New Day, Judgment Day, Monday Night Raw!

There’s gold in the Steel City as Raw has Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods defend the WWE World Tag Team Championships! Will Finn Balor & JD McDonagh be back on top?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE World Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh; Finn & JD win and become the new WWE World Tag Team Champions.
• Sheamus VS Rusev; Rusev wins.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Bayley VS Lyra Valkyria; Double Pinfall Draw, no word on #1 contender.
• Sami Zayn & PENTA VS Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman; Bron & Bronson win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Rhea Ripley is here!

Pittsburgh fires up as Mami makes her entrance. Rhea grabs a mic, but she also holds her side a bit. The fans cheer her on, and Rhea welcomes us to Monday Night MAMI! And she says now that she’s put the Judgment Day behind her, hopefully for good, Rhea wonders what is next for herself. With Evolution just around the corner, she wants to get her priorities straight. Well, here comes Iyo Sky! The fans cheer for the WWE Women’s World Champion as she makes her way to the ring now, a bit to Rhea’s surprise. Iyo grabs herself a mic, and she tells Rhea, “You cannot have Evolution without Iyo Sky!” The fans cheer that.

Iyo says Rhea is wrong about one thing, though: Mami’s not on top! Not without this title! And because Iyo has it, Adam Pearce told her she chooses who she faces at Evolution! Iyo says in Japanese that she is the champion, so she gets to do what she wants, right? The fans cheer and Iyo says she wants that match to be against the best. That means defending this title against… Rhea Ripley! The fans cheer again and Rhea says she has nothing but respect for Iyo. And if this is what Iyo wants, then Rhea wants Iyo to know that Rhea will stop at nothing to get the title back. The fans also cheer that idea!

Rhea says if this really is what Iyo wants… then Iyo needs to know that what happens at Evolution is what she asked for. The fans applaud, and Rhea says Evolution, Rhea VS Iyo for the Women’s World Championship, “You’re on!” Iyo smiles and holds up the belt. Will the Genius still have Rhea’s number? Or is Mami going to finally be on top?

The Judgment Day meets up backstage.

Dominik Mysterio wishes JD McDonagh & Finn Balor luck in their tag title match, and hopes they bring those belts home where they belong. JD & Finn head out, and then AJ Styles is here! Styles says Dom is avoiding him. And he gets why. Dom says hey, hey, hold on! He has his doctor’s note! Dom IS injured, and then had a setback, so he’s still not cleared. But Dom made sure Adam Pearce authorized that if Styles puts a finger on Dom before Dom is cleared, Styles will NOT get his title match. So, maybe pull out the reading glasses and look the note over. Styles in fact does bring out reading glasses!

Styles says there’s some fine print. Doctor says Dom’s a punk ass. Dom snatches his paper back and Styles says he can’t wait for Dom to get cleared. Styles will take that Intercontinental title off Dom, and then beat him so bad that he’ll need more than just a note. Styles leaves and Dom grumbles that he didn’t wanna beat up an old man anyways. Styles walks back in and asks how ’bout now? Dom says nope, can’t touch him! Dom leaves now, but will he keep his mouth shut? Or will Styles make sure Dom eats his words?

WWE World Tag Team Championships: The New Day VS Finn Balor & JD McDonagh!

Kofi Kingston & Xavier Woods claim they want teams to earn their opportunities, but that’s because they don’t want to lose these titles. The Prince & The Irish Ace did fight their way back up, so will they prove they’re worthy? Or will the New Day keep their gold in the Steel City?

Raw returns and the New Day make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who has their day in the sun!

The teams sort out and Kofi starts against Finn. Kofi wants Finn to accept this pancake, but Finn SLAPS it away! Kofi gets mad as Finn doesn’t wanna break bread! Finn blocks a kick, then spins Kofi, but Kofi dodges. Kofi wags his finger, the two circle, and they tie up. Kofi puts Finn in the corner, the ref counts, and Kofi lets off slowly. Kofi says clean break, but then he takes a swing! The ref reprimands, the fans chant “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Finn kicks Kofi low, tells Woods off, but Kofi mule kicks! Kofi HEADBUTTS Finn, whips him but Finn reverses. Kofi sunset flips but Finn rolls through to basement DROPKICK!

The fans fire up as Kofi flounders, and Finn brings Kofi up. Finn bumps Kofi off buckles, fires body shots, then tags JD. Finn feeds Kofi to JD’s drop toehold, and he drops the leg, brother! Cover, ONE, but JD puts Kofi in a corner. JD CHOPS! And CHOPS! JD stomps Kofi, wrenches and brings him around to whip, but Kofi reverses. JD KICKS Kofi, then TOSSES Kofi out! JD hurries to the apron, and he PENALTY KICKS Kofi down! Woods runs up, JD BOOTS him, then JD goes up, but Kofi trips him up! JD is stuck on the ropes, Woods tags in! Woods goes up to GUILLOTINE DOUBLE STOMP! The fans boo but Woods struts, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Kofi AX HANDLES JD down! Cover, TWO! Kofi rains down fists on JD, then he tags Woods. Woods takes the handoff to wrench and whip JD into the corner. JD ELBOWS Kofi, BOOTS Woods, then CHOPS! Woods CHOPS, JD CHOPS, repeat! The CHPOS keep going, the fans “WOO~”, but then Woods mule kicks, front kicks, stomps and KNEES to then CHOP! JD falls and Woods brings him up. Woods reels JD in, puts one out, and lifts to POWER- NO, JD turns it into a FACEBUSTER! The fans fire up while both men are down! JD and Woods crawl, hot tag to Kofi and he grabs JD’s legs! JD kicks free, hot tag to Finn!

