The champions of Raw are in action!

It’s a truly colossal Raw as “Big” Bronson Reed takes on Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship! Can Der Ring General survive a Tsunami?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Falls Count Anywhere: Ricochet VS Shinsuke Nakamura; Nakamura wins.
• Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS Natalya; Piper wins.
• Ludwig Kaiser w/ Giovanni Vinci VS Johnny Gargano; Ludwig wins.
• Rhea Ripley VS Shayna Baszler; Rhea wins, by disqualification.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Bronson Reed; Gunther wins and retains the title.
• Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest; Finn & Priest win and become the new Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions.

PLAY BY PLAY

Sami Zayn is here!

Oklahoma City fires up for the Great Liberator as he makes his way out to the ring, wearing the Kevin Owens duct tape shirt, because Sami is now without Kevin after SmackDown revealed Kevin is the superstar traded over for Jey Uso. Fans rally for Sami and he welcomes us to the season premiere of Monday Night Raw! Sami has to be honest, it feels a little weird being out here by himself. As most know by now, his tag team partner and best friend, Kevin, was moved to SmackDown. To be honest, Sami has mixed emotions. He is very sad that he lost his teammate this way, but he’s also excited for Kevin because Kevin will do huge things on SmackDown!

And if Sami’s being honest, he’s excited for himself, too! Because Sami can do what he hasn’t done in a while, and that is stand on his own two feet and prove what he’s known for years! That is that Sami Zayn is a WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION LEVEL SUPERSTAR! Fans love the sound of that! Sami thanks the fans for all that, he’s feeling good. He also has to address the elephant in the room, the reason Kevin was traded away from Raw. It is because of the arrival of Jey Uso. Fans boo but Sami says no, no one was happier than Sami when Jey came here. But now Sami’s struggling right now.

Sami is also struggling with how after it took them their whole lives to reach the top, Sami & Kevin main eventing WrestleMania, after all that work to get their, their reign was tainted by the fact that week in after week in, they had to deal with the Judgment Day. And now tonight, the Judgment Day are the ones getting a tag title match. So yeah, Sami has mixed emotions, and he isn’t sure what is next. But what he does know, the last year of Sami’s career has been by far the BEST year! And the reason for that is because of each and every single fan! The reason Sami is able to- Wait, here comes the Judgment Day!

Damian Priest, Finn Balor, Rhea Ripley & Dominik Mysterio all walk out and Finn says NOBODY should be kicking off the season premiere but the Judgment Day! Fans boo but Finn says, “What have we got here? Looks to me like poor little Sami Zayn is all alone!” Priest says that it feels like they’ve had these thorns in their sides for, what? Ever? But gladly, one has been removed. The only thing that’d make them happier is removing Sami, and the Undisputed Tag Team IDIOTS, Cody & Jey! And y’know what? Priest would be happy to remove Drew McIntyre! Priest goes off in Spanish but the others calm him down.

Rhea says they talked about this. Forget Drew, focus on tonight Dom says tonight, Mami is going to tear Shayna Baszler apart! And then she’ll put the whole Woman’s Division back on notice! Fans boo, but Rhea says Dom’s right. And then Finn & Priest will bring back the tag titles to the Judgment Day. Fans boo more, but Rhea says before getting to all that, she happened to notice something. Sami’s looking lost. What’s funny, back in the day, The Judgmetn Day would recruit the lost and give them direction. Like what they tried with Jey. But when it comes to Sami, they have a different plan. They just wanna get rid of him, permanently.

Rhea has an evil laugh, and the four of them surround the ring! Fans boo but wait! Here comes Jey! And a chair! Main Event Jey has Sami’s back, and now the Judgment Day reconsiders things. They back away while the fans chant “USO! USO!” Sami and Jey keep their guard up, but will Sami have Jey’s back in tonight’s tag title match?

Shinsuke Nakamura speaks.

“Ricochet. Falls Count Anywhere match? Whose decision? Yours? Or Adam Pearce’s? You are like a fly or mosquito, so I am going to smash you like a bug on the dirty floor.” Nakamura laughs now, but who will have the last laugh in this most epic battle in their rivalry yet?

Jey finds Sami backstage.

Jey asks what’s up, is he good? Yeah, Sami just needs a minute. Are they good? C’mon, talk to him. Sami does want them to be good, to be happy for Jey, but it shouldn’t be Jey having Sami’s back. It should be Kevin, but Kevin’s not here, because of Jey. And now sure, things are going good for Jey and Sami wants to be happy for him, but it’s Jey who has everything going for him. Jey has Cody, he has a friend, and he has the tag titles, and Sami has neither. And it’s because of Jey. Jey says he didn’t know Sami felt like that. But Sami still has Jey. It is what it is, Uce. Jey heads out, and Sami shoves a ladder over.

Sami then hurries after Jey and he says forget what he just said. Sami apologizes for venting. It’s just been tough. Sami is happy for Jey because Jey deserves what he has, so Sami’s sorry, okay? Sami offers a handshake, and Jey says YEET! They hug it out, will Sami having his dawg with him help him through this?

Falls Count Anywhere: Ricochet VS Shinsuke Nakamura!

Raw returns and the King of Strong Style makes his entrance. Ricochet WRECKS Nakamura with a dropkick even before the bell! The bell rings and they brawl, and Ricochet RAMS Nakamura into barriers! Ricochet then CHOPS Nakamura, puts him back in the ring and he fires up with the fans. Ricochet runs in but blocks a boot! Ricochet spins Nakamura but Nakamura WHEEL KICKS! Nakamura puts Ricochet on the top rope, runs in, TOP SHELF KNEE! Then an INVERTED EXPLODER! Cover, TWO! Nakamura powers up and watches Ricochet sit up. But Ricochet avoids the kick to hit a RECOIL! Cover, TWO!!

Nakamura survives and bails out but Ricochet shakes out the cobwebs. Ricochet runs to triangle jump DROPKICK! Nakamura falls and Ricochet builds speed! Ricochet FOSBURY FLOPS! Direct hit, cover on the ramp, TWO! Nakamura crawls away but Ricochet pursues up the ramp to the stage! Fans fire up as Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura! Ricochet brings Nakamura up, UPPERCUTS, but Nakamura CLUBS Ricochet! Nakamura whips Ricochet into the LED tron! Then Nakamura says laters, and brings Ricochet to the backstage area. But Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, CLUBS him, but Nakamura knees low! They brawl in gorilla position!

Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, but Nakamura shoves ref in the way. Ricochet flips up and over the ref to ROUNDHOUSE Nakamura down! Cover, TWO! Nakamura stays in this but Ricochet drags him up. Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, tells Gregory “Hurricane” Helms to stand back, there’s a Ricochet coming through. They go back out on stage and fans fire up as Ricochet CHOPS! Nakamura HEADBUTTS! Nakamura whips but Ricochet runs up the wall! SUPERKICK and down goes Nakamura! Ricochet runs up but Nakamura ducks the penalty kick! STANDING MOONSAULT, but onto knees! Nakamura then gets Ricochet up!

But Ricochet blocks the GTS, to DRAGON SCREW the leg! Then STANDING SHOOTING STAR! Both men writhe while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Ricochet is fighting with Nakamura up in the stands! Wait, Ricochet goes up higher! He gest on the railing and fans go wild already. Ricochet SHOOTING STARS Nakamura and the security!! Fans go wild while Nakamura tumbles away from the cluster. Ricochet pursues, they make their way back to ground level, and the brawling continues! Nakamura grabs someone’s popcorn and throws it in Ricochet’s face! The buttery, salty puffs blind Ricochet momentarily, and Nakamura puts him on the barriers! And he BOOTS Ricochet to the floor! Nakamura then brings Ricochet up to whip him into more barriers!

Nakamura goes looking under the ring, and he brings out a TABLE! The fans love that! But Nakamura isn’t done, he brings out DOUBLE NUNCHUCKS! He swings and SMACKS and SMACKS and swings and SMACKS and SMACKS Ricochet down! Then he KNEES Ricochet down, to then set up the table! Fans fire up as Nakamura even clears off the desk. Ricochet KNEES Nakamura back! Ricochet ROCKS Nakamura, puts him on the table, and then rains down fists! Ricochet sees the ring, and fans fire up as he climbs a corner! But Nakamura gets off the table and to the apron. Fans boo but Ricochet hops down. Nakamura HOTSHOTS Ricochet!

Nakamura goes to suplex but Ricochet fights! Ricochet suplexes but Nakamura slips free! Ricochet swings, misses, fireman’s carry! GO TO SLEEP! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet stays awake but Nakamura goes to a corner. KIN- TIGER WALL KICK! ENZIGURI! Ricochet fires up with the fans and he runs corner to corner at Nakamura! But Nakamura puts him on the apron! Ricochet GAMANGIRIS back! Ricochet springboards to 450 SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!!! Nakamura survives and shocks Ricochet! Ricochet hurries to go back to a corner and fans are thunderous! But Nakamura ROCKS Ricochet first!

Nakamura climbs up, but Ricochet CLUBS him and shoves him down! But Nakamura is right back up! So Ricochet dumps him over! Ricochet adjusts, KICKS Nakamura, then brings him back around. Nakamura resists, he bends fingers and KICKS Ricochet! Ricochet falls through the table!! Nakamura aims and Ricochet slowly rises. KINSHASA!!! Cover, Nakamura wins!

Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura, by pinfall

The King of Strong Style trumps the King of Flight! Will this win help Nakamura rise back up for another go at the World Heavyweight Championship?

Tegan Nox talks with Kayden Carter & Katana Chance.

They’re all very excited, and then Nikki Cross is just in the corner? Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk over and Chelsea asks what is going on here. A viewing party to watch one half of the Women’s Tag Team Champions beat Natalya? Speaking of, where is she? Shouldn’t Natty be here finding a naive rookie to manipulate? Unlike Chelsea, who made Piper a champion. Nox says Piper forced Chelsea to be a tag partner. Gasp! Gasp~! Now, go annoy someone else, okay? Um, actually, Chelsea already tried talking to Adam Pearce. But Tegan, was it? Do not cross Chelsea or she’ll do what Piper’s about to do to Natty.

Nox says she may not have won the NXT Women’s title from Becky, but if there is anything she learned is that you never let anyone disrespect you. So the question is, how quickly can Chelsea hide behind Piper before Nox smacks her across the jaw? Chelsea says Nox is lucky they have things to do! Pip, let’s go before these losers rub off on them. Nox and the group talk about how cocky the Hot Mess is, but will Piper be able to back it all up?

Gunther speaks.

“A good general knows that the ends do not justify the means. Because there are no ends, there are only means. You are not brave, you have merely forgotten the fear of suffering. There is no man like me, there is only me.” Der Ring General is in action later tonight, will he put fear into the heart of Auszilla?

Piper Niven w/ Chelsea Green VS Natalya!

Raw returns and the Queen of Harts makes her entrance. The bell rings and Natty circles with Piper. They tie up, Natty headlocks but Piper powers out to run Natty over! Piper soaks up the heat and Natty gets up. The two tie up, Piper puts Natty in the ring, and she lets off to shove Natty. Natty SLAPS Piper! Fans fire up, Chelsea protests but Natty fires off hands on Piper! Natty runs, leaps, but Piper catches her! Piper pops Natty around but Natty slips fere and runs to tilt-o-whirl and RANA Piper to a corner! Then Natty rolls Piper up, TWO! Jackknife bridge, TWO! Piper sunset flips, TWO! Natty DROPKICKS Piper down! Cover, ONE!!

Natty goes to the apron, Piper storms up but Natty shoulders in. Piper KICKS Natty, then has her up to run her to the corner! Natty blocks, and she runs Piper into buckles! Natty dribbles Piper off the buckles, goes up, but Piper HEADBUTTS back! Then she KNEES Natty down! Fans rally for Natty while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Natty throws hands, but then Piper sweeps the leg! But Natty avoids the senton! Ghost pin, TWO! Natty runs to step on Piper, then she basement drop- NO, Piper blocks! Piper runs, BASEMENT CROSSBODY FLOPS as Natty dodges! Natty KICKS, steps over, Oklahoma Roll! TWO! DISCUS! Cover, TWO! Piper survives but fans fire up with Natty! Natty gets the legs, Chelsea gets on the apron! The ref reprimands, Piper boots Natty into Chelsea, and then Piper throws Natty by her hair! BASEMENT CROSSBODY! Cover, Piper wins!

