Cody Rhodes returns to Raw!

Cody Rhodes is STILL Undisputed WWE Champion after the first-ever WrestlePalooza, and he returns to Monday Night Raw to talk with a certain Visionary…

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• No Disqualification Six Man Tag: The New Day & Grayson Waller VS PENTA & The War Raiders; Penta & The Raiders win.
• Bayley w/ Lyra Valkyria VS Roxanne Perez w/ Raquel Rodriguez; Bayley wins.
• Rusev VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio; Rusev wins.
• LA Knight VS Jey Uso; Jey wins.
• Rhea Ripley VS Asuka w/ Kairi Sane; Rhea wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

LA Knight arrives backstage.

The Mega Star passes by Rusev getting in Dominik Mysterio’s face over the Intercontinental Championship. Knight lets that happen while he heads inside, he has to prepare for Main Event Jey Uso.

Cody Rhodes is here!

Evansville fires up for The American Nightmare and sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~!” The Undisputed WWE Champion gets his pyro, high-fives fans along the ramp, then goes to the ring for the second round of “WHOA~ OH~!” and pyro! Cody steps inside, grabs a mic, and smiles as the fans cheer him on. Cody then says, “So, Evansville, Indiana…! Whaddya wanna talk about?” Cody says they could talk about his Crown Jewel Championship ring. As much as he loves it, he’s got nine other digits, so he’d love to add another ring as he becomes a TWO-TIME Crown Jewel Champion! And against the World Heavyweight-

“BURN IT DOWN!” Seth Rollins doesn’t even wait for an introduction, he leads The Vision out on stage while fans sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed & Paul Heyman follow Rollins to the ring, and while Bron & Bronson won their match with The Usos, Rollins is sour over his loss to CM Punk & AJ Lee. Rollins has his team stand down while he goes to the ring. Rollins and Cody eye each other, then Rollins grabs his own mic. The fans sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and they even bark for Bron. The fans then chant for Cody again while Rollins frowns.

Rollins says, “From the moment we both walked out of SummerSlam as champions, I had Crown Jewel circled on the calendar. We both had some hoops to jump through to get to this point, but here we are: Champion VS Champion. Seth Rollins VS Cody Rhodes, two of the best in the world, in their prime, one on one! May the best man win.” The fans do cheer that, but then Rollins says, “And it should be that simple, but it’s not. Because it’s you and me, and it’s deeper than that, and it’s bigger than that. Now I’m pretty good at reading people, Cody. I know what all these people here tonight think about me.” The fans boo to confirm it.

Rollins knows what the locker room thinks about him, what the internet thinks about him, what everyone watching at home thinks about him, and he doesn’t give a damn! “Because these people, they don’t know what’s good for them. They don’t have the right to make decisions.” But the fans decide to chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Rollins says fortunately, it isn’t about Punk, because Punk doesn’t have a championship. What Rollins needs and wants to know from Cody, and he wants the truth… What does Cody think of Rollins? Cody paces as he thinks on the answer. Rollins wants to know what Cody thinks of him?

Well, it’s complicated. It shouldn’t be. Rollins has certainly, in recent memory, made some questionable choices. One is standing right there, “Hello, Mr. Heyman.” But Seth, what does Cody think of you? Rollins changed Cody’s life. Cody came back, Rollins had the courage to stand across from an opponent he didn’t know. Rollins changed Cody’s life because at Hell in a Cell, without that low, that injury, Cody would not know what he was capable of. And Rollins changed Cody’s career at WrestleMania 40 when Rollins was his shield and helped validate the Rhodes name by getting this WWE Championship to the Rhodes Family!

So it shouldn’t be complicated. Cody just had Rollins’ lovely wife, Becky Lynch, on his podcast. Cody knows it is “sports entertainment” 101 to run Rollins down, to exchange barbs, but the better question is… What does Rollins think of Rollins? Seth Rollins, on any given night, is not just one of the best, but he is perhaps THE absolute best! But that Seth Rollins we’re talking about is not hiding behind three goons. So Cody won’t sling mud, he’ll say it like it is: They have the match, they’re both champions, and a diamond ring is on the line. What can Cody do for Rollins right now? Rollins says if we’re talking that diamond ring…

Before that, Rollins wants to talk about his watch. Yes, this watch is the watch Cody gave Rollins at WrestleMania 40. Rollins hasn’t worn it a single time since then, until tonight. And Rollins needs to know. Was this gift real? Was it? Or was it a token gesture? Because Cody is fantastic at saying all the right things about Rollins, giving glowing praise when it suits him. Because in Cody’s next breath, he undermines everything Rollins stands for. Cody stands here in this ring, goes on interviews, and says with a straight face that he is the right person to lead this industry into the future. The fans cheer in agreement with that.

Rollins knows Cody calls himself Quarterback, QB1, and no one is better for the job. And if Cody believes that in his core, then what does that say about Rollins? The way Rollins sees it, there are only two possibilities: Either Cody doesn’t think Rollins is good enough; or Cody doesn’t think Rollins is as good as Cody. Those aren’t goons! Understand that? The Vision isn’t just a group of people! The Vision is an idea of what the future of this industry looks like! It is what the future of WWE looks like, and it looks like Rollins! Rollins is the tip of the spear, not Cody! The fans boo, but Rollins says Cody can be the quarterback, but he will be Rollins’ quarterback!

And if Cody doesn’t agree with that, it doesn’t matter. Three weeks, Crown Jewel, the truth will come out by any means necessary. Cody will find out that ROLLINS is the creator, the prime mover, and this isn’t a two man show. Rollins IS the alpha! Cody says, “You’re the alpha? A lot of questions here for me. I’ve just got two questions for you. In the three matches that we’ve had, they’ve all been one-on-one. At Crown Jewel, will that be the case? More importantly, in the three matches that we’ve had, Seth Rollins… How many of those have you won?” The fans fire up for that as Cody drops the mic.

