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.
John Cena heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cena mentions his history in Madison Square Garden and how this will be the last time he will be here and on Raw. He says that this is a very important moment for him when "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up. Dominik says that nobody wants to hear what Cena has to say and that last week, Cena was handed a title shot just like he was handed everything else, then says he has fought for everything he has had. He demands a rematch for the WWE Intercontinental Championship, and when Cena asks the fans how they feel about a rematch tonight, the fans make it clear that they want it. Dominik says that they will do this his way, and that he wants the rematch in San Diego, California at Survivor Series, since Cena will have the hometown advantage tonight. Cena accepts the challenge. Cena then says he told everyone he would have a match tonight, then says he has an opponent in Dominik and challenges Dominik to make history in a non-title match. Finn Balor and JD McDonagh show up, and Dominik says that Cena will get his ass beat instead of the final match on Raw that he wanted. Dominik, McDonagh and Finn Balor attack Cena, when suddenly, Sheamus makes the save for Cena but still gets ganged up on. All of a sudden, Rey Mysterio runs in and brawls with Dominik, evening the numbers game and allowing Cena and Sheamus to clean house. Cena says that he and Dominik both have a team, and makes it a six-man tag match before calling for a referee.
John Cena, Sheamus and Rey Mysterio beat The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) in a six-man tag match.
Backstage, Smackdown General Manager Nick Aldis meets with Raw General Manager Adam Pearce regarding Drew McIntyre when Paul Heyman shows up. Heyman says that his actions were within rules and regulations. He then says that if his fourth pick of Drew McIntyre pissed them off, then they should see what he has in store for them next as he hands them a black binder. Pearce opens the binder, and he and Aldis look at the first page before Pearce says "This should be fun."
Actor-comedian Eric Andre, singer Ashley Cooke, members of the Philadelphia Eagles, members of the New York Giants (inclduing Cam Skattebo) and podcaster Andrew Schulz are seen in the front row. We then see footage of The Judgment Day messing with Andrew Schulz in the front row when members of the New York Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles stand beside him and fight back.
Jackie Redmond is in the ring. We see footage of Nikki Bella's heel turn on Stephanie Vaquer from last week, then Jackie Redmond introduces Vaquer to the ring. All of a sudden, she is attacked by Nikki Bella, who says that she came back not to sit on the sidelines or be Vaquer's friend, but to take back the women's division. She thanks Vaquer for reminding her of who she is, and that she will give her a match for the Women's World Championship and bow down to her.
Backstage, Bayley and Lyra Valkyria run into The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane), who need teammates for WarGames. Asuka says she can forget the past and forgive Bayley if she fights with her, but Bayley rejects the offer. Asuka says something in Japanese, then walks away. Kairi Sane pretends to be John Cena until Asuka calls her away. Lyra goes for a high five, but Bayley says "What are you, five? Let's go, you idiot!"
Solo Sikoa's mystery opponent is revealed to be "The Wanted Man" Nic Nemeth, using the Dolph Ziggler name for the first time since leaving WWE.
Solo Sikoa beats Dolph Ziggler to advance in the Last Time is Now Tournament.
We see a video package for Je'Von Evans.
Rapper Lil Yachty (showing off WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2006 on his Sony PlayStation Portable), UFC featherweight fighter Aljamain Sterling, creator of "Hamilton" Lin-Manuel Miranda, Elyse Dudzinski and Stephanie McMahon are seen in the front row.
Alexa Bliss is in the ring. She says that Charlotte Flair has been ignoring her all weekend, then looks into the camera and says that she gets that they lost the women's tag titles and that while titles are easy to get back, trust is not. She says that she has seen the real Charlotte and seen what she could be after all they have been through, then asks when Charlotte has cared about people liking her, and says Charlotte has had her back when she had hers. As Alexa says she has gone to hell and back for Charlotte, The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane), Nia Jax and Lash Legend show up and head to the ring. Asuka laughs at Alexa while Nia Jax makes fun of Alexa for "standing in the ring like a total loser" before stating that she knows why Charlotte left her and that nobody is coming to save her. As the four of them surround the ring, Rhea Ripley and Iyo Sky rush to the ring. This leads to a brawl, and Alexa gets knocked out by Lash Legend before Charlotte shows up with a shinai and cleans house. Charlotte helps Alexa up, then Iyo Sky gets close to Rhea.
We hear a snippet of an interview with John Cena about giving approval.
Maxxine Dupri beats Becky Lynch to become the WWE Women's Intercontinental Champion when AJ Lee shows up and distracts Becky Lynch as she removes a top turnbuckle cover. Maxxine Dupri hits Becky Lynch with a top rope cross body as soon as Becky turns around for the pin, the win and the title.
NFL analyst Brandon Marshall, actor and stuntman Chuck Zito, and stand-up comedian Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias are seen in the crowd.
Gunther beats Je'Von Evans by submission with a sleeper hold to advance in the Last Time is Now Tournament.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews AJ Lee and Maxxine Dupri. Maxxine says that all of her hard work has finally paid off and that she has beaten one of the best in Becky Lynch, then thanks AJ Lee. AJ Lee says not to thank her, saying she just put a bully in her place. Otis and Akira Tozawa show up and leave with Maxxine to celebrate. AJ Lee says that she just wanted to help CM Punk, but seeing Becky Lynch brought out a fire in her that she never had. She then sees Rhea Ripley, who asks "You got a second to chat?" AJ says "Sure."
We see another casino vignette for WrestleMania 42, this time with CM Punk.
The Vision ("The Oracle" Paul Heyman, Bron Breakker, "Big" Bronson Reed, Logan Paul) heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Drew McIntyre joins them. Heyman introduces everyone and lists off his WarGames accomplishments, then says that this team is the best that he has assembled. Suddenly, CM Punk shows up from the back, and he is soon joined by The Usos, who appear from the crowd. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes comes out from the back and stands alongside Punk as they and The Usos surround the ring. This leads to a brawl, and CM Punk lays out Drew McIntyre before Brock Lesnar shows up and heads to the ring. Lesnar hits CM Punk with an F5, then Cody fights him only to be thrown around with two German suplexes. Before the show ends, however, Roman Reigns suddenly shows up. Roman and Lesnar come face to face in the ring. They brawl, and Roman ducks a clothesline and hits a Superman Punch. Security arrivs to ensure both men stop fighting, but "Big" Bronson Reed attacks Roman from behind and takes out security. Roman gets up as Bronson goes for a Tsunami and hits Bronson with a Superman Punch. This time, New York City policemen have to work with security, but that does not stop Roman from Spearing Bronson through a barrier. The show then fades to black.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Solo Sikoa and Jimmy Uso arrive at the arena. Paul Heyman catches up with them and reminds them that Sami Zayn is here tonight due to their inability to get rid of them, which means opportunity for The Bloodline. He says that Solo will take care of "the Kevin Owens problem" while while Jimmy will take care of "the Sami Zayn problem" "once and forever" regardless of whether or not Jey Uso comes to his senses. Heyman then calls Roman Reigns.
Kevin Owens beats Solo Sikoa by disqualification after Jimmy Uso gets physically involved in the match. After the match, Solo and Jimmy attack Owens, but as Solo is about to splash Owens through the announce table, he and Jimmy are attacked by Sami Zayn. Sami then grabs a chair and swings at Solo, who retreats through the crowd. Sami then swings at Jimmy, but Jimmy also retreats through the crowd. Sami then looks at Owens and offers to help him up, but Owens rolls out of the ring instead.
