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.
We look back on The Rock vs. Triple H for the WWF Championship from the main event of the August 26, 1999 episode of SmackDown.
Roman Reigns, Jey Uso and Paul Heyman head to the ring. Paul Heyman announces that Roman Reigns has allowed him to eulogize the career of Daniel Bryan, and that they will do so with a ten-bell salute. Heyman says he does not need the timekeeper's help, and acts as the bell. Roman says that unlike Daniel Bryan, he is a man of his word and did what he said he would do, and because of this, he should be acknowledged, celebrated and thanked for always giving everybody what they want. He says that Daniel Bryan did not want to be here, and for that, he got rid of him, and with Daniel Bryan's absence, he has been replaced with someone who will acknowledge him: Jimmy Uso, who has not been seen in over a year due to a knee injury. Jimmy and Jey embrace in the ring, then Cesaro shows up and says he speaks for everyone by stating that Daniel Bryan is irreplaceable. He also says he has Seth Rollins to focus on, the gets attacked from behind by Seth Rollins. Rollins and Cesaro brawl, and referees and officials run in to separate both men before Teddy Long suddenly shows up. Long says that as per the power of Adam Pearce, if Cesaro beats Rollins tonight, he gets a shot at the Universal Championship at WrestleMania Backlash. Rollins then attacks Cesaro from behind again, sending him into the ring steps before throwing him back into the ring.
Cesaro beats Seth Rollins to face Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship at WrestleMania Backlash after Jimmy Uso superkicks Rollins for telling Jey Uso to stay out of his way and shoving him when Jey puts his hands on him.
Backstage, Seth Rollins talks with Roman Reigns, asking if he should be pissed at him or pissed at Jimmy Uso. Roman says that by losing, Rollins screwed him over, as he now has to deal with Cesaro. He also says he will deal with his family. Rollins tells Roman to deal with Jimmy Uso, or he will.
We see the supermarket brawl between "Stone Cold" Steve Austin and Booker T from December 13, 2001.
Backstage, Teddy Long thanks Sonya Deville for having him tonight as well as the stipulation for tonight, and Sonya says that with Adam Pearce unavailable, it will be an honor to work with him tonight. Sami Zayn then shows up and tells Teddy Long there is a huge conspiracy against him, and asks him for an . He then finds out he will be in a tag team match with Apollo Crews against Kevin Owens, Big E, The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and Shinsuke Nakamura. Sami also finds out that Chad Gable, Otis and King Corbin is on his team as well, then Teddy Long tries to get him to do the Teddy dance.
Backstage, Roman Reigns chews Jimmy Uso out for superkicking Seth Rollins and leaving him to deal with Cesaro. Jimmy says Roman will not talk to him like he does to Jey and that he is not "Roman's bitch."
Carmella beats Ruby Riott with the Code of Silence following a series of pinfall attempts.
We look back on Edge and Hulk Hogan winning the WWF World Tag Team Championships on July 4, 2002.
We look back on the ring imploding during Big Show vs. Brock Lesnar from June 12, 2003.
Bayley heads to the ring. Bayley says that to be in the WWE ring, you have to be a WWE Superstar, and that being a Superstar does not immediately make a great champion. She then pays tribute to Women's Champions throughout WWE history. Bayley pays tribute to Alundra Blayze, Jacqueline, Lita, Trish Stratus, Ivory, Beth Phoenix, Molly Holly and Bianca Belair. When Bayley gets to Bianca, she says that Bianca is full of potential but is naive to the world around her. She says that if Bianca is not careful, she will be like all the other women in the tribute and not on her level. She also says she sees insecurity in Bianca's eyes, and that she will beat Bianca for the SmackDown Women's Championship and prove she was right about her all along. Bianca shows up and says Bayley just cannot let her be SmackDown Women's Champion, and says he is living her best life, which will only get better after WrestleMania Backlash. She says that Bayley wishes she was insecure and that she is jealous of her confidence when she should be worried about herself, but Bayley laughs at her. When Bayley goes for a cheap shot, it has no effect, and Bianca goes to town on Bayley. When Bianca takes her earrings, however, Bayley grabs the other one and takes her down before standing on her ponytail and stomping on her before planting her into the mat.
Backstage, Jey Uso confronts Jimmy Uso, but Jimmy asks Jey Uso what has happened to him, telling him that he is only benefitting Roman before saying that he needs Jey and that they need each other. He tells Jey that the two of them should be representing the family by being tag team champions, then leaves.
We look back on John Cena's debut from June 27, 2002.
Before the next match, Dolph Ziggler says there are no better throwbacks than him and Robert Roode, then says that while he and Rey can go toe-to-toe all night long, Dominik Mysterio does not belong and is just Rey's "little kid." Ziggler tells Dominik to get out of his ring, but this leads Dominik challenging Ziggler instead of Rey.
Dominik Mysterio beats Dolph Ziggler with an inside cradle.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Reginald, Nia Jax and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. Reginald says she has asked for this match because he was left with a sour taste in his mouth last week, and that Nia and Shayna will break Tamina and Natalya. Tonight, he will break Tamina's spirit, then drinks some spirits to drown out her sour presence.
We look back on Arnold Schwarzenegger's appearance on SmackDown on November 11, 1999.
Backstage, Roman Reigns tells Paul Heyman he needs his cousin. Roman looks at Paul, and Paul says "I understand."
Reginald vs. Tamina ends with Nia Jax and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler getting involved. Before the match, it is announced that Nia Jax and Shayna Baszler will defend the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Natalya and Tamina next week. After the match, Nia and Shayna brawl with Tamina and Natalya and lay them both out.
We hear from Apollo Crews, who says that tonight, he will lead his team into battle with his leadership skills. He says that his team is vulnerable apart, but unbreakable together. We then hear from Big E, who says that his team is setting their differences aside tonight and that they will throw down.
Apollo Crews, King Corbin, Sami Zayn, Chad Gable and Otis beat Big E, Shinsuke Nakamura, Kevin Owens and The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) in a ten-man tag match.
Backstage, Roman Reigns tells Jey Uso that he wants to give Jimmy Uso the same opportunities that he has given him to rise to the occasion, but he needs to see where Jimmy stands.
We look back on Vince McMahon in Eddie Guerrero's low rider from July 22, 2004.
Roman Reigns, Jey Uso and Paul Heyman are in the ring. Before Roman can say much of anything, Jimmy Uso shows up. Jimmy asks Jey where he stands and brings up the "I Quit" Match between Jey and Roman from last October, and says that Jey quit for him because he did not want to see him get hurt. Jimmy then says he would have never said that he quit, and Roman chalks it up to Jimmy being stuck in the past while he and Jey have moved forward before telling Jimmy either to fall in line, stand with them and acknowledge him or go back home. Jimmy Uso leaves the ring, then Jey Uso walks up to Jimmy and asks him to acknowledge Roman so they can go back to doing their thing. Suddenly, Roman is attacked from behind by Cesaro. Jey runs to the ring but is also laid out by Cesaro. Jimmy Uso then runs to the ring and fights Cesaro only to be laid out as well, and Jey Uso is hit with a Neutralizer before Jimmy earns the same fate.
In memory of "The Natura'" Butch Reed, 1954 - 2021.
Roman Reigns, Jey Uso and Paul Heyman head to the ring to start tonight's show. Roman says he is not here to dwell on the past before mentioning that he beat Kevin Owens like he said he would, for he is a man of his word, then focuses on the future, which he says is Edge. Roman mentions Edge's Royal Rumble win, then says he is the main event around here and asks Edge why he would waste time on Raw or NXT when he can come to his show and grovel at his feet while selling him on putting him on the island of relevancy. He then asks Paul Heyman why he is out here first and asks where Edge is, and considers it disrespectful to be left waiting before demanding Edge head to the ring. Heyman and Roman then find out Edge is not here. Roman takes his as Edge taking him as a fool and playing games with him, and says the last man to play games with him with Kevin Owens, who he says is "no longer here anymore" after he "whupped his ass." Roman then tells Edge that he will give him his decision by the end of the night.
Dominik Mysterio beats King Corbin after Rey Mysterio gets under the ring and grabs Corbin by the leg, allowing Dominik to hit the 619.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Big E, who says he has had to fight all of his life and that he signed up for that when he won the Intercontinental Championship. He is taking on all challengers, and says Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn are not ready for him.
Sasha Banks will be the honorary starter of the Daytona 500 on February 14th.
Cesaro beats Daniel Bryan with the Sharpshooter despite receiving a nasty cut to the head during the match. After the match, Cesaro approaches Daniel Bryan in the corner, and they fist bump.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Bianca Belair. After we see Bianca's parents' reaction to Bianca winning the Royal Rumble, Bianca says her parents will always be with her. As for who she will face for a championship at WrestleMania, Bianca says this is the biggest decision of her life and that she will be ready to make it soon.
