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.
Logan Paul heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Logan says it is a fact that he will beat "Main Event" Jey Uso on Saturday and that he will return next week as the new World Heavyweight Champion. He then asks the fans if they hate facts after being booed, then says he has a lot more for them. He admits Jey Uso made Gunther tap out, then says he became a singles champion twelve years faster than Jey, that Jey cannot handle being a singles champ, that Jey's eyes are not on him, and that he has knocked Jey out three times. Logan then says he will do it again on Saturday and become the new World Heavyweight Champion, then Gunther suddenly shows up. The fans chant "You tapped out!" after Gunther's theme faes out, and Logan even leads it at one point, then Gunther says Logan is confident he can beat Jey and assumes that Logan believes he is better than him. He admires Logan's confidence and says this is what drives the both of them in life, then states that the fans should show him more respect than they do, as Logan Paul is "a self-made, social media megastar." He says that Logan made an empire with his own hands and that there may be things he could teach him in terms of social media, marketing and entrepreneurship, and states Logan as World Heavyweight Champion is best for business. Logan says that "Gunther knows business," but Gunther says that what is business for Logan is personal to him, and that beating Jey Uso for the title is very personal. He calls Logan trying to take this from him disrespectful, especially with a non-wrestler trying to do it He says that Pat McAfee showed some heart, but he sees no heart in Logan, and when they square off, his accomplishments will mean nothing and he will eat Logan alive. Gunther walks away from Logan, and when Logan calls Gunther a coward, Jey Uso shows up. Logan turns around and runs right into a Superkick. He tells Logan he will see him on Saturday, then he will see Gunther again.
In footage from earlier tonight, Roxanne Perez signs a contract making her the newest member of the Raw roster.
Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso runs into Paul Heyman. Heyman says Logan Paul wants to talk about facts, then tells him that he will face Bron Breakker, and while his title is not on the line, Breakker is looking to slow down Jey's momentum. He says that regardless of who is World Heavyweight Champion, they are only "short-term," and that the only long-term champion is Seth "Freakin'" Rollins.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and JD McDonagh) beat Penta and "The Phenomenal" AJ Styles following the involvement of Carlito behind the referee's back as well as El Grande Americano headbutting Penta from the front row with a loaded mask.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Iyo Sky. Iyo Sky says she is ready for whoever faces her after Money in the Bank, then Becky Lynch shows up and says Iyo has never beaten her. Iyo says she will be ready, but Becky says she has put down one champion and is ready to put down another. Becky Lynch then heads to the ring for the next match.
Backstage, Logan Paul is met by Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, who tells him that "Main Event" Jey Uso will get hurt tonight for sticking his nose in his business, and that the odds will be in Logan's favor on Saturday. He says that if Logan Paul can get past Jey and Gunther, he will be waiting on the other side.
Roxanne Perez beats Natalya and Becky Lynch in a women's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier after Lyra Valkyria fights Becky on the outside and Roxanne hits Natalya with Pop Rox after Natalya goes for a Sharpshooter on Becky only for Lyra to pull Becky out of the ring.
Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso is met by Sami Zayn, who tells Jey that he will handle Seth "Freakin'" Rollins on Saturday and that he has his back tonight.
Backstage, Akira Tozawa tells General Manager Adam Pearce that he wants a match with Rusev, and gets it next week now that he is medically cleared. Chad Gable and Ivy Nile show up, and Gable says Rusev will end Tozawa's career like he did Otis'. Maxxine and Tozawa leave, then Gable wants a piece of the action at Money in the Bank. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) show up, and Gable says his team will be winning the World Tag titles. Kofi states that nobody wants The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) to win, then Pearce kicks everyone out of the room.
Sheamus beats Grayson Waller.
We see Michael Cole's interview with Tyrese Haliburton. Haliburton, who will be in WWE 2K25, talks about being in the NBA Eastern Conference Finals this year, and predicts that "Main Event" Jey Uso will retain the World Heavyweight Championship against Logan Paul on Saturday.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Gunther. Seth "Freakin'" Rollins soon shows up and tells him that his reign as World Heavyweight Championship was great, but Gunther tells Rollins that he, not Rollins, is the future around here. Rollins says he is here out of professional courtesy for Gunther, then tells Gunther that if he becomes World Heavyweight Champion again, he will be treated no differently from one else. Gunther says he eagerly awaits Rollins' challenge.
Rhea Ripley beats Kairi Sane and Zoey Stark in a women's Triple Threat Money in the Bank qualifier. During the match, Zoey Stark injures her knee going for a missile drop on Kairi Sane, and she has to be helped to the back and out of the match.
We hear from Rusev, who tells Akira Tozawa that while he admires his courage, he is delusional for challenging him. He says he was doing what was best for him, but he now has his attention. He says Tozawa's ego will get him cheered, but his arrogance will get him destroyed, and after he beats him, he will forgive his stupidity and forget his existence.
Backstage, Finn Balor brings Roxanne Perez into The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Carlito, Raquel Rodriguez) clubhouse, and credits Dominik with the idea of adding to their numbers. Finn says Liv Morgan will appreciate this, saying that all the men have each others' back, but Liv and Raquel have no one. Roxanne then gifts Dominik and Carlito with chicken nuggets and an apple, but Raquel is unimpressed, and tells Roxanne to leave before stating that Liv will hear about this.
"Main Event" Jey Uso beats Bron Breakker by disqualification after Paul Heyman distracts Jey Uso only for Seth "Freakin'" Rollins to attack Jey from behind. After the match, Rollins and Breakker gang up on Jey, then Sami Zayn shows up. This leads to a stand-off until CM Punk shows up; this starts a brawl that goes into the crowd. As this goes on, Logan Paul suddenly shows up and knocks Jey Uso out before smiling into the camera.
Candice LeRae retains the WWE Women's Speed Championship against Zoey Stark in a time limit draw, ending the third women's tournament. In the last moments of the match, Stark hits the Z360, but LeRae rolls out of the ring. Starks gets LeRae back in the ring for a pinfall attempt, but not in time.
This Friday: the ninth men's tournament to decide a #1 contender for Dragon Lee's WWE Speed Championship begins with Chris Sabin vs. "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio!
Zoey Stark beats Shotzi Blackheart to advance in the third women's tournament and face Candice LeRae for the WWE Women's Speed Championship next Wednesday.
Zoey Stark beats Maxxine Dupri despite "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler getting caught by the referee putting Stark's foot on the bottom rope as Maxxine goes for a pinfall attempt.
Penta beats Grayson Waller. During the match, Grayson Waller taunts two-time NFL all-pro tight end George Kittle, who is wearing a Penta match. After the match, George Kittle celebrates with Penta in the ring and unmasks.
The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) interrupt the start of the show. They are unable to speak due to being booed repeatedly by the crowd before "Main Event" Jey Uso shows up. Jey says that they go way back, then tells The New Day that they suck. Woods drops his microphone and confronts Jey Uso, and Kofi has to hold him back before they both leave the ring as Jey leads a "New Day sucks" chant. Jey then says he has issues to address, such as Solo Sikoa's Bloodline (Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Jacob Fatu) and Drew McIntyre, then calls out McIntyre so they can handle business. Solo Sikoa's Bloodline shows up on the Mini-tron, and Solo says that last week is the beginning of an end and that he did what he had to do to get Roman Reigns' attention. He says Jey and his brother should have joined him, then says he will destroy Roman and remain Tribal Chief. All of a sudden, Jey is attacked from behind by Drew McIntyre. McIntyre goes for a Claymore Kick, but Jey strikes back with a superkick. McIntyre soon lays Jey out with a Glasgow Kiss, but officials stop him from hitting the Claymore Kick. As officials escort McIntyre to the back, McIntyre turns around and dashes past them to hit Jey with the Claymore Kick.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews American Made (Chad Gable, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, Ivy Nile). Chad Gable says he is sick of the talk that he cannot win a championship, is ducking Otis and cannot wrestle luchadors. He says it is time to kill Alpha Academy (Otis, Akira Tozawa, Maxxine Dupri) and that Otis is the final nail in the coffin, and tonight, Otis will learn that the master retains the master together. Julius and Brutus Creed say that they were not just born and raised here, and Ivy Nile says they were made here.
Chad Gable beats Otis by submission with an ankle lock.
We see a video package for the feud between Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan.
Backstage, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, Carlito, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) and Raquel Rodriguez are wondering where Liv Morgan is. Finn Balor says Liv Morgan has a plan for Rhea Ripley, and that he has a plan to deal with The War Raiders (Ivar and EriK) and Damian Priest. He then tells Raquel to wish Liv the best of luck on Monday.
Pete Dunne attacks R-Truth before their match.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Iyo Sky and Dakota Kai. Dakota Kai says Pure Fusion Collective do not have what it takes to beat them, and she plans to knock Zoey Stark out of the tournament. She also says it would be an honor to face Iyo in the finals. Iyo Sky agrees, and says that while Lyra Valkyria has her respect, it is not her night, as tonight belongs to her and Dakota.
