Will this be the Final Chapter for Xavier Woods?

The Final Testament have tried to tear The New Day apart, but Xavier Woods is still standing. Otis & Akira Tozawa stand with him, but will they win?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ilja Dragunov VS Bron Breakker; Bron wins and will challenge Sami Zayn for the title.
• Lyra Valkyria w/ Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Sonya Deville w/ Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark; Sonya wins.
• Six Man Tag: Xavier Woods, Akira Tozawa & Otis w/ Maxxine Dupri VS The Final Testament; The Final Testament wins.
• Bronson Reed VS Pete Dunne; No Contest.
• Zelina Vega VS Zoey Stark w/ Sonya Deville & Shayna Baszler; Zelina wins.
• Sami Zayn & Jey Uso VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh; Sami & Jey win.

PLAY BY PLAY

PROGRAMMING NOTE for Raw!

Because of the 2024 Summer Olympics, Raw moves over to SyFy for the next TWO weeks! Check your cable guides and DVRs to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

GUNTHER is here!

Green Bay is torn as Der Ring General walks to the ring. Gunther gets the mic, and as the fans boo, he says, “I know, I know. I know.” The fans boo more, but Gunther still says, “Let me explain myself real quick. I took some time to reflect on the things I said to Damian Priest last week. And I agree.” The fans chant “YOU SUCK! YOU SUCK!” Gunther says we should just skip that. HE MEANT EVERY WORD HE SAID! Priest and everyone in this arena here are BUMS! Because what is at stake is what is nearest and dearest to Gunther, and that is the honor and prestige of this great sport, and the World Heavyweight Championship,

“Ask yourself why did they send me out here first and not Damian Priest? That is because everybody in this company, and every one of you know, he does not live up to it. And that cute little sob story about fighting from the streets and whatever, that does not cover up the fact that Damian Priest is a pretender and a wannabe.” There is a saying where Gunther comes from. He says it in German first, then says, “Show me your friends, and I show you who you are.” We know Priest’s friends, The Judgment Day. And today’s the day when The Judgment Day will be judged by Der Ring General. And he judges them all collectively as TRASH!

The fans boo more but Gunther tells Priest that we know he’s back there. So for the last time, here is a generous offer. Just come on out, lift that weight off his shoulders that he’s not up to carrying, and hand Gunther his championship. Come on, let’s get this over with so we can move past this. Priest can even go home to the trailer park. But here comes El Campeon, and he is storming to the ring! The fans fire up as The Punisher then DECKS Gunther! The fans fire up for the brawl, but then refs run in! Gunther BOOTS Priest but Priest fires back! The brawl continues, security runs out there, and Gunther kicks Priest again!

Producers get in this, too, and the two are separated. But the fans want to “LET THEM FIGHT! LET THEM FIGHT!” Priest gets loose enough to SUPERKICK Gunther down! Gunther falls out of the ring, pushes guards aside, but then Priest fires off on guards, too! And he TOSSES one out onto the rest! Security falls but Gunther gets away! So Priest LEAPS out onto him! The brawl continues at the ramp, but the producers do everything they can to stop this! Gunther retreats, but Priest pursues! Priest CLOBBERS Gunther and Raw goes to break! Will this chaos continue through the commercials?

Raw returns and…

Jackie Redmond reports in that she’s about to get word from Gunther, but then Priest runs up outta nowhere! Priest CLOBBERS Gunther again, and fires off more hands! Gunther CLAWS Priest’s eyes, shoves him back, and security has to rush back in! Producers get in there, too, and Adam Pearce shouts for this to stop! It spills out into the backlot, and Gunther is sent into a road case! Priest still wants after Gunther but Gunther gets away, will either man even make it to SummerSlam?

WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Ilja Dragunov VS Bron Breakker!

From one championship battle to another, The Mad Dragon wants some payback on this rabid dog called Bron Breakker. Dragunov was battling his heart out against Sami Zayn but Bron had to go and ruin that. Will Dragunov kill two birds with one Torpedo Moscow? Or will the Big Bad Booty Nephew prove he’s #MeanerThanEvil?

The bell rings and the two rush in! Bron avoids a boot to waistlock but Ilja throws elbows. Ilja then CHOPS and fans “WOO~!” Ilja eggs Bron on but Bron runs up to TACKLE Ilja! Bron HAMMERS Ilja, Ilja bails out, but Bron goes out to rain down forearms! Bron asks, “Anyone else wanna try to slap the crap?!” Bron SMACKS Ilja off the apron, hears the ring count, and pushes Ilja in at 6 of 10. Bron then storms up but Ilja fires off forearms and boxing elbows! Ilja ROCKS Bron, runs up, and KNEES Bron down! Ilja fires up and Green Bay is with him, and he stalks Bron to a corner. Ilja CHOPS Bron, bumps him off buckles, then CHOPS again!

Ilja keeps Bron up but Bron fires forearms in return. Bron UPPERCUTS, Ilja rebounds to BOOT! Bron tumbles out to the apron and the fans fire up with Ilja again. Ilja goes out, CLUBS Bron, then CHOPS! Bron fires body shots and haymakers! Bron CLUBS Ilja, Ilja body shots back! Ilja fireman’s carries Bron, the fans fire up again, but Bron holds ropes! Ilja lets go to get around Bron, and CLUBS him in the back. Bron goes to the other side of the corner, Ilja stands him up, and Ilja fires forearms. Bron SMACKS Ilja off the buckle! The fans rally, Bron drags Ilja back up, and they go up the corner! The fans rally up and Ilja fights the suplex!

Ilja throws body shots, but now Bron fights the suplex! They go to the very top, and Bron GOURD BUSTERS Ilja on the post! Ilja falls to the floor, Bron laughs, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Ilja endures a bearhug! Bron squeezes but the fans rally for Ilja. Ilja CLUBS Bron, is free, and he SLAPS Bron! And SLAPS! And SLAPS! Bron shakes his head, catches Ilja to a fireman’s carry, and a GUTBUSTER DROP! Cover, TWO! Ilja survives but Bron grins. Ilja shakes his head, Bron drags him up, and the fans rally as Bron reels Ilja in. Bron lifts Ilja but Ilja punches free of the bomb to DDT! Both men are down again and the fans continue to rally. Both men rise, and Ilja CHOPS! Bron ROCKS Ilja, Ilja fires back! They go back and forth, but then Ilja CHOPS! SPIN CHOP! CHOP to the leg! Another CHOP high!

