Solo Sikoa must stand before The Tribal Chief!

While it wasn’t exactly fair, Solo Sikoa did lose to Jey Uso, and he must now return to The Bloodline, and be face to face with Roman Reigns! But will The Prodigal Uce ACKNOWLEDGE The OTC?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Je’Von Evans VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio; Evans wins.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament: Rey Fenix VS El Fiscal; Fenix wins and advances.
• Sol Ruca VS Lyra Valkyria; Sol wins.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament: Dragon Lee VS Dr. Wagner III; Dragon wins and advances.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship: Chad Gable VS Rey Mysterio; Gable wins and retains the title.

PLAY BY PLAY

Stephanie Vaquer is here!

Buffalo, New York fires up as La Primera high-fives fans on the way down the ramp. Vaquer steps into the ring, grabs a mic, and she says, “Hola, WWE Universe! Tonight, I’m here for only one reason: My title! No estoy hablar! I don’t want to talk! And everyone here knows wrestling is my first language. So Liv Morgan, come out here with MY title, and fight ME, p*ta!” The fans fire up for that, and Liv’s music hits. Judgment Day indeed walks out on stage, all smiles as the fans boo. Liv has a mic, and says, “Well, Stephanie, you may not feel like talking a lot today, and I typically don’t feel the need to acknowledge accusations against me…

“But I have a lot on my mind.” The fans boo but Liv says first, Becky Lynch claims Liv having this title negates all the hard work of the women who held it before her. But do you know what Liv thinks about that? She doesn’t care~! HAHAHA! Liv doesn’t care about the women that came before her, and she doesn’t care about the women who’ll come after her. She’s not a champion for those women, and she’s certainly not a champion for any of these people! The fans boo, but Liv says she is a champion for herself! And that brings Liv to Stephanie! Vaquer thinks Liv is scared of her? HAH! Liv is the one who beat her at WrestleMania!

And she beat Vaquer so badly after that Vaquer spent the last three months at home, and that made her sick! All that matters is that Liv is champion. And as long as Liv is here, Vaquer and Becky never will be! But don’t they think that’s a little funny that that’s how the universe works? The girl that you tried to berate on a weekly basis is well on her to becoming the LONGEST REIGNING WOMEN’S WORLD CHAMPION OF ALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL~ TIIIIIME~! The fans boo, and Vaquer says if Liv is not scared, then why is she all the way over there? Come here and get in the ring! Liv says Vaquer’s gonna regret this~!

Judgment Day all goes to the ring, but Vaquer DECKS Liv! Raquel & Roxie mug Vaquer while the fans boo, then Raquel scoops. Vaquer slips free, Roxie is after her, but Vaquer TOSSES Roxie! And DUMPS Raquel out! Liv TACKLES Vaquer, but Vaquer turns it around! Vaquer fires HEADBUTTS, but Liv gets loose! Vaquer SUPERKICKS Liv down! But then Roxie CHOP BLOCKS! Raquel joins in again, and the mugging continues! The fans boo but Roxie & Raquel set Vaquer up for Liv, only for THE MAN to come around! Becky may not like Vaquer but she’s after Liv! Becky trips Liv, drags her out, and sends her into barriers!

Roxie runs up, Becky ROCKS her, then THROWS her aside! But Raquel ROCKS Becky! The fans rally for Becky as Raquel puts her in the ring. Becky fires off on Raquel in the ropes! Raquel shoves Becky into Vaquer! Becky dodges, Vaquer ROCKS Raquel! Becky BOOTS Roxie! Vaquer spins Becky around and they argue about the save. Becky turns to go but Vaquer spins her back around. But Liv trips Becky! Liv drags Becky out to POST her! But then Vaquer CROSSBODIES Liv! Only for Raquel to BOOT Vaquer! Raquel drags Vaquer into the ring, and Liv hits as CODE BREAKER! Roxie runs up, POP ROX!

The fans boo but Judgment Day stands tall again. Will nothing keep Liv from holding the belt? Or can Becky and Vaquer figure out the numbers game?

The Usos are backstage.

#BigJim and Main Event Jey are having fun rubbing in that Solo Sikoa is coming home! Solo steps into the hallway, and Jimmy says it’s all good! Jey says that way! Solo is coming home, a homecoming event! YEET! PEW PEW! PEWPEWPEW! But then LA Knight is there. He asks if they’ve had enough. Jey says enough of this, break all this up! Solo knows the play, and so does Knight. Jimmy heads out, Jey pushes past Knight, and he says the Tribal Chief is waiting. Solo has no choice but to follow along his brothers into The Bloodline’s private suite. But what happens to the Prodigal Uce now that he must ACKNOWLEDGE his place in the family?

Je’Von Evans VS JD McDonagh w/ Dominik Mysterio!

An impromptu match up here, but the Young OG has no love lost for The Judgment Day. Will Evans continue his climb up the ranks tonight? Or will the WWE remember to never bet against the Irish Ace?

The bell rings, the two tie up, and Evans powers JD to the ropes. JD turns things around, the ref counts, and JD backs off. JD shoves Evans, then SLAPS him! Evans SLAPS back! Evans SHOVES JD, then DROPKICKS him! The fans fire up for the BOUNCY~ RANA! Evans DROPKICKS JD and JD tumbles right outta the ring! The fans wave their hands with Evans, and he builds speed, but Dom trips him up! The fans boo as Dirty Dom gets away with one! JD returns to CLOBBER Evans! The fans boo as JD rains down fists on Evans, then URENAGE! MOONSAULT but onto knees! The fans fire up as Evans runs, but JD bails out!

