Gold and grudge matches make for a good Monday Night Raw!

While Sami Zayn defeated Gunther at WrestleMania for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, can he do it again for the World Heavyweight Championship? Or will Der Ring General prove it was all a fluke?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Intercontinental Championship: Jey Uso VS Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston; Jey wins and retains the title.
• Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook: Sheamus VS Pete Dunne; Sheamus wins.
• 10 Woman Tag: Pure Fusion Collective & The Unholy Union VS Lyra Valkyria, Natalya, Zelina Vega, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance; Lyra, Natalya, Zelina, Kayden & Katana win.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Sami Zayn; Gunther wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Monday Night Raw is only TWO hours!?

The countdown to Raw Netflix has begun, and so for the rest of 2024, it will be a jam-packed 120 minutes of action!

Sexyy Red is here!

Ahead of her return to NXT tomorrow night, St. Louis’ own Hood Princess is here to welcome us to Monday Night Raw! Red says get it Sexyy, and we get a Bad Blood recap video.

CM Punk is here!

St. Louis fires up as The Best in the World makes his way out, still very sore from the war he had with Drew McIntyre on Saturday. Punk already has a mic in hand as he slowly limps his way out on stage. The fans cheer him on, and Punk says, “Is it good to be not dead in St. Louis, Missouri on a Monday night or what?” The fans cheer Punk more, and Punk sees a puff of something to the left. Punk says he’s already been through hell, if they’re gonna set him on fire, now’s the time. But Punk is in no condition to be here, or to even attempt to walk to the ring. He’ll just address us from here if we don’t mind.

Punk says it hurts to smile, but he just had to come here and see the fans. Punk is alive, but he doesn’t feel like it. He’s a winner, but he doesn’t feel like it. He wants to be able to say it felt tremendous stepping outside of Hell and slamming the door behind him, but the way that the match made him feel just leaves him with a lot of questions. Punk doesn’t know what the future holds for CM Punk, but he told us he had zero Hell in a Cell matches and he was right. He is banged up worse than ever before in his life, and as much as he loves the fans, he just doesn’t know. Fans start to worry what this is leading to…

The fans continue to cheer on Punk but Punk wants to thank three groups of people as to why he’s here. These three groups have more in common than they probably want to admit. The first group is Punk’s fans. The fans that are ride or die, the ones that make the signs, show up for seven years even before he came back, and they waited another three for him to come home, so to them, thank you. There was a moment on Saturday where Punk didn’t think he could pull this off, even with them, but there has never been a second in his entire career that he thought he could do this without them.

The second group he wants to thank is his peers. Those behind and in front of the cameras, the men and women he feels privileged to walk these halls with. Those he sees on a weekly basis, or most of them, and it has been a joy and a pleasure. The third group of people are those who don’t like Punk at all. There is a fine line between love and hate. Punk’s turned hate into cash, so he thanks those people. For whatever reason you dislike Punk, whether it is jealousy or hatred, Punk just says that if they keep doubting him, keep doubting him. Punk has to go home, he hasn’t seen his wife in about five weeks, he has a lot of flowers to buy, so he appreciates everyone here.

Punk would like to say “See you soon,” but he doesn’t know, so for now, thank you. And then Seth Rollins makes his way out here? The Visionary stares down with Punk, but then smiles before pushing right past him. The fans fire up as Rollins makes his way to the ring, reveling in the singing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins grabs himself a mic and tells St. Louis, “You know I gotta do the right thing. Before we get started out here tonight, I gotta do the right thing. After everything that he went through on Saturday night, CM Punk, on behalf of all of us here tonight, get well soon.” The fans applaud that.

Rollins says as soon as Punk gets back, that’s the sooner Rollins can kick Punk’s ass and retire him for good! HAHAHAHA! But now, St. Louis, Welcome to Monday Night Rollins~! Rollins knows he’s been gone a couple months and things have gotten crazy around here. Go ahead, sing it loud, let ’em hear it! “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins tuned in to Bad Blood, that was crazy! Dominik Mysterio dangling from a shark cage! The Final Boss, The Rock, is back again! And Hell must’ve frozen over, because Cody Rhodes was out here teaming with Roman Reigns…? And then getting punched in the mouth by Kevin Owens!

But uh, we’re not supposed to talk about that, so let’s get back on track. And Rollins is the one to do that because he is a Visionary, he is a Revolutionary, he IS Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! And Rollins is back to destroy Bronson Reed! The fans cheer, but Rollins says Bronson isn’t here tonight. The fans boo that, but Rollins says he knows Bronson is watching this. He better listen tot his real close. Rollins has the camera come in tight on this. “Two months ago, you ambushed me, you tried to end my career. And for what? You wanted to make a name for yourself? Well, congratulations. Six Tsunamis later and I know your damn name.

