Will H-Town become Suplex City?

Brock Lesnar returns to Raw, looking to have one last face-to-face with Cody Rhodes before their final battle at SummerSlam this Saturday!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Matt Riddle VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ Imperium; Ludwig wins.
• Maxxine Dupri w/ The Alpha Academy VS “Valhalla” Sarah Logan w/ The Viking Raiders; Maxxine wins.
• Shinsuke Nakamura VS Tommaso Ciampa; Nakamura wins.
• Five Minute Challenge: GUNTHER VS Chad Gable; Gable wins by time limit expiring.
• GUNTHER VS Chad Gable; Gunther wins.
• Becky Lynch VS Trish Stratus w/ Zoey Stark; Becky wins, by disqualification.
• Sami Zayn & Seth Rollins VS Dominik Mysterio & Damian Priest w/ The Judgment Day; Sami & Rollins win.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE mourns the loss of Adrian Street.

Logan Paul is here!

Houston boos as the ImPAULsive Maverick makes his way out to the ring. “Houston, Texas! Please allow me, WWE superstar, Logan Paul, to welcome you to Monday Night Raw!” Fans boo more but Logan says he has this thing where he doesn’t like talking in front of braindead people for too long, so he’ll make this quick. He isn’t here for y’all, he’s here for Ricochet. Last week, Logan attempted- Fans boo and chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Logan tries to continue as he says he was trying to introduce Ricochet to Logan’s audience, who are nothing like this horrible crowd in Texas!

All Logan wanted to do was showcase Ricochet’s amazing athleticism and build some hype around their match for SummerSlam. but then Logan was sneak-attacked, victimized and abused! Logan gets “emotional” as he says Ricochet made a spectacle out of the whole thing! “WHAT?” The whole thing!” WHAT?” THE WHOLE THING!! So forget about a fight! Logan is going to beat Ricochet in the most viral WWE match in history! There is nothing he won’t do- Wait! Here’s Ricochet himself! Fans fire up for the One and Only and he asks Logan, “What’s going on, man?” Last week, Ricochet was on the livestream. A great one, too. But now, Ricochet’s in his head!

We’ve seen Logan do this over and over: spin the story to make himself look like the good guy. But sorry to break it to you, you are NOT the good guy in this! Logan can fool those who follow him online, but you ain’t fooling Houston! But here’s one thing that Logan said is true, amid all the crap. Their match at SummerSlam will be box office, that is the truth. But before then, Ricochet just wants to say something. Ricochet may not like… anything about Logan, who is a horrible human being, and the fans agree, there IS one thing Ricochet can respect. Logan is an athlete, a competitor, and a showman, and that much Ricochet can respect.

Logan is a little surprised to hear that. Fans boo as he starts speaking, and Logan says he appreciates that. And if we’re being honest, then Logan will admit- Fans chant “YOU SUCK!” again but Logan says Ricochet was one of the greatest ever. Until Logan showed up! Oh, c’mon! They’re not so different! They sometimes think alike! This thing didn’t start back at MITB, this started at the Royal Rumble, when Logan made them go viral in that double crossbody spot. Roll the clip! They do roll the clip, both men springboarding at each other to collide in midair! Logan says he really has it, don’t he?

But Ricochet is right. These two are gonna put on a hell of a match, so put her there. Logan wants a fist bump, fans boo, but Ricochet accepts it. Logan says good, but one more thing. After their match, the announcer will say the winner, right? Hi, Samantha. That’s Ricochet’s fiancée, yeah? So uh, after Logan wins, he hopes there’s no hard feelings when Ricochet’s girl says Logan’s name. Fans boo but Ricochet TACKLES Logan! Fans fire up as Ricochet fires off! But Logan clinches to hit a BELLY2BELLY! But Ricochet stands up to fire off kicks! Logan blocks, swings, but Ricochet goes Matrix! TIGER WALL KICK, ENZIGURI!

Logan staggers, Ricochet runs back in, but Logan dodges! Ricochet lands on the apron, RAMS into Logan, and fans fire up for the springboard! But ONE LUCKY PUNCH gets Ricochet outta the air!! Fans boo but Logan takes a quick selfie. Will the Maverick bring down the King of Flight in Motor City? Or is he just on the highway to the danger zone?

Backstage interview with Imperium.

Jackie Redmond is with Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci, and she asks them about the Intercontinental Championship match at SummerSlam. Does Der Ring General have any concerns at all, “given how unstoppable Drew McIntyre has looked since he came back?” Gunther says he does not live int he past, but in the here and now. And his only concern is the disappointment with Ludwig. Ludwig could’ve prevented all of this last week. And let’s not even get started with “Gio.” But Gunther expects more especially from Ludwig. Tonight, Gunther would take care of McIntyre himself, but McIntyre is away on a previous commitment.

So tonight is the night where Ludwig Kaiser can redeem himself against the “meddling maggot,” Matt Riddle. And following that, come SummerSlam, Gunther will personally end Drew McIntyre once and for all. Der Ring General has spoken, but will all go as he plans? Or will The Original Bro be a monkey wrench jamming up the gears?

Matt Riddle VS Ludwig Kaiser w/ Imperium!

Raw returns and Imperium makes their entrance. Gunther is saying things to Ludwig even now, but we’ll see how effective they are at motivating the Impeccable German. The bell rings and the two circle. Riddle shoots around, waistlocks and SLAMS Ludwig down! Ludwig fights up, but Riddle SLAMS him down again! Riddle taunts Gunther with it, but Ludwig fights up and puts Riddle in a corner. The ref counts, Ludwig throws elbows but the ref reprimands. Ludwig stomps Riddle, brings him around and CLUBS him down. Ludwig headlocks, grinds, but Riddle powers up, only for Ludwig to hit a takeover!