Cody takes his leave while Rollins seethes. But then Bron & Bronson step up. Rollins tells them to stand down, so they obey. Cody leaves up the ramp, but will The Visionary, The Revolutionary, Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins keep the peace all the way to Perth?

Jimmy Uso is backstage.

And he checks on Jey. Is he alright? What happened at WrestlePalooza, losing to those fools, that’s trash. Jimmy knows they can beat The Brons. Jimmy went to talk to Adam Pearce for a rematch, but guess what he was told? Jey made his own match with LA Knight. Jey says yeah, he did that. And Jey thinks that’s a good idea? C’mon, man! Jey’s all busted up and hurting. Whatever this is, he has to squash- Jey says he DID squash it! He ain’t even have the time to wipe the blood off his Air Forces! But you know what Jey thinks? Jey & Jimmy would’ve won if LA Knight wasn’t the referee! But hey, wanna know what else he thinks?

Jey thinks The Vision would’ve just taken care of LA Knight last week if Jimmy didn’t tag with him! Oh, Jey trying to flip this on Jimmy now? Trying to blame him? Jey says no, he’s just saying they’ve got a lot to handle. And they’ll handle all that, soon as Jey bodies LA Knight! YEET! Jey storms off, but will it be his rage that costs him tonight?

No Disqualification Six Man Tag: The New Day & Grayson Waller VS PENTA & The War Raiders!

Speaking of grudges, this is the culmination of Xavier Woods, Kofi Kingston & #BigG not letting go of that anger towards the Man with No Fear. But they didn’t realize Penta also had new amigos, and now Erik & Ivar are ready to finally settle things with their old rivals. Will there be anything left standing after these six are unleashed?

Raw returns as Penta makes his entrance, followed by the Raiders! Then they don’t even wait for sorting out, it’s just a brawl! The fans fire up as Penta CHPOS Waller, The Raiders TOSS New Day, and then Waller bails out. The fans fire up more and then Penta’s team builds speed! The New Day & Waller get outta the way, so Penta & Raiders hold up. New Day & Waller then trip up- Well, just Penta and Erik, Ivar is too sturdy! Ivar drags Woods into the ring while the others brawl on the outside! Ivar drags Woods up by his waistband to back suplex! But Woods lands out, and he pokes Ivar’s eyes! Ivar shoves Woods back, and SEATED SENTON!

Kofi runs up, Ivar cartwheels, but Kofi ducks the leg lariat! Kofi HEEL KICKS Ivar down, but Erik is in! He full nelsons but Kofi arm-drags free! But then Erik ducks Trouble in Paradise! Erik KNEES Kofi down! But Waller SMACKS Erik with a kendo stick! And a real nasty one at that! Waller then aims, but Penta takes the stick to SMACK away on Waller! The fans fire up, but Waller dodges another shot! Waller KNEES Penta, then slides out, only for Erik to DECK him! Woods SMACKS Erik, but Erik’s just mad! Kofi CLOBBERS Erik! New Day mugs Erik, puts him in the ring, but Ivar DOUBLE SHOULDER TACKLES!

Ivar and Erik join Penta in saying Cero Miedo! Penta FLIES, Ivar SPLASHES Waller, the whole team is down! The fans fire up with Penta & The Raiders while Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and Woods CHOKES Penta! Kofi & Waller join in on stomping away on Penta! The fans boo but New Day soak up the heat. They then double whip Penta, but he grabs ropes. They send Waller in, but Penta THROWS Waller up and out! Penta then dodges Woods, and RANAS Kofi! New Day bails out, Penta builds speed, but Woods moves aside! So Penta goes out to the apron, only for Woods to trip him up! Woods puts Penta on a table, beats him down, and Kofi goes up! The fans freak out already, but Kofi SUPER DUPER BOOM DROPS through the table! The fans lose their minds while Woods puts Penta in.

Waller covers Penta, but Erik break sit! Ivar BLASTS Woods, then he KNEES Waller! Erik KNEES Waller! Then Ivar goes up! Erik lifts, but Woods SUPERKICKS Erik! Waller is saved, and New Day goes after Ivar! Waller has a kendo stick, but Ivar fights free! Waller swings on Erik, misses, and Erik HEADBUTTS! Erik gets under New Day! DOUBLE POWERBOMB!! Waller LARIATS Erik and himself out of the ring, but Ivar says time to go nuts! HOSS SAULT FLOPS as New Day moves! Woods drags Ivar onto the apron, Kofi SENTONS! Waller runs up, but Ivar picks him up! Waller fights, but Ivar still APRON POWERBOMBS!

Woods SMACKS Ivar with a kendo stick! Then he aims at Erik, calls his shot, but Erik catches Woods! APRON URENAGE! Woods writhes, but Kofi leaps, SPLASH onto Erik’s back! The fans fire up as Kofi springboards, but Penta dodges! Penta runs up, Kofi dodges, but Penta avoids the table! Kofi runs up, OVERHEAD SUPLEX through the table!! Kofi snaps the Slim Jim, and then Penta climbs up. But Waller SMACKS him with a kendo stick! And SMACKS him again, and again! Waller then adjusts position, “We run  this!” But Penta fires hands! They brawl up top, Penta throws some elbows, then “CERO! MIEDO!” SUPER DUPER DESTROYER!!

The fans are thunderous as Waller sputters, Penta covers, Penta & Raiders win!

Winners: Penta & The War Raiders, by pinfall

Evansville loves the insanity as Penta puts the final exclamation point on this story! Will this allow Penta to move on to a new chapter? Or will New Day insist on one more sequel?

