Can anyone stop The Samoan Werewolf?

Roman Reigns survived Backlash, and he survived last week’s Monday Night Raw. Is he really going to test his luck with Jacob Fatu’s rage?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Street Fight: Finn Balor VS JD McDonagh; Finn wins.
• Tornado Six Man Tag: Los Americanos VS Los Americanos Hermanos; Los Americanos win.
• WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Brie Bella & Paige VS Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez; Brie & Paige win and retain the titles.
• The Ruler’s Open Challenge: Oba Femi VS ???; No Contest.
• Seth Rollins VS Austin Theory w/ The Vision; Rollins wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Roman Reigns arrives.

The Tribal Chief grabs his title from the attendant, and Adam Pearce is there to greet him. The Raw General Manager says if Roman had just listened to him last week, that wouldn’t have happened. Jacob Fatu would’ve been fired because he doesn’t deserve to be here. Roman asks what Pearce wants of him. To say that he’s right? That they should’ve done it Pearce’s way? No, it doesn’t matter now. Roman just needs a few minutes to call Jacob out right now! Is Roman serious?! Pearce says Jacob should be fired and fired tonight! Roman says he can handle this. But then wait, Jacob is making his entrance first?!

Pearce hurries off to figure out what’s going on, but Greensboro fires up as the Samoan Werewolf storms down to the ring! Jacob grabs a mic to say, “Hey, you tryin’ to say you gon’ call me out, Roman?! Hey, I’m here right now! Bring yo’ punk ass out here so I can dog walk your punk ass!” The fans fire up for that! But the Usos make their way out here first! Jey has a chair, but #BigJim wants everybody to just calm down! They both get in the ring and Jimmy says hold on, let him rap with Jacob real quick! Jey is pacing while Jimmy asks, “What we doing, Uce? What the hell we doing, Jacob? Huh?

“You sat here and told us, told everybody and they mama and them, you’d do anything it takes to save your family. You’d do anything it takes to take care of your wife, to give ’em a better life. Part of that was acknowledging the Tribal Chief, man!” The fans boo but Jimmy says Jacob lost at Backlash, Jacob was supposed to acknowledge Roman, but he didn’t! It’s like Jacob chooses the hardest path to follow! You went and put your hands on management, and guess what? They about to fire yo’ ass! Yeah! Then what, Jacob? We go back to that lifestyle? We don’t get our kids the big bag, the better schools, the better cars, the better life, huh!?

Jimmy says Jacob ain’t thinking! Then what? We back in prison now? Jey keeps jawing at Jacob, Jimmy tries to stop him, but Jey takes a swing! Jacob DECKS Jey first! Jacob rains down fists, Jimmy goes after Jacob, but Jacob has the TONGAN DEATH GRIP on Jimmy! Jacob smothers Jimmy, but Jey SMACKS him with a chair! Jacob just stands upright and glares at Jey! The fans fire up as Jacob then clamps on the TONGAN DEATH GRIP on Jey!! Jacob smothers Jey at the center of the ring! The fans duel, but here comes Roman! The fans fire up as OTC storms out on stage, but Jacob smiles because this is exactly what he wants.

Roman and Jacob lock eyes while Roman steps up to the apron. The fans fire up, Roman steps into the ring, and Jacob has his hand at the ready. Roman fires haymakers on Jacob and Jacob fires back! Roman fires a flurry, then BOOTS Jacob! Jacob staggers, Roman locks ‘n’ loads, SUPERMAN- TONGAN DEATH GRIP! But Jey SUPERKICKS Jacob! Jacob doesn’t let go! Jey SUPERKICKS!  Then Jey SPEARS! Jimmy hits the USO SPLASH! The Usos wait on Jacob, ONE AND DONE!! The OG Bloodline takes Jacob down, but wait! Jacob gets back up?! Slowly but surely, The Samoan Werewolf stands, so The Usos push him to the ropes!

The Usos trap Jacob’s arms in the ropes, and Roman reloads! SUPERMAN PUNCH! Then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS! Then SUPERMAN PUNCH! Jacob is still fighting, tied up as he is, so The Usos DOUBLE SUPERKICK again!! The Usos free Jacob from the ropes, Roman fires the fans up, and “OOOAH~!” SPEAR for Jacob!! The OG Bloodline takes Jacob down again and the fans cheer them on. But it also took all three to do it, speaking to how dangerous Jacob really is. Adam Pearce meets The OG Bloodline on stage, and Roman says, “Now you can do whatever you want.” Pearce tells Jacob Fatu that-

WAIT! Jacob grabs the mic in the ring and shouts at Roman! “Roman… TRIBAL…! COMBAT!!” AW HELL! Jacob has just invoked something far beyond the norm! Pearce says Roman doesn’t have to respond, but Roman takes the mic. The Usos are just as uncertain, but Roman says, “I accept!” The fans fire up as Jacob gets one last shot at everything he wants! But will Roman and The Bloodline make sure this is truly decisive?

Street Fight: Finn Balor VS JD McDonagh!

From being teacher and student, brothers in Judgment Day, WWE World Tag Team Champions, and now bitter enemies, the story of Prince and Ace is hitting the climax! With nothing holding them back, what won’t these two do to each other to finally put this one to rest?

Raw returns as the bell rings. The two circle, then Finn trips JD to rains down fists! JD pushes free, runs up, but Finn dodges to then LARIAT JD Up and out! The fans fire up as Finn goes out after JD, and he whips JD hard into barriers! Fans want tables already but Finn whips JD into the steel steps! Finn hurries to look under the ring, and he finds a kendo stick! And another! And another! Finn puts those in the ring, then adds some chairs to the mix. JD gets up but Finn JAMS him with a chair first! The fans cheer, and Finn hurries in. But JD SMACKS Finn with a kendo stick! And SMACKS him again! And again! And again!

