Who shines brightest in The City of Lights?

Raw is live in Paris, and BOTH WWE Intercontinental Championships are on the line as Sol Ruca faces Lyra Valkyria and Penta faces Rey Mysterio! Plus, more King & Queen of the Ring Fatal 4 Ways!

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• 2026 Queen of the Ring Opening Round Fatal 4 Way: Liv Morgan VS Becky Lynch VS Alexa Bliss VS Chelsea Green; Liv wins and advances.
• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Sol Ruca VS Lyra Valkyria; Sol wins and retains the title.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: PENTA VS Rey Mysterio; Penta wins and retains the title.
• 2026 King of the Ring Opening Round Fatal 4 Way: Seth Rollins VS Je’Von Evans VS Ricky Saints VS Talla Tonga; Evans wins and advances.

PLAY BY PLAY

Oba Femi is here!

Paris, France is all fired up for “O~BA! HOOT! O~BA! HOOT!” as The Ruler struts his way to the ring. Oba strikes his pose, and he grabs the mic to say, “You guys are wonderful here in Paris. I would love to stand here and watch you guys exalt me all night, but we have things to attend to. I know, I know. But let’s get down to business.” The fans keep going with “O~BA! HOOT!” and he nods. He smiles as he says, “Alright, alright, alright. There’s so much we have to touch on, y’know. Me and Paul Heyman, we don’t agree on many things. But we do have one opinion that we both share, and that is that Paul Heyman doesn’t believe in predictions, he believes in spoilers.

“And so do I. So I have a little spoiler for you guys in Paris here tonight. And that is that I will run through every single man in this King of the Ring tournament, down to the last one. And I will meet that last one one-on-one at Night of Champions. And whoever he is, he will have fought valiantly, but it’s unfortunate that his journey ends there. Because I will destroy him, as well!” The fans cheer that! Oba vows that he will take his rightful place upon the throne as your King of the Ring! And that is not a prediction, that is a spoiler! The fans cheer “O~BA!” again, and he continues by saying he will take the crown, because The Ruler needs a crown to be a ruler, doesn’t he?

And 2026 will be the year of collecting trophies. There is one trophy he has yet to collect, and that is the head of Brock Lesnar! The score is 1-1, but HE is nowhere to be seen. He gets even, then disappears, and in the most underhanded way possible. He cheats, hits from behind, attacks when Oba’s not looking, and Oba hears Heyman talk about what Oba has unleashed in the big bad Beast. But all Oba’s seen the past six week sis a big bad B*TCH! So Brock, you can’t stay away forever. When Oba sees you, he settles the score. But then Dominik Mysterio makes his way out here! The fans boo as Dirty Dom saunters out here, AAA Mega Championship in hand.

Dom also has a mic to say, “You don’t rule anybody! See, you’re so worried about Brock Lesnar, Brock Lesnar, but you should be worried about Dirty Dom!” The fans boo harder, but Dom says he wants to ask Oba something. How long has this rookie been here? The fans cheer “O~BA! HOOT! O~BA!” but Dom says Oba’s been here for a cup o’ coffee. Dom is a 20 YEAR VETERAN in this game! He is the King of the Luchadores! And once he is your King of the Ring, he will rule over Oba! Dom tells Oba to just make this easy on himself and bend the knee now, and respect the ‘stache! The fans still cheer Oba, but then JD sneaks in!

JD McDonagh SMACKS Oba with a chair, but Oba doesn’t budge! The chair might even be dented! Oba PUNCHES the chair into JD’s big head! Then he drags JD up in the ropes, but Dom hits a 619!! Dom goes up, FROG- NO! Oba catches Dom for a SHOTPUT! JD drags Dom outta there, and they run away! The fans cheer, and Oba tells Dom, “You messed up tonight. We all know that Rey Mysterio is your father. Next week, I will introduce you to your daddy!” Did Dirty Dom done goof up? Or can he miraculously survive a Fall From Grace?

Backstage interview with Seth Rollins.

Jackie Redmond is happy to be back and interviewing The Architect. And she’s sure he’s still feeling good after last week, where he managed to get Bron Breakker to spear Paul Heyman. But is it safe to say that was the exclamation point? Or are they not done? Rollins says listen, and the fans are already singing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~!” Rollins tells Paris, “Welcome to Monday Night Rollins!” And he says time is a flat circle. Last time Rollins was in Paris, he was the World Heavyweight Champion, leading The Vision, and The Vision was the future. But now, The Vision is the past, and the present is the King of the Ring Tournament, which Rollins will win!

And then the future is Rollins taking back the title that he never lost. What that means, Jackie, is that Rollins has a date down the line with Roman… Reigns… The man he used to call a brother. The fans already chant “O T C!” as Rollins says that man can’t seem to win titles on his own. A man who can’t seem to beat Seth Rollins when it matters most. So Roman, listen very closely, you are holding onto a title that doesn’t belong to you! That world title is a title that ROLLINS made, and it belongs to the Visionary, the Revolutionary, to Seth FREAKIN’ Rollins! Rollins is all fired up, but will he make it through the Fatal 4 Way later tonight?

