Raw Deal - Raw recap for February 5, 2024

Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring to start tonight's show. As soon as Rollins makes a reference to The Rock, the crowd immediately boos and chants for "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Rollins says he wants Cody as much as the fans do and calls Cody Rhodes to the ring. Cody Rhodes heads to the ring, and the crowd soon chants "Rocky sucks!" and "We want Cody!" Rollins says he has been where Cody is now, but he want answers, and he needs their match as much as Cody does. Rollins states that he wants to know that he is better than when they clashed a few years ago, and wants to know he is the best by facing Cody again, for Cody is the best. Before Cody can give Rollins as to whether he wants to face Rollins at WrestleMania, Drew McIntyre suddenly shows up. Drew says he speaks for everyone when he says "What the hell?" after setting both men up perfectly for WrestleMania only for them to screw it all up, and says it should be him and Rollins talking about a championship match. After showing off his new T-shirt where he brags about dashing CM Punk's WrestleMania main event chances, he tells Rollins his "extra-small" shirt is in the back, then tells Cody to finish the story and to not let everyone down, including his father. Rollins tells McIntyre he does not have to be a prick, then tells him that they both went at it twice and that he lost, but McIntyre says there were outside reasons and that Rollins lost to Cody three times. McIntyre says Rollins has done an amazing World Heavyweight Championship and has made it into the true workhouse championship while nobody wants to challenge for the Undisputed WWE World Heavyweight Championship because Roman Reigns' family will interfere every time. He says that Rollins has done a great job, then says it is time for him to take it from here. McIntyre hits Rollins with a Glasgow Kiss, but Cody gets the upper hand and knocks McIntyre out of the ring.

#DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) beat Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci), The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) and The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) to qualify for the #1 contender's match against Tyler Bate and Butch this friday on SmackDown.

We hear from "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, who says that the last time she was in an Elimination Chamber Match, she beat everyone to get to Becky, which did not work out like she wanted. Tonight, she gets Becky right away, and she can take care of her and tear her apart limb by limb.

We hear from Becky Lynch. The last time she beat "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler, her title was on the line, but now, she has to beat her again because her future is on the line.

Becky Lynch beats "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler to qualify for the women's Elimination Chamber Match.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Liv Morgan. Liv says the rest of the women's division has nothing to do with her business, and her business has nothing to do with them. She says she has had a year of her career taken away from here, and next week, it is about revenge and Rhea Ripley.

In backstage footage from a live event this past weekend, we see Shinsuke Nakamura spit red mist into the face of "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.

Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce chews out Drew McIntyre for attacking Seth Rollins and fines him for doing so. All of a sudden, Rhea Ripley shows up heading to the ring unscheduled, much to Pearce's chagrin. General Manager Adam Pearce shows up and says they are not doing this right now, then tells Rhea that she has Nia Jax with the Women's World Championship on the line at Elimination Chamber. Nia Jax soon shows up and fights Rhea Ripley, and Adam Pearce calls out security to restore order. Nia Jax flattens all four security guards to get to Rhea Ripley, then hits Rhea with the A-Nia-Lator.

The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Valhalla) quickly beat Alpha Academy (Akira Tozawa and Maxxine Dupri) in a mixed tag match.

Backstage, Finn Balor and Damian Priest talk about their upcoming tag team title match when "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up and says Rhea Ripley is not happy and needs some space. JD McDonagh says Nia Jax will have her work cut out on her. Damian Priest says they will keep their titles on lock as he tells JD McDonagh to take care of The Miz, and R-Truth shows up, still thinking he is a member of The Judgment Day (Finn, Priest, Rhaea, Dominik, McDonagh). Finn Balor is amazed that R-Truth thinks he is still a part of the group, and Damian Priest just gives up and tells R-Truth to make himself at home in the clubhouse. R-Truth finds a box of Judgment Day shirts with his name on them.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews The Miz. The Miz says he does not know if R-Truth is crazy or a genius, but he is able to straddle the line between them. He calls The Judgment Day's (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) attack on R-Truth a declaration of war and that The Judgment Day has no idea what they are in for.

The Miz beats JD McDonagh. During the match, R-Truth shows up and gives away Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) shirts with his name on them, distracting McDonagh. Miz gets the win with the Skull Crushing Finale after R-Truth gives McDonagh a bunch of $100 bills as his part of the merchandise cut.

We hear from Katana Chance and Kayden Carter. Kayden says they may be the life of the party, but Katana says that they will bring the fight tonight. They say that when they beat The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) tonight for the women's tag titles tonight, the party will be over for them.

Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) meets with General Manager Adam Pearce, who ensures that Gunther will have an amazing celebration and will be more than happy. Bron Breakker then shows up and meets with Adam Pearce, who is willing to beat what SmackDown General Manager Nick Aldis has offered.

We see footage of CM Punk getting successful surgery for his right triceps.

Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci are in the ring for Gunther's Intercontinental Championship celebration. Kaiser introduces Gunther, who heads to the ring. Gunther says that to the surprise of absolutely nobody, he is celebrating the jubilee of 600 days as Intercontinental Champion. He says that while he appreciates the gesture, he does not need any preparations like the ones in the ring, as his future records are already a given and he is the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. Gunther says he is running out of competition and that there is no man worthy of challenging him for the title when "Main Event" Jey Uso shows up. Gunther says that the last time he saw him, he eliminated him in the Royal Rumble. Jey Uso acknowledges the work Gunther has put in, and Gunther acknowledges Jey's accomplishments as a tag team wrestler. Gunther then says Jey Uso put in 50% of the work for his accomplishments while he achieved everything he did on his own, and Jey Uso says Gunther will get 100% of "this work" before challenging Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship. Gunther tells Jey Uso he is neither the first or the last to ride his coattails, but when he beats him, he will beat him worse than his family ever did and he will send him back to the good old days when people could not tell him or his brother apart. Imperium (Gunther, Kaiser, Vinci) then attack Jey Uso, but they retreat when The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) run into the ring.

We hear from Shinsuke Nakamura, who has no problems with "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes wanting to fight him so badly, then says Cody only thinks he has an advantage picking a Bullrope Match when it will bring embarrassment to his family name when he beats him. He says that Cody will get nothing but pain, loss and shame, and says that he wants Cody, not the fans.

WrestleMania 40 is 61 days away!

The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane) retain the WWE Women's Tag Team Championships against Kayden Carter and Katana Chance.

In backstage footage from earlier today, Jackie Redmond interviews Sami Zayn. Sami Zayn has he has had a good year, and while he has come up short, he still went the distance, with Triple H comparing him to Rocky Balboa in that he did not beat the champion at first but eventually will and become world champion. Sami says he will fight like an underdog, even though he is a contender who will become a champion. Sami says there is a part of him with something to prove, and that it is he wants to prove the people who believed in him right.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Shinsuke Nakamura in a Bullrope Match. After the amtch, Cody is attacked from behind by Drew McIntyre, who hits him with the Claymore Kick.

This week on Raw Talk: The Awesome Truth (The Miz and R-Truth)! "Main Event" Jey Uso and The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)! Zoey Stark!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for January 22, 2023

Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rollins is seen clearly wearing a knee brace over his pants as he welcomes everyone to the show. He says it has been a long week and appreciates the support, then mentions how he injured his left knee during a moonsault as he defended the World title against Jinder Mahal. After the match, when he went to the back, it set in that he would be gone for a long time, and he felt like a bit of a liar saying that all his successful title defenses only made him stronger. Rollins states that he was afraid that he would miss WrestleMania, causing a "No!" chant in the crowd, and that he has had his knee looked at and that he has a tear in his MCL and a partially torn meniscus, which means he may be gone for three to four months. He says that if it were up to him, he would be stomping people's heads next week, but he does not know what the future holds and he is taking this day by day and week by week. Suddenly, Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) shows up. Rollins tells Gunther to get things over with when Gunther gets in the ring, but Gunther says Vinci and Kaiser have The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) later and that Rollins should concentrate on him. He says they have avoided each other for some time, then says that Rollins has been in a tough spot and a workhorse champion from the beginning who has fought honestly and has brought respect and honor to a championship. He says that Rollins has become a champion everyone can be proud of just like him, and that it pulls on his heartstrings to see Rollins like this saying he may not be at WrestleMania. Rollins says Imperium should have let him finish, as he says he does not give a damn what the doctors tell him or how hard he has to rehab and push his knee, for he will keep his promise and take the title into WrestleMania. He also says he will do everything in his power to walk out of WrestleMania as World Heavyweight Champion. Gunther says this is great, as he thought everyone would see Rollins fall, but now, he admires and respects him as he would do the same thing in his position. Gunther also says that Rollins reminds him of himself, and says from one great champion to another that he will win the men's Royal Rumble on Sunday and choose Rollins as his opponent for WrestleMania. He also says that he will target his knee, back and everything that is not 100% and become World Heavyweight Champion. Rollins appreciates Gunther's honesty, but tells him to remember who he is coming after. Gunther tells Rollins to remember who is coming after him, then both men shake hands. As Gunther leaves the ring, The New Day jump over the barricade and attack Vinci and Kaiser at ringside.