We see a vignette for Seth Rollins, who returns next week.
Billie Kay guests on commentary for the next match.
Bayley beats Ruby Riott after Liv Morgan stops Billie Kay from interfering when Billie pushes the bottom rope towards Ruby with her foot.
WrestleMania 37 is 64 days away!
Edge is backstage in the arena.
Bianca Belair heads to the ring. Bianca says that her whole life changed overnight when she won the women's Royal Rumble match, but as she talks about her potential opponents, Reginald shows up and tries to sway her into facing Asuka, saying she cannot beat Sasha Banks or Carmella. Carmella shows up and says Reginald is a wise man even when he gets a little overexcited, then talks about how she beat Sasha in their very first match before stating she beat Sasha twice and that she can beat Bianca. Suddenly, Sasha arrives and says she is focused on the road ahead, then says Bianca has her attention after setting some Royal Rumble records and that Bianca is almost everything she says she is. Sasha tells Bianca to choose her, saying Bianca has everything except the championship. Reginald butts in and says that if Bianca chooses Sasha, she will lose. Bianca responds by whipping Reginald with her ponytail.
Backstage, Roman Reigns finds out from Paul Heyman that Edge is in the building.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Sami Zayn, who calls Braxton "a corporate shill" and says countless injustices have been made against him before stating that he will reclaim the Intercontinental Championship and his status as champion of the people.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) provide commentary for the next match via a window in the lower-right corner of the screen.
Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode beat Otis and Chad Gable.
We hear from Hulk Hogan, who talks about the match where he lost the WWE Championship to Andre the Giant on the February 5, 1988 episode of The Main Event, which ended his first WWE Championship reign that lasted around four years. Hulk Hogan talks about the match, saying it makes him think about Edge's big championship match decision. He says Drew McIntyre and Roman Reigns are in trouble, as Edge was his tag team partner and has Hulkamaniacs watching his back.
Big E retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Apollo Crews and Sami Zayn in a Triple Threat Match.
Edge heads to the ring. Edge says you cannot accomplish something you cannot dream of, and as he was rehabbing his triceps injury, he was dreaming of coming back and main eventing WrestleMania, and now he is doing just that. He then contemplates whether to pick the WWE, Universal or NXT Championship, then Roman Reigns, Jey Uso and Paul Heyman show up. Edge asks Roman if he is sweating him after bring Heyman and Jey with him, saying he showed up alone, and Roman says that without his blessing, Heyman would not make a move on him, then tells Jey he will meet them at the bus, as he has got this. Roman, already feeling disrespected by Edge, demands Edge acknowledge him as the main event, call him the champion of choice and say his name. Suddenly, Roman is hit with a Stunner from behind by Kevin Owens.
Kayla Braxton interviews Bayley backstage. Bayley says she hopes that Sasha enjoyed her title reign, as she is taking the SmackDown Women's Championship and ending the history between the same way it started: leaving Sasha crippled in the ring by her own failure.
Sasha Banks retains the WWE SmackDown Women's Championship - the first time she has done this with any women's championship on the main roster - against Bayley with the Banks Statement. After the match, Sasha Banks is superkicked on the stage by Carmella, who then hits Sasha with a facebuster.
Backstage, Jey Uso is met by Kevin Owens. After Owens jokes about Jey Uso getting his own coffee when Paul Heyman should be getting it for him, Owens realizes that Jey Uso has a lot on his mind and leaves him alone.
It is announced that Survivor Series will be "a final farewell" to The Undertaker.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Jey Uso. Jey says he did what he had to do last week, even though he considers Daniel Bryan a friend. Paul Heyman shows up and says Roman Reigns did not authorize this interview, then tells Jey that Roman needs to talk to him.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio tries to get a hold of Aalyah when Dominik Mysterio asks what he is doing. After Rey asks Dominik to do something for him, Rey is suddenly attacked by King Corbin. Dominik soon chases Corbin away.
Backstage, Jey Uso finds out from Paul Heyman that he needs Roman Reigns' permission to do virtually anything. Heyman gets Reigns, who tells Jey that there is a chain of command between them. Reigns also asks about Kevin Owens, who concludes that Owens has disrespected them, their bloodline and everything they have worked for. Jey tells Roman that he will take care of Kevin Owens, then Roman asks Heyman if he knows about Owens. Heyman says he found out about Owens as things were happening, then Roman says that Heyman is supposed to know about things and handle them so he does not have to, then tells him to find Adam Pearce so Jey can take care of business with Owens tonight.
King Corbin beats Rey Mysterio to qualify for the SmackDown men's Survivor Series team. During the match, Seth Rollins shows up to get a closer look at the match, and near the end, he attacks Dominik. Rey sees this and attacks Rollins, then Aalyah and Murphy show up. Rey gets angry and tells Murphy to leave, and a distracted Rey returns to the ring to eat an End of Days from Corbin, who qualifies.
Jey Uso vs. Kevin Owens is official for later tonight.
Ruby Riott beats Zelina Vega and Natalya with an arm bar to Zelina and qualifies for the SmackDown women's Survivor Series team after Natalya lets go of the Sharpshooter she has locked in on Zelina at the same time.
Backstage, Big E is playing board games when The Streets Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up. The Street Profits try to get a hint about how to beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods), but Big E tells them that if they lay down, they won't beat them up too badly. The three of them then have a laugh. As Big E leaves, Billie Kay shows up with a headshot of herself, but The Street Profits are not interested.
Seth Rollins beats Otis to qualify for the SmackDown men's Survivor Series team. During the match, Murphy shows up to get a closer look, and he distracts Otis long enough to allow Rollins to hit The Stomp on Otis to qualify.
Backstage, Seth Rollins catches up with Murphy, and wants to know if Murphy is back on his side. Murphy tells Rollins that he is his disciple. Rollins is ecstatic that Murphy is back in the fold, and after he leaves, Aalyah confronts him. Murphy tells Aalyah "I need you to trust me...this is for the greater good."
In footage from earlier today, Michael Cole interviews Lars Sullivan. Sullivan says he hates bullies and that he has been bullied his entire life for the way he looks, talks, and dresses, and those bullies would beat him up, take his lunch, mock him and call him "Freak." He says that the other kids would stand and laugh at his expense. He then talks about how he got bigger in 18 months at 13 years of age and started bullying the bullies and those who laughed at him, and says it was so much fun and that they deserved it. Lars says he learned he could bully whoever he wanted and make them do whatever he wanted to, even going so far as to make them eat dirt, glass and bugs. He laughs as he says he could do whatever he wants, then lets out an intimidating scream. He then says that this is bullying, and he loves it.
Backstage, Kayla Braxton interviews Kevin Owens, who says that he did not expect to face Jey Uso tonight and that he has a tendency to speak his mind. He says that if Jey Uso, Roman Reigns or Paul Heyman have a problem, so be it. He also says Jey's attack on Daniel Bryan was out of line, but he gets where Jey is coming from, for he has done his share of questionable things for his family, which is more than he can say for Jey, who is getting a beating coming to him from him.
Jey Uso beats Kevin Owens. During the match, Roman Reigns sends Paul Heyman to the ring to get a closer look at the match at the behest of Roman Reigns. Near the end of match, Roman's music hits, and as everyone is distracted, Jey hits Owens with a low blow before nailing Owens with the top rope splash for the win. After the match, Roman shows up for real and celebrates with Jey Uso on the stage.
Technical difficulties occur during the WWE "Then, Now, Forever" intro screen at the beginning of the show.
Drew McIntyre shows up to start tonight's show. McIntyre talks about how Randy Orton brutalized "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair last week even after Flair told him he loved him, and calls Orton "pure evil" for his actions. He tells Orton that at SummerSlam, he will not face an old man; he will face a pissed-off 6'5" Scottish He tells Orton that at SummerSlam, he will not face an old man; he will face a pissed-off 6'5" Scottish fire-breathing dragon who will get revenge for everyone Orton has wronged. As McIntyre tells Orton he will become a human weapon, technical difficulties occur. It is revealed that Retribution is attacking the production crew. The show suddenly cuts to black.
Backstage, Drew McIntyre talks to the locker room. He says that "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair is okay, but that Randy Orton will not be. He then says that he is sick and tired of Retribution, and proposes everyone band together to stop them. Seth Rollins laughs, and says that while Retribution is a problem, Raw has a messiah who is already capable of leading the locker room, but McIntyre says if the locker room doesn't respect him now, they never will. Rollins says the WWE Championship does not make one a leader or a teacher, that he was the first person to teach him how to be champion, and that he taught Dominik Mysterio what it is like to be a Superstar. Ricochet and Cedric Alexander both tell Seth that Rey Mysterio is going to be here and beat him tonight, and Seth responds by telling McIntyre that he could not even protect Flair. When McIntyre threatens to drop Rollins where he stands, Murphy steps in-between them, and the rest of the locker room have to cool down the situation.
MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin show up. MVP says that while Drew McIntyre is in the back "setting up some sort of buddy system," he says that "The Hurt Business" is open for business. He says he knows what is going on and is calling Retribution out while the rest of the locker room is waiting for them to strike. He says that Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin are the definition of "tough," then questions who benefits most from the actions of Retribution before saying it is Apollo Crews, Ricochet, Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali. MVP also accuses Apollo of coming up with Retribution after Lashley injured him, as Retribution showed up at the same time he faced Apollo for the WWE United States Championship, saying it was a ploy to win his custom-made United States Championship belt. Apollo shows up, saying he knew MVP would be making excuses and that it is low of him to call him the mastermind of Retribution. He also says MVP cannot beat him for the United States title without help. MVP tells Apollo that his career has had "more starts and stops than a raggedy used car," and that Apollo fears losing the United States Championship because he will go back to catering if he does. Apollo admits that is true and says if he were like MVP, he would be part of "The Hurt Business." MVP says if he were like him, he would know this is business, but Apollo interrupts him and proposes some business of his own. Apollo proposes that he and Shelton Benjamin have a match, and if he wins, Shelton and Lashley will be banned from ringside at SummerSlam. MVP says he needs no excuses for SummerSlam, then sics Shelton on Apollo.
Apollo Crews beats Shelton Benjamin with a jackknife pin. During the match, R-Truth runs in and out of the ringside area while Akira Tozawa and his ninjas chase after him. Apollo wins with a jackknife pin on a distracted Shelton, then MVP, Shelton and Bobby Lashley attack Apollo. Ricochet, Cedric Alexander and Mustafa Ali run in to make the save. It takes Ricochet and Mustafa Ali to break Lashley's full nelson - now known as "The Full Lashley" - on Cedric, and they and Apollo force MVP, Shelton and Lashley to retreat. Afterwards, R-Truth runs back down the ramp only to be laid out by Shelton Benjamin, who pins R-Truth to win the WWE 24/7 Championship a second time. MVP says they will not go out like they did, and tells Apollo to find two tag team partners and take on him, Shelton and Lashley in a six-man tag team match later tonight.
Backstage, Angel Garza is talking to Demi Burnett of The Bachelor backstage when Ivar shows up and hands Demi a turkey leg before asking her to be his "+1" at Raw Underground. After Demi accepts, Ivar says that Garza did not poison the turkey leg this time. Garza insists he did not poison Montez Ford last week when Demi asks about it, then tells Ivar he will beat him tonight as he smacks the turkey leg out of Demi's hands. Ivar hands Demi another turkey leg and tells Garza "You'd better put some respect on that name."
It is announced that WWE will introduce the "Thunderdome" on SummerSlam weekend, which will give an all-new virtual fan experience that will bring the fans to the arena virtually.
Angel Garza beats Ivar. After the match, Angelo Dawkins and Demi Burnett show up on the TitanTron, and say they cannot wait to see their tag team title match at SummerSlam. Dawkins then proceeds to show some video footage, and Garza runs to the back when the TitanTron goes black. Zelina Vega and Andrade ask commentary what is going on, and Samoa Joe implies that there may be footage of Zelina and her crew poisoning Montez Ford. Zelina and Andrade head to the back.
We look back on The British Bulldog vs. Bret "The Hit Man" Hart for the WWF Intercontinental Championship at SummerSlam 1992, courtesy of Sonic Drive-In.
We see photos of the welts from 30 Kendo stick shots given to him by Seth Rollins and Murphy from last week.
Backstage, Angel Garza shows up as Angelo Dawkins tries to get Demi Burnett's number and tries to show her the video. When Charly Caruso shows up to see what is going on, the video is shown. We then see backstage footage of Zelina Vega looking around near Montez Ford's red Solo cup before running away. Zelina says the video proves nothing and is edited, then accuses Charly of being behind it all because she is jealous of Demi. Angelo Dawkins cut her off, saying he knows she poisoned Montez and that it is taking a lot of restraint to give Zelina, Andrade and Garza what they deserve, as Montez Ford wants the smoke. Suddenly, Montez Ford runs in, and he and Dawkins beat up Andrade and Garza.
Natalya beats Mickie James by count-out following the distraction by Lana. Seth Rollins wants Samoa Joe to tell him how he knows for sure that Rey Mysterio is here tonight. Rollins then asks what incentive he has to trust him, but Samoa Joe says nothing. After the match, Mickie James takes out Lana, and Seth Rollins says that if Rey and Dominik Mysterio are here tonight, it will be the last mistake they will make and that neither of them will make it to SummerSlam.
Before the next match, Sasha Banks that when you have all the gold, it is enough to break anybody. She then mentions both her and Bayley having to face Asuka at SummerSlam. Bayley says she has had a few days to think about, then says she cannot wait for SummerSlam. She says that SummerSlam will be a day off for them, as Asuka cannot beat them. Sasha Banks agrees, then asks who will beat Asuka first. Bayley says she will carry the heavy load and beat Asuka first so that Sasha Banks can tap Asuka out without breaking a sweat. Sasha then says they will celebrate, as nobody can beat them, and asks who the losers will be tonight. As Bayley and Sasha Banks laugh about Kairi Sane not being here anymore, Shayna Baszler shows up and says that she has whoever is champion after SummerSlam next. Asuka then shows up and says that tonight, she will both Sasha and Bayley with Shayna Baszler, saying Shayna has to fight with her first before she has to fight against her, Asuka and Baszler then run Sasha and Bayley out of the ring.
Asuka and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beat Sasha Banks and Bayley following a Kirifuda Clutch to Bayley after Asuka puts the Asuka Lock on Sasha at ringside. During the match, Nia Jax attacks Baszler from behind the barricade, and as Pat Buck and three referees force Nia Jax to the back, Baszler throws down with Nia Jax behind the barricade. This effectively turns the match into a two-on-one handicap match. Baszler comes back to break up a Banks Statement later in the match.
Backstage, Apollo Crews thanks Cedric Alexander, Ricochet and Mustafa Ali for having his back against MVP, and says that he has picked Mustafa and Ricochet as his partners due to Bobby Lashley putting Cedric in the Full Lashley. After they leave, Randy Orton shows up.
Backstage, "The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels meets with Randy Orton, saying that "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair meant a lot to everybody but that Orton will use his rage and frustration against him. Shawn tells McIntyre to refocus, as he has gone way too far and done way too much to become WWE Champion. McIntyre thanks Shawn for working with him in NXT, but feels he has let him down. Shawn tells him he has not, but that there is no stopping him. He says that the road for him will be tough, but that the road was made for Drew McIntyre and that the Drew he knew would never quit. Shawn tells McIntyre to show who he really is at SummerSlam, then asks McIntyre to give him his space as he confronts Orton in the ring tonight.
Backstage, The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) mock Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan, an Billie Kay says Peyton Royce will take her place in her match tonight. After Peyton calls Liv "trash," Ruby threatens to drop Peyton where she stands. Liv holds her back, and she and Ruby leave. After that, The IIconics notice that Marina Shafir and Jessamyn Duke are talking with "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler.
We see a video package chronicling Retribution's actions over the past two weeks.
Peyton Royce beats Ruby Riott following the distraction from Billie Kay.
It's time for Raw Underground. Erik dominates another opponent, then Shane McMahon interviews Dolph Ziggler, who calls Erik's performance "a four out of ten." This leads to Erik calling out Ziggler, which Ziggler accepts. Ziggler goes for a single leg takedown, but Erik punches him in the face and soon begins to overpower him, but Ziggler roars back into it and puts Erik in a sleeper before putting a thumb in his eyes. Ziggler wins. Afterwards, Ivar shoves Ziggler off the ropeless mat and into the nearby crowd.
Rey and Dominik Mysterio show up. Rey says the only word that he can think of after last week is "pain" due to what Seth Rollins has done not only to him, but to Dominik, and says that is has made him feel a rage that he has never felt before. Rey felt he wanted to protect his son Dominik and take the beating himself so that Dominik did not have to suffer. He admits that he may not have fully recovered from what happened to his eye, but says no doctor on Earth will stop him from protecting his son. Rey tells Rollins that he will not repeat what he did to Dominik, because at SummerSlam, he will be in Dominik's corner and watch Dominik kick his ass in a Street Fight. Dominik thanks his dad, but says he knows what he was in for when he signed the contract and that he knows what he must do to defend his family, and that he will be ready. Rey tells Dominik he is proud of him and his fight, determination and will to defend the family name, and if Rollins is anywhere nearby tonight, he will not make it to SummerSlam. Rollins and Murphy soon show up on the TitanTron, and says that while he did not take Rey as an idiot, he finds it odd that he is putting his son in danger, saying Rey is doing it for his own benefit as he calls him "selfish." He also says that Rey keeps putting himself and Dominik in situations with him, and that all of it would have been prevented if Rey accepted his role in the greater good. Rollins then says neither of them have learned, and that the Mysterio legacy will become the ultimate sacrifice. Rey tells Rollins that he has big words and that he should come to the ring to back them up, but Rollins laughs and says he asked for it. Rollins tells Rey not to move an inch, then he and Murphy head to the ring. Rey and Dominik leave the ring as Rollins and Murphy enter, and as Rey has Rollins and Murphy distracted, Dominik attacks from behind with Kendo sticks. Rey joins in on the Kendo stick attack, and Seth Rollins becomes the victim of multiple Kendo stick strikes. They try to tie Rollins up in the ropes, but Rollins is able to escape along with Murphy.