The Judgment Day is in the clubhouse.

Finn Balor seems to be setting up WWE 2K on his Switch while the others talk about Roxanne Perez taking on Bayley. But Dom bursts in and says this Rusev situation is getting outta hand! Rusev wants the IC title! Oh, what happened to Mr. I’ve Got This Handled By Myself? Well, last week, they all said some things they regret, but they can move past that, they’re the Judgment Day. Rusev’s coming after him, so- Well, if Dom needs help, can’t he go ask his new amigo, El Grande Americano? No, he’s back in Mexico this week! Why can’t Finn help? Sorry, he’s busy. Dom is very worried, so he asks JD McDonagh what he’s up to. JD’s also busy.

Dom says c’mon, man! He knows Finn won’t help, but surely JD will. JD says what Finn says about Dom taking care of this himself. That is what Dom said, right? Dom says “allegedly.” But c’mon, muchacho! Roxie says JD should help Dom. They’re Judgment Day! They’re a team! JD should help Dom when he asks. Please? JD sighs and says fine. He isn’t doing it for Dom, he’s doing it for Judgment Day. Yes, for Judgment Day! JD says he’ll go talk to Pearce, but Dom says no, it’s already official. Rusev VS McDonagh for later tonight! Roxie & Raquel feel bad now and say they gotta go, match with Bayley and all. Good luck, JD!

Dom says yeah, for the Judgment Day! It’ll work out great. Will it, Dom? Will it?

Lyra Valkyria and Bayley meet backstage.

The Morrigan is a bit worried but this is apparently Positive Bayley right now. She asks what’s up, and Lyra just wants to apologize for last week. She really should not have just barged into Bayley’s room unannounced or uninvited. Bayley says no, hold on, she wanted to talk about that last week, too. That was awesome! Lyra won a big match! Take that, Judgment Day! And then Bayley got to return, the fans went wild, it was so much fun, and it was great to see Lyra again. W-What? What? It was fun! And maybe Lyra could be in Bayley’s corner tonight? Um, is Bayley joking around or something?

Why would Lyra ask that? Cuz Bayley screamed at her! What? No, wait, Lyra is joking with her! So weird. But Bayley digs it. And duh, Roxie’s got Raquel, so Bayley needs someone. And after Bayley helped Lyra, maybe Lyra can return the favor. Wait… Is Bayley not upset? Even if she is, weren’t they supposed to keep their distance? Lyra isn’t sure what’s going on, but if this means something ot Bayley, and can help Bayley be the best version of herself… YES! It’d mean so much! Bayley knows she’d get great energy for it, and she does wanna impress Lyra so that’d help, too. Then okay, Lyra will go out there. Okay, no take backs!

They try to handshake it out, and then Bayley heads for gorilla. Lyra still can’t make heads or tails of anything, but then Stephanie Vaquer passes by. Lyra and Vaquer say hey, and now Vaquer heads to gorilla. La Primera is the NEW WWE Women’s World Champion, what will her first move as champion?

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

Raw returns with the Raw General Manager, and he welcomes out the NEW WWE Women’s World Champion, Stephanie Vaquer! The fans cheer as Vaquer makes her way to the ring, and they chant, “You Deserve It!” Pearce agrees, Vaquer does deserve this. He is sure he speaks on behalf of everyone when he says, “Congratulations.” Vaquer smiles and says gracias, thank you so much. This is the dream of her life. Many times, she felt it was impossible. But she worked for it, sacrificed for it, and she made it! The fans cheer that! Vaquer says she beat one of the best on the planet in Iyo Sky, and she learned to be strong and never give up, because she had the best example in her father.

Vaquer’s father is in the crowd tonight and he waves and raises up the one for his daughter. The fans cheer, and Vaquer adds in Espanol that she is the first-ever South American born world champion in the WWE! This championship represents the motivation and support the fans have all given her. The fans cheer that! And every single one of them celebrated with her at WrestlePalooza, and they cried with her, so she says thank you. The fans cheer, and Vaquer says her fire will keep burning, and it will keep making history. Nobody, and she means nobody, can stop her. For she is La Primera. THE Women’s World Champion!

The fans cheer again, and Pearce says yes, her road as champ is hot. Tiffany Stratton faces Nia Jax and Jade Cargill this Friday in a Triple Threat for the WWE Women’s Championship, meaning the winner will meet Stephanie Vaquer at Crown Jewel for the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship! Vaquer vows to be there. Then give it up for the NEW Women’s World Champion, La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer! The fans cheer, she gets pyro, and the goal is clear. Vaquer is ready for Perth, but will it be the Wrestling Barbie, The Irresistible Force or The Storm that meets her there?

Nikki Bella greets Stephanie Vaquer backstage.

Nikki congratulates Vaquer on the win, and then Rhea Ripley steps in. Rhea also congratulates Steph, but reminds her that she wants next. Vaquer says she’ll be waiting. But then Asuka & Kairi barge in, and The Empress tells them all to just wait one second. Iyo should be champion, Vaquer doesn’t deserve it! Nikki says Vaquer actually does deserve it, and she’ll be an amazing champion. Vaquer says any time Asuka wants to fight, Vaquer will prove to her just why she is champion. Asuka talks a bit of smack in Japanese, but Rhea says out of respect for Iyo, she’s staying out of Asuka’s way. But she’s getting real tired of that attitude.

Asuka says aw, poor Rhea. Rhea better stay away from Iyo or Asuka will show Rhea why she’s not ready. Rhea says oh, okay, but thing is, she IS ready! Let’s just settle this in the ring, tonight! Asuka says fine. Asuka leaves, Kairi apologizes, but then Asuka shouts for Kairi. Kairi sheepishly follows after, but will Mami eradicate the Empress?