We hear from Bobby Lashley, who says he came to SmackDown to confront Bray Wyatt man-to-man only to find out that Bray is not a man and that he sent Uncle Howdy to do his dirty work. He asks what it will take for Bray to face him like a man.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Carmella, who says WWE official Adam Pearce gave her a match with Bianca Belair to get her out of his non-existant hair, but little does he know that he will embarrass Bianca. As Carmella says that Pearce ruins everything, Chelsea Green shows up and agrees with her about Pearce. Pearce himself shows up and almost walks into the conversation, but soon notices them and hides as they talk about teaming up to get a WrestleMania match. When Chelsea notices Byron Saxton, she and Carmella tell Byron to leave after calling him a mouthbreather and questioning his journalistic integrity.
Bianca Belair beats Carmella after fending off Chelsea Green. After the match, Chelsea Green and Carmella attack Bianca Belair, then Asuka shows up and spits blue mist in Chelsea Green's face before having a staredown with Bianca Belair and looking at the WrestleMania sign.
Backstage, Sami Zayn meets with Kevin Owens and says he does not know what else to say or do, and says The Bloodline is too much for anyone. He says this is not a ploy and that they do not need to team or be friends again, but they have to work together. Owens says he knows The Bloodline are too much after fighting them for eight months, but at the same time, he does not want to Sami. He tells Sami to go back to Roman apologize, and to leave him out of this. Sami quietly leaves.
We see a video package for Rhea Ripley.
It's time for Miz TV. The Miz says he would only step into the same ring as Seth "Freakin'" Rollins to moderate his face-to-face with Logan Paul to practice for hosting duties at WrestleMania, then introduces Logan Paul, followed by Rollins. Miz then complains about the fans singing Rollins' theme, then Rollins pushes Miz's microphone down to silence Miz, then Logan Paul has to tell the crowd to shut up. This does nothing to shut up the fans. It is not until Rollins addresses the crowd that the crowd is silent, then Rollins addresses Logan. Rollins mentions their history and the fact that they have yet to be formally introduced, then introduces himself to Logan. Logan says he knows who Rollins are as the crowd sings Rollins' theme again, then calls him "the clown [he] dumped at Royal Rumble and the guy [he] stomped at Elimination Chamber" and says he is better at his job than Rollins. He says that he works smarter and not harder, and that he is on his way in while Rollins is on the way out, and if he were Rollins, he would not like him either. Miz tells Rollins he has a few good points as the crowd chants "Fuck You Logan." Rollins agrees with Miz, but says that Logan is missing the point that none of this is reason why nobody likes him, and it is because he is "the scum of the earth" and a coward, a troll, a fraud, and human dumpster fire who is not wanted in WWE. He then says the fans came here not to see them mince words, but to see him get his pound of flesh, then declares the time to talk is over and that it is time to fight. Miz stops Rollins before things can get physical, but Logan tells Miz not to speak for him and that if he is going to fight Rollins, he will do it. He then says he is not going to do it because he does not fight for free, especially in Boston, Massachusetts, for he is a premium act, and that he will do it only if the event and money is bigger and had some star power. Miz reminds Logan that he is the host of WrestleMania and that they can make their match happen at WrestleMania. Rollins asks what they are waiting for as he grabs Miz and throws him out of the ring, then brawls with Logan. Rollins superkicks Miz only to get punched out by Logan Paul, then asks Rollins to let him know about WrestleMania when he wakes up.
Mustafa Ali is seen disguised as a fan carrying a sign in the crowd before the next match. It is soon revealed that Mustafa Ali set up the next match.
Omos beats Dolph Ziggler in a matter of seconds. After the match, MVP tells Brock Lesnar that Omos is all the hype he needs and that Lesnar should have never put his hands on him, and that Omos will tame the beast at WrestleMania.
Backstage, Maximum Male Models (Maxxine Dupri, Mace, Mansoor) looks at Otis and compliment him as he is posing with Chad Gable. Baron Corbin shows up and thinks the compliment is meant for him and talks about his bad luck as of late. Maximum Male Models then reminds him that they are talking about Ois, then Maxxine Dupri then says that there is potential in him if he can take down Chad Gable. Corbin says to consider it done.
Backstage, Paul Heyman tells Jimmy Uso that he is the man and the one who will take out Sami Zayn and make sure that Roman Reigns has to hear Sami's name again, and tells Jimmy that if he cannot get Jey into The Bloodline by the end of the week, Roman will blame him.
Johnny Gargano beats Finn Balor after Edge's entrance music hits and Edge shows up from the crowd to push Finn Balor off the top rope. After the match, Dexter Lumis takes out Damian Priest, then Edge hits Finn Balor with a Spear.
King and Queen of the Ring takes place on May 27th in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia!
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Edge, who says that Finn Balor cost him a match he should never have lost and that he has returned the favor. He says he has no time for this, then calls out Finn Balor for next week.
Piper Niven quickly beats Nikki Cross.
Backstage, Rick Boogs is met by Elias, who tells him that he took the fight to Bobby Lashley and that people are talking about it, and says that in order to learn, he has to do something himself. Elias then tells Rick Boogs to walk up to Bronson Reed and tell him he wants to fight him, then Rick Boogs tells him Elias wants to fight him. Bronson walks up to Elias and says that if he wants to fight him, he will see him next week.
John Cena heads to the ring. Before Cena can say much of anything, Austin Theory shows up and heads to the ring. Theory says that, like the fans, he has all the respect in the world for Cena, and that he only became a WWE Superstar because of Cena, and that Cena inspired him at a young age. He then has a gift for Cena from the bottom of his heart that is bigger than any movie role that Cena will ever have: a match with him at WrestleMania. Cena says no, saying he is not interested in his gift because he has not earned the right to give it. He says that he has been watching and listening to Theory, and says nobody cares about him because they don't believe him, and nobody believes him because Theory is not believing himself, as he looks generic and has no heart. Cena says he has walked in Theory's shoes and that he is Theory's "Ghost of Christmas Future," and that Theory is in his "Ruthless Aggression" phase, and that Ruthless Aggression almost got him fired because he did not believe in himself. He says that Theory has no heart and no soul, then says that the fans are here out of respect and that while they believe, they do not believe in Theory as he is just "a pair of trunks away from being a jabroni." Cena then admits that Theory has the greatest name in professional wrestling right now, then says he is nothing but a theory, and in theory, Theory should be great and everything a WWE executive looks for and who everyone comes to the show for. He then says no one cares and that Theory is wasting everyone's time, then gives Theory a gift: the ability to walk out of the ring in one piece if Theory shuts up, turns around and walks away. Theory tells Cena he is not going anywhere just like the bald spot on Cena's head, but Cena reveals the bald spot on his head that is combed over. Theory then takes Cena's refusal of a match as giving up and disrespect towards the fans. Theory asks where the hustle, loyalty and respect is, then realizes that the fans are right when you don't want to meet your hero, because all one's hero does is disappoint. Cena says he would rather be bald than have fake crowd noise piped into his matches, then tells Theory he is a dumb son of a bitch and warns him that he is saving his hide, for Theory loses everything whether he wins or loses. He says the fans will eat Theory alive when Theory has to explain himself the Monday after because the fans know he is full of crap, then Cena says he has no choice because he has brought the fans into it. Cena thanks the fans and his family, then asks the fans if they want to see him and Theory square off at WrestleMania. The fans make it known they want to see it, then says that while he does not care abut Theory, he will not give up on the fans. He then tells Theory that he has made the biggest mistake of his career and that their match will be for the United States Championship, then wishes him luck as everyone knows he does not have it in his brain, heart or his nuts before telling him to work on his nuts. He then tells Theory that he is not ready for the WrestleMania stage, then says the fans deserve to see somebody who is before introducing "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody shows up, then shakes hands and hugs Cena.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn, who says that Kevin Owens was right about things before proclaiming that everything has changed now. He says that his match with Jimmy Uso is about survival because Jimmy has to put an end to him or else he will be ended. He apologizes to Jimmy before saying that tonight is not going to be his night.