Tonight is the 44th TV sellout and 66th event sellout of 2024.
Dakota Kai beats Zoey Stark to advance to the finals of the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship Tournament.
We see a video package of Raw's time on cable television and USA Network.
The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) and Damian Priest beat The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio) in a six-man tag match. After the match, The Judgment Day attack Damian Priest until they are chased out of the ring by The War Raiders.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce meets with "Main Event" Jey Uso, and puts him in a match against Drew McIntyre next week.
We see the formation of a drawing that looks like the face of Penta el Zero Miedo.
Ludwig Kaiser is in the ring. Kaiser says he belongs at the top of the food chain in WWE, as he is "A+ everything" and "European elegance," then demands Bron Breakker head to the ring before Sheamus suddenly shows up. Sheamus and Kaiser brawl, but Sheamus comes out on top with the Brogue Kick.
Backstage, Rey Mysterio tells Otis he will get another shot at Chad Gable and beat him when he does, then The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) confronts Rey. Kofi Kingston mocks Rey Mysterio for being a locker room leader, and Rey responds by challenging them to a tag team match. The New Day mock the rest of The Latino World Order before accepting the challenge.
Lyra Valkyria beats Iyo Sky with a bridge pin to advance to the finals of the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship Tournament.
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring. After the commercial break, Rollins proposes ending the night with a bang, then says he will be in the ring after next week while CM Punk will take his ball and go home when things do not go his way. CM Punk shows up and confronts Rollins for his choice of words, then says Rollins feels that he abandoned him. He says that they have made their choices and that he has no regrets. He then says that he is here to make money and not friends and that he will make a boatload of money beating Rollins up, then Rollins says that Punk took shots at WWE and then joined the competition when it did not work. He also says that he did not feel bad about any of his choices, as changes are made in the trenches and not by cowards who abandon their families, and says that Punk will take another ten years off when he makes him. Punk says that Rollins would not be here if it were not for him, then says he loved where he worked but hated the guy who ran it, who loved Rollins, who he says is now playing victim in a situation he created. He says he came back because of the fans chanting his name, and says that he will beat Rollins next week. Rollins says Punk may have been a pioneer, but he is now a cancer that must be cut out. Rollins then tells Punk that he will burn him to the ground next week.
CM Punk heads to the ring to start tonight's show. CM Punk heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Punk sarcastically warns everyone to be careful when chanting his name as some people hate him, then says that he is a little low and in a bad news following his recent confrontation with Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Punk says he is mad because Rollins is right, and that it is only a matter of time before they both face off in the ring. He also says that his time on the microphone will be overshadowed by Rollins' sudden entrance. He says wearing Elton John sunglasses does not make one Elton John and that lacing up a pair of wrestling boots like him does not make one CM Punk, and while he admits to "ghosting" Rollins, he also considers Rollins his failure. Punk then says he is willing to give Rollins the biggest wrestling lesson of his life for free, and wants to know if Rollins is tougher than Drew McIntyre, who he calls "the last person to fill [his] shoes." He says that the Boston crowd does not think so and that there will not be enough staples to put him back together, then brings up the CM Punk chants during the seven years he was gone. Rollins shows up in the crowd to lead a "CM Punk" chant, then says it is a matter of perspective and that being the crowd might give him a new perspective, but ultimately concludes that "Even from here, [he's] still an asshole." Punk compliments Rollins for not coming out to his music and says he belongs in the crowd with the rest of the fans, but Rollins says he will always be a fan and put WWE on his back and made it stronger while Punk was gone. He also says that he has more WrestleMania main events than Punk ever will, and this leads to the both of them meeting in the crowd and brawling. Officials show up at the barricade to break the brawl up. The brawl makes its way to the ring as officials try to keep both Punk and Rollins apart, and even with Rollins still at ringside and Punk in the crowd, Rollins still goes after Punk. Security has to get involved at this point, as does General Manager Adam Pearce.
Backstage, Finn Balor wants to know where the rest of The Judgment Day (JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Carlito, Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez) was on Saturday Night's Main Event. Liv mentions have faith in Finn that night and also mentions being banned from ringside tonight, then tells Raquel and Dominik that she has something for them.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce confronts Seth "Freakin'" Rollins, who wants his match with CM Punk. Pearce tells Rollins to give it a rest with Punk so he can actually do his job, then Drew McIntyre shows up. McIntyre says that getting over something is not easy when it stares you in the face, then says the two of them are not fooled by Roman Reigns and his Bloodline ("Main Event" Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, Sami Zayn). Rollins says that this does not make them friends, and that he had friends on Jey Uso and Sami Zayn. He says respect, not common interests, make friends, and says that the jury is still out on McIntyre. He then says he has to do something McIntyre could not: end CM Punk.
Bron Breakker retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship against Ludwig Kaiser despite Kaiser targeting his left arm and shoulder throughout the match.
Backstage, The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) are met by Rey Mysterio, who tells them that the entire locker room is angry with them because they crossed the line with Big E and that they will have to change somewhere else. Woods is unfazed and says they didn't want to share a locker room, anyway.
We look back on WrestleMania 14, which also took place in Boston, Massachusetts.
It is revealed that after Saturday Night's Main Event went off the area, Kevin Owens hit "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes with a cheap shot followed by a package piledriver. Cody can is put on a stretcher and into an ambulance as Owens holds up the WWE Undisputed Championship.
It is announced that "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes is resting and recuperating at home following Saturday Night's Main Event.
We hear from The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik), who says that they go to war with The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and JD McDonagh) tonight and that more than the tag team titles are on the line. They say that nobody will tell you what it is like to have injuries that all but ended their careers, then say they are stronger than ever and that every match could be their last and that their moment has to be now.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews General Manager Adam Pearce. Pearce announces that on January 6, 2025, Seth "Freakin'" Rollins and CM Punk will finally have their one-on-one match.
Liv Morgan, Raquel Rodriguez and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio head to the ring. Liv Morgan gets on her megaphone and says she is the best Women's World Champion of all time after Dominik gets booed out of the building, and says that 2024 has been her year. She says that nobody is hotter, dominant and ready to lead WWE into the future than her, then Rhea Ripley shows up. Rhea tells Liv that General Manager Adam Pearce has made it official that she is the number one contender for the Women's World Championship and that Liv's title reign will end. Rhea says she will be Women's World Champion while Liv Morgan is left with her "chicken tender slut."
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Seth "Freakin'" Rollins when Sami Zayn and Drew McIntyre brawl in the background. Officials try to break the brawl almost immediately.
Backstage, The Miz tells Paul Ellering and The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) that he is proud of them, and when Karrion Kross and Scarlett show up, The Miz says they are done and they can go their separate ways. Kross says it is not over after all The Wyatt Sicks have done, and that The Miz will face Dexter Lumis in retaliation for kidnapping him next week. Ellering tells Miz that he saved him twice and that he owes them. Kross tells Miz to get with General Manager Adam Pearce to make the match, which Miz does. Rezar asks Kross if Miz can handle Lumis, and Kross says that when you make a deal with the devil, you don't run out on it.
Zoey Stark beats Kayden Carter and Raquel Rodriguez to advance in the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship Tournament after hitting Raquel with a missile drop kick as she goes for a Tejana Bomb on Kayden.
Backstage, R-Truth approves of Alpha Academy's (Otis, Akira Tozawa, Maxxine Dupri) recent commercial and credits them on changing his workout, calling Pete Dunne "Butch" in the process. Pete Dunne confronts R-Truth for calling him "Butch" again and threatens to break his jaw before Otis steps between them. Dunne leaves, saying this is R-Truth's last warning before walking off. R-Truth leaves, then American Made (Chad Gable, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, Ivy Nile) confronts Alpha Academy for turning his former academy into a joke before calling them all "pathetic." Otis tells Gable to shut up, and Gable says "It's time to kill my darlings," and chooses to start with Tozawa.
We see a picture of a red slash going through the number zero.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods), who still have yet to find a locker room, when it is revealed that Pure Fusion Collective (Sonya Deville, Zoey Stark, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler) have smashed Kairi Sane's hand with a road crate. Dakota Kai and Iyo Sky run out to help Kairi after Pure Fusion Collective leave.
The War Raiders (Ivar and Erik) beat The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and JD McDonagh) to become the World Tag Team Champions after Finn Balor grabs a metal folding chair only for Damian Priest - who is in disguise in the timekeeper's area - to keep him from taking it.
Wade Barrett and Joe Tessitore introduce everyone to tonight's show before we look back on "Main Event" Jey Uso's Intercontinental Championship win.