Bayley w/ Lyra Valkyria VS Roxanne Perez w/ Raquel Rodriguez!

The Role Model is back in action, but it’s still uncertain just what to expect. Will it at least be a victory for her over Judgment Day? Or will The Prodigy look to ruin all the fun?

Raw returns as Roxie makes her entrance, Big Mami Cool by her side. The bell rings and the two circle while the fans rally. They tie up, Bayley arm-drags Roxie, and the fans cheer. Roxie runs up, Bayley slips around, and Bayley waistlocks. Roxie fights the lift, slips out the back, and shoves Bayley to a corner. Roxie runs in but Bayley spins it around to headlock takeover! The fans fire up, but Roxie pulls Bayley’s hair. Roxie puts Bayley in a corner, smothers Bayley, thrashes her around, but stops as the ref counts. Roxie frowns, shoves Bayley, then shoves her again and again. Bayley DECKS Roxie! The fans fire up as Bayley then storms up and clinches!

Roxie rolls through the throw, but Bayley rolls through that, and then Roxie ducks ‘n’ dodges. Roxie tilt-o-whirls, but Bayley fights the leg sweep. Roxie ducks, Bayley hurdles, then Bayley trips Roxie up! The fans cheer, Bayley runs, and she ELBOWS Roxie in the back! Then SLIDING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Bayley as she has Roxie on the apron. Roxie hits back, gets away, and has to push past Lyra. Bayley hurries after Roxie, ROCKS her first, then runs up, DAREDEVIL- NO, Roxie dodges the dropkick to RAM Bayley into barriers! The ref reprimands and starts the ring count, but Roxie puts Bayley in.

Roxie headlocks, but Bayley hits a BIG back suplex! Roxie is in the corner, but Bayley RAMS her! Bayley rolls, wacky waving- BOOT! Roxie goes up, but Bayley UPPERCUTS! Bayley climbs up, Roxie fights free and slips out. Bayley ROCKS Roxie again, but Raquel shouts at her! Roxie KICKS Bayley’s legs out in the distraction! Bayley is in a Tree of Woe, Roxie goes up to stomp the legs! The ref counts, Roxie stops, but then she stands on the bad leg! Bayley suffers, the fans boo, and the ref counts, but Roxie hops off at 4, to then JUMP STOMP Bayley down! Bayley writhes more while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Bayley kicks Roxie low. The fans rally as Bayley suplexes for a GOURD BUSTER! Bayley goes up the corner, aims, and ELBOW DROPS Roxie while she stands! Cover, TWO! Roxie survives, Raquel is frustrated, but Lyra and the fans rally up behind Bayley. Bayley goes back up the corner, but Roxie trips her up! Roxie goes outside, climbs up to join Bayley, and she SUPER STEINERS! Bayley writhes, Roxie runs, and HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives and now Roxie is frustrated! Roxie pushes Bayley around, talks trash, and drags her up. But Bayley breaks free!

Roxie SOBATS, runs, POP- NO, Bayley’s leg doesn’t let her stay up! Roxie sunset flips now, but Bayley rolls through! Roxie avoids a knee to roll Bayley again, TWO! Bayley ROCKS Roxie again! The fans fire up, Bayley whips, but Roxie reverses. Bayley goes up, but Roxie gets her! ELEVATED RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Both women are down again and the fans rally up. Bayley bails out, the ref has Raquel stay back, and Roxie runs to DIVE into a forearm! Bayley hobbles, brings Roxie up, but Roxie SOBATS! POP ROX to the floor! The ring count climbs while both women are down, but Roxie rolls in at 4 of 10.

Roxie shouts for the count to go faster, but we’re at 7 of 10. Bayley stirs, rises, and LEAPS in at 9! The fans fire up and Roxie is furious! Roxie argues with the ref, but Raquel YANKS Bayley out! BOOT!! Lyra ROCKS Raquel! The fans fire up but then Raquel shoves Lyra away! Choke grip, then a scoop! But Lyra POSTS Raquel! Roxie runs, and she DIVES onto Lyra! Roxie HAMMERS away on Lyra, tells her to stay out of this, but then Bayley gets that headache. She sees what happened to Lyra, and she grabs Roxie by her hair! Bayley reels Roxie in, THROWS her around, then works to calm down. But Roxie spins her around! But BAYLEY2BELLY!! And a KNEE!!

Bayley hooks Roxie up, ROSE PLANT!! Cover, Bayley wins!

Winner: Bayley, by pinfall

The Judgment Day tried to get the better of her, but it all worked out for Bayley! Lyra is pumped, she wants to celebrate with a hug, but Bayley SHOVES Lyra down!? Bayley says Lyra can’t touch her with her stupid little outfit! Do you know who she is!? Bayley fights the headache and tells Lyra to stay out of this! Bayley storms off and Lyra is even more confused than before. What is going on in the mind of Bayley?

Cody Rhodes and Jimmy Uso meet up backstage.

They say what’s up, and Jimmy congrats Cody on the win at WrestlePalooza. Cody thanks Jimmy for that and asks how he’s feeling. Jimmy says he feels good. He knows he didn’t win at WrestlePalooza, but he’s still good. Then how is Jey? Jimmy says Cody knows Jey, he’s all in his own head right now. Jey’s not listening to Jimmy, but maybe he’ll listen to Cody? Cody says yeah, he can talk to Jey. Cody heads out, can The American Nightmare get through to Main Event Jey?

Cody finds Jey in the locker room.

