The Lucha Brothers battle to be #1 contender!

Penta and Rey Fenix may be brothers, but only one can face Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in Mexico City! Will #CeroMiedo or #ANIMO win the day?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Raquel Rodriguez w/ The Judgment Day VS Sol Ruca; Raquel wins and retains the title.
• WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Dragon Lee VS Ethan Page; Dragon wins and will challenge Chad Gable for the title in Mexico City.
• Dominik Mysterio w/ JD McDonagh VS Je’Von Evans; Evans wins, by disqualification.
• Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh VS Je’Von Evans & Joe Hendry; Dom & JD win.
• WWE World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament Finals: PENTA VS Rey Fenix; Penta wins and will challenge Roman Reigns for the title in Mexico City.

PLAY BY PLAY

A car pulls up backstage.

But then so does another car! Just as The Usos pull up in their rental, Royce Keys & OTM are there to get ’em! And security, too! Keys takes a crowbar to the car window! Keys drags Jey outta the car to throw hands! Jey’s already bloody from the window being smashed in! OTM SMACKS Jimmy off the trunk! Then they get #BigJim up for a DOUBLE CHOKE SLAM on the rear window! Jacob Fatu rushes in with a pipe! Keys & OTM drive off, having done the damage! The Samoan Werewolf is furious, but same goes for Adam Pearce as he hurries over. The Raw General Manager shouts for medics, Fatu wants revenge, what consequences will there be for Keys & OTM?

WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship: Raquel Rodriguez VS Sol Ruca!

Well, the saying is, “The show must go on.” And what’s going on is that La Ruda stole this title from the Surfer Girl with help from her amigas, but must now give Sol a rematch. Will Judgment Day still reign over Raw? Or can Sol strike gold here in The Land?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see if Judgment Day lies, cheats, and steals another one!

Wait, wait, Fatu is hijacking the show! He stands on the desk and calls out Keys! “You and your b*tch ass partners try to backdoor my brothers?! Hey! Y’all know me! You know what type o’ time I’m on! You want war? Huh!? You want war with The Bloodline? You want war with us?! Line ’em all up, cuz I’m about to dog walk all three of your b*tch asses!” But then production cuts Fatu’s mic off as he keeps going, and producers tell Fatu to get off the desk. Fatu throws the mic down, shoves the title podium over, then storms off into the crowd. Fatu shoves railing and trash cans over, but he’s clearly not going to be satisfied until he gets blood for blood!

Again, the show goes on, the bell rings, and Raquel runs up! Sol dodges a lariat, but not the SOUTHPAW! Raquel mocks the fans, bumps Sol off buckles, then fires elbow after elbow! The ref counts, Raquel stops at 4, and she argues with the ref. Raquel then wrenches Sol, WRINGS her out, and stalks her. Raquel gloats, then wrenches to WRING again! But Sol handsprings through! Sol runs, handstand walks past Raquel, then handsprings to RANA! Raquel hits ropes, Sol LARIATS her up and out! The fans fire up for Sol, and she builds speed! Sol handsprings to SOL-SUKE SPECIAL! Down goes Raquel and the fans fire up!

Sol says that title is gonna be hers again! Sol puts Raquel in, springboards, but Raquel dodges! Then POUNCES! The fans boo as Raquel rains down fists on Sol, then paces around her. Raquel stomps Sol, drags her up again, and CLUBS her back down. Raquel scuffs Sol, eggs her on, then puts her in a corner. The fans boo as Raquel whips corner to corner, but Sol goes up and over! And DROPKICKS Raquel into buckles! Sol runs up, BACK BODY BLOCKS, then keeps moving to CROSSBODY, but into Raquel’s arms! Raquel pops Sol up, Sol slips free, and she shoves Raquel. Raquel goes up and  over, but Sol dodges to springboard CROSSBODY! Cover, TWO!

The fans rally for sol while Raquel flounders to ropes. Sol runs up, Raquel pops her to the apron, but Sol jumps over for a REVERSE TARANTULA! Raquel endures, the ref counts, but Sol lets go at 4. Sol BOOTS Raquel down, then goes to the apron! ASAI MOONSAULT, but Raquel dodges! Raquel CROSSBODIES Sol! Sol is down, the fans boo, but Raquel stays cool as Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Raquel has Sol in a chinbar. The fans rally as Sol endures and fights to her feet. Sol fires body shots, then ROCKS Raquel! Sol counter punches, fires more body shots, but Raquel shoves her back. Raquel ROCKS Sol at the ropes! Raquel says Sol will never have the title back. Raquel runs, but Sol ROCKS her! Sol runs, but Raquel blows past her! Sol dodges the lariat to SHOULDER TACKLE! And SHOULDER TACKLE! Sol then ducks a lariat to wrench and grab both arms, SURFBOARD BACKSTABBER! The fans cheer while Raquel stumbles to the corner. Sol hurries to waistlock but Raquel holds onto the ropes.

