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.
Galeno beats Galio and Golden Jacket in a handicap match.
Backstage, Dorian Roldan tells Omo that Galeno just won another two-on-one handicap match. Omos tells Roldan to give him three opponents.
El Fiscal, Octagon Jr. and La Parka beat Los Vipers (Abismo Negro Jr., Histeria and Taurus) in a six-man tag match after El Fiscal and Abismo Negro Jr. brawl their way to the back.
Omos beats Chris Carter, Kingu and Daimo in a three-on-one handicap match.
Lola Vice and Mr. Iguana retain the AAA Mixed Tag Team Championships against Joaquin Wilde and La Hiedra. After the match, La Hiedra confronts Mr. Iguana and punches him, and when Lola fights La Hiedra, Joaquin Wilde gets involved only to get hit with a spinning back fist. Flammer and Maravilla run in to make the save for La Hiedra, who joins in on a three-on-one beatdown on Lola. Bayley and La Catalina soon show up and make the save for Lola, and Flammer ends up surrounded until Maravilla pulls her out of the ring.
El Grande Americano II heads to the ring to start tonight's show. He says it is beautiful to be back home with his people in Monterey, and says that it is emotional. He says that he is not here to talk, but to deal with El Grande Americano I, who he claims has come to his house to steal his name, his colors and his people. He also says that he uses AI to speak Spanish, as he does not know how to speak the language. He tells El Grande Americano I to listen to him, as he does not understand where he is standing and that this is not Raw in the United States; this is Mexico. He says that a good friend of his is in the back ready to interview in Spanish right now, without filters and without AI to see if he can really speak Spanish. He then asks the friend if he can hear him. The friend is none other than Pimpinela Escarlata in a suit and hat, and Pimpinella is backstage to interview El Grande Americano I backstage. El Grande Americano I is not in the mood to talk, and Pimpinella presses further, breaking into his dressing room and calling him a phony who cannot speak Spanish. El Grande Americano I hits Pimpinella with one of his sneakers and a chair before punching him a few times in the head. El Grande Americano I has to be held back as Pimpinela Escarlata - who is supposed to compete in a four-way qualifier for Rey de Reyes tonight - is checked on by medical personnel.
Dragon Lee beats Jack Cartwheel to become #1 contender for the AAA Cruiserweight Championship. After the match, Dragon Lee addresses the fans before he is interrupted by TJP, who says that he, not Dragon Lee, is number one while Dragon Lee is number two, because Laredo Kid likes to cheat. He also says that the people do not like Dragon Lee, but Dragon Lee dares TJP to step in the ring. Laredo Kid shows up and clotheslines TJP in the ring before going after him. Dragon Lee and Laredo Kid fight over TJP once Laredo shoves Dragon Lee out of the way, and TJP knocks Dragon Lee into Laredo Kid with a jumping knee. Laredo Kid takes out TJP, but all of a sudden, Jack Cartwheel hits Dragon Lee from the top rope with a missile drop kick, then looks at the AAA Cruiserweight Championship while
Backstage, a doctor states that Pimpinela Escarlata is suffering from cervical issues as Pimpinela Escarlata is being fitted with a neck brace by medical personnel.
Backstage, we hear from El Ojo (Dorian Roldan, Omos, El Hijo del Vikingo). Dorian says they are in front of an athlete. Vikingo asks if he is sure that Omos will win, but Dorian is sure of his chances. Vikingo says that if Omos wins the sword of Rey de Reyes and he wins the Mega Championship, he has to face Omos. Dorian says he is several steps ahead of him and that he will maintain control of this company, and that . He then says that Vikingo should be focused on Dominik, and wants to get a match for him to get him prepared. He says that this is the first part of a plan that he has been working on for a long time. He says that El Ojo is at its most united, and that they will make sure the plan goes in motion tonight.
Pimpinela Escarlata tells El Grande Americano II that El Grande Americano I hurt him, and tells him to wrestle in his stead tonight as he is about to be placed in an ambulance. El Grande Americano II says that he will do this for Pimpinela and for Mexico.
El Grande Americano II beats "All Ego" Ethan Page, El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. and Omos in a four-way Rey de Reyes qualifier . During the match, Santos Escobar pulls the referee out of the ring after El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. counters the Twisted Grin with the Wagner Driver. El Hijo del Dr. Wagner Jr. and Santos Escobar brawl their way to the back, and as Ethan page and El Grande Americano II go at it, Omos takes the both of them down. All of a sudden, Los Americanos (Rayo Americano and Bravo Amiercano) show up and handcuff Omos to the ring post before helping El Grande Americano II load up his mask for the headbutt to Omos. Ethan Page hits a pump kick, and El Grande Americano II makes Ethan Page tap when he counters with La Cabernaria, but the referee is still down. All of a sudden, El Grande Americano I shows up with Pimpinela Escarlata's hat and a metal folding chair. He takes out Los Americanos, and while El Grande Americano II grabs and tries to unmask El Grande Americano I, Ethan Page grabs El Grande Americano II for the Ego's Edge. El Grande Americano II kicks out, and La Paaka shows up and takes El Grande Americano I out with his own metal folding chair as Ethan Page tries to get El Grande Americano I to pass the chair over to him. El Grande Americano then hits Ethan Page with the headbutt to win the match and qualify for Rey de Reyes.
Triple H heads to the ring to start tonight's show. After praising WrestleMania for living up to its name, he thanks every performer that has ever graced a WWE ring and put their body on the line every single week and the staff and crew that make WWE's events possible, those behind the scenes for making the spectacle of what WWE does possible, and of course, the fans. He says that when WWE makes the news, that is all everyone wants to talk about, and says that the WWE that everyone loves and put over 160,000 to the rafters last weekend is going nowhere and they will be there week in, week out, venue after venue, because they are WWE, then, now, forever and together. Triple H then asks the fans to help him acknowledge one more person: Roman Reigns, who shows up with Paul Heyman and Solo Sikoa. Triple H shakes hands with all three men as he heads to the back and they head to the ring. After Roman demands that Hollywood acknowledge him, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up. Cody says he knows what he wants to talk about and admits that today is turning out a lot differently than he and a lot of people thought it would, then acknowledges that Roman was the better competitor. Cody also states while the world is watching, he knows Roman knows Roman has skated by on many matches and that he had Roman. Cody then says that he already knows what to talk about and that it is all down to one word: rematch. Roman lets Heyman speak, and Heyman says he was thinking on behalf of Roman when exactly Cody would like this "hypothetical" rematch. Cody bluntly proclaims "Tonight." Heyman says "No rematch, not tonight, not in Puerto Rico, not at SummerSlam, not at Survivor Series, not at Royal Rumble, not at Madison Square Garden, not at San Francisco." As the crowd chants "Bullshit," Heyman says this is called "calling the shots" from living on the island of relevance, but Cody says he is not in a normal mood for that after last night, and if Roman refuses to do a rematch, they can do a tag team match and at least do something. Heyman consults with Roman, then declares that he has been authorized by the Tribal Chief that his challenge is accepted, assuming that the partner - someone who wrestled this past weekend is willing to team with him - forfeits any chance at the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship. After Heyman mockingly asks Cody who he wants to talk about now, Brock Lesnar shows up. Roman gently holds Solo Sikoa back before they and Heyman leave the ring.
Omos quickly beats Omos.
Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) meet with Paul Heyman. Heyman says that Roman Reigns has stepped outside to talk to Solo Sikoa about strategy and that Roman appreciates their contributions last weekend and that the food on the plane is ready. After The Usos leave, Paul Heyman re-enters Roman's locker room, and he can be heard saying "I took care of it, my Tribal Chief."
Cathy Kelley interviews Bad Bunny at the front row. Bad Bunny says he is happy to be the host of Backlash in Puerto Rico this year. He says that tonight, he is just enjoying the show as the fan, but he is grateful for everything.
Rey Mysterio heads to the ring. Rey says that this has been an emotional week after being inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame and thanks the fans for welcoming him with open arms and making this possible, and thanks Bad Bunny for the help last night. Suddenly, Austin Theory shows up and says the both of them deserve a little respect, as they both did what they said they would do at WrestleMania after he beat a legend and Rey beat "the product of his own bad parenting." The crowd chants "You tapped out!" as Theory says the difference is because Rey is too busy correcting the past, and says the fans tapped out because they didn't believe in him like Dominik Mysterio did not believe in Rey. He then says that John Cena told him that the fans would eat him alive tonight, then asks the fans where it is at before saying he does not suck because he beat John Cena, which leads to a "Cena" chant. Theory says Cena is not here because he is a part-timer, then says that the fans should be cheering Rey's name at the top of their lungs because he is just like Cena, and that he will beat him too and make him part of the collection. Rey tells Theory that all he will be collecting is his teeth after he hits him with the 619. This starts a match.
Austin Theory beats Rey Mysterio after Rey knocks an interfering Dominik Mysterio off the ring apron. After the match, Dominik hits Rey with mounted punches, then looks and points at Bad Bunny before confronting him at the front row. Dominik turns away, then Bad Bunny punches him when he goes for the cheap shot. Damian Priest then grabs Bad Bunny and throws him over the barricade, telling him he should not have gotten involved. Bad Bunny shoves Priest, then decks Dominik again before Priest lays him out. Priest then clears the announce table before choke slamming Bad Bunny, despite Corey Graves warning hm that this will cost him a lot of money. Dominik then gets in the ring and stomps Rey Mysterio before leaving with Priest. Rey then checks on Bad Bunny along with members of Bad Bunny's entourage, and Rey has to call for paramedics.
Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce chews out Damian Priest for striking Bad Bunny, but Priest tells him that if Bad Bunny was not really his friend, Pearce would really have a reason to be angry.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn head to the ring. As the fans chant "You deserve it," Owens declares that they deserve the tag team titles but that the fans deserve them, too. The fans then chant for Sami, who says that it has been a crazy year for him, having gone from a match with Johnny Knoxville to becoming a tag team champion, and thanks the fans for making this possible. Sami then states that he knows that Los Angeles loves to celebrate, and Owens says that while this is pretty good, nothing says celebration like a good fight and giving his all. He also states that there are those in the locker room who want to make a name for themselves against the new tag team champions, then lays down an open challenge. The challenge is answered by The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford). Montez Ford congratulates Owens and Sami for winning the tag team titles, then Angelo Dawkins that he and Montez are also coming off a WrestleMania victory. Montez says they have put down stamp after stamp, but nobody knows their names.
The cast of Bel-Air on Peacock is seen in the crowd.
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn beat The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford).
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Rollins says he is feeling good after hitting "The Stomp Heard 'Round To The World" and sending Logan Paul and KSI back to the wasteland of social media, then says something about tonight is missing and realizes that the party is in the ring. Seth Rollins then heads to the ring. After the commercial break, everyone is still singing Rollins' entrance theme as Rollins leaves.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Bobby Lashley. As he mentions not having a WrestleMania match, Bronson Reed shows up and says they are like uncle and nephew and that Lashley taught him how to lose, and that the student will eventually beat the teacher. As Lashley wants to fight Bronson, Bronson says that school is out tonight and that Lashley will eventually learn his lesson before leaving. Mustafa Ali then shows up and says that Lashley needs to learn how to think "positive-Ali" and not take no for an answer. Lashley comes to the conclusion that he should change his thinking and should not take no for an answer, then take someone into the ring before beating them up and make that someone Ali, which he does, much to Ali's surprise. Lashley then throws Ali around and throws him into the ring, starting an impromptu match. The match end in seconds after Lashley makes Ali tap out to the Hurt Lock.
Backstage, Roman Reigns asks Paul Heyman if The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) are gone. Heyman says they have gone to the jet, then Roman asks Heyman if he knew that Brock Lesnar would be here. Heyman says this is usually when Lesnar takes six to nine months off, then Roman asks how this could happen. Heyman says that he had no idea that Lesnar would answer the challenge despite not getting another chance at the undisputed title, and that Lesnar has nothing to lose. Roman says he will smash Lesnar and Cody Rhodes again, then he will tag Solo Sikoa so they can see who is ready now.
Bianca Belair heads to the ring. Bianca says that she is still Raw Women's Champion, and that he cannot be "The EST" without stepping into the ring, and that Asuka is definitely one of the best and most dangerous women she has stepped into the ring with. After thanking Asuka for pushing her to be the toughest she can be, Rhea Ripley shows up and says Bianca walks around calling herself "The EST" when she is the luckiest in WWE after she decided to challenge Charlotte Flair instead of her. She promises Bianca that they will get back to this and that she will beat her like she beat Charlotte at WrestleMania, then Bianca says Rhea made her decision for a reason and she wants to get in the ring with the best, including Rhea. Bianca tells Rhea that one day, when Rhea is ready, they will really see who is the best of the best. Rhea leaves the ring as if she is looking forward to this, then Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan show up for the next match.
Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan beat Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky) to earn a shot at the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships.
The Miz is in the ring. Miz says he was hoping not to take on four people in three matches, especially after being surprised by Snoop Dogg, then says WrestleMania is over and that he is done with surprises. Suddenly, Matt Riddle returns for the first time in months. Suddenly, Matt Riddle returns for the first time in months. After Riddle asks the fans if everyone missed him, The Miz hits Riddle with a cheap shot and stomps him in the corner, then Riddle lays Miz out and hits him with the Bro Derek.
It is announced that Bad Bunny has been taken to a local medical facility for a separated shoulder.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interview Becky Lynch, Lita an Trish Stratus. Trish says being involved in a multi-generational face-off and beating Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky) was amazing, and Lita says that she is still on a high and that the three of them are just getting started. Becky says that after nine months of dealing with Damage CTRL, she can think of no better thing to do than elevating the women's tag team titles and beating Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan next week.
Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa vs. "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Brock Lesnar ends as soon as it begins. When the match begins, Brock immediately hits Cody with two F-5s, steps on Cody's throat, then hits him with a release German suplex before running him into the barricade. After a vertical suplex into the timekeeper's table, Lesnar rings the ring bell before hitting Cody with a chair and throwing it into the ring. Lesnar then takes the ring steps and smacks them right into Cody, then throws them into the ring. He then hits Cody with another F-5, this time into the announce desk, and chases WWE official Adam Pearce away before getting Cody back in the ring and sending him into the ring steps with a fourth F-5. Lesnar then stands over a downed Cody on the ring steps before pretending to leave, turning around, chasing officials off, grabbing a chair and hitting and choking Cody with the chair. Lesnar then finally leaves the ring, and officials check on Cody. As paramedic bring out a stretcher, Lesnar comes back and flips off everyone in the ring to end the show.
Here are the highlights for tonight's show!
