Time to sign on the dotted line!

Tonight on Raw, Oba Femi is to sign the contract for his rematch with Brock Lesnar while Roman Reigns and Jacob Fatu do the same for Tribal Combat! But will things stay civil before the Clash In Italy?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Intercontinental Championship: PENTA VS Je’Von Evans; Penta wins and retains the title.
• Bayley & Lyra Valkyria VS Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez; Bayley & Lyra win.
• Seth Rollins VS Montez Ford; Rollins wins.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Rey Mysterio VS Rusev; Rey wins and will challenge for the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Paul Heyman is in the ring!

The Oracle is already here in Columbus, Ohio as he says, “Ladies and gentlemen…” The fans boo, but Heyman continues by giving his usual introductions. “Number one, let’s get this part out of the way: Welcome to Monday Night Raw! Item number two, I am here tonight to hype you on a match that needs no hype. This Sunday, the biggest rematch not just in WWE history, but in all of professional wrestling-” The fans cheer for “O~BA! HOOT! O~BA! HOOT!” Heyman says when he has the mic in his hands, please shut the hell up. The fans boo more now, but Heyman says the biggest rematch in WWE and all of pro-wrestling history!

This Sunday, Clash In Italy, when Oba Femi… steps into the ring to be CONQUERED by The Beast Incarnate, BRRROCK! LESNARRR! Lesnar is on video as he congratulates Oba on his win at WrestleMania. Well done. But that victory is gonna cost yo more than you could ever imagine! Lesnar has had his share of ass whippings, but none quite like that. It was humbling. Oba beat Lesnar so bad at Mania, that Lesnar said that was it, he was done. But that doesn’t sit well with Lesnar now. “It does NOT end that way, Oba Femi! Brock Lesnar can take an ass whooping. But can you?” Lesnar promises Oba will get his ass kicked by a retired Beast! Brock Lesnar will conquer Oba Femi! Lesnar will rule over The Ruler.

Back in Columbus, Heyman says the good news is that every watching will see history play out in real time in front of their very eyes. The bad news for everyone that worships Oba Femi is that Oba Femi has awakened The Beast! Oba Femi has awakened The Beast! Oba Femi… has awakened The Beast, Brock Lesnar! Which mean sone thing! OBA IS HERE! And he does not look amused, despite the strut to the ring. Oba steps into the ring, strikes his pose, but he does keep an eye on Heyman in case Lesnar is hiding somewhere. Oba then steps to Heyman, and Heyman cowers in the corner. Oba grabs the mic and says he has awoken the Beast. What do you think he has awoken in Oba?

What do you think that four F5s has awoken in Oba Femi?! Don’t worry, Paul, it’s fine. Oba will not hurt Heyman. In fact, Oba needs Heyman alive and well to tell the tale of Brock Lesnar. And while he tells that story, they’re going to fast-forward to the end, the best part, where Oba retires Lesnar for good! The fans cheer that! Oba knows Heyman, he knows he is a sleazebag who claims this is just business. But for Oba, four F5s seems very personal to him. So while Heyman tells his story, this is the final chapter. Oba takes out the contract, presses it against Heyman, and signs his part. The fans cheer, and Oba says deliver this message to Brock.

Tell him that last time, Oba was fighting to beat Lesnar. This time… He is fighting to KILL! Heyman is afraid for his life and Lesnar’s as Oba leaves. Will the Clash In Italy turn into a true Clash of Titans?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: PENTA VS Je’Von Evans!

The man with #CeroMiedo defeated All Ego on Saturday, but that doesn’t mean he’s gonna stop being a fighting champion! Penta is ready to give the Young OG his shot at the title, but will Penta still win all the same? Or will things get BOUNCY~ in Columbus, Ohio?

Raw returns as Evans makes his entrance. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who’s really fearless!

The bell rings and the fans fire up as Penta and Evans each shake the ropes. The two circle, but Penta offers a handshake. Evans daps it up with Penta, then the two circle. Evans dodges the tie up to springboard, but Penta stops the cutter! Penta whips, Evans ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Penta gest up, he ducks ‘n’ dodges, and RANAS, only for Evans to handspring through! Evans runs up, Penta fires hands, then he puts Evans on the ropes to CHOP! Evans sputters, Penta whips, but Evans reverses. Penta stops himself but Evans still sweeps the legs! Cover, ONE! Penta sweeps and covers, ONE! The fans cheer the standoff.

Penta wants a handshake, Evans and him dap it up again, then they both do the Penta Strut. But then Evans DROPKICKS Penta! Evans runs up and hits the BOUNCY~ RANA! Evans apologizes for the trick, but says #WeOutside! Evans FLIES and down goes Penta! Evans puts Penta in the ring, then he goes to the apron! Springboard, into a SUPERKICK! Evans falls back to a corner, Penta runs up to ENZIGIRI! Then he sits Evans down, and headstands for the SWINGING DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Evans is still in this but Penta rallies the fans. Penta CLUBS Evans, then brings him around to pump handle.

Evans fights the Penta Driver, arm-drags free, then dodges to RED DOT GAMANGIRI! Penta tumbles out of the ring and Evans builds speed again! Evans DIVES but Penta SLAMS him on the desk! Evans writhes and the fans go nuts, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, Evans covers Penta, TWO! Penta survives the flying lariat, but Evans huffs ‘n’ puffs as he storms up on Penta. Evans winds up to CHOP! Penta CHOPS back! Evans falls back and Penta eggs Evans on! The fans fire up with Penta, and Evans rises up to wind up. Evans DROPKICKS instead! Then he springboards, O G CUTTER!! Cover, TWO!! Penta survives and Evans is frustrated. Penta goes to the ropes, Evans storms up, and BOUNCY- NO, Penta turns that rana into a POWER BREAKER! Cover, TWO! Evans survives but Penta stays cool. Penta goes to a corner, he calls his shot, and he runs up on Evans, but Evans SUPERKICKS!

