Will Becky finally have Big Time revenge?

The WWE Hall of Famer, Trish Stratus, has been doing everything she can to avoid this fight, but it’s still happening! Will she survive Becky Lynch’s wrath?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Sami Zayn VS JD McDonagh; Sami wins.
• Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy VS Giovanni Vinci w/ Imperium; Gable wins.
• Otis w/ The Alpha Academy VS GUNTHER w/ Imperium; Gunther wins.
• The Viking Raiders w/ Sarah Logan VS Matt Riddle & Drew McIntyre; Riddle & McIntyre win.
• Indi Hartwell w/ Candice LeRae VS Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio; Rhea wins.
• Becky Lynch VS Trish Stratus; Double Count-Out Draw.
• Cody Rhodes VS Finn Balor; Cody wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

The Judgment Day is here.

Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio head to the ring together, but no Finn Balor with them, just like last week. Granted, The Prince is preparing for his match with the American Nightmare, but this feels more like Finn still being upset with how things have gone in regards to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. Either way, Rhea Rhea gets the mic to greet us to Raw, “The place that the Judgment Day runs. I know that lately, things haven’t been going our way.” Priest says to be honest, Finn should’ve walked out of SummerSlam the WHC. And last week, together, the Judgment Day should’ve won their match.

Clearly, communication has become an issue. But as long as Priest is Senor Money in the Bank, they will always dictate what goes on around here! So tonight, Finn will handle Cody Rhodes, as he should as one of the most dominant superstars of all time! But he should be out here telling you that himself. Don’t get it twisted, the Judgment Day isn’t breaking up. They’re all smarter than that. But Finn should be here. Rhea says this is not the time or place. Priest says no, they can’t pretend, the fans know something is up. There is something wrong in the Judgment Day, and it’s Finn!

Dom, back him up! They’re a familia! The three of them are here, so where’s Finn? Wait, is that JD McDonagh making his way out? Priest tells him, “Dude, I see you have a mic in hand so clearly you have something to say, but dawg, be careful what comes out your mouth.” McDonagh says he doesn’t mean to interrupt nor does he want to disrespect the most dominant faction on not just Raw, but in the entire WWE. McDonagh enters the ring to say he has a message for them from Finn. Finn said to tell them to not worry about Finn and McDonagh. Worry about the real targets: Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn.

McDonagh took out Sami, but through some miracle, the others made it through. The Judgment Day- Rhea tells JD that they do NOT take orders from anyone. Especially people that aren’t part of the group! Dom tells JD that- Oh wait he gets booed. Dom says they have this on lockdown. Mami is the most dominant champion in the WWE, Priest is a future world champion, and Dom is still NXT North American Champion! And Dom just found out that Canada’s part of North America, so that makes Dom the champ of this “dump” too! So just head to the back and let them handle business.

McDonagh says that is fine. No disrespect, just delivering a message. McDonagh leaves and Rhea says here’s a message to deliver to Finn: Tell him they need to talk. But as Rhea was saying- WAIT! Here comes Sami Zayn! And he brawls with McDonagh! Fans fire up as Sami gets the edge! Fans chant for “SAMI! SAMI!” and the Irish asks for help from the Judgment Day! They don’t give it! Sami DECKS McDonagh, then steps up to the apron. Priest tells him they’re good, for now. Sami goes after McDonagh again, but McDonagh SLAMS that bad arm into the post! And then hammerlocks, to POST it again!

Sami falls over, the Judgment Day leave this behind, is this about to be a match? We find out, after the break!

Sami Zayn VS JD McDonagh!

Raw returns and this is a match, happening now! The bell rings and the two rush in! Sami dodges the boot to fire off haymakers! Sami bumps McDonagh off buckles, ROCKS him again, then goes up top! Sami hits an AX HANDLE! Fans fire up and Sami runs in to throw hands! Sami whips corner to corner, then he back drops McDonagh on the rebound! Fans fire up, Sami storms up on McDonagh and pursues him out and around the ring. McDonagh runs, Sami drops down then hurdles, then MONKEY FLIPS McDonagh all the way to ropes! Fans fire up while McDonagh writhes on the mat.

Sami drags McDonagh up, but McDonagh wrenches the bad arm to KICK it! Sami writhes now but McDonagh CLUBS away and stomps away on Sami! Fans boo, the ref counts as they’re in the ropes, and McDonagh goes after that arm. Sami endures, McDonagh wrenches and then goes to ropes to HOTSHOT the arm! Sami writhes and fans boo but McDonagh goes back after him. McDonagh has the arm while kneeling on Sami’s head, and he rips away the protective bandages! Then he YANKS the arm back! Sami writhes, but McDonagh SLAMS the bad arm down! McDonagh drags Sami up but Sami CHOPS with his good arm!

Sami fires off haymakers! Sami whips, McDonagh reverses but Sami holds ropes! McDonagh runs in but Sami TOSSES McDonagh up and out! Fans fire up as Sami pursues again, and LARIATS McDonagh down! Fans fire up for Sami more while he clutches that bad elbow. But McDonagh wrenches to HOTSHOT the arm on barriers! McDonagh is after Sami now, and he KNEE DROPS the arm against the desk! Sami writhes and fans boo but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Sami fights back as McDonagh has him up top! Sami CLUBS away, fans sing “OLE~ OLE OLE OLE~!” and Sami HEADBUTTS McDonagh down! Fans fire up, Sami adjusts, and leaps into a DROPKICK from McDonagh! Cover, TWO! McDonagh and Sami sit up, and McDonagh throws palm strikes! Then he KICKS the bad arm! And again! And again! McDonagh whips, Sami springboards to goes up and over, and he LARIATS McDonagh down! Fans fire up and Sami grits his teeth. Sami storms up to McDonagh, throws hands, but McDonagh hits back! McDonagh KICKS the arm, runs in, but into a scoop! ONE ARM MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!!

