The Ruler has his crown, but what about a title?

The Night of Champions has passed, and now, live from Atlantic City, KING Oba Femi will kick off Raw, declaring who he challenges for SummerSlam!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Rey Mysterio VS Ethan Page; Rey wins.
• Austin Theory VS Joe Hendry; Hendry wins.
• LA Knight VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso; Jimmy wins.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Raquel Rodriguez VS Maxxine Dupri; wins and will challenge for the title.
• Chad Gable VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio; Gable wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

Oba Femi is here!

Atlantic City is all fired up for “O~BA! HOOT!” as he struts his way to the ring, the King of the Ring crown in his hand. Oba strikes his pose, holds up the crown, then picks up a mic. The fans continue to cheer for “O~BA! HOOT!” and he nods. Oba says, “That’s good, that’s fine. You see, that is a reaction, a reception, befitting of a ruler. But now, you have to give me a reception befitting of a king! So ladies and gentlemen, your 2026 King of the Ring, Oba Femi!” The fans cheer even harder for “O~BA! HOOT!” Oba says very good. Oba told Jey Uso that destiny was on his side. He didn’t believe, until he stepped into the ring with Oba. Now Jey is a believer!

But now that destiny has played out, she is not finished with Oba. She is still kind to Oba. So ladies and gentlemen, a choice has to be made. BUT BROCK LESNAR APPEARS!? AND Paul Heyman, too! Beast and Advocate are all smiles as the fans here lose their minds! Brock gets his pyro, then he goes to the ring! Oba is not intimidated, but he does keep his eyes locked on Lesnar as he circles the ring. Lesnar high-fives a few fans in the front row, then tells Oba relax. Lesnar steps up and into the ring, and Heyman hands him a mic. Lesnar says, “Ladies and gentlemen, your King of the Ring, OBA FEMI!” The fans do cheer that.

Lesnar offers a handshake but Oba does not take it. Lesnar “apologizes” he hasn’t watched the show. Every knows he doesn’t. But congratulations, that is a hell of a feat. Lesnar was King of the Ring a long time ago, too. But now because Lesnar doesn’t watch the show, he has to rely on Mr. Heyman. And Mr. Heyman said Oba has a huge decision to make, so maybe Lesnar can help with that. And Heyman also said Oba is good at calling Lesnar names. Like when Lesnar is not here, Oba says Lesnar is a coward. When Lesnar’s not here, Oba calls Lesnar a b*tch! Heyman also says Oba also cuts a great promo, which Lesnar never really could, which is why he has Mr. Heyman.

But Oba, y’know what they say? Talk sh*t, get hit. So he LOW BLOWS Oba!! The fans boo but Lesnar fireman’s carries! F5!! The Beast knocks down The Ruler, but then Oba gets back up! Oba has his mic again, and he tells Lesnar, “No! This is exactly what you always do! You show up, you F5, and you leave. And you said I called you names behind your back? Well guess what, you’re in front of me, and you’re still a b*tch!! So here’s the deal! We can play cat ‘n’ rat forever, or… We can settle the score! Me and you, one on one, Oba Femi VS Brock Lesnar, at SUMMERSLAM! What’s it going to be?”

The fans like the idea, and Brock says CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! But on one condition: SummerSlam, Minneapolis, HELL IN A CELL!! Even Heyman is surprised, but in a good way! Oba says bring it! But is Oba forgetting his title opportunity in the midst of his grudge with Brock Lesnar?

Raw returns as Paul Heyman talks with Adam Pearce.

The Wise Man wants the Raw General Manager to just think of all the money! If they don’t make a shirt out of this stuff, they’re losing out! Does Pearce understand what was just delivered to him? Yes, but Pearce would appreciate a little heads-up next time. Well here’s the heads-up, it’s happening. SummerSlam is having the all-time main event! Think about it! BRRROCK LESNARRR VS Oba Femi, in HELL IN A CELL!! Oh, did Pearce lose his voice? Heyman will say it for him, then: Thank you, Mr. Heyman! But then Austin Theory steps in and asks what Heyman’s doing here. They didn’t think he’d be back so soon!

Oh, Theory has a match tonight, could Heyman come out and do their thing? Theory was wondering, Heyman hasn’t been answering his calls. Theory didn’t know Heyman was here? No. Well, now you do. Heyman leaves, Theory and Pearce both wonder what that’s about, but then Pearce moves on as he spots Oba. Pearce wants Oba to know that this is a bit unorthodox, but did they hear him right? Hell in a Cell with Lesnar at SummerSlam? Yes, he did hear right. The championships will always be around, they’re not going anywhere, so Oba will take one when he wants them. So then SummerSlam is Oba VS Lesnar.. Hell in a Cell? Yes.

He’s 100% sure? YES! It needs to happen! This needs to end, and Oba will be the one to put an end to it! Pearce just needs to make it happen. Oba storms off again, and it seems whoever Oba would have chosen has been given a reprieve. Will The Ruler slay The Beast once and for all?

Rey Mysterio VS Ethan Page!

While he’s the General Manager of AAA, The King of Lucha is back in action here on Raw to settle things with All Ego! Will Rey beat some respect for lucha libre into Ethan? Or will Ethan turn the page on dealing with this issue?