Penta goes to the apron, “This is Awesome!” as Evans brings Penta up. Evans ROCKS Penta, ROCKS him again, then lines up a shot. Evans goes up the corner, leaps, APRON CUTTER!! Both men are down, and Evans roars as he fights through the pain! Evans gets Penta back in the ring, covers, TWO!! Penta survives and Evans is seething. The fans rally up and Evans rises again. The fans duel as Evans tries another springboard, but Penta catches Evans! Half nelson, pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, TWO!! Evans survives and the fans fire up again! Penta fires himself back up, and the fans cheer as Penta climbs the corner.

Evans stands, he hurries and ROCKS Penta first! Evans clutches his neck but still climbs up the corner. Penta fires hands on Evans, Evans hops back, but then Evans returns! Right up top for a SUPER DUPER STEINER!! Penta staggers to his feet, for the SUPER O G- SUPERKICK!! Penta aims, runs up, but into a BUSAIKU KNEE!! Then the SUPER O G – BACKSTABBER!! And DESTROYER!! Cover, PENTA WINS!!

Winner: Penta, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

A fast ‘n’ furious finish between these two, a clásico instantáneo (instant classic) if you will! The fans cheer both men as Penta shows Evans respect. Evans is a bit frustrated, though, he doesn’t really wanna accept it. Is it simply a matter of time before Evans finally reaches a title here on Raw? Will Penta’s reign continue to heat things up as we move into the summer?

BREAKING NEWS!

It has been determined that Logan Paul suffered a torn triceps during the defense of the WWE World Tag Team Championships at Saturday Night’s Main Event. What this means for the tag titles is still to be determined, but WWE wishes Logan Paul a full and speedy recovery.

The Vision meets in the private suite.

Paul Heyman finishes going over the Clash In Italy contract when Austin Theory walks in. Theory is clearly downtrodden and Heyman checks on him. Theory says he doesn’t even know what to do with his world tag title. Should he give it to Heyman? Why would Theory do that? Well, because there’s no Logan Paul now, he got hurt. Heyman says Logan knows better than anyone else this isn’t ballet. And when Logan & Theory became tag team champions together, Heyman put it in every contract that The Vision would defend the titles. ANY member of The Vision teaming with ANY OTHER member of The Vision of Heyman’s choice.

That means Theory is STILL WWE World Tag Team Champion alongside, oh, just off the of Heyman’s head… Bron Breakker! And he expects them to defend the titles with honor, dignity, and- Theory hugs Heyman! Theory didn’t know what was gonna happen, but he thanks The Wise Man. Heyman says you’re welcome, and he did this for Theory because he believes in Theory, wanted this for Theory. Then Theory will do something for Logan Paul. Everyone involved in hurting Logan, Theory will take out. Heyman smiles and says he is glad Theory feels that way. Because he thinks Theory knows what he has to do tonight. And more importantly, to whom.

Theory has the same sinister smile on his face as Heyman pats him on the shoulder. Will The Street Profits have to watch their backs now that The Vision has their eyes on them?

Joe Hendry is in concert!

Raw returns as the fans wave their phone lights and sing along with “Paul, Paul, Can We Fire Logan Paul?” They even go acapella! Hendry says all together now! Paul, Paul, Can We Fire Logan Paul? BUT THEORY ATTACKS WITH A CHAIR!! The fans boo but of course Theory wants to destroy The Prestigious One for mocking Logan! Theory says keep his friend’s name out your mouth! The fans boo more as Hendry sputters and coughs in a corner. Theory leaves the ring, but his range gets the better of him! CON-CHAIR-TO against the POST!! The fans boo, producers and medical rush out here, and they back Theory off.

Theory seethes, having checked one name off the list already. But will Theory make sure the Profits pay, as well?

Angelo Dawkins runs across Seth Rollins.

Speaking of the Profits, Rollins checks in on Dawkins, and says he isn’t trying to start anything. But he did what Tez asked and stayed out of their business. Rollins says sorry,  he knows what it is to be screwed by The Vision. But Logan Paul is down, The Vision is weakened, but that makes them dangerous. We just saw what Theory did, right? Rollins has never seen that out of Theory. If they work together, they can put an end to The Vision for good. Montez walks in and says how many times they gotta do this! The Rollins Redemption Story! Rollins says he’s right here, man. If Tez has something to say, say it.

Ford asks if he’s talking in a different language or something! Nothing good happens with Rollins around! Wow, talk about the same story! Nothing good happens when Rollins is NOT around, or else Profits would be tag team champions right now! They do not have to like each other. After this, they don’t have to do be friends. They just gotta work together to get rid of The Vision. This whole idea that nothing good happens with Rollins, he gets why Ford thinks that, but only one of them here has main-evented WrestleMania! Only one of them has been multi-time world champion, and it ain’t Ford!

Oh, well, here’s something Ford’s never done: Stabbed a brother in the back! For that matter, where are Rollins’ friends? But here’s one thing, how about tonight in Columbus, Ford shows Rollins who is really the best? Oh, is that a challenge? Ford wants Rollins to beat some sense into him? Dawkins says no, but Rollins says challenge accepted! See you in the ring! Rollins storms off, Ford storms off, but Dawkins clearly understands this is not how they should be doing this. Will Ford and Rollins have to fight it out to get that through their heads?

