Can Chad Gable stop Gunther from surpassing The Honky Tonk Man?

The WWE Intercontinental Championship is on the line as GUNTHER defends against Chad Gable one last time! Will Der Ring General make history?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Tornado Tag: Drew McIntyre & Matt Riddle VS The Viking Raiders w/ Sarah Logan; The Viking Raiders win.
• Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ricochet; Ricochet wins, by disqualification.
• Shayna Baszler VS Zoey Stark; Shayna wins.
• Chelsea Green VS Raquel Rodriguez; Raquel wins.
• Sami Zayn VS JD McDonagh; McDonagh wins.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Chad Gable; Gunther wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is here!

The fans fire up as #JustMeUce makes his way out from the crowd! Cody Rhodes used his “political” pull backstage to get Jey to see a way to still be in the WWE, so now Main Event Jey is Raw! Jey goes to the ring, the fans get even more fired up as they bounce and wave their arms with Jey. Jey then gets the mic to say, “Alright. Appreciate that. Yeet! But hey, real talk, let me get it out. I always wanted to do this part, ok?” Jey has the fans settle down, and he says, “WELCOME! TO MONDAY NIGHT RAAAW!” Fans fire up again and Jey nods as they chant “USO! USO!”

Jey says real talk, ya boi only been gone for like a couple weeks, right? But he missed them, too. It felt so much longer than that! Jey hit his breaking point, man. Every week, on national TV, he was fighting his family. Family feud for real. Fans cheer again, and then out the blue, the unexpected called Jey. It was the American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes. Jey says, “I see you, Uce.” That’s why Jey is on Main Event Mondays by himself. Jey did things in the past, created some enemies, but they know where to find him, cuz it’s just him, Uce! Main Event Jey Uso is now in your city! Wait, here comes Sami Zayn!

Jey watches the once Honorary Uce make his way down to the ring, no longer WWE Tag Team Champion after The Judgment Day took those titles on Saturday. Fans sing Sami’s song as he steps up into the ring. Fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” as the two stare down. Sami has a mic to say, “Boy, Jey, I gotta be honest, it’s pretty crazy to see you standing here, man. A lot of what you said is true, but one thing is definitely true: There are a lot of people back there in that locker room that are gonna have a very big problem with you being here now. That’s the truth.” Even Kevin & Sami haven’t always seen eye to eye when it comes to The Bloodline.

But that’s okay, Kevin isn’t here right now. But that doesn’t matter. If anyone else has a problem, that doesn’t matter right now. Right now, this is about Sami and Jey. Sami wanted to make sure he was the first person Jey saw here on Raw so Sami could say to Jey’s face… that Sami is HAPPY Jey is here! Fans cheer, and Sami says he knows Jey. He knows what is in Jey’s heart, what kind of guy Jey is, and that all that he did these past few months was hard on him, but he did it! Jey broke free! Fans cheer that, too! And now, Jey is standing on his own two feet, all by himself, and has become who he has always been in his heart: Main Event Jey Uso!

Fans chant “USO! USO!” and Sami says, “So look… I know there’s a history here. I don’t expect us to be friends over night, best buddies, whatever it is. I just wanted to tell you straight to your face, man. I’m really proud of you.” Sami offers a handshake, fans cheer, but Jey just stares Sami down. Fans chant “HUG IT OUT!” but Jey just stays put. Sami waits a little longer, but then puts his hand down. Sami says that’s totally fine. Whenever Jey is ready to talk, Sami is here for him. Sami goes to leave, but Jey says, “Hey, Sami. Now that wasn’t very Ucey of me, was it?” Fans cheer! Jey offers the handshake, and Sami smirks as he steps back over. They HUG!

Fans cheer as the two make amends! Sami heads out and Jey revels in the cheers of the fans, will these two be friendly rivals as things move forward for Monday Night Raw?

But wait, Drew McIntyre makes his way out now! The Scottish Warrior has had his issues with The Bloodline in the past, but then Sami comes back to cool things off. McIntyre lets it go for now, that was always more on Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa anyway. Now Matt Riddle makes his way out, he also had beef with The Bloodline. Again, Sami keeps the situation cool, and The Original Bro goes to join his tag partner. #McRiddle looks to smoke The Viking Raiders, will they make good on this Tornado Tag grudge match?

Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.

“Seth Rollins. I have broken you. I have broken you like you broke the code we shared! I may have underestimated your grip on the World Heavyweight Championship, but I was the one left standing on the battlefield, not you.” Footage plays from after Payback went off the air of Nakamura attacking Rollins and throwing him around ringside. “I know I am the reason you will lose your grip. I will prevail. I will be World Heavyweight Champion!” The King of Strong Style will not be denied, what will he do in order to take the throne?

Ricochet speaks with Adam Pearce.

The One & Only knows Pearce saw SummerSlam and how it didn’t go his way. Ricochet needs an opportunity! Pearce knows that, but then they both spot Seth Rollins hobbling past. Pearce hurries to talk with the champ. What’s he even doing here? Rollins says it’s Monday night! He’s the champ! This is where he’s supposed to be! Pearce knows Rollins didn’t like it, but WWE Medical told him to stay home tonight. Tensions are high, Jey Uso is here- Oh Jey Uso, Smey Smuso! Medical shmedical! Rollins says he is fine. If he can walk, he can fight, so he’s fine. Ricochet says he saw what happened at Payback. They tore the house down.

But for Rollins to be here on Raw, that’s respect. That’s a champ Ricochet can get behind. Rollins says Ricochet gets it! Well, not exactly. Ricochet also wants Rollins to know that as much as he wants to carry the show, he doesn’t have to. Rollins says he is fine. Really, totally fine. Rollins heads out, Pearce and Ricochet are worried, but is this all playing into Shinsuke’s hands?

Tornado Tag: Drew McIntyre & Matt Riddle VS The Viking Raiders w/ Sarah Logan!

Raw returns as Erik & Ivar finally make their entrance, “Valhalla” by their side. The bell rings and the brawl is on! Riddle fires off with Ivar while McIntyre gives Erik a GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTT! Riddle & McIntyre mug Ivar with KICKS and CHOPS on repeat! McIntyre then reels Ivar in but Ivar throat chops! Ivar ELBOWS Riddle, runs, but into a SPINEBUSTER from McIntyre! McIntyre gives Riddle a boost, ASSISTED FLOATING BRO! McIntyre CLOBBERS Erik off the apron, but Riddle runs into Ivar’s SEATED SENTON! But McIntyre fireman’s carries Ivar! Erik KNEES McIntyre down!

Ivar & Erik stomp McIntyre out of the ring, then set Riddle up for a KNEE, then another KNEE! They mug McIntyre as soon as he returns and fans boo. Riddle fires off on the Vikings but Erik DECKS Riddle, but McIntyre BOOTS Erik down! Ivar ROCKS McIntyre, Riddle KNEES Ivar! McIntyre clotheslines Ivar up and out! Fans fire up and McRiddle hug! Then McIntyre TOSSES Riddle onto the Vikings! Fans fire up as Riddle fires McIntyre up with a shove. “GET THE TABLES!” McIntyre shoves Riddle and tells him to get the tables! Reference to the Dudleys, and fans fire up as Riddle gets said table! A big thumbs as Raw goes picture in picture!

