The Man is still NXT Women’s Champion, for now!

WWE pulls out of the Fastlane and right into The Big Time as Becky Lynch defends her NXT Women’s Championship against Tegan Nox! Will the Shiniest Wizard take down Grand Slam Becks?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Viking Rules Match: Ivar VS Kofi Kingston; Ivar wins.
• Nia Jax VS Raquel Rodriguez; No Contest.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Chad Gable VS Ricochet VS Bronson Reed; Bronson wins and will challenge Gunther for the title.
• Drew McIntyre VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio; McIntyre wins.
• NXT Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Tegan Nox; Becky wins and retains the title.
• Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso VS Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens; Cody & Jey win and retain the titles.

PLAY BY PLAY

Seth Rollins is here!

Omaha, Nebraska fires up as The Visionary swaggers his way out, still WWE World Heavyweight Champion after Fastlane’s brutal Last Man Standing match. Rollins of course reveals in the fans singing his song, “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” Then he gets the mic and he welcomes Omaha to Monday Night Rollins! And he is feeling “some type a way tonight!” Adrenaline is a powerful, powerful thing, because past Saturday, Fastlane, Last Man Standing, Shinsuke Nakamura took Rollins to his limit. There were times when Rollins didn’t know if he could get back up, but he did. Fans cheer that!

There were times when Rollins didn’t know if he could keep Nakamura down, but he did. Fans cheer that, too! Rollins says when that was all over, the whole arena singing his song, Rollins felt he was on top of the world! Then Rollins went to the back, the adrenaline wore off, and he was very quickly reminded that his back… is still very broken. Rollins will level with us now: Being the World Heavyweight Champion has been one of the greatest honors of his career. Fans cheer that, too, which seems to make this harder for Rollins to say. Fans chant “Thank You, Rollins!” and maybe they already understand.

Rollins smiles and says, “But I want you to know… I’m just getting started, baby. HAHAHAHA! I’m still gonna be your fighting champion, baby! I’ll take on anyone, anytime, anywhere!” But maybe, just maybe, let’s go one Monday night without Rollins having to fight for his life out here, huh? Fans are a little disappointed by that but Rollins says c’mon, we can still sing. “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” There it is! Rollins says we can dance, sing, throw back some cold ones. Wait! Here comes Drew McIntyre! The Scottish Warrior walks up to the ring, gets a mic and then stands in front of Rollins as fans are a bit torn.

Rollins says yeah, McIntyre’s not here to party, is he? McIntyre shakes his head. So he wants a world title match, huh? McIntyre nods his head. Rollins mumbles that he just wanted one night to relax, but y’know what? He don’t give a damn if he ain’t 100%! He is a fighting champion, he just said anyone, anytime, anywhere, so if McIntyre will give him a minute, he’ll go to the back and get dressed! McIntyre tells Rollins to hold on and relax. The party is still on. We all know that it is only a matter of time before someone jumps Rollins from behind, backstage, in the parking lot, somewhere. McIntyre is gonna do this man to man and say he wants the shot.

Not only that, he wants Rollins as close to 100% as possible. So Drew’s thinking McIntyre VS Rollins can be for the world title at Crown Jewel. So, he’s not here to jump Rollins? Nope. And he wants Rollins at his best? Bingo. Well, Rollins isn’t used to this, so he is a bit unsure how to respond. Can he get some help? Yes, please. Rollins turns to Omaha, and they’re already fired up. Then here’s a question: How does this sound? Crown Jewel, World Heavyweight Championship, McIntyre VS Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins?! The fans cheer and Rollins says that is one more reason to party, cuz McIntyre has himself a match! HAHAHA!

But uh, Drew, hey, don’t leave! We’re just getting started. McIntyre used to be in a band, he can sing and dance. Let’s try it out. McIntyre says he’d love to, but he has business in the back. But if anyone sees him out and about tonight, buy him a pint. Okay then! Omaha, let’s sing it again! “WHOA~ OHH~ OHHH~!” But wait, DAMIAN PRIEST ATTACKS FROM BEHIND!! Fans boo as the Punisher proves McIntyre right! Choke grip, SOUTH OF HEAVEN!! McIntyre is conflicted as he watches, because here comes Judgment Day! Dominik Mysterio has the briefcase to bring to Priest! So McIntyre stops him!

McIntyre stands between Dom and Priest, and then GLASGOW KISS HEADBUTTS Dom down!! Fans fire up as McIntyre CHUCKS the briefcase to the stage! Priest is pissed, but Rollins is up to throw hands! Fans fire up as Rollins clotheslines Priest up and out! Rollins throws his chessboard jacket off and tells Priest if he wants it, he does it face to face! Will the Architect have plans to get past the Punisher to then face the Scottish Warrior in Saudi Arabia?

Xavier Woods hypes Kofi Kingston up.

Tonight is Viking Rules 1v1 with Ivar, and Woods is reminding Kofi of who he is and what he can do! Kofi is ready as he’ll ever be, will he survive the War Beard’s wrath?

Viking Rules Match: Ivar VS Kofi Kingston!

Through the course of the second war between Viking Raiders and New Day, Erik went down with injury but Ivar unleashed his fury on both New Day members at the same time. But now, Ivar and Kofi will settle this one on one! Will Kofi be able to stop Ragnarök? Or will he be destroyed by the raid?

The bell rings, Kofi runs in but Ivar BOOTS him down! Ivar hauls Kofi up, whips him to a corner, but Kofi goes up and up to CROSSBODY! Kofi rains down fists, then dumps Ivar out! Kofi runs to FLY! Direct hit and Kofi fires up! Fans fire up with Kofi but Ivar knees him low! Ivar RAMS Kofi into the row of shields! Kofi flounders, Ivar stalks him, but fans rally up. Ivar drags Kofi up to whip. Kofi jumps the steps, comes back and FLYING CROSSBODIES again! Kofi rains down fists, then stomps! Kofi lets off, and fans fire up as Kofi searches under the ring. Kofi brings out a TABLE! Fans fire up as Kofi props that up against the barriers.