Rey Mysterio explains Mask VS Mask.

“For decades, this has been the ultimate battle in lucha libre. A match where rivalries are settled, where wars are ended, where history is made. The winner keeps not just his mask, but his very identity. The loser must give his up forever. The stakes are high. Glory and vindication for the winner, shame and disgrace for the loser. This Saturday in AAA, at Noche de los Grandes, two luchadores will put it all on the line. For moths, they have fought over one simple question: Who is the REAL El Grande Americano? One man will have his hand raised in victory, the other will lose everything. Everything is on the line this Saturday when it is Mask VS Mask.”

Je’Von Evans returns backstage.

And Penta is there, but Evans stops him before he says anything. Evans apologizes for being upset out there, that was not right. He is sorry, Penta is a great champion, Evans is just in his own head. Penta says it’s okay. Evans says yeah, but he’ll see Penta for that title again very soon. Penta says no problem, see you around. They fist bump, and then Rey steps in. Rey says remember being that age. Penta says yeah, Evans is mad now, but he’ll understand. Rey says Mexican, American, and worldwide pride as THE Intercontinental Champion, that’s up here. Penta thanks Rey for that. And he congrats Rey on being the NEW General Manager for AAA! So awesome!

Penta says no one has put in more work for lucha libre than Rey, he deserves this honor. And Penta wants to be a fighting champion, to leave a legacy, but there is no one he would rather face than Rey Mysterio. Rey says it’d be his honor, too! Penta says he’ll talk to Adam Pearce. Penta VS Rey for the IC title, it will be legendary. They shake on it and Penta heads out. When and where will we see an icon and a legend battle it out for this historic title?

Bayley & Lyra Valkyria VS Raquel Rodriguez & Roxanne Perez w/ Judgment Day!

The Role Model & Morrigan have made sure Judgment Day can NOT just do whatever they want, which includes bullying legends like Paige & Brie Bella. But will they be able to put Judgment Day in their place while also earning their own opportunities? Or will La Ruda & Prodigy show them what happens when you stand in their way?

Raw returns and #BayLyra makes their entrance. The teams sort out and Judgment Day just attacks! The fans boo as Raquel stomps Lyra and Roxie stomps Bayley! The ref reprimands, Raquel & Roxie stop, but then Bayley hits a THESZ PRESS while Lyra TACKLES Roxie! Things spill out of the ring, Liv & Dom have to get out of the way, and Lyra scoop SLAMS Roxie! The bell rings, Lyra whips Roxie to a corner, then she tags Bayley. They stomp away, then Bayley whips Lyra in for a forearm SMASH! Lyra sets Roxie up and Bayley runs in for an ELBOW! Tag back to Lyra, they mug Roxie, and Lyra covers, TWO!

Lyra clamps onto Roxie, wrenches the arm, but Roxie SLAPS free! Roxie hurries away to tag Raquel, but Lyra dodges the lariat! Lyra jumps on for a SLEEPER! Bayley tags in and they mug Raquel! The ref reprimands but Bayley RAMS into Raquel again and again! Lyra tags back in, and she RAMS Raquel again and again! Lyra stomps Raquel, tags Bayley, and Bayley fires forearms! Tag back to Lyra, they double whip, but Raquel blocks the lariats to DOUBLE CROSSBODY! The fans boo but Liv cheers, and Raquel smiles as she looms over Lyra. Bayley CLUBS Lyra, drags her up, and wrenches to UPPERCUT the arm again and again!

Raquel WRINGS Lyra’s arm and Lyra writhes. Raquel sits Lyra, talks trash on her and Bayley, then whips Lyra to the corner. Raquel runs up and SPLASHES! Raquel fires elbows on Lyra, then gets in the ref’s face about the count. The fans rally, Raquel drags Lyra up, and Raquel whisp her to a corner. Lyra goes up and over, then SHOTGUNS Raquel into the corner! Lyra runs up, but Raquel scoops to SNAKE EYES! Raquel then distracts the ref, talking about a strained arm, but Roxie swipes at Lyra! Lyra gest away, but Raquel CLOBBERS her again! Raquel stomps away, then digs her knee in. The ref counts, Raquel stops, and now Roxie STOMPS Lyra’s bad arm!

The fans boo but Judgment Day cheers. Raquel goes up, up, and TWISTING VADER, right before Raw goes to break.

Raw returns, Lyra crawls, but Roxie distracts Bayley! No tag, and Raquel YANKIS Lyra back! Raquel runs up, but Lyra DUMPS her out! Lyra hurries, but Raquel drags Lyra out of the ring! Raquel scoops, runs, but Lyra slips free and POSTS Raquel! The fans rally as Lyra hurries again, but now Roxie has a foot! Lyra kicks free, Roxie hits the desk, and Lyra hurries! Hot tag to Bayley! The fans cheer as Bayley DIVES onto Raquel! Bayley HAMMERS Raquel, puts her in the ring, then hurries to go up the corner! ELBOW on the back! Cover, TWO! Raquel survives but Bayley runs up! Sunset flip BUCKLE- NO, Raquel stays up!