This week on Raw Talk: Raquel Rodriguez and Liv Morgan! Bronson Reed! Austin Theory!
Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn head to the ring to start tonight's show. Both men acknowledge that the crowd likes the other, then Sami says it feels good to be on the same page again and that he understands that they have needed each other throughout their careers as friends, enemies and brothers. Sami also admits that he handled everything like a business transaction, which was never how it worked between them. Kevin Owens says he has always been Sami's biggest fan and admits that it frustrated him that Sami Zayn was held under The Bloodline's thumb when everyone, including himself, knew that Sami was better than all of them, but Sami got through to him, and he knew they had to take The Bloodline down together. Sami then tells Owens that they both know what is next, and both men look at the WrestleMania sign before The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) show up. Jey Uso tells Jimmy that Sami Zayn is "what a backstabber looks like," and that Sami and Owens slit each others' throats. Sami says Jey dreams of backstabbing Roman Reigns, but Jimmy tells Sami and Owens that nothing will happen at WrestleMania. Owens tells The Usos that there is only one way to settle things and only one way to do it: a tag team match for the undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships at WrestleMania. Jimmy proclaims that The Usos are the greatest tag team in the world and that Sami and Owens are undeserving of a title shot, as they have been on the same page for three minutes while they have been on the same page their whole lives. Jey interrupts Jimmy, saying this is their only shot to put the Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens problem in the dirt, then accepts the challenge before getting in the ring and starting a brawl. Sami is almost immediately outnumbered by The Usos, but Owens plows through them. Owens and Sami then gang up on Jey back in the ring, and Jimmy has to make the save for Jey. The Usos soon grab chairs, and as officials keep The Usos away from the ring, Solo Sikoa, Paul Heyman and Roman Reigns all arrive at the arena in a black SUV. The Usos throw their chairs down as Owens dares Roman to get in the ring.
WrestleMania 39 is 12 days away!
Austin Theory beats Montez Ford. After the match, Austin Theory says Montez Ford did not believe in him, but now he does, and at WrestleMania, John Cena will believe in him. Theory then points at the WrestleMania sign.
Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) meet with Roman Reigns. Roman admits the night did not start off well, and Jimmy says that while they took a few shots, nothing hurts him more than being torn from his own brother and and having to answer to it like it is his fault. Jimmy says he will never forgive Sami Zayn for this, and that at WrestleMania, they have him. Roman says he hopes so, then asks Paul Heyman, Jimmy Uso and Solo Sikoa to leave and for Jey Uso to stay. Everyone else leaves, and Jey stays. After the commercial break, Roman tells Jey that he has not seen or head from him to the point that he had to beg Jimmy to bring him back, and now Jey is making decisions, and in order to make decisions, he must be part of The Bloodline. When Roman asks Jey if he is still part of The Bloodline and still family, Jey says he is Bloodline and he is still with him. Roman says he hopes so, and that this is all he needed to hear. He then says he will see him later, and tells Jey that he loves him as he leaves. Paul Heyman returns and asks Roman if he has found the answers that he was looking for, and Roman tells him yes.
It is announced that The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), the team of Braun Strowman and Ricochet, Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) and The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) will all face each other in a Fatal 4-Way Match at WrestleMania.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews WWE official Adam Pearce about the WrestleMania Fatal 4-Way Matches when Chelsea Green shows up and brings out Piper Niven - who is replacing the current unavailable Carmella, with whom she has matching gear - and demands competition tonight. She also demands that she be in the women's showcase at WrestleMania, then warns Pearce not to make her angry, or else she will put him on blast and block him.
We see an pre-match breakdown of Brock Lesnar and Omos going into their WrestleMania match.
Omos quickly beats Mustafa Ali. After the match, MVP says Omos fears no man or beast, and that Brock Lesnar will learn to fear Omos at WrestleMania.
The Miz meets with Logan Paul within his Impaulsive TV entourage backstage about trying to be the guest on Impaulsive TV, but Logan Paul declines.
It's time for Impaulsive TV. Tonight's guest is Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Logan Paul mentions that Rollins does not want him "in his house," then says Impaulsive TV is his house. He states he does not have to do this, as he has already made millions, and while he admits the fan will not respect him, he does not care, as the fans do not see the amount of talent they see standing in front of them. Logan says he is "a 360-degree entertainer" and that there is no seat he cannot fill or a person on the roster he cannot compete with, then says his match with Rollins is going to be great and that it is an honor to share the ring with him. He then says that his brother Jake Paul has a point and that it is hard to be afraid of a guy named Seth, and says that if Rollins had not started his beef with him, they could have been friends, but instead, he only wants to see if he can knock him out again. After three replays of Logan Paul knocking Seth Rollins out two weeks ago, with the third replay containing a loop of the punch with Rollins' face replayed with a clown emoji, however, Logan's mic is cut off. All of a sudden, Rollins is seen in the production truck, and he comes up with the idea of "saving the show" by heading to the ring. As Rollins heads to the ring, Logan Paul mocks the fans for being tone-deaf and being unable to keep a football team, then tells Rollins that he has ruined his excitement and that his suit looks stupid. Rollins suddenly hits Logan with a double leg takedown, which starts a ringside brawl that officials try desperately to break up. Security soon gets involved, and Rollins goes up top and takes out security only to get knocked out by Logan Paul's left hand.
We see a short video for "WrestleMania: The Musical," available on all of WWE's social media platforms.
Dominik Mysterio beats Johnny Gargano after countering a Superplex attempt and hitting the frog splash. After the match, Dominik mentions Rey Mysterio denying his challenge to a WrestleMania match last week, then warns Rey that he will not stop until he gets what he wants and that he knows the whole Mysterio family will be at SmackDown next week. He says that the family may not like him anymore, but The Judgment Day likes his better, then tells Rey that he knows how to get Rey to get his balls out of his wife's purse and accept his challenge.
Backstage, The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Solo Sikoa are met by Paul Heyman, who tells them that the jet is loaded with seafood and that Roman Reigns has asked them to take the night off and indulge. He then tells Solo Sikoa that Roman wants to talk to him.
We hear from Edge, who says that if one pushes him, he will not just resist, but put them through a wall. He says that he is a hostile man, but he keeps it caged up to be a normal part of society. He says that Finn Balor has no idea what he is capable of, but he does, as he has been baptized in Hell In A Cell by The Undertaker himself. Edge tells Finn Balor that he cannot become what he can become staying as he is, as they both have demons, then says he will fear no evil and never has. Edge then tells Finn Balor to keep "Finn" at home and bring his demon to meet the Devil.
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring. Rhea mentions Charlotte Flair saying she needs to be a champion and a star, then says Charlotte does not want to accept her future and keeps bringing up their first WrestleMania match three years ago. She says that she was trying to make a name for herself and earn respect back then, and while Charlotte fancied herself a leader of the women's division, leaders earn respect and Charlotte never had her respect as she made Charlotte question her self-respect. Rhea says that when one mentions her name, one questions everything, as she brings out all the deepest insecurities that one masks as confidence, and tells Charlotte that she knows that every time they have gone to war, she gets up and keep going while Charlotte tries to keep people down. Rhea says it is already over for Charlotte and that it is time for her to go home where she means nothing, for without WWE, Charlotte Flair means nothing. She then says she does not care about Charlotte's insecurities or if she respects her, because at WrestleMania, she will become a champion and the biggest star in WWE. Rhea then states that when Charlotte sees her holding her crown above her head, she will know all her insecurities are true, and while she does not need Charlotte to respect her, she will fear her. Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky) soon shows up, and Bayley admits that she was waiting for Rhea to mention her name when she mentioned leaders. Bayley tells Rhea she respects her, as does Damage CTRL, and says that if she needed help with Charlotte, all she had to do was ask. Rhea tells Bayley that she needs no help from Damage CTRL, and Bayley tells Rhea that she has become so cocky while Damage CTRL has made Raw their show. Rhea laughs and admits she is not ring ready, but dares Damage CTRL to get her out of the ring. Bayley says she is the only here in her gear, and obliges. WWE official Adam Pearce, who has been watching from backstage, sends a referee to the ring to make this impromptu match official.
