Will the landscape of Monday Night Raw be changed forever?

While Seth Rollins was betrayed by his own Vision, Becky Lynch must defend her WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship! Will the “Power Couple” soon lose everything they’ve worked so hard to have?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE World Tag Team Championships: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh VS AJ Styles & Dragon Lee; Styles & Dragon win and become the new WWE World Tag Team Champions.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS Rusev; Dom wins and retains the title.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Maxxine Dupri; Dupri wins by disqualification and Becky retains the title.
• Stephanie Vaquer VS Roxanne Perez w/ Raquel Rodriguez; Vaquer wins.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal: Jey Uso wins and will face CM Punk for the vacated title at Saturday Night’s Main Event.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE mourns the loss of “Mo,” Robert Lawrence Horne.

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

The Raw General Manager welcomes Sacramento to Monday Night Raw, and he brings up last week. He is here to provide a physical update on Seth Rollins, but seeing a car pull up into the back cuts him off. And though the World Heavyweight Championship is visible, that’s not Seth Rollins, that’s BRON BREAKKER! The fans either boo or bark as the Badass leads Auszilla and The Oracle into the arena! The Vision, if that’s even who they are without The Visionary, make their entrance. Lilian Garcia gives the introductions as Bron, Bronson & Heyman head for the ring. They step inside and Pearce says this is a good thing.

Pearce wants everyone to hear this directly from here. Pearce knew Rollins was banged up coming out of the classic with Cody Rhodes at Crown Jewel. But we won’t know how badly because of what Bron & Bronson did. Here’s some news: What they did forced Rollins to have major surgery; what they did forced Rollins to stay home for quite while; what they did forced Pearce to announce that as of right now, he must hereby STRIP Rollins of the World Heavyweight Championship. Fans are torn but Bron has a big smile on his face. Pearce says don’t get too caught up on that, we will crown a NEW World Heavyweight Championship at Saturday Night’s Main Event!

Oh, and since CM Punk won the #1 contender’s match last week, he still gets his part in that match. But who he faces will be decided the old fashioned way! An Over-the-Top Battle Royal, the winner facing Punk, and the winner in Salt Lake City becomes THE World Heavyweight Champion. And where does that battle royal take place? TONIGHT IN SACRAMENTO! The fans cheer that! Now, the title no longer belongs to Rollins, and it sure as hell doesn’t belong to Bron, so he needs to hand it over. Bron chuckles, and Heyman hands him a mic. Bron says, “And what if I don’t?” Pearce steps forward but Heyman says hold on.

Heyman takes Bron aside to talk this over. Bron says he was just asking an honest question. Bron wants some respect! Peaerce says okay, fine. “Bron, respectfully, I’m gonna need you to hand over the championship. Respectfully.” Bron chuckles again, and while fans chant for “C M PUNK! C M PUNK!” Bron leans in and tells Pearce to say “please.” Pearce sighs, and manages to say, “Bron, respectfully, I’m gonna need you to hand over the World Heavyweight Championship now… please.” Bron grins, the fans boo, but he says, “That wasn’t so hard, was it?” Bron hands the belt over to Heyman, who then hands it to Pearce.

Pearce leaves with gold in hand, and Heyman has the mic now to say, “Before we move on with the show, somebody smarten me up to this. Why is everyone so mad at us? I get it! Hey, I also watch Unreal, I understand, we’re the bad guys, we’re the villains, we’re the Heels. It’s easy to point at us and go ‘boo~!’ But what’d we do to deserve all that? I fail to understand. The Vision had nothing to do with Seth Freakin’ Rollins. I didn’t leave The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns, and betray my best friend, CM Punk, for Seth Freakin’ Rollins. I pulled that move at WrestleMania because Bron Breakker IS the future of WrestleMania!

“I pulled those moves at WrestleMania because deep in my heart, I always knew that Bronson Reed weas better than Roman Reigns! Bronson Reed proved that in Perth, Australia. It was Tribal Thief over Tribal Chief.” The fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Heyman says he chose Vision over Bloodline. And there was Seth Rollins, pointing to the future with his one good arm. Seth Rollins couldn’t shoulder the responsibility to lead The Vision into the future. He’s not a visionary, not a revolutionary, he’s not the workhorse of the Shield, he’s not the leader of The Vision, “he’s a bum shoulder b*tch!” The fans boo that!

Heyman says they’re setting the record straight: Winners write history. These are winners! Rollins was no longer main eventing WrestleMania, that spot was taken by Bron. Heyman claims he is an “older, kinder, gentler Wise Man, Oracle, Advocate,” but Bron & Bronson conspired to take that aw ay from Seth Rollins! They pulled the trigger, they had the ambition, the need, the intensity, to become WrestleMania main eventers! The fans boo but Heyman says we’re not being revisionist, this is a revision of the future! Heyman thanks everyone for their indulgence, for affording him this time, and oh yeah, by the way… “Welcome to Monday Night Raw.”

Heyman drops the mic on that one, but is anyone going to stop Bron and Bronson from taking the golden ticket to the world title match here tonight?

Judgment Day meets in the clubhouse.

Raquel Rodriguez tells Roxanne Perez to focus. If she beats Stephanie Vaquer tonight, she has a claim to THE Women’s World Championship. Finn Balor says they all have their work cut out for them tonight, huh? Dominik Mysterio walks in and says what’s up, but Finn isn’t so happy. Dom asks what’s wrong. Is it because they’re in Sacramento? JD McDonagh says Dom just had to open his mouth, had to talk to Pearce. Now JD & Finn have to face Styles & Lee. Dom says he didn’t say anything, other than it’s not fair he’s the only champion defending his title week to week. They’re complaining about AJ & Dragon? Dom beat AJ twice already, Finn & JD can’t handle him?