Chad Gable beats Baron Corbin with the ankle lock into the grapevine.
The Miz and Maryse take part in a Top Gun parody as part of this year's WrestleMania.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins vs. Logan Paul is now official for WrestleMania.
Becky Lynch and Lita head to the ring. Becky says that when a couple of legends like them step in the ring, they do not miss. Lita says they made history, and while Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky) did not make it easy, they made it worth it. Lita thanks Becky, then says they have an equalizer that they have yet to thank. Trish Stratus then shows up and heads to the ring. Trish tells Lita she will always have his back, and to see her Lita and Becky win tag team gold, she would not have missed it for the world. As she says that she would have gotten physical if Bayley did not shut up, Damage CTRL shows up. Bayley says the threesome love to show up when it is convenient for them and add to their trophy case at their expense, and that she can see right through them and see they are selfish and why Damage CTRL is in the ring right now. She also says Damage CTRL will be the reason why they neve come back. Trish says Bayley is good at talking, but not listening, and reminds her that she can get out of retirement quickly and considers doing that to shut Bayley up. She then challenges Damage CTRL to a match against the three of them at WrestleMania. Bayley accepts, and Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky question Bayley at first before going for a cheap shot and getting tossed out of the ring. Bayley soon gets surrounded, and when she goes for a cheap shot at Becky, Becky, Trish and Lita take shots at Bayley until Dakota and Iyo get her out of the ring.
Sami Zayn beats Jimmy Uso with a roll-up after Jey Uso shows up and stands on the announce table. After the match, Jimmy and Jey meet in the ring. Jey puts his hands on Jimmy's shoulders, then grabs his shirt. Jey is reluctant, however, and he soon walks past Jimmy before leaving the ring, standing next to Sami and telling Sami "I trust you" befor ehugging him. Jimmy is down on one knee in the middle of the ring as Jey and Sami raise one finger up, and Sami tells Jimmy that it is not too late. Suddenly, Jey superkicks Sami and throws him into the ring where he and Jimmy attack him. Solo Sikoa then gets in the ring to join in, but "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhoes runs in and confronts Solo and The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) to end the show.
This week on Raw Talk: Maximum Male Models (Maxxine Dupri, Mace, Mansoor)! MVP and Omos! Piper Niven!
Sami Zayn heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Sami says he is feeling a lot of feelings and that the one at the forefront is gratitude thanks to the ovation that everyone has given him in the last few days. The crowd chants "You deserve it!", then Sami says that after coming so close to putting a bow on a storybook ending in front of his hometown, he feels a lot of guilt and feels he let a lot of people down. He says that everyone told him to finish the story, and he realizes now that the story is never over. Sami then says we are entering the final chapter and that it is not about just him, then asks Kevin Owens to come to the ring. Owens shows up, and Sami says that he has a lot of things to say to him, then thanks him and apologizes even though they are past the point of words that there may be no coming back. He knows that Kevin Owens cares about taking down The Bloodline, then says he has a mission and that he will not rest until he sees with his own eyes The Bloodline coming down. He then says neither of them could have done it alone, and the only way to get it done is together. Owens says he does not need Sami's apology or gratitude, as he did it for his family as well as their family so Sami's family didn't have to watch Sami get beaten down like his family did with him. He says he has fought The Bloodline alone and that this is how he plans to keep fighting them, and that he is still done with him. He then tells him to "call [his] buddy Jey [Uso]" if he needs help, then leaves. Just before the commercial break, Sami Zan is attacked from behind by Baron Corbin. Just before the commercial break, Sami Zayn is attacked from behind by Baron Corbin. Referees break up the brawl in picture-in-picture, but neither of them can be held back, and security and other officials have to get involved. Corbin then takes a microphone and gets in the ring, then asks Sami how it felt when he interrupted him last week to "cry about [his] insecurities" and that he didn't deserve to be in the same ring as Roman Reigns. He then says Sami did not, as he was the last person to beat Roman Reigns. Corbin then says he knew that Roman Reigns would destroy embarrass him, and calls it pathetic that he begged for help from Kevin Owens and says his story is over. Corbin says Sami embarrassed himself, his family, his hometown and all of hometown because he is a failure. WWE official Adam Pearce then tells Sami Zayn to go at it with Baron Corbin, and this starts a match.
Sami Zayn beats Baron Corbin.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio. Rhea says the last thing she will say about Beth Phoenix is that Beth admitted she was the real deal. She then says that she is focused on WrestleMania, and Dominik warns Byron Saxton not to press Elimination Chamber further. As for WrestleMania, Rhea says Charlotte Flair can keep living in 2020 and that Charlotte refuses to believe that she is the best woman in WWE. She also says she does not make the same mistake twice, and that her place is on top of her crumbled kingdom. She also says that everyone will have to watch on Friday to see what she has in store for Charlotte then, then Dominik mentions that Rey Mysterio also has a match on Friday as well and that they might as well wish him good luck.
We see footage from the Elimination Chamber post-show press conference where Edge accepts Austin Theory's open challenge for the WWE United States Championship.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Austin Theory. Theory says he is banged up, but he is here like he always is because he is the champion. He says he was in the Elimination Chamber with five of the best, and that he did everything he said he would do. He then mentions John Cena coming back in two weeks and says nobody cares, then asks if anyone cares about the work he puts in. As for his match with Edge, he gets to beat a Hall of Fame in his home country and continue his forever reign to WrestleMania.
Mustafa Ali beats Dolph Ziggler after standing on his hands to block the Zig-Zag and pinning Ziggler with a crucifix pin.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Miz. Maryse gives him a gold envelope for their anniversary, and when The Miz is asked about Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, he says Rollins has gotten too big for his red boots and that he is glad Logan Paul put him in his place. He then says that his outstanding tutelage took out Seth Rollins and that his gold envelope has just made his dreams come true.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Paul Heyman - who is wearing a neck brace - appears on the TitanTron and interrupts Cody Rhodes. When Cody asks Heyman where he is, Heyman says he is backstage, and Cody asks him to come to the ring. Heyman says he was attacked by a "K-Odiak" and was subjected to the Canadian health care system, which made last night a tragedy for "the Wise Man." He then says that the true tragedy will befall upon Cody at WrestleMania. Heyman tells Cody that he cannot beat Roman Reigns, and asks Cody what his life would be like if the stars align and Cody Rhodes were to beat Roman to become champion. Heyman says that Roman has his wise counsel, and if Cody where to beat Roman for the undisputed championship, he would not have him. He then says that Cody will have 200 on the road defending the undisputed, 50 days of charity appearances, 30 days of promotional appearances, another 20 of promoting the big shows, and two months at home doing other things for the company. After refraining from making any personal attacks, he then asks Cody if he wants this kind of life. He then says that Roman may be a married man, but he is not, and that Cody will find out that his WrestleMania dreams will become his own personal nightmare. Cody says Roman may be great, but he has seen this play before and tells him not to say Heyman again, as they will meet again and he will say the same thing now that he would say then. He says Roman is the best Universal Champion in WWE history, but it does not change anything and he has to finish the story. He then says that he will beat Roman at WrestleMania.