Bron staggers, Ilja ENZIGIRIS! Bron stumbles, but he gets moving! Ilja BOOTS him first! Ilja then runs up, dodges Bron, CONSTANTINE SPECIAL! Green Bay is thunderous as both men rise, and Ilja CHOPS Bron in a corner. Ilja bumps Bron off buckles, CHOPS again, then goes corner to corner and back again, for a JUMP KNEE! Bron stumbles, Ilja keeps moving, BOOT WASH in the corner! The fans fire up and Ilja drags Bron back up. Ilja reels Bron in, but Bron fights the lift! Ilja’s back bothers him but he still tries. Bron gets free, but Ilja SLAPOs, SLAPS and DISCUS SLAPS! Then he lifts Bron for a POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!!

Bron survives and Ilja is beside himself! The fans fire up, “This is Awesome!” and Ilja drags himself to a corner. Ilja rises up the ropes, but Bron rises. Bron anchors Ilja, Ilja CLUBS away on him. Ilja SLAPS Bron away, but Bron comes back and springs right up! SUPER STEINER! Cover, TWO!! Ilja survives and Bron is stunned! Bron hurries up a corner and he takes aim. Ilja rises, and he ENZIGIRIS a leg out! Bron is stuck on his Steiner, and Ilja goes up after him! SUPER DUPER PLEX!! Ilja rises, to H-BOMB FOREARM!! But he can’t make the cover! Bron rolls away to the apron to save himself! Ilja crawls over and fans rally up.

Ilja snarls, drags Bron up to fireman’s carry, but Bron holds ropes! Ilja still hits an APRON DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Bron flops to the floor and the fans are thunderous again! Ilja crawls along the apron, “This is Awesome!” as he takes aim. SUPER H- SPEAR!!! Ilja gets sandwiched between Bron and apron! Bron slides into the ring and waits. The ref checks Ilja, and then calls it!? Bron wins by default!

Winner: Bron Breakker, by referee stoppage (NEW #1 Contender to the Intercontinental Championship)

The fans boo but the ref calls for medical. The medics check Ilja, who still seems knocked for a loop. Bron gets his second shot at Sami Zayn, will he end up doing the exact same thing to the champ? Or will Sami be able to turn the tide just like he did at Money in the Bank?

Judgment Day hangs out in the clubhouse.

They’re still playing WWE 2K, but also arguing about some things. Rhea Ripley has them all snap out of it. They might’ve lost Priest for the night, since he’s focused on his world title. But they also have the World Tag Team Championships, and she is going to get back her Women’s World Championship. JD says not long now, and she says right. Not long now until The Judgment Day holds all the gold once again. Dominik says that’s great, but he wants to talk with her. She accepts and they step aside. Dom knows they had a good week reconnecting, but… Dom just worries about what he saw online with Jey Uso asking for her number and she said, “Yeet.”

Rhea tells Dom to calm down. She’s just messing around. Unlike what Dom was doing with Liv Morgan. Rhea was watching Dom’s socials, too, y’know. Finn Balor steps in. He thinks Dom needs to take care of Jey once and for all! The boys agree, but Rhea says no, Jey doesn’t matter at all. Oh, is Rhea defending Jey? No! She’s not defending anyone. But what’s the point of starting a war with Jey? Dom, use your brain. Carlito agrees, use your brain. JD asks whose side Carlito’s on, and Finn looks at Dom. “You know what you have to do.” Is peer pressure about to get in Dirty Dom’s head?

Adam Pearce talks backstage with Drew McIntyre.

It seems McIntyre finally does apologize to the refs, and he shakes hands with the Raw GM. McIntyre has been reinstated, but will he be able to keep his cool with CM Punk also in the building tonight?

Xavier Woods and the (former) Alpha Academy celebrate.

It’s Tozawa’s birthday, so he gets a cake! He blows out the candles, and the group digs in. Otis uses his bare hands and says “OH YEAH~!” Tozawa does his shuffle and Woods says that’s naaasty~! But will things get real nasty when they take on Karrion Kross & The Authors of Pain later tonight?

Lyra Valkyria w/ Kayden Carter & Katana Chance VS Sonya Deville w/ Shayna Baszler & Zoey Stark!

The Morrigan and her new pals in the party gals have been beefing with this new trio of hunters, and we saw KC Squared get cheated just last week. Will Lyra humble Sonya so soon after her return? Or will Sonya go 2-0 real quick with help from her new friends?

Raw returns and Sonya makes her entrance, Shayna & Zoey by her side. The bell rings, the fans rally and the two circle. They tie up, and Sonya powers Lyra back. Lyra turns things around, they end up on ropes, then a corner. The ref counts, Lyra and Sonya move from the corner, and Sonya fires knee after knee! Sonya throws Lyra down by her hair, then soaks up the heat. Sonya gets in Lyra’s face, but Lyra SLAPS her! Lyra RAMS Sonya into the corner, RAMS her again and again, then stomps a mudhole in! The ref counts, Lyra lets off, and she blocks a boot to ROCK Sonya! Lyra whips corner to corner but Sonya reverses.