“You wanna get famous, big boy? You wanna get famous?! That’s what you wanted!? I’ll give you your 15 minutes! I’ll tell you what. Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins VS Bronson Reed, one on one, you name the time, you name the place! Except this time, I’ll be expecting you.” The challenge has been put out, but will the Colossal Aussie still overwhelm Rollins? And wait, here comes Jey Uso! Rollins is a bit annoyed that someone stepped on his moment, but the fans are all ready to YEET! Rollins and Jey stare down, but Rollins lets Jey have the ring.

Will Main Event Jey Uso make it through his first defends as Intercontinental Champion? Or will Xavier Woods finally have his first singles title reign? We find out, after the break.

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Jey Uso VS Xavier Woods w/ Kofi Kingston!

Raw returns as The New Day makes their entrance, color coordinating with black and silver gear. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who truly shines with the gold!

The bell rings and the two tie right up. The fans rally as Woods puts Jey in a corner, but then Woods RAMS into Jey again and again and again! The ref backs Woods off and the fans boo, but Woods runs back in. Jey dodges, runs up and ELBOWS, then PELES! The fans fire up while Woods goes to the apron. Jey runs in again but Woods KNEES him down! Jey flops to the apron and Woods stands him up. Woods fires hands, the fans rally for “UCE! OH!” and Jey pushes back. Woods blocks a kick, KNEES Jey again, and Jey goes to the floor. Woods hurries to fireman’s carry, and he taunts the fans before he DEATH VALLEY BOMBS to the floor!

Woods soaks up some heat from St. Louis while he looms over Jey, and Raw goes picture in picture.

Woods drags Jey up, CHOPS him, then pushes him into the ring. Woods storms in to then drop a BIG elbow! And then another BIG elbow! Cover, TWO! Woods stays cool, he knows the Usos well, and he brings Jey up. Woods reels Jey in, suplexes, and he holds Jey up! Kofi fires up as Woods marches around with Jey! Woods goes to TEN before the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Jey is still tougher than that but Woods stays focused. Woods brings Jey up again, but Jey ROCKS him with a haymaker! And another! And another! Jey ROCKS Woods to a corner, whips corner to corner, but Woods reverses and hard!

Jey falls to the mat, and Woods stomps him! And stomps and stomps and stomps! Then FIST DROP! Cover, TWO! Woods follows Jey out of the ring, to CHOP him! Woods puts Jey on the barrier, CLUBS him, then goes up the steps. Woods leaps to FLYING LEG DROP! Woods brings out some RVD action for this one! Woods puts Jey in takes aim, step in and TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Jey is still toughing it out, but Woods rains down fists! The ref checks Jey but he’s still in this. Woods soaks up heat from the fans, drags Jey back up, and Raw returns to single picture. Woods asks what he did for fans to boo, but Jey fires hands!

The fans “BOO!” Woods and “YEET!” for Jey! Jey fires haymakers, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Woods wobbles, Jey puts some stank on it, and “YEET!” Woods comes back with a ROLLING ELBOW! Woods pushes Jey, runs, but Jey ROCKS Woods! Jey runs but Woods follows to ROCK Jey back! Woods keeps moving, but Jey ROCKS Woods again! Jey keeps moving, but Woods ROCKS Jey! Woods runs, dodges, and SUPERKICKS Jey! Cover, TWO! Jey survives but Kofi coaches Woods up. The fans rally, Woods goes to a corner, and Woods climbs up. Tightrope and LIMIT- SUPERKICK!! Jey takes Woods outta the sky!!

Jey hurries up top, takes aim, USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jey wins!

Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Woods put up a fight, but it just wasn’t enough! Kofi checks on his friend, then helps him to his feet. Jey also helps, offers respect, but Woods leaves him hanging! The fans boo, and even Kofi is confused. Kofi walks with Woods and asks what that’s about. Woods says Jey won, that’s what. Will Woods ever get his moment if- BRON BREAKER SPEARS JEY!!! The fans bark it up, and Woods keeps Kofi from helping!? Kofi slips free and he goes after Bron! Bron shoves Kofi, dodges Trouble in Paradise, and SPEARS!! Woods drags Kofi out of the ring, but Bron isn’t done! Bron slips out the side, builds up speed, and he SPEARS Woods!!!

The fans are barking it up as the Big Bad Booty Nephew reloads, to run and run and again SPEAR Jey!! Respect was shown last week, but now the dog is back in the hunt! Will Bron take away the title with this same level of violence?

Rhea Ripley speaks.

“Liv Morgan, I should’ve known that you would weasel your way out of Bad Blood with the title. You just continue ot prove that you cannot beat me all by yourself. Bringing Raquel Rodriguez into it, yeah, it was smart, I’ll give you that. But you know what would’ve been smarter? If you didn’t get caught! Now all you’ve done is guaranteed another beating and delayed the inevitable. The thing is Liv, you need Raquel. Now I’ll just have to go through both of you.” Mami is in no mood, will Liv & Raquel both suffer her brutality?

