Who runs the Women’s Tag Division?

Night of Champions has come and gone, but Monday Night Raw has one more title match! Who will be the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Ricochet VS The Miz; Ricochet wins and advances to MITB.
• Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal VS Kevin Ventura Cortes; Indus Sher wins.
• Imperium VS The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri; Imperium wins.
• Vacated WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi Blackheart VS Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Bayley & Iyo Sky VS Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler; Ronda & Shayna win and are the new WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions.
• Dolph Ziggler VS JD McDonagh; Double Count-Out Draw.
• Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Shinsuke Nakamura VS Bronson Reed; Nakamura wins and advances to MITB.
• Seth Rollins & AJ Styles VS The Judgment Day; Rollins & Styles win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION!

Fans fire up as Seth Freakin’ Rollins walks down from the top of the stands! They sing his song as he struts with the new World Heavyweight Championship belt around his waist and makes it to ringside. Then Rollins takes a victory lap before getting in the ring, for streamers and pyro! He revels in the moment as fans still sing, “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins then gets the mic, fans sing some more, and he says, “ALBANY, NEW YORK! Welcome to Monday! Night! ROLLINS! I am a Visionary. I am a Revolutionary! I am… SETH! FREAKIN! ROLLINS!” Fans chant “You Deserve It!” and Rollins takes a moment to enjoy that.

Rollins says he is the World Heavyweight Champion, and the fans cheer. Rollins says it has been a long, long road to get here. Lots of lows, lots of highs. But standing here tonight, it just feels right, doesn’t it? He doesn’t wanna talk too much about the past, he wants to focus on the future. “Because finally, Monday Night Raw has a champion that wants to be here, a champion that is going to be here, and most importantly, a champion that is ready for a fight!” Fans love the sound of that! They chant “Thank You, Seth!” and sing his song, but Rollins says yeah, he’s ready! He wants to fight! He wants ALL the fights!

Because it doesn’t matter who you are, where you come from, if you step to Rollins, the result will always be the same: Rollins, every Monday night, standing in this ring with the World Heavyweight title around his waist and the world singing his song! “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” But wait! AJ Styles is here? The Phenomenal One is a SmackDown superstar, but he’s here on Raw to step into the ring with the man he lost to at Night of Champions. Rollins looks at him over the brim of his sunglasses, but Styles gets a mic. Styles knows he’s supposed to be on SmackDown, but he couldn’t resist coming here to Raw… to say, “Congratulations.”

Fans cheer and Styles tells Rollins he gave it everything he had, left it all in the ring. It was like Rollins knew what he was gonna do before he did it. And the fans, they say Rollins “deserves it.” Styles says he doesn’t think Rollins deserves anything. Fans boo, but Styles says Rollins earned being World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins smiles and fans sing again, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins tells Styles that he’s not too good at these things, but after the beating he gave Styles at NOC, Styles earned this: a handshake. Fans cheer as Styles accepts! There’s respect here, but then the Judgment Day comes out!

Finn Balor pretends to be sick as he has a mic of his own. He asks if this is making the others just as sick. Whatever this is makes Finn wanna PUKE! Damian Priest agrees, he’s queasy. Let’s get to something more positive. What’s that thing Rhea Ripley says? “The Judgment Day, we run Monday Night Raw!” The four get in the ring, and Priest says Rhea’s right. But after watching The Bloodline implode on Saturday, without a shadow of a doubt, the Judgment Day runs the entire WWE! And let’s not forget, Finn & Priest beat the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, something not even Roman Reigns could do!

And to Seth, from the champion to just another champion, Rollins shouldn’t get too comfortable with his new title. Because chances are, someone from Judgment Day will take it from him. Yeah, could be big Damian! Aw, thanks, Finn! He feels the same about you! Aw shucks, thanks, mate. Rhea says it could even be her Dom-Dom. Fans boo that and Rollins looks to Styles. They laugh at that! Dom asks why, what’s so funny? He beat Styles! Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” at Dom, but Finn has everyone calm down. Finn says we saw Styles and Rollins beat each other half to death at Night of Champions. And-

Dom cuts in to say that the Judgment Day will finish the job! Fans boo but Styles asks if Rollins heard that. That almost sounds like a challenge. Rhea says it IS a challenge! Then they ACCEPT! Rollins says that’s right! Any two from Judgment Day VS Rollins & Styles in the main event of his show, Monday Night Rollins! Who will step to this phenomenal dream team? And will they only get stomped into the mat?

Adam Pearce is on the phone.

He discusses with someone. We’re all on the same page, because Rollins, Styles and the Judgment Day want this match. And yes, he understands it flies in the face of the new brand split of Raw and SmackDown, but… Yes, sir. No, Pearce thinks this match is incredible and happens tonight. Oh, hold on, they’re right here. Pearce sees Styles and Rollins talking and steps in. He knows they all want the match, so he’s working on it. Rollins says c’mon, it’s his first night as champion. Don’t embarrass him! Make the match! Styles says Rollins doesn’t speak for him. Oh, is Styles afraid of Dom? Does Rollins really think that? No, but maybe Styles is afraid of Rhea.

Pearce has them calm down and says he’s trying to get this approved. Does everyone have their gear? Styles is a pro, of course he does! Make it official! Then get Rollins to change his pants. Oh, good point. The superstars head out, Pearce is sure you know who heard all that. Then it IS official! The main event is going to be phenomenal, but who will Judgment Day send at Styles and the champ?

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Ricochet VS The Miz!

The King of Flight is ready to take his career to new heights, and we all know the Money in the Bank briefcase can do that. Just as The Hollywood A-Lister. Will Miz look to launch into a new sequel from his previous MITB runs? Or will the One and Only be the one going to London?