Riddle keeps his shoulders up, headscissors, but Ludwig kips free. Riddle hits a takeover, Ludwig headscissors in return! Ludwig holds tight but Riddle moves around, pops free, but Ludwig avoids the Penalty Kick to roll Riddle up! TWO, and Riddle GUT WRENCH PLEXES! And then drags Ludwig up to GUT WRENCH PLEX again! Fans fire up, Riddle storms up in the corner, and he CHOPS! Ludwig sputters and goes to another corner, then he CHOPS back! Riddle CHOPS, Ludwig CHOPS, fans “WOO~!” but Riddle throws a forearm! Ludwig gives another but Riddle DECKS Ludwig! He might even have rung Ludwig’s bell!

Riddle drags Ludwig up to FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO!! Ludwig survives and Gunther is again upset. Riddle throws that in Gunther’s face, but Ludwig throws body shots. Riddle fireman’s carries, but Ludwig slips free to POST Riddle! Ludwig puts Riddle in the ropes, runs side to side, and DROPKICKS Riddle to the floor! Fans fire up, but Ludwig runs in to UPPERCUT Riddle down! Ludwig has a bit of a bloody nose but he puts Riddle in. Gunther says to keep on Riddle and Ludwig nods. Ludwig rushes in, brings Riddle up but Riddle fires body shots. Ludwig shoves, runs in, but into a RANA!

Riddle goes to the apron now to PENALTY KICK! Ludwig is stinging, Riddle SPRINGBOARD FLOATING BROS! Direct hit and Gunther is mad! Will Ludwig disappoint him again? Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Riddle fires shots. Ludwig dodges, he scoops Riddle, but Riddle has a GUILLOTINE! Ludwig RAMS Riddle into a corner, GAMANGIRIS, and Riddle sits down! Ludwig drags Riddle up, but Riddle wrenches out to fire palm strikes and a BOOT! Then a spin and PELE! Fans fire up as Ludwig scrambles to a corner! Riddle kips up, runs in, forearm smash! Riddle goes side to side, another forearm smash! Then a BROSPLODER! BROTON! And then the PENALTY KICK! Riddle deadlift waistlocks for the GERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! Gunther is upset as Riddle looms over Ludwig.

Riddle KICKS Ludwig down, BROTONS again, and then taunts Gunther. Riddle runs in but BROTONS onto knees! Ludwig CLUBS away, then LARIATS! Gunther tells Ludwig to keep going and fans boo as Ludwig fireman’s carries. But Riddle slips off, shoves and ROUNDHOUSES, then ripcords, but Ludwig fireman’s carries! ROLLING DEATH VALLEY! PENALTY KICK of his own! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives the “Kaiser Roll combo” and the fans rally up. Ludwig runs in, blocks a boot, and UPPERCUTS! But Riddle ducks the short arm lariat to ripcord, FINAL FLASH! And then a FISHERMAN BUSTER!

But Riddle holds on, and he drags Riddle up, fisherman into a shoulder rack! But Vinci gets up on the apron! Riddle DECKS Vinci, Ludwig rolls Riddle up! But Riddle rolls through, to POWERBOMB! Flip over and FINAL FLASH! Cover, TWO!! Ludwig survives and even Gunther is stunned! Riddle drags Ludwig around, brings him back up, and he gut wrenches! But Ludwig fights to victory roll! TWO, and Riddle runs up, into an UPPERCUT! But he still FINAL FLASH KNEES! Riddle runs, into an UPPERCUT! Ludwig runs, into a JUMP KNEE! Ludwig falls into a drop zone! Riddle goes up top, FLOATING- NO, Ludwig moves! GAMANGIRI!!

Gunther shouts at Ludwig to finish this! Clinch and SIDEWINDER DDT!! Cover, Ludwig wins!

Winner: Ludwig Kaiser, by pinfall

Ludwig takes the win, but “redemption” is up to Gunther to determine. Gunther tells him to stand so Ludwig stands, and they shake hands! Redemption achieved for the Impeccable German! But will Gunther put the punctuation on this when he brings down the Scottish Warrior?

Backstage interview with Logan Paul.

Byron Saxton asks if he could get a break down of what happened out in the ring. Oh, Logan’s breakin’ it down, Baldy. Byron! Sorry. But what happened is, Logan gave Ricochet a small taste of what happens this Saturday. And Logan promises to make this one of the most viral matches in WWE history. But what happened, Ricochet? Aren’t you always one step ahead of Logan? Look at you now, “lookin’ like a full grown fetus.” Logan gets the mic out of his face and leaves, but will he pay for everything he’s done tonight?

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

The Alpha Queen has her first singles match in the WWE, and it is to settle things with the Viking Priestess! Will Maxxine pull off an A+ debut victory? Or will she be unable to stop the raid?

Raw returns as the Viking Raiders make their entrance. The bell rings and fans rally. But Sarah runs in to KNEE Maxxine down! Sarah rains down forearms, Maxxine gets to ropes and the ref counts. Sarah lets off, Maxxine gets away, but then Sarah rushes in, into an arm-drag! And then another! Fans fire up with the Academy and Maxxine goes after Sarah. But Sarah turns that round, whips then YANKS Maxxine down into ropes! The ref checks Maxxine, she is okay to continue, so Sarah KNEES her back down! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Sarah drags Maxxine by her hair! Sarah clamps on a Cobra Clutch!

Otis & Gable coach Maxxine as she endures but Sarah thrashes her around! Fans rally, Maxxine fights up, and she arm-drags free! Sarah runs in but into another arm-drag! Maxxine dodges to then ROUNDHOUSE! Maxxine reels Sarah in, FISHERMAN SUPELX! Maxxine roars then SPLASHES Sarah! Sarah falls, and Otis says it’s TIME! Otis rips off his shirt and fans fire up! Maxxine pumps up and shakes those legs! “A THANK YEW~!” Maxxine does the WORM! ELBOW DROP! Fans fire up and Maxxine goes up the corner! The Academy cheers her on, and Maxxine CROSSBODIES! Cover, but Erik gets in!?

