It is John Cena’s FINAL RAW!

As the Last Time Is Now Tournament rages on, John Cena is here for his last Monday Night Raw in Madison Square Garden!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Six Man Tag: John Cena, Sheamus & Rey Mysterio VS The Judgment Day; Cena, Sheamus & Rey win.
• The Last Time Is Now Tournament Opening Round: Solo Sikoa VS Dolph Ziggler; Solo wins and advances.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Becky Lynch VS Maxxine Dupri; Maxxine wins and becomes the new WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion.
• The Last Time Is Now Tournament Opening Round: Je’Von VS GUNTHER; Gunther wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

JOHN CENA is here!

Madison Square Garden erupts, and even sings along with the song as the last time on Raw and in New York is now! Cena shows off the Yankees inspired merchandise, and of course the WWE Intercontinental Championship he won just last week from Dominik Mysterio. The fans cheer “CENA! CENA!” as he slides into the ring, and then even “Thank You, Cena!” Cena revels in the energy for a moment, then he cues up the extra introduction from Alicia Taylor.

“Ladies and gentlemen, he is the Greatest of All Time! The Never-Seen Seventeen, celebrating with each and everyone of you here tonight for his last Monday Night Raw appearance in the world-famous Madison Square Garden in New York City one final time! The Last Real CHAMPION~! JOHN, CEEENA~!” The fans cheer again, then Cena takes the mic for his own. The fans again chant “Thank You, Cena!” Cena says, “Boy, do I welcome that enthusiasm. But y’all got it twisted. It is New York City that makes or breaks careers. And at the end of mine, I see people as far as the eye can see. Thank you, New York City.”

The fans cheer, and Cena asks if they’re ready to start. “YES!” Well then, Madison Square Garden, “THE CHAMP! IS! HEEEERE~!” The fans cheer that, and Cena says, “What a night. Madison Square Garden has allowed me to step on the stage in these hallowed halls for 23 years.” The fans applaud, and Cena continues, “Tonight, there is a little bit of extra enthusiasm in the air because tonight is the last time that we can talk together. In Madison Square Garden, and on Monday Night Raw. A bittersweet moment for some, it is a very important moment for me. And I want to take a second-” DOMINIK MYSTERIO INTERRUPTS!

The fans boo as Dirty Dom walks out here, holding only the AAA Mega Championship, and heads to the ring. Dom grabs himself a mic and the fans boo more as he tells them off in Spanish. Then he tells Cena, “Nobody wants to hear what you have to say. John, last week, you were handed a title shot, just like you’ve been handed everything else.” The fans chant “You Suck!” at Dom as he claims he’s fought for everything he’s had! “So I want a rematch for MY Intercontinental Championship!” Cena says it is hard to hear over the noise, but Dom wants his rematch? Well gosh, did he ever come to the right building!

If you thought Cena was backing down on his last Monday Night Raw, HELL NAH, you are wrong! Cena has one thing to do first, and he’d really like to ask NYC about this situation. The fans cheer, they wanna see it! So then, tonight, in the world’s most famous arena, Dominik Mysterio VS John Cena for the Intercontinental Championship, right here and right now! The fans cheer that even more, and Cena says if Dom is feeling froggy, just jump! Dom steps up to Cena and says, “No.” The fans boo, but Dom says no, they did this Cena’s way. Cena had management on his side, he had his hometown on his side.

So now, they’ll do this Dom’s way. The fans tell Dom to STFU, Cena claims that’s “Choco Fun Cup.” Dom asks if Cena is done but Cena asks if Dom is done. No, because it will be Survivor Series in San Diego! Dom’s time, Dom’s hometown! Cena says fine! If Dom wants it in his backyard on ESPN, then no problems, Cena accepts. The fans are disappointed but Cena says here’s the problem he does have: Cena said he’d have a match here on his last Monday Night Raw. And he sees an opponent right in the middle of this ring. So for tonight, forget about the titles, and let’s focus on the fans! The fans like that!

Cena says tonight, if Dom has the guts, he will face Cena right here and now 1v1 and take a chance! “Do you feel lucky, Punk?” But wait! The Judgment Day makes their way out here! Finn Balor & JD McDonagh specifically are here to back up their amigo, but Cena won’t back down! Dom smirks and says Cena won’t get that final match on Raw. But he will get his ass beat! The Judgment Day mugs Cena 3v1! The fans boo, but Dom soaks up all the heat while Finn & JD keep Cena down. WAIT! Here comes Sheamus! The Celtic Warrior CLOBBERS JD, CLOBBERS Finn, CLOBBERS Dom, but now he’s getting mugged 3v1!