Raquel YANKS Bayley up and LARIATS her down! Roxie tags in, she runs up to hop on, but no Pop Rox yet! Bayley clinches, SAIDO! The fans fire up with Bayley again, and she runs up on Roxie! SUNSET BUCKLE BOMB! Tag to Lyra, then Bayley hauls Lyra up. Fireman’s carry and Lyra runs up, ROLLING NECKBREAKER SAMOAN DROP COMBO! Cover, LIV GIVES ROXIE THE ROPEBREAK! But the ref saw that plain as day! The fans cheer as the ref EJECTS Liv! Bayley YANKS Liv down to DECK her! But Raquel CLOBBERS Bayley! Lyra FLYING FOREARMS Raquel! Lyra goes back to the ring, but Roxie rolls her up, TWO!!

Roxie SOBATS Lyra, runs up, but Lyra ENZIGIRIS! Liv tells Dom to finish this off, and he nods. Lyra drags Roxie up, tags Bayley, and Bayley climbs. But Dom distracts the ref! Lyra hits a BACKBREAKER, but Raquel SHOVES Bayley down! Roxie hurries to hop on, POP ROX!! Cover, LYRA BREAKS IT! Raquel storms back in, she pops Lyra up, but Lyra manages to RANA Raquel out! Both women are down, Dom is panicking, and Dom distracts the ref again! Dom manages to send the AAA Mega Championship belt in! But then Bayley grabs it at the same time as Roxie! Now Dom is freaking out for a different reason!

Bayley and Roxie tug-o-war, and Bayley lets Roxie go, and she LCOBBERS Dom!! Roll up on Roxie, BAYLYRA WINS!!

Winners: Bayley & Lyra Valkyria, by pinfall

The fans cheer but Judgment Day is in shock! Bayley “hands” Dom the belt, then raises Lyra’s hand. Will Bayley & Lyra earn their tag title opportunity by doing things the right way? How will Liv react to things backfiring on her team?

Adam Pearce talks with Roman Reigns.

The Raw General Manager says not to beat a dead horse, but Jacob Fatu doesn’t deserve this title match, he should be fired. He knows Tribal Combat means something, but Fatu shouldn’t be in the WWE at all given what he’s done. Roman says he gets it, he does. He didn’t wanna go to his old ways, either, but he has to show the power and strength that he has. Fatu keeps pulling aces out his sleeve that Roman didn’t even know he had. And Fatu understood the obligation to accept as Tribal Chief. Roman can’t ever back down. But he is saying right now, in the contract, there have to be consequences. If Fatu loses, he WILL serve Roman, or he WILL be fired. Pearce can accept that.

But Roman says if Fatu beats Roman… Well, good luck. Because then we’re all screwed. Pearce agrees with that sentiment. The contract signing goes down tonight, but will the violence break out even before Tribal Combat?

WWE celebrates Memorial Day.

“Home of the free, because of the brave.” – Unknown

Cody Rhodes narrates: It’s easy to speak of sacrifice, harder to live it. But some did. On the beaches of Normandy, in the jungles of Vietnam, across the deserts of the Gulf War, and on the mountains of Afghanistan. They didn’t fight for praise, but for freedom. For each other. For all of us. Today, we remember the selfless, those who stood in harm’s way, and gave everything they had. Because of them, we can live free and carry on. Today, we pause, we reflect, we remember, and we say, “Thank you.”

LA Knight is here!

The fans fire up as The Mega Star heads to the ring. The fans cheer Knight on while he grabs a mic, and he says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight says it has been a minute since he’s felt this, since he’s stood in this ring in front of them. It’s been since WrestleMania! Before getting to that, he wants to wish us all a happy Memorial Day, and especially the US Armed forces, he wants to thank them all for their service. The fans cheer that, and also “U S A! U S A!” Knight says right here, in the USA, standing in this ring, LA Knight told ya that he put The Vision in his rearview. Who was standing beside him? Jimmy & Jey Uso!

But lately, he’s noticed The Usos are doing things a bit different. That has Knight thinking… Next week, on Raw, in Italy, the King & Queen of the Ring Tournaments begin, and Knight’s putting his name in the hat! And what that means is he has a shot! He has a shot at wearing the crown, and when he gest that crown, that means he has a shot for the World Heavyweight Championship and aiming at Roman Reigns! Where does that put The Usos? Cuz Knight looks at Roman, the most corrupt champion Knight’s ever seen, and Roman is stirring up the Bloodline of old, trying to get The Usos running a bit different than the Jimmy & Jey that Knight knew.

But speaking of, Jimmy Uso is here! #BigJim goes to the ring, and he tells Knight that he needs to hear this. Jimmy has a lot of respect for Knight. It was Jimmy that fought side-by-side with Knight at Mania. That’s right, Jimmy, against The Vision. Why? Because of how they did things. But now, Knight sees Jimmy fighting side-by-side with Roman, and it ain’t the same! It was 3v1, and that just rubs Knight the wrong way. Knight’s been in a 3v1 of every kind against every group, but Jimmy says yeah, okay, he gets it! He gets why Knight is all up in his feelings about The Bloodline. Hell, if Jimmy’s honest, that whole locker room has issues!

Those last couple of years got ugly for everybody. The Bloodline did what they had to do, but it ain’t like that no more. Check it. You wanna go for KOTR? Cool, you do you. If Knight wins KOTR, he has a shot at the OTC, and a fair shot. Fair? Fair. Oh, wow, fair and honest, but Knight asks if Jimmy is being fair and honest with Knight, and more importantly, is Jimmy being honest with himself? Because Knight sees Jimmy come out here, he and Jey go to attack Jacob. Knight sees that, Jimmy coming out here, Jey had a chair, Jimmy wants to tell Knight this is fair and honest? Jimmy is basically here not even as the second fiddle but the third!