Another warning from the runes.

Translation shows these runes spell out “WAR.” Will Raw be ready for it?

WWE joins forces with American Red Cross.

In order to help support the Hurricane Helene relief efforts, visit WWE.me/helene to donate.

Bron Breakker returns backstage.

Jackie Redmond walks over to him and says we’re all a bit confused. Last week was respect, this week was #SpearCity, what’s going on? Bron refuses to say anything, so Jackie says we’re all left with unclear reasons. But one thing is clear, Bron is just as dangerous even without a title. Will Adam Pearce have something to say about what Bron did?

Cody Rhodes is backstage!

The American Nightmare is in town after Bad Blood, with mixed emotions between how he and Roman Reigns won their tag team main event, but was then attacked by Kevin Owens in the parking lot. How will the Undisputed WWE Champion address all of that? Perhaps we find out later tonight.

Karrion Kross talks with The Miz backstage.

Mr. Doomsday goes over how The Hollywood A-Lister is a two-time WWE Grand Slam Champion, he had no reason to doubt himself. Miz repeats, “Doubt myself? You know that there is no Miz & Final Testament. I did that for me. I’m tired of being put in random matches at a moment’s notice. I’m tired of doing everything and getting nothing in return.” By the way, The Wyatt Sick6 interject with the footage to say, “There you are.” Miz tells Kross that the WWE Universe has forgotten that he IS The Miz, and- R-Truth is here! Truth has been texting, dawg. He wanted to clear this up: Truth is NOT Judgment Day anymore, okay? So he’ll forgive Miz.

Oh, Truth forgives Miz? Miz is NOT the one confused. Awesome Truth is done. Oh, that was on purpose? But their kids play together. Truth though they were brothers! Kross tells Miz not to let the truth weigh him down. This is why no one takes Miz seriously. And if Miz doesn’t do something about this right now, no one ever will take him seriously again. Truth says they can still fix this. Truth will talk with Adam Pearce and get Miz a match. Miz says no! That’s the problem, Truth! But if Truth wants a match, then it can be Truth VS Miz next week! Miz storms off, Kross smirks and follows Miz out, and if that doesn’t make things clear to Truth, nothing will.

Good Ol’ Fashioned Donnybrook: Sheamus VS Pete Dunne!

Brawling Brutes turned bitter enemies now battle in a match they helped bring to WWE together! The Celtic Warrior wants “Butch” to finally learn his place, but The Bruiserweight wants to finally get some respect on his name! Who wins what could be the “Final Banger?”

Raw returns and Dunne makes his entrance. Sheamus already has a shillelagh, so Dunne already has a cricket bat! The bell rings and the two run up to throw hands! Sheamus has the edge, he HAMMERS away on Dunne in a corner, then pulls hair! Dunne gets loose to ROCK Sheamus! And he KICKS a leg! And KICKS it again! Sheamus hobbles, Dunne wrenches, but Sheamus powers out to short arm LARIAT! The fans fire up, and Sheamus says shillelagh time! Sheamus uses it to gag Dunne and smother him! Dunne fights up, and he thumbs an eye! Sheamus staggers away, and Dunne runs up, but into an Alabama Lift, and ALABAMA SLAM!

Sheamus grabs the legs, and he CATAPULTS Dunne up and out of the ring! Dunne tumbles to the whiskey barrels, but Sheamus pursues. Dunne ducks and the Brogue hits barrels! Sheamus hobbles, Dunne mule kicks! Dunne goes up onto a barrel, and uses it to TORNADO DDT Sheamus to the floor! The fans boo and taunt “Butch” but Dunne BOOTS Sheamus against barriers! Dunne huffs ‘n’ puffs and soaks up heat, to then BOOT Sheamus again! Sheamus crawls around the way, and goes to the bar! Dunne SMACKS Sheamus off the bar! Dunne clears the cups and peanuts away, so he can stand on Sheamus’ hand!

Dunne STOMPS the hand, then LEAPS< but into Sheamus’ arms! Sheamus hits a POWRESLAM onto the desk! St. Louis cheers as Dunne writhes and Sheamus roars, and Raw goes picture in picture!

Sheamus drags Dunne off the desk, scoops him again, and SLAMS him back on the desk! Sheamus then goes looking under the ring. Sheamus brings out a TABLE! St. Louis likes that! Sheamus brings the table around the way to set it up by the corner. But Dunne runs up, and he uses the barstool to JAM Sheamus up! Dunne even DIGS the stool legs into Sheamus’ face! Dunne lest off with the stool to then bring Sheamus up. Sheamus BODY SHOTS, then UPPERCUTS! Sheamus adjusts the table before bringing out a second table! Sheamus sets this one up next to the first, then fires St. Louis up again.