Backstage, MVP meets with Cedric Alexander, saying that Apollo Crews, Mustafa Ali and Ricochet are getting in his way. Cedric says that Apollo is looking out for his best interest, but MVP says Apollo may consider Cedric the weakest link. He also implies that Ricochet has an ego from calling himself "The One and Only," then tells him that he made an offer some time ago and that the offer still stands, and that he should think about it.
It's time for more Raw Underground. Arturo Ruas takes on Riddick Moss in the ropeless ring, and after a close match, both men roll to the outside only to be harassed by the crowd. After they pick a fight with the crowd, the match is over.
MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin beat Apollo Crews, Mustafa Ali and Ricochet in a six-man elimination tag team match. During the match, Cedric Alexander pins Shelton Benjamin after Shelton is eliminated to win the WWE 24/7 Championship.
Backstage, Shane McMahon is in talks with Jessamyn Duke, Marina Shafir and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler.
Cedric Alexander retains the WWE 24/7 Championship against Akira Tozawa. After the match, Shelton Benjamin runs into the ring and hits Cedric with Paydirt to win the WWE 24/7 Championship for a third time.
After the match, Shelton Benjamin runs into the ring and hits Cedric with Paydirt to win the WWE 24/7 Championship for a third time.
Next week on Raw Underground: Ivar vs. Dolph Ziggler!
It's time for more Raw Underground. Marina Shafir decimates an opponent before putting her in a leg lock. Afterwards, she is attacked from behind by Nia Jax, but Shayna Baszler gets in the ropeless ring and confronts her. When the match starts, however, Nia Jax runs away, and Shafir, Baszler and Jessamyn Duke stand tall in the ring.
Montez Ford beats Andrade with a schoolkid pin after Zelina Vega leaps off the ring apron only to be grabbed and slammed by Bianca Belair at ringside.
"The Heartbreak Kid" Shawn Michaels shows up. Shawn says that "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair loved performing in the ring, and without him, there would be no Heartbreak Kid, no Triple H, no Batista, no Edge, no Big Show, no Drew McIntyre and no Randy Orton. He states that Orton does not have the same appreciation for Flair as everyone else, despite having him as a mentor and teacher for years, and assures that at SummerSlam, Orton will meet his justice and he will see it coming. As Shawn leaves the ring, he is hit by an RKO out of nowhere followed by a punt to the head by Orton. Drew McIntyre runs into the ring, but Orton runs through the barricade. As McIntyre and a referee check on Shawn, Orton returns to blindside McIntyre, but McIntyre sees it coming and beats Orton up. He then checks on Shawn again, but Orton gets in the ring again and hits McIntyre with an RKO.
Raw Talk: MVP still believes Apollo Crews is behind Retribution.
The lights briefly go out before the first match of the night. They also go out briefly during Apollo Crews' entrance and during the next match.
Before the next match begins, MVP says that he is the real WWE United States Champion after Apollo Crews failed to show at Extreme Rules, and says that "their beef is done" after this match when he stays champion and Apollo rejoins Cedric Alexander and Ricochet in catering.
Apollo Crews retains the WWE United States Championship against MVP and wins MVP's version of the championship. After the match, Bobby Lashley goes after Apollo, but Apollo escapes him and the Full Nelson.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Apollo Crews. Apollo says Bobby Lashley's strength is like nothing else and that it hurt him and his children see MVP claim to be champion, and says he will celebrate by putting the old title on his wall. Meanwhile, MVP complains about the lights flickering on and off, and says Apollo Crews stole his United States Championship before telling him he does not care about his family and that he wants his rematch. After Shelton Benjamin whispers in his ears, MVP says he wants that rematch at SummerSlam.
We see a large bodyguard near a door backstage.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Bayley and Sasha Banks. Bayley brags about the both of them having all the women's championships, then says they have brought something special for everyone tonight: a new video package of themselves. After the video package is interrupted by Asuka, Bayley and Sasha complain about being disrespected, then "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up, says she has waited long enough to have her own fun, then punches Sasha out.
Backstage, Kevin Owens is met by The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce), who say they would be great guests for his show tonight. Owens says he already has guests tonight, then leaves.
It's time for The Kevin Owens Show. Owens' guest tonight is Ruby Riott. Ruby says it is no secret that she has bad luck since she came back, and that The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) have done their best rubbing salt into that wound just to bring her down in order to bring themselves back up. She says that she recently stuck it to them, but she feels that it would have been better if Liv Morgan was out there with her to celebrate. Owens then brings out Liv, much to Ruby's surprise. Liv says she is here to hear what Ruby has to say and that Owens asked her to be here, then Owens says that when they started, they had something special, and while they are great individuals, they bring the best out of each other. Owens says he has said crappy things and lost friendships to better his career, and while he cannot say if it is worth it for them to be friends, the least Liv can do is hear Ruby out. Ruby says that when she returned, she thought everything would be the same, but she was wrong, and Liv was not only different, but thriving, and felt Liv did not need her, especially after Liv beat her twice. She says that she was not ready for all that change and she took her anger out on her, and that she took it out on Liv, which she admits was wrong. She then remembers the tattoo of their main roster debut on Liv's neck. As Ruby says that she wants The Riott Squad to be stronger than it has ever been, The IIconics show up. Peyton says everyone is sick of hearing them, and says Liv should have stayed in the bathtub. Billie Kay says she is sick of the social media posts concerning them, and says it is time for facts over emotion. The IIconics says that they have been dominating over the last few months and that they are better than them. After Peyton says Liv and Ruby are not IIconic like them, Liv agrees, then says nobody starts a riot like them. Peyton tells Liv and Ruby they have nothing on The IIconics and challenges them to a match. Kevin Owens asks for more technical difficulties for The IIconics when they cannot decide who says their catchphrase, then The IIconics both slap him. Owens asks Ruby and Liv to attack them, which they do.
A man with refreshments is dwarfed in size by the bodyguard by the door backstage.
Liv Morgan and Ruby Riott beat The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce). After the match, The IIconics attacks Liv, but Ruby Riott makes the save. Liv and Ruby then lay Bilie Kay out.
Backstage, Charly Caruso reports on a large box falling over and debris on the ground. Thankfully, nobody was in the area, and that the toppled box may be deliberate. MVP shows up and says that the glitches in the arena should be her real story, and Charly informs him that Apollo Crews has accepted his rematch at SummerSlam. Shelton Benjamin shows up and tells MVP that somebody has stolen the 24/7 Championship, then MVP and Shelton leave.
Drew McIntyre shows up. McIntyre says that Randy Orton has spent 20 years preying on vulnerability and that he is not the guy who would never show how he felt or show a lot of emotion, and would wait until the match is finished to hit someone with an RKO. McIntyre says that is on him and that it will never happen again, then says he knows how motivated Orton is to take the WWE Championship, which is just as much as he is to keep it. McIntyre talks about a time when Vince McMahon looked them in the eye and told them they were the future of the industry, and while things did not quite go to plan, Orton had it handed to him while he had to earn it. McIntyre says Orton's early accolades were fed to him due to his father being "Cowboy" Bob Orton, then says that nobody was cleaning up behind him and says he was fired for his mistakes, unlike Orton. McIntyre then says he has talked to people who have had to clean up after Orton and says that Orton should have been fired far more times than he was. Suddenly, Orton and "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair show up. Orton asks McIntyre if his respect for him is not enough, saying he has repaid his respect by saying he was handed everything and does not want to be here, then says he wants to be here and enjoys beating his opponents. Orton admits he appreciates his fighting spirit and says it will make it sweeter when he beats him for the WWE Championship, then admits he should have been fired over and over again. He then says he was never fired because he is more valuable to the company than McIntyre ever will be, then challenges McIntyre to come up with one original opinion about him on his own. McIntyre tells Orton that he represents everything wrong in WWE, and says Orton was the most important part of The Undertaker's documentary was The Undertaker pulling him up to his level when he did not have to due to his love of the business. He then says that Orton has not done the same for anyone else, much like Edge did for him ten years ago, and remembers Orton walking past him in catering as his world crumbled around him, saying nothing to him. McIntyre says he sees "a selfish prick," not a leader, and that he has a bunch of receipts from both him and a host of other people and that he will rip Orton's head off, and that Orton will see it coming.