McDonagh survives but fans rally up. Sami drags McDonagh up, but the bad arm stops the Blue Thunder! Then McDonagh CLUBS away on Sami! Sami swings, McDonagh dodges and hits a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!! But into a CROSSFACE!! And on the bad arm, too!! Fans rally for Sami as he endures, but McDonagh pulls back! Sami reaches out, pries at the grip, and then pushes back to roll to the ROPEBREAK! Fans fire up as while McDonagh lets go in frustration. McDonagh drags Sami up, SLAPS him, and then KICKS the bad arm! And again! And again! Fans boo but McDonagh mocks Canada’s hero.

But Sami clinches! CORNER EXPLODER! Fans fire up, Sami goes to the corner, and McDonagh rises. But Finn appears! The Prince distracts Sami by running right up to the apron, but then backing away. McDonagh O’Conner Rolls, TWO!! Sami escapes, McDonagh whips, and then HEADBUTTS! Sami falls, and McDonagh goes to the corner! McDonagh climbs, to MOONSAULT, but into boots! Finn distracts again but Sami DECKS him! And runs corner to corner, HELLUVA KICK!! Cover, Sami wins!

Winner: Sami Zayn, by pinfall

Finn runs in but Sami gets away! Canada’s hero shows his grit, but will that bad arm still be a big target? Will Finn fare better than his friend when facing Cody Rhodes later tonight?

Chelsea Green meets with Adam Pearce.

Pearce wants her to take a breath and just hear him out. But she has worked way too hard to be WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion! Then let him just say it! As we all know, Sonya Deville was injured a few weeks ago when facing Charlotte Flair & Bianca Belair. And as we all know, Sonya tore her ACL and will be out for several months at least. So all apologies, but he has no choice- STOP! Don’t say it. This is so predictable. She worked too hard to just throw these titles away! If she was manager, she’d do such a better job. She is gonna call her lawyer, call HIS manager, and even Human Resources! No one should be doing what he is doing!

Then what is he supposed to do in this situation? She surely has a ton of ideas, so lay them on him. Well, actually… She would hold auditions! Chelsea’s Got Talent: Auditions for her next tag team partner! Then they will defend the titles and- A knock on the door? Please, come in. It’s KC Squared, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance! And they heard about what happened to Sonya. They figured with Chelsea here, as soon as she- PIPER NIVEN ATTACKS!! She blasts through KC Squared and says she’s the new partner. Well, Chelsea was going to take auditions, so if you want, leave your name and number, maybe your Instagram handle, and-

No, you’re not understanding. Piper snatches one of the belts, and says she IS the new partner. Now go! Piper pushes Chelsea along, and it seems we have a possible match-up while we’re at it. Will Kayden & Katana be able to take the titles now that the Hot Mess has the big bad Piper the Viper on her side?

Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.

Byron Saxton is with the American Nightmare and brings up his match with Finn, and a “loose cannon” at that. Well you have to be a loose cannon to a degree to get anywhere in this business. Cody admires Finn, who was a leader in Ireland when he started his career. He was a leader in Japan, and now leading the Judgment Day, a group vying for supremacy on not just Raw but the WWE as a whole. But he isn’t the only leader. Damian Priest, Mr. MITB, that is an alpha dog. Rhea Ripley, a bonafide star! And… Dirty Dom. He’s, uh… Well, submissive? But a champion and dangerous none the less.

The group is dangerous, they’ve tried taking out Sami Zayn and have taken out Liv Morgan and Kevin Owens. Tonight, Cody will be ready for Finn. Cody hasn’t wrestled in Canada in years. He has friends here, he will make it count, and he will be ready for the Judgment Day. Cody heads out, will there be something Cody won’t be ready for tonight?

Imperium heads to the ring.

While Der Ring General will be facing Chad Gable in a defense of the Intercontinental Championship, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci have to handle their own business. Who will they use to make the mat sacred?

Raw returns and Gunther stands on the desk, mic in hand. Fans boo but Gunther grins. “On the journey of building the legacy as the best Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion of all time, Der Ring General has arrived in Winnipeg! And as a European, I’m always looking forward to coming to Canada. But after walking around the streets this morning and looking at all your faces, I really understand why they call this place the Armpit of Canada.” Fans boo but Gunther says he is here to address the next #1 contender for this title, Chad Gable. Fans cheer, and Gunther says he has to be honest, that was an impressive victory.

In general, Chad has worked hard for years. A former Olympian, and perhaps the best athlete the WWE has to offer. But Gunther achieved more in a year than Chad has his whole career! C’mon! You all believe he is a threat, that he will be the one that finally dethrones Gunther. RIDICULOUS! At the end of the day- “SHOOOOOOOOOOOOSH~! Please. A THANK YEW~!” Fans cheer as the Alpha Academy heads to the ring. Chad says two weeks ago, they put time on the clock and Gunther bet Chad couldn’t last five minutes, but then he did! Chad beat Gunther at his own game. But it’s funny, because now Gunther is on the clock!

Gunther is just weeks away from setting the all-time record for longest reigning Intercontinental Champion. Just one thing stands in his way, and that is a guy that’s been waiting for an opportunity for ten YEARS! That’s been working for a chance for ten YEARS! That is Chad nipping at Gunther’s heels, chasing him down, and coming to take that title, buddy! But lucky for Gunther, he’ll get that for another 24 hours. Tonight, it is Chad VS Vinci. So get that big, beautiful BALD head in the ring to catch a free lesson from Master Gable, A THANK YEW~!” Ludwig says nein nein nein! First off, Giovanni Vinci is the cream of the crop that the WWE has to offer.

Secondly, Chad, Vinci is going to prove that tonight when he embarrasses Chad. Just like Ludwig absolutely EMBARRASSED your freak of a friend, Otis, just last week. So eventually, Madame Maxxine… You will have to understand that you should surround yourself with some European elegance. Look at you, look at Ludwig, and look at them together. This is what Ludwig would call an A+ aesthetic. Maxxine rolls her eyes but Ludwig says the Alpha Academy is a sinking ship! But don’t worry, Ludwig is here, reaching out his hand to her. Take it and let him save you, or let that 360 pound anchor drag you down until you become what they already are: an absolute embarrassment!

Maxxine SLAPS Ludwig! Fans cheer and Chad says A THANK YEW~! Gunther is upset his guys just got punked like that, but will the Pride of Italy tear down this American Alpha?