Cena gets up, JD DECKS him, now it’s just 3v2! BUT WAIT! REY MYSTERIO IS HERE! The King of Lucha won’t let his son have his way! Rey fires hands on Dom, Cena THROWS Finn out, Sheamus LARIATS JD out! Rey TOSSES Dom, the Judgment Day is on the run! Cena says Dom brought a team looking for a fight, but now Cena’s got a team and they love to fight! That means a Six Man Tag of Judgment Day VS Sheamus, Rey Mysterio & John Cena! Get a ref and ring the bell! The fans cheer that! A ref appears, the bell rings, and Dom really stepped in it this time! Will Dom, Finn & JD escape from New York with a win or a loss? We find out, after the break!

Six Man Tag: John Cena, Sheamus & Rey Mysterio VS The Judgment Day!

Raw returns, Judgment Day mugs Sheamus in the corner, but Sheamus fires back! Finn RAMS Sheamus, RAMS him again and again, then stomps a mudhole in! Finn soaks up heat with the rest of the Judgment Day lads before he puts Sheamus on ropes. Finn CHOKES Sheamus, stops as the ref counts, then brings Sheamus around to CHOKE on more ropes! The ref counts, Finn backs off, and that lets JD GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! The fans boo but Dom applauds, then Finn drags Sheamus up. Finn tags JD, they mug Sheamus more, but Sheamus CLUBS JD! JD RAMS Sheamus, and RAMS, and RAMS! JD sits Sheamus down but then stands him back up.

JD snapmares Sheamus, tag to Finn for the slingshot STOMP! Tag to Dom, slingshot SENTON! Cover, ONE!! Sheamus is tougher than all that but JD tags in to slingshot ARABIAN PRESS! Cover, TWO! The fans rally but JD keeps Sheamus down with a facelock. Sheamus endures, fights up, and reaches out. Sheamus BODY BLOWS, but JD JAWBREAKERS! Sheamus falls back, JD tags Finn, and they double whip Sheamus to the corner. But Sheamus comes back to DOUBLE LARIAT! The fans fire up while all three Irishmen are down! Sheamus crawls, hot tag to Rey! Rey dodges Finn, BLASTS Dom, then uses Finn to get up and SEATED SENTON JD!

Rey keeps moving, he dodges Finn, then BOOTS him! Rey runs up to tilt-o-whirl RANA! Rey kicks Finn’s leg, knuckle locks and fires haymakers before he goes up, up, and FLYING RANAS JD! Drop toehold on Finn! Rey runs the ropes, but Dom trips Rey up! Rey DROPKICKS Dom, but Finn CLOBBERS Rey! Finn then SLIDES Rey out to the floor! The fans boo but Finn soaks up the heat while Raw goes back to break.

Raw returns again as Finn grinds Rey down. Rey fights up, fights free, springboards, but Finn turns wheelbarrow into EYE OF THE HURRICANE! Cover, TWO! Rey survives, but then Finn SUCKER PUNCHES Sheamus! The fans are torn but Finn drags Rey over. Rey fires back with hands, fights free of the Judgment Day corner, and even BOOTS Dom for good measure! Rey gives a BOOT to Finn, then he jumps up, but JD anchors Rey! Finn CLUBS Rey, then wheelbarrows Rey, but Rey flips to send Finn into JD! JD lands on his Irish Ace! The fans rally up to a fever pitch as as Rey crawls, hot tag to Cena!

The fans erupt again as Cena unleashes the SHOULDER TACKLES on JD! Then the SPIN-OUT BOMB! Cena is feeling the energy as he raises his hand! MSG gets to say, “You Can’t See Me!” FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE! JD staggers around, into the fireman’s carry! ATTITUDE- NO, JD lands out, and he HEADBUTTS Cena down! Sheamus KNEE CAPPERS JD! Finn SLINGBLADES Sheamus! Rey FLYING SEATED SENTONS Finn! And Dom BOOTS Rey! JD hurries to the corner, goes up top, to MOONSAULT! Finn goes up to COUP DE GRACE! Then Dom hits the FROG SPLASH!! Cover, SHEAMUS & REY BREAK IT!!

The fans are thunderous, “This is Awesome!” Dom runs up, Rey dropkicks the legs out! Rey dials it up, but Finn & JD save Dom! So Sheamus, Cena, and Rey all drag them up to the apron! We get a TRIPLE BEATS OF THE BODHRAIN!! The fans count along as all three go to TEN!! Judgment Day flops into the ring, SPIN-OUT BOMB for JD! IRISH CURSE BACKBREAKER for Finn! BIG atomic drop for Dom! The fans are thunderous again as Cena leads Sheamus and Rey in saying, “YOU CAN’T SEE ME~!” TRIPLE FIVE KNUCKLE SHUFFLE!! Dom flops out, Rey DROPKICKS JD & Finn onto ropes! Rey dials it up, 619!!