JD has Finn down, then tosses the busted kendo stick aside. JD takes one of those chairs, wedges it into a corner, but Finn SMACKS JD with a kendo stick in return! And SMACKS him again! The fans fire up as Finn winds up, but JD ducks! KENDO STICK RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Finn coughs and sputters while he rolls away, but JD stalks him. JD CHOKES Finn with a kendo stick in the corner, then he climbs up to CHOKE Finn even harder! The ref reprimands but that’s all he can do. JD stops choking Finn to soak up heat, but that lets Finn trip JD up! Finn whips JD into the corner chair! JD flops to the apron while the fans fire up!

Finn hurries out of the ring and looks under the ring. Finn gives the fans what they want, and he brings out a TABLE! But JD DIVES! They narrowly avoid hitting the commentary desk, but then JD THROWS Finn into the timekeeper’s area! JD BOPS Finn with a mic, then stalks him into the crowd! The fans cheer as they’re closer to the action now, and JD ROCKS Finn! JD whips, but Finn reverses, and JD is sent into an equipment case! Kinda like last week’s blindside attack… Finn then drags JD up, brings him around, but JD RAMS Finn into the case! And SMACKS him off it again and again! The fans boo while JD shoves Finn down.

JD then sees the cases nearby. JD goes up into the stands, and he stands on the shelf unit! ARIHARA MOONSAULT! Down goes Finn but JD is hurting just as bad, and Greensboro is going nuts while Raw goes to break!

Raw returns again and the table is now in the ring. Finn ROCKS JD, ROCKS him again, then slips around to dragon sleeper and EYE OF THE HURRICANE! The fans fire up again while Finn picks up a chair. Finn JAMS JD, SMACKS him on the back, then SMACKS him on the side! JD writhes, but then Finn hesitates to hit him again. Or rather, he has a different idea. Finn puts the chair down, dragon sleepers, but JD wrenches free and URENAGES Finn onto the chair! Then JD STANDING MOONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Finn survives and JD grows frustrated, but the fans rally up. “This is Awesome!” even as JD drags Finn up and kicks low.

JD whips, Finn stops himself, then Finn SLINGBLADES JD! The fans fire up as Finn aims from a corner, and he SHOTGUNS JD through the table! The fans fire up as Finn then drags JD from the wreckage and into a drop zone! The fans fire up as Finn climbs the corner, COUP DE- NO, JD moves! JD then BUSAIKU KNEES! And POWERBOMBS! High stack, TWO! Finn survives and JD is furious! JD drags Finn to a drop zone, he goes up the corner, and fans boo as JD aims. MOONSAULT! Cover, TWO!! Finn survives and the fans fire up again! JD goes outside, he looks under the ring, and he brings out a new TABLE!

The fans are torn, they love tables but aren’t so fond of JD. JD puts this table in the ring, then sets it up. The fans chant “JD SUCKS! JD SUCKS!” but JD still sets the table up in a drop zone. JD then stalks Finn, brings him around, and puts him on the table. JD rains down fists, then says this is the end! JD goes up the corner again, but Finn springs up! Finn trips JD, JD falls right off the corner, and Finn puts him on the table. Finn rains down fists of fury, and now Finn goes up the corner! BUT DOM IS HERE! Finn has to fight off Dirty Dom but JD CLAWS Finn’s eyes! JD goes up, up, and SUPER DUPER PLEXES down through the table!!

The fans rally for Finn as JD crawls from the wreckage! JD makes the cover, TWO!! Finn survives and the fans are thunderous! The fans chant, “Dom, You Suck!” Dom goes looking for things on behalf of JD, and he brings out a trash can! Dom throws the can it, it kinda gets Finn on the leg, then Dom throws in another can. Dom gives JD on while he grabs the other. Dom JAMS Finn up, JD SMACKS Finn, then SMACKS Finn again! Finn ends up on ropes, Dom clears out space so he can dial it up! The fans boo, but Finn switches with JD! 619 into JD!! Then Finn SMACKS Dom with a trash can! Finn puts the can on JD!

The fans fire up as Finn takes aim, FULL METAL SHOTGUN! JD falls into the corner, then the drop zone, still stuck in the can! Finn goes up, up, and FULL METAL COUP DE GRACE!! Cover, FINN WINS!

Winner: Finn Balor, by pinfall

Dominik tried and failed to help JD take this one away from Finn! But with The Prince still standing, will this grudge with Judgment Day never end?

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.

Cathy Kelley is with The Architect, and says his issues with Bron Breakker led to Angelo Dawkins catching a stray Spear last week. Does Rollins think it is wise pursuing battles with The Vision when it is causing friction between Rollins and other superstars? Rollins says he isn’t sure about wise, but he knows some things: He is a marked man; he has absolutely zero allies; but sooner rather than later, Rollins has to put an end to The Vision. Rollins has been spinning his wheels thinking about the best way to do that. And what has occurred to him is that the easiest way out of a situation is to run right through it.

And y’know what else Rollins knows? He hasn’t had a match on Monday Night Raw in about nine months. Rollins thinks they should change that right here tonight! Because Pearce has given Rollins tonight’s main event, and in that main event, Rollins has a very direct challenge to make to The Vision. It can be any member, one, two, all three of ’em, he doesn’t give a damn! He’ll fight any and all of them! But who he’d really like to see answer the challenge is the guy who thinks he’s ready, but he’s not. The guy who says he can beat Rollins on his own, but can’t. Rollins asks Bron Breakker, “Who are you, really?”