And last thing Knight wants to see is Jimmy become an errand boy again. He says it with all respect, but take a lesson from the past but also as a warning- Jimmy tells Knight this is HIS warning! Jimmy has had enough about what they’re doing wrong! Knight’s lucky YEETMAN Jey ain’t here tonight, or else Knight wouldn’t be talking. See? This is proving his point! If Jey was here, The Usos would put a beating 2v1? Well, then Roman might run out here, 3v1, just like Jacob! Jacob has nothing to do with you, Knight! ZERO! That’s family business. If Jimmy were Knight, he’d tread lightly, because if you keep disrespecting OTC, the family will become Knight’s business.

The fans don’t like where that’s going, but then Knight keeps Jimmy from leaving. Knight tells Jimmy that he’s the one Knight likes. Knight can feel Jimmy didn’t wanna go there. Roman’s the one Knight didn’t like then and doesn’t like now, because he can’t get the job done on his own! Roman needed Heyman, Jey, Jimmy, and more, why? Because he can’t win on his own! Knight doesn’t want it to come to that, Jimmy doesn’t want it to come to that, but if family business has to be Knight’s business, then he makes sure it goes outta business. Take that to your boy, and make sure you spell his name right: L A KNIGHT, YEAH!

Knight leaves with the last word, but will he have to watch his mouth? Or maybe just watch his back?

Adam Pearce talks with Rey Mysterio.

The Raw GM congratulates the new AAA GM, and he brings up the talk with Penta. Penta VS Rey, Intercontinental Championship, Pearce loves the idea. But then in steps Ethan Page. What exactly is going on here? A conversation. Ethan says first, Pearce “gifts” Evans with a title match, and now he’s talking to a fellow GM about a potential match? Where’s Ethan’s rematch? Uh, first off, he’s butting into something that has nothing to do with him. Second, it is a potential match. And as for a rematch, that has to be earned. Yes, exactly! Then what did Rey do to earn this match? Wow. Pearce apologizes to Rey for Ethan.

Pearce reminds Ethan that Rey Mysterio is a WWE Hall of Famer, a living legend. But then Rusev steps in. What’s going on here? Ethan explains that these two here, friends and fellow GMs, are conspiring against Rusev to set up a title match! Rey is gonna jump the line and face Penta! Rusev asks if that is true, Pearce says this is all potential. Rusev says this is Raw, how did Rey earn it?! Pearce says yes, he earned it! Rey says he’ll gladly take on Rusev to get his title match! Fine, then it happens tonight! Happy? Rusev says tonight, he bangarangas Rey Mysterio! Ethan follows Rusev out, Pearce and Rey both agree Ethan is a problem.

But will The King of Lucha survive the Son of Thunder in order to face the Intercontinental Champion? Or will he get whatever “bangaranga” looks like?

Seth Rollins VS Montez Ford!

The Architect argued with the Profit and now they’re gonna fight it out in the ring! Will Rollins or Ford prove their point through force?

Raw returns as Ford make his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. The fans rally, they sing Rollins’ song, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” and the two tie up. They go around, along the ropes, and end up in a corner. Rollins has Ford on the ropes, but Ford turns things around. The ref counts, the two let off slowly, but Rollins shoves Ford. Ford shoves back, Rollins shoves again. Ford headlocks, Rollins powers up and out, then drops down. Rollins hurdles, runs the other way, and he redirects Ford to then RUN him over! The fans are torn but Rollins mocks the pump-it-up that Ford does. Rollins then stands Ford up, but Ford headlocks again.

Rollins powers up and out, Ford goes up and over, then keeps going! Ford leaps over the dropdown, then hurdles again, and he RUNS Rollins over! Ford pumps it up, but Rollins pie faces him! The fans are torn again but Ford pie faces back! Rollins TACKLES Ford, Ford turns things over and rains down fists! Rollins shoves Ford away and BOOTS him down! Ford tumbles out of the ring so Rollins builds speed! Rollins DIVES and Ford hits barriers! Rollins puts Ford in the ring, runs, but Ford LARIATS Rollins up and out! Ford builds speed to DIVE! Direct hit and Rollins hits barriers! Ford runs, but Rollins follows!

Ford ducks ‘n’ dodges, but DOUBLE CROSSBODIES collide! Both men are down, the fans fire up, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns while Ford and Rollins rise up. Ford ROCKS Rollins, but Rollins comes back to CHOP! The fans rally as Ford steadies himself, and he comes back to CHOP! Rollins snarls, huffs ‘n’ puffs, then ROCKS Ford! Ford ROCKS Rollins, Rollins ROCKS Ford! Ford KNEES low, Rollins ROCKS Ford, and ROCKS him again! Ford KNEES low, CLUBS away on Rollins’ neck and back, but Rollins kicks low! Rollins underhooks, Ford wrenches free, but Rollins ROLLING ELBOWS! Rollins runs, Ford blows past to LARIAT him down! Then STANDING MOONSAULT FLOPS as Rollins moves in time! Rollins back suplexes but Ford lands out and ENZIGIRIS!

Rollins goes to a corner, Ford steadies himself again, and the fans rally up. Ford runs corner to corner, but Rollins puts him on the outside. Rollins ROCKS Ford, Ford ROCKS Rollins, and Ford goes up. But Rollins is right after him! SUPERPLEX, roll through, FALCON ARROW! Cover, TWO! Ford survives but Rollins stays focused. “This is Awesome!” as Rollins huffs ‘n’ puffs. Rollins rises up, hobbles over to Ford, and drags him up to underhook. Ford BACKDROPS free, Rollins sunset flips, but Ford sits on it! TWO, Rollins finishes the sunset, TWO! Ford high stacks, TWO! Rollins sunsets again, TWO! Ford SUPERKICKS!