"Main Event" Jey Uso heads to the ring after briefly being joined by one of his sons on the concourse. Jey declares that he will be a fighting champion and thanks the fans for their support throughout the years, and while his family may have made it hard for him, his biggest fan was his mother, who told him to go out there and show who he was. She also told him to go out there and get it, and he got it and "we did it." Suddenly, Bron Breakker shows up. Breakker says he is here out of the respect he has for the Intercontinental Championship, and after battling it out with Jey Uso, he has the same respect for him. He talks about how the title was family to him and that the better man should win it, and that Jey was the better man. He says he will not Spear or attack Jey, as he wants to be the first person to congratulate him. Both men shake hands, and as Breakker turns around to leave, Jey tells Breakker that there are some dogs in Evansville, Indiana tonight.
It is announced that Raw will be two hours starting next week.
In backstage footage from earlier today, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio gets a call from Finn Balor. He finds out that Finn is having some travel issues, then tells him to tell Liv that everything is taken care of.
Xavier Woods beats Rey Mysterio after Woods inadvertently unmasks Rey.
Backstage, Lyra Valkyria is met by Sonya Deville and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. Sonya mockingly mentions that Lyra will be alone before stating that she and Shayna will be ringside in tonight's match.
We see another vignette with the Viking runes from last week.
Backstage, Xavier Woods is met by Kofi Kingston. After briefly mentioning Woods' win on Rey, Kofi says that he has gotten a shot at the Intercontinental Championship, but that he has given it away to Woods. Meanwhile, Karrion Kross watches them in the distance.
Zoey Stark beats Lyra Valkyria following the distractions and interference by Sonya Deville and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler. After the match, Pure Fusion Collective (Sonya, Zoey, Shayna) gang up on Lyra, but Katana Chance (wearing a protective face mask) and Kayden Carter make the save.
Backstage, CM Punk walks by as General Manager Adam Pearce tells security to stay on top of things regarding CM Punk and Drew McIntyre tonight.
We see footage of the NXT car at the Kansas Speedway.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Lyra Valkyria, Katana mentions the damage done to her face by Pure Fusion Collective, then says that she and Kayden are not going to be nice as they make their way back to the women's tag titles. The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn) show up and state that the women's tag titles belong to them, and Lyra has to hold Katana and Kayden back.
General Manager Adam Pearce is in the ring with Hell In A Cell with security. He mentions Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk in Hell In A Cell at Bad Blood, saying their war has to be over, but to make it to the match, they must make it through tonight, and there will be no physicality between them tonight. He does allow for last statements between McIntyre and Punk, then introduces Punk, followed by McInytre. McIntyre says he has "less than zero" respect for Punk, and out of respect for his wife AJ Lee after what he does to him, AJ will have to take care of him and may have to leave him. He then says it will be a celebration when Punk is gone, never to return. McIntyre says that after ten months, everyone still chants Punk's name, and says that even Roxanne Perez realized who Punk was after idolizing and spending a few days with him. McIntyre says that there was a time when he was not a blip on CM Punk's radar and that Punk taught him how to hate, and even during a time when he was surrounded by nothing but love, that hate stayed with him. McIntyre says that this hate will die with CM Punk before climbing out of the ring and standing on the ring apron. Punk says people have called him a lot of things during his career, and tonight, he is voiceless, as he has nothing to say to "a piece of garbage like [McIntyre]" except he is full of rage looking at him that he cannot go home. He says he has stayed in a hotel because he will not subject AJ Lee to the hate that he has subjected himself to, and that he has to be the Boogeyman that his critics have called him to send McIntyre home to Scotland in a box. Punk reminds McIntyre that he prayed for all of this and it happened, and when they are locked in the cell and he has taken everything from McIntyre and has him at his mercy, McIntyre will not pray to a god or a devil, but to CM Punk. He then tells McIntyre that he will see him in Hell.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Braun Strowman. Strowman says he is not nervous tonight and that he will remind everyone why he is "The Monster of All Monsters," then The Miz shows up. As The Miz talks with Strowman regarding last week, R-Truth shows up. Strowman says he has a match to prepare for and leaves, then R-Truth says has been watching and says that he has gotten them a little match against The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar), saying The Awesome Truth (Miz and R-Truth) is back.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn. He says that the disrespect, not the rejection, from Gunther bothers him, as people have always disrespected him throughout his career, and while Gunther says he is not at his level, he knows how good he really is at the end of the day. Sami hopes Gunther is watching, as no matter what he does, he does not go away that easily and he will get his shot at the World Heavyweight Championship.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Carlito) beat The Latino World Order (Dragon Lee, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro) in a six-man tag match after Liv Morgan distracts the ref so that Finn Balor can suddenly show up and trip Joaquin Wilde off the top rope, allowing JD McDonagh to hit Wilde with Devil Inside for the win.
After the commercial break, The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Carlito, Liv Morgan) are still in the ring. Finn Balor says he has heard what Damian Priest had to say last week, saying that he has no heart and that he will prove to the world that it was Priest who needed them and needed him, and that The Judgment Day never needed Priest. As Liv Morgan promises to end her revenge tour successfully, Rhea Ripley shows up and says she was with Dominik with a very long time and knows all his secrets, then brings out the shark cage as he mentions that Dominik is extremely claustrophobic. She says that when Dominik is in the cage at Bad Blood, he will have the best seat in the house when Liv Morgan realizes that she is not as good as her. Rhea says she will win back the title that she has never lost and that the time for talking is over as Damian Priest shows up from behind and goes on the attack. As Priest beats Finn Balor up, Rhea headbutts Liv and throws Dominik into the barricade. Rhea throws Dominik at the shark cage before scaring Liv Morgan to the back and throwing Dominik into the cage. As she tries to shut Dominik in the cage, Liv attacks Rhea from behind, Priest eventually falls to the numbers game in the ring.
We hear from Sheamus, who says that the worse thing that being cracked by a bat is being cracked by a shillelagh, and that he has created a monster out of Pete Dunne. He says that Dunne has gone too far and has ended up on the wrong side of a fight night, and while Dunne is dangerous, they can still handle things one last time in a Good Ol' Fashioned Donnybrook Match.
WWE acknowledges the death of baseball legend and WWE Hall of Famer Pete Rose. In memory of Pete Rose, 1941 - 2024.
Backstage, we hear from Damage CTRL (Iyo Sky and Kairi Sane). Iyo Sky says that Bianca Belair has stated that they will be ready for them, but they will be ready for Bianca and Jade Cargill. Kairi Sane says that they plan on make Jade and Bianca fall, and challenge them to a women's tag title match so they can be on top again. Iyo Sky says they must get the titles back, as they are still the most dominant force in the women's division, and that she will live rent free in Bianca Belair's head as they win the titles back.
Chad Gable beats Kofi Kingston after Xavier Woods tries to trip Gable and fails while Kofi Kingston goes for Trouble In Paradise and misses due to Woods' tactics.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews "Big" Bronson Reed. Bronson hopes that Seth "Freakin'" Rollins comes back after he took months off his career, as he plans to take years off his life when he returns. He also says he exposed Braun Strowman as the man that he is, as he is Last Monster Standing.
Gunther walks by as General Manager Adam Pearce tries to keep security on top of things backstage.
We see another video from Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross), saying not to go down a certain path, warning not to force their hand as it will lead to demise. We see a QR code followed by a shroud falling off of Nikki Cross' head.
Gunther heads to the ring. It is announced that Ilja Dragunov was injured in a match with Gunther at a house show in Columbus, Georgia and that Dragunov will be out for six to nine months. Gunther states that life as World Heavyweight Champion has been fantastic and that he loves every aspect of being world champ, but there is one thing that he hates about the life and that is dealing with Sami Zayn every single week. He says he could not ask for anybody more annoying than Sami Zayn when Sami shows up seemingly on command, and Sami says that if he finds dealing with him annoying, he could easily put an end to it by giving him a shot at the World title. He then says Gunther will not do it, and demands Gunther come up with a new excuse. Gunther says he tried to beat it into Sami that he is not on his level, but Sami reminds him of how he beat him at WrestleMania. Sami says that the loss drives Gunther crazy and that Gunther is scared that it will happen again. Gunther says Sami is right and that he is scared, not of Sami, but of his reputation, as losing to Sami was the biggest embarrassment of his career. He says that he was so busy embarrassing Sami in front of his own family that is backfired, as he brought his own family to watch backstage and he had to answer to his own father as to why he lost to a bum in Sami Zayn. Gunther says he does not expect Sami to understand as his family is used to seeing him fail and do not expect anything to him while he is the golden goose of his own family and that he is special in addition to being World Heavyweight Champion. Sami says he has failed in front of his family countless times and got back up, but when Gunther lost, he crumbled, ran off and hid for months because he knew he could not show his face here because his father made him feel like a loser. He then says that Gunther is showing his father that he is also a coward, and Gunther responds by beating Sami up. Sami fights back and hits the Exploder Suplex despite Gunther trying to block it, but Gunther counters the Helluva Kick with a sleeper and a powerbomb. Gunther then tells Sami that if he wants the World Heavyweight Championship so badly, then he has his match.