Riddle gets the table up and into the ring with some help from McIntyre, but the Vikings CLOBBER Riddle and mug McIntyre! Ivar ROCKS McIntyre with a right, Erik ROCKS Riddle with one of his own! McIntyre SMACKS Ivar off the desk! Riddle SMACKS Erik off the apron! The brawling goes around the way, Riddle CHOPS Erik but Ivar SMACKS McIntyre off the apron! Erik CHOPS Riddle, McIntyre SMACKS Ivar off steel steps! They all meet at the ramp, McIntyre CHOPS Ivar! Then he ROCKS Erik! Erik ROCKS McIntyre, McIntyre ROCKS Erik, repeat! Erik stumbles into the ring but McIntyre hurries after him!

McIntyre CHOPS Erik against ropes, then whips. Erik KICKS back, but McIntyre LARIATS in return! Logan seethes while McIntyre underhooks Erik. Ivar runs up to POST McIntyre! Logan is happier now, but Riddle fires off on Ivar! And spins him around to PELE! Ivar staggers to a corner, Riddle handsprings and clotheslines! Then runs side to side, but Erik trips him up! Ivar BOOTS Riddle down! Erik looms over Riddle, Ivar takes ownership of the table! The Vikings set the furniture up but Riddle fires forearms on them! But Ivar BOOTS Riddle down! The Vikings make sure the table is centered but Riddle ROUNDHOUSES Erik!

Ivar SMACKS Riddle off the table, drags him onto it, and Raw returns to single picture. Ivar CLUBS Riddle, goes up the corner, but McIntyre CLUBS Ivar first! McIntyre CLUBS Ivar some more, steps in and UPPERCUTS! And UPPERCUTS again! McIntyre climbs, Riddle is off the table and he helps out! But Erik moves the table before the DOUBLE SUPERPLEX! KNEE for McIntyre, cover, TWO!! Erik drags Riddle up, but Riddle slips free to BOOT, then runs in at the corner. Erik dodges, Ivar SPLASHES, then feed to Erik’s LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The Vikings get the table back up and put it in a corner.

The Viking Raiders stalk Riddle, but McIntyre LARIATS Erik! And RUNNING SHOULDER TACKLES Ivar! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY for Erik! NECKBREAKER for Ivar! NECKBREAKER for Ivar! McIntyre kips up and fans fire up! McIntyre fireman’s carries Ivar, DEATH VALLEY DRIVER for Ivar! Fans fire up as McIntyre starts the countdown! “THREE! TWO! ONE!” But Erik drags Ivar to safety! Fans boo but McIntyre goes out after them! He dodges Erik, ROCKS Ivar, then ROCKS Erik! McIntyre clears off the commentary desk! But Ivar CLUBS McIntyre to save Erik! So McIntyre TOSSES Ivar!

McIntyre CLUBS Erik, Erik hits back, and Erik whips, only for McIntyre to reverse! OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY! Ivar is on the table to VIKING SPLASH to the floor!! McIntyre sputters while the Vikings regroup. The Vikings haul McIntyre up, aim for the desk, but Riddle makes the save now! FLASH KNEE for Ivar! Erik ducks the roundhouse to Electric Chair Lift! But Riddle gest to the apron to PENALTY KICK! Riddle hauls the table around to a drop zone! Riddle has Erik and puts him on the table! Riddle climbs but Logan distracts! The ref reprimands but Ivar LEG LARIATS Riddle! Erik moves the table to center!

The Vikings haul Riddle up, but KOFI KINGSTON rushes out here! Kofi saves Riddle to fire off kicks on the Vikings! TROUBLE IN PARADISE but Ivar ducks! KOFI HITS RIDDLE!! Kofi panics, but the Vikings get Kofi and TOSS him into McIntyre!! Then the Vikings drag Riddle up, RAGNAROK through the table!!! Cover, the Vikings win!!

Winners: The Viking Raiders, by pinfall

Erik & Ivar again take advantage of miscues between The New Day and McRiddle! McIntyre hit Woods by accident last week, Kofi hits Riddle by accident this week! Will anyone be able to stop the raid?

WWE looks back at the great Intercontinental Champions of the past.

The original champion, Pat Patterson! The longest reigning champion, The Honky Tonk Man! Some of the best in the Attitude Era, Shawn Michaels and Stone Cold Steve Austin! Booker T, as he sported the Ruthless Aggression Era title. Roman Reigns with the throwback title. Will Gunther solidify himself as THE greatest? Or will Chad Gable SHOOOOSH all that here tonight?

Seth Rollins heads to the ring!

Fans fire up as The Visionary makes his way out, still wearing the same gear as he had on Saturday night at Payback. He pulled out a victory against the vicious King of Strong Style, and is still standing after the brutal attack after the match. Rollins revels in the fans singing his song, “OH~ OHH~ OHHH~!” What will Rollins say in response? We’ll hear that after the break.

Raw returns and the fans get to sing again while Rollins gets the mic. “Charlotte, North Carolina~! Welcome to Monday Night Rollins!” He is our host for this evening. He is the Visionary, he is the revolutionary, he is Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! And Charlotte, NC is doing great tonight. But at Payback, Nakamura did everything he said he was gonna do. He put a target on Rollins’ back and dropped bombs on it all night long. Rollins didn’t know if he’d be able to get up, or if he’d be able to continue the fight. But the last time Rollins checked, he’s still the World Heavyweight Champion!

Fans cheer and Rollins laughs, but then Rollins says there is one thing. There is one thing that hasn’t sit right these past few days. Even though Rollins beat Nakamura, at the end of the night, Nakamura was able to walk out of the building while Rollins was pushed out in a wheelchair by his wife, Becky Lynch. That just doesn’t sit right with Rollins! So here is what he is thinking! Why not right some wrongs right here? Shinsuke Nakamura, get your ass out here so Rollins can make your dreams come true! And so Nakamura appears! Nakamura has a mic of his own and smirks at Rollins.

Rollins tells Nakamura to c’mon already. Get down to the ring! Nakamura didn’t have a problem on Saturday! Rollins has a proposition for him! Nakamura swaggers about a bit, but Rollins says okay, he realizes there is only one way for Nakamura to get in here and that is to give him what he wants, again. So what does Nakamura say to a WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPIONSHIP REMATCH, right here, and right now?!? Fans love the sound of it! Nakamura grins as he steps closer, but then he hears all the fans cheering and it hurts his head. Nakamura steps back, and he says, “Huh?”

Nakamura says in Japanese, “I really wonder if that’s what you want.” He knows how close he came, so he’ll make Rollins wait until HE says it’s time. Rollins admits, he doesn’t understand a lot of Japanese, but he assumes Nakamura is accepting the challenge, so what’s he waiting for? Get on down and let’s ring the bell! Nakamura says in English, “NO.” Fans boo and Rollins is confused now. “Excuse me?” Nakamura repeats, “NO.” Fine, okay, now let’s clarify. Are they having a world title match? Yes or no? NO! Fans boo and now Rollins and Nakamura go back and forth, “No?” “NO!” “No?” “NO!”

Rollins says alright, Shin, that’s not gonna work for Rollins! Yeah, it’s Labor Day, but it’s also a Monday Night Raw! Rollins is clocked in, so if Nakamura likes it or not, he’s about to get that work! Rollins rushes out and brawls with Nakamura on the ramp! Fans fire up but Pearce and security rush out! Fans boo as the two are separated! “Let them fight!” Nakamura gets loose and KICKS Rollins in the back!! Rollins goes down in a heap, but here comes Ricochet! Ricochet brawls with Nakamura now, but Nakamura goes to leave! Nakamura doesn’t care about Ricochet, but will he have no choice but to wrestle someone tonight?