Finn rallies on New Day, he trips and STOMPS Kofi! Then he trips and STOMPS Woods! The fans fire up with Finn, he dodges Kofi to get around, EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Finn stays cool as he runs up on Kofi to CHOP! Finn whips corner to corner, runs in again, but Kofi SWING KICKS! Kofi goes up, up, and AX- NO, Finn dodges and comes back. Kofi dodges, but Finn SLINGBLADES! The fans fire up with Finn as he takes aim! Kofi is up, Finn runs in, Kofi DOUBLE STOMPS Finn first! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Kofi and Finn crawl, hot tags to Woods and JD! Woods runs up, JD DUMPS him out!

JD goes out, and he ASAI MOONSAULTS! Down goes Woods but JD puts him in fast! JD goes up, up, and MOONSAULTS, into BOOTS! Woods turns things around on JD and he waistlocks. JD goes to ropes, Finn tags in! O’Conner but JD isn’t legal! JD trips Woods, holds him down, and Finn goes up! COPU DE GRACE onto JD!! Woods got away and he rolls Finn up now, TWO!! Scoop and tag to Kofi! Kofi goes up, MIDNIGHT HOUR!!! Cover, TWO?!?! Finn survives and the fans are thunderous! Kofi & Woods are stunned but the fans chant, “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Kofi aims from a corner as Finn stands, TROUBLE-

NO, Finn ducks and waistlocks! Kofi switches, O’Conner Rolls, TWO! Kofi stumbles to the ropes and JD SMACKS him! Finn rolls Kofi now, TWO! Kofi is up, Woods CLOBBERS Finn from behind with a belt!! The ref is busy with JD as Kofi covers, TWO!! Finn survives and the fans are thunderous again! Kofi grows frustrated, but “This is Awesome!” Woods tags in, he climbs up, and Kofi has Finn. Finn FLAPJACKS Kofi off the ropes, tripping Woods up! Woods is stuck up top and Finn crawls for his corner! Hot tag to JD! JD runs in, and he uses Kofi as a step to get up at Woods! SUPER SPANISH FLY!! The fans fire up and JD covers, but Kofi breaks it!

The fans boo but Kofi helps Woods. The ref reprimands Kofi but he BLASTS Finn! Kofi then PLANCHAS, but Finn dodges! SLINGBLADE to the floor! Woods runs up, JD BOOTS him down! Tag to Finn! JD goes up, MOONSAULT! Finn goes up, COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, JUDGMENT DAY WINS!!

Winners: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Tag Team Champions)

New Day were right to avoid this match, because now they’ve lost the titles! Dom celebrates with the boys and they get the pyro, will Judgment Day stay dripping in gold?

Backstage interview with Bayley.

Jackie Redmond is with The Role Model, and brings up the chaos of last week. Where is her head at now? Is she still focused on Becky Lynch and the Women’s Intercontinental Championship? Bayley says yes, she is. That doesn’t change. Does she wish she was here as the NEW champion? Of course. But Lyra had to get involved in her business. That won’t change why Bayley came back. But then in steps Lyra. Lyra says wow, Bayley won’t talk to her, but she’ll talk about her behind her back. Real nice. Bayley asks if this is what Lyra’s just gonna do every week, interrupt Bayley’s business? If Lyra is going to apologize, Bayley doesn’t want to hear it.

Well, Lyra was going to apologize, but she doesn’t even know who Bayley is anymore. Lyra wants things to go back to how they were before WrestleMania, but Bayley’s not letting it happen. Bayley thinks Lyra went there to sabotage her? Does Bayley even understand what’s been going on in her absence? Things might not be personal between Lyra and Bayley, but it is personal between Lyra and Becky. Oh, and Bayley’s business isn’t personal with Becky? Becky took Bayley out before Mania, and this has been going on for ten YEARS! Lyra needs to understand! The arguing gets worse, Adam Pearce steps in, and he shouts them down!

Pearce says he knew it’d go this way, so he arranged it for them to settle it in the ring… tonight! Oh, and to sweeten the deal, the winner is the NEW #1 contender to the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. How’s that sound? Sounds great to Lyra. See you in the ring, friend. Lyra storms off, Pearce says, “Happy Monday.” The Raw GM puts it on the books, but who will get to settle their score with The Man?

Team American Made meets backstage.

After angering Penta and getting beat down by him, Chad Gable’s arm is in a sling. He says, “I hate this, guys. I hate this. But while I’m gone, I need you to hold down the fort.” Adam Pearce walks over and apologizes. The medical update came in, and Pearce is very sorry for Gable’s injury. Best of luck on surgery and recovery. Gable says he’s an Olympian. He makes his own luck. But thank you. You’re welcome. And Pearce figures this means we won’t be seeing El Grande Americano for awhile, huh? Gable nervously says Grande’s the world’s greatest luchador, he probably keeps a busy schedule. But… You never know.

Pearce nods and leaves. Gable tells the team that they can’t let the American spirit die while he’s gone. Ivy Nile needs to conquer Stephanie Vaquer! And the Creeds are surely sick of everyone talking about their championship “potential.” It is time to fulfill it! Yes, sir! But what’re they gonna do without Chad? Brutus feels lost already. Gable says to listen to Ivy. Gable heads out and Ivy is running the show now. Will the Diamond Pitbull lead the pack to victory?

