Will Evansville, Indiana survive this Raw?

Things have escalated between Braun Strowman and Bronson Reed, so now it comes down to THE LAST MONSTER STANDING!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio; Woods wins.
• Lyra Valkyria VS Zoey Stark w/ Pure Fusion Collective; Zoey wins.
• Six Man Tag: Judgment Day VS The LWO; Judgment Day wins.
• Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Chad Gable w/ American Made; Gable wins.
• The Awesome Truth VS The Authors of Pain; The AOP win.
• Last Monster Standing: Bronson Reed VS Braun Strowman; Braun wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jey Uso is in the pavilion!

The fans are all fired up with “YEET! YEET! YEET!” and Jey tells ’em, please hit his music! YEET! Jey and son Jace dap and then Jey heads out into the crowd. The fans all bounce along, and while Jey’s shirt is golden, it seems he’s added some blue to the Intercontinental Championship. Jey even gets pyro! Fans then chant “You Deserve It!” and Jey takes a moment to soak that in. Jey has a mic to say, “The Intercontinental Champion, Main Event Jey Uso, is now in your citaaaay~!” Jey has this title, he’ll fight every week for it and fight anyone for it, YEET. “YEET!” Jey paces, collects his thoughts, and says he appreciates y’all, and loves ‘yall.

He thanks them for rockin’ with Jey, for having his back through all the years. He loves y’all, YEET. This is very special for Jey. He walked to the ring with his first singles title, his son, Jace, behind him. It has been a long hard road to get here, Uce. The family made it hard for him. Roman Reigns made it hard for him. Jey’s whole life, he’s just a twin. His wrestling career, he’s just a twin. They didn’t know him but now they know. “YEET!” Jey takes another moment, and says that his biggest fan, though, out of all of him and his brothers, is their mom. Jey spoke to his mom, and she said, “Go out there and show ’em who you are. Go out there and get it!” The fans cheer that!

Jey went out there, he got it, and Mama, we did it! YEET! But wait! Here comes Bron Breakker! The fans are torn as the Badass Son of a Dog Faced Gremlin steps into the ring, mic in hand. Bron eyes the championship, and he tells Jey he is not out here to ruin the fun or crash the party. Bron is here because of the respect he has for the championship. We all know the lineage of that title goes back a long way. And after battling it out with Jey, Bron now has the same amount of respect for Jey, too. Bron told the world how much that title meant to him, how it was his “family,” and that the one who deserved it most should walk away with it.

On that night, Jey was the better man. The fans applaud that respect. Bron promises he won’t spear Jey, attack him or anything. He just felt it should be him as the first one as a colleague to offer congratulations. Bron offers a handshake, and fans aren’t sure about it. Jey accepts the handshake, and the fans applaud. Bron turns to leave, but Jey tells him that there are some dogs in Indiana, Uce! Bron smiles, and takes his leave. Jey is holding the gold, but who will be next to step up? What will Bron aim for next now?

Dominik & Liv hang out by the low rider.

They really like the car, but then Dom gets a call from Finn. Dom heads off, JD & Carlito walk over and Liv explains about the call. Dom asks if Finn’s okay, and Finn says yeah, just some travel problems. But he wants Dom to tell Liv that the business they had is all taken care of. Okay, see you soon. Dom walks back over to the group and explains Liv’s just stuck. The group heads inside, they are roasting outside. But will the heat cause Dom, JD & Carlito to melt down against The LWO?

Xavier Woods VS Rey Mysterio!

While The New Day are on hard times, Woods has been letting it really affect him. He’s lashed out verbally against Kofi Kingston and the LWO, but now he’ll have to put up or shut up! Will Woods prove he is deserving of more by taking down a former world champion? Or will the King of Lucha Libre humble him just a little bit?

Raw returns as Woods makes his entrance alone and in a serious mood. Woods still high-fives fans on the way to the ring, but he’s locked in on Rey. The bell rings and Woods circles with Rey. They feel things out, tie up, and Woods goes after an arm. Woods wrenches and wristlocks but Rey uses ropes to flip through. Rey whips, Woods reverses then drops, hurdles and DROPKICKS! Cover, ONE! Rey’s tougher than that, but Woods HEADBUTTS him! Woods ROCKS Rey, whips him into buckles, then hoists him up for a back suplex. Rey lands out, RAMS Woods into buckles, then runs, but into a BOOT! Woods runs, Rey dodges, and Rey goes up to RANA!

The fans fire up as Woods staggers. Rey RAMS Woods again, runs, and tilt-o-whirl RANAS! Woods bails out but then Rey BOOTS him from the apron! Rey then aims to WEST COAST POP! Woods is down after the seated senton, but Evansville fires up as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Woods ROCKS Rey! Rey ROCKS Woods! Woods ROCKS Rey! Rey KICKS Woods, so Woods mule kicks back! Woods waistlocks, but Rey fights the lift. Rey fires elbows, fights free, but Woods reels him back in! Rey ELBOWS free and runs, and arm-drags Woods out of the ring! Rey then goes to the apron to ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Woods and the fans fire up! A ring count starts while both men are down, and the fans rally. Rey stands at 4 of 10, puts Woods in at 5, then aims from a corner. The fans rally up more and Rey leaps, SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

Woods stays in this and Rey is annoyed. Rey calls his shot, the fans chant “6 1 9!” and Rey RAMS into Woods. Rey rains down fists, the fans count along, but Woods stops him at 3! Woods electric chair lifts, but Rey fights with fists! Rey shifts, slips free, and he ripcords to RANA! Woods ends up on ropes! Rey dials it up, 61- NO, Woods ducks the call! Woods scoops, but Rey fights it! Rey has a dragon sleeper, but Woods SNATCHES the m ask away!! Woods is shocked, but then he rolls Rey up! WOODS WINS!!!

Winner: Xavier Woods, by pinfall

The fans boo, and even Woods comes to terms with the line he just crossed. Woods says he didn’t mean to, but what else was he to do? What is going on with Woods right now? And can he get right before it’s too late?

Lyra Valkyria warms up backstage.