BROGUE for Finn! ATTITUDE ADJUSTMENT for JD!! cover, Team Cena wins!!

Winners: John Cena, Sheamus & Rey Mysterio, by pinfall

Judgment Day picked a fight with the wrong ones, and now Cena is rolling on the road to Survivor Series! Cena’s final Raw, Cena’s final time in MSG, and maybe even Cena’s final Six Man Tag, but will Cena’s final reign end in San Diego? Or will he still be golden going into Washington, DC?

Nick Aldis talks with Adam Pearce.

The SmackDown General Manager is still furious that Paul Heyman used a loophole to recruit Drew McIntyre while Drew was suspended. The Raw GM knows that’s just what Heyman does. Heyman games the system, manipulates things, and… Interrupts as he walks in. Heyman says he loves both the WarGames and WrestleMania 42 posters they have on display. Of course he does, Heyman’s on both… But Heyman says he senses the heat, he knows they’re upset, and he apologizes. But they’re both in charge of enforcing the rules and regulations. All Heyman did was play within those rules. Yes, they know…

Heyman says he still has great respect for them both, especially Aldis. Aldis might need anger management, though. But if you think his fourth pick of Drew McIntyre pissed you off… Heyman laughs as he says just wait until he has in store next. He hands Pearce the contract, both GMs look inside, and the fifth man is…? Well, yes, they’re both upset. Just who did Heyman name to complete the WarGames team? And what can the other side do to counter it?

Raw shares footage from the break.

The Judgment Day were already in a bad mood, but they didn’t like Andrew Schulz poking fun at them. Dom got in Andrew’s face, but then the members of the New York Giants in attendance stood up for the guy. JD & Finn stood up for Dom, and that sparked a fight! Security stepped in and Judgment Day left it at that, but will they have to watch themselves while they’re still in New York?

Jackie Redmond is in the ring.

She welcomes us back, and says that in a few moments, she’ll have an exclusive interview with the WWE Women’s World Champion, Stephanie Vaquer! The fans cheer, but she says beforehand, there are some questions about what went down last week. Let’s first refresh our memories with this recap package. They cue up Vaquer defeating Raquel Rodriguez 1v1, title on the line. Roxanne Perez went after Vaquer, Nikki Bella went after Roxie, but then once that was all clear, Nikki would BLAST Vaquer with the world title, making it clear that Nikki still only cares about Nikki.

Jackie says tonight, we get Vaquer’s response to those actions. Without further ado, please welcome out La Primera, Stephanie Vaquer! MSG cheers as Vaquer makes her entrance, but then Nikki attacks! Nikki THROWS Vaquer into the LED screen! Nikki then grabs a mic as she stands over Vaquer. “Y’know, Stephanie, I didn’t come back to cheer on the sidelines, and I definitely didn’t come back to be your sidekick. I came back to take back what’s mine, and that’s this division! So uh, mamacita, thank you for reminding me who the hell I am. You will be giving me a match for that Women’s World Championship, and not only that…

“You will bow down to THE woman who changed this entire industry, Nikki Bella! That’s right! Comprende, mamacita?” Nikki drops belt and mic on Vaquer before she struts away. Nikki may be fearless, but will Vaquer humble her when they finally get back in that ring?

Bayley & Lyra Valkyria walk ‘n’ talk backstage.

The Role Model is being teased by The Morrigan about her gym routine, but then they’re confronted by The Kabuki Warriors. Bayley asks Lyra to just give them a minute, and Asuka says that as of right now, they need a fifth woman for WarGames. Asuka can forgive the past and forgive Bayley if she fights on their team. Join them~! Bayley laughs at them wanting her to join them. After everything they did to her and how they made her best friend turn her back on Bayley, they’re the ones forgiving Bayley? The answer is no. Asuka mouths off in Japanese that Bayley will regret this, Kairi says “You can’t see me!” and then Asuka shouts after Kairi to follow her.

Bayley sighs, but Lyra says that was great! She’s so proud that Bayley finally got over it! This is great! Let’s do the secret handshake, dude! Bayley snaps, “What’re you, five? Let’s go, you idiot!” Bayley’s in a bad mood again, but will she at least aim it at the right people this time?

The Last Time Is Now Tournament Opening Round: Solo Sikoa w/ Talla Tonga VS ???