Backstage, Nia Jax is seen talking with Pat Buck, the same official that she attacked last week.
Backstage, Kevin Owens is talking with Ruby Riott and Liv Morgan when "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair wants a word with him alone. Flair feels that Owens is turning into too much of a guidance counselor, but Owens says he has sacrificed a lot of friendships and said some crappy things to advance his career, but now he wants to take a different path to the top and wants to be a leader. He says that this is the path Randy Orton would take if he wanted to take it, then Flair tells Owens to mind his own business and take care of himself, then he might get a title opportunity at SummerSlam. Owens says that if Flair is so concerned about his career, then he can show what kind of fight he has and Orton can meet him in the ring.
Nia Jax and Pat Buck are in the ring. Nia says she is here to own up to what she did last week. She says she has taken to heart that millions idolize her, and says that when a "scrawny little runt" from WWE management who couldn't cut it in the ring wants to step to her, it is time to step back. Nia then challenges Pat Buck to a match, but Pat Buck says he was only in the ring for the apology. Nia says he will get it after their match, and promises to start off slow so his "little legs" can keep up. Pat is not interested, and Nia says that if he does not want to take the opportunity and that they do not want to talk in private, then he can say what he has to say right now. Pat Buck indefinitely suspends Nia without pay. Nia Jax attacks Pat Buck in response. After Nia Jax leaves, R-Truth runs around ringside with the WWE 24/7 Championship in his hands as he is chased by Akira Tozawa's ninjas and then Shelton Benjamin.
Akira Tozawa beats R-Truth and Shelton Benjamin with the help of his ninjas distracting Shelton, MVP and Bobby Lashley to win the WWE 24/7 Championship for the third time.
Backstage, we see Shane McMahon - who hasn't been seen in almost a year - advertising Raw Underground, which is tonight at 10 PM while an unsanctioned MMA fight is happening in the background.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Dominik Mysterio, who says that while it may be crazy to keep fighting Seth Rollins and that his mind is not in the right place, but if people think he is crazy now, people will think he is even more crazy after wanting a match with Rollins at SummerSlam.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler vs. Sasha Banks ends in a no-contest after Asuka attacks Bayley at ringside. After the match, Asuka chases Sasha Banks out of the ring.
Charly Caruso interviews Asuka in the ring. After some footage of what happened in the ring last week, Asuka says that Kairi Sane will be okay, but now, she is not here while she, Bayley and Sasha Banks are. Asuka says she wants a rematch against Sasha for the Raw Women's title at SummerSlam. Suddenly, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler is in the ring. Baszler says she is rooting for her and tells her to win the title back from Sasha while she supports her, as she will be so excited to dismember her and take the title off of her. Sasha and Bayley then show up, and Sasha says the Raw Women's Championship is hers. Sasha then says Asuka can have her rematch, but only if she can beat Bayley next week.
Backstage, Angel Garza flirts with Demi Burnett from The Bachelor, then Andrade shows up. Zelina Vega then says Demi does not belong here, and that she and Garza need to talk. Garza tells Demi he will find a seat for her for his match.
We see Shane McMahon advertise Raw Underground again as another unsanctioned MMA fight happens and dancers are seen in the background.
We are backstage in the foggy room with a ropeless ring. A big man named Dabba-Kato (formerly known as Babatunde) steps onto the ring and absolutely destroys his opponent. Another guy steps onto the ring, but he suffers a very similar fate.
The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) show up. Montez Ford mentions Andrade and Angel Garza attacking him and Angelo Dawkins at the commentary table, then Dawkins tells Demi Burnett should be getting a rose from him. Montez Ford then mentions Angel Garza's "velvet track suit," then says it is August and that velvet does not breathe. He then says that The Street Profits have a real bond, unlike Andrade and Garza, whom Zelina Vega just put together.
Angel Garza beats Angelo Dawkins after Montez Ford suddenly collapses at ringside.
Montez Ford collapses again during his match with Andrade.
Backstage, Murphy watches footage of Rollins sacrificing Aleister Black, then stands up after seeing Rollins. Rollins tells Murphy he made the right decision and that he is proud of him, and that Murphy should be proud of himself. After Rollins tells him to look to the future, Murphy asks Rolilns about Dominik, and asks if what Dominik is trying to do is ridiculous. Rollins simply walks away.
Backstage at Raw Underground, Erik decimates an opponent in an MMA fight.
Backstage, Charly Caruso reports from the trainer's room when Angel Garza shows up and tries to flirt with Charly and give her a rose. Zelina Vega and Andrade show up, saying they are all concerned about Montez Ford. As she asks what this means for the Raw Tag Team Championships, Angelo Dawkins comes out of the ring and says that Montez might have been poisoned before the match. Bianca Belair walks out of the room and accuses Zelina, Andrade and Garza of poisoning her husband Montez, and as Zelina asks if she thinks she is stupid enough to do this, Bianca slowly takes her earrings off and lunges at her. Both women have to be separated.
We see footage from earlier today where a bunch of people dressed as ninjas throw firebombs at a power generator.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin. MVP says that the whole night has been sabotaged, and that all the sabotage has been happening at the same time that Raw Underground started. When Charly Caruso tells them that Raw Underground is taking place nearby, MVP, Lashley and Shelton head for the underground ring.
Seth Rollins and Murphy show up. Rollins says that he and Murphy have some housekeeping to tend to before addressing Dominik Mysterio, and asks Tom Phillips if he considers himself a professional and an unbiased journalist who takes pride in his job and his body of work. Rollins then asks Phillips what he was doing last week when Dominik Mysterio was assaulting him with a Kendo stick, then tells him he was cheering him on and inciting his rage. Rollins says that Tom's voice matters, for he is the voice of Raw, and he is part of the greater good whether he likes it or not, for his voice tells people what to think and it is his job to call it down the middle, or else he incites bias, does a poor job and incites liability. He says it is time to find a new voice, then commands Murphy to take Philips. Samoa Joe stands up and confronts Rollins and Murphy, and gives them a choice to either get in the ring and make their point or make it physical. He also tells Rollins and Murphy that he was laughing harder than anyone at the announce table. Rollins tells Joe he does not want to do this, but Joe says he does. He takes the headset off, and Murphy and Rollins back off. Rollins says that if Joe wants to do this, then they can settle it in the ring, and tells Joe that whatever happens to him is his fault. After the commercial break, Seth Rollins and Murphy are in the ring with steel chairs while Samoa Joe is outside of the ring. Suddenly, Dominik Mysterio shows up with a Kendo stick and fights Rollins and Murphy. Once again, Dominik outsmarts Rollins and Murphy at their own game, and Rollins tells Dominik that if he wants to fight him at SummerSlam, he accepts.
Backstage at Raw Underground, Dolph Ziggler takes down an opponent and makes him tap to a sleeper hold. Suddenly, MVP, Bobby Lashley and Shelton Benjamin show up, and MVP announces that Raw Underground is under new management. He says that The Hurt Business now runs Raw Underground, and Bobby Lashley gets his first opponent, whom he immediately lays waste to. MVP then wants an opponent, and The Hurt Business gang up on a random guy who quickly gets beaten up by MVP. All of a sudden, Brennan Williams wants to pick a fight, and he is laid out by Shelton Benjamin. MVP, Shelton and Lashley then attack whoever has yet to leave the room. MVP then says that he, Lashley and Shelton are The Hurt Business, and that business is booming.
Raw Talk: R-Truth talks about whether he will fight on Raw Underground.
Tonight's show starts with The VIP Lounge. MVP's guest tonight is Dolph Ziggler, whom MVP calls one of the most selfless people that he has ever met and the nicest guy that he knows. Ziggler says that he will turn Drew McIntyre into the same man that he picked up and took underneath his wing when he is done with him on Sunday as he sends him out of the door and takes the WWE Championship, and says that without him, Drew would not be successful. After Ziggler says that McIntyre will turn into another guy asking how for a hand-out, MVP thanks Dolph for all of his selflessness, and Dolph says he will lose the WWE Championship due to a lack of gratitude. McIntyre shows up and says that tonight is about him and Ziggler, and says that after what happened last week, he has come to the conclusion that Ziggler uses people and that they were never friends, with him doing all of Ziggler's dirty work. He goes on to say that while Ziggler is one of the most talented people in the business, he tells Ziggler - who tries to interrupt him - that he will hurt, maim and torture him and make him regret bringing him to Raw, as whatever happens Sunday is on Ziggler. McIntyre then says he needs a little bit of action right now, then sucker punches Ziggler before leaving.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Andrade, Angel Garza and Zelina Vega. Zelina Vega accuses Charly of pushing a false narrative that Andrade and Garza cannot get along and states that they have been on a hot streak as of late and that no man can stand up to them and all the women are beneath her. Garza says they can beat The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) before handing Charly a rose, and Andrade says that if Garza has his back, he has Garza's. Suddenly, The Viking Raiders show up. Erik says that the Raiders have been dominant for the past year, and that Andrade and Garza have dishonored their competition and their friends in The Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford), and tonight, they run through them. Ivar hands Garza's rose to Charly, much to Garza's chagrin.