Raw returns as Miz makes his entrance. The bell rings, Miz rushes in but Ricochet gets around to a headlock. Miz powers out, Ricochet rolls over the drop down and ducks the lariat to handspring, but into a full nelson! Ricochet arm-drags free, things speed up again and a kitchen sink knee hits Ricochet down! Miz then runs, but Ricochet ducks the boot to kip up, spin and PELE! Miz bails out, Ricochet builds speed! Miz moves but Ricochet tumbles up and out to the apron. Ricochet avoids the sweep, PENALTY KICKS Miz, then goes up the corner to MOONSAULT! Fans fire up for the direct hit at ringside!

Ricochet drags Miz up and puts him in the ring. Ricochet goes up the corner, but Miz gets under the leap! Miz runs in to RANA! Miz surprises us with that, and then he BOOTS Ricochet down! Miz talks trash, and he looks up to the briefcase. Fans taunt Miz’s “TINY BALLS!” but he goes out after Ricochet. Miz SMACKS Ricochet off the desk, and again, then pushes him over the desk. Fans boo as Miz shouts, “MASSIVE!” Miz drags Ricochet up, brings him back to ringside and puts him in the ring. Miz then climbs up, leaps and AX HANDLES Ricochet down! Cover, TWO! Miz hurries to clamp onto Ricochet with a chinlock as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Miz is stuck in the ropes! Ricochet ROCKS him, then jumps in, but Miz avoids the stomps! Miz ROCKS Ricochet, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Ricochet survives and Miz can’t believe it! “I springboarded and everything!” Miz is mad at the fans laughing at him, but Miz KICKS Ricochet in the chest! And again! And again! And again! Miz soaks up the heat, takes aim from a corner, but Ricochet blocks the buzzsaw! Ricochet KICKS and KNEES and runs, to CLOBBER Miz! Fans fire up, Ricochet feels it, and he runs in at the corner to RAM into Miz and go to the apron!

Ricochet bumps Miz off buckles then ROUNDHOUSES him away! Ricochet springboards, but into a full nelson! Ricochet RAMS Miz into a corner, but then Miz RAMS Ricochet into the other corner! Miz runs in, into an elbow! Ricochet goes up, Miz trips him up! DRAPING CODE BREAKER, to a BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives and Miz is shocked! Miz scowls and looks to the briefcase, but fans rally up for Ricochet. Miz shouts MASSIVE! Full nelson, but Ricochet victory rolls! TWO, Miz has it, TWO! Ricochet HEEL KICKS! And then cravat, for an ASAI DDT!

Fans fire up again as Ricochet goes to a corner! Ricochet climbs up, aims, and SHOOTING STAR PRESS!! Cover, Ricochet wins!

Winner: Ricochet, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

Add it to the highlight reel, Ricochet beats the two-time Mr. MITB to go to London! Will Ricochet win the golden ticket across the pond?

Trish Stratus is here!

Albany is torn seeing the WWE Hall of Famer after she cheated Becky Lynch at Night of Champions! But what does she have to say about that victory? We’ll hear, after the break.

Raw returns and Trish has a mic. She makes sure we all see “Thank You Trish” on her back, and she thanks some fans for saying it. You know what it means to her to hear it? NOTHING! She doesn’t care what the fans say. And she hates to say, “I told you so,” but she TOLD US SO! She said she was gonna go to Night of Champions and beat Becky. And what’d she do? She beat Becky! Just like that. But you shouldn’t be surprised, this is GOAT Things! This is what you do when you’re the greatest of all time! This is what you do when you’re number one! This is what you do when you’re “It.”

And now, Becky can crawl back to that dark hole and go do “stuff.” The stuff that everyone goes through. Well, not everyone. Not when you’re thriving like Trish. But it’ll give a chance for the real superstars to reach the Big Time. Like the one who had Trish’s back. Not that Trish needed the help, but because this superstar wanted to help. “A superstar with more attituded, aggression and ruthlessness than I’ve seen in a long, long time. Someone that reminds me of me. Ladies and gentlemen, please stand on your feet, get your hands ready to applaud, let me introduce you to… Zoey Stark!”

Fans boo instead as The Hunter makes her way out, wearing a “Thank You, Trish” T-shirt. Trish applauds as Zoey joins her in the ring. They hug it out while fans boo more. Zoey gets a mic now and says, “See, I came into this business, to the WWE, to be the best and to make a statement. And who better to learn by than the OG herself? And yeah, look, I could’ve taken the long, hard, difficult road, just like what Becky Lynch did. Or I could be smart! And be led by Trish Stratus! Trish is so giving, so humble, so kind. So now that I have the floor, I would just like to say one thing. Thank you, Trish.”

Fans boo more but Trish smiles. Trish says “You’re welcome.” Oh, what’s that on Trish’s face? Where? Up here? Other side. A little lower. Oh on her chin. That would be something courtesy of Becky Lynch. If Becky ever shows herself again, for messing with this perfect face, guess what Trish will do? Trish will have her new friend Zoey show you what’s up. But then here comes Becky! The Man is still wearing her Kill Bill jumpsuit and she says Zoey is gonna show her what’s up? No, Becky’s gonna ruin Zoey’s life. And Trish, you’re still in your gear, Becky’s still in hers… “Why don’t we restart that match and finish it one on one right here, right now?”

Fans love the sound of that, but Zoey rushes out! Becky DECKS her! And THROWS her into the barriers! Trish says okay, bring it! Becky gets closer to the ring and fans are fired up. Becky steps up to the apron, steps into the ring, and runs in! Becky dodges Trish, CLOBBERS her, BOOTS Zoey from the apron, then trips Trish to rain down fists! But Zoey attacks Becky from behind! And SLIDING KNEES her down! Fans boo but Zoey throws off the jacket so she and Trish can stomp away on Becky! Trish CHOKES Becky, then lets off so Zoey can bring her up. But Becky hits back! Zoey kicks Becky low, and reels her in for Z360!!