Kofi fetches Ivar, but Ivar kicks low! Ivar puts Kofi in the ring, CLUBS him on the apron, and then climbs up to APRON SPLASH! Kofi sputters, Ivar shouts, “VIKING RAIDERS~!” and fans boo. Ivar drags Kofi up but Kofi THROWS Ivar off the apron! Ivar hits the floor and writhes, but then Kofi hops up the corner. Fans fire up as Kofi leaps, SUPER SPLASH!! Down goes Ivar and Kofi covers, TWO! Ivar is still in this and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and both men are up top. Kofi grabs the flag waving in that corner, and uses it to CHOKE Ivar, into a SUPER RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Fans fire up while both men are down again! Ivar and Kofi stir, rise up, and drag themselves up. Ivar has the banner, swings, but Kofi dodges! Kofi fires off but Ivar knees low and whips. Kofi slides under the shield, ROCKS Ivar, then climbs up the corner. Ivar gets under the jump, but then Kofi dodges back. Kofi sends Ivar into the shield and it SHATTERS! Then Kofi hits the SOS! Cover, TWO!! Ivar survives, but Kofi PENALTY KICKS! Fans fire up as Kofi runs to hit the “NEW~ DAY~!” Wait, Ivar moves!

Kofi runs in, Ivar scoops him to POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Ivar snarls but Kofi isn’t a Grand Slam Champion for nothing. Ivar drags Kofi up, underhooks, but Kofi fights free! But Ivar ducks the SOS to flip Kofi through and hook him up again! TIGER DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Kofi survives and Ivar is furious now! Kofi crawls around, Ivar aims from a corner. Ivar runs in, but Kofi dodges! Ivar stops from hitting table, and he HEEL KICKS Kofi down! Ivar then climbs up a corner! Fans fire up as Kofi SMACKS Ivar with a shield! Kofi fires hands, then grabs that beard! Kofi THROWS Ivar down through a table!!

Omaha loses its mind as Kofi hurries to fetch Ivar from the wreckage. But SARAH LOGAN CLOBBERS KOFI! Fans boo as the Viking priestess saves Ivar, but here comes Woods! Woods protests that this is supposed to be 1v1! But Sarah is like a rabid animal as she barks at him. Sarah runs in but he dumps her into the timekeeper’s area! But then Ivar SPLASHES Woods against the barriers! But Kofi SUPERKICKS Ivar! Kofi CLUBS away on Ivar, hauls him into the ring, and goes to a corner. TROUBLE IN- NO, Ivar catches Kofi to SPINEBUSTER through the other table!! Ivar drags Kofi from that wreckage and into a drop zone!

Ivar climbs the corner again, to VIKING MOONSAULT!! Cover, Ivar wins!!

Winner: Ivar, by pinfall

Kofimania put up a fight, but it would seem the Norse gods were on Ivar’s side! But also Sarah was an insurance policy. Will the raid continue on until Raw belongs to Valhalla?

Backstage interview with Shinsuke Nakamura.

Byron Saxton is with the King of Strong Style and says Nakamura pushed Rollins to his limits, yet still came up short. How does he feel about that match? Nakamura scoffs, so Byron asks what are his goals going forward? But then Ricochet attacks! The One and Only still wants his pound of flesh from Nakamura! Adam Pearce and producers stop this, Nakamura slips away, and Ricochet asks if that’s all the coward’s got! Ricochet still has his Triple Threat #1 contender’s match to consider, which matters more to him? Gold or a grudge?

Judgment Day regroups backstage.

And Priest is choking JD McDonagh! Priest said these would be the consequences, so here they are! The others get Priest to stop and Priest says McDonagh deserves this! McDonagh tries to apologize but even Finn tells him to shut it! McDonagh’s caused enough problems as it is! Priest asks where Rhea and Finn were during all that. Finn says they were talking with Adam Pearce. They get a rematch for the tag titles next week on Raw. Good, right? Yeah, fine. But that still leaves McDonagh and McIntyre! Rhea says Priest doesn’t need to worry about McIntyre, there’s nothing to gain there. Nothing. In the end, Priest is still Mr. MITB. And next week, they also win back the tag titles.

Priest relaxes, and Rhea glares at McDonagh. Tonight, McDonagh proves himself by taking out McIntyre. McDonagh agrees, and Rhea says she has her own business to handle, so she heads out. Priest tells McDonagh that part of him really wants McDonagh to take out McIntyre. But the other wants to end McDonagh after McIntyre breaks him in half. So “good luck.” Now get out. McDonagh hurries away, will the Irish Ace be able to clear out one roadblock to the world title?

Nia Jax VS Raquel Rodriguez!

The Irresistible Force bulldozed and crushed several of the superstars in the Raw Women’s Division, and now they all want revenge! Will Ricky Desperado get hers here in Omaha? Or will she just get A-Nia-lated again?

Raw returns and Nia makes her entrance. The bell rings and Nia CLOBBERS Raquel! Nia dribbles Raquel off the mat then soaks up the heat. But Raquel SLAPS Nia back! Nia runs in but Raquel dodges and RAMS her into the corner! And again, and again! Raquel fires off hands on Nia but Nia shoves her away. Raquel just RAMS Nia again! Raquel scoops!? But Nia fights free and CLUBS Raquel down! Nia CLUBS Raquel more, then POSTS her! Raquel slumps out of the ring and to the floor while fans boo. Nia goes out after Raquel, stomps her around, then RAMS her into the apron! Fans boo and the ring count climbs, but Nia RAMS Raquel into barriers!

Nia paces and scowls while fans boo, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Raquel elbows free of a waistlock, only for Nia to scoop and SIDEWALK SLAM! Then ELBOW DROP! Nia soaks up more heat from the fans, then grins as she sits Raquel up. Nia has a cobra clutch and she thrashes Raquel around. Raquel fights up, throws elbows, and is free again, to short arm LARIAT! Nia stays up so Raquel LARIATS again! Nia swings, Raquel dodges and LARIATS! Nia rebounds into a BOOT! Fans fire up and Raquel hurries after Nia. Fireman’s carry!? But the back gives up! Nia CLOBBERS Raquel again! Nia drags Raquel up to whip and fireman’s carry, SAMOAN DROP!

