Recapping American wrestling since 2013. Not only following the current stuff in WWE, Impact and ROH but also going back in time and doing stuff from back then as well.
Kalisto beats "The Premier Athlete" Tony Nese. After the match, Kalisto is confronted by Buddy Murphy, who blocks him from running up the ramp before pushing him towards the ring. Lince Dorado shows up and makes the save, and when Buddy Murphy runs at him and Kalisto, he eats a double superkick.
In footage from earlier today, General Manager Drake Maverick moderates the contract signing for Drew Gulak vs. Cedric Alexander for the WWE Cruiserweight Championship at SummerSlam. Drew is about to say something, but Cedric signs the contract before he can say it. Drew then admits Cedric has had a good year, but has not had anything since WrestleMania. Cedric says he has defended the championship all over the world, but Drew says that while the championship was not on the line, his potential competitors wear themselves out so he can take all the glory. Drew says that Cedric will be known as "the Brock Lesnar of 205 Live" as he signs the contract. Cedric tells Drew to watch the show tonight, as The Brian Kendrick will soon be in for a world of hurt.
Lio Rush shows up. He says that there are apparently a lot of people who are irritated that he did not give Akira Tozawa his rematch, but he is a hot commodity and that everyone wants a piece of him. He says he was tempted to give Tozawa his rematch, but he says it is just not fair as he has already found somebody way more qualified to face him. That person, Ricky Martinez, is already in the ring. He calls his opponent "the real deal," and says he has heard a lot of good things about him. He also bets that he can put up a better fight than Akira Tozawa.
Lio Rush beats Ricky Martinez. After the match, Akira Tozawa shows up, but when he gets in the ring, Lio Rush gets out.
Cedric Alexander beats The Brian Kendrick after reversing a Sliced Bread #2 into a Lumbar Check. During the match, Drew Gulak shows up to guest on commentary, and distracts Cedric Alexander in the process. After the match, Drew Gulak stares down Cedric Alexander from the apron, and after a war of words, Cedric is attacked from behind by "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher. Gulak then tells Cedric that he will teach him a lesson he will never forget, but General Manager Drake Maverick shows up with a bunch of referee and threatens to cancel Gulak's title match at SummerSlam if he touches Cedric. Gulak, Kendrick and Gallagher leave the ring to end the show.
Renee Young interviews Becky Lynch in the ring to start tonight's show. Becky Lynch says that when you wait so long for something, you doubt it will never happen, but she knew that if she kept pushing, she knew she would get back to where she wanted to be. She has not had a shot at the SmackDown Women's Title since December 2016, and when she earned her title shot, all she could do was think about SummerSlam. She says that she had to fight to become a champion, and she will fight Carmella mind, body and soul to become champion. Suddenly, Carmella shows up. She says that normally, she would make some some sort of excuse for why she lost, but this is not the case. Suddenly, Carmella shows up. She says that normally, she would make some some sort of excuse for why she lost, but this is not the case. It was not until later that it dawned on her how important WWE Evolution is to the history of women's wrestling in WWE, and it made her skin crawl as she feels she has failed as a representative. She says that the women should be building each other up, not tearing each other down, and that Becky has always been one step ahead of her. She was told that she would always be a manager, but Becky was always successful. Through everything, Becky has always been an appreciated centerpiece of the Women's Division while she was such an afterthought and undeserving of being champion. Carmella says she tries every day to block out all the haters on social media, and says there are even legends who say she should go away. She says she has to put on a brave face and tell herself she deserves to be here just like Becky does. Carmella says she could not be more excited to face Becky at SummerSlam with the SmackDown Women's title on the line, as she has always looked up to her, and wishes her good luck before offering to shake her hand. Suddenly, James Ellsworth's music hits. As Becky Lynch turns to face the ramp, Carmella attacks her from behind and grabs a steel chair from underneath the ring, revealing her humility was a front. As Carmella is about to DDT Becky Lynch into the chair, Charlotte Flair runs back into the ring in her first appearance in weeks to hit Carmella with a T-Bone Suplex before checking on Becky Lynch.
We hear from The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), who says that everyone must come through them. After nearly making a reference to The Rock, they welcome Sheamus and Cesaro to the Uso Penitentiary.
Backstage, General Manager Paige meets with Carmella and chastises Carmella for faking being a good role model, but Carmella says Paige will never be a champion again. Paige tells Carmella she will learn what it is like to be a real champion who never complains even when against the odds, and forces her to face Charlotte Flair. If Charlotte Flair wins, the SmackDown Women's title match at SummerSlam will become a Triple Threat Match.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) guest on commentary for the next match with their very own orange commentary table with plates of pancakes and boxes of Booty-O's on top of it.
Sheamus and Cesaro beat The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) to face The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods) in the finals of the SmackDown Tag Team Championship Tournament next week after Cesaro stops one half of the double top rope splash by The Usos with an uppercut while Sheamus turns the other splash into an inside cradle for the win. After the match, Sheamus and Cesaro stare down with The New Day in the ring.
In the locker room, Renee Young interviews Charlotte Flair, who says tonight is wild and just getting started. She was here to support Becky Lynch, but thanks to Carmella's big mouth, she has a big opportunity tonight. Charlotte says she is back and ready to reclaim her throne.
We get a closer look at "The Million Dollar Man" Ted DiBiase, thanks to Sonic Drive-In.
Samoa Joe shows up. Samoa Joe takes a stool to sit on alongside the microphone, and says what he did to AJ Styles last week was him sending a message that he is more than familiar with. He hopes there are no hard feelings, as he respects Styles, the house that he has built in SmackDown Live and the prestige he has brought to the WWE Championship. He also respects the grind and sacrifice Styles has made to become champion, and says he has put being a champion before all else, even being a member of his own family. He mentions how Styles says he can look his daughter in the eyes and say she can be anything she wants to be, but he has known Styles for a long time and knows he is barely home long enough to do that. He says that the truth is that Styles feels more comfortable living out of a suitcase on the road than being a loving husband to his wife, as he has put being a champion above all else even if that means he is a failure as a father. He then says that Styles works to the bone and that he plans to take everything to him, as while the fans cheer for him to win at SummerSlam, Styles' family will cheer for him, for when he is done with him, his family will have their father back, but he will be WWE Champion.
Jeff Hardy shows up. Jeff says the United States Championship is more than a title to him; it is a part of his lifeforce and his fifth eye, as it revitalizes him, restores his sense of purpose and makes him one with the fans. When he lost the title, a piece of him was severed away, and now he plans to beat "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura and take it back. However, there is one thing that is just as important: beating the hell out of Randy Orton. He then says he is here to do just that tonight, and calls Orton out. Orton shows up, but before Orton gets in the ring, Jeff is attacked from behind by Nakamura, who has come out of the crowd. Orton watches as Nakamura goes to work, but stops him from hitting the Kinshasa by standing in front of him. He then motions to Nakamura to then go after him after Hardy gets up, and Nakamura then hits the Kinshasa. Nakamura and Orton continue to stare down in the ring, then Nakamura rolls out of the ring. As Nakamura leaves, Orton then focuses on Jeff, then calls from the RKO. He waits for Hardy to get up, but instead performs a double leg takedown and proceeds to stomp on specific points on Jeff's body. Jeff tries to roll out of the ring, coughing and in pain, and Orton hits the draping DDT off the second rope as referees show up to check on Jeff and force Orton out of the ring. Orton then hits another draping DDT, this time to the outside. Orton then proceeds to break down the announce table, and gets Jeff on top of it. He hits Jeff several times, much to the protest of the SmackDown Live referees, then rips off Jeff's armbands and shirt. After all this, Orton rips the necklace off of Hardy's neck and puts it in his jacket. He then grabs a bottle of water and pouring it all over Jeff's face before punching him a few more times and wiping the facepaint off Jeff's face with a washcloth. Orton then rams the back of Jeff's head into the announce table before looking at Jeff's necklace again. He points at Jeff while looking at the crowd as they call for an RKO. Instead, Orton walks away with Jeff's necklace still in his hand, and the referees check on Jeff.
Backstage, Renee Young interviews Becky Lynch. She is happy that Charlotte Flair is back and has a golden opportunity tonight, and while Charlotte Flair might wreck her chances at becoming champion again, she is still behind her.
Zelina Vega beats Lana after Aiden English inadvertently trips her off the top rope while yanking Andrade "Cien" Almas off the apron, allowing Zelina Vega to grab the tights for the win.
We hear from The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan). Harper says that if Sheamus and Cesaro want to set the bar, they will berak it. Rowan says they will shatter The New Day (Kofi Kingston, Big E, Xavier Woods). At SummerSlam, nobody will escape, as nobody can escape the bludgeoning.
Backstage, Aiden English talks to Lana, saiyng he only wanted to do the ring thing and help. Lana tells Aiden to leave, which he does as Rusev searches for Aiden English. Rusev shows up, and says that would not have happened if he were out there. Lana tells Rusev that even though he is looking out for what is best for Rusev Day, she really could have used his help tonight.
