Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE Raw Results & Report! (5/15/23)
Adrenaline! In Raw’s soul!
The American Nightmare responds to The Beast’s challenge!
Last week on Raw, Brock Lesnar screwed Cody Rhodes out of the World Heavyweight Championship! Lesnar wants to fight, will Cody accept?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Shinsuke Nakamura VS The Miz; Nakamura wins.
- WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Mustafa Ali wins and will challenge Gunther for the title at Night of Champions.
- Xavier Woods VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley; Dom wins.
- Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal VS ???; Indus Sher wins.
- WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez VS Chelsea Green & Sonya Deville; postponed because of injury.
- Raquel Rodriguez VS Chelsea Green w/ Sonya Deville; Raquel wins.
- Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest; Finn & Priest win.
PLAY BY PLAY
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn are here!
Greensboro, North Carolina fires up for the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions as they head to the ring. The Bloodline isn’t letting go of the past, and now Roman Reigns & Solo Sikoa are coming for the tag titles! Sami gets the mic to say, “Oh, Greensboro! Oh my gosh. Not gonna lie, guys, I’m excited. I am on one tonight, because we found out, just like each and everyone one of you, we found out on Friday… Trust me, we were as surprised as anyone, that at Night of Champions, we will be defending our Undisputed Tag Team Championships against a team of Solo Sikoa & Roman Reigns.”
Fans boo, but Sami says yeah, he gets it. On paper, that’s as big of a threat to these titles as there is. But Sami & Kevin don’t see it as that. It is a GIFT! It is a gift because they are getting something they never thought they’d get: a chance at revenge on Roman Reigns! But to be honest for a second, Kevin Owens should’ve beat Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Sami knows that at Elimination Chamber, he should’ve beaten Roman for that championship! Fans agree there. But Roman has cheated his way through an entire title reign, unchecked for far too long, and now THEY are going to check Roman!
Sami says this is the problem with Roman. He’s gone unchecked, and he doesn’t know where to stop. They thought the only chance was to make the Bloodline crumble. But these days, Roman is doing that all by himself. Roman is pushing too far and too hard, and he’s pushing the Usos too hard! Now he’s pushing this championship thing too hard. It is never enough for Roman. It is not enough to have the WWE Championship, it is not enough to have the Universal Championship for 1000 days! Now Roman wants the Undisputed Tag Team Championships, too?! “Well, Roman, you psycho, you manipulator, you want these championships? YOU CAN’T HAVE THEM!!”
Fans cheer, but then here comes the Judgment Day! Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio & Rhea Ripley all make their way out to the ring, mics in hand. But Kevin has them stop right there! Kevin is glad someone came out here, because he’s so sick talking about the Bloodline, he doesn’t care about the Bloodline. Kevin doesn’t care what Judgment Day is out here to say, but it’s probably not to hang out later. If they wanna fight, then let’s fight! Let’s go right now! Sami has Kevin hold on, and says yes, this might be his fault starting at a 10. But Kevin’s getting to an 11. They have problems with the Bloodline, not with Judgment Day.
Why are they out here? Maybe it’s not to fight! Let’s hear them out first. Sami tells the gentlemen, and Dom, that the floor is theirs. Damian says Kevin is right, he’d love to fight! But then Finn has everyone tranquilo! They do just wanna talk. Finn says they’re wishing Sami & Kevin the best of luck against Roman & Solo. But it’s just a bit confusing. Last week, Kevin & Sami said they were done, but they’re right back where they started. Damian says they’re right back to getting beat up by Roman! Yeah, maybe, huh? But if by some miracle, Sami & Kevin do win, then when they get back, there will be a whole line of stars waiting for them.
“And guess what? The line starts here.” Rhea says in case no one remembers, the Judgment Day runs Monday Night Raw! Kevin tells Sami they heard the Judgment Day out. Sami says those were all great points. Fans cheer for “MAMI! MAMI!” and Rhea smiles. Sami says it was all well said. But for him personally, what does Dom have to say? The people just love to hear Dom talk. Fans boo because they don’t! Dom says if they want his opinion, but then gets drowned out by boos. Kevin face palms and says he can’t hear anything! It is pointless! Can he just punch someone in the face? Yeah, sure!
But then Rhea defends Dom! Kevin can’t punch her. But Priest DECKS Sami! And Rhea DECKS Kevin! The Judgment Day stomps away on Kevin, but Sami gets a chair! Sami runs the Judgment Day off! The Prizefighter wants to fight, Judgment Day wants to fight, will we see a preview of post Night of Champions tonight?
Shinsuke Nakamura VS The Miz!
The King of Strong Style may not be going to Night of Champions for the World Heavyweight Championship, but right now, he wants to settle things with the Hollywood A-Lister! Will Miz be too soft for Strong Style? Or will Nakamura regret the offer to form #Mizuke?
Raw returns and The Miz makes his entrance. The bell rings and fans taunt Miz with “TINY BALLS!” Miz keeps trying to reason with Nakamura that they could be a super team, and he offers a handshake. Nakamura thinks about it, but he kicks the hand away. Miz frowns but Nakamura says, “C’MON!” Miz runs in but into a knee! Nakamura fires forearms and knees, whips Miz to ropes, and LEG LARIATS Miz down! Nakamura then drops a knee! And then throws knees into Miz’s side and back! Miz crawls, Nakamura stomps him to a corner, then gives him some GOOD VIBRATIONS~! The fans cheer but the ref counts.
Nakamura lets off, goes corner to corner, but Miz BOOTS him! Miz BOOTS again, then puts Nakamura int he ropes. Miz CHOKES Nakamura, the ref counts, and Miz lets off to run and STRADDLE ATTACK! Nakamura falls back and fans boo but Miz scowls. Miz stalks Nakamura, brings Nakamura up, and whips. Nakamura reverses and sends Miz tumbling out! Nakamura then runs to WRECK Miz with a sliding dropkick! Nakamura puts Miz in the ring, on the apron, and then KNEE LIFTS Miz! Then goes up to GUILLOTINE KNEE! Miz flops down and Nakamura brings him up again. Nakamura puts Miz back in the ring and fans rally up.
Nakamura sees Miz go to the apron, Nakamura hurries over but Miz knees him low! Miz brings Nakamura out, DRAPING NECKBREAKER! Nakamura flops to the floor and Miz scowls again. Miz sits Nakamura up, for a BASEMENT BOOT! Fans boo but Miz is in control as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and both men rise up. Fans rally behind Nakamura, and he counters Miz to fire off a strike fest! AX KICK! Nakamura roars, fans fire up, and Nakamura KICKS Miz in the chest! And again! And again, but Miz blocks! But Nakamura ENZIGURIS! Miz staggers to a corner, Nakamura storms up and whips him corner to corner. Miz reverses, runs in, but Nakamura dodges to ENZIGURI again! Nakamura puts Miz on the top rope, then runs for the TOP SHELF KNEE! Cover, TWO! Nakamura keeps cool as Miz stays in this. But Miz throat chops! And full nelson! Nakamura breaks free but Miz O’Conner Rolls! TWO, and into an ARMBAR!!
Miz clasps hands, hurries, but Nakamura beats the fingers apart! Miz stacks Nakamura, TWO!! Miz kicks low, BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!! Miz can’t believe it but Nakamura survives! Miz shakes out his arm, waits on Nakamura, and Miz gives him IT KICKS! Then Miz runs in, but Nakamura ducks to roll him! Miz ducks the buzzsaw but not the WHEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Miz survives but Nakamura doesn’t let up! Nakamura clinches, INVERTED EXPLODER, but Miz lands on his feet! Miz full nelsons but Nakamura arm-drags free! Miz dodges in the corner, runs back in, but Nakamura dodges the A-List Lariat! SLIDING GERMAN!!
Fans fire up and Nakamura takes aim! “YAO~!” Miz rises, but then he runs away to the apron! Fans boo and Miz grabs the skirt. Nakamura drags Miz back in, the ref is busy with the skirt, and Miz pokes Nakamura in the eyes! SKULL CRUSHING FINALE!! ROPEBREAK!!! Nakamura survives by a literal foot and Miz is shocked! Fans fire up and Miz drags Nakamura to center, but Nakamura cradles him! TWO!! Miz rushes in, into a KINSHASA!! Cover, Nakamura wins!
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall
The King of Strong Style overcomes Miz in a must-see battle! Will Nakamura still find his way to the throne in the near future?
Adam Pearce meets with Raquel Rodriguez, Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green.
The Complaint Department is giving him quite the headache as the argument is that the title match is not happening now that Liv Morgan is hurt from Friday’s title defense against Damage CTRL. As much as Liv wants to defend the titles, she’s not medically cleared. No one wants to hear this, least of all him, but the title match is postponed. Oh, right, Liv is “injured.” How convenient. Yes, Chelsea, she is injured. Right, okay, wink wink. Funny how they keep moving the goal posts. Sonya says it’s funny, because as a former member of management, in a situation like this, the titles would be forfeited!
And as a former member of management, Sonya should know that would not fly! Then Chelsea wants to speak to PEARCE’s manager! Raquel is not going to hear them cry on and on an don. It isn’t happening tonight, but Raquel will gladly defend Liv’s honor against Chelsea! Pearce can make that official right now. And Sonya would love to see it. Right, Chelsea? Uh… Yeah! And Raquel will regret it! She’ll wish she never ever asked for this! You will all regret it! Whatever, Karen. But one way or another, Big Mami Cool and the Hot Mess are facing off, who will be the one to regret it?
Corey Graves interviews Seth Rollins.
We have footage from 2012 as Rollins said he was WWE’s next breakout star. Following highlights of his career so far, Graves says many consider Rollins a generation defining superstar, and he has a chance to add more history to his already impressive resumé at Night of Champions in the World Heavyweight Championship tournament finals. Graves thanks Rollins for his time, Rollins thanks Graves for having him. They go back a long way, but don’t go digging too deep. Graves will do his best.
Going back to 2012, Rollins was in a tournament to crown the very first NXT Champion. What did that moment mean to him? Rollins says at that time, there was a need for change. There was a fire for someone to take the reins of this industry, and Rollins had that vision. Rollins defeated Jinder Mahal in the finals to win the title. Becoming the first NXT Champion, he found a way to push the industry forward. And Graves says Rollins didn’t wait too long before moving up to Raw & SmackDown as part of The Shield. The Shield became one of the most dominant factions in WWE history, they wanted success and change and they wanted it now, and wouldn’t take no for an answer.
But as the Shield continued to dominate, Rollins saw a need to change himself. That’s what led to the “Chairshot Heard Around the World.” Rollins betrayed Roman and Ambrose, and Rollins says that to this day, people ask him why he did that. Fans said Rollins sold out. But Rollins says they’d beaten everyone there was to beat. And to reach ultimate success, you gotta take risks. If Rollins hadn’t hit Roman with the chair, what would the now look like?
Then why is this the right time for a new world champion? And why is it the right time for that new world champion to be Rollins? We’ll hear the rest of this interview later tonight.
Imperium heads to the ring!
Der Ring General arrives on Raw, and he is ready to make Monday nights sacred! He even stands on top of the announce desk so everyone can see him while Ludwig Kaiser says, “Ladies and gentlemen… I demand all your gratitude for your Intercontinental Champion…! Der Ring General…! GUUUNTHEEER!” Fans do cheer for the imposing figure of Gunther, and he takes the mic now. “Perhaps an introduction is due. For almost a year, I dominated Friday Night SmackDown as the undefeated and longest reigning Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion of the modern era.”
Fans cheer that, because it is impressive. Gunther says from this day forward, he will continue his mission here on Monday Night Raw. But he wants us to understand: No man here on Raw has yet been identified as the next challenger for his great prize, nor has earned his respect. “But in just a few moments, one man can achieve both. Tonight, this battle royal will determine my next challenger for MY championship, against THIS champion, at the Night of Champions!”
WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!
Ricochet, Baron Corbin, Matt Riddle, Riddick Moss, JD McDonagh, Elias, Akira Tozawa, Apollo Crews, Mustafa Ali, Dolph Ziggler, Bronson Reed, Cedric Alexander, Shelton Benjamin, Johnny Gargano, Dexter Lumis, Xyon Quinn, Von Wagner, The Viking Raiders, Los Lotharios, and The Alpha Academy are all in this to win this, but who will be the one and only #1 contender to Gunther’s title?
Raw returns and Apollo makes his entrance, now back on Raw after refreshing himself in NXT. Matt Riddle follows, and flicks his sandals at Gunther! Imperium has to hold Gunther back and The Bro gets in the ring. The bell rings and the chaos ensues! Fans fire up as the brawling goes on all around the ring. Tozawa fires hands on Corbin, the Vikings mug Bronson, but then Corbin TOSSES Tozawa to ELIMINATE him! Corbin says he’s back, baby! But then Lumis clotheslines and ELIMINATES Corbin! Corbin throws a fit, but then MMM dump and ELIMINATE Lumis! Mace & Mansoor brag, but fans boo.