2026 Queen of the Ring Opening Round Fatal 4 Way: Liv Morgan VS Becky Lynch VS Alexa Bliss VS Chelsea Green!

On the flipside, the Women’s World Champion finds herself with an opportunity to become Queen of the Ring, meaning she can handpick her SummerSlam opponent! But will she make it through The Man, Lil’ Miss Bliss, and The Hot Mess? Or will someone else step closer to the crown?

Raw returns and Chelsea makes her entrance to join Alexa, then Becky makes her entrance to join them. The former Women’s Intercontinental Champion is in a foul mood, maybe winning the crown will cheer her up. Then last but not least, Liv the birthday girl makes her entrance. The fans cheer “Happy Birthday!” for Liv while the bell rings. Liv then bails out, and she skips around as she enjoys the cheers. Becky talks with Chelsea about an alliance, and Chelsea accepts. They shake hands, but then Becky reels Chelsea in! Chelsea slips free, Alexa SMACKS Becky, and Chelsea wants a handshake. Alexa accepts, but reels her in, too!

Chelsea shoves Alexa away, and Becky DECKS Alexa! Becky kicks and whips Chelsea, runs up, but into a BOOT! Chelsea dodges Becky, runs up, but Becky puts her on the apron. Becky SMACKS Chelsea down, but Alexa drop toeholds Becky for a KNEE! And a DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Alexa runs, but Becky dodges the knee! Liv runs in, but Alexa dodges her! Alexa DECKS Liv, goes to the apron, but Becky runs up! Alexa jumps over, Liv takes the DROPKICK! Alexa resets and CANNONBALLS onto Becky! But now Chelsea is up top! The fans cheer the SUPER CROSBODY! Down goes everyone and the fans fire up!

Chelsea salutes, Paris pledges allegiance, but then Becky POSTS Chelsea! Becky salutes herself while the fans boo and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as all four women are down and the fans fire up! Becky runs up, Alexa dodges to RUN her over! Alexa RUNS Liv over, DROPKICKS Becky, then blocks Liv’s kick to DRAGON SCREW the leg! The fans fire up but Chelsea slides to DOUBLE SHOT Becky and Liv! The fans fire up with Chelsea now, and Alexa DOUBLE SENTONS! Chelsea nods and likes the chemistry. The fans cheer “LEXI! LEXI!” She and Chelsea DOUBLE KNEE Liv and Becky! SHOTGUN on Liv, but then Chelsea BOOTS Alexa! Chelsea runs up to DOUBLE KNEE Liv, then DUOBLE KNEE Becky! Back to Liv but Liv dodges to BACK BODY BLCOK!

Liv dodges Becky, Becky SPLASHES Chelsea, and Liv BODY BLOCKS them both! But Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, KNEES and SHOTGUNS Liv down! The fans fire up but then Becky clinches! Alexa fights free with elbows, then Chelsea MISSILE DROPKICKS Becky! The fans fire up as Alexa then DDTS Chelsea! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer, “Sacre mon deux!” Alexa goes up, up, but Becky ROCKS her first! Becky ROCKS Alexa again, then climbs up. Alexa ROCKS Becky, Becky fires back, but then Chelsea YANKS Becky down! Chelsea climbs up now, but Alexa SMACKS her! Chelsea and Alexa brawl, then Alexa HEADBUTTS!

But Liv gets up there, and she flips to POWERBOMB Chelsea! High stack, TWISTED BLISS breaks it! Cover, Becky SPLASHES to break it! The fans fire up again as all four women are down again. Becky says she’s gonna be Queen, and she fires hands on everyone! Becky focuses on Alexa with the forearms and SOBAT, then she HAMMERS Liv! Becky TOSSES Liv, TOSSES Chelsea, then runs up on Alexa. Alexa KICKS low, then TORNA- NO, Becky powers out! Becky then clinches, MANHAN- NO, Alexa hits a takedown for a cover, TWO! Both women stand, Alexa KICKS a leg out! Alexa runs to BLOCKBUSTER!

Liv runs in, OB- NO! Alexa stops that to clinch and TWISTED SISTER ABIGAIL!! Cover, but Becky YANKS Alexa up! MANHANDLE SLAM!! Cover, but Chelsea reels Becky into the chicken wings! UNPRETTY-HER!! Cover, Liv jackknife bridges Chelsea! LIV WINS!!

Winner: Liv Morgan, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Chelsea is furious, but Liv snatches this one right out from under her! Liv joins Raquel Rodriguez in the second round, does this mathematically guarantee Judgment Day takes the crown?

Chad Gable finds Penta backstage.

Gable knows Penta has an important match tonight, so he will keep this short. He already talked with Penta’s brother, Rey Fenix, on SmackDown, and what Fenix said got Gable thinking. Gable’s done a lot over the past two years he is ashamed off. He spiraled, went crazy, impersonated luchadores, insulted an entire culture, and he realized it all started because he lost to Penta in Penta’s WWE debut. Now, that match was awesome but Gable didn’t take that loss like a man. He took it like a coward, and his actions showed that. He doesn’t expect anything from Penta, but he is here to look him in the eyes and say he’s sorry.