Winner: Piper Niven, by pinfall

The Hot Mess ends up Piper’s ace in the hole to trump the Queen of Harts! But Natty SLAPS Chelsea for mouthing off! Natty and Piper brawl, Chelsea joins in, but here comes Nox! The Welsh Firecracker slides in, she CLOBBERS Chelsea! Then she fires off on Piper! Natty & Piper have the advantage now, and they double whip. Piper holds ropes to bail out. Fans boo but Piper & Chelsea regroup. Will the tag team champions have to watch their backs?

The Judgment Day talks backstage.

Priest says they know that part of him really wanted JD McDonagh to get beat up last week. Finn doesn’t blame him. But then McIntyre hit Dom, so Priest felt bad. So that is why, on the season premiere, Judgment Day NEEDS to take out McIntyre! They need to show the world what happens when you mess with them! Finn agrees, but Dom says Mami said not to. Dom… But then Rhea walks in and perfect timing. Where’s she been? Had a phone call. Oh, okay. She’s had a lot of those lately. Because she’s handling Judgment Day business, okay? She handled this thing with McIntyre, and they trust her, right? Right. Then just focus on the tag titles.

Finn says they’re more than prepared to take care of Cody & Jey. Is Rhea focused on Shayna? Yeah. Does Mami need Dom in her corner? No, she’s got this. Tonight, she reminds her division why Mami is always on top, and it starts with Shayna. Then they remind the rest of Raw just who runs this. They’re all in agreement, and Rhea heads back out. Will Rhea be able to eradicate the Queen of Spades? Or will Rhea have to decide on #TapNapOrSnap?

Seth Rollins is here!

Oklahoma City fires up for the Visionary as he makes his way to the ring! Beat up as he is, he is still all smiles, soaking up the singing. But what will he have to say as we draw closer to Crown Jewel and his match with Drew McIntyre? We see, after the break.

Raw returns and Rollins has a mic to say, “Oklahoma Citaay~! Welcome to the season premiere of Monday, Night, Rollins!” And we had a great “season finale” last week with the new #1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship, the Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre! A hell of a guy that Drew. Challenges Rollins to his face, wants Rollins at 100%. Good guy, right? But then, Rollins gets jumped by Priest and McIntyre doesn’t do a damn thing! And Rollins is a little confused by that. But then Dom runs up, the MITB contract in hand, and then McIntyre is the white knight!

It was getting a little weirder, but guys! Rollins can’t answer these questions! McIntyre is the only one, so Drew! Consider this an invitation to come out and join them on the season premiere! McIntyre obliges! McIntyre joins Rollins in the ring, gets himself a mic, and Rollins takes the sunglasses off. McIntyre says that the whole “as close to 100% as possible” thing kinda implied Rollins not standing here in the middle of the ring where he could get jumped. Because buddy, McIntyre isn’t gonna babysit Rollins! Rollins appreciates that, how kind. But if there’s one thing Rollins has proven is that he can handle his bidness on his own.

The question Rollins has for McIntyre is if McIntyre is handling his business on his own, or has he enlisted a little help? Fans wonder what that means, and McIntyre says everyone knows he handles his own business. But clearly, Rollins has something on his mind, so could he elaborate? Oh, yes yes! Fine folks in the trucks, roll the footage. See, here’s Ricochet and Pearce talking, but zoom in and look! Rhea and a very large, ruggedly handsome man. Might be Scottish. Care to elaborate on that, McIntyre? First off, McIntyre ain’t some thirsty creep like Jey, Rhea found McIntyre. And what they talked about is not Rollins’ business.

So stop worrying about the Judgment Day. Worry about McIntyre taking the damn title from you! Oh, thanks for clearing that up. Let Rollins clear this up: NOBODY is taking this title off Rollins, and ESPECIALLY NOT McIntyre! But Rollins gets it. Last couple of years have messed with McIntyre’s head. Lots of big opportunities, lots of big matches, and then lost of big failures. McIntyre is so freaked out by failing that he’s gotten some side help from Judgment Day. That won’t work out how McIntyre thinks. Dealing with Judgment Day is a slippery slope McIntyre doesn’t wanna go down.

Rollins sounds rattled to McIntyre. And he should, because McIntyre remembers the last time they had a world title match, and McIntyre beat Rollins’ ass. McIntyre doesn’t need help, he doesn’t need Judgment Day. And those big matches McIntyre lost? If Rollins studied his tape, he would’ve seen there was interferences, from mist to low blow to Bloodline! OH SHUT UP about the Bloodline! Move on! The Bloodline sure has. To put it plainly and with all due respect, get over it. McIntyre stares Rollins down and says, “Get over it? Get over it?!” Rollins likes being world champion with the fans singing and all that, right?

The fans sing now, and McIntyre sighs. Y’know, McIntyre has a catchy theme song he could bring back, too, but he doesn’t need that “crutch” holding him up. That was the dream, it was McIntyre’s dream, too. And when he achieved that dream by beating Brock Lesnar in under five minutes, there was nobody there. There was a worldwide pandemic, we needed someone to step up, and McIntyre stepped up! Missed moment after missed moment, and by the time the people were back, McIntyre’s moment was gone. But he caught lightning in a bottle in the UK, 1v1 with Roman Reigns, 50K in Cardiff, and the Bloodline screwed him! So sorry if he’s not “over it” so quickly!

But maybe the third time will be the charm! Rollins needs to think long and hard how he’ll reinvent himself for the 53rd time when McIntyre beats him and takes the title at Crown Jewel! Fans are torn here but Rollins shakes his head. Rollins tells McIntyre that no one understands McIntyre better than him. Rollins knows how hard it can be to get yourself back to the top of the mountain. Rollins spent four YEARS digging and fighting and clawing to get back up! But all Rollins is hearing from McIntyre is excuses, pointing fingers, and that won’t get McIntyre where he wants to go. Rollins will win and it’ll be the best thing that ever happened to McIntyre.

Because for the first time in a long time, McIntyre won’t have anyone to blame but himself. Rollins drops his mic and makes his exit. Things are heating up as we head for November, will the Visionary burn down the Scottish Warrior?