Sheamus has Dunne on the apron, but Dunne KICKS first! And CHOPS! Dunne talks smack, but Sheamus DECKS him! Sheamus drags Dunne up, reels him in, and Canadian Racks! But Dunne hooks ropes with his legs! No Celtic Cross here! Dunne slips down, mule kicks, and APRON DDTS!! Dunne is fired up after hitting that one, and he hurries into the ring. Dunne takes the shillelagh for his own! Dunne uses it in a CROSSFACE! Sheamus endures the wood club in his face as Dunne pulls back on his neck! Sheamus fights up, Raw returns to single picture, and the fans rally. Sheamus TOSSES Dunne away!

Dunne comes back to STOMP Sheamus down! Dunne SLAPS Sheamus, CHOPS him, and CHOPS again! But Sheamus just gets pissed! Sheamus ROCKS Dunne, grabs the shillelagh, and CLOBBERS Dunne with it! Dunne sputters, goes to a corner, but takes a LARIAT! Dunne tumbles to the apron, and Sheamus has him against ropes! The fans fire up for BEATS- NO, Dunne HOTSHOTS Sheamus first! Dunne slips in, runs up, but into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER! The fans fire up with Sheamus as he takes aim from the corner! BROGUE misses, and Dunne runs up! But into a scoop and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO!

Dunne survives but Sheamus doesn’t let that bother him. Sheamus goes up a corner and the fans fire up again! But Dunne CLUBS Sheamus with the shillelagh! Dunne goes up to fetch Sheamus, for a SUPERPLEX! Cover, TWO! Sheamus stays in this but Dunne stays focused. The fans rally for Sheamus as he goes to the apron, but Dunne DROPKICKS him to the floor! Dunne looks around, and he goes with the barrels. Dunne climbs the barrels, but Sheamus CLUBS Dunne with the shillelagh! And again! Sheamus climbs up after Dunne now, and the fans are going nuts already! Sheamus stands Dunne up to chicken wing!

Sheamus manages to give Dunne BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN up on the barrels! Sheamus hits his TEN, then spins Dunne around! Fireman’s carry, SUPER WHITE NOISE DOWN THROUGH THE TABLES!!! St. Louis is losing their minds while the ref checks both men! Sheamus is stirring, but he’s got cuts and scrapes all over his arms from that one. “This is Awesome!” as Sheamus rises up. Sheamus brings Dunne along with him as he goes back into the ring. Dunne sputters against ropes, and Sheamus hobbles around. Sheamus runs up to KNEECAP! And then he reels Dunne in, Canadian Rack, CELTIC CROSS!! Cover, TWO?!?!?

The fans cannot believe it, but The Bruiserweight is still in this! And is Dunne somehow smiling!? Sheamus drags Dunne back up, and says Dunne asked for this! Sheamus makes Dunne stand, but Dunne bends the fingers! And SNAPS them! And then CRICKET BAT SMACK!!! Cover, TWO!! Dunne scored six but not the win! The fans are loving this as Dunne grows frustrated. Dunne kicks Sheamus to the apron, and he brings something out from the bar! He pulls out a drawer, just to SMACK away on Sheamus with it! But what was in the drawer? ZIPTIES!? Dunne uses those to trap Sheamus’ hands behind his back!!

The fans boo! There may be no disqualifications but this is still underhanded! Sheamus sits up, into a Dunne BROGUE!! Cover, TWO!?!?! Sheamus defies Dunne, but Dunne SLAPS and stomps away! Dunne has the bat again, and he says he is NOT Butch, he is DUNNE! Sheamus KNEECAPS Dunne again!! And then BROGUES Dunne down!!! Cover, Sheamus wins!!!

Winner: Sheamus, by pinfall

Dunne was so obsessed getting past “Butch” that he couldn’t focus on The Fella! Sheamus himself gets to move on from the past, will there be gold in his future?

Backstage interview with Cody Rhodes.

Cathy Kelley is with the American Nightmare and says this past weekend being chaotic is an understatement. How is he feeling after Saturday? Cody won’t speculate on everything, surely we’ll hear more on Friday, but he is just here to find out what it takes to be the very first Crown Jewel Champion. Cody thanks Cathy for his time, and then he meets Sami Zayn. Sami wants to say face to face, that Sami plans on being the man Cody faces at Crown Jewel. They’ve known each other a long time, so if Cody wants to talk about- No, no, we don’t need to worry about that here. Like Cody just told Cathy, we can worry about that on Friday.