The fans boo but Evans does not lose track of JD. Evans slides out the side and LARIATS JD into the timekeeper’s area! Dom is worried for JD but Evans waves his hands. The fans join in, Evans builds speed taking a lap around the ring, and Evans FLIES! Direct hit into JD and into an armchair! The fans fire up with Evans, and he high-fives the front row while he stalks JD. Evans puts JD in the ring, then ROCKS him! Dom grabs at Evans, Evans KICKS him away, then springboards, but JD dodges! Evans hobbles, comes back, but JD slips outside! JD trips Evans, then drag shim into the corner, right into the OGs!

The fans boo but JD SLAMS Evans’ leg against the POST! Evans writhes but JD SLAMS the leg again, and Raw goes picture in picture.

Evans clutches his leg, but also his groin, as JD lets off. The ref checks but Evans is able to continue. JD storms over, brings Evans up and around, and puts the bad leg on the ropes, so he can KNEE DROP the knee! Evans hobbles, flounders, and goes to the ropes again. JD pushes past the ref to drag Evans back to center, YANK the leg, and DRAGON SCREW it! JD ELBOW DROPS on the leg, then has a toehold. Evans tries to headscissor but JD shrugs that off to keep on the foot. Evans CLUBS JD, throws hands, but JD stands to LEG JAMMER! Evans crawls away but JD stalks him to a corner. JD grabs the leg again, SHIN BREAKER!

Evans writhes again, but JD paces around him. Evans clutches the leg again but he insists he can still go. JD FALLING AX HANDLES! JD then grabs the bad leg, turns Evans over, and SMASHES the knee into the mat! Evans writhes again, but JD stalks him to the corner. Evans fires body shots, then haymakers, but JD blocks the kick to put the leg in the ropes! Then he grabs the other leg, DRAPING DRAGON SCREW! Evans writhes like before, clutching his knee, but JD paces. JD talks trash on the fans, then stalks Evans as Evans hobbles to the ropes. CHOP BLOCK! Evans falls over while Raw returns to single picture.

The fans chant “DOM, YOU SUCK!” while JD stalks Evans. JD kicks Evans around, puts him on the ropes, then CHOKES! The fans boo, the ref counts, but JD backs off at 4. JD runs up, but Evans FLIPS over! Only for the bad leg to buckle! JD shoves Evans, Evans still hits the RED DOT GAMANGIRI! The fans fire up with Evans as he rises, and he hobbles his way to a corner. JD runs up, blocks a boot, but Evans STOMPS the foot! Then ROCKS JD, puts him in the corner, SPINNING ENZIGIRI! Evans shoves JD down, goes to the apron, and he springboards, FLYING LARIAT! But the leg slows him down to the cover, TWO!

JD survives, but the fans fire up for Evans! Evans drags JD up, shakes out the leg, and he goes up the corner! O G- NO, JD dodges! JD HEADBUTTS Evans, reels him in, and BRAINBUSTER! Cover, TWO! Evans survives and JD seethes. Dom argues the count but the ref defends it. JD drags Evans up, fires Kawada Kicks, then lets him drop. JD drags Evans to a drop zone, goes up the corner, but Evans CLUBS a leg! JD is stuck up top, and Evans climbs up to join him! Evans SMACKS JD off the post! Then Evans goes to the very top, and he wants commentary to move?! JD slips out to YANK Evans down! Then JD goes up!

JD MOONSAULTS, but has to roll through! O G CUTTER!! Cover, Evans wins!!

Winner: Je’Von Evans, by pinfall

Evans fights through the pain to come out on top! But BIG CASS attacks again! Well, he IS from New York, so why not? Cass stomps away on Evans in the corner, then backs off just so he can drag Evans up! Short arm LARIAT! The fans boo as Cass drags Evans up again, for the BEARHUG, into the EAST RIVER CROSSING!! Three weeks in a row, Cass has crushed Evans, just because he could! Wait, is Evans getting up? Evans grabs a mic to say, “No, no, no, no, no. Nah, nah… Hey, Big Cass… Is that all you got?” The fans cheer Evans on, but Cass says okay. Cass goes back to the ring, but Evans SMACKS him in the ropes!

The fans fire up as Evans manages to run, and DIVE! Down goes Cass!! The fans fire up as Evans HAMMERS away on Cass! Cass SHOVES Evans away, Dom runs up, and Dom POSTS Evans! The fans boo as Dirty Dom gets his, then he and JD run off! Cass storms up on Evans and drags him by his hair! The fans boo but Cass THROWS Evans into the barriers! Evans writhes, but Cass isn’t done as he drags Evans back up. Cass stands Evans up, just to THROW him into more barriers! Evans flounders, the fans boo, but Cass puts Evans back in the ring. Evans steps into the ring, takes aim, and BOOTS Evans down!

Cass stands tall, but will this be the end of the issue between him and Evans?

PROGRAMMING NOTE for Monday Night Raw next week!

Raw will be in Ottawa, Canada next Monday, August 24th, and on at a special start time of 6PM Eastern! Make sure you adjust accordingly so you don’t miss a thing!

WWE shares AAA’s update on the World Heavyweight Championship Contender’s Tournament!

It was this past Saturday that during La Parka VS Psycho Clown, a mysterious and monstrous man would attack Psycho Clown mid-match, opening the way for La Parka to take the win. Parka and Penta will battle in next week’s semifinals, held here on Monday Night Raw, so tonight is about rounding out our Final Four!

WWE hears from Rey Fenix and El Fiscal.

The Firebird says, “The passion and the spirit of Lucha Libre runs and grows stronger every step forward I take in this tournament. Fiscal, you are an incredible fighter. But Rey Fenix is unstoppable! This is my chance to finally fight for a world championship.” But The Prosecutor says, “This tournament is a big opportunity for my career. Tonight, when I step into the ring with you, Rey Fenix, it won’t just be a historic match. It’ll be another victory as I go after THE champion, The Tribal Chief, Roman Reigns. Because I am the law, and after me comes total darkness!” Who proves themselves worthy with a win here tonight?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament: Rey Fenix VS El Fiscal!