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. They tie up, Ethan headlocks, but Rey fires body shots. Rey powers up and out, drops down, but Ethan RUNS him over! The fans boo but Ethan ROCKS Rey. Ethan whips, Rey slides under, but Ethan kicks low! Ethan whips again, but Rey reverses to then run past, and tilt-o-whirl RANA! The fans fire up as Ethan tumbles to a corner! Rey RAMS into Ethan, climbs up top, but Ethan FLAPJACKS Rey off the buckles! The fans boo while Rey flounders, but Ethan scrapes his laces off Rey’s face. Ethan CLUBS Rey, RAMS him into the corner, then digs his shoulder in.

The ref counts, Ethan RAMS Rey again, then backs off. Ethan wrenches and whips Rey, Rey grabs ropes, and Rey drop toeholds Ethan onto ropes! The fans cheer as Rey dials it up, but Ethan DUMPS Rey out! Rey RAMS into Ethan, GAMANGIRIS, then bumps Ethan off buckles. Rey goes up, up, but Ethan trips him up! Rey is in the Tree of Woe, Ethan stomps away, but the ref counts. Ethan backs off, only to go back and sit Rey up. Ethan goes up, and he vows to take the mask! The ref reprimands and the fans boo as Ethan claws at the mask, but Rey elbows free! Ethan SMACKS Rey again, then goes back up, TOP ROPE BACKBREAKER!

Rey flops to the apron, then the floor, and the fans boo Ethan as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Ethan has Rey in a bearhug. Rey fires elbows to get free, but Ethan CLUBS him on the back. Ethan puts Rey in a corner to whip corner to corner, but Rey goes up, only to get caught into a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Rey survives, and Ethan says this is on all of them! Ethan whips Rey, but Rey KICKS back! Rey SOBATS, then runs and sunset flips! Ethan stays up, but Rey avoids the fist drop! Rey then DUMPS Ethan outta the ring hard! Rey builds speed and the fans fire up, SLIDING SPLASH! The fans fire up while he and Ethan are down on the floor! Rey rises up, he catches his breath, and he puts Ethan in the ring.

The fans rally for Rey as he goes up a corner, then leaps for the SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, springboards and CROSSBODIES! Cover, TWO! Ethan is tougher than that, or else he wouldn’t be a former NXT Champion. Rey stalks Ethan to a corner, then RAMS into him! Rey goes up, he rains down fists, and fans count all the way to TEN! Rey gives some Latino Heat as the fans cheer, and Rey whips Ethan corner to corner. Ethan reverses, Rey ELBOWS from the corner, then wheelbarrows, only for Ethan to make it a FACEBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Ethan is frustrated, but he drags Rey up to scoop. Ethan smiles, the fans boo, but Rey slips free!

Rey ENZIGIRIS Ethan and Ethan wobbles! Ethan stumbles to the ropes, the fans fire up, and Rey dials it up, only for Ethan to BOOT him down! Then a RIPCORD and POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Rey survives and the fans fire up! Ethan huffs ‘n’ puffs and drags Rey up. The fans rally for Rey as Ethan fireman’s carries him. Ethan climbs up the corner, but Rey fights with elbows! Ethan sits down, Rey CLUBS him again, then shifts position for the SUPER MYSTERIO RANA! Then he drop toeholds Ethan back onto ropes, and dials it up, 619! Ethan flops back, Rey climbs up! FROG SPLASH! Cover, Rey wins!

Winner: Rey Mysterio, by pinfall

A big win for Rey, he’s looking great as he ever has! But will this finally humble All Ego? Or will Ethan want revenge?

Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh storm into Danhausen’s laboratory!

They demand to get their money back, but is Danhausen even here? Don’t touch anything, though. JD got zapped, remember? The Irish Ace just wants to get uncursed before his match with Gable tonight. Dom knows, just relax. Oh, here’s an idea. Dom takes the special gift given to Danhausen by the New York Knicks! Time they send Danhausen a message, and make him come to them. That is smart! But uh, let’s also wreck this place! Dom says he’s got a few ideas for that, too. Judgment Day is looking to get even with the Very Nice, Very Evil Overlord, but will they find that’s a very bad move?

Joe Hendry is in the ring!

“Say his name because he has appeared!” The fans cheer that! Hendry asks who is ready for a Joe Hendry concert? The fans cheer that, too, but Hendry says they can’t get started until they introduce the special guests. Everyone, make some noise for the NEW World Tag Team Champions, The Street Profits! The fans indeed cheer as Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins make their way out to the ring, sharply dressed as they get the red Solo cups to rain down! The Profits join Hendry in the ring, and he sets up with his mic and guitar. The Profits also get mics, and Ford says, “Don’t I look good in a suit?” The fans cheer that!

Ford tells the fans that they are so overwhelmed from the support and love they were shown the past week. The fans here chant, “You Deserve It!” Ford says that love is why they have some people to thank. First and foremost, they thank the WWE Universe! No, you didn’t hear him. He thanks the WWE Universe! The fans cheer louder, and Ford also thanks them for rocking with him and Dawkins the last ten years, and always believing that The Profits are up. Second, you may know him as a Visionary, as a Revolutionary, but we also know him as the greatest of all time on this mat, they are talking about Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins!