Penta loves lucha, he loves his brother, and the culture. But he knows it is not easy to admit you’re wrong, so he respects that. But if Gable wants to do right by Lucha Libre, he knows who he really needs to talk to. Gable understands, and he heads out. What is the next name on Gable’s apology list? And will Penta make true lucha libre history with Rey Mysterio later tonight?

Montez Ford talks with Seth Rollins backstage.

They dap it up and Ford says real talk, good luck out there tonight. Rollins is this generation’s King of the Ring. Rollins thanks Ford for that, and for last week. How is Dawkins doing? But then The Usos step in, accompanied by Jacob Fatu. Rollins asks how he can help them, and Jey says Rollins to be real careful on how he speaks about the family. Matter of fact, Jey is in the KOTR, too, and he’s winning, taking that title from Cody Rhodes. YEET. Rollins says yes, congrats to Jey. He won’t win but more than we can say for #BigJim. Big Jim ain’t in the tournament, Big Jim on the sidelines where Roman wants him.

Rollins isn’t sure if The Usos heard him earlier or not, but he wasn’t talking about the family. Never is. He’s talking about Roman Reigns. He gets it, this is a family thing, that’s how they do business. But Rollins isn’t mad at them, just disappointed. Because truth is, he though they were better than this. He thought they were better than just running business for Roman. He thought this was Big Jim and Main Event Jey! That’s what he thought, but maybe he was wrong. Maybe this is the best it gets for them, being the bag boys for Roman. Jey tells Jacob to get this fool! The Samoan Werewolf steps forward and stares Rollins down. But then Fatu leaves?

Rollins chuckles and says family, huh? Jey is upset, but he and Jimmy head after Jacob. Rollins talks with Ford, will The Profits have the Visionary’s back should their vision be clouded?

Bayley surprises Lyra Valkyria backstage.

The Role Model says “Ding Dong!” and it startles The Morrigan. Bayley apologizes for joking around, she knows tonight is big. The current Women’s Intercontinental Champion VS the first-ever, it feels so good. Lyra has been waiting for over a year. Yeah, but that’s not what this is about, this is about getting it back! Former NXT Women’s Champion, former WWE Women’s Tag Team Champion, all these things she has accomplished, it has brought her here tonight. She will do whatever it takes because she is one of the best, and Bayley believes in her! Lyra’s got this, right? Right! Bayley pats Lyra on the back then heads out.

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Sol Ruca VS Lyra Valkyria!

Clash In Italy was the biggest moment for the Soul Surfer as she snatched this title off The Man. But with that, the embargo is lifted on The Morrigan, and she wants to take back the belt she put on the map. Both women also have Queen of the Ring to think about, but who will focus on the title and leave Paris with it?

Raw returns as Lyra makes her entrance, joining Sol in the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who rides a wave of momentum into SmackDown!

The bell rings and the two tie up. They go around, Sol headlocks, then hits the takeover. Lyra fights to bridge, roll, and flip things into an armlock. Lyra twists the wrist, Sol endures and fights up to her feet. Lyra shifts her grip, keeps the wristlock, but Sol cartwheels and slips under to BACKDROP! Sol has the armlock now and the fans applaud. Lyra fights around, stands up, then flips to UP KICK! Both women kip up and the fans fire up! Sol and Lyra go again, Lyra waistlocks, but Sol switches to back suplex. Lyra lands out, runs with Sol, and springboard to arm-drag! Lyra runs up, but Sol ducks the enzigiri to flip Lyra for a cover, TWO!

Sol keep son Lyra with a facelock, but Lyra fights up, wrenches, only for Sol to whip her to a corner. Lyra goes up and over, cartwheels, and things keep moving! Sol handstand talks over the leg sweep, then goes Matrix to dodge! Lyra is back to waistlock, and she back suplexes, but Sol lands out! X-FACTOR! Cover, TWO! Lyra goes to the outside before Sol can catch her. Lyra tries to get back in bot Sol kicks her to the apron. Sol runs, but Lyra fireman’s carries! Sol fights free, shoves Lyra to a corner, but Lyra stops herself! Lyra puts Sol on the apron, but Sol ROUNDHOUSES in return! Sol springboards, but Lyra catches her!

Lyra tries to lift, Sol resists, but Lyra powers up! Lyra BACKDROPS Sol to the outside! The fans fire up while Sol is down, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Lyra runs up but Sol ducks ‘n’ dodges. Lyra gets moving, too, and DOUBLE LARIATS take them both down! The fans cheer again while Sol and Lyra slowly rise. Lyra fires a forearm, Sol fires back, and repeat! Lyra ROCKS Sol, Sol ROCKS Lyra, repeat! Sol fires a flurry, then windmills CHOPS! Lyra CLUBS Lyra, ducks, then UPPERCUTS! Lyra UPPERCUTS back! Both women wobble, Lyra runs, but Sol dodges the leg lariat! Sol ELBOWS Lyra down, ELBOWS her again, then whips Lyra into buckles! SNAP GERMAN! The fans fire up as Sol climbs, and she aims for a MISSILE DROPKICK! Direct hit again!