Nia drags Raquel to a drop zone, and fans boo as she climbs up the corner. Nia grins, but Raquel gets up under her! Fans are thunderous for the TEXANA BOMB!!! But Raquel used all she had to do that, she can’t cover! Fans rally up but here comes Rhea! Mami TOSSES Raquel and fires off on Nia!

No Contest

ROUNDHOUSE for Nia drops her! Rhea HAMMERS away, but then Raquel short arm LARIATS Rhea! And again! And- NO, Rhea dodges the third to HEADBUTT! But Nia is up! So SHAYNA BASZLER knocks her down and fires off! Rhea pushes Shayna and the two argue about who gets their shot at Nia. But then Shayna waistlocks Rhea to GERMAN SUPLEX! And RUNNING KNEE! The Queen of Spades stands tall over the Women’s World Champion, but Nia gets away. Who proves to be THE Alpha Female of Monday Night Raw?

Rollins finds McIntyre backstage.

Great news! Rollins talked with Pearce, the match for Crown Jewel is official! That’s fantastic news! Yeah, but uh, Rollins would like to know, what the hell was McIntyre’s problem? He says he’s a man of integrity and when Rollins gets jumped, McIntyre does nothing. But the MITB contract shows up, then McIntyre is suddenly the hero. What game is he playing? McIntyre isn’t playing a game, he hasn’t told a single lie. McIntyre said that if it isn’t his business, he doesn’t get involved. But Judgment Day getting the world title, that IS McIntyre’s business, as well as the entire Raw roster’s.

And maybe Rollins wasn’t watching SmackDown, but the whole thing with The Bloodline, the numbers game, the Undisputed title going on three YEARS now, and McIntyre isn’t about to watch the sequel here on Raw. Oh, of course! Right, absolutely, that makes sense. Rollins appreciates McIntyre looking out for everyone here. But McIntyre doesn’t have to worry about Judgment Day. See, they couldn’t take this title from Rollins, and neither can McIntyre. Rollins smiles and leaves, but will McIntyre have the last laugh?

Backstage interview with Shayna Baszler.

Jackie Redmond tries to get a word from the Queen of Spades on the “mayhem” going on with the women’s division. Shayna says it doesn’t matter who it is, from Nia to Rhea to Raquel, if Shayna is standing in that ring, she is the baddest woman in there. And nobody, and she means nobody, sneak attacks her and gets away with it. Tozawa walks into view but then turns right around. Will Shayna make them all #TapNapOrSnap?

Michael Cole is in the ring.

He welcomes the NEW Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions, Jey Uso and Cody Rhodes! Main Event Jey and the American Nightmare make their entrances in turn, “WHOA~ OH~!” then join Cole in the ring. Cole has the fans give it up one more time for the champions, and then asks how it feels to be champs. Jey asks what Cole means by that? They’re turnt up right now! Jey is a TWO-TIME Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champion! And his partner is Cody Rhodes, Uce! YEET! Cole says it was an incredible moment, he had goosebumps calling the match. Cody brought Jey back to the WWE, and not even two month slater, they’re champs.

But Cole wants to address something with Cody right here. Where does this massive responsibility of defending the tag titles all around the world, in front of the greatest fans on the planet, do to Cody’s original goal returning to the WWE of “finishing the story?” Now, we’ve seen the documentary, Cole and Cody have had real, personal conversations about it. Is Cody content with this? Defending the tag titles? Or does, perhaps, Cody doesn’t want another shot at the Universal title because he failed the first time around? No fault of his, mind you, but perhaps Cody is just afraid to try again because he’ll let people down.

Cody says Cole is right about one thing, Fastlane was a moment! And he’s right about Cody bringing Jey back. All this talent, you can’t just leave it on the shelf. And Cody is just excited like everyone else here to be Undisputed Tag Team Champion! Yes, that is great, but Cole wants to get to the main question. We’ve been along on the right, and Cody has had an incredible year. Cody won the Royal Rumble, main-evented WrestleMania, and came this close to winning the WWE Championship, just like his father came that close. So is that going to be the story? Fans chant “NO! NO! NO!” and Cody thinks on it.

Cody wants to say something, but then here comes Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens! Fans cheer as The Great Liberator & Prizefighter go to the ring, which surprises Cody. Sami has a mic to say he hasn’t heard his song in a minute. But Cole, full respect to you, everyone wants to talk about “finishing the story.” But here’s a story Sami wants to talk about real quick. The story of two guys, Jimmy & Jey Uso, who held those Undisputed Tag titles longer than anyone in history. And then two other guys, named Sami & Kevin, came around and won those tag titles in the main event of WrestleMania! Fans cheer that.

No love lost for Judgment Day, but they’re one of the hottest things going today. And yet, these two men, Cody & Jey, beat them for these titles! As far as Sami is concerned, that is the story we should be talking about right now! So Cody, Sami isn’t taking shots, he is here face to face to congratulate Cody. And Jey… Sami and Jey have bee through a lot, so Sami means this from the bottom of his heart, he is happy for Jey that he won the titles. Sami wants them to know he means all that. But… This is where it gets complicated and messy. There are mixed emotions here.

While Sami thinks Cody & Jey deserve this, and thinks the world of them, he sees them standing here, holding those belts, and Sami can’t help but feel like it should be him and Kevin. Like Sami said, mixed emotions. Kevin speaks up and says he doesn’t have mixed emotions. He is NOT happy to see Cody & Jey with the titles. Doesn’t matter how hard they worked to get those titles, Kevin wants those back. And what he’d love to do is to look them both in the eyes and challenge them to a tag team title match right here tonight. Fans love that idea! But then Kevin points out a problem: If he does, Cody & Jey won’t accept because Jey can’t handle the idea of losing to Kevin twice.