For now, Cody wants to see Sami do it again. Sami shocked the world once again, he wants to do it again. Cody wants that, too. Cody wishes Sami luck, and they shake hands. Will the Underdog from the Underground dethrone Der Ring General yet again? Or will there be no stopping Gunther from colliding with Cody?

Judgment Day arrives.

Raquel Rodriguez drove the fan for “Dirty” Dominik & Liv Morgan. Jackie Redmond walks over, hoping for a quick word. Raquel’s interference in Liv’s match with Rhea is quite frankly causing controversy, any comment? Oh of course there needs to be comment. Liv says yes, fine, the disqualification means Rhea technically beat Liv. BUT, Liv is still Women’s World Champion, still has Dom, still has Judgment Day, and now has Raquel. So what does that mean? That Liv is the only person in WWE who still wins, even when she loses. Jackie then asks Raquel that it has been a long time since we’ve seen her. Is she officially Judgment-

Liv says oops, sorry, time’s up. What Liv can tell us is that they’re all moving on from Rhea to focus on Nia Jax at Crown Jewel. Dom says they should just leave. Liv agrees, let’s just go. Wait, what? They just got here! Is Raquel officially in Judgment Day? Raquel pushes Jackie aside and gets back in the driver’s seat. They leave, leaving us all with questions about what happens next.

Adam Pearce talks with Ava Raine.

The Raw General Manager and NXT General Manager are both excited over the back-to-back St. Louis nights, it all just works. But then in steps Ethan Page. He introduces himself and Pearce shakes his hand. Ethan wants to chat business. One of Ethan’s Monday Night Raw superstars, CM Punk, stuck his nose in All Ego’s business as a special guest referee. He kinda cost Ethan that match, so maybe they could course correct and get Ethan back on track. Oh, Punk cost him the title? Well, sorry, but Pearce didn’t appoint Punk as referee. Ava did. Yeah, hi, Ethan, your boss here. And she is “so flattered” that he came here a night early just to complain! So sweet of you, Cha-

Oh, sorry, former champ. But as much as Ava would love to hear Ethan yap like he does every week, she is off the clock right now. So sorry. Then what’s she doing here?! In steps Sexyy Red and she says hey to Ava and Pearce. Ethan expects a handshake, too, and Sexyy says he looks familiar. Didn’t Trick whoop his ass last Tuesday? Ethan says he’s done better. Okay, he doesn’t need to get attitude. But the GMs and Sexyy get down to business, what big things do they have planned for NXT St. Louis?

10 Woman Tag: Pure Fusion Collective & The Unholy Union VS Lyra Valkyria, Natalya, Zelina Vega, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance!

Hmm, a combination of bullies and mean girls teaming up against all their favorite victims. Why does this feel like high school, just more violent? Well, will Sonya Deville, Shayna Baszler, Zoey Stark, Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn prove they’re the top of the food chain in the Raw Women’s Division? Or will The Morrigan, The Queen of Harts, La Muneca & KC Squared make for an Avengers level super team?

The teams sort out, Kayden starts against Zoey, and Zoey CLOBBERS Kayden right away! Zoey mocks Katana’s face brace, boops her, then runs away. Tag to Sonya, but the brawl is on! The fans are fired up for it but the ref tries to sort out the chaos. Things spill out of the ring, and Lyra WRECKS Sonya with a dropkick! Zelina does the same to Shayna and KC Squared DUMPS Zoey! Katana TORNILLO PLANCHAS Sonya! Zelina METEORAS Shayna! Natty tags in off Kayden before Kayden SUPER CROSSBODIES Alba & Isla! Natty runs, but Sonya trips her up! No flying BOAT tonight, Sonya sends Natty into steel steps!

The fans boo but PFC & UU are standing tall while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, Natty fights out of the enemy territory but Isla RAMS her! Tag to Alba, and the wicked witches double suplex! But Natty fights to DOUBLE DDT! Natty hurries, hot tag to Zelina! The fans fire up as Zelina dodges Zoey and fires off hands! Zoey shoves back, Zelina dodges and mule kicks! Then AX KICKS! Zoey goes to a corner, Zelina runs in but is put up top! Zelina BOOTS Zoey, then leaps for a RANA! The fans fire up again, and Zelina waistlocks to O’Conner. Zoey bucks that and SUPERKICKS back! Zoey says done! Suplex and- STUN DOG MILLIONAIRE! Sonya tags in but Zelina CLOBBERS her first!

Zelina stomps Zoey, then climbs up a corner. She gives some Latina Heat bfore the MOONSAULT! Cover, but Sonya is legal, not Zoey! Sonya RUNNING KNEES Zelina down!! Cover, Katana breaks it! Shayna KNEES Katana! Kayden SUPERKICKS Shayna! Isla ROCKS Kayden, tot hen SNAP SAIDO! But Lyra ENZIGIRIS Isla! Alba runs up, TORNADO DDT! Zelina gives Alba a CODE BREAKER! Zoey SPRINGBOARD MISSILE DROPKICKS Zelina! Natty DISCUS LARIATS Zoey! Sonya SOBATS Natty, KNEES her, then ROUNDHOUSES! Natty falls out, Zelina runs up! SLEEPER! Sonya flails, Lyra tags in! Sonya RAMS Zelina into buckles but Lyra goes up!

