Will The Judgment Day truly run Monday nights?

In his first defense of the NEW World Heavyweight Championship, Seth Rollins defend against Damian Priest! Will this be the Visionary’s Judgment Day?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Becky Lynch VS Sonya Deville w/ Chelsea Green; Becky wins and advances to MITB.
• Kevin Owens w/ Sami Zayn VS GUNTHER w/ Imperium; Gunther wins.
• Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Ronda & Shayna win.
• Ricochet VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins, by disqualification.
• Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Zoey Stark w/ Trish Stratus VS Natalya; Zoey wins and advances to MITB.
• Indus Sher w/ Jinder Mahal & Cedric Alexander & Shelton Benjamin; No Contest.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Damian Priest; Rollins wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Seth Rollins heads to the ring!

Fans cheer as The Visionary, in a suit as shiny as his World Heavyweight Championship, swaggers down the ramp. And of course, Rollins revels in the fans singing “WHOA~ OH~ OHHH~!” Rollins then gets the mic to tell Hartford, Connecticut, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins!” Rollins has to tell us, that one week as World Heavyweight Champion has been a non-stop partay~! But in the midst of it all, Rollins got to thinking, “When was the last time we had a Heavyweight Championship match right here live on Raw?” And he had to go into the Way Back Machine, because it has been nearly two years!

Fans boo that it’s been that long, but Rollins says he though to himself, “Two years is too damn long.” So what he did is that he went to the Twitterverse, and he put out the challenge for the world title right here tonight in Hartford! And that open challenge was answered by the Judgment Day’s Damian Priest. Fans boo but Rollins says, “I gotta be honest with you guys. I’m kinda psyched about it.” And he is psyched because he said he wanted all the fights and to fight the best. Love ’em or hate ’em, Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Ripley, Finn Balor & Damian Priest are as good as it gets. And Rollins looks forward to the match here tonight to show us all that as good as they are, they just ain’t him!

Because Rollins is a Visionary! Rollins is a Revolutionary! But wait, here comes the Judgment Day. Finn & Priest go down the ramp and Rollins asks them why! Why are they coming out here now while he’s saying all these nice things about them and then they interrupt. Wait, wait, there’s only two of them so where are Dom & Rhea? Are they sneaking in from the fans? Are they making out under the ring? Ew, never mind. But Priest tells Rollins that Dom & Rhea have their own business to worry about. And Rollins should only be worrying about Priest. Wait, just Priest? But it’s not just Priest, cuz Finn is here so…

Rollins knows they’re boys, but do they do everything together? Does Finn hold the door open for Priest when they go to nice restaurants? Or maybe on the playground, do they hold hands going down the slide? Or what about going to the bathroom? Does Finn- Finn stops Rollins there. Mr. Funny Man with the funny clothes and the funny dance and the funny jokes and everyone loves Seth Freakin’ Rollins~! And everyone just loves to sing his song~! They do, though. Well, no one is gonna love seeing Priest beating Rollins and taking the title from him tonight! Fans boo and Rollins smiles, but Priest says he has to be honest. He does think Rollins is a deserving champion.

Rollins’ resume speaks for itself. Everyone he’s been int he ring with, he’s beat. But so has Priest. Tonight, that World Heavyweight Championship… Well, Rollins making an Open Challenge, as foolish as it sounds, he has a set. Priest appreciates that. Because Priest didn’t think he’d get this opporutnity, so he’ll take it. And he will not fall. Priest wants to be clear: he doesn’t need Dom, Rhea or Finn ringside to beat Rollins for the title. Oh, is that so, big man? Rollins likes that! But to be honest, Rollins knows that if it’s just them, Priest doesn’t stand a chance. So what does Priest say he puts his money where his mouth is?

For the World Heavyweight Championship in the main event tonight, Priest is to leave his crew in the back. And truth be told, definitely leave the Prince in the back, he doesn’t do too well in fights against Rollins. Rollins pokes Finn in the shoulder, referencing the barrier bomb that took him out. Finn tells Rollins doesn’t decide how this goes down! But Priest says it’s cool. Priest accepts that stipulation. But at the end of the night, Priest will be the NEW World Heavyweight Champion. And Rollins will just go down in history with one of the shortest reigns ever. Rollins laughs and says he loves it! Rollins VS Priest, 1v1, no Judgment Day!

But any way you slice it, this title reign is already longer than Finn’s! See ya in the main event! Rollins struts away, but will he face punishment for poking fun at the Prince?

Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match Qualifier: Becky Lynch VS Sonya Deville w/ Chelsea Green!

The Man has some bones to pick with Trish Stratus & Zoey Stark, but she also wants to get back to the top of the mountain. Will Becky begin that #BigTime climb here tonight? Or will the Pride Fighter get the better of a distracted opponent?

Raw returns as The Complaint Department makes their entrance. The bell rings, Sonya and Becky circle, but Chelsea distracts Becky with trash talk. Sonya rushes in, Becky dodges, and Sonya stops from hitting Chelsea! Becky then catches Sonya but Sonya fights off the clinch. Becky fires forearms and a SOBAT, then she kicks at Chelsea, But Sonya throws Becky by her hair! Sonya dribbles Becky off buckles, stomps a mudhole in, but lets off as the ref counts. Sonya soaks up the heat and stalks Becky to a corner to smother Becky! The ref counts, Sonya lets off and she snapmares Becky into a chinlock.

Sonya grinds Becky down but fans rally up. Becky fights up, but Sonya throws her by her hair again! Becky stands on Becky’s hair, drags her up and ROCKS her with a forearm. Sonya fires forearms, has Becky on the ropes, but Becky elbows back! Becky goes to a corner, BOOTS Sonya, then LARIATS! Fans fire up as Becky rallies and CALF KICKS! Becky rolls, fans fire up, and Becky runs in to clothesline! And JUMP KICK! And then clinch for the BECKSPLODER! Fans fire up again and Becky runs corner to corner but Sonya dodges. Becky elbows her again, goes up, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!