Jey gets up in Kevin’s face but Cody has him stop. They’re all friends here. At least, Cody thinks they are. But Kevin might be wrong here. Because Cody does accept! And why wait? They can do it here tonight on Monday Night Raw! Fans fire up for that, and it sounds like Pearce just has to give the word! Will the American Nightmare & Main Event Jey get through their first defense already? Or will Kevin & Sami fight their way into a rematch with the Judgment Day?

Chad Gable prepares for his Triple Threat match.

And he does it by having Otis CHOP him! And CHOP! “A Thank Yew! Again!” CHOP! Gable says he wins tonight to start his climb back to the Intercontinental Championship! That means getting his body in tip top shape! Now hit him again! CHOP! A THANK YEW~! Is he ready? Time for carnage! But then in walks Bronson Reed. If it isn’t Gable getting his hopes up again. Bronson says Gable isn’t getting anywhere near the title with Bronson in the way. Bronson beat Gable AND his number one guy, Otis. Bronson vows to punch his ticket, and hopes Gable won’t let his kids watch tonight, because it’s gonna be another heartbreaking loss for Daddy.

Bronson laughs and leaves, but Gable tells Otis to hit him again. CHOP! Gable is determined as ever, but will he be able to ground Ricochet while also avoiding a Tsunami?

WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Triple Threat: Chad Gable VS Ricochet VS Bronson Reed!

Wait! Nakamura attacks Ricochet during his entrance! The King of Strong Style stomps The King of Flight, but then Ricochet fires back! They brawl, Nakamura throat chops! Nakamura fireman’s carries, to GO TO SLEEP!! Ricochet is down, but Nakamura wants to finish him! Producers and referees rush out to stop this, and Nakamura sighs. Ricochet sputters, can he still compete in the Triple Threat? Or will it end up just Gable and Bronson?

Raw returns and Bronson makes his entrance, followed by Gable making his. The bell rings and Bronson runs at Ricochet. Ricochet dodges, he and Gable mug Bronson but he shoves them away! Bronson CLOBBERS Ricochet, then scoops Gable! Gable slips free, waistlocks, and lifts?! But Bronson fights free, reels Gable in, and suplexes. Ricochet SOBATS Bronson and Gable is saved. Ricochet KICKS Bronson, CHOSP him, and Gable CHOPS! They fire off CHOPS together on Bronson, then stomp away in the corner! Fans fire up, Ricochet & Gable double whip, but Bronson blocks! Bronson reels them in to double whip them out of the ring!

Fans boo as Bronson stands tall in the ring. Maxxine checks Gable while Bronson storms out. Bronson aims and FLYING- DROPKICK! Ricochet intercepts the mass coming at him, but Gable waistlocks! Ricochet fights it, so Gable shifts to a full nelson! DRAGON SUPLEX onto Bronson! Gable stands and Maxxine joins in on “A THANK YEW~!” as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Bronson throws hands on Gable as he’s up top. But Gable grabs an arm, HANGING ARMBAR! And then Gable sits up to jump on for a SLEEPER! But Bronson RAMS Gable into the corner! Bronson is free, but Ricochet runs in! Only for Bronson to toss him up and over and into Gable! Bronson runs in to SPLASH them both! Ricochet falls, Bronson puts Gable back up top. Bronson fireman’s carries Ricochet, then adds Gable to it! DOUBLE SAMOAN DROP!! Cover, TWO!! Ricochet survives but Bronson keeps his cool. Bronson drags Ricochet up, reels him in, but Ricochet falls down.

Fans boo but Bronson grins as he gives thumbs down. Bronson hauls Ricochet up but Ricochet slips free! Ricochet dodges, CHOPS, and handsprings to BACK ELBOW! Bronson stays up, so Ricochet CROSSBODIES! But Bronson catches Ricochet! Ricochet slips free, goes to a corner, Bronson runs in but only gets buckles as Ricochet slips away! GAMANGIRI from the apron! Ricochet fires up, fans are with him, and Ricochet springboards to MISSILE DROPKICK! Bronson falls out and fans fire up again! But then Gable trips Ricochet to jackknife bridge! TWO as Ricochet bridges up! They spin and spin, and Gable has the crucifix lift!

RAZOR’S- RANA! Then CROSSBODY! Ricochet runs to SHOOTING STAR! Cover, TWO!! Gable is still in this and Ricochet grows frustrated. Ricochet brings Gable up, fireman’s carries, but Bronson is back! Ricochet drops Gable to dodge Bronson, and TIGER WALL KICK! ENZIGURI! Gable waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX Bronson!!! Bronson flops out of the ring and “A THANK YEW~!” But Ricochet runs in, Gable ducks and Ricochet FLIES to take Bronson out! Ricochet RAMS into Gable, slingshots, but Gable rolls it through to an ANKLE LOCK! Ricochet endures, reaches out, but Gable still drags him back!

Ricochet rolls free, and V-TRIGGERS Gable! Ricochet goes up the corner, but Gable goes up after him! SUPER GERMAN SUPLEX!! But Ricochet lands on his feet! But his leg jams! Gable gets Ricochet for CHAOS THEORY!! But Bronson drags Ricochet up to SLAM on Gable! DOUBLE SENTON!! And then Bronson goes up top! TSUNAMI on Ricochet!!! Cover, Bronson wins!!

Winner: Bronson Reed, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Championship)

Ricochet came in at less than 100% physically, and Gable couldn’t focus 100% mentally, and now next week’s “season premiere” has a COLOSSAL title match! Will Der Ring General survive when he’s against someone #WarReady like Bronson Reed?

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

Jackie Redmond knows The Man is preparing to defend her NXT Women’s Championship, and we know she’s always ready, but she wasn’t even cleared to compete last week. Where is she physically tonight? Becky says physically, The Man has come around to Omaha! And no, she is not 100%, she still has 11 stitches in her arm. But as a fighting champion, if you’re doing it right, you’re never really 100%. But Becky will say that what is 100% is the success of her book, “The Man: Not Your Average Average Girl.” Get it now at all fine book retailers. But the main release is in March, and this title match is the biggest opportunity of Nox’s career.