The ref backs Erik off, Otis goes after him and Ivar! Gable goes up to OMONSAULT everyone down! Maxxine is stunned, but then Sarah CLOBBERS her! Sarah RAMS Maxxine into a corner, hoists her up top, and ROCKS her! Sarah climbs up after Maxxine, howls to the moon, and she brings Maxxine up, but Maxxine slips under! Maxxine Electric Chair Lifts Sarah, for the DROP!! Bridging cover, Maxxine wins!!

Winner: Maxxine Dupri, by pinfall

A Massive win for Maxxine and for the Academy! Is this just the beginning of a historic run in the WWE?

Tommaso Ciampa finds Shinsuke Nakamura backstage.

The Psycho Killer says they could have just gone their separate ways, but apparently the King of Strong Style still has a problem. So tonight, Ciampa will fix this problem. While Nakamura wants everyone to stay out of his business, Ciampa is ready to fight the entire world! And Ciampa needs some momentum, so that starts with Nakamura. Then Ciampa will go and win the SummerSlam Battle Royal on Saturday. Nakamura says then he’ll see Ciampa in the ring. And once they’re done, then NAKAMURA will win that battle royal! “Problem solved.” Nakamura applauds himself, then heads out. Will Nakamura prove to be more than just a problem for Ciampa?

The Judgment Day is here!

Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio are in Houston, and Dirty Dom is still NXT North American Champion after The Great American Bash last night. What will the fearsome four have to say ahead of tonight’s tag team grudge match? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and the Judgment Day is in the ring with mics in hand. Fans are torn, but Priest says in Spanish that they’re here, and then in English, “All Rise for the Judgment Day!” Rhea says let’s face it. Raw doesn’t start until they say it does! This is their world now. Fans chant for “MAMI! MAMI!” Rhea says for anyone who doesn’t fall in line, then they have no problem putting you on the shelf. Because whos’ really gonna stop them, huh? Priest says they can try to answer that question. Let’s run through the list of so-called heroes of Raw. Kevin Owens? Nope, he got taken out. Sami Zayn? Nah, he was left laying.

Maybe Seth Freakin’ Rollins? IMPOSSIBLE after the epic beating last week! And we all saw what Rhea did to Liv Morgan. So NOBODY can stop the Judgment Day! Priest continues to say that if Sami and Seth decide to actually show up tonight, well, Dirty Dom and Damian will make sure they don’t leave the arena whole. Finn tells Seth that he comes out here week after week, acting all insane. Rollins acts insane. But his idea of insanity is coming out here, wearing something stupid outfit, doing a song ‘n’ dance, laughing like a clown. That’s not insanity. Insanity is waking up every day the last seven years, looking in the mirror, and seeing the scars Rollins caused!

And those scars remind Finn of what Rollins ruined and spoiled! At SummerSlam, Finn can’t erase the scars, but he can inflict scars. And those scars will make Finn feel better, knowing Rollins will wake up, look in the mirror and remember the time Finn beat him for the World Heavyweight Championship! Fans are torn again, but then they all boo Dom! Dom says at SummerSlam, the Judgment Day will have all the goods! Fans even chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Dom says HE is bringing back the Mysterio Name! Rhea says that’s right, Dom will bring pride back to the Mysterio name.

And as for any idiot who decides to try and get in their way, then she advises them to take a page out of Raquel Rodriguez’s book, and that is run and hide. Otherwise, you’ll have to enjoy your time in rehab, just like Liv and Kevin. But wait! Here IS Raquel! Rhea gets ready for a fight, telling the boys to get back. And here comes the fight! Raquel and Rhea brawl with forearms., and Raquel TOSSES Rhea to a corner! Rhea kicks back but Raquel fires off again! And then TOSSES Rhea again! Raquel ROCKS Rhea, then clotheslines her out of the ring! Fans fire up as Raquel then goes out to RAM Rhea into barriers!

Rhea still throws shots but Raquel picks her up to POST her! Raquel drags Rhea up, and RAMS her into barriers at the ramp! And then CLUBS away on Rhea! Dom creeps up but Raquel tells him to back off. But that allows Rhea to CHOP BLOCK the bad leg! Raquel writhes, and Rhea laughs. Refs and producers show up but Rhea still wants after Raquel! Rhea BOOTS the bad leg! Fans boo, the Judgment Day regroups and heads out, the damage being done. Will Big Mami Cool have to think again before picking a fight with Dommy’s Mami?

WWE takes a closer look at Ronda Rousey VS Shayna Baszler.

Ronda says she first became aware of Shayna via StrikeForce MMA, when Ronda was a bartender. Shayna wasn’t asking for permission, she was filling a space. Then when they both made it to UFC, Ronda knew who her first pick was. Shayna says she joined Ultimate Fighter with a chip on her shoulder. That show was for “up-and-comers” but Shayna was past that. Ronda was a coach, and the two hit it off. Shayna didn’t hate on Ronda right away, just cuz Ronda was winning fast and getting opportunities. Ronda wouldn’t say Shayna was a protégé, because Shayna was fighting before Ronda, had more experience.

But what Ronda will says is that during Ultimate Fighter, with time running out in the grappling round that Shayna laughs and goes, “Hey, y’know it’s funny. I made it through this many weeks of Ultimate Fighter and you never arm-barred me once.” Well, ask how many times Ronda got her in that last minute. Then you’ll know who is the “protégé.” Shayna says there’s this image Ronda has for the public, as it pertains to her and her friends. Ronda lets them live for free at her house, but so she has people to beat up for free. Not out of good will.

Shayna was there for every single training camp to be the sparring partner to mimic those she was fighting so Ronda could learn to capitalize. Ask Ronda how many fight camps of Shayna’s Ronda came to so she could return the favor. And then Ronda became a superstar first. How is it Ronda got to where she got, and Shayna only to where she got? This whole thing has been set up from day one for Ronda to be elevated to this position, despite the work of everyone else, like Shayna, who came before her. It happened in MMA, it’s happening in the WWE, and Shayna is sick of it. There’s more to this story, this is just the beginning.

