and fans chant his name. HHH says, “As a WWE superstar, I had the incredible privilege of competing at the highest level for all of you. I had the incredible privilege of standing in this ring, in this very arena, at WrestleMania 22, defending the WWE Championship against one of the greatest of all time, John Cena. And now I have the incredible privilege of ensuring that WWE is all that it can be for generations going forward.

“And that is why I’m out here tonight to talk about Roman Reigns.” Fans boo but HHH adds, “The Undisputed WWE Universal Champion, who is coming up on 1000 DAYS as champion. 1000 days as champion, it is incredible, it is unheard of in the modern era. He has defended that championship against everybody, a who’s who of superstars. And I can say, after seeing them all for 30 years, I can’t name too many that would be able to hang in this ring with Roman Reigns. He is that damn good.

“And along the way in that 1000 days, Roman Reigns did something very smart, something I would’ve done, something any intelligent superstar would’ve done. He negotiated himself into a position where he didn’t have to defend that championship as frequently.” Fans boo that, but HHH says he can’t blame Roman for it, and while that is great for Roman, it is not great for the WWE. The WWE deserves more. The fans deserve more! Fans cheer that because we do! “You need more than that. That is why, a few weeks ago, when I talked about the WWE Draft, I said that the Draft would change WWE at its very core.

“Because when Roman Reigns gets drafted to whatever brand he gets drafted to, he will take the WWE Undisputed Universal Championship with him, and he will stay there. The other brand will determine a new champion.” Fans like where this is going. “On Saturday, May 27th, at Night of Champions, we will crown a new World Heavyweight Champion.” HHH presents a remix of the Big Gold Belt! Fans love it already! “This will be a champion you can be proud of! This will be a champion you can respect! That you can admire! This will be a champion that will defend this championship anywhere, any place, any time, all over the world!

“This champion will not have to demand your acknowledgment. This champion will earn your acknowledgment, and will earn the title of World Heavyweight Champion! Thank you.” HHH leaves having changed the game! Who will have the incredible honor of competing for this new WWE World Heavyweight Champion?

Backstage interview with The Judgment Day.

Cathy walks up to ask Priest a question, but Finn asks if he’s invisible. Priest calms Finn down and says everyone has to get ready for their matches anyway. Finn heads out, and Priest has Cathy ask her question. After choke slamming Bad Bunny through the desk a couple weeks ago, what is his reaction to Bunny being here tonight? Priest says it’s awesome, actually. Bunny is going to promote Backlash in Puerto Rico, which he is hosting, so that’s great. Bunny’s a mega star, a Grammy award winner, the top streamed artist on Spotify. Bunny even has success here in the WWE. When Priest had his back.

But if Bunny is looking to get involved in Judgment Day business again, then he’ll go through the table again. Priest isn’t shy about it. He’s a bad guy. But he doesn’t go to Coachella and interfere with Bunny’s business. So Bunny better not be coming here to play games. Dom says yeah, Bad Bunny can watch Priest take out Dom’s deadbeat dad. Well, to be fair, the entire world is going to see Priest exterminate Rey Mysterio. Viva Damian Priest. Will the King of Lucha be made an example of to Bunny and all who would oppose Judgment Day?

Bronson Reed speaks.

“I look around WWE, and I don’t think anyone can compete with me. They don’t have my strength, speed, or power. And even if they did, they all wanna be ‘popular.’ I’m here to win victory after victory after victory. Until there’s no one left to beat. So pose for the selfies, sign all the photographs, and kiss all the babies that you want. Cuz no one can measure up to Bronson Reed.” The Colossal Aussie is aiming for Austin Theory’s United States Championship, will there be a Tsunami at Backlash?

The Bloodline talks in their private suite.

Jimmy says he’s gonna superkick Sami in the face, and Jey’s gonna superkick Kevin, and then it’ll be a Superkick Party. Jimmy is Main Event Jim Uso! Right Hand Man Jim Uso. Is Jey hearing him? Is he okay? Jey asks what Jimmy said. Jimmy asks what’s wrong. He can see it. What’s wrong? Has Jimmy ever thought about if they don’t win the titles back? What’s gonna happen after that. Where is Jey getting this? Just that Sami was in the hall- SAMI!? Jey’s been talking to Sami!? Leave that fool alone, Uce! He’s playing mind games! Solo calms Jimmy down, and Jimmy says Jey can’t talk to Sami. He has to stay focused.