Ford runs, but Rollins SUPERKICKS back! Rollins brings Ford around, runs the ropes, but Ford blows past again! Only for Rollins to catch him! Ford slips free of the flatliner to torture rack! And a BURNING- NO, Rollins lands out, hooks Ford up, PEDIGREE! Cover, TWO?!? Ford survive and shocks Rollins! The fans fire up while Rollins thinks on what he must do. Rollins says they don’t have to do this. They can work together. They don’t have to be friends, but they want the same thing. Ford doesn’t have to come at Rollins like this, but Rollins is trying to change. The fans rally as Ford rises, and he SLAPS Rollins! So much for that…

Rollins reels Ford in, lifts and BUCKLE BOMBS him! Then another lift, another run, another BUCKLE BOMB! Ford flounders, Rollins drags him up, and for a third time, a BUCKLE- RANA! Ford sends Rollins tumbling out of the ring! The fans fire up as Ford pumps it up, and he builds speed corner to corner! Ford FLIES! Down goes Rollins! Ford gets Rollins in the ring, goes up a corner, but Rollins is after him again! Ford SHOVES Rollins down, then FROM THE HEAVENS!! Cover, TWO?!? Rollins survives and now Ford is shocked! “This is Awesome!” but Ford crawls his way to the corner. Rollins runs up, Ford GAMANGIRIS!

Ford goes up, 450 FLOP as Rollins moves! CURB STOMP!! Cover, Rollins wins!

Winner: Seth Rollins, by pinfall

That was neck and neck, but wait! THEORY IS ATTACKING DAWKINS! A JAM, a SMACK, and then another SMACK! The fans boo as Theory checks off another name with a CON-CHAIR-TO on the ramp!! The producers and Pearce rush out here, but too little, too late! Ford sees what happened to Dawkins, and Theory slowly walks away. Will Theory make sure to get Ford soon enough?

Raw returns as Ford checks in with Pearce.

Ford asks about Dawkins, and says he should’ve known Theory would use Ford having a match to go after Dawkins. Pearce says Dawkins is being evaluated. Rollins walks in and asks if Dawkins is okay. Pearce says they’re checking him. Ford realizes Rollins is right. They have bigger fish to fry. Dawkins is out, Ford needs someone, and that leaves them. Them? Yes, them. Rollins nods, Ford goes into the medical room to check Dawkins. Rollins is upset, and he says this has to end. Rollins has to cut the head off the snake. He wants Bron Breakker again! And he wants him as soon as possible. Pearce says he’ll talk with Heyman.

The Vision may be down in numbers but they’ve gone too far! Will Ford and Rollins make them pay one way or another?

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

Cathy Kelley is with Women’s Intercontinental Champion, and brings up that Sol Ruca is sidelined for tonight with injuries suffered from Saturday Night’s Main Event. Becky was initially irate when the title match was made for Italy, but it seems she’ll have the upper hand now. Yes, Becky says some people get punched in the face and become the face of this industry. Others get punched in the face and it’s a wakeup call that they’re in over their heads. Sol stepped into the ring with the Greatest Female Wrestler of All Time, and it’s not just Becky saying that, other people are saying it, everybody says it. Sports Illustrated says it, The Bleacher Report says it.

And Sol realized that she was totally outmatched. Some might be impressed with Sol’s tricks and flips, but she hasn’t gotten a single clean victory since being here and time is running out. Sol’s name is written in sand but the tide is coming in. Becky’s name is etched in stone, it’ll be around forever, just like how Becky will hold this title forever. So Becky hopes that sol can come around to Clash In Italy, because The Man is coming around. And there is a difference between striving for greatness and standing across from it. Welcome to the Big Time! Becky is big time confident, but can Sol show she’s got what it takes?

WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Rey Mysterio VS Rusev!

The King of Lucha wants a dream match with Penta, but the Son of Thunder just wants what he feels he deserves. Will Rey win his way to that title match? Or will Rusev have his day here in Columbus?

Raw returns as Rusev makes his entrance, and Ethan joins commentary. Michael Cole complains at first, but then he does tell Ethan, “I told you so.” Ethan says Cole didn’t mention once on Saturday that Penta cheated. Ethan’s the one that undid turnbuckle! The bell rings, Rey and Rusev step up, and the fans cheer as Rey shoves Rusev. Rusev smirks as he barely budges, and the two circle. They tie up, Rusev SHOVES Rey down now, but the fans boo again. Rusev and Rey tie up again, Rey slips around and CHOPS Rusev on the back. Rusev frowns, he chases REy, but REy slips through the ropes to send Rusev tumbling!

The fans cheer but Rusev is mad. Rusev runs up, Rey dodges, and he CHOPS! Ruesv scowls, he chases Rey again, they cat ‘n’ mouse in and out, then Rey tilt-o-whirls to RANA Rusev onto ropes! Rey dials it up, but Rusev ELBOWS Rey down! the fans boo but Rusev wags his finger. Rusev suplexes Rey high and hard, then GUT WRENCH PELXES! The fans boo but Rusev looms over Rey. Rusev UPPERCUTS Rey, Rey tumbles out to the apron, but Rusev goes out after him. Rusev fireman’s carries but Rey fires elbows! Rey slips down, GAMANGIRIS, and he ROCKS Rusev! Rusev drops to the floor, Rey runs to slide and SUNSET BOMB into barriers!