Bronson Reed speaks.

“You wanna know how I got to where I am? Fear. Someone disrespects me, they get hurt. They challenge me, I break them. Truly, a spectacle of fearsome acts is what’s needed to keep things in order. And not to impress, but a brutal reminder of ramifications.” Auszilla is eager for this colossal showdown, but will even he fail to stop Der Ring General?

Logan Paul called out Rey Mysterio.

After beating his opponent in boxing on Saturday, the ImPAULsive Influencer challenged Rey for the US Championship. Rey’s response on the Michael Kay Show was that he doesn’t mind hearing Paul out in person, he’s always up for a challenge. As such, Logan Paul will make his return to the WWE this Friday on SmackDown in San Antonio!

Ludwig Kaiser w/ Giovanni Vinci VS Johnny Gargano!

Imperium looked to bring down DIY before DIY could get going again, but they may have only motivated them more! Will European Elegance be able to add on from last week? Or will he regret angering Johnny Wrestling?

Raw returns and Gargano makes his entrance. The bell rings and Gargano CLOBBERS Ludwig! Gargano throws down fists, Ludwig gets up but Gargano dodges to RANA! Fans fire up as Ludwig bails out and Gargano builds speed. Gargano DIVES and down goes Ludwig! Fans fire up more as Gargano stares Vinci down. Gargano throws his shirt at him, hurries in, then dodges Ludwig, only for Ludwig to sweep the legs! Ludwig KICKS Gargano in the back, then POSTS him! Ludwig keeps Gargano stuck in the ropes to run and DROPKICK him down! Fans boo but Ludwig soaks up the heat. Ludwig GAMAN, but Gargano blocks!

Gargano fires off forearms but Ludwig shoves. Ludwig run sin but Gargano goes up to ROPE OCTOPUS! The ref counts, Gargano lets off, and he RAMS into Ludwig, then slingshots, into an UPPERCUT! Ludwig CLOBBERS Gargano on the apron, then drags him back up. Ludwig says to say hi to Ciampa, and he UPPERCUTS Gargano off the apron! Gargano hits barriers and Ludwig soaks up the heat as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Ludwig has Gargano down in a cobra clutch. Fans rally as Gargano endures and fights up. Gargano reaches out, throws some short shoulders, but Ludwig ripcords. Gargano ROCKS Ludwig first, and then again, and again! Ludwig whips but Gargano reverses and Ludwig hits buckles hard! Ludwig staggers up in a daze, Gargano ELBOWS him away! Gargano then side steps, schoolboy roll and KICK! Ludwig goes to a corner, Gargano runs in to CHOP! Gargano whips corner to corner, runs in, but is put on the apron. Gargano GAMANGIRIS Ludwig away, then SLINGSHOT SPEARS!

Fans fire up with Gargano as he goes up a corner. Ludwig stands into a FLYIGN COMPLETE SHOT! Cover, TWO! Ludwig survives but he is still dazed. Gargano storms up, brings Ludwig around, but Ludwig CHOPS! Gargano CHOPS! And ROCKS and ROCKS and ROCKS! Ludwig puts Gargano in a corner, climbs up while talking trash, and he throws down fists! Gargano slips free, tucks Ludwig in, CHEEKY NANDOS! Gargano then goes up, and SUNSET FLIP BOMBS! Cover, TWO!! Ludwig escapes in time and crawls to a corner. Gargano storms up on Ludwig to stomp a mudhole in! The ref counts, Gargano lets off, then runs back in, into an UPPERCUT!

Ludwig CHOPS, fireman’s carries, and ROLLING DEATH VALLEY, to a PENALTY KICK! Cover, TWO! Gargano hangs tough and Ludwig is frustrated. Ludwig storms up, brings Gargano around, clinches and SIDE- NO, Gargano rolls Ludwig up! TWO!! Ludwig escapes again, but Gargano dumps him out! Vinci is there to check him but that upsets Ludwig. Gargano runs up to catch Ludwig, WILLOW’S BELL! Shoutout to Ciampa before ONE FINAL BEAT!! Cover, Vinci POKES Gargano in the eyes!! Fans boo but the Pride of Italy gets away with the save. Gargano snarls and storms out after Vinci to CLOBBER him!

Fans fire up as Gargano SMACKS Vinci off the desk again and again and again! Vinci runs away, Gargano pursues, but into the RUNNING GAMANGIRI! And then the SIDEWINDER!! Cover, Ludwig wins!

Winner: Ludwig Kaiser, by pinfall

The 2v1 advantage comes in handy for Imperium, but does Ludwig even realize Vinci saved him? Will he even show Vinci any gratitude when he does? Or is it all about European Elegance and no one else?

Becky Lynch crosses paths with Indi Hartwell & Candice LeRae.

#IndiWrestling tells The Man that while she respects all the opportunities she’s giving to the Women’s Division, when is she gonna give that opportunity to the woman who never truly lost the title? Candice says that’s true. Indi knows Becky wants to be a fighting champion- Becky stops Indi there, because she’s right. Becky is a fighting champion and Indi is the champion who never lost. And Becky’s always wanted to fight Indi, so she’ll go to Pearce to make this official. Wow, she really is The Man. Damn right. Becky turns around, but runs right into Rhea. Rhea smirks as she walks away, when will Mami and The Man have it out?

McIntyre finds Sami backstage.

McIntyre says he’s been meaning to talk with Sami. McIntyre knows things got intense between him and Jey, but McIntyre respects the fact Sami stepped between them. And in fact, McIntyre has been meaning to say, after Sami stepped away from The Bloodline, McIntyre and “the boys in the back” were apprehensive about Sami. But Sami worked hard, proved himself, stepped up as a leader around here. Well, Sami appreciates all that and respects McIntyre saying so. But McIntyre wasn’t finished there. Then he saw what he saw earlier. Sami instantly forgave Jey, a man who has literally done the exact opposite!