Fans rally for Becky, but here comes Trish! And Zoey, too. They distract Becky and Sonya waistlocks. Becky switches, Sonya switches, repeat! They go around and around but Becky gets Sonya for a REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Becky hurries after Sonya but Sonya bails out. Becky is annoyed now that she has even more pests to worry about, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Sonya has Becky on the top rope. Becky resists so Sonya throws body shots. But Becky throws those back! They brawl, Sonya brings Becky up top, and hits a SUPERPLEX! Chelsea cheers, Sonya covers, TWO! Becky is still in this, to the chagrin of Chelsea, Zoey and Trish. Fans rally up as Becky rises, and she goes to Sonya. Sonya throws the first forearm, but Becky gives it back! Sonya throws another, but Becky gives it back! They go back and forth, faster and faster, and Becky gets the edge! Sonya shoves Becky, Becky comes back with BIG forearms! Sonya bails out, Chelsea hurries, but Becky builds speed!

Becky WRECKS Sonya with a dropkick! Then she goes out to fetch Sonya into the ring. Chelsea storms up and BOOTS Becky while the ref is distracted! Chelsea puts Becky in for Sonya’s KNEE!! Cover, TWO!! Becky survives and Chelsea is furious! Sonya thinks of what she has to do, and she tells Becky, “Who do you think you are?” Sonya stands Becky up, pie faces her, then brings her up again. But Becky throws body shots! Sonya throws forearms, Becky kicks then ENZIGURIS! Sonya goes to a corner, Becky runs in but Sonya puts her on the apron. Becky ROCKS Sonya, then DECKS Chelsea!

Becky CLOBBERS Chelsea, RAMS her into barriers, and then RAMS her in again! The Hot Mess gets tossed AGAIN! Sonya goes out but Becky TOSSSES her, too! Becky RAMS Sonya back into barriers, the ring count is climbing, but Becky RAMS Sonya into more barriers! Becky puts Sonya in at 8 of 10 and fans fire up as she storms up, to MAN- NO, Sonya gets free, rolls Becky up, TWO! DISARM-HER! But Sonya flails, fights around, and shoves Becky into ropes! Then she pushes Becky down for a cover, and Chelsea holds Sonya’s feet on the ropes! TWO!!! Becky escapes and the Complaint Department can’t accept that!

Sonya drags Becky up, throws forearms and body shots, then fast hands from all sides! Sonya aims from a corner, goes up, and leaps, but Becky catches her! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, Becky wins!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

Even against Big Time odds, Becky wins a spot in the ladder match! Zoey Stark has her own match later tonight, will The Hunter be able to keep up with her prey?

Backstage interview with Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn.

Byron Saxton walks over to the Undisputed Tag Team Champions and asks them their take on what we saw on Friday Night SmackDown. Sami says he isn’t the type to say, “I told you so,” which Kevin scoffs at. But Sami says it is nice to see the Usos do what they should’ve done months ago, Well, Jimmy is, we still have to see what Jey will do. Though, not really their problem anymore. But then Imperium walks over. Ludwig Kaiser says they’re right about one thing: The Bloodline isn’t their problem. But as long as they are the tag team champions, Imperium IS their problem.

Kevin asks if they learned anything from last week. They aren’t supposed to show up unless someone call for them! No one here said their name! They broke the unwritten rule! Doesn’t Ludwig have some turtleneck shopping to do? But then Gunther walks up. Kevin asks him what, and Gunther tells “Mr. Owens” that he needs to control his temper. He lacks discipline. Gunther is a disciplined man, and it looks like he must teach Kevin discipline. Oh, well, guess what? Kevin has a solution: a ring with thousands of people ready to watch Kevin kick Gunther’s ass! Let’s go do that! Kevin storms off towards gorilla, Sami goes with him. Is this really happening now?!

Kevin & Sami head to the ring!

Yes, this IS happening now! The Prizefighter goes right into the ring, the Great Liberator following behind. Will management greenlight a match with Der Ring General?

Kayden Carter & Katana Chance speak.

“There’s no greater freedom than being underestimated.” When you bring the party and have as much fun as they do, people will think you don’t have the talent to back it up. Kayden is an NCAA champion and a collegiate hall of fame point guard while Katana is a Division I gymnast with 18 YEARS experience, and the first woman ever to conquer the American Ninja Warrior warped wall. They were the longest reigning NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions, and did things no one had ever seen before. Their dynamic is unmatched. And to the fans, no matter who you or where you come from, when you’re with KC Squared, they bring the party and everyone’s invited.

Kevin Owens w/ Sami Zayn VS GUNTHER w/ Imperium!

Raw returns and Kevin is ready. Imperium makes their entrance because this match is on! Will Kevin’s temper cost him? Or will it be just what he needs to bring down the most dominant WWE Intercontinental Champion of the 21st Century?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and go around. They break, tie up again, and Gunther puts Kevin in a corner. Kevin turns it around but Gunther turns it back. The ref counts, the two break, and then they go again. Gunther headlocks, hits a takeover, and fans rally, “Fight, Owens, Fights!” Kevin fights up, Gunther keeps the headlock on, Kevin powers up, but Gunther holds on tight. Fans rally and Kevin fishhooks Gunther! Kevin powers out, but then Gunther runs him over! Kevin just comes back for more, but Gunther wrenches an arm. Gunther grinds that shoulder, but Kevin rolls and gets the ROPEBREAK!

The ref counts, Gunther lets go, and Kevin SLAPS him! Kevin fires off forearms, headlocks in return, but Gunther powers up and out. Kevin RAMS Gunther but Gunther stays up, so Kevin just fires off fast hands! Kevin has Gunther in a corner, fires off, but lets off as the ref counts. Gunther kicks low, puts Kevin in the corner, but Kevin avoids the chop to CHOP! Kevin fires off more haymakers, the ref counts, but Kevin UPPERCUTS! Kevin runs, but into a BOOT! And GERMAN SUPLEX! Gunther watches Kevin bail out, but Sami is there to coach Kevin up. Kevin clutches his head, Gunther goes out, but Kevin GAMANGIRIS!