But then she’s visited by Pure Fusion Collective. Sonya Deville says she and Shayna Baszler were looking for her. Sonya was thinking about Lyra’s very big match against Zoey Stark. Right, Shayna? Shayna raises an eyebrow at Sonya putting her hand on her shoulder. Sonya removes said hand and says it’s just very unfortunate that Lyra will be all alone out there. No Natalya and, uh, who’s the other one? Zelina. Right, her. Lyra will be alone. But Sonya will be there, and Shayna will be there. Not that Lyra has to worry. Shayna doesn’t bite. Unless Sonya tells her to. Sonya & Shayna leave, giving Lyra a lot to think about. Can The Morrigan still overcome, even facing a stacked deck?

The runes return.

“The shadows grow long. Prepare yourselves.”

Woods returns backstage.

He still can’t process what he just did, but Kofi Kingston walks over. Woods says hey, he appreciates Kofi let him handle that by himself. Kofi says no worries. But did that just happen on purpose? No! Never! Woods respects Rey too much, Rey’s the best. But Woods was also hoping Kofi would congratulate him first. Kofi says yes, congratulations on a win over a Hall of Famer. But speaking of opportunities, maybe this isn’t the right time to say this, but Jey just offered Kofi a chance to face him for the Intercontinental Championship! Next week on Raw! Woods says yeah, he’ll be by Kofi’s side as he climbs the mountaintop, again.

Kofi says no no, hey, Woods won’t be by his side. Because Kofi told Jey thanks, but it should be Woods going for the gold! Jey agreed! WHAT!? Well, yeah, Kofi promised Woods is the QB, he should be the play caller, but Kofi felt this was the right move. Woods says yeah, he loves Jey, but he can beat Jey, too! Woods can be Intercontinental Champion! Yes, he can! New Day is fired up, and Woods says to focus on tonight. Kofi has Chad Gable, and while Kofi let Woods go alone, you know American Made will be out there, so Woods will be there to make sure it is all good. Kofi says he loves that. Time to go 2-for-2! And why?

BECAAAAUSE~! NEW! DAY ROCKS! NEW! DAY ROCKS! Uh, was that Karrion Kross watching in the background? Is he disappointed the seed of dysfunction has yet to take bloom?

Lyra Valkyria VS Zoey Stark w/ Pure Fusion Collective!

The Morrigan was able to take down PFC with Zelina Vega & Natalya by her side, but now she’s alone while La Muneca & The Queen of Harts are on promotional tours. Is this an impossible situation for Lyra? Or can she survive Sin City Stark and her reinforcements at ringside?

The bell rings and Sonya gives Zoey a final pointer. Zoey nods and runs right in! She RAMS Lyra into the corner, fires shots, but Lyra dodges to arm-drag! Lyra has the armlock, but Zoey pulls hair. Zoey whips, trips and kicks, but Lyra blocks. Lyra waistlocks, shoves, hurdles, but Zoey handsprings over the dropdown! Lyra runs Zoey over, covers, ONE! Lyra headlocks, but Zoey hits a BACKBREAKER! Zoey roars and the fans boo, but Zoey whips Lyra to ropes. Lyra holds ropes, hurdles Zoey, and Zoey tumbles out! Lyra runs to WRECK Zoey with a dropkick! Now Lyra roars and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Zoey has Lyra in a corner. Zoey CHOPS Lyra, the fans “WOO~,” and Zoey says one more! Zoey winds up, but Lyra BOOTS her! Lyra fires forearms and the fans fire up with her! Zoey swings, Lyra dodges and CROSSBODIES! Lyra keeps moving, she DECKS Zoey, DECKS her again, then SOBATS! KICKS! RAMS! And KICKS! Lyra dodges, runs back, and RANAS! Zoey tumbles, Lyra runs up to ENZIGIRI! Zoey falls over, Lyra covers, TWO! Zoey shows her toughness but Lyra drags her up. Only for Zoey to HEEL KICK! Lyra wobbles, Zoey whips her to a corner. Zoey runs up, but Lyra puts her on the apron! Zoey GAMANGIRIS!

Lyra staggers, Zoey aims, springboard, MISSILE DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Lyra stays in this, but Zoey stays on her! Zoey HAMMERS away on Lyra, then drags her up. Z 3- NO, Lyra blocks the knee, reels Zoey in, LEG TRAP GERMAN SUPLEX! Zoey flounders, Sonya gets on the apron, but Lyra DECKS her! Shayna distracts the ref now, and Zoey waistlocks. Lyra switches, O’Conner, but the ref is late to the count! TWO! Lyra hits ropes, and then Zoey distracts the ref so Sonya can KNEE Lyra into the ring!! Z 360!! Cover, Zoey wins!

Winner: Zoey Stark, by pinfall

Well, just as Sonya said, PFC springs into action when she says so. It was basically a 3v1 win in the end, but PFC isn’t done! They drag Lyra up, but wait! Kayden & Katana are back! Katana has a face brace but she still TACKLES Zoey! Kayden DECKS Sonya, but Shayna drags Katana up! So Kayden gets in, and Katana snapmares free! SUPERKICK for Shayna! Sonya gets back up, but Katana sweeps the legs! SUPERKICK from Kayden! The fans fire up as the party girls are getting serious! Katana goes up while Kayden double stacks Sonya & Shayna! KEG STAND SPLASH!! A two-for-one and the fans fire up for KC Squared!

Lyra celebrates with her girls, are they going to make sure PFC regrets ever bullying the Raw roster?

Adam Pearce talks with WWE Security.

The Raw General Manager knows that there will be no stopping Braun Strowman and Bronson Reed, but they must contain them to ringside. CM Punk walks by, he’s headed to ringside next. What does The Best in the World have left say just days before Bad Blood?

Backstage interview with Lyra, Kayden & Katana.

Jackie Redmond notes they’re fresh off this return, and Lyra is very, very thankful they’re back. Katana asks if we saw what PFC did to her face. They broke her nose, so they’re getting what’s coming to them! Everyone around here may think these three are the “nice guys,” but that ends now! And once they’re done with PFC, they will get back their WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships! But then The Unholy Union walks in, mocking this sweet little reunion. But they’ve been gone for months, what makes them think they can just cut the line? The titles belong to Alba & Isla, so they better think twice.