Andrade and Angel Garza beat The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) in an elimination tag team match.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Ruby Riott, but they are interrupted by The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce), who mock Ruby for having no friends again and losing to them, and say their tag team match will soon become a handicap match. Ruby Riott introduces Bianca Belair, who is more than happy to beat up The IIconics tonight.
Ruby Riott and Bianca Belair beat The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce).
Backstage, R-Truth congratulates Ricochet for being Raw MVP, but Ricochet says he is wrestling Bobby Lashley with MVP tonight. Cedric Alexander reminds R-Truth that he has a match with Randy Orton, but R-Truth says he was challenged by "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Cedric tells R-Truth that Ric Flair challenged him on Orton's behalf, but after figuring that out, he leaves, then meets Tozawa and asks him to help him become a black belt in ten minutes. He refuses, then tries to pin R-Truth for the 24/7 title. R-Truth kicks out. Tozawa summons his ninjas, and Cedric and Ricochet stand alongside R-Truth. R-Truth settles this by challenging Tozawa to a match for the 24/7 title in the ring right now.
Before the next match, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up. Tozawa sics his ninjas on her, but Baszler finishes them off in seconds. Tozawa leaves the ring, then Baszler shifts her attention to R-Truth. R-Truth says "I'll let myself out," then leaves the ring. Baszler says she has been so patient and allowed everyone to have their fun, but she is done. She says all these "weak-minded Women's Champions" are running around fooling themselves into thinking they are in control. She says that she is here to shatter the illusion that her history of violence is a distant memory with a harsh dose of reality, and she is that reality.
Backstage, Seth Rollins asks Murphy what is troubling him. Murphy asks Rollins if he and Rey Mysterio are going to willfully blind each other, but Rollins says nothing of significance does not happen without sacrifice, and that Rey asked for this. He asks Murphy to stay backstage and focus on his match with Aleister Black, as he has a message to deliver.
Seth Rollins shows up. Rollins says he knows what "an eye for an eye" means, and says that he thought Rey used it as a metaphor for revenge. However, he has come to understand that Rey meant it literally, and he is trying to comprehend how they got to this point. Rollins says he wants to lead Raw into a brighter future, and Rey has resisted every step of the way to the point that they are in a match where the only way to win is to pluck the other's eyeball from its socket. Rollins says that there has never been such a match sanctioned with a stipulation so sadistic and barbaric, and says that he never meant to harm Rey, as Rey presented himself in a time of need and he fulfilled the prophecy. He says this prophecy was handed down by the fans, who have asked him to lead the way for Raw. He says that Extreme Rules will be the horror show it is advertised to be, as Rey has forced his hand and forced him to tear his eye out and leave him completely blind. He says that Sunday will be the end of Rey Mysterio, but also a new beginning for Raw. Suddenly, Kevin Owens shows up. Owens says that he expected Rey to pick a more traditional match last week, and as disturbed as he is by the "eye for an eye" stipulation, he finds it more disturbing that a "scumbag" like Rollins took a respectable legend to the point that he wants to gouge his eyes out. Owens says he knows where Rey is coming from, as he wanted to end his own career at WrestleMania if it meant shutting Rollins up. He then says he has a eye patch for him from his friend Jean-Pierre LaFitte. Rollins sics Murphy on Owens, but Aleister Black runs in. Aleister attacks Murphy, starting a brawl on the ramp.
Aleister Black beats Murphy by disqualification after Rollins pulls Aleister out of the ring after he hits Black Mass on Murphy as Murphy is standing on the middle rope. After the match, Owens goes after Rollins, then Dominick and Rey Mysterio show up.
Kevin Owens beats Seth Rollins after Rollins blinds Owens and Rey Mysterio, Dominick and Aleister Black all distract Rollins from the ring apron. After the match, Rey says that Rollins tried to end his career, terrorized his family, put his hands on his son and crossed every line there is to cross, and on Sunday, he will make a sacrifice of his own and tear Seth's eye out.
Backstage, Big Show talks with "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair. Flair says that when he looks back on the big men he has wrestled, Big Show has the most skill and athletics and has done it all. Flair then tells Big Show that he is picking a fight that he cannot win, as he has been out of the business for so long, and says that he should leave healthy while he can, as Randy Orton is at the top of the business right now. Big Show tells Flair that he knows what he is doing, and that he has never seen Orton like he is now. He says that Orton has no empathy, and asks Flair if he is willing to sacrifice his friendships so that Orton can become a legend killer.
Backstage, Randy Orton says it is lucky if you exit the industry with a handful of friends you made while in it. Orton says he had that handful of friends, and says that Edge could not trust him. Orton says he sent Edge back home, then Christian showed up to defend him. Orton says there is nothing wrong with defending, but Christian accepted his offer for one more unsanctioned match. As for Big Show, they have history together, which baffles him as to why he would risk his friendship with him. Orton then calls "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair family, and says it would be a shame if Flair did anything to jeopardize their friendship. As for R-Truth, he has all his respect, which will make it a shame when he is just another chapter for the legend killer.
Before the next match, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair shows up to congratulate R-Truth on his career, then says that Randy Orton will not punt him tonight and will just RKO him because he likes R-Truth much like he does.
Randy Orton quickly beats R-Truth.
After the match, Flair tries to stop Orton from hitting R-Truth with the punt, but Big Show shows up. Orton threatens to punt R-Truth's head and finish his career if Big Show takes another step. He says punting Edge and Christian hurt him more than it hurt him, then says he was saving his punt for Big Show. He then challenges Big Show to finish what they started in an unsanctioned match next week, and Big Show gladly accepts, chasing Orton out of the ring.
Backstage, MVP and Bobby Lashley meet with Cedric Alexander and Ricochet. Cedric tells MVP that he is not interested, then he and Ricochet leave. Sarah Schreiber then interviews MVP, who says that his victory against Apollo Crews is a foregone conclusion and that he and Lashley will celebrate after Sunday. Lashley says that tonight, Ricochet will be nursing injuries or worse courtesy of "the hurt business." Sarah Schreiber then finds Drew McIntyre backstage. Drew McIntyre says he was giving Dolph Ziggler a chance by letting him pick the stipulation, then he is attacked by Ziggler. Officials have to separate both men.
Lashley beats Ricochet with the full nelson. After the match, Cedric Alexander tries to make the save, but he also falls victim to the full nelson.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Big Show, who makes it clear that he has accepted Randy Orton's challenge to an unsanctioned match.
Before the next match, Sasha Banks replays the tribute video package for her and Bayley.
Bayley and Sasha Banks retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) with a Banks Statement to Kairi Sane.
Raw Talk: Is Drew McIntyre's rage working against him?
Drew McIntyre shows up to start tonight's show. McIntyre talks about how he allowed Dolph Ziggler to pick the stipulation for their WWE Championship match at Extreme Rules last week, then tells Ziggler to come to the ring and name the stipulation. Ziggler shows up and announces that the stipulation is a secret, stating that McIntyre made a mistake allowing him to pick the stipulation and that he is "the same old Drew McIntyre." Ziggler also mentions McIntyre being released, but McIntyre says he used that time to get better and return to WWE to do what he did at WrestleMania, but Ziggler says McIntyre stabbed more people than just him to win the WWE title. He then announces that he has brought someone that he also stabbed in the back: Heath Slater, who has been released in recent months due to COVID-19. Slater gets in the ring and tells McIntyre he has known him for more than a decade and that they go way back longer than anyone knows, and while McIntyre wasn't "The Chosen One" then, he is now. Slater then talks about how he and his family watched McIntyre won the WWE Championship, and says that he checked up on McIntyre when he was released from his contract before asking where McIntyre was for him. Slater says he has not spoken to McIntyre, whom he admits knows his wife and two kids, and says that while he was there for McIntyre, McIntyre wasn't there for him, and he was soon on the unemployment line after McIntyre petitioned to have a match with him. Slater says that this is his last opportunity and that he hopes that their friendship can last through this, and that he is taking the opportunity. He then tries to egg McIntyre on by pushing him, then slapping him. McIntyre tells Slater he has got his fight.
Drew McIntyre beats Heath Slater in seconds with a Claymore Kick. After the match, Dolph Ziggler shoves Slater by the face, then tackles and punches him. McIntyre heads back into the ring and chases Ziggler away. He then helps Slater up, and both men hug.
Backstage, Sarah Schreiber interviews Bayley and Sasha Banks. Bayley asks why they should talk to her when they can talk to the world. After they leave, Asuka shows up and says "Who says I'm all alone?" before dancing away.