Chad Gable w/ The Alpha Academy VS Giovanni Vinci w/ Imperium!

Raw returns, the bell rings, and the two circle. They tie up, Vinci powers Gable to a corner, but the ref counts. Vinci lets off but then shoves Gable. Gable swipes at Vinci, they go again, and Vinci headlocks. Gable puts Vinci on the ropes, powers out, but Vinci runs him over! Gable is frustrated as he goes to a corner and Gunther taunts him. Fans rally behind Gable as he and Vinci reset. They feel things out, tie up with knuckle locks, but Vinci wrenches to a knuckle lock. Gable rolls, bridges, handsprings, and spins to break, spin, headlock and drop toehold! Gable has the armlock and says “A THANK YEW~!”

Vinci fights up, pulls hair, then scoops! Gable slips off the back, shoves and then drops down, to leap, but into a POWERSLAM! Vinci snarls as he storms up on Gable, and then he puts him in a corner for body shots! Vinci CHOPS, talks trash, then wrenches to hit a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Fans rally but Vinci taunts Gable. Vinci brings Gable up but Gable fires forearms and CHOPS! Gable whips, Vinci reverses band Gable hits buckles hard, then staggers back into a BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Vinci is annoyed, but he hits a BACKBREAKER! Cover, Gable’s shoulder isn’t down so Vinci forces it down, ONE!!

Gable is hanging tough and that annoys Imperium. Vinci stands Gable up but Gable SLAPS him! Vinci ROCKS Gable, Gable CHOPS! Vinci kicks, Gable CHOPS! Vinci CHOPS and everyone feels that! Vinci puts Gable up top but Gable gets the arm! HANGING ARMBAR! The ref counts, Gable lets go at 4. Gable sits back up, but Vinci fireman’s carries! Gable slips off, waistlocks, but Vinci fights the suplex. Vinci runs in, Gable dodges but Vinci bucks the O’Conner! Vinci swings, Gable catches him, GERMAN SUPLEX! Fans fire up and Gunther looks upset. Gable stands to fire forearms and body shots!

Vinci kicks low, CHOPS, and CHOPS, and CHOPS! Gable gets in Vinci’s face! Vinci swings, misses, Gable fires off a flurry! Vinci swings again, Gable dodges to mule kick! “SHOOSH!” Gable runs for a ROLLING NECKBREAKER! Then Gable goes up top, but Vinci moves! Gable lands out of the moonsault but Vinci fireman’s carries! ROLLING SENTON and MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO! Gable is still in this and Imperium is frustrated. Vinci drags Gable up, reels him in, but Gable slips free of the bomb! Gable gets around, O’Conner Roll for CHAOS THEORY!! Bridging cover, GABLE WINS!

Winner: Chad Gable, by pinfall

Fans fire up for the win, and Otis makes sure to rub it in Gunther’s face! Master Gable is rolling, will he end Gunther’s near historic reign? Gunther gets on the mic to shout that this is NOT how things end tonight! If this town is the Armpit of Canada, then Otis is the Armpit of Humanity! If Otis thinks this is fun, we’ll see how fun it is when Gunther scrubs his dumb face all over that mat! Gunther wants a match, right NOW! Fans fire up for that and the tree trunk says “OHHHH YEAAAH~!” Will Gunther regret taking on the human wrecking ball that is Chad Gable’s number one guy?

Otis w/ The Alpha Academy VS GUNTHER w/ Imperium!

Raw returns and this match is official! The bell rings, the two circle, and those legs are shimmying! Fans fire up but Gunther is upset by the antics. The two stare down, then tie up, and Otis powers Gunther back! Gunther digs in his heels but Otis still puts him in a corner. Gunther turns it around, the ref counts, and Gunther lets off, to pie faces! Gunther talks trash, but Otis shoves him! Gunther SLAPS Otis, but Otis grimaces. Gunther kicks low, but that just gets Otis all pumped up! Gunther kicks low again, headlocks, but Otis powers out. They RAM shoulders, Otis rebounds, and rolls under the lariat! But not the BOOT!

Gunther stomps Otis while Imperium cheers. Gunther has Otis on ropes as he stomps away on him! The ref reprimands, Gunther lets off, and Otis stands. Otis CHOPS! And CHOPS! Gunther CHOPS back and Otis ends up on ropes again! Gunther scowls, drags Otis up, and has a facelock to then CLUB Otis on the back! Otis goes to ropes but Gable and the fans rally up for him. Otis feeds off that energy, but Gunther ROCKS Otis with a haymaker. Gunther whips but Otis reverses, and then Otis CLOBBERS Gunther! Gunther staggers around, Otis storms up and swings, but into a SLEEPER! Gunther ELBOWS Otis in the head!

Fans boo but Gunther fishhooks then CLUBS Otis again! Gable shakes his head at Gunther, but Gunther stands on Otis’ head! Gunther talks trash on Gable, Gable coaches Otis. The ref counts, Gunther lets off and Otis goes to a corner. Gunther stomps Otis, talks trash on him, and pushes him around in the corner. Gunther CHOPS, but Otis starts to huff and puff and power up! Gunther kicks, Otis blocks to fire off clubbing forearms! Gunther UPPERCUTS, but Otis comes back with more shots! Gunther BOOTS from the corner, runs, but into the WRECKER ELBOW! Fans fire up and Otis roars! Otis storms up, into a shoulder from Gunther!

Gunther LARIATS but Otis stays up! Otis LARIATS, Gunther stays up! Gunther LRIATS, Otis LARIATS, neither man has fallen! Gunther and Otis DOUBLE LARIAT! Gunther gets running, but Otis scoops him! FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans are thunderous as off comes the shirt! Otis aims, and starts up he CATERPILLAR- BOOT!! Gunther runs to BOOT Otis again! Gunther drags Otis up, and manages to GUNTHER BOMB him!! Cover, Gunther wins!

Winner: Gunther, by pinfall

Gable GERMAN SUPLEXES Gunther! And kicks him out of the ring! Imperium regroups and Gable says “SHOOOOSH!” Will Gable shock the world and silence Der Ring General before he eclipses The Honky Tonk Man?

The Judgment Day regroups backstage.