Becky will be a wounded animal so Nox better bring everything she has, cuz Becky’s gonna give it everything she’s got. But then Xia Li walks in! What about her? Uh, what about you? Well, Nox is getting her shot. So when will it be Xia’s turn? Becky isn’t hard to find, so just wait. Becky heads out, will The Man make it through one challenge to go right into another?

Drew McIntyre VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio!

The Scottish Warrior has his shot at the World Heavyweight Championship on November 4th, mostly because he stopped the Judgment Day from cashing in. But will he make it there now that he’s made Judgment Day his enemy? Or will the Irish Ace redeem himself for the Fastlane flub by taking out the Crown Jewel contender?

Raw returns and the bell rings. McIntyre looks McDonagh up and down, then stands up next to him to show the difference. The two circle, tie up, and McIntyre powers McDonagh to a corner. The ref counts, McIntyre lets off and McDonagh SLAPS him! McDonagh made another mistake… But he dodges to CHOP again! And again! McIntyre glares and McDonagh runs for it! They go around the ring, into the ring, and then McDonagh ducks but McIntyre back drops him! Look at that hangtime! McIntyre then clinches to OVERHEAD Belly2Belly! McIntyre runs up to clinch in the corner, and OVERHEAD suplex again!

McIntyre storms up on McDonagh, avoids the punch and hits a NECKBREAKER! McIntyre kips up and fans fire up as he goes to a corner. The countdown begins, but Dom gets on the apron! McIntyre runs him off but McDonagh CHOP BLOCKS a leg! McDonagh fires off, CLOBBERS McIntyre, then YANKS the bad leg! And drops an elbow! And another elbow! And then puts the leg on the ropes to HIP DROP the knee! Dom soaks up the heat while McIntyre bails out. McDonagh goes out and runs in, but McIntyre LARIATS him down! The ring count climbs, McIntyre puts McDonagh in at 6, but McDonagh distracts so Dom can POST McIntyre!

Fans boo but Dom just smirks. McDonagh goes to the apron to PENALTY KICK! And then ASAI MOONSAULT! Direct hit and down goes McIntyre! Dom cheers McDonagh on as McDonagh puts McIntyre in the ring. McDonagh then grabs the bad leg, pulls it against ropes, then RAMS McIntyre down. McDonagh goes up the corner to GUILLOTINE KNEE DROP on the leg! Cover, TWO!! McIntyre is still in this and McDonagh argues with the ref. But Dom grabs McIntyre, only for McIntyre to BOOT him to the desk! McDonagh CLUBS McIntyre, but McIntyre gets FUTURE SHOCK outta nowhere!!

McIntyre hobbles, aims, and “THREE! TWO! ONE!” CLAYMORE!! Cover, McIntyre wins!

Winner: Drew McIntyre, by pinfall

Even with one leg, McIntyre whoops two men! Dom & McDonagh scurry off to the back, will Mami be very cross with them?

Damian Priest is watching backstage, and he’s definitely not happy. He turns to Rhea and she says before he does anything, she has an idea. Just trust her. Rhea heads out and Priest says alright. What does Mami have as a back-up plan?

Wade Barrett has a sit-down interview with Tommaso Ciampa & Johnny Gargano.

He thanks them for taking this time, and he asks from their perspectives, what did we see at the end of last week’s Raw? Ciampa says that they’ve got some bad news for him. Hah, kidding. Good one, good one. But to be honest, this entire thing is seven years in the making. The team known as DIY has always been bigger than the two of them. The fans created this movement, made them undeniable. The fans made DIY into the first team to main event a TakeOver. This history is like no other. But now, they look to what is next.

Gargano says that for seven years, they’ve thought, “What if?” What if DIY was on Raw? How far could they go? And Gargano has been getting ready for his return for some time. And they were all in San Jose, and Gargano saw what happened when Imperium jumped Ciampa and wasn’t gonna let that happen. Gargano does believe that everything happens for a reason, and so the reason is that finally, this is their moment. Then if so, will we see DIY together as a team here on Raw? That is the question, now isn’t it? But before Gargano can go on, IMPERIUM ATTACKS! Vinci goes after Gargano, Ludwig is after Ciampa!

Wade gets outta the way as Imperium then focuses on Gargano. They RAM Gargano into the lockers! And then they sit him up to tell him in German that he will pay for what he’s done. They won’t get away with it! Not with Imperium! They SLAM Gargano down, and then storm off, will Ludwig & Vinci end DIY’s moment before it begins?

Tegan Nox speaks.

“In all honesty, I’m lucky to even be here right now. Days after I signed my WWE contract, I tore my ACL. A year later, I tore it again. But I would never give up on myself. I never gave up and I kept fighting. If anybody in that locker room wants to go, I’m happy to do it. I’ve been through it all. Enormous setbacks, crushing disappointments, and now I’m just here to win. It’s my time.”

Backstage interview with Tegan Nox.

Jackie Redmond is with Tegan right at gorilla and says Becky called this the biggest match of Nox’s career. How has she prepared for it? Nox says she’s been waiting to fight the right version of Becky for a long time. But tonight, Nox makes sure she brings the best version of herself. This isn’t a title match anymore. This is to show the world just who the hell Nox is! Natty walks in and tells Tegan that she wants her to know she meant what she said about being proud of her. And remind Becky of what you’re made of. Nox is born to do this. Natty and Nox hug, and Nox heads out. Will the Welsh Firecracker show she is ready for The Big Time?

Ricochet is hutting Nakamura backstage.

He shouts for where Shinsuke went, but Pearce stops him. He knows Ricochet is pissed but he can’t have more of what happened earlier tonight keep happening, so he had Nakamura escorted from the building. Well good! But since these two can’t seem to handle this in the ring, here’s what we do: Season Premiere of Raw next week, Ricochet VS Nakamura, FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE. That’s all he had to say. Ricochet heads out, but how will this fight end when they can do anything and end up anywhere?

