Will Rusev have his day?

Tonight, Dominik Mysterio defends the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Rusev, but will Judgment Day come to the rescue again? Or is Dirty Dom all on his own for this one?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS Rusev; Dom wins and retains the title.
• Bayley VS Raquel Rodriguez w/ Roxanne Perez; Raquel wins.
• LA Knight VS Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods; Knight wins.
• AJ Styles & Dragon Lee VS Los Americanos; Styles & Dragon win.
• Tornado Tag: The Usos VS Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed; The Usos win.

PLAY BY PLAY

Rhea Ripley is here!

Raleigh, North Carolina is all fired up for Mami as she heads to the ring! She seethes as she grabs the mic, and she shouts for Asuka and Kairi! “Look. I always knew that it would come to this. But there was a little part of me that hoped we could’ve settled things in the ring, settle our problems here in the ring like the warriors that I thought you were. But no.” Rhea can’t help but laugh here. What Asuka & Kairi did to Iyo Sky, THAT crossed the line! Wasn’t Asuka the one claiming Iyo was family? So look, this is what they’re gonna do: They’re gonna settle things in this ring! “So Kabuki Warriors, COME AND GET ME!”

Rhea waits on them, but wait! Iyo Sky is here! The Genius is very downtrodden as she goes to the ring and gets herself a mic. The fans rally for Iyo as she looks to Rhea and says, “It breaks my heart to say this, but… You were right about Asuka & Kairi. But they are my family!” The fans boo, but Iyo says that she… She still loves them! Rhea consoles Asuka, but then the lights change! Asuka is on the tron! Asuka says it is up to Iyo what happens next. Asuka taught Iyo everything she knows, she was her mentor, and she paved the way for her. Now Iyo acts like none of that matters! She acts like RHEA is family, when she is NOT family!

Asuka made Iyo who she is, and Iyo only became champion because of Asuka, and then Iyo goes and forgets about her. But because Asuka “loves” Iyo, she will forgive her. Iyo just has to apologize like she should. Kairi nods complicitly, and Asuka says they can both still be hers. Kairi says they can be a family again! As for Rhea, Asuka says it is too late! Rhea says no, Asuka, no! Go to Hell! Rhea looks to Iyo and wants her to understand, she can trust Rhea. Rhea’s been burned by “family” before. She isn’t telling Iyo what to do, but how can Iyo go back to Asuka? Rhea tries to reason with Iyo, the fans cheer Iyo and Rhea on, but Iyo is conflicted.

Iyo says she’s sorry, she just needs time to think. Iyo leaves, Rhea tries to plead with her, but THE KABUKI WARRIORS ATTACK FROM BEHIND! The video was a trick! The fans boo as Asuka & Kairi stomp away on Rhea, what is Iyo to do? IYO RUSHES IN! Iyo goes after Asuka! The fans cheer as Iyo tells Asuka to back off! Kairi gets between Iyo and Asuka to try and keep the peace, and Iyo is conflicted again. But then ASUKA BLUE MISTS IYO!! Asuka says Iyo is a fool for not just doing what she said, but RHEA TACKLES ASUKA! Kairi stands Rhea up to fire forearms, but Rhea fires back! HEADBUTT!

Rhea tucks Kairi in, but Asuka KICKS Rhea! The Kabuki Warriors then POST Rhea! And then they POST her in the other corner! Iyo is still helpless as Kairi & Asuka URAKEN Rhea again and again! Then they hit the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP, ASUKA LOCK, and IN-SANE ELBOW!! Kairi is just as conflicted as Iyo but she can’t disobey “Asuka-nee-san!” Will the Empress of Tomorrow tear apart this entire Women’s Division for her own satisfaction?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio w/ Finn Balor & JD McDonagh VS Rusev!

Speaking of “family” and friends in wrestling, The “King of the Luchadores” keeps sticking his own foot in his mouth by failing said “family.” Dom didn’t save The Irish Ace from the Bulgarian Brute, and… Oh, yep, he is all on his own in this battle as JD & Finn return backstage! Will Dom no longer be a double champion after tonight? Or can he find a way to survive the Son of Thunder?

The introductions are made, the Intercontinental belt is raised, and we see who is truly championship material!

The bell rings, the two circle, and Dom waistlocks, but Rusev THROWS him away! Dom bails out already and the fans are torn. Rusev pursues, Dom hurries back in, and he stomps away on Rusev at the ropes! Dom fires off hands, then runs, and ROCKS Rusev! Dom runs, but Rusev CLOBBERS him! Rusev then scoops to FALL AWAY SLAM! Dom tumbles to ropes, Rusev is on him already, for a suplex high and hard! Rusev GUT WRENCH PLEXES! The fans duel, Rusev stalks Dom, and Dom wants mercy. Rusev says no, Dom has his title! Rusev stands Dom up, just to DECK him! Rusev whips, Dom grabs ropes, and then Dom DUMPS Rusev!