Priest is upset that Finn couldn’t bother to join his family out there, but for his little buddy, McDonagh, sure thing. And to what? Get popped in the eye? Explain! Finn tells Priest to relax. Rhea says ENOUGH! This is what everyone wants! They wanna see them crumble! But they are now the most dominant faction in the WWE. But no one is scared cuz why? Look at them right now! They’ve done so much right now! Rhea is Women’s World Champion. Priest is Senor MITB. Dom is North American Champion. But they’re losing their killer instinct. McDonagh walks over and apologizes to Finn but that just gets on Priest’s nerves.

Priest tells JD that this is Judgment Day business, please step away. Finn says relax. Finn tells McDonagh they can talk later. And he tells the others that this isn’t about McDonagh, and this isn’t about Finn and Priest. This is about all of Judgment Day. Tonight, they can show the world just how strong they are. Finn says Rhea is right, they gotta get that killer instinct back. Cody Rhodes won’t know what hit him tonight! Rhea says he will, because it’ll be the Judgment Day. The group fist bumps and comes together, but is all truly fixed?

Backstage interview with Drew McIntyre.

Jackie Redmond is with the Scottish Warrior and says it is so great to have him back on Raw. But on behalf of everyone, she has to ask, what’s next? McIntyre takes a moment, but then Matt Riddle walks over to say what’s up! He’s sorry for interrupting but he just feels a certain kinda way right now. Riddle wants to fix things. When you’re down, it’s always good to have a solid bro pick you up. And here is a solid idea! He wants start a new tag team! The Viking Raiders put out an open challenge, and Riddle accepted! And, bro, and, hear him out. Would McIntyre be Riddle’s partner?

Think about it, Bro! There’s all sorts of names! EdinBro, GlasBro, and all wearing kilts! That’s just the tip of the iceberg, too! McIntyre stops Riddle, and says if Riddle can’t find a partner by the match, McIntyre will consider it. So you’re saying there’s a chance? Riddle is all hyped, but will he get the Scottish Bro-rior as his new teammate? Will he get anyone to join him?

Indi Hartwell speaks.

“Most of my life, if you asked me, ‘Who is Indi Hartwell?’ I struggled to find the answer. But I’ve learned that it’s not the mountain we conquer, it’s ourselves. Doubt kills more dreams than failure ever will, and I’m done with doubt. I was put on this Earth to achieve greatness, to live my purpose, and to do it courageously. I came from Melbourne, Australia for this moment, right here, right now. I am Indi Hartwell.” #IndiWrestling is going to take on the Eradicator, will she survive Rhea’s brutality?

The Viking Raiders w/ Sarah Logan VS Matt Riddle & ???

Raw returns as The Original Bro watches the ramp. Erik & Ivar make their entrance first, “Valhalla” by their side. Riddle is worried he won’t have anyone, but then, here comes McIntyre! Fans fire up, too, as the Scottish Warrior has his sword and the flames! Will the Bro Warriors be able to take the fight to the Vikings?

The teams sort out and Riddle starts with Ivar. Riddle dodges to fire off strikes, then runs, only for Ivar to run him over! Ivar drags Riddle up, TOSSES him to a corner, and tags in Erik. The Vikings stomp a mudhole into Riddle but let off as the ref counts. The fans boo but Erik drags Riddle up. Erik ROCKS Riddle, ROCKS him again, then sends him to the corner. Riddle ROCKS Ivar, fires off more shots, and he BOOTS Erik! Riddle then spins Erik around to PELE! Erik staggers, Riddle kips up and he forearm smashes! Then he goes side to side, forearm smash! Then BROSPLODER! Ivar tags in but gets a KNEE from Riddle!

The Vikings regroup on the outside, Erik blocks the Penalty Kick to trip Riddle! Riddle hits apron, then he’s fed to a SEATED SENTON! The Vikings roar, and Sarah even shouts in Riddle’s face, while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Riddle fires hands! But Erik keeps him back from McIntyre! Fans fire up as Riddle reaches, but Erik SLAMS Riddle down! Cover, TWO! Tag to Ivar, and Ivar drags Riddle up to put in a corner. Ivar fires off elbows again and again and again! The ref counts, Ivar lets off and Riddle falls over. Ivar covers, TWO! Ivar drags Riddle away by his hair! Tag to Erik, and the Vikings mug Riddle against ropes! The ref counts, Ivar lets off and Erik paces. Erik stays between Riddle and McIntyre to then KNEE Riddle down! Cover, TWO! Erik drags Riddle up, but Riddle FISHERMAN BUSTERS in return! Fans fire up as Riddle and Erik crawl, hot tags to McIntyre and Ivar!

McIntyre runs Ivar over, then fires off LARIATS! Erik runs in but into an OVERHEAD SUPLEX! Ivar runs in, McIntyre gets him for a NECKBREAKER! NECKBREAKER for Erik, too! McIntyre kips up, kicks Ivar, but Ivar powers him to a corner! McIntyre ELBOWS Ivar, Ivar KNEES McIntyre! Ivar runs, but McIntyre scoops to MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as McIntyre snarls and watches Ivar. McIntyre runs in, but Ivar ELBOWS! Erik tags in before McIntyre clotheslines Ivar up and out! McIntyre TOSSES Erik into the ring! Fans fire up, McIntyre aims from the corner! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” Ivar gets up but McIntyre has to DECK him first!

Erik KNEES McIntyre, Riddle tags back in! Ivar sneaks a tag, Erik spins McIntyre and feeds him to a pop-up! Springboard LARIAT GERMAN SUPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Riddle survives and fans fire up! Tag back to Erik, and the Vikings drag Riddle back up. Feed to FINAL FLASH from Riddle! Riddle swings, Ivar ducks, but Riddle lands out of the back suplex! McIntyre tags in, Riddle runs into a BOOT from Ivar! McIntyre gives Ivar a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! Erik gives McIntyre an EXPLODER! Riddle RANAS Erik up and out! Then PENALTY KICK for Ivar! Riddle springboards, FLOATING BRO ATTACK! Fans fire up but Erik CLOBBERS Riddle!