The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) vs. Imperium (Ludwig Kaiser and Giovanni Vinci) ends in a double count-out as both teams brawl on the outside. At one point in the brawl, Woods has to stop Kaiser from hitting Kofi with a metal folding chair. The brawl ends with The New Day shoving Imperium off the top of a set of large equipment crates down through a nearby wooden table.

WWE 2K24 is officially announced on-air, complete with all three covers and the game's first trailer.

We see a video package for Drew McIntyre vs. Damian Priest later tonight.

Backstage, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) meet. Rhea Ripley hopes that Drew McIntyre is the least of their worries, but Damian Priest takes offense to Rhea making matches for The Judgment Day and accuses her of having a big head after becoming a cover athlete for WWE 2K24, especially after Rhea tells him that he and Finn Balor will defending the undisputed tag titles against #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) next week. Priest leaves to clear his head, and Rhea tells Finn Balor to accompany Dominik and McDonagh for their match.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Ivy Nile and Maxxine Dupri. Maxxine says Valhalla is not ready for Ivy Nile as The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed) show up, and Ivy Nile is ready to get in the ring.

Ivy Nile beats Valhalla with a top rope bulldog known as "The Pitbull."

Backstage, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) are met by "Main Event" Jey Uso, then Jackie Redmond interviews The New Day. Woods say they are tired of people walking into WWE and not taking them seriously, and Kofi says that they can get down when the time is right despite their image. Kofi says that they took out the henchmen and want the big boss, and he wants Gunther for the Intercontinental Championship next week. Meanwhile, Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane) are seen in the background.

Nia Jax heads to the ring. Nia talks about how she squashed Rhea Ripley and Becky Lynch for the first time and squashed them, then says that Rhea and Becky do not want to face her. She says that she will kill both of their WrestleMania dreams when Becky shows up. Becky tells Nia to shut up, then says she knows that she has a big target on her chest and that Nia has an even bigger one because the whole locker room does not like her. She says that she does know what she will enjoy more: winning the Royal Rumble for a second time, or watching Nia lose. Suddenly, Bayley shows up. Bayley says Becky and Nia are going to lose, then says she was looking for Rhea Ripley but could not help herself and make it clear that she will win the Royal Rumble before shoving Becky into Nia only for Nia to beat her up. This starts a three-way brawl where Becky hits Bayley with the Manhandle Slam only for Nia to toss Becky out of the ring and hit Bayley with a big leg drop.

We see a video package of Royal Rumble stats, by the numbers.

Backstage, Becky Lynch meets Rhea Ripley, who tells Becky that she should have other plans for WrestleMania.

"Dirty" Dominik Mysterio beats The Miz following JD McDonagh distracting the ref so that Finn Balor can hit Miz with a cheap shot. After the match, Finn Balor attacks The Miz, then #DIY (Johnny Gargano and Tommaso Ciampa) show up and clean house so that Miz can hit McDonagh with a Skull Crushing Finale. #DIY go for Meet In The Middle on McDonagh, but Finn Balor makes the save.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Damian Priest, who congratulates Dominik Mysterio for handling business before R-Truth shows up and hands Priest some money. Priest reminds R-Truth that this is not the right time, and R-Truth leaves before Drew McIntyre, who was one "the man" but cannot beat anyone anymore and wants to make sure he does not become champion. Priest says that he will become champion, and as far as McIntyre goes, he will receive his punishment tonight.

We hear from "Big" Bronson Reed, who says that he is fully aware of "Main Event" Jey Uso wanting to be a singles champion, and that he intends to do so, too. He says their paths will cross, and the sooner, the better, for nothing will stand in his way. He challenges Jey to a match next week so he can make an example out of him.

Ivar beats Chad Gable following the distraction by Valhalla.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring. Soon after this, CM Punk heads to the ring. CM Punk admits that he and Cody have taken different paths to get here. He says things will change on Saturday and that he hopes they are still friends on Sunday, and tells Cody that they should enjoy this moment. When Cody asks Punk what he wants to talk about, Punk wants to talk about Dusty Rhodes, and mentions how Dusty called him to tell him Cody was heading to Ohio Valley Wrestling to start becoming a wrestler and asked him to keep an eye on Cody. He says that when Dusty asks you for a favor, you say yes, and he stayed out of Cody's way and Cody never got into any trouble their contemporaries did, and Cody grew from a perennial competitor into a main event championship caliber Superstar. Punk says he is proud of Cody, and says he brings this up because on Sunday, he will feel like he is breaking a promise. He says that he will be looking out for him and will throw him over the top rope on Saturday, for he will win the Royal Rumble and go to WrestleMania. Cody tells Punk that he is not alone in that feeling, as he has worked with countless legends, luminaries and dignitaries in the business who cannot help but see his father in him, and that he has done all in his power to be the light in his father's shadow and be his own man. Cody says that he was at Ohio Valley Wrestler as "a nepotism hire," and while Punk could have treated him poorly, they became the best of friends. He then says that there are no friends in the Royal Rumble. Punk then asks about Sunday morning, as he can separate business from personal, and asks if Cody can do the same, as Cody grew up in the business as the son of one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. He also admits that he did not have a famous father in wrestling and say Cody as Cody and knew he had a burden in his last name, and that Cody has gotten to where he is now with flying colors. Punk says that despite their different paths, he and Cody have the same goal. He then says it is ironic that he is more of the American Dream than Cody is due to his own father being a blue-collar electrician. Cody then talks about "The Pipe Bomb," and Punk tosses the microphone cube off his microphone before Cody talks about how he sat on the stage and cut that promo, and says he was inspired by The Pipe Bomb only for Punk to "really leave" WWE. He says that Punk dropped the torch on the way out and that he picked it up and did everything that Punk talked about, which makes him "more CM Punk than [CM Punk]." Punk takes off his jacket and tells Cody that he has carried WWE on his back for two years and has become the WWE 2K24 cover star, and just when he is about to reach the top, he is here to take it away from him. Cody says Punk is looking out for him again, and while Punk talked about The American Dream, he was his best friend and said that "Courage is about being scared to death but saddling up anyway." He says he must go forward - and through Punk - and win the Royal Rumble. As Cody leaves, Punk grabs Cody and pulls him towards himself, leading to an intense staredown between the two men in the middle of the ring. Both men eventually back off and leave the ring from opposite ends before Cody heads to the back.

We see a video package of WWE and Hulk Hogan acknowledging the birth of Hulkamania 40 years ago, with Hulk Hogan saying he may have one more match left in him.

Katana Chance and Kayden Carter watch the next match from ringside.

"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark beat Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae. After the match, Katana Chance and Kayden Carter have a staredown with Baszler and Zoey in the middle of the ring, but they are attacked from behind by The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane).

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Drew McIntyre. McIntyre says he had everything he had to say to CM Punk and "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, but he has heard what Damian Priest has had to say. He says that things were not all right in the world when he was champion, but he stepped up and brightened everyone's lives up. He says that Damian Priest is not ready to become a world champion, and that he is the only "Chosen One."

Backstage, Damage CTRL (Bayley, Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Asuka, Kairi Sane) is confronted by Natalya and Tegan Nox for their actions. General Manager Adam Pearce shows up and tells them to save it for the Royal Rumble, then tells Bayley he did not invite her here to go into business for herself. Bayley tells Pearce to get used to seeing them when Asuka and Kairi win the tag team titles. Damage CTRL leave, then Pearce runs into Jinder Mahal and Indus Sher (Veer and Sanga), who want to talk business. After this, Pearce says he needs a drink.

We see more Royal Rumble statistics.

Drew McIntyre beats Damian Priest after R-Truth shows up to hand Priest the stack of money from earlier. Priest finally gets fed up with R-Truth and beats him up, and that allows McIntyre to hit the Claymore Kick for the win.

This week on Raw Talk: Gunther! "Main Event" Jey Uso! "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Friday Night's Main Event - Main Event recap for September 15, 2023

"Big" Bronson Reed beats Riddick Moss.

The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Cedric Alexander and Shelton Benjamin following the distraction by Valhalla.