Finn says of course they can! They’re the WWE World Tag Team Champions! They’ll handle Styles & Dragon like they do every team around here! JD says Dom will have to handle Rusev alone while JD & Finn clean up Dom’s mess. The Irish Ace & Prince head out, Roxie says Dom doesn’t need to worry. JD & Finn will be fine, Dom is still killing it as double champion, just as they want. Dom says yeah, thanks. Raquel says enough of this, focus up. Roxie has her own important match. Roxie knows that. But will tonight (not) be alright for The Judgment Day?

WWE World Tag Team Championships: Finn Balor & JD McDonagh VS AJ Styles & Dragon Lee!

Raw returns as Finn & JD make their entrance to join Styles & Dragon. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see who handles business!

The teams sort out and Styles starts against JD. They tie up, JD wrenches but Styles rolls to wrench and headlock back. Styles hits a takeover, JD headscissors, but Styles kips free. JD trips Styles, rolls him, then headlocks. JD thrashes the hold, the fans rally behind Styles, and he powers up and out. Styles hurdles, drops down, but JD avoids the dropkick! JD grins and runs, but into the DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Styles tags Dragon in. They mug JD in the corner, and Dragon CHOPS JD against the ropes! Dragon whips, JD sunset flips, but Dragon stays up to DOUBLE STOMP! Dragon runs in at the corner but JD slips to the outside.

JD trips Dragon, then aims to slingshot and STOMP! The fans rally, JD bumps Dragon off buckles, and tag to Finn. Finn fires body shots and stomps into Dragon! The ref counts, Finn & JD soak up heat, then Finn stands Dragon up. Finn bumps Dragon off buckles, RAMS and CHOPS him into the corner, then talks Styles. But Dragon BOOTS Finn, then RANAS him to another corner! JUMP KICK, leg sweep, and COMBINACION DRAGON! The fans fire up for Dragon, but he has to dodge JD! Dragon goes up, out, and V-TRIGGERS JD! Then he RAMS into Finn, slingshots and sunset flips, but Finn rolls through to DROPKICK! Cover, TWO!

Finn keeps Dragon from Styles and throws haymakers. Finn fires body shots in the corner, and a CHOP! Finn keeps Dragon from getting away, BODY BLOWS, then he tags JD. Dragon grabs at Finn but JD stomps Dragon down. JD digs his boot into Dragon’s face, lets off as the ref counts, and JD argues with the ref so Finn can CLAW Dragon’s face! JD drags JD up for a SHOULDER BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Dragon toughs it out but JD keeps him down. JD brings Dragon over, tags Finn, and Finn snap suplexes Dragon. Cover, TWO! The fans rally for Dragon & Styles but Finn tags JD. JD climbs up, Finn stands Dragon up, AX HANDLE!

JD soaks up the heat, but he almost forgets Dragon! JD stomps Dragon and BLASTS Styles! The fans boo but JD tags Finn. Styles runs in and CLOBBERS JD into the ropes! Finn is tripped up, Styles LARIATS JD up and out! Styles gets Dragon to safety, then tags in! Styles fires off the PHENOMENAL BLITZ on Finn! Styles runs, but JD DUMPS Styles out! Styles clutches a leg, JD defends his innocence, and Raw goes back to break.

Raw returns again and Finn bumps Styles off buckles. Finn throws hands but Styles fires back! Styles ELBOWS JD, ROCKS Finn, and repeat! Finn slips around, EYE OF- NO, Styles fireman’s carries! Finn slips free, but Styles gets him for an ATOMIC FACEBUSTER! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Styles and Finn crawl, hot tags to JD and Dragon! The fans fire up as Dragon dodges JD, DROPKICKS Finn, and then dodges JD again to SNAP GERMAN! JD tumbles, Dragon SUPERKICKS! JD ends up in a corner, Dragon runs up, but JD puts him on the apron. Dragon RAMS, bumps, and GAMANGIRIS JD!

Dragon goes up, but JD trips him up! JD goes up, up, but Dragon trips him up now! Dragon ROCKS JD into the Tree of Woe! And he stands for the WOE STOMPS! The fans fire up and Dragon pulls off the elbow pad. Dragon runs in at JD, but Finn drags JD out to safety! The fans boo, but Dragon just FLIES! Down go JD & Finn! The fans fire up and Dragon puts JD in. JD then aims, runs, DRAGON BLADE!! Dragon then reels JD in, but JD escapes the bomb! JD lifts Dragon to POWERBOMB in return! Both men are down and crawling as the fans rally up. Hot tags to Finn and Styles! Styles dodges Finn, then CHOPS, CHOPS, and CHOPS!

The fans fire up as styles whips corner to corner. Styles runs in and LARIATS Finn! Then fireman’s carry, but Finn CLAWS free! Styles gets JD instead, USHIGOROSH!I Dragon runs up and LARIATS JD outta the ring! Finn SLINGBLADES Styles! Finn aims, Dragon runs up, but Finn TOSSES Dragon! Styles runs up, Finn puts him on the apron, but Styles ROCKS Finn first! PHENOMENAL FOREARM!! Cover, JD BREAKS IT!! The fans can’t believe it, but JD just saved the day for Judgment Day! JD tags himself in now, but Styles fires a PHENOMENAL BLITZ! And PELE! Styles rises up, runs the ropes, but into a SPANISH FLY! Cover, TWO!!

