Guess who’s back, back again!

WWE Raw returns to Cleveland, Ohio, and Logan Paul returns to WWE! What will The ImPAULsive Maverick have to say in his hometown?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE World Heavyweight Championship Open Challenge: Seth Rollins VS ???; No Contest.
• The Miz VS Tommaso Ciampa; Ciampa wins.
• Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Kayden & Katana win.
• Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal VS Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin; Indus Sher wins.
• Matt Riddle VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ GUNTHER; Riddle wins.
• The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri VS The Viking Raiders w/ Sarah Logan; The Viking Raiders win.
• Rhea Ripley VS Natalya; No Contest.
• Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Trish Stratus w/ Zoey Stark VS Raquel Rodriguez; Trish wins, by disqualification, and advances to MITB.
• Shinsuke Nakamura VS Bronson Reed; Bronson wins.
• Six Man Tag: The Judgment Day VS Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn; Cody, Kevin & Sami win.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Open Challenge: Seth Rollins VS ???

Cleveland sings along with The Visionary’s song as he struts his way down the ramp. And he’s ready for an Open Challenge! But FINN BALOR attacks!! So much for the open challenge! The Prince is after Rollins NOW! Finn TOSSES Rollins out but Rollins drags him out! Finn TACKLES Rollins onto the desk! Fans fire up, the ref reprimands, and Finn lets off to RAM Rollins into the post! And then he rains down fists! Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Finn keeps after Rollins! Finn kicks and stomps and refs rush out. Adam Pearce and producers show up, too, and they get Finn to leave Rollins alone.

Fans boo and Finn “apologizes.” Finn then jukes through the cluster to jump off the steps and DIVING STOMP!! Rollins sputters and Pearce is furious! Finn leaves this time, or not! DIVING STOMP off the desk!! Two Coup de Graces and fans boo even harder. Finn says he’s good, but then goes around the way! A THIRD DIVING STOMP!!! Now Finn is done because there’s no way Rollins can accept that open challenge! Will Rollins even be able to go to NXT tomorrow night? Or Money in the Bank in two weeks?

Raw returns and Rollins is raging backstage!

He wants after Finn but Pearce is telling him to calm down. But then Finn ATTACKS AGAIN! Finn throws Rollins into a table! And then into another table! And then he throws the table at Rollins! And then he drags Rollins up to throw into a road case! The case falls over! Finn stomps away on Rollins, then digs his boot in! “For seven years I’ve been waiting for this! And it’s coming home at Money in the Bank!” Producers get Finn to stop, but is the Prince far from through with The Visionary?

The Miz is here!

“Enough about Seth Freakin’ Rollins and his problems! I wanna talk about MY problems!” Seth Rollins promised an open challenge tonight, but he did not deliver. Miz was gonna accept that challenge and become World Heavyweight Champion! Miz is a GOD in this hell hole of Cleveland! And he was gonna give the people a chance to see one of their finest becoming champion , and that can’t happen now. So Miz is gonna issue his OWN Open Challenge to anyone here in Cleveland! Because Miz wants everyone to see what a winner looks like amongst a sea of losers. Miz waits, and… TOMMASO CIAMPA is here!!

The Miz VS Tommaso Ciampa

Miz is excited! Ciampa was a good pal of his when Ciampa was here, he’s hoping this will be a friendly competition. But then Ciampa DECKS Miz! Fans fire up and Ciampa says he doesn’t need Miz anymore! The bell rings and Ciampa fires off on Miz! Ciampa stomps away but the ref counts. Ciampa lets off but he’s all fired up. Fans are also fired up as Ciampa chase Miz out of the ring. Miz swings but Ciampa counter punches! Ciampa SMACKS Miz off the desk! And again! And again! Ciampa sets the desk hook up against the desk, to BACK SUPLEX Miz through it! Ciampa sits on the desk, and cheers himself!

Fans cheer as Ciampa pats himself on the back. Ciampa says not ONE message from Miz! Ciampa puts Miz in the ring, then runs in and clotheslines! And then an other clothesline! And then Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Miz! Fans fire up and Ciampa brings down the kneepad! Ciampa aims at Miz, but Miz dodges to kick the leg out! BASEMENT DDT! Cover, TWO! Ciampa’s tougher than that but Miz is mad. Miz rains down fists on Ciampa! Fans rally for Ciampa as Miz dribbles his head. Miz runs to basement BOOT! Miz finally throws his shirt off and he paces around. Miz drags Ciampa up but Ciampa CHOPS!

Miz shoves Ciampa, Ciampa ducks ‘n’ dodges but into a BOOT! Miz snarls, stalks Ciampa, and he puts Ciampa on ropes to CHOKE him! The ref counts, Miz lets off at 4, and stalks Ciampa to a corner. Miz stands Ciampa up to smother him! The ref counts, Miz lets off to fire off IT KICKS! Miz stands Ciampa up, but Ciampa ROCKS him with haymaker after haymaker! And a CHOP! And a CHOP! Ciampa whips, Miz reverses and then runs in, A-LIST LARIAT! Ciampa falls and Miz snarls again. Fans boo as Miz climbs the corner. Miz leaps, into a KNEE!! Miz is dazed and Ciampa fires back up!

Ciampa underhooks Miz, for the FAIRYTALE ENDING!! Cover, Ciampa wins!

Winner: Tommaso Ciampa, by pinfall

The Blackheart is back! But is the song right? Will no one survive Ciampa’s return?

The Judgment Day heads to the ring.

Finn is pacing as he leads Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio & Rhea Ripley to the ring. He already said a lot with his attack(s) on Rollins, what more does The Prince have to get off his chest? We’ll see, after the break.

Raw returns and Finn paces on stage. “Seth Freakin’ Rollins… Your little open match challenge is canceled. It’s canceled! It’s canceled because of me. Because I’m the only one who’s gonna take the World Heavyweight Championship from you. And as for you lot… Y’all like singing his song so much? Well, you’re all gonna be singing it at his funeral.” Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~” but Rhea tells them to sit down, shut up, and respect the Judgment Day and their Mami. Because at MITB, the WWE Universe is all gonna be bowing at their feet! Because Finn is gonna bring that WHC home to the Judgment Day!