Asuka beats Nikki Cross by submission. Bianca Belair shows up at the start of the match to watch from the commentary table. After the match, Bianca Belair and Asuka have a staredown in the ring, and Bianca points at the WrestleMania sign. A blue liquid then leaks from Asuka's mouth, then Asuka laughs.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Carmella, who says that all she has thought of in the last two days is Asuka, and that she plans to give her a receipt for what she did to her. Carmella leaves, then Cathy Kelley catches Seth Rollins backstage. Rollins says it is twice that Logan Paul has ruined his WrestleMania plans and has treated everything like a game, then says the joke is on Logan. He says that anyone who has gotten in his way knows a certain side of him all too well, and that he will find Logan Paul and hurt him. He then says The Miz will make a perfect surrogate for suffering since Logan is not here tonight.
Backstage, MVP calls Brock Lesnar a coward who could not escape Bobby Lashley's hurt lock and got himself disqualified. Omos then shows up, and MVP then says that Omos issues a challenge to Lesnar at WrestleMania. He tells Lesnar to show up next week to accept the challenge if he has the intestinal fortitude.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins beats The Miz by referee stoppage after hitting him with The Stomp twice.
Backstage, Carmella gets a match with Asuka next week from WWE official Adam Pearce. After Carmella leaves, he gets a call from Chelsea Green, who complains about being stuck in Ottawa, Illinois instead of Ottawa, Canada. Adam Pearce tells her they will soon be in Grand Rapids, Michigan, then pretends to have a bad connection and hangs up when Chelsea complains about being stuck in Ottawa.Afterwards, he sees Alpha Academy looking into a mirror only for Bronson Reed asking them if this is how he trains for a match. When Gable says he is preparing for a modeling career, Bronson tells Gable to prepare to wear a full body cast. Otis stares down Bronson and tells him that nobody speaks to Gable like that. Bronson chuckles, then leaves.
It's time for Ding Dong, Hello! Bayley says that today is Family Day and that she has brought Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky in as her guests. When asked what it feels like to be women's tag team champions, Dakota Kai says this would not be possible without Bayley's guidance and that she and Iyo have been dominant for over 100 days. As Dakota Kai lists off who she and Iyo Sky have beaten and proclaims that the two of them will stay dominant, Becky Lynch shows up. Becky Lynch says that Dakota and Iyo have not defend the women's tag team titles for some times and that they are getting dusty, the says that she is considering taking the women's tag team titles at WrestleMania. Bayley tells Becky she has no friends, then Becky says there was one person interested. Lita shows up, and she and Becky head to the ring. Becky and Lita enter through the door, and Bayley says Lita does not even work here and that Becky is desperate if she is bringing in Lita. Becky and Lita say they have made up, and Lita says that if she cannot beat Becky for a title, then she can entertain being a tag champ. Lita challenges Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky to a women's tag team title match, and Bayley says Lita and Becky have not even come close to earning a shot. Lita and Becky state that their accolades speak for themselves. Becky then says that Bayley claims to be the greatest, then says Bayley does not want this to happen because she is scared. Bayley recklessly accepts the challenge, then Becky and Lita take the women's tag titles and raise them up before tossing the titles back to Dakota and Iyo.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Candice LeRae. Candice says Johnny Gargano got banged up on Saturday, then sees Nikki Cross and intercepts her, wanting to know why Nikki is following her. She then says she has a match with Piper Niven next week and cannot focus on her and Nikki, then Nikki whispers something to Candice before running away. Byron asks Candice what Nikki said, and Candice says Nikki has stated that all of her friends are gone and that she is alone. She then says Johnny Gargano will be back, then awkwardly leaves.
WrestleMania 39 is 40 days away!
Bronson Reed beats Chad Gable after Gable is distracted by Otis being handed a business card by Maxxine Dupri at ringside.
Elias is in the ring. Elias says he hopes Rick Boogs is taking notes, as this is the time of the years when legends come out and stars are made, and that there is no bigger star or legend than him. He then wants to know who walks with him at WrestleMania, and Bobby Lashley shows up. Bobby Lashley soon starts slamming Elias around before ramming him into the ring post, then gets Elias back in the ring and hits him with a Spear before putting him in the Hurt Lock. Lashley then grabs a microphone and says everyone has a plan until he locks the Hurt Lock in, then says Brock Lesnar panicked and had to resort to a low blow. He then says nobody breaks the Hurt Lock, and that anyone who disrespects him will be put down.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Edge. Edge says that he is happy that The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) is in the rear view mirror and that he is back to his goals from coming out of retirement. He says that Austin Theory can shape the next two decades, but wants to know if he can do it. He says that Austin Theory's reign will not last forever and that with age comes wisdom, then says that he has not held championship gold in a while and that nothing lasts forever.
Austin Theory retains the WWE United States Championship against Edge following the interference from Finn Balor. After the match, Finn Balor continues to attack Edge and hits him with the Coup de Grace. He then tells Edge that this is just the beginning before hitting the Coup de Grace again. Shortly after this, Finn Balor then hits Edge with a third Coup de Grace to end the show.
This week on Raw Talk: Bianca Belair! Mustafa Ali! Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky)!
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody says that he is not the same person he was when he started his journey fifteen years ago, and that he has thought about his first show at Ohio Valley Wrestling when he thought he would be WWE Champion in two years or the next John Cena. He says that if he could go back and talk to his younger self, he actually would not tell him exactly how his career would really go because everything in his career has been "100% worth it." He says that wrestling - and WWE - has more than one royal family, and for that to be true, he has to stand across from another and stand across Roman Reigns, and while he has respect for Roman, he will end his championship reign at WrestleMania. Suddenly, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio) show up, and Finn Balor asks Cody if he is returning to do something original or knock off his old stuff like he has done before. Dominik says that Cody ruined their plans at Royal Rumble even as Rhea Ripley succeeded at hers. He goes on to say that he should have won the Royal Rumble, then Finn Balor jokingly asks what happened to Rey Mysterio. Dominik says that Cody put his hands on him and ruined his moment, but if Cody did that in prison, he would have "got got." Damian Priest says Dominik should be the only multi-generational talent headling WrestleMania, not some suck-up who is given whatever he wants. After stating that Rhea worked to win her Rumble match, he says that Cody was handed the #30 position in his. Dominik says that Cody owes him for ruining his Royal Rumble moment, but Cody interrupts and asks Dominik if he is trying to scare him straight. As he says he has respect for Rey, Dominik says he has none for him or anyone else's father. The crowd soon chants "Kick his ass!" before Cody contemplates whether to play it safe for the next 62 says to kick anyone in The Judgment Day's ass tonight. Before the commercial break, Edge suddenly runs out and attacks The Judgment Day, and officials and security have to break up the brawl as Cody joins in on the brawl.
It is announced that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes will face Finn Balor later tonight.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins beats Chad Gable to qualify for the United States Championship Elimination Chamber Match after reversing the ankle lock into a Pedigree.
Iyo Sky beats Candice LeRae following the distraction from Bayley.
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring. Ripley talks about her Royal Rumble victory, then mentions her choice of champion at WrestleMania. She talks about her WrestleMania loss to Charlotte Flair three years ago and says Charlotte put her in her place. She says that Charlotte is always in the title picture and at the top of her game, but she also gets better every year. Rhea then says that she is "the disruptor," and advises Charlotte Flair to enjoy the fans rising and bowing, as they will soon rise to her. She says she will put Charlotte in her place at WrestleMania, then officially announces that she will face Charlotte.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Rollins says he will go on to Elimination Chamber, beat five other opponents, take the United States title from Austin Theory and head to WrestleMania. On the subject of Logan Paul eliminating him in the Royal Rumble, however, Rollins walks away.
WrestleMania 39 is in 61 days!
Johnny Gargano beats Baron Corbin to qualify for the United States Championship Elimination Chamber Match after Dexter Lumis puts a throwing axe through JBL's hat to discourage him from interfering.