Raw Deal - Raw recap for September 4, 2023

"Main Event" Jey Uso heads to the ring from out of the crowd to start tonight's show. Jey Uso welcomes everyone to the show, and admits that while he has only been gone for two or three weeks, it felt a lot longer. He says he had hit his breaking point after having to fight his family, then "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes gave him a call. Jey says he has done some things to make some enemies in the past, but he is now on Monday Night Raw and he is not hard to find. Suddenly, Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami says it is crazy to see Jey in the ring, and he agrees with Jey about some people having a big problem with him being around. He then says he wanted to be the first person to tell Jey to his face that he is happy Jey is here. Sami says it was hard for Jey to do it, but Jey has broken free and has become who he was truly meant to be, and tells Jey that he is truly proud of him. He then offers his hand, but Jey refuses to shake his hand. Sami then says that he is here when Jey is ready to talk. Jey calls Sami back to the ring and says that was not very Ucey of him, then both men hug it out in the ring.

As WWE official Adam Pearce is talking with Ricochet backstage, he notices Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and tells him he is not medically cleared to be here tonight. Suddenly, Ricochet shows up and commends him for being here while not medically cleared, but tells him he does not have to carry the show alone. Seth says he is fine and walks away.

We hear from Shinsuke Nakamura, who says that he has broken Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and that he has broken the code that they shared. He says he may have underestimated his grip on the World Heavyweight Championship, but he was the one left standing on the battlefield. He knows that he is the reason Rollins will release and that he will prevail. As he speaks, we see post-show footage from Payback of Nakamura attacking Rollins while officials try to break it up.

The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle in a Tornado Tag Team Match after Kofi Kingston shows up and fights The Viking Raiders only to inadvertently kick Matt Riddle in the face, allowing The Viking Raiders to put RIddle through a table with Ragnarok for the win.

We see a slideshow of some of the greatest Intercontinental Champions of all time.

Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Rollins says that Shinsuke Nakamura brought everything he could and that he did not know if he would be able to go on and continue the fight, but he still won. He then states that Nakamura attacked him after Payback went off the air and left under his own power while he had to be pushed out of the building in a wheelchair by his wife.Rollins then calls out Nakamura, and Nakamura appears. Rollins dares Nakamura to get in the ring so he can make a proposition to him, but Nakamura does not budge. Rollins then proposes they have a title rematch tonight. Nakamura almost approaches the ring, but turns around and speaks in Japanese. Rollins takes this as Nakamura accepting his challenge, but Nakamura says "No." Rollins says that does not work for him and that Nakamura is about to get that work, then he runs to the stage and brawls with Nakamura until WWE officials, including Adam Pearce, try to break it up. Nakamura is successfully held back when Ricochet runs out and fights Nakamura.

Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce and Seth "Freakin'" Rollins argue, with Adam Pearce telling Rollins that he does not him to run himself into the ground and that he wants to help him help himself. Rollins says he does not want to heart it and walks away.

Ricochet beats Shinsuke Nakamura by disqualification after Nakamura hits him with a chair in the timekeeper's area. After the match, Nakamura wraps a chair around Ricochet's neck, and as he goes for the Kinshasa, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up and goes after Nakamura. Security shows up, but Rollins takes them out and brawls with Nakamura until Nakamura gets the upper hand. Ricochet manages to save Rollins after swinging a chair at Nakamura. Meanwhile, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley are watching backstage, and as Priest is about to cash in his Money In The Bank contract, Rhea tells him "Not tonight."

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Zoey Stark. Zoey says she has a lot of respect for Trish Stratus for all she has taught her and for being one of the best ever, but nobody pushes her. "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up and says she wondered when she would get rid of Trish and says it was a shame she did not get rid of Trish sooner. Zoey sees as them having unfinished business and proposes a match between them later tonight. Shayna accepts.

The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) head to the ring. "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio says The Judgment Day did what they said they would do while not caring at all if he is being booed out of the building. Finn Balor congratulates Dominik Mysterio on one year in The Judgment Day and Rhea for being the voice of reason. "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio says The Judgment Day did what they said they would do while not caring at all if he is being booed out of the building. Finn Balor congratulates Dominik Mysterio on one year in The Judgment Day and Rhea for being the voice of reason. Rhea says that she gave the ultimatum last week and the pressure was on, and Finn and Damian proved that they are brothers and that The Judgment Day are a family. She then admits that one thing is bugging her, and that is Jey Uso coming to Raw and what it means for The Bloodline. She says that as far as she is concerned, The Bloodline has fallen and The Judgment Day has risen as the most dominant faction in WWE. Suddenly, JD McDonagh shows up, and Damian Priest tells McDonagh that he had better make his reason for the interruption good. McDonagh says he took a bullet for them on Saturday, and asks them to allow him into the ring as he carries a black bag. He says he is here because of something Rhea said, and tells Damian Priest that the Money In the Briefcase needs to go, then hands him a purple and silver one that says "Senor Money In The Bank," much to Priest's pleasure. Sami Zayn then shows up and tells The Judgment Day and JD McDonagh that it took all of them to cost him and Kevin Owens the tag team titles, then says that instead of five champions, he just sees "five giant championship-stealing turds." He also says that a special beating is coming for the biggest championship stealing turd of them all, Dominik Mysterio. This turns into Sami challenging Domink to a match, but McDonagh says Dominik will not be fighting anyone and takes Sami's challenge instead. Sami says he is okay with this, and says nobody deserves a bigger ass beating that McDonagh.

We see another slideshow with more of the greatest Intercontinetal Champions of all time.

We hear from Gunther, who says that Chad Gable thinks he can stand in the way of history and his legacy, then says that history will be made and that he, not Gable, belongs in the history books. He says Gable's fairy tale will be temporary while his legacy will be forever, and he will go down as the greatest and longest-reigning Intercontinental Champion in history.

Backstage, Raquel Rodriguez meets with WWE official Adam Pearce and makes a match official. As she leaves, Chelsea Green shows up, and after finding out that Piper Niven is not medically cleared, Chelsea soon mentions Raquel's failure to win back the women's tag titles. Raquel shows up and has Adam Pearce tell Chelsea that she is facing Raquel later tonight.

"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beats Zoey Stark with the Kirifuda Clutch. After the match, Shayna tells Zoey she gave her a better fight than "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey, then Zoey tells Shayna she gave her a better fight than Trish Stratus. They then fist bump.

Backstage, Finn Balor proposes to The Judgment Day about adding JD McDonagh to the ranks. Priest says McDonagh needs to prove himself, and Dominik says if Priest and Finn want him in, he is okay with it. Rhea says they will need to see how McDonagh does against Sami Zayn. Priest and Finn leave, then Rhea tells Dominik to make sure everything goes right regarding JD McDonagh's match.

Raquel Rodriguez beats Chelsea Green. After the match, Raquel mentions that she has met with WWE official Adam Pearce regarding "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio and Rhea Ripley's actions at Payback. She says that she is not only getting her rematch, but Dominik is banned from ringside as she sees Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Championship next week.

She says that she is not only getting her rematch, but Dominik is banned from ringside as she sees Rhea Ripley for the Women's World Championship next week.

We hear from Chad Gable, who tells Gunther that he is already in the history books after winning all of the tag titles in WWE and graduating from college with a 4.0 GPA, and tonight, he will prove Gunther's desire to keep his title does not compare to his desire to take it from him.

Backstage, Drew McIntyre angrily looks for Kofi Kingston when Matt Riddle tells McIntyre to calm down. Kofi Kingston shows up and apologizes, but McIntyre says he will keep his eyes open in case any more "accidents" happen.

It's time for Miz TV. Miz says that he was robbed at Payback, then brings out the man who will right that wrong and be completely transparent as tonight's guest: John Cena. John Cena's music hits, but John Cena is nowhere to be seen, and the cameraman follows an invisible John Cena. Miz asks Invisible Cena to take a seat, then tells Invisible Cena that he screwed him over. Miz then asks the fans if they can see John Cena and tells them that he is sitting in the chair next to his, then says he has not only seen John Cena, but past John Cena for the last eighteen years, and allows himself to translate. Miz asks Invisible Cena if LA Knight paid him off to screw him, then demands the fans stop the "Yeah!" chants to only to be met with more "Yeah!" chants. He then finds out that Invisible Cena conspired with LA Knight and tells Invisible Cena to get out of his ring. Miz shoves Invisible Cena only for Invisible Cena to shove back, them Miz throws a punch at Invisible Cena and hits him with a Skull Crushing Finale. Miz then says there is nothing invisible or imaginary about what happened to him, and says that while LA Knight took the easy way out, this is not over, and he wants a one-on-one match, and if LA Knight accepts, he will find out whose game it really is. Miz says the chants will end and LA Knight will fade away, as Knight's chances of success are as non-existent as Cena was in the ring and he will cause everything to come crashing down.

We see a video package chronicling the events leading to Chad Gable vs. Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship later tonight.

Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso runs into Akira Tozawa - who walks away - and WWE official Akira Tozawa, who tells him that SmackDown is getting trade compensation for Jey Uso, and that he wanted to give him a heads-up. Jey Uso leaves, then Tommaso Ciampa meets with Adam Pearce in his office.