Erik storms in, McIntyre dodges, then hits a CLAYMORE! Cover, McIntyre & Riddle win!

Winners: Matt Riddle & Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

The EdinBros, or whatever their team name will be, win! Will these two soon take over the WWE Tag Division?

Indi and Candice prepare backstage.

Raquel Rodriquez walks over and says big night tonight. She tried her hardest to get cleared but they still won’t! And after last week, Raquel is ready to rip Rhea apart! Candice gets it, Raquel will get her chance, she just has to be patient. Right, and tonight is Indi’s night. She gets to show the WWE Universe who she is, go get it! Indi thanks Raquel for the encouragement. Will #IndiWrestling be Impressive? Or will she get eradicated?

Riddle & McIntyre talk backstage.

The Bro is so pumped. They were unstoppable! McIntyre hittin’ Claymores, Riddle doin’ his thing. McIntyre says yes, the Vikings Raiders are no joke, but Riddle should pump the brakes a bit, not get ahead of himself. Riddle says he feels that, but he has a hunch. They can win those WWE Tag Team Championships! But then the New Day walks over, with chairs, and says whoa whoa whoa~! Did Riddle just say they’ll be champions, right on Kofi Kingston’s boating birthday? Wow, guys. First, you take his ankle, and now this! Well, happy birthday, bro. But New Day is back, great to see ya, what’s up?

Kofi says that the “GlasBros” or whatever are not a thing! They’re barely friends! Just cuz you won one match that you’re eligible for titles? That’s not how this works! Has this whole division gone crazy!? Woods says they leave for just a few months and everyone’s losing their minds! Shinsuke kicks Seth, Jimmy kicks Jey, the Profits think they’re Cedric & Shelton! What the hell is going on?! Kofi has an idea how to fix this! Riddle & “Big D” McIntyre take on ya bois, the NEW~ DAY~, next week on Raw to find out just who will make a run at those W! W! E! WORLD! TAG! TEAM! CHAMPIONSHIPS~! What you say?

Riddle says he’s got this. GlasBros gladly accept! It is on! Kofi laughs and says they done messed up now! Riddle says they got this. But do they? Do they really have this?

Indi Hartwell w/ Candice LeRae VS Rhea Ripley w/ Dominik Mysterio!

Raw returns as Indi makes her entrance, the Poison Pixie by her side. The bell rings and Rhea CLOBBERS Indi in the corner! Rhea fires off with body shots and forearms, fans fire up but the ref counts. Rhea TOSSES Indi across the way, then drags her up to TOSS her again! Indi goes back to a corner but Rhea drags her out to rain down fists! Fans are torn but Rhea stomps Indi around. Rhea brings Indi up to throw body shots, then she whips corner to corner. Rhea runs in to RAM Indi with a shoulder! Rhea grins, and she CHOPS Indi! Indi sputters, Rhea stands her up, and Rhea CHOPS again! Rhea smirks but the ref reprimands.

Rhea whips Indi corner to corner, runs in again, but Indi dodges and Rhea POSTS herself! Dom is a bit worried there as Indi fires forearms! Indi knees, CLUBS, JABS and then SPINEBUSTERS! Cover, ONE!! Indi stays on Rhea, throws her to the apron and drags her in through ropes to UPPERCUT and BOOT! Rhea flops down to the floor, Indi goes out after her. Indi drags Rhea up to fireman’s carry, but Rhea fights free, to POST Indi! Rhea says if Indi wants to fight, here’s this! Rhea scoops Indi, waves to Candice, and she POSTS Indi again! Rhea says “SUCK IT!” and then goes back to Indi to put her in the ring.

Rhea storms in after Indi, but then slides out to SUCKER PUNCH Candice! Rhea says kiss this, and then she goes back for Indi. Dom likes what he sees Rhea storms up, but Indi cradles! TWO, and Rhea HEADBUTTS!! Pump handle, RIPTIDE!! Cover, Rhea wins!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Dom is relieved, there was nothing to worry about. But Candice goes after Rhea! Rhea turn sit around to fire off hands! But Indi gets up, FLAPJACK! STEP-UP SENTON! Dom runs in but Indi & Candice get away! Will Rhea make sure there’s no way these two survive the Summer?

Shinsuke Nakamura is here!

The King of Strong Style heads to the ring, feeling good about his cheap shot Kinshasa on Seth Rollins last week. Michael Cole will look to get answers, what will Nakamura have to say? We’ll see, after the break.

Raw returns and Cole is in the ring with Nakamura and gives him a proper introduction. But Nakamura, you’ve known Rollins your entire career. They’ve had tremendous respect for each other. So why on Earth did Nakamura attack Rollins like that? Nakamura says in Japanese, “I was fed up! Of various things. Maybe… Even of myself. So I asserted myself! Because I want my true nature!” And then in English, “I want the World Title.” Well, that said, did he need to hit Rollins in the head? Naze? Naze naze? (Why? Why why?)

Nakamura continues to rant in Japanese, “Because it’s the quickest way to prove yourself! I want more! I’m not satisfied! I can go higher! I’ll be who I want to be so…” Back to English, he will be World Heavyweight Champion. But here comes Rollins! Fans sing for the Visionary as he struts out in a white lace suit. Nakamura smirks and Rollins says Cole did a good job but he’ll take it from here. WINNIPEEEG~! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins! And then Rollins looks at Nakamura. Fans still sing, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Rollins tells Shinsuke he has to hand it to him. Last week, Nakamura played that to perfect. He set Rollins up and he knocked Rollins down.

But all in the name of the World Heavyweight Championship? That seems too obvious! Nakamura is not telling us the entire truth! Rollins says that in case you can’t tell, Rollins ain’t hard to find. In fact, every single week, Rollins stands right here in the center of this ring, dressed to the nines, world title around his waist, with the entire world singing his song! “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” And in case Nakamura wasn’t aware, Rollins is a fighting champion. And as such, up until last week, he had the utmost respect for Nakamura. If he wanted a shot, all he had to do was ask. But Nakamura didn’t ask! He just kicked Rollins in the face, and for a week, we’ve wanted to know why! #WhyShinsukeWhy!