The fans sing for Rollins, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Dawkins says yeah, yeah! And hey, thanks to Seth, all that karma caught up to The Vision, and now they’re in the rearview. Last but not least, Atlantic City, we gotta thank the main man that you came here to say tonight, Joe Hendry. Because last week, in the tag title match, it was beautiful! It was the Profits, Hendry, Rollins, and the fans, like a beautiful song! And it sounds a lot like this. Hendry strums his guitar and sings, “We got new tag champs, everyone make some noise. We’re in Atlantic City, a celebration with all the boys.” The Profits add, “All the boys~!” A little off tune…

Hendry says there is no Bron Breakker, we won’t here Logan talk. There will be no Paul Heyman, because he’s occupied with Brock… LESNAR~! That leaves Austin Theory. Austin Theory cries himself to sleep at night, ever since John Cena destroyed him on the mic! Now he’s in The Vision, and we know we won’t- Aw, Theory interrupts! Theory says cut the music! Well, well, well, the thieves that stole his tag titles are in the ring! And what was that? John Cena? The same John Cena that Theory beat at WrestleMania!? And y’all are singing and excited, but Theory’s confused. Maybe it’s cuz he knows something that they don’t!

Theory talked with Adam Pearce, and next week, they have a rematch for the tag titles! Ford says okay, and Dawkins says if that’s what they want. But will the dog, Bron Breakker, be okay? He looked banged up on Saturday. If Theory wants to get Bron hurt again, that’s on him. Oh, on his hands? Next week, that dog’s gonna be off the leash! And Theory has to say, he appreciates Hendry making his last song about Theory. Because Hendry may say Cena destroyed Theory on the mic, Theory will destroy Hendry in the ring! Theory is gonna destroy Hendry? Joe says no! But since Theory interrupted the concert, they could wait until later, or they can do this right now!

The fans fire up for that! Theory says bet, and it seems he and Hendry are gonna have it out, after the break!

Austin Theory VS Joe Hendry!

Raw returns as the match is underway, and Hendry waistlocks. Theory elbows free but Hendry UPPERCUTS again and again. Hendry whips, Theory reverses, and Theory scoops Hendry for a BACKBREAKER! Theory turns Hendry over, sits him up, then rains down fists into Hendry’s cheek! Theory shoves Hendry down, covers, TWO! Theory clamps on with a chinlock and he grinds Hendry down. The fans rally, Hendry fights up, and Hendry JAWBREAKERS free! Theory runs up, Hendry dodges, then Hendry kicks low to DDT! The fans rally up for Hendry as he and Theory stir. Hendry ROCKS Theory, then ROCKS him again!

Hendry fires a flurry, whips Theory to ropes, then ELBOWS Theory down! Hendry runs up, LARIATS, then he keeps moving, Theory blows past Hendry, but Hendry catches him! FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans cheer as Hendry then kips up, and… TURNS! Hendry DISCUS LARIATS Theory down! Cover, TWO! Theory survives that “Hit Single,” then stalks Theory. Hendry scoops, Theory slips free, then goes to a corner. Hendry runs up but Theory dodges to BLINDSIDE LARIAT! Then he DECKS Hendry with a left forearm! Cover, TWO! Theory suplexes, GHOST BUSTER! Cover, TWO! Hendry survives and Theory grows frustrated.

Theory paces around Hendry, the fans chant “We Don’t Like You!” Theory stands Hendry up to fire hands, but Hendry fires back! They go back and forth, UPPERCUTS and haymakers! Hendry gets the edge, but Theory ELBOWS in return! Theory runs, but into a clinch! SIDE EFFECT! Cover, Hendry wins!

Winner: Joe Hendry, by pinfall

A new take on the “Standing Ovation,” let’s call it a remix! But either way, Atlantic City is waving their hands side to side, will everyone believe in Hendry soon enough?

Raquel Rodriguez talks to Adam Pearce.

La Ruda goes on and on about how she’s bigger, more powerful, and more dominant than pretty much every woman on the roster, so why hasn’t she gotten a shot at the Women’s Intercontinental Championship? Pearce hopes she realizes this is Monday. Raquel isn’t the only one asking for opportunities. Uh, who else is then? Well, Maxxine Dupri, for one. Oh, please! What has “Bottom Shelf Barbie” ever done? She is a former Women’s Intercontinental Champion! Well, whatever. If Maxxine wants an opportunity, Raquel will go through Maxxine to get hers. Is that so? Sure! Then not only is that official, that’ll happen tonight!

Raquel smiles as she gets what she wants, and then Liv & Roxie walk in. Liv asks if Raquel got her title match and Raquel says almost. She just has to get through Maxxine, but it’s a done deal. Well that’s no problem for Raquel then. But what is a problem is Iyo Sky coming after Liv at SummerSlam! Plus, Danhausen’s curse and the $100,000, and- Raquel & Roxie have Liv calm down. The boys are taking care of Danhausen, and don’t worry about Iyo, cuz Raquel has Liv’s back. Right, thanks, sister! They hug it out, and Judgment Day is feeling good. For now. But will they have plenty of reasons to worry soon enough?