The fans fire up as Styles survives and shocks JD! JD drags Styles, he tags Finn, “This is Awesome!” as JD goes up! MOONSAULT! Finn is up top now, COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, DRAGON LEAPS OVER JD TO BREAK IT! Dragon TOSSES JD, dodges Finn, and DIVES to take JD out! Finn is shocked, but Styles rolls him up! Finn rolls through high stacks, TWO! Finn tucks Styles in!? But Styles backdrops free! Finn sunsets, Styles rolls through to high stack, and lift! STYLES CLASH!!! Cover, STYLES & DRAGON WIN!!

Winners: AJ Styles & Dragon Lee, by pinfall (NEW WWE World Tag Team Champions)

Even Dragon is stunned, he and Styles pulled it off! The Phenomenal One & The Boy Wonder got the gold, they get the pyro, but will Judgment Day now be reeling? Or can Roxie and Dirty Dom keep the team afloat?

The Usos meet backstage.

Jimmy asks Jey if he’s supposed to acknowledge him now or something. Jey says he gets why Jimmy’s mad. What Jey said last week wasn’t right. Jey wasn’t mad at Jimmy, he was mad at himself for making the same mistakes in Paris. All he knows is, Big Uce Roman isn’t here tonight. Jimmy says yeah, Roman’s not here, and he will not be in the battle royal. Roman is not going to be fighting for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. But you know who is? Jey. And y’know who else? Jimmy! Roman got Jey thinking that Jey lost just for sticking his neck out to help someone. That’s cap! Jey lost cuz Jey stopped believing in Jey!

Jey admits, Jimmy’s right. But Roman might also be right, too. Jimmy says in that case, Jey better figure himself out before the battle royal. Because when they get in that ring tonight, Jimmy’s going in on everybody! And that includes Jey. Jey says okay, win it then. But are they good? Yeet. The Usos shake hands on it, and Jey heads back out. But will either Uce be able to survive the field?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Dominik Mysterio VS Rusev!

Well, The (self-proclaimed) King of the Luchadores just saw his amigos lose the World Tag Team Championships, and now he has one more run-in with the Bulgarian Brute. Will “El Sucio” survive the Son of Thunder? Or will Judgment Day continue to suffer loss?

Raw returns and Rusev makes his entrance. But Dom doesn’t wait for introductions, he DIVES onto Rusev at the ramp! The fans fire up and Dom RAMS Rusev into the steel steps! Dom puts Rusev in the ring, the fans cheer, but Rusev LARIATS Dom down! The fans boo but Rusev demands the match happen. The bell rings, Rusev stomps away on Dom, and he DECKS Dom! Rusev UPPERCUTS Dom, ROCKS him, then RAMS him in the corner again and again! Rusev stalks Dom, drags him up, and TOSSES him across the way. Dom writhes, Rusev steps on him, and then stands on him! The ref counts, the fans boo, but Rusev steps off at 4.

Dom coughs and sputters, but Rusev drags him up. Rusev TOSSES Dom to the corner, and he KICKS and KICKS and KICKS the legs! Rusev winds up to KICK Dom down! Dom sputters, Rusev taunts him, and then ELBOW DROPS him! The fans rally, Dom sits up, and Rusev BOOTS him down! Dom wants mercy, but Rusev just looms over him. Dom stomps Rusev’s legs, then puts him in a corner. The fans sing for Dom but Rusev whips corner to corner. Rusev runs up, Dom BOOTS him away! Dom goe sup, up, and AX HANDLES! Rusev wobbles, Dom goes up again, AX HANDLE! Rusev is still up, so Dom AX- NO, Rusev catches him!

Rusev poops Dom up, Dom slips free, and Dom DROPKICKS Rusev onto ropes! The fans fire up as Dom dials up, but Rusev DECKS him first! Rusev drags Dom up, suplexes high and hard, then another high suplex! Rusev then scoops for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Dom flounders out of the ring and Rusev soaks up the heat while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Rusev CHOKES Dom in a corner! The ref counts, Rusev lets go, and Rusev whips Dom corner to corner. Rusev runs up, Dom slips outside to HOTSHOT Rusev down! Then slingshot SENTON! The fans rally as Dom runs up, kicks, and gives some Latino Heat! But Rusev is too much to suplex! Rusev suplexes, but Dom makes it a DDT! Cover, TWO! Rusev survives and Dom is surprised. Dom hurries to a corner, gives some Latino heat, and he goes up, up, and FROG SPLASHES onto knees! Rusev winds up, ROUNDHOUSE! And then a scoop for a SWINGING SLAM! The fans boo but Rusev fires himself up.

Rusev shouts, “GAME! OVER!” Stomp and ACCO- NO, Dom grabs the ROPEBREAK, then scrambles away! Th efans cheer as Dom takes his titles and looks to leave! But PENTA is in the way! The fans fire up as Dom is frightened, and then Rusev THROWS Dom into Penta! Rusev drags Dom from the timekeeper’s area, puts him in the ring, but Penta is pissed! The fans fire up as Rusev SLAPS Penta! Dom hides something in his boot! Just like last week! Dom runs and dropkicks Rusev’s legs out! Dom dials it up, 61- NO!! Rusev blocks the call, he knew it was fishy! Dom takes the bell hammer out of Dom’s boot! Rusev wants to hammer Dom!

The ref stops Rusev, takes the hammer, but Dom LOW BLOWS!! And 619!! Rusev is down, Dom goes up, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, DOM WINS AGAIN!

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

Dirty Dom does Uncle Eddie proud, he found yet another way to lie, cheat and steal the win! But how much longer can Dom survive by the seat of his pants? And then Penta TORNADO DDTS Rusev! The fans fire up, but we know that Penta will be seeing Rusev and Dom again in the battle royal! Will #CeroMiedo soon be #1 contender?