Rhea Ripley beats Bayley. During the match, Becky Lynch, Lita and Trish Stratus show up, with Becky carrying a big bag of popcorn, and when Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky pull Bayley out of the ring near the end of the match, Trish, Lita and Becky take down Dakota and Iyo, allowing Rhea to hit the Riptide for the win.
Chad Gable finds Otis getting a manicure and tells him that he has got him in the men's WrestleMania Showcase and that he has a match with Ricochet tonight. As he asks Otis to be at ringside tonight, Maxxine Dupri shows up and compliments his manicure and wants him to meet with someone concerning a hand modeling job, then mentions that Mansoor and Mace's match with The O.C. (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson) is postponed again after Mansoor recently overexposed his cheekbones. Maxxine Dupri and Chad Gable fight over Otis, but Chad Gable wins out, much to the frustration of Maxxine.
It is announced that Andy Kaufman will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame Class of 2023.
We see a vignette of The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch) parodying the chest waxing scene from The 40-Year-Old Virgin for WrestleMania Goes Hollywood.
Ricochet beats Chad Gable. During the match, Maxxine Dupri shows up and walks off with Otis, distracting Chad Gable. This allows Ricochet time to recover and hit a top rope Shooting Star Press for the win.
We look back on "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels vs. "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair from WrestleMania 24, courtesy of Snickers.
Bianca Belair and Asuka beat Chelsea Green and Piper Niven despite some slight miscommunication between them near the end. After the match, Asuka lays out Bianca Belair.
Roman Reigns, Solo Sioka and Paul Heyman head to the ring. Before Roman can say much, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes also makes his way to the ring. Cody addresses Roman's warning to stay out of Bloodline business and Heyman's talk of "a Cody Rhodes problem." Heyman advances towards Cody, but Cody stops him and tells him to take a step back, as he is speaking to Roman Reigns. Roman says Cody is not the problem, but what he represents is, as Cody Rhodes is what he used to be - a professional wrestler - and he is now a fighter who runs things around here. He says Cody ran away because he did not want to do "the Stardust thing," then went to a promotion he could not get over in and ran away, then came back and got over only for his "pec to go pop." He then says Cody's special day will be April 3rd, as Cody will wake up and be forced to look in the mirror or do what he always does and "run like a little bitch." Cody states that what Roman has said is true, but not a lot of people complain, as he has made sure that everyone in the locker room can make a lot more money. He also reminds Roman that he started at 20 years old "WWE born and bred," and that he still plans on being a professional wrestler. Cody also admits that he will vomit if anyone brings up his father, says his brother works elsewhere, and also says that his mother would tell him to knock Roman out and hit him again for good measure. He then tells Roman that when he beats him for the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, Jey Uso will leave him, and then Jimmy will leave him, too. He then says Solo - who he says is not ready despite being a second-generation Superstar flanking the champion - will leave him, and that Paul Heyman will "be an advocate again." He then says that Roman Reigns will be "a Roman with no reigns" and "a chief without a tribe." As the crowd chants "Cody," Roman and Heyman leave, then Cody and Solo stare down. As Solo tries to leave, Cody tells Solo, "It's like I said. I knew you weren't ready." Solo goes for a Samoan Spike, but Cody stops him, and Roman has to hold Solo back.
Here are the full highlights from tonight's show!
This week on Raw Talk: Braun Strowman! The Judgment Day (Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio)! Rick Boogs, Elias and Baron Corbin!
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!
The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) and Solo Sikoa head to the ring to start tonight's show. Jimmy Uso say that they are running both brands every single week, and says that before Solo puts a beating on Mustafa Ali, they need to address what happened on Friday. Jey Uso says Kevin Owens will learn cannot mess with Roman Reigns and get away with it, then he and Jimmy Uso announce that every generation of their family will be in an acknowledgement ceremony for Roman before The Usos defend the tag team titles at Raw 30. The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) then appear. Rhea Ripley says the only thing that The Bloodline needs to acknowledge is that The Judgment Day runs Raw, and Finn Balor says that they ran the gauntlet and are running straight for them. Finn Balor then thanks "the ex-con Dom" for stepping up and filling in for him and helping The Judgment Day become #1 contenders for the Raw tag team titles. Finn Balor winces due to his hurt rib, and Damian Priest says he needs Balor at 100%. He then says that the Raw tag team titles will permanently come back to Monday nights, then finds it odd that The Usos have never stepped up to them. Dominik says he smells fear and says The Usos are scared. Jimmy Uso makes fun of Dominik before Jey Uso tells The Judgment Day to check the track record and that they beat Dominik and his father Rey Mysterio to get their record-breaking run started and that they will beat The Judgment Day. Dominik says The Usos would not last a minute in the prison he was in, then says that in the pen, an Uso is called "a wanna-be ese," with Solo Sikoa being the biggest wanna-be. Solo steps up to Dominik, and Rhea steps up to Solo. Solo has a staredown with Rhea, then Dominik hits a cheap shot. Solo headbutts Dominik, then both sides brawl. Solo and Rhea continue their staredown, and Rhea dares Solo to hit her. All of a sudden, Mustafa Ali attacks Solo from the top rope.
Solo Sikoa beats Mustafa Ali as Kevin Owens shows up and brawls with The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso), who have also just shown up. After the match, Owens hits Solo with a Stunner, then continues to beat him up, breaks down the announce table, and continues to punch him. As he proceeds to put Solo through the table, The Usos interfere, and Owens throws chairs at them as officials keep Owens away from The Usos and Solo Sikoa.
We hear from Bobby Lashley, who says that there is only one "All Mighty" and that elimination style means five people tap to the Hurt Lock. He says Austin Theory is only giving him extra victim and that his United States title reign will expire at Raw 30, when he puts him away for good.
We see part two of "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' road to recovery. It is then announced that Cody Rhodes will return at the men's Royal Rumble match.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Elias. Elias says 2022 was a rollercoaster, as he say Ezekiel's career explode and than fizzle out too soon and he also had to deal with The Bloodline. He says that his vengeance tour begins at Royal Rumble, then MVP shows up from out of WWE official Adam Pearce's office and tells Elias not to bother Adam Pearce about the Royal Rumble if he wants to play guitar again. Elias says MVP has not been relevant in years, but MVP says that if he keeps talking like that, he will face the eventual 2023 winner. Elias takes this as a challenge, and MVP goes back into Adam Pearce's office.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) beat Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin with a crucifix pin from Angelo Dawkins to Cedric Alexander. MVP shows up during the match to watch from ringside, and near the end, he distracts the referee. Cedric and Shelton hit a double team, but Dawkins still gets the win. Cedric and Shelton are not happy with MVP after the match.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio). Finn Balor says that if anyone is ready for a Six-Pack Challenge, it is him. Suddenly, Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) shows up. Chad Gable tells Finn Balor that he and Damian Priest barely snuck past him, but he will get his revenge tonight. Rhea tells Gable to get lost before she does something she regrets, and Dominik says he has been pumping iron all day and night and that he will fight Gable. Gable says Dominik does not have a strong body or mind, and Priest tells Alpha Academy to take a walk or else they won't be able to compete tonight. Alpha Academy walk away.