But then Mace & Mansoor see Lumis glaring at them. They bump into the Alpha Academy, swing on them, but get ROCKED! The Alpha Academy DUMPS and ELIMINATES Mace! And yet, Maxxine loves it? Mace feels betrayed, and Mansoor stands up on the apron. Gargano SUPERKICKS Mansoor, but Mace catches! Only for Lumis to spool him into dropping Mansoor! Uh, someone ELIMINATES Mansoor! Mace runs away, Mansoor follows, it’s like Shaggy & Scooby running from a monster! Meanwhile, JD drags Carrillo out to the apron with him. Carrillo swings, JD ducks and HEADBUTTS! Carrillo follows, the Irish Ace ELIMINATES him!
Ziggler swings on JD, JD ducks and slingshots, but into a SUPERKICK! Ziggler ELIMINATES JD! But then Von grabs Ziggler with both hands and TOSSES him out to ELIMINATE him! The NXT call-ups are making some big impacts! But then JD RAMS Ziggler into steel steps! He’s a sore loser, we know that from NXT, and he just keeps RAMMING Ziggler into the steps! The refs reprimands but JD pulls the steps apart! The refs get him to stop, but will the Necessary Evil take out The Showoff? The battle royal rages on as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Erik stomps away on Cedrick. Ricochet throws hands on Reed, but then Erik turns him around to ROCK him! Erik then KNEES Reed and Ivar CLOBBERS Xyon! Ivar SPLASHES Crews, ROCKS Elias, and then the Vikings mug Alexander. Moss slips away from Benjamin, the VIkings TOSS and ELIMINATE Alexander! Then they mug Xyon! Gargano fights Moss’ scoop while The Vikings TOSS and ELIMINATE Xyon! Benjamin throws hands on the Vikings! Fans fire up as Benjamin ROCKS Erik! But Ivar BOOTS Benjamin, he and Erik mug Benjamin, and fans boo. The Vikings TOSS Benjamin and ELIMINATE him!
Fans boo more as the Vikings soak it up. but then they turn around and see the Alpha Academy. Fans rally up, and Otis RAMS Ivar! Gable and Erik throw hands! Gable throat chops, whips, and Erik goes to the apron! Gable runs in but into a shoulder! Erik brings Gable up in a suplex! But Gable fights and gets around! Erik fights off the German Suplex as Sarah Logan shouts. Erik ELBOWS Gable, Ace Ten Maou! But Otis BLASTS and ELIMINATES Erik!! Fans fire up and Gable hugs his number one guy! But then Ivar BLASTS and ELIMINATES Gable! Otis and Ivar fire fists and fans fire up!
But Bronson Reed DUMPS and ELIMINATES both Gable and Ivar! The Colossal is truly a force of nature! Sarah is furious, but Maxxine just comforts “Otise.” But now we have a final eight: Bronson Reed, Mustafa Ali, Ricochet, Matt Riddle, Apollo Crews, Johnny Gargano, Riddick Moss and Elias. Fans rally up as the other seven look at Reed, and attack! Fans fire up as the seven get Reed in a corner. Reed shoves people aside, and they all start brawling with each other., Gargano whips Ali, Ali goes up and over and keeps moving, but Gargano dodges to RANA! Ali ends up in a corner, fans fire up with Gargano!
Gargano runs in, Ali slips out and ROUNDHOUSES! Slingshot, somersault, NECKBREAKER! Ali tosses Gargano out but Gargano holds on! Ricochet runs over, Ali DECKS him! But Gargano SLINGSHOT SPEARS! Ricochet SHOOTING STARS Gargano! Fans fire up, Moss swings on Ricochet but misses! Ricochet springboards, into Moss’s arms! FALL AWAY SLAM! But Reed SAMOAN DROPS Moss! Apollo BOOTS Reed, goes up, FLYING BLOCKBUSTER! Fans fire up but Elias SYMPHO-KNEES Apollo! And SPLASHES Reed! And then he Electric Chair Lifts Apollo, but Apollo RANAS Elias out!
Elias swings on Apollo but Apollo PELES Elias out to ELIMINATE him! But Reed clotheslines Apollo up and out and ELIMINATES him! Ali jumps on Reed’s back, but Reed TOSSES him away! Ricochet runs in, Reed spins him around to a dragon sleeper. Gargano runs in, but Reed catches him, URENAGE REVERSE DDT COMBO! Riddle runs in to fire palm strikes! Reed shoves back, Riddle BOOTS him! But Reed SWATS the roundhouse! Reed shoves Riddle again, runs in, but into an elbow! Reed goes up, WHISP-BRO in the Wind! But Moss CLOBBERS Riddle! Moss keeps moving, but Riddle TOSSES Moss to ELIMINATE him!
Riddle taunts Moss but Gargano rolls Riddle for the SCHOOLBOY KICK! Riddle stands, but he catches Gargano to a headscissors and ELIMINATES him! Now there’s just four! The Bro, The Colossal, #PositiveAli and The King of Flight. But seeing Riddle on the outside, Imperium rushes in! The refs reprimand but Riddle KICKS Vinci! Ludwig trips Riddle! Fans boo, but Reed BLASTS Riddle and ELIMINATES him! Ricochet rushes Reed but Reed shoves him away. Riddle V-TRIGGERS! And DROPKICKS! Reed leans on the ropes, Ricochet lifts him! Ali helps out! They dump Reed to the apron but he holds onto ropes!
Ali and Ricochet mug Reed, but Reed HEADBUTTS Ali. Ricochet DROPKICKS Reed! Reed wobbles, Ricochet triangle jump DROPKICKS!! Reed is still holding on!? Ricochet triangle jumps again, but Reed gets him! Fireman’s carry, but now Ali is up top! Ali SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICKS them both, and WINS!!
Winner: Mustafa Ali, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship)
The Beacon is all fired up! Ali is heading to Night of Champions, but will he be able to take Gunther’s gold?
Becky Lynch is here!
Greensboro fires up for The Man as she heads to the ring. Fans cheer for Becky as she gets the mic. “The Man has come around to Greensboro! Look, uh, part of being The Man is admitting you’ve been going through some stuff. And lately, I’ve been going through some stuff. We all have our struggles. We have our struggles behind closed doors, we have small struggles, big struggles, medium struggles. And we put on the face that we need to put on so that we can do what we need to do to become the people that we want to be.” Fans cheer that!
Becky continues to say, “And sometimes, when it becomes too overwhelming and we feel like we can’t do it on our own anymore, we have to man up and ask for help. And that’s what I did. I asked for help from two legends in this business, two women who have been through a lot in their own life, Lita and Trish Stratus.” Fans boo Trish but Becky says Lita was great. Fans cheer Lita, and Becky says Lita came back, she and Becky won gold, and Trish came back, hadn’t missed a beat. Becky let Trish get close to her and her family, but she couldn’t see the snake in the grass that maybe everyone else saw coming a mile away.
Trish never came back to help Becky. Trish came back to help herself, “like the backstabbing ego maniac that she is.” But despite that, Becky did wanna come out here and to say, “Thank you, Trish.” But not for the bullock reasons she gave! No, thank you, Trish, because you hitting Becky in the back turned on a light that had been off for many, many months! Becky thanks Trish, because when Trish called Becky’s daughter stupid, Becky was reminded that the only thing that matters in life is standing up for the people that depend on us. And thank you, Trish, for giving all the badness in Becky’s head a face and a name and a target!
Fans cheer, and Becky continues that at one point, Trish was number one in the business. She wants to be there again, but Becky is it! Becky’s done it, she’s been it, she doesn’t need a title to prove it, and will be it until she says it is over! So if Trish wants it, she’s got it! Becky will show Trish how “thankful” she is when she kicks her head in at Night of Champions! Fans fire up as Becky throws down the mic as well as the gauntlet! Will Trish accept this big time challenge?
Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley.
Cathy Kelley knows Rhea’s been keeping a close eye on the Women’s Division. What is her opinion on Natalya coming to Raw and intervening as Rhea was beating up Dana Brooke? Rhea says Natty needs to stay in her lane. Natty has had a pretty impressive career, but- Natty steps in to say there is no but. Yes, Natty’s career is impressive. But everyone already knows that. And this isn’t about lanes, but about beating someone up who was already beat. Rhea is the most dominant woman to ever hold the SmackDown Women’s Championship. And Rhea does deserve respect. But respect is something Rhea is not giving the women she runs through.
Rhea chuckles, and tells Natty not to act like that was for Dana last week. Natty’s had a longer career, but we all know that Natty wanted to be in the ring with Rhea so that everyone would care about her again. So you’re welcome. But if you ever interrupt Rhea again, she won’t boost Natty’s career. She will end it. Dom walks over and tells Mami it’s time to go. Rhea and Dom leave, but will the Eradicator be made to respect the Queen of Harts?
Mustafa Ali runs across Maxxine Durpi and the Alpha Academy.
Maxxine is arguing with Gable and Ali wants them to stop with all the negativity. No wonder they both lost in the battle royal. But can he give them some advice? NO! Well, Ali used to be a loser, just like them. Until he started more positive, and now he’s a winner! YAY! Ali heads out, but then comes across Imperium. Gunther congratulates Ali, he is now the rightful challenger to what is rightfully Gunther’s. But Gunther already feels bad for Ali. Ali is going to travel halfway across the world, to suffer the biggest loss of his career. And the beating that goes with it, Good luck at Night of Champions.
Gunther offers a handshake, Ali accepts it, and Ali says he feels bad for Gunther. Gunther has to go all the way there, and all the way back, just for Ali to beat him, humiliate him, and take that title. Gunther smiles and Ali says that’s the key! Be positive! Ali heads out, but is he being confident? Or foolish?
Xavier Woods VS Dominik Mysterio w/ Rhea Ripley!
The Power of Positivity keeps on going, and wants another go at the Prodigal Son. Will Woods be ready for all the tricks The Judgment Day uses? Or will Dom 2-0 sweep the former tag team champion?
Raw returns as Dom makes his entrance, Rhea right by his side. Dom has the mic to say, “Look, Mami. It’s Xavier Woods.” Fans boo but Dom asks if Woods is here to convince himself that he can beat Dom because it’s a new day? Woods stops Dom right there. Dom’s right, Woods has no one to watch is back. Right now, anyway. But unlike Dom, Woods is a grown man who can stand on his own two feet and fight his own battles! Can Dom say the same? Or does Dom have to ask Mami for permission to speak? Fans chant for “MAMI! MAMI!” but Dom and Rhea just walk to the ring.
The bell rings, Woods and Dom circle, and they tie up. Woods wrenches, wristlocks, but Dom spins and wrenches back. Woods rolls, spins, kips up and wrenches to WRING Dom out! Fans rally, Woods hammerlocks and headlocks. Woods wrenches and headlocks again, fans taunt Dom with “Who’s Your Daddy?” as Woods arm-drags Dom! And then runs him over! And again! Dom sputters to ropes, Woods runs side to side, and he dropkicks Dom in the back! Cover, TWO! Dom is still in this and Rhea is relieved, but Woods drags Dom up. Dom knees low, bumps Woods off buckles and stomps away!
Fans boo but the ref counts and Dom lets off at 4. Rhea applauds and Dom soaks up the heat. But Dom turns around and Woods dropkicks him! Woods knuckle locks but Dom CLUBS away! Dom stomps Woods down then knuckle locks him in return. Dom taunts Woods while putting on the pressure. Woods fights up, pushes Dom down, and then yanks Dom up into a suplex! Cover, TWO! Dom bails out to regroup with Mami but Woods pursues. Rhea stands in Woods’ way and fans boo. Woods says fine, but Dom slips away. Rhea taunts Woods, Dom tells the fans up theirs, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns again and Woods JABS Dom! And JABS! And JABS! Dom shoves, and UPPERCUTS Woods down! Cover, TWO! Rhea is mad at the ref but Dom rains down fists on Woods. Dom lets off to soak up more heat, and he stalks Woods to a corner. Dom puts Woods up top, throws hands, but fans chant “YOU SUCK!” Dom climbs up after Woods, tells the fans that they suck, but Woods throws hands in return! Woods HEADBUTTS Dom off the corner! Dom flounders, Woods stands up, and Woods jumps for the MISSILE DROPKICK! Fans fire up while both men are down again!
Woods and Dom stir as fans rally up. Woods ROCKS and CHOPS and repeat on Dom! Woods whips, Dom reverses but Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges then slides, to ROLLING ELBOW! Cover, TWO! Rhea is relieved again while Dom goes to a corner. Woods runs corner to corner and back elbows! Woods whips corner to corner, runs in again and clotheslines! Snapmare and HONOR- NO, Dom gets around! Woods throws elbows, wrenches and whips, but Dom reverses. Dom runs in but into a BOOT! Woods HONOR ROLLS! Cover, TWO! Rhea almost got in the ring, but she calms back down.
Dom wants mercy but then he YANKS Woods out of the ring! Woods hurries back up, but Dom dodges the shoulder to knee Woods! Dom has Woods for a snap suplex! Uno Amigo! Fans boo as Dom keeps going, Dos Amigos! Rhea is loving this as Dom brings Woods up for THREE AMIGOS! Dom gives us Latino Heat and Rhea applauds. Fans boo as Dom climbs the corner, blows a kiss to Rhea, and FROG SPLASHES onto knees!! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives, Rhea freaks out, but Woods trophy lifts Dom for a GUT BUSTER DROP!! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives again but Rhea is panicking!