Fans boo as Zoey and Trish aren’t done, they get Becky back up! Trish kisses the ring, to DECK Becky with it!! Fans boo as the Hall of Famer needed her new protégé and a HOF ring to take down The Man! Then they put Becky in a corner and force her to wear a Thank You Trish shirt! Zoey says it looks great on her. Will Becky be able to recover and get some big time revenge?

Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal VS Javier Bernal & Kevin Ventura Cortes!

Veer & Sanga have already been dominating and demolishing opponents since being drafted to Raw, and they want more. Will their thirst for combat be quenched here tonight?

The teams sort out, and Veer just CLOBBERS Javi and KVC! Sanga then BLASTS KVC off the apron! Veer drags Javi up to RAM him into the corner, and the bell finally rings. Veer runs to SPLASH Javi, and Javi staggers around. Veer shoves Javi down, stalks him, and stomps him down! Javi flounders to the apron, Veer tags Sanga, and Veer drags Javi up onto the ropes for Sanga to BOOT down! Sanga drags Javi up, THROWS him to the corner, and he dares KVC to tag in. KVC does, but then Sanga blocks his haymaker to a FALCON ARROW! Sanga SPLASHES Javi for good measure!

Sanga then choke grips Javi to CHOKE SLAM him onto KVC! Tag back to Veer, and they drag KVC up. SIDEWALK SLAM LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, Indus Sher wins!

Winners: Indus Sher, by pinfall

Like true tigers, Veer & Sanga tore into their prey and feasted on the meat! Will they soon be tasting a tag title opportunity?

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn are backstage.

Speaking of the tag team champions, these two are still Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions and are in a great mood. They’re headed to gorilla, what will they have to say about finally being done with The Bloodline?

Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn head to the ring!

Albany fires up as the Prizefighter & Great Liberator make their way out. Fans sing along with Sami’s song while he and Kevin get mics. Sami is fired up now! Fans chant for “SAMI! SAMI! SAMI!” and he says that obviously, he an d Kevin are feeling pretty good tonight. “Because at Night of Champions, we won!” And not just successfully defending the titles, no. Sami means they won! They did exactly what they set out to do, they watched the Bloodline crumble, and it was the worst night of Roman’s life! Roman deserves everything he got!

This is all Sami has to say about Roman: Roman may be the greatest of all time; Roman may hold the title(s) for another 1000 days; Roman may main event another FIVE WrestleManias; Roman could even be put in the Hall of Fame tomorrow! But it doesn’t matter because for the rest of his life, when he looks at Kevin & Sami, he will know in his heart that THEY won! Wait! IMPERIUM is here! Ludwig Kaiser has the mic to say, “Ladies and gentlemen… Impressive victory, impressive victory indeed. But was it the most impressive victory of the night? It most certainly was not more impressive than the man who extended his record-setting Intercontinental Heavyweight Championship reign…!”

Imperium walks to the ring as Ludwig introduces Der Ring General, GUNTHER! Kevin asks why they’re here. Why? Because last week, Kevin & Sami said their name, the group walked out, it made sense. But this isn’t how things work! Do they think this is the Wild West? They can just hit their music and come on out? NO! That does not make sense! You gotta wait to be called out! What the hell is this!? They broke the rules! The unwritten rules! Sami tires to calm Kevin down but he keeps shouting at Imperium. Fans cheer for “K O! K O!” but Sami has him chill. Sami says Kevin is right, though, there is an unwritten rule and they had no business coming out here.

For that matter, Imperium ahs a match with American Alpha Academy or whatever? Imperium shouldn’t want a match with them, because last time, Kevin, Sami & Riddle embarrassed them. Yep! So… Y’know… Ludwig says if they wanna talk about embarrassments, RIDDLE is the embarrassment! Take a look at Kevin & Sami themselves! Them holding those titles is an embarrassment! Fans boo but Ludwig says they are not worthy of standing on this mat, of holding those championships, or of representing Monday Night Raw. Kevin says what he wonders is… We always hear from Slenderman over here.

And sometimes, “the one with the ears” (Gunther) talks. But we never hear from the bald one ! He’s always really quiet. What’s his opinion on all this? Yeah, we never hear from baldie! We should hear from baldie! Fans chant “BALDIE! BALDIE!” and Ludwig says how DARE they besmirch them!! No one disrespects- “SHOOOOOOOOOOOOSH!” Fans cheer as Chad Gable perhaps sets a world record with that one. “Shoosh, please!” Gable says it is time Imperium gets taught a free lesson, courtesy of the new and improved Academy! Gable, Otis, and the newest member of the Academy in Maxxine Dupri!

And if it is alright with Kevin & Sami, those lessons are gonna be handed out right now! Yeah, sure, but uh, can you do that thing again? Do the thing! What? What thing? The thing you say that makes Kevin laugh cuz you say it funny! That one! Oh, okay. He’s gonna say it, he’s gonna say it! “A THANK YEW~!” You’re welcome! Will Gable & Otis show Imperium what respect is really all about?

Imperium VS The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri!

Raw returns and Kevin & Sami join commentary to watch this one. The teams sort out and Ludwig starts with Gable. They circle, tie up, and are in a deadlock. Ludwig headlocks, Gable powers out but Ludwig runs him over. Ludwig “kicks rocks’ at Gable, runs, but Gable gest around to waistlock, headlock and takeover. Ludwig headscissors, Gable kips fere, but now Ludwig headlocks for the takeover. Gable headscissors, Ludwig kips free, Gable trips him to a cover. ONE, Ludwig goes for the trip but Gable avoids it to waistlock and gator roll to a cover, TWO! Ludwig gets free but fans applaud the exchange.