Iyo Sky is here!

Atlantic City now cheers as the Genius of the Sky, now the Queen of the Ring, makes her way to the ring. Iyo shows off the crown, then grabs a mic to say, “I am super duper grateful to come back to the US as… THE QUEEEEEN~!” Iyo even puts the crown on! The fans cheer as Iyo says in Japanese that she is very thankful to everyone for cheering her on as Queen of the Ring. Iyo beat Liv Morgan this weekend, and at SummerSlam, she’ll beat Liv again! And then she will be the Women’s World Champion again! The fans cheer, but Liv interrupts! Liv frowns as she steps out on stage, title on her shoulder and mic in her hand.

Liv tells Iyo, “Wow, Iyo, wow wow wow wow. I actually thought you were better than this. Are you proud of yourself? Are you actually proud of yourself? Because they way you’re bragging in there as if you beat me fair ‘n’ square at Night of Champions is making me sick!” The fans boo, but Liv says Iyo got lucky! The only reason she won is because Liv got cursed by stupid Danhausen! So at SummerSlam, things will be different. And do you wanna know why? Because now, Liv doesn’t respect Iyo. Because now, Iyo has pissed Liv off! So maybe Liv will take this opportunity to remind Iyo what happens when you get on her bad side.

Finn Balor: turned on by his own group. Stephanie Vaquer: When was the last time you even saw her around here?! Exactly! And Rhea Ripley… The fans cheer and Liv says oh, they like that? Liv took everything from Rhea and she hasn’t been the same since! So at SummerSLam. Liv promises to absolutely destroy Iyo, and remain The Greatest Women’s World Champion of ALLLLLLLLLLLL~ Tiiiime~! The fans boo, but Liv says until then… Iyo is in for a whole lot of trouble. Because Roxie & Raquel have snuck out here from the crowd side! Iyo SHOTGUNS Roxie first, then DUMPS Raquel out! Iyo throws of her jacket, Liv storms into the ring, and the fans fire up!

Iyo eggs Liv on, but she senses Raquel! Iyo BLASTS Raquel, then dodges ObLivion! GERMAN SUPLEX! Iyo kips up, the fans fire up, and Liv is seething! But then she sits up into a BUZZSAW! Iyo says time to go up, up, and- NO, Raquel grabs Iyo! And shoves her into a Tree of Woe! Roxie goes up to stomp away on Iyo’s leg! The fans boo as the numbers game finally works out! Judgment Day YANKS Iyo down, stomps away on her, then stand her up for OBLIVION!! The fans boo but Judgment Day stands tall. But Liv isn’t done, she puts on the HALF CRAB!! She makes Iyo tap, which she couldn’t do at Night of Champions!

The refs and producers rush out here, Liv finally lets Iyo go, and the fans boo more. Liv holds up her title, but will this be exactly how things go at SummerSlam? Does Iyo even have a leg to stand on?

LA Knight VS Jimmy Uso w/ Jey Uso!

The Mega Star and #BigJim were cool, but then that fell apart because of The Bloodline’s return to power. Solo Sikoa meddled in things last week, but Knight said NAH-NAH to teaming up with the Would-Be Chief. Will Knight win this one on his own tonight? Or will Jimmy runt he play and score the win?

Raw returns as Jimmy makes his entrance, Jey right by his side. Knight makes a big deal about that, but Jey joins commentary. Jey wants to point out, #Justice4Jey, Oba pounding the mat sure seemed like tapping out to him. Knight steps outside and he tells Jey that if he’s gonna be out here, make sure he stays in his seat or he’ll regret it. Jey says yeah, sure, okay. Knight goes back to Jimmy, they circle, and tie up. They go around, Knight puts Jimmy in a corner, but Jimmy turns things around. They go to another corner, the ref counts, and Jimmy lets go, but Knight is the one holding on. Knight lets go, but then they tie up again.