Woods drags Dom around, goes to the apron, and he climbs the corner. Woods tightrope walks, for the LIMIT- NO, Rhea drags Dom out of the ring! The ref reprimands, but Woods PLANCHAS Dom down! Woods puts Dom in the ring, Rhea distracts him, and Dom WRECKS Woods with a dropkick! Dom gets in, he argues with the ref, and Rhea hits Woods from behind! Rhea puts Woods in for Dom to GEDO CLUTCH! Dom wins again!!
Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall
Mami helps Dommy again! It still proves Woods right, but how can Woods win without someone watching his back?
JD McDonagh speaks.
“For the longest time, I really bought into it. I believed, y’know? I believed that if you worked as hard as you could, if you trust the process and you treat the others around you with respect, you’ll get your turn. But then the years tick on, and I see other guys, guys that aren’t fit to lace my boots, get opportunities ahead of me. And I started to realize… I am performing for an audience of fools. And now what you’re left with is this. I am the paracausal force. The plane of suffering. I am the destructor, I dig the graves. The Irish Ace is here to stay.”
Backstage interview with JD McDonagh.
At least, Cathy is hoping to. She hurries after him as he leaves the building, and asks him about why he attacked Ziggler during the battle royal. JD says he came to Raw to make a statement, and who better against than Ziggler? Ziggler’s done it all. Former world champion, Intercontinental, Money in the Bank. But he found out what everyone will find out soon: Never bet against the Ace.
Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal VS ???
Veer & Sanga were already powerful forces on their own, but now the Modern Day Maharaja is leading them. Will they soon take over the Raw Tag Division with their size and strength?
The teams sort out and Veer starts against Jobber A, but then he just BLASTS Jobber B at the bell! And he CLOBBERS Jobber A with a big shoulder! Veer stomps Jobber A out, tags Sanga in, and Veer drags Jobber A out onto the ropes for Sanga to BOOT him down! Sanga roars, he drags Jobber A back up and throws him to the corner! Sanga wants Jobber B to tag in, so Jobber B tags in. Only for Sanga to TOSS him across the way! Sanga then runs in to SPLASH Jobber B in the corner! Tag to Veer, Sanga scoops Jobber B, and he SLAMS him down. Veer then jumps for a BIG elbow drop!
Sanga then BOOTS Jobber A off the apron! He almost wipes out a cameraman! Veer RAMS Jobber B into the corner, and shouts “NAMASTE!” before he SPLASHES Jobber B from behind! Jinder is pleased as Sanga tags back in. Sanga drags Jobber B up, Veer goes up, LEG DROP SIDEWALK SLAM COMBO! Cover, Indus Sher wins!
Winners: Indus Sher, by pinfall
Apparently, these two young men are named Lamar and Drake. Those names can be on the hospital room doors here in Greensboro, because Veer & Sanga have their names on the winners’ checks. Jinder gets the mic to say, in Hindi, that Indus Sher are going to dominate. And then he gets on commentary to say that a lot of people talk about running Monday Night Raw. Jinder says that Indus Sher now runs Raw. And their future will be written in gold! Will anyone refute the words of the Modern Day Maharaja?
Sami & Kevin talk backstage.
They’re in agreement that they’re going to beat Finn & Priest to roll into Night of Champions, but then Imperium walks over. Kevin asks what they’re doing. Why? Sami also wants to know why. Gunther says he will not tolerate the disrespect Sami & Kevin showed his men last week. Ugh. Disrespect? Really? Is that what Gunther’s saying? Well how about this? Next week, Kevin & Sami will take them all on! Not tonight, they already have a fight for tonight, but next week is wide open! It’ll be all three of them! Sami says they’ll find a partner. But is that good? Imperium accepts and heads out. Sami says Kevin is at a 10 all the time. But will Kevin & Sami #JustKeepFighting until Night of Champions?
Cody Rhodes exits his bus.
The American Nightmare is ready to speak, and he heads to gorilla. What will he say about accepting the challenge to fight Brock Lesnar at Night of Champions?
Cody Rhodes heads to the ring!
Raw returns and fans sing along with the song. Cody gets his pyro and continues into the ring, for more pyro! Cody gets the mic and fans cheer more. “So, Greensboro, North Carolina… Whaddya wanna talk about? I know these grounds, I know this arena. This is the fabled, very first home of Starrcade.” Fans cheer that fact, and Cody says, “A wonderful memory, a great amount of mutual respect, respect that is not shared by Brock Lesnar, who has elected not to be here.” Fans boo that fact, but Cody says this is a fun audience. He’s going to try something you don’t typically hear on a sports entertainment show…
“Ladies and gentlemen, have you heard the one about the scorpion and the frog?” Some fans have, so Cody says it is a simple story. There’s a scorpion on one side of the river and needs to get across to the other side. He asks a frog, who can hop and swim, if he can get a ride. The frog says, “Hell nah,” the scorpion would sting him! The scorpion says no, because if he did, they’d both drown. That logic is airtight for the frog. The frog gives the scorpion a ride, and halfway across the river, what happens? The fans also know, the scorpion still stings the frog. And as the frog is dying, he asks the scorpion, “Why?” The scorpion replies, “It’s my nature.”
So it is Brock Lesnar’s nature to hunt. Brock Lesnar must be hunting. “But make sure, Brock, if you’re the one who’s hunting, let me ask you something: how’s your face?” Cody knows Lesnar looks in the mirror and sees a lion, “the alpha male of our species,” but he should also see a black eye and some staples. When Cody looks in the mirror, he sees the man who put them there! He sees the man who broke Lesnar’s face and spirit and beat the biggest bully in WWE history! So Cody gladly accepts the challenge for Night of Champions! Fans cheer that, and Cody says he won’t go “out of bounds.”
There’s always been talk about Brock’s ego, his manipulation of the roster, his performing dates. You wanna know why Lesnar is on top and has been on top? Because Brock Lesnar is better than 99.9% of the superstars who come into this ring. But at Backlash, Brock Lesnar was NOT better than Cody Rhodes. Fans cheer that, too! Now, Lesnar called that a “cheap win.” It was a wrestling counter to a wrestling hold in a wrestling ring, so how cheap is that? Even if Cody was imbued with the powers of God and won in 20 SECONDS, Lesnar would still have hunted Cody down. This isn’t about a title, this is about something else. This is about who is the Big Thing on Monday Night Raw.
Fans chant for “CODY! CODY!” and Cody says “The Next Big Thing,” that was what they called Lesnar. The Next Big Thing, and they were right. “But eventually, Brock, what happens when they just say… next?” Lesnar has conquered the WWE, he has conquered sports entertainment, he has conquered this sport. But we are at the point where Cody wants Lesnar to take his busted face, step aside, and understand he is NOT the big thing, he is just in Cody’s way! Fans fire up as Cody drops the mic. Will the American Nightmare beat Lesnar at his own game at Night of Champions?
Zoey Stark brags backstage.
She just knew she was gonna win and succeed. Everything is going great for her! Wait, she’s saying this to Nikki Cross, who she beat? And Nikki isn’t even paying attention! Zoey calls her a freak, but then Candice LeRae storms over to tell Zoey not to talk to Nikki like that. Uh, what? Where is Candice’s “little weirdo family?” Uh, excuse you, Zoey! Do not talk about her family like that. In fact, they don’t have to do this here. They can do this in the ring. Zoey says perfect, see you next Monday. Candice coming to Nikki’s defense, is she actually becoming Nikki’s friend?
Raquel Rodriguez VS Chelsea Green w/ Sonya Deville!
The WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions are still #LivingLarge, but without Liv cleared to compete, there is no tag title defense. Will Big Mami Cool still live it up and clean up the Hot Mess? Or will Karen- Er, Chelsea make Raquel regret underestimating her?
Raw returns as The Complaint Department make their entrance. The bell rings, Sonya gives Chelsea some last minute advice, but then Raquel just BOOTS Chelsea down! Raquel tells Sonya to watch out or she’ll get it, too. Raquel bumps Chelsea off buckles, then bumps her off more buckles. Raquel scoops Chelsea, carries her around, but Sonya distracts! Chelsea slips away while Raquel glares at Sonya, and then Chelsea hits a BACKSTABBER! And a motorcycle stretch STOMP into the buckles! Fans boo but Chelsea says “Too easy!” Chelsea runs in at the corner to clothesline! And clothesline! And elbow!
Fans boo, the ref counts, and Chelsea lets off with one last forearm! Chelsea then pushes Raquel out of the corner to CHOP BLOCK her leg! Fans boo more but Chelsea runs to SLIDING COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, ONE!! Raquel still has lots of power but Sonya says to stay on her. Chelsea throws in elbows then wraps on a chinlock. Chelsea throws crossface forearms but fans rally for Raquel. Chelsea armlocks and chinbars Raquel, but Raquel fights up. Raquel scoops Chelsea and SNAKE EYES! Chelsea staggers, fans fire up, but Chelsea drop toeholds Raquel onto ropes! Chelsea then DROPKICKS Raquel down! Cover, TWO!
Chelsea is surprised but Sonya coaches her. Chelsea chicken wings Raquel, turns her, but Raquel powers up to lift Chelsea! INVERTED ALABAMA SLAM hotshot on the ropes! Chelsea sputters, staggers, Sonya is still confident, but Raquel rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT! Chelsea dodges one but not the SOUTHPAW! Raquel whips, Chelsea reverses and ROCKS Raquel! Chelsea runs and leaps, into Raquel’s arms! FALL AWAY SLAM! Raquel scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM again! Fans fire up with Raquel and she scoops for a third FALL AWAY SLAM! Chelsea is in a drop zone, Raquel runs in, TWISTING VADER!
Raquel isn’t done with Chelsea, she gets her up for the TEXANA BOMB!! Cover, Raquel wins!
Winner: Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall
Sonya is furious, but she’s the one who put Chelsea in this position. Will this be the same result when the tag titles are finally on the line?
Wait, RONDA ROUSEY AND SHAYNA BASZLER attack Raquel at the stage! Ronda mockingly announces Raquel as the tag team champion, then sits her up. “Hey, champ, got a question for ya. What’re you supposed to do with that title, huh? That was rhetorical, okay? Defend it!” Ronda tells Raquel she’ll defend the title with or without Liv, or else she’ll catch this same beating week after week! Fans boo but Ronda says, “One more thing.” She sets Raquel up for Shayna to PENALTY KICK down! The Baddest Women on the Planet are ready to be champions, when and where will they get their shot?
Imperium meets with someone.
And they shake his hand to accept his offer. It’s PAUL HEYMAN! Heyman then calls Roman Reigns, perhaps to share the good news. Is Imperium going to soften Sami & Kevin up for The Tribal Chief and Solo Sikoa?
Raw shares part two of Graves’ interview with Rollins.
Rollins said if he hadn’t put the chair to Roman’s back, where would we be now? That is a great “What if.” But in the wake of that moment, we’ve since seen many “iterations” of Rollins. The Architect under The Authority, the Monday Night Messiah during ThunderDome Era. He’s been Universal Champion, World Champion, Mr. Money in the Bank and he pulled off The Heist of the Century. Why is the current iteration the best? Yes, The Visionary! Seth Freakin’ Rollins! HAHAHA! But man, this approach, Rollins’ hands are off the wheel.
“That’s the fun part! We’re in this crazy synergistic experience with the WWE Universe, and I get to experience it for the first time in my career, in the most authentic version of myself.” The fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~” whenever Rollins is on screen, and Graves asks why he thinks that is. Why is it now? Rollins says that it could be the equity, the time, the hard work. Who knows. “But there is some organic relationship. For the first time in my career, I’m not the one forcing the change. The WWE Universe has been the catalyst for the change in me.”
Rollins has made it through the Raw bracket of the World Heavyweight Championship tournament, is going to Night of Champions, so why is now the right time for a new WHC? And why is Rollins the guy to hold it? “I hate to say it, but… We need a change again. I don’t feel like anybody at the top wants to take any risks with the titles they’re holding. I think they’re more about protecting themselves than about pushing the industry forward. And so now is the perfect time for a new World Heavyweight Championship, and we can do it the way it’s supposed to be done.”
With that in mind, Graves then asks, “What are your thoughts on Roman Reigns and his Undisputed Universal Championship reign?” Rollins smirks and knew it’d get there. Rollins takes off his sunglasses to get serious, but this part of the interview will be shared next week.
Apollo Crews speaks.
“People keep asking me, ‘Apollo, are you grateful to be back?’ A second chance at the opporutnity of a lifetime? Of course I am. But let’s be clear. This isn’t a gift. Nothing was handed to me. I’m a former United States Champion, Intercontinental Champion. I’ve fought on every corner of the planet and nobody says my name without putting some respect on it. I earned my way back. Never backed down from adversity no matter what, and I did it all by being the man that my kids can be proud of. I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it. This is my time.”
Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest!
The Undisputed Tag Team Champions sure are busy! Night of Champions against Roman & Solo. Next Monday against all of Imperium with a third man they haven’t even found yet. But tonight, they take on the Judgment Day’s Prince and Punisher! Will Kevin & Sami #JustKeepFighting to prove they truly are the best team in WWE? Or will there be speedbump after speedbump on this golden road?