It's time for The VIP Lounge. Tonight's guest is Austin Theory. Theory talks about how he used to watch The VIP Lounge when he was a kid, then says that he himself can make it The VIP Lounge. MVP says trends come and go, but classics never go out of style, then asks Theory where he head is at. Theory reminds MVP that MVP said Bobby Lashley can beat him, then says he was messing with him and mentions that he can survive the Elimination Chamber after what Brock Lesnar did to him. He says that he is the aggressiveness the new generation needs and that no amount of aggression can stop him. MVP says he can see himself in Theory, but reminds Theory there is no telling who will be in the match with him. After a discussion about how dangerous Bobby Lashley is, Theory says that Lashley and MVP should be worried about Lashley's health, not his, as MVP's "meal ticket" is about to be eaten up by Brock Lesnar. Lashley shows up and attacks Theory, but when Lashley goes for a Spear, Theory pulls MVP into harm's way before retreating.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio). Finn Balor says he thought Edge would have had enough, and tells Edge he is not hard to fight. He then says "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes has stolen from him for years, and tonight, he is coming to collect.
The Miz is in the ring. As he talks about how he was disrespected and attacked by Kevin Owens last week, his bad luck at the men's Royal Rumble, and no chance to enter the Elimination Chamber match, WWE official Adam Pearce shows up. Pearce says that someone has been beating down his door for that same opportunity, then introduces Rick Boogs, who is back from injury. As Rick Boogs rocks out, The Miz is offended at the fact that Pearce wants him to have a match with Boogs in a suit, but Pearce says Miz always talks about how awesome he is and that he cannot think of a better way to prove it, then makes the match official.
Rick Boogs quickly beats The Miz.
Backstage, Maximum Male Models (Maxxine Dupri, Mansoor, Mace) notice Otis backstage. Mansoor thinks Otis is grotesque, but Maxxine Dupri says "It's perfect."
Bayley heads to the ring. Bayley brags about how Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky) took Becky Lynch out last week and how dominant they were at Royal Rumble to the point that she eliminated Becky Lynch, then says she is done with Becky Lynch. Becky Lynch shows up and says they are not done until she says they are, as she needed to make sure Damage CTRL did not win the Royal Rumble after costing the fans a steel cage match because Bayley is scared of her. Bayley says she is smart and that Becky has to make everything about herself, then says that Becky is overrated and is not good enough to be famous, to be a champion, to be the ring with her one-on-one, or for her husband Seth Rollins. She also says that Seth married her only because he knocked her up. Becky says she thought they were fighting only over wrestling, but knows this is personal, and demands a steel cage match with her next week. Bayley declines, then Becky heads to the back and drags Dakota Kai - with a chair around her ankle - to the stage. Becky threatens to injure Dakota if she does not get what she wants, and Bayley accepts. Becky tells Bayley she can bring her friends with her, but she might want to check on Iyo Sky first. She then leaves.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews WWE official Adam Pearce, who announces that Bayley vs. Becky Lynch in a steel cage will happen next week and that there will be a women's Elimination Chamber match will decide who faces Bianca Belair at WrestleMania. He says that the final four of the women's Royal Rumble outside of Rhea have qualified, and that there will be qualifying matches to decide the final two participants. Suddenly, Chelsea Green shows up and asks if Adam Pearce is "the manager" before complaining about her Royal Rumble elimination and the lack of special treatment.
Bronson Reed beats Dolph Ziggler to qualify for the United States Championship Elimination Chamber Match.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Carmella, who has not been seen in seven months. Carmella wants a little more exciting and enthusiasm, as she is about to come back on top where she belongs when she qualifies for the women's Elimination Chamber match. Asuka suddenly shows up, and as Carmella says she is not scared of her, Asuka smiles and shows that her teeth are blue. Carmella leaves as blue mist spills out of her mouth.
In the locker room, Byron Saxton interviews Rick Boogs. He says it feels like he is climbing a mountain in a loincloth and he wants to scream at the top of his lungs. He says it is great to be back, and while the road to recovery has been long, he is back. As The Street Profits talk about how Rick can shred on a guitar, Elias says it takes time to be an artist. Byron Saxton then mentions the Elimination Chamber qualifying match between Montez Ford and Elias as well as Dawkins' qualifying match against Damian Priest. Both men say they will win and must become United States Champion, but Angelo Dawkins says he will beat Damian Priest and go on to be champion.
"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Finn Balor after Edge shows up and attacks Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio while "The Glamazon" Beth Phoenix shows up and hits Rhea Ripley with a Spear when Rhea attacks Edge. Edge then distracts Finn Balor as he goes for the Coup de Grace, and that allows Cody to win after hitting Finn with the Cross Rhodes three times.
This week on Raw Talk: Bronson Reed! Austin Theory! Carmella!
Kevin Owens heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Owens says that in three weeks, he will challenge Roman Reigns for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. Suddenly, JBL interrupts him. JBL tells Owens that most of the fans in Birmingham, Alabama are "one generation away from walking on all fours," and while they believe in a lot of things, nobody believes that Owens can beat Roman Reigns. He then introduces the only person who has had a pinfall victory against Roman Reigns in the last three years: Baron Corbin. Corbin shows up, then says there is no chance Owens can beat Reigns, as "Reigns is Georgia and Owens is Alabama." JBL calls the Birmingham fans an embarrassment as Owens facepalms into a top turnbuckle and Corbin brags he will win the Royal Rumble and become Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. JBL then notices that Owens' face is in the turnbuckle and tells him to wake up, as does Corbin, who threatens to put him to sleep. Owens says that the two of them put him in a coma by saying nothing interesting before saying he is dressed for a fight and Corbin will do just fine. A furious JBL tells him he has his match his Corbin.
Kevin Owens beats Baron Corbin. After the match, Jey Uso jumps the barricade, and when Kevin Owens goes after him, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa also show up, and the three of them attack Owens. Owens starts fighting back, but Solo Sikoa hits him with a superkick. Owens then grabs a chair and lays everyone out, forcing them to retreat. Solo tries to run back into the ring, but officials hold him back.
Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Solo Sikoa are met by WWE official Adam Pearce, who tells them that there is a Tag Team Turmoil match tonight and that whoever wins it will get a tag team title shot. Also, Solo Sikoa is also put in a match with Dolph Ziggler, and both Kevin Owens and The Usos are out of the building.
It is announced that Bianca Belair has multiple stitches and will be okay, and that Alexa Bliss was fined an undisclosed sum for attacking an official. Alexa Bliss then suddenly shows up and says that Bianca Belair should be afraid of her, because she is the face of evil. Alexa says she does not feel bad about what she did, as she has not felt this good in a long time. She says she has finally taken control and is now the one in charge, and that she is not afraid to scratch and claw Bianca's face to become Raw Women's Champion. We suddenly see footage of a swing set and an image of Uncle Howdy. Uncle Howdy asks Alexa if she is really in charge, then Uncle Howdy shows up and laughs.
Before the next match, Bayley says Becky Lynch is either here because she cannot stand what Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky) has, or she is not here because she cannot that she lost to her. She then gives Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky the night off and lets them head to the back. She then tells Becky Lynch to watch what she does to Mia Yim.
Bayley beats "Michin" Mia Yim with a backslide pin after using the ropes for leverage.
It is announced that Johnny Gargano is out with an AC sprain.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Candice LeRae. Candice LeRae says that Johnny Gargano cannot be in Tag Team Turmoil and is focused on getting better, then says that she wants to be part of the women's Royal Rumble match when Rhea Ripley shows up. Rhea Ripley tells Candice that she has no chance to winning and making it to WrestleMania, but Candice says she has the same chance as her. Rhea Ripley says Candice is more likely to have her pixie wings ripped apart, and Candice challenges her to a match. Rhea says Dominik Mysterio will have a nice homecoming gift in watching her squish Candice like a bug, then says she will see Candice in the ring.