The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) beat The Awesome Truth (Miz and R-Truth) after The Miz turns on R-Truth, booting him in the face as soon as he is tagged in.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser when Bron Breakker shows up and looks at the World Heavyweight Championship. Bron Breakker apologizes, saying he wanted to see the championship for himself, and Gunther says "He really is a badass." Breakker tells Gunther that he will see sooner than he thinks. In the background, Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston are arguing.
Braun Strowman beats "Big" Bronson Reed in a Last Monster Standing Match that sees the timekeeper's area barricade and the front row barricade behind it get annihilated, Bronson Reed getting his hands on General Manager Adam Pearce, and Seth "Freakin'" Rollins showing up to hit The Stomp on Bronson Reed on the ring steps to ensure Strowman the victory.
This week on Raw Talk: "Main Event" Jey Uso! Katana Chance and Kayden Carter! The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Carlito, Liv Morgan)!
Lyra Valkyria beats Zoey Stark after Natalya and Zelina Vega counter Sonya Deville and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler's distraction attempts with one of their own.
CM Punk heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Punk says he is at the point in his career where people ask him how many matches he has left, and depending how one feels about him, the number is either wildly disappointing or tremendously happy, as the answer is "way more than you think." He says that when he came back to WWE, he did not come to make friends, but he has made some "immortal enemies," and the only way to end things with Drew McIntyre is in Hell In A Cell. Punk says he feels a little bit nieve to think it was over because he touched four corners in Berlin, Germany, and that McIntyre thought it would be over when he attacked him in Chicago, Illinois and brought his family into this. He says it should have stopped the second time McIntyre sent him to the hospital two weeks ago, but he is just "too damn stubborn," and that McIntyre's fatal mistake is not getting the job done. Punk says that when it comes to how many Hell In A Cell matches he has left in him, the answer is zero, as his family has asked him not to do this and even the angel on his shoulder has begged him not to. He then says that he is going to do this because he told McIntyre that if he were pushed far enough, he would be the Devil himself, and now the Devil is here and that the Devil in his heart has told him that this is the only way to end this. Punk warns McIntyre that he cannot promise that he will not kill him, as he will not make promises that he cannot completely deliver on. He then promises he will make McIntyre bleed and make McIntyre have to kill him, as he is prepared to die. He says that he had a great career and that if this is the end, then so be it, as he is prepared for this to be the end of CM Punk. He says that if Drew McIntyre is prepared for the end, then he will see him in Hell.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sheamus. Sheamus says he knows Pete Dunne too well and that Dunne hit him where it hurt when he kept him from becoming Intercontinental Champion, then says it is time to inflict pain on Dunne. He says that Dunne despises being called "Butch," then says Dunne will become "his Butch" before asking the fans if they are ready for a banger.
Pete Dunne beats Sheamus after Sheamus tries to hit Pete Dunne with his shillelagh only for the referree to take the shillelagh away, allowing Dunne to hit Sheamus with a wooden cricket bat for the win.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley and Damian Priest are met by "Main Event" Jey Uso. Jey says he will be watching Priest's match with "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio when Xavier Woods shows up. Woods says they may not see eye-to-eye, but he and Kofi Kingston are going for the World Tag Team titles and ask Priest to let them do it on their own. Priest respects Woods' wishes, and tells Woods to beat The Judgment Day's (Finn Balor and JD McDonagh) asses and take their titles.
Backstage, The Miz meets with Braun Strowman and sees the bruise on Strowman's right bicep as he says that he is ready to fight. When asked about his recent comment about Miz's chances against Bronson Reed, Strowman says it takes a monster to beat a monster.
Natalya beats Zoey Stark with a schoolkid pin following a series of pinfall attempts between both competitors.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Rhea Ripley. All of a sudden, Finn Balor interrupts, telling her that she is just as bad as Damian Priest for pretending to care and pretending they were a family when she really blamed him for everything wrong with The Judgment Day when she and Damian were the real problem. Rhea says Finn is not going to rewrite history to satisfy his "ego problems," and says that they were indeed a family and that she was trying to keep them from fighting every week, but if he wants to keep going with this, they can settle things in a six-person tag match. Finn then admits that he was the devil on Dominik's shoulder and the one to tell Dominik to leave Rhea for Liv Morgan. "Main Event" Jey Uso soon shows up, and Finn leaves. Jey soon heads to the ring.
"Main Event" Jey Uso heads to the ring. Jey looks forward to beating Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Championship to win his first singles title and succeed on his own, then Bron Breakker shows up. Breakker tells Jey that he told him to stay away, yet he still wants to pursue his title. He says that he has done his homework on Jey and that while Jey has been a star in the last 14 years, he has done more in six months than Jey has done his whole career. He says that he also did it without his family or their name, as the Intercontinental Championship is his family and the title fights for him, and next week, he will expose Jey as being nothing without his family. Both men soon have a staredown, and Jey says that he see the dog in Bron Breakker and that he will not take him lightly, as he was still winning championships while Breakker was still in diapers. He then says that next week, he will "dog walk" his ass, and that Bron Breakker's reign might end up short and sweet like his NFL career. After another staredown, Breakker hits Jey Uso with a cheap shot. Breakker goes on the attack, but Jey Uso fires back with a Spear.
Backstage, Bianca Belair and Jade Cargill are met by Iyo Sky, who calls Bianca Belair a coward for challenging Kairi Sane when she has an injured eye. Bianca says she was booked into the match and that she does not back down from a fight, and that she steps up when her number is called. After Bianca proposes that Iyo Sky step up, Iyo does just that, and accepts Bianca's proposition.
The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and JD McDonagh) retain the World Tag Team Championships against The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) after Carlito, Liv Morgan and "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio show up only to be attacked The Latino World Order (Dragon Lee, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro) seconds later. Kofi hits everyone on the outside with a dive, and this preoccupies the referee as Xavier Woods hits the Limit Break elbow drop on McDonagh only to receive no pinfall count. Woods confronts the referee, and this allows The Judgment Day to double-team Xavier Woods to retain. After the match, Xavier Woods gets angry at Kofi Kingston for his dive to the outside, saying he is tired of this and that something needs to change.
We see a video from The Wyatt Sicks (Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Joe Gacy, Dexter Lumis, Nikki Cross) followed by a QR code.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Kofi Kingston, who is trying to find Xavier Woods. He soon finds him as he confronts The Latino World Order (Dragon Lee, Joaquin Wilde, Cruz del Toro), and tells him that he asked The Latino World Order to help them with The Judgment Day's (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Carlito, Liv Morgan) number game. Xavier Woods is livid with Kofi Kingston leaving him in the dark and with no idea of what is going on, and storms off.
We hear from "Big" Bronson Reed, who says he has had opportunities taken away from him time after time because he was deemed too dangerous for the roster, and he was forced to take out multiple people. He then says that he got COVID-19 and had his opportunity given to Braun Strowman, and now, he is going to finish Strowman and make the story about Strowman falling victim to "WWE's true monster."
"Big" Bronson Reed vs. Braun Strowman ends as soon as it starts after the top rope comes down when Strowman sends Bronson into the corner, Bronson throws a person from the front row at Strowman like a weapon and Strowman plows Bronson throw the timekeeper's barricade. Security and officials try in vain to get both men to stop as the match-turned-brawl goes backstage when security tries to escort Bronson to the back, and security guards get leveled and a golf cart gets flipped before Bronson splashes Strowman through two tables and Strowman tackles Bronson through a wall.