Kevin CHOPS Gunther, Gunther BOOTS back! Gunther RUAMS Kevin into the barriers and makes it all shake! The ref checks Kevin but he’s okay to continue. Gunther drags Kevin up to APRON BACK SUPLEX! Gunther stands tall while fans boo, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Gunther covers, TWO!! Kevin survives whatever damage has been done during commercial and Sami is relieved. Replay shows it was a countered Swanton Bomb. Gunther paces around, then stomps Kevin. Gunther brings Kevin up but Kevin punches the legs! Kevin runs, but into a scoop and SLAM! Gunther gets Kevin’s head with his feet, NECK TWIST! Fans boo but Imperium soaks it up. Gunther taunts Kevin, stands on him at the ropes, then steps off as the ref counts. Kevin sputters but Gunther stands on his hands! Gunther CLUBS Kevin, CLUBS him down, then traps the arms for a seated neck wrench.

Kevin endures as Gunther leans on the hold. Sami and the fans rally, Kevin fights up, and Kevin throws haymakers! Gunther BOOTS right back! Cover, ONE?!? Kevin SLAPS Gunther, Gunther BOOTS Kevin back down! Sami is worried but Gunther stomps Kevin around more. Gunther talks trash on Kevin, eggs him on, pie faces him, then even taunts Sami. Fans still rally for Kevin, and Kevin comes back to ROCK Gunther! And again! Gunther CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Kevin falls over and Imperium cheers. Gunther huffs and puffs as he paces around Kevin, and he even taunts Sami again.

Gunther stomps Kevin, grabs the legs, and turns Kevin over onto his side to stand on his head! Then Gunther steps over for the BOSTON CRAB! Kevin endures, fights his way forward, but Gunther shifts right into an STF! And then into HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! And then a CROSSFACE! Kevin endures, pries at the grip, but he can’t see with the forearms in his face. Fans rally, Kevin fights back up, and he throws body shots. Kevin is free, and he CHOPS! Gunther CHOPS Kevin back down! Gunther seethes while Sami stresses out again. Gunther drags Kevin up, reels him in, and suplexes, but Kevin blocks!

Kevin throws body shots, fisherman’s and lifts, but Gunther slips free! LARIAT!! Gunther paces around while fans boo, and Gunther drags Kevin up. Short arm LARIAT! Gunther eggs Kevin on, taunts Sami and the fans, and then drags Kevin back up. Sami rallies as hard as he can and the fans join in. Gunther short arm LARIATS, but Kevin stays up! Kevin gives LARIAT after LARIAT in return! Gunther LARIATS, Kevin LARIATS, and again! Gunther gets around to GERMAN SUPLEX! Kevin flounders up to his feet, Gunther runs in, but into a GERMAN SUPLEX from Kevin!! Fans fire up while both men are down!

Sami is also fired up and he coaches Kevin. Kevin goes to ropes, drags himself up, and staggers around. Kevin goes to Gunther to throw a forearm but Gunther gives it back! Kevin forearms again and again but Gunther CHOPS! Kevin drops to a knee, Gunther STOMPS Kevin’s head! Gunther taunts Sami again, but Sami says Kevin can take him. Gunther gives Kevin toying kicks and eggs him on again. Gunther drags Kevin up but Kevin SUPERKICKS! And SUPERKICKS! Gunther wobbles, into a third SUPERKICK! Gunther is down in a corner, Kevin CANNONBALLS! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and Sami can’t believe it!

Hartford declares “This is Awesome!” and Kevin goes back to ropes. Gunther gets up, but he stops the Stunner with a SLEEPER! Kevin snapmares free, but Gunther SHOTGUNS! Gunther drags Kevin back up, reels him in, but Kevin fights free! Gunther CHOPS, Kevin ROCKS, repeat! Kevin kicks, fisherman BUSTER!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives, there’s a reason he’s a champion. But Kevin goes up a corner and Sami cheers him on. But Gunther rises to CHOP first! Gunther climbs up after Kevin, for a SUPER HALF HATCH SUPLEX!! Cover, TWO?!? Gunther just hurries back up the corner!

Fans boo but Gunther SPLASHES onto knees!! Kevin hurries up top again, Sami and the fans are thunderous, SWANTON BOMB!! Direct hit this time, cover, TWO!!! Gunther survives and no one can believe it! Kevin drags himself up and the fans are thunderous as he aims. But Vinci gets up! Sami YANKS him down! Sami fires off on Vinci, but Ludwig goes after him, too! Kevin goes after them, they brawl with Imperium! Ludwig runs into the ring, Kevin dodges to STUNNER! But Gunther rolls Kevin up! GUNTHER WINS!

Winner: Gunther, by pinfall

Sami is stunned, but the fans boo. Der Ring General’s soldiers save him from what was looking like his first loss in months! Will the Undisputed Tag Team Champions get their revenge on Imperium soon enough?

Backstage interview with Matt Riddle.

Cathy Kelley is with The Bro, and he is tired of seeing Gunther cheat week after week. Without Ludwig or Vinci, Gunther would NOT be champion this long. But then Ludwig storms over to say that is a disgrace! How dare Riddle talk about Gunther like that! Watch your mouth. And what is Ludwig gonna do about it? Ludwig turns that around and asks what Riddle is gonna do about that. Don’t poke him, bro. Ludwig does it on purpose, so Riddle TOSSES him! And he gets Vinci in an ANKLE LOCK! Refs and producers rush in to stop this, but Riddle tells Vinci to send a message to Gunther for him! Will the Stallion stampede over Imperium to get at the gold?

Backstage interview with Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler.

Byron Saxton is with the NEW WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and says considering their close friendship, what does it mean to be the new tag champions together? The Queen of Spades says this was destiny. They manifested this over a decade ago, even before they were done fighting int he Octagon. Last week, they tortured and maimed three other teams at the same time and finally become WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions. The Baddest Woman on the Planet says it is past time they legitimize these belts. The Women’s Tag Division will no longer be an afterthought with them at the helm.