NXT Women’s Championship: Becky Lynch VS Tegan Nox!

Raw returns as Becky makes her entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who is truly championship material!

The bell rings and fans rally up as the two circle. They tie up, Becky wrenches and steps over but Nox rolls her up. Becky gets away and fans cheer. The two reset and circle again, then Nox sweeps to cover! ONE as Becky goes Matrix! But Nox O’Conner Rolls, ONE! Becky has the O’Conner, ONE! Becky goes for a leg, N ox hooks the arms to turn Becky to a backslide, TWO! Becky stands, spins, and facelocks to cradle! TWO and Nox has it! ONE, and the two get up. Becky clinches, Nox slips free but Becky gets away again. Fans fire up as the two reset one more time. They tie up, Becky headlocks and hits the takeover, but Nox turns it right around on Becky!

Nox grinds the hold, Becky fights up, and Becky powers out to reel her in. Nox powers out, things speed up, and fans duel as Nox runs Becky over! Nox says she’s getting that belt. Things speed up, Becky stays low then gets up, but Nox counters hip toss, only for Becky to do the same! Arm-drag to lateral press, TWO and Nox ghost pins! TWO, and Becky steps over to La Magistrol! TWO, Nox has the cradle, TWO! Becky runs Nox over! And she taunts Nox with some of her hair extensions. Things speed up, Nox arm-drags but Becky arm-drags back! The two stand off again and fans cheer the exchange.

Becky and Nox reset, circle, knuckle lock, and Becky kicks low. Becky bumps Nox off buckles, tells her to lay off the hair, and then bumps her off more buckles. Becky bumps Nox off the third corner, and fans rally up as Becky hits the fourth! Becky whips, Nox reverses, but Becky dodges to JUMP- NO, Nox blocks the kick to KICK an arm! Becky clutches the arm, that’s her stitched up arm! Nox bumps Becky, says no one cares about that book, and bumps Becky off more buckles! Nox runs corner to corner, to UPPERCUT! And she keeps going, to UPPERCUT again! Nox snapmares Becky, runs and BASEMENT UPPERCUTS! Cover, TWO!

Becky shakes her arm out, goes to ropes, and she BOOTS back! Becky puts Nox in the ropes, fires forearm, UPPERCUT and SOBAT! Fans fire up with Becky as she goes up the corner, to GUIL- NO, Nox avoids the leg drop to HOTSHOT Becky! Nox climbs, but Becky ROCKS her! Becky JUMP KICKS and Nox falls to the floor! Nox staggers back up and Becky builds speed, Becky WRECKS Nox with a dropkick! Becky goes to the apron and she jumps, but Nox sends her into barriers! Nox PENALTY KICKS from the apron! And then CANNONBALLS! Down goes Becky and Nox fires up! Fans cheer as Nox puts Becky in, covers, TWO!

Nox is frustrated as The Man hangs in there, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Becky fires off furious forearms on Nox! Fans fire up and Becky UPPERCUTS, SOBATS and runs. Becky then ducks ‘n’ dodges to CLOBBER Nox! Fans fire up and Nox ends up in a corner. Becky runs in to forearm smash! And then BECKSPLODER! Nox flounders, Becky covers, TWO! Becky keeps her cool and brings Nox back up. Becky puts Nox in the ropes, fires forearm, uppercut and- NO, Nox blocks the sobat to trip Becky! Nox goes up the corner and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! A hard landing but Becky is still in this, which frustrates Nox again. Nox goes back to a corner, runs in, but Becky ducks the wizard!

Becky rolls Nox up, TWO! Becky wants the arm! Nox fights around, Becky wrenches and underhooks, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX into an ARMBAR! Nox clasps the hands, fights around, but Becky kicks at her. Nox fights up, but into the DISARM-HER! Nox schoolgirls Becky into buckles!! And runs in, CANNON-BOAR!! Nox drags Becky to a cover, TWO! Becky survives again and Tegan is beside herself. Becky goes to another corner, Nox runs in but is put on the apron. Nox ROUNDHOUSES Becky away! Fans rally, Nox climbs, but Becky ROCKS her first! Becky climbs, brings Nox up, but Nox fights with body shots!

Becky hits back but Nox steps into the corner. Nox slips under, but Becky throws down hands! Nox trips Becky up! And UPPERCUTS her in the back! Becky is in the Tree of Woe! CANNONBALL! Nox drags Becky to another cover, TWO!! But Nox has the arm! ARMBAR!! Nox is after that stitched up arm but Becky fights to a stack, TWO! Becky is free, clinches, but Nox RAMS Becky into buckles! Becky elbows back, goes up and out and baits Nox in to KICK her! And ROUNDHOUSE her! Becky goes up to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!! Nox barely kicks out and neither Becky nor Omaha can believe it!

Becky shakes her bad arm out, fans rally up behind her, and Becky wants Nox to get up. Nox rises, Becky has her arm, but Nox moves around to whip and scoop, FALL AWAY BRIDGE! Cover, TWO!! Becky escapes that sudden improve move, and Nox is about to lose her mind! Nox goes up a corner, Becky rises, but Becky avoids the leap! MAN- NO, Nox slips out to crucifix takedown! TWO!!! DISARM- NO!! ROLL-UP!! TWO!! DISARM-HER!!! Nox taps, Becky wins!!

Winner: Becky Lynch, by submission (still NXT Women’s Champion)

Becky was right that this was Nox’s biggest battle ever! And Nox was right that she brought the best version of herself! The only problem is, that version of Nox isn’t ready to be champion just yet. However, she does have Becky’s respect. They shake hands and fans cheer. When and where will Nox get another shot? Who is next for The Man now that she’s still the champ?

Candice LeRae & Indi Hartwell talk with Pearce.

They hope for an update on Gargano & Ciampa, and Pearce says it is good news, bad news. Gargano is banged up, but not injured. We’re still waiting on Ciampa’s condition. Okay, thank you. But then in step Rhea. She tells the others to get out so she can talk with Pearce. Oi, watch yourself, Rhea. Rhea shouts at them if she has to repeat herself! Pearce tells them all to calm down, and Candice has Indi exit. Pearce asks Rhea what else he can do for her tonight. Rhea says they need to get her division in order. And what does that mean? Rhea wants to make an example. She wants Shayna Baszler 1v1 next week! Make it happen!