The Alpha Academy celebrates backstage.

Gable is so proud of Maxxine for applying his teachings and doing the Academy proud! Just like Otis & Gable will represent in winning the battle royal this weekend. OH YE- Wait, in steps Imperium. Gunther says this is ridiculous. What is even happening? First match, a stellar performance from Ludwig as he restores the honor of this great sport. Then Gable doesn’t hesitate a second to turn this into a joke? Is Gunther kidding? Did he not see Maxxine’s amazing proficiency? It was great! And these two are former tag team champions! And her coach is an Olympic athlete! Well, Gable got far in life, needing Maxxine to speak for him and hanging out with a freak.

Otis gets mad but Gable has him stand down. Ludwig says Gable is not worth Gunther’s time. This man wouldn’t even last five minutes with Der Ring General. yes, good point. The last few weeks have been a roller coaster for Gunther. His soul could use a bit of dragging someone around the ring for a little bit. So y’know what? Gunther wants the clock on the wall. He won’t even need five minutes! Gable says he can last five HOURS! But he’ll take that challenge. If Gunther wants Gable, leave the crew in the back and Gable will do the same. Then be Gunther’s guest. Imperium heads out, will the Master defeat the champion?

Shinsuke Nakamura VS Tommaso Ciampa!

The King of Strong Style himself is being hypocritical these days. He wants everyone to stay out of his business, but is more than happy to interject himself into another’s! He cost Ciampa against Bronson Reed, but will he be the only one to blame should Ciampa get even?

Raw returns and Ciampa is in the ring. The bell rings and the two tie up! Ciampa and Nakamura are in a deadlock, and they break. They reset, approach, and Nakamura slips past Ciampa. Nakamura says “C’MON!” Ciampa runs in but Nakamura dodges to headlock. Ciampa powers out but Nakamura runs him over! Ciampa avoids a stomp, and a buzzsaw, and the two reset again. They circle, feel things out, but Nakamura kicks away on legs! Nakamura bumps Ciampa and we see Bronson Reed watching as Nakamura gives Ciampa BAD VIBRATIONS! Nakamura lets off, but tries again, only for Ciampa to stop that!

Ciampa CHOPS, and ROCKS, and scoops to a BACKBREAKER! Ciampa mocks the “C’MON!” and then runs to basement dropkick! Ciampa kicks Nakamura at the ropes but lets off to throw hands. The ref reprimands, Ciampa brings Nakamura up to CHOP! Ciampa has Nakamura in a corner, fires body shots, and wrenches. Ciampa whips corner to corner, but Nakamura reverses, only for Ciampa to go up. Nakamura blocks Ciampa going over to KICK him in the ribs! Ciampa falls and writhes, Nakamura stomps him to the apron. Nakamura drags Ciampa up, but Ciampa CHOPS again! Nakamura KICKS the ribs!

Ciampa sits down and sputters, Nakamura KICKS away on him! Ciampa falls to the floor, Nakamura storms after him. The ref wants this in the ring so Nakamura puts Ciampa in. Nakamura then goes up but Ciampa KNEES him back down! Ciampa goes out to put Nakamura on the barriers, and he KNEES Nakamura to the floor! Ciampa sits on the barrier, to applaud and pat himself on the back! Fans applaud, too, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Ciampa throws hands! Nakamura eggs him on, then counter punches! And again! And then a strike fest! Nakamura KICKS and KICKS and KICKS! Ciampa blocks but Nakamura ENZIGURIS! Fans rally, Ciampa goes to a corner, and Nakamura runs in. Nakamura blocks boots, puts Ciampa in the ropes, KICK and SLIDING GERMAN! Cover, TWO!! Ciampa is still in this but Nakamura drags him up. Nakamura waistlocks but Ciampa elbows free! Bronson is still watching and is very amused. Ciampa goes after Nakamura but Nakamura ROUNDHOUSES! But Ciampa KICKS the leg, and DRAPING DDTS! Cover, TWO!

Ciampa is frustrated as Nakamura survives. Ciampa CHOPS Nakamura in a corner, then hoists him up top. Ciampa CHOPS again, then climbs. Nakamura fires body shots on those bad ribs and sends Ciampa down! Nakamura then adjusts to FLYING- NO, Ciampa ducks! Ciampa runs in but Nakamura dodges, ENZIGURI! Nakamura puts Ciampa along the rope, for a TOP SHELF KNEE! Cover, TWO! Fans fire up as Nakamura storms up to Ciampa. Nakamura lines up a shot, runs in, but Ciampa JUMP KNEES! Underhooks, but Nakamura fights out! Ciampa ROCKS Nakamura, Nakamura knees low! Roll-up, with tights! NAKAMURA WINS!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

The Psycho Killer could tell better than anyone that the King of Strong Style just snatched that one from him! Bronson smirks, will he show that none of this matters when facing down a Tsunami?

Raquel is being checked by the trainers, and Adam Pearce walks in.

He knows what happened, he knows Raquel wants after Rhea, but Raquel is not medically cleared. But he knows this is personal. So he gives her this word. The moment she is cleared, she gets her match with Rhea. Is that clear? She nods, and he wishes her to get well soon. But how soon will that be?

Brock Lesnar is here!

Fans boo as the Beast and his cowboy hat head to the ring. No tip of the hat, either, he just gets the mic. Fans chant for Cody and Brock smirks. “Ladies and gentlemen, my name is Brock Lesnar. I am an NCAA Heavyweight Wrestling Champion. I am a UFC Heavyweight Champion. I am WWE Heavyweight Champion of the World. And if there’s one thing I know about championships, is that this is fight week. The hype is over. This Saturday, at SummerSlam, in Detroit…” Lesnar paces, and then says, “I get paid. To fight. To kick ass. Against Cody Rhodes. This Saturday at SummerSlam, Cody Rhodes… Gets paid. To get his ass kicked. By Brock Lesnar.”