Kayden says shut your mouths! Lyra keeps KC Squared from fighting here and now, and Unholy Union leaves. Who will have next against Bianca Belair & Jade Cargill?

The Cell lowers…

Adam Pearce is in the ring with security as the steel structure descends from the rafters to surround the ring. Pearce says, “Ladies and gentlemen, part of my professional responsibilities that I take very seriously is the delivery of our main events and our special attractions. And on Saturday at Bad Blood, I plan on delivering one hell of a special attraction. CM Punk and Drew McIntyre will go to war inside the unforgiving steel structure you see surrounding this ring, and I can assure you that after Hell in a Cell, their war will be over. Because it has to end! But to get to Saturday, we have to make it through tonight.

“And that means there will be NO physical battle between Punk and Drew McIntyre tonight in Evansville. There can’t be! However, however, I have granted both competitors to fire off one last parting shot in their very bitter war of words. Please join me in welcoming our competitors for Hell in a Cell this Saturday. First, the Best in the World, C M PUNK!” The fans fire up as Punk makes his way out. Punk looks at the Cell, back in its classic silver and not painted red. Punk takes a moment to feel the gravitas of this structure, then steps inside. Punk even climbs up a few feet on one side just to test it.

Punk then steps in to the ring, and he shakes Pearce’s hand before locking his eyes back on the stage. Pearce then introduces the opponent, the Scottish Warrior, Drew McIntyre! The fans boo as McIntyre makes his way out. McIntyre stares Punk down before going to the steel steps. McIntyre touches the chain link, then steps into the ring. Security forms a wall between the two men, but Punk and McIntyre still stare down. Pearce says they have their time to speak, “Any last words?” McIntyre says he’ll go first. The fans chant “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” McIntyre asks if we wonder why he’s wearing a black suit.

McIntyre says this is out of respect. Not for Punk, because he has less than zero respect for Punk. It is out of respect for Punk’s wife. Because after this Saturday, she’ll have to feed Punk, bathe Punk, might even divorce him. And also, this is a tuxedo. Because for the rest of the world, it’ll be a celebration that Punk’s not coming back this time! Punk’s been back less than a year, injured for four months of it, and he’ll be gone all thanks to McIntyre! McIntyre says if Punk doesn’t wanna talk, then he can talk all day. The fans have been watching and listening these 10 MONTHS, and even after all the evidence, they still chant his name! “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!”

McIntyre says brings up last Tuesday, Roxanne Perez the NXT Women’s Champion, saying how she looked up to Punk, got into wrestling because of him, and then spent a few days with him. That’s when she realized how awful Punk is! The people need to open their eyes, look in a mirror, and realize who the idiots are around here! The fans boo, but McIntyre says he sees Punk’s hate burning in him. Punk may have nothing to say, and McIntyre is glad. Once upon a time, McIntyre wasn’t even a blip on Punk’s radar and yet Punk hated him, so McIntyre hates Punk. Punk taught McIntyre how to hate!

There was a time in McIntyre’s life when there was no room for hate, only love. Punk taught McIntyre that hate is a powerful weapon when used correctly, but dangerous if you hold onto it for too long. So that is why lucky for McIntyre, Saturday, Hell in a Cell at Bad Blood, that hate will die with Punk! The fans boo but McIntyre drops the mic. McIntyre turns to leave, chuckling to himself, but now Punk grabs a mic! “Throughout my entire career, people have called me a lot of things. Best in the World. Second City Saint. Voice of the Voiceless. Tonight, I am voiceless, because I have nothing to say to a piece of garbage like you.”

Except that Punk is filled with so much rage when he looks at McIntyre, he can’t go home. Punk’s been living out of a hotel for four WEEKS, so that he doesn’t subject his wife to the man this has all turned him into! McIntyre, “you SOB,” has turned Punk into the boogeyman that the critics called him, but that is who Punk needs to be Saturday to send Mcintyre home to Scotland, in a box! Punk wants McIntyre to remember and never forget that he prayed for all of this, and it happened.

And Saturday, when McIntyre is locked in the Cell with Punk, and Punk has taken everything from McIntyre, and he is gripped with panic, crawling and begging, he will look up as Punk wipes the blood from McIntyre’s eyes so McIntyre can see. It isn’t God or the Devil he’s praying to. McIntyre will be praying to C M PUNK!! Punk drops the mic, the ultimatums have been issued, but who follows through to tear the other to shreds at Bad Blood?

Backstage interview with Braun Strowman.

Cathy Kelley is with The Monster of All Monsters as we are moments away from Last Monster Standing. After the damage induced and endured, is Braun feeling trepidatious going into this match? Braun says he doesn’t even know what “trepidatious” means, but he is not nervous. Braun will remind us all why he IS the Monster of All Monsters when he is the Last Monster Standing. Then any insight to- Wait, The Miz steps in. Miz asks Cathy to give him a moment with Braun. Cathy moves aside and Braun asks what’s up.

Miz says that last week, he had his match with Bronson, and Bruan interrupted. But wait, R-Truth is back! They’re both surprised to see him, and he isn’t sure why. Well, it’s because Truth took FIVE Tsunami splashes from Bronson Reed. Oh? Truth doesn’t remember that. Well, okay… But Braun has his massive match, he can talk with Miz later. He has problems that Miz & Truth started that he’ll go finish. Braun heads out, Truth wishes Andre good luck, and Miz asks what Truth is doing here. Truth says he works here. Yeah, but, why didn’t he call Miz and tell him he was coming? Truth doesn’t know.

But what Truth does know is that he’s been watching Raw, and he doesn’t like how Kross has been picking on Miz. Miz defends Kross isn’t picking on him but Truth says Kross sure has. But look. Truth texted Pearce, and he got Awesome Truth a match. He did? Yep! It’s them versus Aeop. Aeop? Y’know, they got the wizard and the witch with them. Oh no, does he mean A O P? Huh? AOP, Authors of Pain! Oh, is that how you say it? What books have they written? Truth, they’re a tag team! Yeah, but The Awesome Truth is back, and that’s the truth! Truth hugs Miz, Miz says it is good to have him back. But are they both going to need time off after facing Akam & Rezar?