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Maxxine Dupri!

#BigTimeBecks was so upset she lost to Sacramento’s own a couple weeks ago that she needed time off to cool off. But now she can have her revenge by ruining Maxxine’s homecoming. Will The Man continue to hold Maxxine down? Or will this Alpha Babe finally have her moment?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really the greatest woman wrestler ever!

The bell rings and Sacramento cheers on “Maxxine! Maxxine!” The two tie up, Becky powers Maxxine to a corner, but lets off just to talk trash. Then she sucker punches Maxxine! The fans boo, the ref reprimands, but Becky stomps away on Maxxine. Becky stops at 4 and says she’s out, okay? Becky then RAMS Maxxine again and again and again! The ref counts, Becky says Jessica Karr is so good at counting~! Becky then clinches Maxxine, only for Maxxine to wheelbarrow and victory roll! TWO, Oklahoma Roll! TWO! Becky BOOTS Maxxine, TOSSES her out, then whips her into barriers! Maxxine tumbles into the timekeeper’s area!

Becky tells Jessica that now she can count. The fans boo and Maxxine is down while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Becky THROWS Maxxine into barriers! Becky refreshes the ring count at 6 because she doesn’t trust the ref, then she stomps Maxxine down. Becky leaves Maxxine behind now and soaks up the heat. Maxxine crawls, Becky tells Jessica to keep counting. Maxxine stands at 7, wobbles, and leans against the apron. Maxxine rolls in at 9, but avoids the leg drop! Becky hobbles away, Maxxine JAWBREAKERS and roll-up, TWO! Becky hurries to her feet, clinches, but Maxxine STUNNERS first! Both women are down and the fans fire up! They both rise up, and Maxxine dodges Becky to rally LARIAT after LARIAT!

Maxxine BOOTS Becky down, the fans fire up, and Maxxine runs in again, STEP-UP LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Becky survives and goes to a corner. Maxxine runs up, Becky BOOTS her! Becky runs up, but into a wrench and hook, FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Kip up, and the straps come down! Maxxine runs to KNEE Becky down! Cover, TWO! Becky survives again and Maxxine is losing her focus a bit. Maxxine hurries to drag Becky up, but Becky ROCKS Maxxine! Maxxine ROCKS Becky! They go forearm for forearm, the fans cheering Maxxine and booing Becky! But Becky fires a flurry, then UPPERCUT and SOBAT!

Becky clinches, Maxxine slips free! Becky ducks the heel kick but not the ROUNDHOUSE! Cover, TWO! But into an ANKLE LOCK!! Becky flails, reaches out, and she rolls! Maxxine is sent into ropes! Becky then kicks Maxxine, underhooks, BUTTERFLY SUPLEX into an ARMBAR! Maxxine flails, reaches out, keeps her shoulders up, and bridges back! Roll through to the ANKLE LOCK!! The fans fire up as Becky scrambles around! Becky rolls, Maxxine avoids hitting buckles. Maxxine ELBOWS Becky, goes out and up, but Becky trips her up! Becky climbs, she and Maxxine brawl, but Becky gets the edge.

Maxxine fights the suplex to GOURD BUSTER! And CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!! Becky escapes in time and Maxxine is beside herself! Becky bails out, she grabs her belt, and she wants to leave! Is she Dom or something? Maxxine says no dice, and she CLOBBERS Becky at the ramp! Maxxine puts Becky into the ring, but she ducks the belt shot to RAM Becky! Slingshot, sunset flip, but Becky and the ref fight! Sunset flip complete, TWO!!! Becky narrowly gets free, but that wasn’t on the count! BELT SHOT!!! The ref calls it!

Winner: Maaxxine Dupri, by disqualification (Becky retains the title)

The fans boo as Becky denies Maxxine in the lowest way possible! Becky isn’t done, though, she POSTS Maxxine and stomps a mudhole in! The fans boo but Becky brings her kneepads down. Becky runs up again, KNEE into Maxxine’s face! Becky drags Maxxine up, clinches, MANHANDLE SLAM!! The fans boo, even chant for AJ Lee, but Becky leaves Maxxine down and out. Will anyone ever overthrow The Man?

The Kabuki Warriors speak.

Asuka says Rhea Ripley got what she deserved during the Japan tour. Remember who ruined your trip home! It was Asuka! Kairi Sane applauds, and Asuka says they broke Iyo’s spirit and Rhea’s nose. Kairi says Rhea tore this family apart! So that’s why she has to pay! Asuka shouts at Kairi, but with good news. Kairi showed she’s finally got what it takes. Kairi showed she can be ruthless, just like Asuka, and that’s exactly what they will be! They will need a new challenge, though. They need gold around their waists again. This is a warning to the entire Women’s Tag Division! The Kabuki Warriors are back! Will no one be ready for Asuka & Kairi?

Paul Heyman impatiently waits outside Adam Pearce’s office.

Pearce mockingly asks “Pauly” where he’s been, it’s been like 45 minutes. Heyman says very funny. Pearce says he just had production change a graphic. Oh, wow, a graphic change? Really? Does Pearce understand what kind of week Heyman’s had? Uh, does Heyman understand what kind of man Pearce is? But this graphic pertains to Heyman specifically. Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed had to come off the graphic for the battle royal. W-Why? Because Bron & Bronson are officially out of the battle royal. And Pearce is sure Heyman will want them back in the battle royal. But tell you what: SAY PLEASE.