Fans boo and Lesnar chuckles. So let’s just cut the crap! Lesnar has already been here way too long tonight, so Cody, if you wanna come out here and tell him otherwise, be his guest. Lesnar will “respect” that. Lesnar wants Cody to look him dead in the eyes, shake his hand, and they’ll see each other Saturday. But if Cody doesn’t, Lesnar still sees him Saturday. So Cody has five seconds before Lesnar leaves. Lesnar counts it down, but Cody’s music hits! Lesnar drops the mic to wait, and fans sing along as Cody makes his entrance from the ramp. “WHOA~ OH!” Pyro! But Cody doesn’t even enjoy it, he just stares Lesnar down.

Lesnar smiles as Cody approaches. The American Nightmare goes around the outside while watching The Beast closely. Lesnar tells Cody to get in, “WHOA~ OH!” and Cody is on the apron. Cody steps in, eyes still locked on Lesnar. Fans cheer, but Cody seems to be trying to decipher how honorable Lesnar is being right now. Cody steps forward, Lesnar takes off the hat, and Cody is the one to offer the handshake. Lesnar grins, and as he promised, he shakes Cody’s hand. Fans cheer the sportsmanship, and Lesnar seems to tell Cody something. Lesnar goes to leave, and he shoulder bumps Cody,. So Cody builds speed! And Cody DIVES to take Lesnar out!

Fans fire up as Cody fires off fists! And then pushes Lesnar, only for Lesnar to RAM Cody into steel steps and post! Lesnar pulls those steps apart, and he RAMS Cody down with them! Fans boo as Lesnar steps up the ramp, but then Lesnar turns back! Lesnar gets the steps again, and he RAMS Cody down again! Lesnar decides to leave it at this for now, or does he? Lesnar CLUBS Cody on the back, picks the steps up again, and he RAMS Cody towards the ramp! Cody crawls, Lesnar walks past him, but Cody gets back up. So Lesnar storms right back up to KNEE Cody into the ring! Lesnar pushes Cody in and fans boo as Lesnar storms up on Cody!

Lesnar fireman’s carries, to F5!! Cody writhes, and Lesnar paces. Lesnar picks his hat back up, and his vest, and finally leaves it at this. Will this be how it goes in Detroit?

Five Minute Challenge: GUNTHER VS Chad Gable!

Imperium disrespected The Alpha Academy, and now the team leaders are having a match! Will Gunther use this as a nice warm-up for facing McIntyre? Or will Gable SHOOOOSH Der Ring General?

The bell rings and we’re on the clock! Gunther and Gable circle, they tie up, and Gunther THROWS Gable away. Gable gets up in a huff, fans rally behind him, and he circles with Gunther. They tie up, Gable has an arm but Gunther chinbars his way to a headlock and TOSS! Gable is fuming and fans rally again. The two circle again, feel things out, and knuckle lock. Gable goes for a leg, Gunther reaches over to get Gable’s leg and pull it back into a HALF CRAB! Gable has the ROPEBREAK, and Gunther pats Gable on the back as he lets off. Fans rally for Gable as Gunther grins and the two go again.

They knuckle lock, Gunther RAMS shoulders as part of the Test of Strength, and he then bends Gable back! Gable bridges, Gunther trips him and has the cover, TWO as Gable gets an arm up! Gunther pushes it down, TWO as Gable gets the other arm up! Gunther pushes down again, but Gable bridges up! Gunther hops on and flattens Gable, but Gable bridges back up! So Gunther just STOMPS Gable in the face! We’re at three minutes already and Gunther snapmares to then NECK TWIST! Gable writhes and checks his neck. Gunther drags Gable up, scoops and SLAMS hi m, then covers, TWO! Gunther tries another cover, TWO!

Gunther smirks but the fans fire up for Gable! Gable feeds off that energy, and he CHOPS! Gunther feels that one! Gable CHOPS, but Gunther UPPERCUTS! We’re at the two minute mark, and Gunther UPPERCUTS Gable again! Gable flounders in the corner, Gunther grins and storms back up. Gunther brings Gable up to UPPERCUT! Fans rally behind Gable but Gunther slap shim around. Gunther fires forearms! Fans fire up with Gable, and he ducks a chop to waistlock! Gunther fights the German Suplex to CHOP Gable off his feet! We’re below 90 seconds, but Gunther doesn’t look to be in a hurry.

Gunther drags Gable up, reels him in, and smirks as he brings Gable up. But Bale slips out! Takedown to an ANKLE LOCK!! We’re at the last minute as Gunther flails! Fans fire up, Gunther turns over and he BOOTS Gable! Gable comes back with forearms! Gunther CHOPS, and then SLEEPERS!! Gable flails, endures, and then Gunther CLUBS away! We’re under THIRTY seconds as Gunther has the sleeper again! Gable endures, the time is running out! Gunther hauls Gable up, but Gable fires fists! Ten seconds and Gable RANAS Gunther outta the ring!! Time’s up, Gable wins!!

Winner: Chad Gable, by time limit

Gunther is FURIOUS! He grabs the mic to say this match is NOT over! He wants MORE time on the clock! The ref talks it over with the producers, and the extension is accepted! But then Gable SHOTGUNS Gunther down! Der Ring General is reeling and fans fire up as Raw goes to break!

GUNTHER VS Chad Gable, continued!

Raw returns and Gable CHOPS and CHOPS and CHOPS! Gunther TOSSES Gable to a corner, to then CHOP! Gable flops against ropes, but Gunther stands him back up, to CHOP! Gable sits back down, flops to the apron, but Gunther drags him back in, to CHOP!! Gable sits right down in a daze! Gunther drags Gable up, hoists him up top, and then slaps Gable around. Gable grabs an arm to HANGING ARMBAR!! The ref counts, Gable lets off at 4, and then he climbs up! DIVING STOMP on Gunther’s arm! And then a DROPKICK! Gunther swats the next dropkick, swings, but Gable catches him for a takedown! FUJIWARA ARMBAR!!