The fans fire up as Dom DROPKICKS Rusev back down! Dom then aims to PLANCHA, but Rusev catches him! And FALL AWAY SLAMS Dom onto and over the announce desk! The fans fire up and Rusev has a sinister grin while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Rusev grinds Dom down with an armlock. Dom kicks from below, kicks free, but Rusev is right back on him. Dom JAWBREAKERS free this time, then runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RANAS! Rusev tumbles, stumbles, and is in the corner. Dom SPLASHES! Dom whips, Rusev reverses, but Dom slips out to the apron! Dom fires forearms, HOTSHOTS Rusev down, and the fans fire up for the slingshot SENTON! Cover, ONE?!? Dom is shocked but Rusev is tougher than that. Dom stands to bring Rusev around, and he gives some Lation Heat. But Rusev blocks the suplex! Rusev suplexes, Dom slips free, and Dom shoves Rusev!

Rusev returns, Dom drop toeholds him onto ropes! Dom dials it up, but Rusev LARIATS Dom inside-out! The fans boo but Rusev has a wild look in his eyes. Rusev stomps around as Dom rises, but then Dom bails out! No Machka yet, but Rusev storms out after Dom. Dom RAMS Rusev into steel steps! And then puts him back in! Dom hurries to 619 Rusev to the stomach! And then a DROPKICK to put Rusev on the ropes! Dom redials, 619 to the face! Dom goes up, up, and FROG SPLASH FLOPS as Rusev moves! Rusev snarls, aims again, and MACHKA KICK!! Cover, TWO!! Dom survives and the fans fire up again!

Rusev roars, he storms around, and he shouts, “GAME OVER~!” STOMP and ACCO- NO, Dom pops out the back and hurries out of the ring! Dom says forget this, he’s taking his belt(s) and going home! But Rusev cuts him off at the pass! Rusev TOSSES Dom into the ring! The ref has to get one belt out of the ring, but Dom CLOBBERS Rusev with the other! Rusev doesn’t even budge!? Dom goes to his backup plan and throws the belt at Rusev! Then Dom FLOPS! He’s pulling an Eddie Guerrero! The ref says he SAW that, though! Dom is shocked, Rusev grins, and Dom argues with the ref. But Rusev wiastlocks, only for Dom to MULE KICK LOW BLOW!!

Dom rolls Rusev up, with tights! DOM WINS!!

Winner: Dominik Mysterio, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Judgment Day wasn’t here, but Dom didn’t need ’em! He found a way to lie, cheat and steal all on his own! Rusev is understandably furious, will he make sure justice is served?

Adam Pearce talks with LA Knight.

The Raw General Manager wants the Mega Star to understand, that special guest referee idea was bad in hindsight. Knight says no, everyone else really liked that idea. Pearce says no, it only made a bad situation get worse! But tonight, it is about Usos VS Bron & Bronson. Is it about LA Knight? Pearce says no but Knight says YEAH! Because it’s always about LA Knight! So Knight is supposed to stay out of things tonight? Fine, he’ll stay out of it, he doesn’t care about it. But what he cares about is that he is still the last person to have beat Seth Rollins, he wants his proper 1v1 World Heavyweight Championship match.

Wow, well, Knight’s not the only person to bring that up. Before Pearce can elaborate, The New Day barges in! They complain to Pearce that thanks to “the mercenary,” Penta, Grayson Waller is sidelined this week, and WWE still hasn’t banned the Destroyer! That means Pearce owes them a shot at the World Tag Team Championships! Wow, how many times are they gonna do this? Pearce already told Kofi & Woods, they need to earn their title shot. Also, he was in the middle of a meeting! Knight asks if he needs to leave. He won’t, though. Because he wants the World Heavyweight Championship.

Kofi says sorry, because there’s someone here who actually HAS been world champion, so step aside while grown men talk! Oh, Knight will step to the ring if Mr. Used to be World Champion, Ain’t Gonna be Champion Again, The Mega Star is gonna be champion real soon. Knight wants Pearce to put his name next to Rollins’ on a contract, and then put Kofi in the ring against Knight tonight, and Knight will drop his ass with a BFT! YEAH! Kofi says Knight doesn’t make matches! Pearce says yes, but PEARCE does. So it is official! New Day freaks out, but they’ve gone and stepped in it! Will what’s left of #KofiMania earn a shot at the tag titles? Or will Knight prove this is his game?

Bayley finds Lyra Valkyria backstage.

The Role Model shows The Morrigan how she’s wearing the Lyra merch, and Lyra says of course she’s doing this. Why is she playing mind games? Doesn’t she have a match next? Yeah, that’s why Bayley came to talk, she wants to have Lyra out there with her. Last week was so great, it was like old times! Yeah, yeah, let’s do like last week, where Lyra helps Bayley win and Bayley shoves her on her ass! Bayley admits, Lyra is right to be mad. Bayley’s been through a lot. Lyra always ends up in the middle of it, it isn’t her fault or responsibility. But Bayley just doesn’t think she can do this without her.

Lyra has no idea what this is, what they’re doing, if Bayley’s genuine or what, but… Lyra can’t give another second chance. Bayley is on her own. Lyra leaves, Bayley heads to gorilla, can Bayley make it through this on her own?

Bayley VS Raquel Rodriguez w/ Roxanne Perez!

Raw returns and Raquel makes her entrance, Roxie by her side. The bell rings and Bayley looks, but Lyra still isn’t coming. Bayley and Raquel circle, the fans rally, and the fans support gives Bayley the confidence. The two tie up, Bayley waistlocks, then headlocks. Raquel blocks the takeover, blocks it again, then shoves Bayley away. Raquel storms up but Bayley fires body shots and forearms! Then Bayley dodges the lariat to CROSSBODY, but into Raquel’s arms! Bayley fights free, whips, but Raquel reverses. Bayley goes up and over, keeps moving, but Raquel CLOBBERS her! The fans boo but Roxie applauds.