Raw returns as Fiscal makes his entrance, joining Fenix. The bell rings, the two circle, and the fans rally for Fenix. They tie up, Fiscal waistlocks, but Fenix fights with elbows. Fenix switches, Fiscal reaches but can’t get the switch. Fenix CLUBS away, then shoves Fiscal to ropes, only for Fiscal to RUN Fenix over! Fenix kips up, the fans fire up, but Fiscal trips Fenix. Cover, ONE, but Fiscal ducks a roundhouse! The fans cheer the standoff, and the two reset. They feel things out, but then Fiscal SOBATS! Fiscal whips, Fenix reverses then hurdles. Fenix drops down, hurdles again, then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up while Fiscal flounders.

Fenix runs corner to corner, but he blocks a boot! Fiscal asks he wait, then he steps over to KICK! Fiscal goes up, CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO! The fans rally up as Fenix survives, and Fiscal brings Fenix up. Fiscal ROCKS Fenix, fireman’s carries, but Fenix fires elbows. Fenix slips free, but Fiscal KNEES low! Fiscal wobbles, but he still whips, only for Fenix to handspring and CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Fiscal survives but the fans fire up for Fenix. Fenix sees Fiscal go to the apron, so he climbs. Fiscal UPPERCUTS! Fiscal climbs up, fires forearms, but Fenix fights the risky suplex! Fenix fires body shots, and he HEADBUTTS again and again!

Fiscal falls to the apron, but he manages to stand. ADIOS AMIGO KICK! Fiscal falls and the fans fire up as Fenix goes up, up, and ESCALARA CROSSBODY! Down goes Fiscal, and Fenix stands tall! Fenix puts Fiscal in the ring, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as Fiscal has Fenix in a Cobra Twist of sorts. Fiscal CLUBS Fenix, mocks the “ANIMO!” But then Fenix fights up, fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, then JAWBREAKERS! The fans fire up, Fenix runs, but Fiscal fireman’s carries! Fiscal powers up to lift and THROW Fenix into ropes! Fenix flounders around, Fiscal runs up, DISCUS LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Fenix survives and the fans fire up again! Another cover, TWO! Fiscal is frustrated but he sits Fenix up. Fenix CHOPS, but Fiscal kicks back. Fiscal whips Fenix to a corner, but Fenix SUPERKICKS! SOBAT! KICK! ENZIGIRI! Fiscal wobbles, Fenix whips, but Fiscal reverSes.

Fenix slips outside, then blocks a shot to CHOP, CHOP, CHOP! Then a GAMANGIRI! Fiscal staggers, Fenix goes up, up, and QUEBRADA! Cover, TWO! Fiscal survives but the fans rally for Fenix! Fenix aims, somersaults, and- NO, Fiscal catches him, pops him up, SPINNING TOMB- NO, Fenix slips down to a victory roll! TWO, and Fenix runs up, DOUBLE KNEES! Fenix puts Fiscal up, SUPERKICKS, then shouts, “ANIMO!” The tuck and the MEXICAN MUSCLE BUSTER!! Cover, Fenix wins!

Winner: Rey Fenix, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

The AAA World Cruiserweight Champion overcomes a big obstacle in El Fiscal, and now he is through to the semifinals! But who will it be that meets him in that next round?

Backstage interview with Stephanie Vaquer.

Cathy Kelley is with La Primera as she’s regrouping, and notes that next week sees Vaquer’s return to in-ring action after her three months away. Vaquer gets her shot at Roxie, and Vaquer says this is exactly what Liv always does! She needs three people to deal with Vaquer. Roxie is different. Vaquer hasn’t forgotten what Roxie did to her. So this is personal! But Becky mockingly claps as she says well done out there! Vaquer says she doesn’t need Becky’s help! And y’know what? Roxie is Vaquer’s problem, don’t make Becky the next one. Well, as long as Vaquer is going for the world title, Becky’s not her next problem, she’s Vaquer’s biggest problem.

But hey, good luck! Surely it’ll be straightforward, 1v1, everyone following the rules. Vaquer’s got this! Becky will be watching. Becky leaves, but will the Fallen Angel be able to rise above The Judgment Day?

Lyra Valkyria speaks.

“So what do you get when you go down in history as the first-ever Women’s Intercontinental Champion, and you submit, brutalize, and completely eliminate one of the top women in our generation? NOTHING! Nothing, because it’s all about Sol Ruca these days! She’s so amazing, she’s so perfect, she’s special. But she’s not, though. she’s not. I can do everything that Sol does, I just choose not to because I’m smart. I’m smart, and I know that when you fly around just to show off, that’s when bad things can happen.

“And if Sol thinks she’s gonna surf past me in line and go up against Raquel for my title, she’s outta her mind. Tonight, I’m gonna make sure she crashes and burns. And then, I’m gonna get my title back.” The Morrigan continues to go off the deep end, but will she finally get what she wants? Or will she only get her soul snatched for the summer?

Sol Ruca VS Lyra Valkyria!

Raw returns as Lyra makes her entrance, joining Sol in the ring. The bell rings, the fans rally for Sol, and she ties up with Lyra. They’re in a headlock until Lyra chinbars Sol to wrangle her. Sol kips up, but Lyra headlocks. Sol endures, but Lyra pushes her down. Sol fights up, Lyra hits a takeover, but Sol flips that to have the headlock on Lyra! The fans cheer, but Lyra headscissors. Sol tries to kip free but Lyra holds on. Sol moves around, headstands to pop free, but Lyra avoids the headlock to hammerlock. Sol fights up, gets under Lyra, and the fans cheer, but Lyra fights the backdrop. Lyra pushes on the arm, but Sol spins through.