Heyman sighs and asks, “Mr. Pearce, sir, if you would please take it into your kind consideration to put Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed back into the battle royal, please.” Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it? Yes, Heyman enjoyed it. And he enjoys doing business with Pearce. Pearce says okay. He will consider it. The answer is NO! And then he SLAMS the door in Heyman’s face. Heyman sarcastically says this day is just getting better and better. Then he turns around and sees Becky! Hi, Becky… Becky steps closer, and he says he understands how she must feel. Heyman had no choice in the matter. Bron & Bronson conspired against Seth because of the injured shoulder.

Heyman, however, got down on his hands and knees and he got in between them all. Heyman put himself in physical jeopardy, until that jeopardy was reality and he had no choice. Becky is the breadwinner in the family now, and what is the number one rule about feeding their children? Survive the day. Heyman survived last week. Unfortunately, Rollins did not. Heyman is sorry about that, but there is still a Vision that includes The Man. And then it is win-win! She can have her hot house husband, and an adorable Oracle on the road. No need for an answer right now, just think about it. Becky grabs him by the tie and pulls him in close!

“Listen to me, you penguin faced pr*ck. Your snake oil salesman crap doesn’t work on me, okay? I don’t like you, I have never liked you, I have never trusted you, but neither did my husband. But unlike the people whose coattails you’ve rode on, he didn’t need you, he used you. He knew that you were gonna turn on him. He was actually a little surprised it took you so long. But don’t worry. When he comes back, he’s not gonna hurt you. You’re nothing to him, okay? And you’ll be nothing without him. But all the people that you love in this business, all the people you surround yourself with, whatever new nepo baby you decide to attach yourself to…

“He’s gonna kill them. But he’s not gonna kill you. You’re just gonna wish that he had.” Becky leaves Heyman with that to dwell on, but when and where will The Visionary become the Architect of Heyman’s demise?

Stephanie Vaquer VS Roxanne Perez w/ Raquel Rodriguez!

La Primera is truly La Primera as she is the WWE Women’s World Champion AND 2025 Women’s Crown Jewel Champion! But The Prodigy still thinks she can be better than the best, and looks to prove it here tonight. Will Roxie win herself a shortcut to the top? Or will Vaquer be nigh unstoppable now?

Raw returns and Roxie makes her entrance, Raquel by her side. The bell rings and the fans rally for Vaquer as she and Roxie circle. They approach, but Roxie dodges and taunts Vaquer. Vaquer is annoyed, she and Roxie reset, and Vaquer waistlocks to SLAM Roxie. Roxie wrenches free, pushes Vaquer to a cover, ONE, but Roxie keeps on the arm. Roxie wrenches, Vaquer rolls and trips Roxie to have a toehold. Roxie pushes Vaquer, rolls over, but Vaquer floats to a facelock. Vaquer wrenches and YANKS Roxie’s arm. Roxie pulls hair again but Vaquer pushes on the wristlock. Roxie rolls, rolls, and rolls until she’s free. The fans boo but the two reset.

Vaquer calls a knuckle lock, Roxie obliges, and they tie up. Vaquer stands on Roxie’s hand, twists the other arm, and has the motorcycle stretch. Roxie turns but Vaquer UP KKICKS! Roxie rebounds, Vaquer trips her and covers, ONE! Vaquer has the arm again, but Roxie KNEES low! Roxie waistlocks, SLAMS Vaquer, and she taunts the fans. The fans boo but Roxie flips Vaquer over, only for Vaquer to kip up and arm-drag! Then body scissor roll, facelock, but Roxie wrenches out! LA MAGISTROL, then BRIDGE, ONE!! Vaquer has Roxie for a JAPANESE LEG ROLL, TWO! The two stand, Roxie kicks low!

Roxie talks trash and pulls hair to get a headlock. Vaquer powers up and out, drops down, but Roxie cartwheels. Vaquer bobs ‘n’ weaves, Roxie blocks to wrench, wrangle, and jackknife bridge! TWO as Vaquer bridges up! They wobble, fall back down, another cover, TWO! Vaquer powers up, turns things around, and tucks Roxie in! Roxie fights free and scrambles out of the ring! The fans boo as Roxie and Raquel regroup, but Vaquer storms out after Roxie! Roxie hurries back inside, Raquel steps aside, and Roxie runs up, but Vaquer dodges. Vaquer tilt-o-whirls to roll and bridge, TWO! Roxie SLAPS Vaquer!

The fans boo but Raquel applauds. Roxie shoves Vaquer, swings again, but Vaquer ducks to hit a back suplex! The fans cheer as Vaquer has the headscissors! But Roxie rolls to the ROPEBREAK! The fans boo, no kisses just yet. Vaquer lets go, Roxie clings to apron skirt, and the ref fixes that. Roxie CLAWS Vaquer’s eyes, and Raquel DECKS Vaquer! The fans boo as Judgment Day takes control, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Roxie has a hammerlock. Vaquer fires elbows, fights free, but Roxie KNEES low! Roxie whips, Vaquer reverses and spins Roxie to snap suplex! The fans cheer as Roxie and Vaquer rise. Roxie whips but Vaquer reverses to ROCK, CHOP, SOBAT, and HEADBUTT Roxie down! The fans fire up, Vaquer runs and LARIATS Roxie in the corner! Vaquer sits Roxie down, goes corner to corner, and the fans fire up for METEORA! Vaquer digs her boots in, the ref counts, but Vaquer hoists Roxie up. Roxie’s leg is in the ropes, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! SAIDO! And now Devil’s Kisses! AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH AH! YEEEEAH~!