Austin Theory heads to the ring. Theory says that the fans must accept the truth and that "The Now" is forever, then mockingly asks where Seth "Freakin'" Rollins is before saying that Rollins limped away from the ring when his knee could not hold up. He says that Rollins was outclassed, outshined and taken to school, then Rollins shows up on crutches. All of a sudden, Rollins plays air guitar with one of the crutches and reveals that he is not even hurt, then dances around with the crutch on the way to the ring. Theory says everyone might be singing Rollins' song, but Rollins is not at 100% and he beat him last week, then says that if Rollins is the mountaintop, then he is the pinnacle of the industry. He then admits that Rollins is one of the best before saying he has surpassed him and is on to bigger and better things, such as winning the men's Royal Rumble match. Theory also says that when he wins, he will go on to headline WrestleMania and become the Undisputed WWE Universal Champion. Rollins asks Theory if he is done, then says his knee is not 100%, but it will be just in time to win the men's Royal Rumble and main event WrestleMania. He then says he came out to hear the fans sing his song before telling Theory he will see him at the Royal Rumble before handing his crutch to Theory. Suddenly, Bobby Lashley shows up. Theory tells Lashley not to get in the ring, because he is the past and this is his ring, then tries to hit him with the crutch before Lashley lays him out with a Spear. Lashley then throws Theory over the top rope and says that it does not matter who is in the men's Royal Rumble match, because he is back, his suspension is over and he is ready to manhandle everyone in the match.
Rhea Ripley beats Candice LeRae.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Bobby Lashley. Suddenly, MVP shows up and asks Saxton to let them talk privately. Lashley says he appreciates MVP getting him reinstated when MVP mentions it, and says he wants to get The Hurt Business (Lashley, Cedric Alexander, Shelton Benjamin) back together and take on The Bloodline. Lashley says he is good, as he has not forgotten what happened between them, but if he wants to get back into business, he knows who to look for.
It is announced that Money In The Bank will be held in London, England, UK this year and will be the first premium live event to be held there in over two decades.
We see a video package on "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' road to recovery.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Dolph Ziggler, who says that he is focused on being the best, then says The Bloodline went to far and that he wants revenge. Suddenly, Mustafa Ali shows up wanting to know why he declined his offer to be in Tag Team Turmoil with him, having already cost him the United States Championship and now an opportunity at the tag team titles, but Ziggler says that while they could go far, tonight is not about tag team or about Mustafa.
We see a vignette for Bronson Reed.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Bronson Reed. Suddenly, The Miz shows up and says that he and Bronson have each other's back, and that Bronson is not just a bruiser, but a highly ethical man, and anyone who misses with him messes with Bronson. Miz then extends an invitation to Bronson to be on the Miz TV set, but Bronson tells him if that he wants something, he has to pay him.
Solo Sikoa beats Dolph Ziggler after countering the Famouser with the Samoan Spike. After the match, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up to celebrate with Solo Sikoa.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky). Bayley says she sent a message tonight that they are dominant against the women's division. Mia Yim shows up and says Bayley is a fraud and a cheat, but Bayley says Mia Yim is a sore loser. She also says she is not afraid to get some help, especially to kick Mia Yim's ass. Damage CTRL gang up on Mia Yim, and Bayley tells Mia Yim not to step up for someone who will not be there for her.
It's time for Miz TV. Tonight's guest is Dominik Mysterio. Dominik Mysterio arrives with the rest of The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley), then says that the one thing he learned in prison is to always roll with your crew. He also says snitches get stitches. He then tells Miz to imagine being locked up with the world's most dangerous people and not knowing where your next meal is and it is "push or be pushed." He says that if he ever had to see Rhea again, he would have to do what he had to do. He also says that when life comes with crazy changes, you have to grab it by the balls. Dominik then talks about a time when he caught his cellmate talking about punching a hole in his face and how he confronted him in his own bunk to put a stop to it. Dominik then says he knows "how Martha Stewart feels." When Miz says that Dominik was locked up in county jail for only a few hours, The Judgment Day confront him for it, then Damian Priest says he and Finn Balor will win Tag Team Turmoil tonight. Before The Judgment Day can confront Miz further, The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) show up for the next match.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio) beat The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson), the team of Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin, Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) in a Tag Team Turmoil Match to face The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) for the undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships. During the match, Finn Balor is hurt and cannot continue after Alpha Academy is eliminated following a Vader Bomb from Otis, and Dominik Mysterio is forced to take Finn Balor's place when Finn Balor is medically disqualified. The Judgment Day beat The Street Profits when Dominik uses the ropes for leverage on a schoolkid pin on Montez Ford. After the match, The Usos and The Judgment Day have a stare-down at the ramp.
This week on Raw Talk: Alexa Bliss! Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin! Austin Theory!
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rollins says last week was both crazy and wild, for as soon as he put out an open challenge, contenders like Finn Balor, Mustafa Ali, Bobby Lashley and Austin Theory have come out of the woodwork. When Rollins mentions that Austin Theory unsuccessfully cashed in his Money In The Bank briefcase on him, the crowd chants "That was stupid." Rollins says that something is different about the United States title and that something different is him, as he has made it the top prize on Monday nights. He then states that he will add to his legacy when he beats a former foe in Finn Balor, then Bobby Lashley heads to the ring. Lashley talks about how he turned Theory into a punchline and how the beating he gave Rollins last week will keep happening until he gets the United States title back, but Rollins tells him he had his opportunity only to try to take his soul from his body. He also says that Lashley has had a bit of a temper as of late ever since Brock Lesnar beat him at Crown Jewel. Suddenly, Mustafa Ali shows up with a referee, and Lashley warns Mustafa that he will give him a bigger beating if he does not leave. Mustafa Ali slides into the ring only to be tossed out by Lashley seconds later, but Mustafa Ali gets back in the ring and gets on top of Lashley only to be tossed out again as Rollins leaves. Lashley tells Mustafa Ali that he is pissing him off and that he is welcome to an ass-whipping, and that it will not be pretty.
Bobby Lashley beats Mustafa Ali with the Hurt Lock after Ali passes out while in the hold.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The O.C. ("The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) and Mia Yim. Styles says they are not worried about retaliation from The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio), and Gallows says he is the reason Mia Yim has joined The O.C. Styles says their war with The Judgment Day needs to come to an end, as they have been a thorn in his side since WrestleMania when he refused to join them. Styles then challenges Finn Balor to a match at Survivor Series to put this to an end. Anderson says that "Michin" - Korean for "crazy," which is The O.C.'s nickname for Mia - will take care of business in her return match tonight.
Mia Yim beats Tamina. Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio show up at the start of the match to watch from ringside, and Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky) are seen watching the match from backstage. After the match, Mia Yim dares Rhea Ripley to get in the ring. Rhea teases getting in the ring, but does not.
Backstage, Matt Riddle is playing on his bongos before he is interviewed by Cathy Kelley. Riddle says Elias is "doing big rock star things" and booking gigs for their new band, then Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) shows up as Gable shooshes Riddle, leading to a "bro-shoosh" war. Gable says the idea of Elias and Riddle as a tag team is preposterous and that he will put Riddle down like he did Elias.
Backstage, Mia Yim is met by Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky). Dakota Kai says they are impressed, as nobody has been able to hang with Rhea and that Mia Yim has been forgotten for so long. She says that Damage CTRL have gotten together to remind everyone who they are and that it is time for Mia Yim to remind everyone who she is. Bayley then asks Mia Yim to join their team at WarGames, and Mia declines. The O.C. ("The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) shows up with a bucket of beers before things can get worse, and Damage CTRL leave.