Gunther endures, moves around, fights up, and he claws at Gable’s face! Then GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Gable is still in this but Gunther pushes Gable to a drop zone. Gunther climbs, fans boo, but Gable goes up top to SUPERPLEX Gunther down!! Fans fire up as both men are down! Gable and Gunther rise, “This is Awesome!” as Gable fires forearms! ROLLING ELBOW! Gable runs, but into a CHOP! Gunther grabs Gable’s leg but Gable kicks with the other! Gable BOOTS Gunther, then waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX!! Bridging cover, TWO!! Gunther rises, Gable RAMS him into the corner, but Gunther powers out to BOOT! And LARIAT! Cover, TWO!??!

Fans are thunderous and Gunther is furious! Gunther hauls Gable up, but Gable slips off! Here we go again, CHAOS- NO, Gunther blocks and wrenches out, to CHOP! And CHOP! And CHOP!! Gunther is not stopping, he gets Gable up again, GENERAL BOMB!! High stack, Gunther wins!

Winner: Gunther, by pinfall

He didn’t beat Gable in five minutes, but he did beat Gable “in the end!” And then he gets on the desk with a mic to say, “Yeah? Get used to it! Get used to seeing me standing up here and celebrating my success! Because for sure, on Saturday, I will not lose the Intercontinental Championship! Drew McIntyre! Wherever you are! Have a close look at what I did to that man. That’s the fate that awaits you, as well. Because come Saturday, I’m gonna end Drew McIntyre once and for all at SummerSlam!” Gunther is all fired up, but if he struggled with Master Gable, will he have a real problem with the Scottish Warrior?

Seth Rollins and Sami Zayn meet up backstage.

The Visionary says they’re gonna get them all! Dom! Damian! Rhea! Finn! ALL OF ‘EM are gonna pay! He can’t stand it for it anymore! Sami agrees, and they’re both ready to do this! Sami just wants Rollins to calm down a bit.

Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.

Byron is with The American Nightmare now that he’s gotten up from the beating Lesnar gave him. Byron brings that up and asks, can Cody compete this Saturday? Cody says Lesnar could break his arm AGAIN. He could break ribs, Cody’s jaw, but the brutality Lesnar has brought will be brought to him at SummerSlam. “The aura of Brock Lesnar, of the Beast, gets shattered.” Cody promises payback, will he have it in Detroit? Or will Motor City become Suplex City?

Becky Lynch VS ???

Fans fire up as The Man is ready for a fight! But will Houston enter the Big Time? Or is this going to end up a big time trap game before taking on Trish Stratus this Saturday?

Raw returns and Becky has a mic. Fans cheer Becky on and she smiles. “The Man has come around to Houston, Texas!” Fans cheer that! And Becky says that she’s said everything she’s needed to say, and has done everything she’s needed to do to get her rematch with Trish! And now, well, there ain’t nothing left to do but do it, and Becky can’t think of a better place than here, and now! Fans fire up, and Becky calls “Patricia” out so they can throw down in Houston! Fans fire up, they want it, too! So here comes Trish! And of course, Zoey Stark by her side. But Trish has a mic to say, “Y’know, I thought I’m gonna do this match right here, right now.

“But then I thought… You don’t get to tell me when I have this match. Nobody tells me when to fight. Yes, by some fluke, you beat Zoey Stark. Yes, you’ll get your rematch. But I will tell you when.” Trish won’t cheat Becky outta this. The one thing she’s not is a cheater, unlike the Astros. Fans boo, but Trish says it was true. It’s facts. Oh, sorry you didn’t like that. Trish thinks they’re saying “thanks” but back to Becky. Trish is dealing a situation here with her nose. So the rematch will- Wait, here comes Adam Pearce! Funny thing, Becky did beat Zoey last week. And so per the agreement, the match IS going to happen! Oh yes! And TONIGHT!

Fans fire up and a ref appears! The grudge match is her and now!! Trish doesn’t want to but she has no choice now! She claims Becky will break her nose again, will Becky do much more than that? Trish reluctantly gets in the ring, the bell rings, and here we go! Becky CLOBBERS Trish! But then Stark attacks Becky!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by disqualification

Fans boo, even though Becky technically wins. Stark drags Becky up but Becky fires off on Stark! Trish runs in to TACKLE Becky out of the ring! They hit the floor, but get up, and Becky SAMCKMS Trish off the desk! Stark CLUBS Becky, but Becky hits back to SMACK Stark off the apron! Trish kicks low, whips, but Becky reverses to send Trish into the timekeeper’s area! Becky DECKS Stark, DECKS Trish, then drags Trish up! But Stark grabs Becky’s hair and drags her over the barriers! Stark fires off, lines up a shot, but Becky blocks to ROCK Stark! Stark ROCKS Becky, Becky POSTS Stark!

But Trish JAMS Becky with a chair! The ref reprimands and fans boo! Trish tells them all to shut up! Trish and her protégé leave, but will Becky only want further revenge for this one?

Pearce finds Trish & Zoey backstage.

So uh, that was totally unacceptable. What? How? That was the match! They delivered! There was a ref and a bell. And it’s not like Trish had time to prepare! Well, then here’s plenty of time to prepare! In fact, Pearce will give Trish the homefield advantage! In two weeks, Raw in Manitoba, Trish will face Becky again, and this time, NO Zoey Stark! TWO WEEKS! Stark & Trish are upset, but now Trish has gone and done it! Will Trish suffer big time in just a couple weeks?

WWE continues the look at the history between Ronda and Shayna.