Lyra goes up and over and handsprings, tot hen sweep the legs! Sonya flounders, into a SHOTGUN! Cover, ONE!! Sonya bails out to the apron then regroups with her team. Lyra rallies the fans and builds speed, but Shayna saves Sonya! Sonya then THROWS Lyra into barriers! The fans boo but Sonya soaks it up. Kayden & Katana check on Lyra while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Lyra ROCKS Sonya up top! Lyra climbs but Sonya CLUBS her over and over! Lyra hops down but then hops back up to fire more forearms! Lyra HAMMERS Sonya, brings her up, and the fans rally up for the SUPERPLEX! Both women are down and writhing from that rough landing, but the fans rally back up. Lyra rises, Sonya sits up, and Lyra fires a forearm! And another! Sonya hits back, then SOBATS! Sonya KICKS Lyra, KICKS her down, and Lyra sits up. Lyra avoid the sliding knee to kip up and ENZIGIRI! Lyra hurries to reel Sonya in, but Sonya wrenches out! Lyra steps over to SOBAT!

Lyra KICKS, HEADBUTTS, KICKS and HEEL KICKS! Sonya falls, Lyra brings her back around. Scoop and NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Sonya escapes and the fans rally up. Shayna & Zoey are stressed for Sonya as Lyra brings her up. Lyra fireman’s carries, but Sonya slips free to dragon sleeper! But Lyra snapmares free! Sonya comes back, wants a leg, but Lyra steps over to gut wrench! Lyra holds Sonya upside-down, to then GUT WRENCH BOMB! Cover, TWO!! Sonya survives but Lyra is not stopping! Lyra goes up a corner, but Shayna gets on the apron! The ref stops her but misses Zoey SHOVE Lyra down!

The fans boo but then Kayden & Katana YANK Shayna down! They TOSS Shayna, then DECK Zoey! But Sonya SHOVES Katana! Zoey SUPERKICKS Kayden! Sonya runs up, Lyra dodges to WRECK Shayna with a dropkick! But Sonya drags Lyra in for DEVILLE’S ADVOCATE! Cover, Sonya wins!

Winner: Sonya Deville, by pinfall

As the theme song says, Sonya’s a beast and a menace, but she’s also the winner. Shayna & Zoey raise her hands in victory, will these three do what they want to who they want until they are in control of the Women’s Division?

The Wyatt Sick6 have another video.

“Look at yourself. Look at yourself. Look at yourself!” Sister Abigail smiles. “They lied to you. Ignored you. Watched you suffer in solitude. I have been the answer all along.” Sister Abigail goes from laughing to crying to shrieking. Is that Nikki Cross? What darkness has consumed her sanity to make her into… this?

CM Punk is here!

Green Bay fires up for the Best in the World as he makes his way out, and he high-fives the fans by the stage area on his way to the ramp. Then Punk makes sure we know, “It’s CLOBBERIN’ Time~!” Punk continues down to ringside, high-fives some more fans, and even Samantha Irving before he steps inside the ring. The fans chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” as he gets the mic. Punk says, “Is it great to be alive on a Monday night in Green Bay, Wisconsin or what?” The fans cheer that! Punk asks if Green Bay’s bay is really green. Maybe it is, and his shoes are pink, and it is time to stain them both with the blood of a Scottish Psychopath!

Because Punk saw his surgeon on Saturday night, and Punk is CLEARED! That means Punk will get his pound of flesh, so McIntyre, come get the beating you deserve! Punk wraps up his fists with tape, the fans fire up behind him, and here comes McIntyre! The Scottish Psychopath has a mic of his own as he glares at Punk from the stage. McIntyre can’t tell us how long he’s waited for this. With how Punk has screwed him over and over, there will be nothing to stop McIntyre from getting in that ring and tearing Punk apart! Except the fact he doesn’t want to. What? Well, Punk wants to! Punk goes out, but security and refs rush in!

The fans boo and McIntyre tells Punk to relax. Their match is too big for Green Bay. This is big money. Control your emotions, Punk. McIntyre is chill. When he’s emotional, he tends to turn to family. He shows off the bracelet! Punk is even angrier, but Adam Pearce tells McIntyre that this is enough. It’s been ten minutes, McIntyre can’t help himself. What McIntyre isn’t telling everyone is that there’s a reason they’re not fighting tonight. McIntyre is officially reinstated, Punk is officially medically cleared, so IT IS OFFICIAL: McIntyre VS Punk at SUMMERSLAM! The fans love that, but Punk still wants to fight now!

Pearce says another thing that’s not clear is that if either one lays a finger on the other, not only is the match off, the first person to swing gets suspended indefinitely! The chaos has to stop! Between these two, Gunther and Priest, Pearce has a big problem, but also a big referee problem. And here comes Seth Rollins!! The Visionary swaggers out in a frilly curtain of a coat, the fans sing along with “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and Rollins laughs as he passes McIntyre. Rollins promises they’ll all love this one. Rollins and Pearce shake hands, and Rollins heads into the ring. Rollins gets himself a mic, and says, “Oh yeah< Green Bay, we had ourselves a problem, didn’t we?”

See, Drew hates Punk, Punk hates Drew, and both these morons, all the chaos they’ve caused the past year has scared away everybody from getting in between them. But Rollins isn’t a problem guy, Green Bay. No, no, no. Rollins is a solutions guy! And he thinks he has a solution. Rollins knows a guy who thrives on chaos, and who would love nothing more than to put these two in their places! He is a Visionary… He is a Revolutionary…! And at SummerSlam, he is your SPECIAL GUEST REFEREE! HE is Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!! The fans are thunderous but both Punk and Drew step up to the apron. Rollins swaggers now, but will he have to lay down the law in The Land?

Judgment Day searches backsatge.

Are they trying to find Jey? Carlito says divide and conquer. JD will check catering. Carlito says catering sounds good. They go that way, and then Finn says he’ll go over this way while Dom goes the other way, and they’ll double back. Dom says okay, and heads out. Only for Liv to find him first! Dom says stop it, Liv, you can’t keep doing this. Liv says she just wants to check on him. Rhea’s going off the deep end, how is Dom doing? Dom asks what she’s even doing. Liv hushes him and says it is okay. She knows how Rhea makes Dom feel. Don’t worry about it, everything will be okay.