Jey is just saying, what if they lose? Jimmy tells Jey to listen: they’re gonna go out there and do what they always do! Friday, they win back the titles, win for the Bloodline, and win for the Tribal Chief! C’mon! Jimmy storms off, but is he right about mind games? Or is Sami right about Roman being the one in their heads?

Six Woman Tag: Damage CTRL VS Bianca Belair & ???

While the Evil Genius is the one challenging for the Raw Women’s Championship, the Role Model couldn’t help but make a challenge of her own. Will Bayley be right that she, Sky & Kai are going to beat down some “idiots” tonight? Or will she end up with her foot in her mouth at the hands of the RawEST and her mystery partners?

Raw returns as Bianca makes her entrance. And teaming with her are the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions! Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez are here to create the goldEST team yet! Will even Bianca be #LivingLarge with this kind of back-up?

The trios sort out and Sky starts against Bianca for a preview of Backlash. Fans rally as the two tie up. Bianca pushes Sky back but Sky gets around, but Bianca backflips out of the roll-up! Bianca eggs Sky on, but Sky gets around, only for Bianca to block the crucifix! Bianca swings Sky and whips her to ropes, but Sky ducks ‘n’ dodges then handsprings! Fans fire up and Sky eggs Bianca on. Things keep moving, Bianca handsprings then DROPKICKS! Fans fire up and Kai tags in. Bianca spins Kai around, suplexes, and even trots before the SLAM! Tag to Raquel, and she brings Kai up to whip her to the corner.

Raquel ROCKS Kai, tags Liv, and then whips Liv in to back body block Kai! Bayley runs in, but she’s sent into Kai! Liv hops up to RANA Raquel into Bayley and Kai! Raquel RAMS in again and again, but lets off as the ref counts. Raquel snapmares Bayley and Kai, then tags Liv. Liv climbs up onto Raquel for a SUPER SENTON! Cover, TWO! Liv stays on Kai, but Kai SCORPION KICKS! Liv comes back to CODE BREAKER! Kai flops and flounders, Bayley distracts, and Sky DRIVE-BY DROPKICKS Liv! DMG CTRL takes control as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Kai stomps Liv down. Kai SWITCH KICKS Liv, then brings her around. Liv throws body shots but Kai clubs her on the back! They scrap, Kai shoves Liv down, and Kai puts Liv in the corner. Kai taunts Raquel, goes Around the World and BOOTS Liv! Bayley tags in, then tags Sky. Bayley KNEES Liv down, then Sky runs in to SHINKANSEN! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up but Sky clamps onto Liv with a CROSSFACE! Liv endures, DMG CTRL taunt her, but Raquel and Bianca coach Liv. Liv moves around, fights up, and pries the hold open! Liv throws body shots, reaches out, but Sky throws her by her hair!

Sky SHOTEIS Raquel! The ref keeps Bianca back and Kai tags in. Kai & Sky whip Liv to ropes, Liv holds those ropes to then KICK back! Liv TOSSES Sky, CLOBBERS Kai, and fans fire up again! Both women are down, they crawl for their corners, and Bianca is ready to go! But Kai anchors Liv, and Sky YANKS Bianca down! Sky RAMS Bianca into steel steps! Kai storms up behind Liv, whips but Liv gets around to BACKSTABBER! Bayley calls to Kai and she crawls, as does Liv. Raquel returns! Hot tags to Raquel and Bayley! Big Mami Cool rallies on DMG CTRL, big clotheslines for Bayley!

Bayley dodges one but not the SOUTHPAW! And then Raquel scoops for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Bayley is in a drop zone, Raquel runs in to TWISTING VADER! Cover, Kai breaks it! Raquel storms up and whips Kai right out of the ring! Bayley bails out but Raquel tags Liv. Liv then tags Bianca, and Raquel gives Liv a boost! Raquel BOMBS Liv onto Bayley & Kai! Sky SHOTGUNS Raquel down! But Bianca torture racks! Sky flips to the apron but Bianca POSTS her! Bayley trips Bianca! Bayley gets in, Bianca spins her around to the torture rack! KISS OF DEATH for Bayley! Cover, Bianca’s team wins!