Raw returns and Rollins is arguing with Pearce.

Rollins is shouting that he’s already said he can handle this, he’s been handling this for a long time! Pearce tells him that yeah, he’s been doing this a long time, but he’s also going at a pace no one else has before! Pearce is just trying to keep Rollins from running himself into the ground! That’s all! Rollins says he doesn’t want that. Rollins storms off, but what about this issue with Nakamura?

Shinsuke Nakamura VS Ricochet!

Well here’s one way to deal with things! The King of Strong Style and the King of Flight meet in 1v1 competition once again! Will Nakamura take his frustrations out on Ricochet? Or can the One & Only get himself back into the title picture?

The bell rings and Nakamura bails out! Fans boo as Nakamura doesn’t actually care about this match. But Ricochet rushes out to fire off on Nakamura! Nakamura knees low, whips Ricochet at the apron, but Ricochet backflips off it to then fire off kicks and forearms on Nakamura! Ricochet puts Nakamura in the ring, rams into him, then slingshots, somersaults and handsprings to RANA! Fans fire up as Ricochet kips up and DROPKICKS! Ricochet UPPERCUTS Nakamura, reels him in, and suplexes. Nakamura fights that, throws body shots then waistlocks. Ricochet breaks free to CHOP!

Ricochet runs, but Nakamura trips up the springboard! Nakamura fires Kawada Kicks to the back of the head, then goes up the corner. GUILLOTINE KNEE DROP! Nakamura steps on Ricochet and stands on his face for BAD VIBRATIONS! The ref counts, Nakamura lets off and he paces around. Nakamura drags Ricochet up, whips him to a corner, then storms up to KICK! And KICK! And then Nakamura gets space, to run in, but he blocks boots! He puts Ricochet int he ropes, KICKS and SLIDING GERMANS! Fans are torn while Nakamura soaks up the heat, and Raw goes picture in picture.

Nakamura slides in, covers, ONE!! Ricochet is hanging tough but Nakamura clamps on with a chinlock. Ricochet endures, pries at the hold, and fights to his feet. Ricochet throws body shots, but Nakamura knees him low! Nakamura snapmares, then drops a knee! Cover, TWO! Ricochet is still in this but Nakamura stays on him with another chinlock. Nakamura grinds Ricochet down, but Ricochet endures and fights his way around. Fans rally, Ricochet stands up, and Ricochet throws body shots. Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura with a forearm, whips him to ropes, but Nakamura reverses. Ricochet handsprings but Nakamura KICKS him while he’s upside-down!

Ricochet sputters as he sits up, and Nakamura KICKS him down! Nakamura kicks Ricochet around, but Ricochet stands to CHOP! And CHOP! Nakamura KICKS Ricochet back down! Nakamura pushes Ricochet down, h as a cocky cover, TWO! Ricochet goes to a corner, but Nakamura fires body shots! Nakamura digs his boot in but the ref counts. Nakamura lets off and paces around. Nakamura drags Ricochet up, reels him in, suplexes, but Ricochet blocks! Nakamura throws body shots, suplexes and GOURD BUSTERS! Nakamura then throws in knee after knee into Ricochet’s side! Nakamura sits Ricochet up for an abdominal stretch!

Raw returns to single picture as fans rally and Ricochet endures. Ricochet fights, stands, and JAWBREAKERS free! Ricochet runs, but into a kitchen sink knee! Ricochet falls but Nakamura drags him back up. Nakamura CHOPS, whips, but Ricochet ducks ‘n’ handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Both men are down and fans fire up! Judgment Day’s Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley are watching backstage. Priest being Senor Money in the Bank, he still has vested interest in the World Heavyweight Championship scene. Ricochet fires kick after kick on Nakamura, then UPPERCUTS! Ricochet whips, Nakamura reverses, but Ricochet RANAS!

Nakamura goes to a corner, fans fire up with Ricochet as he runs in, and Ricochet RAMS into Nakamura! Ricochet bumps Nakamura off buckles, KICKS Nakamura away, then SPRINGBOARD FLYING LARIATS! Fans fire up as Ricochet RUNNING SHOOTING STARS! Cover, TWO! Nakamura is still in this and Ricochet nods. Ricochet knows Nakamura is tough, so he just refocuses and drags Nakamura to a drop zone. Ricochet climbs, aims, and fans fire up for the 450- NO, Nakamura moves! Ricochet rolls through, tiger wall kicks, then ducks Nakamura’s roundhouse, only for the WHEEL KICK to hit!

Nakamura clinches to INVERTED EXPLODER, but Ricochet lands on his feet! Ricochet hits the RECOIL! Cover, TWO!! Nakamura is still tougher than that and Ricochet grits his teeth. Ricochet sees Nakamura go to the corner, and he runs in again. Nakamura dodges the splash and Ricochet gets stuck up top! TOP SHELF KNEE! Nakamura slides out, finds Ricochet on the apron and KNEE LIFTS! Nakamura goes up the apron, but Ricochet avoids that knee drop! Ricochet is on the apron and he SUPERKICKS! Ricochet then gets space, runs in and CANNONBALLS! Crash landing but still a direct hit!

Ricochet fires up and fans are with him. Ricochet brings Nakamura up but Nakamura POSTS him! And then RAMS him into barriers! Nakamura stomps Ricochet, then gets space. The ring count is 5 of 10 as Nakamura runs in, but Ricochet TOSSES him into the timekeeper’s area! Ricochet drags Nakamura up, blocks the punch to punch back! Ricochet climbs the barrier, but then Nakamura BOOTS Ricochet down! Nakamura grabs a chair and he SMACKS Ricochet!

Winner: Ricochet, by disqualification

Fans boo but Nakamura doesn’t care, he just SMACKS Ricochet again! Nakamura drags Ricochet up, puts him back in the ring, and he has the chair again! Nakamura puts the chair around Ricochet’s head! Nakamura takes aim, “YAO~!” But here comes Rollins! He won’t let Nakamura do this, and he TACKLES Nakamura! Fans fire up, security rushes out, but Rollins TOSSES them aside! Rollins then builds speed to FLY onto Nakamura and the rest! Fans fire up for Rollins as he seethes through the pain and drags Nakamura up. But Nakamura RAMS Rollins into the steel steps! Nakamura stomps away on Rollins’ back and head!

But now Ricochet is back up, and he has the chair! Nakamura runs away before getting a taste of his own medicine! Nakamura tells Rollins it is only a matter of time! As for Priest, he’s still watching. Rhea looks to him, and says no, not tonight. The MITB contract still has plenty of time on it, will Priest strike when he knows it’s guaranteed to work?

Backstage interview with Zoey Stark.

Jackie Redmond is with Trish Stratus’ former protégé, and brings up what happened at Payback. “Is it safe to say that partnership is officially over?” Stark says she still has a lot of respect for Trish, Trish taught her a lot, and on Saturday, Trish proved she is still one of the greatest of all time. But there is one thing you never do, Hall of Famer or not, and that is push Zoey Stark. But then in steps Shayna Baszler. The Queen of Spades says she wondered when Stark would get rid of the dead weight. She got rid of Ronda Rousey and turned everything around, too. So if only Stark had done what she did before they had their match a few weeks ago.

Stark says hold on. She sees where this is going, and these two have some unfinished business. How about they go 1v1 tonight to see who the baddest woman really is? Oh, so she has more to show Shayna? Sure does. Then meet her out there and show her. Stark says okay, see you out there. Will the Hunter be the one standing tall against the Submission Magician?