The Right Hand Man of the Bloodline is here and is just instantly expecting forgiveness, and then Sami gave it to him! Sami says he and McIntyre obviously don’t see eye to eye on this. And Sami won’t get in the middle of things with McIntyre and Seth, but one thing that Seth is right about is putting the Bloodline stuff behind him. Look, trust Sami. Nobody knows better about how hard it is to do that than Sami, but Jey is working hard to make everyone believe him. He’s done everything he can, and right now, it seems only McIntyre doesn’t buy that. Just saying, from one man to another, putting the drama behind him is hard. Sami can relate.

Oh, seems a lot of people can relate to McIntyre tonight. But Sami can’t, because he’s never been world champion. He doesn’t know the pressure that brings. And to keep going with this happy-go-lucky attitude, trusting everyone, changing allegiances with the wind, he’ll never be world champion. Well if there’s any doubt in McIntyre’s mind about that, go to the middle of the ring with Sami next week. McIntyre doesn’t back down from a fight. So see you then. McIntyre heads out, is Sami the one in trouble?

Rhea Ripley VS Shayna Baszler!

Mami is done with the disrespect from “her” division, and looks to put them all in their place! But will Rhea’s brutality break Baszler? Or will the Queen of Spades be the one that breaks the Women’s World Champion?

Before the match, Rhea gets a mic. “Y’know, everyone wants a part of Monday Night Mami. Hell, even Nia Jax decided to come back just to try and get rid of me. But that didn’t work out so well, did it? But in my absence, the Women’s Division decided to try and prove how tough they are. I have Nia Jax, Raquel Rodriguez, and now Shayna Baszler trying to prove they’re the baddest woman here int he WWE. But the reality is is that this is MY division! And Mami will always be on top!” But here comes Shayna! The battle of bad, bad badasses is on, after the break!

Raw returns and the bell rings. The two tie up, Shayna waistlocks but Rhea switches. Rhea SLAMS Shayna down, brings her up, but Shayna hooks a leg to roll and get the ANKLE LOCK! Rhea flails, turns, and BOOTS Shayna away! Rhea RAMS Shayna in the corner, fires off fists, but the ref backs her off. Shayna ROCKS Rhea to WRING out an arm! Rhea then isolates that arm, to STOMP it! Fans are torn as Rhea clutches her arm, but then Shayna KICKS that arm! Shayna eggs Rhea on but Rhea eggs Shayna on. Shayna KICKS the arm, Rhea still eggs her on then she dodges the kick to throw Shayna down by her hair!

Rhea basement dropkicks, shakes out the arm and covers, TWO! Rhea snarls, brings Shayna up, but Shayna fires off fast hands! Shayna run sin, Rhea dodges the knee to stomp a foot and SMASH Shayna’s face! Rhea then LARIATS! Fans rally up as Rhea snarls and runs in at the corner. Rhea Electric Chair Lifts, but Shayna fights free. Rhea fights off the suplex, ELBOWS Shayna, but Shayna avoids the boot! Shayna ROCKS Rhea but Rhea spins to ELBOW Shayna! Both women fall and fans fire up! Shayna and Rhea rise, run in, and fire off fast hands from all sides! Shayna KICKS, but Rhea ROCKS!

Shayna ducks a roundhouse to GERMAN SUPLEX! And RUNNING KNEE!! Rhea falls, Shayna covers, TWO!! Rhea survives that headshot but Shayna keeps her cool. Shayna drags Rhea up and fireman’s carries, but Rhea fights free. Rhea goes to a corner, Shayna KNEES her again! Shayna hoists Rhea up top, climbs up after her, but Rhea throws body shots! Rhea HEADBUTTS Shayna down! Fans fire up as Rhea adjusts, to MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit, and the pump handle! RIP- ARMBAR!! Shayna has the arm!! Rhea flails, pushes up and stacks, but Shayna keeps her shoulders up! So Rhea deadlifts Shayna, to POWERBOMB!!

Both women are down again and fans fire up! But here comes Nia Jax! Fans boo as the Irresistible Force can’t resist going for revenge! But here comes Raquel Rodriguez! Big Mami Cool YANKS Nia down then fires off forearms! Nia HEADBUTTS back! Both women stagger, and ZOEY STARK CANNONBALLS FROM THE CROWD!? The Hunter wants her piece of Nia, but Raquel TOSSES her aside! And then into the ring! Fans fire up as Ricky Desperado storms up to BOOT Nia down! Raquel roars and Oklahoma is with her! Raquel runs up, but Nia moves and Raquel only gets steel steps! And then Zoey SUPERKICKS Rhea!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by disqualification

Rhea stays up, she picks Zoey up and THROWS her into Shayna! Fans fire up for Rhea but she locks eyes with Nnia. Mami says if Nia wants some, just get cross th eline and get in the ring. Nia storms up, fans fire up and Rhea says “BRING IT!” Nia does run in, but Rhea dodges and Stark SUPERKICKS Nia! Rhea HEADBUTTS Nia into Stark’s ROUNDHOUSE! Rhea scoops Nia?! But then Stark DROPKICKS them both down! Fans fire up and Stark SUPERKICKS Nia outta the ring! Another badass joins the fight, who will be THE Alpha Female of Monday Night Raw?

Adam Pearce meets with Becky Lynch.

Seems great minds think alike, so next Monday, Becky VS Indi for the NXT Women’s Championship! Becky loves it, and Pearce says he’ll check with HBK to make sure he loves it, too. Then they can make it official. But in storms Xia Li. She tells Becky that first Tegan, no Indi. What about Xia?! Well, Becky’s got two contenders (Indi and Lyra), but if Xia wants to be the third, just say the word. Then she will. On her time. Xia heads out and Becky says everyone wants a piece of The Man. Oh, speak of the devil. Jade Cargill walks in! Jade says, “Nice title.” Becky says get in line. Becky heads out and Jade laughs that off. She’s funny. Yeah. But she can do that when she’s The Man.

Pearce then formally welcomes Jade. Is The Storm coming to Mondays rather than Tuesdays and Fridays?

Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso.

Jackie Redmond is with the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, and she says it is obvious these two are feeling pretty good right now. But before getting to their tag title match, she wanted to ask Jey about what happened between him and Sami earlier tonight. Jey says Sami just has a lot going on in his head right now. But Jey is here for Sami, he has Sami’s back always. That’s his dawg, ya feel him? She does. Cody wants to make sure, does she feel him? Yes, she’s even feeling Ucey. Then tonight being the season premiere, it is all about those who maximize opportunities.