Raw returns as the champions make their entrance. The teams sort out and Sami starts against Finn. Fans rally for Sami but Finn talks trash. They tie up, Finn waistlocks and SLAMS, then he slaps Sami around. Fans boo but Finn soaks up the heat. Sami and Finn reset, circle and tie up, and Finn gets an arm. Finn wrenches the arm to a wristlock, but Sami spins, wrenches, and wristlocks back. Sami brings Finn around, but Finn rolls, hooks a leg, but Sami wrangles him back down. Finn kips up, but Sami wrenches to a hammerlock. Finn puts the hammerlock on Sami but Sami puts it back on Finn.
The fans rally for Sami and sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” Finn reaches back, elbows free, and Sami falls over. Finn brings Sami up, headlocks, but Sami powers out. Things speed up, Sami arm-drags Finn, and arm-drags again to have an armlock! Finn fight up, puts Sami in the corner, and Priest tags in. Judgment Day mugs Sami, and Priest CLUBS Sami around. Priest HEADBUTTS Sami, scoops him, but Sami slips off to bump Priest off buckles! Sami then goes up the corner, leaps and AX HANDLES! Cover, ONE!! Kevin says that was three but not even close. Sami puts Priest in the corner and Kevin tags in.
Fans fire up as the champs mug Priest, Kevin CHOPS and ROCKS and ROCKS Priest again! Kevin whips, Priest kicks Kevin away! But Kevin ENZIGURIS! Priest staggers but stays up, and Kevin eggs him on. Priest runs in, Kevin dumps him out! Finn runs in, but Kevin sends him out! Finn wants Priest to hold on, they should think about this. Finn then calls to Dom and Rhea! The rest of the Judgment Day storms out to the ring and fans boo. Kevin and Sami stay cool, they expected this. But even so, the numbers are not in their favor, and Raw goes to break.
Raw returns and Priest keeps Sami from Kevin. Sami fights up but Priest CLUBS him to the Judgment Day corner. Tag to Finn and Finn bumps Sami off buckles. Finn RAMS into Sami, RAMS him again, and again! The ref counts, Finn RAMS Sami until 4. Finn then runs to CHOP Sami! Rhea and Dom are both stinging from that, and Finn whips corner to corner. Finn runs in to CHOP again! Rhea and Dom cheer Finn on as he whips corner to corner again. But Sami comes back to CLOBBER Finn! Fans fire up and Dom is worried. Sami crawls, as does Finn, but Finn grabs Sami’s foot! Sami boots Finn away, hot tags to Kevin and Priest!
Kevin dodges Priest, clotheslines Finn in the corner, then turns around to fire off haymakers on Priest! They end up on the ropes, Kevin stomps away on Priest, but the ref counts. Kevin lets off with a roar and the fans fire up. Priest bails out but Kevin pursues, to CLOBBER Priest! And SENTON! Priest sputters, Kevin roars some more, and Kevin puts Priest in. Rhea rushes Kevin but he dodges! Kevin CLOBBERS Finn, CLOBBERS Dom, escapes Rhea and taunts her! Priest runs in but Kevin dodges, to then SUPERKICK! Priest sits down, Kevin keeps moving, “SUCK IT!” CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO!
Rhea is relieved that Priest survives but Kevin keeps focus. Fans chant “Fight Owens, Fight!” Kevin throws hands, BOOTS Priest, then runs, but Dom trips him up! The ref saw that, but Priest CLOBBERS Kevin from behind! The ref shouts at Dom and Rhea, and EJECTS them!! So much for Finn’s plan! The fans fire up while the Judgment Day is furious! Rhea & Dom reluctantly leave, Priest runs in at Kevin, but into a SUPERKICK! And a BOOT! Both men are down and fans rally back up. Woods goes after Dom!! Fans fire up as Woods fires off fists and chases Dom to the back! Rhea is shocked!
Back to the ring, Kevin and Priest rise, but Priest rolls Kevin up! TWO!! Wait, Heyman walks out now?! Priest CLOBBERS Kevin, and he smiles as he sees The Wise Man. Heyman is on the phone with Roman again as Raw goes to break.
Raw returns once again, and Priest brings Kevin up to ROCK him! Kevin ROCKS Priest! Priest ROCKS Kevin! Kevin SLAPOS Priest! Priest ROCKS Kevin! Kevin ROCKS Priest, DECKS Finn, but Priest KNEES low! Priest ROCKS Kevin, sucker punches Sami, and then Finn hurries to bring Sami up! Finn sends Sami into steel steps! Fans boo but Kevin BOOTS Priest! Kevin DECKS Finn again! But Priest back elbows Kevin in the corner! Tag to Finn, snapmare and slingshot STOMP! Priest tags back in, Finn sends Kevin into a ROUNDHOUSE! Finn scoops Kevin, BACKBREAKER LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO!
Kevin hangs tough and fans fire up again! Priest is annoyed, but he drags Kevin up. Priest puts Kevin in a corner, hoists him up top, and ROCKS him with right hands and forearms. Kevin hits back! But Priest HEADBUTTS Kevin, then climbs up. Priest brings Kevin up, but Kevin fights with body shots! And with haymakers! But Priest gives forearms in return! Fans boo but Kevin CHOPS! And HEADBUTTS! And HEADBUTTS! And headbutts and headbutts! Kevin ELBOWS Priest down, adjusts, then SWANTON BOMBS!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! And Sami’s back up!
Fans rally as Kevin and Priest crawl. Hot tags to Finn and Sami! The Great Liberator rallies on The Prince! Then he dodges, and TACKLES Finn to rain down fists! Finn gets away but Sami kicks him. Sami whips, Finn reverses but Sami goes up and over to scoop and MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives, Heyman is worried, and Sami brings Finn to a drop zone. Sami goes up top and fans fire up again. Finn stands up and rushes over but Sami leaps up and over. Finn comes back to SLINGBLADE! Sami staggers, Finn tags aim, SHOT- BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives again!
Fans rally up, but now Imperium appears at ringside! Gunther, Ludwig & Vinci all distract Sami, Finn rolls Sami up! TWO!! Sami swings, into a dragon sleeper! BLOODY SUNDAY!! Cover, Kevin breaks it!! Priest returns to choke grip! But Kevin slips free to STUN- NO, Priest shoves Kevin! Priest choke grips again, but Kevin kicks free to STUNNER!! But Finn TOSSES Kevin! But Sami gets Finn for a CORNER EXPLODER! And then Sami goes corner to corner, HELLUVA KICK!! But Imperium distracts! Kevin DECKS Vinci, DECKS Ludwig, then goes out after them! Gunther is there, so Kevin shoves him! But Priest APRON CHOKE SLAMS Kevin!!
Sami FLIES out onto Priest!! Fans are thunderous again as Sami goes back in! He reloads and aims from the corner, but Imperium slides in the ring! The ref stops Vinci & Ludwig, but Gunther trips up Sami! Finn SHOTGUNS Sami! Sami ends up in the drop zone and Finn goes up top! COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, Finn & Priest win!!!
Winners: Finn Balor & Damian Priest, by pinfall
Heyman smiles, it seems this was the deal that was struck. Imperium and Judgment Day ended up working together to damage Kevin & Sami, and that only makes things easier for The Bloodline come Night of Champions. But did the Wise Man promise Der Ring General and his men something in return for this assistance? Who will Kevin & Sami find to help them get revenge next week?
My Thoughts:
A great Raw here with so much great build towards Night of Champions. Great promo from Cody as always to call out Lesnar and accept the challenge. I like that he used Pat McAfee’s nickname for Lesnar, but I’m a bit disappointed this match isn’t being made into more than another standard singles match. Lesnar shouted he wants to fight, so why is this not some kind of match that would prevent another quick pinfall win? Becky has a great promo of her own to call out Trish, and of course we’re getting a match between them at Night of Champions. And great interview stuff with Graves and Rollins, with it slightly pulling back the curtain. I like that they’re saving Rollins commenting on Roman for next week and the go-home, but this all surely leads to Rollins winning the new WHC.
Really good match from Nakamura VS Miz, and of course Nakamura wins that. But also, there’s probably a reason “Mizuke” isn’t a team. In Japanese, “mizuke” means moisture or dampness. I don’t think Nakamura wants to be associated with Miz or dampness. Meanwhile, a bit of a shame Liv is hurt (not sure if kayfabe or shoot), but good promo to shift from a tag match to a singles match, and I figured Raquel would win that. But I should’ve expected Ronda & Shayna to attack Raquel while she’s without back-up, and this is of course finally moving things back to Ronda & Shayna challenging for and taking the tag titles.
Indus Sher of course won their Raw debut, but the graphics they used being cybernetic themed does not match their presentation because, uh, they’re not cyborgs! But I do like that Jinder subtly called out Judgment Day, as Judgment Day says they run Raw, but that might change now. And speaking of, really good stuff out of Judgment Day, like Rhea’s interaction with Natty to further nod towards a title match between them, and Dom VS Woods in a rematch that Woods again cheats to win. I do like that Raw is getting full of trios, and I would love to see them all interact and have Six Man Tag matches.
Good vignette promos for JD and Apollo to establish them here on Raw, and great showings from them in the Intercontinental Championship battle royal. And of course Ziggler the gatekeeper is gonna have a feud with JD. That’s gonna be good stuff, and JD of course wins in the end. Mustafa Ali winning the battle royal is great for him, but I don’t see him overcoming Gunther. And great use of Imperium in multiple stories, such as with Ali, but also with Kevin & Sami and the Undisputed Tag Team Championships. Kevin & Sami have their choice for third man, but I feel like it should be Ali so Ali can perhaps build momentum towards Night of Champions.
Kevin & Sami VS Judgment Day was a great stuff, even with having Imperium and Heyman involved. I am thinking Heyman promised Imperium the first title opportunity, should Solo & Roman win at Night of Champions. Kinda hoping that doesn’t happen, so that Kevin & Sami can fight off Indus Sher, Imperium, Judgment Day and a SmackDown tag team that isn’t really involved in anything. I say that also because I want Roman & Solo VS The Usos as a separate feud for the fate of The Bloodline. But I suppose we’ll get more of this on SmackDown, since we’re supposed to have Kevin & Sami meeting face to face with Roman & Solo.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Will the Mad King regret this gamble?
Before putting both belts on the line against Katsuyori Shibata at AEW WrestleDream, Eddie Kingston defends his NJPW Strong title against Rocky Romero! Will plans have to change all thanks to Azucar?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Hardy Party; The Acclaimed & Billy win and retain the titles.
- NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS Rocky Romero; Eddie wins and retains the title.
- The Righteous VS Caleb Crush & Gunnar; The Righteous win.
- AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s match: Ruby Soho VS Hikaru Shida; Shida wins and will challenge Saraya for the title on Title Tuesday, October 10th.
PLAY BY PLAY
AEW World Trios Championships: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn VS The Hardy Party!
The open challenge was put forth, and it was answered very quickly! Will Matt, Jeff & Brother Zay DELETE the Scissor World Tour? Or will Max Caster, Anthony Bowens & Daddy Ass keep the party going?
But of course, Platinum Max has a diss track! “Acclaimed on the mic, ’bout to leave these dudes up in smoke! Y’know we comin’ like the Colorado Buffalos! Matt, I don’t want any heat! I don’t need your crazy ass wife sendin’ me tweets! It’s the one guy in Private Party! Nowadays, he gets tag teamed by the Hardys! Jeff, I’m a leave you black in both eyes! You gonna need these sunglasses like Coach Prime.” Bowens takes the mic to say “COLORADOOOO~! The Acclaimed have arrived! Scissor Me, Daddy Ass~!” And he does! The belts are raised, and we see who survives WrestleDream weekend!
The trios sort out and Bowens starts against Kassidy. They shake hands, tie up, and Bowens waistlocks. Kassidy drop toeholds, facelocks but Bowens slips free to wrench. Kassidy rolls, handsprings, wrenches and hammerlocks to a headlock. Bowens powers out to headlock but Kassidy powers out, only for Bowens to run him over! Bowens self-scissors, then things speed up. Kassidy hurdles, Bowens shoves then follows but Kassidy arm-drags! Bowens arm-drags! Bowens blocks Kassidy’s arm-drag to whip, but Kassidy wheelbarrows and arm-drags! Bowens stands, into a RANA! Kassidy then pounds the mat and fans fire up.
Bowens kicks but Kassidy blocks to spin him. Kassidy kicks but Bowens blocks to flip him! Bowens then kicks, kicks and KOTARO KRUSHER! Fans fire up, “EVERYONE Loves The Acclaimed!” Bowens drags Kassidy up, tags in Caster, and they double whip. Kassidy holds ropes, TOSSES Bowens then BOOTS Caster! Tag to Matt and Matt BOOTS Caster! Kassidy hits a NECKBREAKER, Jeff tags in to go up, for the SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Jeff snapmares Caster to then NECK SNAPPER! Fans fire up with Jeff and he waits on Caster to stand. Kick but no Twist as Caster slips free! Jeff ducks the backhand to SPIN KICK!