Lyra still wrangles Sol with a wristlock, “Who do you think you’re in the ring with?” Sol tries to headscissor from there but Lyra brushes that away. Lyra kneels on Sol, then grinds her forearm in. The ref reprimands, the fans rally, and Sol fights up. But Lyra THROWS Sol by her hair! Lyra mocks the fans, then covers Sol, ONE! Lyra keeps Sol down with a cravat, but Sol fights up. Lyra whips Sol to a corner, but Sol goes up, backflips over, and DROPKICKS! Lyra bails out but Sol goes to the apron. Sol avoids the sweep with a handstand, then handsprings. Lyra blocks the kick, THROWS Sol, but Sol cartwheels through to PENALTY KICK!

The fans cheer as Sol then goes to the corner, goes up, and ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Lyra again and the fans fire up with Sol! Sol puts Lyra in, but Lyra scrambles away. Sol storms up on Lyra, but Lyra is i the ropes. Sol still throws forearms, but the ref backs her up. Lyra runs up, Sol blocks a kick, and Sol ducks the enzigiri! Sol runs, but Lyra trips her up in the ropes! Lyra then WINDMILLS fists, and she shouts at the fans, “What’d I tell you?!” Lyra steps on Sol, even stands on her, but Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as Lyra pushes Sol around. The fans rally for Sol but Lyra turns her, only for Sol to JAWBREAKER! Lyra stumbles away, Sol runs up, but Lyra HOTSHOTS her in the ropes! Lyra DRIBBLES Sol off the mat! The fans boo but Lyra says it’s over! Lyra goes to a corner, climbs up top, and PEREPE- KNEE! Sol takes Lyra down first and the fans fire up! Lyra sputters, Sol goes to a corner, and Sol runs up to ELBOW Lyra down! And ELBOWS her again! Sol whips Lyra to a corner, Lyra bounces off buckles, SNAP GERMAN from Sol! Sol goes up, up, and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Lyra tumbles away to the far side!

The fans fire up as Sol kips up! Sol runs up, KNEE STRIKE! Cover, TWO! Lyra survives and Sol is a bit frustrated, but the fans rally even harder for Sol. Sol has Lyra on the ropes literally now, and Lyra begs for mercy. Sol says oh now Lyra’s scared. RIPCORD GERMAN! The fans fire up while Lyra tumbles out. Sol builds speed, handsprings, SOL- HOTSHOT NECKBREAKER!! Lyra turns things around, and goes up, PEREPETEIA!! Cover, TWO!! Sol survives the turn of fortune and Lyra can’t believe it! The fans rally harder for sol, but Lyra stalks her. Lyra fireman’s carries, but Sol fights free! Sol goes to the corner, O’Conner Roll! TWO and Sol htis buckles!

Lyra runs up, but Sol BOOTS her! Sol goes up, but Lyra YANKS her down! Lyra then has Sol in the Tree of Woe, to then DRAPING BACKBREAKER! And then the fireman’s carry, for the NIGHTWING- NO, Sol handsprings through! SUPERKICK, then a handspring, only for Lyra to lift Sol! But Sol TORNADO DDTS through! And then SOUL SNATCHER!! Cover, Sol wins!

Winner: Sol Ruca, by pinfall

Lyra wanted to start her journey back to the Women’s Intercontinental Championship, but she’s the one who wipes out tonight! Will Sol ride this new wave of momentum back to the gold?

Jacob Fatu is backstage.

The Samoan Werewolf is contemplating when The Usos step in. Jey says yeah, yeah, yeah! Oh, it feels good to be part of The Bloodline. But why’s Jacob over here lookin’ so sad? He should be piping up, because guess what? They did something his ass couldn’t to! Jacob doesn’t like Jey acting like he did it on his own, but Jey says that don’t matter! He and Jimmy ran the play, and tonight, Solo Sikoa goes to the OTC. Oh, and uh… Who’s the punk ass now, Jacob? Jey leaves, Jimmy follows, but will adding Solo only make things more tense within the family?

Backstage interview with The Vision.

Cathy Kelley is with Logan Paul, Austin Theory, Maxxine Dupri & Bron Breakker and brings up last week. Between taking out Akira Tozawa, and escalating things with Oba Femi, what s next for The Vision? Logan says listen, last week was all about showing that The Vision runs Raw. And anyone, and Logan means anyone, who wants to step up will be put down. Right, Maxxine? Right! And what’s crazy is that time Theory smashed Otis’s big fat head into the post! Yeah, so good. But it’s also crazy how Theory squashed Tozawa like a roach, yet Tozawa keeps crawling back to mess with her bad boy.

Theory says speaking of crazy, Oba took a cheap shot on Theory. That won’t go unnoticed. But what we do notice is that their boy, The Dog, Bron Breakker, and Theory are still World Tag Team Champions. Then Theory has his delicious Maxxine on his side. Cathy says Bron is quiet. Anything to say? Bron says what he has to say to Oba, he’ll just say to his face. Bron goes ahead towards gorilla position, makes his entrance, and continues down to the ring. Buffalo is a bit torn between barks and boos for The Badass, but he still steps in the ring and grabs a mic.

Bron paces, then says, “C’mon, big boy! I know you’re back there, Oba! You wanna be the future of this place? Come take it from me, right now!” The fans chant for “O~BA!” but instead, we get “Ladies and gentlemen…!” The fans cheer as Paul Heyman appears and gives his full introductions, “I was an Advocate, I am an Oracle, and more than that, I am a Wise Man. I know things that are wise to do, I know things that are unwise to do. Here’s something that I know: It’s very wise for us to all figure out the question that is on every single person’s mind. And that question is, ‘Who is the future of WWE?'”