They shake hands and Cody sits with him. Cody mentions Jimmy being a bit worried about Jey. Is Jey okay? Jey says don’t worry about that, #BigJim is always trippin’. Jey is good, he promises. Well, okay, but if he wasn’t good… Cody’s been there, the highs and lows, the wins and losses. And sometimes people isolate themselves or lash out. Cody’s been on the biggest stage of ’em all more than once, but the point is that you have your family, your fans, your friends, and they believe in Jey. Jey appreciates that, Uce. But no worries. He’ll find his way back up to the top. Cody heads out, but was Jey perhaps eyeing the Undisputed title a bit too much…?

Rusev VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio!

The Bulgarian Brute has bullied superstars before, but he’s put the fear of God into the dual WWE Intercontinental & AAA Mega Champion. The self-proclaimed “King of the Luchadores” has called upon the Irish Ace, can JD handle Rusev for him? Or will there be no stopping the Son of Thunder?

Raw returns and Rusev makes his entrance. Rusev glares at Dom but Dom smirks very smugly while he stays far away. The bell rings, JD and Rusev circle, and Rusev says as soon as he goes through JD, he’ll go right after Dom and that Intercontinental Championship. JD and Rusev reel things out, then Rusev kicks low! Rusev CLUBS JD, UPPERCUTS him, then fires off hands in the corner! The ref counts, Rusev stops at 4, then he goes back for more. JD CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS, but Rusev KNEES low! Rusev suplexes high and hard, and he warns Dom that is coming for him! And he suplexes JD again!

Rusev HIP DROPS JD, then makes sure Dom sees it. ELBOW DROP! JD flounders to ropes, but Rusev CHOKES him! The ref counts, Rusev stops at 4, then KICKS JD on the back! JD writhes, Rusev eggs him on as he scuffs him. Rusev ROCKS JD, reels him in, and suplexes. JD slips out this time, and he CHOPS! Rusev just frowns. JD runs, Rusev pursues, and the fans cheer! JD slips back into the ring, ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Rusev BACKDROPS him! Dom coaches JD but Rusev storms up. Rusev CLOBBERS JD right outta the ring! Dom hurries over to coach JD, but Rusev storms out after him! SNAKE EYES off the apron!

Rusev glares at Dom, then THROWS JD, but JD lands safe over the steps! JD DROPKICKS the steps into Rusev! Rusev hobbles, JD goes to the apron, PENALTY KCIK! JD tries another, but Ruesv blocks! Rusev YANKS JD down, but JD POSTS Rusev first! Rusev is down, but JD SMACKS him off the apron. JD goes up to ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Rusev and the fans fire up! Both men are down while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Rusev has JD stuck on the top rope. Rusev then ROCKS JD, climbs up to join him, but JD slips under! JD YANKS Rusev down and Rusev hits off buckles! JD catches his breath while Rusev storms up, and JD JAWBREAKERS! Rusev staggers, JD goes to a corner, and Rusev runs in, only for JD to slip to the outside! Rusev hits buckles, JD trips him up, and then JD slingshots to TORNILLO! The fans fire up, Rusev gets up, but JD sends him into more buckles! JD then runs and BUSAIKU KNEES Rusev down! Cover, ONE?!? Rusev has so much left in the tank but JD goes after him.

Rusev grabs JD by the neck, but JD fires fast hands! JD runs, tilt-o-whirls, DDT! Rusev staggers up, and JD HEADBUTTS him back down! Rusev falls into the drop zone, JD goes up top, “This is Awesome!” as JD MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO!! Rusev survives and JD can’t believe it! JD and Rusev crawl around, and JD fires a forearm. And another forearm! And another forearm! Rusev stands as JD throws more shots. JD LARIATS but Rusev stays up! JD runs to LARIAT again, but still nothing! JD tries again, and again, but then Rusev pops him up, SWINGING BODY SLAM! Rusev roars and stomps around, then MACHKA KICK!!

Rusev isn’t done, he says, “GAME OVER~!” ACCOLADE!! JD endures but then Dom gets on the apron! The ref sees that, and Dom stops! Dom is too afraid to save JD, JD TAPS! Rusev wins!!

Winner: Rusev, by submission

FINN gets in there! EYE OF THE HURRICANE on Rusev! Finn is mad with Dom, but he LARIATS Rusev first! Judgment Day gets JD outta there, and Finn is still telling Dom off over this. Will Dirty Dom get his head in the game? Or is fear clouding his mind?

Iyo Sky finds Asuka & Kairi Sane.

Iyo wants Asuka to reconsider. She doesn’t have to fight Rhea. Asuka says the match is happening, and Asuka needs to teach Rhea respect. And she doesn’t want advice from someone who just lost. Asuka says in Japanese that since Iyo can’t seem to get the job done, Asuka will. Asuka leaves, Iyo asks Kairi to do something about this, but Kairi says Asuka is why they’re here. They must listen to Asuka. Oh, Asuka doesn’t shout for her? Wait, never mind… Kairi practically falls apart, but she still follows after. Will The Empress ever listen to reason?

Backstage interview with LA Knight.

Jackie Redmond is with The Mega Star and brings up his part at WrestlePalooza where he was the special guest referee for The Usos VS The Bron-Brons. She was curious, does Knight think his “unique” style play a role in this lingering issue between him and Jey? Oh, good lord is she wordy! Just lemma talk to ya! Knight says the thing is, whatever that was on Saturday, Jey came in all hot, and Knight wondered if Jey should worry about Knight or about his own health? The only reason things went down the way they did, Knight was making sure Jey was okay. We all saw what happened to him, Knight was checking if Jey was good.

Jey shoves Knight away, eats the spear through the table, rest is history. Now Jey’s all hot at Knight! Knight isn’t trying to hurt Jey, but if he has to, he will! Talk about bodying Knight? Jey needs to make sure he didn’t brain himself, that’s what he did on Saturday. And if Jey wants, Knight will do a BFT for him, with everybody saying, “L! A! Knight! YEAH!” The Mega Star heads out, will this be the last time he and Jey fight each other?