Is Bron just a nepo baby that can’t hack it? Is he an athlete who just turns into a wad of wasted potential? Or is he everything that Bron says he is? This is your chance, Bron. The main event of Monday Night Raw. Show us who you really are. Rollins heads out, but will the Unpredictable Badass do exactly what Rollins expects?

Backstage interview with Sol Ruca.

Byron Saxton is with the Soul Surfer, and he brings up her two incredible matches here on Raw. First was against the Women’s World Champion, Liv Morgan, and the second was just last week against Iyo Sky. How does she feel about her time here on the main roster? Sol says she is stoked to have had the opportunity to wrestle some of the best women in this business. She knows she hasn’t won yet, but she’s still new, doing this for four years, and is already making huge statements putting the locker room on notice. This is- Becky Lynch interrupts. She didn’t get any notices, she’ll double check her phone. Nope, no notifications.

But uh, Sol hasn’t faced the best cuz she hasn’t faced Becky. That’s two lies, Sol is not doing very well. She’s 0-2 already, and Becky isn’t sure about Sol’s future if she can’t get any victories in her first two matches. Maybe Sol bit off more than she can chew and should just be gone, leave, go back to NXT. Sol says Becky makes a good point, for once. Sol will go away. Sol leaves and Becky says that’s the problem with this generation, they give up so easily. Back in Becky’s day, she had to scratch and claw and- Wait, is that Sol’s music? It is. Sol is making her way to the ring! The fans cheer as Sol high-fives along the ramp.

Sol grabs a mic now that she’s in the ring, and she says, “I’m just gonna cut to the chase, because there’s no point in doing this back there, so I’m gonna do it in front of all you guys. Becky, hey girl, I know you’re back there watching this right now, so I hope you’ll just, y’know, come out here and face me like The Man that you say that you are. C’mon! Let’s talk!” Becky’s music hits as she makes her entrance, and the fans cheer as the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion goes right to the ring. Becky says okay, okay, “rookie,” what stunt is Sol pulling, making a show of herself?

Sol knows Becky thinks Sol should just go back to NXT all scared, and that Sol doesn’t belong on Raw. But Sol has worked too hard to just give up. One thing about Sol is that she is damn good at proving people wrong. The fans cheer that, and Sol says how about we prove someone wrong. Let’s dish things out in this ring, right here, right now! The fans like that idea, and Becky asks if Sol wants to face her. Yes. So Sol wants to face Becky right here, right now, in Greensboro, North Carolina? Yes. The fans like that! Becky says okay, no. No? No. The fans boo that, but Becky says no, no, she would love nothing more than to perform for the people!

Because Lord knows they could use some excitement in their sad lives, and nothing could be more exciting than a Becky Lynch match. She’d love to give them that, but she doesn’t just pride herself on being the greatest female wrestler of all time, and it’s not just her saying that, other people say it, Sports Illustrated- Sol says here we go again! Becky says yes, now she has to start over. Greatest Female Wrestler of All Time, not just her saying it, everybody says it, Sports Illustrated and Bleacher Report say it! And she doesn’t just pride herself on all that, she prides herself on being a locker room leader and being a mentor to the youth of today!

The fans boo harder but Becky says many have stepped to her, thought they were ready for the spotlight, and the falls from grace have been astounding! Loony Lyra, Mediocre Maxxine, and Absolute Joke AJ, who was so traumatized that she had to leave the whole business again. Sol is not ready for this, and Sol needs to go think about it. And think strongly if she’s ready. If Sol is, IF, then Becky will face Sol on Saturday Night’s Main Event. But Sol has to remember, Becky is not just a star maker, she’s a star breaker! The fans boo, and Sol says that’s all cute, but she knows what Becky’s doing, and it won’t work. See you Saturday.

And Sol promises to not only snatch Becky’s soul, again, but she’ll also snatch the title. The fans cheer but Becky says hey, hey, hey, no one said about the title! Sol has done nothing to deserve this title! This title holds prestige! Sol doesn’t hold prestige, Becky holds prestige! Sol may have fooled others with all her flips and tricks, but she ain’t fooling Becky! Becky’s the prize! You gotta see if you’re ready to step into the ring with Becky! Welcome to the Big Time! Becky throws down her mic, but is she just scared of putting her title on the line? Will Sol prove herself worthy when she beats Becky this Saturday Night’s Main Event?

The Vision talks backstage.

Austin Theory says to be honest, The Street Profits are not gonna touch these titles. Logan Paul agrees, these titles are theirs. Theory says it’s funny, cuz every time he has a title, The Profits don’t! And now Logan does, too. Theory asks Paul Heyman the plan for Saturday, but Bron steps in and asks if they heard Rollins earlier. Heyman says yes, and Bron does his pinched-nose imitation of Rollins, “Bron Breakker can’t beat me on his own.” Make the match. Tonight, Bron VS Rollins. Heyman says that’s a good idea, he likes it, which is why it’ll be Seth Freakin’ Rollins VS… Austin Theory. Even Theory is surprised by that.

But Logan likes it! Main event! Theory will whoop that guy! But then Bron asks if he and Heyman can have the room. Of course! Theory has Bron’s back and will make him proud. They head out to get ready, but Bron asks Heyman what he’s doing. Bron can beat Rollins! Heyman knows that, but see, now you know where Rollins be, when he will be there, and why his hands will be so full. Maybe Bron would like to run that play? Bron nods and follows after the tag champs. Is Rollins just setting himself up for a trap instead of a challenge?

Tornado Six Man Tag: Los Americanos VS Los Americanos Hermanos!