While MFT has the Survivor Series style 5v5 on the horizon, the would-be Tribal Chief still wants his shot at retiring John Cena. But can he win when he doesn’t even know who he’s facing? Or will having the world’s largest insurance policy make up for all the variables?

Raw returns and Solo is pacing waiting on the opponent. The music hits, and it’s… DOLPH ZIGGLER!? The Showoff returns to the WWE as the Most Wanted, but will he still show the world that he has what it takes to be the best?

The bell rings and the fans are all fired up for Ziggler as he steps to Solo. Solo rushes up, but Ziggler dodges to fire haymakers! The fans cheer but Solo SHOVES Ziggler away. Solo then CLOBBERS Ziggler with a shoulder tackle but t he fans boo. Solo drags Ziggler up, fireman’s carries, but Ziggler slips free to DROPKICK! Then he STINGER SPLASHES in the corner! Turn and NECKBREAKER! Ziggler winds up, ELBOW DROP! Ziggler brings Solo around just to drop toehold, and STF! A direct message to Cena! Solo scrambles to the ROPEBREAK, Ziggler lets go at 4, and solo bails out. Ziggler hurries to the apron, and he LEAPING AX HANDLES Solo!

The fans fire up as Ziggler SMACKS Solo off the desk! The ring count climbs, Ziggler SMACKS Solo off the desk again, and the fans cheer him on. The count is 5 of 10 so Ziggler brings Solo around to put in the ring. Ziggler hurries up the corner, aims, and MACHO ELBOWS! Cover, ONE!! Solo is still tougher than that but Ziggler stays calm as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Talla stares stoically as Solo now stalks Ziggler to a corner. The fans rally for Ziggler but Solo stands him up. Ziggler kicks low, runs, but Solo stops the Famouser and pops Ziggler around to a fireman’s carry, SAMOAN DROP! Cover, TWO! Ziggler shows he’s tougher than that, but Solo watches him go to the corner. Solo runs corner to corner, HIP ATTACK only gets buckles! Ziggler ELBOWS Solo from the ropes, then BOOTS him from a corner. Then SATELLITE DDT! And FAMOUSER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally behind Ziggler as he’s getting closer. Ziggler and Solo both rise slowly, and Solo goes to ropes.

Ziggler runs up, the ZigZag is denied, URENAGE! Cover, TWO! Ziggler survives again but Solo says thumbs up, and not in the way Ziggler wants. Solo stands Ziggler up, but Ziggler ducks and rolls Solo! TWO!! Solo runs up, but Ziggler dodges! Solo hits buckles, then ZIGZAG!! Cover, TWO!! Solo survives and Ziggler is seething while MSG is shocked! Solo sputters and Ziggler rises. Ziggler goes to the corner, slaps some sense back into himself, and the fans fire up as Ziggler tunes the band! Ziggler does his best HBK for the SWEET CHIN- NO! Solo stops the kick, but then the SUPERKICK comes through! And ZIG- NO! Solo stops the ZigZag again!

SAMOAN SPIKE OUTTA NOWHERE!! Cover, Solo wins!

Winner: Solo Sikoa, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Ziggler did great in his return, but just not good enough to overcome Solo Sikoa. Will it not matter who Solo faces in the next round? Will he still make his way to DC to face Cena?

Alexa Bliss is here!

Raw returns as she’s already in the ring, and she has mic in hand to say, “Lemme just go ahead and tell you guys how my weekend went. Charlotte ignored every single one of my text messages. She ignored all of my calls. And Charlotte, I know you’re on your phone, I see your Instagram stories of you frolicking around New York City all weekend. So now I guess I’m just gonna have to try this.” She looks into the camera to say, “Really, Charlotte? After everything we’ve been through? I get that you’re upset that we lost the tag titles, yes. But we can get those back. Y’know what is harder to get back, though? Trust.

“The trust that you and I built, the trust that took six weeks for you to even look in my direction. You know that everyone backstage said, ‘Don’t waste your time on Charlotte Flair, she’s not worth it.’ But I ignored them, and do you know why? Because I know you. I know who you are on the inside, and I know who you could be. But it looks like you’re gonna be the one to prove me wrong.” Fans go “What?” and Alexa says she’ll tell you what! Last week, Charlotte left Alexa on SmackDown and Alexa got her ass beat, all because Charlotte doesn’t like Rhea Ripley! When has Charlotte ever cared about liking someone or being liked?