And Rhea has the Women’s Division on lockdown as the most dominant woman here in the WWE! And Damian Priest is gonna win the Men’s MITB briefcase, and Rhea’s Latino Heat, her Dom-Dom, is gonna put down their favorite, Cody Rhodes! Priest says, in Spanish, that there’s nothing you can do about it! At MITB, the briefcase comes home with him. And the contract inside will have the name “Damian Priest” written all over it! And speaking of MITB, Dom, Cody said Dom is getting gassed up for a fight he can’t win. Cody, Priest suggests you keep Dom’s name out your mouth, or else the Judgment Day will make it so Cody can’t fight anyone ever again!

Fans boo as Dom says, “Y’know…” Dom sighs, tries again, but the booing gets louder. Rhea calms him down, Dom lifts the mic, and the fans boo even more! Rhea tells them to have respect, and Dom tells Cody, “You’re gonna see what I’m gonna do at MITB, if you can find some partners tonight to face the united Judgment Day! Together, you and some two other guys, good luck!” Will the Prince, Punisher & Prodigal Son bring the pain to The American Nightmare and whoever he chooses as teammates?

Backstage interview with Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn.

Byron Saxton is with the Undisputed Tag Team Champions and wants their reaction to the Bloodline implosion we saw on Friday. Kevin stops Byron there. Why are they still talking about Bloodline? Every week, Bloodline, Bloodline, Bloodline. Kevin can’t take it! Sami has Kevin calm down, it is a fair question. No, it’s not. Why do they have to talk about Bloodline? Why? They don’t care! Sami didn’t wanna do this in front of people but they gotta talk. Enough is enough, Kev. OH, fine, it’s just the three of them. What’s Sami gotta say? Go on. Well, ok, he’ll say it. Sami thinks Kevin is a rageaholic.

A WHAT?! What did Sami just say? Kevin has an anger problem. No he doesn’t. Yes, he does. Sami is saying this as a friend, Kevin has an anger problem. Here’s a bet. If Kevin can go the rest of the night without any more tantrums, Sami will leave it alone. But if Kevin blows up even once, he has to at least admit something’s going on. Okay? And if Kevin doesn’t blow up? Then Sami will shut up about it. But just one outburst- Okay, okay, no problem. Bet. Okay. Okay. Okay! Kevin heads out, Sami apologizes to Byron. 20 years of this. But will Kevin win the bet made with his best friend?

Someone posted to TikTok.

It’s Chelsea Green going full Hot Mess. Multiple times. Like, MULTIPLE times. A coffee shop, a diner, working out at the gym, and even in traffic.

Sonya Deville & Chelsea Green VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!

The Complaint Department is ready to vent frustrations, such as not getting a shot at Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler themselves. But will they learn just why Carter & Chance were the longest reigning NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions ever?

Raw returns as KC Squared makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Katana starts against Sonya. They circle, but Chelsea distracts and Sonya BOOTS Katana down! Sonya drags Katana up, bumps her off buckles, and then stomps away. Tag to Chelsea, she digs her boots in, but lets off as the ref counts. Chelsea throws Katana by her hair, then taunts the fans. Chelsea sucker punches Kayden! The fans boo but Chelsea taunts them. Chelsea thrashes Katana round by her hair, but the ref counts. Chelsea whips, Katana & Kayden hit some SILLYS TRING! Tag to Sonya and Kayden!

Kayden rallies on the Complaint Department, whips them into the same corner, and then UPPERCUTS them both! Kayden then DROPKICK SPLASHES! Sonya swings, misses, and Kayden SUPERKICKS! Tag to Katana and Kayden snapmares Sonya. They springboard to LEG DROP MOONSAULT COMBO! Cover, Chelsea breaks it! Kayden SUPERKICKS Chelsea! A-LIST LARIAT from Katana! Kayden tags in, turns Sonya, and tags back. Katana goes up, for the AFTER PARTY!! Cover, KC Squared wins!

Winners: Kayden Carter & Katana Chance, by pinfall

Chelsea complains but what else is new? Katana & Kayden are having fun, but will they win their way to another shot at Ronda & Shayna?

Cathy Kelley is on stage.

She welcomes out the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! Fans cheer and sing the song as Cody has his pyro. Cody shakes Cathy’s hand, “WHOA~!” Cody then shakes hands with the front row fans, and Cathy says that was quite the entrance. But what is his response to the challenge by Dominik? Cody says Cleveland is on fire! And Judgment Day is also on fire. Rhea dominates, Priest is just a few ladder steps from history, and Finn might leave the UK as World Heavyweight Champion. “And then there’s Dom.” Fans boo and Cody says Dom wants him to go find some “two guys.” That shouldn’t be too hard. As far as the challenge for tonight, Cody accepts!

Fans cheer that, and Cody heads back out. Who can Cody find to fight against Judgment Day?

Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal VS Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin!

The Modern Day Maharaja promised a rematch that would be more fair to the former tag team champions, so here we are. Will Veer & Sanga be more merciful while still manhandling their opponents? Or will PRIMED Alexander & The Gold Standard manage redemption?

The teams sort out and Shelton starts against Veer. But then Shelton KNEES Sanga off the apron and Cedric attacks Veer! Veer fights back, scoops Cedric but Cedric slips free! Cedric mule kicks Veer, and Shelton SUPERKICKS! Sanga gets up but Cedric BLASTS him! Shelton KNEES Sanga down again! And Cedric PLANCHAS! But Sanga catches him! Shelton hurries out to BLOCKBUSTER! Down goes Sanga and fans fire up! Jinder is there but Shelton tells him to back off. Jinder moves, Shelton gets in, but Veer hits a THESZ PRESS! Sanga hoists Cedric up to TOSS him onto barriers! Veer and Shelton steady themselves and Shelton throws hands!