Speaking of Jey, he enters from the concourse, and he asks they hit his music. Four letters, one word, UH UH, YEET! Evansville is ready to bounce along, but will Jey be able to bounce back after all the damage done at WrestlePalooza?

LA Knight VS Jey Uso!

Raw returns as Knight makes his entrance. The bell rings and Jey is right on Knight with haymakers! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey fires off in the corner, the ref counts, and Jey UPPERCUTS! Knight staggers to another corner, Jey storms up, but Knight counter punches! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” The fans rally, Knight whips, but Jey reverses. Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges, but Jey CLOBBERS Knight! The fans fire up while Knight sputters. Jey rains down fists, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Jey then lets off with a stomp! “YEET!” Jey eggs Knight on, whips him corner to corner hard, then runs up, but Knight dodges! JUMP NECKBREAKER!

Knight finally throws off his vest and the fans fire up. Knight cravats, Jey powers out, but then Knight DUMPS Jey out! Knight builds speed, but Jey avoids the dropkick! Jey then CLOBBERS Knight again! Both men are down and the fans rally up while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Jey CLOBBERS Knight in the ring! Cover, TWO! Knight toughs it out and Jey grows frustrated. Jey goes to the corner, climbs up, but Knight rises up to ROCK him first! Knight climbs, but Jey fires body shots! Jey SHOVES Knight away, but Knight springs right back up! The fans fire up for the SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both men are down and the fans fire up again! Jey and Knight slowly rise up and the fans rally again. Jey stands, but Knight fires first! “YEAH!” Jey snarls and ROCKS Knight back! “YEET!” The hands go back and forth, “YEAH! YEET! YEAH!” Then Knight gets the edge, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!”

Knight spins, but into Jey’s flurry! “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Pop, lock, take the shirt off, then put some stank on the hand, but Knight spins Jey to a cravat! B F- NO, Jey powers out! But Knight avoids the superkick! Torture rack and BURNING HAMMER! YEAH!! Cover, TWO!! Jey survives and Knight is shocked! “This is Awesome!” as Knight rises and waits on Jey. Jey stands, but he dodges the boot! Roll up, TWO! Knight goes to a corner, dodges Je, Jey hits POST! But he holds onto ropes to deny the dropkick! Knight crashes down and tumbles out, so Jey builds speed! Jey DIVES and Knight is sent into barriers!

The fans fire up again and Jey brings Knight back into the ring. Jey aims, and he SUPERKICKS! Knight falls, Jey covers, TWO! Jey is frustrated, but he goes to a corner. Jey waits on Knight, then runs in, but Knight KICKS Jey! And then DDT! Jey flops down, Knight kips up! The fans cheer as Knight goes up! He spells it out, then BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP! The fans fire up and Knight waits on Jey. But THE BRONS are here! Knight DECKS Breakker, DECKS Reed, then WERCKS Breakker! But then Jey runs up, SPEAR!! Jey hurries up top, USO SPLASH!! Cover, Jey wins!

Winner: Jey Uso, by pinfall

The Vision stepped in, and they ended up helping Jey win! But as Jey takes his leave, The Brons regroup. And now they have Knight all to themselves! Jimmy walks out here to ask Jey to help him fight The Brons, but Jey says let The Brons go after Knight. Jey leaves, but Knight grabs a chair! Jimmy runs out there and slides into the ring! Heyman tells Breakker no, not tonight. Breakker wants to fight, but he listens to The Oracle. The Vision leaves it at this for now, but will the dysfunction between the Usos do the work for them?

Seth Rollins & Becky Lynch are in the private suite.

The Visionary looks at his WrestleMania 40 watch while The Man rants on and on about Cody Rhodes. Cody is a politician, he curries favor, he’s a faker, he’s just fake fake fake, especially with Rollins. Then the Usos out there with their stupid four letters, one word, one braincell! Becky won’t let Cody talk about her! “Lovely wife!” He could’ve said a lot of things about Becky, like she’s dangerous, intelligent, the greatest female wrestler in history, because she is! And there are others who say that! Sports Illustrated, Bleacher Report, ESPN! And this crowd? They just go along with every word of Cody’s. They’re not fans, they’re thieves!

Everyone is trying to steal everything that Seth & Becky have built! They cannot allow it! No one else has done what they have done! Not Cody, not CM Punk, not AJ Lee! Becky has an idea. She’s gonna go handle things. Becky take her belt and heads out, but will she really do what it sounds like she’s gonna do?

Iyo finds Rhea.

Rhea worries Asuka’s gonna show up. But Iyo says this is all her. Rhea says she feels bad for Iyo not winning at WrestlePalooza. Iyo says that’s alright. She just needs Rhea to call of this match with Asuka. No, Rhea is sick of Asuka’s disrespect. This match has to happen. But think of it this way: Maybe some respect can be beaten into Asuka, the same as what Rhea and Iyo did. Iyo says fine. Rhea tells Iyo that she needs to be careful around Asuka. Why? What does that mean? Asuka is like family! Yes, but that’s why it hurts more when you can’t trust family. Rhea knows all too well how that feels.

Then Rhea should know Iyo wouldn’t be here without Asuka. Iyo can trust her! But can she trust Rhea? Iyo hurries off, Rhea says that’s not what she meant. Will Mami and the Empress just have to get to the bottom of this themselves?

The Roots of Lucha Libre run far and wide.

And while there are many influential families, none have paved the way more for its global popularity like Los Americanos! With three triumphant returns, this trio is poised for a takeover like never witnessed! Many believed they were gone forever, relics of old like the extinct Guadalupe Caracara. But they have been restored, rejuvenated, and stronger than ever! Cunning, unyielding, enigmatic! Nature is healing as the Americano Dynasty grows in power and takes its rightful place on the throne of WWE! Long live Lucha Libre, and long live the Dominion of Americano! Okay, obvious deepfakes aside, are Los Americanos truly taking over the WWE?