Gable and Ludwig go again, Gable wrenches but Ludwig claws Gable’s face! Ludwig lets off in the corner to throw hands. Ludwig then UPPERCUTS, UPPERCUTS, but Gable blocks hip toss to give a hip toss! Giovanni Vinci runs in but Gable goes up to “A THANK YEW~” headscissor! Gable headlocks Ludwig, gets Vinci, too, and DOUBLE THROWS them both! Gable runs in at the corner to MONKEY FLIP Ludwig! “A THANK YEW~!” Kevin says you’re welcome! Maxxine cheers her team, but wait! Sarah Logan has appeared!? Why is she here? Well, it’s probably because The Viking Raiders lost to Alpha Academy…

Logan rushes Maxxine, Maxxine dodges, and then Maxxine KICKS Logan! She can kick?! But wait, Logan didn’t fall over… Logan turns around and glares at Maxxine. Maxxine runs away all the way tot he back! Ludwig CLOBBERS Gable! Ludwig stomps Gable around, drags him up and POSTS him! Tag to Vinci, they put Gable in the ropes, and they meet at the corner, DOUBLE DROPKICKS! Imperium stands tall while fans boo, but Gable crawls. Vinci hurries after him to keep him from Otis. Vinci bumps Gable off buckles but fans chant ‘BALDIE! BALDIE!” Vinci CHOPS Gable and stalks him along ropes.

Vinci scoops and SLAMS Gable into ropes! Tag to Ludwig, Imperium drags him up and Ludwig UPPERCUTS Gable! Then runs in, but into a BOOT! Gable elbows Vinci, but Ludwig keeps him from Otis! Gable reels Ludwig in, SAYANAGI! Gable crawls, Ludwig drags him away, but Gable BOOTS Ludwig out! Vinci gets back in but Gable TOSSES him! Gable crawls again, Sami & Kevin cheer him on, HOT TAG TO OTIS!! The tree trunk rallies on Imperium! Vinci dodges, runs, but into Otis’ arms! POWERSLAM! Fans fire up, Otis runs in to SPLASH Ludwig at the corner! Ludwig falls, and fans fire up!

Otis sees that, and he tears the shirt off! Otis hits the CATERPILLAR ELBOW! Cover, but Vinci breaks it! Vinci brings Otis up but Otis TOSSES him out! Tag to Gable and the Academy gets Ludwig up. Gable waistlocks, Otis builds speed, but Vinci holds ropes to dump him out! Gable still gets the O’Conner Roll, TWO as Ludwig gets it! TWO, but tag to Vinci! Vinci SPINEBUSTERS Gable! PENALTY KICK from Ludwig! And then they set up quick, IMPERIAAL BOMB!! Cover, Imperium wins!

Winners: Imperium, by pinfall

Kevin says they’re never gonna hear the end of it. Vinci & Ludwig win out for the glory of Imperium, but will they be in line for a shot at the tag titles?

Backstage interview with Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi Blackheart.

Cathy Kelley is at gorilla with the newly reunited Ballsy & Badass, and says since this is so recent, do they feel like they have built up the chemistry to get the tag titles in tonight’s Fatal 4? Yes- But then Damage CTRL interrupts. Bayley asks, “Are you kidding me? You guys aren’t even a real team.” No offense to Shotzi, but Raquel would’ve gone with the first person to raise their hand begging to be a partner. They ain’t DMG CTRL. And speaking of, this win is dedicated to Dakota Kai. So just stay out of their way, or they’ll end up like Raquel’s old partner, Liv Morgan. Bayley mocks the shoulder injury and then laughs.

Raquel says that is interesting. Because Shotzi & Raquel were real enough to win on SmackDown last week. And since Bayley first started DMG CTRL, isn’t she the only one who hasn’t held gold? And if she’s wondering why, just look in the mirror. Ballsy & Badass go out to the ring first, but who will return to the back with the titles on their waists?

Candice LeRae speaks.

“You might be thinking, ‘What’s with the fairy wings?’ Well, I believe fairytales are real. And how could I not? I’m living one. So my wings, they represent the magic that this fairytale has brought to my life. Candice LeRae is proof that when you believe, anything is possible.”

Vacated WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Raquel Rodriguez & Shotzi Blackheart VS Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Bayley & Iyo Sky VS Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler!

Raw returns and the Complaint Department make their entrance. Then DMG CTRL make theirs, leaving the Baddest Women on the Planet for last. The introductions are made, the belts are displayed, and we see who isn’t afraid to fight the odds!

The teams sort out, and in this Fatal 4 Way, only two teams are legal at one time. Raquel steps up, and she starts against The Hot Mess. But Chelsea turns around to see it’s Raquel and quickly tags out to Bayley. Bayley says fine, watch how it’s done. Bayley gets run over by Raquel! So she gets up to tag out to Iyo. Then she sucker punches Raquel! Sky runs in, but Raquel blocks the rana! Raquel whips, Sky handsprings through, and then comes back to wheelbarrow, but Raquel throws her up and over! Sky lands on her feet, DROPKICKS Raquel to the DMG CTRL corner, then fires off forearms!

Tag to Bayley, she stomps Raquel, and Sky pulls hair! Bayley says they’re the champs, but Raquel blocks the whip! Raquel sends Bayley into the corner, Bayley goes up but gets caught! Bayley slips off, waistlocks, but Raquel fights to switch and SLAM her! Bayley crawls, Raquel keeps her from the corner, but Bayley elbows free! And she tags out to Chelsea! Chelsea doesn’t want to but she has no choice! Bayley runs at Raquel but into a scoop and SLAM! Raquel then brings Chelsea in with a TOSS! Chelsea runs away but Ronda & Shayna leave her hanging. Raquel then brings Chelsea around to RAM into Shayna!