We saw Ricochet and Nakamura tear each other to bits. We saw Zoey Stark stand up and do the right thing by going after Rhea Ripley. And we know that while Judgment Day wants to own Monday Night Raw, there is a roster full of bright futures, and one faction is not going to cast their shadow over it. But they are indeed the utmost perfect challengers for tonight. Cody wants to uphold the legacy of these belts with his man right here, Jey. Jey, say the word. YEET. Jey & Cody head out, but will the second generation stars stay on top?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: GUNTHER VS Bronson Reed!

Der Ring General has made history for his reign’s length, but now he might make history for its size! As in, how BIG the Colossal Aussie is as a challenger! Will Gunther continue on as the greatest Intercontinental Champion in WWE history? Or will the reign be washed away by the Tsunami?

Raw returns as Gunther makes his entrance, Ludwig & Vinci by his side. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Gunther makes it through his biggest challenge yet!

The bell rings and the two circle. Fans rally up and they tie up. They’re in a deadlock, but then Reed powers Gunther back step by step! Gunther ends up in a corner, but he turns it around. Reed turns it around, they go around and around and end up in another corner. The ref counts, Gunther lets off to CLUB Reed! Gunther headlocks, Reed powers out and they RAM shoulders! Neither man falls so Reed runs. They RAM shoulders again, Gunther comes back to BOOT! And BOOT again! Reed goes to a corner, Gunther runs in and CHOPS! Fans “WOO~!” and Reed leans on ropes. Reed snarls but Gunther runs in to CHOP again!

Fans fire up as Gunther runs, but Reed CLOBBERS him! Fans fire up from that full body press, and then Gunther goes to a corner. Reed SPLASHES and Gunther bails out! Reed goes to the apron to FLYING SHOULDER into a CHOP! And then Gunther RAMS Reed into the apron! And CHOPS again! The ref has the ring count climbing, Gunther pushes Reed in at 5 of 10 then storms after him. Gunther reels Reed in, but Reed’s too big for a lift like that! Gunther almost has it but Reed kicks. Gunther CLUBS Reed, clamps onto an arm, but Reed fires forearm! Gunther gets around to a SLEEPER!

Reed pries at the hold and fans rally up. Reed RAMS Gunther into a corner, is free, but Gunther CHOPS him on the back! And back to the SLEEPER! Reed drops to a knee, Gunther leans on him, but Reed pries the hold open again. Reed stands up, shifts around, and he fireman’s carries Gunther! Gunther fights with elbows, and back to the SLEEPER! Reed drops to his knees again, reaches out, and fans rally up. Reed picks Gunther up as a backpack, Gunther fights, but Reed BACKPACK SENTONS! Fans fire up as Reed hurries to the corner! Reed climbs, but Gunther is up to CHOP! Reed sputters as he goes to the apron.

Gunther storms out to the apron, BOOTS Reed, and CHOPS! Gunther reels Reed in again, but Reed is still too big to lift! Reed back drops Gunther to the apron! Gunther falls to the floor, Reed runs to FLYING SHOULDER! Down goes Gunther but Reed put his all into that! Both men are down on the outside as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns and Gunther CHOPS! Reed forearms, the two trade shots, and then Reed CHOPS! Gunther snarls, he CHOPS again! Reed snarls and roars, then CHOPS again! Gunther CHOPS, Reed ROCKS Gunther with a right hand! Gunther CHOPS again! And again! Gunther powers up but Reed blocks the chop! To HEADBUTT! Gunther runs, they both LARIAT! Both men wobble, Gunther LARIATS again! Gunther runs, but Reed SUPERKICKS!? Reed ripcords and POWERSLAMS! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and Reed is frustrated, but the fans rally back up. Reed drags Gunther up, reels him in, and says thumbs down!

Reed hoists Gunther up, but Gunther slips free! To CHOP! And CHOP! And then he LARAITS from behind, then the front, then behind! And again! Gunther runs, into a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives but Reed is stinging, his colossal chest looking like raw steak! Reed goes to a corner, runs in, and SENTONS onto knees! Gunther hurries to run and LARIAT Reed down! Cover, TWO!! Reed is still in this and Gunther is perhaps too tired to be upset. Gunther stands and staggers, but he makes his way to a corner. Gunther climbs, but Reed ROCKS him first!

Gunther throws hands with Reed but Reed HEADBUTTS! Reed climbs up, Gunther CHOPS him! Reed SLAPS Gunther! Reed goes to the very top!? To SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Both men are down and Oklahoma is thunderous! Reed crawls to the cover, TWO!!! Gunther is still in this! Reed doesn’t even hesitate, he just goes to the corner and climbs! TSUNAMI FLOPS!! Gunther SHOTGUNS Reed, to then LARIAT! Gunther goes up now! GENERAL SPLASH!! Cover, TWO?!?! Reed survives Gunther’s take on the Tsunami and no one can believe it! Gunther is furious, he hauls Reed up, and POWERBOMBS?!?! Cover, GUNTHER WINS!!

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

Truly the biggest and toughest challenge to date in Gunther’s historic reign, and Gunther makes it through! Will anyone ever stop Der Ring General now?

Backstage interview with The Miz.

Jackie is now with the “self-proclaimed Most Must-See WWE Superstar,” but he doesn’t look to be in a good mood. She says it’s so great to see him, but he asks, “Is it?” Is that why Pearce waited until the third hour to put Miz on? Also, Miz is not the self-proclaimed but he IS the Most Must-See WWE Superstar! His rating is better than any other superstar in this company! How do you start the premiere? With nothing other than THIS face! Not some Sami Zayn pity party! “Oh~, Kevin Owens is no longer here~!” Kevin betrayed Sami a million times, “But I miss him~! He’s my best friend~!” Adam Pearce should be FIRED for this!

And maybe, just maybe, Nick Aldis should take over as manager of both Raw and SmackDown, because maybe Nick Aldis knows how to put respect on Miz’s name! But then Nia steps in. She wants to talk now. Miz speaks up but her glare shuts him up. “Do you see what’s going on here? Everybody has hit me with their best shot. But I’m still standing. And looking pretty. I haven’t hit anybody with my best shot, and if I hit them with any shot, they stay down. Because on Monday Night Raw, I do the squashing.” She then shoves the mic into Miz and storms off. Miz says unbelievable. But as he was saying-

Actually, we’re all out of time. Miz is stunned speechless. But as for what Nia said, will she truly A-Nia-late Raw with her “best shot?”