Adam Pearce meets with Nick Aldis.

But their discussion is interrupted by The Judgment Day. “Champs are here!” Pearce & Aldis congratulate them, and Finn says he’s pretty sure the GMs are trying to figure out what to do with the Women’s Tag Team Champions. Well, as a tag team champion himself, Finn has an idea. Will they hear him out? By all means, go right ahead. Finn says Raquel has worked really hard to not only win the titles, but to defend the titles. So it’d be very unfair to strip her of those titles. Okay, so what do they do about it? Well, obviously, you find her a new tag partner. JD asks who Finn has in mind. Finn “thinks” on it, and says Roxanne Perez!

JD says that’s brilliant. Finn says that’ll work great for everyone! Matches on Raw, matches on SmackDown, win win! No brainer! Pearce says he and Aldis will confer for a second. They do mutter about it, and then they say they will allow this. Under one condition: Raquel & Roxie need to prove to everyone that they are worthy champions. So at Evolution, they defend those titles against a team from Raw. And a team from SmackDown. And a team from NXT. Oh… Well, that’s fine. Done deal. Finn & JD head out, and Aldis says look at that, the GMs are on the same page. Pearce says, “For now.” Pearce heads out, what’s that supposed to mean?

Sheamus VS Rusev!

It always seems to happen in the world of pro-wrestling: former friends turn bitter enemies. The Celtic Warrior does not like that the Bulgarian Brute has become a Bulgarian bully, but Rusev says the Raw roster is just soft. Will Rusev CRUSH Sheamus as a way to build him back up? Or will The Fella win this guaranteed banger of a match?

Raw returns and Sheamus makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two stare down. The fans rally up as Sheamus and Rusev circle. Pittsburgh is on Sheamus’ side, but Rusev shoves him! The two tie up, are in a deadlock, but then break. They tie up again, and are in another deadlock. Sheamus pushes Rusev back but Ruesv turns things around. They break, then tie up again. Sheamus headlocks, Rusev powers up and out, and they RAM shoulders! The fans fire up as the two stare down. Rusev runs to RAM Sheamus, and Sheamus eggs Rusev on. So the forearms start flying! The fans fire up as hands go back and forth!

Sheamus bumps Rusev off buckles, fires off fists, but the ref backs him up. Rusev CLOBBERS Sheamus and the fans boo. Rusev snarls but he whips Sheamus to ropes. Sheamus blocks the hip toss to LARIAT! Sheamus clamps on that Dublin Grin, or as he calls it now, “The Predator.” Rusev endures, the ref reprimands, and Sheamus lets go. Rusev gets up and he RAMS Sheamus into a corner! Rusev fires hands and KICKS! The ref backs Rusev off, and Sheamus puts Rusev in the corner to fire hands! Sheamus HAMMERS Rusev, then climbs up! Sheamus rains down fists, but Rusev stops him at 3! POWERBOMB!

The fans boo as Rusev stands tall. Sheamus bails out and Rusev storms over that way. The ref wants Rusev to wait, but then Sheamus throws hands from below! Rusev hits back, but Sheamus has Rusev down in the ropes! Sheamus CLUBS away on Rusev, stops as the ref counts, and Rusev BOOTS Sheamus! Rusev aims and leaps, but into a SNAP POWERSLAM to the floor! Sheamus roars and stands tall while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Rusev has Sheamus down with a chinlock. Sheamus endures, fights up, and the fans rally. Rusev KNEES Sheamus low, brings him down and chinlocks again. Sheamus endures, fights back up, but Rusev shifts to a facelock. Sheamus picks Rusev up to RAM him into the corner! Then Sheamus runs up, only for Rusev to BOOT him! Rusev KICKS Sheamus in the back, and he soaks up the heat. Rusev kicks at Sheamus, puts him in a corner, and SLAPS him! Rusev eggs Sheamus on and SLAPS him again! Sheamus eggs Rusev on now and Rusev stomps a mudhole! The ref counts but sheamus egg sRusev on more!

Rusev stomps and stomps and the fans fire up with Sheamus! Sheamus fires haymakers on Rusev! Rusev shoves but Sheamus AX HANDLES Rusev! And AX HANDLES again! Sheamus runs in and LARIATS at the corner! Then the IRISH CURCE BACKBREAKER! Rusev sputters while Sheamus goes to the corner. Sheamus climbs and the fans cheer! Sheamus reaches the top, and he KING KONG KNEE DROPS! Cover, ONE?!? Rusev survives and Sheamus is stunned! Sheamus storms over to stomp Rusev and dig his boots in. The ref counts, Sheamus stops, and Rusev is on the apron. Sheamus drags Rusev up and the fans cheer!

But Rusev HOTSHOTS Sheamus first! Rusev runs, dodges, WHEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Rusev hurries to scoop Sheamus and FALL AWAY SLAM! Cover, TWO! Sheamus stays in this and Rusev grows frustrated. Rusev SLAPS Sheamus on the back and Sheamus rolls to a corner. Rusev runs corner to corner, but into BOOTS! Sheamus skins the cat to the top rope! The fans fire up but Rusev ROCKS Sheamus first! Rusev climbs, brings Sheamus to the very top, SUPERPLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and the fans rally while both men are down again. Sheamus sits up, Rusev follows, and they go forehead to forehead! Rusev gives some short HEADBUTTS, and then they start throwing CLUBBING shots! The fans cheer Sheamus, boo Rusev, and repeat as the shots go back and forth! The clubbing forearms become haymakers, but then Rusev throat chops! The fans boo, but Rusev kicks Sheamus down! Rusev BOOTS Seamus, runs, but into a scoop! POWERSLAM! The fans fire up while both men are down again! Rusev crawls away to the apron and Pittsburgh cheers on Sheamus.