Sonya SLINGS Zelina away, but gets a PERIPETEIA from Lyra!! Cover, Lyra’s team wins!!

Winners: Lyra Valkyria, Natalya, Zelina Vega, Kayden Carter & Katana Chance, by pinfall

A massive match results in a massive win for The Morrigan and friends! But is this just one battle in the war brewing on Raw?

Jade Cargill & Bianca Belair speak.

The Storm says, “Now that my girl, B, and I are done hosting Bad Blood, it’s time to get back to business.” The EST tells Damage CTRL that they heard the challenge from last week. Bianca will say this with her chest: They can’t wait to face them for the tag titles. Bianca & Jade see Iyo & Kairi, and let’s be real, no one is taking these titles from the champs. But credit where credit is due, Iyo & Kairi have torn up the tag division. Iyo did catch Bianca slipping a couple weeks ago, but if y’all think for one second that DMG CTRL takes back over, they’ve got another thing coming.

DMG CTRL must not know about these two. Bianca & Jade dug their way out of the trenches to get these titles back. In fact, they took these titles from DMG CTRL! So best believe they won’t let DMG CTRL return the favor. But since DMG CTRL wants to make the challenge, then next week, let’s run it back. The StrongEST Duo is ready to do it all over again, but will they underestimate the Evil Genius & Pirate Princess?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship: GUNTHER VS Sami Zayn!

Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. And while Der Ring General did not want to have this rematch with Sami Zayn, he does owe it to himself and his family to find redemption. Will Gunther make sure there is no second miracle for Sami? Or will nothing stop Sami from making history yet again?

Raw returns and Gunther makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if this is truly WrestleMania revisited!

The bell rings and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and the fans rally up. Gunther headlocks Sami, grinds him down, but Sami fights with fists. Gunther thrashes Sami but Sami just fires more shots. Sami powers up but cannot power out as Gunther holds tight. Gunther hits a takeover, but Sami keeps his shoulders up. Sami moves around, fights to his feet, and fires body shots. Sami powers up and out this time, then drops under Gunther to DUMP him out! Sami builds speed, but Gunther moves, so Sami Arabian Presses to taunt him! The fans fire up as Sami eggs Gunther on, and Raw goes picture in picture.

Sami waits as Gunther paces around. Gunther storms up the steps, storms into the ring, and circles with Sami. They feel things out, tie up again, and Gunther puts Sami in a corner. Sami turns things around, the ref counts, and Sami lets off. Sami then CHOPS! Sami backs off to taunt Gunther, but Gunther steps out of the ring. Gunther is doing his best to keep cool, and Sami says he’s in Gunther’s head. Gunther storms back in, they circle again, and they feel out a knuckle lock. Only for Gunther to kick low! Gunther whips Sami to a corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Sami fires hands and puts Gunther in another corner.

Sami bumps Gunther off buckles, then goes up to AX HANDLE! Gunther staggers to a corner, Sami storms up on him, and he wrenches before he whips corner to corner. Sami then climbs up and rains down fists! Sami goes all the way to TEN, but Gunther bails out right after! Sami is annoyed with Gunther but Gunther is frustrated with himself. Gunther takes a moment as the ring count climbs, and he steps back into the ring. The two reset, feel things out, and they tie up. Gunther wrenches an arm, and WRINGS Sami down! Gunther holds on to grind the shoulder but Sami fights up. Gunther grinds Sami back down, but Sami still endures.

Sami fights up again as Raw returns to single picture. Sami fires hands, the fans fire up, and Sami whips. Gunther reverses, Sami ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Gunther catches the crossbody! Gunther puts Sami on the top rope to CHOP! Sami dangles, but Gunther climbs up to STAND on Sami! The ref counts, Gunther lets off at 4, and Sami flops to the apron. Gunther paces while fans boo, but he soaks it up. Gunther storms up on Sami, drags him up, and ROCKS him! And CHOPS him! And UPPERCUTS him! Sami flops over, the fans boo Gunther, but Gunther storms back up. Sami fires an elbow! Sami climbs, leaps, but into a CHOP!