In fact, they invite any team with the figurative balls to take them on! And in walk KC Squared. If they want a challenge, look no further. They are “The Life of the Party,” Kayden & Katana. They’re here to make a statement. And what better way to make an in-ring debut than against the Baddest Team on the Planet? Ronda asks when we got to Munchkin Land. This is Hartford, but seems that’s close enough. But ladies, Ronda is impressed with the “stupidity.” To think they made it this far being that dumb. Shayna doesn’t think this is stupidity. Stupidity isn’t always ignorance. This is their first time on Raw, they didn’t know. This is kinda like bravery.

But the thing that takes care of bravery so quickly is the sound of your own ligaments being torn off. Ronda says baptism by fire it is. They’ll let Pearce know KC Squared has a death wish. See you out there. Will the party be over after this one?

Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler VS Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!

Raw returns as KC Squared make their entrance. The teams sort out and Shayna starts against Kayden. They circle, tie up, and Shayna puts Kayden in a corner. The ref counts, Shayna lets off but then sits Kayden down, and pats her on the head. Kayden is annoyed but she stands up and ties up with Shayna. Shayna puts her right back in the corner, lets off again, but Kayden turns things around to sit Shayna down! Kayden says kiss this and Shayna storms up. Kayden gets around, O’Conner Roll, ONE but Kayden springboards to basement dropkick! Tag to Katana, they whip and trip and basement dropkick Shayna! Katana slingshot SENTONS! Cover, ONE!!

Shayna gets up and hurries to her corner, Ronda tags in. Fans boo but Katana smiles as she steps to Rowdy Ronda. Ronda dares Kayden to get in, she’ll take them both on. Kayden obliges, but then Ronda boots her down! Katana fires hands but Ronda throws her! Ronda fireman’s carries Kayden but Katana kicks her low! And BOOTS her to a corner! Kayden runs in, is put on the apron and Ronda elbows her down. Ronda dodges Katana to SHINING WIZARD, and then HANGING ARMBAR! The ref counts, but Kayden SUPERKICKS Ronda down! Shayna hurries to Ronda’s side while KC Squared regroup.

Katana helps Kayden get up, CROSSBODY on Shayna! Katana TORNILLOS Ronda! Fans fire up as the underdogs are standing tall! Katana drags Ronda up and into the ring, but Shayna storms up. Shayna grabs Katana’s bad arm to HOTSHOT it! Ronda hits an arm-drag! Ronda then gets Katana up, puts her in the corner, and tags Shayna. They double whip, SAYANAGI and SLIDING KNEE! Cover, TWO! Shayna twists the arm and wrist of Katana, but Katana endures. So Shayna isolates the arm, lets her hair down, and STOMPS the arm! Shayna taunts Kayden while staying between her and Katana.

Shayna gets Katana and CLUBS away on her! Shayna whips, runs in, but Katana BOOTS her away! Katana BOOTS Ronda, too! Shayna ROCKS Katana, back suplexes, but Katana lands on her feet! Katana slips under, hot tag to Kayden! Kayden rallies on Shayna, DYNAMIC DROPKICK to the corner! Kayden whips, Shayna reverses but Kayden wheelbarrows, victory rolls, and SUPERKICKS! Fans fire up with Kayden and she runs, to BOOT WASH Shayna! Shayna ends up on the apron, Kayden drags her back in, HEATSEEKER! Cover, TWO!! Kayden stays focused as she drags Shayna up.

Shayna elbows free, Ronda tags in! Ronda BOOTS Kayden down, rolls to the fireman’s carry, but Katana tags in! Kayden slips free, baits Ronda in and POSTS her! Kayden drags Ronda out, Katana goes up, but Shayna storms over! Katana BOOTS her away! HIGHLIGHT REEL!!! Cover, Shayna drags Katana off!!! But Kayden DROPKICKS Shayna for it! KC Squared was so close but Katana isn’t giving up yet. Katana climbs back up, leaps, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Ronda gets up, blocks a kick, and has an AKNLE LOCK! Katana reaches out, but Ronda drags her from ropes! Katana rolls to send Ronda into buckles!

Katana hits a CODE BREAKER! Shayna hurries to tag in, and she storms up, but into an ELBOW! Kayden tags in before Shayna KNEES Katana down! Kayden rolls Shayna, TWO!! Shayna KNEES Kayden, and SAIDOS!! Kayden flops and Shayna drags her up, into the KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Kayden is caught, she taps! Shayna & Ronda win!

Winners: Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler, by submission

The new kids on the roster came within moments of beating the champs, but close is only good with horseshoes and hand grenades. Will the Baddest Team on the Planet continue to dominate the Women’s Tag Division?

Bronson Reed finds Ricochet at gorilla.

“If it isn’t little lucky Ricochet,” says the Colossal Aussie. Bronson wants Ricochet to help him do the math on this. Two weeks ago, Bronson ragdolls Ricochet around the ring, beats him, and yet Ricochet gets in the MITB ladder match and not Bronson. Someone must really like Ricochet here. Ricochet says he has no idea what Bronson means by “lucky.” Ricochet earned his spot at MITB when he beat The Miz. And didn’t Bronson have a qualifier? What happened there? Oh, right, Shinsuke Nakamura ended the undefeated streak when he pinned Bronson one-two- Okay, okay. But Bronson dominated Nakamura, until-

Until Nakamura won. The King of Strong Style walks in, but Bronson claims Nakamura got him on a bad night and they all know it. Next time, it’ll be a very different result. Bronson leaves, and Ricochet gives Nakamura his props for handling that man. But tonight, and at MITB, Ricochet isn’t giving Nakamura anything but an L. Big talk, Ricochet. But let’s see if he can prove it tonight. Ricochet says, “Gambate <Give it your best.>” Will the King of Flight prove he can beat the King of Strong Style?