The fans chant “O~BA!” in response, and Bron steps closer to Heyman. Bron asks Heyman to tell us who he thinks is the future of the WWE. Heyman steps back, but then Oba makes his entrance! The fans fire up as The Ruler is in Buffalo! Oba goes to the ring, grabs himself a mic, and he circles with Bron for a moment. The two stare down as the fans continue to chant, “O~BA! HOOT!” Oba says here is Bron, asking stupid questions. Oba almost perfectly copies Bron, “Who’s the future, Paul?” But Bron already knows! Oba knows it! The fans know it! And you want to know who else knows? Brock Lesnar knows who the future is.

Because the future is OBA FEMI! And if you have the problem with that answer, take it up with Oba any day, any time! Bron nods and says, “How about right here, right now?!” The fans like that! But Heyman tells Bron that if he takes one more step towards Oba, he takes a permanent step away from Heyman. What?! What is he doing? Heyman says what he’s doing is that this is a publicly traded company. This is the biggest promotion on the face of the planet. They don’t just answer to the people live and at home, but to shareholders. The fans boo that, but Heyman says this will not be a popular thing to say in Buffalo of all places…

But two of them in the ring seem to understand that. Someone else is still learning. So here’s what Heyman knows after 40 YEARS in the business: When two main eventers are in the ring, you don’t just do an impromptu match to decide something like who is the future of WWE. The future is someone who understands box office. The future is someone who undersatnds main event. The future is osmeone who undersatnds we promote this match to be the biggets it possibly can be. So Heyman already set it up with Adam Pearce!

So at Sunday Night’s Main Event on September 6th, in Atlanta, Georgia, Bron’s hometown… It will be Oba Femi VS Bron Breakker! And then, we will find out who is the future of the WWE. Bron smiles, shakes hands with Heyman, and the mics drop. Bron steps out, Heyman shakes Oba’s hand, and that surprises Bron a bit. Heyman does leave with Bron and says that’s just good business. Bron looks back to Oba, and Oba says run along. The Ruler, the Badass, Hotlanta, who will come out as the alpha of WWE?

WWE now hears from Dragon Lee and Dr. Wagner III.

The Boy Wonder says, “Lucha Libre is not just a style, it’s part of my family’s legacy. And I’m going to remind the world that Dragon Lee is the evolution of lucha libre. Tonight, failure is not an option. Dr. Wagner Jr, welcome to the fire. Because with this victory, I’ll be one step closer to becoming the World (Heavyweight) Champion.” But The Doctor says, “This tournament isn’t just about the gold. For me, it represents my family, represents my legacy, and represents my mask. And after tonight, nobody will forget why they call me El Guerrero Azteca!” The opening round wraps tonight, which multigenerational superstar makes the cut?

WWE World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament: Dragon Lee VS Dr. Wagner III!

Raw returns as Wagner makes his entrance to join Dragon in the ring. The bell rings, the fans rally, and the two circle. They tie up, go around, and Wagner shoves Dragon away. The two reset, circle, and tie up again. They’re in a deadlock, but Wagner powers Dragon to a corner. Dragon turns things around, Wagner turns it back around, but the ref counts. Wagner pats Dragon on the shoulder, but Dragon shoves Wagner! Dragon headlocks, the fans duel, Wagner powers up, but he can’t power out as Dragon holds tight! Wagner endures, fights up, and powers out. They RAM shoulders, and Dragon keeps moving.

Dragon RAMS Wagner again, then eggs him on. Wagner runs, but Dragon kicks low. Dragon runs, but Wagner RUNS him over! The fans cheer as Wagner stands tall. Wagner runs, Dragon drops down, then Dragon hurdles over! Wagner leaps over, then keeps moving! Dragon dodges to RANA! The fans fire up as Dragon hurries to stand Wagner up. Wagner puts Dragon in a corner, Dragon ROCKS Wagner, but Wagner CHOPS! Wagner ROCKS and CHOPS Dragon again, then whips corner to corner. Dragon reverses, but Wagner goes up and over! Dragon CHOPS, then kicks and mule kicks! Dragon runs, rolls off Wagner’s back, but Wagner CHOPS again!

Wagner runs in and forearm SMASHES! Then he rolls back, runs in again, and STEP-UP KNEE! Then a fireman’s carry, and DEATH VALLEY DRIVER! Cover, TWO! The fans cheer as Dragon survives, and Wagner grows a bit frustrated. Wagner drags Dragon up, but Dragon fights the scoop! Dragon KNEES low, then CHOPS! The fans “WOO~” as Dragon runs, but Wagner scoops to BACKBREAKER! And scoop for another BACKBREAKER! Dragon staggers around, Wagner LARIATS Dragon up and out! The fans rally as Wagner goes to the apron, and he CANNONBALLS! Down goes Dragon and the fans fire up!

Wagner brings Dragon up, puts him in the ring, and hurries to run up again, but Dragon trips him into buckles! Dragon runs up, JUMP KICK! Leg sweep! And COMBINACION DRAGON! Dragon keeps moving, but Wagner SUPERKICKS! The fans fire up, Wagner covers, TWO! Dragon survives while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns again as both men go to corners. The fans rally up, Wagner runs in, but Dragon BOOTS him! Dragon SUPERKICKS, then dodges Wagner to SNAP GERMAN! Wagner flounders, the fans fire up, and Dragon winds up, SHOTEI! Wagner staggers, Dragon runs up, TORNADO DDT! Wagner flounders out of the ring, the fans fire up, and Dragon builds speed! Dragon FLIES, and down goes Wagner! The fans fire up as Dragon stands on the barriers! Dragon then hurries back after Wagner, puts him in the ring, and goes up the corner. Dragon aims, leaps, but Wagner gets under! Dragon comes back, Wagner CHOPS!