Raquel ELBOWS Sol away, dodges her, but Sol goes up and MISSILE DROPKICKS! Sol kips up, the fans fire up, and Sol runs up to SHINING WIZARD! Cover, TWO! Raquel toughs it out and goes to the apron. Sol storms up and slingshots to SUNSET FLIP- NO, Raquel holds the ropes again! Raquel YANKS Sol up by her hair! And then KNEES her low! Raquel fireman’s carries, then military presses, only for Sol to HOTSHOT Raquel! And now SLINGSHOT SUNSET FLIP POWERBOMB to the floor! The fans fire up while both women are down! A ring count starts, Sol drags Raquel up, but now Liv & Roxie rush up!

Sol ROCKS Roxie, SUPERKICKS Liv, then goes up the apron! Springboard and TORNILLO onto Judgment Day! The fans fire up for Sol as she hurries to get Raquel in the ring! Sol aims, runs the corner, but Liv distracts! LYRA IS THERE! Lyra SHOVES Sol into the TEXANA BOMB!! Cover, Raquel wins!

Winner: Raquel Rodriguez, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion)

The Morrigan ends up being a surprise bonus assist, and Raquel keeps the gold! Will anyone ever get past the numbers game? Will Lyra ever let her grudges go?

The Lucha Brothers speak.

Penta says, “I have faced the best that lucha libre has to offer.” Rey Fenix says, “And now, in the finals, I face my greatest opponent.” They both say, “My brother…” They have walked the same paths. They conquered AAA, they fought together, bled together, reigned together,. They’re the most dangerous brothers in the world! But now, in the WWE, they have the biggest opportunity of their lives. They have the chance to challenge Roman Reigns for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in Mexico City! There is no one they’re more honored to face than the other, and no one more honored to defeat than the other.

The Lucha Brothers are ready, but who wins the tournament to book their flight to Mexico City?

Chad Gable is here!

Cleveland cheers The American Made Intercontinental Champion as he heads to the ring, high-fiving some of the fans along the way. Gable gets the mic to say, “Oh, baby! That energy! I love it!” The fans cheer him on, and Gable says from the bottom of his heart, thank you. When Gable won the title, he thought he was gonna feel satisfied, that he finally achieved everything he wanted, and yet he doesn’t feel that way. Because he recently realized that the real work starts now. The fans do applaud that, and Gable says now is where he begins to define his legacy, and how he wants to be remembered as champion by all the fans.

The fans applaud, and Gable says he started carving his legacy when he had an epic battle with one of the greatest luchadores of all time in Rey Mysterio. And talking about Rey and lucha, he’d be remised if he didn’t mention everything that the fans down in Mexico did for him in his time in AAA. He can confidently stand here and say he would not be Intercontinental Champion if not for the Mexican fans. Gable didn’t wanna find himself back down in Mexico until he had a way to repay them, and now he does. Monday Night Raw will return to Mexico for the first time in 15 YEARS, and Gable is proud to say he is defending his title in Mexico City!

The fans cheer again, and he says there is a long list of guys who deserve this opportunity. Gable wants to bring one out right now, a guy who had a career-defining performance last week, Dragon Lee! The fans cheer as The Boy Wonder makes his entrance, and he goes to the ring to stand with Gable. Gable tells Dragon that his match with Rey Fenix last week, as always, completely awe inspiring. Dragon has and continues to be one of Gable’s favorites on the roster. The fans cheer that, and Dragon says likewise. It is his honor to step into the ring with Gable. They shake hands, and Gable says speaking of getting in the ring…

Pearce left it up to Gable to decide who he faces in Mexico City for the Intercontinental Championship, so- Ethan Page interrupts! The fans boo as All Ego says he sees what’s going on here. It’s very obvious. Week after week, fighting champion Chad Gable offers another title opportunity to an undeserving, talentless luchador! The fans boo but Ethan says he gets Gable feels guilty how he treated everyone, but that’s no reason to take it easy on yourself. If Gable wants a real challenge, just face All Ego. The fans boo more, but Gable tells Ethan he just said, he has a list of guys that deserve the chance. Ethan’s still on the list! Not at the top, but he’s on it.

Trust Gable, Ethan will get his chance. Ethan’s right after Honky Tonk Man. Ethan says laugh all you want, but Gable’s talking about leaving a legacy. Honky Tonk Man is one of the longest reigning champs of all time. But if Gable wants a legacy like that, maybe he should stop being a charity case, or he’ll end up being a paper champion. The fans boo, Dragon wants to say something, but Ethan tells the “little guy” that the grown men are speaking. The fans boo, but Ethan- Dragon SHOUTS at Ethan! The fans cheer Dragon as he tells Ethan that he has a big, BIG mouth. He talks too much! But yet, he says nothing!