Becky Lynch heads to the ring from the crowd. She gets in the ring, then calls out Bayley, calling her a "Karen" in the process. Damage CTRL (Bayley, Iyo Sky, Dakota Kai) soon shows up, and after the term "Karen" has to be explained to Bayley, Bayley says Becky is bitter for losing to her and has no friends. Becky says she has an arena full of friends, much to the crowd's delight, and says that Bayley peaked in 2015. Bayley says Becky ran off with her spot that year while she was in NXT, and says that Becky robbed her of everything that should have been hers. Becky questions Bayley's reasons for staying in NXT, then says Bayley was supposed to be in the spotlight while she was supposed to be just another body, but she became the one with the spotlight because she loves this business. She then says that when Bayley is not the focus of attention, she blames everyone else but herself for it, but Bayley says Becky only became "The Man" because she was punched by another woman. Becky proposes punching Bayley in the face to get her stuck out of the rut she is in with Damage CTRL. Bayley says she has no problem facing Becky, but Becky mentions their match is a steel cage match. Bayley reluctantly says "No problem." Becky tells Bayley she will see her next week.
Backstage, Dolph Ziggler is met by Mustafa Ali, who mockingly wishes Ziggler luck in the main event before reminding him of the opportunities he cost him. Ziggler tells him that nobody is handed anything around here and that he has no time for him today, then Ali attacks him and asks if he has his attention now.
Before the next match, MVP shows up and says that things are not going well for Elias and that things are about to get worse when he faces Omos.
Omos beats Elias.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews WWE official Adam Pearce. Pearce promises Raw 30 will be unforgettable, and that tonight's main event will make that night even better. Suddenly, Akira Tozawa shows up wanting into the men's Royal Rumble match. Pearce tells him he has to earn it, and Tozawa demands a match. Pearce tells him that if he wins, it will go a long way to helping his case. Tozawa is fired up.
The Judgment Day (Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio) beat Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) after Rhea Ripley distracts the referee.
WWE acknowledges Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
"Michin" Mia Yim beats Iyo Sky after Dakota Kai distracts the referee, Candice LeRae pulls her off the apron and Iyo Sky takes down Candice from inside the ring only for Mia Yim to hit her with Eat Defeat. After the match, Dakota Kai attacks Mia Yim, but Candice LeRae lays her out.
Bianca Belair heads to the ring. Bianca tells the crowd that even though it has been just a couple of weeks, she has missed the fans, and says that even if she ends up with a scar on her face after what Alexa Bliss did to her, she would face her again and again. She says that with every risk comes the reward of staying Raw Women's Champion, and while she was not here last week, she has heard everything Alexa has had to say, and dares her to say it to her face. Alexa shows up and says she will gladly repeat herself for her, and says that Bianca fears her. As she says the women's Royal Rumble match is two weeks away, Bianca asks Alexa if she wants to beat 29 other women or if she wants to face her right there and then. Alexa asks what the catch is, then Bianca reminds Alexa that she wanted to be in control and that the choice is hers. Alexa says "I'll see you at Rumble." Bianca then says she can see her tonight, too, and the two of them brawl. Alexa throws Bianca over the barricade, but Bianca slowly rises up from the ground and grabs Alexa before brawling with her in the crowd. Bianca then sets up some chairs and is about to put her through them with a K.O.D. when smoke billows out of a nearby entryway. Alexa hits Bianca with a DDT on the concrete floor as Uncle Howdy can be seen in the smoking entryway.
Bronson Reed beats Akira Tozawa.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Rollins says he had his eyes set and his mind made up for the Royal Rumble, but he is in for tonight's main event. Rollins says is winning tonight and taking back the United States Championship on his road to the Undisputed WWE Universal Championship, as he wants it all and he wants it now.
Austin Theory guests on commentary for the next match.
Bobby Lashley beats The Miz, Dolph Ziggler, Finn Balor, Baron Corbin, and Seth "Freakin" Rollins to face Austin Theory for the WWE United States Championship next week. MVP and Omos show up during the match, distracting Lashley. Near the end of the match, Theory hits Lashley with the United States title, then gets goozled by Omos, who gets Stomped into the announce table by Rollins. Rollins also takes out MVP with a superkick, but Lashley takes Rollins out with a Spear to get the United States title match.
This week on Raw Talk: Kevin Owens! Mia Yim and Candice LeRae! Becky Lynch!
Kevin Owens heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Owens talks about how he joined the men's WarGames Match as the fifth man against The Bloodline, and he did that not because of Sami Zayn, whom he still considers a brother, but because of Roman Reigns. He says it has been two long years since he has faced Roman and that he is going to remind Roman who he is: the guy who took him to the limit three limits and would have ended his Universal title run had it not been for The Bloodline. Owens says he also plans to take out The Bloodline so he can kick Roman's ass and take his title. He then says he was extended an invitation by Sheamus' team on SmackDown and could not turn it down, then says he has returned the favor and is not here alone before The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch) head to the ring through the crowd. Drew McIntyre is right behind as they do so, and the four of them jump the barricade one by one and enter the ring. Sheamus says there is "a banger cookin' in the stove" as Saturday will be one of the biggest matches in WWE history in the men's WarGames Match. Drew McIntyre says he remembers a time before The Bloodline held the titles hostage, then says that everything will change on Saturday as their team is ready to tear The Bloodline apart. Suddenly, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) show up, and Rhea Ripley says the only thing people will be talking about after Saturday is how many women she destroys, then tells Sheamus' team that they are lost and are on the show that they run. Damian Priest says that tonight is not "play night" and to go back to SmackDown. Dominik Mysterio tells Sheamus' team to also say hello to his "deadbeat dad," then Finn Balor says he is here to collect and that he hopes The Bloodline wins. He also says that The Judgment Day will not be so nice if they show up on Raw again. Sheamus tells Finn Balor he does not respect as he is the sort of "plastic patty" that he has come to despite. Finn Balor says even salt looks like sugar and that he is "one salty Irish bastard." Sheamus says he has no problem facing Finn Balor one-on-one, but proposes The Judgment Day face The Brawling Brutes. The Judgment Day accepts. Both teams brawl in the ring, but The Brawling Brutes quickly come out on top.
Kevin Owens guests on commentary for the next match.
The Brawling Brutes (Sheamus, Ridge Holland, Butch) beat The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Dominik Mysterio). During the match The O.C. ("The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) and Mia Yim - now known officially as Michin, despite repeatedly being called "Mia Yim" by Corey Graves - show up to watch the match from the stage. After the match, Damian Priest and Finn Balor brawl with The Brawling Brutes, then Gallows kicks Priest in the head. Finn Balor is frozen in the middle of the ring when Kevin Owens appears behind him and hits him with the Stunner.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Johnny Gargano. Gargano says The Miz realized he could not beat him last week, so he has challenged him to a rematch tonight. As for Dexter Lumis, he wants The Miz to do the right thing and pay Dexter Lumis, but both men have agreed to handle their own business and Gargano wants The Miz one-on-one.