Pearce is on the phone.

He’s running Becky VS Indi by HBK and it sounds like HBK is on board. Then it is official! Pleasure doing business with you. But then Rhea storms in and says the only “business” Pearce should be doing is making sure Rhea’s matches aren’t interrupted! Pearce better get the division in order or she will! Pearce says that this is the season premiere, so we do things differently from now on. No more coming in here and telling him what she’s gonna do. She tried it and all she got was chaos. So if she wants to make a statement, we do it Pearce’s way, at Crown Jewel. Rhea defends her Women’s World Championship at Crown Jewel, against Nia!

And Shayna! And Zoey! And Raquel! FATAL 5 WAY! Rhea freaks out and says this is a joke! But then she says “fine, fine, fine, fine, fine!” She’ll eradicate them all, okay?! Rhea leaves all flustered and furious, and in step Indus Sher! Jinder Mahal wants to talk. Pearce says okay, let’s talk. Will Rhea make it through Riyadh Season still the champion? Will Jinder, Veer & Sanga reestablish themselves in the same amount of time?

Alpha Academy does Pilates.

Maxxine Dupri has the boys engaging their core and legs. Akira Tozawa is in here, too? Coach Gable blows the whistle, tells Akira that was terrible, keep it up. But as for Otis, hit him once! CHOP! Gunther, that’s for you! It’s a new season, and Gable is coming after that Intercontinental Championship! Then the Academy will go after the tag titles! But then The New Day walks in. What’s going on here? Gable says Kofi & Xavier are “late for class,” grab some dumbbells. What? Class? No, they came here to give advice. Because if you’re talking about the W, W, E, World, Tag, Team, Championships~, that means you obviously talkin’ ’bout ya bois, THE NEW~ DAY~!

Otis says he knows about them hips. It’s a swivel off! SHOOOOOSH! There’s only one way to settle this. Next week, first time ever, Alpha Academy VS New Day, to find who’s got the best hips in the biz! Tozawa then adds “ARIGATOOOO~!” AKA Japanese for, A THANK YEW~! Then he goes back to side step squats. That’s nasty good! Everyone is excited, but who will swivel hardest when Raw arrives in Dallas?

Kofi Kingston returned home to Ghana, West Africa.

He isn’t just a great superstar, he’s a great humanitarian. He and his mother raised funds to open the state-of-the-art Kofi Kingston Library & Digital Center, helping bring books and technology to junior high students who otherwise would not have access. Kofi’s dedication to his origins is uplifting and empowering the future.

Gunther regroups with Imperium.

They applaud his victory, and he smiles. He thanks them and says it was a fantastic job by Ludwig giving Gargano his first big defeat since his return. Ludwig did it. Ludwig fulfilled his responsibilities. Vinci didn’t. Vinci defends he helped Ludwig win! Gunther frowns at Ludwig who feels a bit embarrassed now. Gunther says Gargano was walking alone backstage. After Vinci’s match with Gargano next week, Gunther expects Gargano to be stretchered out! And it will be Ludwig’s responsibility! Gunther heads out and Ludwig tells Vinci no problem. But is all this pressure only going to cause the team to fall apart?

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso VS Finn Balor & Damian Priest!

The American Nightmare & Main Event Jey took these belts from the Judgment Day just nine days ago at Fastlane. However, after some fast ‘n’ furious title defenses last week, Cody & Jey give Finn & Priest their rematch! Will it be 3-0 for the champs? Or will the Prince & Punisher make Mami proud?

Raw returns as Jey makes his entrance, followed by Cody’s, “WHOA~ OH~!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see if Cody & Jey can shine through the Judgment Day’s shadow!

Raw returns again and Cody starts against Finn. They tie up, go around, and Finn wristlocks. Cody cartwheels, wrenches, headlocks, but Finn powers out. Things speed up, Cody catches the hurdle to a fireman’s carry, and RACK GUTBUSTER DROPS! Then Cody wrenches an arm, tags in Jey, and fans cheer as Jey goes up to AX HANDLE the arm! Jey headlocks, Finn powers out and Priest tags. Finn drops then Priest dumps Jey out! Fans boo but Priest storms on on Jey. Priest taunts the fans, brings Jey up and UPPERCUTS! Jey staggers back, Priest puts him in, and Priest kicks Jey down. Then Priest ROCKS Jey to the corner.

Priest runs in, hits the STAGE DIVE back elbow, then tags Finn. Snapmare to the slingshot STOMP! Finn scoops Jey, BACKBREAKER LEG DROP COMBO! Cover, TWO! Jey hangs in there but Priest kicks him around. Priest taunts Jey, then KICKS him in the chest! And KICKS him in the side! And again! Fans rally for Jey and Jey dodges the haymaker! Priest blocks the kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jey and Priest crawl, hot tag to Cody! Cody fires hands on Priest, whips, but Priest reverses. Cody slides under, kicks and drops, RHODES UPPERCUT! Another kick and drop, another RHODES UPPERCUT!

Cody runs to a corner, baits Priest in, POWERSLAM! Finn runs in, he gets a POWERSLAM! Fans fire up and Cody springboards, BEAUTIFUL DISASTER on Priest! Cover, TWO! Fans boo as Dom runs down the ramp! Dom hops on up the apron but Cody DECKS him! Cody dodges Priest and Priest hits post! Finn runs in, Cody catches him to a dragon sleeper, but Finn turns it around! Only for Jey to SUPERKICK! Fans fire up as Cody & Jey dodge Priest, SUPERKICK to CROSS RHODES! Cody covers, Dom gives Priest the ROPEBREAK! Fans boo as Dirty Dom gets away with that one! Cody shakes his head, and then chases Dom!