The Judgment Day heads to the ring!

We saw Rhea & Priest a moment ago, and now they, Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio are walking together, all the gold on their shoulders! We hear from the NEW Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, the still WWE Women’s World Champion and the still NXT North American Champion, after the break!

Raw returns and The Judgment Day is now in the ring. Priest says, “All rise for the crew that’s drippin’ gold!” Fans are torn but Priest says “ALL RISE for the Judgment Day!” Dom starts talking and fans start booing as he says the Judgment Day did what Mami told them to, and they brought all the gold home! Dom says Mami herself defended her Women’s World Championship, while Finn Balor & Damian Priest handled Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens, becoming the NEW Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions! Finn thanks Dom for that, and he congratulates Dom on his one year anniversary of joining the Judgment Day!

Fans boo as the Judgment Day all applauds. But Finn tells Rhea, thanks for always being such a great voice of reason in the group. And Damian, while you and Finn have had ups and downs together, look at ’em now! Undisputed Tag Team Champions of the World! Finn wants to also give a special shoutout to JD McDonagh for always having Finn’s back these last 20 years. Priest rolls his eyes a bit, but Finn finally thanks… himself! On reaching his most recent career milestone in becoming a GRAND SLAM CHAMPION! Fans do chant, “You Deserve It!” and Rhea makes sure we hear it. We do know Finn deserves it!

But last week, Rhea did give them an ultimatum, and the pressure was on. But then Finn & Damian really rose to the occasion and showed the world that they are truly brothers in arms, and that they truly are a family. She loves ’em all! But… Rhea does want to address something that’s aggravated her. And that is? The fact that the focus isn’t on them and their accomplishments! People are talking more about Jey Uso coming to Raw and what that means for The Bloodline! As far as Rhea is concerned, the Bloodline has fallen, and now the Judgment Day is the most dominant faction in the WWE!!

Priest says now, with all this gold- WAIT! Here comes The Irish Ace! Finn did bring him up, and he says he doesn’t mean to be rude, but then Priest stops JD there. A small part of Priest was actually starting to like him. So whatever McDonagh’s reason is for being out here, make it good. McDonagh promises it is good. It will be, really. The way he sees it, he took a bullet for them on Saturday, so the least they could do is let him into the ring so he can explain why he’s here. Cool? The Judgment Day lets McDonagh enter, and McDonagh is here because of something Rhea said. Rhea said last week that big changes are needed in the Judgment Day. And they’ve been needed for awhile.

McDonagh says to Damian Priest, that briefcase has to go. Priest shakes his head and tries to stay calm. But then McDonagh says no, he doesn’t need it! They have all the gold, Priest doesn’t need that briefcase. He needs this one. McDonagh presents Priest with a purple ‘n’ silver with Senor Money in the Bank written on it! The Judgment Day does like how that looks, so Priest happily accepts the present. And now, the Judgment Day- Sami Zayn interrupts! Priest throws his mic down in frustration as Sami tells them all to hold on. “Gentlemen, and Dom.” He’s happy they’re all feeling good.

See, Kevin may not be here, but do they really think, after it took five of them to rob them of the tag titles, do you really think that was gonna slide? They’re bragging about holding the titles, how they’re all champs, but Sami doesn’t see five champions. Sami sees five giant title stealing turds! Fans chant “TURDS! TURDS! TURDS!” but Sami says to be honest, a very special beating is owed to the one that cost them it all, “the biggest turd of them all,” Dominik Mysterio! Fans cheer that but the Judgment Day laughs. Dom dares Sami to do something. Where’s his title? Sami asks Dom what he says about the challenge. Does he got the cajones?!

McDonagh says Dom ain’t fighting anyone tonight. And as he recalls it, Dom wasn’t the only one to screw Sami over! So if Sami wants to fight anyone, he should fight McDonagh! Sami says he is glad McDonagh spoke. Because no one deserves a bigger ass kicking than McDonagh! And that is what he gets, tonight! Fans fire up as The Great Liberator is going to throw down with the Irish Ace! Will McDonagh prove himself to the Judgment Day once and for all by defending their honor?

GUNTHER speaks.

But he says most of it in German. But he then says in English, “Chad Gable thinks he can stand in the way of me and my legacy. Who do you think you are? Tonight, history will be made. But somebody like you (Chad) doesn’t belong in the history books. I do! Your little fairytale story is temporary. My legacy will be forever. And tonight, after the final bell rings, I will go down in history as the greatest and longest reigning Intercontinental Heavyweight Champion in history.” Der Ring General is incredibly confident, but will he be the most shocked should Gable dethrone him?

Raquel Rodriguez meets with Adam Pearce.

She knows there’s already a lot going on, so she just wanted to be sure they’re on the same page. Oh, they are. He’s glad she came to see him, because he wants to let her know that he will go ahead and make the match official. Raquel heads out and Chelsea Green walks in. She almost ran into Raquel but says some people are so rude. Yeah, she’s one to talk. But Chelsea says he forgot to check his texts. She is a future hall of famer and a two-time tag team champion, she does not stand in line behind sasquatches. To Chelsea’s point, the problem is that Piper Niven isn’t medically cleared tonight, which is an issue, so he’s glad Chelsea is here.

Um, sorry, he doesn’t seem to get the “issue” of how everyone is saying these WWE Women’s Tag titles are “cursed.” C’mon, Adam, be original. Maybe it isn’t the titles that are cursed. Uh, what is he implying? And what was Raquel even talking with him about? It’s not her concern. Oh? Well, maybe they were talking about how Raquel failed miserably to win the world title at Payback! Or how she got absolutely dominated by Rhea! Or how she’s just a big ol’ loser! Oh, Raquel! She came back! How long was she there? Long enough. Pearce, do you mind? Yes. Tonight, Chelsea VS Raquel! Raquel tells “chiquita” she’ll see her in the ring.

Shayna Baszler VS Zoey Stark!

The Queen of Spades beat Ronda Rousey and ran her out of the WWE while The Hunter finally threw the Hall of Famer, Trish Stratus, aside. Who will continue to prove themselves as the baddest in the WWE today all on their own?

Raw returns and Stark makes her entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, Shayna headlocks for a takeover but Stark headscissors. Shayna moves around, pops free, but Stark avoids the kick! They each dodge each other but Shayna runs Stark over! Things speed up, Stark DROPKICKS Shayna down! Stark hits a takeover, she grinds Shayna now, but Shayna hooks a leg to roll Stark around and stands on her arm! Shayna lets the hair down to STOMP the elbow! Stark writhes and goes to ropes. Shayna is after that arm, though, and she wrenches to whip Stark to a corner. Shayna then wrenches the arm again, to whip corner to corner!

Stark goes up and over but Shayna catches her for a KIRAFUDA KLUTCH! Stark kicks off the corner, slips under, but Shayna sits on the cover! TWO, and Stark rolls Shayna up! TWO, SUPERKICK! Shayna tumbles out and Stark slides, but Shayna ducks under! KIRAFUDA! Stark RAMS Shayna into the apron! And then she kicks off the apron to send Shayna into the desk! Stark slides in, the ref counts, and then Stark PLANCHAS! Down goes Shayna and Stark shouts, “I’M the baddest, Shayna, not you!” Stark goes back to the ring and Raw goes picture in picture.