Johnny Gargano speaks.

“At first glance, it’s easy to label me as the underdog. People have always taken one look and thought they understood me. But what I possess is something they can’t measure. I was a kid from Cleveland, Ohio with a dream. And I traveled around the world for over ten years to live that dream. I finally got a tryout at NXT, and I was told there was no place for me there. Five years later, I was the face of that brand. Now I’m a staple of Monday Night Raw. So go ahead, underestimate me. That is where I thrive. I might not be the biggest, but I work tirelessly at my craft. And I do it in my own special way. The Johnny Gargano Story is just getting started.”

Ricochet VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

Raw returns and Nakamura makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Nakamura headlocks, grinds, but Ricochet throws body shots. Ricochet powers out, Nakamura runs him over, and things keep moving. Ricochet arm-drags Nakamura, Nakamura headscissors, but Ricochet kips free. Nakamura hits a headlock takeover, Ricochet headscissors and holds right. Nakamura moves around, pops free, but Ricochet ducks the Penalty Kick to kip up, handspring and headscissor! Things keep moving, Ricochet rolls off Nakamura back but Nakamura blocks a kick to CLUB the leg!

Nakamura runs, but Ricochet DROPKICKS him out of the ring! Ricochet builds speed but runs into a GAMANGIRI! Nakamura gets back in the ring, goes up a corner, but Ricochet GAMANGIRIS in return! Nakamura tumbles out, Ricochet builds speed again, and he FLIES! Direct hit at the ramp and he lands on his feet! Fans fire up with Ricochet as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Nakamura has Ricochet in a chinlock. Ricochet reaches for ropes but Nakamura knees low. INVERTED EXPLODER, but Ricochet lands on his feet! Ricochet dodges Nakamura to handspring and back elbow! Both men are down and fans rally up. Nakamura stands first but Ricochet ROCKS him! Ricochet shoves Nakamura to a corner, runs in and RAMS into him, then smacks him off buckles and KICKS him away! Ricochet then springboards to FLYING LARIAT! Fans fire up and Ricochet SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Ricochet keeps cool and he taunts Nakamura a little.

Nakamura sits up, and Ricochet kicks, but Nakamura ducks it! Nakamura kicks but Ricochet ducks it! Ricochet kicks, Nakamura blocks it, and Nakamura ducks the enziguri but not the HEEL KICK! Ricochet runs corner to corner, SPLASHES Nakamura, then goes again, only to hit buckles! TOP SHELF KNEE! Nakamura gives Ricochet GOOD VIBRATIONS, but Ricochet shoves him away. Nakamura runs back in, he blocks boots and puts Ricochet in the ropes! SLIDING GERMAN! Fans fire up with Nakamura and he slides back in, but Ricochet Tiger Wall Kicks! Ricochet ducks the roundhouse but not the WHEEL KICK!

Nakamura reels Ricochet in, INVERTED EXPLODER! And then from the corner, Nakamura aims and “YAO~!” KIN- V-TRIGGER!! Ricochet runs to RECOIL!! Fans fire up with Ricochet and he goes to a corner. Nakamura anchors as foot but Ricochet CLUBS him down. Ricochet climbs, but Nakamura ROCKS him first! Nakamura climbs up, but Ricochet fights him with body shots. Ricochet throws a haymaker, Nakamura forearms, and they go back and forth! But here comes BRONSON REED!! Ricochet jumps away but Bronson SPLASHES Nakamura!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by disqualification

But Bronson then CLOBBERS Ricochet! And SPLASHES Nakamura again! Fans boo as Bronson puts Nakamura int he drop zone, but Ricochet jumps onto him! But Bronson RAMS Ricochet into the buckles, and then SPLASHES Nakamura again! And then Bronson CLOBBERS Ricochet! Now Ricochet is put in the drop zone, and Bronson climbs! TSUNAMI!! Bronson grins as he stands over both men, fans want that splash “One More Time!” Bronson says no, he’s good. Will the Colossal Aussie find his way into the MITB Ladder match one way or another?

The Alpha Academy talk backstage.

Otis is proud of Maxxine Dupri’s roundhouse kick to Sarah Logan last week. Maxxine thanks Otise for mentioning it. Chad Gable insists it is still just Otis. Otis says tomato, tamata, okay? Well, yeah, Otis is the reason they’re together. The brain, the brawn and the beauty, plus her brand management skills, but look. If Maxxine is gonna be an alpha, remember that alphas don’t run from a fight. Maxxine says Otise has opened her eyes to their potential. But she thought that she could handle that little witch, until she came rushing at Maxxine like an animal! And did you see that outfit?

Why are these Viking creeps targeting them anyways? Gable has already addressed this. He has given his number one guy the latest in Viking literature. He instructed Otis to study up, learn what makes the Vikings tick, and how to take them down. And Gable knows the answer is in that big, beautiful brain of his! So what did Otis learn? Otis says they’re gonna take ’em out… with deodorant. And? And they’re gonna have Master Gable teach the lovely lady how to take on the Viking lady, Sarah Logan. And that is why Otis is the number one guy! Maxxine might be ready, but they can’t train with her in a dress.

Oh, don’t worry. She has the perfect outfit in her locker. Maxxine heads off, just what will this workout outfit look like?

The Miz is in the ring.

And the Hollywood A-Lister welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, MizTV. And when he heard about tonight’s World Heavyweight Championship match, he knew it’d be a special night. So he had to secure a very special guest. A guest worthy of a night like tonight! And boy, did Miz succeed. Please welcome Miz’s guest tonight, The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes! The fans cheer as Cody makes his way to the ring, and they sing his theme song, too. “WHOA~ OH~!” Cody gets his pyro and fist bumps fans in the front row before joining Miz in the ring. Even Miz jams out to the theme song!