The fans cheer, Vaquer covers, TWO! Roxie survives and Raquel coaches her. The fans want more “kisses” but Vaquer hooks Roxie up instead. Roxie slips free to block a kick, wrench the arm, ARM CODE BREAKER! The fans boo but Roxie runs, tilt-o-whirl and LA MYSTICA! Then a HANDSPRING KNEE DROP! Cover, TWO! Vaquer survives and Roxie is furious! Roxie CLUBS away on the bad arm, then clamps on for a CROSS- NO, Vaquer fights it, rolls it to a cover, TWO! Roxie SOBATS, then she hops on, but Vaquer pops free! Roxie hits ropes, Vaquer hits a 619! The fans fire up and Vaquer aims, but Raquel creeps over!

The fans boo but Roxie HOTSHOTS the bad arm! Roxie then puts Vaquer on ropes again, and she UPPERCUTS Vaquer in the back! The fans boo but Roxie goes up, up, and LION- NO, Vaquer SHOVES Roxie out onto Raquel! Then Vaquer goes up the corner, SUPER CROSSBODY on them both!! The fans are thunderous and Vaquer puts Roxie in! Vaquer tucks Roxie in, ANGEL’S WINGS!! Cover, Vaquer wins!

Winner: Stephanie Vaquer, by pinfall

The Prodigy thought she could bring down La Primera, but then RAQUEL CLOBBERS HER! The fans boo as Big Mami Cool stomps away on Vaquer, and Roxie joins in! But NIKKI BELLA is here?! #FearlessNikki is here, and she DUMPS Raquel out! Then she fires hands on Roxie! Roxie SOBATS, runs, but Nikki LARIATS first! Raquel is back and she BOOTS Nikki! Vaquer springboards to CROSSBODY Raquel! Vaquer hobbles, fires hands, and DDTS! Raquel flounders, Roxie rises, but Vaquer dodges so Nikki can DECK Roxie! The fans fire up as Vaquer & Nikki DOUBLE DROPKICK Raquel out!

The fans fire up as Judgment Day is in retreat! Will Nikki help Vaquer put Raquel & Roxie in their place?

Adam Pearce talks with Lyra Valkyria.

The Raw GM and Morrigan are both happy about that victory Lyra & Bayley had over Judgment Day. Lyra says she and Bayley are making a great team, but Lyra has goals of her own. When you get right down to it, she and Bayley are very different people. For example- Bayley walks in and cheers Lyra on. Bayley says hey to Pearce, and says they’ll talk later. But Lyra, Bayley feels great! She hasn’t slept since last week’s big tag team win. It felt so good! Lyra admits, it did, but- But Bayley wants to talk first, she has an idea. Maybe more a surprise. She knows Lyra’s birthday is coming up so she just wanted to do something great for Lyra.

Lyra says Bayley didn’t have to, but the real surprise would be Bayley telling Lyra what she’s going to do. No, then it wouldn’t be a surprise! Just wait. Next week, though, okay? Okay? Okay! See you later! Lyra is worried, but will Bayley surprise Lyra by having something thoughtful for her?

Bron & Bronson grumble in the private suite.

They both are upset they’re now not in the battle royal. Maybe they go to Pearce’s office, leave him laying, and steal his shoes. Bronson likes that idea. Heyman walks in, says hey, and Bron says he is having a hard time understanding. They came here with the world title. It was taken from them. And now, they don’t even have a spot in the battle royal to get back what belongs to them? Please, please, please, help them understand. Heyman smiles and says there was this rookie in 2002. The rookie’s name: Brock Lesnar. Lesnar could’ve eaten through the entire roster his very first night, but he didn’t, because he listened to Heyman.

And within five MONTHS, Lesnar was up against The Rock, who he beat for the title. Then, there was this “Best in the World” rebel in 2012 who was such a pain in the ass backstage that they were gonna throw him out the door as a champion after 100 days. But that punk listened to Heyman, and he got 434 days instead. How many WrestleMania main events did “Big Dog” Roman get? Who remembers the Big Dog at all? But Roman Reigns listened to Heyman, and everyone remembers the reign of The Tribal Chief. It is not just about who you can slaughter. It is about the backstage maneuverings and the politics that come with it.

Heyman asks if they wanna see the vision of the future of the WWE, then the two can just look in the mirror. That’s the future. Bron says yeah, guess they’ve got a lot to learn. But also a lot of people to hurt. Bronson agrees on both counts. Will both men stay patient as things unfold?

Stephanie Vaquer and Nikki Bella regroup backstage.

Vaquer thanks Nikki for the save out there. Roxie & Raquel will never beat Vaquer, they couldn’t take it. Nikki knows, she wasn’t gonna let sore losers jump people. Nikki just wants to say that she is very proud of Vaquer. Vaquer’s only been here for a few months, but she took the division by storm, and taken the division tot he next level. Now she’s champion! Being a former champion and being Vaquer’s friend, Nikki just wants her to know that puts a target on your back. Everything changes once you’re a champ. Be cautious, anyone can take you out. Nikki wishes back when she was a champ that someone was watching after her.

Vaquer says she owes Nikki, Nikki thanks her, and funny she says that… Because Nikki is sure she just made some enemies, and now she might need to take Vaquer up on that sooner than later. Vaquer says Nikki has her back, she’ll have Nikki’s. The two hug it out, will they both need each other to take on Raquel & Roxie?

The Usos are in the concourse!

Sacramento is all fired up as Jey asks them to please, please, play his music! Oh yeah, uh uh, YEET! The Usos enter together but it might come down to Uso VS Uso in the end. Will this battle royal belong to YEET? Or will someone else be meeting CM Punk in Salt Lake City?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Battle Royal!

The Usos are joined by Sheamus, and surely the Celtic Warrior is gonna make this one a banger! But will he make himself a contender? We find out, after the break.