Sol kips up, the fans fire up, and Sol takes aim. Sol runs to KNEE Lyra down! Cover, TWO! Lyra survives and the fans fire up again! Sol goes to the apron, aims, and springboards, but Lyra kicks her down! Sol is stuck on the ropes, Lyra goes up, GUILLOTINE LEG DROP! Lyra hurries to run and WHEEL KICK! Cover, TWO! Sol survives and Lyra grows frustrated, but the fans continue to cheer, “Sacre mon deux!” Lyra drags Sol up, reels her in, and TORNADO DDTS but Sol handsprings through?! Lyra dodges the superkick, and handstands out of the X-Factor! DROPKICK! Lyra hurries to fireman’s carry, but Sol fights free!

Sol CLUBS Lyra, goes up, but Lyra gets under! Electric Chair Lift, but Sol fights and flails! Lyra just shifts ot a fireman’s carry, but Sol sunset flips it! Lyra sits on the flip, TWO! The fans rally again as Lyra runs up, but Sol ducks the leg lariat! Lyra gest stuck in ropes, SOUL SNATCHER!! Cover, SOL WINS!

Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)

A year of waiting and wanting, but it wasn’t enough to take this title back! Sol has the fans waving along, but will she be able to snatch more souls in the Queen of the Ring tournament?

The Usos catch up to Jacob Fatu.

Jey asks Jacob what was that! Huh!? When Jey says run at Seth, you have his back! They’re on the same team, Uce! Jimmy says they call the play, Jacob runs it. Jacob asks what? Let’s not get it twisted, keep it 100. He didn’t acknowledge Jimmy, and he sure didn’t acknowledge Jey’s punk ass! The only one he acknowledged was the O T C, Roman Reigns! Keep it 100, The Usos shouldn’t worry about Jacob, they should worry about their boy, LA Knight. Didn’t y’all tell him to stop talking about the family? And knowing Knight, he’s got a lot on his mind and a lot to say. He’s probably out there right now talking about the family while The Usos are here doing nothing!

Jacob leaves, Jimmy says group text then! Jey is already on his way out, too, leaving Jimmy in the lurch. And then speaking of LA Knight, we see him heading to gorilla! Is The Mega Star about to do exactly what he was told not to do?

LA Knight heads to the ring!

Paris cheers on the Mega Star, “YEAH!” as he makes his entrance. The toss of the mic is a bit too much, so Knight picks the mic up to send it back. They do it again, and boom! The fans cheer the catch, and Knight says, “LEMME TALK TO YA!” The fans cheer, and Knight says Friday Night SmackDown, Fatal 4 Way in King of the Ring. Finn Balor, Royce Keys, Jey Uso, and the man standing right here with everybody saying, L A KNIGHT, “YEAH!” Now, ordinarily, he walks out here and says he’ll go through all of ’em, go onto King of the ring, wins that, and then faces Roman Reigns for the World Heavyweight Championship.

But y’know what? Knight isn’t even mad at the OTC chants, because Roman is kind to you, has pulled the wool over your eyes, and tonight, he won’t come out here and say that he’ll win and face Roman. Because Knight considers the landscape right now. Roman is the guy whose empire is on the verge of crumbling. He’s hold onto any power he can, he’s keeping us all trapped in that Bloodline vortex. So Knight can’t think that on Friday, somebody from the Bloodline won’t come out here to help Jey win his match. And he knows, he’s heard the warnings from Jimmy, from Jey, don’t talk about the family, it’s not his business.

But boys, unlike you, Knight doesn’t take orders from Roman. He doesn’t fall in line to a Tribal Chief. In this neighborhood, Knight IS chief! So as Chief LA, let’s give you the benefit of the doubt. Let’s say Knight wins on Friday, goes on to KOTR, wins that, then faces Roman Reigns at SummerSlam, looking him in the eye for the WHC. You can’t think for one second that every single member of The Bloodline won’t come out here! Jey, Jimmy, Jacob, John, Jacob, Jingleheimer Smith! His name is my name, too! And he’ll get involved, too! As will their mom, their dad, their uncle, their aunt, the grandfather, their neighbors, just to make sure Roman is still champion.

But guess who puts the big ol’ stamp on it? Adam Pearce. Knight won’t say Pearce is in Roman’s pocket, but Knight will say there is a stark, marked difference in how Pearce talked to Knight and how he talked to Roman the week before. Pearce clearly has his favorites, and Knight ain’t it! But that’s okay! Knight may be #Unchosen, but every single one of the fans chose him! And more importantly, Knight chose himself! That means he does it his way, which means he gets it done! And he makes us one single, solitary promise that he doesn’t know how to quit, how to stop, he can’t stop the undeniable kavorka, and he can’t stop being L A KNIGHT, “YEAH!”