Cody shakes Miz’s hand, revels in the fans singing and cheering a little more, and Miz hands him a mic. “Shall we start?” Miz and Cody take seats, and Miz says Cody looks dashing tonight. But Miz wants to review with Cody said last week. Cody listed a bunch of cities he would be in while challenging BRRROCK, LESNAR, who beat Cody at Night of Champions, and who broke Cody’s arm. And yet, Cody wants Lesnar to show up wherever and fight? Isn’t that kinda stupid? Right out the gate, huh, Mike? Uh, in the ring, he is The Miz. First name: The, last name: Miz. Well, okay, then, The Miz…

Fans chant “MIKE MIKE MIKE MIKE!” but Cody says he hasn’t been called stupid until now. He’s heard “Crazy,” that it took balls… Miz knows a tiny little bit about that, right? Fans chant “TINY BALLS! TINY BALLS!” but Cody has everyone calm down. The Beast is apparently on that annual hibernation, we won’t be seeing him for awhile. Too bad. But here on MizTV, they love drama, controversy and most of all, surprises! Here’s a surprise for Cody! It is better than Lesnar being here. Since Cody has a storied family history, Miz thought he’d invite another man who shares the same pressures as a multigenerational talent.

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome this surprise guest! Arguably the hottest superstar in the WWE today, it is DOMINIK MYSTERIO! Miz jams out to Dom’s song now as he and Mami Rhea walk out. Fans boo and give thumbs down as Dom has his arm around the SmackDown Women’s Champion and she has her arm around him. They go to the ring, mics in hands, and Dom takes a seat. Fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” but Miz asks Dom- Rhea tells Miz to be quiet. He says, “Yes, ma’am.” Rhea says Dom-Dom has something to say. Dom takes the mic and fans boo, which annoys Dom. Miz shouts to let Dom talk!

Cody says yeah, don’t boo Dom. Rhea tells everyone to sit down, shut up and show respect to HER Latino Heat! Dom tells Cody that he was happy when The Miz invited him out here. He listened to Cody last week, talking like he was the big dog in the yard. But to someone like Dom, who has done hard time, Cody is just a little birdy with a broken wing. Dom says he heard Cody rattle off this long list of crappy towns Brock can find him in, and it hit Dom. Cody is a bad father! Cody has a baby girl, he should be home, taking care of her! Instead, Cody’s here. So he’s just like Rey: A deadbeat dad!

Cody stands up now and looks Dom in the eye. “I have a ton of empathy for you, Dom. I know that the 15 minutes you spent in prison was really rough on you. Hard times indeed. I mean, look! You even have a worse prison tattoo than mine. And then after prison, you went on to WrestleMania to have a match with your father. But I don’t know if I could call it a match, because it was more like a public spanking. And hey, hey, you’re right. No one’s perfect. I’m not perfect. Rey Mysterio, who I admire and respect, I’m sure that he’s not the perfect father. As a matter of fact, I know he’s made some terrible mistakes. And I know that because I’m looking at one.”

Fans chant for Cody while Rhea calms Dom down. Dom & Rhea turn to  leave, but then Dom SLAPS Cody! Dom hides behind Mami and fans boo, and Cody sighs. Rhea dares Cody to do something and Dom keeps calling Cody a deadbeat. Mami & Dommy leave, Cody unable to do anything. Miz laughs, but Cody SMACKS him with the cast! THAT is something Cody can do. Will the American Nightmare teach the Prodigal Son a lesson while waiting on The Beast?

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

The Hunter has the Hall of Famer on her side and is looking to take over the women’s division with her guidance. Will Zoey say #ThankYouTrish after she helps her defeat the Queen of Harts? Or will Natty prove she’s still got it in her to become Miss MITB?

Raw returns as Natty makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Zoey puts Natty in the corner. The ref counts, Zoey stomps away on Natty, but lets off at 4. Natty storms up but Zoey shoves her back into the corner for more stomps, and even forearms! The ref backs Zoey off, Natty rolls her up, ONE! Natty waistlocks to keep on Zoey, but Zoey fights up to snapmare, only for Natty to hold on! Natty and Zoey move around, Natty hammerlocks but Zoey switches that onto her. Natty fireman’s carries for the takeover, but Zoey headscissors. Natty moves back, pops free, covers, ONE!

Natty and Zoey get up, Natty headlocks, but Zoey powers out. Natty goes up and over but the leg jams! Zoey THRUST KICKS Natty down! Zoey stomps Natty and soaks up the heat while Trish smiles. Zoey gets the bad leg and wraps it around the ropes! The ref counts, Zoey lets off at 4, and Trish smiles more. Zoey drags Natty out from the corner, to DDT the foot! And DDT it again! Zoey gets the leg a third time, pushes on it and Trish says that’s good. Zoey has the standing toehold but Natty rolls and drags Zoey down! Natty has a deathlock but Zoey headlocks to drag Natty off. Natty powers out but Zoey runs her over!

Fans rally for Natty but Zoey drags her up by her hair. The ref reprimands, Natty SLAPS Zoey! Zoey KNEES low, talks trash, but Natty snapmares her away! Natty ELBOWS from a corner, Zoey runs in but into a kick! Zoey runs in again but into a GERMAN SUPLEX! Natty jackknife bridges, TWO! Zoey sunset flips but Natty rolls through to step through! SHARPSHOOTER!! Fans fire up while Zoey endures! Trish coaches Zoey and she crawls forward, to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Natty lets off fast, and Zoey bails out to regroup with Trish. Natty storms up to WRECK Zoey with a dropkick!

Natty tells Trish to stay outta this, and she puts Zoey back in. But Trish KICKS the bad leg out! Fans boo as the ref missed that! Zoey hits Z 360!! Cover, Zoey wins!

Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall (advances to MITB)

#ThankYouTrish, you were the reason Zoey just won her way to London! But will Trish be able to help Zoey get up that ladder and win the briefcase?