Gunther clamps onto Sami’s head with his feet, for a NECK TWIST! Gunther talks some smack on Sami before bringing him up. Gunther UPPERCUTS and Sami wobbles. Gunther CHOPS and Sami falls back down! Gunther tells the ref to check Sami, and the ref does, but Sami is still in this. Sami rises up, but Gunther winds up. Sami blocks the punch to fire punches in return! The fans fire up for Sami and he reels Gunther in. Gunther fights the lift, then CLUBS away on Sami! Gunther CHOPS, whips, and ELBOWS Sami down! Sami sputters but Gunther scuffs him. Gunther BOOTS Sami, but Sami stays on his feet!

The fans rally, Gunther BOOTS Sami again, but Sami leans on ropes. Gunther whips, Sami KICKS him away! The fans fire up, Gunther takes a swing, but into a BLUE- NO! Gunther smothers the Blue Thunder, but Sami still tries! Gunther fights it, CLUBS Sami, and clamps on a SLEEPER! Sami flails, arm-drags free, but runs into another SLEEPER! Sami powers up to BLUE THUNDER BOMG! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and Sami is beside himself as Raw goes picture in picture!

Sami rises up but so does Gunther. Sami brings Gunther up, CHOPS him, and then CHOPS again! Sami CHOPS, but Gunther CHOPS! Sami staggers away but Gunther pursues. Gunther CHOPS again and Sami falls over! Gunther drags Sami up to scoop and SLAM! Gunther then goes to a corner, and climbs up! Gunther aims to GUNTHER SPLASH, onto knees! Sami saves himself, and Gunther goes to a corner. Sami runs in, but Gunther avoids the Helluva Kick! Gunther CHOPS Sami on the back, and clamps on a SLEEPER! Sami holds ropes, Gunther SLAPS those hands away, and GERMAN SUPLEXES! Cover, TWO!!

Sami survives and Gunther is somewhere between exhausted and exasperated. Sami sits up, also catching his breath, but Gunther KICKS him! Gunther drags Sami up, and CHOPS again! Gunther eggs Sami on, and Sami stands back up, only for Gunther to CHOP him back down! Raw returns to single picture as Gunther eggs on St. Louis and Sami. Sami stands while the fans rally, and Gunther CHOPS! Sami falls back down, Gunther tells him to stay down this time. Sami stands to CHOP, so Gunther CHOPS again! Sami comes back, so Gunther CHOPS! Sami goes for leg, takedown and fast hands! The fans fire up but Gunther slips away!

The fans boo as Gunther bails out, but Sami pursues! Gunther kicks Sami in the leg! Gunther may have lured Sami in there, and now he reels Sami in. Sami fights the lift, to backdrop Gunther onto the floor! The fans fire up, Gunther rises up, and he still runs up! But Sami clinches to EXPLODER into barriers! The fans fire up again and Sami gets space. Sami runs in, to HELLUVA KICK!! Gunther falls, but this is on the outside! Sami has to get Gunther in the ring! The count is 5 of 10 as Sami drags Gunther up, but that’s some serious deadweight! Sami hears the count pass 7! Sami refreshes the count at 9!

Sami goes back for Gunther, drags him up again, and the fans cheer him on. Sami fireman’s carries Gunther into the ring! The fans rally more and Sami hurries to put Gunther in a corner. The fans fire up as Sami goes corner to corner, for a HELLUVA KICK!! Gunther sputters, but he stays up, so Sami says here goes! HELLUVA- LARIAT!!! Gunther takes Sami out first!! Cover, TWO!?!? Sami barely gets that arm up! “This is Awesome!” as Sami and Gunther stir. Gunther aims, runs up, and reels Sami in! POWER- NO, Sami turns bomb into cradle! TWO!!! Gunther escapes, to SHOTGUN!! Sami staggers into the POWERBOMB!!! Cover, TWO!?!?!

Sami survives AGAIN, and the fans are thunderous! Gunther is himself stunned, and he thinks what he must do to win. Gunther runs, to LARIAT Sami inside out!! And then he hauls Sami up, to POWERBOMB again!! High stack, ONE?!?!? WHAT?!?! Sami is defying human limitations and St. Louis is erupting! But Gunther says SLEEPER!! Body scissors included and he squeezes the air out of Sami! Sami fights, reaches out, and the fans rally as hard as they can! Sami pops free of the scissors but Gunther leans on that sleeper! Gunther traps arms and Sami is turning red! Sami is fading! The ref checks, and Sami comes back to life!!

Sami rises up, reaches out, and is fingertips away! But Sami is fading again!! Gunther drops back, squeezes tight, and Sami is OUT! GUNTHER WINS!!

Winner: Gunther, by submission (still WWE World Heavyweight Champion)

Despite the doubts creeping into Gunther’s mind, despite Sami unlocking some new level within himself, things do not repeat from WrestleMania. Gunther goes to the stage and raises his title, but here comes Cody Rhodes! The Men’s Crown Jewel Championship match is now set! Who proves they are THE best in the WWE today?