Daniel Bryan is in the ring. He talks about the announcement for WWE Evolution, and he could not help but feel proud for his wife Brie Bella, as she was in the ring in a 30-second match when #GiveDivasAChance took over the Internet. He calls the announcement a huge step forward. He then says that sometimes a step forward comes with two steps back, and after what happened between him and The Miz is shown on the Titantron, he says watching that footage bothers him. He says Miz taunted and got at him for two years because Miz felt safe without him medically cleared. Suddenly, he got cleared, and The Miz brought his wife as well as a baby doll to stand behind his walls for Miz knows he will destroy him. He calls The Miz out to prove him wrong, as he is in the ring by himself and there is nothing he would love more than to punch him in the face. Suddenly, The Miz is seen with security guards on the TitanTron. Miz tells Daniel he is not in the indies anymore, and if he wants to fight him, he has to earn it. He says that he is currently on location for Miz and Mrs., then plugs the second episode of the show. Daniel Bryan says he does not care about his TV show or his Hollywood lifestyle, and accuses The Miz of hiding as he says that he is nothing more than a coward. Miz says the last time Daniel called him a coward, Daniel did not fight him and instead walked away, and says he only wants to face him to further his career. Miz says he has carried Daniel Bryan for all these years, and says that all it took to make him famous was getting in his face. Daniel says he has a passion, but The Miz is in it for the fame and his career path has been done by men better than him. He tells Miz he will never be The Rock or John Cena, and that nobody will remember him as a great Superstar because he is too soft. However, if Miz needs a big stage to come out and fight to, he can talk to his agent and face him at SummerSlam. Miz says the cycle keeps repeating and that Daniel does the same thing over and over again, and he is done with him riding his coattails. He says that Daniel's career is over and that the fans have moved on. He tells Daniel to let his contract expire and go back to the indies, as the fans are tired of him and they only see a crying baby whenever they see him. The TitanTron then shows images and plays sounds of crying babies. Daniel Bryan is unperturbed. Miz then says "Wah, wah, wah" before putting on his sunglasses.
Next week: "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles returns!
Backstage, Renee Young interviews Carmella, who says that she wants Becky Lynch alone as she knows she can beat Becky one-on-one. She also does not buy Becky's "best friends" statements, as she feels she knows Becky is rooting against Charlotte Flair.
Charlotte Flair beats Carmella by reversing an inside cradle into a Figure Eight to make the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship match at SummerSlam a Triple Threat Match.
At Chateau Marmiz in Los Angeles, California, Maryse and Marjo sees pictures from Mike and Maryze's photo shoot. When Maryse tells her about the implied nude photo shoot from last week's episode, Marjo wants to know if there are any photos that show Mike's lower extremities. We learn that Marjo lives with Mike and Maryse six months out of the year. Marjo laughs at the appearance of Mike's rear end.
Maryse talks to Mike about a baby shower that she is planning. Mike is amazed at what Maryse is planning for the party, which will be the last at Cheateau Marmiz and something that Maryse wants to cherish for a long time. Mike and Maryse go shopping for a cake, and one cake is worth $1000 while another is worth $750. Maryse picks a cage, then Mike and Maryse learn that delivery of the cake to their home is $100. Mike manages to haggle the price down to $97.50. Maryse is slightly annoyed by Mike's price haggling, as it reminds her of Mike's dad. Suddenly, Mike heads to a street vendor and buys some flowers and a bear, much to the surprise of Maryse, while getting $60 worth of things for $20 in the process.
Backstage at SmackDown Live, Dolph Ziggler, one of Mike's closest friends, tells Mike he will be at the baby shower. We learn that although they never knew each other growing up, Mike and Dolph lived six minutes apart back then. He then learn about Mike's dad, George, and how he called Mike to pick him up at the airport so he wouldn't have to pay a taxi driver $50.
The baby shower at Chateau Marmiz is prepared. Meanwhile, Mike is driving his dad George to the home, and they have a laugh about how much the cake - and the delivery - costs. George proposes picking up the cake themselves, and despite Mike's initial misgivings, they decide to do it. As they get the $750 cake in the back of the car, Maryse calls, telling Mike that the maintenance guy for the spa is currently at Chateau Marmiz looking at the spa and wanting to know what is going on. Maryse tells Mike that heading home from picking his dad up from the airport should not be too complicated after asking where he is at, and after Mike says he will be home in ten minutes, Maryse says that if he is not at home in ten minutes, she will shut the front gate and lock it. Afterwards, Everything goes according to plan with the cake until Maryse calls again, asking George why he can't use a Uber or a Lfyt or a taxi like everyone else. George says he got to save $40 and spend time with Mike. After this, the cake topples forward after Mike makes a sudden stop, and the cake gets ruined. They get the cake back up, but the cake is slightly bent. The top layer then falls off, and Mike and George head back to the cake shop to fix the situation by paying more than double for the $1000 cake, assuming they can deliver it right now.
Mike and George make it to Chateau Marmiz. After George learns about the cat food dispenser, Mike and Maryse have a talk outside. Maryse wants everything to be perfect, and Mike assures her that everything will be. When Maryse asks where the cake is, Mike says "I dunno...it should be here," much to the chagrin of Maryse.
The cake finally arrives that night, but instead of the $750 cake, the $1000 cake is brought in. Maryse is pleased, and Mike does not mention what happened with the $750 cake while saying that he wanted to make Maryse happy. Marjo feels the explanation does not make sense.
The baby shower finally takes place. Dolph Ziggler, Avril Lavigne, Ryan Cabrera, Dennis Haskins and Rosa Mendes are there. Meanwhile, Marjo alerts Maryse to the cake stains on the back of the air from the first cake. Maryse immediately believes that this is the work of both Mike and George.
Back at Chateau Marmiz, Mike and Maryse have a blindfolded diaper-changing competition, which Mike wins. They then have a team baby bottle chugging competition, which Maryse's team wins. (It can be noticed that Dana Brooke as well as WWE alumni John Morrison are also here.) They then have a contest where each person guesses how many gumballs are in a big baby bottle, and Maryse's team comes closest. Everyone continues to have a fun time at the baby shower, though Maryse will miss Chateau Marmiz very much. Marjo then shows everyone a phot from Mike and Maryse's implied nude photo shoot, and Marjo says that after looking at it, she thought Mike would have "more of an ass."
Outside, Mike and Maryse are outside. They admit that they will miss Chateau Marmiz. Suddenly, Maryse tells Mike that she knows about what happened to the first cake, and Mike admits that George made him do it. They share a kiss, then the show ends with Mike saying that the guests ate none of the cake.
The show begins with a shot of Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman backstage.
Roman Reigns shows up. Roman gives credit where credit is due and says that he respects Bobby Lashley after having gone to war with him, which is more than he can say for Brock Lesnar, whom he has zero respect for. He says that Lesnar never has time to come to work, but plenty of time to show up in the UFC, get in Daniel Cormier's face and run his mouth. He then says that Lesnar will not do to him what he did to Cormier. Suddenly, Paul Heyman shows up and says Lesnar has authorized him to offer his most profound congratulations for his victory against Lashley last week to face Lesnar at SummerSlam. However, from his personal perspective, he calls Roman's quest to beat Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship the dictionary definition of insanity, saying Roman should be in a padded cell rather than the SummerSlam main event. After Heyman says that Lesnar will put Roman down at SummerSlam and become a two-sport champion, Roman tells Heyman to shut up, as nobody cares what he has to say and everybody is here for Lesnar. Heyman announces that Lesnar is in the arena right now, and that he will come out of the locker room and to the ring if and only if he feels like it. He then tells Roman not to worry, but when he says what Brock Lesnar is about to do, Roman says that if Lesnar shows up to SummerSlam, he will send him back to UFC not as "The Beast," but as "Roman Reigns' bitch."
Backstage, Brock Lesnar is reading the newest issue of The Backwoodsman when Paul Heyman walks in and asks Lensar if he has heard what Roman Reigns just said about him. Lesnar says he does not watch the show, and Heyman hands him his phone. Heyman tells him his phone passcode, then Lesnar tosses the phone into the wall before going back to reading the magazine.
Baron Corbin beats Finn Balor. After the match, Corbin picks Finn back up, but Finn throws a few right hands before Corbin throws him out of the ring, taking their brawl outside. After pressing Finn Balor's face against the guardrail and punching his head a few times, Finn Balor is laid out at ringside.
Backstage, Paul Heyman asks someone to get him a new phone when General Manager Kurt Angle tells him that Brock Lesnar is scheduled to appear in the ring tonight. Heyman tells Angle that if he wants more from Lesnar, then all he has to do is go to his locker room and tell him. Angle reminds Heyman that he is under contract with the WWE and that he controls his contract. If Lesnar does not appear in the ring tonight, Paul Heyman will be fired from the WWE.
We look back on last week's announcement of WWE Evolution.
Backstage, Alicia Fox is stretching for her match with Natalya when Alexa Bliss shows up. Alexa tells Alicia that Mickie James was injured last week and that she picked Alicia to take her place tonight. She tells Alicia that she has "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey - who is back from suspension and accompanying Natalya to the ring tonight - covered, and tells Alicia to focus on Natalya. She then tells Alicia that she has made history and that Evolution is a chance to make even more. Alicia tells Alexa that she will hurt Natalya so badly that she will be screaming "Me-ow."