Before the next match, The Miz says he would love to have a rematch, but he injured his right hand while making a TikTok video by slicing his hand through a cactus. He then says the cactus did not survive, but he will and he will beat Dexter Lumis. He then says that since he could not compete and because Johnny Gargano wants to put on a show, he has found a suitable opponent: Omos.
Omos beats Johnny Gargano.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins is interviewed. Rollins says he has never felt better despite events from recent weeks, then reminds everyone that he asked for a Triple Threat Match for the United States title because he wanted to kill two birds with one stone. He says that one only survives a wild Bobby Lashley if one is prepared, and that while Austin Theory has lost everything and is more dangerous than ever, he is still the stupidest person on the face of the earth. He then goes on to say that Theory is stupid for jumping him from behind last week and trying to beat him at his own game, which he says does not work well for anyone. He then tells Theory to call Cody Rhodes and ask if picking a fight with him is a good idea, then says that the Triple Threat Match is going to be a war with three men who do not like each other going at it and ready to snap at any second. Rollins says he has dealt with brutes like Lashley and that he knows Theory because he was once like Theory, then asks what Theory and Lashley will do to prepare for him. He then says that regardless, he will walk out as United States Champion. Meanwhile, Theory is watching from backstage. Theory says nobody understands him and that hitting rock bottom is the best thing to happen to him, as he is not the kid he was once and is a new man who will be taken seriously, and after Saturday, the business will know what time it is. He says the disrespect ends here, and anyone who steps up gets sent home. Theory tells Lashley and Rollins to watch what he does to Mustafa Ali tonight, as it is a preview of what will happen at Survivor Series.
Austin Theory beats Mustafa Ali. After the match, Bobby Lashley shows up on the TitanTron and tells Austin Theory to stay in the ring so they can give the fans a preview of Survivor Series. After the commercial break, Bobby Lashley shows up and says he is surprised Austin Theory is still in the ring, then says that Theory will not stand in his way of the United States Championship even after he could not get the job done. Theory says he would be United States Championship if it were not for Lashley, then says he remembers Brock Lesnar kicking Lashley's ass before Seth Rollins beat Lashley for the title and Lashley lost to Lesnar again. He then says that Lashley is not getting in the ring with the same kid he faced and that he will walk into the ring Saturday and become United States Champion, and that there is nothing Lashley or Rollins can do about it. Lashley then says that there is no way Theory is walking out of the ring tonight before both men brawl. Theory hits Lashley with a chair, but it has no effect, and Theory runs through the crowd to the back while Lashley gives chase. Theory pushes a hurt Ali into Lashley, then Ali hits Lashley thinking Lashley attacked him before Lashley puts him in the Hurt Lock on the stage.
Elias and Matt Riddle beat Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis).
Backstage, JBL and Baron Corbin are playing poker and making fun of Albany, New York when Drew McIntyre shows up. JBL says that Corbin would have beaten McIntyre with him in his corner and that Roman Reigns will get his hands on McIntyre on Saturday. McIntyre then proposes they put that theory to the test and challenges Corbin to a match. Corbin says they can settle things right here, right now, and McIntyre says that he respects his elders, he does not respect Corbin, and hits Corbin with a cheap shot.
Drew McIntyre beats Baron Corbin after Akira Tozawa, now with blonde hair and his previous, non-ninja wrestling gear, shows up, steals JBL's hat and runs through the crowd.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews The O.C. ("The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) Styles says that emotions are running high as he and Finn Balor were close, but he has realized that The O.C. is his family and that this must come to an end. He says that he will give Finn Balor the beating he deserves and it will be phenomenal. Finn Balor then shows up and says that he is not the bad guy; he is worse and he is the devil, and when once dances with the devil, one never dances again. The rest of The Judgment Day (Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) attacks The O.C., starting a backstage brawl. Security shows up as the brawl escalates outside of the arena.
Before the next match, Bianca Belair says that her, Asuka and Alexa Bliss' war with Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky) will come to an end at WarGames, and while she has won the battle, she has not won the war, and she cannot win it alone. She says that her team will win and that Asuka will give them the advantage. Alexa says she is ready for war and ready to throw Bayley in the trash where she belongs. Asuka says they are ready for war, but nobody is ready for them. Bianca says to wait and see who her team's fifth member is, and Asuka says Rhea Ripley is not ready for her. Bianca then says that when she makes her decision this Friday on SmackDown, nobody will be disappointed. Rhea Ripley shows up with Damage CTRL and Nikki Cross, and Bayley says that Bianca's team is either stalling or having a hard time finding somebody else who likes her, as nobody respects Bianca. Bayley brags about what has happened to Mia Yim as well as how Damage CTRL have gotten the upper hand, but Asuka tells her to shut up so that she and Rhea can fight. Rhea Ripley tells Asuka that she will eradicate her.
Rhea Ripley beats Asuka in a WarGames Advantage Match to give her team a one-person advantage in the women's WarGames Match. After the match, both WarGames teams brawl around the ring, then Mia Yim shows up and fights Rhea Ripley. After this, Asuka takes everybody out with a cross body from the top rope. Officials show up to check on everybody, then the show ends with a run-down of the Survivor Series card.
This week on Raw Talk: Austin Theory! Elias! Drew McIntyre!
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) head to the ring to start tonight's show. Rhea Ripley says once again that The Judgment Day run Raw, and that "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles found out for himself that Dominik Mysterio is "all man." Finn Balor brags about AJ Styles "crumbling under the pressure" against Dominik Mysterio, and Damian Priest demands that the fans all rise and show rise for Dominik Mysterio, "the greatest luchador in the history of the business." Dominik Mysterio says The Judgment Day are the only ones who ever believed in him, and that last week, he proved all of his haters and doubters wrong when he beat AJ Styles clean in the middle of the ring. Dominik says that he beat Styles because he is "built differently," and that he is this generation's Eddie Guerrero and that Eddie was "his generation's Dominik Mysterio." Suddenly, The O.C. (AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) show up, and Styles tells Dominik to shut up and that the people of Charlotte, North Carolina know good wrestling when they see it and that Dominik is not it. He says that Dominik is more of a James Ellsworth than an Eddie Guerrero, then The O.C. get in the ring and confront The Judgment Day. Styles tells Dominik that there will come a day when he cannot hide behind The Judgment Day when they pick them off one by one, but Finn Balor says that Styles is hiding behind the club that he started before saying that there are people living off his legacy. After Finn Balor tells The O.C. that they will get put down if they step up, Karl Anderson says it is time for Dominik to stop talking and for him to prove why he is the toughest building, then Anderson and Finn Balor have a match.
Finn Balor beats Karl Anderson. During the match, Dominik Mysterio gets on the apron, and "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles pulls him off, starting a brawl that ends with Rhea Ripley sending Luke Gallows into the ring post and scoop slamming him. Dominik continues to distract the referee so that Rhea Ripley can hit Anderson with a low blow that gives Finn Balor the win.
NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie and NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. are seen in the crowd.