Veer shoves Shelton, kicks low, and then THROAT CHOPS! Shelton sputters, Veer tags Sanga, and Indus Sher gets Shelton up. Suplex onto the ropes, for Sanga to BOOT Shelton down! Indus Sher shout “NAMASTE!” and Jinder nods. Sanga then kicks Shelton around, tags Veer back in, and Indus Sher coordinate again. MILLION DOLLAR ELBOW SLAM!! Cover, Indus Sher wins!

Winners: Indus Sher, by pinfall

Even with the tables turned, these tigers tear into their opponents! Will nothing stop Veer & Sanga from hunting down a tag title opportunity?

Kevin & Sami talk more backstage.

Sami just thinks it’s for the best that Kevin learns to control his anger. But then a staffer bumps into them and spills his drink on Kevin! The man apologizes, Sami says Kevin hates getting wet, but Kevin keeps his cool. See? He doesn’t have an anger problem, just an idiot problem. That guy didn’t know what he was doing but- Oh, hey! Matt Riddle finds them! Sup, dudes? Sami says hey, tell them everything! Riddle says it has been one crazy Hot Bro Summer! But more importantly, has Kevin been watching movies? Honey, I Shrunk the Kids? Little Giants? OH MY GOSH, MATT!! Yes. Great movies! Great movies. Good luck, Matt. Thanks, bro!

Kevin heads out and Sami says Kevin’s going through something. Riddle says he can feel it. But will Riddle unleash some of his own rage against Imperium’s Impeccable German tonight?

Logan Paul is here!

And he’s already sitting on top of a ladder under the MITB briefcases. He wants the fans to get loud, because it’s always great to be in the state of Ohio. He feels the love. Walking down the aisle, seeing so many young kids full of ambition, untapped potential, and ready to achieve greatness just like he did. Y’all know but the best people come from Cleveland. LeBron James, Jerry Lawler, and Logan Paul. And when he looks back on his life here, he thinks about the moments that made him great. The moment that truly made him great, was when he left.

Fans boo but Logan says it’s true! When he left, he pursued his dream in Hollywood. They all stayed and froze their asses off in Winter. Logan came back, walked out, and it smelled like industrial steel. And LeBron is still stuck! But don’t boo that, cuz frankly, Logan is the best they have. No no no, you know! You know! Their people cannot stop losing! Jake Paul, his brother, just lost his last boxing match. Logan lost to Rollins at WrestleMania. Heck, The Miz just lost tonight! But mark his words, today is the day that Cleveland is done losing. Logan is going to singlehandedly put some respect back on this city’s name.

Fans are torn but Logan says that because he can, he called the WWE executives, and ya boi has a special invitation to MITB. Ladies and gentlemen, he will be IN the Men’s MITB Ladder Match on July 1st in London. He’ll win, cash it in, and take a title from whoever he wants, whenever he wants. Then he’ll come back to Cleveland, throw some shots back, and we go crazy! But wait! Here comes Ricochet! The King of Flight has a mic to tell Logan, “Wait, wait, wait, listen, listen. I just came out here, honestly, just to congratulate you. You are officially in the MITB ladder match. Congratulations.”

And yes, we all understand that Mr. Logan Paul has a very big social media presence. But check this. Ricochet knows, and everyone here knows, that the only reason Logan got added is cuz Ricochet does what he always does, and at the Royal Rumble, Ricochet made Logan Paul go viral! Fans cheer, but Ricochet has more. He doesn’t care how Logan got in, because it won’t change anything. It doesn’t change that Ricochet will walk out of London as Mr. MITB. And then after that- Here comes Shinsuke Nakamura! Nakamura says, “WOW~! Is this done deal? Logan Paul in the MITB Ladder match? Ricochet! Seriously? Did you say you don’t care? I CARE!”

Nakamura has more of a reason to win now. The King of Strong Style is gonna- LA KNIGHT!? Cleveland fires up as the Mega Star makes his way out. “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight looks at the ring and sees Ricochet, Nakamura and two guys as useless as basketball cleats. Then he sees a guy who makes video for 14 year old girls and calls himself a star! NAH NAH! There’s only ONE star. But here’s a gift for Logan. It’s a map. With this, Logan can follow it to find where to stick each and every one of those bottles of Prime. YEAH! That briefcase has Knight’s name on it! YEAH!! So what that means- IS THE LWO IS HERE!

Santos Escobar is all fired up and he says empty promises and lies are all he hears. Please excuse him. Logan, welcome to the party, papi. But none of that matters, cuz at the end of the day, at the end of MITB, the one who will represent LA RAZA and the L! W! O! But wait, it’s FIGHT NIGHT! Pete Dunne is here! Oh, so everyone’s got something to say? Logan doesn’t even know who Butch is! Dunne gets in to DECK LOGAN! And the brawl is on! Fans fire up as Santos TACKLES Ricochet outta the ring, Knight TOSSES Nakamura, and Dunne fires off on Logan! Knight leaps but Nakamura KICKS him outta the air!

Dunne rushes Logan but Logan throws him out to DECK Dunne in return! Dunne wipes out Santos and Ricochet, but then Logan FLIES! Direct hit on them all! Cleveland’s own is standing tall, and he takes a sip of Prime. Logan points to the briefcase, spits a la HHH, and then gets back in the ring. Logan sets up the ladder, climbs it, and enjoys the cheers and jeers as he touches the briefcase. The Maverick is ready to fly, but will he crash and burn in the UK?

Matt Riddle VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ GUNTHER!

The Original Bro took out the Pride of Italy, Giovanni Vinci, but there’s still another pawn between him and Der Ring General. Will Riddle remove the Impeccable German so that nothing can keep him from Gunther? Or will Ludwig say “NEIN” to Riddle going for the Intercontinental Championship?

Raw returns and Imperium makes their entrance. The bell rings, the two circle, and they tie up. Riddle powers Ludwig back but Ludwig turns it around. Ludwig swings, misses, and Riddle fires off kicks! Ludwig blocks one, but Riddle rolls and drags Ludwig down! ANKLE LOCK! Ludwig scrambles to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Riddle lets off to run in but Ludwig dodges. Riddle counter punches, but Ludwig blocks the kick to UPPERCUT! Gunther likes that as Ludwig bumps Riddle off buckles. Ludwig UPPERCUTS again, then puts Riddle in the ropes. Ludwig runs side to side to DROPKICK Riddle down!