Alexa is the one who has been there for Charlotte, and the second she needed Charlotte, the second she needed her best friend… YEAH, best friend! That’s when Charlotte decides to prove a point because she doesn’t like someone? What the Hell, Charlotte?! But then wait, Asuka, Kairi, Lash Legend & Nia Jax make their way out here! And they all laugh at poor little Alexa. Asuka tells Alexa, “BAKA BAKA BAAAAAKAA~!” AKA, Alexa’s stupid. Nia says, “What she said.” But look at Alexa standing there like a total loser, all alone in sparkly pants. But y’know what? As a former best friend, Nia gets why Charlotte left Alexa.

The fans “WHAT?” and she says they all heard her. But it doesn’t seem like anyone’s coming to save Alexa, so this is gonna be fun. Asuka’s team surrounds the ring, but RHEA RIPLEY is here! The fans fire up as she AND Iyo Sky rush out here! They slip into the ring so it is 4v3, but that’s still not the best odds… The brawl is on, the fans fire up, but Kabuki Warriors easily mug Asuka while Lash & Nia get Rhea and Alexa. Rhea ROCKS Nia, goes to help Iyo, and things spill out of the ring. Nia HEADBUTTS Alexa, and she feeds her to Lash’s HAYMAKER! Nia adds on by DRIBBLING Alexa, but CHALROTTE IS HERE!

The fans cheer as The Queen is back, and armed with a kendo stick! The Queen fires off on Nia & Lash again and again! The fans cheer and “WOO~” as she just keeps hitting homerun shot after homerun shot! Nia & Lash retreat, Rhea & Iyo run off Asuka & Kairi, then Charlotte picks Alexa up. The fans chant, “She’s Your Best Friend!” but then Rhea & Iyo step into the ring. Iyo hugs her best friend, Charlotte chuckles, and it seems that for now, there’s a truce. Does that mean Charlotte is onboard for WarGames? And if so, who will join each side as the fifth members?

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

These two have gone back and forth, both in and out of the ring, and this could be the night everything changes. Will The Man keep this Alpha Babe down? Or will Maxxine prove she’s more than ready for The Big Time?

Raw returns and Maxxine is already in the ring. The introductions are made (with Becky talking trash right in Maxxine’s face the whole time), the belt is raised, and we see who has their moment in Madison Square Garden!

Becky holds up the belt herself again but then the bell rings. Becky argues with the ref, and Maxxine BOOTS Becky down! Cover, TWO! Maxxine hurries to whip, Becky reverses, but Maxxine KICKS and LARIATS! The fans fire up with Maxxine and she goes to a corner. Maxxine climbs up, up, but Becky ROCKS her first! And then ROCKET LAUNCHER off the top! Maxxine flounders away, Becky runs up and SPLASHES! Becky stomps a mudhole into Maxxine, digs her boot in, but stops as the ref counts. Becky and the ref argue again, and Becky brings Maxxine around. Maxxine fights the clinch, but Becky changes it up to a dragon sleeper!

Becky hits a BACKBREAKER and Maxxine flounders out of the ring. Becky seethes, Maxxine clutches her arm, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and both Maxxine and Becky are down after a collision. The fans rally up, Maxxine rises, and she runs up to LARIAT! And LARIAT! The fans fire up as Maxxine runs, but Becky dodges a boot. Becky swings, Maxxine dodges, LEG LARIAT! Cover, TWO! The fireflies are out as Becky and Maxxine rise again. Maxxine SPLASHES, facelocks, and FISHERMAN SUPELXES! Maxxine kips up, and the straps come down! The fans fire up with Maxxine, she runs, STEP-UP LEG DROP! Cover, TWO! Becky survives, but Maxxine wants legs! Becky kicks free, goes to a corner, and she ELBOWS Maxxine!

Becky goes up to KICK the bad leg! Then REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Becky grows frustrated but the fans rally up. Becky huffs ‘n’ puffs and hauls Maxxine up. Maxxine rolls through the armlock to fire forearm after forearm! The fans fire up as Maxxine fires off! Maxxine climbs, rains down fists, and the fans count along! But Becky stops Maxxine at five! Maxxine tries to fight free, but Becky POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO! But into an ARMBAR! Maxxine clasps hands, bridges up, and handsprings back! Into an ANKLE LOCK!! But Becky drags Maxxine down tot he ARMBAR! Maxxine stacks Becky, TWO and Maxxine is free!

Becky clinches, but Maxxine sunset flips it! TWO, and into an ANKLE LOCK!! The fans fire up as Becky endures! Becky reaches out, fights around, but Maxxine drags her from the ropes! And drops into the GRAPEVINE!! Becky flails, freaks out, but stands up! She stacks Maxxine back, TWO! Becky is free, but she avoids the boot! But then Maxxine wrenches Becky, only for Becky to wrench and KCIK the arm! Becky hobbles her way over, clinches, MANHANDLE SLAM! Cover, ROPEBREAK!! Maxxine’s long legs save her by a literal foot! Becky is shocked, but she thinks the ref is biased! After all, Jessica Karr is the one who called those other losses.