Raw returns and now we have Kofi Kingston, Grayson Waller, Ivar, Akira Tozawa, the returning Otis, Rusev, Dominik, Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, and the NEW World Tag Team Champions, AJ Styles & Dragon Lee. But wait, El Grande Americano is also here! Then PENTA makes his entrance and the fans fire up for “CERO! MIEDO!” Last but not least, it’s L A KNIGHT, YEAH! The fans fire up again, but wait! CM PUNK is here! He’s not joining the battle royal, but he does want to see who he will face in Salt Lake City on November 1st. The fans sing along with Cult of Personality and join Punk in saying, “It’s CLOBBERIN’ Time~!”

Punk joins commentary for this, and the bell rings. The brawl is on as Americano goes right after Sheamus, and the rest seem to swarm on Otis and Ivar! Otis and Ivar EXPLODE out, and they fire LARIATS on each other! The others brawl it out, Ivar cartwheels to dodge but Otis LARIATS him! Otis LARIATS Dom, ELBOWS Kofi, DECKS JD, and FLAPJACKS Waller! Then he scoops Kofi to POWERSLAM him! Then he SPLASHES Waller in a corner! Waller falls, and the fans fire up as Otis rips his shirt off! “This is Awesome!” but then Rusev gets in Otis’ face! They fire hands, Rusev KNEES low, and ROUNDHOUSES Otis!

Otis stays up, Rusev ROUNDHOUSEES again! But then Otis CLOBBERS Rusev! And LARIATS! Otis then runs up, but Rusev DUMPS him out and ELIMINATES him! The fans boo but Tozawa winds up! Tozawa CHOPS, but Rusev isn’t bothered! Tozawa rips his shirt off now, but Rusev BOOTS him down! Rusev TOSSES Tozawa and ELIMINATES him! Rusev then fires hands with Penta for their grudge! Rusev ROCKS Penta, Jey fights off JD, and Rusev stomps a mudhole into Penta. Americano and Dragon brawl in a corner, Dragon clings to ropes, but Finn goes after Americano. Finn also goes after Dragon for the tag title match earlier.

Dom avoids being thrown out, so Jimmy fires hands with Finn. Jey goes after Finn, they brawl, but Dragon hits Finn & JD! Jimmy has Dom up but Dom fires elbows! Dragon is on the apron, he RAMS Finn and GAMANGIRIS JD! Then he springboards, but Finn & JD SHOVE him down to ELIMINATE him! The fans boo but that’s payback for the tag titles. Penta ENZIGIRIS Rusev to the apron! Rusev fights back, JD sits Styles down, but Penta goes up and out after Rusev! The fans fire up as Rusev suplexes! Penta fights free, ENZIGIRIS again, but Dom BLASTS them both! DOUBLE ELIMINATION for the Double Champion!

Dom taunts Rusev and Penta while the fans go wild, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as Jimmy dodges Ivar in the corner. Jimmy runs up, but into a SEATED SENTON! Styles DROPKICKS Ivar, but then Ivar SEATED SENTONS him, too! The fans fire up for Ivar as he and Sheamus now meet. The forearms fly and the fans fire up again! Ivar runs, but Sheamus mule kicks! Sheamus fireman’s carries, but Ivar is too much to lift! Ivar CLUBS Sheamus, runs up, but Sheamus DUMPS Ivar out! Ivar lands safe on the apron! Ivar scoops Sheamus?! Sheamus slips free to KNEECAPPER! And then he fireman’s carries after all!? APRON WHITE NOISE!! Ivar falls, Sheamus ELIMINATES him!

The fans fire up for Sheamus as he gets back in the ring. Dom fires hands on Kofi, Americano tries to dump Jey out, but Jimmy ROCKS Americano first! Americano throat chops him for it! And he reaches into his singlet for the metal plate! The mask is now loaded, and Americano turns around. Jey throws a haymaker, but that hurts his hand! The same as Jimmy punches! The fans boo but Americano runs, into a ONE AND DONE!! The plate now backfires, and the Usos TOSS Americano out to ELIMINATE him! The fans cheer as the field is thinning out. Dom runs, but into an IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER!

Sheamus drags Dom up, scoops him, but JD & Finn save Dom! The Judgment Day mugs Sheamus, “This is Awesome!” as Styles rushes up to fire hands on JD & Finn! Finn & JD mug him in return, then work to dump him out! Styles clings to the ropes, Sheamus DUMPS and ELIMINATES JD! Finn stays safe, but not really as Sheamus has him for BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Sheamus goes all the way to TEN, SHOVES Finn down, and ELIMINATES him! JD is back up, but Sheamus gives him BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN! Finn drags Sheamus over, Kofi DUMPS Sheamus out and ELIMINATES him!

The fans boo but Sheamus is just as mad! He fires off on Finn & JD! Refs hurry over to get them all out of here, and Styles TOSSES Dom out to ELIMINATE him! But wait, no refs to call it, so Dom can slide back in! Dom TOSSES Styles to the apron! Styles fights off Dom, gets in the ring, NO eliminations here! Dom gets to stay in the match while Raw goes back to break.

Raw returns once more and while Kofi is after Styles in a corner, Jimmy throws hands on Knight, and Jey tries to shove Dom out. They are our final six as the fans rally up. Dom fights free, then he fires hands on Jey. Kofi TOSSES Styles, but Styles skins the cat back in! Kofi runs up, Styles BOOTS him! Styles CHOPS Kofi, Knight bumps Jimmy off buckles, and Jey bumps Dom off other buckles. The fans rally, Styles whips Kofi to a corner, and Styles runs up, but into a SWING KICK! Kofi goes up, up, and AX- NO, Styles dodges the ax handle! Styles waistlocks, Kofi ELBOWS him, and Kofi runs up to MONKEY FLIP Styles away!