Okay… Pearce has a loaded plate, but will the Women’s World Champion be able to trump the Queen of Spaces on the Raw Season Premiere?

Natty and Nox regroup backstage.

Natty says Nox did amazing, but Nox says she lost! Maybe she shouldn’t be here! Beating yourself up after doing so well isn’t gonna help, though. Kayden Carter & Katana Chance walk over and agree, Nox did great out there. That deserves a drink. They all encourage her, but then Chelsea Green & Piper Niven walk in, and Chelsea tells Nox, “What a match! It almost distracts from the fact that you lost.” Oh, and what’s going on here? Is this a pity party? Uh, Natty, don’t ever interfere with Chelsea again, or else. Or else what? Natty steps up to Chelsea, and Chelsea says, “Or else… Or else…”

Piper says Natty will have to deal with her. Then name a time and place. Then how about next week? The Raw Season Premiere. Natty will see her there. Piper & Chelsea head out, will the Undisputed WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions end up in a big mess all thanks to the Hot Mess?

McIntyre fires Jey Uso backstage.

And he says he sees right through Jey. Sooner or later, Jey will show his true colors, and McIntyre will be there to drop him. Jey says it still sounds he feels a kind of way. They’ve got five minutes. Then make a move. But Sami walks in and asks if they’re all good here. McIntyre and Jey say yeah, all good. McIntyre heads out, and Jey asks where Sami came from. What? He was over there. Jey says he appreciates Sami having his back and all, but tonight… It’s go time, Uce. Sami says don’t worry. Jey doesn’t have to tell him twice. Sami heads out now, and the main event is here! Will Main Event Jey and Sami be able to fight as hard as possible given they’re still friends?

Ludwig Kaiser speaks.

“I don’t compare myself to other superstars. My competition is Picasso, Michelangelo, the Mona Lisa. I am living art. Ludwig Kaiser means European Elegance. A+ talent. A+ aesthetics. A+ everything. Because Ludwig Kaiser is an A+ specimen.” Will the Impeccable German prove himself to be more than just Gunther’s lieutenant?

Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso VS Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens!

Raw returns as Main Event Jey again makes his entrance, followed by The American Nightmare, “WHOA~ OH~!” The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who heads to the Raw season premiere as champions!

The teams sort out and Cody starts against Sami. Fans rally, the two circle and knuckle lock, then break. They feel things out as fans rally for “CODY! CODY!” They tie up collar ‘n’ elbow, go around, and Cody puts Sami in a corner. Sami fights, the ref counts, and Cody lets off cleanly. Fans rally and the two go again. They tie up, and now Sami puts Cody in a corner. The ref counts, Sami lets off cleanly, and fans chant “UCEY! UCEY!” Sami CHOPS Cody, so Cody puts Sami in the corner to CHOP! Cody and Sami get chippy, Kevin and Jey get in and the ref has to keep all four men back. The teams settle down, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Kevin has Cody’s arm for Sami to AX HANDLE! Sami then bumps Cody off buckles, bumps him off buckles again, and he goes up to AX HANDLE again! Cover, TWO! Sami brings Cody up, but Cody RAMS him into the corner and Jey tags in! Fans fire up as Sami and Jey finally square off. They circle, fans rally with “UCEY! UCEY!” and Jey tells Sami to bring it. They tie up, Jey headlocks, but Sami powers out. Things speed up, Sami hurdles and DECKS Jey! Fans rally, Sami CHOPS Jey, then CHOPS again! Fans “WOO~” while Sami whips. Jey drops to UPPERCUT Sami!

Sami tumbles away and Jey eggs him on more. Fans bounce with Jey, but Sami tags in Kevin. Kevin and Jey circle, tie up, and they go around. Kevin puts Jeyu in a corner but Jey turns it around, only for Kevin to turn it back around. Kevin lets off but pie faces, so Jey throws hands! They hockey scrum and Kevin TACKLES Jey! They go out of the ring, still throw hands, and fans fire up as Kevin has Jey against the desk! Jey turns it around on Kevin, Cody and Sami hurry over but then shove each other. Now the brawl is all four men! Fans fire up as Cody RAMS Sami into an apron and Kevin CLUBS away on Jey against the desk!

Sami hits Cody, Cody DECKS Sami! Kevin puts Jey on the desk to HEADBUTT! Kevin ROCKS Cody! Kevin slides in as the count climbs, and Sami joins him. They wait on Cody and Jey, and Jey storms up. Kevin DECKS Jey, goes back out and TACKLES Jey onto the desk! They scrap, fall off the desk, and now Cody and Sami get back into it! Fans fire up as the brawl keeps going on all around the desk! Cody tosses Sami over, hops up, but Sami ROCKS him first! Kevin goes after Cody again as Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once again and Kevin has Jey down with a chinlock. Kevin leans on the hold and fans rally as Jey endures. Jey fights up, throws body shots, but Kevin throws him down by his hair! Then SENTONS! Cover, TWO! Kevin mocks the bounce then says “SUCK IT!” Kevin stomps Jey, goes to a corner and climbs up, but Jey GAMANGIRIS first! Kevin wobbles but he grabs at Jey. Kevin throws hands but Jey throws them back! Jey climbs up, but Kevin hooks a leg! Jey fires body shots, but so does Kevin! Kevin HEADBUTTS Jey down, then adjusts to SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO!!

Kevin rains down fists in frustration, and “This is Awesome!” as Kevin drags Jey up. Jey ROCKS Kevin! Kevin ROCKS Jey! Kevin gets the edge, knees low and whips, but Jey slips out of the pop-up to SUPERKICK! Kevin SUPERKICKS! Jey SUPERKICKS again! And again! But Kevin LARIATS! Both men are down and fans fire up! Kevin and Jey crawl, Kevin grabs Jey’s leg, and then he brings Jey around. Jey SUPERKICKS again! Both men go to corners, hot tags to Cody and Sami! Cody rallies on Sami, whips him to ropes but Sami reverses! Cody CLOBBERS Sami! Then Cody goes up and over, to POWERSLAM!