Wagner runs, but Dragon dodges to then CHOP in return! The fans fire up, and Wagner CHOPS again! The fans “WOO~” while Dragon staggers. Dragon comes back as the fans cheer him on, and he CHOPS! Then BOOTS! Dragon runs, but into a POP-UP FLAPJACK! Then a BOOT from Wagner! Cover, TWO! Dragon survives and the fans fire up again! Wagner drags Dragon to a drop zone, then goes up the corner. The fans fire up as Dragon trips Wagner onto his junior! Wagner falls into the Tree of Woe, so Dragon goes up! WOE STOMPS! Cover, TWO!! Wagner survives and Dragon seethes. Wagner goes to the apron, but Dragon locks on!

Dragon runs up, FLYING RA- NO! Wagner stops the rana to bring Dragon back up! And he POWERBOMBS Dragon into the ring! Wagner goes up, FROG SPLASH!! Cover, TWO!! Dragon survives again and the fans fire up! “This is Awesome!” as Wagner scoops Dragon. Dragon slips free, BOOTS Wagner to a corner, but Wagner puts Dragon on the apron! Dragon RAMS low, bumps off buckles, then KICKS! Dragon goes up, but Wagner GAMANGIRIS! Wagner goes up, up, and he brings Dragon with him! SUPER DUPER PLEX! And a roll through! Scoop and- OPERACION DRAGON!

The fans fire up as Dragon flounders, and he hurries to get Wagner again! OPERACION DRAGON!! Cover, Dragon wins!!

Winner: Dragon Lee, by pinfall (advances to the next round)

And with that, we have our Final Four! Penta VS Parka, Fenix VS Dragon, who survives to be one step closer to the World Heavyweight Championship?

WWE Intercontinental Championship: Chad Gable VS Rey Mysterio!

We move from luchadores chasing the Tribal Chief to the American Made Man giving the King of Lucha an opportunity at gold of his own! Will Gable regret giving Rey this chance? Or will he prove he truly is championship material?

Raw returns as Gable makes his entrance, joining Rey in the ring. The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who keeps on running!

The bell rings and the fans rally as the two circle. Gable and Rey shake hands, then they feel things out. They knuckle lock, go shoulder to shoulder in a Test of Strength, and Gable trips Rey. Rey stops the cover as he pops up and wheelbarrows, but Gable waistlocks. Rey switches, they go to ropes, and Rey snapmares. Gable RUNS Rey over, covers, ONE! Gable runs, Rey drops down, then Rey hurdles. Gable leaps over, comes back, and he whips. Gable drops down, hurdles, but now Rey jumps over! Gable sweeps to cover, ONE! Rey sweeps to cover, ONE! The two stand up and the fans cheer the standoff.

Gable and Rey reset, the fans cheer “You Still Got It!” for Rey. Rey offers a handshake now, Gable accepts, but then both men go for the cheap kick! Gable CHOPS Rey, whips him, but Rey ducks ‘n’ dodges to tilt-o-whirl and RANA! The fans fire up as Gable tumbles to a corner. Rey climbs up, rains down fists, and goes all the way to TEN! The fans cheer as Rey then adds 11! Rey gives some Latino Heat, the fans cheer for “Eddie! Eddie!” But then Gable SPINEBUSTERS! Both men are down, but Gable hurries to get Rey up. Gable bumps Rey off buckles, then CHOPS! Gable whips corner to corner, but Rey goes up, only for Gable to stay back!

Gable waistlocks, GERMAN SUPLEX, and Rey lands on his stomach! Gable hurries to get Rey up, CHOPS him against ropes, then runs. Rey BOOTS back, then goes outside, but Gable ROCKS him! Gable hurries to the apron, but Rey fires a forearm! Gable fires back, the fans cheer as they brawl. Gable BOOTS Rey down, then runs up, but Rey MONKEY FLIPS Gable into the post! Gable falls to the floor, and Rey takes aim! FLYING RANA to the floor! The fans fire up, and we get a quick DiGiorno picture in picture.

Rey waves to the fans, they cheer, and Rey picks up the title. The fans cheer, but is Rey jinxing himself with that? Rey goes back to Gable, runs up and KICKS the leg! Gable hobbles, but he CHOPS! Rey ROCKS Gable, then storms up. Gable ELBOWS Rey away, but Rey kicks low! Rey POSTS Gable as we return to single picture. Gable hobbles but rolls into the ring. Rey follows, RAMS Gable, then slingshots, into a FISHERMAN SUPLEX! Bridging cover, TWO! The fans fire up as Rey survives, but Gable hits spinning toehold after spinning toehold! Then he YANKS the leg! Gable goes back to have a standing toehold!

Rey endures, keeps his shoulders up, but Gable SNAP LOCKS the leg! The fans rally as Rey hobbles to a corner. Gable brings Rey up, whips him to ropes, but Rey slips under! Gable still catches Rey for another whip, but Rey swings around, crucifix takedown! TWO, and Gable kicks low! Gable lifts Rey, but Rey SEATED SENTONS the powerbomb! Cover, TWO! Gable stands, Rey KICKS the leg! Rey whips, Gable reverses, BIG back suplex! Cover, TWO! Rey survives and the fans fire up again. Gable stays cool as he stays on Rey with a facelock. Gable squeezes tight while the fans rally up, and Rey fights around.