Ronda thinks about Shayna turning on her, and can’t believe this is how Shayna felt. Ronda can’t understand, she doesn’t know what that happened. Shayna says being friends with Ronda is accepting being in a toxic friendship. “Live in my house for free, you won’t have to work. All you’ll have to do is be a sparring partner for me. Every day, get beat up, and have no money.” It was the only option Shayna had. Ronda then said that since they were both in the WWE now, they could team up, win the tag titles. Like Ronda is stringing Shayna along doing Shayna a favor, when in reality, Ronda has the biggest target on her back after pissing off everyone.

And Ronda needed Shayna because everyone else was ready to step to her, and no one was gonna step to Shayna. Ronda needed Shayna in front of her, so Ronda could stand above her. Ronda says that when everyone jumped on the “F Ronda” bandwagon, Shayna never did. Ronda tears up as she says Shayna was there for her in her absolute roughest times. They were talking about some emperor saved by a stable boy when he was younger. And in gratitude, the stable boy was promoted to a general, with the best accommodations because that was someone who was completely loyal. But then eventually, the stable boy started feeling entitled. The stable boy turned on the emperor and took it all.

Ronda wanted a friend so badly, she gave Shayna everything until the point Shayna hated her for it. Shayna says she gave Ronda everything a friend should give and Ronda’s the one who never gave back. Now Shayna is emotional as she says she’s done riding in the back seat for Ronda. This isn’t going to be a match. This is going to be a fight. Shayna will take the thing that means the most to Ronda, and that is her reputation. “She has never been ‘The Baddest.’ It has always been me.”

Ronda doesn’t fight like anyone else cuz she’s not in a competition, she doesn’t just want to win a round. “If someone gets the best of you for even one second, that needs to drive you insane.” Ronda says that is the difference between the two of them. Ronda has said Shayna is a knockoff Ronda, and Shayna says the worst part of this is, that outside of Ronda’s husband and her mother, Shayna was the first person to hold Ronda’s baby. Shayna loves that kid. She’s that baby’s godmother. And that baby is gonna grow up and never forgive Shayna for what she’s going to do to Ronda. Shayna leaves the set, will the Queen of Spades prove SHE is the Baddest Woman on the Planet?

Sami Zayn & Seth Rollins VS Dominik Mysterio & Damian Priest w/ The Judgment Day!

Once again, the Great Liberator and Visionary team up, looking to avenge themselves and Kevin Owens, who is out with battered ribs! Will the Undisputed Tag Team Champion and World Heavyweight Champion finally bring down “Dirty Dom” and the Punisher? Or will all this simply make things easier for The Prince at SummerSlam?

Raw returns and Rollins makes his entrance. Fans of course sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” for Rollins as he stands under the spotlight. Then the Judgment Day make their entrance once again. But then Rollins & Zayn rush out to go after Dom and Finn first! Priest goes after Sami, Rhea gets clear, and the brawl continues! Dom and Finn mug Rollins but Sami turns things around on Priest! Rollins then turns things around, he DECKS Finn and fires off on Dom! Fans sing for Rollins as Priest DECKS him! But Sami ROCKS Priest! And fires off on Dom! Priest CLUBS Sami, puts him in the ring, but Sami FLIES out onto Priest!

Finn returns, he CLUBS Sami, but Rollins DIVES on Finn! Fans fire up as Rollins CLUBS Finn some more! Rollins chases Finn to the back, then hurries to help Sami. Rollins slides in with Sami and fans fire up as they hold the ring! The Judgment Day regroups as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, the bell rings and Rollins chases Dom around! Dom bails out, Sami grabs at him, but Dom slips away and back into the ring. Rollins slides in but Dom stomps away! Fans boo as Dom rains down fists, then he puts Rollins in a corner. Dom climbs up to rain down fists, but fans choose not to count. That’s okay, Rollins turns things around before five! Electric Chair and thumbs DOWN! SNAKE EYES off the buckles, and then a snapmare. Rollins runs to PENALTY KICK! Fans fire up as the kick is good! Dom staggers around, Rollins wrenches an arm, and he tags in Sami. Fans sing “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” as Sami drops AX HANDLES!

Sami rocks Dom, brings him around, but Dom powers Sami into the corner! Tag to Priest, the Judgment Day mugs Sami! Priest HEADBUTTS Sami, TOSSES him to the corner, but Sami dodges to fire off fists! Sami bumps Priest off buckles, climbs up top, and he leaps to AX HANDLE Priest! Fans fire up with Sami and he wrenches Priest. Tag to Rollins, Rollins climbs up and he DOUBLE STOMPS the arm! Fans rally, Rollins CHOPS and CHOPS and then whips corner to corner. Priest reveres, runs in, but Rollins BOOTS him away! Rollins leaps, into a HAYMAKER! Priest brings Rollins back to the corner, tag to Dom.

Fans boo as Dom mugs Rollins, and Dom flexes. Fans boo more but Rollins CHOPS! Fans cheer as the CHOPS keep going! Rollins whips Dom to a corner, runs in and forearm smashes! Rollins whips corner to corner, runs back in, but Dom dodges thanks to Rhea! Tag to Priest, and he BOOTS Rollins down! Then he sucker punches Sami! Sami falls down and Priest paces around Rollins. Priest wrenches, he calls to Dom, and they tag. Fans boo again as Dom mugs Rollins. Dom fires hands but Rollins gives those back! Dom kicks low, tags Priest, and they mug Rollins some more. Priest then brings Rollins around to whip, but Rollins KICKS back!