Alicia Fox beats Natalya after distracting the referee and "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey by kicking at Ronda, allowing Alexa Bliss to get a cheap shot on Natalya. After the match, "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and nearly breaks Alexa Bliss' arm, but when Alicia Fox interferes in that, Ronda takes her down in the ring before going after Alexa. Alicia gets back up and throws Ronda into the barricade a few times, then she and Alexa leave.
Backstage, Brock Lesnar is reading American Frontiersman when Paul Heyman tells Lesnar that tonight, he should head to the ring to put more money in his - and the WWE's - pockets while promoting the fact that he will be a two-sport world champion. He says that if Lesnar goes to the ring, even for a few minutes, he will get the welcome that he deserves. Lesnar tells Heyman that he is really getting under his skin, and that he does not care about the fans or if he is in WWE, as he would rather be at home. He then tells Heyman to get a medium-well steak with a baked potato and steamed broccoli.
Backstage, "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey tells General Manager Kurt Angle that she is tired of Alexa Bliss' games and wants a fight with her. Next week, she will get a match with Alicia Fox in her first match on Monday Night Raw. She thanks Angle, then says it is good to be back.
Elias is in the ring. Elias plays guitar after introducing himself, and asks who wants to walk with Elias. He then talks about his new album and how it is changing lives and beating out the top artists in the world on the charts. He then says it is because everyone - including the music industry - knows that WWE stands for "Walk With Elias," and says he could have beaten Drake and went even higher on the charts, but he was interrupted by Bobby Lashley. He says that Lashley was in a hurry to lose to Roman Reigns last week, and says Miami, Florida is the same city that worships "a garbage musician like Pitbull" and "a low-life like The Rock." This leads to the fans chanting for The Rock. Elias says The Rock wants no part of him, and says he has written a song about the whole thing. Before he can play it, however, Lashley shows up. Lashley says he is a big fan of Elias, and since Elias said his name, he has decided to take a front row seat and hear whatever he has to say. Elias says he can see right through him and says he is out here not just to walk with him, but to sing with him. Lashley says he fights, not sings, and Elias is convinced Lashley wants to sing with him. He asks the crowd if they want to see this, then says that for one night only, Lashley will sing with him. He then says he will keep it "slow and simple" just like him, so he can keep up, and Lashley can come in whenever he feels it. Elias then breaks into "Rockin' Robin" by Michael Jackson, then Lashley sings the chorus. As soon as Lashley turns his back on Elias up close, however, Elias attack him from behind. However, Lashley fights back and hits a belly-to-belly suplex that causes Elias to retreat.
Backstage, Constable Baron Corbin is met by Kevin Owens, who congratulates him on wiping the smile off Finn Balor's face. He now says that since Braun Strowman scared his son a few weeks ago, Corbin is now his son's favorite wrestler. After Kevin Owens applauds Corbin on being a good role model, he mentions that he is not looking forward to Braun Strowman potentially cashing in on Brock Lesnar. Corbin reminds him that Lesnar is General Manager Kurt Angle's problem and that Owens still has yet to win the contract from Strowman at SummerSlam.
Jinder Mahal beats Braun Strowman by count-out after Kevin Owens shows up and steals the Money In The Bank Briefcase. Strowman chases Owens around the ring, and Owens tosses the briefcase to Sunil Singh, who is immediately tackled by Strowman. Strowman then chases Owens to the back, but by that point, Jinder has won by count-out. After the match, Strowman chases Jinder out of the ring, and Jinder stands by in the crowd.
Backstage, Constable Baron Corbin tells General Manager Kurt Angle that he has a phone call from Commissioner Stephanie McMahon, and it becomes pretty clear that Angle is not going to get his way tonight.
In the locker room, Mojo Rawley brags about how he is running through the Raw roster and ready to call everyone out before warning everyone else they will meet the same fate as No Way Jose and Tyler Breeze. He is then met by a slow-clapping Bobby Roode, who soon gets into a brawl with Mojo Rawley until referees and officials show up to pull both men apart.
Apollo Crews gets a surprise win on Akam after Akam runs into the corner and Apollo stacks him up.
Seth Rollins beats Drew McIntyre by disqualification after Dolph Ziggler attacks Rollins from behind after Rollins hits The Stomp on McIntyre. After the match, Rollins and Ziggler brawl, and Rollins soon gets the upper hand after grabbing onto the ropes to counter the Zig Zag.
Backstage, General Manager Kurt Angle and Constable Baron Corbin meet with Roman Reigns. Angle tells Roman that Commissioner Stephanie McMahon wants him to leave the building or he will lose his shot at the WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam. Roman asks when this will stop, and tells Angle that he is not a yes man. Corbin then calls for local law enforcement, and Roman is about to leave when he stops, turns around and punches Corbin in the face. He is then escorted out of the building.
We get a closer look at the late, great Mr. Perfect, courtesy of Sonic Drive-In.
Charly Caruso interviews The B-Team (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel) in the ring. Bo Dallas says the "B" in B-Team stands for "dream," and every morning, they have to pinch themselves to remind themselves that this is real. Curtis Axel says people live to dream, but they dream to live, and they don't want to wake up. Bo then thanks the fans for their support, but when reminded about Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy, Curtis Axel mentions their post-match sneak attack. Bo says they are sore losers, and Axel says they can beat any team now that they are champions. Suddenly, the lights go in and out and Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt appear in the ring. Matt Hardy calls The B-Team's success "a cosmic anomaly," and that they have disturbed space and time. Bray says that dreams are fleeting, while nightmares are real, and that they are their nightmares manifested. Matt Hardy says they will haunt The B-Team until they are deleted, then The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) show up. Scott Dawson says he does understand what anybody has just said, and asks how everyone else in the ring is at the top of the tag team division while they are the ones to beat Bobby Lashley and Roman Reigns in tag team competition. He tells everyone else to stand aside while The Revival handles business and gets stuff done. Bo Dallas then says they will step aside, but when he touches Bray, this starts a brawl between all three teams. Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt get the upper hand on The Revival while The B-Team gets out of the way.
The B-Team (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel) guest on commentary for the next match.
The Revival (Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder) beat Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt.
Backstage, Renee Young interviews Seth Rollins, who says that Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre fail to understand that there is no quit in him and that he will take back the WWE Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam. Suddenly, Rollins is attacked from behind by ZIggler and McIntyre, prematurely ending the interview.
Sasha Banks and Bayley beat The Riott Squad (Liv Morgan and Sarah Logan).
Backstage, Brock Lesnar's magazine reading is once again disturbed by Paul Heyman, who tries to get Lesnar to appear in the ring, even telling him that Roman Reigns has been removed from the building.. Heyman finally confesses to Lesnar about what is going on, and tells him that if he does not go out to the ring, he will be fired from WWE. After Heyman pleads with him to go to the ring, Lesnar grabs Heyman by the jacket and tells Heyman he is not his friend and that Heyman works for him, not the other way around. Lesnar then tells Heyman to march to the ring and do his job.
Next week: Bobby Roode vs. Mojo Rawley!
General Manager Kurt Angle and Constable Baron Corbin show up. Angle says he has given Paul Heyman until the end of the night to produce Brock Lesnar, and that he has had Roman Reigns removed from the building. He asks that he bring out Brock Lesnar, or tonight will be his last night on Raw. Heyman shows up, and is very melancholy as he introduces himself. He enters the ring as everyone sings "Na Na Hey Hey (The Goodbye Song)," then announces that Brock Lesnar is not coming out to the ring tonight. Angle tells Heyman that a real champion shows up, defends the title at any cost, and does good community works in WWE, and that Lesnar does none of this. He goes on to call Lesnar "the worst WWE Universal Champion of all time." Heyman says he will not argue with Angle, and says he tried to mold Lesnar into championship material as well as in Angle's own image, but Lesnar will not listen to him. He says that if he has any ramifications to take out, it should be on Lesnar, not him. Angle tells Heyman he is full of crap, but Heyman tells Angle that if he wants to do something, to do it to Lesnar, as he does not care. He says Lesnar has no respect for Angle, but he does. Angle tells Heyman his contract is now terminated, then Lesnar shows up, much to the glee of Heyman. Lesnar takes the microphone and asks Angle and Corbin if they have a problem with him before hitting Angle with an F5. Corbin leaves the ring as Heyman laughs at Angle, then hands the Universal Championship back to Lesnar. Heyman and Lesnar then look down at Angle, then Lesnar grabs Heyman by the jaw and forces him to the mat. Lesnar then heads to the back to end the show.
A week before WrestleMania, Brie, Nikki, Birdie and Bryan see the preparations for a party for Daniel Bryan's return to the wrestling ring. Bryan talks about how he dlew from Dubai to Dallas, Texas to find out that he was cleared. Suddenly, a waitress comes out with a celebratory cake for Bryan.
Five weeks before Nikki and John Cena's wedding in Napa Valley, California, Brie and Nikki take care of the final touches for Nikki's wedding to John Cena. Once again, Cena is not here, but she hopes that the big day is everything she hopes for it to be.