Sheamus crawls over to where Rusev is, and both men stand. Sheamus has Rusev on the ropes! The fans fire up for BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes PAST TEN, all the way to FIFTEEN! The fans fire up and Rusev slumps down. Sheamus gets the fans even louder, and he goes to the corner. The fans cheer as Sheamus beats his chest, “FELLA~!” But Rusev ducks the Brogue to BACKDROP! ROUNDHOUSE! ROUNDHOUSE AGAIN! But then the KNEECAPPER! Sheamus runs again, another KNEECAPPER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Rusev survives and the fans can’t believe it! Sheamus huffs ‘n’ puffs and brings Rusev up.

Sheamus reels Rusev in, but Rusev fights the lift! Rusev clinches, URENAGE! Rusev waits on Sheamus to stand back up, MACHKA KICK! The fans boo but Rusev snarls. “RUSEEEV! IT’S OVERRR~!” Rusev stomps Sheamus, and he clamps on the ACCOLADE!! Sheamus endures as Rusev pulls him back, and he gets a hand free! Rusev puts that hand back into place, but Sheamus powers up again! Sheamus rises up, and he RAMS Rusev into buckles! And then they FALL out of the ring! The fans fire up as both men hurry to their feet! BROGUE!! Rusev is down, but so is Sheamus! “This is Awesome!” as the ring count climbs.

The count is 5 of 10! Then 6! Sheamus rolls in at 7 but Rusev is down at 8! Rusev rises at 9, and he springs in at 9.99!! The fans boo, but Sheamus and Rusev are at the same corner. Rusev and Sheamus sit up, and they punch at each other through the ropes. Sheamus drags Rusev up, but Rusev blocks the buckle bump! Rusev SMACKS Sheamus off the post! Rusev climbs, but Sheamus ROCKS him first! Sheamus fireman’s carries, but Rusev fights free! The brawling continues, and Rusev CLAWS Sheamus’ eyes! Rusev exposes the crossbar, and he HOTSHOTS Sheamus off it!! Sheamus sputters, Rusev aims, MACHKA KICK!! Cover, RUSEV WINS!

Winner: Rusev, by pinfall

A bully and a cheat, Rusev truly has abandoned what once made him great! But Rusev only cares that he is the victor. Will The Son of Thunder leave his “brother” behind to finally stand atop the mountain?

Adam Pearce & Nick Aldis speak.

The Raw GM says that WWE makes history for the second time with the return of WWE Evolution. The SmackDowen GM says it is no secret that the WWE Women’s Division has the best talent in the world. And in Atlanta, the spotlight will shine directly on them. To honor the original Evolution, there will be a battle royal, where the winner goes on to a championship match at WWE Clash in Paris. Many will enter, only one will be left standing to have an opportunity of a lifetime. Who from Raw, SmackDown, and perhaps even NXT, will find themselves fighting for gold in the City of Lights?

Backstage interview with Team American Made.

Jackie Redmond is with Ivy & The Creed Brothers to talk about Gable’s injury. How are they planning to move forward without their leader? Ivy says they have a lot of work to do, but first thing’s first: Ivy gets in that Evolution battle royal! Believe her, she will- Wait, who is this? El Grande Americano!? But he’s like, actually grande! He simply nods and heads out, and no one knows what to say! Ivy stops Brutus and says, “No comment.” American Made follows after El Grande, but seriously, who is that? They’re so much taller than the original El Grande!

That aside, Jackie spots another superstar to interview: Sami Zayn! She congratulates Sami on his win over Karrion Kross, and wants to ask- OH NO, KROSS ATTACKS SAMI! Kross knocks Sami into a road case, then beats him down! “SAY IT, SAMI!! SAY IT!!” Kross rains down fists and shouts that Sami needs to admit Kross told the truth! But then Kross grabs a pipe! He CLOBBERS Sami with it!! Refs and producers rush in, and Kross lets the pipe go and says everyone needs to relax. Kross does leave, but he’s also left Sami in a bad way! Will Sami even be able to compete in his scheduled tag match now?

Gunther is here!

Pittsburgh is torn seeing Der Ring General make his way to the ring, World Heavyweight Championship around his waist. Gunther revels in it either way, and he grabs a mic to say, “Yes, you guessed right. I came out here to talk about Bill Goldberg. But I gotta say, I’m very impressed. We all saw the video highlighting some of Bill Goldberg’s greatest career moments before. And I gotta say, I’m impressed. It’s violent, it’s brutal, destructive. He left a mark on every opponent he ever stepped in the ring with. But just like his matches, all summed up in three minutes for you.

“Bill Goldberg has every right to claim that he’s the most feared man of his generation. But I am not afraid of what is left of Bill Goldberg. Because I see what he really is: He is a 58-year-old man that wants to ride out his career on my coattail! One last hurrah at my expense! That is definitely not going to happen, because I know Bill Goldberg is not capable of taking the World Heavyweight Championship away from me. And I know that I’m very capable to beat him in just under three minutes.