Chad Gable beats Matt Riddle with a backslide pin with his feet on the bottom rope for leverage while Otis holds on to Gable's feet.
Backstage, Baron Corbin and JBL are playing poker with some random person. Corbin wins with three kings and two queens and takes all of the man's money, and JBL refuses the Kentucky whisky while drinking some of their own when Akira Tozawa sits down. Tozawa says he is here to play poker despite not knowing any of the rules.
It's time for Miz TV. The Miz shows up dressed similarly to Fred Rogers as he heads to the ring, and after the commercial break, Byron Saxton is also in the ring with him. In the center of the ring is a table with a blacktable cloth and a Christmas family photo of The Miz's family. Miz says that tonight, he relinquishes his role as host to Saxton and makes himself the special guest. As Saxton starts asking question, Miz pulls out a prepared statement. In the statement, Miz says that he regrets paying Dexter Lumis and states that he wanted empathy, as he has been in WWE for eighteen years and has ever been given so much as a cheer or a pat on the back. He also says that people were still not on his side even as he helped Lumis get back on his feet, but Lumis says that he kept taking until there was no end in sight and that he has to put an end to Lumis' greed. When Saxton asks about the private investigator, Miz says he was putting on a performance and telling her what she wanted to hear, and that he had to bend the truth. Miz says he is a loving father and devoted husband and that he is sick of everything that is happening, then Johnny Gargano shows up and says The Miz was vacation with his family in Cabo and that it was on the Internet thanks to Maryse posting pictures. He tells Miz to stop deflecting, then says nobody cares about The Miz because he always takes the easy way out and got himself caught up in the lie. Miz gets angry and says Gargano is in this to get people to cheer for him. Gargano says that everyone knows that The Miz is a compulsive liar and will continue to be one as he lies about everything, including his sweater, which Miz insists is a cardigan. Gargano also calls The Miz out for dressing like Fred Rogers, who he says is a good guy, and Miz repeatedly insists he is a good guy before yelling he is sorry. Gargano tells Miz to have some integrity and pay his debts to Lumis. Miz says it is time for everyone to move on, and Gargano agrees before telling him that he has shown the hidden camera footage to WWE officials and that it will all come to an end when Miz and Lumis square off in a match in two weeks. If Dexter Lumis wins, Miz has to pay him the money he is owed and that he will earn a WWE contract. Miz says this is the biggest mistake of Lumis' life and that there will be no money and no contract when he is done with him. Gargano then dares Miz to say this to Lumis' face, and it is revealed that Lumis was one of the cameramen near the ring the whole time. Miz runs, and Lumis is only able to get his hand on Miz's sweater as Miz runs to the stage.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Cathy Kelley interviews Shelton Benjamin when Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio show up. Dominik says Shelton has been a failure since his father and Eddie Guerrero was in their primes. After Dominik says that he is better than them and way better than him, Shelton threatens to give him the beating his father should have given him. Damian Priest steps between them and tells Shelton to calm down and that if he has a problem with Dominik, he has a problem with him. This leads to Damian Priest challenging Shelton to a match. Shelton accepts, then points at Dominik and says that he accepts his challenge and that he will see Dominik in the ring.
Dominik Mysterio beats Shelton Benjamin following the distraction and interference by Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest, when Priest pulls Dominik to the bottom rope as Shelton Benjamin has Dominik in the ankle lock while Rhea Ripley distracts the referee.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Austin Theory. Theory says nobody understands him and the pressure he is under, and that everyone thinks he is made for this because of his looks and what he has done, and that nobody knows his full story. He says that he was the next big thing, and he exceeded expectations and became the face of the franchise, yet people want to see him fail because they cannot relate to him. Theory says that he did not fall last week, and since he could not cash in on Roman Reigns due to others being there to foil everything, he cashed in on Seth Rollins, and if it were not for Bobby Lashley, he would have become champion. Dolph Ziggler shows up and says Theory made the worst cash-in ever, then says he tried to give him advice but Theory did not want to listen because his ego was too big. Theory says he is getting sick of Ziggler and that he is ready to prove he is "the now," and that he is eager to prove it to him in the ring so that there are no excuses. Ziggler says to Theory "Sure thing, kid."
We see a video package about the WarGames Match.
Iyo Sky beats Dana Brooke. After the match, Mia Yim shows up and tells Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Nikki Cross) that she has picked her side before Bianca Belair, Alexa Bliss and Asuka show up and stand with her.
Backstage, Akira Tozawa is beating Baron Corbin and JBL at poker, and Corbin and JBL are not happy. Corbin says he has all the money in the world, but Akira Tozawa says they will settle things in the ring. Tozawa extends his hand for a handshake, then slaps Corbin's hand and runs away with his money.
Austin Theory vs. Dolph Ziggler ends in a no-contest after Theory keeps beating on Ziggler and refuses to listen to the referee. After the match, Theory snaps and throws chairs at Ziggler before referees and officials get Theory away from Ziggler. Theory soon gets his hands on Ziggler again, but officials and referees stop him quickly.
Backstage, Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Nikki Cross) are met by Rhea Ripley. Rhea says that if Mia Yim is on Bianca Belair's side, then she is on theirs.
Baron Corbin beats Akira Tozawa despite a flurry of offense from Tozawa throughout the match.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Asuka, Alexa Bliss, Bianca Belair and Mia Yim. Bianca says Rhea Ripley may be a problem, but Mia Yim is, and that their fifth member will be even better. On the subject of the advantage match, she says that their representative will not be picked light because they are about war while their opponents are about games. After Bianca's team leaves, Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) shows up. Gable brags about him and Otis beating Elias and Matt Riddle in singles match before mocking about the idea of them facing Alpha Academy as a team, then Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up and dances around.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Finn Balor. He says tonight is about Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and that they both have unfinished business, and that he will remind Rollins of who he is and become the new United States Champion.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins retains the WWE United States Championship against Finn Balor following a brawl between the rest of The Judgment Day (Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio, Rhea Ripley), and The O.C. ("The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) and Mia Yim. After the match, Austin Theory attacks Rollins from behind and hits him with A-Town Down before giving Rollins as violent a beating that he gave to Dolph Ziggler earlier in the night before hitting another A-Town Down. Theory then grabs the WWE United States Championship and blasts Rollins with it before raising it into the air to end the show.
This week on Raw Talk: Bobby Lashley! Baron Corbin and JBL! The Miz!
The show immediately begins with Bobby Lashley calling out Brock Lesnar and wanting a fight in the ring right now. Brock Lesnar shows up, and after a staredown across the ramp, Lashley charges towards Lesnar only for Lesnar to overpower him. Lesnar goes for an F5 on the outside, but Lashley escapes it, sends Lesnar into the ring post, then Spears him through the barricade into the timekeeper's area until WWE official Adam Pearce and a bevy of officials, Superstars and security get between them. Lashley makes it back to Lesnar and Spears him again, this time near the announce table, and everyone heads over there to break the brawl just before Lashley puts Lesnar through the table. Lesnar is on his back as Lashley is kept far away from Lesnar.
The Good Brothers, now known as The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) again, beat Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis). After the match, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) show up. Finn Balor is unimpressed with the "too sweet" hand signal, and Damian Priest says the only thing that The O.C. did last week was guaranteeing getting cooked by them. Balor says that he is the one that started "this stupid little club" and that he can end them, then challenges The O.C. to a match at Crown Jewel. "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles accepts, then says he cannot understand why does this when they could do this right now unless they have to ask their mother for permission. Dominik says The O.C. will be running away like Rey Mysterio did because The O.C. cannot hang with them. Styles calls Dominik "a piece of trash" who turned on his own father and calls him a punk, then wants to see if Dominik can walk the walk and proposes that they have a match to see if Dominik can handle. Ripley tells Styles that Dominik will rip him limb from limb, and Dominik agrees. Dominik then says he is not ready and does not even have his gear on, and that when he is in about an hour, he will mop the floor with Styles. Styles tells Dominik to get prepared so he can "beat the piss out of [him]."