Jeff CLUBS Caster, Caster scrambles away, tags to Billy and Matt! Fans fire up as Matt says “DELETE! DELETE!” Billy says “SUCK IT!” “DELETE!” “SUCK IT!” “DELETE!” “SUCK IT!” And repeat! Then Billy headlocks! Matt throws body shots, powers out, but Billy runs Matt over! Billy flexes and does a dance, and then he runs in. Matt ELBOWS Billy, BOOTS him, then bumps him off buckles! “DELETE! DELETE! DELETE!” Billy gets all three layers, and Matt tags Jeff. Jeff tags Kassidy, and the Hardys set up fort he classic POETRY IN MOTION! Then Kassidy adds PARTY IN MOTION! But The Acclaimed CLOBBER Kassidy & The Hardys!
Fans fire up as Caster has Kassidy up to scoop and SLAM! Billy helps get the legs, and Bowens goes up to SCISSOR ME TIMBERS! Kassidy squeals before impact! Cover, TWO! Kassidy survives but The Acclaimed have control as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Billy brings Kassidy up, bumps him off buckles, and he hears the fans singing. Billy ROCKS Kassidy with a right, apologizes to the ref, then tags to Bowens. Bowens drags Kassidy up to ROCK him with haymaker after haymaker! Bowens then brings Kassidy up to tag in Caster. They double suplex Kassidy, Caster covers, TWO! Another cover, TWO! Caster keeps Kassidy down with a chinlock while fans rally up. Kassidy fights to his feet, throws body shots, and he fires forearms as Rampage returns to single picture. Kassidy runs but Caster CLOBBERS him! Tag to Billy and they mug Kassidy.
Billy brings Kassidy to an open corner, stomps and ROCKS him on repeat, then lets off to smirk at the Hardys. He dares them to do something, but Matt tells Billy to suck it! So Billy DECKS Matt! Billy runs corner to corner but Kassidy dodges! The splash hits buckles and Billy falls back! Fans rally up as both men crawl, but Billy gets Kassidy’s leg! Kassidy stands up to ENZIGURI! Hot tag to Jeff! Jeff rallies on Billy, on Bowens, and on Caster! Fans fire up and Jeff clotheslines Billy up and out! Jeff CLOBBS Bowens, then catches him for a RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Leg hook cradle! Cover, Caster breaks it!
Caster helps Bowens up, then runs in, but Jeff ELBOWS caster and ROCKS Bowens! Jeff goes up, WHISPER IN THE WIND! Jeff gets both Caster and Bowens but everyone is down! Billy returns, kicks low, says ‘SUCK IT!” and runs, but Jeff dodges! Matt kicks Billy for a TWIST OF FATE! Jeff hurries up top, fans fire up, SWANTON BOMB! Cover, Bowens breaks it in time! Matt CLUBS Bowens, Bowens hits back, and Bowens calls to Caster. They whip Matt to a corner, forearm then ELBOW then forearm again! And a feed to the POWERSLAM! ROLLING ELBOW for Jeff! The Acclaimed regroup, and Billy crawls to the corner.
Fans fire up as Billy drags Jeff over. Jeff gets loose, hot tags to Kassidy and Bowens! Kassidy dodges Bowens to DROPKICK Caster! “This is Awesome!” as Kassidy BOOTS Bowens! Kassidy goes up, leaps, FLYING FLATLINER! Billy stands, runs in, but Kassidy dumps him out! Kassidy slingshots out then QUEBRADAS to take Billy down! Kassidy mocks the scissoring, then tells Bowens to get up. Kassidy springboards in, but Bowens dodges and Caster BACKHANDS Kassidy! Then Bowens BACKHANDS Kassidy! Bowens fires off the Five Tool Strike Fest! Caster hoists Kassidy up and Bowens helps, to give Kassidy the PLATINUM BOMB! Cover, The Acclaimed win!
Winners: The Acclaimed & Billy Gunn, by pinfall (still AEW World Trios Championships)
A huge win for the champions, and the Scissor World Tour continues! In fact, it is heading to Seattle for WrestleDream’s Zero Hour! TMDK’s Shane Haste, Mikey Nicholls & Bad Dude Tito are waiting, will they show The Acclaimed that The Mighty Don’t Kneel?
Eddie Kingston speaks.
“Well folks, tonight, it’s me and Big Rock, Rocky Romero, for the NJPW Strong Openweight Championship. Rock, I got nothing but respect for you, dawg, so it’s gonna be an honor and a pleasure to defend this against you. You’re the man that got me into the G1. You’re the man that got me-” Wait, Team Triple J is interrupting. Jay Lethal says that if we’re talking honor and respect, Eddie is standing here with two titles on his shoulders, and that is worth respecting. But Lethal can’t get behind how Eddie is the ROH World Champion. Lethal dedicated his life to that title! His blood, sweat, tears, all to honor a tradition that meant that every person to hold that title would be a pure athlete!
And Eddie, you are no pure athlete! Now as for this NJPW Strong Openweight title, Lethal doesn’t care if Eddie wins it or loses it here tonight. He really doesn’t. But he just cares that Eddie is unfit to be ROH World Champion! Eddie says okay, he’s got Lethal. But excuse his back, he’s gotta go beat up Romero. The Mad King leaves, but will he still have both crowns going into WrestleDream?
AEW shares an interview from after last week’s Collision.
Lexi Nair was with Andrade El Idolo after he was bandaged up from the beating Bullet Club Gold gave him. He almost won, but Juice Robinson interfered. What was that about? Andrade says everyone saw that Andrade had White beat. But the question for Juice is… “Do you have a problem with me? With Andrade El Idolo? Lemme tell you something. See you Saturday in Seattle!” Andrade wants his revenge on Rock Hard, will he get it on WrestleDream Eve?
NJPW Strong Openweight Championship: Eddie Kingston VS Rocky Romero!
The Mad King beat Kenta at NJPW Independence Day back in July to have his first singles title under the NJPW banner. And now he defends it against Azucar as a favor for getting him in the door. Will Rocky repay this favor by taking this title from Eddie? Or will Eddie still head to Seattle as a double champion?
The introductions are made, the NJPW belt is raised, and we see who is truly NJPW Strong!
The bell rings and fans rally up for “EDDIE! EDDIE!” The two circle, Rocky tests things with a kick but Eddie stays back. They feel things out, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Eddie waistlocks, Rocky wrenches, wristlocks, but Eddie clinches. Fans rally, Rocky keeps on the wristlock but Eddie powers through to wrench and wristlock back. Rocky rolls, breaks free and DROPKICKS! Fans are torn as Rocky swaggers, but he and Eddie reset. They feel things out, knuckle lock, and Rocky knees low. Rocky headlocks, grinds the hold, but Eddie powers up and out. They RAM shoulders, but Eddie stays up with a smirk.
Fans fire up as Rocky smirks back, but then pie faces Eddie! Rocky runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS! Eddie bails out, Rocky builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit but Eddie stays up, so Rocky goes again! DIVE and Eddie drops to his knees! Rocky keeps going, and he DIVES for the hattrick, only for Eddie to catch him! Stalling suplex, to the floor! Fans rally behind Eddie while Rampage goes picture in picture.
Eddie stands, stretches out his back, and then he gets Rocky up and into the ring. Cover, TWO! Eddie keeps cool, and also chooses not to rain down fists, instead clamping on a chinlock. Rocky endures as Eddie grinds him down, and fans rally up. Eddie cranks the headlock but Rocky refuses to give up. Rocky fights up, throws elbows, but Eddie knees him low! Eddie whips to knee low again, then whips for another knee! Eddie whips but Rocky rolls him up, TWO! Rocky BUZZSAWS Eddie, then TORNADO DDTS! Both men are down and a standing count begins. Rocky stirs at 3, crawls over, and he brings Eddie up.
Eddie pushes Rocky, runs, but into an IRON OCTOPUS! Eddie endures, pries at the hold, and pops free, only for Rocky to wrangle him with a ghost pin! TWO, and Eddie goes to ropes. Rocky storms up, KICKS Eddie in the back, but Eddie just grimaces. Eddie eggs Rocky on so Rocky KICKS him again! Eddie growls and eggs Rocky on more as Rampage goes picture in picture.
Rampage returns and Eddie suplexes, but Rocky knees free! Rocky knees low, Eddie rebounds, but into a JUMP KNEE! Eddie goes to ropes, Rocky storms over and brings him up through the ropes, to KICK! Eddie eggs Rocky on even though he’s stuck, so Rocky SLAPS Eddie! Eddie SLAPS Rocky! Rocky SOBATS! Then Rocky goes up a corner to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Eddie is still in this and Rocky argues the count but the ref says it was fair. Rocky drags Eddie up, cravats, but no Sliced Bread! Eddie runs in to clothesline in the corner! And MACHINE GUN CHOPS! Fans fire up and Eddie hoists Rocky up top!
Eddie climbs up behind Rocky, stands him up, but Rocky throws hands! Rocky CLUBS Eddie, cravats, and hits SUPER SLICED BREAD! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Eddie survives, and Rocky grits his teeth. Rocky pumps up and fans rally. Rocky runs in to clothesline! That’s one-ever! Two-ever! But URAKEN stops that! URAKEN again!! Eddie drags Rocky into the STRETCH PLUM!! Rocky taps, Eddie wins!!
Winner: Eddie Kingston, by submission (still NJPW Strong Openweight Champion)
Azucar could not dethrone The Mad King, but he still shows Eddie respect with a handshake and hug. Eddie is still NJWP Strong, but will he have to fight even harder to survive The Wrestler, Katsuyori Shibata?
Wait! That’s Shibata’s music! Shibata is HERE! He goes into the ring and shakes hands with Eddie. These two respect each other, and that means they will give it everything they’ve got! Will Eddie still be a two belt king? Or will Shibata become a TRIPLE CROWN Champion?
Aussie Open speaks.
Mark Davis says he is so tired. So tired of hearing the “top blokes” walk around here the last year, hubris unchecked, lying to the people that they are the best in the world. Kyle Fletcher says that for the last 365 days, everything Aussie Open has done has been to get back to FTR. When FTR beat them a year ago, it broke Fletcher. Fletcher felt like a failure and felt lost. So what he wants more than anything is to make FTR feel that pain. This Sunday, Aussie Open takes the AEW World Tag Team Championships, burns down the legacy of #7StarFTR, and from the ashes, rebuild a new empire that they will stand atop of to proclaim that THEY are the best tag team in the world!
The Aussie Arrow and Dunkzilla are ready to bring down Dax Harwood & Cash Wheeler, will they fulfill that WrestleDream?
The Righteous VS Caleb Crush & Gunnar!
Speaking of tag titles, Dutch & Vincent are aimed at the ROH World Tag Team Championships! However, Adam Cole will be out with injury so it’ll just be Maxwell Jacob Friedman meeting them in Seattle. Will this tune-up prove to be more than enough going into that tag title handicap match?
The teams sort out, but then Dutch just CLOBBERS Crush & Gunnar! Fans boo as Dutch says just a few more days and those titles will be theirs! Vincent rains down fists on Crush, then drags him up to UPPERCUT! Vincent bumps Crush off buckles, tags in Dutch, and the Righteous mugs Crush before the BOSS MAN SLAM! Gunnar staggers up but Dutch feeds him to Vinnie’s KNEE! Then Vinnie feeds him to a BOSS MAN SLAM! Tag to Vinnie, fans are torn as the Righteous pace around Crush. Vinnie snaps his fingers, then cravats, AUTUMN SUNSET! Cover, Righteous win!
Winners: The Righteous, by pinfall
A swift and dominant win, these are the two men coming for the tag titles! Will The Righteous purge ROH of the “false friendship” that is the brochachos? Or are even two Righteous men combined not on the level of the Devil?
Ortiz sits alone in a room.
He looks back on his career alongside Mike Santana. They were at the top of their game coming into AEW, but then it ended up going downhill. There’s even audio from Konnan touching on how Ortiz and Santana stopped talking to each other and how Konnan was saddened by that. Ortiz has the footage stop there. What will it take for him to get Santana to talk to him?
Darby Allin speaks.
After replaying what Christian Cage said just last Wednesday on Dynamite, the Relentless One reiterates that he is NOT losing in Seattle, Washington! Will Darby defend home turf against Captain Charisma?
Nick Wayne speaks.
He knows Darby has a lot to say about Christian Cage, and all of that will be part of the Countdown special. But Nick also knows Darby’s actions will speak louder than his words at WrestleDream. And although Darby told Nick not to be there ringside, Nick doesn’t really want to anyway because of what Christian & Luchasaurus are capable of. So, while they let Christian and Darby settle their business, how about Nick and Luchasaurus settle theirs? For months and months, Luchasaurus walked around here while another man held his title. And Luchasaurus followed Christian around like he was some kind of father figure.
And Nick isn’t sure what it is about Christian where he thinks he can even be such a figure to “us Lost Boys,” but Nick had a father. And he told Nick at a young age “to never leave your debts unpaid.” Nick owes Luchasaurus. At Wembley Stadium, Luchasaurus choke slammed Nick onto a skateboard and Nick never forgot it. Nick will repay Luchasaurus this Sunday during Zero Hour. And Nick will even hand Luchasaurus a receipt. Nick brings his own skateboard, will he grind it right into the Right Hand of Destruction?
BREAKING NEWS for Collision!