Backstage interview with Sami Zayn.

Cathy Kelley is with the Underdog from the Underground, and says after weeks of rejections from Gunther, what will it take to get that World Heavyweight Championship match? Sami says the rejection isn’t what hurts, it is the disrespect. Though, you think Sami would be used to it because from when his career started all the way to main eventing WrestleMania, there have been doubters and haters who say he doesn’t belong or isn’t good enough. You think it wouldn’t bother him, but it does. And anyone who says it really doesn’t are either lying to you or lying to themselves, and Sami isn’t interested in doing either.

So Gunther saying he wont’ give Sami this shot because he’s not on the level, that hits a sore spot. But Sami won’t lose sleep over it, either, because he knows how good he is, and he knows he is good enough to be THE World Heavyweight Champion! Sami tells Gunther to watch this, because you can keep running your mouth, running away, ducking and dodging Sami, but Sami doesn’t go away that easy. Sami is coming and he won’t stop until he gets that chance. Sami thanks Cathy for the time, and heads out. What will it take for Sami to have his moment?

Six Man Tag: Judgment Day VS The LWO!

While The Prince is off handling some kind of business, his boys are looking to handle business here tonight! Can Dirty Dom, The Irish Ace & Caribbean Cool burn down Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro & Joaquin Wilde? Or will things only get worse for Judgment Day this close to Bad Blood?

Raw returns as The LWO makes their entrance. The teams sort out and JD starts against Cruz. They circle, Tie up, and JD headlocks. Cruz powers up and out but JD runs him over! Things get moving, and Cruz arm-drags, arm-drags, but then JD avoids one! But then Cruz avoids an elbow drop! Cruz whips JD to a corner, runs up, and he blocks a boot! Cruz puts JD in the ropes to then jump out and GAMANGIRI! Cruz then goes up to CROSSBODY! Tag to Wilde, but JD RAMS him into the corner! JD RAMS into Wilde again and again, then tags Carlito. Judgment Day double whip but Wilde crisscrosses them up!

Wilde sends Carlito into JD, then hits a NECKBREAKER DDT COMBO! Dom runs up, Wilde dodges to SUPERKICK! Wilde goes to the corner, and then all three members climb up! Dragon SPALSHES Dom! Cruz SWANTONS JD! Wilde 450 SPLASHES Carlito! TWO!! Judgment Day survives that aerial assault, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Dom ROCKS Wilde, then sucker punches Cruz! Dom flexes on Dragon, but Wilde blocks a kick! Wilde spins Dom to DDT! The fans fire up while both men crawl, hot tags to JD and Dragon! The fans fire up as the Boy Wonder dodges JD, BLASTS Carlito, then BOOTS JD! Dragon RANAS JD, but Dom runs up! Dragon dodges to SNAP GERMAN! Then V-TRIGGER to JD! Carlito knees low, whips Dragon, but Dragon dodges! Carlito hits buckles, Dragon hits a JUMP KIJCK, leg sweep, COMBINACION CABRON! The fans fire up as Dragon has targets in the corners! JD ELBOWS Dragon! JD goes up, but Dragon SHOVES JD!

JD keeps from falling off the corner, that leg is at risk, but Dragon drags JD into a Tree of Woe. Dom runs up, Dragon drop toeholds him into JD! Then he drop toeholds Carlito into Dom! The fans fire up as Dragon has all three men stacked! Tag to Cruz, Cruz goes up, to go COAST2COAST!! The fans fire up and Cruz drags JD to a cover, TWO!! JD survives, and Dom drags him to safety. Tag to Wilde, and he builds speed, to get he BOOST from Dragon & Cruz to take out Judgment Day! But then Cruz & Dragon build speed to DIVE onto Carlito & Dom! Wilde puts JD in, but Liv distracts! The fans boo, and FINN IS HERE!?

Finn SHOVES Wilde off the corner! Then JD hits DEVLINSIDE!! Cover, Judgment Day wins!!

Winners: The Judgment Day, by pinfall

The Prince’s call was a fake-out to take everyone off guard! Will Finn have an even sneakier plan in store for Damian Priest at Bad Blood?

Raw returns and Judgment Day is still celebrating in the ring.

They’re all huddled up, talking out something, and then they get the mics. Finn says, “Damian, I heard what you said last week. That you’re gonna rip out my heart? Amigo, you of all people should know, I don’t have a heart! And at Bad Blood, I’m gonna prove to the world that it was you that needed us! It was YOU that needed ME! And that The Judgment Day never needed Damian Priest.” The fans boo, but Liv takes a turn. She says she’ll prove she is a homewrecking, manstealing, heartbreaking, title taking, GREATEST Women’s World champion of all time! And Rhea, at Bad Blood, Daddy Dom will-

UH OH! Here comes Mami! Rhea has a mic of her own, and she tells Liv, “I was with Dom for a very lon gtime, so I know all about his dirty little secrets. Fella,s if you could please bring the shark cage for dramatic effect. One of them secrets, Dom, is that you are extremely–and when I say ‘extremely’, I mean extremely–claustraphobic. So at Bad Blood, when you’re locked inside this shark cage, crying, soiling yourself, cleaning yourself up with your brand new merch, you’re gonna have the best seat in the house to watch your little girflriend realize that when she’s in tehre all alone, that she is just not as good as ME!”

The fans fire up, and Rhea says Dom will watch her win back the title she never lost! But as for tonight, they’re done talking. PRIEST IS HERE! He CHUCKS Carlito, DECKS JD, and then TOSSS Finn to a corner! Priest fires off, Dom & Liv slip away, but Rhea runs up! HEADBUTT for Liv! BOOT for Dom! Rhea throws Dom into barriers! Rhea drags Dom back up, and brings him to the stage! Finn fights back against Priest, but Rhea THROWS Dom at the cage! And again! Liv runs up, but Rhea dares her to try something! Liv runs away instead! Rhea grins, and she goes back for Dom! Rhea kicks Dom, CLUBS her, and then opens the cage!