Ethan thinks he’s better than Dragon? Dragon doesn’t believe it, and the fans don’t believe it. But if Ethan thinks it, he can show us all in Cleveland, right here and now! Is Dragon sure that’s what he wants? Dragon has- Gable says no, wait, hold on! Ethan VS Dragon sounds like a great match. And a great match to have right here and right now! The fans cheer that, and Gable says let’s raise the stakes a bit. If it is okay with Adam Pearce, let’s get a ref out here, and let’s say the winner here faces Gable for the title in Mexico City! The fans like that, Ethan likes it, and Dragon likes it! But who will be #1 contender after fighting in The Land?

WWE Intercontinental Championship #1 Contender’s Match: Dragon Lee VS Ethan Page!

Raw returns as the bell rings, and the two circle. They tie up, Ethan waistlocks and SLAMS Dragon down, then flips him over. Dragon kips up to arm-drag! Then Dragon ducks ‘n’ dodges to RANA! Then DROPKICKS! The fans fire up for Dragon while Ethan scrambles away. Ethan and Dragon reset, tie up, and Dragon headlocks. Ethan powers up, pulls the mask, but Dragon thrashes the hold. Ethan powers up to power out, then he RUNS Dragon over! The fans boo but things speed up, and Dragon leaps, but into a POWERSLAM! Ethan snarls while the fans boo, but Ethan CLUBS Dragon down. Ethan then bumps Dragon off buckles.

The fans chant “Ethan Sucks! Ethan Sucks!” Gable encourages that while Dragon fires body shots. Dragon CHOPS, then runs, but Ethan BOOTS him down! The fans boo but Ethan frowns before he rains down fists! Cover, TWO! Ethan is annoyed, but he waits on Dragon. Ethan drags Dragon up, ROCKS him again, and has Dragon in the corner. The fans still taunt Ethan but he CHOPS! Dragon CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS in return! But Ethan RAMS Dragon into the corner! The ref counts, Ethan asks if Gable is enjoying the show. Ethan whips Dragon corner to corner, runs up, but Dragon dodges! Dragon JUMP KICKS, leg sweeps, and SWINGING DROPKICKS!

The fans fire up for the Combinacion Dragon, and Dragon goes corner to corner, HYDRAULIC DROPKICK! Cover, TWO! Ethan is tougher than that but Dragon hurries to run up. Dragon BLASTS Ethan off the apron, then builds speed again! The fans fire up as Dragon FLIES! Down goes Ethan at the ramp! Dragon stands tall on the barriers and the fans cheer him on while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Dragon climbs up, aims, and leaps, but Ethan doges! Ethan comes back, Dragon ELBOWS him! Dragon then TOSSES Ethan out, goes to the apron, and SUPER- No, Ethan avoids the kick, then trips Dragon up with the apron skirt! Dragon has a hard landing, but Ethan hauls him up for a double underhook. Ethan then props Dragon on the apron, DRAPING BUTTERFLY BACKBREAKER! Dragon writhes, Ethan puts him in the ring, and Ethan covers, TWO! Dragon survives and the fans cheer, but Ethan hurries to hook Dragon up! FISHERMAN BACK SUPLEX! Cover, TWO! Dragon survives again and Ethan grows frustrated.

The fans rally for Dragon but Ethan snarls. Ethan drags Dragon up, reels him back in, but Dragon fights the fisherman to cradle counter! TWO! Ethan hurries to swing but Dragon ROCKS him! And ROCKS him again! And again! Dragon runs, but Ethan ROCKS him in return! Ethan runs up, but into a BOOT! Dragon mule kicks, runs, then swings through the lariat! Dragon reels Ethan in, but Ethan BACKDROPS! Dragon lands out, dodges, and SNAP GERMANS! Then SUPERKICKS! Dragon winds up, SHOTEI! Ethan staggers, Dragon reels him in, TORNADO DDT! Cover, TWO! Ethan survives and Dragon is a bit surprised.

Gable nods, he knows both guys are that good. The fans rally harder for Dragon as he stalks Ethan to the ropes. Dragon lines up a shot, runs up, and FLYING- NO! Ethan stops the rana! Ethan hoists Dragon up, but Dragon fights with fists! Dragon slips down, but Ethan ROCKS him! Dragon V-TRIGGERS Ethan down! The fans fire up while Ethan sputters. Dragon then tries again, FLYING RANA sends Ethan into the desk! The fans fire up, and Dragon wants a repeat of last week! Dragon builds speed to DIVE into a FOREARM! The fans boo as Ethan turns things around, then he talks trash on Gable. Ethan then THROWS Dragon into Gable!