AEW is going to do it big for WrestleDream Eve as, with Zack Sabre Jr. on commentary, we see an 8 Man Tag! FTR teams with Bryan Danielson & Wheeler Yuta to take on Aussie Open, Ricky Starks & “Big Bill” Morrissey! Plus, Chris Jericho & Kenny Omega test their tag team chemistry against The Gates of Agony! Will The Ocho & The Cleaner survive Toa Liona & Bishop Kaun to take on the Don Callis Family? And Julia Hart gets in action to build some last minute momentum, will she be ready for Kris Statlander and their TBS Championship match set for Sunday?
Backstage interview with Zack Sabre Jr.
Renee Paquette is with The Front Man of TMDK, and says we’re just days away from WrestleDream, where ZSJ takes on The American Dragon, Bryan Danielson. ZSJ just came off a three week tour in NJPW and just got here to the States, is he worried at all about acclimating? ZSJ asks Bryan “Dragon Bullocks” Danielson, “Where are you, darling?” As Renee just said, ZSJ got off a 16 hour flight from Tokyo and is feeling fresh as a daisy. But perhaps this company’s keeping Bryan wrapped head to toe in bubble wrap, or keeps him in a giant Zorb ball. At this point, a strong gust of wind will knock Bryan over.
And is ZSJ supposed to be honored that Bryan chose him as part of the year long retirement tour? Newsflash: Bryan barely has a weekend. This Sunday isn’t just about finding out who the best technical wrestler is, no no. Bryan has retired once in Seattle, so ZSJ will make it final. Ya like that? The final retirement~! Submissions in Seattle, see you on Sunday. The NJPW World Television Champion has put Bryan on notice, but will he be able to slay the American Dragon?
AEW Women’s World Championship #1 Contender’s match: Ruby Soho VS Hikaru Shida!
While the Outcasts stand at two members, Saraya is looking forward to a friendly showdown with the Runaway in a little under two weeks! But will Ruby make sure there is No Future for the Shining Samurai? Or will Shida take down one Outcast to go after another?
The bell rings and the two circle. Fans fire up as Ruby and Shida step up, and they’re on Shida’s side. Ruby shoves, runs, and RAMS Shida, but Shida just fires up! Ruby headlocks, Shida throws body shots, and then she powers out. Shida then runs past Ruby to run Ruby over! Fans duel, Shida has the majority, and she goes to the corner. Shida climbs up but Ruby slips away before any fists can rain down! Shida is annoyed but she waits on Ruby to return. Ruby takes her time going to the apron, steps in at 6 of 10 but wants Shida to stay back. Shida gets annoyed as the ref keeps her back, but then Ruby pulls Shida’s hair to throw her down!
Ruby throws hands, puts Shida in the corner, then RAMS into her again and again! Fans boo but Ruby runs, only to miss! Shida ROCKS Ruby, then climbs up to rain down fists! Ruby gets away before three, runs back in but into a BOOT! Shida bumps Ruby off buckles, climbs up and rains down those fists! Ruby slips out at five to YANK Shida down! Ruby whips, Shida goes up and CROSSBODIES! Shida then drags Ruby up, puts her in yet another corner, and tries one more time! Shida rains down fists, and goes all the way to TEN! Fans fire up with Shida and she kicks Ruby out, to then MISSILE DROPKICK!
Fans fire up as Shida drags Ruby up, and Rampage goes picture in picture.
Ruby CLUBS away on Shida to stop the lift, then shoves her to a corner. Ruby runs in, Shida dodges, but Ruby ELBOWS her! Ruby goes up to hit DEADLY NIGHTSHADE! Ruby digs Shida into the buckles, lets off as the ref counts, and then brings Shida up to snapmare. Ruby covers, TWO! Ruby throws down fists now, but lets off with a smug smirk. Ruby puts Shida on ropes to CHOKE! The ref counts, Ruby lets off, and then Ruby has Shida in the ropes to throw knees! A shoutout to Saraya, and Ruby lets off at 4. Ruby stalks Shida, looms over her, and pushes her around. Shida pushes back but Ruby eggs her on.
Shida ROCKS Ruby, then fires again! Ruby claws Shida’s face! And throws her down by her hair again! The ref reprimands, but Ruby clamps on a straitjacket stretch! Shida endures, but Ruby grinds her into the mat! Fans rally, Shida fights up, and she arm-drags free! Ruby returns to CLOBBER Shida! Cover, TWO! Ruby is annoyed but Shida grabs at Ruby’s hair! Ruby CLUBS Shida, drags her up, and stomps a hand! Shida scrambles to a corner while the ref reprimands but Ruby stomps a mudhole in. Ruby lets off as the ref counts, and Ruby storms around. Shida drags herself up, but Ruby CHOKES her on the ropes!
The ref counts while Ruby BITES Shida’s ear! Ruby lets off at 4, drags Shida up, but Shida ROCKS her! And again! And again! And again! But Ruby knees low! Ruby talks trash, whips Shida to ropes, but Shida ducks ‘n’ dodges, and DOUBLE LARIATS knock both women down! Rampage returns to single picture as the standing count climbs. Fans rally, both women are down at 5 of 10 but Shida goes to ropes. Shida snarls, she and Ruby stand at 7, and they storm up. Shida fires a forearm, Ruby gives it back! Shida throws another, so Ruby gives it back! They go back and forth, harder and harder, faster and faster!
Ruby gets the edge, but Shida ROCKS her! And ROCKS her! And ROCKS her again! Shida whips to JUMP KNEE! Shida then suplexes high and hard! Cover, TWO! Shida fires up again and the fans are with her! Shida aims, KATA- NO, Ruby ducks and bails out! Fans boo but Shida goes out to pursue! Shida runs in, jumps off the steps, and DROPKICKS Ruby down! Fans fire up again and Shida stands Ruby up. Shida torture racks Ruby, then goes to the ramp!? Fans are thunderous but Ruby fights free! They throw forearms, and CHOPS! Shida CLUBS Ruby, Ruby throws body shots, but the count is climbing!
They both hear it’s 8 of 10 and start sprinting! They both slide in at 9.5!! Fans are thunderous and then Ruby swings, but Shida blocks! Ruby HEADBUTTS, blocks a kick, then KICKS back! SAIDO! Cover, TWO! Shida survives and Ruby grows frustrated. Ruby goes to a corner, and she takes Shida’s kendo stick for her own! The ref stops Ruby, takes the kendo stick, but then Ruby brings out the spray paint! Shida and the ref both block that and they’re all fighting over it! Down goes the ref!! Shida and Ruby are both stunned, but then Ruby HEADBUTTS! DESTINATION UNKNOWN! But no ref to count the cover!
Ruby is furious, she would’ve had this! But then she sees the kendo stick! Ruby grins as she wields Shida’s weapon! Fans boo, but Shida blocks the strike to kick and HEADSHOT! Then KATANA KICK!! Cover, but still no ref! Wait, here comes Aubrey! Aubrey slides in, counts the cover, TWO!! Ruby survives but Shida fires up! Shida puts Ruby in a drop zone, goes up the corner, and she METE- NO! Ruby dodges to then STO! Ruby drags herself up the corner, goes to the very top, and STAGE DIVE SENTONS onto knees! And then FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!! Ruby survives but Shida won’t stop there!
Shida hauls Ruby up but Ruby wrenches to NO FUTURE KICK! But Shida rebounds to KATANA!! Cover, Shida wins!!
Winner: Hikaru Shida, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the AEW Women’s World Champion)
The Shining Samurai takes down The Runaway, but wait! Here comes Saraya! #TitleTuesday is coming, will that be a good Knight for the champ? Or will Shida take this belt back to become a historic THREE-TIME champion?
My Thoughts:
A great Rampage, especially as the go-home to WrestleDream. I figured the title matches would end with the champions retaining, but we got really good stuff out of Acclaimed VS Hardy Party and Eddie VS Rocky. As for their title defenses on WrestleDream, I don’t see TMDK taking the trios titles as this will be their AEW debuts. And as I’ve said a few times already, Eddie isn’t losing both belts he worked so hard to have so soon. Plus, it feels like there’s some tension between NJPW the company and Shibata, or else Shibata would already be NJPW Strong Openweight Champion and not one of ROH’s champs.
Speaking of Eddie, good promo from him before his match with Rocky, and good interaction with Team Triple J. I wasn’t exactly expecting Jay Lethal to be Eddie’s first actual feud for the ROH World Championship, but I suppose it does make sense as Lethal was a major player in ROH. I hope these guys actually show up on ROH programming, but also, Tony Khan wants this feud to be seen so it’ll end up on AEW programming instead. Y’know, just like all these other ROH title stories outside of the AEW Women’s title.
Good squash from The Righteous, and I’m really curious as to how the tag title match goes on Sunday. There’s a lot of stuff MJF still has to do with Cole, Roddy and The Kingdom, and now this intrigue with Jay White, Bullet Club Gold and the backstage attack at the end of Dynamite. I still feel it should’ve been The Kingdom in the PPV match anyway, but it seems they were going to drag this story out even before Cole hurt his foot. Good promo from Nick Wayne to call out Luchasaurus, but I feel like Luchasaurus ends up winning that match just to make a point of Nick not being able to show up ringside for Darby.
Good promo from Andrade to call out Juice for this week’s Collision, and I’m still wondering if/when La Faccion Ingobernable helps Andrade against Bullet Club Gold. For that matter, why can’t MJF be paying LFI to beat up on White and the BCG? He’s had business dealings with Andrade & Rush before, let’s strike that up again for some continuity. Really good promo from Aussie Open ahead of their tag title match, and from ZSJ to call out Bryan. That 8 Man Tag tomorrow night is going to be good stuff, and perhaps rather telling about where the PPV matches go. The only reason I don’t see Aussie Open winning against FTR is because of that big Fatal 4 Way tag contenders match, but who knows, maybe Aussie Open wins to bring the AEW belts to NJPW events as they take on like Goto & Hashi.
And of course, a great main event from Shida and Ruby. Seems a little silly to set up Ruby as a contender, wouldn’t that just end up in a Finger Poke of Doom situation with Saraya? Which therefore meant Shida was winning. Saraya VS Shida for this Title Tuesday Dynamite is going to be good stuff, but something makes me feel like Ruby is just gonna help Saraya retain. And not to be mean to Shida, but if she’s already a two-time champ, I don’t see her becoming three-time so soon. Why not get Shida in on the TBS Championship story? Britt Baker wants to be the first to have held both titles in AEW, but Shida should want that distinction, too. Then that lets us have Britt VS Shida as we should’ve gotten by now given everything else we’ve been seeing lately.
My Score: 8.7/10
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Coverage
Mitchell’s WWE SmackDown Results & Report! (9/29/23)
King VS Emperor to determine a champion!
One way or another, the US title belongs to the LWO!
Rey Mysterio defends his WWE United States Championship against friend and protege, Santos Escobar! But will things stay friendly between them?
OFFICIAL RESULTS
- Jimmy Uso w/ The Bloodline VS Karl Anderson; Jimmy wins.
- Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Cameron Grimes; Theory wins.
- WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Santos Escobar; Rey wins and retains the title.
- Charlotte Flair VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL; Charlotte wins.
PLAY BY PLAY
The Bloodline is here!
Fans boo as Jimmy Uso, Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman head to the ring. And Jimmy is definitely hyped over how he and Solo took down AJ Styles and John Cena, putting the tag team match at Fastlane into question. Heyman has the mic to introduce himself, but the fans keep on booing. His name isn’t “Boo,” he’s Paul! Heyman! And tonight, a rare opportunity that he doesn’t have to do this into the phone but live to the world here from SmackDown, in the hell hole of Sacramento, California. “We ACKNOWLEDGE our Tribal Chief!” The Bloodline throws up the ones, and Heyman says, “And so do each and every single one of you!”
The fans boo, though some do raise the fingers. Heyman asks us why do they acknowledge Roman… Reigns? Because it is in Roman’s name that last week, the second greatest of all time, John Cena, took a beating at the hands of the Bloodline in a way Cena hasn’t taken in at least a decade. And to wit, Heyman calls our attention to the Bloodline version of the Zapruder Film. Heyman plays footage from just last week, where Cena was the only one who signed the contract to have a match for Fastlane. Cena hoped AJ Styles was going to be his partner, but then the Bloodline struck first and hospitalized AJ Styles.
And back to present, fans are booing but Jimmy’s almost cracking up. Heyman says not to get involved in Cena’s business, but a little birdie told Heyman that there are some transportation issues this evening. And while Cena is expected to make it here, you can’t see him because Cena is NOT here. But y’know who else ain’t here? AJ Styles! And why is that? Because he’s lying in a hospital bed, watching them on SmackDown and- Jimmy holds his hand out for the mic? Heyman says he wasn’t done but Jimmy snatches the mic. “Sacramento! The Bloodline is now in your city!” Heyman sighs while Jimmy raises the one.