Rey rises, but Gable shifts his grip. Rey KICKS the legs, but Gable headlocks. Rey powers up and out, drops down, but Gable turns wrench into Inverted Gory Especial! Rey endures as he is stretched while upside-down! But then Rey activates the core! He sits up, rains down fists, then RANAS Gable outta the ring! Gable holds onto Rey, so Rey fires more shots. Rey mule kicks Gable away as he goes to the apron. Then he BOOTS Gable into barriers! Rey lines up a shot, ASAI MOONSAULT! Down goes Gable and the fans fire up! Both men rise up again as the ring count climbs. Rey brings Gable up and into the ring while the fans rally.

Rey slips inside, but Gable runs up! Rey dodges, Gable POSTS himself! Rey then goes up, reels Gable in, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Gable survives and the fans fire up again! Rey rallies the fans as Gable goes to ropes. Rey storms up, whips, but Gable reverses. Rey KICKS Gable, runs up again, rolls, but into a crucifix, CLIFFHANGER DDT! Gable goes up, DIVING HEADBUTT! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives and the fans fire up! Gable is a bit frustrated but he shakes it off quickly. Gable back suplexes, Rey lands out, but Rey’s leg jams! Gable is a bit conflicted while the ref checks Rey. Rey insists he can go, so Gable storms up.

Gable brings Rey in, ANGLE- ARM-DRAG! Rey is up, he drop toeholds Gable onto ropes! The fans are thunderous as Rey dials it up! But Gable DUMPS Rey out! Rey lands safe, ROCKS Gable, then goes up! Rey leaps again, SEATED SENTON! Rey keeps moving, he ducks ‘n’ dodges, QUEBRADA caught! But Rey swings to DDT! Cover, TWO! Gable survives and the fans fire up again! “This is Awesome!” as Rey brings Gable up. But Gable hits the ANGLE SLAM! Cover, TWO! Gable hurries to bring Rey to a corner, then climbs up. Rey ROCKS Gable first! Then CHOPS! Then GAMANGIRIS! Rey goes outside, CLUBS Gable, then climbs.

Rey fires hands, but so does Gable. They brawl up top, and Gable has Rey up! SUPER ANGLE SLAM!! Cover, TWO!! Rey survives and Gable is stunned! The fans fire up again, and Gable brings down the straps! Gable then grabs the leg, ANKLE LOCK! But Rey rolls to put Gable on ropes! Redial and 619 blocked! Gable has the ANKLE LOCK again! Rey hops, hops, rolls, and Gable hits buckles! Rey keeps moving, WEST COAST POP 619!! Then a DROPKICK onto the ropes, and Rey dials again! 6 1 9!! Gable falls back, and the fans are thunderous as Rey climbs a corner! Rey aims, FROG SPLASH but onto knees!! Gable then gets that leg! ANKLE LOCK!!

Rey endures, reaches out, rolls, but Gable rolls with him! Gable holds on, but Rey turns to BOOT! Gable comes right back! He gets the ANKLE LOCK again! Rey rolls, victory roll, TWO! Gable rocks it back and tucks the legs deep, GABLE WINS!

Winner: Chad Gable, by pinfall (still WWE Intercontinental Champion)

That was a wild ride, and Buffalo is a little torn up about it, but Gable proved he belongs at this level! Gable does show respect to Rey, though, and Rey shows it back by personally putting the belt around Gable’s waist. The fans cheer that, and the two hug it out. Will Gable and Rey both keep on running as icons of this sport?

Roman Reigns arrives.

Jacob Fatu opens the door for The Tribal Chief to step out of the car, and the belt is brough to him. Roman then leads the way to gorilla, and you can already hear the fans cheering “O T C! O T C!” Then the fans really fire up as Roman & Fatu go right through the curtain to stand on stage. Roman raises the title, the fans raise their hands, and the pyro goes off. It’s time to “deliver” Solo Sikoa to his Tribal Chief, after the break.

Raw returns as Roman is now in the ring, Fatu behind him, and the fans singing, “Roman, Roman Reigns~!” Roman revels in it, then says, “BUFFALOOOOOO…! ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer, and Roman paces a moment before he continues. Roman says they could sit here all night and let the fans go, but there’s a receipt he has to collect, so let’s not waste any more time. “Bring me Solo!” The fans cheer, and The Usos make their entrance as they indeed accompany Solo. Jimmy & Jey are having fun grooving to their own theme song, but Solo is far from enthusiastic as they walk down the ramp.

Solo and The Usos join Roman and Fatu in the ring, and Solo stands before Roman. The fans cheer, but they also wanna run it back. Roman eyes Solo up and down, the fans get a bit louder about running it back, but Jey has to respect this is Roman’s time, not his. Roman says he doesn’t care what the fans are saying, because just the sight of Solo pisses him off! Romans aid before, he’s a blessed man. He has everything you could ever imagine! But some say he’s petty, they don’t understand how Roman can hold receipts for so long. But how can he not with Solo? Three years ago, here on Raw, the premiere on Netflix!

Tribal Combat, Roman beat Solo’s ass! Maybe everyone forgot, so they put to get a little something to remind everyone. A video package plays, focusing on Solo promising to acknowledge Roman should Roman win. Roman indeed won, took the ula fala back, but then Solo chose to go back on the promise. Solo formed MFT, said HE was the Tribal Chief, but that all fell apart. Solo Dolo said Roman could kiss his ass, but then lost to Jey just last week. The video ends, and Solo is smirking ever so slightly. Fans actually chant for “SO~LO! SO~LO!” Roman laughs that off and says Buffalo may think this is funny… But Roman’s question is, why does Solo think it’s funny?

Is Solo a cool guy now? Got some John Mayer on, huh? Wonder where that came from. Roman takes the sunglasses and STOMPS them! Now Roman is starting to question: Why is Solo even looking Roman in the eye? Why is Solo not down on his knees, begging? Fatu SUPERKICKS Solo into kneeling, then puts on the TONGAN DEATH GRIP!! The fans boo but Roman says this is what Solo gets! Then he tells Fatu, “ENOUGH!” Fatu stops, Solo coughs and sputters, and Roman says Solo’s not so funny now, is he? In fact, Solo will have to wait there while Roman handles business.