With things heating up both in the US and Mexico, El Grande Nuevo and El Grande Original are leading their Americanos into battle, where there will be no need for tagging in or out! This tornado of luchadores (if they really are luchadores) is about to hit Greensboro, who comes out the other side?

Raw returns and Los Americanos make their entrance. The bell rings and the teams rush up! Los Americanos Hermanos all THROW Los Americanos! Brutus- er, “Bruto” HAMMERS away on Bravo, “Julio” is after Rayo, and naturally, the Grandes brawl their way out of the ring. Rayo kicks Julio away, goes to a corner, then CHOPS! And CHOPS! And CHOPS! The fans fire up as Rayo runs, but Julio OVERHEAD BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES! Julio storms up but Rayo fires hands! Rayo goes up to CROSSBODY, but Julio catches him! Bruto returns to add on, BACKSTABBER into FALL AWAY SLAM!

The fans fire up while Los Hermanos Creedo fire each other up, but then Bravo DROPKICKS Julio, then fires off hands on Bruto! UPPERCUT, then Bravo runs, but into a FLAPJACK! Bruto roars, but El Grande Nuevo GAMANGIRIS! Nuevo whips Bruto to a corner, runs up, and he blocks the boot to UPPERCUT! The fans fire up as now the Grandes throw hands! Nuevo ROCKS Original but Original dodges to pick and roll to get the leg! ANKLE LOCK, but Rayo y Bravo mug Original! Rayo CHOPS, then he sends Bravo in. Original TOSSES Bravo out, then DUMPS Rayo, but they trip him up! They YANK Original into the post!

The fans all wince from Original’s huevos rancheros getting scrambled! Bravo y Rayo strut and dance, then they get Original up. Bravo climbs while Rayo clinches, but Original fires hands on them both! Julio then clinches Rayo, but Bravo steps on Original, Rayo, and Julio to FLYING RANA Bruto! The fans fire up as Rayo then PLANCHAS onto Bruto! Bruto stays up but Bravo DIVES! Bruto is still up, he brawls with Los Americanos, but Julio runs to the corner! ESCALARA! Down goes Rayo y Bravo, but Grande Nuevo DIVES onto Los Hermanos! The fans fire up, and now Original is up top! ARIHARA MOONSAULT onto everyone!

The fans fire up again as Original gets Bravo in the ring, puts him up on the top rope, then climbs up after him! “AH GRACIAS~!” SUPER DUPER PLEX! Cover, TWO! Grande Nuevo then DROPKICKS Original down! The fans are fired up for all the Americanos, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Los Americanos mug Original. The fans are torn, but Rayo y Bravo double whip, but Original ducks the lariats to DOUBLE LARIAT! Then an EXPLODER for Rayo! And a wrench to the ANGLE SLAM for Bravo! The fans fire up with Original, but Bravo jumps on for a SLEEPER! Original still waistlocks Rayo! GERMAN SUPLEX BACKPACK SENTON COMBO! The fans fire up but here comes Nuevo! But Original THROWS him into the buckles! Cover, Bravo breaks it! Bravo hurries up the corner, but Julius runs up to get him! SUPER DUPER PELX for the Power! Bruto is up top, MOONSAULT for the Glory!

Original adds a DIVING HEADBUTT, then covers, but Rayo breaks it! “This is Awesome!” as all the Americanos sort out. Julio steps on Bravo as he goes to the corner, then he climbs, 450 FLOP as Bravo moves! Rayo SUPERKICKS! Bruto runs up but Rayo POSTS him! Nuevo basement DROPKICKS Bruto to the floor! Los Americanos then bring out all their metal plates! The fans are torn as they all load up their masks! They surround Original, but he dodges one to ROCK Nuevo! Bravo y Rayo grab Original by the arms but Original still BOOTS Nuevo! Then a meeting of the minds! And a GERMAN- NO,  Rayo y Bravo hurry to save their Grande!

But Los Hermanos are back! TRIPLE GERMAN SUPLEXES! The straps come down and the fans fire up! Each Hermano takes a corner, and they TRIPLE MOONSAULT!! Triple covers, TWO!!! All of Los Americanos survives, and “This is Awesome!” Los Hermanos clear out Nuevo and Bravo, and they Electric Chair Lift Rayo! But Nuevo trips up Bruto! Bravo SUPERKICKS Julio into Rayo’s POISON-RANA! Original DOUBLE FLYING LARIATS! Then a LIGER KICK for Nuevo! Grande goes after Grande again, but the cape is used to blind Original! Nuevo TOSSES Original! Rayo SUPER STEINERS Bruto, Bravo DIVINE HEADBUTTS!

Then Rayo y Bravo set Bruto up for Nuevo’s loaded RUNNING HEADBUTT!! Cover, Los Americanos win!

Winners: Los Americanos, by pinfall

Los Americanos Hermanos could not overcome the savvy of Los Americanos, and the momentum is now on the side of Grande Americano Nuevo! Will Noche de Los Grandes truly be the most grande night of his career? Or will he be the one exposed as NOT El Grande Americano?

Brie Bella and Paige prepare backstage.

They’ve got their tag title defense against Judgment Day tonight, but wait! Is that #Whataguy? Yes, the mascot of Whataburger is here, and he’s got a Doordash delivery for The Alpha Academy! Get your discounted order from participating Whataburgers through Doordash now!

Backstage interview with The Usos.