The fans boo but Ethan drags Dragon up and into the ring. Ethan mocks Gable, but Gable storms up! Ethan runs away scared! The ref stops Gable, and Ethan hurries to untie a buckle pad! The fans boo, but Dragon SUPERKICKS Ethan! Dragon runs up, but Ethan sends him into the bare buckle after all! Cover, but Gable points to the buckles! The ref sees the exposed buckle and stops the count! The fans cheer, but Ethan is furious that Gable is keeping things fair! Dragon gets Ethan for OPERACION DRAGON!! Cover, DRAGON WINS!

Winner: Dragon Lee, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE Intercontinental Champion)

Justice is served, and now Dragon will be fighting for gold in Mexico City after all! But will he soon reign? Or will Gable keep on running and living his dream?

Another car pulls into the lot.

And this time, it’s Roman Reigns! The Tribal Chief walks up and sees Jacob Fatu. He asks for an update, Fatu says it ain’t looking good for the twins. Royce and his crew caught ’em slippin’. Fatu warns Roman, Royce is on another level. Last time Fatu saw this side of Royce was when they were younger. If you thought Fatu was a problem, Royce is a problem. Roman tells Fatu that Royce is Fatu’s problem. Handle it. Fatu nods, and Roman says everything else is Roman’s problem. Then Roman goes to gorilla, and he makes his way to the ring! Cleveland puts up the ones for the OTC. Roman raises the title, and the pyro goes off.

Roman continues his way down to the ring, but Raw is going to break. What will Roman have to say about the problem that is LA Knight & Solo Sikoa?

Raw returns as Roman is now in the ring. Roman raises the title again, and we get the second round of pyro. The fans cheer “O T C! O T C!” and sing “Roman, Roman Reigns~!” while Roman paces. Roman takes a moment before he tells Cleveland, “ACKNOWLEDGE ME!” The fans cheer, and Roman paces again before he says being the One True Champ, the ONLY champion that matters, The Tribal Chief, is a burden. Everybody wants what he has. Everybody! He should be out here celebrating this contender’s tournament, talking about Rey Fenix and Penta. He should be showing them respect, because that’s what they’re doing: They’re earning it!

Unlike everybody else around here who just bitch and moan and complain! They’re not doing that anymore, no. And they’re not dealing with the disrespect anymore! That brings Roman to Solo. Solo, Roman gave you the opportunity to give Roman what he earned! Solo WILL acknowledge him, and he will serve this family and its legacy. But what’d Solo do? Blew it all for L A Knight? The fans say, “YEAH!” Roman tells Solo he gets it. LA Knight reminds us of The Rock, but he’s NOT FAMILY! So since Roman brought him up, let’s talk about- LA KNIGHT IS HERE! The fans cheer as The Mega Star steps out on stage, mic already in hand.

Knight has them cut the music, and he says, “Why don’t we talk about it? LEMME TALK TO YA!” Knight says he has so much going on. After last week, he should be talking about Royce Keys and the goons. Instead, Roman’s recycling material from three years ago. “He reminds me of The Rock!” “Good one, honey!” Knight thought Roman was better than that! That Roman’s a big deal! The champion that matters! The OTC! The Tribal Chief! Yet Roman wants to talk about doing things the right way, the wrong way, Knight sees Roman doing things the wrong way! Knight’s been calling Roman out for months, all Roman’s done is put his family in the way.

Roman puts tournaments Knight can’t even enter in between them! And Knight realized one thing: he didn’t understand that OTC really stands for “One Tremendous Coward.” But if Roman’s scared, then just say he’s scared! And Knight gets why Roman would be scared. The last time they were in the ring, Knight dropped Roman on his big head! Where was Roman last week? He didn’t show up! Roman was at home, nursing injuries, rethinking his life decisions, and that’s a good idea. But Knight will tell Roman this: While he’s rethinking his life and what they’re doing, understand the magnitude of Knight!

Once you whip the horse, you gotta take the ride! And that ride starts right now! Knight steps into the ring to stare Roman down. Wait, wait, someone else just got attacked? Is that Solo!? Fatu just bloodied Solo?! Knight hurries to the back to help, but producers and ref step in! Knight accuses Fatu, Fatu says it wasn’t him! But then Roman SUPERMAN PUNCHES Knight down! Roman confirms with Fatu: Fatu handles Royce, Roman will handle this. Fatu nods, but did the Samoan Werewolf strike Solo down? Or did Royce & OTM strike when no one was watching?

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

The AAA Mega Champion should be more focused on TripleMania in Las Vegas, but he and The Irish Ace had to go and stick their noses in The Young OG trying to settle things with Big Cass. But will Evans make sure things get BOUNCY~ in Cleveland? Or will Dom lie, cheat, and steal another one?

Well speaking of cheat, Dom BLASTS Evans off the apron during his entrance! The fans boo, Dom fires off on Evans, then throws him into the ring. The ref has Dom wait, and he checks with Evans. Evans says yeah, let’s go. The bell rings, Dom runs up, but Evans backflips to dodge! Evans BOOTS Dom, then runs with him for a BOUNCY~ RANA! Then a DROPKICK! The fans fire up as Evan skips up, and he throws off the shirt! Evans is all fired up, then he runs corner to corner to FOREARM SMASH! Evans brings Dom around, runs, but JD trips him up! The ref reprimands, but Dom CLOBBERS Evans!