“But that’s not my goal. My goal for Saturday Night’s Main Event is to take my time, take him apart, blow him up, outclass him, and embarrass him in front of everything and everyone that’s near and dear to him!” The fans are torn on that, but Gunther continues, “I heard Bill Goldberg say he doesn’t like bullies. So Bill, too bad, you bumped into the biggest bully around here! At Saturday Night’s Main Event, I’m going to bully you! I’m going to push you around, I’m going to treat you like a piece of crap! And there is nothing you can about it!

“And now we’re all here guessing. Guessing if you, Bill, if you’ve still got it. Well, I’m gonna expose that you never had it! And after Bill Goldberg, I’ll be walking out here, it will be on me to raise the question: ‘Who’s next?’ Huh? Who’s next for Der Ring General, huh?” “BURN IT DOWN~!” Seth Rollins makes his entrance, accompanied by Paul Heyman, and the briefcase has been customized in black and gold, with the Rollins logo inside the O. Rollins & Heyman step into the ring to be face to face with Gunther, and the fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Gunther says by the look on his face, Rollins is very proud to have traveled far and achieved absolutely nothing.

Rollins says whoa, whoa, hey, achieved nothing? Has Gunther not been paying attention? Gunther, Rollins is here to congratulate you! Rollins hasn’t seen Gunther in person since Gunther won the beautiful World Heavyweight Championship. Congratulations to Der Ring General! But if he’d been paying attention, then he’d understand. Rollins didn’t go to Night of Champions to cash in on John Cena. If you’d been paying attention, you’d understand that for the last two years, Rollins has said time and time again, until there is not breath in his lungs, Rollins will not let CM Punk become a world champion in the WWE!

The fans boo that, but Rollins says, “We flew halfway across the world to stand on that business!” Fans chant for CM Punk but Rollins says as it stands, his MITB contract, when he won this, he told the world that it was going to be an all out assault on BOTH world titles. So let him repeat: Congratulations, champ. Rollins and Gunther both smirk, but wait! CM PUNK IS HEER! Rollins is pissed, but so is Punk! Punk rushes the ring, he and Rollins brawl, and both Pittsburgh and Gunther are loving it! Rollins CLAWS Punk’s eyes, kicks the legs out, but then Punk ELBOWS Rollins down! Rollins goes running for it!

Rollins retreats up the bleachers and Punk shouts, “YOU’RE A COWARD!” Punk seethes but the fans cheer him on as Rollins taunts him from the very top. Punk then turns around, but Gunther is in his way! Punk SHOVES Gunther down! Punk tells Gunther that if you don’t want him in your business, stay out of his! Punk storms off, Rollins mockingly waves bye, but L A KNIGHT appears behind him! The Mega Star has popcorn, and Rollins sees him! SMACK with the popcorn! The fans fire up as Knight brawls with Rollins now! They go into the concourse and brawl even more! Fans have to watch out as the haymakers fly!

Knight KNEES low, SMACKS him off a table, then brings him around. But Rollins sends Knight into the bar! Knight returns the favor! Rollins SPLASHES Knight with a drink! Rollins runs away into the Steel City, but will he have to worry about this show becoming Monday Knight Raw?

The Judgment Day regroups backstage.

Finn says congratulations to everyone! They’re all champions! When you listen to Finn, you win! And the title looks good on Roxie! But Raquel can’t believe they’re just replacing Liv like this! She’s been out for three weeks, and will be back some day. Finn says hey, no, they’re not replacing Liv. But speaking from experience, Finn has had a shoulder injury, he knows how long it takes for someone to rehab that. He just wants Raquel to stay champion. Raquel accepts that, and Roxie asks, “Does this mean what I think it means?” Finn says it should, but they’ll still vote on it. Is Roxanne officially in the Judgment Day?

Finn says yes, she’s in! JD says he wants the team to stay on top, so he says yes. Dom thinks about it, he wants to talk to Liv about it, but Finn says Dom can make this decision himself. Make her proud by taking a stand. Dom says he’ll tentatively say yes. Raquel is the only one left, but she says Roxie better hold up her end of the deal. Then it is official! Cheers with the belts! CLANK! Roxie says she just wants to help everyone out while Liv is gone, and anything they need, she’ll do it. She’ll even start by getting the person that took Liv out: Kairi Sane! Raquel says they’re on the same page there. Finn says Liv will love this! Really! But is this all going according to Finn’s plan?

Kairi Sane speaks.

“I don’t talk big. I fight with heart and honor. That is why I’m here. I’ve been the NXT Women’s Champion, a two-time WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion. To all the champions, I will have all your gold. I’m not afraid of anything. No matter how many times I’m knocked down, I’ll stand up. I don’t run from the storm. I run into it. The Pirate Princess is here.” Kairi is ready to set sail, but will she make it through the rough waters of The Judgment Day?

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Bayley VS Lyra Valkyria!

The Role Model and The Morrigan were on the same page, but then The Man had to go and ruin it all. #FiveStarBecks holds the belt both Bayley and Lyra want, but only one of them can fight her for it! Who will grab that golden ticket to The Big Time?

Raw returns and Lyra makes her entrance. The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Bayley headlocks. Lyra powers up and out but Bayley RAMS her! Bayley runs to RUN Lyra over. Things speed up, Lyra stays low to then HIP TOSS! Lyra whips Bayley, but Bayley blocks the hip toss, only for Lyra to shift and arm-drag! Lyra then Oklahoma Rolls, TWO! The fans rally, Bayley talks trash and shoves Lyra. Lyra shoves back, the two tie up, and Lyra headlocks. Lyra hits the takeover but Bayley rolls through to have the legs! Lyra fights, rolls, and that throws Bayley away! Lyra wheelbarrows and arm-drags Bayley away!