The fans fire up as Rey stands tall, and Rey goes to the apron. Rey runs, FLYING- NO! Rusev stops the rana to then SWING Rey into barriers! Ethan likes what he sees while Rusev roars, but the fans all boo. Rusev is in control as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Rusev whips Rey hard into buckles! Rusev drags Rey up, RAMS him back into the corner, then puts Rey up top. Rusev ROCKS Rey, climbs up the corner, but Rey fights the lift! Rey fires body shots, the fans rally up, and Rey BITES Ruesv’s fingers! The fans cheer but the ref reprimands! Rey HEADBUTTS Rusev down, then FLYING SEATED SENTONS! Rey runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then RANAS Rusev again! Rusev flounders around but Rey RAMS him in a corner. Rey climbs up and rains down fists! Rey goes all the way to TEN, but Rusev lifts Rey off the corner! Rey sunset flips but Rusev stays up! Rusev HIP DROP FLOPS as Rey moves!

Rey gets moving, and he BASEMENT SEATED SENTONS! The fans fire up as Rey LIONSAULTS! Cover, TWO! Rusev survives but Rey stays focused. The fans rally for Rey as he ELBOWS Rusev, then springboards, but Rusev catches the wheelbarrow! Rey still hits the BULLDOG! Rey springboards, but Rusev catches him for a SWINGING SLAM! Ethan says he loves it! Rusev runs up, MACHKA KICK! Cover, TWO! Rey survives and Rusev can’t believe it! He looks to Ethan for answers but that’s just Rey’s legendary toughness. Rusev roars, “RUSEV! CRUSH!” Rusev stomps Rey, then clamps on, but Rey slips free!

Rusev kicks low, he whips Rey but Rey 619s Rusev’s stomach! Then he drop toeholds Rusev onto ropes, dials it up, 619 blocked! Ethan laughs and Rusev shakes his head as he drags Rey into the ACCOL- NO, Rey pops free again, and rolls Rusev up! REY WINS!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the Intercontinental Championship)

But Rusev CLOBBERS Rey! Ethan says whatever, this is what he wanted! Go kick his ass, Rusev! Ethan cheers as Rusev stomps away on Rey, but the fans boo! But then DRAGON LEE runs out here! Ethan says mind your business, Dragon! Dragon RAMS Rusev, but Ethan jumps in! Dragon dodges Ethan to GAMANGIRI! Dragon goes up, up, and FLYING RANAS Ethan into Rusev! Then Dragon dodges Ethan to SNAP GERMAN, and SUPERKICK! Ethan tumbles out but Rusev b ack suplexes! Dragon lands out to BOOT Rusev! Rusev’s on ropes, Dragon FLIES over to take out Ethan! Rey then redials, 619! Dragon adds on OPERACION DRAGON!

The fans fire up as Rey and Dragon stand tall! Rey is now poised to face Penta for the Intercontinental Championship, when and where will we see that dream match?

Pearce reprimands Theory.

The Raw GM knows Theory knows him, and while people fight on Monday nights, what Theory did to two superstars, the way he did it, he is done for the night! Go find your stuff and find the door! Theory says watch how you talk to your World Tag Team Champion. Wasn’t it enough with what happened to Logan? Or to Bronson Reed? Or even Bron Breakker? Pearce says what’s enough is HE is enough, because Theory is done for the night! Heyman calms things down and says Theory is out of line, yes. Theory needs to be reprimanded, Heyman will handle this. Heyman ushers Theory out, saying out loud that he disagrees with Theory’s methods.

But once out of ear shot, Heyman mutters that Pearce is just an idiot. Then Theory spots Maxxine Dupri and Alpha Academy. Maxxine smiles, Theory smirks, and then Theory heads out. Otis doesn’t know about this. Smells like bad news. Maxxine says nah, it’s just a lot going on. Cut Theory some slack. Maxxine will catch up with them later, okay? Maxxine heads out, Tozawa asks Otis if something’s up here. Could the Alpha Babe soon have a new vision for her future here?

Adam Pearce is in the ring.

Raw returns with the GM waiting by the table, and now Jacob Fatu makes his entrance. The fans cheer as Samoan Werewolf goes to the ring, ready to sign his part. But will Pearce be able to maintain order this close to Clash In Italy? Or will someone start the Tribal Combat a few days early? We’ll find out, after the break.

Raw returns once more and there is a LOT of security here now. Pearce tells Fatu that the two signatures makes Tribal Combat official. Fatu takes the contract, looks it over, then signs his part. Fatu shoves the contract back to Pearce while the fans chant “O T C! O T C!” But then Fatu CHUCKS an armchair, and another! Security has to get clear because now Fatu throws the table! The security rushes in but Fatu shoves them around. But wait! Here come Roman Reigns! The fans put their fingers up, but Fatu is raring for that fight! Roman takes the time to raise his finger to the sky for the pyro to go off.

Roman continues down to the ring, security staying in Fatu’s way. Roman steps into the ring, looks at the contract, and the fans chant for him as he stares Fatu down. Roman signs his part, and Pearce takes the contract back. Roman then picks up a mic while the fans sing Happy Birthday to “Roman, Roman Reigns~!” Roman tells Pearce and security, “Leave us.” Pearce says wouldn’t it be better if security at least stayed to make sure nothing pops off. Roman says they signed the contract, Fatu made a blood oath. Fatu cannot touch Roman until Italy. So leave them now! Pearce says fine, and he orders security to leave with him.