Cathy Kelley asks Jimmy & Jey about Tribal Combat, knowing it is the merciless and lethal. For those who don’t know, can they please explain what exactly Roman and Jacob can do to each other. Jey says it is sacred combat between two families, their blood, handling business. Jey knows firsthand it gets crazy, brutal, who knows what happens. LA Knight steps in, and he shakes his head. Jimmy says not now, okay? Knight asks back, “Or what? You gonna jump on me like you did Jacob? Maybe you’ll bring in Roman, do a whole lil’ Ufa Lafa ceremony and you can tap dance on me. Is that who it’s gonna go? Is that how it’s gonna be?”

Knight knows it wasn’t that long ago when it was just the three of them taking on The Vision, and why? Because of how The Vision did things! And The Vision did things that rubbed them the wrong way, yet here The Usos are, doing the exact same thing. They’re no different! But tell you what, Knight will do what he’s gotta do, and if that means getting his ass whipped, he’s okay with that! Cuz here’s the deal: You do dirt, you get dirt, YEAH. Jimmy says not now. The Usos leave, but will The Mega Star have to stand alone against all of the factions that would hold the roster down?

Exclusive interview with Ethan Page.

Michael Cole sits with All Ego and Ethan says hold on, he has notes. Ethan hands Cole an envelope and says interviewers can rarely capture Ethan’s true standard of excellence, so this is to help Cole out. Cole says Ethan must realize how long Cole’s been at this, right? Yes, he is, and he’s actually shocked at the lack of humility. There’s always room for improvement. Well, fine, Cole will read from the notes. Penta has the title, but Ethan has everything else: The looks, the the ability, the résumé, and the jawline. Seriously? Yes, Cole, now continue.

“Doesn’t it feel unfair that Penta will have to defend his title against you this Saturday? The man who broke the North American Championship reign record, former NXT Champion, and the government of Canada recognized you, and now you wanna rename the Intercontinental title the ‘Ethan Page Championship?'” Ethan smiles and says life is not fair. Does anyone think Ethan chose to be born like this? This handsome, this talented, this charismatic, this dangerous? No. Some people are lucky enough to be born meant to be a champion. Others have to work very hard at it, like Penta.

Cole has a question of his own but Ethan says no, honor the request of the talent, stick to the cards. Cole says he can’t. Why does Ethan act like this? Ethan doesn’t understand. Cole says Ethan does have everything. Thirty years, Cole has been in this business, he’s watched superstars come and go. Ethan does have the looks, the charisma, the athletic ability, and will be a champion one day, perhaps even one of the all-time greats here in WWE. But he also has that ego. And Cole feels that Ethan’s ego is going to cost him this Saturday. Oh, does Cole really think so? Now Cole’s worried about his future?

This isn’t ego, it is pure confidence. Ethan believes he already IS the best wrestler in ALL of the WWE. And this Saturday, Ethan will prove it to Cole and anyone else who doubts him. Ethan will be the first man to put the world “fear” into Penta’s vocabulary. And then he will be the man to leave SNME with the Intercontinental Championship. Cole thanks Ethan for his time, Ethan thanks Cole and says Cole did great. But will Ethan capture the title and truly put his name on the map? Or will Ethan be the one to fear the man with Cero Miedo?

WWE Women’s Tag Team Championships: Brie Bella & Paige VS Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez w/ Liv Morgan!

WWE has been on #ScreamMode ever since WrestleMania, but the targets on their backs have only grown bigger. Will Brie & Paige survive Judgment Day? Or will Raquel & Roxie bring these belts back to the clubhouse?

Raw returns as the champs make their entrance. The introductions are made, the belts are raised, and we see whose house this really is!

The teams sort out and Paige starts against Roxie. The bell rings, and Paige THRUST KICKS Roxie down! Paige pushes Roxie to a corner, then THROWS her across the way! Paige brings Roxie up again, puts her in another corner, “This is MY house!” The fans cheer as Paige THROWS Roxie again! Paige then SMACKS Roxie off buckles, stomps her down, then shrieks as she storms around. The fans cheer as Paige tags Brie, and Brie goes up to FLYING KNEE Roxie! Brie drags Roxie up, whips her, but Roxie reverses to PELE! Cover, TWO! Roxie drags Brie over to the corner, tags Raquel, but Brie fires body shots. Raquel runs up, but Brie dodges to KICK!

Brie wrenches Raquel, TWEAKS the arm, then runs, leaps, but into Raquel’s arms! Raquel pops Brie up but Brie slips free to KICK! Brie whips but Raquel blocks. Raquel whips and CLOBBERS Brie! The fans are torn but Liv applauds, and Raquel mocks the Bella dance. Raquel then drags Brie over, tags Roxie, and they mug Brie. Roxie talks trash, headlocks, but Brie powers up and out. Roxie handsprings over the dropdown, then SLAPS Brie! Roxie mocks the “YES! YES! YES!” but Brie SLAPS Roxie back! Brie then whips Roxie to ropes, but Roxie blocks the hip toss. Brie KNEES low, flips up and over, then ARMBAR DDTS!

The fans rally as Roxie ends up on ropes, and #BrieMode hits the KNEE! Brie then drags Roxie over, tags Paige, and Paige holds onto Roxie while Brie mule kicks Raquel! Paige beats up on Roxie, Brie KICKS Raquel, and repeat! The fans cheer the Yes Kicks and the Paige Knees! But Raquel LARIATS Brie! Paige THRUST KICKS Raquel, but Roxie reels Paige in! Paige ELBOWS free, goes to the apron, and she CANNON- NO! Raquel stops the cannonball to SWING Paige into barriers, and THROW her into the apron! The Judgment Day has control as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again and Raquel drags Paige up to whip her into the corner. Raquel runs up, SPLASHES, then tags Roxie. Raquel snapmare Paige for Roxie to tilt-o-whirl, but Paige fights the clinch! Paige dodges the boot to run up on Raquel, but Raquel backdrops, only for Paige to sunset flip through! The roll-up sends Raquel tumbling out of the ring! The fans fire up as Paige crawls, but Roxie anchors a foot! Paige BOOTS Roxie away, hot tag to Brie! The fans fire up as Brie LARIATS Roxie again and again! Brie DROPKICKS Raquel for good measure, then she wrenches Roxie to a SWINGING NECKBREAKER!