Becky gets in Jessica’s face, Jessica tells her to watch herself! The fans cheer the ref, but then Becky fires furious fists on Maxxine! And she THROWS Maxxine out! Becky tells Jessica to count that now! The ref does count, but then Becky unties a buckle pad! The fans boo, but wait! AJ LEE is here!? The fans are going nuts as she frolics her way out here! She tells Becky that’s a no-no! But then Maxxine CROSSBODIES! Cover, MAXXINE WINS!!!

Winner: Maxxine Dupri, by pinfall (NEW WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)

The fans can’t believe it! Becky can’t believe it! Even Maxxine can’t believe it! But Becky’s big time ego just cost her everything! There’s a new champion in town, will this be the Age of Alpha Babes?

The Last Time Is Now Tournament Opening Round: Je’Von VS GUNTHER!

The Young OG is hyped to be chosen as NXT’s representative in this historic, once-in-a-lifetime tournament. But will Je’Von make the most of this moment by getting BOUNCY~? Or will no one and nothing ruin the return of Der Ring General?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They feel things out, Je’Von KICKS Gunther’s leg, but Gunther shakes it off. Je’Von KICKS Gunther again, then they tie up. Gunther wrenches an arm then clamps right onto an armlock. Gunther grinds Je’Von down, but Je’Von fights up and around. Gunther wrenches, wristlocks, but Je’Von rolls, handsprings, and breaks free to DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Je’Von hurries after Gunther, but Gunther puts him on the apron. The ref counts the break, the two let go, and Gunther pats Je’Von on the head. Je’Von SLAPS Gunther! Je’Von fires off haymakers, then a CHOP!

The fans ‘WOO~” but Gunther frowns. Gunther TOSSES Je’Von to the corner! Je’Von dodges to CHOP again! Je’Von eggs Gunther on, dodges another chop, then runs but into a scoop! Je’Von slips free, waistlocks, but Gunther bucks the O’Conner. Gunther BOOTS Je’Von down! The fans boo as Gunther rips Je’Von’s shirt away. Gunther bullies Je’Von and CHOPS him, then Raw goes to break.

Raw returns and Gunther eggs Je’Von on while pushing him around. Je’Von CHOPS! Gunther eggs Je’Von more but Je’Von CHPOS, CHPOS, and CHOPS! Gunther shoves Je’Von to a corner, runs up, but into a BOOT! Je’Von DROPKICKS! And DROP- NO, Gunther blocks to then have the BOSTON CRAB! The fans rally as Je’Von endures, and he manages to tuck and roll! Je’Von kicks and kicks and kicks free, but Gunther scoops to BACKBREAKER! Je’Von writhes but Gunther looms over him. Gunther drags Je’Von up, shoves him to ropes, and ROCKS him with a shot to the back! Je’Von writhes but Gunther brings him up.

Gunther shoves Je’Von to ROCK him again! Je’Von crawls to the ropes while Gunther taunts the fans. Gunther stands Je’Von up, shoves him again, but Je’Von ROCKS Gunther in return! And again! Je’Von CHOPS, ROCKS, and SUPER- NO, Gunther blocks the cook! But Je’Von SUPERKICKS on return! The fans fire up as Je’Von goes up, up, and BOUNCY~ RAN- NO!! Gunther stops the rana to swing and- NO, Je’Von RANAS through! Cover, TWO!! Je’Von hurries to kick, but Gunther spins Je’Von into the SLEEPER! But Je’Von arm-drags free! Je’Von ducks ‘n’ dodges to RED DOT GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up while Gunther bails out!

Je’Von then DIVVES, but Gunther catches him! And THROWS him into the apron! Gunther seethes, clutching his own neck, but Je’Von is down while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and both men are down after another collision! The fans rally up as Je’Von rises first. Je’Von feeds off the energy and the fans cheer even more! Je’Von storms around, shakes the ropes, and he ROCKS Gunther! And ROCKS him again, and again, and again! Gunther shoves Je’Von, but Je’Von comes back to ROCK Gunther again and again! Gunther CHOPS Je’Von! And CHOPS him again! Je’Von sputters, but he ROUNDHOUSES back! Je’Von goes to the ropes but Gunther BOOTS him down! Gunther hauls Je’Von up, suplexes, but into STUN-DOG MILLIONAIRE! Gunther tumbles out, Je’Von DECKS him from the apron!