Raquel drags Bayley up, TOSSES her to a corner, and then runs in. Bayley dodges, fires forearms, and then goes up to rain down fists! The fans count and Bayley goes to TEN! But Raquel stops Bayley before she can do more! Bayley slips free, JAWBREAKERS, and then headlocks. Raquel powers up and goes to a corner, but Bayley uses that to TORNADO- NO, Raquel THROWS Bayley away! Raquel then drags Bayley back up and whips her hard into a corner! Raquel RAMS Bayley, RAMS her again and again, but stops as the ref counts. Raquel bumps Bayley off buckles, Bayley falls back, and Raquel stomps Bayley.

Raquel mockingly asks, “Where’s your friend?” Raquel whips Bayley hard into buckles! Raquel whips but Bayley blocks to fire forearms! Raquel whips again, LARIATS and ELBOWS in the corner, then fires off more ELBOWS! The ref counts, the fans rally, and Bayley spins Raquel to fire forearms of her own! Raquel ROCKS Bayley, runs up, but Bayley puts her in ropes! HOTSHOT STUNNER! Raquel flops down, Bayley builds speed, and Bayley DIVES! Direct hit and they hit barriers, but Bayley goes around the corner! DAREDEVIL DROPKICK through the corner! The fans fire up with Bayley and she goes to the apron, FLYING-

NO! Raquel stops the rana, and spins around to SWING Bayley into barriers! Bayley is down in a heap while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Bayley DROPKICKS Raquel outta the ring! Bayley then goes outside, goes up the steps, and leaps, but into Raquel’s hands! Bayley fights free again, and shoutout to Team Extreme, TWIST OF FATE to the floor! Bayley puts Raquel in the ring, then goes up! Roxie panics as Bayley ELBOW DROPS on Raquel’s back! Then Bayley goes back up, and she gives another shoutout with the SWANTON BOMB! Cover, TWO! Raquel survives, Bayley is not as extreme as the Hardy Boyz. Bayley still RAMS Raquel, then wacky waving inflatable ELBOW! Raquel tumbles, Bayley goes up, but leaps into Rauqel’s arms again!

Raquel FALL AWAY SLAMS again! Then Raquel goes up, TWISTING VADER! Cover, TWO! Bayley survives and Raquel is furious! The fans rally and Raquel suplexes, but Bayley STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE! Not the cleanest, but Bayley hits another STUNNER! Bayley runs, but Raquel LARIATS! Cover, TWO! Bayley trips Raquel, gives a “WOO~” and has the FIGURE FOUR! The fans cheer as Bayley shouts out Charlotte in Raleigh! But Roxie pushes the ropes! Raquel reaches, the ref tells Roxie to stop, and Raquel flails. The ref checks on Raquel, but then Roxie goes around the way to CLAW Bayley’s eyes!

The fans boo and Bayley swipes at Roxie, but Roxie gets away! BOOT from Raquel! Raquel drags Bayley up, for the TEXANA BOMB!! Cover, Raquel wins!

Winner: Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall

No Lyra ringside and that’s why it ended up like this! Roxie HAMMERS and WINDMILLS away on Bayley now, but Lyra DOES rush out here! Lyra is reluctant to, but she knows it is the right thing to do! She CLOBBERS Roxie, LARIATS Raquel, GAMANGIRIS Roxie, and then ENZIGIRIS Raquel! Fireman’s carry for Roxie, but Raquel saves her! Lyra ducks one lariat, but not the SOUTHPAW! Raquel hauls Lyra up for Roxie to HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Bayley gets mad as she rises up! The fans cheer Bayley on, and here’s the rage! Bayley KNEES Raquel down! The fans fire up, Roxie takes a swing, but Bayley SAIDOS! Bayley LARIATS Raquel up and out!

The fans fire up, Lyra is unsure what to make of this, but Bayley’s rage subsides into laughter, and she says Lyra got ’em! Bayley helps Lyra to her feet and the fans cheer! Lyra is still confused as all heck, but Bayley says c’mon, let’s get going! Bayley and Lyra high-five, and they head out. Can Lyra figure out the Role Model’s mood swings soon enough? Will having common enemies like Roxie & Raquel help keep Lyra and Bayley focused?

The Usos meet up backstage.

Jimmy & Jey say sup and shake hands. Is Jimmy ready? Jimmy says yeah, he stays ready so he doesn’t have to get ready! But Jimmy does want to ask Jey… Last week, when Jimmy needed help and Jey walked off from him and LA… What’s that about, Uce? Jimmy’s really asking that? Helping LA Knight gets them nowhere. Knight’s why they lost at WrestlePalooza! So Jey will ask Jimmy: Why’s Jimmy bothering to help Knight? Jimmy says he helps Knight, he helps Jey, he helps who needs it! Jey says NO, he told Jimmy to NOT help Knight! Y’know whty? Cuz no one else gives a damn! Jey did what he had to do!

Jey went out there, bodied Knight, got the W, that’s it! Maybe if he did more than that, he’d be world champ by now. But guess what? That’s something Jimmy don’t get! Jimmy frowns and Jey cools off. Jey says just forget Knight. The Usos will handle the Brons, got it? Love you, Uce. They shake hands and Jey heads out first. But is Jey losing himself to this obsession?