Fans fire up and Cody roars! Sami rises up, Cody springboards, CODY CUTTER! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives and Cody is frustrated. Cody waits on Sami to rise again, and then dragon sleepers! CROSS- NO, Sami knees free and reels Cody in! But Cody slips out of Blue Thunder to CROSS- NO! BLUE THUNDER BOMB!! Cover, TWO! Cody hangs tough but Sami keeps cool. Sami rises up, brings Cody around, and he throws hands. But Cody kicks, drops, RHODES UPPERCUT! Sami ends up in a corner, Codey runs in, but into a CORNER EXPLODER! Sami goes to the far side, and runs back in, but Cody catches Sami! CROSS RHODES!! Cover, KEVIN BREAKS IT!

Kevin CLUBS away on Cody, then lets off to go back to his corner. Cody and Sami stir, fans rally up, and Jey is back! Cody and Sami crawl but end up meeting each other. Cody throws a forearm, so Sami gives it back. Cody throws another, so Sami throws it back! They stand, Cody punches, kicks, reels Sami in and underhooks, but Sami back drops free! Both men are closer to their corners now! Hot tags to Kevin and Jey! Fans fire up as Kevin blocks a kick, gives a kick, but Jey stops the stunner! They both CLUB each other, Jey SUPERKICKS but then Kevin SUPERKICKS! Kevin SUPERKICKS again!

Jey SUPERKICKS again and Kevin falls! Cover, TWO!! Fans fire up as Jey goes to the apron and drags himself up. Jey goes to a corner now and climbs up that. USO SPLASH but he has to bail out! Kevin hits a STUNNER!!! Cover, Cody breaks it!! Fans are thunderous as Cody gets even with Kevin! Cody and Jey bail out, but Sami FLIES out onto them! Direct hit at the ramp and fans fire up again! Kevin hurries to fetch Jey into the ring. Kevin climbs, to SWANTON onto knees!! Jey fires up to SUPERKICK! Sami runs in, into a SUPERKICK! Cody gives Sami CROSS RHODES!! Jey & Cody DOUBLE SUPERKICK Kevin!!

Kevin wobbles, Jey & Cody coordinate, CODE D CUTTER!! Cover, Cody & Jey win!!

Winners: Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso, by pinfall (still Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions)

The American Nightmare & Main Event Jey win in the main event, proving their team isn’t just a fluke! Will they be able to prove the same thing next week against the Judgment Day? Or will Raw’s season premiere be the finale of their reign?

As for Sami and Kevin, Kevin wants to leave, but Sami lingers. Sami shakes hands with Cody and Jey to show respect, so Kevin is obligated to do the same. Is Kevin finally forgiving Jey? Will they all be united knowing Judgment Day still wants to take over?

My Thoughts:

A really good Raw here to follow Fastlane while also setting up all this “season premiere” stuff. Great interplay of the various stories, too. Rollins opens, he is confronted by McIntyre but attacked by Priest, with McIntyre denying the cash-in because he wants Rollins for Crown Jewel, I bet you we get that “can they coexist?” situation of Rollins and McIntyre having to fight off Judgment Day together. Though, McIntyre handled McDonagh and Dom all on his own so maybe he doesn’t need Rollins to help. We also got good stuff in the further dysfunction of Judgment Day where the others were actually on Priest’s side this time. Maybe the faction is betting on Priest finally getting the world title, and so if/when Priest fails “on his own,” that’s the last straw for the rest of them.

Also great stuff from the Women’s World title story with Rhea wrecking the pretty good Nia VS Raquel match, which then brings Shayna out to go after them all. Rhea VS Shayna is probably gonna be the same: great match, but someone (Nia) attacks to ruin in. Somehow, someway, this has to be a Fatal 4 Way for the Women’s World title, maybe even at Crown Jewel to keep this streak of historic matches in Saudi Arabia going. Becky VS Nox was a great title match here tonight, and it really was one of Nox’s best. Then Natty and KC Squared consoling Nox backstage, being confronted by Chelsea & Piper, that is definitely a WWE Women’s Tag title Triple Threat in the making, and that is gonna be a lot of fun.

Great Viking Rules match to get the card going, Kofi reestablished how good he is as a singles guy, and Ivar actually got to show us that he can be a great singles guy, too. But of course Sarah interferes, the Viking Raiders are building up in the rankings even with it just being Ivar. Then we got more great story intertwining as Ricochet wants after Nakamura but that costs him in the long run since Bronson won the Triple Threat. Bronson VS Gunther is going to be awesome stuff, as will be Ricochet VS Nakamura in Falls Count Anywhere. Now, Nakamura lost at Fastlane so he has to win the FCA as redemption. And as great as Bronson is, he’ll end up the biggest notch on Gunther’s belt.

And then some interesting moves by Imperium. Their attack on DIY during the interview made sense, and that did help get Candice & Indi on camera as a response to that attack. But Ludwig having his own vignette where he essentially remixes the “Veni Vidi Vinci” gimmick to make it his own was surprising. Is Imperium just going to fall apart and the “European Elegance” gimmick will be Ludwig’s back-up plan? Can Ludwig and Vinci stick together when they realize they’re European Elegance and Gunther’s “a bully?” That’d be pretty wild. But main thing is, it feels like Imperium is gonna lose to DIY in a big tag match.

And then speaking of the tag division, great stuff with Cody, Jey, Kevin and Sami. This match tonight was exactly what I was expecting with Cody & Jey winning the tag titles, just not so soon. I thought Judgment Day’s rematch was going to be the first one for Cody & Jey but this was still great stuff. It also fast tracks Kevin forgiving and accepting Jey so that they can be united as we approach Survivor Series and what will surely be WarGames 2023.

My Score: 8.8/10