Je’Von then FLIES! Down goes Gunther and the fans go wild! Je’Von gets Gunther back in the ring, then goes up the corner! “This is Awesome!” as Je’Von CROSSBODIES! Je’Von bounces off that to go to the other corner! Je’Von goes up, up, and FIVE STAR FROG SPLASHES!! Cover, TWO!! Gunther survives and the fans can’t believe it! Je’Von goes back to a corner, the fans rally up again, and Je’Von jumps up, up, and away, into a CHOP!! Gunther then clamps on for a SLEEPER SUPLEX!! Je’Von sputters, Gunther drags him back up and POWERBOMBS!! Cover, TWO!?!? But Gunther rains down HAMMER ‘N’ ANVIL ELBOWS! REAR NAKED CHOKE!!

Je’Von flails but he’s in the body scissors! The fans rally as hard as they can and Je’Von gets a second wind! Je’Von rises up, but Gunther just wrangles him back down! Je’Von TAPS, Gunther wins!

Winner: Gunther, by submission (advances to the next round)

The Young OG gave Gunther far more of a fight than expected, especially for his first match back. Gunther mockingly says, “You Can’t See Me,” then heads on out. Will Der Ring General reassert his dominance by going all the way to Saturday Night’s Main Event?

Maxxine Dupri and AJ Lee regroup backstage.

They’re both so excited after what happened out there, and then Jackie Redmond hurries over to say, “Maxxine, that was so awesome!” Congratulations on becoming the NEW Women’s Intercontinental Champion, can she put into words what this means to her? Maxxine says this means that all the hard work has finally paid off. She beat one of the best of all time, and that means Maxxine finally belongs. But that’s also thanks to AJ Lee. AJ says no, don’t give her any credit, this was all Maxxine. AJ loves underdogs and hates bullies, so all she did was put Becky in her place. Then Otis & Tozawa hurry over to celebrate with their Maxxine!

The Alpha Academy heads out, Jackie says guess they’re gonna go celebrate, which is appropriate. But while she has AJ here, Jackie does want to ask if she’ll stick around. Hopefully yes? AJ says when she came back, she helped her husband, CM Punk. But then Becky just lights a fire in her that she forgot she had. Becky makes AJ feel things. So who knows? But then Rhea Ripley is there! Rhea smiles and says, “You got a second to chat?” AJ says sure. Mami and AJ Lee head out, could there be a steel cage in AJ’s future?

The Vision heads to the ring.

Bron Breakker, Bronson Reed, Logan Paul and Paul Heyman make their way out, and fans either bark for the Badass or they boo the Maverick that up and joined them to save his own hide. The “Faceoff” is going to close us out tonight, but will things stay peaceful this close to WarGames? Or will combustible elements pop off at the drop of a hat?

Raw returns once more as the Scottish Terminator has now made his entrance to join The Vision. Heyman has the mic and gives the introductions. “My name is Paul Heyman. His name is Drew McIntyre! His name is Logan Paul! His name is BRRRON, BRRREAKKER! And it’s time that you all acknowledge The Tribal Thief, Bronson Reed! I have walked the Samoan Swat Team and the Freebirds to the ring for the WarGames. I have walked the Dangerous Alliance to the ring for the WarGames. I have walked The Bloodline to the ring for The WarGames. This is the greatest assembly of talent ever put together for the WarGames!”

But then CM PUNK is here! The fans cheer as the Best in the World, the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, makes his way out onto the stage while MSG sings Cult of Personality. They also join in on saying, “IT’S CLOBBERIN’ TIME!” Punk continues down the ramp, high-fiving fans as he goes, but Heyman smirks and Bron dares Punk to do something. Punk says hold on. It’s also time for… THE USOS! Jey & Jimmy are entering from the crowd and we are now in Madison YEET Garden! The Usos flank the ring from that side as the fans all bounce along, but that’s not all! Because CODY RHODES is here!

MSG fires up again as now The American Nightmare, THE Undisputed WWE Champion, makes his way out, and they sing along with Kingdom, “WHOA~ OH~!” No time for pyro, though, because the real fireworks are about to go off in the ring! Cody, Punk, Jimmy & Jey stand on the apron as Bron, Bronson, Logan & Drew stand their ground. The fans fire up already, and it is on! The Usos brawl with The Brons, Punk has Logan and Cody has Drew! The Vision is reeling as Jimmy SUPERKICKS Bronson! Jimmy SMACKS Bronson off the desk, Cody has Drew in another corner, and fans are hoping “O T C! O T C!” joins in!