Ludwig grins as he stands over Riddle, and then he drags Riddle up. But Riddle fires a forearm! Ludwig gives it back, they go back and forth, shot after shot! Ludwig kicks, CLUBS, spins, but into a GUT WRENCH SUPLEX! Riddle drags Ludwig up to GUT WRENCH SUPLEX again! BROTON! Ludwig bails out, Riddle goes to the apron, PENALTY KCIK! Down goes Ludwig but Gunther creeps up. Riddle tells him to back off but Ludwig CHOP BLOCKS Riddle from behind! And then DRAPING HALF HATCH to the floor! Riddle writhes and Imperium stands tall as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Ludwig knocks Riddle off the corner. Ludwig grins and adjusts, but Riddle goes up after him! Riddle SUPER FISHERMAN SUPLEXES!! Fans fire up while both men are down! Gunther is upset with his lieutenant while both men writhe. Riddle crawls and fans rally up. Riddle and Ludwig stand, and Riddle CHOPS! Ludwig CHOPS! They CHOP back and forth, then go to forearms! Riddle fires off palm strikes and a BOOT! Ludwig comes back, into a spin and PELE! Ludwig staggers, Riddle kips up and powers up to forearm smash! Then runs side to side to forearm smash! BROSPLODER!

Riddle keeps moving, but Ludwig ducks the Penalty Kick and avoids the standing moonsault! BROTON onto knees! Fans rally for the Bro and he gets Ludwig with a headscissor to the outside! Springboard FLOATING BRO ATTACK! Gunther is upset as Riddle puts Ludwig back in and fisherman, BACK TO THE FUTURE! Cradle cover, TWO!! Ludwig survives but Riddle drags him back up. Gut wrench, but Ludwig slips free to shove and UPPERCUT! Riddle wobbles into an ENZIGURI! Ludwig brings Riddle in, but Riddle wrenches out to ROUNDHOUSE! FINAL FLASH! Springboard, but Ludwig SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, TWO!!

Ludwig is shocked and Gunther shouts for him to keep going! Ludwig runs in at the corner, to CHOP! GAMANGIRI! HALF HATCH! Riddle flounders and Ludwig goes up the corner, to FLYING- GERMAN SUPLEX! Ludwig staggers up into the gut wrench, tuck and BRO DEREK!! Cover, Riddle wins!

Winner: Matt Riddle, by pinfall

Gunther is stunned that The Bro beat his second-in-command! But then Gunther runs in at Riddle! Riddle fires off kicks first! Gunther blocks one to SWEEP the leg! Gunther shouts at Ludwig to go after Riddle! Ludwig rains down fists, fans boo, but Imperium still mugs Riddle! Ludwig traps Riddle’s arms so Gunther can drive a knee into Riddle’s leg! And then STOMP it! Imperium has avenged Vinci, but Riddle only come back with more rage?

Medical helps Riddle to the back.

That leg is hurting so they want him to take it easy. Will The Bro be able to even walk at this point?

Sami and Kevin talk some more.

Sami says Kevin’s interaction with Riddle was in a grey area. Kevin came close. When Riddle said, “Hot Bro Summer,” a vein started to pop in Kevin’s forehead. No, it didn’t! But then Ludwig & Gunther walk over. What? What? Why again? No one called them, no one wants to see them, why are they here? Ludwig tells Kevin not to get heated. He just wanted to be sure these two have seen what happened to Riddle out there. And if they did, then if Kevin & Sami aren’t really careful, the same exact thing will happen to them. Kevin asks if anyone’s ever told Ludwig he’s too long winded. Can’t he just get to the point?

Sami wants Kevin to cool off, they’re going to put this on pause. Sami shows Kevin his phone and says they have something to take care of. Kevin says okay. They head out and say they’ll deal with Imperium another time. Sami and Kevin clink their belts at Imperium, but what business could this be?

The Alpha Academy trains Maxxine Dupri.

Chad Gable shows her the “Gable Grip” and how to use it in a suplex. Bam! Perfect form! Except for the guy taking it. Go take a lap! Maxxine says she is so ready for whatever “Valhalla” is gonna throw at her this week. Gable says she did surprise everyone, because they underestimated Gable’s coaching abilities. But he is confident Maxxine needs to be ready. Don’t get cocky, don’t be arrogant, be prepared. Remember: it is all in the hips! Show ’em, Otis! HIPS! Great thrust. Now, here goes. Maxxine gets her training partner, facelock and waistband, and… Well, leaving us in suspense! Will Maxxine get to strut her stuff tonight?

The Alpha Academy w/ Maxxine Dupri VS The Viking Raiders w/ Sarah Logan!

The teams sort out, Gable starts with Erik in a rematch from a couple weeks ago. They tie up, Erik wrenches an arm to a wristlock but Gable rolls, bridges, handsprings and spins to headlock, spin and wrench again. Gable facelocks, suplexes, and fans fire up! “A THANK YEW~!” Maxxine says she saw the hips! Tag to Ivar, and Gable looks to Otis. Fans fire up as Otis tags in! The Dozer and the War Beard circle, tie up, and throw hands! Otis headlocks, Ivar powers out, but Otis CLOBBERS Ivar! Ivar goes to a corner, Otis runs in and SPLASHES! Ivar staggers, wobbles, and falls into the drop zone!

Fans fire up and Otis tears off the shirt! But Erik rushes in! Otis CLOBBERS Erik, but Ivar BOOTS Otis down! Ivar hobbles, hitting Otis that hard! Tag to Erik, the Vikings mug Otis, and then Erik drags Otis back up. Erik RAMS Otis into the corner, tags Ivar, and the Vikings mug Otis some more. Fans rally as Ivar facelocks Otis, but Otis powers his way forward! Fans cheer and the Alphas coach Otis on as he keeps moving. But Ivar KNEES and CLUBS Otis down! Ivar drags Otis back up, but Otis suplexes Ivar! Fans fire up as both big men are down! Otis and Ivar crawl, hot tags to Erik and Gable!