Jimmy tells the Wise Man, you are too kind. The real reason Cena isn’t here tonight is because he’s scared! Scared of one JIM USO! Jimmy says if Cena is smart, he’ll stay far, far away. If not, they’ll take care of him like they did the Phenomenal One! The one who built the house, place, face- KARL ANDERSON CLOBBERS SOLO! Then he TACKLES Jimmy! Jimmy gets up but Karl clotheslines him up and out! Fans fire up for Karl as he represents for The OC! Karl says he told Styles not to get in Bloodline business and now Styles is in the hospital. So now, this is OC business! Any one of them, get in the ring with him!
Fans fire up but Heyman has Solo stand down. Heyman whispers things to The Enforcer, and then Solo tells Jimmy to handle this or he’ll do it for him. Jimmy says he’s got this. Solo doesn’t return the high-five, but will Jimmy return fire on the Machine Gun?
Jimmy Uso w/ The Bloodline VS Karl Anderson!
SmackDown returns and the match is going as Karl bumps Jimmy off buckles! Then CHOPS! And fires off haymakers! The ref counts, Karl lets off but then stomps a mudhole! Karl lets off to tell Heyman & Solo they made this personal. Karl stands Jimmy up but Jimmy swings. Karl dodges to JUMP KICK! Karl says he told Styles not to get involved but too late now. Karl whips, Jimmy BOOTS back! Jimmy runs, but Karl gives him a SPINEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Heyman is worried but Solo is stoic as Jimmy survives. Karl storms up on Jimmy, UPPERCUTS him to the corner, then UPPERCUTS again!
Karl brings Jimmy up to the top rope, ROCKS him with rights, then climbs. Solo steps forward and that distracts Karl, as well as the ref. Jimmy CLAWS Karl’s eyes! The ref misses it but fans boo as Jimmy rains down fists on Karl. Jimmy snarls, goes to a corner, and he SUPERKICKS Karl down! Jimmy goes to the corner, climbs up, and scowls at the booing fans before the USO SPLASH! Cover, Jimmy wins!
Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall
Heyman is relieved and he whispers something more to Solo. Jimmy may be getting himself into trouble, but he’s also getting himself out, will this get Jimmy back in the Bloodline?
Wait, Karl isn’t done! He gets up to throw more hands with Jimmy! Solo storms in to hit the SAMOAN SPIKE! Solo roars as Karl is down, no back-up even possible with both Styles and Gallows hurt. Is the OC no longer a problem for The Bloodline? Wait, Michin is here! She SLAPS Jimmy right down! Fans are thunderous as she storms to the ring. Jimmy asks what the heck! Mia Yim packs a punch, will that knock some sense into Jimmy?
Backstage interview with Santos Escobar.
Cathy Kelley is with The Emperor of Lucha, and says that he faces his mentor and LWO teammate, Rey Mysterio. Where is his mind at tonight? Santos says his mind is focused, but his stomach has butterflies. But this match is about heart. And Santos has already said this is a dream match for him, and he has been working his entire life for it. Now, with the whole world watching, he has a chance to make the dream come true. He never gives up on his dreams, and he will fight for them, so Rey is in for the fight of his life. May the best man win. Will it be Emperor or King of Lucha that reigns as the United States Champion?
The Bloodline regroups backstage.
Jimmy is fuming and he yells at a production staff member just for looking at him. He asks another if they saw what happened, then just shoves the guy down! Jimmy storms off, Solo follows and Heyman has the staff relax. Then he puts in a call to Roman Reigns. What will The Tribal Chief have to say about Jimmy’s attitude?
It’s an all new Grayson Waller Effect.
The Aussie Icon, the Moment Maker, the Dynamite From Down Under is already in the ring on his set, and he says what a wild night already. Cena may be the greatest of all time, but he ain’t the greatest at being on time! Hah! But don’t worry, because Waller is here to save the show. Fans boo but Waller thanks them. Waller’s guests just keep getting bigger, and this is literal given the physical specimen. He has done everything in the WWE as a performer, but not as a talent scout. But that’s alright, he gets what he’s always been missing: the Waller rub! Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the All Mighty Bobby Lashley!
Fans cheer as Lashley makes his way out and Waller does some push-ups so he looks at least a little bigger standing next to him. They shake hands and then sit at the desk. Waller says he wasn’t lying when the guests keep getting bigger, right? How does he fit into the suit? But Waller appreciates Lashley being on the show, especially after the week he’s had. His boys, the Street Profits had a devastating loss last week. Lashley says he made a mistake. He was looking for the next big thing, he thought the Profits had what it takes to do whatever they want, but seems not. Back to the drawing board, huh?
Wow, that must be hard for the Profits to hear. But yeah, if you’re looking for a tag team, they need to be willing to do whatever it takes. A team with unbridled charisma! A team that is undefeated! Maybe a team like Austin Theory & Grayson Waller! Lashley’s stare makes Waller slow his roll. Lashley knows all about Theory, that’s a pass. Yeah, but Theory’s changed! If you get to know him, he’s a good bloke! And- Wait! Here come the Street Profits! Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins came dressed to match Lashley, and Lashley seems rather upset and confused. The Profits step into the ring, mics in their hands.
Lashley steps to them, and he stops Dawkins before he gets started. No excuses, no reasons. If they want something out of Lashley, they need to prove it. Lashley goes to leave, and then the Profits look to each other. They storm out after Lashley and get up in his face! Lashley says he told them what to do. Now go do it. He keeps on moving, and Waller says how awkward. Hey, light the beam for the 153 million hit man, Austin Theory! Theory makes his entrance, walking past Lashley on the stage, and then continues down the ramp. He smirks at the Profits and goes to the steps, with Waller being the only one cheering.
But will it be A-Town Down as Theory faces Cameron Grimes? Or will SmackDown go TO~ THE~ MOON~?
Austin Theory w/ Grayson Waller VS Cameron Grimes!
SmackDown returns, Theory is busy looking at NXT’s Dragon Lee watching from the front row, and the bell rings. Theory turns around into a BOOT from Grimes! Grimes fires off KICKS, UPPERCUTS, and then CHOPS! Grimes whips, Theory reverses but Grimes CLOBBERS Theory! Grimes keeps moving and he CLOBBERS Theory again! Atomic drop, then KICK! Then a KICK, run, and SHOTGUN dropkick! Cover, ONE! Another cover, ONE! Theory scrambles, Grimes has the leg, and Grimes drags Theory back. Theory kicks free, Waller coaches Theory up and Theory ELBOWS Grimes! And throat chops!
Theory throws down clubbing hands while fans boo, but Theory shouts at everyone. Theory brings Grimes up, talks trash, but Grimes eggs him on! Grimes fires off fists, body shots, then backs Theory to a corner. Grimes whips, Theory reverses, then Theory runs in. Theory blocks a boot but Grimes ENZIGURIS! Grimes goes up, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Theory hangs tough and Waller relaxes. Grimes aims, and he BUZZ- NO, Theory ducks! So Grimes backflips to deadlift GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Theory survives but Grimes storms up on him in the corner. Grimes KICKS Theory against ropes!
Grimes runs, then he clotheslines Theory out of the ring! Grimes goes to the apron, and he PENALTY KICKS Theory down! Fans fire up with the Carolina Caveman as he takes it to Mr. ATL. Waller talks trash, though, and Grimes stares him down. Theory POSTS Grimes in the distraction! Waller laughs, Theory drags Grimes up and in, and then Theory slingshots. Somersault SHOTGUN! Grimes staggers into the fireman’s carry, A-TOWN DOWN! Cover, Theory wins!
Winner: Austin Theory, by pinfall
Waller’s a baller with that assist to his boy, and The Now comes out on top! Will these two look to take over SmackDown one win at a time? Theory also talks some trash on Dragon, then pie faces him! So Dragon hits back! Fans fire up but the ref keeps Theory back. Dragon is here as a guest, but Waller says Dragon can’t do nothing anyway. Will this duo hope Boy Wonder stays away from this brand?
Backstage interview with Rey Mysterio.
Kayla Braxton is with the US Champion and says earlier tonight, Santos said this wasn’t just a dream match, but the fight of their lives. What is Rey’s response? Rey says LWO is familia and will always be that. But he knows how hard Santos has worked to get here. Heck, Rey grew up watching Santos’ father, El Fantasma. So Rey has nothing but love and respect for Santos. But be careful what you wish for. Every time Rey steps in the ring, he expects the best of his opponent and brings the best in return. So Santos, like they say, this IS the fight of their lives! May the best man win. Rey seems to feel the same way as Santos, but will either man still feel good after taking a loss?
The Bloodline is beating up Ashante THEE Adonis?!
B-Fab shouts for Jimmy to stop but Jimmy stops when he says he’s stopping! Refs and producers rush in and Jimmy says okay, his bad, he’s done now. Adonis crawls away, but Solo is there! Jimmy says finish this, Solo! UREANGE through the table!! Hit Row suffers the wrath of The Bloodline, but when and where will it stop?
WWE United States Championship: Rey Mysterio VS Santos Escobar!
SmackDown returns as Zelina is ringside for both men, and Santos makes his entrance. Santos says hola to Dragon before getting in the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who holds gold for the L W O!
The bell rings and fans fire up as the two tie up. They go around, Santos waistlocks but Rey works on an escape. Santos holds tight, they sit down, and Rey moves around. Rey fights up, jumps, but Santos holds on during the flying mare! Santos shifts to go for an abdominal stretch but Rey fights it to have a toehold. Fans rally and duel, Santos chinlocks but Rey pulls on the leg. Santos uses that to body scissor, and he rolls Rey to a cover, ONE! Rey is still stuck in the scissors but he moves around. Rey claws at the hold, Santos shifts and has the back mount to then roll Rey again. Rey slips free and the two stand off.
Fans cheer as Rey and Santos reset. Santos trips Rey, blocks the headscissor, but Rey gets up. Santos wrenches, wristlocks, but Rey flips through! Santos whips, Rey reverses but Santos reverses again. Rey is on the apron but he RAMS into Santos! Rey slingshots but Santos stops the rana to GAMANGIRI! Rey falls, Santos PLANCHAS! Down goes Rey at the ramp and Zelina is worried for both men as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns again and Santos has Rey in a modified stretch. Rey endures, Santos shifts his grip, but Rey fights free. Santos has a hammerlock to keep Rey close, and Santos wrangles Rey down. Rey fights up, fans rally, and Rey jumps to hit that flying-mare! Fans fire up as Santos speeds things up and runs Rey over! Things keep moving, Rey dodges but Santos DROPKICKS him down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Rey hangs tough, and Zelina is again torn. She rallies the fans more for the LWO than for either man. Santos waistlocks, Rey switches, but Santos switches back. They go to ropes and Rey bucks the O’Conner.
Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and tilt-o-whirls to RANA Santos outta the ring! Fans fire up and Rey builds speed, goes up the corner to PLANCHA! Down goes Santos! Fans fire up with Rey and he hears the ring count. Rey drags Santos up, puts him in at 6 of 10, and then climbs the corner. Santos stands, Rey SEATED SENTONS! Rey keeps moving, and he CLOBBERS Santos! Both men are down and fans rally up more. But wait, Jimmy and Solo are still wreaking havoc backstage? SAMOAN SPIKE for security! Jimmy says that guy won’t be Cena’s partner, either! Back to the ring, fans rally for “619! 619!” as Rey goes to ropes.
Santos stands, he rushes in to sunset flip, but Rey rolls through to BUZZSAW! Santos is dazed, Rey calls his shot and he drop toeholds Santos onto ropes! Rey dials it up as fans go wild, but Santos SUPERKICKS Rey outta the ring! Santos takes aim, builds speed, ARROW FROM HELL!! Direct hit at the ramp and down goes Rey! Santos catches his breath while he stands back up, and then he goes up the barriers? To MOONSAULT Rey on the ramp! Zelina is worried again but Santos puts Rey back in the ring. Rey staggers and goes to the far side but Santos takes aim. “This is Awesome!” as Santos spells it out, “L! W! O!”
Santos goes corner to corner, DOUBLE KNEES! Rey wobbles, but Santos puts him back in the corner. Santos goes again, DOUBLE KNEES! Santos hoists Rey up top, climbs up after him, but Rey HEADBUTTS! Rey fires forearms and he knocks Santos down! Santos stands up while Rey steadies himself, but Santos GAMANGIRIS first! Santos climbs up again, goes to the very top, and he whistles for the SUPER STEINER! Zelina couldn’t even watch that, worried for both men. Santos goes to the apron, to SLINGSHOT SPLASH! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives and Santos is a bit surprised as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns yet again and Santos has Rey against ropes. Santos CHOPS, and fans “WOO~!” as Rey staggers. Santos whips, BOOTS, and then brings Rey around. Santos picks Rey up into a GORY ESPECIAL! Rey endures being bent back, and Santos even pulls on the arms! Fans rally, Rey fights against the hold, and pops free to arm-drag! Fans fire up as REy goes to a corner, and Santos runs in, only to be put on the apron! Santos GAMANGIRIS, Rey staggers, and then Santos fires up! Santos climbs, leaps, but Rey dodges and the crossbody flops! Rey lines up a shot, runs and springboards but then Santos dodges!