With that being the case, he wishes every single man in that match on Friday good luck, and he especially wants to wish Jey Uso luck. So much luck, Jey, that he’s able to do this on his own without calling the whole damn family down to ringside! The fans cheer that! But then here comes Jey Uso! The fans are ready to YEET as Jey storms down to the ring. Jey gets on the corner and everyone bounces along, then he grabs a mic to say, “I said Main Event Jey Uso is now in your citaaay~!” The fans “YEET! YEET!” and they wanna run it back! Jey looks to them, puts his mic down, and he runs it back! Knight says you do not expect him to stand here and watch this!

Why did Jey interrupt Knight? Jey says cuz whenever his family calls, he’ll answer that call. So Knight needs to stay in his damn lane. As far as they go, yeah, Jey is in KOTR, Jey don’t need no luck! Jey is still the arena shaker, still Main Event Jey Uso, and Friday night, he shows you who exactly the hell he is! This your warning shot, POW! The fans cheer and YEET again, enough said! Jey heads back out, and Knight says yeah, okay, cut the music. Boo that, fine, it’s fun to do. He did it back at Mania, he doesn’t fault us. But c’mon now. Man to man, Knight thinks Jey has Knight wrong. Jey misunderstands who Knight is.

Knight knows Jey is passionate about his family, he loves the fact Jey is protective of it, that’s how he should be, that’s how any good man should be. So to reiterated, Friday, Knight wishes Jey luck. And from the bottom of his heart, all the way to the top, SCREW YOUR FAMILY! Jey throws his shirt off! Knight throws his vest off! But Jimmy rushes out there to stop Jey from getting into it tonight. Jey and Knight will have to wait until Friday, but are they overlooking the fact Finn Balor and Royce Keys are in the mix?

Chad Gable finds who he is looking for.

The camera looks over, and it’s not just Rey Mysterio but Dragon Lee! They see him, and he tells them that he’s glad they’re both here. Dragon says take it easy, carnal, they get it. Despite that time Gable took Dragon’s mask off him, Dragon now knows that Gable knows what the mask means. Lucha libre is about culture and respect. Rey also heard what Gable said to Fenix and Penta. Gable doesn’t need to beat himself up over this. He knows a year ago, when Gable started the Grande Americano “fiasco,” he was trying to make fun of lucha libre. And yeah, at one point, Rey wanted to knock Gable’s head off his shoulders.

But after watching that Mask VS Mask, that was true lucha libre. They all felt that. So consider the apology accepted. Gable thanks them both so much. But Rey has Gable hold on. Rey’s known Gable for a minute now, and he’s not one to judge, but… Gable might need to look back a bit further. There were some things he said and did that he probably regrets, and we’re talking about way before he put the mask on. Gable nods, and it seems there are a few more names on the list. Will Gable act as a true alpha and apologize to those names soon enough?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: PENTA VS Rey Mysterio!

The Man with Zero Fear has been a true fighting champion, and while he’s had encounters and even team-ups with the King of Lucha, it is time to see these two icons go 1v1! Will Penta continue to be the rising star of lucha? Or will #CeroMiedo fall short of 619?

Raw returns and Rey makes his entrance to join Penta in the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and win, lose or draw, lucha libre shines in the City of Lights!

The bell rings and the fans fire up already. They circle, then shake hands to show respect. The two tie up, Penta waistlocks, then shoves Rey. Pop-up, but Rey arm-drags out of it! Things keep moving, Penta RANAS! Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges and RANAS in return! Rey DROPKICKS Penta to the ropes, and he dials it up already! But Penta DUMPS Rey out first! Penta runs, but Rey jumps the slide to ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Penta and the fans fire up as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as the CHOPS go back and forth! Then Penta KICKS a leg out! The fans cheer and Penta looks to the drone cam to say he is numero uno! Penta whips Rey, Rey goes up, but Penta catches him! Rey slips free, shoves, but Penta pops Rey up to SUPERKICK in the corner! Penta runs and GAMANGIRIS, then he sits Rey down! Penta then headstands to SWINGING DROPKICK! The fans cheer as Penta then builds speed and FLIES! Down goes Rey and the fans fire up again! The fans cheer for “LUCHA LIBRE!” and Penta brings Rey into the ring. Penta then steps in, calls his shot, and he runs up, but Rey BOOTS him first!

Rey whips, Penta goes up and over, to then DRAPING BACKSTABBER! Cover, TWO! The fans rally as both men stand, and Penta CHOPS Rey against ropes! And CHOPS again! And CHOPS again! Penta whips Rey, Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl and DDT! Cover, TWO! The fans fire up again as Penta survives! Penta goes to the apron, but Rey storms up. Rey RAMS Penta low, then slingshots up and over to SUNSET FLIP- NO, Penta stops the bomb to kick Rey. Rey blocks to YANK Penta down! Then APRON 619! Penta wobbles, the fans sing as Rey runs and SLIDING SUNSET BOMBS into barriers! The fans fire up again as Raw goes back to break!