Fans fire up as Raquel BOOTS Sonya, DECKS Sky, and then tags Shotzi. Fans fire up as Shotzi runs and Raquel holds the ropes open, Shotzi DIVES onto Bayley, Sonya & Chelsea! The Ballsy & Badass are standing tall, and even daring Ronda to try something, while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Shayna is in. She bumps Shotzi off buckles, tags Ronda, and Ronda runs in to KNEE Shotzi! Shayna tags back in, Ronda digs her knees in and then has a HANGING ARMBAR! The ref reprimands but can’t do much else in this Fatal 4 format. Shayna scoops Shotzi to an arm-drag, then she isolates the arm. Shayna lets down her hair to STOMP Shotzi’s arm! Flashback to months ago, and Shayna whips Shotzi in. But Shotzi elbows Ronda! And BOOTS Shayna! Ronda grabs at Shotzi but Shotzi fires hands! Shayna CLUBS Shotzi, reels her in, but Shotzi gets around to NECKBREAKER!

Both Shotzi and Shayna are down and fans rally up. The two crawl, but Sky rushes Raquel! Raquel BOOTS Sky down, Bayley goes after her now but Raquel kicks her away, too! Shotzi hot tags Big Mami Cool! She rallies on everyone! LARIAT for Shayna, but then Shayna ducks one, only for the SOUTHPAW to hit! Raquel scoops Shayna for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Raquel storms up on Shayna, for another FALL AWAY SLAM! Ronda tags in, and fans fire up for this one. Rowdy Ronda and Ricky Desperado stare down, Raquel swings first! Ronda dodges, but then Raquel SWATS her arm away! Ronda kicks low!

Ronda fires off in the corner, Raquel shoves her away. Ronda dodges a lariat, but the SOUTHPAW hits again! Fans fire up with Raquel and she drags Ronda up. TEXANA- NO, Shayna saves Ronda! But Raquel reels Shayna in! TEXANA BOMB!! But then Ronda runs in, goes up, and drags Raquel down to an ARMBAR! Raquel flails, clasps hands, but Ronda keeps after the arm! But Bayley MACHO ELBOWS Ronda!! Bayley bails out, having saved the match. Fans rally up, Chelsea tags in off Ronda! And POSTS her! And then Sonya KNEES Ronda down! Sonya tags in, she and Chelsea coordinate! I AM PRETTIER to the SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO!!!

Raquel shocks Sonya & Chelsea but Sonya tells Chelsea to get to the corner. They tag, Sonya brings Raquel up as Chelsea climbs, but Sky tags in cuz that’s the DMG CTRL corner! Sky SHOVES Chelsea off, and she collides with Sonya! Sky then springboards to DOUBLE MISSILE DROPKICK them out! Fans fire up but Raquel has Sky! Sky SHOTEIS back! Fans fire up with Sky, she runs in to SHINKANSEN in the corner! Cover, Shotzi breaks it with a SENTON! Bayley gets Shotzi but Shotzi throws her out! Shotzi hurries to build speed and DIVE onto Bayley at the ramp! Then she hurries to her corner!

Shotzi reaches out, Raquel tags her in. Fans fire up as Shotzi dodges sky, shoves her, but Sky goes up and over. Sky comes back, Shotzi goes up and over. Sky runs in again, but Shotzi spins her and fireman’s carries, FACEBUSTER! And then a TIGER PLEX! Sky flounders to ropes, Shotzi runs in, but into a FLAPJACK! Sky hurries to a corner, goes up top, but Ronda tags in! Sky fights Ronda, drags her up, and fans fire up as Shotzi joins in! TOWER OF DOOM!! Shotzi hurries to drag Ronda to a drop zone, and she climbs up. But Shayna goes after Shotzi up top! Shotzi DECKS Shayna, then adjusts. BALL PIT into the ARMBAR!!! Shotzi taps, Ronda & Shayna wins!!

Winners: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler, by submission (NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions)

The Baddest Women on the Planet are now the Baddest CHAMPIONS on the Planet! Rowdy Ronda & The Queen of Spades get the gold and the pyro, will their reign be as brutal as they are?

Dolph Ziggler VS JD McDonagh!

The Showoff and the Irish Ace both lost in the Intercontinental Championship Contenders Battle Royal, but only one was a sore enough of a loser to go after the other. Will JD McDonagh show us why you don’t bet against the Ace?

Raw returns as JD makes his entrance. The bell rings and Ziggler rushes in! Ziggler fires off on JD in the corner, the ref backs him off, but then Ziggler SPLASHES JD in the corner! And BITES JD!? That’s normally something JD would do! Ziggler runs back in, JD dodges! Ziggler hits buckles, and then JD rubber bands the ropes at him! JD stalks Ziggler, gets an arm, ripcord to DEVLINSIDE!! But JD then CLUBS Ziggler, drags him up and around and throws him out of the ring! JD goes out after Ziggler, drags him up again, and SMACKS him off the desk! JD pushes Ziggler over the desk, then drags him back up.

Fans rally for Ziggler but JD RAMS him into steel steps! The ring count is 7 of 10 but JD doesn’t even care! JD drags Ziggler up, and back to the steps, they’re both counted out!

Double Count-Out Draw

But JD just SMACKS Ziggler off the steel steps! And then pulls the steps apart, drags Ziggler onto the base, and digs his knee in! Ziggler’s face is ground into the diamond plating, and then JD STOMPS him! “You remember this day! You remember this day!” JD digs his boot in, the ref reprimands and fans boo. JD lets off, dusts his hands, and walks away. The Necessary Evil is here on Raw, what will he do to be the Ace of Monday nights?

WWE joins the National Medal of Honor Museum’s mission.

WWE honors our true American heroes, both those who did and did not make it home, all to protect us.

Cody Rhodes is here!

Albany cheers the American Nightmare, even though he did not defeat The Beast, Brock Lesnar, at Night of Champions. They also sing his song, “WHOA~ OH!” and Cody gets his pyro. Cody gets the mic and hears the fans chant his name before saying, “So, Albany, New York… Whaddya wanna talk about? I know what’s hanging in the air. At Night of Champions in Saudi Arabia, due to referee stoppage, I lost my match to Brock Lesnar. My contemporaries tell me I was foolish to fight Brock Lesnar with one hand. That I was crazy to not tap out. But there’s a reason why I didn’t tap out.