Stark huffs and puffs as she glares down at Shayna. Shayna rises slowly, Stark goes right back out to put her in the ring. Stark soaks up the heat, shakes out the bad arm, then slingshots to ARABIAN PRESS SENTON! Cover, TWO! Stark shakes her bad arm out to stomp Shayna down. Shayna goes to ropes, Stark bumps her off buckles. Stark wrenches and reels Shayna in, ARMBAR DDT! Shayna staggers to a corner, Stark RAMS into her! And again! Stark lets off as the ref counts, and she wrenches Shayna again to hammerlock, and RAMS Shayna’s shoulder into the buckles! Stark wrenches and whips but Shayna reverses to send Stark into buckles!

Shayna then gets Stark on the return for SOLE FOOD to the arm! Stark falls back and clutches her arm, but Shayna says “Who’s the baddest now?!” Shayna storms over to Stark, drags her up and wrenches the arm to a double wristlock. Stark endures, fights up, and powers around to a roll-up! TWO, and Stark runs, only for Shayna to LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Stark is toughing it out but Shayna storms up and has the arm again! Stark clasps hands to fight off the armlock but Shayna pries the grip apart! Shayna twists the wrist, pulls on the elbow and shoulder, but Stark fights her way back up.

Stark arm-drags free, runs up and ELBOWS Shayna, then goes to a corner. Shayna runs in but into a BOOT! Stark runs, and she CLOBBERS Shayna! And again! And then again! Shayna swings, misses, Stark runs to FLYING ELBOW! Stark fires up as Raw returns to single picture, and she tells Shayna to get up! Shayna rises, Stark runs in, gets around, GERMAN SUPLEX! Stark kips up and fans rally as Stark runs in, but Shayna puts her on the apron. Stark GAMANGIRIS, then springboards, to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Fans rally up and Stark pushes Shayna around. Stark eggs Shayna on and gives her scuffing kicks.

Stark runs, but Shayna avoids the boot to KNEE Stark down! Cover, TWO!! Stark survives and Shayna grows frustrated. Shayna eggs Stark on now, then brings her up. But Stark ROCKS, ELBOWS, and SUPERKICKS! Z 3- NO, Shayna fights the scoop to fireman’s carry! But Stark slips off to waistlock, but Shayna switches back! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!! Stark flails, reaches out, shifts around, but Shayna fights the lift again, so Stark ROCKS her with a forearm! Shayna tumbles out of the ring, Stark storms to the apron, and SPLASHES down! Stark drags Shayna up, puts her in the ring, and shakes out the bad arm.

Stark aims again, slingshot, but the senton misses! KIRAFUDA KLUTCH!!! Stark flails, rolls, but Shayna stays on her! Shayna drags Stark down into body scissors! Stark fades, but gets a second wind! Stark stands up again, grabs for ropes, but Shayna drags her back down! Stark is coughing, sputtering, still fighting, and gets to her feet! But her third wind is gone, too, Stark is OUT! Shayna wins!!

Winner: Shayna Baszler, by submission

Stark is bad, but Shayna is BAD! Will Shayna use this win to go after the baddest in Rhea Ripley? But then surprisingly, Shayna stands in front of Stark, says that was a better fight than Ronda. They fist bump in respect! Will Stark prove she can do bad all by herself soon enough?

The Judgment Day sits in their private lounge.

Finn says as far as he’s concerned, McDonagh has been stepping up. Maybe, just maybe, they bring him into the group officially. Priest says he knows McDonagh is Finn’s boy, but c’mon. He still needs to prove himself. Yes, agreed, but they might not be Undisputed Tag Team Champions if not for McDonagh. What does Dom think? Dom’s cool with what they decide. What about Mami? Rhea thinks, and then says they should wait and see how McDonagh does against Sami. But if Finn wants this, he has to make sure McDonagh comes through. Consider it done. Does Priest want in on this? Sure, why not.

The tag champs head out, but Rhea keeps Dom close. She needs him to make sure that everything that happens goes to plan. And they’ll talk about that other stuff later. Dom heads out, will this help ease Mami’s mind?

Chelsea Green VS Raquel Rodriguez!

The Hot Mess better hope Piper Niven returns to 100% and fast, because she clearly gets herself into trouble on her own. Will Chelsea survive a run-in with an angry Ricky Desperado?

Raw returns and Chelsea makes her entrance. The bell rings and Chelsea runs for it! Raquel stops her and drags her back in! Chelsea wants Raquel to show mercy, but Raquel hauls her up in a waistlock to thrash her around! Chelsea is a rag doll and Raquel throws her down! Raquel tells to get up but Chelsea wants a timeout. But then Chelsea kicks, only for Raquel to block! Raquel clamps on a choke grip but Chelsea kicks the leg! Chelsea HAMMERS away, runs, but into a BOOT! Raquel seethes, drags Chelsea up and scoops, to FALL AWAY SLAM! Fans fire up as Raquel storms over to drag Chelsea up at the ropes!

Chelsea HOTSHOTS Raquel away, then goes up the corner! Chelsea leaps, but Raquel catches her! Fans fire up as Raquel pops Chelsea up, only for Chelsea to slip free! Chelsea SLAPS Raquel, and now she’s sorry. Chelsea ducks a lariat, but not the SOUTHPAW!! And then, TEXANA BOMB!! Cover, Raquel wins!

Winner: Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall

Big Mami Cool crushes the Hot Mess, and she is back on track! Raquel gets a mic to say that earlier tonight, she spoke with Adam Pearce about the actions of The Judgment Day at Payback. And not only is Raquel getting her rematch, but Dirty Dom, you stupid little boy, are no longer a factor! He will be barred from ringside! Fans cheer and Raquel tells Mamacita, see you next week for the Women’s World Championship!! Raquel VS Rhea will truly be 1v1, who will be the One True Mami of Monday Night Raw?

The Alpha Academy meets backstage.

Chad Gable has a new jacket where his name is an acronym: Giving Aggressive Beatings Like Experts! Maxxine Dupri asks if Coach Gable is ready for tonight. Oh, he’s had a lot of time to think about what’s led up to this moment. And Gunther says a guy like Gable doesn’t deserve to be in the history books? Newsflash: Gable already IS in those books! Olympian with a Master’s Degree, Valedictorian, has brought everyone around him to the highest levels, and he’s won every tag title in this company! But tonight, Gable gets to add to HIS legacy by proving to Gunther, to his crew, the world and Gable’s family in the front row that Gable is more than just a tag team specialist.

“Tonight… The world’s gonna see your desire to hang onto that championship doesn’t even compare to MY desire to take it from you!” Gable is all fired up, will he SHOOOOSH the doubters to become the NEW Intercontinental Champion?

McIntyre is storming around backstage.

And he’s looking for Kofi! No one’s seen him, apparently. But Riddle finds McIntyre and wants him to calm down. McIntyre says he is calm for what happened tonight. Jey Uso is here, when he and his family have caused so many problems for everyone on Raw, themselves included. And McIntyre gave Jey a pass, but he will watch every move Jey makes. If Jey makes a mistake, McIntyre will do something about it, and that’ll be on Cody Rhodes. But Kofi walks over and apologizes for earlier. That was a total accident, but it still cost them the match, so he apologizes. Riddle tells Kofi it is okay. Is it, though?