Iyo is still being helped by WWE Medical.

The blue mist still stings, even with more splashing of water. Kairi Sane is here and Iyo can tell it’s her. Iyo wants Kairi to leave but Kairi says she wants to talk. They can still be a family. It is not too late! Just apologize to Asuka. Apologize!? Kairi, leave her alone! LEAVE!! Kairi is almost in tears, and she leaves a picture with Iyo. A picture of the three of them from before. What is going to happen to the trio once tight as sisters?

LA Knight VS Kofi Kingston w/ Xavier Woods!

The Mega Star wants his fair fight with Seth Rollins, but he’s willing to just fight if that’s what #KofiMania wants. Will all of Raleigh be saying YEAH tonight? Or will the New Day ruin the day once again?

Raw returns and New Day has made their way to the ring. They talk a bit of smack on fans, especially the kid in the John Cena gear. The bell rings and Kofi talks trash on Knight now. Kofi shoves Knight, but Knight shoves back. The fans chant, “NEW! DAY SUCKS!” Kofi gets angrier, he and Knight tie up, and Knight powers Kofi to the corner. Kofi turns things around, the ref counts, but then Knight counter punches Kofi! Knight fires haymakers, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Kofi KICKS back, then runs, but into a LAR- NO, Kofi slips through! Kofi suplexes, but Knight lands out to NECKBREAKER! Cover, ONE!

The fans rally and Knight brings Kofi up. Knight whips, ELBOWS Kofi down, then he storms up on Kofi in the corner. But Kofi throat chops Knight! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but Kofi wrenches and KICKS Knight. Kofi grinds the arm, Knight endures, but Kofi SLAPS him around. Knight fights up, fires haymakers again, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight runs, but Kofi kitchen sink knees low! Woods cheers and Kofi KICKS Knight in the side! Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Knight, and they taunt Woods with, “NEW~ DAY~! SUCKS!” Kofi grinds the arm again but Knight fights up. Kofi kicks low, then wrenches agian.

Knight wrenches back to YANK, YANK, YANK the arm! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight wrenches one more time to short arm LARIAT! Knight winds up, runs up, but Kofi FLAPJACK HOTSHOTS him! Kofi then runs, only for Knight to TOSS him out! The fans fire up, Woods panics, but Knight SMACKS Kofi off barriers! Knight DRIBBLES Kofi, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Woods says “NO! NO! NO!” Knight SMACKS Kofi one more time! Knight glares at Woods, puts Kofi on the apron, and Knight CLUBS him! Knight then scares Woods off! The fans cheer, but Kofi skins the cat to DROPKICK! Kofi then POSTS Knight!

Woods mocks Knight, Kofi goes up to spell it out, “KO-FI KINGSTON!” SPLASH to the back! Knight is down, Kofi is all fired up, and Raleigh boos while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Kofi stalks Knight. Kofi drags Knight up, Woods talks trash, and Kofi HEADBUTTS! Knight wobbles, but he ROCKS Kofi! “YEAH!” Kofi comes back but Knight fires more hands! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight runs, but Kofi follows to trip Knight! Woods says there you go! Kofi goes up, up, and FLYING TOMAHAWK CHOP! Cover, TWO! Knight is still in this but Kofi CHOKES him on the ropes! The ref counts, Kofi backs off, but Woods gets a cheap shot! The fans boo but Woods gets away with it. Kofi covers, TWO! Knight is tougher than that, and he fires body shots. Knight ROCKS Kofi, ROCKS him again, and again!

Kofi kicks low, shoves, but Knight avoids the sweep! Kofi bails out, he got hit by something. Knight just goes after Kofi to RAM him into barriers. Knight puts Kofi in the ring, takes aim, and slingshots to SHOULDER TACKLE! Knight has the fans fired up and he brings Kofi up. Knight whips Kofi to a corner, then JUMP NECKBREAKER! The fans rally as Knight goes up, up, and spells it out! “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” But Woods gets on the apron! Knight AX HANDLES Woods! Kofi rolls Knight up, feet on the ropes! TWO!! Kofi hurries to SWING KICK Knight away! Kofi goes back up, and he leaps again! Knight dodges, Kofi rolls, but Knight avoids Trouble in Paraidse!

Knight back suplexes, Kofi lands out, but into a B F T!! Cover, Knight wins!

Winner: LA Knight, by pinfall

Whether Kofi was rattled or was just luring Knight in, it didn’t matter as Knight found the way to win! Will the Mega Star be poised as the #1 contender to the World Heavyweight Championship after Crown Jewel?

Akira Tozawa and Maxxine Dupri talk backstage.

The Stamina Monster assures the Alpha Babe that she is doing great, she’s looking great, and is so proud of her. Maxxine is also so excited, but then Becky Lynch walks over and says, “You’re proud of her? What has she done? She hasn’t done anything great. No, who have you beaten? Have you beaten anybody? Has she beaten anybody? No, you’re a loser. Okay? You’re 5’9″ of failure.” Maxxine says when she went to Pearce last week, she was hoping he’d give her Becky. Because who better to face than the Greatest Woman Wrestler of All Time? That’s what Becky says, right? Becky corrects her that everyone says it, from ESPN to Sports Illustrated to Bleacher Report.