“It’s not because it didn’t hurt. It was excruciating, career-flash-before-your-eyes type pain. But I did not tap out because that’s not the man that I want to be.” Fans cheer, and Cody says that years ago, sure, he would have. He would’ve thought about his career, lived to fight another day. He’s experienced enough highs and lows at this to know that sometimes, second chances just don’t come. “There was a wildly popular WWE superstar who used to stand in this ring, and he said, ‘Never give up.'” Fans cheer and Cody says “never give up” hurts like hell when locked in a Kimura for three-plus minutes.

But nevertheless, Cody has a question for Brock Lesnar. And he has to look into the camera to ask that question, because Lesnar’s not here tonight. Fans boo that, but Cody says he is sure Lesnar is taking his annual vacation. “Brock Lesnar… Are you satisfied with this being done? You have a victory over me, I have a victory over you, the game is 1-1. Are you satisfied? I hope you’re not, because consider this an open challenge to you, Brock Lesnar.” Fans cheer as Cody says hopefully, Lesnar has social media, cable television, a landline or something in Saskatchewan or Yellowstone or wherever the hell it is that he roams.

Cody will post his whole schedule, every detail of it sometime this week, everywhere he’s going this month! Wilkes-Barre, Wichita, Cleveland, Savanna, Newcastle, if Cody is in the ring, he is ready to fight you, Brock Lesnar! Fans cheer that, and Cody says, “Tonight, I also wanna make it the very last time that I rattle off all of Brock Lesnar’s accomplishments. Brock Lesnar is an elite amateur wrestler who won the NCAAs twice. He is a former UFC Heavyweight Champion, likely a hall of famer there in the UFC. He has held the WWE Championship, he’s the man that broke the Undertaker’s streak!

“Brock Lesnar is the Beast! Beast enough to break my arm, but not man enough to make me tap out. And if you don’t accept my challenge, Brock Lesnar, we can go ahead and add one more thing to that list: Brock Lesnar is afraid of what cannot be broken! Brock Lesnar is AFRAID… of Cody Rhodes!” The American Nightmare drops the mic after having thrown down the gauntlet! When and where will Cody VS Lesnar Round 3 be?

Backstage interview with Matt Riddle.

Cathy is with The Bro, and she says in a couple weeks, he has a chance to qualify for the Men’s MITB ladder match. Riddle says it has already been going crazy this “Hot Bro Summer,” and it’s only gonna get crazier. Riddle says with MITB around the corner, imagine him winning that briefcase! He could cash in on Roman Reigns, on Seth Rollins- Oh, wassup, Gunther? Der Ring General steps into view and he says he knows what Riddle is thinking. “Congratulations, and good luck on your upcoming opportunity. I really want you to win the Money in the Bank Ladder match, and cash it in on me.

“Fun, huh? Beating you, humiliating you, that’s fun to me. All the best.” Gunther leaves, will Riddle take him up on that idea?

Backstage interview with Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler.

Cathy tentatively walks up to the new tag team champions and congratulates them on the win. How does it feel to be champions again? Well, for Ronda, it’s her first, but yeah, Shayna has her third reign. But for ten years, they’ve been discounted, told not what the people want, but they don’t cater to the “fickle masses” that mean nothing to them. Loyalty is everything, and limb by limb, they went through everyone. And they can finally say they are the tag team champions. Not because “they” wanted it, but because this is the Baddest Team on the Planet. They’re done being denied, they’re making demands! They DEMAND to be recognized as the best! These belts prove it.

Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Shinsuke Nakamura VS Bronson Reed!

We saw the King of Flight qualify, now we see if the King of Strong Style can do the same! Will Shinsuke be heading to London? Or will he be crushed by the Colossal Aussie in Albany?

Raw returns and Reed makes his entrance. The bell rings and Reed RAMS Nakamura right into a corner! And then throws him down, HEADBUTTS away, then brings him up. Reed scoops and SLAMS Nakamura,  then runs. Nakamura bails out before anything more, but Reed pursues. Nakamura gets back in, and he says, “C’MON~!” Reed runs in, but into a kick! Nakamura fires body shots, but Reed doesn’t budge! Reed eggs him on, Nakamura fires off more shots and runs, but Reed CLOBBERS him! then ELBOW DROPS! Then STEAMROLLS him! Reed grins and he looms over Nakamura.

Reed stands Nakamura up, to HEADBUTT him back down! Reed stands Nakamura up again, to CHOP! And CLUB him on the back! Fans rally for Nakamura but Reed whips him corner to corner hard! Nakamura falls over, but Reed brings him up to whip and fireman’s carry. Nakamura fights free, kicks, but Reed blocks to get a waistlock. Nakamura elbows free to ENZIGURI! Reed goes to a corner, Nakamura runs in, but Nakamura blocks boots! Nakamura puts Reed in the ropes, CLUBS him, then runs and SLIDING GER- NO, Reed holds on! Reed’s strength denies Nakamura and he BOOTS Nakamura!

Reed aims from the apron, but Nakamura sweeps the legs! Reed lands hard on the apron, Nakamura KNEE LIFTS him! Then GUILLOTINE KNEE DROPS him! Reed hits the floor and fans fire up with Nakamura while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Reed trades forearms with Nakamura! Fans rally for Nakamura but boo Reed. Reed throws body shots and a ROLLING ELBOW! Then LARIAT but into a tilt-o-whirl and ARMBAR! Reed powers his way to a high stack, TWO! Nakamura lets go in time, but Reed HEADBUTTS him! Reed runs, to LARIAT Nakamura inside-out! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and Reed grows frustrated. Reed drags Nakamura up, reels him in, but Nakamura slips out of the bomb! Nakamura kicks then WHEEL KICKS! Reed goes to a corner, Nakamura blocks the boots again, and puts him back in ropes! ENZIGUR to SLIDING GERMAN!