McIntyre knows he accidentally hit Woods with a big armchair, but then a week later, Kofi takes Riddle out with a kick. Right, the accident where McIntyre launched that chair with full force? Yes, but what’re the odds Vegas would give on another accident happening a week later? Kofi says okay, they can’t make mistakes then? If McIntyre wants to say something, just say it. McIntyre says all he’s saying, he’ll keep his eyes open for any more “accidents.” Kofi tells Riddle to talk to his bro, and Riddle says yeah, he’ll go talk with him. Will Riddle get through to Drew about this?

The Miz is here!

Fans boo as the Hollywood A-Lister makes his way out to the ring. Miz still swaggers despite his bad mood after losing at Payback, but we hear from him after the break.

Raw returns and Miz has the mic. Miz welcomes us to the Most Must-See WWE Talk Show, MizTV. And tonight, his guest will shine a light on the travesty at Payback, because at Payback, Miz did not lose! He was robbed, blindsided and victimized for exposing LA Knight for who he is, but that is later. First, the man who will right this wrong, who promised that he will be completely transparent! Without further ado, “they call him the Greatest Of All Time,” JOHN CENA! Fans fire up as the music hits, but where’s Cena? Wait, who is the camera following? Uh… Wait. Is this a “You Can’t See Me” joke?

Invisible Cena slides into the ring and Miz gives him space. Miz thanks Cena and tells him to take a seat. “Ladies and gentlemen, John Cena!” Hear that? The adults don’t just dislike him, those kids are booing him now! And Miz doesn’t blame them! He speaks for everyone when he says Cena screwed Miz over! Fans boo, they’re not playing along anymore. Miz says this feels weird. Can the fans see him? NO! You can’t see him!? There’s the punchline. But Miz understands what’s going on now. For the last 18 years, have not only Miz been able to see Cena, he’s been able to see through Cena.

So Miz will do us all a favor and “translate” for Cena, who is definitely sitting right there in that chair. The jig is up, so first question: Did LA Knight pay Cena to be the ref? YEAH! Did he offer Cena a job during these hard times? YEAH! Did Cena purposefully screw Miz over? YEAH! DID YOU CONSPIRE WITH LA KNIGHT? YEAH!! Miz gets mad at the fans, he didn’t ask THEM to answer! And if they’re going to say anything, say “Yes!” “YES! YES! YES!” No, wait, nevermind! If they’re gonna say something, just nod. YEAH. No! NOD! YEAH! Miz sighs and sits back down. Miz stares “Cena” down and asks if he conspired with Knight.

See! There you have it! Knight’s victory should be thrown out! Cena, get out of Miz’s ring! Cena seems to refuse, so Miz tells him to leave! But then “Cena” stands up! Fans taunt Miz’s “TINY BALLS! TINY BALLS!” Miz explains something to “Cena.” When Miz says get out, Cena gets out. Miz shoves Invisible Cena! Invisible Cena shoves him back! Miz takes off the jacket and fans are going nuts! Miz cools off, but then he sucker punches Cena! Full nelson, SKULL CRUSHING FINALE on Invisible Cena! Fans boo and Miz tells everyone else, “There is nothing invisible or imaginary about what happened to me at Payback!”

Knight was cornered, took the easy way out, but this isn’t over! Miz challenges Knight to a 1v1 match, no guest refs, no surprises, no helping hands! If Knight accepts, he finds out like Cena did years ago, whose game is it really? Because the chants will end, and Knight will fade away, because his future success is about as realistic as that invisible Cena in this ring. This isn’t make believe. The Knight fairytale the fans are manifesting will come crashing down thanks to Miz! Cuz he’s the Miz…! And HEEEE’S AWWWWESOME!! But will Miz run into the reality that Knight isn’t just a flash in the pan?

Jey Uso walks the halls.

He crosses paths with Akira Tozawa, and Tozawa goes the other way. Pearce finds Jey and he tells Jey that obviously, some people here in the locker room aren’t happy he’s here. Yeah, Jey noticed. But it will only get worse and here’s why. Upper management just let Pearce know that SmackDown is getting trade compensation for Jey moving to Raw, and that means someone from Raw will be sent to SmackDown at some point soon. So depending on who that is, that might piss other people off, so this is a heads up. Jey fist bumps Pearce and thanks him with a yeet before heading out. Pearce is about to enter his office, but Tommaso Ciampa walks over.

Ciampa asks if now is a good time to talk. Sure, good as time as any. They’ll finish their previous conversation. Ciampa’s all for that, but just what does this discussion adhere to?

Sami Zayn VS JD McDonagh!

The Great Liberator wants to put Judgment Day in its place, so he’ll start with the Irish Ace, who is really more the pawn in this game. But will Finn, Priest & Dom show up to make sure Sami gets beat? Or will nothing stop Sami from getting payback for Payback?

Raw returns as The Irish Ace makes his entrance. The bell rings, and McDonagh bails out! Fans boo but Sami waits patiently. McDonagh slides in, but slides right back out. Sami slides out after him! They go on a chase, Sami drops down then hurdles over, to then MONKEY FLIP McDonagh away! McDonagh writhes and staggers up, and Sami CHOPS him to the corner! Sami fires off fast hands, whips corner to corner hard, and McDonagh drops to his knees! Sami throws down hands and fans rally behind him. Sami has McDonagh on the apron, throws more hands, but McDonagh HOTSHOTS Sami!

McDonagh runs in to CLOBBER Sami! McDonagh rains down fists, lets off to soak up heat, but Sami stands up. Sami hobbles to a corner, McDonagh CHOPS him, and then pie faces Sami to CHOP him again! Sami ducks the chop to fire off CHOPS! Sami stalks McDonagh but McDonagh mule kicks! McDonagh whips, Sami reverses and McDonagh hits so hard, he tumbles up and out of the ring! Fans fire up, Sami goes out to fetch McDonagh, and he puts McDonagh in the ring. Fans fire up but McDonagh slides out as Sami slides in. McDonagh then trips Sami, drags him out and RAMS him into the apron!

McDonagh SMACKS Sami off apron, and again! The ring count climbs but McDonagh dribbles Sami off the desk! And then POSTS him! Sami falls back and McDonagh snarls as Raw goes picture in picture.

McDonagh leaves Sami behind long enough to refresh the ring count, then he puts Sami on the apron. McDonagh CLUBS away on Sami, then stands on the desk to soak up the heat. McDonagh tells Michael Cole to watch himself, then he goes back to the ring. McDonagh reels Sami in, suplexes, then covers, TWO! McDonagh wants a faster count but the ref argues his was fair. McDonagh has Sami in a corner, RAMS into him, and RAMS him again! McDonagh JABS Sami and Sami sits down. McDonagh brings Sami out to suplex, but Sami fights this one! Sami then suplexes McDonagh in return! Both men writhe but Sami stands up first!

Sami storms over to McDonagh, drags him up, but McDonagh YANKS Sami into buckles! McDonagh puts Sami up top, throws forearms, and Sami wobbles as McDonagh climbs. McDonagh stands Sami up but Sami fights the suplex! Sami throws body shots, then he HEADBUTTS McDonagh down! Sami adjusts, fans rally, and McDonagh stands, to DROPKICK Sami outta the sky! Cover, TWO!! McDonagh is fuming and he grinds Sami down with a headlock. Sami endures, McDonagh leans all his weight on Sami’s head, but Sami fights up. Raw returns to single picture as fans rally and Sami throws hands!