Rollins is less concerned about why he got kicked in the face, and with more concerned on how he can get even. Rollins does have a surprise for Shin, though. Shinsuke wins. Because it occurred to Rollins that the best way to get what he wants is to give Nakamura what he wants. If that ambush was a challenge, then CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! HAHAHAHA! Fans love it! King of Strong Style VS The Visionary for the World Heavyweight Championship! Nakamura smiles, and Rollins says just name the time and place and Rollins will be there to kick Nakamura’s ass!

“So now that we both have what we want, why don’t we give the people what they want? How about you grow a set, you shake my hand like a man, you get the hell outta my ring, and you let Winnipeg sing my song?” The fans sing, Rollins offers a handshake and Nakamura takes it. Then pulls him in to whisper something to Rollins. Rollins seems rather stunned, just what did the King of Strong Style tell him? Nakamura leaves, Rollins tries to fathom what he just heard, and then he turns around into a KINSHASA!! Two weeks in a row! Will the third time be the charm when these two have their match?

Backstage interview with The Miz.

Byron is with the A-Lister and asks him about that altercation last week with LA Knight. Miz asks Byron what he means by that. Oh, how Miz “verbally tore down” LA Knight, showing he isn’t just better on the mic but in the ring? Um, no, Knight hit the BFT then shook your hand. Miz did NOT shake Knight’s hand, because Knight doesn’t deserve that. But is Byron an LA Knight guy now? Buying the merch? That after Knight beat Top Dolla last Friday, Knight’s a somebody now? Yeah. DON’T SAY “YEAH!!” Miz says that next week, Miz will beat a “somebody!” Someone here who is faster and stronger than anyone Knight has ever faced in his entire career!

And who knows, Miz might even show up on SmackDown. Or not. Either way, you know what it’ll be? Yeah. Er, uh… Awesome? Yeah… Miz storms off, will he one-up the Mega Star?

Becky Lynch VS Trish Stratus!

No more running, no more excuses, and no Zoey Stark watching her back, Trish has to fight Becky straight up! Will The Man finally humble The Chick?

Raw returns and Becky makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two stare down. Fans rally as the two circle, and then they start throwing hand! Fans fire up as Becky RAMS Trish into a corner! And again, and again! The ref counts, Becky brings Trish around to bump her off buckles! That facemask is little protection with how hard Becky smacks Trish off the buckles! And then again in another corner! Becky stomps Trish down, the ref counts, but Becky lets off. To then rush back in! Trish ROCKS Becky, then HEADBUTTS Becky! Now the m ask is a weapon! Trish runs up to CHOP Becky to a corner!

Trish CHOPS Becky again, and then storms up to CHOP again! And again! And again! Becky staggers away, Trish is after her and puts some stank on the chop, but Becky blocks! Becky ROCKS, UPPERCUTS, clinches, but Trish fights free. Trish kicks but Becky ducks it! Becky clinches to BECKSPLODER! Trish bails out, Becky builds speed and Becky WRECKS Trish with a dropkick! Becky tells her to get up, and then aims. Trish stands, Becky leaps, FLYING FOREARM! Fans fire up for Becky and she drags Trish up and in. Becky storms in but Trish bails out, only for Becky to pursue! They go around the way, Trish turns around to CLOBBER Becky!

Fans are torn, but Trish throws Becky down by her hair. Trish then RAMS Becky into the barriers! Becky blocks an apron bump to give an apron bump! Becky then smacks Trish off more apron, and brings her around to throw her into the ring. Becky storms up, dodges the shoulder, and KICKS! And KICKS again! The mask comes off! Trish panics, grabs at the mask, and then hurries to SLAP Becky up top! Trish runs to handspring, but Becky denies the Stratusphere! Trish fires off more hands, tries again, STRATUSPHERE! Cover, TWO! Becky survives but Trish drags her up and out of the ring!

Trish goes out but Becky kicks low! Becky whips but Trish reverses and Becky hits steel steps! Becky falls, Trish soaks up the cheers and jeers, and she puts Becky in. Trish takes off the mask and says oh, her nose is totally okay! But Becky blocks the mask punch! The ref takes the mask, but Trish still haymakers! And HOTSHOTS! And BOOTS Becky into the corner! Trish goes up, pushes Becky away, and gets Canada fired up. Trish takes a bow while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and the haymakers start flying! Fans fire up as Becky fires off a strike fest, then LARIATS! And LARIATS! And DROPKICKS! Trish goes to a corner, Becky runs in, forearm smash! JUMP KICK! And then Becky puts Trish in the ropes to fire off UPPERCUT and SOBAT! Trish is stuck, Becky hits a GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Fans rally as Becky dares Trish to get up. Trish crawls, Becky drags her up and clinches, but Trish wheelbarrows to a victory roll, TWO! Becky stands, whips, Trish reverses and SPEARS! Cover, TWO!! Trish drags Becky up, calls her shot, but Becky powers her away!

Trish comes back to ROCK Becky! Trish runs in, clothesline in the corner! Trish then climbs up, brings Becky in, TORNADO- NO, Becky blocks that, and she puts Trish back up so she can fire forearms! Trish hits back, Becky fights her, and Trish CLUBS away! Becky still fights back, climbs up after Trish, and brings her up to SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO!! Becky crawls after Trish but Trish bails out! Fans fire up, and Trish tries to escape! Becky stops her from going over barriers, so Trish TOSSES Becky over barriers! Trish then goes after Becky but Becky ROCKS her! Becky fires forearms, and we have a DOUBLE COUNT-OUT!

Double Count-Out Draw

Fans boo, they don’t want a draw! Not like this! Becky still RAMS Trish into a wall! Trish fires back, the brawl continues up the bleachers! Fans fire up, this is what they want! They throw fast hands, continue going up, and Becky SLAPS Trish around with a fan’s paper program! They keep brawling, Trish ROCKS Becky and brings her up to the exit, and they continue down the hall into the concourse! Fans back there fire up getting to see this in person! Trish is sent into the hand sanitizer dispenser! Becky drags Trish up, and then RAMS her into the side of a counter! Fans fire up as Becky then SMACKS Trish off the countertop!