The fans fire up but Dom begs for mercy. Rhea says nope, get in there! Rhea pushes the door, Dom holds it open, but Liv CLOBBERS Rhea! Rhea fights Liv off, but Dom escapes the cage! Liv and Rhea scrap, but Rhea throws her shoe at Liv! Priest RAMS Finn into a corner! Priest ROCKS Carlito, choke grips JD, but then Finn SLINGBLADES! And then a SHOTGUN! Priest hits buckles, but he still BLASTS Carlito! Finn gets Priest with the EYE OF THE HURRICANE! The fans boo as Finn & JD beat Priest down! Dom returns, the Judgment Day stands Priest up for another SHOTGUN! Priest flounders and Finn goes up!

The fans boo as Finn hits a COUP DE GRACE!! But he’s not done! Finn goes back up, Judgment Day holds Priest down, COUP DE GRACE!! But Finn goes up again!? COUP DE GRACE!!! Judgment Day stands over Priest, will Finn make sure the Punisher never walks again? As for Rhea and Liv, will we finally get a fair fight as Dom dangles overhead?

Sheamus speaks.

The Fella looks at his shillelagh, and says the only thing worse than getting cracked with a cricket bat… is getting hit by a man who he used to call a brother. A man who was his friend. A man Sheamus basically created, and a man he still calls “Butch.” These past few weeks, Sheamus thought he’d knocked some sense into “The Loserweight,” but that sense was lost. Pete Dunne’s gone too far and he is about to find himself on the wrong side of Fight Night. Sheamus knows what Dunne is capable of. He’s vicious, and dangerous. But if he wants to play rough, let’s play rough. One final banger!

So bring the bat, bring the shrug, and whatever you want, because they’ll settle this like they would back across the pond, in a match Sheamus created: The Donnybrook! So what do you say, Butch? The Celtic Warrior has called out his former brawling brute, who will win the brutal battle?

WWE mourns the loss of Pete Rose.

Damage CTRL speaks.

Iyo Sky says last week, she and Kairi Sane beat The Unholy Union. That adds to the list of teams they’ve taken down on their way back to the top. Bianca Belair said next time, she would be ready, but neither her nor Jade Cargill are ready for DMG CTRL. Kairi brings up that Jade says they stand on business, but DMG CTRL doesn’t plan on letting those two stand at all. DMG CTRL plans on making them fall! DMG CTRL challenges The StrongEST Duo for the tag titles, and DMG CTRL vows to take over WWE again. Iyo says they haven’t been the same since losing the titles, so the only way to transform DMG CTRL is to get those belts back!

DMG CTRL is still the most dominant force in the history of the Women’s Division! Iyo is in Bianca’s head already, and now she’ll be living rent free forever when she & Kairi take those titles back! The Evil Genius & The Pirate Princess have issued their challenge and their warning, will Bianca & Jade accept one while ignoring the other?

Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods VS Chad Gable w/ American Made!

While Woods went after Rey over misunderstandings, there’s no twisting this one. Kofi wants to shut the obnoxious Olympian over his disrespect of The New Day’s struggles. Will the Power of Positivity prevail? Or will Gable give Kofi a loss that’s 100% American Made?

Raw returns and The New Day makes their entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. Gable lunges in to then lift and SLAM Kofi, then he waistlocks to gator roll Kofi around! Kofi avoids the bridging cover once, but not twice, TWO! Gable hits a headlock takeover, but Kofi headscissors. Gable kips free, Kofi headlocks for the takeover but Gable headscissors. Kofi kips free, but Gable runs him over! The fans boo but Gable and team soak it up. Gable runs, Kofi hurdles, but then Gable catches him to a GERMAN SUPLEX! Kofi lands out!? Gable runs up, and he MONKEY FLIPS! Kofi lands out again!

The fans fire up and Kofi DROPKICKS Gable down! Kofi then runs to IMPLODER SPLASH! Cover, TWO! Gable bails out and American Made is there. The fans rally for Kofi and he builds speed, but Gable CLOBBERS him in the ropes! Gable then drags Kofi out, GERMAN SUPLEX to the floor! American Made stands tall, and Gable has a bloody cut already, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Gable hits a DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO! Kofi stays in this and Gable grows frustrated. The fans rally, Woods is also a bit frustrated, but Gable puts Kofi in a corner. Gable CHOPS Kofi, whips corner to corner, but Kofi goes up and up to MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up and so does Woods! Kofi and Gable rise, and “NEW! DAY ROCKS!” echoes out. Gable stands, but into DOUBLE CHOPS! And DOUBLE COHPS! And then a DROPKICK! Kofi runs to then leap, but Gable catches him! EXPLODER! Gable watches Kofi go to a corner, then waits on him. Kofi stands, into CHAOS TH- NO! Kofi victory rolls! TWO!

Gable has the O’Conner, TWO! Gable has the Oklahoma Roll, TWO! Kofi swings around, crucifix takedown, ghost pin! TWO! Roll-up, TWO! Gable has Kofi, TWO! Kofi has the jackknife, TWO as Gable manages to bridge!! Gable spins Kofi around, and around, and then Gory Especials! DOMINATOR!! Cover, TWO!! Kofi survives Gable’s impressive show of power, and “This is Awesome!” Kofi goes to a corner, Gable runs corner to corner, but Kofi SWING KICKS him! Gable staggers, Kofi climbs, and Kofi AX HANDLE- NO, Gable ducks it to pick the leg! ANKLE LOCK!! Kofi rolls to the cover, TWO!!

Gable storms up, TROUBLE IN- NO! Gable blocks to have the ANKLE LOCK!! American Made is all fire dup, but Kofi rolls to send Gable into buckles! Gable comes back, but into the SOS!! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Gable saves himself, then drags himself outside! Kofi is stunned but Woods coaches him up. Kofi hurries out after Gable, and he runs to LEAP off the steps! Kofi TRUST FALLS Gable and the Creed Brothers down! The fans fire up, Kofi puts Gable in, but Julius takes a swing! Woods CLOBBERS Julius! Kofi hurries into the ring, but Gable kicks low! Ivy is on the apron, but Kofi dodges Gable! Woods trips Gabler, but Kofi was also spinning!