Roman says The Usos called the play, they executed, they leveled up. So have it understood: Roman is the Tribal Chief, The Usos are the captains! They are made men! You disrespect them, you disrespect Roman. Roman brings out special black ula falas just for The Usos! Jimmy is hyped, Jey is honored, and they shake on it. Fatu feels left out, but Roman says now we can get back to Solo. Jey says it ain’t funny now, huh? Get your ass up! But then L A KNIGHT is here! The fans fire up as The Mega Star storms out here, throws his vest off, and goes to the ring. Knight has eyes locked on Roman, but he has to DUMP Jey out first! Then he ROCKS Jimmy!

Knight THROWS Jimmy out, locks back onto Roman, but he does check on Fatu. Knight says c’mon, him and Roman, right now! Fatu CLOBBERS Knight! Fatu winds up, but then Roman has Fatu stand down! Roman says Fatu ruined the moment! He was about to b*tch slap Knight! Wait for orders, understand? Fatu nods, and Roman locks ‘n’ loads! SUPERMAN PUNCH on Knight! Roman asks what’s gonna happen now! Roman sits Knight up, but then he looks to Solo in the corner. Roman tells The Usos get Knight up. The Usos beat up on Knight, drag him up, and Roman tells Solo to get up! Knight was gonna help Solo? This is who he went to?

The Bloodline are family! Roman brought Solo in! Roman shouldn’t have to do it. Solo dragged Knight into this, Solo should send him home! Think about what his father, Rikishi, is thinking! Solo is here to serve! Serve your family! The Usos say Solo knows what to do! Solo says he’s sorry, then he stands Knight up to SAMOAN SPIKE ROMAN REIGNS!! So much for rejoining the family! The fans are going nuts, The Usos are furious, but Solo is still his own man! Solo then pulls out his “finger gun,” for the warning shot! PEW PEW! Jey runs up, Sol TOSSES him! Solo ELBOWS Jimmy, Knight hits Jimmy with a B F T!

Solo goes out to whip Jey into barriers! And then YEET, SAMOAN SPIKE! Knight keeps on Jimmy, but then he stares Fatu down. Knight dares Fatu to do something or wait on his boss. Fatu stands down, but Roman’s up! Roman reloads, but Knight dodges the punch! B F T on Roman!! The fans fire up as Knight throws his “Walmart watch” onto Roman, saying he can keep that, he’s got ten more at home! Solo rejoins Knight in the ring, the fans cheer him on, and they fist bump. Solo & Knight get outta there, but is the war with the Bloodline only going to escalate from here?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw, one of the better episodes in a minute really. Great promo from Vaquer with Judgment Day, along with the brawl where Becky makes the save, and then a good promo from Becky and Vaquer after. I would think Becky has to help against next week as Vaquer VS Roxie will have Judgment Day shenanigans. Honestly, a tag match would be the obvious move to follow, and I’d love if championship stakes were on the line. That is to say, Becky & Vaquer would work together so that they can get a Triple Threat with Liv, which is a great way for them both to get a shot and for Liv to suffer a bit of karma for her bad behavior.

Evans VS JD as an “impromptu” match worked out, that was a great match period. A little surprised Cass didn’t just “ruin” the match, but I suppose him waiting to pick the bones might work better in building his Heel heat. Cass VS Evans could already jump to something more than just a normal match and it’d fit given the heat. Very good promo from Lyra, but with that, a little surprised she lost. I suppose there’s still the Face VS Heel trope to follow, meaning Sol is the one to challenge for the Women’s Intercontinental Championship. At least, that’s if Lyra doesn’t come back for revenge before a match can be made.

Good promo from The Vision, Theory & Maxxine are being just the right level of obnoxious and annoying with their affection. But great stuff with Bron, Oba, and Heyman. I really like Bron getting back to that Steiner energy in his voice, as well as Oba truly, perfectly imitating Bron. Heyman keeping the peace between them, setting up a match, all good stuff, including him not really choosing a side. Pretty sure Heyman chooses the side that wins at Sunday Night’s Main Event, and it’s hard to say who wins. It’d honestly work either way, but it’s been so long since Heyman’s been a Face manager (if he’s ever been a Face manager), that’d be quite the change for him.

Nice to get an update on things in AAA, good win for La Parka. But despite what it looked like, that was not Luchasaurus of AEW, that was Drake Morreaux of Evolve now putting on a monster persona that isn’t too far off from Luchasaurus. That’s a great opportunity for Morreaux, to be honest, he can have a great feud with Psycho Clown. Great tournament matches tonight, with good promo videos to hype them up. Fenix being a champion in AAA, it makes sense he wins out, but I’m a little surprised Wagner III didn’t win his match. At the same time, WWE is finally building Dragon Lee again, so it’s great for him to win.

Gable VS Rey was awesome, reminiscent of when Rey and Kurt Angle had matches back in the day. I still think Gable should’ve been chosen for the “Angle’s Son” story, but whatever. Great win for Gable, though the fans were really behind Rey. And an awesome closing segment with The Bloodline, they’re back to delivering great drama and action. I could just feel Solo hitting Roman and it did not disappoint. Fatu also played his part so well, too. He was clearly conflicted after The Usos were given their ula falas, and then he stayed back despite how he easily could’ve ended Knight and/or Solo without even trying. Roman can/will certainly be upset, but Fatu could flip it and say he was following orders. Whatever blowoff we get, Fatu will play a pivotal part in that, too.

My Score: 8.9/10