The fans boo as Judgment Day uses numbers in all things. Dom whips Evans, ELBOWS him down, then covers, ONE! Evans is tougher than all that, but Dom keeps on him with a body shot. Dom stalks Evans, whips him to ropes, but Evans stops himself. Evans TOSSES Dom out, and he asks where we at! #WeOutside as Evans FLIES! Down goes Dom and the fans fire up while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Evans stalks Dom to the apron. Dom HOTSHOTS Evans away, then runs up to DROPKICK him down! The fans boo but Dom covers, TWO! Evans is tougher than that but Dom argues the count. Dom stalks Evans, pushes him to the ropes, then CHOKES him! The ref counts, Dom stops, but JD gets a cheap shot in! The fans boo more, but Dom covers again, TWO! Evans survives but Dom scuffs him. Dom eggs Evans on, pie faces him, and shouts, “I’m the king! Yo soy El Rey!” Dom pie faces Evans again, pushes him, but Evans ROCKS Dom! And ROCKS him again, and again, and again!

Evans fires off on Dom in the corner, stomps a mudhole, but stops as the ref counts. Evans runs up, dodges Dom, then kicks. Dom blocks, but Evans ROCKS Dom! Then ENZIGIRI! Evans pushes Dom out, goes to the apron, and “YERRRT!” Springboard and FLYING LARIAT! The fans fire up but JD drags Dom to safety. The fans boo now, but Evans just storms up on JD! Evans DECKS JD, then storms up on Dom! LARIAT and Dom goes into the timekeeper’s area! Evans then takes a lap to build speed! The fans fire up as Evans- NO, JD LARIATS!

Winner: Je’Von Evans, by disqualification

The fans boo as JD ruins it all! But JD & Dom mug Evans in the ring! But “Say his name and he appears! I believe in Joe Hendry!” Hendry rushes in, he sends JD into Dom, then DOUBLE LARIATS! Hendry owes Judgment Day a good beating, and he TOSSES Dom & JD out! The fans fire up as Evans has prestigious backup! Pearce storms out here and says he’s done with this crap! We’re restarting as a tag team match! The fans like that but Dom & JD don’t! Too late to argue about it now, Hendry & Evans rush them at the ramp! The brawl is on and the fans fire up!

Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh VS Je’Von Evans & Joe Hendry!

Evans keeps after JD, Hendry is after Dom, and they brawl along the outside! Evans TOSSES JD into the timekeeper’s area while Hendry SMACKS Dom off barriers! Hendry THROWS Dom into the timekeeper’s area, too! Evans & Hendry get fans to wave their hands, and Evans takes another lap! Evans FLIES into Dom & JD!! The fans are all fired up with Evans & Hendry while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as things are now in the ring, and Hendry spins JD for a NECKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! JD survives but Hendry drags JD up. Hendry suplexes, and he holds JD up as he marches around! The fans fire up as Hendry spins around and around and around before the SLAM! Cover, TWO! Hendry tags Evans, he brings JD up and Evans snap suplexes! Evans does the shmoney dance, but JD bails out. Evans says nope, he chases JD! JD slides back in, tags Dom, then BOOTS Evans away. Evans keeps after JD, unaware that Dom is legal! Dom CLOBBERS Evans from behind! The fans boo while Dom stomps away! Dom BLASTS Hendry, too!

The ref has to stop Hendry, but Dom hits a snap suplexes on Evans. Cover, TWO! Evans toughs it out but Dom keeps him down. The fans boo Dom but he tunes it out to bring Evans up. Dom brings Evans around, tags JD, and they mug Evans. JD then drops a leg! Then a snap suplex! Cover, TWO! Evans toughs it out but JD drags him away from Hendry. JD bumps Evans off buckles, but Evans fires hands! The fans rally as Evans fires off on JD, but JD CLAWS the eyes! The ref reprimands, the fans boo, but JD puts Evans up top. JD fires hands, ROCKS Evans, but Evans ROCKS JD back! JD SMACKS Evans, goes up, and to the very top!

Evans fires body shots! JD steps back down, and Evans DECKS him! Evans SMACKS Dom, too! Then Evans chooses to SWITCH FOOT SWANTON onto JD! The fans fire up while both Evans and JD are down! They crawl, hot tags to Dom and Hendry! Hendry rallies on Dom & JD, then FALL AWAY SLAM for Dom! FALL AWAY SLAM for JD! Hendry is all fired up as he scoops Dom, then scoops JD, for a DOUBLE FALL AWAY SLAM! The fans fire up as Hendry kips up! Hendry even HIGH JUMPS onto JD & Dom on the outside! The fans love it as Hendry puts Dom in the ring. Hendry runs up, but Dom drop toeholds him onto ropes!