The fans are torn as Woods messes up Kofi’s timing! Gable waistlocks Kofi, to CHAOS THEORY!! Bridging cover, GABLE WINS!!

Winner: Chad Gable, by pinfall

Woods is beside himself! He thought he was doing the right thing given American Made was trying to cheat, but he just screws over his best friend! Woods apologizes, but how can he make this up to Kofi? Will Woods winning the Intercontinental Championship be some semblance of redemption?

Backstage interview with Bronson Reed.

Jackie Redmond notes that Seth Rollins being at the Baltimore Ravens game is a good sign he’s on the mend from the brutal attack committed by her guest at this time, BIG Bronson Reed. And does this potential return affect Bronson’s attention going into this Last Monster Standing main event? Bronson says no. In fact, congrats to Rollins! Bronson hopes Rollins comes back, because Bronson took MONTHS from his career, and next time, he’ll take YEARS. And apologies to Braun in advance for exposing him for the man that he is. Because BRONSON is the Last Monster Standing! The Colossal Aussie is ready, but will the rest of the world not?

Pearce does one last talk with his people.

He knows there’s no telling what will happen, but security is ready to step up if something goes wrong. He also needs the referees and medics to be ready at a moment’s notice. And now Gunther walks by. Der Ring General seems to have something to say, after the break.

The Wyatt Sick6 send another message.

“WE SEE YOUR INTENT. ANGER FESTERING INTO RAGE. DO NOT GO DOWN THIS PATH. IT ENDS IN YOUR DEMISE. REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE. YOU KNOW BETTER. DO NOT FORCE OUR HAND. HEED OUR ADMONITION.” QR code. And then a doll…. Who is this message for? Will they even know it’s for them? Or is it already too late?

Gunther heads to the ring.

The fans boo as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion walks out, fresh from a brutal battle with Ilja Dragunov last Saturday in Columbus, Georgia. The bad news from that is Ilja Dragunov is now injured with a torn ACL, which will require surgery and be gone anywhere from six to nine months. As for Gunther, he grabs himself a mic and while fans boo, Gunther says life as World Heavyweight Champion has been fantastic. He loves every aspect of being THE World Heavyweight Champion! Being the top guy, the money, the luxuries, the amenities. But there’s one thing he just hates about his life, and that is the insult of dealing with Sami Zayn every week!

Gunther could not ask for anyone more annoying than Sami. Sami comes out week after week- And he does so now! Sami has a mic to tell Gunther, “If you find it so annoying dealing with me every single week, there’s a very, very easy way to put an end to all of this once and for all. And all you’ve gotta do… is give me what I keep asking for, and put your Heavyweight Championship on the line one-on-one! But you won’t do it, will you? You won’t do it! And I know why. And deep down, Gunther, I think you do, too. So why don’t you just tell me, right here to my face, tell me in front of everyone, tell me right now why you won’t do it. Admit it!”

The fans cheer Sami but Gunther says, “I tried to tell you, I tried to beat it into you. You’re just not on my level.” The fans boo but Sami says if he isn’t on Gunther’s level, why is he the one that won at WrestleMania? The fans cheer that! Sami says Gunther thinks he’s so much better, but Sami’s the one who did it! Gunther beat everyone else! Future Hall of Famers, former world champions, everyone that stepped to Gunther got knocked down, except Sami! Sami pinned Gunther!! Gunther thinks he’s so much better, and that is why it drives him crazy. Gunther knows that if it was Sami VS Gunther for the World Heavyweight Championship, Gunther is scared it’ll happen again.

Gunther does his best not to get flustered, but the fans rally behind Sami. They tell Gunther, “You’re A Coward!” Gunther tells Sami that Sami is right. Gunther is afraid. But not of Sami! Gunther is afraid for his own reputation. After all those legendary things Gunther did with the Intercontinental Championship, losing to the better man would’ve been no problem. But losing to SAMI has been the biggest embarrassment of his career! Gunther was so busy embarrassing Sami in front of his own family, that eventually it is what Sami did to Gunther.

Gunther was so confident he’d win, he flew his whole family over. But Gunther didn’t parade them around like Sami does just to gain sympathy. But once it was all done, Gunther went to the back and had to look his father in the eye. Gunther’s father asked him, which Gunther first says in German, then translates: “Son, I flew all the way from Austria to Philadelphia, just to watch you lose to that bum, Sami Zayn!?” So yeah, Gunther doesn’t expect Sami to understand. Sami’s family is used to seeing Sami fail. His family doesn’t expect anything anymore. But Gunther’s family excepts everything from him! He is the golden goose! He is SPECIAL!

And, Gunther is something Sami will never be: World Heavyweight Champion. The fans boo but Sami says Gunther’s right about one thing. Sami’s family has seen him lose, get knocked down many, many times. So what does Sami do? He picks himself back up and keeps moving forward! Now what did Gunther do when he came up short? He CRUMBLED! After Sami beat Gunther, did Gunther ever ask for a rematch? Nope. Did he ask Pearce? Nope! He tucked tail, and he hid! Gunther disappeared off TV for MONTHS! Gunther didn’t show his face here because he couldn’t show his face here! And all because Daddy made Gunther feel like a loser!

Well now, Gunther is showing his dad that his son is also a coward! Gunther CLOBBERS Sami! Gunther is furious and he stomps away on Sami! The fans boo but Gunther takes off his jacket. Gunther drags Sami up, puts him in a corner and shouts in his face! Gunther then winds up, but Sami fights back! The fans fire up, Gunther shoves Sami, but Sami clinches! Gunther fights the lift, but Sami tries and tries, then hits the CORNER EXPLODER! The fans fire up and Sami goes corner to corner! But Gunther catches Sami into a SLEEPER! Sami fades, but Gunther then spins Sami around, hoists him up, GENERAL BOMB!!

Sami sputters while fans boo. Gunther says if Sami wants the title shot so bad, then he’s got it! The fans cheer, because at least Sami gets what he wants! But after this beating, will that title match be absolute violence? Or will it be just the chance Sami needs to climb the mountaintop?