Dom says everything IS okay, now! Rhea and Dom are perfect actually. That’s the spirit. What? Finn returns and Liv says that’s her cue. Bye, Daddy Dom. Finn says he left Dom alone for ten seconds, what happened? Dom asks back if Finn saw Jey. Maybe he went this way, aka the way Liv went. Finn stops Dom before he gets started, and they go the other way. Finn sighs, will Dom ever get his head on straight?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Cathy Kelley is with the WWE Intercontinental Champion and asks him about Bron Breakker being his challenger. Is he concerned seeing what happened to Ilja tonight? “Concerned” may not be the word for it, but we all saw what Bron did to Ilja. They went to war, they wanted this title, and Bron did earn his shot. “Concern” isn’t the word, but Sami is taking Bron very seriously. Sami tells Bron that Bron should be careful not to make the same mistake he did at MITB by taking Sami very seriously. Sami will do what he does every single time this title is on the line, and that is bring 100%.

Cathy says we have yet to get an update on Ilja’s exact injury, but- Wait, what is that noise? They look down the hall, and we see Judgment Day beatin up on Jey! Sami hits back! Sami fires off on JD, Jey hits Carlito, and the brawl is on! Sami SMACKS JD off the road case, but Carlito says bail out! Carlito gets JD outta there, Sami helps Jey to his feet. Will Sami & Jey have to make sure something is done about Judgment Day?

Six Man Tag: Xavier Woods, Akira Tozawa & Otis w/ Maxxine Dupri VS The Final Testament!

They blew out the candles, had the cake, and now this match will be the special birthday gift for the Stamina Monster! Can Woods, Tozawa & Otis be a new super trio that takes down Karrion Kross & The Authors of Pain? Or will this already be their Final Chapter?

Raw returns and The Final Testament makes their entrance. The trios sort out and Woods starts against Kross. The fans rally as the two circle, and “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” But Kross tags out to Rezar. Woods figured as much, and he dodges the Albanian Psycho to mule kick! Woods fires hands, but Rezar RAMS Woods into a corner! Rezar CHOKES Woods, lets off as the ref counts, then runs in. Woods dodges to CHOP, CHOP and CHOP! Rezar just gets mad and TOSSES Woods to the Testament’s corner. Tag to Akam, and he stomps Woods down. Rezar CLUBS Woods, and Akam soaks up heat. The fans boo but Akam CLUBS Woods.

The “Punjabi Nightmare” whips Woods, but Woods ducks ‘n’ dodges to then FLYIGN FOREARM! The fans fire up and Woods ROCKS Akam again! Woods stomps Akam, CHOPS him, CHOPS him, and CHOPS him again! Woods wrenches, Tozawa tags in, and Tozawa climbs to AX HANDLE! Tozawa runs to ROCK Akam! Akam grabs Tozawa by the neck! Akam scoops, Tozawa slips free and he DUMPS Akam out! The fans fire up as Tozawa then WRECKS Akam with a dropkick! TOZAWA TOPE and down goes Akam! The fans fire up, and Tozawa rips his shirt! The Stamina Monster is runnin’ wild while Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Akam knocks Tozawa over. The fans boo but Akam drags Tozawa back up, only for Tozawa to throw hands! The fans fire up and Tozawa fires haymakers! Akam shoves Tozawa to ELBOW him down! Cover, TWO! Maxxine and the fans rally but Kross tags in. Kross stomps Tozawa, stalks him to a corner, then hauls him up. Kross whips corner to corner but Tozawa goes up to CROSSBODY! Kross catches him for a fireman’s carry! F5 THOUSAND! Kross roars but the fans boo. Kross stomps Tozawa, the fans chant “We Want Otis!” Kross smirks, then sucker punches Woods! Kross runs upb ut Tozawa BOOTS him!

Kross returns but Tozawa SUPERKICKS! Tozawa then dodges Kross, hto tag to Otis! Wisconsin’s own starts rallying on The Final Testament! LARIAT after LARIAT and Green Bay is thunderous! Otis even rolls and comes back to LARIAT! The fans are electric as Otis SPLASHES Akam in a corner! Akam falls, and Otis takes off the vest! Otis wiggles those hips and hits the CATERPILLAR~ ELBOW! Akam bails out and the fans go wild! But Kross ROCKS Otis with a forearm! Kross runs up, Otis ELBOWS him, and Woods tags in. Rezar drags Otis out, Woods goes up, and Woods MISSILE DROPKICKS Kross!

Tozawa goes up to SUPER CROSSBODY Rezar! The fans fire up and Woods kips up to fire fast hands on Kross! The ref gets in there, Woods says get outta here! Woods fires more hands, then SUPERKICKS Akam! But Kross scoops Woods for a FINAL PRAYER!! Cover, Final Testament wins!

Winner: The Final Testament, by pinfall

Woods on fire, but he could not stop the apocalypse. Kross mockingly applauds Woods, but will he ever break Woods’ spirit? Wait, here comes the new Alpha Academy, Chad Gable & The Creed Brothers. The fans chant “YOU SUCK!” but what does Gable have to say? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and…

Gable & The Creeds are in the ring with Otis, Tozawa & Maxxine. The fans still chant “YOU SUCK!” but Gable ignores that. He says, “My old crew. Now, the reason I asked for you guys to stay out here tonight is because there is something in me that needs to just keep helping my former pupils, y’know? I can’t help myself. That’s just the type of guy I am, I guess.” Gable says Otis has assumed a leadership position in the group, that’s an interesting choice. But the first thing he does is team with Xavier Woods, and loses! Now, the coach in Gable would say Otis has to lead with his mind, but we all know using his brain isn’t Otis’ strong point.

The fans boo but Gable says using his brain IS his strong suit. That’s why he has Julius & Brutus Creed, a couple fine and professional freak athletes to stand by his side. And they’ll fill in where there were some weaknesses. But this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Otis, do the right thing and come back to your coach to rejoin the Academy. The fans boo and say “NO! NO! NO!” Gable says whoa, hey, a little incentive first. The Wyatt Sick6 is after everyone, including them, so they can get extra protection. Otis asks, “Protection? Are you sure, Chad Gable? Like you protected the Creed Brothers last week?”