Backstage, Johnny Gargano runs into The Miz. Miz wants to know what Gargano knows about Dexter Lumis, but Gargano refuses to divulge and tells Miz to tell the truth regarding him and Dexter Lumis. The Miz says he will go out and do that. The Miz heads to the ring, and says that Gargano is right regarding a secret concerning himself and Dexter Lumis. After Miz gives a brief recap of what is going on between Dexter Lumis, Miz then gives some new details. He says that Dexter Lumis showed him why he is the target before his steel cage match against Bobby Lashley for the United States Championship, and says it was because of his mind. Miz says that his knowledge of the business is unparalleled, and that Dexter Lumis told him that Tommaso Ciampa took his spot. Miz says he has not told Ciampa that all of this is happening because of him. Suddenly, Gargano shows up and says that is not exactly what happened, and that Miz is so full of himself that he cannot realize that Ciampa is not missing and is actually injured. He then says that if he wants him and Dexter Lumis out of his life, he must tell the real truth, and if he does not, he will blow his whistle. As The Miz says he has told truth after truth, R-Truth shows up, thinking that The Miz called him out by calling for "the real truth." After The Miz asks if Charlotte, North Carolina has had too much comfort food, R-Truth defends his hometown's macaroni and cheese and asks the fans if they want to see him whup The Miz. Miz says they are not fighting, but Gargano asks Miz if he is afraid of the real truth before saying that The Miz has no balls left after Dexter Lumis deflated them. Gargano asks Miz if he wants the truth, then he and R-Truth say "You can't handle the truth!"
R-Truth beats The Miz after The Miz is distracted by Dexter Lumis in a black hoodie...who is really Johnny Gargano.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Candice LeRae, who admits she did not know what to expect in her WWE comeback and that it would be a challenge, but she has had support from the Superstars in the back. Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky) show up and take control of the interview, and Bayley brags about putting Asuka and Alexa Bliss on the shelf before saying that Damage CTRL do what they want. Candice LeRae says that Damage CTRL are not exactly friend material, then Bayley says that there is nobody around to help Candice before Damage CTRL attacks her.
Backstage, Matt Riddle shows up with his bongos and meets with Elias, who says that he is a serious artist and that he has a long history of being disrespected, and that he would do something about that disrespect if it happens again. He says that he knows that Riddle and Ezekiel were close and that he will let last week slide, then says he will not be so nice next time. As Riddle beats on his bongos, Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) shows up and Gable mocks Riddle and Elias. When Gable tells Elias to shave his facial hair and pretend to be Ezekiel again, Elias says he and Riddle are not in a band before challenging Chad Gable to a match.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins guests on commentary for the next match.
Austin Theory beats Mustafa Ali after kicking the top rope to trip Mustafa Ali and hit A-Town Down as Seth "Freakin'" Rollins distracts Mustafa Ali. After the match, Seth Rollins tosses Mustafa Ali out of the ring and tells him he does not belong in the ring with him, then throws him into the timekeeper's area. He tells Mustafa Ali to quit fooling himself before attacking him in the crowd, telling him he does not belong in his WWE and demanding security get him out. As Seth Rollins heads to the back, Mustafa Ali attacks him from out of nowhere and the two men brawl. Mustafa Ali throws Rollins into the Mini-Tron before referees break up the brawl.
Backstage, The Miz confronts Johnny Gargano, then JBL and Baron Corbin show up. JBL demands that Gargano introduce himself. Gargano introduces himself, then makes fun of JBL's pants and Baron Corbin's constant name changes. JBL says that Baron Corbin will soon make an example out of Gargano in the ring.
We see a video package chronicling the feud between Bianca Belair and Bayley.
Before the next match, MVP talks about how Omos came face-to-face with Braun Strowman for the first time and unceremoniously tossed Braun out of the ring like a child. He says that if that can happen to Braun Strowman, then Omos' four opponents for tonight have no chance. He then asks the for men in the other corner to walk forward before asking them if they have ever seen hands like Omos'. After MVP says that Omos has fists like a Christmas ham, he applauds Omos' opponents for their ambition before asking if they have a good insurance plan and telling Strowman that he hopes that he is watching, as Omos will stand as the one true giant.
Elias beats Chad Gable. After the match, Otis attacks Elias from behind, and Chad Gable joins in. Matt Riddle shows up and beats up both men to make the save for Elias.
Backstage in the trainer's room, The O.C. ("The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson) admit they have a Rhea Ripley problem, but Luke Gallows says that they have a Rhea Ripley solution and that he will take care of Rhea. Styles and Anderson agree that Gallows is terrible with women. After the commercial break, Luke Gallows returns to the trainer's room and puts an ice pack to his groin. Styles says that they will do something.
Before the next match, JBL accuses Charlotte, North Carolina of creating an environment where mediocrity is the norm and being the place where dreams come to die, then says the city will witness greatness today in the form of Baron Corbin. JBL then guests on commentary for the next match.
Baron Corbin beats Johnny Gargano after JBL trips Gargano off the apron for wearing his cowboy hat and mocking him so that Corbin can hit Gargano with the End of Days for the win.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Bianca Belair. Bianca says a win tonight means putting an end to everything that has been going for the last two months, and while she may be outnumbered, she has no problem taking out Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky if she has to win. She says that this is bigger than egos and that it is now about payback, and that she will stop at nothing until Bayley is left with nothing.
Backstage, Johnny Gargano is met by The Miz, who says that he and Maryse have a "get well soon" card for Candice LeRae. As he asks Gargano for a proper sit-down where they can sit down and discuss things, Gargano tells Miz to tell the truth about him and Lumis, or he will.
We see a video package for Brock Lesnar vs. Bobby Lashley at Crown Jewel.
Bayley beats Bianca Belair. During the match, Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky attack Bianca on the outside, but the referee sees them do it. As the referee is about to eject them, an unknown woman jumps up from the top rope and hits all three of them with a top rope cross body. Not long afterwards, this woman attacks Bianca Belair, and it is revealed that this woman is Nikki A.S.H., who is now going by the name Nikki Cross again. A new referee shows up and counts the pinfall, and Bayley gets the win. After the match, Nikki Cross attacks Bayley to end the show.
This week on Raw Talk: Matt Riddle! R-Truth! Mustafa Ali!
Backstage, "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, X-Pac and "Road Dogg" Jesse James ask Triple H if he is ready. Triple H is reluctant due to all the sponsors that WWE has, and warns them not to do the raunchy stuff they did back in the day. Not surprisingly, everyone cusses, then we see four rubber chickens, which are referred to as cocks, and Shawn makes a chicken choking reference before Shawn, X-Pac and Road Dogg leave.
The Bloodline make their way to the ring to start tonight's show. Roman Reigns says that he likes to move forward and does not dwell in the past, but he cannot get past last Friday for some reason. He says that the loudest in the room is also the weakest in the room, and if the weakest is in The Bloodline, that makes them a fool. Roman asks Jey if he a fool, then says that they have done this a few times before. Sami Zayn interrupts to remind Roman that he made Jey his problem, asks Roman to let him handle the situation. Roman gives Sami the go-ahead, then Sami tells Jey that he and Roman were just talking about the future of The Bloodline and that everyone is concerned about Jey's behavior. Sami then asks how anyone can not like Jimmy Uso or Solo Sikoa, then says everyone is "cool" and asks Jey to be "cool." Jey asks Roman if he is ribbing him, but before Sami can go into more detail, Matt Riddle shows up. Riddle talks about how he beat Seth Rollins in the Fight Pit Match last weekend, then demands another match for the WWE Universal Championship despite not being able to face him for the title again after losing to him. Roman asks the fans if Riddle should get one more chance tonight, then decides against it, saying a deal is a deal. Riddle says that if Roman won't step up, then maybe a member of The Bloodline will. Jey tells Sami to take him on, and Sami - thinking this a good idea - asks Riddle if he thinks this is funny. This leads to Sami telling Riddle he never wants to hear him say "yeet," yet Riddle says "yeet," anyway. Sami then challenges Riddle to a match when Jey tells Sami that Riddle is low key disrespecting him, to which Riddle replies "I accept...yeet."