Maxxine Dupri talks with Adam Pearce.

The Alpha Baby wants Pearce to understand, she’s put in the work! She’s truly shed blood, sweat and tears for this. Whoever he gives her, she’ll be ready for her. Pearce believes that Maxxine believes that, but they all know that this WWE Women’s Division has been the strongest it’s ever been. Maxxine can keep doing what she’s doing, he’ll find the right opportunity for her, and he’ll get back to her. Maxxine thanks him for that, and heads out. And then in steps AJ Styles & Dragon Lee. They are really upset with this Americano nonsense. They all know how petty Styles can be. And Lee is upset by all this trash! It is a disgrace to him and the lucha libre culture!

Whenever they get in the ring with THE Grande Americano, another one pops up! How many are there?! Lee says give them all those pendejos in the ring next week! Which two? Doesn’t matter! Then Pearce will talk with the Americanos, so consider that match official. Styles & Lee thank Pearce for that, and Styles wants Pearce to make sure there’s an embargo on Grande Americanos. Three is enough. Yeah, Pearce gets that. But will the Phenomenal One & Boy Wonder put whichever two of the three in their place? Or will WWE soon be Americanos Country?

Rhea Ripley VS Asuka w/ Kairi Sane!

The issues between these two have all pivoted around who is, and who is allowed to be, Iyo Sky’s friend. The Genius tried but failed to bring about a peaceful resolution, so who wins at the end of this instant classic?

The bell rings, the fans rally for “MAMI! MAMI!” and the two circle. Rhea ducks a roundhouse, waistlocks, but Asuka switches. Rhea fights off the Asuka Lock, throws Asuka away, but then Asuka kicks low. Asuka KICKS Rhea again and again, has her in a corner, then runs up, only for Rhea to catch the body block! Rhea carries Asuka but Asuka victory rolls, TWO! Rhea waistlocks to GERMAN SUPLEX! Asuka flounders, Rhea runs up, but Asuka dodges! Rhea ends up on the apron, Asuka HIP ATTACKS her to the floor! Asuka smiles while Rhea is down, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Asuka kicks Rhea to a corner. Asuka then whips corner to corner, Rhea reverses, and the fans rally for Rhea again. Asuka puts Rhea on the apron, ROCKS her, then runs her side to side. Rhea blocks the bump to ROCK Asuka. Rhea steps in, but Asuka has the leg! DRAGON SCREW! Rhea writhes and clutches that leg, but Asuka drags her around. Asuka talks some trash, slaps Rhea around, then sits her up to taunt her more. Rhea takes swings but Asuka stays away. Asuka pushes Rhea, but Rhea SLAPS Asuka! The fans rally up, Rhea eggs Asuka on, so Asuka runs up! Rhea wrenches to short arm ALRIAT! And short arm LARIAT!

Rhea ripcords Asuka to HOOK KICK! Then Atomic SLAM! Rhea keeps moving, basement DROPKICK! The fans fire up with Rhea and she drags Asuka up! NORTHERN LIGHTS! Bridging cover, TWO! Asuka stays in this but Rhea stays calm. Rhea watches Asuka stir, Kairi coaches Asuka up, but the fans rally for “MAMI! MAMI!” Rhea gut wrenches, but Asuka fights the torture rack! And a DROPKICK to the leg! SLIDING KICK! Cover, TWO! Asuka grows frustrated but she refocuses. Asuka steps on Rhea’s bad leg, then paces. Asuka storms up on Rhea, Rhea kicks low, but Asuka fires a forearm. Rhea sputters, Asuka KICKS the bad leg.

Asuka KICKS the leg again and again, but Rhea fights the waistlock. Rhea switches, Asuka switches, but Rhea goes to the ropes. Rhea bucks the O’Conner, runs up, and BOOTS! Asuka tumbles right out of the ring! Rhea goes to the apron, CANNOBALL to the floor! The fans fire up with Rhea as she rises up, and Raw goes to break again.

Raw returns once again, and Asuka grabs Rhea’s leg! Rhea hops around to fight the Ankle Lock, and she ROCKS Asuka! And CLUBS her down! Rhea drags Asuka up to whip her into buckles. Rhea then storms up to stand Asuka up, and CHOP! The fans “WOO~” and Rhea puts Asuka up top. Rhea CHOPS again, then climbs up, and the fans fire up as she brings Asuka to the top! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Both women are down and the fans fire up, but Kairi can barely watch. “This is Awesome!” as both women rise up. The two throw forearms, even on their knees! And even as they stand! The fans are on Rhea’s side as the shots go back and forth!

Rhea winds up, but Asuka catches her to spin and backslide, TWO! BUZZ- NO, Rhea ducks the kick! Asuka avoids a boto! Asuka ELBOWS Rhea, but Rhea ROLLING ELBOWS! Both women stand again, and Rhea SUPERKICKS! Rhea reels Asuka in, gut wrenches, and RAZOR’S EDGE! Then SLIDING KICK of her own! Cover, TWO!! Asuka survives and Rhea is beside herself! Rhea drags Asuka up as the fans are behind her. Rhea pump handles, but Asuka fights free! And then ARMBAR TAKEDOWN! Rhea endures as Asuka pulls on her arm! Rhea clasps hands, stacks Asuka, TWO! Both women go to corners, and Rhea runs up!