Two days before WrestleMania in New Orleans, Louisiana, Brie and Nikki talk about how Bryan main evented WrestleMania 30 four years ago, and how everything slowly crumbled after that before everything turned around and went full circle.
At WrestleMania Axxess, Brie and Nikki check out the Women's Revolution section and see action figures of John Cena and Nikki positioned into poses that re-enact Cena's WrestleMania proposal from last year. Nikki Bella hopes that she and John Cena marry and everything turns out great.
At the WWE Hall of Fame Ceremony, John Cena and Nikki meet again. Brie reflects on everything Bryan has had to go through to get there.
On the day of WrestleMania, Brie and Nikki spend some time in a restaurant and have some fun.
Backstage at WrestleMania, Bryan reflects on everything he has gone through to make it to WrestleMania as a competitor and how Brie provided the inspiration to get there.
Brie helps Bryan with his hair, and Brie tells Bryan to have fun and enjoy the moment during his match. Bryan says it is surreal that he is returning to in-ring action, and while he wants to put on the best match possible, it is more important that he go out and do what he does best.
Brie and Nikki watch from the front row as Bryan makes his way to the ring. Bryan says that the match is nothing short of amazing, and he feels an incredible release of energy that he has not felt in a long time. Bryan cannot help but feel happy to be back in the ring. Brie says that Bryan is doing what he is meant to do and that he is very happy to do it again. After the match, Brie and Bryan kiss in the front row, and Brie tells Bryan that Birdie got to watch him wrestle. Bryan calls the picture of Birdie seeing WrestleMania a moment that will stay with him for the rest of his life, and says that he is glad to be back in the ring as he has fought for this moment.
Brie and Nikki watch John Cena's match with The Undertaker backstage.
One week later in San Diego, California, Brie and Bryan head to a restaurant to celebrate their four-year wedding anniversary. Suddenly, Brie gets a call from Nikki more than once. Bryan gifts Brie with a pair of diamond earrings to replace the ones she got from her father that she lost, then Nikki calls again. Bryan asks if Nikki is okay, and Brie says no. Nikki tells Brie that the wedding might be called off again. Nikki tells Bryan that something might be going on between John Cena and Nikki.
Nikki flies over to San Diego, California. On the way back from the airport, Nikki says that John Cena is fighting really hard to make everything work out, and Nikki feels like she cannot walk down the aisle with John Cena right now. She says that there are deeper issues between her and John, and that she has tried to fake being happy and no longer can. Nikki says she has to spend some time on her own, even though she loves John Cena very much, and that John has given her a few days to decide on what to do regarding their relationship.
Back at Brie and Bryan's house, Bryan finds out what has been going on between John Cena and Nikki. Nikki feels like part of her wants to be alone and part of her wants to run back to John Cena.
Kathy mentions that John Cena has made a tweet that can be interpreted as Cena talking about his current situation with himself and Nikki. Nikki has until Monday to decide what to do regarding her relationship with John Cena.
Nikki moves her belongings out of her and John Cena's house.
Back at Brie and Bryan's house, Nikki tells Brie that last night was very hard. She wishes things were different, but after six years, she feels exhausted and done. She's afraid of hurting John Cena with her feelings, even though nobody is to blame and that they have had a wonderful relationship together.
One week later, Brie and Nikki head to the beach to drink some wine together. Nikki says she feels the best she has ever felt since the break-up, and that she has talked to John Cena about her feelings. She says that John Cena looks forward to getting to know her again, and that Nikki has asked John Cena to let her do her own thing. She is also moving out of her and John Cena's house. Nikki says she has to follow her heart and do what makes her happy and figure out what to do from there. The show ends with Brie proposing that she and Nikki wear matching "best friend" jean jackets before looking forward to what is ahead as they live together for a little while.
The show ends with a preview of season 8 of Total Divas, which airs September 19.
Bonus clip: Brie and Nikki talk about the latter's decision to call off the wedding.
Bonus clip: Nikki is afraid she will regret calling off her wedding to John Cena.
It is announced that Moose is not medically cleared and will not be able to compete tonight.
Fans can vote on Twitch right now whether the AML Wrestling Prestige Championship Match will be a Ladder Match, a Battle Royal or a Gauntlet Match.
It is announced that the six-way match for the AML Wrestling Prestige Championship is going to be a Ladder Match.
Tessa Blanchard is accompanied by her father, wrestling legend and Four Horsemen member Tully Blanchard, before the next match.
Tessa Blanchard beats Kristen Stadtlander and Allie in a three-way match.
Moose shows up. He thanks the fans for showing up tonight and for everything that they do for professional wrestling. He talks about how he got started in North Carolina and spoke with some people at the meet and great, and tells the fans that he loves them. Moose then talks about his match at Slammiversary and mentions that he suffered a concussion that night. He announces that he has not been medically cleared for tonight and will not be able to face Jaxson Stone and kick him in the nose, but he will come back and perform for the fans in Greensboro, North Carolina for AML Wrestling in the future.
Suicide beats "The Star of the Show" Jaxon Stone with a roll-up.
Before the next match, George Dawson deems "The One-Man Riot" Zane Dawson as the man who will finish off Impact Wrestling before calling out Fallah Bahh, saying that Dawson is "the true monster of professional wrestling."
"The One-Man Riot" Zane Dawson beats Fallah Bahh after the referee ejects George South from the match for pulling him out of the ring during a Fallah Bahh pinfall attempt, allowing Dawson enough time to kick Fallah Bahh in the groin.
Eli Drake shows up. He says that "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair is not here despite being in "Ric Flair country" and that there will be no "Wooo!"s heard tonight; instead "E-Li-Drake" will be heard. He also says he was vacation five hours away in the outer banks when he was needed to "wrassle," and he was told that this was a place where he just might find some real competition; instead, he has a "male cheerleader" in "The Renegade" Axton Ray who will get a first-class ticket on the gravy train.
Axton Ray gets an upset win on Eli Drake with a schoolkid pin. After the match, Eli Drake tells the crowd that the main event is over and that they should go home, and that they all suck.
Eddie Edwards beats Chris Payne with a low blow followed by a double arm DDT after the referee takes a steel chair away from Chris Payine, despite the chair being introduce into the match by Edwards.
Billy Brash retains the AML Prestige Championship against "Mr. Excellence" Brandon Scott, Devin Driscoll, Sean Denny, "The Gifted One" Yahya and Cam Carter in a Ladder Match, with the Ladder Match stipulation being chosen by Internet fan vote. (Suicide is initially advertised for the match, but is replaced by Cam Carter at the last minute.)
The Heavenly Bodies (Gigolo Justin and Desirable Dustin) beat The Extreme Horsemen (C.W. Anderson and Preston Quinn) to become the AML World Tag Team Champions! During the match, Dave Dawson gets involved in the match, but is knocked off the apron by Gigolo Justin. A minute or so later, Dawson gets back in the ring as the referee is pre-occupied to hit C.W. Anderson with one of the tag team title belts before placing Justin on top of Anderson to give The Heavenly Bodies the titles.
Caleb Konley retains the AML Heavyweight Championship against "Reborn" Matt Sydal. During the match, Konley inadvertently punches Sydal off the top rope and into the referee, knocking the referee down. Konley tries to revive the referee to no avail. Sydal tries to use the title as a weapon, but Moose runs in and hits Sydal with a Spear, allowing Sydal to hit the Cradle Shock to retain. After the match, Moose and Caleb Konley take in-ring pictures with the fans.
KUSHIDA beats Jonathan Gresham in a close match with an inside cradle.
We hear from "The Villain" Marty Scurll, who asks Shane Helms if he is trying to piss him off and upset him, as it seems he has come to ROH to make a name for himself off his back. Next week, when they get in the ring, a broken finger will be the least of his problems, as the main difference between them is that Helms cosplays as a superhero while he is a real villain.
We hear from SoCal Uncensored ("Almighty" Christopher Daniels, "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian, Scorpio Sky). Daniels says that Cody beating him for the World title was nothing compared to people cheering Cody, and they decided to take the hurt and take their anger out on those who have hurt them, to the point that ROH COO Joe Koff have told them they are done after Final Battle. Daniel says they have six months left, and that they will not be forced out of ROH because his feelings were hurt. He says he could beg for forgiveness from Joe Koff, but instead, he has decided to make a spot for them in ROH and make ROH better than when they found it so that ROH cannot fire them. In order to do that, they have to go after The Briscoes (Jay and Mark Briscoe). Kazarian says that if you only had so much time left on the earth, you would either make amends and make things better or go out in a blaze of glory. He says that The Briscoes have never been the hunted or had a team like SoCal Uncensored go after the tag team titles, as their lives depend on beating them for the titles. Scorpio Sky says he has worked his entire career and life to be in ROH, and while he came in with The Addiction, if he has to, he will go out SoCal Uncensored.
"The Exotic Goddess" Mandy Leon guests on commentary for the next match.
Odeo Tai (Hana Kimura and Kagetsu) beat Jenny Rose and Matu Iwatani following interference attempts by HZK.
Next week: Tenille Dashwood vs. Karen Q vs. Kelly Klein vs. Madison Rayne in a Four Corners Survival Match to determine a #1 contender for the ROH Women of Honor Championship!