Knight fights Jimmy off with elbows, Kofi runs up on Styles, but Styles DUMPS Kofi out! Kofi stays on the apron, RAMS Styles, and slingshots, but into a fireman’s carry! And then Styles DUMPS Kofi onto the top rope! Kofi gets stuck, Styles BLASTS him down and ELIMINATES him! The fans fire up again, and now Knight throws hands on Jimmy, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight whips, Jimmy reverses, but Knight KICKS back! Knight runs up, Jimmy fireman’s carries, but Knight slips free to REVERSE DDT! Knight rolls back, goes up the corner, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW DROP OVER STYLES to hit Jimmy!

The fans fire up but Styles storms up! Knight goes for BFT but Styles denies it! Styles kicks, reels Knight in, but Knight flails and kicks free of the Clash! Knight trips Styles, turns him around, REVERSE CRAB! Jey SUPERKICKS Dom, Punk pokes fun at Knight using a submission in a battle royal, but then Jey SUPERKICKS Knight! Jey sees Knight on the ropes, he runs up, but Knight DUMPS JEy out! Jey says on the apron, ROCKS Knight, but Knight ROCKS him back! “YEET!” “YEAH!” and repeat as the shots go back and forth! Knight ROCKS Jey again, and again, and again! Jey wobbles, dangles, but he holds onto the ropes!

Jimmy SUPERKICKS Knight! Jimmy helps his brother back into the ring, the fans cheer, but Styles springboards in! DOUBLE SUPERKICKS hit first! Jimmy TOSSES Styles to ELIMINATE him! Knight runs up, Jimmy dodges, but then Knight deflects the kick! Torture rack, but Jimmy fights free! Jimmy runs up to LARIAT Knight! They both end up in the ropes! Jey is conflicted, but he SHOVES Knight and Jimmy out to DOUBLE ELIMINATE them!! Now it’s just Jey and Dom! The fans fire up as Dom slithers around. Jey and Jimmy stare down, but they did say it was every Uce for themselves. But Dom runs up to DROPKICK Jey onto ropes!

Dom dials it up, but Jey TOSSES Dom up and out! JEY WINS!!

Winner: Jey Uso (advances to Saturday Night’s Main Event)

Jimmy is frustrated, and even Punk points out how Jey threw his brother away to get this win. If Jey’s that cutthroat, then Punk’s got his work cut out for him in Salt Lake. Will Saturday Night’s Main Event Jey Uso become the NEW WWE World Heavyweight Champion? Or will CM Punk prove he is still the Best in the World?

My Thoughts:

An awesome Raw as a return to the US but also to head for the Saturday Night’s Main Event. As many had guessed, last week’s attack was to help write Rollins off for a time, as well as vacate the title. Great stuff with Pearce and the Vision, and I like that Pearce stood up to them by banning them from the battle royal. Equally great promo from Heyman with Becky as she promises Rollins will have his revenge, and another great promo with Heyman keeping Bron & Bronson calm by telling them to be patient. I almost thought they were going to “ruin” the battle royal, but no, they behaved themselves and are surely going to wait and see who wins at SNME.

The battle royal needing some guys to pull double duty was interesting, but I suppose they couldn’t call in some SmackDown talent last minute, so they had no choice. It did also help give us some fresher interactions, like Sheamus returning to eliminate Judgment Day and then brawl with them. Good to see Otis back, but Alpha Academy being eliminated by Rusev is a great revisit to their feud earlier this year. Jey and Jimmy had a very good promo before the match to set it straight: every Uce for themselves, even though Jimmy did do more saves for Jey than Jey did Jimmy. But Jey winning out made a lot of sense, Jey’s Heel-ish turn is some great stuff, and Jey VS Punk will be a great match.

Styles & Dragon VS Finn & JD was an awesome tag match, one of the best matches any of these guys have had all year. I was genuinely surprised that Styles & Dragon won, but it is certainly the right move. This adds tension within the Judgment Day and gives the Raw Tag Division a fresh coat of paint. Kofi interacting with Styles in the battle royal, I could see New Day getting over their mourning to challenge Styles & Dragon. Dom VS Rusev was really good, and of course Dom cheated to win. If anything, the cheating is ironically the best part of the match because Dom is showing some ingenuity. I still think we need a Triple Threat of Dom VS Rusev VS Penta to settle this.

And then great things from the Women’s Division tonight, such great stories up and down the card. Great promo from The Kabuki Warriors to help address Rhea’s broken nose, which will of course keep Rhea out of action for just a moment. Kabuki Warriors calling out the tag division, I wouldn’t mind seeing them find their way to challenging Charlotte & Alexa. #Charlexa has gotten past a bit of their dysfunction by this point, Asuka & Kairi are starting on that path with how Asuka is controlling and abusive, and the match would be great stuff either way.

Bayley teasing a “great surprise” for Lyra is interesting, but it might also relate to a tag title opportunity, even though Lyra was implying she wanted to move up to the world title. Lyra might upset Bayley by saying that, and then Lyra has to fight the Three Faces of Bayley or however they choose to do it. Vaquer VS Roxie was a great match, and a great win for Vaquer. Nikki showing up for the save was a good surprise, and I almost thought she was going to use her friendship to get a world title match out of Vaquer. Maybe that happens after they have whatever tag match with Roxie & Raquel. Becky VS Maxxine was a great revisit of their previous match, and Maxxine still got to look great in front of her hometown. But in the end, Becky of course won out so that the gold goes hand in hand with her intimidating Heyman and vowing that the Power Couple will have their vengeance.

My Score: 9/10