Right, well, that’s everyone except… AJ Lee. Akira chuckles but Becky sucker punches him for it! Becky laughs at Akira, Maxxine says this has nothing to do with him! Get out of here! Becky leaves, Maxxine checks on Tozawa, but then Becky attacks Maxxine! And dribbles her off tables! Becky HAMMERS away on Maxxine, security and producers storm in, and Becky says Maxxine is NOT in her league! The Man moves on to meet up with Seth Rollins, and he asks if she feels better. She says, “A little. How’re you feeling?” Rollins says we’ll see. Does he need her out there? Or maybe she can call Paul. No, he’ll be alright. He has to do this one on his own.

Rollins heads to gorilla, but what will The Visionary have to say ahead of Crown Jewel?

Seth Rollins heads to the ring!

Raleigh sings along with the song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as the World Heavyweight Champion walks down the ramp. Rollins grabs a mic, then looks to his WrestleMania 40 watch, the gift from Cody Rhodes. The music ends and the fans cheer, and then continue to sing, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Some fans now chant, “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Rollins frowns now, but then the chants of “O T C!” arise. Rollins waits those out, too, but now the fans sing for “Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” Rollins frowns and says, “Cody Rhodes… VS Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins… Cody Rhodes has three wins, Seth Rollins has three losses.” The fans cheer that!

Rollins says if you think that bothers him, that doesn’t. Because it doesn’t matter! “Those matches were in the past! Those versions of Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins are in the past! Those were men trying to reach the top. What matters is Crown Jewel. Because now you’ve got tow men at the very top, the WWE Champion, the World Heavyweight Champion, and we will go one-on-one at Crown Jewel, and the winner, the WINNER of that match, doesn’t just win the Crown Jewel Championship. The winner of that match very well may decide the next ten to twenty years of the future of this entire industry!”

Rollins says the thing that he doesn’t really understand is that there are some people out there in the crowd, those watching at home, who actually want Cody Rhodes… The fans cheer for Cody, but Rollins gets frustrated. “You people who sing for him, and you say his name, you actually want him to win that match. You actually think that Cody Rhodes should lead this company into the future! You actually believe that Cody Rhodes is the quarterback of the WWE!” The fans cheer that, and Rollins has to ask. “Honestly, have you lost your mind? What is WRONG with you?” ROLLINS is the one to lead this industry into the future!

Rollins says he has done everything right! He’s done it all! He stayed here when times got tough! He brought this company into the golden age! He took two young men in Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed under his wings and given them his knowledge to secure their place at the top. Rollins has done it all! Sacrificed everything! Tried to rid this place of cancers like Roman Reigns and CM Punk, “and STILL! STILL! STILL! You people chant for Cody.” The fans chant and sing even now. Rollins is fuming, but then Cody Rhodes is here! The fans cheer as The American Nightmare steps out on stage, and they sing along with his song, “WHOA~ OH~!”

Cody doesn’t get pyro, maybe they weren’t prepared for him to be here. Cody doesn’t mind, he still holds up his belt and high-fives fans as he heads down the ramp. Cody gets the second “WHOA~ OH!” and then steps into the ring. Cody grabs a mic and sets his belt aside so he can take off the suit jacket. The fans sing for “Cody, Cody Rhodes~!” and he fires them up a little more. Cody then tells Rollins, “I’m a bit messy, I’m a bit dramatic, but what are we talking about? The future of the industry? Seems a bit much. The future of the industry? As if yo have any control. You don’t, I don’t. You know who has all the control?”

Cody looks to the fans, the fans cheer more, and Cody says the future is not something they can control. Not like with Bron & Bronson. Rollins can teach them, guide them, but control them? No. By the way, they showed up on Friday NIght SmackDOwn, that’s not their show. But Cody has reason to believe Rollins didn’t send them, but Mr. Heyman did. And here we are on that subject of control. When it comes to Rollins’ own group, who is really in control? Rollins says he’ll put this plainly: Every decision goes through him. He sent Bron & Bronson to SmackDown, Cody didn’t get the message on Raw so they were there to get it through Cody’s brain.

Oh, everything goes through Rollins? So then Cody assumes Rollins allowed Heyman to introduce Brock Lesnar. Rollins frowns and says, “Every decision runs through me.” Fans chant, “No, It Doesn’t!” Rollins says EVERYTHING runs through him! He’s the reason they’re even here! Rollins calms down, Cody says he’s really trying here. The fans are all trying. They’re all just here to have fun. So let’s strip it down to what it is about: The Crown Jewel Championship, the WWE Championship VS the World Heavyweight Championship! It could just be that simple. Cody’s really trying.

Cody likes to think, 20 years from now, where are Cody and Rollins going to be? In those chairs back there, talking to the future of the company, reminiscing on their best matches. Wishful thinking? Maybe. But here is an image as real as it gets: It was Rollins at WrestleMania 40, right here, extending his hand to Cody, knees shot, but a man of his word. Rollins was the shield for Cody, he was the MVP. The emotional guilt was lifted, they mended everything in the past, and Cody thought Rollins was his friend! The fans cheer, but Rollins seethes as he tells Cody to shut up! Rollins was never Cody’s friend! They were never friends! That was never friendship but means to an end!