The fans boo but Dom dials it up! Only for Hendry to DISCUS LARIAT! The fans fire up, but JD grabs at Hendry! Evans YANKS JD down, but JD POSTS Evans! Dom runs up on Hendry, Hendry ELBOWS him back! Dom falls into the ref, JD HEADBUTTS Hendry! Dom hurries up the corner! FROG SPLASH! Cover, Judgment Day wins!

Winners: Dominik Mysterio & JD McDonagh, by pinfall

Another win for Judgment Day from them playing the numbers game! Will nothing stop Dom in his reign of terror? Or can El Grande Americano hit the jackpot?

Backstage interview with Becky Lynch.

Cathy Kelley is with The Man and says last week, Becky helped Stephanie Vaquer out against The Judgment Day, and the question everyone is asking is, “Why?” Becky says she wouldn’t say she helped, but then Vaquer steps in! Becky asks where Vaquer came from, was she eavesdropping? Vaquer says she wants to hear this, too. Why did Becky help Vaquer? Becky says she didn’t really help Vaquer, she just saw a chance to kick the crap outta The Judgment Day and she took it. But if she was helping someone, because she’s a very nice person so every once in awhile she might do that… Becky might appreciate someone who fights off three people at once.

And well, maybe Becky would rather take that title off Vaquer than off Liv Morgan. Vaquer says gracias, Becky, but like she’s said before, she doesn’t need the help. No, but she kinda owes Becky. Vaquer says no, no, she doesn’t owe Becky any thing. Becky says por favor, yes she does! At least, owe her some respect as the greatest female wrestler of all time, and it’s not just her saying that. But if by chance, Vaquer does squeak out the win, Becky gets first crack at her. There it is, the REAL Becky Lynch. Vaquer started to trust her, and then Becky shows us who she really is. Just stay away. Becky doesn’t deserve the world title, the world title deserves Vaquer.

Vaquer leaves, Becky frowns, but will either of them get their hands on Liv Morgan in a fair fight?

Rey Mysterio checks in on Rey Fenix.

They simply shake hands and touch foreheads as the King of Lucha and AAA General Manager wishes the Firebird luck. Will the AAA Cruiserweight Champion soon get his shot at the WWE World Heavyweight Champion?

Backstage interview with Paul Heyman.

Cathy Kelley asks The Wise Man that he’s advocated for generational talent throughout his WWE career, and is quite good when it comes to predictions. So does Heyman have a prediction, or perhaps a “spoiler,” for Sunday Night’s Main Event? Heyman says he has neither. If she wants him to hype the match, it goes like this: Here is a match that both men must win, and neither man can afford to lose. It is billed as “For the Future of the WWE,” and for the winner, that’s easy, it’s just a continuance of their momentum. But for the loser, what happens to that man and his mindset? To the public perception of the loser?

Going into the Fall season, then Royal Rumble, then WrestleMania, it is the worst time to lose a match billed as, “For the Future of the WWE.” Heyman respects Oba Femi, he knows that’s not a popular thing for Heyman to say, but how could he not? He witnessed what Oba did to Brock Lesnar up close and personal. And Heyman loves and respects Bron Breakker, Bron is the hardest working and hardest hitting athlete in the WWE. Everyone is in the gym ’til midnight, Bron goes until 2AM. They return at 6AM, Bron’s back at 5. And he will bring a fight to Oba like Oba has never seen before. But predictions? Spoilers?

Heyman knows what’s at stake, and what’s on the line. Your guess is as good as his. We’ll all find out in real time this Sunday. If not even The Wise Man knows, then just what will the future of the WWE look like?

Judgment Day regroups in the clubhouse.

Liv Morgan says that is what the Judgment Day is all about! Raquel killed it out there! Raquel thanks them, and promises this title isn’t going anywhere. How funny was Sol thinking she’d win? And then JD & Dom return, also victorious. They all hug it out and Dom says Evans won’t be a problem anymore. JD says that’s what Evans & Hendry get for sticking their noses in Judgment Day business. Liv says that’s because Judgment Day still runs Monday Night Raw! Vaquer actually thinks she’s gonna win against Liv next week? HAH! Roxie says Vaquer will never touch that title again! And as for Becky, Roxie dares, even HOPES, Becky gets involved, cuz Roxie will have Liv’s back.

Liv says thanks, Sweet Lil’ Roxie. But Liv isn’t worried about Becky or Vaquer, because they forget who runs this division! Next week, Liv will beat Vaquer again, and retain her title again! And she’ll remind the world that she IS the Greatest Women’s World Champion of Allllll Time! Again! Now, let’s celebrate! Judgment Day heads out, but will pride come before the fall?