Raw returns again as Rey is down, and Penta brings him up. Penta whips Rey to ropes, Rey KICKS back, then Rey springboards to wheelbarrow and- NO, Penta stops the rest to waistlock. Penta ripcords, half nelsons, then pump handles! Rey fights with elbows, then runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Rey sputters, Penta calls his shot, and he resets the pump handle to PENTA DRIVER! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives if only barely! The fans rally as Penta aims from a corner, and as Rey stands, Penta runs in! But Rey BOOTS again! Rey whips, Penta reverses, Rey goes up and jumps back, POISON-RANA!! Rey hurries to stand Penta up, to DORPKICK him to the ropes!

Rey redials for a 619!! Penta is down, Rey DROPS THE DIME! Cover, TWO!! The fans are thunderous as Penta survives! Penta eggs Rey on, Rey and Penta fire forearms, and “This is Awesome!” The forearms go back and forth, then Rey fires a flurry of forearms! Rey runs, but into another SUPERKICK! And a PNETA- NO, Rey wheelbarrows to put Penta on ropes! Redial, 619!! Rey goes up, up, FROG SPLASH, but onto knees!! Penta hurries to run up, DESTROYER!!! Cover, PENTA WINS!

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

It was an instant classic the moment it was put on the card, and it is Penta that comes out as the best here tonight! But then ETHAN PAGE & RUSEV ATTACK! The fans boo as All Ego & Bulgarian Lion beat up Rey & Penta! MACHKA KICK for Penta! Ethan throws off his shirt so he can drag Rey into position! ACCOLADE!! The fans boo, but here comes Dragon Lee! the fans cheer as The Boy Wonder is here to save Rey! GAMANGIRI for Ethan, then Dragon dodges Rusev to keep after Ethan! Rusev storms up, Dragon fires a forearm, a SOBAT, and then a DRAGON PALM! But Ethan yanks the mask! Dragon slips around to SHOVE Ethan into Rusev!

Dragon then dodges Ethan to SUPERKICK! And then a LAIRAT sends Ethan up and out! And then Dragon WERCKS Rusev with a dropkick! Dragon builds speed, but Ethan trips him up! The fans boo as Ethan then sends Dragon into barriers! Dragon tumbles into the timekeeper’s area! Ethan tells Rusev to take Rey’s mask! Rusev grabs at the mask, and RIPS it right off! Penta covers Rey’s face, but Ethan stomps away on Penta! But here comes CHAD GABLE! The fans fire up as he gest around to GERMAN SUPLEX Ethan! And GERMAN SUPLEX Rusev! GERMAN SUPLEX on Ethan! The fans fire up for Gable, and he GERMAN SUPLEXES Rusev again!

The American Made Chad Gable is all fired up, and he grabs Ethan’s leg for an ANKLE LOCK!! Rusev drags Ethan out of the ring and the two retreat! The fans boo, but while the Bulgarian and Canadian retreat, the American Made Hero sees Rey’s mask. Gable picks it up, and he makes sure to bring it back to Rey. The fans cheer Gable, and Penta thanks Gable on Rey’s behalf. Will Gable help the luchadores get even with the bullies as his way of making amends?

Raquel Rodriguez speaks.

“A lot of small, underserving women have entered the Queen of the Ring Tournament, and I showed the world that truth when I dominated my first round match. <Three women, three losers.> My next job: Blasting through everything that stands in my way, and what stands in my way is La Mosca, Iyo Sky. Iyo, I have your number, chica. The last time we stepped into the ring together, it was me holding my arm up victorious. And next week will be no different. Not only am I going to drag the Genius of the Sky back down to Earth, not only am I going to win Queen of the Ring, but I’m going to take that title off your BFF, Rhea Ripley, at SummerSlam.

“Y’know what? Maybe you should book a ticket to Minneapolis, because when La Mama Sota, Raquel Rodriguez, becomes your NEW WWE Women’s Champion, and the Judgment Day takes over this entire Women’s Division, your little Mami is gonna need a shoulder to cry on.”

Iyo Sky responds.

“Before leaving the US, Asuka-san entrusted me with the WWE Women’s Division. <There is nothing I take more seriously than protecting the honor and responsibility bestowed upon me by my senpai. Raquel, you are a physical force to be reckoned with.> But you have no honor! Yo have no heart! <Everything you do is to protect the ego of the woman who pulls your strings: Liv Morgan. For your own good, I will unburden you of that responsibility. Next week, I will end your run in this tournament, and I will put Judgment Day in their place.> And at SummerSlam, I will become something you have never been: a world champion.”

Both women have issued their ultimatums, but will La Ruda be one step closer to becoming La Reina? Or will the Genius have just the plan for guaranteed victory?

Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.

Liv is happy to have Roxie back after missing her on Friday. Roxie says she wanted to talk to Liv about something, just not in front of the others. She’s been thinking, and Liv was right. Last week, she got down about losing, and thinking about herself, when she should think big picture: The Judgment Day! Exactly! So Roxie is okay with Liv winning, or with Raquel winning, because a win for one is a win for all. Yes, totally! Roxie thinks the best thing would be if we get Liv VS Raquel, and then it’s a win-win! Liv doesn’t say anything until Dom steps in, and then she asks how he’s doing after Oba throwing him around.