Knight headlocks for the takeover, then talks trash. Jimmy fights up, the fans rally, and Jimmy powers up, only for Knight to wrench and YANK, YANK, YANK! “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” But then Jimmy HEADBUTTS! Jimmy arm-drags Knight, then clamps on with a wristlock. Knight endures as Jimmy shows he’s got that technical skill. Knight fights up, pulls hair, and he powers up to whip and ELBOW Jimmy down! The fans rally, night says “YEAH!” and the fans echo that. Knight stomps Jimmy, ROCKS him, and stalks him to the corner. Knight stomps away, “YEAH! YEAH! YEAH!” Knight stops as the ref counts, then runs corner to corner to KNEE WASH! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally as Knight brings Jimmy up, whips, but Jimmy reverses. Jimmy KICKS Knight, UPPERCUTS, and mule kicks! Jimmy pops ‘n’ locks to UPPERCUT! Knight blocks the kick but not the DRAGON WHIP! Jimmy fires the fans up with “UCE! OH!” Jimmy runs up and HIP ATTACKS! Jimmy pushes Knight to the drop zone, goes up top, but Knight stands. Jimmy changes to a CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! Knight survives but Jimmy runs up to LARIAT him up and out! Jimmy then points to Jey and “YEET!” Jimmy DIVES and direct hit on Knight! Both men are down but Jimmy smiles and says he got Knight there, as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as Jimmy CHOPS Knight! Knight goes to a corner, Jimmy storms up, but knight CHOPS! Jimmy CHOPS again! Knight CHOPS! And CHOPS! And JABS, JABS, JABS! Knight whips, Jimmy reverses and SAMOAN DROPS! The fans fire up while Knight flounders to a corner. Jimmy aims, “UCE! OH!” and HIP- NO, Knight dodges! Jimmy’s hips hit buckles, and Knight JABS! JABS! JABS! Jimmy ROCKS Knight in return! Jimmy whips but Knight ducks ‘n’ dodges to LEAPING LARIAT! Then a clinch for the RUSSIAN LEG SWEEP! Then Knight whips Jimmy into buckles and JUMP NECKBREAKERS! Jey says that’s cheating!

Knight goes up, spells it out, but Jimmy rushes him! Knight leaps over Jimmy, but Jimmy SUPERKICKS! Jimmy runs to SPEAR! Cover, TWO!! Knight survives but Jimmy goes to a corner. Jey says get him, and Jimmy is up top. But Knight SMACKS Jimmy! Knight climbs up after Jimmy, Jimmy shoves him away, but Knight is right back up! SUPER DUPER PLEX! Knight crawls to the cover, TWO!! Jimmy survives and Jey says there we go! Jimmy bails out, Knight builds speed, and Knight WRECKS Jimmy with a dropkick! Jimmy falls, Jey says stop cheating! Knight drags Jimmy up, to fake throwing him at Jey! Jey flinches and Knight laughs.

Knight puts Jimmy in the ring, then he BOOTS Jey down! The fans are torn but Knight grins as he goes back to the ring. But Jimmy fireman’s carries! Knight slips free to REVERSE DDT! Knight rolls back, goes up the corner, then spells it out, “L! A! KNIGHT! YEAH!” BOX JUMP ELBOW! And then Jey gets up, but Knight DECKS him! Only for Jimmy to roll Knight! JIMMY WINS!

Winner: Jimmy Uso, by pinfall

Well now it’s the flipside to last week! Knight let Jey get his attention a little too much, and he loses out! So he DECKS Jimmy for it! But then Jey TACKLES Knight! The fans are torn as Jey fires off on Knight in a corner! BUT SOLO SIKOA IS HERE?! And he SAMOAN SPIKES Jimmy!! Solo laughs then runs away! Jey is furious, but then he turns around into B F T!! Will Knight and Solo actually work together after all?

WWE shares footage from after Night of Champions.

Gunther got right in Nick Aldis’ face over how everything went in that Triple Threat, and even accused the SmackDown General Manager for being biased against him. Gunther says Aldis is just JEALOUS, because he’d love to be in Gunther’s position! Aldis is jealous of Gunther because Aldis is a failed wrestler! Aldis tells Gunther to back off, but Gunther keeps jabbing Aldis with his finger. Aldis says stop touching him, Gunther doesn’t, so Aldis shoves Gunther! Gunther grabs at Aldis, producers rush in there, and Aldis tells Gunther to watch himself! Tensions are rising, and the official statement from HQ is that both men were sent home for the week.

Furthermore, Aldis is now under “administrative leave,” pending an investigation into this incident. Pearce will have to run SmackDown for the time being, but what will be the fate of Aldis?

The Usos regroup backstage.

Jey is furious, and Jimmy asks Jacob Fatu the heck! Where was he? The Samoan Werewolf asks how many times they gotta go through this. He only takes orders from the OTC, not Jimmy, and definitely not Jey’s punk ass! Matter of fact, after tonight, the orders from The OTC is that they’re going to SmackDown to finish this with Solo. Jey says well damn, then that means they all going! Cuz Jey’s way didn’t go right at Night of Champions, but Sami Zayn IS champion. So guess what? Sami ain’t got no challenger for SummerSlam, Jey’s bringing that gold back to the Bloodline. YEET! Jimmy agrees, and Jacob says see you there. Jimmy says at least group text!

But with that, will The Bloodline once again take over both brands? Or will nothing stop The Last Real Good Guy now that he’s finally WWE Champion?

Lyra Valkyria speaks.

The Morrigan asks, “Why is everyone so on my back about what happened in London? IT takes two to lose a tag team title match, and Bayley and I both let frustration get the better of us. I just think it’s so unfair that I let the anger get to me one time, and everyone just forgets that I have been being the bigger person for a year! I’m not proud of what happened, but I’m not losing any sleep over it either. I bit my tongue and carried the load, and sacrificed my success over and over because I wanted to bring Bayley to the top with me. Everybody already knows I can do it by myself. I was the first-ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion.

“I put my trust in someone who supposed to be one of the best, and now there’s this huge gap between who I am, and who I could be. I never wanted to hurt Bayley. But last week, it felt so good to close that gap, just a little bit.” Is Lyra about to bring out a darker side to herself? How will Bayley respond?