Winners: Bianca Belair, Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall

DMG CTRL loses big, and Sky is fuming! Will things be very different when it’s 1v1? Or will nothing stop Bianca from having the greatEST reign in Raw Women’s Championship history?

Austin Theory is here!

Chicago boos as we now see #AustinTheoryLive. The Now knows he’s facing big bad Bronson Reed and the All Mighty Bobby Lashley, what will he have to say about it? We see after the break.

Raw returns and Theory has the mic to say, “Welcome to Austin Theory Live! Hey, this is the experience that everybody wants to be a part of. Alright, hey, maybe you guys don’t want to, btu there are two people who really want this experience, and that’s Bronson Reed and Bobby Lashley. I am the greatest United States Champion of all time. But where’s my respect? Because last time I checked, I did not choose my opponents for this match. But when I look over there, I see a new championship. A championship that HHH just introduced, and you see, that title shouldn’t be on that pedestal. It should be around my waist!

“Boo all you want, but it should, because HHH said it: that title should be earned. And if there’s any man that has earned it, it is me!” Fans boo more, but Theory says, “But instead of somebody putting that title around my waist because I deserve it, I’m in a Triple Threat where I don’t have to be pinned or submitted to lose my titles.” Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” and he says, oh does he? Except he’s the guy who pinned John Cena! He did that! Fans chant “You Tapped Out!” but Theory says no he didn’t, because he’s living his dreams. All you losers “tapped out” sitting in those seats, watching the Greatest Of All Time!

But wait! Here comes Lashley! Fans fire up as the Rocky Mountain Machine heads down to the ring, gets himself a mic, and he says, “Hear that? Listen, kid. Yes, I called you ‘kid.’ The only problem I have with you is that you’re holding my title right there. You’re over here, running your mouth about being the greatest United States Champion ever. When are you gonna start stepping up? When are you gonna start accepting every challenge that comes your way? You keep running away from every obstacle that you should be running towards. Let me tell you something, I’ve been int he ring with you, so I know how tough you are. I don’t think you do.

“You’re young, you’re hungry, and you’re tough. So what is it, Theory? Are you lazy and you don’t wanna work? Or are you scared?” Theory says he’s not scared. Was the Triple Threat Lashley’s idea? Lashley says Theory should be welcoming every opportunity to fight for that title! Because Lashley would. So Theory wants to know who made that Triple Threat match? Yeah, Lashley did. Oh, it was that easy? Well if he’s so good at requesting matches, where was his match at WrestleMania? Lashley laughs that off, and tells Theory he should knock his teeth down his throat just for saying that.

Theory says yeah, he should. But before he does, sucker punch! But Lashley dodged it! And then he TACKLES Theory! Theory scrambles, drags Lashley out, they brawl, and Lashley RAMS Theory into barriers! Lashley storms after Theory, fires off hands, and fans fire up! Lashley fireman’s carries Theory, but here comes Bronson Reed! Lashley lets Theory go to fire hands with Auszilla! They brawl, Lashley gets the edge, but Theory CLOBBERS Lashley from behind! A lot like last week! Theory and Reed mug Lashley while fans boo. Theory drags Lashley up, puts him against the post, and holds him there for Reed to SPLASH!!

Lashley falls over, having been sandwiched! Theory and Reed put Lashley in the ring, and Theory says it’s time! Fireman’s carry, A-TOWN DOWN! But then Reed CLOBBERS Theory! And SENTON! The Triple Threat is every man for himself, so Reed is staking his claim! TSUNAMI!! Theory just got squashed, and Reed holds the title up over both men! Will this be exactly how Backlash goes? Will the “Nice Guy” finish first in this battle?

Elias drills Rick Boogs on lines.