Bayley and Sasha Banks are in the ring. Bayley says that the show can begin now that she and Sasha are here, and Sasha says they - like money - never sleep. Bayley talks about her match with Asuka tonight and her title match against Nikki Cross at Extreme Rules, saying she will stay champion. Sasha says she will make Asuka tap out and become "Two Belts Banks" at Extreme Rules, then Asuka shows up and tells Sasha she is not good at math before telling Bayley she is not ready for her. Bayley tells Asuka that Sasha has humiliated her for the past couple of weeks and will humiliate her at Extreme Rules, then has a surprise for Sasha Banks: Kairi Sane.
Kairi Sane beats Sasha Banks by disqualification after Bayley gets involved in the match. After the match, Asuka attacks Bayley, then Kairi Sane takes Bayley and Sasha Banks down with an In-Sane Elbow.
Backstage, Aleister Black has been attacked. Seth Rollins and Murphy walk by, with Seth Rollins saying "It's a damn shame."
Backstage, The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) are met by Big Show while Ivar holds a green bowling ball. Big Show chops both of them as they clown around, and the two of them immediately get serious.
It's time for The Kevin Owens Show. Tonight's guest is Seth Rollins. Owens throws all of the chairs out of the ring before introducing Seth Rollins as "a pretty giant piece of trash" while admitting that Rollins is a strange guest to have considering their past history. Rollins and Murphy show up, and Rollins thanks Owens for having him before asking about his fractured ankle. Owens says his ankle is better than Rollins' ego, as things have not been going so well for Rollins as of late. Owens admits that there is a bit of a bond between them following their WrestleMania match this year and hands him a "KOMania IV" shirt, then Rollins says he does not care about him, his shirt or his show. Rollins says he is only here to address Rey Mysterio, and challenges him to a match at Extreme Rules now that he is medically cleared, stating it is time to make Rey a sacrifice for the greater good. Rollins says that things have not been going so well for Owens and his ankle either, and that Owens needs him more than he thinks he does. He proposes that Owens fight with him rather than against him. After Rollins proposes that Owens find a purpose in his fighting and fight for the greater good, Rey Mysterio and Dominick show up. After Rollins proposes that Owens find a purpose in his fighting and fight for the greater good, Rey Mysterio and Dominick show up. Rollins mentions their match for tonight and proposes sacrificing Dominick much like he did. Owens offers to replace Aleister Black as Rey's partner, and proposes that the winning team pick the stipulation for Rey vs. Rollins at Extreme Rules. Rollins accepts, then Murphy attacks Owens from behind. Owens ends up overpowering them, and Rollins and Murphy retreat.
Rey Mysterio and Kevin Owens beat Seth Rollins and Murphy. During the match, Murphy and Rollins confront Dominick, and Rollins tries to goad Dominick into hitting him to disqualify Rey and Owens. When he refuses, he goes for Dominick's eye. Later in the match, Rollins takes Dominick hostage, but he is confronted by Aleister Black. Dominick digs into one of Murphy's eyes while the referee is pre-occupied, and Rey is able to hit the 619 for the win. As per pre-match stipulation, Rey is able to pick the stipulation for his match with Rollins at Extreme Rules, and Rey says "Ojo por ojo" before threatening to pull Rollins' eye out with his bare hands.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews MVP and Bobby Lashley. Lashley says that he broke Apollo Crews with the full nelson and that his reign as United States Champion will come to an end, while MVP states that the future of the title can be described as "ballin'," much like Apollo's was before he disrespected them.
MVP and Bobby Lashley show up. It is announced that MVP will face Apollo Crews for the WWE United States Championship at Extreme Rules. There is a table with a belt on it, and the belt is covered by a black cloth. MVP says that Apollo Crews was a rising star who was burning bright, but he burnt out when he ran into Lashley, and says that nobody is invincible when it comes to Lashley and his full nelson. MVP says he tried to help Crews, but Crews refused it and disrespected him and Lashley. After saying that Crews will have memories of being champion after Extreme Rules, he says that beating Crews already makes him the United States Champion. After stating that his third reign as United States Champion will be better than his first two, he unveils the new design for the WWE United States Championship, saying it is befitting of a man like himself. As Lashley puts the new belt around MVP's waist, Ricochet and Cedric Alexander show up, and Cedric says that championship are earned around here while Ricochet says that Crews will come back and end MVP's championship fantasies. He then says MVP and Lashley hurt their friend, then promises to put "the hurt business" on Chapter 11 before overpowering them in the ring, forcing them to retreat.
MVP and Bobby Lashley beat Ricochet and Cedric Alexander. After the match, Lashley puts Cedric in the full nelson, but Ricochet puts a stop to it with a drop kick from the top rope.
Backstage, Andrade does not want to deal with Zelina Vega or Angel Garza, then runs into "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair, who tells them that tonight's match is "a must-do mission" or else they will answer to Randy Orton, who shows up. Orton admits he respects Garza and Andrade for being sons of professional wrestlers, then states he will not hesitate to punish them if they mess up.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews The Kabuki Warriors. Asuka says she will beat Bayley tonight, then she and Kairi Sane will challenge Bayley and Sasha Banks for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships next week. Kairi plays recorder as she and Asuka dance away.
Randy Orton, Andrade and Angel Garza Big Show and The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) with a surprise RKO to Erik. During the match, Garza yells at Andrade, and Orton tells Garza to meet him outside of the ring before grabbing him by the throat and telling him to stop screwing up.
Backstage, Peyton Royce tells Billie Kay she is excited to see Billie beat up Ruby Riott tonight, then the two of them make fun of Ruby Riott. Ruby shows up and says it wil be tragic for the two of them tonight. Meanwhile, MVP talks with Cedric Alexander and tries to drive a wedge between Cedric and Ricochet.
Backstage, "The Nature Boy" Ric Flair talks with Randy Orton when R-Truth suddenly bumps into him. After looking at Flair and thinking he is Akira Tozawa in disguise, he runs when he hears Tozawa nearby. Orton stops Tozawa and his ninjas, and directs them away from R-Truth.
Billie Kay beats Ruby Riott.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Bayley and Sasha Banks. Bayley says Asuka has no chance of winning tonight or next week, and Sasha says The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) will never be champions again, even if they have to beat them again to prove it.
Nikki Cross guests on commentary for the next match (and is almost escorted out by security). Sasha Banks agitates Nikki by throwing something at her while she approaches the ring with Bayley. This does not last long, as security carry her out after Bayley shoves her during the next match.
Asuka beats Bayley. During the match, Bayley finds out that Nikki Cross - who was carried off by security - is behind the plexiglass barricade. This allows Asuka to lock in the Asuka Lock, then roll Bayley up to get the win.
Raw Talk: Ruby Riott talks about the current state of her relationship with Liv Morgan.
Charly Caruso introduces Randy Orton into the ring to start tonight's show. Orton asks why "straight-up wrestling match" is so hard to comprehend, as WWE is wrestling. He says that he and Edge tore each other apart at WrestleMania and that Edge was the better man, but he knows that Edge is not the superior wrestler; he is. Orton says he can prove that, and all he needs is the ring and a referee, and while competitors are a dime a dozen, not all of them can do what he can do in the ring. He then says that Edge did not accept his challenge last week because he saw doubt in his eyes, and that the grit and passion he had has faded away into doubt and fear. Suddenly, Edge shows up. Edge says that Orton spoke a lot of truths and gave him a lot to contemplate and internalize, and knows that he is playing chess to keep him from rushing into his next moves. He then says this is a game and a paycheck to Orton. Edge once again admits that Orton is the most talented person he has seen in the wrestling ring, but he was handed his career and he did not choose it, saying that Orton was not a big wrestling fan like him. He also says that Orton has never had a career-ending injury he had to fight back from for years or had the same amount of passion that he did. Orton interrupts and demands an answer as to whether he will accept his challenge. Edge accepts.
Backstage, Murphy meets up with Seth Rollins, who tells Murphy that he has had a revelation and that he wants to tell the world. The two of them then head to the ring.
Seth Rollins and Murphy show up. Rollins that sometimes in life, you have to lose who you are to truly find yourself, and when he lost to Drew McIntyre last Sunday, part of him thought that he had lost everything, and he fell into a place so dark that he was not sure if he would ever escape. He then says that without darkness, there can be no light, and he has seen the light and it is brighter than it has ever been before, and it is thanks to Rey Mysterio. He then says that what happened to Rey has been described as heinous, disgusting and unforgivable as well as an act of penance paid to him for Rey's disbelief in him, but he does not see it that way at all. As he sees it, what happened to Rey was unfortunate but necessary, and a sacrifice for the greater good as it gave him the clarity needed to make him the leader he was meant to be. Rollins then says he wants to take this moment to speak to Rey directly, and while Rey is at home healing with his family, he will come to understand that what happened to him was a blessing to disguise. Rollins then says "You're welcome" to Rey, then Humberto Carrillo shows up. Carrillo says that nobody believes Rollins, and says that Rey is a hero to millions as well as his idol. He calls Rollins a coward, then gets in the ring only to be blocked by Murphy. Rollins applauds Carrillo for standing up for Rey, but he is not dressed for a fight. He then says that Murphy has a later on tonight with Aleister Black, but if he wants a fight, Murphy will be happy to oblige.