WrestleMania 40 was just the lesser of two evils. That scenario about the future of the WWE, that’s never gonna happen! They’ll never be friends! Rollins will never shake hands with Cody, raise his hand, call him a friend, call him an equal, none of it! NEVER! But here’s what Rollins will do: Rollins will cleanse the timeline. At Crown Jewel, everything that happened before is DEAD! And after Crown Jewel, Rollins writes a new history, a new future, and there is only one person who will lead that vision. That person will be Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! The fans boo and Cody has to swallow those hurtful words. But will Rollins be eating his when these two battle one more time?

Rhea finds Iyo backstage.

Iyo is still very blue, both physically and emotionally, as Rhea has her put the picture aside. Is she okay? Nope. But Rhea was again right about Asuka. Iyo talked to Pearce. Crown Jewel, Iyo & Rhea VS Asuka & Kairi! Rhea says hold on now. Rhea wants Asuka’s head more than anyone, but is Iyo up tot his? Rhea did see Kairi try to talk to her, and Rhea hopes she can trust Iyo. If they go through with this, Iyo has to fight those she thought were family. Iyo says Rhea can trust her. Kairi is lost, Iyo cannot go back to them. Then Rhea is in. The friends hug it out, and Rhea goes to get Iyo more water for her eyes. But will the pain be worth it if Iyo & Rhea can finally humble the Empress?

AJ Styles & Dragon Lee VS Los Americanos!

The Phenomenal One & Boy Wonder wanted to settle things with THE Grande Americano, but now these other two have sprung up! Well, will Styles & Dragon still get the 1-2-3 against Grandes Dos y Tres? Or will this supposedly forgotten familia establish their legacy in WWE?

Raw returns as Dragon Lee makes his entrance, and has a mic to properly introduce himself. And he tells Styles that for him, it is an honor to share the ring with him as a team. The Phenomenal & The Dragon will be fire! They will be unstoppable! And y’know what? Dragon Lee became THE #1 contender to the AAA Mega Championship! We all know what that means, right? That means Dominik Mysterio, Sucio de los Sucios, Dragon is coming after you! Styles says yeah, this is something special. They can get more championships, and Styles hopes Dragon kicks Dom’s teeth in. But Styles has a Crown Jewel match coming. And thanks to the fans, it is happening!

Styles will once again JOHN CENA! He wants to take this moment to thank the fans for helping him do what he loves. He gets to beat up John Cena! The fans cheer that! Styles says tonight, they’re gonna kick Los Americanos’ asses! With that, El Grande leads the way for his hermanos, and apparently they have real names: “Bravo” in blue and “Rayo” in red! But will luchadores by any other name be just as victorious? Or will Dragon & Styles have momentum going into their big matches on the horizon?

The teams sort out and Dragon starts against Bravo. Bravo kicks low, headlocks and throws hands, then whips. Dragon reverses, Bravo sunset flips, but Dragon stays up to DOUBLE STOMP! Bravo staggers away, Dragon runs up, JUMP KICK! Rayo tags in before Dragon can swing kick, and then Los Americanos YANK Dragon into the corner! The fans boo but then Los Americanos DOUBLE DROPKICK! El Grande applauds and the fans boo but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Bravo puts Dragon in the corner. Tag to Rayo and the Americanos double whip, to then DOUBLE HEADBUTT! And they pose! The fans boo but Rayo CHOPS Dragon! Dragon CHOPS back! Dragon ELBOWS Bravo, BOOTS Rayo, then dodges! Bravo tags in before the SNAP GERMAN! Bravo steps over, LA MAGISTROL! TWO and both men hurry up. Bravo KICKS Dragon to the corner! Bravo fires hands, puts him up top, then ROCKS him! Bravo climbs up, fires fast hands, and goes to the top rope. Bravo fires up, and he SUPER- NO, Dragon stops the Steiner to put Bravo in the Tree of Woe!

Dragon then WOE STOMPS! He gets maybe one foot on Bravo but that’s enough. Both men crawl, hot tags to Styles and Rayo! Styles ALRAITS, LARIATS, and fires off the Phenomenal Blitz! Bravo is back, he gets the LARIAT! SLIDING FOREARM to Rayo! The fans fire up and Styles runs at Rayo, only to be put on the apron. Styles ROCKS Rayo, Rayo tumbles, and Styles takes aim. But EL GRANDE SHOVES STYLES! The fans boo, Bravo tags in, and Los Americanos DOUBLE SUPERKICK! But Lee KNEES Rayo! Bravo fakes Dragon out to then SUPERKICK! Bravo runs up, Styles dodges to PELE! Styles then PLANCHAS onto Grande for good measure!

The fans fire up a Styles aims again, PHENOMENAL FOREARM on Rayo! Dragon SUPERKICKS Bravo! Then whip and POP-UP into the STYLES CLASH! Dragon FLIES to take out Rayo! Styles covers Bravo, Styles & Dragon win!

Winners: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee, by pinfall

Grande is furious, but Los Americanos were up against a team that was just phenomenal! Will Dragon Lee use this momentum to take that AAA Mega Championship from Dirty Dom? Will Styles get to not just beat up but actually beat John Cena in their final showdown?

Backstage interview with Stephanie Vaquer.