Brie sees Raquel coming, so she sends Roxie into her! Then Brie gets around, NECKBREAKER DDT COMBO! The fans fire up again while Brie covers, TWO! Roxie toughs it out for the team, but Brie stalks her to a corner. Brie stands Roxie up, “YES! YES! YES!” and KICK! KICK! KICK! Brie stops as the ref counts 4, then she snapmares Roxie. Brie goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Roxie flounders away but Liv gets o the apron! Th eref stops Liv, but that lets Raquel LARIAT Brie! Raquel goes up, but Paige ROCKS Raquel! Brie gets up, she and Paige get under Raquel, DOUBLE POWERBOMB!

But Roxie TOSSES Paige out! Brie runs up, Roxie drop toeholds her onto ropes! Roxie runs to UPPERCUT Brie in the back! Roxie grins as she then triangle jumps to LIONSAULT, but onto knees! Brie hurries up the corner, but Roxie distracts the ref, Liv SHOVES Brie down! The fans boo but the ref is suspicious. And yeah, she can tell it was Liv. The fans cheer as the ref EJECTS Liv!! The Women’s World Champion freaks out, btu Raquel slides a tag belt ot Roxie! Roxie aims at Brie, but Brie slips around! Roll-up, and deep! BRIE & PAIGE WIN!

Winners: Brie Bella & Paige, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Tag Team Champoins)

But then Liv CLOBBERS Brie! Liv didn’t even go that far after being ejected! Judgment Day beat up on Brie & Paige, but #BayLyra rush out here! They CLOBBER Roxie, DUMP Raquel, and they swarm Liv! Liv runs up, but Bayley catches her! BAYLEY2BELLY! The fans fire up as Lyra then WRECKS Roxie & Raquel with a dropkick! The Role Model & Morrigan put Judgment Day in their place, but will they get their shot at the tag titles? Will Brie & Paige survive the rematch with The Irresistible Forces this Saturday Night’s Main Event?

Seth Rollins paces backstage.

And LA Knight finds him. They gonna do this right now? Knight says, “You tell me.” If Rollins really wants to get worked over before his big match tonight, go ahead and jump. If he’s feeling evil like Knievel, then go ahead and jump. But Knight knows he won’t, because he knows what’s gonna happen tonight. Why? Because Knight’s been there. Why? Because Rollins made that happen in The Vision. But now the chickens have come home to roost! Rollins is gonna go out there, have a match, and he might even win, but he will get stomped out. Knight doesn’t like Rollins now, didn’t like him then, because the enemy of my enemy is NOT my friend.

Matter of fact, Knight will be happy to see Rollins go out there and get stomped out. Although, the fact Rollins wants to do this even on his own, that much is admirable. That’s great! But… Rollins will need help. He just won’t get it from Knight. Have fun getting stomped out, YEAH. Knight leaves for the night, but does he have a point? Is Rollins reaping what he sowed and getting what’s coming to him?

Penta speaks.

“Ethan Page! You fight only for yourself. And this championship is not just mine, it belongs to the people who believe in me. Every scar, every war, every sacrifice, brought me here. But listen closely, Ethan. I don’t fight for ego, I fight for my people. This championship represents everyone who never gives up. And this weekend at Saturday Night’s Main Event, get ready for the war. Because I am Penta, and #CeroMiedo!”

The Ruler’s Open Challenge: Oba Femi VS ???

Last week, Los Garza was made to fight The Ruler because no one else was willing, and no one else was around! Will there be another reluctant challenger for the most dominant force in years? Or will someone be brave enough to fight Oba willingly?

WAIT! Someone attacks Oba! It’s BROCK LESNAR?!? Fireman’s carry, F5!! The fans go nuts as The Beast shocks Oba, and then F5 again!! So much for retirement! Oba flounders but Brock hoists him up again, F5!! The fans can’t believe what’s going on, but Brock isn’t done with Oba! F5!!! A month after that shocking loss at WrestleMania, and it seems Brock has decided to get some payback! Brock leaves it at this, even as Oba pushes himself up off the mat. Will these two titans clash again soon enough?

Adam Pearce is pissed!

Raw returns as the Raw GM is pretty sure he saw retirement papers filed on Brock, he asks they get to the bottom of this. The producers hurry to get Brock and Heyman, but The Wise Man is already waiting in Pearce’s office. He asks them what the hell he just saw! Heyman heard Pearce was looking for him. Pearce tells Heyman now that they filed retirement papers on Brock. What the hell is this? Heyman says Brock is retired. Then what just happened out there?! Retired?! Start talking, Heyman. Heyman says okay, he’ll make Pearce’s entire career. Heyman holds out a paper and Pearce asks if that’s a subpoena.

No, no, no! This is a contract for a match at Clash In Italy, Brock’s signature already on it. Just get Oba to sign it, and you have the biggest rematch in history. Congrats. Heyman leaves, Pearce is speechless. Will there be anything left of Italy after this impending kaiju battle?

Backstage interview with The Street Profits.