After the commercial break, multiple people are trying to help Braun Strowman and "Big" Bronson Reed up. Meanwhile, General Manager Adam Pearce takes care of the medical side of things when Ludwig Kaiser shows up asking if he has found a worthy opponent for Gunther yet. Pearce says he has not found anyone yet, and says that Sami Zayn has made a case to face Gunther for the title as Sami Zayn makes his way to the ring. Pearce says that if Gunther has a problem, he can take it up with him.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami talks about being in the ring with Bret "The Hit Man" Hart last week, saying it was very motivational and very emotional when Bret said what it meant to be a champion and he needed it to be him. He says that he needs to be World Heavyweight Champion and defending the championship against all comers week after week, as it is the champion the fans deserve, but Gunther has repeatedly declined his challenges. He says that Gunther has told him that he is not on his level, but he does not believe that and that he is in Gunther's head, as Gunther remembers what happened at WrestleMania and knows that he can beat him again. Sami also says that Gunther is scared, then Ludwig Kaiser shows up. Kaiser asks Sami what he is doing asking for a World Heavyweight Championship match against Gunther and saying that Gunther is scared of him, then says Gunther is the most dominant force in WWE right now and that he is only trying to protect and save him from the worst embarrassment of his entire life. Kaiser says that WrestleMania was the greatest night of Sami's career, as Sami's family was looking up at him instead of looking down, then says miracles never happen twice and that this is never going to happen again. Sami admits he finds it strange Kaiser is here speaking for Gunther, as Gunther does not need Kaiser for anything, much less speaking for him, then says that Kaiser does not need Gunther, either, and has the potential to stand on his own two feet. He then says that Kaiser will never win respect as Gunther's mouthpiece, and while he has no problem with Kaiser saying things to his face, he should at least have the balls to speak for himself. Suddenly, Gunther shows up. Gunther says he will answer Sami's challenge, then asks Kaiser if he has anything to tell him, and if he does, he should tell him right now. Kaiser says he has something he has wanted to get off his chest for a very long time, then attacks Sami Zayn. Gunther then tells Sami once again that the answer is and will remain "no," then hugs Kaiser. Sami grabs at Kaiser, and Gunther gives Kaiser free reign to do what he pleases to Sami, who turns the tables on Kaiser and hits him with the Helluva Kick.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Damian Priest. Priest is soon interrupted by Liv Morgan, who tells Cathy to leave before telling Priest that he has not yet realized that he is a has-been, and calls him and Rhea Ripley "two desperate losers" trying to hold on to their time in The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Carlito, Liv Morgan). Priest says Liv is the only person in The Judgment Day to "have a set" and tells her to protect that because when Rhea gets her hands on her, she will shove them down her throat. He then says that when he gets his hands on Dominik, Dominik will be going down.
Iyo Sky beats Bianca Belair after countering the K.O.D. with an inside cradle.
Backstage, Damian Priest is met by Rhea Ripley. Priest tells Rhea that he will rip "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio apart.
We see a vignette for American Made (Chad Gable, Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, Ivy Nile).
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Ludwig Kaiser, who says that he will expose Sami Zayn for who he really is next week after talking about his past and bringing up his loyalty to Gunther, saying that Sami and Kevin Owens turn on each other when one is more successful than the other. He says that he will prove Sami Zayn is nothing but a sad, bitter man who will never be a world champion.
Backstage, "Main Event" Jey Uso is met by Ilja Dragunov, who wishes Jey Uso the best of luck in his match against Bron Breakker. Jey leaves, then he is met by The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, Carlito, Liv Morgan), and Finn Balor tells him to think a little more about who he chooses as friends. Dragunov says that he has more respect for Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley and Jey Uso than he does for The Judgment Day, and Finn warns him that the message will not be delivered so lightly next time.
Damian Priest beats "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio after Rhea Ripley attacks Liv Morgan for putting Dominik's foot on the bottom rope following a Broken Arrow by Priest and Damian Priest wipes out the rest of The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, Carlito). After the match, the rest of The Judgment Day attack Priest, and while Rhea Ripley gets her hands on Dominik, she is soon attacked by Liv Morgan. Suddenly, "Main Event" Jey Uso shows up, but he is soon hit with a Spear by Bron Breakker in a black hoodie. Liv hits Rhea with Ob-Liv-Ion while Priest is held down for two Coup de Graces by Finn Balor. The show ends with The Judgment Day standing tall.
This week on Raw Talk: Natalya, Zelina Vega and Lyra Valkyria! Pure Fusion Collective (Sonya Deville, Zoey Stark, "The Queen of Spades" Zoey Stark)! Pete Dunne!
Gunther heads to the ring to start tonight's show. As this happens, it is announces that Raw will be on SyFy for the next two weeks. Gunther says he has taken time to reflect on what he said to Damian Priest last week, and that he meant every word that she said last week, calling Priest and the fans in the arena "bums." He says that what is stake is the honor, prestige and reputation of this great sport and the World Heavyweight Championship, which he says Damian Priest does not live up to. He also goes to call Priest "a pretender" and "a wanna-be," and says that he knows who Damian Priest is through his friends and that today is the day that he judges The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, Rhea Ripley, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) collectively as "street trash." Gunther then asks Priest to come to the ring and hand him the World Heavyweight Championship that he is not worthy of carrying, and Damian Priest shows up and heads to the ring. Priest almost immediately punches Gunther in the face, and referees quickly rush in to try to stop the ensuing brawl. Security also shows up, as do other backstage officials, but Priest starts laying security out before going after Gunther again.
Backstage, Gunther and Damian Priest's brawl continues as Jackie Redmond is reporting, and once again, security, referees, officials and even General Manager Adam Priest have to get involved.
Bron Breakker beats Ilja Dragunov by referee stoppage to become #1 contender for the WWE Intercontinental Championship after Dragunov is knocked out following a Spear by Bron Breakker that causes Dragunov to hit the back of his head on the ring apron.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley meets with the rest of The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) and Carlito to focus on club business, and says it is not long before they have all the gold again. Dominik asks Rhea about Jey Uso, but Rhea says they are just playing around. Rhea then mentions what is going on between Dominik and Liv Morgan. Finn Balor proposes that Dominik should take care of Jey Uso once and for all, but Rhea sees no point in going to war with him. Finn tells Dominik he knows what he has to do.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Priest welcomes Drew McIntyre back to Raw in front of the two referees that McIntyre refused to apologize to last week.
Backstage, Xavier Woods celebrates Akira Tozawa's birthday with Alpha Academy (Otis, Maxxine Dupri, Akira Tozawa).
It is announced that Damian Priest and Gunther have been ejected from the arena and sent home for the rest of the night.
Sonya Deville beats Lyra Valkyria after Katana Chance and Kayden Carter fight Zoey Stark and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler for getting involved in the match.
We see another video from The Wyatt Sicks. Nikki Cross is revealed to be "Abbie" as Uncle Howdy says that he is an answer to all the lies.
CM Punk heads to the ring. CM Punk announces that he is medically cleared, that he and Drew McIntyre will fight and that he will get his pound of flesh, then calls McIntyre out so he can get the beating he deserves before putting on his wrist tape. McIntyre shows up and says he has waited for this, and says there is nothing stopping him from getting in the ring and tearing him apart, except for the part where he does not want to. Punk says he wants to, and referees and officials have to hold him back as McIntyre says their match is a big money match, then says that he turns to family to calm down when he gets emotional and produces Punk's bracelet. General Manager Adam Pearce shows up and says McIntyre is officially reinstated and Punk is officially medically cleared, then makes their match official for SummerSlam. He also says that the match will be off if they lay hands on each other before then, and that the person who throws the first punch will be suspended. He then introduces the special guest referee for the match: Seth "Freakin'" Rollins. Rollins shows up and says Punk and McIntyre both hate each other and that their chaos has scared everyone away from getting between them. He then says he is "a solution guy" and not "a problem guy," and says he knows a guy who thrives on chaos. He also says this guy would love nothing more than to put them both in their places, and it is himself.
Backstage, Carlito tells The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh) that they must divide and conquer, and that he and JD McDonagh go one way while Finn Balor and Dominik Mysterio go another way to look for "Main Event" Jey Uso. Liv Morgan catches up with Dominik and says everything will be okay, but Dominik says everything is okay. Liv leaves when Finn Balor shows up.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Sami Zayn. Sami says Bron Breakker and Ilja Dragunov went to war for his title and Bron Breakker earned his shot, and that he is taking Breakker seriously. He tells Breakker not to make the same mistake he made at Money In The Bank and to take him seriously. All of a sudden, Sami and Cathy hear noise, and Sami notices JD McDonagh and Carlito attacking "Main Event" Jey Uso. Sami comes to Jey's aid, and McDonagh and Carlito soon flee.
The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Akam, Rezar) beats Xavier Woods and Alpha Academy (Otis and Akira Tozawa) in a six-man tag match. After the match, Chad Gable shows up with The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed). After the commercial break, Gable says there is something in him that keeps him wanting to help his former crew, then mocks Otis for teaming with Xavier Woods and losing and says using his brain was never Otis' strong suit. He compliments The Creed Brothers, then demands that Otis come back to his coach and rejoin him, even promising some extra protection The Wyatt Sicks. Otis says that Gable fled the scene instead of protecting The Creed Brothers last week, and refuses to re-join. Gable asks Maxxine Dupri and Tozawa if they will let Otis speak for them, then sics The Creed Brothers on Otis and Tozawa, and The Creed Brothers go to town before Otis overpowers them and grabs Gable. The Creed Brothers attack Otis before he can do anything to Gable, but as Gable hands them metal folding chairs to use as weapons, The Wyatt Sicks make their presence known. "Abbie," "Mercy," "Ramblin' Rabbit" and "Huskus" show up, but Uncle Howdy shows up behind Gable in the ring and hits him with Sister Abigail.