Jackie Redmond is with the WWE Women’s World Champion and notes that as of Friday, it is official for Crown Jewel: Stephanie Vaquer VS Tiffany Stratton for the Women’s Crown Jewel Championship. This is a big test for them both, and it comes early in Vaquer’s reign. Where does her confidence come from? Vaquer says in both Espanol and English that in Australia, she will be ready. It is exciting to face Tiffany, Vaquer respects her, but Tiff will learn why no one can stop Vaquer. Vaquer will be Women’s Crown Jewel Champion. But then Tiff steps in!

Tiff says she also respects Vaquer, but understand: For the past year, Tiff has been proving herself against some of the best in the world, and she’s remained champion for 268 days. She knows Vaquer will be a great champion, but she won’t let someone who’s been on top for two weeks go and change Tiff’s story, then you’re wrong. They’re both gonna get on that flight to Australia, and Vaquer’s gonna learn that this is and always will be #TiffyTime. Vaquer tells Tiff that sorry, but Tiffy Time will be over. Then La Primera will have to get used to being second. Tiff leaves, but who will back up their words with actions in Australia?

The Usos are in the concourse!

The fans are fired up, and Jey asks the boys in the back, “Please! Please! Someone, hit my music! Oh yeah, UH UH, YEET!” The music does indeed play, and the Usos make their way out through the crowd. But will this be their redemption for WrestlePalooza? Or will throwing away the limiters only make the Badass & Auszilla that much more dangerous?

Tornado Tag: The Usos VS Bron Breakker & Bronson Reed!

Raw returns and Heyman is with Bron & Bronson in gorilla, as is Seth Rollins. The Oracle asks The Visionary if he’s okay. Rollins says he has to beat him. Heyman says of course Rollins will beat Cody. Rollins is World Heavyweight Champion, he’ll get the ring and- Rollins stops Heyman and says no, he HAS to beat Cody. Heyman is a bit perplexed, but the music plays. Bron & Bronson head to the ring, will they win this one for The Visionary?

Bron and Bronson huddle up, then they step closer, but Jimmy holds the ropes down so Jey can FLY! Down go The Brons and the fans fire up! The bell rings, Jey throws hands on Bronson while Jimmy is after Bron! The fans rally, but Bron scoops Jey! Jey slips free to POST Bronson! Jimmy puts Bron in the ring, but Bron KNEES low! Bron RAMS Jimmy into a corner, RAMS him again and again, and the fans bark. Bron whips Jimmy corner to corner, Jimmy goes up and over to mule kick! And UPPERCUT! Jey joins in, Jimmy RAMS Bron for Jey to FOREARM SMASH! Bron slumps down, The Usos see Bronson coming, and they dodge!

The Usos ROCK Bronson back and forth, “YEET! YEET! YEET!” Bronson wobbles, The Usos pop, lock ‘n’ pass it, DOUBLE HAYMAKER! Bronson slumps into the corner, and the Usos coordinate. “UCE! OH! UCE! OH!” They both run and HIP ATTACK the Bron-Brons! Breakker staggers up, The Usos run in, and they DOUBLE LARIAT Bron up and out! The fans cheer, “YEET!” and the Usos both run. But Bronson trips up Jimmy! Bron is back, and he CLOBBERS Jey! The fans either boo or bark as Bron rains down fists! Broonson CLUBS Jimmy on the desk! Bron kicks Jey out, fans want tables, but Bron takes aim first.

Jey GAMANGIRIS Bron! Jimmy THROWS Bron over barriers! And now Jey says “YEET!” Jey builds speed to DIVE, but into a forearm from Bronson! Bronson THROWS Jey into steel step! Bronson then blocks a kick from Jimmy, HEADBUTTS him, and he clears off the desk! The fans fire up as Bronson puts Jimmy on the desk, climbs up to join him, and the fans fire up already! Fireman’s carry, but Jimmy fights free! Jimmy steadies himself, and SUPERKICKS Bronson! Bronson falls from the table, but Bron is on the barriers! FLYING BULLDOG down through the table!! The fans are thunderous while all four men are down, and Raw goes to break!

Raw returns once more as Jey fires haymakers on The Bron-Brons! “YEET! YEET!” But the Bron-Brons kick low! The fans boo as Bron THROWS Jey overhead! Jimmy is down in the wreckage of the desk as Bron says the team mascot dares punch him in the face! Bronson drops an ELBOW on Jey! Bron talks trash and makes the cameras look at the stitches in Jey’s forehead! Bron GRINDS his forearm into the spot, then Bronson stands Jey up. Bronson whips Jey into the corner, runs in, but Jey BOOTS him! Bron runs up, Jey ENZIGIRIS! Jey goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES, but into Bronson’s arms! WORLD’S STRONGEST SLAM!

The fans boo as Bron & Bronson loom over Jey. Bronson drags Jey up again, Bron builds speed, and LARIAT! Jey sputters, Bron & Bronson say this is it! Bronson hoists Jey up for the Electric Chair, Bron goes to the top, STEINER BULLDOG! But Bron says no, that’s not enough. Bronson agrees, and now Bronson goes up! Bron drags Jey into the drop zone, BUT JIMMY RISES! Jimmy SHOVES Bronson down! Bron runs up, but into a GAMANGIRI! Jimmy hurries in and SUPERKICKS! Then he dodges Bron, POP-UP SAMOAN DROP!! Bron flounders away and Jimmy goes to a corner. But Bronson drags Jimmy off the corner, JAGGED EDGE!!