Gable fires hands and chops and knees and uppercuts! Erik swings, misses and Gable mule kicks! Gable runs, ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Ivar returns, but into a clinch! Ivar fights the Exploder, Gable dodges the lariat, and Gable clohteslines Ivar up and out! Erik runs in, into the clinch! EXPLODER! The Vikings regroup outside and Cleveland says ‘A THANK YEW~!” with Gable! Gable goes up a corner, Sarah freaks out as Gable ARIHARA MOONSAULTS! Down go the Vikings, and Gable puts Erik in! Gable hurries back up top, takes aim, DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!!

Erik survives but Sarah is still beside herself. Sarah gets on the apron, but Maxxine storms over! Maxxine YANKS Sarah down, reels her in, and SNAP SUPLEXES! Fans are thunderous, Otis celebrates with Maxxine, but Erik gets Gable for a FULL NELSON SMASH!! Cover, the Vikings win!!

Winners: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall

Maxxine & Otis realize what happened and are stunned! Well, things are now split between these teams, not including Maxxine’s moral victories. Will Gable & Otis regroup and come up with a surefire way to get even?

The Judgment Day talks at gorilla position.

Dominik says it doesn’t matter who Cody has. At the end of the day, they’re not on the same page like the Judgment Day. Rhea asks if Finn and Priest are on the same page. Finn says, “Yeah, we’re cool.” Priest says their issues aren’t with each other. They’re good. Good. Because Rhea looks forward to them teaching Cody a lesson after he talked bad on The Judgment Day. But right now, she has her own business with Natalya. Rhea heads out, sans Dom. Will Mami do bad all by herself?

Rhea Ripley VS Natalya!

Raw returns and Cathy Kelley interviews The Queen of Harts at gorilla. After everything that happened at Night of Champions, how has she prepared differently for this match? What happened at NOC rocked Natty to her core. Rhea beat her dominantly and quickly. Natty is just still trying to figure out where she fits in. But tonight is a second chance for her to prove to Rhea that she belongs, and perhaps, most importantly, a chance to prove to herself that she belongs. Natty makes her entrance now, has she already lost before the bell’s even rung?

Rhea CLOBBERS Natty off the apron!! Rhea goes out after Natty, fires off hands and stomps and she kicks Natty around the way. Rhea drags Natty up to TOSS into barriers! And then she RAMS Natty into steel steps! Rhea drags Natty up and RAMS her into the apron! The ref reprimands but the match isn’t official yet! Rhea says Natty thinks she’s real smart to get in the ring with her again. HEADBUTT! Rhea puts Natty in the ring, drags her up, and the ref calls out back-up. RIPTIDE!! Rhea looms over the Queen of Harts but the refs and producers tell her to leave. Rhea grins, having done enough damage. Will anyone ever stop the WWE Women’s World Champion?

No Contest

Backstage interview with Raquel Rodriguez.

Raquel glares at the screen showing Rhea talking trash as Cathy asks her how she feels about her Women’s MITB qualifier tonight. Raquel says it is always an honor to step into the ring with a legend like Trish Stratus. And though Raquel has her eyes on the MITB contract, she can’t help but bring up what Rhea just did to Natty. “That is not okay.” When Raquel does become Ms. MITB, she’ll make sure to cash-in on Rhea and remind her that she’s not the biggest fish- Oh, what was that, Raquel? Rhea walks in through the curtain to get in Raquel’s face. Raquel smiles and tells “Mami,” that she better hope Trish wins. Because Rhea ain’t ready for Raquel Rodriguez.

The two stare down, but Raquel’s music hits. Raquel moves on, will she get through a living legend to then go after this legend in the making?

Cody Rhodes stretches in the back.

And Akira Tozawa walks up. If Cody’s still looking for partners, don’t worry about it. He’s your man! Cody appreciates that, he’ll consider it. Thanks, Akira. Love the hair. Tozawa heads out, but then Sami & Kevin walk over. They got his text. If he’s got a problem with The Judgment Day, that means they’ve got a problem with the Judgment Day. He helped them on the Road to WrestleMania, they didn’t forget that. Any time he needs help, they have his back. Cody says Tozawa did just offer, but- Oh, no! They’re too late! C’mon, man, Kevin’s been holding in his temper, he’s been wanting to punch someone out, and now they can’t even do it!

No, no, Cody didn’t accept Tozawa’s offer. Tonight here, he couldn’t ask for better partners than the Undisputed Tag Team Champions. O-Oh. He gets to punch people in the face? Let’s go! Kevin is all excited now, and Sami tells Cody, “See you in the main event.” They fist bump and the team is set! Will the American Nightmare and two Canadian Prizefighters take it to Finn, Priest & Dom?

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Trish Stratus w/ Zoey Stark VS Raquel Rodriguez!

Raw returns as Trish makes her entrance, her new protégé by her side. The bell rings and the two stare down. They tie up but Trish kicks low! Trish fires off hands from all slides, CLUBS Raquel then KICKS her! Raquel just scowls at Trish. Raquel swings, Trish dodges, but Raquel catches Trish’s Thesz Press into a bearhug! Trish fights but Raquel thrashes her around! Trish is almost a ragdoll as Raquel SLAMS her down! Raquel drags Trish up, scoops her, and carries her around before the SLAM! Raquel tells Trish to get up, then puts her in a corner. Raquel SPLASHES Trish, then drags her back up.

Trish holds ropes, Zoey protests and the ref has Raquel back off. Raquel rushes back in, gets Trish in a waistlock but Trish fires elbows. Trish SLAPS Raquel! Raquel frowns again and Trish says hold on. But Raquel RAMS her into a corner! And again! And again! And again! The ref counts, Raquel lets off to whip Trish corner to corner hard! Raquel runs in but Trish sends her into the POST! Zoey coaches Trish to keep going and Trish goes up to TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO!! Raquel survives but Trish covers again, TWO! Trish pulls Raquel’s hair, covers again, TWO! Trish is frustrated, so she dribbles Raquel off the mat.