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring. Rollins tells all the doubters to kiss his "big, beautiful red behind" and the fans who always had his back to sing his song, which they do. He says tonight is an historic night, as it will be the first defense in what will be the greatest United States title run of all time when he wipes the mat with Matt Riddle's face. Rollins says that by doing so, he will clear up the miscommunication that was Extreme Rules. He says he may have tapped out when Riddle had him in the triangle sleeper, but it was a strategic move that he did for the fans so he could beat Bobby Lashley and become champ. Suddenly, Mustafa Ali shows up and congratulates Rollins on becoming United States Champion before mentioning that Brock Lesnar gave him the assist and that Bobby Lashley gave him a title opportunity down the line. Ali says that things change, but his challenge remains the same, and he wants to fight Rollins for the United States Championship. Rollins laughs and asks Ali if he looks like Bobby Lashley before telling him to get to the back of the line so he can focus on Riddle. He then gives Ali the choice of staying here and partying with everyone or getting out of his ring because he does not belong in it. Ali takes Rollins' glasses and tosses them away, then says it will not go down that way and that he is his "next freakin' problem." As Ali says that he is not leaving and not backing down, Rollins stops him and says he likes him, saying that Ali is one of the best performers in the WWE and an even better human being who helps everyone out in the back. As Rollins calls Ali a great friend and father, he sucker punches him and tosses him out of the ring. As Rollins casually leaves the ring, Ali attacks Rollins from behind, and both men brawl. Rollins throws Ali into the ring post, then leaves.
JBL's white limousine arrives at the arena.
Bayley guests on commentary for the next match.
Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky) beat Candice LeRae and Bianca Belair after Bianca stops Bayley from getting involved in the match with a Kendo stick.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Matt Riddle. Riddle says Seth Rollins is like "a cheap hoverboard" and can make any excuse he wants, but he has beaten him in the Fight Pit and he will beat him again for the United States Championship. Riddle then sees Mustafa Ali and gives him props for standing up to Rollins before telling him he will get the first shot, then the two of them hear The Miz groaning as he holds his knee, which he says he injured when he slipped and fell on a wet floor as he was keeping watch for Dexter Lumis. Miz then tells Riddle and Ali to get help and find a doctor.
Backstage, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) are met by Cora Jade. Cora has a one-on-one audience with Rhea Ripley as she asks Rhea Ripley if she wants to be Roxanne Perez's opponent for Roxanne's "Pick Your Poison" match. Rhea Ripley says she would not mind putting Roxanne Perez down and says she is in.
JBL heads to the ring. He says that it takes "a momentous occasion" for him to return to WWE and that tonight is no exception, as he has an announcement that will shake the foundation of Raw. JBL apologizes for doing this in Oklahoma, saying "the great state is right there" and brags about Texas beating Oklahoma in college football recently as he says that he despises Oklahoma and everyone in it. He announces that Rey Mysterio has finally left Raw and that "that deadbeat dad" Rey Mysterio is one of the worst people on the planet and that he wears a mask because he is ashamed of himself. JBL then says that this has allowed for a great trade and welcomes back Happy Corbin, who is known as Baron Corbin once again. Corbin makes his way to the ring. JBL says Corbin is two to three times the size of Rey and that Corbin's dominance starts tonight before saying Corbin has great competition in Dolph Ziggler and putting Corbin on a pedestal before declaring tonight "the emergence of the modern day wrestling god." JBL guests on commentary for the next match.
Baron Corbin beats Dolph Ziggler.
Backstage in the trainer's room, Byron Saxton interviews The Miz, who says that he is in an immense amount of pain when Saxton says that custodial staff in the arena have revealed that The Miz faked his injury. The Miz takes offense to this and says he has a lawsuit on his hands, but when someone mentions that Dexter Lumis is here, Miz gets to his feet. We find out that someone is Johnny Gargano, who exposes The Miz, who then toughens up and says he will beat Lumis tonight.
Backstage, we hear from Omos and MVP. MVP says he is here to celebrate Braun Strowman, not deride him, for his strength and ferocity. He says that Strowman strikes fear in the hearts of ordinary men, but Omos is extraordinary. MVP says he and Omos will head to SmackDown and look Strowman down directly into his eyes to make sure he understands that Omos fears no man, as monsters are not real but giants are. Omos pounds his right fist into his left hand.
Backstage, The O.C. ("The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) converse when Cameron Grimes suddenly shows up and asks for help with The Schism (Joe Gacy, Rip Fowler, Jagger Reid). He asks The O.C. for their help, and Gallows says they are his guys.
Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley is official for Crown Jewel.
Dominik Mysterio beats "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles after Rhea Ripley grabs Styles' leg from the outside while the referee is dealing with The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) and The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley) so that Dominik can win with a schoolkid pin.
Backstage, The Miz is met by Johnny Gargano. Johnny says he has known Dexter Lumis for some time, and tells The Miz that if he wants out of his match with Lumis, all he has to do is tell the truth. The Miz says he will beat Lumis and ban him forever, then deal with Gargano next.
Before the next match can begin, The Miz attacks Dexter Lumis with a chair on the stage before driving him into it with the Skull Crushing Finale.
Backstage, Bryon Saxton interviews Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky). Bayley says they are tired of people asking about what is next instead of what is going on right now before bragging about getting rid of Asuka and Alexa Bliss. Dakota Kai says they will continue to reign as Women's Tag Team Champions, and Bayley says that they will continue to be champions after SmackDown. Bayley then says that she will show Bianca Belair what it is like when she is back in control.
Backstage, The Miz runs into Johnny Gargano, who calls what The Miz did a bad move and that he must give Dexter Lumis what he promised, but The Miz says Lumis will not get a contract any time soon. The Miz then notices Johnny Gargano's whistle, and Gargano says he carries it around for dramatic effect before he threatens to blow the whistle on him if he does not come clean.
Elias is in the ring for his return. Elias says he is glad to be back, then mentions that his brother Ezekiel's career was tragically cut short. He says the show must go on before asking who wants to walk with Elias. He says that he would normally sing and play his guitar, but he wanted to do something special tonight, and he debuts a new song which he admits makes him "a little emotional." Before he can even perform, Matt Riddle shows up with a pair of bongos. Riddle tells Elias that he is a big Elias fan and asks Elias if he wants to "hit [his] bong," then leads a Seven Nation Army-style "Walk With Elias" chant. Elias allows Riddle to take a front row seat for his performance, and Riddle asks if a collaboration is possible one day. Elias promises that one day, the two of them will play together. Riddle takes his seat, then tells Elias he will be there if he needs anything. Elias then performs his song for less than a minute before Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins retains the WWE United States Championship against Matt Riddle when Elias gets in the ring to attack Rollins in response to Rollins superkicking him after he refused to hit him and force a disqualification only for Rollins to block an RKO and shove Riddle into Elias before hitting The Stomp to retain. After the match, Seth Rollins is about to Stomp Matt Riddle into the United States Championship when Mustafa Ali shows up and attacks Rollins for earlier tonight. Ali clotheslines Rollins over the barricade, and Rollins has to flee through the crowd.
This week on Raw Talk: Baron Corbin and JBL! Elias! Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky)!