Sami ROCKS McDonagh, ROCKS him again, and again, and again! Sami whips, McDonagh reverses but Sami goes up and over and LARIATS! Fans fire up with Sami and he stalks McDonagh to a corner. Sami climbs up to rain down fists! Fans count along and Sami goes all the way to TEN! Sami then CHOPS McDonagh, whips him corner to corner, and then back drops on the rebound! Fans fire up again and Sami storms around. Sami brings McDonagh up, reels him in, but McDonagh fights the lift with elbows! McDonagh runs, into a scoop! MICHINOKU DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! McDonagh survives but Sami scowls.

Sami drags McDonagh up, puts him in a corner and then up top. Fans rally as Sami climbs up. McDonagh wobbles up top, but he still manages to push Sami away. McDonagh adjusts now, leaps, but Sami gets under! McDonagh rolls, comes back, but into a CORNER EXPLODER! Fans fire up as Sami goes to the far corner. Sami runs back in, but Dom drags McDonagh out to safety! Fans boo but Sami rushes out to CLOBBER Dom! Fans fire up as Sami SMACKS Dom off the desk, rains down fists, and then sees McDonagh. Sami fires hands on McDonagh, puts him back in, and then hurries up. Dom distracts Sami, so Sami DECKS him!

But McDonagh rolls Sami up! With tights!! MCDONAGH WINS!!

Winner: JD McDonagh, by pinfall

Dirty Dom helps the Necessary Evil get one over on Sami! Just as Mami wanted. But then Sami goes after Dom for it! Fans fire up as Sami fires off, then he puts Dom in the ring! Dom scurries, McDonagh calls to him, but Sami drags Dom back in! CORNER EXPLODER!! Sami glares at McDonagh, who hesitates on the ramp. Sami aims at Dom, but now McDonagh drags Sami out to POST him! McDonagh gets in the ring, tells Dom to go, so Dom hurries away. But Sami is back! He catches McDonagh for a CORNER EXPLODER!! Sami goes to the other corner, Dom doesn’t come back to help McDonagh! HELLUVA KICK!!

Fans cheer as Sami has the last say on this one! But McDonagh still won and he still saved Dom over himself. Will this prove he’s worthy of joining Judgment Day?

Dom and McDonagh regroup backstage.

They also regroup with the rest of Judgment Day. Finn says that was an impressive win! What does Priest say? Priest admits, McDonagh did good. Yeah, happy days. Let’s get outta here. Dom says he just wants a minute first. Dom walks over and talks to Jey! Jey says, “Well if it ain’t the little homie. What’s up?” Dom says he knows how it feels to come from a messed up family with Hall of Fame fathers. Dom knows what Jey is going through, he feels it. And just because everyone respects Rey and who he is, that life at home is all good. But Dom knows what it’s really like, so he understands Jey.

As someone who never really had a family, who now has the tightest family, he knows what Jey’s going through. Jey laughs. Dom knows? Yeah, for real! He’s being serious. If Jey thinks about it, he comes from a broken family, no longer has a family, and no one here likes him, just like how no one likes Dom. But ever since Mami and Judgment Day came into Dom’s life, there’s no need for a leader. They’re all equals. If Jey wants, Dom can talk to them. There’s always open arms for Jey there. Dom knows, and they know, what it’s like. Just think on it. Judgment Day is here for him. And thanks for your time. Dom leaves, but is Jey really going to give this offer the time of day?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Chad Gable!

After over a YEAR of dominance, Der Ring General is just days away from overtaking The Honky Tonk Man as the longest reigning Intercontinental Champion in WWE history! But after going back and forth for weeks with the leader of Alpha Academy, Gunther and Gable look to put this to rest! What will the history books say about this one?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and on history’s doorstep, we see whose legacy wins out!

The bell rings and fans fire up already. The two circle, they tie up, and Gunther throws Gable aside! Gable gets up in a huff, fans rally as he circles with Gunther again, and they tie up. Gunther headlocks, throws Gable down for the takeover, but fans rally behind Gable as he keeps his shoulders up. Gable pushes Gunther’s face, stands back up, but Gunther hits another takeover! Gable headscissors, Gunther kips free, and Gunther hits another takeover! But Gable headscissors again! Gunther kips free again, but this time Gable gets around to get a leg! Gunther hops around to the ROPEBREAK! The ref counts, Gable lets off, and he pats Gunther on the shoulder.

Gunther storms up, he TOSSES Gable to a corner, but Gable dodges to CHOP! Gunther turns things around but Gable bails out to avoid a chop! Gunther chases Gable back into the ring but Gable DROPKICKS Gunther off the apron! And DROPKICKS him again! Fans fire up with Gable while Gunther seethes, and Raw goes picture in picture.

Gunther cools off while he stares Gable down. Gunther takes his time going around the way, and he steps back up to the apron. Gunther steps in, he and Gable circle again, and they knuckle lock. Gunther kicks low! And hits a headlock takeover! Gable keeps his shoulders up again, grinds his forearm in Gunther’s face, but Gunther grinds the hold. Gable kicks Gunther in the back, fights up to his feet, but Gunther wrenches to back suplex! Gable lands on his feet to headlock! Gunther lifts but Gable uses that to hit a FLYING TAKEOVER! Gunther gets mad, stands back up, and tries again, but Gable hits another FLYING TAKEOVER!

Gunther stands up again, tries a third time, and then turns it into a BACKBREAKER! Gable is limp as Gunther gets the legs, for a BOSTON CRAB! Gable endures, fights his way over, reaches out, and has the ROPEBREAK! Gunther lets go in frustration but looms over Gable. Gunther kicks Gable around, stalks him, but Gable CHOPS! Gunther seethes, and he CHOPS Gable off his feet! Gunther seethes again as he KICKS Gable in the side! And KICKS him again! Gunther stalks Gable, drags him up, and UPPERCUTS him down! Gable flops onto the ropes while Gunther talks trash. Gable drags himself up, staggers around, and fires off shots on Gunther!

Gunther scoops Gable to SLAM him! And KICK him! And stomps him! Gable checks his jaw, goes to the apron, and Gunther stalks over to him. Raw returns to single picture as Gunther drags Gable up, but Gable gets free. Gunther goes to the apron but Gable gets a leg! DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! And a HANGING LEGLOCK! The ref counts, Gable lets go at 4, and now Gunther hobbles. Gable CHOP BLOCKS the leg! But Gunther still BOOTS Gable down! Cover, TWO! Gunther hobbles, which only frustrates him more. Fans rally behind Gable, but Gunther hauls Gable up. Gable fires body shots but Gunther KNEES low! And CHOPS Gable down!

Gable sputters, crawls, and Gunther eggs him on. Gunther fishhooks Gable, ELBOWS him in the head, then brings him around. But Gable fires off hands! Gable CHOPS! Gunther CHOPS! Gunther eggs Gable on, taunts the fans, then stalks Gable again. Gunther stands Gable up to CHOP him back down! Gunther talks more trash to the fans, but Gable stands!? Gable storms up to Gunther and brings the straps down! Gable eggs Gunther on, then dodges the chop to fire off CHOP after CHOP! But Gunther scoops and puts Gable on the top rope, to CHOP him! Gunther then climbs up to STAND on Gable!

The ref counts, Gunther lets off at 4, and Gable tumbles to the floor! Der Ring General glares and fans boo as Raw goes back to picture in picture,

Gunther paces, Gable stirs, but Gunther goes out to get him. Gunther drags Gable up, headlocks, and brings him around to put against barriers. Gunther ROCKS Gable with a haymaker, then CHOPS him! Gable flops over and the Gable family cheers him on! Fans rally with Gable and he fires hands on Gunther! And CHOPS! But Gunther scoops to BARRIER BACK SUPLEX! Gable flops back down in a heap, Gunther refreshes the ring count, and he looms over Gable. Gunther drags Gable back up, puts him in the ring, and then stalks Gable. Gunther drags Gable up, facelocks, and suplexes, but Gable slips out! To waistlock!