They’ve been over it already, Boogs just has to say it faster. Boogs is trying, but there’s a lot going on. HHH’s announcement, the Draft, it’s a lot! Yeah, and Elias doesn’t want Boogs to get overwhelmed, but it’s very basic. Elias has Gable help here. Chad Gable tells Boogs one more time. Elias has Boogs pump up to focus. Gets blood flowing into the brain. Gable says that there are some superstars who are eligible only night one. And everyone else can be drafted on night two. And if you’re a tag team, make sure to be drafted alongside your partner or your team is kaput, done, out!

But rest assured, Gable has made sure he will be drafted alongside his number one guy, his prized pupil, OTIS! The Alpha Academy will remain intact, a thank yew! But Maxxine Dupri says that that is very interesting. Because she has made sure that wherever “Otíse” goes, she follows. But… Otis is Gable’s number one guy? No, he’s Maxxine’s. No, he’s Gable’s! Mustafa Ali walks in to say that with the WWE Draft, we all need to have a more positive mentality. He knows Gable is worried about losing his best friend, his number one guy. But think about it: Gable could finally reach his full potential! Gable, GABLE, could be the NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion!

Of course, that would mean the end of Alpha Academy and Gable’s life was we know it because everyone will think he’s a big loser without Otis. Just like he’ll be the big loser in his match with Ali tonight. SHOOOOSH! Otis has Gable cool down and says Chad Gable is gonna show Ali a shake down. Well Mustafa is positive-Ali sure that Gable just made a big mistake. Ali heads out and Gable returns to squabbling with Maxxine. Will Gable teach Ali a thing or two?

Chad Gable w/ Otis & Maxxine Dupri VS Mustafa Ali!

Raw returns and Ali makes his entrance. The bell rings and Ali says to smile to help your mindset. Gable just trips Ali to a cover! ONE, and Gable arm-drags Ali! Ali arm-drags Gable, then he avoids Gable’s arm-drag. Ali says that’s the power of the positive mindset. Gable rushes Ali, whips him to ropes, things speed up and Gable OVERHEAD Belly2Belly suplexes! “A THANK YEW~!” Otis says it’s all in the hips! Gable drags Ali up, CHOPS him off his feet, then stands him up to CHOP him down again! And again! Gable whips Ali to a corner, runs in, but Ali slips out to the apron to ROUNDHOUSE!

Gable staggers away, Ali slingshots in, but into a waistlock! Full nelson, DRAGON SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ali escapes and Maxxine says Gable is embarrassing Otis! Gable snarls, runs in, but Ali goes up and over! Ali keeps moving, tilt-o-whirl DDT! Ali drags Gable to a drop zone, climbs up the corner, and 450- NO, Ali has to bail out as Gable moves! Gable waistlocks, O’Conner Roll, but Ali blocks Chaos Theory to victory roll! ALI WINS!!

Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall

Chicago cheers as another hometown hero wins! Will Ali be a top choice in the Draft? Will Gable’s world start crumbling down around him?

Jimmy finds Sami backstage.

Jimmy says he knows what Sami is doing, playing these mind games with Jey. Mind games? Sami isn’t playing games, he’s telling the truth! The truth? “Sami, the truth is, this Friday, we take back what’s ours, Uce! You keep talking about ‘What if we lose? What if we lose?’ What if you lose, huh? You think Kevin’s gonna sit right there and be behind you and have your back? Huh? You think he actually forgot all the times you kicked him right in the face? I didn’t. I was standing right there with you every time you did it, Uce. Yeah. So he didn’t forgive you, he never forgave you, Uce. He just used you to get that.

“And this Friday, Sami, when you lose that, Kevin is gonna turn on you. And you’re gonna deserve every bit of it. So don’t worry about my brother, Uce. Worry about yours.” Jimmy leaves Sami with something to think about. Will things return to how they were for the best frenemies after Friday?

Cody Rhodes VS Finn Balor!

For a minute, the American Nightmare was part of that club The Prince created. But now, Cody is choosing to do things his way and on his own. Will Finn show Cody that is going to fail him sooner rather than later? Or will this be anything but too sweet?