The fans rally, Lyra runs up, but Bayley ELBOWS her away. Bayley goes up, up, and FLYING ARM-DRAGS! Then she SLIDING LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Bayley grabs Lyra and brings her up to whip. Lyra grabs ropes to stop, then she BOOTS Bayley. Lyra runs, rolls off Bayley’s back, and makes it a backslide! TWO, but Lyra holds onto an arm. Lyra whips, Bayley hits buckles, and Lyra runs in. Bayley ROCKS Lyra in return! Bayley goes up, leaps, but Lyra catches the elbow into the hooks! Bayley flips those hooks, Lyra kicks off the corner to go up and over! Bayley puts Lyra in the corner, then MONKEY FLIPS, but Lyra cartwheels through!

Lyra runs up, Bayley trips her, but Lyra blocks the Catapult by grabbing legs! Bayley stomps Lyra, then CATAPULTS her into buckles! Lyra staggers into another trip, and Bayley turns Lyra for the BOSTON CRAB! Lyra endures, reaches out, and scrambles forward, only for Bayley to drag her back to center! Lyra tucks, rolls, has a prawn hold, TWO! Both women stand, Bayley ducks ‘n’ dodges, but DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! The fans fire up while both women are down, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Lyra climbs a corner. Bayley ROCKS her first! Bayley climbs up, fires forearms, but Lyra CLUBS Bayley! They brawl, Bayley gets the edge, and she hits a SUPERPLEX! But then both women hook legs! TWO!! The fans fire up as both women get out of that risky cradle! Bayley rallies on Lyra with LARIAT after LARIAT, then she slips around to SAIDO! Lyra flounders away to the outside but Bayley pursues! Bayley aims and runs up the steps, FLYING ELBOW to Lyra’s back! Lyra is down, the ref says get this in the ring, and Bayley puts Lyra in. Cover, TWO! Lyra survives but Bayley stays focused.

Bayley drags Lyra up, reels her in for a fireman’s carry, then swings Lyra, but Lyra uses that to arm-drag! Lyra runs up, flips through the lariat, and she has Bayley for a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives and Lyra frowns. Lyra stands Bayley up, reels her in and goes up the corner, but Bayley denies the Tornado DDT! Bayley runs up, SUNSET BUCKLE BOMB! Cradle, TWO!! Lyra survives again and flounders away. Bayley sees Lyra in the corner, runs in and RAMS her! Bayley RAMS Lyra again and again, but then Lyra gut wrenches! DOCTOR BOMB!! Cover, TWO!! Bayley survives that hard tuck and the fans fire up!

Lyra thinks on what she has to do, and she brings Bayley up again. Bayley fights the waistlock, switches and shoves, but Lyra goes up and comes back, HEADS COLLIDE! Both women fall, shake out the stars, and Bayley fires a forearm! Lyra fires back! The fans duel as the shots keep going! Lyra dodges one, but DOUBLE LARIATS collide! Both women stay up, Lyra waistlocks, but Bayley switches and steps over! Lyra slips out to shove Bayley, then fireman’s carries! But Bayley fights free, O’Conner Rolls, TWO!! Lyra has the EURO CLUTCH! TWO, and Bayley SLAMS Lyra into a DOUBLE COVER? THREE!!

The ref sees what happened, and has declared this a DOUBLE PINFALL DRAW!!

Double Pinfall Draw

Lyra and Bayley are both upset hearing that, and they just start fighting again! The fans fire up as Lyra TOSSES Bayley! Bayley TRIPS Lyra on the apron! Bayley brings Lyra around but Lyra RAMS her into the apron! The brawling continues, Lyra HAMMERS away on Bayley, and then she TOSSES Bayley over barriers! But Bayley DRAGS Lyra over to join her! They just keep fighting, right into the crowd! The fans fire up being even closer to the action! Bayley sends Lyra into cases! Bayley climbs up onto the cases to HAMMER away on Lyra! Producers and referees rush out here to separate them! Lyra and Bayley want to keep going, and so does Pittsburgh!

But with a draw between these two contenders, what is the decision going to be on who faces Becky for the title?

BREAKING NEWS for Saturday Night’s Main Event!

After getting caught off guard and run out of town, Seth Rollins will have to face LA Knight, YEAH! Will the Visionary be able to focus on the World Heavyweight Championship when he has kavorka in his face?

Backstage interview with CM Punk.

Or at least, Jackie tries as he storms through the halls. He does stop for her and she says she appreciates that. She knows a lot went down out there, between Gunther and Rollins, so what is on Punk’s mind right now? Punk says what is on his mind is that Rollins’ knees haven’t worked that well in years! Did you see how fast he ran away? It’s because Rollins knows Punk isn’t one to mess with. Punk has receipts for Rollins, for Heyman, for Bron-Bron, for Gunther, and- Punk spots someone. He excuses himself, then storms over to LA Knight. Punk says he knows Knight has his beef, too, but when it comes to Rollins, you wait in line, he belongs to Punk.

Knight has no idea why Punk’s coming in all hot like he did something to Punk. If Punk wants Rollins, have him six days of the week. But if we’re talking about getting in line, Saturday Night’s Main Event was just announced, so that means Knight IS the line, YEAH! Knight heads out, will he leave anything of Rollins for Punk to go after?