Otis says oh yeah, when things get juicy, get dangerous, Gable flees the scene, leaving the other two for dead in the ring. Otis says that is the kind of man Gable is. As for Otis’ answer, it is still “No.” The fans cheer and Gable says he’s an idiot! Maxxine, Tozawa, you’re not letting this clown speak for you, are you? But they stay by Otis’ side! Green Bay cheers Otis, and Gable says well then, this is unfortunate. Boys! The Creeds CLOBBER Otis & Tozawa! Brutus TOSSES Tozawa, then the brothers mug Otis 2v1! The fans boo, Maxxine hurries to Tozawa’s side, and Otis blasts free! Otis DOUBLE LARIATS The Creeds!

Otis is face to face with Gable and Gable panics! Otis grabs Gable by the neck, pops him up, but The Creeds save Gable from a powerslam! The Creeds & Gable stomp away 3v1 now, and they sit Otis up. They POST Otis, and Otis tumbles out to the apron and then floor. The fans boo as they haul Otis up again, throw more hands, and then RAM him into the apron side! Gable brings his new boys chairs! But then the lights start turning off! Gable panics all over again as the fireflies come out! The fans tell Gable he done messed up now! The fog rolls in, the piano plays, but Julius & Brutus are ready to fight!

The eerie light shines from the stage, and out step Abigail, Huskus, Mercy & Ramblin’ Rabbit! But then wait, UNCLE HOWDY is behind Gable!! “There you are!” Gable turns around, into the SISTER ABIGAIL!! Howdy hits Gable with that wicked sidewinder! The Wyatts are here, will they make Gable learn the error of his ways?

Bronson Reed VS Pete Dunne!

The Colossal Aussie beat the Bruiserweight, lost to the Celtic Warrior, but he still got the better of them both in the end. Will he demolish Dunne all over again? Or will the former NXT UK Champion show us he can #StandTall all on his own?

But then Sheamus KNEES Dunne down!! Bronson says okay, let’s go! He and Sheamus fire off forearms and haymakers and the fans fire up! Bronson HEADBUTTS Sheamus, fireman’s carries, but Sheamus slips free to KNEE Bronson! Dunne is back up but Sheamus tosses him out! Sheamus has Dunne on the ropes, for BEATS OF THE BODRHAIN! The fans count all the way to TEN! Dunne flops back in, Sheamus throws his shirt for a free souvenir! Sheamus aims from a corner, and he- NO, Dunne bails out to avoid the Brogue! So Sheamus just changes targets, BROGUE for Bronson!

Bronson bails out and The Fella stands tall! Will the 15 YEAR WWE icon just have to fight everybody to remind everybody who the hell he is?

Judgment Day regroups backstage.

JD & Carlito are still sore and Rhea asks what the hell! They found Jey… Then Sami found them… It didn’t go well. JD says Carlito, c’mon, you don’t always have to tell the truth. Finn says he is tired of the disrespect! He talked with Pearce, so it is official! Finn & McDonagh will take down Jey & Sami! Then next week, if Gunther wants to call The Judgment Day a joke, then we’ll see who is laughing when he faces Finn 1v1! Rhea says okay, cool, but she told them not to mess with Jey! And now Sami is involved! Oh, and where were Dom & Finn when that scrap happened? Carlito chuckles and says ask Liv.

Rhea asks Dom what that means and Dom says he has no idea what was going on. Liv just- Rhea stops him there and says they’re going to the ring. The fans fire up as Rhea drags her Latino Heat out of the room. What is about to go down when Mami and Dommy go out there?

Backstage interview with Sheamus.

Jackie Redmond is with The Fella and brings up his attack on Bronson and former friend, Dunne. What exactly is going on here? Sheamus says he knows this business like the back of his hand. Bronson wanted to take Sheamus out of this business just so he could be the man that ended the Celtic Warrior. And as for his old brawling buddy, Pete, that’s still a head scratcher. Whatever issue Pete has with Sheamus, they can easily settle it. They can go to an ol’ Irish pub, have a pint, and settle this like proper fellas. Or they can take this to the ring and find out who the real bruiserweight is. Up for a banger? Sheamus heads out, what will be Dunne’s response?

Rhea & Dom go to the ring!

The fans cheer as Mami pushes Dirty Dom down the ramp and ushers him into the ring. Rhea then gets a mic to shout at Liv! If Liv wants him, then come get him! What?! Liv makes her entrance, but from the bleachers behind Rhea & Dom. Liv says hi, guys~! And Rhea, um, no, Liv’s not gonna be going to the ring, because unlike Rhea, Liv has some self control. Liv waited for Rhea all this time, she can wait until SummerSlam. And the reason Liv is here is obvious: It’s because she has feelings for Dom! Rhea glares at Dom but Liv says Dom surely has feelings for Liv, and no one can deny that.

But you know why that is? It’s because gorgeous men like Dom don’t go for girls that look like Rhea. No, gorgeous men like Dom go for girls that look like Liv. Liv shows off the shorts, and then Dom stops Rhea from storming out of the ring! Rhea pushes Dom, Dom grabs at Rhea, but Rhea glares at him! Rhea says let go, but Dom wants her to listen. What does Dom want?! Dom says he will take care of this. Liv says hold on, Green Bay, hold on, let Dom talk. The fans boo but Liv says please let Dom speak. Because she knows what he’s gonna say, and she feels the exact same way. So Dom, finally just say those three little words!

Dom asks Liv if she wants those three little words. Yes, please! Dom says “I HATE YOU!!” IS she stupid?! Deaf!? She has RUINED his life over and over again! Liv is about to cry as Dom insults her more! Dom cannot stand Liv, she’s ruined so much of his life! Liv backs away sobbing, and fans boo Dom more. Rhea smiles, proud of her Dommy. She whispers something to him and he smiles. Rhea then licks Dom on the cheek before kissing him on the cheek. How is it that Dom has these two fighting over him like he’s the championship? And speaking of the championship, will Liv’s broken heart cost her the title at SummerSlam?