Raw returns as Cody makes his entrance and the fans again sing his song. The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up for Cody already as Cody and Finn tie up. They go around, Finn goes after an arm, and he wrenches to a wristlock. Cody powers through to wrench and wristlock back. Cody then gets a leg and Finn hops to a corner. The ref counts, Cody lets off and the two stare down. Finn smirks but fans rally for Cody as the two circle again. They knuckle lock, but Finn kicks low! Finn headlocks, Cody powers out but Finn turns hip toss into hip toss! But then Cody Kangaroo Kicks! Cody headlocks and hits the takeover!

Finn fights to a headscissor but Cody shrugs that off. Finn rolls Cody to a cover, ONE! Cody holds onto the hold but Finn fights up. Fans rally behind Cody but Finn powers him to ropes and powers out of the headlock. Things speed up, Finn hurdles but into a fireman’s carry! GUTBUSTER DROP! Cover, ONE!! Finn goes to a corner, Cody storms up, but Finn CHOPS! Cody JABS! And JABS! And JABS! Cody powers up but Finn scrambles away! Fans boo but Cody has him on the apron! Cody suplexes, and he carries Finn in for a GOURD BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Cody keeps Finn down with a bearhug.

Finn endures, moves around, pries at the hold, and they stand up. Fans rally, Finn wrenches and then headlocks. Cody slips out to headlock right back! Finn powers out, Cody ducks ‘n’ dodges, and Cody leaps, but Finn ducks! Cody hits nothing but ropes! Cody sputters and flounders out while Finn grins. Cody clutches his ribs, Finn goes out the side, and Finn stalks behind Cody. Finn RAMS Cody into the desk! The edge gets Cody right in the gut! Finn eyes the brand new title belt and raises his fists. Fans boo but Finn soaks it up as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Cody throws counter punches on Finn! Finn staggers, but he kicks low. Finn runs, Cody follows and CLOBBERS him! Cody kicks low, drops for the RHODES UPPERCUT, then baits Finn to a corner. Cody goes up and over, then POWERSLAMS Finn down! Fans fire up with Cody and he runs to ropes. Springboard, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! Finn survives but Cody keeps cool. Fans rally up and Cody pounds the mat. Finn rises slowly, and Cody reels him in! Finn spins the dragon sleeper around, but then Cody drops to KICK! Cody runs, springboards again, but into Finn’s grip! ELBOW DROP DDT! Cover, TWO!

Finn checks his neck and snarls as he stalks Cody to ropes. Finn kicks Cody and stomps away! The ref counts, Finn lets off at 4, and Cody gets up in a huff! But Finn SLINGBLADES Cody right back down! Finn aims, runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Cody springboards again, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives and Chicago can’t believe it! Cody sighs and frowns as he looms over Finn. Cody drags Finn up, reels him in, and brings Finn up, but Finn fights free! Finn trips Cody to DOUBLE STOMP! Cody sputters, Finn runs in, SHOTGUN! Cody bounces off buckles and fans boo as Finn heads up top!

COUP DE- NO, Cody dodges! Finn stumbles, Cody drags him into the dragon sleeper! But Finn spins to cradle! Cody shifts it, TWO!! Both men stand, Cody kicks low and underhooks! PEDIGREE!! Shoutout to the Game and fans are thunderous! Cody waits on Finn, brings him into the dragon sleeper, CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

The Windy City cheers the victory as adrenaline is definitely in Cody’s soul! Will the American Nightmare bring down Suplex City no matter what it takes?

Seth Rollins is here!

Chicago fires back up as The Visionary struts to the ring in a zebra print jumpsuit tuxedo! And to not be outdone by anyone, he’s getting ready for a match at Backlash against the Nigerian Giant, Omos! We hear what Rollins has to say about that, after the break.

Raw returns and Rollins hears the fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHHH~” for him. Rollins has the mic to say, “Now, I didn’t mean to keep you guys waiting all night, but Chicago, welcome to Monday! Night! Rollins! I am the Visionary, I am the Revolutionary, I am Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! And Chicago, tonight, I was gonna come out here tonight and see how you guys were feeling about my big match coming up at Backlash against the Nigerian Giant, Omos…” Fans boo, but Rollins says if they can believe it… “Something bigger has caught my eye.” Rollins looks to that brand new belt. Fans chant, “You Deserve It!”