Sami Zayn is being checked by medical.

The ribs are taped up, but is he even able to compete? Penta walks over and asks if Sami’s sure he still wants to do this. Sami stands with a grunt, and he says yes. CERO! MIEDO! Then let’s do it! Sami is cleared as tolerated, but is this a wise move when going against behemoths like Bron & Bronson? Or will Sami being all heart and Penta having no fear be enough to see them through?

Sami Zayn & PENTA VS Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed w/ Paul Heyman!

Raw returns and Heyman is on the phone with Seth Rollins. Heyman wishes Rollins a good flight home. Heyman informs Bronson that Rollins is perfecting “Plan B.” What’s Plan B? Bron stops Heyman there, and says that the plan is just to smash anyone who gets in the way. Yes, that is a plan, and there will come a time for it, but- Bron says no, it starts right now with Sami & Penta! Production guy, hit the music! The Badass & The Colossal Aussie make their entrance to a new fused theme song, is Pittsburgh going to be left standing after tonight?

The teams sort out and Bron starts against Penta. Pittsburgh barks for Bron as he and Penta circle. They tie up, are in a deadlock, and then Bron waistlocks to SLAM Penta! Bron looms over Penta, the fans bark more, but Penta is right up to get in Bron’s face. They fire forearms and haymakers, then Bron RAMS Penta in the corner! The ref counts, Bron whips corner to corner, but Penta goes up and over! Penta keeps moving, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then het itl-0o-whril RANAS! Bron tumbles around, Penta fires up, and teh fans are with Penta as he GAMANGIRIS! Bron swings, misses, and Penta ROCKS him! And BOOTS him!

Penta runs again, another RANA! Bron tumbles around again, and Penta tags Sami. Penta brings Bron up, wrenches an arm, and Sami AX HANDLES Bron! Bron goes to a corner but Sami CHOPS! Sami fires hands, wrenches the arm, but Bron knees low! Sami falls but Bron clamps on a headlock. Sami endures the grind, fires body shots, then powers up and out. Bron ducks ‘n’ dodges and builds up speed to CLOBBER Sami! The fans bark for Bron again and he stalks Sami. Bron tags Bronson, they mug Sami, and Bronson puts Sami in a corner. Bron whips corner to corner, then runs up and SPLASHES! Sami sputters but Bronson whips him corner to corner.

Bronson runs in, Sami ELBOWS him away, then goes up. Sami BOOTS Bronson, leaps, and AX HANDLES! Tag to Penta, they double whip, but Bronson blocks! Bronson shakes his head, but Sami & Penta kick low! They HAMMER away on Bronson and the fans fire up! Sami whips Penta, then is a step for Penta to AX HANDLE! Bron runs in, Sami sends him into Penta’s SUPERKIKIC! The fans fire up as Sami & Penta strut together! Then they build speed together to DOUBLE FLY! Down go Bron & Bronson and Heyman is upset while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Bronson has Penta down with a neck wrench. Penta endures and the fans rally up. Penta rises but Bron CLUBS him down! Bronson whips Penta to the ropes, but Penta KICKS in return! And ENZIGIRIS! Bronson wobbles, Penta hot tags Sami! The fans fire up as Sami fires haymakers on Bronson! Sami puts Bronson in a corner, climbs up, and he rains down fists! Sami goes to TEN fast, then goes way past that to about TWENTY! The fans fire up and Sami snarls. Sami runs, LARIATS, but Bronson stays up! Sami LARIATS again, but Bronson is so sturdy! Sami runs, but Bronson kicks low!

Bronson whips, Sami goes up and over! Sami runs in and he LARIATS Bronson up and out! The fans fire up, here comes Bron again! Sami TOSSES Bron, goes to the apron, but he has to kick both big men away! Sami then resets to ARABIAN PRESS! Down go the big men and Heyman is beside himself! The fans fire up and Sami gives a shoutout to Sabu! Sami pushes Bronson into the ring, goes up a corner, but Bronson ROCKS him first! Bronson climbs, CLUBS away on Sami, then brings him up. But Sami fires body shots! The fans rally as Sami adjusts, and he CLUBS away on Bronson now! The fans fire up as Sami then takes aim! SUPER SUNSET BOMB!! Cover, TWO!

Bronson survives and the fans fire up again! Sami huffs ‘n’ puffs from the pain in his ribs, and he drags Bronson up. Bronson fireman’s carries! DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! Sami survives the slam but he’s still hurting. Bronson tags Bron, and Bron climbs up! Bronson Electric Chair Lifts, but Sami fights free! Sami slips down, ROCKS Bron, and then fires hands on Bronson! Bronson CLOBBERS Sami! Penta  tries to warn Sami, but Bron aims from the apron! FLYING LARIAT onto the desk!! Bron nearly breaks Sami with that, and Raw goes back to break!

Raw returns once again, and Bron has Sami in a rear bearhug! Sami endures the squeeze and the fans rally up. Sami rises, Penta reaches out, and Sami fires elbows on Bron! Sami fights forward towards his corner, but Bron spins Sami around to CLUB him down! Bron whips, Sami grabs ropes, and then Sami DUMPS Bron out! Sami crawls and the fans fire up, but Bron grabs Sami’s legs! Sami turns over to BOOT Bron away! Bronson tags in and he has Sami’s legs! SENTON MISSES as Sami moves! Sami hurries to crawl, hot tags to Bron and Penta! Penta GAMANGIRIS, then goes up to CROSSBODY! Penta bounces off that, but he eggs Bron on.