Trish hits back and SMACKS Becky off the countertop! Trish throws merchandise at Becky! Hats and stuffed animals, but Becky throws those back! Trish mocks Becky’s husband, Seth, but Becky SMACKS Trish off the countertop! They get on the countertop and fans fire up! But someone TRIPS Becky! ZOEY STARK! Oh well duh, ringside ban doesn’t matter when they’re backstage! Becky hits Zoey, but Trish hits the CHICK KICK!! Becky goes down and Trish stands tall with her protégé! Canada celebrates, but will Becky get the retribution she has once again been denied?

Imperium talks backstage.

Ludwig goes on and on in German about how the frustrations with Alpha Academy, but Gunther tells him enough! He has heard enough. Tonight was an EMBARRASSMENT! Giovanni, what are we to do with you? Ever since coming to Raw, he has been a disappointment. And as for Ludwig, he neglected all his responsibilities out there because he was too focused on some girl! What’s going on with that? Which is more important? Tell Gunther. Ludwig apologizes, it should’ve never happened. And it will never happen again! Ludwig will make sure, he will go to Adam Pearce- NO. You will not, GUNTHER will.

Because like always, Gunther will sort this out himself. If Gable wants the title, he’ll have to take it off Gunther next week. The title match has a date, will Der Ring General end all the questions by his own hands?

Trish & Zoey talk backstage.

They feel they’re going to say goodbye to Becky once and for all, but Jackie Redmond walks over to ask- Wait, Adam Pearce interrupts that to ask what the hell was that out there. Uh, the match that Pearce said they were gonna have. Okay, save it. You gonna say Stark wasn’t ringside? She wasn’t! Oh, right, okay. But Pearce says they’ve promised Becky VS Trish again and again and Trish finds a way to ruin it. Save it, Zoey! Because we’re doing this AGAIN. And no run-ins, no outside interference, no count-outs! STEEL CAGE!! Trish & Zoey are angry again, but is this Big Time feud finally going to have an ending?

Cody Rhodes VS Finn Balor!

As we saw last week, The American Nightmare wants after the World Heavyweight Championship himself, but there are many obstacles in his way. One of those is The Prince himself, who Cody pinned in last week’s Six Man Tag main event. Will Cody pin Finn again? Or will a truly united Judgment Day shine through and be back on top?

Raw returns and Finn makes his entrance, surprisingly alone. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around and along the ropes, then a corner, then back to center. The two break and fans rally. Cody and Finn circle, feel things out, and Finn gets around to a waistlock then headlock. Cody powers up and out, things speed up and Finn turns hip toss into hip toss! Cover, ONE, but Finn clamps onto an armlock. Finn grinds the arm, Cody fights up but Finn wrenches to wristlock. Fans rally, Cody cartwheels and he wrenches back to a hammerlock. Finn endures, elbows free, and shakes out the other arm.

Finn facelocks, but Cody suplexes first! And he holds Finn up for a count of TEN before the GOURDBUSTER! Finn staggers, Cody headlocks but Finn powers out. Things speed up, Finn leaps but into a fireman’s carry! So Finn claws Cody’s face! Finn TOSSES Cody, btu Cody holds on to skin the cat! Cody clinches to RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Cover, TWO! Finn flounders to a corner but Cody storms up to fire forearms! Cody ROCKS Finn, CHOPS him, and Finn goes to another corner. Cody storms up to whip corner to corner, but Finn reverses. Cody goes up and sunset flips! But Finn rolls through to basement dropkick!

Fans rally but Finn stomps Cody around. Finn drags Cody up to throw body shots, then a CHOP! Cody just glares at Finn! Cody turns things around but Finn turns them back to CHOP! Finn RAMS Cody in the corner, and again, and again! And again! The ref counts, Finn brings Cody out to CHOP! Cody staggers around, Finn whips him into the corner and runs up to CHOP! Finn snapmares, runs, and basement dropkicks! Cover, ONE!! Finn sits Cody up to claw the eyes, and ELBOW Cody in the head! So that’s where McDonagh learned that. Finn snapmares and clamps on with a chinlock but the fans rally behind Cody.

Cody endures as Finn puts on the pressure. Fans continue to rally, and Cody fights up. Finn KNEES low! Finn CHOPS, whips, but Cody reverses to kitchen sink knee! Finn sputters up, Cody has the legs! Cody wants to do it, but he does it Hardcore Holly style, kick to the gut! Then a trip, and step through, but Finn kicks Cody out of the ring! Finn flounders up, and now here comes Dirty Dom! But Cody kicks Dom first! And then gives him a- NO, Finn WRECKS Cody with a dropkick to save Dom from the gourdbuster! Fans boo as Dommy & Mami come to Finn’s aid, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Finn springboard stomps Cody over and over! The ref counts, Finn lets off, and fans boo. Dom & Rhea cheer as Finn ELBOWS Cody in the head! Finn clamps on a chinlock and he grinds Cody down. Rhea & Dom tell fans to shut up and then they cheer Finn on. Cody endures, fights up, and fans rally as Cody pries the hold open. Cody wrenches, but Finn knees low! Finn whips, runs in, but Cody BOOTS back! Finn swings, Cody blocks and throws haymakers in return! And then JABS! JABS! JABS! Flip, flop, but Finn kicks low! Finn soaks up the heat, runs, but Cody follows to FOREARM!

Cody goes up and over in a corner and he POWERSLAMS Finn! Fans fire up, Cody springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER! Cover, TWO! Finn is still in this, and here comes Priest! Fans boo as now all the Judgment Day is here. Cody waits on Finn, dragon sleepers, but Finn spins it around! but Cody drops to KICK Finn away! Finn comes back to SLINGBLADE! Finn aims from the corner, runs in, but into a SUPERKICK! Cody springboards again, but Finn catches him! EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO!! Rhea is furious with the ref but Finn just reloads in the corner. Fans boo but Finn runs in, to SHOTGUN!