JD McDonagh beats Sami Zayn after "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up and keeps distracting Sami Zayn. After the match, Sami Zayn attacks Dominik, hitting him with the Exploder Suplex in the corner. When he goes for the Helluva Kick, McDonagh trips Sami, then gets Dominik out of the ring before taking the Exploder Suplex and the Helluva Kick for Dominik.

We see a fourth slideshow of some of the best Intercontinental Champions of all time.

Backstage, Finn Balor, Damian Priest and Rhea Ripley show up and congratulate JD McDonagh as he is walking with "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. Dominik then notices Jey Uso and talks with him, saying they both come from messed-up family and Hall of Fame fathers and that he knows what Jey is going through, and says that ever since The Judgment Day came into his life, there are only equals in the family and things have been better. He tells him that there is room in The Judgment Day for him, then leaves.

Gunther retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Chad Gable.

This week on Raw Talk: The Viking Raiders (Ivar, Erik, Valhalla)! "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler! Finn Balor and JD McDonagh!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for August 28, 2023

In memory of Terry Funk, 1944 - 2023. In memory of Windham "Bray Wyatt" Rotunda, 1987 - 2023.

Damian Priest beats Sami Zayn after JD McDonagh grabs Sami's foot as he goes for the Helluva Kick on Priest. After the match, JD McDonagh gets in the ring and raises Priest's hand, but Priest shoves him away. Priest then walks away, and when JD McDonagh turns around, Sami Zayn is behind him with Kevin Owens, the latter of whom hits McDonagh with the Stunner before Sami gives McDonagh the Helluva Kick.

Backstage, Drew McIntyre is met by Akira Tozawa, who awkwardly tells him that he looks great before walking away. Matt Riddle shows up, and we see that McIntyre has a picture of himself in Matt Riddle's trunks. Riddle then proposes they get front row seats for The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) vs. The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) in order to scout them. McIntyre says he looks forward to seeing The Viking Raiders getting beaten tonight.

We see a video package chronicling the feud between Rhea Ripley and Raquel Rodriguez, with Raquel saying only she is more dominant that Rhea and that she will not let Rhea run the division after what she did to her to Liv Morgan. Raquel says she has waited for weeks to show Rhea what it is like to be at the mercy of someone bigger and stronger, and since every bully has a weakness in their insecurity, she will cut Rhea down to size and take her title.

LA Knight's music hits, but The Miz shows up dressed like LA Knight and heads to the ring. The Miz makes fun of LA Knight as he speaks, and says it takes more than a catchphrase to gain fan support as the fans are smart, sophisticated and discerning and that this is why he brought a bag with him. He says the bag is full of free LA Knight T-shirts and tells the fans to say "Yeah!" if they want free shirts, then tosses a shirt down instead of into the crowd and tosses the bag out of the ring before removing his leather vest and LA Knight shirt. Miz then says that the fans are pathetic and will chant for anything, then says anybody can be LA Knight and that he does not do catchphrases, as when he says he is awesome, it is the truth. He says that when he beats up LA Knight and Knight is battered and broken, it is broken, because everyone will cheer for T-shirts and catchphrases but nobody cheers for losers, and he will show LA Knight whose game it really is.

Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle watch from ringside for the next match.

The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) after Ivar slams Kofi into both Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle, which causes McIntyre to throw one chair at Ivar and another one at Erik. Ivar avoids the first chair, but the second chair connects with Woods when Erik avoids the chair.

Backstage, Finn Balor tells Damian Priest that they need to get on the same page for Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Priest agrees, saying they should focus on people who matter and not people like JD McDonagh, whom he admits he does not care about. Rhea Ripley yells at Finn and Priest for arguing again and says she cannot be distracted, and tells them to make it right at Payback and remind everyone that they are a force to be reckoned and can win when it matters, or else there will be some changes around here.

WWE remembers the life and career of Bray Wyatt. A wooden rocking chair is seen on the stage as Bray Wyatt's original entrance theme plays.

Backstage, Kofi Kingston comes out of the trainer's room and tells Matt Riddle and Drew McIntyre that Xavier Woods will be alright, and tells McIntyre not to worry as Xavier Woods understands. McIntyre makes up his mind to take down The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) once and for all.

Before the next match, Gunther says that last week, Chad Gable made history by being the first man to beat him in more than 500 days, albeit by count-out in a championship match. He says that while Chad Gable has gained the victory, he has won nothing, as he still stands as Intercontinental Champion. Gunther then says that Gable has managed to piss him off, and now Gable has his attention and his focus, and if he is the last thing between himself and his rightful legacy, so be it, for next week, Gable will challenge him for the Intercontinental Championship. He then says Gable will not beat him next and that he will not beat Ludwig Kaiser tonight before Alpha Academy show up. Gable says he would normally give Gunther a "shoosh," but Gunther is making some solid points before bragging about beating him last week, then says it will take only three seconds for him to take his title. He then dares Ludwig Kaiser to get in the ring so he can cook him up Memphis-style, leading to the fans chanting "Whoop that trick."

Chad Gable beats Ludwig Kaiser by disqualification after Giovanni Vinci gets physically involved in the match by breaking up a pinfall attempt by Gable. After the match, Otis gets in the ring and makes short work of Vinci, but the numbers game quickly takes over and Vinci and Kaiser drive Otis shoulder-first into the ring post before going to town on Gable. Gunther then shows up and tries to powerbomb Gable, but Gable counters with an ankle lock. Once again, the numbers game catches up to Gable, and Gunther hits Gable with the powerbomb.

We look back on the late Bob Barker's guest host appearance on Raw in 2009.

Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring. Rollins tells Shinsuke Nakamura that this Saturday at Payback, he will give him a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship. Rollins then demands that Nakamura give him what he wants, as he has more mind games to play and mean things to say and he wants him to do them to his face. When Nakamura fails to show, Rollins proposes heading down to Beale Street, but Nakamura is seen on the TitanTron stating that he does not want to just defeat Seth Rollins the champion, but dismantle Seth Rollins the man. He says he wants his wife to know he is the reason she has to help Rollins out of bed and why he won't be able to walk his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. He says he will break Rollins he is already broken and his body has betrayed him, and that he will break his back and put him out of his misery. he says Rollins has no honor or code, and that he has no future. Rollins is unimpressed that he only got a video package out of Nakamura, and wants to know what happened to the Nakamura that headlined the Tokyo Dome or set the world on fire when he came to NXT. He says he would have given the shirt off his broken back to Nakamura a month ago, then says his broken back did not stand in the way of becoming champion and it will not stand in the way of him beating Nakamura's ass at Payback. He says that he will beat Nakamura down until someone pulls him off of Nakamura, and when Nakamura lies defeated, he will know better than to take anything from him, be it his title, his future or his family. Suddenly, Rollins is attacked from behind by Nakamura, who tells Rollins that he told him to watch his back before kicking him in the face.

Backstage, Sami Zayn says he is sick and tired of having to deal with The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) again and again as they keep coming back and playing the numbers game. He says that if The Judgment Day want to do this one more time, that is fine with him, then Kevin Owens says that the rules will not play in their favor because they went to WWE official Adam Pearce and made their match a Steel City Street Fight. Owens says that what has happened to him before in Pittsburgh will be nothing compared to what happens in Payback because he and Sami will end this once and for all.

Before the next match, "Big" Bronson Reed attacks Tommaso Ciampa from behind, but Ciampa is able to get back up and fight back against Bronson.

Tommaso Ciampa barely beats "Big" Bronson Reed with a crucifix bomb.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Becky Lynch, who admits that she has had second thought and that they are all about whipping Zoey Stark all over the arena. She says she has been hounded by Zoey and Trish Stratus, but she is not taking the easy way out and she is bringing a lot of chaos with her.

Tiffany Stratton is seen in the front row.

Rhea Ripley and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio head to the ring. Rhea Ripley calls Raquel Rodriguez out for outsmarting her and says this is the last time that this will happen as her resume speaks for itself and the championship around her waist proves absolutely everything. She says Raquel is an idiot if she thinks she will take her title from her, for even if she is big and tough, she is not Rhea Ripley. Rhea says Raquel can talk all she wants, but at Payback, she is walking out champion. As she says that Raquel does not learn her lesson, Raquel shows up. Raquel slides into the ring and brawls with Rhea, and she soon gets the other hand before Dominik gets in the ring. Raquel turns around and spots Dominik, but that gives Rhea Ripley the opportunity to headbutt Raquel and hit her with Riptide. Raquel is able to counter Riptide, however, and she soon overpowers Rhea again. This time, Rhea and Dominik retreat.

Backstage, we hear from Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark. Trish calls Becky Lynch an idiot for wanting tonight's falls count anywhere match, and Zoey says that when she is done with Becky tonight, she will leave plenty of Becky for Trish at Payback.

