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