My Thoughts:

While trimmed down to just two hours, this was a great Raw. Though, did we need Sexyy Red to show up? I get it, she’s from St. Louis, it’s the same reason she’ll be on NXT tomorrow night. It’s also synergy between Raw and NXT, which is always appreciated, and her promo with Ethan, Pearce and Ava was good, BUT what did she herself add? Her introduction tonight was no different than the one in Vegas for NXT Battleground, and I almost feel like the Bad Blood recap was played before she went off script with too much twerking or something.

Moving on from Sexyy, very good string of opening promos. CM Punk definitely wants us thinking he got so beat up from Bad Blood that he might have to re-retire or whatever, but this is Punk resting up from Hell in a Cell while also taking Crown Jewel off because he isn’t a fan of that event. Great segue to Rollins to remind us of that rivalry, and Rollins also had a very good promo to call out Bronson Reed. Rollins VS Bronson will be great, and the winner of the feud certainly deserves to move on to a title afterward. And they might’ve already teased what’s going on with Jey making his entrance while Rollins was still out there.

Great title match from Jey and Woods, but also rather quick. They gave us a picture-in-picture, came back, and then the match was done. I feel like Woods deserves a little more than that, but I suppose with only two hours, they had to get moving. Jey wins, that’s his first defense, but then Bron comes back and just demolishes him AND The New Day. To me, Bron is returning to this title so soon is because A) Ilja Dragunov is hurt, ruining plans for what Dragunov could be doing and B) Crown Jewel has no top title defenses with this new Crown Jewel Championship idea. Bron defaults to Intercontinental Championship, he and Jey will have another awesome match, but I would think Jey makes it through that.

Very good promo from Rhea and very good response from Liv, Dom & Raquel. Of course Rhea is going to come back for more, she and Raquel will have a great match, and we’ll see if Rhea comes back around to face Liv past Crown Jewel. Great promo segment from Miz, Kross and Truth, with Truth and Kross being like the angel and devil on Miz’s shoulders. Miz VS Truth will be some really good stuff, and I would think Kross gets involved. Miz said here he isn’t joining Final Testament but he could by default, and that gives us four men to get all the gold. Well, I don’t know if Final Testament really will get gold, but they do deserve to be booked as if they could.

Also, nice touch of The Wyatts making it clear who is next. Another reason Miz could end up working with Final Testament is because then that’s 4v4. Uncle Howdy’s mission has been punishing those who put themselves ahead of friends and family, and that’s just what Miz did. Kross & AOP can be Miz’s muscle against Rowan, Gacy & Lumis, we’ll get some real good stuff out of all those match-ups. And with another tease of the Viking Raiders perhaps reverting to either War Raiders or even War Machine, it feels Erik & Ivar are closer and closer to a return. A post Crown Jewel return could make for great stuff in the tag division.

The 10 Woman Tag was a bit out of nowhere, but I did spot a video on social media that helped plug it. But either way, the team-ups made sense, and it was a pretty good match with it getting chaotic and fast moving. The Faces winning makes sense, it was time to get even with PFC. I don’t know if they’ll try and make something Survivor Series related out of this, but they should at least pivot to a Women’s Tag Team Championships contenders match. Good promo from Bianca & Jade to accept DMG CTRL’s challenge, and their match will be really good. I just can’t be sure which side wins, as both Raw and SmackDown desperately need to build other tag teams as contenders.

Awesome Donnybrook from Sheamus and Dunne, but I did not think Sheamus was winning. At the same time, I could see Sheamus also getting in on the Intercontinental Championship story, as again that is the one title he has yet to win. Maybe Dunne can make a move to SmackDown to bolster things. As great as their midcard has been with LA Knight, Andrade and Carmelo Hayes, they haven’t done enough with Santos Escobar and a few others, so Dunne could really stir things up.

Great stuff with WWE treating Kevin’s attack on Cody as real, and therefore not wanting to talk about it. And awesome main event from Sami VS Gunther, but of course they were going to turn it up for tonight. WWE referenced that their own promotional material went up with Gunther just automatically on the poster opposite Cody, as if that could change. But sadly, such material basically spoiled that Gunther was not losing. As great a moment as it would’ve been for Sami to win the title tonight, it just doesn’t seem to be his time yet. Sami VS Cody would’ve been great, but there’s no guarantee Sami would’ve won, and I don’t think Saudi Arabia would want Sami to lose. Cody VS Gunther will still be awesome, and that one can be allowed to go either way.

But can USA Network knock it off with cutting into the ending? Their reality TV garbage is prerecorded, who cares if it starts a couple minutes late? Cody and Gunther had a great stare down on stage, and you could just tell they were about to raise their titles, but we don’t get to see it, because of The Anonymous just HAS to get started. I’m coming around to WWE on Netflix more and more as this keeps happening.

My Score: 8.9/10