Maxxine Dupri walks the halls.

And she passes by Chad Gable. She barely even looks at him given how she destroyed his apology last week, but then she hesitates. She goes back to Gable, looks at him, and says she meant everything she said last week. But she is also sorry for how she handled it. She did appreciate the gesture, and- Gable stops her there. He thanks her for apologizing now, but she doesn’t owe him anything. If forgiveness is to come, it comes on its own time, even if it’s not tonight. Just focus on what’s in front of you and that is your match. Gable wishes her good luck, she thanks him for that, and indeed, she has a lot on her plate. Can Maxxine win, let alone survive, a fight with Raquel Rodriguez?

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Raquel Rodriguez VS Maxxine Dupri!

Raw returns as Maxxine makes her entrance, and she’s wary of Raquel. The bell rings and Maxxine goes Matrix to dodge the boot! Maxxine ROCKS, SOBATS, and ROUNDHOUSES! Maxxine then tilt-o-whirl RANAS Raquel out! Maxxine runs, slides, but Raquel avoids the dropkick! Raquel THRWOS Maxxine by her hair, then puts her in the ring. Raquel storms up and kicks low to then reel Maxxine in. Raquel suplexes to SLINGSHOT JACKHAMMER! Cover, TWO! Maxxine survives but Raquel slaps her around. Raquel kicks Maxxine, drags her up, then bumps her off buckles. Raquel then fires elbows in the corner!

The ref counts, Raquel stops at 4, and she “apologizes.” Raquel reels Maxxine in for a torture rack, then bends Maxxine back! Maxxine fights with fists and elbows, but Raquel still puts on the pressure! Maxxine still endures, still fights, and she shifts to a sunset flip! Raquel YANKS Maxxine up, Maxxine ducks one lariat but not the SOUTHPAW! Cover, TWO! Maxxine survives but Raquel talks more trash. Raquel suplexes but Maxxine DDT counters! Maxxine and Raquel rise up, and Maxxine BOOTS Raquel! Raquel comes back, but Maxxine ELBOWS her! Maxxine runs, ducks ‘n’ dodges, then LARIATS! Raquel stays up so Maxxine keeps going!

Maxxine LARIATS, blocks a kick, then HEEL KICKS! Maxxine brings the straps down and the fans fire up! Maxxine STEP-UP LEG DROPS! Cover, TWO! Raquel survives but Maxxine drags her up. Maxxine hooks a leg, but Raquel fights the fisherman suplex to throw Maxxine away. Maxixne kicks, Raquel blocks, and TEXANA BOMB! Cover, Raquel wins!

Winner: Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship)

Raquel takes down Maxxine, and now she’s on her way to fighting Sol Ruca! Will nothing stop Raquel from becoming a champion all her own? Or will she get her soul snatched?

Danhausen returns to his laboratory.

And he finds it a mess! JD & Dom spray painted their names as proof, and Danhausen sees his gift is gone! Liv laughs and says this is what he gets! Wait, what? She’s the one who made this mess? No, idiot! Dom & JD trashed it! What’d he ever do to them? Is he serious!? He stole 100K from Dom, he electrocuted JD, and he CURSED Liv and cost her QOTR! Oh, right… Liv says make this right or they’ll continue to make his pathetic little life a living hell. Well, okay… Liv flips her hair at him, then storms off. What is Danhausen to do when he already spent all that human moneys?

Chad Gable VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio!

The American Made Man has been on his apology tour, but he does not owe a thing to the AAA Mega Campeon, the guy who sent him down that El Grande path in the first place. But Dirty Dom being Dirty Dom, he wasn’t about to deal with things himself, so he’s making the Irish Ace handle things. Will they make Gable sorry he ever asked Dom for help? Or will Gable make them sorry they picked this fight?

Raw returns as JD makes his entrance, and Dom is wearing that stolen gift: A custom, signed New York Knicks jersey! The fans boo, but the bell rings as JD and Gable circle. They tie up, Gable waistlocks, then SLAMS JD down! JD scrambles around, Gable stays on him, and they go to the ropes. Gable backs off, he and JD reset, and they tie up again. Gable wrenches, wristlocks, but JD rolls, rolls, and handsprings. JD slips under to BACKDROP Gable, and he has the armlock. Gable fights up, JD wrenches him, but Gable endures. Gable rolls, bridges, and handsprings over to then wrench and headlock. Gable spins, drop toeholds, then steps over to La Magistrol! TWO!

JD kicks low, then stalks Gable to the ropes. JD CHOPS, whips, but Gable reverses. Gable BACKDROPS JD, then HIP TOSSES! JD scrambles away but Gable is on him with a CHOP! Gable CHOPS again, then whips him to ropes. JD sunset flips, TWO, and Gable jackknife bridges! TWO and JD has it again, TWO! Gable high stacks, TWO, and JD pops Gable back into the flip, TWO! Gable jackknife bridges again, TWO as JD bridges up! JD spins Gable, hooks the arms, but able fights free to ROLLING LIGER KICK! ANKLE LOCK! JD flails, scrambles, reaches out, and Dom gives him the apron skirt! The ref reprimands but JD gets away!