On stage interview with Zelina Vega.

Cathy Kelley is there to ask Zelina about last week, the damaged suffered at the hands of Sonya Deville. Zelina’s arm is all wrapped up, so is she worried about having another match so soon? Zelina says she’s a Boricua, this is not going to stop her! She said it before and will say it again, no one can keep Zelina Vega down. She’s been underestimated her whole life, so it is time to prove people wrong and shutting people the hell up! Fans cheer that, and La Muneca continues to the ring. But will having a target on that arm only make it easy for The Hunter to hit the mark?

Zelina Vega VS Zoey Stark w/ Sonya Deville & Shayna Baszler!

Raw returns and Zoey makes her entrance, Sonya & Shayna by her side. The bell rings and the two circle. Zoey runs up, Zelina gets around and rolls her up, ONE! Zoey swings, Zelina ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl, but Zoey powers Zelina around to head for a corner. Zelina slips free to send Zoey into buckles! Zelina kicks, kicks again, but Zoey blocks! Zoey grabs the bad arm, wrenches and WRINGS it! Zelina writhes but Zoey grabs the arm. Zoey stands on the arm, soaks up the heat, but Zelina avoids the knee drop! Zelina KICKS Zoey, runs, but is sent into ropes! Zelina sputters, and Zoey rains down fists!

The fans boo but Zoey paces around. Zoey drags Zelina up, but Zelina fires forearms. Zoey KNEES low, CLUBS her, then RAMS her into a corner. Zoey RAMS into Zelina again and again, then pulls on the bad arm! Zelina fires shots with her good arm, then BOOTS Zelina away! Zoey runs back in but is sent into buckles! Zelina runs in to METEORA! Zelina goes up and up, but Zoey CLUBS her! Zoey climbs up after Zelina, but Zelina elbows her away! Zelina goes to the very top, but Zoey is right up after her! Zoey grabs the bad arm, to HOTSHOT Zelina down! Zelina falls to the floor and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Zoey suplexes Zelina, but Zelina cradle counters! TWO!! Zoey gets free, runs up, but into a BOOT! Zelina then sends Zeoy out, but Zoey springboards in to MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Zoey is frustrated but she clamps onto the bad arm for a top wristlock. Zelina endures, even as Zoey leans on the hold. The fans rally, Zelina fights up, and Zelina fires body shots. Zelina arm-drags free, then KICKS! KICKS! And KICKS! Zelina fires off shots, but Zoey blocks one, so Zelina ENZIGIRIS! The fans fire up more as Zelina runs, tilt-o-whirls, and DDTS! Zoey tumbles around and the fans fire up with Zelina!

Zelina goes to a corner, goes up and up, and MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Zoey survives and Zelina is frustrated. Zelina watches Zoey rise, then hops on, but Zoey slips free. SUPERKICK! Cover, TWO! Zelina is tougher than that and Zoey is frustrated. Zoey storms up on Zelina, waistlocks, but Zelina victory rolls Zoey into ropes! The fans fire up but Sonya gets on the apron! The ref stops Sonya but Shayna trips Zelina! No 619 here and the fans boo. But the ref notices something has to be up. But then Lyra, Kayden & Katana run out here to CLOBBER Shayna & Sonya! Zoey sees that, still flits Zelina, but Zelina ROCKS Zoey!

Zelina realizes her arm brace packs a punch! So she ROCKS Zoey again! Then she hops on for CODE RED! Cover, Zelina wins!!

Winner: Zelina Vega, by pinfall

Lyra, Kayden & Katana celebrate with Zelina as she gets even with The Hunter! Will these four stand up against the new bullies on the block?

Woods finds Pearce backstage.

Woods knows the GM always has a lot on his plate, people complaining to him every single week, but Woods needs Kross 1v1. Pearce asks if he’s sure. Woods says yes, he can’t drag anyone else into this, he has to do this himself. Pearce says alright, consider it official. Woods thanks Pearce and heads out, but then in steps McIntyre. So Pearce didn’t think to mention Rollins as special guest referee was an important enough detail before McIntyre went out there? Hold on, McIntyre. If you have a problem with this, you shouldn’t have put hands on refs in the first place. But he wanted a match so here’s what Pearce has for him.

McIntyre points out this is Seth Rollins, though! He knows the history between them! And that Rollins and Punk are also “nasty” with each other just for stuff Punk said on the internet. But McIntyre took the world title from Rollins at WrestleMania, how is this fair? Oh, “fair?” Well, they’re all going to be in the ring together next week and we’ll see how fair Rollins is when he gives them his official referee instructions. Now if you’ll excuse Pearce, he needs a drink. Pearce leaves and McIntyre asks what he even means by that. Will The Architect’s plans for SummerSlam be fair to everyone involved? Or will he make some… special adjustments?

Backstage interview with Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn.

Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, and knows that later this week, they will appear on SmackDown to properly address the challenge thrown out by Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill. What can we expect this Friday? Oh, they’ll be there to meet the former champions, but they have everything right now. They run this division. Shayna asks if they’re serious right now. She, Sonya & Zoey walk in and say Alba & Isla have been visiting the other show so much that they’re not paying attention. Shayna, Sonya & Zoey have been running things week after week.

Oh, yeah? Even after Zelina just beat Zoey out there? Alba says everyone is running through these three right now. Sonya says Zelina made the biggest mistake of her career, and so did those other girls. Sonya’s trio will handle them later. But what Alba & Isla need to understand is that Bianca & Jade aren’t their biggest threat, Sonya’s trio is. And they’ll be the ones to take those titles off the champs. Isla says they’re more than welcome to try. Oh, they will. See you soon. Sonya leads her team away but the wicked witches don’t sweat them. Will Alba & Isla make all the other teams curse the day they came for the gold?

Gunther speaks.