Things spill out of the ring as Drew sends Cody into barriers and Bron ROCKS Jey! Logan ROCKS Punk, fires body shots from all sides, and Logan talks trash. Logan whips corner to corner, Punk reverses, and then SHINING WIZARD! And BULLDOG! Logan is down, Cody stands on the desk after knocking Drew down, and Punk says night-night! BUT THEN BROCK LESNAR IS HERE?!? The fans freak out as Heyman really did summon The Beast to New York City! Brock gets HIS pyro before he storms right to the ring! Punk stands his ground but Lesnar just smiles. Punk rushes Lesanr at the ropes, but Lesnar THROWS Punk away!

Then Lesnar OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPELXES again! New York City is now Suplex City, but Cody gets in the ring with Lesnar now! The fans fire up as the hands fly again! But Lesnar just GERMAN SUPLEXES Cody! Lesnar roars, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES again! The fans chant for “O T C! O T C!” Lesnar grins as he is the fifth and most dangerous man of all, UNTIL ROMAN REIGNS SHOWS UP!! The fans go nuts and even Lesnar is worried knowing The Tribal Chief is here! Roman storms down to the ring, eyes locked on Lesnar. Lesnar looks for any sort of back up but The Usos handled The Brons so no dice.

Roman steps to the apron, Lesnar grins, and even Heyman is fired up seeing this! MSG is losing their minds seeing these two stare down again, and Lesnar takes a swing! Roman dodges to then SUPERMAN PUNCH! Lesnar tumbles out of the ring and Roman wants another go! Security rushes out here now that there’s an opening, but BRONSON REED CLOBBERS ROMAN! The fans boo as Auszilla hits Roman from behind, ELBOW DROPS him, then TOSSES the guards! ELBOW DROP, and Bronson goes up the corner! But Roman is up to SUPERMAN PUNCH! Bronson falls to apron then floor, and Roman shouts, “I TOLD Y’ALL!”

Roman wants after Logan Paul even, but then Punk has a kendo stick to CHOKE Logan! NYPD rushes in here?! Roman gets past them to SPEAR Bronson and an officer THROUGH THE BARRIERS!! NYC is going nuts, even Cody is surprised that happened, and now clearly all ten men for WarGames are accounted for! How much wilder is it going to get from here?

My Thoughts:

A great, maybe even awesome night for Monday Night Raw. John Cena opening the show and then being interrupted by Dominik Mysterio again was great follow-up to last week, and while Cena VS Dom 2 is a great match for Survivor Series, I was really hoping it would be Dom VS Rey. Great Six Man Tag tonight seeing Cena, Sheamus & Rey team up and get that win. Dom is great and all, but I’d really love if they committed to Cena taking the Intercontinental title all the way to Saturday Night’s Main Event. And in the end, this needs to feed Judgment Day falling apart. If Dom gets the title back, he can be all passive aggressive that he’s the only champion. If Dom loses, he can get mad that the others didn’t help him.

Great stuff in The Last Time Is Now Tournament tonight. Dolph Ziggler being the mystery opponent may not have been who a lot of fans expected (apparently Chris Jericho was their hope), but he and Solo Sikoa had a great match all the same. Them doing parallels with Matt Cardona and Nic Nemeth in returning to WWE names and then taking losses is not really that surprising, though. And awesome match from Je’Von VS Gunther, but I figured Gunther would win no matter what. Gunther has made his return, the rumors were Gunther was going to be Cena’s final opponent, feels like that’s happening no matter what.

Nikki Bella attacking Stephanie Vaquer was a really good change on what would’ve been a Vaquer promo, but then sadly Nikki had to give her own promo… Still not the best at that, but now they’re having a title match for Survivor Series, which I would think Vaquer wins anyway. On the flipside, great promo from Bayley & Lyra with The Kabuki Warriors for Bayley to outright turn Kabuki down. Then great promo from Alexa Bliss that turned into a brawl with the Heel team, which brought Charlotte Flair out as I figured. Iyo hugging Rhea to be like Alexa and Charlotte was cute, too.

Speaking of which, great WarGames builds for both sides. Great match from Becky VS Maxxine, and AJ Lee more or less helping Maxxine win the title is great stuff. Clearly AJ Lee and Becky are now going to be in Women’s WarGames, those two alone are going to have a lot of fun in that match. Then in the Men’s WarGames, Heyman of course pulled Lesnar into this, and that of course brought Roman in for the Faces. If they’re gonna have mostly the same Face team, they better reference how last year was and just get past all the dysfunction that was on the Face team right away. The irony is that Jey’s the one trying to be his own man now, he might be the problem for the team this time.

My Score: 9/10