It is announced that WWE and NFL are teaming up for a line of legacy championship belts for all NFL teams.

WWE celebrates the life and career of Terry Funk.

Tiffany Stratton is seen in the front row again. (Local independent wrestler "The Goddess of the Night" Nyxx is seen to the immediate right of Tiffany on both occasions.)

Becky Lynch beats Zoey Stark in a Falls Count Anywhere Match after Zoey Stark inadvertently pushes Trish Stratus off a stack of crates and through a table. (After the match, "The Goddess of the Night" Nyxx is seen again behind Becky, but so is fellow local independent wrestler Tim Bosby.)

This week on Raw Talk: Raquel Rodriguez! Tommaso Ciampa! Matt Riddle and Drew McIntyre!

Here's the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for August 14, 2023

The Judgment Day (Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) heads to the ring to start tonight's show, with Finn Balor once again not being seen in the group. Damian Priest says that Finn Balor should have won the World Heavyweight Championship and that they should have won their match last week, but as long as he is Mr. Money In The Bank, The Judgment Day still dictates what happens around here. He says Finn Balor will handle Cody Rhodes, then says that The Judgment Day is not going anywhere and that he and Finn are smarter than that, then admits that Finn Balor should be here. As Damian Priest says there are obvious problems in The Judgment Day, JD McDonagh shows up and tells them that they have a message from Finn, telling them not to worry about their friendship and worry about "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Sami Zayn. As he tells them to take care of Cody and Sami, Rhea says they take orders from nobody, especially from outsiders, and Dominik says that they have everything on lockdown as he is booed before calling Canada "a dump." Dominik tells McDonagh to head to the back, and Rhea Ripley tells McDonagh to tell Finn that they need to talk. Sami Zayn shows up, and McDonagh unsuccessfully heads him off at the pass before getting beaten up, and The Judgment Day look on as they leave.

Sami Zayn beats JD McDonagh. During the match, Finn Balor shows up and distracts Sami, but Sami is able to fight on and get the feet up to block a top rope moonsault from McDonagh before fending off Finn and hitting McDonagh with the Helluva Kick for the win.

Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce meets with Chelsea Green, who says that she has worked too hard for the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship and threatens to call Human Resources if he strips her of them. When Pearce asks Chelsea what she would do, Chelsea says she would hold auditions for a new tag team partner. Katana Chance and Kayden Carter show up and propose a challenge for when Chelsea gets a new partner, then Piper Niven shows up and attacks Kacy before declaring herself Chelsea's new partner and taking one of the women's tag belts.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes. Cody admits he admires Finn Balor after seeing his career in Japan as well as in WWE, then acknowledges the rest of The Judgment Day for stating he will be ready for all four members of the group.

Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) head to the ring. Gunther states that on his journey to becoming the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time, he has arrived in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and while he looks forward to coming to Canada, he understands why Winnipeg is called "the armpit of Canada." He then addresses Chad Gable, the next #1 contender to his championship, admitting that he was impressed with his victory last week and stating that he has been working hard as the best athlete WWE has to offer. He then states that he has done more in a year than Gable is to his career, and considers the notion that Gable is a threat "ridiculous" before Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri) shows up and Gable shooshes Gunther. Gable mentions lasting more than five minutes against Gunther two weeks ago, then tells Gunther that he is on the clock for the longest-reigning Intercontinental Championship and that he is standing in the way of that. He says he has been working for an opportunity for ten years and that he is at Gunther's heels, nipping him down and ready to take his title. He then tells Vinci, his opponent for tonight, to get in the ring and catch some free lessons from him. Kaiser says that Vinci belongs to the "creme de la creme" that WWE has to offer and that Vinci will embarrass Gable just like he embarrassed Otis last week, and that eventually, Maxxine Dupri will surround herself with "European elegance" with "A+ aesthetics." Kaiser then calls Alpha Academy "a sinking ship" and tells Maxxine that he is reaching his hand out to her, and she can either let him save her or "let that 360-pound anchor drag her down" until she is "an absolute embarrassment" like them. Maxxine responds by slapping Kaiser again.

Chad Gable beats Giovanni Vinci. After the match, Gunther says this is not how tonight will end before challenging Otis to a match.

Gunther beats Otis. After the match, Chad Gable runs into the ring and hits Gunther with a German suplex.

Backstage, Finn Balor and Damian Priest argue, and Rhea Ripley tells them to stop, as everyone wants to see them crumble. He says that nobody is scared of them and that they are losing their killer instinct, and that they have to get what is theirs. JD McDonagh shows up, and Finn Balor tells him they will talk later after Priest tells McDonagh to step away from their business. Finn tells Priest this is about them, not him and McDonagh, and that he will take care of Cody Rhodes tonight.

In backstage footage from earlier today, Jackie Redmond interviews Drew McIntyre. On the subject of what is next for him, McIntyre is suddenly met by Matt Riddle, who wants to start a new tag team. He has answered The Viking Raiders' (Ivar and Erik) open challenge, and asks McIntyre to be his tag team partner. McIntyre says that if Riddle cannot find a tag team partner, he will consider it.

We hear from Indi Hartwell, who is struggling to find out who she is. She says that doubt kills dreams and that she is done with doubt, and that she has come from Melbourne, Australia for this moment, right here, right now.

Before the next match, Drew McIntyre heads to the ring to be Matt Riddle's tag team partner.

Drew McIntyre and Matt Riddle beat The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik).

Backstage, Raquel Rodriguez meets with Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae and mentions that she still cannot get cleared. Candice tells Raquel to be patient, for she will get her chance, then Raquel tells Indi that this is her night and make it hers.

Backstage, Matt Riddle talks with Drew McIntyre and entertains the idea of being tag team champions together. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) shows up, and Xavier Woods takes offense to Riddle trying to horn in on the tag team titles on Kofi's birthday before Kofi Kingston says Riddle and McIntyre are not a real team and cannot just get a shot at the tag team titles before challenging them to a tag match next week. Riddle accepts on McIntyre's behalf.

Rhea Ripley beats Indi Hartwell. After the match, Candice LeRae fights Rhea Ripley, but Rhea Ripley fights back. Candice and Indi double-team Rhea Ripley, then retreat.

Michael Cole interviews Shinsuke Nakamura in the ring. When asked why he attacked Seth "Freakin'" Rollins last week, Nakamura says he wants the World Heavyweight Championship, then says he will win the title before Seth Rollins shows up. Rollins gives Nakamura credit where credit is due for "playing it to perfection" and knocking him out over the World Heavyweight Championship, then says that Nakamura is not telling the whole story and that he is not hard to find. He also tells Nakamura that he is a fighting champion and that until he had the utmost respect for him until last week, and says all Nakamura had to do was ask. He then says he is less concerned about why Nakamura kicked him in the face and more concerned about how to get even.Rollins then realized that in order to get what he wants, he must give Nakamura what he wants, and if Nakamura wants to challenge him, then he accepts that challenge, and all Nakamura has to do is name the time and place so he can kick his ass. He then says that they should both give the people what they want and shake his hand and leave while the fans sing his song. Nakamura shakes his hand Nakamura whispers something in Rollins' ear, which confounds Rollins. All of a sudden, Nakamura slides back into the ring and hits Rollins with a Kinshasa.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews The Miz, who states that LA Knight did not shake his hand and accuses Saxton of being a LA Knight fan before stating he will beat someone bigger, faster, stronger and more dominant than anyone Knight has faced in his career.

Trish Stratus vs. Becky Lynch ends in a double count-out as both women fight near the barricade and into the crowd. After the match, Becky and Trish fight their way onto the concourse. All of a sudden, Becky is attacked by a hooded Zoey Stark.

Backstage, Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) talks amongst each other. Gunther says tonight was an absolute embarrassment, and says that ever since they came to Raw, Vinci has been an embarrassment and Kaiser has lost focus. Kaiser says this will never happen again, and Gunther tells him he will sort this out himself. He says that if Gable wants his title, he will have to take it off of him next week.

Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce confronts Trish Stratus and Zoey Stark for wiggling out of a match with Becky, then makes another rematch, this time in a steel cage.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes beats Finn Balor. Rhea Ripley and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio show up during the match, and Damian Priest shows up later. Later on in the match, Rhea Ripley slides a chair into the ring, and when the referee takes it away, Priest slides the Money In The Bank briefcase to Finn only for it to slide past Finn towards Cody instead. Cody then uses the briefcase as a weapon to get the win. After the match, Priest and Dominik gang up on Cody, then Sami Zayn fights his way to the ring with a chair, where he fends off The Judgment Day. Sami is suddenly attacked from behind by JD McDonagh, and Finn and Priest gang up on Sami before McDonagh warns Priest about Cody. Priest hits Cody with South of Heaven, then Finn hits Cody with the Coup de Grace. Finn then tosses Sami to Rhea and Dominik, who then gang up on Sami before Priest slams Sami through the announce table with the Razor's Edge. Afterwards, Finn hits Cody with another Coup de Grace to end the show.