Paul Heyman is backstage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Paul Heyman. And I wanna cordially invite you to join me this Friday night, when a family drama plays out in front of your very eyes when Jey Uso makes his historic choice. Y’know, as The Wise Man, I’m tasked at times to deliver… unpleasant news. No matter how bad that news is, I have to deliver it, even if I have to deliver it to Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. This is one of those times. The news is not pleasant. The news will rip apart the entire Anoa’i-Fatu Dynasty, because this Friday, Jey Uso will make his choice… And Jey Uso will choose and stand by… his brother, Solo.

“You can share a womb with your twin, Jimmy, but you’ll never be closer in life to him than you are to Your Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. And this Friday, live on SmackDown, Jey Usos will… Jey Uso will acknowledge that fact. Or else.” Heyman dusts his hands off, having done his part. Is this a prediction of what Jey will do, or a spoiler?

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

Veer & Sanga have been mauling men on Monday Night Raw, much to the delight of the Modern Day Maharaja. But will they be able to do the same to PRIMED Alexander & The Gold Standard? Or will Alexander & Benjamin be able to handle their business?

The teams sort out and Indus Sher CLOBBER Alexander *& Benjamin! Then they LARIAT each man down! Veer’s Million Dollar Arm is worthy every penny, and then he gives Alexander to Sanga. ELBOW DROP SIDEWALK SLAM COMBO! But the bell didn’t even ring, so this wasn’t a match but a mauling! Fans boo, Sanga tells Alexander to shut up about his pain, and the ref calls it! There’s no way Alexander can compete now. But then Indus Sher drag him back up! Another ELBOW DROP SIDEWALK SLAM COMBO! Primed got pruned, will nothing stop these two tigers from tearing into the Raw Tag Division?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: Seth Rollins VS Damian Priest!

The Visionary put out the Open Challenge online, and the challenge was accepted! And earlier tonight, Rollins dared the Punisher to do this on his own, and the challenge was again accepted! Will Priest make Rollins accept that The Judgment Day truly runs Monday nights? Or will this still be Monday Night Rollins?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and one way or another, this is a historic first defense!

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally, the two feel things out, then they tie up. Priest puts Rollins in a corner, the ref counts, and Priest scuffs Rollins. Priest talks trash, but Rollins says okay. Then he rakes Priest’s eyes! The ref reprimands but Priest TOSSES Rollins to a corner! Rollins dodges the elbow to fire off fast hands and CHOPS! Rollins whips, Priest reverses but Rollins stops himself. Rollins then avoids Priest but Priest ELBOWS him on the apron. Priest shoulders in, but into a GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Priest flops out of the ring, Rollins leaps, FLYING KNEE takes Priest down! Fans fire up with Rollins as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Rollins has Priest in a corner, but Priest ROCKS him with a forearm! Priest storms up on Rollins at the ropes, whips him, but Rollins kicks back! Rollins eggs Priest on, Priest runs in but Rollins dumps him out! Rollins then goes out after Priest, but Priest knees him low! Priest scoops Rollins and brings him around the way, but Rollins slips off! Rollins POSTS Priest! Fans fire up, Rollins runs in at Priest, but Priest tosses him into the timekeepers’ area! Rollins lands on his feet, jumps at Priest, but Priest DECKS Rollins out of the air! Rollins flounders into the ring but Priest is after him.

Priest drags Rollins up, CLUBS him, then TOSSES him to a corner. Priest ROCKS Rollins, stomps away, but the ref counts. Priest stops at 4 and he soaks up the heat. Rollins sputters to ropes but Priest CHOKES him! The ref counts again, Priest lets off at 4, and then Priest puts Rollins in a corner. Priest ROCKS Rollins with a forearm, wrenches and whips corner to corner hard, then he THRUST KICKS Rollins down! Cover, TWO! Priest clamps onto Rollins with a chinlock and wrangles him down. Fans rally for Rollins while he endures, and Rollins fights up. Rollins JAWBREAKERS free, but runs into an ELBOW! Cover, ONE!!

Priest snarls while Rollins sputters. Priest KICKS him in the back! Priest stomps Rollins, drags him up, and ROCKS him again! Rollins sits down, and Priest gets the arms. Priest has a motorcycle stretch while Rollins endures the knee in his back. Fans rally, Rollins fights back up and moves around, but Priest CLUBS him back down! Fans boo but Priest smirks as he stands Rollins up. But Rollins throws elbows! Priest shoves Rollins, CLUBS him in the back, but Rollins PELES! Both men are down and fans rally up again. Priest sits up in a daze but Rollins feeds off the energy. Rollins stands, blocks a punch and gives a punch!

Rollins counter punches Priest again and again, then fires off haymakers and CHOPS! Rollins whips Priest to ropes, Priest reverses but Rollins reverses back to LARIAT! Priest stays up, so Rollins runs in to LARIAT again! Priest is still up, but barely! Rollins runs again, ducks a boot, and he mule kicks! Front kicks! DISCUS LARIAT! Priest falls and fans fire up! Priest goes to a corner, Rollins runs in, BIG forearm smash! Rollins lifts Priest for a BACKBREAKER! Rollins goes up the corner, FROG SPLASH but he has to roll through! Priest ROUBNDHOUSES Rollins! Priest then runs corner to corner for the BIG back elbow!

Priest keeps moving, but Rollins kicks back! And reels Priest in! But Priest fights the underhooks to back drop! Rollins sunset flips, TWO! Priest runs in, but into a SLINGBLADE! Fans fire up, Rollins sees Priest go outside, so he builds speed. Rollins DIVES, but Priest catches him! FLATLINER to the table! The champ is down and fans go nuts while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Rollins and Priest are both up top. Rollins SUNSET FLIPS, but Priest holds onto the ropes! Priest CLUBS Rollins down, but Rollins is right back up to ROCK Priest! Rollins adjusts Priest’s position and goes up after him, and fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” But Priest throws body shots! Priest CLUBS Rollins, CLUBS him more, then HEADBUTTS Rollins away. Rollins staggers back up, springs right back up after Priest, and hits a SUPERPLEX! Then roll through, but Priest suplexes! Rollins fights off Broken Arrow to suplex Priest for FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO!!