We hear from Jay Lethal in footage from last week after the show went off the year. Jay Lethal says the ROH World Championship has been out of his possession for nearly two years, and he now stands on top of the wrestling world again. He knows he has a target on his back, and everyone is coming after him for the title. He tells everyone who wants a shot at the World title to come and get it.
Austin Aries guests on commentary for the next match.
The Kingdom (Matt Taven, Vinny Marseglia, TK O'Ryan) retain the ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships against the team of Kenny King, Chuckie T and Eli Isom.
Next week: SoCal Uncensored ("Almighty" Christopher Daniels, "The Heavy Metal Rebel" Frankie Kazarian, Scorpio Sky) vs. Los Ingobernables de Japon (EVIL, BUSHI, SANADA) vs. Bullet Club (Matt Jackson, Nick Jackson, "Hangman" Adam Page)! Chris Sabin vs. "The Last Real Man" Silas Young to determine a #1 contender for the ROH World Television Championship!
Austin Aries shows up to start tonight's show. Aries talks about how Impact Wrestling delivered with the best pay-per-view of the year - and perhaps Impact's history - with Slammiversary XVI, and says that everyone who stepped into the ring that night set the bar higher than the match before them to the point that everyone wondered how he and Moose were going to top the rest of the show. Aries says they did, and that he and Moose delivered what a professional wrestling match should be. After all was said and done, he did what he said what he was going to do and retained the Impact Wrestling World Championship against Moose. He then asks what it means for him to hold the World title, and says that there is nobody better than him in this industry right now. He says there are a lot of guys claiming they are the best, but if they are living in a bubble handing you a piece of paper telling you exactly what to say on the microphone, or if they are in their comfort zone being told what you can and can't do when they step in the ring, then they can't call themselves the best. On the other hand, Aries says that if they are going to all sorts of wrestling promotions and travelling all over the world while winning belts all over, all while outside the bubble or comfort zone while taking on all comers, then they can make that claim. He says that Impact Wrestling is doing it differently, and that Impact is a platform where anyone who claims they are the best can show up and prove it. Aries then says he doesn't care who any of his comers are or where they come from, and doesn't even care what time of day it is. He calls the Impact Wrestling ring an open invitation, and if anyone wants to prove they are the best, they have to step in the ring with the best. He then makes it clear to any and all comers that if they want a shot at the World title, they know where to find him. Suddenly, Eddie Edwards shows up behind Aries, and when Aries turns around, Eddie hits him with a Kendo stick before plowing him into the mat with a double arm DDT. Eddie then picks up the World Championship and lifts it up in front of a downed Aries.
"The Bone Soldier" Taiji Ishimori beats "The Canadian Destroyer" Petey Williams. After the match, both men shake hands in a sign of respect, then Williams lifts Ishimori's hand in victory. Suddenly, The Desi Hit Squad (Rohit Raji and Gursinder Singh) show up with Gama Singh and lay both men out.
Backstage, Alicia interviews Anthony Carelli (formerly known as Santino Marella in WWE). He says wrestling in his hometown does not get any better for him than this, and watching the guys in the back pour their hearts and souls out in the ring makes him miss being in the ring. He then introduces one of his top students, Dustin Cameron, who is having a try-out tonight. Suddenly, Austin Aries shows up and talks about how he is a really bad moode after Eddie Edwards hit him with a Kendo stick, and tells Carelli to leave. Carelli says he was a big fan of Aries until he opened his mouth, but Aries is not fazed and says that unlike other "over-the-hill" wrestlers Carelli has faced, he does not "slap like a bitch." However, if he wants to find out first-hand, he can step in the ring with him. Carelli says that if he was younger, he would do it, but he is not cleared for competition due to a neck issue, and declines the opportunity. Aries says he understands if he is "too old and broken down" to step up to him, then proposes that Dustin Cameron take him on. Dustin more than accepts the challenge, and is ecstatic that he has an Impact World Championship match, much to the chagrin of Carelli. After Dustin leaves, Carelli says "Well...at least he paid for his membership in advance."
Tessa Blanchard beats Rebel.
Scarlett Bordeaux shows up, and if interviewed by Alicia on the ramp. Scarlett - who insists on being called "The Smoke Show" Scarlett Bordeaux - says that we are in a historic time for women and she wants to be part of it to empower women and be an inspiration for little girls everywhere. She wants to fight for women's right and be remembered as the greatest women's activist of all time. Instead of being like Susan B. Anthony, she wants to be like Marilyn Monroe or Cardi B. She fuses to tell women to cover up and she refuses to be "hot shamed." When Alicia asks what "hot shaming" is, Scarlett scoffs at her and says she wouldn't expect her to know what that means. She tehn takes the microphone and says to her "Shut up, five! A ten is talking!" before telling Alicia to get off the ramp and sit in the audience where she belongs. Alicia leaves, and Scarlett says "The Smoke Show" is here to make wrestling sexy again. She licks the microphone then dances around before leaving.
We hear from "Reborn" Matt Sydal, who says he did his best at Slammiversary XVI only to come up short and lose the Impact Wrestling X Division Championship to "The Machine" Brian Cage. He says he lost a piece of himself, but the significance of being X Division Champion is still inside his third eye. He says Cage is still convinced the mechanical universe in which he lives in is the way things work, but he is mistaken. He says that he learned from Slammiversary XVI, and that he did not let himself down. All he did was learn and grow, as that is how things happen in a natural world. He says nature seeks homeostasis - a place where everything is perfect and harmonious and in tune. Tonight, he is confident that nature will return everything to a harmonious state and that he will become X Division Champion again.
Johnny Impact is seen backstage pretending to ride a motorcycle while someone near him moves a big piece of cardboard up and down to imitate the wind hitting him and making motorcycle noises.
We hear from Pentagon Jr., who has pieces of Sami Callihan's hair. He tells Callihan that he was going around boasting that he tore his mask and bloodied him up, and that at Slammiversary XVI, he took him to the limit. He says they both gladly suffered, but he has the ultimate prize in the form of Callihan's hair. Aside from that, he continues to have zero fear.
Johnny Impact beats Trevor Lee despite Caleb Konley getting involved. After the match, Johnny Impact gets a microphone and says he cannot even begin to explain how good it feels to be back in Impact Wrestling with the crowd welcome him back, and says Impact Wrestling is the reason the guys in the back continue to perform. He says that when he came here, he came with plans of becoming Impact Wrestling World Champion, but now that he is back, he has some business to take care of first. He says he did not leave by choice, and that he has to take time off to recover from injuries he received from Kongo Kong (who he keeps calling "Kongo Khan"). While he was at home, he watched and he heard that Kongo Kong and Jimmy Jacobs talking all kinds of trash about him and bragging about how they put him on the shelf. He tells the both of them that their time for talk is done, and he will not rest until he takes Kongo Kong to Slamtown.
We see a video package chronicling Su Yung's recent reign of terror, from the burial of Rosemary to retaining the Impact Wrestling Knockouts Championship against Madison Rayne at Slammiversary XVI.
Backstage, Alicia interviews Allie. She may have come up short against Tessa Blanchard, but she came up short against one of the most talented women in wrestling. In the meantime, she is not happy about what Su Yung did to Madison Rayne that night, and says that she should have been there to save Madison but wasn't. She says what happened to her, Rosemary and Madison will not happen again, and she promises to stop Su Yung, even if she has to go at it alone. Suddenly, Kiera Hogan shows up and tells Allie that she has her back, and if Allie is going after Su Yung, then so will she. Allie then says that Su Yung's time has come.
This week's GWN Flashback of the Week is Generation Me (Max and Jeremy Bucks) vs. The Motor City Machine Guns (Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley) for the TNA World Tag Team Championships at No Surrender 2010.
Joe Hendry and Katarina give Grado a Joe Hendry T-shirt backstage. Suddenly, Eli Drake shows up and says he sees a bond between the three of them that he rarely sees in trios after admitting they started off on the wrong foot, then offers the three of them a present before leaving. Grado opens the package only to see a picture of Katarina and Joe Hendry together without Grado. Katarina is irritated, and Joe Hendry tells Grado he will throw it in the trash right now, with Katarina immediately agreeing with him. As Katarina and Joe Hendry, Grado wonders where he is in the picture.
Backstage, KM talks with Fallah Bahh about their loss to The Desi Hit Squad (Rohit Raju and Gursinder Singh) from last week, and admits that he is a "no-good, lying son-of-a-bitch." He then says that the way to be successful in Impact Wrestling is to have a mean streak, and tells him that they need to find Fallah Bahh's mean streak. KM messes with people as they walk around, then tells Fallah Bahh to show off that mean streak next week.
We hear from Killer Kross. He says that if he had to describe himself in a few words, he would have to say he is an artist who answers only to the call of his own impulses. He says people call him "Killer Kross," and he believes in the universal arbitration of suffering. He says the big question is why he has been annihilating everyone, for while his goals are the same as everyone else's: ruining as many lives as possible and hurting as many people as he can in an expedited fashion.