Priest goes to a corner, Rollins runs in but Priest puts him on the apron! Priest choke grips, but Rollins ROCKS him! Priest distracts the ref, and Finn returns to YANK Rollins down! And then POST him! Fans boo as the Prince grins and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Dom throws knees into Rollins’ ribs! Dom stands Rollins up, gives some Latino Heat, and fans boo, only for Rollins to wrench out and ROLLING ELBOW! Dom staggers to tag in Priest! Priest keeps Rollins from Sami, back suplexes, but Rollins lands out! Rollins dodges and hot tags Sami! Sami fires off on Priest, then whips, but Priest reverses. Sami goes up and over to LARIAT! Fans fire up and Sami BOOTS Dom for good measure! Priest kicks low, ROCKS Sami and whips, but Sami reverses to TOSS Priest out! Fans fire up with Sami and he builds speed, to FLY! Direct hit at the ramp!

Fans fire up with Sami and he drags Priest up. Sami pushes Priest in, Sami hurries up to spin and knuckle lock, then CHOPS! Sami goes up and up and TORNADO DDTS! Cover, Dom breaks it! Fans boo but Dom stomps away on Sami! Dom rains down fists, too! The ref reprimands but Mami is proud as Dom drags Priest to the corner. Dom tags in, and he storms up on Sami. Dom whips, Sami wrenches but Dom drop toeholds! Dom dials it up, but Sami LARIATS him inside-out! Fans fire up and Mami is shocked! Sami and Dom stir, and Rollins storms up the steps! Dom and Sami crawl, hot tags to Rollins and Priest!

Rollins ducks ‘n ‘dodges and SLINGBLADES! Priest bails out but Rollins DIVES! Direct hit into the desk! Rollins keeps going, another DIVE and Priest hits the desk! Rollins keeps on going, and he DIVES a third time, sending Priest over the desk! Kevin Patrick almost gets wiped out! Rollins tells Finn that if he wants to get crazy, let’s get crazy! Rollins brings Priest up and puts him in the ring. Rollins aims, springboards, but Priest catches him! SOUTH OF- NO, Rollins flips through to SUPERKCIK! And SUPERKICK again! Fans fire up as Rollins aims for the corner! But Rhea distracts! Dom HOTSHOTS Rollins down!

Fans boo but Sami trips Dom! Sami runs in to CLOBBER Dom! Finn is shocked, Rhea gets at Sami! The ref tells her to stay back, but then Finn SHOTGUNS Sami! Rollins climbs up the corner, but Priest CLUBS him first! Crucifix lift, RAZOR’S EDGE!! But then Priest sees his Mr. MITB briefcase!! Priest takes the straps down, but Finn grabs the briefcase? Is Finn gonna give it over? Finn says okay fine! Priest then holds it out to the ref, but Rollins is back up! So Priest swings, into a SUPERKICK that knocks the briefcase into Priest!! Rollins sees the case, Rhea gets at the ref! Dom rushes in, Rollins CHUCKS the case into Dom’s face!!

Rhea is furious, but Finn CLAWS Rollins’ eyes! Sami HELLUVA KICKS Finn down! CURB STMOP for Priest!! Cover, Rollins & Sami win!!

Winners: Sami Zayn & Seth Rollins, by pinfall

Though Kevin was not here, his best friend and his sorta good friend were able to #JustKeepFighting! They have humbled Judgment Day for the night, but will the champions of Raw be able to hold it down through SummerSlam?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of Raw, especially considering this is the go-home. Good video packages as always, though did we really need such a dramatic song for the Cody VS Lesnar recap? And we also got good segments out of Lesnar and Cody, though a bit standard formula by this point: Lesnar beats up Cody, Cody recovers and says his piece, wait for next time. Lesnar beating down Cody here, this has to mean Cody finds a way to win at SummerSlam and moves on to something else. Meanwhile, we got some career defining promo material out of Shayna and Ronda, working their real history together into this. Upping things to MMA Rules is really going to up this match, this could end up the best match either has had anywhere, but especially in the WWE.

Becky “getting” her match with Trish only for Stark to interfere, I should’ve known something like that would happen. And despite what they originally wanted, this won’t be for SummerSlam, Trish’s nose injury must be worse than they thought. Giving us two weeks for this can also help the build, it was starting to feel rushed because it was SummerSlam season. And Nakamura VS Ciampa was really good stuff. Of course Bronson was watching backstage, they love having him in three way feuds. And of course Nakamura wins by cheating to assert his Heel turn. I am still expecting Nakamura to end up siding with Bronson and Miz to all but force Ciampa to call upon Gargano & Lumis.

I am grateful they got Logan Paul’s stuff out of the way at the start. At the same time, good Heel Heat by bringing up Ricochet’s relationship with Samantha Irving. Logan stands tall here tonight, so I am really, really hoping the go-home math holds and Ricochet wins at SummerSlam. Great stuff from Imperium through the night, Ludwig getting a win over Riddle with a partial assist from Imperium was fitting for this ongoing story within the faction. Every loss is a major disappointment to Gunther and the others do not want to disappoint him.

And then, after a really fun match from Maxxine and Sarah with Maxxine’s first win, good interaction from Alpha Academy and Imperium. Gable VS Gunther, both the Five Minutes match and the normal match, was awesome stuff. If McIntyre doesn’t dethrone Gunther this Saturday, I would love if it was Gable at like Payback or some time after. Gunther vowed at the start of his reign that no American would dethrone him, so who better than an American Olympiad who clearly the crowds love? And Gable hasn’t had a singles title so it’d be a massive honor if he got the title off Gunther after Gunther set the new record for longest reign.

And of course, great stuff from the Judgment Day and their opponents tonight. Good group promo as always, and great brawl from Rhea and Raquel. But it sounds like we’re not getting that match at SummerSlam, either. Which is fine, I suppose, as it is still doubtful that Raquel would dethrone Rhea. And great stuff in the main event, the chaos at the end was a lot of fun. Priest and Finn again tease dysfunction over Priest being Mr. MITB, and that is what costs the team here tonight. Priest also got busted open in the end, he must’ve hit himself too hard with that briefcase for that Superkick spot. But Rollins winning here, that really muddies the math, so there’s a good chance someone in Judgment Day leaves Detroit with the title.

My Score: 8.7/10