Reed flounders and fans fire up as Nakamura aims! “YAO~!” But Reed scoops to SAMOAN DROP! And SENTON! Fans boo but Reed puts Nakamura in the drop zone. Reed climbs, but Nakamura rises! Nakamura kicks the legs out! And then TOP SHELF KNEE! Reed staggers, Nakamura goes up, FLYING- SUPERKICK! Reed intercepts, ripcords, and POWERSLAMS! Reed drags Nakamura into the drop zone, climbs up the corner, TSU- NO!! Nakamura avoids the natural disaster to KINSHASA!! But he’s too tired to make the cover! Nakamura drags himself to ropes, aims again, KINSHASA!!!

Reed flounders to the apron and flops to the floor! Fans boo and Nakamura is frustrated. The ref starts the ring count but Nakamura goes out the side. Nakamura runs off the steps, FLYING KNEE! Reed falls back over, and Nakamura gets back in the ring. The ring count starts again, Reed stirs at 4 of 10, and sits up at 5. Nakamura waits, Reed staggers around at 8, but Reed slides in at 9! KINSHASA AGAIN!!! Cover, Nakamura wins!!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

It took a hattrick of those killer knees, but the mighty Reed did fall! Will Nakamura soon be the King in the Bank?

Backstage interview with The Judgment Day.

Byron Saxton walks over, apologizes about interrupting given the main event tonight, but he wanted to congratulate Rhea on her championship defense over Natalya at Night of Champions. Rhea says, “Victory? That wasn’t just a victory. I absolutely destroyed Natalya. That’s why she’s not here this week. Because she’s at home, fixing herself up.” Dom says maybe next time, Natty will think twice about stepping to Mami. Rhea says Natty should know better, since she’s been in this business a very long time. And to be able to hold gold, you can’t get distracted like she did, so that’s on her. But like Byron said, they’re very busy, so buh-bye.

Byron would like to ask one more question before he goes. Everyone is wondering, which two are facing Rollins & Styles in the main event? Finn says, “Wouldn’t you like to know? But if I told you, I’d have to-” Priest has Finn calm down. Don’t scare the guy. But Byron, they have things to do so go do your job somewhere else. The main event is a mystery, what combination of Prince, Punisher and Prodigal Son will step up to the Phenomenal and the Visionary?

WWE honors the fallen.

They didn’t volunteer to die. They volunteered to defend values which make up what we call civilization. – Ronald Reagan

“What does it mean to be selfless? To have the courage to put all else first for a greater cause? In every generation, there are those who put everything before themselves. And on this day, we honor them. The brave men and women who fought for our freedom. From the first World War to Desert Storm. From Normandy to Afghanistan. Today, we look back at the moments, the events, that define our history. The struggles, their battles. And remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. President Ronald Reagan once said…”

“As we honor their memory today, let us pledge that their lives, their sacrifices, their valor shall be justified and remembered for as along as God gives life to this nation.”

“Today, we show our gratitude. To those who shaped us. Who guided us. Who ensured our values would live forever. Today, we show reverence and respect. Today, we say, ‘Thank you.'”

Seth Rollins & AJ Styles VS The Judgment Day!

The World Heavyweight Champion and the runner-up were perhaps goaded into this match, but that doesn’t mean they’re foolish. They know Finn, Priest, Dom & Rhea are slippery snakes, but will they still be able to #BurnItDown?

Raw returns and the Judgment Day make their entrance. They’re still keeping us guessing, but the moment of truth is here. In the end, it looks to be Priest & Dom in this match. Fans boo Dom because he’s starting against Rollins. But then Finn gets back in to CLOBBER Rollins! It was a fake out! The Prince stomps away on Rollins, then he drags Rollins up to RAM him into the corner! Tag to Priest, Rhea grins that the plan worked out. Priest & Finn double whip, but Rollins ducks the double lariat to slide out and cozy up to Mami! Rhea doesn’t realize it’s Rollins until she looks to her right, and then she freaks out!

Rollins says sorry, then the gets back in. He dodges Priest, eggs him on, and then dodges him again to CHOP! And ROCK! And repeat! Rollins whips, Priest reverses, but runs into a BOOT! Rollins goes up, leaps, but into a HAYMAKER! Priest drags Rollins up and Finn mocks the song, “WEW~ WEW~ WEWWW~!” Priest TOSSES Rollins to the corner, DECKS him, then stomps away! Rhea wants him to go harder for that joke a moment ago. She also tells fans to shut up with the stupid singing. Rollins gets up, he fires back, but Priest knees low! Priest drags Rollins up, whips him to ropes, and BACK ELBOWS him down! Cover, TWO!

Priest clamps onto an arm, grinds the shoulder, but Rollins fights up. Rollins reaches out for Styles but Priest CLUBS him down! Priest back suplexes, Rollins lands on his feet and slides under, but Priest grabs his feet! Rollins BOOTS Priest away, hot tags to Finn and Styles! Styles dodges Finn, CLOBBERS Priest, then fires the Phenomenal Blitz off on Finn! SLIDING LARIAT! Styles fires up, fireman’s carries, but Finn slips free. But Finn runs into a BACKBREAKER! Styles reels Finn in, but Priest gets back in! Styles blocks his kick to CLUB the leg, but Finn CHOPS Styles down! Rollins returns, to KNEE Priest!

Finn SLINGBLADES Rollins! Priest tags in, Styles runs in but is put on the apron. Styles ROCKS Finn, but Dom anchors Styles! Styles grabs Dom, but Priest POUNCES Styles over the announce desk! The Judgment Day stands tall and soaks up the heat while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Styles JAWBREAKERS Priest away! But Priest keeps Styles from Rollins! Styles throws hands, Priest whips him away to the corner. Priest runs in but Styles BOOTS him! Styles ROCKS Finn, BOOTS Priest, then DECKS Finn, but Priest ROCKS Styles! Priest then throws Styles out, distracts the ref, and Rhea drags Styles up! But Rollins gets Dom first! Fans fire up as Rollins tosses Dom in! Rhea gest in Rollins’ face and he dares Mami to do something. But then the ref EJECTS Rhea and Dom!! Fans fire up but Mami is pissed! Rollins taunts Rhea & Dom as they leave, now this is a fair match!