The Awesome Truth VS The Authors of Pain w/ The Final Testament!

R-Truth is back, and back to his old ways of getting Miz into some deep… water. But can Truth & Miz survive a run in with Akam & Rezar? Or will this be the Final Chapter for the former tag team champions?

Raw returns and AOP makes their entrance. Truth & Miz get fans to cheer them and boo AOP, but then the teams sort out. Truth starts against Rezar, and he fires off shots at the bell! Rezar shoves truth, but Truth ducks ‘n’ dodges to shoulder tackle! Rezar stays up, so Truth keeps moving! Truth throws more shoulders, but Rezar runs up! Truth gets around, to SPIN OUT BOMB! The fans fire up and Truth says “You Can’t See Me!” Shoutout to Cena with the FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! Truth fireman’s carries, but that’s a lot of beef! Rezar hoists Truth up to DOMINATOR! Rezar talks trash but fans boo.

Kross keeps talking to Miz, being that little devil on his shoulder, but Rezar stomps Truth. Tag to Akam, and the AOP mugs Truth. The fans rally for Truth, but Akam drags Truth up. Akam tags Rezar back in, and the AOP mugs Truth some more. The ref reprimands but Rezar covers, TWO! The Albanian Psycho HAMMERS Truth, tags the Punjabi Powerhouse, but Truth slips free of the back suplex! Turth DUMPS Rezar, CALF KICKS Akam, and the fans fire up as he crawls! Hot tag to Miz! Miz fires up… to BOOT TRUTH!?!? The fans boo but Kross is laughing like it’s the funniest thing ever! Kross brought out Miz’s villain side, and Miz is leaving Truth!!

Truth is stunned, more from the betrayal than the shot, but Akam drags him up! Tag to Rezar, WHAT A RUSH!! Cover, AOP wins!

Winners: The Authors of Pain, by pinfall

The fans still boo Miz, but Final Testament stands tall as they truly ended a tag team! Will the AOP be in line for those World Tag Team Champions by any means necessary?

Backstage interview with Imperium.

Cathy Kelley is with Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser, and she says that it seems Sami got under Gunther’s skin. What Sami said got Gunther to give him that world title match, which now happens next week. Gunther repeats, “Under my skin? Yeah, it-” But then Bron Breakker walks in. Bron eyes the world title, then says sorry. Just wanted to see it for himself. Gunther chuckles and tells Kaiser, “He really is a badass.” Bron says yeah, that’s right. And you’ll see sooner than you think. Bron leaves, Gunther and Kaiser don’t seem to take him seriously. But if Gunther doesn’t take Sami seriously, will he lose another title to the Underdog from the Underground?

Last Monster Standing: Bronson Reed VS Braun Strowman!

These human kaiju have been battling across these United States, but it all comes down to this! They’ve broken a car, a commentary desk, and even parts of the backstage area, will anything be left intact as we determine who is THE Last Monster Standing?

The bell rings and Braun CLOBBERS Bronson! Then he whips Bronson, but Bronson ducks ‘n ‘dodges and CLOBBERS Bruan! Braun bails out, but Bronson goes out the side. Bronson runs up but Braun sends him into steel steps! The steps go flying but Bronson is down! The ref counts, but Braun pulls the steps apart. Bronson stands at 5 of 10, so Braun RAMS him with the steps! Bronson stays up, so Braun RAMS him again! Bronson leans on the commentary desk to stay up, so Braun puts the steps down. Braun drags Bronson up to the top of the steps, to CHOKE SLAM him through the desk!!

The fans are thunderous already as a standing count starts. Bronson stirs at 4 of 10, pushes himself up at 5, and stands at 6! Bronson says it’ll take more than that, and Braun says there’s more where that came from! The monsters are gearing up, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Bronson SAMOAN DROPS Braun in the ring! The count starts but Braun stirs at 2. We also see a bunch of chairs gathered together outside the ring. Bronson waits on the apron, and Braun drags himself up with ropes to stand at 6. So Bronson reels him in! Braun fights the suplex while the fans already freak out! Braun HEADBUTTS Bronson, runs, and he DECKS Bronson! Bronson falls onto the chairs!! The chairs are all bent up from that impact and the fans again lose their minds! Braun leans on ropes to stay standing, and Bronson stirs. Bronson clears the chairs out, he crawls to the ramp, and manages to stand at 6.

Braun storms up behind Bronson, and he CLUBS Bronson on the back! These behemoths go up the ramp and to the stage, and Braun whips. Bronson reverses to send Braun into the LED boards! Bronson finds a chair, brings it over, but Braun ROCKS him first! Braun grabs the chair to SMACK Bronson! And SMACK him again! They go around to the tech area! Braun SMACKS Bronson on the road cases! Braun then climbs up, hauls Bronson up, but Bronson CLAWS Braun’s face! Bronson then fireman’s carries, to DEATH VALLEY DRIVER down through spare tables!!! The fans lose their minds again and the ref checks both men.

The count is on both men as they’re down in the wreckage. Bronson stirs at 4, rises at 5, and he stalks Braun. Braun sits up at 6, but he stands at 8! Braun stalks Bronson, and CLOBBERS him over barriers! The fans fire up while Braun catches his breath. The count is on Bronson, he stirs at 3. Braun climbs over barriers to stalk Bronson, and Bronson stands at 6. Braun whips Bronson into steel steps, and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once more and Bronson runs up to CLOBBER Braun through barriers! The fans fire up, and Bronson pushes the pieces of barrier around. Braun is still down at 5 of 10, and then 7. Braun pushes himself up at 8, so Bronson runs in again! Bronson CLOBBERS Braun through MORE barriers!! The front row is just barely safe from that impact and the fans lose their minds again! Bronson staggers up, Braun crawls, and now producers hurry out here to check on fans while also working on the barrier. Bronson drags Braun up and into the ring, and security helps with the barriers. Bronson says bet, and he goes up a corner!