The fans boo Dom, but Gable goes out. Dom backs off, but JD CLOBBERS Gable into steel steps! The fans boo more but JD pushes the top half off. JD wrenches Gable to then get the bad leg, and he SHIN BREAKERS with the base steps! Gable writhes on the floor while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as JD has Gable at the ropes, only for Gable to DUMP JD out! JD comes back, but Gable dodges to GERMAN SUPLEX! Gable holds on, drags JD up, and GERMAN SUPLEXES again! Dom coaches JD but Gable brings JD up again. JD fires elbows, switches, but Gable fires elbows. GERMAN SUPELX and JD lands on his face! Gable crawls to the cover, TWO! JD survives but the fans rally for Gable. Gable shakes out the bad leg, runs in, and he blocks a boot. JD BOOTS Gable away with the other leg, but Gable returns to ROLLING LIGER KICK! Gable runs for another ROLLING LIGER KICK! Gable just keeps moving, but runs into a SPANISH FLY!

JD covers, TWO, and Gable ghost pins! TWO, but Gable ROCKS JD! JD HEADBUTTS Gable! Both men fall, Gable on top for the cover! TWO!! The fans fire up as both men survive that exchange! Gable and JD trade shots, then Gable fires a flurry! JD blocks to fire fast hands, then he reels Gable in! POWERBOMB! High stack, TWO, but JD reels Gable right back in! BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as JD brings Gable around. DEVLIN- NO, Gable uses the ripcord to slip around and waistlock! JD bucks the O’Conner, then runs up on Gable, but Gable BELLY2BELLY SUPLEXES him into buckles!

The fans fire up as Gable goes up the corner! MOONSAULT, but he blocks a boot! ANKLE LOCK!! JD endures, reaches out, rolls, but Gable holds on! JD kicks, fights, rolls, and this time he puts Gable on the apron! Gable steadies himself, goes back up, but Dom distracts! The ref reprimands, but JD ROCKS Gable! JD climbs up to get Gable now, for a SUPER DUPER SPANISH FLY!! Cover, TWO!! Gable survives, even after that rough landing! “This is Awesome!” as both men stir, and then DANHAUSEN appears! He waves to Dom and says he has the moneys. Dom chases Danhausen off, forgetting all about the briefcase on the barriers!

JD asks what the heck, where’s Dom go? But Gable O’Conner Rolls, but JD rolls it back! TWO, and Gable has the ANKLE LOCK!! GRAPEVINE! JD TAPS!! Gable wins!!

Winner: Chad Gable, by submission

Dom returns, beside himself over what just happened! But then he notices the briefcase and realizes there’s at least 100 thousand reasons not to be upset. He and JD go to the briefcase, open it up, and POOF!! A dust attack! Dom & JD are blinded, and then Danhausen snags the Knicks jersey back! The fans cheer as Danhausen wins! He has the jersey and the money! But then RAQUEL CLOBBERS DANHAUSEN! The fans boo as Raquel takes the jersey, but where’d Danhausen go!? Raquel says whatever, she has the prize! Raquel gives it back to Dom, he uses it to wipe that dust away. But will this only escalate things between Judgment Day and Danhausen?

Austin Theory finds Maxxine Dupri backstage.

Theory asks what happened. Maxxine doesn’t know. She thought she was ready and focused on Raquel, but- Theory says he didn’t mean with Raquel. He means with Chad Gable. Well… It’s complicated. Complicated? No, this is simple. If she wants to go back down that road, maybe this isn’t gonna work out. Theory leaves, and Alpha Academy appears. They ask if she’s alright, and she doesn’t know. Maxxine leaves, is she really going to choose The Vision over her friends?

Roman Reigns is here!

Atlantic City cheers as The OTC, the World Heavyweight Champion, makes his entrance, accompanied by Jacob Fatu. Roman raises the title for the pyro, then continues down the ramp and to the ring. What will the Tribal Chief have to say about Night of Champions and beyond? We’ll see, after the break.

Raw returns once more as Roman is in the ring, raises the belt again, and gets the second round of pyro. The fans sing for “Roman, Roman Reigns~!” while Roman grabs the mic. Roman waits, the fans cheer, and he tells Atlantic City, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer and chant for “O T C! O T C!” But then SETH ROLLINS appears! The fans sing for The Architect, “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” as he makes his way to the ring. Rollins is dressed in all black as he stands face to face with Roman, but he looks at the gold. Rollins then grabs a mic of his own, and the fans are going nuts as the two stare down again.

Rollins smirks a little as the “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~” rivals the “O T C! O T C!” Rollins says, “Hello, my brother.” The fans cheer, and Rollins tells Roman that 14 YEARS, they have been tied together. From this moment all the way back to the formation of The Shield. Call it fate, destiny, whatever you want, but it is fitting that they are in this moment together here in Atlantic City… And Roman is in position of a title that belongs to Rollins. Yes, brother, it is time to collect. Roman chuckles and says, “Collect? You must be confused.” Rollins is at the back of the line. Rollins hasn’t done anything of late to earn a shot at the Tribal Chief!