Dom says that was crazy! What’re they gonna do about Oba? They had a plan and yet it didn’t work. Liv says don’t worry, just do it a little different. She has ideas. Oh, she has a plan? Yes, let’s go talk it out! Liv pulls Dom along, JD follows, and Roxie says she’ll catch up a little later. Does Liv have a fool proof plan for toppling the mountain that is Oba Femi? Or are the Judgment Day fools for thinking there’s such a thing?

2026 King of the Ring Opening Round Fatal 4 Way: Seth Rollins VS Je’Von Evans VS Ricky Saints VS Talla Tonga!

The Visionary vowed to win all the way to SummerSlam against Roman Reigns, but that starts with this first step. Will Rollins be able to #BurnItDown in the City of Lights against The Young OG, the Absolute AND this Tongan Titan? Or will someone ruin his summer plans already?

Raw returns as Saints makes his entrance, joining Rollins and Talla in the ring. That means last but certainly not least is Je’Von, and he’s definitely fired up for this opportunity. The bell rings, the fans sing “WHOA~ OH~ OHH~,” and the four feel things out. Saints then sucker punches Rollins out of the ring, only to find he’s cornered. Saints bails out to go after Rollins more, so Talla swings on Evans. Evans dodges, goes up and over, then he boots from the corner. Talla blocks but the SUPERKICK hits! Evans springboards, OG- NO, Talla catches Evans to shove him away then CLOBBER him on the rebound!

Rollins meanwhile has sent Saints into steel steps, and he steps back in. The fans cheer Rollins as he stares Talla down. The fans cheer, Talla swings but Rollins ducks, then Rollins CHOPS! Talla isn’t fazed, so Rollins CHOPS again! And mule kicks! Rollins runs but Talla CLOBBERS him, too! The fans boo but Talla stands Rollins up to fireman’s carry. Evans yanks Rollins down to fire hands on Talla! Rollins joins in, they ROCK Talla again and again, then mug Talla against ropes! Talla SHOVES them both away, but then DOUBLE SUPERKICKS hit! And then a LARIAT on the ropes! Evans LARIATS next! Saints is back but Rollins and Evans mug him first!

Rollins & Evans then build speed together, but Saints trips Rollins! Talla ELBOWS Evans down! The fans boo as Saints then feeds Rollins to Talla’s LARIAT! Talla says do that with Evans, so Saints feeds Evans to a scoop and SLAM! Saints gets Rollins up, Talla winds up, and he CHOPS Rollins! Saints then goes to Evans and stands him up. The fans hush themselves so they can hear the CHOP from Talla! Saints says let’s keep the partnership going, and he high-fives with Talla. But then Talla BOOTS Saints! The fans are torn on that one but Talla then TOSSES Saints out! Talla LARIATS Rollins up and out, and he picks Evans up!

Talla military presses Evans to then THROW him onto Rollins and Saints! The fans fire up while Talla stands tall, and Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as Evans is sent tumbling! Talla scoops Saints to then LAWN- NO, Saints slips free to POST Talla! The fans fire up while Talla staggers, and Rollins builds speed to DIVE! Down goes Talla into the barriers! Saints hurries to POST Talla again, and then Saints and Rollins coordinate. They DUMP Talla into the timekeeper’s area! The fans fire up again, but Talla reaches up to grab Rollins! And Saints! But Evans FLIES in and wipes Talla out into the timekeeper’s table! The fans fire up again while Rollins and Saints are in the ring. Rollins and Saints step up, talks some trash, and then they throw hands!

The fans rally as the shots go back and forth, then Rollins fires a flurry! Rollins whips, Saints reverses, but Rollins LARIATS! And ducks ‘n’ dodge to LARIAT again! Then RUNNING KNEE! Rollins hurries to suplex and FALCON ARROW! The fans fire up for Rollins as he waits on Saints. Kick and underhooks, but the RED DOT GAMANGIRI finds him! Evans covers Rollins, TWO! Rollins survives that shot outta nowhere, but Evans is firing up! Evans takes off the shirt and then throws it to the crowd! The fans cheer for the free souvenir, and then Evans springboards for a FLYING- NO! Rollins kicks him low to underhook!

Evans wrenches out to ROCK Rollins! Evans then runs up, BOUNCY- NO! Rollins stops the rana to bring Evans up, BUCKLE- RANA!! Evans turns things back around and he sees Rollins flop out of the ring. Evans builds speed but Saints is back to BOOT him! Saints brings Evans in, REVOLUTION DDT! Cover, TWO! Evans survives and Saints is beside himself! These two have fought in NXT, so Saints should know Evans is tough as nails. Rollins hurries up while Saints climbs, but Saints kicks Rollins down. Evans jumps up to get Saints, comes in a little hot but safely lands on the floor. Evans gets back up to try again and he ROCKS Saints!