Cathy Kelley is with Angelo Dawkins & Montez Ford, and says we can’t talk Saturday Night’s Main Event without talking to the Profits. Tez, Angelo, heading into Saturday, you have the opportunity to take the WWE World Tag Team Championships from The Vision. So how confident do they feel? Dawkins says The Vision are tough, there’s a reason they’re champs, but The Profits will be ready. Ford says they’re not new to this, they’re true to this! The Profits have a vision themselves! See what he did? But the vision is that at SNME, The Profits walk in the challengers, and walk out THE NEW WWE World Tag Team Champions!

Because the motto ain’t changed, and that is The Profits are up, and WE WANT THE SMOKE! Yes, sir! Ford & Dawkins then look over, then Dawkins looks at Ford. Ford says c’mon, Dawks, if you’re not focused, if you wanna waste your time, be Ford’s guest. But just don’t expect Ford to get involved. Dawkins storms over to Seth Rollins as Rollins finishes warming up. Dawkins tells Rollins that they ain’t gotta be friends, or even trust each other. Dawkins can’t speak for Tez, but last week… Good looking out. But also- Rollins says yeah, he gets it, okay? He’s got no friends, no allies, no one trusts him, he gets that.

But Rollins thanks Dawkins for understanding what he tried to do last week, and being man enough to say it. Rollins is sorry for last week, but he has to focus now because he has a match. Rollins thanks Dawkins again, then heads through gorilla. The music hits and Greensboro is ready to “BURN IT DOWN~!” But will Rollins be of sound conscience and clear sight as he takes on his former protege? Or will Theory apply that pressure in the main event?

Seth Rollins VS Austin Theory w/ The Vision!

Raw returns as Theory makes his entrance, Logan Paul right by his side. Rollins pretends he can’t hear them, so he’ll come closer. And then Rollins DIVES onto them both! The fans fire up as Rollins throws Theory around ringside, into barriers, and then into more barriers! Rollins CLUBS Theory, ROCKS him, then SMACKS him off barriers. Rollins puts Theory in the ring, the bell sounds, and Rollins ducks Theory to short arm LARIAT! Then he DRAGON STOMPS! The fans cheer Rollins and boo Logan Paul. Theory avoids the stomp, rolls him up, but Rollins rolls through! Rollins tries again but Theory dodges!

Theory goes to ropes, Rollins LARIATS him up and out! The fans fire up and sing the Joe Hendry hit single, “Paul! Paul! Can we fire~ Logan Paul?” Rollins likes that song almost as much as his own song, and he runs in around the way. CURB- NO, Theory dodges the stomp and kicks low! Theory goes for steps but Rollins turns that around to SMACK Theory off the steel! Rollins CHOPS Theory, CHOPS again, then follows Theory around the way. Logan taunts Rollins while he stands in the way. Rollins sighs, goes the other way, and he drags Theory up to the apron. But Theory HOTSHOTS Rollins! Theory Alabama Lifts, but Rollins turns things around! BUCKLE BOMB!

The fans fire up while Theory flounders. Rollins ROCKS Theory again and again, but stops as the ref counts. Rollins stomps Theory, the ref backs him off, and the fans cheer. Theory goes to the apron but Rollins runs to BOOT him down! The fans cheer and sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins nods and goes to the apron. Rollins runs up, but Theory blocks the kick! Theory SLAMS the leg against the post! Rollins falls to the floor, Theory rains down fists, then he puts Rollins’ foot between steps and post! Theory BOOTS the steps! Rollins scrambles away, clutches that foot, but Theory fires hands on him in the corner!

The fans chant “Theory Sucks!” but Rollins fires hands in return. Theory RAMS Rollins, RAMS him again and again, then ELBOWS him down! The ref counts, Theory stops, and Rollins goes to the apron. Theory drags Rollins up, but Rollins HOTSHOTS Theory away! Theory sputters, but he distracts the ref so Logan can YANK Rollins down! Rollins hobbles, the fans boo, but Theory goes out to atomic drop Rollins on the barriers! Then he DECKS Rollins with an elbow! Theory mocks the singing while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Theory stomps Rollins’ bad leg, then drops ELBOW after ELBOW on it! The fans boo Theory, they sing at Logan, but Theory drags Rollins up. Theory reels Rollins in, eggs the fans on, but Rollins suplexes for the FALCON ARROW! Even on one good leg, Rollins turns things around on Theory! Rollins clutches the bad foot, slaps it to get it working, then he stands back up. Rollins fires haymakers and CHOPS on Theory, puts him in a corner, then fires off stomps! The fans fire up but the ref backs Rollins off. Theory gets up, he ducks ‘n’ dodges Rollins, but Rollins still LARIATS on the return! And LARIATS again!

Theory gets around to waistlock, Rollins switches, but Theory ELBOWS free! Theory runs up, Rollins DUMPS him out, but Rollins’ leg keeps him from running! Theory somersaults to RAN- POWERBOMB! Rollins covers, TWO! Just when Theory thought he had Rollins, Rollins almost got him! The fans rally up again, even as Logan taunts them all with the tag titles. Rollins aims, but he can’t run on the bad leg. Rollins underhooks, but Theory fireman’s carries! Rollins slips free, ducks a shot, but not the ELBOW! Theory ROCKS Rollins’ lower back, then torture racks for the TOWER HACKER BOMB! Cover, TWO!

But Theory gets the leg for a HALF CRAB! Theory puts on the pressure as Rollins endures! The fans rally, Rollins fights up, and Rollins tucks to roll through! Rollins kicks with the good leg, but Theory jackknife bridges, TWO! SUPERKICK from Theory! Rollins drops to his knees, and Theory gets an idea! Theory SUPERKICKS again, then takes aim! Theory wants to borrow from his old mentor, CURB- LARIAT from Rollins! The fans fire up as Rollins turns thigs back around, and Logan looks worried. Rollins rises up, he takes aim again, and this time, he goes up the corner! Theory rises, grabs at the ref’s feet, and this distracts the ref! Logan SHOVES Rollins down!