Trish smothers Raquel into the mat, but lets off as the ref reprimands. Trish dribbles Raquel off the mat again, then runs to KICK Raquel in the side! Fans boo but Trish CHOKES Raquel on the ropes! The ref counts, Trish goes up and she brings Raquel up for a HANGING SLEEPER! At least, it would be hanging if Raquel wasn’t so tall. Raquel carries Trish out as a backpack, to RAM her into buckles! Raquel runs in but Trish dodge! Raquel’s leg gets stuck in the ropes and Trish RAMS into Raquel! And climbs up to pull the hair and pull Raquel against the ropes! But Raquel powers up to bring Trish out, only for Trish to RANA her into buckles!

Trish rolls Raquel up, TWO!! Trish is frustrated but Zoey says to use the ring. Trish has her HOF ring on her finger and she DECKS Raquel!! Then into the CAMEL CLUTCH!! Raquel endures, fans rally, but Trish fishhooks her! Raquel just powers up to carry Trish, swing her around and SIDEWALK SLAM!! Trish staggers up, but Raquel HEADBUTTS her to a corner! Raquel runs in to SPLASH! Raquel drags Trish back out, scoops her, and SNAKE EYES off the buckles! Raquel runs back in, but Trish dodges, only for the SOUTHPAW to hit! Fans fire up as Raquel hauls Trish back up!

Raquel scoops Trish for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Trish flops all the way outta the ring! The ref has Zoey stay back as Raquel storms out after Trish. Raquel puts Trish in, glares at Zoey, but Trish distracts the ref, talking about a bad neck. Zoey trips Raquel on the apron! Trish POSTS Raquel again! Trish drags Raquel in to cover, TWO!! Fans fire up because Becky Lynch is here! She CLOBBERS Zoey and tosses her all around! Trish goes out after Trish but Becky SLAMS Trish! THAT’S A DISQUALIFICATION!!

Winner: Trish Stratus, by disqualification (advances to MITB)

Becky can’t believe it! She just got outsmarted by Trish! But then she chases Trish off! Trish & Zoey regroup and retreat, because now they’re BOTH going to MITB! Raquel is upset with Becky but Becky says it was an accident. Will Becky just have to take down both Trish & Zoey in one match?

Backstage interview with Bron Breakker.

Cathy welcomes Bron and says reports are unclear if Seth Rollins is going to be able to compete on NXT tomorrow night, but he is still set to face him in a match for the World Heavyweight Championship? What are his thoughts on this? The Big Bad Booty Nephew says surely, Seth isn’t gonna use what happened to him tonight as some sort of excuse. Rollins talks such a big game about being the workhorse, night in and night out. Bron has been waiting for this opportunity. And if you think what Finn did to Rollins was bad, you haven’t seen anything yet. Bron promises to hurt Seth Freakin’ Rollins “really freakin’ bad.”

And who knows? Maybe the docs prescribe Rollins enough “courage” so he can make it to NXT. But get used to seeing this face on Monday nights, because he will be the NEW World Heavyweight Champion. Will Bron be #MeanerThanEvil on Raw as well as NXT?

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

Byron asks The Man about her accidentally helping Trish qualify for MITB. What happened there? Becky says, “I screwed myself.” Or did she? Cuz now, Becky gets Trish in a match with ladders. Look at this way: Becky has enemies in Damage Control, Trish & Zoey, and it’s not like she’s good friends with Zelina Vega or anything. So it’ll just go one of two ways. Either Becky overcomes this giant mountain she’s created, climb a ladder, grab the briefcase and become Miss MITB. Or… She goes down in a blaze of glory and takes Trish & Zoey with her. Is the UK gonna be ready for The Big Time?

Shinsuke Nakamura VS Bronson Reed!

The King of Strong Style already beat the Colossal Aussie once to qualify for MITB, but it wasn’t enough to keep him away. Will one more Kinshasa tell Bronson to leave it alone? Or will he wash Nakamura away with a Tsunami?

Raw returns and Bronson makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two rush in! DYNAMIC DROPKICK from Nakamura! Bronson ends up in a corner, and Nakamura gives him GOOD VIBRATIONS! The ref counts, Nakamura brings Reed up to uppercut, knee, and snapmare! KNEE DROP! Cover, ONE! Nakamura fires more knees, runs, but into a BODY CHECK! ELBOW DROP! Fans cheer as Auszilla looms over Nakamura. Bronson drags Nakamura up, HEADBUTTS him, then brings him into a bearhug! Nakamura endures, fights up, but Bronson CLUBS him down! Fans rally for Nakamura and Nakamura fires forearms!

Bronson CHOPS Nakamura off his feet! Bronson drags Nakamura up to HEADBUTT! But Nakamura PELES! Bronson ends up in a corner., Nakamura runs in but blocks boots. Nakamura puts Bronson in ropes, KICKS him, then runs, SLIDING GERMAN! The fans cheer, but Nakamura spots Ricochet walking up. Ricochet asks what’s up, he just wants to see this match. Nakamura tells Ricochet to go away, then goes back to the ring as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Nakamura fights out of a fireman’s carry, only for Bronson to DECK him! Bronson drags Nakamura up, CHOPS him again, and even Ricochet is stinging while he sits at ringside. Nakamura goes to a corner, Bronson runs in, but Nakamura dodges! Bronson hits buckles and Nakamura hits an ENZIGURI! Nakamura then goes up to FLYING KNEE! Down goes Bronson! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Nakamura stomps Bronson. Nakamura facelocks, drags Bronson up, but Bronson wrenches out, ripcords and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO! Nakamura is still in this and Ricochet seems impressed.