Bron reloads, he runs up on Jey, SPEAR!! Bron growls and shakes while the fans bark it up. Bronson drags Jey over to be next to Jimmy, and Bron makes sure they’re stacked. Bronson climbs up and- WAIT! ROMAN REIGNS IS HERE?! Raleigh erupts while Heyman is in shock! The Bron-Brons watch the stage, and YES! The O T C has returned! He even has a chair to even the odds! Bron runs up, Roman DUMPS him up and out! Roman stares down Bronson and the fans are thunderous! The Tribal Thief and Tribal Chief run up, and Roman JAMS Bronson! And then SMACKS Bronson on the back! And SMACKS him again!

Bronson falls out of the ring, Roman pursues, and he SMACKS Bronson again! And again! Bronson tumbles over barriers, but Bron runs up! Roman JAMS Bron up! And SMACKS him on the back! Bron falls, writhes, but Roman gets him back up to put in the ring! Roman looks for Bronson, the fans sing for “Roman, Roman Reigns~!” The Usos regroup, and they have Bron set up! SUPERKICK, then SPEAR!! But that’s not all! Bron is in the center of the ring as both Usos climb! DOUBLE USO SPLASH!! Cover, Usos win!!

Winners: The Usos, by pinfall

Roman Reigns nods and Raleigh cheers as Jimmy & Jey stand tall! Roman then adds on with the chair! JAM after JAM after JAM, then a SMACK to Bron’s back! Payback for WrestlePalooza, payback for Clash in Paris! The OG Bloodline is standing together again, and Jey shakes Roman’s hand. Roman tells Jey this is what he was talking about. Let’s get ’em! Who cares about anyone else but the Ones? Smash ’em all! This is the only thing that ever matters! And yet, why does Jimmy look like the odd man out in this? The family is back together, but is that really a good thing?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw here tonight, though thankfully this is the last 7PM Eastern Raw for now. Great developments in the Iyo Sky story, with a very good opening promo from everyone. Another clever use of premade video to trick someone, Asuka & Kairi going after Rhea and hitting Iyo with the mist this time was good stuff, too. And while a lot of this is a bit melodramatic, I like it. Rhea & Iyo VS Kabuki Warriors is now happening, and I would think Rhea & Iyo win since Rhea will have the hometown crowd with her. And then maybe we can break off to have Asuka VS Iyo 1v1 later. And good little promo from Vaquer and Tiffany, but that didn’t really add or subtract, their Crown Jewel Championship match is still up in the air.

There was a really good video package to hype Cody VS Rollins 4, but it was a little redundant when we got them in person later, so I feel fine in skipping the video. Good stuff with Becky bullying The Alpha Academy with Natalya away, and it helped lead into Rollins’ segment with Cody. Another very good promo from both guys, especially with Cody confronting Rollins with Heyman’s moves, and Rollins claiming he never cared about Cody. Feels like Rollins is lying to himself, but he and Cody will still have an awesome match no matter what, and it also feels up in the air on who wins.

Great stuff with Dom VS Rusev, and while Dom still cheated to win because he is a Heel, I applaud that Dom figured out how to do it on his own, no team saving him like we’ve seen other Heels do at times. But even with that, I feel like Rusev will be back for another shot. Dragon Lee announcing he became #1 contender to the AAA Mega Championship is great, he and Dom can have a great match, too, and I feel like there’s gonna be one of those double header situations where Dom has to choose which belt means more to him or something. Styles & Dragon VS Los Americanos was great, too, and I was a little surprised Styles & Dragon won, but they do kinda need it more going into those big matches.

Great stuff with Bayley again, with a good promo with Lyra, a great match with Raquel, and then great stuff after as Bayley finds a way to keep “Ding Dong Bayley” under control so that she treats Lyra nicely. I’m pretty sure we’ll get a tag match of Bayley & Lyra VS Raquel & Roxie, and they can really play up Bayley’s struggle to keep the balance between her different sides. It also depends on if they want this Bayley to challenge for the women’s tag titles since Bayley is very familiar with Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss. That would honestly be a lot of fun, where even Alexa is a bit concerned with how “bipolar” Bayley is right now.

Really good promo from Knight with The New Day to set up Knight VS Kofi, but Kofi getting dazed before the end there was a little concerning. He more or less shook it off but you can never be too careful with the head and concussions. Knight’s win can be used as a case for facing Rollins after Crown Jewel, though ironically it might be on another Saturday Night’s Main Event like their previous match. If that’s the case, I don’t see Knight winning the title, which is a shame for him, but also just par for the course and I’m not sure if there’s anything Knight can do to change that (outside of become Mr. Money in the Bank).

And of course, great stuff with The Usos and The Bron-Brons tonight. Good promo from Jey & Jimmy to add to this tension of Jey being more and more like Tribal Chief tyrant Roman from the past. Roman’s return tonight was a great surprise, and the way they made sure Jimmy was in the background, left out of that final conversation, this is some good stuff. It’s a bit like we’re just going back to old material, Roman wanting Jey as the Right Hand Man and all, but this will surely be influenced by things that have happened since, and we’ll have to see if Jimmy can set Jey straight this time or what. Maybe we get a proper Uso VS Uso match since that Mania match ended up a dud.

My Score: 8.8/10