Evans goes up, up, and SUPER SPANISH FLIES! But Rollins is there, PEDIGREE!! Cover, TALLA DRAGS ROLLINS UP!! Talla CHOKNE- NO, Rollins slips free and SUPERKICKS! Talla wobbles, Rollins SUPERKICKS again! Talla fires up, runs up, but Rollins DUMPS him back out! But Saints DUMPS Rollins! Saints brings Evans up, in, and Canadian Racks, but Evans slips free! Evans DUMPS Saints out, and then he builds speed! WE OUTSIDE!! Down goes Saints, Rollins AND Talla! The fans are thunderous for Evans as he hurries to put Rollins back in! Evans goes up, up, but Saints trips him up! Then Saints climbs up after Evans!

Saints CLUBS Evans, Evans fires elbows, but Rollins joins in! Rollins CLUBS Evans, he CLUBS Saints, then he goes up. Only for Talla to join in! Talla makes this a TOWER OF DOOM!! DOUBLE POWERBOMB BACK SUPERPLEX, but Evans lands on his feet?!? The fans are electric and Evans JUMP KICKS Talla! Evans keeps moving, but the DISCUS LARIAT finds him! Cover, Rollins breaks it! The fans fire up again, “Sacre mon deux!” Talla snarls at Rollins, but Rollins snarls back. Rollins and Talla stand, Talla guzels, and he SHOVES Rollins up and out! Talla then goes out after Rollins, and he clears off the American desk!

The fans fire up as Talla brings Rollins up, guzels, but Evans DIVES! Talla catches Evans, CHOKE SLAM on the French desk! But a CURB STMOP from Rollins on the desk!! The fans are thunderous as Rollins then keeps going, and he FLYING STOMPS Talla on the floor!! Rollins goes to Saints in the ring, but Saints avoids the stomp! Saints wrenches, reels and REVOLUTIO- NO, Rollins throws Saints off to then CURB STOMP!! Cover, BUT AUSTIN THEORY YANKS THE REF!! The fans boo but nothing can stop Theory from ruining this for Rollins! But then Montez Ford CLOBBERS Theory!!

The fans fire up for Ford as he beats Theory down, into the crowd even! But wait, BRON BREAKKER is here!! SPEAR on Rollins!!! And again, nothing can stop The Vision from ruining this for Rollins! Saints crawls, but Evans intercepts! O G CUTTER!!! Cover, EVANS WINS!!!

Winner: Je’Von Evans, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

Rollins’ vision was clouded by what he thought was behind him, and now The Young OG is the one moving forward! Will Evans become the youngest King of the Ring ever? Will Rollins ever be able to destroy what he created?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw for Paris, great building in the various stories as we head for Night of Champions. Oba had a great promo calling out Lesnar, and then great confrontation with Dom & JD. Normally, go-home math would say Oba is losing now because he stood tall, and we know Liv is plotting something after that group promo from Judgment Day. But c’mon, it’s Oba Femi. He shouldn’t lose until the finals and even then, he should still win. Yes, Oba VS Lesnar 3 is the obvious thing for SummerSlam, but uh, there’s also two nights. Oba double header to prove his true dominance? Well, maybe that’s too much even for The Ruler.

At the same time, Judgment Day’s story is going as it obviously would, with Liv winning a great Fatal 4 Way with some great talent. Liv sniping the win was also a clever move, very fitting of a Heel. Good promos from Raquel and Iyo, and if the Judgment Day story is gonna escalate the dysfunction, then Raquel will surely win. Roxie might even be right, we might get Liv VS Raquel to force the issue. Great Women’s Intercontinental Championship match, with a great win for Sol. The Fatal 4 of Sol, Lyra, Charlotte and Jade on Friday will be hard to call. Charlotte and Jade should be feuding on their own, I wonder if they cancel out. Then maybe Lyra can win to not just make up for losing this match, but also to add to how Bayley is a little envious of Lyra’s singles success.

Great stuff with hyping up Penta VS Rey, and I like Gable’s redemption story being part of this. Penta VS Rey was an awesome match, and a great win for Penta. I should’ve figured Ethan and Rusev would attack, and great saves from Dragon Lee and Gable. Rey bringing up Gable’s past, I think that means Gable does his best to make amends with Otis & Tozawa. They’re about to be abandoned by Maxxine so they’re gonna need somebody, and them teaming with American Made (which isn’t doing much anymore either) could save them while also adding bodies to a new Vision feud.

Speaking of, of course the Vision cost Rollins in his Fatal 4 Way, that feud ain’t done yet. But it was a nice touch that Rollins calling out Roman got on The Usos’ nerves and they had to confront him. Great win for Je’Von Evans in Rollins’ place, it would be awesome to have “King Von” as a possibility. But again, Oba stands in the way. LA Knight had a very good promo as he called out The Bloodline’s relapse, and very good response from Jey. Their Fatal 4 Way will be great, but it’s gotta fall to Royce or Finn. A part of me feels maybe it ends up Dom and Finn even though we’ve had them fight it out already.

And great stuff within Bloodline’s story for Jacob to totally diss Jey. Jacob only willing to listen to Roman is naturally building tension within the group like back when Sami Zayn was Honorary Uce and only one Uso was okay with it. This probably turns into Jacob VS Jey at some point, and that will be epic.

My Score: 8.9/10