Bronson drags Nakamura up, scoops but Nakamura shifts to get a TRIANGLE HOLD! Fans fire up but Bronson stays on his feet to deadlift and POWERBOMB! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura survives and Ricochet applauds, though maybe sarcastically. Bronson sees Nakamura go to the apron, and BLASTS him off! Bronson then goes to the apron to FLYING SHOULDER TACKLE! Bronson soaks up the heat from the fans, then drags Nakamura up. Bronson brings Nakamura around, and throws him at Ricochet! But Ricochet’s ready and gives Nakamura his seat! Then Ricochet KICKS the chair to send Nakamura into Bronson!

Bronson wobbles, and Nakamura glares at Ricochet. Ricochet dares him to do something. But then Bronson ROCKS Nakamura and puts him in the ring. Bronson glares at Ricochet and Ricochet says worry about Nakamura. Ricochet picks his chair up, but Bronson reels him in to send him into the steel steps! Bronson gets in, ducks a roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK! Ricochet storms up, Nakamura aims at Bronson. Nakamura runs in, but Bronson sends him into Ricochet! And then SAIDO for Nakamura! Bronson drags Nakamura into the drop zone, goes up the corner, and fans fire up for the TSUNAMI!! Cover, Bronson wins!

Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall

The behemoth used two kings against each other to stand tall! Bronson may not be in the MITB match, but will he be ready to crush anyone and everyone with a title over the summer?

Seth Rollins speaks.

“The question’s floating around out there, will I or won’t I? Can I? Can’t I? And to be honest with ya, they took me from the arena tonight to get X-rays on my ribs. But I don’t really give a damn what these doctors tell me. I don’t stop, and I don’t make excuses. So, Mr. Badass Bron Breakker… I’ll be at NXT tomorrow, World Heavyweight title on the line, and I’m not going all the way back home to lose. And as for Finn Balor… There’s the guy that beat me seven years ago. Welcome back. MITB can’t come soon enough.” The Visionary is ready to #BurnItDown, will he start with NXT Gold Rush?

Six Man Tag: The Judgment Day VS Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn!

Finn, Priest, Dom & Rhea all say they run Monday nights, and they just about ran the show this week. But will they be able to finish strong after calling out The American Nightmare? Or will Cody and the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions humble this fearsome foursome once and for all?

Raw returns as the Judgment Day makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Priest starts against Cody, but Cody wants Dom. Dom says okay, and he tags in. Fans boo Dom but we’re getting an MITB appetizer. But then Dom tags right out to Finn. Fans boo even more and Rhea laughs at Cody thinking it was gonna be that easy. Finn and Cody circle, tie up, and Finn headlocks. Cody powers up but Finn holds tight. Cody powers out but Finn runs him over! Cover, ONE, but Finn is after the bad arm. Finn wrenches to wristlock but Cody cartwheels and wrenches back. Cody hammerlocks, headlocks, but Finn powers out.

Things speed up and Cody catches Finn to a fireman’s carry! GUTBUSTER RACK! Then Cody brings Finn up, but Finn RAMS him into the corner! Finn RAMS Cody again and again, the ref counts, but Finn tags to Dom. Cody turns things around on Finn but Dom CHOPS Cody on the back! Cody scowls but Dom slips out of the ring to hide behind Mami Rhea. Fans boo and Cody waits patiently as Dom comes back. Tag to Priest, so Cody tags to Sami. Sami and Priest circle, fans insult Dom, and Priest powers Sami to a corner. The ref counts, Priest lets off but he fires off hands and stomps on Sami! The ref counts again and Priest lets off.

Priest grins as he brings Sami back up to whip corner to corner. Priest runs in but Sami elbows back! Sami goes up and leaps, AX HANDLE! Cover, ONE!! Sami facelocks Priest but Priest powers Sami to the corner. Dom tags in and he stomps Sami. Fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~” for Sami. Dom kicks but Sami ROCKS him in return! And again! And again! Dom kicks low, CLUBS Sami, then reels him in for some Latino Heat. Fans boo but Sami suplexes Dom first! Sami drags Dom up, ROCKS him, then whips him. Dom reverses but Sami BOOTS back! Dom staggers, Finn gets in and they both distract the ref so Rhea can CLOBBER Sami!

Fans boo as Rhea laughs. Cody and Kevin protest but Rhea high-fives Priest as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Priest has Sami in the corner. Priest runs in, BACK ELBOW, and then a tag to Finn. Priest snapmares Sami, Finn slingshot STOMPS! Tag to Dom and he slingshot SENTONS! Dom tags out to Finn again, and Finn tags Priest back in. They coordinate to BACKBREAKER and LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Rhea is mad at the ref but Priest taunts Kevin. Kevin is ready to blow but Priest DEKCS him! Priest aims at Sami in the open corner, runs in, but Sami avoids the splash! Priest hits off the post even! Sami crawls, Priest staggers, hot tag to Dom! Dom DECKS Cody!

Fans boo as Dom drags Sami away to tag Finn. Finn stomps Sami, bumps him off buckles and CHOPS! Finn whips corner to corner to CHOP! Finn whips corner to corner, runs in, but Sami CLOBBERS Finn! Fans are thunderous as both men are down! Finn tries to keep Sami from crawling, but Sami kicks him away! Finn hurries, as does Sami, hot tags to Dom and Kevin! Fans explode as Kevin CHOPS and fires off hands on Dom-Dom! The ref counts as Kevin stomps a mudhole into that dummy! Then Kevin DECKS Priest from the apron! Kevin goes out after Dom to CLOBBER him on the ramp!

Kevin drags Dom up, brings him around and puts him in the ring. Dom staggers, swings on Kevin, but Kevin dodges to SUPERKICK! Dom goes to a corner, Kevin says “SUCK IT!” CANNONBALL! Cover, TWO!! Rhea is relieved but Kevin is still all fired up. Kevin drags Dom up, whips, but Finn sneaks a tag! Dom slips out of the pop-up and Finn gets the FINAL CUT! Cover, TWO! Finn rains down fists on Kevin, stomps him some more, then paces. Rhea fans off Dom while Finn SLINGBLADES Kevin! Fans boo as Finn takes aim. SUPERKICK from Kevin first! Cody is back! Kevin crawls, as does Finn, hot tags to Priest and Cody!