Asuka dodges, Rhea POSTS herself! Then Asuka ROUNDHOUSES! Rhea is down, Asuka covers, TWO!! Rhea survives, Kairi is distraught and Asuka is frustrated, but Evansville is all about “MAMI! MAMI!” Asuka gives Rhea some Kawada Kicks, then a- NO, Rhea blocks it !But Asuka URAKENS! URAKENS! And KICK! And RIDGE HAND! BUZZSAW!! Rhea falls out of the ring! Asuka argues with the ref, signals to Kairi, but Kairi hesitates. The ref has her stay back, and now Asuka is upset with Kairi. Asuka almost scares Kairi into falling over. Asuka SMACKS Rhea off the desk! Asuka puts Kairi in, and tells Kairi to make herself useful!

Kairi pleads with “nee-san” to forgive her. Asuka runs in and ELBOWS Rhea! Asuka runs but Rhea ROCKS her! Rhea runs, but Asuka swings! rhea dodges, but Asuka blocks the kick! KNEEBAR!! Asuka has the grapevine on top of it! Rhea endures, reaches out, but she’s so far away from ropes! Asuka makes it an ANKLE LOCK and puts all her weight on the foot! Rhea hops around, but Asuka reels her in, GERMAN SUPLEX! The fans boo as Asuka goes up a corner and takes aim. Rhea rises, but she ANTIAIR DROPKICKS!! Both women are down and the fans are thunderous! “This is Awesome!” as both women stir.

Asuka tells Kairi to go, do her part! Kairi goes around the outside, aims at Rhea, but Rhea blocks! Asuka runs in, but Rhea dodge! HIP ATTACK hits Kairi! Rhea rolls Asuka up, AND WINS!!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

Turns out, Rhea WAS ready for Asuka! But Asuka is pissed! BLUE MIST!! The mist gets Rhea full in the face!! The fans boo but Asuka says NOW Kairi can do her part! Kairi gets in the ring, stalks Rhea, and she HAMMERS away on Rhea! The fans boo as Asuka & Kairi mug Rhea! BUT HERE COMES IYO! The Genius has had enough, and she slides in to shove Asuka! Asuka and Iyo argue about all this, but Iyo manages to get Asuka to back down. Asuka apologizes, maybe tears up a bit, and hugs it out with Iyo. Rhea begs for water and a towel, but then Asuka URAKENS IYO!! Kairi is as shocked as the fans, and Asuka says that if you aren’t grateful to her, then you’re against her!!

Now Kairi is being made to attack Iyo! Kairi is betraying Iyo because of her loyalty out of fear! Asuka ROUNDHOUSES Iyo down! The fans boo but Asuka drags Iyo over. Rhea rises, but Asuka WHEEL KICKS her back down! Then Asuka drags Iyo up, Kairi climbs, and they hit the IN-SANE DDT!! Asuka is proud of Kairi, but the fans are disappointed. Will Asuka make sure that only The Kabuki Warriors rule Raw?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw here that actually turned things around from, as ESPN put it, a C grade WrestlePalooza that “fell short of expectations.” But that aside, we at least got great continuation of the stuff that was actually great from WrestlePalooza, such as The Vision’s story with The Usos and LA Knight. The Usos had a good promo with each other about how Jey wanted his match with Knight before settling things with The Vision, and Knight had a good promo in response to that. Great match from Jey and Knight, and The Vision getting involved with that match made sense. It was an intriguing visual detail that Jey didn’t wear his merchandise, perhaps a sign of his further changing attitude, possibly even Heel turn.

Jimmy wanting to help Knight, wanting to make sure Jey is alright, and Jey not caring about Knight at all, that’s of course another sign. I believe we’re getting a rematch of Usos VS Bron-Bron, and that’ll be awesome stuff, but I feel like The Usos are just gonna lose again to add more tension. Very good promo from Cody and Rollins to start us towards Crown Jewel, but it maybe took a little too long to get to the point. Rollins might have a point about Cody pontificating and purposefully using big words just to hide he’s being two-faced. It would be fun if “Homelander Cody” started happening after Perth because of this Crown Jewel Champion match.

Becky also had a good ranting promo behind Rollins, and I thought she was going to talk to Pearce right after this, but we instead get Maxxine, Styles & Lee talking to Pearce instead. I really want to see Bloodsport Nattie show up instead of “Natty” but I don’t think she’d murder Maxxine just to make a point. A fan sign did mention Ivy Nile, where have American Made been? I get that this now Los Americanos thing has done a lot better than “Gable is Grande Americano,” but shouldn’t Los Americanos be feuding with The Creeds about it? Styles & Lee VS what I would think is Americanos Dos y Tres (Dunne & Bate) will be a great match, and a great win for Los Americanos.

Great Six Man Tornado Tag, and great win for Penta & War Raiders. Not sure what happens after this, but hard to say if New Day is done with Penta or not. Great stuff with Bayley being unstable, in that she’s doing a great job playing up this back and forth between her personalities. Great match with Roxie, great win for Bayley, especially when it seemed like her rage was awakened because of what happened to Lyra, who she does still think of as a friend. Hilarious stuff with Judgment Day and Dom being that afraid of Rusev. Great match with Rusev and JD, and this is a great way to add to the dysfunction.

And of course, great stuff with both the Women’s World Championship story as well as this Asuka story. Vaquer had a great promo to give some genuine thanks to her father and her fans, and then we got some good stuff with her, Nikki, Rhea and the Kabuki Warriors. Rhea VS Asuka was a great main event, though it’s just +1 to the times they’ve “improvised” a main event when they should come in with one already set. But that aside, great stuff with Iyo trying to reason with both sides, failing, and then ultimately being a victim of Asuka’s madness. The tag match of Rhea & Iyo VS Kabuki Warriors is definitely happening now, that’ll be awesome stuff, and it might give Rhea something for Perth to also hold her over until she can challenge Vaquer later.

My Score: 8.8/10