WWE gets a medical update on The Usos and Solo Sikoa.

All three brothers have been transported to a local Cleveland medical facility to be evaluated for multiple injuries. WWE expects more updates as the night goes on.

WWE World Heavyweight Championship #1 Contender’s Tournament Finals: PENTA VS Rey Fenix!

After an exciting tournament that spanned Raw, SmackDown, and AAA, it all comes down to the Lucha Brothers! And as they said themselves, they wouldn’t have it any other way! But will it be #CeroMiedo or #ANIMO that challenges The OTC in Mexico City?

The bell rings and the fans rally up. The brothers circle, then they shake hands. The fans cheer and the two tie up. Penta CHPOS, Fenix CHOPS, and repeat! They go faster and faster, then Penta SOBATS! Fenix drops to his knees, Penta KICKS him, then KI- NO, Fenix slips under to roll Penta up, TWO! Both men stand, Fenix runs up but Penta pops him up for a short flapjack. Fenix avoids the leg drop but Penta ducks the Penalty Kick to roll Fenix up! TWO, Fenix sweeps to cover! ONE, Penta sweeps the cover, ONE! Both brother skip up and the fans fire up as they stare down. Fenix and Penta reset, run up, and Fenix dodges to RANA!

The fans fire up as Fenix hurries to knuckle lock, CHOP, and go up, up, and jump around! FLYING RANA! Penta tumbles away and the fans cheer Fenix on. Fenix brings Penta up, waistlocks, but Penta fires elbows. Penta switches, Fenix fires elbows, then he runs. Fenix handsprings, but Penta DROPKICKS Fenix down! Fenix tumbles out, Penta FLIES! Down goes Fenix at the ramp and the fans fire up again! Penta puts Fenix in the ring while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns as Penta KICKS Fenix’s legs out, sending him flipping over end! Cover, TWO! Fenix is tougher than that but Penta knows that, too. Penta brings Fenix up, CHOPS him, and Fenix goes to a corner. Penta runs up, but into a BOOT! Fenix kicks, KICKS, and whips Penta into the corner for a GAMANGIRI! Penta staggers, Fenix goes up, ADIOS AMIGO KICK! Penta falls, that was more like Adios Hermano! Fenix then goes up, up, and TORNILLO! Down goes Penta at the ramp and the fans fire up! Fenix shouts, “ANIMO!” Fenix puts Penta in, takes aim, and he somersaults, but Penta SUPERKICKS!

The fans fire up as both brothers wobble. Penta whips, Fenix handsprings, CUTTER! Cover, TWO! Penta survives but Fenix is not deterred. Fenix sits Penta up, KICKS him, then stands him up. Fenix fireman’s carries, but Penta fires elbows. Penta shoves Fenix, then SOBATS! Penta springboards to FLYING SLING-DOG! Penta keeps going, he whips but Fenix duck s ‘n’ goes Spider-Man! Fenix HEEL KICKS! Penta SUPERKICKS! Fenix falls, but kips up to SUPERKICK back! Both men are down and the fans fire up! Fenix crawls to cover Penta, TWO! “This is Awesome!” as both brothers stand, and Penta goes to a corner.

Fenix runs up, but Penta pops him up into a headstand on the corner. Penta SUPERKICKS Fenix down! Fenix flops to the apron, then the floor! Penta rests against the ropes, but he fires the fans back up! Penta then goes outside, puts Fenix back in the ring, then runs up to KICK a leg! Fenix CHOPS, CHOPS, CHOPS! Fenix runs, but into a SUPERKICK! Penta covers, TWO! Penta checks with the ref but the count was fair. Penta brings Fenix up, whips him to ropes, then scoops for a BACKBREAKER! Cover, TWO! Fenix toughs it out and the fans rally up again while Raw goes to break.

Raw returns once more, and Fenix hurries to cover Penta, TWO! The fans rally up as Fenix brings Penta around. Fenix waistlocks, Penta fires elbows, but Fenix CLUBS away! Fenix shoves Penta, Penta goes up and over to BACKSTABBER! The fans cheer, Penta covers, TWO! Fenix survives and both brothers are starting to tire out. The fans rally as Fenix goes outside, and Penta hurries to triangle jump- NO! Fenix stops the Destroyer, puts Penta in the ring and GAMANGIRIS! Fenix goes up, up, and QUEBRADA! Down goes Penta, Fenix high stacks, TWO! The fans fire up while both men are down again!

Fenix hurries to sit Penta up, and he KICKS! And KICKS! Penta flops over, but Fenix brings him back up. The fans rally as Fenix says sorry, brother. Fenix runs, but Penta pops him up sky high! SUPER POWERBOMB!! Cover, TWO!! The fans fire up as Fenix somehow survives! Penta crawls to a corner, he drags himself up, and the fans rally as he goes up the corner. Penta calls his shot, but Fenix somersaults to SHORYUKEN! Fenix then climbs up after Penta, fires HEADBUTT after HEADBUTT, then underhooks the arms. Penta fights and fires body shots! Then Penta climbs up, SUPER DESTR- NO!! FENIX LANDS OUT!!