This week on Raw Talk: Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri)! "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler! Shinsuke Nakamura!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for August 7, 2023

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes shows up to start tonight's show. Cody Rhodes says he has had both the honor and the misery of not only standing across from Brock as well as surviving him, but admits he did not expect him to shake his hand in a sign of respect. When chatting with his mother this morning, his mother told him that Brock Lesnar acknowledged him, and now, he feels on top of the world and feels like he can beat anybody in the world. All of a sudden, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows up. Rollins remembers Cody being the first person to get in his face when he mentioned the future of the World Heavyweight Championship, and states that if Cody feels like he can beat anyone in the world, then they can put that feeling to the test. Suddenly, The Judgment Day - minus Finn Balor - show up, and Priest and Rhea tell Rollins that The Judgment Day run Raw before Priest says that they have been sweeping up championships and that he is the workhorse. He also says that Dominik will be defending his title later this week, then Dom gets booed after one word before Finn Balor runs out from out of nowhere and attacks Rollins from behind. Sami Zayn runs in to even the numbers during the ensuing brawl, and he, Cody and Rollins come out on top. This leads to Cody challenging The Judgment Day to a six-man tag match, but Rollins does not seem to want to be part of this.

In backstage footage from earlier today, WWE official Adam Pearce is talking to Ricochet when Chad Gable, Matt Riddle and Tommaso Ciampa show up. Pearce puts all four men in a Fatal 4-Way Match where the winner faces Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship.

Chad Gable beats Tommaso Ciampa, Matt Riddle and Ricochet in a Fatal 4-Way Match to face Gunther for the WWE Intercontinental Championship. After the match, Chad Gable celebrates with his family and carries his son around the ring.

Backstage, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins shows his dissatisfaction towards "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes for making decisions for him and forcing him to team up. Sami says he does not expect Rollins and Cody to solve their problems overnight, but they have dealt with The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) for months and they have to deal with them once and for all and Cody and Rollins have to move past this. Cody says "I'm cool," as does Rollins, but Rollins still seems reluctant.

Backstage, The Miz finds out that he has to wait for LA Knight to finish his photoshoot. The Miz is furious.

Shinsuke Nakamura beats "Big" Bronson Reed after Bronson Reed misses with the Tsunami and Nakamura hits the Kinshasa twice, one to the back of the neck and again to the face.

In backstage footage from earlier today, Raquel Rodriguez finds out from WWE official Adam Pearce that she is not yet medically cleared after what Rhea Ripley, and is consoled by Indi Hartwell and Candice LeRae.

Backstage, Maxxine Dupri is met by Ludwig Kaiser, who wants to congratulate Chad Gable and let him now that Gunther looks forward to wiping the mat with him, then says he has kept his eye on Maxxine for some time and lets her know that some people are just better and that Alpha Academy (Gable, Otis, Maxxine) is the worst. Maxxine slaps Kaiser when he makes fun of Otis, then Otis confronts Kaiser and challenges him to a match, which Kaiser accepts before saying he will seen Maxxine later.

Becky Lynch heads to the ring. Becky says that she is so close to the end and that she has been fighting, talking, scratching, winning, losing, overcoming obstacles and failing, and while she is becoming tired and weary, she is looking forward to ending this charade when she gets her rematch with Trish Stratus. As she looks forward to having a one-on-one match with Trish with no interference, especially from Zoey Stark, Zoey shows up and says that this has been over for long enough, as she and Trish have both beaten Becky. She claims that Becky is scared of her and left her balls back home, and Becky tells Zoey that she is too good for her good and that she is with Trish because she wants it easy but is too stupid to realize Trish has taken her in the wrong direction. Zoey says she plays second fiddle to no one and that she is very good at what she does, and chalks everything up to Becky being jealous of Trish picking her because she is the fastest-rising star and the baddest woman in the locker room. All of a sudden, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up and brags about driving "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey out of WWE when Becky tells Shayna that she looks rough, and admits that while she was not invited, she wants to know who the baddest is between her and Zoey. Zoey calls Shayna "the baddest punching bag of all time," then threatens to drive her out of WWE like Shayna did Ronda if she keeps stepping up to her. Becky sees a fight between Shayna and Zoey coming, and asks WWE official Adam Pearce to make the match official. WWE official Adam Pearce shows up and does just that while bringing out a referee.

Backstage, JD McDonagh is speaking with Finn Balor when Damian Priest shows up wanting to talk. Priest wants to know what is going on with Finn Balor not sticking to the plan, and Finn accuses Priest of sticking to the plan at SummerSlam. Priest says that despite his help, Finn lost, but Finn says he lost because of his help. Priest tells Finn he is crowding him, but Finn says the contract is crowding both of them. Rhea Ripley gets between Finn and Priest and reasons with them, and says they need to be on the same page so they can run Raw. McDonagh thinks the contract is getting between Finn and Priest and that they need to get with it.Priest gets angry, but Rhea tells Priest not to listen to McDonagh.

Becky Lynch watches from the announce table - and drinks lemonade - for the next match.

"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler beats Zoey Stark.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Shinsuke Nakamura, who says he is tired of people getting in his way, and tonight, he won. He says that from now on, he carves his won path. All of a sudden, JD McDonagh is seen attacking Sami Zayn.

Ludwig Kaiser beats Otis after Giovanni Vinci tries to stop the Caterpillar and Gunther shows up to attack Otis behind the referee's back. After the match, Imperium (Gunther, Kaiser, Vinci) attacks Otis, but they scatter when Chad Gable runs into the ring.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes and Seth "Freakin"" Rollins at the trainer's room. Rollins says that even though Sami wants to go, he cannot be cleared. Shinsuke Nakamura shows up and offers to replace Sami on their team tonight, and Rollins accepts.

The Miz heads to the ring. Miz says he came to Raw to find someone whom everyone loves in LA Knight taking priority over him, and says that when he came to WWE a long time ago, he was taught respect for those who came before. He says that LA Knight has neither introduced himself or shook his head, and states that he is sick and tired of the disrespect from the new crop of talent when LA Knight shows up. Knight says they got a great introduction at the SummerSlam battle royal, then has the fans introduce him before offering to shake his hand. Miz says "No," saying Knight does not deserve to shake his hand, for he has seen new people ride his coattails. He says that new arrivals take everything away from him before calling LA Knight a flash in the pan and the flavor of the months, and that the fans will love him and think he is it for the next five months while he is really "an Attitude Era fanboy" cosplaying in his ring. Knight says he has no problem with Miz, but warns Miz not to make this personal. Miz says he takes his career personally like he has been for the last twenty years, and asks what Knight has done in that time. Knight says that for the last twenty years, he has made himself a dangerous man, clawing and scratching and doing all he needs to do from the outside looking in and looking for an opening while the wrong horses - including Miz - have been bet on. He says Miz only had a twenty-year head start only because he was safe while he himself is not a person to be messed with, and yet Miz won every championship he could. He says that if Miz wants to make this personal, he can make Miz a stepping stone on the way to the main event. Miz says he is the main event and that Knight is not on his level, and Knight dares Miz to prove him wrong. Miz takes off his suit jacket, then fakes leaving before throwing the jacket at Knight and hitting a cheap shot. Miz goes for the Skull Crushing Finale, but Knight counters with the Blunt Force Trauma.

In footage from earlier today, The Viking Raiders (Ivar, Erik, Valhalla) declare that the gods have called to them and that they have issued an open challenge.

The Viking Raiders' (Ivar, Erik, Valhalla) open challenge is answered by The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods), who have not been seen in months.

The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) beat The Viking Raiders' (Ivar and Erik).

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Becky Lynch when "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler shows up and tells Becky she did not need her help tonight or ever and that she has a whole list of scores to settle and that she is coming for her sooner rather than later.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods). Kofi says it feels good to be back and that The Viking Raiders forgot that they are the gods of the tag team division, and Woods says they are back to put some positivity back in the division and become tag team champs.

It is announced that Sonya Deville has suffered a torn ACL and that she will be out indefinitely. As a result, new WWE Women's Tag Team Champions will have to be crowned.

Before the next match, Rhea Ripley is attacked by Raquel Rodriguez, and multiple officials including Adam Pearce as well as Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell have to stop it.

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, Seth "Freakin'" Rolins and Shinsuke Nakamura beat The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) after Sami Zayn attacks Priest for using the Money In The Bank Briefcase as a weapon and Rollins keeps Balor from doing the same before Cody hits Cross Rhodes for the win. After the match, Cody and Rollins shake hands after Sami Zayn plays peacemaker. All of a sudden, Nakamura hits Rollins with a Kinshasa to end the show.