Bron runs up, Penta dodges to mule kick a leg! Then SLING DOG! Bronson is in, Penta dodges to SUPERKICK! Bron is up but Penta GAMANGIRIS, sits him down, and HEADSTAND DROPKICKS! Penta then CLUBS away on Bron and hooks up the arms! The fans fire up for “CERO! MIEDO!” DARK SACRIFICE!! Bron writhes and clutches his arm, but Penta hurries to pump handle! But Bron powers out, trophy lifts, and BREAKKER- DDT!! Penta turns things around and hurries to cover, TWO!! Bron survives and Penta is stunned! The fans rally up and Penta CLUBS Bron. Penta goes up a corner, takes aim, but Heyman is on the apron!

The ref reprimands Heyman, the fans boo, but Bron YANKS Penta down! Bron goes up to tag Bronson, SUPER STEINER! Bronson hurries to get Penta up, BLACK FOREST BOMB!! Cover, SAMI BREAKS IT! Heyman is shocked! Bronson TOSSES Sami, then he drags Penta to the drop zone! Bronson climbs, the fans are torn, but the TSUNAMI FLOPS! Penta avoids disaster and both men crawl! Hot tags to Bron and Sami! The fans fire up as Sami clinches Bron, CORNER EXPLODER! Sami hurries to kick Bronson off the apron! Then Sami goes corner to corner, int oa LEAPING LARIAT from Bron! Bron brings the straps down!

The fans bark as Bron builds speed, but the BOOT hits first!! Cover, BRONSON BREAKS IT! Penta gest in, he fires hands on Bronson, but Bronson TOSSES Penta! Sami kicks Bronson, and reels him in!? Bronson is too big, even with good ribs! “This is Awesome!” as Sami keeps trying! But no, Bronson suplexes Sami! Sami slips free, baits Bronson into buckles, and then Penta HOTSHOTS Bronson! Sami kicks low, and manages to suplex Bronson!! The fans fire up with Sami, but Bron’s SPEAR hits!! Cover, Bron & Bronson win!

Winners: Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed, by pinfall

Sami fought so hard, but now he and Penta find themselves surrounded by these animals! SPEAR for Penta! The fans boo but Bronson has Bron TOSS Penta. Bronson wants to go up again, but JEY USO is here! The fans fire up as Main Event Jey makes his way out, chair in hand! Bron still storms up after him, but Jey JAMS Bron up, and SMACKS him down! Jey glares at Bronson, storms into the ring, then dodges to fire haymakers! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey pops, locks ‘n’ puts stank on the HAYMAKER! Bronson staggers, into a SUPERKICK! Bronson stays up!? Jey uses the chair, and he CHUCKS it at Bronson’s head!

The fans fire up as Jey saves Sami, and he also makes sure Penta is good. Are the enemies of Seth Rollins only growing in number and strength? Or will “Plan B” be the key to having absolute control of the WWE?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw, especially to follow Night of Champions. I have no idea why it was on earlier than usual, but I’m not gonna look a gift horse in the mouth on getting this and then extra time in my night. And finally, some build for Evolution. As soon as they gave us Bayley and Lyra arguing, I knew there’d be a match. And as soon as there was a match, I knew there’d be some clever way to get a draw. They didn’t say it here, but they will surely say it next week that Lyra AND Bayley both get that title match with Becky, big Triple Threat for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship at Evolution.

Great promos with American Made to explain Chad Gable’s injury, but also to give us El Grande Americano Dos. That’s obviously Ludwig Kaiser because of how much taller he is, and this is not the direction I thought they were gonna take at all. It might arguably be better because at least Ludwig gets to do something now. Very good promo from Dom and Styles, and that title match is highly anticipated at this point. And as expected, the move for the women’s tag titles is substitution, the same move they did with Bianca, Jade and Naomi. But I do like that they’re upping the ante by having a Fatal 4 Way tag match, that is going to be great stuff.

Great World Tag Team title match, and I appreciate both sides resorting to Heel tactics. Great win for Judgment Day, that helps feed the overall story of Finn trying to finally seize full control. Great match from Sheamus VS Rusev, a real hard hitting match. Rusev bending rules to win was a good touch, and obviously we’ll need more matches from these two. I like the news of the battle royal for Evolution, that’ll also give a great opportunity just for screentime and interactions between all three brands. Kairi Sane had a great promo to issue her mission statement, but something is already telling me Asuka wins the battle royal to make up for losing Queen of the Ring.

Rhea and Iyo had a great promo to open the show, but I am a little mixed on making the title match just like that. But I suppose Rhea won a big match, she deserves this title match in kayfabe. I feel like Iyo should retain, she can face the battle royal winner in Paris, and that can give us Iyo VS Asuka in front of a very excited French crowd. Great set of promos from Gunther to Rollins to all that brawling. As I figured, Rollins and Punk default to the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins saying he just wanted to screw Punk over felt like a copout his character was making. LA Knight going after Rollins is good stuff, too, and Rollins VS Knight will be a great match.

And great stuff with the Rollins faction story but also Sami’s. Kross going after Sami that hard was great, I knew we’d get more from that feud. Great main event match from Sami & Penta VS Bron & Bronson, but yeah, Sami’s bad ribs were of course going to hold him back. But also, of course Jey makes the save. Rollins, Bron & Bronson VS Jey, Sami & Penta makes for a good Six Man Tag, maybe with Kross interfering.

My Score: 8.9/10