We hear from The OG'z (King, Homicide, Hernandez). At their clubhouse, King says he is neither happy or satisfied, as he is depressed but more angry than anything as he expected more from The Latin-American Xchange (Konnan, Santana, Ortiz). He says they won the battle, but they have not won the war, and when they went there, he crucified Konnan in front of the world and put a bullet in the back of his head, saying he had it coming. He then says Santana and Ortiz let the tag team titles slpip by in their celebration, and says that when tag something, it is yours forever. He then says The OG'z names, not LAX's, are the ones being heard in the street, and that LAX is dead while they are very much alive.
We hear from oVe (Jake Crist, Dave Crist, Sami Callihan). Callihan curses himself in the mirror, calling himself stupid for letting Pentagon Jr. cut his hair. The Crist brothers tell Callihan that he looks great, that he looks like a pirate, that he no longer looks like an asshole and that Jason Voorhees looked amazing. They then ask what they do from from here, and they decide to head to the urinals before beating up a guy in the bathroom for "looking at Sami's hair" and shaving his hair.
"The Machine" Brian Cage retains the Impact Wrestling X Division Championship against "Reborn" Matt Sydal.
Here are the top five moments from tonight's show!
It is announced that doctors were able to save Famous B's leg, and that he is currently in recovery. "Get well soon" messages to Famous B can be sent to 423-GET-FAME.
"The Savage" Jake Strong beats Sammy Guevara with the ankle lock, which is now known as the Strong Lock, and breaks Guevara's ankle in the process. After the match, Strong takes Guevara's vest as a trophy.
Before the next match, Antonio Cueto shows up and tells Vinnie Massaro that when he took over Lucha Underground, he carefully evaluated every contract of the new roster, and when he saw Vinnie's, his first thought was to "fire that poor excuse for a man." However, he did not, because if his son Dario kept him around, then maybe he knew there was true talent underneath his filthy shirt and track suit. After his performance at Aztec Warfare, he has no choice but to order him a pizza. A pizza delivery man then shows up with a pizza. Before Vinnie can eat it, Antonio says he is glad he is enjoying. Vinnie says it has pineapples on it, and Antonio tells him to shut up. He also tells him he is a sacrifice to the gods. "The Monster" Mantanza Cueto shows up and beats up the pizza delivery man in the corner, then Vinnie walks up to Matanza and slaps hi. Meanwhile, the pizza is still in the middle of the ring. Vinnie hits the rope a couple of times, but runs out of steam and gets headbutted before Matanza slams him into the pizza for the win. "The Monster" Matanza Cueto beats Vinnie Massaro, and the pizza delivery man has come to, and steals the wallet from Vinnie only to run backwads into Matanza Cueto. He tries to hand the wallet to Matanza only to get choke slammed, and Vinnie Massaro, the pizza delivery man and the pizza all get sacrificed.
Before the next match, Antonio Cueto shows up and says he feels like doing things a little differently tonight. He announces that instead of a six-way match for the Gift of the Gods Championship, there will be a Trios Match with the winners going on to compete against one another for the Gift of the Gods. He puts Ivelisse and Son of Havoc on the same team in an attempt to recreate their Trios division success, and lets them pick a partner. They pick The Mack, and King Cuerno, Dezmond X and El Dragon Azteca Jr. end up becoming the opposing team.
El Dragon Azteca Jr., King Cuerno and Dezmond X beat The Mack, Son of Havoc and Ivelisse to compete in a three-way match against one another for the Gift of the Gods Championship. During the match, Killshot is seen watching this match from the top of the stands. After the match, Mil Muertes shows up and attacks The Mack, powerbombing him into the apron. Son of Havoc fights Mil Muertes on the outside, and Killshot tries to make the save only to get laid out.
El Dragon Azteca Jr. beats King Cuerno and Dezmond X to become the Lucha Underground Gift of the Gods Champion!
The show ends with Marty "The Moth" Martinez being dragged into a living room while on top of a blanket. A pair of boots are seen, and someone is seen pouring water on Marty. That someone is Marty's sister Mariposa, who tells him that she did what she did at Ultima Lucha Tres because Marty needs focus. Mariposa wants Marty to take the Lucha Underground Championship from Pentagon Dark in revenge for what he did to his arm, for while she is the one who wears of the Mariposa, he is the one destined for greatness and that he needs to stop feeling sorry for himself and focus on what really matters. Marty decides to take the Lucha Underground Championship, and Marty has a fit of laughter to end the show.
Adam Cole beats Sean Maluta. After the match, Cole says he is the most buzzworthy Superstar on any brand because of what he gets done in the ring. He says that he defends the North America all over the world. Before he calls out any potential challengers, Ricochet shows up. Ricochet says he owes an apology, as Adam Cole did not run away from his competition tonight, and gives him credit where credit is due for amassing massive success. However, since then, he says Cole has only become a coward since becoming a champion. He tells Cole to change his mind, because he knows he is good, and challenges him to a match for the NXT North American Championship at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn. Adam Cole says he is indeed good and that he will not diminish himself by facing Ricochet at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn. As Cole leaves, Ricochet then tells Cole to leave like the coward he thought he was. The crowd chants "coward" as Cole heads back to the ring only for Ricochet to make him think twice. Kyle O'Relly and Roderick Strong show up to back Adam Cole up, but they are cut off from the back by War Raiders (Hanson and Rowe). Cole, O'Reilly and Strong head towards the backstage curtain to the side only to be ambushed by Moustache Mountain (Tyler Bate and Trent Seven), who attack them and chase them into the crowd.
We see footage from earlier today where General Manager William Regal moderates the contract signing between "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Bazler and Kairi Sane for the NXT Women's Championship at NXT TakeOver: Brooklyn IV. Baszler says she has improved since the Mae Young Classic last year and now goes for the jugular while Kairi Sane has not done anything since. She also badmouths other past competitors, saying Dakota Kai pretended to be tough and that Candice LeRae should be a homemaker. Kairi Sane signs the contract, then says Baszler is beatable, but Baszler says she doesn't have what it takes. She calls Kairi Sane "nothing but a phony" and says she knows it. Kairi tells Baszler she will beat her in Brooklyn. Baszler says she will both walk in and out as Women's Champion. Kairi Sane tells Regal she can and will beat Baszler.
Next week: Ethan Carter III vs. "The Finest" Kona Reeves!
Lacey Evans beats Tenilla Price.
Bianca Belair says that while she was hurt, she doesn't have to explain herself. In the meantime, he plans to work hard and get what she deserves, for she is undefeated.
We see footage from moments ago where "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler is confronted by Candice LeRae for saying she should be a homemaker. At the same time, Candice is being held back by someone.
Tommaso Ciampa beats Aleister Black to become the NXT Champion! During the match, Ciampa exposes the concrete floor on the outside, causing referee Drake Wuertz to confront him on the outside. Ciampa ultimately decides against hitting a draping DDT on the outside concrete, but when he gets Aleister back in the ring, Aleister inadvertently pushes Ciampa into the referee, knocking Drake Wuertz out. Aleister tries to revive Wuertz to no avail, and shortly after this, Aleister Black hits Black Mass on Ciampa. When it is obvious that there is no referee to count the pinfall, Aleister gets Ciampa back up only for Ciampa to get back outside and bring the NXT Championship. Johnny Gargano shows up and hits Ciampa with a superkick, but when he tries to take the NXT Championship away from Ciampa, he inadvertently hits Aleister Black in the head with it before leaving the ring. Drake Wuertz has come to and is back in the ring by the time Ciampa finishes Aleister off, and Ciampa becomes the NXT Champion, much to the chagrin of the fans in attendance. After the match, Ciampa has referee Drake Wuertz raise his hand and declare him the winner multiple times to end the show.
General Manager Drake Maverick guests on commentary.
Akira Tozawa beats "Gentleman" Jack Gallagher. After the match, Tozawa walks up to General Manager Drake Maverick and demands a rematch with Lio Rush. Gallagher tells him he's got it.
We hear from TJP, who says that General Manager Drake Maverick finally got it right, but the main event always belonged to him. He plans to beat all the other "loserweights" tonight and make sure the Cruiserweight title is coming home. We then hear from Hideo Itami, who says Cedric Alexander survived their first match but will not survive next time.
The Lucha House Party (Kalisto and Lince Dorado) beat Ryan Depolo and Chris Robinson. (Ryan Depolo is Ace Austin, who will later find fame in Impact Wrestling.)
We hear from Drew Gulak, who says that tonight's Fatal 4-Way will be a chaotic free-for-all that will be emblematic of what is wrong with 205 Live. He says the only sure thing is the fate of one of his opponents, for when you step to him, you tap out. We then hear from Mustafa Ali, who says that he will endure what his opponents will put him through before he hits the 054 to get a shot at a WrestleMania rematch.
Backstage, Dasha Fuentes interviews Lio Rush. He says he has no reaction to Akira Tozawa getting a rematch against him, and asks her to ask him what he thinks. He then says he thinks he beat Tozawa, and he is in a league of his own. Lio Rush then says Akira Tozawa should keep his name out of his mouth.