Cody hits buckles then falls into the drop zone! Finn goes up and the Judgment Day cheers! COUP DE- NO, Cody dodges! Dragon sleeper, but Finn scoops to cradle! TWO!! Cody dodges a lariat to CODY CUTTER!! But Finn flops out of the ring! Fans fire up with Cody and he builds speed, but Priest trips him up! The ref missed that, and Finn slides in! But Cody tosses Finn out! Priest helps Finn up, but Cody DIVES to take them both out! Fans fire up again and Cody roars! Cody drags Finn up, puts him in the ring, and goes up a corner. Rhea distracts the ref, Dom trips Cody up! Fans boo but Finn fires off on Cody!

Finn climbs up after Cody, goes to the very top, SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Cover, TWO!! Cody is still in this and fans fire up! The ref checks Cody and Priest calls the shots. Dom gets a chair, slides it to Finn, but the ref stops him! The ref takes the chair and Finn says it was them! He didn’t want to! Rhea distracts by arguing with the ref, and now it’s briefcase time! Priest slides it in, but it goes right under Finn, into Cody’s hands! Finn is stunned, and then Cody CLOBBERS him! And he CLOBBERS Priest! CROSS RHODES!!! Cover, Cody wins!

Winner: Cody Rhodes, by pinfall

But Dom goes after Cody! They brawl, fans boo as Priest attacks from behind! The Judgment Day mug Cody, but here comes Sami! Sami is gonna finish what started earlier tonight, because he’s got a chair! Sami JAMS Priest, then rushes in! Dom runs up, but Sami JAMIS him! And JAMS Finn! SMACK for Dom! SMACK for Finn! Priest returns, Sami JAMS him! But MCDONAGH attacks! McDonagh saves Priest from a chairshot! Fans boo but Finn stands between his two friends. Finn shrugs, so they all just stomp Sami! Rhea and Dom get in as Cody gets up! Priest catches Cody first, SOUTH OF HEAVEN SLAM!

Fans boo as Finn goes up top, to COUP DE GRACE Cody!! Priest then drags Sami up, and he TOSSES Sami out for Dom and Rhea to stomp away on! Fans boo more but then Finn COUP DE GRACES from the steel steps! Finn says they’re the Judgment Day, and you don’t mess with them! Then they clear off the desk! They slam the hood on Sami, then drag Sami up. Finn grins as he feeds Sami to Priest, for a RAZOR’S EDGE through the desk!!! And then Finn goes back to the corner, aims at Cody again, COUP DE GRACE!!! That killer instinct seems to be just fine now! The Judgment Day all stands together, will no one else stand a chance?

My Thoughts:

A really good episode for Raw, but just one rather confusing move. Becky VS Trish finally happening again, and it had a good start, but a double count-out draw? And then Stark gets involved anyway after the ringside ban was lifted, it just seems they don’t want this feud to end. And not because it’s some barn burner, but like they are waiting on something. Is the WWE trying to convince Lita to rejoin the story? I have been saying they should do that, so hopefully it happens next week. Also, why is it, in the year 2023, WWE still thinks steel cage matches are good blowoff stipulations? Stark isn’t gonna be stopped by the cage, so it’ll have to be Lita that stops her.

On to the good stuff, really good promo from Chelsea Green, KC Squared and Piper Niven. Chelsea is going on her third tag partner now, hopefully this one has some stain power. We’ll get good matches from Chelsea & Piper VS Kayden & Katana, and I would think Piper helps Chelsea hold onto the belts. And for all the quick hype on Indi from her vignette promo to her talking with Raquel and Candice, that wasn’t as much of a match as I expected. But Candice got after Rhea, too, maybe Rhea VS Candice is next week for a slightly longer match. And then Raquel should be good by then so that we can move this towards Payback.

Great stuff from Imperium and Alpha Academy. Great promo, especially Maxxine slapping Ludwig. Great match from Chad VS Vinci, and then a great match from Otis VS Gunther right after. Chad and Gunther are both rolling into the Intercontinental Championship match that is now happening next week on TV, not at Payback. But given that, all the more reason to make me think Gunther retains. Maybe they muddy the finish so that Gable will be owed a rematch since Payback is not even 20 days away. Then they can go as wild as they want in a match that is the difference between Gunther breaking or not breaking the Honky Tonk record.

Good promo from McIntyre with Riddle, and it both is a lot like the RKBRO origins, but also rather different. I almost thought McIntyre was gonna turn Heel right on Riddle during the promo, but they had a really good tag match with the Viking Raiders. And they also had a great promo with New Day, who were going all Montgomery Riverfront Brawl cosplay tonight. They set up a tag match and that is going to be awesome, I can’t wait to see what comes of it. And also, the New Day always pointing out stuff from SmackDown, it makes me think they’re chomping at the bit to have a Survivor Series match with teams from SmackDown.

Good promo from Miz calling out LA Knight, and being annoyed by even just the word “yeah.” It sounds like he’s gonna try and take on Omos or something just to prove a point, and then fail. Such a good promo segment from Nakamura and Rollins. I like that Nakamura is calling back to the last time he was Heel, because I think the last time he was Heel, he did most of his promos in Japanese to troll us Muricans. I think I did a decent job of understanding, given all the NJPW and anime in my life. Point being, there was definitely more to what Nakamura was saying than just “I want the world title.” And good instincts of Rollins to sense that out, too. What’s really curious is what Nakamura said to Rollins in that whisper, can’t wait for Rollins to expound on that.

And of course, great stuff from the Judgment Day tonight, and I like the further integration of JD McDonagh into the story. Not quite the mess of mutual friendships clashing as we’re seeing in AEW, but a very good version of it with Finn being friends with the Irish Ace but still being friends with Judgment Day. Good match from Sami and McDonagh, and actually a good surprise that Sami wins because it spurs the promo backstage and how that feeds into the main event. Cody getting the win because of the haplessness from Judgment Day was downright hilarious to me, but McDonagh helps the group stand tall.

I fully expect Finn to argue that McDonagh should actually be part of the faction, and because of the help McDonagh gave, that wins the others over. And then at some point, there still comes the betrayal where Finn & McDonagh turn on Priest, maybe even keeping him from successfully cashing in so that Finn will have a clear path to the world title. Though of course, not really because Priest will want revenge. If they go that route. They could easily stick together longer, McDonagh being an option for Judgment Day taking the Intercontinental Championship or even the tag titles.

My Score: 8.7/10