“Respectable champions, impressive legacies, unmatched impact. All living out their dreams, but all weighed down by fragile egos. Fragile egos that have shattered the reputation of the World Heavyweight Championship. All simple men that will shrink in front of a titan. This is why WWE desperately needed me. And this is why the World Heavyweight Championship needs me: to create a new mountain top.” Gunther admits Rollins did a fantastic job elevating this title. But the burden of being the workhorse drove Rollins into the ground. Drew McIntyre was so concerned with an afterthought like CM Punk that he held onto the title for only five minutes!

And now, as Damian Priest honorably carries the weight on his shoulders, his foundation is starting to crack. All his work for this dream will slip away from him. It’s a shame. As Gunther looks around at the cast of challengers, it becomes truly… disgusting. He cannot respect entertainers more concerned with making the crowds sings, or hitting some clever line for the respect of the mindless. None of that means anything once you step into that sacred ring. Gunther is the only one who can redefine the prestige of the World Heavyweight Championship, and bring it to a level no title has seen before.

At SummerSlam, the future of this great sport is on the line. And just like everyone else that said they’d teach Gunther a lesson, Priest will fail. Gunther will showcase the power, dominance and prestige this sport still desperately needs! At SummerSlam, Der Ring General will become Der World Heavyweight Champion! Gunther makes that promise, but will he be able to keep it?

Sami Zayn & Jey Uso VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio & Carlito!

Just as the WWE Intercontinental Champion was worrying about his plans, he came to the rescue of his friend, his “dawg,” Main Event Jey! And now they’re in the main event together, taking on the WWE World Tag Team Champions! Could we see Sami & Jey feeling ucey after tonight? Or will the Judgment Day prove they run Monday Night Raw?

Sami & Jey make their way through the crowded pavilion, and Jey says, “C’mon, Uce!” The fans ‘YEET! YEET! YEET!” as they follow this dynamic duo, and they even hand over some foam YEET hands! The secret handshake returns, and the fans cheer more! Jey says hit his music! “UUUSOOO~!” Jey & Sami then make their entrance down through the bleachers and fans bounce along with the song. Jey even high-fives Pat & Cole before getting in the ring. Will Jey & Sami YEET Judgment Day right outta the building? We’ll see, after the break.

Raw returns and The Judgment Day makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Finn starts against Jey. The fans “YEET!” already as Finn and Jey circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Finn headlocks. Jey endures the grind, powers up and out, but Finn runs him over! Cover, TWO! Finn ELBOWS Jey in the head, brings him around and bumps him off buckles. Finn fires body shots, RAMS into Jey, then tells the ref to back off. Finn whips JEy corner to corner, but Jey goes up and over! Jey UPERPCUTS Finn off his feet! Finn flounders to a corner, Jey says “YEET!” and runs up to ELBOW! And PELE! Finn falls, Jey covers, TWO!

Jey stays cool and he storms up on Finn. Jey brings Finn up, wrenches, and he tags Sami. The fans cheer as Sami goes up to AX HANDLE! Finn clutches his arm, but Sami brings him up and in. Finn RAMS Sami into the corner! Tag to JD and the tag champs mug Sami. The ref counts, the fans sing “OLE~! OLE OLE OLE~!” and JD lets off. JD CLUBS Sami, whips, but Sami goes up and over to LARIAT! The fans fire up, Sami drags JD up and bumps him off buckles. The ref has Sami back off, but then JD YANKS Sami into buckles! The ref reprimands but JD CLUBS Sami down. JD drags Sami up to snapmare and ELBOW him down.

JD soaks up the heat, runs and drops the leg, brother! Cover, ONE!! Sami is tougher than that, but JD sucker punches Jey! The fans boo, but Sami LARIATS JD up and out! Finn runs in but Sami TOSSES him! Sami then goes to the apron and mule kicks each of them, before the ARABIAN PRESS SAULT! Direct hit on Finn & JD and Green Bay fires up! Sami stands tall and storms back over. Dom storms up but Sami backs him off! The ref stops Sami, and he tells Dom to back off. But Carlito POSTS Sami behind the ref’s back! The fans boo but Caribbean Cool gets away with that, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Finn stomps a mudhole into Sami at the corner. The ref counts, Finn lets off, but JD digs his boot in now! The fans boo, Finn storms back up to jump stomp Sami down! Tag to JD, he drags Sami up but keeps him from Jey. JD reels Sami in for a BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up for Sami as he reaches out for Jey. JD stomps Sami, stays between him and Jey, then facelocks. Fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Sami fights up! Sami reaches out, Jey reaches out, and Sami back drops JD away! Finn hurries to tag in and CLOBBER Sami! Cover, TWO! Finn rains down fists on Sami while fans boo.

Finn stomps Sami, sits him up and ELBOWS him down! Cover, ONE!! Sami powers up but Finn RAMS him into the corner! Tag to JD and he CHOPS! And CHOPS! But Sami COHSP! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! Then he CHOPS Finn! JD ROCKS Sami, kicks and whips, but Sami KICKS JD! JD wobbles, swings, but into a BLUE THUNDER BOMB! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Sami and JD crawl, hot tags to Finn and Jey! The fans are thunderous as Jey fires haymakers on Finn! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks ‘n’ puts some stank on that YEET! Finn staggers, Jey whips, but Finn reverses. Jey dodges to mule kick!

Jey takes off the shirt, and he UPPERCUTS Finn! Finn blocks the kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Finn goes to a corner, JD runs in! JD blocks a kick but takes a DRAGON WHIP, too! Jey sees Finn and JD in opposite corners, and the fans fire up with “UCE! SO!” HIP ATTACK for JD! HIP- NO, Finn TOSSES Jey out! But Jey GAMANGIRIS! Jey goes up and up and CROSSBODIES Finn! Cover, TWO! Finn is tougher than that but Jey stays cool. The fans rally up, Jey watches Finn flounder, and he runs in, into a KICK! But Jey stops the slingblade! Jey whips, fireman’s carries, but Finn CLAWS eyes to hit the SLINGBLADE! Cover, TWO!