Drew Gulak beats Mustafa Ali, TJP and Hideo Itami with a Gu-Lock to Mustafa Ali after Gulak picks the bones of Hideo Itami's handiwork to earn a shot at the WWE Cruiserweight Championship.
The show begins with The Miz and Maryse entering the arena with their child Monroe Sky.
Randy Orton shows up. Orton says he has heard all the fans' theories for what he did to Jeff Hardy. He debunks all of them, and says he did it because of the fans. He says he has been a constant in WWE for the last 16 years, and everyone who has come and gone has sat at the table with him. He then says that despite that, he gets no respect despite learning from the best, paying his due in front of millions of people, and accomplishing everything there is to do in WWE. He says he started out as a legend killer, but says the true legend killer is the fans. Orton then says he will not let them win, for he is the legend and he promises to destroy every Superstar the fans put on a pedestal, starting with Jeff Hardy. When he is done with Jeff Hardy, he will never come back. He says that he will end Jeff's career, and while his career has been a great one, he will enjoy the part that he writes: the final chapter. He then says the fans can call him what they want, but they really just need to refer to him as RKO.
We look back at the announcement of WWE Evolution on last night's Raw.
Andrade "Cien" Almas beats Rusev after Lana and Zelina Vega fight outside of the ring and Aiden English tries to break it up, accidentally knocking down Lana in the process. This distracts Rusev, who has no idea what has happened, allowing Almas to hit the Hammerlock DDT for the win.
In the locker room, R-Truth talks to "The Perfect Ten" Tye Dillinger after his match with Samoa Joe tonight. Dillinger assures R-Truth that Joe will not be putting him to sleep in the next match.
Backstage, Aiden English and Lana argue over what happened earlier as well as about Rusev. Rusev says that is enough, and says that maybe neither of them are good for Rusev Day.
Samoa Joe beats R-Truth with the Coaquina Clutch.
Backstage, Dasha Fuentes interviews Asuka, who is so excited and ready for WWE Evolution. Tonight, Billie Kay is not ready for her.
Asuka beats Billie Kay despite the help from Peyton Royce.
We hear from "The Artist" Shinsuke Nakamura, who tells Jeff Hardy that next week, he will walk out as United States Champion. He says Jeff may have been bitten by The Viper, but he tells Randy Orton to be careful because he can fight back.
The Miz and Maryse do a photo shoot backstage.
General Manager Paige is in the ring. After plugging WWE Evolution, she introduces "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles to the ring. Styles says he is a husband and a father, and when he heard the announcement for WWE Evolution, the first person he thought of was his daughter, as he felt he could look into her eyes and tell her that if she wants it that badly, she can accomplish it. He also says that he is proud to defend the WWE Championship at SummerSlam, and talks about his last two SummerSlams with John Cena and Kevin Owens. He says that SummerSlam is just like WrestleMania, and this year, he plans to turn the heat up a little bit more. Styles signs the contract on the table and asks who his opponent will be. As Paige is announce who his opponent will be, James Ellsworth shows up and steals the show, saying he came back to WWE for the WWE Championship as nobody is more worthy than him. Ellsworth says he has three wins on Styles and that the fourth time is the charm. Styles says nobody says anything like that around here, but Ellsworth insists that he will beat Styles for the title at SummerSlam. Paige tells him to stop and tells him that he is a joke. Ellsworth says Paige is the joke, not him, as nobody can understand what she says half the time. He also makes fun of Paige's skin tone. Paige approaches him, then says she's had enough and has two words for him: you're fired. Paige then calls for security, and Ellsworth is carried kicking and screaming to the back by two members of security. Backstage, Ellsworth is placed in front of the arena exit and pushed through the doors by Paige, who then asks security to man the doors. Suddenly, Samoa Joe comes out from the crowd and attacks Styles, putting him in the Coaquina Clutch. Samoa Joe then signs the contract before pushing the down on Styles.
Backstage, General Manager Paige confronts Samoa Joe, who doubles down and says that what he did to "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles was phenomenal. Carmella then shows up and confronts Paige for firing James Ellsworth. Paige says "'Mella is money," and that Carmella can buy herself a new boyfriend. Carmella says she will stay SmackDown Women's Champion up until Evolution, and talks about how she beat Asuka and Charlotte Flair before saying she will beat Becky Lynch right now.
Becky Lynch beats Carmella with the Dis-Arm-Her after Carmella drags her to the center of the ring to get a shot at the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship at SummerSlam.
We hear from The Bludgeon Brothers (Harper and Rowan). Harper says four teams will fight, but there will be no winner, only punishment. Rowan wants the four teams to destroy each other, as it will not matter and a bludgeoning will await the winners.
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) guest on commentary for the next match.
The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) beat SAnitY (Alexander Wolfe and Killian Dain) to advance in the tag team tournament after Kofi Kingston foils Eric Young's interference attempt. After the match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are about to get in the ring when Sheamus and Cesaro - who have not been seen in months - appear on the stage. Sheamus and Cesaro announce they are back, and say that they did not miss any of the fans. They do, however, miss being tag team champions, and they plan to beat The Usos and become SmackDown Tag Team Champions at SummerSlam.
Backstage, The Miz and Maryse show dissatisfaction with General Manager Paige hiring Sin Cara as a babysitter before heading to the ring with baby Monroe Sky.
The Miz, Maryse and Monroe Sky show up for the Miz and Mrs. world premiere party. After Miz introduces Maryse, Maryse says the Women's Revolution started with her and that it will keep going with Miz and Mrs., which premieres after tonight's show. After Miz introduces Monroe Sky as having done more than Daniel Bryan since his return, we see a trailer for Miz and Mrs. This trailer somehow shows some of The Miz's less than stellar moments, and says "Miz and Misses" at the end. Daniel Bryan is then seen on the TitanTron, says that wasn't what he was going for, and then decides he should head to the ring to apologize in person. Daniel Bryan makes his way to the ring. Miz's personal security tell him to head back to the ring, but Daniel Bryan makes quick work of both men before unhooking the velvet rope and letting himself in. Daniel then gets in the ring, then The Miz tosses a baby doll that he was carrying on a baby carrier to Daniel before booting him in the face. Miz then says he had fooled everyone, and that the baby he brought was an actor as he would never bring his real daughter to a place like this. He then tells everyone that if they want to see Monroe Sky, they can tune in to Miz and Mrs.
The show begins with The Miz (referred to from here out on as Mike) talking about how he first met his wife Maryse. We then hear about how Maryse is pregnant as well as how Mike and Maryse have had to move their growing family from Los Angeles, California to Austin, Texas. We are then introduced to Maryse's mother (and Mike's mother-in-law) Marjo.
Mike and Maryse are driving around as they talk about the latter's pregnancy. They soon make their way to Raw and meet with Brie Bella, Nikki Bella and Maria Kanellis, who are amazed at how big Maryse's belly has gotten. Later, Maryse tells Mike that she has a photo shoot anticipating her pregnacy is taking place until Wednesday, and Mike tells her that he will not be home until Wednesday. Maryse proposes flying out early, and Mike says that he will be there.
In Los Angeles, California, Maryse is about to do the photo shoot when Mike calls. Mike tells Maryse that he has just landed, and Maryse tells Mike that they are doing an implied nude photo shoot, but Maryse's voice cuts in and out and Mike thinks she is doing an actual nude photo shoot. Mike make it to the photo shoot, and is surprised to see everyone is acting like it is a normal photo shoot. Mike then heads to the photo shoot naked, and it is then that he realizes his mistake. They then do the implied nude photo shoot, and Maryse is laughing so hard the whole time that she is actually crying.
At the set of MTV's Champs vs. Stars, Mike and Maryse talk about moving to Austin, Texas. Mike wants to head there in a Winnebago, while Maryse wants to fly there in a private jet. Mike eventually gets his way by getting one of their dogs, Pumpkin, to lick their lips.
At Raw in Anaheim, California, Mike and Maryse meet with "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey and Nia Jax backstage, then Maryse shows Mike the bus that they driving to Austin, Texas. After Maryse shows Mike the bus, Mike approves of it. Maryse then meets with Renee Young and does a Facebook interview. Suddenly, Maryse feels what she thinks are contractions after feeling short of breath, and Renee tells her to wait there while she looks for Mike. She tells Titus O'Neil instead, who then finds Mike and tells him about what is happening. Mike starts looking for Maryse near catering, where she is eating a cookie. Everyone has a laugh afterwards.
The show ends with a preview of the rest of the series.
Bonus clip: Mike and Maryse figure out a way to move their two dogs Pumpkin and Mocha, along with their other pets, to Austin, Texas.