Fans rally while both men are down, and Priest rolls out of the ring. “This is Awesome!” as Rollins takes aim. Rollins builds speed and DIVES! Direct hit and now Priest hits the desk! Rollins keeps going, for another DIVE! Priest hits the desk again! Rollins isn’t done, he runs and DIVES to send Priest over the desk! Fans are thunderous, but Priest gets back up!? Rollins hurries to put Priest in the ring, the fans sing again, and Rollins runs in, SUPERKICK! Priest wobbles, Rollins pushes him down and goes to a corner! Rollins climbs up, leaps, FROG SPLASH hits!! Cover, TWO!! Priest survives and Rollins is stunned!

Rollins goes to a corner and he seems to copy Roman Reigns’ lock ‘n’ load motion! Rollins spins, but Priest ROCKS him first! Priest aims to KICK Rollins, KICK him again, then KICK the leg! Priest spins, but Rollins blocks to ROLLING ELBOW! And then the turn, but Priest slips free, HEADLOCK DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!!! The Punisher gave a shout out to the third Shield member, but it wasn’t enough! Priest drags Rollins up, reels him in, but Rollins slips out! Priest choke grips, SOUTH- NO, Rollins slips free to CHOP! Priest ROCKS Rollins to a corner! Priest runs in, into a BOOT! Rollins goes up, but Priest SPIN KICKS him!

Priest goes up after Rollins now, and SUPER STEINERS!! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives and Priest is beside himself! Priest grits his teeth, taunts Rollins, but the fans rally up. Priest stands Rollins up, traps an arm, and LARIATS point blank! Priest says if Rollins won’t give up, he’ll give him more pain. Another point blank LARIAT! And then a shove, and- NO, Rollins slips through the lariat to underhook! PEDIGREE!!! Rollins crawls to the cover, TWO!?!? Priest survives and no one can believe it! “This is Awesome!” as both men go tor poes. Priest goes to the apron, Rollins goes out after him!

Rollins underhooks but Priest powers out. Priest blocks a kick to BELL CLAP, but then Rollins ducks the roundhouse to CHOP BLOCK a leg! Rollins has Priest in position, BARRIER BOMB!!! Just like to Finn all those years ago! Rollins puts Priest in the ring, the ref checks Priest’s shoulder, and Rollins SUPERKICKS Finn!! The Visionary saw The Prince coming and takes him out! Rollins then gets in the ring, but runs into a LARIAT!! Priest choke grips, for the SOUTH OF HEAVEN SLAM!!! But the bad arm slows Priest down! Cover, TWO!!!! Rollins survives but Priest then realizes Finn is here!

Priest asks what Finn is doing, they said this would be 1v1! Priest drags Rollins up, crucifix lift, but the bad arm! Rollins slips free, SUPERKICKS! ROLLING ELBOWS! DREAM SMASHER ELBOW!! CURB STOMP!!! Cover, Rollins wins!!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall (still World Heavyweight Champion)

The Prince cost Priest, but now he gets in the ring with Rollins. These two stare down, are we going to get one more round between these rivals?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw tonight, especially with Rollins’ first defense being made outta nowhere during SmackDown. The opening promo was really good, and I like that they added the agreement that Judgment Day was not to show up at ringside. We got an awesome main event match from Rollins and Priest, though I wish they’d given this the picture in picture treatment. Finn showing up in an attempt to screw over Rollins was a good touch, he and Priest are starting to have a disagreement. I don’t know if this will lead to Finn and Priest fighting over who is really in charge of Judgment Day and/or someone getting kicked out, but it’s definitely teasing that.

Really good stuff out of the Women’s MITB qualifiers, though I was rather surprised by the results. I thought Trish & Zoey were going to cost Becky her sport and then Becky would return the favor, but I suppose it does add star power to the Women’s MITB if Becky is in it. Even so, she and Zoey (and Trish) will surely keep each other from winning, and someone else gets the briefcase. Still hoping Lita gets in on the story again and we get a big tag match at SummerSlam. And really good match from Ricochet VS Nakamura as a sampler of the Men’s MITB, but I figured Bronson Reed was gonna get involved. It’s kinda his thing given what we saw with him, Austin Theory and Bobby Lashley just before the WWE Draft.

Good stuff from Kevin, Sami and Imperium again, especially that match of Gunther VS Kevin. A little surprised they didn’t go with a DQ finish but in a way, it’s a good thing they didn’t. Gunther winning with help from Imperium doesn’t hurt Kevin that bad, and it gave motivation for what we saw between Riddle and Imperium right after. We definitely need more of this savage Riddle, and while Gunther dared Riddle to go win the MITB, I feel like this should motivate having Gunther VS Riddle right away. Gunther’s all about everyone else showing Imperium respect and teaching others “discipline,” so he should want to “discipline” Riddle directly.

Good video promo for Kayden & Katana tonight, as well as a good backstage promo with Ronda & Shayna before their great match. It really gets KC Squared going for the first time a RawDown Only fan is seeing them, but the loss was obviously going to happen. Really good promo from The Alpha Academy, though I’m a little disappointed there wasn’t another segment with them where we saw Maxxine’s training outfit. Maybe that’s next week in a training montage of some sort. And wow, did not think Indus Sher would just crush Cedric & Shelton, but it does build Indus Sher as a strong team since Cedric & Shelton are former tag champions together.

I should’ve figured Heyman would show up tonight, he gave a really good promo to hype up this week’s SmackDown, even though just seeing last week’s SmackDown was enough to get everyone wanting to see this week’s. And really good MizTV segment, which is sorta rare. Miz jamming out to all the theme songs was good stuff, and for a second, I thought Miz was bringing out Bron Breakker. But nope, it was Dom. Dom & Rhea seem to be moving on from Xavier Woods and Apollo Crews already, so that Cody has someone to fight while Brock Lesnar waits out MITB so he can get that SummerSlam paycheck.

My Score: 8.7/10