The fans are going nuts as Fenix then runs up, GAMANGIRI! Fenix puts Penta up top, tucks him in, and lifts him for the- NO, Penta slips free of the Muscle Buster! Pump handle, PENTA DRIVER!! Cover, TWO?!?! Fenix survives and the fans are loving it! Fenix flops out of the ring, but Penta goes out and clears the desk! The fans fire up as Penta brings Fenix up, but Fenix SHORYUKENS again! Fenix climbs up now, and he reels Penta in. Penta breaks free, pump handles, PENTA DRIVER down through the table!! The fans go nuts and the ref hurries to check both men! Somehow, both brothers are able to continue, so the ring count starts.

Penta drags Fenix up, puts him in the ring, and “This is Awesome!” as Penta rolls to cover, TWO?!!? Fenix still lives and Penta is stunned! The fans fire up again as Penta hurries to hook Fenix’s arm. Fenix resists, but Penta HAMMERS him down! Penta is going to do this to his own brother?! “CERO! MIEDO!!” DARK SACRIFICE!! Fenix clutches his elbow, writhes in agony, and Penta perhaps hesitates. But then Fenix says do it! Hit him! He’s right here! Do it! C’mon!! Penta says okay, but then Fenix somersaults to RANA!! TWO!!! Penta escapes in time, and he runs up, DESTROYER!!!! Cover, PENTA WINS!!

Winner: Penta, by pinfall (NEW #1 Contender to the WWE World Heavyweight Championship)

An instant classic doesn’t even cover what we just witnessed! Both brothers gave it their all, but Penta had just that much more to give! But as brothers, they still love and respect each other. Penta gets pyro to commemorate the moment, but then Roman Reigns makes his way back out here! The fans cheer as The One True Champion now stares down with his one true contender. Roman looks at Penta, then to the title. Roman raises up the belt, and Penta raises up the “CERO! MIEDO!” We have two weeks until Raw returns to Mexico, who will leave there with their head, and the title, held high?

My Thoughts:

A great Raw that acts as both go-home to Sunday Night’s Main Event but also paves the way to Raw in Mexico. I did not see Keys & OTM jumping The Usos, but also what did we even really get to see with how they censored the blood and used “glitches” to kinda undercut that powerbomb on the car? This is the tradeoff of a prerecorded episode, I suppose. And even then, we also got an unseen attack on Solo, which also had censored blood. Royce, Price & Nima need a good name, cuz I feel like they’re gonna do away with “OTM/Out The Mud” since they have yet to even say that themselves. Roman and Knight having their promo somewhat interrupted cuz of the Solo Sikoa stuff was good, too, really adds to the drama of this story.

Really good stuff with Judgment Day, though the women had the stronger stuff. Dom VS Evans ending in DQ and then turning into a tag match was good stuff, but I should’ve figured Dom would win so that the AAA Mega Campeon is still strong going towards AAA. Raquel VS Sol having another shenanigan ending was annoying, but obviously Lyra wasn’t gonna let things end cleanly so it works out. Sol VS Lyra 2 will be a great match, and I think Lyra wins to compel a tiebreaker. Good promo from Becky and Vaquer, there’s clearly going to be shenanigans next week in Liv VS Vaquer, and maybe we get the “can they coexist?” tag team before we get a Triple Threat title match.

Good promo from Judgment Day as a group, too, but I expected something more. Roxie saying she’ll be there for Liv, I’m still hoping they pull the trigger on her Roxie’s betrayal, but it just doesn’t work without Finn being there to cash in on some ongoing secret plan. Good promo from Gable, Dragon, and Ethan, probably needed faster pacing or something, but a much better match from Ethan VS Dragon. Great win for Dragon here, but I feel Dragon is going to lose because then we’ll get Gable VS Ethan at some later date. Another great promo from Heyman to hype up Oba VS Bron, and there’s still a lot of intrigue on whether Heyman joins one of them as their Advocate, or if there’s something in the works with him and Cody after Cody quoted Heyman.

And awesome main event from Penta VS Fenix, that was far above what we usually get on WWE TV. They really emptied their arsenals, maybe even threw out some stuff they just wanted to try for the fun of it. Great win for Penta, and now he and Roman are going to have an awesome match for Mexico City. I don’t expect Penta to win, but I’d love if the growing story with Bloodline, Knight-Solo and the Royce-OTM group somehow affected that match and let Penta win. It would be so wild and really shake things up if Penta checked off the world title. He and Fenix could even become a Two Man Lucha Power Trip between WWE and AAA, it’d be so cool.

My Score: 8.9/10