"Big" Bronson Reed vs. Pete Dunne ends before it begins when Sheamus suddenly shows up and attacks both men. Pete Dunne narrowly misses the Brogue Kick when he rolls out of the ring, but Bronson Reed gets nailed with it.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley finds out what happened regarding "Main Event" Jey Uso and Sami Zayn. Finn Balor says he is tired of being disrespected week after week and that he and JD McDonagh will beat respect into Jey and Sami. He also says that if Gunther wants to call them a joke, then he will beat him in the ring. Rhea tells The Judgment Day (Finn, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, McDonagh) and Carlito that nobody is supposed to touch Jey Uso, then finds out about Liv Morgan meeting with Dominik backstage and takes him to the ring.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews Sheamus. Sheamus says he knows the business like the back of his hand and knows "Big" Bronson Reed wants to take him out to make a name for himself. As for Pete Dunne, they can either settle their differences over a pint like "proper fellas" or settle their differences in the ring.
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring and forces "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio in with her. Rhea then calls out Liv Morgan, telling her that if she wants Dominik, she can come get him. Liv Morgan's music hits, but Liv shows up inside of the crowd and not at the ramp. Liv says she is not coming to the ring because she actually has some self-control, as she has waited for all this time and she can wait for her until SummerSlam. She then says she has feeling for Dominik and that Dominik has feelings for her and even Rhea cannot deny it. She says Rhea cannot deny it because gorgeous men like Dominik do not go for women who look like Rhea and instead go for women who look like her. Dominik tries to stop Rhea when Rhea tries to leave the ring. Rhea gets angry at Dominik, and Dominik asks Rhea to let him handle this. Liv asks the crowd to let Dominik speak, as she knows what he will say and that she feels the same way, and tells him to say "those three little words." Dominik tells Liv that he hates her and that she has ruined his life, and chews her out in both English and Spanish. Liv starts crying and slowly walks away, and Rhea then whispers something in to Dominik's ear before licking and kissing him.
Cathy Kelley interviews Zelina Vega, whose right arm is wrapped up, on the stage. Zelina says her injury will not stop her and that nobody will keep her down. She says she has been underestimated her entire people and that it is time to shut some people up.
Zelina Vega beats Zoey Stark after Lyra Valkyria, Katana Chance and Kayden Carter go after Sonya Deville and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler for getting involved in the match and Zelina Vega uses her arm brace to her advantage and hits the Code Red for the win.
Backstage, Xavier Woods asks General Manager Adam Pearce for a one-on-one match with Karrion Kross, saying that he has to handle this on his own. Pearce grants Woods the match. Woods leaves, then McIntyre confronts Pearce for introducing Seth "Freakin'" Rollins into his SummerSlam match as a special guest referee. Pearce tells McIntyre to take it up with Rollins when he tells him the special instructions for the SummerSlam match next week.
Backstage, Jackie Redmond interviews The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn). Isla says they will have a message for the former Women's Tag Team Champions at SmackDown, then Shayna Baszler, Sonya Deville and Zoey Stark and says they are the ones who run the division. Alba and Isla remind them of Zoey's loss, then Sonya says they will be their biggest issue and the ones to take their tag titles. Isla says they are welcome to try, but Sonya says they will do it.
We hear from Gunther, who mocks the previous World Heavyweight Champions before stating that he cannot respect entertainers and that he is the only one who can take the title to a level never seen before. He says that Damian Priest will fail and that he will represent the power, presentation and prestige that the business desperately needs when he becomes World Heavyweight Champion.
Sami Zayn and "Main Event" Jey Uso do their Bloodline handshake while surrounded by fans at the concourse before heading to the ring for the next match.
Sami Zayn and "Main Event" Jey Uso beat The Judgment Day (Finn Balor and JD McDonagh). After the match, Sami Zayn is hit with a Spear by Bron Breakker.
This week on Raw Talk: The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Scarlett, Akam, Rezar, Paul Ellering)! "Big" Bronson Reed! Zelina Vega!
Rhea Ripley heads to the ring to start tonight's show. Rhea says it has been three months since she has been in the ring, and it is due to Liv Morgan. She says that Liv has been running around with something that is hers - not "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio, who she will deal with later - but the Women's World Championship. Rhea says Liv pissed her off when she thought that she took her out, then calls her out so she can rip her apart. Instead of Liv, she gets Dominik Mysterio. Rhea turns her back on Dominik as Dominik tries to speak to her, then Liv Morgan appears on the TitanTron and apologizes for her voice, as she has been in Mexico and she is quite the screamer. Liv tells Rhea that she meant it when she said she would take everything from her, including Dominik, and while she did not see what Rhea saw in Dominik at first, but then she had a real relationship with him and had Dominik all to herself. She then says that while Rhea Ripley is back, she is the one on top. Dominik says it is not what it looks like, but Rhea is focused more on Liv, saying she knew Liv was too scared to get in the ring with her because she would end her revenge tour. Rhea then says that she has waited three months and can wait a little while longer, and challenges Liv for the Women's World Championship at SummerSlam. Liv says that she will not run, then warns Rhea that she is not the same person she faced before, and says that she will beat her just like she helped Dominik beat Rey Mysterio as she accepts Rhea's challenge. She then hopes Dominik will be there, then vanishes. Rhea tells Liv that at SummerSlam, she will not only end her revenge tour and her title reign, she will end her career.
Backstage, Rhea Ripley is not taking anything from "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. She suddenly finds a vase of black roses in her dressing rooms, and when Dominik says she is trying to make it up to her, Rhea slams the door in his face. Dominik turns around and sees Damian Priest, then Rhea Ripley opens the door and throws the vase of roses at Dominik.
Sheamus beats "Big" Bronson Reed. After the match, Bronson Reed tries to attack Sheamus, but he is suddenly stopped by Pete Dunne, who then walks away, much to Sheamus' confusion. When Sheamus turns around, Pete Dunne gets back in the ring and attacks him. Bronson Reed then gets back in the ring and hits Sheamus with the Tsunami.
Backstage, Damian Priest welcomes Rhea Ripley back. Rhea asks Damian if he needs help with Braun Strowman, but Priest says he is all right. As Rhea asks about Carlito, Dominik shows up, and it becomes known that Dominik barely contacted Rhea Ripley at all.
Backstage, Sami Zayn is met by Ilja Dragunov. He says that he appreciates the championship opportunity, but Sami says he is getting the match because he asked for the match and that he has been watching him for a while, and says that Dragunov is "better than good." Sami says that Dragunov fights like his life depends on it and that he is the kind of person he wants to defend the Intercontinental Championship against, then warns him to bring his absolute best. Dragunov tells Sami to do the same.
In backstage footage from earlier today, Jackie Redmond interviews Zelina Vega. Zelina says she has no love for Liv Morgan or Rhea Ripley, and that when they are done, she will be at the front of the line, saying she would be champion if it were not for "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. Sonya Deville, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark show up, saying the line goes through them, but Zelina says nothing is standing in the way of her and the Women's World Champion, and if Sonya wants a match, they can go at it tonight.
Sonya Deville quickly beats Zelina Vega after "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler attacks Zelina's arm behind the referee's back. After the match, Sonya, Shayna and Zoey Stark attack Zelina, but leave when Lyra Valkyria, Kayden Carter and Katana Chance run to the ring.
Backstage, Damian Priest is met by "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. Suddenly, "Main Event" Jey Uso wants to know if Rhea Ripley is single, which irritates Dominik. Damian tells Dominik that he beat prison, and that he should show Jey Uso who Rhea really belongs to.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce is meeting with some referees when Chad Gable shows up and says Uncle Howdy is none other than Bo Dallas, and wants to know why he is here and what Pearce is doing about him. Pearce says Bo Dallas is here tonight, and Gable says that he is going to call Bo Dallas out tonight.
Damian Priest heads to the ring. Priest says that despite having a match with Braun Strowman next, he wants his face-to-face meeting right now and calls out Gunther. Gunther heads to the ring. After mentioning that Priest is still showing confidence and living his childhood dream of being World Heavyweight Champion, he tells Priest that he has paid close attention to him and that he is not living up to that dream. Gunther says Priest's reign has no prestige or contributions, but that is okay, as they are both not cut from the same cloth. He then says he is here in good spirits and wants to lift the weight off Priest's shoulders, and asks Priest to hand him the title. Priest says he wishes it was SummerSlam right now so he could knock the smirk off his face, then says that he fought for his life on the street for 20 years to get to WWE while Gunther has handed everything in Europe. He then says that if Gunther is only here for a paycheck, then he is not needed here, as he himself has earned the World Heavyweight Championship. He also says Gunther will be the last person to take the title from him. Gunther says being on the streets is a choice and blames Priest's parents for not giving him everything, while his own parents gave him everything and WWE was calling him. He also says that people like him keep people like Priest from becoming champion. Gunther says it will also be his responsibility to restore the honor and prestige of professional wrestling as well as the World Heavyweight Championship, then says the fans are just like Priest, as they will always be "street trash." Priest says that for someone with clarity, Gunther cannot see why what is coming at him or why he lost the Intercontinental Championship, and that Gunther has no heart or the knowledge of what it is like to fight for everything. He then says that he will stay champion while Gunther will have to fight from the bottom, as he will have nothing, and that they will see if Gunther is more than a "boring, conceited, privileged scumbag." Things are about to get physical between Priest and Gunther when Braun Strowman shows up for the next match.