Rollins moves closer, and even goes to the apron so he can walk down the steps. “Chicago, are you just saying that because I’m a Bears fan?” Fans cheer again, and Rollins says no, no, no, truth be told, HHH came out here, said some very nice things about Roman Reigns, and the list of superstars Roman has defeated during his title reign. But do you know who is not on that list? Roman Reigns would like us to believe that everyone wants what he has, that everyone wants to be here. “But the truth is… Some of us still want to fight!

“And THIS is an opportunity to fight! This is an opportunity for us to push the industry forward! This is an opportunity for us to have a World Heavyweight Championship that’s about more than politics and part-timers!” Fans fire up with Rollins on that. “And if we are going to crown a new World Heavyweight Champion at Night of Champions… Well, Chicago, I give you one guess who I’d put my money on.” But here comes Omos! The giant has Montel Vontavius Porter behind him as he goes to the ring, and MVP says, “Seth Freakin’ Rollins, please forgive the interruption. I mean no disrespect.

“And I mean that sincerely. To the contrary, I respect you immensely. As a matter of fact, in my humble estimation, you are without question, one of the most impressive superstars to ever grace a WWE ring. Seth, you have accomplished virtually everything there is to accomplish. You’re absolutely brilliant, with the exception of your fashion choices. But I have to say, it is because of those accolades that you’ve been chosen.” MVP says it is his responsibility to get The Giant giant matches. “And a win over Seth Freakin’ Rollins would be absolutely huge.” Again, all due respect, but MVP cautions Rollins making predictions about his future.

“Because when the Nigerian Giant is finished with you, you might not have much of a future after Backlash.” Rollins looks MVP and Omos in the eye, and then Omos steps up. Rollins says, “Well, thank you.” The fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” and Rollins smirks. Rollins continues with, “No, Chicago, we should thank Mr. MVP for the kind words. But I gotta be honest, you kinda undersold your Giant here. He’s not just huge, he’s the tallest man I’ve ever seen in my entire life. Strongest, most powerful force in WWE. Omos, you are once in a generation. Because you were born that way. Seth Freakin’ Rollins is once in a generation because I made myself that way!”

Rollins should be afraid, but he’s NOT! And at Backlash, y’know what he’s gonna do? What he does best! He’s gonna make Omos’ ass famous! Omos is gonna have the match of his life, then Rollins is gonna bounce that big head off this mat! And when Omos wakes up from the three second nap, an arena filled with people are gonna be singing Rollins’ song. “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins drops the mic and heads out, will he be able to #BurnItDown even against this mountain of a man?

Matt Riddle talks with Kevin Owens backstage.

There’s this movie, Little Giants, and they ran this play called the Annexation of Puerto Rico, and so if they tweak it just a little, they could use it to beat The Bloodline at Backlash! What’s Kevin think? Sami walks in and Kevin jumps at the chance to talk to someone else. Where has Sami been? All night, by the way. Sami says it hasn’t been a great night. Oh, really? Sami’s had a rough night? All night! Where was he? Sami wasn’t gonna say anything, but he was talking to Jey and then Jimmy. Why!? Why is he still talking to them? What could he possibly have to say? No, wait, this can’t be about what Roman will do. Why does Sami care?

Sami says it’s not that simple but Kevin says it doesn’t matter. Sami does care! Kevin says he used to like the Usos, too, before they became Roman’s little cronies. But it’s too late for them now. And if the Usos haven’t figured out that Roman’s just using them to stay where he is, then too bad! But Kevin & Sami have to beat The Usos this Friday. Kevin is worried about the titles, and Sami should be worried about that, too. Riddle wants to say something but Kevin cuts him off. Kevin storms off, but Riddle says he knows what Sami’s going through. Really? How?

Well, do you remember a team called RKBRO where Riddle teamed with Randy Orton, aka The Legend Killer, aka the Viper, aka The Apex Predator. Every week, everyone told Riddle that Randy was gonna turn on him, but he didn’t. And do you know why? Because they’re bros. And Sami and Kevin are bros! Win, lose or draw, it’ll all be cool, bro. Sami is surprised at how helpful that was. Sami thanks Riddle, and Riddle says no problem. But will it be a problem when push comes to shove on SmackDown?