This week on Raw Talk: LA Knight! Ludwig Kaiser! The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods)!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw LIVE recap for July 17, 2023

"The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Cody says there is a large shadow that looms over the arena tonight that looms over every arena, and that shadow is Brock Lesnar. He says that when Lesnar is called to this ring, he shows up, and instead of talking, Lesnar should come to the ring and accept his challenge for SummerSlam. Lesnar fails to show immediately, and Cody states that he knows Lesnar is here and his plan is to be fashionably late, and if that is the plan, he will still be in the ring waiting for him regardless of the time. Cody then says he would be remiss not to mention that even though this is the house that built him, his mother Michelle Rhodes is in the front row and credits her for the reason that he is a fighter. He admits that his relationship with Lesnar is complex and that the only two words to describe it are "hard times," then says it is okay because when Lesnar shows up, it will be hard times for Lesnar, not for him. As Cody heads out to leave and hugs his mother in the front row, however, Lesnar's music hits, but Lesnar fails to show. Lesnar's music hits again as Cody reaches the stage, and Cody goes backstage only for Lesnar to attack him with a chair. Lesnar then sends Cody into the ring post and hits him with the F5 right in front of his mother before locking in the Kimura Lock and hurting his left arm. He then gets Cody in the ring and locks the Kimura Lock in on the left arm again before telling Cody that he accepts his challenge and that "I'll see you at SummerSlam, bitch!"

Gunther beats Matt Riddle. After the match, Gunther tells the fans they can boo them as much as they want, as it will not change the fact that tonight is "the greatest night of [their] sad nights" after seeing the greatest Intercontinental Champion of all time. Gunther then tells Riddle that it is done and that he is building a legacy, and he tells Drew McIntyre that if he wants to ride on his coattails, he can be his guest, but he will fall victim to "The Ring General."

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez. Liv says there is not just one deciding factor when it comes to a victory for tonight, and that they will not back down from anyone. Rhea Ripley shows up, and when Liv and Raquel make it clear that they are not having it with her, Rhea headbutts Raquel, and this starts a brawl that officials quickly have to quell. It happens, but not before Raquel's knee is hurt.

The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) head to the ring. Rhea Ripley says that The Judgment Day are stronger than ever and that anyone with half a brain cell can tell they are better than everyone and are just built differently, and now that no one can stop them, they not only run Raw, they dominate it. She says that Raquel Rodriguez found this out the hard way and that she is the biggest threat is the women's division while Finn Balor and Damian Priest will become tag team champions and Dominik Mysterio becomes an NXT champion. Once again, Dominik can barely get a word in edgewise when he says he will beat Wes Lee, and Damian Priest says all those boos will not change the fact that he will become NXT North American Champion and that he is guaranteed to be a world champion. After Damian promises Finn that he has the first crack at Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, Finn says he will listen to anything Rollins has to say and that their issues will never be over until his arm is raised as the new World Heavyweight Champion. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn show up, and Sami says he has a pretty good relationship with the fans and knows what they like and dislike, then asks the crowd if they paid to hear Dominik talk, which leads to a giant row of boos. When Sami asks the crowd if they paid to see somebody shut Dominik's mouth for him, the crowd cheers, then Sami says they, he and Owens are all in luck when they take Damian Priest and Dominik Mysterio. Damian Priest admits the tag team titles would look good on The Judgment Day, and if Owens and Sami are so confident they can beat them, they should put their tag team titles on the line tonight. Sami admits that is not a bad idea, but says he should ask for Owens' output after hearing The Judgment Day talk for five minutes. Owens says he does not care as long as he gets to Stun Priest and punch his fist through Dominik's face.

Backstage, Raquel Rodriguez is cleared, but the trainer recommends that Raquel does not compete tonight. Raquel says she can still go, and WWE official Adam Pearce sanctions tonight's Women's Tag Team Championship match.

Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green beat Liv Morgan and Raquel Rodriguez to become the WWE Women's Tag Team Champions after Sonya repeatedly targets Raquel's injured knee throughout the match.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Sonya Deville and Chelsea Green. Sonya says nobody wants to hear about Raquel Rodriguez's injury and that she and Chelsea - who has too many people to think - are champions and will run the women's division.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Rollins says he has big plans for the World Heavyweight Championship and that the title deserves a marquee match-up, and while he has a short list, Finn Balor has earned a spot on that list. Finn Balor shows up, and Saxton leaves. Finn tells Rollins that he wants his rematch and that he does not care how many contenders to the title that there are as the line starts with him and the issues between them are far from over. He tells Rollins to talk to WWE official Adam Pearce and make the match. Rollins says that he understands where Finn is coming from, but tells him to stop living in the past. Finn says he is living in chaos and that he will do to Rollins what Rollins did to him. Finn says he will hurt him, laugh in his face, take his title and alter his career forever, and Rollins tells him that the World Heavyweight Championship is about more than Finn's personal vendetta and is bigger than the both of them. He also says that they do not need to have a match to settle things right here, right now, and demands Finn take his shot or get out of his face. Finn says "Cool," then leaves. Rollins apologizes to the camera crew, then Finn attacks him and tells him to make the match.

Titus O'Neil guests on commentary for the next match.

The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) in a Viking Rules Match.

"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler quickly beats Nikki Cross with the Kirifuda Clutch. After the match, "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey mocks Baszler from the skybox and has thought a lot about Baszler's "complaint," then asks whether the front door or the back door is better when it comes to entering WWE. She says that she had an opportunity and took it, and that Baszler cannot stand the fact that she is one of the best combat athletes in the world while Baszler is "a knock-off version of [her]." Baszler responds by telling Ronda she is "a better Ronda Rousey" in the ring than Ronda is and demands they settle things in the ring tonight. Ronda says she declines unless Baszler makes her. Baszler is stopped by security on her way to the skybox, then Ronda tells Baszler she will see her at SummerSlam.

Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Ricochet. Ricochet says Logan Paul does not get it and considers him a joke, but the people are here for wrestling, not because of what is posted on Instagram, and Logan is the joke and the one got laid out. He then invites Logan Paul to meet with him in the ring next week so he can really hit him where it hurts: his ego.

It's time for Miz TV. Tonight's guest is Becky Lynch. Miz brags about beating Tommaso Ciampa last week and being a winner, then talks about playing in the American Century Championship golf tournament before bringing out Becky. On the subject of her losing streak as of late and whether or not she has lost a step, Becky throws the chairs out of the ring and says she has a lost of things in the last year and that a step is not one of them as she gets in Miz's face. She then demands that Miz bring out Trish Stratus before he loses his "tiny testicles," which leads to a "tiny balls" chant form the crowd. Miz introduces Zoey Stark and Trish, then Becky demands her rematch. Trish tells Becky to calm down and stop acting like "a bratty toddler" before asking Becky why she is so obsessed with her, saying she will not fight her after already fighting her and winning. She also tells Becky that she and Zoey are done with her and moving on, and demands that Becky thank her while they have their "must-see moment." Becky calls Trish out for being high and mighty and hitting her when she at her lowest point, as she could not handle at her highest, and tells her that she has accomplished more than Trish ever has. She then tells Trish that if she wants to prove she is the best, then she will give her rematch, unless she is good at anything besides wrestling. Trish says she will fight Becky, albeit under a few conditions. Trish says that Becky will have to beat Zoey Stark first, then get on her knees and say "Thank you, Trish!" afterwards and tattoo "Thank You, Trish" across her chest. Becky says "Done" to all of this, then Trish and Zoey attack her. Becky fens them off, then yanks Trish's mask off and hits her in the face before wearing it herself and headbutting Zoey with it.

Bronson Reed beats Shinsuke Nakamura by disqualification after he is suddenly attacked by Tommaso Ciampa. After the match, Shinsuke Nakamura kicks Tommaso Ciampa in the chest and knocks him down in response to Ciampa costing him the match.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Shinuke Nakamura, who says he is tired of everyone getting involved in his business and loudly reiterates his point when asked about his actions towards Tommaso Ciampa.

It is announced that Seth "Freakin'" Rollins will defend the World Heavyweight Championship against Finn Balor at SummerSlam.

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn retain the Undisputed WWE Tag Team Championships against The Judgment Day (Damian Priest and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) after Rhea Ripley distracts the referee only to be attacked by Liv Morgan and Owens hits the Stunner on Priest so that Sami can hit the Helluva Kick on Dominik. Seth "Freakin'" Rollins attacks Finn Balor and chases him to the back before the match begins.

This week on Raw Talk: Becky Lynch! Tommaso Ciampa! Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri)!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!

Raw Deal - Raw recap for May 22, 2023

In backstage footage from moments ago, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is attacked out of nowhere by Brock Lesnar, who demands that Cody fight him as he tosses him around. Lesnar then smashes Cody's forearm with a metal drum, and Cody is in absolute pain.