Backstage, General Manager Adam Pearce gives "Main Event" Jey Uso his match with Dominik Mysterio, then Bron Breakker shows up irritated that Ilja Dragunov has a shot at the Intercontinental Championship. Breakker says he does not care about respect and that he will destroy both Dragunov and Sami Zayn. Pearce calls for security, but Bron Breakker says he knows the way out. Pearce tells security to make sure Breakker leaves the building.
Damian Priest beats Braun Strowman after Strowman hurts his left knee during the match. After the match, Gunther shows up and chops Priest. That leads to a brawl, and Gunther soon retreats when Priest gets the upper hand.
Backstage, Maxxine Dupri tells Akira Tozawa and Otis that they should help someone out. Gable shows up and tells them that he will call out Bo Dallas, but Maxxine Dupri says they were talking about Xavier Woods, who they are helping against The Final Testament (Karrion Kross, Akam, Rezar). Gable takes offense to this, even as Otis says they are serious about this.
"The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark beat Katana Chance and Kayden Carter even after Lyra Valkyria knocks Sonya Deville off the ring apron.
We see footage of The Miz at the American Century Championship from the past weekend.
Backstage, when Finn Balor mentions the World Tag Team Championships, Rhea Ripley says Liv Morgan played her games, but they did not work. "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up and mentions his match with Jey Uso, saying that he is going to prove that Rhea belongs to him. Rhea walks away.
General Manager Adam Pearce introduces Drew McIntyre to the ring. Pearce says that Drew McIntyre vs. CM Punk can be special and that everyone, including himself and CM Punk, wants the match, then wants to know how much McIntyre wants it. McIntyre says he wants it more than anything in the world, then Pearce says that that a lot of negativity needs to be left behind and that if McIntyre can do that, he is ready to business. McIntyre takes responsibility for his actions and that the only opinion that matters is that of the fans, then asks the fans if they want the match, to which they agree. McIntyre tells Pearce to make it official, but Pearce wants McIntyre to do something for him: apologize to the referees that he roughed up at the Money In The Bank post-show. McIntyre is hesitant, but Pearce wants McIntyre to own his actions, especially when the two referees got hurt, and that this is all he is asking McIntyre to do. The crowd chants "Say you're sorry!" before McIntyre says "No." McIntyre says the referees have done nothing but screw him and that it has all happened under Pearce's watch, and that Pearce deserved that elbow and should be apologizing to him. He also makes it clear that he wants CM Punk's head on a pike. Pearce responds by maintaining McIntyre's suspension, and McIntyre responds by shoving both referees and confronting Pearce. Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring and fights McIntyre, and McIntyre flees as Rollins goes for The Stomp. Security shows up to escort McIntyre from the arena, and McIntyre walks away.
We see footage from earlier today on The Pat McAfee Show where Pat McAfee gets another package, which contains another VHS cassette. We then see the contents of that cassette. In it, we see Erick Rowan, who admits that the last few years have been very hard. He says he used to have a family and that they were unstoppable and inseparable, but one day, the whole world changed. Erick says that he lost a brother who believed in him more than anyone else, and in those situations, one gets up, wipes the dust off and keeps moving. He then says that just when he had everything going, another brother was gone, and he no longer had a family. He says he fell down a well and did not even want to get out, as he was numb to the world and nobody would miss him. He is handed a white sheep mask as he is asked how it makes him feel, and that the mask gives him hope, for when he was at his lowest, Bray Wyatt pulled him out and he accepted, as he knew he needed help. He says that he had a purpose in life to help those like himself and that the white sheep mask reminds him of that beacon of hope, and that he will "take those broken hearts and make a beautiful world."
"Main Event" Jey Uso beats "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. During the match, Liv Morgan pulls Dominik out of the way of an Uso Splash, and when Jey baseball slide kicks Dominik in the back of the head, Dom falls on top of Liv. Liv takes advantage of the situation before Rhea Ripley runs out and chases Liv into the crowd. When Dominik apologizes to Rhea, Rhea tells Dominik to get back into the rng and finish the match. Dominik is soon hit with a Spear by Jey Uso followed by an Uso Splash.
We see a video package for Ilja Dragunov.
Backstage, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio is met by Damian Priest, who mentions Dominik's rough loss before seeing Rhea Ripley and leaving. Rhea says she does not belong to anyone and that she is not his; instead, Dominik is hers. She then hands Dominik a black rose.
Chad Gable heads to the ring to call out Bo Dallas. After the commercial break, Chad Gable announces that Uncle Howdy is none other than Bo Dallas, then calls Bo out so they can "solve their little problem." Bo Dallas then heads to the ring, but he is attacked from behind by The Creed Brothers (Julius and Brutus Creed). Gable then raises The Creed Brothers' hands, and Bo Dallas is laughing as he lays in the ring just like when he was being attacked. Gable and The Creeds gang up on Bo Dallas again, and Bo Dallas is still laughing. Bo Dallas still laughs as he laughs in the corner and says "Yeah, yeah, yeah," and Gable wants to know what he is laughing about. Bo says "There you are," then the lights go out in the usual Bray Wyatt fashion. The crowd chants "You fucked up!" before fog floods the ring, then The Wyatt Sicks shows up. "Abbie" raises the lantern as they approach the ring, and Gable leaves the ring, leaving The Creeds alone until they too leave. Bo Dallas gets back up and gets on his knees in the middle of the ring, and The Wyatt Sicks surround him before Bo laughs and outstretches his arms.
Ilja Dragunov vs. Sami Zayn for the WWE Intercontinental Championship ends with Bron Breakker suddenly showing up and hitting Dragunov with a Spear on the outside after Sami dodges. After the match, Sami Zaynand Bron Breakker brawl in the ring, and Breakker gets the upper hand before hitting Sami with a Spear. Sami Zayn retains the WWE Intercontinental Championship.
Here are the highlights for tonight's show!
This week on Raw Talk: Pete Dunne! Sonya Deville, "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark! Xavier Woods and Alpha Academy (Otis, Akira Tozawa, Maxxine Dupri)!
"Main Event" Jey Uso heads to the ring through the concourse and the crowd to start tonight's show. Jey says that Money In The Bank is coming soon and that he will be the one to climb the ladder and grab the Money In The Bank contract, then Chad Gable shows up. Gable says that "Yeet" is not even a word, then says "miracle" is and that he is one, because what he has done in the last two weeks is miraculous, as he overcame being attacked by The Wyatts, his family leaving him, and two other monsters to qualify for the match. Gable says he will become "Master In The Bank" on his way into the ring, then says Jey Uso should be the one who is scared and Jey Uso also abandoned his family. Jey says his family did what he did, which was getting out from under a manipulative scumbag. All of a sudden, the lights go out, Wyatt-style, and Gable makes his way over the barricade and slowly backs away. He soon runs into "Huskus," who is waiting in the light, and switches direction. Gable then sees "Ramblin' Rabbit," and looks for another exit. He finds one, but finds another member of The Wyatts. Gable soon makes his way further up into the crowd and runs. "Abbie" then shows up with another box, which she places on the commentary table.
It is revealed that inside of the box is yet another VHS cassette, which will be played later on in the show.
Xavier Woods beats Karrion Kross with an inside cradle. After the match, The Authors of Pain (Akam and Rezar) attack The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods), but Kofi Kingston gets the better of them. Kofi goes for a dive over the top rope, but he gets nailed with a Kross Hammer by Karrion Kross. Kross then tries to break Kofi's left arm, and only stops when the referee gets back in the ring.
Backstage, Damian Priest asks Dominik Mysterio if he has talked to Rhea Ripley. Dominik says he has and that it is all good, but Priest says he has spoken to Rhea and that she is not happy, and that Dominik needs to actually take care of business. When they get into the clubhouse, they find Liv Morgan, who leaves for her match. Priest takes offense to Liv being in the clubhouse, and Finn takes offense to the rest of The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, JD McDonagh, Dominik) being seen as "sidekicks." Priest says they all need each other, and that he has faith in himself. Finn says he will always have Priest's back and that he will always tell him the truth, and that since Priest has become a champion, he has changed.
In memory of Leati Sika Anoa'i, 1945 - 2024.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Zelina Vega, who says that she is not interested in chasing "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio; instead, she wants to chase the Women's World Championship. She says that she is a champion, and that everyone will see what a real champion looks like.