The American Nightmare dodges Priest to CLOBBER him! Kick and RHODES UPEPRCUT! Cody goes to a corner, Priest runs in but Cody goes up and over! POWERSLAM! Cleveland is thunderous again as Cody hits the BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives but Cody keeps his focus. Cody takes aim and goes up the corner, but Rhea distracts! Cody tells her to get down from the apron. Priest choke grips Cody! SOUTH OF HEAVEN!!! Cover, SAMI BREAKS IT! Dom rushes in to fire off on Sami! Fans boo but Sami whips Dom outta the ring! Dom almost falls on Rhea, but then Sami DECKS Dom!

Rhea catches her Dom-Dom, then gets up on the apron. The ref reprimands but Sami just smirks. Fans say “YES! YES! YES!” and Rhea dares him to do something. Sami runs and FLIES over Rhea to take out Dom!! Rhea is freaking out, Cody hits a CODY CUTTER on Priest!! Cover, TWO!!! Priest survives and fans are shocked! Cody is frustrated, but Kevin reaches out. Only for Priest to go after Kevin! They brawl, Kevin getting to vent all his frustration! Kevin RAMS Finn into barriers! But Priest rolls Cody! TWO! Cody escapes, but Priest ROCKS him with a right! And then runs to springboard, but into an ARM BRACE SHOT!! Cover, DOM breaks it!

Fans boo Dom as he rains down fists on Cody. The ref reprimands but Kevin goes after Dom now! Dom knees low, throws Kevin out, and he has Cody on the ropes! Dom mocks his own father, dials it up, but Sami CLOBBERS Dom! Dom ends up in a corner, Sami runs in, HELLUVA KICK!! Dom is then sent into a STUNNER from Kevin! Cody waits on Priest, CROSS RHODES!! Cover, Cody and team win!!

Winners: Cody Rhodes, Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn, by pinfall

Adrenaline is definitely in their souls as they take down the Judgment Day! Will they not run Monday nights after all? Will Cody, Kevin & Sami all be running wild this Summer?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw here with a lot going on. Great stuff with Judgment Day from start to finish. I suppose it’s fine that Finn “ruined” the Open Challenge Rollins had planned, it adds heat to their match at MITB. Plus, good promo from Bron Breakker here to add to the title match tomorrow night. Bron will be the big bad Heel with a seeming advantage, and Rollins will come out looking even stronger for winning while beat up. Good group promo from Judgment Day to call out Cody and set up the main event. I had a feeling it was gonna be Kevin & Sami for use of continuity when they worked together against The Bloodline. The main event was awesome stuff, and that win gives the Faces great momentum in their respective stories.

Speaking of which, good stuff with Sami saying Kevin is a “rageaholic” and needs to work on his anger. As such, hilarious stuff as Kevin struggled when interacting with Riddle and Imperium. Riddle VS Ludwig was a great match and I figured Riddle would win. The beatdown was a good tough, too, as Imperium gets more Heel heat. Riddle VS Gunther is still the natural course of action but Imperium also keeps getting at Kevin & Sami, so maybe we get more singles matches out of them. And Rhea just beating down Natty to where it was a No Contest, this helps build Rhea up while also adding to Natty’s “crisis of confidence” story.

I’ve said it already on these Raw articles, but I’m still looking forward to when the many trios/factions collide. Good stuff from Indus Sher with Cedric & Shelton, they could give Imperium and even Judgment Day a run for their money as they go after the tag titles. Would also love seeing them against Alpha Academy. Good stuff out of them tonight, and of course Maxxine hits another standard move on “Valhalla.” This time it costs the Academy their tag match win, but I’m hoping we get to see Maxxine VS Sarah, and even a Mixed Six like we’ve been seeing in NXT with The Schism, Diamond Mine and Chase U.

What a great surprise that Ciampa returned tonight. A little disappointed there was no Johnny Gargano, though, since he’s also from Cleveland. But it was a great move to have Ciampa return as a Face, with his old NXT theme, and just beating up on The Miz, who tried to have Ciampa as more a sidekick than a teammate. I can’t wait for Ciampa to reunite with Gargano so that DIY can finally be here on Raw and get in on the tag division. I can only imagine how awesome a match of Kevin & Sami VS Ciampa & Gargano will be, as well as all possible singles match possibilities that would help lead to a potential tag title match.

And of course, great stuff out of the MITB stories. Logan Paul getting in on the men’s match just from status alone is fine, it gives him plenty of Heel heat since pretty much most fans, even those in Cleveland, despite him. Good promo from him, from the others, but of course Dunne was the best cuz he skipped talking and just punched Logan in the face. Logan jinxes himself by touching the briefcase, as all he really deserves are his high spots we all know he’ll go for, and then he’ll crash through a ladder or table and essentially take himself out. The real winners of the Men’s MITB should be Priest or LA Knight. Priest for story, Knight because everyone absolutely loves him, even me.

Though, with what we saw out of Bronson, Ricochet and Nakamura this week, I really wish Bronson was the guy who powered his way into the match. Bronson wins big using Ricochet and Nakamura against each other, he could easily take this as evidence to Pearce that he deserves something, but that decision will have to be made clear next week on the go-home as MITB is only a dozen days away. MITB matches have usually been eight participants, Logan is the seventh, and a Tsunami off the ladder from Bronson would be pretty cool, too.

On the women’s side, Rhea beating down Natty like that also serves to give Raquel a reason to go after Rhea and revisit their NXT feud. Raquel VS Trish was great stuff, and it was very clever that Becky mistakenly costs Raquel her spot. Becky also has a good promo to frame her situation as being surrounded by enemies, even considering the ladder match is meant to be everyone for themselves. There’s also intriguing parallels between Trish & Zoey and DMG CTRL. Trish and Bayley are both using Zoey and Iyo to put themselves over, but those could backfire on them both during the ladder match. I’m thinking if it isn’t Becky, it should be Iyo winning as Iyo will go Face upon breaking away from Bayley.

My Score: 8.7/10