Fans fire up as they go around, but Finn tags in! Dom leads Cody around and Finn CLOBBERS Cody! Fans boo as the Judgment Day uses the numbers, as always, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once again and Cody trades shots with Priest! Cody JABS, JABS and JABS! But Priest ROUNDHOUSES! Priest brings Cody around, soaks up the heat, and back suplexes, but Cody lands on his feet! Cody kicks low, underhooks, PEDIGREE!! Both men are down and the fans are thunderous! Cody and Priest crawl, hot tags to Finn and Jey! Jey rallies on Finn! Mule kick and UPPERCUT! Finn swings, misses, and Jey SAMOAN DROPS! Fans fire up with Jey as Finn goes to the corner. “UCE! OH!” echoes out, but Finn puts Jey on the apron! Jey GAMANGIRIS back! Jey climbs, and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO!

Dom is relieved that Finn hangs in there, but Jey doesn’t lose his focus. “This is Awesome!” as Jey brings Finn up. Fireman’s carry, but Finn claws the eyes! EYE OF THE HURRICAN! Cover, TWO! Dom is frustrated but Finn just watches Jey as he goes to a corner. Finn aims, runs in, but Jey SUPERKICKS first! Cody returns, they coordinate, CODE D!! Cover, TWO?!?! Finn survives the combo and no one can believe it! Cody sees Priest on the outside and he builds speed, and he DIVES, but into a choke grip! APRON CHOKE SLAM! Cody flops to the floor, this is looking like Fastlane minus JD McDonagh!

Priest clears off the desk, but Jey goes up! Priest runs up, Jey BOOTS him! Dom anchors Jey and fans boo! Jey BOOTS Dom, too, then adjusts! USO SPLASH ONTO KNEES! Cover, TWO!!! Jey survives and Dom argues with the ref. The ref tells Dom to go away, but here comes SAMI! Sami YANKS Dom down to fire off hands! Fans fire up as Sami beats Dom down, then POSTS him! Then RAMS him into steel steps! But then Priest POSTS Sami! But then Cody TOSSES Priest into the crowd! Cody hurries up and reaches out to Jey! Jey crawls as fast as he can, but Finn BLASTS Cody first! Jey rolls Finn up, TWO!!

DOUBLE LARIATS wipe Jey and Finn out! And then Priest returns, to LOW BLOW Cody!! The ref was too busy watching Finn and Jey to see that! Priest brings Cody over to the desk, Canadian Rack, crucifix, RAZOR’S EDGE through the desk!!! The ref reprimands and the fans lose their minds! But then Jey DIVES onto Priest! Jey checks Cody  but Cody says to finish this. Jey returns to the ring, but Finn SLINGBLADES! Finn reloads in the corner, to SHOTGUN!! Jey hits buckles and falls into the drop zone! Finn hurries up, to COUP DE- NO! Jey dodges, and SPEARS!! Jey hurries up top again, to USO- NO, he has to jump over Priest first!

Jey keeps moving, and Jey SPEARS Priest!! Fans are thunderous again, and Jey drags Finn to a drop zone. Jey hurries back up top, but while the ref is busy with Priest, JIMMY USO SUPERKICKS JEY!!! The Shot Caller just took out Jey for the pride of the Bloodline!! Finn goes up, COUP DE GRACE!!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!!!

Winners: The Judgment Day, by pinfall (NEW Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)

Roman Reigns must be smiling watching this at home. Jimmy does what was asked of him: make sure Jey no longer “besmirches” the family legacy by having these titles. Judgment Day is back on top with all the gold, will they never stop running Raw?

My Thoughts:

A great episode of Raw, with a lot set up to follow, as well. Great interaction from Becky with Indi and Xia and even Jade, so now we’re getting Becky VS Indi next week for the NXT Women’s Championship and possibly Xia the week after as I am sure Becky retains. For that matter, it really only feels like Lyra can get the NXT belt off Becky with Halloween Havoc coming up next week. And great stuff out of Rhea VS Shayna with Raquel, Nia and now Zoey getting involved. I was just thinking it was gonna be a Fatal 4 but making it a Fatal 5 is awesome stuff for Crown Jewel. Good stuff from Rhea being upset by that news and good promo from Nia interrupting Miz, and the Fatal 5 is going to be hard to predict, which makes it fun.

I liked what we got out of the Women’s Tag title story here, with Natty backing Nox up against Chelsea & Piper, setting up that 2v2 for the titles at some point. Heck, it still feels like they want to get KC Squared in on this story with Kayden & Katana sticking around in all this. As it stands, they’re already having more women on the card than last year (they had six women, 2v2 for the tag titles and 1v1 for the Raw Women’s title) so if they can get even more women on the card, that’d be great.

Great Falls Count Anywhere, I really liked the unique way of filming things at gorilla. Nakamura winning made sense, he’s been going strong and should stay strong to stay close to the world title scene. Good stuff with the rest of Bloodline, too. Priest and Finn being united in taking out McIntyre and Dom sheepishly saying they had to listen to Rhea was a great little bit. Rollins has a great promo with McIntyre, with a great use of the Easter egg style stuff HHH is doing as Rollins points out to everyone the moment Rhea and McIntyre talking last week. McIntyre also has a great promo with Sami, who opened the show with some real fire. McIntyre VS Sami next week on the road to Crown Jewel will be some show stealing stuff, maybe even main event worthy.

Great, just hilarious promo from Alpha Academy, New Day and Tozawa. Tozawa is slowly making a resurgence here on Raw, though mostly in comedic ways. But New Day VS Alpha Academy is going to be great stuff and could get each team back into the tag title scene. Combine that with Indus Sher being back, the Raw Tag Division is looking stacked. Great stuff with Imperium tonight. Ludwig gets the cheating win off Gargano thanks to Vinci, which ironically upsets Gunther after he felt good after that epic match with Bronson Reed. I don’t know if Imperium is falling apart, but between Ludwig and Vinci, one might be leaving it behind for their own interests.

And great main event tonight, Sami helping Cody & Jey against Judgment Day, but then creative move to have Jimmy show up here to screw Jey over. Though, also a little disappointing. I was hoping they were going to let this keep going where Kevin would also back Cody & Jey up to parallel Sami, but oh well. Maybe this twists around on Bloodline where Judgment Day isn’t as grateful as they should be and that leads to a match of Finn & Priest VS Jimmy & Solo with Jey returning the favor.

My Score: 8.8/10