Liv Morgan retains the Women's World Championship against Zelina Vega. During the match, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio shows up at ringside, but soon afterwards, so does Rey Mysterio. During the match, Rey shoves Dominik after the two of them go at it and ringside, then Liv Morgan hits Rey with a baseball slide. This distracts Liv Morgan to the point that Zelina hits her with the 619. Not long after this, Dominik throws a metal folding chair into the ring, but Zelina takes it and throws it into Dominik's face, allowing Liv to hit Ob-Liv-Ion to retain. After the match, Cathy Kelley interviews Liv Morgan, who says that she feels like the luckiest girl in the world and that her revenge tour is going as planned, and dedicates tonight's victory and her victory futures to Dominik Mysterio, who she calls "the most gorgeous man in WWE."
Seth "Freakin'" Rollins heads to the ring. Rollins calls Boston, Massachusetts "a championship city" and tells the fans that he needs to win back the World Heavyweight Championship, and that he cannot settle for second best or anything less than a championship. He says that if he cannot Damian Priest, then he cannot get another crack at the title, and he must re-evaluate his legacy. Rollins then says that when the pressure is at his highest, that is when he is at his very best. He says that when he takes the title from Priest, he will take Priest from The Judgment Day (Finn Balor, Damian Priest, JD McDonagh, "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio), even though it is not his intention to break them up. As Rollins says that Priest will be the best version of himself he can be without The Judgment Day , Finn Balor shows up. Finn says he should be in a good mood tonight, but tonight, he is in a bad mood because everything seems to be changing and it is all Rollins' fault. Rollins says that Priest is his own man making his own decision and that Finn is mad at Priest for having the World Heavyweight Championship that he could not win, and if Finn wants to step into his ring, he will knock his teeth down his throat. Damian Priest shows up, and tells the two of them that they have one last chance to get things over with. Priest says that this is no trap and that nobody else is getting involved in his business, much to the ire of Finn Balor. Priest says it is just him and Rollins, and that Rollins does not run Raw like he thinks he does. Rollins says they might as well fight right now instead of Saturday, and that leads to Finn Balor attacking Rollins from behind. Priest pulls Finn off of Rollins, and says he will do this on his own. This leads to Rollins hitting a thrust kick on both Finn and Priest, but Priest responds with South of Heaven to Rollins before checking on Finn.
It is announced that Bojangles is partnering with WWE for some collector's cups featuring The Outsiders (Scott Hall and Kevin Nash), The Hart Foundation (Bret "The Hit Man" and "The Anvil" Jim Neidhart, The Undertaker and Kane and The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley).
We hear from Ludwig Kaiser, who says that Sheamus broke his ribs during his match with Bron Breakker and that Sheamus showed his true colors, and calls him nothing but a coward. He says it was originally about beating Sheamus, but now, it is more than that, and he will make it his only goal not only to come back and beat him, but to embarrass him once and for all.
Backstage, Damian Priest tells Finn Balor that he has to beat Seth "Freakin'" Rollins on his own. Finn understands, then Priest gets Finn some ice for his jaw.
Zoey Stark beats Dakota Kai and Ivy Nile in a Triple Threat Match to qualify for the women's Money In The Bank Ladder Match after The Unholy Union (Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn) show up and attack Kairi Sane, distracting Dakota Kai and allowing Zoey to hit her with the Z360 to win and qualify.
We see the contents of the VHS cassette from earlier. Bo Dallas asks Uncle Howdy how much longer they have to keep doing what they are doing, and what they are even doing in their present location. Uncle Howdy asks Bo Dallas if he honestly beleives that he brought Bray Wyatt to life. Bo Dallas says he was destined to do this. Howdy asks him if he thinks this is special, but Dallas says "special" implies others are not and are destined to be forgotten. He says that they are the ones that everyone wanted to forget and abandon, and that they made everyone notice them. Howdy asks how Bo Dallas believes he can bring Bray Wyatt to life, and Bo Dallas says that no one else is willing, and that clay in the hands of the potter is made to become something beautiful, and that they have been made to become a family. He says that there are "false prophets" belittling the family for their own gain, and says that this is disgusting and that they must pay for their sins. When Howdy asks if Bo thinks this is his responsibility, Bo says he is "the voice of the reckoning," and Howdy says he is the reckoning. The both say they are nobody, then they both start speaking at the same time as they keep switching chairs. Bo is then alone in the room. Bo says he set them free. Now Howdy is alone and Bo is not seen. Howdy says "There you are."
Backstage, Otis is met by Chad Gable in catering. Chad Gable thinks Uncle Howdy and Bo Dallas are talking about him, and says that he knows what he and that he knows Otis hates him. Otis says that he does not hate him, but tells Gable that he, Maxxine Dupri and Akira Tozawa will not help him, as this is Gable's battle, not theirs. Gable says he understands that, but tells him that Tozawa, Maxxine or even Otis himself could be next after they get him. Maxxine and Tozawa show up, and Maxxine asks if everything is okay. Gable says everything is okay and leaves.
Rey Mysterio beats "Dirty" Dominik Mysterio. During the match, Liv Morgan shows up, and this briefly distracts Rey Mysterio. Later on in the match, Liv pulls Dominik out of the 619, and Rey responds by baseball slide kicking Dominik into Liv, putting Dominik in a compromising position that Liv Morgan seems to enjoy. Soon after this, Liv is attacked by Zelina Vega, and the two of them go at it. At one point, Zelina trips Liv off the apron, which in turn trips Dominik off the top turnbuckle, allowing Rey to hit the 619 and drop the dime for the win. After the match, Liv is pleading with Dominik, saying she can fix this as they both head to the back.
We hear from Sheamus, who says that last night was fifteen years since he debuted in WWE and fulfill his dreams. He says that tonight, he gets a shot at another dream of becoming a two-time Money In The Bank winner. He says Ilja Dragunov and Drew McIntyre are two of the hardest hitters and that this match will be a war, but he will be one step closer to becoming world champion for a fifth time.
We see footage of Shinsuke Nakamura with Rei Tsuruya at UFC 303.
Sami Zayn heads to the ring. Sami says he is glad to be Intercontinental Champion as well as a fighting champion, and mentions his match with Bron Breakker at Money In The Bank. He says everyone thinks that Bron will run through him, and that he understands why. Sami then says that he will beat Bron Breakker at Money In The Bank so as not to be misunderstood. As he says that he is taking nothing away from Bron Breakker as a competitor, Bron Breakker shows up. Bron gets in the ring and says Sami gained a little bit of his respect, as everyone else backstage is afraid of him while Sami came to him and gave him a fight, which tells him that Sami has guts but has no idea what he is in for. He says that all the respect will go out of the window on Saturday when he beats him down and decimates him to become the new Intercontinental Champion. Sami asks Bron if he knows how many men have said they will break him in half, and says that while it has happened many times, he has always put himself back together and has always gotten back up, with the proof being in the Intercontinental Championship. He says that he wants Bron to want the title and to want to take it away from him, and that if he has to say who he says he is, then Bron has not done his homework and is not as smart or as good as he thinks he is. Bron turns away to leave the ring, then suddenly turns back around and Spears Sami. As Sami is leaving the ring, Bron goes for another Spear on Sami, but Sami avoids it and Bron runs into the ring steps again. This leads to a brawl at the commentary table, and back in the ring, Sami hits Bron with an Exploder Suplex. Sami goes for the Helluva Kick, but Bron hits him with another Spear from out of the corner.
Backstage, Cathy Kelley interviews Damage CTRL (Dakota Kai, Iyo Sky, Kairi Sane). Dakota Kai says that plans will not change and that Iyo Sky will win Money In The Bank, then says she is sick and tired of people getting involved in their business. Lyra Valkyria shows up and says that Dakota is only confident when Damage CTRL is a group and that Dakota will not be climbing that ladder for Iyo Sky. As Dakota says Lyra will not make it to money in the bank, Katana Chance and Kayden Carter go on the attack on Damage CTRL, and security and General Manager Adam Pearce have to break up the ensuing three-on-three brawl.
We hear from Ilja Dragunov, who says that the Money In The Bank can take one from the proving grounds to the top. He says that he knows about fighting from the bottom on his way to the top, and that it is time to breathe air of a new level. He says a career can be short, especially when animals like Bron Breakker try to end one, but says that this is a story of a different day and that he will fight Drew McIntyre and Sheamus and either become Mr. Money In The Bank or die trying.
Drew McIntyre beats Sheamus and Ilja Dragunov in a men's Money In The Bank Triple Threat qualifier. After the match, Cathy Kelley interviews Drew McInytre, who says that he told everyone that he would win this war and that he is walking into Money In The Bank and walking out World Heavyweight Champion.
Here are the highlights from tonight's show!
This week on Raw Talk: "Main Event" Jey Uso! Zoey Stark and "The Queen of Spades" Shayna Baszler! Bron Breakker!