The show starts with the entire main roster locker room on the stage as WWE Chairman Vince McMahon welcomes everyone to tonight's show. Vince then introduces the CEO of WWE and Raw Commisioner Triple H and Stephanie McMahon, respectively. Triple H acknowledges the WWE Superstars on the stage as well as anyone who has ever stepped through the ropes of a WWE ring, and says tonight's announcement is possible because of them. He says that everything they do makes it possible and that they have all done it as a team, and says the bond between them all has never been stronger than what it is today. Triple H then asks all the women to step forward on the stage. He says that the men standing behind them truly support them, and that the WWE Universe support them as strongly every single night since day one through history all the way up to this moment. Triple H then says that the women have stolen the show time and time again, and lets them know that he, Stephanie and Vince are so proud of them. Stephanie says these talents because of opportunity, incredible talent or because WWE deems it important, but because the fans deem it important and as part of what they love. They asked for it, and because of that, the women of WWE moved to the forefront. Because of that, the women of WWE were able to prove they could be who they want to be, and because of that, on October 28th, WWE Evolution will take place and become the first-ever all-female pay-per-view. It is then announced by the commentary team that the Raw, SmackDown Live and NXT women's titles will all be on the line that night, and that the finals of the second annual Mae Young Classic will also take place there.
In the locker room, The B-Team talk about WWE Evolution. Curtis Axel talks about the event, then focuses on the tag team title. Bo Dallas talks about their unbeaten run so far, but Curtis Axel doesn't regret a second of it, saying the B in "B-Team" stands for "brothers." After he calls Curtis Axel the brother he never had, Bo Dallas says it's time to go and prove why B stands for "best," then The B-Team awkwardly walk backwards and grab the Raw tag team titles before leaving.
Elias is about to play on stage when Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt show up.
The B-Team (Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel) retain the WWE Raw Tag Team Championships against Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt. After the match, Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy applaud the B-Team for their efforts before attacking them as soon as they turn their backs.
O.A.R. is in the front row as it is announced that they are working together with Connor's Cure.
Backstage, Finn Balor talks with Chad Gable about WWE Evolution when they notice people carrying Finn Balor's things somewhere. They learn that there are strict orders from Constable Baron Corbin to move Finn Balor to a new locker room. The "locker room" is a tiny red house with a teddy bear. Corbin shows up and says Finn Balor was too big not to have his own locker room, and says it is fitting of his stature. Finn thanks Corbin for giving him his very own "Finn's Funhouse." Corbin tells Finn he has a match with Drew McIntyre tonight.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Bayley and Sasha Banks. Bayley says they have had a long talk since last week, and while they have their differences, their differences are what make their friendship strong. Sasha says they are two different people with the same dream, and with WWE Evolution on the horizon, they have every reason to be on the same page. Sasha and Bayley then head to the ring.
Bayley and Sasha Banks beat Samantha Simon and Karen Lundy with the Banks Statement. Bayley and Sasha hug after the match.
We look back on Hulk Hogan vs. Andre The Giant at WrestleMania 3, courtesy of Mission Impossible: Fallout.
Elias announces that his debut album Walk With Elias is available now, then Braun Strowman shows up. Strowman says it seems like the fans are talking about two things tonight: the announcement for WWE Evolution - for which he congratulates the women in the back, especially Alexa Bliss - and the commotion between Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley. Everyone has heard about Roman and Lashley going at it week after week, and tonight, they face each other to see who faces Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam. He then says it doesn't matter who it is, because sooner or later, a monster will come calling as he has the Money In The Bank contract. He then asks the fans how he would look as WWE Universal Championship, then poses in the crowd to all sides of the audience until Kevin Owens arrives. Kevin Owens says that after what Strowman did to him at Extreme Rules, he is surprised that Strowman showed up as if nothing happened, and shows his anger. He says he tried to befriend Strowman out of kindness and for his ten-year-old son. He then says Strowman crushed his son's dream as he crushed his spine at Extreme Rules, and says his kids thought he was indestructible until what Strowman did to him and that they are now afraid when he walks down the stairs at home. Owens then says Strowman tried to take his livelihood away from him, and says he will do the same to him. Strowman dares him to hobble to the ring and try, but Owens says he won at Extreme Rules and has nothing left to prove. He then tells Strowman his problems have just begun, then Constable Baron Cobin shows up. Corbin says Commissioner Stephanie McMahon has empowered him to handle this situation, and while what Strowman did at Extreme Rules was legal, it was morally reprehensible. He then says that as Constable, he has done everything he can to help Superstars grow, and after a Finn Balor height joke, he says he has somebody who can teach Strowman to control his temper: Jinder Mahal. Jinder Mahal and Sunil Singh show up, and Jinder says he senses a storm of anger brewing within Strowman. He asks Strowman to help him help find the inner calm within himself, as he has caused too much damage and management have appointed him to help Strowman find inner peace. He then tries to get Strowman to breath deeply into his nose and chant "Shanti." Strowman appreciates the effort, but he has a mantra of his own. He asks Sunil Singh to hold his microphone, then asks Sunil, Jinder and the fans to close their eyes, breathe deep and repeat after him: "Get. These. Hands." Strowman then hits Jinder with a big boot before grabbing Sunil and tossing him into Jinder. Strowman then grabs Sunil again, and Sunil falls victim to a running powerslam.
Mickie James beats Natalya thanks to the distraction by Alexa Bliss, who gets laid out with a discus forearm.
We see footage of WWE at the ESPN Sports Humanitarian Awards.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Roman Reigns. He says tonight is different from Extreme Rules and that he will beat Bobby Lashley. He may have lost to Lashley, but he has no advocate to make excuses for him. He then says he is the workhorse and the most decorated Superstar of this generation, and that he will beat Lashley and continue to SummerSlam. He also tells the critics to learn to love him or close their mouths.
Elias talks about his debut album being available now before The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) show up.
The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) show up and say they will not wait forever, and demand anyone but Titus Worldwide (Titus O'Neil and Apollo Crews), as they are done with Titus Worldwide. They get Titus Worldwide anyway. Titus O'Neil say The Authors of Pain are legit and two of the strongest guys in WWE as well as two of the youngest, and that they have a lot to learn. The Authors of Pain think Titus will make them into a joke. Titus says he may have fallen at Greatest Royal Rumble, but he got back up. Apollo says that Titus got him on his feet, helped him learn and made him into an asset for his community. He also says Titus has seen talent come and go, but is still here, and that he has seen more talent than The Authors will ever know. He also says that if The Authors had as much class as Titus, they'd be as good as people as they would be champions. The Authors say that Titus is better off walking away and retiring. Titus responds by saying that sometimes, to teach someone a lesson, you have to fight them, and he and Apollo get the jump on The Authors, who quickly flee the ring.
General Manager Kurt Angle and Commissioner Stephanie McMahon talk about WWE Evolution when Kevin Owens and Constable Baron Corbin show up asking for Stephanie's advice. Owens says he has had it rough after what Braun Strowman has done to him, especially at Extreme Rules, and wants to take everything away from Strowman at SummerSlam in response to Strowman trying to do the same to him. Owens then says that if he beats Strowman in any way, he gets the Money In The Bank Contract. Angle thinks the idea absurd, but Stephanie tells Owens he has his SummerSlam match. Angle then opens the limousine door for Stephanie, who then leaves.
Mojo Rawley beats Tyler Breeze. During the match, Bobby Roode says Mojo Rawley has a problem with him, but he is comfortable in his own skin. He says Mojo can hide behind his computer keyboard all he wants.
We hear from Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre. Dolph says they came to Raw with a plan to take over, and that their plan is working. He says Seth Rollins tried to interfere, but got squashed by McIntyre. Drew McIntyre says he is no closer to the WWE Universal Championship thanks to Finn Balor, and tonight, he plans to wipe the smile off Finn's face...permanently.
Elias is interrupted before he can say much of anything thanks to Finn Balor's entrance.
Finn Balor beats Drew McIntyre by disqualification after Dolph Ziggler gets involved. After the match, Dolph and Drew attack Finn, but Seth Rollins runs in and quickly tosses Drew out of the ring before getting the high ground on Dolph. Seth helps Finn up, then General Manager Kurt Angle shows up and makes a tag team match between the team of Dolph and Drew and the team of Seth and Finn for right now.
Seth Rollins and Finn Balor beat Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Bobby Lashley. Lashley says he came back for big matches like tonight's, as he is at his best when the lights are brightest. He says Roman Reigns had two chances against Brock Lesnar and failed, and he plans to be the man Lesnar fights. He hopes that Brock Lesnar is rested up, because there will be no sleep until Brooklyn, New York.
Ember Moon beats Liv Morgan.
Backstage, Mike Rome interviews Seth Rollins, who says that General Manager Kurt Angle has given him a match against Dolph Ziggler for the WWE Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam.
It is announced that The Bella Twins (Brie and Nikki Bella) will be on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon later this week.
Elias can't even get a note in edgewise before General Manager Kurt Angle shows up and tells him that the floor is his and that he can do his song because the people want to hear a song from the debut album. Elias tells the crowd that his album will change their lives for the better and that they should buy one copy for themselves and another for the person they become. He gives a shout-out to O.A.R., then proceeds to play. He then says he is not feeling the vibe here, then proceeds to make fun of Cincinnati, Ohio, saying it is the grossest collection of humans he has ever seen. Bobby Lashley then shows up for the next match.
Next week: "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey returns from suspension! Finn Balor vs. Baron Corbin! Seth Rollins vs. Drew McIntyre! Brock Lesnar returns!
Roman Reigns beats Bobby Lashley to face Brock Lesnar for the WWE Universal Championship at SummerSlam. After the match, Bobby Lashley and Roman Reings shake hands.