Bronson aims to TSUNAMI!! Braun sputters, but with no ref to count, Bronson shouts at him! The ref wants to make sure the front row of fans is alright first, so Bronson says fine, and he goes up again! TSUNAMI!! The fans are torn but Bronson has to shout at the ref to get his attention. Bronson storms in, CLOBBERS security, and tosses them into the ring! Bronson drags the ref over, but now Pearce gets mad! Pearce tells Bronson to not disrespect officials, but now Bronson grabs Pearce! Security has to stop Bronson, but BRAUN is up top?!? ONE BIG CROSSBODY!! The fans are going nuts as Braun bowls down a dozen men!!

The ref recovers, and he sees both monsters are down. “This is Awesome!” as the count begins. Bronson is already up at 3?! Braun sputters, his own dive taking the most out of him. Braun rises at 6, then drags himself up to stand at 8! The fans fire up as now Braun rips his shirt away! Braun storms up on Bronson, pushes him into the ring, tells the ref to watch this time, and he climbs back up! The fans are thunderous, but Braun’s big lungs need more air. Bronson CHUCKS a chair at Braun!! Braun wobbles up top, and Bronson climbs! The fans anticipate what’s coming, and so does Braun, so he fires body shots!

Bronson CLUBS away on Braun in return, then roars! Bronson hauls Braun up to the very top, SUPER DUPER PLEX!! And the ring falls apart!! Braun, Bronson, all the security guards and even the ref are down on the floor, but Evansville is giving a standing ovation! But someone still has to stand to win! The ref sits back up, and he counts! Bronson stirs at 3, but who is this coming out? SETH ROLLINS?!? The Visionary aims at Bronson, CURB STOMP on the steel steps!!! Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins just got his revenge, and Braun stands first!! BRAUN WINS!!

Winner: Braun Strowman

Bronson talked trash and he just found out what happens! But now that Rollins IS back, is he going to make Bronson regret ever targeting him?

My Thoughts:

An awesome Raw as the go-home to Bad Blood, though it felt a bit talkier than usual. I suppose that’s because they also needed to hype up next week’s big episode, which will only be two hours because of the deal made with NBC/USA Network and all that. For one, good opening promo from Jey, especially since he got to have that moment with his son before his entrance. Given that, I believe Jey’s pauses were about being emotionally overwhelmed by this moment, which is totally understandable. He and Bron have a good moment together, and it was a very subtle way of them both officially moving on from that feud.

Good interweaving of New Day’s story into the Intercontinental Championship scene at this point. Great matches of Woods VS Rey and Kofi VS Gable, and with very clever “controversial” endings. Woods accidentally snatching Rey’s mask to get his win was so good, and what great timing with Woods tripping Gable when he didn’t have to. Jey VS Woods is going to be really good because maybe more and more of this Heel behavior comes out, which Kofi will take offense to, and that alone is why Woods loses to give Jey a solid first defense.

Great promos from Sami and Gunther, with them both using the other’s family as a point of weakness. Gunther losing his cool and giving Sami’s match from there was a good detail. The only thing is, Bron having his interaction with Gunther tonight almost gives away Sami isn’t winning next week. As great as it would be for Sami to finally have a top title, hard to say it happens here if they’re teasing Bron VS Gunther. And great promo from Sheamus to set up what I was hoping for in the Donnybrook. For just being two hours, next week’s Raw is going to be big just off that and the two title matches.

Also a good promo from DMG CTRL to call out Bianca & Jade, that’ll be a really good match, but hopefully the previous cases of bad timing will be fixed. Maybe it’s that Kairi just keeps wanting to do Joshi Strong Style and that’s not what Bianca or Jade are ready for. Good stuff from Lyra with PFC and then KC Squared, and I do appreciate the meaner attitudes from Kayden & Katana. Not that they have to suddenly be just as rough and tumble as PFC or DMG CTRL, but as The New Day has over the years, there’s a time to be positive and fun and there’s a time to kick ass. And with Unholy Union getting on their cases and PFC still needing comeuppance, it’s time to kick ass.

Very good stuff with Judgment Day, and clever move with Finn’s phone call lowering our guard. But between the Six Man Tag win and Finn standing tall over Priest, Priest is definitely winning that match. Though that would likely mean Rhea doesn’t beat Liv for the title, because there’s still a way to cheat even with Dom stuck in the shark cage. Also Dom took some wild bumps tonight but I’m sure he’s fine. I can’t be sure what either result really means, as I don’t think this feud ends just yet. Maybe Rhea has no choice but to let someone else challenge Liv after this, but Rhea could still find an outside way of helping that person since Liv always has Dom helping her.

Very good promos from McIntyre and Punk tonight to cap off the build to their Hell in a Cell blowoff. Though, I will say that while Punk said he has nothing to say to “garbage” McIntyre, he obviously did. Kind of that trope of “I’m speechless” but then the person keeps talking anyway. Good stuff, didn’t really change the math, and the math has been pretty dead even for a few weeks. McIntyre won at SummerSlam, Punk won at Bash in Berlin, this could really go either way depending on who they want moving up to the world championship as we head for Crown Jewel, Survivor Series, and so on.

I still like the idea of McIntyre losing and being so pissed that he has to be sent to SmackDown. McIntyre then becomes a fresh challenger to the US and WWE Championships, mostly the US because that’s the title McIntyre hasn’t held yet. And then great stuff in this larger (pun kinda intended) story of Bronson Reed and Braun Strowman. It seems Truth returning to encourage “Andre the Giant” and getting Miz in a match with other giants like AOP was the last straw. I didn’t think Miz would turn on Truth during the match, but I suppose that saves time of Awesome Truth losing, then Miz making it seem like he’s consoling Truth only to turn on him.

Kross broke up this team easier than he has New Day, but it was a good detail for him to be watching New Day from afar. I suppose we can get Truth VS Miz from here, and chances are Kross goes for another target. Bronson VS Braun was awesome stuff, and everyone could just feel that this was going to be the newest “ring breaking superplex” spot akin to Lesnar VS Big Show, Big Show VS Mark Henry, and Big Show VS Braun Strowman. Bronson getting in on that is a great honor, and then what a great moment for Rollins to return. Rollins costs Bronson, that’s their feud going forward, and who knows what Braun does aside from maybe help Truth against Miz for what Miz did tonight.

My Score: 9/10