Gunther fights the German Suplex to CHOP Gable back down! The ref checks Gable but he’s somehow still in this. So Gunther kneels on Gable’s head and pulls on his arm! Gunther drops a knee! Gable writhes, the ref reprimands, and the Gable family is rallying as hard as they can. Gunther CHOPS, Gable CHOPS! And CHOPS! And ROCKS! And throat chops! Gable runs, gets around the chop, but Gunther facelocks to block Gable’s suplex! Gunther then CHOPS Gable down again! Gable crawls but Gunther stalks him. Gunther eggs Gable on, Gable stands, into a BOOT! Gable is down again as Raw returns to single picture.

Gunther drags Gable up, reels him in, but Gable slips out of the bomb to get the leg! But Gunther SLAPS and CHOPS Gable into letting go! Gunther gets Gable up but Gable fights to RANA Gunther and himself out of the ring! Fans rally as hard as they can while the ring count starts. Gable stands, Gunther uses the desk to help himself up. Gunther swings, into Gable’s GERMAN SUPLEX to the floor!! Fans fire up, the ring count climbs! Gable doesn’t want a ring out count this time, he manages to get Gunther back in at 7! Gable slides in but Gunther gets him for a GENERAL BOMB!! High stack, TWO!??!

Fans are thunderous as Gable survives one of Gunther’s best shots! Fans rally but Gunther climbs a corner! Gable hurries to intercept! Gable fires off forearms, but Gunther CHOPS Gable down! Gunther adjusts, but Gable springs up after him! SUPERPLEX!! Gable hurries back up while the fans go wild! DIVING HEADBUTT!!! Cover, TWO!??! Gunther survives but Gable has the ANKLE LOCK!!! Gunther endures, reaches out, rolls over and BOOTS Gable away! Gable rushes up to waistlock, O’Conner Roll, CHAOS- NO, Gunther fights with elbows! GENERAL- NO, Gable slips out of the bomb, runs, but into a sleeper! So he SAIDOS free!!

Gable rises, he watches Gunther sputter, and the straps come back up, just so Gable can take them back down! Gable runs in, waistlocks, CHAOS THEORY!!! Bridging cover, TWO?!?!? Gunther escapes by nanoseconds and Gable thinks of what he has to do now. Gable goes up the corner again, and fans are thunderous for the MOONSAULT! Gunther gets a boot up! But Gable catches it!! ANKLE LOCK!!!! Gunther rolls, but Gable rolls with him!! Gunther flails, but Gable GRAPEVINES!!! Gunther drags Gable with him towards ropes, but Gable gets up to drag him back! Gunther kicks at Gable, gets free, and has a SLEEPER!!

Gunther has body scissors wrapped on Gable like an Austrian anaconda! Fans are thunderous as Gable fights up and has Gunther as a backpack! But Gunther drops back! Gable rolls it back, TWO!!! Gunther lets go in time, SLEEPER SUPLEX!!! And then he reels Gable in, GENERAL BOMB!!! But Gunther isn’t done, GENERAL LARIAT!!! Cover, Gunther wins!!

Winner: Gunther, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Gable put up the fight of his life, and his family can’t believe he still fell short! But perhaps this is proof that Der Ring General is THE greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time! He is now guaranteed the record as longest reigning Intercontinental Champion of all time, how many days will Gunther add to it from here?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw to follow Payback, lots of great story intertwining using Jey Uso. Great opening promo with Jey and Sami, and I do like that Sami is on Jey’s side given the latter part of Sami’s story with The Bloodline. And it’s understandable that McIntyre isn’t as understanding since he’d otherwise be Universal Champion if not for Bloodline interference. I also find it intriguing that there’s to be a “trade” for Jey even though he technically quit then came back. But with that, there’s half a chance it’s just Cody Rhodes since he’s the one who brought Jey back, and because they may want to still revisit Cody VS Roman for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 40.

Who I feel it should be is someone not doing much of anything and could use a fresh environment. Make it Bronson Reed so he can go after the US Championship while the other singles titles seem to be spoken for. We got great stuff out of Rollins, Nakamura and Ricochet tonight. I figured Rollins would offer a world title rematch for Nakamura, and I kinda wish they’d included Nakamura’s attack on Rollins as part of the broadcast so that Payback’s ending would be a little more exciting for some of the naysayers out there. Nakamura saying no is obviously just to troll Rollins, he of course wants a rematch. And Nakamura had a great match with Ricochet, and got a great win to keep up some momentum.

And speaking of story intertwining, great detail of Priest and Rhea watching the whole time Rollins and Nakamura are out there, and for them deciding to not cash in yet. There’s a chance they try again during Nakamura’s rematch with Rollins, especially if Rollins survives again. Great stuff from Judgment Day with McDonagh and Sami, and I just knew McDonagh was bringing the Judgment Day some kind of gift in that black bag. The purple briefcase looks great, though the aesthetic of “Senor” on tape is a bit silly, like they’re ripping off the Kevin & Sami aesthetic. But hey, maybe it’s a sign Priest succeeds.

Great match from Sami VS McDonagh, and of course Dom was the one to make the save for McDonagh. Really thought Finn & Priest were gonna be the ones getting involved since they volunteered to do it, but maybe they didn’t wanna play that dysfunction up so soon after those two won the belts. But at least McDonagh didn’t get mad at Dom after Dom basically ditched him in the end, since McDonagh wants to be part of the team. Dom had a good interaction with Jey, maybe a little awkward or not as rehearsed. Dom trying to compare his situation with Rey and Judgment Day to Jey and Bloodline is hilarious, and I would think Jey now helps Sami and Kevin against Judgment Day just to shut Dom up.

Really good Tornado Tag from #McRiddle VS Viking Raiders, and a nice turnaround where Kofi costs Drew & Riddle. McIntyre confronting Kofi about it was a good promo, and we’re definitely getting a Triple Threat Tag from all these teams to help determine challengers for the tag titles. Good promo stuff from Shayna and Stark to set up their match, and from Chelsea and Raquel to set up their match. Each match was good, but of course Shayna and Raquel each win. Shayna showing respect to Stark was good stuff, and then Raquel calling out Rhea for a rematch next week is great stuff. But just because Dom is banned from ringside doesn’t mean the rest of Judgment Day can’t do something, so Raquel probably loses again.

This week’s MizTV was actually really, really good, because I appreciate Miz finally playing the “You Can’t See Me” meme on TV. Miz claiming conspiracy is a nice touch, and clearly we’re gonna get a rematch of Miz VS Knight for Fastlane now. And then, along with some great promos from Gunther and Gable, we got an awesome main event from them. They made Gable look incredible, even though he still lost out in the end. And you really feel for him after seeing his kids ringside. The kids definitely thought dad was winning this time, they were a bit emotional at the end.

Both guys are worthy of great things, so Gunther now having the record reign is great. Gable does deserve something, too, but clearly at this point, he isn’t getting the Intercontinental Championship. Maybe a great showing in like the Royal Rumble can help him make it to the next level. He’s got that same vibe and skillset as Kurt Angle and even Daniel Bryan/Bryan Danielson, Gable’s gonna be something so long as WWE pushes him.

My Score: 8.8/10