Murphy beats Humberto Carrillo. After the match, Murphy attacks Carrillo again, but Aleister Black runs into the ring and he and Murphy start brawling. Black goes for Black Mass, but Murphy ducks out of the way and rolls out of the ring.
Backstage, King Corbin demands a backstage worker give him his own private locker room before talking with a referee, wanting to know why he is not being treated like royalty on Raw and demanding that everything be fixed before telling the referee how his match will go.
We hear from Liv Morgan, who says that her mom is a hero, and while she didn't have a job or resume or much of a savings account, she had determination, and she never quit. After saying that she is her mother's daughter, she talks about her match with Charlotte Flair. While she did not win, she learned that she is just like her mother and determined to become Raw Women's Champion.
Charlotte Flair shows up. Charlotte talks about her match against Bayley for this week on SmackDown, and says she is excited to teach Bayley that there are even levels to being a champion. She then says that Ruby Riott is dying to say something about her, and tells her to come to the ring to say what she has to say. Ruby shows up and stands face-to-face with Charlotte.
Charlotte Flair beats Ruby Riott with the Figure Eight.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Bobby Lashley when MVP shows up and says that he and Lashley will not be doing business because he is busy dealing with clowns like R-Truth and Lana. MVP then asks Lashley what it would be like to put a full nelson on a champion in WWE, and tells him to think about when Lashley is going to free Lashley, and maybe he will see him later.
Edge vs. Randy Orton is official for Backlash.
In footage from earlier today, Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) . Street Profits see a man in a Viking helmet on a horse, then see the Raiders as well as a small Viking encampment. After The Viking Raiders offer a gift of smoke from a nearby campfire, the competition starts. Ford does not like their chances, but Dawkins is game for competition.
Kairi Sane introduces Asuka in the ring. Asuka shows up, and is elated to see Kairi with a bouquet of flowers before congratulating Becky Lynch on becoming a mother and realizing that she is Raw Women's Champion. Kairi Sane runs down Asuka's previous championship accolades before telling her she has become a Grand Slam Champion. Kairi then plays music on a recorder before Nia Jax shows up. Nia says there is nothing to celebrate, as Asuka was handed the title because she couldn't fight anymore, and tells her she will be replaced by someone far more worthy of the championship: her. She says their showdown will end only one day, and that there will be a real party when she is champion. Kairi approaches Nia Jax slightly, and this allows Asuka to attack Nia Jax and send her into a retreat.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews King Corbin. Corbin says Drew McIntyre might be WWE Champion, but he is no king, and as he says he chose tonight's match and that he carried him for over a year, McIntyre watches him backstage as he says that McIntyre is dangerous. Corbin says that McIntyre still has the potential to make mistakes, and he will take advantage of him and make it so that when they meet again, it will be for the WWE Championship.
R-Truth is in the ring. He says that Bobby Lashley has been "a bad, bad, bad man," and after footage of Lashley with MVP is shown, he says he does not want to be put in "Nelson from The Simpsons" again, and says his childhood hero John Cena would never give up against Lashley. He also says he will not give up on the 24/7 Championship, and after he is done with Lashley, he will sack Tom Brady and win the title back.
Bobby Lashley beats R-Truth with the full nelson. After the match, MVP congratulates Lashley on the stage. Backstage, Lana throws a temper tantrum and starts throwing things around.
Backstage, Nia Jax spies on Kairi Sane and Asuka.
We get a closer look at Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, courtesy of Dairy Queen.
Before the next match, The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) say that they are glad Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross so they can drop off the women's tag team titles and be gone.
Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) by disqualification after Peyton Royce refuses to listen to the referee and keeps attacking Alexa Bliss.
Backstage, Kairi Sane is playing on her recorder when Nia Jax sneaks up from behind her and throws her into a road crate.
Backstage, The IIconics (Billie Kay and Peyton Royce) argue, and Billie angrily slaps Peyton. Both realize what has happened and then hug each other.
We see scenes from Chapter 2 of "Undertaker: The Last Ride," exclusively on WWE Network.
Backstage, Asuka and a trainer check on Kairi Sane. When Kairi mentions Nia Jax, Asuka is enraged.
Backstage, Asuka confronts Nia Jax. When Nia Jax walks away, Asuka grabs her and kicks her in the back of the head.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beats Natalya in a submission match with the Kirifuda Clutch. After the match, Natalya is despondent in the ring and starts throwing things around as the ring crew prepares the ring for The Kevin Owens Show.
Backstage, Zelina Vega tells Andrade, Angel Garza and Austin Theory that they will all be on the same page.
It's time for The Kevin Owens Show. Tonight's guests are Zelina Vega, Andrade, Angel Garza and Austin Theory. After sarcastically thanking Natalya for "getting all the crap out of the way," he admits he has not been around for a while and says that his WrestleMania moment came at the cost of getting banged up, but he is good to go and he is back. He says that while the set is reduced tonight, tonight's show is a major edition, and he introduces Zelina, Andrade, Garza and Theory onto the show. Zelina says Owens is expecting a "Jerry Springer show" tonight, and that she is sick of everyone thinking one argument means that her empire is crumbling, then says that Andrade is a god among insects and a real champions. She says that Angel Garza breaks faces as well as hearts and calls Austin Theory a 23-year-old prodigy before saying that she is on the come-up. When asked by Zelina why he is not in the ring, Owens mentions what has gone on the last few months with his show, mentioning that things always eventually get heated and somebody always gets beaten up. He then says he does not want the ring to be too crowded for his next guest: Apollo Crews, who rushes into the ring and attacks Andrade.
Kevin Owens and Apollo Crews beat Andrade and Angel Garza after Austin Theory inadvertently punches Garza in the face while Zelina Vega distracts the referee on the ring apron. After the match, Andrade attacks Austin Theory from behind, and both men brawl. Angel Garza joins in, and both men throw Theory into the guardrail repeatedly before Zelina slaps him in the face, saying she should have never believed in Theory. Afterwards, Garza and Andrade throw Theory into a bunch of steel chairs.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Drew McIntyre, who says that he is having a great time and that Monday nights are always a great time for a Claymore party. He says that the brand-to-brand invitational has allowed for dream matches, and one has fallen into his match with King Corbin, whom he knows well. He says that he is a terrible human being who does terrible things to his opponent and that he will do anything to win a match, but he has a special Claymore fit for a king with Corbin's name on it.
We see footage of the ax throwing competition between Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik). When Montez Ford throws an axe, it goes way off target. After the commercial break, Angelo Dawkins makes his shot, but ends up hitting a barrel full of water, and Ivar and Erik have to keep the rest of the vikings away from the Street Profits.
Aleister Black beats Murphy by disqualification. During the match, Austin Theory - still down after the beating he was given earlier - is met by Seth Rollins, who extends his hands. Theory takes it, and Rollins helps him up before commanding him to attack Aleister Black as he goes for the Black Mass. After the match, Theory continues to attack Aleister alongside Murphy, and after hitting Aleister with the ATL, he hugs Rollins and becomes one of his disciples.
In footage from earlier today, the axe throwing competition between Street Profits (Angelo Dawkins and Montez Ford) and The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) officially begins. The Viking Raiders score bullseye after bullseye, but The Street Profits come up short as the Raiders make it look easy. Street Profits eventually score a point, but the game is broken up by two cops who want to know who put a throwing axe throw their windshield. When Angelo Dawkins does a perfect behind-the-back bullseye, Ivar and Erik are dumbfounded.
Backstage, Charly Caruso interviews Apollo Crews, who felt that things were falling in place before his injury and that he had to look inside himself and make something happen. He then says the last piece will fall into place as he challenges Andrade for the United States Championship, then Zelina Vega shows up and tells him to either stay out of the ring and keep his ring, or face Andrade and never walk again. Apollo tells Zelina to tell Andrade to be ready next week, then says he will walk out next week as United States Champion.
In footage from earlier today, one of the two police officers let Street Profits and The Viking Raiders off with a warning only because Ivar is cute. (Erik...not so much.)
Before the next match, MVP and Bobby Lashley show up, and MVP says that they have taken a personal interest in this match. After MVP speaks highly of both Drew McIntyre and King Corbin, MVP gives Lashley the floor. Lashley tells McIntyre he is coming for him and the WWE Championship, and if he has to rip it out of his cold, dead hands, then so be it.