Paul Heyman is in the ring. He states that he had nothing to do with Brock Lesnar's attack on "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes, yet says it is a taste of what is in store for Cody at Night of Champions, then says that he has been invited back to talk about the show's triple main event. Heyman states that Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn will lose the tag team titles back to The Bloodline while The Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso) watch from home, then welcomes the fans to tonight's show before Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn show up. Heyman leaves, and Sami Zayn wonders where he went, as they have a score to settle after last week. He then says that nevertheless, he and Owens are feeling good before their biggest title defense to date. Sami says that the match is very personal and that he said everything he had to say to Roman Reigns' face. Owens mentions Roman's dedication to his potential victory to The Wild Samoans (Afa and Sika), then dedicates his and Sami's potential victory to "the true pillars of The Bloodline, Jimmy and Jey Uso." Sami then says they have business to take care of tonight, as they are in six-man tag action with Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci), who then show up. As Imperium surround the ring, Matt Riddle quickly slides into the ring, and Imperium immediately step off the ring apron. They feign leaving before rushing back into the ring, but Sami, Owens and Riddle clean house.

Backstage, Byron Saxton reports on "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' condition when WWE official Adam Pearce walks by. When asked, says he does not have any information at this time, even as there are rumors that Rhodes may have suffered a broken arm.

Bronson Reed beats Ricochet.

Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Apollo Crews. After hoping that Cody Rhodes is okay, he is met by Rhea Ripley and Dominik Mysterio. Dominik says it is Rhea's interview time, and after Cathy says that Rhea is scheduled after Apollo and Apollo says it is still his interview time. Dominik calls Apollo "Apollo who?", then says that Apollo's interview is over and that Rhea has something to say after Apollo says he is everything Dominik is not. Rhea says that Natalya has had a legendary career, but she got in her way, and at Night of Champions, she will make an example out of her and end her career. Apollo interrupts, and Dominik says nobody interrupts Rhea. Apollo says he did, then asks Dominik what he will do about it. Rhea says he will remind everyone that The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, Dominik Mysterio) run Monday Night Raw.

We see the third part of Corey Graves' interview with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. On the subject of Roman Reigns' championship reigns, Rollins says he loves Roman, but he does not like him, and that while he will always have respect for Roman, he does not like the man and the champion he has become, as his ego has been poisoned and he has taken opportunities from everyone else. He says she wants to become World Heavyweight Champion so everyone can forget about Roman. He says that with a new world title, there is a means for the business to move forward and for new opportunities, as somebody needs to carry the torch when he and Roman are gone. As for "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles, he says that Styles is one of the best talents of all time and is "truly special." He then says he and Styles have done this dance before, but he is at the top of his game, nobody can touch him right now, and he feels "pretty invincible."

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Finn Balor and Damian Priest. Damian Priest gets angry at Saxton for interrupting and starts speaking Spanish, but Finn stops him and asks Saxton to congratulate them on their victory last week, then says he faces Shinsuke Nakamura tonight after Nakamura cost Priest a title opportunity and disrespecting him by pouring salt in the word later on backstage. He says that whoever disrespects one member of The Judgment Day disrespects them all, and that if Nakamura is lucky, he will leave some of Nakamura for Priest so he can pick the bones.

We see a vignette for Zoey Stark, who threatens to take everyone's favorites and idols and tear them apart as she exposes all of their weaknesses, for the time of heroes is over and "the Zoey Stark era" begins.

Zoey Stark beats Candice LeRae after Nikki Cross celebrates prematurely.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Mustafa Ali. Mustafa stumbles and says he cannot say anything about positivity, as his situation is too real to him and that nobody believes he can beat Gunther and become a champion after his career in WWE has been a series of failures. Suddenly, Brock Lesnar walks right by him and Saxton and tells Mustafa "Get a life, kid!" Mustafa is crushed as Lesnar heads to the ring. After mocking "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' "What do you want to talk about?" line, he says that Cody will not be here tonight or facing him at Night of Champions, then tells the crowd that he will not let them down, as he will issue an open challenge for anyone to face him that night. He proclaims that all anyone has to do is get in the ring and stand up to him. All of a sudden, Cody Rhodes shows up with his left arm in a sling and an icepack as WWE official Adam Pearce and two referees try to talk him out of getting in the ring. Cody takes off the shirt, the sling and the icepack while Lensar takes off his hat. As soon as Lesnar drops his hat, he goes on the attack and goes for the Kimura Lock. Pearce screams at Lesnar to break the hold, while Lesnar dares Cody to fight him. Lesnar then breaks Cody's arm before standing on it and stomping on it, then puts his hat back on and leaves. Adam Pearce then calls for medical help as officials head to the ring to check on Cody.

Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) beat The Viking Raiders (Ivar and Erik) after Valhalla chases Maxxine Dupri around the ring, distracting The Viking Raiders.

Backstage, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes yells at WWE official Adam Pearce and Byron Saxton to stay away from his locker room and that he does not need help.

We hear from Indus Sher (Jinder Mahal, Veer Mahaan, Sanga). Jinder Mahal says last week was the last day for many Superstars, then says that "the storm is here."

Finn Balor beats Shinsuke Nakamura after Nakamura sends Damian Priest tumbling into the timekeeper's area.

Raquel Rodriguez beats Sonya Deville. After the match, Chelsea Green attacks Raquel Rodriguez, and as Sonya Deville joins in, Shotzi shows up and makes the save.

After a referee addresses "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes' current condition - which is not good - to WWE official Adam Pearce, Pearce says he will address it tonight. Trish Stratus shows up and mentions her contract signing before asking for a no-touch clause between Becky Lynch and herself. Pearce declines, then leaves.

We see a vignette for Matt Riddle. He says the greatest mistake is fearing you will make one, and says he has been against opponents bigger, faster and stronger than him before saying there is no reason to be afraid as there is no other way to challenge himself and laugh in the face of adversity. He says this is his time and that doubting him is a mistake nobody can afford to make.

Becky Lynch shows up for a contract signing overseen by Corey Graves for a match between herself and Trish Stratus at Night of Champions. Becky calls out Trish before signing the contract, then Trish shows up. Trish says it is funny that Becky was more eager to have the contract signed than to return to Raw, then says this is her first contract signing and she wants to enjoy this. Trish then says that Becky has had a lot of contract signing because of her and the work she did to single-handedly change women's wrestling, then says she has been #1 the day since she showed up in WWE and it did not take a broken nose to get there. She then says that beating Becky at Night of Champions will make her "it" and asks if Becky will crawl into a deep, dark place again after she beats her, and states that she knows Becky's weak spots and that Becky is her own worst enemy. She also says that the name and face to Becky's badness was Becky herself, then signs the contract before stating her first contract signing is also Becky's last. Becky then stares at Trish before stating she will not hurt her, because she wants her at her best at Night of Champions, then says Trish is really scared that she has been forgotten when the fans remember her as being better than she is. She then says that the fans remember how she can be and that Trish should be worried that she is back, then says that Trish wants her flowers before thanking Trish for being everything she is not. Becky says that she can look in the mirror and know she is not perfect like Trish thinks she is, and that she will punch her in the face every time before teling Trish "Welcome to the big time, bitch! Woof, woof!" Trish shoves the table at Becky and leaves.

Backstage, WWE official Adam Pearce is on the phone regarding "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes.

Backstage, Byron Saxton interviews Shotzi and Raquel Rodriguez. Shotzi says she has a lot of respect for Raquel and that she has her back. Raquel says she respects Shotzi and that she has a new tag team partner to regain the women's tag titles with.

Dominik Mysterio beats Apollo Crews. Crews is able to beat the ten count after Rhea Ripley sends him into the ring post on the outside, but he falls victim to Dominik's top rope frog splash.

We see the final part of Corey Graves' interview with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Rollins says that Night of Champions is important to him because it is time for change and since he was never pegged to be the guy, it made it easier to take the top spot. He says that his road has been everything he ever dreamed of and given him a life beyond his wildest dreams, and that he wants it to be the best he can be. He calls Night of Champions an opportunity to make something special and that he is going all in on the World Heavyweight Championship and giving it everything he has. Rollins says he wants to create something that is legendary and will live forever, and that he wants to be someone the future looks to as a man who carried things forwards.

Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Matt Riddle beat Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser, Giovanni Vinci) in a six-man tag match.

Backstage, Cody Rhodes is met by Triple H, who talks with Cody. Cody insists that he does not want medical attention for his arm and that he does not want to return to Raw as a coward, and that he will fight Brock Lesnar at Night of Champions.

This week on Raw Talk: Bronson Reed! Raquel Rodriguez and Shotzi! Alpha Academy (Chad Gable and Otis) and Maxxine Dupri!

Here are the top ten moments from tonight's show!