Rey Mysterio VS Damian Priest!

The King of Lucha has been going back and forth with The Judgment Day for a long time already, and it doesn’t look to be slowing down any time soon! Will Rey at least be able to turn the tides here tonight? Or will the Punisher put him down once and for all, all for the Prodigal Son’s sake?

Raw returns and Priest makes his entrance, Dom conspicuous by his absence. The bell rings and Rey fires off fists on Priest! The fans fire up but Priest grabs Rey by the mask! Rey KICKS and fires off fists again! The ref backs Rey off, and Priest throat chops! The ref reprimands but Priest BOOTS Rey down! Priest stomps Rey at the ropes, the ref counts and Priest lets off. Fans boo as Priest stalks Rey to a corner. Priest ROCKS Rey with a right, then stands him up to whip to ropes. Rey holds ropes, elbows Priest back, then slides under to KICK Priest from below! Priest staggers, Rey KICKS the leg and fires off hands!

Rey whips but Priest blocks! Priest whips Rey to a corner but Rey goes up, only to get caught! Rey fights but Priest hits a GUTBUSTER DROP! Priest grins and soaks up the heat, but we see who’s pulling into the parking lot. It’s BAD BUNNY! Priest has Rey on the apron, but he sees his “old friend” is storming his way to gorilla! Priest hurries to fireman’s carry Rey on the top rope, but Rey fights free with elbows! Rey then adjusts, throws down more hands, then spins to SUPER RANA! Cover, TWO!! Rey runs to KICK Priest, runs again, but Priest DECKS Rey! Priest snarls, stands Rey up, and DECKS him again!

Priest talks trash on Rey, drags him back up, and Priest slides Rey out to the floor! Rey crashes at the ramp and Priest soaks up the heat while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Priest has Rey in a motorcycle stretch. Rey fights up and the fans rally as he turns around. Rey throws elbows and body shots, but Priest BELL CLAPS! Priest whips Rey hard to a corner, then runs in to back elbow! Rey flops down and fans boo, but Priest mocks the “hero.” Priest drags Rey up, wrenches and whips corner to corner hard again! Priest runs in, but Rey dodges, so Priest POSTS himself! Rey hurries to the apron as Priest bails out, and Rey ASAI MOONSAULTS! Direct hit and down goes Priest! Rey hurries to put Priest back in the ring and go up the corner.

Rey leaps, SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Priest is still in this, and he puts Rey on the apron. Rey GAMANGIRIS, then shoulders in! Rey slingshots, RANAS and Priest is on ropes! Rey dials it up, but Priest SUPERKICKS first! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives and Priest can’t believe it! Priest snarls again and looms over Rey. Priest drags Rey up, fans boo, but Priest smirks. Rey falls, but Priest drags him back up and Canadian racks. But Rey fights free to CHOP BLOCK a leg! Rey runs to QUEBRADA, but Priest catches him!!

Priest spins Rey, clinches, FLATLINER! Cover, TWO! Rey is still in this and Priest pulls his hair in frustration. Priest rains down forearms but fans rally up behind Rey. Priest goes out of the ring, and he grabs a chair from the timekeeper’s area! Fans boo but Priest no longer cares about winning, he just wants to HURT Rey! But Rey WRECKS Priest with a dropkick! Rey then looks at the chair, and he grabs it! But Priest grabs Rey by the throat! SOUTH OF- RANA!! Rey has Priest on the ropes, redials, 619!! Priest is down, Rey goes up, but Priest CHUCKS the chair at Rey’s head! DIRECT HIT!!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by disqualification

Fans boo but Priest drags Rey back up! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! Priest then goes out to clear off the announce desk, because he wants to do what he did to- BAD BUNNY IS HERE! And he’s got himself a kendo stick! Fans fire up but Priest shakes his head. Priest warned Bunny that he doesn’t want any of this, but Bunny says he does. Bunny gets up on the apron, steps through the ropes, and that kendo stick has Priest’s name on it! Bunny SMACKS Priest, SMACKS him out of the ring, and then SMACKS him over the desk! Fans fire up as Bunny pursues, but Priest choke grips hm! But Bunny gets loose to SMACK the legs out from under Priest!