Johnny Gargano beats Austin Theory.
Uli Latukefu from Young Rock is seen in the crowd before the next match.
Rey Mysterio beats Chad Gable with the 619 after sending Otis into the ring post on the outside. During the match, Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio show up. After the match, Dominik Mysterio approaches Rey. Rey tries to walk away but soon runs into Rhea Ripley. Dominik dares Rey to hit him, but Rey refuses and Dominik slaps him. Rey rushes at Dominik, but takes out Damina Priest on the other side of the ring instead, then fends off Finn Balor only for Dominik to clothesline Rey when Rey goes for the 619. Dominik then dares Rey to hit him again. Rey cries as he once against refuses, and Dominik attacks him from behind when he walks away. Rhea Ripley then holds Rey down so Dominik can hit him with a 619.
We see footage from during the break where Rey Mysterio is seen crying.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) are in the ring. Rhea Ripley says they run things on Monday night, and Damian Priest says that everyone falls to them while The Judgment Day continues to rise before bragging about how Finn Balor handled business last weekend. Finn Balor says that he ended the party when it comes to Edge's miracle return, as he made Edge say that he quit because he is "too legit to quit" before we see footage of what happened at Extreme Rules. Rhea Ripley then calls Beth Phoenix a joke and says that what she did to her is just a fraction of what she is capable of, and Dominik says that watching Rhea Ripley in action "did it for him" and did it for all of the fans. He also takes pride in seeing the devastated look in Rey Mysterio's face that night, and says that Rey deserves to feel helpless and worthless as he has made him feel his entire life. Finn Balor then addresses "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, saying he hopes that Styles has reconsidered as he is just about out of mercy. As he calls Styles out, Styles shows up. Styles says he is not here to argue with Finn and tells him that he is right, as everything he ever needed was standing right in front of him. He says he has been alone for far too long and that there comes a time when a man needs friends. Styles says that in his case, he needs family, then asks if he is not his brother's keeper. Styles kneels down in front of Finn Balor, who takes Styles' hand and hugs him. Finn Balor says he knew Balor would come around, then Styles says "That's not who I meant." The Good Brothers ("The Big LG" Doc Gallows - now Luke Gallows again - and "Machine Gun" Karl Anderson) show up for the first time since WrestleMania 36 and stand with Styles. Gallows smacks Dominik in the mouth, which starts a brawl. The Judgment Day are forced to retreat, and Styles tackles Balor over the announce table as The Good Brothers clean house. Gallows, Anderson and Styles then chase Finn Balor out of the ring and out to the ramp, then stand tall in the ring.
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky). Dakota Kai says that Bayley was the only person to extend a hand when she was at rock bottom, then says that she will do anything for Damage CTRL and that the rest of the women's division has no idea what she and Iyo Sky have in store for them. She says that she and Iyo Sky will do so much damage that Bayley will be holding the gold that she deserves, then Iyo Sky says Bayley will kick Candice LeRae's ass.
Backstage, Paul Heyman, Solo Sikoa and Roman Reigns are met by Jey Uso as they are about to party. Roman tells Jey to stay in the arena with Sami Zayn and make sure that Sami wins tonight.
Candice LeRae beats Bayley after countering the Rose Plant with an inside cradle-like move. After the match, Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai attack Candice LeRae from behind, then Bianca Belair runs in only to be ganged up on. Bayley hits Candice LeRae with a running knee, then elbow drops Bianca Belair into the Raw Women's Championship as Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai hold Bianca down.
The Miz meets Maryse backstage. Maryse gifts Miz with a wooden baseball bat. (In the background, someone passes by with a QR code on their sweatshirt; it leads to this.)
Maryse introduces The Miz as part of The Miz's birthday celebration. The first gift that The Miz gets is two giant red balls to go with his "giant, massive bat," then treis to open another gift box only to find Dexter Lumis underneath. The Miz sees Lumis, then puts the box back on top of him and swings the bat only to miss. Dexter Lumis then sneaks up on The Miz and locks in Silence, and Maryse gets knocked into The Miz's birthday cake before Miz is able to run away, leaving Maryse in the ring alone with Lumis. Maryse rolls out of the ring and runs away, then Dexter Lumis takes the knife meant for the bitday cake and pokes a hole in the two big giant balls before carving out a slice of cake and eating it.
X-Pac, "Road Dogg" Jesse James and "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels meet with Joey Ace and Chico, and tell them to bring it to Omos as they are two of them and one of them. After Chico and Haste leave, The Miz and Maryse want to see Triple H after what Dexter Lumis did. After Shawn says that Dexter Lumis has to have a reason to go after The Miz and that The Miz had to have done something to tick Lumis off, The Miz says he will do anything to get rid of Lumis. Road Dogg then makes a match next week where if Lumis loses, he is gone from WWE forever. If Lumis wins, he keeps Miz's gifts.
Girl Up scholarship winner Lauren Huffstetler is seen in the crowd.
Before the next match, Bobby Lashley says that he will be a fighting champions, then calls out Seth Rollins for his shot at the United States Championship only for Brock Lesnar to show up. After Brock Lesnar bids the crowd good evening, he does the same to Lashley before laying him out with an F5. When Lashley tries to get up, he gets suplexed before taking another F5. Lesnar then puts Lashley in the Kimura Lock before leaving.
Referees check on Bobby Lashley when Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring wanting a fight, and tells Lashley that he will not get out of their match easily and that he wants it right now. He says that Lashley is supposed to be a fighter and a solider, then calls him a disgrace to the United States Championship and his country and dares Lashley to fight him. Lashley gets in the ring for the match, then goes for a Spear only for Rollins to hit the Pedigree for a near-fall. Rollins then goes for a frog splash off the top, but Lashley still kicks out. Rollins goes for The Stomp, but Lashley avoids it and hits the Spear. He goes for the Hurt Lock, but Rollins elbows his way out and hits the rolling elbow followed by the superkick and another rolling elbow to the back of the neck. After kicking away the injured arm, Rollins readies another Stomp and connects. Rollins then readies yet another Stomp, and again, he connects. Seth "Freakin'" Rollins beats Bobby Lashley to become the WWE United States Champion!
Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Bobby Lashley, who says that what Brock Lesnar did to him is unforgiveable. He says he is not done with Seth Rollins yet, but he dares Lesnar to show up next week so he can prove he is "not a bitch."
We hear a cryptic message from Bray Wyatt, which ends in "Revel in what you are."
Elias returns next week.
Matt Riddle beats Sami Zayn. During the match, Sami tells Jey Uso to let him handle Riddle, despite Jey being under orders from Roman Reigns.
D-Generation X ("The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels, Triple H, "Road Dogg" Jesse James, X-Pac) shows up in a Jeep. After X-Pac gives a shout-out to Chyna and Road Dogg does his trademark intro while calling the group "D-Geriatric X," Triple H says it has been 25 years since D-Generation X began before thanking the fans while going into the "Let's get ready to suck it!" line. Shawn asks the fans to put them out of their misery if re-unite another 25 years later, then ends with the "We've got two words for ya" line.
This week on Raw Talk: Seth "Freakin'" Rollins! Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky)! Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis)!