The fans cheer as Roman and Fatu are the only ones left. Roman tells Columbus, Ohio, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer and raise their fingers high. Roman then tells Fatu, “See how simple that was? That’s all you had to do. All you had to do was acknowledge me. I beat you at Backlash, you signed the contract, it could’ve been simple. All you had to do was acknowledge me and then we could’ve moved on to the next mission.” Fatu says, “Acknowledge you? Like everybody in here? Hell nah. See, I’m not like everybody else. But let’s keep t 100, Roman. You are the reason why our family and The Bloodline is living the life that we have.

“You are the reason why our family is on top of the mountain. Hell, brother, you done elevated us. You took the whole family to the Promised Land. But then, you could only take us so far. You could only take us so far, Roman. It’s time for a change. its’ time for another direction. Hell, it’s time for another destination. So when you over here talking about acknowledging you, having honor, respect, living the Code of the Bloodline… Lemme ask you something, Roman. At Backlash, did you live by the Code of The Bloodline? Or did you bend the rules just so you could beat me? Oh, nah, nah, nah, I get it. You had to do what you had to do, by any means necessary.

“But in Tribal Combat, everything and anything goes, Roman! HUH?! So just like at Backlash, at Clash in Italy, oh, I’m about to dog walk your b*tch ass! And when I get down taking over this, everybody is gonna have consequence!” Roman shouts back, “Consequences?! You wanna talk about consequences?! Let’s talk about ’em then! I’m a man of my word. Jacob, fi you beat me, then you become the Head of the Table, you become the shot caller. You lead and I follow. But if you can’t ‘dog walk’ me, then looks like I’m gonna be walking you like a dog. I’m gonna domesticate you. If you can’t beat me, you will serve me. And you will learn from me. And in time, Jacob, you will love your Tribal Chief.”

Jacob says okay, sure. Looks like a win for him! A win-win, huh? So, if Roman does dog walk Jacob, then hey, Jacob’s still got a job here, ain’t nothing gonna change. But not if with Fatu. When Fatu dog walks Roman, everybody, and especially Roman, will learn how to ACKNOWLEDGE FATU! Yadadadada mean?! Fatu drops his mic, then holds up his hand. Roman drops his mic, he shakes that hand, and they lean in, forehead to forehead. Tribal Combat is set, but who will survive to stand atop the family tree?

My Thoughts:

A very good Raw here as the go-home to Clash In Italy, while still following up SNME. Though, perhaps ironically, the build for what’s happening at Clash In Italy wasn’t the strongest tonight. Becky had a good promo concerning her title match with Sol, but she didn’t exactly add new stuff from the last time she spoke about Sol. I have a feeling that Sol actually has a decent chance at winning in Italy, but I suppose that depends on if there are any other plans for Becky, like going up to the world title and/or getting in on Queen of the Ring. QOTR is one of the few accomplishments Becky doesn’t have, and honestly, she could make being Queen Man/Queen Becks work.

Speaking of, LA Knight getting into KOTR is good for him, he could technically be “L A King, YEAH,” maybe shoutout THE LA Kings, and position himself for the world title. But depending on who else is in the tournament, I feel like one or both Usos cost Knight something and then there’s a rather interesting feud there. For that matter, is it even going to be Roman as champ? We got good promos for the contract signing, but I cannot be sure Fatu’s chances now. Obviously, Fatu winning would be the wildest move, really flipping things on their heads, and maybe spicing WWE up again as we move through the summer. Roman winning feels like a rehash of when Jey Uso was forced to be under Roman’s control, with Fatu eventually rebelling anyway. Give me Fatu as champ!

Awesome Intercontinental Championship match, bordering on PPV/PLE level. Or at least, what should be if WWE was really pouring their all into things. Penta winning makes sense given all the other contenders waiting, but I do appreciate Evans having that moment of frustration, it shows his character is realistic. Penta and Rey wanting their match is great, as was the interaction with Pearce, Ethan, and Rusev. Ethan continuing to be two-faced is great character work, and we got a great main event match out of Rey VS Rusev. Great win for Rey, great return for Dragon Lee in the save, I feel like there’s a tag match of Rey & Dragon VS Ethan & Rusev before we get to Rey VS Penta. Or maybe even a Six Man Tag, Evans joining Ethan & Rusev against the luchadores?!

Great tag match from BayLyra VS Judgment Day, with a very clever way for the numbers game to backfire on them. I still say there could be a Mixed Six in the equation if they still want more of Finn VS Judgment Day. Finn, Bayley & Lyra VS Dom, Liv, and either Raquel or Roxie, and I’d love if they finally sprung the Roxie trap on Judgment Day with that. Though, maybe that is why they won’t do a Mixed Six? It’d kinda rub Bayley & Lyra the wrong way if Roxie’s been secretly on Finn’s side and then BayLyra isn’t sure they can trust Finn. I feel like there was a window for that stuff to happen and WWE missed it, or couldn’t use it because of injuries here and there.

Very good stuff in The Vision story, even as they sadly keep losing members to injury. Bron Breakker wasn’t even here tonight, it was all on Theory to bring the pain. I do appreciate that to make sure the show can go on, they kayfabe a Freebird Rule into The Vision’s title reign. I could see quite an interesting move here now where it is Theory & Bron VS Rollins & Ford for those titles, but I feel like they crossed out the possibility of Theory being Rollins’ spy the way he went after Joe Hendry and Angelo Dawkins so hard. I suppose that’s similar to the Finn VS Judgment Day story then, because how can Rollins be trusted when Theory was his guy this whole time?

My Score: 8.8/10