Priest lands hard on the desk, then Bunny SMACKS him again! Bunny runs Priest off into the crowd! Fans boo but Bunny gets a mic. Bunny gets on the desk to say, “Hey, Damian. I don’t know if you know, but… I’m not hosting Backlash anymore. Now, I’m going to Puerto Rico to kick your ass! May 6th, Backlash, at mi casa, Puerto Rico, Damian Priest VS Bad Bunny, in a Street Fight, cabron!” Bad Bunny has just dropped big news on a night of big news! Priest vows to end Bunny’s career for this, but will he be the one facing his judgment day at Backlash?

My Thoughts:

A really good Raw, especially as the go-home to the WWE Draft and everything else. Great stuff out of the Bloodline story and it didn’t even get physical this week, it was all mental and emotional. Sami’s talk to Jey got him thinking, and then Jimmy had a great sudden and explosive reaction to that. Jimmy did start to get in Sami’s head, but Riddle was surprisingly a voice of logic and reason. It wasn’t quite the serious Riddle we got before, but it is nice they had him use his time in RKBRO as an example. Continuity wins again! But with Night of Champions being the Saudi Arabia show, I fear as everyone does that Sami & Kevin lose since they don’t support the Saudi shows.

Speaking of Night of Champions, what great but also kind of expected news from HHH. While I’m still proven right that WWE is in a time loop as far as unifying and de-unifying the top title/top spot, that belt’s design is a great homage to the Big Gold Belt HHH adored during his time. And HHH’s promo was great, with some maybe kayfabe, maybe worked shoot shots at Roman Reigns and how he’s been protected, both in kayfabe and shoot. This world champion is going to be much more of a fighting champion than Roman has, mostly because they have to be. Rollins had a great promo to also stake his claim and add to those sentiments, he is at least going to be in the match to crown the new WHC.

Great interaction between Rollins, MVP and Omos, too, to hype up their match that was made outta thin air. Rollins will definitely do just what he said to Omos and then move on towards the new world title. I said it before and I’ll say it again, Omos is perhaps stuck. Now, Great Khali has been a giant who made an impact when he first showed up, won a top title, but then eventually drifted down to not just the midcard, but the comedy midcard. I don’t think that latter part happens to Omos, but I’m still not sure where he goes from being the world’s largest jobber to the stars. The Draft will play a big part in what happens with Omos next.

Good Draft centric stuff, too, with a good promo from Gable, Elias and Boogs that then bled into Gable, Otis and Maxxine with Mustafa Ali getting involved. Good match from Gable and Ali, and smart move having Ali win. Not only is it a hometown hero win for Ali, it adds to Gable’s story of him and Otis having an uncertain future. Great match from Profits VS still not Hurt Business 2.0, and another great hometown hero win as Ford scores for the Profits. Maybe the Draft really does break the Profits up, forcing Ford and Dawkins to explore their singles careers, and maybe we see one of them (definitely Ford) get a midcard title.

Really good promo segment from Theory and Lashley, and even a vignette from Bronson before all three brawled. Bronson stands tall here, but there’s still time before Backlash to do go-home math. I still personally want to see Bronson get that belt, because why else come back to the WWE when he was doing so well in NJPW? Great promo from Trish to heap onto Becky, and surely Becky will show up and get back at Trish. Great promo from Bianca and DMG CTRL backstage, and it was a logical move to have the tag champs, Liv & Raquel, back Bianca up. Great Six Woman Tag, and it fits that Bayley takes the pin since she stuck her foot in her mouth.

And great stuff with the Judgment Day. Cody had a great opening promo with Finn, and they had a great match to give Cody momentum after getting beat up by Brock and not getting payback on Brock. And of course, great promo from Priest, great main event match with Rey, and great moment for Bad Bunny making the save. As I’ve said, I thought we were getting a Six Man Tag, Bunny joining Rey and Escobar against Judgment Day, but a Street Fight of Bunny VS Priest could easily turn into faction warfare. Finn and Dom will certainly help Priest, cuing Rey & the LWO to go after them and tip the scales so Bunny can get a big win.

My Score: 8.7/10