Styles rolls Priest up! TWO!! Priest swings, misses, and Styles PELES! Priest is dazed, Finn calls to him, and fans rally up. Priest and Styles crawl, hot tags to Finn and Rollins! The Visionary rallies on The Prince! SUPERKICK, front kick, ROLLING ELBOW! Rollins DECKS Priest for good measure! Finn runs in, BUCKLE SHOT! Rollins goes out, to FLYING KNEE Priest down! Rollins springboards back in, FLYING KNEE for Finn! SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO!! Fans rally and sing the song, but Finn wants mercy. Rollins smirks, he wags his finger, and he catches Finn to RAM him into a corner!

Rollins brings Finn out but Finn cradle counters! TWO, Rollins swings, into the FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Finn grows frustrated, but he rolls to tag in Priest. Priest storms up to DECK Styles! Priest then waits on Rollins to rise up, and he choke grips for SOUTH OF- NO, Rollins flips through! Rollins ducks the haymaker to ROLLING ELBOW! Priest comes back, KING KONG LARIAT! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives but Priest refocuses. Priest goes out and climbs up the corner while fans rally. Rollins springs right up to get Priest! Finn sneaks a tag before the SUPERPLEX! Rollins rolls through, but Priest BROKEN ARROWS!

Finn is up top with Rollins in the drop zone! COUP DE- NO, Rollins moves! SUPERKICK!! Both men are down again and fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as both men stir. Finn and Rollins crawl, hot tags to Styles and Priest! Style dodges a boot to kick and ENZIGURI! Styles fireman’s carries, to USHIGOROSHI! Priest staggers about, Styles runs in but is put on the apron. Styles ROCKS Priest, then SLIDING KNEES Finn! Rollins DIVES to take Finn out at the desk! Styles springboards, but Priest gets away from the forearm! Priest gets Styles up, Crucifix for RAZOR’S EDGE!! Cover, but Rollins CURB STOMPS Priest!!!

Fans fire up as Rollins goes back to his corner. Styles crawls over, staggers up, hot tag to Rollins! Fans sing as hard as they can and Rollins runs in, “NIGHT NIGHT!” CURB STOMP!!! Cover, Rollins & Styles win!

Winners: Seth Rollins & AJ Styles, by pinfall

Styles and Rollins win a phenomenal victory, and they shake hands to show respect. Will action like this be the norm for Monday Night Rollins?

My Thoughts:

A really good Raw to follow up Night of Champions, but it started to fall into a sort of “Aftermath Syndrome.” I mean, this was of course the “aftermath” episode but it felt like there were more recap packages than usual. I guess promos from everyone that referenced Night of Champions wasn’t enough. Cody had a good promo, and of course he’s calling out Lesnar for round three. But as I said for NOC, MITB is just over a month away, I’m not sure Lesnar will want to go for that. Maybe SummerSlam, as that is the big summer PPV. But maybe traveling to London gets Lesnar a bigger paycheck after all.

Great MITB qualifiers tonight, though I knew Miz wasn’t winning. That said, he was busting out stuff that he has basically never done and that was pretty awesome. Nakamura VS Reed was a great showing for Reed even in losing, because it took three Kinshasas to put him down. Granted, I would love to see a Tsunami Splash off the ladder. Maybe there will be some kind of “second chance” match later on. And the women’s MITB qualifiers will be next week, since the majority of the Raw women’s roster was in the Fatal 4 Way. That was a great Fatal 4 Way, and of course Ronda & Shayna win. Ronda still runs through her words too quickly, but it was a good promo afterward.

Really good stuff in the Undisputed WWE Tag Team title story, from Imperium interrupting Kevin & Sami to Kevin’s hilarious reaction to it, to getting The Alpha Academy involved. Great match from Imperium VS Alpha Academy but I should’ve figured Sarah Logan would show up. Imperium wins because one way or another, they feel in line for a tag title shot. Gunther also has a good promo with Matt Riddle, leaving the door open for the MITB briefcase to be used on a midcard title again like Austin Theory did to Seth Rollins and Bobby Lashley. I don’t want them to do that, Riddle VS Gunther should be a straight up match, but at least they’re acknowledging it could happen.

Indus Sher crushes jobbers, but at least Big Body Javi is on NXT, and I think Kevin Cortes is on Level Up. I’m more impressed they got a graphic package that fits them, cybernetic was a random and therefore stupid choice. JD VS Ziggler was alright, but I think the fans were booing the double count-out, not JD beating up Ziggler. Great promo segment from Trish, Zoey and Becky that of course turned into a brawl. As I said on Saturday, Becky doesn’t need to be in the MITB ladder match, maybe she and/or Zoey cost each other spots in that match, and that sets up their own match. Still hoping for Lita to get involved with this, too.

And of course, great stuff from Rollins, Styles and Judgment Day. Great opening segment, apparently Rollins’ leather pants were so tight that they ripped, and great promos backstage from everyone. Great tag match, from the Dom-Finn bait ‘n’ switch to Rollins trolling Rhea and getting both her and Dom ejected. Rollins & Styles winning made sense, it’s to keep Rollins’ momentum going as new world champion. At the same time, I still feel like someone from Judgment Day is going to challenge Rollins at MITB. I think it’s gonna be Seth VS Priest, but I would love to see Seth VS Dom. Imagine the chaotic uproar of fans singing “OH~ OH~ OHH~” while also booing Dom to death.

My Score: 8.6/10