Theory runs to steal the CURB STOMP!! Cover, TWO!! Rollins survives his own move, copying him was better in theory than execution! The fans fire up while Theory is furious! Theory rains down fists from all sides, but the ref has him back off as Rollins is in the ropes. Logan shows he has the brass knuckles! Logan hands those to Theory and says smoke Rollins! Theory puts on the knuckle duster, Logan distracts the ref, but Rollins SUPERKICKS Theory down! Rollins takes the knuckle duster! Logan panics and points them out! The ref stops Rollins, Rollins argues it was Theory and Logan. Logan talks trash, Rollins DECKS him for it!

But Theory rolls Rollins up, with tights! TWO, and Rollins rolls Theory into the PEDIGREE!! Cover, ROLLINS WINS!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

But Logan attacks! The Maverick is a sore loser on behalf of his teammate and friend! The fans boo but wait! DAWKINS rushes out here! And he fires off on Logan! The fans fire up, but here comes Theory! The Vision mugs Dawkins, then stomp away on him at the ropes! But HERE COMES FORD! Ford TOSSES Theory then DECKS him! Logan gets Ford for a back suplex, but Ford lands out! ENZIGIRI! Ford kips up, the fans fire up, and despite his better judgment, Ford is here to help his friend. And he FLIES over the corner! Ford wipes out Logan & Theory, and almost takes the cameraman with ’em!

Ford joins Dawkins in the ring and asks what is going on. Everything around Rollins doesn’t end well. Speaking of, BRON BREAKKER SPEARS FORD! Then he fireman’s carries Dawkins for the GUT BUSTER DROP! But Rollins CLOBBERS Bron! The fans fire up but Bron gets Rollins up! Rollins CLAWS Bron’s face! LARIAT! Rollins fights through the pain as he takes aim again! But Logan anchors Rollins! Rollins kicks free, but Bron SPEARS Rollins!! The fans boo and bark as The Vision stands tall. Theory TOSSES Rollins out, and they go to the steel steps! Bron pulls the steps apart while Theory & Logan sit Rollins up!

The Vision drags Rollins across the base steps, but Adam Pearce and producers rush out here! They stop Bron from doing the worst he can to Rollins! Rollins dares Bron to do something, so Bron just SPEARS Rollins again! Bron and Rollins scrap on the floor, but the producers pull The Vision back form Rollins. The fans want to “Let Them Fight!” but Pearce tells them to get out of here. Logan talks trash on Pearce’s hands being tied as “just a General Manager.” Bron and Rollins still have a score to settle, but when and where will they have it out?

My Thoughts:

A great episode for Raw that did what it could as a go-home for Saturday Night’s Main Event, but did quite a lot for Clash In Italy. For one, we should’ve known better than to think Brock Lesnar 100% truly retired from wrestling, and his attack on Oba tonight to set up their match for Italy was some great stuff. Brock VS Oba 2 will be great, just not sure how that goes. Does Brock win and that compels a tiebreaker? Again, SummerSlam is in Minnesota, aka Lesnar’s home state, it’d make sense if he got one last SummerSlam match before he truly retires.

Then great stuff with Bloodline to open, and of course Jacob is not fired, he’s upping the ante! Tribal Combat in Italy is either for the title, the ula fala, or both… But I would think/hope Jacob wins here, and that would compel a SummerSlam match of their own where it’s all on the line. LA Knight rightfully has beef with OG Bloodline slipping into their old ways, but he also confronts Rollins, so hard to say which faction story he’s really involved in. I do appreciate he was here at all, it was feeling like Knight was being left behind. Great stuff with The Vision’s story, such as Heyman convincing Bron to stay out of the main event so he can just pick the bones.

The Profits staying involved is great, and there’s even a subtle dysfunction building. Maybe The Profits win the titles, maybe they break up, not sure which is more intriguing for the story. And I didn’t think about this until commentary said it, but Rollins and Theory still have very similar ring gear right now. A part of me is holding out hope that Theory is still Rollins’ mole this entire time, and they spring a trap at the most opportune moment. Great promos from Sol and Becky to set up their, sadly, non-title match. But that would likely be half the reason Sol wins, because then she’d get a title match for either Night of Champions or SummerSlam.

Great Street Fight from Finn VS JD, and I’m actually a little surprised Dom’s interference didn’t win that for JD. They might be slow burning a Finn VS Dom true blowoff grudge match at SummerSlam, but like, Finn used The Demon already so what more can be done to raise the stakes? Judgment Day also had a rough night overall, as they had a great tag title match but still lost. Bayley & Lyra making the save was good, we probably get BayLyra VS Roxie & Raquel in the background to build new contenders. No idea how SNME goes for Paige & Brie VS Nia & Lash, but they can keep things going between these teams for the Summer.

Very good promos from Ethan and Penta, hard to say who wins that title this Saturday, but it’ll be a great match. And awesome stuff in that Tornado Six Man. While WWE hasn’t really been showing the Americanos feud in a serious light, AAA has, and this felt like the first time Raw leaned more towards what AAA is doing with the story. AAA has Kaiser Americano as the Face, Raw has him as Heel, but this momentum might be countered by one more segment on AAA. But as I’ve said before, the Grande that is most likely to be unmasked is Gable so we can finally have payoff on how he was El Grande all along, all cuz he was trying to beat Rey Mysterio, Dragon Lee, etc.

My Score: 8.8/10