Rey and Santos are both down after those belly flops, and fans rally as both men rise up. Santos runs in, scoops Rey and hits a BACKBREAKER! Fans rally as Rey staggers up, but into a tilt-o-whirl torture rack! Santos runs around with Rey, then hits a RACK DROP! Cover, TWO!! Zelina is relieved again but Santos is surprised. Rey tells Santos to bring it on, there needs to be a winner. Santos storms up to CHOP! And whip, but Rey KICKS back! Rey runs to RAN- NO, Santos blocks that! Santos swings Rey up but Rey sunset flips! TWO!! Santos escapes and even Zelina is stunned! Fans fire up again, “This is Awesome!”
Rey runs in, Santos puts him on the apron but Rey ROCKS Santos first! Then Rey goes up a corner, brings Santos up to join him, and then adjusts position to fire off hands! Fans fire up as Rey calls the shot, but Santos drags Rey into a fireman’s carry! Rey fights with elbows, then pops up to SUPER RANA!! Fans are thunderous while Santos sits up in a daze! Rey DROPKICKS Santos onto ropes! Dial it up! 6 1 9 BLOCKED! Santos drags Rey into an Alabama Lift! But Rey holds the ropes for dear life! Rey then RANAS Santos back onto ropes, redials, and 619 HITS!!! Rey hurries up top, says hey to Eddie, and hit a FROG- NO!
Santos avoids the splash, CLUBS Rey, covers, TWO into the ghost pin! TWO!!! Both men escape by nanoseconds but Santos fireman’s carries! PHANTOM- TAKEDOWN! Rey has a spladle! REY WINS!!
Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE United States Champion)
And the greatest luchador of all time comes out the champion! Santos is stunned, but Rey offers him a handshake of respect. They are still familiar, aren’t they? WAIT! The Profits attack!! Dawkins & Ford mug Rey & Santos, this must be how they’re proving Lashley wrong! They hit Escobar with a BIG LARIAT! Fans boo but here comes Lashley! The All Mighty says that’s it! That’s what he wanted! But then here comes the rest of the LWO! Lashley CLOBBERS Wilde while Ford & Dawkins mug Cruz! But Dragon Lee wants to get in! Security keeps him back, he’s just here as a guest! So Wilde is fed to the REVELATION!
The fans boo but The All Mighty has his Profits! Will they soon run SmackDown with iron fists?
The LWO regroups.
They’ve all got icepacks in the medical trainer’s room, and Kayla walks in to congratulate Rey on the win. But before the team could celebrate the moment, they got jumped by The Profits. Santos says sorry, excuse him, but the Profits ruined the moment! Rey says they beat the Profits last week, and now Lashley and them act like they run SmackDown! LWO challenges Lashley & The Profits to a match at Fastlane! Let’s see how tough they are when it’s fair and square! What will happen when these factions go to war in Indianapolis?
WWE announces a huge signing!
Former AEW TBS Champion and rising star, JADE CARGILL, is now with WWE! She got 20 MILLION views on a video just for showing up at the Performance Center! Will a storm be coming for the WWE Women’s Division?
John Cena arrives backstage!
He pulls in rather fast and furious, and he storms right into the arena, that tag match contract in his hands! Will Cena find someone Jimmy & Solo haven’t destroyed to sign on the dotted line? Is there even anyone left?
Pretty Deadly has a video message.
“On July 14th, 2023, Elton prince suffered a devastating shoulder injury. Despite all odds, he is on the road to recovery.” It’s another rehab workout montage, but Elton is still in the wheelchair… Elton works on reaching out for hot tags, swinging chairs, ends up rolling downhill during a celebration, and can’t even poke eyes properly. But as he continues to work at it, he has the courage to stand up and tag in Kit! #YESBOY! #EltonStrong.
The Brawling Brutes are watching this.
Ridge Holland and Pete Dunne look at each other, and neither of them can even process this. Dunne feels maybe they should’ve broken Elton’s leg. The idiots. Will Elton & Kit hope they can stay far, far, far away from Northern Grit and the Bruiserweight?
Charlotte Flair VS Bayley w/ Damage CTRL!
The Queen did what she could to help The Empress of Tomorrow hold off the Evil Genius and her cohorts, but all that got them was a win for Iyo Sky and this rivalry rematch with the Role Model! Will Bayley make an example out of her fellow Horsewoman? Or will Charlotte make Bayley bow down?
SmackDown returns and Bayley makes her entrance, Iyo and Dakota right behind her. But then Charlotte has Bayley hold on so she can get a mic. Charlotte has a question for Bayley: What’s happened to you? Bayley is one of the Four Horsewomen, but now she’s just happy carrying Iyo’s bags. Bayley has become a stepping stone while Charlotte is still the measuring stick. And in the end, it doesn’t matter. Bayley is just in Charlotte’s way. She’ll beat Bayley tonight, and then challenge Iyo for the WWE Women’s Championship at Fastlane! Fans fire up for that, and the bell rings. Bayley CLOBBERS Charlotte!
Bayley fires off, all riled up after what Charlotte said. DMG CTRL cheers and high-fives Bayley. Bayley CHOPS Charlotte, bumps her off buckles, then stomps a mudhole in! Bayley ROCKS Charlotte, lets off, and brings Charlotte around to whip. But Charlotte reverses to send Bayley into the corner, and she CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” and Charlotte CHOPS again! Charlotte whips, Bayley reverses but Charlotte goes up and out to BOOT Bayley down! Iyo swipes at Charlotte, then Bayley BLASTS Charlotte down! Bayley goes out to the apron, to then FLYING ELBOW Charlotte down! DMG CTRL is fired up as SmackDown goes to break.
SmackDown returns and Charlotte is up top, to CROSSBODY Bayley down! Fans fire up with Charlotte as she storms around. Bayley flounders to ropes, stands up, and Charlotte CHOPS her! And CHOPS her! And CHOPS her! And then CHOPS again! Fans fire up as Charlotte says one more, then CHOPS Bayley again! Charlotte swings, Bayley dodges but Charlotte scoops! FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up and fans fire up again! Charlotte handsprings to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Bayley is still in this but Charlotte knows she’s tough. Bayley bails out to the apron, Charlotte storms over, but Bayley HOTSHOTS!
Bayley slides in, waistlocks, but Charlotte bucks the O’Conner, to then trip Bayley! Bayley scrambles, Charlotte steps over to drop a knee on Bayley’s knee! Bayley goes to a corner and Charlotte GAMANGIRIS! Bayley staggers, but she BOOTS back! But then Charlotte BOOTS back! Cover, TWO! Charlotte keeps her cool while the fans rally up. Charlotte steps on Bayley and goes to the corner, then goes up the corner, only for Bayley to YANK her down! Bayley puts Charlotte in the ropes, throw hands, then hits a STOCK DROP! Shoutout to another of the Horsewomen! Bayley then SUNSET BOMBS Charlotte into buckles! Bayley drags Charlotte to a cover, TWO!
Bayley tells fans to shut up, don’t cheer for her! Dakota and Iyo cheer her on, though, and Bayley fires forearms on Charlotte! Bayley mocks the “WOO~!” then CHOPS! Bayley CHOPS Charlotte again and again, runs, but Charlotte SPEARS her down! Cover, Charlotte wins!!
Winner: Charlotte Flair, by pinfall
DMG CTRL can’t believe it, but their Role Model lost! The Queen is already wearing yellow ‘n’ block to match Fastlane’s logo, will she take that gold off Iyo? Bayley gets a mic to shout, “Cut the music, you idiots!” Bayley won’t let Charlotte just cut the line! Bayley vowed to end Charlotte, and that’s what DMG CTRL is gonna do! The three surround the ring, but here comes ASUKA! The Empress joins the Queen to run off their common enemies! Asuka gets a mic to shout “OI OI OI OI!” What do you idiots think you’re doing?! She won’t let them do whatever they want! Bayley says okay, they want a Triple Threat for the women’s title?! Then they’ve got it!!
Wait, what? Iyo is confused, but Bayley says this is totally what Asuka said. No, Iyo knows what Asuka said and it wasn’t that! But Bayley says this is so they can teach both Asuka and Charlotte a lesson! Bayley sticks her foot in Iyo’s mouth again, will the Evil Genius have to really work hard on a plan to survive Fastlane?
John Cena heads to the ring!
Sacramento fires up as Cena storms out, saying we’re getting serious tonight! Cena slides into the ring, contract still in hand. Cena also gets a mic, and he tells Sacramento, “I hear ya out there!” Sacramento chants for Cena and so he knows they hear him. And he knows that because last week, he said he was back to compete and that he wanted a match. The Bloodline didn’t take too kindly to that, though. They left Cena knocked out, but they also left him with the contract. This is the contract for a match with them at Fastlane. Yeah, a little lukewarm, because there’s a problem: Cena doesn’t have a partner.
Cena says tonight is very important, because now he has a choice to make. He could rip up the contract and act like this didn’t happen. Fans boo that idea. Or he could stand and fight. The fans like that! So what do you think the man who wears the words “Never Give Up” is gonna make? They cheer the second so he says that’s damn right! He will honor this contract! And if he doesn’t find a partner by Fastlane, then he will fight The Bloodline by himself in a 2v1 Handicap! But speaking of, here comes The Bloodline! Jimmy grins as he has the mic again. “Well, look who finally showed up.”
Cena’s out here talking about Fastlane? Did he not just see what The Bloodline’s been doing all night? They were sending messages! If you team with Cena, you get got by The Bloodline! Fans boo, but Jimmy goes to the apron to tell Cena, “You’re not making it to Fastlane!” But then Cena DECKS Jimmy! Solo stares Cena down, fans fire up, and Solo gets in the ring! Cena throws off the shirt because it is go time! Solo swings, misses, and Cena fireman’s carries, but Jimmy SUPERKICKS him! Flashbacks to last week, HIP ATTACK in the corner! Then Solo adds a HIP ATTACK in the corner! Then Jimmy whips Solo in for another HIP ATTACK!
Fans boo as Cena flops out of the ring. The Bloodline clears off the announce desk! They put Cena on it, and Jimmy raises the one. Jimmy goes up the steps but Solo stops him. Solo wants this one! Jimmy grins and nods and lets Solo climb. But L A KNIGHT is here!! Fans are thunderous as the Mega Star storms down, slides in, and he dodges Jimmy to BLAST Solo! And then he BLASTS Jimmy! Knight stomps a mudhole into Jimmy but Solo stops him! So Knight fires off haymakers! Solo TOSSES Knight, but misses the splash! JUMP NECKBREAKER! Jimmy is up, Knight scoops to POWERSLAM!
Fans fire up, and they spell it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BIG elbow drop for Jimmy! Cena is back and he TOSSES Solo! Knight TOSSES Jimmy! Mega Star and Greatest of All Time look to each other, and Knight picks up the contract! Fans are electric as Knight signs his name! Cena can’t believe it, either! He has a tag partner for Fastlane? YEAH!! Will Cena and Knight show The Bloodline whose game is it? With EVERYBODY saying… L A KNIGHT, YEAH!!
My Thoughts:
An awesome episode of SmackDown, especially with how fired up the Sacramento crowd was for everything. Great stuff with Bloodline and such, taking logical yet still exciting turns. Karl Anderson going after The Bloodline was good, because as much as Karl didn’t want Styles getting involved, but he also wasn’t going to let The Bloodline get away with this. Though, Karl didn’t really accomplish much as he got cheated in that match. That slap from Mia was great, though. Then Jimmy & Solo going on a rampage backstage was a great way to show how Jimmy is drunk with power all because he thinks Roman will have his back. Roman most certainly won’t now that Jimmy’s actions have brought LA Knight into the story. Great save from Knight, and he will make a great team with Cena.
Great “main event” match from Charlotte VS Bayley, and that black ‘n’ yellow gear is pretty cool stuff from Charlotte. DMG CTRL of course tries to help Bayley but that backfires. And then I actually like that we’re going back to Bayley talking big and putting Iyo on the spot. The Triple Threat title match is going to be great, and is actually some mad genius thinking from Bayley. DMG CTRL can now legally interfere to make sure Iyo wins against Charlotte and Asuka, but I feel like this can also bring in Shotzi or even Bianca to counteract DMG CTRL. Either way, it’ll be some great stuff to really up things in the SmackDown Women’s Division.
Hilarious vignette from Pretty Deadly, and good response from Brawling Brutes. That feud will definitely start up again after Fastlane and give us a SmackDown contender for the Undisputed Tag Team Championships. Really good stuff out of the Grayson Waller Effect with Lashley putting the pressure on the Profits. Almost thought they were gonna jump Theory since Lashley doesn’t like Theory, but I guess that would make this faction Faces since Theory is Heel. It was nice to see Grimes back, though he does lose to Theory. Dragon Lee being here tonight makes me think he is called up to SmackDown after he screws Dominik Mysterio out of the North American title tomorrow night.
And after just an awesome US Championship match, the Profits instead go after the LWO, a logical move given the back and forth between the factions. LWO wants a Six Man Tag, but does that mean it’ll be Santos, Cruz & Wilde? Or is Rey going to take one of the spots? Either way it’ll be a good time but it feels like the All Mighty Profits are going to take that one to build their momentum towards their own title goals. Lashley VS Rey for the US Championship with Santos helping feels like the move. Maybe there’s tension created as Santos costs Rey, or as Rey says Santos can’t be bending rules just to win. It just feels like something’s going to/has to change in the group dynamic.
My Score: 8.9/10
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