Finn snarls and Dom coaches him. Finn calls to JD, then brings Jey up in the corner. JD stands up, Finn fires body shots then snapmares Jey. Tag to JD and he slingshots to ARABIAN PRESS! Cover, TWO! JD argues with the ref but the ref defends his count. JD stomps Jey’s fingers, then he tags back to Finn. JD throws down hands on Jey, then stands Jey up. Finn climbs, but Jey fights free! Finn leaps, into a SUPERKICK! The fans fire up while both men are down! Sami rises and the fans fire up more! Finn and Jey crawl, hot tags to JD and Sami! The Great Liberator catches the Irish Ace first, for a CORNER EXPLODER!

The fans fire up as Sami aims from across the way! But Carlito gets on the apron! And Dom anchors Sami! The fans boo, Sami gets loose, but JD runs up to hit a SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Sami survives and Judgment Day can’t believe it! JD SLAPS Sami, fires more hands, then kicks low. “This is Awesome!” as JD brings Sami up. JD whips, Jey tags in! Sami BOOTS JD, Jey SUPERKICKS! JD sputters, Jey & Sami coordinate! Whip and ONE D!! The fans are thunderous, but Carlito throws Finn in to break the cover! Finn drags Sami up to TOSS him out, then drags JD over so he can tag in. Finn then storms up on Jey, but Jey UPPERCUTS!

Jey fires haymakers, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” JD is up but Jey UPPERCUTS! JD falls, SLINGBLADE from Finn! Finn fires up, aims at Jey from the corner, SHOT- SUPERKICK!! Carlito gets up, Jey DECKS him! Carlito’s apple spit goes flying! Jey DECKS Dom, then runs up on JD! JD HOTSHOTS Jey first! Jey sputters back to his feet, into a SHOTGUN from Finn! Tag to JD then Finn goes up! COUP DE GRACE, followed by a MOONSAULT! Cover, SAMI BREAKS IT!! The fans are thunderous, but Finn TOSSES Sami again! Finn & JD hurry to stand Jey up and put him up top! But Sami gets back in! He goes after Finn & JD!

Sami Electric Chair Lifts but Finn fights free! Finn whips, Sami reverses and TOSESS Finn out! Jey HEADBUTTS JD, Sami HELLVUA KICKS JD down!! Then he FLIJES out onto Finn, Carlito & Dom! Jey USO SPLASHES JD!! Cover, Sami & Jey win!!

Winners: Sami Zayn & Jey Uso, by pinfall

Green Bay celebrates the big win for the dawgs! WAIT! BRON BREAKKER SPEARS SAMI!! Bron runs away, having ruined all the fun! Bron grins, is he going to take the Intercontinental Championship away just as quickly? Or is he just adding fuel to the fire inside of Sami?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw here, but it kinda dragged in the middle. I appreciate them pushing the story of Sheamus, Bronson and Dunne forward, but the No Contest seemed like they were just filling time. That needs to become a Triple Threat already, maybe for the Raw After SummerSlam to help establish a new contender to the Intercontinental Championship. Bron VS Ilja was a great match, but I hope Ilja getting knocked for a loop was kayfabe so that Bron would seem even more dangerous. Of course, Bron added to that with how he had the final say at the end of tonight with that spear on Sami.

Sami and Jey teaming up tonight was a logical move after all they’d been through, and I like that Jey is the new point of dysfunction between the group. Great match in the main event, and great win for Jey & Sami over the tag champs. I feel like Sami is going to lose the Intercontinental Championship to Bron this time, and then maybe Sami & Jey can go after Judgment Day for the tag titles. And as such, Bron VS Sheamus could be the Intercontinental Championship story, though I feel like that keeps Sheamus from finally getting that title because Bron is just nuts and on a powerful push.

Back to Judgment Day, Priest and Gunther had a great promo segment because it almost immediately became an awesome brawling segment that even stretched to the other side of a commercial break. This with Gunther’s promo video later on, there’s some real heat going into that match, and their title match could probably go any which way. With how things are going with Rhea, Dom and Liv, we could also see that Judgment Day split happen at SummerSlam. Sure, Dom finally got the guts to tell Liv off, but that could’ve been because Rhea was right there and he had no choice. And even if Dom is loyal to Mami, JD & Finn could still defect and be on Liv’s side so that they all have belts together.

The Women’s Tag Division story tonight was alright. I figured Sonya was winning again, but I like that Lyra & KC Squared helped Zelina get one over on Zoey. We got a decent promo from Sonya’s group with Alba & Isla, a lot of nothing really when Alba & Isla really are more focused on Bianca & Jade right now. If Sonya’s group got a fourth member (Natalya is still signed, right?), I could see an 8 Woman Tag of Sonya’s team VS Zelina, Lyra, Kayden & Katana. And if they really drag this out, Sonya, Shayna, Zoey and any other two they want (Chelsea & Piper?) could take on five opponents for a Women’s WarGames, or even just a traditional Survivor Series 5v5.

Very good Six Man Tag but I figured The Final Testament would win. Woods VS Kross next week will be a solid 1v1, so long as they make it where it’s only those two out there. You just know Scarlett will help Kross cheat if she’s present, but it’d be more dramatic if it was just Woods and Kross with Kross constantly talking trash on Woods. Meanwhile, great interaction from Gable’s new Alpha Academy with the old one, and of course the Wyatt Sick6 showed up to stop Gable. Great Sister Abigail sidewinder from Bo, and c’mon, there has to be some kind of match for the Raw After SummerSlam or something with this.

And of course, great promo stuff from Punk, McIntyre and Rollins. Rollins being special guest ref instead of a third participant may seem disappointing, but it makes a lot of sense in story because of how McIntyre hates refs, and now he really does have a reason to hate this one because it is Rollins. Rollins might even go out to the ring in the wildest looking referee outfit ever and that alone is something fun to look forward to. With this match and the Intercontinental Championship being added to SummerSlam, that is seven matches, just as I was hoping. If nothing else, the “Big 4” of WWE’s calendar should be the literally bigger events. Give us the major stories, the top titles, and even go over three hours for these events, keep it trim for the others (like MITB or Bad Blood).

My Score: 8.7/10