Rollins paces and says Roman can play that game with everybody else in the locker room. They can’t play that with Rollins. When it comes to Roman, Rollins is always at the front of the line. Because for everything Roman has done, he owes Rollins. And for everything that Roman ahs become, everything that Roman is, Rollins owns him! Roman rolls his eyes but Rollins says he owns Roman in the ring, in the mind, and in the heart. Rollins has the last 14 years! You want proof? WrestleMania 41, Triple Threat, Rollins pinned Roman in the ring AND took his Wise Man! WrestleMania 40, Rollins sacrificed himself so Cody Rhodes could end Roman’s reign of terror!

Speaking of, for four YEARS, Roman was unstoppable! He beat everyone, except for one man… WE can go back further, al lthe way to the Greatest Cash-In! Rollins took Roman’s main event and Roman couldn’t do a thing about it! Rollins has owned Roman the day he put a steel chair in Roman’s back and ended The Shield. Rollins isn’t here to ask for anything. Matter of fact, Rollins is here to give Roman something. Something no one else can give Roman! And here’s why: Everything that Roman says he is, everything that the people believe Roman is, he IS that great. Roman has done it all. Roman has won every title there is to win.

Roman has main-evented every show there is to main event! His WrestleMania Main Event Record will never, ever be broken. But there is one thing in his career that he has not been able to do, and that’s beat Rollins. Rollins is here to give Roman that opportunity, and to be real right now… Rollins feels this may be Roman’s last chance to close that loop. The two of them, they came into this company together. They came through that crowd, knocked down the door, kicked the old guard to the curb, and made this place theirs! They created the greatest generation in the history of this industry, the two of them! They did that together!

But man, they’re much closer to the end than they are the beginning. And just like it was when they came in, young, hungry and ready to take over, there is a new generation coming in ready to do the same to them. So Rollins will say again, this may be their last chance to do this dance, brother. What does Roman want the legacy to be? When Roman retires, he will go down as one of the greatest of all time, maybe even number one. Roman should just have his own Hall of Fame show and Rollins might even be there to induct him. But if Roman doesn’t accept this challenge, he will never be able to escape the ghost of Seth Rollins.

The fans like where this is going, and Rollins asks, “What do you say, brother? For old time’s sake?” The fans cheer “YES! YES! YES!” Roman thinks on it, then says, “It’s been a long time since I’ve heard any truth come out of your mouth, little brother. But you’re right. I don’t wanna beat you, I need to beat you.” Roman needs his entire family witness him beating Rollins. And at SummerSlam, that’s exactly what he will do. Roman accepts the challenge. The fans cheer that! Roman then drops his mic, holds up the title, and we could very well be on the countdown to a final showdown! Will the OTC finally check Rollins’ name off his list? Or will Rollins take back what he never lost?

My Thoughts:

A very good Raw to follow up Night of Champions, but the priority was clearly setting up SummerSlam rather than anything immediate. Great surprise for Brock & Heyman to be here, because there had been a lot of wondering about Brock’s final match and if it’ll be at Minneapolis. Now, I did not think they’d go Hell in a Cell, but that’s even better, and certainly should be Brock’s last match, whether they say it out loud or not. And I do like that Oba understands, his title shot is still in his back pocket so he can settle this. That then gives way for Roman VS Rollins, which was probably part of the plan no matter what.

Great closing promo from Roman and Rollins that does make a good point: almost 15 years, amazing careers for both men, but they can’t do this forever, so they gotta do this now while they can. The build between then and now will be great, can’t wait to see how this also plays into the Bloodline story, as well. Speaking of which, pretty good rematch from Knight VS Jimmy, even with Jey and Solo affecting the outcome. Good promo from The Usos with Fatu after to establish them going to SmackDown, and how that will lead to them not only confronting Solo but also Jey apparently wanting to challenge Sami for the title.

Interesting promo from Theory with Heyman. It seems like Heyman is giving up on The Vision since The Vision’s just been losing and losing. Theory might try to keep it going with just Bron and now Maxxine, but I don’t know, I feel like there was a window for making The Vision’s story work, but they missed it. And I’m not talking about injuries forcing things like Bron turning on Rollins, I mean Rollins & Becky vowing vengeance and then I don’t think we got that to the fullest. Theory still should’ve been Rollins’ spy the whole time but oh well. Good promo from Profits to thank everyone, and then very good match from Theory VS Hendry, but of course Hendry won to get back on track for himself.

Very good match from Rey VS Ethan even though nothing really came from it afterward. Very good promo from Liv with Iyo, and of course The Judgment Day got to beat down Iyo to bounce back from Liv’s loss. Great interactions with Danhausen, though. But as said on Saturday, was there even really a curse to reference in Liv’s loss? Is this just so Liv has reason to act like she didn’t really lose? Seems kinda lame really. But Danhausen helping Gable win that great match against JD was fun, and I could see “Gablehausen” VS “JDom” for fun, too. And good stuff in Raquel getting her shot at the Women’s IC title, she and Sol can have a really good match, that maybe Danhausen’s curse actually does something curse-like.

My Score: 8.7/10